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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
strictly speaking , convenient , seeing how limited is the space in the room devoted to the purpose . It is a great pity in any case , that the ceremonies should be hampered by a lack of necessary space , and we can sympathise with the New Cross brethren in the predicament they find themselves placed , reduced to the bore of this particular room , and that , too , under certain circumstances which render
the office of Secretary to 1559 anything but a sinecure . However , it is pleasing to note how the brethren , with one accord , unite heart and soul in the endeavour to make the most of indifferent quarters , and excellently do they succeed too . Now if the call could be arranged for 3 . 30 or 4 , in place of such an inconvenieiitly early hour as 3 , there would be a full lodge from the commencement , and few ,
it any , late arrivals . In cases of tome of the most zealous members it is found impossible to reach the scene of action in time to take part in the opening of the lortge , and there is nothing that makes a greater impression on a visitor than the assemblage of a full lodge at its opening . Having ( in good part ) delivered ourselves of this homily , let us narrate what we witnessed at New Cross last Saturday . On the
tick of 3 , most punctual of Mast rs , Bro . H . Keeble , P . M . 1275 , and the present W . M . of 1559 , entered tne l ° agc anu assumed the throne of K . S . After lodge had been opened in the First and Second Degrees , Bros . Wise and Fry , candidates for the last but greatest trial of a Mason ' s sincerity , were entrusted and withdrew . Lodge was then duly opened to the degree of M . M ., alter which the candidates
wereadmitted . Bro . Keeble then , with due solemnity ( and a due respect to the importance of rhetoric , conveying the full sense of the beautiful ritual to the ears of those who heard it for the first time ) , raised Bros . Fry and Wise to the Sublime Degree . It was evident the candidates were impressed—indeed , we have seldom witnessed a raising more impressively performed or more deferentially received .
There being neither initiation nor passing , the annua business of the lodge was then proceeded with . That allimportant task , the election of W . M . for the ensuing year , was first proceeded with , and delighted we are to chronicle the fact that Bro . Walter Simcnonds , J . W ., was elected unanimously , and in returning thanks to the brethren for the honour conferred upon him evinced a modesty of
demeanour that has made him a favourite with all who know him . Bro . F . Walters , P . G . J . W . Middlesex , was re-elected Treasurer ; Bro . A . B . Church re-elected Tyler , and Bros . Ernest Smith , Cowley , and Swain appointed to serve on the Audit Committee for the ensuing year . On the proposition of Bro . Walters , it was unanimously agreed to purchase a Past Master ' s jewel of the value of twelve guin as , for
presentation to Bro . Henry Kteblc on his quitting the chair at the next meeting of the lodge in February next . This terminating the business on the agenda paper lodge was closed in due form , and an adjournment maie to refreshment , where , after justice had been done to an ample repast served in Bro . Page ' s usual efficient style , the W . M ., gavel in hand , gave the usual loyal and Masonic
toasts . Bro . E . Thiellay , P . P . G . S . Middlx . S . W ., then gave in the absence of the I P . M ., "The Health of Bro . Keeble , the popular W . M ., " which was received with " New Cross fire . " Bro . Keeble , whose replies never run to a great length but are replete with happy sentiments , reiterated former promises to the effect that " having the love of the New Cross Lodge at heart , he
should as one of its P . M . ' s strive to exceed his endearours as W . M ., and that next to his mother lodge he was most wrapped up in and bound to 1559 , " remarks which pleased the brethren immensely . Never was toast more heartily drank than that of the W . M . elect ., proposed by Bro . Kesble , and , having some experience in civic banquets , can honestly say that
never was Lord Mayor elect more enthusiastically received than was Bro . Simmonds when he rose to reply . Preparatory to his doing so , Bro . Louis Beck , S . D ., W . M . of the Rothesay Lodge , treated the brethren to the " Rothesay March" ( composed by himself ) , amid great applause . Bro . Simmonds rose to respond . " As a young Mason" said he "it had always since initiation
been his most ardent wish to one day fill—and that worthily—the chair of W . M . He could scarcely credit it , so young did he feel as a Mason , that he had that evening been chosen to fill so high and honourable a post . It was the more difficult to realise that the height of his ambition had been reached from the fact that he stood before them as J . W . of the lodge , and he said it with
feelings of deep sincerity , that he wished Bro . Thiclla , S . W ., now filling with credit the chair of W . M . in the Era Lodge , could have been eligible to assume a similur position in the New Cross Lodge . He ( Bro . Simmonds ) feared that from one point r . f view he would not make so good a W . M . as the brother who was leaving the chair , for Bro . Keeble was as efficient in the
