Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

' 575 ; W . Hollinsdale , Sec . 1429 ; J . Munday , W . M . 950 , P . G . Reg . ; J . Hussey , I . P . M . 9 60 j and H . T . Wright , 1021 . After the ceremony of installing Bro . Varzopollo in the chair of K . S ., speeches congratulating the I . P . M . were made , and reference made to the excellent manner in which

he had performed his Masonic duties during the year . Most of the Provincial Grand Officers spoke . At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the Royal Hotel , where Bro . Host Williams had prepared a sumptuous banquet . Several brethren other than those at the installation . were present , and a most enjoyable evening was spent .

LEEDS . —Prudence Lodge ( No . 2069 ) . —The usual meeting of this lodge took place on Saturday , the Sth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Great George-street . There was a very large gathering , the occasion being a special one , from the fact that the W . M ., Bro . C . L . Mason , had announced that he would read a paper . The VV . M ., Bro . C . L . Mason , P . P . G . Treas ., was surrounded by the

following officers and brethren of ths lodge : Bros . Tudor Trevor , P . M ., S . W . j Wm . Watson , P . M ., J . W . ; Robt . Craig , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., I . P . M . ; Robert Abbott , Treas . ; C . Middleton , Secj Rev . J . Rosser , Chap . j Scott Young , S . D . j J . J . Fretwell , J . D . ; T . Atkinson , I . G . ; Lewis Howard , Org . j Butterworth , Stwd . j Hayler , Bailey , H . B . Abbott , Wilton Jones , Smithson , Crossley , Cryer ,

and Walter Storey . All the other Leeds lodges were fully represented , the brethren including Bros . Bradford , W . M . I 3 ii ; Flockton , W . M . 1042 ; Crossley , W . M . 2 S 9 ; Brownfoot , W . M . 304 ; Scriven , P . M . ; R . Wilson , P . M . ; D . Elliott , P . M . ; Glover , P . M . ; Williamson , P . M . ; H . Crossley , J . W . 61 ; G . F . Carr , 1542 ; Marshall , 304 ; J . Bailey , 304 ; the Rev . A . B . Coombe , 304 ; R . Jackson ,

J . W . 2 S 9 ; and many others . The hrst business was the selection of W . M . for the coming year , and this honour was by the unanimous voice of his brethren bestowed upon Bro . Tudor Trevor , P . M ., one of the founders of the lodge , under whose genial sway a happy and a prosperous year may be expected . The gratifying announcement was received with hearty applause ,

and was suitably acknowledged by Bro . Trevor . Bro . Robert Abbott , the Treasurer , was by the unanimous vote of his brethren again designated for that onerous but honourable position . Bro . Samuel Barraud was also reappointed Tyler . These necessary appointments having been made , the W . M . elect ( Bro . Trevor ) conveyed to Bro . Mason the hearty thanks of the brethren of the Lodge

Prudence for the kindness and courtesy which had marked his rule of the lodge . In very graceful language Bro . Trevor paid a high but well deserved tribute to Bro . Mason , who possesses to the full the admiration and esteem , not only of the brethren of his own lodge , but of every Mason in the province . Bro . Fretwell moved a vote expressive of the sympathy of the brethren with Bro . Pendleton ,

who has been compelled by ill-health to leave Leeds , and earnestly hoping that he would be speedily restored to health . This was seconded by Bro . Trevor and adopted . A telegram was next read from London from Bro . M . W . Jameson , wishing the W . M . elect happiness in his new duties . It was also unanimously decided at the next meeting to present to Bro . Mason a P . M . ' s jewel of the Lodge

Prudence pattern . Bro . Mason then proceeded to read his paper , which was received with continued marks of approval from all who heard it , and at its conclusion the earnest hope was expressed that he would have it printed for private circulation , and the announcement that this was his intention was received with loud applause . The first part of the paper consisted of a record of the work done

in the lodge during the past year , and as this is a matter of interest only to a limited circle , we shall content ourselves by remarking that it is a record of good work of which any lodge might be proud . Passing to the second part of his subject , " What is Freemasonry ? " Bro . Mason spoke as follows—The Dean of York , when addressing the brethren of the North and East and West Ridings of Yorkshire in the

