Masonic Notes And Queries.

a bridge , and pontifcx a builder of bridges . He also quotes Jablonski , who states that in Egypt the High Priest , or Chief Priest , was termed Phon-em-PUre , horn which he derives " Pontifex . " He admits thatthough there is some evidence of a bridge at Maupas , and , therefore , called Bon Pas , in 9 S 0 or 1000 , by a Benedict or Benezet , the earliest historical evidence is in 1177 , when a Benedict or Benezet undoubtedly built a bridge at Avignon , and was

termed " Pastor et Pontifex , " though he gives no textual proof of thc last assertion . He quotes a document of 11 S 7 , used by the Bollandists and others , which states that Joannes Benedictus , Prior of the Bridge , obtains for himself and his brethren a church , acemetery , and a chaplain . This person is supposed to be the first Benedict ' s successor , he dying in 11 S 4 . Whether this Fraternity of the Bridge was founded in ySoor 1177 , Benedict is said to have founded it , and it is called Pontilices Avenion

alleged that the order was " - enses , " or " Pontifes d'Avignon , " but there is no apparent proof of these statements , except thc title of a book by Raynaud . Pope Clement is said to have given , 111 11 S 7 , an Act of Confirmation to these Builders . Raynaud is quoted as saying that the head of the body was called prior , or procurator precurseur , and Fantoni asserts , the Abbe says , that in 12-u this name was changed to Commendator or

Commandeur . De Vaisset is quoted , as asserting that Benedict formed a community to take care of his bridge , to receive and aid pilgrims , and offer them hospitality as well as shelter and help . In 1207 an act of sale is mentioned , as made to Stephen , Prior of the brethren and monastery of thc Bridge . In the thirteenth century this order of bridge-builders , Gregoire savs . was in irreat reputation , and a certain William , Count

of Forcalqu ' ier , in 1202 , gives up all his rights to this bridge and in 1207 confirms this gift to the brethren ot the bridge . called Bertrand , Rostagni , Isnard , & c ., and gives them tolls over all his lands . In 1227 a deed is quoted as made to "Hugo Personna Preceptor domus Pontis , ct Petrus Transacts et Petrus Garetis fratres ejusdem Pontis . " In 14 G 9 they are called Rectores Pontis , Recteurs du Pont , so says at least Gregoire . lt seems that in 1277 the brethren of de to seek in

Bonpas gave a procuration to Petrus Regesio - corporation with the Templars , " Procuratiofratrum Pontis Boni Passus ad se transferendos in ordinem Templaranorum . " In thc next year Pope Nicholas III . incorporated this house with the hospitallers of St . John . In 1300 it was made Carthusian , and apparently passes away . In 1265 thc Bridge of St . Esprit ( Lyons ) , was built by the Prior of a Cluniac body and members of the fraternity from Avignon were

called in to keep it in order . In 1448 the Pope Nicholas sent a bull in favour of this new fraternity , confirming their statutes , and their privilegesand their goods , an dordcred them to wear a wbite habit with a border of red cloth on the breast , representing two arches with a cross . The building was destroyed in 1622 ; thc brethren dispersed , but were reformed in 1 C 76 , and finally suppressed at the French Revolution . There are also traces of "fraternities at Montpelher ,

Toul , Bar , Valenciennes , and Metz , thc Abbe asserts . At Lucca , in Italy , there was also a hospital founded in the eleventh century , ol which the chief was termed Magister , Dominus , Custos , Rector , Pleban ; it assisted the sick and indigent , aided travellers against robbers , made roads , erected bridges . " Viarum pontium ct fluniinum trajectum procurationem gerebant . " Allucius , or Allucio , called St . Allucio , devoted himself to this work , erected several

hospitals and bridges , and this , his fraternity , was of the Order of St . John of Jerusalem . In 1322 , Lamy declares , the Abbe Gregoire says , that the Order had a palace in Florence , and houses " per universum orbem . " There seems to have been a similar Order in Paris , instituted by Philippe le Bel , the destroyer of the Templars , which was united to the Order of St . Lazarus , in 1 C 72 , by Louis XIV . In 1552 , John de Medicis , son of the great Cosmo , and Archbishop of Pisa , was head of this hospital at Lucca .

