Original Correspondence.

If the " critique" referred to , which was written in perfect ignorance of ray connection with the work as its designer , is a fair one , as my friends consider it , I have reason to be gratified with the opinion given , and , without expecting for one moment any further reward , desire only

that others should share in whatever pleasure a visible illustration of one of our most beautiful expositions in Freemasonry can afford . —I am , dear sir and brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , JAMES STEVENS , Clapham , May 3 rd . P . M ., P . Z .

To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Thewriterof thevery interesting sketch , "Celebrities at Home , " reprinted from the World , in your last issue in his reference to Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , says "in 177 6 Mr . Richard Cox ' s Hall was solemnly dedicated . " If he means that Cox was the architect of the

hall he is undoubtedly mistaken , as the following extract from the minutes of the proceedings at the laying of the foundation-stone will show : "In this form the brethren proceeded three times round the ground on which the hall is to be built , and then the Grand Officers , preceded by Thomas Sandby , Esq ., the architect , entered the trench , and proceeded to the north-east corner . " Thomas Sandby

was appointed Grand Architect in 1775 , and , as such , appears in the list of Grand Officers down to 179 S . Mr . Richard Cox was the plasterer , and may possibly have had something to do with the design for his portion of the work , but I have good reason for thinking that he did not . Probably the writer of the article obtained his information

from Preslon ' s illustrations of Masonry , if so , and he will again consult the passage , he will see that the author is referr ' n ? to the roof , or the ceiling only , when he mentions Cox as the architect , and no doubt applied the word in its original sense , namely , as maker or builder . —Yours fraternally , H . SADLER .

Reports Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS MASONIC MEETINGS .

itratt ifciasoui'g . UPPER NORWOOD LODGE ( No . 15 S 6 ) .-The install , lion meeting of this lodge took place at ths Wnite Hart Hotel , Upper Nonvood , on Wednesday , the 14 th ult ., under the presidency of Bro . G . J . E . Marsh , VV . M ., supported by a good many members and visitors , as follows : Bros . Dowel ) , P . P . G . D . Sussex , 14 GG ; J . Brunktr , P . M . 13 60 ; H . Mitten , P . M . 7 65 ; D . VV . Tough , P . M . 905 ; H . S . Hunter , l . P . M . 1321 ; T . Butt , P . M .

700 ; J . j . Lidle , P . M . 55 ; G . Treres , VV . M 720 ; VV . C . Smiib , S . W . 1563 ; E . Chamberlain , I . D . 87 ; E . Bacon , 20 ; l ' . Seymour , 179 ; E . Ansted , J . D . 69 : J . C . Larner , S . W . ; J . Bowyer , | . W . ; F . Bullock , S . D . ; G . W . Finch , J . D . ; P . F . Mathias , I . G . j J . D . Arnold , D . C ; J . Hammond , P . M . ; J . Ledger , P . M . ; J . A . Stock , P . M . ; E . Kidman , P . M ., Treas . ; , VV . J . Miller , P . M ., Sec . ; D . lones , 1 . Brennan , 1 . A . Smith , A . W . Southwell , John

Pike , R . Lilhco , F . Dusterwald , T . A . May , H . M . Smith , A . C . Wood , and A . E . Basley . The lodge being opened in due form , and the minutes of last meeting being read and confirmed , Bro . J . A . Stock proceeded to instal Bro . J . C . Larner to the W . M . ' s chair for the ensuing year , which he did with much satisfaction to the brethren present and great credit to himself , after which the newly-elected W . M ., Bro . j . C . Larner , invested

his officers as follows : Bros . | . Bowyer , S . W . j G . H . Finch , J . W . ; F . H . Bullock , S . D . ; P . F . Mathias , J . D . ; J . D . Arnold , I . G . ; A . Southwell , Stwd . ; A . C . Wood , D . C . ; J . A . Stock , Org . ; and re-invested Bros . P . M . Miller and P . M . Kidman , as Secretary and Treasurer . The lodge was then closed , and the banquet took place , supplied by Bro . D . Jones in his accustomed excellent

manner , after which ihe W . M . gave the usual toasts . The musical arrangements wete under the direction of . Bro . A . E . Basley , assisted by Bro . J . E . Marsh and Mrs . Marshh , Miss Wightwick and Bro . J . A . Stock . One of the pleasing duties of the evening was the presentation of a P . M . jewel to Bro . Marsh , which the W . M . did in a lew but very appropriate remarks .

