Table Of Contents.

TABLE OF CONTENTS .

R EPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS : — Craft Masonry 545 Mark Masonry . S 4 & Red Cross of Constantine 54 ° Scotland 54 ° Consecration of a Lodge at Liverpool 549 Templars , Unitarians and Freemasons 549 Interesting Presentation in Liverpool 55 °

Consecration of a Lodge at Nairn 551 Reviews 55 1 Laying the Memorial Stone of the Academy at Kilmarnock 551 Our Royal Grand Master ' s Visit to India 552 Comparative Cost of the Boys'School 552 Lodge Reports 552 Masonic Littlenesses 553 A New Freemasonry 553 CORRESFONDEN'CE : —

Masonic Libraries 553 Royal Masonic Institution for Hoys 554 Lodge of Truth , No . 145 S 554 loining Members 554 X Past Master 554 Freemasonry in St . Petersburg 554 Grand Lodee Diplomas 554

Masonic Notes and Queries 554 Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 555 United Grand Lodge 55 S Grand Mark Lodge 55 < J Masonic Demonstration and Concert at Liverpool 557 Masonic and General Tidings 555 Masonic Meetings for next week 553 Advertisements i . ii . Hi . iv . v . vi ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

9 Craft Utours . NEPTUNE LODGE ( No . 23 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Thursday , the 25 th ult . The business consisted in the raising of Bros . Newton , Roberts , andjolliffe . Captain Matthew Webb , of swimming notoriety , after being proposed and unanimously elected , was duly

initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry by Bro . Eames , W . M . Bro . A . Partridge , S . W ., was elected W . M . for the ensuing year ; Bro . Wilcox re-elected Treasurer . A Past Master ' s jewel was unanimously voted to Bro . Eames for the valuable services rendered by him during his year of office . Banquet followed .

-WILLIAM PRESTON LODGE ( No . 766 ) . — The installation meeting of this celebrated " Banner Lodge " ( No . 766 ) was held on Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at the Cannon-street Motel , and the proceedings , which were of the most pleasant character , were attended by some brilliant ornaments of the Craft . Bro . Augustus Braun , whose Mastership was that evening to draw to a

close , opened the lodge in the three degrees , assisted by Bros . John Pringle , W . M . elect , as S . W . ; W . Manfield Newton , J . W . ; P . M . George Newman , I . P . M . ; P . M . Worrell , P . M . Kain , P . M . Dr . Whiteman , and P . M . Abbott . There were also present many visitors , among whom were Bros . Albeit , P . G . P . ; G . Abbott , P . M . 192 ; Charles Ilorsley ; Eve , P . G . S . W . of Hants ;

Tribble , No . 1287 ; Dr . Barringer , P . G . S . of Herts ; G . V . Lucu , A . G . Francis , P . G . S . D . Surrey ; J . C . Dowsing , 108 ; C . Pugsley , 170 ; Donald W . King , P . M . 12 ; Dr . Wm . Carpenter , P . M . of the Urban and Shakespeare Lodges ; II . II . Dyne , 39 6 ; Edward Drew ; Benham , W . M . 13 , 39 i an < ' While , W . M . United Strength , No . 228 ( " Freemason" ) . The first

business was , after the confirmation of the minutes , in the Primary Degree , and then the W . M . conferred the degree of M . M . upon a foreign nobleman who had been regularly initiated and passed in the lodge . The name of our noble brother cannot be given for particular reasons associated with the law under which the Order lies in the country to whose ruler the newly-raised brother is subject .

Bro . W . J . Collins and our foreign brother having been taken separately through the first part of the ceremony , were taken together through the concluding part , and the W . M ., notwithstanding a serious feverish cold , performed that beautiful degree with fine effect . In order to relieve the W . M . after his arduous labours , and to leave the new W . M . free for the evening , P . M . Worrell performed the

initiation of Mr . J . A . S . Matthews . Ihe W . M . again took the ' ehair , ami Bro . Pringle having been presented , Bro . Braun proceeded with the installation in pure ' Emulation " working , with the exception of the last address , which , though a little deviation , was worth listening to , especially as given by Bro . Braun with vivacity and excellent elocution . The new W . M . appointed Bro . W . Manfield

