Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

C i ] BENJAMAN FRANKLIN ON FREEMASONRY . The able Editor of the Keystone , Philadelphia , has a racy article on " Franklin ' s Early Newspaper Accounts of Freemasonry . " The first extract is dated London , April ''i . 1730 , and refers to a Grand Lodge held at the " Devil Tavern , " the Duke of Norfolk , Grand Master . The second bears date May iO , 1730 ( Pcnna . Gazette , August ( ith to 13 th ) and alludes to a meeting of the " Old Horn

, Lod"e { now No . 4 ) , at which were the Duke of Norfolk , Grand Master , N . Blackerby , D . G . M ., Duke of Richmond ( Master of the lodge ) , Marquis of Beaumont , Lord M ordaunt , Marquis de Quesne , & c . Francois Louis de Gouffieri , C . L . President de Montesquier , Comte de Sade , John Campfield , William Cowper , ot Golden Square , and Capt . John Merch , " were admitted members of the ancient and honourable Society of Free and Accepted

Masons . " Another reference to English Freemasonry is " London , June 11 , 1730 . On Monday last , the celebrated Mr . Orator Henley was admitted a Free and Accepted Mason at the Prince William Lodge , Charing Cross , several noblemen and persons of distinction being present at the ceremony . " Bro . McCalla says " we cannot identify the lodge in which he was made a Mason , since in 1729 two lodges met at Charing Cross . " Being glad to obtain the who sub

date of the initiation of the Rev . John Henley , - sequently delivered an oration on behalf of the Fraternity , I have had a search after the lodge , and have succeeded in tracing it . It does not occur in Bro . Gould ' s " Four Old Lodges " as held at the " Prince William " in his list of lodges 1736-39 , because first of all , the lodge was then extinct , but in the list of lodges 1730-2 , at the previous page it is recorded as " 64 Rose Tavern , withoutTemple

, ^ Bur , " the lodge having removed to " Rose Tavern " apparently in 1731-2 . In the only list I know of for the year 1730 , it occurs as " Prince William , Charing Cross , Feb . 26 , 1730 . Bro . John Lane tells me , that for the purposes of his great work ( which is to contain all the lodges warranted by the Grand Lodges of England , 1717-1 S 85 I , he

consulted the lists I have of 1730 , 1733 , l ? 34 > a"d ! 735 , besides others , and found that the lodge dropt out after 1735 . He concurs with me in the belief that No . 641 s the lodge referred to by Franklin . The series of articles in the Keystone on Earlv Freemasonry are of special value . _ I think the one dated Sep . 26 th , 1 SS 5 , should be reprinted in the Freemason . VV . J . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

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ROYAL NAVAL LODGE ( No . 59 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 12 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . Present : Bros . G . R . Ousey , W . M . ; W . Winnett , S . W . ; J . F . Tyler , J . W . ; Stephen Barton Wilson , Treks . ; A . G . Beale , Sec ; J . W . duff , J . D . ; E . Rindskopf , D . C . ; A . J . Hone-Goldney , I . G . ; Sydney E . Yates , Stwd . ; Edward J . Mills , Tyler ; J . Nicholson , P . M ., W . G . Hanson , P . M ., P . F . Portway , T . E . Quick , Chas . G . Ousey , and J . S . Ouartermaine . Visitors : Thos . Hunt ,

J . W . 1471 ; T . B . Capstick , 1 S 6 ; A . b . Porter , 172 S . The lodge was opened in due form . Bro . J . S . Quartermaine was passed as a F . C . and presented with the working tools of that degree in the most able manner by the Worshipful Master . After the lodge was closed , the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where they partook of an excellent banquet under the presidency of the W . M ., and in the course of the evening were honoured with the presence of Bro . John L . Mather , P . M ., & c .

