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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
afforded him very great pleasure to present the token of the brethren in recognition of the services rendered by the recipient to the lodge during his term of office . The very able and efficient manner in yvhich he had worked made it a difficult matter for his successors to give the same amount of satisfaction to the brethren ; but difficulty yvas a thing to be overcome , and he trusted he should be able to prove
himself a not umvorthy successor . Bro . Henry D'Arcy , in a few choice sentences , thanked the brethren for the jewel , observing that he should value it not for its intrinsic yvorth , but as a token of the regard of the brethren generally , and for the kindly expressions with which the W . M . had accompanied the gift . Bro . Lawrence , P . M ., in responding to the toast of "The P . M . ' s , " urged upon the brethren the
absolute necessity of attending lodges of instruction if they desired to attain to any degree of eminence in the Craft . A very excellent lodge of instruction had been established at the Jamaica Coffee House , Cornhill , worked under the City of London charter , and he trusted that the younger members of the lodge , as -well as the present officers , would make a point of attending it every Thursday evening .
Bro . James Mitchell thanked the brethren for the manner in yvhich they had been entertained , and said that hospitality yvas a characteristic of Fieemasonry , and it was in no lodge exercised more yvorthily than in that of the City of London . The pleasure of his visit had been greatly enhanced by the admirable manner in yvhich thc yvhole of the lodge working of the evening ( and it had been very heavy )
had been conducted . Other speakers and toasts followed , and the brethren separated , after having spent a most enjoyable evening . ST . DUNSTAN'S LODGE ( N 0 . 1589 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was convened on the 19 th ult . at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street . There yvere present Bros . Dwarbcr , P . M ., W . M . ; Wellsman , P . M ., S . W . ; Dalwood , P . M .,
J . W . ; Maxwell , P . M ., P . G . S ., acting I . P . M . ; A . Tislcy , Secretary ; Dodson , S . D . ; Turner , J . D . ; Woodbridge , I . G . The minutes of the November meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M . raised Bro . Lewis , passed Bro . Pearce , and initiated Messrs . Giscard , Clemow , Beningfield , and Bambcr . The three arduous ceremonies were exceedingly yvell performed . A resolution yvas unan .
imously passed that the sum of 10 pounds should be voted from the lodge funds to head the list of Bro . Wellsman , S . W ., as Steward to the R . M . B . I . for Aged Women . This being election night , Bro . Wcllsman , S . W ., yvas unanimously elected to fill thc high position of W . M . for the year ensuing . Bro . Praed was also unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Gilbert , P . G . T . of Middlesex ,
reappointed Tyler . Bros . Manners and Bull were elected Auditors . Upon the motion of Bro . Maxyvell , P . M ., a jewel was unanimously voted to the outgoing Master , Bro . Dwarber , who returned thanks . Mr . Tilby , Organist of St . Dunstan ' s , having been proposed for initiation at the next meeting , the lodge was shortly afterwards closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , yvell
catered for by the Bros . Clemow , under the superintendence of Bro . Smith . The visitors yvere Bros . Seneca ] , P . M . Dalhousie ; T . C . Walls , S . D . Kennington , ; Dillon , 141 , Ireland , and F . Clemow . The customary loyal and Craft toasts were given from the chair briefly but to the purpose . Bro . Maxwell , P . G . S ., having responded upon behalf of the Grand Officers , immediately proposed " The
Health of the W . M . " He said that he , as an old Mason , yvas delighted with the admirable yvay in yvhich the W . M . had executed all his duties , and as that yvas thc last night of Bro . Dwarber ' s presidentship , he ( Bro . Maxyvell ) hoped that they yvould receive the toast yvith enthusiasm . This toast having been duly honoured , the W . M ., in the course of a very eloquent reply , said that he was under great
obligations to Bro . Maxwell for the kind manner in yvhich he had proposed his health . Masonry , he said , not only conferred great benefits upon its members , but also yvas the means of doing good to mankind in general . Many of its greatest enemies in the past yvere now its best friends . Freemasonry of late years had made rapid strides , and yvas -still going forward , but they must not forget
