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to be ambitious for , and something to try for . The Drury Lane Lodge was a lodge of which they were all proud , it was an honour to any one to belong to it , and hethankedthe brethren perhaps more heartily than these few words could show for the way they had received the toast and their kindness in electing him W . M . Bro . Thcmas Catling , P . M . and Treasurer , replying to the toast of " The Past
Masters , " said that any brother of the Craft who was privileged to stand and respond to a toast like that might think himself peculiarly happy because in that lodge they had gathered not only what he conceived to be the best traditions of the Craft but also a bond of fellowship , of loyalty , and humanity , that helped to carry the good fame of Masonry abroad throughout the world .
Bro . James Fernandez , P . M ., said it was not possible for him to add anything in the way of novelty to what had fallen from P . M . Catling . Indeed , so little time had elapsed since he had the pleasure of responding when they had the honour of giving a dinner to an honoured member of the lodge . Lord Kitchener , that [ he felt the difficulty of his position because it was not what you had to think to say , it was to remember to forget what you had said . ( Laughter . ) Therefore , he thought that to most of the brethren the idea would occur that it was only the old thing over again . Well , after all ,
how could it be anything but the old thing , for the subject of the toast had the ancient flavour about it inasmuch as it bore reference to the old , at least , old in the sense that it alluded to those of the past . " Masters , " it was a very great and commanding sound ; " Past Masters " had something in it that carried a suggestiveness of the old school . Well , there was a sound that he must say , despite what tell from his inestimable the I . P . M ., " if we may call it an art , " he laid distinct and particular claim to . But whatever they did say they could always say with certainty that the Past Masters were
delighted to receive the remarks and kindly remembrance of their brethren because they were so much delighted at all times to further the interests of their lodge and also to see such good and worthy Masters follow them , and especially , he alluded to the I . P . M ., who , to emphasise the remarks of the W . M ., had performed the installation ceremony in a way that no one could do better . He expressed the hope that the brethren of the Drury Lane Lodge might long live to interchange such mutual good wishes . ( Applause . )
Bro . Gerald Maxwell , I . P . M ., said he was overwhelmed with the kind remarks that had iallen from the W . M ., and that had been all too kindly endorsed by worttrv P . M . Fernandtz . He would like to begin by heartily disagreeing with him in the definition of Past Masters . P . M ., he would apply to Bro . Fernandez , meant Most Excellent Master of the Craft , a brother who had passed the chair , who had risen to such excellence that he could prompt the worthy occupants of the chair if one had occasion to want it . Therefore , he could see nothing displeasing in the term Past Master . —( Bro . Fernandez : Nor
do I . )—Past Master had always been applied to adepts , and they had in their Past Masters in that lodge ( those before the I . P . M . ) most adept members of the Craft . And that led him to become a member of that distinguished Order . It happened that when he was studying at the High School at Cambridge , some colleagues told him of the mystic Cralt of Masons , and he having given his attention to the works oE the Rosicrucians , thought Masons might give him the elixir vittv and the philosopher ' s stone . At a recent meeting , where he represented the Drury Lane Lodge , he said he found
after he had passed , two or three Degrees—and since when he had passed lS others—that Masonry did not possess the secret of the philosopher ' s stone ; but he found that there was much in the ritual of Masonry which restored to his wandering faculties a certain mental equilibrium ; he found an all-satisfying religion cr rite . Therefore , he was in the position of coming to Masonry in search of a stone , and Masonry had given him bread . That was a reversal of what happened to those who sought for bread and who got afterwards a stone . Of stones it was a white one that marked the rubicon of his
having passed the chair of the Drury Lane Lodge . He had spoken of his ambition of getting in the chair , but with that ambition came the timidity that he might be an unworthy occupant of it . No doubt it was justified that he was an unworthy occupant of it ; but in Masonry , such was the fraternal regard of all brethren for one another , and the solidarity of the brethren for the W . M . in the chair , that whatever mistakes he might make , they forgot them , and if he did the ceremonies at all passably , they remembered them . He felt he had a most colossal task in succeeding Worshipful Bro . Henry Neville , who had held the lodge together during a period
of adversity , or a sort of period of indifference . It was admitted that in the affiirs of man there was a low and a high tide , and in a Masonic body with which the Drury Lane Lodge was affiliated , there was a feeling that the lodge had reached a low ebb . An indication of that was that a man like himself was being rapidly advanced to the chair . The brethren had got him there , and now they had a most advanced brother , a S . W . of the Province of Middlesex , following him , and it was with feelings of delight he ( Bro . Maxwell ) retired ftom the chair—he would not say reaching the high mark of the brethren ' s estimation , but , at all events , of having held the position of W . M . without having made an absolute and unequivocal failure .
