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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
5 th inst ., for the purpose o ! holding their monthly meeting . In the unavoidable absence of the VV . M ., Bro . Dr . J . D . Moore , P . G . S . B ., the lotlge was opened with solemn prayer by Bro . Henry Longman , W . M . 1051 . There was a gootl attendance . Bro . W . Stephenson , having given proficiency as a Fellow Craftsman , retired , when the lodge was raised to the Third Degree . Bro . Stephenson was then
re-admitted and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , the working being efficiently gone through by Bro . Longman . The lodge was then closed down to the Second Degree , when Bros . W . W . Wilde , John Hutton , and John Gott , having severally g iven proficiency as Entered Apprentices , were passed to the degree of Fellow Craftsmen the workings being gone through by Bros . John Hatch
P . M . 281 ; John L . Bradshaw , P . M . 1031 ; and Bro . 1 hos Atkinson , VV . M . 281 , respectively . Bro . Capt . Garnett was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , the installation ceremony being fixed for the ist June . The usual proclamations were made , and elicited hearty good wishes from the visiting brethren , after which the lodge was closed in peace , love , and harmony .
INSTRUCTION . FAITH LODGE ( Nc . 141 ) . —On Tuesday evening , the 9 th inst ., the ceremonies of consecration and installation were rehearsed at this lodge by Bro . James Terry , Prov . Grand Director of Ceremonies Herts , and Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The lodge met at its usual trysting place , the Restaurant ,
Westminster Chambers , Victoria-Street , and about eighty brethren were present . Bro . Terry opened the lodge at seven o ' clock , having" Bro . Reed as S . W ., Bro . Cameron , ae J . W ., Bro . Charles Hill , as D . C ; Bro . Swallow , as S . D . ; Bro . Smith , as J . D . ; Bro . Cottebrune , as P . M . ; Bro . Scott , as Treas . ; and Bro . Bassington , as Hon . Secretary . The other brethren present vere Bros . Richard Baker ,
James Stevens , J . W . Leggott , G . M . Cole , W . II . Power , D . M . Belfrage , S . Jones . J . E . Flatterby , G . Boer , John Wyllie , D . Haslett , John Rhodes , J . Dreyberg , E . H . Boddy , A . T . Rapkin , VV . M . Stiles , H . L . Seager , Alex . South , J . J . Rennel , R . Bower , J . Barney , Thos . Lamb , VV . Grellies , J . Gardner , A . Cnrlsbron , John Ryder , John Smith , Charles Hunt , John Harper ,
J . Austin , W . Mann , John F . Woodstock , C . A . Woods , L . T . Carter , Robt . Caffull , Henry Lewis , James Lewis , Thomas , C . J . C . Mountcnoy , A . Despcrc * , W . L . Lister , Andrew Middlemass , Edward Jacobs , Thos . Petre , J . Hughes , Thos . Henden , L Samuel , A . J . Hunt , J . L . Coulton , John Olivr , W . J . Collens , H . Brock , J . J . Cantle , G .. J . Ilenty , C . Hayward , Thos .
Bull , | . E . Shanti , | . Lindner , J . M . Young , IL Stiles , T . F . K . Smith , W . H . Kempster , C . G . Mil ! , Robt . Seeker , W . Walker , C . J . Scales , S . J . Weston , Ernest H . Steinmctz , W . L . Gartlner , G . F . Levvins , John Hurdell , John E . Hunt , Thos . B . Lancaster , John Jacobs , Edward Jacobs , B . Solomon , W . Side , II . M . Levy , VV , Walker , James Curtis , Docker , Riley , Gardiner , Kempster ,
G . H . Webb , Fred . Brown , II . Massey ( " Frecmasim " ) ; W . Milroy , C . Kccpi , Wm . Read , R . Allison , S . J . Lacker , Saml . Webb , C . Fitzentrc , John Verity , and 1 nomas F . Harmen . Bro . Terry having opened the lodge in the different degrees proceeded to give the ceremony eif consecration , assisted by the officers , and Bro . Rhodes at the harmonium , with Bro . Knight Smith leading the singing .
