Contents.

CONTENTS .

THE COMING SESSION 49 LICENSED VICTUALLERS AND THE CRAFT 50 THE SECRETARY 50 ROUND AND AP . OUT . 15 Y "THE DRUID" 51

MASONIC MEMS 53 EMINENT MASONS AT HOME : No . 4 . —MR . EDWARD TERRY , AT PRIORY LODGE , BARNES { toi / h a Portrait ) 56 UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND 58

DEATH OF BRO . GERARD FORD , DEP . PROY . GRAND MASTER OF SUSSEX 59 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES AND CHAPTERS 50 . THE CHURCH CONGRESS AND THE GRAND TREASURER ... 60

AMONG THE BOHEMIANS ... 61 COLONIAL AND FOREIGN : WHAT THE CERNEAU TROUIU . E IS ... 62 GATHERED CHIPS 63 REVIEWS 64 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 64

The Coming Session.

THE COMING SESSION .

npHE large majority of Masonic Lodges under the English Con-1 stitution , and more particularly those connected witli tlie metropolis and provincial centres , are about to rc-assemblc for renewal of Craft labor . In very many instances the past session terminated with the election of the Worshipful Master for the ensuing year , and the first gathering of the members of such Lodges

will be signalised by the installation of those Brethren upon whom has fallen the highest honor it is in the power of the Craft to bestcw , as a reward for previous official services rendered to their respective Lodges . To them more especially , and in but a slightly less degree to all Craftsmen possessing influence in the direction of

Masonic affairs , a consideration of some of the principal events of the past session , the influence of which may tend to further promote the good and welfare of Freemasonry in that now about to commence , may not be altogether unprofitable . We need not here specify in detail what these are , as we presume that every really earnest Member of our Order has been careful to make himself

acquainted with them through the customary channels for spreading information . But there are special features to which we think it fitting to direct attention . Amongst these is the evident feeling which pervades the Craft as to the advisability of securing for the esoteric work of Freemasonry suitable buildings , or parts of buildings , separated from any association with business or affairs of

a public character . In the provinces more particularly , and in some of the suburban districts , Brethren have during the past year been busy in promoting the erection of Masonic Halls ; and the opening of several buildings newly erected , the laying of the foundation-stones of others , and the initiation of projects for

establishing yet more have been amongst the most interesting records of that period . The question of propriety in relation to the expediency of seclusion for the practice of our mysteries , and of obtaining that privacy which may guard them from profanation , the necessity for which is so beautifully typified in tlie R . A . degree ,

is one which admits of no argument , inasmuch as the " first care " of any assembly of Brethren " met to expatiate on the mysteries and principles of the Craft " is an acknowledged landmark of the Order . And it , therefore , becomes the bounden duty of every Worshi pful Master of a Lodge of Freemasons to adopt whatever means may be in the power of himself and his Lodge , for assuring

The Coming Session.

that perfect and proper " tyling" which can most effectually isolate the Lod ge from its external surroundings . So much granted , it next becomes a matter for consideration of circumstances which affect localit y and convenience ; and here we meet with the causes which , in the majority of cases , compel the resort to places of public

entertainment , and the consequent connection of Freemasonry with hotels , taverns , and public-houses . The necessity for spacious accommodation and convenient antechambers , in conjunction with the more perfect provision for that " refreshment after labor " without which Frcemascnry of the present day would lose much of

its social characteristic , in a great measure and in particular districts compels the association to which objection is so frequently taken . And here it is but fair to remark that wherever our Lodges and Chapters have been of necessity brought into relation with the managers of public places of entertainment , a full recognition of the

requirement for segregation has led to the adoption of all possible means for detachment of the Lodge or Chapter from the legitimate business carried on beneath the same roof . Nevertheless , there must be , even under the most favorable circumstances , some amount of objectionable connection between the " science" and tire

" trade " when both are in progress in such contiguity ; and hence the feeling , which is gaining ground throughout the Craft , that wherever practicable the Lodges should meet in buildings especially provided and fitted for the work of Freemasonry within the limits of certain towns and districts . For these , amongst other reasons ,

we consider that the building of new Masonic Halls should be encouraged b } ' the Brethren to the fullest extent compatible with prudent and judicious outlay of such funds as may be at their disposal , either in the aggregate of Lodge reserves or in individual resources . In this respect there is much work for the coming

session . The action of the Grand Mark Lodge during the past year is a great encouragement in the direction to which the foregoing remarks refer . Some few weeks hence the Mark Master Masons of England and the colonies and dependencies of the British Crown will be enabled to hold their grand assemblies in a building especially

prepared for their reception , and for the performance of the peculiar rites and ceremonies of that instructive and beautiful degree in Freemasonry . Hitherto , although possessing eligible offices , and a small , although very elegant , Lodge-room in Red Lion-square , London , no large assembly of Mark Masons could be held elsewhere

than at one of the hotels or restaurants in the immediate neighborhood . But the tact and zeal of the late Past Grand Master of the Order , Bro . the Rev . Canon Portal , and the energetic support and labors of the late Grand Secretary , Bro . V . Binckes , have resulted in securing premises adjoining those of the United Grand ( Craft )

Lodge of England , in Great Queen-street , and worthy of the present status of the Degree . Here the several Metropolitan Mark Lodges will now have the opportunity for " working " in accordance with the traditions of their ritual , and here there will doubtless'be continued by the present Grand Mark Secretary , Bro . C . F . Matier ,

those zealous labors which have given energy and permanency to the Order , and made it one of the most interesting of all Masonic