Masonic Notes And Queries:

anron round the body . These old customs have been incorporated into the ordinary working of the Mark Deo-ree , and are always impressed on the neophytes of this ° lodge . The authorities are at present much exercised by the command of Grand Lodge to eliminate from their list the office of " Mark Master " which seems to have far back their records in

jjeen in activity as as carry us , an operative lodge it is apparent that such an Instructor was nf considerable importance . Some of the members maintain that the sanctioning of the Mark Degree should of itself be ample reason for the retention of this functionary on their dais . EDW . MACBEAN , 2076 .

Roports Of Masonic Meetings.

ROPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft jHasonrg , FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —This old lodge resumed its meetings for the season on the 25 th ult ., at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street . Among those present were Bros . G . C . Hudson , W . M . ; Hakim , S . W . ; Steng . J . W . ; Carter , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . ; Langdale , J . D . ; Bye , l . G . ; E . Hopvvood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; C . Dairy , P . M . ; Rumball , P . M . ; M . Heaphy , P . M . ;

T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . W . Middx . ; Fromholtz , P . M . ; Coop , I . P . M . ; Cobham , P . M . ; Longstaffe , Tyler ; and others . Bros . Smith , P . M ., Latham , and Ramas were visitors . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . R . T . Godfrey , and it proving to be unanimous , he was

impressively initiated by the W . M . By-laws having been read , Bro . Hakim was unanimously elected W . M .., Bro . Carter , Treasurer ( 30 th time ) , and Bro . Longstaffe , Tyler . Auditors and members of the Benevolent Committee having also been elected , a Past Master ' s jewel was unanimously voted to Bro . Hudson , W . M . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned

to the banquet . The customary toasts were duly honoured . The I . P . M ., in proposing the toast of "The VV . M ., " spoke in high terms of Bro . Hudson's excellence as a brother and W . M . His qualities , also , as a Chairman at their festive board were of no mean order . In conclusion , he ( the speaker ) trusted that for many years to come Bro . Hudson would be spared to attend the meetings of the old

Lodge of Faith . The W . M . having replied in modest terms , then gave "The Initiate . " Bro . Godfrey having replied , " The Health of the Visitors " followed . Bros . Smith , P . M ., Ramas , and Latham responded , and spoke in flattering terms of their reception that day . The toast of " The Worshipful Master Elect " came

next , and Bro . Hakim , in a speech of some merit , expressed his thanks for the unanimous vote given to him that day . As VV . M . it would be his pride and endeavour to still further increase the prestige of No . 141 . Bros . Carter , Stuart , Heaphv , Walls , and Coop responded on behalf of "The Past Masters , " and Bro . Steng for "The Officers . "

ST . LUKE'S LODGE ( No . i 44 ) .-On Monday evening last this old lodge , now warranted for a centenary jewel , held its annual installation meeting at Anderton ' s Hotel under the presidency of Bra . W . J . Forscutt , W . M ., who was unfortunately still suffering from the severe illness which has afflicted him during the greater part of his year of office . There was a fine attendance of brethren . The

Past Masters present were Bros . P . Coughlan , Thomas Markland , Robert Barham , George Skeggs , Robert J . Taylor , D . of C . ; and Edward Witts , Secretary ; and there were also the following visitors : Bros . J . Mason , P . P . S . G . D . Middx . ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 192 S ; H . M . Hutchins , 1223 ; Thos . Poore , P . M . 720 ; Harry Price , P . M . 177 ; H . T . Thompson , P . M . 742 ; Richd . ChandlerP . M . 1139 W . Cusons

, ; , l . G . 1681 j Alfd . Bannister , I . P . M . 1632 ; VV . Brindley , P . M . 1604 ; M . Coleman , I . P . M , 1604 ; A . Jones , S . D . 1949 ; W . Wright , Org . 1897 ; R . B . Cooper , 416 ; J . Brandon , P . M . S 90 ; J . T . Dormer , J . D . 1571 ; John B . Mathews , J . D . 194 ; T . E . Green , P . M . 715 ; H . C . Pickett , W . M . 1632 ; T . R . Beaufort , P . M . 217 and 2148 ; and J . M . Lathom , P . M . 1022 .

