Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft Hftasonrg ,

' NEPTUNE LODGE ( No . 22 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 31 st ult ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C . Present : Bros . H . Povey , VV . M . ; VV . Cook , S . W . ; Jos . Corbett , J . W . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treas . ; George Britton , P . M ., " Sec ; G . M . Vane , S . D . ; L . Walker , J . D . ; J . P . Collings , P . M ., D . C . ; A . McGregorI . G . ; F . Stanton Hopper , Stwd . ;

, Joseph Parkinson , Tyler ; H . F . Grifh ' n , J . R . laylor , Thos . Whiting , E . Hollands , C . Y . Jolliffe , C . VV . Gray , P . M . ; J . Wilcox , P . M . ; John Frost , T . J . Lawrence , G . Waterail , P . M . ; II . S . Crawford , P . M . ; J . W . Shanderwick , VV . R . Brooks , VV . Ashwell , P . M . ; H . Savidge , R . Peart , sen . ; B . Peart , jun ., and J . Wm . Lewthwaite . Visitors : Bros . Col . Shadwell II . Clarke , Grand Sec . ; T .

Hamer , P . M . ; E . Sturmfels , R . Coffee , J . R . Jones , H . Bickcrstaff , VV . Winnett , VV . Morgan Jones , Joseph Schuley , James Tatlock , D . W . Pearse , C . Morgan , and Jas . Serjeant . After the opening of the lodge Bro . Lewthwaite was passed to the Second Degree , and this ceremony being completed , the installation of Bro . Robert Walpole Coulcher took place , the ceremony being conducted by Uro . H . Povey ,

the retiring VV . M ., in a most fluent and eloquent manner so as to call forth high eulogium from the great number of visitors . At the conclusion of this ceremony the newly-installed Master presented a jewel to Bro . H . Povey , the I . P . M ., stating that it gave him great pleasure to be the delegate of the members of the lodge to present the jewel as a token of the high appreciation , the energy displayed ,

the admirable efficiency ot the working of the lodge , and the , fluency with which he conducted the ritual , together with his proverbial congeniality during his year , at thesame time wishing him health and strength to appear in the lodge with the jewel at his breast for many years . Bro . II . Povey , I . P . M ., thanked the brethren for their kindness to him , and assured them it would ever be a year of happy

reminiscences . The Master then proceeded to initiate Mr . John Win . Standcrwick . The lodge being closed the usual banquet took place , under the presidency of the newly-installed Master . The dinner , handsomely served by Messrs . Ritter and Clifford , was evidently appreciated , the table being decked with spring flowers , and on its conclusion the customary

toasts were proposed and received with enthusiasm . The Grand Secretary , Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , responded ior" The Grand Officers . " In ihe course of his speech he stated the Neptune Lodge had been in existence upwaids of 130 years . He was much gratified at the reception he met with , and had had much pleasure in witnessing the performance of the ritual in so satisfactory a

manner . . This was followed by a very spirited solo on the violin by Bro . II . Savidge . Then came the toast of "The W . M ., " and a song by Bro . J . Taylor . The usual toasts followed , also another song by Bro . Taylor , and solos by Bros . Winnett and Sergeant , the latter ot whom presided at the piano .

EGYPTIAN LODGE ( No . 27 ) . —The Egyptian Lodge held its jour tic fan on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., at Andcrton's Hotel , when the Lodge was opened b y the W . M ., Bro . C . A . Crammer , punctually at 4 p . m . There was a large attendance of the members of the lodge , and also a large number of visitors present , among the latter being Bros . Terry , P . P . G . S . W . Norths and Hunts , Sec . of

the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; li . r . Albeit , P . G . P . ; C . J . Scott , J . D . 209 ; T . Jenkins , 299 ; W . Bolton , J . D . 1314 ; VV . A . Austin , 1900 ; R . J . Taylor , P . M . 144 ; B . Grumpier , S 34 ; F . Wctherelt , W . M . iSO ; II . M . Levy , iSS ; llaswcll Turners , VV . M . 1 G 0 S ; G . T . Brown , P . M . 65 ; J . Pryor , W . M . 1 G 77 ; Geo . J . Palmer , 11 ; George Musto , S 13 ; W . Stuait , P . M . 141 ; J .

Shearman , 114 O ; II . Brookman , J . VV . 11 ; H . Howard , 1744 ; and 'i . C . Massey ( Freemason ) . There were two candidates for passing , viz ., Bros . A . J . Morrison , and Gustav Uerzsii Grcenhut , but the former was unable to attend . There were also two candidates for initiation , Messrs . Alfred William May and Andrew Lyon , both of whom were approved upon the ballot being taken .

