Diary For The Week.

Vitruvian Lodge , No . 87 . —During tho last few months , on more than one occasion , we havo referred to the spirit of enterprise exhibited by Bro . George Isaac , who , finding the establishment he presided over nnequal to the demands for accommodation made by his patrons , had resolved to erect a new building that should bo capable of meeting the requirements of even a ranch larger body of

supporters than lie at tho pz'esent time can boast of . Our brothers first effort was to get the sanction of tho proper authorities for the removal of his licence , and we are gratified to be able to announce that in this he was successful . Consequently , tho architect wont to work and drow out his plans for a building that should provide for all requirements . In due courso the building was completed , and on

Wednesday , 10 th December , wo had an opportunity of judging to what extent Bro . Isaac had succeeded . The accommodation for Masonic meetings comprises a spacious and well ventilated Lodge room , 32 feet by 20 , with ante-rooms , while duo provision has been made for the after requirements of the brethren . Tho banqnetting hall has a light and airy appearance , and ample space is provided for

seating 120 guests . Tho whole of the arrangements met with the highest approval , and we feel assured that mauy other Lodges and Chapters will take advantage of the accommodation so liberally provided . On Wednosday the Lodge was opened by Bro . A . J . Timothy W . M ., who was supported by a goodly number of Past Masters and members , while tho following Officers were in their respective places :

—Bros . Charles Nott S . W ., John Skirving J . W ., Thurklo P . M . Trea ., W . Stuart P . M . Secretary , Eobinson S . D ., Janeway J . D ., Knight I . G ., Lee Tyler ; Visitors—Bros . Thomas Birks 217 , Eigby G . Buckle 190 , H . Wright , J . G . Millbourn 13 , Thomas Eowe 1641 , E . Davis P . M . 228 , C . J . Chambers 834 , W . W . Morgan Secretary 211 . The minutes were read and confirmed , and the W . M ., who is a capital

worker , proceeded to raise Bros . Norman aud Prior . The ballot was then taken for Mr . Charles Davis , proposed by Bro . H . A . Brown , secouded by Bro . Cloves ; and for Mr . William Cnlverhouse , proposed by Bro . J . Skirving J . W ., seconded by Bro . C . Nott S . W . The result was unanimous , and the latter gentleman , with a Mr . Lamborn , who had been ballotted for at a previous meeting , were introduced and

regularly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . The ballot was also taken for Mr . Charles Dane , and it is anticipated that that geutlemau will be initiated at the next meeting . Several applications for assistance from distressed brethren were then considered , and tho desirability of sending up a Steward for the next Festival of the Eoyal Masonic Benevolent Institution was

urgently put forward , with the result that Bro . Janeway J . D . consented to act , and tho Lodge voted him 25 guineas to head his list , Several other matters were discussed , with tho object of making tho comfortable quarters tho brethren were assembled iu still more cosy , and then the Lodge was closed . The banquet was immediately served , and tho dishes wore substantially and bountifully provided .

The good old English custom of supplying a glass of ale for those who favoured that beverage was not overlooked , and if we may judge by the way in which it seemed to bo relished , the majority appeared to endorse the opinion of an elderly brother who complacently remarked , " it beats all tho wine in the world . " In due time tho cloth was cleared , and then the toasts were ably brought

under the notice of the brethren by tbo W . M . Each of the Visitors acknowledged the compliment that was paid them , aud all congratulated tho members on the comfortable quarters thoy wore assembled in . llefcmice was also made to the way in which tho Charities wero supported by tho brethren of the Vitruvian Lodge , which lakes rank as Vice-Patron of the Institution for A ; : ed Fieeina-ons ( LMOO ) ,

Vice-Patron of tho Institution for tho Widows of Yruvmn'ons ( XlO ' J ) , ; , Iso Life Governor of the latter Institution ; Vice-Patron of the Boys ' School ( 52 10 s ) , and Vice-Patron of the Ginls' School ( 52 10 s ) . On the strength of what was brought under the notice of tho brethren , Bro . Janeway passed round his list , and tbe responso ho met was eminently gratifying . In reply to the othor toasts some capital

speeches were made , notably we may mention that of Bro . P . M . Stuart , tbe energetic Secretary of the Lodge . Tho Tyler was eventually called on for bis toast , and then tho brethren separated . W . Masters or Secretaries of Lodges seeking new quarters should visit the South London Masonic Hall , which is the title Bro . Isaac ' s new building bears .

