Summer Festival Of The Domatic Lodge, No. 177.

SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THE DOMATIC LODGE , No . 177 .

The annual Summer Festival of the members of the Domatic Lodge was held on Friday , the 8 th inst ., at Bro . Joynt ' s , the Prince of Wales Hotel , East Moulsey , neai Hampton Court , under exceptional and favourable circumstances . For many years it has been the custom to have a day out , at about this time of the year , but upon . no former occasion , within the recollection ol even the oldest member of the lodge , has the meeting been attended with such success as the present . This must have been and will ever be , we are sure , a source of congratulation to the urbane W . M ., Bro . J . R . Foulger , who for some six months has

presided over this , we think , the largest lodge in England . In point of influence and position it will certainly not rank as the least important in the Grand Lodge books , for it can boast of several Grand Officers , brethren whose merits have found favour in Grand Lodge ' and whose worth alone has raised them to the position they now occupy . However , it having been resolved to have this reunion ,

the following brethren were appointed as a Committee of Stewards , to carry out the necessary arrangements : —Bros . Walford , S . W . ; Ferguson , J . W . ; Kent , J . D . ; Bird , Chubb , E . B . Clarke , Potter , R . M . Smith , Treas . ; Brett , G . P . ; and Chas . E . Thompson , Hon . Sec . The house having been chosen and the tickets circulated , nothing but fine weather was wanted to complete the

ioyfulness of the occasion . It was originally intended that the ladies who might accompany the brethren should join the company at dessert , but as the time drew near it was determined to invite the ladies to grace the festive board by their presence , which they consented to do , and , as we have stated , that exceptional circumstances in matters relative to Masonry and the fineness of the weather

rendered the whole affair a brilliant success . Bro . Walford , the S . W ., faced the W . M . at the lower end of the table , and amongst those assembled we noticed : Bros . Henry Carpenter , P . Z ., P . M ., Industry Lodge ( a veteran in Masonry ) ; Joseph Hedding ( Great Eastern Railway ); Walter Joyce ( Strand Theatre ) , Southern Star Lodge ; H . Potter , P . M ., 115 S , 177 , 25 , & c . : Tims ,

S . D . ; Willing , junr ., A . Treadwell , Bird , Chubb , Chudleigh , Wigmore , Goodfellow , Ford ( Barley Mow Hotel , Salisbury Square ) , Fountain ( White Swan , Salisbury Square ) , Evans , Joynt , Chas . E . Thompson , S . W . 1158 , and many others , also a brilliant company of ladies all most elegantly attired . The W . M . having sounded his gavil , grace was said ,

and an excellent dinner partaken of , the serving of which spoke well for the resources of the establishment but it would be better on ftuure occasions for the esteemed host ( Bro . Joynt ) to provide a more sprightly staff of waiters , there being nothing to speak of in the way of complaint save that . The wines were very good . The W . M . having set an example , by drinking the

health of the whole of the company present , frequent compliments were exchanged on all sides . The cloth was drawn and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts given , but without the "honours , " in consequence of the presence of the ladies , and included "The Right Hon . the Earl de Grey , G . M ., " "Ear ! Carnarvon , D . G . M ., " and "Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , P . G . M . "

The next toast was given by the W . M . lie saitl , in proposing the health of " The Visitors , " that he was sure they had enjoyed themselves , and , as old anil good Masons , would agree with him that it was an unlooked-for pleasure , antl therefore the more agreeable , in having the presence of the ladies ( hear , hear ) . It was not at first intended to ask them ( the ladies ) to dine with them , but , for reasons

which he woultl not dilate upon , the committee had altered their minds antl they were honoured with their presence that day . It was indeed an unexpected pleasure ( hear , hear ) . He then reverted to the presence of the visitors , and expressed the gratification he and the other members felt at their company ( hear , hear ) . ( The toast was well received . )