SELWYN LODGK ( No . 1901 ) . —This prosperous lodge , which has now commenced the sixth year of its existence , held its installation meeting on Thursday , the 15 th ult ., at the East Dulwich Hotel . In the absence of the W . M ., Bro . A . Powles , who was prevented by important engagements from being present at the commencement of the meeting , the chair was

occupied by Bro . A . J . Belhs , P . M ., and , the minutes having been confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . VV . O . Roberts and K . C . Boyse as candidates for initiation , and proved unanimous in their favour . The balancesheet was then read , and showed the funds of thc lodge to be in a very flourishing condition . Bro . Pow was then raised to the Degree of M . M ., and Bro . Cohvill to the Degree of F . C . Bro . W . R . Burnett , P . M ., then occupied

the chair and proceeded to instal Bro . Robert Edward Anderson , S . W ., W . M . elect , into the chair of K . S ., according to ancient custom . The new W . M . was then saluted by the brethren , and appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . A . R . W . Powles , l . P . M . ; L , E . Eagle , S . W . ; J . M . Wimble , J . W . ; E . Eagle ,

Treas . ; A . J . Bellis . P . M ., Sec . ; W . H . Hook , P . M ., D . C ; E . Gauntlett , S . D . ; W . Rowan , J . D . ; W . Davies , I . G . ; VV . Wills , A . D . C ; J . Lightfoot , ist W . S . ; H . VV . Stevenson , Assist . Sec ; A . Briant , 2 nd W . S . ; H . R . Hobbs , C . S . ; H . B . Morgan , Org . ; and T . Bowler , Tylir .

The addresses to tlie VV . M ., Wardens , and brethren were then delivered by the Installing Master , Bro . Burnett , in an impressive manner . The W . M ., Bro . Anderson , then proceeded to initiate Mr . VV . O . Roberts into the mysteries of Freemasonry , the ceremony being performed in a very

impressive manner , showing that the W . M . would be quite equal to all the work that might come before him during his tenure of office . After " Hearty good wishes " from the visitors present , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , which was very tastefully decorated for the occasion by Bro . Richards , the proprietor .

Reports Masonic Meetings.

After the banquet , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed from the chair , and were heartily received and honoured by the brethren present . Bro . Powles , I . P . M ., said it was with a feeling of very great pleasure that he proposed the toast of the evening"The Health of the VV . M . "—the more so as Bro .

Anderson , who now filled the chair of K . S ., was the first initiate in the lodge , and he ( Bro . Powles ) was sure , from the zealous manner Bro . Anderson had gone through the different offices he had filled in the lodge , that he would prove equally as zealous in his conduct in the chair of W . M ., and he asked the brethren to drink his health in a bumper , and wish him also a prosperous year of office . Bro . Anderson , in returning thanks for the very kind

terms in which his health had been proposed , and for the kind manner in which Bro . Powles , I . P . M ., had proposed it , said that he felt highly honoured by being placed by the brethren in the chairof the lodge . Hehad worked hard ever since he had been initiated in the lodge by the first VV . M ., Bro . Hook , and he hoped that now he had attained the position he should do credit to the lodge , and he felt sure that he should have the support of all the officers during his

year of office . The VV . M . said the next toast he had to propose was that of "The Initiate , " Bro . Roberts . This was one of the most important a lodge could have put before it , because no lodge could without initiates go on growing in strength and numbers as the Selwyn did . He was very pleased himself , and he was sure he echoed the sentiments of the brethren in welcoming Bro . Roberts as an initiate into their lodge .

The Initiate having returned thanks in a neat speech , The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Health ol the Visitors , " and said that the Selivyn Lodge was always pleased to see visitors , not only that they might criticise the work in the lodge , but that they might receive a cordial welcome at the banquet table , and he now asked the brethren to drink the health of the visitors , coupling with the toast the names of Bros . D . Keyse , VV . M . 1314 ; H . vV .

Kcdgley , W . M . 1614 ; and J . Loader , VV . M . 1622 ; and the toast was received with acclamation . Those brethren , in responding on behalf of the visitors , expressed their gratification at being present to witness the admirable working in the lodge , and also the hearty reception extended to them at the banquet table by the brethren of the Selwyn Lodge . The next toast proposed from the chair was that of

" The Past Masters of the Lodge , " and the W . M . in proposing it said that it afforded him great pleasure in now pinning on to the breast of the l . P . M . the jewel which had been voted to him by the brethren , together with a P . M . collar and jewel , for his admirable conduct in the chair during his year of office , and he ( the W . M . ) hoped he might be long spared to wear it among them . With respect to the other P . M . ' s he felt sure they would afford

him all the assistance in their power . The Immediate Past Master , in responding for the P . M . 's , said that he felt very deeply the kind manner in which his name had been mentioned in connection with the toast , and assured the brethren that he had had a very pleasant year of office , notwithstanding the heavy work which had fallen to his lot , and he was glad that the lodge was in such a flourishing state . He thanked them very much

