Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Lunt , P . AL 241 ; J . Devaynes , P . AL 667 ; J . B . Mackenzie , I . P . M . 1 G 09 ; H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec ; J . Moulding , P . G . Reg . ; J . Bretherton , 241 ; J . Skcaf , P . G . O . ; E . Paull , Treas . 135 G ; C . Costigan , i-, < fi ; A . M . Fabcrt , S . W . 216 ; E . King , Ellison .- i ' , 50 : Walter VV . Thomas , S . W . 1570 ; T . H . CarefuII . S . W . S 23 ; F . J . Bailey . P . AI . 7 S 6 ; A . D . Hesketh , VV . M . 11 S 2 ; J . Peters . P . P .

G . S . W . N . Wales ; R . Dean , 12 S 9 ; C . Mason , W . AI . 32 ; C . Copeman , 1299 ; ] . Kcct , S . W . 135 G ; J . Beesley , J . W . S 23 ; T . Peake , W . AI . 6 G 7 ; and others . Bro . Thomas Evans was duly in .-tallcd W . AL of the lodge for the second time , and the officers invested were Bros . J . R . Bottomley , I . P . M . ( who performed the installation ceremony ) : R . VVylie , P . M ., AI . C . ; Hugh Jones , S . W . ; W . E . Coxon , J . W . ; John Lees , Treas . ; John

Hughes , Sec . ; . T . H . W . Walker , S . D . ; VV . C . Cowcll , J . D . ; VV . H . Rowlands , I . G . ; T . S . Beswick , Org . ; G . W . Davies , S . S . ; G . Charney , J . S . ; John Lewis , A . S . ; and Williamson , Tyler ( re-elected ) . An excellent banquet was supplied by Alessrs . Fisk and

Fairhurst , and during the evening the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . _ An excellent programme of music was provided , the chief feature of which performance was the " Fairy Bells" performance of Bro . Hargrcaves Gill , who enjoys the special patronage of the Prince of Wales , AI . W . G . M .

INSTRUCTION . PRINCE LEOPOLD LODGE ( No . 1445 ) . — At the usual weekly meeting , held at Bro . Fromm ' s , The Afoorgate , opposite the Aloorgate-street Station , Finsbury , on Wednesday , the 27 th ult ., Bro . Partridge presided as W . AL , Bro . J . Robson acting as S . W . There were also present Bros . VV . H . Myers , Preceptor ; AfcDonald . Macgrcgor ,

Goddard , Kimbell , Aledwin , C . Robson , Loring , and Seymour-Clarke , Secretary . After the usual formalities , the First Degree was worked by the W . AL , the candidate being Bro . C . Robson . Bro . Afacgregor was then passed to the Degree of F . C . by the VV . M . Bro . Jas . Robson was elected W . AL for Wednesday , Alay the 4 th , and Bro . Fromm was unanimously elected an honorary member Lodge was then adjourned .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

INSTRUCTION . METROPOLITAN CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT ( No . 975 ) . — The usual meeting of this chapter was held on Tuesday evening , the 3 rd inst ., at the Jamaica Coffee House , St . Alichael ' s-alley , Cornhill . Present : Comps . Lardner , Z . ; R . Payne , H . ; J . Payne , J . ; VV . Fraser , N . ; Sayer , P . S . ; also Comps . Maidwcll , Davey , Edmunds , Goodchild , Veal , Dottridge , Daniels , G .

Brown , Sayer , Chicken , ] . S . Fraser , Stcingiaber , Turner , Walker , Alassa , Turquand , Taylor , Brasted , ' Kerke , Gillard , and F . Brown , Preceptor . The ceremony of exaltation was rehearsed , Comp . Gillard being the candidate . Comp . Daniels , of the New Concord Chapter , No . 813 , was elected a member . The following officers were elected for the next fortnight , Comps . R . Payne , '/ .. ; J . PayneH . ; Chicken , J . ; Gillard , N . ; and Maidwcll ,

, P . S . It was announced that Comp . Turquand , ALE . / ., of the Stockwcll Chapter , 1339 , and S 90 , Hornsey , will work the ceremony of installation of Principals on Tuesday , the 17 th inst ., at six o'clock punctually , after which , at halfpast six o ' clock , the usual exaltation ceremony will be worked . As this is probably the last time during the present session that this important rite will he gone through ,

it is to be hoped that there will be a goodly muster of Royal Arch Masons , to support Comp . Turquand on that occasion , and particularly P . Z . ' s , so as to render the gathering one that shall maintain the high reputation of this supreme chapter of improvement , which has undoubtedly been the school of the most distinguished Royal Arch Alasons of the present time . The chapter was then closed .

