Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

then presented to Bros . S . Cole , P . M ., and J . A . Bates , P . M ., handsome and massive P . M . ' s jewels , in recognition of the services which they had rendered to the lodge during their respective Masterships . Bros . Cole and Bates having expressed their gratification at receiving such a mark of approval of their efforts , lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet , provided by Bro . Willis ,

of the Sun I Iotel , Chatham . In addition to the members of lodge who were present in lodge and who partook of banquet were the following visitors : —Edwards , 1257 ; Morley , 1257 ; Strip , 749 ; J . Philips , 1205 ; R . Harvey , n 75 W . Gamon , 20 ; G . White ; C . A . Lyon Campbell , 1174 ; Tovcll , 184 ; E . Towman , 168 ; F . Binckes , G . Steward Secretary , Masonic Boys' School ; T . Wyles , 1050 ; S . A .

Bastridge , 84 ; T . W . Ncwton . W . M . 1050 ; Hewitt , i 8 . t , W . M . elect ; Evans , 20 ; Knowldon ; II . Clark ; A . Spencer , Prov . G . Sec ; W . Carlin , 715 ; McCoy , 700 ; McKen , 184 ; Eastley , 184 ; Barnes , 20 ; II . Massey , Freemason , 619 ; Burficid , P . M . 20 ; Owen J . Carter , 20 ; and Edwards , 20 , W . M . The banquet was thoroughly enjoyed by the brethren , and when it had been done full justice to the

W . M ., after grace , proposed the toasts . The toast of "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the Grand Officers , " was responded to by Bro . Binckes , who was specially selected by the W . M . for that duty . In doing so , Bro . Binckes first acknowledged the great kindness with which he had always been received in the Province of Kent , but said it was a heavy task to impose on

him to call on him to respond for such a distinguished galaxy of brethren as the Grand Officers . Ol the Pro Grand Master it must be said that he stood so near the throne that any mention of him must be approached with delicacy , but he ( Bro . Binckes ) had been able to estimate his high qualities and great abilities from a long acquaintance with his lordship as Deputy Grand Master , and as

Provincial Grand Master of Somerset , in which positions he had proved over and over again his eminent qualifications for any office . The while the Marquis of Ripon was in America , Lord Carnarvon performed his duties to the entire satisfaction of the Craft ; and the unqualified applause whiah his appointment as Pro Grand Master to the Prince of Wales elicited in Grand Lodge , showed how

much he was esteemed . Of the Deputy Grand Master , Lord Skelmersdale , although he was young in years and in connection with the Craft , he could also speak most favourably as a member of a lodge in London to which he ( Bro . Binckes ) belonged , and as Grand Master of 011 c of the largest provinces in England , West Lancashire , he hid ably discharged his duties . As to the other Grand

Officers , il was hig h praise to give them to say that they had been closely identified with that practical charity upon which the Order was erected ; and it could not but always be to him a groat honour t > have his name connected with the toast of the Grand Officers . In all the annals of Freemasonry , it was never at a more important period of its history than at present . Il hid to mourn the loss of a very good , able , kind , and

effi" dent chief , in the secession of the Marquis of Ripon from the headship of the Order . It had sustained by this secession not only a great loss , but a heavy blow . But while lamenting over the loss , and suffering from the blow , they need have no discouragement with reference to the principles of the Craft , which were immutable , unalterable , indestructible in themselves , and maintained the vitality of

Freemasonry . It did not matter who might be at its head from time to lime—as Masons they must continue to place their principles properly before the world , and they need not fret over the loss of a chief , hewever great . But as the darkest hour of midnight rendered the dawning of morning the brighter , it had been the lot of Freemasons to secure the heir to the throne of England as their Grand

