The Four Old Lodges.

a coup d ' a * il of the privileges possessed by these lodges ; and finally some observations on the present position of the four most ancient English lodges . Thc care and accuracy with which the first part is worked out is truly marvellous , and then follows an amount of matter of subordinate interest indeed , but which will , nevertheless , be appreciated by all historians ; for instance , thc derivation of the names

of the most ancient lodges from the places where they were held ; the list of thc first oflicers ; the orderin the lodges , & c . It is important to bc able to prove in what proportion the number of lodges has increased in thc space of a century , since the institution ofthe direction or principal commission ( sic ) , and indeed , this increase shows the strength and value of the principles on which our brotherhood ( society ) rests . —Bulletin ofthe Grand Orient of the Netherlands .

Funeral Of Bro. William Ashworth, P.M.

FUNERAL OF BRO . WILLIAM ASHWORTH , P . M .

On Sunday , the 4 th ult ., about five o'clock a . m ., Bro . William Ashworth , P . M ., died suddenly at his residence , Spread Eagle Inn , Chcctham-strcet , Rochdale . He was initiated into Alasonry in Lodge of Hope , No . 54 , and joined Probity and Freedom Lodge , No . 367 , in ' which he

attained to thc honour of W . M . He was advanced to the Degree of Alark Alaster in Faith Lodge , No . 20 , and vvas also exalted to the Degree of Royal Arch Alason in Chapter of Hope , No . 54 , and joined Chapter of Benevolence , No . 22 fi , Littlcboroiigh , in which chapter he attained the highest honours the chapter could give , and continued to be a subscribing member to all the Degrees to which he belonged

up to his death . He was a charitable brother , and much respected . The ceremonies of Alasonry arc calculated to make a deep and lasting impression on thc minds of all who are initiated into its mysteries , particularly the funeral service at thc grave of a deceased brother . Bro . William Ashworth attended the funeral of our much respected Bro . T . B . Ashworth , P . M . of Probity and Freedom Lodge , No .

307 , who vvas interred with Alasonic obsequies , and he vvas so much impressed with the service at the grave that he expressed a wish that at his death he should bc interred with the ceremonies of thcOrder . This being made known to Bro . Henry Chadwick , W . M . Hope Lodge , No . 54 , he immediatel y consulted the brethren , and it vvas agreed that a dispensation should be at once applied for , and a lodge of

emergency was summoned for Ihursday morning , the Sth ult . The lodge met at 10 . 15 ; the brethren assembled , the Secretary , Bro . RobertCollinge , P . M ., readthedispensation , and a procession being formed , those present proceeded to the cemetery . A large number of officers and members of

his own and neighbouring lodges were present , and Bro . the Rev . E . H . Aldrige , P . P . G . Chap ., by particular request , officiated on the occasion . The Alasonic service vvas read with much solemnity and impressive effect . After the ceremony the brethren returned to the lodge , which was then closed .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft -fHasonrg , ROYAL ALBERT LODGE ( No . 907 ) . —The installation meeting took place on the 19 th ult . at the Freemasons'Tavern . Present : Bros . R . Jennings , W . AL ; llarr , S . W . ; T . Butt , J . W . ; Snelgrove , S . D . ; Wordly , J . D . ; Panter , I . G . Lodge was opened in due form by the W . AL , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . Thc auditors gave in their report , and the

same was discussed and confirmed . Ballot was then taken for Air . C . Al . Hooper , which proved unanimous , and that gentleman , being present , vvas duly initiated into Ancient Freemasonry . Lodge was then prepared for the installation ceremony . Bro . Butt , J . W ., having been duly balloted for and elected , vvas presented to the W . M . as the choice of the brethren , and , having been regularly and

satisfactorily examined by him , called on the Secretary to read the ancient laws and regulations , to each of which Iiro . Butt pledged his fidelity , the W . M . having inquired of him as to his _ willingness and ability , and cautioning him as to his conduct during his Mastership . The W . M . then called the attention of lodge to solemn prayer , the response , "So mote it be , " followinf .

