Contents.

CONTENTS .

REPORTS or M ASONIC MEETINGS ; - ^ Cratt Masonry ; Roval Arch '" J Scotland < + Royal Masonic Institution for Boys -4 Obituary , ; ... . —•••¦ A Is Freemasonry Materialism ? •* ¦« The Boys' School i "" . " ; " , " « Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution -7 A Correction 2 '

C ORRESPONDENCE t—Grand Lodge of Rome . ..... 27 Bro . HiiKins ' s"Anacalypsis 27 The Polish National Lodge 27 The Duties of Stewards = 7

A - " Lord Chesterfield 2 S Masonic Notes and Queries . 2 S Masonic Ballat Liverpool . 2 S Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 2 S Entertainment at the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ...... sg Masonic and General Tidings , 29 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 29 Advertisements 3 ° , i- »• >«• " " . v . vi .

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REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

toft pasctwg , ECLECTIC LODGE ( No . 1201 ) . —This lodge has entered upon a new career , and has made a change which brings it within the lines of true fellowship with the brethren of our social Order . The Eclectic was founded by certain brethren who vainly imagined they could improve upon our ancient institution by forming a lodge in which there should be no social enjoyment , in which there should

be only " work " and no refreshment . 1 he thing worked only for a little time , and was soon found to be out of harmony with the principles of the Craft , and on the 12 th January the installation of its new Master , our respected Bro . Edward J . Hatty , saw a new order of things begun , with the warm approval of all the brethren . The lodge is held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street ,

and was opened in the largest room ( which was thronged ) by Bro . J . H . Watts , the W . M ., the Senior Warden ' s chair being filled by the W . M . elect , and Bro . A . E . Taylor in the Junion Warden's , with Bros . Saul and Lee as Deacons . After the unanimous confirmation of the minutes , the W . M . initiated Dr . C . T . Pearce , M . R . C . S ., a ceremony which was greatly enhanced by the

excellent working of all , and by the splendid music of the Organist , Bro . P . M . Higgs . The newly-made brother , later in the evening , made it evident to all that the beauty of the ceremonial was fully appreciated by him , as it was by all who witnessed it . Among those present , and there were nearly fifty visitors , was a deputation from Ireland , who had come to see a countryman installed , including

Bros . Spence , P . M . 75 , of the Irish Constitution ; Thomas Fenn , P . G . D . ; J . Terry , P . G . D . C . of Herts ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . ; Haighj P . G . S . ; Kelly . P . G . S ., P . M . 46 ; Smallpeicc , Sec . of Lodge of Emulation ; J . Stevens , P . M . The Great City Lodge , 1426 ; Scott , P . M . of the Belgrave ; Burrcll , P . M . of Mount Edgcumbe * , Wright , W . M . of the Royal Standard j Dr . Norton , W . M . elect of the Maybury ;

While , P . M . of United Strength { Freemason ); Hilton , Ancient Union , 20-5 , Liverpool * , Gardiner , S . D . 749 ; John Constable , P . M . 185 ; G . Brooke , S . W . 2 *(; E . W . Brain , J . W . 1471 ; C . Whewell , 1287 ; \ V . C . Clarke , - ; * , , | . Perry Godfrey , W . M . elect , 1261 ; T . E . Tallant , P . M . 186 ; J . C . Adams , 811 ; H . Purdue , 834 ; Taylor , 1273 ; A . Stewart , J . D .,

1158 ; W . H . Baswell , 1339 ; G . Davies , I . G . 167 ; A . Botibol , 188 ; N . M . Lomberg , 188 ; H . Beadle , 65 ; E . Hcnman , 1423 ; Reid , i 8 f >; Fletcher , J . W . 190 ; Papprilc , 180 ; R . J . Tolmie , S . D . 861 ; H . D . Blackmail , Alexandra Palace , and others . Assisted by Bro . P . M Manders , the W . M . proceeded with the installation of the worthy and distinguished brother in due form , and the

ceremony was excellently performed , the brethren evincing the utmost satisfaction that the retiring Master was thu-i able to complete the work of his year by placing his successor in the chair . The officers appointed were * . A . E . Taylor , S . W . ; G . W . Saul , J . W . ; J . Maniler , P . M ., Treas . j W . H . Barber , Sec ; W . S . Lea , S . D .-, F . Dobbiwg , J . LV , Higgs , P . M ., Oiganist ; G .

