Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft fHasonro . LODGE OF ANTIQUITY ( No , 2 ) . —The monthly meeting of this "time immemorial lodge " took place on Wednesday week , at Freemasons' Mall . After thc-normal business , and thc passing of Bro . Ames , jun ., Bro . John Batley , P . M ., was duly '" installed ill the chair of "Old Antiquity" by Bro . the Rev A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C ., Chaplain . Subsequently the brethren adjourned to a very pleasant

and enjoyable banquet , and separated at . an car ' y hour , as is thc commendable custom of this world-known lodge , after much friendly sociality . Bro . Gould , . P . G . D .. relurncd thanks for "The Grand Officers , " and Bro . Canlle , P . M ., for "The Visitors ;" while Bio . PhilbvkU , O . C ., " Orator" of the lodge , replied in a most effective speech for " Thc P . M . 's . " Everything promises a year of peaceful and contented

progress for Jus good old lodge , as under its late respected VV . M ., Bro . E . A . Ponlifex , to whom a Past Master ' s jewel was voted by acclamation for his efficient services , the Lodge of Antiquity sends up a Steward yearly for all thc three great Charities of our Order . Among the brethren present wc noticed Bros . E . A . Ponlifex , P . M . ; Lieut .-Col . Creaton , G . T ., Treas . ; E . J .

Barron , the excellent Secretary ; Philbrick , P . M ., and Orator ; J . Sampson Pierce , Director of Ceremonies ; A . F . A . Woodford , Chaplain ; K . R . Holmes , P . M . ; VV . F . Rae , P . M . ; Sharon Turner , S . VV . ; Rivington , J . VV . ; Lctchwortli , S . D . ; Ames , J . I ) . ; Jckyll , G . Org ., Organist ; Ames , senior ; Ames , junior ; Stephen Pearce , Hilary Skinner , Gould , P . G . D . ; Cantle , P . M ; and several other visitois . Bro . Speight was re-elected Tyler .

ROYAL SOMERSET HOUSE AND INVERNESS LODGE ( No . 4 ) - —The installation meeting of this time immemorial lodge took place on Monday evening , the 27 th ult ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Ouccn-street , and was numerously attended by many eminent members of the Craft . The early history of this lodge is very difficult lo be traced , but from time to tinu it has numbered amongst its members many who have

distinguished themselves in the highest walks of music , literature , and the line arts , and at the present time thc medical profession is well represented by some of its most eminent members . There weie present Bros . Robert Gresley Hall , VV . M . ; Rev . Henry Lansdell , P . P . G . C . Devon , S . W . ; G . Wclilon , J . VV . ; Cliyiieworth , P . M ., Treas . ; F . West , P . G . Reg . Surrey , Asst . Sec ; VV . Whitinore , S . D . ; Walter

Lumlcv , I . G . ; A . C . Veley , P . M . ; A . Meadow :, P . M . ; IL A . " Bennett , P . M . ; II . | . Gardiner , P . M . ; VV . Mackintosh , P . M . ; J . A . Joseph ( the father of lhc lodge ) , P . M . ; and T . II . Devonshire , P . M . Amongst the numerous visitors were Bros . Col . Shadwell II . Clerke , G . Sec ; | . A . Ruckcr , P . G . D . ; P . de l . anclc Long , P . G . D . ; R . I " . Gould , P . G . D . ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . G . A . D . of C ; Dr . Gooding , P . G . S . ' ; Dr . Venn , F . S . A . ; Dr . Bullen .

