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Craft Masonry.
Craft Masonry .
St . John and St . Paul Lodge , No . 615 . The installation meeting of this prominent Kentish lodge took place at the Prince of Wales Hotel , Erith , on the 3 rd inst ., and was well attended . The following brethren were present : Bros . Wm .-T . Doddrell . W . M . ; W . H . Keeble , S . W . ; G . W . Mitchell , P . M ., P . G . D . C , Treas . ; H . King , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Sec . ; Isaiah Turton , G . W . S . Kendall , W . Solkhon , C . S . Heithersav , E . J . D . Valon , W . S . Heithersav ,
G . H . Letton , P . M ., W . Frarcis , W . L . Doddrell , P . M ., ] . Owen , R . Orchard , T . E . Tinker , H . J . Jordan , F . C . Leonard , F . Mayall , G . D . Vincer , J . Thornhill , J . C . Holloway , and others . The visitors were Bros . T . Wills , P . M . 299 , P . G . Supt . of Works Kent ; S . De Vere Whitehead S . VV . ( Shanghi ); T . Turton , 913 ; W . Gurney Winter , SGo ; J . A . Whitfield , W . M . 77 ; E . Evenden , W . M . 1223 ; Thos . Sibley , W . M . 1679 ; W . Dawson , W . M . S 29 ; H . W . Francis , S . D . S 29 ; S . Barnard , 700 ; C . SteelP . M . 1365 ; S . E . SouthgateP . M . 700 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .
, , The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , and the Auditors' report , showing a substantial balance , having been received and adopted , Bro . Herbert King , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., the " Father" of the lodge then occupied the chair , and proceeded with the important business of installing Bro . Wm . Henry Keeble as W . M . for the ensuing year , and he performed the duty in a most exemplary manner . The new W . M . next invested his officers as follows : ' Bros . Isaiah Turton , S . W . ; G . W . S . Kendall . LW .: W . Solkhon , Treas . ; H . King , P . M .. P . P . G . P ., Sec . ; C . S .
Heithersay , S . D . ; W . S . Heithersay , J . D . ; E . J . D . Valon , I . G . ; G . H . Letton , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Francis , A . D . C . ; W . L . Doddrell , P . M ., J . Owen , R . Orchard , and T . E . Tinker , Stewards ; and W . Larder , Tyler . Bro . W . L . Doddrell , P . M ., was appointed Chanty Representative . A Past Treasurer's jewel was voted to Bro . G . W . Mitchell , P . G . D . of C , the late Treasurer , he having filled that office for the last 10 years , and the proposer and seconder of the proposition spoke in the highest praise of the great services he had rendered to the lodire . In a spirited speech , given with much feeling , Bro . G .
W . Mitchell acknowledged the vote of the jewel . He said that he had always done his duty , and he had no hesitation in saying that if it had not been for him they would have Jbst their warrant , he having financed the lodge . It had been a great pleasure to him to work hard for the Province of Kent , and he had done his utmost on the Charity Committee . At the conclusion of his speech , he handed to the W . M . his Treasurer's book , together with a cheque for the balance in his hands . The delivery of the usual addresses was ably rendered by Bro . H . King , and he is to be congratulated on the efficient way he carried out the installation ceremony .
Other business followed , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren withdrew to partake of an excellent banquet , which reflected the highest credit on the establishment . At the conclusion of the banquet , the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts in happy terms . In submitting the toast of "The Right Hon . Earl Amherst , R . W . Prov . G . M . of Kent , " the VV . M . said ; This is a toast that is always received by Freemasons of Kent with the utmost enthusiasmfor we are proud to have such a brother to preside over us
, in his capacity of Provincial Grand Master . You all know how Freemasonry has progressed under his lordship ' s rule ; the good deeds of some men are not known until they have passed away , and we read of them recorded in their biography . But we are piatified to know that the gocd deeds of Earl Amherst live with him , and will long be n membered after he has been called to the Grand Lodge above , which we hope , by the will of the Gteat Architect of the Universe , will not be for very many years to come . Long may he conlinue to preside over us , and may Freemasonry ever flourish in the Piovince of Kent .