ceremonies as a W . M . could possibly be , and 111 this rvspect it was impossible for a successor to bitter him , ( hear , hear ) , but in other respects he trusted the brethren would have no reason to regret having chosen him as their W . M . for 1877-8 , for no one he assured them could feel more anxious for the future success of the lodge , nor could any one he more willing to devote all the ( -pare time he
could find than himself . The brethren had but to say the word and anything he could do at their wish for the good of the New Cross Lodge should be done , and he wished them a happy year under his gavel . " To the toast of "The Visitors , " Bro . Govan Macdonald , P . M . 1158 , Preceptor of the Star Lodge of Instruction , replied at some length , as did likewise Bro . J . Clark , 1423 , who told the
brethren that he was so impressed with the manner in which work was done at 1359 , that he lnprd soon to become a joining member , an intimation which invoked cheers . "The officers" re pi id individually to their toast ; and after the W . M . had passed high encomiums on the merit , ability , and energy of the " . Secretary " Bro . Grummant . the honoured official made a remarkably modest reply , in which he denied all merit and
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ability , but acknowledged that he was ready and willing to devote his energies for the good of Freemasonry , but in particular to his mother todge . We noticed present Bios . Keeble , W . M . ; Thullay , S . W ., P . P . G . S . Midx . ; W . Simmonds , J . W . ; Louis Beck , S . D . ; H . Green , J . D ., P . M .
1275 ; T . ' -rammant , Sec . ; F . Walters , P . G . J . W . Mdx ., & c ; Bro ? . Macijillivray , Swain , Stiers , Ernest Smith , Thornton , Knibbs , Cowley , Mass , Beckles , Wise , Fry , also visiting Bros . G . Macdonald , P . M . 11 . 58 ; J . Clark , 1423 ; and D . Smith , 1326 .
SURREY MASONIC HALL LODGE ( No . 1539 ) . —This lodge held its annual installation meeting at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , on Thursday week , when lodge was opened by Bro . W . Ramsey , W . M . The installation ceremony was the only business on the paper , with the exception of a motion for altering the bye-laws by changing the month for the
election of the Master . Bro . M . S . Larlham , P . M ., installed Bro . North Ritherdon as Master , and the following brethren were then appointed officers for the year : — Bros . Wm . Ramsey , I . P . M . ; T . 1 .. Greene , S . W . ; Ross , J . W . ; A . J . Murray , S . D . ; B . Seale , J . D . ; Martin , I . G . ; Allen , Steward ; Charteris , W . S . ; Larlham , Treasurer ; E . Clarke , Sec . ; and Bro . Geider , Tyler . The list of
brethren present comprised the names of Wm . Ramsey , T . L . Greene , North Ritherdon , M . S . Larlham , A . J . Murray , A . Martin , J . H . Allen , E . Seale , F . J . Tims , R . Monnington , W . J . Holland , James E . Piatt , R . Richardson . Visitors : James Stevens , P . M . 1426 ; H . J . Pellew , 26 ; C . Stuart Barker , jun ., W . M . 1632 ; H . A . Dubois , P . P . G . D ; Midx ., 142 ; William S . Webster , P . M . 2 ?! ;
H . Massey ( Freemason ) , P . M . 619 ; Richard Tarrant , 1348 . After the work of the lodge the brethren adjourned to a choice banquet . The W . M . before proceeding with the toasts of the evening presented Bro . Greene , thel . P . M ., with a P . M . jewel , and said that it must always be pleasing to Bro . Greene to have a self-approving conscience with respect to the discharge fef his duties as Master of
the lodge during the past year ; and the brethren hoped he might long live to wear the jewel and to be among the members of the lodge . Bro . Greene in acknowledging the gift said it was his wish also that he might be so spared , and in accepting the jewel he had great pleasure , as it was an cviuence that for sixteen months , during which time he had been Master of the lodge , he had
performed his duties impartially and to the satisfaction of the brethren . He had certain l y performed them conscientiously , and he left the chair with an exchequer better than he found it . He could not return thanks without expressing his indebtedness to those officers who had been so kind as to assist him with their advice , more particularly Bros . Larlham and Greene . He had also fulfilled
his duty with regard to the charitable organi-ation of the lodge , and he might mention that besides taking the position of Lite Governor of the Boys' and Girls' Institutions his intention was to represent the lodge , if it would allow him , for the old men and women next year . To the best of his ability he had ertdeavoured to fulfil the wishes of the brethren , but as he might not have been perfect he
ivould conclude with the language of the poet , and remind thtm that " to err was human ; to forgive Divine . " After the loyal toasts had been honoured , Bro . Greene proposed "The Health of the W . M . " The W . M . said there vere occasions when a dumb man wished to speak plain , and such was the case then with himself . He first cordially thanked the brethren for the toast , and next hoped that they might
