Reports Of Meetings.

REPORTS OF MEETINGS .

We shall be pleased to receive particulars of Masonic meetings for insertion in our columns , and where desired will endeavour to send a representative , to report Lodge or other proceedings .

CRAFT : METEOPOLITAN .

CONFIDENCE LODGE , No . 193 . THE ' annual election meeting of this Lodge was held on Monday , 12 th inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet Street , when the Worshipful Master Bro . E . Pennock presided , being supported by Bros . T . Kington I . P . M ., G . Spice S . W ., John W . Simeons J . W ., W . Kershaw P . M . Treas ., E . J . Davey P . M . Secretary , W . Cutting S . D ., Sidney W . Fells J . D ., M . Bailey I . G ., E . H . Lough Org ., and L . G . Reinhardt Tyler .

Among others present were Past Masters F . S . Plowright , G . P . Nightingale , S . Smithers , W . Corbett , and E . Walesby ; a large number of other members , and the following Visitors : Bros . 0 . T . Hodges P . M . 44 , A . Penny 2426 , P . Smith 2626 , H . Broadway 1320 , J . Wynman , & c . The Lodge having been regularly opened , and the minutes confirmed , was advanced to the second degree , when Bros . Johnstone and Delmonte were examined and entrusted , they being afterwards received in a Lodge of Master Masons , and regularly raised to the full benefits of the Craft .

Lodge was resumed to the first degree , when Bros . Frank Fells , G . F . Carr , and G . Favrand were entrusted , and then passed to the degree of Fellow Craft .

Lodge was again resumed to the first degree , and Mr . Charles H . Brain was presented as a candidate , after a successful ballot had been taken on his behalf . In due oourse he was initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry . The election of Officers was next proceeded with , the result being that Bro . George Spice S . W . was unanimously promoted to the position of Worshipful Master-elect . Bro . John Fells P . M . was elected Treasurer ( Bro . Kershaw P . M . having resigned the position ) , and Bro . Reinhardt was re-elected Tyler .

A proposition was brought forward by the Secretary , that the sum of three guineas be voted from the Lodge as a temporary relief to a Brother in distress , and this was unanimously agreed to . A sum of ten guineas was voted to provide a testimonial for the retiring Master , as a mark of the appreciation of the Lodge of the able manner in whioh Bro . Pennock had fulfilled the duties of the chair during his year of offioe .

Other business having been disposed of the Lodge was closed , and the Brethren repaired to refreshment , following which the customary toast list was honoured . Bro . Kington I . P . M . had very much pleasure in submitting- the toast of the Worshipful Master . He would not have the opportunity of doing so on many more occasions , and he gladly availed himself of the chance of testifying to the fact that Bro . Pennock had faithfully discharged the duties of the Lodge during his Mastership ; his working had been perfection .

The W . M . was most heartily received , and tendered his thanks for the toast . He specially referred to the kind manner in which the Brethren and Officers had supported and assisted him during his year of office , and promised to more fully express his feelings at the next meeting . The toast of the Initiate was duly proposed , and Bro . Brain , in replying , said he was very pleased he had been accepted as a Brother in the Lodge . In time to come he hoped to prove to the Brethren that they had nothing to regret in having admitted him .

The W . M .-elect was next toasted , the W . M . feeling the Brethren had ohosen the right man to preside in the Lodge , and hoping the members would give him the same support as he had received during the year then closing . Bro . Spice ' s great popularity in the Lodge was evidenced when he rose to reply . He said the reception accorded him fairly took his breath , away . He could only thank the Brethren most heartily for having elected him Worshipful Master of the Lodge , and promised to give them the satisfaction they had a right to expect frcm their Master .

A hearty welcome was accorded the visitors , and several of the guests responded to the toast . Some excellent harmony was given during the evening , under the direction of Bro . E . H . Lough Organist of the Lodge , who presided at the piano with his usual ability .

Provincial.

PROVINCIAL .

