Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

6 S 2 ] CONSTITUTIONS , 1738 . I am glad to find that the " Book of Constitutions " of 173 S is considered by Bros . Le Feuvre and Goldney to have a frontispiece . This has been doubted , because several have been found without surh adornments . I have ,

however , always supported the opinion that the second edition of our laws was issued with a frontispiece , and have accordingly been much interested in reading the result of the examination , made so carefully and critically by the two brethren named at the Shanklin Masonic Exhibition . It is quite clear to my mind , and all the more now that the view

is confirmed by Bros . Le Feuvre and Goldney , that the Book of Constitutions of 173 S ( as all the other editions issued last century by the sanction of the regular Grand Lodge of England ) had a frontispiece . It is now also established that the plate of 1723 was used , only with the imprint removed , though for what purpose is not clear , as Pine , I believe , was living in 1738 . W . J . HUGHAN .

683 ] NOTICE FOR EMERGENCY . I entirely agree with the view expressed by the Editor of the Freemason , October 2 nd , and the opinion of my friend Bro . Budden on tbe 9 th inst . Bro . Collison must distinguish between regular and emergent meetings , the latter being expressly singled out by Grand Lodge for special provision . Membersit is presumed , know the regular days of

meet-, ing of their own lodges , whether summoned early or late . At all events , there is really no excuse for brethren not being aware of the nights of meeting provided by their own by-laws . Still , I think that the Grand Lodge , at the time of Revision , would have done well to have fixed three days at least , for notices to be sent , beforehand , of business to be transacted at the regular meetings . As such

was not agreed to , it is now for lodges to fix the time for themselves . My impression is , the majority will fix five clear days at least for the notices of meetings , but , of course , a shorter notice still would be legal . The difficulty is to say authoritatively what would be deemed sufficient notice , say for an initiation . Some would perhaps consider one clear day would do , or possibly less ! My experience does not extend over quite so long a period as Bro .

Budden ' s , but I have known very many " emergency " propositions , some scarcely justified , and I fear a few wholly unjustifiable . The seven days' notice , therefore , for such meetings is most desirable . I consider the statement by "I . P . M . " requires considerable alteration before it can pass muster . Grand Lodge does require summonses to be sent to the members , even for a regular lodge meeting . See Laws 1 S 4 , 1 S 9 , and 210 . Surely " I . P . M . " has overooked these rules . W . J . HUGHAN .

6 S 4 ] LOYAL FREEMASONRY . In a copy of the " Freemasons' Magazine " for March , 1794 , I find the following : "A correspondent takes the liberty to hint to his Brethren the propriety of an attention to the political character of those persons who shall offer themselves candidates for our Order in their respective Lodges . Though , as Masons , we are citizens of the world ,

yet sheltered as we are under an impenetrable veil of secrecy , it behoves us to give a mild and generous legislature no room to suspect that any of our meetings are coverts for disloyalty . This suspicion may , however , be naturally excited if we are observed to admit to our Society men whose sentiments are known to be adverse to the Constitution by which we are protected . A Masonic Assembly is

profaned and polluted by the presence of an infidel or a disloyalist . " It seems to me that these expressions should commend themselves to all Masons at the present day . It is an unfortunate fact that we rub shoulders nowadays with many men who speak slightingly and disrespectfull y of our Constitution and of our reigning family , and it is to be feared , from recent circumstances reported in the Freemason , that some men of this kidney have found their way

within the portals of the society of I ' reemasons . It is certain that such persons cannot find any reasonable pleasure in the Craft , or in the society of its loyal members ; and it is lamentable that they should ever have found their way into a lodge , for one who is disloyal to his God or his King will certainly not prove faithful to our Order , which is based upon the sacred principles— " Love the Brotherhood , Fear God , Honour the King . " T . B . WHYTEHEAD .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

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PYTHAGOREAN LODGE ( No . 79 ) . —The winter session of the above ancient and popular lodge commenced on Monday , the 22 nd ult ., at the Ship Hotel , Greenwich . Bro . W . T . Hunt , W . M ., occupied the chair , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . V . Orchard , S . W . ; C . N . Syder , J . W . ; J . R . Dussee , P . M ., Treas .,- H . Roberts , P . M ., Sec ; G . VV . Sly , J . D . ; J . R . Berry , I . G . ; G . H . Dowsett , Steward ; C . Fowler , D . C . ; VV . Kipps , Org .-, J . Ranks , Tyler ( pro

