Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

took place on Wedesdaythe 22 nd , ult ., at the Skelmersdale Masonic Hall , when Bro . Robert E . Mitton , S . W . and W . M . elect , was placed in the chair as VV . M . The lodge was opened at 3 p . m . by the W . M ., Bro . James Gnerson , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . Hugh Ferguson ; I . P . M . ; ' E . Johnston , P . M . ; William Gick , P . M ., M . C . ; Dr . T . W . Sergeant , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . ;

Dr . Costine , P . M ., 1094 ; R . I * - * Mutton , S . W . ; Charles Bargery , J . W . ; Dr . D . Hendry , Ireas . ; H . F . Marshall , Sec ; Ios . Croxton , S . D . ; J . A . Kelhe , J . D . ; George Marsden , I . G . ; R . F . Britten , S . S . ; R . Pollock , J . S . ; E . Watson , Tyler ; Jos . Molyneux , J . Scott , Jos . Brown , Robert Johnston , R . Forbes , Thomas Dodd , N . Jack , W . Mander , A . McDougall , C Cockbam ,

W . Adams , C . Clarey , H . Dayer , 1 . B . Cleave , VV . Norton , E . Hughes , Thomas Hay , G . VV . Duffey , A . H . Gaskell ; J . A . Clarke , J . Smith , J . Evans , J . Barker , J . H . Giles , E . H . Norton , M . Thornton . Visitors : Bros . H . S . Alpass , G . S . B . P . G . Sec ; John Houlding , P . M . S 23 , P . P . G . Reg . ; J . P . Bryan , P . M . 1035 , P . G . Org . ; G . Broadbridge , P . M . 241 , P . P . G . Dir . of Cers . ; J . T .

Callow , P . M . 673 , P . P . G . Treas . ; John Wells , P . M . 58 , P . P . G . Dir . of Cers . ; Rev . Dr . Hyde , 10 S 6 ; J . Pilling , I . P . M . 139 6 ; C . Birch , P . M . 203 ; Thomas Hatton , VV . M . 203 ; W . H . Clemmey , P . M . 1473 ; J . Beasley , W . M . S 23 ; E . Paull , VV . M . 135 G ; R . Martin , junr ., P . M . 11 S 2 ; Dr . D . Parry , S . W . 10 SG ; A . Bucknell , S . W ., OG 7 ; E . Cattrall . I . W . 203 : 1 . Smith , J . W . 1035 ; Dr . T . F . Young ,

W . M . 1473 ; Robert Scott , S . D ., 1473 , * M . Wilkinson , J . W . 10 S 6 ; VV . H . Quayle , 1325 ; J- Lancaster , I . G . 1505 ; Isaac Piatt , 1473 ; J . Hounsell , Sec . 203 ; S . Howard , Sec . 1013 ; D . S . Stephens , 1013 ; H . Morgan , S 23 ; VV . Dickenson , 720 ; VV . Reid , 31 ; Thomas Matthews , 12 G 4 ; L . VV . Hayes , 1473 ; R . W . Chatham , 1356 ; and J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 .

After the minutes had been confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . John Taylorson , Wm . Carte , and Jos . S . Hough , who were declared duly elected . The ceremony of installation was then proceeded with , the VV . M . elect being presented by Bros . Johnston , P . M ., and "iV . Gick , P . M ., and he having taken the usual declaration , was installed into the chair of K . S . by the retiring VV . M ., Bro .

Grierson , in a very efficient manner . The VV . M . having been formally saluted , proceeded to invest his oflicers as follows : Bros . C . Bargery , S . W . ; H . Marshall , J . W .,-Dr . Hendry , Treas . ; J . A . Kellie , Sec ; Jos . Croxton , ( re-appointed ) , S . D . ; G . Marsden , J . D . ; R . T . Britten , I . G . ; E . Johnston , P . M ., M . C . ; R . Pollock , S . S . ; W . A . Mossman , J . S . ; and J . Clark , Org .

The usual addresses were then ably given by Bro . Johnston , P . M . The VV . M . then proceeded with the initiation of the three candidates . After a vote of thanks had been passed to the Installing Masters and the transaction of the usual business , the lodge was closed , and the brethren sat down to a recherche * banquet , provided in the hall by Bro . Casey .

