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Craft Masonry.
Stability Lodge , No . 217 . The election meeting of this flourishing centenary lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , W . C , on Tuesday , the 7 H 1 inst ., when there were present Bros . J . H . Edwards , W . M . ; Geo . Say , S . W . ; J . R . Ayris , J . W . ; S . P . Fisher , Treas . ; J . Nixon , P . M ., Sec . ; W . H . Smith , S . D . ; II . B . Handcock , J . D . ; VV . H . Edwards , D . C . ; Thos . Bowler , Tyler ; and many others .
Ihe minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The election of W . M . for the ensuing year was unanimous in favour of Bro . Geo . Say , S . W . ; also that of Bro . o . P . Fisher , as Treasurer . At the conclusion of the business of the lodge , the VV . M ., Bro . J . IL Edwards , Mr . Edwards , and the Misses Gertrude and Edith Edwards , held a reception , at which the following were present : Bros . G . Say . W . M . elect , Mrs . Say and Mr . H . Say ; Bro . J . R . Ayris and Mrs . Ayris ; Bro . S . P . Fisher , Mrs . Fisher , and the Misses
h . 1 ' . and A . L . I ' isher ; Bro . Garner , Mrs . Garner , and Miss Garner ; Bro . W . Eckersall and Mrs . Eckersall ; Bro . J . Nixon , Mrs . J . Nixon , and the Misses Alice , Nellie , Maggie , and Mary Nixon , and Mr . J . Nixon ; Bro . H . Mai lleet , Miss II . A . . Marfieet . and Mrs . Maitleet ; Bro . VVm . Gorrie , P . M . ; Bro . Wright and Mrs . Wright ; Bro . Handcock , Mrs . Handcock , and Miss Lapham , and Mr . Williams ; Bro . Owen , P . M ., and Mrs . Owen ; Bro . Taylor and Mrs . Taylor ; Bro . Giraud and Mrs . Giraud ; Mr . Heath and Mr . Roberts ; Bro .. W . H . Edwards and Mrs . Edwards ; Bro . Foster and Mrs . Foster ; Bro . Palmer and Mrs . Palmer ; Bro . Doughty and Miss and Miss
Doughty ; Bro . Vague A . Evans ; Bro . James Addington and Mrs . Addington ; Bro . Finch and Mrs . Finch ; Bro . Furnell and Mrs . Furnell ; Bro . Cutteris , Mrs . Cutteris . and Miss Cutteris ; Bro . Catletnn , Mrs . Carleton , and Miss Carleton ; Bro . Manning and Mrs . Manning ; Bro . Wratten and Mrs . Wratten ; Bro . G . Kirk and Mrs . Kirk ; Bro . C . H . Stone and Mrs . Stone ; Bro . Fisher , Bro . Botterill and Mrs . Botterill ; Bro . Baker and Mrs . Baker ; Mr . Ellis and friend ; Bro . VV . H . Smith , Mrs . Smith , and Miss M . Smith ; Bro . Leaman and Mrs . Leaman ; Bro . Broadberry and Mrs . Broadberry ; Bro . Matthew Hale and Mrs . Hale ; Bro . Uncle , Bro . WoolmerP . M . ; and Bro . JK . Cosham .
, . At the close of the reception , the large company adjourned to the dining hall an 1 participated in an excellent banquet ably presided over by Bro . J . H . Edwards , W . M ., supported by the Mrs . Edwards and the Misses Edwards on his left , and by Bro . Mirfleetand friends , the oldest Past Master in the lodge , on his rig ht . The banquet ended , the VV . M . rose and said the toasts would be short and few as the company were anxious to adjourn to the ball room , svhere a Cinderella dance had been arranged under very able M . Cs ., Bro . Giraud and Mr . J . W . Nixon , to the strains of Bro . Leaman's Quadrille Band .
Ihe W . M . presented the toast of " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen " in right loyal terms , which was duly honoured . " * Bro . P . H . Garner , P . M ., proposed the toast ol "TheW . M ., H-o . J . H . Edwards , " which he said he did with the greatest possible pleasure , as it w is a great honour . The W . M . bad presided duiing a most exceptional year—the centenary festival and the
summer outing , which occasion exceeded , if possible , the previous meetings . The thoroughness of the arrangements had been fully carried out , which added to the comfort of all present . The brethren fully appreciated the services rendered to the lodge by the W . M ., and he would ask them to drink to the health of Bro . and Mrs . Edwards in bumpers . The toast was received with acclamation .
In reply , Bro . J . H . Edwards , W . M ., said : Ladies , gentlemen , and brethren , —It gives me great pleasure to reply to the toast so ably proposed by Bro . Garner and to thank you all for so hearty a reception . A similar occasion had occurred twice before ; but the present was the most enjoyable . It was the last occasion in the year he shou Id hold the position of W . M . in the lodge , and he was leaving it most reluctintly , havin g had such a happy year ; but he was pleased to know he was relinquishing the position to so worthy a successor as Hro . G . Say , S . W . On behalf of Mrs . Edwards and himself , he most heartily thanked the company ,
In proposing the toast of " The Ladies , " Bro . Marfieet stated the great pleasure it gave the brethren to welcome them to the Stability Lodge and to witness their excellent work . He hoped that they would have an enjoyable evening , and in their kindness of heart to overlook any little shortcomings of the brethren if they were detained on same occasions a little later than usual . A most cordial response was given to the toast .
