Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft iMasouru ,

OLD CONCORD LODGE ( No . 17 . 1 ) . —The installati , n meeting of this ancient and prosperous lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., when the brethren mustered in great strength . Among those present were Bros . H . R . Cope , VV . M .,- J . Stedman , S . W . ; J . Whaley , J . W . ; T . VVhaley , S . D . ; Hancock , Treas . ; G . King , P . M ., Sec . ; Davis , J . D . ; G . Evans , I . G . ; C . T . Fleck , D . C . ; Gurton , P . M . ; Dixson , P . M . ;

G . Hockley , P . M . ; A . J . Dottridge , P . M . ; VV . O . Beazley , P . M . ; R . D . Hilton , P . M . ; and VV . H . Harris , P . M . Among the large gathering of visitors were Bros . E . M . Lott , G . Org . ; F . Binckes , P . G . Stwd ., Sec . R . M . I . B . ; W . Mildred , W . M . 2024 ; ] . Stephens , VV . M . 1425 ; J . Brown , VV . M . 975 ; J . J . Woolley , VV . M . 15 ; J . Storey , ' P . M . 1107 ; R . Whiting , P . M . S 7 ; C . VV . Hunt , P . M . 1425 ; A . J . Probyn , P . M . 11 ; W . Radcliffe , P . M . 211 ;

J . Garnar , P . M . 975 ; VV . J . Collings , P . M . 766 ; T . P . Collings , P . M . 22 ; T . Butt , P . M . 700 ; T . VVhaley , P . M . 55 ; A . Harvey , 19 G 3 ; E . Bryant , 1541 ; W . Cambden , 22 S ; VV . M . L . Seamen , 193 ; H . A . Sawyer , 1612 ; J , T . Pilditch , 1257 ; C . Floyd , 902 ; F . Izant , 27 ; A . T . Randall , 20 ; E . G . Coleman , S . D . 11 ; W . J . Mason , 1328 ; C . H . Searle , 129 S ; VV . T . P . Montgomery , S . VV . ' 475 5 G . Adamson ; H . Hambling , 2030 ; J . Parker ,

73 ; f . Parker , 217 ; P . Stear , S . D . 1 S 91 ; W . Hampton , 145 ; E . Brooks , 7 GG ; I . W . Ray , 1 G 24 ; VV . J . Edwards 016 ; E . Donaldson , Treas . 19 G 3 ; T . Bowley , 196 3 ; C . Jones , 1420 ; W . Angus , P . M . 619 ; G . Howard , 72 ; VV . Morgan , jun ., 11117 ; J . S . Thompson , ij 2 G ; J . J . Sykes , 1 S 0 ; and W . VV . Lee , 1897 . The lodge having been duly opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting lead and confirmed , ballot was taken

for Messrs . T . C . Dorling and A . Rogers for initiation , which proved unanimous in their favour . Bro . Edwards was then raised to the Degree of a Master Mason in an admirable manner by the VV . M . In due course Bro . J . Stedman , VV . M . elect , was presented for installation . A Board of Installed Masters was then formed , at which there were 24 present , and Bro . Stedman was installed with all the impressive rites into the chair of K . S . The

newly . elected Master was greeted with the customary honours , and proceeded to invest his ofiicers for the year , the collars being thus bestowed : Bros . J . Whaley , S . VV . ; T . VVhaley , J . W . ; J . Hancock , Treas . ; G . King , P . M ., Sec . ; Davis , S . D . ; G . Evans , J . D . ; C . T . Fleck , 1 G ; J . A . Armour , D . C . -, C . H . R . Marriott , Org . ; and G . Couchman , Tyler . In investing his officers , the VVorshipful Master delivered an eloquent charge to each on the nature

of the duties appertaining to the respective offices , and the manner in which this portion of the ceremony was sustainrd elicited the heartiest applause . The usual addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren were given in an impressive manner by Bro . G . King , P . M ., Sec , whose working was much admired , 'ihe Auditor's report , which showed that the position of the lodpe was in every way very satisfactory , was received and adopted , and a brother was proposed as a joining member for the next meeting .

