Reviews

And here we" leave thc matter . We are struck by the weakness of argument and the utter lack of novelty in the position assumed . One thing is plain . Rome is indeed " semper eadem . " The same old intolerant , persecuting , burning spirit is as evident and prevalent to-day as we always felt sure it was . We need have ho mistake about this whatever . If such be the true feeling of the educated Reviewer , what must be the persuasion of the uneducated many ? To this latter question there can be but one reply .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

366 ] MASONIC TRADITION . All Masonic tradition has to be carefully sifted , as it may have become overlaid by the accretions of years , until it becomes historically unreliable ; but it generally rests on some portion of truth . The tradition of Sir Christopher Wren ' s membership and Grand Mastership may be cited as

an illustration . It has been held by the English Craft and the English Masonic writers , unhesitatingly and undoubtingly , since 173 S , at any rate . VVe do not find , it is true , any open Masonic acknowledgment of Sir Christopher Wren as a Freemason " totidem verbis " until that date , so far as is at present known . In 173 S certainly it must have been understood by all as a fact apparently suppressed , for all

who took part in the revision of 173 S are alleged to have previously seen the alterations and approved of them . Why the fact was suppressed in 1723 is ' not at present in any way plain or clear , and , in fact , constitutes our main difficulty . For if in 1723 Anderson had stated at that former date What he did in 173 S , —Sir Christopher Wren being still alive in 1723 " cadit qua ; stio . " If any brother

will therefore kindly send me any notes or hints on this subject , I shall feel greatly obliged , as lam proposing to write a monograph on Sir Christopher Wren . There must be many remains and memorials of him here and there , and he slightest illustration of a difficult subject will be most gratefully received . I may add I am a believer in the old Masonic tradition . ANTIQUITY . Care of Editor , iC , Great Oueen-street , W . C . '"'

Ladies' Masonic Festival.

LADIES' MASONIC FESTIVAL .

The above Festival took place on Friday , 27 th ult ., at the Star and Garter Hotel , Richmond , under the presidency of Bro . Frederick Kent , a P . M . of the Dramatic Lodge , 177 . The Festival , although not given under the direct auspices of the Dramatic Lodge , was patronized by those of the brethren who wished to do honour to the ladies , and

a large gathering was the result . Amongst others we noticed Bro . Herbage , I . P . M ., and Mrs . Herbage , Miss Herbage , and Mr . Alfred Herbage ; Bro . Ouin and Mrs . Ouin ; Bro . Ellis ( from New South Wales ); Bro . Perry and Mrs . Perry and Miss Fisk ; Bro . Scard and Miss Scard ; Bro . Birch ,- Bro . Morris and Miss Morris .,- Bro . Kendall and Mrs . and Miss Kendall ; Bro . Dickerson and Mrs .

Dickersonj Mrs . Kent and Miss Rosa Kent ; Mr . W . G . Kent and Miss Sheppard ; Bro . Reichelmann and Mrs . Reichelmann ; Mrs . Georgina Weldon ; and others . Dinner was announced at four o'clock , and was presided over by Bro . F . Kent , P . M ., supported by the following Stwds .: Bros . Anley , XV . J . Bennett , Dickerson ,- Harding , Kendall , XV . Miller , J . Morris , J . Perry , Scard , and Ouin .

Grace having been said , Bro . KENT . in a genial speech warned all speakers against making long speeches , and said that literally brevity would on this occasion be considered the soul of wit . After the usual loyal toasts he introduced the toast of " The W . M ' ., Past Masters , ' Ofiicers , and Brethren of the Dramatic . Lodge . " Of them , the Chairman said he had nothing to say but what was kind

and pleasant , and with the toast he associated the name of Bro . Herbage , who was deservedly popular in the lodge . Bro . HERBAGE responded to the ' toast , and said that in doing so he felt that he was responding for those whose only desire was to deserve well of the Craft , and to do as much good as they possibly could and the proceedings of that day would rise as an incentive to further efforts .