Bro . Nixon , P . M ., in lehcitous terms , said the ladies were deeply sensible of the honour conferred upon them , and congratulated the W . M . in presiding over so historical a lodge during its centenary this , the Jubilee year , and also on the enjoyable summer outing at which they were present , and likewise the present occasion , which crowned all . They also congratulated the coming W . M ., Bro . G . Say , and hoped that he would in like manner look after them in the coming year , which was fully anticipited . The W . M . next presented the toast of "The Visitors , " which was always most
cordially extended by the brethren of the Stability Lodge . Bro . Matthew Hale , P . M ., in reply , said it gave him great pleasure to respond for the first time in Stability Lodge , which was his misfortune , as he hal been invited a dozen times by the esteemed W . M . It gave him still greater pleasure as he was now accompanied by Mrs . Hale , who was witness to the efficiency and cordiality which existed amongst the brethren of Stability Lodge . He most heartily tnanked the brethren on behalf of the visitors . Bro . C . H . Stone , P . M ., also cordially replied .
During the banquet each lady was presented with a hindso-ne box , silk lined , wi : h two bottles of choice scent , as a souvenir of the occasion , the card bearing the following inscription : "Lodge of Stability , 217 , 'Cinderella , ' Dece-nbjr 7 th , ISJ 7 , with the compliments of Bro . J . IL Edwards , W . M ., and Mrs . Edwaids . " The whole arrangements were most successfully carried out by Bro ; . Nixon , P . M . ; Handcock , J . D . ; and Giraud , for which they received the highest praise .
Empress Lodge , No . 2581 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday evening , the Sth inst ., at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , and the lodge was opened by Bro . Imre Kiralfy , VV . M . A very large number of brethren attended , among them being Bros . S . J Templeton , N . Haskine , VV . S . Hooper , C . Goovart , P . Dixon , J . H . Alabaster , C B . Lumley , VV . H . Bond , Arthur'lite , F . A . Nash , W . G . Ardington , IN . F . Bhumgara , W . 11 . Jtffcant , A . G . Howell , G . R . Blades , W . H . Coppinger , G . C . Breese ,
Alfred Holiness , W . G . Merritt , W . K . Allvey , N . F . Stokes , C . L . J . Noad , and Bertrand Dawson . The visitors included Bros . Sir Reginald Hanson , P . G . VV . ; Alderman Vaughan Morgan , G . Treas . ; Sir Joseph C . Dimsdale , P . G . Treas . ; Sir Walter Wilkin , P . G . W . ; Thomas Fenn , P . G . W . ; Edward Letchworth , G . Sec . ; R . Horton Smith , O . C , Dep . G . \< eg . ; Richard Eve , P . G . Treas . ; W . Mason Stiles , P . G . Treas ; '" Sir Geoige D . Harris , P . G . D . ; Frederick , West , P . G . D . ; Dr . Ralph B . Gooding , P . G . D . ; G . P . Goldney , P . G . D . ; Sir Wil'iam T . Marriott , O . C , P . G . D . ;
J . D . Langton , P . D . G . D . C . ; C . Belton , P . D . G , O . C ; Sir Charles Martin , P . A . G . D C . ; Lennox Browne , P . D . G . D . C ; F . Mead , P . G . Std . Br . ; T . Hastings Miller . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . Std . Br . ; VV . S . Hoytc , P . G . Org .,- VV . Henderson , Dep . Dist . G . Reg . S . Africa ; Joseph Pock , P . G . Stwd . ; the Hon . P . M . Meha , P . M ., Bombay Legislative Council ; Richard Creed , VV . M . i ; Rev . H . C . Dimsdale , S 59 ; A . R . Meyer , W . M . 900 ; John P . Houghton , P . M . 176 S ; R . Evens , P . M ., P . Z . 1940 ; Walter Clifford , P . M . 24 SS ; John Foss , S . W . 24 SS ;
Natham Robinson , P . M . . 55 ; J . Ilarbert , W . M . 19 S 7 ; J . K . Cleave , W . M . 264 S ; Percy Short , VV . M . 2255 ; Geo . P . Hadley , 24 SS ; Henry Neville , W . M . 2127 ; E , E . Cooper , P . M . S ; Edward White , P . M . 177 ; W . Griffin , P . M . 1 ; W . Dent , 1 ; Thos . Dimsdale , P . G . Stwd . ; E . Beranger , 20 O 0 ; W . T . Pigott , W . M . 197 ; II . Baker , P . P . A . G . P . ; VVillam 11 . Bourke , P . M . 1035 ; E . B . J . Arne , P . M . 161 s
H . Dangerlield , P . M . 1260 ; VV . J . VV . Beard , P . M , and Treas ici ; II . Massey , P . M fiiy and 192 S ; W . Sergeant Lee , P . M . 24 SS ; Jas . H . Hawkins , P . M . 509 ; J . A Harrison , I . P . M . 24 SS ; Orlton Cooper , P . M . 211 ; A . J . Squires , 19 S 7 ; J . W Hayes , 164 ; VV . Rapley , 1 ^ 7 ; P . J . Rowlands , 2 o >/>; A . II . Hooper , 4 O ; J Witney , 144 G ; G . W . Stillwell , 1 ; F . W . Nelson , 2 S 4 ; C P . Channing , 19 S 7 ; W 1 . Boswotth , and A . E . Baker , 1 .
