-
Articles/Ads
Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 2 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
troduced by Bro . W . H . Kershaw , I . P . M ., "The Right Hon . thc Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M . " He observed that next in Masonic rank to our G . M . stood the noble carl ; the fact that men holding such high position in the social scale were ) also connected with our Craft showed that something more then outward appearances was vested in thc Order of Freemasonry . He asked all to drink to
the health of one who was able and willing to occupy the exalted position of Pro G . M . Bro . Wood , P . M ., D . C , proposed " Thc Health of the R . W . D . G . M . and the rest ofthe Grand Officers . " He stated that when he was present at the installation of our G . M ., Lord Skelmersdale reminded him of that " pillar of beauty" of Masonic otigin ; he also was doubly one of ourselves , being a Lancashire
man , a county man of whom all should be proud . The toast was received with acctamatory feeling . The brethren had next to toast " Lieut Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , ' R . W . P . G . M . E . L . " Bro . Garlick , P . M ., said powers of eloquence in him were indeed low ; he could not do justice to the colonel in a speech . He stood something like A i in Masonry ; although not at their head , he was
at the head of those in East Lancashire , one of his greatest Masonic ornaments was that of charity , like bis Masonic brother , Lord Skelmersdale , he was of northern origin , being a descendant of one of those true sons of England who in time gone by was one of the back bones of our country and our Craft . " The Health of W . R . Callender , Esq ., M . P ., V . W . D . P . G . M . E . L ., and the rest of the P . G .
Officers , " was proposed by the W . M . ; he said that of all brethren whose health he received or proposed in a toast , that of Bro . Callender , " brother of Hearts " was one of thc most pleasing to him . He is one who occupies a noble position in Masonry in this province , and who has more than once cheered our lodge with his smiles , and guided us by thc wisdom of his counsel . He regretted
that he could net speak of his health in glowing words , he having been laid upon a bed of sickness bv the Great Architect ; but it is improving , and he hopes erelong to take an active part in those duties he so much enjoys . He then asked all to drink with subdued pleasure to his better health , and that he might scon be restored to us . The toast was received with n suitable and sensitive
feeling . The toast of the evening now followed , that of "The Worshipful Master , " those merits were dilated upon by the Installing Master , Bro . Wood , P . M ., D . C , in a masterly manner , although he intimated that he wished it was in better hands . He had long proved the qualities of their newly Installed Master , and knew him to be a good man and true , and one to whom the distressed
could always prefer their suit ; his hand was always extended to thc needy . He knew that the toast would be supported with the prestige it deserved . Here Bro . Crompton effectively rendered thatappropriatc melody , "We'll drink his Health in a Song , " the brethren all joining in thc chorus , which added to the impressiveness of the toast . The VV . M ., in reply , said that Bro . Wood was his
" Masonic father , " he had sown in him good seeds when he initiated him into Freemasonry , he had cared for and guided him until maturity , and had now installed him in that position in which he hoped to bring forth good fruit . This he trusted to be able to accomplish by the aid of that wisdom from above , the wise counsel of " thc fathers " of the lodge , and thc cordial co-operation of the rer-t of thc
brethren ; and hoped that his work would prove that he had not sought the position they had honoured him with for vanity or ambition , but with a higher and purer motive . Bro . Harvey Heywood , P . M . and Treas ., in proposing " Thc Masonic Charities , " drew attention to the engravings before the brethren , which represented two noble institutions , supported by the Masonic body . He
was sorry to say that the Imperial George Lodge had done but little for those charities . He hoped that all would remember thc advice they received on initiation into Freemasonry , with respect to those who , in our ranks , were reduced to poverty . Having a W . M . whose excellence had not been too much extolled that evening , he would suggest that he signalized his year of office by doing something
for the Masonic charities . The brethren acknowledged thc toast wilh feeling . The W . M ., in proposing " The I . P . M . and P . M . ' s of the Lodge , " asked " What should we have done without our parents ? " They had taught us how to do our duty , and some with Masonically grey hairs were present around him . As being a toast of a double nature , he wished to say that Bro . Kershaw , the
