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Reports Of Masonic Meetings
street , and was well attended by the brethren of the lodge and visitors from the other metropolitan and provincial lodge adjacent ; the latter more especially being attracted by the fame of its working and the cordial and hearty greeting at all times extended to visitors by the Masters , Past Masters , officers , and brethren of the lodge generally . " 1 he lodge was opened at about 4 p . m ., theW . M ., Bro . 'laplay ,
in the chair . After the minutes of thc last meeting had been passed , and a very satisfactory balance-sheet rendered , the W . M . proceeded to the business of the lodge . There was to have been a passing , but Bro . R . Smith ) the passce , not being in attendance , that portion of the business had to bc deferred to a more convenient season . Bro . Bryan , P . M ., then presented the W . M . elect , Bro . James T . K . Job , to the
W . M . for the benefit of installation , and the ceremony was at once proceeded with . The newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . James Mitchell , S . W . ; W . Dorton , J . W , ; J . Dorton , P . M .. Treas . ; J . C . Pitt , Sec . ; W . Nevin , S . D . ; A . Mason , J . D . ; R . Brown , I . G . ; Harrison , D . C . ; Watkins and T . S . Green , Stwds . ; M . Shinvin , Org . ; and W . Page , P . M ., Tyler . The charges were then given , and a ceremony that was
not only a most meritorious performance , but most eloquently rendered in detail , was brought to a conclusion amid universal applause and approbation . The W . M . then , in an appropriate speech , presented Bro . Taplay with a handsome P . M . ' s jewel of the value of ten guineas , as a mark of esteem , and of the manner in which he had carried out the duties of the lodge during the past twelve months , and it was also unanimously resolved " That a vote
of thanks should be presented to Bro . Taplay , and inscribed upon the minutes of the lodge , for the masterl y manner in which he had that day installed his successor in the chair , and that a copy of the same should bc emblazoned on vellum , mounted and framed , and presented to him at the expense of the lodge , at a cost not exceeding three guineas . " Bro . Taplay , in reply , said : W . M ., Past Masters , and brethren , —I thank you most heartily for this
magnificent jewel , which I prize above all other gifts that I have ever received , not so much for its money value , although that is considerable , but because I believe that it is given with the best wishes and hearty consent ' of every member of thc lodge . ( Applause . ) And , brethren , as such I shall prize it . I look forward with hope to be enabled to wear it in the lodge and out of the lodge ; but you may depend upon it that with the assistance of the
G . A . O . T . U ., I shall never wear it with so much pride and satisfaction as when 1 wear it in doing something for the benefit of the brethren and the prosperity of the lodge . Brethren , receive my grateful thanks for your great kindness . ( Applause . ) Bro . P . M . Bryan then introduced the case of a Past Master of the lodge who is now in thc Antipodes , and who required a Iitttle temporary assistance . He was universally beloved and respected here , and it was
proposed to raise the sum of £ 150 for him by subscription . Bro . Bryan was pleased to say that the first night it was mooted at their lodge of instruction £ 50 was collected and sent out to their friend , and he now asked thc brethren to assist to make up the remainder . To this appeal a generous response was given , and we are in a position to state that another £ 50 will shortly follow the first . After this truly noble act of Masonic and brotherly love , " Hearty good
wishes were tendered by thc visitors present , and the lodge was closed in due form . 'Ihe menn was discussed in the "banquet hall " of the establishment , and was found to be both tempting and delicious . The viands were choice and well-served , and consequently throughly enjoyed . The Worshipful Master presided , and was surrounded and supported by the following distinguished brethren and visitors : Bros . E . West ,
P . M ., P . P . G . Officer for thc Province of Herts ; J . Gaskill , P . M . ; Knox , P . M . ; T . G . Day , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . Essex ; H . B . Holhday , P . M . ; F . Bryan , P . M . ; — McCarthy , P . M . ; W . Tapley , P . M . ; the officers above-named ; S . Jacobs , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . P . Herts ; J . J . Stephens , P . M . 20 G ; H . Williams , P . M . 227 ; F . V . Latreille , 1472 ; H . Taylor , P . M . 1421 ; W . J . Burgess , W . M . 1472 ; E . Benjamin , W . M . elect 17 ' GG ; J .
