Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft JHasoitru .

UNITED MARINERS' LODGE ( No . 30 ) . — The members of this sound and sterling- old lodge reassembled for the winter session on Tuesday , the 20 th ult ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , when a numerous company assembled to do honour to the occasion ; the brethren mustered in full force , and with a goodly addition of visitors , left nothing to be desired in the way of numbers . Bro . Joseph Harling , W . M ., presided , supported by Past

Alasters Bros . Chas . Davey , ] . Shipley , J . Clark , and T . Smith ; Bros . F . E . Davey , [ . P . M . ; L . Steingrater , S . W . ; A . Couldrey , J . W . ; W . Ansell , P . M . and Treas . ; R . R . Harper , P . M . and Sec ; W . Boyce , I . G . ; L . G . Reinhardt , Tyler ; H . Gibbs , A . McCleland , B . R . Gotch , H . Murrell , J . H . Morgan , T . Campbell , B . Harte , and others . Among the visitors were Bros . S . Lazarus , P . M . 53 , P . G . S . W . ' Wilts ; S . Richardson , W . M . 1 S 3 ; E . Eydmann ,

7 S 0 ; G . Caldenvood , No . o ( Mother Kilwinning , Scotland ); and A . Johnston , 1201 . Notwithstanding the absence of work on the agenda paper , the lodge was opened and closed in a style which spoke volumes for the skill and ability of the VVorshipful Master and his officers . The business of the lodge having been concluded , the brethren and visitors dined together , the arrangements , entrusted to the management of Bro .

Marchant , being carried out in an eminently satisfactory style . During dessert , the usual loyal and Craft toasts were duly proposed and honoured . The I . P . M ., in proposing " The Health of the Worshipful Master , " said , it was with much regret that he had not the opportunity that evening of performing any ceremonies , for he believed that visiting brethren had missed a great treat . He hoped Bro . Harling might have the occasion to prove

the abilities which they all knew he possessed before the expiration of his year of oflice . lhe toast having been most cordially received , Bro . Harling , in replying in a capital speech , thanked the brethren for the kindly manner in which the toast had been accepted at their hands , and assured them it gave him much pleasure to be again the Master of his mother lodge , though he must confess it was an unexpected honour to be called

upon to fill that position a second time . He regretted that this was not as prosperous a year as that during which he before held that office . On looking over the books for that year he found he had had 15 initiates , whereas during the current year they had only one as yet . It was an additional regret to see brethren passing away from them through various causes , but they must feel satisfaction in the fact that they were sufficiently strong to muster in such

numbers as on the present occasion , and to pass so pleasant an evening as they were then enjoying . He would say this of the United Mariners' Lodge , it certainly retained the metal which was of use to the interests of the lodge . He did not speak disparagingly of those who had left the lodge , but it seemed to him that the best brethren still remained with them , and so long as that was the case , the lodge must always flourish . Although they might dwindle down

to a small number , still there was sterling merit amongst them since they were still able to hold their own . He had the pleasure of visiting a lodge two or three weeks ago , where the members exceeded 150 , and it seemed to him such a gigantic lodge that the members scarcely knew each other . He very much preferred that a lodge should be kept within due proportion in order that the brethren might meet on intimate terms , and thus enjoy the amenities ,

which were so characteristic of the Craft . In turn the W . M . proposed "The Health of the Past Masters of the Lodge , " and expressed the pleasure which must be afforded to all the brethren that after having attained to the summit of their ambition , they did not desert their former associates , but continued to evince an unabated interest in the welfare of the lodge . Bro . Jas . Discol ) , an old and esteemed Past Master , then

responded in a few happily-chosen sentences , and was followed by Bro . \ V . Ansell , Treas ., who congratulated the lodge upon its satisfactory condition . In responding to the toast of "The Visitors , " Bro . S . Lazarus , in an eloquent address , embodied some very excellent reminiscences of his Masonic life , which it will be our province , when time and space permit , to reproduce .

"' The Health of the Oflicers , " was then proposed , and severally responded to , and the proceedings , which were throughout of the most happy and harmonious description , were brought to a fitting close by the Tyler . During the evening a selection of vocal and instrumental music was given , which tended materially to enhance the enjoyment of both the brethren and their associated friends .

FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 . )—This lodge held its installation meeting at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 27 th ult . Among those in attendance were Bros , lordan , W . M . ; Fromhoitz , S . W ., W . M . elect ; Coop , j . W . ; McMullen , J . D . ; Hudson , LG . ; Carter , P . M ., Treas . ; Hakin , W . S . ; Steng , D . C ; E . Hopwood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; Green , P . M . ; Charles Dairy , P . M . ; Rumball , P . M . ; Heaphv , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . M .,

P . P . G . S . B . Middx . ; Cobham , P . M . ; and others . The visitors were Bros . Taylor , P . M . 144 ; Chapman , I . P . M . 1922 ; Wagstaff , 212 ; Burston , 212 ; Popper , 278 ; Brand , 749 ; Nettlewhite , 1 O 41 ; Dickinson , S . D . 1 CS 1 ; Harris , 2 S 1 ( U . S . ); and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , one brother was passed to the Second Degree , and one brother raised to the Third Degree by the

W . M . By the W . M . ' s request , Bro . Walls took the •chair , and installed Bro . Fromhoitz as W . M . for the year ensuing . The Installing Master appointed Bros . Dairy , as S . W . ; Rumball , as J . W . ; Chapman , as D . C . ; and Hopwood , as I . G . j to assist him in the work . The officers appointed and invested for the year were Bros . Coop , S . W . ;

Hudson , J . W . ; Carter , Treas . ; W . Stuart , Sec . ( by deputy ); Hakin , S . D . ; Steng , J . D . ; Crane , I . G . ; Johnson , W . S . ; Day , D . C ; Weisler , A . D . C ; and Longstaff , Tyler . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . A vote of thanks was passed to the Installing

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Master , and a vote of thanks given to Bros . Taylor and Chapman for their services as Organist and D . C . A letter was read from Bro . XV . Stuart , Secretary , who was unable to be present in consequence of severe indisposition . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the

banquet . The usual toasts followed . During the evening a handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Jordan , I . P . M ., and a very excellent programme of instrumental , vocal and dramatic selections given by Bros . Schartau , Carter , Taylor , and Chapman , whose cleverefforts were loudly applauded .

MONTEFIORE LODGE ( No . 1017 ) . —The first meeting of this lodge since the recess was held at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , on Wednesday evening , the 2 Sth ult ., when the principal business was to receive a communication from the foreign lodges in Chili , S . A ., relative to the late Sir Moses Montefiore , Bart . Although mainly composed of Jews , there are manv non-Jewish brethren ,

foremost among whom we may mention the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C , Incumbent of Curzon Chapel , Mayfair . The reverend brother , who acts . as Chaplain to the lodge , is connected by marriage with an esteemed county family , the Cabbells , of Cromer , whose progenitor was for many years R . W . P . G . M . of Norfolk . The working of the lodge was admirably performed by Bro . N . P . Vallentine , W . M .,

assisted by the officers , Bros . D . M . Davis , S . W . ; J . Manger , J . W . ; H . H . Myers , S . D . ; S . Vallentine , J . D . ; L . Jacobs , Treas . ; and Matthias Levy , Sec . A very handsome and feeling tribute was paid to the memory of the late venerable Hebrew philanthropist , and a resolution passed that the Chilian letter of condolence be sent to Bro . Sebag-Montefiore , the deceased baronet's nephew and

heir , and his reply will be embodied in the lodge ' s answer to Valparaiso . A recherche banquet followed , and the customary Masonic toasts were intermingled with a concert , in which Miss Nettie Wood , Signor Carti , and Miss Cranford took part , Miss R . G . Watson accompanying . Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , as P . G . Chap . England ,

responded for "The Officers of Grand Lodge , " and took occasion to enlarge on the cosmopolitan character of Freemasonry . The documents received that evening were peculiarly interesting to him , as Clerical Secretary to the South American Mission . Our Masonic brethren in that great continent were the sons of light and progress , and did vast good in spreading knowledge and carrying

forward excellent work in the face of almost superhuman difficulties . He was proud , if for this reason alone , of his connection with the Order , but particularly of being a member of that lodge , which bore the name of one revered and lamented in the farthest ends of the world . Bro . P . Soman , who responded for " The Visitors , " explained how the address from the six Chilian

lodges—English , French , Italian , German , and native—came into his hands through a relative in Valparaiso . The W . M . expressed the thanks of the Montefiore Lodge to Bro . Soman for his trouble in the matter . "The Past Masters" having been replied to by Bro . S . V . Abraham , to whom the document alluded to was addressed , the brethren soon alter separated . —Norwich Argus .

