Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

The working was , in each and ever } ' Degree , highly creditable to all concerned , and the appreciation of the brethren present was signified by thc record upon the minutes of the evening of votes of thanks to thc W . M ., S . W ., and the brethren who assisted . Several visiting brethren having been elected joining members , the lodge was closed with the customary ceremonial .

BURGOYNE LODGE ( No . 902 ) . —The inauguration festival of this re-constituted lodgeof instruction , recently removed from the north-west of London , was held on Thursday evening , the 23 rd ult ., at Bro . Gabb ' s , the Cock Tavern , St . Martin's-court , Ludgatc-hill , under the presidency of Bro . G . Wale , the popular W . M . of the now highly prosperous mother lodge , by the sanction of

which the new Masonic school is working . A plain but excellent and succulent supper , provided by the esteemed host , who at present fills the office of S . W . of 902 , was prefaced by the W . M . working , pro forma , opening and closing in the Three Degrees , assisted by the VVardens of the mother lodge , Bros . Gabb and Wilkins , with Bro . R . N . Field , P . M / 902 , as I . P . M ., Bros . Murrell

and Cave , as Deacons , and Bro . Batty , 902 , as Inner Guard . Eight brethren were unanimously elected as joining members during the preliminary meeting . At the social board wc observed a goodly attendance of P . M . ' s and members of thc Burgoyne Lodge . Thc VV . M . was supported b y Bros . F . j . C . Taylor , P . M ., Secretary of the lodge of instruction ; Poynter , P . M ., Treasurer of the parent

lodge ; R . N . Field , P . M . ; JelTerys , P . M . ; Wilkins , Fry , Windybank , Legg , Floyd , Cooper , and many other brethren . Bro . Gabb acted as croupier , ably supported by Bro . Batty , I . G . The usual toasts wcre given with terseness and commendable brevity , but great propriety , by the _ W . M ., and suitably acknowledged . The evening ivas enlivened by some excellent solos and part singing by

several of thc brethren and companions , amongst whom should be noticed Bros . Gabb and Wilkins for " their well rendered duets . Bro . Lestocq , theeminent comedian , present as a guest , contributed two admirable recitations , one "Monk" Lewis's thrilling delineation of confinement "under suspicion" of lunacy in the "bad old days , " "The Captive ; " the second , Hans Breitmann ' s humorous

experiences of his first experiment in smoking , and the well-known old English song of thc "The Mermaid , " the stirring chorus to which was heartily rendered by the brethren . Bro . Field with much spirit rendered Lei gh Hunts " Glove and the Lions . "

. Twenty-five brcthien partook of the excellent fare provided , and from all that transpired we may venture fo predict for this new increment in Masonic practice a long and prosperous career . The party separated at a little before eleven o ' clock in _ perfect harmony , after having spent together a most enjoyable and fraternal evening .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

BIRKENHEAD . —Fidelity Chapter ( No . 477 ) . —The annual installation of Principals in this chapter took place on Wednesday evening , the 22 nd ult ., at the Masonic Chambers , Hamilton-street . Thc chapter was opened by Comp . Dutton , M . E . Z ., and the following companions were afterwards installer ) by Comp . S . ( ones , P . Z . .- Comps . VV . Bennett , M . E . Z . ; F . Thompson , ' lI . ; A . K . Gardiner , J . ; E . Evans * , P . S . ; W . Getley , N . ; S . Jones , P . Z ., Scribe

( re-elected for fourth time ); D . Frazer , P . Z ., Treasurer ( re-elected for fourth time ); and Marsh , D . C . Amongst the visitors were Comps . J . Salmon , P . Z . 721 , P . P . G . S . Cheshire ; Jesse Banning , " P . Z . 310 and 124 , P . P . G . P . S . West Lancashire ; 11 . Ashmore , M . E . Z . S 23 ; T . Gregory , II . G 05 ; and I . Jacobs , S 23 . The chapter having been closed in due form , the brethren

adjourned to the banqueting room , to an excellently served repast , of which Bro . Berry , of thc Ranelagh . Hotel , was the puiveyor . Thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to , and during the evening Comp . Salmon presented to Comp . J . Dutton , who now is I . P . Z ., a very handsome P . Z . ' s jewel . Bros . Ashmore , Russell , and Jacobs greatly contributed to thc after harmony of the proceedings .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

MARYPORT . —Whitwell Lodge ( No . 151 ) . — The installation meeting ol this flourishing lodge was held on Thursday , the 23 rd ult ., in the Freemasons' Mall , Eaglesfield-street . Tiie following members were present Bros . J . 11 . Banks , W . M ., P . G . J . O . ; G . W . Thompson , S . W . ; F . Harrison , J . W . ; J . Gardiner , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., as M . O . ; A . " Walter , " S . O . ; 1 . Wilson , P . G .

