Contents.

CONTENTS .

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS : — Craft Masonry 233 Instruction a 3 f > Mark Masonry * 3 $ Grand Lodge of Scotland -3 ° Freemasonry in India 230 Reviews 2 31

Meeting in Favour of Bro . Hedges" Candidature for the Secre-¦ taryship of the Girls' School = 3 ? Royal Masonic Benevolent institution 237 Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ' 31 The West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution 237 Notes on Art , & c = 37 Lodge and Chapter Support of our Charities 23 S The Vacant Secretaryship ol" the Girls' Schoed .. 23 S

The Taste for Masonic Literature 238 The French Masonic Orphanage 23 S Charity Organisation 239 CORRESPONDENCE : — Sojourners 239 Grand Lodge of Cuba 239 The Royal Arch Degree and its Tracing Board 339 The Primitive Illnminati 239

Charity Voting Reform 240 Consecration of St . Mary ' s Chapter , No . 63 240 Provincial Grand Loelge of Cambridgeshire 241 Provincial Grand Lodge of Cumberland and Westmorland 242 Provincial Grand Chapter o £ West Lancashire 242 MasonicandGeneral Tidings 243 Masonic Programme 244 Lodge Meetings for Next Week , 244 Advertisements i , ii , Hi , iv , v , vi . vii ., viii .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft ISteMttta . LODGE OF FAITH ( No . 141 ) . —The last regular mectingof this lodge for the season was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 30 th ult ., when there were present amongst others Bros . Mallett , W . M . ; C . Dairy , S . W . ; Rumball , J . W . ; Carter , P . M ., Treasurer ; Stuart , P . M ., Secretary ; Heaphy , I . G . ; Walls , P . G . O . Middlesex ( Freemason ) , W . S ; Clark , D . C . Past Masters Peevor , Green ,

Themans , Kennett , Waywood . The visitors were Bros . F . Walters , P . P . G . D . of Middlesex , & c ; Lewis , 87 ; Moss , Orpheus ; Green , in ; Andrews , 382 ; Watson , Belgravia ; Lovell , W . S ., Marquis of Ripon ; H . J . Lardner , West Smithfield ; Butt , Jun . W . S ., West Smithfield ; Moss , 1275 ; Neave , 1314 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M ., with

the assistance of his officers , raised Bro . Holmes , and passed Bros . Jannion and Moss ( 1273 ) , the ceremonies being well performed . A notice of motion to decrease the annual donation to the benevolent fund in connection with the lodge was postponeel to the next meeting in consequence of the mover , Bro . Hopwood , P . M ., being absent through illness . The lodge having been closed the

brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The preliminary toasts having been disposed of the W . M . took occasion to drink the health of " The Provincial Grand Officers of Middlesex , " coupled with the name of Bro . Walters , who made an able response . The W . M . followed and gave Bro . Stuart an opportunity of congratulating Bro . Mallett upon the manner in which he had discharged the duties

of his high and onerous position during his year of office , and which term was now drawing to a close . This toast having been received most warmly , the W . M . made a brief reply , anel immediately gave " The Visitors . " The toast was acknowledged by nearly every visiting brother present , and their respective replies were to the effect that

their visit to the Faith Lodge had been in every way most agreeable to them . " The Officers " came next , and was acknowledged by Bros . Dairy and Rumball . During the proceedings Bros . Moss , Walls , and others entertained the brethren , who separated at a comparatively early hour until the last Tuesday in September next .

LODGE OF ISRAEL ( No . 205 ) . —This old lodge held its last meeting for the present season on Tuesday , the 30 th ult ., at the City Terminus Hotel . Bro , A . M . Cohen , P . M ., W . M ., presided , and among the other brethren in attendance were Bros . C Bassington , S , W . ; H . G . Phillips , J . W . ; Chas . F . Hogard , P . M ., Secretary ; Lewis Norden , S . D . ; Joseph Da Silva , Steward ; I . P . Cohen , l . P . M . ; S ,