After the minutes had been read and confirmed , Bros . J . Weiner , 19 S 7 , and W . F . Allvey , 2374 , were elected joining members . Bro . Thomas Fenn , P . G . W ., afterwards took " the chair for the purpose ot the installation , Bros . Alderman Vaughan Morgan , G Treas ., taking the S . W . ' s chair and Sir G . D . Harris , P . G . D ., the J . W . ' s chair . Bro . John Holdsworth Dimsdale ( son of Bro . Sir Joseph C . Dimsdale , P . G . I ' reas . ) was then installed as VV . M . for the ensuing year . Bro . Imre Kiralfy was invested as I . P . M . The
Craft Masonry.
other officers were Bros . R . J . Maitland Coffin , M . D ., F . R . C . P ., S . W . ; E . Nalpe , J . W . ; J . W . Clark , Treas . ; G . D . Coleman , Sec . ; C I . Kiralfy , S . D . ; G . C . Breese , J . D . ; J . P . Nelson , I . G . ; R . M . Meyer , D . C ; G . R . Blades . A . D . C ; J . S . Bhumgara , W . II . Coppinger , and G . G . Kirchner , Stewards : James Kift , Org . ; , and Ellis , P . M ., Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremonies the W . M . presented Bro .
Imre Kiralfy , I . P . M ., with a handsome Past Master's jewel . The W . M . undertook the office of Steward for the lodge at the Centenary Festival of the Boys' School , and Bro . Sir J . C . Dimsdale , P . M ., P . G . T ., took the Stewardship for the Girls' School , at the 110 th Festival of which Institution Bro . Sir Reginald Hans-m , M . P ., P . G . W ., will pieside . He trusted that the lodge would support both Stewards liberally .
The lodge was then closed , and punctually to the hour appointed the brethren sat down to a delightful banquet . The usual toasts followed , and between the speeches the brethren enjoyed some excellent singing , under the direction of Bro . James Kift , by Bros . Davies and Arthur Strugnell . Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., in giving the toast of " The Queen and the Craft , " said he was glad to have to propose the Queen ' s health in the record year of her Majesty's
reign . That reign was wonderful in national improvements , and those improvements were due to the encouragement held out by her to science and art . When she acceded to the throne fears were entertained by the mite thinking portion of the community , but those fears did not exist for long , and the Queen was soon beloved by her people , and envied by every crowned head of Europe . And now after 60 years she had laid up a crown of joy and rejoicing which would never fade away , but would continue until time with her should be no more .
Bro . Sir Reginald Hanson , P . G . W ., replying to the toast which includes " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said the Pro G . M . was suffering under a most dire calamity , which had touched the hearts of the people as much as the calimity which had lately overtaken the Royal Family . He trusted that T . G . A . O . T . U . would send him a speedy relief from his sufferings , and that the Craft he had done so much to adorn would soon see him again among them . The rank he ( Sir R . Hanson ) occupied in Masonry was a high one , and , on behalf of the Grand Officers , he would point out that as good
masters made good servants , so the Prince of Wales , being a good Grand Master , he got good Grand Officers ; but even then they could not do much if they did not feel that they had the entire confidence of the Craft , and he did not think Masonry could have increased as it had but for that . He was P . M . and a founder of a lodge the number of which was 1000 less than the number of the Empress Lodge . That showed that in 20 years the Craft must have had great confidence in those appointed to ru ' e over them . He would now come to a matter somewhat personal to himself . He thanked
the first Master of that lodge ( Sir J . C . Dimsdale ) for the exceedingly kind way in which he received the letter read out by the Secretary as to the Festival of the Girls' School ; he was very much touched by his coming forward on the occasion of his son being placed in the chair and supporting him in what must be a somewhat heavy undertaking —the Festival of the Girls' School . The Boys' School Centenary must be abundantly supported , but let them not forget the Girls .
Bro . Sir Walter Wilkin , P . u . VV ., said it was a matter of extreme pleasure that the W . M . ' s chair was filled that night by one who might be said to be young in years . It was satisfactory to old servants of the Craft , because the principles which governed Masonry were handed down by those who were young , and as long as there were instilled into society by principle and practice brotherly love , relief , and truth , so would they not only discharge their duty to the Craft and all society receive benefit therefrom .
