Reports Of Meetings.

REPORTS OF MEETINGS .

We shall be pleased to receive particulars of Masonic meetings tor insertion in our columns , and where desired will endeavour to send a representative , to report Lodge or other proceedings . We do not sanction anyone attending Lodge meetings as our repre sentatiye without a specific invitation .

CRAFT : METROPOLITAN . — : o : — Empress Lodge , No . 2581 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . GEORGE CHARLES BREESE . THE annual festival of this Lodge was held under ' the happiest auspices on Wednesday of last week , at the Cafe Royal , Regent Street , VV ., the occasion being graced by a large number of

distinguished i reemasons , who attended to witness these always interesting proceedings . Bro . G . D . Coleman W . M . presided , and was supported by ins Oincers and Bros . J . M . Shields P . iJep . Dist . G . M . ot iiombay , Major j . VV " . Woodall P . G . T ., Edward Terry P . G . T ., Sir Arthur Trendeil P . A . G . D . C ., R . Clay Sudlow P . A . G . D . C ., A . J . Thomas P . A . G . D . C , iL . Roehrich D . G . D . C , Imre

Kiralfy P . A . G . D . C , J . R . Cleave P . P . G . D . Surrey , Beresford Riley P . P . G . W . Middx , A . R . JBiiby i ' . P . G . W . Herts , W . S . Hooper P . M ., G . Greiner W . M . 2576 , Dr . Maitland Coffin P . M ., C . rurdon Clarke , CLE ., P . M ., Charles 1 . Kiralfy P . M ., C . B . Carter P . M ., W . V . Jul ! P . M ., H . Mainwaring W . M . 2665 , R . M . Meyer P . M ., A . J .

Naughton P . M :, Arthur i'ite , W . H . White , N . F . Bhumgara , J . E . Alger , F . Thoresby , F . W . Barrett , J . Kynoch , A . J . Simpson , A . F . Simpson , Dr . Bertrand Dawson , J . H . Barrett , L . Dent , Isidore Spielman , Hal Williams , A . E . Harris , G . H . Nelson , Orlton Cooper , & c , & c .

The Lodge was opened m due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed . Before commencing the business of the evening Bro . Coleman said he wished to propose a vote of congratulation to Bro . Sir Joseph

Dimsdale , the first Master of the Lodge , upon his election to the Civic Chair as Lord Mayor of London ; that the same be conveyed to Bro . Dimsdale , and entered upon the minutes of the Lodge . This was seconded by Bro . Imre Kiralfy , and carried unanimously . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted .

The Lodge was then opened in the second degree , when Bro . George Charles Breese W . M .-elect was presented by Bro . Kiralfy , and took the customary obligation with respect to his duties . A Board of Installed Masters was formed , and Bro . Breese was invested and inducted in the chair of the Lodge , in accordance with ancient tradition . The ceremony was impressively rendered by Bro . Coleman , and his delivery of the addresses elicited the hearty approval of those who were present .

Upon the return of the Brethren the following Officers were invested : Bros . J . S . Bhumgara S . W ., G . R . Blades J . W ., Imre Kiralfy P . A . G . D . C . Eng . Treas ., Pcrcival Dixon Secretary , G . C . Kirchner S . D ., W . H . Bond J . D ., W . F . Allvey I . G ., C . Purdon Clarke , CLE ., D . C , W . H . Jeft'coat , Dr . Bertrand Dawson , and A . Hallums Stewards , Samuel Ellis P . M . Tyler .

Several telegrams and letters of regret for absence were read by Bro . Percival Dixon , and two propositions for candidates were received . The Lodge was then closed and the meeting adjourned . The banquet was served in the handsome dining room of the

establishment , which presented a bright and gay appearance . An excellent entertainment had been provided , and Bro . Breese suggested that the speeches should be as short as possible . He set capital example by briefly but amjsly proposing the customary Loyal and Masonic toasts .

Bro . J . W . Woodall P . G . T . responded for the Officers of Grand Lodge , of which he was Treasurer in 1885 . Bro . Coleman said that as Immediate Past Master he was

privileged to propose the . health of his successor , but as Bro . Breese was so well known to them all . he should content himself with observing that as a gentleman , a sportsman , and an excellent Mason , he was worthy to fulfil the honourable position to which he had been elected .

The W . M ., who was received with enthusiasm when he rose to respond , said it was very embarrassing to reply after such a reception , but he thanked the Brethren most sincerely for electing him as Master , and promised to emulate his predecessors in promoting the prosperity and harmony of the Empress Lodge .

