Craft Masonry

his initiation , and had made lasting friends , and he hoped to continue a member for vears to come . It was with the greatest pleasure he made the presentatbn during the current centenary year , one memorable under the exemplary Mastership of Bro . James H . Edwards — the record year of Stability Lodge . Bro 1 . H- Edwards , W . M ., in acknowledging the gift , said he accepted it on behalf of the lodge with the greatest possible pleasure . It was a beautiful p-esent , and every brother in the lodge fully appreciated it . Such a present showed the best of feelings , !> nH it would remain in their minds as a memorial of the excellent Mason , the donor .

Further , its value would be enhanced as perpetuating the likenesses ot those worthy Masters ' who had at various times presided over such a lodge as Stability , and had done their very best to raise it io such a state of efficiency . Bro . P . H . Garner , I . P . M ., in appreciative terms , proposed that the hest thanks of the lodge be tendered to Bro . H . Marfleet , P . M ., for his handsome gift . This was seconded by Bro . Jas . Aldington , P . M ., and ably supported by Bro . Wm . Eckersall , P . M ., who said that he had always thought t

they should have some means of marking the progress ot the lodge and registering ; . Many lodges had the photographs of their members , and Bro . If . Mailhet had conceived the excellent idea , for perpetuating the memory of those who had done their duty to the lodge and had raised it to such proficiency . Bro . Marfleet had considered the best interests of the lodge , and the brethren could not do beter than vote him their heartfelt thanks . This being carried with acclamation , Bro . H . Marfleet very suitably acknowledged the compliment . Bro . Jas . Addington , P . M ., D . C , next presented Bro . G Sav W . M . elect , to Bro . J . H . Edwards , W . M ., to receive from him the benefit of

installation , which ceremony was performed in a Board of iS lnsta'Ied Masters , in an exemplary manner . Bro . Geo . Say , W . M ., invested Bro . J . H . Edwards as I . P . M ., and the officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . ] . R . Ayris , S . W . ; W . H . Smith l . W .: Sam . P . Fisher , Treas . ; J . Nixon , P . M ., Sec ; H . B . Handcock , SD S . C . Phillios , J . D . j W . H . Edwards , I . G . j W . Gorrie , P . M ., and J . E . Cosham . Stwds . j Jas . Addington , P . M ., D . C . ; H . Walter , A . D . C . ; S . Leaman , Organist : and Thomas Bowler , Tyler , W . M . 1 SG 1 , Tyler . The three addresses

were most impressively rehearsed by the Installing Master , Br ) . J . H . Edwards , for which he received the best of thanks . Bro . Geo . Say , W . M ., injiigheulogiums , next presented the I . P . M . with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , so unanimously voted by the brethren for able services rendered during the past year , and thereby showing the love and affection he was held in by all the ' brethren . In reply , Bro . J . H . Edwards said he received the handsome jewel with the greatest possible pleasure j whatever he had done for the lodge had been a labour of love , and he should continue , he hoped , so long as he lived , to take the same interest in the lodge as hitherto .

The lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , ably presided over by the W . M . The W . M ., in presenting the loyal and Masonic toasts , remarked that her Majesty was a model Queen , a model wife , and a model mother j that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was a most worthy G . M ., whom all Masons loved ; and that the Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and all the Grand Officers were excellent Masons . Bro . J . H . Edwards , I . P . M ., in proposing the toast of " The _ W . M ., " remarked it was a pleasurable duty . They had all watched his zealous work in the lodge for years

past , which had led up to the present position of W . M . The W . M . had invariably been most punctual in his attendance , and had given the brethren entire satisfaction . He had a glorious year before him—the commencement of another centenary . He had begun the year well in his able working , and all wished him a happy and suc : essful year of office . In reply , Bro . G . Say , W . M ., said he rose with great diffidence to reply to the toast , so very kindly submitted by Bro . Edwards , I . P . M . He could not have at that ,

the beginning of things , so flattering a reception as had been accorded to the esteemed I . P . M ., Bro . Edwards , who really had excelled himself j but his endeavour would be to uphold the prestige and dignity of Stability Lodge . He should be pleased to have plenty of work , with the infusion of good new blood into the lodge , s > that his ye ? r would be marked with success , and at its close he should receive the approbation of all the brethren .

The W . M . next presented the toast of "The Visitors , " which , he said , was always accorded a cordial reception , it being one of the specialities in Stability Lodge . There was a goodly array of worthy and distinguished Masons present . Bros . Rice , Grummant , Hardman , P . P . A . G . Sec . North Wales ; Massey , and Dobing most ably responded , all congratulating the lodge upon its excellent working , and especially on Ihe installation , so ably performed by the Installing Master , Bro . Edwards , I . P . M .

