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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
much , thank you , dear . " " You don't feel the cold ? " " Not at all . " " The door closes well ? " " Very well , thank you . " "Well then , come and change places with me . " But apart fromalotof fun which may beallowed on this merry occasion , I rejoice greatly at my . brother ' s elevation to the chair , which proves the great interest he takes in the Craft , and I can bear witness to his dilicrcnc . c and nerseverance to fit
himself for the post he aimed to obtain . As to Freemasonry itself I feel a greater attachment to it every day , for it teaches lessons that prove useful and practical for life if men are exercised b y them ,- no doubt it has attracted the notice of the uninitiated as a system which keeps a man emancipated from local , provincial , and even national influences . No matter what his own political views may be ,
and however much he may cherish them , he should cherish them as a patriot , as they bring out the best energies of his nature ; it teaches him , however , to be an honest and submissive citizen wherever he may be , whether he lives in the most democratic or the most autocratic country , for the well instructed Freemason ever bears in mind the solemn obligation laid upon him— " You shall be a peaceable
subject and cheerfully conform to the laws of the country in which you reside . " But I like the Craft yet more because it is a handmaid to true reli gion ; it strongly advocates actual and revealed religion , it believes in a first cause and expresses it in its devotional exercises at whose creative fiat all things were first made , it inculcates also the study of the Scriptures ; in the very first charge delivered to the young
Mason it recommends " the most serious contemplation of the volume of the Sacred Law , it bids him consider it " as the unerring standard of truth and justice , " it bids him regulate ins actions b y the Divine precepts it contains—in fact , tells him that that book teaches us our most important duties to God and man . It is to be lamented that there are found in our lod ges men- who are not guided by the
precepts of our princi ples—and I think they " are unworthy Masons . The volume of the Sacred Book is not studied neither arc their actions regulated by its precepts . That is very sad ; it has had therefore a sad effect upon many thoughtful men , and in some measure repelled them from joiningour Craft , because they noticed an unworthy , worldly , and godless life in some who even held prominent offices ,
but 1 trunk tlie cause of the evil is to be found in the lodges themselves—they often seek for members , that they may boast of initiations , a policy I consider very pernicious , which must sooner or later end in the departure of the unfortunate glory of any lodge that pursues such practices ; because it forgets that Freemasonry is to be extended to worthy men , as our ritual savs , "and to
worthy men alone , " who have given proof of moral goodness . As it is , I have noticed with great regret that some have entered to advance their trade , profession , or worldly interest , and who religiously are utterly indifferent and regardless . Forgive me , therefore , when I say " Be careful how you admit members to our Fraternity—an Atheist , a worldly , and godless man has no business
herehe- ought never to be allowed to desecrate our temple , or to dishonour our Sacred Rites . " By way of contrast to what I have said , as well as an example for imitation , let me refer for a moment to the religious character , as well as to the generosity of disposition , of one who is held high in esteem among Masons , and whose name our brother initiate has learned for the first umctnnmmvmrn tn . niMit M-. ..- „ ,, ; ,.., 11 ,.
I mean Boaz . In the volume oi ( he Sacred Law there is a book called "Ruth" which brings before us a picture of sorrow and joy among the ancients—in that book we read the history of the good Mason who lived at Bethlehem , and being a landed proprietor was naturally in the habit of visiting his fields , and as he approached his harvest labourers , lie addressed them with the beautiful salutation "The
Lord be with you . " Now this shows at a glance that the root of this man ' s virtue and the source of his goodness was the " rear of the Lord , " for looking round and n- azin " upon his fields he felt grateful , he felt that all he had was owing not to his sowing and reaping , but to the Great Architect of the Universe . "The Lord be with you " was not a sort of hackneyed expression like " How do you do ? " but it meant to convey the master ' s <» nnd wislinc t \* t P ., „ i „ ,: „ i . i .
