-
Articles/Ads
Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 2 of 5 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 5 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
having been honoured , the W . M . gave , in terms fully ar-yreeiativc of their high qualities , " The P . G . M . and the D . P . G . M . of Devon , Provincial Officers Past and Present . " W . Bro . I . Latimer made the response , highly eulogizing R . W . Bros . Huyshe and Metham for that work and example which would outlive them many a year . The toast of the erening , " The Newly Installed W . M ., " was given in a
few complimentary sentences by Bro . Curteis , and Bro . A . Latimer in his response spoke of the confidence he felt wing to the presence in the lodge of such efficient Past Masters and officere . Bro . Curteis and thc W . brother from Ireland responded for " The Past Masters , " and Bro . Rodda , in a suggestive speech , for " The Visitors . " At the suggestion of P . M . Rodd , the officers of Sincerity Lodge
were toasted , the respondents being Bros . Rae , How , and Moon ; and with "Our Newly Initiated Brethren" and " Our Poor and Distressed Brethren , wherever dispersed , speedy relief to them , " a pleasantly spent evening was brought to a close . WINDSOR . —ETONIAN LODGE OF ST . J ( No . 209 ) . —This lodge met on the 1 st June , when the W . M ..
Bro . John O . Carter , was supported as follows : —Bros . Denue , S . W . ; Strange , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., Berks and Bucks , Secretary ; Hume , J . D . ; Roberts , I . G . ; Schiemann , D . C . ; Nicholas S . Dixon , P . G . D . C . Berks and Bucks I . P . M . ; Wilson , P . M . ; Duffield , Whistler , Prince , Willoughby , & c , & c . Visitors , Bros . Tollcy , P . G . J . D ., Berks and Bucks , P . M . 771 ; Land , W . M . 742 ;
Faulkner Lee , 404 ; Ritchie , 145 ; Johnson , 771 . The principal business of the evening was raising Bros . Prince and Willoughby to the Third Degree , which ceremony was pej-formed by the W . M ., and the initiation » f Mr . Joseph Lcgge , by Bro . Wilson , P . M . The brethren also unanimously elected Bros . Gray and Cobbett as joining members . The W . M . called the attention of the brethren to
the fact that since the last meeting a Provincial Grand Lodge had been held at Aylesbury , at which the Provincial Grand Master had invested Bro . Dixon , I . P . M . with the collar and office of P . G . D . C , and proposed that a vote of congratulation to Bro . Dixon should be recorded on the minutes . This was seconded by Bro . Denne , S . W ., and carried unanimously . The W . M . alluded to the remarks of
the Provincial Grand Master at the Provincial Grand Lodge at Aylesbury , with respect to all the lodges in thc province subscribing to the Provincial Grand Lodge Charity Fund , and gave notice that at the next meeting he would submit a scheme , thc object of which would be , that this lodge should contribute with thc other lodges in thc Province , which he trusted would be acceptable to the
brethren . Two candidates , one for joining and the other for initiation , having been proposed , the lodge was closed with solemn prayer . LIVERPOOL . —MERCHANTS' LODGE ( No . 241 ) . —In point of influence and popularity the Merchant's Lodge occupies a position second to none in the Province of West Lancashire , and therefore the annual summer festival ,
celebrated on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , was as brilliantly successful as the standard of the lodge fully merited . The success was not due alone to this fact , however , but also to thc great popularity of the in-coming W . M ., Bro . Richard Brown , who is universally esteemed by every brother in Liverpool , for his many amiable and excellent social qualities of mind
and heart , and also for the indefatigable zeal and untiring anxiety he has displayed in connection with the advancement of true Masonry . Since the death of the lamented Bro . Captain Mott , the position of Honorary Secretary to thc West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution has been filled by . Bro . Brown , who has displayed a tact and energy in thattcapacity which have maintained and even ad .
vanced the position of the excellent institution . The meeting of the lodge was fixed for half-past ten o ' clock , and punctually the business of installation was proceeded with . The lodge was duly and solemnly opened by Bro . W . M , Chudley , the retiring Worshipful Master , who was supported by the following officers : —Bros . J . Cobham , P . M . ; J . W . Baker , P . M . ; Ralph Robinson , P . M . ; J . I . Knight ,
P . M . ; R . Brown , S . W . ; G . Hutchin , J . W . ; S . J . McGcorge , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Peet , Sec . ; J . Winsor , S . D . ; T . C . Jones , J . D . ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , P . M ., D . C ; F . E . Smith , Org . ; T . H . Sheen , I . G . ; P . Ball , Tyler . The members present were Bros . J . M . Hewitt , H . Newton , B . Woolf , T . Salter , John Winsor , W . M . Norbury , H . Anderson , A . Vandyke , R . Jones , W . J . Lunt , P . M . 821 ; T . M .