But it seems , in 1590 , to have been incorporated with an Order of St . Stephen . Historically , we then are pretty much where we began in respect of thc Fratres Pontilices . There seems to be evidence ot a fraternity of bridge builders , but they are few and hazy , and I do not yet see that we have advanced much beyond the statements in " Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia , " page Si . The use of the term Fratres Pontilices , or Fvcres Pontifes , despite thc Abbe ' s vehement assertions , is not , I venture to think , at all established so far .

9 S ] DR . STUKELEY AND OLD LODGES . in response to No . 9 6 of " Masonic Student , " I hasten to state that from the time of the appearance of the Masonic part of Dr . Stukeley ' s Diary to now , I have , " every now and then , " had a try at the lists of lodges in Bro . Gould's " Four Old Lodges and their Descendants , " and other lists that I have carefully noted from 1723 , and the result is that I consider the lodge of 1721 , held at the

" Fountain , " Strand , London , to be the same as the tenth on the engraved list of A . D . 1723 . Bro . Gould identifies xii . on Constitutions of A . D . 1923 as the 4 0 th on the official roll of the same year . 1 am not prepared to trace xii . myself , and so cannot accept thc guess of " Masonic Student " as to its being the one held at the " Fountain " in 1721 , when it was constituted , but am inclined to prefer the opinion of Bro . Gnuld , as he

bases his statement on the registers of the members of the various early lodges still preserved in archives of the Grand Lodge . In the engraved list of 1725 ( or rather in the two editions ) the lodge held at the " Fountain " appears as No . 10 ( including the two vacant Nos . 4 and S ) . I have entirely failed to trace the lodge at Grantham , nf A . D . 172 C , in any engraved or printed lists , or in the " hour Old Lodges , " andtherefore , it may be taken as proved thatnosuch lodge

, is in any known register , though it may be still found , if held elsewhere , which might bc thc case , as removals were not uncommon in those days . On thc other hand , thelodge may never have been regularl y warranted , for it was many years after formation of the Grand Lodge before due order was observed . 1 consulted wilh Bro . Whytehead soon after issue of the Masonic Diary , ancl from the information sent

me , I have no hesitation in saying the MS . is that of "Cooke's . " ( Sec also "Gould ' s History , " vol . I ., page ( in . ) Thc two "Orders" mentioned by Stukeley I take il were harmless amusements—like tht- present " Order of St . Lawrence" and furnished innocent relaxation for learned men . " Masonic Student" docs well to draw attention once more to this matter , for the " Diary and its contents arc of special value . VV . J . HUGHAN .

Bro . D . L . Parry was installed W . M . of the Walton Lodge , No . 10 SG , at Kirkdale , on Wednesday last .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft J-Hasoitr-q . ROBERT BURNS LODGE ( No . 25 ) . —The brethren of this ancient lodge assembled on Monday last at the Freemasons' Hall for the annual installation meeting under the able presidency of Bro . M . D . Loewenstark , the retiring Master , who , after opening the lodge in due form , raised Bros . William Guppy and Neil Wells in a most efficient manner . A ballot was then taken for the election of Bro . John S . Elliott , 1214 , as a joining member , and was

declared to be unanimous in his favour . Bro . T . J . Robins , P . M ., then presented the S . W ., Bro . Courtenay Wynne , for installation , and this ceremony was most impressively performed by Bro . Loewenstark . The following brethren were appointed to office : Bros . G . J . Moorcroft , S . W . ; J . VV . Harvey , J . W . ; J . J . Wilson , I'M ., Treas . ; ] . Dyte , P . M ., Sec . ; T . Hawkins , S . D . ; A . VV . Stead , J . D . ; W . Ford , I . G . ; VV . J . Batson , Assist . Sec . ; W . Wingham