LODGE OF ST . JAMES ( No . 765 ) . —A numerous gathering of members of , and visitors to , this excellent lodge assembled at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , on Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., for the installation of Bro . VV . H . Tilling , one of its most popular members , into the chair of K . S . Bro . H . W . Mitten , W . M ., opened the lodge punctually at the hour appointed , and there were present during the proceedings of the evening

the following brethren , viz .: Bros . W . H . Tilling , S . W . ; George Tilling , J . W . ; F . Child , P . M ., Treas . ; R . Tilling , P . M ., Sec . ( father of the W . M . elect ); E . J . Rawle , S . D . ; R . VV . Foster , J . D . ; E . J . Jones , Stwd . ; J . II . Costello , I . G . J Geo . Rowe , Tyler ; James Abbott , P . M . ; James Cox , P . M . ; Thomas Nevill , P . M . ; C . Slow , J . Spencer , T . Price , A . Careys , W . Roberts , G . Perkins , H . Burnell , Alf . Tilling , VV . Brindler , R . A . Thompson , C . A . CohveU , Kent

L . C . Morlet , W . J . Stahlshmidt , D . Bladford , T . , D . Samuels , C . E . B . Rudd , R . Bowes , T . H . Sparling , T . Williams , and others . The visitors were Bros . James Stevens , P . M . 720 , 1216 , 1426 ; E . Bridges , P . M . 311 ; T . Nunn , P . M . 1531 ; G . Sewell , P . M . 1457 ; G . Treves , W M . 720 ; J . Loader , W . M . 1622 ; E . Johnson , W . M . 134 ; Henry Taylor , P . M . 5 S 6 ; D . Jones , 15 S 6 ; H . J . Almond 1427 ; J- Read » ' 39 ' I A . C . Wood , 720 ; J . C .

, Larner , S . W . 15 S 6 ; J . Mills , 1714 ; H . Strickland , 169 ; VV . Montgomery , S . W . 1475 5 T . R . Williams , S . D . 147 ; C . H . Cooke , 34 ; W . Fountain , 879 ; G . Sahng , 205 ; VV . J . Brooker , 1329 , I 4 2 C 1 J- E . Jones , 2011 ; J . Smith , 15 SC ; F . W . Farmer , 25 ; Chaplin Henry ; Walter Bolton , 170 ; and H . M . Smith , 1586 . . . The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmedand there being no business beyond that of the

in-, stallation set down for the proceedings of the evening , Bro . W . H . Tilling was presented as W . M . elect , and the W . M ., Bro . Mitten , in a most admirable style , and in strict accordance with every detail of the ceremonial , installed his successor , who received from all the brethren most hearty congratulations on his attaining the honourable

position of W . M . At the request of the Installing Master Bro . James Stevens , P . M ., undertook the duties of D . C . as well in the Board of Installed Masters , as in the subsequent business of the lower degrees , and the investment of officers ; duties with which that brother is so frequently charged when opportunities offer . The officers appointed

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

by the W . M ., and those elected by the lodge , were invested and most ably addressed , in thefollowingorder , viz . : Bros . Georcre Tilling , S . W . ; E . J . Rawle , J . W . ; H . W . Mitten , LP . M . ; F . Child , P . M ., Treas . ; R . Tilling , P . M ., Sec ; R . W . Foster , S . D . ; J . E . Costello , J . D . j E . J . Jones , I . G . ; George Hyde , P . M ., D . C . ; C . H . Dent , Steward ; and Geo . Rowe , Tyler . Propositions for initiation and

joining having been received , and communications read , " Hearty good wishes " were expressed by the numerous visitors respectively , and the lodge was closed . The banquet was served in the large Crown-room of the Hotel , and gave general satisfaction , both in regard to provision and sufficiency of attendance . The musical portion of the entertainment was under the direction of

Bro . Chaplin Henry , with Bro . F . R . Kinkee at the pianoforte , and Mademoiselles Madeline Hardy and Helen Heath , and Bros . Henry Taylor and Walter Bolton , as vocalists . It is almost needless to say that under such direction , and with such excellent talent , the enjoyment of the company was considerably enhanced , and the W . M . very commendably advocating brief addresses in proposing

and responding to the several toasts , left ample time for the several encores . which . the merits of the singers so well deserved . After grace had been sung , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts honoured , "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by his predecessor , and was drunk with enthusiasm .

