Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft J-Easoitr-g

FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —This old lodge met for the dispatch of business at Anderton's Hotel on the 27 th ult ., when there were present among others Bros . T . C Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middlesex , W . M . ; Clark , S . VV . ; Jordan , ] . XV . ; Carter , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stewart , P . M ., Sec ; Fromholtz , S . D . ; Dippie , D . C ; McMullens , A . W . S . ; Charles Dairy , P . M . ; Morrison , P . M . ; Cobham , P . M . ; Hakim , Coopc , Holland , Whadcoat , and others .

S he minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Dairy , P . M ., proposed that the sum of 10 guineas be voted from the lodge funds and placed upon the list of Bro . Whadcoat as a Steward at the forthcoming festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The

proposition having been seconded was put and unanimously carried . Several communications having been read from absent members the lodge was duly closed and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . Upon the removal of the cloth a few toasts were honoured and the brethren separated .

LION AND LAMB LODGE ( No . 192 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 1 st inst ., at Cannon-street Hotel . Present : Bros . Jas . Gicsman Chillingworth , W . M . j H . A . Pratt , S . VV . ; H . Stevenson , J . W . ; H . Legge , P . M ., Treas . ; Geo . Abbott , P . M ., Sec ; Barclay Perkins , S . D . ; VV . Darnell , I . G . ; T . Cohu , P . M ., Steward ; XV . Dyer , Tvler ; Lucas , I . P . M . ; Rickwood ,

P . M . ; Jones , P . M . ; Kenning , P . M . ; Smith , Williams , Datt , Quy , Fisher , Hamblin , Tilbury , Belpage , Med win , Fraser , Cann , Fowler , Davis , Waring , and Most . Visitors Bros . Flaxman Spurrell , I . P . M . 197 S , P . P . G . J . W . Kent ; Sears , P . G . D . Kent ; Linscot , I . P . M . 55 ; Birdseye , P . M . 715 ; Hale , P . M . 1414 ; and several others 25 in all . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and

confirmed . I he report of the Audit Committee and t reasurer ' s balance sheet was then considered , the balance brought forward being the largest for some years ; the report and statement was unanimously received and adopted . The passing candidate , Bro . Tilbury having responded to the usual questions was passed to the Degree of F . C . The . ceremony of installation then

took place , and Bro . Pratt , S . VV . and W . M . elect , having been presented , was installed in the chair of K . S . in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters and saluted accordingly . The retiring W . M ., Bro . Chillingworth , concluded the ceremony in a most able manner , delivering the addresses with great feeling and in a most impressive manner . The W . M . then invested his officers as follows :

Bros . Stevenson , S . W . ; Barclay Perkins , J . VV . ; H . Legge , Treas . ; G . Abbott , Sec ; VV . Medwin , S . D . ; Darnell , J . D . ; D .-wland , I . G ., * Cohu , S . S . ; Williams andLaward , A . Stwds . ; Rickwood , D . C . ; Fisher , A . D . C . ; and Smith , Org . Bro . Dyer was re-elected Tyler and invested accordingly . Bro . Fisher , in accordance with noticed motion , proposed that the usual Past Master ' s jewel of the value of loguineas

be presented to the retiring W . M ., Bro . Chillingworth ; and the motion having been seconded was carried unanimously , when the W . M . in suitable terms invested Bro . Chillingworth with thc jewel . The Secretary drew attention to thc recommendation of the Audit Committee , viz ., that the sum of 10 guineas be

voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and proposed that the lodge gave effect to the recommendation , which having been seconded was carried unanimously . The lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourded to banquet , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . The vocal talent , under the charge of Bro . F . Cozens , gave much satisfaction .

BOLTON . —Anchor and Hope Lodge ( No . 37 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 5 th inst ., at the Swan Hotel . The lodge was opened by Bro . G . P . Brockbank , P . P . S . G . D ., VV . M ., when there were present Bros . John Booth , S . VV . ; F . W . Pacey , P . P . G . Org . Berks and Bucks . J . W . ; Rev . I . H . Gibbon , Chap . ; fas . Newton , P . P . G . S . D ., Sec ; J . VV .

