Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

62 j ] BRO . WOODFORD'S LIBRARY . I have this morning received Messrs . Hodgsons' catalogue , and rise from its perusal with feelings of bitter despair . I was in hopes that our brother had only sent duplicate copies and less rare works for sale , but a glance

at the catalogue has undeceived me . And now what can be done ? Absolutely nothing . The sale is arranged for Wednesday , Thursday , and Friday , and will be all over before my words appear . Every man has an undoubted right to do as he will with his own , but in spite of this , I think , and do not hesitate to frankly state that we are morally entitled to reproach Bro . Woodford for his haste .

He should at least have left a fortnight between the issue of the catalogue and the date of the sale in order to allow time for concerted action . The books are lost to Grand Lodge , nay , are lost to English Students , for they will undoubtedly go to America , at least , the most valuable will . There are no less than three MS . Constitutions ! August ist . G . W . SPETH . / T-CT „ .

INSTALLATION OF R . W . BRO . T . W . TEW , J . P . I am very pleased to note the appreciative review of the excellent record of the installation of the R . W . Bro . Thomas William Tew , as Prov . G . M . of West Yorkshire , so ably edited and compiled by Bro . C . L . Mason , P . M . 304 , Leeds , & c , Secretary to the Installation Committee . It is by far the best of the kind ever published , and the

report is replete with valuable information and most useful forms and lists relating to that auspicious event , in which the R . W . Bro . T . W . Tew , P . G . D ., was the prominent figure , and deservedly so , for few brethren have done so much as Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and member of the Craft , to induce Masonic activity , interest , and charity as that good brother . I am , however , more particularly

interested in the part that was allotted to my friend and brother , William Watson , P . M ., of Leeds , viz ., the Preface , and "Notes on Leeds Lodges , " & c , who , as a Masonic Student has long been well known to me , his fault , however , being that he has been too much of a student , and too little of an author . The origin and history of the Province of West Yorkshire are carefully traced and

explained by Bro . Watson , and many striking facts are made known relative to the spread of the Craft in that large and enthusiastic Masonic province . Two facsimile lists of the lodges , & c , at Leeds , 1754 , and 17 61 , from Cole ' s Engraved List of 1767 are very curious and interesting . Bro . Mason kindly forwarded me particulars of the lodge of 1754 , which was originated by some French Prisoners of War , whilst at

Leeds . No . 749 , St . Alban's , Leeds , took a new number in 1 S 32 , and its warrant was returned on 27 th March , 1834 , so that it existed a little longer on the roll than Bro . Watson fancied . It is remarkable that there are now three times as many lodges , as in 1 S 21 when the province was reformed , and at the present time , the Prov . G . M . has to rule over more than 3000 members , a province larger than many Grand Lodges abroad . Then there are the

"Provincial Notes" by the D . P . G . M ., Bro . Henry Smith , and the P . G . Sec , Bro . H . G . E . Green , which cover the period of 1 S 21 to 1 SS 5 , and are most valuable , besides all the documents presented by Bro . Mason , relative to the installation . The work is a veritable multum in parvo , and most creditable to all concerned , the compiler and editor , Bro . Mason , deserving all praise for the arrangement of the numerous items that make up the handsome work . W . I . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft ilasonrjj .

HENRY LEVANDER LODGE ( No . 2048 ) . — Installation of Bro . W . A Scurrah . —It may be in the recollection of many of our readers that on the occasion of the election meeting of the Henry Levander Lodge , some months since , we were privileged to report a very commendable instance of true Masonic feeling , and expression of regard and esteem for the worthy brother whose admission amongst the rulers of the Craft took place on Saturday ,

the 25 th ult . The then S . W ., Bro . C . J . Axford , whose preferment to the office of W . M . was assured under ordinary circumstances , having received the permission of the members of the lodge for that purpose , and joining heartily in their desire to bestow the earliest possible honour on a brother whose Masonic services , both in respect of lodge work and exertions on behalf of the Masonic Charities , deserved the highest recognition , trracefullv retired from

candidature as W . M . and made unanimous the vote which raised Bro . W . A . Scurrah to that dignified and coveted position . In the interval between election and installation , this unmistakeable evidence of esteem on the part of the members of his lodge was supplemented by a testimonial from other distinguished Craftsmen who , at a meeting held for that purpose , presented to Bro . Scurrah the badge which he will now be privileged to wear , it is to hoped , for many

years to come . Thus honoured by appreciation of past exertions , it is no cause for surprise that the occasion of Bro . Scurrah ' s installation as second W . M . of the Henry Levander Lodge should have produced an " overflow" meeting of friends and admirers , nor that there should have been a more than usual demand for entry into the Masonic Order under his rule and guidance . The day appointed for his installation was remarkable for its high temperature , and for numerous out-of-door

gatherings ; but neither heat nor open air festivities deterred his many friends from attending in testimony of their regard and affection . Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . Prov . G . Supt . of Wks . Middx ., and first W . M . of the lodge , opened the lodge early in the afternoon , the officers present being Bros . C . J . Axford , S . W . ; W . A . Scurrah , J . W . ; C . P . McKay , P . M ., Sec . ; P . Cheek , S . D . ; R . W . Surridgc , I . G . ; W . II . Burgess , D . C . ; H . Webb , Stwd . ; J . Read , P . M ., Org . ;