The W . AL then opened the lodge in the Third Degree , and discharged all the brethren except the P . M . 's , W . M . 's , and W . AL elect . A Board was formed by a circle of brethren , the W . AL working the whole of the installation ceremony in a manner deserving the highest jjraise , and vvas complimented by all present . After having inducted the new W . M . into the chair of King Solomon , who invested

him as the I . P . AL , the Installing Alaster called on the P . A 1 . to pay their respects to the newly-installed Alaster , which vvas done most heartily , the W . M . expressing his pleasure at seeing so many friends present . He then dispersed the Board , resumed his lodge , ancl admitted the M . M . ' s , F . C . and E . A . in thc various Degrees , the addresses heing delivered in each Degree in a most able manner .

I he W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . Barr , S . W . ; Snelgrove , J . W .: Wordly , S . D . ; Panter , J . D . ; and Gordon , I . G .: F . White , twice P . M . of thc lodge , Steward . 'The W . AL then addressed the lodge according to usage , the end of each address receiving approbation . Masonic business being ended , the W . M . rose to inquire for the good of . Masonry . The W . AL rosea second

time to inquire , and received the congratulations of the numerous visitors present , hereinafter mentioned . The W . M . thanked thc visitors for their " Hearty good wishes , " and again rose to inquire , and , addressing the brethren of the lodge , thanked them for the proud position they had placed him in , and hoped that he should prove worthy of their confidence . 'The W . AL then closed the lotlge with solemn prayer , and adjourned with the brethren to the

banqueting hall to partake of an excellent dinner , provided h y Bro . Alfred Best . Grace before and after meat vvas sung by an excellent quartctt . t 1 he cloth being cleared the W . AL rose and proposed ' The Health of the Queen and Craft , " remarking on the pleasure he felt at having thc honour , as W . AL for the first t , mc > of proposing Her Majesty ' s health , coupled wilh that ° f the Craft . He had always been loyal to his Queen , and true to 1 Freemasonry , and trusted the brethren would rise with him and drink a bumping toast , which was done , fol-

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

lowed by the " National Anthem , " sung b y the whole of the brethren . The W . AL again rose and invited the brethren to unite with him in drinking " The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the ALW . G . AL , " observing that their Royal Grand Master deserved well of the Craft , and trusted His Royal Highness would long live to rule over them as Grand ATaster , for during his Royal government Freemasonry had flourished , and had been

more prosperous in our lodges and Charities , and increasing numbers , than at any other known period ; he took a lively interest in everything conducing to the good of Freemasonry . The toast was then drunk with enthusiasm , followed by singing "God bless the Prince of Wales , " the brethren joining in the chorus . Thc W . M . next proposed "The Health of the-Pro G . AL , Deputy G . M ., and Grand Officers , Present and Past , " coupled with the names of

Bros . Anderson , P . G . S ., and Clerk , P . G . P ., of ATiddlescx . The toast was duly honoured , followed by a song . Bros . Anderson and Clerk responded . The next toast was "The P . AL ' s of the Lodge , " the W . AL mentioning the names of P . M . 's Farnfield , Dennis , Griffiths , White , and others , also that of the I . P . M ., each of whom replied ; the I . P . AL thanking the brethren for the unanimous support he had received from them all duringhis year of office . He had

discharged his duties to the best of his ability , and was gratified to find he had given satisfaction to them all ; he also thanked them for the collar and jewel the W . AL had placed on his shoulders , it being an emblem of morality , and he trusted a guide to all his future actions . He should endeavour to be at the side of the W . M . during his year of office , and assist , as far as in his power , thc interests of the lodge . He took _ this occasion to thank the P . AL ' s for their

generous support during his year of office , and being now a P . AL of the lodge , would unite with them in sowing the seeds of amity and concord amongst thc brethren of the lodge , so that order , peace , and harmony might exist . A song from Bro . Montem Smith followed , after which the I . P . AL , taking the gavel in hand and calling the brethren to order , said they were well aware of the object of his rising , and he did so with more than thc usual pleasure ,