Poyntz , S . D . ; J . Hardcastle , J . D . ; J . M . Bentley , Org . ; W . H . Lomax , I . G . j J . Naylor , Stwd . ; J . W . Roiley , Tyler T . Higson , Asst . Tyler ; S . Crowther , P . M ., P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; Rooke Pennington , P . M . ; Johnson Mills , P . M . ; and W . Golding . Visitors : Bros . J . W . Kenyon , P . M . 42 ; Berry , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; Ch . is . Brierley , W . M . 42 ; E . Evans , I . W . 42 ; P . Bradburn , J . W . 221 ;

and XV . F . Chambers , I . G . 221 . The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . W . M . Musgrave , 1514 , and E . Barber , P . M . 113 , were unanimously elected as joining members of the lodge . The Secretary read a report of a meeting of present and past provincial grand officers , W . Ms ., and brethren of the province held in Manchester on the 23 rd January

last , for the object of considering the best course to adopt with the view of obtaining additional subscriptions and donations to the various Masonic Charities . The W . M . intimated that hc had consented to serve as Steward at the ensuing Festival of thc Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and afterwards on behalf of the lodge tendered a hearty welcome to the visiting brethren , particularly the three members of

Lodge 42 , whose object in visiting them was to obtain information as to the proper mode of celebrating their 150 th anniversary in July next , and which he ( the W . M . ) and the Secretary ( Bro . Newton ) would be willing to afford to the fullest extent . Bro . Brierley , W . M . 42 , in thanking the W . M . and Secretary , intimated that it was the intention of their lodge

to publish its history collated from the records , which were all extant from 1733 , thedate of its commencement , a fact which will at once be interesting and gratifying to all Masonic students . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed by thc visitors and the lodge , was closed .

CHICHESTER . —Lodge of Union ( No . 38 ) . — 1 he ordinary monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday evening , the ist inst . The W . M ., Bro . F . W . Gruggen ,. presided , and the Wardens , Bros . O . Lloyd and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

W . H . Barrett , filled their respective chairs , nearly all the other officers being present , while among the Past Masters were Bros , the Earl of March and Kinniare , M . P ., P . G . Warden ; R . G . Raper , P . P . G . ( . VV . ; G . Molesworth , P . P . G . D . ; G . Smith , P . P . G . D . ; Oliver N . Wyatt , P . P . G . Supt . of Works ; and others . Bro . Lord Algernon Gordon Lennox accompanied his brother , thc Earl of Marchto

, the lodge . After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , the Worshipful Master in a graceful speech presented Bro . the Earl of March with a Past Master ' s jewel which had been unanimously voted to him by the brethren , and also invested him with the collar of I . P . M . Lord March in the course of his reply regretted that his

important public duties had prevented him from attending the lodge meetings so often as he could have wished during his year of office as VV . M . He expressed his unabated interest in the progress of Freemasonry , and said he should continue as his ancestors , the Dukes of Richmond had always done , to use his best endeavours for the welfare of the Craft , and especially of the old Union Lodge . His

lordship added that he had only during the last 24 hours become possessed of a piece of documentary evidence showing that Freemasonry existed in the city of Chichester in the year 1730 , and he produced for the inspection of the brethren a tradesman's bill , paid by the Duke of Richmond of that day , one of the items on which was " To three candlesticks and a sword , for the society of Freemasons . "

During the evening the brethren were called upon to consider the propriety of granting a donation from the lodge funds towards the testimonial proposed to be presented by the Freemasons of the Province of Sussex to Bro . J . Henderson Scott , P . G . D ., the Deputy Provincial Grand Master . It was proposed by Bro . Geo . Smith , P . P . G . D ., and seconded by Bro . G . iMoIesworth , P . P . G . D ., the two senior Past Masters present , that the sum of ten

guineas be voted for the purpose named , both proposer and seconder speaking of Bro . Scott ' s unvarying kindness and courtesy , and of his unceasing labours as Provincial Grand Secretary and Deputy Provincial Grand Master for the good ofthe Craft . The resolution was carried unanimously . Two brethren were approved as joining members , and one proposal for initiation was received . At the conclusion of labour the brethren adjourned to refreshment .

BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . — A regular meeting was held on the ist inst ., the lodge being opened at 7 . 45 p . m ., consisting of the following officers and brethren : Bros . E . J . B . Mercer , W . M . •I Rubie , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., S . W . ; T . Ames , J . W . ; f . P . Ashley , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., Treas . ; C . W . Radway , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., Sec ; W . Peach , S . D .: T . E

Wilton , J . D . ; T . Wilton , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., Dir . of C . ; XV . L . Baldwin , I . G . ; John Foote , Org . ; F . Wilkinson , P . M ., acting I . P . M . ; Hunt and Reynolds , Stewards ; Peel Floyd , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; T . B . Moutrie , P . M . P . P . G . S . W . ; Philip Braham , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . ; J . Robinson , Pinker , Mann , Foott , and others . The summons and the minutes were readand apoWies

