Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

652 J THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT . In your critique of Vol . V . of Gould's History of Freemasonry , in the Freemason of 27 th ult ., you indulge in a mild joke at the expense of the Historian , which has probably escaped his notice . I allude to that portion of the review which treats on Bro . Gould's account of the organization of lodges of instruction , wherein he states

that the Emulation Lodgeof Improvement was founded in the year 1 S 36 . This must have been either a slip of the historic pen or an error on the part of the printer , for the year should have been 1 S 23 , as any brother can testify who chooses to attend the lodge and examine the written list of members complete from its first meeting . Unfortunately ,

with the single exception of this List , the whole of the old records were lost during the last re-building of the Freemasons' Tavern . In order , however , to prevent future complications and to place the matter beyond the shadow of a doubt , I shall be glad if you can find space for the following , which was copied by me from the original document some years ago .

"To H . R . H . The Duke of Sussex , Most Worshipful Grand Master of Free & Accepted Masons of England , & c , & c , & c , & c . " We the undersigned being members of " the lodge of instruction called the Emulation Lodge of " Improvement meeting at the Blue Posts Charlotte Street " Fitzroy Sqr , under the sanction of the Lodge of Hope " since its commencement on the 2 nd of October 1823 beg

" leave most respectfully to state that this lodge of instruc" tion is for MMs only , always commencing with the lecture " in the 3 rd degree , and taking iheother lectures in rotation " as time will permit , and are worked according to the " custom of the Grand Stewards Lodge , and since the " commencement of the same there have joined between " three & four hundred brethren , and that the number " attending in the year 1827 was 795 , in 1 S 2 S—1109—in

" Ie 2 g—833—total 2735 , making the average number for " each night iS for the last three years , but in consequence " of the communication and command received from your " Royal Highness on the last Quarterly Communication we " are debarred from meeting and working as we have been " accustomed to viz electing the WM and he appointing "his officers for the next night of meeting , so that the "brethren may have an opportunity of giving the section

"they are appointed to work due consideration previously " to the night of meeting which is on every Friday . This " Lodge of Instruction is circumstanced differently from " any other in the Order , having only one of the members " belonging to the lodge under whose sanction it is held " and that one the W . M . who now comes amongst us . " Having thus laid the statement and manner of working " beforeyour Royal Highness and having the prosperity of

" the Craft at heart , we are anxious to promote and diffuse " the genuine principles of the Art in a regular constitutional " manner , and wishing to excite emulation amongst the " younger brethren and to give such instruction that when "they may have the honour to be appointed to any office " or elected to the Chair in a regular lodge they may be "fully competent to discharge the important duties of the " same with that correctness and regularity which is so

" essential to the well ruling and governing a lodge . We " do therefore pray that your Royal Highness will be " pleased to grant this lodge of instruction your especial " license and authority so that we may meet and conduct "the business of Masonry which we trust has been done " for nearly seven years , and the undersigned as in duty " will ever pray . " Peter Gilkes , W . M . N 0 . 7 , J . W . "J . Mivart , W . M . 152 , VV . M .

"J . f . L . Gillam , W . M . 367 , S . W . * ' John Dawley , 152 , Treasurer " Wm . Longstaff , P . M . 21 S . S . D . " 1 . L . Allan , VV . M . 27 , J . D . "Thos . Yeatwell , W . M . 299 , I . G . " ] . Cox , P . M . No . it "Colville Brown , P . M . 93 "jas . Lege't , J . W . No . n " E . S . Garner , P . M . 299 & 481

" John Nelson , 305 T . Gebbs , Sec . 12 " Thos . Paiker , 300 " T . Skeet , S . D . 335 " H . Luttrell , 314 "S . M . Briggs , P . M . 152 " Ed « d Wittington , " Wm . Farnfield , P . M . 4 S 1 P . M . 481 " Signed in open lodge this 19 th March 1 S 30 . " The names are here given in the order in which they appear in the original document . H . SADLER .