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BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( T . I . )—The annual meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , ' the 2 . Sth ult . The brethren assembled at C p . m ., and soon after that hour the lodge was opened by Bro . Philip Braham , VV . M ., supported by Bros . Cater , I . P . M . ; Dr . Hopkins , Chap ., P . G . J . W . of England , and P . M . 26 and 74 ; C . Wilkinson , S . W . ; Murlis , J . W . ; J . J . Dutton , P . AL and D . C . ; John Dutton , P . M . and Treas . ;

Radway , Sec ; Dingle , AI . O . ; Knbie , P . AI ., as b . O . ; Howes , J . O . ; E . L . Hill , as S . D . ; VV . Peach , J . D . ; Sparrow , Organist ; H . Smith , as I . G . ; Bigwood , Tyler ; and others . The minutes having been read and confirmed , the Treasurer gave his report as to the finances , which had been duly audited , and a vote of thanks was accorded to him for the care with which he had discharged his duties .

A similar compliment was paid to lira . Pcnlcy , who was unavoidably absent , for the present of a useful addition to the furniture of the lodge . Bro . Dr . 1 lopkins then took the chair , as usual during each of the last six years , for the purpose of performing the ceremony of installation . Bro . C . Wilkinson was presented as the W . M . elect , and a dispensation was read , as he had not been VV . AI . of a Craft lodtre . He was then duly inducted into the chair of

Adoniram with the customary ceremonial , accompanied by Bro . Sparrow on the harmonium and the voices of several brethren carrying out the musical ritual of Bro . Alercer . The following appointments to office were made : Bros . Murlis , S . W . ; Radway , J . W . ; Dr . Hopkins , Chap . ; Braham , LP . AI . ; John button , Treas . ; Dingle , Sec ; F . Wilkinson , M . O . ; Howes , S . O . ; Mercer , J . O . ; Penley , Reg . ; J . 1 . Dutton , D . C ; VV . Peach , S . D . ; F . Baldwin ,

J . D . ; Williamson , I . G . ; Sparrow , Org . ; Holmes , Stewd . ; and , Bigwood , Tyler . After the investment of the officers , the Installing Alastcr gave the . several addresses to the W . AL , Wardens , Overseers , and brethren . Votes of thanks were carried by acclamation to Bro . Dr . Hopkins for his assistance on this occasion , and to Bro . Braham for

his services during the just year , lo which suitable acknowledgments were made . On the proposition of llro . Railway twelve copies of Bro . Mercer ' s musical ritual were ordered for the use of the lodge . In ri-i-oimmnding this course , theproposerslatcdthatsometimeagothe Prov . G . M . of Gloucestershire was present when this ritual was used , and was so pleased with it that he had taken care that

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copies should be provided for the lodges under his jurisdiction . No other business offering , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Castle Hotel for the annual banquet . SUNDERLAND . —Union Lodge ( No . 124 ) . — The brethren of the above lodge met on Thursday , the 2 Sth ult ., in the Masonic Hall , Park-terrace , to celebrate their annual festival , to instal the W . AL , and invest

officers . There were present , the W . M ., Mark Frampton , P . S . S . O . ; Past Masters VV . E . Franklin , P . AL , P . P . G . S . D . ; VV . Liddell , F . Afaddison , J . S . ; Pearson , P . P . M . O . ; R . Lutert , S . W . ; VV . Brandt , J . W . ; M . H . Dodds , J . D . The following brethren acting Overseers : Bros . R . AL VVatson , AI . O . ; C . VV . Huntley , S . O . ; Al . H . Dodd , J . O . ; C . Macnamara , I . G ., as S . D . ; and others . The lodge having been duly opened , Bro . J . D .