In responding for "The Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . T . Wills , whose name , and those of Bros . G . W . Mitchell and H . King , was associated with the toast , said that he was sorry no Grand Officer of higher station than he in the province was present . In Bro . Eastes , their Deputy Prov . Grand Master , they had one of thc best of Masons , and it would be impossible for him to say too much in his praise , as thev could have no better . He was proud he was a Past Grand Officer of Kent ,
and if the members would only work hard there was no reason why in the course of time they should not all be officers of their province . He was pleased to be with them that evening to see such good working , and he was very much impressed wilh the way the W . M . had invested his officers—he had never seen it done better—and he hoped to com-: again when harmony would prevail . He wished the W . M . every success during his term of office , and in conclusion he remarked , don ' t forget tbe words "love , unity , and concord . "
Bro . W . T . Doddrell , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Master . " He stated that the way that Bro . Keeble had worked that day was evidence that he would be an excellent ruler in every way . They had known him f . ir some time , and there was no doubt that when he vacated the chair it would be their unanimous opinion that the lodge had never had a better Alaster . The toast was drunk with acclamation , and
Bro . Keeble , the W . M ., < n rising to respond , was enthusiastically received . He stated that he felt he had arrived at a very difficult task , to respond to the toast , but , still , he was proud of his high position , and he earnestly hoped to be able to uphold the reputation and dignity of the lodge in every way . He sincerely trusted that his tenure of office would be one of haimony—without any bickeiingor ill-feeling—and if he could carry out his duties with peace and happiness all round , he would indeed be glad ; and concluding , he
quoted" 'Thus have I begun my reign and 'tis My hope to end successfully . " The Worshipful Master , in proposing " The Installing Master , Bro . F . King , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., " said that he was proud to have been installed by so worthy a member , whose workintr of the ceremonv was excellent , and could not have been done better , and he
and the members appreciated his services . In response , Bro . King said it was an honour to instal so good a W . M ., and he was indebted to the outgoing Master for allowing him to do the installation ceremony , lthad fallen to his happy lot to have installed others in the lodge , and he was proud to have done so .
The toast of "The Visitors " came next , the W . M . observing that he was honoured with their presence , and on behalf of the lodge , he gave them a very heartylwel come . He coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Whitehead , T . Sibley , and C . Steel . Bro . S . De Vere Whitehead ( Shanghai ) responded . He said that he had very much enjoyed the proceedings and their hospitable treatment and as he thought there was a prospect of his remaining in this country , he should certaiely offer himself as a joining
member . Bro . T . Sibley , W . M . 1 G 79 , stated that that was his second visit . He had worked hard with the W . M . in Masonic business for years and he had no hesitation in saying that he would be a credit to himself and the lodge , and he was proud to have seen him installed into the chair . Bro . C . Steel also replied in clcquent terms .
Bro . J . A . Whitfield , VV . M . 77 , and other visitors also responded , bearing testimony to the excellent working ot the Installing Master , and the former expressed a hope that brotherly love would prevail in the lodge in the future . The Worshipful Master gave " The Past Masters , " observing that it was his pleasing duty to present the I . P . M ., Bro . Wm . T . Dcddrell , who had faithfully performed his task as VV . M . for the last 12 months , with a Past Master ' s jewel , and in making the presentation he did so in a unique speech .
Bro . Wm . T . Doddrell , I . P . M ., in response , tendered his best thanks for the jeivel , which he should esteem as long as he lived . Bro . G . VV . Mitchell , P . M ., replied for the Past Masters . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Treasurer and Secretary . " He said Bro . King had been the Secretary for years and the members well knew how he carried out his duties .
Bro . H . King , P . M ., Sec , in responding , said heappreciated the great honour of having been again appointed Secretary . I le did his best to promote the inter , sts of thc lodge , and what he had done was , he thought , his duty ; but if he had unwittingly offended any one he was sorry . He had introduced several members , some of whom were now Pas t Masters , and that was gratifying to him . Bro . Solkhon , Treas ., also replied in appropriate terms . The W . M . gave " The Masonic Press , " to which Bro . R . T . \ Ves . t responded .
Craft Masonry.
"The Officers" having been honoured , the Tyler ' s toast terminated the pro . ceedings . The W . M . had provided an excellent musical entertainment by engaging the / Eolian Vocal Quartette ; which consists of Mr . Herbert Stockwell , Miss Maude Ballard , Miss Lillian Close , and Bro . Carl Brandt , and their great efforts were much appreciated by the brethren . Mr . Percy Keeble , A . R . C . O ., Sub-Professor R . A . M ., the son of the W . M ., was an able accompanyist .
