Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

647 ] THE "WITHAM LODGE , " LINCOLN . I have been much interested in reading the leaderette of last week ' s Freemason respecting * the " William " Lodge , and the extracts in the racy "Keystone , " of Dec . 1 SS 5 . The writer is quite correct in his statement that the " Witham " Lodge was not warranted until 1793 , and is now No . 207 consequently the curious particulars of 1732

, cannot refer to that lodge , as I am not aware it had any name . I find that the Rev . Dr . Oliver describes the older lodge , warranted in 1730 , as the " Witham" also , and in his brief history of No . 297 ( 1 S 41 ) considers the lodge of 1730 , and the second one of 1793 , as one and the same . "A cloud has occasionally passed over it , and thrown it into shade , but it was only to render the succeeding

sunshine more bright , and to confer renewed brilliancy on its career " ( page 3 ) . As a matter of fact , however , they were two separate lodge ? , the extract of October S , 1734 , being from the records of the senior , and is as follows : — " Brother Every recommended Mr . Stephen Harrison , of the Close of Lincoln , Music Master , as a proper person to be a member of this Society , and proposed to

give a guinea towards the charge of his admission . Sir Cecil Wray proposed to give another guinea ; Sir Christopher Hales , half-a-guinea , to which Sir Cecil Wray added another guinea . And in regard Mr . Harrison might be useful and entertaining to the Society , the lodge agreed to admit him for the said sum of /"•;13 s . 6 d . "

In many lodges gifted musicians were initiated freely during the last century , for conviviality was one of the chief characteristics of the Craft in early days . The old lodge at Lincoln , unfortunately defunct for over a century , had a Master's lodge , many of the minutes of which are still preserved , and were kindly copied for me by Bro . Watson , P . M . To these I hope to refer ere long . W . J . HUGHAN .

64 SJ PREMIER MASONIC PROVINCE , & c . Whilst writing No . 643 " Notes and Queries , " I had before me the Constitutions of 17 G 7 , which place South Wales as the senior province , and so does the "Book of Constitutions" of 175 6 . Still , I am inclined to side with my friend and Bro . J . Ramsden Riley , and consider those

two works in error , and that the "Constitutions" oy ur . Anderson , of the year 173 S , is correct in ascribing that distinction to North Wales , especially as he gives thc dates of each , viz .: — Hugh Warburton , North Wales , to May , 1727 , Sir E . Mansell , Bart ., South Wales , 24 June , 1727 , the Grand Master being the Earl of Inchiquin . The " Constitutions " of 175 6 and 176 7 are also in error in crediting the Grand Master . Lord Paisley , with the honour of

granting the first two patents for Provincial Grand Masters , so it is evident Ihe value of these lists of P . G . M . ' s is not very great . I have done my best to fix the lodge held at the " Carpenter ' s Arms , " Silver-street , Golden-square , 172 S ; but much fear that it will not satisfy Bro . Riley , for it does not quite satisfy myself , * still , it is the best that can be

done under the circumstances . mere are no engraved lists , unfortunately , for the years 1726 to 172 S , so far as we know , and in the one for 1729 I cannot find any particulars to affoid a clue . In the rare 1725 engraved list , owned by General Pike , there is a lodge noted in the ninth square , held at the sign of the " Three Compasses , " Silver-street , which may be the lodge in question , as the "Three Compasses" represented the Carpenter's Arms ( on a shield ) , ot free

an engraving ot which is in bro . uouids **• History - masonry , " Vol . III . This edition of 1725 being the only one known , I have promised my fac simile of it for Bro . John Lane's " Masonic Record * , " in which it will be exactly reproduced , and form the frontispiece—that is , supposing the Craft takes sufficient interest in that grand work to subscribe for half thc heavy cost prior to publication by cheerng the author with a list of 100 subscribers . W . J . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft itlasonrg . TUSCAN LODGE ( No . 14 ) . —A meeting was held on the 23 th ult ., at Freemasons' Hall , W . C , when the following were present : Bros . Liddiard , W . M . ; Figgess , S . W . ; Williams , J . W . j Glover , P . M ., Treas . ; Stanley Robinson , P . M ., Sec ; Valentine Robinson , S . D . ; G . Smith , J . D . ; Frank Richardson , P . M ., D . C ; Regester , I . G .: Nettleship , P . M ., Stwd . ; Lane , Tyler ; P . M . ' s :

A . J . Bristow , Mackintosh , and G . Hopkinson ; Carter , Thompson , Bird , Ebbelts , Stephens , S . Clair , Weldon , and others . The visitors were Bros . Col . Shadwell II . Clerke , Philbrick , Thrupp , Peters , Lord Hedley , Letord , Bullen , Roswynler , and numerous other visitors . Alter the lodge had been opened , Bro . Figgess was installed as W . M . by liro . Liddiard , who performed the

ceremony in a most able manner . The W . M . then appointed as his ofiicers for the ensuing year : Bros . Williams , S . W . j Valentine Robinson , J . W . ; Gordon Smith , S . D . ; Regester , J . D . ; Walter Ebbetts , I . G . ; Glover , P . M ., Treas . ( for the 19 th time ); Stanley Robinson , P . M ., Sec ; Frank Richardson , P . M ., D . C j Nettleship , P . M ., W . S . ; and Lane , Tyler .

