Craft Masonry.

converse of this proposition—that one of the greatest pleasures of belonging to a ! due is that it tends to induce Masons of the other lodges to proffer you a welcome to ih irs- On such an occasion as the present , the invitation is more than usually accept-X } e because , beside the work in lodge , which never fai ' s to interest the true Mason , 3 d beyond the pleasures of the table which have been so heartily lavished upon us , fhere was the opportunity of v'sitinr / our Metropolitan cathedral under the very bast unices imaginabl ; . My W . M . has dep-ived me of the better part of my speech , that

rhVrein ' intended to recall once mire the good omees rendered my Lia ^ -i Untuir foronati , atitsbirth , by your lodge , in recommending it to the goodwill of the M . W . G . M . service whi : h we can never forget , and one which I venture to think you have little rause tc regret . But , I may add , that I rejoice to see that year by year , the connection between our t vo lodges becomes closer , and I forsee the day when , possibly , the maj irity at your lodge mav also range themselves under our banner . The Worshipful Master then gave "The Past Master ? , " saying : On looking ikrnuEh an old Moira Lodge musical programme , I was much surprised to find that this

toast was omitted from among those which were printed as oming between the various songs . How such a thing happened I cannot say , but in any event the mistake was a h-2 one . It is to the P . Ms , that we owe our Masonic parentage and Masonic education , arfd it was surely a grave error to forget our parent and our teacher . I trust such a thing will never happen again . Our P . Ms , are the backbone of the lodge—a backbone which can be seen with the naked eye , and , unassisted by the new photography—Crooke's tube , or Rontzen rays . Bro . 1 . M . Mitchell , I . P . M ., replied .

The toasts of " The Officers of the Lodge , " and "TheTreasurer and Secretary , " broug ht the proceedings to a close . The brethren separated after a highly enjoyable evening , the interest of which was much enhanced by the excellent music , both instrumental and vocal , provided for them by many willing contributors . Among these Bros . H . Heydrick , W . F . Noakes , and J . F . Hall deserve especial mention , and their exertions in promoting the harmony of the meeting were the theme of general admiration .

Ranelagh Lodge , No . 834 . A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 14 th ult ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly-circus , W ., when there were present Bros . E . Newland , W . M . ; H . Scharien , S . W . j R Philips , J . W . ; G . F . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; W . I . Coplestone , P . M ., Sec ; J . Banks , S . D . j J . Worth , J . D . ; H . Stokes , D . C . ; E . D . Richard-, I . G . j E . Lucas , Stwd . j G . Mallett , Tyler j F . J . Oliver , P . M ., P . G . O . Middx ., Org . ; C . Barker , PM . J I . G . Doncaster , P . M . j H . Purdue , P . M . ; A . Williams , P . M . ; Fred .

Craggs , P . M . ; W . VV . Williams , P . M . ; Stringer , Toovey , Cartwright , Grant , Leys , Inderwick , Dallon , King , Gerbert , White , Wilkins , Chambers , Iredale , May , Newman , Webb , and Stehr . Visitors : Bros . E . Chappell , 141 ; W . H . Dresden , " 1602 ; J . J . Ponting , 2032 j J . Flexman , 1743 j R . N . Larter , 1791 j L . Lichtwitz , 1 S 91 ; F . VV . Gibbs , 2512 ; H . Gilbert , 1 S 2 S ; J . Clarke , 901 ; E . R . Painter , 7 ( 16 ; VV . A . Perry , 101 ; A . Lichtwitz , 1891 ; B . Tree , 170 C ; B . J . King , 211 ; VV . D . Watford , 2054 j G . Collins , . sn J J . Humphry , 55 ; J . Cox , S 65 ; and J . Braddick , 1694 .

The minutes of the regular and emergency meetings having been confirmed and the Auditcrs' report approved , the ballot was taken for Messrs . Newman and Webb , which proved unanimous in their favour . Bro . King was then passed to the Degree of a F . C . The W . M ., Bro . Newland , then vacated the chair in favour of the I . P . M ., Bro . W . W . Williams , who atofice proceeded to install Bro . Hans Scharien , into the ancient chair of King Solomon in a very masterly and feeling manner , the addresses calling forth congratulation from all present . The newly-installed W . M . then appointed and

invested the following as his officers for the year : Bros . R . Philips , S . VV . ; J . Banks , l . W . ; G . F . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; W . J . Coplestone , P . M ., Sec ; F . J . Oliver , t > . G . Org . Middx ., Org . j J . Worth , S . D . j E . D . Richards , J . D . j E . Lucas , I . G . j H . Stokes , D . C . j H . J . Inderwick and G . E . White , Stwds . j and G . Mallett , Tyler . The VV . M . then installed Messrs . Newman and Webb into Freemasonry in a very commendable manner . " Hearty good wishes " were given to the W . M . from each of the visitors as well as the brethren of the lodge , when the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed , interspersed with vocal , instrumental ,

and humorous entertainments . The toasts of "The Queen " and"The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " having been duly honoured , Bro . Newland , the I P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . Scharien , " which was received with enthusiasm . He said it was with much pleasure he submitted

the toast . He spoke of his excellent qualities during his many years in Masonry and in the various offices he had held leading to his then exalted position , and he hoped the G . A . O . T . U . would give him health and stiength to go through his year of office , which he was sure would be done to the entire satisfaction of the brethren and honour to himself .

