Craft Masonry.

the Master of that , his mother , lodge , and they could rely upon his doing his very utmost for Freemasonry in general , and the Skelmersdale Lodge in particular . In giving the toast of " The Immediate Past Mailer , Bro . W . Howes , " the VV . M . stated that all the members were well acquainted with Bro . Howes , and they would agree with him that no brother had ever worked more earnestly for the lodge . It was his pleasure to present him with a Past Master ' s jewel , and he sincerely trusted that he would be spared for many years to wear it with pride , so that it would ever remind him of his happy time as W . M .

The jewel bore the following inscription : " Presented by the Skelmersdale Lodge , No . 1599 , to Bro . William Howes , P . M ., as a token of respect for the efficient manner in which he presided , 1 S 95 and 1 S 9 G . " Bro . Howes , I . P . M ., on rising , received a hearty greeting . He said that his feelings did not enable him to express in words what he felt on that occasion for all their kindness to him . The jewel he honoured , and it was a splendid token for the little he had done , and he should wear it on every possible occasion . He loved Freemasonry and his lodge , and if they all carried out what they were taught in the ritual it must make them better men .

In submitting the toast of "The Installing Master , Bro . G . J . Woodman , P-M-, the W . M . stated that Bro . Woodman was honoured and respected by every member of the lodge , and he was proud that he had been installed by him . Those who had seen the whole of the installation ceremony that evening must be unanimous that it was performed in an excellent manner . Bro . Woodman , who had resigned the office of Treasurer , which he had so ably filled , was the first initiate of the lodge , and , with the 1 xce prion of the founder , he was the oldest Past Master .

In response , Bro . Woodman thanked the W . M . for his kind words , and said it was gratifying to him that they appreciated his services . It was some years since he had done the ceremony , but when he was asked to act that night he was glad to instal one who would make one of the best of Masters in the annals of the lodge . Although he 1 ad resigned as the Treasurer , he should not lose his interest in the lodge , and would bi glad to render any service in the future .

The Worshipful Master proposed "The Visitors . " He said they were favoured wilh the presence of 24 visitors , many of whom were distinguished . He assured them , on behalf cf the lodge , that they were all heartily welcome , and he hoped they had 1 njoyed themselves , and that they would come again . He joined with the toast the names of Bros . J . T . Dawes , W . M . 134 S ; R . E . Fairclough , I . P . M . 13 G 5 ; A . Neame , and H . Leney , P . M . 18 ( 5 .

Bro . J . T . Davies responded . He said that it afforded him much pleasure to see the W . M . installed , and he congratulated him on attaining that high oflice , and for the admirable manner in which he had invested his officers , and he had acquitted himself will at the banqueting table . Everyone was pleased with the excellent working of the Installing Master , Bro . Woodman , and there was nothing he could find fault with . He thought that all the visitors had thoroughly enjoyed their hospitality , and , in conclusion , 1 c wished the W . M . all he could wish himself .

Bro . G . B . Pointers , P . M . 1 G 13 , stated that the members had a VV . M . that they would be proud of . He knew that he had been working hard to make himself perfect in the ritual , and when his term of oflice expired , all must and would be satisfied . Bro . R . E . Fairclough , I . P . M . 13 G 5 , said that he had visited their lodge on several

r ccasions , but to be there that evening was a double pleasure , because he was the fatherin-law of the W . M ., and he had taken as much care of him as a mother-in-law , and he had no hesitation in affirming that he would turn out a most efficient ceremonial worker , lie was , of course , referring to his Masonic career , and he trusted his year of oflice would be one of perfect success . Bros . A . Neame and H . Leney , P . M ., also acknowledged the toast in appropriate

terms . The Worshipful Master gave " The Past Masters , " paying a tribute to the excellent services rendered by the outgoing Treasurer , Bro . Woodman , and he made special irention of Past Masters Bros . G . Laker , F . L . Miroy , A . J . Shotter , and F . Dewsbury , and he associated with the toast the names of Past Masters Bros . C . H . A . Harris and linos Howes .

