Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . Rees , in response , said that he could assure the brethren that ever since he had taken office he had endeavoured to do his best to give them satisfaction , and the fact of his being in that chair proved that he had not tried in vain . He did not arrogate to himself superior talents , but must give all the credit to Bro . Denton , the excellent and

esteemed Preceptor of their lodge of instruction . He advised all the young Masons to put themselves under Bro . Denton ' s guidance , and then they would be ready , should opportunity offer , forany office in the lodge open to them . Several other toasts followed , and the harmony was well sustained , especially by Bros . Lloyd and Oxley .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

ROYAL ARTHUR LODGE ( No . 1360 ) . —On Thursday , the istinst ., Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , on the invitation of the above lodge , delivered his highlyinteresting lecture on the " Ritual and Ceremonies of the First Degree . " The lodge met at the Collegiate School , Horple-road , Wimbledon , so as to have sufficient room for a number of brethren . Bro . E . Standen presided as W . M .

Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of last meeting were read , confirmed , and signed . Bro . James Stevens having been introduced to the brethren , then gave his admirable lecture explanatoryof the ritual and ceremonial connected with the " work " of the lodge in the First Degree , which was listened to with close attention by all

present . After an address , which occupied more than two hours in delivery . Bro . Stevens received a cordial vote of thanks and the compliment of honorary membership , for which , as well as the encouraging remarks of the brethren generally , he returned thanks . Bro . J . G . Carter was elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and the lodge was closed .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A meeting was held on the 5 th inst ., at the Fountains Abbey Hotel , ill , Piaed-street , Paddington , VV . Present , Bros . 1 . H . Wood , W . M . ; VV . J . Mason , S . W . ; R . P . J . Laundy , J . W . ; H . Dehane , P . M ., Sec . ; D . Stroud , S . D . ; M . J . Green , J . D . ; A . ( . Chapman , I . G . ; H . Moss , Stwd . ; W . H . Chalfont , P . M . 1425 ; H . Purdue , W . M . S 34 ;

W . Death , H . Robinson , j . Laurence , C . Coleman , C . J . Morse , J . M . Chapman , and N . D . Fracis . Visitors : Bros . G . March , 1360 ; and O . jL . Latrtille , P . M . 12 G 0 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were read and confirmed . The ceremonies of initiation and passing were rehearsed , Brcs . Fracis and Coleman candidates . Bros . Latrtille and Marsh were elected members , and Bro . Wason , W . M . for the next meeting .

WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —A meeting was held on Wednesday , the 7 th inst ., at the Adam and Eve , P almer-street , Westminster . Present : Bros ., Hayes , W . M . ; Brindley , S . W . ; Coughlan . J . W . ; Wray , P . M ., Preceptor ; Gibson , Treas . ; Musson , Sec . ; Mimms , S . D . ; Hiel , J . D . ; Dexter , I . G . ; Whiting , P . M . ; Brookson , P . M . ; Morgan , Troughton , SaundersG . E .

, Saunders , Ogg , Power . Folson , Beanley , Forscutt , and Balchin . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes , after discussion , were confirmed . The W . M . having vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Brindley , Bros . Ogg and Saunders were raised to the Degree of M . M . The W . M .

then resumed the chair , and Bro . Coughlan , J . W ., was . elected W . M . for the ensuing week . The minute having been confirmed as regaro ' s removing the lodge to the Victoria Mansions Restaurant , it was resolvec " . to take no further steps until next week . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed in perfect harmony .

WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — The final meeting for the year 1 SS 4 was held on the 29 th ult ., at the Clarence Hotel , SS , Aldersgatestreet , E . C , when , as per arrangement , the chair was occupied by Bro . G . H . Stephens , W . M . 1 G 23 , acting Preceptor , and among those present were Bros . F . Kumball , as S . VV . ; G . Higgins J . W . ; VV . Jolly , senr ., S . D . ; Aslett , J . D . ; Avnslev .

I . G . ; Smyth , etc Lodge was . duly opened and the minutes were read and confirmed , and the lodge was opened in the Three Degrees , the W . M . having intended to work the Three Ceremonies should time permit . However , the ceremonies of laising and passing were rendered ( Bro . Aynsley and Jolly being respectively candidates ) , to satisracnon ot tne brethren 1

greauy me , and subsequently lodge was closed down in the Three Degree ,. Bro . Stephens announcing that as he had , as W . M . of the parent lodge , wound up the year's working , his S . VV ., Bro . J . Howes , would preside at the first meeting in the new year . Brethren are cordially invited .