yvhat their late brother and Grand Master , I . ord Zetland , had often observed , that "quality , not quantity , " yvas the thing to be desired . With regard to thc St . Dunstan ' s Lodge , hc was proud at occupying the position of first Master , for more reasons than one . Firstly , because it yvas founded upon hallowed ground , not only rich in historic and literary lore , but associated with many
glorious episodes cf the Masonic past ; and secondly , by reason of his having spent 44 years in thc parish . The very name of the lodge roused in him feelings that he could not trust himself to speak about , but suffice it to say that all his thoughts yvere centred in it , and in conclusion he thanked them very warmly for the manner that they bad always received him , and the recollection of their
cheerful countenances , open hands , and kindly hearts , during his year of office would be ever pleasing to him . The W . M . then proposed " The Initiates , " in which he stated that during the fifteen years he had been a Mason he had never once regretted having entered its portals . During his connection with the St . Dunstan ' s Lodge he had initiated twelve gentlemen , yvhom he hoped yvould
never disgrace those glorious tenets of Freemasonry , " Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . " In concluding his remarks to the newly-admitted brethren , he forcibly desired them to recollect " that a Mason ' s charity should know no bounds , save those of prudence . " This toast having been duly honoured , and Bro . Tisley having contributed the song of " Thc Entered Apprentice , " the
initiates severally replied . " Thc Health of the Visitors " followed , and was acknowedged by Bros . Scnccal , Walls , and F . Clemow . In proposing " The Health of thc Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . dwelt at length upon thc great services the brethren holding those offices had rendered thc lodge . Thc former occupied a very high social and Masonic position , and consequently thc members of 11 * 8 9 ought to be proud—and be believed that
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
they all were—of Bro . Praed ' s connection with the lodge . With regard to the Secretary , -who also held the important post of vestry clerk of the parish , every credit was due to him for the zeal and ability he had displayed in enhancing the interests of the lodge , and in conclusion he charged them to receive the toast with all honour . Bro . Tisley , the Secretary , in the absence of the Treasurer , responded .
In thc course of his reply hc told them that in consequence of many other engagements which pressed upon the Treasurer , they could not hope to see him ( Bro . Praed ) very often , but the fact of his consenting to act in that capacity was very flattering to the lodge . The W . M . had made some very kind and complimentary allusions to his services as Secretary . He could only repeat what he had
said upon former occasions , that he would do his best for thc brethren yvhilst acting in that capacity . In conclusion hc mentioned that the lodge mustered forty-seven all told , and that at the end of the financial year there would be a balance in hand of fifty pounds , and further that the voluntary benevolent fund yvas in a very flourishing condition . The toast of "The Officers" folloyved . Bro .
Wellsman , S . W ., W . M . elect , said that he was exceedingly pleased at the manner in which his name had been mentioned in connection yvith the toast . He was very gratified at having been unanimously elected to fill the chair for thc ensuing year , but he should reserve his remarks upon that subject until the next meeting . It was also a source of great delight to him , as well as surprise , to hear from the
Secretary that the lodge yvas in such a prosperous condition , and he hoped that his year of office would be characterised by results equally good . He had chosen a good staff of officers , yvbom he believed yvould reflect great credit upon the lodge . Bros . Dallwood , J . W . ; Dodson , S . D . ; and
Turner , J . D ., also replied . In the intervals of the toasts and replies , Bros . Platts , Walls , Dodson , Senecal , and others entertained the brethren . The Tyler ' s toast at half-past ten terminated the proceedings , which yvere throughout highly successful . The next meeting of the lodge yvill be held on the third Friday in February .
"WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — A meeting ot this lodge was held at tbe New Market Hotel , West Smithfield , on thc 22 nd ult . Bro . Joseph Smith , P . G . P ., P . M ., W . M ., opened the lodge , and presided over the meeting . Punctually at 2 . 30 p . m . the lodge yvas opened . Minutes read and unanimously confirmed . In an able manner tlie W . M . initiated Messrs .