Bro . Imre Kiralfy , I . P . M ., proposing "The W . M , " slid it was scarcely possible for him to express the feeling he had towards the W . M ., because he considered him not only a good and great Mason as a young man , but a loving son , a faithful friend , and a most devoted and energetic Mason . The Empress Lodge might congratulate itself , for they could not find a better Master anywhere ; Bro . Dimsdale worked well in the lodge of instruction , and the brethren were all proud of him . Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., replying to the toast , said Bro . Kiralty had left him a
very difficult task to follow in his footsteps ; but if at the end of his year the brethren said he had done half as well as the I . P . M . he should be satWijd with himielf . He wis well supported by Bro . Kiralfy and all the members of the Empress Lodge ; all friends of his ; and last , but by no means the least , he had the support of his father . Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., proposed "The Installing Master . " A finerspecim ; i of a Grand Officer than Bro . Thomis Fenn it would be hard to find ; he was one ot the pillars of Freemasonry ; no one could have given the ceremony of installation more
impressively , and he hoped that other brethren who might follow him ( Bro . Dimidile ) in the chair would have some one to instal them as well . The ceremony had impressed him intensely , and he should try to follow the advice given him by Bro . Fenn . Bro . Thos . Fenn , P . G . VV ., acknowledging thetoast , said that when his esteemed friend , Sir Joseph Dimsdale , invited him to instal the W . M ., he took it as a great honour .
Anyone would consider it a great honour to instal a W . M . of a lodge which bore th : cherished name of our Empress Queen , and any VV . M . would think it an honour to rule over such a lodge . It was a great pleasure to instal the son of his old friend . He ( Bro , Fenn ) was at the consecration of the lodge ,, and it was pleasing to see the progress the lodge had made in two years . He congratulated the VV . M . and wished the lodge all prosperity in the future .
Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., next proposed "The I . P . M ., Bro . Imre-Kiralfy , " whom he had seen under many circumstances , as a true friend , as an ordinary brother in a lodge , as originator of the most wonderful spectacles the world had ever seen , and as the Master of the Empress Lodge ; he had excelled them all . In the Mastershio of the lodge he had been tip top , and he had not forgotten the Charitable side of Freemasonry , for he had contributed to the Charities most liberally . He expressed the wish of everyone when he hoped Bro . Kiralfy might long be spired to the brethren .
Bro . Imre Kiralfy , I . P . M ., in reply , said that anything that was in his power he should do for the assistance of the lodge and its members , and he should da it with the greatest pleasure . The W . M . had referred to his ( Bro . Kiralfy ' s ) abilities with reference to the exhibition ; well , that work he did with the greatest pleasure ; it was hard work sometimes , but he did not feel it ; but the greatest pleasure he ha I wis from his
association with breemasonry ; that was without limits or bounds , and he hoped that some day he would be rich enough to do what he should like to do—take up two or three Stewardships . With reference to his association with the lodge , he had travelled 4000 miles to be present that evening . I le went to America for a little rest and leisure , then to Chicago and New York . He could assure the VV . M . that if he asked him to stand by him as a friend he should do so .
Bro . Sir J oseph C Dimsdale responded to the toist of "The Past Misters . " He felt very proud that night ; probably there was one in the room who ielt still prouder . The meeting carried him back to two years ago , when he had gathered round the hospitable board of the Empress Lodge many , many old friends in Misonry anl representative Grand Officers . He would be more thin human if he did not recognise by their presence to-night that they had paid a very great compliment to the Empress Lodge—a compliment to its W . M—and he was also vain enough to believe that many
of his friends gathered together because his son happened to bs W . M . As they went through life they found friendships cementing into firm knowledge of each other and appreciation of any work they might have and extreme kindness to all failings ; but he thanked sincerely all the brethren assembled that night to wish God-speed to a very young , but able Mason . The Empress Lodge was founded for special objects to be a haven and home for thosewbo desired to come within the fold of Masonry , who might be here from other parts of her Majesty's dominions , and for them to carry away and spread those noble principles for which they strove with loyalty and love to the G . A . O . r . U „
and as a natural sequence the doing of their duty to their fellow men . The lodge was progressing , and their appreciation of the objects and work of the lodge wissho * n by the Grand Officers , than whom there was seldom a in ore representative gathering in a private lodge , He could assure them that the mem icrs of the Empress LoJge would continue to do their duty to maintain the great traditinns of Misonry anl to build up year by year the traditions of the Empress Lodge . It wis a proud evening for him to see his own son occupying the chair , as young almost as it was possible to lill that high position . lie hoped his son would appreciate the great Mason who installed him—one of the great pillars of Masonry . The other toasts followed .
Britannia Lodge , No . 139 . Britannia Lodge , No . 139 , is the oldest existing Masonic Institution in Sheffield , dating back to 17 G 5 , and stands second in seniority of the So lodges which compose the loll of West Yorkshire . It has comprised within its portals—and do : s yet , some of the
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Craft Masonry.
