Reports Of Masonic Meetings

lowes , S . W . ; S . T . H . Saunders > J . W . ; C . E . Barnett , S . D . j Johnson , J . D . ; Marshall , I . G . ; R . Clay Sudlow , Preceptor ; and J . D . Langton , Sec . The following brethren were also present : Bros . Duret , Alorriss , Shaw , Stoddart , Tanqueray , Pocock , Steingraber , Bue , Rosenthal ! , B & ant , Smith , and Weld . Visitor : Bro . Tebbs . The lodge was opened in the First Degree , and the

minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed by the brethren . The lodge was then opened up to the Third and resumed in the First Degree , when Bro . Besant , acting as candidate for the Third Degree , answered the usual questions , after which the lodge was resumed in the Third Degree , and Bro . Besant was raised to the Degree of M . M .

The Iodge was then resumed in the First Degree , and after a call off , Bro . Sudlow worked the Second hection of the First Lecture , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Richard G . Barton , P . G . S ., S . VV . Go , was unanimously elected a member of the lodge . Bro . Hallowes was elected W . M . for the next meeting , and the lodge was closed .

CRUSADERS LODGE ( No . 16 77 ) . —A very large number of the brethren assembled at this Iodge , at the Id Jerusalem Tavern , St . John ' s Gate , Clerkenwell , on Thursday , " the 24 th ult ., on which occasion Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . W . Herts , & c , & c , rehearsed the ceremonies of consecration and installation . Bro . Gay had placed the banqueting hall at the disposal of the lodge , to add due

effect to Bro . Terry ' s working , which it is almost superfluous to say was most impressive and beautiful , the old hall appearing to add dignity to the ceremony , if that were possible . Bro . Hunter , P . M ., was installed in the chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom . The W . M . having appointed his oflicers , resumed the lodge in the First Degree , when it was proposed by Bro . Cummings ,

Preceptor , and seconded by Bro . F . S . Rothschild , VV . AI . of the mother lodge , and carried unanimously , that a cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Bro . Terry for his kindness in working the ceremonies . Bro . Terry , in responding , spoke of the mother lodge being , one of his foundlings , it being one of 119 lodges he had been deputed by II . K . H , the Grand Alaster , and the-Pro Past Grand Alasters to

consecrate , it was always a pleasure for him to come to St . John's Gate . In these Iodge rooms he was made a Alason something like twenty years ago ; the place , therefore , always had a charm for him . It was then proposed by Bro . G . Maples , P . AL , seconded by Bro . F . S . Rothschild , W . M ., and carried unanimously , that the thanks of the

lodge be given to Bros . Henry Finney and Chas . E . Imney for their kindness in assisting in the musical department , and that the same be recorded on the minutes . Bros . Tuck , Inman , and Chas , E , Tinney , were elected joining members , and this ending the business of thc evening , the Iodge was closed and adjourned .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

SINCERITY CHAPTER ( No . 174 ) . —A convocation of this chapter was held on the ist inst ., at the London Tavern , Fenchurch-street , on whicli occasion there were present Comps . E . C Mather , 7 ,. ; Edgar Bowyer , H . j J . Appleby , J . j Charles James Perceval , Robert H . Halford , J . Newton , P . Z ., Treasurer ; VV . C . Barlowe , G . F . Cooke , L . A . Leins , H . Cox , John Bellerby , P . Z . ; James Terry P . Z ., S . E . j John Bulmer , Charles

Lacey , John Wright , Huggett , S . H . Webb , John L . Mather , and the following visitors : Comps . Charles F . Hogard , Z . 142 ; VV . Blackburn , Austin , Eraser , Andrews , Donald AI . Dewar , P . Z . 1194 ; C .-G . Sparrow , H . T . Isaac , H . iSS ; and H . Alassey , P . Z . G 19 ( Freemason ) . After the opening of the chapter , and the reading and confirmation of the minutes , Comp . Edgar'Bowyer , H ., was elected as AI . E . Z ., and Comp . H . Cox , as II . Comp .