Newton as S . W ., evidently thus giving the lodge another efficient W . M . ; W . E . Newton , as J . W . ; S . D . Ewitis , as S . D . ; Cutmore , as J . D . ; Kidman , as I . G . ; Drake , as D . C ; and P . M . Newman , amid general applause , as Steward . The I . P . M ., Bro . Braun , was then presented with a beautiful Past Master ' s jewel , manufactured by Bro . G . Kenning , and the words of the W . M . in presenting it , as well as the

applause of the brethren at the presentation , testified to the high merits of the retiring W . M ., and the high estimation in which he is held . The lodge being closed , the brethren partook of an excellently served banquet . The W . M . proposed the loyal toasts , and in giving ¦ ' The Health of I lis Royal Highness the Grand Master , " wished him a speedy and safe return to his native country . Bro . Albert returned

thanks for " The Officers of Grand Lodge , " and said that Grand Lodge was proud to have such an excellent lodg as the William Pieston under its charters . The I . P . M ., in proposing the toast of " The W . M ., " expressed his pleasure at seeing Bro . Pringle rewarded by the brethren for his unflagging industry by being elected to the eminent

position of W . M ., and he expressed the fervent hope that their W . M . might have good health to carry out trie duties of his station . The toast was duly honoured , and the W . M ., in reply , expressed his acknowledgements for the honour bistowed upon him , and to his I . P . M . for the instruction always afforded to him . Bro . Worrell , in an excellcntand

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

eloquent speech , proposed " The Health of the Installing Master , " reminding the brethren of the perfection and eloquence with which he had performed t he ceremony , and , amid cheers , speaking of the fact that the I . P . M . had installed his successor as a proud feature in the history of the William Preston Lodge , as Bro . Braun had thereby followed the example of the late Masters , and had set an

example to those who came after . Like a Lord Mayor , the Master of a lodge held his office only for a year , but while the Lord Mayor , on passing his chair , sunk into the position of an ordinary alderman , the W . M . of a lodge , on passing his chair , however , rose into the high dignity of P . M ., and asP . M ., now they greeted Bro . Braun . The

toast was drunk with all honours , and Bro . Braun , in reply , said the expression of satisfaction which they had given him was a great reward for his struggle against a serious illness to discharge his duty , and he warmly thanked the brethren for the generous treatment they had always accorded to him . " The Initiate " was then toasted with the

usual honours , and he , in reply , expressed the hope that he might not only be a " good Mason , " but in time become a " great Mason . " Bro . P . M . Newman then proposed an unusual toast , that of " The Junior M . M . ' s "—those who had been raised that evening . His reason for proposing the toast , he said , was that the brethren might take formal leave of thtir good brother who had been

described to them as a foreign nobleman , " and of whose nationality or name nothing could be said out of the lodge . In the course of his speech Bro . Newman gave the distinguished brother to understand that the William Preston Lodge would not forget him , and that if he returned to this countiy they should always be glad to greet him . " The Foreign Brother , " in reply thanked the brethren for

the kindness they had always shown hira , and said that when a year had passed he hoped they would see him again , for it was his intention to return for the purpose of being exalted . ^ He looked with confidence to the time when the government ot his country would look with a less " green eye " upon the Craft , and to his being able to be one of the first to introduce into his native land the noble precepts of

Freemasonry .. At the conclusion of a very able speech ( an outline of which cannot be given for obvious reasons ) , the brother thanked Bros . Newman , Newton , and the I . P . M . To the toast of " The Visitors , " Bro . Charles Horsley made a long and eloquent speech , and expressed his delight with all he had witnessed there that evening . Bro . Eve also responded , and , speaking from his experience of the lodge ,

said he was greatly rejoiced to see it nourishing so well . To the toast of " The P . M . ' s , " Bros . Whiteman , Worrell , Kain , Abbott , Jcrrett , Miller , and Newman responded . The W . M . then proposed " The Press , " saying that without a paper like the " Freemason" the members of the Craft would be at a great disadvantage , for they would not generally know what was being done in the Craft , and

especially in regard to the charities , without which the Craft would be of no benefit to the world . The toast was coupled with the name of Bro While , representing the " Freemason , " and he , in reply , said his profession was highly honoured by having present an officer of Grand Lodge who was an amateur reporter , and had actually applied for a report of a speech , which Bro . While , amid much laughter ,