Elder , S . W . 1472 ; V . J . Holloway , J . W . 1472 ; II . Watson , 1707 ; B . Cundick , 1421 ; J . C . Smith , Org . 1744 ; II . Connolly , 1507 ; J . Rogers , 1507 ; F . W . Sellis , 1 744 ; C . Simpson , 5879 ( Dutch Constitution ) ; J . Healing , 127 ; Stevens , and C . Jolly , 913 and I . G . 1472 { Freemason ) . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given in excellent style by the W . M ., and right loyally responded to . The I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " ancl
said he felt a double pleasure in proposing it , as he had that day had the honour of installing him into the chair he now occupied . He trusted that Bro . Job would during his year of office have plenty of work , and at the close of it be enabled to say that he had given satisfaction to one and all . He ( their W . M . ) was no dunce in Masonic work , for he had repeatedly worked thc Sections , and would bc both a credit and honour to the lodge . ( Applause . ) The W . M .,
in repl y , said : Bro . Taplay , Past Masters , and Brethren—1 thank you very much for your hearty reception of the toast , and can assure you nothing shall bc left undone by me to justify your choice of mcas W . M . of this , my mother lod ge . I may not be able to carry out the duties of it so well as those excellent Masons who have preceded mc , and who have , by their brilliancy , zeal , and untiring devotion to its interests and the welfare of the brethren , placed it in its
Present proud position , but I will so try to do my duty that , if I cannot emulate them in their brilliancy I will imitate them in their zeal and devotion . ( Applause . ) Thc duties of a Master are , I know , not easy or light , and are never so much appreciated as when he has to preside , as I have to-night , and for the first time , over such a distinguished gathering as I now see around me . All I ask of you , brethren , is help and trust : hcln me bv vourcourtesv and
forbearance , and trust me for my jrood intentions and earnest desire and welfare ; and , then , if , at thc end of my term ol ° mce , 1 may not be enabled to place my feeble lamp so high in the temple of fame as my predecessors have been pnatle to place theirs , I shall have thc satisfaction of knowlng that I have won your approbation , and secured as much success for myself as I dare look and hope for . I thank
you , brethren , most cordially for your good wishes . ( Loud cheers . ) The next toast was that of " The Past Masters , " "ina . in response , Bro . Taplay , I . P . M ., thanked the brethren tor their reception of it with mixed feelings of pleasure and regret—pleasure at having arrived at thc honourable wh * IE ° l ast Master > and regret at leaving a chair in vnicn he had received so much courtesy and consideration irom every member of the lodge . He was happy to say
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
that they were a united band of brothers ; and proud as he was of his position , he should be prouder still if he could be of any service in the future , as he trusted he had in the past , to the lodge and its members . ( Applause . ) Bros . Gaskell , West , Day , Holliday , Bryan , Dorton , and McCarthy also responded . Bro . West , in his remarks , referred to the progress of the lodge , which , he said , began with very few
members , but now numbered over one hundred . He thanked them for conferring the honour of honorary membership upon him on his resigning the membership of it , and felt proud of such a distinction in a lodge so famous in the annals of Masonic benevolence as the Capper Lodge was . ( Applause . ) The toast of "The Visitors" was coupled with the names of all those present , and , in
response , Bro . Williams said the key-note of the whole meeting had been " Happiness and harmony , " and nothing but happiness and harmony had prevailed throughout the the whole of the proceedings . ( Hear , hear . ) He had visited many lodges , but never entered one in which those grand attributes of Masonry were carried out more in their entirety than in the Capper Lodge . The W . M . had
said the lodge was never so happy as when they had plenty of visitors present ; well , he , for one , could say that he was never so happy as when he had plenty of invitations . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) He thanked them for their hospitable reception and splendid working , and would come again if they would only invite him . ( Laughter and cheers . ) Bros . Cundick , Taylor , Jacobs , Burgess , Elder ,
Holloway , Benjamin , and Healey also responded . "The Masonic Press" was complimented , and the honour duly acknowledged . "The Officers" were toasted , and several replied , and then the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings , which were both animated and enjoyable . Bro . Mat Shinvin , the talented Organist of the lodge , presided at the piano , and was praised on all sides for his masterly accompaniment of the songs , and also for his own effective singing .
ST . JOHN OF WAPPING LODGE ( No . 1306 ) . —The last regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Moorgate Tavern , Moorgate-street , E . G ., on the 9 th inst . Bro ^ . J . Magrath , W . M ., opened the lodge promptly , and was supported by Bros . C . Veal , I . P . M . ; | . Horsley , J . W ., as S . W . ; A . G . Clements , Sec , as J . W . ; T . J . Tyer , S . D . ; J . Couture , J . D . ; G . T .