have a happy and prosperous year . The realisation of such a desirable object was in their own hand- - , not in his alone , but in those of all the members . There must be a long pull , a strong pull , and a pull all together . They must cultivate unanimity , discard animosity , and if there wete any bygones , let them be bygones ; the officers must endeavour to perform their duties satisfactorily and with the
best of their ability . He would do the same , in order that they might make the lodge attractive both to members and visitors , and also to give encouragement to ini'iates , and that favourable impression which it was so desirable that they should have of Masonry . They should likewise give him encouragement and support by attending regularly , constaatly , and punctually . If their Master was 1
wea ' , or if they thought the officers were weak , let not the brethren stop away , and the officers would be sure to improve ; while if they stayed away the officers would feel discouraged . If they all worked together in the true spirit of Masonry he was quite sure of the success of the lodge . Bros . James Stevens , Stuart Barker , W . Shakespeare Webster , H . A . Dubois , and other brethren replied to the toast of
" The Visitors , and acknowledged in the warmest terms the hearty reccp'ion they had met with . Bros . E . Clarke , Larlham , and Ramsey responded to the toast of "The P . M's . " The S . W ., in acknowledging the ti / ast of " The Officers of the Lodge , " said he believed tie working of the lodge would be carried out perfectly undrr the W . M ., and the officers would endeavour to do thiir duty . He could
say for himself , and also for his brother officers , that they would do all they could to assist the W . M . in the ruling and governing of the lodge , and it should be their wish to sec eveiything working in h rmony . The toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary " followed , and to which Bros . Larlham and Clarke replied ; and Bro . Murray , who had been Secretary the previous year , said that while holding that office he had done his best , and if there had been any
deficiencies he trusted they might be pardoned . He thanked the W . M . for having promoted him to S . D ., and said he should endeavour to rise higher . Bros . Scale , ( Sunday Times ) Allen , and Charteris also replied . By permission ol the W . M ., Bro . James Stevens , in very complimentary terms , proposed " The Press , " and Bros . H . Massey ( Frecmasott ) an ( l E . Seale ( Sunday Times ) having acknowledged the compliment , the Tyler ' s toast was given , and the brethren separated . ROYAL KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1627 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held yester-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
day week at Freemasons' Hall , when the following breth ren attended : —Bros . C . E . Soppet , S . W . ; W . E . Gordon Leith , J . W . ; D . W . Dewar , Secretary ; Cramer , SD H . M . Sydney , I . G . ; Hyde Pullen , P . ij . S . B . ; Percy Leith ' S . D . ; Joseph , Steele , C . E . Dampicr , Geo . R . Mathews ' P . D . Kain , John B ; Stevens , Geo . T . Robinson , P . Talbot Robinson , W . H . Rowe , 1426 ; W . Browne Kidder , W . M
12 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 ( Fmninson ) ; Nelson Reed W . M . 1671 ; and Charles Taylor , I . G . 1426 . Bro . w ' Hyde Pullen , P . G . S . B ., presided , in the absence of Bro W . T . Raymond , W . M ., and after the reading and con . firmation of the minutes , initiated Messrs . farm Barnbrook Stevens , and Percy Douglas Kairi , is to the mysteries of the Order . Before proceeding
to the installation of the W . M ., the motions which were on the paper were called on , and Bro . Sydney having withdrawn the motion of which he had given notice for voting a sum of money to the Indian Famine Fund , Bro . Hyde Pullen after explaining that several members of the lodge having , since they were initiated , removed to long distances in the country , but being still
desirous to keep up their connection with the lodge , proposed " That brethren who have , been members of this lodge , removing twenty miles and upwards from London , may continue their connections with the lodge as ' country members , ' at an annual subscription of half a guinea , paying the usual fee when attending banquet . " The motion was seconded by Bro . Percy Leith ,
G . D ., and carried . Bro . Dewar then presented Bro . Charles E . Soppet , S . W . and W . M . elect ., to Bro . Hyde Pullen for installation , and Bro . Percy Leith was called upon to fill pro . tern , the S . W . chair , and Bro . Kidder that of J . W . The installation ceremony then proceeded , and Bro . Charles E . Soppet was formally installed as Master of the lodge for the ensuing year . Bro . Pullen was invested
as the I . P . M ., and after the usual congratulations the brethren below the rank of Installed Master went through the ordinary forms , and the following brethren were invested by the W . M . as his officers : —Bro . W . E . G . Leith , S . W . ; Cramer , J . W . ; Hyde Pullen , Treas . ; D . M . Dewar , Sec . ; H . M . Sydney , S . D . ; Robinson , J . D . ; G . R . Mathews , I . G . ; Josh . Steele , D . C ; and Bro . Potter , Tyler .
