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heartily responded to . The Worshipful Master said : Brethren and Past Master Jones , —I thank you most sincerely for not only drinking my health but for placing me in this chair , which it was an ardent object of my ambition to fill . I was most desirious to have a lodge in Catford , and when it was called the Ravensbourne Lodge , it was not to serve my own ambition , but
in connection with my public duties to be associated with gentlemen in the Craft . We had , too , a building which was suited for the purpose , and I thought it would be a desirable thing to found a Masonic lodge there , and 1 am happy to say that I was warmly supported by you and all the brethren I see around me in the lodge to-night . We overcame some little temporary difficulties at first , and
made a most successful start ; and since last year most gratifying has beep , our success . In succeeding you , Bro . Jones , I cannot hope to emulate you in consequence of your greater experience in Freemasonry . I am afraid I cannot do that , but I will endeavour , although along way off , to folloV in your footsteps , and do my best to discharge my duty and make myself acceptable to the brethren .
With me this Ravensbourne Lodge , and all 1 have done in connection with it , is a labour of love , for from its inception I have taken a keen interest in its welfare , and not only has its success in the first little year of its existence been marked and clear , but we have a happy augury for the future , and I hope those who have to follow me to preside over the lodge will be surrounded by as many good
and kind friends as are with us to-night . In conclusion , I thank you most cordially for having placed me in this chair . Bro . Walter Pelham gave a comic recitation on " Penny Readings , " which was eagerly listened to , and excited roars of laughter . The W . M . said the next toast he was about to propose was a toast that was always welcome in every Masonic lodge . It was always
particularly welcome to the Ravensbourne Lodge , for it was essentially a social one , and possessed great advantages in promoting sociability amongst them , for it would be materially injured if visitors did not come amongst them . He was certain that within the last few minutes one of their visitors , Bro . Pelham , had amused them very much . He ( the W . M . ) had visited many Masonic lodges , and he
never failed to find that the toast of the visitors was received with great pleasure by the brethren in every lodge when that toast was proposed . They had never yet had a meeting without having visitors amongst them , but that night they were distinguished both by rank and number , and the number of them was so imposing that a mere recital of their names would be somewhat of a lengthened
task . He would ask them to drink " The Health of the Visitors " most cordially , coupling with the toast the names of Bros . Sir John Bennett , Norton , and Emmanuel . ( Drunk with honours . ) Bro . Sir John Bennett said he felt it almost impossible to do justice to the toast , for when he saw several Grand Officers near to him it appeared that he was hardly the man who should be called upon to respond
for the visitors . They had that night a most remarkable festivity , and he had come by invitation to do honour to the Craft , but more especially to pay his respects to the Worshipful Master who presided over them , and who possessed qualities of the highest order . He not only held the highest character as a Mason , but in his other duties he had laid the foundation and formed the plan of some
of the most vast architectural buildings in the City of London . Himself a good Mason , in the course of his duties he had to deal with thousands and tens of thousands of pounds of property , and although there was the old proverb that it was impossible to please everybody , yet he ( Sir J . Bennett ) must say , at the same time , that he never heard anybody say that they were dissatisfied with him .
