Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

375 ] DRYASDUST . ' Bro . Hughan asks for certain information , which I give him to-day . i .-As regards the "Lodge Minute , " for special reasons I can say no more at present than that such a lodge minute exists of 1722 . Whether it confirms the story of the four lodges or refer to London lodges is the one point I cannot charge my memory with for certain . It

is some time since I saw it , and my impression is that the words are the "four lodges , " but I hesitate on this point somewhat . But that is the earliest lodge minute which I have so far seen , in the original . 2 . The Minute Book of 1705 at York would be more important to me than that of 1712 , for this reason , that it would connect us closer with the seventeenth century . I remember when I

saw the Roll for the first time of the lodge meetings at York how important I deemed it , as will be seen in my account to the " Freemasons ' . Magazine , " at a time when , except to the York brethren , its existence was almost unknown . But we seem now to be passing from these interesting facts , and to be necessarily directing our thoughts to the seventeenth century , as the " crux "

presented by Bro . Gould to Masonic critics and writers in some senses is rendered harder than ever to deal with and solve . In his next volume he may help us all much . 3 , My good critic falls into a Itttle blunder himself , as probably a mere slip of the pen . Alarmed by the said degrees or grades , he finds fault with my words too hastily . Had he thought a little longer he would have seem that ,

what I meant was that-AshmoIe ' s use . of words in 1 GS 2 did not allude to a degree , but that he was simply stating a fact . Ashmole was not made a Fellow then , and he does not say so . This is an early mistake ( not Anderson's ) , by which " was" is substituted for " were , " and arose from a want of ' careful collation with the original . 1 apprehend

my usually most correct brother had an " old reference . 4 I do use the word " initiation " as regards what took place at Warrington , as correct critically . What admission into the Fellowship meant is , I admit , hard to say . But I cannot accept the monograde theory on any terms , and never could . Whether Bro . Hughan knows me or not he may believe for some good reason that I sign myself DRYASDUST .

37 6 ] FREEMASONRY BEFORE 1717 . There is a curious paragraph in the 173 S Constitutions , which struck me the other day . When Sayer is elected Grand Master of Masons , he is " forthwith invested with his badges of office and power , " evidently according to

old usage and prescription . The Masonic insignia such as they were , were ready , thus showing " continuation , " not " creation , " a " revival , " not a "beginning . " One cannot help being struck with the boldness of Anderson as exemplified in various passages if he is not correct . Certainly if his be " historical falsification " it is so with a

vengeance . MASONIC STUDENT . 377 ] ¦ ' . THE POPE AND FREEMASONS . Reply . By a

FREEMASON . This is one of the numerous protests which the last unwise allocutions of Papal and Archiepiscopal outcome have necessarily drawn forth . It is an indignant denial by a loyal Freemason of ridiculous charges and unjustifiable allegations . We are ourselves almost inclined to think , that enough has been said to vindicate the true character of English

Freemasons , and to point out the " reductio ad absurdum " involved , in the untruthful charges of even an infallible authority . If we wanted a better test of infallibility , we could not find one , than these positively ridiculous and untruthful assertions alike of Roman Curia and

combatant archbishops . We think that our safest policy and wisdom will be to leave the matter where Lord Carnarvon left it so well and so truly , and protest , as far as we in England are concerned , against incriminations which are childish , assertions which are baseless ^ and accusations which are untrue .

37 S ] GRAND LODGE SOVEREIGNTY . Previously to 1 SC 0 Italy was an unoccupied country , open to all Grand Lodges . In 1 SG 1-62 a Grand Orient was established at Turin , which , although composed of some 52 subordinate lodges , enjoyed a very brief existence of a few years only . It was recognised by the Grand Lodges of Ireland , Switzerland , France , Belgium , and Portugal .

Marshall Magnan , on the part of France , recognised its lc-gi macy 7 th April , 1 S 62 ; but reserved all rights of the Grand Orient of France over the two lodges of its Constitution in Genoa and Leghorn for such time as they mightchoose to remain connected with their mother lodge . That they joined the Grand Orient of Italy almost immediately does not affect the principle .

•G . W . SPETH . 379 ] SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . Scott , in his preface to the " Pocket Companion " of 1754 , thus speaks of Sir Christopher as the old Grand Master : " I have been also informed that the supposition for Sir Christopher Wren ' s neglect of the Craft , pointed

at in page 95 of the ensuing history , is , in some instances , misrepresented , for no person in the Grand Master's chair ever deserved better of the Craft , nor did more honour to the Society of Freemasons when his age would permit him to attend their meetings ; but that his supposed neglect of his brethren was owing to no other cause than his extreme old age and retirement from the stage of business or worry . . " ANTIQUITY .