Royal Victoria Lodge , No . 1013 . The annual meeting of this well-known lodge was held on the 4 th inst ., for the 29 th time , at the Masonic Hall , Liverpool , when there was a large gathering of its members and , visitors , many of the latter being from the adjoining province of Cheshire , where the incoming W . M . is well known to the Craft . I'he chair was taken bv Bro . Thos . P
Bethell , W . M ., supported by Bros . Col . Whitney , P . M . ; W . M'William , P . M .: I Broadbent , P . M . ; W . Thompson , P . M . ; F . Evans , P . M . ; J . Jack , P . M ., Treas . ; ' W . H . Cooke , P . M ., D . C . ; and others ; and among the numerous visitors were Bros G . R . Bottomley , P . P . G . D . C , ; J . Armstrong , W . M . 1350 ; R . White , P . G . D . C .. O . Jones , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Camlin , P . P . G . D . ; E . Powell , P . P . G . R . ; W . Spencer ' W . M . 823 ; Peter Duff , P . P . S . G . D . ; and others .
I he installation ceremony was well carried out by Bro . J . Bethel , W . M ., and the following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . Thos . C . Bethel , I . P . M . ; J . B . Jones , S . W . ; E . A . Davies , J . W . ; J . Jack , P . M ., Treas . ( re-elected ); J . R . Bromley , Sec . ; F . Houlgraves , S . D . ; J . W . Worrall , J . D . ; VV . R . Cooke , P . M ., D . C ; R . Mounsfield , Org . ; A . T . Mackay , I . G . ; R . Foden , W . Foden , W . J . Jones , H . Beale , and Alfred Shawfield , Stewards ; and W . Thornton , P . M ., Charity Representative . Bro . Frank Du Chemin was re-elected Tyler . Before the Iodge was closed a beautiful Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the retiring W . M . on behalf of the members by Bro . Proud , W . M .
The brethren afterwards dined together , and a capital musical programme was carried out by Bros . G . Broadbent , S . Kirkham , Pierpoint , Parkinson , Davies , Beeson , Jack . Howard , and Mountfield .
Fermor Hesketh Lodge , No . 1350 . The 251 b annual meeting of this lodge was held at the County Hall , Bootle , on Monday , the gth inst ., for the installation of Bro . Frederick J . Billett , the W . M . elect . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . John Armstrong , P . M ., P . G . S . of W . Cheshire , who was well supported by the officers , members , and a large number of visiting brethren , amongst whom were Bros . Wm . Goodacre , P . G . S . B . England , P . G .
Sec ; Thos . Shaw ( Mayor of Birkenhead ) , P . J . G . W . Cheshire ; J . Lees , P . G . D . . Dr . Kirkpatrick , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . C . Robinson , P . P . G . D . C . ; S . Pittaway , P . P . G . S . B .: Jas . Gamlin , P . P . G D . Cheshire ; F . K . Stevenson , P . P . G . S . B . Cheshire ; Owen Jones , P . P . G . S . B . Cheshire ; Dr . Adams , P . M . 14 S ; W . H . Roberts , P . M . 148 j J . H , J ackson , VV . M . C 05 ; W . H . Cooke , P . M . 1013 ; G . Proudman , W . M . 1013 ; W . F . Robinson , P . M . 2132 ; S . Pope , P . M . 1473 ; R . Rawlinson , P . M . 1473 ; and J , H . Pagen , W . M . elect 2132 .
Alter the usual preliminaries , the VV . M . elect was presented by Bros . Swift and Connor , the ceremony of installation being rendered by the retiring VV . M . The W . M ., Bro . Billett , invested his officers as follows : Bros . E . J . Robin , S . W . ; E . W . Armstrong , J . W . ; Wm . Taylor , P . M ., Treas . ; A . Halsull , Sec ; W . W . West , S . D . ; T . E . Gedling , J . D . ; C . C . Robin , P . M ., D . C . ; R . W . Jones , Org . ; J . Bolton ,
I . G . j E . H . Jones , b . Davies , W . R . Masheder , and J . L . H . Woods , Stwds . j and Hy . Owens , Tyler . Bro . F . A . Staedeli was unanimously elected Charity Representative . _ An interesting feature of the investiture of officers was the I . P . M . placing his son in the Junior Warden ' s chair , remarking that by so doing it constituted him a member of Grand Lodge , and expressing a hope that the position now attained would never be forfeited .