After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been duly proposed and responded to , the VV . M . proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " and presented him with a chaste enamelled gold Past Master's jewel . The I . P . M . having been presented with a son and heir during his year of office , the brethren , to celebrate the event , presented the I . P . M ., in trust for his son , three fully paid-up shares in a Building Society .

The I . P . M . returned thanks in brief , but appropriate , speech . A long toast list having been gone through , the brethren separated , having spent a very p leasant evening . Thc pleasure of the gathering was greatly enhanced by the musical contributions of Bros . W . Forrester , T . Foulkes , P . M ., VV . H . Ouayle , and others , the accompaniments being well rendered by Bro . Bryant , VV . M . 1035 , Prov . G . Organist .

LANDPORT . —Landport Lodge ( No . 1776 ) - — There was an unusually large gathering of the members of the Craft in this borough on the iGth ult ., when Bro . T . H . Williams was re-invested as W . M . The ceremony took place in the lodge room at the Freemasons' Hall , and was most efficiently carried out by Bro . E . S . Main , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Bro . Williams appointed the following as his

officers for the year : Bros . G . A . Green , I . P . M . ; J . G . Niven , S . W . ; George Drake , J . W . ; A . H . Hancox , Treasurer ; G . Burbidge and T . H . Casey , Secretaries ; Miles , S . D . ; Foster , J . D . ; C . F . Brown , D . C . ; W . A . Marshallsay , I . G . ; T . A . Bramsdonand Hann , Stewards ; and Parkinson , T y ler . The musical portion of the ceremony was exceedingly well conducted , Bro . F . G .

Bradbear , P . G . O ., olhciating as Organist . An interesting feature of the evening ' s business was the presentation of a Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . Williams , in recognition of the very able and zealous manner in which he had presided over the lodge during the past twelve months . The presentation was made by Bro . E . S . Main , and acknowledged in suitable terms .

Amongst those present were the following : Bros . Alderman A . Cudlipp , P . M . 4 S 7 ; Alderman R . J . Murrell , P . M . 177 6 ; George Rake , P . M . 4 S 7 , P . P . G . W . ; Captain St . Clair , R . N ., ' W . M . 257 ; Mark E . Frost , P . M . 4 S 7 , P-PG . T . ; W . Edmonds , P . M . 309 , P . P . G . Reg . ; J . R . Hayman , W . M . 309 , P . G . Reg . ; H . Martin Green , W . M . 195 S ; R . J . Rastrick , P . M . 1069 ; W . Atkins , W . M . 1 o . n . liins

loGg ; R . Barnes , P . M . 342 , l-. r . U . u . ot ^ . ; , P . M . 342 , P . P . G . Reg . ; G . A . Green , P . M . 309 , P . P . G . U . of C ; J . Laverty , W . M . 142 S , P . G . D . of C . ; Francis Powell , W . M . 903 ; li . Groves , P . M . 903 , P . P . G . D . of C ; H . Kimber , W . M . S 04 ; E . Goldsmith , S . W . 309 ; C Travess , S . W . 142 S ; J . Selby Hall , G . Sylvester , and others .

SLOUGH . —Herschel Lodge ( No . 1894 ) . —The first anniversary of this lodge was celebrated on the 21 st ult ., when , in the presence of a large number of members and visitors , the first W . M ., Bro . the Rev . R . P . lV . nl , Past Grand Chaplain of England , performed in a most impressive 111 . -1111 R-1-, the ceremony of installing Br ... A . II . Kennedy , his successor , in the chair . Thc new W . M . appointed the following brethren as officers for the ensuing aim oein

year : Bros . Hie Kev . 11 . 1 * . Uliver u . muu , ... and Junior Wardens ; Rev . R . P . Bent , Chap . ; 0 . Turner , Treas . ; G . II . Charsley , Sec ; Ciowhuist and li . Dent , Senior and Junior Deacons ; Livcrd , Inner Guard ; T . Nash , Director of Ceremonies ; A . Turner and R . J . Webb , Stewards . When these officers had been properly invested , the W . M . presented a very handsome and appropriate Past

