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Craft Masonry.
without saying , and the way he did the work of the ritual was in a quiet , but effective manner , and the great services he had rendered to the lodge were appreciated by all the members . Bro . Geddes , W . M ., who was well received , responded , lie thanked them most cordially for receiving the toast so heartily , and he again referred to the Past Master ' s
jewel which had been voted to him , and he thanked them for the io guineas for the Boys . He did not deserve so much kindness from them , but he fully appreciated it . That was his last night as Master , and he was enjoying himself much , but he regretted to go now lhat lie was beginning to feel comfortable in his position . In conclusion , he begged hard for the members to liberally support his list as Steward for the Boys .
The Worshipful Master proposed "The Initiate . " He said that what they had seen of him that evening made them anxious to see more of him , and he thought he wouklbe an excellent acquisition to the lodge and the Craft , and he advised him to at once join the lodge of instruction connected with the lodge . In response , Bro . F . W . Moore thanked them all for having received him into their fold . ' 1 hey knew he had taken a certain vow , which he meant to fulfil , and he earnestly hoped to carry out in every way all that he had been taught that night .
"The Visitors" was next given , the W . M . remaaking that no words of his were necessary to commend the toast . They were all more than welcome , and the lodge could not have too many guests . Those present were all of the jolly kind , and he associated with the toast the names of Bros . J . Miller , P . M . 1491 ; J . J . Wharton , 6 5 ; Dr . Dalton , and Jas . Bunker , P . M . 115 S . Bro . Miller , P . M ., responded , observing that the Clapton Lodge was gifted for the way they received and entertained their visitors . The W . M . was an old friend of his , and his excellent work they had witnessed took him by surprise , and he felt that their ruler was one of the very best .
Bro . J . J . Wharton said that he was glad to be there amongst so many old friends , and the working and hospitality of the lodge had not decreased in any way . Masonry bound men to men and hearts lo hearts .
Bro . Dr . Dalton also acknowledged the toast in brief terms . Bro . J . Bunker , P . M ., stated that it was not his first visit by a great many . He was pleased that his friend , Bro . A . 11 . Church , had been elected W . M . He saw him initiated by his father , Bro . VV . D . Church , and he hoped it would be his good fortune to be present when the worthy father would instal so worthy a son . There was no doubt he would carry out the duties of his new office in a way that was expected of him , and that at the end of his year of office the verdict would be " Well done , Bro . Arthur Church . "
In givit . g "The Treasurer , Secretary , and Past Masters , " the W . M . stated that they were in cviderce to them all , and nothing was necessary from him to call attention to their many virtues , except to add that the success and life of the lodge was due to them , and he coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Blackburn , P . M ., Treas ., and W . D . Church , P . M ., Sec .
Bro . Blackburn , P . M ., acknowledged the toast , and thanked the members for having re-elected him as Treasurer , which he considered was a great honour . He had the pleasing duty to inform them that the lodge was in a very flourishing state , which was entirely due to the energies of the indefatigable Secretary , Bro . VV . D . Church . They were all proud of the W . M . elect , Bro . A . H . Church , who would make one of the best of Masters in the annals of the lodge .
Bro . VV . D . Church , P . M ., also responded , and said that he was in a peculiar position that evening , because he stood in doubt as to whether he would be again appointed Secretary , as it hael been whispered to him that the W . M . elect had intimated that he intended to make his officers " sit up . " However , if the coming W . M . did not overlcok him , he would continue his efforts as Secretary of the Clapton Lodge He could not resume his scat without thanking them from his heart for having elected his son W . M . He was his lirst initiate , and Bro . Geddes had been kind enough to say that he ( Bro . VV . D . Church ) could instnl him as W . M ., and it would be gratifying to him to have that great honour .
Bro . VV . I'irch , P . M ., said lhat the W . M . had distinguished himself in the lodge , his speeches at the barque ling table were out of the common , and when he came on the shelf of the Past Masleis he would be received with open arms . Ailer iepcated rails , Bio . R . E . Fairclcugh slated that that would be the last time he would appear as the I . P . M ., and he took lhat opportunity of thanking the W . M . and the members for the many kindnesses he had received at their hands . Bro . D . Campbell , who wasalso called upon , acknowledged the toast in a humorous speech , which elicited much laughter .
1 In submitting the toast of " The Worshipful Master Elect and the Officers , " the W . M . stated that he endorsed everything that had been said of Bro . Arthur Church , the W . M . elect , as he would be able to fill the chair with honour to himself and the lodge . He also referred to the other officers , remarking that when their time came to go forward they would not be found wanting , and would keep up the great prestige of the ledge .
