Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

P . M . 1563 ; J . Liscombe , 1426 ; J . Lowther-Kemp , S . W . 63 , 1924 ; John Ditch , 1619 ; Gerald Sharpe , 162 ; Harry Roberts , 162 ; Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . Sec ; VV . Herbage , W . M . 177 ; E . Miroy , P . M . 1599 , S . W . 1996 ; Chas . E . Botley , S . D . 7 S 0 ; Matthew Jarvis , W . M . elect 14 ; Frederick Botley , S . D . 1996 ; J . B . Campbell , 1 So S . C .: Dr . Dixon , P . M . 73 ; F . C . Manchester , 5 C 9 ; and H . Massey , P . M . 619 , 192 S ( Freemason ) .

After the opening ceremonies , and the reading and confirmation of the minutes , Bro . Louis Hirsch , P . M ., at the request of the W . M . assumed the chair , and on presentation duly made by Bro . Joseph Cleaver , P . M . 171 , formally installed Bro . George Thorp Goodinge , P . M ., S . W ., and W . M . elect , as W . M . of the lodge for the year ensuing , and after usual greetings the following brethren were appointed to office : Bros . Howard SmithS . W . ;

, Thome , J . W . ; Louis Hirsch , P . M ., Treas . ; Turner . Sec ; Edmeston , S . D . ; Sperring , J . D . ; J . Clever , D . C ; Dart , W . Stwd . ; Jackson , Asst . W . Stwd . ; Gillett , Org . ; Harris , I . G . ; and Thomas Bowler , Tyler . Bro . Louis Hirsch then delivered the addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren . Afterwards a Past Master ' s jewel was presented by the W . M . to Bro . Louis Hirsch , for two years the Master of

this lodge , and since the Treasurer . Bro . J . E . Shand , P . M . 1563 , was introduced by Bro . Hirsch to the W . M . as desiring to present a petition / or a warrant for a new lodge to be called the Abbey Lodge , to meet at the 'Town Hall , Westminster . The lodge is to be composed of parochial bodies meeting at the Westminster Town Hall , and Bro . VV . Bartlett Burdett-Coutts is proposed as the first Master , Bro . W . H . Baker as the first S . W ., and Bro .

Seager Hunt , as the first J . W . Bro . J . E . Shand , P . M . 1562 , is proposed as Secretary . The vote of the brethren having been taken , the Master , Wardens , and brethren signed the petition as recommending the new lodge . The lodge was thereafter closed and the brethren adjourned to banquet which was served in splendid style . The usual toasts followed . After the toasts of "The Queen and the Craft" and "The M . W . G . M . " had been

disposed of the W . M . gave "The Prov . G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . S ., replied , and said that the toast just given was a most important one seeing that there were so many good and worthy brethren who had done good suit and service during the present generation to Masonry . It was a very great pleasure and gratification to the Grand Officers to find themselves present on these

festive occasions , because it was a recognition of those services which they had endeavoured to perform . These services they would continue to perform , and it was a gratification to them to be received as they had been that evening . Speaking for himself it was a great gratification to him to be present . He had visited the lodge a few years ago in another place . He trusted they would go on in a state of prosperity as it was now and that the brethren

would be pleased with the accommodation at the Army and Navy Hotel . It was rather a dignified place , and he thought they ought to be very comfortable at it . He had been very pleased with the magnificent working of Bro . Louis Hirsch that evening , though he was quite prepared to see good work . So long as the lodge had such workers and such officers there was no fear that it would prosper . He hoped the lodge would eo on and prosper .