The installation was the only ceremonial before the lodge , with the exception of the opening and closing , and for the purpose of installing the new W . M ., Bro . Peter Coughlan , P . M ., was requested to take the Master ' s chair . This having been done , Bro . Markland , P . M ., Presented Bro . Henry Mann , jun ., S . W . and W . M . elect , Who , having agreed to accent the office nf Master nf trip

lod ge on the usual conditions , was installed as W . M . in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters number'" g 19 . Having invested Bro . Forscutt as I . P . M ., the following brethren were made recipients of the other collars : Bros . J . L . Hume , S . W . ; W . B . Wilson , J . W . ; J . G . Unite , Treas . ; E . Witts , P . M ., Sec ; W . H . 1 ucker , S . D . ; A . SaundersJ . D . ; MarklandP . M . D .

, , , ° C . ; J . G . Ponder , Asst . D . of C . ; F . Stutfield , l . G . ; K . J . Taylor , P . M ., and F . J . Street , Stewards ; and T . Bowler , Tyler . The new W . M ., who has become a proficient Mason by the constancy of his attendance at lodges ™ instruction , delivered the full ritual attached to the investiture of officers . Bro . Coughlan was warmly applauded * ° the perfectness of his delivery of the installation

ceremony . The brethren afterwards adjourned to banquet , and hon-\ 'lt"le usua '. coasts > between which they were entertained vith some capital singing and recitations bv Mr . Austin ' urner , Bro . James Bayne , Mr . W . G . Churcher , and Bro . Lh « esman . vu , Worshipful Master , in giving "The Prince of W I 1 "'•" ¦ 'fc # * u » ivAaatci , giving i lie ninue UL

, 7 ' es > M . W . G . M ., " said that whatever office the Prince ah ' lT undertook he brought to it the same zeal and chuu wnetner '' was laying the foundation-stone of a alw ° r attenc'ing' the meetings of Grand Lodge . He L j ays 'nfused life and energy into his proceedings , which esnp ™ n n for him the res P ect o £ a " Englishmen , and Peciall y 0 f Masons . The same character would attach

Roports Of Masonic Meetings.

to him always , and would win for him affection and regard when he ceased to be Prince of Wales and took upon him the position the Queen now occupied . " The Health of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was the next toast , in proposing which the W . M . referred

to the many important duties which the Grand Officers under the Prince of Wales at all times discharged . Bro . Forscutt , I . P . M ., in proposing "The W . M ., " said it was a pleasure always felt by brethren when they were raised to the proud position of W . M . Unfortunately for him , he had been unable through illness to fulfil his duties as W . M . as he should have done , but still his heart had

been in the work , and as he knew that was also the feeling of the new W . M ., he asked all the brethren to be upstanding and in that position to drink his health . The W . M ., in acknowledging the toast , thanked the brethren very sincerely not only for their cordial reception of the toast , but the members of the lodge for the kind way in which they had assisted him step by step in every

office that had fallen to him . He had been a member of the lodge scarcely seven years , and he was now in the proud position of W . M . When the Installing Master told him the chair of that lodge had been filled by many able predecessors , he felt he had a difficult task to emulate them , but he could assure the brethren that to any duties he had to perform he should bring to bear all the abilities

and energies he could command . With the assistance of the brethren it would not turn out a failure . But it was useless for one individual alone to attempt to make any lodge or society ; it could only be done with the assistance of those to whom he had a right to look for support ; and therefore he appealed—and he was sure , not in vain—to his officers and to the old members of the lodge to give him

their cordial assistance during his year of office . They were a very old established lodge , but to carry it on they must have new blood . If they got it they would be able to place on the roll and scroll of fame another year of success . St . Luke ' s had a grand record . They could hold up their heads , and they ought to try to increase its fame if possible every year . New lodges were springing

up and great enthusiasm was thrown into them . He had been to several , and he regretted to say he saw greater enthusiasm thrown into their work than into that of the older lodges , and that ought not to be . In an old lodge like St . Luke ' s they should endeavour to carry out the work in as able a manner as their predecessors had done , and leave a record behind them which their successors

might strive to emulate . The Worshipful Master , in giving " The Health of the Visiting Brethren , " said the St . Luke's Lodge had been well favoured in respect of the visitors it had . In the past the toast had commended itself in other lodges as well , and he had always remarked when visitors had replied in the St . Luke ' s Lodge they had always said what pleasure it

was to them to be present , and how glad they would be to come again . The Lodge of St . Luke was indebted to several old members for introducing the visitors they saw among them that night and on several occasions . Bro . Thomas Popre was present when he ( the W . M . ) was initiated , and he had been present at every installation meeting ever since . To all the visitors he extended the welcome of

