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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
numbers , aud he hoped it would attain it in work . He really believed that thc W . M ., who had given them that evening a very fair sample of what he could do , meant to carry out thc duties of the chair in a manner worthy of this great lodge . If he did that , if he kept up the reputation of the lodge , it was all they could expect of him ; and if he did soevery one of the brethren would be thoroughly
, satisfied when they p laced on his breast one day , as he ( Bro . West ) hoped they would , a P . M . jewel , they would say he had done well , and that his breast was worthy of the reception of that jewel . He could only hope that as Bro . Mount had received the charter of the lodge pure and unsullied , he would hand it to his successor in a similar state . ( Hear hear , and cheers . ) The W . M . in reply said he
sincerely thanked the brethren for their enthusiasm in drinking the toast so ably proposed by Bro . West . It was now rather more than six years ago that he had the honour of sitting at that end of the table , and he felt very diffident , as he was then the humblest Mason in the room . But he felt more diffident now ; for although the light of Masonry had shone on him six years it had not taught him to reply for
the honour bestowed upon him . When he became the youngest member of the lodge the . lodge was one of the youngest membcis on the roll of lodges . It spoke much for Freemasonry that 400 lodges had been consecrated to Masonry since this lodge was founded . He hoped that every man who enlisted himself under the banner of Freemasonry might prove a good man and true .
It was not every man who came into it who sufficiently entered into all the details of the working of a lodge . It was not every Mason who could afford to put his hand into his pocket for Masonic purposes so often as the dictates of his heart would lead him to do so ; but he thought every Mason should uphold the . brotherhood by being true , and honourable , and kind , and amiable , and forbearing , and
by practisiiifr all those virtues which Freemasonry taught us . Then lie thought that each one of us might be indeed proud when it was said of him , " Yes , he is a Freemason . " ( Hear , hear . ) The W . M . afterwards proposed " The Visitors , " and hoped they hail enjoyed the hospitality of the lodge as much as the lodge had enjoyed their company . Bros . John Boyd and Crickmate ( Dorset )
responded . Bro . F . West , I . P . M ., replied to the toast of " The P . M . ' s . " Speaking on behalf of himself , he very much regretted there was not a more experienced orator to return thanks for the P . M . ' s . The W . M . had alluded to two matters vyhich made him feel v . ry proud in rising to respond . First of all he referred to the working of the lodge . Of that he ( Bro . West ) could say nothing but that
. he did feel that what little he had done he had done to the best of his ability , and he was pleased that that little had been appreciated by the brethren . He thought he was justified in saying so when he looked on his breast and saw that they had placed there a token of respect for what he had done . That special mark of their approval of his conduct in the chair was far more than he ever
expected when he entered it , and he could only say that he should prize that jewel far more than any other jewel he had ever won in his life . He hoped that those who c-ime after him would place a similar value upon it . When he took upon himself the duties of Master of this lodge he was very much impressed with the way in which their worthy Bro . Cottebrune , who then performed the
ceremony , pointed out to him thc duties he had to perform , and he took it that there were many great duties a Master had to perform . His first and supreme duty was to work the lodge himself ; secondly , he ought to be able to manage the affairs of the Fourth Degree with equal skill ; thirdly , his aim ought to be to promote the happiness of the brethren at large . Those
three objects had been in his mind for the last twelve months and had given him great anxiety . He hoped , however , he hacl done so to the brethren ' s satisfaction , and he trusted that in handing over the warrant of the lodge as he had that day to his successor , he had left it in his hands untarnisheel . Then , the grand principles we were taught as Master Masons were to extend the blessings of
peace and the bounties of charity . Thc bounties of charity every Mason was bound to extend , and he hoped that the Master of this lodge would in future be able to stand Steward for one of our Masonic charities . The blessings of peace could only be conferred by T . G . A . O . T . U ., and without wishing to enter into any political views , at the present moment he ventured to say that that word was a
