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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
our to propose to you is that of " Ihe Pro Grand Master , thc Deputy Grand AIaster , and the Grand Officers ,-I resent and Past ; " and with that I shall couple the name of Bro . the Rev . Ambrose Hall , the Grand Chaplain . V cry few words of mine are necessary to commend this toast to you . 'There can be no doubt that the great measure of he jrreat success whicb Alasonry lias attained is due to the Grand Ollicers . 'The success of an institution depends
largely upon the officers ; and when we look upon Frccmason " ry and the constituency it represents , 1 may say it stands alone in representing , as a body , the intelligence and substantial wealth of the country . When wc Hunk that this vast organisation is employed solely for the objects of benevolence , and not for political and other purpose' , as it might be under another regime , wc sec that it is due to the influence exercised by tbe v . taml OHiccvs ;
and so long as Grand Lodge is represented by such gentleinert as our present Grand Officers there is no fear that Freemasonry vvill not prosper . . Bro . Hall , ' Grand Chaplain , replied , and said : Worshipful Alaster and brethren of the Granite Lodge—Each time I ri < e to return thanks for the Grand Ofiicers 1 feel difficulties arise—on the one hand of saving too much , and on the other of not saying enough . I am deeply sensible of the
Lind manner in which this toast has been proposed and received . The VV . AI . has alluded to a little instrument ¦ which enables one to bear speeches from a distance . Much as vve should like to hear thc eloquence at the Savage Club —which is great—I should be sorry ( o think that my words would be telegraphed to the Savage Club . For the Grand Ofiicers I return you my sincere thanks . I need not allude sneeiallv to inv Lord Carnarvon and my Lord Lathom , for
the value of the work they do is well known , but I may allude particularly to two special brethren , Hro . Maclntyre and Bio . Alonckton . Thc Grand Ollicers do all tvey can , not only in this country but in every country under the control of the Grand Lodge . The kind words uttered by ( he W . AL , coming from such a dislinguished lodge as ( he Granite Lodge , come witb double effect , and when they arc made known to the Grand Officers they will feel it an
additional compliment . I thank you on behalf of the Grand Officers of lingland , and wish long prosperity to thc Granite Lodge . Hro . Turner , I . P . M .: Brethren , I have a toast lo propose to vou this evening . The W . AL lias not got it all his own way ; I have this privilege , but it docs not benefit mc , 1 havc to propose "The Health of our esteemed AIaster , Uro . Kirk . " Hrethren , I did not know tbat vvben Hro .
Kirk was placed in the chair of K . S . it vvas part of his duty to bring to your notice thc novelties that have lately been patented , but as I know that he is very scientific , he must , I suppose , be allowed to be thinking of something else . Well , brethren , I am quite sure that our Uro . Kirk has thc interest of thc Granite Lodge always at heart . Perhaps those who do know it will always remember it as I do with very great pleasure , that his father was the hrst AIaster of this lodire . And remembering this , I can imagine how
delighted he must be that you havc placed him in that honourable position . For he has served the whole of the offices-I have noticed it particularly—with great credit to himself and great pleasure to the Granite Lodge . And , therefore , it is with feelings of the greatest pleasure anil fit-light that I sit iijioii his left , and that I nave been called upon to give you the toast of his health after installing him into the chair of K . S . Willi these remarks 1 trust that
you will drink his health heartil y in bumpers . The W . AL , in responding , said : Hrethren—I thank you , Hro . Turner , verv sincerely for thc kind way in which you have put this toast before the Granite Lodge , and you for the very kind way in which you have received it . You who arc members or the Granite Lodge will perhaps appreciate belter than others the feelings which actuate me in responding to this toast . The members of Ibis lodge know that
my father filled the chair first in this lodge ; and it has been my ambition to fill the same chair also . It 1 pass through my year of office satisfactorily to the members of this lodge 1 shall be satisfied , and 1 shall be content to lapse into thc respected string of Past Alasters . In thc meantime I shall do my best to deserve your approbation . I have to thankmany members of this lodge , beyond the kind expressions of mv friend and Past Master , for thc many kind
expressions which I have received on all sides , and which I take this opportunity to acknowledge ; and I hope during my year of office I shall not forfeit the good esteem which thev have been kind cnimgh to hold ; and when I refinguisti this chair to my successor I hope it vvill be with undiminished lustre and attachment on your part . The Chairman next proposed " The Health of the Initiate , " which was duly honoured by the company , and
