St. Paul's Restoration Fund.

ST . PAUL'S RESTORATION FUND .

following the suggestion made a short time since in these pages , the Lodge of Antiquity , at their last meeting , voted a sum of £ 21 to the St . Paul ' s Fund . It is to be hoped that so good an example will be generally followed by the whole Craft , and as Sir Christopher Wren's

connection with Freemasonry is an interesting portion of the history of the Order in England , a few words on that subject will doubtless incite others to contribute to the completion of our noble Cathedral , Wren ' s glorious monument , thus described in the motto on its walls -. " Si

monumentum qurens , circumspice . " Freemasonry had flourished in the reign of James I ., under the Grand Mastership of Inigo Jones , and continued in favour under the Earls of Pembroke , Danby , Arundel , and Bedford , who successively occupied the same high office , until the civil

wars , when its progress was checked . Under the auspices , however , of Charles II ., who had been admitted into the Order during his exile , Freemasonry revived . On December 27 th , 166 3 , a general assembly was held , when Henry Jermyn , Earl of St . Albans , was elected Grand

Master , who appointed Sir John Denham his Deputy , and Mr ., afterwards Sir Christopher , Wren and John Webb his Wardens . In 1666 the Earl of St . Albans was succeeded by Earl Rivers , and by him Sir Christopher Wren was appointed Deputy Grand Master . Wren

distinguished himself beyond any of his predecessors in promoting the prosperity of lodgesthcn meeting in London , especially that of St . Paul's , which is now called the Lodge of Antiquity . He belonged to that lodge for eighteen years , and during his Mastership he presented

threecandlesticks to the lodge , which are still preserved and constantly used by the Lodge of Antiquity . After the great fire in 1666 , Sir Christopher Wren was appointed the principal architect for rebuilding the city , the cathedral , and the parochial churches . He considered the charge too

important for a single person , and accordingly selected for his assistant Mr . Robert Hook , Professor of Geometry in Gresham College . In 1673 , the foundation stone of St . Paul ' s Cathedral was laid with great solemnity and Masonic honours by the Ring , Charles II ., who presented

his mallet , made of some wood from the former structure , to Sir Christopher Wren , who gave it to his lodge , where it is now shown , with great pride , to every visitor to the lodge . Long previous to 1718 , the year considered by many to be that in which our present speculative or

Free Masonry was established , had Masonic lodges been something more than operative societies , and especially so under the rulership of Inigo Jones , for , then , we learn that many learned men were initiated into our mysteries , and lodges were constituted as seminaries of

instruction in the sciences and polite arts , after the model of the Italian schools . Few of our public buildings are associated so intimately with the history of the Craft , and the opportunity now offered of assisting in the completion

of St . Paul ' s , as Wren designed it , ought to be eagerly embraced by every lodge and every individual Freemason , and thus make manifest to the world the dignity and usefulness of our Order .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

[ With a view to increase the circulation , and consequently the usefulness , of TUB FREEMASON , it is suggested that Lodges , & c , desiring reports to appear in the paper , should take a certain number of copies in proportion to the space required for the report . ] THE CRAFT .

METROPOLITAN . Pythagorean Lodge , No . 79 . —The usual meeting of this old and prosperous lodge was held on the 29 th ult ., at the Ship Hotel , Greenwich , under the presidency of Bro . J . S . Burls , W . M ., supported by

his officers : Bros . C . Nash , S . W . and W . M .-elect ; J . R . Nash , J . W . ; W . C . Penny , P . M . and Treas . ; J . H . H . Doughney , P . M . and Sec . ; H . Roberts , S . D . ; C . Munyard , J . D . ; J . Shaw , I . G . ; J . J . H .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Wilkins , W . S . ; \ 7 . West Smith , P . M . 890 , as D . C . ; and a large number of the members , including Bros . R . Boncey , T . Perridge , and H . A . Collington , P . M . ' s , J . R . Dussek , F . Coldery , A . C . Bell , C . Fowler , S . J . Jenard , H . Kingston , W . Kipps , H . Pettit , J . F . Taylor , F . Roberts . B . W . Parsons , J . Ashby , W .

