Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

was carried . It was then , with the deepest regret , the W . M . informed the lodge of the death of their oldest , most highly esteemed , and venerated Bro . H . Moss , P . M . The brethren who knew him the best esteemed him most , with his noble and manly form , within which was a heart every ready to sympathise or help , and the lodge wished to

pay a special respect to the memory of one who was so highly esteemed and so deeply venerated . The brethren could but send a letter of condolence to the members of his family , which would but feebly convey the feelings of the lodge for the loss of so true a Mason . The meeting having closed , lodge was adjourned till the first Thursday in May .

WEST KENT LODGE ( No . 1297 ) . —The installation meeting of this successful lodge took place at the Crystal Palace , Sydenham , on Saturday , the 27 th ult ., when there were present Bros . James Crowden , W . M . ; Philps , S . W . j Johnson , J . W . ; BeIlis , S . D . ; W . Osmond , J . D . ; Hands , I . G . ; Bowler , Tyler ; Fullwood , D . C . ; Stead , P . M ., Treas . ; Woodrow , P . M ., Sec . ; Perrin , P . M . ; Robt . H . Crowden , P . M . ; Ancell , Evans , Dowding , Saxby ,

and Lavington . Visitors : Bros . Paul , D . G . D . C . ; Cock , P . M . 1597 ; E . Dresser Rogers , P . M . 15 ; Allworth , P . M . 1261 ; Butt , P . M . 700 ; Saxby , P . M . 945 ; Collins , P . M . 1861 ; Parrick , S . D . 1397 ; Price , S . D . 1910 ; Cockell , I . G . 507 ; Lavington , 857 ; Peet , S 57 ; Hennell , S 57 ; Beden , 90 ; Bridger , 1901 ; and Simmons , 19 S 6 . The minutes having been confirmed , and the Audit report received and approved , Bro . P . G . Philps was installed

into the chair of King Solomon by Bro . Robt . H . Crowden , P . M ., to whom a vote of thanks was tendered and entered on the minutes . Previous to the closing of the lodge , Bro . Philps presented Bro . James Crowden , I . P . M ., withahandsome jewel as a mark of esteem and regard . The W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . Jas . Crowden , I . P . M . ; Stephen Johnson , S . W . ; Alex . 1 . Bellis , J . W . ; Watson Osmond , S . D . ; A . J . Hands , J . D . ;

A . Powles , I . G . ; W . J . Ancell and A . C . Dowding , Stwds . ; Henry D . Stead , P . M ., Treas . ; John C . Woodrow , P . M ., Sec . ; and Thomas Bowler , Tyler . Bro . Crowden returned thanks to the brethren in suitable te rms for the same . The banquet was served in Bro . Bertram ' s usual excellent style , at the conclusion of which The W . M ., Bro . Philps , proposed "The Health of the

Queen and Craft"in the following terms : Recent events have shown that among a small section of the community there is a tendency to exclude the first part of this toast from social gatherings . Now , brethren , I venture to predict that this is an innovation which will never be acceptable to British Freemasons , and this not only because loyalty to the Throne is one of the bulwarks of our Institution , but because we fully appreciate the true Masonic virtue and

Charity which has ever characterised the life and conduct of our beloved Queen , causing her to live in perfect sympathy with all classes of her subjects , making their joys and their sorrows her own . 1 therefore call upon you all to join with me in drinking to to the health of her Gracious Majesty , and by the warmth you will throw into the toast express the wish ( which 1 confidently believe you all feel ) that she may long remain Queen of a United Kingdom .

Empress of India , and a noble Patroness of our Cratt . The toast being loyally responded to , the W . M . gave " The Prince of Wales . " He said it would be impossible to find any other Mason to preside over us in the capacity of M . W . G . M . who is so capable of furthering the cause of Masonry as does H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and this not

only on account of the unique position that he occupies as the Heir Apparent to the 1 hrone , causing him to stand as a connecting link between the governing bodies and this our secret Society , but also on account ot the deep personal interest he ever takes in all that concerns the honour and welfare of the Craft .

