Ancient And Accepted Rite.

After spending a few pleasant days , the members of the different councils prrtcd with regret , but tinder a conviction that these annual gatherings are productive of much benefit to the Order , not only as they allow of the discussion of subjects of common interest , but as bringing the councils into more close and intimate connection . Before separating , it was arranged that the meetmg in iSgtj should be held in Dublin , by which time it was hoped a similar arrangement would be made among the Governing Bodies in the Temple , and should this be so , the first meeting of the Associated Powers will be held in the Irish Capital .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Egyptian Lodge ( No . 27 ) .--The election meeting of this ancient and distinguished lodge was held on the 4 th inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street . Bro . F . Brendel , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . A . E . Todd , I . P . M . j H . J . Macfarlane , S . W . '; C . I . Cuthbertson , P . M ., Treas . ; Matt . H . Hale , P . M ., Sec ; F . Bull , | . D . ; C . I . Pailott , l . G . ; D . H . J acobs , P . M ., and C . R . Kemp , Stwds . ; W . H . Libbis , P . M . ; C . B . Todd , P . M . ; J . W . Dixon , P . M . ; F . Harrison , P . M . ; R ,

Douglas-Smith . P . M . ; R . Emery , H . P . Robinson , F . May , W . Notting . I ' . Linfoot , A . Symmons , j . Whiffen , I . Symmons , A . Porter , H . C . Todd , J . L . Dunford , A , Lyons . A . T . Tarrants , W . Winne , T . C . Farrants , and R . F . Potter , Tyler . Visitors Bros . L . Cohen , 1327 ; W . J . Smout , 749 ; J . Hands , 115 S ; and R . T . West , 1744 . Ihe minutes of the previous meeting having been read , the W . M . raised Bro . Linfoot , the working being performed in a commendable manner . Bro . H . J .

Macfarlane , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . ; Bro . C . J . Cuthbertson , P . M ., re-elected Treasurer ; and Bro . R . F . Potter again appointed Tyler . A gentleman was proposed for initiation at the next meeting , and a sum having been voted to an indigent brother , the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned to a superb banquet , admirably served , for which Bro . Evans was responsible . After the customary loyal and Masonic toasts had been honoured ,

Bro . A . E . Todd , I . P . M .. submitted the toast of " The Health of the W . M . " He stated that that would be the last occasion on which it would be his privilege and honour to propose the toast . The W . M . 's working of the ritual that evening- was excellent , he had been a splendid Master , and had given every satisfaction . Bro . Brendel , W . M ., who had an enthusiastic reception , responded . He

appreciated the kind words of Bro . Todd , I . P . M . He had had an enjoyable year , and had received every kindness from them all , which could never be effaced from his memory . He was honoured to have gone through the chair of so grand an old lodge . Might he refer to the tact that during his happy term of office large sums had been given from the Benevolent Fund to those in distress , and he had had a large number of visitors , more than the lodge had ever had before .

1 he W . M . proposed "The W . M . elect , Bro . H . J . Macfarlane . " He congratulated the brethren on their unanimous choice , as they would have an ideal Master , who was a splendid worker of the ritual , a good Mason , a friend , and one who would do well everything that was required of him , and would maintain the great prestige ot the lodge .

Bro . Macfarlane , who was accorded a hearty reception , responded . He stated that he had looked forward to his election , and he hoped he might have as pleasant and happy a year of oflice as the W . M . had had . Hc would do his utmost to carry out his duties , and he earnestly hoped that no one would ever regret having elected him to his high office .

The VV . M . gave " 1 he Visitors , remarking that he hoped they had enjoyed themselves , and found everything to their satisfaction . In response , Bro . L . Cohen said that he was only a youngster , but he had Masonry at heart . He was more than pleased with his visit , and he had thoroughly enjoyed the working . Bro . | . Hands stated that thc Egyptian Lodge should be proud of having such an efficient W . M ., and he would be followed by the W . M . elect , who would also be a credit to the lodge .

Bro . W . J . Smout also responded , observing that the Egyptians were well-known workers , but it would be impossible to excel the working they had witnessed that evening . In giving "The I . P . M ., Bro . A . E . Todd , and Past Masters , " the W . M . stated they were honoured and appreciated for the great things they had done for the lodge . They were a happy body , and the time was nearing for him to join them . Bro . A . E . Todd , in reply , said that it was a great honour to respond to the toast as a Past Master , and he was proud of having attained that distinction in their ancient lodge .

