Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Preceptor , if only he could help us on in the Masonic knowledge of which we acknowledge him facile princcps . Think , brethren , which of you would fill liis post ? In tlie first place you must devote one whole evening in seven solely and entirely to thc duties you would undertake . No business engagements must even interfere with this duty . Foul weather or fair , tempting you to stay at home or go abroad , fogs , or rains , or snows must present no excuse for

absence , for they never come between us and Bro . Brown . Who will accept his post ? Secondly , you must not only have all the ceremonies to perfection , verbatim et literatim , but 3-011 must have them according to the standard of working . I mean the working ^ of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , which is sanctioned by Grand Lodge , and although there is no compulsory ritual , we boast of working the standard ritual .

Ah ! no one offers yet ? Again , if you would fill Bro . Brown's chair , you must imitate his unvarying courtesy and gentleness in correcting our faults . You must not only never betray hastiness of temper , or dullness of intellect , nor pretend to superior mental excellence , but you must have the knack of making the pro tem . W . M . feel as if he were bestowing a favour in accepting a correction . And , lastly , you must work without hope of reward , without

that great comfort and consolation of other teachers , viz ., the gradual but steady advancement towards perfection of their pupils in thc branches taught . There is there a regularity in the course of instruction , but here you have a ceremony worked tolerably well one night , and the next execrably . You have one class of brethren one night , and next , perhaps , a totally different set . Bro . Preceptor , I will not accept your post ; and I am requested to convey to you

our appreciation of your goodness and kindness to us . You have endeared yourself to us not only at work , but when refreshment enables us to light the calumet you have given us still further instruction in the several laws and sentiments of Freemasonry , so that we look upon you as the exponent of the three great principles upon which our Order is founded . My brethren have requested me to supplement the inward and spiritual grace by the outward and

visible sign of their appreciation of your services by presenting you this "Tantalus" spirit case , on which you will find the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . Preceptor Brown , by the meihbers of St . George's Lodge of Instruction , No . 140 , as a token of their esteem and admiration of his unwearying kindness and courtesy . 31 'd May , 1 SS 0 . " You will find two keys attached to it ; the golden one you will keep , the other you will entrust to your wife ,

to whom we send our most kindly greetings , and hope that to each of you it may give good spirits . The case was then sent round , and afforded the brethren much amusement in attempting to get at the contents , but they failed in their endeavours until an expert brother showed them the trick . Bro . Brown , who had been kept in ignorance of the presentation , then replied , with much feeling : Worshipful

Chairman and brethren , it was my intention to reserve until a later period of the evening a fesv remarks anent the occasion of our present meeting , but I have been so completely taken aback by this unexpected mark of your kindness , and the accompanying sentiment so eloquently expressed by our dear Bro . Forsyth , as to force from me without a moment ' s delay the promptings of my almost overcharged heart , and if I fail , as fail I shall , in rendering

my thanks intelligible , kindly charge it to my inability to express rather than to a want of appreciation of the high honour you , brethren , by your kind and generous act have conferred on an undeserving member of the Craft , for I feel myself unworthy fof your handsome present—a full reward for any service I may have rendered is amply compensated by the friendliness you evince on all occasions of our meeting . 'This beautiful and useful gift , besides being

an exquisite example of art workmanship , 1 perceive has ils triple reservoirs filled to the brim with a most comforting looking liquid . 1 cordially invite you all , brethren , to call nnd partake of their contents at some future time . ( " We'll all call in a body , " and laughter . ) Our esteemed brother has also been good enough to associate my wife as part recipient of | this treasured gift ; be assured , brethren , I will not fail to duly convey to her those kind allusions , and

safely transfer the duplicate key . Brethren , your kindness has robbed me of speech . 1 ask you kindly to accept my heartfelt thanks for this undeserved and unexpected token of your kindness , and for the kind and eloquent encomium which accompanies it . The Chairman proposeel "Success to St . George ' s Lodge of Instruction , " accompanied bywords of encouragement for the younger brethren , and paid a high tribute to the