Reviews

REVIEWS

THE FREEM \ SONS' CALENDAR FOR THE PROVINCE OF DORSET , 18 S 6 . Compiled bv Bro . John A . SHERREN , P . P . G . Stwd , P . M . and Treas . 170 , under the authority of the P . G . M . Weymouth : Sherren and Son , 79 , St . Mary-street . What we hive said of former editions of this excellent Calendar applies with even greater force to the edition for

the current year . It is a model of neatness and accuracy , and as such does infinite credit to the worthy compiler , Bro . John A . Sherren . He appears also to have been materially assisted in his endeavours to make it as complete as possible by the Piov . G . Secretary , Bro . Robert Case , and other brethren in the province , who have readily furnished him with the requisite information , and to whom he offers his thanks in the preface . We notice with pleasure

that the D > rset Masonic Charity , which was only founded towaids the close of 1 SS 0 , has already assumed very considerable proportions , the amount received from the outset being close on £ 2486 , of which £ 2125 13 s . has been expended in the purchase of st' > ck , and £ 290 voted in the relief of distress The rest , with the exception of a small balance of some £ 8 and odd shillings , has gone in preliminary and subsequent expenses ; and we venture to say no

Reviews

one will consider the round £ 62 thus appropriated has been otherwise than well spent . Besides the usual information as to lodges and chapters , the Calendar contains a list of the votes to which the province , its lodges , and its members , & c , are entitled , and we doubt not this list is the subject of great pride to all our Dorsetshire brethren . At

all events , if they are not proud of it , they _ ought to be . There is also an obituary for the past year , which , though it includes the names of some worthy Masons , is fortunately not a very long one . In conclusion , we congratulate the province on having so accurate a guide , and Bro . John A . Sherren on having compiled it .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft jftasoitrjj , LION AND LAMB LODGE ( No . 192 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 4 th inst ., at the City Terminus Hotel , Cannon-street , there were present Bros . B . Perkins , W . M . ; H . Stevenson , I . P . M . ; W . Medwin , S . W . ; Dowling , J . W . ; Henry Legg , P . M .., Treas . ; Geo . Abbott , P . M ., Sec . ; Thos . Fisher , J . D . ; Thos . Agutter , I . G . ; Thos . Cohu , P . M ., W . S . ; George Kenning , P . M . ; S . Lucas , P . M . ;

J . Giesman Chilhngwortb , P . M . ; Charles Arkell , P . M . ; W . T . Rickwood , P . M . ; Robert Marke , John Quy , J . S . Fraser , Wm . Hobbs , and Dr . Waring . The visitors were Bros . James Luras , 7 g ; C . R . Wickens , 733 ; S . J . Humfress , 733 ; Thos . Wills , 299 ; VV . W . Wesley , 1 S 6 ; S . Barfoot , 204 S ; J . Gibbs , 1613 ; J . B . Reid , 1364 ; H . Salter , S 61 ; R . Sears , 299 ; W . Simmons ,

1 S 71 ; R . W . Humphreys , 679 ; Thos . Tremere , 1929 ; Henry Payne , 720 ; and Alfred Bush , 1246 . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee was read , showing the lodge to be in a good financial position . The sum of ten guineas was voted from the funds of the lodge for the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , to be placed on the list of Bro .

Medwin , who will represent the lodge at the forthcoming festival . Bro . S . Lucas , P . M ., then proceeded to install Bro . Medwin into the chair of W . M . for the ensuing year , the ceremony being performed in an able manner , eliciting the encomiums of all the brethren present . The newlyinstallcd W . M . then invested his officers : Bros . Barclay Perkins , I . P . M . ; Dowling , S . W . ; Fisher , J . W . ; Legg , P . M ., Treas . ; and George Abbott , P . M ., Sec . A

massive 18 carat gold jewel was presented to Bro . Barclay Perkins , I . P . M ., in recognition of his services for the past year . The brethren then adjourned to dinner , the usual toasts being duly proposed . Bros . R . Sears , P . G . Deacon Kent , Thos . Wills , P . G . S . Wks . Kent , J . G'bbs , W . M . 1613 , and Thos . Tremere , replied for "The Visitors . " The dinner was well-served under the superintendance of Bro . H . P . Kilby .