Having alluded to the wealth of the people and charming scenery of the neighbourhood in which the Ravensbourne Lodge was held , he said that in years hence the W . M . would look back with pride to being nearly the father of the lodge , and when the visitors heard his cheerful voice , ai . d knew his good qualities and cultivated genius , they must all feel gratified at being present that night . On
behalf therefore of the visitors , he returned them their best thanks , and thus ended the first lesson , but they would endeavour to improve upon it on some future occasion . Dr . Norton , W . M . of the Maybury Lodge , congratulated the members of the Ravensbourne Lodge on having installed so excellent a Master , and he had no doubt he would be a great credit to the Maybury Lodge when the
Ravensbourne had finished with him , and that , at no very distant day he should see him installed as Worshipful Master of the Maybury Lodge . Bro . Emmanuel , P . M . 213 , also returned thanks , bearing testimony to the excellent qualities of the W . M ., and expressed the delight he had experienced in being in the lodge at Catford Bridge to witness the beautiful manner in which the ritual of installation had been
rendered by the immediate Past Master . The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was one that would not only be drunk with pleasure by the members of the Ravensbourne Lodge , but by all who were present that day at Catford Bridge , and witnessed the able manner in which their Past Master had performed the ceremony of installation . All who knew him had a real affection for his good
qualities , and as " good wine needs no bush , " anything he could say could not add to their esteem of him , and therefore he asked them one and all to drink health , long life , and prosperity to the esteemed Past Master of the lodge , Bro . William Taylor Jones . ( Loud cheering . ) Bro . Jones , P . M ., said he returned his sincere thanks in simple language for the honour they had done him , and
he wished he deserved the encomiums the W . Master had passed on him , but he accepted the kindly feelings which he had expressed towards him for having presided over the lodge . He knew at that time of the evening they could not go into what had been done during the past year , but he might say that they had not failed to support the Masonic charities ; there had been complete harmony and no difference of opinion ! amcng « t them ; and in addition
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to supporting the chanties , they had carried out the same principles in their daily life , and had not only worked for the support of their Masonic festivals , but as individuals , in either a public or private capacity , endeavoured to do good and confer the greatest happiness upon the greatest number . After a few other observations , he thanked them most cordially for the manner in which his health had
been proposed and received , and hoped to see the lodge go on in continued prosperity . The W . M . then , in very eulogistic terms , proposed " The Health of Bros . Lemon and Edwards , " the Treasurer and Secretary- of the lodge , for which those brethren respectively returned thanks . The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was one essentially Masonic in its nature , as it was that of the great
charities with which they , as Masons , were so intimately connected , and which it was their pride to own . Their charities were dear to all of them , as they knew their value and recognised their importance . In that lodge the toast was always well received , and after alluding to the presence of Bro . Terry , asked the brethren to drink " Continued Prosperity to the Masonic Charities . " Bro . Terry ,
in responding , said that although the Ravensbourne Lodge had only been twelve months in existence , it had made its mark in the annals of Freemasonry , for he recollected that at their first meeting the W . M . accepted the office of Steward to represent the lodge at the festival fot the Benevolent Institution , and the present Master would represent them at the festival of the Girls' School . He
then alluded to the large number of candidates , and the inadequacy of meeting them for want of the necessary funds , although in 1876 no less a sum than £ 39 , 000 was collected for the three institutions , which were in themselves most glorious results . The W . M . proposed " The Health of the Officers , " which having been responded to by Bro . Roberts , S . W ., the Tyler ' s toast was given , and
this brought a very harmonious meeting to a close before eleven o'clock . FAVERSHAM . —Lodge of Harmony ( No . 133 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge took place at the drill hall of 2 nd Kent Artillery Volunteers on the 7 th inst ., | whcn the W . M . elect , Bro . J . W . Penton , was duly installed in the presence of a numerous gathering of
members of the lodge and visiting brethren , Bro . J . M . Goldfinch , P . P . G . J . D ., and R . Griggs , P . M ., acting as Installing Masters . The other officers appointed for the ensuing year were *" as follows : —Bros . J . M . ' Longhurst , S . W . ; F . Whiting , J . W . ; W . H . Drake , S . D . ; ' G . Trench , J . D . ; C . A . Faure , I . G . ; F . W . Underdown , D . C . ; F . A . Gauge , Treas . and Almoner ; F . Jackson , Sec . ; and Bro .
