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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
laws , which was a part of the business on the agenda paper , was deferred until the next meeting . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to . the banquet , the arrangements for which were personally superintended by Bro . Baker , and gave great satisfaction . At the close the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured .
NEW CROSS LODGE ( No . 1559 ) . —Tho members of this lodge met for thc first time in their new quarters , the Shi p Hotel , Greenwich , on Saturday , the 5 th inst ., the occasion being the installation of Bro . Ernest E . Smith as Worshipful Master . Bro . Smith is thc sixth Master of the lodge , and is to be congratulated upon reaching the chair of his mother lodge in the short space of time that hc has . Bro . Smith was initiated in March , 1 S 76 ,
and has therefore attained the chair in less than five years . Since the foundation of the lodge the chair has been occupied as follows : 1 S 7 6-7 , Bros . Walter Bingley Woodman ; 1877-S , Henry Keeble ; 1 S 7 S-9 , WalterSimmonds ; 1 S 79-S 0 , Louis Beck ; 1 SS 0-1 , Eugene H . Thiellay . The lodge was opened in due form by Bro . Thiellay , assisted by the following officers and brethren : Bros . Smith , S . VV .,. W . M . elect ; VV . Cowley , J . W . ; VV . A . ' Simmonds , P . M . Sec ;
H . Keeble , P . M . 12 , 1275 , 1559 , and P . Z . 1559 ; Louis Beck , P . M . ; T . Grummant , S . D . ; H . Henton , J . D . ; A . B . Church , Tyler ; James Moss , W . Waters , james Ross , K . R . Gloag , Thomas Metham , J . D . Graham , Charles Henry , E . J . Fry , F . VV . Cash , J . VV . James , W . A . Sturdee , and the following visitors . Bros . Charles Fowler , VV . M . 79 ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 , 1 G 22 ; H . Roberts , P . M . 79 ; D . Haslett , P . M . 145 ; N . Defriez , P . M . 1 S 5 ;
C . VV . Kent , P . M . 879 , 1571 ; Govan Macdonald , P . M . 115 S ; I . Walter , P . M . 115 S ; J . T . Moss , P . M . 1423 ; J . Mackenzie Bell , 2 G ; A . Miller , G 5 ; G . M . Miller , 65 ; Thankfull Sturdee , . 147 ; T . G . Davies , 1471 ; A . E . Thiselton , 1599 ; VV . Mole , 1 GS 7 ; R . J . Wishart , 17 S 9 ; and F . A . Kelly ( Freemason ) . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , a joining member was then balloted for , and
subsequently initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . Bro . David Rose , P . M . 1622 , then proceeded with the installation ceremony . Bio . Ernest Smith , having assented to the antient charges , was , on the withdrawal of the brethren below the chair , duly installed VV . M . of the New Cross Lodge . The manner in which Bro . Rose executed his task deserved as much praise as his performance of the other Craft ceremonies of which he
is known to be a skilled Master . The following officers were appointed and invested , with the exception of the Junior Deacon , ] absent through illness ( this officer , Bro . Wise , will be invested at the next meeting ) : Bros . VV . Cowley , S . VV . ; T . Grummant , J . W . ; Eugene H . Thiellay , I . P . M ., P . G . S . B . Middx ., Treas . ; V .. A . Simmons , P . M ., Sec ; Hinton , S . D . ; E . ] . Fry , I . G . j F . VV . Cash , D . C ; T . Metham , W . S . ; and A . B . Church , Tyler . Before
closing the lodge , a vote of thanks , proposed by Bro . Keeble , P . M ., and seconded by Bro . Beck , P . M ., was accorded to Bro . Rose for the very able manncrin which he had performed his duties an Installing Master . The vote was unanimously carried and feelingly acknowledged by Bro . Rose . The biethren then adjourned to an excellent banquet , to which full justice was done . In proposing the first toast , the W . M . said that "The Health of Her Majesty
the Queen was always heartily received , as they all knew she had at heart the welfare of her subjects . The next toast , "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master , " the W . M ., in introducing , said that those brethren who had the privilege of attending Grand Lodge fully appreciated the Prince ' s appearance among them . His duties lie fulfilled in such a manner as to be a pattern to them all . The toast of "The Earl of Carnarvon ,
Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " was next given in complimentary terms and heartily received . Bro . Louis Beck then proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " which he said undoubtedly was the toast of the evening . From his knowledge of Bro . Smith , he ( Bro . Beck ) could with some authority speak as to his efficiency for the office he had that
evening been placed m . He had had the pleasure of acting as Deacon on the ni g ht their Master was initiated , and it was with much gratification that he watched the great zeal Bro . Smith exhibited in his advancement to the chair . They all felt proud at seeing him in that position , and were all confident that he would perform his duties to the satisfaction of the lodge . The VV . M ., in the course of his reply , referred to the period of his initiation , when hc
