Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

wisdom of the brethren in selecting him to the most exalted office " in the Dramatic , and the judicious character of llis official selections was very prominently proved by the business-like and earnest way in which he was supported in his work . Indeed , those best acquainted with the history of the lodge were struck with the complete acquaintance with ceremonial which marked every official brother , and there is therefore good augury of a fresh addition to thc years of

success already attending the *' crack lodge of Liverpool , " as it is called by those outside its boundaries . The business commenced at 2 . 30 prompt , when Bro . R . Burgess , W . M ., took his place in the E ., being supported by Bros . J . L . Shrapnell , I . P . M . ; W . Savage , P . M . ; J . Atkinson , P . M . ; j . M . Bcvd , S . VV . ; O . VV . Sanderson , J . W . ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., Treas . ; J . Cantor , Sec ; J . O . Marplts , S . D . ; H . Round , J . D . ;

W . Parker , I . G . ; E . H . Allen , S . S . ; J . Fineberg , J . S . ; T . L . Duncan , A . S . ; and W . H . Ball , Tyler . The members of the lodge present were Bros . VV . Hatton , W . Johnson , J . Galloway , T . H . Wilde , I . Jacobs , A . Mein , L . Veaco , J . G . Spiers ( Newland ) , J . 11 . Light , C . Callaghan ( Wallace ) , E . Graham , B . Hughes , B . Brown , D . Somers , A . Smith , C . Buchanan , II . Fineberg , W . Hildyard , Tudor Rogers , G . M . Polini , C . A . Giannocopulo , R . M . Anderson ,

P . Lowndes , J . Ballard , II . Bennett , W . Briscall , E . Batty , E . Cotton , J . W . Collinson , G . Williams , D . Cumming , L . Hughes , W . B . Hamman , and W . Whittle . The visitors included Bros . F . H . Macklin , 1319 ; J . Almond . P . M . 36 ; W . Jones , P . M , 157 C ; J . S . Woodall , 1576 ; J . E . Clayton , 1576 ; D . Callow , S 23 ; W . E . Smith , S 23 ; T . Lawrence , 241 ; F . W . Hawkins , 1013 ; Fred Albert , 212 ; E . King Ellison , Sec . 1350 ; Evan J . Callow , W . M . 1094 ; and others .

After the transaction of some formal business , Bro . F . H . Macklin , 1319 , and Bro . Dalton Somers , a member of the Iodge , were passed to the Second Degree . There were no fewer than eiijht candidates for the Third Degree , viz ., Bros . Polini , Brown , Spiers , and Callaghan ( Brown , Newland , and Wallace ) , Johnson , Veaco , Hamann , and Smith . The work of raising was well done by the Master , Wardens , and junior officers , eliciting the hearty commendation of the visitors present . The balance-sheet for the year was

subsequently passed , showing the funds of the lodge to be in a sound and healthy condition . After business came the banquet , admirably served hy Bro . W . S . Vines , of the Caston . "The Queen and the Craft" and "Our Visiting Brethren , " well responded to by Bros . Almond and Macklin , were the only toasts , musical harmony and recitations being , as usual , the prominent attractions of the after-dinner entertainment . The contributions came from Bros . Batty , Giannocopulo , Macklin , Fred Albert , Veaco , Newland , Savage , and J . VV . Collinson .

FRIZINGTON . —Arlecdon Lodge ( No . 1660 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., when Bro . Wm . Martin , P . M ., occupied the chair , and was supported as follows : Bros . G . LowJen , S . W . ; F . T . Allatt , J . W . ; R . Wilson , P . M ., Sec ; W . J . Harvey , S . D . ; J . Dickson , J . D . ; J . Bewlay , I . G . ; J . Johnston , Tyler ; R . Baxter , P . M ., P . G . A . D . C . ; W . J . Smith , J . H . McKittrick , J . Garnett , B . Craig , F .