Bro . C . H . A . Harris said that he was honoured by being called upon to respond to lie toast . Past Masters were often dubbed " old fossils , " but , after the way Bio . Woodman had peiformed the installation ceremony , he and they were proud of that title . Bro . Enos Howes also responded , and said that he was gratified to see the W . M .

in : tailed , as he had the honour to initiate him into the Craft , and he had followed his Masonic career with great interest , and he ventured to think that they would have no complaint of bad working during his year of oflice . When work was well done it did Masonry a lot of good , and if all would act up to what they were taught , the world would be the better for it . Bro . Miroy , P . M ., also replied in brief , but happy , terms .

In giving " The Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . observed that they had a nrw Treasurer , and they did not know yet what he could do , but he was certain of one il ing , lhat was—that he would take good care of the funds . Then , as to the Secretary , Bro . G . Laker , P . M ., he had served the lodge tor many years , and it would be hard to lind a better one , and the members were to be congratulated that he had again consented

to act as Secretary . In responding , Bro . A . J . Shotter , P . M ., Treas ., said that it was a great pleasure to know ihey had confidence in him to elect him to the important oflice of Treasurer . He wi uld follow in the good lines of his able predecessor , Bro . Woodman , and if he did that I e felt he could not go wrong .

Bro . Geo . Laker , P . M ., Sec , stated that he had been appointed to hisoffice so 11 any times , that he thought he was a fixture to always be taken over by the incoming ti rant . If his attendance could prove any test of his interest in the lodge , he had only missed attending about four meetings in iG years . He hoped to remain their Secretary for yet many years and he thanked the members for the many kindnesses he had always leceived from them all .

The Worshipful Master proposed " The Officers , " remarking that the lodge was to I c congratulated on such a good staff . ' He was proud of them all and they would keep 1 p and well maintain the credit of the lodge . He joined with the toast the names of B . o ' . F . W . Horn , S . W ., and H . Pierce , J . W . In response , Bro . F . VV . Horn thanked them for the honour conferred upon him by appointing him S . VV ., and he hoped at the end of his year of office to have merited it . Suitable responses were also made by Bros . H . Pierce , J . W . ; C . E . Cove , S . D . ;

VV . Callingham , J . D . ; and W . E . J . Adams , I . G . The Tyler's toast brought a most successful and happy meeting to a close . The programme of music was excellent , in which the following took part—Concord Part Singers , Bros . Geo . May , Jas . Brand , Vivian Bennetts , and Vernon Taylor . Bro . G . C . Searle efficiently presided at the pianoforte . The portrait of the W . M ., Bro . E . J . Wickenden , will be found in our Portrait Gallery of this issue .

Kingswood Lodge , No . 2278 . This very successful lodge commenced its business for the season at an emergency meeting , held on Saturday , the nth inst ., which brought together a very good attend nnce , those present being Bros . R . VV . Nicole , W . M . ; E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., S . W . ; J . Petch . P . P . G . S . B ., as J . W . ; C . M . Coxon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . G . Cobb , P . M .,

P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Gravatt , S . D . ; A . Ingram , J . D . ; R . von Der Sahl , I . G . ; CC . Ren'ud , Steward j T . Williams , Tyler ; D . Taylor , H . Facks , A . Donald King , A . i ' . Little , A . T . D . Palmer-Palmer , F . Page , A . Franklin , C . G . Nicole , R . Noble , and li . N . Beningfield . Visitors : Bros . W . Ball , P . M . 45 and 15 S 2 , and J . Duncan , P . M .

59-Bros . Palmer and King were raised to the Third Degree , when the W . M . vacated lhe chair in favour nf Bro . VV . Ball , P . M ., and Bros . Noble and Little were also raised lo the Degree of M . M . The ceremony in each instance was admirably performed . The iiason for holding an emergency meeting was that Bro . Noble is sailing for Canada in lhe course of a few days . After an excellent repast , which was much enjoyffd , a very pleasant and harmonious evening was spent , thanks to the services of Bros . Donald King , Little , Noble , Blinkhorn , C . Nicole , and the W . M .

Craft Masonry.

Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge , No . 2362 . A meeting was held on the Sth instant , at headquarters , Cheniesstreet VV r Present : Bros . G . D . Mogford , W . M . ; T . W . Mogford , S . W . ; L . Miller , J . VV . u R . Myers , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Jackson Crow , Sec . ; Barter , S . D . ; G . Groom- n p E . C Chandler , I . G . ; C . Cowton , Org . ; H . W . Dennis . P . M . upC . Tvler- p Grimes , P . M . ; M . H . Hale , P . M . ; W . S . Hall , J . T . Balls , ] . W . Harris , [ ' v Bradford , H . Green , H . Fowler , G . Stevenson , and H . Cowtan . Visitors : Brni' r n

Denny , S . W . 1671 ; W . P . Salter , 1321 ; W . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , P . P . S . G . D Ess ' _ . » T . W . Heath , 1642 ; and Stanley Ling , 1 S 91 . *'• The lodge was opened , and the minutes ware confirmed , after which Bro . H . Coivla was raised . A candidate for initiation was proposed , and many communications , exyrj sing regret at inability to attend , were read . A ter " Hearty good wishes , " the Iod ? was closed . * The brethren then adjourned to the mjss-room for the banquet .

The toasts were brief , the W . M . receiving quite an ovation . He thanked th brethren for their universal kindness from the time he joined the lodge uniil the p resent moment , and hoped he would leave office retaining their goodwill . His heart and soul were with the lodge and regiment , and mentioned the fact that next year was the tooth of its existence . The toast of "The Past Masters " was responded to very briefly by Bros . Grimand Hale . "

Bro . Dehane , responding to the toast of "The Visitors , " expressed thanks for the work he had witnessed , and the hospitality extended to them , and the pleasant eveninu he had spent . * Bro . Capt . Heath also adverted to a pressing engagement , at which H . R . H . th » Grand Master was present , prevented him attending the installation of his friend and comrade .

Bro . Mogford commented on the excellent / vork done ; it did good to the Craft and those coming on in office . Bros . Denny , Ling , and Salter also respmded . Bro . Crow , in responding for "The Officers , " remarked thos .. brethren waulj always do their duty and support the Worshipful Master , under whom they were proud to serve .

The Tyler s toast concluded the evening . The musical arrangements were carried out by the Organist , Bro . C . Cowton assisted by Bros . H . Cowton and H . T . Balls . The majority of the brethren appeared in uniform .

> Esculapius Lodge , No . 2410 . The last ordinary meeting for the present Masonic year was held at the Cafe Royal Regent-street , Bro . G . Crawford Thomson , M . D ., W . M . in the chair . The lodge ' after being duly formed , consisted of the following officers and members—Bros 1 Pickett , M . D ., I . P . M ., Treas . ; Anthony Nutt , S . W . ; E . H . Ezird , M . D .. act ' ini

J . W . ; W . Harrison , M . A ., Chap . ; Thomas Dutton , M . D ., P . M ., Sec ; H . VV Kiallmark , P . M ., J . D . ; J . Brindley James , P . M ., D . C . ; Lewis Lewis , M . D ., I . G . ' - Ernest Clarke , Org . ; S . Ellis , P . M ., Tyler ; C . M . Simpson , W . Arbuth not Lane ' M . S ., H . Ernest Simpson , J . Routledge Bosworth , Leonard Wilde , M . D ., G . Herschell , ' M . D ., R . T . Hacker Bodilly , W . Stacey Coleman , M . D ., C . Henson Broadhurst . and W . E . Dring , P . P . G . D . C . Essex .

The lodge having been opened , the Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting , which were duly confirmed . Bro . G . Rowcll , F . R . C . S ., late 1114 , was unanimously elected a joining member , and Bros . Coleman and Broadhurst were passed to the Degree of F . C . The W . M . afterwards explained the second tracing board . Bro . Thomas Dutton , M . D ., P . M ., was elected Master for the ensuing year , Bro . G . Danford Thomas , M . D ., Treas . ; Bros . C . M . Simpson and G . Herschell , M . D ., Auditors ; and Bro . S . Ellis . P . M ..