certainly aspired to the chair , but thought ten years I at least would elapse before he attained that honourable f position . He had been appointed to the S . VV . 's chair a I year earlier than he expected , owing to Bro . Green , to £ whom thc W . M . referred in endearing terms , having retired Kfrom the lodge . It was his earnest wish , with the assisttancc of his officers , to terminate his year of office with f credit to himself and satisfaction to them all . In proposing
I "Ihe Initiate , " the VV . M . described him as the Chaplain I of the lodge in " prospective , " and from the attention he [ had paid to the ceremony he had gone through , he feltsure » they had a brother who would do credit to the lodge and to jfihe Craft in general . The Initiate , in the course of an in-• teresting reply , said he had never in his life experienced so much pleasure as he had that evening , nor had any ceremony impressed him more than his initiation . He hoped to become
efficient in the various ceremonies , and to give the many genial friends around him every satisfaction . The toast of " The Visitors , " proposed in glowing terms by thc VV . M ., elicited able repliesfrom Bros . Moss , J . Walter , and Goyan Macdonald . A special toast was then given in honour of . the Installing Master , ' who , in reply , expressed the surprise that he had felt when asked to instal the Master , n ° t having had the remotest idea such a service wouiu
jj e reqUired 0 f J , j m- j-j e had much pleasure m congratulating Bro . Smith on his elevation to the chair and upon tlie good officers lie had to support lnm > uros Louis Beck and H . Keeble having replied on behalf of " The Past Masters , " the toast of "The treasurer and Secretary" was given , the VV . M . paying mgh tribute to the services of Bro . Thiellay , remarking inat tne
lodge could not have a better Treasurer . From the manner in which these remarks were received , the brethren were also of the same opinion . Bvo . Thiellay , in re P' * y , expressed the pleasure the unexpected honour of oeing elected Treasurer had afforded him , and promised to _?__ , ?• , h , , funds of the lod £ e w ! th tl'e greatest care and f „ X ' ; . He trusted , with the support of thc brethren , «* piace the lodge in every sense on a par with the best in
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
the district . The present was the first meeting at the Ship Hotel , but he trusted it was a new era in the lodge , and he hoped the prosperity of the lodge would , if possible , be greater in the future . Several other toasts were given and duly responded to . Letters of regret for inability to attend were received from Bros . Col . Creaton , Grand Treas . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Sec . ; H . G . Buss , Asst . G . Sec . ; E . Swanborough , C . J . Smith ( of Brighton ) , and others .
ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 1657 ) . —The annual installation meeting was held at the Castle and Falcon Hotel , Aldersgate-street , on Monday last , the 14 th inst . The lodge was punctually opened at 3 . 30 by the W . M ., Bro . George Kenning , and there were present Bros . A . J . Altman , I . P . M . ; Rev . R . Lee , Chap . ; John Derby Allcroft , P . M ., Treas . ; Thomas Jones , Sec ; Rev . Dr .
Ernest Brette , P . M . ; Alfred Brookman , S . D . ; Samuel Benton , J . D . ; Thomas Benskin , D . C . ; Samuel White , I . G . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , and George Sims , Stewards ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C . ( Hon . Mem . ); Rev . P . M . Holden , Past G . C . Middx . ( Hon . Mem . ); VV . H . Froom , P . Saiilard , George Vickery , J . Renals , E . Anderton , H . Matthew , Webb , and the following : visitors : Bros . A . M .
Broadley , Past D . D . G . M . Malta , VV . M . 1 S 35 , P -M- 1717 , & c ; James Lewis Thomas , F . S . A ., Past Asst . G . D . of C , P . M . 142 ; Edgar Bowyer , Grand Senior Warden Herts ; James Terry , Past G . W . Herts ; Charles F . Hogard , Past G . S . of VV . Essex , P . M . 205 ; John L . Mather , Past G . D . of C . Herts , P . M . 1471 ; Fred Brackford , W . M . 515 ; U . Knell , W . M . 1471 ; D . Nicholson , P . M . 19 ; Edward F . Storr , P . M . 22 , 1679 ; John II .
Cummings , P . M . 544 ; W . S . Whitaker , P . \ 1 . . 1572 ; W . T . Whitmore , J . D . 4 ; E . J . Altman , J . D . 101 ; E . Collins , 25 ; G . V . DeLuca , 101 ; Fred H . Cozens ,-907 ; C . JolIy , - g _ 3 ; VV . F . Fitch , 1541 ; H . Field , 1602 Capt . VV . R . A . Cole , 1744 ; James Kift , 1791 ; and VV . Lake , Past Grand Reg . Cornwall , P . M . 131 ( Freemason ) . Letters regretting their inability to be present were
received from Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Sir John B . Monckton , Pres . Board of General Purposes ; Baron de Ferrieres , M . P ., W . M . S 2 , P . G . Reg . Gloucestershire ; J . Judd ; Nelson Reed , VV . M . 1572 ; F . G . Faithfull , M . A . ; Murray Janes ; H . C Levander , VV . M . 142 , P . G . Sec . Middlesex ; and F . H . Wilson lies , M . D ., D . G . M . Hertfordshire .