Halford was elected as S . E . ; Comp . J . Knight , as S . N . ; and Comp . T . Hallett , as P . S . The installation of the several Principals then took p lace . Comp . Halford was invested as S . E . ; Comp . Knight , as S . N . ; and Comp . Hallett , as P . S . Comp . C ) . Perceval was appointed as ist A . S . ; and Comp . S . ' H . " Webb , as 2 nd A . S . On the motion of Comp . Newton , seconded by Comp . Cox , H ., the sum of one guinea was voted towards tlie New Year ' s

entertainment of the old people at the Benevolent Institution at Croydon , an entertainment which has been conducted with great success for some years past , and to the expenses of which " this ' ere chapiter , " as the Sincerity is familiarly designated by the companions , has regularly contributed every year . The chapter was then formally closed , and the companions adjourned to a very nice banquet , at which both

members and guests were most liberally provided for , and the guests hospitably entertained by their hosts . The usual toasts which followed were very briefly given . The loyal toasts were introduced by Comp . Botvyer with commendable succinctness , but were nevertheless most heartily accepted . Comp . E . C . Alather , I . P . Z ., proposed "The Health of the AI . E . Z ., " and said that all ftoyal Arch companions ought in their turn to rise to the acme of

happiness which accompanied the acquisition of the post . In " this ' ere chapiter " the companions had known Comp . Bowyer many years j they knew him to be a good Alason , a genial companion , and one who had always made himself happy with all the companions . They would consequently wish him that prosperity during his year of oflice in the chapter he so richly deserved . He had most honestly earned the sympathies of all the companions , and the way

in wbich the companions greeted him in his position at this moment was that of cordial companionship , and such as was usually given to the oflicers of this chapter . - The toast , of course , with such a popular companion as Comp . Edgar Bowyer , was most heartijy accepted , and a proper Sincerity fire given to it . Comp . Bowyer responded very shortly , thanking the brethren most heartily for the compliment they had paid him by tbe warm reception of a toast flatteringly , but kindly , proposed by Comp . E . C . Mather .

He could not forget thai Comp . Alather was the first to put the Alaster's collar round his neck in the Craft Lodge eleven years since , that very night , on which occasion he need not say he felt very proud . He was also exceeding proud to be invested this evening as Z . of the Sincerity Chapter , although it was not the first time he had been AI . E . Z . of a n ? ^ Chapter . For having elected him to that high office he had to thank the companions most sincerely , and he trusted he should always secure their approbation . Comp . Bowyer next proposed " The Visitors , " of whom

Royal Arch.

the chapter was very pleased to have nine present , and to whom they gave a hearty welcome . Comps . Andrews , Dewar , Massey , Hogard , Isaac , Fraser , Austin , Sparrow , and Blackburn responded . The next toast was that of " H . and J ., " both of whom , the M . E . Z . said , would perform their work admirably , as they were known to be well up to their duties . Comp . Cox responded , and said he

should endeavour , as he had in the past , to carry out the duties that might appertain to his office to the best of his ability , and he hoped and trusted that he should give the companions satisfaction . Comp . E . C . Alather responded on behalf of J ., who had been oblige to leave to catch the last train for Brighton . Comp . Bowyer next gave "The Health of the P . Z . 's , " Comps . BarlOwe , Terry ,

Bellerby , Newton , Bulmer , Lacey , Rawley , J . L . Mather , Huggett and E . C . Alather . All those'Past Principals had done good suit and service to this chapter , and deserved to have their health proposed in a bumper . Comp . E . C Alather replying said the gravity of the situation weighed him down . He would only attempt , to thank the companions very simply and earnestly for the honour they had

done the body of Past Principals , and himself as a unit among the body , who were so much more capable than himself to reply , that he would not attempt to answer for other than his poor self . He would therefore ask them to accept his most hearty thanks for the honour done to himself . Comp . Hallett replied to the toast of '• ' The Officers , " and said he had come so suddenly into office that he

was afraid he was hardly able to carry out his duties . If however he was not , it would not be for the want of trying . Comp . Newton , Treasurer , replying , said the chapter was composed t ) f a band of brethren , and there was also a band of sisters connected witli them , who were always ready to assist the good cause they all had somewhat at heart . They were rather a peculiar lot . They came there

with the firm determination of throwing away whatever cares they had , and for two or three hours enjoy themselves in a . way that no one would even take offence at or have the slightest objection to . They enjoyed themselves so much that frequently the visitors came to him and asked him if he could not propose them as joining members . He could not do it , as all the members of the chapter must attain to

a certain position , one of the qualifications being that they were not prematurely bald , there must be some sign that some day or other they would be bald . They were a happy lot no doubt . Of all peculiar positions in the chapter , perhaps that of Treasurer was the most extraordinary . He could do just as he liked ( with thc permission of thc AI . E . Z . ) , and he hoped and trusted the visitors would find

that the chapter had done the very best it could according to the position he held that evening . He also hoped that for the few hours they met in " this 'ere chapiter " the visitors would always go away pleased with their evenings entertainment , and if they wished to become members they must moult as soon as possible . Comp . Halford also replied , and a very pleasantevening ' s entertainment was brought to a close with the Janitor ' s toast .