I . P . M ., had set a good example in tbe working of the ledge . It was the duty of all to accord to him their most heartfelt thanks . They would do so , and would carry out their words by deeds . He therefore , on behalf of the lodge , would present and invest him with a Past Master's jewel . Thc decoration that he placed upon his breast he worthily deserved . He hoped that it would pass down
[ or many years to his posterity , and that they would look upon it as a reward for virtue and services rendered . The I . P . M ., in reply , exhibited signs of emotion , and thanked lhc brethren ft . r their good wishes in a neat and concise speech . P . M . 's Dyson , Garlick , I Icyvvood , and Wood also replied . The latter , as Installing Master , said his ideas that evening were that " speech is silvern , silence is
golden . " He had performed that evening for the first time the ceremony of installation . He hoped that it was an earnest that he would not shirk . He did not agree with thc idea held by many P . M . ' s that it was not necessary to attend thc lodge so regularly after they had passed the chair of K . S . The VV . M . then gave thc toast of " The Visiting Brethren " in appropriate remarks , ancl thanked
them in the name of the lodge for the honour they had conferred by their presence , ancl begged them soon to repeat the favour . Bro . Cox , P . G . S . D . Derbyshire , in replying , spoke of the united , earnest , and hearty feeling that appeared to prevail in the lodge , and of the excellent way the duties of the evening had been performed . Each visitor responded , but the space will ret permit a digest of nil ; we however must mention that Bro . Harwood referred
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to the telling remarks made by Bro . Heywood , P . M ., with regard to " the Masonic Charities , " and asked to be permitted at that meeting , as a visiting brother , to contribute to the said fund ; and in his usual practical manner closed his speech , by presenting a donation on behalf of the " Imperial George Charity Fund . " Bro . Dyson , P . M ., proposed " The Newly-Invested Officers , " to which Bro . Bradbury ,
S . W ., replied in a brief speech , time being on the wing . The last but not least on the list of toasts was the Tyler ' s , " To all Poor and Distressed Masons . " Bro . John Kent , O . G ., gave this in his customary style , and which was heartily acknowledged . " Auld Lang Syne " was then sung by all the biethrcn . 10 p . m . had arrived , the brethren separated , all gratified and pleased with their 1 " red letter day , "
anniversary : a day which had been honoured more than once since its nativity in 1752 . We must record the fact that thc musical arrangements were very successful ; Bros . Compton , Dee , Dixon , and Fothergill enlivened the evening by a nice selection of glees , & c . Bro . Garlick , P . M ., also sung that grand old Lancashire lyric " Jone o' Grenfclt , " a song full of wit and humour .
RICHMOND ( Yorkshire ) . —Lennox Lodge ( No . 123 ) . —The members of this lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John the Evangelist on Monday , 27 th ult . The installation of the Hon . VV . T . Orde-Powlett , of Wcnslcy Hall , Bedale ( brother-in-law of thc Earl of Zetland , P . G . M . of the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire ) , as W . M ., took place at thc Masonic Hall , the
pleasing ceremony being performed in the presence of a large muster of the brethren . Thc newly-installed VV . M then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year as follows : —Bros . C . Norman , S . W . ; J . W . Smith , J . W . ; Rev . Dr . Pollock , Chaplain ; T . Thompson , Treas . ; R . H . Bellews , Sec ; XV . R . Walpole , S . D . ; W . Todd , J . D . ; R . Spence , I . G . ; J . H . Rooks , Org . ; Newton ,
Tyler ; Heslop , Steward . Subsequently a sumptuous banquet was provided at the King ' s Head Hotel . On removal of the cloth the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured , and a very enjoyable evening was passed . SOUTHAMPTON . —Royal GloucesterLodge ( No . 130 ) . —On Thursday , Dec . 30 th , Bro . W . J . Hickman
was installed VV . M . of thc Royal Gloucester Lodge off Freemasons by thc Rt . VV . Provincial Grand Master o Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ( Bro . VV . VV . B . Beach , M . P . ) Thc ceremony took place at the Masonic Hall , Bugle-street , when the P . G . M ., accompanied by his Deputy ( Bro . VV . Hickman ) , and several past and present provincial officers , was received with the customary honours .