The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and the statement of accounts , showing a favourable balance , was presented by the Secretary , and received and adopted . The VV . M . announced that he intended to go up as a Steward for the Boys' School at the next festival , and asked for a vote from the lod ge to place on his list . He thought the brethren had done so nobly in their
individual capacities on former occasions that it was not right to call upon them for further donations at present , but the lodge was in aposition to afford a grant . A sum of £ 10 ios . was then proposed and carried unanimously . The W . M . then read a communication from a distressed brother , whBreupon the Treasurer , Bro . J . Derby Allcroft , proposed that the sum of £ 5 5 s . be given him from thefunds of thc
lodge . This was also carried unanimousl y . The W . M . Bro . Kenning , then proceeded to carry out the business on thc agenda paper , which was rather of a formidable character , viz ., to raise Bro . Vickery , to pass Bro . Renals , and to initiate Mr . Matthew Webb , jun ., and Mr . Arthur Hudson . The ceremony in each case was performed in an able manner . The installation was then proceeded with
but as the VV . M . had been re-elected to fill the chair , it was not necessary to repeat the whole of the ceremony . Bro . the Rev . P . H . Ernest Brette , as on the last occasion , acted as Installing Master , and Bro . George Kennin _ - was again placed in the chair of King Solomon , receiving the hearty congratulations of all present on the well-deserved
honour that had been conferred on him . The W . M . then proceeded to invest his ofiicers as follows : Bros . Alfred Brookman , S . VV . ; Samuel Benton ( M . D . ) , J . VV . ; Rich Lee ( M . A . ) , Chaplain ; J . D . Allcroft , Treasurer ; Thos " . Jones , Secretary ; Samuel White , S . D . ; E . Y . Jolliffe J . D . ; George Sims . I . G . ; P . Saiilard , D . C . ; H . Matthews and E . Anderton , Stewards ; and VV . S . Chapman
, W . S . Lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , which was admirably served by Bro . Benskin . The VV . M ., Bro . Kenning , presided , and was supported by many distinguished visitors . In proposing the health of Her Majesty the Queen the VV . M . said it was with pleasure he gave what was always the first toast at all Masonic
meetings , and he knew it would be accepted by them with loyal satisfaction . Her Majesty the Queen was both the friend and Patroness of their Order . He asked them to drink heartil y the good old Masonic toast , " The Oueen and the Craft . " The " National Anthem " was thenlung , and the VV . M . said that the next toast was one which required very little commendation from him , for it would
be heartily received by them all . It was "The Health of II . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " thc Grand Master of English Masonry . As Freemasons they were proud of the fact , that thc Heir Apparent to the throne was the head of their Order , and they rejoiced to remember that thc government of their great Fraternity had been entrusted to him with ' the entire acquiescence of the always loyal
Brotherhood , and they gratefully acknowledged his kind and genial qualities . Bro . Kenning then gave "The Health of the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master ; the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . ; and the Present and Past Officers of Grand Lodge . " All of them must be sensible of what they owed to these two disinguished rulers , whose names were household words amongst them . For the Officers .
Present and Past , of Grand Lod ge they had the deepest regard and respect , remembering their past services , and knowing well how ready they always were to advance the best and truest interests of Freemasonry . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , Past Grand Chaplain of England . Bro . A . F . A . Woodford , in reply , said he regretted that
there were not on the present , as on a former occasion , some of those distinguished Present Officers of Grand Lodge who could return thanks in a more effective manner for the toast which they had so lately and so kindl y honoured . But as his friend , Bro . Thomas , and himself
were by fortuitous circumstancts thc onl y two Past Grand Officers present , he ventured , on his behalf and his own , and the Present and Past Grand Officers , to return them their very sincere acknowledgments for the hearty manner in which the toast had been received . Thc Present and Past Grand Officers were always glad to be present at such meetings as these , to testify their continued interest in Ma-
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sonic work , and to express theirsympathy with the progress and labours of their excellent and useful Brotherhood . To some of them , as to himself , this opportunity of being present was very gratifying , as he had seen the formation , and had witnessed the onward progress , of the Aidersgate Lodge , and now rejoiced to think , on personal grounds , that Bro . Kenning had been unanimously elected , for the second time , VV . M . of this important lodge , and that they
were able to congratulate him on his renewed honours and his well merited position as a ruler of the Craft . He felt sure that he was expressing Bro . Thomas's feelings as well as his own , when he said that he sincerely hoped that the future of the Aldersgate Lodge might be , as in the past , one of prosperity and peace , comfort , and concord to all the brethren . ( Hear , bear . ) Before he sat down , two points occurred to him which he thought well shortly to allude to .