Holdom , I . G . ; J . G . Turner , D . C ; J . Sommers , Stwd . ; f . W . Dawson , P . M . ; W . Beck , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Bate , F . Slater , C . East , W . H . Ebdon , N . U . Stanger , T . J . Tarling , W . M . Creddie , C . Rayner , T . Morris , H . T . Hardy , and others . The usual formalities having been duly complied with , Mr . lames Oxley was initiated into the mysteries of the
Order . Bro . Conrad Hansrnann was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , this ceremony , as well as the first , being ably and very impressively rendered . Bro . Veal , I . P . M ., brought forward a motion to increase the annual members' subscription . After a long and searching discussion the proposition was not adopted . Other lodge business having been disposed of , thc
brethren sat down to some light refreshments , in the preparation of which , at very short notice , Bro . Kingston distinguished himself . Subsequently the toast " Loyalty to the Throne and Prosperity to thc Craft" was heartily received , and the remainder of the evening was devoted to the enjoyment of some capital songs , ably accompanied by Bro . M . Shenvin ,
Org . I he toasts of " The Past Masters , " " Thc VV . M ., " "The Visitors , " and "The Officers" were also briefly given , and thc Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable evening to a close . Among the visitors were : Bros . T . Honeyman , P . M . 123 S ; M . W . II . Sherwin , Org . 107 G ; and G . II . Stephens , S . D . 1623 { Freemason ) .
KENNINGTON LODGE '( No . 1381 ) . —This prosperous lodge met on the ist inst ., at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park . Among those present were Bros . Speedy W . M . ; Webb , S . W . ; Marsden , J . W . ; W . Mann , P . MT , Treasurer ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Secretary ; G . Everett , acting I . P . M . ; Stokes , S . D . ; Stranger , J . D . ; Appleton , W . S . ; Stephens , A . W . S . ; Koch ,
P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middlesex ; and P . M . Drysdale , P . M . Among the visitors were Bros . Skowring , W . M . 87 ; Malony , P . M . 2 = ;; Dr . Bott , W . M . 1 S 39 ; J . Kmg , 27 ; Partt , 87 ; II . Price , 177 ; T . Hardy , 190 ; II . Jones , 20 S ; E . Ayling , 975 ; A . Ferrar , 1524 ; G . Ferrar , 1524 ; and C Arnold , 16 79 . - The minutes of the nrcvious meeting having been read
and confirmed , Bro . Dailey was raised , Bros . Davis and Herbert were passed , and Messrs . G . Coles and H . F . Foale were initiated , the latter ceremony , by permission of the W . M ., being performed by Bro . Everett , P . M . The ballot was also taken on behalf of Bros . W . Palmer , late of 1 77 , and Bro . II . E . Price , 1744 , as joining members , and it proved to be unanimous .
Ihe lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . Upon thc removal of the cloth the customary toasts were duly proposed and honoured . "Thc Health of the W . M . " was proposed , in flattering terms , by Bro . Mann , P . M . In reply , the W . M . expressed his gratification upon thc hearty manner in which his health had been received . In the course of his speech he
congratulated thc lodge upon its prosperity , and hoped that before the expiration of his year of office that that prosperity would still further be increased by the admission of several eligible candidates . "The Hea ' . th of the Initiates " followed , and was duly responded to . In giving " The Visitors , " the W . M . took occasion to allude to the almost unprecedented number of visiting brethren present that evening , and he trusted that their visit had been in every
way agreeable to them . Ihis toast was warmly drunk , and Bros . Skowring , Dr . Bott , and Malony duly acknowledged the compliment on behalf of themselves and colleagues . "Thc Past Masters , " came next in order , and this pledge was responded to in exhaustive terms by Bros . Mann and Everett . " The Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . Webb and Marsden , terminated thc porceedings .
THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The usual meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday evening , thc 12 th inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , and was numerously attended by officers , members , and visitors . Bro . Charles Taylor , W . M ., presided , and the following officers were present : Bros . Kibble , S . W . ; Keeble , J . W . ; N . B . Headon , P-M . and Treas . ; Blackie , P . M ., " Sec . ; Baber , S . D . ; Fendick , J . D . ; Jenkins , Org . j Skinner
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
and Durrant , Stewards ; and Potter , Tyler . The Past Masters present were Bros . Stevens , Freeman , Stannay , and Hamer , and the following members : Bros . Matthews , Davis , Greening , Parker , Lodge , Hartley , Keene , Bertram , Frost , Hooper , Hugo , and others . The visitors were Bros . Jacobs , P . M . 45 ; Taylor , P . M . 902 ; Partridge , W . M . 1445 ; Southcott , 733 ; Clemens , 1 G 62 ; M'Annally , P . M .
