Report Of Masonic Meetings.

Report of Masonic Meetings .

THE GRAFT . METROPOLITAN . Lodge of Fidelity , No . 3 . —This lodge met on "Wednesday , the 21 st April , at Freemasons' Hall

Bro . Cartwell , AV . M ., presided for the first time during his year of Mastership , and initiated five members , viz ., Messrs . William Alfred Heath , Wm . Morden , Thomas Burland , Joseph Davis , and James

Meadows . Thirty-ei ght members and 11 visitors ( among whom were Lord Ernest Vane Tempest , and Bro . Emmens , P . G . Purst ) , partook of the banquet , which was enlivened by songs by the newly-initiated brethren , Heath aud Morden , Bro . Meadows playing a piece on the piano . Bro . H . M . Phillips aud Bro . Emmens also sang , and a very pleasant evening was speut .

Lodge of Israel , No . 205 . — -This numerous and influential lodge met on Tuesday , at Radley ' s Hotel , when the AV . M ., Bro . Chamberlin , in his usual efficient style , initiated Messrs . Isaac Cohen , George Purnell , and George Stanley Betzeman ; passed to the second degree Bros . Southgate , Barnes , and Davies , and

conferred the sublime degree of M . M . on Bros . AVaylett , Aydan , Kitching , and Asher Isaacs . After the conclusion of the business of the lodge , the brethren adjourned to one of Bro . Hart ' s most recherche banquets , and after the usual loyal toasts the llev . Bro . R . AVarren Molcslcy , Lindsay Lodge , No . 712 , and Bro .

S . Gale , P . M ., Koyal Athelstan , No . 19 , severally returned thanks—the llev . Bro . especially mentioning how happy he felt on all occasions , and especially on this , in being able to meet on an equality with members of every religious denomination who worshipped the M . I 1 . —for the other visitors , viz ., Bros .

Weaver , S . AV ., 862 ; M . Jacobs , 43 ; Miles , 180 ; Alfred A . Davis , 90 ; Harris , 247 ; Taylor , 504 . ; and Hai gh , 1077 . The W . M . proposed the initiates of this and the former meeting , highly complimenting the latter as to thc satisfactory manner in which they had answered the " usual questions . " Bro . Coote , P . M .,

in a felicitous speech , returned thanks for the toast oi " The Benevolent Fund of the Lodges , " which produced a most hearty response from various brethren in the shape of liberal donations and subscriptions After a very able address from the AV . M ., in returning thanks for Bro . Littaur ' s pleasing , learned , ami highly

complimentary manner of proposing his health , Bro . Coote , P . M ., took the opportunity of calling the attention of tho brethren to Bro . Saqui's benefit at thc Beaumont Institution next evening , where he said that many very talented professors of music and singing , with himself , would attend gratuitously . The

W . Bro . Cohen , P . M ., lion . Sec ., in returning thanks for the P . M . ' s . also earnestly advocated Bro . Saqui ' s cause as being the father of the Lodge of Israel . The pleasures of the evening concluded with the usual toists of " The Officers , " & e ., and the brethren separated hi ghly pleased with the proceedings .

Lodge of Finsbury , A o . SGI This flourishing lodge met on Friday , 23 rd April , in the lodge room , at the Joll y Anglers'Tavern , Bath-street , St . Luke ' s , under the presidency of the highly-respected and talented Master , the W . Bro . Watson , when Bro . Davey S . W ., was unanimously elected AV . M . for the ensuing year , Bro . Alfred

Day , P . M ., was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Vesper , Tyler . A presentation jewel was then unanimousl y voted to the W . M ., for his able services during the past year , when the lodge adjourned to one of Bro . Bond ' s excellent banquets . Amongst the numerous visitors wc particularly noticed the \ V . Bro . Terry , who made an excellent speech in returning thanks for the toast of " The Visitors . "

PROVINCIAL . IPSWICH . —British Union Lodge , No . 114 . —Tlie monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , April 22 nd , Bro . AV . Boby , W . M ., presiding . The business of the day was to ballot for and initiate Mr . Edward Hayward

into the mysteries of the Craft . The ceremony was impressively given by Bro . F . Gull , P . M . The working tools wero given by Bro . P . Cornell , J . AV . ; the charge by Bro . C . Schulen , P . M ., T . ; and the lecture ou the first tracing board was given at full length b y Bro . A . J . Barber , S . W ., P . G . O . Among

the visitors were Bros . J . H . Staddon , AA % M ., 370 ; Forrester , P . M . ; C . Davy , J . P . M ., 225 ; AV . A . Smith , J . AV ., 370 ; J . B . Fraser , S . D ., 376 ; E . C . Tidd , 909 , D . P . G . S . ; S . Wri ght , J . D ., 959 ; E . T . Eead , 370 ; A . Gaminnii , 370 . After business the brethren partook of a banquet , and tlie day was closed in harmony .