which vvas to propose "The Health of the W . Alaster , Bro . Butt , " who had only so recently as that day been able to leave a bed of sickness to receive from his hands the benefits of installation . He was sure he expressed thc unanimous feelings of the brethren present ¦ ' ' " 1 he said he wished bim a speedy recovery from his re . HI' r't-ick of illness ; he had some experience of the ability of the W . M ., and felt sure he would be able to give

satisfaction to the brethren of the lodge during his year of office . He invited them to drink the health of the W . M ., which vvas done most cordially . Bro . Egbert Roberts rendered a lively characteristic song , which was well received . The W . AL , who looked very pale , and wasevidently suffering from a recent painful surgical operation , rose to respond to the toast of his health , and said he hoped any remissness on his part would be looked over by the brethren . As the

I . P . M . had stated , he had been dangerously ill , and at one time the honour the lodge had now conferred upon him in electing him their W . Alaster he thought he should have to forego ; but , thanks to the skill of his doctor and good nursing , combined with a strong constitution and thc will of the G . A . O . T . U ., he vvas able tojbe amongst them . He felt more than words could express the kind manner and words of condolence expressed by

Bro . Jennings , the I . P . AL , in proposing his health , also to the brethren in acknowledging the same . He felt to be W . M . of the Royal Albert Lodge was the proudest moment of his life , and felt grateful to the Past Alasters for their great kindness to him ; he should ever remember them as brother Alasons and friends , and felt , although unable to excel in Alasonry as someof them had done , he would nevertheless during his year of office maintain the honour and

reputation of the Royal Albert Lodge . He thanked them from the bottom of his heart for the kind reception given him . He vvas glad that an initiate had been introduced on his night of installation , it augured well for his year of office , and he hoped he should have many initiations during his Mastership . Whilst on his legs he asked them to rise and drink "'The Health of the Initiate , " which vvas responded to . A glee having been sung , the initiate , Bro . Hooper ,

rose and thanked the brethren for drinking his health in most appropriate terms . Bro . Dennis , P . AL , at the request of the W . AL , proposed "The Health of the Visitors , " enumerating their names , and said the Royal Albert Lodge , whether at installation or ordinary meetings , had always a good sprinkling of visitors . They were always glad to see them—more the merrier ; all visiting the lodge once expressed desire to come again . They had that evening

upwards of forty , and he always liked to hear what they had to say ; but he could hardly expect all to reply , and would content himself , with their permission , in coupling the names of Bros . 11 . A . Atherton , Chaplain 1 S 04 ; H . Roberts , Sec . 79 ; Boney , P . AL 79 ; and Hunt , 1 S 04 . 'Those brethren , he was sure , would do justice for the visitors ; he would , therefore , ask the ( brethren of the lodge to drink to the health of their visitors , which vvas done with an excellent

fire . Bro . Aston having sung a song , Bro . the Rev . H . A . Atherton rose with the rest of the visitors , and returned thanks ; stating the pleasure he felt at being at the installation meeting of the Royal Albert Lodge . He was sure his brother visitors would unite thcirbest wishes and thanks to the lodge for the very handsome way in which they had been entertained . The working vvas of a description deserving the highest praise , and they had plenty of evidence that .

whilst the brethren enjoyed themselves with their visitors , they did not forget the poor and distressed , and at their festive board never forgot those brethren requiring the healing balm of consolation , and the box just returned from collection vvas ample proof for his words , upwards of four pounds having been collected on the behalf of Charity , and whilst Freemasons continued to act thus , and adopted morality for their standard , and

the Alost High for their guide , Freemasonry must ever flourish under His benign influence . He congratulated the lodge on the success they had attained , and hoped this would not be the last time of his visiting the lodge , for it was a treat to come amongst such brethren . He would notdetain them any longer , and trusting the W . M . would soon be