Bro . Cock sang "God save the Prince of Wales , " joined by the brethren , after which was proposed "The Grand Officers . " The Worshipful Master said all through his Masonic life he never remembered to have heard any adverse criticism with reference to the administration of the business of Grand Lodge . He therefore believed that the Grand Officers enjoyed the fullest confidence of the brethren generally . This toast was more interesting that night as

they were honoured by the presence of Bro . Dr . Paul , Deputy Grand D . of C , whom he must thank for attending there to support him on thit occasion , as in addition to his exalted Masonic rank , he had attained to such eminence in his own profession as to render his time peculiarly valuable . Bro . Dr . Paul , in responding , confirmed the opinion of the brethren that the work of Grand Lodge had been carried out in a most satisfactory manner , which he as

P . G . D . C . could testify , and he felt proud to hold a position in Grand Lodge , although a subordinate one . Bro . James Crowden proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " and said he need not assure the brethren that Bro . Philps in every position he had held in the lodge had performed his duties in a most satisfactory manner , and deserved the esteem and regard of all the brethren . He asked them to join with him in drinking the health of their

newly-installed W . M ., wishing him every success during his year of office . Bro . Philps thanked the I . P . M . for the gracious manner in which he had been pleased to introduce the toast of his health and the brethren for their cordial response . In entering upon the duties of W . M . his mind was swayed by conflicting emotions ; on the one hand , he could not help feeling a sense of gratified pride and ambition at his

elevation to that honourable position , and , on the other hand , serious misgivings lest he should prove unequal to the responsibilities of his office , as he was fully aware that he owed his preferment rather to their kindness than to any special qualifications . Still , he should spare no personal pains or labour to guard the best interests of the lodge , and legitimately to extend the sphere of its usefulness , and thus in some measure to justify the selection they had made ; and . further , it would be his earnest

endeavouraided by the assistance of the Past Masters and encouraged by their forbearance—to hand to his successor the warrant of that lodge pure and unsullied , as he had received it . He then proposed "The Health v > l the I . P . M ., Bro . James Crowden , " who , by the manner in which he had performed the various duties of the occupant of that chair , by the care he had bestowed on their material interests , and by the faithfulness with which he had guarded their honour , had raised the standard of excellence in a W . M . to such a high point , that it might serve as an incentive to those who

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

succeeded him to emulate , but not to excel ; and in passing into the comparative retirement of an I . P . M ., he carried with him the goodwill , esteem , and brotherly love of all of them , and , on behalf of that lodge , he trusted that he might long remain amongst them adorning the lodge with his wisdom , and gracing the banquet table with his genial presence . Bro . James Crowden thanked the brethren for the

compliment paid to him , and assured them of his intention of always being ready when wanted . The Worshipful Master in proposing "The Health of the Installing Officer , " said that was a toast which perhaps more immediately concerned him than the brethren generally , and he took that opportunity of expressing to Bro . Robert Crowden the great gratification it had been to

him to receive the benefits of installation at his hands . They all knew how ready that worthy brother was to afford his valued aid and assistance , but the mighty influence which his Masonic energy and ability had exerted upon that lodge in the past could not be measured . Bro . Robert H . Crowden congratulated the lodge that the seed sown so many years ago during his year of office

was now beginning to bear fruit of such an excellent character . It gave him the greatest pleasure to instal another of his initiates into the chair . He impressed on the W . M . the importance of the closing exhortation of the installation ceremony , viz ., to please each other and unite in the grand design' of being happy and communicating happiness around them , and he expressed the opinion that although no

doubt there were differences that distinguished them , yet these differences combined to the harmony of the whole , just as the separate notes of a musical chord combined to form a sweet and harmonious sound . He trusted the same harmonious effects would be pourtrayed in the lodge for many years to come . The Worshipful Master then gave " The Past Masters , "

including - "T / ie Treasurer and Secretary . " He said : It augurs well for thestability of a lodge when brethren who have passed the chair still remain memoers , attending the meetings and supporting the Master with their life experience . We have present to-night our Treasurer , Bro . Stead , who is the only P . M . whose term of office I do not remember , and who , no doubt , illustrates in his person that universal

law of nature— "The survival of the fittest ; " Bro . R . Crowden , by whose labour this lodge was resuscitated ; Bro . Woodroiv , to whose exertions as Secretary the continued prosperity is in no small measure due ; and Bro . Perrin , who has done good and faithful work for the lodge . Bro . J . C . Woodrow , in his usual humorous manner , thanked the brethren and the W . M . for including him in

that toast . It was always hisgreat desire to give satisfaction to the lodge , and he was glad to know his efforts were so much appreciated . Bro . Stead also returned thanks , assuring the brethren that some of his most happy moments away from home were spent in the West Kent Lodge . He was glad to say he had a balance in hand , and the lodge was in a successful condition .