Stanbury , W . Williamson , J . Brown , G . W . Hughes , W . Williams , J . Hall , D . Martin , T . Redding , W . Hopps , "Wm . Johnson , S . Jacobs , A . Woolrich , J . Kirwin , G . J . Jones , W . Savage , D . C . Marks , M . de Frece , W . J Kaverty , J . Pick , D . Hughes , A . Morison , P . Madge , L . de jongh , G . Halse , J . Latta , & c . The visitors present were Bros . J . Skeaf , P . G . O . ; W . Doyle , P . G . J . D . t I .
Lunt , P . G . S ., P . M . 1086 ; W . Laidlaw , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . 316 ; J . Banning , P . P . G . O . Cumberland and Westmoreland ; R . Washington , P . M . 1094 J the Rev . Dr . Hyde , Chaplain 1086 ; J . W . Ballard , W . M . 724 ; W . Jones , P . M . 220 , W . M . 1299 ; J . Evans , W . M . 220 ; T . Fozzard , P . M . 1035 ; E > Johnston , W . M . 203 ; G . Turner , P . M . 823 ; H . Nelson , P . M . 673 , W . M . 1505 ;
T . O . G . Bark , W . M . 1380 ; W . Vines , P . M . 220 and 1199 ; H . Hunt , W . M . 594 ; T . K . Hughes , P . M . 1013 ; W . B . Caw , W . M . 786 ; J . Beesley , P . M . 216 ; M . Corless , W . M . 673 ; W . Shortis , P . M . 724 ; ] . "Wood , Treas . 1094 ; J . S . Cuthbert , 823 ; J . Kect , 1356 ; D . Campbell , 216 ; G . G . Walmsley , 291 W . Troughton , 1013 ; H . Burrows , 673 ; E . Ford , jun .,
Sec . 1380 ; G . Fowler , S . W . 216 j J . T . Aeston , 203 ; R . Bennett , S . W . 1 299 ; W . Levy , 1502 ; N . Turner , 1356 ; A . Strother , 823 ; J . E . Jackson , S . W . 667 ; j . F . Hall , 673 ; D . Meek , 20 3 , Sic . After the opening , the confirmation of the minutes , and the transaction of some formal business , the chair was taken by Bros . Ralph Robinson , P . M . 241 and W . M . of the Lodge nl Israel , No . 1501 , who proceeded to instal Bro .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Richard Brown in the position of W . M . for the ensuing year . The ceremony is at all times impressive and beautiful , but when performed in the most masterly manner in which Bro . Robinson , did it admiration becomes increased . It is no exaggeration to say that the whole ceremony was performed in a style which har rarely been equalled , and could not have been excelled , and Bro .
Robinson gave another proof of his capabilities as an apt Masonic student . The following brethren were invested officers of the lodge : —Bros . Chudlev , I . P . M . ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , P . M ., D . C . ; G . Hutchin , S . W . ; G . Peet , J . W . ; Dr . M'Gcorge , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . Winsor , Secretary ; T . C . Jones , S . D . ; T . Sheen , J . D . ; T . Slater , LG . ; F . E . Smith . brs-. ; and P . BalJ . Trler . Before the lodge
was dosed a chaste P . M . 9 jewel was presented to Bro . W . M . Chudley , I . P . M ., on his retirement from the chair , by the brethren of the lodge . The presentation was made by the W . M ., who briefly referred to the services of the I . P . M ., and Bro . Chudley , in acknowledging the compliment , said he would reserve his remarks until a later period in the day . As the first act of the year of office , Bro . Brown ,
W . M ., subsequently initiated the Rev . J . O Reilly into the mysteries and privileges of the Order , and the effective way in which the ceremony was performed augurs well for the efficiency of the working during the coming year . The lodge was then closed , and after partaking of luncheon the brethren proceeded by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to Birkdale , near Southport . It may
be noted , as another evidence of the famed liberality of this company , that , although one hundred special passengers were guaranteed , they positively refused to grant the slightest concession in the fares . The " kindness " of the company was thoroughly appreciated , and will , doubtless , be remembered by Masonic travellers . The banquet took place at the Palace Hotel , Birkdale , at four o ' clock .