The W . M , in replying , said : the brethren had done him great honour , not only in electing him to preside over them , but they had poured upon him a heavy shower of honours which he did rot think he deserved . He had been amongst them some 22 years , and as scon as he had passed his linguistic standard , or in other words , had learned how to fftak proper English , he made for tbe front , to give battle to ignorance and capture the

high and honourable position he now held , which he assured them had not been an easy task . He had not only had to study the land of his adoption , its customs , its stern business qualification , & c , and last , but not least , he had to get the ritual on his mind phonographed , ot which he had given them a sample that evening ,- and in conclusion , he assured the brethren he would take particular good care the honour of the Ranelagh Lodge should not tarnish during his year of office .

The W . M . gave the toast of " the I . P . M ., Bro . Newland , " which he considered was one of the most important duties of the evening , and proceeded to invest their highly esteemed Bro . Newland with a Past Master's jewel , which the brethren of the Ranelagh Lodge had unanimously resolved should be presented to him on his relinquishing the high position of W . M ., which he had held with such distinction to himself and the satisfaction of the brethren during the last 12 months , and he hoped the G . A . O . T . U . would give him health and strength to wear it amongst them for many years .

Bro . E . Newland replied in feeling terms . He said he was grateful for the way in which the toast had been received ; he had done his best , and if there had been more work he had no doubt he would have been able to have got through it . He thanked them for the handsome jewel , which he should ever wear with pleasure and remembrance of the brethren of the Ranelagh Lodge . The W . M . in giving the toast ot "The Initiates , " said : Brethren , we have here this evening a very fair sample of initiates , who from their general demeanour and

bear'"!{ promise to be a good investment to Masonry ; they look as if they were not above doing some work . Brelhren , no ledge can exist without occasionally refilling its ranks and replacing those that the G . A . O . T . U . has thought fit to remove from our midst . I f o ? e that the ritual of the First Degree has made such an impression upon their minds , as to make thtm more anxious to plunge more deeply into the hidden mysteries of Freemasonry . In conclusion , brethren , believe me in saying that if you only act up to half 1 ( hat Masonry teaches you , you will find it a great guide in this life . The toast was duly responded to .

t The W . M . gave the toast of the " Installing Master , Bro . VV . VV . Williams . " He •au they had heard the magnificent ceremony ot installation rendered in such a manner they cou'd not but agree with him that it could not have been better or more impressively cone . There is no doubt that Bro . P . M . Williams had the ear of his audience . He is a 'norough hard-working man , and well acquainted with the whole of the ritual ceremony , » nd ready and willing at all times to assist when wanted . I thank him more particularly ¦ 0 r his kind services this evening , and hope he may remain in health and strength for Jears to be of service to the Ranelagh Lodge .

1 he Installing Master rose amidst great applause , and said that evening he felt he saTf" . "y P roud position , having fulfilled the office of I . P . M ., he believed , to the _ 7 1 , _ ° f all present , and he hoped , as he was now removed from the chair , he TU cc l ua"y useful to the lodge as before . !! , „ ri , e W , M - then 6 ave lhe 'oast of "The Visitors , " and coupled with it the name of "" >•Cox .

_ , ° . Cox expressed his pleasure at visiting the lodge , which he had long had a ln \ i •' am 3 wi " ch t 0 Mm had great ties . He had attended the Ranelagh Lodge of andI ii , u ' aild met some of ' . ne bretnren - He congratulated the W . M . on his working , 6 V ! brethren for giving him and the large number of visitors such an enjoyable

Craft Masonry.

"The Past Masters and Officers" were duly toasted and responded lo , the W . M . expressing his pleasure at having such efficient officers , which were a credit to the lodge . The W . M . then addressed the Secretary , and said : Bro . Coplestone , P . M ., tne brethren of the Ranelagh Lodge have unanimously decided that this very handsome

jewel should be presented to you as a small recognition of the many services you have so freely accorded to your lodge in the carrying out of your most important office , which you have done with great efliciency and satisfaction to the brethren . In fastening this jewel on your breast , let me assure you it has been given unstinted , and may the Almighty grant you health and strength to proudly wear it for many years to come .