Bro . CARPENTER returned thanks , and mentioned that he was indebted to Bro . Thompson , the Hon . Sec , for his visit that afternoon , which had been greatly enhanced , as the W . M . had supposed , by the presence of the ladies . He certainly was of opinion that the ladies should on such occasions , when no Masonic business was transacted , he permitted to take part in the pleasures of the day ( hear ,

hear , and cheers ) . He concluded by wishing health , happiness antl prosperity to them all . Bro . Yo ' . tD ( an old member of the Domatic Lolge ) a ! sr > expressed his thanks for the treat he had had that day , and stated his intention of re-joining the Domatic Lodge as soon as the meetings were resinned . The W . M . then proposed what he ventured to call the

toast of the flay , viz . : "The Health of the Ladle ? " ( loud cheers ) . II ; sincerely hope I they woultl be invi cd next year , he should do all he could to obtain their presence , fur he considered that it was nohing but right they should hive the opportunity of being pr -sent . Tlic meeting that day had been such a wonderful success that he did not doubt die motion for their admission would be carried

without any difficulty ( hear , hear ) . The toast was such a good one that it required no recommendation from him to make them drink it with proper enthusiasm ( hear , hear ) ; he would only say that lutl it not been for their presence they would not have enjoyed themselves anything like iv . ' iat tliey had clone ( hear , hear ) . He coupled with the toatt the name of liro Willing .

As the W . M . had stated , the toast needed no long speech to give it eclat , for it was received with every dimomlration of respect antl good feeling . Bro . WILLING responded in felicitous terms on behalf of the ladies . He was afraid the W . M . had made a very bid choice in selecting him to reply for them , lie was , nevertheless , speaking for the Ladies , very much obliged U ihcm indeed for asking them lo dine that day . The

Summer Festival Of The Domatic Lodge, No. 177.

ladies took a great interest in Masonry , because they believed it to be good , and because of the support it gave to so many charities ( hear , hear ) . He believed Masons to be thorough bricks , and that the ladies were willing to become mortar , and stick to them as much as they could ( laughter ) . For the many handsome ladies present he begged to tender their sincere and grateful thanks for the

compliment paid them . The W . M . proposed the health of "The Officers of the Lodge , " for which Bros . Walford and Tims returned thanks in appropriate terms ' . The health of " Bro . Chas . E . Thompson , the Hon . Secretary , " was made a special toast , and in proposing it a high compliment was paid that brother for the trouble he

had voluntarily taken upon himself in accepting that office , and for the way in which he had carried out the arrangements . Bro . CHARLES E . Ti-iojirsoN ( S . W . 1158 ) in responding , assured the brethren that if his poor services had in theslightest degree tended to theircomfort hewas sufficiently paid . Undoubtedly he had been put to some trouble ,

for the Oomatic Lodge numbered something like 150 members , but with him it had been " a labour of love . " Twice had he proposed that the ladies should dine with the brethren , and he trusted that for the future it would be a recognized thing . He thanked them all very sincerely . Bro . POTTER , in happy terms , replied to the toast of the "P . M . ' s .

The healths of "The Lay Members" and "The Host " were then given and responded to by Bros . Treadwell and Joynt , and , after some excellent songs and a recitation by Bro . Joyce , the brethren and ladies returned to town highly delighted . We must not forget to mention that the respected Bro . Carpenter brought the harmony of the evening to a close with his favourite song of "Twelve Bottles More . "

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

THE CRAFT . METROPOLITAN . Gresham Lodge , No . 869 . — This lodge held their usual meeting as the Four Swans Hotel , Waltham Cross , on Saturday , July 9 th . Bro . R . Bruce , W . M ., was supported by all the officers , and there was a good attendance of brethren . Bro . Henry Muggeridge , P . M . 192 , was the only visiting brother , and he expressed his

satisfaction at the perfect manner in which the W . M . had discharged his duties , which consisted of raising Bros . Stephens and Pottle . As is usual at this season of the year there was a good attendance of ladies , the wives and friends of ihe brethren ; and at the conclusion of the business of the lodge , all adjourned to a sumptuous and welllaid banquet , where they thoroughly enjoyed themselves ,

and interchanged those friendly courtesies which tend so much to cement friendship antl increase the interest of the fair ones in the cnuse of Masonry . The only toasts on this occasion were those of " The Queen and the Craft , " "The Ladies , " and "The W . M . " The toast of "The Ladies" was responded to by the gallant Bro . Capt . Barnes in a very r . musing and complimentary

manner . The evening was enlivened by several capital songs . Bro . W . II . Ethrington sang a new song he had recently set to music , entitled " Happy to Meet , " which , not only as a Masonic song , but as one particularly appropriate for this occasion , gave great satisfaction . The brethren and friends then adjourned inlo the beautiful gardens , where the dessert was laid , tinting which the band of the 41 st