W . Smyth , W . C . Watts , and C . Davis ; passed Bros . R . Leggett , A . Macfarlane , and F . W . Evans ; raised Bros . T . Mc Cluer Butt , W . B . Delafons , and W . Snow . The ballot was unanimous in favour of the admission of Bro . W . Sugg , P . M ., 452 , as a joining member . A brother yvas proposed as a joining member , and some gentlem en as candidates for initiation . The lodge yvas closed and
adjourned until March . The usual superior banquet followed labour . The regular toasts yvere given and responded to . An agreeable afternoon and evening yvas happily spent . There yvere present during the afternoon and evening [ Bros . T . W . Adams , S . W . ; G . S . Elliott , J . W . ; F . Walters , P . G . J . D . Middlesex , P . M ., Secretary ; J . Howes , P . M ., S . D . ; J . Johnson , J . D . ; G . S . Wintle
P . M ., I . G . ; A . Black , D . C ; W . Pennefather , P . M ., W . S ., & c . We noticed amongst the visitors Bros . J . W . Baldwin , P . A . G . P ., Middlesex , P . M . 1423 ; R . P . I looton , P . M ., 765 , & c . ; F . W . Evans , 1423 ; A . Macfarlane , 1421 , and several ithers . KENDAL . — Union Lodge ( No . 129 ) . — The annual meeting of this ancient , flourishing , and
wellyvorked lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Stramondgate , on Thursday , January 25 th , at three o ' clock in the afternoon . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . F . C . Grayson , assisted by Bros . Nelson , S . W . ; Bell , as J . W . ; and Holme , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; John Talbot , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; Joseph Bintley , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Works ; Titus Wilson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; John Boyves , P . M .,
Prov . G . J . W . ; and so many other brethren , that thc room was croyyded to inconvenience . Thc minutes having been confirmed , the lodge yvas opened in the Second Degree , when the W . M . invited Bro . John Boyves to undertake the duty of Installing Master , yvhich he did , and discharged his obligations in a manner that elicited thc yvarmest approval of the brethren . The W . M . elect , Bro .
R . J . Nelson , was presented by the W . M ., and after he had been installed in ample form , he appointed and invested thc officers for the ensuing year ; and then thc Installing Master called upon Bro . John Talbot to deliver the usual addresses . A vote of thanks yvas accorded to Bro . Bowes for his services , £ 3 voted to Bro . McKay ' s list , several candidates proposed , and other routine
business transacted , yvhen the brethren adjourned to the banqueting-room , where a dinner of a recherche character awaited them . The newly-installed W . M . presided , and was supported on the right and left by Bros . Bowes , Holme , Talbot , Bintley , W . Cartmel , G . Cartmell , John Bintley ( London ) , Tattersal , F . C . Grayson , C . Gardner-Thomson , Medcalf , Cragg , Hunter , J . Ottley Atkinson , and others .
The Wardens occupied their usual positions . After the cloth was withdrawn , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts received every care . Bro . Bowes responded for the Grand Lodge of Cumberland and Westmorland . Bro . J . Holme , P . M .. P . G . W ., proposed tbe W . M . 's health , and in so doing referred to the rapid progress hc had made in the art since he had the pleasure of initiating him . Bro .
Bowes proposed " The Masonic Charities , " and coupled Bro . McKay ' s name yvith the toast , and on a collecting card being sent round the tables , it was returned to Bro . McKay , and hc found his list augmented by above £ 5 . Bro . Hogg , in responding for "The Older Members of the
Lodge , " referred to the time when they were indebted to the Carlisle brethren for their existence as a lodge , and contrasted that state of things with thc present time , yvhen tbey bad a large body of yvorking members , and their number yvas constantly increasing . Some excellent songs were admirably tendered during the evening by Bios .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Gooding , Sissons , Nelson , Scales , John Bintley , and others , and the brethren separated in harmony before ten o ' clock . One pleasing , though melancholy , feature of the day ' s proceedings yvas the unveiling of a memorial portrait of the late Bro . Henry Rauthmel , yvho had been unexpectedly called to the Grand Lodge above in the prime of life . Bro . Hogg yvas thc artist , and his effort yvas one of
unqualified success . CHATHAM . —United Lodge of Benevolence ( No . 184 ) . —The members of this large and flourishing lodge held their annual festival in their commodious lodge-room , at the Assembly rooms , Middle-st ., Brompton , on Tuesday , the 23 rd ult ., on yvhich occasion there yvas a numerous attendance , including a
number of the Provincial Grand Oflicers of Kent , together with brethren from many metropolitan lodges , as yvell as the lodges in the province . The installation of Bro . Simon Young , yvho had been unanimously elected the W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing year , yvas performed in an able manner by Bro . Redman , P . M ., P . P . D . C , the Board of Installed Masters being composed , among others , of
Bros . Ashdown , P . P . G . P . ; Noah Mantm , P . P . G . S . B . ; Warne , P . P . G . A . S . ; Wood , P . P . G . S . W . ; Barley , P . P . G . D . C . ; Hicks , P . P . G . S . B . ; Neall , P . P . D . C . ; Goldfinch , P . P . G . S . D . ; and others , who gave the usual salutations on the neyvly-elected Master being inducted yvith the usual solemnities in the chair of King Solomon . Thc following yvere appointed the officers
of the lodge for the ensuing year , each of yvhom were duly invested : Bros . Gorham , P . M . ; Rankine , S . W . ; thc Rev . — Fielding , J . W . ; Redman , Treas . ; Clarke , Sec . ; Middleton , S . D . ; Rudd , J . D . ; Laren , I . G . ; Finnis , D . C ; Challender , Org . ; Heyvitt , Chap . ; Trice and Wood , Stwds . The customary banquet at the close of the Masonic proceedings took place in the large room ofthe Mitre Hotel ,
