Contents.

CONTENTS .

ritponrs or M ASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry 267 Drnvincia : Grand Lodge o £ Essex 308 fraud Lodge of Mark Master Masons „ 2 J 1 Tlie Past of Freemasonry 37 = The La « t Anniversary Festival of the Boys' School a ? 2 Dutch ' Freemasonry 273

/' .. RR ESPONDEXCE : — The Report of the Consecration of the Clapham Lodge 27 _! The Boys' an . l Girls * School 27 : Masonic Grammar 27 : Masonic Literature 274 A ., Krrnr 27 J

provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex 274 provincial Grand Lodge of Berks and Bucks 275 Festival of the Domatic Lodge , No . 157 276 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 276 Koyal Masonic Ins'itution for Boys 276 Masonic and General Tidings 276 Lodge Meetings for Next Week hi . Advertisements i ., ii ., iii ., iv ., v ., vi .

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REPORTS , etc ., intended for insertion in current number , should reach the Office , ( 198 , Fleet-street ) , by Six o'clock p . m ., on Wednesdays .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( graft ffiCasontg , HIGH CROSS LO DGE ( No . 754 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Seven Sisters , Tottenham , on Wednesday , thc 25 th ult . Bro . Stephens , the W . M ., presided , and , after the usual routine business , proceeded ( after the ballot had been taken ) to initiate Mr . II . Cooper into the mysteries of Freemasonry . The bye-laws of the lodge were read , and the name of a gentleman for

initiation having been given , the W . M . closed the lodge , and the brethren adjourned to supper , which having been partaken of the usual toasts were given . In introducing that of " The Queen , " the W . M . referred to the kind sympathy that Her Majesty had shown the ex-Empress of France in her recent bereavement . The toast was heartily received , and was followed by that of " H . R . H . the Prince

of Wales , Grand Master . " With this the W . M . coupled " The Healths of the Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " paying a great compliment to their exertions on behalf of Freemasonry . Bro . J . Wells , P . M ., assumed the gavel , and had great pleasure in proposing the toast of "The W . M ., " whom he complimented for his kind and affable manner and

his general ability in conducting the affairs of the lodge . He was , Bro . Wells observed , very near the end of his term of ofiice , and he hoped that whoever might be appointed as his successor would , if possible , be a bitter man , but he was afraid few could give greater satisfaction than their present Master . After a song the W . M . rose to reply . He tendered his heartiest thanks for the kindness

at all times extended towards him , and hoped to merit a continuance of the favours of the brethren . He had done his best in the past , and was only too pleased to find that it had met the approval of the members . His next duty was a most pleasing one , and one that he felt would meet the heartiest reception from all assembled . It was " The Health of the Initiate , Bro .

Cooper . " lt was a great episode in the career of a lodge to receive a new member among them , and he trusted that the brother who had been initiated this evening would show that he had been impressed with the ceremony performed on his behalf . He could assure him that the more he looked into Freemasonry the more he would find that the brethren were anxious for the welfare

of their fellows . Bro . Cooper , in his reply , thanked the brethren for the reception that had been accorded him . At present he was not in a position to say much for Freemasonry , but he trusted that the more he saw of it thc better lie should like it , and finally prove himself worthy of the position that had been accorded him . The next toast thc W . M . had to proposed was that of " The Visitors . " He

considered this a most pleasing part of his duty , as he felt assured that each member was gratified at seeing the guests who had honoured them with their presence . They were not so numerously supported by visitors as they were at their last meeting , but they somewhat made up for quantity in quality . He referred to the exertions the ptess were making to advance the cause of Freemasonry

by reporting the various meetings , that took place , and thereb y giving brethren who were unable to be present an ulea of what was taking place . Bros . G . C . Young , 820 , J . B . Reid , 94 6 , and W . W . Morgan , jun ., 1385 , responded to the toast . The VV . M . next called upon the brethren to drink " The Health of the Past Masters . " He thanked 'hem for the assistance they at all times rendered the

W . M . in carrying out the duties of the lodge , and hoped they would be among those present at many future meetings . Bro . Wells returned thanks , "e considered it the duty of every Past Master to support the Master , and regretted that the present Master had not been better supported than he had . "The Health c ' 'be Officers " was next drunk . Without them the W . M . 'fit he should have been unable to carry on the affairs of