It was often said , " what is the good of Freemasonry ?" He would reply , borrowing . the words from the epitaph of Sir Christopher Wren , " si quceris circumspice ? " Surely their Charity returns , above £ 40 , 00 ^ 1 year , attested the large hcartedness of the brethren and the reality of Freemasonry . He knew of no other body of men , not richer than others they must bear in mind , who thus sought year by year to prove to the world both the value of Masonry and the
sincerity of their own professions . It had been said that Masonry was only a " convivial club . " He utterly denied it . It properly , most properly , encouraged sociality . Long might it do so . But it sought to teach the great truth of moderation in the enjoyments of the social circle and the good things of this world . Some of them who had grown old-jn Masonry would agree with him when he said that some of the happiest moments in their lives had been spent
in Masonic sociality , and thus while Freemasons wisely encouraged the legitimate use of the enjoyments a Beneficent Creator had placed within their reach , they never forgot those unchanging and elevating principles of true charity , which characterized happily the " outcome" of English Freemasonry to-day . He thanked them once more for the honour th ey had done the Grand Ofiicers . Bro . J . Lewis Thomas , m response to many calls , also
replied . He said that Bro . Woodford was many years his senior as a Grand Officer , and worthily represented Grand Lodge on that occasion . He desired to express his satisfaction at the working of the lodge that day ; the ceremonies had been very ably performed by the VV . M ., and he was quite sure that the Aldersgate Lodge in re-electing Bro . Kenning to the chair was conferring an honour which was fully deserved . Their hospitality , too , for which he had
to thank them , was so well known that he would not further refer to it . He could quite support Bro . Woodford in his remarks on the Fourth Degree—they met in the first instance as a social body , and as Englishmen they believed in socia intercourse . They were proud of their great Charities ; bu they were no less proud of that bond of friendship which was cemented at such meetings as these . Bro . Altman , I . P . M ., in proposing the next toast , said that they were
doubtless all aware , from the fact of its being placed in his hands , that it was that of " The Worshipful Master , Bro . George Kenning . " They must all sympathise with him in the difficult position in which he was placed in having to speak to them for the second or third year of the good cjualities of the W . M ., and he should be doing him an injustice if lie represented him as better this year than last ; they had always been pleased by his geniality . He could
say a good deal more about his good qualities , but they al knew how sensitive he was on that point . Heconsidered it a great honour to serve twice as P . M . to so worthy and estimable a brother . Bro . Kenning , in reply , thanked the brethren most sincerely for the hearty manner in which they had received his health , and his worthy friend for the forcible way in which he had proposed it . He felt deeply the honour of being a second time unanimously elected
W . M . of that lodge , and no efforts wouldbe wanting on his part to show his sense , both of the dignity of the chair an the kindness of his brethren . He begged them to accep both his warmest thanks and hearty good wishes for the honour and prosperity of the Aldersgate Lodge The next toast was that of "The Visitors , " and the VV . M ., in introducing it , said that hospitality was a virtue , of which the Aldersgate Lodge claimed if not a
monopoly , yet a very large snare . Un behalf ot his brethren he begged to say they were always happy to welcome their friendly and kindly visitors , to see them amongst them , and to record their honoured names . Nothing gave the lod ge over which he had the honour to preside more gratification than when , as on that day , they beheld a goodly array of visitors , and they wished them all hearty welcome . They were especially pleased to meet brethren from other narts of _ hi _ world . nnH . IIPV _ .: __ .
nmnnnthem that evening a brother from the district of Malta , Bro . Broadley , D . G . M ., and he trusted he would take back some pleasant recollections of his visit to thc Aldersgate Lodge . He gave them "The Visitors , " coupling the toast with the name of Bro . Broadley . Bro . Broadley , in reply , said that although he hailed from Malta , he possessed through the Masonic press a knowledge of all Masonic doings in England , and came amongst them as a friend . The
district of Malta , he said , was a highl y important one , and as an instance of the position of the Malta lodges , he would mention that the next brother who had come into the lodge room after himself was an actual VV . M . of a Malta lodge . He could assure the brethren if any of them ever came to Malta they would receive a hearty welcome . Bro Edgar Bowyer , P . G . S . W . Herts , also replied . He heartily thanked the W . M . for the terms in which he had proposed
the health of the visitors . For himself he would say that he had greatly enjoyed being present at the second installation of Bro . George Kenning , whose name was a household word amongst them . The Secretary then announced that the chanty box that evening had produced a sum of £ 1 16 s ., and the W . M . proposed that it be added to the £ 5 5 s . already voted in aid of the distressed brother . This amount was further supplemented by donations from the brethren
to £ 10 10 s . The toast of "The Past Masters" was next given , Bro . Kenning remarking that they possessed some very able Past Masters . Bro . J . Derb y Allcroft , he regretted to say , was unable to remain , but they had with them Bro . Dr . Brette , whom they all loved , and Bro . Altman , their worthy I . P . M . He felt almost that in taking office a second year he had cheated the lodge out of a Past
Master , and that hc owed them an apology . Bro . Dr . Brette , in reply , said he was rather taken b y surprise , as hc always thought it was the duty of the I . P . M . to respond to the toast of the Past Masters . He had in Masonry , as in all other paths of life , endeavoured to do hisduty .- It was not becausehe wanted to shirk work that he had declined the chair this year , but that he felt that the honour and pros-
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
laws , which was a part of the business on the agenda paper , was deferred until the next meeting . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to . the banquet , the arrangements for which were personally superintended by Bro . Baker , and gave great satisfaction . At the close the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured .
NEW CROSS LODGE ( No . 1559 ) . —Tho members of this lodge met for thc first time in their new quarters , the Shi p Hotel , Greenwich , on Saturday , the 5 th inst ., the occasion being the installation of Bro . Ernest E . Smith as Worshipful Master . Bro . Smith is thc sixth Master of the lodge , and is to be congratulated upon reaching the chair of his mother lodge in the short space of time that hc has . Bro . Smith was initiated in March , 1 S 76 ,
and has therefore attained the chair in less than five years . Since the foundation of the lodge the chair has been occupied as follows : 1 S 7 6-7 , Bros . Walter Bingley Woodman ; 1877-S , Henry Keeble ; 1 S 7 S-9 , WalterSimmonds ; 1 S 79-S 0 , Louis Beck ; 1 SS 0-1 , Eugene H . Thiellay . The lodge was opened in due form by Bro . Thiellay , assisted by the following officers and brethren : Bros . Smith , S . VV .,. W . M . elect ; VV . Cowley , J . W . ; VV . A . ' Simmonds , P . M . Sec ;
H . Keeble , P . M . 12 , 1275 , 1559 , and P . Z . 1559 ; Louis Beck , P . M . ; T . Grummant , S . D . ; H . Henton , J . D . ; A . B . Church , Tyler ; James Moss , W . Waters , james Ross , K . R . Gloag , Thomas Metham , J . D . Graham , Charles Henry , E . J . Fry , F . VV . Cash , J . VV . James , W . A . Sturdee , and the following visitors . Bros . Charles Fowler , VV . M . 79 ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 , 1 G 22 ; H . Roberts , P . M . 79 ; D . Haslett , P . M . 145 ; N . Defriez , P . M . 1 S 5 ;
C . VV . Kent , P . M . 879 , 1571 ; Govan Macdonald , P . M . 115 S ; I . Walter , P . M . 115 S ; J . T . Moss , P . M . 1423 ; J . Mackenzie Bell , 2 G ; A . Miller , G 5 ; G . M . Miller , 65 ; Thankfull Sturdee , . 147 ; T . G . Davies , 1471 ; A . E . Thiselton , 1599 ; VV . Mole , 1 GS 7 ; R . J . Wishart , 17 S 9 ; and F . A . Kelly ( Freemason ) . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , a joining member was then balloted for , and
subsequently initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . Bro . David Rose , P . M . 1622 , then proceeded with the installation ceremony . Bio . Ernest Smith , having assented to the antient charges , was , on the withdrawal of the brethren below the chair , duly installed VV . M . of the New Cross Lodge . The manner in which Bro . Rose executed his task deserved as much praise as his performance of the other Craft ceremonies of which he
is known to be a skilled Master . The following officers were appointed and invested , with the exception of the Junior Deacon , ] absent through illness ( this officer , Bro . Wise , will be invested at the next meeting ) : Bros . VV . Cowley , S . VV . ; T . Grummant , J . W . ; Eugene H . Thiellay , I . P . M ., P . G . S . B . Middx ., Treas . ; V .. A . Simmons , P . M ., Sec ; Hinton , S . D . ; E . ] . Fry , I . G . j F . VV . Cash , D . C ; T . Metham , W . S . ; and A . B . Church , Tyler . Before
closing the lodge , a vote of thanks , proposed by Bro . Keeble , P . M ., and seconded by Bro . Beck , P . M ., was accorded to Bro . Rose for the very able manncrin which he had performed his duties an Installing Master . The vote was unanimously carried and feelingly acknowledged by Bro . Rose . The biethren then adjourned to an excellent banquet , to which full justice was done . In proposing the first toast , the W . M . said that "The Health of Her Majesty
the Queen was always heartily received , as they all knew she had at heart the welfare of her subjects . The next toast , "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master , " the W . M ., in introducing , said that those brethren who had the privilege of attending Grand Lodge fully appreciated the Prince ' s appearance among them . His duties lie fulfilled in such a manner as to be a pattern to them all . The toast of "The Earl of Carnarvon ,
Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " was next given in complimentary terms and heartily received . Bro . Louis Beck then proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " which he said undoubtedly was the toast of the evening . From his knowledge of Bro . Smith , he ( Bro . Beck ) could with some authority speak as to his efficiency for the office he had that
evening been placed m . He had had the pleasure of acting as Deacon on the ni g ht their Master was initiated , and it was with much gratification that he watched the great zeal Bro . Smith exhibited in his advancement to the chair . They all felt proud at seeing him in that position , and were all confident that he would perform his duties to the satisfaction of the lodge . The VV . M ., in the course of his reply , referred to the period of his initiation , when hc