restored to good health , he thanked the worthy Past Alaster for associating his name with the visitors' toast . The other visitors named to reply did so in highly complimentary terms . The W . M . then rose and proposed " The Health of the Officers . " Bro . P . AL J . Farnfield , Treasurer , in returning thanks , went on to say that the lodge had only to send in their bills , and they would receive his prompt ac ^ knowledgments , for he had the lodge entirely at heart ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and trusted they would go on prosperously . Bro . P . M . Dennis , acting Secretary , and Director of Ceremonies , next addressed the lod ge on behalf of the officers , and remarked it vvas a satisfaction , as officers , to be complimented for their efficiency in working ; it vvas their pride to be so , and it had long been a rule in the lod ge to appoint brethren who knew , and could , discharge their dutiesand trusted

, the choice made in their W . AL would not prove an exception , for he felt thc honour of the lodge would be well sustained by him . He thanked thc brethren for the honour they had done him . Bro . F . White , P . AI . and Steward , next added a few words of thanks , his efficiency being exemplified by thc attention he paid to the comforts of the brethren , more especially thc visitors , being constantly on

the move . Thc Wardens , Deacons , and I . G . made suitable replies . The W . AL next proposed "The Masonic Charities , " coupling thc name of Bro . Clerke , P . G . P . of Middx ., who , in responding made a stirring appeal on their behalf . The Tyler ' s toast ended the evening . Bro . Gordon , a member of the lodge , during the evening , rendered some excellent singing . The musical

arrangements were under the able directorship of Bro . F . Cozens , the Organist of the lodge . The visitors present were as follows : Bros , the Rev . A . H . Atherton , 1 S 00 " , M . A . ; J . D . Hill , 1 S 0 G ; R . Logan , I . G . 1 S 06 ; R . B . Greenwood , 1623 ; ' W . Butt . S . 1623 ; Ruddle , 15 S 9 ; T . Pain , 720 ; Clerke , P . M ., P . G . P . Aliddx . ; F . Walters , P . M ., P . G . D . Aliddx . ; Wilkinson , 1717 ; Hancock , 171 ( 1 ; Potts , S . W . 1716 ;

Burne , 162 ; Gordon , 5 S 4 ; Iron , 1579 ; Roberts , 79 ; Bencey , I . P . M . 79 ; Green , S 61 ; Provost , S 61 ; G . J . Judge , 117 S- A . Stevens , J . W . 129 S ; J . Bamber , 15 S 9 ; Stokes , P . M . S 61 : A . J . Alanning , P . M . 1472 ; Lovell , 3 ; Wilkins , 1 S 39 ; Fenner , I . P . M . 160 ; Reason , 1260 ; W . J . Nodder , 1 S 1 G ; T . Wilson , I . G . 132 S ; G . Anderson , W . M . Co ; George , P . AL 1309 ; W .

Bcechman , 1309 ; Alallett , P . AL 141 ; Langly , 1260 ; F . Robinson , 16 * 13 ; Aston , 11 S 5 : Pratt , 192 ; E . Roberts , Org . 1623 ; W . S . Crouch , W . AL 103 ; Allinson , J . W . 122 S ; and several others . Wc might mention that Bro . Alfred Best was noticed . The following arc the list of members not already mentioned : Bros . Coleman , Edwards ,

Callett , Soam , Gordon , Searle , Hartman , Todd , and H . Soam . The W . M . during the early part of the evening called the attention of the brethren to the absence of a very dear brother , namely , W . Farnfield , who vvas unable to attend through illness , and he asked the brethren to rise and join him in drinking to his speedy recovery . The brethren responded .