BOLTON . —Chapter of ^ Concord ( No . 37 ) . —A meeting of the above chapter was held on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., in the Masonic Hall , Swan Hotel . There were present Comps . Jas . Brown , Z . j Thos . Entwistle , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . Scribe N . ; James Newton , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . Scribe N . j G . P . Brockbank , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . Treas . j E . Al . Garstang , 1 st A . S . ; John Book , Org . ; J . W .

Roiley , Janitor ; also thc following visitors : Comps . C R . N . Beswicke-Royds , Prov . G . H . j John Chadwick , Prov . G . Scribe E . ; and Walter Pennington , P . Z . 350 . The chapter being opened , and the minutes read and approved , the ballot was taken for Bros . Rooke Pennington , W . AL 37 , and John Hardcastle , Steward 37 , as candidates for exaltation , who were duly elected , and subsequently admitted and exalted to the Degree . ' It was resolved that

the future meetings of the chapter be held at the Swan Hotel , on the second Thursday in April and October . The following companions were duly elected officers for the ensuing year : Comps . Thos . Entwistle , Z . ; Jas . Walker , H . j Sanil . Crowther , J . j Jas . Newton , E . j Johnson Alills , N . j E . AL Garstang , P . S . ; and John Hardcastle , Org . The business being concluded , thc chapter was closed . ^

BOLTON . —St . John ' s Chapter ( No . 348 ) . —The regular meeting of this chapter was held at the Bull ' s Head Inn on Thursday , the ist inst . Present : Comps . John Harwood , Z . j Jas . Dooley , II . ; Jas . Horrocks , P . Z ., as J . ; Win . Cooper , E . ; John Alcock , P . S . ; R . Duxbury , ist A . S . j R . Harwood , P . Z ., Prov . G . Scribe N . j Jas . Newton , P . Z ., P . Prov . G . Scribe N . ; Jas . Kennedy , John Kenyon ; also Comp . G . P . Cartwright ,

P . S . 350 , as a visitor . The chapter was opened at G . 30 p . m ., and the minutes having been read and approved , the ballot was taken for Bro . Jno . Fawcett Skelton , I . G . 14 G , who was duly elected as a candidate for exaltation , and was thereupon admitted and exalted to the Degree of Holy Royal Arch . The chapter was then closed , and the companions adjourned to the refreshment board .

OXFORD . —Apollo University Chapter ( No . 357 ) . — -A regular meeting of this chapter was held on Wednesday , thc 30 th ult ., to elect a First Principal in room of Comp . Wakeman , AI . E . Z ., resigned , and a Second Principal in room of Comp . Fentham Hedges , whose lamented death is so deeply deplored by his Masonic brethren . H . R . H . Prince Leopold , Duke of Albany ,

K . G ., having consented to honour the companions hy presiding over them , was unanimously elected AI . E . Z ., and the Rev . H . A . Pickard , P . Z ., was chosen to fill the chair of II . Bro . the Rev . VV . F . Ramsden . of the Churchhill Lodge , was exalted , and the other business being

finished , the companions of the chapter and their guests , among them being the Grand Superintendent for Somerset , Co ) . Adair , and lhe Deputy Grand Superintendent for Essex , the Rev . J . P . Wigram , adjourned for refreshment to the Golden Cross , where a very pleasant evening was spent .

The late Bishop of Durham , Dr . Charles Baring' , was known in his Diocese as three C . B . ' s—Charles Baring , Cold Beef , and Carpet Bag . He was of a homely disposition , and would write to a country vicar and say he wished to come and stay at the vicarage for Sunday . " Don't prepare anything extra for me , cold beef will do , " and he always carried a carpet bag himself .

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Red Cross of Constantine .

GENERAL GRAND CONCLAVE . The annual assembl y of the General Grand Conclave of the Alasonic and Military Orders of the Red Cross of Constantine K . H . S . and St . John the Evangelist was held on Alonday last at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queenstreet . The Sir Knights present were Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Alost III . Grand Sovereign and Grand

Commander of St . Johnj James Lewis Thomas , Dr . Woodman , I-I . C . Levander , C F . Hogard , Thos . Cubitt ; H . A . Dubois , Dr . Mickley , Peek , ' Kingston , Don . M . Dewar , George Kenning , Shirley , Holden ^ Alarsh , Alassa , Walls , Lardner , Pridmore , Thiellay , Aloss , [ Hammerton , Robinson ( York ) , Dawes , and others . The Grand Conclave was opened in due form .

