Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

CCraft fHasonrg . LODGE OF ST . JAMES ( No . 765 ) . —The installation ancl last meeting of the season was held on Tuesday , thc ( 5 th inst ., at thc Old White Inn , Borough , from whence thc loelge will at once remove , returning to its former quarters at the Bridge House Hotel . The lodge was opened by the retiring VV . M ., Bro . Jas . Abbott . The minutes were read anel confirmed , and one candidate was advanced to a higher Degree , others being absent . The chair was next

assumed by the I . P . M ., Bro . Jas . Cox , who had been called upon to perform thc duty of Installing Master at very short notice , and who earned the admiration of the numerous company by the impressiveness of bis delivery of thc ritual . The newly-installed VV . M ., Bro . J . C . Perkins , then appointed and invested his officers ; the only change being in thc Secretaryship , now conferred on Bro . Cox , P . M . All others officers received a clue step of promotion , which

gratified all . Bro . Abbott received thc honours never denied in this lodge to those who havc done good suit and service . A valuable Past Master ' s iewel in gold , with another in silver , with collar for Grand Lodge use , will long testify to the value of Bro . Abbott's services . Two petitions to the Lodge of Benevolence were presented by former members of the lodge , but the brethren refused to entertain them , doubtless for grave and cogent reasons . All business being ended the lodsre was closed . The meeting had been a

bright and pleasant one throughout , but those not in the secret were surprised by the finale . Whether it was an empty treasury , a want of appetite , or whatever reason or reasons may have prevailed , the brethren separated as soon as the lodge was closed , without sitting down to the slightest refreshment of any description . VVe forgot to mention that two initials and three joining members were proposed for the October meeting , and that a number of visitors were present .

JOHN HERVEY LODGE ( No . 1260 ) . —The installation meeting of this loelge was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . E . J . Goodacre , VV . M ., presiding , who was supported by Bro . O . L . M . Latreille , J . VV . ; Dr . Hogg , Treasurer ; Charles Atkins , P . M ., Secretary ; VV . Ryan , S . D . ; H . Evans , J . D . ; and Bro . J . II . Southwood , P . M . ; a large body of lay members and visitors , among whom were thc Rev . R . J . Simpson ,

P . G . D . ; C . A . Murton , P . G . D , ; H . G . Buss , A . G . S . 'The W . M . initiated Messrs . Alfred Arthur Reason and Richard Joseph Langley . Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D ., on presentation duly made , installed Bro . Charles Atkins , an old and highly respected P . M . of No . 27 , who has fulfilled the duties of Secretary of the John Hervey Lodge for three years , anel unanimously elected Master at last meeting , as VV . M . of the lotlge for the year ensuing . The VV . M .

then appointed as his officers Bros . O . L . M . Latreille , S . W . ; Rosenthal , J . VV . ; Dr . Jabez Hogg , P . G . D ., P . M ., Treasurer : John H . Southwood , P . M ., Secretarv ; VV . Ryan , S . D . ' ; H . Evans , J . D . ; Salmon , LG . ; Beeton , Steward ; H . J . Dean , Organist ; J . R . Cox , Steward ; Mansell , Second Steward ; and Spei g ht , Tyler . Before thc lodge was closed Bro Cznacki appealed to the lodge and the brethren to suport him in his Stewardship

for thc next festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and the W . M . stated that the lodge intended to vote a good round sum to that list . Bro . E . J . Goodacre , I . P . M ., proposed that amessagc of the regret of the lodge at the inability of Bro . John Hervey , P . G . Secretary , to be present be sent to bim . This proposition was duly seconded by the S . VV ., and carried . 'Tlie lodge was then closed , anel the brethren sat down to an excellent banquet

at Freemasons' 'Tavern , under tbe chairmanship of their VV . M . 'The usual toasts were afterwarels proposed . After the toasts of "The Oueen and the Craft" and "The M . W . G . M ., " "'The Pro ' G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was proposed , and the VV . M ., in proposing it , said the Grand Ofiicers were selected for work they had done in Masonry after many years of service . Some of these were then

present , among whom were the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C . anel Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D . The last brother was nominated by Bro . John Hervey to perform the ceremony of installation , anil it was to be hoped that that brother would regularly attend on installation evenings to perform the ceremony which bail hitherto always been performed by the late Grand Secretary . The Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C , returned thanks . He said the

constitution of tbe Grand Lodge bad often reminded him of the greater Constitution , ( lear to them all , inasmuch as it reflected in a very remarkable manner the monarch , the Lords , and Commons of this great realm , and while be did his duty each was entitled to the respect of his brethren , nor should it be thought because men of rank and position obtained by a leap the oilices of Granel Lodge , those who were working members did not receive their