The returns of the Board of Inland Revenue show that reply cards are not in much esteem among the English public . At first there was clearly no indisposition to give them a trial , for in the year ending March 31 st , 1 SS 3 , nearly _ 2 J millions were issued for home use besides 169 , 500 foreign reply cards . In the succeeding 12 months the issue of home cards fell to 755 , 940 and of foreign cards to 29 , 700 . Meanwhile the demand for single cards , both thin and stout , as well as for postal wrappers , is well maintained .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft JHasourjJu PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM LODGE ( No , 753 ) . —The installation meeting of the above lodge

took place on Wednesday , the 23 rd ult ., at Lord s Hotel , St . John ' s Wood . The lodge having been duly opened by the VV . M ., '' Bro . J . Evans , assisted by the officers , viz .: Bros . P .. Gordon , S . W . ; E . F . Duffin , J . W . ; C . R . Wickens , S . D . ; E . VV . Scattergood , J . D .: and I . Thomas ,

I . G ., the minutes of the last lodge were read and confirmed , after which Mr , E . Williams was initiated into the Order . The VV . M . elect , Bro . F . Gordon , was next presented and installed in the chair of , K . S . for the ensuing year , the ceremony being ably performed by the I . P . M . A handsome jewel was then presented , on behalf of the lodge , to the I . P . M . for the very efficient manner he had conducted the

duties of W . M . for the past year . The W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . E . F . Duffin , S . W . ; C . R . Wickens , J . W . ; E . W . Scattergood , S . D . ; J . Thomas , J . D ' . ; and S ' . Read , I . G . The lodge being closed in due form , the brethren repaired to the banqueting-room , wherean excellent

repast was served . The usual Masonic toasts having been honoured , a very excellent musical programme ,-to which the I . P . M . greatly contributed , was satisfactorily rendered , assisted by Bros . Wickens , Duffin , and Clayton , the I . P . M . 's songs being particularly appreciated . Bro . Knight Smith . officiated as Organist .

FARRINGDON WITHOUT LODGE ( No . 1745 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel on Monday , the 28 th ult . Among those p resent were Bros . T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M ., in the chair , in the unavoidable absence of the V . W ., Bro . H . B . Marshall , G . T ., & c , through illness ; Young , S . W . ; J . Strugnell ; P . M ., acting J . VV . ; H . I . Lardner ,

P . P . G . O . Surrey , P . M ., Treas . ; Lister , J . D . ; Skelhorn , I . G . ; Professor Lott , G . O . ( Hon . Org . ); Schultz , A . W . S . ; and Parkinson , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Scherer was duly raised * to the degree of M . M . Letters of apology for non-atlendance were read from V . W . Bros . H . B . Marshall , W . M . ; W . H .

Jackson , P . M . ; Goodehough , P . M . ; and others . It was moved by Bro . Walls , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Young , S . W ., and carried unanimously , " That this lodge deeply regret to hear of the serious accident that has befallen the V . W . Bro . H . B . Marshall , W . M ., and desires

to express its pleasure that ; he is rapidly recovering from its effects , and trusts that he will be sufficiently restored to preside over the lodge at its next meeting in September . " The Secretary having beendirected to forward a copy of this resolution to V . W . Bro . H . B . Marshall the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned . There was no banquet .

GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE .-Lodge of Industry ( No . 4 S ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this ancient lodge was held on Monday , the 2 Sth ult ., at the Industry Masonic Hall , when there was a fair attendance of brethren . In the absence of the W . M ., the chair was occupied by Bro . J . G . Smith , P . M ., supported by Bros . J . Wood , P . M . ; R . Whitfield , P . M . ; M . H . Dodd , H . M . ; M . Corbitt ' , P . M .,

Treas . ; John Spearman P . M . 4 S 1 ; J . Cook , P . M . 4 S 1 ; T . Dinning , VV . M . 481 ; and W . J . Brown , W . M . 541 . There were also present Bros . A . Rhagg , S . VV . ; VV . M . Pybus , J . W . ; E . Shewbrooks , Sec . ; W . Dalrymple , S . D . ; W . Brown , J . D . ; A . Simpson , as l . G . ; R . Ferry ' , Org . ; W . Stafford , J . S . ; J . Curry , Tyler ; C . Case , Walton Lee . VV . Richardson , L Bulmer , T . Shepherd . l . W . Porter , John

Stephenson , T . L . Hall , G . H . Cawthorn , J . T . Harrison , R . T . Swallow , W . F . Brown , C . G . Nichols , R . Tate , R . Brason , E . Liddell , J . ' Lambert , S . D . in ; H . Nixon , 424 ; R . Simpson , 406 ; F ; Leddicoat , 4 S 1 ; J . T . Ridley , Sec . 406 ; D . Hall , S . S . 1712 ; E . Turnbull , J . D . 4 S 1 ; and others . After the ordinary preliminary business had been transacted , Bros , lohn Stephenson and T . L . Hall were passed

to the . Second Degree by Bro . John Wood , P . M ., the S . W . explaining the working tools . Bro . W . Richardson , C . Case , and VV . Lee were duly raised as Master Masons b y Bro . J . G . Smith , who also explained the working implements . After further formal transactions , the lodge was closed in love and harmony , when the brethren adjourned to the refreshment room , and enjoyed themselves for the space of an hour and a half .