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and Very , Tyler . In the temporary absence of the J . D ., Bro . Thomas Poore , P . M ., a visitor , kindly officiated in that capacity . There was also a full attendance of the members of the lodge , during the subsequent ceremonies , and the register was signed by the following , amongst many other visitors : Bros . H . Spencer , W . M . 73 ; Edwin Storr , W . M . 1671 ; Stephen Richardson , W . M . 1 S 3 ; G . H . Stephens , W . M . 1623 : W . H . Lee , Prov . Asst . G . Sec .

Middx ., W . M . 1879 ; James Willing , W . M . 1997 ; J . W . Marsh , P . M . 73 ; Thomas Poore , P . M . 720 ; James Stevens , P . M . 720 , 121 G , and 1426 ; F . Marx , P . M . 957 ; A . G . Fidler , P . M . 1237 , P . P . G . S . D . Middx . ; W . M . Stiles , P . M . 1507 ; C . J . Scales , P . M . 1507 ; W . Medwin , P . M . 1613 ; G . Emblin , 147 ; W . Fenn , 53 S ; Harry Sillis , 957 J J- Archer , D . C . 1426 ; J . Fidler , 1550 ; E . A . Francis , ' 599 ; G . M . Thomson , 1599 ; B . J . Lowe , 1695 ; James C . Smith , C . Knightley , J . Glynn , J . C . Hamilton , H . n ;^ i . n .. < : „„ . p n „„ \\ r I _ n , ri ; . „ u \\ r ir ; nM 1 i iai £ iw

a .... j , oaa .. , aa .. . was , ... ... . J . ... •>» a a . ... L . u , j . j . Taylor , A . Thomas , all of 1744 ; C . Gurr , 1919 ; E . Clun , C . Mennie , J . Duncan , 1997 ; F . Levander , P . M . 1415 , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; and others . The " work " before the lodge was enough to have satisfied the veriest cormorant for Masonic ceremonial , for it comprised the business of the Three Degrees in addition to the full installation ceremony , and from want of quite sufficient accommodation the entire body of Masons could

not take part in all . Still in spite ot heat and a little other inconvenience the programme set forth was admirably carried out . Bro . Lovegrove , the W . M ., at the request of the W . M . of Lodge No . 1910 , passed Bro . J . Mills , and immediately thereafter raised to . the Third Degree , Bros . Edgar Robert Clunn and Arthur William Wace of the Henry Levander Lodge , and Bro . C . Mennie of the Strand Lodge . He then completed his brilliant year of

Mastership by installing his successor , Bro . Scurrah , with perfect ceremony , and deservedly received at his hands the well-merited jewel which , in his case at all events , if not in all others , marks the reward of labours and duties well discharged . The new W . M . appointed his officers as follows : Bros . C . J . Axford ( re-appointed , and enthusiastically applauded for his past year ' s service ) , S . W . ; P . Cheek , J . W . ; H .

Lovegrove , P . M ., Treas . ; C . P . McKay , P . M ., Sec . ; W . Surridge , S . D . ; Burgess , J . D . ; H . Webb , I . G . ; Worral , D . C ; Barfoot , Asst . D . C ; John Read , P . M ., Org . ; S . Reece , Steward ; and Very , Tyler ; and to each of them addressed appropriate remarks and expressed his hope that they would thoroughly support him during the ensuing year in promoting the prosperity of the lodge . The W . M . then initiated , after usual ballot and

acceptance , Messrs . Arthur Henry Scurrah ( his nephew ) Frank Charles Joseph , Alfred William Gerrard , H . W . Parker , and William Dent Dickenson , and seemed almost disappointed that he had not a similar number to go on with . Not so his members and visitors , for by this time the evening shadows were commencing to fall , and no long interval would elapse before separation would be necessary . Still order prevailed , and the lodge was duly closed .