WEST KENT LODGE ( No . 1297 ) . — A meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 24 th ult ., at the Crystal Palace , Sydenham , when the following were present : Bros . James Crowden , W . M . ; Philps , S . W . ; Johnson , J . W . ; Bellis , S . D . ; Ormond , J . D . ; Hand , I . G . ; Bowler , Tyler ; J . C Woodrow , P . M ., Sec . ; Perrin , P . M . ; R . H . Crowden , P . M . ; Fullwood , D . C . ;

Powles , W . S . ; Hicks , Dowding , Ferris , Evans , S . Saxby , Lavington , Bridger , and Lee Davies . Visitors : Bros . K . Philbrick , G . Reg ., D . P . G . M . Essex , * Wm . Lake , P . M ., P . P . G . R . Cornwall ; G . Saxby , P . M . ; Archbold , P . M . ; VV . Hatkins , P . M . ; Riley , Steane , and others . After confirming the minutes of the meeting of July 25 th , Bro . S . Saxby was raised to the Third Degree by Bro . R .

H . Crowden , P . M ., in the absence of Bro . Philbrick , Q . C , G . Reg ., who had promised to perform the ceremony , but was unavoidably detained . Bro . Crowden ' s rendering was much appreciated by the brethren , and left a deep impression on the candidate . It was much enhanced by the traditional history being perfectly added by Bro . Bellis , S . D . and P . M . The next business on the agenda was to elect

the W . M , for the coming year , when Bro . Philps was unanimously elected , and returned thanks to the brethren in the following terms : W . M . and Brethren—I thank you most cordially and sincerely for the high honour that you . have conferred upon me by your unanimous vote , as it will place me in the proud position of W . M . of this lodge —this lodge in which I was initiated , and around which all

my Masonic sympathies are centred . I am deeply sensible that the position of W . M . of any lodge carries with it a heavy responsibility , and especially so in this lodge , and at this particular time ; for , dating from the memorable term of office of our respected and distinguished Bro . Robert Crowden , we have been blessed with a succession of Masters who , by their untiring labours and singleness of

purpose , have raised this lodge to the proud position it now occupies in the Craft . It is therefore incumbent on me to exercise all my energies to ensure a continuance of prosperity , and 1 now promise that it will be my earnest and constant endeavour not only to promote the welfare of this lodge , but the comfort of each individual brother . In furtherance of which I shall , Worshipful sir , so far as my

limited intellectual powers will admit of , follow the example of the brethren who have previously occupied tbat chair which you now so worthily and ably fill . Brethren , I again thank you for this signal mark of your confidence and goodwill . Bro . Stead was again elected Treasurer , and Bro . Bowler , Tyler . After the Audit Committee had been appointed Bro . W . J . Lavington , I . G . 857 , and Bro .

Reginald Bridger , 72 , were balloted for and unanimously elected , and Bro . Lee Davies was elected an hon . member . A letter was read from Bro . J . B . Crump , I . P . M ., declining to withdraw his resignation , which was accordingly accepted . Bro . Philbrick , Grand Registrar , P . P . G . M . Essex , having

arrived , the banquet was served in the Marble Hall , where a party of 2 S sat down to do honour to it , and at the same time pay a compliment to the W . M ., Bro . James Crowden , on the last occasion of his presidency . The usual loyal toasts being cordially responded to , the W . M . proposed " The Health of the Grand Officers , "

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stating that no lodge was more ( loyal and devoted to its Grand Rulers and appreciated their work more than did the West Kent Lodge . Bro . Philbrick , Grand Registrar , responded , explaining that the cause of his absence from the lodge was that he had been engaged in other important Masonic duties , aiding , in his capacity as Grand Registrar , the Grand Secretary and other Grand Officers in the constitution of the

two new provinces of North Wales and Shropshire . He had come straight from Wales to be present at the West Kent Lodge , in response to thc invitation of his friend , Bro . Crowden , but , unfortunately , somewhat late . He congratulated the lodge on the progress it was making , and predicted for it continued prosperity . In referring to the Pro Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master , he said that they had received honours

from their Sovereign which would cause the mention of their names to be received with respect in any community , but in Alasonic circles they had a special claim . The other Grand Officers were efficient and always did their duty , and the position which Masonry held in the outside world was due to wise discretion and skilful management on the part of those at the helm of Freemasonry . He considered the increase of lodges a matter for congratulation , and ,

when the tongue of good report had been heard in their favour , the increase of members as well ; but their object should not be alone to multiply members . They were glad to welcome all who would reflect honour on their choice , but they must always remember that it was an honour to a man to be a Mason , and that he was not conferring it on the Order . Bro . Perrin , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . "

and asked the brethren , as it was possibly the last time they would respond to the toast under present circumstances , that it should be received with a double amount of cordiality , for he had always exhibited that kind , genial , and courteous manner , both at the banquet table and in the lodge , which was so much appreciated by the whole of the brethren . He had been always at his post , and all the ceremonies he had performed had been done in a very

satisfactory manner . Bro . James Crowden , W . M ., responded , and thanked the brethren for their kindness and support during his year of office , which was now drawing to a close , and begged to assure them that he had endeavoured to the best of his ability to carry out the important duties of the chair , and it gave him great satisfaction to hear that his services had met with the approbation of the lodge generally .