Bro . Guy Repton , W . M ., next presented to Bro . Gerald Maxwell , I . P . M ., a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , and Bro . Maxwell acknowledged the gift , which he said he most heartily appreciate d . Bro . Bedford McNeill , responding to the toast of "The Initiates , " said it had been his ambition for many years past to be a Mason , and to-day he had started upon a career which he had the authority of the Past Master for saying it continued not merely through this life and the grave , but beyond .
Bro . the Hon . George Keppel said it should be his earnest endeavour to rise to the heights alluded to by the W . M . Bro . J . Thompson Murray said it was of course impossible for any one who was not a Mason to know anything whatever of the principles of Freemasonry , but he had been thinking it over for many years , and he was sorry he had not had time to devote to it till now . But he conceived it to be only another guise of many religions we had in this world , and he regarded those religions , in whatever guise presented , as intended for
us to leave the world better than we lound it , to leave it better lor having lived in it , and when you had gone a little regard for some kind action you had done . He knew of no purer religion in the world than this . He could only say , without egotism , if he had been asked to express what the principles governing Freemasonry were he should say the principles he was asked to sign before entering the lodge . He hoped he and the two other initiates would follow the example set before them by the W . M . and his predecessors .
Bros . Robrrt Manuel , Skewes Cox , M . P ., and C . L . Carson , responded to the toast of " The Visitors , " and Bros . Lionel Rignold , S . W ., and J . H . Barnes , J . W ., to that of "Ihe Officers "; and with Bro . Goddard , P . M ., giving the Tyler's toast , the proceedings closed .
Brondesbury Lodge , No . 2698 . The last regular meeting prior to the installation of the second W . M . was held at the Earl Derby Hotel , High-road , Kilburn , on Wednesday , the Sth inst . Present : Bros . R . J . Campbell , P . M ., P . Z ., W . M . ; A . F . Hardyment , S . W . ; C . Goodman , J . W . ; G . Coxen , Treas . ; E . George , P . M ., Sec . ; B . Stocker , P . M ., S . . D . ; A . R . Greaves , acting J . D . ; C . VV . Paine , I . G . ; F . Crook , Steward ; J . M . Goodwin , D . of C . ; Avlett , Fleming , Line , II . Crook , Wm . G . Coxen , Stringjr , C J . Greaves , A . liiwes ,
C . Hawes , Pearce , Schomberg , M . Symonds , S . A . Marks , Palmar , and Smith , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Kynaston , 177 ; Horstead , iSy 7 ; H . Williams , 15 G 7 ; and Colman , i 44 G . The lodge was opened , and the ballot having proved unanimous in his fivour , Mr . II . James Dunaway was initiated . Bro . C . Hawes was passed to the Degree of F . C ., and Bros . J . Aylett and F . C . Fleming were raised to the Degree of M . M . Bro . A . F . Hardyment , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M ., and G . Coxen , Treasurer . Bros . Paine , Goodwin , and F . Crook were elected Auditors . A vote of thanks and a
prooosiliun by Bro . George , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Hardyment , S . W ., that a jewel o ( the value of £ 10 10 s . beawarded Bro . R . J . Campbell , P . M ., W . M ., asa mark of appreciation if the admirable manner in which he had carried out the duties of his high and important office of first W . M . of the lodge , was unanimously carried . A Committee was appointed to select a design for the Past Master ' s jewel tn bs presented to Bro . Campbell and subsequent ( Masters . Bro . A . F . Hardyment , S . W ., W . M . elect , is representing the lodge nt the coming Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Old People , and has
already So guineas on his Steward ' s list . Bro . llardyment ' s abilities to carry out the duties of W . M . are well known to all the members ; although a member of the Craft for upwards of 20 years , he has not until now arrived at the su mmit of his ambition , but has for many years past been an enthusiastic attendant at lodges of instruction , and as the Preceptor of the lodge of instruction working under the banner of the Biondesbury Lodge he has shown his desire not only to keep himself perfect in our beautiful ritual , but the wish that as regards all the younger members ot his lodge needing instruction ,
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he , with the able assistance of Bro . R . J . Campbell , was only too willing to lend a helping hand in imparting the knowledge they were so well competent to give . The brethren sat down to an excellent banquet served in Bro . W . G . Coieen's wellknown style . Bro . R . j . Campbell presided . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were disposed of interspersed by vocal contributions by Bros . Paine , Fleming , Hardymint , and C . J . Greaves . Bro . A . E . Horstead , acting Organist , superintended the musical arrangenents . Mr . A . Horstead at the piano .
