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Reports Of Meetings.
F Read 89 P . P . A . D . C . T . L . Buckley 1218 P . G . J . D ., Thos . Perrin 461 PP G A P ., John Clayton 89 P . P . G . S . W . Ches ., John Bottomley 324 P PG ' S D . C , Thos . Threlfall 1773 P . G . S ., Jas . Fitton 268 P . P . G . S ., Sam Hall I P . M . 78 , W . H . Buckley I . P . M . 1218 , J . A . Wood P . M . 89 , Jas . White P M 300 , J . Marshall P . M . 336 , Hy . B . Brown P . M . 581 , J . 0 . Lawton P . M . *
1403 J Snell W . M . 300 , Wm . Higson W . M . 324 , H . Schofield W . M . 830 , B Aldred W M . 1218 , T . W . Travers W . M . 1354 , J . P . Thomson W . M . 1774 , Thos . Oldham 6 New York , Wm . C . Flint 1375 , H . J . Widdows 2322 , and many others as indicated in our remarks above . Several letters of apology for inability to attend were received .
WEST LANCASHIRE LODGE , No . 1403 . THIS Lodge , which was consecrated at Ormskirk , in September 1872 , by the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , now Earl of Lathom , G . C . B ., Pro Grand Master , and has within the past two months been removed to Preston , held its installation meeting in the Masonic Hall , Bull and Royal Hotel ,
Preston , on Thursday , 29 th ult . The outgoing Worshipful Master Bro . Geo . Lea ( " Ormskirk Advertiser " ) was succeeded in the chair of King Solomon by Bro . J . R . Burrowes ( Fairfield , Liverpool ) , the installation ceremony being g iven in a most impressive manner by Bro . T . W . Rice P . Pr . G . W ., in a representative Board of Installed Masters .
The Officers for the ensuing year were invested , as follow : —Bro . Geo . Lea I . P . M , J . S . Sommers S . W ., J . Sellers J . W ., J . Orritt P . M . Treas ., Thomas Forrester P . P . G . Std . Br . Secretary , E . B . Leach S . D ., W . L . Gee J . D ., T . W . Rice P . Pr . G . W . D . C , G . Burton I . G . Bro . Forrester was appointed Charity Representative . The balance sheet as audited was presented , received , and adopted , and showed the Lodge to be in a favourable position .
CONCORD LODGE , No . 1534 . THE annual meeting and festival of St . John took place at Chester Bank , Prestwich , on Thursday , 15 th ult ., Bro . E . S . Done W . M . The minutes of the former meeting having been read and confirmed , and minor matters disposed of , the principal function of the day commenced , viz ., that of installing Bro . F . W . Maxwell S . W . into the chair of King
Solomon , this duty being undertaken by Bro . Wm . B . Midgley P . M ., assisted by Past Masters of the Lodge . Bro . Maxwell was presented by Bro . W . W . Briggs P . M ., and duly obligated as to the duties and qualifications of a Master , after which a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and the ceremony of installation proceeded with . The newly-installed W . M . addressed and invested his I . P . M ., the proclamations in the E ., V " . and S .
being undertaken by Bro . Briggs , who also presented and explained the working tools of the various degrees ' . The address to the W . M . from the W . was delivered by Bro . Jno . W . Thompson P . M . P . P . G . S . B . Treas ., that from the E . to the Wardens by Bro . R . Hothersall P . M . P . P . G . D . D . C , while that from the S . to the Brethren generally was given by Bro . Allan Mercer P . M .
1170 . Bro . John Wardle P . M . Sec . invested and addressed the following Officers , viz ., Bros . H . B . Fawssett S . W ., Dr . Stephenson J . W ., Jno . W . Thompson P . P . G . St . B . Treas ., Jno . Wardle P . M . Sec , James Kershaw S . D ., Geo . H . Nield J . D ., Ashton Whitworth I . G ., W . W . Briggs P . M . D . C , S . F . Simons P . M . Organist , Jno . B . Midgley , J . D . Ramage , D . McCarthy Stwds ., R . Hothersall P . P . G . A . D . C . Charity Representative .
