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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
a great honour . He should not thank them at any length , because hc knew , though he coultl not find words to express his feelings , that every brother of the Carvarvon Lodge was aware he hatl done and woultl tlo all hc could to further its interests and promote its ttrkiency . The VV . M ., in proposing the teiast of " The P . M ' s ., " said that without the toast "Thc P . M's . " the lodge would have no
history , and as the history of the Carnarvon Lotlge , althoug h a short one , was certainly a vcry creditable one . It would necessarily occur to thc brethren that the P . M ' s . were few , numbering only two . Bro . Whitaker had qualified himself to rank among P . M ' s ., and thc style of his performance of the duties of his office was fresh in the minds of the brethren . Bro . Hooton ' s career in Masonry
had been a long and also a creditable one . He had just informed him ( the W . M . ) that twelve years ago that night lie was received into Freemasonry , and shortly after that he was put into office . From that day up till now he had not been a single year out of office . In his mother lotlge he had served all the offices up to that of Master , anil during his year in that capacity he had raised his
lodge to a position it hael ever occupied since . His energy and ability in the Carnarvon Lodge were also fresh in the minds of the brethren . At the consecration of the lodge there was a distinguished body of visitors , and they all agreetl that he performed his eluties most ably . Each of the P . M ' s . could always be approached for advice , anil could always be relied upon for giving the best advice ;
and the best instruction could also be obtained from them . Bro . Hooton had undertaken the tluties of I . P . M ., because Bro . Whitaker had been appointed Secretary , antl it had been thought better that Bro . Whitaker should not have to discharge double duties . Bro . Hooton responded . It was true he had been a Mason twelve years , and it was equally true that he had endeavoured to discharge his
Masonic tluties to the best of his ability , and to carry out the principles instilled into his mind on the particular occasion of his initiation . It was a vcry eventful moment for him . Hc then matle up his mind that , subject to thc approval of the brethren he would obtain thc greatest amount of reward thc brethren of his lodge coultl give him , viz ., placing him in the W . M . Chair . He at last
obtained that position , antl having been in office for many years hc began to be tiretl of office . When the present lodge came into existence thc first twenty members of it were members of his mother lodge , and four-fifths of these hc had been instrumental in introducing into his mother lotlge . Hc looked upon their selecting him as the first W . M . as a great honour . It was a
extinguished privilege to belong to such a lodge as the Carnarvon Lodge ; much more was it nn honour to be its first W . M ., and to have received it at the hands of the Grand Secretary e > f England . When he accepted the office he did so with the determination to perform the duties of that high office to the satisfaction of every member of the lodge , and he trusted now that he had succeeded .
Twelve months ago the brethren were pleased to present him with a P . M . jewel , anil lo place him among the P . M . ' s . Hc was glad to find that now he was not alone , anil hc hoped that before long there woultl be a good string of P . M . ' s . Although this was not the occasion for a long speech , he might say that the great principle the Carnarvon Lodge hail always laid down was punctuality ;
it hatl carried out lhat priucip ' e , anil woultl endeavour to th so , together with the principles of cordiality and Masonic goodwill towards each other . They hail only one view—to rentier the Masonic woik as complete as possible , aud from the vcry eminent opinions they had had from lime to time , they flittered themselves that they succeeded . It was these principles which hatl obtained for thc
Carnarvon Lodge an illustrious name in the long roll of Masonic Lodges ; and he was sure that the Carnarvon members would be found to produce other W . M . ' s who woultl endeavour lo do as their predecessors hail done , and if they did , the Carnarvon Loelge would in years to come , when the present P . M . ' s were gathered to their fathers , maintain the same unsullied lustre as the W . M . ' s of the two last
years . The VV . M . next proposetl " The Visitors , " amongst whom he particularly mentioned P . M . Stacey , No . 1 S 0 , who amongst his other duties yet found time to be the Instructor of the Metropolitan Lotlge of Instruction . In that capacity he ( the VV . M . ) did not believe Bro . Stacey had his eejual . There were many W . M . s who owetl their position entirely to the knowledge they had been enabled
