Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

form and the W . M . raised , by permission of the W . M . ' s 45 and 177 , Bros . Lowe and Baldry to the Sublime Third Degree . Messrs . Arthur Douglass , Mabey , Philpott , Hixon , and Lloyd were impressively initiated into Freemasonry , and 17 brethren were balloted for and admitted as joining members . The bye-laws were

proposed , discussed , and agreed to , so as to be submitted ^ to Grand Lodge for approval , and a summer festival appointed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , which Bro . Mitchell served iei a splendid manner , the only fault was that , all the waiters being foreigners , some little delay occurred between the various courses , The lodge will meet again on the fourth Tuesday in June .

MIDDLETON . —Imperial George Lodge ( No . 78 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , March 28 th , at the Assheton Arms Hotel . Bro . W . Percival , W . M ., presided , and was assisted by the following officers : Bros . F . Fothergill , S . W . ; J . Hatton , J . W . ; H . Heywood , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Bradbury , I . P . M . ; S . Hewitt , Sec . ; P . Lawton , J . D . ; J . Eckersley , I . G . ; J .

Kent , Tyler . There was a good attendance of brethren . The lodge having been opened in due form with solemn prayer , the Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting , which were confirmed . A communication was read from Grand Lodge respecting the recent decision of the Grand Orient of France . One candidate was proposed for initiation . The usual proclamations were made , and

elicited "Hearty good wishes" from lodges 317 , Affability , and 103 , Rising Sun , Saratoga Spring ? , New York . Charity was next attended to , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . Thc brethren afterwaids sat down to a substantial repast , presided over by the W . M . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured , and the brethren scparateel shortly before ten o'clock .

LEICESTER . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 279 ) . — In honour of Her Majesty ' s birthday , Bro . T . H . Scott , Organist , entertained the brethren of this lodge and their friends with a grand harmonium and pianoforte recital , at the Masonic Hall , on Friday evening , the 24 th ult ., when a varied selection of music from first-class authors was given . The performance of the several pieces was of the

highest order , and the execution on both instruments gave evidence of careful study and incessant practice . The full-dress of the ladies , and the regalia of the brethren of various degrees , imparted to the assembly a gay and animated appearance . The necessary arrangements were most ably carried out by Bto . Clement Edwin Stretton , I . P . M ., Hon . Sec , and great satisfaction was expressed by

a hig hly appreciative audience with the evening's entertainment . Among those present were : Thc Mayor , Bro . C . Stretton , P . M . ; the Lady Mayoress ; Bro . C . E . Stretton , P . M ., and Mrs . Stretton ; Bros . J . M . McAllister , P . M . ; G . W . Statham , W . M . ; S . Cleaver , S . W . ; J . Farndalc , J . W . ; C . Gurden , Treas . ; O . Law , Sec . ; T . Coltman , j . D . ; E . Newton , D . C . ; W . M . Randall , J . Roaiikr . ight , and others .

LEEDS . —Philantlirophic Lodge ( No . 304 ) . — At the regular meeting of thc above lodge , on Wednesday , the 29 th May , an interesting presentation took place . It had been the pleasure and privilege of the brethren of the Philanthropic Lodge to contribute to thc happiness of their brethren of the 17 th Lancers ( which regiment is now laying at Leeds ) Lodge , by granting them the use of their

rooms for the purposes of their meetings . In recognition of this favour , the brethren of the military lodge have testified their regard by presenting to the Philanthropic Lodge three ebony mauls , for thc use of the W . M ., S . W ., and J . W ' . Each maul or gavel is inlaid on the front with a silver plate , which bears the following inscription : — " From the 17 th Lancers Lodge , 218 , Irish Constitution ,

to the Philanthropic Lodge , 304 , English Constitution , in token of their appreciation of the liaternal reception accoreied to them in Leeds . Slay , 1878 . " In handing the present to the W . M . of the Philanthropic Lodge , Bro . Williams , P . M ., of the 17 th Lancers Lodge ( wbo was accompanied by Bro . Brown , I . P . M ., and Bro . Abbott , P . M . ) said he begged to express the sentiments of his lodge , and

say how highly they valued thc many kindnesses that had been shewn to them by their brethren in Leeds . The reception accorded them was far greater than they , as strangers , could have expected ; still it proved that in the Philanthropic Lodge , and in Leeds generally , the true spirit of Freemasonry flourished in a great degree . ( Applause . ) In concluding , in the name of his brethren he begged the