Stability Lodge , No . 217 . The election meeting of this flourishing centenary lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , W . C , on Tuesday , the 7 H 1 inst ., when there were present Bros . J . H . Edwards , W . M . ; Geo . Say , S . W . ; J . R . Ayris , J . W . ; S . P . Fisher , Treas . ; J . Nixon , P . M ., Sec . ; W . H . Smith , S . D . ; II . B . Handcock , J . D . ; VV . H . Edwards , D . C . ; Thos . Bowler , Tyler ; and many others .
Ihe minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The election of W . M . for the ensuing year was unanimous in favour of Bro . Geo . Say , S . W . ; also that of Bro . o . P . Fisher , as Treasurer . At the conclusion of the business of the lodge , the VV . M ., Bro . J . IL Edwards , Mr . Edwards , and the Misses Gertrude and Edith Edwards , held a reception , at which the following were present : Bros . G . Say . W . M . elect , Mrs . Say and Mr . H . Say ; Bro . J . R . Ayris and Mrs . Ayris ; Bro . S . P . Fisher , Mrs . Fisher , and the Misses
h . 1 ' . and A . L . I ' isher ; Bro . Garner , Mrs . Garner , and Miss Garner ; Bro . W . Eckersall and Mrs . Eckersall ; Bro . J . Nixon , Mrs . J . Nixon , and the Misses Alice , Nellie , Maggie , and Mary Nixon , and Mr . J . Nixon ; Bro . H . Mai lleet , Miss II . A . . Marfieet . and Mrs . Maitleet ; Bro . VVm . Gorrie , P . M . ; Bro . Wright and Mrs . Wright ; Bro . Handcock , Mrs . Handcock , and Miss Lapham , and Mr . Williams ; Bro . Owen , P . M ., and Mrs . Owen ; Bro . Taylor and Mrs . Taylor ; Bro . Giraud and Mrs . Giraud ; Mr . Heath and Mr . Roberts ; Bro .. W . H . Edwards and Mrs . Edwards ; Bro . Foster and Mrs . Foster ; Bro . Palmer and Mrs . Palmer ; Bro . Doughty and Miss and Miss
Doughty ; Bro . Vague A . Evans ; Bro . James Addington and Mrs . Addington ; Bro . Finch and Mrs . Finch ; Bro . Furnell and Mrs . Furnell ; Bro . Cutteris , Mrs . Cutteris . and Miss Cutteris ; Bro . Catletnn , Mrs . Carleton , and Miss Carleton ; Bro . Manning and Mrs . Manning ; Bro . Wratten and Mrs . Wratten ; Bro . G . Kirk and Mrs . Kirk ; Bro . C . H . Stone and Mrs . Stone ; Bro . Fisher , Bro . Botterill and Mrs . Botterill ; Bro . Baker and Mrs . Baker ; Mr . Ellis and friend ; Bro . VV . H . Smith , Mrs . Smith , and Miss M . Smith ; Bro . Leaman and Mrs . Leaman ; Bro . Broadberry and Mrs . Broadberry ; Bro . Matthew Hale and Mrs . Hale ; Bro . Uncle , Bro . WoolmerP . M . ; and Bro . JK . Cosham .
, . At the close of the reception , the large company adjourned to the dining hall an 1 participated in an excellent banquet ably presided over by Bro . J . H . Edwards , W . M ., supported by the Mrs . Edwards and the Misses Edwards on his left , and by Bro . Mirfleetand friends , the oldest Past Master in the lodge , on his rig ht . The banquet ended , the VV . M . rose and said the toasts would be short and few as the company were anxious to adjourn to the ball room , svhere a Cinderella dance had been arranged under very able M . Cs ., Bro . Giraud and Mr . J . W . Nixon , to the strains of Bro . Leaman's Quadrille Band .
Ihe W . M . presented the toast of " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen " in right loyal terms , which was duly honoured . " * Bro . P . H . Garner , P . M ., proposed the toast ol "TheW . M ., H-o . J . H . Edwards , " which he said he did with the greatest possible pleasure , as it w is a great honour . The W . M . bad presided duiing a most exceptional year—the centenary festival and the
summer outing , which occasion exceeded , if possible , the previous meetings . The thoroughness of the arrangements had been fully carried out , which added to the comfort of all present . The brethren fully appreciated the services rendered to the lodge by the W . M ., and he would ask them to drink to the health of Bro . and Mrs . Edwards in bumpers . The toast was received with acclamation .
In reply , Bro . J . H . Edwards , W . M ., said : Ladies , gentlemen , and brethren , —It gives me great pleasure to reply to the toast so ably proposed by Bro . Garner and to thank you all for so hearty a reception . A similar occasion had occurred twice before ; but the present was the most enjoyable . It was the last occasion in the year he shou Id hold the position of W . M . in the lodge , and he was leaving it most reluctintly , havin g had such a happy year ; but he was pleased to know he was relinquishing the position to so worthy a successor as Hro . G . Say , S . W . On behalf of Mrs . Edwards and himself , he most heartily thanked the company ,
In proposing the toast of " The Ladies , " Bro . Marfieet stated the great pleasure it gave the brethren to welcome them to the Stability Lodge and to witness their excellent work . He hoped that they would have an enjoyable evening , and in their kindness of heart to overlook any little shortcomings of the brethren if they were detained on same occasions a little later than usual . A most cordial response was given to the toast .
