Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
, _____ _ - City of London . When the last stone of Child ' s Bank was swept away and no ti ace of Temple Bar was to be seen , when the place was poimed out to those who might come after them in alter ages as the spot where the Bar stood , many no doubt would say how much they wished that they had lived in the time when they might have seen Temple Bar . As Bro . Simpson had said , when the old
Temple Bar was removed another structure had taken its place which he trusteel would be placed on a sound foundation and be a honour to the builders . 1 lc concluded by giving the health of Bros . Lcbany , Charles , Mackre 1 , and Carter , and he hoped that they would for ever feel proud of being the second batch of initiates admitted to thc Temple Bar Lodge . Bro . Chailes , in responding , said
on behalf of his fellow initiates anil himself , he begged to thank the W . Master for the very flattering terms in which their health had been proposed , and the brethren for the very cordial manner in which they had received it . He assured them that hc felt much impressed with thc ceremony hc had gone through that night , and he trusted to become a worthy
brother of their noble and honourable Craft . He believed that it was a happy thought to start that lodge on the decease of Temple Bar , and hc hoped that , phcenix-like . another edifice would rise out its ashes . The other initiates , on beingcalled upon , said each a few words in aeknc-wl-dgment of the toast . Bro . Reed , the Secretary , rose and said that , as thc brethren would see , the W . Master had placed the
implement of power in his hands , tbey would know for what purpose he should use it . He was sure lhat every member and every visitor must be delighted with the kind and able manrcr in wbich the W . Master had fulfilled his duties that evening , and he ( Bro . Reed ) , must say that it had given him great pleasure to witness it . He had been to a great number of lodges , more than the years he had
been a Mason , and he must say that the W . Master had acquiitcd himself in a most creditable manner , and had reflected honour on thc Temple Bar Lodge . He wished him God Speed , for he was sure that he had the harmony and prosperity of thc lodge at heait , and being the first Master they looked upon him as their father , and he trusted that not only his children but his grandchileircn
would follow in his footsteps . He therefore asked the brethren to join him in drinking the health e f Bro . John Dixon , their first Worshipful Master , a request that was enthusiastically responded to . The W . Master said : Brethren and Bro . Secretary , —I beg to return you my most sincere thanks for the kind manner in which you have spoken of me , and you , brethren , for the hearty and cordial manner
in which you have responded to thc toast . 1 am but a young Mason , but as I go along I hope to become more experienced , and I shall be influenced to do so by the very hearty response with which you have received the toast of my health to-night . When I founelcd this lodge I hoped to make it one of thc first in the City of London , but I must say that it has far exceeded my
expectations . The fee at present for admission is small , but in a short time it will not be ten guineas , but fifty guineas , and any one will be proud to say tbat he belonged to it . In conclusion , hc thanked the brethren for the honour conferred upon him . The W . Master saiel the next toast was that of "The Visitors , " a toast whicli was a very pleasant one for him to give , and he trusted that the Temple Bar
Lodge woulel never be without visitors . 1 le coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Barton , P . M . of the Kent Lodge , No . 15 . Bro . Barton , I ' . M . No . 15 , on behalf of the visitors , expressed the gratification they had derived , not only in having witnessed thc excellent working of the lodge , but at the splendiel hospitality with which they had been entertained . The W . Master next gave " The Press , "
whicli he said was the ruling power of Great Britain , and alluded to the multifarious subjects which were from time to time conveyed to them . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Henry Thompson , ( Frccmas < m . ) Bro . Thompson , in reply , said he was altogether unprepared for his name being singled out to the brethren in a special toast , as he expected to have quietly slided elown
under that of " Thc Visitors , " but as it was the W . Master ' s pleasure so far to honour him , as a good Mason he was bound to obey his call . Having allueled to the Temple Bar Lodge , and its future destiny , he reverted to the matter more intimately connected with thc toast . The press , he said , was a mighty engine of power , and to its honour that power was rarely exercised but in the advocacy of their
liberties , and thc welfare and happiness of all mankind . It was also the great channel through which ills were made ki-own , and wants were relieved , and hc remarked that but tor the harrowing details which were made known by the press of the horrible condilion of thc poor natives of India the magnificent sum of about half-a-million sterling would never have been raised in this country for their
relief . Seme other toasts were given , many songs were sung by the brethren , aod a truly haimonious meeting was enjoyed by every member of the Temple Bar Lodge . SOUTHAMPTON . —Southampton Lodge ( No . 394 ) . —The Worshipful Master for the ensuing year , Bro . R . J . W . Walker , was last week installed by thc W . Bro . W . Hickman , P . M ., and Deputy Prov . Grand
Master of Hants and Ihe Isle of Wight , who , following the installation , received thc cordial thanks and recognition of a good attendance of brethren , the Board of Installed Masters numbeiing twenty . Following Ihe ceicmony , the W . Master invested thc following as Ihe ofiicers for the year : —Bros . G . M . Passenger , jun ., I . P . M . ; W . Bone , SAV . ; A . L . McCalmont , ( Mayor of Southampton ) , J . W . ;
W . Furber . P . M ., Treasurer ; E . T . Howell , P . M ., Sec ; Rev . S . Scott , Chap . ; F . 11 . Candy , S . D . ; Newton Jones , J . D . ; C . Cox , P . M ., I . G . ; H . P . Aslatt . D . C . ; and Biggs , Tyler . The subsequent bar . quit was served by Bro . Dartnail , of thc High-street , and proved a very agreeable gathering . FILEY . —Royal Lodge ( No . 643 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge was held at Foord ' s Hotel , Filey , on the
Contents.