to obtain from Bro . Stacey ' s teaching ; and he ( the W . M . ) himself was not ashamed to own that his position was owing to the care and attention bestowed on him by that brother . He was not the only one who could say that , for he could point to Bro . Whitaker to illustrate the manner in which Bro . Stacey performed his duties as Preceptor to the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction . 'There were
many brethren present who had benefitted by his instruction . Bro . Stacey in reply , said he was not going to shower honours upon thc W . M ., but lo tell thc brethren a few truths about him . Four or five years ago , a raw Scotch lad presented himself to a lodge of instruction in Fleetstreet , over which hc ( Bro . Stacey ) , had the honour of Presiding . That raw Scotch lad was the present W . M . of
the Carnarvon Lodge . How much Masonry had done for 'hat W . M . he would not stop to enquire ; but he thought the brethren would furnish an answer better than he ( Bro . Stacey ) could . Bro . Cowan was one of the most intelligent scholars he ever knew , one of the most persevering , and one of thc most gentlemanly , shewing that gentlemanl y bearing that evening , by what hc had saitl of thc
visitors . 'This was not thc first time he ( Bro . Stacey ) had h ad the pleasure of attending the Carnarvon Lodge , and he sincerely hoped it would not be the last . Bro . Hooton had spoken of one or two things as the attributes of this lo ( ige , but he certainly forgot one—the very great kindless with which it received the visitors , and the attention winch it paid to them . En passant , he was not going to make a long speech , but he might say he looked round the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
leidge with very much pleasure indeed ; for not only had the W . M . been under his ( 8 ro . Stacey ' s ) unfortunate ministrations , but thc brother who hatl so ably and well workctl the ceremony of installation had also been one of his unfortunate pupils . ( A voice : " Fortunate . " ) He sincerely hoped that these brethren and the other brethren of the lodge woultl long be an honour to Freemasonry ,
work shoulder to shoulder , and assist in carrying on the Lodge of Instruction , and that they would excel in what they had done already . Thc S . W ., Bro . Hellitr ; theJ . W ., Bro . Recti ; Bro . Brock , and several other officers of the lodge , the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction had also had under its care , anil th c Carnarvon Lodge vvas happy indeed in thc vcry large amount of talent , thc great
application and the ready intimation with which its members gained the knowledge which was so essential to progress in Masonry . He knew of no better example than the W . M . that evening , who from the crude hatl become thc polishetl Master . Bro . Terry , whose knowledge of everything in Masonry was very great , agreed with him in saying that he hatl never seen a Master who had come on
in Masonry as Bro . Cowan hatl . Hc would be happy indeed to find the Carnarvon Lodge , with the unanimity amongst its members , its progressiveness , and its hospitality , certainly second to no other lodge . Bro . W . H . Lee saitl he had been associated with Bro . Cowan ever since he first entered among English Freemasons , and hc agreed with Bro . Stacey that a more intelligent , active , or diligent
Mason it would be difficult to find . Hc congratulated the lodga-on the success it had achieved , antl he hoped the success that had attended it in the past would attend it in the future . Dr . Bedolfe antl Bro . Goffin also replied for the visitors . 'The W . M . in proposing "The Charities " sail wc wcic taught in Masonry that charity was the brightest ornament that coultl adorn the Masonic
profession , and the surest proof and best test of our religion . Bro . Goffin in his reply for the visitors hail alluded to some among thc outside world having charged Masonry with being nothing more than a gourmandising society . He repudiated the idea , and in answer to the charge , he had often saitl that £ 40 , 000 being subscribed by Freemasons last year to the charities , was a proof that they
were not a gourmandising body . He was not going to say much about thc charities , further than that they were an honour to the Order . The three noble institutions which Freemasons supported were an honour to the body . The Carnarvon was a . young lotlge , and could not take upon themselves to say they had done much for thc charities ; but in the two years of their
existence thc balance of the Benevolent Funtl was £ 8 ** . In addition to that they had made a handsome donation to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , of which Bro . Terry was thc Secretary . As a leidge it was their ambition to qualify themselves as Life Governors of all thc charities , antl in tlue time he had no eloubt Ihcy would in that respect attain to the summit of their ambition . He would say nothing further about thc charities , but leave to Bro