— / ackeri , P . G . M . of the State of California ; W ' llhclm Ganz , P . G . Org . ; II . Swanboiougli , P . M , Asaph ; Wm . Abbott , C . E . Thompson , 177 and 113 S ( Freemason ) . The lodge having been opened in due form , thc minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . E . 11 . Cousens , after thc Usual questions ( which were well answered ) , was passed to thc Degree of F . C . A Board of Installed Masters was then formed , and

Bro . Dr . Alfred Meadows , P . M ., P . G . S ., impressivel y installed the W . M . elect , Bro . the Rev . Henry Lansdell , P . P . G . C . Devon , S . VV . into the chair of K . S . The newly elected W . M . then installed his officers as follows : Bros . G . Weldnn , S . W . ; Chyneworth , Treas . ; W . Whitinore , J . W . ; Walter Lumley , S . D . ; C . B . Cousens , J . D . ; Speight , P . M . Tyler . The subsequent addresses were very impressively deliveied by Bro . Dr . Meadows , alter which the anthem ,

" Behold how good and joyful , " was sung by the musical brethren under the direction of Bro . Stcdman . Some routine business having been disposed of , a procession was formed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where a recherche dinncrjwas provided for about seventy-live . Grace was sung by Bro . Stcdman ' s choir boys with good effect . The W . Master , in proposing "The Queen and lhc

Craft , " said he hoped it would long continue to be the first toast among Masons . lie saw around him many brethren who had travelled in various parts of the world , but in whatever clime they may have travelled he did not think they had seen a sovereign whom they would exchange for our own . ( Hear , hear . ) She was the daughter of one Mason and thc mother of Three . In introducing the next toast , "The Most Worshipful

Grand Master , " the VV . M . said it would be a vain artist indeed who would attempt to paint the lil y or gild refined gold . There were certain names in Masonry which to mention was sufficient to ensure them a good reception , and the name of llis Royal Highness was one . Without further preface he proposed "The Health of the M . VV . G . M . " It is almost needless to say the toast was received with every demonstration of fraternal feeling .

1 he VV . M . said witn the next toast of " The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom ; and the Present and Past Grand Officers , " he would couple the name of Hro . Col . Shadwell II . Clerke , the Grand Secretary , an ever welcome guest—( hear , hear)—and although he ( the VV . M . ) was not an old Mason , he thought he should not be bold if he were to say that Bro . Col . Clerke had won the hearts of al ! his brethren . ( Hear , hear ) . He then referred to Bros . Long , Rucker , Ganz ,

and other eminent Past Grand Officers . He was sure they would all feel as one man in tendering them their best wishes and hearty congratulations . He should ask Bro . Col . Gierke to speak for thc toast , and Bro . Ganz to play to them . ( Applause . ) Bro . Col . Shadwell II . Clerke . in reply , said it frequently happened to him in the course of his perambulations that he was called upon to return thanks for the Grand Officers , but it very seldom happened that he had to do so before so dis-

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

tinguished an assemblage ; nor did it often fall to his lot to be present at such " unwarrantable " proceedings as he had seen in the lodge-room that evening —( laughter)—and even in the presence of himself and other Grand Officers . There was no privilege the Grand Officers valued more highly than that of having their names so kindly received as they always were at these Masonic proceedings . As for thc Royal Somerset I louse Lodge , its history and prosperity

were so well known that it would be quite useless for him to dilate upon them , lie would simply say that they hoped that the future of thc lodge might be as distinguished as it had been in thc past , and he for one was quite sure that in the hands of their most estimable and muchtiavcllcd Master it would be so . lie begged to thank them very heartily for the reception they had been kind enough to accord them .

Bio . Gresley Hall , I . P . M ., said what he deemed a very pleasing duty was to propose the next toast , and that was " The Health of their VV . M ., " and he was sure they would receive it with acclamation . ( Hear , hear . ) The confidence the brethren had placed in him would never be abi'scd . He felt sure that the numerous gathering of such distinguished brethren could not but be very pleasing to him .