GARSTON . —Lodge of Harmony ( No . 220 ) . — The members of the above lodge , which , is one of the most ancientin the province of West Lancashire , held their annual installation meeting at the Garston Hotel on Wednesday afternoon , the 23 rd ult . The lodge was opened by Bro . W .. Olver , W . M ., supported by P . M . ' s W . S : Vines , P . P . G . D . C . ; S . Tickle , T . F . Hill , H . Hatch , and P . E .

Rothwell . The following visitors were present in addition to a good muster of the brethren of the lodge : Bros . Thos . Salter , P . M . 241 , P . P . G . J . D . ; W . Savage , I . P . M . 1609 ; H . Matthews ,- P . M . 127 C ; R . Lambert , 1393 ; J . H . Evans , 673 ; J . Cave , 1094 ; S . Jacobs , 241 ; W . J . Davis , 1182 ; R . W . Taylor , W . M . 1299 ; A . Bucknall , I . P . M . 657 ; T . Hatton , P . M . 203 ; and A . J . Phipps ,

1576 . Bros . Vines , P . M ., and Rothwell , P . M . ; presented Bro . Joseph Williams , the W . M . elect , for installation ; and Bro . W . Olver , in an effective manner , performed the ceremony of installation . The following officers were . invested for the ensuing year : Bros . J . R . Wood , S . W . ; R . Wright , J . VV . ; James Carter ( eighth time ) Sec ; W . S . Vines ( for the 14 th time ) Treas . ; J . Burchall , S . D ;; P . Lott , J . D . ; J . Jellicoe , I . G . ; T . Lawton , S . S . ; 1 .

Armistead and b . S . Fisher , J . S . ; P . E . Rothwell , D . C . ; andW . Olver , I . P . M . . . The brethren afterwards sat down to a banquet . excellently served by Bro . T . Wilson . During the evening Bro . J . Williams presented to Bro . Olver , on behalf of the lodge , a fine Past Master's jewel . Capital songs were sung by Bros . Hatton , Taylor , and Wood , with Bro . Phipps at the piano .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON . —Harmony Lodge ( No . 372 ) : —A meeting was held on the 9 th July , at the Rolle Arms Hotel , Budleigh Salterton , there were present : Bros . Thos . Hine , W . M . ; W . Sidwell , SAV . ; Jene Sargent , J . W . ; J . Littlexohn , Sec . ; W . Brittan , S . D . ; J . Noble ( pro tern ) ., J . D . ; G . Coombes , I . G .: W . H . Watson , Stewd . ; W . Pratt , Tyler ; J . L . Towning , I . P . M .,

pro tern . ; A . Pichley , P . P . GiP . Devon ; Marker , Madge , Bennett , Pratt , Kennington , & c . The lodge was opened in the First Degree , with solemn prayer , the minutes of the last regular lodge was read and confirmed . Bro . Pratt , having been found efficient was entrusted . Tbe lodge was than opened in the Second Degree when Bro . Pratt was

passed by the W . M ., in his usual able manner . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree when Bro . Kennington , who proved efficient in the former , was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M .-, by the W . M ., in a most able and impressive manner , which made a profound impression , the W . M . giving the whole of the Ritual . The lodge was then closed in peace , order and harmony .

BATTLE . — Abbey . Lodge ( No . 11 S 4 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , the 17 th ult . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . B . H . Thorpe , P . P . G . S . D ., supported by Bros . A . D . Womersley , I . P . M . ; Very Rev , E . R . Currie , M . A ., Prov . G . Chap ., S . VV . and Chap . ; C . Armstrong , J . W . ; H . G . F . Wells , Prov . G . A . P . ;

Rqbert Hughes , Sec . ; Henry Kimm , S . D . ( Freemason ); f . B . Foord , J . D . ; -J . Fielding , Org . ; J . T . Walder , I . G . ; J esson , Tyler ; W . Lamborn , P . P . G . P ., P . M . ; C . R . Chandler , P . P . G . P ., P . M . ; VV . C . Till , C . Martin , G . Farley , R . M . Lambert , H . Driicquer , W . J . Jordan , H . Foster , R . Davison , M . D . ; Major Robertson ; J . M . Fair , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . 1 S 17 ; and Rev . C . F . B . Hawkins ,