St . Luke ' s Lodge ; the brethren were always glad to see them , and if they could add to their comfort they always desired to do so . He called on five of the visitors to reply . Bro . John Mason , in the course of his reply , made a strongappeal to the W . M . to take upon himself the Stewardship of the lodge for the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , on 27 th February next , when the

Earl of Euston , Prov . G . M . for Norths and Hunts , would preside . Several other visitors also replied . The W . M ., in giving "The Health of the I . P . M ., " said on such an occasion as this the toast ot the I . P . M . was not an ordinary one , because during his year of office Bro . Forscutt had not enjoyed good health , and this should speak to the mind of every one that drank it . When they

drank to the health of various brethren , they did not recollect what they were doing or what they were drinking ; but in a case like this , where a brother had unfortunately had very bad health in the past , it was more necessary that they should recall to their minds the importance of the act they were performing , and he hoped they would all agree with him when he said they sincerely trusted the

G . A . O . T . U . would extend to Bro . Forscutt a greater meed of health and pleasure than had been the case during his year of office . It was a matter of extreme regret to every brother that Bro . Forscutt had been on a bed of sickness , when they had been in the lodge or enjoying themselves at the banquet table ; but they knew that , though absent in body , he had been present in spirit , and it was on that account they had delegated their W . M . to present to him

a P . M . jewel , which he now placed on Bro . Forscutt s breast with a request that he would accept it as an emblem of their expression of esteem , and of their hope that he would enjoy health in the future to wear it . Bro . Forscutt , I . P . M ., replying , thanked the brethren for the kind and cordial manner in which they had drunk his health , and for the great honour they had done him in presenting him with a P . M . 's jewel . He was sorry he had . not been able to fulfil the duties of his office to his own

liking , but still they could not help illness stepping in , and if the G . A . O . T . U . intervened , they must not complain . He thanked the brethren very much for their kindness . The Worshipful Master , in giving "The Installing Master and P . M . ' s , " said most of the brethren round the table had the opportunity of seeing Bro . Coughlan perform the duties of Installing Master . Many of the brethren had

had an opportunity better than he of seeing it performed before , but this was the first opportunity he had had of seeing it performed all through , for he might say there was no hitch at all . Bro . Coughlan had added one mark more to the record , and was one of the most complete working Masons in the Craft . He had performed the work that night in a way which must recommend his work to every brother in the lodge , and he trusted that those in the St .

Luke ' s Lodge who followed him would emulate his example . To go to the other brethren included in the toast , he must not forget Bro . Unite , who was not able to be present , but everyone knew the interest he took in the lodge . Bro . Witts had proved himself such an officer in the past that the brethren knew he would do the same in the future — he had his little eccentricities , as all brethren had ; every one had his weak

Roports Of Masonic Meetings.

points ; but Bro . Witts had his strong points and he was a very good fellow , and an excellent Secretary and Past Master . Bro . Markham took a great interest in the menu , and he called upon him very frequently about it , and he was always ready and willing to give his services to the lodge . They did not see much of Bro . Skeggs , which was a matter of regret . Bro . Taylor was always with them , and

they were glad to see him , as he did his best to promote the interests of the lodge , and the same might be said of Bro . Markham and the other P . M . ' s . Bros . Coughlan , Witts , Markham , Taylor , Barham , and Skeggs responded , and the remainder of the toast list was then disposed of , and the brethren separated after spending a most delightful evening .

UPTON LODGE ( No . 1227 ) . —The annual meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 20 th ult ., at the Three Nuns Hotel , Aldgate , E . The lodge was opened by Bro . C . J . Free , W . M ., being supported by Bros . J . Stroud , S . W ., VV . M . elect ; G . H . Clark , J . W . ; C . Gieseke , P . M ., Treas . ; A . W . Fenner , P . M ., Sec ; W . Hayward , S . D . ; S . Toye , J . D . ; E . Hill ,

l . G . ; C . Schmidt , Stwd . ; H . W . Sherwin , Org . ; C . Patrick , M . Doerr , N . Anstey , G . A . Christel , A . J . Millington , W . J . Barnes , T . Taylor , R . Everett , C . Reifenstein , and others . The visitors were Bros . J . Garrod , P . M , 754 ; W . Hadden , 55 ; Albert Clark , 166 ; H . Ludwig , 179 ; C . Kramm , 879 ; W . Mead , 126 9 ; C . W . Flack , 1306 ; and F . Byrne , 1922 .