Bro . George , P . M . and Secretary , as acting P . M ., proposed the toast of " The W . M . " The W . M . that of "The Visitors , " which was responded to by each of the four brethren present . The toast of "The W . M . elect , " met with a very enthusiastic reception , testifying to the popularity of Bro . Hardyment . The newly-initiated brother having had to leave very early his toist was past poncd . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close an exceptionally enjoyable meeting .
Darwen Lodge , No . 381 . On Thursday , the 9 th inst ., the annual meeting of the above lodge took place for the installation of the new W . M . and other officers . Bro . James H . Buiy was elected as the W . M ., and was installed into the chair by Bro . F . Thomas , P . M . 345 , P . P . S . G . W . E . Lanes , P . P . G . R . Oxon . Bro . Thimis is one of the leading lights in the Province of East Lanes , having had provincial honours for many years , and held Oxford provincial honours previously , and he is held in high esteem by the Darwen
brethren , having performed the ceremony of installition for close upon 40 years in unbroken succession . This is looked upon as a record in the annals of Freemasonry . This estimable brother has now passed the octogenarian period of life , and is in the enjoyment of good health . The following brethren were invested into their various offices by Bro . J . Wardley , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C E . Lanes : Bro . Cocker , S . W . ; Steele , J . W . ; Procter , P . P . G . Chap . E . Lanes , Chap . ; R . J . Lomax , Sec . ; J . II . Ellison , S . D . ; J Lightbown , J . D . ; G . G . Sames , Org . ; W . Kershaw , I . G . ; Jesse Lowe and Henry Leach , Stwds . ; and A . Beswick , Tyler .
The brethren afterward celebrated the Festival of St . John the Evangelist in the large Masonic Hall , and during the proceedings a subscription amounting to nearly £ 12 was collected towards the Charity Fund .
Royal Savoy Lodge , No . 1744-The installation meeting of this well-known lodge took place at the Criterion , Regent-circus , W ., on the 23 rd ult ., when there were present Bros . George Thompson , W . M . ; A . B . Fox , S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . M . Stiles , P . G . T . Treas . ; Major C . J . Knightley , P . M ., Sec ; A . George , J . W . ; E . P . Waymouth , S . D . ; J . H . Adcock , J . D . ; W . Sparks , I . G . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . G . Std . Br ., D . C . ; H . S . Scott , Org . ; A . Ramsden , Jno . Bishop , T . Jefferies , P . M . ; A . H . Cole , P . M . ; J . Pratt , I . P . M . ;
C . P . Coles , G . Rice , his first appearance after a long absence through illness ; T . Nicholson , A . J . Tapling , A . C . Norman , R . J . T . Ward , T . J . Ash , A . J . Pratt , H . Fuller , VV . T . Lawrence , W . Javens , T . A . J . Gorniot , W . K . Humphreys , and R . Whiting , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Bros . James Irvine , P . M . S 62 ; A . H . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . W . ; W . Dawson , P . M . 1 G 22 ; James Hemming , P . M . 239 S ; W . G . Adcock , W . M . 2202 ; G . C . Tegetmeier , I . G . 1929 ; Thos . Hobley , VV . M . 1320 ; Win . Yeo , 753 ; A . Lidgate , 901 ; A . Mills , 704 ; W . J . Clark , 1 S 31 ; C . Bauer
2021 ; R . Jones , 1539 ; J . E . Lawler , 907 ; and R . T . West . After the lodge had been opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , the W . M . Bro . Geo . Thompson , raised Bro . T . A . J . Gorniot to the Third Degree , and afterwards passed Bro . W . K . Humphreys to the Second Degree . The working of Bro . Geo . Tnompson was performed in a manner that stamped him as one of the best Masters in the annals of the lodge , and in vacating the chair for Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., hecompleted his successful year of office with eclat . Bro . W . M .