bye-word not only in the hearts of all Masons but in the whole of our English country ; and in fact if we were put to the test he believed that so far as possible the word would have such a unanimous echo , the very earth would shake , and the heavens quake , at the outburst which would follow the proposition made . He was afraid he had occupied too much time already , but he could not help
referring to one other remark which the W . M . had made with respect to the Province of Surrey honours which he ( Bro . West ) had obtaineel this ytar . When the W . M . and he entered Freemasonry neither of them thought they would get into the chair in six years , and far less did he ( Bro West ) think he should have the high office in the province which he now held . It should be a
lesson to all the brethren to try their utmost , for he believed Grand Office both in G . L . and in the provinces , was open to all ; and none of the brethren who were sitting round the table were unable to get them , or could have the slightest knowledge how soon they might be blessed with that honour . He therefore put it to them in the strongest terms that it was their duty not only to be readto
y perform their office as Master Masons , but to fill any office the Master might offer them , or the Prov . G . M . might offer them . If they were not ready they could not blame the Master or the Prov . G . M . for passing them over ; and he thought the time had come when every Mason who had any aspiration to higher honours than he held already should be always ready to take an office . It was no good his entering thc chair in the position of an
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
E . A ., for when he entered thc chair- ( and he hoped every brother in this lodge wished to enter the chair ) he would feel that when he was presented to the P . M . ' s , and was asked whether he conld conscientiously accept the duties of the lodge on the conditions which were put forward , thc statement that he could would be made with a bona-fide belief that he would carry out the spirit and not the very letter
of the words which were uttered on this occasion . After thanking the brethren heartily Bro . West said he was now quitting the active duties of the lodge , but . trusted that in so doing he might not sever the connection with the brethren . He hoped to continue with them in friendship and happiness , and that they might continue till the moment should arrive when his soul should be called from this
earth to rise to those regions of the endless expanse above , and that when he should be severed from them temporarily they might again meet in the Grand Lodge above , where the World's Great Architect lived and reigned for ever ( cheers ) . The other toasts were then given and responded to , and the brethren separated . Bros . G . T . Carter , W . Winn , Stedman , Rhodes , and other brethren sang some excellent songs during the evening .
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge , which is held at the Havelock Hotel , Albion-road , Dalston , took place on Thursday , the last day in January , when there was a large attendance of brethren to witness the proceedings . Bro . John Bairstow Shackleton , the W . M ., presided , and , after the ordir . ary lodge business had been transacted ,
Mr . E-dward Silk was balloted for , and being approved , was initiated , the ceromony being performed very efficiently by Bro . Shackleton . The principal business of the day was then proceeded with , the W . M . elect , Bro . Bernard Meyer , J . W ., being presented for the benefit of installation , was duly obligated , and a Board of Installed Masters having been formed , was presented to them and duly
installed into the chair of K . S . The ceremony of installation was performed by the outgoing Master , Bro . Shackleton , in a very impressive manner , Bro . William Henry Lee , P . M . and Secretary , acting as D . C . on the occasion . Among the visitors present were Bros ., J . Poore , 720 ; J . Whitfield , 1000 ; G . Allison , 12118 ; W . J . Judge , 185 ; W . T . A . Winsor , 860 ; F . A . Hawthorn , 1489 ; J . J .
Woolley , 1604 ; F . Carr , 1607 ; E . Somers , 1602 ; J . Fannoy , 1602 ; C . J . Haines , 1679 ; W . H . Wallington ; 360 ; W . A . Morgan , 1044 . After the banquet , which was a very good one , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drank , but the speeches in which they were proposed were extremely brief . The brethren did not separate till a late hour .
ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 1657 ) - —The first installation meeting of this lodge since its consecrat < on was held on Monday evening at the Castle and Falcon , Aldersgate-street , under the presidency of Bro . John Derby Allcroft , W . M . The brethren present on the occasion , in addition to the W . M ., were Bros , the Rev . Dr . P . H . Ernest Brette , S . W . ; Chas . Hogg , M . D ., J . W . ; George
Kenning , P . M ., Treas . ; Thos . Jones , Sec ; W . II . 1-room , J . D . ; A . J . Altman , I . G . ; W . W . Landell , the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C . ; the Rev . R . Lee , M . A . ; Dr . A'der Smith , W . S . Chapman , Alfred Brookman , Samuel White , John Jackson , H . C . Levantler , John Hervey , G . S . ; H . G . Buss , A . G . S . ; E . G . Jolliffe , the Rev . P . M . Holden , Thos . Benskin , Hyde Pullen , P . G . S . B . ; and
visitors : Bros . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B . ; H . Massey ( Freemason ) ; H . J . Prothcroe , A . Shellard , Col . James Peters , F . W . Cosens , and John Elwin . After opening of the lodge , and the reading and confirmation of the minutes , Bro . Allcroft invited thc Grand Secretary to perform the installation , and thereupon the Rev . Dr . Brette , S . W ., and W . M . elect , was duly installed Master of the lodge for
the year ensuing . The Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , acted as Chaplain of the lodge . After the installation the following brethren were invested as officers to assist the W . M . during his year of office : —Bros . Dr . Charles Hogg , S . W . ; A . J . Altman , J . W . ; George Kenning , P . M . Treasurer ; Thos . Jones , Secretary ; W . H . Froom , S . D ., Bros , the Rev . Richard Lee , J . D . ; Dr . Alder Smith I . G . ;;
E . J . Joliffe , D . C . ; Samuel White , and W . S . Chapman , Stewards ; Thomas Benskin , W . S . ; and W . Steedman , P . M ., Tyler . The new W . M . then commenced his work for the year by passing to the Second Degree Bro . John Jackson , the grandson of Bro . W . W . Landell , and performed his duties with great skill . This ceremony over , he rose and said that a most agreeable duty devolved
upon him . At the last meeting of the ledge in Nov ., the brethren were pleased to vote unanimously a P . M . ' s jewel to their first W . M ., Bro . John Derby Allcroft , and he now presented the jewel to him . It bore the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . John Derby Allcroft , by the Aldersgate Lodge , No . 1657 , as a mark of esteem and in recognition of the courteous manner in which
he discharged his duties of First W . M ., 1877 . " He had the greatest pleasure in presenting this jewel in the name of the brethren . As he would have an opportunity of speaking about Bro . Allcroft at the banquet table he would now just content himself with saying that the brethren offered this jewel as a very small mark of their sincere regard and affection for Bro . Allcroft , and they
hoped he might live long to enjoy that esteem and affection . Bro . Allcroft replying , said he thought he should best consult the convenience of the lodge in the midst of their work if he copied the example of the W . M ., and reserved the remarks he had to make on the subject of this jewel till they had arrived at thc proper period after banquet .
Bro . Allcroft then gave notice of motion for increasing the fees of the lodge , and Bro . Landell suggested that a printed list of the members of the lodge should be supplied to every brother who was a member . Lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to an exceptionally choice banquet provided by Bro . Benskin . The customary toasts followed , Bros . Cosens and Elwin ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
( who had favoured the lodge with his company at great personal inconvenience ) , diversifying the formalities with some excellent singing . After the toasts of " The Oueen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., " "The Pro G . M ., " "The Deputy G . M ., and thc rest of the G . Officers , Past and Present , " had been honoured , Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , in responding to
the toast of " The Grand Officers , " said , W . Sir , Officers and Brethren : —It is always a great privilege for anyone to have to respond in a meeting of his brother Masons , for the Present and Past Grand Officers of England , and I venture to esteem it not only a particular privilege but a very great pleasure personally , this evening , that my name has been so kindly asssociated wtth that toast in
the Aldersgate Lodge . It was my happiness a year ago to officiate at the consecration of this new lodge , and I rejoice to be permitted to be present at the installation of its second W . M ., as I am convinced that he is most entirely calculated to act in such a manner as to conduce to the harmony and happiness , to advance the efficiency and prosperity of this young lodge . ( Applause . ) The
