Masonic Notes And Queries.

W . H . Coppinger , Thomas Fraser , W , S . Gillham , G . G . Kichner , J . P . N elson , C . L . I . Noad , A , Strugnall , and A . Tite . After the opening proceedings , Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . W ., took the chair , Bro . Thomas Fenn , P . G . W ., the chair of S . W ., and Bro . Charles Belton , P . D . G . D . C , the chair of J . W ., and Bro . Sir J . B . Monckton installed Bro . Imre Kiralfy as W . M . for the ensuing year . Bro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale was inves t ed with the collar of I . P . M ., and , later on , with the collar of Treasurer of the lodge . The ether brethren appointed and invested were Bros . R . Maitland Coffin , M . D ., F . R . C . P ., S . VV . : I . H . Dimsdale

l . W . ; J . W . Clark , Son . ; E . N . Alpe , S . D .: C . I . Kiralfy , J . D . ; G . C . Breese , I . G . ; G . D . Cole man , D . C . ; J . P . Ne Ison and J . S . Bhumgara , Stwds . ; and Saml . Ellis , P . M . ICJSI , Tyler . A handsome Past Mastci ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Sir Joseph Dim sdale , and also to the late Secretary , Bro . Will E . Chapman , who is about to leave for South Africa . Pro . Sir Joreph D ' msdale , in making the presentation , said the lodge was going to suffer irreparable loss by Bro . Chaf min ' s departure , for it was to his erergy and unflagging zeal lhat the success of the Empress Lodge was due . But

his enrrgy was nol confined to that lodge , as was known throughout the length and breadth of Masonry . The brethren desired to place on record their deep regret tint Bro . Chapman vvas going , but they trusted his absence was only temporary , and they assured him that he would retain the esteem and affeclion of every brother of the lodge . Bro . Chapman thanked the brethren , who shortly afterwards closed the lolge and adjourned to an excellent banquet supplied by Spiers and Pond , Ltd . The usual toasts were subsequently honoured . An excellent concert formed part of the enjoyments of the evening .

Bros . Dr . J . Balfour Cockburn and Sir Reginald Hanson , M . P ., responded to the toast of " The Grand Ofiicers . " Bro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale , I . P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " said , in vacating the chair of any lodge the I . P . M . must necessarily feel many regrets ; but those regrets were very much allayed by the fact that he was permitted , however inade quately to propose the health of the W . M . for the ensuing year . He c > uld honestly say that in now proposing that toast he did it sincerely and heirtily . His thoughts carried him back to rather more than that night 12 months ago , when he found around the b > ard

many of his friends and colleagues in the Craft , Present and Past Grand Officers . They were there now . ' He found among them Bro . Letrhworth , who consecrated the lodge ; Bro . Brownrigg , who acted as Chaplain ; and , although himself was an humble and incompetent Mason , he also found that there was that friendly and sincere feeling existing in the Craft wlich caused one ' s brethren ahvays to support a brother in every good undertaking . The inception of the Empress Ledge was a great success , thanks to their brethren of the Craft , ard the ledge's objects had been worked out . Those who were founders of the ledge might remember lhat the object in view was to have a haven of

Masonry for those who visited from thc distant portions of her Majesty ' s dominions , that vast and unique emp re spreading from one end of the world to the ctVer . They felt that they might be doing good not only to the Craft by extending the inestimable blessings of Masonry to those who were in England temporarily , who would in their turn communicate the noble doctrines of Masonry lo all portions of the empire . They had had during the last 12 months a most successful history ; they had initiated , he supposed , almost a record number , and they had the satisfaction of knowing that , although they might part with many of their brethren , and although they might go to distant portions

of the globe , they were still with them , as Bro . Chapman would be , however , many thousands of miles he might be away , that they were bound by those feelings of sympathy and love which could only be attained by those doctrines of Freemasonry whic ' i mide them loyal and t'ue to their God and equally true and loving to their neighbour . Passing from the first year of the lodge which was naturally one of anxiety all source of anxiety as to the future was now set at rest ; they had no anxiety as to the next year ; they were handing the destinies of lhe ledge into the hands of me who would fully maintain all its principles , one they desired to work for , and who was animated in the very best traditions of Masonry—Bro . Kiralfy . To him and Bro . Chapman the palm

belonged ; they were the initiators of the lodge ; it was true they gave him ( Sir J . Dimsdale ) the honour of beirg the first Master , but he was not going to take the palm that did not belong to him ; Bros . Kiralfy and Chapman were the inceptors of the lodge , and to them the honour belonged . He believed that as ling as they could have such brethren among Ihem and as long as the destinies of the lodge were in the hands of Bro . Kiralfy the lodge would fulfil the object for which it rea'ly was in existence—a n-irsery for Masonry and for those who carried forward thc flag of England from one end ot the world to the other . He trusted T . G . A . O . T . U . would shower his best blessings upon him and his household and family and that they might have a happy and prosperous

year . Bro . Imre Kiralfy , W . M ., acknowledged the toast , and sail this was the proudest moment of his life . He had had many successes in his professional ca reer , but he never felt so proud and happy as hn did that evening . He had been a Mason many years but he bad never held oflice until the last year . To succeed Sir Joseph Dimsdale in the chair was the greatest honour he could possibly imagine . During all his year of office and at all times he should do everything in his power to uphold the interests of the