In his reply , the Worshipful Master expresssd his devotion to the best interests of the lodge , and the welfare and happiness of its members , and that devotion he assured them should not be lessened during his year of office . He had to thank Bro . Mitten , the now I . P . M ., for much assistance in the past , and more especially now for the benefit of installation he had received at his hands . It gave him

great pleasure to decorate him with the handsome jewel which the lodge had voted to Bro . Mitten in recognition of his past services , and , in doing so , he called upon hishearers to drink his health , and wish him long life and prosperity . Bro . Mitten was most cordially received on rising , and in very forcible terms expressed his thanks . Amongst the remaining toasts was that of" The Visitors , "

who were severally introduced to the members of the lodge , and were heartily welcomed . On their behalf responses were made by Bros . James Stevens , P . M . ; J . Loader , W . M . 1622 ; E . Johnson , W . M . 124 ; VV . Montgomery , S . W . 1475 ; A . C . Wood , I . G . 720 ; and J . W . Farmer , 25 , who respectively expressed their thanks and appreciation of both the " labour and refreshment " which had been

set before them . The Tyler ' s toast , at a somewhat late hour , concluded one of the most enjoyable Masonic reunions in which we have at any time taken part , and the Lodge of St . James , No . 765 , may fairly record on their minutes of proceedings as a " red-letter day " that on which took place the installation of their present W . M .

RANELAGH LODGE ( Xo . S 34 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge took place on Tuesday , the 13 th inst ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly , Bro . James Sims , W . M ., in the chair , when about fifty members were present , including Bros . Hubbard , C . Williams , Seymour , E . Lucas , and Wilkins , who were passed to the Second Degree . On the W . M . rising , Bro . H . Purdue , I . P . M ., proposed in a most appropriate manner that this lodge convey its most

unanimous and hearty congratulations to their most distinguished brother and member of the Ranelagh Lodge , Bro . Sir C . VV . Dilke , on the occasion of his marriage , which was most ably seconded by Bro . Blake , J . W ., and carried unanimously . The brethren afterwards sat down to a most enjoyable banquet . The usual Masonic toasts were given , and some excellent singing by Bros . Oliver , P . M ., May , A . Williams , Chapman , Wilkins , Stolworthy , and Hubbard , No . o . visitor .

CAPPER LODGE ( No . 1076 ) . —The election meeting of this lodge took place on Thursday , the Sth inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , Bro . VV . Nevins , W . M ., in the chair , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bros . W . Dorton , I . P . M . ; N . H . McCarthy , P . M . ; H . Holliday , P . M . ; W . Mitchell , P . M . ; W . H . Harris , S . W . ; W . Watkins , J . W . ; J . Dorton , P . M ., Treas . ; J . C . Pitt , Sec . ; C . L . Mears .

S . D . ; VV . Semple , J . D . ; J . Still , I . G . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; J . Tytheridge , Stwd . ; F . C . Ward , E . Barrett , J . White , J . Sully , W . Anderson , R . Brown , G . Treadwell , T . Yates , W . " Crow , H . Anderson , 346 , and C . Jolly , S . W . 1472 { Freemason . ) The lodge having been opened and the minutes confirmed , Bro . Sully was passed , and the ballot being

unanimous for Capt Charles Butler Loney , that gentleman was initiated in due form ; both ceremonies were performed by the W . M . The election of W . M . for the ensuing 12 months was then proceeded with , and Bro . Harris was unanimously elected , and returned thanks . Bro . J . Dorton was re-elected Treasurer , and he returned thanks . Bros . Brown and Ward were elected Auditors ; and Bro .

