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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and Deputy Grand Masters , might hold that position for many years to come . Grand Lodge was rather a changeable Parliament , for every year they had a change of officers , from the Wardens and Deacons to other Grand Officers . They had now been a considerable time before the brethren , and he believed those who had already been before the brethren had done their duty to the satisfaction of the entire Craft . Grand Lodge was now passing on to
another change , and he felt confident that those who would be appointed to replace those now in office would do their duty as far as lay in their power as much to the satisfaction of the brethren as those who had gone before . The W . M . had been kind enough to allude to the Province of Middlesex , and had said it was the best of all the provinces . He ( Bro . Sir Francis Burdett ) would be very well satisfied if they were as good as any other province under the
Grand Master . They had done what they could to bring the province of Middlesex to a high position , and he believed it stood in a good position in the estimation of the Craft . It had been very well supported , and there were a few brethren like Bro . Buss , the Provincial Grand Treasurer , who had supported it in every possible way . As long as he ( Sir F . Burdett ) had the support he now had in the province it would remain in its present high position .
Bro . VV . H . Dean , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the VV . M . " The W . M . had done his work exceedingly well both in Iodge and at the banquet table . The lodge was started under most favourable auspices , and it was carried on for the first year to the satisfaction of all . During the last year the W . M . had maintained its prestige in every particular , and the lodge was prospering under his rule as well as it did in the first year . The VV . M . had set an
example to the members of the lodge both as a W . M . and as a supporter of the charities . He had been most assiduous and diligent in promoting the cause of charity and had worked most enthusiastically ; in fact he should not say too much of what he had done for the charities , lt was a noble thing to support the charities . The W . M . would carry in his retirement the honour and love of the brethren for the manner in which he had kept up the prestige of
the lodge in its entirety , and the brethren would give him their best and heartiest wishes and blessings for what he had done . The Worshipful Master in reply said he wished those compliments were thoroughly deserved . Still for what Bro . Dean had said he thanked him and admitted he had done the best his skill and ability could effect . He had always held that what was worth doing at all was worth
doing well . He differed rather from Bro . Dean about the last year , for it had not been so successful as Bro . Dean ' s year . The progress of the lodge had not been so great as in the hrst year ; there had not been the same large accession of members . But then it must be remembered that the brethren who wished to join the lodge must be well recommended . The lodge was not so anxious to have members as to have them of the right sort . When
they were fit and proper persons to join the Order this lodge -would accept them , but not otherwise . Lately there had not been that swift running into Masonry as there was five or six years ago , the brethren bad become more cautious in their acceptance of new members . With regard to the working of the lodge he could only say he hoped the brethren had understood his expression of the English language , but he had done the best in his power as a
foreigner . As to the charities that was another matter . On the night of his installation he said he considered that charity was the sole object of Freemasonry , and if a brother was not anxious for the charities of the Order he was not fit to be among them . In their happiest moments they must think of what they were taught at their initiation . He had done all that lay in his power for charity , and he hoped before this year was over he would be able to
contribute in proportion to what he had already done to make him worthy of the work and power of Masonry . TheW . M . then proposed "The W . M . Elect . " Some five years ago he became acquainted with Bro . Hedges , and he was then struck with his gentlemanly manner , and the nice way in which he conducted the duties of Secretary to the Girls' School . He ( the W . M . ) was anxious to make his way in Masonry , and Bro . Hedges was also anxious in
the same direction . Bro . Hedges tried to do him a good turn , and he tried to do Bro . Hedges a good turn . The greatest pleasure of his Masonic career would be to install Bro . Hedges . The brethren had elected the right man for the office when they elected Bro . Hedges as W . M . He would follow up : he true principles of Masonry , and his gentlemanly manners and business habits would surround him with all the members of the lodge . Lodges were not
