Reports Of Masonic Meetings

Henry Johnson , P . M . ; Jno . T . Walker , Thomas Pink , James Duke , VVm . Russe ' ll , B . Brett , G . F . Williams , H . Ridgley , E . Aeirstin , James B . Colwill , C . Hildere , T . Biggs , A . Wolter , G . Slingsby , F . Henman , and the following visitors : Bros . John Sampson Peirce , Grand Deacon , P . M . 2 ; Frederick Binckes , P . M ., G . Steward ; S . King , VV . M . 105 G ; J . G . Fi-her , W . M . 1624 ; S . Carrington , P . M . 1624 ; G . F . Henly , 1 S 6 ; G . L . Midgley , iSS ; D .

Reekie , 511 ; J . Daniels , 70 C ; A . Drake , 1196 ; J . Bond , 1314 ; W . C . Smith , 1563 ; J . Snook , 1604 ; H . Bond , 1624 ; C . Taylor , 1624 ; H . Taylor , 1634 ; H . Scott , 1624 ; and F . A . Kelly , 1524 ( Freemason ) . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed . The W . M . then proceeded to raise Bro . Henry Ridgley to the Sublime Degree of -Master Mason , which ceremony Bro . Williams

performed in a most exceptionally correct and impressive manner . Ballot was then taken for the following gentlemen , Messrs . F . R . Stock , C . R . Cross , C . H . Bull and Lee . Wahltuch , which proving unanimous in their favour , they were subsequently initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry , this ceremony , like the former , being given by Bro . Williams in a highly ellicient manner . The Secretary was then called upon to read the bye law con . cerning the

election of VV . M . and Treas ., which Bro . Cantle immediately did . The ballot was then proved with the result being unanimously in favour of Bro . Neilson , S . VV . ; as Worshipful Master , and Bro . Thurkle , P . M . Treas ., both brethren returning thanks in neat terms for the honour conferred upon them . On the motion proposed by Bro . Castle , seconded by Bio . Johnson , P . M ., Bro . Woodstock was reelected Tyler . Bros . Captain Helelen , James Colwill

and Henry Johnson were next appointed Auditors . Bro . Cantle then rose and said , that he had a very pleasant duty next to perform , which was to propose that the usual sum b . e voted b y the lodge , for the purpose of procuring a suitable Past Master ' s jewel , to be presented to their Worshipful Master at the next meeting . They all knew thc valuable services that Bro . VVilliams had rendered to the lodge since his connection with it , but more

particularly during his Mastership , the duties appertaining to which office he had performed in a remarkably able manner , lt would be superfluous for him ( Bro . Cantle ) to recount all Bro . William ' s services to the lodge , as they were as well known to the members , who , he was sure , fully appreciated them , and would agree that he had discharged his duties as W . M . of the . Creaton Lodge in a most able and excellent manner . Col . Creaton , G . T ., in

seconding the motion , referred to Bro . Williams s services in highly complimentary terms , and the same being put before the lodge , was carried unanimously . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Glee Room , where an excellent banquet was served under the superintendence of Bro . Best and his able manager , Bro . Dawkins . In introducing the list of toasts , the VV . M . observed that , owing to the late hour in consequence of the heavy work in

lodge , his remarks must be very brief . He then gave in loyal terms the toast of " The Queen and the Craft . " Then followed that of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M .., " in introducing which the W . M . remarked Iiow pleasing it was to know the interest H . R . H . took in the welfare of ths Order . He had read with pleasure in a recent number of the Freemason the remarks of the Grand Secretary at the Whittington Lodge , in which that

distinguished officer had said that , although His Royal Highness was unable to be present at many meetings of the brethren , yet he took the greatest possible interest in the working of the Order . There was scarcely a pcint beyond the routine business of the Craft which he ( the Grand Secretary ) , had not to lay before the Prince , and on which he did not express his own opinions and decisions . The next toast was that of " The Earl of