Chatham , yvhich was handsomely decorated for thc occasion . The neyvly-installcd W . M . presided , and proposed the usual Masonic and other toasts . The principal feature , and one of a more than usually interesting character , of thc proceedings at the termination of the banquet , was thc presentation , on the part of the lodge , of a testimonial to Bro . John Michael Stroyvse , an old and deservedly respected
Past Master of the lodge , in recognition of his lengthened connection yvith the lodge . Bro . Stroyvse has been a member of the Craft for thc long period of fifty-seven years , he having been initiated in the island of Guernsey . He has been a member of the United Lodge of Benevolence , No . 184 , fifty-four years , during the yvhole of which time he has never once been absent from the installation of the
W . M ., while for a great number of years he yvas the Secretary , and also the Treasurer of the lodge . The presentation of the testimonial , which took the form of a handsomely painted portrait of the yvorthy brother , yvas presented , on the part of the lodge , by Bro . Wood , P . P . G . S . W ., who alluded , in felicitous terms , to Bro , Stroivse ' s lengthened connection yvith Freemasonry , and
the deservedly high estimation in which he yvas held throughout the province of Kent . Bro . Stroyvse , yvho yvas deeply affected , briefly acknowledged the high compliment paid him , and the honour conferred on him , in a feyv forcible expressions , his feelings altogether preventing his replying at any greater length . In a subsequent portion of the evening a valuable Past Master's jeyvel was presented
on the part of the lodge to Bro . Gorham , the Immediate Past Master . In addition to the portrait presented to Bro . Strowsc , an excellently painted likeness of that distinguished and venerable brother adorns thc lodge-room , and is highly prized . LEICESTER . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 279 . )—The annual festival and installation meeting of this
lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall on the 3 rd ult . Ever since it was first opened , on the 1 ith November , 1790 , until the present date , this old lodge has enjoyed a fair measure of uninterrupted success , and the roll of its members contains the names of many of the mayors , aldermen , and others occupying a prominent position in our municipal history , and also those of many of the
nobility and leading men of the county , as thc first and second Lord Rancliffc , P . G . M . ' s . thc eighth Earl Ferrers , for many years P . G . M . for Warwickshire ( yvho presented to the lodge the Luminaries noyv in use ) , and our excellent and deeply-regretted Provincial Grand Masters—Sir F . G . Fowke , Bart ., and the Right Hon . the Earl Howe , —all of yvhom have in their time passed
the chair of the lodge . Many other events of interest are to be found in the minute books of the Lodge which have been recorded in the recently published " History of Freemasonry in Leicestershire , " compiled by our Past Prov . Grand Master , Bro . William Kelly , F . R . Hist . S . On this the eighty-fifth festival of the lodge , the attendance of the brethren yvas both numerous and influential
comprising brethren from the north , east , south , and yvest , decorated with the insignia of the different grades of office , from the Past Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Kelly , Past Grand Steward , Bro . Binckes , to the ne ,-, l y initiated Entered Apprentice , with his badge of innocence and bond of friendship . Among those present yvere also Bros . Clement Stretton , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; J . W . Smith ,
P . M . ; A . Palmer , P . M ; S . S . Partridge , P . G . S . W . ; F . J . Baines , P . M . ; J . P . Thorp , P . M . ; W . B . Smith , P . M ., P . G . Treas . ; and W . T . Rowlett , W . M . 523 ; Edwin Mason , W . M ., and Geo . Clifton , P . M . ; R . A . Barber , P . M . ; B . Moore , S . W . ; S . Knight and C McBride , Sees . 1391 , Mackay , 97 , and W . Stuart McAllister , 21 , S . C . The lodge yvas opened by the retiring W . M ., and the first
part of the business , including the voting of considerable sums for various purposes , was dispatched with a unanimity of feeling anil action indicative of the perfect harmony and good fellowship which has alyvays been a distinguishing feature of St . John ' s Lodge . The ceremony of installing Bro . Clement Edwin Stretton , P . G ., Supt . of Works , yvas admirably performed by the veteran Past Master , Bro , Kelly , P . P . G . M ., yvho has been
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
afforded him very great pleasure to present the token of the brethren in recognition of the services rendered by the recipient to the lodge during his term of office . The very able and efficient manner in yvhich he had worked made it a difficult matter for his successors to give the same amount of satisfaction to the brethren ; but difficulty yvas a thing to be overcome , and he trusted he should be able to prove
himself a not umvorthy successor . Bro . Henry D'Arcy , in a few choice sentences , thanked the brethren for the jewel , observing that he should value it not for its intrinsic yvorth , but as a token of the regard of the brethren generally , and for the kindly expressions with which the W . M . had accompanied the gift . Bro . Lawrence , P . M ., in responding to the toast of "The P . M . ' s , " urged upon the brethren the
absolute necessity of attending lodges of instruction if they desired to attain to any degree of eminence in the Craft . A very excellent lodge of instruction had been established at the Jamaica Coffee House , Cornhill , worked under the City of London charter , and he trusted that the younger members of the lodge , as -well as the present officers , would make a point of attending it every Thursday evening .