The whole ceremony was given beautifully , including Bro . Terry's well know oration , describing what Freemasonry is , what lodges are , and the duties of all who jointhe Order . Tlic ceremony of consecration being completed Bro . Terry proceeded with the installation . for which purpose . Bro . C . A . Cottebrune was presented to him by Bro . C . G Hill . D . C . for the occasion . On the completion of thc formal
installation , Bro . Cottebrune appointed the following brethren as his officers : —Bros . Boddy , S . W . ; Seager , J . W . ; Scott , Treas . ; Bassington , Hon . Sec ; Hunt , S . D . ; Haslett , J . D .-, and Carter . I . G . Bro . Terry nfterwards gave thc charges , and the undermentioned joining members were proposed : —Bros . Walker , 145 ; James Curtis , 14 s ; Gardiner , 1207 ; Kempster ,
1420 ; Docker , 1563 ; Riley , 15 G 3 . It was then jiroposed by Bro . Cottebrune , and seconded by Bro . Scott and carried unanimously , that a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to Bro . Terry for his kindness in working the ceremonies of consecration and installation , also that hc be elected an honorary member of the lotlge . Votes of thanks were also recorded to Bros . Rhodes , Knight Smith ,
Cantle , Hill , II . Reed , Cameron , and Smith for assisting Bro . Terry in the ceremonies . A vote of thanks was passed to Bro . II . T . Lamb for lending the consecrating vessels , also to Bro . ( I . Reed for presenting the printed programmes , anel to the members of the committee . Lodge was thereafter closed , and in a few minutes the brethren sat down to an excellent repast . The usual toasts
were proposetl . After those of " The Queen and the CvaR , " " The M . W . G . M ., " "Thc Pro Grand Master , " " The Dep . G . M ., & c , " Bro . Cottebrune , who presided , proposed " The Health of Bro . J . Terry , the Consecrating Officer . " He saitl he should come to the point at once , for hc knew very well that if he were to speak for weeks , or months , cr years , if nature had given him the power of
eloquence , he could but say a few words , and they ' would be to the effect that all the brethren were grateful to Bro . Terry for coming to perform the ceremony of consecration that evening . When some few years ago , —18 or 20 ( not that he and Bro . Terry were old ; they were still young men ) , they used to meet in lodges of instruction like boys learning the ABC
of Freemasonry—the one that could say A B before the other was the best man ; and when they coultl go on to spell syllables the one that could do it was a very good fellow , and they thought to themselves that they were getting on ; but they little dreamc-i that they would come to be as learned in Masonry as Bro . Terry was now , or as elevated in position . He was happy to say that Bro . Terry was now Secretary to one of the institutions , an institution
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
which spoke to their hearts perhaps as much as the other two , for children very often , especially among Masons , had friends ; but men or widows , when they came to old age , fountl that their friends were either dead or far away from them . The Roval Masonic Benevolent Institution for
Aged Freemasons and the Widows of Freemasons was , hc thought , and the Craft thought so , too , " the " institution ; for at last festival they had the largest subscription to it ever known—nearly £ 9000 . It proved that Freemasons thought that old age must be cared for , as well as youth . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Terry , in reply , said he appreciated the compliment just paid him , the more particularly so , that
in ( imposing tile toast Bro . Cottebrune had been good enough to allude to days gone by , when both of them had the honour of wearing only blue Craft aprons and aspiretl to no distinction beyond that of becoming P . M . Fortune , however , had favoured them , and thc Grant ! Master had honoured Bro . Cottebiunc by authorising him to take his seat on the dais . No doubt all the brethren would at some
time or other have that honour , if they lived long enough . ( Laughter . ) But there were at the present day so much rivalry and so many endeavours made by members of the Craft to bring themselves under the notice of the G . M . prominently lhat His Royal Hig hness was now obliged to look for modest merit , antl it was on that account Bro Cottebrune obtained a distinction which others missed who
sought it for themselves . With respect to his own ( Bro . Terry ' s ) distinctive rank , which Bro . Cottebrune hail kindly alluded to , he remembered the evenings 17 years ago , when he and Bro . Cottebrune used to attend on Wednesday evenings the Lotlge of United Strength . Ten or eleven of the brethren usetl to come together , and they spent their evenings very harmoniously and pleasantly indeed , with
the laudable feeling that they were worthy to go on and do something for Freemasonry which would do honour to themselves an . 1 good to thc Craft . Bro . Cottebrune hatl obtained a position which vcry few Masons could hojie to attain , and the brethren coultl only hope and trust that years would be spared him lo wear the colours anil the distinction which hatl be-11 conferred upon him .