Todd , P . AL 94 , was advanced to the Honourable Degree of M . M . M . by the VV . M . Bro . M . Frampton then presented the lodge with a handsome Bible and cushion , and received a hearty vote of thanks , which was joined in by all the brethren and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Bro . R . 13 . Lutert , W . AL elect , was then presented by Bro . F . Aladdison , P . AL , to the W . AI . to receive at his hands the benefit of installation , which ceremony was performed in a

very impressive manner by Bro . hrampton . I he W . AI . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . VV . Brandt , S . W . ; T . AI . VVatson , J . W . ; VV . Coxon , AI . O . ; R . Kimmond , S . O . ; J . Lowes , J . O . ; AI . Frampton , Treas . ; AI . H . Dodd , R . of AL ; C " W . Huntly , S . ; C . Macnamara , S . D . ; T . Pinckney , J . D . ; H . Parker , I . G . ; J . VV . Brown , Tyler . The lodge was then closed , when the brethren retired to

the banqueting hall , and a most enjoyable evening was spent . ¦ BERWICK . —St . Cuthbert ' s Lodge ( No . 192 ) . — The annual meeting of the above lodge was held on Wednesday afternoon , the 13 th ult ., at the Freemasons ' Hall , Parade . The brethren assembled at four o'clock , Bro . R . VVcatherhcad , W . AL , occupying the chair . The W . AL stated that the onlv business was the installation of

Bro . Oswald , W . M . elect . Before vacating the chair , however , he begged to tender the brethren his sincere thanks for the uniform kindness and courtesy which had been extended to him during his year of office . The installation ceremony was then proceeded with , the Installing Alastcr being Bro . the Rev . Edward Marrett , P . P . G . C , P . P . J . G . VV P . M . 135 , and Vicar of Lesbury , and it is needless to say that the reverend brother jierformcd his

duty in an impressive manner . After the VV . M . had been installed into the chair , amid the congratulations of the brethren , he invested his oflicers as follows : Bros . V . Weatherhead , I . P . AL ; R . Thompson , S . W . ; G . F . Steven , J . W . ; J . Carr , AI . O . ; R . Craik , S . O . ; A . L . Miller , J . O . ; J . Alarshall , S . D . ; Geo . Riddle , J . D . ; A . Winl ' aw , P . AL , R . AL ; G . Moor , P . M ., Treas . ; T . AL Morrison , Secretary ; T . Gilchrist , I . G . ; W . P . Carr , Stewd . ; F . Turnbull , Tyler .

In the evening the brethren dined together in the King s Arms Hotel , where a . sumptuous repast was provided by Bro . Carr , and served up in excellent style . After the usual and loyal toasts had been proposed , " The Health of the W . AL " was drunk in a very cordial manner . "The Health of the Installing Alastcr , Bro . Marrett , " was drunk with great enthusiasm , the brethren being ah delighted to see him for the fourth time in the same capacity . A most enjoyable evening , n'as spent .

HAMMERSMITH LODGE ( No . 211 ) . —A very excellent meeting of this lodge took place on the 23 rd ult ., at the Windsor Castle Hotel . Among those present were Bros . Alfred Tisley , W . AL ; Haynes , G . S ., S . W . ; Goodall , J . W . ; T . C . Walls , P . G . S . Aliddx . and Surrey , I . P . M . j J . VV . Baldwin , P . G . S . Aliddx . and Surrey , Treas . ; Lawson , AI . O . ; Alason , P . P . G . D . Aliddx . and Surrey , P . M . ; Gilbert , P . M . West Smithfield , and

others . Bros . Aiding and I limey , 23 S , were visitors , the minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken upon behalf of Bros . Weber , 17 GS , Harris , 172 S , and Taylor , 29 S , and it proving to be unanimous they were duly advanced to the Honourable Degree of AI . M . M . Bro . Gilbert having been nominated to the oulce ol Grand Steward , and several communications from absent

brethren read , the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts were done full justice to . "The Health of the VV . AI . " having been proposed by the I . P . AL , the VV . AI . made a witty speech in reply . In proposing "The Health of the Advancees , " the VV . M . expressed himself delighted at having had the opportunity of inducting three such promising candidates into the Degree of