Bro . James Mitchell thanked the brethren for the manner in yvhich they had been entertained , and said that hospitality yvas a characteristic of Fieemasonry , and it was in no lodge exercised more yvorthily than in that of the City of London . The pleasure of his visit had been greatly enhanced by the admirable manner in yvhich thc yvhole of the lodge working of the evening ( and it had been very heavy )
had been conducted . Other speakers and toasts followed , and the brethren separated , after having spent a most enjoyable evening . ST . DUNSTAN'S LODGE ( N 0 . 1589 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was convened on the 19 th ult . at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street . There yvere present Bros . Dwarbcr , P . M ., W . M . ; Wellsman , P . M ., S . W . ; Dalwood , P . M .,
J . W . ; Maxwell , P . M ., P . G . S ., acting I . P . M . ; A . Tislcy , Secretary ; Dodson , S . D . ; Turner , J . D . ; Woodbridge , I . G . The minutes of the November meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M . raised Bro . Lewis , passed Bro . Pearce , and initiated Messrs . Giscard , Clemow , Beningfield , and Bambcr . The three arduous ceremonies were exceedingly yvell performed . A resolution yvas unan .
imously passed that the sum of 10 pounds should be voted from the lodge funds to head the list of Bro . Wellsman , S . W ., as Steward to the R . M . B . I . for Aged Women . This being election night , Bro . Wcllsman , S . W ., yvas unanimously elected to fill thc high position of W . M . for the year ensuing . Bro . Praed was also unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Gilbert , P . G . T . of Middlesex ,
reappointed Tyler . Bros . Manners and Bull were elected Auditors . Upon the motion of Bro . Maxyvell , P . M ., a jewel was unanimously voted to the outgoing Master , Bro . Dwarber , who returned thanks . Mr . Tilby , Organist of St . Dunstan ' s , having been proposed for initiation at the next meeting , the lodge was shortly afterwards closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , yvell
catered for by the Bros . Clemow , under the superintendence of Bro . Smith . The visitors yvere Bros . Seneca ] , P . M . Dalhousie ; T . C . Walls , S . D . Kennington , ; Dillon , 141 , Ireland , and F . Clemow . The customary loyal and Craft toasts were given from the chair briefly but to the purpose . Bro . Maxwell , P . G . S ., having responded upon behalf of the Grand Officers , immediately proposed " The
Health of the W . M . " He said that he , as an old Mason , yvas delighted with the admirable yvay in yvhich the W . M . had executed all his duties , and as that yvas thc last night of Bro . Dwarber ' s presidentship , he ( Bro . Maxyvell ) hoped that they yvould receive the toast yvith enthusiasm . This toast having been duly honoured , the W . M ., in the course of a very eloquent reply , said that he was under great
obligations to Bro . Maxwell for the kind manner in yvhich he had proposed his health . Masonry , he said , not only conferred great benefits upon its members , but also yvas the means of doing good to mankind in general . Many of its greatest enemies in the past yvere now its best friends . Freemasonry of late years had made rapid strides , and yvas -still going forward , but they must not forget
yvhat their late brother and Grand Master , I . ord Zetland , had often observed , that "quality , not quantity , " yvas the thing to be desired . With regard to thc St . Dunstan ' s Lodge , hc was proud at occupying the position of first Master , for more reasons than one . Firstly , because it yvas founded upon hallowed ground , not only rich in historic and literary lore , but associated with many
glorious episodes cf the Masonic past ; and secondly , by reason of his having spent 44 years in thc parish . The very name of the lodge roused in him feelings that he could not trust himself to speak about , but suffice it to say that all his thoughts yvere centred in it , and in conclusion he thanked them very warmly for the manner that they bad always received him , and the recollection of their