meed of praise and respect . He was sure , however , that the fact tbat the Lords and Commons of Masonry met in one Commons House was an improvement on the British Constitutions , and that Masons were able to understand each other better , and by such signs and tokens as their forefathers had given them to hold converse without materially differing in the result . 'There were two other members < if Grand Lodge present , and he did not wonder

that the John Hervey Lodge toasted the Grand Ofiicers with a little more than ordinary enthusiasm . He spoke not for himself , because he was ( he humblest of those brethren , but when he recollected the fine and hearty feeling which was expressed in the loelge when their oltl anel beloved brother Dr . Hogg received again bis ceillar of office he could see at once that Granel Lodge had a vesfeel interest in their affections . And when he recollected that Bro . Murton

was not only present in thc character of a Past Grand Officer , but as the Installing Officer , and that of no mean order , inasmuch as he was one of the brightest examples of the Lodge of Emulation , he was sure the Grand Lodge must haveastrongholdc . il their regard . But when he remembered the name of the brother which was applied to the lodge ,

that since its birth he had been its P . M . and gooel friend , to whom a passing tribute was paid that evening , he could see another reason why the lodge had a peculiar interest in Grand Officers . The brethren might be quite sure that so long as the lodges of England held to the principles of Masonry , G . L . of England would be in some measure a re-

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

flection of those lodges ; but if ever the evil day should come when the lodges sank into what they found elsewhere , centres of political discussion , then G . L . of England would no longer be worthy of the respect and regard of Masons . God grant that day might never come . Bro . C . A . Murton , who also replied , said he would confine his remarks to himself only . He accepted the invitation to perform tbe installation with mixed feelings of pleasure and pain . Bro . John

Hervey , his father in Masonry , had conveyed to him , through Dr . Hogg , his request that he ( Bro . Murton ) should perform the ceremony—that he considered a command , and he had great pleasure in installing Bro . Atkins ; but he had great pain that Bro Hervey was not able to be present £ 0 do it himself . He was , therefore , the representative of Bro . Hervey . As this lodge bore Bro . Hervey's name , it ought to carry out the characteristics of that

brother , who was a splendid Mason and a great ornament to the Craft . Bro , Hervey's was a great name ; his idea always had been that a brother should perform the work of his office when he took it , and he ( Bro . Murton ) hoped that this lodge would earn as high a name as Bro . Hervey , by studying to follow as closely as it could his working , and his idea of what a lodge should be . One great desire always expressed by Bro . Hervey in the Royal York was

that the Master should instal his successor . He ( Bro . Murton ) was very happy to perform this ceremony on any occasion , but he thought that lodges woulel do better if the officers undertook their own work , and created an emulative spirit among others . He hoped it would be so in the future . He cound understand the brethren conceding to Bro , Hervey the office of Installing Master from the fact that his name was given to the lodge , and he looked upon

it as a compliment to himself that he was called upon to supply Bro . Hervey's place , but he hoped in future the VV . M . would perform the ceremony in the style in which Bro . Hervey would like to sec it done . In conclusion he felt sure the lodge would prosper and remain what it now was—a splendid lodge . Bro . J . Harry Southwood , P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " his old friend , said it was only the matter of a few years ago , during his

own Mastership , that he had the pleasure of introducing to the lodge his Bro . Charles Atkins , a Past Master of another lodge , and he it was who was made Secretary of the John Hervey Lodge . He it was who had thoroughly ingratiated himself in the heart of every member of the lodge . The interests of the lodge were never entrusted to a more thorough-going Mason than the Master who had just been installed . In saying so he felt he was only

saying what was true and just . He hoped that the coming year would be a prosperous one for the lodge , and he trusted the brethren individually would feel as he felt , and that they would recognise the work of the W . M . Their excellent friend Bro . Dr . Hogg had formerly carried out the work in perfect confidence , and as an honest-hearted , just , and true man , and Bro . Atkins would follow his example , attend the lodge regularly , and do the work

properly , and he hoped the brethren would appreciate him . The VV . M ., in reply , said he wished he had been a little hard of hearing on his left , or had been requested to leave the room when Bro . Southwood stood up to propose this toast . He did not like being slandered by an old friend , who had said rather too much . However , he was there , and he thanked the brethren for honouring him with this position , and , after that , he had to ask the

brethren during his year of office to support him in the position , and to enable him to fulfil its duties , and if he had done anything for the last two years for the lodge , to do a little more . He required only a little encouragement and he should go on doing his duty , and he hoped , if possible , on that day twelve months he should hand over the gavel , the position , and e : ollar of this lodge to his successor , and that then the brethren would say that Atkins had done his duty