Steward , J . O . ; J . Nicholson , P . M . and ' Treasurer , P . G . Treas ; VV . Stoildart , Secretary ; J . A . Raven , J . D . ; T . "Weatherston , I . G . ; G . Curwen , j . O . Scott , T . Dixon , P . Wedgwood , E . G . Mitchell , | . " W . Robinson , I " . Mandie , P . M ., P . G . M . O . ; and P . Hodgson , P . M . The following visitors were also present from Faithful Lodge , No . 229 : Bros . Kev . E . M . Rice , M . A ., Chaplain ; T .

Mason , Secretary and R . M . ; and W . F . Lamonby , P . M ., P . G . Sec The only business was thc formal installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . J . II . Banks , who for tho third time ( twice successively ) has been elected . The duty was performed by Bro . Nicholson , P . M ., assisted by Urn . Gardiner , P . M ., after which the following oflicers were invested : Bros . A . Walter , S . W . ; J . W . Robinson , [ AV . ;

W . Stoddart , M . O . ; J . Wilson , S . O . ; T . Weatherston , J . O . ; F . lieeby , Chaplain ; J . Nicholson , P . M ., Treas . ( re-elected ); G . VV . Thompson , Sec . ; T . Milburn , K . M . ; J . II . Raven , S . D . ; J . O . Scott , J . D . ; J . Smith , Org J . C . Nicholson , D . C . ; P . Wedgwood , I . G . ; J . Cuthbertson and J . Kirk , Stewards ; and ] . Harrison , Tyler . 'I he lodge _ being closed , the W . M ., as usual , invited all to partake of tea , after which several toasts were drunk .

HAYWARD'S HEATH . —Southdown Lodge ( No . nl .- ) . — 'file annual meeting of this lodge was held at the Station Hotel , on Friday , the 24 th ult ., and , considered the installation meeting , but that ceremony was dispensed with , consequent of the re-election of the W . M ., Bro . C . J . Smith , Prov . Grand Mark S . W . The attendance was not large , as many of the brethren are away for their summer change of air , &¦; ., a ' , this season o £ the year

Mark Masonry.

Thc lodn-e was opened , the mjnutcs read and confirmed , and a ballot taken for Bro . R . Y . 13 , Powell , M . M . M . 75 , who was unanimously elected a joining member . Present : Bros . C . J . Smith , VV . M . ; J . Pearson , P . M ., as I . P . M . ; J . Newman , S . W . ; C . Golding , J . W . ; H . VV . Charrington , P . M ., Prov . G . M . Sec , * as M . O . ; VV . T . Clarke , P . G . Steward , P . Prov . Grand Mark Sec , as Sec . ; T . Cable , J . D ., as I . G . ; and Thos . Hughes , Tyler .

The W . M . feelingly addressed the brethren , . and thanked the lodge generally for the renewed honour conferred upon him , and appointed his officers as follows : Bros . J . Pearson , I . P . M . ; C . W . Hudson , S . W . ; Dr . Byass , J . W . ; G . R . Lockyer , M . O . ; J . Saxby , S . O . ; T . Chandler , J . O . ; F . Willard , Treasurer ; C . Golding , Secretary ; J . Braithwaite , D . of C . } J . Newman , R . of M . ; T .

Cable S . D . ; VV . T . Clarke , J . D . ; H . W . Charnngton , I . G . ; and Thos . Hughes , Tyler . Ali business being ended , the lodge was closed according to ancient custom , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , provided by Bro . Golding , proprietor of the hotel , to which full justice was done ; also the usual toasts proposed , and eloquently responded to . Bro . Binckes , Grand Mark Sec , joined thc happy party at banquet .

WOOLWICH . —Excelsior Lodge ( No . 226 ) . — The installation meeting of the above lodge took place on Tuesday , the 2 ist ult ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Bro . James Smyth , VV . M ., P . G . Stwd . England , P . P . G . O . Kent , presiding . The minutes of the last meeting having been passed , Bro . Walter Duckcr , 700 , was advanced to the Degree of M . M . M . by the W . M . Bro . VV . Weston , P . P . G . O . Kent , VV . M . elect , was then presented to the

Installing Officer , Bio . D . M . Dewar , P . G . O . and G . Asst . Secretary , forthe benefit of installation , and was , with thc usual ceremonies , placed in the chair of Master . The newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . A . Penfold , P . P . G . J . W . Kent , S . W . ; H . Shaw , P . P . G . D . C . Kent , J . W . ; Rev . C . Solbe , P . G . Chap . Kent , M . O . ; VV . Holleyman , P . P . G . Stwd . Kent , S . O . ; VV . A . Watkins , P . P . G . Stwd . Kent , L O . -, I ) . A . Capon , P . P . G .