At this moment the Lord Mayor Bro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale P . G . Treas . arrived , and was accorded a most cordial reception . It so happened that he was being installed as M . E . Z . of the Grafton Chapter , No . 2347 , in the same building , and the proposition of the Lodge was conveyed to him by Bro . Kiralfy . The Worshipful Master took the opportunity of specially proposing his health ,

which the company drank with acclamation . Bro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale , in returning his sincere and hearty thanks for the message of congratulation they had sent to his Chapter , said he could not resist coming among the Brethren for a few moments to wish his old friend Bro . Breese a happy and prosperous year of Office , and to express his regret that his own installation him

prevented being present at the ceremony . As first W . M . of the Lodge he naturally felt the greatest interest in its welfare , and he was pleased to note its progress and the position : t h-d pchived in the Craft . He was sure the ritual had been well performed by Bro . Coleman , as it was always a pleasure to listen to him , and that he would emphasise the noble principles and

Reports Of Meetings.

tenets of the Order . There were plenty of parrot Masons who could recite the ritual from beginning to end , but who utterly failed to convey the sublime doctrines it taught . However much they might appreciate the Fourth Degree there was a deeper and more serious matter in Freemasonry than eating a good dinner . True Masons sought to carry its precepts into their daily lives , and no man

could hope to succeed , and no Lodge could hope to flourish , unless its teachings were thoroughly carried out . In spite of what had been said to the contrary he was of opinion that Freemasons were a religious body , and though there was no sectarianism among them , no one _ could become a member unless he believed in the Great Architect of the Universe . He trusted those principles would always continue in the Empress Lodge .

Bro . Breese , in terms as complimentary as they were deserved , submitted the toast of the Installing Master , who had passed through a magnificent year of Office , and had completed his duties that day by performing the most impressive Masonic ceremony he ( Bro .

Brcece ) had ever heard . He was most highly esteemed by all who knew him , both in the Lodge and in business circles , as an upright and generous man . The Brethren , as a mark of appreciation , had awarded him the jewel of the Lodge , End he had now the pleasure of making the presentation .

Bro . Coleman returned his hearty thanks for this mark of their goodwill . He could only say that he had tried to imitate the work of the glorious roll of Masters who had preceded him , and if he had given satisfaction he was amply repaid . Bro . Edward Terry , in a humorous speech , responded for the visitors , and referred to the honour paid him by the Craft when he was elected Grand Treasurer in 1 S 80 . He was then presented with

a golden key which would open no box in existence , and wr-. s carefully guarded whenever he had to sign cheques . He concluded by saying that everybody liked fresh air , and the Empress Lodge had now a good Breese to waft it to prosperity ; and a capital Coleman to warm up the Brethren whenever they needed it . Bro . Shields and Cleave also added a few words in a more serious strain , which were well received .

Bros . Imre Kiralfy and C Purdon Clarke replied for the Past Masters and Officers respectively , and this pleasant gathering was brought to a close with the Tyler ' s toast . The music in the Lodge and at the post prandial entertainment was under the direction of Bro . James Kift , and was greatly appreciated . The artistes who appeared were Miss Maggie Purvis , Miss Fanny Wentworth , Bro . William Maxwelil , Bro . Charles Wreford , and Mr . J . M . Campbell .

IF It HBHWimfl M Doric Lodge , No . 9 3 3 . ON Tuesday , 10 th inst ., a meeting was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet Street , Bro . Walter Gladding W . M . being well supported . That Brother , in excellent form , performed the two necessary ceremonies , and presided at the well-served supper . The customary

toasts followed , interspersed with some good vocalism , & c , special attraction being introduced by the " newly-initiated member , Bro . Weston , with his violin solos , and the assistance of Mrs . Cuff , who was much appreciated and honoured for her songs . A pleasant gathering terminated at a reasonable time . Bro . R . Ayton received hearty congratulations on his restoration to health being sufficient to allow him to attend and do his necessary work as Treasurer . ********** Confidence Lodare , No . 193 .

CINDERELLA DANCE AND BANQUET .

AN enjoyable entertainment took place on Monday , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet Street . The W . M . Bro . Sidney W . Fells , who was accompanied by his wife , received the visitors in the reception room , and after formal introductions the company retired to the ball room , where an excellent band , under the direction of Bro . W .

Amies-King played some lively music . The ball was opened by Bro . Fells W . M . and his wife , their good example being followed by scores of couples . The first part of the programme being ended at about 9 o ' clock , an adjournment was made to the banqueting room , where a nice supper was provided , which was all that could be desired , and reflected great credit on the famous Hotel .

After grace , the W . M . said the ladies were not there to hear long speeches . The evening would be principally devoted to providing for the enjoyment of the ladies , and he hoped those Brethren who wished to make a speech would curtail their observations . But the toast of the King must not be neglected , while that being a ladies night , it naturally followed to drink the health of the Queen , coupling with the toast the Prince and Princess of Wales and all the Royal Family .

Bro . Green submitted- the toast of the ladies in a short but eloquent speech , saying that in the name of the W . M . and the Brethren of the Confidence Lodge he gave the ladies and visitors a most hearty welcome . They hoped to see them again on a future occasion . Bro . Clark humorously responded .

Bro . George Spice P . M ., with his usual eloquent flow of language , gave the toast of the W . M . and said it would have been better in the hands of Bro . Simeons I . P . M ., who was unfortunately absent for the present , but would , no doubt , come later on . Bro . Fells quite surprised some of the ladies , who were not Freemasons . He might tell them that Bro . Felts was a good Worshipful Master .

They had had heavy calls on their charity , but the Lodge had been —as it always was—ready to assist those who were in need of it . The W . M . was a good worker , studied the comfort of the Brethren , and that night particularly studied the comfort of the ladies . In fact , he was a jolly good fellow , a sentiment expressed musically by the company .