Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and Shirley Lodges , in whose presence the W . M ., Bro . Thomas Lashmore , initiated , passed , and raised two bre thren in each of the Three Degrees respectively , performing the ceremonies in the admirably correct and intelligent manner by which his working has throughout the year been distinguished . Before the lodge closed Bro . T . P .

Payne , the oldest Past Master , in the presence of about fifty of the members , in the name of the lodge presented the I . P . M ., Bro . Martin , with a gold Past Master's jewel in recognition of his services in the chair last year . Adjourning to refreshment , Bro . Lashmore presided over an elegant repast , followed by some excellent speech-making ,

agreeably interspersed with charming selections on the harmonium , of which he is so complete a master , by P . M . Rob ' ert Sharpe , of the Royal Gloucester Lodge , and several admirable songs , not the least noticeable among them being the spirited interpretation by Bro . John Brown of "TheMarch of the Cameron Men . "

HARTLEPOOL . —St . Helen ' s Lodge ( No . 531 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday evening , the 4 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Regent-square , Hartlepool , at 7 . 30 . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . F . H . Bennett . The minutes of the last lodge were read and confirmed , and the ballot

was taken for Mr . George Thompson Walker , a candidate for Masonry , which , upon investigation , proved unanimous . The lodge was then raised to the Second Degree , when Bro . Matthew Harrison was examined , and having given satisfactory evidence of proficiency , was entrusted and retired . During his absence the lodge was opened in

the Third Degree , when he was re-admitted , and raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The lodge was then worked down to the Second and First Degrees , when " Hearty good wishes " having been given by the visiting brethren , and a brother proposed as a joining member , the lodge was closed , according to ancient custom , in due ana solemn form .

HAVANT . —Carnarvon Lodge ( No . 804 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , the 2 nd inst . The following members and visitors were present : —Bros . C . H . Liddell , W . M . ; "W . Dart , J . W . j T . P . Hall , I . P . M . ; J . Weeks , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Francis , P . M ., Sec . ; J . N . Hillman , P . M . ; J . Harrison , P . M . ; J . A . Elverston , S . D . ; H . G .

Richardson , J . D . ; J . J . Field , KG . ; T . D . Askew , Org . ; J . Collings and W . H . S . Parsons , Stewards ; Blackmore , Tyler ; J . Price , C . D . Gourd , G . T . Gourd , C . U . Burr , H . Kimber , G . W . Chinnock , R . T . Leaver , H . S . Young , A . J Sunn , E . Farminer , C . A . Harding , and J . J . Bascombe . Visitors : Bros . S . J . Fone ; 731 ; W . Ford , 487 ; Bull , 353 ; W . M . Oubtidge , J . D . 1776 ; W . Lemanten , 481 ; Goodwin

Nash , 40 ; Leopold R . Mills , S . W . 49 . The only business consisted of raising three brethren to the degree of M . M . ' s , which was ably performed by the W . M ., the lecture on the T . B . and the W . T . being given by the J . W . The lodge was closed down to the First Degree , and two gentlemen were proposed as candidates for initiation . There being no other business , the lodge was closed .

COCKERMOUTH . —Skiddaw Lodge ( No . 1002 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , Station-street , Cockermouth , on Tuesday evening , the 2 nd inst . There were present Bros . Capt . Sewell , W . M . ; T . Bird , S . W . ; T . C . Robinson , J . W . ; R , Robinson , P . M . and Treas . ; W Shilton , P . M . ; W . II .

Lewthwaite , P . M . and Org . ; W . Taylor , P . M . ; R . W . Robinson , Sec ; H . Peacock , S . D . ; R . Harrison , KG . ; J . Hewson , Tyler ; I . Evening , IK Carruthers , J . Towers , D . Sinclair , and W . F . Lamonby , P . M . ( Freemaron ) . The business before the lodge was the passing of Bro . Sinclair ,

which ceremony was performed by the W . M ., who also explained the Second Tracing Board , whilst the lecture of the Degree was delivered by the S . W ., and the working tools presented by the J . W . The lodge was then closed in form .

LANCASTER . —Rowley Lodge ( No . IOJI ) . —The general meeting of the members forming the above lodge was held on the 1 st inst ., in the Masonic Rooms at the Athenaeum . Bro . N . W . Helme , the W . Master , presided , being supported by his respective officers , Bro . Dr . Moore , P . G . S . B . of E ., filling the chair of I . P . M .