Bro . G . Say , W . M ., presented the toast of "Bro . J . H . Edwards , the Installing Master , " who had performed his duties in a magnificent manner , thus adding force , vigour , and much earnestness in his work . The one regret was the absence of Bro . David Rose , P . M ., who had taken such a deep interes' in the [ . P . M ., that he did not hear the splendid way he had worked the ceremony , and what a worthy pupil he had proved himself of that veteran Preceptor .

In reply , Bro . Edwards thanked the W . M . for such flattering remarks and for such a hearty reception from the brethren . Such remarks had taken the wind entirely out cf his sails , he had done his level best to perform his duties and he thanked the officers cf the ledge for their ungrudging support so cheerfully given him during the year . Twelve months ago those duties seemed almost insurmountable , but loyal assistance had been rendered him by Bro . P . H . Garner , P . M ., which had enabled him to perform

the duties of the chair , and he was grateful to the G . A . O . T . U . for being blessed with health . His position as W . M . of the lodge was unique , firstly , it being during the Diamond J ubilee of Her Majesty , and secondly , the centenary year of the lodge . He most heartily thanked the brethren for the jewel , which was rendered mare beautiful by the addition of a splendid diamond , a new departure in the Past Master's jewel , which was to his mind to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen . From the bottom of his heart he thanked the brethren for their cordial greeting .

The toast of " The Past Masters of dear old Stability " was given by the W . M ., who said it was always received with acclamation . They were a large and splendid array , always attending regularly and giving every assistance to the younger brethren , commending where it was due and reproving where they were to blame , i A " ^ ? " ** " ^' " . ' » P . M ., replied , and said there was a marked improvement in the odge than when he joined some 30 years ago , when it was at a yery low ebb . He had u ) jf " / " * " means '" resuscitating the lodge and it did him the honour of electing him a VV . M . for two years in succession . Now the lodge was a strong band of worthy brethren

, all jolly good fellows , and the lodge was on a thoroughly sound basis . , Bm- P . IE Garner , P . M ., stated that hc was one of the youngest Past Masters in the lodge , but still he must congratulate the Installing Master on the efliciency of his working . Bro . Edwards had been most assiduous in his duties and had advanced slowly but suiely . They had worked together in acquiring the rit ml and he hoped that nat fellowshi p would always exist in the lodge . He deeply regretted the absence of « ro . Rose who had also been assisting the I . P . M . for some time and he was sure he would have been delighted to have heard such proficient working .

Bro . Wm . Eckersall , P . M ., said nine years ago he had been installed into the '" fsrers chair and on that evening he had the privilege of initiating the W . M ., the "> . W ., and S . D ., and during the year the J . W . Hc had always a deep interest in ir . e lodge and its officers , but never a deeper than at the present time . Ihe Worshipiul Master next proposed the toast of " I'he Oflicers of the Lodge " m terms of approbation , and was most appropriately replied to by Bros . Nixon , P . M ., Ihe Tyler ' s toast closed a happy and eventful meeting >|* J UUU bTWllhtUI IllbbllllCt

very . » - , — — »»»^ • v > g i « ict Jf » » - , P 8 ramme of music under the direction of Bro . Stuart Leaman , ably assisted b y Miss Isabella Wallace , Mr . Percy Evans , and Bros . Valentine Hill ( reciter ) , and Harry Greene . Bro . Leaman presided at the piano .

Hemming Lodge , No . 1512 . (¦ n ,, p , hei ! * , a , la y meeting of this lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel , Hampton Crnnii ° S uf 2 ? l * ' ¦ - A "' Ong 'hose present were Bros . W . Hopkins , W . M . ; P . T n ; * - ; - - ' Mas'Sr ?! , « i - ^ Wheatley , J . W . j J . C . jessett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., C ; „ T ! , ' C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W .. P . G . Std . Br .. Sec . j H . Gale , S . D . H W & u \ i Mi "'"¦ acti "e - ¦ *¦• • G * Kansford , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., IJ . C . Schul * *''; ,- -l -AG . I > . C ., C . H . boyce , A . Macchi , P . M . , 503 , and A . Z PPGSK * wT- rU *• W * O ^ " -1 ™ . «* . M .. P . P . G . D . ; W . Spearing , P . M ., E Hitl' W , / ' * £ . ' - ' - - T « M - I J- W . Clarke , P . M ., P . G . P . Middx . PW « rtt | i | P , M , f * i ^ -S- - , MMx- and G * J' ' » «« . -M- A W the visitor present were Bros . II . J . Brook , W . M . 2540 ; W . Downing , P . M . 20 , P . P . G . D . C .