tern . ); R . Bonsey , P . M .- VV . Dupere , P . M . ; H . W . Partridge , P . M . ; J . Dawkins , P . M . ; A . Meering , E . Earle , C . C . Featherstone , J . VV . Griffiths , A . H . Overton , W . I . Nash , D . Edney , H . Earle , J . R . Garrod , R . Salter , F . Ingle , J . Justice , VV . E . Ruddle , and R . W . Earle , all of the lodge ; J . Hutchings , P . M . 147 ; S . VV . Tewson , J . D . 7 S 1 ; E . J . Williams , J . VV . 1539 ; F . J . Laughlin , Org . 1365 ; J . Dixon , 147 ; W . Rowley , 1924 ; L . Earnshaw , 959 ; G . Howard , C 50 ; and C . Jolly , W . M . 1472 , and others . The lodge having been opened in due form , and the minutes of the previous meeting confirmed , the ballot was

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

taken for Messrs . J . VV . Clifford , E . Jerrard , and T . Scholey , and , proving unanimous , the last two , being present , were duly initiated into Masonry . In the absence of the S . D ., Bro . Dussee filled the office admirably . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet , which , as is the custom at the Ship , was tastefully served . The usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts having been duly

honoured , Bro . Dussee proposed "The Health of the VV . M ., " and in so doing said they had seen the able manner in which Bro . Hunt had carried out his duties in the lodge , and he was sure they would agree with him when he said that he always did so , both in the lodge and at the social board ; in fact , whatever he took in hand he did well , and in a most

satisfactory manner . He had very great pleasure , therefore , to propose his health , and ask them to drink it heartily . Bro . Hunt , in response , said he was very much obliged to them for their kind reception of the toast . He was following many good and able Masters who had done honour to their good old lodge , and was proud to say he

had some good and excellent officers to follow him . He had been a member of the lodge for many years , and had always endeavoured to do his best for it , and hoped to have the pleasure of being with them yet for many years , and hear the cry " Excelsior" responded to by many a good and true brother joining its ranks . He then proposed "The Initiates , " one of whom ( Bro . Jerrard ) he said was

the son of a good old Mason , and he trusted the son would turn out worthy of the sire , and , as he felt sure he would , it gave him great pleasure to initiate him into the lodge that night . Bro . Scholey was also a good man , and would , he felt sure , do all he could for the prosperity of the lodge . Bros . Gerard and Scholey having suitably returned thanks , the toast of "The Visitors" was proposed and

drunk heartily . The VV . M ., in putting it , said nothing afforded the Pythagoreans so much pleasure as to see a goodly array of visitors at their lodge , if only to criticise their work . He paid a high compliment to Bro . Hutchings , who , he said , as Preceptor of a lodge of instruction in a neighbouring town , had worked hard to spread the duties of Masonry among aspirants to office and honours in the

Craft . He was proua to see him at their working , and at their social board , and also the other visitors present , and he asked , in their honour , for a bumper . Bros . Hutchings , Jolly , Earnshaw and Laughlin having responded , the VV . M . proposed the toast ot " The Past Masters , " and in response Bro . Partridge returned his hearty thanks , and hoped

they might have as good a meeting as the present one , and as many good and true Masons with them , for many years to come . As a Past Master of some seven years' standing he was pleased to see the infusion of new blood in the Pythagorean ; after an exietencc of over a hundred years , it showed they were progressing ; and although the lodge had been , some years ago , in abeyance , yet there was a great

difference between the number 79 and 20 S 0 on the Grand Roll of England . Thanks to the good old Past Masters , the lodge had been reconstructed , and now they had much to be thankful for in its increased and still increasing vitality . Bro . Dussee said they were indebted to the W . M . for his acknowledgment of their past services . It was true they had done their best to support the prestige of the lodge in the past , and in the future they might depend

upon their loyalty for every effort they , the . Past Masters , could make for its success and uninterrupted harmony . Bro . Boncey having briefly acknowledged the toast also , thatof "The Officers" was coupled with the name of Bros . Orchard and Syder , who severally returned thanks , and then the Tyler ' s toast concluded the business and pleasure of a very successful gathering , the pauses of which were filled by some capital music , both vocal and instrumental .