There was a fair attendance of members and visiting brethren . The lodge was opened in the First Degree with solemn prayer , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . Bros . Marriott and Kershaw were then advanced to the pedestal , and having given proficiency as Entered Apprentices , were entrusted and retired ,

The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , when Bros . Marriott and Kershaw were separately re-admitted and passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . The working of the Degree was well gone through , and at its conclusion the S . W . ( Bro . Taylor ) gave the lecture on the First Tracing Board , and the acting J . W . ( Bro . Hannay ) that on

the Second ; the S . W . also explained the working tools to the newly-passed brethrtn . The lodge was then closed down to the First Degree , and the usual proclamations were made , eliciting " Hearty good wishes" from the visiting brethren , and the lodge closed in peace , love , and harmony , and with solemn prayer .

NORTH WOOLWICH . — Henley Lodge ( No . 1472 ) . —Tile , first meeting of the above lodge since its summer vacation took place on Tuesday , the 2 nd inst , at Bro . West ' s house , the Three Crowns , and though not so well attended as usual , yet lost none of its usual

attractiveness on the score of brotherly love and charity , which in this lodge has something more than a mere name . It is not a strong or pawerful lodge at present , but its charity , brotherly love , and hospitality are above suspicion . The W . M ., Bro . W . T . Turner , opened the lodge in due form

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and the minutes of the last meeting were passed . Mr . Thomas Tolhurst and Mr . Bichard Clark were then , after being balloted for and approved , initiated into Freemasonry . Bros . Weaver and Stanley were passed to the Second Degree , and Bros . Jennings and Phelps were raised to the Third Degree , the whole of the work being done by the W . M ., assisted by the following officers : —Bros . Dr . W . Vance ,

S . W . ; J . Ives , P . M . and Sec . ; E . West , P . M . ; J . Elder , S . D . ; J . Palmer , J . D . ; V . J . Holloway , D . C . ; Burgess , KG . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; and W . Page , P . M ., Tyler . Bro . J . Gasketl , P . M . 1076 , in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Lloyd , took the position of J . W . Among the visitors were Bros . Gaskell W . Brown , 1076 ; C . Jolly , 013 ( Freemason ) , and others . Before the lodge was

closed Bro . P . M . West alluded in feeling terms to the loss they had sustained by the death of Bro . H . Sisley , P . M ., and as he might fairly say the founder of the lodge . He regretted much that there had not been sufficient time sinre his death to acquaint the W . M ., so as to put the lodge in mourning for their deceased brother , but moved that the lodge now go into mourning for two months for

that brother . He spoke of visiting our deceased brother , and of the peace and faith in which he died . Bro . Ives added his regret to that of Bro . West's at the loss of one who was a worthy man and a good Mason , and spoke of the intimacy and good feeling that had always existed between himself and Bro . Sisley in life . It was then proposed and unanimously carried that the sum of ten guineas

should be placed in the hands of widow Sisley for her immediate needs , and Bro . West undertook to see her , and report at the next meeting , with a view to an appeal to the Benevolent Fund of the Order . The lodge was then closed with " Hearty good wishes , " and the brethren adjourned to partake of a cold collation , set out with all the taste and bountifulness so often evinced by Bro . West

and his amiable wife . Upon re-assembling round the social board , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and responded to . " The Health of Bro . Turner " was cordially proposed and responded to . In reply to that of "The Past Masters , " Bro . West drew a feeling reference to the sad event that took place that night last year , when the unfortunate " Princess Alice " was lost with over 700

souls . Then their harmony was broken by that dread event , and by a strange coincidence the sad death of one of their Past Masters , in fact the first P . M ., Bro . Sisley , precluded the possibility of their indulging in a song that nig ht . There was a general expression of regret at the loss the lodge had sustained , and after Bro . Gaskell had replied for " The Visitors , " and "The Initiates and Officers " had been toasted , the proceedings ended .

INSTRUCTION . SOUTHAMPTON . — Royal Gloucester Lodge ( No . 130 ) . —This lodge of instruction rc-assembled after the summer recess on Monday , the 1 ith inst ., when the W . Bro . R . Sharpe , its admirable Hon . Secretary and Treasurer for some years , was unanimously re-elected to that position , and heartily thanked for past efforts , which

have so much conduced both to the vitality and the success of the lodge . It is perhaps worthy of passing notice that , anticipating some remarks lately made in the columns of the Freemason , as to the proper mode of conducting these lodges of instruction , not only do the Mastsr and Past Masters of the mother lodge regularly take part in

its working , but the lodge is opened and worked precisely as a regular lodge , except , of course , in respect to initiations . Minutes are kept of its proceedings , and a report from time to time presented to the lodge under whose warrant it works of its proceedings , the state of its finances , & c .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

ST . MARK'S LODGE ( N'o . 1 ) . —The installation meeting of this distinguished lodge was held on Tuesday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street . There were present among others Bros . H . A . Dubois , P . M ., W . M . ; G . Newman , S . W ., W . M . elect ; the Rev . P . Holden , P . G . C ., & c , J . W . ; H . C . Kevander , G . R ., & c . Treasurer ; E . H . Thiellay , I . P . M .,

Secretary ; Cubiu , G . Z . O ., P . M . ; Simmonds , P . M . ; W . Stephens , S . O . ; Dr . Wilkinson , J . O . ; W . E . Williams , S . U . ; Shepherd , Registrar ; Santer , KG . ; H . Parker , Organist ; Gilbert , Janitor . Bro . T . C . Walls , S . W . 211 , 238 , & e . ( Fircmamu ) , was a visitor . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the Rev . Bro . Holden , by permission of the W . ; g ., most ably

advanced Bros . C . G . Rushworth , G . R . of Middlesex , St . Thomas ' s Lodge , 142 , & c , and G . Sandell , St . John's Lodge , 167 . The ceremony of inducting Bro . Newman , W . M . eKct , into the chair , was aUo performed by Bro . Holden . The elocutionary and general Masonic abilities of the reverend brother are so widely and deservedly known that it would be superfluous to expatiate upon them , but

suffice it lo say the beautiful ceremonial was so well performed that at its conclusion a vote of thanks to Bro . Holden was passed with acclamation , and ordered to be recorded on the minutes . The officers appointed and invested for the year were as follows : —Bros . Dubois , I . P . M . ; the Rev . P . Holden , S . W . ; Stephens , J . W . ; Levandcr , Treasurer ; Thiellay , Secretary ; Dr . Wilkinson , M . O . ; Shepherd , S . O . ; Williams , J . O . ; Santer , R . of M . ;

Kami ) , S . D . ( by Deputy ); Frost , J . D . ; Rushworth , KG . ; Parker , Organist ; Gilbert , Janitor . The report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . The subject of subscribing to the Wentwnrth Kittle Memorial Fund and the Mark Benevolent Fund was postponed until the next meeting . The lodge was then duly and formally closed , and Ihe brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . Upon the removal of the cluth the customary Royal and Mark toasts were done full justice to . " The Grand Offi .

Mark Masonry.

cers , Present and Past , " was acknowledged in brief but pertinent terms by Bros . Cubitt , Holden , and Kevander " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed in eloquent and complimentary terms by Bro . H . A . Dubois , I . P . M ., and having been duly honoured , Bro . Newman made a modest response . " The Advancees " were pledged , and in repl y Bros . Rushworth and Sandell expressed the great

gratification they felt in having been admitted members of the St . Mark ' s Lodge , and they also spoke in very eulogistic terms of the manner in which they had been advanced " The Health of the Visitor " followed , and was acknowledged by Bro . Walls . In giving the toast of " The Past Masters , " the W . M . took occasion to congratulate the lodge upon possessing so many distinguished brethren who had passed the chair . He particularly mentioned the

names of Bros . Dubois , Levander , Cubitt , and Thiellay , and complimented those brethren upon the great services they had rendered , not only to the Mark Degree , but to Freemasonry generally . This toast having been received with excellent " fire , " the brethren thus signalised severally responded . The toast of " The Officers " was given , and the Janitor ' s toast terminated the proceedings , which were throughout eminently successful .

PLUMSTEAD —Excelsior Lodge ( No . 226 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Kord Raglan , on Tuesday evening , the 9 th instant , Bro . John G . Holmes , P . M ., & c , in the chair , supported by the following brethren : —Bros . Smyth , Weston , Solbe ' , Penfold , Keys , Palmer , Sculley , Moulds , Kennedy , Wilson ,

1 appenden , Deeves , Ovenden , Chamberlin , Hepburn , and others . The routine business having been disposed of , Bro . W . A . Tucker , of Lodge 913 , was admitted with the usual formalities to the Degree of Mark Master Mason . Several grants for charitable purposes having been made , the lodge adjourned at an early hour .

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Red Cross of Constantine .

PREMIER CONCLAVE . —The quarterly meeting of this popular conclave was held at Freemasons ' Tavern , Great Queen-street , on Monday , the 1 st instant . There were present Sir Knights Kingston , M . P . S . ; Nunn , P . G . S . G ., P . G . S ., & c , acting V . E . ; Massa . KG . ; Cubitt , P . G . S ., & c , Treas . ; Levander , P . G . S ., & c , Recorder ; Marsh , P . G . S ., & c ; H . A . Dubois , P . G . S ., & c . ; Thiellay ,

H . P . ; Stedwell , Orator ; T . C . Walls , A . D . C . ; Gilbert and Harrison , Sentinels . The minutes of the previous convocation _ were read and confirmed . The roll of the officers appointed at the last conclave was called as follows : Sir Knights Peters , V . E . ; Macartney , M . P ., Senior General ; Massa , KG . ; Thiellay , H . P . ; Cubitt , Treas . ; Levander , Recorder ; Shirley , Prefect ; Stedwell , Orator

Mather , S . B . ; Parker , Org . ; Moses , Herald ; Stevens and Walls , A . D . C . ' s ; Gilbert and Harrison , Sentinels . Several communications from absent Sir Kni ghts were read by the Recorder . Previously to the conclave being dissolved , Sir Knight Walls gave notice of motion that at the next quarterly convocation the subject of the recognition of the services of the subscribing Past Grand Sovereigns of the

Premier Ccnclave should be considered . The Sir Kni ghts then adjourned to an excellent and well-served banquet . The subsequent proceedings were but of a formal character . "The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was responded to by Sir Knights Nunn , Cubitt , Levander , Marsh , and Dubois . " The M . P . S . " followed , and was proposed

in happy terms by Sir Knight Marsh . Sir Knight Kingston having replied , gave "The P . G . S . ' s . " This toast having received ample justice , was acknowledged in a modest speech , upon behalf of himself and colleagues , by Sir Knight Cubitt . The proceedings terminated at an early hour with the Sentinel ' s toast .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . JOHN SEAGER . We regret to announce the death of Bro . John Seager , of the Marquis of Granby , New Cross-road , which melancholy event occurred early on Wednesday morning , the 3 rd inst . Members of the Star Lodge of Instruction , who were wont to attend the weekly assemblies at this house will not readily forget the genial and courteous host who took

so active a part in promoting the interests of the Craft , and they will share with a very wide circle of private friends the deep regret that has been caused at the sudden termination of a useful life . Bro . Seager drove to Chislehurst on Monday afternoon , and up to half-past eleven o ' clock on Tuesday night he was apparently in his usual health and spirits . He was seized with illness during the night , however , and notwithstanding every care and

caitention was bestowed he passed away shortly before four o ' clock on Wednesday morning . Bro . Seager was a warm supporter of the Benevolent Institutions connected with Freemasonry , as well as of the trade of which he was a member , and his loss will be very generally deplored . In consequence of this sal event the usual weekly meeting of Star Lodge of Instruction will not take place at the Marquis of Granby 1 his ( Saturday ) evening .

BRO . REV . GEORGE THOMAS NOWELL WATKINS . Th « New Zealand papers record the death of Bro . the Rev . Geoige Thomas Nowcll Watkins , incumbent of Holy Trinity , Grcymouth , which sad event took place on June

18 th last . Bro . Watkins was a native of Greenwich , where he obtained his early education , finishing his studies at King ' s College , London . He subsequently undertook the care of private pupils , acted for some time as Chaplain of Greenwich Union , and later on as curate of St . Paul ' s , Deptfoid . Ten years ago he was appointed to the