acceptance by the Philantlirophic Lodge of that small token of their esteem , and he hoped that as the mauls passed into other hanels from year to year they might carry with them pleasant memories of their meetings together , one thing was certain , that in the 17 th Lancers Lodge , the Philanthropic , 304 , would long live in their memories . Bro . Taylor , W . M ., 304 , suitably acknowledged the

unexpected present , and in thc name of his lodge accepted it , at the same time remarking that the brethren of the 17 th Lancers Lodge had endeared themselves to the Craft in Leeds by their ability in worki ig the ceremonies ( which had been done in a most efficient manner ) and by their geniality and courtesy . He bid them a hearty welcome on all occasions of their meeting , and if , when they left

Leeds ( which he hoped would be some time hence ) they ever came near that town , he hoped they woulel endeavour to give them a visit . In concluding , he hoped the brethren of the Philanthropic Lodge would ever be ready 10 extend thc right hand of fellowship to all military brethren who

might be staying in or passing through Leeds . He tendered to the 17 th Lancers Lodge his hearty good wishes . ( Applause . ) APPLEBY . —Eden Valley Lodge ( No . 812 ) . — The annual meeting of this flourishing Lodge was held at the King's Arms Hotel , on Thursday , June 6 th , at four

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

o ' clock in the afternoon . The W . M ., Bro . R . Warton , was supported by Bros . Cockfield , S . W ., W . M . elect ; Whitehead , P . M ., & c . ; Fulton , P . M . ; Rev . Dr . Simpson , Past Grand Chaplain of England ; Dr . Sayer ; Arnison , P . M . ( Penrith ) ; W . Kirkbride , P . M ., & c . ; Cussins , W . M ., Penrith Lodge ; McKay , W . M ., 129 ; John Bowes , P . M ., & c , Robinson ( York ) ; ' Bentley ; Ridge , and others . Lodge

was opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , when Bros . Bentley and Rielge . claimed preferment , and having sustained their claim , were entrusted . The chair was now assumed by Bro . John Bowes , and the candidates separately admitted and raised under the able deaconate of Bro . Warton , W . M .

Resuming labour in the second degree , Bro . W . Kirkbride took the chair and , with the assistance of Bro . Bowes , installed Bro . Cockfield as W . M . for the ensuing year in ample form . The lodge being closed , the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where an excellent dinner was tastefully served . The cloth being withdrawn the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro .

Rev . Dr . Simpson , in proposing the toast , " The Installing Master , " paid a high compliment to " the choice and master spirits" who had kindly visited them and performed the ceremonies in such a correct and impressive manner , Bro . Robinson , of York , in responding for " The Visitors , " begged ~ to add his hearty concurrence with the

complimentary remarks of his friend and brother , Canon Simpson . The meeting had been an exceedingly profitable one , and he congratulated the W . M . and members of the Eden Valley Lodge that they were able to command the services of brethren competent to interpret their beautiful ceremonies . The Tyler ' s Toast brought the proceedings to a close at ten o ' clock .

CHESHUNT . —Gresham Lodge ( No . 869 ) . — The fine old Baronial Hall of Cheshunt , was on Saturday , the 8 th inst ., thc scene of a very pleasing ceremony , for here under the roof which had witnessed alike the joyous days of Wolsty , of James and of the first Charles , amid the labours which hael been borne on many a well contested field by those whose armour now stand

motionless against its walls , the brethren of the Gresham Lodge had met to do honour to our esteemed Bro . Doctor Pottle , who by his courteous and affable conduct since he first saw the light of Masonry , had won the esteem of the brethren , culminating in his being unanimously elected at thc previous meeting as their W . M . The business of the day commenced by the W . M . Bro . Etherington , assisted

by his officers , opening the lodge in the First and Second Degrees , when Bro . J . F . Grocott , having proved his proficiency therein , was entrusted and retired , and upon the lodge being opened in the Third Degree , was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., in a manner that gave universal satisfaction to the brethren present . The lodge was then resumed to the Second Degree , and

the W . M . elect , Bro . Doctor Pottle , was duly presented to the Installing Master , Bro . W . E . Gompcrtz , for the benefit of Installation , and a boarel of Installed Masters having been formed , was installed in the chair ot K . S . and saluted in ancient form , The Master Masons having been aelmitted a procession was arranged by the D . C , Bro . F . D . R . Copestick , and

the brethren thrice made a circuit of the Hall , successively saluting the W . M . in the 3 rd 2 nd and 1 st degrees . Thc Installing Master then gave thc customary charges in a very impressive manner , dwelling with more than usual pathos on the great moral precepts therein contained , The Officers appointed for the ensuing year were Bros . T . C . Chapman , as S . W . ; P . Perry , J . W . ; C . B .