, strengthen their hands for their work . Boaz acknowledged Him in all his ways , and I am sure there are Masons ' in this banqueting room now who feel as Boaz felt , and who realise as he did , that all they are , and have , is owing to the Almighty Father . But I said that another Masonic virtue was beautifully displayed in the behaviour of the ancient Mason , even the generosity of his disnositinn . Vm , nil
probably know how a poor Moabitish woman happened to go in his fields to glean ears of corn for her sustenance Boaz , notiangthe modest appcaranceof thestrangcr , spoke kindly to her , did not drive her from the field , rather encouraged her to stay—he , moreover , charged his reapers to protect her against rude words , and rude acts , on the part of the young men , and , to crown all , reauested them
to drop handfuls of corn as if by accident for Ruth to carry away—an act of charity conveyed in such a manner as not to let the recipient feel herpovert y and dependence , fpr gleaning was allowable everywhere . Here we have one of the distinguishing characters of the Freemason ' s heart " charity prompted by pityand sympath y . The same virtues I am glad to say , characterise our modern ron ^ i :. 1
speak not merely of the helping hand readily extended to those who perhaps from circumstances of unforscen misfortune and calamity are reduced to poverty and distress " but 1 speak of that noble Institution which affords the ao-ed Mason a refuge and home in his old age , and of those Benevolent Orphanages and Schools which help to bless the poor Mason ' s children . May it long continue to be our delight to exercise kindly feelings in the practical way spoken of
and may it ever be the motto of our Craft , as far as its members are concerned , " not quantity , but quality . " And let me say in conclusion that inasmuch as we all know that Masonry is progressive ; and points higher than our ordinary lodges , when we go from labour to refreshment , and reireshment to labour , let us all cherish the cheering hope ot being admitted to the Grand Lodge above , where neither A l- ! ' ¦ ' or even Kin ff Solomon , but the Great architect of the Universe Himself „ - ; il r ™ c ! l » , „ A n , „_„
, , « e shall adjourn for refreshment to the Great Banqueting Hail of the King of Kings , and Lord of Lords . Once more i thank you on behalf of the visiting brethren and myself 'or the honour you have done me . Bros . E . II . GraWiam , Th ' of „« f ? X ' | | ' n ; , » ' a"d olhcrs aIso ^ sponded . snoll . u I he ''' - wasnext given by the VV . M ., who 3 S RriA YTi 1 i t , lc ma "y ^ od qualities of offi ^ d - ' l 7 of h , s steadv attention to the duties of his voted a " paft M ^ ' > : ear ' i The lod gre had unaffimou l y voted a Past Master ' s jewel , and he had great pleasure in
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
pinning it on his breast , with the fervent hope that he might live long to wear it . Bro . Reid , in reply , thanked " the W . M . for the kind expression he had used in makino- the presentation . He accepted it as a very great honour . He had done no more than his duty ; but he hoped that every W . M . who followed him wonkl do the same . It was very important that the lodge should maintain its sound financial
position , and always show a good credit balance , for with a diminution of such a balance members always seem to drop off . He trusted they would continue to prosper , and in years to come possess a long roll of Past Masters to maintain thc . dignity of the Langton Lodge . The toast of " The P . M . and Treasurer , " was responded to by Bro .
| . Langton , and " the Officers of the Lodge" for whom the Senior and JuniorWardens , Bros . J . D . Langton , and C . E . Burnett replied , concluded the proceedings . We should not omit to mention that the musical arrangements , under the direction of Bro . Theodore Drew , P . P . G . O ., were most excellent , and that Bro . Fillan favoured the company with one of his inimitable recitations .
GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE . —Lodgeof Industry ( No . 4 S ) . —The first regular monthly meeting of this iodo-c since the installation of the VV . M . was held on Monday , the 25 th ult ., at 34 , Denmark-street . The lodge was opened at 7 . 15 p . m . bythc W . M ., Bro . J . G . Smith , assisted by the following officers : Bros . J . Wood , I . P . M . ; Edward Liddell , S . W . ; E . VV . Middlemast , J . W . ; Rev . S . Atkin
son , Chap . ; D . Sinclair , as Sec . ; R . F . Cook , P . M . D . C . A . Simpson , as S . D . ; W . M . PybusJ . D . ; E . Shewbrooks ) J . G .,- R . Ferry , Org . ; VV . F . Raeburn , S . S . ; William Dalrymple , J . S . ; and J . Curry , Tyler . There were also present Bros . R . Whitfield , P . AI . ; AL Corbitt , P . AI . ; D . Sinclair , P . M . ; J . T . Medley , J . Ivison , C . Green , VV . ] ' Reid , John Duckitt , W . AI . 4 S 1 ; C . B . Ford , J . W . ; T . JJ 401 iv
uiriniiig , .. ; . u . oirangeways , In ; J . A . Uixon , J . D . 1 G 2 Q ; C . H . Ball , 1 G 43 ; J . ' 1 . Ridley , 406 , and others . The minutes of the installation meeting were read and confirmed . Two gentlemen were proposed for initiation , and three visiting brethren as subscribing members . Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from the Treasurer , Secretary , and S . D . The ordinary routine business was
concluded , and the candidatejor raising not being in attendance the lodge was closed at S . 15 p . m . An adjournment was made to the refreshment room , where the brethren were entertained with part songs and ballads by Bros . Richardson , Ferry , Sinclair , and others . During the course of the evening the Masonic toast list was adequately carried out by the new VV . M .
LISKEARD . —St . Martin ' s Lodge ( N 0 . 510 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the brethren of this lod"c was held on Tuesday , the 19 th tilt ., after which a collation was provided at Webb ' s Hotel , to which most of the brethren who had been present at the lodge adjourned . After the loyal and Masonic toasts had been abl y proposed and suitably responded to , a very handsome marble clock and
an illuminated address containing the names of subscribers were presented to Bro . R . A . Courtney , P . AI ., P . P . S . G . D ' the Secretary , which office he has held for many years ' in recognition of his services in connection with the lod"e ' The presentation was made by Bro . Thomas Lan" P M ' who , in making it , spoke in very eulogistic terms ' of " the energy and zeal of Bro . Courtney in doing everything he
could tor the benefit of the Craft generall y , but more especially for that of St . Martin ' s Lodge . It was mainly owing to his retiring perseverance that lunds had been raised to build the Alasonic Hall , which was not only an ornament to the town , but was second to none in the county tor the purposes for which it was intended . Perhaps some of the brethren present wr-rr- ™ t- n ™
„„ of the difficulties to be overcome in building such a Hall as they now possessed , but he could assure them that it involved hard work on the part of their Secretary , who had been sustained throughout , —not b y the hope or expectation of such a recognition as they were about to present to him , —but because his heart was in Masonry , and it was to him a labourof love . In Bro . CniirhiTO' / n ™;^ .