Cathedral , at York , on the 14 th July , 1887 , stated : " I believe that Freemasonry represents an almost primeval craving for relief from that which human selfishness had made intolerable—a craving to draw together , man to man , and heart to heart , for mutual sympathy , mutual friendship , in a word—Brotherhood . That each should look at his fellow not as his enemy , his rival , his tool ; but his

brother—one with him in common interests and common

aims , in mutual protection and advancement , of which the individual welfare of each was the best promoted and secured . " Were I to attempt to answer fully and categorically this question— " What is Freemasonry ? " —it would take more time than we have at our disposal this afternoon , and I must therefore only attempt to do it in part , in outline that is to say . If 1 asked any brother in

this room , " What is Freemasonry ? " I should have the prompt reply , "A beautiful system of morality , veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols . " True , but it is evident that this condensed description of Freemasonry , though suitable enough for a short examination , does not profess to give ( nor does it in effect give ) a full solution of the query , " What is Freemasonry ? " Freemasonry is best and most

fitly described as a world-wide Guild , Fraternity , or Brotherhood , bound together by certain leading principles , and fixed on an immutable basis , so that it is able to outlive the passing away of kingdoms and dynasties , " to survive the wreck of mighty empires , and resist the destroying hand of time . " Its abstract or foundation principles may be said to be fraternity , human sympathy , love of truth ; while its

concrete or active development is to be found in its respect for law and order , its toleration , its reverence for religion , its illimitable Charity or brotherly love . In its fraternity it seeks to enrol a phalanx of persons of different countries , sects , opinions , and colours , in one firm bond of living union and concord , for the great aim of " being happy and communicating happiness to others ; " all permeated and

influenced by goodwill one to another , kindness and humanity for the children of the dust , mutual respect , mutual confidence , mutual support , practical brotherhood . Such a confederation has been objected toon various grounds . The Roman Catholic Church has formally excommunicated not only Roman Catholic Freemasons , but all Freemasons , on

the ground that by thus obliterating the limits of different denominations and ignoring sectional distinctions , a sort of natural religion is set up . Such is the idea and scope of the famous Bull of Clement in 173 S , and such is the teaching of the Church of Rome to-day . There are others , of various bodies , who see in the non-use of Christian prayers , as in England , what they term a mere Theistic avowal .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

But such is not the case . In Scotland and Ireland Christian prayers are used . There is no law to prevent a Chaplain using a Christian prayer . But since 1730 , and notably since 1813 , universal prayers have been undoubtedly used , which , as we use them , are perfectly sound , enlightened , rational , reverential , and charitable . There is , therefore , no valid objection to the basis on which Freemasonry rests ; a band of

good men and true , of differentcountaesand denominations , all acknowledging , however , a Divine Creator , united in the noble cause of increasing the happiness , " relieving the distresses , soothing the afflictions , " and succouring the necessities of one another . In its expressions of human sympathy it would enforce what is really the great aim of life , as John Wesley puts it , "to leave the world better

than we found it , by infusing in all around , and extending on every side of us , those kindly and engaging sympathies of the hutran heart and affection which always seem to remind us of a Divine Original , and which , when duly cultivated and religiously directed , tend more than anything else to the happiness of society , the welfare of our race , and the civilisation of mankind . In Love of