1 ith ult ., for the purpose of installing Bro . J . Johnson Field , 6 43 and 37 . Theceremony was most ably performed by Bro . John Pearson Bell , D . P . G . M . N . and E . Yoiks , assisted by Bros . George Hardy , P . M . 2 so , P . S . P . G . D ., and W . H . Porritt , I' . M . 734 ; a Board of 28 Installed Ma ' sters being present . There bad not been so large and influential a meeting of thc brethren since its institution in 1835 . At
the conclusion of the cereme ; ny the W . M . proceeded to invest his officers for the year as follows : Bros . J . Johnson Field , W . M . ; W . Budd , I . P . M . ; . 1 . Winfindalc , S . W . ; ( . Varley , J . W .: Rev . R . M . Taylor , P . M ., Chaplain ; W . G . Long , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; W . Fisher , P . M ., Sec . ; W . Watts , S . D . ; V . Fowler , J . D . ; C . W . Scrivener , P . M ., D . C ; F . M . Herring , P . M ., Org . ; R . Dobson , P . M , and
R . B . Simpson , P . M ., Stewart ' s ; J . Welbom , I . G . ; W . Jefferson , Tyler . At the conclusion of thc ceremony , and before closing thc lodge , the W . M . returned thanks for his appointment in very eulogi-tic term =, and Ihe Installing Mister gave a most beautiful and luminous address to the brethren , which was most highly and deservedly applauded . The brethren then adjourned to the Spa Saloon ,
where a most splendid banquet was provided by Bro . Welborn , the worthy host of Foord ' s Hotel . Between fifty and sixty sat down to the repast , the W . M . occupying the chair . After the cloth was drawn thc usual loyal toavts were given , and the W . M . proposed "The Health of the Installing Master , '' which was most enthusiastically received and responded to in a lengthy speech
replete with Masonic feeling and instruction . The Installing Master then gave " The Health nf Bro . Field , " thc newly-installed Master , pointing out to him in the most lucid manner the duties appertaining to his office , and wishing him every success during his occupation of King Solomon ' s chair . The W . M . returned thanks in a masterly and feeling speech , which was greatly appreciated by
all the brethren . Several other toasts were given and ably responded to , and the proceedings were much enlivened by songs from Bros . Winfindale , Watts , Fosler , and others , most ably accompanied on the pianoforte by Bro . G . W . Stony , thc accomplished Organist ot Humber Lodge , 57 . The whole of the proceedings were of the most satisfactory nature , anel were finally brought to a close amidst
peace and harmony . Special trains from both Hull and Scarbio' were provided for the accommodation of the brethren ; from those places , as also for the intervening lodges . "WOOLWICH . —Nelson Lodge ( No . 700 . )—The winter banquet of the above lodge took place on Wednesday , the 20 th ult ., at Bro . Plaisteel's fine Hall on
Anglesea Hill , Plumstead , and was as usual honoured by a numerous assemblage of both the brethren of thc loelge and visitors of the neighbouring lodges . 1 he lodge meeting was held at the Masonic Hnll , William-street , and was opened by the W . M ., Bro . S . Waters , supported by the following officers : —T . Butt , I . P . M ., Past Masters G . Crawford , W . Graham , Bowles , C . Norman , C . Hobson
Treas . ; T . Ward , J . Henderson , Sec ; A . W . Woodley , S . W . ; J . Warren , J . W . ; J . Wilkins , S . D . ; E . B . Hobson , J . D . ; C . Cooke , Org . ; W . McCoy , I . G . ; G . Beaver , D . C .: and B . Norman , Tyler . Among the visitors were Bros . C . Coupland , P . M . 913 , and P . P . G . J . W . Kent ; G . Spinks , W . M . IU 36 ; W . Weston , P . M . 1536 ; G . Davies , P . M . 13 ; E . C * Edwards , P . M . 1185 ; '* .. D . Hayes , S . W . 913 ; H .