, for non-attendance were received from several brethren , including Bros . R . B . Cater , I . P . M ., and Dr . H . Hopkins , P . M . The latter never fails , health permitting , to attend to all and every Masonic call , but to the regretof his brethren at present he is too unwell to run the risk of night air . May the G . A . O . T . U . soon restore him . The candidate for passing was too unwell to attend . A ballot for a

srentleman for initiation and a ballot for a joining member proved successful . The Treasurer ' s accounts were presented and passed , the balance being somewhat small , this past year many heavy charges having been borne . The byelaws were read and the lodge voted one guinea towards the proposedtestimonial to Bro . Hunt , Provincial Grand Secretary . No further business presenting itself lodge was closed in due form and in harmony .

NORTH SHIELDS . —St . George ' s Lodge ( No . 431 ) . —The usual monthl y meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , on Monday , the sth inst ., the W . M ., Bro . VV . J . Ward , P . P . J . G . W ., in the chair supported by his officers and a large assemblage of brethren and visitors , including the W . M ., Wardens , and officers of the Hadrian Lodge , No . 1070 . The minutes of

the last regular meeting and succeeding lodge of emergency were read and confirmed , after which ballots were taken for the admission of two joining members and two gentlemen for initiation , all of whom were declared unanimously elected . Bro . E . D . Davis , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., and P . G . D . of C , who has rendered very valuable aid to the Province of Northumberland , was elected a life member of

the lodge . Two brethren were passed to the Second Degree , and after transacting other business and receiving several propositions for future transactions the lodge was closed in due form . The brethren afterwards adjourned to refreshment , and a convivial and pleasant hour was spent in the enjoyment of toast and song .

STAFFORD . —Staffordshire Knot Lodge ( No . 726 ) . —A lodge of emergency was held at the Swan Hotel , on the 6 th ult ., for the purpose of balloting for , and if elected initiating , Mr . William Beck , a gentleman from St . John ' s , Newfoundland , who is on a visit to England , but expecting shortly to return , and who had a strong wish to be initiated in this lodge . The ballot was unanimous in

favour of Mr . Beck , and he was then initiated by the W . M ., Bro . James Senior , in a very effective manner , the working tools being explained by Bro . J . Mottram , J . W . ; the charge was delivered by the W . M . in his well-known style . The lodge was then closed . The ordinary meeting of this lodge was held on the 21 st ult ., when there were present Bros . J . Senior , W . M . ; I .

Baker , S . W . ; J . Mottram , J . W .-, Rev . E . C . Verry , M . A ., P . M ., Chap . ; F . Woolley , Sec . ; E . J . Mousley , S . D . ; I . Wooldridge , J . D . ; T . E . Fowke , P . M ., M . C . j W . D . Batkin and H . Thorn , Stewards ; R . Tomlinson , Tyler ; F . Espley , S . S . Plant , W , Brown , VV . Beck , N . Joyce , J . Taylor , S . Moss , and R . Sudbury .

lhe minutes of the last regular lodge and lodge of emergency were read and confirmed . Mr . Wm . Wynn Kenrick being in attendance was duly and properly initiated by the W . M . into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . Bro . H . Gillard , P . M ., having presented to the lodge some miniature copies of the tracing boards , the workmanship of himself when only 12 years of age , a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him for his very handsome

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

present , and it was also decided to have them suitably framed . J 1 he lodge was afterwards closed in ancient form and perfect harmony , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . PLUMSTEAD . —Pattison Lodge ( No . 913 ) .--The usual monthly meeting of the above lodge was held r " u " , , sday ' th , e Ist inst * ' at the HiS * h School for Boys , fox Hill and although not so numerously attended as is

usually the case , yet a very pleasant evening was spent , \\ i \/ ° S °° Mason > c work clone . Bro . H . Mason , VV . M ., presided , supported by the following- officers and Do * S , w V * - ' * £ ' ' -P . M . ; A . Coupland , P . M ., £ **^' -, ' *} y ; , Kcn ^ Treas * > * C . Ellis-Fermer , P . M . ; A . K S f M L * M 5 J- »•Hayes , P . M . ; E . Denton , P . M ., P . P . G . P . Kent , Sec ; R . Edmunds SW H

