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  • May 15, 1880
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  • REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS.
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and Captain Peel Floyd . There were many members and visitors . Thc lodge haying been opened , the minutes of previous meetings were read and confirmed , also thc minutes of thc lodge of instruction , and those of a meeting of the Permanent Committee , in reference to proposals from another lodge as to certain improvements in thc Masonic

Hall . A circular , respecting thc meeting - of Grand Lodge at Truro to lay the foundation stone of thc cathedral , was read , and several brethren intimated their desire to bc present . Mr . T . G . Brown and Mr . W . H . Reynolds , who had been previously admitted by ballot , were introduced , properly prepared , and were duly initiated by the W . M . On their subsequent retirement , the brethren were called

off for refreshment , when only two toasts were given , namely , "Thc Queen and thc Craft" and "Thc Ncwly-Initiatcd Members , " who briefly responded , and Bro . Mercer gave thc Entered Apprentice's song . Thc brethren having been called on again from refreshment to labour , thc W . M . completed the ceremony , requesting the J . D . to explain the symbolism of the working tools

and the S . S . to deliver the Lecture on the First 1 racing Board , each readily compl y ing , ancl performing thc duty in such a manner as to elicit hearty applause . The W . M . delivered thc usual charge pertaining to the First Degree . Several matters of only private interest were discussed , and when the W . M . had risen a second time to inquire if any brother had a proposition to make , he was requested to

retire by Bvo . Ashley , who , on his compliance , took- his chair . 'The acting W . M ., in the most brotherly and feeling terms , alluded to the sad bereavement that hacl fallen on the W . M ., Bro . Dr . Hopkins , by thc loss of his wife , ancl Bro . F . Wilton , P . M ., under considerable emotion , having spoken , a vote of condolence was duly passed , ancl a resolution to that effect ordered to bc sent to thc Worshipful Master , in

thc name of all thc brethren . The lodge was finally closctl at ten o'clock , and it may be fairly stated that the season before the summer vacation terminated with great eclat ; several features in the proceedings being unusual , unexpected , and evidently gratifying to those present , not the least of which was the very careful manner in which thc subordinate oflicers performed their duties .

DURHAM . —Marquis of Granby Lodge ( No . 124 ) . —At a meeting of this lodge , held in the Masonic Hall , Old Klvct , on the Gth inst ., a letter was read from John Fawcett , Esq ., thc Provincial Grand Master forthe Province of Durham , resigning that high and important appointment , whereupon thc following resolution was moved by Bro . William Brignal , P . M ., P . Z ., and P . P . G . R .,

and seconded by Bro . Thomas Bell , W . M .: "That the brethren of thc Marquis of Granb y Lodge of Freemasons , No . 124 , having just heard read the resignation of Bro . John Fawcett , Esq ., of this city , as thc Right Worshipful " Grand Master of the Province of Durham , hereby express their sympathy and regret for thc cause which has led the Right W . P . G . M . to decide on that step , but they cannot

thus sever thc connection between them without unanimously expressing their high appreciation of , and thanks for , thc unwearied zeal and devotion which be has manifested for thc good of Masonry in general , nnd of thc Province of Durham in particular , during the long period of upwards of a quarter of a century . In his retirement from active duties connected with thc Craft they most sincerely anel

heartily wish him health , happiness , and prosperity . The above resolution was carried by acclamation , and confirmed ( in Tuesday evening last , lt is worthy of remark that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , as Grand Master of Freemasons in England , has appointed thc Most Noble the Marquis of Londonderry to act as successor to lira . Fawcett , ancl the brethren in general wish his lordship a long and prosperous career .

LIVERPOOL . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 673 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this lodge , the largest and most prosperous in the province , was held at tlie Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on 'Tuesday , the 4 th inst ., at six p . m . There were present Bros . Win . Brackenbury , W . M . ; David Jackson , I . P . M . ; 'Thos . Roberts , P . M . ; II . Burrows , i ' . M . ; — Hocking , P . M . ; L . Hcrdman , S . W . ;

'Thos . Smyth , J . W . ; Thos . Clark , P . M ., P . G . S . of W ., Treas . ; W . T . May , P . M ., Sec ; J . T . Callow , P . M ., P . G . 'Treas ., M . C ; " C . Marsh , J . D . ; Richard Whitehead , acting S . D . ; G . Leitch , S . ; G . " Godfrey , S . ; W . II . Ball , Tyler ; Joseph Ball ( I . C ); j . Rallie , W . P . McDonald , W . R . Reeve , C . Harold , C . Cockbain , John Morgan , J . Bebington , W . A . Lacke , S . W . II . Halse , II . J . Hughes ,

I * * . Schi'in , D . J . Parry , 11 . Hawlcy , D . Jones , R . Mayson , J . W . Gaundless , James Orme , John Roberts , Robt . 11 ulme , * ) . Knox , W . Br .-iithw . ait , I' ! . Tomes , J . II . Stilling * , Dr . iUiller , J . C . Noble , 11 . Weathcrill , ancl others . Visitors Bros , Capt . T . Berry , P . M . 155 . II . S . Alpass , P . M . 1 **• - * , P . G . Sec ; R . Weak * , 249 ; R . Foote , S . W . 1505 ; l ' i . Taubman , P . M . 1075 ; P . M . Larsen , P . M . 594 ; T . J .

