-
Articles/Ads
Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 3 of 4 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 3 of 4 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 3 of 4 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
brethren were fortunate in their choice of their W . M ., and he was satisfied that Bro . Davis would prove himself equal to the duties of his office . He wished him a year of prosptritv and happiness , and , believing the brethren entertained the highest respect and esteem for their W . M ., he would ask them to drink his health and long life and prosperity . The enthusiastic manner in which the toast
was responded to proved the truth of the remarks made by Bro . Collier . The W . M ., in reply , thanked Bro . Col-, lier for his kind remarks , and also the brethren for the hearty manner they had received the toast . He soon found after joining the Craft that it was an excellent school of learning , ar . d taught the beautiful principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , and that Freemasonry
did not consist only of passing through the different Degrees and wearing the badges , but it set a good example in every sphere of life , and gained the love and respect of all its pupils . He had that day undertaken a responsible duty , but the lodge was lortunate in possessing some excellent and good working P . M . ' s , and he was sure of their support in case of neeJ . He
hoped the officers would be regular in their attendance , and the members support him , as it was by doing so himself , and passing through every office in the lodge , that he had attained his high position . He heartily thanked the brethren for so unanimously eltcting him to preside over them during the ensuing year , and hoped to see the youngest brother in the lodge try to emulate those
brethren who had gone before him , and reap the sime reward as he hail . It scarcely seemed possible that it was the same lodge he was now Master of when he looked back and recalled the lime when there were hardly sufficient brethren present to open it , and to note the vast improvements they had made these last few years . It was a gratifying sight which had presented itself to his gaze
that afternoon , when nearly sixty brethren had assembled to do him honour ; he was proud of his position , and assured them he would do all and everything in his power to merit the confidence they had reposed in him . The toasts of "The Visitors , " "The I . P . M ., " and others were
proposed and responded to , and with some excellent singing by Bros . Heap , Marks , Fielding , Proctor , Robinson , and others , together with a recitation by Bro . Barber , written expressly in honour of Bro . Divis's installation , brought one of the must successful meetings in the . annals of this lodge to a close at 11 o ' clock .
PLUMSTEAD . —The Pattison Lodge ( No . 913 ) . —The first meeting of the above lodge since its installation meeting took phce on Thursday , the 6 th inst ., at the Lord Raglan , Burrage-road , and , like most of the meetings of the above powerful and influential lodge , was well attended by both members and visitors . The lodge having been opened in due form , and with solemn prayer ,
the minutes of the last meeting were read and passed . The fallowing work was then done by the W . M ., Bro . Lloyd , in such a manner as to win the approbation of even the most exacting of the Past Masters present , viz ., the Second Degree , Bro Rahtz having , with the usual ceremonies , passed to that Degree . It was then proposed and carried unanimously that a letter of condolence be
sent to the widow of our lamented and deceased Bro . RoDert Lister , late Tyler ol the lodge . The lodge was then closed in due form , and the brethr .-n and visitors sat down to a pretty little supper , served by Bro . Tucker in excellent form . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts wire given by the W . M . with spirit , and cordially responded to by the assembly . Bro . Past Master Coupland , in
respon ling for " The Present and Past Officers of the Province , " regretted the absence of Bro . Butler , who as an officer would have done honour to so important a toast . He , Bro . Coupland , had responded to the toast so often that they must feel a trifle wearied at hearing him . Well , encouraged by . their forbearance , he would say that which he had repeatedly s-iid , that in their Grand Master
Lord Holmesdale , and in Bro . Eistes , their Deputy Grand Master , they had two of the best and most gracious leaders that it was possible to serve under . A very shoit time ago a number of the brethren had had an opportunity , not only of seeing , but hearing their Grand Master , and he felt sure the remembrance of that genial presence , and the kind , encouraging words uttered by their
distinguished brother , would not soon be forgotten by the brethren of Plumstead and the surrounding district . At the conclusion of a most elegant address , Bro . Coupland thanked them for the toast . Bro . Denton , who holds a high office in the Provincial Grand Chapter , as well as being a P . P . G . Officer , also returned thanks . Bro . Hayes , the I . P . M ., then proposed " The Health of the W . M ., "
and congratulated the lodge upon having a Master who could work the ceremonies , and conduct the lodge in the admirable manner Bro . Lloyd had that night . Bro . Lloyd , in response , after thanking the brethren for the toast , said that he looked upon the position he occupied as a very responsible one . He took it that the work incidental to the position could not be too well or too conscientiously done .