said he should not give , for he did not care about trusting to the discretion of amateurs . He referred to the connection of the William Preston Lodge with literature in the name it held , and , pointing to the presence of those eminent representatives of literature , science , and the arts , Bros . Carpenter , Donald King , and Barringer , he said the William Preston was following worthily in the footsteps of

him whose name it bore , and the " Freemason " was proud as a journal to represent a Craft which had so appreciative a lodge . Bro . Manfield Newton responded to the toast of " The Officers , " and after a lively speech by Bro . Dr . Barringer the proceedings ended with " The Tyler ' s " toast . The banner of the Master , it should be stated , bore the legend . It was supplied by Bro . Kenning .

PECKHAM LODGE ( No . 1475 ) . —On Thursday , the 25 th ult ., an emergency meeting of this lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall . The chair was occupied by the W . M ., Bro . John Thos . Dalby , supported by Bio . Watkins , the I . P . M . ; Bro . Canton , S . W . ; Bro . G . Duck , J . W . ; Bro . W . G . Warren , P . M ., Treas . ; Bio . W . E . Gonipertz , P . M ., Sec , and about forty brethren and several visitors .

The agenda paper was heavy , comprising work in each of the three degrees , which the W . M . performed in an able manner . Several gentlemen were proposed for initiation . The W . M . informed the brethren it was his intention to serve as Steward at the forthcoming Festival of the Itoyal Masonic Bcncvole .-. t Institution for Aged Freemasons . Bro . Gonipertz , P . M . and Sec , gave notice that at the

next regular meeting he should move that £ 10 from the lodge funds be placed on the Master ' s list , which was then sent round the lodge , and a considerable sum collected as the private subscription of the brethren . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the dining hall , where dinner was prepared . The usual toasts were proposed by the W . M . Bro . Watkins , the I . P . M ., proposed

" The Master's Health " in very feeling terms , congratulating him on the improved status of the lodge . The W . M . thanked the brethren for their co-operation with him in all that concerned the welfare of the lodge . Bro . Warren , Treas ., said , as one of the founders , he felt proud of the success that had attended the lodge , and hoped he should , with the other founders in turn , at some time or other , be

permitted to fill the chair . He would not wish to do so or press his claims if it were at all likely to interfere with the harmony of the lodge ; but he hoped the brethren would concede to the founders the honour of enrolling their names as Past Masters of the lodge . Bro . Gonipertz , P . M . and

Sec , congratulated the W . M . tint it should have fallen to his lot to preside over the lodge during this very eventful period of its history , and that we had been so successful in disconnecting Masonry from tavern influence . The teachings of our ceremonies were far too serious and solemn to be performed , with

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

decency and decorum when exposed to the jeers and derisive banter of the uninitiated , who , from the want of proper privacy in the tavern , have seen or heard sufficient , without knowing the symbolic meaning of what they may have heard or seen , to burlesque our time-honoured and beneficent institution . The best thanks of all who desired to uphold the character of Masonry were due to those

worthy brothers by whose zeal and perseverance this peaceful home had been reared , and may it long continue a successful monument . He was happy also to tell the W . M . that there were 5 5 members on the roll of the lodge , and that all demands to this date were paid ; and the Treasurer held a balance of over £$ 0 , which had been that evening augmented by £ 24 , so that their present

position , for a lodge not yet completed its second year , may fairly be considered as prosperous . He , like their brother Treasurer , would certainly like to change the duties of Secretary for the honours of the chair . It might be thought by some of the junior members that the Secretary ' s duties ended in the lodge , but he could assure them that that was the smallest part of his work ; he was in constant

communication with the Master and corresponding on all matters of detail in the interest and working of the lodge , and providing for the comfort and successful performance of all the minutia ; connected with it ; but still , while he had their confidence and respect he was content to give them his best services . The toast of "The Initiates" was responded to by all three . In responding to the very cordial manner in which the W . M . proposed the toast of" The