Stwd . Kent , Reg . of Mks . ; IL Pryce , P . P . G . Reg . ot Mks . Kent , Treas . ; G . Kennedy , P . P . A . G . Sec . Kent , Sec ; VV . B . Lloyd , S . D . j T . D . Hayes , J . D . ; Dr . Flaxman Spurrell , I . G . ; VV . Moulds , D . C ; G . Nichols , Asst . D . C ; T . Ovenden , Stwd . ; and J . Bilton , Asst . Stwd . Among the other brethren present were Bros . D . C . Coupland , P . M ., G . M . O . Kent ; Ortrmr . Sculley , P . P . G . I . G . Kent ; and C . Jolly ( Freemason ) .

A handsome Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro . Smyth for services rendered the lodge during his year of office , and a unanimous vote of thanks was presented to Bro . D . M . Dewar for his services as Installing Officer . Thc lodge was then closed , and the brethren proceeded to the Earl of Chatham Arms , where a superb banquet awaited them , and which having been discussed , the usual royal and Maik Masonic toasts were proposed and

responded to . The toast of " Ihe Grand Officers of England , Present and Past , " was coupled with the names of Bros . D . M . Dewar and Smyth , and in giving it the VV . M . spoke highly of the services rendered to the lodge by Bro . Dewar , especially at its formation . It was said at the time , " Oh , there is nothing easier than to form a Mark lodge , " but he could tell them that there were so many difficulties to he overcome that without the ceaseless aid of Bro . Dewar

did not know whether there would have been an Excelsior Lodge at all , and now he thanked him both for this and for installing him that day as its VV . M . Bro . Dewar said they must excuse him if he made but a short speech in reply , for the time for his departure had nearly arrived and he must be going . He felt the kind remarks that had been made by Bro . Weston exceedingly , and was proud to see the prosperity of the Excelsior Lodge . With

reference to the Grand Oflicers he spoke with pleasure of the introduction of the Earl of Kintore , a Scotch Mason , and H . R . H . Prince Leopold among the ranks o ! thc Grand Oflicers of Grand Lodge . The presence of the of the latter meant a great deal for Mark Masonry ; it meant this , if it meant anything , that before long their illustrious brother , their Royal Grand Master of thc Craft , would join them , and then the lustre of

his name would make the Degree shine in the eyes of all good Masons , and increase its prestige immensely . Bro . Smyth also eloquently responded . The next toast was that of " Bro . the Rev . Thomas Robinson , Prov . Grand Mark Master of Kent , " and thc W . M . in giving it said they might all remember with pride that their esteemed Grand Master presided over this lodge in November last , when , by special invitation , Grand Lodge was held

there , and were the guests of the Excelsior Lodge . He asked them to drink the toast with honours ; and this the brethren did most heartily . The toast of the rest of " The Provincial Grand Officers " was coupled with the name of Bro . Coupland , who on returning thanks spoke highly of Bro . Robinson ' s love for Mark Masonry . He adverted to ( lie fact that the Excelsior Lodge had within its ranks more Grand Officers either Past or Present , than any other

lodge in the province , and this he attributed to the pleasureable interest felt b y their late lamented Grand Master , Bro . Sicklemore , in its progress , he having been present and assisted at its consecration . Bro . Smyth then proposed "The Health of Bro . Dewar , thc Installing Officer , " and highly eulogised that brother ' s efforts in the cause of Mark Masonry . Bro . Dewar briefly replied . The toast of "The VV . M . " was then proposed by Bro . Smyth , who

reviewed his own career in Masonry and Bro . Weston s services , and spoke highly of the zeal and assiduity displayed and pains taken by Bro . Weston , not only to found the lodge but to keep it going . Bro . Weston in returning thanks , said he was invested the first S . W . of the lodge , but gave way to Bros . Coupland and Smyth , because he believed they would be better able to increase the prosperity of the lodge than himself . " 'J'he Past Masters" were then honoured , and Bros . Coupland and Smyth responded .

"Thc Health of Bro . Duckcr , " the initiate , was drunk with enthusiasm , and in response that brother hoped ever to be worthy of the trust they had that day reposed in him . The loast of " The Officers" followed . _ Bro . Penfold , S . W ., responded . The toast of''The Freemason" was coupled with the name of Bro * Jolly , who responded . A vote of thanks was tendered to Bro . Capon for his excellent catering , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings .

Bro . Alderman Sir F . \ V . Truscott has left town , for Torquay , ( ot the benefit of his health .

Scotland.

Scotland .