lorry whose eloquence was well-known , to work upon the hearts and purses of the brethren . Bro . Terry , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , responded , but owing to pressure in our columns is deferred till next week . The toast of " 'The Officers " was then given and responded to , and the brethren separated . Some excellent music was given during the evening by the brethren . Bro . Bergmann , J . D ., 167 , presided atthe
piano . BEDFORD . —Stuart Lodge ( No . 540 ) . —ANNUM . BANyUKT AND INSTALLATION Ol- BllO . RllYS Wlt . I . IAMS , M . D ., P . A . G . D . C . — Wednesday , November 28 th , thc thirtieth anniversary of this lotlge , as well known for thc excellency of its working as the boundless hospitality at refreshment , witnessed a larger and more brilliant gathering
than any similar occasion in thc memory of even the oldest member of the lodge . Punctually at 4 o ' clock p . m . the lodge began working , when there were present Bros . Col , Stuart , P . G . S . W .. & c , W . M . ; Capt . Green , J . P ., I . P . M . ; Wilkinson Finlinson , P . M ., ' , S . W . ; Capt . Colburn J . W . ; Rev . C . Brereton , B . C . L . and Rural Dean , Chap . ; Coombs , M . R . C . S ., & c , S . D . ; Allan , J . D . ; Thody , I . G . ;
Prior , M . D ., P . M ., Sec ; Alderman Sergeant , P . M ., Treas . ; Alderman Bull , J . P ., P . M ., Steward ; and Reynolds , Tyler ; Past Masters J . Trapp , Capt . F . C . Polhill-Turner , M . P . for Bedford , Deputy Lieutenant for Beds ., & c . ; Cuthbert , Fisher , Cookson , Nash , Billson ; anil Bros . Warren , Whiltakcr , Stafford , Young , Jarvis , Pick , Thompson , Roberts , Kilpin , Lund , Wicks , Carter , antl visiting
Bros . Rev . and W . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap . ; W . Henry Dumas , P . G . D . ; W . Dyer , P . G . — ; W . Haydon , P . G . Steward ; Rev . and W . W . Tebbs P . P . G . Chap . Somerset ; J . Cumberland , 475 ( Mayor of Luton ) ; Burnett , W . M . ; Wade-Gery , S . W . ; Dr . Swan , J . D . ; Hooper , P . M . ; antl Reynolds , P . M . 803 , St . Andrew's , Biggleswade ; Wilmcr , Taylor , and Cooper , 1 4 , St . Peter and St . Paul ,
Newport Pagnell ; F . D . Bull , Watling Street , Stoney Stratford ; Dunkely antl Reed , 874 , Holmesdale , Tunbritlge Wells , Great regret was expressed at thc unavoidable absence of Bro . Sir A . Woods , Garter King at Arms , G . D . C , antl Bro . Bent , P . G . C , who were expected to be present . After the minutes had been read and confirmed and the report of thc Audit Committee received and passed ,
a vote of £ 10 was unanimously carried to the mother of a brother who was suffering from mental affliction . The W . M . elect was presented by Bro . Dr . Prior , anil duly installed in the chair of K . S . The W . M ., Bro . Rhys Williams , M . D ., P . A . D . C , then invested his officers Bros . Colonel Stuart , I . P . M . ; Rev . C . Brereton , Chap . ;
Capt . Colburn , S . W . ; Coombs , J . W . ; Alderman Bull , Steward ; Allen , S . D . ; Thody , J . D . ; Carter , I . G . ; Dr . Prior , Sec ; Alderman Sergeant , Treas . ; and Reynolds , Tyler . The brethren then adjourned to a capital banquet , after which the usual loyal and other toasts were happily put by Bro . Rhys Williams and well
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
received , being responded to as follows : "Pro and Deputy Grand Masters , antl Granel Officers , Past ; and Present , " by Bros . Colonel Stuart and Dumas ; " Thc Visitors , " by Bros , Haydon , Hooper , and Tebbs ; "P . M's . of the Lodge" by Bro . Trapp . After the 'Tyler ' s toast a truly enjoyable evening was spent , enlivened with songs by many brethren , amongst whom it
would be mviduous to mention Bros . Sergeant , Prior , Wilmer , Stafford , Jarvis , Tebbs , Roberts , and' Cookson . Amongst the overwhelming praises of the guests wc must repeat one brother ' s vcry true observation on the efforts of the Stewartl , Bro . Bull , that "his self-denying efforts were most indefatigable—intleed , the vcry life antl soul of the party ' s enjoyment . " Thus pleasantly passetl another
anniversary of this favourite lodge , antl thus "happily parted " the hospitable brethren and their favoured guests ; " and happily may they meet again . " MANCHESTER . —Strangeways Lodge ( No . 1219 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 28 th ult ., at the Empire Hotel , Strangeways , Manchester , when a large number of thc
brethren assembled at five o ' clock . The lodge being opened in due form and passetl to thc Second Degree , Bro . Damberghi was advanced to the degree of Fellow Craft , the W . M ., Bro . S . H . Needham , performing the ceremony in a masterly manner . The brethren then adjourned to tea , and after full justice had been done to the excellent spread provided by Bro . Banks , returned to their labour ,