For many years past the work in the Pattison Lodge had been done in a most admirable manner , and he had determined to carry out the duties entrusted to him in such a manner as would not reflect discredit upon the brillant array of Matters who bad preceded him . The W . M . then proposed the toast of ' ¦ The Past Masters , " and in so doing he paid a high compliment to his predecessor , Bro . Hayes , both as a man anil a Mason , and coupled with his name
that of the father of the lodge , Past Master Ellis . Bro . Hayes , in reply , spoke feelingly of the kindness he had received from the brethren during his year of office , and trusted the W . M . would during his year be as well and heartily supported . Bro . Ellis , whose eloquence is a source of unqualified pleasure to the brethren , said when he saw the array of Past Masters gathering around him , and remembering , as he did , not with regretj however , the years ago it vvas that he occupied the position that Bro . Lloyd
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
hsid that night , it brought to his mind the words of a song which said : — " Darling , you are growing old , Silver threads among the gold . " He was pleased to see throughout all those years that the lodge was sanctified by its harmony and brotherly love . In it every brother seemed to have a sympathy with one
another , that made its meetings so pleasant and delightful , that he ; always anticipated their meetiag with unmixed pleasure and delight , lt was another source of pleasure to him to witness the excellent working of every Master who had succeeded him , and he trusted that the kindly spirit of emulation which existed among the Masters would long continue , for he felt that if it did the hnnour
and prosperity of the lodge , which had made it a marked lodge among the lodges of the province of Kent , would continue as now , undimmed and undiminished . The toast of " The Visitors" was coupled with the names of Bros . Weston , Shaw , and Warren . The former , in replying , thanked the brethren of the district for enabling him to make so good an appearance as a Steward at one of the
charity meetings , more especially he thanked the Pattison Lodge , which started him with ten guineas from the funds , and whose members had helped to swell his offering to the sum of £ 48 18 s . In the name of the Ubique Lodge he thanked them . Bros . Scully , Syer , and Smith also replied-to the toast . The toast of " The Officers " followed , and then the worthy host , Bro . Tucker , was
complimented . The proceedings soon after terminated . Among the officers and brethren present , beside the W . M ., were Bros . T . D . Hayes , I . P . M . ; Past Masters A . Penfold , J . McDougall , H . Butter , P . G . S . Kent ; T . W . Vincent , Jas . Chapman . S . W . ; R . J . Cook , J . W . ; E . Denton , P . M . and Sec . ; H . Mason , S . D . ; R . Edmonds , J . D . ; H . Pryce ,
I . G . ; T . Reed , D . C ; C . Cooke , Org . ; H . Shaw , W . M . 15 ^ 6 ; J . Warren , W . M . 700 ; D . Deeves , S . W . 153 6 ; J . Wilkins , S . W . 700 ; W . Murphy , Treas . 1536 ; T . Smith , P . M . 829 ; G . Beaver , J . D . 700 ; J . H . Roberts , I . G . 700 ; J . Sculley , I . G . 706 ; S . E . Southgate , 700 ; J . Aillud , 615 ; G . Tedder , 1167 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) .
SUNDERLAND . —Williamson Lodge ( No . 949 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held in the St . Stephen ' s School , en Monday , the 10 th inst ., at 7 . 30 . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Eggleston , supported by Bros . Taylor , I . P . M . ; Hall , P . M . ; Gray , P . M . ; Halfnight , P . M . ; Cook , P . M . ; and a good muster of brethren . Visitors : Bros . Frampton , W . M . 94 ; Watson ,
W . M . 97 ; and Douglass , P . M . 80 ( Freemason ) . The minutes of last lodge were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . Thomas Lackenby , a candidate for Masonry , who was duly elected . - He was introduced and received the Degree of an E . A . Mason . The lodge was then raised to the Second Degree . Bro . Osborne was
examined and answered satisfactorily ; he was entrusted and retired . The lodge was then raised to the Third Degree . Bro . Osborne was admitted and made a M . M . The lodge was regularly closed to the First Degree . No other business before the meeting , the 1 > dge was closed according to ancient custom in due and solemn form .