Craft Masonry

Kent ; Arthur Williams , P . M . S 34 ; S . Fisk , P . M . 1733 ; I . Birks , S . W . 95 ; A . Harmon , J . W . 1044 ; E . J . New , J . W . 1115 ; and W . Lucas , S . D . 1733 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . A . O . Hemming was raised to the Third Degree by Bro . T . W . Ockenden , P . M ., in a most impressive manner . The W . M . passed Bros . Massey , Wells , and Beltramo to the Second Degree . Bro . Patrick Cronin , S . W ., Master elect , having been presented by the D . C , was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the Secretary .

The W . M . invested and appointed his officers in a manner that left but little to be desired . Among them were Bros . C . Wheatley , S . W . j H . Gile , J . W . j C . F . Davis , S . D . ; H . Webster , J . D . ; W . Hill , I . G . j G . Ransford , P . M .. D . C . j H . Wheatley , P . M ., C . H . H . Boyce . A . Macchi , P . M ., A . Z . Schultze , F . Whicher , and J . P . Clark , Stwds . ; and John Gilbert , Tyler . A Past Master's jewel and collar were presented to the I . P . M . A vote of thanks was passed to the Installing Officer . The resignation cf Bro . H . Bright was received with regret . Several brethren were

excluded for being some years in arrears . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . The Treasurer gave a notice of motion— " That the sum of 10 guineas be voted to the R . M I . for Boys , per W . Bro . G . J . Tagg , P . M ., as a Steward to the Centenary Festival . " Apologies for non-attendance were received from Bros . H . H . Room , P . G . S . B . Eng ., P . P . G . S ., hon . member j H . Webster , W . G . Carrington , F . Farrant , and others . A petition to the Board of Benevolence from a distressed

old member of the lodge having been signed , lodge was closed . Bro . and host Beltramo furnished an excellent banquet . Bro . T . W . Ockenden responded on behalf of ''The Provincial Grand Officers , " and took the occasion to thank the W . M . for having given him the opportunity of raising the grandson of the distinguished brother after whom the lodge was named . The I . P . M . proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " and congratulated him upon having commenced his year of office so well .

The W . M ., having replied , gave " The Visitors , " coupled with the names of Bros . Brook , W . Downing , and A . Williams , thc last named brother making an excellent and very humorous response . Bro . VV . Hopkins responded for " The Past Masters . "

Bros . J . C . jessett , C . Wheatley , and H . Gale responded tor "The Officers . " The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . Louis Lee , of 2309 , and gave every satisfaction .

Chine Lodge , No . 1884 . The annual meeting for the installation of the W . M . took place at the Masonic Hall , Shanklin , on Thursday , the 27 th ult ., when there were present Bros . G . H . Matthews , W . M . ; H . W . Daws , S . VV ., W . M . elect ; R . J . Russell , J . W . j F . Newman , P . M ., P . G . S . B . England , P . P . S . G . W . j Durrant , P . P . J . G . W . j W . H . Long , P . M . ; W . Taylor , W . M . 551 j A . T . Richardson , W . M . 6 gSj W . B . Firth , P . P . G . O . ; C Langdon , P . M . j V . Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . j A . Greenham , P . M . j . H . A . Matthews , P . M . j R . Young , P . M . j W . H . Willis , P . M . j J . Marsh , P . M . j

W . Judd , P . M . j H . Sheppard . P . M . j T . E . Porter , P . M . j Prickett , P . M . j J . Collinson , P . M . ; J . B . Seely , j . Ellis , W . Knight , H . G . Field , Wavell Knight , Guy , J . G . Jolhffee , Moxey , J . Hansford , A . G . Matthews , F . Rayner , B . Grant , Seargent , Tarrant , Coomes , Barton , and A . Kent . The W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . A . H . Matthews , I . P . M . j R . Russell , S . W . j W . B . J . Bailey , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , J . VV . j W . B . F . Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . j R . Young , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Carter , S . D . j E . D . jefford , J . D . , ¦ A . H . Brown , D . C . j A . Cooper , Org . j F . Taylor , I . G . ; and VV . Mew , Tvler .