Truth , Freemasonry proclaims the solemn reality—that there is such a thing as Truth ; and that , whether in its more dogmatic form or in its practical development by us , by a haired of hypocrisy , of insincerity , of treachery , it is one of the noblest characteristics of the human mind and conduct . When we come to the concrete virtues or graces which Freemasonry professes to recommend to its votaries ,

time fails me , on the present occasion , to enlarge upon them fully . In its respect for Law and Order , Freemasonry in our favoured land declares loyalty to our Sovereign the first duty of every citizen and Freemason ; forbids all participation in revolutionary societies ( the enemies of true liberty ) , and while it enjoins obedience to the laws of our own country , enlightened and admirable as they are , it

also enjoins us to obey the laws of any land " which for a time may become the place of our residence or afford us its protection , " as peaceful citizens , travellers or sojourners . In its toleration , it knows nothing of the controversies or the divergencies of the human mind , the often angry

utterances of bitter partizans , or those unhappy divisions which seem to separate brother from brother . It bids all its members meet as brethren , work as brethren , be social as brethren , part as brethren , and to forget for a few peaceful hours all those inevitable and inherited severances , which in the world without often seem to divide us into

contending hosts . Freemasonry , though not a religion in itself , is ever most reverent in respect of the undoubted claims of religion on man ' s best feelings , and ever ready to assist in all that tends to illuminate the minds , satisfy the needs , and extend the benefits of culture and civilizing influences in all directions and among all classes . It may be remembered , to its praise , that it never begins or closes

its work without prayer , and that the Bible , the " great light of Freemasonry , " is ever open in our midst . All its utterances breathe a spirit of reverential piety and true morality , and are alike beautiful in precept , in purity , and religious feeling . Some of us remember those words spoken by the Marquis of Ripon , when Grand Master , in Grand Lodge , on the 4 th of March ,

1874 , " Remember , the strength of our Order lies not in the number of our lodges , or in the increasing roll of our members , but in the fraternal spirit by which the members are animated , and which lives and breathes in our lodges . " And what shall I say about its Charity ? It is illimitable , in that , expanding year by year , it has become a marvellous reality , a living proof of the true

spirit which adorns , and we may truly say consecrates , Freemasonry . It does good in countless ways . For instance , take its great Charitable Institutions , with an income of more than £ 50 , 000— the interest on a million of money at 5 per cent . —whereby it educates , clothes , and feeds 25 S boys and 240 girls , and succours the aged and infirm , by granting annuities to 405 old men and widows . Take again our

own local Charity in Leeds , which , though so recently established , has been the means of educating 39 orphan children , who otherwise would have been debarred the benefit of a sound education . These and countless other deeds may truly be considered those distinguishing badges which do honour to its own professions , and best characterise its useful and beneficent existence . "Freemasonry

is an Institution founded upon and growing out of the necessities of men , as social , as intellectual , and as religious beings . It has demonstrated its capacity for adapting itself to these wants in all ages of human experience . Amid the rivalries and antagonisms of active life there is a longing of the soul for union and brotherly love , and for such relations as will satisfy the necessities of our social

nature . It is upon this principle that our Order is founded , hence it cannot fail to exist ; it must grow and prosper necessarily with the growth and development of man ' s better sentiments . It is not aggressive , it is not obtrusive . It makes no issues , it sets up no rivalries with other Institutions , but , gathering up the ages , it recognises the inner cravings of the soul and the universal brotherhood of man ,

forgetting all else in its devotion to his higher and better deeds . " The writer of the article on "Freemasonry " in the Encyclopedia Britannica , in his concluding paragraph , uses these words , "As regards the future of Freemasonry , it is impossible , at least for outsiders , to say much . The celebration of the universal brotherhood of man and the celebration of universal goodwill in the abstract seem

rather indefinite objects for any Society in this imaginative age . " The Dean of Christ Church , Oxford , when addressing the Mayor and Corporation and people of Oxford on their Jubilee Festival the other day , used these words : " The great lesson , after all , to lay to heart is , that the future is very much what we individually shall make it , and if we do not play our parts amiss , the results we may

in faith leave to God . " And so may we say of the future of Freemasonry , if we make it a living reality ; if we perform our duties aright , act up to the great principles of our Order , love mercy , do justice , forget self , and throw our whole energies in promoting the weal of out common brotherhood , by diligently and faithfully performing the duties of our several avocations in life " by liberal benevolence and diffusive Charity ; by constancy andsincerity in ourfriendships ,

and by a uniform good , kind , and virtuous deportment , " " prove to the world the happy and beneficial effects your ancient and truly honourable Society , " " so that when a man is said to be a Mason the world may know him to be one to whom the burdened heart may pour forth its sorrows ; to whom distress may prefer its suit ; whose hand is guided by justice , and whose heart is expanded by benevolence . " If such principles as these guide our lives as men and Masons , we need have no fear for the future of our