Thc loast was received with much applause . The W . M . said it was his duty to r ' ae and thank them , one and all , for the way in which they had received his name . Looking back for nine years , during which he had been associated with the lodge , he could safely say he had received nothing but kindness from their hands . He could only thank them , and that very imperfectly , for thc manner in which they had drank his health . For thc welfare of

the lodge , he sincerel y hoped it would not go back in the prestige it had maintained , and if it only kept on in its present position he should but be too glad . He hoped that the brethren would improve in their working and in those practical measures which tended to ennoble their Order , and if that were the case he felt sure that they would have cause to congratulate themselves as members of thc Royal Somerset House and Inverness ' Ledge , No . 4 . ( Cheers . )

The VV . M . proposed the nexe toast , that of " The Past Masters . " They had a goodly number of them , and from his heart he could not help remembering the kindness they had shown towards him and the other officers of the lodge , and for that they wore entitled to their best thanks , for it was owing to their help that the affairs of the lodge had been carried on so well . As the attendances were falling off a whip was given , which he was pleased to see had had

a very good effect , for it hadbcen very heartily responded to . Some of them had come from a long way in thc country . There was one worthy brother whom he wished they should very often sec , and that was Bro . Dr . A . Meadows , who had worked so well . He personally thanked him for what he had done that evening . He coupled with the toast Bro . R . G . Hall and Bro . Meadows . Bro . Hall , l . P . M ., said he must plead his inability to

adequately respond to the toast , for the fact was he had only been a Past Master for a few hours . He felt he had attained thc highest honours he could have wished for . Bro . Dr . Meadows said , in obedience to thc call of the VV . M ., it was his duty , and to follow thc impulses of his heart , a very great p leasure to thank them for having mentioned his name in the way in which they had done . He should , however , have felt greater pleasure if he had

done his work better 111 the lodge room . ( No , no . ) It reminded him of some other dillicult labours which he had had to perform —( laughter ) -and when his brother Past Master Chyneworth gave him a little help from behind , he could not but feclas much pleasure as no doubt other persons had felt when they had been helped in their labours . ( Loud laughter . ) Brethren might laugh , but he could assure them it was not a comic song . ( Roars of

laughter . ) In conclusion , amidst much merriment , he said it was a lodge from which he had drawn his mother milk , he had been reared in , and he trusted he might die in it . ( Hear , hear . ) The VV . M ., for the toast of " The Visitors , " said it was one which was always welcome and always received with enthusiasm . They were honoured by an exceptionally large number of visitors that evening , as he believed there were more present than there hacl been during thc past

ntnc years , and he was proud that it should have occurred on Ins installation night . Amongst them was one distinguished brother ( Dr . Bullen ) to whose skill he was indebted in a great measure for his presence there that evening . He asked the members to drink towards thcirgood health and happiness . I Ic coupled with thc toast the name of Bro . Gooding . In returning' thanks Bro . Gooding paid a high

compliment to the VV . M ., Bro . Dr . Meadows , and thc officers of the lodge . The toast of "The Officers of the Lodge , " and "The Treasurer , " succeeded , and were responded to . The brethren shortly afterwards separated . The musical arrangements , under Bro . Stcdman ( who introduced his choir boys ) , assisted by Bros . Lyndon , Hodges , Kcnningham , and Chas . C . Tinney , gave much satisfaction .

NEPTUNE LODGE ( No . 22 ) . —A meeting of the above lodge was held on Thursday , the 23 rd ult ., at thc Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-strcet , E . C ., when the following brethren were present : Bros . John Harpir , VV . M . ; J . J . Slater , S . VV . ; Henry , Povey , J . W . ; Isaac Wilcox , P . M ., Treas . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Hon . Sec . ; R . Coulcher , S . D . ; Wm . Cook , J . D . ; T . P . Codings , P . M ., D . of C . ; Joseph Corbett , I . G . ; I . Parkinson , Tyler ; J . Norman ,