J . E . Cook , Tyler . After the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the Ship Hotel , where the banquet was served , the newly installed W . M . presiding , the members of the lodge and visitors numbering over forty , and altogether a most profitable and enjoyable evening was spent . DA RTFORD — Lodge of Emulation ( N 0 . 299 ) , —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on
Tuesday last , at the Bull Hotel , when Bro . Thos . Wills was duly installed in the chair according to ancient custom , the ceremony being most ably performed by the retiring Master , Bro . Davison . The W . M . selected as his officers the following : Bros . W . G . Wingrove , S . W . ; G . W . Churchley , J . W . ; E . J . Sears , S . D . ; W . Heeley , J . D . ; A . W . Wells , I . G . ; Peter Harvey , Sec . ; Noah Martin
1 reas . ; Miles , Charity Steward ; Boardman , Org . j W . Egerton , D . C . ; Light and Neech , Stewards . A handsome banner was presented to the lodge by Bro . Pearce . At the banquet which followed ( superbly furnished by Bro . Bray ) , the W . M . was supported by Bro . A . Spencer , Grand Secretary of Kent ; Bro . the Rev . J . J amblin , Vicir of Wilmington ; Bros . Spurrell , Neate , French , Hicks , T
Smith , Nettlingham , Earnshaw , and many others . In the course of the proceedings the Grand Secretary reported that Freemasonry was in a flourishing state throughout the province . The warrant of the Emulation Lodge is dated 1 794 , but there are nine others in the province of older date , while thirty more are its juniors . LIVERPOOL . —Harmonic Lodge ( No . 216 ) . —
The brethren of this first-class lodge set a noble example in the direction of charity at their last anniversary meeting , which , while rarely if ever equalled in the history of Freemasonry in the extensive province of West Lancashire , is certainly worthy of imitation and cordial approbation . Thcmeeting was held on Thursday , the 10 th inst ,, at the Adelphi Hotel , Liverpool , where Bro . D . S . Davies , W . M .,
presided over a large assemblage , which included Bros . W . Dwerryhouse , I . P . M . ; J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., P . M . ; J McKune , P . G . S ., P . M . ; J . Beesley , P . M . ; W . Laidlaw , P . M ., Treas . ; John Jones ,, P . M ., Dir . of Cer . ; Rev . J . R . Jenkins , S . W . ; H . R . Burleigh , J . W . ; Dr . D . D . Costine , S . D . ; Counsellor G . Fowler , Dr . Kisch , T . J . Hughes , J . Shaw , J . Busfield , and others . Bro . Cohen having ,
most satisfactorily and accurately answered the usual questions , was passed to the Second Degree by the W . M ., Bro . D . S . Davies , in a manner which elicited universal admiration from even the oldest Mason . In accordance with previous notice , Bro . W . Laidlaw , P . M ., the venerable and esteemed Treasurer of the lodge , moved that a sum equal to nearly X 120 should be voted from the funds to
the following Masonic charities : The West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , forty guineas ; the Hamer Benevolent Fund , twenty guineas ; the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , twenty-five guineas ; and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , twenty-five guineas . These separate votes were cordially proposed and seconded by leading members of the lodge , and most heartily carried
by the members without a single dissentient . It may here be stated that the " Harmonic " has already been a large subscriber to the Masonic charities , so that its latest gift will greatly enhance its position and voting power . The W . M . expressed the pride and pleasure he felt in presiding over a lodge which had so nobly assisted that day in carrying out the true principles of charity . After hearty good wishes from a number of visitors , amongst whom
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
was Bro . J . Allan Jones , P . Dis tnct Grand Sec . for E gypt , the brethren adjourned to a recherche banquet , under the presidency of the W . M ., who proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts during the evening with much pointedness Excellent music was furnished by Bros . J . Busfield , T . J . Hughes , J . Jones , P . M ., D . C . ; Dr . Kisch , & c , Bro . J . Skeaf , P . M ., P . G . O ., playing the accompaniments with
fine taste . LEICESTER . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 279 ) . — The meeting of this old lodge , held on the 2 nd inst ., was the largest assemblage of brethren that has been witnessed in an ordinary lodge for some years . Such a large at . tendance is , however , easily accounted for by two very special attractions , viz ., the deserved and increasing
popularity of the young and talented Master , Bro . C . E . Stretton , and the initiation of five gentlemen , who came , well and worthily recommended , to participate in the privileges of our mystic Craft . The W . M . performed the impressive ceremony to the expressed delight and satisfaction of two old Past Masters of nearly forty years' standing , and placed his first stones in the north-east corner of
the building in a truly workmanlike manner . The candi . dates on this occasion were Dr . R . S . Mutch , L . P . Chamberlain , W . Langmore , R . Michie , and Mr . Scott , also Bro . C . McBride as a joining member . The W . M . was supported by Bros . Wm . Kelly , F . R . H . S ., P . P . G . M . ; J , Buck , P . M . ; C . Stretton , P . M . ; A . Palmer , P . M . ; J . W , Smith , P . M . ; J . M . McAllister , P . M . ; George Toller , hon .
