Reports Of Meetings.

REPORTS OF MEETINGS .

CEAFT : METROPOLITAN

HYDE PARK LODGE , No . 1425 . THE installation meeting was held at the Bestaurant Frascati , Oxford Street , W ., on Thursday , under the presidency of Bro . E . G . A . Churchman W . M ., who regularly opened the Lodge and submitted the minutes of last meeting for confirmation . Mr . Henry Crockett was initiated into Freemasonry , the rendering of the ceremony being most creditable to the W . M ., who worked in an excellent and

impressive manner . The W . M . now vacated the chair , and Bro . W . Chappie P . M . opened the Lodge in the second degree , after which Bro . C . Coleman P . M . presented Bro . J . S . Hayes S . W . for installation . He was obligated , and Bro . Churchman I . P . M . presented the working tools . Bro . Coleman fulfilled the duties of D . C .

The W . M . afterwards invested his Officers : —Bros . B . Cox S . W ., F . Thackray J . W ., J . Stephens P . M . Treas ., G . Bead P . M . P . G . Std . B . Sec , Bev . W . C . Heaton Chap ., J . Spink jun . S . D . and Organist , E . Lewis J . D ., A . Collman I . G ., W . Chappie P . M . Assistant Sec , 0 . Coleman P . M . D . C , E . Collison and H . C . Martin Stewards , Lee P . M . Tyler .

Bro . Churchman I . P . M . gave the usual addresses , and concluded the ceremony in a faultless manner . The report of the Audit Committee was read and confirmed . Bro . Alsop , who was unavoidably absent , will be presented at a subsequent meeting with a handsome Liqueur and Cigar stand , with an inscription recording the fact that the present is made by the Brethren of the Hyde Park Lodge , as a slight token of their regard , and in recognition of his ever sincere and kind services .

The S . W . proposed that Bro . J . P . Taylor I . P . M . 1984 should be elected a joining member , and other matters having received attention the Lodge was closed and the Brethren repaired to the banquet room , where an excellent banquet awaited them , the service of which was under the personal supervision of Brother Ernest Kalla the manager , and was of that high character this establishment is so famous for .

After the banquet the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were given and enthusiastically received , special honour being accorded the Worshipful Master when his health was submitted . Bro . Hayes , who was received most heartily on rising to respond , said he could not find words to express how much he appreciated the kindness he had received . It was a great pleasure indeed to him to be in the position he at present occupied . When he looked round and saw Bro . Past Master Allman ,

who initiated him , he was reminded of his admission into Freemasonry . The impression made upon him by Bro . Allman ' s work on that day had made him ( Bro . Hayes ) what he was that night . He hoped to have the support of his Officers during the year , as he felt no Master could proceed satisfactorily without it . He intended to himself set a good example , and felt there was a fine prospect before the Hyde Park Lodge , which was consecrated in 1873 .

In proposing the toast of the I . P . M . Bro . Churchman , the W . M . said the Brethren were aware their late Master had worked hard for the Lodge , and had met with considerable success . He had much pleasure in presenting to his predecessor the Past Master ' s jewel provided by the Lodge , and in doing so he was expressing the wish of every member when he said they hoped he would live for many years to wear it in their midst .

In reply , the I . P . M . tendered his sincere thanks alike for the kind remarks of the W . M . and the handsome presentation he had just received . He regarded the jewel as a token of recognition of the little work he had been able to do , and at the same time hoped his successor would have a much more successful year than had marked his term of office .

The Master submitted the health of the Initiate—Bro . Henry Crockett . If every member knew Bro . Crockett as well as he did they would be equally pleased as he was at his admission among them . He was convinced , from the great attention he had paid to the ceremony , that their new Brother would make an excellent Mason . He hoped they would accord him a most hearty reception .

In response , the Initiate said he considered it a great honour to have been elected a member of the Hyde Park Lodge . For years pa & t one of his greatest ¦ wishes had been to become a Freemason , and he heartily thanked them for receiving him . He hardly knew what to say that night , but hoped on some future occasion to better express himself .