Watson , 19 S 9 ; and others . On the confirmation of the minutes , the ballot was taken for Mr J . Wilkinson , and he was accepted and initiated , and Bro . Garnett passed to the Second Degree . Bro . Baxter , P . M ., then moved a vote of thanks to be recorded on the minutes to Bro . W . Martin , P . M ., for the able way he had discnarged the duties appertaining to the chair , taking into consideration the short notice of the unavoidable

absence of Bro . Bell , W . M ., and also for another reason , which few present might be aware of ; that one of the senior Past Masters and foundeis of the lodge—Bro . Martin—was about to say farewell and repair to thc United States of America in the course of a few days ; and he ( Bro . Baxter ) felt sure no member of the lodge had been more zealous to advance the true principles of the Craft than their highly esteemed brother , who was ever ready , and — to use a

homely phrase—an excellent Craftsman . On leaving he carried with him the sincere and united good wishes of every member of the lodge , and he hoped that when he reached the land of his adoption success in all his undertakings would mark his course . Bro . G . Lowden , S . W ., ably seconded the motion , which received a unanimous vote . Bro . Martin brielly thanked the brethren for their kind and unexpected vote of thanks , and expressed his deep regret for having to bid them adieu , but perhaps not for

ever . He had only one request to make from the members of Arlecdon , that , like Scotia's Bard , they would kindly remember him at their annual festival , and whatever lands he travelled in his fond recollections would ever be the land of his birth , Freemasonry , and the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland . With " Hearty good wishes " from the visitors , the lodge was closed in form and good harmony , and the brethVen retired to the banquet hall , where a very pleasant evening was spent .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

CONSTITUTIONAL LODGE ( No . 55 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the 4 th inst ., at the Bedford Hotel , Southampton-buildings , Holborn , when there were present Bros . Balfour , W . M . ; Richardson , S . W . ; Saunders , J . W . ; Fox , Preceptor ; Snodcn , Treas . ; Simpson , Sec ; Triggs , S . D . ; Tacon , J . D . ; Parson , I . G . ; Dodson , P . M . ; Linscott , P . M . ; Brown , P . M . ; Corner , Main , Roach , and others .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed . The chair was then taken by Bro . Packer , W . M . S 62 , who rehearsed the ceremony of installation , Bro . Richardson acting as W . M . elect , and was installed in thc chair of K . S ., and invested his officers in a satisfactory manner . The Fifteen Sections will be worked on Tuesday , the 25 th inst ., when Bro . Fox will preside . Bros . Packer and Thompson were elected joining members .

MANCHESTER LODGE ( No . 179 ) . —A meeting was held on Saturday , the ist inst ., at the Yorkshire Grey , 17 , London-street , Fitzroy-sqiiarc . Present : Bros . Fraser , 1 C 04 , W . M . ; Graham , W . M . 1 GS 1 , S . W . ; Wood , J . VV . ; Nicoll , acting Sec , ; Mulvey , S . D . ; Agar , J . D . ;

Kershaw , I . G . ; Keester , P . M . 435 , Preceptor ; Kew , P . M . 179 ; Kodgers , Von Joel , VV . M , 957 ; A . R . Smith , E . R . Smith , Read , l . udwig , Leslie , 1604 ; Tombs , Palmer , Lamhourne , I . G . S 7 ; Greenway , Buchanan , Dickson , W . M . 179 ; Barling , Attlield , Jeber , Hughes , S . VV . 179 ; and Hetterish , 212 .

Instruction.

The Iodge was opened in due form . The ceremony of initiation was ably rehearsed by the W . M ., Bro . Greenway , candidate . The ceremony of installation was rehearsed by the Preceptor , Bro . Von Joel acting as candidate . The Fourth Section of the Lecture was worked by the Preceptor , assisted by the brethren . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry the lodge was closed in due form .

BELGRAVE LODGE ( No . 749 ) . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 30 th ult ., at the Clarence Hotel , Aldersgate-street , E . C . Present : Bros . Mahon , W . M . ; Haslit , ' P . M ., S . W . ; Titley , J . VV . ; Gardner , P . M ., Sec ; John , P . M ., S . D . ; Austin , J . D . ; Nawton , I . G . ; Painter , P . M . ; Greenwood , P . M . ; Smout , I . P . M . 1642 ; Street , Fraser , Hsbbs , Leech , W . M . 749 , and others .