Duperc , W . Myatt , H . Bond , A . Beckwith , E . Webb , T . jeans , E . Mohn , & c . 'The visitors were Bros . James Brett ( P . G . P . ) , W . H . Farnfield ( P . M . 907 ) , R . B . Webster ( W . M . 140 ) , J . W . Comb ( W . M . 54 S ) , FI . J . Wright ( P . M . 72 ) , E . W . Bumstead ( P . M . 548 ) , J . J . West ( P . M . 54 S ) , T . Simpson ( P . M . 9 ) ,

H . Sydney Boate ( 72 ) , J . Palmer ( 72 ) , E . Shalless ( 140 ) , C . H . Porter ( 147 ) , T . H . Lavers ( W . M . 211 ) , W . H . Hailey ( 315 ) , H . Jolly ( I . G . 675 ) , P . Chatterton ( 829 ) , W . A . Thompson ( 829 ) . W . J . Hurlstone ( S 62 ) , J . W . Reed ( S . W . 871 ) , J . Griffin ( S . W . 933 ) , H . Lord ( 933 ) , & c . The minutes of the last

meeting were read and confirmed , after which the report of the Audit Committee was received , showing a large balance in hand and no liabilities , and being approved of was ordered to be placed on the minutes . Bro . J . F . Taylor was then passed to the second , and Bro . I . Ashby raised to the third degree . The

W . M .-elcct , Bro . C . Nash , S . W ., was then presented to the W . M . presiding and regularly installed into the chair , and appointed as his officers : Bros . J . R . Nash , S . W . ; H . Roberts , J . W . ; W . C . Penny , P . M ., Treasurer ( re-elected ); J . H . H . Doughney , P . M ., Sec . ( reappointed ) ; C . Munyard , S . D . ; J . Shaw ,

J . D . ; J . J . H . Wilkins , I . G . ; J . R . Dussek , W . S . ; W . West Smith , P . M ., as D . C . ; and W . Kipps , as Organist . The ceremonies were performed in a very accurate and effective manner by Bro . Burls , who had the gratification of having presented to him a very chaste solid gold jewel in token of his

services as W . M . during the past year . The lodge being closed , the brethren adjourned and sat down to a sumptuous banquet provided by Bro . Pycroft ( the manager ) , after which the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were drunk with enthusiasm , and particularly so that of " To the improved health of the

Prince of Wales , " accompanied as it was with the song , " God bless the Prince of Wales . " The evening was further enlivened with many songs from the brethren and visitors , who also expressed themselves as highly gratified and delighted with the evening's

enjoyment . Bro . W . Kipps presided at the harmonium in the lodge and at the piano in the banqueting room , andby his admirable performances thereon tended greatly to the harmony and sociality of the evening .

lodge of Faith , No . 141 . —This lodge met at Andcrton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 30 th ultimo . Bro . C . C . Taylor , W . M ., presided , ably assisted by his officers . There were present nine P . M . ' s , and a numerous assembly of brethren . Tlu business of the evening comprised three raisings and three

initiations , the ceremonies in each case being effectively and impressively rendered by the W . M . Bro . W . Stewart , P . M ., informed the lodge of the fund which is now in course of being raised on behalf of the widow of the late highly-esteemed Bro . S . B . Wilson , and advocated the cause with great

heartiness ; upon which it was unanimously resolved that £ 2 2 s . be given from the lodge fund in aid of that highly-laudable movement . The enjoyments of the banqueting table were next upon the programme , and after the removal of the cloth the usual toasts were given and responded to ; but on this occasion

the W . M . deemed it proper to depart from the usual course by proposing the health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and concluded with the hope that all hearts might be lifted up in thanksgivings to the G . A . O . T . U . for the recovery of our royal brother . As may well be imagined , this toast was responded