when upwards of one hundred sat down to splendidly laid out tables , profusely decorated with flowers , and bearing all the rarities of the season . The quality of the banquet and the manner in which it was served reflected the highest credit upon Bro . Clarke , the manager of the hotel , giving complete satisfaction to every one . When dessert was placed on the table , the W . M . rose and said he was
sure the -wishes of the brethren would be best consulted if he made the toast-speaking as brief as possible , the weather outside being so genial and inviting . In giving " The Queen , " thc VV . M . said she took the greatest interest in the working of all their institutions , and patronized their charities in thc most practical way . The toast was received with great enthusiasm , renewed
when Bro . P . M . Robinson sang the " National Anthem . " In giving " The M . W . G . Master , Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the M . W . Pro G . Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , " the W . M . said that if any toast evoked enthusiasm it should be this . Never in the history of the Craft was Freemasonry so popular , the acceptance of office by the G . M . doing so much to set
aside the false impression which another event might have created . It was his pleasure to be present recently at the Albert Hall , and he must confess that he went there with a feeling that the acceptance of the Grand Mastership by the Prince of Wales would be merely of an ornamental character ; but this feeling was entirely changed when he saw his working , and he felt proud they had such a Grand
Master . He was most efficiently supported in office by the Earl of Carnarvon , who was noble by birth and noble by act . The W . M . next gave " The R . W . Deputy G . Master and P . G . M . of West Lancashire , Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , and the Grand Officers , Past and Present . " In the history of the Craft he said , West Lancashire had reason to be proud of many achievements in Masonry , and
it must have given every brother thc greatest pleasure when their P . G . M . was appointed thc Deputy G . M . of England . They had all seen his lordship at [ work—they all knew how he had Masonry at heart ; and many would remember thc ringing cheer with which he was received when chaired by the G . M ., especially from the brethren ot West Lancashire . In submitting " ThcW . D . P . G . M ., Bro .
the Hon . F . A . Stanley and the Officers of P . G . Lodge , Past and Present , " Bro . Brown , said thc history of the House of Stanley in that country was well known , and that they had a scion of that noble family as thc Deputy Prov . G . Master must be a source of gratification to every brother . Inasmuch as they had come to the close of the toasts of their " Masonic rulers , supreme and subordinate , "
he ( the W . M . ) did not think it out of place to remind those present , that these exalted brethren filled offices which were of no mythical character ; they had work to do , which they did , and did well—so well that not a speck now appeared on the horizon . The toast was acknowledged by Bro . J . Lunt , P . G . S ., who briefly thanked the brethren for the cnthuiastic manner in which the toast had
been received . The W . M . in proposing "The Masonic Charitable Institutions , " specially referred to the West Lancastmr . Masonic Educational Institution , the Hamer Benevolent Fund , and the London Charities , stating that one of the P . M . ' s of the Merchants Lodge ( Bro . Broadbridge ) was going up as one of the Stewards' at the approaching festival in connection with the Royal Masonic
lnstitution for Boys' with a good round sum . He ( Bro . Brown ) had frequently spoken of the West Lancashire Educational Institution , and during his year of office he should like the subscriptions to be as large as heretofore . The Merchants' Lodge had to record many good deeds well done , but no laurels were so bright . as this noble institution . Bro . R . Wilson , P . M ., Hon . Treasurer to the West
Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , responded to the toast , making an eloquent appeal on behalf of thecharity . It had greatly prospered in 1874 , and he had no doubt that it would continue to do so in the future . He must however , draw the attention of the brethren to the fact that although the funds of the institution wete increasing in a very rapid manner , it was only now that they began to feel that the applicants for its benefits were increasing in
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
a greater proportion year by year . He would also remind the brethren that their object wfu not merely to accumu . late funds in connection with the charity , but to dispense these funds in such a ma . nner as they ought to do , and their greatest success ought to be sought in having as many children on the foundation as deserved the benefits . He pressed a hope , that , through the liberality of the
brethren , the accumulated fund would shortly be £ 20 , 000 , and that they would be able to educate and clothe 260 instead of 60 . Bro . Laidlaw , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . 216 , responded on behalf of the Hamer Benevolent Fund , and said , like himself , it was a very juvenile one . Although it had only been in existence for a couple of years , it was an institution which would reflect credit upon West
Lancashire , its object being to give annuities to old and decayed Freemasons . After detailing the history cf the fund , and alluding to the present state of the finances , Bro . Laidlaw concluded by expressing a hope that it would meet with the hearty support of the brethren in that province . Bro . Broadbridge , P . M ., responded on behalf of the London Charities . He remarked that it was some .