Stiles , P . G . Treas ., then occupied the chair , and Bro . VV . A . Scurrah , P . G . Std . Br ., D . C , presented Bro . A . B . Fox , the W . M . elect , and he was duly installed . The W . M . appointed and invested his officers , and addressed them in suitable terms as to their respective duties , but made special mention of the past services of the indefatigable Secretary , Major C . J . Knightley , P . M . They were as follows : Bros . W . A . Scurrah , P . G . Std . Br ., S . W . ; T . Jefferies , P . M ., J . W . ; W . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., Treas . ; Major C . J . Knightley , P . M ., Sec ; A . H . Cole , P . M ., S . D . ; 1 . Pratt , I . D . ; G .
Rice , I . G . ; G . Thompson , I . P . M ., D . C ; H . S . Scott , Org . ; and R . Whiting , P . M ., Tyler . Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., gave the usual addresses . It has been our privilege and pleasure to have seen Bro . Stiles act as Installing Master many times , but on this occasion he excelled himself , and we have never seen the ceremony of installation better performed . The W . M . then rose and said that a most pleasurable duty devolved upon him to present the outgoing Master , Bro . George Thompson , with a Past
Master ' s jewel , wr . ich he had so well earned , for the great services rendered by him , and no one could have carried out the duties of W . M . with more ability . The inscription on the jewel was— " Presented to Bro . George _ Thompson , P . M ., by the Royal Savoy Lodge , No . 1744 , as a mark of esteem and in recognition of his valuable services as W . M . 1 S 9 S-99 . " In a few appropriate words , Bro . Geo . Thompson , I . P . M ., acknowledged the jewel .
The sum of one guinea was voted for "Our Dying Brother ' s Bed , " and after other business , the lodge was closed . The brethren adjourned to a choice banquet , under the genial presidency of the
W . M . The usual toasts followed . Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . ireas ., responded to the toast ot "The Pro G . Master , the Earl Amherst ; the Dep . G . Master , the Earl of Warwick ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " speaking in eulogistic terms of the great things many of the Grand Officers had done for the Craft .
Bro . W . A . Scurrah , P . O . Std . Br ., also acknowledged the toast , which he did in eloquent terms . In submitting "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . A . B . Fox , " Bro . G . Thompson , I . P . M ., stated that the VV . M . was good , his first Christian name , Alfred , was known as Alfred the good , and his second name , Benjamin—should always be well loved—was good . There was no doubt the W . M . would be able to carry out everything with satisfaction to the members of the good old Royal Savoy Lodge , as he was an excellent Mason and a very good fellow .
tiro . A . B . Fox , W . M ., in response , said he thanked Bro . Thompson for the kind way in which he had proposed the toast , and some of the members for the hearty manner in which they had received it . It had taken him iG years to reach the chair ; they could have found someone more competent —( " No , no" )—but anyway he was proud of his position , and would do his very best to give satisfaction to the members , and endeavour to keep up the old traditions of their good lodge .
The W . M . proposed "The Installing Master and Past Masters , " and said that he hardly knew what to say about the Installing Master , Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., because he was so well known , but he had never heard the ceremony of installation done better , and they had had an intellectual feast and treat . Those who had attended the lodge during the last 12 months could testify to the great services rendered by the I . P . M ., Bro . George Thompson . As a member for iG years he ( the W . M . ) had never seen the working of the ritual better doae in the lodge , and they all appreciated
him . The W . M . then referred to the Past Masters , remarking that the longer they knew Bro . W . A . Scurrah the better they liked him , and he was honoured to have him as one of his officers . Bro . A . H . Cole , P . M ., was one of the best Masters the lodge had ever had ; a general favourite and being lately married he had come up to the scratch very well . Bro . T . Jefferies , P . M ., was a most genial and good fellow and it was his good fortune to have him as one of his officers . Bro . Jno . Pratt , P . M ., was also one of the best , and in conclusion , the W . M . stated that he had much pleasure to couple the names Bros . W . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., and George Thompson , I . P . M ., with the
toast . Bro . VV . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., said he supposed the reason he had been called upon to acknowledge the toast was because he was the most modest of all the Past Masters . He esteemed it an honour and a great pleasure to instal his friend Bro . Fox into the chair of his mother lodge , which he would ably and creditably fill . Might he say that in the old Royal Savoy Lodge everything was done properly , and if he had given sitisfaction as Installing Master he was proud . lie earnestly hoped that all the members would at the end of the W . M . ' s term oE office , say good and faithful servant you hiva done well .