Hearty good wishes having been expressed by visitors , Bro . Maxwell closed the Lodge in peace and harmony , and the Brethren adjourned to a substantial banquet . The services of several members and visitors were requisitioned , who relieved the various speeches by songs , & c , a very pleasant evening passing quickly away .
Bro . Done I . P . M ., in proposing the health of the W . M ., predicted that he would fill the proud position of Master with infinite credit , and wished bim long life and happiness . Bro . ( Maxwell W . M ., in reply , apologised at the onset for being an indifferent post-prandial speaker , and immediately proceeded to justify his denunciation of himself by a powerful "a ou trance " oration , which was
listened to with interest . He contended that he had not been placed in the chair of K . S . by reason of any personal merit which he might possess—it was rather one of the lucky revolutions of Fortune ' s wheel . He very humourously adverted to a few domestic matters which bore an analogicalness to his Masonic progress . For instance , five years ago that night was the first St . John ' s Festival which he was able to attend , then was registered the
birth of his first infant , and now , five years hence , he had to announce that he was about to leave the neighbourhood of Prestwich , just as he had reached the highest position which the Brethren could bestow upon him . He hoped that their charter , which was twenty-one years old , might still pass unsullied downwards , and that it might be in his power to render it even more glorious than it was that day , and to this consummation , —that they might if possible make the annals of the Concord Lodge at least equal to , if
nofc better than they had been before , —he hopefully looked forward to receiving the unstinted help of the Past Masters . With reference to the Charities , he said nothing could better show that Masonry was a real truth than those Institutions , and he would truly like to see in greater measure a method of providing for all indigent people . He hoped that Masonry might grow and be a living power in the land . In conclusion he added that if his words seemed feeble , his heart felt in every pulsation a thankfulness to them for placing him in the enviable position which he occupied that evening .
Bro . Maxwell , m very appropriate words , then presented to his predecessor in the chair a very handsome Past Master ' s jewel , which bore the following inscription :
Presented by the Brethren of the Concord Lodge , 1534 , Prestwich , to BBO . C S . DONE , W . M . 1895-6 . 15 th October 1896 .
Other toasts followed . In addition to those mentioned above , we noticed that the following were present , viz ., Bros . Edwd . Hilton P . M Aid J . Stanley , John Marshall 61 P . P . G . P . West Yorks , W . H . Southern P . M 992 , H . G . Ward J . W . 993 , Hy . Pleasance 633 , G . H . Wade 992 , and Dr . W . F . Dearden 2363 . o o o ELLIOT LODGE , No . 1567 . THE annual festival of this Lodge was held on Saturday , 7 th inst ., at the Railway Hotel , Feltham , Middlesex , when there was a numerous
Reports Of Meetings.
attendance of members and visitors to witness the installation of Bro . Wm . T . Dillon S . W . Bro . T . I . Bird P . M . P . Z . P . P . G . S . Br . Middx . W . M . presided , supported by the following Officers ancl members of the Lodge : —Bro . W . T . Dillon W . M .-elect S . W ., S . Pardoe P . M . 1585 J . W ., Harry Willsmer Secretary , E .
W . Winter Chaplain , B . Brooker acting S . D .. H . Dailey acting J . D ., Langdon acting I . G ., Mason and Millin Stewards , Howard H . Room P . G . St . Br . Eng . Prov . Grand Secretary , J . H . Pearson P . M ., A . Bevis P . M ., E . T . Taylor P . M . Past Prov . Grand Officers ; Nichols I . P . M ., Pagan , Fenn , Ditchman , Hume , Webster , Weedon , Tilley , CaUey , Butterton , Keighley , Wadeson , Harris , Tyler , and T . C Edmonds P . M . Tyler .