certainly aspired to the chair , but thought ten years I at least would elapse before he attained that honourable f position . He had been appointed to the S . VV . 's chair a I year earlier than he expected , owing to Bro . Green , to £ whom thc W . M . referred in endearing terms , having retired Kfrom the lodge . It was his earnest wish , with the assisttancc of his officers , to terminate his year of office with f credit to himself and satisfaction to them all . In proposing
I "Ihe Initiate , " the VV . M . described him as the Chaplain I of the lodge in " prospective , " and from the attention he [ had paid to the ceremony he had gone through , he feltsure » they had a brother who would do credit to the lodge and to jfihe Craft in general . The Initiate , in the course of an in-• teresting reply , said he had never in his life experienced so much pleasure as he had that evening , nor had any ceremony impressed him more than his initiation . He hoped to become
efficient in the various ceremonies , and to give the many genial friends around him every satisfaction . The toast of " The Visitors , " proposed in glowing terms by thc VV . M ., elicited able repliesfrom Bros . Moss , J . Walter , and Goyan Macdonald . A special toast was then given in honour of . the Installing Master , ' who , in reply , expressed the surprise that he had felt when asked to instal the Master , n ° t having had the remotest idea such a service wouiu
jj e reqUired 0 f J , j m- j-j e had much pleasure m congratulating Bro . Smith on his elevation to the chair and upon tlie good officers lie had to support lnm > uros Louis Beck and H . Keeble having replied on behalf of " The Past Masters , " the toast of "The treasurer and Secretary" was given , the VV . M . paying mgh tribute to the services of Bro . Thiellay , remarking inat tne
lodge could not have a better Treasurer . From the manner in which these remarks were received , the brethren were also of the same opinion . Bvo . Thiellay , in re P' * y , expressed the pleasure the unexpected honour of oeing elected Treasurer had afforded him , and promised to _?__ , ?• , h , , funds of the lod £ e w ! th tl'e greatest care and f „ X ' ; . He trusted , with the support of thc brethren , «* piace the lodge in every sense on a par with the best in
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the district . The present was the first meeting at the Ship Hotel , but he trusted it was a new era in the lodge , and he hoped the prosperity of the lodge would , if possible , be greater in the future . Several other toasts were given and duly responded to . Letters of regret for inability to attend were received from Bros . Col . Creaton , Grand Treas . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Sec . ; H . G . Buss , Asst . G . Sec . ; E . Swanborough , C . J . Smith ( of Brighton ) , and others .
ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 1657 ) . —The annual installation meeting was held at the Castle and Falcon Hotel , Aldersgate-street , on Monday last , the 14 th inst . The lodge was punctually opened at 3 . 30 by the W . M ., Bro . George Kenning , and there were present Bros . A . J . Altman , I . P . M . ; Rev . R . Lee , Chap . ; John Derby Allcroft , P . M ., Treas . ; Thomas Jones , Sec ; Rev . Dr .
Ernest Brette , P . M . ; Alfred Brookman , S . D . ; Samuel Benton , J . D . ; Thomas Benskin , D . C . ; Samuel White , I . G . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , and George Sims , Stewards ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C . ( Hon . Mem . ); Rev . P . M . Holden , Past G . C . Middx . ( Hon . Mem . ); VV . H . Froom , P . Saiilard , George Vickery , J . Renals , E . Anderton , H . Matthew , Webb , and the following : visitors : Bros . A . M .
Broadley , Past D . D . G . M . Malta , VV . M . 1 S 35 , P -M- 1717 , & c ; James Lewis Thomas , F . S . A ., Past Asst . G . D . of C , P . M . 142 ; Edgar Bowyer , Grand Senior Warden Herts ; James Terry , Past G . W . Herts ; Charles F . Hogard , Past G . S . of VV . Essex , P . M . 205 ; John L . Mather , Past G . D . of C . Herts , P . M . 1471 ; Fred Brackford , W . M . 515 ; U . Knell , W . M . 1471 ; D . Nicholson , P . M . 19 ; Edward F . Storr , P . M . 22 , 1679 ; John II .
Cummings , P . M . 544 ; W . S . Whitaker , P . \ 1 . . 1572 ; W . T . Whitmore , J . D . 4 ; E . J . Altman , J . D . 101 ; E . Collins , 25 ; G . V . DeLuca , 101 ; Fred H . Cozens ,-907 ; C . JolIy , - g _ 3 ; VV . F . Fitch , 1541 ; H . Field , 1602 Capt . VV . R . A . Cole , 1744 ; James Kift , 1791 ; and VV . Lake , Past Grand Reg . Cornwall , P . M . 131 ( Freemason ) . Letters regretting their inability to be present were
received from Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Sir John B . Monckton , Pres . Board of General Purposes ; Baron de Ferrieres , M . P ., W . M . S 2 , P . G . Reg . Gloucestershire ; J . Judd ; Nelson Reed , VV . M . 1572 ; F . G . Faithfull , M . A . ; Murray Janes ; H . C Levander , VV . M . 142 , P . G . Sec . Middlesex ; and F . H . Wilson lies , M . D ., D . G . M . Hertfordshire .