1397 ; and Ducher , 1 SS 1 . The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was then taken for Mr . Paul Johannes , who was a candidate for admission to the lodge , and it proved unanimous in favour of his admission . Bro . Gwynn , initiated at the last lodge meeting , was passed to thc Second Degree . A
telegram having been received from Bro . Benn , who was initiated at the last meeting , stating that his absence from London prevented him from attending on this occasion , the initiation of Mr . Metz was proceeded with . Both the ceremones were performed by the W . M . and the officers in a most efficient manner . Two cases of a sad reverse of fortune were then brought under the notice of the lodge ,
and to one the sum of ten guineas was voted from the Benevolent Fund , the other being deferred until the next meeting for further consideration . The YV . Master announced his intention to represent the lodge as Steward at the festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in February next , when he hoped the brethren would support him with liberal contributions . There being no further
business , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . On the removal of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . In response to the toast of " The Visitors , " Bro . Ducher said : Worshipful Master , Past Masters , and Brethren , —Once more among you I am happy , but I know not how to thank you for the great honour you pay me in
calling upon me to speak in so great an assembly on behalf of the visitors here present . It is indeed a splendid sight to see round these tables so many brother Masons . I cannot help admiring the peace , and harmony , and concord which reign in the Masonic brotherhood of England . And generally the great number of your visitors shows how keen a sympathy is felt with the Great City Lodge . Brethren ,
in our days it is not difficult to be a Mason ; it is apleasure , an agreeable thing—I even might say a sinecure . It was not so for our Masonic forefathers . They saw not such happy days . To give us the peace and comfort wc now enjoy our Masonic forefathers have laboured , struggled , and suffered ; many have been persecuted , judged , condemned , banished , cast in prison , and some even dragged
to gallows , scaffold , and stake . If we look back upon two or three centuries we find the lot of a Mason hard indeed . He required prudence , perseverance , cunning , great strength of mind , proved faith , indomitable courage to accomplish his task . In those times of superstition and fanaticism , to all but his brethren and famil y a Mason was a villain , a reprobate , a wizard , a sacrilegious wretch ,
practising occult sciences , banned , hooted , castaway ; hounded as a ferocious wild beast , he holds his meetings but in cavern and forest . This was the fate of our Masonic forefathers . Judge between them and wc . But their virtue and perseverance , and two circumstances materially contributed to change this state of things , and have made the Mason of the present time a man taking a superior
rank in modern society . 1 he first of these circumstances is the religious reform in Germany , performed by Luther and Calvin , and in England , under Henry VIII . of matrimonial memory . This religious reform has broken thelink of the chain which bound the world a slave to religious fanaticism—thc Pope . The second circumstance is the great and immortal French Revolution , 1792 , which abolished so
many abuses and prejudices , which made all men equal before the law and proclaimed the rights of man . To these brethren we owe to be seated thus , to night , happy and comfortable , within these gilded halls . I will say no more of this , not wishing to give you a course of Masonic history , many of our brothers knowing more than I upon this subject ; but what I wish to say is : That we must not think
all is ended because wc are happy , and that we have but to rest , as Annibal , in the delights of Capone . No . If our Masonic ancestors have struggled , fought and conquered , we still have much to do . Wc must labour for others , those who are coming , the future generation . Fearing no more persecution , since justice is rendered us , and headed by the justly popular Prince of Wales , our Great
Master . We are no longer militant , lt is by our virtue , charity , and benevolence we must shine , and I give you for example the Great City Lodge , who so nobly practise these virtues . Brother visitors , to acknowledge the kindly reception , we have received here to night 1 invite you to join me . Take your glasses , and with me drink to the prosperity and development of this truly fine
lodge . Brother visitors , "The Great City Lodge . " Bro . Parker also responded expressing the gratification he had experienced in visiting the GreatiCity Lodge . Bros . Bertram , Stevens , Kibble , Parker , and Headon contributed to the enjoyment of the brethren with some excellent songs and recitations , and another thoroughly pleasurable evening was spent in the true spirit of Freemasonry .
MOUNT EDGCUMBE LODGE ( No . 1 446 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge took place on Saturday , the 12 th inst ., at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , when the following members were present : Bros . 1 " . Cull , I . P . M . ; D . A . Ross , P . M . ; A . Thomas , jun ., P . M . ; T . Gardiner , S . D . ; T . Bailey , J . D . ; R . W . Sutton , I . G . ; B . Hosegood , J . H . Tarrant , P . M . Black , C . L . Bibra . 12 oirmson 15 steed
. wuar . es , .. , o . u . ; anu o . , lyler . In the absence of theW . M ., Bro . J . J . Limebeer , through serious illness , the chair was occupied by Bro . T . Cull , I . P . M ., who after the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed , passed Bro . F . George to the Degree of F . C . in a masterly manner . It may be mentioned that all the oflices were taken by brethren who had not before occupied their various positionsand that
-, every thing worked most smoothly . Nothing further being on the notice paper , the lodge was closed in dne form , and the brethren assembled to do justice to the excellent supper prepared by Bro . Roberts . The usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the brethren separated at an early hour , after having spent a most enjoyable evening .
FRANCIS BURDETT LODGE ( No . 1503 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 9 th inst . at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham , when there were present : Bros . Ashley , W . M .: T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B .