Bro . J . Lewis-Thomas , P . A . G . D . C , also replied . Bro . Lewis Evans , I . P . M ., proposed "The W . M . " and congratulated the lodge on having a working W . M . in the chair . The lodge commenced under very happy auspices and received a large amount of credit for its excellent working . 'That was attained during the mastership of Bro . Hirsch for two years in succession . Of the third year the less said the better . Of his own ( Dr . Evans's ) the fourth ,

he was afraid he might say he was rather a lay figure , or an automaton figure , but he was happy to remark that when he was unable to be present at the working of the lodge his place was efficiently filled by Bro . Hirsch . The whole of the credit for carrying out the work of the lodge was really due to Bro . Hirsch . He ( Dr . Evans ) had been unfortunately situated . The time at his disposal was very little , and he was really pushed into the chair before he

ought to have been . Under other circumstances he should have been very pleased to work up , but he had not had the time for it . His advice to the other officers coming on was not to follow his example ; and from all he heard he could state they were attending lodges of instruction . This being so he thought the lodge would be carried on as successfully as hitherto . With reference to the W . M ., he knew him by past experience , and the lodge would be well conducted

under him , and be a success and gratification . He concluded by proposing " The Health of the W . M . " The Worshipful Master in response assured the brethren that nothing should be wanting on his part to render the working of the lodge perfect . He was supported by a body of officers who were devoted to their duty and to learn the various ceremonies they had to perform . With that , and the support" of the P . M . and Treasurer and the I . P . M .,

there was a fair year of working before the lodge . Bro , Andrews replying to the toast of " The Visitors , " said the cordial reception of this toast at every Masonic gathering was characteristic of the Order . Whether in provinces or in town , whether at home or abroad , the right hand of fellowship was held out to those who had the good fortune to be visitors at a lodge . There were none who would not review with pleasure a visit to the Clapham

Lodge . They had had an intellectual treat in lodge , and they had received hospitality which they would ever remember with feelings of pleasure . In return they could only wish prosperity to the lodge . Under the able government of so well skilled a Master and such an efficient staff of officers it could not do otherwise than go on and prosper ; and he hoped that it might be the good fortune of the visitors in years to come to enjoy the same hospitality .

nro . VV . Herbage , W . M . 177 , also replied . Everything had been done to the satisfaction and pleasure of the Visitors . The way in which the ceremonies were performed Was a treat to all the visitors , and from what he knew of the W . M . he could say there was in store for the lodge "lost excellent working . The ceremonies would be well rendered , and the prestige of the lodge would be upheld

at the hands of the present Master . It had been a treat ?} he present that evening . As the last speaker said Masons were well received in all Masonic gatherings . That morning ' s sun saw on the old sites in Egypt , in China , at okohama , Masonic lodges ; and they travelled into India , ° to the west , and then to the south , they still found ft iasoiuc . lodges carrying on their work , especially in Malta ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

where they were very strong indeed . In Germany they found the same state of things , and from one end of America to the other it was the same . The Masonic bond of brotherhood encircled the world , and wherever they went Masonry was ready to extend the right hand of fellowship to the brethren . Bro . J . E . Shand , P . M . 1563 , also replied , and referred with gratitude to the recommendation the lodtfe had given

to the petition for a warrant for the Abbey Lodge . The Worshipful Master next proposed "The I . P . M ., " and presented him with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel . Dr . Evans , I . P . M ., responded and said he never anticipated such great kindness . He knew it was the custom to present a Past Master's jewel at the end of a Master's year of office , but he fett he did not deserve it . The brethren's kindness exceeded anything he had ever felt

before , but he thanked the brethren very much for it . Bro . Hirsch , P . M . and 'Treas ., responded to a toast drunk in his honour and said he was afraid the brethren had overrated his services . He had been only too pleased to perform any duty to the lodge . He again thanked them for the very handsome P . M . ' s ) e \ vel . The toast of " The Charities " was responded to by Bro . Joseph Clever , P . M . 171 , who said no one ever had the

Charities of Masonry more at heart than he . It had been his proud privilege to represent different lodges and chapters at the Charity Festivals ; but he never felt more proud of representing a lodge than he did last year when he was Steward for the Clapham Lod ^ e at the Girls' Festival , and obtained such large support . For that kindness he sincerely thanked the brethren . There were many large lists then carried up , and he was enabled to take up between £ 60 and