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . Everett and Reifenstein were then passed in the Second Degree . The Auditor ' s report was next submitted for the approbation of the brethren , who unanimously adopted it , the report showing a balance in favour of the lodge . The W . M . then vacated the chair in favour of Bro . A . VV . Fenner , P . M . and Sec , who proceeded

to instal the W . M . elect , Bro . John Stroud , who was duly obligated . A Board of Installed Masters was then formed , and Bro . Stroud was regularly installed into the chair of K . S ., according to ancient custom , and then invested Bro . Free , I . P . M . of the lodge . The Board of Installed Masters was then closed , and the brethren admitted , who saluted the

new W . M . in the three Degrees . The VV . Master then appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . G . H . Clark , S . W . ; W . Hayward , J . W . ; C . Gieseke , P . M ., Treas . ; A . W . Fenner , P . M ., Sec ; S . Toye , S . D . ; E . Hill , J . D . ; C . Schmidt , l . G . ; N . Anstey , Steward : H . VV . Sherwin , Org . ; A . J . Millington , D . C .,- W . J . Barnes , A . D . C . ; and T . Bowler , Tyler ; after which the

usual addresses ' were given by the Installing Master , and met with the approbation of all the brethren present . A member of the lodge having recently met with an accident by which his leg was broken , it was unanimously resolved that a letter of sympathy from the lodge be sent him b y the Secretary , and also to express their wishes for his speedy recovery .

The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , which was of a very ample character , and personally superintended by the genial manager of the hotel , Mr . Glover , and the same was done full justice to , after which the usual loyal toasts were given , and heartily responded to . In proposing "The Health of the New W . M ., " the

I . P . M ., Bro . Free , said that the lodge had had many worthy and distinguished Masters in years gone by , and he felt sure the present W . M . would uphold the dignity of the office in as graceful a manner as his predecessors . He also knew that he would strive to do all the good he could to ensure the approbation of every member of the lodge , and while he did that the officers and members of the

lodge would accord him their hearty support during his year of office . The toast was well received and very heartily honoured , and , in response , Ihe Worshipful Master thanked Bro . Free for the very kind way he had proposed his health , and also the brethren for the very hearty manner they had responded to it . He

assured them he had no idea of the great responsibilities of the chair until that night ; and now he was at the head of the lodge , he would do his utmost to merit the approbation and support of the brethren . He relied upon their unity in supporting him as they had his predecessors , and he trusted nothing might occur to mar the harmony of the lodge . He thanked them also for their kindness in electinir

him , and trusted he might have a successful year of office , and hoped when the time came round he would retire with the same distinction and good wishes of the brethren as all the Masters had done before him . The next toast was that of "The I . P . M ., Bro . C . J . Free , " who , the W . M . remarked , had done his utmost to carry out his onerous duties during the past year to the

satisfaction of the brethren , and he was certain no member of the lodge had its prosperity so much at heart as Bro . Free ; he had been a hard working member since his initiation , had discharged the various offices he held with energy and to the satisfaction of all , and now he had gained the proud distinction of I . P . M . of the lodge . He then had the great pleasure of presenting him with the P . M . ' s jewel

which the brethren had voted him , and which he was so justly entitled to . He hoped he might live for many years to come to wear it as a memento of the respect in which he was held by the Upton Lodge . At the same time he would also present to Mrs . Free , through him , a handsome gold necklet and locket , being the free gift of the brethren as a mark of the regard in which they held him , also to express their good wishes for her happiness in many years to

come . The toast was very cordially received . Bro . Free , in replying , said he could scarcely find words sufficient to express his feelings at the very kind manner in which his health had been proposed and received . He assured the brethren that both himself and wife were deeply grateful for their handsome gift , and he would strive to do

his best to merit a continuance of their good opinion , also to promote the prosperity of the Upton . He was pleased to find his efforts to give satisfaction during his year of office had in a great measure been so successful as to merit ' the kind , and he might say the handsome , approbation of the brethren , as shown by their gifts that evening . Ha

would at all times render what assistance he could to promote the interests of the lodge . He also thanked the officers for the excellent manner they had performed their various duties during his year of office . " The Visitors " toast followed , which the Worshipful Master proposed in a neat speech , in which he expressed