to most loyally and with great enthusiasm . The evening ' s proceedings were interspersed with songs and recitations by Bros . W . Stewart , S . Davis , M . Davis , Pitt and Dunthorn ( oneof the newly-initiated ) , and a more pleasantly disposed assembly can scarcely be conceived . The brethren of this lodge

may well be congratulated on the perfect unanimity which has so long prevailed amongst the members , for although , as is naturally the case , perfectly opposite opinions upon the various questions which arise in a lodge are often very warmly expressed , yet there

is a display of forbearance and feelings of goodfellowship , that in no case is the harmony of the lodge ever disturbed . The visitors were Brothers Gompertz ( P . M . 86 9 , P . G . S . Essex ) , Charles Atkins ( S . D . 27 ) , Hare ( 1020 ) , Turner ( 10 / 7 ) .

Royal Oak lodge , A ' o . 871 . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the White Swan Tavern , Dcptford , on the 25 th ult . Bro . F . Walters , P . M . and Sec , opened the lodge . Present : J . VV . Reed , J . W . ; W . Myatt , S . D . ; G . Andrews , J . D . ; S . A . Lewin , I . G . ; J . Hawker , P . M . ; R . Killick , C . Letton , J .

Lea , W . Shaw , W . H . Truelovc , J . Ragg , R . G . J . Harris , G . Harvey , G . T . Limn , T . J . Blackmorc , H . G . Rattle , J . G . Vohmann , T . Spencer , F . R . Hood , C . Wood , J . H . W ilson , B . J . Cole , B . James , E . James , J . Woollett , & c . ; visitors , Bros . J . Roper ( 147 ) , N . Wingfield ( P . M . 16 9 ) , C . Hollier ( P . M . 184 ) , T . McCull ( 190 ) , J . Abseil ( S 13 ) , J . Carver

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

( J . W . 1155 ) , G . Burney ( ii 55 ) , A . Angher ( 1227 ) , G . Jones ( 1326 ) . Bros . J . Spencer , F . R . Hood , and G . Jones ( 1326 ) were raised to the third , and Bros . R . Killick and T . J . Blackmorc were passed to the second degree . Bro . W . Andrews , W . M ., then took the chair and Messrs . B . James , E . James , and J .

Woollett were initiated . Bro . T . Killner , S . W ., having declined the honour , Bro . Reed , J . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . Bro . Andrews , W . M ., was elected Treasurer , Bro . Collington honorary member , and Bro . J . McRitchie ( i 326 ) joining member . Bro . Andrews , W . M ., announced his intention

of presenting to the Boys' School , in the name of the W . M . of the lodge for the time being , the five guineas voted for a testimonial for his services as W . M . Some propositions for initiation , & c , were made , the lodge was closed , and the brethren partook of banquet .

Perfect Ashlar Lodge , No . 1178 , met at the Gregorian Arms Tavern , Bermondsey , on the 1 st inst . The W . M ., Bro . G . J . Grace , in a proficient manner passed four brethren to the second degree and initiated three candidates into the mysteries of the Order Banquet was afterwards served . There were present

during the evening : Bros . Grace , W . M . ; J . Green , I . P . M . ; J . W . Avery , P . M ., W . S . ; F . Walters , P . M ., Sec ; J . W . Dudley , S . W . ; J . H . Harmsworth , J . W . ; T . W . Cox , J . D . ; C . Deakin , I . G . ; J . Ruse , D . C . ; & c . Visitors : Swann ( 174 ) , Wintle ( S . W . 548 ) , Cracknell ( 829 ) , Etheridges ( S 29 ) , Vincent ( 1076 ) , Willett ( 1076 ) Hammond ( 1216 ) .