Carnarvon , M . VV . Pro G . M . ; the Earl of Lathom , R . W . D . G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Ofiicers , Present and Past . " To the two noblemen all praise was especially due to the great interest they at all times exhibited for the welfare ' of the Craft , in fact nothing seemed too much for them . They were fortunate in having present two Grand Officers , one was their own first Master , after whom the lodge was named , and Bro . John Sampson Peirce , Grand

Deacon , whose name he should attach to the toast , it being the express wish of the gallant colonel that he should always be passed over in favour of other Grand Officers present . Bro . Peirce , in reply , made some most humorous remarks , and highly praised the W . M . for his ability both in the lodge and at the banquet table . Bro . Peirce then referred in complimentary terms to the services of the Earl of Lathom and the rest of the Grand Officers , a better

representative of whom could not be seen than Col . Creaton ( loud cheers ) , whom he had known with much pleasure for twenty-five years , both in and out of Masonry . VVith respect to the present Grand Officers he likened them to the initiates—young at thc business , but hoped they would prove as good as their predecessors . Bro . Johnson , P . M ., then proposed , in warm terms , " The Health of the VV . M ., " who , in returning thanks , said that

when he took office he was not insensible to the ' responsibilities , but he had endeavoured to master them , an'd having the confidence of the brethren and the support of the officers he trusted he had to some extent succeeded . The next toast was that of " The Initiates , " who , in turn , replied . Bros . C . Dy ke and J . G . Fisher having replied on behalf of " The Visitors , " the VV . M . proposed the next toast , which was that of "The P . M . 's , " regretting that

Col . Creaton was not present to reply , having had to leave early in consequence of illness at home . Bro . Henry Johnson , I . P . M ., having acknowledged the toast , the W . M ., upon again rising , said he was also exceedingly sorry thai circumstances had prevented the Treasurer staying to the banquet , but alihough absent in bod y , he knew his heart was with them , for few lodges had such a worthy brother for their Treasurer ' as they had , but he must pass

on and speak of another brother whose name would be associated with this toastyand that was Bro . J . J . Cantle , Secretary . He was , as it were , the moving spirit of the lodge : always thinking of its welfare , and always doing something for its good and the happiness of its members , lt would take too long to enumerate half his good qualities , but it any brother at any time wanted any assistance in any

way , cither in ritual or otherwise , they could go to P . M . Cantle and they were sure to get all the information or help they wanted . How much we esteem him was shown b y the testimonial of ring , clock , and vase the lodge presented him with last year . But not satisfied with that , one of our members , Bro . Thos . Biggs , an artist of some note , thought lie would like to show Bro . Cantle how much he personall y

Reports Of Masonic Meetings

respected and regarded him , and to that end set to work and painted his portrait on canvas . How good it is brethren can see for themselves , for Bro . Briggs is about to uncover it and show you his work . Our Bro . T . T . Matthews , hearing what Bro . Biggs was doing , said his regard for Bro . Cantle was second to none , and he would specially design and have made a frame for it , and now , brethren ,

you see the very handsome productions their combined efforts have made ; and may our worthy brother live many years to see that hanging on his walls , and think how highly the brethren of Creaton Lodge esteem him . The W . M . then , in the name of Bros . Biggs and Matthews , anel with the best wishes of all the brethren of the Creaton Lodge , presented the valuable and

handsome testimonial to Bro . Cantle , who , in reply , said he felt first he had to thank the VV . M . for the many good things he had been pleased to say about him , not only upon that occasion , but every time he had had occasion to speak of him during his year of office , and to all the brethren for the hc-arty and cordial way they had been pleased to receive the W . M . ' s words and respond to the toast of his health .