MOSSLEY . — Prince Alfred Lodge ( No . 1218 ) . —The installation meeting of this improved lodge took place on Wednesday , the 29 th ult ., at the Commercial Hotel . 1 he following officers and brethren were present : —Bros . James Buckley , W . M . ; the Rev . J . E . Roberts , S . W . ; J . Stevenson , S . D . ; John Buckley , Treas . ; John Waterhouse , Tyler ; John Heys , P . M . ; Thos . Read ,
Danl . Dempsey , Thos . Mayall , Joseph Woolhouse , and Robert Wilson . Visitors : Bros . Wm . Blackburn , P . P . G . S . D . West Yorks . ; Robert Whittaker , P . M . 350 , 678 , P . P . G . D . of C . East Lane . ; Geo . P . Cartwright , S . D . 678 ; John Shaw , P . M . 337 ; J . W . Tanner , 337 ; Thos . H . Tanner , 337 ; C . Shaw , W . M . 33 7 ; the Rev . Robert Cowburn , 269 ; G . H . Mellor , W . M . 1774 ; Dr . W . Y . Martin ,
16 3 s ; W . F . Towle , 8 is ; W . R . Batchelor , P . M . 324 ; Dr . * G . M . Brumwell , Robt . T . Punter , W . M . ; Thos . Peak , W . M . 300 ; and R . R . Lisenden , 337 ( Freemason ) . Thelodge was opened with punctuality at the hour appointed , viz ., three o ' clock , with solemn prayer , after which the minutes of the previous lodge meeting were read and confirmed . The Auditor ' s report on the financial position of the lodge
vvas next taken and adopted . The W . M . then addressed the brethren in relation to the annual election of a Master , afler which the Installing Master , Bro . W . R . Batchelor , presented the W . M . elect , Bro . J . E . Roberts , who gave the requisite answers to the questions put to him by the Secretary from the Book of Constitutions . Bro . Batchelor , assisted by Bro . W . F . Towle , then proceeded to instal Bro .
Roberts as W . M . ot the lodge for the ensuing year , and both brethren fully bore out the reputation they enjoy for their efficiency as Installing Masters , and produced on tbe minds of those who witnessed this beautiful ceremony for the first dm : a most favourable impression . After the W . M . had been saluted in the customary manner , Bro . Towle invested the following brethren with the collars and
jewels of their respective newly-appointed office : —Bros . Dunbar Murray , S . W . ; J . Stevenson , J . W . ; Thos . Read , S . D . ; Danl . Dempsey , Sec . ; John Buckley , Treas ., reappointed ; Thos . Mayall , I . G . ; John Waterhouse , Tyler . Bro . Whittaker was invested , pro tern ., as Junior Deacon . At the conclusion of this ceremony Bro . Buckley addressed the W . M ., Bro . Towle the Wardens , and Bro . Batchelor the brethren . The installation being finished , and
" Hearty good wishes " expressed by the visitors , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony , and with prayer , at 5 . 20 . The brethren afterwards sat down to an excellent banquet , which had been provided for them by Bro . E . Nield , the host , and we must give due praise to that brother for the amount of care he exhibited in providing for their personal comfort , and in the selection , quality , and cooking of the viands , 10 which the most fastidious could scarcely take exception , On the removal of the cloth the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and dul y honoured , ths seventh toast on the list being that of " The Newly-elected W . M ., " which was proposed in graceful terms by the I . P . M ., Bio . James Buckley , who said , in proposing the toast of the evening , he should not detain the brethren long by his remarks , which would be very short . He stood before the brethren as their I . P . M ., and
it had fallen to his lot to propose to them this important toast . They all knew that their present W . M . had been the leading spirit in the lodge for a long time past , and more particularly , perhaps , during the past year ,, as , although he ( the I . P . M . ) had presided over them the last twelve months , yet he had done very little to promote the interests of the lodge while in that capacity , and whatever had been
done , the brethren , he felt sure , were not indebted to him , but to their present W . M ., who , as they well knew , had assisted him most kindly and usefully during his tenure of office . He had not the slightest fear about the competency of their W . M . for the office to which the brethren had elected him , and he was sure that not one of them would have to regret their choice , and
he would conclude his remarks by asking them to drink "The Health of their W . M . " in a bumper . It is needless to say that this invitation was promptly responded to , accompanied with some excellent " firing . " Bro . James Tanner sang , with great " verve , " " Here ' s to his health in a song , " which was well rendered , and at its conclusion the W . M . in reply said : It is with a feeling of
pleasure that I rise to return you my thanks for so kindly responding to the toast of my health , and to say a few words on this , the most important day of the Masonic year . The celebration of tbe festival of St . John does not , as you are doubtless aware , happen en the same day to each lodge , but whenever it does happen , it is as I said before the most important day of the Masonic year , and it