M . Harris , P . M . ; H . M . Harris , P . M . ; Wolff Littaur , P . M . ; Francis Buckland , P . M . Visitors : Henry Cohen , 548 ; Joseph Saber , 1502 ; S . Boas , jun ., 185 ; L . Cooper , 141 ; Joseph John Nathan , and H . Massey ( Freemason ) . The work performed was initiating Mr . A . Abrahams , passing Bros . M . Cohen , A . Cohen , anel C . Richmond , and raising Bro . T . Hogotoren . Two brethren had their petitions to the Lodge of Benevolence read and recommended ; sums of

money were voted to cases of distress ; and on the W . M . stating that he was Steward of the lodge for the next festival of the Boys' School the lodge voted ten guineas to his list . A very feeling letter was read from Bro . Charles Coote , P . M ., Treasurer , apologising for his absence on account of ill health ; and the brethren then closed lodge , and adjourned to a choice little supper . The usual toasts followed , and the W . M . in proposing the toast of " The Initiate , " said he felt satisfied from that brother ' s

behaviour that evening , from his belonging to a very honourable and learned profession , from his being sufficiently young to become thoroughly acquainted with every duty of Freemasonry , and from his proposer and seconder , Bros . S . M . Harris , P . M ., and H . M . Harris , P . M ., being respected

members of the loelge , the brethren woulel all be delighted at having him amongst their number . The very names of his proposer anel seconder were a sufficient guarantee of his being a worthy member , and that he would become an honour to the Lodge of Israel . Bro . Abraham Abrahams

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

in reply said he fully appreciated the honour conferred on him by the brethren admitting him as one of their members , and he thanked the W . M . for his very kind and flattering remarks with respect to himself and his proposer and seconder . He trusted he should never do anything that would bring discredit on Freemasonry or on the Lodge of Israel . The W . M . next proposed " The Visitors , " and

said that although this was an off night , and a slight repast was placed before the brethren , he was sure that the visitors felt such an interest in Freemasonry that they would rather the lodge were divested of a banquet entirely than that charity should not be extended by the lodge . He then referred to each visitor individually , and called upon Bro . H . Massey to respond . The reply having been given , Bro . I .

P . Cohen , I . P . M ., proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " with whom , he said , all the brethren must have been much gratified , both for his working in the lodge and his presidency at the hospitable board . Both had shown that there was no deficiency on the part of the W . M ., and the brethren had been convinced that they had elected the right man . He trusted that he might for many years be among

the brethren . His whole heart and soul hael always been in the welfare of the Lodge of Israel ; he was quite sure it was still so , and that so it would always continue . The W . M . responding , said it was true he had been for many years a member of the lodge , and he warmly reciprocated Bro . Cohen ' s sentiment that he might for many years yet be a member of the lodge . It had at all times been his

most earnest desire from the time of his initiation to make himself as useful a member of the Lodge of Israel as he possibly could . He trusted that during his career of a great many years as a member of the lodge be had made himself useful in many capacities , not only as W . M . for the second time , but when thirty years ago he first became W . M ., and in the interval which had since passed . On

many occasions he had acted , and he hoped he always should act , as the peacemaker of the lodge . In his opinion there was no character so advantageous or useful as a brother who made it his especial duty to try to make peace among brethren . He was very happy to say that in latter years he had not been called upon to discharge this duty , for the Lodge of Israel had been harmony itself .

He did not think the oldest members could say that for the last twenty years there had been any cavilling in the lodge ; but before that time he had a great deal to do in keeping the lodge together . In this he had been successful . The lodge had prospered , ? nd was prospering , because they had introduced brethren whom they were at all times glad to see . Whether as a P . M . of thirty years ,

or as W . M ., he should do all that lay in his power to stuely the interests of the Lodge of Israel and the comfort of its members . The W . M . next proposed " The Benevolent Fund of the Lodge of Israel , " and said there was nothing so creditable or so useful to the lodge as this fund . It also gave the lodge greater credit among the visiting brethren . It was not every lodge that could boast of a Benevolent