Tyler . Bros . J . Campbell Maclean , M . B ., CM ., P . P . S . G . W . Wilts , and Thelwell Pike , M . D ., P . P . S . G . W . Worcester , were proposed as joining members . A sum of seven guineas was voted for a Past Master's jewel , to be given to the W . M . at the installation meeting , as a ilight acknowledgment for the excellent manner in which he has governed the lodge during his year of oflice . Ten guineas were voted to Charity . The lodge was then closed . The brethren afterwards dined together , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

Minerva Lodge , No . 2433 . The concluding meeting of the winter session of this lodge was held in the Masonic Chambers , Birkenhead , on Wednesday , the Sth inst ., under the presidency of Bro . VV . F . Robinson , P . M . 2132 , W . M . At the conclusion of the routine business the brethren proceeded to the election of W . M . for the ensuing 12 months , when their unanimous choice fell upon Bro . A . H . Baird , S . W . In acknowledging the unanimous vote bro . Baird referred to the previous good fortune of the lodge in having in the chair Masons

of tried experience and mostly holdirg provincial rank . He trusted , however , that what he lacked in experience he would make up in zeal , and with the good opinion and assistance of the brethren the good traditions of the lodge would be maintained . The Secretary , Bro . S . Jones , in his resume of the session writes : It is my pleasant duty to report that during the present session the Iodge has not only maintained its position , but , in spite of resignations and removal by death , has signally advanced , and if the same measure of success continue , the time is not far distant when By-law VIIL , which limits

the membership to 70 , must soon be enforcsd . The number of members now on the roll is 63 , as against 42 in September , 1 S 92 , when the Iodge was consecrated . Of this number 22 are Past Masters and 12 hold , or have held , office in Provincial Grand Lodges . In addition to this there are three honorary members attached to the lodge , namely , Bros . Kichard Newhouse , Prov . Grand Sec ; G . W . Speth , P . M . 183 , Sec . 207 6 ; and J . Ramsden Riley , P . M . 387 , P . P . G . D . C . West Yorkshire . During the session there have been eight initiations and eight joining brethren . There have been eight

resignations and one death , that of Bro . Peter Blackburn , P . M . 1380 , who at th ? time of his death was one of the Grand Stewards of the Province of Cheshire . Bro . Blackburn one of the promoters of this lodge , was held in high esteem by all with whom he came in contact , and always-rendered willing assistance in forwarding the aims and objects for which the Minerva Lodge was formed . During the session papers were read by Bro . Ramsden Riley on " Looking back , a glimpsj at Masonic Sociality of Sixty Years ago ; " Bro . J . Macnab , P . P . J . G . W . West Lancashire , on "The Origin and Perpetuation of Masonic Symbolism ; " Bro . Dr . Tate on " Microbes , and the Mysteries of

of Nature and Science revealed thereby ; " Bro . A . T . Thompson "The Pyramid Egypt , their History and Symbolism ; " Bro . John Armstrong , P . M ., the concluding paper , on "The Descent of Masonic Symbolism and Speculative Masonry ; " and by Bro . James Hume on " The Great Pyramid of Egypt and Freemasonry . " The number of books in the library is gradually increasing . A splendid book-case was presented to the Iodge by Bro . Bafrd , S . W ., which will be a fitting home for the large donations now to be anticipated from other brethren . The Metropolitan and social Charities have not been lost sight of during the past year .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

Old Kent Lodge ( T . I . ) The installation meetingof this old time immemorial Iodge was held on Wednesday " the Sth inst ., at Mark ^ Masons' Hall , Bro . W . M . Stiles , W . M ., presiding . The ° £ brethren who attended were Bros . James Speller , S . W . ; T . G . A . Burns , J- » - { c \ M . Money , P . M . ; John Ramsay , Treas . ; VV . Maple , Sec . ; J . J . Chapman , ! . " •' A . T . Trehearne , LP . Gearv , Thomas Prescott , C . F . Matier , P . G . W . ; ami J ""

Skinner , P . M . Visitors : Bros . William Vincent , P . G . I . G . ; William Causton , ; 13 ; H . Thomson Lyon , W . M . 411 ; H . J . Lardner , P . M . 1 ; Charles F . Hogard , •• S . B . ; J . S . Tamburini , P . M . 104 ; A . McDowall , P . A . G . D . C ; F . B . Wcstiaij , P . P . G . W . D ^ von ; George Mickley , P . G . D . ; Walter Tyler , 59 ; R- 9 , ° u 1 Massey , late 22 P . M . ; G . II . K . Holden , late 340 ; J . Terry , 315 , Sec } i'W ' u ' . ' J J . Stephens , 458 ; Herbert Shoppee , S . D . ; J . M . McLeod , Sec . R . M . I . B- ; Alfred Sparks , 22 .