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Master ' s jewel to his predecessor in oflice . The crest and coat of arms of Sir William Herschel , which form the badge of the lodge , have been most tastefully embodied in this jewel over the usual emblem of the Past Master ' s office . The jewel bears the following inscription : " Presented by the Brethren of the Herschel Lodge , No . 1894 ,

as a token of their high esteem and fraternal regard , to the V . W . Bro . the Rev . R . P . Bent , P . G . C , Founder and first W . M ., 1 SS 1-S 2 . " On the lodge being closed , the brethren adjourned to the Crown Hotel , where a banquet was provided by Bro . Herold , and a most successful meeting was concluded by the usual loyal and Masonic toasts and speeches .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

PERCY LODGE ( No . 198 ) . —A meeting of this lodge of instruction was held at the Jolly Farmers , Soulhgate-road , Islington , on Saturday , the 25 th ult . Present : Bros . A . VV . Fenner , W . M . ; C Weeden , S . W . ; A . Ferrar , J . W . ; R . Pearcy , Preceptor ; Gribbell , S . D .-, Houghton , J . D . ; Ashton , I . G . ; Rhodes , Archer , Richardson , Galer , F . Venning , and others .

All ceremonials were duly observed in opening the lodge . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Rhodes giving proof of his efficiency was entrusted . Lodge being opened in the Second Degree , the ceremony of passing was reliearsed , Bro . Rhodes acting as candidate .

That brother afterwards answered the questions leading to the Third Degree . The VV . M . worked the First , Second and Third Sections of the Lecture , being assisted by the brethren . Bro . Frank Venning , of No . 101 , was elected a member . Bro . Charles Weeden was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , after which lodge was closed .

UNITED PILGRIMS LODGE ( No . 507 ) . — A meeting of this lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , at Camberwell , S . E ., on Friday , 24 th ult . Bros . C . H . Nevill , W . M . ; M . E . Stokes , S . W . ; A . J . Styles , J . W ., James Stevens , P . M . and Preceptor ; John S . Terry , P . M . and Sec . ; C . H . Phillips , S . D . ; Henry ,

J . D . ; VV . S . Payne , I . G . ; H . Willshire , and others . The lodge was worked entirely in the First Degree , with ceremony very ably rehearsed by the VV . M . and sections by the Preceptor , assisted by the brethren . Lodge was called off for entry drill and called on . Bro . M . E . Stokes was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , and the lodge was then closed in harmony .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 27 th ult ., at Norfolk-square Hotel , Paddington , VV . There were present Bros . A . Hardy , W . M . ; J . H . Smith , S . W . ; C . Holland , J . W . ; H . Dehane , Sec ; J . J . Thomas , S . D . ; E . A . Sugg , P . M . 452 , P . P . G . O . Surrey , J . D . ; C . E . Botley , I . G . ; Wickens , Mote , Wood , Cursons , Wadham , Foskett , and Simpson . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes oi

the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremonies of initiation and passing were rehearsed , Bros . Mote and Cursons being the candidates . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and closed down . Bro . E . A . Sugg was elected a joining member . A vote of thanks to Bro . Hardy was passed for the able manner he had performed the duties of W . M . The Secretary announced that there were 347 members belonging to the lodge , which was then closed and adjourned .

WOOLWICH . —United Military Lodge ( No . 153 6 ) . —The second annnal festival of the above lodge of instruction took place on Monday , the 27 th ult ., at the Earl of Chatham Arms , Thomas-street , and was a most successful affair , both as regards the attendance and the truly Masonic feeling ; that prevailed . Bro . T . Holleyman , VV . M . 1536 , presided , and among those present were Bros . W . W . Weston , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Kent ; Capt . Cox ,

P . M . 101 S , 1 S 17 , and 70 G ; G . Spink , P . M . 1536 ; G , Davis , P . 1 VI . 13 ; G . Kennaday , S . VV . 153 G ; A . Saunders , J . W . 1536 ; Capt . J . Scully , J . W . 706 ; Moulds , S . D 154 G ; Fisher , Sec . 1536 ; Hilton , Cox , Cooper , Kobertson . Anderson , Sayle , Gooding , Foxon , Kerrick , Wrigley , Maule , Bilton , all of 1536 ; Sergeant-Major Butler , 17 S 9 ;

West , 700 j and C . Jolly , 913 ttreemason ) . The dinner was simple but satisfactory , and heartily enjoyed . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and honoured , and then the provincial toasts followed , and were received in such a style as would have been most gratify ing to the Provincial Grand Masters , Lord Holmesdale , and Bro . Eastes had they been present .