mem ., Grand Sword Bearer of England ; R . A . Barber , P . M . 1391 ; F . J . Baines , P . M . 523 ; W . B . Smith , P . M . 523 ; S . Cleaver , S . W . ; J . Farndale , Sec ; C . Gurden , Treas . ; O . Law , S . D . ; E . Newton , J . D . ; J . Jessop , D . C . ; T . Coltman , T . G . ; and a large number of members and visiting brethren . CHESHUNT . —Gresham Lodge ( No . 869 ) . —
The first meeting of the season of the Gresham Lodge took place in the Old Baronial Hall of Cheshunt Great House , Cheshunt Park ( so kindly placed at the disposal of the brethren by their venerated Chaplain , the Rev . Chas . Erskine Mayo ) , on Saturday , the . 12 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . J . E . Grocott , P . G . S . W . of Herts , W . M ., assisted by the Wardens and officers . The lodge being
opened , the ceremony of initiating Mr . H . A . Johnson into the mysteries of Freemasonry was performed by the W . M ., after which ( the lodge being opened in the Third Degree ) , Bro . Mabey was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . by Bro . Gompertz , both ceremonies being performed in a very impressive manner . The next business was to elect a W . M . and Treasurer for the ensuing year ; Bro .
Etherington , S . W ., being elected to the former , and Bro . F . D . Rees Copestick , P . M ., to the latter office , by the unanimous votes of the brethren . The Treasurer next proposed that the sum of two guineas be given to the Henry Muggeridge Testimonial Fund , and in doing so spoke of the many advantages the brethren had derived from the Masonic teaching of that revered and eminent
brother . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Cheese and carried unanimously , and the lodge being closed the brethren repaired to the Green Dragon Hotel to partake of the good things provided . The usual toasts were duly given and responded to , and altogether the evening was a very pleasant one . The brethren present were Bros . J . E . Grocott , W . M ., P . S . G . W . j Gilbert . P . G . J . W . ;
Copestick , P . P . G . J . W . ; Bruce , P . P . G . D . ; Gompertz , P . P . G . P . ; F . D . Rees Copestick , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . and Treas . ; Pottle , P . G . S . B . ; Chapman , P . G . Steward ; also Bros . Etherington , W . M . elect ; Mugliston , P . M . ; Perry , Cheese , Mayo , Chap . ; Hughes , Mabey , Regnal , Gompertz , jun . ; Dickie , Clegg , Johnson , and others . MANCHESTER . —Shakespeare Lodge ( No .
1009 ) . —The festival of St . John and the installation of the W . M . was celebrated on Monday , the 7 th inst , by the members of this lodge at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooperstreet , Manchester . The lodge was opened at four p . m . precisely . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Anthony Marshall , W . M . elect , was then presented by Bro . R . L . Mestayer , W . M ,,
for installation , the Installing Masters being Bro . R . L . Mestayer , W . M . ; C . H . Coates , P . P . J . G . W . ; S . Y . Bradshaw , P . G . C . ; and C . E . Austin , P . M . ; Bro . F . Hepton , P . M ., acting as Director of the Ceremonies . On the readmission of the brethren , the W . M . was saluted according to ancient custom . The officers invested were as follows : Bros . G . Smith , S . W . ; Hollins , J . W . ; Caswell , S . D .
Psaraftis , J . D . ; Wilson , I . G . ; Constantinides and Duncan , Stewards ; Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , P . G . C . East Lancacashire , Chaplain ; V . Kilborn , P . M ., D . C . ; C . E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . ; Cox , P . M ., Sec . ; H . T . Robberds , Org . The formal business being over , the brethren adjourned to banquet , the following brethren acting as Stewards : — Bros . Richard Hartley , P . M . ; W . A . Duncan , and G . W .
Wilson . The menu and toast list , compiled by the retiring Secretary , Bro . W . Talford Gunson , was graced by a n apropos and most judicious selection of mottoes from Shakespeare . The first toast on the list , " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen" ( "Highest Queen of State " —Tempest ) , was proposed by the W . M ., and drank with musical honours . " The Princess of Wales and the
Members of the Royal Family " was the second toast , proposed also by the W . M . The toast of " The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales " ( " He is the Prince of the World "All ' s [ fell ) , was received with great cordiality . Bro . Petty , P . M ., gave " The Rt . Hon . the Earl of Carnarven , M . W . Pro . G . M . " Bro . Coates proposed " The Health of Bro . George Mellor , J . P ., Deputy Prov . G . M . of East Land
cashire , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Past an-Present . " Bro . Mellor was unavoidably absent through indisposition . " The Immortal Memory of William Shakespeare" was proposed by the Chaplain , Bro . Bradshaw , in a speech of great learning , giving an account of the life of the great bard and an analysis of the immortarplays of the poet . The toast was drank with great enthusiasm . Bro . Mestayer proposed " The Health of the
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
heartily responded to . The Worshipful Master said : Brethren and Past Master Jones , —I thank you most sincerely for not only drinking my health but for placing me in this chair , which it was an ardent object of my ambition to fill . I was most desirious to have a lodge in Catford , and when it was called the Ravensbourne Lodge , it was not to serve my own ambition , but
in connection with my public duties to be associated with gentlemen in the Craft . We had , too , a building which was suited for the purpose , and I thought it would be a desirable thing to found a Masonic lodge there , and 1 am happy to say that I was warmly supported by you and all the brethren I see around me in the lodge to-night . We overcame some little temporary difficulties at first , and
made a most successful start ; and since last year most gratifying has beep , our success . In succeeding you , Bro . Jones , I cannot hope to emulate you in consequence of your greater experience in Freemasonry . I am afraid I cannot do that , but I will endeavour , although along way off , to folloV in your footsteps , and do my best to discharge my duty and make myself acceptable to the brethren .