That the lodge had been a great success there was' no denying , nor could he deny he perhaps had been , the means of first forming the lodge , and , after the craft" had been fairly launched , had done a great deal towards bringing about that success ; but then they must remember how well the craft had been manned , what excellent captains they had to take the helm in Bros . Col . Creaton and Johnson and

now Bra . Williams , thew present VV . M . ; they had made a name in Masonry , and they had to thank themselves for it , for in thefirst year they sent him ( Bro . Cantle ) as Steward for the Girls' School with a list , and in the second Bro . Johnson for the Benevolent Institution with another , making together over £ 400 . That they had appreciated what he had done for them was exceptionally shown in the

very handsome presents they had made him . He still wore the ring the W . M . put on his finger last year , and it should never leave it , and now this hearty token of esteem from Bros . Biggs and Matthews . He did not know how to thank them enough in words , but he thought the best he could do was to do as he had hitherto done , the very best

he could for the welfare of Freemasonry , the good of the lodge , the comfort and happiness of the brethren , and remain their sincere friend , the Secretary . The VV . M . then rose to propose the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " saying he thought acts were better than words . Bro . Cantle represented the lodge for the Girls , Bro . Johnson for the Old People , and lie ( the speaker ) would now stand

Steward for the Boys , and hoped the lodge would support him as they had the former Stewards . Bro . Binckes made an excellent reply . The toast of "The VV . M . Elect and the other Officers " was responded to by Bro . Nicholson . The Tyler ' s toast brought a most enjoyable evening to a close . The proceedings were greatly enhanced by tlie excellent programme of , music by Bro . Cantle , ; assisted by Bro . Oliver , Mr . W . Offord , Madam Susanna Cole , and Miss Beatrice Wade .

ST . AMBROSE LOD 3 E ( No . 1891 ) . —A large gathering of Grand Officers , Past Grand Officers , and brethren assembled at the Earl's Court Hotel , West Kensington , on the 12 th inst ., -to honour the installation of Bro . Frank Ramsay , M . D ., P . M ., as second VV . M . of the above lodge , and the show of the gold and purple gave much effect to this always interesting ceremony . When

lhc Board of Installed Masters was opened there were present VV . Bros . Sir . Francis Burdett , P . G . AI . Middx . ; Hugh . D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal ; ' Hon . R . \ V . H . Giddy , D . G . M . Griqualand ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , M . A ., P . G . C ; Col ; Shadwell H . Gierke , G . S . ; Lieut .-Col . Somerville Burney , P . G . D . ; Capt . N . G . Philips ; P . G . D . ; Thos . Fenn , P . G . D . ; Raynham Stewart , P . G . D .: Lewis Thomas ,

P . A . G . D . C ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; F . Binckes , Sec . Boys'School ; Bristly , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; and H . E , Frances , P . P . G . D . Surrey . Bros . VV . H . Smith , P . M ., Treas . ; Holland , P . M ., Secretary ; C . VV . Tayleur , P . M ;; Foakes , P . M . ; Casey , P . M . ; Gladwell , W . M . 172 ; Egan , P . M . S 58 ; Ruf , R . M . 12 ; Rolls , P . M . 27 ; Hoadly , P . M . 172 ; Cordingly , VV . M . 44 ; Murlis , P . M . 1642

Pocock , P . M . ; and G . Marshall , F . G . S ., P . M . The W . M . being duly installed , the following members and visitors re-entered and greeted him—Members : Bros . Mallett Jones , Org . ; Bn ' ckly , Becket , Hill , F . Quartermayne , Smiles , F . J . Cater , G . Edwardes , Henix , Carpenter , Fletcher Jones , Perry , Morley , Skar , Letchwich , C . Godfrey , Plulpots , and Giff ; Visitors : Bros . Pidcock , 857 ; Whittaker , 1648 ; Gostrel , 246 ;

Paget , 1 S 2 S ; Hall , 859 ; Oatsen , 158 ; and Cook , 259 . Bro . Rev . Ambrose Hall , G . C , the retiring VV . M ., was most impressive in the ceremonies of the evening , which consisted of the initating of the Rev . F . Bruce , B . A ., raising Bro . Bruce Rennie , and installing Bro . Ramsay ; much effect was also given to the various ceremonies by the admirable organ accompaniments by Bro . Mallet Jones .