brethren present , doubtless have , as I have , a lively remembrance of the promising circumstances under which this loelge was inaugurated , when our esteemed Bro . P . M . Derby Allcroft , took the chair for the first time . I sincerely hope that the good fellowship , coreliality , and brotherly feeling of the members will ever be maintained , and that the Alelersgate Lodge has a
goodly career of Masonic work and Masonic beneficence before it . ( Applause . ) It appears to me , W . Sir , that on an occasion like this , when many old and distinguished members of our Order are assembled together , and many young members are present , that it cannot be inopportune to say a word or two , on the great ' and praiseworthy claims of our ancient and honourable institution on the attachment
of its members , and the good will of mankind . Freemasonry is a most peculiar society , for it conciliates firm friendships amid men of the most contracteel views , and while , it discountenances all religious and political controversies , it binds together in one brotherhood men of different nations and opinions in a common union of sympathy and interest . Within the doors of the lodge there are none of those
unhappy differences and disputes which often so agitate the outer world . Masons are a " band of brothers , " they meet as brethren , work as brethren , part as brethren , happy to meet , happy to part , and happy [ to meet again , ( applause . ) Among them are none of those rivalries and severances and jealousies , which so militate often with , and mar the peaceful progress and
general happiness of the human race . I have been , W . Sir , for many years now a Freemason , having been initiated in 1841 , and I have always found , that to belong to the brotherhood was a great blessing , for it taught me the useful lessons of toleration and forbearance in respect of the opinions of others . I have spent , as all have spent , many happy hours within the
lodge , afar , in its tranquil retreat , from those petty questions and hurtful contests , those unkindly words and uncharitable acts , which too often make the course of the world without . ( Applause . ) In Freemasonry I have met men of all shades of belief and modes of thought .. In Freemasonry I have associated with true and loyal and honourable men , animated towards each other by that
intense feeling of active sympathy and unselfish regard , which ought always to characterize Freemasons . I feel pnud of belonging to that great body , which under our Royal ] Grand Master has so wonderfully sped forward , and is now in such undimmed prosperity , presenting to the worlel—a goodly appearance of charitable work , an animated front of happy and peaceful union . ( Applause . )
In other countries I am sorry to say , France and Belgium especially , questions are now agitating Freemasonry which seem to undermine the whole framework of the Order . Standing in thc safe and sacred path of the past , and by the truths and traditions which we have received from our forefathers , it is the determination of English Masons never to deviate from the ancient landmarks of the
Order , and I believe , I speak the sentiment of all English Freemasons when I say , that nothing will induce us to tamper with the venerable and cosmopolitan teaching of Freemasonry . As God fearing , and God acknowledging men and Masons , we never will allow our good old Masonic Bark to drift from its moorings to the Rock of ages . ( Applause . ) Let me in conclusion remind the junior
members of the lodge , that the future work and prestige of English Freemasonry are in their hands , and that they are bound to take up those duties which the older members of the Craft have performed , and I will say so well , in their time and generation . Remember , I repeat , that the happiness , prosperity , and union of the Order are dependant on the zeal and assiduity with which the
successors of us the old Masons display in promulgating the tenets , and upholding the charitable work of the Craft . ( Cheers . ) Let me thank you once more on behalf of my brethren , the present and past Grand Officers , for the kindness with which you have received the toast connected with their names . ( Applause . ) The W . M . next proposed "The Installing Master , the Grand Secretary
of England . " ( Cheers . ) He said that to this illustrious brother they were all very much indebted , as he was kind enough last year to come and consecrate the lodge , and this year he had come again to perform the ceremony of installation of the second Master . The debt of gratitude which he ( the W . M . ) owed to Bro . Hervey was such that he would like to find some new words to