At the banquet , which was admirably served by Bro . Holmes , of the Metropole , after the usual loyal toasts , the W . M . gave "Our M . W . Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " to which Bro . Wm . Goodacre , P . G . S . B . Eng ., responded in eloquent terms . In reply to the toast of " The Prov . Grand Officers of this and other Provinces , " Bro . J . Lees , P . G . D ., responded for West Lancashire , and his Worship the Mayor of Birkenhead , Bro . Thos . Shaw , P . G . W ., for Cheshire .
In reply to the toast of his health , the W . M . said although it was somewhat difficult o follow such an old and experienced Past Master in the chair as Bro . Armstrong , who was so well versed in every detail of the ritual , he could assure the lodge he would do all in his power to maintain the traditions of the Fermor Hesketh Lodge in the good working of their beautiful ritual . In proposing " I'he Health of the I . P . M . and Installing Master , " the W . M . said that during the year just ended their lodge had passed through the period of its greatest
prosperity . They nad had a large number of initiates , and to pass them through the several Degrees several emergency meetings were necessary , and even then they could not meet the requirements of all their candidates without asking the assistance of their neighbours , and so highly was their I . P . M . appreciated , that on several occasions he was asked to take the chair in these lodges and pass or raise his own candidates . The manner in which . their several ordinary csremonies were worked , as well as the installation
ceremony that day , reflected the highest credit on Bro . Armstrong , to mark which the lodge had voted him a Past Master ' s jewel , making one more to the numerous array which already decorated his breast ; the members , however , in their private capacity thought fit to still further mark their appreciation of his services by presenting that gold watch to his daughter , Miss Mabel Armstrong , as a memento of her father ' s Mastership of the lodge .
Bro . Armstrong , I . P . M ., in repl y , thanked the members for the jewel they had presented to himself , but more particularly for the very handsome watch they had thought fit to present to his youngest daughter . He was pleased they appreciated the services he had been able to render during the past year , which was certainly a prosperous one . They had one and all rendered him yeoman service , with the result that the lodge was now in a sound financial position . He had endeavoured to give the ritual so as to leave an indelible impression on the minds of the candidates , and if he
had been successful it was ample reward . Twenty years ago when lie first became a ruler in the Craft , he thought the ritual was capable of considerable improvement , but year by year its beauties dawned upon him , and to-day he felt that even a verbal alteration amounted to sacrilege ; that which had stood the test of nearly two centuries , and was in use in thousands of lodges in all parts of the globe , was a living testimony of those two great minds who brought it into its present shape—Desaguliers and Anderson . The antiquity of Freemasonry was beyond doubt . Its traces are found amongst the Druids , in the teachings of Pythagoras , in the still more ancient mysteries of Egypt , and
of the followers of Zoroaster ; and , with the single exception of Judaism , it is the oldest institution in the world . If his reading had been more especially directed to the historical and archteological aspect of Masonry , he no less venerated that ritual they all loved so well . As a Master , he tried never to lose sight of that great axiom of Freemasonry , " In things essential , unity ; in things doubtful , liberty ; in all things , Charity . The toast of "The Masonic Charities" was ably responded to by Bros . Pittaway and Stevenson , that of "The Visitors" by Bros . Dr . Adams , Gamlin , and Rawlinson , and of " The Musical Brethren " by Bros . S . Pope and Jackson .
Sackville Lodge , No . 1619 . The installation of the W . M . of this lodge took place at the regular meeting on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Crown Hotel , East Grinstead . There was a large attendance of members and visitors , amongst the latter were Bros . Freeman , P . M ., I rov . G . Sec ; II . H . Perry , C . J . Bye , J . Davis , W . Wright , J . Jinks , K . Mitchell , VV . li . Hughes , Thomas Bullock , J . P . Slingsby Roberts , T . J . Lyne , E . Smith , and VV . W . Welling .
The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and a large number of apologies from brethren invited to attend having bee read , the outgoing W . M ., Bro . D . VVood , installed Bro . C . Morton Wilson , as w . ' » j for the ensuing year . The Chaplain , Bro . Canon W . II . Cooper , took all that part the installation ceremony which follows the closing of the Board of Installed Waste Thc W . M ., Iiro . Wilson , invested the following as officers : Bros . VV . H . Dixon , S . VV . ) i ' E . Lark , J . VV . ; Canon W . H . Cooper , Chap . ; li . A . Head , Treas . ; A . M . Betchieyi Sec ; D . Wood . I . P . M . ; J . Harrison , D . of C . j W . W . Gale , S . D . ; A . Bran < " > J . D . j II . D . Gatford , I . G . j A . G . Shepherd , Org . ; and F . Walder and J . ^ "
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Craft Masonry.