The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The Health of the Ladies , " and , in doing so , said that he had purposely asked that the toast might be placed early in the list , as it was a great compliment to those whom they had met to honour . He reminded them of the noble deeds of women , and of their courage , patience , and devotion , and promised if they would only attend these festivals for three years he

would let out several of the secrets of Freemasonry , and at the end of that time they might know as much as he did , for he could assure them that" There's naught but what ' s good to be understood By a Free and an AcceptedlMason . " Mr . VV . G . KEN * T responded in stirring terms to the toast , and Mr . W . H . Woous also responded in very

complimentary terms . Other toasts followed , and , amid immense applause , Mrs . Georgina Weldon sang Salvayre ' s beautiful song , " Oh Doveling , darling . " Madame Reichelmann sang in her usual pathetic style the popular song " Daddy , " and left off with the solo of "Auld lang syne , " to which the company responded with a hearty chorus , joining hands as they

sang . It should be mentioned that Bro . Geo . Millen , of Herne Hill , was successful in obtaining a photographic portrait group of the company assembled , and dancing was indulged in by the votaries of Terpischore up to the last possible moment . Bro . George Smith , an old servant of the lodge , ably officiated as toastmaster throughput , and handed round the loving cup . The whole affair reflects great credit on thc Stewards , and was a great success .

Amongst successful Public School Clubs lias just been formed " King's College School Old Boys ' Club , " , with a Committee of well-known gentlemen of standing , amongst others , the Principal of King ' s College and Head Masters , Leopold de Rothschild , Esq ., Baron A . de Watteville , Sir Algernon Borthwick , Bart ., and Richard Webster , Esq ., Q . C . Applications are received by Mr . W . B . Collyns , jun ., the Honorary Secretary , pro tem ., 5 , East India Avenue , E . G ., and the Honorary Treasurer , pro tem ., Bro . Hatton , 150 , Strand , W . C .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Hxait J & asonrj * v WEST KENT LODGE ( No . i 2 g ?) .-mThe regular me ' eting of this lodge took place at the Crystal Palace ,

Sydenham , on the 28 th ult . Present r Bros . W . Crump , W . M . ; R . H . Crowden , P . M ., acting S . W . ; Philps , I . W . ; Johnson , J . D . ; Perrin , P . M . ; Stead , P . M ., Treas . ; woodrow , P . M ., Sec ; Fullwood , D . C ; Harris , Harding ; Powles , visitor ; and others .

. Mr . William John Ferns , proposed by the W . M . and seconded by Bro . T . Perrin , I . P . M ., was duly initiated into Freemasonry by the VV . M ., who performed the ceremony in such a manner as to forcibly impress the mind of the candidate , and give satisfaction to all the brethren present .

Apologies were sent from many absent brethren , some of whom were attending the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . After the closing of the lodge the banquet was served in such a manner as to do great credit to Messrs . Bertram and Roberts . The usual toasts followed , and a happy and enjoyable evening " was passed .

ROCHFORD . —True Friendship Lodge ( No . 160 ) . —Mainly owing , no doubt , to the popularity of the W . M . elect , as well as to the energy and efficiency which he invariably displays in the discharge of his multitudinous Masonic duties , one of the largest and most infiuentially attended meetings of the above-named lodge was held at the Old Ship on Tuesday , the 24 th ult ., when Bro . Lucking ,

Prov . C . D . C ., was , after an interval of 11 years , again installed as the W . M . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . F . Dorrell Grayson , the following distinguished company being present : Bros . G . F . Jones , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . ; Andrew Durrant , P . M ., Prov . G . Treas . ; J . P . Lewin , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of XV . ; E . E . Phillips , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; H . J . Hatch , P . M ., P . P . G . C ; F . Wiseman , P . M ., P . P .