Mr . Lyon , however , was the only one in attendance . Both ceremonies were very ably performed by the VV . M ., who afterwards installed his successor , Bro . J . Murch into the chair of M . S ., performing the ceremony in a very careful and impressive manner . There were twenty-five installed masters present at the board to assist at the ceremony and congratulate Bro . Murch on his elevation . On the lodge

being resumed and the other brethren admitted , the newly installed master was proclaimed and greeted in the three degrees , and appointed his officers for the year as follows : Bros . E . B . liaynes , S . W . ; M . Hale , J . W . ; H . G . Buss , Treas . ; John B . Poole , Sec ; Dixon , S . D . ; Webster , J . D . j Todd , I . G . ; Jacobs , W . S . ; John Easton , A . W . S . ; and Potter , Tyler . The collar of D . C . was not disposed

of . After Uro . Crammer had delivered the customary orations to the Master , Wardens , and lay brethren , letters were read from Bros . F . Binckes and Chas . Atkins regretting their inability to be present , and the lodge was thereafter closed in due form . The members and their guests subsequently dined together . The tables were beautifully decorated , and each brother present was presented with a "button-hole "

of choice flowers , the gift of Bro . Haynes , the b . VV . At the conclusion of the banquet , which was admirably served , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., who of course presided , and the intervals between the speeches were enlivened by the vocal performances of various brethren , Bro . Austin , 1900 , being the pianist . After disposing of the first two toasts , "The Queen and

the Craft , " and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M ., in proposing the health of "The Pro G . M ., the Earl of Carnarvon ; The Dep . G . M ., the Earl of Lathom ; and the other Grand Officers Past and Present , " coupled with it the names of Bros . Albert and Buss , who therefore responded . Bro . Albert said he rose with pleasure and regretpleasure produced by the cordial reception which the lodge

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had given to this toast , and regret that he should be unable to express his thanks on behalf of the other Grand Officers and for himself , so well as they could be expressed by Bro Buss , who had been associated with Grand Lodge so much longer ; but assured the brethren that he throroughly appreciated the hearty manner in which the toast to the Grand Officers had been received . Bro . Buss said that he had hoped that Bro . Albert would

have so returned thanks as to have left nothing to be added , but as Bro . Albert had left part of the toast in his hands he had great pleasure in responding to the call . As the brethren were aware , the Grand Officers of England were always anxious to do their duty , and it was always a source of gratification to them to know that their efforts were appreciated by the Craft . Masters of lodges knew from experience how difficult was the task of selecting their

officers so as to secure efficiency and give satisfaction to all the members ; how much more difficult a task then must be that of the Grand Master ? His Royal Highness however had always been most fortunate in his selection of officers , a selection which secured , as it deserved to secure , the approbation of the Craft at large . With Bro . Albert he ( Bro . Buss ) returned the brethren of the Egyptian Lodge

the hearty thanks of the Grand Officers for the compliment that had been paid them . Bro . Grammer , in proposing the health of "The W . M ., " said that Bro . Murch and himself had been associated for many years ; they had both filled every office in the lodge until they reached the chair , Bro . fUurch having always trodden close upon his ( Bro . Grammer's ) heels , and it gave him much pleasure to propose Bro . Murch's health in his

new position . In returning thanks Bro . Murch said that so long as he was Master it would be his endeavour to keep up the prestige of the Egyptian Lodge ; he hoped the officers would assist him to carry out the duties of his office , and trusted that they would all have but one end ; n view , to be happy and communicate happiness to others . After proposing "The Health of the Initiate , Bro .

Lyon , " who replied in a modest but effective speech , the Worshipful Master proposed " The Health of the Installing Master , Bro . Grammer , I . P . M . " During the last 12 months Bro . Grammer had performed the duties of the otlice of VV . M . with great credit , always doing his work to the very best of his ability , and that he had been diligent was proved by his having that evening concluded his year ' s work with the difficult task of installing his successor . It

gave him ( Bro . Murch ) much pleasure to place now on Bro . Grammer's breast the jewel which his brethren of the lodge had given him in recognition of his services , and he trusted that Bro . Grammer would be spared to be among them for many years to come . Bro . Grammer in returning thanks said that it afforded him great pleasure to respond to that toast . Though hehad occupied the very important position of Master for 12

months past , he rather thought that the dignified ease of his present position made it nowise less desirable than that which he had vacated , and therefore his expectation that he was going to be snuffed out was not likely to be realised . He had been very ill , and in the early part of the week he was afraid that he would be unable to take his place that evening ; but God had been good , and had restored him sufficiently to enable him to come and perform the ceremony which lie had set his heart upon doing . He

also thanked them warmly for the beautiful jewel with which they had presented to him . 'Ihe other toasts included "The Charities , " "The Visitors , " " The Past Masters , " "'Treasurer and Secretary and other Officers of the Lodge . " In responding for " The Charities , " Bro . Terry made an earnest appeal on behalf of the Benevolent Institution , and said that the amount of annuities now payable was £ 12 , 850 , so that , at least , that sum was necessary to be raised every year to meet the demands upon the Institution .