With me this Ravensbourne Lodge , and all 1 have done in connection with it , is a labour of love , for from its inception I have taken a keen interest in its welfare , and not only has its success in the first little year of its existence been marked and clear , but we have a happy augury for the future , and I hope those who have to follow me to preside over the lodge will be surrounded by as many good
and kind friends as are with us to-night . In conclusion , I thank you most cordially for having placed me in this chair . Bro . Walter Pelham gave a comic recitation on " Penny Readings , " which was eagerly listened to , and excited roars of laughter . The W . M . said the next toast he was about to propose was a toast that was always welcome in every Masonic lodge . It was always
particularly welcome to the Ravensbourne Lodge , for it was essentially a social one , and possessed great advantages in promoting sociability amongst them , for it would be materially injured if visitors did not come amongst them . He was certain that within the last few minutes one of their visitors , Bro . Pelham , had amused them very much . He ( the W . M . ) had visited many Masonic lodges , and he
never failed to find that the toast of the visitors was received with great pleasure by the brethren in every lodge when that toast was proposed . They had never yet had a meeting without having visitors amongst them , but that night they were distinguished both by rank and number , and the number of them was so imposing that a mere recital of their names would be somewhat of a lengthened
task . He would ask them to drink " The Health of the Visitors " most cordially , coupling with the toast the names of Bros . Sir John Bennett , Norton , and Emmanuel . ( Drunk with honours . ) Bro . Sir John Bennett said he felt it almost impossible to do justice to the toast , for when he saw several Grand Officers near to him it appeared that he was hardly the man who should be called upon to respond
for the visitors . They had that night a most remarkable festivity , and he had come by invitation to do honour to the Craft , but more especially to pay his respects to the Worshipful Master who presided over them , and who possessed qualities of the highest order . He not only held the highest character as a Mason , but in his other duties he had laid the foundation and formed the plan of some
of the most vast architectural buildings in the City of London . Himself a good Mason , in the course of his duties he had to deal with thousands and tens of thousands of pounds of property , and although there was the old proverb that it was impossible to please everybody , yet he ( Sir J . Bennett ) must say , at the same time , that he never heard anybody say that they were dissatisfied with him .