Craft Masonry .
St . John and St . Paul Lodge , No . 615 . The installation meeting of this prominent Kentish lodge took place at the Prince of Wales Hotel , Erith , on the 3 rd inst ., and was well attended . The following brethren were present : Bros . Wm .-T . Doddrell . W . M . ; W . H . Keeble , S . W . ; G . W . Mitchell , P . M ., P . G . D . C , Treas . ; H . King , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Sec . ; Isaiah Turton , G . W . S . Kendall , W . Solkhon , C . S . Heithersav , E . J . D . Valon , W . S . Heithersav ,
G . H . Letton , P . M ., W . Frarcis , W . L . Doddrell , P . M ., ] . Owen , R . Orchard , T . E . Tinker , H . J . Jordan , F . C . Leonard , F . Mayall , G . D . Vincer , J . Thornhill , J . C . Holloway , and others . The visitors were Bros . T . Wills , P . M . 299 , P . G . Supt . of Works Kent ; S . De Vere Whitehead S . VV . ( Shanghi ); T . Turton , 913 ; W . Gurney Winter , SGo ; J . A . Whitfield , W . M . 77 ; E . Evenden , W . M . 1223 ; Thos . Sibley , W . M . 1679 ; W . Dawson , W . M . S 29 ; H . W . Francis , S . D . S 29 ; S . Barnard , 700 ; C . SteelP . M . 1365 ; S . E . SouthgateP . M . 700 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .
, , The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , and the Auditors' report , showing a substantial balance , having been received and adopted , Bro . Herbert King , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., the " Father" of the lodge then occupied the chair , and proceeded with the important business of installing Bro . Wm . Henry Keeble as W . M . for the ensuing year , and he performed the duty in a most exemplary manner . The new W . M . next invested his officers as follows : ' Bros . Isaiah Turton , S . W . ; G . W . S . Kendall . LW .: W . Solkhon , Treas . ; H . King , P . M .. P . P . G . P ., Sec . ; C . S .
Heithersay , S . D . ; W . S . Heithersay , J . D . ; E . J . D . Valon , I . G . ; G . H . Letton , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Francis , A . D . C . ; W . L . Doddrell , P . M ., J . Owen , R . Orchard , and T . E . Tinker , Stewards ; and W . Larder , Tyler . Bro . W . L . Doddrell , P . M ., was appointed Chanty Representative . A Past Treasurer's jewel was voted to Bro . G . W . Mitchell , P . G . D . of C , the late Treasurer , he having filled that office for the last 10 years , and the proposer and seconder of the proposition spoke in the highest praise of the great services he had rendered to the lodire . In a spirited speech , given with much feeling , Bro . G .
W . Mitchell acknowledged the vote of the jewel . He said that he had always done his duty , and he had no hesitation in saying that if it had not been for him they would have Jbst their warrant , he having financed the lodge . It had been a great pleasure to him to work hard for the Province of Kent , and he had done his utmost on the Charity Committee . At the conclusion of his speech , he handed to the W . M . his Treasurer's book , together with a cheque for the balance in his hands . The delivery of the usual addresses was ably rendered by Bro . H . King , and he is to be congratulated on the efficient way he carried out the installation ceremony .
Other business followed , after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren withdrew to partake of an excellent banquet , which reflected the highest credit on the establishment . At the conclusion of the banquet , the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts in happy terms . In submitting the toast of "The Right Hon . Earl Amherst , R . W . Prov . G . M . of Kent , " the VV . M . said ; This is a toast that is always received by Freemasons of Kent with the utmost enthusiasmfor we are proud to have such a brother to preside over us
, in his capacity of Provincial Grand Master . You all know how Freemasonry has progressed under his lordship ' s rule ; the good deeds of some men are not known until they have passed away , and we read of them recorded in their biography . But we are piatified to know that the gocd deeds of Earl Amherst live with him , and will long be n membered after he has been called to the Grand Lodge above , which we hope , by the will of the Gteat Architect of the Universe , will not be for very many years to come . Long may he conlinue to preside over us , and may Freemasonry ever flourish in the Piovince of Kent .
In responding for "The Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . T . Wills , whose name , and those of Bros . G . W . Mitchell and H . King , was associated with the toast , said that he was sorry no Grand Officer of higher station than he in the province was present . In Bro . Eastes , their Deputy Prov . Grand Master , they had one of thc best of Masons , and it would be impossible for him to say too much in his praise , as thev could have no better . He was proud he was a Past Grand Officer of Kent ,
and if the members would only work hard there was no reason why in the course of time they should not all be officers of their province . He was pleased to be with them that evening to see such good working , and he was very much impressed wilh the way the W . M . had invested his officers—he had never seen it done better—and he hoped to com-: again when harmony would prevail . He wished the W . M . every success during his term of office , and in conclusion he remarked , don ' t forget tbe words "love , unity , and concord . "
Bro . W . T . Doddrell , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Master . " He stated that the way that Bro . Keeble had worked that day was evidence that he would be an excellent ruler in every way . They had known him f . ir some time , and there was no doubt that when he vacated the chair it would be their unanimous opinion that the lodge had never had a better Alaster . The toast was drunk with acclamation , and
Bro . Keeble , the W . M ., < n rising to respond , was enthusiastically received . He stated that he felt he had arrived at a very difficult task , to respond to the toast , but , still , he was proud of his high position , and he earnestly hoped to be able to uphold the reputation and dignity of the lodge in every way . He sincerely trusted that his tenure of office would be one of haimony—without any bickeiingor ill-feeling—and if he could carry out his duties with peace and happiness all round , he would indeed be glad ; and concluding , he
quoted" 'Thus have I begun my reign and 'tis My hope to end successfully . " The Worshipful Master , in proposing " The Installing Master , Bro . F . King , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., " said that he was proud to have been installed by so worthy a member , whose workintr of the ceremonv was excellent , and could not have been done better , and he
and the members appreciated his services . In response , Bro . King said it was an honour to instal so good a W . M ., and he was indebted to the outgoing Master for allowing him to do the installation ceremony , lthad fallen to his happy lot to have installed others in the lodge , and he was proud to have done so .
The toast of "The Visitors " came next , the W . M . observing that he was honoured with their presence , and on behalf of the lodge , he gave them a very heartylwel come . He coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Whitehead , T . Sibley , and C . Steel . Bro . S . De Vere Whitehead ( Shanghai ) responded . He said that he had very much enjoyed the proceedings and their hospitable treatment and as he thought there was a prospect of his remaining in this country , he should certaiely offer himself as a joining
member . Bro . T . Sibley , W . M . 1 G 79 , stated that that was his second visit . He had worked hard with the W . M . in Masonic business for years and he had no hesitation in saying that he would be a credit to himself and the lodge , and he was proud to have seen him installed into the chair . Bro . C . Steel also replied in clcquent terms .
Bro . J . A . Whitfield , VV . M . 77 , and other visitors also responded , bearing testimony to the excellent working ot the Installing Master , and the former expressed a hope that brotherly love would prevail in the lodge in the future . The Worshipful Master gave " The Past Masters , " observing that it was his pleasing duty to present the I . P . M ., Bro . Wm . T . Dcddrell , who had faithfully performed his task as VV . M . for the last 12 months , with a Past Master ' s jewel , and in making the presentation he did so in a unique speech .
Bro . Wm . T . Doddrell , I . P . M ., in response , tendered his best thanks for the jeivel , which he should esteem as long as he lived . Bro . G . VV . Mitchell , P . M ., replied for the Past Masters . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Treasurer and Secretary . " He said Bro . King had been the Secretary for years and the members well knew how he carried out his duties .
Bro . H . King , P . M ., Sec , in responding , said heappreciated the great honour of having been again appointed Secretary . I le did his best to promote the inter , sts of thc lodge , and what he had done was , he thought , his duty ; but if he had unwittingly offended any one he was sorry . He had introduced several members , some of whom were now Pas t Masters , and that was gratifying to him . Bro . Solkhon , Treas ., also replied in appropriate terms . The W . M . gave " The Masonic Press , " to which Bro . R . T . \ Ves . t responded .
Craft Masonry.
"The Officers" having been honoured , the Tyler ' s toast terminated the pro . ceedings . The W . M . had provided an excellent musical entertainment by engaging the / Eolian Vocal Quartette ; which consists of Mr . Herbert Stockwell , Miss Maude Ballard , Miss Lillian Close , and Bro . Carl Brandt , and their great efforts were much appreciated by the brethren . Mr . Percy Keeble , A . R . C . O ., Sub-Professor R . A . M ., the son of the W . M ., was an able accompanyist .
Royal Victoria Lodge , No . 1013 . The annual meeting of this well-known lodge was held on the 4 th inst ., for the 29 th time , at the Masonic Hall , Liverpool , when there was a large gathering of its members and , visitors , many of the latter being from the adjoining province of Cheshire , where the incoming W . M . is well known to the Craft . I'he chair was taken bv Bro . Thos . P
Bethell , W . M ., supported by Bros . Col . Whitney , P . M . ; W . M'William , P . M .: I Broadbent , P . M . ; W . Thompson , P . M . ; F . Evans , P . M . ; J . Jack , P . M ., Treas . ; ' W . H . Cooke , P . M ., D . C . ; and others ; and among the numerous visitors were Bros G . R . Bottomley , P . P . G . D . C , ; J . Armstrong , W . M . 1350 ; R . White , P . G . D . C .. O . Jones , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Camlin , P . P . G . D . ; E . Powell , P . P . G . R . ; W . Spencer ' W . M . 823 ; Peter Duff , P . P . S . G . D . ; and others .
I he installation ceremony was well carried out by Bro . J . Bethel , W . M ., and the following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . Thos . C . Bethel , I . P . M . ; J . B . Jones , S . W . ; E . A . Davies , J . W . ; J . Jack , P . M ., Treas . ( re-elected ); J . R . Bromley , Sec . ; F . Houlgraves , S . D . ; J . W . Worrall , J . D . ; VV . R . Cooke , P . M ., D . C ; R . Mounsfield , Org . ; A . T . Mackay , I . G . ; R . Foden , W . Foden , W . J . Jones , H . Beale , and Alfred Shawfield , Stewards ; and W . Thornton , P . M ., Charity Representative . Bro . Frank Du Chemin was re-elected Tyler . Before the Iodge was closed a beautiful Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the retiring W . M . on behalf of the members by Bro . Proud , W . M .
The brethren afterwards dined together , and a capital musical programme was carried out by Bros . G . Broadbent , S . Kirkham , Pierpoint , Parkinson , Davies , Beeson , Jack . Howard , and Mountfield .
Fermor Hesketh Lodge , No . 1350 . The 251 b annual meeting of this lodge was held at the County Hall , Bootle , on Monday , the gth inst ., for the installation of Bro . Frederick J . Billett , the W . M . elect . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . John Armstrong , P . M ., P . G . S . of W . Cheshire , who was well supported by the officers , members , and a large number of visiting brethren , amongst whom were Bros . Wm . Goodacre , P . G . S . B . England , P . G .
Sec ; Thos . Shaw ( Mayor of Birkenhead ) , P . J . G . W . Cheshire ; J . Lees , P . G . D . . Dr . Kirkpatrick , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . C . Robinson , P . P . G . D . C . ; S . Pittaway , P . P . G . S . B .: Jas . Gamlin , P . P . G D . Cheshire ; F . K . Stevenson , P . P . G . S . B . Cheshire ; Owen Jones , P . P . G . S . B . Cheshire ; Dr . Adams , P . M . 14 S ; W . H . Roberts , P . M . 148 j J . H , J ackson , VV . M . C 05 ; W . H . Cooke , P . M . 1013 ; G . Proudman , W . M . 1013 ; W . F . Robinson , P . M . 2132 ; S . Pope , P . M . 1473 ; R . Rawlinson , P . M . 1473 ; and J , H . Pagen , W . M . elect 2132 .
Alter the usual preliminaries , the VV . M . elect was presented by Bros . Swift and Connor , the ceremony of installation being rendered by the retiring VV . M . The W . M ., Bro . Billett , invested his officers as follows : Bros . E . J . Robin , S . W . ; E . W . Armstrong , J . W . ; Wm . Taylor , P . M ., Treas . ; A . Halsull , Sec ; W . W . West , S . D . ; T . E . Gedling , J . D . ; C . C . Robin , P . M ., D . C . ; R . W . Jones , Org . ; J . Bolton ,
I . G . j E . H . Jones , b . Davies , W . R . Masheder , and J . L . H . Woods , Stwds . j and Hy . Owens , Tyler . Bro . F . A . Staedeli was unanimously elected Charity Representative . _ An interesting feature of the investiture of officers was the I . P . M . placing his son in the Junior Warden ' s chair , remarking that by so doing it constituted him a member of Grand Lodge , and expressing a hope that the position now attained would never be forfeited .