when Bros . Evans and Southworth were also passed to thc degree of Fellow Craft , P . M . Rogers rendering the W . M . valuable assistance in his duties . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree , when Bro . Moore was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , Bra . W . T . Schofield giving the charge in a most important manner . After sundry matters cf business had been disposed of the
brethren adjourned to the social board , the W . M . occupying the chair , supported by Bros . Schofield , I . P . M . ; Rogers P . M . ; J . Andrews , P . M . ; Bros . Leech , S . W ., and Dawson , J . W ., occupying their usual places . A large number of visiting brethren were present , amongst whom were Bros . Dunks , Wrigley , and Marsh , of the Duke of Athol Lotlge , 210 ; and Bros . Bostock , W . M . ; Brown , Secretary ; Green ,
and Byway , of Avon Lotlge , 1623 . Thc usual toasts incidental to the occasion were proposetl and responded to , Bro . Sykes most efficiently carrying out his duties as D . C . The proceedings were much enlivened by the excellent singing of Bros . Ruddock and Smith , and Brown , who recited " Little Jim , the collier ' s son , " in true pathos . The brethren separated at an early hour , after having spent a
most enjoyable evening . UPTON . —Upton Lodge ( No . 1226 ) . —This popular lodge held an emergency meeting at the " Spotted Dog , " Upton , the usual place of meeting . Bro . George Brown , the W . M . tresided , and there was a good attendance of the members , and also visitors , amongst
whom were Bros . Larkin , Quincey , Giles . Messrs . William Mason Paxton , John Stroud , and Otto Julius Silver were respectively initiated , a ballot having been previously taken for each , and found to be unanimous . The biethren adjourned for refreshment and had a sumptuous tea , dispersing at about nine o'clock .
EXETER . —Semper Fidelis Lodge ( No . 1254 ) . —The brethren of thc above lotlge assembled on Tuesday the 3 rd inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Gaudy-street , Exeter , for their ninth yearly festival , and to instal their Worshipful Master for the ensuing year . Thc choice hatl fallen on Bro . W . Brodie ( proprietor of the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette ) , who , at the previous regular lodge
hatl been unanimously elected for thc honourable position of Master of this flourishing lodge . An unusually largenumber of the Cralt attended the interesting ceremony , in testimony of their esteem and respect for their worthy brother . the W . M . elect of lodge 1254 , amongst lliem being the following ., viz . ; The Right Worshipful thc Provincial Granel Master of Devon , Bro . the Rev . John Huyshe , Past
Grand Chaplain England , & c , etc . ; VV . Elphinstonc Stone , P . P . G .. | . G . W . ; S . Jones , P . P . S . G . D ., P . M . 112 , 1133 , Easton , P . P . G . J . W ., P . M . 39 ; Isaac Latimer , P . P . G . J . W ., P . M . 189 * , ; W . F . Guercke , P . P . G . O . ; P . M . 39 ; W . T . Maynard , P . P . G . T . ; H . B . Stark , P . P . G . O . j Henry Strawsou , P . P . G . J . W . Somerset , P . M . 814 ; H . W . Hooper , P . P . G . R ., P . M .
1254 ; J . H . Warren , P . M . 1254 ; f . Horspool , P . M . 1254 ; W . B . Shears , P . M . -572 ; T . Dunsf ord , W . M . 372 ; J . W . Boon , W . M . 189 ; T . Willing , W . M . 1284 ; J . Woodman , W . M . 444 ; C . R . Collins , W . M . 15 ; J . Stocker . S . W . and W . M .-ekct 39 ; B . Barber , I . P . M . IJ S 4 ' i G - Huxham , W . M . 1254-, and many others . The lodge having been duly opened , and the minutes of
the former lodge having been read and confirmed , Bro . B . Barber , I . P . M ., presented Bro . Brodie , as the W . M . Elect , to the Installing Master , Bro . Geo . Huxham , for Installation in due and ancient form ; and hc having , in the presence of the assembled biethren , answered the usual questions , and signified his assent to the laws and regulations for the government of the Craft , a Board of Past
Masters was formed , and the ceremony of installation was effectively and impressively gone through . Thc newly-installed brother , after having been saluted by the brethren , and duly proclaimed as Worshipful Master of Semper Fidelis Lotlge for the year 1878 , feelingly expressed his appreciation of the high honour conferred upon him by the members of his lodge , and the great compliment paitl to him by the presence of the Provincial Giand
Master , antl the numerous gathering of other Provincial Officers and brethren from the various lodges in and around Exeter , many of whom hc knew had attended at considerable inconvenience and expense . He could only thank them most heartily , and hoped that their kindness ; would induce him to still further increase his zeal in Freemasonry , to the benefit of thc Craft , and the satisfaction of himself . The following brethren were then appointed officers of the lodge , and duly invested by the Master wilh tilt-