P . M . ; C . S . Hopper , J . R . Taylor , Clarence Harcourt , P . M . ; C . P . Crowe , Mark Hubbard , L . V . Walker , Thos . Whiting-, B . J . Crowe , T . J . Laurence , A . McGregor , H . Peart , jun ., Wm . Bus / . ard , IT . S . Crawford , P . M . ; and Jno . Parkinson . Visitors : Bros . Christopher Pratt , 1034 ; and Chas . liaylej ' , 144 J . Bro . J . R . Taylor was passed to the Second Degree in a

very able manner by the VV . M . Bro . E . V . Stcrr , P . M ., Hon . Sec , announced he had had much pleasure in representing the lodge for thc tenth lime as their Steward ( for the Charities ) at the F ' estival of thc Benevolent Institution held at Freemasons' Tavern , on Tuesday , the 21 st ult . After some formal business , the lodge was closed in due form , the brethren afterwards enjoying themselves at the banqueting table in a very pleasant and social manner .

LODGE OF PROSPERITY ( No . 65 ) . —At the Guildhall Tavern , on Thursday , the 23 rd ult ., Bro . William Chicken , the VV . M . of thc above lodge was well supported with officers , brethren and visitors , and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

after Bro . Ruse had been raised to the Sublime Degree , the VV . M . proceeded to the election of a brother to lift thc chair for thc ensuing year , when the choice unanimousl y fell 011 Bro . J . Roberts , the S . VV ., whose installation will take place in March . After concluding thc rest of thc business the brethren adjourned to a banquet in the large room , when everyone eagerly looked for the special menu card which has now

come to be an institution at Prosperity banquets . Upon this occasion thc W . M . had an artistic treat ready for the brethren , and thc speech of King Henry V . to his soldiers had . been so well adapted that in order to shew how well Shakespeare can be quoted or adapted to Masonic gatherings , we subjoin a copy . The words " fight " and " die " had only to be altered to "feed" and "dine . " 1 would not lose so great an honour

, For the best hope I have . 0 , do not wish one more I Rather proclaim it , Prosperity , through my host , That he which hath no stomach to this feed Let him depart ; his passport shall be made , And cowans for convoy hang upon his arm : We would not dine in that man ' s company , That fears his fellowship to dine with us . This night is called—Prosperity ' s feast :

He that outlives this night , and gets safe home , Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd , And rouse him at the name of Chicken . And he'll remember , with advantages , The glorious treat he had that night . Then shall our names , Familiar in their mouths as household words , — Ferry , thc I . P . M ., Goodwin , Cornwall , Arnold , and Bellerby , Daniel , Leins , and Brown—And many a worthy brother else ,

Be in their Honing cups freshly rcmembcr'd . 'This tale shall thc Brother teach his son ; And Chicken ' s Banquet shall ne ' er go by l'Vom this day to the ending of thc world , But wc in it shall be remembered , — VVc few , wc happy few , we band of Brothers , That dined upon Prosperity ' s Election day . Adapted from King Henry T " . Act IV . Se . 3 .

WESTBOURNE LODGE ( No . 733 ) . — The anniversary meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 10 th ult ., at Lord ' s Hole ) , St . John ' s-wood , there being present Bros . Walter Hallett , VV . M . ; Wm . Hitchcock , S . W ., W . M . elect ; M . Arrowsmith , J . W . ; JohnWelford , P . M ., Treas !; S . R . Walker , Sec ; Bern . Kershaw , S . D . ; M . C . Joy , J . D . ; C . A . Cottebrunc , P . M ., P . G . P . D . C ; O . K . WickcnsI . G . ; C . JBiorn

, . , Steward ; E . J . Allen , P . M . ; Lewis Ascott , P . M . ; J . W . Curtis , R . Rccder , W . G . Eaton , J . Gawith , G . Bell , VV . Burton , VV . Drew , Arthur Roberts , A . Arrmvsmish , I . R . Crook , R . Knight , S . J . Humprcss , Charles Kilby , W . W . Burne , R . D . Rees , A . Carlstrom , E . G . Easton , R . Taylor , Mark Rowe , Jno . Martin , George Lamb , jun . ; G . J . Jennings , G . Price , R . 11 . Jackson , and thc following visitors : Bros . John Dixon , P . M . 172 S ;