Walker , 120 . 8 ; John Butler , 203 ; 'I . P . Chapman , 1325 ; and John C . Robinson , P . M . 249 . 'The lodge was opened at six p . m . by Ihe W . M . When the minutes of tlie previous meeting hael been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . T . 1 * . Parry and 1- " . G . Middleton , both of whom being in attendance , together with Dr . T . Clarke , who had been balloted for at

a previous meeting , were duly initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry by the W . M . The lodge was then opened in thc Second Degree , and Bros . Morgan , Orme , and Harold having expressed a desire to go forward , were tested as to their proficiency , and retired . 'Tlie lodge was then opened in tlie 'Third Degree , when the above named brethren were raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . ' s by

the W . M . in a very impressive manner . I he lodge ivathen closed down to the First Degree , when Bro . Callow , P . M ., proposed that the sum of fifty guineas be voted from the funds of the lodge for the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and in a very able speech advocated the cause of the noble Institution . Bro . T . Clark , P . M ., seconded the resolution . Bro . Dr . Miller rose and moved

as an amendment that the sum of twenty-five guineas be voted . He stated that , whilst fully recognising the great claims of the Royal Masonic Institution for BOYS , they ought not to overlook the claims of the widows and orphans in the Province of West Lancashire-. The amendment

having been seconded , Bro . Alpass , P . G . S ., in supporting the resolution , spoke of the efforts being made b y other province's , and ( .-ailed the attention ofthe brethren to tables published in the Freemason of the first ult ., in which this province stands near the bottom of the list . He hoped that alter the large number of initiations during thc W . M . ' s

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

year of office they would pass the resolution , as the greater portion of the initiation fees ought to bc devoted to the Masonic Charities , and the subscriptions only for the working expenses of tlie Lodge . He concluded by making a forcible appeal to thc brethren to support the R . W . P . Grand Master , Earl Lathom , on the occasion of his presiding at thc festival . Bro . Hocking , P . M ., and Bro . Hcrdman also spoke in favour of the resolution , which ,

upon being put to the lodge , was declared carried . After various sums had been voted in aid of families of Freemasons , thc lodge was closed , and thc brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , presided over by thc W . M ., after which thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . The W . M . announced that it was thc intention of

Bro . Callow , P . G . I ., and himself to represent thc lodge at the festival in June , and that they would have great pleasure in taking up any sums that the brethren might feel disposed to forward to them . After a very pleasant evening hacl been spent , enlivened by some excellent singing from several of the brethren , they separated at an early hour .

COCKERMOUTH . —Skiddaw Lodge ( No . 1002 ) , Thc monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday evening , the 4 th inst . Present : Bros . T . Bird , W . M . ; Capt . Sewell , I . P . M . ; R . W . Robinson , Sec . as S . W . ; H . Peacock , J . W . ; Dr . Dodgson , P . M . ; W . Shilton , P . M . ; W . H . " Lewthwaite , P . M . ' andOrg . ; J . Black , P . M . ; T . Mason , S . D . ; J . Hewson , Tyler ; H . Carruthers , S . Thwaite , S . Ferguson , l' \ Smith " , W . l' \ Lamonby , P . M . ( FrecnfTison ) , and others .

'The minutes having been read and confirmed , Bro . F . Smith gave evidence of his proficiency , and was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . On the lodge being closed down , Bro . Lamonhy ' s notice of motion , relative to an alteration in the date of the installation festival , was allowed to stand over for a month . Intimation was given that . Miss M . A . Hartncss , daughter of the late Bro . W . J . Hartness , of this lodge , had recently gained a prize for drawing , at the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . Last year she also took a prize for machine work .

MANCHESTER . —Shakespeare Lodge ( No . 1009 ) . —Tlie installation meeting and St . John ' s Festival was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , em Monday , thc 3 rd inst . 'The following brethren were present : Bros . F . R . Hollins , W . M . ; Geo . F . Smith , I . P . M . ; Geo . Wilson Wilson , S . W . ; R . Hardley , J . W . ; G . Yates , J . I ) . ; J . C . Kenyon , I . G . ; C . E . Austin , 'Treas . ; Saml . Statham , P . M ., Sec ; Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , Chap . ; R . L .

Mestayer , P . M . ; R . Marshall , P . M .: H . T . Robberds , P . M ., Org ., P . G . Org . ; George Hant , V . A . Huet , R . J . Walker , J . Radford , Geo . Macbeth , ancl Henry Heap , 'Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Francis II . Wright , P . M . 331 ; J . Kidson Taylor , 1 G 3 ; Thos . Robert Peel , P . M . 1147 ; Kobt . Elliott , P . M . 1147 ; Ellis Jones , P . M . 1147 ; J . H . Chappie , 152 ; G . V . Blaikie , S . D . 152 ; W . M . " ( affray , W . M . 152 ; Hudson Lister , P . M . 1011 ; N .. Dumville , P . M . 1011 ; J . " II .