After the appointment of ofiicers , the closing addresses of the installation ceremony were well given by Bro . Col . Somerville Burney , P . G . D ., who retires as Past S . VV . of this lodge , An important feature in the evening was now the presentation of amost superb suite of Grand Lodge clothing and pendant jewel to Bro . Hall . This had been subscribed for by the officers of the lodge , to commemorate his being the

first W . M ., and mark the esteem he is held in b y the members . Bro . Ramsay , in the presentation , testified to the pleasure it afforded him to be the deputy of the members on the occasion , and of his own friendship and esteem for the worthy recipient . Bro . Hall , with much feeling and eloquence , thankejd the brethren for their munificent and handsome gift . The suite , which had been procured from

Bro . George Kenning , gave great satisfaction to the brethren . After the closing the brethren adjourned to banquet , where some shortcomings must be excused from the great strain upon the host from an unusually large gathering ; the wines were , however , of excellent quality . The toasts were duly honoured , but owing to the late hour the speeches

were of necessity brief . The VV . M ., Bro . Sir Francis Burdett , returned thanks for "The Grand Officers ; " Bro . Fenn , P . G . D ., for " The Visitors ; " and Bro . Binckes , in his usual manner , for "The Charities . " Much pleasure was afforded the brethren by the excellent singing of Bros . Quartermayne , Smiles , Morley , and Mallett Jones . A handsome banner , painted b y Bro . Francis ,- decorated the lodge room , presented by Bro . the Rev . Ambrose W . Hall , G . Chap .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings

MONTAGUE GUEST LODGE ( No . 1900 ) . — The regular meeting of this newjodge was held on Wednesday evening at the Inns of Court Hotel , Lincoln ' s Innfields . The brethren present on this occasion were Bros . William M . Dean , W . M . ; E . Festa , S . W . ; F . R . VV . Hodges , J . W . ; J . D . Collier , P . M ., Secretary ; Herbert J . Capun , S . D . ; Henry Slyman , J . D . ; Samuel Brooks , D . C ; VV . H . Gardener . I . G .: W . H . Staff . Organist :

Geoffrey Stead , Chas . M . Tate , Edward G . Ogston , Doble , Travers , P . P . G . S . W . Dorset . Visitors : Bros . F . Bass , 922 ; T . W . Warford , 771 ; E . J . Petts , 209 ; Stephen A . Cooper , I . P . M . 16 37 ; John . O . Carter , P . M 209 , PP . G . S . W . Berks and Bucks ; Wheatley , 137 ; Pattison , 1597 ; and H . Massey , P . M . 619 , W . M . 192 S ( Freemason ) . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the regular meeting of October 12 th . and the emerirencv

meeting of November 15 th , Bros . Tate , Staff , Ogston , and Stead were raised , Bro . Doble was passed , and Mr . Wm . Arthur Austen was initiated . ' Dr . Skinner , of Lyme Regis , was proposed on behalf of Bro . Montague Guest , M . P ., Prov . G . M . for Dorset , as a joining member . The proposition was seconded by thc VV . M . ' On the motion of Bro . Festa , S . VV ., seconded by Bro . J . D . Collier , P . M ., Seer , ten guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for

Girls , and to be placed on the list of the VV . M . as Steward for the lodge , at the next festival of the Institution . On the motion of Bro . Festa , S . W ., seconded by Bro . F . R . W . Hedges , J . VV ., two guineas were voted for the W . M . 's Steward ' s fee . The VV . M ., in thanking the brethren for the vote to his list , hoped the lodge would do thesame every year . An initiate having been proposed , the lodge was closed . The brethren afterwards sat down to a sumptuous

banquet . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed . ' After the "Queen and the Craft , " and "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " had been cordially proposed and responded to , the VV . M . proposed "The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " In doing so he said the brethren were quite well aware what the Grand Officers and the