Bro . D . H . Jacobs , P . M ., also responded . He hoped to be spared for a few more years to attend and work for the lodge . He appreciated the great fellowship which had atwavs existed between himself and all the members .

The VV . M . proposed " The 1 reasurer and Secretary . " He said that the members had shown their appreciation of the great services rendered by Bro . Cuthbertson , P . M ., by again re-electing him Treasurer ; then , as to the Secretary , Bro . Hale , P . M ., he was a very hard-working officer , and the success of the Egyptian Lodge was mainly due to his exertions , and he was only too willing to do anything to promote their interests . Bro . Matt . H . Hale , P . M ., Sec , who was well received , stated , in reply , that Bto . Cuthbertson , who was a busy man , had to leave early . He well remembered the night

in October , iSSy , when the W . M . was initiated in the lodge , and the speech he made on that occasion was to the effect that he was a foreigner , and had been in this country only a short time , and in being made a Mason he hoped he had found a home . Those words had been borne out , as he had made the lodge his home , of which he had become its head , and he had been one of the best Masters . That evening would be the last time the W . M . would preside , and he took that opportunity of thanking him for the kindness

he had received at his hands , and for the great interest he nad taken in the lodge , and lor his efforts in the various offices he had filled . The W . M . gave "The Ofiicers , " remarking that , in the absence of the J . W ., who resided in Scotland , Bro . R . Douglas Smith , P . M ., had acted , and right well had he carried out that duty , and , in conclusion , he thanked his officers for their great assistance during his term of tillice .

Bro . . Macfarlane , S . VV ., responded . He said that his position was made somewhat difficult in having to follow so excellent a W . M ., but he would do his best . Bro . U . Douglas Smith , I ' . M ., acting J . VV ., also replied . It was the ambition of the ] AV . to go through the chair in the Egyptian Lodge , and when that time arrived he wju'd be found efficient . Bros . F . Ball , J . D ., and C . J . Pailott , l . G ., also acknowledged the toast . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close the pleasant proceedings . Bros . Kemp , Notting , Dixon , and Macfarlane vocally entertained the brethren .

Ranelagh Lodge ( No . 834 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the yth inst ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly Circus , when there were present Bros . VV . VV . Williams , VV . M . ; K . Newland , S . W . ; Hans Scharien , J . W . j G . F . Butt , P . M ., Treas . : VV . J Coplestone , P . M ., Sec . ; R . Philips , S . D . ; J . Banks , | . D . ; J . Worth , I . C ,. ; li . Lucis and E . Richards , Stwds . ; G . Mallett , P . M ., Tyler ; Arthur Williams , I I'M . ; Frederick Craggs , P . M . ; F . J . Oliver , P . M . ; C . Barker , P . M . ; H . F . William-. P . M . ; lames Sims , P . M . ; H . Purdue , P . M . ; I . G . Doncaster , P . M . ;

1 ) iltnn , Ward , sen ., lnderwick , Nichols , Toovey , G . E . White , Palmer , Stokes , Grant , Dyne , Chambers , Leys , Gerbert , Cartwright , A . VVhite , Heinemann , Ward , jun ., Collins , Swallow , and Stehr . Visitors : Bros . R . Reid , I . G . 1275 ; F . A . Powell , P . M . i , - , 7 \ C . Jarratt , 2 yfi ; C . H . Gibbs , 1049 ; VV . A . Perry , 101 ; H . S . Henna , J . W , 2501 ••J . H . Montague , J . W . 2030 ; and A . Grant , 123 . The lorlge having teen opened , and the minutes of last regular and emergency meetings confirmed , the Auditors' report was approved , and Bro . Nichols

passed to the Degree of f ' . C . Lie W . M . then proceeded with the important task oi installing lio . Edward Newland as his successor , which he performed in a most commendable manner . The following were appointed and invested as officers for the year : Bros . IL Scharien , S . VV . ; K . Philips , J . W . ; G . F . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; W . J . Coplestone , P . M ., S < c . ; F . ( . Oliver , P . M ., Org . ; J . Banks , S . D . ; J . Worth , | . D . ; S . Segar , I . G . ; !•' .. Lucas , D . C . ; and E . D . Kichardsand 11 . Stokes , Stwds . The ' usual addresses were abl d ' lived '< y Bro . W . VV . Williams , I . P . M ., and appreciated by all present .

Craft Masonry.

The W . M . in a few appropriate words presented a Past Master ' s jewel to Bro . VV . VV . Williams , I . P . M ., remarking that he had fulfilled his arduous duties to the entire satisfaction of the brethren , and congratulated him on his successful year of office . Bro . W . VV . Williams expressed his heartfelt thanks for the kind appreciation of his services to the lodge , which had been an honour and pleasure to him . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to a superb banquet . At the conclusion of the repast , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts followed .