Cheese , S . D . j W . E . Gompcrtz , Jun . J . D . ; W . R . Dixon , I . G . ; the Rev . Charles Erskine Mayo , ( M . A . ) Chaplain ; F . D . R . Copestick , Treasurer ; W . E . Gompertz , Secretary ; J . F . Grocott , Organist , and Bros . Bernard and Holland , Stewards . The W . M . said it now became his pleasing duty to place upon the breast of his immediate predecessor , Bro . Etherington , a P . M .

jewel , voted unanimously by the brethren , as a slight testimony of their appreciation of the satisfactory way in in which he had performed the duties of W . M . dm ing the past year . Bro . Etherington in a suitable speech thanked the brethren for the honour they had conferred upon him . There being no further business the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned

to a banquet at the Green Dragon , where the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . In giving the toast of the Masonic Charities , the W . M . alluded to the fact of their Treasurer being about ta represent them as Steward at the next Festival of the Masonic Benevolent Institution , and urged the brethren not only as a lodge , but individually , to support him , so

as to make his list a satisfactory one . Bro . James Terry , ( Sec . Masonic Benevolent ) in thanking the W . M . made an exhaustive speech upon the Great Masonic Institutions , one of which he was there to represent , showing their progress , the blessings they had conferred upon those who from their tender years , were unable to help themselves , likewise upon those who in their prosperity had borne the burden and heat of the day , and were now in the

decline of life , dependant upon those whom Providence had blessed with the power of exercising that truly Masonic virtue Charity . Among the visitors were Bros . James Terry , P . M . 228 , P . G . D . C . Herts ; J . Tydeman , P . M . I 2 ej 7 , W . M . ^ 27 , P . P . G . P . Essex ; E . Power , 1558 ; G . Mick ' ley , P . M . 449 , P . G . D . Herts . ; R . Leech , P . M . 861 ; A . Dotteridge , W . M . 172 ; P . Magee , S . W . 54 8 ; and others .

LANCASTER . —Rowley Lodge ( No . 1051 ) . — The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on the 3 rd inst ., in the Masonic Rooms , Athenaeum , Lancaster . The chair of K . S . was occupied by Bro . Sheriff , the W . M ., who was supported by his respective officers . There was

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

a fair attendance of members and visitors . The lodge having been opened in due form , thc minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was then raised to the Second Degree , and Bros . Tucker and Robinson , having given proof of' their proficiency as F . C , were entrusted and retired . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree , and Bros . Tucker and

Robinson having been separately admitted were severally raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . ' s , the working being carefully gone through by the W . M . The lodge was then closed down , anel the usual proclamations having been given and heartily responded to by the visitors , the lodge closed in peace , love , and harmony , and with solemn prayer .

DERBY . —Hartington Lodge ( No . 1085 . )—A meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Derby , on Wednesday , June 5 th . Present Bros . G . Pipes , W . M . ; W . Heathcote , P . G . D . of C I . P . M . ; M . H . Bobart , P . P . S . G . W . as S . W . ; W . B . Hextall , J . W . ; J , O . Manton , Sec . ; H . Biggs , W . M . 802 , as S . D . ; P . Wallis , as J . D . ; W . Butterfield . I . G . ; Past Masters F .

Iliffe , P . P . J . G . W ., and J . Worsnop , P . P . G . P . ; Bros . Eaton , Pakeman , Walters , Praguell , Lane , Baxter , Hefford , Arnold , Johnson , Popplewell , Gore , Steele , and Visitors , Bros . G . F . Smith , 16 3 and Johnson 731 . The lodge was opened at 7 . 40 p . m . Bros . Hefford , Baxter , and Arnold , were passed to the second degree by the W . M . A

emarterly communication from Grand Lodge was presented , and other business connected with the working of the lodge was transacteel . The case of a distressed brother , suffering from illness , was submitted , and received thc favourable consideration of the lodge . After the formularies the lodge was adjourned until the first Wednesday in July .