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
a great honour . He should not thank them at any length , because hc knew , though he coultl not find words to express his feelings , that every brother of the Carvarvon Lodge was aware he hatl done and woultl tlo all hc could to further its interests and promote its ttrkiency . The VV . M ., in proposing the teiast of " The P . M ' s ., " said that without the toast "Thc P . M's . " the lodge would have no
history , and as the history of the Carnarvon Lotlge , althoug h a short one , was certainly a vcry creditable one . It would necessarily occur to thc brethren that the P . M ' s . were few , numbering only two . Bro . Whitaker had qualified himself to rank among P . M ' s ., and thc style of his performance of the duties of his office was fresh in the minds of the brethren . Bro . Hooton ' s career in Masonry
had been a long and also a creditable one . He had just informed him ( the W . M . ) that twelve years ago that night lie was received into Freemasonry , and shortly after that he was put into office . From that day up till now he had not been a single year out of office . In his mother lotlge he had served all the offices up to that of Master , anil during his year in that capacity he had raised his
lodge to a position it hael ever occupied since . His energy and ability in the Carnarvon Lodge were also fresh in the minds of the brethren . At the consecration of the lodge there was a distinguished body of visitors , and they all agreetl that he performed his eluties most ably . Each of the P . M ' s . could always be approached for advice , anil could always be relied upon for giving the best advice ;
and the best instruction could also be obtained from them . Bro . Hooton had undertaken the tluties of I . P . M ., because Bro . Whitaker had been appointed Secretary , antl it had been thought better that Bro . Whitaker should not have to discharge double duties . Bro . Hooton responded . It was true he had been a Mason twelve years , and it was equally true that he had endeavoured to discharge his
Masonic tluties to the best of his ability , and to carry out the principles instilled into his mind on the particular occasion of his initiation . It was a vcry eventful moment for him . Hc then matle up his mind that , subject to thc approval of the brethren he would obtain thc greatest amount of reward thc brethren of his lodge coultl give him , viz ., placing him in the W . M . Chair . He at last
obtained that position , antl having been in office for many years hc began to be tiretl of office . When the present lodge came into existence thc first twenty members of it were members of his mother lodge , and four-fifths of these hc had been instrumental in introducing into his mother lotlge . Hc looked upon their selecting him as the first W . M . as a great honour . It was a
extinguished privilege to belong to such a lodge as the Carnarvon Lodge ; much more was it nn honour to be its first W . M ., and to have received it at the hands of the Grand Secretary e > f England . When he accepted the office he did so with the determination to perform the duties of that high office to the satisfaction of every member of the lodge , and he trusted now that he had succeeded .
Twelve months ago the brethren were pleased to present him with a P . M . jewel , anil lo place him among the P . M . ' s . Hc was glad to find that now he was not alone , anil hc hoped that before long there woultl be a good string of P . M . ' s . Although this was not the occasion for a long speech , he might say that the great principle the Carnarvon Lodge hail always laid down was punctuality ;
it hatl carried out lhat priucip ' e , anil woultl endeavour to th so , together with the principles of cordiality and Masonic goodwill towards each other . They hail only one view—to rentier the Masonic woik as complete as possible , aud from the vcry eminent opinions they had had from lime to time , they flittered themselves that they succeeded . It was these principles which hatl obtained for thc
Carnarvon Lodge an illustrious name in the long roll of Masonic Lodges ; and he was sure that the Carnarvon members would be found to produce other W . M . ' s who woultl endeavour lo do as their predecessors hail done , and if they did , the Carnarvon Loelge would in years to come , when the present P . M . ' s were gathered to their fathers , maintain the same unsullied lustre as the W . M . ' s of the two last
years . The VV . M . next proposetl " The Visitors , " amongst whom he particularly mentioned P . M . Stacey , No . 1 S 0 , who amongst his other duties yet found time to be the Instructor of the Metropolitan Lotlge of Instruction . In that capacity he ( the VV . M . ) did not believe Bro . Stacey had his eejual . There were many W . M . s who owetl their position entirely to the knowledge they had been enabled