often in such a position , and he envied Bro . Hedges the high character he had won for himself . In wishing Bro . Hedges good health , he hoped he would occupy the position of W . M . next year in the same way as Bro . Dean had spoken of him ( Bro . Festa ) , with credit to himself , and the satisfaction of all the brethren of the lodge . Bro . Hedges , W . M . elect , in reply said he really did not know how to find words sufficient to thank the brethren
for the very high honour they had paid him by electing him as their W . M . for the coming year , and he could only say he thanked them most sincerely and heartily , and he appreciated the honour as fully as any one could . He promised that he should exert himself to the very best of his abilities to follow in the footsteps of those who had gone before him ; but he must say when he looked back at thc way in which his predecessors had occupied the chair
that he looked forward to his year of office with some misgivings , for he did not think he could come up to them . Nevertheless he promised the brethren they would not find him wanting in trying worthily to follow them . Bro . Festa had referred to the fact that it was he who had first introduced him to the promoters of the Montague Guest Lodge . He certainly did , and ever since then he had had everv reason to bc be very , very grateful to Bro . Festa for
it , and he was glad to have this opportunity of thanking him for that kindness . Bro . Festa had been a very good friend to him and to the Institution which was very dear to him , and he was glad to have the present opportunity of thanking him for that as well . In proposing "The Initiate , '' the Worshipful Master said from what he knew of the proposer and seconder of
Bro . Goodman he was sure he was a lit and proper person to join the lodge . If that brother would pay strict attention to the working of the lodge , and if without interfering with his profession or encroaching on his time he would attend lodges of instruction , he would get on in Masonry . A man who took an interest in Masonry and learned its principles must get on .
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Bro . Goodman in reply said if he ever felt proud in his life he did at thc present time , and he thanked the brethren for the cordial way in which they had accepted him as a Mason . It was a proud thing for any young man to be initiated , and he should never forget this occasion . As the W . M . had said , what was worth doing at all was worth doing well , and he trusted he should be able to do Masonry well . He should not be satisfied until
by paying strict attention and studying the worthy Order he became Master of the lodge at some future time . He had joined the lodge in its infancy and he hoped he should live to see it grow old and many many worthy Masters occupying the chair . It would certainly take time , but the time he would not grudge , if he could be of any value and do any good in the object for which he had joined . He had not joined without thinking of it ; he had thought of
it a long while , and he had come to the conclusion that Masonry was one of the worthiest and best institutions ever started . He trusted to come on in a quiet way , and he should do all in his power to help the charities . Charity was the basis of what they were taught in the bible , from which the true principles of the Order were taken . Masonry had in times past been charitable , and thousands upon thousands must look back and thank
this and other lodges for what they had gained and the help they had obtained . It had cheered many and many a widow and orphan , and no doubt it would cheer many and many more . He trusted none of the brethren now present would ever have to apply to it for help , for he hoped that by their own exertions they would always have sufficient for themselves and more especially sufficient to help others who were in distress . Again , he said he was very proud when
he looked round him , and when he regarded many in high life and the highest in the land and in the world that belonged to the Order , and saw that none of them had ever divulged the secrets of it , and never would , bethought that of itself was sufficient to show that Masonry was a worthy and a grand society . He felt he had many friends that night , and he hoped both he and they would live long , and be allowed to meet many times together and have many
pleasant evenings . Bros . Goddard , Cussans and Cantrell responded to the toast of " The Visitors , " after which the VV . M . proposed "The I . P . M ., Treasurer , and Bro . Collier , Secretary , " of both of whom he spoke in the highest terms of their efficiency in the performance of thsir duties with respect to the Montague Guest Lodge . Bro . Dean , I . P . M ., and Treasurer , in reply said it was
scarcely worth while to recapitulate the kind expression of the W . M . as to the successful commencement of the lodge . He was delighted to see Bro . F . Richardson present who acted as D . C . at the consecration of the lodge and fully entered into the spirit of the ceremonies of the day . The lodge had gone on harmoniously , and though the W . M . had said it had not been so successful in his year as in the first inasmuch as it had not had so many initiates , the lodge