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to be ambitious for , and something to try for . The Drury Lane Lodge was a lodge of which they were all proud , it was an honour to any one to belong to it , and hethankedthe brethren perhaps more heartily than these few words could show for the way they had received the toast and their kindness in electing him W . M . Bro . Thcmas Catling , P . M . and Treasurer , replying to the toast of " The Past
Masters , " said that any brother of the Craft who was privileged to stand and respond to a toast like that might think himself peculiarly happy because in that lodge they had gathered not only what he conceived to be the best traditions of the Craft but also a bond of fellowship , of loyalty , and humanity , that helped to carry the good fame of Masonry abroad throughout the world .
Bro . James Fernandez , P . M ., said it was not possible for him to add anything in the way of novelty to what had fallen from P . M . Catling . Indeed , so little time had elapsed since he had the pleasure of responding when they had the honour of giving a dinner to an honoured member of the lodge . Lord Kitchener , that [ he felt the difficulty of his position because it was not what you had to think to say , it was to remember to forget what you had said . ( Laughter . ) Therefore , he thought that to most of the brethren the idea would occur that it was only the old thing over again . Well , after all ,
how could it be anything but the old thing , for the subject of the toast had the ancient flavour about it inasmuch as it bore reference to the old , at least , old in the sense that it alluded to those of the past . " Masters , " it was a very great and commanding sound ; " Past Masters " had something in it that carried a suggestiveness of the old school . Well , there was a sound that he must say , despite what tell from his inestimable the I . P . M ., " if we may call it an art , " he laid distinct and particular claim to . But whatever they did say they could always say with certainty that the Past Masters were
delighted to receive the remarks and kindly remembrance of their brethren because they were so much delighted at all times to further the interests of their lodge and also to see such good and worthy Masters follow them , and especially , he alluded to the I . P . M ., who , to emphasise the remarks of the W . M ., had performed the installation ceremony in a way that no one could do better . He expressed the hope that the brethren of the Drury Lane Lodge might long live to interchange such mutual good wishes . ( Applause . )
Bro . Gerald Maxwell , I . P . M ., said he was overwhelmed with the kind remarks that had iallen from the W . M ., and that had been all too kindly endorsed by worttrv P . M . Fernandtz . He would like to begin by heartily disagreeing with him in the definition of Past Masters . P . M ., he would apply to Bro . Fernandez , meant Most Excellent Master of the Craft , a brother who had passed the chair , who had risen to such excellence that he could prompt the worthy occupants of the chair if one had occasion to want it . Therefore , he could see nothing displeasing in the term Past Master . —( Bro . Fernandez : Nor
do I . )—Past Master had always been applied to adepts , and they had in their Past Masters in that lodge ( those before the I . P . M . ) most adept members of the Craft . And that led him to become a member of that distinguished Order . It happened that when he was studying at the High School at Cambridge , some colleagues told him of the mystic Cralt of Masons , and he having given his attention to the works oE the Rosicrucians , thought Masons might give him the elixir vittv and the philosopher ' s stone . At a recent meeting , where he represented the Drury Lane Lodge , he said he found
after he had passed , two or three Degrees—and since when he had passed lS others—that Masonry did not possess the secret of the philosopher ' s stone ; but he found that there was much in the ritual of Masonry which restored to his wandering faculties a certain mental equilibrium ; he found an all-satisfying religion cr rite . Therefore , he was in the position of coming to Masonry in search of a stone , and Masonry had given him bread . That was a reversal of what happened to those who sought for bread and who got afterwards a stone . Of stones it was a white one that marked the rubicon of his
having passed the chair of the Drury Lane Lodge . He had spoken of his ambition of getting in the chair , but with that ambition came the timidity that he might be an unworthy occupant of it . No doubt it was justified that he was an unworthy occupant of it ; but in Masonry , such was the fraternal regard of all brethren for one another , and the solidarity of the brethren for the W . M . in the chair , that whatever mistakes he might make , they forgot them , and if he did the ceremonies at all passably , they remembered them . He felt he had a most colossal task in succeeding Worshipful Bro . Henry Neville , who had held the lodge together during a period
of adversity , or a sort of period of indifference . It was admitted that in the affiirs of man there was a low and a high tide , and in a Masonic body with which the Drury Lane Lodge was affiliated , there was a feeling that the lodge had reached a low ebb . An indication of that was that a man like himself was being rapidly advanced to the chair . The brethren had got him there , and now they had a most advanced brother , a S . W . of the Province of Middlesex , following him , and it was with feelings of delight he ( Bro . Maxwell ) retired ftom the chair—he would not say reaching the high mark of the brethren ' s estimation , but , at all events , of having held the position of W . M . without having made an absolute and unequivocal failure .