The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and the statement of accounts , showing a favourable balance , was presented by the Secretary , and received and adopted . The VV . M . announced that he intended to go up as a Steward for the Boys' School at the next festival , and asked for a vote from the lod ge to place on his list . He thought the brethren had done so nobly in their
individual capacities on former occasions that it was not right to call upon them for further donations at present , but the lodge was in aposition to afford a grant . A sum of £ 10 ios . was then proposed and carried unanimously . The W . M . then read a communication from a distressed brother , whBreupon the Treasurer , Bro . J . Derby Allcroft , proposed that the sum of £ 5 5 s . be given him from thefunds of thc
lodge . This was also carried unanimousl y . The W . M . Bro . Kenning , then proceeded to carry out the business on thc agenda paper , which was rather of a formidable character , viz ., to raise Bro . Vickery , to pass Bro . Renals , and to initiate Mr . Matthew Webb , jun ., and Mr . Arthur Hudson . The ceremony in each case was performed in an able manner . The installation was then proceeded with
but as the VV . M . had been re-elected to fill the chair , it was not necessary to repeat the whole of the ceremony . Bro . the Rev . P . H . Ernest Brette , as on the last occasion , acted as Installing Master , and Bro . George Kennin _ - was again placed in the chair of King Solomon , receiving the hearty congratulations of all present on the well-deserved
honour that had been conferred on him . The W . M . then proceeded to invest his ofiicers as follows : Bros . Alfred Brookman , S . VV . ; Samuel Benton ( M . D . ) , J . VV . ; Rich Lee ( M . A . ) , Chaplain ; J . D . Allcroft , Treasurer ; Thos " . Jones , Secretary ; Samuel White , S . D . ; E . Y . Jolliffe J . D . ; George Sims . I . G . ; P . Saiilard , D . C . ; H . Matthews and E . Anderton , Stewards ; and VV . S . Chapman
, W . S . Lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet , which was admirably served by Bro . Benskin . The VV . M ., Bro . Kenning , presided , and was supported by many distinguished visitors . In proposing the health of Her Majesty the Queen the VV . M . said it was with pleasure he gave what was always the first toast at all Masonic
meetings , and he knew it would be accepted by them with loyal satisfaction . Her Majesty the Queen was both the friend and Patroness of their Order . He asked them to drink heartil y the good old Masonic toast , " The Oueen and the Craft . " The " National Anthem " was thenlung , and the VV . M . said that the next toast was one which required very little commendation from him , for it would
be heartily received by them all . It was "The Health of II . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " thc Grand Master of English Masonry . As Freemasons they were proud of the fact , that thc Heir Apparent to the throne was the head of their Order , and they rejoiced to remember that thc government of their great Fraternity had been entrusted to him with ' the entire acquiescence of the always loyal
Brotherhood , and they gratefully acknowledged his kind and genial qualities . Bro . Kenning then gave "The Health of the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master ; the Earl of Lathom , D . G . M . ; and the Present and Past Officers of Grand Lodge . " All of them must be sensible of what they owed to these two disinguished rulers , whose names were household words amongst them . For the Officers .
Present and Past , of Grand Lod ge they had the deepest regard and respect , remembering their past services , and knowing well how ready they always were to advance the best and truest interests of Freemasonry . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , Past Grand Chaplain of England . Bro . A . F . A . Woodford , in reply , said he regretted that
there were not on the present , as on a former occasion , some of those distinguished Present Officers of Grand Lodge who could return thanks in a more effective manner for the toast which they had so lately and so kindl y honoured . But as his friend , Bro . Thomas , and himself
were by fortuitous circumstancts thc onl y two Past Grand Officers present , he ventured , on his behalf and his own , and the Present and Past Grand Officers , to return them their very sincere acknowledgments for the hearty manner in which the toast had been received . Thc Present and Past Grand Officers were always glad to be present at such meetings as these , to testify their continued interest in Ma-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
sonic work , and to express theirsympathy with the progress and labours of their excellent and useful Brotherhood . To some of them , as to himself , this opportunity of being present was very gratifying , as he had seen the formation , and had witnessed the onward progress , of the Aidersgate Lodge , and now rejoiced to think , on personal grounds , that Bro . Kenning had been unanimously elected , for the second time , VV . M . of this important lodge , and that they
were able to congratulate him on his renewed honours and his well merited position as a ruler of the Craft . He felt sure that he was expressing Bro . Thomas's feelings as well as his own , when he said that he sincerely hoped that the future of the Aldersgate Lodge might be , as in the past , one of prosperity and peace , comfort , and concord to all the brethren . ( Hear , bear . ) Before he sat down , two points occurred to him which he thought well shortly to allude to .