Middlesex Rifles V . L ., conducted by Bro . Ethrington , played « omc excellent selections and dance music , thus concluding a most enjoyable day . The brethren returned to town much pleased with their reunion meeting . Perfect Ashlar , No . 1178 . —At the Gregorian Arms Tavern , 96 , Jamaica-road , Bcrmontlscy , this lodge met on

Thursday , July 7 th . Bro . J . W . Avery , W . M ., presided . He passetl Bro . Baker , anil raised Bro . Collins . There were present : Bros . L Green , S . W . ; II . Bartlett , J . W . ; Dr . Dixon , P . M ., Treas . ; F . Walters , P . M ., Sec . ; D . Rose , P . M ., S . D . ; G . J . Grace , J . D . ; J . XV . Dudley , I . G . ; V . II . Elsworth , P . M ., & c . Visitors : Lazarus , P . M . ; Swass , & c . Banquet was also served .

PROVINCIAL . WARRINGTON . —Gilbert Grceital ! Lodge , A ' o . 1250 . — The regular monthly meeting of the lodge was held on Monday evening last , at the Masonic Room * . The W . M . liro . XX . Mossop was supported by Bros . W . Richardson , I . W ., as S . W . ; P . J . EJelstcn . as ] . XV . ; John Bowes , P . M ., Past . Prov . G . Reg ., as P . M . ; W . S . Hawkins

S . D . ; W . Pollitt , J . D . ; J . Parry , Peter Leigh , J U . Fo ' . tcr , John Wood , Thomas Pieipoint , Henry Moult , R . Brierlv , Thomas Auckland , and Tames Hannah , Tyler . Visitor : liro . William Smith , W . M . No . 14 S . The lodge was opened in form with prayer , when the niinutesof the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lo : lge was opened in the second degree , when bros .

Picrpomt , Wood , and Poller claimed preferment , and having sustained their claim , were entrusted . On readmission they were raised to the sublime degree of M . M ., the W . M . being assisted by Uro . Howes . The lodge was closed down , and nothing further being proposed for the good of Masonry in general or of No . 1250 in particular , it was closed with the usual solemnities .

SCOTLAND . GLASGOW . —Lodgeof Glasgow St . John , A o . 3 bis . — The meeting of this ledge wr . s held on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., at the usual hour . In die absence of the Master , the chair was filled by Pro . Craig , P . M .: Pro . Fletcher acting S . W . ; and Bro . M'Aulay acting J , XV . The lodge was duly

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

opened , after which a candidate was initiated by Bro . Bamber , Sec . The R . W . M . thereafter entered and took the chair , upon which the minutes were read , and , after some comments , passed . Tne Sub .-M . then proposed that a committee of the Office Bearers of the lodge should be appointed to wait upon the editor of the Glasgow

Herald in order to get , if possible , the name of the individual who was writing concerning the lodge under the signature of "Masonicus , " so that , if possible , legal proceedings should be taken against him for his remarks . This motion was seconded by the Treasurer , and agreed to . The lodge was shortly afterwards closed in due form .

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

Caveac Chapter , No . 176 . —The election meeting of this chapter was held at Radley ' s Hotel , Blackfriars , on Thursday , July 7 th ; Companions J . Lacey , M . E . Z . ; F . Walters , P . Z ., as H . ; P . Browne , J ., presided . The elections were unanimous in favour of Companions P . A . Nairne , as Z . ; P . Browne , H . ; M . Scott , J . ; F .

Walters , P . Z ., Treasurer ( re-elected ) ; R . S . Foreman , S . E . ; A . Williams , S . N . ; T . Quihampton , P . S . It was unanimously agreed that a five-guinea P . Z . 's Jewel be given to Comp . J . Lacey . M . E . Z ., for his valuable services during his year of office . Banquet followed . Visitors : J . Hart , Givilt , & c .