briefly acknowledged by Hro . Faux . The Chairman : Our time is never loo long , and it is now gelling rather short . The next toast is one of the most important of thc evening— " The Visitors . " I suppose hospitality is one of ( lie most popular virtues next to benevolence . A large number of distinguished brethren have honoured us with tbeir presence this evening , and I should like to hear their names read over . ( Hro . Thomas , thc
Secretary , read the visitors' names from the attendance book , making appropriate comments upon them as he did so . ) 1 think from the remarks tbat have fallen from our Hro . Secretary 1 canno ( do better than select the Member for Ireland " who is not a Home Ruler . " I know that political matters arc not introduced on these occasions , but as our Hro . Secretary , who knows all about such matters , has introduced thc remark , I think I shall not be far wrong
if 1 express a wish that the Alembcr for lyrone should respond for this toast . Bro . MACLAKEN said , when an Irishman is seen standing on bis legs , making a speech , a very considerable feeling of apprehension must arise , for the probability is that he will stand as long ai he is able . Well , you need not be under that apprehension in my case . Your Worship ful Alaster has told us of an invention to manufacture snccchcs bv machinery , but if thev are introduced
into the Houses of Parliament to multiply speeches there , and in every place where speaking takes place , the houses will be emptied and people vvill go and live in lite country . However , inventions are announced and sometimes fall back to the ground , and 1 hope it vvill be so in this case . When vve look round us 1 think wc must acknowledge that
this is the mo .-t hospitable lodge in the most hospitible ¦ craft . Wc outnumber the members of the lodge by live or six , but they need not be alarmed , because wc will sit down < juictly again and continue to consume the good things that arc set before us . "There ' s is something rotten in the State of Denmark , " and by Denmark , of course , I mean
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Ireland , because , of course , being an island it is nearest to a peninsula , but though there is discord in thc country generally , there is a spirit of peace and concord in thc Craft . Our Grand Alaster is not of royal lineage , but of next to royal lineage , and comes of a house that once pretended to the throne of Scotland . Tie has occupied the Vice-royal Chair in Ireland with credit to himself and honor unon England . He is not only a Mason himself , but
he has also brought up his sons as Alasons . When the Prince of Wales was installed in the Albert Hafi , thc eldest son of the Earl of Abercorn filled the office of Grand Waiden of lingland . His second son is also a Mason , and represents Liverpool . His third son is Lord Hamilton , member for Middlesex , and his youngest son is also a Alason , and received , by dispensation , the three degrees in one evening , as he vvas about to proceed to Russia , a
country where FVcemasonry is not allowed . If , therefore , you have a proud name at your head , wc have also a noble , excellent man at our head . And I say that wc have real Masonry in Ireland ; vve slick to thc principles of thc Craft , and are determined to hold them with fidelity and truth . Worship ful sir and brethren , I thank you for thc honor you havc done mc in asking mc to return thanks for thc visitors . 1 witnessed the W . M . 's working of the lodge ,
and saw the admirable way in vvhich the late Alaster acquitted himself of the very onerous task he had this evening . On the part of thc visitors 1 beg leave to return our most grateful thanks , and to say that the oflencr you ask us thc better we shall be pleased . Bro . Levander said though not called upon , he must ask the VV . AI . 's permission to say a few words . He had frequently had thc pleasure of visiting thc Granite Lodge ,
but on this occasion ( he pleasure was enhanced by ( he fact that the new Alaster vvas the sen of an old member of thc St . Thomas ' s Lodge . There was a brother present ( Hro . Cockcroft ) who initiated Hro . Kirk ' s father into Freemasonry in the St . Thomas ' s Lodge , and who installed him in that lodge . The late Uro . Kirk afterwards became AIaster of the Granite Lodge over vvhich he worthily presided , lie ( Hro . Levander ) knew that the virtues of thc
father would be also manifested in thc son , and that during his year of ofiice he would cany out thc duties of thc lodge to their satisfaction . 'The Chairman proceeded to propose " The Health of the Past Alasters , " for which Bro . Turner responded , and afterwards that of " The Working Ollicers ofthe Lodge , including thc Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " which vvas responded to by Hro . 'Thomas , the Secretary , and by the Senior Warden , and thc Tyler ' s toast , as usual , closed the proceedings .
'The musical arrangements vvere entrusted to Hro . Stedman , whose choir boys were also in attendance . Their performance of the grace , " I ' or these and all Thy mercies , " and " 'The National Anthem , " in which the solos were rendered by Alaster Frank Tehbutt , was extremely good . "The musical brethren were Uros . Lindon Hodges , G . VV .
Hanson , Stedman , Franklin Clive , and Fredk . West , P . AL and Treasurer , vocali-ts , and Hro . John Jeffreys , pianist and acenmpanyist . Aliss Heck , daughter of Hro . Louis Beck , P . P . G . Org ., who has only recently come before thc public as a concert singer , was also present as a vocalist , and sang with good effect .
KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . IJRI ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge vvas held on the ; lh inst ., at thc Horns 'Tavern , Kennington Park . Among those present were Uros . Speedy , VV . AI . ; VV . Webb , S . VV . and W . M . elect ; Marston , J . VV . j VV . Alann , P . AL , Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . AI ., Sec ; Kohler , I . P . AL ; Stokes , S . D . ; Stranger , J . D . ; Appleton , VV . S . ; Koch , P . AL ; Higgins , P . AL ; Reeves , P . AL ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B .
Aliddx ., P . AI . ; and Reinardt , Tyler . 'The visitors were Hros . Hrooke , P . AI . Duke of Cornwall ; Leaver , 141 ; Spicer , 1 S 4 ; Hardy , 190 ; Fcuilliidc , 6 4 S ; Rickman , 97 j ; Lowsdcn , 134 S ; and Edmonds , 1507 . 'The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Hro . Aleredyth was raised to the Degree of a AI . AL , and Bro . Feuillade passed to thc Second Degree , both ceremonies being well performed .
Bro . Webb , S . VV ., was then presented by the I . P . AL to ( he W . AL , to receive at his bands thc honour of installation . Thc Installing Officer having appointed Bros . Koch , as S . W . ; Higgins , as J . VV . ; VV . Stuart , as LG . ; and T . C Walls , as D . C , proceeded to carry out the ceremonial in a manner that rctlcctcd the greatest credit upon him , more especially as it was his first essay . The officers invested weie as follows : Bros . Coburn ,
S . VV . ; Appleton , J . W . ; W . Alann , P . AL , Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . AL , Sec ; Speedy , LP . M . ; Stranger , S . D . ; Cooper , J . D . ; Bates , I . G . ; Aleredyth , VV . S . ; and Reinardt , Tyler . Several communications from absent members having been read , notably one from Bro . Everett , P . AL , who is suffering from severe illness , ( iic lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was
served 111 thc large concert hall attached to thc tavern . Upon the removal of the cloth the usual routine of toasts was given from the chair . "The Health of the VV . AI . " was proposed in warm terras by the LP . M . In live course of ( its speech he spoke of thc long connection of the W . AL with tiie Kennington Lodge . Although but a joining member , his interest in the well being of the lodge equalled thc efforts of thc founders ,
not only in respect of his uniform attendance , but to his zeal in thc discharge of the duties attached to the various positions which he had successively and ably held . In conclusion the I . P . AL said that he looked forward with a great deal of pleasure to thc VV . AL ' s year of otlicc . 'The W . AL , in repl y , expressed his gratification to thc I . P . AI . for the very flattering way in which he had given
his health . Although a considerable tunc had elapsed since he ( the VV . AI . ) had joined the Kennington , namely , ten years , and notwithstanding he had seen several members , his junior in the lodge , pass thc chair , yet that day bad made amends for ajl disappointments , and he could say in homely but sincere terms that that vvas thc proudest moment of his life .
'The toast of "I he 1 . P . AL' followed , in proposing which thc W . AI . indulged in some ivcll-deserved encomiums upon the signal success that had attended thc I . P . AI . 's tenure of ofiice . lie had been favoured with a great number of initiates , and had discharged his duties most creditably , and bad left a larger balance in the Treasurer ' s hands than had ever been known in the history of the Kennington Lodge . In conclusion , he said that it afforded him ( the VV . M . ) thc most unqualified satisfaction in being in a posi-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
tion to present thc I . P . M . with the jewel vvhich had been unanimously voted to him at thc last meeting . Bro . Speedy having in modest language acknowledged the compliment and the gift that accompanied it , " The Health of the Visitors" followed . Bros . Hrooke , Hardy , Lowsdcn , and others responded in terms more or less eulogistic , upon thc " working" and hospitality of thc day ' s proceedings .
" I he Past Alasters " came next in order . In giving this toast the VV . AI . expressed his regret , vvhich he fehr would be shared by all present , that one of their oldest and most esteemed Past . Masters , viz ., Uro . F ^ erett , vvas absent through severe indisposition . _ This toast having been cordially received , Bros . Afann ,
Koch , Higgins , Reeves , and Walls severally replied . "The Alasonic Charities vvas coupled with the name of Bro . Appleton , Steward for thc R . AI . B . L . Bro . Appleton having responded , " The Treasurer and Secretary " and " The Officers " brought thc proceedings to a conclusion . A very excellent programme of instrumental and vocal music was given by Bros . Alatz , Thompson , and Schartou .
THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held on Saturday , the nth inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , when there vvere present Bros . C Taylor , W . AL ; VV . F . Kittle , S . W . ; F . T . C . Keeble , J . VV . ; J . Cook ( locum tenens ) , S . D . ; R . Fendick , J . D . ; VV . F . Potter , I . G . ; Headon , P . AL and Ireas . ; Blackie , P . AI . and S .-c . ; Stevens , P . AL , and thc following visitors : Uros . Bucknell , P . AL 1311 ; Chignir ,
1 . M 5 ; Collin , J . D . 1572 ; Baker , I . G . 1 70 S ; Taylor , 1765 ; Hay , 170 S ; Davis , 03 ( United States ); Laurence , 1 S 02 ; Thompson , 15 S 0 ( Freemason ) . 'There vvas a somewhat smaller attendance of members than usual . The lodge having - been opened and the usual preliminaries gone through , Bro . Bniokman was passed to the Degree of F . C . Some propositions having been made , the lodge was closed and thc brethren adjourned to refreshment .
At the close of the repast the VV . AI . gave the first toast , " The Oueen and the Craft , " and said as her virtues were so well-known he need not expatiate upon them . In giving the next toast be did so in a comprehensive form , including " I he AI . W . Grand Master , the Piiiicc of Wales , thc Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Alaster , the Karl of Lathom , Deputy Grand AIaster , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " and said so much had been said about them that lie did not
think he need take up the time of thc brethren by compelling them to listen to anything he mi ght say in their favour . Hro . Hamer , thc LP . M ., in rising , said he was once more entrusted with thc emblem of power , and the use he should make of it would be to propose " The Health of the VV . AI . of The Great City Lodge . " It would ill become him to say all he could say of him in his presence , and should simply confine himself to giving his health , with prosperity
and success to him . The W . AL , in responding to ( he ( oast of his health , said : Urcthrcn , I am very much obliged to Bro . I lamer for the very kind manner in which he has proposed the ( oas ( of my health , and I am equally obliged to you , brethren , for the manner in vvhich you have received that toast . I feel that I r . m a long way oft' from coming up to the point that I shall desire to attain in discharging the duties of
AIaster of 1 he Great City Lodge . Circumstances have lately occurred vvhich have prevented me from looking forward to fill the position in Ihe lodge in a manner which I expected to do ; but having put my hand tothe plough , I did not think I should look back , but to do my best in the position in vvhich you have placed me . I am again obliged to you for the kind manner in vvhich you have drank my health , and I shall ever remember with feelings of pride that I
have passed through the chair of 1 he Great City Lodge . 'The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose vvas one that was always well received in The Great City Lodge , as it vvas " The I lealth of thc Visitors . " Since the formation of the lodge lie had found that every W . M . -Always felt not only proud , but highly honoured by the presence of Visitors , whether their fare was humble bread and cheese or a sumptuous repast . He ( ben enumerated them , and asked tho
brethren to drink with all cordialily Ihe health of ( heir brother visitors , coupling with the ( oast the name of Uro . Coffin . Hro . Goffin , in responding , said that as that was ( he first time he had ever visited The Great City Lod ge he vvas somewhat surprised on being called on to return thanks for the visitors ; but as the greatest sin a man could be guilty of was ingratitude , as a return for the kind rcception ' he had
met with he begged to return thanks for the visitors . 'The name of the lodge made it incumbent upon them to maintain its greatness as connected with thc greatest city in theworld . Haviig heard thc minutes read that night , he found there set lorth the great features of Freemasonry , for they had given assistance to the old men and women , and to a brother who was now removed to the Grand Lodge above . I le had never enjoyed himself more than he had
done on thc present occasion . Some of the other visitors also responded ( 0 ( he ( oast . The W . AL said he had great pleasure in proposing the next toast as it vvas a most important one . It was ' * The Health of thc Past Alasters of The Great City Lodge . " Uro . Hamer , I . P . AL , said he lose at once ( o perform a
duty which belonged to him alone , and to return thanks on behalf of himself and the Past Alasters who were absent , for those who were present were able to speak for themselves . On thc present occasion he could say but little , except to thank them for the confidence they had always reposed in the Past Masters . Uro . Stevens said a few words in acknowledgment of the
toast . Uro . Headon , 'Treasurer , could onl y say that he vvas very thankful to them for their kind wishes . Hro . Hlackie , Secretary , also returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him . The W . AL next gave " The Treasurer and . Secretary of thc Lodge , * and in response Hro . Headon said that thc Treasurer appeared to be something like a double-barrelled