NEPTUNE LODGE ( No . 22 ) . —The installation meeting of the above lodge was held on Thursday , the 28 th ult ., at the Guildhall Tavern , when there were present Bros . W . Cook , W . M . ; J . Corbett , S . W . ; K . F . Storr , P . M ., Treas . ; J . P . Collings , P . M ., Sec ; H . Povey , P . M . ; Roberts , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , P . G . D ., Grand Sec . * , C . E . Soppet , Willey , James Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I . ; F . Binckes , Sec . R . M . I . B . j George Kenning , E . Y , Jol-

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

liffe , Griffin . lClarence Harcourt , P . M . ; VV . R . Brookes , H . Savidge , W . J . Charles , Taylor , Bailey , and others . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and a brother was passed to the Second Degree . The ceremony of installation was then most impressively rendered by Bro . H . Povey , P . M ., Bro . J . Corbett being installed as VV . M . forthe ensuing year in the presence of a large Board

of Installed Masters . Bro . J . Corbett then invested his officers as follows : Bros . Wm . Cook , I . P . M . ; L . V . Walker , S . W . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , J . W . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treas . ; J . P . Collings , P . M ., Sec ; VV . R . Brooks , S . D . ; H . Savidge , J . D . j VV . J . Charles , I . G . j H . H . Knill , Org . ; H . Povey , P . M ., D . of C . ; . ] . R . Taylor and H . Bailey , Stwds . ; and J . Parkinson , Tyler . The

newlyinstalled Master then proceeded to initiate Mr . Robert John Burt White , the ceremony being rendered , together with the charge , in a masterly manner . The I . P . M . was then invested with a P . AI . 's jewel , which was feelingly acknowledge by the recipient , Bro . W . Cook . It was proposed by Bro . E . F . Storr , P . M . and Treasurer , that the sum of 10 guineas be placed on the Charity list of the VV . M . who has

undertaken the Stewardship to represent the lodge at the forthcoming Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The brethren then retired to a recherche banquet , the usual toasts being duly proposed and honoured . A good programme of music was well performed by Miss Effie Chapuey , R . A . M ., Thos . Cassidy , and Curtis D'AIton . Bro . J . F . Haskins presided at the pianoforte .

PYTHAGOREAN LODGE ( No . 79 ) . —The installation meeting of the above lodge took place on Monday , the 25 th ult ., at the Ship Hotel , Greenwich , when Bro . W . T . Hunt , S . VV . and W . M . elect , was , with the usual formalities , installed into the chair of K . S . according

to ancient custom . The lodge was opened by the VV . M ., Bro . J . Irwin , and after the usual preliminaries , the ballot was taken for Mr . A . H . Overton , and proving favourable , that gentleman was initiated into Freemasonry . Bro . C . Fowler , P . M ., then assumed the chair as Installing Officer , and installed Bro . Hunt tin a most eloquent and impressive

manner . The following officers were then invested : Bros . V . Orchard , S . W . ; C . Syder , J . W . ; J . R . Dussee , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Roberts , P . M ., Sec ; C . Ridgley , P . M ., S . D . G . W . Sly , J . D . ; VV . Kipps , P . M . and P . P . G . Org . Kent , Org . ; C . Fowler , P . M ., D . C ; J . R . Berry , I . G . ; J . Dowsett , W . S . ( by proxy ); VV . E . Ruddle , 1 st Asst . W . S . j T ,

Ingle , 2 nd Asst . VV . S . ; and VV . McDonald , P . M ., Tyler . Bro . Fowler then recited the charges with much force and impressiveness , and concluded a service for which he was heartily and worthily commended on all sides . He was then unanimously accorded a vote of thanks , which was ordered to be inscribed on the minutes of the lodge , and returned thanks . A handsome and valuable P . M . ' s iewel

was then presented to Bro . Irwin , I . P . M ., as a mark of the esteem of the brethren , and in recognition of his valuable services to the lodge during his year of office . In presenting it , the VV . M . said it was of the old Pythagorean type , and bore with it the esteem of the brethren . Bro . Irwin had , during his year of office , initiated some good Masons , who , as they rose in Masonic life , would say with pride , " 1