as P . M . of the lodge , his services had been and were noiv invaluable , especially to those brethren who had been recently elected to that office . In replying , Bro . Courtney thanked the brethren < rCn . crallyfor the manner in which they had recognised his labours , and for the very handsome testimonial which . rave a proof of it . He could assure them that it was rlin ; ,-, ? H f „
make anything like a suitable reply on such an occasion , yet he felt their kindness and goodwill nevertheless He valued their present very much , —not so much for its intrinsic value , as for the motives which induced the brethren to make it . I-rom henceforth he should be able to look on the march of time with pleasure . _ The clock , which is of black marbie . has limnw mm . ntc
visible escapement , and strikes on a gong . It bears the following inscription :- " Presented to Bro . R . A . Courtney P . AI ., P . P . S . G . D . by the brethren of St . Martin ' s Lodge , 510 . Liskeard , April 1 SS 1 . " The surplus balance which remains after paying the expenses of the presentation , will be devoted to the purchase of a Life Governorshi p in the name of Bro Courtney , in one of the Royal Alasonic Benevolent Institutions .
NORWICH .-Cabbell Lodge ( No . 8 o ) .-Thc usual monhly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Club , No . 23 , St . Giles-street , on Thursday , e 2 Sth ult ., under the gavel of the W . AL . Bro . Geo . Green who was assisted by his officers as follows : Bros . S . N ! Berry , P . G . S . VV I . P . M , . j . j . Hunt s w ,., * $ Reeves , J . W . ; Henry Rosling , S . D . ; I . VV . Browne . ID
y < recmasonr , 1 . Winter , I G . ; G . Baxter , P . M ., P . P G . D . C , Treasurer ; R . A . Madge , Organist ; VV . Murrell , lyler ; C . Payne W . N . Cooper , and A . Barnes , Stewds R ^ n w n add , t , 0 V £ ° "? , vinff brethren P resent M l ' R , ' 'l \ r r « ' ' famp fing , P . M ., P . P G . S . B . ; M . J . Bailey , G . J . Berry , A . J . Berry , P . M ., P . P . G . P E . Pankhurst P M . ; 6 . ThiVkettlc , P . AL ; T . Reeve ' H . J . Wave , J . VV . Bateman , and others . '
Among the visitors were Bros . J . Smith , 4 , ; G . VV G Barnard , 93 , 943 ; S . II . Page , 59 , ; T . J . Sowins , 43 , ' ; J . II . Cathercole , 93 S ; and others . ' ' _ 'I he lodge being opened , the minutes of the previous meeting-were read and confirmed . The W . M . then passed Bro . J . Wave to the Degree of F . C . " Hearty good wishes " having been given , the lodge was closed in due form . Hie brethren then adjourned to supper , and upon the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
. emoval of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly responded to . In responding to the toast of his health , the W . M . informed the brethren of the honour which he had enjoyed on the previous day , in attending the Grand Festival in company with Bros . J . H . Santy , W . M . 52 , and G . C Stevens , P . M . 52 , and gave a lucid description of the proceedings , characterising them as of a grand nature . Several very excellent songs and glees were rendered during the evening , affording pleasure to the brethren present .
NORWICH . —Sincerity Lodge ( No . 943 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held , as usual , in the Alasonic Club , No . 23 , St . Giles-street , on Tuesday , the 2 GU 1 ult . Among those present were Bros . R . E . Thorns W-M- ' Robert James Mills , S . W . ; G . VV . G . Barnard , Iv iV iF' ' ^™ > P-M . 40 , S . D . ; J . A . Mills , J . D . ; VV . H . AIoss , I . G . ; E . Orams . P . AL . Treas .: R . Gunn
P . M ., P . G . Tyler , Sec ; Joshua Alorse , Tyler ; T . W . Muskett I . P . M . ; T . Bailord , P . M . ; VV . F . Ransome , H . Bingless , and several other brethren . Among the visitors were Bros . W . H . Smith , Hugh Fox , VV . M . 93 ; A . Bullard , W . M . 1500 ; King , and several others .
1 he lodge being opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The business of the evening was to ballot for Bro . Captain Clements as a subscribing member , and for Mr . J . Francis as a candidate for initiation , both of which were unanimous . The W . AI . then performed the ceremony of initiation in a very excellent manner .
The lod ge was then closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to supper , at the conclusion of which the usual Alasonic toasts were given and acknowledged . "lhe school of instruction in connection with this lodge and the Social Lodge , No . 93 , having been closed for the session , the brethren being members , held their annual supper in connection with the same on Afonday evening , the 2 nd inst ., at the Club Rooms . Amonrr those nresenfc
were Bro . G . VV . G . Barnard , 943 , in the chair , supported by Bros John B . Bridrjman , I . P . M . ; Hugh Fox , W . M . ; Walter Lake , George Jewson , VV . H . Smith , E . Coleby , of 93 ! T . VV . Muskett , I . P . AL ; Robert E . Thorns , W . M . ; J . R . Mills , E . H . Jones , R . Gunn , P . M . ; and J . W . Browne , S 07 ( Freemason ) , as a visitor . A very excellent repast was provided , at the conclusion of which the usual toasts were given and duly acknowledged .
LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the members of this lodge was held on Tuesday afternoon , the 26 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , I lope-strcct , where there was an attendance of about eighty brethren , attracted by an unusually attractive and extensive business programme of proceedings . The bill of fare for the afternoon ( the lodge being opened
promptly at two o ' clock ) included three candidates for the l'ir . st Degree , nine for the Second Degree , and two for the third Degree—a pretty fair slice of business , which clearly shows how the Liverpool Dramatic progresses . I he chair was occupied by Bro . VV . VV . Sandbrook , W . AI ., who was supported during the afternoon , among others , by Bros . J . B . Alackenzie , I . P . M . ; J . Bell , P . P . iiu
u . j . u ., -.. j J . Jack-son , P . P . G . S . of W ., P . AI . ; John Atkinson , S . W . ; W . Savage , J . W . ; A . Woolrich , Ircasurcr ; J . M . Boyd , Secretary ; R . Burgess , Organist ; J . Pyer , S . D . ; H . P . Squire , J . D . ; J . L . Shi-apnell , I . G . ; O . VV . Sanderson , H . Round , and Dr . Whittle , Stewards ; and VV . H . Ball , Tyler . The members present included Bros . Caotain Crowlev . Frank
Emery , I ' ,. Ivimmer , P . Lowndes , E . Graham , J . Wainwnght , K . J . Roberts , Captain Jackson , "Watty" Hildyard . J . Keehjohn Hemming , Fred Stimson , VV . Addis , I' . Duncanson , J . J . Alonk . S . Mattison , E . Dacroy , J . W . t A , " 0 ^" , ' ,- Str'e"i > J- Ballard , R . Geldard , R . Durden , J . W . Colhnson , C Courtenay , and others . The visitors who were present included Bros . A . T . Shore , W . AI . 816 Black
G , P . AL 100 ; I . Jacobs , 11 S 2 ; W . Ham , 1036 j b . Broadbndge , 241 ; A . Hemming , 1319 ; S . Forrest , l . M . 241 ; C . Copcman , 1 299 ; J . Busfield , 1299 ; T . A . Jackson , and others . After the confirmation of the minutes , the ballot was taken for Messrs . Edgar Wilson , S . H . Jones , William Caliler , and VV . I . Robinson . The voting was unanimous in their favour , and the last three named candidates being
in attendance , were duly initiated . No fewer than nine candidates were passed , viz ., Bros . Hall , Campion , Ferrani , Dacroy , Josef Cantor , Hughes , Neubert , Williams , and j . AL Wood ; and Bros . Julian Cross and George Walton were raised to the Suolime Degree of a M . M . lhe heavy work was admirably performed by the W . M ., ossisccu
oy ine s . w . and J . W ., and his other officers . Refreshments fittingly followed the hard , labour of the afternoon , and a pleasant programme of music and recitations was , after dinner , supplied by Bros . J . Busfield , K . J . Roberts , VV . T . Robinson , and Brammall , the piano accompaniments t being played by Bro . R . Burgess Organist . ° '
LIVERPOOL . —Antient Briton Lodge ( No . lG 75 )— There was an unusually numerous and influential gathering of the Fraternity at the annual installation festival connected with this lodge , which took place at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on Friday , the 29 th ult . The lodge deservedly holds a high position amongst local Masonic associations , as it is theleading representative
association ot masonic natives of the Principality of Wales who have settled down in Liverpool , and special interest to some of the brethren was furnished in the fact that Bro oo , , 'iv ?! , s ' wbo bad wor '"'' v filled the chair during iSSo-Si , had been unanimousl y selected and elected for the same , honour during 1 SS 1-S 2 . The lodge was promptly opened the VV . Master . , „! , „
most eltectively installed six candidates before the other business was proceeded with . Amongst those present were PPG R P \ f n ^' n M r 3 » V - J' Kellett Smith , Trea 2 \ - ' Hug !; % L , - S ec : rf Hug ^ sV' TH ' l \ nds w er i J- ' A' C : . Cowelk fc W ^ H . Row ! lands , W . Jones , and G . Chirney , Stewards ; T . S .