G . D . ; ] . F . Harrington , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; H . Harper , Sec , P . M ., Prov . G . S . B . ; E . Judd , P . M . ; F . Green , P . M . ; G . J . Glasscock , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; J . W . Harris , P . M ., P . P . G . A . D . C ; W . . V . Willson , P . M . ; H . Church , W . M . 1 S 47 ; ] . Taylor , jun ., S . W , 1817 ; A . Richardson , S . W . 1977 ; fc . Smith , VV . M . 6 97 ; S . H . Ellis , S . W . 697 ; W . Bridgland , J . W . 733 ; S . Smith , J . W . 1734 ;

G . R . Dawson , J . W . 1000 ; S . Turner , S . D . 1 S 17 ; D . Smith , J . D . 1 S 17 ; G . Thomas , I . G . 1 S 17 ; W . Kean , 1817 ; W . White , 1817 ; C . F . Woosnam , 1000 ; J . Webster , 1734 ; J . G . Flitton , J . K . Frostick , R . M . Beeson , F . W . Wiseman , G . L . Wood , J . Ayling , H . G . Liley , A . W . Martin , and others . The preliminary business having been transacted , Bro . F .

Dorrell Grayson proceeded to install his successor in the chair , and at the close of the ceremony , which was perfectly and impressively worked , the Installing Master was heartily thanked for his services . The W . M . invested the following brethren as officers for the ensuing year : Bros . E . E . Phillips , P . M . 379 . * ooo , and 1734 , P . P . G . D ., S . W . ; F . W . Wiseman , J . W . ; Rev . H . J . Hatch , P . M ., P . P . G . C ,

Chap . ; J . F . Harrington , P . M ., S . D . 1000 , P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; H . Harper , P . M ., Prov . G . S . B ., Sec ; G . L . Wood , S . D . ; J . Ayling , J . D . ; H . G . Liley , I . G . ; and A . W . Martin , Tyler . Shortly afterwards the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren sat down to a sumptuous banquet , which reflected great credit upon Bro . and Mrs . Beeson , and which

indeed , both for the excellence of the viands and the style in which they were served , has seldom been surpassed in the province . The W . M . presided , and at the close of the repast the usual toasts were honoured . Bro . Durrant having responded for "The Prov . Grand Officers " in a brief and pith y speech , the I . P . M . submitted the toast of " The W . M ., " to whom he alluded as

being the main-stay of the Craft in that part of the province , and he predicted that , if the lodge was not in a prosperous condition now , it would be before Bro . Lucking vacated the chair . The Worshipful Master , who was warmly received , said that no greater honour had ever been conferred upon him than that of having been elected a second time to the chair

of his mother lodge . The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Health of the I . P . M . and Installing Master , " which was cordially drunk j and Bro . Grayson having responded , the W . M . gave "The Visitors , " observing that hospitality was one of the distinguishing characteristics of Freemasonry . Bros . J . P . Lewin and W . G . Brighten acknowledged the toast ..

Bro . E . Judd , who was heartily received , in replying for " The Past Masters , " said that whilst lodges were presided over by such men as Bro . Lucking they must prosper . Bro . the Rev . H . J . Hatch returned thanks on behalf of "The Masonic Charities , " and alluding to the Pope ' s encyclical against Freemasonry , and the more recent action of Cardinal M & cCabe , ' he said he thought it would be better not to take any notice of them .

Other formal toasts having been submitted , Bro . E . E . Phillips proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Beeson for the admirable manner in which he had placed the dinner on the table ; and the vote having been carried with acclamation , and briefly acknowledged , the interesting proceedings which were interspersed with some excellent vocal music by Bros . Brighten , Phillips , Hatch , Woosnam , Dawson , Wilson , Webster , and others , were brought to a close . *

LIVERPOOL . —Mariners' Lodge ( No . 249 ) . — This lodge has more than a century's eventful history of which to boast , and it was no matter for surprise that the annual celebration of the festival of St . John , on Thursday , the 3 rd inst ., by one of thc largest lodges in the province , should be attended by the most numerous gathering of the present installation season . The meeting took p lace at Masonic Hall streetand

the , Hope- , gpneral satisfaction was expressed in connection with the great success which had attended the year's Mastership of Bro .- Morris Davis . Very much praise is also deservedly merited by Bro . Dr . J . Kellett Smith , P . P . G . R ., on his retirement from the Treasurership—an office which he has most efficiently filled for a period of ' 12 years—as it is largel y to his zeal and enthusiasm that thc present sound financial position of No .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