Pearson , 1438 ; Mark Vickers , W . M . 317 ; D . Aslwith , ' 773 S J * Seel , 1147 , 1730 ; Joseph Cla / tcm , P . M . 277 ; John Owen Giles , 1147 ; and R . R . Lisenden , 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge was opened at four o ' clock with prayer , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . The lodge was afterwards raised to the Second Degree ;

Bro . G . W . Wilson , W . M . elect , was presented to the Installing . Master , Bro . R . L . Mestayer , P . M ., and , after the usual preliminaries , was , with all due rite and ceremony , inducted into the chair of K . S . When the brethren below the rank of Installed Master had been re-admitted , the usual proclamation was made by Bro . C . E . Austin , P . M . ( who , at this point , assumed thc directorship ) , and the brethren formally saluted their new W . M . in tlie customary

manner . Bro . the Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw tlun invested the newlyappointed oflicers as follows : Bros . Frank Hull , S . W . ; R . J . Walker , J . W . ; — Carter , S . D . ; J . C . Kenyon , J . D . ; George Hunt , Sec . ; Rev . S . V . B . Bradshaw , Chap , ( invested by Bro . C . E . Austin , P . M . ); II . T . Robberds , P . G . Org ., Org . ; R . L . Mestayer , 1 ) . of C . ( by deputy ); and Henry Heap , 'T yler .

Bro . C E . Austin , P . M ., delivered the addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren , and , after Bro . the Rev . Bradshaw had offered up a prayer , the ceremony of installation terminated . We may add that the working * tools were presented and explained to the W . M . by Bro . Saml . Statham , P . M ., and that all the brethren who took part in the ceremony performed their parts most satisfactorily , ancl left nothing * to lie desired . " Hearty good wishes" having

been expressed by tlie visiting brethren , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 5 . 55 . 'Tlie brethren afterwards celebrated thc festival of St . John in the spacious banqueting ball . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been proposed and duly honoured , Bro . F . R . Hollins , I . P . M ., rose to propose "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . G . W . Wilson . " In the course of his remarks , Bro . F . Hollins said it fell to his lot

once again to perform a pleasant duty . A thought had struck him a moment or so ago of the proverb , "The King is dead I Long live the King ! " Thc same proverb might with truth be applied to W . M . ' s of lodges , as , in reality , they always lived . Some four years ago it was his privilegeto Deacon a gentleman who was being initiated into their loelge , and , in doing so , he had said to himself , this gentleman will be W . M . of the Shakc-sneare Lodge , and . be was

happy to say , his prediction had been verified , as that same gentleman now sat in the chair of K . S . I le had not been di . appointed with their W . M . during his upward career , and lie had all along felt sure that whatever Bro . Wilson undertook to do he would do well , lie now felt equally certain that the members of No . 1009 woulel not be disappointed with the W . M . they had chosen . Bro . 1 lollins further remarked that , for ihe second time in his life , he found

himself an I . P . M ., and , in the present instance , he could fulfil that office with satisfaction , as he thought in tliatcapacity there would be very little for him to do in assisting so efficient a W . M . as Bro . Wilson , who , if well supported by his officers , would add to thc lustre of thc Shakespeare Lodge ; and he concluded by asking the brethren to

drink their W . M . ' s health . Bro . G . W . Wilson returned thanks to Bro . Hollins for his kind remarks , anel to the brethren for so cordially responding to the toast . Several other toasts were proposed and responded to , among them being thc toast of "The Immortal . Memory of Shakespeare , " proposed by thc Rev , Chaplain of thc lodge

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

( Bro . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , P . M ., P . P . G . Chap . East Lancashire and Northumberland ) , who said it was a custom amongst thc ancients to meet together on the anniversaries of the days upon which those they loved had gone over to thc majority , and , after partaking of a solemn banquet of commemoration , to pour upon the earth full libations of ruddy wine , as offerings of loving remembrance to the

names of the dead , whose spirits , refreshed by the generous fragance and cheered by thought of those they loved , again wended their way in peace into the silent land . We on some day as near as conveniently may be to the day of St . George , Grand Patron of England , honour , in our yearly festival , the undying memory of the great poet of England , under whose name and banner we carry on the

great Masonic work . With singular propriety does an assembly of Craftsmen respect and reverence the poet . 'The craftsman with the working tools of his calling brings rude matter into shape , makes things of beauty to be joys for ever , or things of service for the use of man . The speculative Masonic Craftsman , with his intellectual powers , shapes surrounding circumstance into eternal

verities of truth , wisdom , and beauty . What does the poet but this ? Is not he the true maker—that is , craftsman—who , catching the fleeting thoughts and feelings of his day , pours them into thc glowing mould of genius and imagination , and turns out the creations of his intellect for an eternal possession of mankind ? The poet is the maker ; the ideal of poesy is the real of mankind . By a true

paradox the ideal is more real than the materially existing or even the actual past . Men and things pass and fade , ' but the poet ' s dreams are the bright inheritance of humanity . Who amongst us lias not met with Dogberry and Verges ? Who has not in his time forgathered with Mr . Justice Shallow , and enjoyed his cakes and ale with Falstaff ?—perhaps , going further afield , met Touchstone and Audrey in

the woods of Arden , or dropped a tear over Juliet ' s tomb . Statistics and geography may tell mc that Bohemia owns no seaport , registers no ships of entry . Well , so much thc worse for Bohemia , for , in our heart of hearts , we believe that on its barren shores beauteous Perdita found a wintry welcome , and that genial vagabond Antolycus— " name not yet put in the Book of Virtue "—still frequents Bohemia , sheepshcaring , " and doesn ' t leave a purse alive in thc