Bro . Guy Repton , W . M ., next presented to Bro . Gerald Maxwell , I . P . M ., a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , and Bro . Maxwell acknowledged the gift , which he said he most heartily appreciate d . Bro . Bedford McNeill , responding to the toast of "The Initiates , " said it had been his ambition for many years past to be a Mason , and to-day he had started upon a career which he had the authority of the Past Master for saying it continued not merely through this life and the grave , but beyond .
Bro . the Hon . George Keppel said it should be his earnest endeavour to rise to the heights alluded to by the W . M . Bro . J . Thompson Murray said it was of course impossible for any one who was not a Mason to know anything whatever of the principles of Freemasonry , but he had been thinking it over for many years , and he was sorry he had not had time to devote to it till now . But he conceived it to be only another guise of many religions we had in this world , and he regarded those religions , in whatever guise presented , as intended for
us to leave the world better than we lound it , to leave it better lor having lived in it , and when you had gone a little regard for some kind action you had done . He knew of no purer religion in the world than this . He could only say , without egotism , if he had been asked to express what the principles governing Freemasonry were he should say the principles he was asked to sign before entering the lodge . He hoped he and the two other initiates would follow the example set before them by the W . M . and his predecessors .
Bros . Robrrt Manuel , Skewes Cox , M . P ., and C . L . Carson , responded to the toast of " The Visitors , " and Bros . Lionel Rignold , S . W ., and J . H . Barnes , J . W ., to that of "Ihe Officers "; and with Bro . Goddard , P . M ., giving the Tyler's toast , the proceedings closed .
Brondesbury Lodge , No . 2698 . The last regular meeting prior to the installation of the second W . M . was held at the Earl Derby Hotel , High-road , Kilburn , on Wednesday , the Sth inst . Present : Bros . R . J . Campbell , P . M ., P . Z ., W . M . ; A . F . Hardyment , S . W . ; C . Goodman , J . W . ; G . Coxen , Treas . ; E . George , P . M ., Sec . ; B . Stocker , P . M ., S . . D . ; A . R . Greaves , acting J . D . ; C . VV . Paine , I . G . ; F . Crook , Steward ; J . M . Goodwin , D . of C . ; Avlett , Fleming , Line , II . Crook , Wm . G . Coxen , Stringjr , C J . Greaves , A . liiwes ,
C . Hawes , Pearce , Schomberg , M . Symonds , S . A . Marks , Palmar , and Smith , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Kynaston , 177 ; Horstead , iSy 7 ; H . Williams , 15 G 7 ; and Colman , i 44 G . The lodge was opened , and the ballot having proved unanimous in his fivour , Mr . II . James Dunaway was initiated . Bro . C . Hawes was passed to the Degree of F . C ., and Bros . J . Aylett and F . C . Fleming were raised to the Degree of M . M . Bro . A . F . Hardyment , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M ., and G . Coxen , Treasurer . Bros . Paine , Goodwin , and F . Crook were elected Auditors . A vote of thanks and a
prooosiliun by Bro . George , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Hardyment , S . W ., that a jewel o ( the value of £ 10 10 s . beawarded Bro . R . J . Campbell , P . M ., W . M ., asa mark of appreciation if the admirable manner in which he had carried out the duties of his high and important office of first W . M . of the lodge , was unanimously carried . A Committee was appointed to select a design for the Past Master ' s jewel tn bs presented to Bro . Campbell and subsequent ( Masters . Bro . A . F . Hardyment , S . W ., W . M . elect , is representing the lodge nt the coming Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Old People , and has
already So guineas on his Steward ' s list . Bro . llardyment ' s abilities to carry out the duties of W . M . are well known to all the members ; although a member of the Craft for upwards of 20 years , he has not until now arrived at the su mmit of his ambition , but has for many years past been an enthusiastic attendant at lodges of instruction , and as the Preceptor of the lodge of instruction working under the banner of the Biondesbury Lodge he has shown his desire not only to keep himself perfect in our beautiful ritual , but the wish that as regards all the younger members ot his lodge needing instruction ,
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he , with the able assistance of Bro . R . J . Campbell , was only too willing to lend a helping hand in imparting the knowledge they were so well competent to give . The brethren sat down to an excellent banquet served in Bro . W . G . Coieen's wellknown style . Bro . R . j . Campbell presided . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were disposed of interspersed by vocal contributions by Bros . Paine , Fleming , Hardymint , and C . J . Greaves . Bro . A . E . Horstead , acting Organist , superintended the musical arrangenents . Mr . A . Horstead at the piano .