ST . JAMES LODGE ( No . 765 ) . —The installation of Bro . George Tilling as W . M . of this lodge took place at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , on Tuesday , the sth inst ., when a large assembly of members and visitors testified to the high respect and esteem in which not only the newly-installed Master , but his several relatives holding offices in the lodge , are held by the Masonic

Fraternity . It is not often in the history of our lodges that one natural brother is inducted into the chair of K . S . by another , who is his immediate predecessor , with the father and uncle of both present , and assisting in their respective capacities to give more than ordinary effect to the interesting character of the proceedings . The known Masonic ability of the several members of the Tilling

family , and the deservedly hi g h repute in which they are held , as well without as within the lodge , had the fullest recognition by the attendance of a large body of the Craft in the district with which they are more immediately associated , and it must have afforded much gratification to all concerned that the work of the evening was so ably and pleasantly carried through by the principal officers and

their assistants . An interesting feature connected with this installation was the performance , so very seldom attempted in London lodges , though frequently adopted by those in the provinces , of the ceremonies of opening and closing the Board of Installed Masters with full and authorised ritual . Why this beautiful and instructive portion of Craft ceremonial is so generally neglected , even by

lodges of the highest repute for " working , it is difficult to say , unless , indeed , it can be admitted that a slovenly desire to "hurry up " and neglect labour for the sake of early refreshment is at the root of the evil . It pains zealous Masons to hear old and respected members of the Ciaft say that in the course of many years' experience and long connection with numerous lodges , the proper opening of a Board of Installed Masters is unknown to them , but such

observations reached our ears on this occasion , and it is creditable indeed to the St . James Lodge that it should make the attempt to restore to its proper place in Craft ritual so important a portion of its beautiful and perfect system . That this example may be followed by other lodges is a consummation devoutly to be wished . Amongst the large gathering of brethren—and we fear that this may not be a perfect list—were Bros . W . H . Tilling , W . M . ; Geo . Tilling , S . W ., W . M . elect ; E . J .

Rawle , J . W . ; F . Child , P . M ., Treas . ; R . Tilling , P . M ., Sec ; J . E . Costello , J . D . ; E . J . Jones , I . G . ; G . W . Rowe , Tyler ; / . Cox , P . M . ; H . W . Mitten , P . M . ; G . Hyde , P . M . ; L . C . Mollet , W . Roberts , G . Perkins , W . J . Stahlschmidt , A . Cavers , T . Prior , Geo . Carter , A . A . Travers , R . Hosie , A . Tilling , C . Slow , C . E . B . Rudd , J .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

_ . r- ^ Mills , F . Carne , D . Samuel , R . Bower , C . A . Colwell , W . Brinkler , H . Burnell , T . Kent , D . Bradford , H . King , J . Spencer , T . Williams , T . H . Sparling , and C . H . Dent . The visitors were Bros . G . J . Tilling , P . M . 130 , 394 , and 1461 , P . P . G . S . of VV . Hants and Isle of Wight ; W . S . Dunkley , P . M . 1777 , P . G . A . P . Middx . ; VV . Purnell , P . M . 103 , P . P . G . S . B . Bristol ; S . R . Speight , P . M . and Sec .

147 ; J . J . Hutchings , P . M . 147 ; T . Poore , P . M . 720 ; J . R . Glanvill , P . M . 134 ; W . T . P . Montgomery , W . M . 1475 ; W . E . Johnson , P . M . 134 ; James Stevens , P . M . 720 , 1216 , and 1426 ; J . J . Davison , P . M . 21 ; J . Loader , P . M . 1622 ; T . H . Waterworth , P . M . 49 ; H , Taylor , P . M . 2000 ; F . Meen , P . M . 1707 ; E . Stimson , P . M . 15 ; H . J . Levett , VV . M . 1982 ; W . Martin , W . M . S 79 ; R . H . Brannon

, W . M . 394 ; VV . Thompson , P . M . 1426 ; A . Millar , late 25 ; J- W . bkinner , Sydney ; E . C . Talbot , 65 ; G . J . Venables , I . G . 1539 ; R . Jarvis , 19 S 7 ; VV . G . Kent , 117 S ; VV . Fountain , S 79 ; F . W . Farmer , 25 ; J . Jones , I . G . 2004 ; VV . Burgess , 204 S ; J . Hattersley , 1607 ; J . Read , 1391 ; A . Browning , 733 ; W . Poole , 1752 ; W . Williams , J . W . 147 ; G . Treves , P . M . 720 ; and others . The previous minutes having been confirmed , and the