Bro . Philps proposed "The Health of the Visitors . " They had that nigbta very goodly array of visitors , including Bro . Dresser Rogers , whom he must specially thank for his attendance , to support him that evening , well knowing as he did that the multiple duties of his busy and useful life afforded him so little time for purposes of recreation or amusement . To one and all of these he extended a hearty

welcome , and he asked the brethren to endorse this by the warmth with which they received the toast . Bro . Dresser Rogers , in returning thanks , expressed his great pleasure in being present on his friend ' s Bro . Philps ' installation , and it reminded him of the very pleasant visit he last fjaid the lodge , when another friend of his , Bro . Robert Crowden , was W . M . His health had been so

indifferent of late , that he almost gave up the idea of being present ; but , being surrounded by three such eminent members of the medical profession , he thought he was safe if any such services were required . Fortunately , his health had so improved under the genial influences of those around him that he felt now more confidence in himself . After dilating at some length on the education question and the

spirit of the times , he spoke most highly of the Royal Masonic Institutions for Boys and Girls , where the children of Masons received so excellent a foundation . , giving them a chance to fight bravely the battle of life , which was growing fiercer and fiercer every day . He only wished his time , which was so much taken up in other public ways , would allow him to pay more attention to Masonry , for he was

certain it was corporations such as these that added to the happiness and general good feeling that should exist between man and man , cementing loyalty to the throne , the country , and its laws . Bro . Parrick also thanked the brethren , intimating that he was once a member of the lodge , and was only sorry he was not one now , after the pleasant evening he had spent . He had known Bro . Lavington some 20 years , and it had

given him much pleasure to be present again at the installation ceremony . " The Officers' " toast was responded to by Bros . Johnson and Bellis . Bros . Cockell , Price , and Cock enlivened the evening with songs , most artistically rendered , whilst Bro . Watson Osmond gave a recitation in his usual first-tate style . The brethren separated at an early hour , having spent a very enjoyable evening .

SKELMERSDALE LODGE ( No . 1658 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , when there were present Bros . John Darwin Smith , W . M . ; James Hill , W . M . elect ; W . J . Richardson , J . W . ; G . J . Earney , P . M ., Treasurer ; A . Storr , P . M ., Secretary ; C . C . Gibby , S . D . ; W . S . Harvey , J . D . ; E . Shrimpton and E . A . Francis , Dirs . of Cers . ; H . Cohen , I . G . ;

Percy , Organist ; R . Walden and A . B . Norman , Stwds . ; W . H . Boys , I . P . M . ; John Cox , P . M . ; J . Letchford , W . Barringer , F . J . Tull , E . J . Harvey , F . Bromley , J . George , M . S . Larlham , E . M . Gibson , R . Carter , E , U . Side , A . Rowlands , C . J . Smith , L . Si ^ le , M . Syer , S . Mackway , T . Williams , H . Buckeridge , J . Newell , F . Whitlock , C . J . Pigeon , B . Cohen , S . Zuckcr , S . F . Bygrave ,

E . H . Hart , and W . Willis . Visitors : Bros . Rev . 11 . Townshend , 333 ; H . Ackerman , 1815 ; E . Gething , 1223 ; J . Holland , 1 S 09 ; J . Woolls , 1475 j C . H . Cox , 12 G 0 ; H . N . Price , W . M . 177 ; G . Stakes , W . M . 155 S ; T . Taylor , P . M . 155 S ; W . Pawsey , W . M . 1539 ; G . W . Clayton , P . M . 1872 ; W . Herbage , P . M . 177 ; L . E . Wiseman , P . M . 433 ; T . Baily , 7 O ; St . Clare Hill ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

165 S ; F . Hill , 1793 ; F . A . Pullen , P . M . 742 ; I . Saunders , 1092 ; J . Howard , I . G . 1 G 92 ; B . Doig , 1539 ' ; W . Poole , 1901 ; J . Evans , 1901 ; J . L . Apsey , 534 ; J . S . Lavington , P . M . S 57 ; U . K . Cooper , D . C . 1567 ; T . Barker , Stwd . 1539 ; T . Dunn , P . M . 72 ; G . Venables , I . G . 1539 ; J . Austin , 1539 ; J . W . Pawl , 1042 ; and W . Douglas , 1 745 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of

last lodge and audit meetings were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . Wilson Willis , and was in his favour . Bro . Barringer was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . The installation of Bro . James Hill was then proceeded with , Bro . J . D . Smith " lieinii the Installing Master , and Bro . VV . H . Boys , D . C . The ceremony was well performed , and the addresses delivered . The installed

Master then appointed and invested his officers—Bros . 1 . D . Smith , I . P . M . ; Richardson , S . W . ; Gibby , J . W . ; Earney , Treas . ; A . Storr , Sec . : W . b . Harvey , S . D . ; H . Cohen , J . D . ; E . Shrimpton , I . G . ; Perry , Org . ; li . A . Francis and R . Walden , Dirs . of Cers . ; Norman and Shore , Stwds ; and H . Thomas , Tyler . After the addresses had been delivered , the W . M .