The Iodge was opened in due form , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Fraser candidate . The Iodge was opened in the Second Degree and the ceremony of passing rehearsed , Bro . Street being candidate . Bro . Leech , the W . M . of the mother lodge , then rehearsed the ceremony of installation , Bro . Painter , P . M ., being candidate . It was proposed , seconded , and carried

unanimously , that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Bro . Leech for the manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony . Bro . Leech responded . A similar compliment was paid to the W . M ., Bro . Mahon , for the very able manner in which he had discharged the duties of W . M . for the first time . Bro . Mahon replied . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form and perfect harmony .

ROYAL ALFRED LODGE ( No . 7 S 0 ) . —A meeting was held at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , on Friday , the 31 st ult . Present : Bros . Andrews , W . M . ; Turner , S . W . ; Taylor , J . W . ; Houghton , 2032 , S . D . ; Sapsworth , 1956 , J . D . ; F . Botley , I . G . ; C . E . Botley , Hon . Sec . ; H . H . Hodges , P . P . G . S . W . Berks and Bucks ; E . Monson , jun ., Courland : r , P . Monson ,

Shernn , Caunnell , Sperring , G . Thomas , V . Wing , G . Gardner , and others . Visitors : Bros . J . Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., & c ; Col . J . Mead , 1971 ; Garner , 1602 ; Hunt , 1656 ; Cutbill , 902 and 795 ; Cox , 7 S 0 ; and others . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . This being the night set apart for Bro . ] . Stevens' lecture on "Knobs and

Excrescences , " the W . M ., in a few graceful words , introduced the lecturer , expressing his cordial agreement in the value of such lectures to zealous students in the Craft . Bro . Jas . Stevens then commenced his lecture , prefacing it by an apology for hoarseness he was then suffering from , only lately having recovered from an attack of bronchitis . Proceeding , he explained that he had no authority for the

uniformity of ritual which he advocated ; but wished to ventilate the subject by laying his ideas before the brethren , as , from his point of view , he considered it essentially neces sary when one saw the diversity of working in many lodges . Tracing the history of Freemasonry , Bro . Stevens expressed his opinion that Speculative Masonry , as we now know it , cannot be traced further back than the year 1717 , although

there is no doubt that Guilds of Masons existed for centuries before this , and probably the ritual existed in manuscript anterior to this date , since which time it has been transmitted orally . After noticing many ancient works which had been written concerning Freemasonry , and the erroneous ideas which prevailed among the general public concerning our rites and ceremonies , the lecturer explained

that a lodge could be opened in one place and closed in another , and expressed his approval , where it was possible , for the lodge to be called off for the banquet to be held , and for the lodge to be then called on again and closed . This , he explained , was an advantage , in case it was necessary to remind brethren that , althougb at thc banquet table they were expected to observe the order and decorum of open

lodge . Bro . Stevens expressed his high approval of music as an adjunct to the ceremonies , when it was properly carried out ; but . pointed out the ridiculous anomaly in some lodges where an Organist is appointed who does not know a note of music . He also condemned the indiscriminate use of the gavel , and said when it was used it should be done gently , and not as though it was intended to show how

much force could be expended without breaking it . The lecture , particularly referring to the First Degree , the proper method of opening a lodge , was gone through and explained , and a preference was given to asking each officer his duties instead of through the Wardens , it was also pointed out that each of the three principal officers has a particular officer appointed to attend on him ; thus

the S . D . is the officer of the W . M . ; the j . D . that of the S . VV . ; and the I . G . that of the J . VV . The initiation ceremony was then gone right through , the various variations and the correct way of working being pointed out and explained , also the pass-words . Bro . Stevens excited the mirth of the brethren by an account of some working he saw in the west of England ,