Shaw , J . W . 1536 ; E . Farwig , S . W . 180 ; W . Rees , 913 ; H . J . Ansell , 1305 ; W . Osborne , 1316 ; R . J . Colyer , 220 ; W . Tuckcr 913 ; A . Sauiulers , 1536 ; J . Thorne , 153 6 ; W . Hnllyman , . 53 ( 1 ; E . A . Turbeck , 1448 ; and C . jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) . The miuutes of the last meeting having been c-r . firmed , thc ballot was taken for Mr . West , and upon approval , that gentleman was initiateel into the Craft ,
the impressive ceremony being worked by the W . M . and his ofiicers without a single hitch . That being the whole of the business before the lodge , it was duly closed , and thc biethren adjourned to the above rendezvous , where a superb banquet awaited them ; a large staff of waiters , headed by Bro . Moulder anel superintended by Bro . Plaisted himself , securing a most efficient sen ice . The usual loyal
and Masonic leasts were heartily responeled to , a verse each of the " National Anthem , " and " God bless the Prince of Wales " following the two first . Bro . Butt , in proposing that of " The W . M ., " said the duty he had to perform was a most important one . They all knew that meeting was loeikeel upon as the meridian of the year through which their W . Masters had to pass in the
principal chair ol their lodge , and when he looked back to the half that had already gone , he felt sure they might congratulate the W . M . upon the excellent manner in which he had conducteel thc business of the lodge duiing that time . ( Cheers . ) He , from the past , anel lhey , might rest assured that for the next half their interests were safe in the hands of their excellent Master .
He could not help wishing however , that he ( thc W . M . ) might have more woik to do during the icmaiiider of his time , they did not want everyone to become members who offered themselves , but those who would be a credit and honour to it . He then concludeel by saying that when thc W . M . vacated the chair to his successor , hc would leave it with thc respectand good wishes of all . ( Cheers . )
The W . M ., in reply , tendered his most grateful thanks for thc enthusiastic manner in which bis health had becn received by them . lie was glad to know that his endeavours to elo bis duty had given them satisfaction . 1 le quite endorsed the remarks of P . M . Bull , when he hoped there might be me ; re for him to elo in the next half of lvs year of office , but whatever might ceme , he should always
endeavour to do his duty in such a manner as to at least sustain the high prestige that had been gained for it by the preceding Masters of the Nelson Loelge . ( Cheers . ) In proposing the next least , lhat of "The Visitors , " Ihe W . M . spoke of the pleasure it gave them at all times to sec the loelge well attended by visitors . They had among them that evening many brethren from their neighbouring lojges , and among them a P . P . G . Officer for Kent , who
Contents.
had held a distinguished position in that province . He had received a letter of regret from Bro . Reed , the W . M . of the " Union Waterloo Lodge , " at not be'Kg able to attend . To those who were present he asked the brethren of the Nelsrn Loelge to give a warm reception , and coupled the toast with the names of Bros . Coupland , Spinks , and Hayes . Bro . Coupland expressed the great pleasure it
gave him to be the guest of the Nelson Lotlge , and more especially on this occasion , when they came to enjoy themselves in the province to which he had the honour to belong . He congratulated the lodge upon the attendance of so many of their Past Masters , who were an honour to the lodge . He regretted that in many lodges as soon as that position had been attained they fell off . He then
introduced the cause of the charities , saying charity was the predominant wish cf every Mason ' s heart ; it was biougbt before them every day that their noble Craft was increasing in numbers , and as well he felt sorry to say in thc number of those who were seeking aid from its chatities , both the Beys' School , the Girls' School , and the old men and women ' s institutions , and he especially
wished to bring before them the claims of those charities . Hc had become a Steward for the Girls' School Festival , and felt it his duty to bring it before them , and with thc more pleasure because he remembercel upon one occasion that the Nelson Lodge subscribe , liberally when he stood fertile Boys' School . He then again expressed how much he had enjoyed himself , and resumed his seat amid
applause . Bro . Spinkes , W . M . of the United Military Lodge , trusted that all thc lodges in the neighbourhood woulel become as the sister services the Army and Navy , were , firmly united , and Bro . Hayes who responded for the Pattison Lodge , No . 913 , regrctteel the absence of Bro . Butters , the W . M . of that lodge . For himself he thanked ihem both for their good labour anel kind hospitality . He
telt gratified at the fraternal feeling lhat evidently existed between them . Bro . Butt had spoken about the W . M . being now at the meridian of his office , but it struck him that the Nelson Lodge was always at its meridian , both for excellence of working and good feeling . ( Cheers . 1 It had had a good effect upon the working of the Pattison Lodge , and he believed that it had done so in every lodge
in the district , and was a pattern for Freemasonry among them all . ( Applause ) . The toast of "The Past Masters " followed , and after Bro . Butt has expressed his eltlight at the manner in which the business of the lodge was conducted , and the obedience of the brethren , P . M . Crawford said it had been remarked that the W . M . had not had so much to do this year as many of his predecessors , but of
course that was no fault of his . If the brethren would only put their shoulders to the wheel , and while it was no business of theirs to persuade any-one to join the lodge against their own inclination , yet for the honour of the W . M . and thc interest of the loelge , it would be well if the brethren could , consistently with their duty , introduce some new members : it would be better than letting the W . M .