M . M . M . He hoped that they would never regret the step ( hat they had taken . Bro . Weber and Harris - having replied , " The Health of the Visitors " followed . Bros . Arding and T'inncy , in response , said that they were gratified with their fiist visit to the Hammersmith , which lodge they were pleased to see was in such a nourishing condition , and they congratulated the W . M . upon the general efficiency of his " working " staff . "The Past Masters" came next in

order . In giving this toast the W . AL jiarticularly mentioned the services of Bros . Alason and Baldwin . He said that the latter brother in his dual capacity of Treasurer and Secretary was entitled to their warmest commendations . In conclusion , having also spoken of the I . P . M ., he hoped that for many years yet to come the three first Past Alasters of No . 211 would continue to honour the lodge with their presence . The Past Alasters having replied , " 'The Health of the Officers" terminated the proceedings .

WHITEHAVEN . —Fletcher Lodge ( No . 213 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Friday evening , the 29 th ult ., Bro . VV . B . Gibson , VV . M ., P . P . S . G . O ., in the chair , supported by the following officers : Bros . VV . White , S . W . ; Geo . Dalrymple , J . W ., P . M . and P . G . J . W . ; J . VV . Allies , AI . O . ; G . Sparrow , S . O . ; j . Rothcrv , I . O . ; ] . Cooper , Org ., P . G . Org . ; T . Atkinson , I . G . ; | . AL Salisbury , Tjler ; and Suthcrst , from

Union Lodge , 124 . The minutes were rcadand confirmed , and the cercmeny of advancement gone through with a full accomiianiment of music by llro . Cooper . The VV . AI . afterwards gave instructions tu the Secretary to forward a letter of condolence lo the widow of the late Bro . AIcKelvie , expressive of the deep regret the members felt at her irreparable loss , and of a brother so highly esteemed by the Craft . On the usual

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proclamations being put , two candidates were proposed for advancement , Bro . J . L . B . Lindoiv , P . AL 1267 , and P . P . S . G . VV . Cumberland and Westmoreland , and Bro . J . Aloor , AI . AI . S 72 , Lewis . There being nothing further but " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge was closed in perfect harmony .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . JOHN COUTTS , P . G . P .. We have learned with deep regret of the death of Bro . John Coutts , Past Grand Pursuivant , and it is a regret which we feel will be heartily shared in by the brethren generally , and more especially by those numerous London brethren who were so frequently thrown in his company . As a Past Alastcr of the ( anions Old Egyptian Lodge , No . 27 , a P . Z . of the Domatic Chapter , No . 177 , a constant

attendant and worker in lodges of instruction , an energetic mover in the promotion of new lodges and chapters , where he sincerely knew they were required , and as a strong supporter of what have been frequently described as "the noble Clurities of our Order , " Bro . John Coutts has left a void which will not readily be filled . It was for the valuable support he had given to Alasonry that he was rewarded with the purple by the Grand Master , and every

brother who was acquainted with Bro . Coutts , knew that the honour was well deserved . Bro . Coutts was an excellent woiker in Alasonry , and was always ready at a moments' notice to perform either of the degrees or the installation , whether Craft or Arch . To recount the numerous lodges and chapters he belonged to would be a weary task , but his branches were not confined to London , but extended into Aliddlesex and Kent . His name and his

fame , therefore , were not confined to the small circle of the metropolitan area . Even the brethren of the home counties were not the only brethren to whom he was well known , as from the far north , the cast and the west , the Craft were sure to find him at the elections of the Institutions . His name will long hold its place in their recollections and

affections , and another monument which he erected himself will be found imperishable in the annuall y published lists of subscribers to the Masonic Institutions . Bro . Coutts died on Tuesday , at Bournemouth , at the age of fifty-three , and it is intended that his funeral shall take jilacc on Monday next , at the City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery , at Bow , where his late wife lies .

We subjoin a list of the lodges and chapters of which Bro . Coutts was a member , and of his Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge appointments . — Joined Egyptian Lodge , No . 27 , fiom Scotch Lodge , 7 th Alay , 1 SG 1 J VV . AI . in 1 S 67 and iSGS ; Founder and first W . AL ( 1 S 70 ) of Harrow Lodge , No . 1310 ; Founder and first VV . M . ( 1 S 71 ) of Ebury Lodge , No . 134 S ; Founder and first W . AI . ( iS 7 : ;) of Chislehurst Lodge , No . 1531 ; Founder and first

VV . AI . ( 1 S 7 G ) of Covent Garden Lodge , No . 1614 ; Grand Pursuivant , 1 S 70 ; Provincial Grand Deacon of Aliddlesex ; Alember of Premier Conclave of Red Cross of Rome and Constantino ; Exalted in Domatic Chapter , No . 177 , in 1 SG 3 , and P . Z . of that chapter ; Joined the Uxbridge Chapter , No . 3 S 2 , April , " 1 SG 4 j joined the Royal Middlesex Chapter , No . 1194 , Isleworth , as a founder , in 1 S 71 ; and joined the Ebury Chapter , No . 134 S , as founder and first AI . E . Z ., in 1 S 75 .

Funeral Of Bro. W. H. Roberts.

FUNERAL OF BRO . W . H . ROBERTS .

On Alonday , the 25 th ult ., the remains of this brother ( son of Councillor F . G . Roberts ) , Past Alastcr of the Zetland Lodge of Freemasons in the city of Gloucester , were interred at the Gloucester Cemetery , and the funeral was attended by a large assemblage of the brethren , who were attired in mourning , and wore white gloves . At the

conclusion of the funeral service , Bro . H . Jeffs , standing at the foot of the grave , delivered the following address : Brethren , in the chaste and beautiful ritual of the Church of England which has been read over all that is mortal of a Past Alaster of our Order at this open grave , nothing . has more deeply touched our hearts than the passage , " We may rest in llimasour hope is this our i / ' « rtc / -doth . "

It was but the other day that our departed brother presided overjthe Alasonic lodge of which , at present , 1 am the Alastcr , and to which most of us here present belong . The voice which was so familiar to us is here hushed in death . Let us think of those traits of character in our deceased brother which exhibited the kindness of his heart . VVe can say of him that he sought earnestly to promote the

welfare of ins lodge and to please his brethren . VVe are taught not to be unmindful of the emblems of mortality which lie around us . VVe have now not only the symbols of mortality , but the painful reality is before us . Masonry instructs us that in these perishable bodies of ours resides a vital and immortal principle , which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Lite will enable us to trample the

King of Terrors beneath our feet , and to lift our eyes to the bright morning star of hope , whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and the obedient of the human race . Amongst the heathens it was considered as a test of manhood to be indifferent to the emotions of joy and ot sorrow . The Great Teacher—our exemplar—has taught us abetter way and conr . onant with our common humanity ;

for at the grave of Lazarus his sisters , Alartha and Alary , were not the only mourners . Jesus wept ! Shall we be indifferent to the sorrow of our brethren and sisters so manifest at this grave ? The darkest hour of night is one that precedes the dawn . Alay the mourners here present remember the invitation of their Divine Master : " Come unto mc all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will

give you rest 1 " May the Great Architect of the Universe whisper comfort to the bereaved ones . Alay He dry the widow ' s tear and pour the healing balm of His consolation into the stricken hearts of all here present and relieve the anguish so painfully visible . Alay we all pray now in language peculiarly familiar to the Alasonic body , that in the hour of trial we fail not , but passing safely under the

protection of our Heavenly Father through the valley of the shadow of death , wc may finally arise from the tomb of transgression to shine as the stars for ever and ever ! The sjirig of acacia which we have worn at this solemn ceremony , and which amongst Alasons has mystical representation of the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body to life eternal , we drop upon the coffin of ourdeparted brother . The grass withcreth , the flower fadeth , but the word of our God shall stand for ever ! So mote it be .