Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Air . J . R . Barnes was duly initiated into the mysteries of the Craft and Bro . Edward Blanchard passed to the Second Degree , both ceremonies being well performed by the VV . AI . The election of VV . AI . for thc ensuing year resulted unanimously in favour of Bro . J . Piller . Bro . T . Beauchamp was elected Treasurer , vice

Bro . J . Hurst , resigned , and Bro . Gilbert was re-elected Tyler . The Audit Committee having been appointed , a Past Alaster ' s jewel was voted with acclamation to Bro . Forge , vvho briefly acknowledged the compliment . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Clarence Hotel to dine . Upon the removal of the cloth the . customary Royal and Craft toasts were done full justice to . Bro . Walls acknowledged " The Health of the

Provincial Grand Officers . " " Bro . Baines , the Initiate , vvas duly toasted , and responded in appropriate terms . "The Visitor" having been warmly drunk , Bro . Beard acknowledged the toast at length . In giving " The Health of the VV . A ' L , " Bro . Hurst , LP . AL , briefly but sentimentally touched upon thc incidents of Bro . Forge's year of office , which tenure , he said , had been very successful , and had not been marred by any untoward circumstances . He ( the

LP . AL ) believed that the Sir Charles Bright Lodge had a very excellent future before it , and he hoped that every occupant of the chair would leave it with the same amount of credit as Bro . Forge undoubtedly did . ( Hear , hear . ) The VV . AI . having responded , gave "The VV . AI . Elect . " This important toast having been enthusiastically received , Bro . Piller made a neat speech in response . " Thc Officers " was coupled with the name of VV . Bro . Hurst , Treasurer , who briefly replied . The members then separated .

BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No 41 ) . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Alasonic Hall , on Thursday , the 2 nd inst ., which was not numerously attended , illness , domestic affliction , and absence from Bath , having prevented the presence of several of the officers , and others who are generally most punctual . The brethren having taken their seats in the hall , at 7 . 30 p . m .,

The officers entered in procession , and took their places , Bros . Dr . Hopkins , P . AL , as W . AL ; F . Wilkinson , P . AL , as I . P . M . ; j . Clark , P . AL ; Ashley , P . AL , Treas . ; Rubie , P . AL , as D . C . ; Hunt , S . VV . ; Radway , J . W . ; Cater , Sec ; Alercer , S . D . ; Holmes , J . D . ; Ames , I . G . ; Peach and J . G . Wilton , Stewards ; Bigwood , Tylcr . The lodge having been opened , the Secretary read the

circular of summons , also the minutes of the previous meeting , which were confirmed . Bro . A-fercer , Secretary of the lodge of instruction , also read the minutes of an emergency meeting . The W . AL announced that thc installation meeting in No . 53 would be held on December 6 th , and that of No . 379 on the 13 th , at both of whicii he hoped many of his brethren would attend . The Secretary having read a

communication from Bro . Tudor Irevor in reference to thc "Un-Alasonic Trial , " on the proposition of thc J . W ., seconded by the S . VV ., it vvas resolved that the lodge has not at its command any fund from which a grant can with propriety be made to meet the case , which ought to be dealt with by the Grand Lodge . The W . AL referred to several printed circulars which he had received , but which

did not require immediate attention , among them , one relating to the " Royal Alasonic Pupils' Assistance Fund , " which had but just been placed in his hands , and should have his attention before the next meeting . He also stated that hc had been in frequent communication with Bro . Hughan , P . G . D ., on matters arising from the celebration on October 7 th , vvho had added to the favours he had

already conferred on the lodge by offering for its acceptance a fac-simile of Pine ' s Engraved List , dated 1724 , a most valuable document , whicii at his earnest request , and as a special favour , Bro . General Pike had sent from America , the only copy that could be spared . Thc VV . AI . proposed to have this bound up with the former present , the "Constitutions of 1735 . " Bro . Ashley commented at some length

on the value to the lodge of the kind interest and generosity of Bro . Hughan , and proposed a hearty vote of thanks to him , which liaving been carried by acclamation , the W . AI . was requested to comnunicate it . During the preparation of a candidate for initiation , the bye-laws of the lodge were read by Bro . F . Wilkinson , P . AI . All the necessary preliminaries having been complied with , Air . John Wethennan