Bro . A . H . Church , S . W . and W . M . elect , responded . He thanked them for the great honour they bad conferred upon him by electing him W . M ., as he would be the youngest Master in age in the lodge , and the day he was to be instilled would be the silver wedding of Ihe ledge . 1 le did not think that the officers he should appoint would be required to "sit up , " as they would be efficient in every way .
Bro . F . C . Lintott , J . W ., and ethers also responded in some good speeches . 1 he Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a most enjoyable gathering . The following vocally entertained the brethren : Bros . G . Schilling , VV . Banks , II . Creen , S . J . Edwards , Dr . Dalton , and E . J . II . Livett . It is pleasing to record that during the evening upwards of 40 guineas was subscribed lo the Worshipful Master ' s list as Steward for the Boys' Institution .
Installed Masters Lodge , No . 2134 . The regular meeting of this ledge was held in Freemasons' llall , Osborne-street ; Hull , on Friday , the 5 th instant . Present : Bros . G . L . bhackles , P . P . G . D ., W . M . , W . Tcsseyman , P . P . G . S . of W ., I . P . M . ; J \ Bilson , S . W . ; J . Henderson , P . P . G . W ., as J . W . ; Thos . B . Rcdfearn , P . A . G . Sec , Sec ; T . Foley , P . P . G . S . of VV ., as S . D . ; R . R . Hawlcy , P . P . G . Reg ., as J . D . ; A . King , P . P . G . D ., D . C ; M . Scott ,
P . P . G . W ., I . G . ; II . Preston , P . P . G . D ., Tjler ; M . C . Peck , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., P . G . Sec ; L . P . Brekke , J . Mackaill , P . P . G . S . B . j M . J . Martensen , and T . Morrill , W . M . 57 . Visitors : Bros . J . K . Stringer , P . P . G . O . ; Dr . F . Wilson , P . P . G . O . ; E . E . Wilson , W . Pearson , F . J . Cooper , H . Davis G . M . Poskitt , T . G . Milner , VV . W . Flelcher , G . Everingham , D . Swallow , J . Priest , T . Binnington , VV . N . Cheescman , P . P . D . G . D . C ; F . J . VV . Crowe , P . P . G . O . Devon ; A . Percy , J . Pybus , and II . Meyer .
Ihe lodge having been opened , and the minutes confirmed , the ballot was taken for a joining member , who was accepted . The W . M . then introduced Bro . F . J . VV . Crowe , P . P . G . O . Devon , who read an interesting paper upon Masonic certificates . Bro . Crowe fas bestowed much trouble and expense in the search of old Masonic certificates of all kinds , ar . cl claims to have obtained the most complete and representative collection in existence of these documents , of all Degrees and rites , and from all parts of the world . The lecturer said lhat there was a great fascination about Masonic certilicates ,
for , in the first place , they present history ; in the second place , symbolism ; and , in the third p lace , personality . They contain history in that they give evidence of ihe existence of a certain Masonic body , ( irand or subordinate , at apaillcular date , and that certain Degrees were worked at that date by that body . 'I hey contain symbolism in the designs , oflen extremely elaborate and handsome , with which the certificate is embellished , and they contain personality in that they bear the autograph of various Giand Officers ( in some rites including those of the entire
governing body ) as well as of the recipient , who may himself become famous in after years ; and so , infmany ways the collection of these relics of the past possesses a charm quite its own . Bro . Crowe referred to the eldest Masonic certificate known , and which is wiitten on a very curious document called " 'Ihe Ancient Stirling MS . of the Old Charges , " which is veiy minutely described in Bro . Hughan ' s latest work , and is
considered to date as far back as 1 C 00 , it not , indeed , earlier . The Grand Lodge of lingland took little or no trouble as to the registration of its members , or the granting of certilcales , during the eailier part of Us existence , and it was not until 1735 that certif cates were formally ree | uired by Grand Lodge . Previous to this dale , the private lodges issued their own certilicates , which « ere piaclically clearance ceitilicates , and of which Bro . Crowe displayed a large collection . The first published list of the various
Craft Masonry.
classes of Masonic certificates , with dale ^ , was issued by Bro . Crowe in a catalogue 0 his own collection , published in 1 S 94 . In tin ; following year , Bro . J . Ramsden Riley published his long-promised and handsome vnlume on " English Craft and Royal Arch Certificates , " under the auspices of Lodge Quatuor Coronati , 207 G , and at the present time Bro . Crowe is engaged upon an illustrated work dealing with the Masonic certificates of all Degrees and countries .