Visitors : —Bros . J . J . Thomas 753 V . Pres . Bd . Gen . Purposes , W . J . Stratton P . M ., T . A . Grune P . M . 1719 , Harry Rogers 1763 , S . A . Bevan 1585 , T . Matthews 1585 , A . E . Horstead 1897 , W . R . Hazell S . D . 2045 , Frederick Jacob P . G . D . C . 1851 , H . D . Pickell J . W . 1851 , J . W . Smith 1701 , G . Goatley 311 , C M . Walker 2455 , F . W . Bishop 1056 , G . H . Allen 131 ' 9 , F . C Tilley 1348 , A . Unwin 753 , S . A . Pardoe 1585 , Wm . Briggs 1366 , W . S . Wright I . G . 19 S 6 , E . V . New P . M . 173 , W . C Wigley P . M . 13 * 48 , E . W . Browning J . W . 2455 , E . Delevanti Organist 2021 , R . Webb 704 , G . F . L . Foulger 1076 .
Bro . Bird P . M . W . M . installed his successor into the chair of K . S ., and delivered the addresses in a very impressive manner . The W . M . appointed and invested his Officers as follow : —Bros . S . J . Millin S . W ., E . Brooker J . W ., T . I . Bird P . M ., & c . Secretary , Langdon S . D ., Dailey J . D ., Mason I . G ., Galley , Ditchman , and King Stewards .
The Treasurer was not invested , in consequence of the illness of Bro . John Mason P . M ., & c , who had been elected at the last meeting in October , but had since declined to hold the office any longer , his health having , much to the regret of the members , prevented him from attending for some time past .
The ballot having proved unanimously in favour of Messrs . F . J . Hood , G . Marvin and J . Cooper these three gentlemen were initiated into tha mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry according to custom , the W . M . giving convincing proof thus early of his capabilities for carrying out the duties of his high and important office , to his own credit and to the satisfaction of the Brethren .
The Brethren afterwards adjourned to the banquet table—where a sumptuous repast was provided under the personal supervision of Bro . Harris . The menu was very tastefully arranged , bearing an excellent likeness of Bro . Dillon the W . M ., and during the evening other souvenirs of his installation meeting were presented to each member and visitor , as also was a signed cabinet photograph of Bro . T . I . Bird the retiring W . M ., who has filled the chair of this Lodge in the years 1885 and 1895 .
Bro . Bird was presented during thc c \ ci-ing , by Bro . S . Pardoe P . M . and late J . W ., on behalf " of a few friends , " with a testimonial in recognition of his second Mastership . The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts received due recognition at _ the hands of the W . M . and I . P . M ., and an excellent entertainment was provided by Bro . E . Delevanti Organist 2021 , assisted by Miss Isabel Dillon , Bros . Arthur Court , G . T . Miles ( Harp ) , Roland Henry and G . H . Allen .
JOSHUA NUNN LODGE , No . 2154 . THE annual meeting was held on Tuesday , 27 th ult ., in the Council Chamber , at the Town Hall , Halstead , when there was a large gathering of Brethren , including several from London , Colchester , Maldon , Chelmsford , and elsewhere . Bro . ' W . R . Errington was installed Worshipful Master , the ceremonial being performed by Bro . J . M . Knight P . M . 95 and 2154 . Mr . H . G . Cobb was initiated a member of the Order .
The banquet was afterwards held va . the George Hotel , the toasts usual on such an occasion being duly honoured , and several Brethren contributed to the harmony of the evening . The proceedings came to a close about 10 o ' clock , a special train having been kindly arranged by the manager of the Colne Valley Railway for the convenience of Brethren from a distance . Miss Philbriek , of Wakes Colne , kindly sent a box of floral button-holes for the members and visitors .
MINNEHAHA MINSTREL LODGE , No . 2363 . J THE annual meeting and festival of St . John in connection with this Lodge took place in the large dining hall of the Victoria Hotel , Manchester , on Monday , 26 th ult ., the principal business of the day being that of installing Bro . Fred Hilton P . M . P . P . G . D . C . into the chair of K . S . The ceremony , which was undertaken by Bro . Henry Kali W . M . P . P . G . Tr .