PROVINCE OF AYRSHIRE . The Mother Lodge , Kilwinning , has determined to wipe off the reproach of being lodged in buildings unworthy of the crade of Freemasonry in Scotland . A movement has been inaugurated to raise funds for a hall with suitable

accommodation for the members and the brethren of the province , and , as the sum required is only £ 2000 , we may confidently hope to have in these columns to report that a day for the laying of the foundation-stone has been fixed , under distinguished auspices . The following is the circular which has been issued : —

" Mother Lodge , " Kilwinning , 14 th June , 1 SS 1 . " Sir and Brother , — " Kilwinning must always be held in the highest veneration by every free and accepted brother as the cradle of Freemasonry in Scotland ; the home of the Mother Lodge , and the centre whence throughout Scotland thc

mysteries of our ancient Order have been disseminated . " To the brethren of Mother Kilwinning , whether now resident in Kilwinning or scattered far and wide , it has long been matter of concern that their hall , erected more than a century ago , is not only unsuited for the present wants of the Craft , but that it has from its present dilapidated condition become a reproach to the Order . This

feeling has become intensified by thc fact that while the Master of Mother Kilwinning is Provincial Grand Master for Ayrshire , the Mother Lodge cannot supply in Kilwinning , the natural centre of Ayrshire Masonry , a hall with suitable accommodation for the members and thc brethren of thc province . " With the view of having a building worthy of the

ancient Order and of its hallowed memories—a building suitable to the increased demands of the Local and Provincial Lodge , and a building which will command the admiration of every Mason—the brethren of Mother Kilwinning appeal with confiden : c to every brother to whom the cause of Masonry is dear to assist them in this work . The estimated cost will be about /" 2000 , and the brethren at their

last annual meeting appointed thc following Committee , with power to add ' to their number , for the purpose of raising the necessary funds : — " Bro . R . VV . COCHRAN-PATRICK , of Woodside , LL . D ., M . P ., Right Worshipful Master of Mother Kilwinning and P . G . Master for Ayrshire .

„ The Rev . ALEXANDER INGLIS , P . G . Chaplain , Kilmaurs . „ WILLIAM F . SHAW , Proxy Senior Warden , 39 , Stockwell-street , Glasgow . „ JAMES THOMSON , F . R . S ., 3 , Abbotsford-place , Glasgow .

,, ROBERT WYLIE , P . G . Secretary , Kilwinning . „ PATRICK BURNS , P . G , Treasurer , Banker , Kilwinning , b y whom , or any of the other members of Committee , your kind contribution will bc thankfully received and duly acknowledged . " I am , Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , " ROBERT WYLIE , Secretary . "

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . J . E . MIDDLETON , P . M ., P . Z ., P . G . S . VVe regret to announce thc death of Bro . John Edmund Middleton , which took place at the city of York , where he had resided during thc past six oreight months , on Monday , the 20 th ult ., at the age of sixty-eight . Bro . Middleton was an old member of the Craft , having been initiated in thc Britannia Lodge , No . 1 G 2 ( now 139 ) , Sheffield , on the 16 th

March , 1 S 42 , and was exalted in the Paradise Chapter attached to the same lodge on thc 23 rd June , 1 S 43 . After remaining in the neig hbourhood of Sheffield for a short period he went to Colombo and resided abroad for some years , returning to England about 1 S 54 , when he again took up his abode in Sheffield , and was located there and in the neiirhbouring town of Rotherham until thc year iSGS .

He then removed to London , where he joined the St . Alban's Lodge , No . 29 , in which he served the office of VV . M . in 1 R 74-5 , and thc same year was appointed Grand Steward , and acted as such on the occasion of the installation of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales as Most Worship ful Grand Master at the Albert Mall on the 2 SU 1 April 1875 . He was also Secretary to the Board of Grand

, Stewards during his year , and in recognition of his services in that capacity a gold P . C . S . jewel was presented to him by thc Board . Bro . Middleton was also a member of the Premier Chapter St . James ' , No . 2 , and was elected and installed M . E . Z . forthe year 1 SS 0 , and on his retirement from that office he was presented with a handsome gold P . Z . iewel bv the comnanions of that chapter . Our late

brother took a warm interest in the charities of the Order , was a Life Governor of the three Institutions and on several occasions served the office as Steward . For several months before his death Bro . Middleton was in failing health , but only the day previous to that event he spent the evening at

the house of a relative in York , his death occurring most unexpectedl y a few hours afterwards . His remains were interred in the York Cemetery on Thursday , the 23 rd ult ., in the presence of his relatives , Mr . Alderman Rooke , Bro . Mark Rooke , VV . M . of the York Lodge , No . 23 G , and others .

BRO . EDWARD FEARON . Wc regret to announce the death of Bro . Edward Fearon , at St . Bees , on Sunday last , after a lingering illness . He was a P . M . and P . Z . of Lodge and Chapter 119 , Whitehaven , P . P . G . D . C . of Cumberland and Westmoreland , a P . S . of Dykes Conclave , No . 3 G , Knights of Rome and Constantine , and a member of Fletcher Lodge , No . 213 , M . M . M . The last three or four years of Bro . Fearon ' s life , we regret to say , were a series of misfortunes , the consequence being that he has left a widow and nine children totally unprovided for .