SCOTLAND . Provincial Grand Chapter of Lanarkshire . —A meeting of this chapter was convened on Friday , 1 st inst ., by order of the S . G . R . A . Chapter , for the purpose of recommending a companion to the office of P . G . Superintendent . The chapter was opened by M . E . P . Z . 's Crabb , Taylor , and Campbell , & c ., & c . The notice having been

read calling tne meeting , a motion was proposed by Comp . Wallace ( 79 ) , seconded by Comp . Balfour ( 73 ) , that a Superintendent be recommended for this Province . Comp . Campbell ( 69 ) proposed an amendment , seconded by Comp . Park ( 122 ) that we remain as we are at present , under the superintendence of the S . G . R . A . Chapter , as

we have been for the last six years , and that we request a deputation of the S . G . R . A . Chapter to visit the Province as often as convenient , to inquire into the working of Royal Arch Masonry . The motion and amendment having been put to the meeting , five voted for the motion and eight for the amendment . Comp . Wallace ' s motion was lost by a majority of three .

Mark Masonry.

MARK MASONRY .

SHEFFIELD . —Britannia M . M . Lodge , No . 53 . —The brethren of this Mark Masters' Lodge held their annual meeting in the Freemasons' Hall , Surrey-street , Sheffield , on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., when Bro . E . Drury , W . M ., assisted by his officers , very ably and impressively advanced to this honourable degree Bro . Ashberry , J . W . No . 1239 , and Bro . Scargill , J . D . No . 1230 . The W . M .-

elect , Bro . II . Matthews , W . M . of the Wentworth Lodge , No . 1239 , was then presented by Bro . Brittain , W . M . 139 , to the retiring XV . M ., Bro . E . Drury , P . M ., P . Z . of 296 , antl P . Prov . G . S . B . of West Yorkshire , to receive at his hands the benefit of installation , which ceremony he performed iu that able and impressive manner which has gained for him the esteem and applause of the whole

of the Craft in Sheffield . After the brethren had saluted the newly-installed W . M ., he appointed Bro . Brittain W . M . 139 and P . M . of 296 , as S . W . ; Bro . II . J . Garnett , P . M . of this lodge , P . M . 139 and 1239 , also P . Z . 296 , as J . W . ; antl after duly investing them and the rest of the officers , the lodge was closed in due and ancient form . The whole of ihe brethren then retired from the

lodge-room to the banquet , presided over by Bro . Matthews , XV . M ., who gave the customary loyal and Masonic toasts . Bro . P . M . Druro then rose to propose the toast of the evening , "The Health of the W . M . , and saitl it was with feelings of intense pleasure that he had that evening the honour of installing as his successor in the chair of Adoniram such a good , zealous , and hard-working

Mason as Bro . Matthews ; and from the efficient manner in which Bro . Matthews discharged all the duties he undertook in the various degrees of Masonry , he felt quite confident that under his rule and guidance the Britannia Mark Masters Lodge , No . 53 , could not fail being prosperous . The toast was enthusiastically received , and with musical honours . After the W . M . had responded to

th-: toast in appropriate terms , he proposed "The Health of the Officers of ihe Lotlge , " to which Bro . Brittain , S . W ., responded . "Tho Health of the InstallingOfficer ( Bro . P . M . Drury ) , " The newly-advanced Brethren , " and several other toasts , having been given and duly acknowledged , ihe brethren separated at an early hour , after spending a very enjoyable evening .

ORDERS OP CHIVALRY . RED CROSS OF ROME & CONSTANTINE . St . Georges Com live , A ' o . iS . —A meeting of this conclave was held at the Palrncrston Arms , Grosvcnor Park , Camberwell , on the 71 I 1 inst . The chair was occupied by Sir Knt . Henry Thompson , M . P . S ' ., who was supported bv Sir Kins . W . II . Hubbard , G . T ., as V . E . ; II . J . Wright , S . G .: C . L . Marshall , Treas . ; E . Shaughncssy , R . ; T . Wingham , Prefect j T . Wingham , fun ., Org . ; R . Wentworth Little , G . K . ; J . Ashwefl , S . ; G . Cathcrwood ,

Sic . A nonce of motion was given to discontinue the meetings of the conclave during the summer months , and the M . P . S ordered a special assembly to be convened in September for the purpose of considering the proposition . After rehearsing the ceremony , the conclave vas closed , antl the knitjils spent the evening together inner the genial presidency of their esteemed M . I' . S , win s .: excellent working in Craft M . isonry i ^ -o highly cstccir . cl and appreciated .