The installing board compiised no less than twenty-two Past Masters ; and there was a large attendance of brethren at thc installation ceremony , which the P . G . M . most impressively performed . The newly installed W . M . of thc Royal Gloucester had filled thc office of S . W . during the past year , and succeeds in the chair Bro . Morris Miles , whose Mastership had done credit to himself and honour
to the lodge , and has been attended by a gratifying measure of progress and prosperity . After the W . M . bad been inducted and proclaimed , he proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : —Bros . R . Sharpc , S . VV .. C . VV . A . Jellicoe , J . W . ; M . Miles , I . P . M . ; the Rev ; E . Y . Ncpcan , P . P . G . C , Chaplain ; J . E . Le Feuvre , Treas . ; J . R . Weston , Sec . ; Jas . Coles , S . D . ;
Jennings , J . D . ; S . Myer , I . G . ; II . M . Pike , Org . Robertson and Obrec , Stewards ; Biggs , Tyler . At the conclusion of the proceedings a cordial vote of thanks , proposed by the VV . M . and seconded by the I . P . M ., was tendered to thc P . G . M . for his kindness in specially attending to perform the ceremony of installation . The P . G . M ., in responding , expressed the pleasure it always
afforded him to visit thc Royal Gloucester Lodge ; and then presented to D . P . G . M . Hickman thc patent of his appointment as Deputy Grand Master of the province , which had been beautifully written in illuminated text . He bore personal testimony to the value of Bro . Hickman ' s services in the high office which he filled , and said that his Masonic labours both in this
province and in London were cordially recognised and approved throughout the Craft . The D . P . G . M ., in accepting the same , conveyed his sense of the high honour conferred up . on him by the P . G . M . in appointing him as his deputy , and said thc pleasure and satisfaction had been greatly enhanced by the cordial manner in which all the lodges he had visited in the province had , by their reception of him ,
endorsed that appointment . It would ever . be his endeavour to promote the true interests of Freemasonry , and to render every possible assistance to the P . G . M . in discharging thc important and responsible duties associated with thc government of the province . The VV . M . then proposed , and Bro . T . P . Payne , P . M ., seconded , a vote of thanks to Bro . Morris Miles for the efficient and assiduous manner
in which he had discharged the duties of W . M . during the past year , and that he be presented with a Past Master's jewel in recognition of the same . This was cordially supported by the P . G . M ., who spoke very highly of Bro . Miles ' s Masonic services ; and thc vote having been unanimously agreed to , it was suitably and gracefully acknowledged . Another gratifying incident followed in the presentation to Bro . P . M . Booth , who has recently undergone a long and
painful illness , of a testimonial , consisting of a purse and an illuminated address , recording the value of the services rendered by him in the various offices he has filled during a lengthened Masonic career , and especially his readiness at all times to aidand instruct individual members of the Order . Thc testimonial was raised chiefly in the Gloucester Lodge , but several brethren connected with other lodges contributed to it in order to manifest their esteem towards Bro .
Booth . I he P . G . M . referred 111 terms of commendation to Bro . Booth ' s services , and spoke approvingly of the course which thc lodge had adopted in giving this practical expression of its regard to one who so well deserved it . In sonic kindly and well-chosen words he asked Bro . Booth's acceptance of thc testimonial and the latter in re-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
turning thanks , said that nothing had so much cheered him during his recent illness as the knowledge that his brethren of thc Royal Gloucester Lodge were intending to make him this presentation . There were but three present who were members of the lodge when he joined it—Past Masters G . Dunlop , H . Abraham , and T . P . Payne . Time made great changes among them ; but he hoped that he
might still be spared to render further service to Masonry , and especially to thc Royal Gloucester Lodge—his mother lodge—to which he was deeply attached . D . P . G . M . Hickman then proposed , and Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , P . M ., seconded , that the thanks of the lodge be tendered to Past Master H . Abraham , and hereafter recorded in a more permanent and substantial form , for the able manner in