IRELAND . _ BANDO . N * — Lodge 81—The members of the mystic tic will he glad to learn that the Order is progressing m Bitndon . Lodge 81 , or the " Antient Bovne , " as it

is termed , is weekly gaining strength , both in number and influence . On Monday evening Viscount Bernard was balloted for , and it was on that occasion stated by Brother Bennett that he has in his possession the lied Warrant , which it is proposed to attach to thc lodge .

Report Of Masonic Meetings.

The Antient Boyne can boast of many efficient members , but none more so than the present AV . M ., Bro . Tresilian , and Secretary , Bro . Bennett , to whom , in a great measure , Masonry in Bandon owes a great deal of its prosperity . Bro . Bennett may truly be said to be a working member , as on him devolves the labour

of imparting the degrees . Masonry being a purely non-political and non- sectarian institution , it is pleasing to record its progress in the AVest , and while on tho subject we may refer to the rapid strides and spread of the Order in Skibbercen . Here we find the brethren persevering in furtherance of the cause , and not only

have they swelled their list to gigantic proportions , but are now energetically engaged in raising subscriptions for thc erection ot a Masonic Hall , a work into which Bro . 11 . H . R . Becher has thrown un amount of energy which is certain to insure success , when coupled with the willingness of tho brethren generally to

cooperate . Already the list of the patrons for tho approaching bazaar is large and promising , embracing , as it does , some of the most influential personages in the country . Almost in every household we hear of something being made for the coming event , so there will be a display of recherche work and unique articles

that will vie with anything of the kind ever introduced in this coimtr } -. The concert held in Cork on Friday , also betokens a kind feeling on the part of the public to aid in the good work , so that on every side we seo that Masonry is appreciated , and by none more so than by the fair sex . This is as it should be , for good

Masons make considerate brothers , kind fathers , and excellent husbands . Therefore , ladies , " ply your needles and thread" in aid ofthe bazaar , and show the world you appreciate an institution which offers the hand of fellowship to all Christians , no matter what his creed or political belief may be . —Skibbercen Eagle .

BELVAST . —Friendly Brothers Lodge , No . 609 . — The regular communication of this very flourishing lodge wns held in their lodge-rooms on "Monday evening , April 20 th , the AV . M ., Bro . Alex . Stewart , having opened the lodge in the' 31 . M . degree , Bro . John Todd , who had received the K . A . and F . C ., was raised

to the sublime degree of M . M ., by Bro . Freeman , P . M ., of Hiram ' s llodgc , No . 97 . The lodge having been called down to the E . A ., Mr . John Ferguson , being properly prepared , was initiated in the degree of K . A . A discussion arose regarding the members becoming subscribers of THE FRKKJIASOX . A very

large number of them signified their intention of so doing , by giving their names to the agent here , Bro . Hugh M'Cormick . The lodge having been closed in due form , the brethren adjourned to the refreshment board , when thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drunk with much ardour . The toast of our newly

raised and initiated brothers having been given and responded to , the W . M . next gave , our visiting brethren , which was very ably responded to by the Rev . Bro . McCullough , Chap ' ain , No . 154 and 513 . After spending a very pleasant hour the brethren separated , happpy to meet , sorry to part , and happy to

meet again , this lodge is one of the most flemishing lodges in Belfast . 1 ' mei-gcney meetings are held regularly to try if possible to get a large number of new members generally raised ; an emergency meeting was held last ' 1 uesday night week , when five members wero raised to the degree of M . M .

KILKENNY . —Lodge No . 012 . —The usual monthly meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at their lodge-rooms on the evening of Wednesday , the 14 th April . The AV . M ., Bro . I ' lv-dk . AVydenhara , R . A ., presided , the other oflicers present being Bros . Chas . Lyster , S . AV . ; George H . Gardiner , J . W . ; AVilliam

Nicholson , S . D . ; John Bradley , I . D . ; Thomas Booth , T . G . ; Thomas Hyde , Sec and Treas . ; also Bros . Mathew Smyth , Thos . Chaplin , P . M ., Michael M'Ci-eai-y , AV . O . Mills , AVilliam Wade , P . M ., John Coogan , aud John Isdell , R . A . The visitors wero the Rev . C . B . AVeldone ( 040 , Durrow ) , Irvine ( 1045 , China ) , AV . Lyster ( 150 , Rathdowney ) , Hutchinson

( 28 , Antrim ) . Several members of the lodge were unavoidably absent . Bros . Adam Lambert and Joseph Kirkby wore duly initiated as E . A . ' s by Bro . Gardiner , whose proficiency was much admired on the occasion . The other business concluded , the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned to refreshment ; separating at an early hour , after a very pleasant evening .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RITE .