pass the rest of thc year without work . ( Hear hear . ) P . M . Graham strongly advised the young members if they wished for office to join the lodges of instruction in the district , and P . M . Goddard followed in thc same strain . "Thc Initiate" was then toasted , and then " The Officers , " and after the Tyler had done his duty in that respect , " God Save the Queen" concluded a most enjoyable
evening . TUNBRIDGE WELLS . — Holmesdale Lodge ( No . 874 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at tbe Reijal Sussex Hotel on the 20 th ult ., when there were present Bros . B . S . Wilmot , W . M . ; W . Delves , P . M . ; W . B . Bacon , S . W . ; A . D . Williams , J . W . ; J . F . Batrs , Sec . ; Hotchkin , S . D . ; Spencer , J . D . j Dunkley ,
I . G . ; G . Deadman , Org . ; G . Strange , Tyler ; J . Burton , E . Elliott , Albert Arnold , Graham , T . W . tciman , J . ] . Marshall , J . G . Whitehead , M . Williams , Standford , j . K . Pain , and P . M . Elers . The lodge having becn opened in due form , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . A . Arnold and M . Williams being candidates for passing , having answered the usual
questions in a satisfactory manner , they were entrusted and withdrew . Thc ledge was opened in thc Second Degree , anil they were duly passed . Bro . E . Elliott being a candidate for raiding , was entrusted and retired . The lodge having been opened in the Third Degree , he was raisetl to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., the work being done in a careful manner . The lodge was resumed to
the First Degree . I he election nf W . M . for thc ensuing year was unanimous in favour of Bro . \ V . B . Bacon , and Elers , P . M ., re-elected Treasurer . The elected Auelitors in addition lo those provided in the bye-laws are Bios , Waterman and Graham . The usual gratuities were given to the Tyler an _ waiter , also £ 3 voted out of the lodge funds to a distressed brother . P . M . Elers proposed , and
Bro . Graham secone . d , " That a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes for the indefatigable services renelered by Bio . Bates as Secretary , " which was carried unanimously . Several other propositions having been brought forward , the lodge was duly closed , and thc brethren adjourneel for refreshment . LANCASTER .-Duke of Lancaster Lodge
( No . 1353 ) . — The regular meeting of this loelge took place on thc 20 th Februarj , when the following members attended : Bros . I . G . Dale , W . M . ; R . Wolfenden , S . W . ; J . Ellershaw , J . W . ; J . Bell , P . M ., Hon . Treas . ; J . Acton , P . M ., Hon . Sec . ; W . Parker , S . D . ; H . Hartley , J . D . ; R . Cleminson , I . G . ; J . E . Oglethorpe , Org . ; J . D . Bell , S . S . ; C . J . W . Stork , J . S . ; lames Conton , I . P . M .