whole army . " Yes , no jewel , no perfect stone of nobler substance and truer die can bc p laced before thc Craftsmen of this lodge for their meditation and imitation than thc work and fame of him whose name they bear . Shakespeare , the true Englishman—the immortal poet—a great instance of the union of the practical and imaginative—on the boards a useful actor—in the streets nf his native town . i

shrewd and thriving man of business—in the closet thc lorel of universal nature , before whose fine frenzy of imagination all compact bounds of time and space give way , while his magic pen g ives airy nothings a local habitation and a name—an English poet for Englishmen , men in whom is found the most prosaic practical , joined with the most enthusiastic , ideality . Our poet is the poet of men , and

therefore he is a dramatic poet . The dramatic instinct is natural to every heart , and finds expression in every life , from the clay when thc precocious child beats his little stool in mimicry ofthe pedagogue to whose school lie , satchel on back , crawls so unwillingly , playing at horses and soldiers , until the days of later life , when , spectacle on nose , he listens to some aptly told and dramatically-enacted tale of

heroism or melancholy love . The dramatic poet is not of common occurrence ; he usually makes his entrance on the world stage at some time when national life beats high and the life current runs briskly through some nascent state . Thcdrama for its noblest effort requires a high civilisation nnd intense intellectual life . It rose upon our world in the days when Sophocles fought in the Grecian ranks at Marathon ;

the fauy-likc wonders of Mexican and Peruvian discoveries fired the hearts of Spain , when Lope de Vega was pouring forth his flood of dramatic poesy ; while the glories of the Fourteenth Louis were dazzling France , Racine was dignif y ing her stage , ancl Molicre creating her finest comedy . So when England ' s pulse was beating strong in thc noble days of Queen Bess , and a fresh world was opening to her arms and

commerce , strong with the new life of a free reformation , our native Shakespeare warbled his wood notes wild , and catching the very form and pressure of the time , handed down to us his lofty creations , winning the honour which "bates Time ' s keen scythe , and makes him heir of all eternity . " Rightly do wc , I think , meditate on him to-day . He is the poet of us all . Like the Arabian enchanter who

was wont to dive into the souls of men , and search out and confound them with their inmost thoughts , so Shakespeare pictures us as we arc , at home with us all , with the crown burdened King on his uneasy throne ; with thc clown munching his chestnuts by the winter lire ; with tricksy Ariel ; and with moody Jacques . The chords he strikes find in our bosoms responsive echoes , because he depicts the passion of men , and shews how we arc all driven along in life b

y thc subtle play and influence of passion . , Passion , rightly ruled and well-disposed , becomes the very energy of virtue -, ill-rcgulatcd , and left to its own fierce will , the cause of ruin and moral shipwreck . All this too done with truest sympathy for the unfortunate or the victim . Even from a murderous Macbeth wc cannot withold the pity of a fellow humanity . But this festive occasion demands more joyous

ideas . Gaze for a time on Shakespeare , the pourtrayer of life ' s noblest passion , love . ( 'The speaker here gave various illustrations of this point , taking Marc Antony as the type of disastrous , passionate , ill-regulated love ; the one for whom the world was well lost for love ; whose fiery passion like a fierce volranodestroys with the outcast of its internal flames all that is near it , and ends b y destroying itself ; whose wild words

"Let Rome in Tybcr melt , and the wide arch of thc Ranged empire fall . Here is my space" —express its terrible surrender of all to a fatal passion . Again , Posthumiis , the type of true , honest , conjugal love , " 'The loyal ' st husband that did ' ere plight troth— " whose love tlie tender Imogen characterised " as sweet as balm , as soft as air , as gentle "—a love which had its rough trialsbut

, came right at last , and leaves us with every promise of lifelong happiness . " See Posthumus anchors upon Imogen . " ) May every brother of the mystic tie ill "holy love of faithful wife" find the strength of his heart , the wisdom of his life , and the beauty 01 his home . Again , for type of

the easily-swayed , uneasy , tintrustful , thunderous passion of an ill-governed mind , see him who loved not wisely , but too _ well—Othello , Cyprus ' s most unfortunate Governor . Again , for type ofthe modern young Englishman , swell or dandy , not wearing his heart on his sleeve , hotter in heart than in word , taking tlie world easy , " with quip and jest , and pointed repartee , " good honest stuff , with veneer