express that gratitude . Bro . Hervey was an honorary member of perhaps a thousand lodges , certainly of some hundreds , and as he had , he supposed , in the course of time visited them all , he ( the W . M . ) was quite sure t hat all the eulogistic terms which could possibly be used by human tongues had been repeated more than once by the brethren , when they tried to cxp ress their sincere admi-
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
numbers , aud he hoped it would attain it in work . He really believed that thc W . M ., who had given them that evening a very fair sample of what he could do , meant to carry out thc duties of the chair in a manner worthy of this great lodge . If he did that , if he kept up the reputation of the lodge , it was all they could expect of him ; and if he did soevery one of the brethren would be thoroughly
, satisfied when they p laced on his breast one day , as he ( Bro . West ) hoped they would , a P . M . jewel , they would say he had done well , and that his breast was worthy of the reception of that jewel . He could only hope that as Bro . Mount had received the charter of the lodge pure and unsullied , he would hand it to his successor in a similar state . ( Hear hear , and cheers . ) The W . M . in reply said he
sincerely thanked the brethren for their enthusiasm in drinking the toast so ably proposed by Bro . West . It was now rather more than six years ago that he had the honour of sitting at that end of the table , and he felt very diffident , as he was then the humblest Mason in the room . But he felt more diffident now ; for although the light of Masonry had shone on him six years it had not taught him to reply for
the honour bestowed upon him . When he became the youngest member of the lodge the . lodge was one of the youngest membcis on the roll of lodges . It spoke much for Freemasonry that 400 lodges had been consecrated to Masonry since this lodge was founded . He hoped that every man who enlisted himself under the banner of Freemasonry might prove a good man and true .
It was not every man who came into it who sufficiently entered into all the details of the working of a lodge . It was not every Mason who could afford to put his hand into his pocket for Masonic purposes so often as the dictates of his heart would lead him to do so ; but he thought every Mason should uphold the . brotherhood by being true , and honourable , and kind , and amiable , and forbearing , and
by practisiiifr all those virtues which Freemasonry taught us . Then lie thought that each one of us might be indeed proud when it was said of him , " Yes , he is a Freemason . " ( Hear , hear . ) The W . M . afterwards proposed " The Visitors , " and hoped they hail enjoyed the hospitality of the lodge as much as the lodge had enjoyed their company . Bros . John Boyd and Crickmate ( Dorset )
responded . Bro . F . West , I . P . M ., replied to the toast of " The P . M . ' s . " Speaking on behalf of himself , he very much regretted there was not a more experienced orator to return thanks for the P . M . ' s . The W . M . had alluded to two matters vyhich made him feel v . ry proud in rising to respond . First of all he referred to the working of the lodge . Of that he ( Bro . West ) could say nothing but that
. he did feel that what little he had done he had done to the best of his ability , and he was pleased that that little had been appreciated by the brethren . He thought he was justified in saying so when he looked on his breast and saw that they had placed there a token of respect for what he had done . That special mark of their approval of his conduct in the chair was far more than he ever
expected when he entered it , and he could only say that he should prize that jewel far more than any other jewel he had ever won in his life . He hoped that those who c-ime after him would place a similar value upon it . When he took upon himself the duties of Master of this lodge he was very much impressed with the way in which their worthy Bro . Cottebrune , who then performed the
ceremony , pointed out to him thc duties he had to perform , and he took it that there were many great duties a Master had to perform . His first and supreme duty was to work the lodge himself ; secondly , he ought to be able to manage the affairs of the Fourth Degree with equal skill ; thirdly , his aim ought to be to promote the happiness of the brethren at large . Those
three objects had been in his mind for the last twelve months and had given him great anxiety . He hoped , however , he hacl done so to the brethren ' s satisfaction , and he trusted that in handing over the warrant of the lodge as he had that day to his successor , he had left it in his hands untarnisheel . Then , the grand principles we were taught as Master Masons were to extend the blessings of