proposed that the Audit account be taken and entered on the minutes . Bro . Whitlock was oassed to the Second Degree . The W . M . presented Bro . John Darwin Smith , I . P . M ., with a jewel , worth ten guineas , which the brethren had presented as a token and recognition of his services to the lodge during the past year . The I . P . M . having suitably responded , Mr . Wilson

Willes was initiated into Freemasonry . During the ceremony a selection of music was sung by the brethren , which had been arranged by the Installed Master , Bro . Jas . Hill . This appeared to be duly appreciated by the brethren and visitors . Mr . T . Steam was proposed as a new member . Letters were read from Bros . Terry , Buss , Sudlow , Sadler , Voysey , Brady , Simners , and others , expressing their

regret at not being able to attend the meeting . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was served by Bro . Venables in the new Pillar Hall , which is an extremely pretty place . The menu did great credit to all The toasts were given in rapid succession by the W . M ., "The Queen and the Craft" being the first . The W . M .

said every Mason pays the due allegiance to the Sovereign of his native land ; they learnt to be faithful to God , their country , and their laws . They were , therefore , ready' to pay the great tribute to her who ruled over them . Bro . W . H . Boys sang "God save the Queen . " The Worshipful Master then proposed the toast of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the M . W . G . M . " His

worth , his good deeds , his anxiety for the Craft and every good Society and Institution were well known , therefore they were ready to pay him homage and obedience . Bro . J . D . Smith sang "God bless the Prince of Wales . " The next toast proposed was " The R . W . Pro Grand Master , Deputy Grand Master , and Grand Officers , Past and Present . " These were " the heymen of the lande ; "

without them Masonic work could not be well carried on . They were highly respected and venerated , and well deserved it for their good deeds . Bro . Mackway sang "Teach me how to woo thee . " The I . P . M ., Bro . Smith , proposed " The Health of the W . M ., Bro . James Hill . " They knew his worth and his value . In him they had a friend and brother . He had devoted himself to the lodge , its advancement , and welfare .

Bro . Hill was then Preceptor , and they had seen how well he had done his work . For himself , he had done his best endeavours to please them . Bro . Boys sang " The Slave's Dream . " The Worshipful Master , responding , said there were proud moments in every one ' s life . In Masonic life , the first was when initiated , the second when a junior officer ,

the third when a Senior Warden ; but the last and the greatest was to be installed W . M . He had reached that point , and felt proud of it . He had a compliment paid to him , for a brother had called him a cynosure . He had thought of it , and found that it meant " One who attracts great attention . " He hoped he attracted them , to himself , to the lodge , and to Masonry . His motto was "Amor

viviat Omnia , " —Love conquers all . The next was that he hoped everyone was tilled with charity—that they would have charity with him , for it covered a multitude of faults . He had hopes of making some pleasant moments for them . He had introduced music into their ceremonies , and he now thought that he should endeavour to have a . " Ladies' Night . " It may take the shape of a sociable

evening or a ball , but he would be glad if anyone had any suggestions ; he would receive them , and take them into consideration . He was pleased to work for them , and they could bring him plenty by introducing good , worthy , and proper men . He thanked them for drinking his health . Bro . Cohen recited " Kissing Cup . " The Worshipful Master next proposed "The Initiate . "

Good men , sons of brother Masons and others of good repute , were the ones whom they wished to haveamongthem . The Initiate responded , stating that he had promised his father years ago that he would follow in his steps . He was thankful for coming to the Skelmersdale Lodge , and he hoped that , although near and yet far from the W . M ., the time would come when he should . be near to the same

position . Bro . George sang " You'll remember me . " The toast of "The Installing Master " was next . That a W . M . instals his successor is according to the rule of the lodge . The I . P . M . had doneso with credit to himself . He had performed his duty during the year , and they bad marked the feeling by presenting him with a jewel to wear for his lite .

The Installing Master responded in terms of thanks add congratulation . He was pleased to do them any service , and he had done his work to the best of his ability , If he had pleased them he was satisfied . He should wear the mark of their goodwill , and transmit it to his children , for they had his son , " a Lewis , " in the lodge . The W . M . then said the toast of «* The Visitors " was

very important , for there were 31 visitors from all parts present . They were pleased to see them , and heartily welcomed them to the lodge working and to their ( able . He would couple with the toast the names of Bros . Herbage , P . M . Brooke and Domatic Lodges ; ' Clayton , P . M . St .

Margaret ' s Lodge ; Price , W . M . Domatic Lodge ; Dunn , P . M . Jubilee Lodge ; and Wiseman , P . M . Hope l ^ odge . Bro . G . Venables sang "The vicar ' s song . " Bro . Herbage gave a stirring speech , and praised the working , the temple , the banquet room , and the " welcome " they gave to all . He also' said that the \ V . M . was Preceptor of the Domatic Lodge of Instruction , as he him