Sincerity Lodge , No . 174 , —The regular meeting of this Lodge was held on Wednesday , 17 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , E . C . Bros . G . T . H . Seddon W . M ., 0 . H . Webb S . W ., G . Jones J . W ., S . Eavvley P . M . Treasurer , John Newton P . M . Secretary . In the course of the evening three brethren were raised , four passed , and

one gentleman initiated . This being tbe night for the election of Officers , the ballot was first taken for that of a Worshipful Master , the result being unanimous in favour of tbe S . W . Bro . Webb . The Treasurer and Tyler were each re-elected . The brethren afterwards Bpent a few hours in social enjoyment .

Confidence Lodge of Instruction , No . 193 . —There Was a good attendance on Wednesday last . Present—Bros . \ V . Saver W . M ., G . L . Walker S . W ., Saint J . W ., Ramsay I . G ., Tobias D ., J . K . Pitt Sec , & c . The minutes were read and confirmed . The ceremony of passing was rehearsed . Notices of motion for usual Christmas gratuities were giveu in , aud Bro . S . W . Walker was appointed W . M . for next meeting . The Lodgo was adjourned over the festivities of tbo season , till Wednesday , 7 th January 1880 .

' Union Lodge No . 414 . —This Lodge held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday , tho lGtli inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Heading . Present : —Bros . C . Oades W . M ., S . Bradley S . W ., C . Stephens J . W ., Strachan Treasurer , Withers Secretary , Mount S . D ., F . Ferguson J . D ., S . Wheeler I . G . ; Past Masters Bros . Pocock , Morris , Long , Baker I . P . M . ; Bros . Hayward , Webb , E . Davis , Butler , Ayres ,

Diary For The Week.

Moffat , Sydenham , Albury , Hawkes , Martin , Blackwell . Visitors—Bros . J . Early Danks W . M . 1101 , Ferguson S . W . 1101 , Ivey P . M Secretary 1101 , Prickett Steward 1101 , Welch P . M . 1101 . Tho Lodge was opened in the first degree . The minutes of the last regular Lodgo meeting wero read and confirmed . Two gentlemen wero ballotted for as initiates and elected . The following notice of motion

was considered and carried : — " That £ 10 10 s be voted from tho Lodgo fnnds to tho Eoyal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and that any sum which may bo received from Provincial Grand Lodge this year be appropriated to the samo Charity , and bo added to the list of Bro . C . Stephens . " Tho election of W . M . took place in the usual manner ; it resulted in favour of Bro . S . Bradley S . W .,

who , in a neat and appropriate speech , returned tranks for tho honour conferred upon him . The election of Treasurer next took place , Bro . Strachan P . M . having intimated to the W . M . that he could not conveniently continue in tho office , Bro . S . A . Pocock P . M . was nominated , and declared to bo elected , npon which he returned his thanks . Bro . Hemmings was reelected Tyler . Tho

W . M . opened the Lodge in the second and third degrees , and when in the latter he read a very interesting paper on " The History of Craft Masonry in Beading . " We hope to givo tho same in extenso in a futnre number , our space this week not admitting of it . The Lodge was resumed in tho second and iirst degree , and after the usual ceremonies , closed .

Stockwell Lodge , No . 1339 . —The usual meeting of the Stockwell Lod ge was held on Tuesday evening , 16 th December , at tho Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road . Bro . W . G . Brighten W . M . presided . Present—Bros . Boswell S . W ., Sawyer J . W ., Frances Sec , Masters I . G ., Klonck P . M ., Pain P . M ., Bassett P . M ., Coe P . M ., Eoseflin , Moss , Salmon , M'Kay , J . Eoseflin , Bowyer , and tho following