is so , I apprehend , because unquestionably a very important duty has to be performed on the part of the newlyinvested officers to diffuse Masonic light and knowledge during their term of office . In their hands is placed the weal or woe of the lodge , and it is for them to say whether the work done shall be good and square work , or whether the timbeis shall be crooked , the limbs knotted and
dwarfed , and the Order brought into disgrace . Brethren , you have signified your confidence in my ability to perform the duties of W . M . of this lodge by electing me to the highest office which it is in your power to bestow , and I hereby tender you my heartfelt thanks for this token of your respect and esteem . You will , I know , readily believe me if I say that I approach these duties with a
large amount of diffidence . Freemasonry expects that the Master of the work shall have nothing to learn . She also expects him to be able to instruct not only the younger members of the Craft , but also those more advanced in Masonic knowledge , and , she expects him to be able to repel the insidious , assertions of our uninitiated adversaries . This is a lofty standard , but then our mother never
expects that any of her sons will ever reach this standard , and because she knows that the beft of us—yes all of us —are so very imperfect ; and hence the brother does well who does his best , and that I do promise , and I ask you , officers and brethren , to make the same vow . Brethren , let us this day resolve to act up to , more and more , the noble tenets of our venerable Order ; yes , let us resolve to
regulate our lives by the plum . b line of justice and truth , and to square our actions by the principles of virtue , so that we may at the last gain admission to the celestial lodge above , where the Grand Master of the Universe for ever presides and for ever rtigns . The W . M . was warmly applauded at the conclusion of his speech , and the musical brethren sang " Prosper the Art" in good style . The
toaswof " The Visiting Brethren , " "The I . P . M . and the rest ofthe P . M . ' s , " "The Installing Masters , " "The Masonic Charities , " and " The Newly Invested Officers " were proposed and responded to , and the brethren separated a little before 11 o ' clock , after spending one of the most pleasant and enjoyable evenings within their recollection . We must not conclude our report without warmly
commending the very excellent singing of Bros . James and T . H . Turner , M . Stafford , P . M ., and J . Taylor , and also the accompanying of Bro . Enos Andrew on the piano , the rendering of those beautiful glees , " The Red Cross Knight " and " Comrades in Arms , " being most artistic , the latter producing quite a furore and being rapturously re-demanded .
LYMM . —Earl of Chester Lodge ( No . 1565 ) . —The annual meeting and installation of W . M . eLct and festival of St . John of the above lodge was held on Thursday , the 6 th inst ., when the picturesque village of Lymm , Cheshire , was en fete . The meetings of the lodge are held at the Masonic Hall , and on the above occasion at three in the afternoon . The W . M ., Bro . J . H . Evans ,
was supported by a large number of members and visitors lrom neighbouring lodges . Among those present we noticed Bros . John Bowes , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . Cumberland and Westmorland ; Rev . — Hodgson , P . P . G . C ; E . G . Parker , S . W ., W . M . elect . ; Balshaw , Sec ; Jno . Sudlow , S . D . ; Jas . Kenworthy , J . D . ; J . Lewis , I . G . ; G . G . Wootten , P . M . ; Coxhill , W . M . 758 ; Siddeley , 1045 ; Jno . Young ,
W . M . 148 ; D . W . Finney , P . M ., P . G . D . of C . ; Capt . Little , £ 20 ; Bradbury , P . M . 1357 ; Kenyon , P . M . 1045 ; Smith , P . M . 1009 ; E . G . Simpson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; Rohmer , P . M . 6 33 ; Groves , Bradford , Wallington , P . Pearse , Griffin , Thompson , W . JL . Stone , Crompton , W . M . 1 . 588 ; Barber , W . M . 1730 ; Ryder , W . M . 1357 ; and oth » rs . The lodge was opened in due and foim , when
the minutes were confirmed , and the Auditor ' s report received . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when in the absence of Bro . E . Simpson , a distinguished member of the Prov . G . Lodge of Cheshire , Bro . Bowes vvas requested to take the chair as Installing Master . Bro . Evans presented Bro . E . G . Parker , Worshipful Master elect , for the benefit of installation . The preliminary portion of the ceremony being completed , he
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
brethren were fortunate in their choice of their W . M ., and he was satisfied that Bro . Davis would prove himself equal to the duties of his office . He wished him a year of prosptritv and happiness , and , believing the brethren entertained the highest respect and esteem for their W . M ., he would ask them to drink his health and long life and prosperity . The enthusiastic manner in which the toast