249 is to be attributed . The chair was taken by the W . M ., Bro . M . Davis , who was supported by Bros . J . Jenaway , I . P . M . ; fohn Whalley , P . G . A . D . C , P . M . ; " J . C . Robinson , P . M . ; W . H . Vernon , P . M . ; F . Barnes , P . M . ; David Cangley , S . W . ; R . G . Bradley , j . W . ; Dr . j . Kellett Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., Treas . ; John Hayes , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; J . P . Bryan , P . G . Org . ; and others . Among

the visitors were Bros . H . B . Browne , W . M . 1350 ; Rev . J . W . Richardson , P . G . Chaplain ; Councillor Edward Paull , P . G . S . ; Thomas Davis , P . G . P . ; H . Ashmore , P . M . 823 ; D . Morris , W . M . 1570 ; Maurice Hart , P . G . D . D . C ; W . J . Jewett , I . P . M . 1393 ; H . Firth , P . G . J . D . ; J . J . Smith , W . M . 1035 ; John O . Rea , W . M . 1182 ; . T . White , P . M . 200 ; Dr . F . 1 . Bailey , P . P . G . S . D . ; I .

Humphreys , W . M . 724 ; M . Callaghan , W . M . 1 393 ; R . Bethel , S . W . 1094 ; James Keet , P . M . 1356 ; J . Brotherton , W . M . 241 ; Evan J . Callow , W . M . 1094 ; J . Hughes , W . M . 1675 ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . G . S . D . ; and others . The W . M . elect , Bro . David Cangley , S . W ., was presented by Bros . J . C . Robinson , P . M ., and J . Jenaway , P . M ., and efficiently installed by Bro . Morris Davis , " W . M .,

to whom a vote of thanks was afterwards unanimously passed . The following officers were invested for the ensuing year : Bros . Morris Davis , I . P . M .,- Richard G . Bradley , S . VV . ; James White , J . W . ; John Hayes , P . P . G .-S-. B ., Treas . ; Robert Collings , Sec . ( by proxy ); Henry James Pye , S . D . ; John C Spurr , J . D . ; Wm . Hewson , I . G . ; D . C . Davidson , S . S . ; W . B . Bridge , J . S . ; lohn Crebbin ,

A . S . ; Herbert Shacklady , A . S . ; W . H . Vernon , P . M ., D . C . ; and Bro . W . H . Ball was re-elected Tyler . Two gentlemen were afterwards admitted into the lodge , and the W . M . and his officers deserve credit for the excellent manner in which they performed their new duties . The brethren subsequently dined in the banqueting hall

to the number of over 100 , Bro . Casey , House Steward , catering very successfully . During the evening the W . M . presented Bro . Davis , I . P . M ., with a handsome P . M . 's jewel on behalf of the lodge . An admirable selection of music was given by Bros . A . Child ; J . J .- Pugmire , W . Lewis , J . A . Muir , and H . Ashmore , Bro . J . P . Bryan presiding at the piano .

SALTERTON . —Harmony Lodge ( No . 372 ) . — A meeting of this lodge was held on the nth ult . at the Rolle's Arms Hotel , Budleigh , when there were present Bros . Thos . Hine , W . M . ; J . R . Sidwell , S . W . ; J . Sargent , J . W . ; J . C . Palmer , Chap . ; A . Roberts , Treas . ; I . Littlejoh ' n , Sec ; W . Britton , S . D . ; A . Cowd , J J *) . ; J . H . Griffin , Org . ; XV . Pleave , D . C ; J . Coombes , I . G . ;

J . Noble , Stwd . ; VV . Pratt , Tyler ; A . Roberts , I . P . M . ; J . Taylor , P . M . ; J . Dumford , P . M . ; W . Strickland , P . M . ; W . E . E . Stone , P . M ., P . P . G . S . Devon ; R . F . Kingdown , P . M . ; J . C . Palmer , P . M . ; A . Pideley , P . G . P . Devon , P . M . ; H . Marker , G . Bennett , M .. Madge , W . A . Salter , R . M . Mahon , and E . Kensington .