Alter the transaction of some further business the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren and visitors adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where a sumptuous banquet was served . At dessert the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . After the toast of " The Ouern and the Cra t " | had been enthusiastically received , ihe Master gave "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Princeof Wales , " and remarked that all the brethren were attached to him on account of the

vast amount of good he dors to the ( . raft and the country . " I he M . W . the Pio G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon , and the R . VV . Deputy G . M ., the Earl of Lathom , " were next given , and cordially received . " The rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was then proposed by the VV . Master , who remarked that the Grand Officers were a body of men who had earned distinction as citizens and as Masons . He had expected to

have had the pleasure of the company of Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , their esteemed Grand Secretary , but he was unable to be present . However , he was pleased to see so distinguished a Grand Officer as I 3 ro . Lott , G . Org ., present , who had by his excellent talents worked his way up to the important position he now held . Bro . Lott , G . Org ., in returning thanks , said that nothing gave the Grand Officers so much pleasure as visiting the

various lodges , and especially such ancient and prosperous lodges as the Old Concord Lodge . He would not detain them long as he only had a few words to say , but heartily thanked them for their reception of the toast . Bro . Cope , I . P . M ., then assumed the gavel , and in proposing ' * The Health of the VV . M . " said that it had been one of the greatest pleasures of his life to instal Bro . Stedman . They wcre all so well acquainted with the excellent

qualities of that brother that he would simply ask them to rise and drink long life and happiness to their W . M . Bro . Stedman responded , and tendered his sincere thaks to Bro . Cope for the manner in which he had proposed the toast and to the brethren for their hearty reception of it . He felt extremely grateful to the brethren for the proud position he now held , and thought that the brethren who had preceded him in the chair had felt and

expressed the same feelings . He would exert all his energies to promote the happiness and welfare of the brethren , and he trusted that he might have health and strength to carry out his wishes , so that at the end of the year they would be satisfied with his efforts . The VVorshipful Master then gave "The Health of the I . P . M ., Bro . Cope , " and said he was certain that the brethren would give it an enthusiastic reception , as Bro . Cope

had so ably performed the duties of the chair during his year of oflice . The brethren present would also be pleased to sec him attach the jewel to Bro . Cope's breast , as a slight mark of their appreciation of his valuable services , and he trusted that he might live for many years to wear it . Bro . Cope , I . P . M ., in reply , heartily thanked the brethren for their kind present in recognition of his humble efforts , and expressed the hope that he might bc with them for some time to come .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

"The Past Masters" was next proposed by the W . M ., who observed that it was to the Past Masters that he turned at all times when assistance or advice was required . He was indebted to all of them , and more especially to Bro . Gurton , their senior Past Master , who had on seviral occasions given him cause lo be deeply grateful to him . He regarded Bro . Gurton with veneration , and words were inadequate to express the feelings he had towards him ,

for his overwhelming kindness had completely won his heart . Bro . Gurton , P . M ., sincerely thanked the brethren for their hearty reception of the toast , and said that the Past Masters were pleased and proud of the progress the lodge was making . He was also pleased and proud that Bro . Stedman had gradually worked his way up to the chair of the lodge , and he felt sure he would be a credit to it , for it

was a good father that brings up a good son . He hoped the younger members of the lodge would follow in his footsteps , and always turn a ready ear to the gavel , and give the word in the proper place . As time was passing rapidly , he would conclude by again thanking them , and assuring them that the Past Masters would always be ready to promote the best interests of the lodge , ln proposing "The Masonic Charities , " the W : M . said that all heartil leased to Binckes

they were y p see Bro . present that evening . The Masonic Charities needed no remark of his to gain for them the favourable consideration of the brethren , but he was glad to inform them that Bro . Fleck had kindly consented to serve as Steward at the next festival of the Boys' School , and he was certain the brethren would give him their substantial support . Bro . Binckes , Secretary Royal Masonic Institution for

Boys , said he would not detain them long , as there was such an admirable programme of music to be carried ont . He was pleased to see that in the Old Concord Lodge the traditions of the past were not forgotten in the present , and he heartily thanked the VV . M . for the warm and genial manner in which he had placed the toast before the brethren . That lodge and the Craft in general were always ready to listen when the subject of the Alasonic Charities

were broached , and he was sure that the interests of those excellent Institutions were never for one moment forgotten . It was some years since he had pleaded on behalf of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and it afforded him a very great amount of pleasure to be present that evening , and hoped he was not an unwelcome guest , lt was also a very great pleasure to him to witness some of the old evergreens—if he might use the term—of the lodge , whom he

had met some thirty years ago , for it was pleasant in this changeable and changing world to find still some connecting links between the past and the present . It would be unnecessary for him to furnish them with any details respecting the Masonic Institutions , for the particulars were always before them , but he would refer them to a paragraph which appeared in the daily papers some short time ago . By that they would see that the result of the