looked for quality rather than quantity . Plenty of brethren would join a lodge in its first year , and in this lodge they had had both quality and quantity . There was no member of it that was not a perfect gentleman in every sense of the word , and was worthy of the nameof Mason . They had been careful in selecting the candidates . They did not wish the lodge to be a large lodge , but a leading lodge . They showed discretion . ' 1 hey had not had a large influx of
members , and he felt they would go on well , and that everything would turn out well . They would all rally round Bro . Hedges , and he was sure that brother's would be a successful year of office . If they maintained the principles they had at the beginning they were bound to have a good and straightforward lodge , in fact a lodge that would be second to none of the younger lodges in London . The way the lodge had been conducted by the present Master had
been such as to meet with the approbation of all the brethren . Bro . J . D . Collier , P . M . and Sec , also replied . The Worshipful Master in proposing " The Charities , " and coupling the name of Bro . Frank Richardson with it , said he believed that brother was one of thc strongest columns of support of the Secretary of the Girls' School . He did not know how Bro . Richardson found time to attend
to the Charities as he did . Last year the Girls had a very successful festival , and it could not be expected that that of the present year would be so successful . He always felt proud when he went to the Girls' School , and he hoped all the brethren would go and see it , and when they returned to their homes if they found any spare cash in their pockets that they would give it to the Girls' School . Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., replying said the toast
was a very important one indeed for any brother to respond to , and although he gave way to no one in the interest he felt in the charities , still he wished some other brother had been called upon to reply , because of the importance ot the toast , lhe VV . M . had taught the Initiate that charity was the first thing in Masonry , and although there were many brethren of rank and opulence among the Order there were others who were in distress ; he also taught him that
charity blessed him that gave as well him who received . Therefore it ought to be a source of gratification to Masons that they helped to relieve not only those who had borne the heat and burden of the day , but also those of their children who required education , and they turned them out as good and useful members of society capable of earning their own livelihood . Many years ago as a child he was taught the line— " one thing
at a time , and that done well . " He should like to take an active part in all thc charities , but time would not permit . He therefore devoted himself to one well rather than to all three badly . He wished that lodges would follow the example of the Montague Guest Lodge , and subscribed liberally to all the charities . There was really something wanting when they considered the number of Masons there were and the comparatively small
colleetions they made . The majority of the subscriptions came from the old lodges , but why was it that so many of the lodges that had been formed in the past few years had subscribed so little or nothing ? It was only one amongst the many which subscribed . He thought it should be in some measure compulsory , like the quarterage to the Fund
of Benevolence . There would then be no need of elections for the funds would be large enough to take in all candidates . As a member of the Girls' School he hoped Bro . Hedges , for whom he had the highest respect , would have a good festival . He knew that royalty drew , and last year they did so well that they could not expect to do a great deal this year . He was quite satisfied of one thing , that if all the members of the Craft had the opportunity which he
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had as a member of the House Committee of going to the Girls' School and seeing the children there , he was sure there would be more stewards . Nothing gave him so much pleasure as to be at the Institution . From Miss Jarwood , who had been 66 years in the institution , down to the youngest child , they were one happy family ; there was a kindly , friendly tone between matron and
, governesses children He had made the acquaintance of them all , and he felt he had got 239 friends there . Whenever he went down he had a lot of thc children to talk to him , and he was satisfied if there was anything wrong in the school—any tyranny or any pain—the committee would know it from the children . It would be
impossible to get a better staff , and the system had been carried on very well . All the staff had been made up from those educated in the school , and all the children kntw they had a chance of being taken on the staff . If any of the brethren would like to go down to sec the school he should be most happy to receive them and conduct them over it .
Ihe other toasts were then given , and the brethren separated after having spent a delightful evening .