Fund . As president of that fund he had had an opportunity of knowing its usefulness . He was quite sure that in the hands of its Treasurer , Bro . S . M . Harris , and its Secretary , Bro . Hogard , the fund would prosper . For the information of the younger members of the lodge he would say the fund was founded to assist those members of the lodge who required assistance , and it was kept up by the

subscriptions and donations of members of the lodge only . Nothing was accepted from visiting brethren . Bro . S . M . Hanis , in reply , said he felt as great an interest in the fund as the W . M ., and he believed every member of the lodge felt the same interest . The Benevolent Fund of Grand Lodge was open at all times to all Masons , but that of the Lodge of Israel was strictly and solely confined to

members of that lodge , their widows , or children . When they gave from this fund it was with no niggard hand . Bro . Hogard said he had been through the books , and he found that in twenty years there had been thirty-one distinct claims on the fund . One of the peculiarities of the fund was that if necessity arose a brother was not relieved once only , but as many times as his unfortunate

circumstances required . As a proof that no niggardliness was shown he would inform the brethren that he found one case was relieved with £ 76 10 s . ; another with £ 50 ; three with £ 30 ; nine with £ 25 ; one with £ 35 ; and four with £ 20 . The whole amount given in twenty years was £ 5 ( 18 . Bro . I . P . Cohen , I . P . M ., replied for " The P . M . 's . " and said there were no P . M . ' s in any lodge more willing to assist

the W . M . than the P . M . ' s of the Lodge of Israel . It did not matter what office might be vacant , they were at all times willing to fill it . Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to do all he could to satisfy the brethren , and it was his aim to prove himself worthy of the confidence reposed

in him . The W . M . in giving " The Health of the Officers " complimented all those brethren on their efficiency ; and the officers having responded , the Tyler ' s toast was given , and the brethren separated . Bro . Alfred Abrahams sang a capital patriotic song in the course of the evening .

NEW CROSS LODGE ( No . 1339 ) . —May is the most charming of all months , and on Saturday last the weather was delightful to a degree , bringing to one ' s mind the thoughts of water picnics , country drives , and othei enjoyable recreation . But the brethren of 1359 ( and a considerable number of visitors ) had but one thought in common , and that , to do honour to Bro . Waltei Simmonds , whose recent severe illness has been the cause

of much sorrow to the lodge , over which he now presides . It was a goodly muster followed Bro . H . Keeble , W . M ., into lodge , which when duly formed was composed of the following brethren . Keeble , P . M . 1275 , W . M . ; E . H . Thiellay , P . P . G . S . B . Mdx ., P . M ., S . W . ; Walter Simmonds , J . W . ; Louis Beck , S . D . ; H . J . Green , P . M . 1273 , & c , J . D !; W . Cowley ( acting as ) , I G . ; T . Grummant , Sec . ; F . Walters , P . G . J . W . Midx . P . M ., Treas . ; Kipps , P . G . O . Kent P . M . i Organist ; Ernest E . Smith , D . C ; A . B . Church , T \ ler ;

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Alex . MacgiUivray , Fry , Knibbs , H . Metham , T . Mctham , A . Priest , R . Steers , Jas . Moss , W . Scurr , Hiram Henton , together with the following visitors : Bros . C . Horsley , P . P . G . R . Mdx ., P . M . 6 9 , 382 , & c , & c , G . S . 32 ° ; Govan Macdonald , P . M . 1158 ; J . Lightfoot , P . M . 147 ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 ; G . Brown , P . M . 169 ; John Walter , W . M . 1158 ; E . Mallett , W . M . 141 ; Dr . W . Bull , 804 ;

W . Miller , 63 ; Penney , 147 ; W . H . Stannier , 1473 ; and F . Hilton , 1473 . The lodge having been opened , the Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting , which were confirmed , and then the ballot was taken for and in unanimous favour of Mr . G . Fry and William Clark . Messrs . W . Peverley ( elected at the previous meeting ) and W . Clark were then admitted and most impressively

initiated into the mysteries of the Craft , both brethren listening with peculiar attention to the solemn charges soadmirably rendered by Bro . Keeble . Having received the congratulations of the W . M . and brethren , the initiates withdrew , and preparatory to the opening in the Second Degree , Bros . T . Metham , A . Priest , and W . Scurr , were interrogate ' and gave convincing proofs of the progress they hae .

made in the service . In due course they were passed to the degrees of F . C ' s . Bro . H . J . Green , P . M . 153 8 , & c , then presented Bro . Walter Simmonds , J . W .,- W . M . elect , who duly pledged himself and took the oaths anel obligation of office , after which ( all below the degree of W . M . having retired ) a Board of Installed Masters was formed , and Bro . Keeble , assisted by Bro .