UBIQUE LODGE ( No . 1789 ) . —A meeting of this . lodge was held on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Crown and Anchor , 79 , Khury-street , when there were present Bros . Hayes , W . M . ; C . White , P . M ., S . VV . ; Foscutt , J . W . ; Boulton , P . M ., Preceptor ; P . Coughlan , Sec ; Glover , S . D . ; Taylor , J . D . ; Swingler , I . G . ; J . Purnell , and Hume . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The

ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Glover being the candidate . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third , and closed down to the First Decree . The Preceptor , assisted by the brethren , worked the First Section of this lecture . The W . M . having risen for the second time , Bro . White was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing week . Nothing further offering , the lodge was closed in perfect harmony .

BRIXTON LODGE ( No . 1 949 ) . —The weekl y meeting uf this lodge was held on the Gth inst ., at the Prince Regent , Duiwich-road . Present : Bros . A . E . Francis . Preceptor , as W . M . ; C . H . Phillips , Treasurer ] as S . VV . ; II . Hooper , J . W . ; James Stevens , P . M . ' , acting Preceptor ; S . Richardson , Secretary , as S . D VV . T . H . Mayer , J . D . ; G . R . Langley , I . G . ; T . Poore P . M . ; J . E . Marling , P . M . ; H . M . Williams , A . Jones , and A . E . Albert .

Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of installation was ably rehearsed by Bro . Francis , Bro . J . E . Hatling acting as W . M . elect . Bro . H . M . Williams will by arrangement be W . M . at the next meeting . Lodge was closed in peace and harmony .

Instruction.

A meeting of the members of the Benevolent Fund then took place . It was announced by the Treasurer , Bro . S . Richardson , that the members of the fund had already sent up 290 guineas to the different Masonic Institutions , and that there were sufficient funds in hand to provide for two ballots of five guineas each . A ballot then took place , which resulted in favour of Bros . Lambert and Martin . The fund has not quite completed its second year , and has subscribed 300 guineas to the Charities .

CHISWICK LODGE ( No . 2012 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Hampshire Hog Tavern , King-street , Hammersmith , when there were present Bros . H . Sharrett , W . M . ; F . R . Hayes , S . W . ; G . Gardner , J . W . ; Gomm , S . D . ; H . Furze , J . D . ; A . A . Williams , I . G . ; VV . Johnson , P . M . ; A . Ayling , P . M . ; F . Botley , C . Botley , G . Brown , VV . Willson , Jackson , Hoodless , Smither , Meyer , Steers .

The lodge was opened in due form , ana the minutes ot the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the Preceptor worked the Second Section of the First Lecture . T ie W . >•' , then rehearsed the ceremony of initiation , Bro . Steers being the candidate . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , Bro . Meyer answering the usual questions . The lodge was then closed in due form with perfect harmony . The brethren concluded a pleasant evening with songs and solos .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

MARQUIS OF DALHOUSIE CHAPTER ( No . 1159 ) . —A meeting of this chapter was held on the 2 nd inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Golden-square , VV . Amongst those present were Comps . Henry J . Moxon , M . E . Z ., in the chair , supported by W . VV . Venn , H ., Sir P . Cunliffe Owen , K . C . M . G . J ., Lord Spencer Churchill , P . L . Simmonds , D . P . Cama , Hyde Clarke , Harry Tipper , Bird ,

Room , Wood , Vigne , E . C . Cheston , and others . The minutes of the previous convocation having been read and confirmed , a ballot was taken on behalf of Brother Dorabjee Eduljee Dharwar , and , proving unanimous in his favour , he was exalted in good style by the M . E . Z . The election of officers then followed—Comps . VV . VV . Venn , Z . ; Sir P . Cunliffe Owen , H . ; Horace Cheston , J . There being no other business the chapter was closed in due form ,

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE . —Lodge of Indus , try ( No . 293 ) . —The annual and installation meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 5 th inst ., when there was a fair attendance of brethren . The chair was taken at 4 . 30 p . m . by the W . M ., Bro . M . Coibilt , P . G . S . W . ; supported by the R . W . Prov . G . M . M . M ., Bro . Canon H . B . Tristram ; W . Prov . Dep . P . G . M . M . Bro .