Forhimself ( Bro . 'I erry ) , he could only say that it had afforded him infinite pleasure to be present that evening to give to thc members of the Faith Lodge of Iisiruciion the opportunity—it might be to some of them the fust time—of hearing the ceremony of consecration rehearsed . If hehad afforded the-m any gratification he was amply repaid , not alone by thc large attendance of brethren he had the honour of addressing , or by their s ; rent attention
to the ceremony , but from the fact stated in lodge , lhat he was doing it in the presence of the Preceptor who hatl taught him the first rudiments of Freemasonry . Therefore it was he found a double pleasure in being there to repay some of those debts of gratitude which he owed to their worthy brother and chairman . As far as vegardcel his ( Bro . Terry ' s ) connection with one of the institutions of thc Craft , he could only say lhat since he had filled that high jiosition ( and he coultl appeal to
those around tile rotitn who knew him to > e-.- ; r Inm out 111
what he was saying ; he had endeavoured to do his tint * . Let him recal a few facts . Four years ago the amount that usetl lo be announced at the festivals never exceeded £ 3500 , but in February of this year they announced £ 9 174 . That amount was subse-quently increased by lists which had not come in at thc festival to £ 93 80 . Four years ago he fountl the institution with something like So
men upon its funds , and something like 6 5 widows ; at the jiresent time they hatl 130 men antl 110 witlows . Four years ago the men had annuities of £ 26 a year , and the widows , £ 23 . After June next the men would have £ 40 a year , and thc widows , £ 32 . The income actually required to |> ay annuities alone , without anything for working expenses , instead of the sum of jf-uoo j-c * r annum ,
four years back amounted to within £ 13 of £ ' 9000 per annum . This showed that the Craft had been indulgent to them , and had extended to them , as their presiding officers had told them that evening , the right hand of charity lo the aged . The Boys' --nil the Girls ' , in days gone by , had the advantage of being considered the pet iiistitulii'iis ; the Girls were receiving X ' ioooeir / 6000 ,
a year , and the Boys greatly exceeded lhat sum . At that time the Benevolent was scarcely reaching the sum of £ 2000 . He was hapjiy to say the aspect of affairs was now entirely changed , and the BcncvoLnt Institution had £ 9380 . The Girls' School Festival would be held tomorrow , and he trusted a still larger sum would come in . He did not like to be beaten himself , but still he liked to
see his brother Secretaries , each in his own individual sphere , doing the best they could , as hc knew they did , for their institutions , as he endeavoured to do for hi ? . Tomorrow he hoped and trusted that Bro . Little—whose health he was sorry to say was net such as they could wish it to be—would have a bunijiing * list to cheer him in his illness . On the last Wednesday in June Bro . Binckes
would have another great fes'ival for the Boys' School . Last year ha collected over £ 12 , 700 , and hc liojicd that this year it woultl be still more , if it was only for the important fact that he mi ght prove to the whole of the Craft that ( he did not wish to use a harsh term , but nothing short of it would convey the true state of the case ) the libellous charge made against him was not believed by the
bulk of the Craft of English Freemasons , and that they felt that the honour , integrity , and reputation of tlie institution's committees were unimpeachable , and that they would not pass the least item of expenditure unless it was vouched for antl unless it was necessary for the institution . He could not help thinking that it seemed a
remarkable thing , indeed it assumed the appearance of cruel irony , that the President of the Stcwartls for the next Festival of the Boys' Schot 1 was no other than the Provincial Grand Master of West Yoikshirc , which province had been endeavouring to crush thc Boys' School during the past twelve months . He only menlioneel these facts to shew that though brethren might differ in their opinions ab out