what of a misnomer to call them " London Chanties " as they were as much open to the brethren in the provinces of those who resided in the metropolis , so long as they gave them hearty support . He assured thc brethren that it gave him the greatest pleasure to go up as one of thc Stewards at the festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys' , and he cordially thanked the Masons of Liverpool for
having entrusted him with thc handsome sum which he would be able to take up . East Lancashire was in a position to say that they would elect any three they might send up , and he thought West Lancashire should strive to be in a like position . With regard to the Old Men ' s Institution the brethren of West Lancashire were in a better position , as only last month they had elected two candidates ,
making five from this province . As they had a balance of about £ 12 , 000 to the credit of the West Lancashire Masonic Education Institution , he trusted thc brethren would turn their attention to the London Charities . Bro . R . Wilson , P . M ., next proposed " The Worshipful Master , " and said that Bro . Brown had been elected with wonderful unanimity to that office . He thought the choice an
exceedingly happy one . In Bro . Richard Brown they had one who would do thc lodge infinite credit . As a business man , a man of intelligence , and a Masonic worker , they had every faith in him , and he thought they might safely look forward to a prosperous and pleasant year . The toast was received with immense enthusiasm . In reply , the W . M ., ; who was cordially cheered , said that some one had told them that language was made to conceal their
thoughts , but he must confess that 111 rising to thank them for thc very wonderful way in which they had been pleased to receive the mention of his name he certainly lacked the power of language to express his thoughts on that occasion . That moment vividly recalled to his mind the time when he stood up to answer thc toast of" Thc Newly Initiated Brethren , " and , amidst all thc bewilderment with which he was then surrounded ,
he could just say that all he had seen was but an example of what was coming , and of the great pleasure in store . He now felt bound to say that from that moment to the present he had never seen anything which had caused him to regret his entrance into Masonry . To him it had proved a great blessing , having cemented many friendships which already existed , and fostered others which
were of recent growth . Although not rich 111 this world ' s wealth , he was rich in his desire to do good to his fellowmen , and in accepting thc Secretaryship of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institute , he did so from a desire to be useful in his day and generation . They had conferred another honour by placing him in the chair of the lodge unanimously . To be the W . M . of any
lodge is indeed a proud privilege , but to be the W . M . of one ' s mother lodge , and following in thc footsteps of many worthy Masons was indeed what he most sincerely valued . His election had been accompanied by so many congratulations on every side , both from within and without the lodge , that his soul had been filled with joy , and if he failed to express his feelings in words , he must ask
them to look to his deeds in the coming year . Thc toast of " The Visitors , " proposed by the W . M ., was responded to by Bro . Captain Turner , P . M . 823 , and Bro . Councillor , 216 .. " The New Initiate , " also given by thc W . M ., was responded to in eloquent terms by Bro . the Rev . J . O'Reilly . The W . M . said there was no toast , he was suie , which would meet with a more hearty response than that
of " Bro . Robinson , the Installing Master . " As a P . M . of the lodge he had been long respected , and in connection with the Lodge of Instruction , he had done very much valuable work . They would long remember the wonderful way in which the installation ceremony of that day had been performed , and the masterly perfection with which he- conducted the instruction lodge . He ( Bro .