EARL OF LATHOM LODGE ( No . 1922 ) . — The annual installation meeting of this young but popular suburban lodge was held on Monday evening at the Greyhound Hotel , Streatham Common , when there was a numerous attendance , under the presidency of the first and retiring VV . M ., Bro . Anthony Runacres . He was well supported by the officers and brethren , and the companv
included a rair sprinkling of visitors . Lodge was opened soon after two o'clock , when the minutes of the last lod" -e and the lodges of emergency of the 30 th October and the 12 th February last were read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee , which showed the lodge to be in a satisfactory financial position , was then approved and adopted . The ballot was then opened for Bro . John Gabrie Albert
, L . D . S ., No . 43 , who had been proposed by Bro . Chapman , J . VV ., and seconded by Bro . R . J . Taylor , P . M . and W . M . elect , and Bro . William Blount , No . 177 nominated by Bro . G . W . Evans , S . D ., and seconded by the VV . M ., as joining members . Both were unanimously accepted . Bros . Francis John Dawe and Henry Thomas Warne were then raised to the Sublime Degree by the assisted his
W . M ., by officers , by whom the ceremony was admirably worked , and Bros . Henry Alexander Thomson , Charles N . Robins , and Edward Hayhoe were passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . After some other business Bro . Robert John Taylor was presented as thc W . M . elect , and having accepted the responsibilities of office for the coming year , a Board of Installed Masters was constituted and he was installed into the chair of K . S ., the rite bein" - most
impressively performed by the retiring W . M ., whose working gave ample evidence of careful study and intelligent interpretation . The newly-installed VV . M . was proclaimed and saluted , after which he invested his officers as follows : Bro . A . Runacres , I . P . M . and Treas . ; J . W . T . Chapman , S . W . ; G . W . Evans , J . W . ; Edward Witts , P . M ., Sec ; J . 1 urie Lee , S . D . j Charles Evans , J . D . ; J . S . Clarke , I . G . ; Connell . W . S . ; and O'Donncll , A . W . S . The Worshipful Master then presented in the name of the brethren of tbe lodge a handsome Past Masters' jewel to the I . P . M ., and in doing so assured him of the universal esteem in which he was held by the brethren of the lodge both for his private worth and for the admirable manner in which he had ruled its affairs as the first Master . These services had been fully recognised and appreciated , and l-hf
jewel which he had now thc honour of lastening to Bro . Runacres' breast was but a small expression of their esteem and regard , and recognition of efforts which had been put forth to discharge the duties of his responsible position with fervency and zeal . Bro . Runacres , who was received with great applause , acknowledged the compliment which had been paid to him
by the brethren in suitable terms . He spoke of the interest he had taken in the welfare of the Iodge since its formation , and assured them it should be his endeavour in the future as it had been in the past to do all he could to advance its prosperity in every possible way . The jewel was a very massive one , of gold , with a brilliant centre , bearing the Lathom coat of arms and the name of
tne lodge . Un it was an inscription ; " Presented to Bro . Anthony Runacres by the brethren of the Earl of Lathom Lodge , No . 1922 , as a mark of esteem and regard , and in recognition of the ability with which he discharged his duties as Worshipful Master during the year 1 SS 2-3 . " The jewel was supplied by Bro . George Kenning , of Little Britain and Great Queen-street .
After the transaction of some other business the brethren and visitors adjourned to a well-served banquet , under the presidency of the newly-installed Worshipful Master , who proposed the customary loyal and Masonic toasts , which were enthusiastically received . n , w T r ? ? I Past M , er in S ' S " The Health of the Worshipful Master" referred to the 7 _> al _>„_ i , i , ; i :,..
displayed b y Bro . Taylor since the establishment of the lodge , and the admirable way in which he had filled thc Senior Warden's chair during the year . From what they had seen of his working they might rest assured that the interests of the lodge would not suffer in his hands . He ( the speaker ) should be happy to render him what assistance was necessary during his year of office which he trusted
would be a happy and prosperous one . 1 he Worshipful Master in a brief but exceedingly happy response thanked the brethren for the high honour they had conferred upon him by placing him in the chair of the lodge , in which as the proposer of thc toast had reminded them , he had felt so deep and genuine an interest . It should be his aim to further the welfare of the lodge by every means in his power , and he could onlv hon , ? that
when his term of oflice expired , he should bc entitled to the same respect and appreciation as had been bestowed upon his predecessor . . ' , ' , ? Ji calths of thc Immediate Past Master and Installing Officer , " " 'The Past Masters , " "The Visitors " followed ; and Bro . Mason responding for "The Masonic Charities" in an able and earnest appeal on behalf of the three great Benevolent Institutions of the Craft .
umcers the Lodge" received due honours , and the proceedings of a very agreeable evening closed with the Tyler ' s toast . During the evening there was an abundance of excellent music and singing and the reunion was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all present .