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
the institutions , yet when their claims were brought before thc Craft they obtained thc support cf the bulk of the Craft . ( Hear hear . ) Bro . Terry concluded b y again thanking the brethren , and again assuring them of the pleasure it had afforded him to be present . Bros . C . G . Hill , Reid , Cameron , Cantle , Knight Smith , responded to the toast of " The Brethren who assisted at the
Consecration . " Bro . Terry proposed " Bro . Cottebrune ' s Health , " and that brother in reply gave an account of the rise , vicissitudes , and progress of the Faith Lodge of Instruction . Established now on a firm basis , he had great pleasure in reflecting what good it did antl must do ; and he exhorted the brethren to support it as weil as they hatl hitherto , and so make the work of the mother lodges perfect . After the
other toasts the brethren separated . Some excellent sing , ing was given by Bros . Cantle , Webb , and Knight Smith . CHATHAM . —Royal Kent Lodge of Antiquity ( No . 20 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Mitre Hotel , on Wednesday , 3 rd inst . The lodge was ojicned at 6 . 30 p . m . This being the night for the election of officers , Bro . Thos . Mason was duly elected VV . M , for
the present month , and afterwards appointed his officers . The lodge was then closed , when thc brethren proceeded to partake of a banquet given in honour of Bro . William Gamon , S . W . of Lotlge 20 , which was most ably supplied by Bro . J . T . Lewis , of that hotel ; Bro . R . C . Burfield , P . M . of Lodge 20 , presiding in the East ; theW . M . of Lodge of Instruction being in the West . The banquet
being finished , the usual loyal ant ] Masonic toasts were gone through . Bro . R . C . Burfield then proposed in flattering terms " The Health of Bro . Gamon , " at the same time presenting * him with a handsome gold jewel , given by the brethren of the Lodge of Instruction as a token of their esteem and regard , and as an acknowledgment for the long and
valuable services rendered by him on all occasions as Instructor . Bro . Gamon , in feeling terms , thanked the brethren heartily for the veiy handsome present he had received from their hands , and Bro . Burfield ft r the very kind remarks he had been jileased to make of him , and hoped that hc might be sjiaretl for many years to wear and appreciate it as a Mason ought , and when hc should be
called away from this sublunary abode one of his sons might be in a position to wear and prize it as much as he should do . There were many brethren from neighbouring bulges present , amongst them Bro . T . Watson , W . M . ; Bro . G . Currel , I . P . M . ; and Bros . Nicol and Newton , P . M . 's of lo . no ; Bro . Cottrell , J . W . 1424 ; and Bro . Benenjue , P . M . 50 J , Maidstone . Bro . John Thornton ,
W . M . of Lodge 20 , supported Bro . Burfield on his left . The evening was enlivened by some cajiital singing by the brethren . The Tyler's toast closed the evening at II o ' clock . MANCHESTER . —St . David ' s Lodge ( No . 1147 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodgeof instruction was held on Tuesday evening , April 25 th , at the Masonic
Hall , Cooper-street . Bro . J . Holmes-loulton , 44 and 1565 , occupied Ihe chair as VV . M . There was a very fair attendance of brethren . The lotlge was opened in the First Degree with solemn prayer , and the minutes of thc previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was raised lo the Second Degree , and the ceremony of this elegree was then worked in . 1 vcry able and impressive
manner . Afterwards the acting W . M . delivered the lecture on the Tracing Board , which he did for the first time , and acquitted himself admirably . Thc lodge was brought down to the First Degree , and a jioition of the First Lecture was then rehearsed hy the brethren jiresent . Bro . T . II . Peel , VV . M . r 447 , proposed Bro . J . B , Seel as a joining member . Hearty good wishes were expressed by the brethren from various lodges .