£ 70 . The Charities deserved the support of every lodge , and he often thought that if every lodge sent a Steward each year what a different aspect the Charities would present . He often wished that lodges would combine to do away with one banquet a year and give what would have been the cost of it to the Charities ; it would not be depriving the lodges of much , and would assist the Charities double or even treble the amount with which they were

supported at the present time . He also represented the Lodge of Amity—a lodge very dear to him—at the last Boys' Festival , when between £ 24 , 000 and £ 25 , 000 was collected . He hoped the time was not far distant when there would be no festival for the three Masonic Institutions when a less sum would be collected . He should be ever ready to represent a lodge or chapter . The other toasts were given , and the brethren separated after spending a delightful evening .

LODGE OF PROGRESS ( No . 1768 ) . —There was a good attendance of members and visitors at the installation meeting , on the 28 th ult ., of this comparatively young lodge , which was formed in 1 S 7 S by a few zealous members of the Emulation Lodgeof Improvement ; therefore we were not taken by surprise when we entered the lodge room to hear the admirable working of the Lodge of Progress . Bro . Albert Marvin , the outgoing W . M ., on

this occasion showed to advantage his distinguishing characteristic of a thoroughly accurate exponent of the Emulation wording of our ancient ritual . He did a passing , and afterwards the installation with marked ability . The addresses were given in an easy , fluent , and impressive style . Bro . T . VV . Ockenden , P . M ., P . G . D . Middlesex , the newly-installed Master , in presenting Bro . Marvin with a P . M . ' s jewel voted

unanimously by the members of the lodge at a previous meeting , remarked that he felt proud in his present position , inasmuch that he was the medium to convey a well earned distinguishing mark of merit from the members of his lodge to a brother who had endeared himself to all around him by his invariably courteous , easy , and steady conduct . After an appropriate reply of appreciation from Bro . Marvin , Bro . T . W . Ockenden went on with the business

of the evening . He invested his officers with true Masonic ability in the following order : Bros . A . Marvin , I . P . M . ; J . R . Jones , S . W . ; J . E . HuntJ . W . ; E . Legg , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . A . Dawson , P . M ., Sec ; H . S . Lee , S . D . ; C . VV . Whitaker , J . D . ; A . Fyson , I . G . ; F . R . Spaull , P . M ., M . C . ; G . Gospy Harpour , Org . ; F . VV . Smith and E . T . Smith , Stwds . ; Sadler , Tyler . The honorary members present were Bros . Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G .

Chap . ; lhomas Fenn , P . G . D . ; A . A . Richards , P . G . S . The visitors were Bros . Raymond H . Thrupp , A . G . D . C , D . P . G . M . Middx . ; Wilson , P . M . ; Sudlow , P . M . ; C . F . Lilly , Gluenstein , John Hammond , P . M . and P . P . G . D . Middx . ; and others . At the banquet table—by-the-by , this is called a non-dining lodge , and only indulges once a year—the usual Masonic toasts were given and received with a true Masonic fire .

In proposing the various toasts Bro . Ockenden ' s style was most effective . His speeches were clear , short , and telling , and we take this opportunity to congratulate Bro . Ockenden on his good taste displayed , for , as a rule , Masons do not approve of long speeches ; but brief , pithy , and sensible ones are always appreciated . Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . Chap ., responded for " The Grand Officers " in his accustomed felicitous , practical , and eloquent manner .

Bro . R . Thrupp , Deputy Prov . G . M . Middx ., in responding for "The Visitors , " passed a high encomium on the excellent and accurate working of the Lodge of Progress . He congratulated the lodge in having such an able , painstaking , and warm-hearted Mason to preside over them as Master for the ensuing year as he knew , from personal experience , Bro , Ockenden to be . The proceedings during the evening were enlivened by some capital solos and part songs , well-rendered by Bros . Harpon , Kentish , Bullen , Fyson , and Gluenstein .