Empress Lodge and the Fraternity , and , certainly he should never forget the Masonic Charities . Brc . Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . W ., responded to the toastof "The Installing Master , " which was proposed by Bro . E . Letchworth , G . Sec . In the course of his reply , Bro . Sir John Monckton referred to the departure of Bro . Chapman , to the surprise of some , and the regret of all . Without the assistance of Bro . Chapman , he still hoped the W . M . would have a gratifying year of office , which would be a satisfaction to Bro . Chapman in his distant home .

Bro . Imre Kiralfy , W . M ., in proposing "The I . P . M ., " said Bro . Dimsdile , with his usual kindness and modesty , had been good enough to say that Bro . Chapman and he ( the VV . M . ) had been the initiators of thi Empress Lodge . They were ; but if it had not been for Sir Joseph Dimsdale ' s good work and co-operation the lodge would not be there that day as one first in rank among th ; lodges of the country . Sir Joseph Dimsdale had been a true friend in every possible way , a loyal gentleman , a friend , and every Mason was proud of him . Although he left the chair , he hoped the brethren would have his co-operation , and the goodwill in the Empress Lodge which would keep it in its present excellent state .

I } ro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale responded . As members oi the E-npress Lodge , they had but one aim in view , they worked for the prosperity and perpetuity of the lodge , to extend and inculcate the doctrines of Masonry to those who came into the lodge as initiates . His year had been a happy one , and , thanks to the co-operation and suppirt of the members , he hoped it had been successful . He should do his best in the future to support the W . M . in every way . Sir Joseph then proposed "The Health of the Visitors , " Bros . Carson , Harrison , and Hooper responded .

Bro . Imre Kiralfy , W . M ., proposed " Bro . Will E . Chapman , " wishing him ban itoya « e , thanking him for what he had done for the lodge , and asking him to break bread with them on December iSth . Bros . J . D . Langton and Clark would organise the details . Bro . Chapman , in reply , said for the greater part of his life he had been anniully saying "Good-bye" to people , and , therefore , he thought , after a sojourn at home for 12 years , it would be just as easy to say goodbye . He was absolutely mistaken . In those 12 years there had come something into his life which had made him a part of

other people—he meant Masonry . He was a Mason before ; he had been one for 25 years ; but as he never had the privilege of meeting many in the year in different towns in which he lived , it was not a great pang to say he was going away at a certain date . He realised it now even for the short time he might be absent . There was som ; hinj in his heart which was hard to get away from . One of the associations was the Enapress Lodge . He feltsad when he thought of the happy evenings he had had in it and other Masonic lodges , and what had taken place that night with regard to him would be one of the

pleasantest recollections . The Empress Lodge was a child of his own and he naturally felt proud of it . Its success had been great—the lodge had come to stay and to be one of the first lodges in London , England , and the Empire . He hoped its histoy would be carried to distant countries and that its standard would be planted everywhere . They had made 21 Masons in the year and he was proud to say they were men who would be an honour to it . They went to lodges of instruction and were well up in their work . Again thanking the brethren he hoped hc should return .

Bro . Sir Josep h Dimsdale again mentioned the subject of the dinner to Bro . Chapman , and hoped it would be a great success . Although it was got up by the Savage Club Lodge , the Eccentric , and the Empress he had no doubt other Masons would like to take part in it , and he wished it to be made known that the Secretaries were Bro . J . D . Langton , New Inn , Strand , W . C , and Bro . Clark , the Secretary of this lodge , 3 , St . Peter's Alley , Cornhill , E . C , who would afford any information required , The other toasts followed before the brethren separated .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Gallery Lodge , No . 1928 . One of the most successful installation meetings of this Press lodge was held on the !* h inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , under the presidency of the VV . M ., Bro . P . VV Husk . Ihe lodge was very numerously attended , and there was a larger array of Grand Oilicers than has been witnessed in the lodge since its consecration in Au-nist . iSSt The to lowing members of thc lodge were present : Bros . Percy VV . Husk VV M Chas Lock , I . P . M . ; G . Tarran , S . VV ., VV . M . elect ; J . H . i-d .-ll , acting ' l . VV . ; Rev . I . s ! Barrass , Chap . ; W . M . DuckworthP . M .. Treas . ; VV . T Perkins P M Sec ¦ S