'he lodge ; he hoped he should always have them to assist Wm . Bro . S . W . replied , after which thc Tyler was called , and gave the concluding toast of the evening . Among ^« e present were Bros . H . Stephens , W . M . ; J . W . Wells , "• Dance , J . Linzell , C . F . Barham , J . Mailer , Past Wasters ; G . Burford , S . W . ; J . Farrier , J . W . ; T . Cun-¦ J'ngham , Sec . ; J . H . Thompson , J . D . ; J . Garrod , D . C . ; J-Very , Tyler , A . G . Fidler , A . Bridgman , W . T . Turner , w - S . Cooper , W . F . Stevenson , A . W . Huckett , H . Cooper , and others .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

GATESHEAD . —Lodge of Industry ( No . 48 ) . —The regular meeting of the premier lodge in the Province of Durham was held on Monday , the 23 rd ult ., at 34 , Denmark-street . The lodge was opened shortly after 7 o ' clock in the evening by the W . M ., Bro . Robert Whitfield , assisted by the following ofiicers , viz .: Bros . M . Corbitt , I . P . M . ; John Wood , S . W . ; J . G . Smith , J . W . ; W . Brewis

Elsdon , Treas . ; E . Liddell , Sec . ; E . W . Middlemistr , S . D ., W . Whitfield , acting J . D . ; Jas . Boyatt , I . G . ; R . Ferry , Org . ; J . C . S . Liddell , S . S . ; Jas . Macintyre , J . S ., J . W . A . Boyatt , A . S . ; and Joshua Curry , Tyler . The other members present were : Bros . David Sinclair , P . M . ; B . P . Ord , I . P . M . 1427 ; Michael J . Wheatley , T . E . Biigham , T . P . Reay , A . Rhagg , G . G . Davidson , and

John Wallace . Amongst the visitors were Bros . F . P . Jonn , P . M . 424 ; Jesse Marchant , W . M . 424 ; Jos . Probert , P . M . 424 ; T . Tyrrell , 424 ; John Page , W . M . 406 ; Henry Usher , J . D . 541 ; G . S . Sims , 1342 ; J . Duckitt , jun ., S . D . 481 ; H . Kamp , 240 . The first business was the confirmation of the minutes of last regular meet'ng , after which Bro . M . Corbitt , I . P . M ., was unanimously elected

for the second time to represent the lodge on the Charities Committee for the Province of Durham . At the urgent request of the W . M . of the Borough Lodge , No . 424 , the W . M . was J'asked to give Bro . T . Tyrrell ( who had been regularly initi ated in that lodge ) his Second Degree . Bros . T . P . Reay , M . J . Wheatley , and T . Tyrrell having shown their proficiency in the First Degree

retired for preparation . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , when the candidates just named were admitted as Fellow Craftsmen by the W . M ., the working tools being explained by the S . W . Bro . Jacob Matthews received the test of merit and retired , after which the lodge was opened in the Third Degree bv the W . M ., when Bro . Matthews was re-admitted

and passed to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . by Bro . M . Corbitt , I . P . M ., who also explained the Tracing Board . The working tools were given by the S . W . The lodge was then closed down to the First Degree , when Bro . M . Corbitt , I . P . M ., in the names of himself and the officers , presented Bro . D . Sinclair , P . M ., and W . M . of the lodge from March 1877 , to March 1878 , with a handsome

Past Master ' s jewel , as a mark of their high esteem and for his services to the lodge . P . M . Sinclair thanked the I . P . M . and the officers for the token of regard , which was quite unexpected , and in a short but unique speech expressed the pleasure he would have in wearing the jewel as a memento of his year of office , and trusted that the day would be far distant when

his connection with the old lodge would cease . 1 he following gentlemen were proposed for initiation , Mr . Matthew Swinburne and Mr . Jas . John Thompson , after which the " Hearty good wishes" of the visiting brethren were tendered to the W . M ., and then the lodge was closed in due form . The brethren adjourned to the refreshment

room , when the usual Masonic toasts were responded to and several brethren enlivened the proceedings with their harmony . In connection with this lodge there is a tontine or benevolent fund for the Masonic Charities , and it is very pleasing to find that the twelfth ballot took place on the meeting night .