was admitted , properl y prepared , and initiated into thc Order b y the W . AL , assisted in one portion by Bro . Ashley . The J . D , explained the symbolism of the vyorking tools , and the VV . AI . completed the work by giving the charge . Three gentlemen were then proposed for initiation , and as they arc so well-known and universally recognised as eligible and likely to adorn the Order , under peculiar

circumstances , the W . AL proposed a departure from the custom by balloting for and initiating them on the same evening , which was agreed to . A iormcr member of the lodge , who had resigned membership some ycars ago , was proposed to rejoin his mother lodge . The VV . AI . then read a long and elaborate paper on recent discoveries which had been made as to the history of thc lodge , with many

inferences and remarks connected therewith . It was listened to with great attention , and at its close was received with marked acclamation , as was also a proposition of a vote ol thanks , on the part of the Treasurer , seconded by the acting LP . AL The lodge was then closed , and the procession formed to escort the VV . AI . from the hall at ten p . m .

YORK , — York Lodge ( No . 236 ) . —A meeting of this lodge washeldon Alonday the Gth inst ., at the Alasonic Hal ) , Duncombe-place . Present : Bros . W . H . Gainforth , W . AL ; R . W . Hollon , P . G . S . B . England , Prov . Grand Treasurer ; Sir Jas Aleck , P . AL , P . P . S . G . W . ; VVm . Lawton , P . AL , P . P . G . R . ; Jos . Todd , P . AL , P . P . G . R ., Treasurer ; S . Maltby , P . AL ; Rev . VV . Valentine , P . AL , P . P . G . C ; A . Buckley , P . AL , P . J . G . D . ; T . B .

Whytehead , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; Al . Rooke , S . VV . ; J . S . Rymer , J . W . ; Geo . Kirby , Sec . ; Geo . Garbutt , S . D . ; VV . Draper , J . D . ; J . Hopkins , Org . ; VV . Powell , I . G . ; J . Young and W . Smith , Stcwds ; T . G . Hodgson , D . C . ; VV . G . Calvert , T yler . Bros . VV . Wilson , 1 . Redfare , A . VV . White , A . Hanson . T . W . Wilson , VV ' . Nicholson

J . Stead , S . Border , J . J . Eberle , J . Toes , G . C Lee , and T . S . Camidge , P . P . G . O . Visitors : Bros . J . T . Cox , 351 ; J . Southain , S 3 G ; E . J . De Salis , 1331 ; and F . Sharp , 135 G . The lodge liaving been opened 111 due form , and the minutes of the last lodge read and confirmed , Bro . Hollon , P . AL , feelingly alluded to the loss thc lodge had sustained

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

by the lamented death of Bro . Alderman Alarch , P . AL , P . P . S . G . W ., one of the oldest members of the lodge , and moved that the Secretary be instructed to address a letter of condolence with his family on their bereavement , and that the lodge be placed in mourning for the space of three months , which was seconded by Bro . Lawton , P . AL , and carried unanimously . A brother was then admitted by the VV . AI . to the Second Degree , the ceremony being performed

in a most satisfactory manner . The annual election of officers afterwards took place , when Bro . Mark Rooke , S . VV ., was chosen W . AL ; Bro . Todd , P . M ., wasrc-clcctcd Treasurer ; and Bro . VV . G . Calvert , Tyler ; all the elections being unanimous . The VV . AI . then stated that thc next business before the lodge was the presentation ofa testimonial to Bro . Todd , P . AL , Treasurer , and called upon Bro . P . AI . Sir James Aleck , P . P . S . G . W ., to make the

presentation on behalf of the lodge . Bro . Sir Jas . Alcek , in acceding to the request , stated that he felt highly honoured in being asked to present the token of esteem and regard which had been subscribed for by the ir embers of the lodge to a worthy and zealous brother , in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him to the lodge , of which he had been so long a valued member , and in requesting the acceptance by Bro . Todd of the testimonial ,