to obtain from Bro . Stacey ' s teaching ; and he ( the W . M . ) himself was not ashamed to own that his position was owing to the care and attention bestowed on him by that brother . He was not the only one who could say that , for he could point to Bro . Whitaker to illustrate the manner in which Bro . Stacey performed his duties as Preceptor to the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction . 'There were
many brethren present who had benefitted by his instruction . Bro . Stacey in reply , said he was not going to shower honours upon thc W . M ., but lo tell thc brethren a few truths about him . Four or five years ago , a raw Scotch lad presented himself to a lodge of instruction in Fleetstreet , over which hc ( Bro . Stacey ) , had the honour of Presiding . That raw Scotch lad was the present W . M . of
the Carnarvon Lodge . How much Masonry had done for 'hat W . M . he would not stop to enquire ; but he thought the brethren would furnish an answer better than he ( Bro . Stacey ) could . Bro . Cowan was one of the most intelligent scholars he ever knew , one of the most persevering , and one of thc most gentlemanly , shewing that gentlemanl y bearing that evening , by what hc had saitl of thc
visitors . 'This was not thc first time he ( Bro . Stacey ) had h ad the pleasure of attending the Carnarvon Lodge , and he sincerely hoped it would not be the last . Bro . Hooton had spoken of one or two things as the attributes of this lo ( ige , but he certainly forgot one—the very great kindless with which it received the visitors , and the attention winch it paid to them . En passant , he was not going to make a long speech , but he might say he looked round the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
leidge with very much pleasure indeed ; for not only had the W . M . been under his ( 8 ro . Stacey ' s ) unfortunate ministrations , but thc brother who hatl so ably and well workctl the ceremony of installation had also been one of his unfortunate pupils . ( A voice : " Fortunate . " ) He sincerely hoped that these brethren and the other brethren of the lodge woultl long be an honour to Freemasonry ,
work shoulder to shoulder , and assist in carrying on the Lodge of Instruction , and that they would excel in what they had done already . Thc S . W ., Bro . Hellitr ; theJ . W ., Bro . Recti ; Bro . Brock , and several other officers of the lodge , the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction had also had under its care , anil th c Carnarvon Lodge vvas happy indeed in thc vcry large amount of talent , thc great
application and the ready intimation with which its members gained the knowledge which was so essential to progress in Masonry . He knew of no better example than the W . M . that evening , who from the crude hatl become thc polishetl Master . Bro . Terry , whose knowledge of everything in Masonry was very great , agreed with him in saying that he hatl never seen a Master who had come on
in Masonry as Bro . Cowan hatl . Hc would be happy indeed to find the Carnarvon Lodge , with the unanimity amongst its members , its progressiveness , and its hospitality , certainly second to no other lodge . Bro . W . H . Lee saitl he had been associated with Bro . Cowan ever since he first entered among English Freemasons , and hc agreed with Bro . Stacey that a more intelligent , active , or diligent
Mason it would be difficult to find . Hc congratulated the lodga-on the success it had achieved , antl he hoped the success that had attended it in the past would attend it in the future . Dr . Bedolfe antl Bro . Goffin also replied for the visitors . 'The W . M . in proposing "The Charities " sail wc wcic taught in Masonry that charity was the brightest ornament that coultl adorn the Masonic
profession , and the surest proof and best test of our religion . Bro . Goffin in his reply for the visitors hail alluded to some among thc outside world having charged Masonry with being nothing more than a gourmandising society . He repudiated the idea , and in answer to the charge , he had often saitl that £ 40 , 000 being subscribed by Freemasons last year to the charities , was a proof that they
were not a gourmandising body . He was not going to say much about thc charities , further than that they were an honour to the Order . The three noble institutions which Freemasons supported were an honour to the body . The Carnarvon was a . young lotlge , and could not take upon themselves to say they had done much for thc charities ; but in the two years of their
existence thc balance of the Benevolent Funtl was £ 8 ** . In addition to that they had made a handsome donation to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , of which Bro . Terry was thc Secretary . As a leidge it was their ambition to qualify themselves as Life Governors of all thc charities , antl in tlue time he had no eloubt Ihcy would in that respect attain to the summit of their ambition . He would say nothing further about thc charities , but leave to Bro