gun , for having discharged one barrel in returning thanks as Past Master , he had afterwards to shoot off the other as 'Treasurer , but he might say , that so long as they were pleased to approve of him as their Treasurer , so long- he should be pleased to respond to the toast . He urged that charity was the foundation-stone of Freemasonry , and said in that lodge they always put five per cent , aside of all their receipts for thc cause of charity , thus enabling the lodge to provide for all wants , and give something to the
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
our to propose to you is that of " Ihe Pro Grand Master , thc Deputy Grand AIaster , and the Grand Officers ,-I resent and Past ; " and with that I shall couple the name of Bro . the Rev . Ambrose Hall , the Grand Chaplain . V cry few words of mine are necessary to commend this toast to you . 'There can be no doubt that the great measure of he jrreat success whicb Alasonry lias attained is due to the Grand Ollicers . 'The success of an institution depends
largely upon the officers ; and when we look upon Frccmason " ry and the constituency it represents , 1 may say it stands alone in representing , as a body , the intelligence and substantial wealth of the country . When wc Hunk that this vast organisation is employed solely for the objects of benevolence , and not for political and other purpose' , as it might be under another regime , wc sec that it is due to the influence exercised by tbe v . taml OHiccvs ;
and so long as Grand Lodge is represented by such gentleinert as our present Grand Officers there is no fear that Freemasonry vvill not prosper . . Bro . Hall , ' Grand Chaplain , replied , and said : Worshipful Alaster and brethren of the Granite Lodge—Each time I ri < e to return thanks for the Grand Ofiicers 1 feel difficulties arise—on the one hand of saving too much , and on the other of not saying enough . I am deeply sensible of the
Lind manner in which this toast has been proposed and received . The VV . AI . has alluded to a little instrument ¦ which enables one to bear speeches from a distance . Much as vve should like to hear thc eloquence at the Savage Club —which is great—I should be sorry ( o think that my words would be telegraphed to the Savage Club . For the Grand Ofiicers I return you my sincere thanks . I need not allude sneeiallv to inv Lord Carnarvon and my Lord Lathom , for
the value of the work they do is well known , but I may allude particularly to two special brethren , Hro . Maclntyre and Bio . Alonckton . Thc Grand Ollicers do all tvey can , not only in this country but in every country under the control of the Grand Lodge . The kind words uttered by ( he W . AL , coming from such a dislinguished lodge as ( he Granite Lodge , come witb double effect , and when they arc made known to the Grand Officers they will feel it an
additional compliment . I thank you on behalf of the Grand Officers of lingland , and wish long prosperity to thc Granite Lodge . Hro . Turner , I . P . M .: Brethren , I have a toast lo propose to vou this evening . The W . AL lias not got it all his own way ; I have this privilege , but it docs not benefit mc , 1 havc to propose "The Health of our esteemed AIaster , Uro . Kirk . " Hrethren , I did not know tbat vvben Hro .
Kirk was placed in the chair of K . S . it vvas part of his duty to bring to your notice thc novelties that have lately been patented , but as I know that he is very scientific , he must , I suppose , be allowed to be thinking of something else . Well , brethren , I am quite sure that our Uro . Kirk has thc interest of thc Granite Lodge always at heart . Perhaps those who do know it will always remember it as I do with very great pleasure , that his father was the hrst AIaster of this lodire . And remembering this , I can imagine how
delighted he must be that you havc placed him in that honourable position . For he has served the whole of the offices-I have noticed it particularly—with great credit to himself and great pleasure to the Granite Lodge . And , therefore , it is with feelings of the greatest pleasure anil fit-light that I sit iijioii his left , and that I nave been called upon to give you the toast of his health after installing him into the chair of K . S . Willi these remarks 1 trust that
you will drink his health heartil y in bumpers . The W . AL , in responding , said : Hrethren—I thank you , Hro . Turner , verv sincerely for thc kind way in which you have put this toast before the Granite Lodge , and you for the very kind way in which you have received it . You who arc members or the Granite Lodge will perhaps appreciate belter than others the feelings which actuate me in responding to this toast . The members of Ibis lodge know that
my father filled the chair first in this lodge ; and it has been my ambition to fill the same chair also . It 1 pass through my year of office satisfactorily to the members of this lodge 1 shall be satisfied , and 1 shall be content to lapse into thc respected string of Past Alasters . In thc meantime I shall do my best to deserve your approbation . I have to thankmany members of this lodge , beyond the kind expressions of mv friend and Past Master , for thc many kind
expressions which I have received on all sides , and which I take this opportunity to acknowledge ; and I hope during my year of office I shall not forfeit the good esteem which thev have been kind cnimgh to hold ; and when I refinguisti this chair to my successor I hope it vvill be with undiminished lustre and attachment on your part . The Chairman next proposed " The Health of the Initiate , " which was duly honoured by the company , and