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Order , but with all confidence safely leave it in the hands of Him who is the great Father of us all , and who rules all things bo ' . h in heaven and earth . So , then , let us rejoice to call ourselves Enjjlish Freemasons , and this Lodge Prudence let us hope that the true and distinguished principles of Freemasonry will ever

accompany its onward career , and that when we , its Founders and earliest members , shall have passed away , other faithful brethren will stand firm to the banner of English Freemasonry , and to those sacred and elevating principles of thought , duty and action which justify its mission and render it useful and beneficial to ourselves and to the world in which we live .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

JUSTICE LODGE ( No . 147 ) . —A meeting was held on Thursdav , the 6 th inst ., at the Brown Bear , High-street , Deptford , when there were present Bros . J . B . Williams , W . M . j Talbot , S . W . ; Turpin , J . VV . j Speight , P . M ., Sec ; Dixon , S . D . ; Penrose , J . D . ; Leng , I . G . ; Hutchings , P . M ., Preceptor ; Howes , P . M . ; Faulkner , Couldrey , Dodd , Vatcky , Haire , Borrett , Emblin , and Dandridge . The lodge was opened in the First Degree , and the minutes of

the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony o £ initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Couldrey acting as candidate . The lodge was then called off , and , on resuming , was opened in the Second Degree . The usual questions leading to the Third Degree having been duly answered by Bro . Faulkner , the lodge was advanced , to the Third Degree , and the ceremony oi raising rehearsed . The lodge was then resumed in the First Degree , and , all business being ended , was closed .

TEMPERANCE LODGE ( No . 169 ) . —This lodge re-opened for the season on Friday , the 7 th inst ., at the Duke of York Tavern , Evelyn-street , Deptford . Present : Bros . Walters , jun ., W . M . ; Falkner , S . VV . ; Borrett , J . W . ; Millbourn , Preceptor ; Vellenoweth , Sec ; J . G . Dale , S . D . j Leng , J . D . ; J . Block . I . G . j Talbot , Lazarus , Akehurst , sen ., Akehurst , jun ., H . A . Dale , and Phillips . The ludge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation

was rehearsed by Bro . Block , Bro . Akehurst personating the candidate . Bro , Millbourn , Preceptor , then gave the Lecture on the tracing board in his customary admirable and impressive manner . The 2 nd and 3 rd Sections of the Lecture were worked by Bro . Talbot and the VV . M . respectively , assisted by the brethren . On the second rising , Bro . Falkner was unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting . The W . M . rose for the third time , and , all Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closen .

PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM LODGE ( No . 7 . 3 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the nth inst ., at the Eagle Tavern , Clifton-road , Maida Hill . Present : Bros . R . Dillon , W . M . ; J . Round , S . W . j C . Coleman , J . W . ; F . G . Baker , P . M ., Treas . and Preceptor ; J . J . Thomas , Sec ; W . Chappie , S . D . ; S . ] . Humfress , J . D . ; S . B . Nightingale , I . G . ; J . Stephens , P . M . ; M . Rosenberg , G . Weston , W . J . Stratton , J . H . Dew , H . W , Eastwood , T . VV . Williard , A . XV . Thompson , A . Arrowsmith , C .