T . Y . Strachan ; C . S . Lane , P . G . S . W . ; R . B . Reed , P . P . G . S . W . ; John Wood , P . P . G . S . O . ; W . E . Franklin , P . G . Treas . ; D . Sinclair , P . G . Sec ; J . S . B . Bell , P . G . S . B . ; and G . Carter , P . G . S . The following members and visitors were also present : Bros . J . G . Smith , S . VV . and W . M . elect ; C . B . Ford , J . W . ; John Page , M . O . ; W . F . Carmon , S . O . ; J . T . Harrison , J . O . ; Rohert

Whitfield , Sec ; VV . Brown , S . D . ; Alf . Simpson , as J . D . ; VV . Stafford , J . S . ; R . VV . Klyne ; Joshua Curry , Tyler ; M . H . Dodd , John Moult , and others . Bro . John Wood , P . M ., presented Bro . J . G . Smith for installation , and he was duly installed as W . M . by Bro . David Sinclair , P . M ., P . G . Sec , who also delivered the charges to the W . M ., Wardens , Overseers , and brethren

in an impressive manner . The following brethren were afterwards invested as officers : Bros . M . Corbett , as l . P . M . ; C . B . Ford , S . VV . ; John Page , J . W . ; John Wood , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . F . Carmon , M . O . ; J . T . Harrison , S . O . ; Robert Whitfield , J . O . ; | A Rhagg , Reg . of Mks . ; VV . Brown , Sec : D . Sinclair . P . M .. D . C . : T .

, Thompson , S . D . ; VV . F . Raeburn , J . D . ; W . Stafford , ' I . G . ; H . F . Dryden , S . S . ; R . VV . Klyne , J . S . ; and Jos . Curry , Tyler . After receiving the " Hearty good wishes " of the R . W . P . G . M . and other visitors , the lodge was duly closed , when the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , and partook of a substantial dinner .

The loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to in a hearty manner , particularly those of the " R . W . P . CM ., Canon Tristram , " who replied in his usual felicitous and happy manner , and the " Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . Strachan , " who responded on behalf of Grand Lodge .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

GRAND MASTER'S LODGE . — The usual fortnightly meeting was held at Sa , Red Lion-square , on Wednesday , the 7 th inst ., Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . J . VV ., presided as W . M ., and there were present among others , Bros . Alfred Williams , John L . Mather , C F . Matier , Sec ; VV . Winnett , Jabez Church , J . Mead , Walter E . Williams , J . P . Lewin , G . M . Money , C . Gcldard , J .

Lewis-Thomas , VV . J . Collens , VV . M . Bywater , and E . j . Mills , Tyler . The minutes were read and confirmed , after which Bro . C . F . Matier , in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Binckes . rehearsed the ceremonies of consecration and installation . The next meeting will be held on Wednesday , the 21 st inst .

The Craft Abroad.

The Craft Abroad .

RHODE ISLAND , U . S . A . From the published proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island , in which are described the occurrences from 25 th September , 1 S 83 , to 7 th June , 1 SS 4 , it appears that there are in this jurisdiction 35 lodges , with an aggregate membership of 3559 , or rather less than the number reported in 18 S 3 . Great credit is due to Bro . Baker , G . Secretary , who has had charge of j . the compilation of the volume . _____

ILLINOIS . The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois held its thirtyfifth annual convocation at Chicago on the 30 th and 31 st October last . M . E . Comp . John A . Ladd was elected and installed G . High Priest ; and Comp . Gil W . Barnard , Grand Secretary ; Comp . Theodore T . Gurney being

The Craft Abroad.

appointed Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence . On the 29 th of the same month , and in the same city , the Grand C ' ommandery of Knights Templar of the same jurisdiction held its twenty-eig hth Annual Grand Conclave , when Sir Knight Haswell C . Clarke was elected Grand Commander ; and Sir Knight Gil W . Barnard re-elected Grand Recorder . There are no less than 56 commanderies in this state , all seemingly in a prosperous condition .

RHODE ISLAND . The half-yearly communication of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island , U . S . A ., was held in Masons' Hall , Providence , on the 17 th November . Bro . Lyman Knapp , G . M ., presided , and over 200 brethren were present . In the evening a banquet was held under the same presidency , among the more distinguished guests present being Bros . A . O . Bourn , Governor of the State of Rhode Island ; N .

W . Aldrich , United States Senator ; Geo . M . Carpenter , Judge of the Supreme Court ; Hon . Thos . A . Doyle , Mayor of Providence ; Hon . Robert S . Franklin , Mayor of Newport ; Col . N . Van Slyck , G . Warder of the Grand Encampment , K . T ., of the U . S . ; and Past Grand Masters Oliver Johnson , James Hutchison , Ariel Ballou , E . L . Freeman , and Thomas Vincent . Everything passed off well .