M . A . . Visitors : Bros . John Pearce , P . M . 40 ; and B . Womersley , 1042 . After the confirmation of the minutes the ceremony of raising Bro . Hawkins was most ably and impressively performed by the W . M ., Bro . Thorpe . Some further business having been discussed , the lodge was closed . A very plea = sant hour was afterwards spent , the usual toasts given and responded to .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

DORIC LODGE ( No . 933 ) . —The above lodge met as usual on Friday , the 25 th ult ., when-there were present : Bros . Stephen Crane , W . M . ; Tichiaz , S . VV . ; G . H . Stephens , J . VV . ; B . Cundic , P . M ., Preceptor as Deacon ; W . Musto , P . M . Sec ; J . West , I . G . ; L . Pettitt , and others . The First ceremony Iwas worked , Bro . Pettitt ,

candidate . Bro . G . H . Stephens worked the Fourth Section of the First . lecture , after which Bro . L . Pettitt was interrogated as a candidate for the Second Degree , The same brother who hails from the- Mozart Lodge , 1929 , was elected a member , and Bro . S . W ., also elected VV . M , for Friday next , and lodge was •closed , a very instructive meeting having been passed .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A . meeting was held on Monday , the 2 Sth ult ., at the Fountains Abbey Hotel , 111 , Praed-street , Paddington , W . . Present : Bros . C . Andrews , P . M . 77 , W . M . ; F . T . C . Keeble , VV . M . 1426 ,, S . W . ; C . E . Botley , W . M . 1996 , J . VV . ; G . Read , P . M . . 511 , Treas . and Preceptor ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , Sec , ; J . Stevens , P . M . 720 , S . D . ; F . Botley ,

J . D . ; C . S . Mote , I . G . ; VV . H . Chalfont , P . M . 1425 , Stwd . ; Geo . Davis , P . M . 167 ; Capt . A . Nicols . P . M . 1974 ; M . S . Speigel , P . M . 18 S ; J . Higgins , P . M . ' 1732 , 13 S 1 ; H . Robinson , R . E . Cursons , t < . Chandler , T . Friend , . C . H . . Wood , S . J . Humfress , VV . Death , A . Hardy , W . J . Mason , W . Middleweek , J . Brazeil , M . J . Green , W . Eastgate , A . I . Chapman , H . Gilbert , E . F .

Ferris , R . P . . 1 . Laundy , J . M . Chapman , and'C . R . Wickens . Visitors : Bros . S . Starker ,. iSS ; P . G . N . Goldney , 40 ; Hamilton , G . R . C . Canada ; j . Brotheridge , 16 ^ 9 , 2021 ; J . Davies , 169 ; A . Turner , 181 S ; and H . Higgins , P . M . 1732 . The lodge was opened in due . form with solemn prayer , and the minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and

confirmed . The lodge opened in the Second and Third Degrees , resumed to . Second . ¦ The First and Second Sections of the Lecture" were worked by Bro . Davies , assisted by the brethren . Cursons was examined and entrusted . Lodge rpsumed to Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed . Lodge was closed down to First Degree .

Bro . P . G . N . Goldney , 10 , St . John's , Hamilton , was unanimously elected an honorary member . Bro ! Higgins was elected a joining member . A vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Andrews for the very able manner he had performed the duties of the chair . The lodge was adjourned until the nth inst . ; when Bro . Chandler will be W . M .

WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , 20 th ult ., at the Adam and Eve , York-street , Westminster , when there were present Bros . Foulson , W . M . ; Foscutt , S . W . ; Brindle ( W . M . ) J . W . ; Wray , P . M ., Preceptor ; Musson , Sec . ; H . White , S . D . ; Bowen , J . D . ; Hayes , LG . ; Greenway , Green , Coughlan , Power , Balchin , Ardiwinoi Purnell ,

Whiting , and Fraser . The lodge was opened in due- form , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , Bro . Greenway , candidate was raised to the Third Degree , answered the usual puestions and was entrusted . The lodge was opened- in the Third Degree . The ceremony of raising was rehearsed ,

Bro . Greenway , candidate . The lodge was closed in the Third Degree . The lodge was closed in the Second Degree . The Preceptor , assisted by the brethren , worked the First Section , and Bro . Greenway , assisted by the brethren , worked the Second Section . It was proposed , seconded , and unanimously carried that Bro . Foscutt be elected W . M . for the ensuing week . The lodge was closed in perfect harmony .

BRIXTON LODGE ( No . 1949 ) . —The weekly meeting took place on Tuesday evening , the 29 th inst ., at the Prince Regent , Dulwich-road , East Brixton , when there were present Bros . H . Mayer , W . M . ; E . J . Goodall , S . W . ; H . Hooper , J . W . ; C . H . Phillips , S . D ., Treas . ; G . -R . Langley , J . D . ; B . de Solla , I . G . ; E . A . Francis , Preceptor ; S . Richardson , ' Sec ; G . C . Banks , J . N . Bate , and G . Flint .