where theatric effects of a very startling character to the candidate were introduced , which only required a little blue fire to make them as weird as the witches in Macbeth . Bro . Stevens , who had been attentively listened to and frequently applauded , then concluded with an earnest appeal to the brethren to think over the matters he had brought before them , so as to secure such working- as

would expunge what was meaningless and enhance the beauty of our ceremonies , and offering to explain the ground he took to any brother who was desirous of information . Bro . Stevens then resumed his seat , having been speaking for two and-a-ha ! f hours , and received the hearty congratulations of all present . On the W . M . rising for the first time the dues were

collected . On the W . M . rising for the second time , Bro . C E . Botley proposed " That a cordial vote of thanks , to be entered on the minutes , be given to Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , for his most interesting lecture , and that the lodge do further confer en him thc honorary membership of the lodge . "

This was seconded by Bro . F . Botley and carried unanimously , and Bro . James Stevens expressed his thanks for the honour the lodge had done him . Bro . J . Hunt , 1656 , and Bro . H . Shapsworth , 1656 and 2032 were elected joining members . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonrv lodge was closed .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . 1425 ) . —A meeting was held on the 10 th inst . at the Fountains Abbey Hotel , in , Praed-street , when there were present Bros . W . J .

Instruction.

Mason , W . M . ; H . Purdue , W . M . S 34 , S . W . ; M . J . Green , J . VV . ; Rev . M . Maine , Chap . ; G . Read , P . M . 511 , Treas . and Preceptor ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , Sec ; | . Laurence , S . D . ; J . Cruttenden , j . D . ; E . J . Brown , I . G . ; W . Batley , Stwd . ; M . S . Speigel , P . M . iSS ; C . Andrews , P . M . 77 ; Capt . A . Nicols , P . M . 1974 ; W . H . Chalfont , P . M . 1425 ; H . M . Levy , P . M . iSS ; W . W . Morgan , W . M . 211 ; ( . Lichtenfeld , A . Le ClairG .

, Simpson , G . Dickenson , E . F . Ferris , C . S . Mote , J . H . Cliburn , H . P . Fowler , H . Robinson , J . R . Laundy , W . Eastgate , P . Monson , E . J . Day , T . Webb , and C . H . Wood . Visitors : Bros . C . ' L . Boswell , 1339 ; H . W . Boswell , 1339 ; and H . W . Blake , J . D . S 34 . The lodge having been opened and the minutes read and confirmed , the ceremony of raising was rehearsed , Bro .

Wood being the candidate . Bro . W . W . Morgan was then introduced by the W . M ., and delivered a very interesting lecture on the Masonic Institutions : their establishment and development . Bros . Rev . M . Haine , Chap . 205 ; C . L . Boswell , 1339 ; A . G . Boswell , 1339 ; and H . W . Blake , J . D . S 34 , were elected members . A cordial vote of thanks and honorary membership were then unanimously voted to Bro . Morgan , and the lodge was closed .

WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —A meeting was held on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., at the Adam and Eve Tavern , Palmer-street , Westminster , S . W . Present : Bros . Foulson , W . M . ; Hayes , S . W . ; Brindley , VV . M . 1604 , J . W . ; Musson , Sec ; Coughlan , S . D . ; Greenway , J . D . ; Gibson , I . G . ; Wray , Preceptor ; Cross , 1624 ; Fraser , Dexter , Power , Purnell , and Forscutt . The lodge having been opened in due form , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony

of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Dexter being the candidate . Bro . Dexter , a candidate for raising , answered the usual questions and retired . Bro . Fraser was entrusted . The W . M . then vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Brindley , VV . M . 1604 , and the ceremony of raising was rehearsed , Bro . Fraser being the candidate . Bro . Foulson having resumed the chair , and nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form and perfect harmony .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . — The usual weekly meeting was held at the Bedford Head Hotel , Maiden-lane , Covent Garden , W . C , on the 6 th inst ., when there were present Bros . J . Jacobs , W . M . ; Brindley , S . W . ; Stroud , J . W . ; Fowles , S . D . ; T . A . Dickson , J . D . ; Mullin , I . G . ; W . C Smith , Preceptor ; G . Reynolds , Sec . ; Frank Gulliford , and S . Hewitt . The lodge was opened in due form . The minutes of the last

meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Fowles , S . D ., worked the 2 nd Section of this lecture . Lodge opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Frank Gulliford having offered himself as a candidate to be passed to the Third Degree , he was duly questioned , entrusted , and retired . Lodge opened in the Third Degree , and the W . M . rehearsed the