, .. ; . Pryce - r * uViT ' 5 1 - ? - 5 , E P * - » " * . I-D . ; G . H . Letton U xJ „• ¦?** Mabbett * Tyler ; T . Holleyman , W . M . , 536 G . W . King , 77 ; and C . Jolly , 913 , S . D . 1472 ( Freemason ) . Bro . A . D . Capon having been passed , Bro . Penfold announced that the Provincial Reception Committee having tried in vain to get a suitable place to entertain 1 rovincial Grand Lodge had determined to recommend

that the attempt be abandoned , at least for the present year . After a discussion , in which it was stated that the only two places suitable , namely , the Assembly Room at the Duke of Connaught ' s Coffee Tavern and the Royal Artillery Recreation Room , were not available , it was decided that the Committee should survey other places pointed out , with power to act at once , it being deemed a

great pity not to be able to carry the festival through after Provincial Grand Lodge had so kindl y accepted the invitation of the lodge . A prettily served supper was partaken of ; afterwards the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given by the VV . M . and heartily responded to . ' In responding for the toast , of the "Provincial Grand

Officers Present and . Past , " Bro . Coupland expressed his sense of the honour done him in coupling him with so important a toast , and felt proud of being associated with such a distinguished bod y as the Grand Officers of the province of Kent , whose ruler and governor , Lord Homesdale , was so courteous a gentleman and so excellent a Mason . It was a position to boast of , and not a vain boast

either he trusted , and one that he should like to see able to be made by other brethren in that lodge before long . He did not forget that he was the representative of the Pattison Lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee , nor that that committee was to meet in the middle of the present month . Their esteemed Grand Master presided over those charity meetings , and after getting through a great deal of business

they dined together , also presided over at thc social board oy his lordship . Now his reason for introducing this was to thank the brethren for the confidence reposed in him as their representative for so many years past , and further to say that he thought a change in that representation might be desirable , and if any brother of the lodge would take the office he would freely give it up . Since he had

hcia the office he had attended meetings all over the province , and had always received the most cordial and hearty support from all his fellow representatives , but it was an honour that might well be shared , and as he said before , if any brother would take the office he would gladly give way . He thanked them for the toast . „ e . ?* .. Co ok * ' -P- ' - then proposed the toast of "The

VV . M . It was a precept we / I known and generally admitted that " honour should be paid to whom honour was due , ' and nowhere was that precept more honoured in its observance than in the Pattison Lod ge . He asked them therefore to show by their warmth how hvrhly they appreciated the ability aud worth ol their W . M . Bro . Mason wished he could find words sufficient to show

how pleased hc was to be amongst them and give them satisfaction in his position as their W . M . He had given a large amount of work and time to fit himself for that position , and should feel even more encouraged where there to be a better attendance of the brethren and visitors . The ladder of Freemasonry was hard to climb at anv time , and

when at the highest rung it was even still harder to keep there . After advocating the attendance at lod ges of instruction he thanked tbe brethren for their kindness , and as he loved Freemasonry for itself the cordial good wishes of the brethren would encourage him to still endeavour to do good for it , and help in its teachings with all his power until the end .

The next toast was that of " The Past Masters , " and m giving it the W . M . regretted that there were not so many present as usual , but there was one present ( Bro . Ellis-Fermor ) who came a great many miles to see them , although that was the first time he had been with them since

Christmas . Of Bro . Elhs-Fermor he could notsay too much . He was not only the father of the lodge , but one of the most assiduous for its welfare . He asked them to do justice to the toast , and coupled it with the name of Past Master Ellis-Fermor .

Bro . Elhs-Fermor in response said he felt unable to do the toast justice , but would say a few words upon this occasion because if he felt in the future as unwell as he had during the past two or three months he was afraid he should soon be unable to come amongst them , or not so often as he had in the past . So far as the Pattison Lodge was concerned , whether there were few Past Masters present or whether

there were many , there was one thing the Past Masters always felt called upon to note and acknowled ge , and that was the rerpect with which they were always received by every brother in the lodge . Nor was that the only thing that concerned them and the lod ge ; the W . Ms , always received their advice and , when necessary , instruction in such an admirable manner that it made the office oneboth of honour

and self-esteem to them . It was said that it was a fortunate thing for a lodge to have good and earnest Past Masters , but it was also a fortunate thing for the Past Masters to hold that office in a lodge where the W . M . and his officers did their work so well that the call upon their assistance was of the merest and most nominal kind ; but what they did they did with an effort and with a desire to increase the

honour and prestige ol the lodge , over whose destinies they were at times called upon to preside , and whose prosperity was their highest reward and ambition . Nor was the Master's position held or even acquired without an effort , for unless he did his duty efficiently in the minor ofiices he certainly would not arrive at the head of his lodge , and when in the chair it required an effort to do the work well and thoroughly . In that lodge it was always done in a most masterl y manner ; and wh y was that so ? because every oflicer of the lodge attended the ex ' -