The lecturer , in describing the peculiarities and variations of the certificates issued by the two English Grand Lodges and Grand Chapters was greatly assisted by photographs shown by the lime-light , kindly manipulated by Bro . J . Pybus . At the close of the lecture the W . M . moved a vote of thanks to Bro . Crowe for his Kindness in coming from such a great distance to instruct and interest the brethren ,
which was seconded by Bro . M . C . Peck , who expressed the pleasure he had derived from the address and inspection of the many beautiful specimens which Bro . Crowe had brought . The time was all too short to admit of adequate study of them . The vote was carried by acclamation , and suitable acknowledgment by the lecturer . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the dining hall , where ¦¦ efreshments were provided by the W . M ., and a few happy hours were agreeably spent .
Hiram Lodge , No . 2416 . The last regular meeting of the session was held at Freemasons' Hall , on the 27 th ult . In the unavoidable absence of the Worshipful Master , Bro . G . Elkington , the chair was taken by Bro . Horace T . Bonner , I . P . M ., who was assisted by Bros . A . F . Wrightson , S . W . ; VV . West , J . W . ; F . A . Powell , P . M ., as I . P . M . ; Henry Lovegrove , G . S . B ., Sec . ; Merritt , Pearce , F . Tupper White , W . Henry White , Montagu Baldwin , and others . The business consisted of the passing of Bro . Young , and the raising of Bro . Lawrence . Two gentlemen were proposed for initiation .
Dinner followed , and the usual toasts were honoured , that of" The Grand Officers , " being received with great enthusiasm , as the senior P . M . and Sec . had to respond for the lirst time .
rvlolesey Lodge , No . 2473 . VISIT OF THE R . W . PROV . GRAND MASTER . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held at the Castle Hotel , East Molesey , on the Gth inst ., when the members and visitors assembled in goodly numbers , and were rewarded by witnessing a lengthy programme of work pei formed in an exemplary manner that left nothing to be desired . The lodge was opened at an early hour by Bro . J . R . Cleave , W . M ., supported by Bros . E . L . Berry , S . W ., Master elect ;
VV . Dennis , J . W . ; F . VV . Buxton , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Hewett , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M ., Sec . ; C . G . Sherwood , S . D . ; H . J . Keen , J . D . ; C . Stuart Walker , I . G . ; J . H . Hawkins , Prov . G . D . C ; J . D . Langton , D . G . D . C ; C . O . Burgess , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . Mayo , E . Lane Campbell , C . Morrell , D . C . ; H . G . Foan , Org . ; W . Lane , Tyler ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . Right Hon . Earl of Onslow , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . Chap . ; VV . Brown , P . G . S . B . ; C . Tyler , Prov . G . Sec ; W . B . Fendick , P . P . G . S . B . ; C . Cottebrune , P . G . P .: VV . S . Hooper , W . M . elect , 19 S 7 ; J . Skinner , W . M . 2191 ;
VV . O . Welsford , I . P . M . 1321 ; F . A . Ha / ledine , P . M . 2 ogS ; J . Woodward , 2191 ; G . H . Foan , P . M . 1 G 14 ; H . Luff , S . W . 24 G 0 ; J . B . Townsend , J . D . 214 ; W . A . Colyer , P . M . 11193 ; F - Neale , W . M . 12 S 1 ; F . C . Cooper , 44 ; F . Kedge , P . M . 2460 ; W . Sergeant Lee , P . M . 24 SS ; C . J . Webbe , 1305 ; J . A . Harrison , J . W . 24 S 8 ; W . Brooks , J . W . 2120 ; K . Sebastian Hart , P . P . G . D . ; J . H . Price , Prov . G . Treas . ; F . Jackson , P . M . ; W . Green , J . W . 22 ; VV . H . Gardiner , P . P . G . S . W . Berks ; C . B . Leatherby , 1 SG 1 ; P . Mayo , W . M . 2222 ; J . G . Lane , 214 C ; G . G . Symons , P . M . 45 ; and VV . VV . Lee , P . M . 1 S 97 , 23 S 1 .
The minutes were confirmed , and a satisfactory Audit report adopted . Bros . Norman Jones , J . G . Wood , and F . Muntzer were raised to the Third Degree , and Bro . II . A . Lewis was passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . H . Bevis was next initiated into Freemasonry . The Prov . G . M ., the Earl of Onslow , attended by the Grand Oilicers and Prov . Grand Officers , then entered the lodge room—an elegant and commodious chamber , recently erected for Masonic work—and having been saluted , had an opportunity of hearing the ancient charge rendered by the W . M . Bro . E . L . Berry , S . W .,
was presented for installation by Bro . C . O . Burgess , P . P . G . D ., and Bro . Cleave completed his arduous day's work by an impressive rendering of the installation ceremony , that well deserved the high encomiums subsequently passed by the Prov . G . M . The following officers were invested : Bros . J . R . Cleave , I . P . M . ; VV . Dennis , S . W . ; C . G . Sherwood , J . W . ; F . VV . Buxton , P . M ., Treasurer . ; S . Hewett , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Secretary ; H . J . Keen , S . D . ; C . Stuart Walker , J . D . ;
Charless Morrell , I . G . ; C . E . Gilbert , D . C ; A . W . Bray , A . D . C ; . H . G . Walkerand C . W . Frommholz , Stewards ; H . G . Foan , Organist ; and W . Lane , Tyler . The Prov . G . M . and the Prov . G . Sec . were unanimously elected honorary members , and returned thanks for the compliment . Bro . Cleave , I . P . M ., was re-elected the representative for the Provincial Charity Committee . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . M ., Bro . Cleave , who acknowledged the gift in an appropriate
manner . Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The usual toasts followed , the W . M . setting a commendable example in the brevity of his remarks .
In proposing " The Grand Odicers , the W . M . said the members of the Molesey Lodge were proud of the fact that their first W . M . —Bro . J . D . Langton—had recently been appointed D . G . D . C , a reward to which he was justly entitled by his hard and earnest work in Masonry . Bro . the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G , Chap ., in reply , said he thought he could say
he had known the Province of Surrey longer than any brother in the room , as it was 30 years since he first visited a Surrey lodge . He attended on the present occasion , not only as a Grand Officer , but also as the Dep . Prov . G . M . of Bucks , and for many years those two provinces had worked together harmoniously . The interchange of visits was always gladly welcomed on both sides . He could not disconnect himself from the province which he considered almost his second mother province .
The W . M . then proposed "The R . W . Prov . Grand Master , " to whom , on behalf of the lodge , he offered a right royal Surrey welcome . That was the first visit of the Provincial Grand Master to the Molesey Lodge , and they considered themselves highly honoured in having such an eminent brother to preside over them . Besides taking a keen interest in municipal politics , the Provincial Grand Master found time to look alter Masonry in Surrey , and the longer he was their chief , the more would the Surrey Masons admire him .
Bro . the Earl of Onslow , Prov . G . M ., in reply , said : It affords me very great pleasure to be present to-night and see the work of this lodge . I have visited a few of the lodges—and I am sorry to say but a few—in the province , but I can safely say it has never been under auspices so good , as regards work and agreeable surroundings , as 1 have enjoyed during my visit to this lodge . It has been often said that Surrey is the bed-chamber of London , but 1 am not sure in the case ofthis lodge that London is not the bed-chamber of the Molesey Lodge . But whether you live in London or Surrey we offer you
a hearty welcomed you select thatcounty forthemeelingsof yourlodge . 'I here are many strong and powerful lodges in Surrey , but some small and weak , and I as the Prov . G . Master , would gladly welcome in view of the increase in the number of lodges , that our neighbours would come down and strengthen some of our old lodges in the province . I am glad to have this opportunity ot announcing that it is our intention to hold the Prov . G . Lodge meeting in Kingslon , on 22 nd July . It is a town in which I think Prov . G . Lodge has not been held lor 12 yearsbut it is an important centreand I hope that the
, , Freemasons of Kingston , whom I have not met , will give us the welcome always accorded in all parts . "New brooms ( sweep clean , " and I am a new broom ; but whether 1 sweep clean you will judge for yourselves . I propose to make an alteration in the manner in which our Ptov . G . Lodge meeting is held . It has been the practice for P . ' G . Lodge to be held under the banner of some lodge or lodges in the place determined upon , and 1 propose that it shall not be held under any banner , but pay its own
expenses . Under those conditions it will be found more easy for the Prov . G . Master in awarding the honours to the several ledges to select those who have done gooJ work , and award them without favour or distinction equally in all parts . It is for that reason I have decided to make that change . 1 beg to assure you I am not going to make a long speech , for there is nothing I dislike more . I will only thank you lor the tight royal welcome accorded me .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Craft Masonry.
without saying , and the way he did the work of the ritual was in a quiet , but effective manner , and the great services he had rendered to the lodge were appreciated by all the members . Bro . Geddes , W . M ., who was well received , responded , lie thanked them most cordially for receiving the toast so heartily , and he again referred to the Past Master ' s
jewel which had been voted to him , and he thanked them for the io guineas for the Boys . He did not deserve so much kindness from them , but he fully appreciated it . That was his last night as Master , and he was enjoying himself much , but he regretted to go now lhat lie was beginning to feel comfortable in his position . In conclusion , he begged hard for the members to liberally support his list as Steward for the Boys .
The Worshipful Master proposed "The Initiate . " He said that what they had seen of him that evening made them anxious to see more of him , and he thought he wouklbe an excellent acquisition to the lodge and the Craft , and he advised him to at once join the lodge of instruction connected with the lodge . In response , Bro . F . W . Moore thanked them all for having received him into their fold . ' 1 hey knew he had taken a certain vow , which he meant to fulfil , and he earnestly hoped to carry out in every way all that he had been taught that night .
"The Visitors" was next given , the W . M . remaaking that no words of his were necessary to commend the toast . They were all more than welcome , and the lodge could not have too many guests . Those present were all of the jolly kind , and he associated with the toast the names of Bros . J . Miller , P . M . 1491 ; J . J . Wharton , 6 5 ; Dr . Dalton , and Jas . Bunker , P . M . 115 S . Bro . Miller , P . M ., responded , observing that the Clapton Lodge was gifted for the way they received and entertained their visitors . The W . M . was an old friend of his , and his excellent work they had witnessed took him by surprise , and he felt that their ruler was one of the very best .
Bro . J . J . Wharton said that he was glad to be there amongst so many old friends , and the working and hospitality of the lodge had not decreased in any way . Masonry bound men to men and hearts lo hearts .
Bro . Dr . Dalton also acknowledged the toast in brief terms . Bro . J . Bunker , P . M ., stated that it was not his first visit by a great many . He was pleased that his friend , Bro . A . 11 . Church , had been elected W . M . He saw him initiated by his father , Bro . VV . D . Church , and he hoped it would be his good fortune to be present when the worthy father would instal so worthy a son . There was no doubt he would carry out the duties of his new office in a way that was expected of him , and that at the end of his year of office the verdict would be " Well done , Bro . Arthur Church . "
In givit . g "The Treasurer , Secretary , and Past Masters , " the W . M . stated that they were in cviderce to them all , and nothing was necessary from him to call attention to their many virtues , except to add that the success and life of the lodge was due to them , and he coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Blackburn , P . M ., Treas ., and W . D . Church , P . M ., Sec .
Bro . Blackburn , P . M ., acknowledged the toast , and thanked the members for having re-elected him as Treasurer , which he considered was a great honour . He had the pleasing duty to inform them that the lodge was in a very flourishing state , which was entirely due to the energies of the indefatigable Secretary , Bro . VV . D . Church . They were all proud of the W . M . elect , Bro . A . H . Church , who would make one of the best of Masters in the annals of the lodge .
Bro . VV . D . Church , P . M ., also responded , and said that he was in a peculiar position that evening , because he stood in doubt as to whether he would be again appointed Secretary , as it hael been whispered to him that the W . M . elect had intimated that he intended to make his officers " sit up . " However , if the coming W . M . did not overlcok him , he would continue his efforts as Secretary of the Clapton Lodge He could not resume his scat without thanking them from his heart for having elected his son W . M . He was his lirst initiate , and Bro . Geddes had been kind enough to say that he ( Bro . VV . D . Church ) could instnl him as W . M ., and it would be gratifying to him to have that great honour .
Bro . VV . I'irch , P . M ., said lhat the W . M . had distinguished himself in the lodge , his speeches at the barque ling table were out of the common , and when he came on the shelf of the Past Masleis he would be received with open arms . Ailer iepcated rails , Bio . R . E . Fairclcugh slated that that would be the last time he would appear as the I . P . M ., and he took lhat opportunity of thanking the W . M . and the members for the many kindnesses he had received at their hands . Bro . D . Campbell , who wasalso called upon , acknowledged the toast in a humorous speech , which elicited much laughter .
1 In submitting the toast of " The Worshipful Master Elect and the Officers , " the W . M . stated that he endorsed everything that had been said of Bro . Arthur Church , the W . M . elect , as he would be able to fill the chair with honour to himself and the lodge . He also referred to the other officers , remarking that when their time came to go forward they would not be found wanting , and would keep up the great prestige of the ledge .
Bro . A . H . Church , S . W . and W . M . elect , responded . He thanked them for the great honour they bad conferred upon him by electing him W . M ., as he would be the youngest Master in age in the lodge , and the day he was to be instilled would be the silver wedding of Ihe ledge . 1 le did not think that the officers he should appoint would be required to "sit up , " as they would be efficient in every way .
Bro . F . C . Lintott , J . W ., and ethers also responded in some good speeches . 1 he Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a most enjoyable gathering . The following vocally entertained the brethren : Bros . G . Schilling , VV . Banks , II . Creen , S . J . Edwards , Dr . Dalton , and E . J . II . Livett . It is pleasing to record that during the evening upwards of 40 guineas was subscribed lo the Worshipful Master ' s list as Steward for the Boys' Institution .
Installed Masters Lodge , No . 2134 . The regular meeting of this ledge was held in Freemasons' llall , Osborne-street ; Hull , on Friday , the 5 th instant . Present : Bros . G . L . bhackles , P . P . G . D ., W . M . , W . Tcsseyman , P . P . G . S . of W ., I . P . M . ; J \ Bilson , S . W . ; J . Henderson , P . P . G . W ., as J . W . ; Thos . B . Rcdfearn , P . A . G . Sec , Sec ; T . Foley , P . P . G . S . of VV ., as S . D . ; R . R . Hawlcy , P . P . G . Reg ., as J . D . ; A . King , P . P . G . D ., D . C ; M . Scott ,
P . P . G . W ., I . G . ; II . Preston , P . P . G . D ., Tjler ; M . C . Peck , P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., P . G . Sec ; L . P . Brekke , J . Mackaill , P . P . G . S . B . j M . J . Martensen , and T . Morrill , W . M . 57 . Visitors : Bros . J . K . Stringer , P . P . G . O . ; Dr . F . Wilson , P . P . G . O . ; E . E . Wilson , W . Pearson , F . J . Cooper , H . Davis G . M . Poskitt , T . G . Milner , VV . W . Flelcher , G . Everingham , D . Swallow , J . Priest , T . Binnington , VV . N . Cheescman , P . P . D . G . D . C ; F . J . VV . Crowe , P . P . G . O . Devon ; A . Percy , J . Pybus , and II . Meyer .
Ihe lodge having been opened , and the minutes confirmed , the ballot was taken for a joining member , who was accepted . The W . M . then introduced Bro . F . J . VV . Crowe , P . P . G . O . Devon , who read an interesting paper upon Masonic certificates . Bro . Crowe fas bestowed much trouble and expense in the search of old Masonic certificates of all kinds , ar . cl claims to have obtained the most complete and representative collection in existence of these documents , of all Degrees and rites , and from all parts of the world . The lecturer said lhat there was a great fascination about Masonic certilicates ,
for , in the first place , they present history ; in the second place , symbolism ; and , in the third p lace , personality . They contain history in that they give evidence of ihe existence of a certain Masonic body , ( irand or subordinate , at apaillcular date , and that certain Degrees were worked at that date by that body . 'I hey contain symbolism in the designs , oflen extremely elaborate and handsome , with which the certificate is embellished , and they contain personality in that they bear the autograph of various Giand Officers ( in some rites including those of the entire
governing body ) as well as of the recipient , who may himself become famous in after years ; and so , infmany ways the collection of these relics of the past possesses a charm quite its own . Bro . Crowe referred to the eldest Masonic certificate known , and which is wiitten on a very curious document called " 'Ihe Ancient Stirling MS . of the Old Charges , " which is veiy minutely described in Bro . Hughan ' s latest work , and is
considered to date as far back as 1 C 00 , it not , indeed , earlier . The Grand Lodge of lingland took little or no trouble as to the registration of its members , or the granting of certilcales , during the eailier part of Us existence , and it was not until 1735 that certif cates were formally ree | uired by Grand Lodge . Previous to this dale , the private lodges issued their own certilicates , which « ere piaclically clearance ceitilicates , and of which Bro . Crowe displayed a large collection . The first published list of the various
Craft Masonry.
classes of Masonic certificates , with dale ^ , was issued by Bro . Crowe in a catalogue 0 his own collection , published in 1 S 94 . In tin ; following year , Bro . J . Ramsden Riley published his long-promised and handsome vnlume on " English Craft and Royal Arch Certificates , " under the auspices of Lodge Quatuor Coronati , 207 G , and at the present time Bro . Crowe is engaged upon an illustrated work dealing with the Masonic certificates of all Degrees and countries .
The lecturer , in describing the peculiarities and variations of the certificates issued by the two English Grand Lodges and Grand Chapters was greatly assisted by photographs shown by the lime-light , kindly manipulated by Bro . J . Pybus . At the close of the lecture the W . M . moved a vote of thanks to Bro . Crowe for his Kindness in coming from such a great distance to instruct and interest the brethren ,
which was seconded by Bro . M . C . Peck , who expressed the pleasure he had derived from the address and inspection of the many beautiful specimens which Bro . Crowe had brought . The time was all too short to admit of adequate study of them . The vote was carried by acclamation , and suitable acknowledgment by the lecturer . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the dining hall , where ¦¦ efreshments were provided by the W . M ., and a few happy hours were agreeably spent .
Hiram Lodge , No . 2416 . The last regular meeting of the session was held at Freemasons' Hall , on the 27 th ult . In the unavoidable absence of the Worshipful Master , Bro . G . Elkington , the chair was taken by Bro . Horace T . Bonner , I . P . M ., who was assisted by Bros . A . F . Wrightson , S . W . ; VV . West , J . W . ; F . A . Powell , P . M ., as I . P . M . ; Henry Lovegrove , G . S . B ., Sec . ; Merritt , Pearce , F . Tupper White , W . Henry White , Montagu Baldwin , and others . The business consisted of the passing of Bro . Young , and the raising of Bro . Lawrence . Two gentlemen were proposed for initiation .
Dinner followed , and the usual toasts were honoured , that of" The Grand Officers , " being received with great enthusiasm , as the senior P . M . and Sec . had to respond for the lirst time .
rvlolesey Lodge , No . 2473 . VISIT OF THE R . W . PROV . GRAND MASTER . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held at the Castle Hotel , East Molesey , on the Gth inst ., when the members and visitors assembled in goodly numbers , and were rewarded by witnessing a lengthy programme of work pei formed in an exemplary manner that left nothing to be desired . The lodge was opened at an early hour by Bro . J . R . Cleave , W . M ., supported by Bros . E . L . Berry , S . W ., Master elect ;
VV . Dennis , J . W . ; F . VV . Buxton , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Hewett , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M ., Sec . ; C . G . Sherwood , S . D . ; H . J . Keen , J . D . ; C . Stuart Walker , I . G . ; J . H . Hawkins , Prov . G . D . C ; J . D . Langton , D . G . D . C ; C . O . Burgess , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . Mayo , E . Lane Campbell , C . Morrell , D . C . ; H . G . Foan , Org . ; W . Lane , Tyler ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . Right Hon . Earl of Onslow , Prov . G . M . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . Chap . ; VV . Brown , P . G . S . B . ; C . Tyler , Prov . G . Sec ; W . B . Fendick , P . P . G . S . B . ; C . Cottebrune , P . G . P .: VV . S . Hooper , W . M . elect , 19 S 7 ; J . Skinner , W . M . 2191 ;
VV . O . Welsford , I . P . M . 1321 ; F . A . Ha / ledine , P . M . 2 ogS ; J . Woodward , 2191 ; G . H . Foan , P . M . 1 G 14 ; H . Luff , S . W . 24 G 0 ; J . B . Townsend , J . D . 214 ; W . A . Colyer , P . M . 11193 ; F - Neale , W . M . 12 S 1 ; F . C . Cooper , 44 ; F . Kedge , P . M . 2460 ; W . Sergeant Lee , P . M . 24 SS ; C . J . Webbe , 1305 ; J . A . Harrison , J . W . 24 S 8 ; W . Brooks , J . W . 2120 ; K . Sebastian Hart , P . P . G . D . ; J . H . Price , Prov . G . Treas . ; F . Jackson , P . M . ; W . Green , J . W . 22 ; VV . H . Gardiner , P . P . G . S . W . Berks ; C . B . Leatherby , 1 SG 1 ; P . Mayo , W . M . 2222 ; J . G . Lane , 214 C ; G . G . Symons , P . M . 45 ; and VV . VV . Lee , P . M . 1 S 97 , 23 S 1 .
The minutes were confirmed , and a satisfactory Audit report adopted . Bros . Norman Jones , J . G . Wood , and F . Muntzer were raised to the Third Degree , and Bro . II . A . Lewis was passed to the Second Degree , and Bro . H . Bevis was next initiated into Freemasonry . The Prov . G . M ., the Earl of Onslow , attended by the Grand Oilicers and Prov . Grand Officers , then entered the lodge room—an elegant and commodious chamber , recently erected for Masonic work—and having been saluted , had an opportunity of hearing the ancient charge rendered by the W . M . Bro . E . L . Berry , S . W .,
was presented for installation by Bro . C . O . Burgess , P . P . G . D ., and Bro . Cleave completed his arduous day's work by an impressive rendering of the installation ceremony , that well deserved the high encomiums subsequently passed by the Prov . G . M . The following officers were invested : Bros . J . R . Cleave , I . P . M . ; VV . Dennis , S . W . ; C . G . Sherwood , J . W . ; F . VV . Buxton , P . M ., Treasurer . ; S . Hewett , P . M ., P . P . G . Std . Br ., Secretary ; H . J . Keen , S . D . ; C . Stuart Walker , J . D . ;
Charless Morrell , I . G . ; C . E . Gilbert , D . C ; A . W . Bray , A . D . C ; . H . G . Walkerand C . W . Frommholz , Stewards ; H . G . Foan , Organist ; and W . Lane , Tyler . The Prov . G . M . and the Prov . G . Sec . were unanimously elected honorary members , and returned thanks for the compliment . Bro . Cleave , I . P . M ., was re-elected the representative for the Provincial Charity Committee . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . M ., Bro . Cleave , who acknowledged the gift in an appropriate
manner . Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The usual toasts followed , the W . M . setting a commendable example in the brevity of his remarks .
In proposing " The Grand Odicers , the W . M . said the members of the Molesey Lodge were proud of the fact that their first W . M . —Bro . J . D . Langton—had recently been appointed D . G . D . C , a reward to which he was justly entitled by his hard and earnest work in Masonry . Bro . the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G , Chap ., in reply , said he thought he could say
he had known the Province of Surrey longer than any brother in the room , as it was 30 years since he first visited a Surrey lodge . He attended on the present occasion , not only as a Grand Officer , but also as the Dep . Prov . G . M . of Bucks , and for many years those two provinces had worked together harmoniously . The interchange of visits was always gladly welcomed on both sides . He could not disconnect himself from the province which he considered almost his second mother province .
The W . M . then proposed "The R . W . Prov . Grand Master , " to whom , on behalf of the lodge , he offered a right royal Surrey welcome . That was the first visit of the Provincial Grand Master to the Molesey Lodge , and they considered themselves highly honoured in having such an eminent brother to preside over them . Besides taking a keen interest in municipal politics , the Provincial Grand Master found time to look alter Masonry in Surrey , and the longer he was their chief , the more would the Surrey Masons admire him .
Bro . the Earl of Onslow , Prov . G . M ., in reply , said : It affords me very great pleasure to be present to-night and see the work of this lodge . I have visited a few of the lodges—and I am sorry to say but a few—in the province , but I can safely say it has never been under auspices so good , as regards work and agreeable surroundings , as 1 have enjoyed during my visit to this lodge . It has been often said that Surrey is the bed-chamber of London , but 1 am not sure in the case ofthis lodge that London is not the bed-chamber of the Molesey Lodge . But whether you live in London or Surrey we offer you
a hearty welcomed you select thatcounty forthemeelingsof yourlodge . 'I here are many strong and powerful lodges in Surrey , but some small and weak , and I as the Prov . G . Master , would gladly welcome in view of the increase in the number of lodges , that our neighbours would come down and strengthen some of our old lodges in the province . I am glad to have this opportunity ot announcing that it is our intention to hold the Prov . G . Lodge meeting in Kingslon , on 22 nd July . It is a town in which I think Prov . G . Lodge has not been held lor 12 yearsbut it is an important centreand I hope that the
, , Freemasons of Kingston , whom I have not met , will give us the welcome always accorded in all parts . "New brooms ( sweep clean , " and I am a new broom ; but whether 1 sweep clean you will judge for yourselves . I propose to make an alteration in the manner in which our Ptov . G . Lodge meeting is held . It has been the practice for P . ' G . Lodge to be held under the banner of some lodge or lodges in the place determined upon , and 1 propose that it shall not be held under any banner , but pay its own
expenses . Under those conditions it will be found more easy for the Prov . G . Master in awarding the honours to the several ledges to select those who have done gooJ work , and award them without favour or distinction equally in all parts . It is for that reason I have decided to make that change . 1 beg to assure you I am not going to make a long speech , for there is nothing I dislike more . I will only thank you lor the tight royal welcome accorded me .