visitors : —Bros . II . Thompson 142 G and P . M . 177 and 1158 , Meek 754 , Fletcher 1567 , Bartletfc 1752 , Boustead P . M . 548 , Port wee 1555 , E . Dodsoti P . M . 72 , Smith I 8 R , Newman 1385 , Doudney 145 , Freemaa 1288 . The Lodge having been duly opened and the minutes read , the first business was to ballot for Mr . Eoseflin and Mr . Henry John Pain , who were candidates for admission into Freemasonry , the latter being

tbo son of Bro . Pain , one of tho highly respected P . M . ' s of tho Lodge . In both cases tho ballot was uuanimous , and they -were introduced and ably initiated into tho Order by the W . M . The Lodgo was then opened in the second degree , when Bro . Dukes was examined ns to tho progress he had made in tho science . The Lodge was then opened in the third degree , when Bro . H . E . Frances P . M .

and Secretary presided , and Bro . Dukes was impressively raised to the sublime degree . The Lodge was afterwards closed in tho different degrees , and the brethren adjourned to tho banqueting room , where ample refreshments wero provided . At conclusion , the usual formal toasts having been disposed of , tho W . M . said tho next ho had to propos 3 was tho health of their brothers initiate ,

ono of whom was the son of an esteemed Past Master , and he could assure him that ho welcomed him with a great amount , of cordiality , and asked him to diligentl y follow in the ' footsteps of his father , for by so doing he would make himself esteemed , not only in Freemasonry but throughout his life . Ho was glad that Bro . Pain had come into the Order in that Lodgo , and could assure hitn that , if he gave

his heart to it , tho benefits would bo returned to him a thousandfold . As to Bro . Eoseflin , he was a stranger amongst them , but he was brother to ono of their members , who had stood by tho Lodge through pood ropi rt and through evil report , and had come hundreds of miles over and over again to be with them . Ho trusted that as they were now Brothers two-fold tbey would work together for the benefit

of the Lodgo in particular , and for Freemasonry in general . Tho toast was very cordially received , and Bros . Pain and Eoseflin severally returned thanks for the honour that had been conferred upon thorn by their admission into Freemasonry in that Lodge . Bro . Coo I . P . M . proposed the health of the W . M ., who he said was one of the founders of the Lodge , and asked the brethren to drink it

with cordiality . Bro . Dodson sang " Shells of tho Ocean" in exquisite style , and afterwards the W . M . said he was very much obliged to them for the very hearty manner in which they had responded to the toast proposed by their immediate P . M . His year of office was drawing to a close , and ho would to tho utmost of his power endeavour to make the Stockwell Lodgo a bona fide working Lodge , and

restore it to the happy position it formerly held . Bro . Klenck P . M . ttan announced that they were about to draw for a Life Governorship of one of the Charities , but a small sum was required to make up the required amount , which was immediately supplied , and the lot fell to Bro . Bowyer , who was fortunate in drawing another on a former occasion . The next toast was that of the Visitors , for which

Bro . Thompson responded , referring to the time when ho had the privilege and pleasure of being present at the consecration of the Lodge j he had a vjvid rncollection of the great and hearty wel ' - > m he , in common with others , then received from Bro . Hammertou , thoir past W . M ., and ho was glad to havo tho opportunity of revisiting a Lodgo in which he had recoived such kindness . He congratulated the Lodgo

on that night initiating the son of Bro . Pain , one of their P . M . 's , and an old friend of his ; he thought that when a father proposed his son for initiation , it might bo a good answer to those who are at all times ready to throw a stone at Freemasonry , and that was because thoy knew nothing about it . If a father was willing to introduce bis son amongst them , Freemasonry could not be a vory

bad thing , and would fitly answer the sneers of the vulgar that wero sometimes levelled against them . Two or three other Visitors also returned thanks . Tho W . M . then gave " The Past Masters of the Lodge , " and extolled their good qualities , being always ready to render suit and service iu any way in their power . Bro . Coe I . P . M .,

thaDked tho brethren for the very hearty , kind and cordial manner in which they had supported him during his year of office ; he had endeavoured to carry out tho dntic 3 of the Lodge to the best of his ability . Bros . Pain and Klenck also returned thanks . Some other toasts wero given . A very pleasant evening waa passed .