consisting of a gold Past Alaster s jewel and a silver salver , trusted that he would value them not so much for their intrinsic worth , but as an earnest mark of the esteem and regard felt for him by the members of the York Lodge . Bro . Sir J . Meek then handed the testimonial to Bro . Todd , affixing the jewel on the breast of that brother amidst expressions of the wannest approval . Bro . Todd , who met with a most cordial reception , said : If , at

this moment , I were asked the question " What under present circumstances is the predominant wish of your heart ?" I should say that I desired eloquence of speech , in order that 1 might adequately thank you for your kindness this evening . But , brethren , although I fear I shall not be able to express myself as I could wish , you will , I am sure , believe mc when 1 say that 1 feel deeply grateful for , and truly appreciate , the generous and fraternal feelings which

have prompted you to present me with these tokens of your approval and esteem ; and if anything could enhance the pleasure 1 feel in rectiving them , it is in having them presented by one whom wc all venerate and respect , one who has himself done good service to this lodge ; and worthily occupies a distinguished position in the Craft ; a brother with whom I have worked in lodge and chapter for a considerable period , and at whose hands , when he was

Worshipful Alaster , now nearly seventeen ycars ago , I received the first office 1 ever held in this lodge , and I well remember the gratification I experienced when I was appointed to the office to which I refer ; and I then determined , faithfully and conscientiously , to fulfil the duties required of me , and this principle I have maintained and endeavoured to carry out in every office I have since held in this lodge . I do not , however , brethren , for one moment

wish to say that 1 have done more than my duty , or that my love for Freemasonry and my regard for this lodge prompted me to do ; but 1 do say that'the services it has been my privilege to render this lodge ( and I regard it as a great privilege to serve a lodge such as this ) have been rendered by me most heartily and willingly , and with a sincere desire to promote the best interests of Alasonry and the well-being of this lodge ; and permit me also to say that

the only reward I ever looked forward to—and this , I confess , I was anxious to obtain — was the approval and regard of my brethren . Bro . Todd then referred to the losses sustained by the lodge in the removal of many valued Past Alasters and brethren during thc last few years , expressed hissatisfaction that thc lodge had still a goodly number of old and much esteemed members who were always ready to prove their interest in

and attachment to the Order , and alluded to the pleasure afforded to the lodge that evening by the presence of Bro . Hollan , the senior P . AL , and father of the lodge , and to the gratification he himself experiened in seeing present Bro . Lawton , P . AL , who introduced him and afterwards initiated him into Alasonry . Bro . Todd next referred to the prosperous condition of the lodge , and the many active working Alasons therein , to whom they looked forward to

supplying the places of those whom they had lost , and whom he felt sure would emulate the virtues of their predecessors and preserve thc honour and reputation of the lodge . Bro . 1 odd in conclusion said : The testimonial you have presented to me will be highly valued by me , as a token of your approval of my endeavours to perform my duties in this lodge , and it will also be greatly prized by my wife and by my family , and I trust itwill never he parted with .

I thank yon , Sir James , for the kind and flattering terms in whicii you have spoken of mc in making the presentation , and , brethren , let me assure you that as long as life and memory last 1 can never forget the honour you have done me , or the kindness you have shown me this evening . The jewel bore the following inscription : " Presented by thc

York Lodge , No . 23 G , to Bro . J . lodd , P . M ., Ireasurer , December Gth , 1 SS 0 . " The salver was inscribed as follows : " Presented to Bro . Joseph Todd , P . AL , P . P . G . R ., P . Z ., P . P . G . J ., by the members of the York Lodge of Freemasons , No . 23 G , as a token of their esteem and regard , and in recognition of his valuable services . December Gth , 1 SS 0 . "

COVENTRY . —Trinity Lodge ( No . 254 ) - —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , thc 2 nd inst ., at thc Craven Arms Hotel . Present : Bros . AL J . Davies , W . AL ; L . Aviss , S . W . ; F . J . Curtis , J . W . ; R . Croydon , P . AL , Sec ; G . II . Hayward , S . D . ; H . Holland , J . D . ; J . Anslow , I . G . ; W . Collins , Steward ; T . Hartley , Tyler ; C . Edwards , P . AI . ; D . Cole , P . AI . ; T . Richard Hill , P . AI . S 50 , P . AL ; J . Walker , P . G . J . D .,