as best he could as Master . He trusted also that on that day twelve months all the brethren might be spared to meet round that table . He was very pleased to see one or two brethren whom they had not seen for some time , and he hoped they would nave the pleasure of seeing them more frequently in future . For their kindness in electing him as VV . M . he begged to return them his best thanks , and he hoped that during his year of office they would have a very

pleasant time of it . He was exceedingly pleased to be placed in the chair of the John Hervey Lodge . Thc toast of "The Initiates" followed , and those brethren having replied , the toast of "The Visitors" followed . Bros . Chapman , VV . M . 27 ; Newton , P . M . 174 ; Sorrell , VV . M . elect 176 ; Galbraith ( Londonderry ); and Pitman replied . The VV . M . then proposed "The Past Masters , " coupling with it the name of Bro . Goodacre , I . P . M . Their number was

few , but they had in them large ability , and they had carried out the work of the lodge in a most efficient manner . He then presented Bro . Goodacre with a valuable Past Master ' s jewel , which was voted to him unanimously at the last meeting of thc lodge . Along with thc jewel he presented him with a portrait of Bro . John Hervey , late Grand Secretary , and Consecrating Officer of the lodge , Bro . Goodacre , in reply , said that after the kind remarks which

had been made he felt quite sure the brethren would excuse him when he said it was quite beyond his power to speak . The handsome jewel presented to him took all speech out of him ; but he thanked the brethren very much for their kindness . He hoped they would all be spared for a long time , and that in years to come he might be a long way down the tabic as one of their Past Masters . The toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary" succeeded . The

Treasurer had been for years before thc lodge , and as he had been so he would have to perform the duties imposed on him . As Secretary of the lodge he had received great kindness and assistance from Bro . Hogg . With reference to thc Secretary , he had imposed him for the brethren ; but it was necessary the duties should be delegated to a P . M . The late VV . M ., of course , could not be appointed . But he had chosen Bro . Southwood , and he hoped that brother

would be a faithful and efficient Secretary . Bros . Hogg and Southwood responded . The toast of "The Masonic Press " followed , anel war . given in a very humorous speech by the VV . M . Bro . H . Massey ( Freemason ) responded . The W . M . then gave "The Officers of the Lodge . " Bros . Latreille and Rosenthall responded , and the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .

During the evening some beautiful songs were sung with exquisite taste by Bros . H . J . Dean , Albert Johns , Alex . Mullord , and Miss Muriel VVood . This young lady sang "Twickenham Ferry , " "Happy Young Hearts , '' and some other songs , which won for her immense applause . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . H . J . Dean , Organist of the lodge .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —The last meeting of the season of this prosperous metropolitan lodge was held on Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., at the Surrey Club House , Kennington Oval . Among those in attendance were Bros . C Kohler , VV . M . ; Speedy , S . W . ; Webb , J . W . ; T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . Middx ., I . P . M . ; VV . Mann , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . M . 141 , Sec ; Marsden , S . D . ; Stokes ,

J . D . ; Stranger , I . G . ; Koch , P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; Drysdale , P . M . ; Cruse , Munn , Barry , Appleton , Town , and Longstaffe , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M . directed that the bye-laws of the lodge should be read , which was accordingly done by the Secretary . Several minor matters having been satisfactorily disposed of , the lodge was duly closed and adjourned .

FARRINGDON WITHOUT LODGE ( No . 17-lS ) / —This civic lodge met on Monday , the 29 th ult ., for the dispatch of business . In the absence of Bro . Charles Jacques , VV . M ., the chair was taken by VV . Bro . H . A . Dubois , P . G . W . Middx ., & c . The minutes of the January meeting having been read and confirmed , the election of VV . M . for the year ensuing

resulted unanimousl y in favour of Bro . T . C . Walls . Bro . W . Ramsey was unanimously re-elected as Treasurer ; and Bro . Parkinson re-elected as Tyler . The lodge was then duly closed and adjourned to an emergency meeting , which was convened for the 5 th inst . There were present on the latter occasion Bros . C . Jacques , W . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . Middx ., S . W ., and VV . M . elect ; H . J . Lardner ,

I . W . ; W . H . Jackson , jun ., I . P . M . and Sec ; W . Ramsey , P . M ., Treas . ; M . Samuel , S . D . ; Simpson , acting J . D . ; Potter , I . G . ; Hart ( honorary Organist ); Strugnell , D . C . ; H . A . Dubois , P . G . W . Middx ., P . M . & c ; Parkinson , Tyler . Thc bye-laws having been read , Bro . Goodenough was balloted for as a joining member . The Audit Committee , consisting of the Master , Wardens , Past Masters ,

and Bros . Potter , Strugnell , and Simpson , having been appointed to audit the account on the 29 th May next , Bro . Jackson moved , and Bro . Walls seconded , that a Past Master ' s jewel should be awarded to the outgoing VV . M . This motion having been put by thc J . VV . was carried with

acclamation . The sum of five guineas was then voted to Bro . Strugnell ' s list , who had kindly consented to act as Steward on behalf of the Farringdon Without Lodge at the ensuing festival of the Girls' School . There being no further business before the lodge , it was duly closed . There was no banquet .