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and Deputy Grand Masters , might hold that position for many years to come . Grand Lodge was rather a changeable Parliament , for every year they had a change of officers , from the Wardens and Deacons to other Grand Officers . They had now been a considerable time before the brethren , and he believed those who had already been before the brethren had done their duty to the satisfaction of the entire Craft . Grand Lodge was now passing on to
another change , and he felt confident that those who would be appointed to replace those now in office would do their duty as far as lay in their power as much to the satisfaction of the brethren as those who had gone before . The W . M . had been kind enough to allude to the Province of Middlesex , and had said it was the best of all the provinces . He ( Bro . Sir Francis Burdett ) would be very well satisfied if they were as good as any other province under the
Grand Master . They had done what they could to bring the province of Middlesex to a high position , and he believed it stood in a good position in the estimation of the Craft . It had been very well supported , and there were a few brethren like Bro . Buss , the Provincial Grand Treasurer , who had supported it in every possible way . As long as he ( Sir F . Burdett ) had the support he now had in the province it would remain in its present high position .
Bro . VV . H . Dean , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the VV . M . " The W . M . had done his work exceedingly well both in Iodge and at the banquet table . The lodge was started under most favourable auspices , and it was carried on for the first year to the satisfaction of all . During the last year the W . M . had maintained its prestige in every particular , and the lodge was prospering under his rule as well as it did in the first year . The VV . M . had set an
example to the members of the lodge both as a W . M . and as a supporter of the charities . He had been most assiduous and diligent in promoting the cause of charity and had worked most enthusiastically ; in fact he should not say too much of what he had done for the charities , lt was a noble thing to support the charities . The W . M . would carry in his retirement the honour and love of the brethren for the manner in which he had kept up the prestige of
the lodge in its entirety , and the brethren would give him their best and heartiest wishes and blessings for what he had done . The Worshipful Master in reply said he wished those compliments were thoroughly deserved . Still for what Bro . Dean had said he thanked him and admitted he had done the best his skill and ability could effect . He had always held that what was worth doing at all was worth
doing well . He differed rather from Bro . Dean about the last year , for it had not been so successful as Bro . Dean ' s year . The progress of the lodge had not been so great as in the hrst year ; there had not been the same large accession of members . But then it must be remembered that the brethren who wished to join the lodge must be well recommended . The lodge was not so anxious to have members as to have them of the right sort . When
they were fit and proper persons to join the Order this lodge -would accept them , but not otherwise . Lately there had not been that swift running into Masonry as there was five or six years ago , the brethren bad become more cautious in their acceptance of new members . With regard to the working of the lodge he could only say he hoped the brethren had understood his expression of the English language , but he had done the best in his power as a
foreigner . As to the charities that was another matter . On the night of his installation he said he considered that charity was the sole object of Freemasonry , and if a brother was not anxious for the charities of the Order he was not fit to be among them . In their happiest moments they must think of what they were taught at their initiation . He had done all that lay in his power for charity , and he hoped before this year was over he would be able to
contribute in proportion to what he had already done to make him worthy of the work and power of Masonry . TheW . M . then proposed "The W . M . Elect . " Some five years ago he became acquainted with Bro . Hedges , and he was then struck with his gentlemanly manner , and the nice way in which he conducted the duties of Secretary to the Girls' School . He ( the W . M . ) was anxious to make his way in Masonry , and Bro . Hedges was also anxious in
the same direction . Bro . Hedges tried to do him a good turn , and he tried to do Bro . Hedges a good turn . The greatest pleasure of his Masonic career would be to install Bro . Hedges . The brethren had elected the right man for the office when they elected Bro . Hedges as W . M . He would follow up : he true principles of Masonry , and his gentlemanly manners and business habits would surround him with all the members of the lodge . Lodges were not