West Lanes ., who had the assistance of other Past Masters , was made especially attractive by the fact that it was distinctly of a musical character , and although sans a great and pretentious orchestra , yet no pains had been spared to give it attractiveness and finish . So far as human judgment is capable of discerning , there was not a single hitch throughout the whole proceedings , and Bro . Nail , who was largely responsible for this fact , conveyed to the members and visitors alike an altogether rememberable scene ,
which is one only of a lifetime . The following is a list of tbe Officers appointed and invested : —Bros . Edwyn A . Smith S . W ., Thomas Hamnett J . W ., F . W . WollastonJP . M . P . P . G . A . D . C Chap ., Joseph Hilton Treas ., M . Thomas P . M . P . P . G . D . Sec , Sam Luke S . D ., 8 . H . Stubbs J . D ., Seth Wrigley P . M . P . G . J . D . D . C , W . H . Purdy Org ., F . Todd I . G ., Dr . Councillor W . F . Dearden , H . Bowes , S . L . Watts , H . B . Muir Stewards . Bro . Thomas was re-appointed Charity Representative .
We must not forget to mention that immediately after his installation , Bro . Hilton presented to the I . P . M . a very handsome jewel , which bore this inscription : —
Minnehaha Minstrel Lodge , No . 2363 . Presented to W . Buo . HENBY NALL P . M . P . P . G . Tr . ( W . L . ) , for his valuable services as Worshipful Master , 1895-6 . 26 th October 1896 .
Following the business of installation was a magnificent banquet , provided by the management in that usually lavish style which a century or two ago would have brought into operation the sumptuary laws . The Loyal toasts were proposed by the newly-installed W . M ., who made neat references to the various members of the Royal Family .
Bro . John Chadwick P . G . S . B . Eng . replied to the toast of the Grand Officers , while that of the Provincial Officers received fitting responses from Bros . W . Goldthorpe P . P . G . Reg ., Jas . W . Abbott P . M . W . M . 1030 P . P . G , D , 0 „
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Meetings.
F Read 89 P . P . A . D . C . T . L . Buckley 1218 P . G . J . D ., Thos . Perrin 461 PP G A P ., John Clayton 89 P . P . G . S . W . Ches ., John Bottomley 324 P PG ' S D . C , Thos . Threlfall 1773 P . G . S ., Jas . Fitton 268 P . P . G . S ., Sam Hall I P . M . 78 , W . H . Buckley I . P . M . 1218 , J . A . Wood P . M . 89 , Jas . White P M 300 , J . Marshall P . M . 336 , Hy . B . Brown P . M . 581 , J . 0 . Lawton P . M . *
1403 J Snell W . M . 300 , Wm . Higson W . M . 324 , H . Schofield W . M . 830 , B Aldred W M . 1218 , T . W . Travers W . M . 1354 , J . P . Thomson W . M . 1774 , Thos . Oldham 6 New York , Wm . C . Flint 1375 , H . J . Widdows 2322 , and many others as indicated in our remarks above . Several letters of apology for inability to attend were received .
WEST LANCASHIRE LODGE , No . 1403 . THIS Lodge , which was consecrated at Ormskirk , in September 1872 , by the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , now Earl of Lathom , G . C . B ., Pro Grand Master , and has within the past two months been removed to Preston , held its installation meeting in the Masonic Hall , Bull and Royal Hotel ,
Preston , on Thursday , 29 th ult . The outgoing Worshipful Master Bro . Geo . Lea ( " Ormskirk Advertiser " ) was succeeded in the chair of King Solomon by Bro . J . R . Burrowes ( Fairfield , Liverpool ) , the installation ceremony being g iven in a most impressive manner by Bro . T . W . Rice P . Pr . G . W ., in a representative Board of Installed Masters .