generosity of the members of the Craft during last year was that the magnificent total of oyer £ 50 , 000 was subscribed . And this sum was given in spite of depressing circumstances and in spite of difficulties , and conclusively proved that the hearts of Masons bear true to the principles and doctrinesof the Order . This wasthecementmg link and tie that existed between them , and which helped him to look hopefully towards the future . A few were

apt to say that the appeals at Masonic gatherings on behalf of Masonic Charities were too prominent , but it would be a bad day for Masonry when they were forgotten . They should always remember the dark cloud of Masonic distress that was tinged with but a faint streak of silver lining . It was their duty to help those who were not so foitunately situated as ourselves , and the sons and daughters of those who had served the Craft must not , and

should not , be forgotten . He ( Bro . Binckes ) heartily thanked Bro . Fleck for consenting to represent the Institution for Boys at the next Festival , for that Institution was still the poorest of the three . There was but £ 17 , 000 funded property , and there had been extensive enlargements lately , the number of buys now reaching 240 . He asked for their sympathy and support in this great and holy cause . He could not plead with the same energy as he had

done 30 years ago , but he hoped that the needs and distresses of those who were unable to plead for themselves would bc recognised as long as the Old Concord Ludge should fl > uri-, h . "The Visitors" was the next toast given , and the W . M . expressed his pleasure at seeing 50 present , and sincerely hoped they had spent an enjoyable evening . Bro . VVhaley , P . M ., said the W . M . had set him rather

an extensive task by coupling his name with the toast , but he asked them to accept his warmest thanks on behalf of the visitors for the grand evening's entertainment . It afforded him peculiar pleasure to be present that evening , as his two sons had been promoted , and were now filling the Wardens' chairs , so that they were not only following in his steps , but excelling him . He hoped they would never regret the steps they had taken , and that the

Almighty would spare him to see them through office . Bro . Collings also responded , and , after returning thanks , said that he was extremely pleased to see Bro . Stedman in the chair . They had been friends from their youth , were friends now , and he trusted they would always continue so , for the W . M . was an estimable man , and worthy to fill the proud position he now held . Bro . KingP . M . Secin reply to the toast of "The

, , , Treasurer and Secretary , " thanked the VV . Master for his kind remarks . It was now nearly 2 G years since he had been initiated , and the Uld Concord Lodge was regarded by him as a pet . He felt proud that he had carried out the duties of Secretary for the last eight years , and was gratified to see the lodge in such a flourishing condition .

Their Benevolent Fund was not so large as it had been , but , although there had been a considerable drain on it , they now had a balance of over £ 200 , and had contributed ten guineas annually to each of the Institutions for some years past . lie hoped the lodge would continue to prosper as long as the VV . M . permitted him to hold ollice .

Bro . VVhaley , S . VV ., responding for "The Oflicers , " said he hoped that the good wishes the brethren had been kind enough to express would bc realised . It was a unique position that the Junior Warden was a brother of his by birth as well as by Masonry , and that their father should be present to witness their promotion . The Tyler's toast closed an enjoyable and magnificent evening ' s entertainment .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . C . H . R . Marriott , Org ., and were of a highly enjoyable nature . Bro . Franklin Clive assisted , and the enjoyment was considerably enhanced by the presence of Bro . Stedman ' s admirably trained choir of boys .

LODGE OF JOPPA ( No . iSS ) . —This old lodge held its annual installation meeting at Freemasons' Tavern , on Monday evening , under th ^ Mastership of Bro . A . J , Martin . There was a large attendance of brethren on the occasion . After the opening of the lodge , and the reading and confirmation of the minutes , one of the candidates for initiation being the son of Bro . Lewis Lazarus , P . M ., the

excellent Secretary of the lodge , Bro . Martin , W . M ., yielded his chair to Bro . Lazarus for the purpose of performing the ceremony of initiation , whereupon Bro . Lazarus initiated Messrs . Henry Lazarus , Michael Seichenberg , and Barnett Isaacs Barnato . The work was admirably done , and fully sustained the character of the lodge for efficient executions of the Masonic ceremonies . No less efficient was the working of the W . M ., Bro . A . J . Martin ,

who passed Bro . Sagui to the Second Degree , and installed Bro . J . VV . Dewsnap as Master of the lodge for the ensuing year . The whole of the work was highly commended . The brethren appointed to office were Bros . L . Wall , S . W . ; G . Lion , J . VV . ; Rev . S . Roco , Chap . ; T . S . Lyon , Treas . ; Lewis Lazarus . P . M ., Sec ; I . Botibol , S . D . ; VV . Gardner , I . D . ; M . Lenzberg , I . G . ; A . Dodson , P . M ., D . C . ; M .