Bro . Dewar performed the duties of D . C . Bro . Hyde Pullen delivered the addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren , and there being no 'urther business before the lodge it was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a charming repast , provided by the proprietor of Freemasons ' Tavern , Bro . Best , under the supervision of Bro . E . Dawkins , the manager . When the cloth was cleared
grace was sung by Madame Thaddeus Wells , Bro . J . Thornton , and Bro . Henry Parker , this trio also giving a pleasant selection of songs and music between the toasts . The speeches in which the toasts were proposed were very short and to the point . For instance , in giving the toast of " The Queen , " the W . M . assumed that every brother knew all the good things that could be said of Her Majesty ,
and in proposing " The Prince of Wales , " reminded them that Masons were all proud of having His Royal Highness at tlnir head , as he was truly a Mason at heart , and did all he could to promote the interests of the fraternity . In giving " The Pro and Deputy Grand Masters , and the Grand Officers , " he said that all Masons whose privilege it was to attend Grand Lodge could testify to the very able
way 111 which the work was conducted , and that the Grand Officers were always ready and willing to render assistance to those brethren who sought counsel and advice . Two of these Grand Officers were present , and he could say without fear or hesitation that they were particularly anxious to render every assistance to the Craft , and more especially to the Royal Kensington Lodge . Bro . Percy
Leith , G . D ., replied , and while acknowledging bis own readiness to render assistance , could not but feel the honour Grand Officers must feel in the fact that one of their number , Bro . Hyde Pullen , could perform the ceremonies with such fluency and elocutionary power as he had given a proof of that evening . Bro . Hyde Pullen proposed "The W . M . " He said that the lodge might expect very great
success in the coming year , for Bro . Soppet combined in himself all the good qualities which were essential in a Master of a lodge , and would endeavour to preside over the brethren in such a way that no exception could be taken to his rule . He had never missed one evening , bad never neglected one atom of his duty , but had performed it thoroughly and absolutely well . Every member of the
lodge would echo these words , and also the good wishes he ( Bro . Pullen ) would expiess for the W . M ' s . year of office . It was only a little over twelve months that the lodge was consecrated , and most of its members were young Masons . Nevertheless they had so performed their duties that he was sure they would each in his turn follow the example of the W . M ., and so would bring the lodge to
a very eminent positton . In acknowledging the toast , the W . M . said that after such expressions as those used by Bro . Pullen he had a very difficult task to perform . But he could say with ( -incerity that he was truly sensible ol the honour which had been conferred upon him by the brethren calling him to fill the distinguished position of W . M . of the Royal Kensington Lodge . The event would always
remain in his memory as a most conspicuous honour , and would be handed down to his children as such , and he trusted also to his children ' s children . He should during his year endeavour to the utmost to please the brethren in every respect . If he should fail he hoped they would tell him , but he wanted to give happiness to every member of the lodge . His earnest endeavour would be to promote
the interests of the Royal Kensington Lodge , and the welfare and happiness of each of its members . The W . M . then proposed " The I . P . M ., " Bro . Hyde Pullen , who , he said , had endeared himself to every member of the lodge , had done the work in a masterly n . anner during the past year , and had set an example to the brethren which they would not be slow to follow . Bro . Pullen having replied , and assured the brethren that it gave him great p leasure
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
strictly speaking , convenient , seeing how limited is the space in the room devoted to the purpose . It is a great pity in any case , that the ceremonies should be hampered by a lack of necessary space , and we can sympathise with the New Cross brethren in the predicament they find themselves placed , reduced to the bore of this particular room , and that , too , under certain circumstances which render
the office of Secretary to 1559 anything but a sinecure . However , it is pleasing to note how the brethren , with one accord , unite heart and soul in the endeavour to make the most of indifferent quarters , and excellently do they succeed too . Now if the call could be arranged for 3 . 30 or 4 , in place of such an inconvenieiitly early hour as 3 , there would be a full lodge from the commencement , and few ,