often in such a position , and he envied Bro . Hedges the high character he had won for himself . In wishing Bro . Hedges good health , he hoped he would occupy the position of W . M . next year in the same way as Bro . Dean had spoken of him ( Bro . Festa ) , with credit to himself , and the satisfaction of all the brethren of the lodge . Bro . Hedges , W . M . elect , in reply said he really did not know how to find words sufficient to thank the brethren
for the very high honour they had paid him by electing him as their W . M . for the coming year , and he could only say he thanked them most sincerely and heartily , and he appreciated the honour as fully as any one could . He promised that he should exert himself to the very best of his abilities to follow in the footsteps of those who had gone before him ; but he must say when he looked back at thc way in which his predecessors had occupied the chair
that he looked forward to his year of office with some misgivings , for he did not think he could come up to them . Nevertheless he promised the brethren they would not find him wanting in trying worthily to follow them . Bro . Festa had referred to the fact that it was he who had first introduced him to the promoters of the Montague Guest Lodge . He certainly did , and ever since then he had had everv reason to bc be very , very grateful to Bro . Festa for
it , and he was glad to have this opportunity of thanking him for that kindness . Bro . Festa had been a very good friend to him and to the Institution which was very dear to him , and he was glad to have the present opportunity of thanking him for that as well . In proposing "The Initiate , '' the Worshipful Master said from what he knew of the proposer and seconder of
Bro . Goodman he was sure he was a lit and proper person to join the lodge . If that brother would pay strict attention to the working of the lodge , and if without interfering with his profession or encroaching on his time he would attend lodges of instruction , he would get on in Masonry . A man who took an interest in Masonry and learned its principles must get on .
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Bro . Goodman in reply said if he ever felt proud in his life he did at thc present time , and he thanked the brethren for the cordial way in which they had accepted him as a Mason . It was a proud thing for any young man to be initiated , and he should never forget this occasion . As the W . M . had said , what was worth doing at all was worth doing well , and he trusted he should be able to do Masonry well . He should not be satisfied until
by paying strict attention and studying the worthy Order he became Master of the lodge at some future time . He had joined the lodge in its infancy and he hoped he should live to see it grow old and many many worthy Masters occupying the chair . It would certainly take time , but the time he would not grudge , if he could be of any value and do any good in the object for which he had joined . He had not joined without thinking of it ; he had thought of
it a long while , and he had come to the conclusion that Masonry was one of the worthiest and best institutions ever started . He trusted to come on in a quiet way , and he should do all in his power to help the charities . Charity was the basis of what they were taught in the bible , from which the true principles of the Order were taken . Masonry had in times past been charitable , and thousands upon thousands must look back and thank
this and other lodges for what they had gained and the help they had obtained . It had cheered many and many a widow and orphan , and no doubt it would cheer many and many more . He trusted none of the brethren now present would ever have to apply to it for help , for he hoped that by their own exertions they would always have sufficient for themselves and more especially sufficient to help others who were in distress . Again , he said he was very proud when
he looked round him , and when he regarded many in high life and the highest in the land and in the world that belonged to the Order , and saw that none of them had ever divulged the secrets of it , and never would , bethought that of itself was sufficient to show that Masonry was a worthy and a grand society . He felt he had many friends that night , and he hoped both he and they would live long , and be allowed to meet many times together and have many
pleasant evenings . Bros . Goddard , Cussans and Cantrell responded to the toast of " The Visitors , " after which the VV . M . proposed "The I . P . M ., Treasurer , and Bro . Collier , Secretary , " of both of whom he spoke in the highest terms of their efficiency in the performance of thsir duties with respect to the Montague Guest Lodge . Bro . Dean , I . P . M ., and Treasurer , in reply said it was
scarcely worth while to recapitulate the kind expression of the W . M . as to the successful commencement of the lodge . He was delighted to see Bro . F . Richardson present who acted as D . C . at the consecration of the lodge and fully entered into the spirit of the ceremonies of the day . The lodge had gone on harmoniously , and though the W . M . had said it had not been so successful in his year as in the first inasmuch as it had not had so many initiates , the lodge