ENDEAVOUR LODGE , No . 830 . TiHE installation meeting of this Lodge was held at the Queen ' s Arms Hotel , Dukinfield , on Tuesday , 20 th inst ., when a good muster of members and visitors attended , including Bros . Edward Davies W . M ., Wm . Adams W . M .-elect , James Radcliffe P . M . Treasurer ( thirty-three years a member of the Lodge ) , Jno . Hanson J . W ., E . HowardD . W . PickeringW

, , . Hulme , Walter Newton ( Mayor of Ashtonj P . M . P . P . G . S . D . also P . P G J D ( E . L . ) , J ; Mercer Jones P . M . 1822 P . P . G . A . P . ( E . L . ) , W . Kenworthy P . M 89 P . P . G . A . D . C , John Marland P . M . P . P . G . A . P ., S . Booth P . M . P . P . G P Seth Flitcroft P . M . P . P . G . A . P . Sec , G . W . Davies P . M . 1459 P . P . G . s ! „ J'J J - stur S eo 11 S . W . 625 , A . Cooper W . M . 1322 , James Fitton P . M , 268 P . P . G . S ., Ernest Moss P . M . 268 P . P . G . Swd . Bearer .

Lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the minutes were read and confirmed , as also the Auditors' report , which was highly satisfactory . Bro . W . Newton P . M ., Mayor of Ashton , then took the principal chair , and appointed the Installing Officers , viz .: Jno . Marland P . M . P . P GAP S . W ., J . Mercer Jones P . M . 1322 J . W ., James Radcliffe P . M . Deacon , and G W . Davies P . M . 1459 I . G . '

T „ * W-M .-elecfc UQ » 5 g duly presented , was obligated , and a Board of Installed Masters being opened he was admitted and installed , Bro . W Newton conducting the ceremony in a dignified and spirited fashion . The following were appointed Officers for the year ensuing ; Bros E Davies I . P . M ., Jno . Hanson S . W ., Edwin Howard J . W ., D . W . Pickering S . D ., W . Hulme J . D ., James Radcliffe P . M . Treasrver ( 25 th time in

Provincial.

succession ) , W . Newton P . M . P . P . G . S . D . D . C ., Seth Flitoroft P . M . P . P . G . A . P . Seoretary , A . Heap Organist , J . Brooke I . G ., F . Vaughan , E . Hulme , N . Kenworthy Stewards , Dan Birkby Tyler . Hearty good wishes having been tendered to the W . M ., Lodge was closed , and the Brethren partook of a sumptuous banquet , Bro . Adams W . M .

presiding . The post prandial proceedings were highly enjoyable , and oharaoterised by brevity of speech , and devotion to harmony . The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were submitted and duly honoured . Bro . E . Davies I . P . M . proposed that of the W . M ., and in a pithy speech

said words failed him to express the many good traits of character possessed by the W . M . Bro . Adams , on whom they had that night conferred the sovereign sway , and who he hoped would have health , strength and wisdom to perform the duties of his high station with credit and honour . He heartily wished him a prosperous , harmonious , and successful year of office Bro . W . Pownall 1144 gave the song " Here ' s to his Health . "

The W . M ., responding , said he thanked the I . P . M . for the kind way in which he had spoken of his services in the Lodge , and the Brethren for their hearty reception . That was " the last and greatest trial , " but it was a highly gratifying position in which he had that day been placed by his Brethren . By the help of his Officers , of whom he felt very proud , and the encouragement of the Past Masters , he hoped to justify the choice the Brethren had madeand prove worthy of the confidence reposed in him .

, Bro . S . Booth P . M . P . P . G . P ., in giving the Installing Master Brother Newton , and his assistants , said all knew the able and efficient manner in which Bro . Newton was wont to go through all the degrees in Masonry , but in the ceremony of installation that day he had excelled himself . The work bad been gone through without hurry—calmly , thoroughly , and with such efficiency as might be equalled in few Lodges , but it would be excelled by none . Bro . Newton was one of the best Masons in the Province , and by his

perseverance and patient industry had won distinction in the Craft , not only in his own Province , but in the neighbouring one of East Lancashire . He had known him from a boy , and knew him to be kind hearted , and one of the most genial men he had ever met . In his public capacity , with patient , untiring energy he had worked himself up to the highest position , viz : Chief Magistrate of his native town . He stood before them that day as the Mayor of Ashton , which spoke volumes for his merit and ability . He had much pleasure in asking them to drink deeply to his health . After