Bro . Nixon , P . M ., in lehcitous terms , said the ladies were deeply sensible of the honour conferred upon them , and congratulated the W . M . in presiding over so historical a lodge during its centenary this , the Jubilee year , and also on the enjoyable summer outing at which they were present , and likewise the present occasion , which crowned all . They also congratulated the coming W . M ., Bro . G . Say , and hoped that he would in like manner look after them in the coming year , which was fully anticipited . The W . M . next presented the toast of "The Visitors , " which was always most
cordially extended by the brethren of the Stability Lodge . Bro . Matthew Hale , P . M ., in reply , said it gave him great pleasure to respond for the first time in Stability Lodge , which was his misfortune , as he hal been invited a dozen times by the esteemed W . M . It gave him still greater pleasure as he was now accompanied by Mrs . Hale , who was witness to the efficiency and cordiality which existed amongst the brethren of Stability Lodge . He most heartily tnanked the brethren on behalf of the visitors . Bro . C . H . Stone , P . M ., also cordially replied .
During the banquet each lady was presented with a hindso-ne box , silk lined , wi : h two bottles of choice scent , as a souvenir of the occasion , the card bearing the following inscription : "Lodge of Stability , 217 , 'Cinderella , ' Dece-nbjr 7 th , ISJ 7 , with the compliments of Bro . J . IL Edwards , W . M ., and Mrs . Edwaids . " The whole arrangements were most successfully carried out by Bro ; . Nixon , P . M . ; Handcock , J . D . ; and Giraud , for which they received the highest praise .
Empress Lodge , No . 2581 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday evening , the Sth inst ., at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , and the lodge was opened by Bro . Imre Kiralfy , VV . M . A very large number of brethren attended , among them being Bros . S . J Templeton , N . Haskine , VV . S . Hooper , C . Goovart , P . Dixon , J . H . Alabaster , C B . Lumley , VV . H . Bond , Arthur'lite , F . A . Nash , W . G . Ardington , IN . F . Bhumgara , W . 11 . Jtffcant , A . G . Howell , G . R . Blades , W . H . Coppinger , G . C . Breese ,
Alfred Holiness , W . G . Merritt , W . K . Allvey , N . F . Stokes , C . L . J . Noad , and Bertrand Dawson . The visitors included Bros . Sir Reginald Hanson , P . G . VV . ; Alderman Vaughan Morgan , G . Treas . ; Sir Joseph C . Dimsdale , P . G . Treas . ; Sir Walter Wilkin , P . G . W . ; Thomas Fenn , P . G . W . ; Edward Letchworth , G . Sec . ; R . Horton Smith , O . C , Dep . G . \< eg . ; Richard Eve , P . G . Treas . ; W . Mason Stiles , P . G . Treas ; '" Sir Geoige D . Harris , P . G . D . ; Frederick , West , P . G . D . ; Dr . Ralph B . Gooding , P . G . D . ; G . P . Goldney , P . G . D . ; Sir Wil'iam T . Marriott , O . C , P . G . D . ;
J . D . Langton , P . D . G . D . C . ; C . Belton , P . D . G , O . C ; Sir Charles Martin , P . A . G . D C . ; Lennox Browne , P . D . G . D . C ; F . Mead , P . G . Std . Br . ; T . Hastings Miller . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . Std . Br . ; VV . S . Hoytc , P . G . Org .,- VV . Henderson , Dep . Dist . G . Reg . S . Africa ; Joseph Pock , P . G . Stwd . ; the Hon . P . M . Meha , P . M ., Bombay Legislative Council ; Richard Creed , VV . M . i ; Rev . H . C . Dimsdale , S 59 ; A . R . Meyer , W . M . 900 ; John P . Houghton , P . M . 176 S ; R . Evens , P . M ., P . Z . 1940 ; Walter Clifford , P . M . 24 SS ; John Foss , S . W . 24 SS ;
Natham Robinson , P . M . . 55 ; J . Ilarbert , W . M . 19 S 7 ; J . K . Cleave , W . M . 264 S ; Percy Short , VV . M . 2255 ; Geo . P . Hadley , 24 SS ; Henry Neville , W . M . 2127 ; E , E . Cooper , P . M . S ; Edward White , P . M . 177 ; W . Griffin , P . M . 1 ; W . Dent , 1 ; Thos . Dimsdale , P . G . Stwd . ; E . Beranger , 20 O 0 ; W . T . Pigott , W . M . 197 ; II . Baker , P . P . A . G . P . ; VVillam 11 . Bourke , P . M . 1035 ; E . B . J . Arne , P . M . 161 s
H . Dangerlield , P . M . 1260 ; VV . J . VV . Beard , P . M , and Treas ici ; II . Massey , P . M fiiy and 192 S ; W . Sergeant Lee , P . M . 24 SS ; Jas . H . Hawkins , P . M . 509 ; J . A Harrison , I . P . M . 24 SS ; Orlton Cooper , P . M . 211 ; A . J . Squires , 19 S 7 ; J . W Hayes , 164 ; VV . Rapley , 1 ^ 7 ; P . J . Rowlands , 2 o >/>; A . II . Hooper , 4 O ; J Witney , 144 G ; G . W . Stillwell , 1 ; F . W . Nelson , 2 S 4 ; C P . Channing , 19 S 7 ; W 1 . Boswotth , and A . E . Baker , 1 .