PROVINCIAL . IPSWICH . —British Union Lodge , No . 114 . —The ordinary meeting of this , one of the oldest and most exclusive lodges in Suffolk , was held on Thursday , 25 th ult ., when there were present : Bros . C . E . Long , W . M . ; R . W . Beaumont , R . N . ; S . Wright ,

J . W . ; Rev . R . N . Sanderson , P . P . G . C , W . M . Prince of Wales ' s Lodge , Chap . ; W . Spalding , P . M ., Sec . ; A . D . George , S . D . ; J . J . Burton , J . . ; Emra Holmes , P . M ., P . G . A . D . C ., D . C . ; Past Masters P . Cornell , P . G . S . D ., I . P . M . ; Rev . E . I . Lock-wood , D . P . G . M . Suffolk ; H . Harris , F . Gull ,

W . Boby , Rev . A . VV . Moore , and Rev . T . G . Beaumont . Amongst the visitors present were Bros . Capt . Durrat , Dr . Fleming , P . P . G . S . W . ; R . G . Wood , R . E ., P . P . G . S . D . Hampshire , C . Childe , Isaac Newton , University of Cambridge ; G . S . Golding , I . P . M . Phoenix Lodge , P . G . S . B . ; W . A .

Smith , I . P . M . Perfect Friendship Lodge , P . G . D . C . ; H . Samuel , W . M . Angel Lodge , Colchester ; Rev . E . H . Crate , P . G . C . Essex ; F . Cole , Angel Lodge Colchester ; S . B . King , P . M . ; H . G . Moore , P . M ., & c , & c . The ballot was taken for Bro . J . J . Burton , of Lincoln ' s-Inn , and Westminster and

Keystone Lodge , as a joining member , who was duly accepted , and appointed to the office of Junior Deacon . The ballot was then taken for Arthur Philip Viscount Mahon , ALP ., proposed by W . Bro . the Rev . E . I . Lockwood , D . P . G . M ., seconded by Bro . C . F . Long , W . M ., and Mr . Henry Miller ,

proposed to Bro . Emra Holmes , and seconded by the W . M . Both candidates being present , they were duly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry , the ceremony being ably performed by Bro . Cornell , I . P . M ., and the W . M . Bro . Long . Bro . the Rev . Augustus Moore was

raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason . The brethren , numbering nearly forty , afterwards sat down to an admirable repast , provided in Bro . G . Spalding's best style . After the removal of the cloth , the various loyal and Masonic toasts were

given from the chair , and the harmony of the evening was promoted by the vocal efforts of Bros . Geo . Turner , A . D . George , W . A . Smith , H . Miller , & c . Bro . G . Cook presided with his customary ability at the pianoforte , and one of the most agreeable evenings was spent by the brethren .

LIVERPOOL . —Lodge of Sincerity , No . 292 . —This lodge held its annual festival and installation on the evening of Monday , January 8 th , when a large number of visitors and members of the lodge met together to do honour to the occasion . At the regular meeting in December , the choice of the

brethren had fallen on Bro . T . H . Hustwick , J . W ., as their W . M . for the ensuing year . After the usual preliminary business had been disposed of , the W . M .-elect was presented to the Installing Master , Bro . Thomas Wylic , P . G . Reg ., by Bro . the Rev . J . H . Jukes , P . M . 120 , and P . P . G . Chaplain

Herefordshire , and Bro . Laidlaw , P . M . and P . P . G . Supt . of Works , the ceremony of installation being rendered in a most impressive manner by the P . G . Reg . After the return of the brethren , and the usual proclamations , the W . M . appointed his officers as follows , addressing to each in turn a few words of encouragement and congratulation : Bros . Foy ,

S . W . ; Evans , J . W . ; Hess , P . M ., Treas . ; Russell , Sec . ; Hughes , S . D . ; Fletcher , J . D . ; Llewellyn , I . G . ; and W . II . Ball , Tyler . Each officer , on being led to his scat by the Installing Master , received from him an address explanatory of his duties . The new W . M . at once commenced the active duties of his office by initiating into Free-