Officers of Grand Lodge were—that they were brethren of eminent ability , and that there was nothing they were not . acquainted with in Freemasonry ; and for the welfare of the Order they were always ready and willing to assist in everyway they could . Bro . Travers , P . Prov . G . S . W . Dorset , in proposing "The Health of the VV . M ., " said it was a very pleasant duty which fell to him as acting in the capacity of P . M . in the lodge , to propose the toast . In

years ago the monument was erected to Christopher VVren , si monumentum quceris circumspice , which was still to be seen . When in the lodge to-night he thought those words would well apply to the W . M . When they saw a W . M . going through the three ceremonies of raising , passing , and initiation , all in the same evening , without mixing them up , and making a regular plum pudding work of them , he thought they ought to be verv proud of the

Master in the chair . He did not think it needed what he had done that evening to recommend the W . M . to them . Perhaps his work that evening was another link in the chain that jbound him to the brethren . The VV . M . in reply-said he thanked them sincerely for the very kind way in which the toast had been proposed and drunk . It had afforded him a great deal of pleasure that evening to do the work . In

tact it was always a pleasure for him to do any work in Freemasonry , and more particularly in this Montague Guest Lodge . He sincerelv trusted he should be spared to work many ceremonies there and that they should not have a meeting without having one or two ceremonies at least . He had , as they pretty well knew , the interest of ' the lodge at heart , and certainly he had a great feeling fordoing what was rightand properforthesuccessof the Montae-ueGuestLodire .

While he was on his legs he would mention one little matter which he thought of bringing forward before , with regard to the charities—charity being the first thing they should look to do in Freemasonry . He had had it in contemplation to establish a charity box , but at the present tiihe he was not disposed to do so , for this reason , that as they had voted a sum of money for the charities that evening , and as he should be going up as Steward , as he hoped everv Master

of this lodge would , he- had the idea oi throwing out a : little hint that if they could at all do anything in the way of charity by assisting the VV . M . of this lodge , whenever he should be going up as Steward , in the shape of placing something on his list , they would be doing a little for the cause of charity in its entirety . He thought the question of charity boxes was one there might be some discussion about . But as charity was one of their

objects they should do their best to support it . Therefore , as with their permission , that evening he was going up as Steward for the Girls' School , he would ask the brethren to support a list which the Secretary had for them to place something upon . It would be most thankfully received , and faithfully applied . The VV . M . next proposed "The Initiate . " .. They were all extremely pleased to see the initiate . Of course thev liked to have

initiates , and he was sorry the other two were not present , but through unavoidable circumstances they coulel not be present . If they had not initiates they would have no ceremonies , ancl therefore they were very pleased to see them . He hoped that what the initiate had seen that evening had pleased him , and from the way in which he went through the ceremony the brethren felt satisfied that he would become a true and worthy Mason . The further he

went on the better he would like it , and there was no doubt that he would follow in the footsteps of those brethren who were an honour and glory to the Craft . Bro . Austen , in reply , said he esteemed the flattering terms in which the VV . M . had spoken of him very much , and the reception he met with from the brethren was of great pleasure to him . What the VV . M . had said had been extremely gratifying to him , and he was much delighted with what he had seen in

the lodge , more especially that part of the work which had concerned himself . The VV . M . next proposed "The Health of the Visitors . " No lodge was more desirous to have visiters than the Montague Guest Lodge . Its members were always delighted to see visitors because they well knew that visiting lodges created that good feeling that

ought at all tunes to exist among Freemasons . There were little differences in the working of the lodges , but still they were very small , but for that reason brethren should desire to see visitors , because if there were little differences they were able to see the differences and appreciate the connection of the whole system of Freemasonry . It was not only in the lodge that they were delighted to see visitors , but also at the festive board , where they en-