J . Biorn , S . W . Manktelow , and | . W . Curtis . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes ot the last lodge were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Weston candidate The lodge was called off and on . The and Section of the Lecture ' was worked bv the Preceptor , Bro . Baker , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Weston answered the

questions leading to the Second Degree , and was duly entrusted . Tne lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed , Bro . Weston candidate . Bro . Weston answered the questions leading to the Third Degree . The lodge was closed in the Second Degree . Bro . Round was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , ana appointed his oflicers in rotation . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . 834 ) . —A meeting was held on the 7 th inst . at the Six Bells Hotel , Queen-street , Hammersmith . Present : Bros . H . D . Aslett , W . M . ; W . J . Coplestone , S . W . ; A . Williams , J . W . ; Lucas , S . D . ; F . Craggs , J . D . ; C . H . Hopkins , I . G . ; D . S . Long , P . M ., acting Preceptor ; H , Caustin , P . M . ; W . G . Coat , and H . Oliver . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and resumed to the First Degree . Bro .

Oliver offering himself as a candidate , was entrusted . The lodge was resumed to the Second Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed , Bro . Oliver being the candidate . Bro .. Oliver offering himself as a candidate for the Third Degree , was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed , Bro , Oliver being the candidate . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . The W . M . having risen for the first and second times , Bro . Coplestone was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing week . After " Hearty good wishes " were given and acknowledged , the lodge was closed .

HIGHGATE LODGE ( No . 1366 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thurday , the 6 th inst ., at the Bull and Gate , Kentish Town . Present : Bros . Quartley , VV . M . ; Human , S . W . j Hahn , J . VV . ; Trinder , S . D . j Poynter , J . D . j Whiting , I . G . ; Frost , P . M ., Preceptor ; Scattergood , P . M ., Sec ; Gidaings , Howson , Finch , Muivey , Hill , Devine , and Garract .

The Iod _ e was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Devine as candidate . The ist , 2 nd , and 3 rd Sections were worked . Bro . Poynter , 2202 , was elected a member . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed . The Fifteen Sections will be worked on first and second

Thursdays in November , to which breihren are invited . HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A meeting was held on Monday , the ioth inst ., at the Porchester Hotel , Leinster-place , Cleveland-square , Porchester-terrace , Paddington , W . Presents Bros . O . W . Battley , W . M . ; VV . Chappie , S . W . j C . A . Bond , J . W . ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , Sec ; J . R . Allman , S . D . ; HMoss , J ; D . ; A . W . Thompson , I . G . ; E . Coleman , Stwd . ; W . H . Chalfont , P . M . 142 s , acting Preceptor ; 1 . H . Wood , P . M . elect

1642 ; F . Chandler , P . M . 1793 ; C . T . Thomson , W . M . 169 J ; Capt . A . Nicols , P . M . 1974 , P . D . G . S . of VV . Punjab j W . J . Mason , W . Death , W . Seaman , W . G . Parnell , E . A . Warfield , S . Barrow , and J . Smith , The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and , after the usual preliminaries , Deatn

the ceremonies of passing and raising were rehearsed , Bros . and Chandler being candidates respectively . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Chappie was elected VV . M . tor the next meeting , and the officers were appointed in rotation , cordial vote of thanks was unanimously passed , to be entered 01 the minutes , for the many occasions Bro . Chalfont had assisted 1 instructing the brethren ; ' which compliment Bro , ChaJfontacknow ledged in a very suitable manner . After " Hearty good wishes , lodge was closed .

THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . I 436 ) .-The first meet ing for the winter season was held at Masons' Hail , Mason s-avenu , Coleman-street , E . C , on Thursday , the 6 th inst ., when there wepresent Bros . Joslin , W . M . j W . Bafter , P . M ., as S . ¦•" Hills . J . W . j J . L . Barrett , S . D . ; Eisenmann . J . D . j A . jar-iu ' I . G . > s . Stevens , P . M ., ' P . Z , > receptor ; J . K . ™ J * £ & £ Preceptor ; VV . Ball , Hon . Sec ; F . J . Smith , H . Whitehouse , A . H . Gomme , Lazarus , and others . , .. , vere The arrangements made by the Committee on the asnd uiu » ^ submitted for approval and unanimously assented to . " '„« Jardine worked the ist Section of the Lecture , and the cereii ^ j of initiation was then ably rehearsed by the W . M . «* IU'