ROYAL NAVAL LODGE ( No . 59 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the nth inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . There were present Bros . S . B . VVilson , Treas ., as W . M . j Geo . Rouscy , S . W . j Wm . Winnett , J . W . ; C . F . Matier , P . M ., Sec ; J . Russell , S . D . ; F . J . Tyler , I . G . ; S . E . Yates , Stwd . j Hanson , P . M . ; I . Nicholson , P . M . ; Goldney , and oth-rs ; the visitors being Bros . Chas . Belton , I'M ., Prov . G . D . Surrey , C . E . Soppct , P . M . ; Portway , and Frederick Binckes , Sec .

Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The minutes having been confirmed , a candidate , Mr . A . G . Beatc , was dul y initiated by the Senior Past Master and Treas . Bro . S . 11 . Wilson was elected a joining member . It being contemplated to establish a Royal Arch Chapter in connection with the lodge , the formal permission was asked for , and unanimously granted . Several propositions were made and the lodge closed . 'The usual banquet took place at the Holborn Restaurant ,

TEMPLE LODGE ( No . 101 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Ship and Turtle , Lcadcnhall-street , on the 5 th inst ., Bro . Dr . J . Powell , VV . M ., in the chair , supported by a large attendance of members and the following visitors : Bros . Horace Brooks Marshall , I . P . M . 1949 ; Pigot , W . M . 16 77 ; Wrigley , P . M . 210 ; Dance , P . M . 754 ; Mallctt , 1445 ; L . M . Phillips , C . C ., Adelphi , New York ; Scott , ( 064 ;

Durrant , P . M . 5 G 9 ; Smith , S . W . 1 S 39 ; Noble , 1329 ; Johnson , J . W . 124 ; Jones , 124 ; Brown , 2 S 4 ; Hopkins , 119 G ; Altman , C . C ., P . M . 1657 ; Dyke , P . M . GG 5 ; Berkett , 5 G 9 ; Smith , I . P . M . 1 G 39 ; and Walter , 1257 . The minutes having been read and confirmed , the W . M . installed Bro . John Robins , C . C ., as his successor in the chair of K . S . in an excellent manner , and after the usual salutations the newly-installed W . M . invested his various

officers , addressing appropriate remarks to each . The officers for the year are Bros . Altman , S . W . ; Bullock , J . VV . j Lardner , S . U . ; Round , J . D . ; T . G . Beard , I . G . ; Reynolds , P . M ., Sec ; Bond , Treas . ; Hastilow , D . C ; Fradd , W . S . ; Haywarth , A . W . S . ; and Potter , Tyler . A capitally served dinner followed the closing of the lodge , and after the cloth had been removed the

Worshipful Master gave the toasts of " The Oueen and Craft , " " H . R . H . the M . W . Grand Master , ' 7 ' ' and "The Pro G . M ., & c , " introducing each one in a very eloquent and appropriate speech . Dr . Powell , I . P . M ., then proposed "The Health of the VV . M .. " He felt assured he would add lustre to the office , and congratulated the brethren on their having a Master so well able to preside over them not only in lodge but at the banquet table .

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The Worshipful Master returned thanks briefly and proposed " The I . P . M . " In the long role of P . Ms , of the 'Temple Ixidge brethren with various qualifications had filled the office , but whilst he was debarred in the presence of the I . P . M . from sayingas much as he would have liked , he would ask if any of his predecessors had surpassed him in courtesy , urbanity , and kindness to every member of the lodge . He could assure him of the friends he had at the

commencement of his year of office . He had certainly not lost one , but had increased their number materially . He then in the name of the lodge presented him with a very handsome P . M . ' s jewel as a token of their appreciation . Bro . Power returned thanks , stating that from the time he was elected W . M . he had determined to carry out to the best of his ability the duties of his office and felt gratified his exertions were appreciated . He sincerely thanked the

brethren for the very handsome jewel . 'The Worshipful Master then proposed what he made no apology for calling the toast of the evening ; it was that of " The Health , long life , and prosperity of their indefatigable Secretary , Bro . Reynolds , P . M . " At theaudit supper on the previous 'Tuesday , Bro . Bond , P . M ., had expressed the opinion that the time had arrived when the services of their Secretary should be recognised . 'The idea was seized