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings
street , and was well attended by the brethren of the lodge and visitors from the other metropolitan and provincial lodge adjacent ; the latter more especially being attracted by the fame of its working and the cordial and hearty greeting at all times extended to visitors by the Masters , Past Masters , officers , and brethren of the lodge generally . " 1 he lodge was opened at about 4 p . m ., theW . M ., Bro . 'laplay ,
in the chair . After the minutes of thc last meeting had been passed , and a very satisfactory balance-sheet rendered , the W . M . proceeded to the business of the lodge . There was to have been a passing , but Bro . R . Smith ) the passce , not being in attendance , that portion of the business had to bc deferred to a more convenient season . Bro . Bryan , P . M ., then presented the W . M . elect , Bro . James T . K . Job , to the
W . M . for the benefit of installation , and the ceremony was at once proceeded with . The newly-installed W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . James Mitchell , S . W . ; W . Dorton , J . W , ; J . Dorton , P . M .. Treas . ; J . C . Pitt , Sec . ; W . Nevin , S . D . ; A . Mason , J . D . ; R . Brown , I . G . ; Harrison , D . C . ; Watkins and T . S . Green , Stwds . ; M . Shinvin , Org . ; and W . Page , P . M ., Tyler . The charges were then given , and a ceremony that was
not only a most meritorious performance , but most eloquently rendered in detail , was brought to a conclusion amid universal applause and approbation . The W . M . then , in an appropriate speech , presented Bro . Taplay with a handsome P . M . ' s jewel of the value of ten guineas , as a mark of esteem , and of the manner in which he had carried out the duties of the lodge during the past twelve months , and it was also unanimously resolved " That a vote
of thanks should be presented to Bro . Taplay , and inscribed upon the minutes of the lodge , for the masterl y manner in which he had that day installed his successor in the chair , and that a copy of the same should bc emblazoned on vellum , mounted and framed , and presented to him at the expense of the lodge , at a cost not exceeding three guineas . " Bro . Taplay , in reply , said : W . M ., Past Masters , and brethren , —I thank you most heartily for this
magnificent jewel , which I prize above all other gifts that I have ever received , not so much for its money value , although that is considerable , but because I believe that it is given with the best wishes and hearty consent ' of every member of thc lodge . ( Applause . ) And , brethren , as such I shall prize it . I look forward with hope to be enabled to wear it in the lodge and out of the lodge ; but you may depend upon it that with the assistance of the
G . A . O . T . U ., I shall never wear it with so much pride and satisfaction as when 1 wear it in doing something for the benefit of the brethren and the prosperity of the lodge . Brethren , receive my grateful thanks for your great kindness . ( Applause . ) Bro . P . M . Bryan then introduced the case of a Past Master of the lodge who is now in thc Antipodes , and who required a Iitttle temporary assistance . He was universally beloved and respected here , and it was
proposed to raise the sum of £ 150 for him by subscription . Bro . Bryan was pleased to say that the first night it was mooted at their lodge of instruction £ 50 was collected and sent out to their friend , and he now asked thc brethren to assist to make up the remainder . To this appeal a generous response was given , and we are in a position to state that another £ 50 will shortly follow the first . After this truly noble act of Masonic and brotherly love , " Hearty good
wishes were tendered by thc visitors present , and the lodge was closed in due form . 'Ihe menn was discussed in the "banquet hall " of the establishment , and was found to be both tempting and delicious . The viands were choice and well-served , and consequently throughly enjoyed . The Worshipful Master presided , and was surrounded and supported by the following distinguished brethren and visitors : Bros . E . West ,
P . M ., P . P . G . Officer for thc Province of Herts ; J . Gaskill , P . M . ; Knox , P . M . ; T . G . Day , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . Essex ; H . B . Holhday , P . M . ; F . Bryan , P . M . ; — McCarthy , P . M . ; W . Tapley , P . M . ; the officers above-named ; S . Jacobs , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . P . Herts ; J . J . Stephens , P . M . 20 G ; H . Williams , P . M . 227 ; F . V . Latreille , 1472 ; H . Taylor , P . M . 1421 ; W . J . Burgess , W . M . 1472 ; E . Benjamin , W . M . elect 17 ' GG ; J .