looked for quality rather than quantity . Plenty of brethren would join a lodge in its first year , and in this lodge they had had both quality and quantity . There was no member of it that was not a perfect gentleman in every sense of the word , and was worthy of the nameof Mason . They had been careful in selecting the candidates . They did not wish the lodge to be a large lodge , but a leading lodge . They showed discretion . ' 1 hey had not had a large influx of
members , and he felt they would go on well , and that everything would turn out well . They would all rally round Bro . Hedges , and he was sure that brother's would be a successful year of office . If they maintained the principles they had at the beginning they were bound to have a good and straightforward lodge , in fact a lodge that would be second to none of the younger lodges in London . The way the lodge had been conducted by the present Master had
been such as to meet with the approbation of all the brethren . Bro . J . D . Collier , P . M . and Sec , also replied . The Worshipful Master in proposing " The Charities , " and coupling the name of Bro . Frank Richardson with it , said he believed that brother was one of thc strongest columns of support of the Secretary of the Girls' School . He did not know how Bro . Richardson found time to attend
to the Charities as he did . Last year the Girls had a very successful festival , and it could not be expected that that of the present year would be so successful . He always felt proud when he went to the Girls' School , and he hoped all the brethren would go and see it , and when they returned to their homes if they found any spare cash in their pockets that they would give it to the Girls' School . Bro . Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., replying said the toast
was a very important one indeed for any brother to respond to , and although he gave way to no one in the interest he felt in the charities , still he wished some other brother had been called upon to reply , because of the importance ot the toast , lhe VV . M . had taught the Initiate that charity was the first thing in Masonry , and although there were many brethren of rank and opulence among the Order there were others who were in distress ; he also taught him that
charity blessed him that gave as well him who received . Therefore it ought to be a source of gratification to Masons that they helped to relieve not only those who had borne the heat and burden of the day , but also those of their children who required education , and they turned them out as good and useful members of society capable of earning their own livelihood . Many years ago as a child he was taught the line— " one thing
at a time , and that done well . " He should like to take an active part in all thc charities , but time would not permit . He therefore devoted himself to one well rather than to all three badly . He wished that lodges would follow the example of the Montague Guest Lodge , and subscribed liberally to all the charities . There was really something wanting when they considered the number of Masons there were and the comparatively small
colleetions they made . The majority of the subscriptions came from the old lodges , but why was it that so many of the lodges that had been formed in the past few years had subscribed so little or nothing ? It was only one amongst the many which subscribed . He thought it should be in some measure compulsory , like the quarterage to the Fund
of Benevolence . There would then be no need of elections for the funds would be large enough to take in all candidates . As a member of the Girls' School he hoped Bro . Hedges , for whom he had the highest respect , would have a good festival . He knew that royalty drew , and last year they did so well that they could not expect to do a great deal this year . He was quite satisfied of one thing , that if all the members of the Craft had the opportunity which he
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
had as a member of the House Committee of going to the Girls' School and seeing the children there , he was sure there would be more stewards . Nothing gave him so much pleasure as to be at the Institution . From Miss Jarwood , who had been 66 years in the institution , down to the youngest child , they were one happy family ; there was a kindly , friendly tone between matron and
, governesses children He had made the acquaintance of them all , and he felt he had got 239 friends there . Whenever he went down he had a lot of thc children to talk to him , and he was satisfied if there was anything wrong in the school—any tyranny or any pain—the committee would know it from the children . It would be
impossible to get a better staff , and the system had been carried on very well . All the staff had been made up from those educated in the school , and all the children kntw they had a chance of being taken on the staff . If any of the brethren would like to go down to sec the school he should be most happy to receive them and conduct them over it .
Ihe other toasts were then given , and the brethren separated after having spent a delightful evening .