which he had discharged the duties of Treasurer during a period of twenty-two years , to thc great advantage of the lodge , whose finances , mainly owing to his exertions , were in a most flourishing condition—as shown by the fact that there was a good balance in hand and also an accumulated fund . The proposition was passed with great cordiality , and P . M . Abraham , in responding , expressed the
satisfaction it had afforded him to render the service which he had been enabled to do as Treasurer of the lodge . He was pleased to say that he had handed over to his successor a balance of more than £ 90 which showed that the finances were in a very different position to what they were when he first took office . He had not , moreover , waited till old age and incapacity came upon him before resigning his
position ; but in thc prime of life and the pride of health , he had surrendered it to their worthy Bro . Le Feuvre , and was glad to be able to advise him to do as he himself had done . The I . P . M ., Bro . Miles , then asked the lodge to accept a handsomely framed and g lazed tablet , recording the names of the Masters and Wardens of thc Royal Gloucester Lodge from its commencement , which he had collated
from the minute books . This thc brethren very cordially did , with an expression of thanks to Bro . Miles for his handsome present . The lodge duties were shortly afterwards brought to a close ; and at seven o ' clock a large party sat down , under the presidency of the W . M ., to an admirable banquet , provided by Dr . Dartnall in his very best style , at tbe conclusion of which the usual loyal and
Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the healths of the newly-installed Master , the P . G . M ., the D . P . G . M ., and many others were drank with great heartiness . Bro . Sir F . Peikins , P . M . and M . P ., was present at the banquet . The proceedings throughout were of a truly fraternal character ; ancl the Royal Gloucester , under its new Master , enters upon another year amid the most favourable and
encouraging auspices . WARRINGTON . —Lodge of Lights ( No . 148 ) —The annual installation meeting of the members of this old and flourishing lodge took Iplace on Monday last , at thc Masonic Rooms , Sankcy-street . Those who have bad thc privilege of witnessing many installations must have been frequently struck by the unusually lively and animated
appearance of the whole scene . The hrethren begin to assemble shortly before thc time specified for the commencement nf business , and at once proceeel with tbeir robing . Fresh arrivals are now frequent , and the friendly and fraternal "grip " is as frequently given and reciprocated . Each countenance is radiant with pleasing anticipations , and each heart seems to go out to bis brother .
Friendly converse and sometimes " chaff" is the order now , and rarely , if ever , is pcrfectjharmony disturbed . The W . M . elect—proud man—is the centre ; of attraction , and receives—ns he well deserves—an unusual share of friendly greetings . The retiring Master is usually a very popular man with the brethren of his lodge , and a brother of great importance in the lodge . To him falls the duty of
installing his successor , and a high honour he considers it , but few retiring Masters attempt this part of their prerogative , perhaps for one reason , because of its difficulty , and , for another reason , it requires great tact and judgment , and like Christmas it comes but once a year . The brethren are in full dress Masonic clothing , and very nice they appear , —every one looks nice in evening dress . | Surely there must
be something good in Freemasonry , and those who witnessed the beautiful ceremonies so admirably rendered by our worthy Bro . Bowes , on Monday , must have experienced a real treat . Bro . William Robinson , S . W . ; a very worthy brother who had been elected to fill the chair at a previous meeting by the unanimous voice of his brethren was in his place and ready to receive further " light . " Bro . Bowes ,
P . M ., & c , the very deservedly popular VV . M . of the lodge took his place in the evening precisely as the old Trinity clock struck three , and at once opened the proceedings . The following , among other brethren , were present : —Bros . Stringer , P . M . ; Harding , P . M . ; Finney , P . M . ; Pointer , P . M ., Richardson , P . M . ; Sharp , P . M . ; Pollitt , P . M . ; Hepherd , P . M . ; and others . The sound of the G . in the E ., and the call
to order , brought the brethren to their feet , and the business of the lodge began . Bro . Robinson , S . W ., and W . M . elect , was presented for the benefit of installation by Bro . Harding , P . M ., and , having made the preliminary declaration , awaited further advancement . Another phase of the lodge was now presented , and a Board of Installed Masters was formed , Bro . Bowes taking his place in thc E .