Master , and while they had to lament the loss of the Marquis of Ripon , they had to congratulate themselves on services of the Prince of Wales in his place . After expressing his regret at the loss of the Duke of Leinsler , whose Grand Mastership of fn years duration Was unequalled in the annals of Freemasonry , Bro . Binckes pointed oil lo the brethren , how , as military men and Masons ,

they should "close up , " and stiiik shoulder to shoulder , and show to the world that no matter what might be their occasional Masonic losses , they were so thoroughly imbued with the principles of Freemasonry that they could bear a 1 > ss without injury , however severe it might be . The outcome of it all was that Masons must do all Ihcy possibly could to spread the princip les of the Craft , and lo show that

the aged , the widows and orphans , had their heartiest sympathy ; Bro . Silencer , Prov . G . Sec , replied lor " Lord Holmcsdale and the Provincial Grand Officers , " and laid before the brethren the princip les of the Provincial Grand Lodge Charily Committee , urging them all to support it and to carry any cases they had to it , instead of trying by their individual efforts to secure an election . In the latter

case they might fail in their object , but if they entrusted the charge to the committee , it was sure to succeed . Bro . Newton , W . M . Gundulph , 10 , 50 , responded for the W . Ms , of provincial lodges , and Bro . Kole in a flattering speech proposed the W . M ., who in reply , said he should endeavour to follow the footsteps of his predecessors in carrying out the duties of the chair , and in encouraging

the members to support Masonic institutions . Bro . bate , responding to a special toast in his hi hour , said the comp liment was greatly enhanced by the cordiality with which it had been received . He had considered it the highest honour to beclcvatcd totbc post of W . M . of the Lndgi-and he was p leased that his performance of his duties had met with approval . He had no pretence to aught but zeal for

the good and welfare of their time-honoured institutions , to which he felt proud to belong , and whose basis was to serve God and honour the Queen . 11 c returned his best thanks to the brethren who had supported him during the year , for he could not but remember that it was a numerous attendance of officers and brethren that clothed the ceremonies with importance . Bro . Carter replied for " The

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Visitors , " and Bro . Binckes was again called on to answer for "The Charities . " lie said he had not thought he would be called upon a second time to speak , and he never felt in his life before such a thorough inability as he then had to respond to the old prosaic toast , after listening to songs which in addition to being good , were well sung , and had given pleasure and delight to all who had heard them .

They were all enjoying a most agreeable evening , and this old skeleton , being brought 011 the table , rather marred their pleasure ; but after all said and done , it might be wise in their extrcmest mirth to be serious a moment or two . Now with reference to the Charities he would say place ai / . v dames , and he would first speak of the Girls' Schol . It deserved all the assistance

that could be given to it . Since it was cstabllishcd in 1788 , 1100 or 1200 children had been educated there , and he had heard it said that not a single one of all those girls had gone astray . I le mi ght say that he was a hard practical man , and such a statement as this which he had heard would tend to shew that Freemasons' children were made of different clay to others .

But he was not an optimist , and did not go in for perfection in any rank or walk of Vile . We were all tainted with original sin , and all wc could do in the cducatioii of the young , was to strive lo bring them up in the right path , to give them the best possible education , to instil into their minds the best and purest sentiments , a regard for the highest morality and a knowledge of religion .

Paul might plant and Apollos water , but it rested with a higher power to give the increase . All that the managers of Ihe schools could do was to do their best . Passing on to the Boys' School , it had been established since 179 8 , and 1300 boys had been educated there of his own knowledge , and to his great regret there were some few instances of boys not turning out all that could be desired , and

showing themselves " sons of Adam . " But , appealing to his hearers , which of them , he would ask , had not gone astray . fie might again say he was not an optimist , and did not go in for perfection . He did not like perfection , he did not care for a man who said he was perfection . They all tried to do their best ; but , in a world like ours , it was utterly impossible to be

perfect . He did not believe in any man who said he did not know what it was to succumb to human temptation and human weakness . Let him not , however , be misunderstood , for all that he desired to sec was support given from every rank , class , and branch of Freemasons to the institutions , and something done to enable those who were charged with the conduct of them to benefit the

objects committed to their care , ami with respect to the schools to enable them to provide good education to fit them for the future career , and to try to imbue them with and instil into Iheir minds the best and hi ghest principles Ihcy possibly could . I laving done that , they had done their duty ; if they did not do that , they had fallen very short of their duty . Referring to a portion of

the ceremony of initiation , he said the brethren ought to follow up their profession by a practical application of what they stated , which was the true lest of charity . Out of 40 , 000 or 50 , 000 Masons , the two schools supporting 17 ft boys and 150 girls were contributed to by only about 5 , 000 brethren . He thought a mere trifle should be given by all initiates , which would enable the institutions to do

far more than they did at present . 1 he widow s mile was as valuable as the rich man's contribution , and he asked them all to do something . As military men , they were able to spread the principles of Freemasonry all over the world . They were in fact missionaries . They were here to-day and did not know where Ihcy might be to-morrow ; but the best wishes of the brethren would go with them ,

and it was hoped that prosperity and success , as will as happiness , might go with them . Wherever they went they might extend Freemasonry , and he hoped they would do so to the utmost of their ability . The remainder of the toasts were afterwards given , and the brethren shortly afterwards separated . Some excellent singing enlivened the evening .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