Invicta Chapter . —A meeting of this chapter was held at the Masonic Hall , Woolwich , on Friday , the Kith ultimo , under the presidency of the Ex . and Perf . Bro . W . P . AVard , 18 ° , M . W . S ., supported by the III . Bros . Colonel H . Clerk , 3 : !"; dipt . N . G . Phillips , 33- ; G . Lambert , 30 ° ; J . Forrester , IS "

Ilomsworth , 18 ° ; Hyde Pullen , 32 "; P . Laird , 30 ° , & c . Bros . J . M . Clabon , George Kenning ( proprietor of TIIK FKEKMASON ) , Thomson , and Cook , were duly perfected as S . S ., P . P ., Hose Croix 18 % aud , after thc transaction of some formal business , the members adjourned to the banquet-table , and spent a most agreeable evening together . 111 . Bro . Brignall , 30 % of the Royal Kent Chapter , was among the visitors .

Free (And Easy) Masons.

FREE ( AND EASY ) MASONS .

"There are thirteen ! " screamed the terror-stricken ^ stage-manager , when to his consternation he suddenly discovered that a supernatural addition had been made to his troupe of twelve counterfeit demons engaged in dancing an infernal ballet . AVhcn the llluminati of Dublin the other cveninsr

- "vere joyously occupied in " chasing the glowing hours with flying feet , " it would not , we presume , have surprised Cardinal Cullen had an unvouched-for " mysterious stranger" — concealing a bifurcation in a varnished chef-dceuvre of Hoby , and a pair of cornuted excrescences beneath highly-maeassared curls — appeared among those "free and accepted" who " greatly

daring " danced . Perchance the assumed absence of tho sable " super " ( for if he were present in propria persona he seems to have been too desirous of maintaining his traditional character as a gentleman to have made his objectionable company vulgarly conspicuous ) was due to the

fact that tho majority of tho faithful having abstained from joining the saltatory sinners , the dread potentate declined to waste his terrors on sceptical representatives ef " Protestant ascendancy . " True , a sprinkling of the orthodox ventured to leaven the gathering " in spite of my Lord Cardinal , " but these would seem to

have been terpsichorean filhbusters who declined to acknowledge even a provisional allegiance to that spiritual authority of their own creed , within whose jurisdiction thoy found themselves temporarily abiding ; or perhaps they danced on thc principle of the sleeper who scorned the terrors of fire in the house where he

reposed , consoling himself with the reflection that he " was only a lodger . " But we arc not allowed to assume that the bulk of the true believers abstained willingly from the revel . We hear of certain lustings after lleshpots in thc shape of applications to His Eminence for a dispensation ; and so we arc compelled

to come to the conclusion that ecclesiastical and lay ideas of the sin involved in Freemasonry—or at least in the patronage of Freemasonry—do not exactly coincide . Notwithstanding , however , the Cardinal ' s ban , the affair appears to have been a brilliant success . Nothing occurred to give any indication of divine

displeasure . Ihe ordinary incidents of a Masonic ball—a cannon of couples in a galop resulting in a dual prostration , a catastrophe probably attributable to some clumsy craftsman ' s momentary oblivion of his obligation to move by right lines and angles—a dress torn out " at the gathers " the result of a too sedulous

attention to other and more technical " steps " than those of the " first set" —such petty disasters can scarcely be thought to illustrate the church ' s malediction , seeing that they are common to other revels not under priestly inhibition . Thc same may be said of

other consequences , the inevitable result of exposing to the battery of the bright eyes of Erin ' s fair ( laughters such inflammable hearts as arc said to beat beneath the collars and jewels of the men of whom it is sung

"l \ o mortals can moro The ladies adore , '' If , on the one hand , the gallant brethren , recalling the aphorism of the sturdy smith that " Love ' s darts Pierce hearts

Ihrough mail shirts , find silk and cambric equally vulnerable , so , on the other , many a gentle Hibernian may bitterly experience that from the poet ' s proposition ,

" Men wero inconstant ever , Freemasons arc by no means necessarily excepted . But surely something terrible must happen one of these days to those naughty , naughty polkcrs and waltzers . Aproned depravity cannot always be allowed

to apply to papal prohibition the contemptuous philosophy of the burly coalheaver thrashed by his puny wife , " lt amuses her and it don ' t hurt me . " Those wicked brethren must not for ever be permitted to sing in the words of the chorus to a song once popular at tho music halls ,

" \\ o 11 be free and easy still I ' True , nothing unpleasant occurred to mar thc festivities of the evening in question , but this was strictly in accordance with providential precedent . When another Cardinal — the Lord Archbishop of llhcims—anathematized the purloiner of his ring , it

was not during the continuance of the entertainment that the result of the malediction became apparent ; on the contrary , according to the tradition , although " Never was heard such a terrible curse ; A ' ct what jjavo rise To no little surprise ,

Nobody seemed one penny the warec . " But as the small and sable culprit ultimately experienced what a very uncomfortable thing it was to pilfer from an archbishop , so wc must suppose that one of these days the defiant Dublin dancers will find out

that thoy can t oflend a Cardinal with impunitypost hoc propter hoc is a very useful sophism which pop ish casuists well know how to make effective with imperfectly disciplined minds . Did not the Lord Chief Justice of heretic England say unkind things of saintl y sisterhoods , and decline to seo the beauty of holiness