Auditor ' s report and balance-sheet received and adopted , the VV . M . elect , Bro . George Tilling , was presented to his brother , the W . M ., Bio . VV . H . Tilling , and the preliminary introduction to his installation as Master was made . The brethren below the rank of Installed Master having retired , the Board of Installed Masters was opened with full ceremonial , not quite so perfectly perhaps as will be the case on

future occasions in this lodge , but certainly in a manner deserving of favourable criticism , and evidently to the gratification and enlightment and , we may fairly add , surprise of numerous Past Masters , to whom this part of Masonic ritual had been hitherto a dead letter . Bro . VV . H . Tilling ' s perlormance of the installation of his brother was equal to his ceremonial work during the past year , and elicited many

commendations . The Board of Installed Masters was closed in due order , as it had been opened , the Installed Master , Junior Warden , Bro . H . VV . Mitten , upon whom the principal portion of this part of the ceremony devolved , ably discharging his duty . At the request of the newlyinstalled Master , Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., officiated as D . C , and , on the re-admission of the brethren , and under

his guidance , Bro . George Tilling received the customary salutes and greetings . The officers were then invested in the following order : — Bros . E . J . Rawle , S . W . ; J . E . CostelloVl . W . ; VV . H . Tilling , I . P . M . ; F . Child , P . M ., Treas . ; Rl Tilling , P . M ., Sec ; E . J . Jones , S . D . ; R . W . Hosie , J . D . ; G . Perkins , I . G . ; G . Hyde , P . M ., D . C ; A . Tilling , W . S . ; and G .

VV . Rowe , lyler . 1 he addresses to W . M ., Wardens , and brethren were effectively delivered by the I . P . M ., and Bro . VV . H . Tilling may certainly be congratulated on having terminated a year of earnest Masonic labour in a highly satisfactory and brilliant manner , and wear the handsome

jewel which the lodge has presented to him , and which -was attached to his I . P . M . collar ( also a lodge presentation ) by his brother , the present W . M ., in laudatory and sympathetic terms , with just pride and full conviction that that honourable recognition of valued services has been well deserved .

The business which followed the installation was not of much general importance ; but it may be incidentally mentioned that the readiness to afford relief to those distressed who had preferred their suit and to sympathise ( with bereavements was , as usual in this lodge , fully exemplified , and that the " Hearty good wishes" which were expressed by the visitors were more than usually earnest in their

meaning . The lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , much pleased with the labours of the evening . After the cloth had been cleared , an intimation was given by the W . M . that brevity in speech would be amply rewarded by the performance of a musical programme of far greater interest , and , the wishes of the Master being scrupulously observed , the post-prandial addresses of

distinguished members and honoured guests had nothing out the ordinary character to need special comment . The usual loyal and Masonic sentiments were given in due order , and , where required , met with response ; but music became the prominent feature of the remainder of the evening . Under the direction of Bro . Chaplin Henry , who , having a great personal regard for both W . M . and I . P . M ., successfull

y endeavoured to outvie even his well known management of the musical accessory to a convivial meeting , a capital selection of vocal and instrumental music was performed by Miss Chaplin , Miss KateChaplin , Miss Margaret Hoare , Miss Emmie Hoare , Bros . A . Lester , Henry Taylor , Fred . W . Farmer , and the veteran , Bro . Chaplin Henry , himself . With such an array of talent it goes without

saying that a most delightfnl concert was the result , and that the Worshipful Master ' s command to "' ware speeches " was the right thing in the right place and at the right time . If we may be permitted to make selections out of a grand programme , each number of which was admirably rendered , we would desire to refer to the violin solo by Miss Kate Chaplin , and the serenade by Miss Margaret Hoare with violin and

, obligate pianoforte accompaniment by the Misses Chaplin , as charming performances , fully meriting the applause and encores the brethren so enthusiastically accorded . In every respect this meeting of the St . James Lodge was perfect , and we can offer our readers no better wish , as Masons , than that they may have opportunities in the future to be present at similar exemplifications of Masonic " labour and refreshment . "

ROYAL STANDARD LODGE ( No . 1208 ) . — B / ° - J ? StevenS ' Lecture . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Wellington Club , Wellingtonstreet , Islington , on Wednesday , the 6 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Ernest Edward Streat , W . M ., when advantage was taken of a clear agenda to welcome Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., and hear his lecture on the ritual

and ceremonial of the First Degree . Under the title of Knobs and Excrescences . " this lecture is now becoming widely known and appreciated , both in London lodges and throughout the provinces , and the manner of its delivery being extempore , each succeeding delivery presents new featuresand renders it

, more and more interesting and attractive , and divests it of that sameness and repetition which attend written addresses . We have had the satisfaction of hearing Bro . Stevens on more than one occasion , and note with much pleasure lhat the introduction of new points in Masonic working , and a varied choice of language give a enfreshening influence to each successive delivery .