It was often said , " what is the good of Freemasonry ?" He would reply , borrowing . the words from the epitaph of Sir Christopher Wren , " si quceris circumspice ? " Surely their Charity returns , above £ 40 , 00 ^ 1 year , attested the large hcartedness of the brethren and the reality of Freemasonry . He knew of no other body of men , not richer than others they must bear in mind , who thus sought year by year to prove to the world both the value of Masonry and the
sincerity of their own professions . It had been said that Masonry was only a " convivial club . " He utterly denied it . It properly , most properly , encouraged sociality . Long might it do so . But it sought to teach the great truth of moderation in the enjoyments of the social circle and the good things of this world . Some of them who had grown old-jn Masonry would agree with him when he said that some of the happiest moments in their lives had been spent
in Masonic sociality , and thus while Freemasons wisely encouraged the legitimate use of the enjoyments a Beneficent Creator had placed within their reach , they never forgot those unchanging and elevating principles of true charity , which characterized happily the " outcome" of English Freemasonry to-day . He thanked them once more for the honour th ey had done the Grand Ofiicers . Bro . J . Lewis Thomas , m response to many calls , also
replied . He said that Bro . Woodford was many years his senior as a Grand Officer , and worthily represented Grand Lodge on that occasion . He desired to express his satisfaction at the working of the lodge that day ; the ceremonies had been very ably performed by the VV . M ., and he was quite sure that the Aldersgate Lodge in re-electing Bro . Kenning to the chair was conferring an honour which was fully deserved . Their hospitality , too , for which he had
to thank them , was so well known that he would not further refer to it . He could quite support Bro . Woodford in his remarks on the Fourth Degree—they met in the first instance as a social body , and as Englishmen they believed in socia intercourse . They were proud of their great Charities ; bu they were no less proud of that bond of friendship which was cemented at such meetings as these . Bro . Altman , I . P . M ., in proposing the next toast , said that they were
doubtless all aware , from the fact of its being placed in his hands , that it was that of " The Worshipful Master , Bro . George Kenning . " They must all sympathise with him in the difficult position in which he was placed in having to speak to them for the second or third year of the good cjualities of the W . M ., and he should be doing him an injustice if lie represented him as better this year than last ; they had always been pleased by his geniality . He could
say a good deal more about his good qualities , but they al knew how sensitive he was on that point . Heconsidered it a great honour to serve twice as P . M . to so worthy and estimable a brother . Bro . Kenning , in reply , thanked the brethren most sincerely for the hearty manner in which they had received his health , and his worthy friend for the forcible way in which he had proposed it . He felt deeply the honour of being a second time unanimously elected
W . M . of that lodge , and no efforts wouldbe wanting on his part to show his sense , both of the dignity of the chair an the kindness of his brethren . He begged them to accep both his warmest thanks and hearty good wishes for the honour and prosperity of the Aldersgate Lodge The next toast was that of "The Visitors , " and the VV . M ., in introducing it , said that hospitality was a virtue , of which the Aldersgate Lodge claimed if not a
monopoly , yet a very large snare . Un behalf ot his brethren he begged to say they were always happy to welcome their friendly and kindly visitors , to see them amongst them , and to record their honoured names . Nothing gave the lod ge over which he had the honour to preside more gratification than when , as on that day , they beheld a goodly array of visitors , and they wished them all hearty welcome . They were especially pleased to meet brethren from other narts of _ hi _ world . nnH . IIPV _ .: __ .
nmnnnthem that evening a brother from the district of Malta , Bro . Broadley , D . G . M ., and he trusted he would take back some pleasant recollections of his visit to thc Aldersgate Lodge . He gave them "The Visitors , " coupling the toast with the name of Bro . Broadley . Bro . Broadley , in reply , said that although he hailed from Malta , he possessed through the Masonic press a knowledge of all Masonic doings in England , and came amongst them as a friend . The
district of Malta , he said , was a highl y important one , and as an instance of the position of the Malta lodges , he would mention that the next brother who had come into the lodge room after himself was an actual VV . M . of a Malta lodge . He could assure the brethren if any of them ever came to Malta they would receive a hearty welcome . Bro Edgar Bowyer , P . G . S . W . Herts , also replied . He heartily thanked the W . M . for the terms in which he had proposed
the health of the visitors . For himself he would say that he had greatly enjoyed being present at the second installation of Bro . George Kenning , whose name was a household word amongst them . The Secretary then announced that the chanty box that evening had produced a sum of £ 1 16 s ., and the W . M . proposed that it be added to the £ 5 5 s . already voted in aid of the distressed brother . This amount was further supplemented by donations from the brethren
to £ 10 10 s . The toast of "The Past Masters" was next given , Bro . Kenning remarking that they possessed some very able Past Masters . Bro . J . Derb y Allcroft , he regretted to say , was unable to remain , but they had with them Bro . Dr . Brette , whom they all loved , and Bro . Altman , their worthy I . P . M . He felt almost that in taking office a second year he had cheated the lodge out of a Past
Master , and that hc owed them an apology . Bro . Dr . Brette , in reply , said he was rather taken b y surprise , as hc always thought it was the duty of the I . P . M . to respond to the toast of the Past Masters . He had in Masonry , as in all other paths of life , endeavoured to do hisduty .- It was not becausehe wanted to shirk work that he had declined the chair this year , but that he felt that the honour and pros-