Craft Masonry.

stalling Master " and remarked that it would be needless for him to say much to the brethren respecting Bro . James Stephens , whom they all knew as a monument of strength in any Masonic lodge . Any lodge with which Bro . Stephens was connected was bound to go well , and in the Cricklewood Lodge , where Bro . Stephens assisted at the consecration , was for five years Secretary , and then became Master—it was safe to say the lodge had gone well . Not only in that Iodge , but in the Masonic world generally , Bro . Stephens was admired for the earnestness and zealous way in which he exerted

himself . He ( the VV . M . ) was sure the I . P . M . would appreciate the jewel he was about to present to him , and think as much of it as the members did of Bro . Stephens . He hoped the I . P . M . would accept the jewel in the same spirit in which it was presented , for they owed him a deep debt of gratitude for his services , and they hoped for many years to receive the benefit of his advice and experience . Bro . Jas . Stephens , I . P . M ., P . G . W . Bucks , Sec , in reply , sai j he apprehended nothing more difficult for one to do than to speak in regard to one's self , therefore , he

took all that the VV . M . had said cum grant ) salis . Twelve months ago he had serious misgivings as to whether he should occupy the chair . When he told them that was the seventh chair he had occupied they might readily understand his doubts as to whether he should take it or not . Being a founder , he had , as the W . M . had said , devoted some interest to it in the past , and as it was the- unanimous wish of the brethren last yearand particu ' arly of their present W . M . —he consented . In a lodge in Bucks , where he was a founder with Bro . J . J . Thomas , he was S . VV . for two yeais , and thinking he was

keeping other aspirants back he asked the brethren kindly not to elect him as VV . M . The lodge kindly recognised the spirit in which he acted , and a resolution was passed lhat it was their wish that he should occupy the chair , should he ever desire to do so . He had had a pleasant year as W . M . of the Cricklewood Lodge , and their kindness had culminated with the handsome jewel presented to him . He was deeply grateful for the

honour done him . He wished to say that last year the ladies' night was such a decided success that the present W . M . had arranged for a second ladies' night on the nth of January next . The W . M ., with his popularity , would doubtless make ita success , and it would be a labour of love to do so . For all their kindly expressions , not only that night , but in the past , he was deeply grateful , and so long as he remained a member his best efforts would always be theirs to command .

Bio . G . VV . Twyford , replying for "The Initiates , " said how deeply he had been impressed with the ceremony . He felt he might have to go through something that was not pleasant , but he knew he was in the hands of a body of gentlemen vvho vvould treat him in a i ight and proper manner . He hoped to have health and strength to belong to them for some years , and trusted he should not disgrace them or the lodge . Bro . J . Morris Goodwin also replied , and said that after the weird tales he had heard he was in a nervous condition , but felt much happier at that moment . He always

felt that he was going to sneak out of this world without being any better for his exerlions , but he fancied ihings would be quite different now . He thought there was a future before him , and after the very pretty things said aboutthe W . Master he thought there vvas something to try for and his goal vvould be the chair in which the W . M . sat . Bro . J . J . Thomas , Vice-President Board of General Purposes , acknowledged " The Visitors , " and said the installation ceremony had been rendered by the I . P . M . vvith the impressiveness that characterised all his Masonic work . He had worked with

Bro . Stephens in many lodges and chapters in perfect harmony and hoped that friendship which commenced long before they were Masons , vvould continue until the Grand Architect should be pleased to remove them from this sphere . He felt honoured by the fact that his colleagues on the Board of General Purposes had selected him as Vice-President , and Bro . Stephens was the first to rise to propose his election . All the visitors to this lodge had had a grand reception and had thoroughly enjoyed the Masonic ( reat . Bros . Pri < s 1- , Barnard , and A . S . Ginger also responded .

Bio . Peall replied in suitable terms for " The Past Masters , " after vvhich the W . M . asked the brethren to drink the health of two distinguished Grand Ollicers who had just arrived , Bros . W . F . Smithson , P . G . D ., and J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I , for Boj s . Bro . Smithson brie fly returned thanks for the compliment . In giving " The Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . referred to the excellent services rendered by Bro . Haylor as Secretary during the past year .

Bro . J . Stephers , I . P . M ., Sec , said he had accepted the ofiice of Secretary in deference to the wishes of the W . M ., but felt he was not equal to the strain of the many posts he filled . The post had been occupied b y his good friend Bro . Haylor , vvho had studiously tried to do his duty , and a more genial and nobler disposition could not be met with . Bro . J . H . Haylor briefly responded , and said he had but done his duty , after which the 'Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings .

An excellent programme of music was arranged by Bro . H . VV . Schartau , P . P . G . Org . Amongst the numerous artistes who assisted vvere Miss Mary Beynon , Miss Marion Blinkhorn , Bro . Wm . Bradford , Mr . Anthony Evans , and the "May" Quartette , viz ., Miss Florence Landerger , Miss Kate Moncrieff , Miss Julia Stanton , and ~ \ liss Alice Thomas .

Willesden Lodge , No . 2189 . The installation meeiing of Ihis highly successful lodge vyas held , by dispensation , at Blanchard's Restaurant , Beak-stree :, on Ihe 19 th ult . There were present Bros . C . Buller , W . M . ; O . Claude Robion , P . M . ; Stanley Machin , S . W . j W . Grant Gteig , J . W . ; F . W . Chant Hobiow , Treas . 5 Chas . J . Marrian , Sec ; Frank W . Marrian , S . D . j J . J . Hanbury , J . D . j H . C Borradaile , D . C . j R . E . H . Fisher , I . G . j W . Faiifoot Wetster , Stwd . ; E . R . Bartley Denniss , Prov . J . G . W . Middx .,

W . M . elect ; Walter Wellsman , P . M . ; F . D . Davy , P . M . ; Reynolds Wood , W . Knight , Fm . l Ernst , C . Starlty Gibbs , E . G . Venables , J . W . Greig . W . A . CUIins , K . B . Lemon , A . Johnson , H . Ajlwird Seagrove , G . B . Tydd , and Whiteway , Tyler . Visitors : Brcs . Arthur Ball , P . G . Stwd . ; Col . W . S . Brooke , P . Dist . G . W . Bombay ; W . Vincent , P . M . 1194 ; W . Sergeant Lee , P . M . 24 SS ; C D . Hoblyn , P . M . 231 ; T . E . Upfield Green , P . M . 404 ; B . D . Borradaile , 1243 ; G . Mtlzger , S . W . 21 . C 0 ; Haiold Senier , 2548 ; E . R . Harley , 404 ; A . C . b'UVver , Sec . 2548-, G . M . Gvibert ,

¦ 343 J E . J . Palmer , S . W . g 6 j C Pinkham , 2361 j W . F . Boydtll , 404 , - C . Cowley , 2045 j H . Machin , J . W . 231 j W . Ginger , S . W . 2361 ; Percy Machin , J . W . ; J . A . Adams , 1261 J H . Urquhatt , 19 ; J . F . O'Carroll , 1 ( first lodge of Ireland ); | . Kift , ' 79 IJ J . Wills , 14 C 0 J E . G . Croager , J . W . 1837 ,- F . W . Levy , 1261 j H . " Kiver , P . M . 20 C j and R . T . West , 1744 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Emil Ernst was impressively raised to the Third Degree by the W . M ., Bro . C . Butler . The W . M . elect , Bro . Edmund Rcbert Bartley Denniss , was then presented and installed

mto the chair by Bro . C . Butler in a masterly manner . The following were appointed * nd invested officers by the new W . M . for the ensuing year : Bro . Chas . Butler , I . P . M . j Chas . J . Marrian , S . W . ; Frank W . Marrian , J . W . ; F . VV . Chant Hobrow , Treas . ; W . Grant Greig , Sec . j J . J . Hanbury , S . D . j R . E . H . Fisher , J . D . ; VV . F . Webster , TG . ; H . C . Borradaile , D . C ; G . Reynolds VVood , Org . ; E . B . Lemon and C Stanley Gibbs , Stewards ; and Isaac Whiteway , Tyler . Bro . C Butler gave the customarv

Mdiessis in excellent style , and closed his career as ruler of the lodge with eclat . Letteis and telegiams were read from Bros . E . Letchworth , G . Sec . ; Sir John Monckton , P . G . W . ; Sir Reginald Hanson , P . G . W . ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., and others , "gtetting their inability to attend . Two gentlemen having been prop used for initiation it the next meeting , and after other business , the lodge was closed vvith the usual foimalities .