J . John Masters , 3 ( l . C ); R . N . Field , P . M . 002 ; W . S . Allen , 7 S 4 ; J . T . Micklcburgh , VV . M . 1425 ; F . Leach , 25 ; t . J , I-. Shannon , 075 ; 1 ) . K . Buckothc , 704 ; A . Lc Claire , 1003 ; J . M . Chapman , J . W . 1622 ; A . E . Stead , 1 O 22 ; II . Longhurst , P . M . 7 S 1 ; Charles Taylor , 1310 ; Jno . Jones , 1507 ; R . R . Folder , 1050 ; J . Burton , 1507 ; . !• Payne , 1425 ; J . Alexander , 1 O 14 ; Jno . Seigrave , 511 ; C J . Craig , 1223 , and F . A . Kelly , 1524

(/•riYHKIiOll ) . The lodge was opened punctually at half-past four by the VV . M ., Bro . Walter Hallett , assisted by his efficient officers , when the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The Auditors' report was next received and adopted . The principal business of the evening was then proceeded with , namely , the installation of thc VV . M . elect , Bro . VV . Hitchcock . The chair of Installing Master having been

assumed by Bro . C A . Cottebrunc , P . M ., P . G . P ., thc W . M . elect was presented by Bro . E . j . Allen , P . M ., and having signified his assent to the charges , which were impressively read over by the Secretary , Bro . S . R . Walker , Bro . W . Hitchcock was installed in the chair of King Solomon , the ceremony being performed b y Bro . C . A . Cottcburne with his accustomed ability . The newly-installed Master was proclaimed and saluted according to ancient custom

, and appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . W . Hallett , LP . M . ; E . Arrowsmith , S . W . ; B . Kershaw , J . VV . ; Ino . Wclford , P . M ., Treas . ; S . R . Walker , Sec ; M . C . Joy , S . D . ; C . R . Wickcns , J . D . ; VV . Drew , l . C ; C . J . liiorii and Drake , Stewards ; Hart , Org . ; C . A . Cottebrunc , P . M ., D . of C . ; VV . G . Eaton , Asst . D . of C . ; and C . Thomas , lylcr . Bro . William Hitchcock at once gave substantial proof of his _ efficiency , by the very able and excellent manner in

wjiich he initiated Messrs . Alfred Lovescy and Henry Thos . Tucker . The notice of motion standing in the rame of the Secretary was then brought forward , that the subscription fee be raised from two to three guineas , and on being put to the lodge , seconded by Bro . Allen , P . M ., was carried unanimously . The lodye was then closed , and the brethren shortly afterwards sat down lo an excellent banquet , provided by Bro . R . Rccder , who has recently become proprietor of Lords Hotel .

At the close of the banquet the VV . M . proposed the first toast at all Masonic banquets , " Thc Oueen and the Craft , " quickly followed by that of " ILK . IT . the M . W . G . M ., " to which succeeded that of " The Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro G . AI ., the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Dep . G . M ., and thc rest of thc Grand Officers , Present and Past , " coupled with the name of Bro . Cottebrtne , Past Grand Pursuivant of England , who briefly replied .

Bro . Walter Hallett , l . P . M ., then proposed in a few choice words , "The Health of the Worshi pful Master , " who , in reply , expressed the very great pleasure he felt in occupying the position of Master of thc Westbourne Lodge , more particularly as it was his birthday in Freemasonry , having been initiated in Lodge y . 33 just six years back . It would be his constant endeavour to do his best for the

welfare of thc lodge and to aid in its continued improvement . The next toast was that of " 'The Initiates , " proposed in able terms by the VV . M ., and to which those newly enlightened brethren aptly replied . In reply to the toast of " 'The Visitors" of whom there were about thirty present , Bros . Flood , Micklcburgh and George Dixon responded , each adding their testimony to the excellent manner in which the business in the lodge