and G . Deaton , Stewards . Thc visitors present were as follows : Bros . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; T . West , P . M . 1 S 15 ; C . Hunt , P . M . 194 ; F . G . Baker , P . M . 753 ; II . D . Stead , P . M . 1297 and 1674 ; G . Clark , P . M . 263 ; J . Blundell , P . M . 742 ; C . Fardcll , 153 S ,- G . McLotighlin , 1706 ; J . Jones , 1297 ; E . Martin , 1476 ; R . Sly , 1625 ; T . Pargeter , 159 S ; VV . Jaques , 1744 ; l- Hayes , 1457 : M . Graham , 075 ; C .

Sparrow , 975 ; VV . Waring , 19 S ; H . VV . Little , 170 O ; VV . Sharman , 115 S ; C . White , 1777 * G . Cole , 742 ; and Bloom , Lafayette Lodge of New York . The W . M . in a few well chosen sentences , presented the retiring Master with a very handsome Past Master ' s jewel , which had been unanimously voted to him . andj the gift was suitably acknowledged by Bro . Loewenstark .

The lodge was then closed in due form and the brethren adjourned to the Crown room , where an excellent banquet was provided . 'The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . J . Shirley Hodgson , P . M ., who was assisted by Bros . E . W . Collins , C . A . White , J . Woods , and Bro . It . Walmsley Little , who presided at the piano . The grace having been sung the usual Royal toasts

were proposed by the VV . M ., and it is needless to say most heartily received by the brethren . The National Anthem and " God bless the Prince of Wales " were sung , the solos of the latter by Bro . J . Wood . The VV . M ., in proposing "The Health of thc Prov . Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and thc rest of the Grand Officers , " observed that it was quite unnecessary for him to occupy the time of the brethren by

speaking in praise of the Grand Officers , because their good work was before the Masonic world , and the Craft were well aware that the Grand Master would not have selected them had he not felt sure that they were men well qualified forthe high positions towhich they were appointed . Song— " Alice , where art thou ? " Bro . E . W . Collins . 'The Grand Secretary , replying for " 'The Grand Officers , " remarked that it was a very great pleasure and honour to

be permitted to return thanks forthe important toast of the Grand Officers , because the toast included so large a number of distinguished brethren whose names he might almost say were household words in the Order . He could assure the brethren of the Robert Burns Lodge that whatever services the Grand Officers had rendered to the Craft had met with hearty appreciation by all classes in Freemasonry . He wished to say a few words also respecting the

illustrious head of the Order , thc Prince of Wales . Every Mason was proud of him as Grand Master , but he ( the Grand Secretary ) thought that an impression prevailed that the Grand Master , by reason of his high station , did not take that practical interest in Freemasonry that might be expected of him . Now this idea was entirely erroneous , for the Grand Master took the greatest possible interest in all matters connected with the Craft , there being scarcely

a matter , except thc merest routines , that he did not express an opinion upon , and when in town duiing the season , thc Grand Secretary had constantly to wait upon him at Marlborough House , to lay before him thc details of all matters of interest . In conclusion , the Grand Secretary thanked the brethren for the cordial manner in which the toast had been received . This was the third occasion that he had been thc guest of the Robert Burns