“The Freemason: 1880-05-15, Page 5” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 25 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_15051880/page/5/.
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Title Category Page
CONTENTS. Article 1
THE ROYAL VISIT, AND MASONIC CEREMONY AT TRURO. Article 1
THE CITY OF TRURO. Article 1
NOTES ON OUR ENGLISH RITUAL Article 1
FREEMASONRY IN THE ISLE OF MAN. Article 2
ST. JOHN'S LODGE, BOLTON. Article 2
COMMUNIQUE. Article 2
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Article 2
ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 3
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF EAST LANCASHIRE. Article 3
NATIONAL GREAT PRIORY. Article 4
VISIT OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES TO TRURO. Article 4
DEATH OF THE GRAND MASTER OF ITALY. Article 4
THE IRISH MASONIC FEMALE ORPHANAGE . Article 4
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 4
Royal Arch. Article 7
Mark Masonry. Article 7
Ancient and Accepted Rite. Article 7
Red Cross of Constantine. Article 7
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SERVICES OF THE GRAND OFFICERS. Article 9
Original Correspondence. Article 9
Reviews. Article 9
Masonic Notes and Queries. Article 10
Scotland. Article 10
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF GLASGOW. Article 11
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE, RENFREWSHIRE EAST. Article 11
Royal Ark Mariners. Article 11
Amusements. Article 11
Literary and Antiquarian Notes. Article 11
Masonic and General Tidings. Article 11
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS Article 12
Births, Marriages, and Deaths. Article 13
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

and Captain Peel Floyd . There were many members and visitors . Thc lodge haying been opened , the minutes of previous meetings were read and confirmed , also thc minutes of thc lodge of instruction , and those of a meeting of the Permanent Committee , in reference to proposals from another lodge as to certain improvements in thc Masonic

Hall . A circular , respecting thc meeting - of Grand Lodge at Truro to lay the foundation stone of thc cathedral , was read , and several brethren intimated their desire to bc present . Mr . T . G . Brown and Mr . W . H . Reynolds , who had been previously admitted by ballot , were introduced , properly prepared , and were duly initiated by the W . M . On their subsequent retirement , the brethren were called

off for refreshment , when only two toasts were given , namely , "Thc Queen and thc Craft" and "Thc Ncwly-Initiatcd Members , " who briefly responded , and Bro . Mercer gave thc Entered Apprentice's song . Thc brethren having been called on again from refreshment to labour , thc W . M . completed the ceremony , requesting the J . D . to explain the symbolism of the working tools

and the S . S . to deliver the Lecture on the First 1 racing Board , each readily compl y ing , ancl performing thc duty in such a manner as to elicit hearty applause . The W . M . delivered thc usual charge pertaining to the First Degree . Several matters of only private interest were discussed , and when the W . M . had risen a second time to inquire if any brother had a proposition to make , he was requested to

retire by Bvo . Ashley , who , on his compliance , took- his chair . 'The acting W . M ., in the most brotherly and feeling terms , alluded to the sad bereavement that hacl fallen on the W . M ., Bro . Dr . Hopkins , by thc loss of his wife , ancl Bro . F . Wilton , P . M ., under considerable emotion , having spoken , a vote of condolence was duly passed , ancl a resolution to that effect ordered to bc sent to thc Worshipful Master , in

thc name of all thc brethren . The lodge was finally closctl at ten o'clock , and it may be fairly stated that the season before the summer vacation terminated with great eclat ; several features in the proceedings being unusual , unexpected , and evidently gratifying to those present , not the least of which was the very careful manner in which thc subordinate oflicers performed their duties .

DURHAM . —Marquis of Granby Lodge ( No . 124 ) . —At a meeting of this lodge , held in the Masonic Hall , Old Klvct , on the Gth inst ., a letter was read from John Fawcett , Esq ., thc Provincial Grand Master forthe Province of Durham , resigning that high and important appointment , whereupon thc following resolution was moved by Bro . William Brignal , P . M ., P . Z ., and P . P . G . R .,

and seconded by Bro . Thomas Bell , W . M .: "That the brethren of thc Marquis of Granb y Lodge of Freemasons , No . 124 , having just heard read the resignation of Bro . John Fawcett , Esq ., of this city , as thc Right Worshipful " Grand Master of the Province of Durham , hereby express their sympathy and regret for thc cause which has led the Right W . P . G . M . to decide on that step , but they cannot

thus sever thc connection between them without unanimously expressing their high appreciation of , and thanks for , thc unwearied zeal and devotion which be has manifested for thc good of Masonry in general , nnd of thc Province of Durham in particular , during the long period of upwards of a quarter of a century . In his retirement from active duties connected with thc Craft they most sincerely anel

heartily wish him health , happiness , and prosperity . The above resolution was carried by acclamation , and confirmed ( in Tuesday evening last , lt is worthy of remark that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , as Grand Master of Freemasons in England , has appointed thc Most Noble the Marquis of Londonderry to act as successor to lira . Fawcett , ancl the brethren in general wish his lordship a long and prosperous career .

LIVERPOOL . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 673 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this lodge , the largest and most prosperous in the province , was held at tlie Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on 'Tuesday , the 4 th inst ., at six p . m . There were present Bros . Win . Brackenbury , W . M . ; David Jackson , I . P . M . ; 'Thos . Roberts , P . M . ; II . Burrows , i ' . M . ; — Hocking , P . M . ; L . Hcrdman , S . W . ;

'Thos . Smyth , J . W . ; Thos . Clark , P . M ., P . G . S . of W ., Treas . ; W . T . May , P . M ., Sec ; J . T . Callow , P . M ., P . G . 'Treas ., M . C ; " C . Marsh , J . D . ; Richard Whitehead , acting S . D . ; G . Leitch , S . ; G . " Godfrey , S . ; W . II . Ball , Tyler ; Joseph Ball ( I . C ); j . Rallie , W . P . McDonald , W . R . Reeve , C . Harold , C . Cockbain , John Morgan , J . Bebington , W . A . Lacke , S . W . II . Halse , II . J . Hughes ,

I * * . Schi'in , D . J . Parry , 11 . Hawlcy , D . Jones , R . Mayson , J . W . Gaundless , James Orme , John Roberts , Robt . 11 ulme , * ) . Knox , W . Br .-iithw . ait , I' ! . Tomes , J . II . Stilling * , Dr . iUiller , J . C . Noble , 11 . Weathcrill , ancl others . Visitors Bros , Capt . T . Berry , P . M . 155 . II . S . Alpass , P . M . 1 **• - * , P . G . Sec ; R . Weak * , 249 ; R . Foote , S . W . 1505 ; l ' i . Taubman , P . M . 1075 ; P . M . Larsen , P . M . 594 ; T . J .

Walker , 120 . 8 ; John Butler , 203 ; 'I . P . Chapman , 1325 ; and John C . Robinson , P . M . 249 . 'The lodge was opened at six p . m . by Ihe W . M . When the minutes of tlie previous meeting hael been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . T . 1 * . Parry and 1- " . G . Middleton , both of whom being in attendance , together with Dr . T . Clarke , who had been balloted for at

a previous meeting , were duly initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry by the W . M . The lodge was then opened in thc Second Degree , and Bros . Morgan , Orme , and Harold having expressed a desire to go forward , were tested as to their proficiency , and retired . 'Tlie lodge was then opened in tlie 'Third Degree , when the above named brethren were raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . ' s by

the W . M . in a very impressive manner . I he lodge ivathen closed down to the First Degree , when Bro . Callow , P . M ., proposed that the sum of fifty guineas be voted from the funds of the lodge for the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and in a very able speech advocated the cause of the noble Institution . Bro . T . Clark , P . M ., seconded the resolution . Bro . Dr . Miller rose and moved

as an amendment that the sum of twenty-five guineas be voted . He stated that , whilst fully recognising the great claims of the Royal Masonic Institution for BOYS , they ought not to overlook the claims of the widows and orphans in the Province of West Lancashire-. The amendment

having been seconded , Bro . Alpass , P . G . S ., in supporting the resolution , spoke of the efforts being made b y other province's , and ( .-ailed the attention ofthe brethren to tables published in the Freemason of the first ult ., in which this province stands near the bottom of the list . He hoped that alter the large number of initiations during thc W . M . ' s

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

year of office they would pass the resolution , as the greater portion of the initiation fees ought to bc devoted to the Masonic Charities , and the subscriptions only for the working expenses of tlie Lodge . He concluded by making a forcible appeal to thc brethren to support the R . W . P . Grand Master , Earl Lathom , on the occasion of his presiding at thc festival . Bro . Hocking , P . M ., and Bro . Hcrdman also spoke in favour of the resolution , which ,

upon being put to the lodge , was declared carried . After various sums had been voted in aid of families of Freemasons , thc lodge was closed , and thc brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , presided over by thc W . M ., after which thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . The W . M . announced that it was thc intention of

Bro . Callow , P . G . I ., and himself to represent thc lodge at the festival in June , and that they would have great pleasure in taking up any sums that the brethren might feel disposed to forward to them . After a very pleasant evening hacl been spent , enlivened by some excellent singing from several of the brethren , they separated at an early hour .

COCKERMOUTH . —Skiddaw Lodge ( No . 1002 ) , Thc monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday evening , the 4 th inst . Present : Bros . T . Bird , W . M . ; Capt . Sewell , I . P . M . ; R . W . Robinson , Sec . as S . W . ; H . Peacock , J . W . ; Dr . Dodgson , P . M . ; W . Shilton , P . M . ; W . H . " Lewthwaite , P . M . ' andOrg . ; J . Black , P . M . ; T . Mason , S . D . ; J . Hewson , Tyler ; H . Carruthers , S . Thwaite , S . Ferguson , l' \ Smith " , W . l' \ Lamonby , P . M . ( FrecnfTison ) , and others .

'The minutes having been read and confirmed , Bro . F . Smith gave evidence of his proficiency , and was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . On the lodge being closed down , Bro . Lamonhy ' s notice of motion , relative to an alteration in the date of the installation festival , was allowed to stand over for a month . Intimation was given that . Miss M . A . Hartncss , daughter of the late Bro . W . J . Hartness , of this lodge , had recently gained a prize for drawing , at the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . Last year she also took a prize for machine work .

MANCHESTER . —Shakespeare Lodge ( No . 1009 ) . —Tlie installation meeting and St . John ' s Festival was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street , em Monday , thc 3 rd inst . 'The following brethren were present : Bros . F . R . Hollins , W . M . ; Geo . F . Smith , I . P . M . ; Geo . Wilson Wilson , S . W . ; R . Hardley , J . W . ; G . Yates , J . I ) . ; J . C . Kenyon , I . G . ; C . E . Austin , 'Treas . ; Saml . Statham , P . M ., Sec ; Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , Chap . ; R . L .

Mestayer , P . M . ; R . Marshall , P . M .: H . T . Robberds , P . M ., Org ., P . G . Org . ; George Hant , V . A . Huet , R . J . Walker , J . Radford , Geo . Macbeth , ancl Henry Heap , 'Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Francis II . Wright , P . M . 331 ; J . Kidson Taylor , 1 G 3 ; Thos . Robert Peel , P . M . 1147 ; Kobt . Elliott , P . M . 1147 ; Ellis Jones , P . M . 1147 ; J . H . Chappie , 152 ; G . V . Blaikie , S . D . 152 ; W . M . " ( affray , W . M . 152 ; Hudson Lister , P . M . 1011 ; N .. Dumville , P . M . 1011 ; J . " II .

Pearson , 1438 ; Mark Vickers , W . M . 317 ; D . Aslwith , ' 773 S J * Seel , 1147 , 1730 ; Joseph Cla / tcm , P . M . 277 ; John Owen Giles , 1147 ; and R . R . Lisenden , 317 ( Freemason ) . The lodge was opened at four o ' clock with prayer , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . The lodge was afterwards raised to the Second Degree ;

Bro . G . W . Wilson , W . M . elect , was presented to the Installing . Master , Bro . R . L . Mestayer , P . M ., and , after the usual preliminaries , was , with all due rite and ceremony , inducted into the chair of K . S . When the brethren below the rank of Installed Master had been re-admitted , the usual proclamation was made by Bro . C . E . Austin , P . M . ( who , at this point , assumed thc directorship ) , and the brethren formally saluted their new W . M . in tlie customary

manner . Bro . the Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw tlun invested the newlyappointed oflicers as follows : Bros . Frank Hull , S . W . ; R . J . Walker , J . W . ; — Carter , S . D . ; J . C . Kenyon , J . D . ; George Hunt , Sec . ; Rev . S . V . B . Bradshaw , Chap , ( invested by Bro . C . E . Austin , P . M . ); II . T . Robberds , P . G . Org ., Org . ; R . L . Mestayer , 1 ) . of C . ( by deputy ); and Henry Heap , 'T yler .

Bro . C E . Austin , P . M ., delivered the addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren , and , after Bro . the Rev . Bradshaw had offered up a prayer , the ceremony of installation terminated . We may add that the working * tools were presented and explained to the W . M . by Bro . Saml . Statham , P . M ., and that all the brethren who took part in the ceremony performed their parts most satisfactorily , ancl left nothing * to lie desired . " Hearty good wishes" having

been expressed by tlie visiting brethren , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 5 . 55 . 'Tlie brethren afterwards celebrated thc festival of St . John in the spacious banqueting ball . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been proposed and duly honoured , Bro . F . R . Hollins , I . P . M ., rose to propose "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . G . W . Wilson . " In the course of his remarks , Bro . F . Hollins said it fell to his lot

once again to perform a pleasant duty . A thought had struck him a moment or so ago of the proverb , "The King is dead I Long live the King ! " Thc same proverb might with truth be applied to W . M . ' s of lodges , as , in reality , they always lived . Some four years ago it was his privilegeto Deacon a gentleman who was being initiated into their loelge , and , in doing so , he had said to himself , this gentleman will be W . M . of the Shakc-sneare Lodge , and . be was

happy to say , his prediction had been verified , as that same gentleman now sat in the chair of K . S . I le had not been di . appointed with their W . M . during his upward career , and lie had all along felt sure that whatever Bro . Wilson undertook to do he would do well , lie now felt equally certain that the members of No . 1009 woulel not be disappointed with the W . M . they had chosen . Bro . 1 lollins further remarked that , for ihe second time in his life , he found

himself an I . P . M ., and , in the present instance , he could fulfil that office with satisfaction , as he thought in tliatcapacity there would be very little for him to do in assisting so efficient a W . M . as Bro . Wilson , who , if well supported by his officers , would add to thc lustre of thc Shakespeare Lodge ; and he concluded by asking the brethren to

drink their W . M . ' s health . Bro . G . W . Wilson returned thanks to Bro . Hollins for his kind remarks , anel to the brethren for so cordially responding to the toast . Several other toasts were proposed and responded to , among them being thc toast of "The Immortal . Memory of Shakespeare , " proposed by thc Rev , Chaplain of thc lodge

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

( Bro . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , P . M ., P . P . G . Chap . East Lancashire and Northumberland ) , who said it was a custom amongst thc ancients to meet together on the anniversaries of the days upon which those they loved had gone over to thc majority , and , after partaking of a solemn banquet of commemoration , to pour upon the earth full libations of ruddy wine , as offerings of loving remembrance to the

names of the dead , whose spirits , refreshed by the generous fragance and cheered by thought of those they loved , again wended their way in peace into the silent land . We on some day as near as conveniently may be to the day of St . George , Grand Patron of England , honour , in our yearly festival , the undying memory of the great poet of England , under whose name and banner we carry on the

great Masonic work . With singular propriety does an assembly of Craftsmen respect and reverence the poet . 'The craftsman with the working tools of his calling brings rude matter into shape , makes things of beauty to be joys for ever , or things of service for the use of man . The speculative Masonic Craftsman , with his intellectual powers , shapes surrounding circumstance into eternal

verities of truth , wisdom , and beauty . What does the poet but this ? Is not he the true maker—that is , craftsman—who , catching the fleeting thoughts and feelings of his day , pours them into thc glowing mould of genius and imagination , and turns out the creations of his intellect for an eternal possession of mankind ? The poet is the maker ; the ideal of poesy is the real of mankind . By a true