J . Barrow , P . M . ; W . Heald , P . M . ; W . Stewardson , I . P . M . 940 ; John Simpson , R . Woods , P . Dutlon , W . Huntingdon , H . Slizakcr , Thos . Dodgson , P . M . 991 ; , ' 339 . P . P . G . Purst . Cumbcrlant ! and Westmorland ; W . King , E . Huntingel . n . F . Amistcd , L . S . Lacey , ] . Proctor , W . Iluth . rsal ] , Wm . Bell , G . Bczard , J . Wilson , J . Hartley , K . A . Stansfvld , S . D . I S 6 I ; J . Bannister , P . S . D . ; W . Scott , W . Drinkall , J . M . Bell , P . S . S . ; A .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
, _____ _ - City of London . When the last stone of Child ' s Bank was swept away and no ti ace of Temple Bar was to be seen , when the place was poimed out to those who might come after them in alter ages as the spot where the Bar stood , many no doubt would say how much they wished that they had lived in the time when they might have seen Temple Bar . As Bro . Simpson had said , when the old
Temple Bar was removed another structure had taken its place which he trusteel would be placed on a sound foundation and be a honour to the builders . 1 lc concluded by giving the health of Bros . Lcbany , Charles , Mackre 1 , and Carter , and he hoped that they would for ever feel proud of being the second batch of initiates admitted to thc Temple Bar Lodge . Bro . Chailes , in responding , said
on behalf of his fellow initiates anil himself , he begged to thank the W . Master for the very flattering terms in which their health had been proposed , and the brethren for the very cordial manner in which they had received it . He assured them that hc felt much impressed with thc ceremony hc had gone through that night , and he trusted to become a worthy
brother of their noble and honourable Craft . He believed that it was a happy thought to start that lodge on the decease of Temple Bar , and hc hoped that , phcenix-like . another edifice would rise out its ashes . The other initiates , on beingcalled upon , said each a few words in aeknc-wl-dgment of the toast . Bro . Reed , the Secretary , rose and said that , as thc brethren would see , the W . Master had placed the
implement of power in his hands , tbey would know for what purpose he should use it . He was sure lhat every member and every visitor must be delighted with the kind and able manrcr in wbich the W . Master had fulfilled his duties that evening , and he ( Bro . Reed ) , must say that it had given him great pleasure to witness it . He had been to a great number of lodges , more than the years he had
been a Mason , and he must say that the W . Master had acquiitcd himself in a most creditable manner , and had reflected honour on thc Temple Bar Lodge . He wished him God Speed , for he was sure that he had the harmony and prosperity of thc lodge at heait , and being the first Master they looked upon him as their father , and he trusted that not only his children but his grandchileircn
would follow in his footsteps . He therefore asked the brethren to join him in drinking the health e f Bro . John Dixon , their first Worshipful Master , a request that was enthusiastically responded to . The W . Master said : Brethren and Bro . Secretary , —I beg to return you my most sincere thanks for the kind manner in which you have spoken of me , and you , brethren , for the hearty and cordial manner
in which you have responded to thc toast . 1 am but a young Mason , but as I go along I hope to become more experienced , and I shall be influenced to do so by the very hearty response with which you have received the toast of my health to-night . When I founelcd this lodge I hoped to make it one of thc first in the City of London , but I must say that it has far exceeded my
expectations . The fee at present for admission is small , but in a short time it will not be ten guineas , but fifty guineas , and any one will be proud to say tbat he belonged to it . In conclusion , hc thanked the brethren for the honour conferred upon him . The W . Master saiel the next toast was that of "The Visitors , " a toast whicli was a very pleasant one for him to give , and he trusted that the Temple Bar
Lodge woulel never be without visitors . 1 le coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Barton , P . M . of the Kent Lodge , No . 15 . Bro . Barton , I ' . M . No . 15 , on behalf of the visitors , expressed the gratification they had derived , not only in having witnessed thc excellent working of the lodge , but at the splendiel hospitality with which they had been entertained . The W . Master next gave " The Press , "
whicli he said was the ruling power of Great Britain , and alluded to the multifarious subjects which were from time to time conveyed to them . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Henry Thompson , ( Frccmas < m . ) Bro . Thompson , in reply , said he was altogether unprepared for his name being singled out to the brethren in a special toast , as he expected to have quietly slided elown
under that of " Thc Visitors , " but as it was the W . Master ' s pleasure so far to honour him , as a good Mason he was bound to obey his call . Having allueled to the Temple Bar Lodge , and its future destiny , he reverted to the matter more intimately connected with thc toast . The press , he said , was a mighty engine of power , and to its honour that power was rarely exercised but in the advocacy of their
liberties , and thc welfare and happiness of all mankind . It was also the great channel through which ills were made ki-own , and wants were relieved , and hc remarked that but tor the harrowing details which were made known by the press of the horrible condilion of thc poor natives of India the magnificent sum of about half-a-million sterling would never have been raised in this country for their
relief . Seme other toasts were given , many songs were sung by the brethren , aod a truly haimonious meeting was enjoyed by every member of the Temple Bar Lodge . SOUTHAMPTON . —Southampton Lodge ( No . 394 ) . —The Worshipful Master for the ensuing year , Bro . R . J . W . Walker , was last week installed by thc W . Bro . W . Hickman , P . M ., and Deputy Prov . Grand
Master of Hants and Ihe Isle of Wight , who , following the installation , received thc cordial thanks and recognition of a good attendance of brethren , the Board of Installed Masters numbeiing twenty . Following Ihe ceicmony , the W . Master invested thc following as Ihe ofiicers for the year : —Bros . G . M . Passenger , jun ., I . P . M . ; W . Bone , SAV . ; A . L . McCalmont , ( Mayor of Southampton ) , J . W . ;
W . Furber . P . M ., Treasurer ; E . T . Howell , P . M ., Sec ; Rev . S . Scott , Chap . ; F . 11 . Candy , S . D . ; Newton Jones , J . D . ; C . Cox , P . M ., I . G . ; H . P . Aslatt . D . C . ; and Biggs , Tyler . The subsequent bar . quit was served by Bro . Dartnail , of thc High-street , and proved a very agreeable gathering . FILEY . —Royal Lodge ( No . 643 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge was held at Foord ' s Hotel , Filey , on the
Contents.