as Installing Master , and being assisted by Bro . Finney , P . M ., as S . W ., and Bro . Pointer , P . M ., as J . W . In this position of the lodge Bro . Robinson was placed in the chair of K . S . with all our ancient ceremonies , and amid the salutations of the brethren of this advanced degree . The Board of Installed Masters having been closed in form , the brethren of the other degrees were admitted , and offered
their greetings in the usual way . The new W . M . then appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for thc ensuing year , viz .: —Bros . Tunstall , S . W . ; Pickthall , J . W . ; Bowes , Sec . ; Armstrong , Treas . ; Hannah , I . G . At the close of the proceedings Bro . Bowes received a well-merited and unanimous vote of thanks for" the admirable , able , and impressive manner in which he had performed all the duties of Installing Master thjsj day , "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
troduced by Bro . W . H . Kershaw , I . P . M ., "The Right Hon . thc Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G . M . " He observed that next in Masonic rank to our G . M . stood the noble carl ; the fact that men holding such high position in the social scale were ) also connected with our Craft showed that something more then outward appearances was vested in thc Order of Freemasonry . He asked all to drink to
the health of one who was able and willing to occupy the exalted position of Pro G . M . Bro . Wood , P . M ., D . C , proposed " Thc Health of the R . W . D . G . M . and the rest ofthe Grand Officers . " He stated that when he was present at the installation of our G . M ., Lord Skelmersdale reminded him of that " pillar of beauty" of Masonic otigin ; he also was doubly one of ourselves , being a Lancashire
man , a county man of whom all should be proud . The toast was received with acctamatory feeling . The brethren had next to toast " Lieut Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , ' R . W . P . G . M . E . L . " Bro . Garlick , P . M ., said powers of eloquence in him were indeed low ; he could not do justice to the colonel in a speech . He stood something like A i in Masonry ; although not at their head , he was
at the head of those in East Lancashire , one of his greatest Masonic ornaments was that of charity , like bis Masonic brother , Lord Skelmersdale , he was of northern origin , being a descendant of one of those true sons of England who in time gone by was one of the back bones of our country and our Craft . " The Health of W . R . Callender , Esq ., M . P ., V . W . D . P . G . M . E . L ., and the rest of the P . G .
Officers , " was proposed by the W . M . ; he said that of all brethren whose health he received or proposed in a toast , that of Bro . Callender , " brother of Hearts " was one of thc most pleasing to him . He is one who occupies a noble position in Masonry in this province , and who has more than once cheered our lodge with his smiles , and guided us by thc wisdom of his counsel . He regretted
that he could net speak of his health in glowing words , he having been laid upon a bed of sickness bv the Great Architect ; but it is improving , and he hopes erelong to take an active part in those duties he so much enjoys . He then asked all to drink with subdued pleasure to his better health , and that he might scon be restored to us . The toast was received with n suitable and sensitive
feeling . The toast of the evening now followed , that of "The Worshipful Master , " those merits were dilated upon by the Installing Master , Bro . Wood , P . M ., D . C , in a masterly manner , although he intimated that he wished it was in better hands . He had long proved the qualities of their newly Installed Master , and knew him to be a good man and true , and one to whom the distressed
could always prefer their suit ; his hand was always extended to thc needy . He knew that the toast would be supported with the prestige it deserved . Here Bro . Crompton effectively rendered thatappropriatc melody , "We'll drink his Health in a Song , " the brethren all joining in thc chorus , which added to the impressiveness of the toast . The VV . M ., in reply , said that Bro . Wood was his
" Masonic father , " he had sown in him good seeds when he initiated him into Freemasonry , he had cared for and guided him until maturity , and had now installed him in that position in which he hoped to bring forth good fruit . This he trusted to be able to accomplish by the aid of that wisdom from above , the wise counsel of " thc fathers " of the lodge , and thc cordial co-operation of the rer-t of thc
brethren ; and hoped that his work would prove that he had not sought the position they had honoured him with for vanity or ambition , but with a higher and purer motive . Bro . Harvey Heywood , P . M . and Treas ., in proposing " Thc Masonic Charities , " drew attention to the engravings before the brethren , which represented two noble institutions , supported by the Masonic body . He