it any , late arrivals . In cases of tome of the most zealous members it is found impossible to reach the scene of action in time to take part in the opening of the lortge , and there is nothing that makes a greater impression on a visitor than the assemblage of a full lodge at its opening . Having ( in good part ) delivered ourselves of this homily , let us narrate what we witnessed at New Cross last Saturday . On the
tick of 3 , most punctual of Mast rs , Bro . H . Keeble , P . M . 1275 , and the present W . M . of 1559 , entered tne l ° agc anu assumed the throne of K . S . After lodge had been opened in the First and Second Degrees , Bros . Wise and Fry , candidates for the last but greatest trial of a Mason ' s sincerity , were entrusted and withdrew . Lodge was then duly opened to the degree of M . M ., alter which the candidates
wereadmitted . Bro . Keeble then , with due solemnity ( and a due respect to the importance of rhetoric , conveying the full sense of the beautiful ritual to the ears of those who heard it for the first time ) , raised Bros . Fry and Wise to the Sublime Degree . It was evident the candidates were impressed—indeed , we have seldom witnessed a raising more impressively performed or more deferentially received .
There being neither initiation nor passing , the annua business of the lodge was then proceeded with . That allimportant task , the election of W . M . for the ensuing year , was first proceeded with , and delighted we are to chronicle the fact that Bro . Walter Simcnonds , J . W ., was elected unanimously , and in returning thanks to the brethren for the honour conferred upon him evinced a modesty of
demeanour that has made him a favourite with all who know him . Bro . F . Walters , P . G . J . W . Middlesex , was re-elected Treasurer ; Bro . A . B . Church re-elected Tyler , and Bros . Ernest Smith , Cowley , and Swain appointed to serve on the Audit Committee for the ensuing year . On the proposition of Bro . Walters , it was unanimously agreed to purchase a Past Master ' s jewel of the value of twelve guin as , for
presentation to Bro . Henry Kteblc on his quitting the chair at the next meeting of the lodge in February next . This terminating the business on the agenda paper lodge was closed in due form , and an adjournment maie to refreshment , where , after justice had been done to an ample repast served in Bro . Page ' s usual efficient style , the W . M ., gavel in hand , gave the usual loyal and Masonic
toasts . Bro . E . Thiellay , P . P . G . S . Middlx . S . W ., then gave in the absence of the I P . M ., "The Health of Bro . Keeble , the popular W . M ., " which was received with " New Cross fire . " Bro . Keeble , whose replies never run to a great length but are replete with happy sentiments , reiterated former promises to the effect that " having the love of the New Cross Lodge at heart , he
should as one of its P . M . ' s strive to exceed his endearours as W . M ., and that next to his mother lodge he was most wrapped up in and bound to 1559 , " remarks which pleased the brethren immensely . Never was toast more heartily drank than that of the W . M . elect ., proposed by Bro . Kesble , and , having some experience in civic banquets , can honestly say that
never was Lord Mayor elect more enthusiastically received than was Bro . Simmonds when he rose to reply . Preparatory to his doing so , Bro . Louis Beck , S . D ., W . M . of the Rothesay Lodge , treated the brethren to the " Rothesay March" ( composed by himself ) , amid great applause . Bro . Simmonds rose to respond . " As a young Mason" said he "it had always since initiation
been his most ardent wish to one day fill—and that worthily—the chair of W . M . He could scarcely credit it , so young did he feel as a Mason , that he had that evening been chosen to fill so high and honourable a post . It was the more difficult to realise that the height of his ambition had been reached from the fact that he stood before them as J . W . of the lodge , and he said it with
feelings of deep sincerity , that he wished Bro . Thiclla , S . W ., now filling with credit the chair of W . M . in the Era Lodge , could have been eligible to assume a similur position in the New Cross Lodge . He ( Bro . Simmonds ) feared that from one point r . f view he would not make so good a W . M . as the brother who was leaving the chair , for Bro . Keeble was as efficient in the
ceremonies as a W . M . could possibly be , and 111 this rvspect it was impossible for a successor to bitter him , ( hear , hear ) , but in other respects he trusted the brethren would have no reason to regret having chosen him as their W . M . for 1877-8 , for no one he assured them could feel more anxious for the future success of the lodge , nor could any one he more willing to devote all the ( -pare time he