1 ith ult ., for the purpose of installing Bro . J . Johnson Field , 6 43 and 37 . Theceremony was most ably performed by Bro . John Pearson Bell , D . P . G . M . N . and E . Yoiks , assisted by Bros . George Hardy , P . M . 2 so , P . S . P . G . D ., and W . H . Porritt , I' . M . 734 ; a Board of 28 Installed Ma ' sters being present . There bad not been so large and influential a meeting of thc brethren since its institution in 1835 . At
the conclusion of the cereme ; ny the W . M . proceeded to invest his officers for the year as follows : Bros . J . Johnson Field , W . M . ; W . Budd , I . P . M . ; . 1 . Winfindalc , S . W . ; ( . Varley , J . W .: Rev . R . M . Taylor , P . M ., Chaplain ; W . G . Long , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; W . Fisher , P . M ., Sec . ; W . Watts , S . D . ; V . Fowler , J . D . ; C . W . Scrivener , P . M ., D . C ; F . M . Herring , P . M ., Org . ; R . Dobson , P . M , and
R . B . Simpson , P . M ., Stewart ' s ; J . Welbom , I . G . ; W . Jefferson , Tyler . At the conclusion of thc ceremony , and before closing thc lodge , the W . M . returned thanks for his appointment in very eulogi-tic term =, and Ihe Installing Mister gave a most beautiful and luminous address to the brethren , which was most highly and deservedly applauded . The brethren then adjourned to the Spa Saloon ,
where a most splendid banquet was provided by Bro . Welborn , the worthy host of Foord ' s Hotel . Between fifty and sixty sat down to the repast , the W . M . occupying the chair . After the cloth was drawn thc usual loyal toavts were given , and the W . M . proposed "The Health of the Installing Master , '' which was most enthusiastically received and responded to in a lengthy speech
replete with Masonic feeling and instruction . The Installing Master then gave " The Health nf Bro . Field , " thc newly-installed Master , pointing out to him in the most lucid manner the duties appertaining to his office , and wishing him every success during his occupation of King Solomon ' s chair . The W . M . returned thanks in a masterly and feeling speech , which was greatly appreciated by
all the brethren . Several other toasts were given and ably responded to , and the proceedings were much enlivened by songs from Bros . Winfindale , Watts , Fosler , and others , most ably accompanied on the pianoforte by Bro . G . W . Stony , thc accomplished Organist ot Humber Lodge , 57 . The whole of the proceedings were of the most satisfactory nature , anel were finally brought to a close amidst
peace and harmony . Special trains from both Hull and Scarbio' were provided for the accommodation of the brethren ; from those places , as also for the intervening lodges . "WOOLWICH . —Nelson Lodge ( No . 700 . )—The winter banquet of the above lodge took place on Wednesday , the 20 th ult ., at Bro . Plaisteel's fine Hall on
Anglesea Hill , Plumstead , and was as usual honoured by a numerous assemblage of both the brethren of thc loelge and visitors of the neighbouring lodges . 1 he lodge meeting was held at the Masonic Hnll , William-street , and was opened by the W . M ., Bro . S . Waters , supported by the following officers : —T . Butt , I . P . M ., Past Masters G . Crawford , W . Graham , Bowles , C . Norman , C . Hobson
Treas . ; T . Ward , J . Henderson , Sec ; A . W . Woodley , S . W . ; J . Warren , J . W . ; J . Wilkins , S . D . ; E . B . Hobson , J . D . ; C . Cooke , Org . ; W . McCoy , I . G . ; G . Beaver , D . C .: and B . Norman , Tyler . Among the visitors were Bros . C . Coupland , P . M . 913 , and P . P . G . J . W . Kent ; G . Spinks , W . M . IU 36 ; W . Weston , P . M . 1536 ; G . Davies , P . M . 13 ; E . C * Edwards , P . M . 1185 ; '* .. D . Hayes , S . W . 913 ; H .