Bro . George , P . M . and Secretary , as acting P . M ., proposed the toast of " The W . M . " The W . M . that of "The Visitors , " which was responded to by each of the four brethren present . The toast of "The W . M . elect , " met with a very enthusiastic reception , testifying to the popularity of Bro . Hardyment . The newly-initiated brother having had to leave very early his toist was past poncd . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close an exceptionally enjoyable meeting .
Darwen Lodge , No . 381 . On Thursday , the 9 th inst ., the annual meeting of the above lodge took place for the installation of the new W . M . and other officers . Bro . James H . Buiy was elected as the W . M ., and was installed into the chair by Bro . F . Thomas , P . M . 345 , P . P . S . G . W . E . Lanes , P . P . G . R . Oxon . Bro . Thimis is one of the leading lights in the Province of East Lanes , having had provincial honours for many years , and held Oxford provincial honours previously , and he is held in high esteem by the Darwen
brethren , having performed the ceremony of installition for close upon 40 years in unbroken succession . This is looked upon as a record in the annals of Freemasonry . This estimable brother has now passed the octogenarian period of life , and is in the enjoyment of good health . The following brethren were invested into their various offices by Bro . J . Wardley , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C E . Lanes : Bro . Cocker , S . W . ; Steele , J . W . ; Procter , P . P . G . Chap . E . Lanes , Chap . ; R . J . Lomax , Sec . ; J . II . Ellison , S . D . ; J Lightbown , J . D . ; G . G . Sames , Org . ; W . Kershaw , I . G . ; Jesse Lowe and Henry Leach , Stwds . ; and A . Beswick , Tyler .
The brethren afterward celebrated the Festival of St . John the Evangelist in the large Masonic Hall , and during the proceedings a subscription amounting to nearly £ 12 was collected towards the Charity Fund .
Royal Savoy Lodge , No . 1744-The installation meeting of this well-known lodge took place at the Criterion , Regent-circus , W ., on the 23 rd ult ., when there were present Bros . George Thompson , W . M . ; A . B . Fox , S . W ., W . M . elect ; W . M . Stiles , P . G . T . Treas . ; Major C . J . Knightley , P . M ., Sec ; A . George , J . W . ; E . P . Waymouth , S . D . ; J . H . Adcock , J . D . ; W . Sparks , I . G . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . G . Std . Br ., D . C . ; H . S . Scott , Org . ; A . Ramsden , Jno . Bishop , T . Jefferies , P . M . ; A . H . Cole , P . M . ; J . Pratt , I . P . M . ;
C . P . Coles , G . Rice , his first appearance after a long absence through illness ; T . Nicholson , A . J . Tapling , A . C . Norman , R . J . T . Ward , T . J . Ash , A . J . Pratt , H . Fuller , VV . T . Lawrence , W . Javens , T . A . J . Gorniot , W . K . Humphreys , and R . Whiting , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Bros . James Irvine , P . M . S 62 ; A . H . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . W . ; W . Dawson , P . M . 1 G 22 ; James Hemming , P . M . 239 S ; W . G . Adcock , W . M . 2202 ; G . C . Tegetmeier , I . G . 1929 ; Thos . Hobley , VV . M . 1320 ; Win . Yeo , 753 ; A . Lidgate , 901 ; A . Mills , 704 ; W . J . Clark , 1 S 31 ; C . Bauer
2021 ; R . Jones , 1539 ; J . E . Lawler , 907 ; and R . T . West . After the lodge had been opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , the W . M . Bro . Geo . Thompson , raised Bro . T . A . J . Gorniot to the Third Degree , and afterwards passed Bro . W . K . Humphreys to the Second Degree . The working of Bro . Geo . Tnompson was performed in a manner that stamped him as one of the best Masters in the annals of the lodge , and in vacating the chair for Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., hecompleted his successful year of office with eclat . Bro . W . M .