could find than himself . The brethren had but to say the word and anything he could do at their wish for the good of the New Cross Lodge should be done , and he wished them a happy year under his gavel . " To the toast of "The Visitors , " Bro . Govan Macdonald , P . M . 1158 , Preceptor of the Star Lodge of Instruction , replied at some length , as did likewise Bro . J . Clark , 1423 , who told the
brethren that he was so impressed with the manner in which work was done at 1359 , that he lnprd soon to become a joining member , an intimation which invoked cheers . "The officers" re pi id individually to their toast ; and after the W . M . had passed high encomiums on the merit , ability , and energy of the " . Secretary " Bro . Grummant . the honoured official made a remarkably modest reply , in which he denied all merit and
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ability , but acknowledged that he was ready and willing to devote his energies for the good of Freemasonry , but in particular to his mother todge . We noticed present Bios . Keeble , W . M . ; Thullay , S . W ., P . P . G . S . Midx . ; W . Simmonds , J . W . ; Louis Beck , S . D . ; H . Green , J . D ., P . M .
1275 ; T . ' -rammant , Sec . ; F . Walters , P . G . J . W . Mdx ., & c ; Bro ? . Macijillivray , Swain , Stiers , Ernest Smith , Thornton , Knibbs , Cowley , Mass , Beckles , Wise , Fry , also visiting Bros . G . Macdonald , P . M . 11 . 58 ; J . Clark , 1423 ; and D . Smith , 1326 .
SURREY MASONIC HALL LODGE ( No . 1539 ) . —This lodge held its annual installation meeting at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , on Thursday week , when lodge was opened by Bro . W . Ramsey , W . M . The installation ceremony was the only business on the paper , with the exception of a motion for altering the bye-laws by changing the month for the
election of the Master . Bro . M . S . Larlham , P . M ., installed Bro . North Ritherdon as Master , and the following brethren were then appointed officers for the year : — Bros . Wm . Ramsey , I . P . M . ; T . 1 .. Greene , S . W . ; Ross , J . W . ; A . J . Murray , S . D . ; B . Seale , J . D . ; Martin , I . G . ; Allen , Steward ; Charteris , W . S . ; Larlham , Treasurer ; E . Clarke , Sec . ; and Bro . Geider , Tyler . The list of
brethren present comprised the names of Wm . Ramsey , T . L . Greene , North Ritherdon , M . S . Larlham , A . J . Murray , A . Martin , J . H . Allen , E . Seale , F . J . Tims , R . Monnington , W . J . Holland , James E . Piatt , R . Richardson . Visitors : James Stevens , P . M . 1426 ; H . J . Pellew , 26 ; C . Stuart Barker , jun ., W . M . 1632 ; H . A . Dubois , P . P . G . D ; Midx ., 142 ; William S . Webster , P . M . 2 ?! ;
H . Massey ( Freemason ) , P . M . 619 ; Richard Tarrant , 1348 . After the work of the lodge the brethren adjourned to a choice banquet . The W . M . before proceeding with the toasts of the evening presented Bro . Greene , thel . P . M ., with a P . M . jewel , and said that it must always be pleasing to Bro . Greene to have a self-approving conscience with respect to the discharge fef his duties as Master of
the lodge during the past year ; and the brethren hoped he might long live to wear the jewel and to be among the members of the lodge . Bro . Greene in acknowledging the gift said it was his wish also that he might be so spared , and in accepting the jewel he had great pleasure , as it was an cviuence that for sixteen months , during which time he had been Master of the lodge , he had
performed his duties impartially and to the satisfaction of the brethren . He had certain l y performed them conscientiously , and he left the chair with an exchequer better than he found it . He could not return thanks without expressing his indebtedness to those officers who had been so kind as to assist him with their advice , more particularly Bros . Larlham and Greene . He had also fulfilled
his duty with regard to the charitable organi-ation of the lodge , and he might mention that besides taking the position of Lite Governor of the Boys' and Girls' Institutions his intention was to represent the lodge , if it would allow him , for the old men and women next year . To the best of his ability he had ertdeavoured to fulfil the wishes of the brethren , but as he might not have been perfect he
ivould conclude with the language of the poet , and remind thtm that " to err was human ; to forgive Divine . " After the loyal toasts had been honoured , Bro . Greene proposed "The Health of the W . M . " The W . M . said there vere occasions when a dumb man wished to speak plain , and such was the case then with himself . He first cordially thanked the brethren for the toast , and next hoped that they might
have a happy and prosperous year . The realisation of such a desirable object was in their own hand- - , not in his alone , but in those of all the members . There must be a long pull , a strong pull , and a pull all together . They must cultivate unanimity , discard animosity , and if there wete any bygones , let them be bygones ; the officers must endeavour to perform their duties satisfactorily and with the