DECLARATION BY THE G . LODGE OK ILLINOIS . The Grand Masters of the Egyptian Rite of Memphis and the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis having claimed for their respective organisations that they have the power to create lodges and confer the degrees of E . A . P . F . C , and M . M ., the Committee on Correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Illinois , at its last communication in

Chicago , presented , by the medium of its Chairman , Bro . Theodore T . Gurney , a report against such monstrous claims , and Grand Lodge , haying adopted the report , unanimously passed the following resolutions , namely : — First— " That persons can not be made Masons except by the act of a regular lodge , working under the jurisdiction and by the authority of a Grand Lodge duly constituted by

the representatives of lodges of Free and Accepted or Craft Masons "; and second— "That every association of Masons , of whatever name or degree , other than that of the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry , heretofore described , that assumes the light to congregate , initiate , pass , and raise persons to the several degrees of said Craft or Symbolic Masonry , is clandestine , and is hereby so pronounced and declared . "

PRESENTATION TO BRO . J ? . BAXTER , W . M . No . 47 ( S . C ) . The regular monthly meeting , early in November last , of the Cargill Kilwinning Loldge , Port Chalmers , No . 632 , on the roll of G . Lodge of Scotland , was the scene of a very interesting ceremony . The R . W . M . Bro . Perry presided , and when the usual business had been transacted , Bro . W . Caldwell , P . M ., G . Steward , rose , andafterafew flattering

remarks on the recipient of the honour about to be conferred , explained that he had been deputed by the lodge to be the medium of prcenting the Mark and Royal Arch jewels to Bro . Joseph Baxter , R . W . M . Celtic Lodge , No . 477 ( S . C ) , in recognition of the valuable and kindiy services that brother had rendered to theCargill Kilwinning Lodge during his ( Kro . Caldwell ' s ) absence in the old

country . Bro . Caldwell expressed the pleasure he felt in presenting the jewels , and hoped that Bro . Baxter might live long to wear them , and to enjoy the position of honoraiy member of the Cargill Kilwinning Lodge , to which he had been elected . Bro . Baxter gracefully returned thanks , both for the testimonial and the compliment of honorary membership , and the lodge was then closed .

New Year's Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

NEW YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

Wednesday being the first Wednesday in the new year , the usual new year's entertainment was give . n to the resident Annuitants in the houses at Croydon . Several ladies and brethren assisted on the occasion , for which purpose they journeyed by train from Cannon-street and London Bridge .

Among the company were Bros . Edgar Bowyer , Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Miss Jessie Terry , Mrs . R . E . Bowyer , Miss Kate S . Terry , Mr . F . Stanley Bowyer , T . Hastings Miller , Mrs . C . Miller , Miss A . R . Miller , Bros . A . H . Tattershall , J . W . Murlis , Charles Fredk . Hogard , Bro . Robt . H . Halford and Mrs . Halford , Bro .

Raynham VV . Stewart , Bro . John Newton and Mrs . Newton , Bro . J , Briggs and Mrs . Briggs , Bro . Thomas Cubitt and Mrs Culmers , Bro . Thos . Clark and Mrs . Clark , Bro . Charles G . Hill and Mrs . Hill , and Miss Hill , Bro . Thomas Goode and Mrs . Goode , Bro . H . Massey , Mrs . H . VV . Massey , Miss Massey , and Miss A . R . Massey , Bro . A . Wright and Mrs . Wright , E . S . Bowyer , Bro . Wright

, H . Brady , J . Bonner , C . Brady , VV . H . Warr , Mrs . Warr , Mrs . Black , J . W . Knott , W . J . Taylor , Miss E . M . Varnan , F . A . Constable , A . Constable , A . P . Bowyer , Bro . James E . Terry , Thos . Slater , Bro . VV . W . Morgan , Bro . James Terry , Bro . John Mason , and Bro . Recknell . On arriving at the Institution the party which had

travelled by train were met and welcomed b y Bro . Terry , and a happy new year was heartily wished . Bro . and Mrs . Edgar Bowyer were laden , as is their wont on these occasions , with packets of tea and tobacco and other creature enjoyments for the Annuitants . At two o ' clock the Annuitants were summoned by sound of bell to sit down to dinner in the large hall , and on their

obeying the summons a most bountiful repast was laid before them . Turkeys and roast beef , ham , and roast and boiled fowls , which had been provided by many generous brethren and ladies , supplemented by gifts of five guineas from East Lancashire , two guineas from the Abbey Lodge , and more presents from other lodges , were placed in profusion on the board . The hall was beautifully decorated ,

and most genially warmed and lighted , and it was evident that both the old people and the visitors would spend a pleasant day . Four of the Annuitants were confined to their houses by illness , and these were supplied with their dinner at their homes , Bro . Dr . Strong , the Honorary Surgeon of the Institution , took the chair , and Bros . Terry , Thomas Cubitt , and Raynham W . Stewart were among the carvers , while all