Muss , I . G . ; C . Pochin , D . C ; S . Lloyd , W . S . ; T . Davis , A . W . S . The lodge was closed , and then the brethren tttired to the Prince ' s Saloon , Holborn Restaurant , where an excellently served banquet rewarded the brethren after their arduous labours . The toast of " The Queen and the Craft" was prefaced by the W . M . with the remark that Her Majesty was the mother of a Grand Master , daughter

of a Grand Master , and the niece of a Grand Master , and the fervent wish was expressed that she might long live to reign over us . The toast was received with all honours , and then the W . M . proposed the toast of " His Koyal Highness the Grand Master , " who had endeared himself to all his fellow countrymen by his open , frank , and generous nature . This toast was honoured in the

manner observed among Masons , as were the toasts of " The Pro Grand Master , " "The Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Past and Present , " to which the name of Bro . T . Feim was attached , and of that distinguished brother the W . M . said that the name of Bro . Fenn would ever remain connected with the grandest ceremony the world had ever seen—the Royal Installation in the Albert Hall . Bro . Fenn ' s services were

mainl y instrumental in rendering that day so completely successful . Bro . Fenn , who was received with warm cheers , thanked the W . M . and brethren on the part ol the Grand Officers for the toast , ami on his own part for the very flattering manner in which his name had been coupled with it . By the way in which it had been received he hoped the lodge appreciated the efforts of the Grand Officers , whose services were always , he said , at the disposal oi the Craft . Perhaps , he added , some present

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might not " be aware that he was an honorary member of the Eclectic Lodge . He consecrated the lodge and installed the first Master , and though the circumstances connected with some of the many occasions upon which he had discharged this duty had been effaced from his memory , yet he should long remember the ' circumstances surrounding the birthday of the Eclectic . He remembered that

after performing the very exhaustive ceremony he felt thirsty , and mentioning this he was told that there was some " water in the next rosm . " ( Laughter . ) He did not like -water under such circumstances , especially London water —( a laugh)—and for his refreshment after labour he proceeded to his own lodge , and spent a very pleasant evening there . It was not from the point of view of his

own personal experience of the system upon which the Eclectic was stalled being unpleasant that he looked at it , and he only mentioned the matter to point out that he considered the original plan of the Eclectic to be a deviation from the fundamental principles of Freemasonry . He thought on the night when he consecrated the Eclectic that the founders had made a great mistake , and the

gathering on this occasion of Bro . Harty ' s installation was a noble correction of this mistake . ( Cheers . ) Freemasonry was a social institution ( cheers ) , for in an old oration which he had often heard Bro . James Terry give there was a passage which said , " Freemasonry is a moral Order , instituted by virtuous men with the praiseworthy design of keeping in remembrance the most sublime

truthsjn the midst of the most innocent and social enjoyments . " ( Cheers . ) For himself , Bro . Fenn said : Indeed I go so far as to believe that " labour and refreshment " were instituted as inseparable principles in Masonry by our Grand Master , King Solomon himself . For docs he not say in the book of Ecclesiastes , " There is nothing better for a man than that he should cat and drink , and that

heshould make his soul enjoy good in his labour . This also I saw , that it was from the hands of God . " And how could men thus make their souls rejoice unless they met after labour ? How could the members of a lodge who did not meet after labour form friendships any more than could the members of a church ? ( Hear , hear . ) Innocent social intercourse was urged upon Freemasons after the ceremonies ,

and yet the Eclectic had been founded upon the principle of working the ceremonies and parting without a word . In the course of fudge business discussions would arise , but these discussions , instead of conducing to friendship , too often create differences and asperities , which would be melted like snow before the sun by the convivial dinner and the social glass . ( Hear , hear . ) It was generally accepted as

a truth that no assemblies acted more unbrotherly than boards of guardians and vestries . ( Hear , hear , and a laugh . ) No bodies of men displayed more anger and personality than these " local authorities , " and this probably arose from the circurustance-that at some meeting some difference had arisen , and so carried a rankling for weeks . Now , if these gentlemen dined together after their