best of their ability . He would do the same , in order that they might make the lodge attractive both to members and visitors , and also to give encouragement to ini'iates , and that favourable impression which it was so desirable that they should have of Masonry . They should likewise give him encouragement and support by attending regularly , constaatly , and punctually . If their Master was 1
wea ' , or if they thought the officers were weak , let not the brethren stop away , and the officers would be sure to improve ; while if they stayed away the officers would feel discouraged . If they all worked together in the true spirit of Masonry he was quite sure of the success of the lodge . Bros . James Stevens , Stuart Barker , W . Shakespeare Webster , H . A . Dubois , and other brethren replied to the toast of
" The Visitors , and acknowledged in the warmest terms the hearty reccp'ion they had met with . Bros . E . Clarke , Larlham , and Ramsey responded to the toast of "The P . M's . " The S . W ., in acknowledging the ti / ast of " The Officers of the Lodge , " said he believed tie working of the lodge would be carried out perfectly undrr the W . M ., and the officers would endeavour to do thiir duty . He could
say for himself , and also for his brother officers , that they would do all they could to assist the W . M . in the ruling and governing of the lodge , and it should be their wish to sec eveiything working in h rmony . The toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary " followed , and to which Bros . Larlham and Clarke replied ; and Bro . Murray , who had been Secretary the previous year , said that while holding that office he had done his best , and if there had been any
deficiencies he trusted they might be pardoned . He thanked the W . M . for having promoted him to S . D ., and said he should endeavour to rise higher . Bros . Scale , ( Sunday Times ) Allen , and Charteris also replied . By permission ol the W . M ., Bro . James Stevens , in very complimentary terms , proposed " The Press , " and Bros . H . Massey ( Frecmasott ) an ( l E . Seale ( Sunday Times ) having acknowledged the compliment , the Tyler ' s toast was given , and the brethren separated . ROYAL KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1627 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held yester-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
day week at Freemasons' Hall , when the following breth ren attended : —Bros . C . E . Soppet , S . W . ; W . E . Gordon Leith , J . W . ; D . W . Dewar , Secretary ; Cramer , SD H . M . Sydney , I . G . ; Hyde Pullen , P . ij . S . B . ; Percy Leith ' S . D . ; Joseph , Steele , C . E . Dampicr , Geo . R . Mathews ' P . D . Kain , John B ; Stevens , Geo . T . Robinson , P . Talbot Robinson , W . H . Rowe , 1426 ; W . Browne Kidder , W . M
12 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 ( Fmninson ) ; Nelson Reed W . M . 1671 ; and Charles Taylor , I . G . 1426 . Bro . w ' Hyde Pullen , P . G . S . B ., presided , in the absence of Bro W . T . Raymond , W . M ., and after the reading and con . firmation of the minutes , initiated Messrs . farm Barnbrook Stevens , and Percy Douglas Kairi , is to the mysteries of the Order . Before proceeding
to the installation of the W . M ., the motions which were on the paper were called on , and Bro . Sydney having withdrawn the motion of which he had given notice for voting a sum of money to the Indian Famine Fund , Bro . Hyde Pullen after explaining that several members of the lodge having , since they were initiated , removed to long distances in the country , but being still
desirous to keep up their connection with the lodge , proposed " That brethren who have , been members of this lodge , removing twenty miles and upwards from London , may continue their connections with the lodge as ' country members , ' at an annual subscription of half a guinea , paying the usual fee when attending banquet . " The motion was seconded by Bro . Percy Leith ,
G . D ., and carried . Bro . Dewar then presented Bro . Charles E . Soppet , S . W . and W . M . elect ., to Bro . Hyde Pullen for installation , and Bro . Percy Leith was called upon to fill pro . tern , the S . W . chair , and Bro . Kidder that of J . W . The installation ceremony then proceeded , and Bro . Charles E . Soppet was formally installed as Master of the lodge for the ensuing year . Bro . Pullen was invested
as the I . P . M ., and after the usual congratulations the brethren below the rank of Installed Master went through the ordinary forms , and the following brethren were invested by the W . M . as his officers : —Bro . W . E . G . Leith , S . W . ; Cramer , J . W . ; Hyde Pullen , Treas . ; D . M . Dewar , Sec . ; H . M . Sydney , S . D . ; Robinson , J . D . ; G . R . Mathews , I . G . ; Josh . Steele , D . C ; and Bro . Potter , Tyler .