Elder , S . W . 1472 ; V . J . Holloway , J . W . 1472 ; II . Watson , 1707 ; B . Cundick , 1421 ; J . C . Smith , Org . 1744 ; II . Connolly , 1507 ; J . Rogers , 1507 ; F . W . Sellis , 1 744 ; C . Simpson , 5879 ( Dutch Constitution ) ; J . Healing , 127 ; Stevens , and C . Jolly , 913 and I . G . 1472 { Freemason ) . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given in excellent style by the W . M ., and right loyally responded to . The I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " ancl
said he felt a double pleasure in proposing it , as he had that day had the honour of installing him into the chair he now occupied . He trusted that Bro . Job would during his year of office have plenty of work , and at the close of it be enabled to say that he had given satisfaction to one and all . He ( their W . M . ) was no dunce in Masonic work , for he had repeatedly worked thc Sections , and would bc both a credit and honour to the lodge . ( Applause . ) The W . M .,
in repl y , said : Bro . Taplay , Past Masters , and Brethren—1 thank you very much for your hearty reception of the toast , and can assure you nothing shall bc left undone by me to justify your choice of mcas W . M . of this , my mother lod ge . I may not be able to carry out the duties of it so well as those excellent Masons who have preceded mc , and who have , by their brilliancy , zeal , and untiring devotion to its interests and the welfare of the brethren , placed it in its
Present proud position , but I will so try to do my duty that , if I cannot emulate them in their brilliancy I will imitate them in their zeal and devotion . ( Applause . ) Thc duties of a Master are , I know , not easy or light , and are never so much appreciated as when he has to preside , as I have to-night , and for the first time , over such a distinguished gathering as I now see around me . All I ask of you , brethren , is help and trust : hcln me bv vourcourtesv and
forbearance , and trust me for my jrood intentions and earnest desire and welfare ; and , then , if , at thc end of my term ol ° mce , 1 may not be enabled to place my feeble lamp so high in the temple of fame as my predecessors have been pnatle to place theirs , I shall have thc satisfaction of knowlng that I have won your approbation , and secured as much success for myself as I dare look and hope for . I thank
you , brethren , most cordially for your good wishes . ( Loud cheers . ) The next toast was that of " The Past Masters , " "ina . in response , Bro . Taplay , I . P . M ., thanked the brethren tor their reception of it with mixed feelings of pleasure and regret—pleasure at having arrived at thc honourable wh * IE ° l ast Master > and regret at leaving a chair in vnicn he had received so much courtesy and consideration irom every member of the lodge . He was happy to say
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
that they were a united band of brothers ; and proud as he was of his position , he should be prouder still if he could be of any service in the future , as he trusted he had in the past , to the lodge and its members . ( Applause . ) Bros . Gaskell , West , Day , Holliday , Bryan , Dorton , and McCarthy also responded . Bro . West , in his remarks , referred to the progress of the lodge , which , he said , began with very few
members , but now numbered over one hundred . He thanked them for conferring the honour of honorary membership upon him on his resigning the membership of it , and felt proud of such a distinction in a lodge so famous in the annals of Masonic benevolence as the Capper Lodge was . ( Applause . ) The toast of "The Visitors" was coupled with the names of all those present , and , in
response , Bro . Williams said the key-note of the whole meeting had been " Happiness and harmony , " and nothing but happiness and harmony had prevailed throughout the the whole of the proceedings . ( Hear , hear . ) He had visited many lodges , but never entered one in which those grand attributes of Masonry were carried out more in their entirety than in the Capper Lodge . The W . M . had
said the lodge was never so happy as when they had plenty of visitors present ; well , he , for one , could say that he was never so happy as when he had plenty of invitations . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) He thanked them for their hospitable reception and splendid working , and would come again if they would only invite him . ( Laughter and cheers . ) Bros . Cundick , Taylor , Jacobs , Burgess , Elder ,
Holloway , Benjamin , and Healey also responded . "The Masonic Press" was complimented , and the honour duly acknowledged . "The Officers" were toasted , and several replied , and then the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings , which were both animated and enjoyable . Bro . Mat Shinvin , the talented Organist of the lodge , presided at the piano , and was praised on all sides for his masterly accompaniment of the songs , and also for his own effective singing .
ST . JOHN OF WAPPING LODGE ( No . 1306 ) . —The last regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Moorgate Tavern , Moorgate-street , E . G ., on the 9 th inst . Bro ^ . J . Magrath , W . M ., opened the lodge promptly , and was supported by Bros . C . Veal , I . P . M . ; | . Horsley , J . W ., as S . W . ; A . G . Clements , Sec , as J . W . ; T . J . Tyer , S . D . ; J . Couture , J . D . ; G . T .