The Officers for the ensuing year were invested , as follow : —Bro . Geo . Lea I . P . M , J . S . Sommers S . W ., J . Sellers J . W ., J . Orritt P . M . Treas ., Thomas Forrester P . P . G . Std . Br . Secretary , E . B . Leach S . D ., W . L . Gee J . D ., T . W . Rice P . Pr . G . W . D . C , G . Burton I . G . Bro . Forrester was appointed Charity Representative . The balance sheet as audited was presented , received , and adopted , and showed the Lodge to be in a favourable position .
CONCORD LODGE , No . 1534 . THE annual meeting and festival of St . John took place at Chester Bank , Prestwich , on Thursday , 15 th ult ., Bro . E . S . Done W . M . The minutes of the former meeting having been read and confirmed , and minor matters disposed of , the principal function of the day commenced , viz ., that of installing Bro . F . W . Maxwell S . W . into the chair of King
Solomon , this duty being undertaken by Bro . Wm . B . Midgley P . M ., assisted by Past Masters of the Lodge . Bro . Maxwell was presented by Bro . W . W . Briggs P . M ., and duly obligated as to the duties and qualifications of a Master , after which a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and the ceremony of installation proceeded with . The newly-installed W . M . addressed and invested his I . P . M ., the proclamations in the E ., V " . and S .
being undertaken by Bro . Briggs , who also presented and explained the working tools of the various degrees ' . The address to the W . M . from the W . was delivered by Bro . Jno . W . Thompson P . M . P . P . G . S . B . Treas ., that from the E . to the Wardens by Bro . R . Hothersall P . M . P . P . G . D . D . C , while that from the S . to the Brethren generally was given by Bro . Allan Mercer P . M .
1170 . Bro . John Wardle P . M . Sec . invested and addressed the following Officers , viz ., Bros . H . B . Fawssett S . W ., Dr . Stephenson J . W ., Jno . W . Thompson P . P . G . St . B . Treas ., Jno . Wardle P . M . Sec , James Kershaw S . D ., Geo . H . Nield J . D ., Ashton Whitworth I . G ., W . W . Briggs P . M . D . C , S . F . Simons P . M . Organist , Jno . B . Midgley , J . D . Ramage , D . McCarthy Stwds ., R . Hothersall P . P . G . A . D . C . Charity Representative .
Hearty good wishes having been expressed by visitors , Bro . Maxwell closed the Lodge in peace and harmony , and the Brethren adjourned to a substantial banquet . The services of several members and visitors were requisitioned , who relieved the various speeches by songs , & c , a very pleasant evening passing quickly away .
Bro . Done I . P . M ., in proposing the health of the W . M ., predicted that he would fill the proud position of Master with infinite credit , and wished bim long life and happiness . Bro . ( Maxwell W . M ., in reply , apologised at the onset for being an indifferent post-prandial speaker , and immediately proceeded to justify his denunciation of himself by a powerful "a ou trance " oration , which was
listened to with interest . He contended that he had not been placed in the chair of K . S . by reason of any personal merit which he might possess—it was rather one of the lucky revolutions of Fortune ' s wheel . He very humourously adverted to a few domestic matters which bore an analogicalness to his Masonic progress . For instance , five years ago that night was the first St . John ' s Festival which he was able to attend , then was registered the
birth of his first infant , and now , five years hence , he had to announce that he was about to leave the neighbourhood of Prestwich , just as he had reached the highest position which the Brethren could bestow upon him . He hoped that their charter , which was twenty-one years old , might still pass unsullied downwards , and that it might be in his power to render it even more glorious than it was that day , and to this consummation , —that they might if possible make the annals of the Concord Lodge at least equal to , if
nofc better than they had been before , —he hopefully looked forward to receiving the unstinted help of the Past Masters . With reference to the Charities , he said nothing could better show that Masonry was a real truth than those Institutions , and he would truly like to see in greater measure a method of providing for all indigent people . He hoped that Masonry might grow and be a living power in the land . In conclusion he added that if his words seemed feeble , his heart felt in every pulsation a thankfulness to them for placing him in the enviable position which he occupied that evening .