Green , installed his successor . The M . M . ' s . were duly admitted , followed in classes by the remainder of the brethren , who duly hailed and saluted their new ruler . Now followed that portion of the ceremony so interesting to those whom it immediately concerned , and pleasing to all who love to see merit suitably rewarded and honours conferred on those to whom they are due , viz .: the appointment

and investiture of officers . The choice of the W . M . does him great credit , and augurs favourably for the future wellworking and conduct of the lodge . The appointments were made as under -. —E . H . Thiellay , P . G . S . B . Mdx ., P . M ., & c , S . W . ; Louis Beck , W . M . Rothesay , J . W . ; H . J . Green , P . M . 1338 , S . D . ; Ernest E . Smith , J . D . ; W . Cowlev , I . G . ; A . B . Church ( reinvested 3 rd time ) , Tyler ;

H . Keeble , l . P . M . ( reinvested 2 nd time ) , Sec ; Fredk . Walters , P . G . J . W . Mdx ., P . M ., & c . ( reinvested 3 rd time ) , Treas . ; T . Grummant , D . C . ; J . Moss , W . S . ; A . MacgiUivray , C . S ., all of whom were enthusiastically received on their appointment . The W . M . having risen for the first and second time , the Secretary read a communication from Grand Lodge . At the third rising , the W . M .

announced a pleasing duty which fell to his lot to perform . It was the presentation , on the part of the members , to Bro . Hy . Keeble , the retiring W . M ., of a testimonial of their esteem , and the high estimation in which they held him . A splendid Past Master ' s jewel , mounted in rare brilliants , and with the New Cross emblem in gold and enamel , was meant as a recognition of the thorough

efficiency with which he had discharged the onerous duties of his year of office . A beautifully chased silver snuff box ( well stocked with choice dust ) and a tastefully emblazoned address on vellum were intended to convey to him the gratitude and thanks of the members for the untiring energy with which he , the principal founder of the lodge , had bestowed on its behalf since its consecration in Feb .,

18 7 6 . Bro . Keeble replied most modestly , assuring the brethren that what he had done for the lodge was as nothing in comparison to what he would do if spared by the G . A . O . T . U . This pleasant episode concluding the business of the day , the lodge was closed in due form , and with solemn prayer . Then came an adjournment to the new banqueting hall , built quite recently , for the

accommodation of the Masonic patrons of the New Cross Public Hall . The brethren having bored the bounties of the festive board to the satisfaction of themselves and the caterer , the W . M . gave the usual royal and Masonic toasts , which were received with Masonic loyalty . The W . M . gave "The Officers of Grand Lodge , " on whose behalf Bro . Horsley replied , and then

Bro . Keeble , P . M ., called upon the brethren to drink deeply to the health ( and the best of health ) of their newly-installed W . M ., Bro . Simmonds , whose recovery from a painful illness was the cause of so much rejoicing to a large circle of his personal friends assembled there that day . With enthusiasm the brethren responded and heartily smacked the New Cross fire . The W . M . assured the

brethren that he should never forget the hearty manner in which they had received him , neither could he express his thanks sufficiently for the honour they had that day conferred on him . With renewed health he should lay himself out to labour unceasingly for the welfare of the lodge over which he had presided , and after the enthusiastic manner in which his health had been responded to he was

confident that he should be supported cordially by his officers , who to a brother were thoroughly acquainted with their duties . The healths of the l . P . M . ( responded to by Bro . Keeble in a humorous speech ) and those of " The Visitors " were next honoured , Bros . John Walker , W . M . 1138 , for the W . M . ' s , and David Rose , P . M . 73 , for the P . M . ' s , responeling , the latter paying a feeling tribute to

the W . M ., whose illness had cast so heavy a gloom over all present at the last meeting of the lodge . The toast of " The Officers" was responded to individually by the newly-invested , and that of "The Initiates" by Bro . Clark . The Tyler ' s toast brought pro forma the evening to a close , although many lingered to drink renewed health

and long-life to Bro . Simmonds and prosperity to 1559 . During the evening Bro . Kipps , P . G . Org . Kent , P . M ., Org . 1539 , delighted the brethren with the entrancing touch of his fingers on one of his own instruments , and accompanied Bros . Walter , Cowley , Horsley , and Petherley in some capital songs . BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Ma-