After the minutes had been read and confirmed , Bros . J . Weiner , 19 S 7 , and W . F . Allvey , 2374 , were elected joining members . Bro . Thomas Fenn , P . G . W ., afterwards took " the chair for the purpose ot the installation , Bros . Alderman Vaughan Morgan , G Treas ., taking the S . W . ' s chair and Sir G . D . Harris , P . G . D ., the J . W . ' s chair . Bro . John Holdsworth Dimsdale ( son of Bro . Sir Joseph C . Dimsdale , P . G . I ' reas . ) was then installed as VV . M . for the ensuing year . Bro . Imre Kiralfy was invested as I . P . M . The
Craft Masonry.
other officers were Bros . R . J . Maitland Coffin , M . D ., F . R . C . P ., S . W . ; E . Nalpe , J . W . ; J . W . Clark , Treas . ; G . D . Coleman , Sec . ; C I . Kiralfy , S . D . ; G . C . Breese , J . D . ; J . P . Nelson , I . G . ; R . M . Meyer , D . C ; G . R . Blades . A . D . C ; J . S . Bhumgara , W . II . Coppinger , and G . G . Kirchner , Stewards : James Kift , Org . ; , and Ellis , P . M ., Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremonies the W . M . presented Bro .
Imre Kiralfy , I . P . M ., with a handsome Past Master's jewel . The W . M . undertook the office of Steward for the lodge at the Centenary Festival of the Boys' School , and Bro . Sir J . C . Dimsdale , P . M ., P . G . T ., took the Stewardship for the Girls' School , at the 110 th Festival of which Institution Bro . Sir Reginald Hans-m , M . P ., P . G . W ., will pieside . He trusted that the lodge would support both Stewards liberally .
The lodge was then closed , and punctually to the hour appointed the brethren sat down to a delightful banquet . The usual toasts followed , and between the speeches the brethren enjoyed some excellent singing , under the direction of Bro . James Kift , by Bros . Davies and Arthur Strugnell . Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., in giving the toast of " The Queen and the Craft , " said he was glad to have to propose the Queen ' s health in the record year of her Majesty's
reign . That reign was wonderful in national improvements , and those improvements were due to the encouragement held out by her to science and art . When she acceded to the throne fears were entertained by the mite thinking portion of the community , but those fears did not exist for long , and the Queen was soon beloved by her people , and envied by every crowned head of Europe . And now after 60 years she had laid up a crown of joy and rejoicing which would never fade away , but would continue until time with her should be no more .
Bro . Sir Reginald Hanson , P . G . W ., replying to the toast which includes " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " said the Pro G . M . was suffering under a most dire calamity , which had touched the hearts of the people as much as the calimity which had lately overtaken the Royal Family . He trusted that T . G . A . O . T . U . would send him a speedy relief from his sufferings , and that the Craft he had done so much to adorn would soon see him again among them . The rank he ( Sir R . Hanson ) occupied in Masonry was a high one , and , on behalf of the Grand Officers , he would point out that as good
masters made good servants , so the Prince of Wales , being a good Grand Master , he got good Grand Officers ; but even then they could not do much if they did not feel that they had the entire confidence of the Craft , and he did not think Masonry could have increased as it had but for that . He was P . M . and a founder of a lodge the number of which was 1000 less than the number of the Empress Lodge . That showed that in 20 years the Craft must have had great confidence in those appointed to ru ' e over them . He would now come to a matter somewhat personal to himself . He thanked
the first Master of that lodge ( Sir J . C . Dimsdale ) for the exceedingly kind way in which he received the letter read out by the Secretary as to the Festival of the Girls' School ; he was very much touched by his coming forward on the occasion of his son being placed in the chair and supporting him in what must be a somewhat heavy undertaking —the Festival of the Girls' School . The Boys' School Centenary must be abundantly supported , but let them not forget the Girls .
Bro . Sir Walter Wilkin , P . u . VV ., said it was a matter of extreme pleasure that the W . M . ' s chair was filled that night by one who might be said to be young in years . It was satisfactory to old servants of the Craft , because the principles which governed Masonry were handed down by those who were young , and as long as there were instilled into society by principle and practice brotherly love , relief , and truth , so would they not only discharge their duty to the Craft and all society receive benefit therefrom .