Bro . Dewar performed the duties of D . C . Bro . Hyde Pullen delivered the addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren , and there being no 'urther business before the lodge it was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a charming repast , provided by the proprietor of Freemasons ' Tavern , Bro . Best , under the supervision of Bro . E . Dawkins , the manager . When the cloth was cleared
grace was sung by Madame Thaddeus Wells , Bro . J . Thornton , and Bro . Henry Parker , this trio also giving a pleasant selection of songs and music between the toasts . The speeches in which the toasts were proposed were very short and to the point . For instance , in giving the toast of " The Queen , " the W . M . assumed that every brother knew all the good things that could be said of Her Majesty ,
and in proposing " The Prince of Wales , " reminded them that Masons were all proud of having His Royal Highness at tlnir head , as he was truly a Mason at heart , and did all he could to promote the interests of the fraternity . In giving " The Pro and Deputy Grand Masters , and the Grand Officers , " he said that all Masons whose privilege it was to attend Grand Lodge could testify to the very able
way 111 which the work was conducted , and that the Grand Officers were always ready and willing to render assistance to those brethren who sought counsel and advice . Two of these Grand Officers were present , and he could say without fear or hesitation that they were particularly anxious to render every assistance to the Craft , and more especially to the Royal Kensington Lodge . Bro . Percy
Leith , G . D ., replied , and while acknowledging bis own readiness to render assistance , could not but feel the honour Grand Officers must feel in the fact that one of their number , Bro . Hyde Pullen , could perform the ceremonies with such fluency and elocutionary power as he had given a proof of that evening . Bro . Hyde Pullen proposed "The W . M . " He said that the lodge might expect very great
success in the coming year , for Bro . Soppet combined in himself all the good qualities which were essential in a Master of a lodge , and would endeavour to preside over the brethren in such a way that no exception could be taken to his rule . He had never missed one evening , bad never neglected one atom of his duty , but had performed it thoroughly and absolutely well . Every member of the
lodge would echo these words , and also the good wishes he ( Bro . Pullen ) would expiess for the W . M ' s . year of office . It was only a little over twelve months that the lodge was consecrated , and most of its members were young Masons . Nevertheless they had so performed their duties that he was sure they would each in his turn follow the example of the W . M ., and so would bring the lodge to
a very eminent positton . In acknowledging the toast , the W . M . said that after such expressions as those used by Bro . Pullen he had a very difficult task to perform . But he could say with ( -incerity that he was truly sensible ol the honour which had been conferred upon him by the brethren calling him to fill the distinguished position of W . M . of the Royal Kensington Lodge . The event would always
remain in his memory as a most conspicuous honour , and would be handed down to his children as such , and he trusted also to his children ' s children . He should during his year endeavour to the utmost to please the brethren in every respect . If he should fail he hoped they would tell him , but he wanted to give happiness to every member of the lodge . His earnest endeavour would be to promote
the interests of the Royal Kensington Lodge , and the welfare and happiness of each of its members . The W . M . then proposed " The I . P . M ., " Bro . Hyde Pullen , who , he said , had endeared himself to every member of the lodge , had done the work in a masterly n . anner during the past year , and had set an example to the brethren which they would not be slow to follow . Bro . Pullen having replied , and assured the brethren that it gave him great p leasure