meetings these feelings would not exist , for personal wrongs would in most cases be forgotten and forgiven . ( Hear . ) The brethren of the Eclectic might depend upon it , that any attempt to improve the ancient landmarks of Freemasonry would prove to be a mistake and end in discomforture ; and he was glad to see this lodge return to practice those ancient charges which say , " You may enjoy

yourselves with innocent mirth , treating one another according to ability , but avoiding all excess , or forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his inclination , or hindering from going when his occasions may call him ... for this would blast our harmony and defeat our laudable purposes . " ( Cheers . ) It was pleasant to see the cheerful hospitality the Eclectic displayed 011 this occasion . He hoped

the lodge would have prosperity , and would be always able to afford the means of dispensing that hospitality over which Bro . Harty presided so gracefully . ( Cheers . ) The W . M . then proposed the toast of "The Initiate , Bro-Pearce , " who , in reply , made one of the most eloquent speeches which perhaps ever fell from the lips of a brother placed in a similar position , a speech to which print

fails to render complete justice from the fact that it is as impossible to convey the manner of an address as it is for an artist to paint the dying groan . Bro . Pearce said : Worshipful Master and Brethren , —Had I been called upon yesterday to address this assemblage , I should have had to speak to you as " fellow citizens , " as " gentlemen , " or as "friends ; " to-day , I am proud to say , that I can

address you by the holy name of '' brothers . " ( Cheers . ) This will be a memorable day in my existence , short though that may be , and though I may be , as the Worshipful Master says , the youngest Mason in the room , I have seen many years , and I have only one regret—that I have lived until the autumn leaves seem to be gathering around my brow before I have joined an association

which docs honour to God and to humanity . ( Cheers . ) I have been deeply impressed by my initiation into this honourable brotherhood , and , I trust , that late in life as I am before I have joined you , I shall not be thought less able to appreciate its beauties , or less able to feel thatyou have honoured me in initiating me into your mysteries . It is customary , when a child is born of Christian parents

to call it a Christian child . 1 might in the same way say that I was born a Mason , for my late father , who has been dead 47 years , was a Mason in a Sussex Lodge , therefore he stood at some time in the position in which 1 stand to-night , and if there are footsteps which it is an honour to follow , I think to-night I am following his footsteps . ( Cheers . ) To-day is , therefore , in many respects a memorable one to me , and I trust that my future

experience of the Craft may be marked by that purity of religion which I have seen—a religion above all priestcraft ( cheers ) , a religion which cultivates the communion bctwen the Almighty Architect of the Universe and Man , and breathes the faith that His grace will always live in our hearts if we seek Him . ( Cheers . ) I am no stranger to Freemasonry in the points ot its history and antiquity . I know that it has outlived races , nations and creeds ,

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that religionisms have failed , but that Freemasonry has lived , lives because it unites man to his Maker ; that it recharacterised by a boundless charity , which pours the healing balm of consolation into tbe bosom of the afflicted , as I have heard addressed to-night ; which forgets not the widow , or the orphan of a brother , though that brother had the only one tie to the fraternity , that he

lifted up his heart to the same God we worship . ( Cheers ) . I feel by my initiation to-night I have entered upon a new crisis in my history . I trust that during the remaining years of my life 1 shall practice its teachings , knowing no sect , holding brotherhood with all , of whatever clime or country , who are within its circle , or who are bound in the one bond which exemplifies the greatest of all religions , true

charity and brotherly love . ( Cheers ) . Yesterday I was a man , to-day I can clasp my breast and say "Am I not a man and a brother ? " ( Cheers ) . Past Master J . H . Watts then proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " and spoke of Bro . Harty ' s well-known abilities as an artist , and said that it was an honour for the lodge to have a brother in the chair who was doing the great service to

Masonry which Bro . Harty was doing , in perpetuating the great ceremony at the Albert Hall , when our Royal Grand Master was installed . The W . M . replied to the toast , speaking of himself as a bashful Irishman , and stated that " the little change " brought about that night in the usual conduct of the lodge had been mainly carried out by himself after consultation with the Past