for the handsome jewel which they had presented to him , and he hoped to be amongst them long to wear it . The Worshipful Master proposed " Ihe Health of Bro Eagle , Treas ., and Bro . Bellis , P . M ., Sec , " and said he was sure that the assistance they had always given to the previous Masters of the lodge would be extended to him . Bro . Eagle , in responding , assured the VV . M . that he would be exceedingly careful of the funds ot the lodge ,

which he was glad to say were in a flourishing condition , and mentioned that , owing to the success of the Masonic ball held in connection with the lodge , they were enabled to place 20 guineas on the list of Bro . Powles , I . P . M ., as Steward at the forthcoming Festival for the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . Bro . Bellis having briefly responded , the toast of " The Officers" was given , and replied to by Bros . L . E . Eagle

and Wimble ; and the Tyler's toast brought a most enjoyable evening to a close . The toasts during the evening were interspersed with glees and songs , the whole of the musical arrangements being under the direction of Bro . W . H . Hook , P . M ., D . The jewels , & c , were manufactured by Bro . George Kenning .

Among the , visitors present were Bros . D . Keyse , W . M . 1314 ; H . VV . Kedgley , W . M . 1614 ; J . Loader , W . M . 1 G 22 : VV . Kirkland , Treas . 1949 ; G . J . Garland , I . D . 172 S ; J . T . Penney , S . D . 1679 ; A . Bignold , W . S . 1 G 24 ; H . Heyward , 1 G 9 ; S . Lane , 1614 ; R . Bridger , 72 ; J , Wooster , 15 ; J . White , 1 949 ; T . Wallis , 901 : S . Bygrave , 1 G 5 S ; G . Etheridge , 303 ; J R . H . Griffith , 2000 ; and others .

HENRY LEVANDER LODGE ( No . 2048 ) . — The members of this lodge were joined by a number of visitors at their annual gathering at the Railway Hotel , Harrow , on _ aturday evening , when the VV . M ., Bro . Wm . Alfred Scurrah , presided , supported by Bros . C . I . Axford . S . W . j P . Cheek , J . W . ; C . P . McKay , P . M . 720 , Sec . R . M . Surridge , S . D . ; W . H . Burgess , J . D . ; H . Webb ' I . G . ; S . Reece and A . H . Scurrah , Stewds .: I . Read .

P . M . 720 , Org . ; W . M . Stiles , P . M . ( Honorary ); Jas . Very , Tyler ; A . W . Wace , H . VV . Parker , E . J . Sadgrove , W . D . Dickenson , J . Dolling , E . R . Clunn , J . Measor , H . T . Gurner , ] . Stubbings , F . C . Joseph , A . VV . Gerrard , and VV . H . Maguire . 'I'he visitors included Bros . Edwin Storr , P . M . 179 ; H . Jenner , W . M . j A . G . Fidler , VV . M . 754 ; J . V . Baggi , J . Trongi , and J . J , Churchill , 77 G ; C . J . Knightley , 1744 ; C . Smith , 1 -, 28 :

I . R . Chamley , 141 : H . Dickey , 1744 ; H . F . Sheppard , 701 ; H . Sillis , 957 ; and others . Lodge having been duly opened , Bros , T . H . Gurner and J . Trongi , of 77 G ( the latter by favour of Bro . H . Lovegiove , P . M ., Treas . ) , were raised to the Sublime Degree , the work being admirably performed by the W . M ., assisted by hisofficers . Theballot was opened forMessrs . VV .

K . Nelson , Barry , Ryder . and l . A . Nixon . All were accepted , and , Messrs . Nelson , Nixon , and R y der were initiated . Subsequently Bro . C . Stevens was raised , and the election of Master was then proceeded with , the choice of the brethren falling unanimously on Bro . C . J . Axford , S . W . Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . M ., was re-elected Treasurer , and regret was expressed at his unavoidable absence on the occasion . Bro . James Very was reappointed Tyler for the ensuing

Reports Masonic Meetings.

year ; and Bros . Joseph , Parker , and Clunn were appointed as an Audit Committee . Owing to the length of the programme , two , raisings were deferred to an emergency meeting . At the close of the lodge the brethren dined together , admirable arrangements being made for their comfort and

enjoyment by the worthy host , Bro . Hamlin . The toasts of "The Queen and the Craft ; " "Thc M . W . Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ;" " The Pro Grand Master , thc Earl of Carnarvon , thc Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of thc Grand Officers , Past and Present , " were sriven from

the chair and received with enthusiasm . Bro . Fidler responded for the Provincial Grand Lodge , and paid a high tribute to the manner in which the affairs of the province were carried on by Bro . Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., as Prov . Grand Master , and Bro . Raymond Thrupp , as his Deputy , assisted by the other Prov . Grand Officers . "The Health of the worshipful Master" was given in eulogistic terms by Bro . C . P . McKay , P . M . 720 ,

