Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Ihe chair of K . S ,, according to ancient custom . Having invested his I . P . M ., the board of Installed Masters was then declared closed , thc brethren re-admitted , and thc newly-installed W . M . duly proclaimed , and saluted in each degree . I le then proceeded to appoint and invest the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : —Bro . G ' T . W . Mugliston , I . P . M . ; Bro . R . G . Owen , S . W . ; B .

Cundick , J . W . ; Geo . Levick , Treasurer ; C . W . Ashdown , P . M ., Sec ; Geo . Hollington , S . D . ; II . Carter , J . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; T . S . Taylor , I . G . ; G . F . Dix , D . C . ; ll . N . Taylor , W . S . ; and W . Steedman ( re-elected ) , Tyler . Thc remainder of the ceremony was then proceeded with , and concluded by the Installing Officer , Bro . Mugliston , who | delivered thc charges to the W . M ., Wardens ,

and brethren in a most admirable and impressive manner , and to the evident satisfaction of the large number of brethren present . Upon the conclusion of the ceremony , the W . M ; rose , and said he had a most pleasing duty to perform , which was to present to Bro . Mugliston a P . M . ' s jewel , which had been voted him at the last meeting of the lodge ; and on behalf of himself and the brethren of the

lodge , he had great pleasure in p lacing that handsome jewel upon Bro . Mugliston ' s breast , trusting he might be sparer ! many years to wear it , and to visit his Langthorne brethren . Bro . Mugliston , in feeling terms , acknowledged fie kindness of the brethren , assuring them that his humble services would be always at their disposal , and that he should value the . jewel they had so kindly presented him

with as a lasting memento of their kindness , and as surpassing in value any future distinction that might ultimately fall to his lot . A cordial vote of thanks was likewise given to Bro . T . S . Taylor , for his very handsome present of a set of tracing hoards , supplied by Bro . George Kenning , of Little Britain , and which were much admired . Letters of apology for non-attendance were read by the

Secretary from Bros . Jno . Hervey , G . S . ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , M . A . ; and R . Wentworth Little , Sec . Girls' School , expressing inability to atttnd , and conveying their best wishes and fraternal regards to the brethren of the lodge . The Secretary ( Bro . Ashdown ) then reported that he had , on the previous evening , attended thc festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged and Decayed

r recmasons , as Steward representing the lodge , and had thc pleasure of handing in a list of subscriptions and donations amounting to £ 40—an announcement which was received with great satisfaction by the brethren present . A candidate having been proposed lor initiation at the next meeting , the lodge was closed , and the brethren and visitors , about fifty in number , adjourned to partake of a

sumptuous banquet , served in Bro . Morlcy ' s best style and which gave every satisfaction . The W . M . presided , and proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were heartily received and cordially responded to . The toast of "The Visitors " was responded to by Bro . W . Mundy , W . M . 1228 . Altogether a most pleasureable evening was spent and the "Tyler's Toast" brought the proceedings lo

a close shortly before 11 0 clock . During lhc evening some excellent songs , & c ., were given by the brethren , assisted by the Organist , Bro . M . Sherwin , who presided at the harmonium with his usual skill and ability . As usual , the lodge was honoured with a number of visitors , amongst whom were the following , viz .: —Bros . D . Posener , S . D . 1227 ; E . Jcx , P . M . i 2 i ; 9 ; T . Austin , P . M . 931 ;

J . Boulton , 1056 ; E . Y . Latrielle , P . M . io ^ fi ; A . Hobbins , P . M . ictf ; W . A . Sharp , P . M . 49 ; W . Mundy , W . M . 1118 ; T . Johns , P . M . ^ o ; E . West , P . M . 1 ^ 27 and P . Prov . G . S . D ., Herts ; T . Day , S . W . 1076 ; S . Watkins , P . M . 212 ; T . Jennings , 554 ; J . Crossthwaite , 205 ; B . Brayshaw , P . M . 1076 ; li . ' B . Holliday , W « M . 107 ( 1 ; T . Cohu , S . W . 192 ; W . L . Greenfield , 975 ; and J . Dorton ,

J . W . , 076 . MARQUIS OF RIPON LODGE ( XO . 1489 ) . —This young and flourishing lodge , which was consecrated in June last , met at the hall , Balls-Pond-road , Dalston , on Friday the j ; lh inst ., Bro . Wm . Stephens , W . M ., presiding , supported by all the officers , Bro . Jas . Brett acting as I . P . M . The minutes having been read and confirmed , and the

lodge , opened in the third degree , Bro . Hawthorn was raised to the degree of a M . M ., the W . M . giving the traditional history and the lecture on the tracing-board . Bros . May and Frederick were duly passed to the second , and four gentlemen initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry , every care and attention being paid to the solemnity of the occasion . Bro . Norman , of Lodge ^ o , was

then elected a joining member on the proposition of Bro . Brett . A vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Sim , who hail represented the lodge at the recent festival of the Aged Masons , and taken up a list of upwards of £ 70 at the call of the W . M . but a few days before the festival . Propositions were then made for new members , and the lodge adjourned for refreshment . Amongst the visitors were Bros .