was sorry to say that the Imperial George Lodge had done but little for those charities . He hoped that all would remember thc advice they received on initiation into Freemasonry , with respect to those who , in our ranks , were reduced to poverty . Having a W . M . whose excellence had not been too much extolled that evening , he would suggest that he signalized his year of office by doing something
for the Masonic charities . The brethren acknowledged thc toast wilh feeling . The W . M ., in proposing " The I . P . M . and P . M . ' s of the Lodge , " asked " What should we have done without our parents ? " They had taught us how to do our duty , and some with Masonically grey hairs were present around him . As being a toast of a double nature , he wished to say that Bro . Kershaw , the
I . P . M ., had set a good example in tbe working of the ledge . It was the duty of all to accord to him their most heartfelt thanks . They would do so , and would carry out their words by deeds . He therefore , on behalf of the lodge , would present and invest him with a Past Master's jewel . Thc decoration that he placed upon his breast he worthily deserved . He hoped that it would pass down
[ or many years to his posterity , and that they would look upon it as a reward for virtue and services rendered . The I . P . M ., in reply , exhibited signs of emotion , and thanked lhc brethren ft . r their good wishes in a neat and concise speech . P . M . 's Dyson , Garlick , I Icyvvood , and Wood also replied . The latter , as Installing Master , said his ideas that evening were that " speech is silvern , silence is
golden . " He had performed that evening for the first time the ceremony of installation . He hoped that it was an earnest that he would not shirk . He did not agree with thc idea held by many P . M . ' s that it was not necessary to attend thc lodge so regularly after they had passed the chair of K . S . The VV . M . then gave thc toast of " The Visiting Brethren " in appropriate remarks , ancl thanked
them in the name of the lodge for the honour they had conferred by their presence , ancl begged them soon to repeat the favour . Bro . Cox , P . G . S . D . Derbyshire , in replying , spoke of the united , earnest , and hearty feeling that appeared to prevail in the lodge , and of the excellent way the duties of the evening had been performed . Each visitor responded , but the space will ret permit a digest of nil ; we however must mention that Bro . Harwood referred
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to the telling remarks made by Bro . Heywood , P . M ., with regard to " the Masonic Charities , " and asked to be permitted at that meeting , as a visiting brother , to contribute to the said fund ; and in his usual practical manner closed his speech , by presenting a donation on behalf of the " Imperial George Charity Fund . " Bro . Dyson , P . M ., proposed " The Newly-Invested Officers , " to which Bro . Bradbury ,
S . W ., replied in a brief speech , time being on the wing . The last but not least on the list of toasts was the Tyler ' s , " To all Poor and Distressed Masons . " Bro . John Kent , O . G ., gave this in his customary style , and which was heartily acknowledged . " Auld Lang Syne " was then sung by all the biethrcn . 10 p . m . had arrived , the brethren separated , all gratified and pleased with their 1 " red letter day , "
anniversary : a day which had been honoured more than once since its nativity in 1752 . We must record the fact that thc musical arrangements were very successful ; Bros . Compton , Dee , Dixon , and Fothergill enlivened the evening by a nice selection of glees , & c . Bro . Garlick , P . M ., also sung that grand old Lancashire lyric " Jone o' Grenfclt , " a song full of wit and humour .
RICHMOND ( Yorkshire ) . —Lennox Lodge ( No . 123 ) . —The members of this lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John the Evangelist on Monday , 27 th ult . The installation of the Hon . VV . T . Orde-Powlett , of Wcnslcy Hall , Bedale ( brother-in-law of thc Earl of Zetland , P . G . M . of the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire ) , as W . M ., took place at thc Masonic Hall , the
pleasing ceremony being performed in the presence of a large muster of the brethren . Thc newly-installed VV . M then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year as follows : —Bros . C . Norman , S . W . ; J . W . Smith , J . W . ; Rev . Dr . Pollock , Chaplain ; T . Thompson , Treas . ; R . H . Bellews , Sec ; XV . R . Walpole , S . D . ; W . Todd , J . D . ; R . Spence , I . G . ; J . H . Rooks , Org . ; Newton ,
Tyler ; Heslop , Steward . Subsequently a sumptuous banquet was provided at the King ' s Head Hotel . On removal of the cloth the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured , and a very enjoyable evening was passed . SOUTHAMPTON . —Royal GloucesterLodge ( No . 130 ) . —On Thursday , Dec . 30 th , Bro . W . J . Hickman
was installed VV . M . of thc Royal Gloucester Lodge off Freemasons by thc Rt . VV . Provincial Grand Master o Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ( Bro . VV . VV . B . Beach , M . P . ) Thc ceremony took place at the Masonic Hall , Bugle-street , when the P . G . M ., accompanied by his Deputy ( Bro . VV . Hickman ) , and several past and present provincial officers , was received with the customary honours .