In proposing the toast of the Visitors the Master said the members were all pleased to see so many guests present , and hoped they had all enjoyed themselves . Bro . W . B . Playford P . M . 1608 responded . Although a visitor he felt quite at home , as he found himself surrounded by so many old friends . Among these was their Treasurer Bro . Stephens , who installed him into the

chair of his Lodge , and on that occasion displayed his usual ability . The Brother who acted as Junior Warden during the installation he recognised as an initiate of his Lodge , and there were others he had known for years . He felt he could not thank his old friend Past Master Chappie sufficiently for his invitation to the Lodge , the hospitality of which was unbounded , and the working excellent .

Bro . B . 3 . Bogers P . M . 733 and other Brethren also acknowledged the toast . The toast of the Treasurer and Secretary was regularly given and responded to , Bro . Stephens referring with gratification to the handsome balance the Lodge had in hand .

The visitors included Bros . H . Goldstein 2265 , Geo . Metzler 2060 , Edward Stark 1984 , Wm . Wilson 1580 , 3 . P . Taylor I . P . M . 1934 , T . Mantle 1413 , A . 3 . Harman 198 , W . B . Playford P . M . 1608 , H . Dehane P . M . 1543 P . S . G . D . Essex , T . Kelly 1681 , S . Fonseca 1563 , Dinsmore 1563 , B . J . Rogers P . M . 733 , G . Levin 1668 , Arthur Bobinson 1224 , A . C . Woolsey 228 , A . 3 . Moach J . W . 228 , J . Wynman ( FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE ) , & C

The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . J . Spink Organist , who was ably supported by Miss Eleanor Jones , Miss Helen Murphy , Mr . E . F . Humphrey , Bro . James Brand , and Mr . Frederick Searle .

. ELLIOT LODGE , No . 1567 . ON the Jsnd inst ., at Bro . H . P . Harris ' s , Bailway Hotel , Feltham , Middx ., Bro . T . I . Bird P . M . 1567 1897 P . P . G . S . Br . W . M ., G . B . Nichols I . P . M ., W . T . Dillon S . W ., S . Pardoe P . M . 1585 J . W ., John Mason P . M . P . G . D . Mid

Reports Of Meetings.

Treas ., Harry Willsmer Sec , A . E . Mason acting S . D ., H . C . R . Dailey acting J . D ., W . Langdon D . C , E . Brooker I . G ., A . BevisP . M ., J . H . Pearson P . M ., Wyatt , Ditchman , Tilley , Galley , Cook , King , Butterton , Keighley , Weedon , Markham , Tyler , Llewellyn . Visitors : Bros . T . Matthews 1585 , F . Dunstan P . M . 1326 , F . Kebbell J . W . 1662 , E . W . Browning J . W . 2455 , Thos . Feistel 171 , and Gandy 1532 .

Bro . E . H . Keighley was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft , and Mr . W . E . Markham was initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry . After the business of the Lodge the Brethren adjourned to dinner , and the customary toasts having been duly honoured , that of the visitors received special recognition from the W . M ., and was replied to by Bros . Dunstan , Kebbell , Fiestel , Matthews , Browning and Gandy .

Several Brethren contributed to the . harmony of the evening . Bros . Feistel and Browning gave recitations . The former , " Bardell v Pickwick , " and the latter , " The Charge of the Light Brigade . "

ROYAL COMMEMORATION LODGE , No . 1585 . THE installation meeting of this popular Lodge was held at the Holborn Bestaurant , on Wednesday , 6 th inst ., when upwards of seventy members and visitors were in attendance to witness the installation of Bro . Joseph Cox . The ceremony was performed in a very commendable manner by Bro . G . A . Knight the outgoing Master .

Brother J . Cox appointed and invested the following Officers : Bros . F . Thomas S . W ., S . W . Keene P . M . J . W ., R . B . Collick P . M . Treasurer , J . W . Robinson P . M . Secretary , A . E . W . MacCamley S . D ., C . C . Barber J . D ., H . Collings I . G ., J . Collings P . M . D . C , John Cox Organist , G . W . Fortescue and E . R . K . Knight Stewards , J . Gregory Tyler . Previous to the installation two Brethren were raised to the third degree and two passed to the degree of Fellow Craft .

After the installation Bro . J . Cox initiated a gentleman into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . The Brethren afterwards adjourned to the Council Chamber to a sumptuous banquet , presided over by the W . M . Interspersed with the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were songs and recitations by members and friends . The talented daughters of the W . M . and Secretary also contributed to the entertainment .