BRIXTON LODGE ( No . 1949 ) . —The election meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at Brixton Hall , Acre-lane , on Saturday , the 1 st inst . In consequence of the indisposition of the W . M ., Bro . H . B . Marshall , C . C ., the lodge was opened by Bro . T . Poore , P . M . There were present Bros . W . E . Farrington , S . W . ; H . Baldwin . I . W .

W . Day , Treas . ; H . Lovegrove , P . M ., Sec ; C . Kipling , J . D . ; J . Colyer , I . G . ; R . Poore , D . C . ; Axford and Newling , _ Stwds ; VV . Farrington , Org . ; j . Daly , Tyler ; Martin , Albert , Durham , Dr . Wylie , and Dore . Visitors Bros . C Francis , C . Lee , C . P . Mackay , P . M . 720 ; 1 . Farnfield , P . M ., Cheshire ; and others . Bro . Martin having been passed to the Second Degree , and Mr . Bourdon initiated . Bro . Farrington , S . W . was elected W . M . for the ensuing year , and Bros . W . Day and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

J . Daly were re-elected as Treasurerand Tyler respectively , Bros . Albert , Durham and Evans being elected to serve ° D » i" Committee - On the motion of Bro . ' H . Lovegrove , P . M ., it was unanimously resolved to present Bro . Marshall , W . M ., with a Past Master ' s breast jewel , and a Past Master ' s collar and jewel . At the conclusion of the business , the brethren partook of a simple repast , under the presidency of Bro . H . Lovegrove .

BOLTON . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 221 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday the 21 st ult ., at the Commercial Hotel , Town Hall-square , Bolton , at six o ' clock in the evening . Present : Bros . John Ishenvood , W . M . ; Jabez Boothroyd , I . P . M . ; E . Melrose , S . \ v . ; P . Bradburn , J . W . ; G . P . Brockbank , T . , -J .. Chas - Crampton , S . D . ; las . Walker . I . D . aiaaorn

wm . , as I . G . ; H . J . Briscoe , Org . ; T . Higson , Tyler ; Forrest , Swarbnck , Makin , J . P . Fletcher , H . Bradley , and Thos . Morris , P . M . Visitors : Bros . Wm . Cooper , P . M . 146 ; and J . F . Skelton , J . W . 146 . 1 '!? " tes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and Bros , l'letcher and Bradley having passed a satisfactory examination as to their proficiency as Fellow Craft

Masons , were severally entrusted and retired . Lodge proceeded to the Second and Third Degrees , when the candidates were reintroduced and raised to the Degree of Master Mason by the W . M . and Bro . Boothroyd , I . P . M ., and the working tools of the Degree were explained to them . Lodge was then closed to the Second Degree , when Bro . Swarbrick , who had been previouslentrusted with a

y test of merit , was passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft by Bro . Isherwood , W . M ., and the working tools of the Degree explained by the S . W . Lodge was closed to the First Degree , and Bro . William Crompton , who had been proposed at the last regular meeting , was balloted for and elected , and subsequently initiated into Masonry by the letter

W . M . A was read from the Prov . G . Secretary , desiring the duly qualified brethren to attend the next Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge , when the proceedings of the last meeting will be submitted for confirmation or otherwise . A gentleman was proposed for initiation , and a portion of the ancient rules and charges read by the Senior Warden , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony .

NELSON LODGE ( No . 706 ) . —The season of 1 SS 3 - 84 of the above lodge was commenced on Wednesday , the 24 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Woolwich , there being some Co members and visitors present to welcome the new W . M ., Bro . ) . H . Roberts , on his taking the chair of the lodge for the first time . Among the brethren present besides the W . M . were Bros . W . I . Graham . P . M .: F .