was responded to proved the truth of the remarks made by Bro . Collier . The W . M ., in reply , thanked Bro . Col-, lier for his kind remarks , and also the brethren for the hearty manner they had received the toast . He soon found after joining the Craft that it was an excellent school of learning , ar . d taught the beautiful principles of brotherly love , relief , and truth , and that Freemasonry
did not consist only of passing through the different Degrees and wearing the badges , but it set a good example in every sphere of life , and gained the love and respect of all its pupils . He had that day undertaken a responsible duty , but the lodge was lortunate in possessing some excellent and good working P . M . ' s , and he was sure of their support in case of neeJ . He
hoped the officers would be regular in their attendance , and the members support him , as it was by doing so himself , and passing through every office in the lodge , that he had attained his high position . He heartily thanked the brethren for so unanimously eltcting him to preside over them during the ensuing year , and hoped to see the youngest brother in the lodge try to emulate those
brethren who had gone before him , and reap the sime reward as he hail . It scarcely seemed possible that it was the same lodge he was now Master of when he looked back and recalled the lime when there were hardly sufficient brethren present to open it , and to note the vast improvements they had made these last few years . It was a gratifying sight which had presented itself to his gaze
that afternoon , when nearly sixty brethren had assembled to do him honour ; he was proud of his position , and assured them he would do all and everything in his power to merit the confidence they had reposed in him . The toasts of "The Visitors , " "The I . P . M ., " and others were
proposed and responded to , and with some excellent singing by Bros . Heap , Marks , Fielding , Proctor , Robinson , and others , together with a recitation by Bro . Barber , written expressly in honour of Bro . Divis's installation , brought one of the must successful meetings in the . annals of this lodge to a close at 11 o ' clock .
PLUMSTEAD . —The Pattison Lodge ( No . 913 ) . —The first meeting of the above lodge since its installation meeting took phce on Thursday , the 6 th inst ., at the Lord Raglan , Burrage-road , and , like most of the meetings of the above powerful and influential lodge , was well attended by both members and visitors . The lodge having been opened in due form , and with solemn prayer ,
the minutes of the last meeting were read and passed . The fallowing work was then done by the W . M ., Bro . Lloyd , in such a manner as to win the approbation of even the most exacting of the Past Masters present , viz ., the Second Degree , Bro Rahtz having , with the usual ceremonies , passed to that Degree . It was then proposed and carried unanimously that a letter of condolence be
sent to the widow of our lamented and deceased Bro . RoDert Lister , late Tyler ol the lodge . The lodge was then closed in due form , and the brethr .-n and visitors sat down to a pretty little supper , served by Bro . Tucker in excellent form . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts wire given by the W . M . with spirit , and cordially responded to by the assembly . Bro . Past Master Coupland , in
respon ling for " The Present and Past Officers of the Province , " regretted the absence of Bro . Butler , who as an officer would have done honour to so important a toast . He , Bro . Coupland , had responded to the toast so often that they must feel a trifle wearied at hearing him . Well , encouraged by . their forbearance , he would say that which he had repeatedly s-iid , that in their Grand Master
Lord Holmesdale , and in Bro . Eistes , their Deputy Grand Master , they had two of the best and most gracious leaders that it was possible to serve under . A very shoit time ago a number of the brethren had had an opportunity , not only of seeing , but hearing their Grand Master , and he felt sure the remembrance of that genial presence , and the kind , encouraging words uttered by their
distinguished brother , would not soon be forgotten by the brethren of Plumstead and the surrounding district . At the conclusion of a most elegant address , Bro . Coupland thanked them for the toast . Bro . Denton , who holds a high office in the Provincial Grand Chapter , as well as being a P . P . G . Officer , also returned thanks . Bro . Hayes , the I . P . M ., then proposed " The Health of the W . M ., "
and congratulated the lodge upon having a Master who could work the ceremonies , and conduct the lodge in the admirable manner Bro . Lloyd had that night . Bro . Lloyd , in response , after thanking the brethren for the toast , said that he looked upon the position he occupied as a very responsible one . He took it that the work incidental to the position could not be too well or too conscientiously done .
For many years past the work in the Pattison Lodge had been done in a most admirable manner , and he had determined to carry out the duties entrusted to him in such a manner as would not reflect discredit upon the brillant array of Matters who bad preceded him . The W . M . then proposed the toast of ' ¦ The Past Masters , " and in so doing he paid a high compliment to his predecessor , Bro . Hayes , both as a man anil a Mason , and coupled with his name
that of the father of the lodge , Past Master Ellis . Bro . Hayes , in reply , spoke feelingly of the kindness he had received from the brethren during his year of office , and trusted the W . M . would during his year be as well and heartily supported . Bro . Ellis , whose eloquence is a source of unqualified pleasure to the brethren , said when he saw the array of Past Masters gathering around him , and remembering , as he did , not with regretj however , the years ago it vvas that he occupied the position that Bro . Lloyd
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
hsid that night , it brought to his mind the words of a song which said : — " Darling , you are growing old , Silver threads among the gold . " He was pleased to see throughout all those years that the lodge was sanctified by its harmony and brotherly love . In it every brother seemed to have a sympathy with one
another , that made its meetings so pleasant and delightful , that he ; always anticipated their meetiag with unmixed pleasure and delight , lt was another source of pleasure to him to witness the excellent working of every Master who had succeeded him , and he trusted that the kindly spirit of emulation which existed among the Masters would long continue , for he felt that if it did the hnnour
and prosperity of the lodge , which had made it a marked lodge among the lodges of the province of Kent , would continue as now , undimmed and undiminished . The toast of " The Visitors" was coupled with the names of Bros . Weston , Shaw , and Warren . The former , in replying , thanked the brethren of the district for enabling him to make so good an appearance as a Steward at one of the
charity meetings , more especially he thanked the Pattison Lodge , which started him with ten guineas from the funds , and whose members had helped to swell his offering to the sum of £ 48 18 s . In the name of the Ubique Lodge he thanked them . Bros . Scully , Syer , and Smith also replied-to the toast . The toast of " The Officers " followed , and then the worthy host , Bro . Tucker , was
complimented . The proceedings soon after terminated . Among the officers and brethren present , beside the W . M ., were Bros . T . D . Hayes , I . P . M . ; Past Masters A . Penfold , J . McDougall , H . Butter , P . G . S . Kent ; T . W . Vincent , Jas . Chapman . S . W . ; R . J . Cook , J . W . ; E . Denton , P . M . and Sec . ; H . Mason , S . D . ; R . Edmonds , J . D . ; H . Pryce ,
I . G . ; T . Reed , D . C ; C . Cooke , Org . ; H . Shaw , W . M . 15 ^ 6 ; J . Warren , W . M . 700 ; D . Deeves , S . W . 153 6 ; J . Wilkins , S . W . 700 ; W . Murphy , Treas . 1536 ; T . Smith , P . M . 829 ; G . Beaver , J . D . 700 ; J . H . Roberts , I . G . 700 ; J . Sculley , I . G . 706 ; S . E . Southgate , 700 ; J . Aillud , 615 ; G . Tedder , 1167 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) .
SUNDERLAND . —Williamson Lodge ( No . 949 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held in the St . Stephen ' s School , en Monday , the 10 th inst ., at 7 . 30 . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . Eggleston , supported by Bros . Taylor , I . P . M . ; Hall , P . M . ; Gray , P . M . ; Halfnight , P . M . ; Cook , P . M . ; and a good muster of brethren . Visitors : Bros . Frampton , W . M . 94 ; Watson ,
W . M . 97 ; and Douglass , P . M . 80 ( Freemason ) . The minutes of last lodge were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . Thomas Lackenby , a candidate for Masonry , who was duly elected . - He was introduced and received the Degree of an E . A . Mason . The lodge was then raised to the Second Degree . Bro . Osborne was
examined and answered satisfactorily ; he was entrusted and retired . The lodge was then raised to the Third Degree . Bro . Osborne was admitted and made a M . M . The lodge was regularly closed to the First Degree . No other business before the meeting , the 1 > dge was closed according to ancient custom in due and solemn form .