Visitors , " each expressed himself highly pleased with the work in the lodge and the bountiful manner they had been entertained at its social board , and several expressed a desire to become joining members of the lodge . The Tyler ' s toast brought the meeting to an end . Amongst the visitors were Bros . Norris , 177 ; A , Wilkins , of the St . Paul ' s Lodge , Boston , U . S . A . ; Hooper , 879 ; Smith , 1257 ; Garner , 975 ; Caink , 1056 ; C . B . Cheese , 86 9 ; Sinclair , and others .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . —The November meeting of this lodge was held on the 25 th ult ., when there were present Bros . W . H . Lee , W . M . ; Thos . C . Chapman , S . W . ; H . Lister , J . W . ; B . Meyer , Treas ., N . Green , Sec . ; J . B . Shackleton , S . D . ; James Symes , J . D . ; R . Philp , as I . G . ; Gilchrist , Tyler . Among the members present were Bros . W . H . Brand ,

Meyer , Johnson , Dallas , Alford , Brastcd , and Harding . The business of the evening commenced with the raising of Bro . F . A . Kelly , passing of Bro , Varney , and initiation of Mr . Moon , the charge in the First Degree being most impressively rendered by the W . M . Tbe lodge then proceeded to ballot for the W . M . for the ensuing year , when Bro . Thos . Chapman , S . W ., was unanimously ejected to

that office . Bro . B . Meyer was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Gilchrist , Tyler . Propositions were received for the next meeting . It was then proposed , seconded , and unanimously carried , that Bro . W . H . Lee , the most respected W . M ., should be presented with a Past Master ' s jewel in recognition of the very valuable services rendered by him during his year of office . Bro . Lee then offered to

represent tne lodge as Steward at the forthcoming festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The lodge was then closed . The brethren shortly afterwards sat down to a slight repast . The usual toasts followed . That of "The W . M . Elect" was neatly responded to by Bro . Chapman . Bro . Shead , 136 C , responded for " The Visitors . " The toast of " The Masonic Charities , " given by the W . M . in most

appropriate terms , was very ably responded to by Bro . Snackleton . After a little harmony , the brethren separated . MIDDLETON . —Imperial George Lodge ( No . 78 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , November 25 th , at the Asshelon Arms Hotel . The lodge was opened at 6 p . m . promptly by Bro W . II . Kershaw , W . M . The Secretary , Bro . Forrester

I-othergill , having read the minutes of the last meeting , they were duly confirmed . Referring to the minutes , we may here mention that with , the assistance ( at all times so willingly given ) of our Bro . Forrester Fothergill , we hope in a future issue to publish a brief but interesting " History of the Imperial George Lodge , " its minutes being preserved intact for upwards of a century . The minutes confirmed ,

the brethren then proceeded to ballot for , as a joining member , Bro . Iliff ( Lodge of Truth , 1458 , Manchester ) proposed by Bro . Bradbury , J . W . The ballot being investigated by the W . M ., his election was declared to be unanimous . The remaining business on the circular was to elect the W . M . and Treas . for the ensuing year ; also to appoint Auditors and elect Tyler . David Reid , S . W ., was

unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , he being such an excellent worker , and , like his predecessor , wellqualified to keep up the fire of " True Masonry " in the lodge . Bro . Heywood , P . M ., was then re-elected Treas . Bros . Lees , Millhouse , and Newton were appointed Auditors , the two first-named by the members of the lodge , and the latter by the W . M . Bro . John Kent was re-elected

lyler ; he is a brother esteemed by all , and has tylcd the lodge for the past ten years . His Masonic qualities are as lofty as his stature , which is considerably above the average . By command of the W . M ., Bro . Kent was summoned into lodge , and informed of his re-election , and after having thanked the brethren in his usual quaint manner , he returned to his post of O . G . Mr . Moses Mills was

proposed . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren retired from labour to refreshment , so ably provided by mine hostess , Mrs . Harrison . The cloth having been withdrawn , the usual toasts were given and responded to , interspersed with harmony from the Middlcton and Manchester brethren .

LEICESTER . —John of Gaunt ( No . 523 . )—This lodge held its third regular meeting of the season on Thursday , Nov . 18 th , under the presidency of the W . M ., Bro . J . T . Thorp , supported by the following officers , brethren , and visitors : —S . S . Partridge , I . P . M . ; T . A . Wykcs , J . W . ; W . B . Smith , P . M ., Treasurer ; R . Taylor , Secretary ; W . C . Shout , S . D . ; G . Odell , J . D . ; C . John-