Bro . Newton , on rising to respond , was received with acclamation . thanking Bro . Booth for his kind expressions , and the Brethren for the kind and hearty reception aocorded the toast , he said if" he had gained their approbation for the work he had done , which was a labour of love to him , he was amply repaid . He had performed the ceremony of installing the W . M . four years in succession in that Lodge , and on one occasion he did the whole of the work , which was a big task ; he then decided for the future to divide the work , and thought it had a better effect . He took the opportunity to

thank Bro J . Fitton P . M . 268 for kindly assisting him in giving tha addresses , and he hoped the day was not far distant when some of the Past Masters would undertake to do some at least of the ceremony . He had been thirtytwo years a Mason , and had always tried to do his duty faithfully in whatever position he was placed . As to his position as Mayor of Ashton , it was out of place to say anything there , but he trusted the G . A . O . T . U . would grant to him health of body , strength of mind , and soundness of judgment , to execute with fidelity and zeal , firmness and deoision , the important duties of his station .

Bro . Fitton , in a ohoice little speech , said when he was thanked at all he was thanked enough . He had done his duty and had done no more , but if he had by his little efforts afforded satisfaction and the Brethren of Endeavour wished him to assist at any time , he would be pleased to respond to their call .

Bro . J . Hulme P . M ., in proposing the Visitors , said he had no set speech . The visitors were a good sample of Freemasons , most of them being well known workers in the Lodges to which they belonged . On behalf of the Lodge he gave one and all a hearty welcome , and hoped to have the pleasure of their company at some subsequent meeting .

Several Brethren suitably responded , all expressing the pleasure of being present at the meeting , which had been so successfully carried out , both in the working in the Lodge , and the hospitality at the festive board . The W . M ., in proposing the Officers of the Lodge , said he was proud to have the support of so able and efficient a staff of Officers , with whom he hoped to render good work .

Bro . James Radcliffe P . M ., in reply , said he had been thirty-three years a member of the Lodge , and that day he had been appointed Treasurer for the twenty-fifth time in succession . He went on to give some pleasing and interesting reminiscences of his experience in connection with his visits to London , and to Grand Lodge . He witnessed the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as M . W . G . M ., and told some rich little anecdotes which were much enjoyed .

Bro . W . Newton proposed the Masonic Charities , and waxed warm and eloquent in advocating their claims . They set foot to foot on Mercy ' s errand when they heard a Brother's cry . Charity , ever lovely in itself , was one of the brightest gems that adorned the Masonic profession . It was the best and surest proof of the sincerity of their religion . Benevolence , attended by Heaven-born Charity , was their highest honour , and their pride . Look what

had already been done . Notice how tender it wiped away the widow s tears , how strong in gathoring the orphans to its sheltering breast , how courageous in its support of the Aged , the poor , and the helpless . See the never fading monumeuts erected to its memory , in the Girls and Boys Schools . Let them never withold a liberal hand , and the produce of Love and Charity would most assuredly follow .

After the Tyler ' s toast , aud the National Anthem , the meeting ended , everyone being well pleased with the proceedings .

ST . THOMAS LODGE , No . 992 . THE annual meeting and Festival of St . John took place at the Griffin Hotel , Lower Broughton , Manchester , on Wednesday , 7 th inst ., Brother James Mumby W . M . The Lodge was opened at one o ' clock , tho summons indicating a numerical addition of four , namely , Bro . William Coop , Prestwich , Ashton Lodge , No . 1140 , as a joining member ; Messrs . Oliver Davies , Cheetham , and William Hardman , Grappenhall , near Warrington , as initiates ; aud Bro . Williamson , a candidate for the third degree , which ceremonies were duly performed .

A Board of Installed Masters was formed as follows : Bros . W . Martin Installing W . M ., A . B . Wightman S . W ., T . W . McGill J . W ., Thomas Threlfall P . P . G . S . I . G ., and J . Hancock P . P . G . S . B . Deacon , whereupon the ceremony of installing Bro . John Jarvis Millsou S . W . into tho chair of K . S . was proceeded with . Bro , Martin was very ably assisted by the above earned .