Bro . Coplestone , P . M ., in reply , thaiked the VV . M . and brethren for their handsome token of satisfaction of his Secretaryship . It had been his pleasure in every way to endeavour to promote the welfare of the lodge , which pleasure would be still further increased when proudly wearing the jewel . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a very enjoyable evening . Bro . A . Williams , P . M ., acted as D . C . during the installation ceremony , which he did in a most able manner , and all who know Bro . A . Williams must admit that he is the life and soul of the Ranelagh Lodge—ready at all times tojdo any work , from tin lowest to the highest , without assumption .

Shakspere Lodge , No . 1009 . The installation meeting was held on Friday , the ist instant , at Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , Manchester . There was a very large number of brethren present , as usual , at this event . In addition to the installation , the summons advised a pissing and also a raising , | so that there was an abundance of work as well as of pleasure on the occasion . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Joe Young , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The Treasurer ' s accounts were received

and adopted , and showed a balance of £ 90 and upwards , whilst the Charity Fund account showed contributions to different sources of £$ S . The reputation of this admirable lodge is always to the front , and we observe they are in possession of 193 votes in the various Institutions , including the London and local Charities . The VV . M . performed the ceremony of passing , and the raising was undertaken by Bro . Joseph Grassland , P . M . Bro . Young took the first portion of the installation , and Bro . Wm . Brookes , P . M ., placed Bro . Wm . Horsley , S . W ., W . M . elect , into the chair , when he was duly

proclaimed and saluted in the three Degrees , unier the direction of Bro . Brookes . The following were invested officers for the ensuing year : Bros , joe Young , I . P . M . ; Geo . Brookes , S . W . ; Gilbert Lewis . J . W . ; J . Crosland , P . M ., Chap . ; C . S . Allott , P . M ., Treas . ; C . W . Southwell , P . M ., Sec . ; W . Brookes , P . M ., Charity Representative and D . C . ; J . Goodier , S . D . ; G . E . Carter , J . D . ; A . Prankish , I . G . ; C . H .

Horley , Org . ; and S . R . Moss , VV . Smethurst , F . Huuam , and B . D . Beever , Stewards , and their duties were e xplained to them in a very able manner by Bro . J . Halden , P . M . The address to the VV . M . was delivered by Bro . C . S . Allott , P . M ., Treas . ; that to the Wardens by Bro . Southwell , P . M . ; and to the brethren generally b y Bro . Crosland , P . M . The whole proceedings were very well conducted throughout , and it was a very pleasurable and instructive meeting .

At the close of the proceedings , the brethren ad ) ourned to celebrate the Festival of St . John and also to commemorate the Immortal Bard , to whom during the evening many allusions were made , and an exposition of one or two favourite portions of his works was given by Bro . Thomas Black , P . M ., and were received with great enthusiasm , which they richly deserved . The pleasure of the evening was greatly enhanced bv a capital programme of music , rendered by Bros . Cuthbert Blacow , Smethurst , Wm . Howard , Wood , C . S .

Allott , and Horley , being accompanied by Bro . Batey . The following brethren signed the attendance book , viz .: Bros . Joe . Young , W . M . ; Chas . C . Hilton , I . P . M . ; VVm . Horsley , S . W . ; Geo . D . Brookes , J . W . ; Joseph Crosland , P . M ., Chap . ; C . S . Allott , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Halden , P . M ., Sec . ; Gilbert Lewis , S . D . j Jno . Goodier , J . D . j Wm . Brookes , P . M ., D . of C . ; B . Carter , I . G . j A . Prankish and Sam . R . Moss , Stwds . j A . II . Flomerer , P . M ., P . G . Tyler ; J . Rome , P . M ., P . G . S . ; Geo . F . Pringle , P . M . j C . W . Southwell , P . M . ; Herbert Horsley , Fred . Huffam , W . H . Huddleston , Thos . Walinough , C . H . Horley , B . D . Beeveres , P . W .

G . Wood , E . H . Hartley , Hy . Bentley , VV . C . Beninson , and VVm . Smethurst . Visitors : Bros . J . F . Dampier , G . li . Goodfellow , W . M . 1030 ; Ernest Filton , P . B . Welch , P . M . ; Jno . G . Brownley , P . M . j Geo . S . Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . East and West Lanes . ; Fred . R . Cooper , P . M ., W . M . 23 S 7 ; VVm . Leybourn , W . M . mo ; W . H . Wagstaffe , Samuel Moore , P . M . ; Thos . Black , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; E . A . Eason , Geo . Heys , T . W . Ashworth , Edwd . Hadfield , Herbert F . Burrows , P . M . ; Jno . E . L-ees , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . j John C . Jackson , S . Saunders , VV . Cuthbert Blacow , E . W . Calvert , and Wm . Howard .