11 AMPTOS . —Lchtnuit Chapter ( No . 1326 ) . —On Thursday , December 17 th , at the Red Lion Hotel , Lion-square , Hampton , an emergency meeting of the chapter was held . There were present Comps . J . T . Moss , M . E . Z . ; F . Walters , P . Z ., S . E ., as 11 . ; W . Hammond , J . ; II . A . Dubois ( J . 73 ) Treasurer ; E . Hopwood , S . N . ; Rev . P . M . Holden , Chaplain ; and many others . The visitors were

Comps . W . Smccd , P . Z . 940 ; Wycr , 619 ; and others . Although the weather was so inclement , yet a candidate did attend . Bro . John Wallis , 1326 , was duly exalted into Royal Arch Freemasonry . The ceremony was beautifully rendered and impressively done . All the business being ended , the chapter was closed . Refreshment followed labour . In consequence of the members of the lodge

and chapter assembling at the same festive board , an agreeable evening was well spent . After a few hours of social enjoyment , the brethren separated , those belonging to the ( heat City returning to town , after wishing each other nil the compliments of the approaching season . BATH . —K « yul Cnml-i-rlnnd Chapter ( No . 41 ) . —Incomp liance with summons the companions met at the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , Dec . 15 th , and the chapter was opened

by the Principals , Excellent Comp . Kcene , / . ; Jelley , II . ; J . W . Parfitt , J . ; in the presence of Past Principals Moultrie , Mann , Geo . P . irfilt , and Mitchell , of No . 41 ; Beeves , P . Z . 379 ; and Dr . 1 lopkius , P . Z . 328 , 5 87 , and 710 . This being dune , among the companions admitted were Thompson , E . ; Curey , -Y . ; Hill acting as P . S . ; Brown , llowsc , all of 41 ; and Phillips , 3-0 . The Treasurer ' s report was read and received . A ballot was taken for the Principals , which resulted in the election of Comps .

Royal Arch.

Jelley , Z . ; J . W . Parfilt , II . ; Thompson , J . A ballot was also taken for the other officers , by which Comps . Carey was oppointed E . ; Hill , N . ; Hcarn , P . S . ; Moultrie , P . Z ., Treasurer ; who were then invested . Comps . Graham and Brown were chosen as Assistant Sojourners , and Gazzard Janitor . A ballot was taken for Dr . Hopkins as ; - joining member , which was unanimous in his favour .

Equally unanimous was a ballot for Bros . Bennett and Brown , as candidates for exaltation , but the latter was unavoidably prevented from attending on this occasion . The former was introduced , properly prepared , and exalted by the M . E . Z ., assisted by Comp . Geo . Parfitt , P . Z ., and in the explanation of the signs by Dr . Hopkins , P . Z . On the proposition of Comp . G . Parfitt , seconded by Comp .

I Iill , a vote of thanks was passed to the Treasurer for the excellent manner in which he kept the accounts . On the proposition of Comp . Carey , seconded by the Treasurer , it was ordered that a letter of condolence should be sent to the relatives of Comp . Carler , the deceased curator of the Masonic Hall . Bro . Davis having been proposed and seconded for exaltation , the business of the evening was concluded , and the chapter was closed at 7 p . m .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

ST . J ' S ( TIME IMMEMORIAL ) LODGE , BOLTON . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at tfie Commercial I lotel , Bolton , on Thursday , 171 I 1 December . Amongst the brethren present were Bros . James Newton , P . Prov . G . Mark Inspector of Works , W . M . ' ; ] olm Alcock , S . W . ; Jas . Ilorrocks , J . W . ; Thos . Entwisle , P . Prov . G . Mark Master ; G . P . Brockbank , Past Grand Mark Warden ;