cheerful countenances , open hands , and kindly hearts , during his year of office would be ever pleasing to him . The W . M . then proposed " The Initiates , " in which he stated that during the fifteen years he had been a Mason he had never once regretted having entered its portals . During his connection with the St . Dunstan ' s Lodge he had initiated twelve gentlemen , yvhom he hoped yvould
never disgrace those glorious tenets of Freemasonry , " Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . " In concluding his remarks to the newly-admitted brethren , he forcibly desired them to recollect " that a Mason ' s charity should know no bounds , save those of prudence . " This toast having been duly honoured , and Bro . Tisley having contributed the song of " Thc Entered Apprentice , " the
initiates severally replied . " Thc Health of the Visitors " followed , and was acknowedged by Bros . Scnccal , Walls , and F . Clemow . In proposing " The Health of thc Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . dwelt at length upon thc great services the brethren holding those offices had rendered thc lodge . Thc former occupied a very high social and Masonic position , and consequently thc members of 11 * 8 9 ought to be proud—and be believed that
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they all were—of Bro . Praed ' s connection with the lodge . With regard to the Secretary , -who also held the important post of vestry clerk of the parish , every credit was due to him for the zeal and ability he had displayed in enhancing the interests of the lodge , and in conclusion he charged them to receive the toast with all honour . Bro . Tisley , the Secretary , in the absence of the Treasurer , responded .
In thc course of his reply hc told them that in consequence of many other engagements which pressed upon the Treasurer , they could not hope to see him ( Bro . Praed ) very often , but the fact of his consenting to act in that capacity was very flattering to the lodge . The W . M . had made some very kind and complimentary allusions to his services as Secretary . He could only repeat what he had
said upon former occasions , that he would do his best for thc brethren yvhilst acting in that capacity . In conclusion hc mentioned that the lodge mustered forty-seven all told , and that at the end of the financial year there would be a balance in hand of fifty pounds , and further that the voluntary benevolent fund yvas in a very flourishing condition . The toast of "The Officers" folloyved . Bro .
Wellsman , S . W ., W . M . elect , said that he was exceedingly pleased at the manner in which his name had been mentioned in connection yvith the toast . He was very gratified at having been unanimously elected to fill the chair for thc ensuing year , but he should reserve his remarks upon that subject until the next meeting . It was also a source of great delight to him , as well as surprise , to hear from the
Secretary that the lodge yvas in such a prosperous condition , and he hoped that his year of office would be characterised by results equally good . He had chosen a good staff of officers , yvbom he believed yvould reflect great credit upon the lodge . Bros . Dallwood , J . W . ; Dodson , S . D . ; and
Turner , J . D ., also replied . In the intervals of the toasts and replies , Bros . Platts , Walls , Dodson , Senecal , and others entertained the brethren . The Tyler ' s toast at half-past ten terminated the proceedings , which yvere throughout highly successful . The next meeting of the lodge yvill be held on the third Friday in February .
"WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — A meeting ot this lodge was held at tbe New Market Hotel , West Smithfield , on thc 22 nd ult . Bro . Joseph Smith , P . G . P ., P . M ., W . M ., opened the lodge , and presided over the meeting . Punctually at 2 . 30 p . m . the lodge yvas opened . Minutes read and unanimously confirmed . In an able manner tlie W . M . initiated Messrs .