peace and the bounties of charity . Thc bounties of charity every Mason was bound to extend , and he hoped that the Master of this lodge would in future be able to stand Steward for one of our Masonic charities . The blessings of peace could only be conferred by T . G . A . O . T . U ., and without wishing to enter into any political views , at the present moment he ventured to say that that word was a
bye-word not only in the hearts of all Masons but in the whole of our English country ; and in fact if we were put to the test he believed that so far as possible the word would have such a unanimous echo , the very earth would shake , and the heavens quake , at the outburst which would follow the proposition made . He was afraid he had occupied too much time already , but he could not help
referring to one other remark which the W . M . had made with respect to the Province of Surrey honours which he ( Bro . West ) had obtaineel this ytar . When the W . M . and he entered Freemasonry neither of them thought they would get into the chair in six years , and far less did he ( Bro West ) think he should have the high office in the province which he now held . It should be a
lesson to all the brethren to try their utmost , for he believed Grand Office both in G . L . and in the provinces , was open to all ; and none of the brethren who were sitting round the table were unable to get them , or could have the slightest knowledge how soon they might be blessed with that honour . He therefore put it to them in the strongest terms that it was their duty not only to be readto
y perform their office as Master Masons , but to fill any office the Master might offer them , or the Prov . G . M . might offer them . If they were not ready they could not blame the Master or the Prov . G . M . for passing them over ; and he thought the time had come when every Mason who had any aspiration to higher honours than he held already should be always ready to take an office . It was no good his entering thc chair in the position of an
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
E . A ., for when he entered thc chair- ( and he hoped every brother in this lodge wished to enter the chair ) he would feel that when he was presented to the P . M . ' s , and was asked whether he conld conscientiously accept the duties of the lodge on the conditions which were put forward , thc statement that he could would be made with a bona-fide belief that he would carry out the spirit and not the very letter
of the words which were uttered on this occasion . After thanking the brethren heartily Bro . West said he was now quitting the active duties of the lodge , but . trusted that in so doing he might not sever the connection with the brethren . He hoped to continue with them in friendship and happiness , and that they might continue till the moment should arrive when his soul should be called from this
earth to rise to those regions of the endless expanse above , and that when he should be severed from them temporarily they might again meet in the Grand Lodge above , where the World's Great Architect lived and reigned for ever ( cheers ) . The other toasts were then given and responded to , and the brethren separated . Bros . G . T . Carter , W . Winn , Stedman , Rhodes , and other brethren sang some excellent songs during the evening .
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge , which is held at the Havelock Hotel , Albion-road , Dalston , took place on Thursday , the last day in January , when there was a large attendance of brethren to witness the proceedings . Bro . John Bairstow Shackleton , the W . M ., presided , and , after the ordir . ary lodge business had been transacted ,
Mr . E-dward Silk was balloted for , and being approved , was initiated , the ceromony being performed very efficiently by Bro . Shackleton . The principal business of the day was then proceeded with , the W . M . elect , Bro . Bernard Meyer , J . W ., being presented for the benefit of installation , was duly obligated , and a Board of Installed Masters having been formed , was presented to them and duly
installed into the chair of K . S . The ceremony of installation was performed by the outgoing Master , Bro . Shackleton , in a very impressive manner , Bro . William Henry Lee , P . M . and Secretary , acting as D . C . on the occasion . Among the visitors present were Bros ., J . Poore , 720 ; J . Whitfield , 1000 ; G . Allison , 12118 ; W . J . Judge , 185 ; W . T . A . Winsor , 860 ; F . A . Hawthorn , 1489 ; J . J .
Woolley , 1604 ; F . Carr , 1607 ; E . Somers , 1602 ; J . Fannoy , 1602 ; C . J . Haines , 1679 ; W . H . Wallington ; 360 ; W . A . Morgan , 1044 . After the banquet , which was a very good one , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drank , but the speeches in which they were proposed were extremely brief . The brethren did not separate till a late hour .
ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 1657 ) - —The first installation meeting of this lodge since its consecrat < on was held on Monday evening at the Castle and Falcon , Aldersgate-street , under the presidency of Bro . John Derby Allcroft , W . M . The brethren present on the occasion , in addition to the W . M ., were Bros , the Rev . Dr . P . H . Ernest Brette , S . W . ; Chas . Hogg , M . D ., J . W . ; George
Kenning , P . M ., Treas . ; Thos . Jones , Sec ; W . II . 1-room , J . D . ; A . J . Altman , I . G . ; W . W . Landell , the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C . ; the Rev . R . Lee , M . A . ; Dr . A'der Smith , W . S . Chapman , Alfred Brookman , Samuel White , John Jackson , H . C . Levantler , John Hervey , G . S . ; H . G . Buss , A . G . S . ; E . G . Jolliffe , the Rev . P . M . Holden , Thos . Benskin , Hyde Pullen , P . G . S . B . ; and
visitors : Bros . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B . ; H . Massey ( Freemason ) ; H . J . Prothcroe , A . Shellard , Col . James Peters , F . W . Cosens , and John Elwin . After opening of the lodge , and the reading and confirmation of the minutes , Bro . Allcroft invited thc Grand Secretary to perform the installation , and thereupon the Rev . Dr . Brette , S . W ., and W . M . elect , was duly installed Master of the lodge for
the year ensuing . The Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , acted as Chaplain of the lodge . After the installation the following brethren were invested as officers to assist the W . M . during his year of office : —Bros . Dr . Charles Hogg , S . W . ; A . J . Altman , J . W . ; George Kenning , P . M . Treasurer ; Thos . Jones , Secretary ; W . H . Froom , S . D ., Bros , the Rev . Richard Lee , J . D . ; Dr . Alder Smith I . G . ;;
E . J . Joliffe , D . C . ; Samuel White , and W . S . Chapman , Stewards ; Thomas Benskin , W . S . ; and W . Steedman , P . M ., Tyler . The new W . M . then commenced his work for the year by passing to the Second Degree Bro . John Jackson , the grandson of Bro . W . W . Landell , and performed his duties with great skill . This ceremony over , he rose and said that a most agreeable duty devolved
upon him . At the last meeting of the ledge in Nov ., the brethren were pleased to vote unanimously a P . M . ' s jewel to their first W . M ., Bro . John Derby Allcroft , and he now presented the jewel to him . It bore the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . John Derby Allcroft , by the Aldersgate Lodge , No . 1657 , as a mark of esteem and in recognition of the courteous manner in which
he discharged his duties of First W . M ., 1877 . " He had the greatest pleasure in presenting this jewel in the name of the brethren . As he would have an opportunity of speaking about Bro . Allcroft at the banquet table he would now just content himself with saying that the brethren offered this jewel as a very small mark of their sincere regard and affection for Bro . Allcroft , and they
hoped he might live long to enjoy that esteem and affection . Bro . Allcroft replying , said he thought he should best consult the convenience of the lodge in the midst of their work if he copied the example of the W . M ., and reserved the remarks he had to make on the subject of this jewel till they had arrived at thc proper period after banquet .
Bro . Allcroft then gave notice of motion for increasing the fees of the lodge , and Bro . Landell suggested that a printed list of the members of the lodge should be supplied to every brother who was a member . Lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to an exceptionally choice banquet provided by Bro . Benskin . The customary toasts followed , Bros . Cosens and Elwin ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
( who had favoured the lodge with his company at great personal inconvenience ) , diversifying the formalities with some excellent singing . After the toasts of " The Oueen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., " "The Pro G . M ., " "The Deputy G . M ., and thc rest of the G . Officers , Past and Present , " had been honoured , Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , in responding to
the toast of " The Grand Officers , " said , W . Sir , Officers and Brethren : —It is always a great privilege for anyone to have to respond in a meeting of his brother Masons , for the Present and Past Grand Officers of England , and I venture to esteem it not only a particular privilege but a very great pleasure personally , this evening , that my name has been so kindly asssociated wtth that toast in
the Aldersgate Lodge . It was my happiness a year ago to officiate at the consecration of this new lodge , and I rejoice to be permitted to be present at the installation of its second W . M ., as I am convinced that he is most entirely calculated to act in such a manner as to conduce to the harmony and happiness , to advance the efficiency and prosperity of this young lodge . ( Applause . ) The