MOSSLEY . — Prince Alfred Lodge ( No . 1218 ) . —The installation meeting of this improved lodge took place on Wednesday , the 29 th ult ., at the Commercial Hotel . 1 he following officers and brethren were present : —Bros . James Buckley , W . M . ; the Rev . J . E . Roberts , S . W . ; J . Stevenson , S . D . ; John Buckley , Treas . ; John Waterhouse , Tyler ; John Heys , P . M . ; Thos . Read ,
Danl . Dempsey , Thos . Mayall , Joseph Woolhouse , and Robert Wilson . Visitors : Bros . Wm . Blackburn , P . P . G . S . D . West Yorks . ; Robert Whittaker , P . M . 350 , 678 , P . P . G . D . of C . East Lane . ; Geo . P . Cartwright , S . D . 678 ; John Shaw , P . M . 337 ; J . W . Tanner , 337 ; Thos . H . Tanner , 337 ; C . Shaw , W . M . 33 7 ; the Rev . Robert Cowburn , 269 ; G . H . Mellor , W . M . 1774 ; Dr . W . Y . Martin ,
16 3 s ; W . F . Towle , 8 is ; W . R . Batchelor , P . M . 324 ; Dr . * G . M . Brumwell , Robt . T . Punter , W . M . ; Thos . Peak , W . M . 300 ; and R . R . Lisenden , 337 ( Freemason ) . Thelodge was opened with punctuality at the hour appointed , viz ., three o ' clock , with solemn prayer , after which the minutes of the previous lodge meeting were read and confirmed . The Auditor ' s report on the financial position of the lodge
vvas next taken and adopted . The W . M . then addressed the brethren in relation to the annual election of a Master , afler which the Installing Master , Bro . W . R . Batchelor , presented the W . M . elect , Bro . J . E . Roberts , who gave the requisite answers to the questions put to him by the Secretary from the Book of Constitutions . Bro . Batchelor , assisted by Bro . W . F . Towle , then proceeded to instal Bro .
Roberts as W . M . ot the lodge for the ensuing year , and both brethren fully bore out the reputation they enjoy for their efficiency as Installing Masters , and produced on tbe minds of those who witnessed this beautiful ceremony for the first dm : a most favourable impression . After the W . M . had been saluted in the customary manner , Bro . Towle invested the following brethren with the collars and
jewels of their respective newly-appointed office : —Bros . Dunbar Murray , S . W . ; J . Stevenson , J . W . ; Thos . Read , S . D . ; Danl . Dempsey , Sec . ; John Buckley , Treas ., reappointed ; Thos . Mayall , I . G . ; John Waterhouse , Tyler . Bro . Whittaker was invested , pro tern ., as Junior Deacon . At the conclusion of this ceremony Bro . Buckley addressed the W . M ., Bro . Towle the Wardens , and Bro . Batchelor the brethren . The installation being finished , and
" Hearty good wishes " expressed by the visitors , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony , and with prayer , at 5 . 20 . The brethren afterwards sat down to an excellent banquet , which had been provided for them by Bro . E . Nield , the host , and we must give due praise to that brother for the amount of care he exhibited in providing for their personal comfort , and in the selection , quality , and cooking of the viands , 10 which the most fastidious could scarcely take exception , On the removal of the cloth the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and dul y honoured , ths seventh toast on the list being that of " The Newly-elected W . M ., " which was proposed in graceful terms by the I . P . M ., Bio . James Buckley , who said , in proposing the toast of the evening , he should not detain the brethren long by his remarks , which would be very short . He stood before the brethren as their I . P . M ., and
it had fallen to his lot to propose to them this important toast . They all knew that their present W . M . had been the leading spirit in the lodge for a long time past , and more particularly , perhaps , during the past year ,, as , although he ( the I . P . M . ) had presided over them the last twelve months , yet he had done very little to promote the interests of the lodge while in that capacity , and whatever had been
done , the brethren , he felt sure , were not indebted to him , but to their present W . M ., who , as they well knew , had assisted him most kindly and usefully during his tenure of office . He had not the slightest fear about the competency of their W . M . for the office to which the brethren had elected him , and he was sure that not one of them would have to regret their choice , and
he would conclude his remarks by asking them to drink "The Health of their W . M . " in a bumper . It is needless to say that this invitation was promptly responded to , accompanied with some excellent " firing . " Bro . James Tanner sang , with great " verve , " " Here ' s to his health in a song , " which was well rendered , and at its conclusion the W . M . in reply said : It is with a feeling of