paradox the ideal is more real than the materially existing or even the actual past . Men and things pass and fade , ' but the poet ' s dreams are the bright inheritance of humanity . Who amongst us lias not met with Dogberry and Verges ? Who has not in his time forgathered with Mr . Justice Shallow , and enjoyed his cakes and ale with Falstaff ?—perhaps , going further afield , met Touchstone and Audrey in

the woods of Arden , or dropped a tear over Juliet ' s tomb . Statistics and geography may tell mc that Bohemia owns no seaport , registers no ships of entry . Well , so much thc worse for Bohemia , for , in our heart of hearts , we believe that on its barren shores beauteous Perdita found a wintry welcome , and that genial vagabond Antolycus— " name not yet put in the Book of Virtue "—still frequents Bohemia , sheepshcaring , " and doesn ' t leave a purse alive in thc

whole army . " Yes , no jewel , no perfect stone of nobler substance and truer die can bc p laced before thc Craftsmen of this lodge for their meditation and imitation than thc work and fame of him whose name they bear . Shakespeare , the true Englishman—the immortal poet—a great instance of the union of the practical and imaginative—on the boards a useful actor—in the streets nf his native town . i

shrewd and thriving man of business—in the closet thc lorel of universal nature , before whose fine frenzy of imagination all compact bounds of time and space give way , while his magic pen g ives airy nothings a local habitation and a name—an English poet for Englishmen , men in whom is found the most prosaic practical , joined with the most enthusiastic , ideality . Our poet is the poet of men , and

therefore he is a dramatic poet . The dramatic instinct is natural to every heart , and finds expression in every life , from the clay when thc precocious child beats his little stool in mimicry ofthe pedagogue to whose school lie , satchel on back , crawls so unwillingly , playing at horses and soldiers , until the days of later life , when , spectacle on nose , he listens to some aptly told and dramatically-enacted tale of

heroism or melancholy love . The dramatic poet is not of common occurrence ; he usually makes his entrance on the world stage at some time when national life beats high and the life current runs briskly through some nascent state . Thcdrama for its noblest effort requires a high civilisation nnd intense intellectual life . It rose upon our world in the days when Sophocles fought in the Grecian ranks at Marathon ;

the fauy-likc wonders of Mexican and Peruvian discoveries fired the hearts of Spain , when Lope de Vega was pouring forth his flood of dramatic poesy ; while the glories of the Fourteenth Louis were dazzling France , Racine was dignif y ing her stage , ancl Molicre creating her finest comedy . So when England ' s pulse was beating strong in thc noble days of Queen Bess , and a fresh world was opening to her arms and

commerce , strong with the new life of a free reformation , our native Shakespeare warbled his wood notes wild , and catching the very form and pressure of the time , handed down to us his lofty creations , winning the honour which "bates Time ' s keen scythe , and makes him heir of all eternity . " Rightly do wc , I think , meditate on him to-day . He is the poet of us all . Like the Arabian enchanter who

was wont to dive into the souls of men , and search out and confound them with their inmost thoughts , so Shakespeare pictures us as we arc , at home with us all , with the crown burdened King on his uneasy throne ; with thc clown munching his chestnuts by the winter lire ; with tricksy Ariel ; and with moody Jacques . The chords he strikes find in our bosoms responsive echoes , because he depicts the passion of men , and shews how we arc all driven along in life b

y thc subtle play and influence of passion . , Passion , rightly ruled and well-disposed , becomes the very energy of virtue -, ill-rcgulatcd , and left to its own fierce will , the cause of ruin and moral shipwreck . All this too done with truest sympathy for the unfortunate or the victim . Even from a murderous Macbeth wc cannot withold the pity of a fellow humanity . But this festive occasion demands more joyous

ideas . Gaze for a time on Shakespeare , the pourtrayer of life ' s noblest passion , love . ( 'The speaker here gave various illustrations of this point , taking Marc Antony as the type of disastrous , passionate , ill-regulated love ; the one for whom the world was well lost for love ; whose fiery passion like a fierce volranodestroys with the outcast of its internal flames all that is near it , and ends b y destroying itself ; whose wild words

"Let Rome in Tybcr melt , and the wide arch of thc Ranged empire fall . Here is my space" —express its terrible surrender of all to a fatal passion . Again , Posthumiis , the type of true , honest , conjugal love , " 'The loyal ' st husband that did ' ere plight troth— " whose love tlie tender Imogen characterised " as sweet as balm , as soft as air , as gentle "—a love which had its rough trialsbut

, came right at last , and leaves us with every promise of lifelong happiness . " See Posthumus anchors upon Imogen . " ) May every brother of the mystic tie ill "holy love of faithful wife" find the strength of his heart , the wisdom of his life , and the beauty 01 his home . Again , for type of

the easily-swayed , uneasy , tintrustful , thunderous passion of an ill-governed mind , see him who loved not wisely , but too _ well—Othello , Cyprus ' s most unfortunate Governor . Again , for type ofthe modern young Englishman , swell or dandy , not wearing his heart on his sleeve , hotter in heart than in word , taking tlie world easy , " with quip and jest , and pointed repartee , " good honest stuff , with veneer

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