Dawson , P . M . ; G . Beaver , I . P . M . ; T . Ovenden , S . W . ; VV . Ross , J . W . ; T . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; C . S . Norman , P . M ., Sec ; C . Sweeting , S . D . ; J . Sanderson , I . G ., acting J . D . ; R . J . Naylor , D . of C , acting I . G . ; R . Edmunds , W . M . 913 ; K . A . Smith , W . M . 13 ; G . Kenneday , W . M . 1536 ; G . Spinks , P . M . 1536 ; A . Saunders , S . W . 1536 ; VV . Rees , S . W . 013 ; I . Purnell , I . D . m 6 :

VV . B . Ledger , Org . 913 ; J . Sanders , 913 ; S . Appleby , 13 ; B . H . Uton , S 29 ; E . F . Hillman , 1926 ; S . H . Hartham , 1767 ; J . W . Wood , 3 S 1 ; A . McQueen , 13 ; T . Cooper , W . S . 1536 ; J . Butler , 1536 ; F . Southgate , 548 ; H . Froude , 1536 ; and C . Jolly , 013 ( Freemason ) . The lodge having been opened and the minutes passed , Messrs . H . Knowles and Jas . Trodd were after approval

initiated , and Bros . Marchant , Taylor , and Lane were raised . The claims of charity on behalf of the widow of a deceased brother were then attended to , and the lodge was closed . As a rule , we do not expect on the first night ot a Master's reign to hear the ritual of the above important degrees rendered without some slight hitch or other ; but Bro . Roberts ' s rendering was simply perfect , and on all sides

we heard the highest encomiums passed both on him and his officers by critical and good workers , the traditional history in the Third Degree being most impressive . After partaking of a handsomely served dinner in the hall , the Chairman , who was most felicitous in his brief but pointed remarks , proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , and in his response to that of his own health .

genially proposed by Bro . Beaver , I . P . M ., thanked them for the hearty support accorded to him by an array of Past Masters and brethren such as any lodge might be proud of . "The Initiates" having been toasted and returned thanks , the Worshipful Master acknowledged the kindness of the visitors , and assured them at all times of a hearty welcome to the Nelson Lodge .

Bros . Spinks and Smith responded . In reply to the toast of ' The Past Masters , " Bro . Norman thanked the brethren for placing him in the proud position of a life governor for the " Boys " for services which he thought very humble ones , rendered as Secretary . Bros . Warren and Hobson also responded , the former

paying the acting Deacons , Bros . Sanderson and Naylor , a high compliment for their excellent work , and the latter congratulating the W . M . upon the grand meeting and the continued prestige of the lodge . " The Officers " and the Tyler ' s toasts concluded the proceedings , which were both pleasant and interesting .

DERBY . —Arboretum Lodge ( No . 731 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Gower-street , on Wednesday , the 14 th ult ., when the following were present : Bros . J . Bland , W . M . ; C . Webster , S . W . ; J . Copestick , J . W . ; W . Whittaker , P . M ., Ireas . j VV . Cooper , P . M ., Sec ; Edgar Home . S . D . ; A . Woodiwiss , jun ., J . D . ; J . Chadwick , D . of C ;

J . W . Bngg , Org . ; S . Taylor , as I . G . ; J . Walker , steward ; E . Holden , Tyler ; H . Burn , P . M . ; J . Brown , P . M . ; A . Frazer , P . M . ; Dr . Carter WiVg , P . M . ; I . Taylor , P . M . ; T . Day , W . Knight , W . VV . Heywood , T . E . Yeomans , F . Ball , James Melrose , and W . Forman . Visitors : Bros . A . G . Taylor , P . M . ; E . R . Ward , P . M . ; J . S . Hockey , W . M . ; VV . S . Hall , P . M ., Sec ; and J . H . Clark , I . G ., of 253 ; E . Belfield , W . M . ; E . Smith , J . Monck , Geo , Smith , and R . Slater , of 802 ; N . Gore , 10 S 5 ; and G . V . Jones , 162 and 1325 .

The minutes of the last regular lodge and of the emergency meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Melrose was raised by the W . M . to the Sublime Degree of M . M . ; the W . M . also presented the working tools and gave the charge . Lodge was shortly afterwards closed in perfect harmony and brotherly love . Supper was afterwards provided in the Lower Hall , to which ample justice having been done and thanks returned the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .