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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
much that whilst we . of the . lower strata , are condemned to wander about the outside regions , through imperfections ; and before we can be admitted into the inner court of secrets , and the pure atmosphere of Misonic wisdom of Grand Lodge , without further laudatory remaiks , I shall call upon Bro . John Boyd , belonging to this superior assembly , to tell us in responding how far we are indebted
to the M . W . D . G . M ., Lord Skelmcrsdale , with the rest of the Grand Officers , for upholding the ancient land marks of our CtaCt to an admiring brotherhood . Bro . John Boyd , in a speech replete with common sense , said , that no position was gained as a rule unless worked for ; he himself might be a slight exception to the general rule , simply from his connections with Grand Lodge through
the Grand Secretary ' s office . It is a position any one might be proud , and especially so to that man being a Mason . The whole atmosphere there was made up of good will , and through every invisible yet visible particle of which this atmosphere is composed of you breathe nothing but order , through which shines the highest of all virtues , charity towards the brethren in acts , in words , in
sympathy . In conclusion he believed that the safest road to high honours was that of always doing your duty ( applause ) . He begged to thank them for the hearty manner they had drank the health of the Grand Officers . The I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the W . M . " in very glowing terms , and said his language would fail to convey what he should in respect wish to say of the genuineness
of the W . M . He trusted that good health and prosperity would ever wait upon him . A good "fire" was givenall splendid . The W . M . replied as follows : —Brethren , I am very sensible of the honour you have done me in noticing aught that I have done in connection with this lodge , and I am delighted that it meets with your approbation . The most excellent brother whom you have
entrusted as your minister extraordinary to convey to me your kindly sentiments has donesoheartily ; so much so as to move my heart to sincere thanks . Let me say that when I entered upon the duties involved in this chair I had some misgivings as to being able to perform satisfactorily the power given to me . I am by nature warm and impulsive in disposition , but your encouraging suffrages
imbued me with courage , which regard as an acknowledgment of past labours . I always was of opinion that tbe government of a body of highly principled and educated persons required something more than a visible agency , and that there must be a mutual sympathy between the governed and the ruler ; there must be the electrical current of understanding both with head and
heart , and if these are supported by the feelings of love , mirth , and evenness of temper , the visible result will be happiness—a beautiful word with a beautiful ending . The illustration is that in this lodge we are thoroughly happy with one another . Brethren , I thank you for your generous sentiments towards me . In giving the toast of " The I . P . M ., " the W . M . said : Gratitude is one amongst the
phalanx of virtues , therefore it would ill become mc if I did not pay that tribute of respect due to the Immediate Past Master . His brotherly aid has never failed me , and his excellences are well-known to you all . Let me therefore do horrour to him to whom honour is due , therefore 1 will thank you to charge your glasses and drink " The Health of our I . P . M . and Masters . " This toast was
drank with Masonic honours . In proposing " The Initiates , " the W . M . said : Whenever I am called upon to draw your attention to this toast 1 fe ; l that I am trenching upon the foundation and threshold of our Grand Order ; the future of its continuation depends upon our initiates , to whom be all due respect and honour . You may depend upon it , that the unsurpassed principles which are
written in flaming letters upon our standard can never be ttanslated into the flesh and blood of nations unless they are bodily practised both by princes and people , and we of this lodge , with all others , must ever be the standard hearers of these soul-minded views by practice . The W . M . then proposed " The Visitors " in the following terms : To bid welcome to those who come from far
and near to see us , is a pleasure , which is nowhere more deeply felt than in the Polish National Lodge , for it is a true "Temple of Solomon , " and if they are not all enibucd with the wisdom of this monarch , they all do their utmost by example and [ . reccpt , to get nearer to the Highest . Brother visitors , I particularly call upon our I rother T . Burdett Yeoman , to respond to this toast .
Wny ? because he certainly is distinguished as a poet amongst us , and 1 think he ought to be our laureate . Have you not read his "Song of Triumph" of our Grand Master ' s visit to India ? If not I should advise you to get the Masonic Magazine for October . Who has not seen his songs of every degree aad grade in connection with our Holy Order . Bro . Burdett Yeoman in reply
Slid : W . M . and brethren , —Permit me to say that 1 am not worth a lithe of the encomiums heaped upon me , at the same lime I should like to launch out upon the ocean of Masonic beatitudes , but 1 will not do so ; although I must think that our beautiful themes cannot he too prominently kept before our eyes and in our minds . In my humble opinion 1 know of no creed , exceptionally ,
none that can approach it , 1 know of nothing loftier , save the ethics which are taught from the Book upon which our foundation is built , there is no institution on the face of the earth so pregnant for doing good as ours . Witness our Boys' , Girls' , and Benevolent Institutions , well backed up by the ( hand Lodge of Benevolence ; regard these , and the small number in proportion of
subscribers as per contra against some of the boasted communities of this land or any oilier land . Brethren take courage , and look at our Order full in the face , and you will see beauties in it that you have never seen before . God speed the Craft , and make it if possible more universally known than it at present is . W . M . and brethren , my thanks individually . Several others of the visiting brethren also spoke , warmly and enthusiastically . The
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
healths of the Secretary and Treasurer were then proposed and responded to , with the usual amount of complete satisfaction , when the names of the brethren are mentioned comment is useless on their behalf , viz ., Bros . John Boyd and W . Pass . The next toast , ' The Officers of the Lodge , " was warmly responded to , and eulogy was duly and properly awarded . Each officer answered for himself . The
Tyler ' s toast brought to a close one of those enjoyable evenings that can only be found amongst Freemasons . CHAUCER LODGE ( No . 1540 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , December 27 th , at the Bridge House Hotel , Southwark . Bro . J . C . Wilson , W . M ., presided . He in an efficient manner raised Bro . W . Carter , passed Bro . H . Ward , and
initiated Mr . John Simpson into Masonry . One gentleman was proposed as a candidate for initiation at the next lodge meeting . The summons calling the Especial Grand Lodge on 3 rd January was read . Business ended , the lodge was closed . Slight refreshment followed labour . There were present besides W . M . Bros . E . S . Slide , jun ., S . W . ; W . G . Kemp , J . W . ; T . J . Sabine , P . P . G . S . B .
Middlesex , P . M ., Treasurer ; F . Walters , P . G . f . D . Middlesex , P . M ., Sec ; C . W . Hudson , S . D . ; II . Faija , J . D . ' ; A . J . Hawkcs , I . G . ; C . Graham , G . S . ; W . M . Phillips , Harding , C . Winstanley , and some others . The visitors were Bros . J . W . Baldwin , P . A . G . P . Middlesex , P . M . [ 423 , & c ; J . W . George , S . W . 1 309 ; T . W . Adams , S . W . 1125 ; F . Knight , 1 ^ 2 ( 1 , and others .
NORWICH . — Union Lodge ( No . 52 ) . —The senior lodge in the province held its anniversary meeting at the Norfolk Hotel , Norwich , on Tuesday , 2 nd January , when Bro . W . A . Tyssen Amherst was installed W . M . for ensuing year , the ceremony being performed by the Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Major Penrice . The W . M . appointed his officers as follows : —Bros . G . B . Kennet , I . P . M . ; Lieut .-
Col . Boileau , S . W . ; J . Bond Cabbell , J . W . ; G . S . Stevens , Secretary and Treasurer ; Rev . W . Cholmeley , Chaplain ; G . Cubitt , S . D . ; G . Patman , J . D . ; and J . Sainty , I . G . Among the brethren present were Sir F . G . M . Boileau , Bart ., R . T . Gordon , Cecil Montgomerie , Licut .-Col . Bignold , Captain Boileau , R . N . ; G . Marsham , H . Barwcll , Prov . G . S . ; C . R . Gihnan , J . B .
Pitt , G . L . Coleman , J . B . Aldis , J . B . Pearce , M . Walker , J . Marshall , & c . The Hon . H . Manners Sutton was initiated by the W . M . The " working" was succeeded by a banqutt . IPSWICH . —British Union Lodge ( No . 114 ) . —The regular meeting of that old established lodge , the British Union , and Festival of St . John the Evangelist ,
was'held at the elegant little Masonic Hall , Brook-street , Ipswich , on Thursday , the 28 th , Dec , 1876 , when there was a large attendance of the brethren , some forty being present . Amongst others were V . W . Bros . John Hervey , Grand Secretary ; V . W . Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C ., and D . P . G . M . Designate of Suffolk ; the Rev . | . J . Burton , W . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Cambs . ; Rev . J . B . Tweed , S . W .,
W . M . elect , P . G . Chap . Suffolk : Bros . W . Spalding , P . M ., Sec . ; Peter de Lande Long , P . M ., Vice-President Board of General Purposes ; W . Elliston , M . D ., P . M . ; W . Boby , P . P . S . G . W . ; P . Cornell , P . P . S . G . D . ; A . J . Barber , P . P . G . O . : Emra Holmes , P . P . G . R ., and P . P . G . D . C . Suffolk ; C . Cobbold , M . P . for Ipswich ; Capt . Parsons , R . N ., commander of H . M . S . Porcupine ; Dr . Meadows ,
P . G . S . ; Rev . T . G . Beaumont , P . P . G . C . ; Rev . Nelson Godwin , H . D . George , P . G . R . ; H . Ribbans , E . Butter , and others . Amongst the visitors we observed Bros . Dr . Muir , P . M . 593 ; Dr . Fleming , P . P . G . S . W . ; W . D . Paine , P . G . A . D ' . C . ; G . Cresswell , P . M . 9 : 59 ; N . Tracy , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . H . Staddon , P . P . G . S . D . ; W . Daking , W . M . 225 ; T . R . Elkington ; H . Bevan ,
P . G . S . W . ; and others . Bro . W . Clark , P . G . D . C , who is W . M . of Lodge Prince of Wales , 9 , ^ 9 , and also a member of this lodge , very efficiently conducted the proceedings as Master of the Ceremonies . The lodge having been opened in due and ancient form , tbe lodge was raised to the Third Degree , and all the brethren below the chair having retired , a lodge of Installed Masters
was opened , when no less a number than twenty-three Past Masters were present , the largest number we have ever seen in a provincial lodge on such an occasion . The W . M . having resigned the gavel into the hands of the Grand Secretary , that eminent brother proceeded with the impressive ceremony of installation , and inducted Bro . J . B . Tweed , rector of Capel St . Mary , Suffolk , into the
time-honoured chair of K . S ., with all the formalities incident thereto . The brethren being re-admitted , the new W . M . was saluted in ancient form , and the customary addresses to the Wardens and brethren were delivered very ably by the Grand Secretary . At the conclusion of the interesting ceremony , a cordial vote of thanks was voted to that distinguished brother for his services . The W . M .
appointed and invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Rev . J . J . Burton , I . P . M . ; Bro . Boby being invested as proxy , in the absence of H . Miller , as S . W . ; C . Casley , J . W . ; C . Schulen , Treas . ; W . Spalding , Sec . ; G . S . Elliston , S . D . ; S . Shortridge , J . D . ; S . W . Butter , I . G . ; Rev . J . G . Beaumont , Chap . Bro . P . de Lande Long , P . M ., in a short speech , asked the lodge to
accept a handsome plumb-rule , which had been presente " to him in his capacity as Vice-President of the Board of General Purposes in connection with the Masonic Institution for Girls . Lodge having been closed in ancient form , and the customary hearty good wishes of the visitors having been profferred the . British Union from the different lodges represented on the occasion , the brethren retired
for the banquet , which was served in the adjacent dininghall . Bro . G . S palding was as usual the caterer , and provided very well for the guests , who did ample justice to the viands . The W . M . presided , and was supported on his right by the Kev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C ., D . P . G . M . ; the V . W . the Grand Secretary , and Dr . Alfred Meadows , P . G . S . ; and on his left by Bro . P . de L . Long , V . P . B , of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
G . P . ; Rev . J . J . Burton , I . P . M . ; and C . Cobbold , M . P Nearly the whole of the brethren present in lodge attended the banquet . The' usual toast list wis gone through , Bro . Tweed making a very genial chairman , Bro . C . J . Martyn , who was very cordially received , responding to tbe toast of " The Grand Officers , " as also to that of "Tne D . P . G . M . Designate . " Bro . Martyn , in thanking the
brethren for their flattering reception , said that he , was at one time a member of the British Union Lodge , but living at the other side of the county , and being so seldom able to attend , he was compelled to resign membership , especially as he was a member of some twelve other lodges . He felt it very hard to come after their late venerated D . P . G . M . ( Bro , Rev . E . I . Lockwood ) , but if the brethren
would only bear with him he would do his utmost to prove himself worthy of the office which the P . G . M . had asked him to fill . Bro . Martyn made some very sensible remarks about visiting the lodges in the province , and said he intended making a point of doing so , and he hoped the P . G . Officers would accompany him , as he Ihouirht such visits were very desirable , and tended to
produce confidence in the P . G . Officers , and to promote a feeling of cordiality amongst the brethren . He had received so many letters of congratulation from the various lodges that he could not but be pleased to feel that his appointment had been so popular with the brethren as it was agreeable to the P . G . M . In responding to the toast of the evening , that of " The Very Worshipful the Installing
Master , " Bro . Hervey , Grand Secretary , [ who , on rising , received quite an ovation , said it gave him great pleasure to visit so distinguished a lodge as the British Union . He had never visited a Suffolk Lodge before , and he could not but be gratified with the cordial reception he had met with that evening . He was particularly pleased to instal the W . M . that evening because
he was a clergyman . He thought that the connection between Masonry and religion should be kept up . He had been called upon to account for sundry remarks he had made on the subject elsewhere , but he felt so strongly on the subject he must speak . It was feared that the Grand Orient of France had practically divorcetl religion and Masonry , and it was a very grave question as
to whether the Grand Lodge of England would not have to refuse to admit as visitors brethren under that jurisdiction , whose opinions would prevent their being admitted as candidates for initiation . Indeed , the youngest Grand Lodge recently formed , the Grand Orient of Egypt , had already taken the initiative in this matter . It had sought recognition by the Grand Orient of France , but had now
withdrawn its application , and disowned the Grand Orient . Our popular and urbane brother spoke with great earnestness upon this dallying with atheism on the part of France , and his remarks were listened to with great attention , and applauded as they deserved to be . Bro . Rev . J . B . Tweed , in responding to the toast of " The W . Master" spoke with great modesty of his
qualifications , but assured the brethren he would do his utmost to maintain the dignity of the chair . Bro . Boby replied to the toast of " 1 he Charities , " and descanted with his usual fervid eloquence on those great Masonic institutions , reminding the brethren of the obligations they were under to support them adequately , remembering that they got a good deal more from them in Suffolk than the lodges
contributed to the funds . Bro . C . Cooke presided at the pianoforte , and played admirably . Bros . A . D . George , Dr . Muir , P . Cornell , Emra Holmes , and Clarke contributed to the harmony of the evening , and we were particularly delighted with the singing by Dr . Muir of Sullivan ' s charming song " Sweethearts , " and Ascher ' s beautiful " Alice , where art thou ? " An original song by
Bro . Clarke , called " Merry Words , " containing some apposite Masonic allusions , was well given by that bro . ther . Altogether the evening was one not likely to be soon forgotten by those who were privileged to be present , and all we say is , when next Bro . John Hervey comes down to instal the W . M . of the British Union " may we be there to see . "
WARRINGTON . — Lodge of Lights ( No . 148 ) . —On Thursday , December 2 Sth , the brethren of this lodge met in the Masonic Rooms , Sankey-street , to celebrate their one hundred and eleventh anniversary , and to instal in the chair of K . S . Bro . Thos . Tunstall , Past S . W . A large number of members and visitors assembled to do honour to the new Master , who , though the youngest
Mason who has filled that office for many years , gives great promise of being a most efficient Master , and one in whom the brethren have great confidence that the prestige and usefulness of the lodge will not deteriorate under his supervision . The lodge was opened in due form at three o'clock p . m . by Bro . Wm . Robinson , the retiring W . M ., assisted by Bro . Henry Poynter , W . M .