Tuberfield as Tyler . Bro . H . Holliday was re-elected President of the Lodge Benevolent Fund ; and Bro . Mitchell Vice-President . Bros . Tytheridge , Still , and Dale were elected to serve on the Committee of the Fund . It was unanimously resolved that a jewel of the value of ten guineas

should be presented to the W . M . as a token of the esteem of the brethren , and in recognition of the admirable manner in which he had conducted the business of the lodge during the past 12 months . After the W . M . had returned thanks , the lodge was closed in due form .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This lodge met at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Oval , on the 6 th inst ., when there were present among others Bros . Stranger , W . M . ; Plowman , S . W . ; Feiiillade , J . W . ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . '; Lingley , S . D . ; Cruse , I . G . ; Westley , D . C . ; Radcliffe , W . S . ; George Everett , P . M . ; H . Higgins , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middlesex ,

P . M . j Kohler , P . M . ; Cockburn , P . M . ; Palmer , Bailey , and others . The minutes of the former meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . Hughes and Thomas were raised and Bro . A . Lundie passed . A vote of sympathy having been passed to Bro . W . Mann , P . M ., Treas ., who has recently met with an accident , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the usual toasts followed .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

" The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . Everett in a kind and fluent speech . The Worshipful Master having replied , then gave "The Visitors , " which toast was responded to by Bros . Ba ' e P . M . S 7 , and Mildred , 2024 . ' '

The pledge of "The Past Masters " followed , and was harmoniously acknowledged by Bro . G . Everett , P . M . "The Treasurer and Secretary , " responded to by Bro . Stuart , and " The Officers , " replied to by Bro . Plowman ' S . W ., terminated the proceedings . '

ATHENAEUM LODGE ( No . i 49 i ) .-Thc autumnal session of this lodge was inaugurated on Wednesday , the 7 th inst ., when there was a large muster of brethren to support Bro . G . S . Waterlow , the W . M ., attheAthentcum , Camden-road , N . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of previous meeting confirmed , after which Mr . J . Bass and Mr . J . VV . Miller were regularly initiated

into Freemasonry in accordance with ancient custom . The effective working of the First Degree by the W . M . elicited the hearty commendation of the brethren , and much sympathy expressed towards theVV . M ., who was suffering from a slight indisposition . Some discussion followed concerning a motion of Bros . P . M . 's P . H . WaterlowandM . Maybrick , which had for its object the alteration of one of the

byelaws affecting the Benevolent Fund and grants to distressed brethren , after which the brethren adjourned to a sumptuous banquet in the hall of the institution . Then followed the usual Masonic toasts , which were ably expressed and fraternally received by the brethren . Referring to the toast of " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . Geo . S . Waterlow said he regretted that

the important offices of State held by the shining lights of the Order— . the Earl of Carnarvon and Earl of Lathom — deprived Masonry to a certain extent of their ever zealous services ; moreover , he sincerely regretted the absence that evening of one whom they all regarded with feelings of fraternal admiration as ever ready to do " aught for Freemasonry and anv

lodge in particular : " he alluded to R . W . Bro . Sir John Monckton , P . G . S . VV . He ( the W . M . ) had hoped to have seen their distinguished brother amongst them , but was afraid that his arduous duties , both public and private , compelled him to set a great regard upon himself in order not to overtax his energies . Bros . Bass and Miller , replying to the toast of " The