lorry whose eloquence was well-known , to work upon the hearts and purses of the brethren . Bro . Terry , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , responded , but owing to pressure in our columns is deferred till next week . The toast of " 'The Officers " was then given and responded to , and the brethren separated . Some excellent music was given during the evening by the brethren . Bro . Bergmann , J . D ., 167 , presided atthe
piano . BEDFORD . —Stuart Lodge ( No . 540 ) . —ANNUM . BANyUKT AND INSTALLATION Ol- BllO . RllYS Wlt . I . IAMS , M . D ., P . A . G . D . C . — Wednesday , November 28 th , thc thirtieth anniversary of this lotlge , as well known for thc excellency of its working as the boundless hospitality at refreshment , witnessed a larger and more brilliant gathering
than any similar occasion in thc memory of even the oldest member of the lodge . Punctually at 4 o ' clock p . m . the lodge began working , when there were present Bros . Col , Stuart , P . G . S . W .. & c , W . M . ; Capt . Green , J . P ., I . P . M . ; Wilkinson Finlinson , P . M ., ' , S . W . ; Capt . Colburn J . W . ; Rev . C . Brereton , B . C . L . and Rural Dean , Chap . ; Coombs , M . R . C . S ., & c , S . D . ; Allan , J . D . ; Thody , I . G . ;
Prior , M . D ., P . M ., Sec ; Alderman Sergeant , P . M ., Treas . ; Alderman Bull , J . P ., P . M ., Steward ; and Reynolds , Tyler ; Past Masters J . Trapp , Capt . F . C . Polhill-Turner , M . P . for Bedford , Deputy Lieutenant for Beds ., & c . ; Cuthbert , Fisher , Cookson , Nash , Billson ; anil Bros . Warren , Whiltakcr , Stafford , Young , Jarvis , Pick , Thompson , Roberts , Kilpin , Lund , Wicks , Carter , antl visiting
Bros . Rev . and W . Studholme Brownrigg , P . G . Chap . ; W . Henry Dumas , P . G . D . ; W . Dyer , P . G . — ; W . Haydon , P . G . Steward ; Rev . and W . W . Tebbs P . P . G . Chap . Somerset ; J . Cumberland , 475 ( Mayor of Luton ) ; Burnett , W . M . ; Wade-Gery , S . W . ; Dr . Swan , J . D . ; Hooper , P . M . ; antl Reynolds , P . M . 803 , St . Andrew's , Biggleswade ; Wilmcr , Taylor , and Cooper , 1 4 , St . Peter and St . Paul ,
Newport Pagnell ; F . D . Bull , Watling Street , Stoney Stratford ; Dunkely antl Reed , 874 , Holmesdale , Tunbritlge Wells , Great regret was expressed at thc unavoidable absence of Bro . Sir A . Woods , Garter King at Arms , G . D . C , antl Bro . Bent , P . G . C , who were expected to be present . After the minutes had been read and confirmed and the report of thc Audit Committee received and passed ,
a vote of £ 10 was unanimously carried to the mother of a brother who was suffering from mental affliction . The W . M . elect was presented by Bro . Dr . Prior , anil duly installed in the chair of K . S . The W . M ., Bro . Rhys Williams , M . D ., P . A . D . C , then invested his officers Bros . Colonel Stuart , I . P . M . ; Rev . C . Brereton , Chap . ;
Capt . Colburn , S . W . ; Coombs , J . W . ; Alderman Bull , Steward ; Allen , S . D . ; Thody , J . D . ; Carter , I . G . ; Dr . Prior , Sec ; Alderman Sergeant , Treas . ; and Reynolds , Tyler . The brethren then adjourned to a capital banquet , after which the usual loyal and other toasts were happily put by Bro . Rhys Williams and well
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
received , being responded to as follows : "Pro and Deputy Grand Masters , antl Granel Officers , Past ; and Present , " by Bros . Colonel Stuart and Dumas ; " Thc Visitors , " by Bros , Haydon , Hooper , and Tebbs ; "P . M's . of the Lodge" by Bro . Trapp . After the 'Tyler ' s toast a truly enjoyable evening was spent , enlivened with songs by many brethren , amongst whom it
would be mviduous to mention Bros . Sergeant , Prior , Wilmer , Stafford , Jarvis , Tebbs , Roberts , and' Cookson . Amongst the overwhelming praises of the guests wc must repeat one brother ' s vcry true observation on the efforts of the Stewartl , Bro . Bull , that "his self-denying efforts were most indefatigable—intleed , the vcry life antl soul of the party ' s enjoyment . " Thus pleasantly passetl another
anniversary of this favourite lodge , antl thus "happily parted " the hospitable brethren and their favoured guests ; " and happily may they meet again . " MANCHESTER . —Strangeways Lodge ( No . 1219 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 28 th ult ., at the Empire Hotel , Strangeways , Manchester , when a large number of thc
brethren assembled at five o ' clock . The lodge being opened in due form and passetl to thc Second Degree , Bro . Damberghi was advanced to the degree of Fellow Craft , the W . M ., Bro . S . H . Needham , performing the ceremony in a masterly manner . The brethren then adjourned to tea , and after full justice had been done to the excellent spread provided by Bro . Banks , returned to their labour ,