948 , P . M . 1087 , P . P . G . P ., Prov . G . Reg . Berks and Bucks , Z . 948 , & c , as S . W ., and Bro , D . W . Finney , P . M . 148 , P . M . 1250 , P . Z . 148 , & c , as J . W . The Board of Installed Masters was opened in ample form , and the ceremony of installation was most efficiently performed by Bro . Robinson , who is the first retiring Master that has exercised his privilege in this respect for very
many years . Bro . Jno . Bowes , P . M . 148 , P . J . G . W . Cumberland and Westmoreland , assisted Bro . Robinson , and gave the addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren in that emphatic and perfect style for which Bro . Bowes in so widely known and so deservedly famous . Before the lodge was closed , the Treasurer ' s accounts for the past year were read and passed , and ordered to be
printed and circulated , and we were pleased to notice that although large sums had been voted to the central an d provincial charities a good balance was left in the hands of the bankers . The brethren passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Bro . Robinson , and a Past Master ' s jewel was cordially voted to him for his able conduct while in the chair . Bro . Hannah , who had faithfully filled the office of Tyler for about ten years , now resigned that posi-
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
much that whilst we . of the . lower strata , are condemned to wander about the outside regions , through imperfections ; and before we can be admitted into the inner court of secrets , and the pure atmosphere of Misonic wisdom of Grand Lodge , without further laudatory remaiks , I shall call upon Bro . John Boyd , belonging to this superior assembly , to tell us in responding how far we are indebted
to the M . W . D . G . M ., Lord Skelmcrsdale , with the rest of the Grand Officers , for upholding the ancient land marks of our CtaCt to an admiring brotherhood . Bro . John Boyd , in a speech replete with common sense , said , that no position was gained as a rule unless worked for ; he himself might be a slight exception to the general rule , simply from his connections with Grand Lodge through
the Grand Secretary ' s office . It is a position any one might be proud , and especially so to that man being a Mason . The whole atmosphere there was made up of good will , and through every invisible yet visible particle of which this atmosphere is composed of you breathe nothing but order , through which shines the highest of all virtues , charity towards the brethren in acts , in words , in
sympathy . In conclusion he believed that the safest road to high honours was that of always doing your duty ( applause ) . He begged to thank them for the hearty manner they had drank the health of the Grand Officers . The I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the W . M . " in very glowing terms , and said his language would fail to convey what he should in respect wish to say of the genuineness
of the W . M . He trusted that good health and prosperity would ever wait upon him . A good "fire" was givenall splendid . The W . M . replied as follows : —Brethren , I am very sensible of the honour you have done me in noticing aught that I have done in connection with this lodge , and I am delighted that it meets with your approbation . The most excellent brother whom you have
entrusted as your minister extraordinary to convey to me your kindly sentiments has donesoheartily ; so much so as to move my heart to sincere thanks . Let me say that when I entered upon the duties involved in this chair I had some misgivings as to being able to perform satisfactorily the power given to me . I am by nature warm and impulsive in disposition , but your encouraging suffrages
imbued me with courage , which regard as an acknowledgment of past labours . I always was of opinion that tbe government of a body of highly principled and educated persons required something more than a visible agency , and that there must be a mutual sympathy between the governed and the ruler ; there must be the electrical current of understanding both with head and
heart , and if these are supported by the feelings of love , mirth , and evenness of temper , the visible result will be happiness—a beautiful word with a beautiful ending . The illustration is that in this lodge we are thoroughly happy with one another . Brethren , I thank you for your generous sentiments towards me . In giving the toast of " The I . P . M ., " the W . M . said : Gratitude is one amongst the
phalanx of virtues , therefore it would ill become mc if I did not pay that tribute of respect due to the Immediate Past Master . His brotherly aid has never failed me , and his excellences are well-known to you all . Let me therefore do horrour to him to whom honour is due , therefore 1 will thank you to charge your glasses and drink " The Health of our I . P . M . and Masters . " This toast was
drank with Masonic honours . In proposing " The Initiates , " the W . M . said : Whenever I am called upon to draw your attention to this toast 1 fe ; l that I am trenching upon the foundation and threshold of our Grand Order ; the future of its continuation depends upon our initiates , to whom be all due respect and honour . You may depend upon it , that the unsurpassed principles which are
written in flaming letters upon our standard can never be ttanslated into the flesh and blood of nations unless they are bodily practised both by princes and people , and we of this lodge , with all others , must ever be the standard hearers of these soul-minded views by practice . The W . M . then proposed " The Visitors " in the following terms : To bid welcome to those who come from far
and near to see us , is a pleasure , which is nowhere more deeply felt than in the Polish National Lodge , for it is a true "Temple of Solomon , " and if they are not all enibucd with the wisdom of this monarch , they all do their utmost by example and [ . reccpt , to get nearer to the Highest . Brother visitors , I particularly call upon our I rother T . Burdett Yeoman , to respond to this toast .