At the banquet , which was admirably served by Bro . Holmes , of the Metropole , after the usual loyal toasts , the W . M . gave "Our M . W . Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " to which Bro . Wm . Goodacre , P . G . S . B . Eng ., responded in eloquent terms . In reply to the toast of " The Prov . Grand Officers of this and other Provinces , " Bro . J . Lees , P . G . D ., responded for West Lancashire , and his Worship the Mayor of Birkenhead , Bro . Thos . Shaw , P . G . W ., for Cheshire .
In reply to the toast of his health , the W . M . said although it was somewhat difficult o follow such an old and experienced Past Master in the chair as Bro . Armstrong , who was so well versed in every detail of the ritual , he could assure the lodge he would do all in his power to maintain the traditions of the Fermor Hesketh Lodge in the good working of their beautiful ritual . In proposing " I'he Health of the I . P . M . and Installing Master , " the W . M . said that during the year just ended their lodge had passed through the period of its greatest
prosperity . They nad had a large number of initiates , and to pass them through the several Degrees several emergency meetings were necessary , and even then they could not meet the requirements of all their candidates without asking the assistance of their neighbours , and so highly was their I . P . M . appreciated , that on several occasions he was asked to take the chair in these lodges and pass or raise his own candidates . The manner in which . their several ordinary csremonies were worked , as well as the installation
ceremony that day , reflected the highest credit on Bro . Armstrong , to mark which the lodge had voted him a Past Master ' s jewel , making one more to the numerous array which already decorated his breast ; the members , however , in their private capacity thought fit to still further mark their appreciation of his services by presenting that gold watch to his daughter , Miss Mabel Armstrong , as a memento of her father ' s Mastership of the lodge .
Bro . Armstrong , I . P . M ., in repl y , thanked the members for the jewel they had presented to himself , but more particularly for the very handsome watch they had thought fit to present to his youngest daughter . He was pleased they appreciated the services he had been able to render during the past year , which was certainly a prosperous one . They had one and all rendered him yeoman service , with the result that the lodge was now in a sound financial position . He had endeavoured to give the ritual so as to leave an indelible impression on the minds of the candidates , and if he
had been successful it was ample reward . Twenty years ago when lie first became a ruler in the Craft , he thought the ritual was capable of considerable improvement , but year by year its beauties dawned upon him , and to-day he felt that even a verbal alteration amounted to sacrilege ; that which had stood the test of nearly two centuries , and was in use in thousands of lodges in all parts of the globe , was a living testimony of those two great minds who brought it into its present shape—Desaguliers and Anderson . The antiquity of Freemasonry was beyond doubt . Its traces are found amongst the Druids , in the teachings of Pythagoras , in the still more ancient mysteries of Egypt , and
of the followers of Zoroaster ; and , with the single exception of Judaism , it is the oldest institution in the world . If his reading had been more especially directed to the historical and archteological aspect of Masonry , he no less venerated that ritual they all loved so well . As a Master , he tried never to lose sight of that great axiom of Freemasonry , " In things essential , unity ; in things doubtful , liberty ; in all things , Charity . The toast of "The Masonic Charities" was ably responded to by Bros . Pittaway and Stevenson , that of "The Visitors" by Bros . Dr . Adams , Gamlin , and Rawlinson , and of " The Musical Brethren " by Bros . S . Pope and Jackson .
Sackville Lodge , No . 1619 . The installation of the W . M . of this lodge took place at the regular meeting on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Crown Hotel , East Grinstead . There was a large attendance of members and visitors , amongst the latter were Bros . Freeman , P . M ., I rov . G . Sec ; II . H . Perry , C . J . Bye , J . Davis , W . Wright , J . Jinks , K . Mitchell , VV . li . Hughes , Thomas Bullock , J . P . Slingsby Roberts , T . J . Lyne , E . Smith , and VV . W . Welling .
The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and a large number of apologies from brethren invited to attend having bee read , the outgoing W . M ., Bro . D . VVood , installed Bro . C . Morton Wilson , as w . ' » j for the ensuing year . The Chaplain , Bro . Canon W . II . Cooper , took all that part the installation ceremony which follows the closing of the Board of Installed Waste Thc W . M ., Iiro . Wilson , invested the following as officers : Bros . VV . H . Dixon , S . VV . ) i ' E . Lark , J . VV . ; Canon W . H . Cooper , Chap . ; li . A . Head , Treas . ; A . M . Betchieyi Sec ; D . Wood . I . P . M . ; J . Harrison , D . of C . j W . W . Gale , S . D . ; A . Bran < " > J . D . j II . D . Gatford , I . G . j A . G . Shepherd , Org . ; and F . Walder and J . ^ "