The usual business having been transacted and bro . Alfred Kent raised to the Third Degree , Bro . Daws was installed by Bro . Francis , P . M ., P . G . S . B . England in his usual efficient and able manner . The lodge being closed , the brethren adjourned to the banquet room . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been disposed of , The I . P . M ., Bro . Matthews , proposed "The W . M ., " and spoke in eulogistic

terms of Bro . Daws ' s qualifications for the office , and remarked upon the excellent way in which he had invested his oflicers , which gave evidence of future able work at his hands . In responding , the W . M . thanked the I . P . M . for the kindly reference to himself , and , although he trembled at what hc had seen before , hc hoped he should be able to maintain the prestige of Chine Lodge .

The W . M . next gave The I . P . M ., " and spoke of the good work he had done during the past year . The I . P . M ., in responding , thanked the W . M . for his kindly remarks , and the brethren for the enthusiastic way in which they had received the toast . It was impossible to pass through the chair without being impressed with the grand and ennobling principles underlying the Masonic ritual , and it was the aim of every true Mason to render the ceremonies as correctly and impressively as possible j but after all it was the

teaching that was the most important . They had heard the circular read that afternoon referring to the contemplated Masonic visit to Solomon ' s Quarry and the Holy Land . IE they visited that scene they would first stand upon the top of a pile formed of the minute particles from the final dressings of the blocks of stone with which the Temple at Jerusalem was built , evidences of the earnest work of the Operative Masons of past ages , so by gradual descent they would enter another and another of these vaults , each giving evidence of the earnest work of preparation by our ancient brethren . In some

the blocks of stone which had been quarried out lay partly dressed ; in others the blocks were still attached to the rockj in other parts the architect ' s line is still visible on the smooth face of the quarry . The blocks were _ cut square from the mass cf stone , each being finished to take its proper place in Solomon ' s Temple . The volume of the sacred law gave them a picture of the grand building into which these stones were converted , and which stood on the top of the rocky hill in the centre of the Holy City—with all the strength of a fortress and the . beauty of a sacred

edifice-No wonder the Grand Master and his officers contemplated it with pride—no wonder the latter exclaimed " Master , look at these stones and this building , " but what was the reply , " Not one stone shall be left on another that shall nit De thrown dawn . " This seemed to be the initial stages of the Free and Accepted or speculative Masonry—the sacred symbols in the operative structure had been neglected—the spirit of "caste " had come in and destroyed the teaching of the level—so the old system had to go . He remembered reading a short time ago of a town where there was an ancient wellwhich was the lion of the place , and the attention of every visitor was called to it , but

unfortunately , for the belief in the ancient Masonry , a specialist came along and proclaimed the structure to be of recent date j " What shall we do ? " said the inhabitants , " fill in the well , " said many voices . * ' No , " said one old sage , " you must not fill it in you forget the sweet and pure waters at the bottom . " Brethren , it is the sweet waters of brotherly fellowship we want to preserve in our lodges , however much we may venerate the ancient superstructure . Turning to the W . M ., ths speaker remarked , Bro . Daws , 1 hand on to you the Ancient Charges , and trust that the true spirit and teaching of Masonry may be paramount in the work which lies before you . ( Cheers . )

'Ihe Worshipiul Master proposed " The Installing Master , Bro . Francis Newman , P . M ., & c . " He lelt it an honour to be installed by such an old and worthy Mason —especially as he occupied the position of P . G . S . B . Eng . They must all have been impressed by the able way in which tne ceremony had been rendered . Bro . Newman , in his reply , expressed the pleasure it always gave him in rendering any

service for Chine Lodge , and it had given him especial pleasure in installing so promising a Mason as Bro . Daws , and he felt sure he would do good work for the lodge . He had been much impressed by the observations that had been addressed to them by the I . P . M ., and for his own part , it had given him food for thought for many a day to come , and no doubt it would have its due effect on the brethren . He thanked them very much for their kind remarks and the hearty way in which the toast was drunk .

" The Masonic Chanties" was proposed by Bro . Judd , P . M ., and ably responded to by Bro . W . II . Willis , and on the bag being handed round , met with a good response .

" I'he Visitors and " Past Masters " followed , and ware heartily responded to . " The Officers " and Tyler ' s toast completed the list . At the close the brethren formed a ring and sang- "Shojld auld acquaintance be forgot . " Bro . Arthur Cooper , Org ., contributed the part to an e ice ' . lent programme .

BRO . THE DUKE ANIJ DUCHISS OK BEDFORD hive come to town for a few days from Woburn Abbey , before going 10 Scotland to piss the early spring at Billathio House , Perthshire .