The installing board compiised no less than twenty-two Past Masters ; and there was a large attendance of brethren at thc installation ceremony , which the P . G . M . most impressively performed . The newly installed W . M . of thc Royal Gloucester had filled thc office of S . W . during the past year , and succeeds in the chair Bro . Morris Miles , whose Mastership had done credit to himself and honour
to the lodge , and has been attended by a gratifying measure of progress and prosperity . After the W . M . bad been inducted and proclaimed , he proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : —Bros . R . Sharpc , S . VV .. C . VV . A . Jellicoe , J . W . ; M . Miles , I . P . M . ; the Rev ; E . Y . Ncpcan , P . P . G . C , Chaplain ; J . E . Le Feuvre , Treas . ; J . R . Weston , Sec . ; Jas . Coles , S . D . ;
Jennings , J . D . ; S . Myer , I . G . ; II . M . Pike , Org . Robertson and Obrec , Stewards ; Biggs , Tyler . At the conclusion of the proceedings a cordial vote of thanks , proposed by the VV . M . and seconded by the I . P . M ., was tendered to thc P . G . M . for his kindness in specially attending to perform the ceremony of installation . The P . G . M ., in responding , expressed the pleasure it always
afforded him to visit thc Royal Gloucester Lodge ; and then presented to D . P . G . M . Hickman thc patent of his appointment as Deputy Grand Master of the province , which had been beautifully written in illuminated text . He bore personal testimony to the value of Bro . Hickman ' s services in the high office which he filled , and said that his Masonic labours both in this
province and in London were cordially recognised and approved throughout the Craft . The D . P . G . M ., in accepting the same , conveyed his sense of the high honour conferred up . on him by the P . G . M . in appointing him as his deputy , and said thc pleasure and satisfaction had been greatly enhanced by the cordial manner in which all the lodges he had visited in the province had , by their reception of him ,
endorsed that appointment . It would ever . be his endeavour to promote the true interests of Freemasonry , and to render every possible assistance to the P . G . M . in discharging thc important and responsible duties associated with thc government of the province . The VV . M . then proposed , and Bro . T . P . Payne , P . M ., seconded , a vote of thanks to Bro . Morris Miles for the efficient and assiduous manner
in which he had discharged the duties of W . M . during the past year , and that he be presented with a Past Master's jewel in recognition of the same . This was cordially supported by the P . G . M ., who spoke very highly of Bro . Miles ' s Masonic services ; and thc vote having been unanimously agreed to , it was suitably and gracefully acknowledged . Another gratifying incident followed in the presentation to Bro . P . M . Booth , who has recently undergone a long and
painful illness , of a testimonial , consisting of a purse and an illuminated address , recording the value of the services rendered by him in the various offices he has filled during a lengthened Masonic career , and especially his readiness at all times to aidand instruct individual members of the Order . Thc testimonial was raised chiefly in the Gloucester Lodge , but several brethren connected with other lodges contributed to it in order to manifest their esteem towards Bro .
Booth . I he P . G . M . referred 111 terms of commendation to Bro . Booth ' s services , and spoke approvingly of the course which thc lodge had adopted in giving this practical expression of its regard to one who so well deserved it . In sonic kindly and well-chosen words he asked Bro . Booth's acceptance of thc testimonial and the latter in re-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
turning thanks , said that nothing had so much cheered him during his recent illness as the knowledge that his brethren of thc Royal Gloucester Lodge were intending to make him this presentation . There were but three present who were members of the lodge when he joined it—Past Masters G . Dunlop , H . Abraham , and T . P . Payne . Time made great changes among them ; but he hoped that he
might still be spared to render further service to Masonry , and especially to thc Royal Gloucester Lodge—his mother lodge—to which he was deeply attached . D . P . G . M . Hickman then proposed , and Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , P . M ., seconded , that the thanks of the lodge be tendered to Past Master H . Abraham , and hereafter recorded in a more permanent and substantial form , for the able manner in
which he had discharged the duties of Treasurer during a period of twenty-two years , to thc great advantage of the lodge , whose finances , mainly owing to his exertions , were in a most flourishing condition—as shown by the fact that there was a good balance in hand and also an accumulated fund . The proposition was passed with great cordiality , and P . M . Abraham , in responding , expressed the