Lundy , P . M . 45 ; Barfield , P . M . ., 11 ; Howe , P . M . 144 . 1 ; The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were most heartily proposed and responded to . Thc W . M . feelingly remarked on the illness of Prince Leopold and thc watchful care ol Her Majesty , which would , no doubt , add greatly to his recovery . Fraternal allusions were also made to the recent bereavement sustained by their M . W . ProG . M ., the Earl of

Carnarvon , wishing him health and strength to support him under the trying difficulties . In proposing the toast of" The Masonic Charities , " the W . M . thanked the brethren of the lodge for their great liberality . The Three Charities would be represented during the first year of the existence of the lodge , and he had no doubt that at least ^ 250 would be given in . Me could speak of his own list ,

containing 10 names , subscribing 10 guineas each , and of these , three had been initiated in tlie lodge by him , and had become Life Governors of all the Charities in the first year of their membership . This augurs well for the future prosperity of the lodge , and although this may be , strictly speaking , a noii-b .-inqiiclting lodge , yet they had never met without partaking of refreshment , and enjoying the presence of visitors at their social board . Each visitor

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

responded to his health , expressing themselves pleased with thc reception they had received , and wishing the continued prosperity of the lodge and thc health of its members . The Tyler's toast brought this pleasant and enjoyable meeting to a close , every one looking forward to the time to meet again .

INSTRUCTION . METROPOLITAN LODGE OF INSTRUCTION ( NO . 1507 ) . — A meeting of this new lodge of instruction was held on the 5 th inst ., the meeting being to found a lodge under thc warrant of the Metropolitan Lodge ( No . i $ o ?) . There were present : Bros . T . Adams , P . M ., P . G . P ., as Preceptor ; James Willing , Junr ., W . M . 1507 , and J . W . 177 ,

Treasurer ; W . M . Stiles , Hon . Sec ; Coulton , Tims , Michael , Williams , Douglass , Kingham , Side , Cheek , Clarke , Gilbert , Scales , Carter , Jones , and others . It was decided to meet every Tuesday at seven at the place where the first meeting was held , the Metropolitan Club , 2 ( 19 , Pentonville-road , King ' s Cross . Thc third degree was

then worked by Bro . Willing , and Bro . T . Adams moved a vote of thanks to Bro . Willing , and congratulated the lodge upon its establishment , thc passing of the bye-laws that evening , and thc excellent working . With such a beginning , he felt confident the body would prove an important one . An elegant supper , provided by the Metropolitan Club authorities , followed .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

STOCKPORT . — CHAPTER OF STONE OF FRIENDSHIP , EZEL ( NO . 287 . )—The annual meeting for the installation of officers of this chapter was held on Thursday , thc 21 st January , at the Dog and Partridge Inn , Stockport , when ( he following companions were installed in the several offices—viz ., II . I . Carrington , Z . ; William Greatorex , H . ; John Nield , J . ; John * Turner , E . ; A . W . Graham

N . ; William Shepherd , P . S . ; Thomas Newton , 1 st A . S . and Treasurer ; Charles Booth , 2 nd A . S . ; and William Dean , Janitor . The installation ceremony was performed in a most able and impressive manner by Comp . James HaU , P . P . 1 st A . S ., East Lancashire , assisted by Comp . J . H . Sillitoe , P . Z ., and Thomas Brooks , J . 323 . This chapter , which has for a long period been comparatively

inactive , has recently had new life infused into it , and is now making rapid progress . A considerable addition has been made to its members , and a new and complete suite of furniture and regalia purchased . Thc latter , which was furnished by Comp . George Kenning , attracted the attention and admiration of the visitors , and greatly contributed to thc beauty and impressiveness of the ceremony .