LODGE OF ST . JAMES ( No . 7 65 ) . —The election meeting of this lodge was held at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , on Tuesday , the 2 nd inst ., there being present on the occasion Bros . VV . H . Tilling , VV . M . ; G . filling , S . W . ; E . J . Rawle , J . W . ; H . VV . Mitten , P . M . ; R . Tilling , P . M . ; J . Child , P . M . ; J . E . Costello , S . D . ; Carnes , Perkins , Spencer , Alfred Tilling , Prior , Samuels , Miels , RobertsTraversGeo . CarterJ

, , , . Williams , Spalding , Walker , Brinkler , Rudd , and other members . Amongst the visitors were Bros . VV . Martin , W . M . S 79 ; Marsh , VV . M . 15 S 7 ; Chamberlain , i 5 S 7 ; Venables , 15 S 7 ; and Fountain , 879 . There was no ceremonial work before the lodge , and the minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed and the bye-laws read , the brethren at once proceeded to the

election of W . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler . Bro . G . Tilling , the present esteemed S . W ., received the unanimous vote of the members as W . M . for the ensuing year ; Bro . J . Child , P . M ., was re-elected Treasurer ; and Bro . Rowe , Tyler . Auditors having been appointed and date of meeting arranged , a grant of 10 guineas was unanimously voted to a former P . M . of the lodge now in need of assistance . On

the proposition of Bro . H , VV . Mitten , who , in an excellent speech , set forth the merits of the W . M ., and the praiseworthy manner in which he had discharged the duties of his exalted position , a P . M . 's jewel was voted to Bro . W . H . Tilling , to be presented at the ensuing meeting of the lodge . No further business offering , the lodge was then closed in due form ,

Refreshment followed labour , and the usual toasts were given , that of "The W . M . Elect , Bro . G . Tilling , " being most cordially received , and to which the newly-elected brother made appropriate response . For "The Visitors , " to whom a hearty welcome was

accorded , the several brethren named replied in terms of high appreciation of their reception . A very pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent , under the presidency of the W . M ., whose term of office has been marked with a zealous endeavour to uphold the well-known character of this excellent lodge .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This lodge met at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park , on the 2 nd inst ., when there were present Bros . J . Plowman , VV . M . ; La Feuillade , S . W j Lingley , J . W . ; George Everett , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . ; Foale , S . D . ; Cruse , J . D . ; Rumble , I . G . ; Westley , D . of C ; H . Higgins , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B .

Middlesex , P . M . ; C . H . Kohler , P . M . ; W . P . Webb , P . M . ; Cockburn , P . M . ; Stranger , I . P . M . j and Rcinardt , Tyler . The visitors were Bros . Boyce , ISO ; Grover , ISO ; and Johnson , 1320 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Grover was raised to the Degree of a M . M . Several apologies for non-attendance having been read , the lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The usual toasts followed .

OLD ENGLAND LODGE ( No . 1790 ) . —In consequence of a fire whicli occurred at the club adjoining the Masonic Hall , Thornton Heath , the regular meeting of

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

this lodge was held at the White Hart , Abchurch-lane , on Thursday , the 4 th inst ., when there were present Bros . H . Baber , W . M . ; W . H . Rawson , S . W . ; C . Tarry , J . W . ; VV . Foulsham , P . M ., Treasurer ; H . M . Hobbs , Sec ; F . R . T . Ridpath , S . D . ; J . Kilvington , J . D . ; W . Best and C . A . Wadsworth , St . vds . ; F . C . Pascal ! , P . M . ; C . Daniel , P . M . 65 ; H . E . Philps , and Wm . Lane , Tyler . The lodge having been opened , the Secretary read the

dispensation from the M . W . the Grand Master , authorising the lodge to meet at the above address . Bro . H . E . Philps was passed to the Second Degree . Great regret was expressed by the brethren at the lire which had taken place on the previous Tuesday , whereby the regalia of the lodge had been destroyed , but above all , at the loss of the oil painting of Bro . VV . Foulsham , which had been presented

to the lodge at the February meeting . A hearty vote of thanks was ordered to be placed on the minutes to Bro . T . Turquand Fillan , the W . M . of the Langton Lodge , for allowing the use of the furniture and regalia of the Langton Lodge of Instruction , and to Bro . G . Anderson , P . G . S ., at whose premises the meeting was held . After some other business the lodge was closed .

CHISWICK LODGE ( No . 2012 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Star and Garter , Kew Bridge , on Monday , the 8 th inst ., and a goodly muster assembled , it being the last meeting of the session . The officers present were Bros . George Gardner , W . M . ; R . Harvey , S . W . ; W . Dowling , S . D . ; J . Brown , J . D . ; Geo . Everett , P . M ., acting I . P . M . ; F . Lawrence , M . D ., Treas . ; H . Furze , Sec ; R . Wimpey , I . G . ; E . Baily ,

D . C . ; W . Clowes , H . Fruen , T . Hoodless , G . Sales , F . Walden , VV . Moore , J . Hawes , W . C . Dickey , J . Brill , A . Gammell , VV . Dodson , A . Mooney , J . Rowling , J . Ellis , F . W . Wheeler , C . Toghill , B . Hardy , C . Richardson , P . M ., Org . ; and C . F . Hughes . Visitors : Bros . F . Binckes , P . G . Stwd ., Sec . Boys' School ; J . L . Mather , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . Herts ; T . E . Liddiard , P . M . 355 , P . P . G . S . B . Wilts ; R . Taylor , P . M . 144 ; J .