satisfaction it had afforded him to render the service which he had been enabled to do as Treasurer of the lodge . He was pleased to say that he had handed over to his successor a balance of more than £ 90 which showed that the finances were in a very different position to what they were when he first took office . He had not , moreover , waited till old age and incapacity came upon him before resigning his
position ; but in thc prime of life and the pride of health , he had surrendered it to their worthy Bro . Le Feuvre , and was glad to be able to advise him to do as he himself had done . The I . P . M ., Bro . Miles , then asked the lodge to accept a handsomely framed and g lazed tablet , recording the names of the Masters and Wardens of thc Royal Gloucester Lodge from its commencement , which he had collated
from the minute books . This thc brethren very cordially did , with an expression of thanks to Bro . Miles for his handsome present . The lodge duties were shortly afterwards brought to a close ; and at seven o ' clock a large party sat down , under the presidency of the W . M ., to an admirable banquet , provided by Dr . Dartnall in his very best style , at tbe conclusion of which the usual loyal and
Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the healths of the newly-installed Master , the P . G . M ., the D . P . G . M ., and many others were drank with great heartiness . Bro . Sir F . Peikins , P . M . and M . P ., was present at the banquet . The proceedings throughout were of a truly fraternal character ; ancl the Royal Gloucester , under its new Master , enters upon another year amid the most favourable and
encouraging auspices . WARRINGTON . —Lodge of Lights ( No . 148 ) —The annual installation meeting of the members of this old and flourishing lodge took Iplace on Monday last , at thc Masonic Rooms , Sankcy-street . Those who have bad thc privilege of witnessing many installations must have been frequently struck by the unusually lively and animated
appearance of the whole scene . The hrethren begin to assemble shortly before thc time specified for the commencement nf business , and at once proceeel with tbeir robing . Fresh arrivals are now frequent , and the friendly and fraternal "grip " is as frequently given and reciprocated . Each countenance is radiant with pleasing anticipations , and each heart seems to go out to bis brother .
Friendly converse and sometimes " chaff" is the order now , and rarely , if ever , is pcrfectjharmony disturbed . The W . M . elect—proud man—is the centre ; of attraction , and receives—ns he well deserves—an unusual share of friendly greetings . The retiring Master is usually a very popular man with the brethren of his lodge , and a brother of great importance in the lodge . To him falls the duty of
installing his successor , and a high honour he considers it , but few retiring Masters attempt this part of their prerogative , perhaps for one reason , because of its difficulty , and , for another reason , it requires great tact and judgment , and like Christmas it comes but once a year . The brethren are in full dress Masonic clothing , and very nice they appear , —every one looks nice in evening dress . | Surely there must
be something good in Freemasonry , and those who witnessed the beautiful ceremonies so admirably rendered by our worthy Bro . Bowes , on Monday , must have experienced a real treat . Bro . William Robinson , S . W . ; a very worthy brother who had been elected to fill the chair at a previous meeting by the unanimous voice of his brethren was in his place and ready to receive further " light . " Bro . Bowes ,
P . M ., & c , the very deservedly popular VV . M . of the lodge took his place in the evening precisely as the old Trinity clock struck three , and at once opened the proceedings . The following , among other brethren , were present : —Bros . Stringer , P . M . ; Harding , P . M . ; Finney , P . M . ; Pointer , P . M ., Richardson , P . M . ; Sharp , P . M . ; Pollitt , P . M . ; Hepherd , P . M . ; and others . The sound of the G . in the E ., and the call
to order , brought the brethren to their feet , and the business of the lodge began . Bro . Robinson , S . W ., and W . M . elect , was presented for the benefit of installation by Bro . Harding , P . M ., and , having made the preliminary declaration , awaited further advancement . Another phase of the lodge was now presented , and a Board of Installed Masters was formed , Bro . Bowes taking his place in thc E .
as Installing Master , and being assisted by Bro . Finney , P . M ., as S . W ., and Bro . Pointer , P . M ., as J . W . In this position of the lodge Bro . Robinson was placed in the chair of K . S . with all our ancient ceremonies , and amid the salutations of the brethren of this advanced degree . The Board of Installed Masters having been closed in form , the brethren of the other degrees were admitted , and offered
their greetings in the usual way . The new W . M . then appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for thc ensuing year , viz .: —Bros . Tunstall , S . W . ; Pickthall , J . W . ; Bowes , Sec . ; Armstrong , Treas . ; Hannah , I . G . At the close of the proceedings Bro . Bowes received a well-merited and unanimous vote of thanks for" the admirable , able , and impressive manner in which he had performed all the duties of Installing Master thjsj day , "