Secretary , who said Bro . Scurrah had admirably discharged his duties . He had displayed great energy with regard to the Masonic Charities , and taken uj > on his lists a far larger amount than any other Steward in the province . He was a thorough Mason , and they all devoutly wished that he would continue to display an unabated interest in the welfare of the Hcnrj ; Levander Lodge after he had passed the chair . Bro . Scurrah was affable , genial , and

hardworking , and they all wished him health and strength long to continue in his efforts on behalf of the Craft . The Worshipful Master , who was received with hearty enthusiasm , said he had the interests of the Henry Levander Lodge closely at heart , and that interest would be retained as long as life should last . He could not allow this opportunity to slip by without thanking his officers and the brethren generally for the support they had accorded to him

during his year of office . This being the last regular meeting over which he would preside , he took the opportunity of saying this : he honoured and admired the principles of the Craft , and held that they were not perfect as Masons until they had gone into the Royal Arch . He , therefore , felt it a duty to do something to form a Royal Arch chapter in connection with this lodge , so that every member , if they wished , could be

introduced into a chapter belonging to their own lodge . With the assistance of his friend , Bro . Stiles , he had been enabled to accomplish that object , and the matter was to be brought before the Supreme Grand Council on the following Wednesday . He believed , from a communication he had received from that body , the petition would be granted , and that they would have a charter of constitution for a Royal Arch chapter . Perhaps to some this rnicrht seem

but a trifling matter , but he thought if they were as thoroughly conversant with Freemasonry as he and some other of the brethren around that board , they would feel it was a very great privilege to have a Royal Arch chapter attached to their mother lodge . He hoped all the members who were eligible would join it . With referenceto their excellent Senior Warden , who had been called away earlier in the evening , he must say the brother who had

been elected to succeed him ( the speaker ) in the chair was eminently deserving of that honour . Bro . Axford was a thorough gentleman and worthy Mason , and it would be within the remembrance of many that at that time last year he , in the most generous and Masonic manner , gave up his right as Senior Warden to be elected W . M . in order that he ( the speaker ) , as the Junior Warden , might be elevated to that proud distinction . It was a

great privilege , and he regarded it as mark of respect on Bro . Axford ' s part , and he would always remain in his memory as a good friend and brother , who had acted in a most noble way towards himself . In return , he should do everything he possibly could to uphold Bro . Axford during his year of office , and as long as they lived and belonged to that lodge it would be his pride and privilege to afford

him every assistance , to show his gratitude to , and friendship for , one who had so nobly manifested his disinterested friendship towards himself . He would simply add that , as he had done in the past , so he would endeavour in the future to do all he could to further the interests of the Henry Levander Lodge , no matter what position he occupied in it .

The Worshipful Master , in giving "The Health of the Initiates , " spoke of the growth of the lod ge during the two years of its existence , and said , while increasing the number of members , they had not detracted from the quality of the lodge . 'Ihat year he had had the pleasure of initiating iS new members , all of whom had proved an acquisition to the lodge . _ Bro . Nelson thanked the brethren for the cordial manner

in which the toast had been received , and hoped he might verify the anticipations of the W . M . by becoming a worthy member of the Fraternity . Bro . Ryder also responded , and , in the course of his remarks , expressed the pleasure it had afforded him to have been admitted a member of that lodge . He should do all he could to acquire a knowledge of the Masonic art , and hoped in time to become a useful member ot the Craft . The Worshipful Master next proposed " The Visitors . "

to whom he stretched forth the right hand of friendship and greeted them with a sincere and hearty welcome . Bro . E . Storr , in responding , congratulated the lodge upon its admirable working and genuine hospitality , and wished the VV . M . and those associated with him in the formation of a Royal Arch chapter "God speed . " He mentioned the case of a poor widow for whom his lodge was trying to secure the advantages of the "Old Peoole ' s

Home at Croydon . Her late husband had been 43 years a subscriber to Grand Lodge ; but the unfortunate widow was now in the workhouse . Even if they could not get her into the Croydon Institution , the brethren were determined to pension her , and thus enable her to pass the remainder of her days in comparative comfort . Bros . Dickey , Knightley , Jenner , and Sheppard also suitably acknowledged the welcome so kindly extended to the visitors .

c J ? Healths of the I reasurer , Secretary , and Officers ot the Lodge" were proposed and briefly responded to , and the brethren separated in time to catch the 0 . 18 p . m . train for the City . J v The speeches of the evening were interspersed by songs by Bros . Reece , Josephs , and others , and a very pleasant gathering was enjoyed . COLCHESTER . —United Lodge ( No . 6 97 ) . —At the monthly meeting of this lodge , held at the George