Bro . W . W . Williams , in proposing "The Health of theW . M ., " wished him a happy and successful year of office . He had been through the several offices leading- to that exalted position , and had proved ( himself a thorough good Mason— -one whom he ( the I . P . M . j was proud to have the privilege of installing into the chair of K . S . He wished him health and strength to carry out his duties , and hoped he would have a successful year of office . The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm , and

The W . M ., in reply , thanked the I . P . M . and brethren for the kind mannerin which the toast had been given and received . The brethren might rely on his endeavours to do all the work they might put before him to the best of his abilities , and to carry out the duties of the chair with credit to himself and honour to the lodge . His endeavours might not come up to their expectations , but he would do his best , and no man ould do more .

The W . M . gave the next toast— " The I . P . M . " He paid a great tribute to the grand working of Bro . VV . W . Williams , both as to the ritual and his rendering of the installation ceremony , and hoped he would long remain a member of their distinguished lodge , of which it was a great honour to be a Past Master . Bro . W . VV . Williams , in reply , thanked the brethren for his reception and the great kindness he had received from all during his year of office . He also had to thank

his officers , who had performed their duties in a very praiseworthy manner , and were a credit to the lodge . He might tell them he was the first W . M . in the Ranelagh Lodge who had filled every minor office , and he was pleased he had others following him in the same manner . He hoped to live to see all of them attain the object of their ambition , and when they arrived at the proud position in which he found himself that ni g ht he was sure it would leave a lasting impression on them , as it would on him , which would never be forgotten . The W . M . gave the toast of " The Visitors . "

Bros . Powell , Reid , and others suitably replied , all bearing testimony to the excellent working witnessed that night and the lavish hospitality of the members . The W . M . gave the next toast , " The Masonic Chanties . " Bro . A , Williams , P . M ., very ably responded , and succeeded in obtaining some little additions to the I . P . M . ' s list—he being Steward for the Girls . The other toasts were— "The Past Masters , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and " The Officers , " to which suitable responses were made . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a very happy evening .

Madame Fannie Arnold , the Misses Florence Gordon , and Maud Elliott , also Bros . i . H . Montague and McCall Chambers contributed some excellent songs , which were ighly appreciated by the brethren . The W . M . is to be highly congratulated on the success of the gathering .

Royal Standard Lodge ( No . 1218 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Cock Hotel , Highbury , on Friday , the 5 th inst ., when there were present Bros , W . Blankley , W . M . ; E . Linfoot , J . W . ; H . Cooper , Treas . ; Haynes Dunn , Sec . ; li . Richardson , S . D . ; J . Russell , J . D . ; Powall , Org . ; Carver , P . M . ; Cull , P . M . j Head , P . M . ; Airey , P . M . ; H . Smith , Dean , Myers , Stone , Seager , Humphry , Wilkinson , Badman , Dean , Smith , Baker , Lash , Ward , Gould , and others . Visitors 1 Bros . Angel , S . W . 179 ; A . Humphries , 1 C 77 ; E . Martin , 2 SS 1 ; VV . Stead , 15 63 ; R . Malpass , 1702 ; Arthur Briscoe , P . M . 1929 , P . P . G . Org . Surrey ; A . Staley , 185 ; G . Lath , 14 S 9 ; and A . Chevalier , 2021 .

The lodge having bcen opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bro . Carver , acting W . M ., raised Bro . Dean to the Third Degree , and Passed Bros . Lath , Smith , and Ward to the Second Degree . The event of thi evening was the installation of Bro . Linfoot , the J . VV ., by the P . M ., Bro . Carver , in a most earnest and faultless manner . Bro . Linfoot is an earnest and ardent Mason , and his being installed W . M . of the Royal Standard Lodge was a source of pride and gratification to his many friends , inside and

outside Masonry circles . The W . M . initiated Mr . Smith into the mysteries of Masonry in a truly impressive manner , at once showing the brethren he is master of the duties he has undertaken . The lodge was then closed . The brethren adjourned to a very handsome banquet , superintended by Bro . M . Tuck , P . P . G . Std . Br . of Essex , and manager of the hotel . Bro . Tuck deserves the highest praise , and his efforts were crowned with success .