The GRAND RECORDER read the annual report of the Executive Committee . The Grand Senators were then appointed for the ensuing year . Votes of thanks were unanimously passed to the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder for the very successful result of the past year's working . The Grand Conclave voted £ 10 ios . to the Royal Alasonic

Institution for Boys , T 10 ios to the Royal Alasonic Institution for Girls , and £ to 103 . to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from the Hon . VV . T . Orde-Powlett , Al . Em . Grand Viceroy , and Deputy Grand Commander of St . John , 111 . Sir Knight Macartney , M . P ., and others . The Sir Knights dined together .

ORIGINAL OR PREMIER CONCLAVE . — The December meeting of the above conclave was held on Alonday last at the Freemasons' Tavern . The Sir Knights present were Dr . Woodman , H . C . Levander , H . A . Dubois , C . F . Hogard , Alassa , Marsh , Holden , Shirley , Dr . Mickley , Thiellay , George Kenning , Donald M . Dewar .

Kingston , Cubitt , Peek , J . T . Aloss , Robinson ( York ) , Dawes , and others . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and Bros . Henry J . Lardner , W . AI . Farringdon Lodge , 1 745 , and Campbell W . Pridmore , Harrow Lodge , 1310 , were duly installed knights of the Order . A brother of Lodge 131 was proposed for installation at the next meeting .

Amusements.

Amusements .

ROYALTY THEATRE . —Madame Soldene has just concluded a most successful , though short engagement at this theatre . The play selected was " GenevieVe de Brabant , " originally produced in London at the Philharmonic Theatre , under the same talented manageress . Times are changed , but Aladame Soldene appears to be evergreen j she doesnot change . I ler voice was as fresh and

musical as it was , alas ! how many years ago ? She was also well supported at the Royalty , the cast being unusually strong . Miss Alinnie Marshall , who performed the same part at the Alexandra Palace this summer , was the Duchess . The duet between her and Drogau ( Aladame Soldene ) was given with much taste and vigour in the balcony scene of the first act , which always reminds us so strongly of " Romeo

and Juliet . " Miss Alarshall ' s voice is clear and musical ; she is quite young , and looks her part to perfection—she has a great future before her . Aliss Alaud Branscombe , whose classical features are so well known in photography , took the part of the page , Oswald , which she played with much taste and wit . She is a good successor to Aliss Clara Vesey , who , if we mistake not , was the original Ostsiald in

the Philharmonic days . Air . E . Marshall , the present stage manager , took his original part of the "bold gendarme , " ably seconded by Alr . ' Bury . The duet produced as much merriment as in tlie old days , and has never been better given . Air . Taylor , as the Duke , was particularly funny . Mr . Lewens as Colo , and Air . Mansfield as the Burgomaster , showed a true appreciation of their parts . The

choruses were unusually strong , the ladies' one in particular ; this last , apparently led by Miss Alaud Lester , whose clear voice , heard distinctly above the others , made us fancy she was intended for a more prominent part than that she is at present entiusted with . The dresses and appointments were appropriately chosen , the nlav beinir

altogether well mounted . We understand that a new burlesque is in preparation for Christmas at this theatre . We cannot help , however , expressing a hope that Aladame Soldene's company may be held together for some time to come , and that they may meet with the same success which has always attended them , both at home and abroad .

GLOBE THEATRE . —As we were going to press last week this piece " Les Cloches de Corneville , " of which we give a somewhat detailed account was withdrawn , but it was not for want of popularity , or on account of its financial success , which makes it all the more a pity the lovers of that kind of art should he deprived ; we happen to know although , it lias been played in London for about

two years before , on its again being brought out at the Globe , it was bringing in a nightly and handsome income . So sudden was its withdrawal that no one engaged in the piece knew sooner than the public , which was a" two days notice . ' It seems to be a misunderstanding respecting the lessceship of the house and the proprietors of the opera whicli we believe led to its being taken off . Probablv h . nH

it gone on there would have been a Chancery suiit , and damages claimed for every night of its performance . Aliss Irena Verona , who played Scrfolctte with such eclat—we have seen several others take this character but none in any way came near her , either in voice or manner , and we may add beauty—has now gone to del " ght the minds of the Liverpool people . No doubt the Liverpool Lodge of St . Asaph will by some of its brethren make it their business

to go and see her . We believe she is the youngest actress who has ever taken the prominent part in an opera .. An artist is now engaged on a portrait of Aliss Verona , which is to be exhibited in the Grosvenor Gallery after Christmas . VVe believe she is giving him sittings at his request in her character as the Countess , in " Les Cloches dc Corneville , " in which she knows , as most ladies know in what they look best , that she is the most fascinating . We hope that by the time the portrait is withdrawn from the Sir Lindsey Coutts ' gallery , the original will be back in London . It is to