Bes-• ' 1 , " ' J , ,. ' V"Hams on T > 'ler ; G- A- Hay , J . nteliard , S . J . Huriies , G . Wri ght , J . Rees , J . Willfams , R . Jones , U . H . tchmaugh , H . Hughes , VV . Plumb , E . liowen , G . Neville , J . Lewis , E . Davies , John Lee , W . R . ci ' - ?!" J XY- J' furt ° n » G . Beaumont , J . Truesdale , J . Sleight , A . Huxley , W . Williams , J . Ireland , H . Pritchard , G . Poster , and others . The visitors present included Bros . Councillor W . J .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
much , thank you , dear . " " You don't feel the cold ? " " Not at all . " " The door closes well ? " " Very well , thank you . " "Well then , come and change places with me . " But apart fromalotof fun which may beallowed on this merry occasion , I rejoice greatly at my . brother ' s elevation to the chair , which proves the great interest he takes in the Craft , and I can bear witness to his dilicrcnc . c and nerseverance to fit
himself for the post he aimed to obtain . As to Freemasonry itself I feel a greater attachment to it every day , for it teaches lessons that prove useful and practical for life if men are exercised b y them ,- no doubt it has attracted the notice of the uninitiated as a system which keeps a man emancipated from local , provincial , and even national influences . No matter what his own political views may be ,
and however much he may cherish them , he should cherish them as a patriot , as they bring out the best energies of his nature ; it teaches him , however , to be an honest and submissive citizen wherever he may be , whether he lives in the most democratic or the most autocratic country , for the well instructed Freemason ever bears in mind the solemn obligation laid upon him— " You shall be a peaceable
subject and cheerfully conform to the laws of the country in which you reside . " But I like the Craft yet more because it is a handmaid to true reli gion ; it strongly advocates actual and revealed religion , it believes in a first cause and expresses it in its devotional exercises at whose creative fiat all things were first made , it inculcates also the study of the Scriptures ; in the very first charge delivered to the young
Mason it recommends " the most serious contemplation of the volume of the Sacred Law , it bids him consider it " as the unerring standard of truth and justice , " it bids him regulate ins actions b y the Divine precepts it contains—in fact , tells him that that book teaches us our most important duties to God and man . It is to be lamented that there are found in our lod ges men- who are not guided by the
precepts of our princi ples—and I think they " are unworthy Masons . The volume of the Sacred Book is not studied neither arc their actions regulated by its precepts . That is very sad ; it has had therefore a sad effect upon many thoughtful men , and in some measure repelled them from joiningour Craft , because they noticed an unworthy , worldly , and godless life in some who even held prominent offices ,
but 1 trunk tlie cause of the evil is to be found in the lodges themselves—they often seek for members , that they may boast of initiations , a policy I consider very pernicious , which must sooner or later end in the departure of the unfortunate glory of any lodge that pursues such practices ; because it forgets that Freemasonry is to be extended to worthy men , as our ritual savs , "and to
worthy men alone , " who have given proof of moral goodness . As it is , I have noticed with great regret that some have entered to advance their trade , profession , or worldly interest , and who religiously are utterly indifferent and regardless . Forgive me , therefore , when I say " Be careful how you admit members to our Fraternity—an Atheist , a worldly , and godless man has no business
herehe- ought never to be allowed to desecrate our temple , or to dishonour our Sacred Rites . " By way of contrast to what I have said , as well as an example for imitation , let me refer for a moment to the religious character , as well as to the generosity of disposition , of one who is held high in esteem among Masons , and whose name our brother initiate has learned for the first umctnnmmvmrn tn . niMit M-. ..- „ ,, ; ,.., 11 ,.
I mean Boaz . In the volume oi ( he Sacred Law there is a book called "Ruth" which brings before us a picture of sorrow and joy among the ancients—in that book we read the history of the good Mason who lived at Bethlehem , and being a landed proprietor was naturally in the habit of visiting his fields , and as he approached his harvest labourers , lie addressed them with the beautiful salutation "The
Lord be with you . " Now this shows at a glance that the root of this man ' s virtue and the source of his goodness was the " rear of the Lord , " for looking round and n- azin " upon his fields he felt grateful , he felt that all he had was owing not to his sowing and reaping , but to the Great Architect of the Universe . "The Lord be with you " was not a sort of hackneyed expression like " How do you do ? " but it meant to convey the master ' s <» nnd wislinc t \* t P ., „ i „ ,: „ i . i .