W . Smyth , W . C . Watts , and C . Davis ; passed Bros . R . Leggett , A . Macfarlane , and F . W . Evans ; raised Bros . T . Mc Cluer Butt , W . B . Delafons , and W . Snow . The ballot was unanimous in favour of the admission of Bro . W . Sugg , P . M ., 452 , as a joining member . A brother yvas proposed as a joining member , and some gentlem en as candidates for initiation . The lodge yvas closed and
adjourned until March . The usual superior banquet followed labour . The regular toasts yvere given and responded to . An agreeable afternoon and evening yvas happily spent . There yvere present during the afternoon and evening [ Bros . T . W . Adams , S . W . ; G . S . Elliott , J . W . ; F . Walters , P . G . J . D . Middlesex , P . M ., Secretary ; J . Howes , P . M ., S . D . ; J . Johnson , J . D . ; G . S . Wintle
P . M ., I . G . ; A . Black , D . C ; W . Pennefather , P . M ., W . S ., & c . We noticed amongst the visitors Bros . J . W . Baldwin , P . A . G . P ., Middlesex , P . M . 1423 ; R . P . I looton , P . M ., 765 , & c . ; F . W . Evans , 1423 ; A . Macfarlane , 1421 , and several ithers . KENDAL . — Union Lodge ( No . 129 ) . — The annual meeting of this ancient , flourishing , and
wellyvorked lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Stramondgate , on Thursday , January 25 th , at three o ' clock in the afternoon . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . F . C . Grayson , assisted by Bros . Nelson , S . W . ; Bell , as J . W . ; and Holme , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; John Talbot , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; Joseph Bintley , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of Works ; Titus Wilson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; John Boyves , P . M .,
Prov . G . J . W . ; and so many other brethren , that thc room was croyyded to inconvenience . Thc minutes having been confirmed , the lodge yvas opened in the Second Degree , when the W . M . invited Bro . John Boyves to undertake the duty of Installing Master , yvhich he did , and discharged his obligations in a manner that elicited thc yvarmest approval of the brethren . The W . M . elect , Bro .
R . J . Nelson , was presented by the W . M ., and after he had been installed in ample form , he appointed and invested thc officers for the ensuing year ; and then thc Installing Master called upon Bro . John Talbot to deliver the usual addresses . A vote of thanks yvas accorded to Bro . Bowes for his services , £ 3 voted to Bro . McKay ' s list , several candidates proposed , and other routine
business transacted , yvhen the brethren adjourned to the banqueting-room , where a dinner of a recherche character awaited them . The newly-installed W . M . presided , and was supported on the right and left by Bros . Bowes , Holme , Talbot , Bintley , W . Cartmel , G . Cartmell , John Bintley ( London ) , Tattersal , F . C . Grayson , C . Gardner-Thomson , Medcalf , Cragg , Hunter , J . Ottley Atkinson , and others .
The Wardens occupied their usual positions . After the cloth was withdrawn , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts received every care . Bro . Bowes responded for the Grand Lodge of Cumberland and Westmorland . Bro . J . Holme , P . M .. P . G . W ., proposed tbe W . M . 's health , and in so doing referred to the rapid progress hc had made in the art since he had the pleasure of initiating him . Bro .
Bowes proposed " The Masonic Charities , " and coupled Bro . McKay ' s name yvith the toast , and on a collecting card being sent round the tables , it was returned to Bro . McKay , and hc found his list augmented by above £ 5 . Bro . Hogg , in responding for "The Older Members of the
Lodge , " referred to the time when they were indebted to the Carlisle brethren for their existence as a lodge , and contrasted that state of things with thc present time , yvhen tbey bad a large body of yvorking members , and their number yvas constantly increasing . Some excellent songs were admirably tendered during the evening by Bios .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Gooding , Sissons , Nelson , Scales , John Bintley , and others , and the brethren separated in harmony before ten o ' clock . One pleasing , though melancholy , feature of the day ' s proceedings yvas the unveiling of a memorial portrait of the late Bro . Henry Rauthmel , yvho had been unexpectedly called to the Grand Lodge above in the prime of life . Bro . Hogg yvas thc artist , and his effort yvas one of
unqualified success . CHATHAM . —United Lodge of Benevolence ( No . 184 ) . —The members of this large and flourishing lodge held their annual festival in their commodious lodge-room , at the Assembly rooms , Middle-st ., Brompton , on Tuesday , the 23 rd ult ., on yvhich occasion there yvas a numerous attendance , including a
number of the Provincial Grand Oflicers of Kent , together with brethren from many metropolitan lodges , as yvell as the lodges in the province . The installation of Bro . Simon Young , yvho had been unanimously elected the W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing year , yvas performed in an able manner by Bro . Redman , P . M ., P . P . D . C , the Board of Installed Masters being composed , among others , of