Shaw , J . W . 1536 ; E . Farwig , S . W . 180 ; W . Rees , 913 ; H . J . Ansell , 1305 ; W . Osborne , 1316 ; R . J . Colyer , 220 ; W . Tuckcr 913 ; A . Sauiulers , 1536 ; J . Thorne , 153 6 ; W . Hnllyman , . 53 ( 1 ; E . A . Turbeck , 1448 ; and C . jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) . The miuutes of the last meeting having been c-r . firmed , thc ballot was taken for Mr . West , and upon approval , that gentleman was initiateel into the Craft ,
the impressive ceremony being worked by the W . M . and his ofiicers without a single hitch . That being the whole of the business before the lodge , it was duly closed , and thc biethren adjourned to the above rendezvous , where a superb banquet awaited them ; a large staff of waiters , headed by Bro . Moulder anel superintended by Bro . Plaisted himself , securing a most efficient sen ice . The usual loyal
and Masonic leasts were heartily responeled to , a verse each of the " National Anthem , " and " God bless the Prince of Wales " following the two first . Bro . Butt , in proposing that of " The W . M ., " said the duty he had to perform was a most important one . They all knew that meeting was loeikeel upon as the meridian of the year through which their W . Masters had to pass in the
principal chair ol their lodge , and when he looked back to the half that had already gone , he felt sure they might congratulate the W . M . upon the excellent manner in which he had conducteel thc business of the lodge duiing that time . ( Cheers . ) He , from the past , anel lhey , might rest assured that for the next half their interests were safe in the hands of their excellent Master .
He could not help wishing however , that he ( thc W . M . ) might have more woik to do during the icmaiiider of his time , they did not want everyone to become members who offered themselves , but those who would be a credit and honour to it . He then concludeel by saying that when thc W . M . vacated the chair to his successor , hc would leave it with thc respectand good wishes of all . ( Cheers . )
The W . M ., in reply , tendered his most grateful thanks for thc enthusiastic manner in which bis health had becn received by them . lie was glad to know that his endeavours to elo bis duty had given them satisfaction . 1 le quite endorsed the remarks of P . M . Bull , when he hoped there might be me ; re for him to elo in the next half of lvs year of office , but whatever might ceme , he should always
endeavour to do his duty in such a manner as to at least sustain the high prestige that had been gained for it by the preceding Masters of the Nelson Loelge . ( Cheers . ) In proposing the next least , lhat of "The Visitors , " Ihe W . M . spoke of the pleasure it gave them at all times to sec the loelge well attended by visitors . They had among them that evening many brethren from their neighbouring lojges , and among them a P . P . G . Officer for Kent , who
Contents.
had held a distinguished position in that province . He had received a letter of regret from Bro . Reed , the W . M . of the " Union Waterloo Lodge , " at not be'Kg able to attend . To those who were present he asked the brethren of the Nelsrn Loelge to give a warm reception , and coupled the toast with the names of Bros . Coupland , Spinks , and Hayes . Bro . Coupland expressed the great pleasure it
gave him to be the guest of the Nelson Lotlge , and more especially on this occasion , when they came to enjoy themselves in the province to which he had the honour to belong . He congratulated the lodge upon the attendance of so many of their Past Masters , who were an honour to the lodge . He regretted that in many lodges as soon as that position had been attained they fell off . He then
introduced the cause of the charities , saying charity was the predominant wish cf every Mason ' s heart ; it was biougbt before them every day that their noble Craft was increasing in numbers , and as well he felt sorry to say in thc number of those who were seeking aid from its chatities , both the Beys' School , the Girls' School , and the old men and women ' s institutions , and he especially
wished to bring before them the claims of those charities . Hc had become a Steward for the Girls' School Festival , and felt it his duty to bring it before them , and with thc more pleasure because he remembercel upon one occasion that the Nelson Lodge subscribe , liberally when he stood fertile Boys' School . He then again expressed how much he had enjoyed himself , and resumed his seat amid
applause . Bro . Spinkes , W . M . of the United Military Lodge , trusted that all thc lodges in the neighbourhood woulel become as the sister services the Army and Navy , were , firmly united , and Bro . Hayes who responded for the Pattison Lodge , No . 913 , regrctteel the absence of Bro . Butters , the W . M . of that lodge . For himself he thanked ihem both for their good labour anel kind hospitality . He
telt gratified at the fraternal feeling lhat evidently existed between them . Bro . Butt had spoken about the W . M . being now at the meridian of his office , but it struck him that the Nelson Lodge was always at its meridian , both for excellence of working and good feeling . ( Cheers . 1 It had had a good effect upon the working of the Pattison Lodge , and he believed that it had done so in every lodge
in the district , and was a pattern for Freemasonry among them all . ( Applause ) . The toast of "The Past Masters " followed , and after Bro . Butt has expressed his eltlight at the manner in which the business of the lodge was conducted , and the obedience of the brethren , P . M . Crawford said it had been remarked that the W . M . had not had so much to do this year as many of his predecessors , but of
course that was no fault of his . If the brethren would only put their shoulders to the wheel , and while it was no business of theirs to persuade any-one to join the lodge against their own inclination , yet for the honour of the W . M . and thc interest of the loelge , it would be well if the brethren could , consistently with their duty , introduce some new members : it would be better than letting the W . M .