In responding to the toast of "The Provincial Grand Oflicers , " Bro . Weston said that he could assure them that not only Lord Holmesdale , but the rest of the Grand Oflicers , took a great deal of interest in Masonry , especially for its welfare in the Province of Kent ; and , while he regretted that there were so few lodges of instruction in the nrovince , vet he felt proud to see that the lodge , of which

he had the honour to be a Past Master , had such a grand and excellent lodge of instruction attached to it . Some six years ago , when he was in the chair of the mother lodge , the present lodge was started . Then Bros . Pownall and Croisdale , two excellent and renowned Masons , were appointed Preceptors . Those brethren being removed from Woolwich by the exigencies of the service , he and Bro . G .

Spinks were appointed Preceptors , and although both of them had bad to resign that position , the lodge was flourishing , and now that they had Bro . Gooding as their Preceptor , he felt sure that they would go on and prosper . He ( Bro . Gooding ) was so exalted a Mason that he trusted the day was not so far distant when he would receive his reward . He had discursed a little from his text , but they

had seen what an excellent Master he ( Bro . Holleyman ) had made in their mother lodge through attending their lodge of instruction , and he would ask them to show their appreciation of the same by drinking his health heartily . The W . M ., in reply , said that the first thing that he . should do would be lo pay a tribute of respect to the oflicers of the lodge , who had , by means of the lodge of

instruction , show themselves so worthy of the confidence reposed in lliein . It was all very well to know the theory of Masonic ritual , but they must do the working part to be perfect , and that perfectness was only to be obtained by attending lodges of instruction . All he knew had heen learnt in lodges of instruction , and he must say that he was deeply indebted to P . M . G Davis , of the Union Waterloo Lodge of Instruction , for being in a position to fulfil the

Instruction.

duties of the chair he now occupied ; and he ferventl y asked them all to so fit themselves , through what they could gain in lodges of instruction , for the high office that might some day be conferred upon them . The next toast was that of the " Past Masters of the

United Military Lodge , " and in putting it the VV . M ., in the course of a lengthy and effective speech , paid a high compliment to Bro . Weston and Spinks , referring In eloquent terms to the great and valuable assistance one of their Past Masters , B . Deeves , was giving to Masonry in Natal .

Bro . Spinks , in response , said he felt proud to hear thc W . M . speak so hi g hly of Bro . Deeves , who was at the present time Sooo miles away from them . Bro . Deeves was at Petermaritzburg , and there he was the rulinir spirit among the four lodges in that province . In the lod ge he there belonged to there were upwards of 100 members , and Bro . Deeves was Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction

attached to it , and he ( Bro . Spinks ) felt sure that when Bro . Deeves heard , as he was sure to hear through the columns of the Freemason , how his name was remembered and his services appreciated by those around that table , his heart would be glad . As for himself , it had been alluded to by Bro , Weston that he should most likel y stay in Woolwich . Well , if he was called upon to -TO awav in thn

service of his country he would gladly go , but if he staved he would promise them to do all he could to keep up the prosperity of the United Military Lodge . He had been away four years on service in Natal , and for the kind reception they had given him since his return home he cordially thanked them . He then b y permission of the W . M ., proposed thc toast of the " Visitors , " and in doing

so spoke highly of the services of Bro . G . Davis , who he looked upon as the father of Freemasonry in this district . Bro . Davis , in response , said he rose with a great deal of diffidence , because of the great praise showered upon him by the VV . M . and Bro . Spink . It was now some twenty years ago since he was initiated into Freemasonry , and ten years ago he was asked to resuscitate Union Waterlooo