Stiles , P . G . Treas ., then occupied the chair , and Bro . VV . A . Scurrah , P . G . Std . Br ., D . C , presented Bro . A . B . Fox , the W . M . elect , and he was duly installed . The W . M . appointed and invested his officers , and addressed them in suitable terms as to their respective duties , but made special mention of the past services of the indefatigable Secretary , Major C . J . Knightley , P . M . They were as follows : Bros . W . A . Scurrah , P . G . Std . Br ., S . W . ; T . Jefferies , P . M ., J . W . ; W . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., Treas . ; Major C . J . Knightley , P . M ., Sec ; A . H . Cole , P . M ., S . D . ; 1 . Pratt , I . D . ; G .
Rice , I . G . ; G . Thompson , I . P . M ., D . C ; H . S . Scott , Org . ; and R . Whiting , P . M ., Tyler . Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., gave the usual addresses . It has been our privilege and pleasure to have seen Bro . Stiles act as Installing Master many times , but on this occasion he excelled himself , and we have never seen the ceremony of installation better performed . The W . M . then rose and said that a most pleasurable duty devolved upon him to present the outgoing Master , Bro . George Thompson , with a Past
Master ' s jewel , wr . ich he had so well earned , for the great services rendered by him , and no one could have carried out the duties of W . M . with more ability . The inscription on the jewel was— " Presented to Bro . George _ Thompson , P . M ., by the Royal Savoy Lodge , No . 1744 , as a mark of esteem and in recognition of his valuable services as W . M . 1 S 9 S-99 . " In a few appropriate words , Bro . Geo . Thompson , I . P . M ., acknowledged the jewel .
The sum of one guinea was voted for "Our Dying Brother ' s Bed , " and after other business , the lodge was closed . The brethren adjourned to a choice banquet , under the genial presidency of the
W . M . The usual toasts followed . Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . ireas ., responded to the toast ot "The Pro G . Master , the Earl Amherst ; the Dep . G . Master , the Earl of Warwick ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " speaking in eulogistic terms of the great things many of the Grand Officers had done for the Craft .
Bro . W . A . Scurrah , P . O . Std . Br ., also acknowledged the toast , which he did in eloquent terms . In submitting "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . A . B . Fox , " Bro . G . Thompson , I . P . M ., stated that the VV . M . was good , his first Christian name , Alfred , was known as Alfred the good , and his second name , Benjamin—should always be well loved—was good . There was no doubt the W . M . would be able to carry out everything with satisfaction to the members of the good old Royal Savoy Lodge , as he was an excellent Mason and a very good fellow .
tiro . A . B . Fox , W . M ., in response , said he thanked Bro . Thompson for the kind way in which he had proposed the toast , and some of the members for the hearty manner in which they had received it . It had taken him iG years to reach the chair ; they could have found someone more competent —( " No , no" )—but anyway he was proud of his position , and would do his very best to give satisfaction to the members , and endeavour to keep up the old traditions of their good lodge .
The W . M . proposed "The Installing Master and Past Masters , " and said that he hardly knew what to say about the Installing Master , Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., because he was so well known , but he had never heard the ceremony of installation done better , and they had had an intellectual feast and treat . Those who had attended the lodge during the last 12 months could testify to the great services rendered by the I . P . M ., Bro . George Thompson . As a member for iG years he ( the W . M . ) had never seen the working of the ritual better doae in the lodge , and they all appreciated
him . The W . M . then referred to the Past Masters , remarking that the longer they knew Bro . W . A . Scurrah the better they liked him , and he was honoured to have him as one of his officers . Bro . A . H . Cole , P . M ., was one of the best Masters the lodge had ever had ; a general favourite and being lately married he had come up to the scratch very well . Bro . T . Jefferies , P . M ., was a most genial and good fellow and it was his good fortune to have him as one of his officers . Bro . Jno . Pratt , P . M ., was also one of the best , and in conclusion , the W . M . stated that he had much pleasure to couple the names Bros . W . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., and George Thompson , I . P . M ., with the
toast . Bro . VV . M . Stiles , P . G . T ., said he supposed the reason he had been called upon to acknowledge the toast was because he was the most modest of all the Past Masters . He esteemed it an honour and a great pleasure to instal his friend Bro . Fox into the chair of his mother lodge , which he would ably and creditably fill . Might he say that in the old Royal Savoy Lodge everything was done properly , and if he had given sitisfaction as Installing Master he was proud . lie earnestly hoped that all the members would at the end of the W . M . ' s term oE office , say good and faithful servant you hiva done well .