A well-served banquet was spread in another part of the Railway Hotel at Harrow , wherein the lodge had held its meeting , and without much delay Master , members , and visitors were most agreeably occupied . After the cloth had been cleared , the able presidency of the W . M . effected an orderly though speedy disposal of the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , amongst which special prominence was

given to the late and present Masters of the lodge , to the newly-initiated , and to the visitors . Each of these received fitting response , necessarily brief , but none the worse for that . Train time arrived before the Tyler's toast could be given , and the whistle of the " steam horse" caused speed y dispersion , amidst general expressions of satisfaction with the entire proceedings of this eventful meeting .

HAYLE . —Cornubian Lodge ( No . 450 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday evening , the 30 th ult ., and was of a specially interesting character . After the transaction of the ordinary business , which included the impressive ceremonial of the Third Degree , rendered by Bro . Stevens , P . M ., and the officers in a very effective manner , the W . M . ( Bro . Hawkins ) proceeded to carry into effect the resolution of the previous

lodge , viz ., to present to Bro . William Husband a Past Master ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ) , in token of the great esteem and regard in which he is held by his brethren . He being ( about to remove to London , the members of the Cornubian Lodge desired to testify their high appreciation of bis character and abilities , by presenting him with a P . M ' s . jewel , and by entertaining him at a banquet afterwards .

In making the presentation Bro . Hawkins briefly referred to the great interest and solicitude that Bro . Husband had always shown in the welfare of the Cornubian Lodge , during the many years ( 30 or more ) of his connection with it . In choice and appropriate terms he also alluded to the many public services he had rendered to the neighbourhood as the first Captain of the Artillery Volunteers at its establishment , and to the great assistance he had given to the

young men of the town in connection with the science classes , of which he had been the local secretary and main support from the time of their formation until now . His liberal support and kind sympathy with every good object were also themes for praise and commendation . Bro . Husband in his reply , whilst thanking the W . M . for his genial words , and the brethren for their hearty acquiescence , could not allow that he was in any degree

worthy of such kind expressions , but yet he was sensible of the warm and generous feelings that prompted them thus to do him honour on his leaving the neighbourhood . He wished it , however , to be understood that he should remain attached to the lodge , and continue to have the same solicitude for its success , and whenever he could do so he should still join them in their meetings . Referring to the ceremony they had witnessed that evening , and to

the striking parallelism that is manifest between Operative and Speculative Masonry , he inferred that without doubt the grand and noble institution of Freemasonry , now so widely spread , and of such great power and influence in the world , had sprung from the combination of Operative Masons , for their mutual protection and assistance .

Alluding to the basis of the foundation of Masonry , to the principles that from the beginning have formed the prominent characteristics of Masonic creed , he insisted ( alluding to the continental departure therefrom ) that the recognition of the G . A . O . T . U . is essential to its continued success , and even to its very existence . Other topics of an equally instructive and interesting character were

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

referred to , and Bro . Husband concluded by thanking the brethren for their great kindness to him . The lodge being closed , the brethren repaired to their room specially prepared for the banquet , which was served in the usual good style for which Bro . Smith , P . M ., Sec ,, is justly celebrated . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were given in a most hearty manner , and effectively supported

by musical accompaniments , the toast of the evening , " The Good Health , Long Life , and Happiness of Bro . Husband , " was given by Bro . John Poole , the senior Past Master of the lodge , in an appropriate speech . This was supported by Bro . Dr . Mudge , P . M ., in an equally felicitous manner ; andjfurther supported by Bro . Gilbert B . Pearce , P . M ., the indefatigable librarian of the lodge .

The response of Bro . Husband was as interesting and instructive as his former address in the lodge ; and , referring to his own initiation into Freemasonry 38 years ago , he made an interesting comparison with the Masonry of then and of to-day . Then he had seen ( but not in this country ) a Royal visitor courting the loyalty of the Freemasons in a time of political disturbance , but now the loyalty of

Masons was assured , and he hoped the day would never come when it would be in any degree used for party political purposes , but would ever maintain its political neutrality . Nevertheless , he was of opinion that a Society of such immense power should not , could not , remain idle and indifferent to the great movements of progress that were daily developing in the world . The cause ot Masonic

Charity is a natural object for its support , and this cannot be too highly commended , but there is much work to be done outside Masonry that the powerful brotherhood can well put their hands to . For instance , education and other kindred objects being for the weal of mankind , without reference to sect or party , or creed , are all objects within the scope and design of Freemasonry , and which in its

collective capacity it would do well to further and support . The toast of "The Visitors " was responded to by Bro . W . K . Baker , P . M . 1272 , and others , and the brethren were charmed by the singing of Bros . White , 1272 ; Rowe , 1 544 ; and others , adding as it did greatly to the pleasure

ot the evening . Other toasts were given and responded to , but there was one sentiment pervading all , that of appreciation , respect , and esteem for Bro . Husband . It may be mentioned that there was a large number of Past Mastere present , that being a notable feature of this influential and successful lodge .

RUNCORN . —Ellesmere Lodge ( No . 75 S ) . — On Tuesday , the 21 st ult ., the brethren of this lodge assembled in the Masonic Hall , Devonshire-square , to celebrate the Festival of St . John . The lodge was opened in due form by Bro . Richard Oldbury , W . M ., who afterwards performed the ceremony of the installation of Bro . George Bell , J . W ., as W . M ., in a most impressive manner . He

was assisted by Bro . E . Marwood , P . M . The W . M . then elected his officers as follows : Bros . R . Oldbury , l . P . M . ; Tolkington , S . W . ; J . H . Salkeld , J . W . ; R . Edwards , Chap . ; E . Marwood , Treas . ; G . Summerfield , Sec . ; J . Coxhill , P . M ., D . of C ; F . A . Lake , S . D . ; Thomas Wright , J . D . ; Rosenberg , I . G . ; Cooper , Org . ; S . H . Annett , S . S . ; and Richard Clarke , jun ., J . S .

Subsequently a banquet took place , the catering of Bro . J . Coxhill , P . M ., giving general satisfaction . Amongst the brethren present were Bros . R . Clarke , sen ., P . M . ; W . R . Wass , P . M . ; W . Mellor , P . M . ; Geo . Moss , P . M . ; James White , P . M . ; S . Orme , S . W . ; and Harrington . The retiring W . M . was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel , and also made a Life Governor of the Cheshire Masonic Educational Fund .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

NEW FINSBURY PARK LODGE ( No . 169 J ) . —The usual weekly meeting was held at the Hornsey Wood Tavern , 011 Tuesday , the 2 S 1 I 1 ult . Present : I 3 roa . Mercer , W . M . ; Gush , Preceptor ; Frampton , S . W . j Hildrcth , J . W . j Berry , Sec . ; Foale , S . D . ; Hodges , J . D . j Bokcnham , I . G . ; Aynsley , J . Stevens , Oldis , Hill , Partington , Barnett , Sycklemore , Weedon , Rogers , Fenner , Turner , Knightley , Howard , Beck , and others . The lodge was opened in the First and Second Degreesand Bro .

, Beck having offered himself as a candidate for raising , answered the usual questions , and was entrutsed . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree , and the ist Section of the lecture was worked by Bro . Fenner , assisted by the brethren . The ceremony of raising was afterwards rehearsed . Three new members were elected , and a committee appointed to ascertain the members entitled to participate in the ballot for a life membership for one of the Charities . The lodge was then closed , and adjourned until Tuesday next .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

WOOLWICH . —Union Waterloo Chapter ( No . 13 ) - —The usual Quarterly meeting of the above chapter took place on Wednesday , the 29 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , when the following were present : Comps . J . Wilkins , M . E . Z . ; G . Kennedy , H . ; T . Ovenden , J . ; W . Weston , P . Z . ; J . Scottmutch , P . Z . ;

E . West , P . Z ., Treas . ; R . Gooding , S . E ., G . Spinks , S . N . ; J . Bilton , ist Asst . S . ; A . Woodley , 2 nd Asst . S . ; G . W . King , R . Warren , A . Fenn , W . Rees , H . 913 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) . The chapter having been opened , and the minutes of the previous convocation passed ; the ballot was taken for Bros . Canning , J . D ., and C . WoodW . S . both of 1472

, , , and proving unanimous , those brethren were exalted to the Supreme Degree by the M . E . Z . and his officers in finished style . Comp , Spinks took the work of P . S . at a moment's notice , and did it admirably . The chapter was then closed and the companions banqueted at Comp . H . de Gray ' s establishment , the

Freemasons' tavern , opposite the Dockyard Station . The usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were honoured , as also that of "The M . E . Z ., " "The P . Z ., " "The First and Second Principles , " " The Visitors , " " The Exaltees , " "ThelMasonic Press , " and last , but not least , "The Host , " who is deservedly popular as being premier caterer to , and oldest companion of , this grand old chapter .

YORK . —Zetland Chapter ( No . 236 ) . —The rcgu-Iar quarterly meeting of this chapter was held on the 29 th ult . There were present Comps . T . B . Whytehead , P . Z ., Prov . G . H ., M . E . Z . ; Mark Rooke , H . ; J . Todd , P . Z ., P . P . G . J ., as J . ; G . Garbutt , S . E . ; Dr . Foster , S . N . ; G . Kirby , P . S . ; and about 20 other companions and visitors .