The brethren afterwards sat down to a banquet , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . During the evening Comp . William Shepherd , P . S ., gave the history of thc chapter , so far as could be gathered from the minute books . He said he very much regretted that the minute books prior to the year 1796 had either been lost or mislaid ; also , that the

minutes since that date had not been more full y recorded , as , in the majority of instances , they were merely records of thc opening and closing , and afforded very little information concerning the inner life of the chapter . Respecting the name of thc chapter , he said that he had been very frequently twitted about it , especially at thc last Provincial meeting , when he was asked , " What is Ezel . ' "

and " Why Stone of Friendship . '" But when explained , thc beauty of its signification and its perfect appropriateness generally surprised the inquirer . In perusing the sacred writings , or the records of travels in the East , the numerous instances in which stones arc mentioned as being used as signs , tokens , and memorials of remarkable events , or of particular customs , cannot fail to attract our

attention . But the custom of giving a stone as a token of friendship is , probably , one of tlie most interesting ; and it was , doubtless , from this custom that thc name of the chapter was derived . The Rev . H . Blunt , in his "Lectures on the Seven Churches of Asia , " alluding to this custom , remarks : — " In primitive times , when travelling was rendered difficult by the want of places of public

entertainment , hospitality was exercised by private individuals to a vfiy great extent . Persons who had partaken of this hospitality , and those who practised it , frequently contracted habits of regard and friendship for each other , and it became a well established custom , both among the Greeks and Romans , to provide their guest with some particular mark , which was handed down from father to son ,

and insured hospitality and kind treatment wherever it was presented . This mark was usually a small stone or pebble , cut in half , and upon the halves of which the host and the guest mutually inscribed their names , and then interchanged them with each other . The production of this stone was quite sufficient to insure friendship for themselves , or their descendants , whenever they travelled

again in thc same direction ; while it is evident that these stones required to be privately kept , and the name written upon them carefully concealed , lest others should obtain the privileges , instead of him for whom they were intended . " From this short account of the Stone of Friendship it will doubtless be perceived that Ezel is the name supposed to be inscribed on thc stone , and is taken from

1 Samuel c . xx . v . 19 . KENDAL . —KENDAL CASTLE CHAPTER ( NO . 129 ) . —The annual convocation of this flourishing chapter was held at the Masonic Hall , Stramoud Gate , Kendal , at hig h twelve on Thursday , January 28 th . The chapter was opened in due form by E . Comps . C . G . Thomson , M . E . Z . ; T .

Wilson , IL ; 11 . Rriuthmel , J . ; assisted by M . E . Comps . Col . Whitwell , M . P ., P . Z ., P . G . P . S . of England ; John Bowes , P . Z ., P . i ' vov . G . S . B . ; John Holme , P . Z . ; William Dodd , P . Z . ; and others . There was a numerous attendance of companions , and amongst the visitors Comp . Thomas Tunstall , Asst . Soj . Chapter of Elias Ashmole , 148 . On the invitation of the M . E . Z ., E . Comp . Bowes assumed the

Royal Arch.

chair of Z ., and announced that Bros . John Talbot and Godfrey had been duly elected at the previous convocation and were now in attendance , and bade the P . S . to do his duty . In due course the two brethren were introduced , and solemnly and duly exalted , the acting M . E . Z . being most efficiently assisted b y the P . S ., Comp . Nelson . After thc transaction of some routine business M . E . Comp . Colonel

Whitwell presented the Principals elect , Comps . T . Wilson , H . Rauthmel , and the Rev . Canon Ware , to E . Comp . Bowes , as Installing Principal , for the benefit of installation , after which they were addressed and retired and afterwards severally admitted into solemn conclaves of

Installed Principals according to ancient custom . The newly-elected officers were then invested , and , on the completion of the ceremonies , M . E . Comp . Col . Whitwell proposed in eulogistic terms , a cordial vote of thanks to the Installing Principal for his arduous and valuable services that day . The chapter was then duly closed .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

BATH . —EOYAL CUMBERLAND LODGE ( TIME IMMEMORIAL ) . —The members of this ancient lodge met on summons from the W . M ., at the Masonic Hall on Thursday , January 27 th . At 8 p . m . Bro . Thomson , W . M ., opened the lodge , with the aid of the following officers : — V . W . Bros . Dr . H . Hopkins , Past J . W . of Grand Lodge of England , acting as I . P . M . ; Bros . Keene , S . W . ; James