Sir Francis Burdett Lodge , No . 1503 . A meeting of this lodge was held at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham , on the Sth ult . Among those in attendance were Bros . W . Fisher , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas ., W . M . j VV . H . Saunders , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., as S . W . j A . Toulmin , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., as J . W . ; J . T . Briggs , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; Capt . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br ., Sec . ; W . Bright , J . D . ; and E . VV . Davis , I . P . M . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . E . H . Thompsctt was raised to the Third Degree in an impressive manner by the W . M . The

Treasurer then submitted to the lodge his annual financial statement , which was of the most satisfactory nature . The Secretary having reported the sudden death of Bro . Dr . J . Wynne-Jones . I . G ., a resolution of condolence was passed , with many individual expressions of regret . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Bros . A . B . Brown , J . W . ; Dr . Hinton , S . D . j Rev . S . T . H . Saunders , P . M ., Chap . ; and others . The lodge was then closed . Refreshment followed labour . A few toasts foil owed .

Farringdon Without Lodge , No . 1745 . A meeting of this lodge was held at the Viaduct Hotel , Holborn , on the 30 th ult . Among those present were liros . C . Bachhoffner , W . M . j H . J . Lardner , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , G . S ., Treas ., as S . W . ; J . M . Murphy , J . VV . ; J . Evans , S . D . ; W . R . Witt , J . D . ; H . Harden , D . C . ; I . D . Webb , A . D . C . ; J . Strugnell . P . M . ; J . Young , P . M . ; T . Simpson , P . M . ; G . Herbert , P . M . ; E . Schultz , P . M . ; Nelson Prower , M . A ., P . M . ; N . P . Lardner , P . M . ; II . Herbert , I . P . M . ; VV . Ramsey , P . M . ( hon . member ); C . G . VV . Moo'e , C . C , P . M . 227 j J . W . Gaze , C . C , P . M . 1763 j and E . Mallett , P . M . 141 , Tyler .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , three brethren were duly passed to the Second Degree . Bro . Murphy , J . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . ; Bro . H . J . Lardner , P . M ., Treas . ; and Bro . E . Mallett , Tyler . Three brethren were elected as Auditors . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to the W . M . in recogn tion of his services . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Bros . Woodhill , S . W . j W . H . Jackson , P . M ., Sec ; Dr . K . Lott , P . G . Org . England , Org . ; Dr . Hinton , P . P . G . Org ., Asst . Org . ; and others . The lodge was then closed . A banquet followed .

Quatuor Coronati Lodge , No . 2076 . The lodge met at Freemasons' Hall on Friday , the ist instant . Present : Bros . E . Macbean , W . M . ; VV . J . Hughan , P . G . D ., as I . P . M . ; C Kupferschmidt , A . G . S . G . C , S . W . ; C Purdon Clarke , J . W . ; G . W . Speth , P . A . G . D . C , Sec . ; S . T . Klein , S . D . j T . B . Whytehead , P . G . S . B ., J . D . ; R . F . Gould , P . G . D ., D . C . j E . Conder , jun ., I . G . j Dr . VV . Wynn Westcott j VV . H . Rylands , P . A . G . D . C . j and E . J . Castle , Q . C . Also the following m embers of the Correspondence Circle : Bros . H . D . Willcock , the Rev . A . G . Lenn ix-Ribertsm , T . Charters Wnite , C . B . Barnes ,

the Rev . J . W . Horsley , the Rev . K . Fox-Thomas , W . McCuUough , Prov . G M . New Zealand ( S . C . ) j F . VV . Levander , J . VV . Barnes , G . Powell , T . Cohu , J . M . Mitchell , J . R . Farrar , C II . Rosher , VV . N . Haydon , T . Moysey , VV . | . Batho , II . R . Heap , R . Palmer-Thomas , J . T . Ellis , VV . R . Thompson , A . Knight , the Rev . H . Thomas , H . B . Papemfus , A . G . Boswell , j . M . Hanim , C . H . Besto . v , F . W . Mitchell , G . G .-einer , F . M . Williams , W . Tailby , G . Stevens , R . T . Ellis , G . J . Taylor , E . Glaeser , E . C . Stimson , C . H . Barnes , E . G . Spiers , W . Lake , Asst . G . Sec . j E . II . Bramley , W . G . Poole , T . Adam ; , P . Uecker , C . K . Hokanson , J . P . Richards , | . S . Cunberland , P . D . G . S . B . j Maj or J . II . Leslie , R . Finlay , II . W . Noakes , W . j . Songhurst , and J . W .