Blaisby , W . M . 7 S 6 ; Lewis , VV . M . 1671 ; J . Edwards , VV . M . 1662 ; Tassiden , 1937 ; Stranger , P . M . 13 , 81 ; Parr , 19 S ; A . Tilbury , 975 ; T . Coleman , 192 ; J . Manning , 177 ; and J . Moore , 177 . The lodge having been opened and the minutes read and confirmed , Bros . Wheeler , Moore , Dickey , and Sales were passed to the Degreeof F . C . Bros . Mooney and Dodson were then raised to the Third Degree . Messrs . F . Thompson , R .

Tys , « , and W . Bell , hiding been , balloted for , were Initiated , the whole of the ceremonies being exceedingly well performed by the W . M ., to whom great praise is due for the rapid strides and great efficiency this young lodge has attained during such a short existence , namely , two years and a half . The names of two candidates for initiation were handed in . " Hearty good wishes" having been given , the lodge

was closed in due form , with perfect love and harmony , and the brethren retired to the banqueting room , where a sumptuous repast was served by Bro . J . Brill , in his wellknown excellent style . The Worshipful Master then rose to give the first toast , that of "The Queen , " and , in doing so , remarked that that toast , since they last met , had been received in a very different manner to what it would be on that occasion . He

was happy to say it was not at a Masonic gathering , for none were more loyal than Masons to their Queen , the Giand Patroness of their Order ; he , therefore , had much pleasure in giving them "The Queen and the Craft . " The toast was received with acclamation . The Worshipful Master then gave "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and alluded to the letter sent to Grand Lodge , expressing his regret at his enforced

absence , whereby he was precluded from proposing the grant , from Grand Lodge Funds , of £ 200 for the unemployed , this toast was also received as it deserves . " The Grand Officers Present and Past" followed , and the W . M . asked Bro . F . Binckes to respond , and to give the many young members some hints concerning the Charities , which he did most effectually . The I . P . M . then proposed "The Health of the W . M ., "

and expressed the pleasure it gave him to find one whom he had introduced into Masonry such a short time since , occupying such a proud position , and carrying out its duties in such a perfect manner . The Worshipful Master in replying , said he felt flattered by the way the toast had been given and received , thanked them , and trusted he should at the end of his year of office meet with the same eulogiums that he had began

with . He then announced that up to the present his list for the Boys' School , which he was representing for the lodge , amounted to the magnificent sum of £ 150 , adding that he should have carried out his intention when the lodge was established , viz ., the precedent of a Steward being sent to each of the Charities in succession , he having represented them at the Girls' first with about £ 75 , the old people with £ 120 , and he should endeavour to make the present

considerably more than it was now . " The Visitors " was next proposed , who , in replying , stated that they had been very much impressed with the ceremony , through which they had gone , and trusted they should make as good Masons as they saw round them , and be a credit to the lodge . Several of the brethren having to depart , the next toast was given and responded to by Bros . Blaisby , Taylor ,

Liddiard , and Moore , who all expressed their pleasure and satisfaction at being present at such an excellent meeting . The Worshipful Master in giving the toast of "The Officers , " expressed a wish that they would , during the recess , double their energies , and so make themselves perfect , so that it should be said the Chiswick has second to none in its work , pointing out to them and the brethren the opportunity they had under so excellent a Preceptor at

their own lodge of instruction , as Bro . E . Ayling , P . M ., who , he was sorry to say , was absent through illness , but he sincerely hoped for a speedy recovery . The Tyler ' s toast was given during the evening . There being a lot of musical talent amongst the brethren , songs were given , accompanied by the Organist , thus terminated this very happy meeting , which may well be termed a red letter day of this lodge .

DRURY LANE LODGE ( No . 2127 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Temple , Drurylane Theatre , on Tuesday afternoon , the 9 th inst . W . Bro , J . C . Parkinson , P . G . U ., occupied the chair in the absence of Lord Londesborough , and there were also present Bros