Having alluded to the wealth of the people and charming scenery of the neighbourhood in which the Ravensbourne Lodge was held , he said that in years hence the W . M . would look back with pride to being nearly the father of the lodge , and when the visitors heard his cheerful voice , ai . d knew his good qualities and cultivated genius , they must all feel gratified at being present that night . On
behalf therefore of the visitors , he returned them their best thanks , and thus ended the first lesson , but they would endeavour to improve upon it on some future occasion . Dr . Norton , W . M . of the Maybury Lodge , congratulated the members of the Ravensbourne Lodge on having installed so excellent a Master , and he had no doubt he would be a great credit to the Maybury Lodge when the
Ravensbourne had finished with him , and that , at no very distant day he should see him installed as Worshipful Master of the Maybury Lodge . Bro . Emmanuel , P . M . 213 , also returned thanks , bearing testimony to the excellent qualities of the W . M ., and expressed the delight he had experienced in being in the lodge at Catford Bridge to witness the beautiful manner in which the ritual of installation had been
rendered by the immediate Past Master . The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was one that would not only be drunk with pleasure by the members of the Ravensbourne Lodge , but by all who were present that day at Catford Bridge , and witnessed the able manner in which their Past Master had performed the ceremony of installation . All who knew him had a real affection for his good
qualities , and as " good wine needs no bush , " anything he could say could not add to their esteem of him , and therefore he asked them one and all to drink health , long life , and prosperity to the esteemed Past Master of the lodge , Bro . William Taylor Jones . ( Loud cheering . ) Bro . Jones , P . M ., said he returned his sincere thanks in simple language for the honour they had done him , and
he wished he deserved the encomiums the W . Master had passed on him , but he accepted the kindly feelings which he had expressed towards him for having presided over the lodge . He knew at that time of the evening they could not go into what had been done during the past year , but he might say that they had not failed to support the Masonic charities ; there had been complete harmony and no difference of opinion ! amcng « t them ; and in addition
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to supporting the chanties , they had carried out the same principles in their daily life , and had not only worked for the support of their Masonic festivals , but as individuals , in either a public or private capacity , endeavoured to do good and confer the greatest happiness upon the greatest number . After a few other observations , he thanked them most cordially for the manner in which his health had
been proposed and received , and hoped to see the lodge go on in continued prosperity . The W . M . then , in very eulogistic terms , proposed " The Health of Bros . Lemon and Edwards , " the Treasurer and Secretary- of the lodge , for which those brethren respectively returned thanks . The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was one essentially Masonic in its nature , as it was that of the great
charities with which they , as Masons , were so intimately connected , and which it was their pride to own . Their charities were dear to all of them , as they knew their value and recognised their importance . In that lodge the toast was always well received , and after alluding to the presence of Bro . Terry , asked the brethren to drink " Continued Prosperity to the Masonic Charities . " Bro . Terry ,
in responding , said that although the Ravensbourne Lodge had only been twelve months in existence , it had made its mark in the annals of Freemasonry , for he recollected that at their first meeting the W . M . accepted the office of Steward to represent the lodge at the festival fot the Benevolent Institution , and the present Master would represent them at the festival of the Girls' School . He
then alluded to the large number of candidates , and the inadequacy of meeting them for want of the necessary funds , although in 1876 no less a sum than £ 39 , 000 was collected for the three institutions , which were in themselves most glorious results . The W . M . proposed " The Health of the Officers , " which having been responded to by Bro . Roberts , S . W ., the Tyler ' s toast was given , and
this brought a very harmonious meeting to a close before eleven o'clock . FAVERSHAM . —Lodge of Harmony ( No . 133 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge took place at the drill hall of 2 nd Kent Artillery Volunteers on the 7 th inst ., | whcn the W . M . elect , Bro . J . W . Penton , was duly installed in the presence of a numerous gathering of
members of the lodge and visiting brethren , Bro . J . M . Goldfinch , P . P . G . J . D ., and R . Griggs , P . M ., acting as Installing Masters . The other officers appointed for the ensuing year were *" as follows : —Bros . J . M . ' Longhurst , S . W . ; F . Whiting , J . W . ; W . H . Drake , S . D . ; ' G . Trench , J . D . ; C . A . Faure , I . G . ; F . W . Underdown , D . C . ; F . A . Gauge , Treas . and Almoner ; F . Jackson , Sec . ; and Bro .