Wny ? because he certainly is distinguished as a poet amongst us , and 1 think he ought to be our laureate . Have you not read his "Song of Triumph" of our Grand Master ' s visit to India ? If not I should advise you to get the Masonic Magazine for October . Who has not seen his songs of every degree aad grade in connection with our Holy Order . Bro . Burdett Yeoman in reply
Slid : W . M . and brethren , —Permit me to say that 1 am not worth a lithe of the encomiums heaped upon me , at the same lime I should like to launch out upon the ocean of Masonic beatitudes , but 1 will not do so ; although I must think that our beautiful themes cannot he too prominently kept before our eyes and in our minds . In my humble opinion 1 know of no creed , exceptionally ,
none that can approach it , 1 know of nothing loftier , save the ethics which are taught from the Book upon which our foundation is built , there is no institution on the face of the earth so pregnant for doing good as ours . Witness our Boys' , Girls' , and Benevolent Institutions , well backed up by the ( hand Lodge of Benevolence ; regard these , and the small number in proportion of
subscribers as per contra against some of the boasted communities of this land or any oilier land . Brethren take courage , and look at our Order full in the face , and you will see beauties in it that you have never seen before . God speed the Craft , and make it if possible more universally known than it at present is . W . M . and brethren , my thanks individually . Several others of the visiting brethren also spoke , warmly and enthusiastically . The
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
healths of the Secretary and Treasurer were then proposed and responded to , with the usual amount of complete satisfaction , when the names of the brethren are mentioned comment is useless on their behalf , viz ., Bros . John Boyd and W . Pass . The next toast , ' The Officers of the Lodge , " was warmly responded to , and eulogy was duly and properly awarded . Each officer answered for himself . The
Tyler ' s toast brought to a close one of those enjoyable evenings that can only be found amongst Freemasons . CHAUCER LODGE ( No . 1540 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , December 27 th , at the Bridge House Hotel , Southwark . Bro . J . C . Wilson , W . M ., presided . He in an efficient manner raised Bro . W . Carter , passed Bro . H . Ward , and
initiated Mr . John Simpson into Masonry . One gentleman was proposed as a candidate for initiation at the next lodge meeting . The summons calling the Especial Grand Lodge on 3 rd January was read . Business ended , the lodge was closed . Slight refreshment followed labour . There were present besides W . M . Bros . E . S . Slide , jun ., S . W . ; W . G . Kemp , J . W . ; T . J . Sabine , P . P . G . S . B .
Middlesex , P . M ., Treasurer ; F . Walters , P . G . f . D . Middlesex , P . M ., Sec ; C . W . Hudson , S . D . ; II . Faija , J . D . ' ; A . J . Hawkcs , I . G . ; C . Graham , G . S . ; W . M . Phillips , Harding , C . Winstanley , and some others . The visitors were Bros . J . W . Baldwin , P . A . G . P . Middlesex , P . M . [ 423 , & c ; J . W . George , S . W . 1 309 ; T . W . Adams , S . W . 1125 ; F . Knight , 1 ^ 2 ( 1 , and others .
NORWICH . — Union Lodge ( No . 52 ) . —The senior lodge in the province held its anniversary meeting at the Norfolk Hotel , Norwich , on Tuesday , 2 nd January , when Bro . W . A . Tyssen Amherst was installed W . M . for ensuing year , the ceremony being performed by the Deputy Prov . G . M ., Bro . Major Penrice . The W . M . appointed his officers as follows : —Bros . G . B . Kennet , I . P . M . ; Lieut .-
Col . Boileau , S . W . ; J . Bond Cabbell , J . W . ; G . S . Stevens , Secretary and Treasurer ; Rev . W . Cholmeley , Chaplain ; G . Cubitt , S . D . ; G . Patman , J . D . ; and J . Sainty , I . G . Among the brethren present were Sir F . G . M . Boileau , Bart ., R . T . Gordon , Cecil Montgomerie , Licut .-Col . Bignold , Captain Boileau , R . N . ; G . Marsham , H . Barwcll , Prov . G . S . ; C . R . Gihnan , J . B .