WANDSWORTH LODGE ( No . 1044 ) . —A meeting of this lodge vvas held at the East Hill Hotel—the new rendezvous—on Wednesday , the 24 th ult . There were present Bros . A . Newens , W . M . ; J . B . Walker , S . W . ; W . J . Huntley , J . W . ; J . J . Holland , S . D . ; F . W . Wardroper , J . D . ; F . Reed , I . G . ; J . Frost , Sec ; H . Wilson , Treas . ; W . A . Alorgan , P . M . ; H . R . Jones , P . AL ; J . G . Carter ,

P . AL ; E . H . Boddy , P . AL ; T . Arnison , W . T . Bell , H . Newens . 'Robert Walker , R . Neal , W . Springctt , T . Knipler , G . Clark , A . Brownlow , C . Mitchell , and Denham . Bros . E . Carter and G . Gregory were visitors . Bro . Walker , S . W ., was unanimously chosen as the W . AL for the ensuing year . After the transaction of formal business , the brethren repaired to thc banquet room ,

where the " ceremony of the Fourth Degree" vvas worked . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were heartily responded to . To that of "The Visitors , " Bro . E . Carter replied . He said he had observed a large increase in the lodge . Their mother lodge ( the 1044 ) had frequently given birth to twins , and he hoped she would increase her progeny by his triplets . ( Laughter . ) A very pleasant evening vvas spent by the brethren .

WEST KENT LODGE ( No . 1296 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Crystal Palace , on Saturday , the 24 th ult ., when there were present Bros . Robert H . Crowden , W . M . ; W . G . Knit , S . W . ; J . B . Gardiner , J . W . ; H . D . Stead , P . AL , Treasurer ; J- G . Woodrow , P . AL , Secretary ; Thos . Perrin , S . D . ; M . Vizitelli , S . D .-Basil Cooke , I . G . ; B . Fullwood , D . C ; J . B . Crumn . W . S . ;

James Crowden , W . S . ; and Beckett , 'Iyler . The lodge vvas opened soon after half-past three o ' clock , when Bro . Woodrow , Secretary , read the minutes of the last lodge meeting , which were duly confirmed . The lodge vvas then opened in the Second and Third Degree , and Bros . Dr . Lomas and Archer , who had previously proved themselves worthy , were impressively raised by the W . AL to the Degree of a M . M . The lodge vvas then resumed

to the Second Degree , when Bros . Captain Jenkins and John Hicks were jiasscd to the Degree of a F . C ., the W . AL showing his usual proficiency in the different ceremonies . 'The lodge vvas then resumed to the First Degree , when Air . S . Johnson vvas proposed by Bro . Crump for initiation at the next meeting . " Hearty good wishes " having been expressed by various brethren , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . There was no banquet .

THE FRIARS LODGE ( No . 1349 ) . —The installation meeting of this lod ge vvas held on Wednesday evening , the 21 st ult ., at the Cheshire Cheese Tavern , Crutched Friars . Bro . J . Shepherd , W . AL , presided , and vvas supported , by Bros . H . R . Hallam , S . W . ; Dure !! , J . W . ; the Assistant Officers , Bros . Wright , P . G . P ., Alusto , Hogg , and Calverley , P . AL ' s ; and the following visitors ; Bros .

J . Barnes , Maidwell , H . Hallam , jun ., Claton , Evans , H . Thompson , P . AL 177 and 115 S ( Freemason ); and others . 1 he lodge having been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , the first business was to raise Bro . Larsen to the Third Degree , and following that Bro . H . Chown vvas advanced to the Degree of a F . C . Bro . H . R . Hallam , the W . Alaster elect , vvas then presented to receive

from his predecessor the benefit of installation . A Board of Installed Masters was formed , and Bro . IL R . Hallam vvas duly installed as W . Alaster of the lodge , and he appointed his officers as follows : Bros . J . Shepherd , I . P . AL ; Dure !! , S . W . ; Peterkin , J . W . ; Musto , P . M ., Treasurer ; Hogg , P . AL , Secretary ; Godolphin , S . D . ;

Spencer , J . D . ; Friedeberg , W . S . ; and Stedman , P . AL , Tyler . Bro . Shepherd then delivered the customary addresses , and at the conclusion was presented by the new W . M . with a Past Master ' s jewel , the gift of the brethren , in recognition of his services as W . Alaster during the past year , for which he briefly but appropriately expressed his thanks . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where a very excellent repast was provided , the new W . Master presiding , supported by his