Brown ) had listened to the installation ceremony with the deepest interest , and he was sure that no brother , had Masonry more at heart than Bro . Robinson . In reply < Bro . Robinson expressed the great pleasure it had given him to instal Bro . Brown , for whom he had the very highest respect . If he ( Bro . Robinson ) had done his work in a manner which had given them satisfaction he felt
amply repaid , and he felt certain that the accession of Bro . Brown to the Master ' s chair would give additional prestige to thc Merchants' Lodge , and prove satisfactory to every brother . " The Worshipful Past Masters , " given by Bro . Brown , W . M ., was responded to in happy terms by Bro . W . M . Chudley , I . P . M . " The Officers , " given by the
W . M ., was responded to by Bro . G . Hutchin , S . W ., anu Bro . Councillor G . Peet , J . W . The " Tyler ' s Toast brought the proceedings to a close , and the brethren returned to town at an early hour . During , the afternoon between £ 30 and £ 40 was subscribed by the brethren for the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
having been honoured , the W . M . gave , in terms fully ar-yreeiativc of their high qualities , " The P . G . M . and the D . P . G . M . of Devon , Provincial Officers Past and Present . " W . Bro . I . Latimer made the response , highly eulogizing R . W . Bros . Huyshe and Metham for that work and example which would outlive them many a year . The toast of the erening , " The Newly Installed W . M ., " was given in a
few complimentary sentences by Bro . Curteis , and Bro . A . Latimer in his response spoke of the confidence he felt wing to the presence in the lodge of such efficient Past Masters and officere . Bro . Curteis and thc W . brother from Ireland responded for " The Past Masters , " and Bro . Rodda , in a suggestive speech , for " The Visitors . " At the suggestion of P . M . Rodd , the officers of Sincerity Lodge
were toasted , the respondents being Bros . Rae , How , and Moon ; and with "Our Newly Initiated Brethren" and " Our Poor and Distressed Brethren , wherever dispersed , speedy relief to them , " a pleasantly spent evening was brought to a close . WINDSOR . —ETONIAN LODGE OF ST . J ( No . 209 ) . —This lodge met on the 1 st June , when the W . M ..
Bro . John O . Carter , was supported as follows : —Bros . Denue , S . W . ; Strange , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., Berks and Bucks , Secretary ; Hume , J . D . ; Roberts , I . G . ; Schiemann , D . C . ; Nicholas S . Dixon , P . G . D . C . Berks and Bucks I . P . M . ; Wilson , P . M . ; Duffield , Whistler , Prince , Willoughby , & c , & c . Visitors , Bros . Tollcy , P . G . J . D ., Berks and Bucks , P . M . 771 ; Land , W . M . 742 ;
Faulkner Lee , 404 ; Ritchie , 145 ; Johnson , 771 . The principal business of the evening was raising Bros . Prince and Willoughby to the Third Degree , which ceremony was pej-formed by the W . M ., and the initiation » f Mr . Joseph Lcgge , by Bro . Wilson , P . M . The brethren also unanimously elected Bros . Gray and Cobbett as joining members . The W . M . called the attention of the brethren to
the fact that since the last meeting a Provincial Grand Lodge had been held at Aylesbury , at which the Provincial Grand Master had invested Bro . Dixon , I . P . M . with the collar and office of P . G . D . C , and proposed that a vote of congratulation to Bro . Dixon should be recorded on the minutes . This was seconded by Bro . Denne , S . W ., and carried unanimously . The W . M . alluded to the remarks of
the Provincial Grand Master at the Provincial Grand Lodge at Aylesbury , with respect to all the lodges in thc province subscribing to the Provincial Grand Lodge Charity Fund , and gave notice that at the next meeting he would submit a scheme , thc object of which would be , that this lodge should contribute with thc other lodges in thc Province , which he trusted would be acceptable to the
brethren . Two candidates , one for joining and the other for initiation , having been proposed , the lodge was closed with solemn prayer . LIVERPOOL . —MERCHANTS' LODGE ( No . 241 ) . —In point of influence and popularity the Merchant's Lodge occupies a position second to none in the Province of West Lancashire , and therefore the annual summer festival ,
celebrated on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , was as brilliantly successful as the standard of the lodge fully merited . The success was not due alone to this fact , however , but also to thc great popularity of the in-coming W . M ., Bro . Richard Brown , who is universally esteemed by every brother in Liverpool , for his many amiable and excellent social qualities of mind
and heart , and also for the indefatigable zeal and untiring anxiety he has displayed in connection with the advancement of true Masonry . Since the death of the lamented Bro . Captain Mott , the position of Honorary Secretary to thc West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution has been filled by . Bro . Brown , who has displayed a tact and energy in thattcapacity which have maintained and even ad .
vanced the position of the excellent institution . The meeting of the lodge was fixed for half-past ten o ' clock , and punctually the business of installation was proceeded with . The lodge was duly and solemnly opened by Bro . W . M , Chudley , the retiring Worshipful Master , who was supported by the following officers : —Bros . J . Cobham , P . M . ; J . W . Baker , P . M . ; Ralph Robinson , P . M . ; J . I . Knight ,
P . M . ; R . Brown , S . W . ; G . Hutchin , J . W . ; S . J . McGcorge , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Peet , Sec . ; J . Winsor , S . D . ; T . C . Jones , J . D . ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , P . M ., D . C ; F . E . Smith , Org . ; T . H . Sheen , I . G . ; P . Ball , Tyler . The members present were Bros . J . M . Hewitt , H . Newton , B . Woolf , T . Salter , John Winsor , W . M . Norbury , H . Anderson , A . Vandyke , R . Jones , W . J . Lunt , P . M . 821 ; T . M .