Sublime Degree of M . M . Lodge closed in ' the Third and Second Degree . Bro . Brindley , S . VV ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and was pleased to appoint his officers in rotation . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in ancient form . —

UBIQUE LODGE ( No . 1789 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on the 7 th inst ., at the Crown and Anchor , 79 , Ebury-street . Present : Bros . Wade , P . M ., W . M . ; Green , sen ., S . W . ; Green , jun ., J . VV . ; Boulton , P . M ., Precplr . ; Capt . Butterworth , Treas . ; P . Coughlan , Sec ; A . Hayes , S . D . ; Brindley , J . D . ; J . Glover , I . G . ; J . Pernell , Luckhurst , and F . Pernell . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of

the last meeting were read and confirmed . The W . M . then vacated the chair , which was taken by Bro . Brindley , W . M . 1604 , who rehearsed the ceremonies of initiation and raising , Bro . Wade acting as candidate in both degrees . The lodge was then closed in the Third and Second Degrees , and the Preceptor , assisted by the brethren , worked the First Section of the First Lecture . Bro . Green , W . M . Rothsay , was unanimously elected VV . M . for the ensuing week . The lodge was then closed .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

LEATHERHEAD . —Grove Chapter ( No . 410 ) . —The first meeting for the present season of this old and flourishing chapter was held on Saturday , the ist inst ., at the Swan Hotel , under the presidency of Comp . G . D . Lister , M . E . Z . Comp . J . Charlton was duly elected as M . E . Z . ; Comp . Charles Greenwood , jun ., as H . ; and Comp . Dyer , as J ., for the ensuing year , Comp . Charles

Greenwood , P . Z ., P . G . D . C . Eng ., and Prov . G . H . Surrey , being re-elected as Treasurer . P . Z . ' s jewels ' similar to those received by their predecessors were presented to Comps . C . Litchfield and G . H . Haydon , in grateful recognition of their services in the chair during their respective years of office . Bro . Henry Harris , 1361 , was proposed as

a candidate for exaltation at the next meeting . The Treasurer made his report as to the accounts , which the approaching audit will prove to be in a satisfactory condition . An business being ended , the companions adjourned to all ' excellent banquet , and when the hour came for separation the only regret was that the next meeting was not to take place till January .

CHORLEY— Earl of Lathom Chapter ( No . 73 ° )¦—The companions of this young chapter assembled at the Masonic Rooms in the Town Hall on Monday evening the 27 th ult . In the absence of . Comp . Thomas Forreste *' M . E . Z ., through illness , Comp . S . Goldstone M . E . z !

, 345 , acted as First Principal , and was supported by Comps R . Irving , H . ; J . M . Kerr , ) . ; Wm . Blackledge , P . Z . 2 SG ; John Bradshaw , S . E . ; R . Gornall , 345 , as S . N . Thomas Sharpies , P . S . ; Thos . Higson , janitor ; and others .

The minutes of the inaugural meeting of consecration and installation , which took place on the 26 th July , were read and confirmed , and the correspondence was read and laid on the table , amongst which was a telegram from Comp . J . H . Sillitoe , P . Z ., P . G . J . East Lane , who was

unable to attend . Comp . VV . Blackledge was unanimously elected Treasurer , and was invested by the acting M . E . Z . Comp . Goldstone . A vote of sympathy with Comp . Forrester , M . E . Z ., who has been very seriously ill , was unanimously passed , and , upon the very pleasing and unexpected announcement that , as a thank offering to the T . and L . G ,