Lodge , which had an illustrious history in thc past , and had lost none of its lustre during the year just concluded under the able Mastership of Bro . Loewenstark , whom he must highly commend for his admirable working that evening of the Third Degree , and the beautiful installation ceremony . He felt sure also that from the able and impressive way in which their new VV . M ., Bro . Wynne , had invested his officers , he would be found a worthy successot

of a long roll of Masters , and he could assure him of the " Hearty good wishes " of the Grand Officers , and at the same time tendered to him his sincere concratulations upon being the Master of such an eminent lodge as the Robert Burns Lodge . Glee— "King Canute . " Bro . Loewenstark , I . P . M ., then proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " which he called upon the brethren to receive in their heartiest manner . He said that he felt it both an

honour and a p leasure to submit thc toast to them . It was needless for him to dilate upon the excellence of Bvo . Wynne's working , for that was already before thelodge , and he conscientiously believed that the W . M . was well qualified to perform all the duties of his high office . All had known him as a hard worker in the past ,- he had risen in the lodge step by step ancl had thoroughly earned his present position ; he had done his duty earnestly , and in doing so had doubtless had before him as an incentive the

unanimous election that had made him the head of the Robert Burns Lodge . Song— "The Anchor ' s Wrighed , " Bro . C . A . White The W . M ., replying to the toasl of his health , said thnt he could not sufficiently express his appreciation of the great honour that hail that day been done him , nnd he almost despaired of his ability to impart sufficient dignity to the position of W . M . | tt was quite true , as Bro . Loewenstark had said , that he had worked up from the bottom of the ladder ; it was upon the pressing invitation of their

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

worthy Secretary , Bro . Dyte , that he first took office , and he could assure the brethren that he was not unmindful of the kind support they had always accorded to him . He would do all in his power to discharge his duties well and make the brethren happy during his year of office , and he solicited their kind indulgence for any shortcomings that they might see in him .

Piano solo by Bro . H . Walmsley Lillie , Mus . Bac , 1706 . 'The VV . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Visitors , " observed that it always afforded the brethren of thc Robert Burns Lodge great satisfaction to welcome visitors amongst them , particularly on installation meetings , when the lodge was always honoured by the presence of many distinguished Masons , and this occasion was no exception to the rule .

J hey had again the pleasure of welcoming to their board theGrand Secretary , whom he wasquitesurethclodgcwould always feel it an honour to entertain , and there were besides a large number of Past Masters of other lodges , and numerous other brethren . He trusted they had enjoyed a pleasant evening , and hoped to see them again on future

occasions . As there was such a long list he would call upon Bros . Bloom , of Lafayette Lodge , America , and H . D . Stead , P . M . 1297 and 1 G 74 , to respond . Song— " Will o' thc Wisp , " Bro . J . S . Hodson , P . M . Bros . Bloom and Stead responded upon behalf of the visitors .

Ihe VV . M . ncxt proposed "The Health of the Installing Master , Bro . M . D . loewenstark , " wbo had , he said , that evening completed a most successful year of office by performing , in his usual effective style , a very beautiful , but most trying , ceremony—he alluded to that of installation . It would be waste of time for him to detail to the bretliren the good work that the I . P . M . had done during his vear of

ollice ; they all knew how well he understood his duties , and what good service he had rendered to thc lodge in economising its funds , whilst , at the same time , looking after thc comfort of the brethren ; and it was with feelings of thc greatest pleasure that he ( thc VV . M . ) had that evening presented to him the handsome jewel that had been voted by the lodge and so dcservinsrlv bestowed .

Bro . Loewenstark , in reply , assured the brethren that he was trul y grateful to the VV . M . for his flattering remarks , and to them for the cordial way in which they had received the toast . He thought that too much importance nad been attached to his services , particularly to thc work of that evening , for although , it being his last opportunity of working a ceremony , he had endeavoured to deliver thc various

addresses in an impressive manner , he felt that there was still much required before perfection could be obtained . He could not sufficiently thank the brethren for the honour that had been conferred upon him , in the shape of the handsome jewel he now wore . He had felt through-° ii ! yf ? ° " ice that il was a S reat distinction to bc the W . M . of such an old and eminent lodge as the Robert