briefly acknowledged by Hro . Faux . The Chairman : Our time is never loo long , and it is now gelling rather short . The next toast is one of the most important of thc evening— " The Visitors . " I suppose hospitality is one of ( lie most popular virtues next to benevolence . A large number of distinguished brethren have honoured us with tbeir presence this evening , and I should like to hear their names read over . ( Hro . Thomas , thc
Secretary , read the visitors' names from the attendance book , making appropriate comments upon them as he did so . ) 1 think from the remarks tbat have fallen from our Hro . Secretary 1 canno ( do better than select the Member for Ireland " who is not a Home Ruler . " I know that political matters arc not introduced on these occasions , but as our Hro . Secretary , who knows all about such matters , has introduced thc remark , I think I shall not be far wrong
if 1 express a wish that the Alembcr for lyrone should respond for this toast . Bro . MACLAKEN said , when an Irishman is seen standing on bis legs , making a speech , a very considerable feeling of apprehension must arise , for the probability is that he will stand as long ai he is able . Well , you need not be under that apprehension in my case . Your Worship ful Alaster has told us of an invention to manufacture snccchcs bv machinery , but if thev are introduced
into the Houses of Parliament to multiply speeches there , and in every place where speaking takes place , the houses will be emptied and people vvill go and live in lite country . However , inventions are announced and sometimes fall back to the ground , and 1 hope it vvill be so in this case . When vve look round us 1 think wc must acknowledge that
this is the mo .-t hospitable lodge in the most hospitible ¦ craft . Wc outnumber the members of the lodge by live or six , but they need not be alarmed , because wc will sit down < juictly again and continue to consume the good things that arc set before us . "There ' s is something rotten in the State of Denmark , " and by Denmark , of course , I mean
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Ireland , because , of course , being an island it is nearest to a peninsula , but though there is discord in thc country generally , there is a spirit of peace and concord in thc Craft . Our Grand Alaster is not of royal lineage , but of next to royal lineage , and comes of a house that once pretended to the throne of Scotland . Tie has occupied the Vice-royal Chair in Ireland with credit to himself and honor unon England . He is not only a Mason himself , but
he has also brought up his sons as Alasons . When the Prince of Wales was installed in the Albert Hafi , thc eldest son of the Earl of Abercorn filled the office of Grand Waiden of lingland . His second son is also a Mason , and represents Liverpool . His third son is Lord Hamilton , member for Middlesex , and his youngest son is also a Alason , and received , by dispensation , the three degrees in one evening , as he vvas about to proceed to Russia , a
country where FVcemasonry is not allowed . If , therefore , you have a proud name at your head , wc have also a noble , excellent man at our head . And I say that wc have real Masonry in Ireland ; vve slick to thc principles of thc Craft , and are determined to hold them with fidelity and truth . Worship ful sir and brethren , I thank you for thc honor you havc done mc in asking mc to return thanks for thc visitors . 1 witnessed the W . M . 's working of the lodge ,
and saw the admirable way in vvhich the late Alaster acquitted himself of the very onerous task he had this evening . On the part of thc visitors 1 beg leave to return our most grateful thanks , and to say that the oflencr you ask us thc better we shall be pleased . Bro . Levander said though not called upon , he must ask the VV . AI . 's permission to say a few words . He had frequently had thc pleasure of visiting thc Granite Lodge ,
but on this occasion ( he pleasure was enhanced by ( he fact that the new Alaster vvas the sen of an old member of thc St . Thomas ' s Lodge . There was a brother present ( Hro . Cockcroft ) who initiated Hro . Kirk ' s father into Freemasonry in the St . Thomas ' s Lodge , and who installed him in that lodge . The late Uro . Kirk afterwards became AIaster of the Granite Lodge over vvhich he worthily presided , lie ( Hro . Levander ) knew that the virtues of thc
father would be also manifested in thc son , and that during his year of ofiice he would cany out thc duties of thc lodge to their satisfaction . 'The Chairman proceeded to propose " The Health of the Past Alasters , " for which Bro . Turner responded , and afterwards that of " The Working Ollicers ofthe Lodge , including thc Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " which vvas responded to by Hro . 'Thomas , the Secretary , and by the Senior Warden , and thc Tyler ' s toast , as usual , closed the proceedings .
'The musical arrangements vvere entrusted to Hro . Stedman , whose choir boys were also in attendance . Their performance of the grace , " I ' or these and all Thy mercies , " and " 'The National Anthem , " in which the solos were rendered by Alaster Frank Tehbutt , was extremely good . "The musical brethren were Uros . Lindon Hodges , G . VV .
Hanson , Stedman , Franklin Clive , and Fredk . West , P . AL and Treasurer , vocali-ts , and Hro . John Jeffreys , pianist and acenmpanyist . Aliss Heck , daughter of Hro . Louis Beck , P . P . G . Org ., who has only recently come before thc public as a concert singer , was also present as a vocalist , and sang with good effect .
KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . IJRI ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge vvas held on the ; lh inst ., at thc Horns 'Tavern , Kennington Park . Among those present were Uros . Speedy , VV . AI . ; VV . Webb , S . VV . and W . M . elect ; Marston , J . VV . j VV . Alann , P . AL , Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . AI ., Sec ; Kohler , I . P . AL ; Stokes , S . D . ; Stranger , J . D . ; Appleton , VV . S . ; Koch , P . AL ; Higgins , P . AL ; Reeves , P . AL ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B .
Aliddx ., P . AI . ; and Reinardt , Tyler . 'The visitors were Hros . Hrooke , P . AI . Duke of Cornwall ; Leaver , 141 ; Spicer , 1 S 4 ; Hardy , 190 ; Fcuilliidc , 6 4 S ; Rickman , 97 j ; Lowsdcn , 134 S ; and Edmonds , 1507 . 'The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Hro . Aleredyth was raised to the Degree of a AI . AL , and Bro . Feuillade passed to thc Second Degree , both ceremonies being well performed .
Bro . Webb , S . VV ., was then presented by the I . P . AL to ( he W . AL , to receive at his bands thc honour of installation . Thc Installing Officer having appointed Bros . Koch , as S . W . ; Higgins , as J . VV . ; VV . Stuart , as LG . ; and T . C Walls , as D . C , proceeded to carry out the ceremonial in a manner that rctlcctcd the greatest credit upon him , more especially as it was his first essay . The officers invested weie as follows : Bros . Coburn ,
S . VV . ; Appleton , J . W . ; W . Alann , P . AL , Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . AL , Sec ; Speedy , LP . M . ; Stranger , S . D . ; Cooper , J . D . ; Bates , I . G . ; Aleredyth , VV . S . ; and Reinardt , Tyler . Several communications from absent members having been read , notably one from Bro . Everett , P . AL , who is suffering from severe illness , ( iic lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , which was
served 111 thc large concert hall attached to thc tavern . Upon the removal of the cloth the usual routine of toasts was given from the chair . "The Health of the VV . AI . " was proposed in warm terras by the LP . M . In live course of ( its speech he spoke of thc long connection of the W . AL with tiie Kennington Lodge . Although but a joining member , his interest in the well being of the lodge equalled thc efforts of thc founders ,
not only in respect of his uniform attendance , but to his zeal in thc discharge of the duties attached to the various positions which he had successively and ably held . In conclusion the I . P . AL said that he looked forward with a great deal of pleasure to thc VV . AL ' s year of otlicc . 'The W . AL , in repl y , expressed his gratification to thc I . P . AI . for the very flattering way in which he had given
his health . Although a considerable tunc had elapsed since he ( the VV . AI . ) had joined the Kennington , namely , ten years , and notwithstanding he had seen several members , his junior in the lodge , pass thc chair , yet that day bad made amends for ajl disappointments , and he could say in homely but sincere terms that that vvas thc proudest moment of his life .
'The toast of "I he 1 . P . AL' followed , in proposing which thc W . AI . indulged in some ivcll-deserved encomiums upon the signal success that had attended thc I . P . AI . 's tenure of ofiice . lie had been favoured with a great number of initiates , and had discharged his duties most creditably , and bad left a larger balance in the Treasurer ' s hands than had ever been known in the history of the Kennington Lodge . In conclusion , he said that it afforded him ( the VV . M . ) thc most unqualified satisfaction in being in a posi-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
tion to present thc I . P . M . with the jewel vvhich had been unanimously voted to him at thc last meeting . Bro . Speedy having in modest language acknowledged the compliment and the gift that accompanied it , " The Health of the Visitors" followed . Bros . Hrooke , Hardy , Lowsdcn , and others responded in terms more or less eulogistic , upon thc " working" and hospitality of thc day ' s proceedings .
" I he Past Alasters " came next in order . In giving this toast the VV . AI . expressed his regret , vvhich he fehr would be shared by all present , that one of their oldest and most esteemed Past . Masters , viz ., Uro . F ^ erett , vvas absent through severe indisposition . _ This toast having been cordially received , Bros . Afann ,
Koch , Higgins , Reeves , and Walls severally replied . "The Alasonic Charities vvas coupled with the name of Bro . Appleton , Steward for thc R . AI . B . L . Bro . Appleton having responded , " The Treasurer and Secretary " and " The Officers " brought thc proceedings to a conclusion . A very excellent programme of instrumental and vocal music was given by Bros . Alatz , Thompson , and Schartou .
THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held on Saturday , the nth inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , when there vvere present Bros . C Taylor , W . AL ; VV . F . Kittle , S . W . ; F . T . C . Keeble , J . VV . ; J . Cook ( locum tenens ) , S . D . ; R . Fendick , J . D . ; VV . F . Potter , I . G . ; Headon , P . AL and Ireas . ; Blackie , P . AI . and S .-c . ; Stevens , P . AL , and thc following visitors : Uros . Bucknell , P . AL 1311 ; Chignir ,
1 . M 5 ; Collin , J . D . 1572 ; Baker , I . G . 1 70 S ; Taylor , 1765 ; Hay , 170 S ; Davis , 03 ( United States ); Laurence , 1 S 02 ; Thompson , 15 S 0 ( Freemason ) . 'There vvas a somewhat smaller attendance of members than usual . The lodge having - been opened and the usual preliminaries gone through , Bro . Bniokman was passed to the Degree of F . C . Some propositions having been made , the lodge was closed and thc brethren adjourned to refreshment .
At the close of the repast the VV . AI . gave the first toast , " The Oueen and the Craft , " and said as her virtues were so well-known he need not expatiate upon them . In giving the next toast be did so in a comprehensive form , including " I he AI . W . Grand Master , the Piiiicc of Wales , thc Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Alaster , the Karl of Lathom , Deputy Grand AIaster , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " and said so much had been said about them that lie did not
think he need take up the time of thc brethren by compelling them to listen to anything he mi ght say in their favour . Hro . Hamer , thc LP . M ., in rising , said he was once more entrusted with thc emblem of power , and the use he should make of it would be to propose " The Health of the VV . AI . of The Great City Lodge . " It would ill become him to say all he could say of him in his presence , and should simply confine himself to giving his health , with prosperity
and success to him . The W . AL , in responding to ( he ( oast of his health , said : Urcthrcn , I am very much obliged to Bro . I lamer for the very kind manner in which he has proposed the ( oas ( of my health , and I am equally obliged to you , brethren , for the manner in vvhich you have received that toast . I feel that I r . m a long way oft' from coming up to the point that I shall desire to attain in discharging the duties of
AIaster of 1 he Great City Lodge . Circumstances have lately occurred vvhich have prevented me from looking forward to fill the position in Ihe lodge in a manner which I expected to do ; but having put my hand tothe plough , I did not think I should look back , but to do my best in the position in vvhich you have placed me . I am again obliged to you for the kind manner in vvhich you have drank my health , and I shall ever remember with feelings of pride that I
have passed through the chair of 1 he Great City Lodge . 'The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose vvas one that was always well received in The Great City Lodge , as it vvas " The I lealth of thc Visitors . " Since the formation of the lodge lie had found that every W . M . -Always felt not only proud , but highly honoured by the presence of Visitors , whether their fare was humble bread and cheese or a sumptuous repast . He ( ben enumerated them , and asked tho
brethren to drink with all cordialily Ihe health of ( heir brother visitors , coupling with the ( oast the name of Uro . Coffin . Hro . Goffin , in responding , said that as that was ( he first time he had ever visited The Great City Lod ge he vvas somewhat surprised on being called on to return thanks for the visitors ; but as the greatest sin a man could be guilty of was ingratitude , as a return for the kind rcception ' he had
met with he begged to return thanks for the visitors . 'The name of the lodge made it incumbent upon them to maintain its greatness as connected with thc greatest city in theworld . Haviig heard thc minutes read that night , he found there set lorth the great features of Freemasonry , for they had given assistance to the old men and women , and to a brother who was now removed to the Grand Lodge above . I le had never enjoyed himself more than he had
done on thc present occasion . Some of the other visitors also responded ( 0 ( he ( oast . The W . AL said he had great pleasure in proposing the next toast as it vvas a most important one . It was ' * The Health of thc Past Alasters of The Great City Lodge . " Uro . Hamer , I . P . AL , said he lose at once ( o perform a
duty which belonged to him alone , and to return thanks on behalf of himself and the Past Alasters who were absent , for those who were present were able to speak for themselves . On thc present occasion he could say but little , except to thank them for the confidence they had always reposed in the Past Masters . Uro . Stevens said a few words in acknowledgment of the
toast . Uro . Headon , 'Treasurer , could onl y say that he vvas very thankful to them for their kind wishes . Hro . Hlackie , Secretary , also returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him . The W . AL next gave " The Treasurer and . Secretary of thc Lodge , * and in response Hro . Headon said that thc Treasurer appeared to be something like a double-barrelled
gun , for having discharged one barrel in returning thanks as Past Master , he had afterwards to shoot off the other as 'Treasurer , but he might say , that so long as they were pleased to approve of him as their Treasurer , so long- he should be pleased to respond to the toast . He urged that charity was the foundation-stone of Freemasonry , and said in that lodge they always put five per cent , aside of all their receipts for thc cause of charity , thus enabling the lodge to provide for all wants , and give something to the