Stanbury , W . Williamson , J . Brown , G . W . Hughes , W . Williams , J . Hall , D . Martin , T . Redding , W . Hopps , "Wm . Johnson , S . Jacobs , A . Woolrich , J . Kirwin , G . J . Jones , W . Savage , D . C . Marks , M . de Frece , W . J Kaverty , J . Pick , D . Hughes , A . Morison , P . Madge , L . de jongh , G . Halse , J . Latta , & c . The visitors present were Bros . J . Skeaf , P . G . O . ; W . Doyle , P . G . J . D . t I .
Lunt , P . G . S ., P . M . 1086 ; W . Laidlaw , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . 316 ; J . Banning , P . P . G . O . Cumberland and Westmoreland ; R . Washington , P . M . 1094 J the Rev . Dr . Hyde , Chaplain 1086 ; J . W . Ballard , W . M . 724 ; W . Jones , P . M . 220 , W . M . 1299 ; J . Evans , W . M . 220 ; T . Fozzard , P . M . 1035 ; E > Johnston , W . M . 203 ; G . Turner , P . M . 823 ; H . Nelson , P . M . 673 , W . M . 1505 ;
T . O . G . Bark , W . M . 1380 ; W . Vines , P . M . 220 and 1199 ; H . Hunt , W . M . 594 ; T . K . Hughes , P . M . 1013 ; W . B . Caw , W . M . 786 ; J . Beesley , P . M . 216 ; M . Corless , W . M . 673 ; W . Shortis , P . M . 724 ; ] . "Wood , Treas . 1094 ; J . S . Cuthbert , 823 ; J . Kect , 1356 ; D . Campbell , 216 ; G . G . Walmsley , 291 W . Troughton , 1013 ; H . Burrows , 673 ; E . Ford , jun .,
Sec . 1380 ; G . Fowler , S . W . 216 j J . T . Aeston , 203 ; R . Bennett , S . W . 1 299 ; W . Levy , 1502 ; N . Turner , 1356 ; A . Strother , 823 ; J . E . Jackson , S . W . 667 ; j . F . Hall , 673 ; D . Meek , 20 3 , Sic . After the opening , the confirmation of the minutes , and the transaction of some formal business , the chair was taken by Bros . Ralph Robinson , P . M . 241 and W . M . of the Lodge nl Israel , No . 1501 , who proceeded to instal Bro .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Richard Brown in the position of W . M . for the ensuing year . The ceremony is at all times impressive and beautiful , but when performed in the most masterly manner in which Bro . Robinson , did it admiration becomes increased . It is no exaggeration to say that the whole ceremony was performed in a style which har rarely been equalled , and could not have been excelled , and Bro .
Robinson gave another proof of his capabilities as an apt Masonic student . The following brethren were invested officers of the lodge : —Bros . Chudlev , I . P . M . ; G . Broadbridge , P . P . G . D . C , P . M ., D . C . ; G . Hutchin , S . W . ; G . Peet , J . W . ; Dr . M'Gcorge , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . Winsor , Secretary ; T . C . Jones , S . D . ; T . Sheen , J . D . ; T . Slater , LG . ; F . E . Smith . brs-. ; and P . BalJ . Trler . Before the lodge
was dosed a chaste P . M . 9 jewel was presented to Bro . W . M . Chudley , I . P . M ., on his retirement from the chair , by the brethren of the lodge . The presentation was made by the W . M ., who briefly referred to the services of the I . P . M ., and Bro . Chudley , in acknowledging the compliment , said he would reserve his remarks until a later period in the day . As the first act of the year of office , Bro . Brown ,
W . M ., subsequently initiated the Rev . J . O Reilly into the mysteries and privileges of the Order , and the effective way in which the ceremony was performed augurs well for the efficiency of the working during the coming year . The lodge was then closed , and after partaking of luncheon the brethren proceeded by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to Birkdale , near Southport . It may
be noted , as another evidence of the famed liberality of this company , that , although one hundred special passengers were guaranteed , they positively refused to grant the slightest concession in the fares . The " kindness " of the company was thoroughly appreciated , and will , doubtless , be remembered by Masonic travellers . The banquet took place at the Palace Hotel , Birkdale , at four o ' clock .