P . AL ; Dr . Lyons , S . D . 1 G 30 ; C . H . Slingsby , [ . J . Bates , T . J . Birtwcll , C . West , VV . Boon , R . Coles , J . T . West , G . Punshon , VV . C . Brown , T . Harvey , G . Al . Iliff , T . Hughes , and H . VV . Brownwich . Thc lodge having been opened , thc minutes werc confirmed , and , after Bro . IV . C . Brown was raised to the Third Degree , the VV . AI . proceeded to initiate Air . H . W .

Brownwich into the Degree of E . A . Bro . L . Aviss was unanimously elected W . AI . for the ensuing year ; Bro . T . Clarke , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., was selected Treas . ; Bro . Edwards , P . AI ., was elected Charity Steward ; and Bro . T . Hartley was appointed Tyler . The usual tontine business of the lodge being concluded , the brethren adjourned to a banquet , prepared wjth Bro . Claridge ' s usual style of excellence . .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

MANCHESTER . — Lodge of Affability ( N 0 317 ) - —The monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , on Thursday , the 2 nd inst . There werc present Bros . Alark Vickers , VV . AI William Nicholl , S . VV . ; Henry Walmsley , J . W . ; John Smethurst , P . AL , Treasurer ; Robert Tomlins , Secretary John Church , S . D . ; James Wilson , J . D . ; James Dawson '

P . M ., Registrar ; John Bladon , P . AL , D . of C ; VV . J . Cunliffe , Organist ; P . Holmes , LG . ; Ludwig Oppenhcimur , R . R . Lisenden ( Freemason ) , and J . VV . Edwards Stewards ; J . Slv , Tyler ; John R . Lever , I . P . M . ; 1 ' Howarth Clark , P . AL ; Samuel S . Fox , P . AL ; Daniel Donbavand , P . AL ; J . G . Elderton , R . B . Harper , Jas . Gooden , Francis Hilton , J . E . Aliddlehurst , J . Smith , A .

Wild , G . Bates , and Dr . Chas . Jas . Rix . Visitors : Bros . A . H . Gilbody , P . AL 1045 ; VV . Richardson , Chap . 1532 ; J . VV . Allison , 993 ; and A . F . T . Forrest , 1633 . The lodge was opened at 5 . 40 , and thc minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . The ballot vvas taken for Mr . Jolly and Air . Samuels , and was declared in their favour . Bro . John R . Levers , P . AL , having assumed ,

pro . tcm ., the W . M . ' s chair , initiated Air . Jolly into the mysteries of Freemasonry . The brethren then adjourned to tea at 7 . 30 , and after reassembled in the lodge room . The VV . AI . initiated Air . Samuels into Freemasonry . This being the night for electing the W . AL , Treasurer , and Tyler for the year , the choice of the brethren in the first instance fell upon the

S . W ., Bro . Nicholl ; that of Treasurer on Bro . John Smethurst , who has held the office of Treasurer for three years in succession ; and on Bro . Sly , for Tyler . The announcement made by the W . AL that Bro . Nicholl had been elected VV . AI . for the ensuing year unanimously , was received with loud applause by the brethren , with whom Bro . Nicholl is much liked , as he is in fact by all who know

him . Bro . Nicholl was also appointed one of the Auditors and representative on the Chanty Committee . In this last capacity he has been acting for some short time past . With respect to the two cases Bro . Nicholl has had in hand he reported that one widow had received a grant of £ 20 , and the other £ 15 ; the latter case being also recommended to the Board of Benevolence , from which a sum of money was expected . Some conversation took place

with respect to the St . John ' s Festival , in the course of which Bros . Lisenden , Elderton , Gooden , and Harper were appointed Banquet Stewards . This terminating the business , " Hearty good wishes " were expressed by the visitors , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at nine o'clock . At the social board Bros . Allison , Walmsley , Hilton , Forrest , and Donbavand delighted the brethren b y their rendering of some well-delivered songs and recitations .