Holdom , I . G . ; J . G . Turner , D . C ; J . Sommers , Stwd . ; f . W . Dawson , P . M . ; W . Beck , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Bate , F . Slater , C . East , W . H . Ebdon , N . U . Stanger , T . J . Tarling , W . M . Creddie , C . Rayner , T . Morris , H . T . Hardy , and others . The usual formalities having been duly complied with , Mr . lames Oxley was initiated into the mysteries of the
Order . Bro . Conrad Hansrnann was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , this ceremony , as well as the first , being ably and very impressively rendered . Bro . Veal , I . P . M ., brought forward a motion to increase the annual members' subscription . After a long and searching discussion the proposition was not adopted . Other lodge business having been disposed of , thc
brethren sat down to some light refreshments , in the preparation of which , at very short notice , Bro . Kingston distinguished himself . Subsequently the toast " Loyalty to the Throne and Prosperity to thc Craft" was heartily received , and the remainder of the evening was devoted to the enjoyment of some capital songs , ably accompanied by Bro . M . Shenvin ,
Org . I he toasts of " The Past Masters , " " Thc VV . M ., " "The Visitors , " and "The Officers" were also briefly given , and thc Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable evening to a close . Among the visitors were : Bros . T . Honeyman , P . M . 123 S ; M . W . II . Sherwin , Org . 107 G ; and G . II . Stephens , S . D . 1623 { Freemason ) .
KENNINGTON LODGE '( No . 1381 ) . —This prosperous lodge met on the ist inst ., at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park . Among those present were Bros . Speedy W . M . ; Webb , S . W . ; Marsden , J . W . ; W . Mann , P . MT , Treasurer ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Secretary ; G . Everett , acting I . P . M . ; Stokes , S . D . ; Stranger , J . D . ; Appleton , W . S . ; Stephens , A . W . S . ; Koch ,
P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middlesex ; and P . M . Drysdale , P . M . Among the visitors were Bros . Skowring , W . M . 87 ; Malony , P . M . 2 = ;; Dr . Bott , W . M . 1 S 39 ; J . Kmg , 27 ; Partt , 87 ; II . Price , 177 ; T . Hardy , 190 ; II . Jones , 20 S ; E . Ayling , 975 ; A . Ferrar , 1524 ; G . Ferrar , 1524 ; and C Arnold , 16 79 . - The minutes of the nrcvious meeting having been read
and confirmed , Bro . Dailey was raised , Bros . Davis and Herbert were passed , and Messrs . G . Coles and H . F . Foale were initiated , the latter ceremony , by permission of the W . M ., being performed by Bro . Everett , P . M . The ballot was also taken on behalf of Bros . W . Palmer , late of 1 77 , and Bro . II . E . Price , 1744 , as joining members , and it proved to be unanimous .
Ihe lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . Upon thc removal of the cloth the customary toasts were duly proposed and honoured . "Thc Health of the W . M . " was proposed , in flattering terms , by Bro . Mann , P . M . In reply , the W . M . expressed his gratification upon thc hearty manner in which his health had been received . In the course of his speech he
congratulated thc lodge upon its prosperity , and hoped that before the expiration of his year of office that that prosperity would still further be increased by the admission of several eligible candidates . "The Hea ' . th of the Initiates " followed , and was duly responded to . In giving " The Visitors , " the W . M . took occasion to allude to the almost unprecedented number of visiting brethren present that evening , and he trusted that their visit had been in every
way agreeable to them . Ihis toast was warmly drunk , and Bros . Skowring , Dr . Bott , and Malony duly acknowledged the compliment on behalf of themselves and colleagues . "Thc Past Masters , " came next in order , and this pledge was responded to in exhaustive terms by Bros . Mann and Everett . " The Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . Webb and Marsden , terminated thc porceedings .
THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The usual meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday evening , thc 12 th inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , and was numerously attended by officers , members , and visitors . Bro . Charles Taylor , W . M ., presided , and the following officers were present : Bros . Kibble , S . W . ; Keeble , J . W . ; N . B . Headon , P-M . and Treas . ; Blackie , P . M ., " Sec . ; Baber , S . D . ; Fendick , J . D . ; Jenkins , Org . j Skinner
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
and Durrant , Stewards ; and Potter , Tyler . The Past Masters present were Bros . Stevens , Freeman , Stannay , and Hamer , and the following members : Bros . Matthews , Davis , Greening , Parker , Lodge , Hartley , Keene , Bertram , Frost , Hooper , Hugo , and others . The visitors were Bros . Jacobs , P . M . 45 ; Taylor , P . M . 902 ; Partridge , W . M . 1445 ; Southcott , 733 ; Clemens , 1 G 62 ; M'Annally , P . M .