" The Past Masters" were next toasted , and Bro . Robt . H . Crowden responded , assuring the brethren of the pleasure it always gave him to thank them for the compliment so regularly afforded them . It ought to be considered a red letter day in the annals of the lodge , from the fact of their having the distinguished company of the Grand Registrar , Bro . Philbrick , who at personal inconvenience , and after travelling all day from North Wales ,

had graced the banqueting table with his presence and support ; and although the brethren were no doubt disappointed not to witness his raising of Bro . Saxby , he ( Bro . Crowden ) had had great pleasure tc have been of service to the lodge , and perform the beautiful ceremony in his stead . He was glad it had met with the approval of the brethren . The welfare and prosperity of the West Kent Lodge were his constant care and anxiety , and

if all the P . M . 's on their leaving the chair would be imbued with the same sentiments and study the interests of the brethren in preference to their own , he prophesied a very grand future for the West Kent Lodge . " The Joining Members " were next toasted . Bros . Lavington and Bridger both responded in suitable erms , expressing their pleasure in joining a lodge where he brethren were so united and happy , and who took such a pride in carrying out the ceremonies with so much

enthusiasm . The toast of "The Visitors " was responded to by Bro . Archbold , who , in thanking Bro . Crowden for his assistance , considered himself quite at home in the lodge , as he had attended so many times previously . He had always thought thc working of his lodge ( No . 19 ) was second to none ; but after witnessing the ceremony of raising by Bro . Robt . H . Crowden and the other officers that day , he had come to the conclusion that the West Kent Lodge could hold their

own with any lodge extant . Bro . Wm . Lake also responded . Bro . Johnson , J . W ., responded for "Tbe W . M . Elect , " as Bro . Philps had been obliged to leave to keep a professional engagement . The toast of " The Treasurer , Secretary , and Officers of the Lodge " fell to the lot of Bros . Bellis and Johnson , who replied in suitable terms . The Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a happy and very satisfactory conclusion .

LODGE OF ASAPH ( No . 1319 ) . —This lodge , which was established in 1870 , for the convenience of members of the dramatic and musical professions , held its iCth installation meeting on Monday last at Freemasons ' Hall . In consequence of the absence , through serious illness , of Bro . Charles Ernest Tinney , W . M ., the Master ' s chair was occupied by Bro . F . Delevanti , P . M ., and after the formal proceedings of opening lodge , and reading and confirming the minutes , Bro . William John Kent , J . W .,

and W . M . elect , was presented to Bro . Delevanti for installation , the S . W . chair being occupied by Bro . Edward Swanborough , P . M ., and the J . W . chair by Bro . James Weaver , P . M . Bro . VV . A . Tinney , P . M ., acted as D . C , and Bro . C . S . Jekyll , P . G . Org ., as Organist . Bro . Delevanti then in splendid style installed Bro . Kent , who immediately afterwards showed his proficiency in the work of a Master by delivering the charges to each of his

officers for the year , as he invested them with their collars , and entrusted them with their emblems . The brethren appointed and invested were Bro . Henry Tinney , S . W . ; Lestock Boileau Wooldridee , J . W . ; Charles Coote , Treasurer ; J . M . Chamberlin , P . M ., Secretary ; Walter Hopkins Smith , S . D . ; Harry James Hitchins , J . D . ; George E . Fairchild , P . M ., I . G . ; James Bcveridge , D . C ; Alfred Morten , Organist ; Henry Marsh Edsall and Tom

de Brunnow Holmes , W . S . ; and John Gilbert , Tyler . After the delivery of the addresses b y Bro . Delevanti , lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern to an elegant banquet , under the presidency of Bro . Kent , W . M . The visitors were Bros . Arthur S . Taylor , P . P . G . Supt . of W . Surrey , 1201 ; Julian Cross , 1609 ; Sidney Ballard , 2101 ; W . J . Pilcher , 443 ; P . S . Levi , W . M . 1670 ; J . M .