Bros . Ashdown , P . P . G . P . ; Noah Mantm , P . P . G . S . B . ; Warne , P . P . G . A . S . ; Wood , P . P . G . S . W . ; Barley , P . P . G . D . C . ; Hicks , P . P . G . S . B . ; Neall , P . P . D . C . ; Goldfinch , P . P . G . S . D . ; and others , who gave the usual salutations on the neyvly-elected Master being inducted yvith the usual solemnities in the chair of King Solomon . Thc following yvere appointed the officers
of the lodge for the ensuing year , each of yvhom were duly invested : Bros . Gorham , P . M . ; Rankine , S . W . ; thc Rev . — Fielding , J . W . ; Redman , Treas . ; Clarke , Sec . ; Middleton , S . D . ; Rudd , J . D . ; Laren , I . G . ; Finnis , D . C ; Challender , Org . ; Heyvitt , Chap . ; Trice and Wood , Stwds . The customary banquet at the close of the Masonic proceedings took place in the large room ofthe Mitre Hotel ,
Chatham , yvhich was handsomely decorated for thc occasion . The neyvly-installcd W . M . presided , and proposed the usual Masonic and other toasts . The principal feature , and one of a more than usually interesting character , of thc proceedings at the termination of the banquet , was thc presentation , on the part of the lodge , of a testimonial to Bro . John Michael Stroyvse , an old and deservedly respected
Past Master of the lodge , in recognition of his lengthened connection yvith the lodge . Bro . Stroyvse has been a member of the Craft for thc long period of fifty-seven years , he having been initiated in the island of Guernsey . He has been a member of the United Lodge of Benevolence , No . 184 , fifty-four years , during the yvhole of which time he has never once been absent from the installation of the
W . M ., while for a great number of years he yvas the Secretary , and also the Treasurer of the lodge . The presentation of the testimonial , which took the form of a handsomely painted portrait of the yvorthy brother , yvas presented , on the part of the lodge , by Bro . Wood , P . P . G . S . W ., who alluded , in felicitous terms , to Bro , Stroivse ' s lengthened connection yvith Freemasonry , and
the deservedly high estimation in which he yvas held throughout the province of Kent . Bro . Stroyvse , yvho yvas deeply affected , briefly acknowledged the high compliment paid him , and the honour conferred on him , in a feyv forcible expressions , his feelings altogether preventing his replying at any greater length . In a subsequent portion of the evening a valuable Past Master's jeyvel was presented
on the part of the lodge to Bro . Gorham , the Immediate Past Master . In addition to the portrait presented to Bro . Strowsc , an excellently painted likeness of that distinguished and venerable brother adorns thc lodge-room , and is highly prized . LEICESTER . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 279 . )—The annual festival and installation meeting of this
lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall on the 3 rd ult . Ever since it was first opened , on the 1 ith November , 1790 , until the present date , this old lodge has enjoyed a fair measure of uninterrupted success , and the roll of its members contains the names of many of the mayors , aldermen , and others occupying a prominent position in our municipal history , and also those of many of the
nobility and leading men of the county , as thc first and second Lord Rancliffc , P . G . M . ' s . thc eighth Earl Ferrers , for many years P . G . M . for Warwickshire ( yvho presented to the lodge the Luminaries noyv in use ) , and our excellent and deeply-regretted Provincial Grand Masters—Sir F . G . Fowke , Bart ., and the Right Hon . the Earl Howe , —all of yvhom have in their time passed
the chair of the lodge . Many other events of interest are to be found in the minute books of the Lodge which have been recorded in the recently published " History of Freemasonry in Leicestershire , " compiled by our Past Prov . Grand Master , Bro . William Kelly , F . R . Hist . S . On this the eighty-fifth festival of the lodge , the attendance of the brethren yvas both numerous and influential
comprising brethren from the north , east , south , and yvest , decorated with the insignia of the different grades of office , from the Past Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Kelly , Past Grand Steward , Bro . Binckes , to the ne ,-, l y initiated Entered Apprentice , with his badge of innocence and bond of friendship . Among those present yvere also Bros . Clement Stretton , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; J . W . Smith ,
P . M . ; A . Palmer , P . M ; S . S . Partridge , P . G . S . W . ; F . J . Baines , P . M . ; J . P . Thorp , P . M . ; W . B . Smith , P . M ., P . G . Treas . ; and W . T . Rowlett , W . M . 523 ; Edwin Mason , W . M ., and Geo . Clifton , P . M . ; R . A . Barber , P . M . ; B . Moore , S . W . ; S . Knight and C McBride , Sees . 1391 , Mackay , 97 , and W . Stuart McAllister , 21 , S . C . The lodge yvas opened by the retiring W . M ., and the first
part of the business , including the voting of considerable sums for various purposes , was dispatched with a unanimity of feeling anil action indicative of the perfect harmony and good fellowship which has alyvays been a distinguishing feature of St . John ' s Lodge . The ceremony of installing Bro . Clement Edwin Stretton , P . G ., Supt . of Works , yvas admirably performed by the veteran Past Master , Bro , Kelly , P . P . G . M ., yvho has been