1397 ; and Ducher , 1 SS 1 . The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was then taken for Mr . Paul Johannes , who was a candidate for admission to the lodge , and it proved unanimous in favour of his admission . Bro . Gwynn , initiated at the last lodge meeting , was passed to thc Second Degree . A
telegram having been received from Bro . Benn , who was initiated at the last meeting , stating that his absence from London prevented him from attending on this occasion , the initiation of Mr . Metz was proceeded with . Both the ceremones were performed by the W . M . and the officers in a most efficient manner . Two cases of a sad reverse of fortune were then brought under the notice of the lodge ,
and to one the sum of ten guineas was voted from the Benevolent Fund , the other being deferred until the next meeting for further consideration . The YV . Master announced his intention to represent the lodge as Steward at the festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution in February next , when he hoped the brethren would support him with liberal contributions . There being no further
business , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . On the removal of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . In response to the toast of " The Visitors , " Bro . Ducher said : Worshipful Master , Past Masters , and Brethren , —Once more among you I am happy , but I know not how to thank you for the great honour you pay me in
calling upon me to speak in so great an assembly on behalf of the visitors here present . It is indeed a splendid sight to see round these tables so many brother Masons . I cannot help admiring the peace , and harmony , and concord which reign in the Masonic brotherhood of England . And generally the great number of your visitors shows how keen a sympathy is felt with the Great City Lodge . Brethren ,
in our days it is not difficult to be a Mason ; it is apleasure , an agreeable thing—I even might say a sinecure . It was not so for our Masonic forefathers . They saw not such happy days . To give us the peace and comfort wc now enjoy our Masonic forefathers have laboured , struggled , and suffered ; many have been persecuted , judged , condemned , banished , cast in prison , and some even dragged
to gallows , scaffold , and stake . If we look back upon two or three centuries we find the lot of a Mason hard indeed . He required prudence , perseverance , cunning , great strength of mind , proved faith , indomitable courage to accomplish his task . In those times of superstition and fanaticism , to all but his brethren and famil y a Mason was a villain , a reprobate , a wizard , a sacrilegious wretch ,
practising occult sciences , banned , hooted , castaway ; hounded as a ferocious wild beast , he holds his meetings but in cavern and forest . This was the fate of our Masonic forefathers . Judge between them and wc . But their virtue and perseverance , and two circumstances materially contributed to change this state of things , and have made the Mason of the present time a man taking a superior
rank in modern society . 1 he first of these circumstances is the religious reform in Germany , performed by Luther and Calvin , and in England , under Henry VIII . of matrimonial memory . This religious reform has broken thelink of the chain which bound the world a slave to religious fanaticism—thc Pope . The second circumstance is the great and immortal French Revolution , 1792 , which abolished so
many abuses and prejudices , which made all men equal before the law and proclaimed the rights of man . To these brethren we owe to be seated thus , to night , happy and comfortable , within these gilded halls . I will say no more of this , not wishing to give you a course of Masonic history , many of our brothers knowing more than I upon this subject ; but what I wish to say is : That we must not think
all is ended because wc are happy , and that we have but to rest , as Annibal , in the delights of Capone . No . If our Masonic ancestors have struggled , fought and conquered , we still have much to do . Wc must labour for others , those who are coming , the future generation . Fearing no more persecution , since justice is rendered us , and headed by the justly popular Prince of Wales , our Great
Master . We are no longer militant , lt is by our virtue , charity , and benevolence we must shine , and I give you for example the Great City Lodge , who so nobly practise these virtues . Brother visitors , to acknowledge the kindly reception , we have received here to night 1 invite you to join me . Take your glasses , and with me drink to the prosperity and development of this truly fine
lodge . Brother visitors , "The Great City Lodge . " Bro . Parker also responded expressing the gratification he had experienced in visiting the GreatiCity Lodge . Bros . Bertram , Stevens , Kibble , Parker , and Headon contributed to the enjoyment of the brethren with some excellent songs and recitations , and another thoroughly pleasurable evening was spent in the true spirit of Freemasonry .
MOUNT EDGCUMBE LODGE ( No . 1 446 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge took place on Saturday , the 12 th inst ., at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , when the following members were present : Bros . 1 " . Cull , I . P . M . ; D . A . Ross , P . M . ; A . Thomas , jun ., P . M . ; T . Gardiner , S . D . ; T . Bailey , J . D . ; R . W . Sutton , I . G . ; B . Hosegood , J . H . Tarrant , P . M . Black , C . L . Bibra . 12 oirmson 15 steed
. wuar . es , .. , o . u . ; anu o . , lyler . In the absence of theW . M ., Bro . J . J . Limebeer , through serious illness , the chair was occupied by Bro . T . Cull , I . P . M ., who after the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed , passed Bro . F . George to the Degree of F . C . in a masterly manner . It may be mentioned that all the oflices were taken by brethren who had not before occupied their various positionsand that
-, every thing worked most smoothly . Nothing further being on the notice paper , the lodge was closed in dne form , and the brethren assembled to do justice to the excellent supper prepared by Bro . Roberts . The usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured , and the brethren separated at an early hour , after having spent a most enjoyable evening .
FRANCIS BURDETT LODGE ( No . 1503 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 9 th inst . at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham , when there were present : Bros . Ashley , W . M .: T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B .