pleasure that I rise to return you my thanks for so kindly responding to the toast of my health , and to say a few words on this , the most important day of the Masonic year . The celebration of tbe festival of St . John does not , as you are doubtless aware , happen en the same day to each lodge , but whenever it does happen , it is as I said before the most important day of the Masonic year , and it
is so , I apprehend , because unquestionably a very important duty has to be performed on the part of the newlyinvested officers to diffuse Masonic light and knowledge during their term of office . In their hands is placed the weal or woe of the lodge , and it is for them to say whether the work done shall be good and square work , or whether the timbeis shall be crooked , the limbs knotted and
dwarfed , and the Order brought into disgrace . Brethren , you have signified your confidence in my ability to perform the duties of W . M . of this lodge by electing me to the highest office which it is in your power to bestow , and I hereby tender you my heartfelt thanks for this token of your respect and esteem . You will , I know , readily believe me if I say that I approach these duties with a
large amount of diffidence . Freemasonry expects that the Master of the work shall have nothing to learn . She also expects him to be able to instruct not only the younger members of the Craft , but also those more advanced in Masonic knowledge , and , she expects him to be able to repel the insidious , assertions of our uninitiated adversaries . This is a lofty standard , but then our mother never
expects that any of her sons will ever reach this standard , and because she knows that the beft of us—yes all of us —are so very imperfect ; and hence the brother does well who does his best , and that I do promise , and I ask you , officers and brethren , to make the same vow . Brethren , let us this day resolve to act up to , more and more , the noble tenets of our venerable Order ; yes , let us resolve to
regulate our lives by the plum . b line of justice and truth , and to square our actions by the principles of virtue , so that we may at the last gain admission to the celestial lodge above , where the Grand Master of the Universe for ever presides and for ever rtigns . The W . M . was warmly applauded at the conclusion of his speech , and the musical brethren sang " Prosper the Art" in good style . The
toaswof " The Visiting Brethren , " "The I . P . M . and the rest ofthe P . M . ' s , " "The Installing Masters , " "The Masonic Charities , " and " The Newly Invested Officers " were proposed and responded to , and the brethren separated a little before 11 o ' clock , after spending one of the most pleasant and enjoyable evenings within their recollection . We must not conclude our report without warmly
commending the very excellent singing of Bros . James and T . H . Turner , M . Stafford , P . M ., and J . Taylor , and also the accompanying of Bro . Enos Andrew on the piano , the rendering of those beautiful glees , " The Red Cross Knight " and " Comrades in Arms , " being most artistic , the latter producing quite a furore and being rapturously re-demanded .
LYMM . —Earl of Chester Lodge ( No . 1565 ) . —The annual meeting and installation of W . M . eLct and festival of St . John of the above lodge was held on Thursday , the 6 th inst ., when the picturesque village of Lymm , Cheshire , was en fete . The meetings of the lodge are held at the Masonic Hall , and on the above occasion at three in the afternoon . The W . M ., Bro . J . H . Evans ,
was supported by a large number of members and visitors lrom neighbouring lodges . Among those present we noticed Bros . John Bowes , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . Cumberland and Westmorland ; Rev . — Hodgson , P . P . G . C ; E . G . Parker , S . W ., W . M . elect . ; Balshaw , Sec ; Jno . Sudlow , S . D . ; Jas . Kenworthy , J . D . ; J . Lewis , I . G . ; G . G . Wootten , P . M . ; Coxhill , W . M . 758 ; Siddeley , 1045 ; Jno . Young ,
W . M . 148 ; D . W . Finney , P . M ., P . G . D . of C . ; Capt . Little , £ 20 ; Bradbury , P . M . 1357 ; Kenyon , P . M . 1045 ; Smith , P . M . 1009 ; E . G . Simpson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; Rohmer , P . M . 6 33 ; Groves , Bradford , Wallington , P . Pearse , Griffin , Thompson , W . JL . Stone , Crompton , W . M . 1 . 588 ; Barber , W . M . 1730 ; Ryder , W . M . 1357 ; and oth » rs . The lodge was opened in due and foim , when
the minutes were confirmed , and the Auditor ' s report received . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when in the absence of Bro . E . Simpson , a distinguished member of the Prov . G . Lodge of Cheshire , Bro . Bowes vvas requested to take the chair as Installing Master . Bro . Evans presented Bro . E . G . Parker , Worshipful Master elect , for the benefit of installation . The preliminary portion of the ceremony being completed , he