when Bros . Evans and Southworth were also passed to thc degree of Fellow Craft , P . M . Rogers rendering the W . M . valuable assistance in his duties . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree , when Bro . Moore was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , Bra . W . T . Schofield giving the charge in a most important manner . After sundry matters cf business had been disposed of the
brethren adjourned to the social board , the W . M . occupying the chair , supported by Bros . Schofield , I . P . M . ; Rogers P . M . ; J . Andrews , P . M . ; Bros . Leech , S . W ., and Dawson , J . W ., occupying their usual places . A large number of visiting brethren were present , amongst whom were Bros . Dunks , Wrigley , and Marsh , of the Duke of Athol Lotlge , 210 ; and Bros . Bostock , W . M . ; Brown , Secretary ; Green ,
and Byway , of Avon Lotlge , 1623 . Thc usual toasts incidental to the occasion were proposetl and responded to , Bro . Sykes most efficiently carrying out his duties as D . C . The proceedings were much enlivened by the excellent singing of Bros . Ruddock and Smith , and Brown , who recited " Little Jim , the collier ' s son , " in true pathos . The brethren separated at an early hour , after having spent a
most enjoyable evening . UPTON . —Upton Lodge ( No . 1226 ) . —This popular lodge held an emergency meeting at the " Spotted Dog , " Upton , the usual place of meeting . Bro . George Brown , the W . M . tresided , and there was a good attendance of the members , and also visitors , amongst
whom were Bros . Larkin , Quincey , Giles . Messrs . William Mason Paxton , John Stroud , and Otto Julius Silver were respectively initiated , a ballot having been previously taken for each , and found to be unanimous . The biethren adjourned for refreshment and had a sumptuous tea , dispersing at about nine o'clock .
EXETER . —Semper Fidelis Lodge ( No . 1254 ) . —The brethren of thc above lotlge assembled on Tuesday the 3 rd inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Gaudy-street , Exeter , for their ninth yearly festival , and to instal their Worshipful Master for the ensuing year . Thc choice hatl fallen on Bro . W . Brodie ( proprietor of the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette ) , who , at the previous regular lodge
hatl been unanimously elected for thc honourable position of Master of this flourishing lodge . An unusually largenumber of the Cralt attended the interesting ceremony , in testimony of their esteem and respect for their worthy brother . the W . M . elect of lodge 1254 , amongst lliem being the following ., viz . ; The Right Worshipful thc Provincial Granel Master of Devon , Bro . the Rev . John Huyshe , Past
Grand Chaplain England , & c , etc . ; VV . Elphinstonc Stone , P . P . G .. | . G . W . ; S . Jones , P . P . S . G . D ., P . M . 112 , 1133 , Easton , P . P . G . J . W ., P . M . 39 ; Isaac Latimer , P . P . G . J . W ., P . M . 189 * , ; W . F . Guercke , P . P . G . O . ; P . M . 39 ; W . T . Maynard , P . P . G . T . ; H . B . Stark , P . P . G . O . j Henry Strawsou , P . P . G . J . W . Somerset , P . M . 814 ; H . W . Hooper , P . P . G . R ., P . M .
1254 ; J . H . Warren , P . M . 1254 ; f . Horspool , P . M . 1254 ; W . B . Shears , P . M . -572 ; T . Dunsf ord , W . M . 372 ; J . W . Boon , W . M . 189 ; T . Willing , W . M . 1284 ; J . Woodman , W . M . 444 ; C . R . Collins , W . M . 15 ; J . Stocker . S . W . and W . M .-ekct 39 ; B . Barber , I . P . M . IJ S 4 ' i G - Huxham , W . M . 1254-, and many others . The lodge having been duly opened , and the minutes of
the former lodge having been read and confirmed , Bro . B . Barber , I . P . M ., presented Bro . Brodie , as the W . M . Elect , to the Installing Master , Bro . Geo . Huxham , for Installation in due and ancient form ; and hc having , in the presence of the assembled biethren , answered the usual questions , and signified his assent to the laws and regulations for the government of the Craft , a Board of Past
Masters was formed , and the ceremony of installation was effectively and impressively gone through . Thc newly-installed brother , after having been saluted by the brethren , and duly proclaimed as Worshipful Master of Semper Fidelis Lotlge for the year 1878 , feelingly expressed his appreciation of the high honour conferred upon him by the members of his lodge , and the great compliment paitl to him by the presence of the Provincial Giand
Master , antl the numerous gathering of other Provincial Officers and brethren from the various lodges in and around Exeter , many of whom hc knew had attended at considerable inconvenience and expense . He could only thank them most heartily , and hoped that their kindness ; would induce him to still further increase his zeal in Freemasonry , to the benefit of thc Craft , and the satisfaction of himself . The following brethren were then appointed officers of the lodge , and duly invested by the Master wilh tilt-