Masters , and he promised that hospitality should be a prominent feature in the " Eclectic " in the future . The Irish deputation replied with the eloquence natural to the natives of the sister island , to the toast of their health , and Bro . Stevens replied for the visitors . Bro . While ( Frirmason ) , responded on behalf of the press . Bros . Terry and Binckes , spoke for the charities . Bro . Terry referred to the

forthcoming festival for the R . M . B . I ., and said if every brother subscribed 5 s . a year , and every lodge gave £ 1 a year , there would not be so many poor old men and women sent empty away . The W . M ., in proposing the Past Masters , presented Bro . Watts , I . P . M ., with the Past Master ' s jewel . " The Treasurer and Secretary , " " The Officers of the Lodge , " and the toast of the Tyler

concluded the evening at a time when it is hard to say whether it was night or morning . Congratulations to the W . M ., and apologies for absence were received from the Grand Secretary , Bro . John Hervey , from the District Grand Master of China , Bro . S . Rawson , the Rev . A . 1 " . A . Woodford , Bro . R . Wentworth Little , Bro . W . Spencer , 31 ' ' , and others .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —An exccllent gathering of the members of this lodge took place on the 2 nd inst . at the Surrey Club House , Kennington Oval . Amongst those present were Bros . G . Everett , W . M . ( P . M . 177 ); Higgins , S . W . ; Reeves , J . W . ; Walls , S . D . ; Speedy , I . G . ; Marston , W . S . ; Robinson , A . W . S . ; Gardner , I . P . M . ; Page , P . M ., & c , Treas . ;

Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; W . Mann , P . M . ; Drysdale , P . M . ; and Ellis , Org . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M . passed Bios . Bavin and Landan , the ceremony being well performed . The ballot was then taken on behalf of Bro . Hunncrwcll , P . M . Dobie , & c , as a joining member , and declared unanimous . The election of W . M . then followed , and

resulted unanimously in favour of Bro . Higgins , S . W ., who returned thanks for the honour conferred . Bro . Page , P . M ., was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Longstaffe reappointed Tyler . Bros . Robinson , Webster and Stranger having been elected Auditors , and a jewel voted to the outgoing Master , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a collation , well catered for by Bro . F .

Trotman . This being an ' off night , " the customary toasts were given very briefly by the W . M . Bro . Page , P . M ., & c , of the Grand Stewards' Lodge , having returned thanks for " The Grand Officers" in a few well-chosen words , " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by the I . P . M ., who , in the course of his remarks , stated that Bro . Everett's year of office had passed off with great eclat . lie had

been well supported by his officers , his working had been admirable , and his manner whilst presiding at the banquet table most urbane . He had been unanimously elected to fill the high position of W . M ., and had succeeded in discharging its duties by well ruling and governing the lodge without a single hitch , and had given universal satisfaction . The W . M ., in the course of a very humorous reply ,

said that his year of office had been a most pleasant one , which happy state of affairs was equally due to the attention and assistance he had received from the officers . He was also greatly indebted to the Past Masters , and as that was his last appearance in the character of W . M ., which role he had sustained for more than two consecutive years in that and the Domatic Lodge , he took the

opportunity of most heartily thanking them all . In conclusion he said that although his business requirements were great , he should endeavour , as far as possible , to attend the meetings of the lodge , and to enhance its prosperity in every way . " The Health of the Joining Member " followed , and having been duly honoured , was acknowledged by Bro . Honncrwell in a very neat speech . The next

toast , that of " The W . M . Elect , " gave the W . M . an opportunity of paying a very high compliment to the Masonic abilities of Bro . Higgins , who , in his response , stated that he was very proud at having been elected to the position of W . M . in so good a lodge as the Kennington was , and although he could not hope to discharge the duties of the chair so well as Bro . Everett had done , yet he would do his best to please the brethren . The toast of

" The Past Masters " followed , and was acknowledged by the I . P . M . The next toast , a most important one , was " The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary . " In introducing this toast , the W . M . stated that the lodge was very fortunate in having two such worth y brethren and distinguished Past Masters as Bros . Page and Stuart occupying those positions . The manner in which the fuudii of the lodge were administered by the Treasurer , and llv-