, strengthen their hands for their work . Boaz acknowledged Him in all his ways , and I am sure there are Masons ' in this banqueting room now who feel as Boaz felt , and who realise as he did , that all they are , and have , is owing to the Almighty Father . But I said that another Masonic virtue was beautifully displayed in the behaviour of the ancient Mason , even the generosity of his disnositinn . Vm , nil
probably know how a poor Moabitish woman happened to go in his fields to glean ears of corn for her sustenance Boaz , notiangthe modest appcaranceof thestrangcr , spoke kindly to her , did not drive her from the field , rather encouraged her to stay—he , moreover , charged his reapers to protect her against rude words , and rude acts , on the part of the young men , and , to crown all , reauested them
to drop handfuls of corn as if by accident for Ruth to carry away—an act of charity conveyed in such a manner as not to let the recipient feel herpovert y and dependence , fpr gleaning was allowable everywhere . Here we have one of the distinguishing characters of the Freemason ' s heart " charity prompted by pityand sympath y . The same virtues I am glad to say , characterise our modern ron ^ i :. 1
speak not merely of the helping hand readily extended to those who perhaps from circumstances of unforscen misfortune and calamity are reduced to poverty and distress " but 1 speak of that noble Institution which affords the ao-ed Mason a refuge and home in his old age , and of those Benevolent Orphanages and Schools which help to bless the poor Mason ' s children . May it long continue to be our delight to exercise kindly feelings in the practical way spoken of
and may it ever be the motto of our Craft , as far as its members are concerned , " not quantity , but quality . " And let me say in conclusion that inasmuch as we all know that Masonry is progressive ; and points higher than our ordinary lodges , when we go from labour to refreshment , and reireshment to labour , let us all cherish the cheering hope ot being admitted to the Grand Lodge above , where neither A l- ! ' ¦ ' or even Kin ff Solomon , but the Great architect of the Universe Himself „ - ; il r ™ c ! l » , „ A n , „_„
, , « e shall adjourn for refreshment to the Great Banqueting Hail of the King of Kings , and Lord of Lords . Once more i thank you on behalf of the visiting brethren and myself 'or the honour you have done me . Bros . E . II . GraWiam , Th ' of „« f ? X ' | | ' n ; , » ' a"d olhcrs aIso ^ sponded . snoll . u I he ''' - wasnext given by the VV . M ., who 3 S RriA YTi 1 i t , lc ma "y ^ od qualities of offi ^ d - ' l 7 of h , s steadv attention to the duties of his voted a " paft M ^ ' > : ear ' i The lod gre had unaffimou l y voted a Past Master ' s jewel , and he had great pleasure in
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
pinning it on his breast , with the fervent hope that he might live long to wear it . Bro . Reid , in reply , thanked " the W . M . for the kind expression he had used in makino- the presentation . He accepted it as a very great honour . He had done no more than his duty ; but he hoped that every W . M . who followed him wonkl do the same . It was very important that the lodge should maintain its sound financial
position , and always show a good credit balance , for with a diminution of such a balance members always seem to drop off . He trusted they would continue to prosper , and in years to come possess a long roll of Past Masters to maintain thc . dignity of the Langton Lodge . The toast of " The P . M . and Treasurer , " was responded to by Bro .
| . Langton , and " the Officers of the Lodge" for whom the Senior and JuniorWardens , Bros . J . D . Langton , and C . E . Burnett replied , concluded the proceedings . We should not omit to mention that the musical arrangements , under the direction of Bro . Theodore Drew , P . P . G . O ., were most excellent , and that Bro . Fillan favoured the company with one of his inimitable recitations .
GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE . —Lodgeof Industry ( No . 4 S ) . —The first regular monthly meeting of this iodo-c since the installation of the VV . M . was held on Monday , the 25 th ult ., at 34 , Denmark-street . The lodge was opened at 7 . 15 p . m . bythc W . M ., Bro . J . G . Smith , assisted by the following officers : Bros . J . Wood , I . P . M . ; Edward Liddell , S . W . ; E . VV . Middlemast , J . W . ; Rev . S . Atkin
son , Chap . ; D . Sinclair , as Sec . ; R . F . Cook , P . M . D . C . A . Simpson , as S . D . ; W . M . PybusJ . D . ; E . Shewbrooks ) J . G .,- R . Ferry , Org . ; VV . F . Raeburn , S . S . ; William Dalrymple , J . S . ; and J . Curry , Tyler . There were also present Bros . R . Whitfield , P . AI . ; AL Corbitt , P . AI . ; D . Sinclair , P . M . ; J . T . Medley , J . Ivison , C . Green , VV . ] ' Reid , John Duckitt , W . AI . 4 S 1 ; C . B . Ford , J . W . ; T . JJ 401 iv
uiriniiig , .. ; . u . oirangeways , In ; J . A . Uixon , J . D . 1 G 2 Q ; C . H . Ball , 1 G 43 ; J . ' 1 . Ridley , 406 , and others . The minutes of the installation meeting were read and confirmed . Two gentlemen were proposed for initiation , and three visiting brethren as subscribing members . Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from the Treasurer , Secretary , and S . D . The ordinary routine business was
concluded , and the candidatejor raising not being in attendance the lodge was closed at S . 15 p . m . An adjournment was made to the refreshment room , where the brethren were entertained with part songs and ballads by Bros . Richardson , Ferry , Sinclair , and others . During the course of the evening the Masonic toast list was adequately carried out by the new VV . M .
LISKEARD . —St . Martin ' s Lodge ( N 0 . 510 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the brethren of this lod"c was held on Tuesday , the 19 th tilt ., after which a collation was provided at Webb ' s Hotel , to which most of the brethren who had been present at the lodge adjourned . After the loyal and Masonic toasts had been abl y proposed and suitably responded to , a very handsome marble clock and
an illuminated address containing the names of subscribers were presented to Bro . R . A . Courtney , P . AI ., P . P . S . G . D ' the Secretary , which office he has held for many years ' in recognition of his services in connection with the lod"e ' The presentation was made by Bro . Thomas Lan" P M ' who , in making it , spoke in very eulogistic terms ' of " the energy and zeal of Bro . Courtney in doing everything he
could tor the benefit of the Craft generall y , but more especially for that of St . Martin ' s Lodge . It was mainly owing to his retiring perseverance that lunds had been raised to build the Alasonic Hall , which was not only an ornament to the town , but was second to none in the county tor the purposes for which it was intended . Perhaps some of the brethren present wr-rr- ™ t- n ™
„„ of the difficulties to be overcome in building such a Hall as they now possessed , but he could assure them that it involved hard work on the part of their Secretary , who had been sustained throughout , —not b y the hope or expectation of such a recognition as they were about to present to him , —but because his heart was in Masonry , and it was to him a labourof love . In Bro . CniirhiTO' / n ™;^ .