Bro . Imre Kiralfy , I . P . M ., proposing "The W . M , " slid it was scarcely possible for him to express the feeling he had towards the W . M ., because he considered him not only a good and great Mason as a young man , but a loving son , a faithful friend , and a most devoted and energetic Mason . The Empress Lodge might congratulate itself , for they could not find a better Master anywhere ; Bro . Dimsdale worked well in the lodge of instruction , and the brethren were all proud of him . Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., replying to the toast , said Bro . Kiralty had left him a
very difficult task to follow in his footsteps ; but if at the end of his year the brethren said he had done half as well as the I . P . M . he should be satWijd with himielf . He wis well supported by Bro . Kiralfy and all the members of the Empress Lodge ; all friends of his ; and last , but by no means the least , he had the support of his father . Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., proposed "The Installing Master . " A finerspecim ; i of a Grand Officer than Bro . Thomis Fenn it would be hard to find ; he was one ot the pillars of Freemasonry ; no one could have given the ceremony of installation more
impressively , and he hoped that other brethren who might follow him ( Bro . Dimidile ) in the chair would have some one to instal them as well . The ceremony had impressed him intensely , and he should try to follow the advice given him by Bro . Fenn . Bro . Thos . Fenn , P . G . VV ., acknowledging thetoast , said that when his esteemed friend , Sir Joseph Dimsdale , invited him to instal the W . M ., he took it as a great honour .
Anyone would consider it a great honour to instal a W . M . of a lodge which bore th : cherished name of our Empress Queen , and any VV . M . would think it an honour to rule over such a lodge . It was a great pleasure to instal the son of his old friend . He ( Bro , Fenn ) was at the consecration of the lodge ,, and it was pleasing to see the progress the lodge had made in two years . He congratulated the VV . M . and wished the lodge all prosperity in the future .
Bro . J . H . Dimsdale , W . M ., next proposed "The I . P . M ., Bro . Imre-Kiralfy , " whom he had seen under many circumstances , as a true friend , as an ordinary brother in a lodge , as originator of the most wonderful spectacles the world had ever seen , and as the Master of the Empress Lodge ; he had excelled them all . In the Mastershio of the lodge he had been tip top , and he had not forgotten the Charitable side of Freemasonry , for he had contributed to the Charities most liberally . He expressed the wish of everyone when he hoped Bro . Kiralfy might long be spired to the brethren .
Bro . Imre Kiralfy , I . P . M ., in reply , said that anything that was in his power he should do for the assistance of the lodge and its members , and he should da it with the greatest pleasure . The W . M . had referred to his ( Bro . Kiralfy ' s ) abilities with reference to the exhibition ; well , that work he did with the greatest pleasure ; it was hard work sometimes , but he did not feel it ; but the greatest pleasure he ha I wis from his
association with breemasonry ; that was without limits or bounds , and he hoped that some day he would be rich enough to do what he should like to do—take up two or three Stewardships . With reference to his association with the lodge , he had travelled 4000 miles to be present that evening . I le went to America for a little rest and leisure , then to Chicago and New York . He could assure the VV . M . that if he asked him to stand by him as a friend he should do so .
Bro . Sir J oseph C Dimsdale responded to the toist of "The Past Misters . " He felt very proud that night ; probably there was one in the room who ielt still prouder . The meeting carried him back to two years ago , when he had gathered round the hospitable board of the Empress Lodge many , many old friends in Misonry anl representative Grand Officers . He would be more thin human if he did not recognise by their presence to-night that they had paid a very great compliment to the Empress Lodge—a compliment to its W . M—and he was also vain enough to believe that many
of his friends gathered together because his son happened to bs W . M . As they went through life they found friendships cementing into firm knowledge of each other and appreciation of any work they might have and extreme kindness to all failings ; but he thanked sincerely all the brethren assembled that night to wish God-speed to a very young , but able Mason . The Empress Lodge was founded for special objects to be a haven and home for thosewbo desired to come within the fold of Masonry , who might be here from other parts of her Majesty's dominions , and for them to carry away and spread those noble principles for which they strove with loyalty and love to the G . A . O . r . U „
and as a natural sequence the doing of their duty to their fellow men . The lodge was progressing , and their appreciation of the objects and work of the lodge wissho * n by the Grand Officers , than whom there was seldom a in ore representative gathering in a private lodge , He could assure them that the mem icrs of the Empress LoJge would continue to do their duty to maintain the great traditinns of Misonry anl to build up year by year the traditions of the Empress Lodge . It wis a proud evening for him to see his own son occupying the chair , as young almost as it was possible to lill that high position . lie hoped his son would appreciate the great Mason who installed him—one of the great pillars of Masonry . The other toasts followed .
Britannia Lodge , No . 139 . Britannia Lodge , No . 139 , is the oldest existing Masonic Institution in Sheffield , dating back to 17 G 5 , and stands second in seniority of the So lodges which compose the loll of West Yorkshire . It has comprised within its portals—and do : s yet , some of the