Bro . Maxwell , m very appropriate words , then presented to his predecessor in the chair a very handsome Past Master ' s jewel , which bore the following inscription :
Presented by the Brethren of the Concord Lodge , 1534 , Prestwich , to BBO . C S . DONE , W . M . 1895-6 . 15 th October 1896 .
Other toasts followed . In addition to those mentioned above , we noticed that the following were present , viz ., Bros . Edwd . Hilton P . M Aid J . Stanley , John Marshall 61 P . P . G . P . West Yorks , W . H . Southern P . M 992 , H . G . Ward J . W . 993 , Hy . Pleasance 633 , G . H . Wade 992 , and Dr . W . F . Dearden 2363 . o o o ELLIOT LODGE , No . 1567 . THE annual festival of this Lodge was held on Saturday , 7 th inst ., at the Railway Hotel , Feltham , Middlesex , when there was a numerous
Reports Of Meetings.
attendance of members and visitors to witness the installation of Bro . Wm . T . Dillon S . W . Bro . T . I . Bird P . M . P . Z . P . P . G . S . Br . Middx . W . M . presided , supported by the following Officers ancl members of the Lodge : —Bro . W . T . Dillon W . M .-elect S . W ., S . Pardoe P . M . 1585 J . W ., Harry Willsmer Secretary , E .
W . Winter Chaplain , B . Brooker acting S . D .. H . Dailey acting J . D ., Langdon acting I . G ., Mason and Millin Stewards , Howard H . Room P . G . St . Br . Eng . Prov . Grand Secretary , J . H . Pearson P . M ., A . Bevis P . M ., E . T . Taylor P . M . Past Prov . Grand Officers ; Nichols I . P . M ., Pagan , Fenn , Ditchman , Hume , Webster , Weedon , Tilley , CaUey , Butterton , Keighley , Wadeson , Harris , Tyler , and T . C Edmonds P . M . Tyler .
Visitors : —Bros . J . J . Thomas 753 V . Pres . Bd . Gen . Purposes , W . J . Stratton P . M ., T . A . Grune P . M . 1719 , Harry Rogers 1763 , S . A . Bevan 1585 , T . Matthews 1585 , A . E . Horstead 1897 , W . R . Hazell S . D . 2045 , Frederick Jacob P . G . D . C . 1851 , H . D . Pickell J . W . 1851 , J . W . Smith 1701 , G . Goatley 311 , C M . Walker 2455 , F . W . Bishop 1056 , G . H . Allen 131 ' 9 , F . C Tilley 1348 , A . Unwin 753 , S . A . Pardoe 1585 , Wm . Briggs 1366 , W . S . Wright I . G . 19 S 6 , E . V . New P . M . 173 , W . C Wigley P . M . 13 * 48 , E . W . Browning J . W . 2455 , E . Delevanti Organist 2021 , R . Webb 704 , G . F . L . Foulger 1076 .
Bro . Bird P . M . W . M . installed his successor into the chair of K . S ., and delivered the addresses in a very impressive manner . The W . M . appointed and invested his Officers as follow : —Bros . S . J . Millin S . W ., E . Brooker J . W ., T . I . Bird P . M ., & c . Secretary , Langdon S . D ., Dailey J . D ., Mason I . G ., Galley , Ditchman , and King Stewards .
The Treasurer was not invested , in consequence of the illness of Bro . John Mason P . M ., & c , who had been elected at the last meeting in October , but had since declined to hold the office any longer , his health having , much to the regret of the members , prevented him from attending for some time past .
The ballot having proved unanimously in favour of Messrs . F . J . Hood , G . Marvin and J . Cooper these three gentlemen were initiated into tha mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry according to custom , the W . M . giving convincing proof thus early of his capabilities for carrying out the duties of his high and important office , to his own credit and to the satisfaction of the Brethren .
The Brethren afterwards adjourned to the banquet table—where a sumptuous repast was provided under the personal supervision of Bro . Harris . The menu was very tastefully arranged , bearing an excellent likeness of Bro . Dillon the W . M ., and during the evening other souvenirs of his installation meeting were presented to each member and visitor , as also was a signed cabinet photograph of Bro . T . I . Bird the retiring W . M ., who has filled the chair of this Lodge in the years 1885 and 1895 .