Robt . Whittakcr , P . Prov . G . Mark Dir . of Cers . ; Thos . Morris , P . Prov . G . Mark Sword Bearer ; Wm . I lorncr , P . M . ; and others . The lodge was duly opened and the minutes of the previous meeting confirmed , and the W . M . elect , Bro . John Alcoclc , was installed in the chair of A . b y Bro . Thos . Entwisle , P . Prov . G . Mark Master , and the following officers were appointed and invested , viz : —James

Ilorrocks , S . W . ; John llarwood , J . . ; Robt . Glaistcr , M . O ; Thos . Holmes , S . O . ; Jns . Allen , J . O . ; G . P . Brockbank , Treasurer ; Thos . Entwisle , Reg . of Marks ; Thos . Morris , Secretary ; Robt . Pickup , Conductor ; Henry Tattcrsall , S . D . ; Henry Greenwood , J . D . ; Samuel Barrett , Inner Guard ; Chas . Walker , T yler . All business being concluded , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned lo refresh mcut .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

PHKSCOT . —milium ( le la More Encampment . —A conclave of this prcceptory , stationed at Prcscot , in the Province of Lancashire , was held at the New Court House , Prcscot , near Liverpool , on Thursday , the lfith December , when there were a good number of the Knights of exalted Order . The list of those present included the names of Sir Knights J . W . J . Fowler , P . E . P . ; I . K .

Smith , Constable ; Reginald Young , Marshal ; R . Brown , Chaplain ; T . Ashmore , Registrar ; J . Wood , Treasurer ; II . Nelson , Sub-Marshal ; J . W . Ballard , First Herald ; P . II . Whittnker , Thomson , W . Tyrcr , with Sir Knights T . Berry , Past G . S . B . of England , and P . E . C ., Jacques de Molay ; and II . Burrows , Alpass Prcceptory . After the encampment had been opened in ancient form , six

candidates were ballotled for , and there being three in attendance , they were subsequently installed Knights of the Order . Sir Knight Dr . Joseph Kcllett Smith was installed M . E . Preceptor for the ensuing year ; the ceremony being performed by Sir Knight J . W . J . fowler , P . E . P ., assisted b y Sir Knight T . Berry , Past G . S . B . of England . The following officers were subsequently appointed : —Sir Knights

Reginald Young , Constable ; T . Ashmore , Marshal ; li . Brown , Chaplain ; H . Nelson , Registrar ; J . Wood , Treasurer ; J . W . Ballard , Sub-Marshal ; Thompson , C . of Guard ; and W . Tyrcr , Almoner . At the close of the business , the assembled Knights sat down to a most

sumptuous banquet at the King's Arms Hotel , provided by Mrs . Lloyd , the hostess . Soups , viands , and wines were of the very best quality , and the serving gave the most ample satisfaction . The after-portion of the day ' s proceedings was most enjoyable , and was a pleasant sequel to the afternoon ' s business .

Ancient Accepted Rite.

Ancient Accepted Rite .

IPSWICH . —i'icloria Chapter Hose Croix . —The annual meeting of this chapter was holden at the Masonic Hall , Ipswich , on Monday , 14 th ult ., present , 111 . Bros , the Riv T . G . Beaumont , 30 , M . W . S . ; the Rev . R . N . Sanderson , : jo ° , and Emra Holmes , 31 ; M . E . Bros . M . T . Westgnte , P . M . W . S . ; and C . T . Townseiid , P . M . W . S ., Recorder ; ' and the following Sovereign Princes , Dr . Mills , ist General ;

Geo . Crcsswcll , W . Cuckow , and others . Visitor , 111 . Bro . C . J . Banister , 30 . The minutes of last chapter having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for M . W . S . for the ensuing year , when 111 . Bro . Emra Holmes was duly elected to thai high office . Bro . Cuckow was reelected Treasurer . 111 . Bro . Banister said , that having been in London to attend the Supreme Council meeting

on Saturday , when H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was installed as a 33 ° , and Grand Patron of the Ancknt and Accepted Rite , he had taken the opportunity of coming on to Ipswich , to attend this chapter , having heard that the work was very well done here , and he regretted very much to find thai there was 110 business . He hoped , on

the next occasion he visited them , he might be more fortunate . Bro . Holmes said that it would g ive both himself and the brethren very much pleasure if Bro . Banister would visit them at the next regular meeting , and instal him into the chair of M . W . S . He looked upon Bro . Banister as his godfather in Masonry , at least , in the high