I he minutes of the last regular lodge was read and confirmed : A ballot was taken for Mr . VV . H . Pratt , \ vho was afterwards initiated into Freemasonry b y the W . M ., who also explained the working tools and gave the charge in his . usual able manner . Bro . Kensington was passed to the Degree of F . C . by the W . M ., who gave the whole of the

ritual . Lodge was then closed in peace and harmony , and thc brethren spent a pleasant hour at the festive board .

HUDDERSFIELD . —Lodge of Truth ( No . 521 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , the 4 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall , Fitzwilliamstreet . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . B . Matthewman , and the minutes of last regular" meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Samuel Crossley answered the test questions , was entrusted , and retired for preparation to be

passed to the Second Degree . The lodge being opened in the Second Degree , Bro . Crossley was admitted and passed to a Fellow Craft by the W . M ., Bro . J . W . Turner , S . W ., presenting the working tools . The lodge was closed in the Second , and business resumed in the First Degree . The Secretary , Bro . J . A . Woolven , read a communication from the R . W . Deputy Prov . Grand Master on the retirement of

Sir Henry Edwards , Prov . Grand Master . The W . M . moved that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow and family of our esteemed Bro . Joe Wood , which was seconded by the S . W ., and supported by Bro . Allen Jackson , P . M ., . P . P . G . D ., and unanimously carried . " Hearty good ' wishes" having been tendered by the visitors , the lodge was closed in peace , harmony , and concord .

LIVERPOOL . —Downshire Lodge ( No . S 94 ) . — The annual installation gathering of this lodge took place on Thursday , the 26 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Hopestreet . With a view of enabling the brethren to picnic at Chester on the same day , the business meeting was summoned for eight o ' clock , and at that early hour there was an attendance of about 50 members . Bro . I . N . Caine . the

retiring W . M .,. presided at the opening of the lodge , and he was officially supported by Bros . W . Evans , I . P . M . ; W . H . Veevers , P . M ., W . M . elect ; Isaac Turner , J . W . ; VV . Blunsum , Sec . ; W . R . Roberts , S . D . ; E . -Dow , I . G . ; . J . H . Pagen , S . S . ; F . R . Kerr , J . S . ; J . Skeaf , P . P . G . Org ., Org . ; and F . Malcolm , Tyler . The list of visitors included the names of Bros . Evan Callow , W . M . 1094 ; A . Morrison , P . M . 1570 ; G . GodfreyW . M . 673 I .

lenna-, ; way , P . M . -549 ; G . Gordon , P . M . 724 ; David Jackson , P . M . 673 ; J . O . Rea , W . M . 11 S 2 ; J . Keet , P . M . 1356 ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . G . S . D ., P . M ., Treas . 1609 ; S . W . Halse , S . W . 673 ; J * . H . Tyson , J . W . 1182 ; T . S . Ram- say , 1299 ; W . Briscoll , 1609 ; and W . Webster , 1713 . Bro . W . H . Veevers , who occupied the chair of W . M . in the years 1 S 81182 , was again unanimouslv elected to fill the

office for the ensuing 12 months , and he was dulv and efficiently installed in that distinguished position by Bro . VV . Evans , P . M . The following were the official appointments : Bros . J . N . Caine , I . P . M . ; J . Turner , S . W . ; VV . Blunsum , J . W . ; A . Pedersen , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . R . Roberts , Sec . ; Joseph Skeaf , Org . ( re-appointed ); E . A . G . Dow , S . D . ; J . H . Pagen , J . D . ; E . K . Latham , I . G .: W . S .

Cooke , S . S . ; John Reece , J . S . ; John L . Houghton , P . M ., D . C . ; and F . Malcolm , T y ler ( re-elected ) . At the close of the early morning business , upwards of 100 ladies and brethren left the landing-stage , starting at it . 20 , proceeded to Chester , and sat down at one o ' clock to an excellent dinner provided at the Albion Hotel . The day was pleasantly spent in boating on the Dee and a visit to Eaton Hall , and after tea the party returned to thc city by the' 8 . 40 train , greatly delighted with the day ' s