Pitt , G . L . Coleman , J . B . Aldis , J . B . Pearce , M . Walker , J . Marshall , & c . The Hon . H . Manners Sutton was initiated by the W . M . The " working" was succeeded by a banqutt . IPSWICH . —British Union Lodge ( No . 114 ) . —The regular meeting of that old established lodge , the British Union , and Festival of St . John the Evangelist ,
was'held at the elegant little Masonic Hall , Brook-street , Ipswich , on Thursday , the 28 th , Dec , 1876 , when there was a large attendance of the brethren , some forty being present . Amongst others were V . W . Bros . John Hervey , Grand Secretary ; V . W . Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C ., and D . P . G . M . Designate of Suffolk ; the Rev . | . J . Burton , W . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Cambs . ; Rev . J . B . Tweed , S . W .,
W . M . elect , P . G . Chap . Suffolk : Bros . W . Spalding , P . M ., Sec . ; Peter de Lande Long , P . M ., Vice-President Board of General Purposes ; W . Elliston , M . D ., P . M . ; W . Boby , P . P . S . G . W . ; P . Cornell , P . P . S . G . D . ; A . J . Barber , P . P . G . O . : Emra Holmes , P . P . G . R ., and P . P . G . D . C . Suffolk ; C . Cobbold , M . P . for Ipswich ; Capt . Parsons , R . N ., commander of H . M . S . Porcupine ; Dr . Meadows ,
P . G . S . ; Rev . T . G . Beaumont , P . P . G . C . ; Rev . Nelson Godwin , H . D . George , P . G . R . ; H . Ribbans , E . Butter , and others . Amongst the visitors we observed Bros . Dr . Muir , P . M . 593 ; Dr . Fleming , P . P . G . S . W . ; W . D . Paine , P . G . A . D ' . C . ; G . Cresswell , P . M . 9 : 59 ; N . Tracy , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . H . Staddon , P . P . G . S . D . ; W . Daking , W . M . 225 ; T . R . Elkington ; H . Bevan ,
P . G . S . W . ; and others . Bro . W . Clark , P . G . D . C , who is W . M . of Lodge Prince of Wales , 9 , ^ 9 , and also a member of this lodge , very efficiently conducted the proceedings as Master of the Ceremonies . The lodge having been opened in due and ancient form , tbe lodge was raised to the Third Degree , and all the brethren below the chair having retired , a lodge of Installed Masters
was opened , when no less a number than twenty-three Past Masters were present , the largest number we have ever seen in a provincial lodge on such an occasion . The W . M . having resigned the gavel into the hands of the Grand Secretary , that eminent brother proceeded with the impressive ceremony of installation , and inducted Bro . J . B . Tweed , rector of Capel St . Mary , Suffolk , into the
time-honoured chair of K . S ., with all the formalities incident thereto . The brethren being re-admitted , the new W . M . was saluted in ancient form , and the customary addresses to the Wardens and brethren were delivered very ably by the Grand Secretary . At the conclusion of the interesting ceremony , a cordial vote of thanks was voted to that distinguished brother for his services . The W . M .
appointed and invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Rev . J . J . Burton , I . P . M . ; Bro . Boby being invested as proxy , in the absence of H . Miller , as S . W . ; C . Casley , J . W . ; C . Schulen , Treas . ; W . Spalding , Sec . ; G . S . Elliston , S . D . ; S . Shortridge , J . D . ; S . W . Butter , I . G . ; Rev . J . G . Beaumont , Chap . Bro . P . de Lande Long , P . M ., in a short speech , asked the lodge to
accept a handsome plumb-rule , which had been presente " to him in his capacity as Vice-President of the Board of General Purposes in connection with the Masonic Institution for Girls . Lodge having been closed in ancient form , and the customary hearty good wishes of the visitors having been profferred the . British Union from the different lodges represented on the occasion , the brethren retired
for the banquet , which was served in the adjacent dininghall . Bro . G . S palding was as usual the caterer , and provided very well for the guests , who did ample justice to the viands . The W . M . presided , and was supported on his right by the Kev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C ., D . P . G . M . ; the V . W . the Grand Secretary , and Dr . Alfred Meadows , P . G . S . ; and on his left by Bro . P . de L . Long , V . P . B , of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
G . P . ; Rev . J . J . Burton , I . P . M . ; and C . Cobbold , M . P Nearly the whole of the brethren present in lodge attended the banquet . The' usual toast list wis gone through , Bro . Tweed making a very genial chairman , Bro . C . J . Martyn , who was very cordially received , responding to tbe toast of " The Grand Officers , " as also to that of "Tne D . P . G . M . Designate . " Bro . Martyn , in thanking the
brethren for their flattering reception , said that he , was at one time a member of the British Union Lodge , but living at the other side of the county , and being so seldom able to attend , he was compelled to resign membership , especially as he was a member of some twelve other lodges . He felt it very hard to come after their late venerated D . P . G . M . ( Bro , Rev . E . I . Lockwood ) , but if the brethren
would only bear with him he would do his utmost to prove himself worthy of the office which the P . G . M . had asked him to fill . Bro . Martyn made some very sensible remarks about visiting the lodges in the province , and said he intended making a point of doing so , and he hoped the P . G . Officers would accompany him , as he Ihouirht such visits were very desirable , and tended to
produce confidence in the P . G . Officers , and to promote a feeling of cordiality amongst the brethren . He had received so many letters of congratulation from the various lodges that he could not but be pleased to feel that his appointment had been so popular with the brethren as it was agreeable to the P . G . M . In responding to the toast of the evening , that of " The Very Worshipful the Installing
Master , " Bro . Hervey , Grand Secretary , [ who , on rising , received quite an ovation , said it gave him great pleasure to visit so distinguished a lodge as the British Union . He had never visited a Suffolk Lodge before , and he could not but be gratified with the cordial reception he had met with that evening . He was particularly pleased to instal the W . M . that evening because
he was a clergyman . He thought that the connection between Masonry and religion should be kept up . He had been called upon to account for sundry remarks he had made on the subject elsewhere , but he felt so strongly on the subject he must speak . It was feared that the Grand Orient of France had practically divorcetl religion and Masonry , and it was a very grave question as
to whether the Grand Lodge of England would not have to refuse to admit as visitors brethren under that jurisdiction , whose opinions would prevent their being admitted as candidates for initiation . Indeed , the youngest Grand Lodge recently formed , the Grand Orient of Egypt , had already taken the initiative in this matter . It had sought recognition by the Grand Orient of France , but had now
withdrawn its application , and disowned the Grand Orient . Our popular and urbane brother spoke with great earnestness upon this dallying with atheism on the part of France , and his remarks were listened to with great attention , and applauded as they deserved to be . Bro . Rev . J . B . Tweed , in responding to the toast of " The W . Master" spoke with great modesty of his
qualifications , but assured the brethren he would do his utmost to maintain the dignity of the chair . Bro . Boby replied to the toast of " 1 he Charities , " and descanted with his usual fervid eloquence on those great Masonic institutions , reminding the brethren of the obligations they were under to support them adequately , remembering that they got a good deal more from them in Suffolk than the lodges
contributed to the funds . Bro . C . Cooke presided at the pianoforte , and played admirably . Bros . A . D . George , Dr . Muir , P . Cornell , Emra Holmes , and Clarke contributed to the harmony of the evening , and we were particularly delighted with the singing by Dr . Muir of Sullivan ' s charming song " Sweethearts , " and Ascher ' s beautiful " Alice , where art thou ? " An original song by
Bro . Clarke , called " Merry Words , " containing some apposite Masonic allusions , was well given by that bro . ther . Altogether the evening was one not likely to be soon forgotten by those who were privileged to be present , and all we say is , when next Bro . John Hervey comes down to instal the W . M . of the British Union " may we be there to see . "
WARRINGTON . — Lodge of Lights ( No . 148 ) . —On Thursday , December 2 Sth , the brethren of this lodge met in the Masonic Rooms , Sankey-street , to celebrate their one hundred and eleventh anniversary , and to instal in the chair of K . S . Bro . Thos . Tunstall , Past S . W . A large number of members and visitors assembled to do honour to the new Master , who , though the youngest
Mason who has filled that office for many years , gives great promise of being a most efficient Master , and one in whom the brethren have great confidence that the prestige and usefulness of the lodge will not deteriorate under his supervision . The lodge was opened in due form at three o'clock p . m . by Bro . Wm . Robinson , the retiring W . M ., assisted by Bro . Henry Poynter , W . M .
948 , P . M . 1087 , P . P . G . P ., Prov . G . Reg . Berks and Bucks , Z . 948 , & c , as S . W ., and Bro , D . W . Finney , P . M . 148 , P . M . 1250 , P . Z . 148 , & c , as J . W . The Board of Installed Masters was opened in ample form , and the ceremony of installation was most efficiently performed by Bro . Robinson , who is the first retiring Master that has exercised his privilege in this respect for very
many years . Bro . Jno . Bowes , P . M . 148 , P . J . G . W . Cumberland and Westmoreland , assisted Bro . Robinson , and gave the addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren in that emphatic and perfect style for which Bro . Bowes in so widely known and so deservedly famous . Before the lodge was closed , the Treasurer ' s accounts for the past year were read and passed , and ordered to be
printed and circulated , and we were pleased to notice that although large sums had been voted to the central an d provincial charities a good balance was left in the hands of the bankers . The brethren passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Bro . Robinson , and a Past Master ' s jewel was cordially voted to him for his able conduct while in the chair . Bro . Hannah , who had faithfully filled the office of Tyler for about ten years , now resigned that posi-