, James S . D . ; E . A . Peachey , J . D . ; Lionel F . Cowing , A . D C : G . II . Ribbons , A . D . C ; JV , V . " V ; -, ° - Inner GuarJ ; H . K . Peacock , Organist : II . L . Bell , VV . C-. Kirby , and J . D . Irvine , Stewards ; H . Massey . P . M . ; E . ^ Ir ^ ' i , ' ,- P r G - C E , ' Slurld- ' -S . P . M . ; T . G . Scott , P . M . ; Alfred I-. Robbins , Treasurer of the Benevolent Fund ; the Right Hon . Lord Glenesk ( who attended for the first time since his election as . 1 siiWrihin < T m , „ , S . rnf n , „ i „ , l , r » i

I . Bune , Cornwallis Smith , R . G . Emery , A . Bettamy , VV . G . ProudfooS John Martin , hrr . est Hobson , Edgar Clyatt , J . Ernest Lane , J . Alacintyre , and G . A . Jones , who was , during the meeting , elected a joining member . The visitors present were Bros , the Ven . Archdeacon of London , P . G . Chap . ; Edward Terry , P . G . Treas .: Richard » V ,,, r ^\ . J' D - Langton , P . G . D . C . ; Dr . Turtle Piggott , P . A . G . D . C ; T . A . Bullock P . G . S . B . ; the Rev . W . Hawksley , P . P . G . Chap . Hants : I . R . Diggle .

2011 ; ifios . Alfred 1 uckcr , S 59 ; ] . H . Scott , 1 CI 73 ; W . C . Chancy , ' 507 ; E . H . Bramley , 957 ; T . Clack , 117 S ; C L . Carson , VV . M . 2190 ; F . Seward , 2021 ; VV . Grant , 2231 ; J . Jones , 2096 ; J . Dalgety Henderson , VV . Nicholl , and Templar iaxe , all of 2190 ; F . H . Cheesewwright , 907 ; J . A . Collings , 1 C 93 ; and Vernon 1 aylor , 2000 .

Bro . George Albert Jones , 1125 , was elected a joining member , after which the W . M proceeded to instal Bro . George Tarran , S . VV . and VV . M . elect , as Master of the lodge for the year . The ceremony was admirably performed throughout , and Bro . Musk was invested as I . P . M .. afterwards receiving a P . M . ' s jewel . The other officers were Bros . Samuel James , S . W . : E . A . Peachev . I . VV . : VV . VV n „ rln »„ irHv P . M

Treas ; VV . T . Perkins . P . M ., Sec ; H . L . Bell , Asst . Sec ; F . W . Brodie , S . D . ; Lionel K Cowing , J . D . ; Geo . H . Ribbons , I . G . ; Rev . J . Stephen Barras , Chaplain ; An ,- w r- ° ^ V " J ; ""^ l ' , P-M ., D . C ; II . L . Bell , A . D . C . ; J . D . Irvine , A , ! , „ , 9 ' , < irby ' - Ba , ne " - K - G . Emery , and John Martin , Stewards ; and U . A . Ball , P . M . 19 S 1 , Tyler . The I . P . M . concluded his duties by delivering the addresses and was loudly cheered on resuming his seat .

r > T ? , 6 brethren tnen adjourned to an excellent banquet , which wa ; superintended by iiro . Clemow s manager , Mr . VV . A . Wallace , and also by Bro . Wagstait . _ The usual toasts followed , the various speeches being mingled with a musical entertainment , which was pronounced by visitors and members alike as being one of the most superior of those organised by the lodge . The artistes were Bros . I . Dilgety Henderson , W . Nicholl , F . H . Cheesewright , Templar Saxe , Vernon Taylor , and I . A . Collings ( accompanist ) .

Bro . George Tarran , VV . M ., in proposing " The Oueen and the Craft , " said : The hrst toast which it is my duty and pleasure to give as Worshipful Master of this lodge is the time-honoured one of the Queen and the Craft . For nearl y fio years this toast has been proposed and received with loyalty and enthusiasm in our Masonic assemblies . It is a toast which I have always thought is most honoured by using the fewest possible words in proposing it—because even when speech may be silvern silence is golden . The sentiment which

this comprehensive toast enshrines is one of such deep significance to every subjtct of her Majesty ' s vast empire , that it appeals at once to our hearts . This is especially thecase now , when we are within so short a distance of the commemoration of that unique event which is unparalled in our national history . I , therefore , at once submit the toast , coupled with a devout aspiration that the Almighty Ruler of the Universe will give her Majesty health and strength to worthily celebrate the Ooth anniversary of her accession to the throne .