The Worshipful Master set the example of short speeches , and the evening was enlivened with some excellent music and singing , underthe direction of Bro . Humphries , who carried out the duties most zealously . The toasts followed in quick succession , and was heartily received . The toast of " The Worshipful Master " was received with great enthusiasm , and Bro . S . Blankley , in proposing this toast , spoke with great feeling of the high attainments of the W . M , and how zealously he had worked in the past , concluding by wishing him a very happy and prosperous year of office .

The Worshipful Master replied , thanking the P . Ms , and brethren for their great kindness , assuring them he should do all that lay in ; his power to advance the interests of the lodge , and recommending the brethren to attend the mother lodge of instruction to obtain that knowledge which is necessary to carry on the duties of the lodge successfully . Other toasts followed , and the meeting closed with the Tyler ' s toast .

John Hervey Lodge ( No . 1260 ) . —A large number ot members and visitors attended the installation meeting at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , W . C , on Wednesday , the io ' . h inst ., when Bro . J . R . Reep , P . M ., who has rendered valuable service to the lodge for many years past as Secretary was duly installed into the chair by Bro . Packman . The members present included Bros . E . J . Packman , VV . M . ; James Evans , S . W . ; J . Barlow , J . P ., J . W . ; )¦ Brockett Sorrell , P . M ., Treas . ; J . R . Reep , P . M ., Sec ; W . Henry , P . M ., Org . ' ; F . Dangerfield , P . M . ; W . C .

Fox , P . M . ; Jabez Hogg , P . G . D . ; Walter Potter , P . M . ; G . T . Salmon , P . M . ; HF . Frost , P . M . ; H . Evans , P . M . ; J . H . Haine , E . T . Pearce , J . Lethbridge , and others . Visitors : Bros . T . Hiscox , 985 ; W . T . Buck , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . Middx . ; W . J . Brown , P . M . 212 S ; J . Coe , P . M . 1339 ; J . Criddle , 1769 ; VV . H . Walsey , 13 S 1 ; W . M . Hayward , I . P . M . 1261 ; G . S . Graham , P . P . G . Org . ; W . J . Jarvis , 12 ; C . Paine , W . M . 2242 ; P . H . Hall , P . M . 2095 ; VV . Melville , 2160 ; S . C .

Knight , W . M . 1395 ; C . R . Curry , S 43 ; J . Le Hay , 1319 ; W . H . Baylis , P . M . 9 ; H . Lovegrove , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; J . Dangerfield , 2241 ; C . Kempton , P . M . 12 S 9 ; VV . J . Frampton , 1722 ; W . Sergeant Lee , P . M . 24 SS ; B . Brown , 1997 ; GA . Maui ! , 1297 ; S . Johnson , S . W . 1319 ; T . P . Trounce , J . D . 453 ; Woolmer Williams , P . M . 1275 ; A . Manger , P . M . 1314 ; H , B . Wedlake , 1541 ; A . J . Potter , P . M . 813 ; W . W . Leee , W . M . 1 S 47 P . M . 23 S 1 ; and others .

, After the formal opening of the lodge , the minutes were confirmed , Bro . John Robertson Reep , P . M . 2241 , was presented as W . M . elect and installed into tbe chair in the presence of a numerous board of Installed Masters . The following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . Edwin George Packman , I . P . M . ; James Evans , S . W . ; John Barlow , J . P ., l . W . 5 I . Brockett Sorrell , P . M ., Treas . ; F . Dangerfield , P . M .,

Sec ; Hooker , S . D ; E . T . Pearce , J . D . ; J . H . Haine , I . G . ; Andrews and Hill , Stds . ; Col . J . Heaton , P . M ., D . C . ; F . B . Cameron , A . D . C . ; William Henry , P . M ., Org . ; W . A . May , Asst . Org . ; and J . W . Freeman , Tyler . The 1 . P . M-, Bro . Packman was presented with a handsome Past Master ' s jewel in recognition of the ability with which he discharged his duties in the chair , and the gift was appropriately acknowledged . ,

Lodge was closed , and an excellent banquet having bsen enjoyed at Freemasons Tavern , the usual toast list was proceeded with . Bro . Jabez Hogg , P . G . D ., replied for " The Grand Officers , " and said they were ever ready to pertorrn their duties , like the Grand Secretary who had travelled some distance into the countrv that dav to consecrate a new loiW . Their virtues and gopO

deeds were known to all . With the W . M . ' s permission he would say a few words , by way of retrospect , of what had been done by their lodge , and their hopes for the future . It was 40 years since he was initiated into Freemasonry , and it had been a comfort ana relief to him after the anxious cares of his profession , lie was always happy t ° "J " present , especially in thc lodge of which he was the father , lt was 20 years ago wW