Initiates , " expressed their grateful thanks for the admission to "light , " and hoped by merit and ability to progress further into the mysteries of the Craft . The toasts of " The Past Masters ; " "The Treasurer ;" "The Secretary ; " "The W . M . ; " "The Principal Officers ; " and the Tyler followed , and the assembly

dispersed in harmony . Bros . J . Matthews , A . James , Schartau , and Thompson rendered a selection of songs and part music during the evening , which contributed very largely to the enjoyment of the brathren . Among the visitors were Bros . Dr . Makovski , F . A . Bell , J . Miller , Jas . Matthews , H . Schartau , A . James , A . Thompson , and others .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . I 55 S ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the Sth inst ., at 4 o'clock , at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Cambenvell New-road , Bro . George Singer Stokes being installed as W . M . of the lodge . The lodge was opened by Bro . J . R . Smith ,. W . M ., and his officers . A good muster of the brethren attended , there being thirty

two visitors . The minutes of the last lodge meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M ., who installed his successor , opened the lodge in the Second Degree . Bro . P . M . Taylor , who acted as Director of Ceremonies throughout , presented the W . M . elect , who gave his unqualified consent to the ancient rules and regulations . Having engaged

himself as to his duties as W . M . elect , he assisted the other brethren and the W . M . in opening the lodge to the Third Degree . A Board of Installed Masters having been formed , Bro . G . Stokes was regularly and duly installed as W . M . of this lodge . The Installing Master , Bro . J . R . Smith , then proclaimed

him in the Three Degrees , the brethren saluting according to ancient custom . Having received his charter , constitutions , and bye-laws , the W . M . proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . Nettlefold , S . W . ; J . Walker , J . W . ; T . Taylor , Treas . ; C . Power , Sec . ; J . Plummer , S . D . ; F . Clayton , J . D . ; Brown , I . G . ; Goodyear , D . C ; Manley and Shave , W . Stwds . ; Back , Organist ; and H .

Thomas , Tyler . The ballot having been taken for a joining member , which was unanimous , the W . M . ordered the ballot to be taken for five gentlemen , who had been regularly and duly proposed . It was declared as unanimous . The following - four , Messrs . Henry Wakeford , James Clark , Frederick W . Trackson , and J . C . Purvor , being present , were initiated in due form and according to ancient custom into

Freemasonry , lhe W . M . performed the whole ceremony in a most efficient and perfect manner . The Installing Master then gave the addresses to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren in a most impressive , correct , and touching manner . Indeed , he rendered the whole ceremony in such perfect style , correctness of diction , and good feeling as to cause the remark from many visitors ,

" The Duke of Connaught Lodge has much to be proud of in its Masters and officers . " The W . M . having invited the Lord Mayor to his installation , a letter was read from his lordship stating he was sorry he could not be present owing to other engagements ' The lodge business being concluded , the brethren adjourned to the banquet , provided by Bro . G . Venables , in

the large hall . It was arranged and served up in such style as to give perfect satisfaction to every one presentan <> credit to his establishment . The visitors present were Bros . Brady , 1158 ; M . Larl " ham , P . M . 1216 ; T . Wallis , P . M . 201 ; F . J . Perry , 1658 ? H . Morris , S . D . 1273 ; D . Hughes , P . M . 001 ; J . Hug hes , \\ r K / t . r \ u' . _ i 1 \ sP ___ r , ? , ¦ _ J * . t : \\ T M . iriyui \ ueneuitu

vv .. , u . fugues , j . vv . yoi ; r . , *»•*; --1155 ; T . Corpe , P . M . 1839 ; J . Wriglcy , P . M . 210 ; W . H . Bale , P . M . 87 ; J . D . Smith , \ f . U . 1658 ; J . Hi" . S . W . 1 C 58 ; A . Runacres , P . M . 1922 ; J . Hilton , LP . M . 1475 ; F . Grants , 1922 ; A . Webster , J . W . 27 ; W . " Boys , LP . M . 1658 ; Jno . Cox , P . M . 1658 ; G . Treacher , S . D . 1475 ; W . Batty , W . M . 902 ; G . Evans , W . M . 19 23 ' S . B . Collins , 1 S 29 ; C . Evans , W . M . 1922 ; B . Haynes > W . M . 27 ; J . S . Eidmans , 225 ; W . Warring , 192 ; "