Burns , and he trusted that he might be spared for many years to be amongst them as a P . M ., and to preserve to himself the esteem of which they had just given him such a substantial proof . The W . M . then proposed " The Health of the Past Masters of the Lodge , " which toast was responded to by Bros . Robinson , Dyte , Hodson , and Robins , the first of these brethren

being the oldest member of the lodge , he having been initiated in the year 1 S 44 . Glee— " When evening's twilight . " The VV . M ., in proposing " Tlie Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " regretted that Bro . Wilson , by reason of living so far off , had been compelled to leave before this toast could be brought forward . He was so well known to

the brethren , ancl had held the office of Treasurer for so many years , that words in his praise were quite superfluous He trusted that Bro . Wilson's life might long be spared and that the lodge might have the benefit of his valuable services , the same remarks would apply to Bro . Dyte their esteemed Secretary , who was almost their oldest Past Mastei . The way in which he discharged his arduous duties was beyond all praise . He was thorouehlv nractiral

always punctual , and his long experience of Freemasonry rendered him a most valuable adviser to the presiding Master , to whom at all times Bro . Dyte ' s advice and assistance were cheerfully accorded . The W . M then proposed "The Health of the Officers ol the Lodge , which was suitabl y acknowledged by Bros Moorcroft , Harvey , and Stead . The Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings .

NOTTINGHAM .-Newstead Lodge ( No 47 ) —Theannual festival and installation meeting of this timehonoured lodge took place under auspicious circumstances on luesday , the 19 th ult ., at thc Masonic Hall , Goldsmith-¦ L * ,- ,. od S e was opened by its popular VV . M ., Bro John looks , supported by the following Past Masters and officers of the lodge -. Bros . T . W . Robinson , P . P . S . G VV Sutton

K . y . , IM' . G . S . W . ; J . Davis , P . P . S . G D S J ackson , Prov . G . J . D . ; H . J . Norris , Prov . G . D . of C ; J . Derry , I . P . M . ; G . Chapman , S . W ., VV . M . elect- E C Patchitt , J VV ., I . C Bimvell , Sec . / H . Vickebs ' S b / n i * ^ rber c , * * i J * Brow " ' -C ; R . Bingham and I . C . Eden , Stewards . Among thc visitors present were Bros . Joseph Young , P . M . 523 , Prov . G . D . C . Leicestert shire and Rutland

; F . Thomas , P . M . 272 , Prov G P I in colnshire ; H . W . Burton , W . M . 1 493 ; W . I Gardner " W . M , 794 ; G . H .: Hibbert , W . M __ % . * E TuVne * ™[ : 50 O ; G . Aldenson , S . VV . 1435 , and others . Ihe minutes of the previous meeting having been dulv read and confirmed , the Dep . Prov . Grand Master , Bro . Ld . Watson , was then announced and received

accord' •¦ "f ? ° ' " " , custom with the honours due to his rank Ihe retiring W . M . proceeded with great taste and iud-l ment to instal his successor in the chair of K . S ., workinothe whole of the ceremony without assistance , includin g the accurate de , very o ^ the subsequent addresses to thS newly-installed W . M ., Wardens , and brethren JwftK !!! ^™ L W' ? . tcd and ™<* W * y the WMwho suitable and felicitous

., gave congratulations to each : Bros , ohn Topi s , . P . M ., Treas F r Patchitt , S * ; IJ . Vickers , J . W . ; f C . Bamvelis Sec ^ ; 1 Davis , . 1 . M ., Il 1 . of C ; A . J . Barber , S . D . ; ' il . E Wilson , J . D . ; C Rogers , Org . ; R . Bingham , I . G . ; R . T Mm ntencyand I . Eden , Stwds . ; and H . Glover , Tyler Alter sonic further transaction of business , and " Heartv good wishes" from the representatives of thc numerous in eke form " tcndcred- <•*<* * lodge . was closed The brethren adjourned at half-past six o ' clock to the spacious banqueting room of thc Masonic Hall , and oartook of an exquisitely served dinner ( the antique menu