brethren present , doubtless have , as I have , a lively remembrance of the promising circumstances under which this loelge was inaugurated , when our esteemed Bro . P . M . Derby Allcroft , took the chair for the first time . I sincerely hope that the good fellowship , coreliality , and brotherly feeling of the members will ever be maintained , and that the Alelersgate Lodge has a
goodly career of Masonic work and Masonic beneficence before it . ( Applause . ) It appears to me , W . Sir , that on an occasion like this , when many old and distinguished members of our Order are assembled together , and many young members are present , that it cannot be inopportune to say a word or two , on the great ' and praiseworthy claims of our ancient and honourable institution on the attachment
of its members , and the good will of mankind . Freemasonry is a most peculiar society , for it conciliates firm friendships amid men of the most contracteel views , and while , it discountenances all religious and political controversies , it binds together in one brotherhood men of different nations and opinions in a common union of sympathy and interest . Within the doors of the lodge there are none of those
unhappy differences and disputes which often so agitate the outer world . Masons are a " band of brothers , " they meet as brethren , work as brethren , part as brethren , happy to meet , happy to part , and happy [ to meet again , ( applause . ) Among them are none of those rivalries and severances and jealousies , which so militate often with , and mar the peaceful progress and
general happiness of the human race . I have been , W . Sir , for many years now a Freemason , having been initiated in 1841 , and I have always found , that to belong to the brotherhood was a great blessing , for it taught me the useful lessons of toleration and forbearance in respect of the opinions of others . I have spent , as all have spent , many happy hours within the
lodge , afar , in its tranquil retreat , from those petty questions and hurtful contests , those unkindly words and uncharitable acts , which too often make the course of the world without . ( Applause . ) In Freemasonry I have met men of all shades of belief and modes of thought .. In Freemasonry I have associated with true and loyal and honourable men , animated towards each other by that
intense feeling of active sympathy and unselfish regard , which ought always to characterize Freemasons . I feel pnud of belonging to that great body , which under our Royal ] Grand Master has so wonderfully sped forward , and is now in such undimmed prosperity , presenting to the worlel—a goodly appearance of charitable work , an animated front of happy and peaceful union . ( Applause . )
In other countries I am sorry to say , France and Belgium especially , questions are now agitating Freemasonry which seem to undermine the whole framework of the Order . Standing in thc safe and sacred path of the past , and by the truths and traditions which we have received from our forefathers , it is the determination of English Masons never to deviate from the ancient landmarks of the
Order , and I believe , I speak the sentiment of all English Freemasons when I say , that nothing will induce us to tamper with the venerable and cosmopolitan teaching of Freemasonry . As God fearing , and God acknowledging men and Masons , we never will allow our good old Masonic Bark to drift from its moorings to the Rock of ages . ( Applause . ) Let me in conclusion remind the junior
members of the lodge , that the future work and prestige of English Freemasonry are in their hands , and that they are bound to take up those duties which the older members of the Craft have performed , and I will say so well , in their time and generation . Remember , I repeat , that the happiness , prosperity , and union of the Order are dependant on the zeal and assiduity with which the
successors of us the old Masons display in promulgating the tenets , and upholding the charitable work of the Craft . ( Cheers . ) Let me thank you once more on behalf of my brethren , the present and past Grand Officers , for the kindness with which you have received the toast connected with their names . ( Applause . ) The W . M . next proposed "The Installing Master , the Grand Secretary
of England . " ( Cheers . ) He said that to this illustrious brother they were all very much indebted , as he was kind enough last year to come and consecrate the lodge , and this year he had come again to perform the ceremony of installation of the second Master . The debt of gratitude which he ( the W . M . ) owed to Bro . Hervey was such that he would like to find some new words to
express that gratitude . Bro . Hervey was an honorary member of perhaps a thousand lodges , certainly of some hundreds , and as he had , he supposed , in the course of time visited them all , he ( the W . M . ) was quite sure t hat all the eulogistic terms which could possibly be used by human tongues had been repeated more than once by the brethren , when they tried to cxp ress their sincere admi-