1 reasurer , Bro . Webster , and the Secretary , Bro . Hill ; this was coupled with Ihe name of the Preceptor , who , in reply , briefly referred to the work of the past year ; for himself , he must say that he had a most genial and attentive class of students . He said : It may not be known to the whole of the brethren present that the course of procedure differs somewhat in this from the neighbouring lodges of instruction , inasmuch as that the sections are not worked ;

the careful rehearsal of one or su of the ceremonies with their accompaniments , and after closed Ihe meeting assumes the form of conversazione-this is found to work very acceptably lo the members , and an hour so employed is fraught with much enjoyment . Bro . Roberts replied to the toast of " 'The Sister Lodges of Instruction , " and remarked that although Emulation working had been changed during the last twelve years , he was willing to recognise the

standard referred U > by Bvo . Forsyth , and hoped the working of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement would be a boon to lliose lodges of instruction whose ambition was not peculiarity , but harmony of ritual , lira . Mill , after felicitating the members on having once again the able and genial presidency of Bro . Hubbuck , called lor a bumper response to the toast , "'The Health of the Chairman , " to which succeeded " musical " honours . Bro . Hubbuck thanked the

brethren for the heartiness which greeted Bro . Hill ' s proposal , lie bad always a most lively interest in all matters pertaining to his parent lodge , and would always feel it a pleasant eluty to promote its welfare . He congratulated the members on thc continued success of their Masonic school , and the kindly feelings which prevaded its members , to which might be attributed in a material degree the

satisfactory conduct of XI asonic matter in the mother lodge . Bro . Porter presided at the pianoforte , and various members of the lodge contributing to the congeniality of the occasion , the evening closed in perfect peace , harmony , and brotherl y love . We are pleased to observe in the proceedings of this lod ge of instruction that in the interesting ceremony of

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

presenting a testimonial to their Preceptor there has been a carefully considered opinion given as to the vexed question of unanimity of ceremonial . As Grand Lodge wisely declines to fix thc ceremonial with which all lodges must work , thc best plan is to have a standard working , and let the various lodges of instruction assimilate themselves to that working as nearly as may be . We congratulate Bro . Brown on the appreciation his services have merited , and believe that all Preceptors will beencouraged to imitate his example .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

PANMURE CHAPTER ( No . 720 ) . —The installation meeting of this well-known chapter was celebrated with more than usual eclat , at the Horns Tavern , Kennington , S . E ., on Monday last , the 10 th inst ., when a large proportion of the members and a goodly array of visitors attended . Chapter was opened at the hour appointed by E . Comp . M . S . Lavel , M . E . Z . ; E . Comp . Thos . Poore , H . ; E . Comp . R . N . Field , J . ; and other Present and Past Principals of the Order , amongst whom were E .

Comps . James Stevens , P . Z ., Scribe E .-, R . H . Harvey , H . C . Levander , G . Waterall , J . W . Baldwin , and Thos . Hands . Comps . 'Thomas Meggy , P . S . ; S . Poynter , N . ; J . Walmsley and B . R . Bryant , Asst . Sojs . ; E . Mitchell , J . W . Watts , H . Ball , and other members were present ; as also E *^ , Comps . Fred . Binckes , P . Z . 10 ; j . W . Baldwin , P . Z . 73 ; T . Hands , P . Z . ; J . Hepburn Hastie , Z . 1216 ; C . Pulman , H . 1330 ; Henry Lovegrove , N . 72 ;

N . B . Headon , 145 ; J . Welford , 733 ; J . King , 14 S 9 ; and W . Ackland , G 3 , visitors . After confirmation of minutes of previous convocation , Bro . Henry Baldwin , of the Stuart Lodge , No . 1632 , was received into the Order , the ceremony of exaltation being very ably performed by the M . E . Z . and his officers . Ex . Comp . James Stevens , P . Z . and Scribe of the chapter , then addressed the Principals elect in relation to their new

appointment , and subsequently installed Ex . Comps . Thos . Poore , as Z . ; R . N . Field , as H . ; and Samuel Poynter , as J . The officers were invested in the following order , viz . : Ex . Comp . James Stevens , P . Z ., Scribe E . j Comps . T . Meggy , Scribe N . ; B . R . Bryant , P . S . ; J . Walmsley , istA . S . ; I . W . Watts , 2 nd A . S . Ex . Comp . Henry Smith , P . ' / .., Treasurer , was unfortunately prevented from attendance for investment . Comp . John Gilbert was

invested as Janitor . The full ceremony of Royal Arch installation was then completed b y Comp . Stevens , who delivered the addresses to Principals , officers , and companions in a most effective manner , and which amply merited the compliments he received for his perfect working . Propositions for exaltation and joining were received , and the Auditor ' s report and balance-sheet adopted . The chapter was then closed , and the companions

adjourned to banquet . The new proprietors of the Horns 'Tavern , Messrs . Smith and King , had made ample and elegant provision for this refreshment , and their liberality and courtesy were warmly acknowledged by all present as the evening s entertainment proceeded . On the clearance of the cloth the M . E . Z . gave the usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts , and , departing somewhat from the usual programme , followed with that of "The Visitors , " for whom

in reply , Comp . Fredk . Binckes expressed the pleasure they had experienced , both in the chapter on account ofthe working of the ceremonies of exaltation and installation , and at the table on account of the heartiness of their reception and the good things set before them . To the toast of " 'The M . E . Z ., " Comp . Poore returned bis thanks for his elevation to the Degree , and expressed his determination to uphold the well-deserved reputation of the chapter .