J . E . Cook , Tyler . After the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the Ship Hotel , where the banquet was served , the newly installed W . M . presiding , the members of the lodge and visitors numbering over forty , and altogether a most profitable and enjoyable evening was spent . DA RTFORD — Lodge of Emulation ( N 0 . 299 ) , —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on
Tuesday last , at the Bull Hotel , when Bro . Thos . Wills was duly installed in the chair according to ancient custom , the ceremony being most ably performed by the retiring Master , Bro . Davison . The W . M . selected as his officers the following : Bros . W . G . Wingrove , S . W . ; G . W . Churchley , J . W . ; E . J . Sears , S . D . ; W . Heeley , J . D . ; A . W . Wells , I . G . ; Peter Harvey , Sec . ; Noah Martin
1 reas . ; Miles , Charity Steward ; Boardman , Org . j W . Egerton , D . C . ; Light and Neech , Stewards . A handsome banner was presented to the lodge by Bro . Pearce . At the banquet which followed ( superbly furnished by Bro . Bray ) , the W . M . was supported by Bro . A . Spencer , Grand Secretary of Kent ; Bro . the Rev . J . J amblin , Vicir of Wilmington ; Bros . Spurrell , Neate , French , Hicks , T
Smith , Nettlingham , Earnshaw , and many others . In the course of the proceedings the Grand Secretary reported that Freemasonry was in a flourishing state throughout the province . The warrant of the Emulation Lodge is dated 1 794 , but there are nine others in the province of older date , while thirty more are its juniors . LIVERPOOL . —Harmonic Lodge ( No . 216 ) . —
The brethren of this first-class lodge set a noble example in the direction of charity at their last anniversary meeting , which , while rarely if ever equalled in the history of Freemasonry in the extensive province of West Lancashire , is certainly worthy of imitation and cordial approbation . Thcmeeting was held on Thursday , the 10 th inst ,, at the Adelphi Hotel , Liverpool , where Bro . D . S . Davies , W . M .,
presided over a large assemblage , which included Bros . W . Dwerryhouse , I . P . M . ; J . Skeaf , P . G . O ., P . M . ; J McKune , P . G . S ., P . M . ; J . Beesley , P . M . ; W . Laidlaw , P . M ., Treas . ; John Jones ,, P . M ., Dir . of Cer . ; Rev . J . R . Jenkins , S . W . ; H . R . Burleigh , J . W . ; Dr . D . D . Costine , S . D . ; Counsellor G . Fowler , Dr . Kisch , T . J . Hughes , J . Shaw , J . Busfield , and others . Bro . Cohen having ,
most satisfactorily and accurately answered the usual questions , was passed to the Second Degree by the W . M ., Bro . D . S . Davies , in a manner which elicited universal admiration from even the oldest Mason . In accordance with previous notice , Bro . W . Laidlaw , P . M ., the venerable and esteemed Treasurer of the lodge , moved that a sum equal to nearly X 120 should be voted from the funds to
the following Masonic charities : The West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution , forty guineas ; the Hamer Benevolent Fund , twenty guineas ; the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , twenty-five guineas ; and the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , twenty-five guineas . These separate votes were cordially proposed and seconded by leading members of the lodge , and most heartily carried
by the members without a single dissentient . It may here be stated that the " Harmonic " has already been a large subscriber to the Masonic charities , so that its latest gift will greatly enhance its position and voting power . The W . M . expressed the pride and pleasure he felt in presiding over a lodge which had so nobly assisted that day in carrying out the true principles of charity . After hearty good wishes from a number of visitors , amongst whom
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
was Bro . J . Allan Jones , P . Dis tnct Grand Sec . for E gypt , the brethren adjourned to a recherche banquet , under the presidency of the W . M ., who proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts during the evening with much pointedness Excellent music was furnished by Bros . J . Busfield , T . J . Hughes , J . Jones , P . M ., D . C . ; Dr . Kisch , & c , Bro . J . Skeaf , P . M ., P . G . O ., playing the accompaniments with
fine taste . LEICESTER . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 279 ) . — The meeting of this old lodge , held on the 2 nd inst ., was the largest assemblage of brethren that has been witnessed in an ordinary lodge for some years . Such a large at . tendance is , however , easily accounted for by two very special attractions , viz ., the deserved and increasing
popularity of the young and talented Master , Bro . C . E . Stretton , and the initiation of five gentlemen , who came , well and worthily recommended , to participate in the privileges of our mystic Craft . The W . M . performed the impressive ceremony to the expressed delight and satisfaction of two old Past Masters of nearly forty years' standing , and placed his first stones in the north-east corner of
the building in a truly workmanlike manner . The candi . dates on this occasion were Dr . R . S . Mutch , L . P . Chamberlain , W . Langmore , R . Michie , and Mr . Scott , also Bro . C . McBride as a joining member . The W . M . was supported by Bros . Wm . Kelly , F . R . H . S ., P . P . G . M . ; J , Buck , P . M . ; C . Stretton , P . M . ; A . Palmer , P . M . ; J . W , Smith , P . M . ; J . M . McAllister , P . M . ; George Toller , hon .