as P . M . of the lodge , his services had been and were noiv invaluable , especially to those brethren who had been recently elected to that office . In replying , Bro . Courtney thanked the brethren < rCn . crallyfor the manner in which they had recognised his labours , and for the very handsome testimonial which . rave a proof of it . He could assure them that it was rlin ; ,-, ? H f „
make anything like a suitable reply on such an occasion , yet he felt their kindness and goodwill nevertheless He valued their present very much , —not so much for its intrinsic value , as for the motives which induced the brethren to make it . I-rom henceforth he should be able to look on the march of time with pleasure . _ The clock , which is of black marbie . has limnw mm . ntc
visible escapement , and strikes on a gong . It bears the following inscription :- " Presented to Bro . R . A . Courtney P . AI ., P . P . S . G . D . by the brethren of St . Martin ' s Lodge , 510 . Liskeard , April 1 SS 1 . " The surplus balance which remains after paying the expenses of the presentation , will be devoted to the purchase of a Life Governorshi p in the name of Bro Courtney , in one of the Royal Alasonic Benevolent Institutions .
NORWICH .-Cabbell Lodge ( No . 8 o ) .-Thc usual monhly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Club , No . 23 , St . Giles-street , on Thursday , e 2 Sth ult ., under the gavel of the W . AL . Bro . Geo . Green who was assisted by his officers as follows : Bros . S . N ! Berry , P . G . S . VV I . P . M , . j . j . Hunt s w ,., * $ Reeves , J . W . ; Henry Rosling , S . D . ; I . VV . Browne . ID
y < recmasonr , 1 . Winter , I G . ; G . Baxter , P . M ., P . P G . D . C , Treasurer ; R . A . Madge , Organist ; VV . Murrell , lyler ; C . Payne W . N . Cooper , and A . Barnes , Stewds R ^ n w n add , t , 0 V £ ° "? , vinff brethren P resent M l ' R , ' 'l \ r r « ' ' famp fing , P . M ., P . P G . S . B . ; M . J . Bailey , G . J . Berry , A . J . Berry , P . M ., P . P . G . P E . Pankhurst P M . ; 6 . ThiVkettlc , P . AL ; T . Reeve ' H . J . Wave , J . VV . Bateman , and others . '
Among the visitors were Bros . J . Smith , 4 , ; G . VV G Barnard , 93 , 943 ; S . II . Page , 59 , ; T . J . Sowins , 43 , ' ; J . II . Cathercole , 93 S ; and others . ' ' _ 'I he lodge being opened , the minutes of the previous meeting-were read and confirmed . The W . M . then passed Bro . J . Wave to the Degree of F . C . " Hearty good wishes " having been given , the lodge was closed in due form . Hie brethren then adjourned to supper , and upon the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
. emoval of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly responded to . In responding to the toast of his health , the W . M . informed the brethren of the honour which he had enjoyed on the previous day , in attending the Grand Festival in company with Bros . J . H . Santy , W . M . 52 , and G . C Stevens , P . M . 52 , and gave a lucid description of the proceedings , characterising them as of a grand nature . Several very excellent songs and glees were rendered during the evening , affording pleasure to the brethren present .
NORWICH . —Sincerity Lodge ( No . 943 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held , as usual , in the Alasonic Club , No . 23 , St . Giles-street , on Tuesday , the 2 GU 1 ult . Among those present were Bros . R . E . Thorns W-M- ' Robert James Mills , S . W . ; G . VV . G . Barnard , Iv iV iF' ' ^™ > P-M . 40 , S . D . ; J . A . Mills , J . D . ; VV . H . AIoss , I . G . ; E . Orams . P . AL . Treas .: R . Gunn
P . M ., P . G . Tyler , Sec ; Joshua Alorse , Tyler ; T . W . Muskett I . P . M . ; T . Bailord , P . M . ; VV . F . Ransome , H . Bingless , and several other brethren . Among the visitors were Bros . W . H . Smith , Hugh Fox , VV . M . 93 ; A . Bullard , W . M . 1500 ; King , and several others .
1 he lodge being opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The business of the evening was to ballot for Bro . Captain Clements as a subscribing member , and for Mr . J . Francis as a candidate for initiation , both of which were unanimous . The W . AI . then performed the ceremony of initiation in a very excellent manner .
The lod ge was then closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to supper , at the conclusion of which the usual Alasonic toasts were given and acknowledged . "lhe school of instruction in connection with this lodge and the Social Lodge , No . 93 , having been closed for the session , the brethren being members , held their annual supper in connection with the same on Afonday evening , the 2 nd inst ., at the Club Rooms . Amonrr those nresenfc
were Bro . G . VV . G . Barnard , 943 , in the chair , supported by Bros John B . Bridrjman , I . P . M . ; Hugh Fox , W . M . ; Walter Lake , George Jewson , VV . H . Smith , E . Coleby , of 93 ! T . VV . Muskett , I . P . AL ; Robert E . Thorns , W . M . ; J . R . Mills , E . H . Jones , R . Gunn , P . M . ; and J . W . Browne , S 07 ( Freemason ) , as a visitor . A very excellent repast was provided , at the conclusion of which the usual toasts were given and duly acknowledged .
LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the members of this lodge was held on Tuesday afternoon , the 26 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , I lope-strcct , where there was an attendance of about eighty brethren , attracted by an unusually attractive and extensive business programme of proceedings . The bill of fare for the afternoon ( the lodge being opened
promptly at two o ' clock ) included three candidates for the l'ir . st Degree , nine for the Second Degree , and two for the third Degree—a pretty fair slice of business , which clearly shows how the Liverpool Dramatic progresses . I he chair was occupied by Bro . VV . VV . Sandbrook , W . AI ., who was supported during the afternoon , among others , by Bros . J . B . Alackenzie , I . P . M . ; J . Bell , P . P . iiu
u . j . u ., -.. j J . Jack-son , P . P . G . S . of W ., P . AI . ; John Atkinson , S . W . ; W . Savage , J . W . ; A . Woolrich , Ircasurcr ; J . M . Boyd , Secretary ; R . Burgess , Organist ; J . Pyer , S . D . ; H . P . Squire , J . D . ; J . L . Shi-apnell , I . G . ; O . VV . Sanderson , H . Round , and Dr . Whittle , Stewards ; and VV . H . Ball , Tyler . The members present included Bros . Caotain Crowlev . Frank
Emery , I ' ,. Ivimmer , P . Lowndes , E . Graham , J . Wainwnght , K . J . Roberts , Captain Jackson , "Watty" Hildyard . J . Keehjohn Hemming , Fred Stimson , VV . Addis , I' . Duncanson , J . J . Alonk . S . Mattison , E . Dacroy , J . W . t A , " 0 ^" , ' ,- Str'e"i > J- Ballard , R . Geldard , R . Durden , J . W . Colhnson , C Courtenay , and others . The visitors who were present included Bros . A . T . Shore , W . AI . 816 Black
G , P . AL 100 ; I . Jacobs , 11 S 2 ; W . Ham , 1036 j b . Broadbndge , 241 ; A . Hemming , 1319 ; S . Forrest , l . M . 241 ; C . Copcman , 1 299 ; J . Busfield , 1299 ; T . A . Jackson , and others . After the confirmation of the minutes , the ballot was taken for Messrs . Edgar Wilson , S . H . Jones , William Caliler , and VV . I . Robinson . The voting was unanimous in their favour , and the last three named candidates being
in attendance , were duly initiated . No fewer than nine candidates were passed , viz ., Bros . Hall , Campion , Ferrani , Dacroy , Josef Cantor , Hughes , Neubert , Williams , and j . AL Wood ; and Bros . Julian Cross and George Walton were raised to the Suolime Degree of a M . M . lhe heavy work was admirably performed by the W . M ., ossisccu
oy ine s . w . and J . W ., and his other officers . Refreshments fittingly followed the hard , labour of the afternoon , and a pleasant programme of music and recitations was , after dinner , supplied by Bros . J . Busfield , K . J . Roberts , VV . T . Robinson , and Brammall , the piano accompaniments t being played by Bro . R . Burgess Organist . ° '
LIVERPOOL . —Antient Briton Lodge ( No . lG 75 )— There was an unusually numerous and influential gathering of the Fraternity at the annual installation festival connected with this lodge , which took place at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on Friday , the 29 th ult . The lodge deservedly holds a high position amongst local Masonic associations , as it is theleading representative
association ot masonic natives of the Principality of Wales who have settled down in Liverpool , and special interest to some of the brethren was furnished in the fact that Bro oo , , 'iv ?! , s ' wbo bad wor '"'' v filled the chair during iSSo-Si , had been unanimousl y selected and elected for the same , honour during 1 SS 1-S 2 . The lodge was promptly opened the VV . Master . , „! , „
most eltectively installed six candidates before the other business was proceeded with . Amongst those present were PPG R P \ f n ^' n M r 3 » V - J' Kellett Smith , Trea 2 \ - ' Hug !; % L , - S ec : rf Hug ^ sV' TH ' l \ nds w er i J- ' A' C : . Cowelk fc W ^ H . Row ! lands , W . Jones , and G . Chirney , Stewards ; T . S .
Bes-• ' 1 , " ' J , ,. ' V"Hams on T > 'ler ; G- A- Hay , J . nteliard , S . J . Huriies , G . Wri ght , J . Rees , J . Willfams , R . Jones , U . H . tchmaugh , H . Hughes , VV . Plumb , E . liowen , G . Neville , J . Lewis , E . Davies , John Lee , W . R . ci ' - ?!" J XY- J' furt ° n » G . Beaumont , J . Truesdale , J . Sleight , A . Huxley , W . Williams , J . Ireland , H . Pritchard , G . Poster , and others . The visitors present included Bros . Councillor W . J .