Lodge of Instruction . At that time he was about entering the chair of his lodge , and felt the necessity of learning something of the working . At that time Masonic instruction was in the hands of a very few in Woolwich , and they were not too apt to impart their knowledge to others . In fact , so few knew outside their offices of Masonic ritual , that he knew of a time when a coach had to be sent for a certain

Preceptor to come and open a lodge . This was all done with now , for he was proud to say that at the last meeting he attended of the United Military Lodge the W . M . called one of the more subordinateofficers to fill the chair of S . VV ., and he did it admirably . He concluded by praising Bro . Gooding as an excellent Preceptor . Bro . Cox , P . M ., in the course of a brilliant speechspoke

, of his love for Freemasonry and the strong bonds of affection that bound him to his old friends , " the gunners " of the Royal Artillery , and assured them that even if he had in the course of his eluty to leave Woolwich , he should join the Ubique Lodge , so as to be still among those of his brethren in arms , with whom the best and happiest

moments of his life had been passed . Bros . Scully and Butler alsoresponded The other toasts were : "The LooVe of Instruction , " coupled with the name of Bro . Gooding , the preceptor , who replied ; "The Secretary and Treasurer , " responded to by Bro . Anderson ; " Ihe Masonic Press ; " and "The Host , " concluded a very pleasant evening .

LANGTON LODGE ( No . 1673 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 23 rd . ult ., at the Mansion House Station Restaurant , Oueen Victoria-street , Bro . Stoddart being the W . M ., supported by Bros . Fletcher , S . W . ; Willis , J . W . ; Hosken , S . D . ; VV . Brown , J . D . ; Pocock . I . G . ; Sudlow , Preceptor ; Shaw , acting " Sec . ; Ward , Hasluck , Turner , Jones , Godwin , Morriss , Moreton ,

Seton , Spearing , Marshall , Evans , Johnston , and Barnett . The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , after which the lodge was opened in the Second and resumed in the First Degree , when Bro . Marshall , acting as candidate for the Second Degree , answered the usual questions , and the lodge having been resumed in the Second Degreehe was

, passed to the Degree of F . C . The VV . M . then gave the explanation of the second tracing board . After a " call off " the lodge opened in the Third Degree , and the Preceptor , assisted by the brethren , worked the First Section of the Third Lecture . The lodge was closed down to the Second Degree , Bro . Fletcher being unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting .

BRIXTON LODGE ( No . 1 949 ) . —Tho usual weekly meeting was held on Tuesday evening the 26 th ult ., at the Prince Regent ( Bro . Monks ) Dulwich-road , East Brixton , when there was a considerable attendance of brethren . In the absence of the VV . M . elect , Bro . E . Bye , J" * " ** - . , who was attending his regular lodge , Bro . Hy . M . Williams , the Secretary of the lodgewas invited to take

, the chair , and was supported by the following : Bros . S . Richardson , S . VV . ; F . A . Smith , J . W . ; E . A . Francis , Preceptor ; C II . Phillips , Treas . ; R . R . Johnstone , acting Sec . ; Richard Poore , S . D . ; H . Goodwin , j . D . ; II . Hooper , I . G . ; also Bros . Pooler , Croucher , Knight , Howe , Harling , Hoare , Moss , Durham and others . Lodge was then opened in due form , and the minutes of

the previous meeting were read and unanimousl y confirmed . Lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees . Lodge was resumed in the First Degree , and the ceremony of Initiation rehearsed by the VV . M ., with Bro . Howe as Candidate . Bro . Philli ps gave proofs of his proficiency in this Degree and was entrusted . Lod ge was resumed in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed

by the VV . M , Bro . Phillips being the Candidate . On the motion of the Preceptor , Bro . S . Richardson was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing week . Bro . Richardson briefly thanked thc brethren and appointed his officers in rotation . "Hearty good wishes" having been expressed by the brethren , lodge was closed in due form , and adjourned in and until

peace harmony the following Tuesday , at S p m . Most of the brethren remained for the social hour after labour , and some excellent songs were given by the musical talent of the lodge , Bro . A . VV . Sebastian Hoare , of Trinity College , London , presiding at the pianoforte . Hie W . M ., in responding to the toast of his health , referred to the fact that the meeting that evening completed the first six months of the lodge ' s existence , that the number of members was exactly seventy , and that the