A recherche barquet followed , vvhich vvas prepared by Bro . W . G . Hunt , the manager , in his well-known good style , and gave every satisfaction to the large gathering , "t the close ot the repast , the W . M ., on rising to propose the first toast , received a v' « y hearty welcome . The W . M . gave "The Oueen and the Craft" in an el . quent and effective speech , wl . ich was received with great applause , 'ihe other usual toasts were duly honoured . In responding for " 1 he Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . Arthur Ball , P . G . ¦ -teward , whose name was associated with the toast , stated that he a preciated the

j'enour of . being called upon . It was always a great pleasure to him to attend the lodge , in which he had many personal friends , some ot whom he had seen initiated and vvho had done good work for Masonry . ' 1 he members vvho had started the lodge in such an excellent manner were no doubt proud of the great success it had achieved . The W . M . was one of the very best , and he congratulated them in having so eminent a Mason to 1 " tude over them . Bro . C Butler , I . P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Worshipful Master , " saiQ it was beyond doubt the toast of the evening . They knew him so well that they

Craft Masonry.

were all agreed he would make a good Master . He had been through the chair in several other lodges , eminent in the Craft , was a good and true Mason , and a most eloquent speaker , and it would be impossible to have a better ruler . In conclusion he regre tted he had not the ability to further dilate upon the great things the W . M . had done for the Craft . The toast was drunk vvith great enthusiasm , and Bro . Denniss , VV . M ., on rising to respond , was received with acclamation . He stated that vvhen such a lodge , composed of good Masons , had elected him Master , it

made him nervous and somewhat diffident , so that he could not express in words what he felt . He was surrounded by many dear friends , to whom he tendered his hearty thanks and gratitude for the great honour paid him . He had been through the chair in other lodges three times , and that was the fourth occasion he had been so honoured . He was Masonically born in a fashionable lodge in the provinces , where he was brought up on the bottle . He came there as one of the founders of the lodge , vvhich was brought about by his running across Bro . Robson , who suggested that he should be one of the founders . Bro . Robson had with him Bro . Buler and other good and true men ,

so that there vvas no doubt the Willesden Lodge would be a good one in every way and a great success . He felt that he would never be able to carry out his duties to meet the expectations of the other founders , but he hoped never to disgrace his splendid predecessors in the lodge . The I . P . M ., Bro . Butler , had performed the installation ceremony that evening in an excellent manner , and to follow such a good man vvas a great task ; but he vvould do his utmost to gain their satisfaction . Freemasonry was one of the highest and noblest of Orders ; Charity alone was not Freemasonry or its festivities ; it vvas something higher—as it taught virtue and sound principles , and made them all far better , and prepared them for the Grand Lodge above . He would strive to do

everything to promote the interests of the lodge , and to hand down its traditions pure and unsullied , and he hoped they vvould to his faults be indulgent and ever kind . The W . M . proposed "The I . P . M ., Bro . Butler , and the Past Masters , " remarking that they were H 12 bulwarks and pillars of the lodge ; they relied upon them for assistance and to see that things went in the right direction . They vvere towers of strength , and so long as they were with them the lodge vvould continue its prosperity . He embraced that opportunity of presenting to Bro . Butler , I . P . M ., in the name of the lodge , a Past Master ' s jewel , as a small token for his great and valued services , and no one better deserved it .

The jewel bore the following inscription : "Presented by thebrethren of the Willesden Lodge , No . 24 S 9 , to Bro . Charles Butler , P . M ., in recognition of his services as VV . M . 18 95-9 6 . " Bro . C Butler , I . P . M ., who was received with much warmth , responded . In thanking the VV . M . for his kind remarks and the members for their hearty greeting , he said

that he had had a happy year of office and what he had done had been a libjur of pleasure . He left the chair with regret as he hid received kindness from them all , but he had passed it on to a far better and more worthy Mason . He appreciated the handsome jewel and it would be a pleasure to him to wear it on every possible occasion , and in concluding his remarks , given with much feeling , he stated that he should ever have the interests of the lodge at heart .

In submitting " The Visitors , " the VV . M . stated it was a toast that was always received there with great enthusiasm . They were honoured that evening vvith a goodly nurr . ber , who came from all parts , and in the name of the lodge he gave them a hearty welcome and hoped they weie pleased with everything . Bro . Col . W . Saurin Brooke , P . Dist . G . W . Bombiy , said it was unfortunate the W . M . should have called on him to respond as his sole qualification was being a very old Fieemason , having been initiated in 1 S 60 , and he was under further disadvantages to engage their attention after the eloquence of the VV . M . who had touched on many

things . He had been Master of a lodge of Christains and highest caste of Indians and Parsees who vvere Fire-wors ' -iippers . In this country they could not estimite the great interests of Freemasonry in India . In the Indian Mutiny no Mason was one of the rebels—truth and loyalty were always given by the Indian Masons . He hoped all those present would remember the loyalty of the Masons in India who stood to their Masonic vows in the great trouble of India years ago . He had had a large experience in Masonry , and it was his pleasure to record his testimony of the way the lodge was worked , which was excellent , and the visitors were gratified with thc way they had been received and entertained .