when upwards of one hundred sat down to splendidly laid out tables , profusely decorated with flowers , and bearing all the rarities of the season . The quality of the banquet and the manner in which it was served reflected the highest credit upon Bro . Clarke , the manager of the hotel , giving complete satisfaction to every one . When dessert was placed on the table , the W . M . rose and said he was
sure the -wishes of the brethren would be best consulted if he made the toast-speaking as brief as possible , the weather outside being so genial and inviting . In giving " The Queen , " thc VV . M . said she took the greatest interest in the working of all their institutions , and patronized their charities in thc most practical way . The toast was received with great enthusiasm , renewed
when Bro . P . M . Robinson sang the " National Anthem . " In giving " The M . W . G . Master , Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the M . W . Pro G . Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , " the W . M . said that if any toast evoked enthusiasm it should be this . Never in the history of the Craft was Freemasonry so popular , the acceptance of office by the G . M . doing so much to set
aside the false impression which another event might have created . It was his pleasure to be present recently at the Albert Hall , and he must confess that he went there with a feeling that the acceptance of the Grand Mastership by the Prince of Wales would be merely of an ornamental character ; but this feeling was entirely changed when he saw his working , and he felt proud they had such a Grand
Master . He was most efficiently supported in office by the Earl of Carnarvon , who was noble by birth and noble by act . The W . M . next gave " The R . W . Deputy G . Master and P . G . M . of West Lancashire , Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , and the Grand Officers , Past and Present . " In the history of the Craft he said , West Lancashire had reason to be proud of many achievements in Masonry , and
it must have given every brother thc greatest pleasure when their P . G . M . was appointed thc Deputy G . M . of England . They had all seen his lordship at [ work—they all knew how he had Masonry at heart ; and many would remember thc ringing cheer with which he was received when chaired by the G . M ., especially from the brethren ot West Lancashire . In submitting " ThcW . D . P . G . M ., Bro .
the Hon . F . A . Stanley and the Officers of P . G . Lodge , Past and Present , " Bro . Brown , said thc history of the House of Stanley in that country was well known , and that they had a scion of that noble family as thc Deputy Prov . G . Master must be a source of gratification to every brother . Inasmuch as they had come to the close of the toasts of their " Masonic rulers , supreme and subordinate , "
he ( the W . M . ) did not think it out of place to remind those present , that these exalted brethren filled offices which were of no mythical character ; they had work to do , which they did , and did well—so well that not a speck now appeared on the horizon . The toast was acknowledged by Bro . J . Lunt , P . G . S ., who briefly thanked the brethren for the cnthuiastic manner in which the toast had
been received . The W . M . in proposing "The Masonic Charitable Institutions , " specially referred to the West Lancastmr . Masonic Educational Institution , the Hamer Benevolent Fund , and the London Charities , stating that one of the P . M . ' s of the Merchants Lodge ( Bro . Broadbridge ) was going up as one of the Stewards' at the approaching festival in connection with the Royal Masonic
lnstitution for Boys' with a good round sum . He ( Bro . Brown ) had frequently spoken of the West Lancashire Educational Institution , and during his year of office he should like the subscriptions to be as large as heretofore . The Merchants' Lodge had to record many good deeds well done , but no laurels were so bright . as this noble institution . Bro . R . Wilson , P . M ., Hon . Treasurer to the West
Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , responded to the toast , making an eloquent appeal on behalf of thecharity . It had greatly prospered in 1874 , and he had no doubt that it would continue to do so in the future . He must however , draw the attention of the brethren to the fact that although the funds of the institution wete increasing in a very rapid manner , it was only now that they began to feel that the applicants for its benefits were increasing in
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
a greater proportion year by year . He would also remind the brethren that their object wfu not merely to accumu . late funds in connection with the charity , but to dispense these funds in such a ma . nner as they ought to do , and their greatest success ought to be sought in having as many children on the foundation as deserved the benefits . He pressed a hope , that , through the liberality of the
brethren , the accumulated fund would shortly be £ 20 , 000 , and that they would be able to educate and clothe 260 instead of 60 . Bro . Laidlaw , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . 216 , responded on behalf of the Hamer Benevolent Fund , and said , like himself , it was a very juvenile one . Although it had only been in existence for a couple of years , it was an institution which would reflect credit upon West
Lancashire , its object being to give annuities to old and decayed Freemasons . After detailing the history cf the fund , and alluding to the present state of the finances , Bro . Laidlaw concluded by expressing a hope that it would meet with the hearty support of the brethren in that province . Bro . Broadbridge , P . M ., responded on behalf of the London Charities . He remarked that it was some .