had the honour of being initiated by Bro . Irwin . " In conclusion he wished Bro . Irwin many years of health and prosperity to wear the jewel , and assist in maintaining the prestige of the Pythagorean Lodge . Bro . Fowler having briefly returned thanks , ten guineas was voted to Bro . Kedgeley ' s list , he standing Steward at the forthcoming Boys' School Festival . Several

propositions were received for joining members and initiates , and then the lodge was closed in due form . Among the other brethren present , and not enumerated above , were Bros . R . Boncey , P . M ., and P . P . G . P . Middx . ; F . Couldry , P . M . j J . Dawkins , P . M . j J , S . Burls , P . M . j H . VV . Partridge , P . M . ; W . R . Garrod , E . Earl , VV . VVood , T . Ingle , H . W . Earl , Jas . Griffiths , A . C .

Featherstone , Jas . May , H . Richards , A . Hammond , G . H . Boncey , J . Lucas , E . Shand , A . Meering , R . F . Salter , R . W . Redmond , H . Howard , A . A . Hurley , E . Bartholomew , C . Harris , and P . Earl , all of the lodge . Among the visitors were Bros . J . Warcup , W . M . 140 j G . Newell , I . P . M . 5485 J . Pitt , W . M . 147 ; Sydney Gore , P . M . 829 j H . Earle , P . M ., and P . G . Stwd . ; A . Holmes

P . M . 54 S ; VV . J . Kitson , P . M . ; C . R . Wickens , S . VV . and VV . M . elect 733 , * E . T . Williams , J . VV . 1539 j Dr . Burney , J . D . 140 ; J . Dickson , J . D . 1471 ; Wilde , 140 j W . Agate , 13 ; B . Avery , 548 : W . Fennell , 73 ; T . Hurdle , 13 S 2 ; Shepperd , 140 J H . Lewis , 140 ; J . Sibley , 373 ; VV . Frigout , 2041 ; j . Joslin , 217 j and C . Jolly , S . VV . 1472 , & c . The banquet having been discussed , the VV . M . gave the

toast of " The Queen and the Craft , " and then that of "H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , Grand Master of England , " who , the W . M . declared , was not only a good Mason , but by his presence and example had given such an impetus to Masonry as had raised it to its present high position . The toast of "The Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master j the Earl of Lathom , Deputy Grand Master ; and

the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " followed , and we need hardly say that these three toasts were drunk most enthusiastically . The toast of " The Visitors " followed , the W . M . saying it was the custom at their lodge to give the toast prominence , so as to allow of those of their visitors who had to go long distances an opportunity of so doing , should they desire to . The toast was one that always was well

received and heartily greeted by thebrethren of the Pythagorean , who were noted for their hospitality ,- and , as a rule , the visitors attended with a great deal of pleasure , and he sincerely hoped they had all done so that night . There was a great deal of sociality in visiting , not onl y at the working , but at the festive board , where many a lifelong friendship was began and cemented . They had twenty

visitors ( whose names he read out ) out of a total of seventy brethren present , and he trusted they had enjoyed the working , and were then enjoying themselves as much as they possibly could . He wished them long life , and that they might prosper , but especially he wished that they would come again .

The toast was drunk most heartily , ) and Bros . Jolly , Newell , and Gore responded . The next toast was that of "The Initiate , " and thc W . M ., in giving it , regretted that there was only one , although that one was a brother of whom they were proud . He was sure that when they came to know Bro . Overton they would find him as good a little parcel of goods as they ever opened , and a credit to the lodge .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . Overton having briefly responded , Bro . Dussee , P . M ., proposed the toastof "The VV . M . " He said it was unexpected , but nothing could have given him greater pleasure than to have the honour of proposing such a toast . Bro . Hunt had that night been placed in the position of head of the lodge , a position that had been held by many honourable and good Masons before him .

They all wished him well , for he ( Bro . Dussee ) felt that it was a good thing to have fresh vigour and fresh blood infused into such an important post . He asked them to drink health , long life , and prosperity to the VV . M . of the Pythagorean Lodge . The toast was drunk in bumpers . The VVorshipful Master , in the course of an eloquent

reply , dwelt upon his unvvorthiness to fill the chair , but would endeavour to maintain the prestige of the lodge as pure , high , and unsullied as he found it . It was sixteen years since he joined the lodge , and he had never been ambitious of office ; but now that he had through their kindness attained the chair , they might depend upon it that he would always do his best for the comfort of the brethren and the

prosperity of the Iodge . The next toast was that of " Bro . Fowler , the Installing Oflicer , " who , the VV . M . said , had performed the ceremony in a most beautiful manner , and he called upon them to show their appreciation of Bro . Fowler by drinking his health in bumpers , which they did . Bro . Fowler , in response , assured the brethren that he

should at all times be only too happy to perform the office , and , after advocating the claims of the lodge of instruction , thanked them for the toast , and resumed his seat amid applause . The other toasts were "The Past Masters , " "The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast , and then the brethren

separated , delighted with both work and play . The musical portion of the ceremony was under the direction of Bro . Kipps , who accompanied the singers , among whom were Bros . A . A . Hurley , Newton , Lewis , Wickham , Pitt , and others . Bros . Gore and Jolly recited , the former admirably rendering " Brutus ' s harangue to the Romans on the death of Cesar . "

FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —This lodgo met at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 26 th ult . Among those in attendance were Bros . Fromholtz , VV . M . j Coop , S . VV . ; Hudson , J . W . j Carter , P . M ., Treas . j VV . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . ; Hakim , S . D . ; Johnson , VV . S . ; Werzler , A . D . C . , * E . Hopwood , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M . j Green , P . M . ; C Dairy , P . M . ; Heaphy , P . M . ; T . C . Walls

, P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., P . M . j Jordan , P . M . j Cobham , P . M . j Longstaffe , 7 yler j and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . Simmonds , and , it proving to be unanimous , he was duly initiated into Craft mysteries . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet .

" The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by the i . P . M ., and drunk with acclamation . Bro . Fromholtz having replied , gave " The Initiate , " who duly responded . " The Health of the Visitors" was coupled with the names of Bros . Tinsler , P . M . 720 j White , 1107 ; Morgan , 1237 ; and Hollands , 2030 , who acknowledged the

compliment . The toaast of " The Past Masters " was connected with the names of Bros . Stuart and Dairy , who replied at some length . " The Ofiicers " followed , and was responded to by Bros . Coop , Hudson , Johnson , and Werzler . The proceedings then terminated .

STABILITY LODGE ( No . 217 ) . —The installation meeting of this old and flourishing lodge was held on Tuesday evening at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , when there was a goodly attendance of brethren and visitors , under the presidency of the retiring Worshipful Master , Bro . James Glanville . He was supported by Bros . I . T . Wright , S . W . j T . R . Hinks , J . W . j T . Hinks , P . M .

, Treas . j J . Nixon , P . M ., Sec . j W . Gorrie , S . D . j VV . Eckersall , J . D . j H . Lynn , I . G . j F . C . Woolmer , D . C . j P . M . ' s J . Addington , H . Marfleet , and VV . J . Cattermole and others . Amongst the visitors were Bros . R . J . Voisey , P . M . 19 C 3 ; H . Vickery , P . M . 1475 ; J . J . Brinton , I . P . ifi . 1329 j J . D . Rose , P . M . 73 j R . J . Nishart , VV . M . 1 789 j P . A . Nairne , P . M . 17 OJ W . H . Glyn Smith , tG 9 i / fc .

James , 19 G 3 J J . Bunker , 115 S ; J . Tasker , 73 j J . R . Bunch , 172 j J , Humphrey , 55 j R . VV . Robinson , S 79 j C . A . White , 1777 ; j . Justice , 79 ; W . Leonard , 1777 j T . Lane , iSO ; and F . J . Loughlin , 13 C 5 . Lodge having been opened in accordance with ancient rites , and the minutes ot the preceding meeting read and confirmed , Bro . J . T . Wright was presented for the benefit

of installation , which ceremony was afterwards duly carried out by Bro . Marfleet , P . M . The newly * installed Master having been saluted in the Three Degrees , installed his ollicers for the year as follows : Bros . J . Glanville , I . P . M . j T . R . Hinks , S . W . j VV . Gorrie , J . W . j T . Hinks , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Nixon , P . M ., Sec . j VV . Eckersall , S . D . j H . Lynn , J . D . The ancient charges were delivered in

admirable manner by the Installing Master , whose working was most creditable throughout . The ballot was then opened for Mr . Alfred Charles Brown , who had been proposed by Bro . Gorrie , S . D ., and seconded by the then W . M ., Bro . Glanville , and the voting being unanimously in favour , he was duly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of the Order . A handsome P . M . ' s

jewel was presented to Bro . Glanville on his retiremnt from the chair , as a mark of esteem and in recognition of valuable services rendered to the lodge during his term | of office . At the conclusion of business the brethren and visitors partook of a recherche banquet , provided in Bro . Clemow ' s usual excellent style , when the loyal and Craft toasts were

given from the chair and duly honoured . The I . P . M . in proposing "The Health of the Installing Master , " congratulated the brelhrcn upon having the right man in the right place . He had watched Bro . Wright through the various offices he had filled , and could only he had devoted

say his Lest attention to the duties attaching to each . He had done his best for the interests of the lodge in the past , and , having regard to that fact , they might look forward to his doing so in the future . Me wished his successor every happiness and prosperity during his year of office , and hoped his installation into the chair might be the commencement of a new and successful era in the