Bro . Bird was presented during thc c \ ci-ing , by Bro . S . Pardoe P . M . and late J . W ., on behalf " of a few friends , " with a testimonial in recognition of his second Mastership . The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts received due recognition at _ the hands of the W . M . and I . P . M ., and an excellent entertainment was provided by Bro . E . Delevanti Organist 2021 , assisted by Miss Isabel Dillon , Bros . Arthur Court , G . T . Miles ( Harp ) , Roland Henry and G . H . Allen .
JOSHUA NUNN LODGE , No . 2154 . THE annual meeting was held on Tuesday , 27 th ult ., in the Council Chamber , at the Town Hall , Halstead , when there was a large gathering of Brethren , including several from London , Colchester , Maldon , Chelmsford , and elsewhere . Bro . ' W . R . Errington was installed Worshipful Master , the ceremonial being performed by Bro . J . M . Knight P . M . 95 and 2154 . Mr . H . G . Cobb was initiated a member of the Order .
The banquet was afterwards held va . the George Hotel , the toasts usual on such an occasion being duly honoured , and several Brethren contributed to the harmony of the evening . The proceedings came to a close about 10 o ' clock , a special train having been kindly arranged by the manager of the Colne Valley Railway for the convenience of Brethren from a distance . Miss Philbriek , of Wakes Colne , kindly sent a box of floral button-holes for the members and visitors .
MINNEHAHA MINSTREL LODGE , No . 2363 . J THE annual meeting and festival of St . John in connection with this Lodge took place in the large dining hall of the Victoria Hotel , Manchester , on Monday , 26 th ult ., the principal business of the day being that of installing Bro . Fred Hilton P . M . P . P . G . D . C . into the chair of K . S . The ceremony , which was undertaken by Bro . Henry Kali W . M . P . P . G . Tr .
West Lanes ., who had the assistance of other Past Masters , was made especially attractive by the fact that it was distinctly of a musical character , and although sans a great and pretentious orchestra , yet no pains had been spared to give it attractiveness and finish . So far as human judgment is capable of discerning , there was not a single hitch throughout the whole proceedings , and Bro . Nail , who was largely responsible for this fact , conveyed to the members and visitors alike an altogether rememberable scene ,
which is one only of a lifetime . The following is a list of tbe Officers appointed and invested : —Bros . Edwyn A . Smith S . W ., Thomas Hamnett J . W ., F . W . WollastonJP . M . P . P . G . A . D . C Chap ., Joseph Hilton Treas ., M . Thomas P . M . P . P . G . D . Sec , Sam Luke S . D ., 8 . H . Stubbs J . D ., Seth Wrigley P . M . P . G . J . D . D . C , W . H . Purdy Org ., F . Todd I . G ., Dr . Councillor W . F . Dearden , H . Bowes , S . L . Watts , H . B . Muir Stewards . Bro . Thomas was re-appointed Charity Representative .
We must not forget to mention that immediately after his installation , Bro . Hilton presented to the I . P . M . a very handsome jewel , which bore this inscription : —
Minnehaha Minstrel Lodge , No . 2363 . Presented to W . Buo . HENBY NALL P . M . P . P . G . Tr . ( W . L . ) , for his valuable services as Worshipful Master , 1895-6 . 26 th October 1896 .
Following the business of installation was a magnificent banquet , provided by the management in that usually lavish style which a century or two ago would have brought into operation the sumptuary laws . The Loyal toasts were proposed by the newly-installed W . M ., who made neat references to the various members of the Royal Family .
Bro . John Chadwick P . G . S . B . Eng . replied to the toast of the Grand Officers , while that of the Provincial Officers received fitting responses from Bros . W . Goldthorpe P . P . G . Reg ., Jas . W . Abbott P . M . W . M . 1030 P . P . G , D , 0 „