Dutton , J . W . ; Thomas Jelley , M . O . ; John Dutton , S . O . ; Major Preston , J . O . ; Moncypcnny , S . D . ; Ruble , J . D . ; Mitchell , I . G . The circular of summons was read , and also the minutes of the last lodge meeting held in April , 1874 , which latter were confirmed . Before the commencement of thc business of the evening , the W . M . addressed the meeting very feelingly and appropriately on two

melancholy events—first , the sudden death of Bro . Carter , a very old Mason and the Ty ler of the Cumberland Mark Lodge ; and within the last week that of the Countess of Carnarvon , wife of the highly esteemed Pro Grand Master of England and Prov . G . M . of Somerset . Thc first business on the list of agenda was a ballot for V . W . Bro . Dr . Hopkins as a joining member , on the proposition of

the W . M . and the Secretary , which proved unanimous in his favour . Of course he left the room during the ballot , after having offered inspection of his numerous credentials . On his return he appropriately thanked the brethren for their hearty reception of him among them , and presented to the lodge a copy of his published musical ritual for the Mark degree . A ballot was taken for Bro . Gazzard , as a

candidate for advancement , which proved favourable , but it was necessary to defer the ceremony , for though it was his intention to be present , public official duties had required his attention elsewhere . A lengthy discussion arose in reference to the bye-laws , which it appears were drawn up sixteen years ago , but were never circulated , and only one copy can be found . On the proposition of Bro . Rubie , seconded hy Bro . James Dutton , a committee , consisting

of the W . M ., the acting I . P . M ., and the Secretary , was appointed to revise them , as they appear unsuitable in many respects under altered circumstances , and to present them in the amended form for consideration at the next meeting to be held on thc last Thursday in February , with a view to their adoption , if possible , from thc period of the installation of thc new W . M . in April . The W . M ., not feeling very well , requested the acting I . P . M . to take his chair , which he did , and finally closed the lodge at

io . rjo p . m . SI IEEHNESS-ON-SEA . —ADAM ' MARK LODGE ( XO . fi ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Mile Town , on the 27 th January , the business being the installation of Bro . S . L . Townsend , Prov . G . J . O ., the W . M . elect , and investing thc officers for thc ensuing year . Thc brethren met at three o'clock p . m ., when a

goodly number attended . The lodge was honoured with the presence of Bro . F . Binckes , Grand Secretary , who came expressly from London to perform the installation ceremony ; likewise Bro . J . L . Ellerm , Prov . G . S . W , ; and L . Finch , Prov . G . Treasurer , from Ramsgate , represented the Provincial Grand Lodge ; and Bro . W . Ord , P . M . of the Irish Constitution . The installation ceremony was

performed in a most excellent and impressive manner , much to the satisfaction and delight cf the brethren , when the following brethren were appointed and invested as the officers of the lodge for the ensuing year : —Bro . A . Spears , Prov . G . Reg . of Marks , S . W . ; Bro . J . Bagshaw , Prov . G . Assist . Sec , J . W . ; Bro . W . J . Carpenter , Prov . G . Swordbearer , M . O * . ; Bro . G . Beckwith , S . O . ; Bro . W . Pannel ,

J . O . ; Bro . T . F . Firminger , Sec . and Reg . of Marks ; Bro . Alfred Oyston , Treasurer ; Bro . J . Nixon , S . D . ; Bro . C . Perkins , J . D . ; Bro . G . Wager , I . G . ; and Bro . W . Foster , Ty ler . The lodge having passed through a season of trial and difficulties , death having taken away the principal officers , was left without either Master or Past Master ; but by the kind assistance of Bro . !•' . Binckes ,

G . Sec , and the Prov . G . M . M ., and officers of Prov . G . Mark L . of Kent , the brethren now sec before them a season of prosperity , and hope by their energy and zeal in carrying out the grand principles of the Order , Adam ' s Mark Lodge , No . ( 1 , win not only be the oldest lodge iu the Province , but also the most efficient in its working , as a great part of the officers are Past Masters of the Crafl , viz ., S . W ., I . W ., M . O ., S . O ., ,. 0 ., there can be no doubt

as to the success of this Mark Lodge ruled by such officers-Phe ceremony of installation being concluded , Bro . ASpears , S . W ., in a short address , expressing the pleasure of the brethren at the presence of the Grand Secretary and Prov . Grand Officers , thanking them for the trouble they had taken in visiting the lodge , proposed a cordial vote of thanks to then ; , and to be recorded in the minutes of this meeting ; also hat Bro . F . Binckes , G . Sec , Bro . J . L . Ellerm , Prov . C . S . W ., and Bro . L . Finch , Prov . G . Trca-