LIVERPOOL . —Merchants Lodge ( No . 241 ) . —Amongst the numerous Midsummer installations in Liverpool none possess any greater interest than that which attaches to the annual gathering of the Merchants Lodge , No . 241 , with which many illustrious Masonic names have been associated during its century ' s existence . There was consequently a laige gathering of visitors and brethren

at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , at noon on Tuesday , the 24 th ult ., and even a larger array of Masonic notables at the Prince of Wales Hotel , Southport , where the brethren dined in the afternoon . The lodge was opened by Bro . Jas . Winsor , W . M ., P . M . 203 , assisted by Bros . Councillor Geo . Peet , P . M . ; Ralph Robinson , P . M . ; Richard Brown , P . M . ; Geo . Broadbridge , P . M ., D . C . ; J . W . Turley , P . M .,

P . P . G . D . C ; H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec ; Thos . Salter , J . W . ; Jas . Pendleton , I . G . ; Solomon Jacob , acting Secretary ; and others . The W . M . elect was presented by Bro . R . Robinson , P . M ., and Bro . G . Peet , P . M ., and installed in a very impressive manner by Bro . J . Winsor , the retiring W . M ., who also delivered the lectures at the close of the ceremony in a faultless manner . The W . M . was

saluted with all the honours , and he then proceeded to invest the following officers : Bros . Thos . H . Sheen ( by proxy ) , S . W . ; John Latta , J . W . ; Jas . Winsor , I . P . M . ; Dr . S . J . M'George , Treasurer ( re-elected ) ; Geo . Broadbridge , P . M ., D . C . ( re-appointed ) ; Jas . Pendleton , S . D . ; J . R . Duggan , J . D . ; Thos . Whitehead , Secretary ( by proxy ) ; John Brotherton , I . G . ; A . B . Ewart , Organist .

Peter Ball was re-elected Tyler . At the conclusion of the ledge business , the brethren proceeded to Southport , where a recherche dinner was served up at the Prince of Wales Hotel , when about ninety sat down . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts being duly honoured , in proposing " The Provincial Grand Master , " the W . M . spoke of the respect and esteem in which he was held , and expressed a hope

that his health might soon be restored , when he would again be able to render that assistance he had always so cheerfully afforded . The S . W . proposed "The Deputy Grand Master and other Provincial Grand Officers , " and stated that the Right Hon . F . A . Stanley , their Deputy Grand Master , was second only to the P . G . M . in his devotion to the Craft , and spoke highly of the assiduity of the other P . G . O . ' s , especially Bro . Alpass , P . G . Secretary .

Bro . Alpass responded , and said he was sure all who took an interest in the affairs of the country must sympathise with Bro . the Right Hon . F . A . Stanley in his onerous duties connected with the army of this country . For himself he had the greatest pleasure in seeing that day installed such a worthy and efficient Mason as their W . M . He also called attention to their Masonic Charities , and bore testimony to the efforts of 241 , headed , by its W . M ., to

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

promote the metropolitan funds , and especially that of the Girls' School . He could congratulate the lodge on all grounds on its continuing in the fore-front of Freemasonry in this province , and more especially on the fact that , without spending money at haphazard or without due investigation , they gave such a large sum to laudable objects . Bro . Latta , S . W ., proposed " The Masonic Charities , "

warmly advocating their claims , more especially that of the West Lancashire Educational Institution , with which Bro . R . Brown was so honourably associated . —• Bros . Brown and Broadbridge responded , and the latter proposed the toast of the evening , viz ., " The , W . M . ' ! —which was most cordially received—stating that they respected him not only as a hard-working Mason but as a man who set an example to all of them . The W . M .

replied m feeling terms , and referred to the fact that the lodge was now 100 years old and still prospering . A most interesting portion ofthe proceedings was the presentation to Bro . James Winsor , I . P . M ., of a handsome gold watch and chain , and a tea and coffee service for Mrs . Winsor , on behalf of the lodge by Bro . R . Robinson , P . M ., and after a most enjoyable evening the brethren separated . The musical arrangements were efficiently carried out by the hon . Organist , Bro . Ewart .

TUNBRIDGE WELLS . —Holmesdale Lodge ( No . 874 ) . —There was a large muster of the brethren at the Pump Room on Wednesday , the 18 th ult ., that being the closing meeting of the present season , the attendance , which included eight Past Masters , being testimony alike to the harmony and cordiality with which the lodge is always conducted , and of the high esteem in

which the W . M ., Bro . H . D . M . Williams , is held by the brethren . Among the visitors we noticed Bros . P . Smith , P . M . 153 6 ; Fielden , P . M . 1032 ; J . P . Knox , 32 , Madrid ; Caldway , 1619 ; T . Griffiths , 1619 ; Abrey , 1678 ; and G . Glanville , 1549 . The other officers present besides the W . M . were Bros . W . B . Bacon , I . P . M . ; J . Burton , J . W . ; J . Dunckley , S . D . ; J . ? . Bates , Sec ; W . F . Elers , Treas .