VICTORIA PARK LODGE , No . 1816 . THE annual ladies' night took place at the London Tavern , Fenchurch Street , on Tuesday , 21 st ult ., Bro . E . Smith W . M . presiding . The tables were tastefully decorated , says the ' •East London Observer , " and an excellent and well served banquet was placed before the guests . After the banquet the Loyal toasts , and those of the Grand Officers , were duly proposed .

The W . M ., although clear and to the point , observed a brevity in his speeches worthy of the occasion . The ladies , being the toast of the evening , was allowed a little more latitude both in proposer and respondent . The W . M . was pleased to see so many ladies present , and hoped he would see them there for many years to come . He would always give them a hearty welcome . Their presence that evening had given great pleasure to all the Brethren .

The W . M ., responding to his own toast , assured the Brethren nothing would be wanting on his part that might tend to forward the success of the Lodge . Everything depended on the way the Brethren worked together , and he felt sure that nothing was wanting on their part .

FELLOWSHIP LODGE , No . 2535 . THE annual meeting and banquet of this most phenomenally successful Lodge was held on Monday , at the Frascati , the W . M . Brother W . H . Bailey Grand Treasurer presiding , says the " Morning Advertiser . " There

was a very large gathering of Grand Officers and Visiting and other Brethren , including Bros . Sir John B . Monckton P . G . W ., Alderman Vaughan Morgan , J . W . Burgess P . P . G . D ., J . M . McLeod P . G . S . B ., Wm . Lake Assist . G . Sec , W . M . Stiles P . G . Treasurer , J . D . Langton D . G . D . C , and James Terry P . G . Sword Bearer .

Bro . James Stephens Sec . P . P . S . G . D . Bucks , in the name of the Lodge , presented the W . M . with the insignia of the Grand Treasurer , together with that of the regalia of the Royal Arch . He referred to the honour done the Lodge and to the sterling qualities of their W . M ., and the universal respect in which he was held . The jewel accompanying the clothing bore an inscription recording the regard and affection of the Lodge for Bro . Bailey , and the phenomenal success which had attended the first year of the Lodge under his Mastership .

Bro . Bailey , in accepting the handsome gift , said he could not express how proud he was to do so . He should ever prize the presentation clothing as a token of a reign in the Lodge which had been one of unbroken happiness and pleasure . Sir John Monckton congratulated the Lodge on having achieved a record

in the first year of its existence , both in regard to its charitable donations , its hospitality , and its balance-sheet , which showed a credit balance of £ 472 . The Lodge then voted a donation of twenty-five guineas to the Girls School , asking Sir John Monckton to add it to his list , and represent the Lodge as its Steward at the Festival , a compliment which , Sir John said , it would please him greatly to accept .

Subsequently , on the motion of Bro . Bailey , in his capacity as I . P . M ., the Lodge unanimously resolved to present Bro . James Stephens Secretary with the insignia of G . Standard Bearer in Grand Chapter . The W . M . duly installed Bro . J . R . Roberts P . M . in the chair of K . S ., according to ancient custom , performing the ceremony in an unusually impressive manner , and being subsequently highly complimented by the Grand Officers present for the perfect rendering of the beautiful ritual .

At the banquet , the Grand Treasurer Bro . Bailey I . P . M . proposed the health of the W . M ., whom , he said , possessed all the kindness of heart and generosity of character which not only made a man beloved , but a good Mason , and he wished him a prosperous and happy year . The W . M ., having acknowledged tha compliment , gave the health of the I . P . M ., and said it was duo in great measure to Bro . Bailey ' s enthusiasm , energy , ability , integrity , and zeal that their Lodgo stood in the high and

proud position it did . Bro . Bailey was a Master of Masonic ritual ; they would remember his working of the installation ceremony that night for many a day , and they wore all proud in having their first Master elected as Grand Treasurer of England , In the name of the Lodge ho presented the I . P . M . with a beautiful Past Master's jewel , handsomely jewelled , and expressed a hope that he would live many years to wear it . He trusted that Brother Bailey ' s future would be as bright as was the jewel on his breast .