Hart , A . D . C ; Jacques Wynman and E . Coombe , W . S . The remainder of the lodge business having been performed the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . After the banquet the Worshipful Master proposed the usuil toasts , and in a very few words gave "The Oueen and the Craft , " and " H . R . H . the Princeof Wales ,

M . W . G . M . " Bro . A . J . Martin , I . P . M ., in proposing "The VV . M ., " said it was very pleasing for him to hold the gavel on that occasion , as the W . M . was an old Masonic friend of his . Of course that night it would be superfluous in him tp speak about the W . M . ' s excellent qualities as a ' working VV . M . Of that they would be able to judge at the next

meeting of the lodge and he would be able to say something about it . At present it was only necessary for the brethren to acknowledge Bro . Dewsnap as their VV . M . They were pleased to see him in that position and they hoped he would have a most happy and prosperous year of office . The VVorshipful Master , in replying , said it had been a

source of great gratification to him co find himself occupying that chair . It was ten years that night that he took his Third Degree in the Joppa Lodge , and the brethren would sympathise with him when he said he felt very much the kindness of the brethren in electing him to the chair of his mother lodge . He trusted that during the year hc would have the assistance of every brother as well as of

the P . M's ., and he hoped that with their assistance and the kind indulgence of the brethren they would carry the year through with success . The last year had been an exceedingly comfortable one . The lodge seemed to have got on the high road to * prosperity . _ To follow on that road he hoped every brother would bring such of his friends as wished to join the Order to the Lodge of Joppa and have

them initiated there . Bro . Henry Lazarus , who was the first to respond to thc toast of "Tne Initiates , " said it had afforded him great pleasure to be initiated , as he had always had an ambition to become a Mason , having heard Freemasonry highly spoken of by numerous friends . He hoped he should prove himself worthy of his father , who had been flatteringly

alluded to by the VV . M ., and follow in his footsteps . Bro . Seichenberg said he had never thought of thc grandeur of Masonry until that evening . His obligation had deeply impressed him , for the man that could violate it was not worthy to live among them . Bro . Barnato said that if he had come prepared with a speech the solemnity of the occasion had so taken him bv

surprise that he should have been quite unequal to the task . The confidence that had been placed in him in making him a member of the Fraternity he heartily thanked them for , and he should remember his initiation to the end of his life . The VVorshipful Master , in giving " The Joppa Benevolent Fund , " explained that it was a fund intended only

for the members of the lodge . these , and no one else , subscribed to it , and not even visitors' subscriptions were received . When any of the brethren of the lodge fell into distress of any kind , and came before the Committee , they obtained relief , and one of the beauties of the fund was that not even their next door neighoour knew of it . This , he thought , was genuine benevolence .

Bro . L . Alexander , P . M ., President of the Benevolent Fund , in reply , said he felt a very great amountof pleasuic in being with the brethren that night . His health had been so bad that he had been present only once in two years . There might be some among the brethren who were really not aware that a large amount of good was done by the fund ; but there was a pleasant fact he had to communicate

—that in the last year the fund had increased , which had not been the case for many years previously . This year it had increased by something like f , 16 . Fortunately , there had been but one application to it . The Vice-Presidents and Committee were very careful in dispensing the money , but they were at the same time very generous in their doles when circumstances warranted it . Observing both these

qualities , the Committee had the confidence of the brethren . As he had only been in the lodge once in the last two years , there wcre many brethren whom he had not had the pleasure of knowing till that evening . He was very glad to find the lodge had been augmented by the membership of the Rev . S . Roco , who came of thc most ancient tribes among the Jews . Bro . Lewis Lazarus , P . M . and Secretarv of the Fund .

announced subscriptions to the amount of £ 28 5 s . Gd ., and that one of the initiates , Bro . Barnato , had made himself a Vice-President by contributing five guineas to this amount . In giving the toast of " The I . P . M ., " the Worshipful Master said Bro . Martin had had a most glorious year . He had ascended the throne with < Sclat , and had gone out of it

in the same way . Besides the work he had done in the lodge during the year , he had installed him ( the VV . M , ) , which was of itself a work worthy of a special toast ; but he would not have it . Bro . Martin said at the commencement of his year what he wanted . They had granted it him , and accorded him assistance , which had enabled him