EARL OF LATHOM LODGE ( No . 1922 ) . — The annual installation meeting of this young but popular suburban lodge was held on Monday evening at the Greyhound Hotel , Streatham Common , when there was a numerous attendance , under the presidency of the first and retiring VV . M ., Bro . Anthony Runacres . He was well supported by the officers and brethren , and the companv
included a rair sprinkling of visitors . Lodge was opened soon after two o'clock , when the minutes of the last lod" -e and the lodges of emergency of the 30 th October and the 12 th February last were read and confirmed . The report of the Audit Committee , which showed the lodge to be in a satisfactory financial position , was then approved and adopted . The ballot was then opened for Bro . John Gabrie Albert
, L . D . S ., No . 43 , who had been proposed by Bro . Chapman , J . VV ., and seconded by Bro . R . J . Taylor , P . M . and W . M . elect , and Bro . William Blount , No . 177 nominated by Bro . G . W . Evans , S . D ., and seconded by the VV . M ., as joining members . Both were unanimously accepted . Bros . Francis John Dawe and Henry Thomas Warne were then raised to the Sublime Degree by the assisted his
W . M ., by officers , by whom the ceremony was admirably worked , and Bros . Henry Alexander Thomson , Charles N . Robins , and Edward Hayhoe were passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . After some other business Bro . Robert John Taylor was presented as thc W . M . elect , and having accepted the responsibilities of office for the coming year , a Board of Installed Masters was constituted and he was installed into the chair of K . S ., the rite bein" - most
impressively performed by the retiring W . M ., whose working gave ample evidence of careful study and intelligent interpretation . The newly-installed VV . M . was proclaimed and saluted , after which he invested his officers as follows : Bro . A . Runacres , I . P . M . and Treas . ; J . W . T . Chapman , S . W . ; G . W . Evans , J . W . ; Edward Witts , P . M ., Sec ; J . 1 urie Lee , S . D . j Charles Evans , J . D . ; J . S . Clarke , I . G . ; Connell . W . S . ; and O'Donncll , A . W . S . The Worshipful Master then presented in the name of the brethren of tbe lodge a handsome Past Masters' jewel to the I . P . M ., and in doing so assured him of the universal esteem in which he was held by the brethren of the lodge both for his private worth and for the admirable manner in which he had ruled its affairs as the first Master . These services had been fully recognised and appreciated , and l-hf
jewel which he had now thc honour of lastening to Bro . Runacres' breast was but a small expression of their esteem and regard , and recognition of efforts which had been put forth to discharge the duties of his responsible position with fervency and zeal . Bro . Runacres , who was received with great applause , acknowledged the compliment which had been paid to him
by the brethren in suitable terms . He spoke of the interest he had taken in the welfare of the Iodge since its formation , and assured them it should be his endeavour in the future as it had been in the past to do all he could to advance its prosperity in every possible way . The jewel was a very massive one , of gold , with a brilliant centre , bearing the Lathom coat of arms and the name of
tne lodge . Un it was an inscription ; " Presented to Bro . Anthony Runacres by the brethren of the Earl of Lathom Lodge , No . 1922 , as a mark of esteem and regard , and in recognition of the ability with which he discharged his duties as Worshipful Master during the year 1 SS 2-3 . " The jewel was supplied by Bro . George Kenning , of Little Britain and Great Queen-street .
After the transaction of some other business the brethren and visitors adjourned to a well-served banquet , under the presidency of the newly-installed Worshipful Master , who proposed the customary loyal and Masonic toasts , which were enthusiastically received . n , w T r ? ? I Past M , er in S ' S " The Health of the Worshipful Master" referred to the 7 _> al _>„_ i , i , ; i :,..
displayed b y Bro . Taylor since the establishment of the lodge , and the admirable way in which he had filled thc Senior Warden's chair during the year . From what they had seen of his working they might rest assured that the interests of the lodge would not suffer in his hands . He ( the speaker ) should be happy to render him what assistance was necessary during his year of office which he trusted
would be a happy and prosperous one . 1 he Worshipful Master in a brief but exceedingly happy response thanked the brethren for the high honour they had conferred upon him by placing him in the chair of the lodge , in which as the proposer of thc toast had reminded them , he had felt so deep and genuine an interest . It should be his aim to further the welfare of the lodge by every means in his power , and he could onlv hon , ? that
when his term of oflice expired , he should bc entitled to the same respect and appreciation as had been bestowed upon his predecessor . . ' , ' , ? Ji calths of thc Immediate Past Master and Installing Officer , " " 'The Past Masters , " "The Visitors " followed ; and Bro . Mason responding for "The Masonic Charities" in an able and earnest appeal on behalf of the three great Benevolent Institutions of the Craft .
umcers the Lodge" received due honours , and the proceedings of a very agreeable evening closed with the Tyler ' s toast . During the evening there was an abundance of excellent music and singing and the reunion was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all present .