mem ., Grand Sword Bearer of England ; R . A . Barber , P . M . 1391 ; F . J . Baines , P . M . 523 ; W . B . Smith , P . M . 523 ; S . Cleaver , S . W . ; J . Farndale , Sec ; C . Gurden , Treas . ; O . Law , S . D . ; E . Newton , J . D . ; J . Jessop , D . C . ; T . Coltman , T . G . ; and a large number of members and visiting brethren . CHESHUNT . —Gresham Lodge ( No . 869 ) . —
The first meeting of the season of the Gresham Lodge took place in the Old Baronial Hall of Cheshunt Great House , Cheshunt Park ( so kindly placed at the disposal of the brethren by their venerated Chaplain , the Rev . Chas . Erskine Mayo ) , on Saturday , the . 12 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . J . E . Grocott , P . G . S . W . of Herts , W . M ., assisted by the Wardens and officers . The lodge being
opened , the ceremony of initiating Mr . H . A . Johnson into the mysteries of Freemasonry was performed by the W . M ., after which ( the lodge being opened in the Third Degree ) , Bro . Mabey was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . by Bro . Gompertz , both ceremonies being performed in a very impressive manner . The next business was to elect a W . M . and Treasurer for the ensuing year ; Bro .
Etherington , S . W ., being elected to the former , and Bro . F . D . Rees Copestick , P . M ., to the latter office , by the unanimous votes of the brethren . The Treasurer next proposed that the sum of two guineas be given to the Henry Muggeridge Testimonial Fund , and in doing so spoke of the many advantages the brethren had derived from the Masonic teaching of that revered and eminent
brother . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Cheese and carried unanimously , and the lodge being closed the brethren repaired to the Green Dragon Hotel to partake of the good things provided . The usual toasts were duly given and responded to , and altogether the evening was a very pleasant one . The brethren present were Bros . J . E . Grocott , W . M ., P . S . G . W . j Gilbert . P . G . J . W . ;
Copestick , P . P . G . J . W . ; Bruce , P . P . G . D . ; Gompertz , P . P . G . P . ; F . D . Rees Copestick , P . P . G . S . B ., P . M . and Treas . ; Pottle , P . G . S . B . ; Chapman , P . G . Steward ; also Bros . Etherington , W . M . elect ; Mugliston , P . M . ; Perry , Cheese , Mayo , Chap . ; Hughes , Mabey , Regnal , Gompertz , jun . ; Dickie , Clegg , Johnson , and others . MANCHESTER . —Shakespeare Lodge ( No .
1009 ) . —The festival of St . John and the installation of the W . M . was celebrated on Monday , the 7 th inst , by the members of this lodge at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooperstreet , Manchester . The lodge was opened at four p . m . precisely . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Anthony Marshall , W . M . elect , was then presented by Bro . R . L . Mestayer , W . M ,,
for installation , the Installing Masters being Bro . R . L . Mestayer , W . M . ; C . H . Coates , P . P . J . G . W . ; S . Y . Bradshaw , P . G . C . ; and C . E . Austin , P . M . ; Bro . F . Hepton , P . M ., acting as Director of the Ceremonies . On the readmission of the brethren , the W . M . was saluted according to ancient custom . The officers invested were as follows : Bros . G . Smith , S . W . ; Hollins , J . W . ; Caswell , S . D .
Psaraftis , J . D . ; Wilson , I . G . ; Constantinides and Duncan , Stewards ; Rev . S . Y . B . Bradshaw , P . G . C . East Lancacashire , Chaplain ; V . Kilborn , P . M ., D . C . ; C . E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . ; Cox , P . M ., Sec . ; H . T . Robberds , Org . The formal business being over , the brethren adjourned to banquet , the following brethren acting as Stewards : — Bros . Richard Hartley , P . M . ; W . A . Duncan , and G . W .
Wilson . The menu and toast list , compiled by the retiring Secretary , Bro . W . Talford Gunson , was graced by a n apropos and most judicious selection of mottoes from Shakespeare . The first toast on the list , " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen" ( "Highest Queen of State " —Tempest ) , was proposed by the W . M ., and drank with musical honours . " The Princess of Wales and the
Members of the Royal Family " was the second toast , proposed also by the W . M . The toast of " The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales " ( " He is the Prince of the World "All ' s [ fell ) , was received with great cordiality . Bro . Petty , P . M ., gave " The Rt . Hon . the Earl of Carnarven , M . W . Pro . G . M . " Bro . Coates proposed " The Health of Bro . George Mellor , J . P ., Deputy Prov . G . M . of East Land
cashire , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Past an-Present . " Bro . Mellor was unavoidably absent through indisposition . " The Immortal Memory of William Shakespeare" was proposed by the Chaplain , Bro . Bradshaw , in a speech of great learning , giving an account of the life of the great bard and an analysis of the immortarplays of the poet . The toast was drank with great enthusiasm . Bro . Mestayer proposed " The Health of the