lo the Installing Principal he tendered the thanks of members and visitors alike for his exemplification of the perfect ceremony of installation , and to the Immediate Past Principal the acknowledgments of the companions for services rendered , and of which the P . Z . ' s jewel they now presented was but a feeble token . To these compliments responses were given by tlie companions indicated ,- and so with alternate toast and song the usual programme of a Masonic dinner was carried through in order and regularity .

" 'The Charities of the Order " gave occasion for a splendid speech from that acknowledged champion of our Institutions , and , "bestof beggars , " Comp . Binckes , whose forcible appeals are seldom it ever ineffectual , and the Janitor having been summoned to his especial duty , the companions , after formally thanking Comp . J . B . King , their host ( who was present throughout the evening ) , for thc admirable catering of his firm , separated , fully satisfied with the entire transactions connected with their sixteenth installation .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . ' 99 ) - —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Bell 'Tavern , High-street , Shoreditch , on Thursday , the Gth inst . Lodge was opened by the W . M . the W . Bro . I . B . Shackleton , P . G . Std . Br ., who was well supported by officers and members . 'There being no other business before the lodge but the installation , the minutes were

confirmed , and the V . W . Bro . James Stevens , P . G . J . O ., proceeded with the ceremony , placing Bro . W . J . Meek in the chair of A ., according to the ancient rites of the Order . The W . M . appointed and invested the following officers , viz .: Bros . J . B . Shackleton , I . P . M . ; H . Meyers , S . W . ; W . Beasley , J . W . ; I . Edmunds , M . O . ; It . Marshall , S . O . ; J . J . Gould , J . O . ; A . P . Little , R . M . ; James Hill ,

Sec ; B . Meyer , lreas . ; G . Andrews , S . D . ; E . M . Adams , J . D . ; II . Godfrey , I . G . ; J . G . Hopkins , Tyler . Amongst the visitors on this occasion were the V . W . Bro . Fredk . Binckes , P . G . W ., and Grand Mark Secretary , Bros . John Constable , W . C . Needes , and others . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Shackleton on his retirement

from the Master ' s chair for the second time since the establishment of the lodge , and the thanks of the members were accorded to Bro . James Stevens for his highly appreciated services as Installing Master . After the closing ofthe lodge , the brethren dined together , and subsequentl y the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and a most enjoyable evening spent in social intercourse .

BRIXTON LODGE ( No . 234 ) . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall on Saturday , the 8 th inst ., the VV , M ., Bro . C . P , McKay , in

Mark Masonry.

the chair . There were also present Bros . H . Lovegrove , Prov . S . of W ., S . XV . ; G . Clark , J . W . j T . Poore , P . G . I . G ., I . P . M . ; J . Curtis , M . O . ; H . Baldwin , S . O . and Sec ; G . Kipling , as J . O . ; G . J . Dunkley , Org . ; C . J . Axford , I . G .: M . S . Larlham , P . P . G . S . B . ; and Thomas , acting Tyler . After the confirmation of the minutes of the previous

meeting , thc ballot was taken for several brethren , and Bro . Madeley , J . W . No . 1 543 , was regularly advanced to the Degree of M . M . It was unanimously resolved that the future meetings of the lodge should be held at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street . Some other business was transacted and the lodge was closed .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

Ancient and Accepted Rite .

YORK . —Hilda Chapter Rose Croix ( No . 23 ) . — A regular communication of this chapter was held at the Queen ' s Hotel , on Friday evening , the 7 th . inst ., the M . W . S ., Bro . T . B . Whytehead , presiding , supported by Bros . J . S . Cumberland , H . P . ; Rev . W . C . Lukis ' , ist Genl . ; L . Murphy , as 2 nd Genl . ; A . T . B . Turner , G . M .-T . M . Richey , R . ; G . Simpson , C . of G . ; ] . Hanley ; P . Pearson and H . Jackson , Equerries ; and others .