with avidity , and the first task the Committee had to perform was that of limiting the amount of the subscriptions . Every member of the lodge had subscribed the full amount he was permitted to , with the exception of some three brethren who were away from England . This fact spoke volumes for the respect and esteem in which Bro . Reynolds was held . The W . M . then presented the testimonial , which consisted of a very handsome silver candelabra ,

which could he readily converted into a stand for fruit and flowers , wei g hing 112 oz ., expressing the hope that Bro . Reynolds might long be spared to look with p leasure on the gift , and to those who survived him it would speak of the esteem in which he had been held . 'The candelabra bore the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . II . J . Reynolds , P . M ., P . G . S ., by the members of the 'Temple Lodge , as a token of their high esteem

and in recognition of his valuable services as Hon . Sec . for the past 10 years . " Bro . Reynolds in reply said he was completely overcome by the kindness of the brethren . Usually the recipient of such a gift hears a whisper ot what was going on ; but in this he knew not a word till the testimonial was placed on the table . He could assure the brethren that this would indeed be a red-letter day in his life ' s history . 1 Ie had in

the past endeavoured to discharge the duties of his office satisfactorily , and he should be stimulated to do more , if possible , not by reason of the value of the very splendid present now given , but no man could help being moved by the deep and earnest kindness of the brethren . The Worshipful Master gave "The toast of the Visitors . " The first name on the list was that of Bro . H . B . Marshall . It was a matter of rcgiet he

could not b y reason of prior engagements stay to banquet . 'Ihe W . M . thought all present would give Bro . Marshall their hearty aid and sympathy in his candidature for the Grand Treasurership . It had been asked what had Bro . Marshall done for the Craft ? the W . M . ventured to say that although Bro . Marshall had been a Mason but for five years he had done more than almost any living Mason in the same time for the charities , for in that time he had given no less than within a few pounds of

£ 1700 . Bros . Allman , Wrigby , and Pigot responded . In proposing the toast of " The Officers , " the Worship , ful Master congratulated himself on having such able brethren to support him , and the pleasure he felt in having been able to appoint Bro . T . G . Beard as I . G ., he being the son 0 f | , is old friend , Thomas Beard , Esq . _ Bro . Altman , jun ., S . W ., responded . Songs and recitations were interspersed during the evening .

BEDFORD LODGE ( No . 157 ) . —On Friday , the Sth inst ., the installation meeting of this old and distinguished lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , when Bro . Arthur Triggs , who had been unanimously elected VV . M . for the ensuing year , was dul y installed . Bro . Thos . Hall having opened the lodge , the minutes and proceedings of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . J . T . Briggs , P . M . 157 , P . M . 1732 , P . Z . : 77 . havimr taken

the chair , Bro . I nggs was presented by the D . C . as the Master elect for the benefit of installation , and was inducted into the chair of K . S . according to ancient rite , and in the able and efficient manner which has characterised the work of Bro . Briggs as Installing Master of this lodge for some years . Bro . Triggs having been proclaimed and saluted in the Three Degrees , then proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . Walter Snodin , S . W . ; J .

Soper , l . W . j Briggs , P . M ., Treas . ; Liddall , P . M ., Sec ; Clark , S . D . ; Barron , J . D . ; Jones , I . G . ; and Longstaffc , Tyler ; reciting to each his duties , and adding a few words of congratulation in his kindly and genial way . The ballot was then taken and found to be unanimous in favour of a candidate for initiation , Mr . Arthur Wells Toms , and _ he was afterwards initiated into the secrets and mysteries of the Craft by the W . M . in a verv

impressive manner , assisted by his officers . A very pleasing duty now devolved upon the VV . M ., namely , to present to his predecessor , Bro . Hall , a Past Master's jewel which had been voted at the previous meeting for the very able , kind , and courteous manner in which he had presided over the ledge during the past twelve months , and wishing he might long be spared to wear it . Bro . Hall thanked the W . M . and brethren in feeling and suitable terms

. No further business being on the agenda paper the lodge was closed in due form . The brethren subsequently dined together at the Freemasons' Tavern , where a very excellent banquet was provided under the personal superintendence of the worthy manager , Bro . Dawkins . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been drunk , the W . M . proposed " 'The Health of the Visitors , " in responding to which Bro . Terry pointed out that nearly £ 56 , 000 had been

contributed to the three Charities last year . This statement was received with applause , and the " veteran mariner , " Bro . Thomas Cubitt ( who will represent this lodge as Steward at the Benevolent Festival ) , ever ready in the cause of charity to take "the tide at the Hood , " came round with his list , to which the brethren liberally responded . "The Health of the Initiate" having been drunk , our jovial Bro . Thomas Walton , P . M ., gave the song of the " Entered Apprentice , " the brethren heartily joining in the chorus . Bro . A . Toms returned thanks in a