STRANGEWAYS . —Strangeways Lodge ( No . 1219 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of the members was held at the Empire Hotel , Strangeways , on Wednesday , the 29 th ult ., at five o ' clock p . m . There was a large attendance of members and visiting brethren . The lodge being opened in due form ., Mr . W . B . Russell and Mr . M . Misell , were duly balloted for and initiated in the

degree of Entered Apprentice , the initiatory ceremony being most ably performed by Bro . W . T . Schofield , I . P . M ., in the first place , and Bro . S . H . Needham , W . M ., in the second instance . Brc . Kelly having answered the questions in the Second Degree , was then raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason by Bro . B . Taylor , P . M . Lodge of Harmony , in a manner which elicited the

highest praise from those present . The principal business of thc evening was then brought forward by the W . M ., viz ., the election of the Worshipful Master for the ensuing twelve months . After some considerable discussion , Bro . Brandon , S . W . 1876-7 was elected to the coveted honour . Bro . J . Andrew , P . M ., was again elected Treasurer , and Bro . J . Heydon unanimously chosen as

lyler . 1 wo biethren were selected to audit the accounts for the past year , and a committee appointed to make arrangements for the installation of the W . M . elect and St . John's Festival . The brethren then adjourned to the banqueting room , where supper was served by Bro . Banks , in a manner which well sustained the renown the " Empire" has acquired for the taste displayed by the

chcf-de-cuisinc of that establishment . On the removal of the cloth thc toasts incidental to the occasion were duly given and responded to with full Masonic honours ; that of the W . M . elect being received most vociferously . Bro . Brandon responded in a very neat speech ; and Bro . Leech S . W ., replied on behalf of thc " Officers of Strangeways

Lodge , " trusting that thc same cordial support which had been given to the present W . M . would be shown to his successor , and that the unanimity then existing between them would still continue . Bros . Rueldock and Dunville , P . M ., contributed to the enjoyment of the evening by some excellent singing . The party broke up shortly before eleven o ' clock .

LIVERPOOL : —Neptune Lodge ( No . 1264 ) . — The brethren of the " old Neptune" ( which , like thc representative British flag , has "braved the battle and the breeze , " if not for a thousanel years , at least for a considerable period ) , met on Monday , the 3 rd inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , for the purpose of celebrating the annual festival of St . John , and the particular as well

as general interest felt in the event was conclusively shown by a large attendance of members and visitors . Bro . Joseph Healing , the W . M . ( who has twice occupied that proud position—the proudest to a Freemason's heart ) , occupied the post of honour , and his officers present were the following : Bros . Joseph Korn , S . W . ; W . C . Webb , J . W . ; P . B . Gee , P . M ., Treasurer ; J . H . Linaker , Secretary ; A ,

C . Wyle , S . D . ; T . H . Arden , J . D . ; C . Fothergill , Steward ; and C . Rigotti , Steward . Thc members present were Bros . John Martin , Geo . Crute , J . W . Burgess , W . H . Dawson , C . S . Daniels , J . Tickle , J . S . Warden , John Shaw , G . W . Irvin , W . Jones , R . Edwards , W . F . Jones , T . Dealy , A . Fletcher , G . Capper , J . Ashworth , J . C . C Fish , T . Grant , J . Hughes , J . Heel , W . Fish , J . Palfreymaii .

J . S . Jones , Wm . Peter , Win . Hue , Win . Gray , L , Robertson , Josh . Giiffiths , W . F . Fender , Ed . Russell , and J . Burke . The visitors included Bros . W . S . Corns , 135 6 ; T . M . Creake , C 67 ; J . B . Mackenzie , J . W ., 1609 ; J . Archdeacon , 66 7 ; Joseph Wood , Treas ., 1094 , ( Freemason ); Wm . Cotter , 1299 ; S . M . Davis , 22 , ( Canada );

W . J . Chapman , W . M ., 1 G 09 ; J . Bayley , W 17 ; Robert Stewart , 66 7 ; J . Dcvayncs , P . M . O 6 7 ; Thomas Wood , 673 ; W . Atheston , 823 ; J . Hallow , P . M ., 673 and 1505 ; Ed . George , J . D ., 135 6 ; T . Shepard , P . M ., 594 ; J . M . Tukey , 43 ; | . H . Bradshaw , S . W ., 1 : 525 ; josh . Skeaf , P . G . Organist ; T . Shaw , P . M ., 823 ; H . Firth ,

S . W ., 667 ; J . Hayes , P . M ., 249 ; J . Frank , P . M ., 203 and 1502 j M . Goshan , 823 ; J . R . Bottomley , S . W