what of a misnomer to call them " London Chanties " as they were as much open to the brethren in the provinces of those who resided in the metropolis , so long as they gave them hearty support . He assured thc brethren that it gave him the greatest pleasure to go up as one of thc Stewards at the festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys' , and he cordially thanked the Masons of Liverpool for
having entrusted him with thc handsome sum which he would be able to take up . East Lancashire was in a position to say that they would elect any three they might send up , and he thought West Lancashire should strive to be in a like position . With regard to the Old Men ' s Institution the brethren of West Lancashire were in a better position , as only last month they had elected two candidates ,
making five from this province . As they had a balance of about £ 12 , 000 to the credit of the West Lancashire Masonic Education Institution , he trusted thc brethren would turn their attention to the London Charities . Bro . R . Wilson , P . M ., next proposed " The Worshipful Master , " and said that Bro . Brown had been elected with wonderful unanimity to that office . He thought the choice an
exceedingly happy one . In Bro . Richard Brown they had one who would do thc lodge infinite credit . As a business man , a man of intelligence , and a Masonic worker , they had every faith in him , and he thought they might safely look forward to a prosperous and pleasant year . The toast was received with immense enthusiasm . In reply , the W . M ., ; who was cordially cheered , said that some one had told them that language was made to conceal their
thoughts , but he must confess that 111 rising to thank them for thc very wonderful way in which they had been pleased to receive the mention of his name he certainly lacked the power of language to express his thoughts on that occasion . That moment vividly recalled to his mind the time when he stood up to answer thc toast of" Thc Newly Initiated Brethren , " and , amidst all thc bewilderment with which he was then surrounded ,
he could just say that all he had seen was but an example of what was coming , and of the great pleasure in store . He now felt bound to say that from that moment to the present he had never seen anything which had caused him to regret his entrance into Masonry . To him it had proved a great blessing , having cemented many friendships which already existed , and fostered others which
were of recent growth . Although not rich 111 this world ' s wealth , he was rich in his desire to do good to his fellowmen , and in accepting thc Secretaryship of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institute , he did so from a desire to be useful in his day and generation . They had conferred another honour by placing him in the chair of the lodge unanimously . To be the W . M . of any
lodge is indeed a proud privilege , but to be the W . M . of one ' s mother lodge , and following in thc footsteps of many worthy Masons was indeed what he most sincerely valued . His election had been accompanied by so many congratulations on every side , both from within and without the lodge , that his soul had been filled with joy , and if he failed to express his feelings in words , he must ask
them to look to his deeds in the coming year . Thc toast of " The Visitors , " proposed by the W . M ., was responded to by Bro . Captain Turner , P . M . 823 , and Bro . Councillor , 216 .. " The New Initiate , " also given by thc W . M ., was responded to in eloquent terms by Bro . the Rev . J . O'Reilly . The W . M . said there was no toast , he was suie , which would meet with a more hearty response than that
of " Bro . Robinson , the Installing Master . " As a P . M . of the lodge he had been long respected , and in connection with the Lodge of Instruction , he had done very much valuable work . They would long remember the wonderful way in which the installation ceremony of that day had been performed , and the masterly perfection with which he- conducted the instruction lodge . He ( Bro .
Brown ) had listened to the installation ceremony with the deepest interest , and he was sure that no brother , had Masonry more at heart than Bro . Robinson . In reply < Bro . Robinson expressed the great pleasure it had given him to instal Bro . Brown , for whom he had the very highest respect . If he ( Bro . Robinson ) had done his work in a manner which had given them satisfaction he felt
amply repaid , and he felt certain that the accession of Bro . Brown to the Master ' s chair would give additional prestige to thc Merchants' Lodge , and prove satisfactory to every brother . " The Worshipful Past Masters , " given by Bro . Brown , W . M ., was responded to in happy terms by Bro . W . M . Chudley , I . P . M . " The Officers , " given by the
W . M ., was responded to by Bro . G . Hutchin , S . W ., anu Bro . Councillor G . Peet , J . W . The " Tyler ' s Toast brought the proceedings to a close , and the brethren returned to town at an early hour . During , the afternoon between £ 30 and £ 40 was subscribed by the brethren for the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution .