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lodge were sufficient to pay everybody . St . Luke ' s Lodge did not owe any man or any woman a farthing piece . They would , however , want a certain amount for Charity , for they could not get on without looking after the old people , the girls , and the boys , and he hoped the lodge would send up a Steward for the three next yeats . Bro . Wilts , P . M ., Sec , said he was initiated in the lodge

18 years ago ; 12 years ago he quitted the position of W . M . ; and the present was the ninth time he had been elected Secretary . The Senior Warden , replying to the toast of "The Officers , " said the officers would endeavour to render the W . M . the service he had a right to expect . If they did that they would hope to receive the support not only of the

old lay members of the lodge but of the P . M . ' s . On the former he thought they might rely , and he was sure they could rely on the latter , for the P . M . ' s of the St . Luke ' s Lodge had only shown themselves too zealous for the welfare of the lodge , and had not always been too ready to listen to the suggestions of those younger members who , no doubt , from ignorance , had ventured to suggest

what in their opinion might have been improvements . He hoped in the future the P . M . 's and older lay brethren of the lodge would give credit to the younger members who put forward their opinions . He hoped they would all give credit to one another that they were actuated by the same spirit , and had one object in view—the future prosperity of St . Luke ' s Lodge . His voice had been pretty frequently used , but he had not made any enemy . He had criticised

many things , perhaps in ignorance , but still the older members , when they found he was actuated by the same spirit as themselves , supported him . He thought the same couitesy should be extended to every brother . Bro . R . J . Taylor , P . M ., made a humorous reply as W . Stwd ., and the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings , which were enlivened by some excellent singing by Miss Ethel Winn , Bros . G . T . Carter , R . W . Heney , J . H . Hawkins , Chapman , and Coop .

OLD CONCORD LODGE ( No . 172 ) . —The October meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday at the Freemasons' Hall , the W . M ., Bro . John Whaley presiding . Among the other brethren present were Bros . Thos . Whaley , S . W . ; George Evans , J . W . ; H . Klope , P . M . ; W . H . Harris , P . M . ; John Steadman , P . M . ; R . D . Hilton , P . M . ; W . Beazley , P . M . ; Geo .

Hockley , P . M . ; John Hancock , P . M ., Treas . ; George King , P . M ., Sec ; and J . B . Elliott , P . M . Visitors : Bros . Theodore Uistin , 173 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 1928 ; Charles Jones , 1420 ; W . W . Davies , 1328 ; George Edwards , P . M . 1507 ; W . Redman , 132 S ; W . B . Elliott , 417 ; R . B . Greenwood , l . P . M . 1623 ; J . Holloway , 173 ; J . L . Bertolli , P . M . 115 S ; Charles F .

Parslow , 1602 ; Thos . Minstrel ) , P . M . 87 and 192 S ; T . Robins , P . M . 25 ; Charles Gross , P . M . 2033 ; and C . Everett , 1507 . Bro . Charles Henry Belsey , 122 7 , was elected a joining member , and the following gentlemen passed the ballot for initiation : Messrs . W . Ravaisou , J . R . Jones , and J . Hanson . The W . M . then initiated these gentlemen and performed

his work admirably . The Treasurer of the Benevolent Fund of the lodge announced that he had received and paid into the City Bank the sum of £ 22 , which " had been handed over to him as the profit of the last Old Concord annual ball , and he thanked the brethren for the support of the ball which had led to that result . The sum of £ 5 5 s . was then voted to a case of distress , and the lodge was closed .

A superb banquet at Freemasons' Tavern followed , and the customary toasts were proposed and honoured . The Worshipful Master , in giving the toast of " The M . W . G . M ., " said that the Prince of Wales was always at work . Ihey often heard talk of the working man , but he looked upon the Prince of Wales as one of the hardest working men in England .

In giving the toast of "The Initiates , " the Worshipful Master said three gentlemen had taken the First Degree that evening . First of all thc brethren of the lodge ought to congratulate themselves on having three such gentlemen to join them , and to become members of the Fraternity . Next , they ought to congratulate these brethren on their good fortune in joining such a good old lodge as the Old

Concord , No . 172 . 'these brethren had been telling him quietly how much they were impressed by the ritual . They had no conception of what they were about to go through , or what would be required of them . It was not always that they got three such gentlemen at once , and he thought the brethren of the lodge were to be congratulated on such an acquisition to their ranks . He sincerelhoped that

y these initiates would add lustre to the Old Concord Lodge . Bro . John Hanson , in reply , said he travelled on an average 600 miles a week by railway and boat , and was scarcely ever at home . He felt proud at becoming a Mason , because he felt that in doing so he would not be among strangers . He hoped to become a good Mason . The other Initiates also responded .

« i »? •» . kley - P - > in Proposing the toast of "The W . M ., said all the brethren would agree with him that it was necessary to the existence of a lodge that it should have a good head . It was 16 years that night he was initiated in this lodge . He would not say that it had passed through vicissitudes during that period , but many events had happened , and he had seen it gradually attain to the

prosperity it was in at the present time . That was very gratifying to him . But when he looked round he saw he was getting one of the oldest members . They had arrived T-U- ' l . 5 When the Uld Concord Lod ge neverstood higher . I his had been brought about to a very great extent ( he did not include himself in this ) to the indefatigable way in which the Masters of the lod-e had pursued a straight in

course endeavouring to please every member of the lodge . Ihat hadj been the case with the present W . M . the lay members of the lodge were able to enjoy themselves simply because of late years the W . Masters had laid themselves down to their work . No one had done this more thoroughly than Bro . Whaley . He ( Bro . Hockley ) could testify to Bro . Whaley in his private character , as a of business

man and as a good companion . It was through men like him that the lodge had risen to its present prosperity . Bro . Whaley had been six months in the chair , and during the remaining six months he would maintain the prosperity of the lodge , and be only too pleased that every succeeding Master should be even better than himself . He hoped Bro . Whaley would enjoy the prosperity they all wished him . The W . M . in replying , said Bro . Hockley had been

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rather too kind in his remarks , and had been exceptionally good in saying nice things of him . But what he ( the W . M . ) had done had only been in the performance of his duty . The brethren elected him as their W . M , and having been placed in the distinguished position of Master of the Old Concord Ledge as a young Mason , it being only seven years from the date of his

initiation , if he could show the brethren that duting his year it had been simply a work of love to perform the Master's duties , he should be satisfied . He had often heard of the work in lodge : most of them thought they knew what it was , but unless they arrived at the chair they did not understand the meaning of the word . It was all very easy to come to the lodge and the banquet and enjoy

oneself ; but when they come to do the work outside the lodge , which the brother Secretary and the Past Master knew well they would be astonished to find what an amount of time was occupied by the brother who took the chair , and did the work . He was proud to think that the Old Concord Masters , as a rule , did their own work ; that they did not go into the chair and leave some one else to do the

work . A brother was recently elected to a high position in the City of Londen , and they said in the paper that that brother was a Roman Catholic , and was a Freemason . Some people said that was impossible , but people who said that were not Masons ; they were not initiated in Masonry ; they were uneducated in Masonry . The Head of the Church of Rome might perhaps set his back

up against Masonry , but if so , he set his back up against what he did not understand . On the night of his ( the W . M . ' s ) initiation he had faith in Masonry to a degree . Since then he had seen lodges springing up year by year , and the Craft extending over the whole face of the globe . The Craft wanted all men to become good men and good Masons , and it was by the extension of Masonry

that this happy result was to be brought about . _ Bro . Hilton , P . M ., in proposing "The Visitors , " remarked that the Old Concord Lodge was a lodge any brother might envy other brethren belonging to ; it was a lodge which was at the top of the tree ; if it had not been he did not think he should have joined it . Bro . Robinson , P . M . 25 , said every brother should

consider his mother lodge as the best there was , and be begged the initiates to remember this . He felt that Masonry was doing a good work in the world all round . They were a Society of men who did not introduce politics or religion into their meetings , but were content to be good citizens . The Craft was a bond they could not explain . They strove to do their best in their own individual position in society ,

and they hoped their conduct outside their lodges warranted them in saying they were Freemasons . Other visitors also responded , and Bro . Beazley replied to the toast of "The P . M . ' s . " Bro . Harris , P . M ., proposed "The Treasurer and Secretary . " Bro . Hancock , P . M ., responding as Treasurer , said that

working with Bro . King had been a great pleasure to him , Bro . King was so very correct in every thing , however small the matter might be . Bro . George King , P . M ., replyingas Secretary , observed that the Old Concord Lodge had always been a pet child with him . On this particular occasion it was his birthday —in the Old Concord Lodge—it being 27 years that night

that he came into the lodge . It had always been a source of great pleasure to him to meet so many kind friends . He had taken a great deal to Masonry ever since he was first initiated , which seemed to him only the other day . Everything he had done in Masonry had been to him a work of love and of the greatest pleasure . As long as he remained Secretary of the Old Concord Lodge it should be his

endeavour to give satisfaction to the brethren and gain credit for himself . In proposing " The Officers of the Lodge , " the W . M . said it was a great pleasure to him that he was so fortunate as to have an admirable staff of working officers . It was very gratifying to him to see that evening the excellent way in which the junior officers of the lodge carried out

their duties . Having regard to the fact that the lodge had not met since March he should not have been surprised if the officers had been a little rusty . But they were not , and he was pleased to have the opportunity of testifying that their performance of their duties reflected ,, the highest credit on the Old Concord Lodge . Bro . Thomas Whaley , S . W ., said it afforded him a great

amount of pleasure to meet the brethren in lodge once more ; and it was also very pleasing to hear testimony borne to the excellence of the working . As long as he had strength to occupy any post in the lodge he should use his best endeavours to fulfil the duties of that to the best of his ability . The other officers also replied , and the proceedings

terminated with the Tyler's toast . Bro . Theodore Distin , Miss Louisa Distin , Madame Gear , and Mr . Percy Palmer gave a charming selection of music during the evening , Mr . Charles Imhoff performing at the piano . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . Theodore Distin , for Bro . C . H . R . Marriott , Organist of the lodge .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 13 S 1 ) . —A regular meeting was held at the Horns Tavern , Kennington ,

on Tuesday , the 4 th inst . This being the first meeting of the lodge since its return to the Horns , which has been entirely re-built and provided with a suite of Masonic rooms , and the first gathering of the winter season , there was a good attendance of members and visitors . Bro . R . La Feiullade , W . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . R . Lingley , S . W . ; H . F . Foale ; J . W . ; Wm . Stuart ,

Sec ; W . W . Westley , S . D . ; G . W . Ruffle , J . D . ; G . F . Grover , Org . ; J . La Feuillade , I . G . ; Jno . Plowman , l . P . M . ; H . G . Stranger , P . M . ; W . P . Webb , P . M . ; H . Higgins , P . M . ; J . Cockburn , P . M . ; C . H . Kohler , P . M . ; W . Cope , P . AL ; T . C . Walls , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros , the Hon . Jacob H . Webb , D . G . M . Bahamas ; J . A . McCarthy , 21 ; Harry N . Price , l . P . M . 177 ; H . W . Kedgley , P . M . 1614 ; VV . Williams , W . M .

2005 ; J . Sadler Wood , P . M . 2005 ; J . Hampton , J . W . 145 ; G . Horton , 72 ; R . Harvey , VV . M . 2012 ; J . H . Stunt , W . M . 1641 ; j . Morris , 100 ; W . Grummett , J . W . 15 ; J . Hattersley , J . D . 1607 ; and W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . Lodge having been opened in due form , the minutes were read and confirmed . Bro . G . Millson was raised to the Degree of M . M ., and ballot having been successfully taken for Messrs . A . C . Thorsley and W . W . Ellisdon , they were initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . The ceremonies in each Degree were rendered by the VV

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Master in an able and impressive manner , that was highly appreciated by the brethren . The Secretary was instructed to write a letter to Bro . Cruse accepting his resignation with regret , and expressing the hope that his health would at some future date enable him to rejoin . All business having been transacted , the lodge was closed in ancient form and the brethren adjourned to an excellent

banquet , admirably catered for by the worthy host , Bro . Buxton . The usual toasts were subsequently duly honoured and received with the customary heartiness . In giving "The Grand Oflicers , " the Worshipful Master observed that the lodge was fortunate on the present occasion in having a Grand Officer to respond to this

toast . 1 hey were pleased to welcome Bro . the Hon . Jacob H . Webb , the D . G . M . of Bahamas , and brother of one of their respected P . M . ' s . Bro . the Hon . Jacob H . Webb , District G . M . of Bahamas , in reply , said there was an old saying to thc effect that there was a time for talk and a time for silence , and he should be very glad when his time for silence had

arrived , for there were doubtless many round the table who could do more justice to the toast than he could . The brethren present kne . v the excellences of the Pro G . M ., the D . G . M ., and the others Grand Officers whose names he was unfamiliar with , and they knew those brethren better than he did , therefore he would not make any lengthy reference to them . Freemasonry was as old as Abraham ,

and H . R . H . the Prince of Wales could hold no higher or nobler office , than that which he holds as M . W . G . M . of the great Fraternity of Freemasons . He thought , therefore , that the other Grand Officers were in a similar position , for the brethren did honour to the offices held by the members of that body , quite as much as they did to the illustrious men who rill them . Theirs was an

universal Masonry , and like the seas that wash the shore , was the great ocean of Masonic Charity . He thanked them heartily for the cordiality ot his reception , and hoped that at some future time he should meet them again , tor he had bten in few English lodges , although he had been 40 years a Mason , and had officiated in the Bahamas for the last twelve years .

Bro . Plowman , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the VV . Master , " and said he was convinced it needed no words from him to induce thu brethren to drink the toast with heartiness and sincerity . Bro . La Feuillade had performed the work that night in a manner second to none of those who had passed the chair , and it not only reflected credit on their W . M ., but on their lodge in possessing such a

Master . Bro . La Feuillade , W . M ., in reply , thanked the l . P . M . and brethren very sincerely for the kind manner in which they had received the toast . He was gratified at seeing such a large assembly at the first meeting of their lodge on its return to their old quarters , or perhaps he should say its new quarters . There was no doubt that in time to come

that meeting would be an important historical fact in connection with the history of that lodge and the parish of Kennington . He was sure they should be comfortable in the new quarters which had been constructed by Bro . Buxton . The l . P . M . had been pleased to speak ol his ( the W . M . 's ) working , and althougn he did not quite come up to his own expectations , yet if they were satisfied he was

gratified . Since they had placed him in the important position of VV . M . it had always been his endeavour to keep up the prestige of their lodge , and to see that during his year it lost none of its lustre , and that it would be transmitted to his successor in as good position as he had received it . He would now proceed to the next toast , which was that of "The Initiates . " He had been very fortunate in

having a goodly number of initiates , and he had been so far successful as to have one at every meeting . On the present occasion they had two , and he had no doubt they would shine out some day as other initiates of the Kennington Lodge had done . He felt sure the initiates would teel highly gratified at having joined the Order , and he believed they would never live to regret it . They no doubt felt

strange at this , their first meeting , but they would feel quite " au fait" when they had been raised to the Third Degree . bro . Thornley having replied , The Worshipful Master proposed "The Visitors , " giving them a cordial and hearty welcome , and hoping they had been pleased with the working of the lodge and

the entertainment provided for them . Bros . W . Williams , VV . M . 2005 ; J . H . Stunt , W . M . 1641 ; R . Harvey , VV . M . 2012 ; and J . McCarthy , 21 , replied , thanking the members for the hospitality shown them , and congratulating the lodge on the excellence of the working . In giving "The Past Masters , " the Worshipful Master expressed his sincere regret—which was shared by the

brethren—that Bro . Everett , P . M ., was absent through illhealth , but trusted he would be with them again at their next meeting . Bro . Cope , P . M ., having replied on behalf of the P . M . ' s , " The Treasurer and Secretary " and " The Officers " were proposed by the Worshipful Master , who eulogised the valuable services of those brethren , and thanked chem tor

the cordial support they had extended to him since he had occupied the chair . Bros . Stuart , P . M ., Sec , and Lingley , S . W ., responded , after which the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . Some excellent music , given under the direction of Bro . Grover , Org ., considerably enhanced the enjoyment of the brethren .

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA . —Priory Lodge ( No . 1000 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 29 th ult ., at Middleton Hotel , when there present Bros . J . F . Harrington , P . M . 160 , P . P . G . P ., W . M . ; C . Floyd , P . M . 1817 , P . P . A . G . P ., S . W . ; Rev . H . J . Hatch , P . M . 160 , P . P . G . C , J . W . ; Rev . T . VV . Herbert , P . P . G . C , Chap . ; F . WoodP . M ., P . P . G . W . Treas . ; A . Lucking ,

, , P . M ., P . G . P ., Sec ; G . J . Glasscock , P . M . 1817 , ? ¦?•'" - S . B ., S . D . ; W . E . Bndgeland , P . M . 933 , J . D . ; T . f-Barrett , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., D . C . ; A . Vandeword , as I . G . J B . Thomas , Stwd . ; A . VV . Martin , Tyler ; G . «• Dawson , I . P . M ., Prov . S . G . D . ; Dr . E . E . Phillips , J- * P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; E . F . Wood , J . Heath , E . J . Bowmaker , C

H . Loghill , W . 1 ' rigg , C . W . Cooke , L . Warren , jun ., . W . Barnard , and J . Pritchard . Visitors : Bros . F . binckes , P . G . Swd . Br ., bee . R . M . l . tf . ; H . Harper , P . M . and bee . 160 , P . P . G . Swd . Br . ; and W . J . Bowles , S 34 . The minutes ot last lodge were read and confirmed , and Bro . JPritchard passed to the Second Degree . Ten guineas