pass the rest of thc year without work . ( Hear hear . ) P . M . Graham strongly advised the young members if they wished for office to join the lodges of instruction in the district , and P . M . Goddard followed in thc same strain . "Thc Initiate" was then toasted , and then " The Officers , " and after the Tyler had done his duty in that respect , " God Save the Queen" concluded a most enjoyable
evening . TUNBRIDGE WELLS . — Holmesdale Lodge ( No . 874 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at tbe Reijal Sussex Hotel on the 20 th ult ., when there were present Bros . B . S . Wilmot , W . M . ; W . Delves , P . M . ; W . B . Bacon , S . W . ; A . D . Williams , J . W . ; J . F . Batrs , Sec . ; Hotchkin , S . D . ; Spencer , J . D . j Dunkley ,
I . G . ; G . Deadman , Org . ; G . Strange , Tyler ; J . Burton , E . Elliott , Albert Arnold , Graham , T . W . tciman , J . ] . Marshall , J . G . Whitehead , M . Williams , Standford , j . K . Pain , and P . M . Elers . The lodge having becn opened in due form , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . A . Arnold and M . Williams being candidates for passing , having answered the usual
questions in a satisfactory manner , they were entrusted and withdrew . Thc ledge was opened in thc Second Degree , anil they were duly passed . Bro . E . Elliott being a candidate for raiding , was entrusted and retired . The lodge having been opened in the Third Degree , he was raisetl to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., the work being done in a careful manner . The lodge was resumed to
the First Degree . I he election nf W . M . for thc ensuing year was unanimous in favour of Bro . \ V . B . Bacon , and Elers , P . M ., re-elected Treasurer . The elected Auelitors in addition lo those provided in the bye-laws are Bios , Waterman and Graham . The usual gratuities were given to the Tyler an _ waiter , also £ 3 voted out of the lodge funds to a distressed brother . P . M . Elers proposed , and
Bro . Graham secone . d , " That a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes for the indefatigable services renelered by Bio . Bates as Secretary , " which was carried unanimously . Several other propositions having been brought forward , the lodge was duly closed , and thc brethren adjourneel for refreshment . LANCASTER .-Duke of Lancaster Lodge
( No . 1353 ) . — The regular meeting of this loelge took place on thc 20 th Februarj , when the following members attended : Bros . I . G . Dale , W . M . ; R . Wolfenden , S . W . ; J . Ellershaw , J . W . ; J . Bell , P . M ., Hon . Treas . ; J . Acton , P . M ., Hon . Sec . ; W . Parker , S . D . ; H . Hartley , J . D . ; R . Cleminson , I . G . ; J . E . Oglethorpe , Org . ; J . D . Bell , S . S . ; C . J . W . Stork , J . S . ; lames Conton , I . P . M .
J . Barrow , P . M . ; W . Heald , P . M . ; W . Stewardson , I . P . M . 940 ; John Simpson , R . Woods , P . Dutlon , W . Huntingdon , H . Slizakcr , Thos . Dodgson , P . M . 991 ; , ' 339 . P . P . G . Purst . Cumbcrlant ! and Westmorland ; W . King , E . Huntingel . n . F . Amistcd , L . S . Lacey , ] . Proctor , W . Iluth . rsal ] , Wm . Bell , G . Bczard , J . Wilson , J . Hartley , K . A . Stansfvld , S . D . I S 6 I ; J . Bannister , P . S . D . ; W . Scott , W . Drinkall , J . M . Bell , P . S . S . ; A .