R . W . Delves , D . C . ; C . Graham , A . D . C ; J . Boorman , Org . ; Cheale , I . G . ; G . Strange , Tyler ; and P . M . ' s Beckley , Roper , and Reed ; Bros . A . D . Beeching , B . Buss , W . C . Cripps , E . Durrant , D . R . Everest , G . Farrer , W . Langridge , K . Pain , Rankin , Ramsbotham , Rule , Satchel ) , Simpson , W . T . Wrighton , M . Williams , and others . The lodge having been regularly opened , the Secretary read the

minutes of the last lodge , which were unanimously confirmed . The Rev . Lewen S . Tugwell and Mr . D . R . Everest , having been regularly balloted for , and approved as candidates , were separately admitted and initiated into Freemasonry according to ancient custom . Ballot was also taken for Bro . W . T . Wrighton , Globe Lodge , No . 23 , and Bro . H . S . Goodall , Lodge No . 65 , which was

unanimous in their favour . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , and Bro . Lansdell questioned as to the progress he had made in the science , and the answers being satisfactory , he withdrew , and the lodge was opened in the Third Degree , when he was impressively raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . by the W . M . in a manner that fully keeps up the prestige of the lodge for the

excellence of its working . On the notice of motion being brought forward that Bro . P . M . C . Marsh be elected an honorary member of the lodge , the notice was withdrawn agreeably to Bro . Marsh ' s wish . Several small matters having been discussed , the lodge was closed in perfect harmony , and the brethren adjourned to the Royal Kentish Hotel to banquet , which reflected the highest credit upon Bro . Rule . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and

duly honoured . Bro . W . B . Bacon responded on behalf of " The Past Masters , " and proposed " The Health of the W . M . " The W . M ., Bro . Williams , thanked the brethren for the compliment , and rejoiced to see such a pleasant gathering of the brethren . The Tyler ' s toast at eleven o ' clock terminated the proceedings . Some pleasant ballads were given during the evening by Bros . Wrighton , Boorman , and Bates .

BATTLE . —Abbey Lodge ( No . 1184 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 19 th ult ., a more than usually large number of brethren being present , including Bros , the R . W . Prov . G . M . of Sussex , Sir W . W . Burrell ; John Henderson Scott , D . P . G . M . ; V . P . Freeman , P . G . Sec ; C . Tomkinson , P . G . S . of W . ; J . M . Kidd , P . G . D . of C . ; J . Farncombe ,

P . G . S . B . ; A . King , P . G . O . ; W . T . Neel , P . G . P . ; A . J Hawkes , J . Rubie , and S . B . McWhinnie , P . G . Stewards ; W . Glenisier , W . M . of the Derwent Lodge , No . 40 ; G . Wellerd , P . M ., and a strong contingent of the brethren from Hastings ; T . Milsom , W . M . of 341 ; W . Dawes , P . M ., and a number of brethren from Kye , as well as a strong contingent of Past Masters and brethren from

Brighton , and other parts of the province . The lodge having been opened in the usual manner by Bro . C . D . Jones , W . M ., the minutes confirmed , and other business transacted , the I'rov . G . M . was reported as seeking admission . On the order being given , Sir W . W . Burrell was received in due form , and saluted with the usual honours . The W . M . then announced that the period had arrived for

the installation of his successor , and he vacated the chair in favour of the Dep . P . G . M . ( Bro . J . H . Scott ) , who , in a very able and impressive manner inr-tallcd Bro . W . Lamborn , P . M . and P . P . G . P ., as W . M . of the Abbey Lodge for the next twelve months , in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters , numbering nearly thirty . The brethren having been re-admitted , and the new W . M . regularly

proclaimed and saluted , the following were appointed the officers of the lodge for the year : —Bros . C D . Jones , I . P . M . ; E . R . Clarke , S . W . ; J . B . Sargent , J . W . ; J . H . Wells , P . M ., Treas . ; C . W . Duke , P . M ., Sec . ; C . R . Chandler , P . M ., M . of C . ; J . Fielding , Org . ; A . D . Womersley , S . D . ; R . H . Keely , J . D . ; J . Fisher , I . G . ; F . Jesson , Tyler . The lodge was shortly afterwards closed , and an adjournment was made to the George Hotel , where the banquet