Successful ballots having been taken for Bros . E . J . de Salis , D . A . C . G . of Ordnance , Aldershot Camp Lodge , No . 1331 , and Rev . James Blake , Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 , those brethren were admitted to the iSth Degree by tlie M . W . S . A letter was read from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of England , thanking the members of the chapter for a letter of congratulation which they had forwarded to him on the occasion of his late appointment

by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . The M . W . S . informed the chapter that he had taken upon himself the responsibility of forwarding the sum of £ 2 2 s . to the testimonial fund now being raised to their late Secretary-General , as he had felt every confidence that the chapter would wish to contribute to so pleasant a purpose . The sum was voted unanimously by the chapter , which was then closed , and an adjournment made to supper .

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Red Cross of Constantine .

COCKERMOUTH . —Dykes Conclave ( No . 36 ) . —The quartet l y assembly of this conclave was held in the Masonic Hall , Maryport , on Wednesday , the 5 th inst . Em . Sir Knight T . Mandle , M . P . S ., was on the throne , supported by Em . Sir Knghts W . F . Lamonby , P . S ., as V . E . and H . P . ; W . Shilton , P . S . ; Sir Knights J . R . Banks , S . G ., asRec ; D . Titterington , D . C ; J . Abbot , D . Bell , and J . Hewson , Sentinel .

1 his was certainly a poor muster , and anything but encouragingto the few original members , who manfully stick to their posts , in the hope of better times . The minutes of the former assembly were read and confirmed , after which the election of officers was proceeded with . The V . I-:, in the chair , in proposing a Sir Knight to fill the throne of Constantine for the next twelve months , said that diligence and fidelity was entitled to its iust reward . After the manv

merely ornamental Sir Knights who had from year to year been placed in the regal chair of Dykes Conclave , it was quite high time that the services and worth of one of their hardest-working Sir Knights was acknowledged . He aluj ^ ,, , Sir Kn'Xht J- R- Banks , the present S . G ., who had filled many offices , was one of the oldest members , and , what was better , had nearly always been found at his post . He , therefore , thought that the election of Sir Kni ght J . R . Banks

as M . P . S . would go a long way towards resuscitating the fortunes of D ykes Conclave . The M . P . S ., in warm and complimentary terms , seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . Sir Knight J . R . Banks , having replied , proposed as V . E . Sir Kni ght W . Armstrong , one of the oldest and most active Masons in the province , who , if it had been in his power , would have attended the assembly . Em , Sir Knight VV . Shilton seconded the

pro position , which was agreed to unanimously . Sir Knights W . H . Lewthwaite and J . Hewson were next unanimously re-elected 'Treasurer and Sentinel for the next year . On the proclamations being put , the V . E . in the chair made a few remarks as to the present position and prospects of the conclave . He said that , unfortunately , many of the Sir Knights who had been concerned in the introduction of the Order into Cumberland were now never to be seen at their

assemblies , and this , no doubt , exercised a deterrent effect on the younger members . Notwithstanding the dormant condition into which they had lapsed , it was satisfactory to know that they were thoroughly sound in the matter of their finances . He had been looking over the cash book , and found that a balance remained in hand , whilst , if the year s dues and arrears were collected from those members who were good for the money—be had left out of the

calculation doubtfuls—there would be a sum of about £ 12 to begin afresh with . As D y kes Conclave was really the only branch of the Order working in the northern counties—that was to say , Cumberland , Westmorland , Northumberland , and Durham—he thought that fact was an incentive for the members to exert themselves more than ever in resuscitating their conclave . The M . P . S . followed , ancl urged that every individual member use his best endeavour during tlie

next three months to insure a large gathering at the enthronement and consecration assembly in July , and he had no doubt but that tlie conclave woulel once more proudly hold up its head . 'The M . P . S . elect suggested that the annual assembly be held at Cockcrmouth , the head-quarters of the conclave , and he promised to put forth his utmost energies lo make it a success . After a vote of thanks

had been accorded to the W . M . and brethren of Lodge of Perseverance , No . 371 , for the use of their hall , the conclave was solemnly closed . \ Ve understand it is intended to invite the attendance of the Chief Intendant General of Cumberland and Westmorland , Colonel Whitwell , M . P ., Past Grand Chamberlain , on the occasion of the annual assembly .

Uic will of Bro . Tlieodor Antliony Rocliussen , late of 23 , Abchurch-lane , merchant , and of St . Hilda's , Lawne Park , Sydenham , who died on the 12 th ult ., was proved on the 2 SU 1 ult ., by Mrs . Julie Henriette Adele Kochussen , the widow and sole executrix . The testator leaves h * , residence , with the furniture and effects , and onehalf of the residue of his estate , to his wife ; the other half is to be held upon trust for his children ,