CAXTON LODGE ( No . 1853 ) . —A regular meeting of this young and prosperous lodge took place at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Monday evening , the 5 th inst . There was a large assemblage of members and visitors . Bro . T . H . Meredith , P . M . and P . Z ., presided throughout thc proceedings , assisted by an excellent staff of officers . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of thc

meeting of February , and those of the emergency meeting of March , were read and confirmed . The business , which next engaged attention , comprised the raising of Bros . H . L . Diprose , S . Morby , J . Watmore , H . Harmer , and H . VV . Percy ; the passing of Bros . B . Wynne and Jas . Thompson ; and the initiating of Messrs . VV . J . Welch , T . Tyrer , and J . T . R . Gibbs . The three ceremonies were ably

worked by the presiding officer . A ballot was in the course of the evening taken for the admission of Bros . J . Pardee , of the Sphinx Lodge , No . 1329 , and E . Waters , ofthe Wanderers' Lodge , No . 1604 , the result being declared to be in their favour . Bro . Dr . Kempster , P . M . of the Earl Spencer Lodge , who assisted at the consecration of the lodge in January last , was afterwards elected an honorary

member . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned tothe Freemasons' Tavern , where the remainder of the evening was pleasantly passed . The visitors were Bros . J . J . Holland , S . D . 1044 ; Thos . C . Pratt , S . W . 957 ; J . T . Pilditch , S . VV . 1420 ; T . F .. M . Hardy , P . M . 14205 J . B . Oakman , 1360 ; John C . Cox , P . M . 1257 ; J . Gibson , P . M . 1420 ; and John Diprose , P . M . 957 .

BOLTON . —Anchor and Hope Lodge ( No . 37 ) . — A meeting of the above lodge was held on Monday , the 5 th inst ., at the Swan Hotel . Present : Bros . Johnson Mills , W . M . ; G . P . Brockbank , P . P . S . G . D ., as S . W . ; E . M . Garstang , J . VV . ; J . D . Porteous , P . P . G . J . W . Renfrew , Sec ; Wm . Slater , P . P . S . G . D ., Treas . ; Jas . Robinson , J . D . ; Jas . Walker . P . M ., as I . G . ; M . " Roiley . Tvler ;

Past Masters Bros . S . Crowther , P . G . S . of W . Duxbury , John Robinson , and Brow . The minutes of the last mectiqg having been read and confirmed , three candidates for initiation were balloted for and elected . The VV . M . announced that he had consented

to serve as Steward at thc festival of the Girls' School , also that along with Bros . G . P . Brockbank and Jno ^ . Morris , members of this lodge , he had attended the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge in London . Some routine business having been transacted , lodge was closed at seven p . m ., in good harmony .

BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . — A regular meeting of this lodge was called to be held on the day fixed for thc election of members of Parliament , when it was felt that the attendance would be very limited , and the candidate would not be able to be present . It was , therefore , determined to postpone al ! business except a ballot for a new member , and this arrangement was carried out .

On Thursday , the Sth inst ., an emergency meeting was held , when , at 7 . 40 p . m ., the chair was taken by Bro . Dr . Hopkins , VV . M ., and P . P . G . S . W . for Warwick , supported by Bros . Braham , I . P . M . ; Ashley , Treas . and P . P . G . J . W . ; Cater , Sec ; T . Wilton , D . C . and P . P . G . J . W . ; Hunt , S . W . ; Radway , J . W . ; Mercer , S . D . ; Holmes , J . D . ; Ames , LG . ; W . L . Baldwin , Org . ; T . E . Wilton , Stwd . ; F . Wilkinson , P . P . G . S . of Wks ., P . M . ; Moutrie , P . P . G .

S . VV ., P . M . ; Rubie , P . P . G . J . W ., P . M . ; R . P . Floyd , P . P . G . Reg ., P . M . ; and F . Brown , P . P . G . S . W ., P . M . There were also present Bros . Howes , W . M . 906 , and Gill , 53 , as visitors . The lodge having been opened by the VV . M ., the

circular of summons was read by the Secretary . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . J . G . Wilton was examined most satisfactorily , entrusted , and dismissed for preparation . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , the candidate was re-admitted , and raised to the rank of M . M . by the W . M ., at whose request Bro . Ashley kindly