Bro . W . Vincent , P . M . 1194 , also acknowledged the toast , eulogising the grand working and the lavish hospitality of the 111 ,-mbers . He was glad to testify to the loyalty of the Indian Masons . He had met many in London , and they vvere all good , true , and loyal to English dependencies . Bro . J . F . O ' Larroll ( Hist lodge of Ireland ) , said the Irish vvere a retiring and modest race , they had not the eloquence of the VV . M ., but the Irish Masons vvere all enthusiastic and energetic . The Irisn were most loyal , and if sjme of the Royal family vvould only pay them a visit they would have a great welcome . He appreciated the way they had received their guests , and he gave them all a pressing invitation to attend his lodge in Ireland , where they vvould have a very henty receptijn .

The VV . M . gave" Ihe treasurer and Secielary , " and said that Bro . Hobrow , Treas ., vvas one of the best , and tl . ey all had a gieat affei tion for him . The Secretary , Bro . VV . Grant Greig , vvas new to his ollice , but he knew him in the past in other capacities , and he felt sure he would do credit to them all . Bio . Htbrow , Treas ., responded , and said he vvas a Treasurer without arrears—a great thing for a young lodge to say—and 25 per cent , of the funds had been spent upon charity . He was honoured by being again elected Treasurer , and he loped to continue to do his best for the lodge .

Bro . VV . Grant Greig also acknowledged the toast . He was glad to be the Secretary , and he trusted that at the end of his year of office they vvould all say that the work "had been well done . In giving " The Officers , " the W . M . stated that he congratulated the lodge on having such a good staff . He knew they were all working hard , and when their time can . e to go forward they vvould be found perfect . He felt sure that he would have their great assistance , which would give him every confidence to cir ^ y ou : h's duties .

The toast was replied to in good speeches by Bros . C J . Marrian , S . W ., and F . W . Maimm , J . W . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a dose a very pleasant and happy evening . Under the direction of Bro . Reynolds VVood , a splendid programme of music was got through , in which thc following assisted : Bros . Arthur Jonnsm , VV . Sergeant Lee ( recitation ) and James Kift , and Master Sterndale Bennett , the two las : named receiving wtll-dcserved encores , and their effjrts were much appreciated .

Lodges And Chapter Of Instructions.

Lodges and Chapter of Instructions .

PROSPERITY LODGE , No . 65 . The usual weekly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 4 th inst ., at the Weavers' Arms , London Wall , E . C , vvhen there were present Bros . K . Sarson , W . M . j Kinipple , S . W . ; C Garton , J . W . ; D . Harlow , P . M ., Preceptor ; Meadows , Sec ; William Baker , S . D . ; the Rev . T . Selby-Henrey , J . D . ; J . G . Robsson , I . G . j Saunion , P . M . j J . Smith , P . M . j Maidwell , P . M . ; Collins , Callin » ham , Drake , Cuzner , E . Crolt Wise , Hill , Meurice , Joy , Strong , Farr , G-iley , lijtche-, E . H . Mead , and Greig , Asst . Preceptor .

The lodge was opened in due fjrm , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony < . f initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Croft Wise being the candidate . Bro . Meadows answered the questions leading to the Second Degree , and vvas entrusted . The W . M . then opened the lodge in the Second Digr ; e , and Bro . Meurice was passed tu the Degree of K . C . The lol ^ e was opened in the Third Degree , and the brethren present went through Masonic drill . The VV . M . then resumed the lodge in the First D .-gree , a'ld after rising the usual tim : s , chsed the lodge . 'The members aie requested to remembsr the annual dinner on VVednesday n : xt , the nth instant .

TRANQUILLITY LODGE , No . 1 S 5 . A meeting was held on Thursday , the 29 th ult ., at the Frascati Restaurant , Oxfordstreet , VV ., when there were present Bros . D . Hills , W . M . ; P . Ornstein , S . VV . ; VV . Hinds , J . VV . ; G . Davis , Preceptor ; J . Eisenmann , Treas . ; J . A . Witthaus , Sec . ; VV . Baddeley , S . D . j Gerson , J . D . j Dukes , l . G . ; Rawles , Tyler ; J . Lazarus , P . M . ; J . Marians , P . M . ; K . S . Berry , P . M . ; R . Solomon , P . M . ; VV . J . Mason , P . M . ; L . Bloomfield , P . M . ; J . Trenner , J . W . Taylor , G . D . Mogford , S . Whar-