SALFORD . —Lodge of Harmony ( No . 935 ) . — The monthly meeting of this rightly-named lodge was held at the Alasonic Hall , Adelphi-street , on Thursday , the 25 th ult . We have before expatiated on the excellent accommodation whicii thc brethren meeting at this hall now enjoy , and still further improvements have been made since our last visit . The ground surrounding the building has j

been nicely gravelled , and an entrance for carriages has been made , whilst some evergreens and shrubs , planted in various places , give quite an aristocralic tone to the whole , which , with well lighted and tastefully decorated rooms , form a delightful contrast to the late quarters of the lodge in Islington-square . The following brethren were present : Bros . J . Southern , VV . AI . ; B . Alallett , LP . AL ; Thomas

Hall , S . VV . ; J . VV . Baldwin , J . W . ; Thos . R . Shaw , Treasurer ; VVm . Allier , Secretary ; G . H . Slack , S . D . ; F . Wibberlcy . J . D . ; J . Al . Graham , I . G . ; P . IL Nicholls , Tyler ; E . Simpson , P . AL ; Henry Holden , P . AL ; C . Eccleston , P . AL , Thomas Grcatorex , John Dutton , Jas . Cook , William II . Southern , Frank Roberts , John Bentley , J . H . Clarke , S . Kershaw , Jas . Fife , Thos . Ellis , T .

Ashton , J . A . Barnett , A . Ballantyne , and Edwin Alathcr . Visitors : Bros . John Brookes , 992 ; H . C . Pool , Cay , Joseph Snafe , 1055 ; A . H . Allen , 325 and 1773 ; John Hall , 992 ; E . Wintcrbottom , 1773 ; G . Carter 1009 ; VV . T . Hansbrcw , and R . R . Lisenden , 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge vvas cjiened at G . 15 , and after the confirmation of the minutes of last meeting , Bro . S . Kershaw was

raised to the 'Third Degree , and Bro . S . Kershaw forthwith raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . b y the VV . M . with great ability and impressiveness . Bro . A . H . Allen , 325 and 1773 , then rose and informed the VV . AI . and brethren that a concert had been organised by some members of the St . John ' s Lodge , to be held at the Pendleton Town Hall , on the 22 nd inst ., the profits from which werc to he

devoted towards defraying some of the expenses connected with furnishing and decorating the Alasonic Hall . Bro . Allen said the concert promised to be a success , so far , as he and others had already sold 100 tickets to members ot the St . John ' s Lodge , and he trusted that the Lodge 01 Harmony would be to the fore with their support . Wc arc pleased to record that Bro . Allen ' s appeal was liberally

responded to , no less than 110 two shillings tickets being sold in less than a quartcr-of-an-hour , and this number there is no doubt would have been greatly augmented u more notice had been given to thc members of the project" Hearty good wishes " were afterwards expressed by tinvisitors , and thc lodge was closed in " peace and harmony at S . 20 .

During thc lodge business that able caterer , l ' ' * Phillips , had been busy preparing , with his masterly hand , an excellent supper for the brethren , who thoroug hly appreciated the same . A pleasant couple of hours wa * * spent after the repast , and the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were duly honoured , the brethren separating soun after eleven o'clock .

ENFIELD . —St . James's Lodge ( No . iS 7 ' *^ Thc usual bi-monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held ij Saturday , the 4 th inst ., at the George Hotel . PreseiH : Bros . Past Alasters Cusworth ( acting as W . AL ) ; ' •" . Alasters Linzell , Painter , Hobbs , Greenwood , Adam- ** Driscoll , & c , and other brethren . The ceremony ^ raising was performed bv Bro . Cusworth in a most peric \ 1

manner , after which thelodgejproceeded to elect the v ^ shipful Alaster for the ensuing year , when the choice the brethren fell unanimously on Bro . Henry Stepncn-j P . AI . 754 , who thanked the lodge for the honour conic " upon him in suitable terms . Bro . P . M . Adams was > unanimously elected Treasurer ; and Bro . Verry , !>'„„ , The brethren then adjourned to the banqueting «> j where , on the cloth being removed , the usual loy *" Masonic toasts were given and responded to .