Bro . George Tairan , VV . M ., in giving the toast of " The M . W . G . M ., II . R . II . the Prince of Wales , " said : In proposing this toast it would b < s premmptuous in me to attempt to dilate upon the many noble qualities and graceful acts of our Grand Master . Suffice it to say that as he has endeared himself to all the brethren of our Craft , so there is no member of the Royal House who is more universally beloved than the Prince cf Wales . We feel honoured and gratified by the interest which his Royal Highness has always shown in Freemasonry , and we trust that for many years he will retain the exalted position which he now occupies in our Order .

Bro . Tarran next said : I now give you "The M . W . Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom j 1 the R . W . Deputy Grand Master , the Earl Amherst ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " At the installation banquets of this lodge we have always , I believe , been favoured w ' th the presence of Grand Officers . I am sure , all feel considerably indebted to those of our brethren who undertake the onerous and important duties which their high offices in the Craft entail upon them . The pressure of my professional avocations have not enabled me to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge so often as I should like to have done : but when t have been

liresent 1 have been struck with the great amount of detail work which is performed in connection with the Grand Lodge , and with the complexity and difficulty of the questions which have to be adjudicated upon . We see men of eminence in the lagal profession , like , for instance , our Bro . Judge Philbrick , devoting all their legal acumen to the decision of knotty points which have arisen in various parts of the world , and giving their decisions with the greatest care and ability . And then there is the magnificent and munificent work done b y the Board of Benevolence in relieving the needs of the bereaved and distressed—that noble work of Charity which should ever occupy the

foremost place in our Masonic work . I had hoped to see amongst us once more Bro . Richard Eve , Past G . Treas ., who has Ueen , I am glad to say , a very regular attendant at our installation festivals . Wcareglad to see him , because we know he is a good and true Mason who has spared no effort to promote to the best of h is power the interests of the Craft . We have , however , our brother , the Grand 'Treasurer , who has bcen elected to that honourable position b y the votes of the Craft . VVe all know the keen contest there is for this post of distinction , and we may rest assured that the brother who may be elected is well worthy of the honour conferred upon him .

We therefore give our brother , the Grand Treasurer , a right hearty welcome . We have also present to-night the Venerable the Archdeacin of London , Bro . Sinclair , Past Grand Chaplain . Brethren , I thank the Archdeacon fur his kindness in accepting my invitation , and I am sure we all feel honoured by the presence of a dignitary of the church of Bro . Sinclair ' s rank and position . Our Bro . the Archdeacon of London deserves a hearty welcome at your hands , not only as a Mason but as an able and frequent contributor to the press and as one who is a pattern of courtesy to all . Even when attacked , and I regret to say 1 have seen him unfairly attacked , the Archdeacon

has always replied with the dignity , calmness , and ability indicative of a scholar and a gentleman . Having watched his career for many years I could , of course , say much more in his praise if time permitted , but I would only add that as an important member of the chapter of our Metropolitan Cathedral—that cathedra ! which has led the way in recent years in the beauty and reverence of its services—our Bro . Sinclair will meet with a hearty reception from the brethren of the Gallery Lodge . If , as has been stated , the great natural thanksgiving service on the 20 th June , 1 S 97 , is to take place in . St . Paul ' s , we may rest assured that it will be in every way worthy of that great

and stirring event in the hirtory of this realm and empire , and that the arrangements for those members of the press whose privivilege it will be to give an account of it to the millions of readers in all parts of the world , will receive every consideration at the hands of those who are responsible for tha detiilsof this great Junction—that arduous duty bein , r one which will be shared by the distinguished ecclesiastic whom it is our pride and privilege to greet to-night as our Bro . Sinclair .

We have also present our B ; o . I ) .- . Turtle Pigott , w . 10 , os a Alison ani in other wellknown positions of usefulness and importance ' , Ins earned a high reparation tor his good work and zealous labours in go id causes . VVe have also Bro . the Rev . VV . II . Hawksley , Provincial Giand Chaplain . He has come from Portsmouth in order to be present oa this occasion , and I thank him for the personal component he has this puJ to myself . I can assure you , brethren , that our Brother Hawkesly is a true and worthy man and Mason , and one who is not a stranger to journalistic work .

The Archdeacon of London , P . G . C , in his response to the toast , said he always felt very considerable responsibility in attempting to answer so weighty a toast as that of " 'The Grand Officers , " because he himself hid been si short a time in that honourable position , and he knew there were others who could speak to the toist better than he . There was Dr . Turtle Pigott , who had helped him up to his position ; he was obliged to take precedence of that brother , but his regret at having to take precedence of Dr . Pigott was outweighed by the extremely kind terms used by the W . M . in proposing the toast , and nothing could have been more consonant to his