Royal Arch.
Royal Arch .
SOUTHEND . —Priory Chapter ( No . 1000 ) . — The installation meeting cf this flourishing chajiter , anil first anniversary of its consecration , was held at the Middleton Hotel , Southend , on Wednesday , the iothinst . There were present Comps . Rev . •*•' . R . Wigram , P . Z . 214 , Grand 1 st . Asst . Soj ., M . E . Z . ; E . E . * Phillips , H ; A .
Lucking , J ; J . C Johnstone , Scribe E ; S . P . Weston , Treas . ; J . A . Wardell Prin . Soj ; Jas . Willing , jun ., and S . VV . Gower , Asst . Sojs . ; J . R . Hemmann , F . V . Jillings , E . Judd , W . Pissey , F . Canton , T . Williams , H . II . Child , J . Wiseman . Visitois : Comp . Rev . Skilton , P . Z . 214 . The chapter having been opened and the companions admitted , the minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . Four candidates for exaltation were
balloted for and unanimously elected . Bros . F . Wood , P . M . 1000 , and F . Calron , 1 97 , being present were duly exalted to this supreme degree , the ceremony being impressively p-rformed by the M . E . Z ., the H . and J . giving the Symbolic and Historical Lectures . The Principals were then installed for the ensuing year , viz ., Comps . E . E . Phillijis , M . E . Z . ; A . Lucking , H . ; J .. A . Wardell , J . The
ful'owing officeis were invested : Comps . J . C Johnstone , Scribe E . ; W . Pissey , Scribe N . ; S . R . ' Weston , Treas . ; Jas . Willing , jun ., Prin . Soj . ; T . W . Gower , ist . Asst . Soj . ; Rev . H . J . Hatch , 2 nd . Asst . Soj . ; J . R . Hemmann , D . C ; E . Judd and F . V . Jillings , Stewards ; Mountain , Janitor . The report of the Audit Committee , which was very favourable , was received antl atf opted , lb 6 M . E . Z . in the name of the chajitcr then i-irescntcd the
I . P . Z , Comp . Rev . S . R . W ' . gram , with a handsome P . Z . jewel , in recognition of nis invaluable services as the first M . E . Z . of the Priory Chapter , and also congratulated him on the high ofT-jeto which he had been appointed in the Supreme Grand Chapter . The chapter was duly closed i :. d thc comjianions adjourned to banquet . 1 heusual loyal and R . A . toasts were given and tluly honoured . Comp . Rev . S . R . Wigram returned thanks for tne
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
5 th inst ., for the purpose o ! holding their monthly meeting . In the unavoidable absence of the VV . M ., Bro . Dr . J . D . Moore , P . G . S . B ., the lotlge was opened with solemn prayer by Bro . Henry Longman , W . M . 1051 . There was a gootl attendance . Bro . W . Stephenson , having given proficiency as a Fellow Craftsman , retired , when the lodge was raised to the Third Degree . Bro . Stephenson was then
re-admitted and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , the working being efficiently gone through by Bro . Longman . The lodge was then closed down to the Second Degree , when Bros . W . W . Wilde , John Hutton , and John Gott , having severally g iven proficiency as Entered Apprentices , were passed to the degree of Fellow Craftsmen the workings being gone through by Bros . John Hatch
P . M . 281 ; John L . Bradshaw , P . M . 1031 ; and Bro . 1 hos Atkinson , VV . M . 281 , respectively . Bro . Capt . Garnett was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , the installation ceremony being fixed for the ist June . The usual proclamations were made , and elicited hearty good wishes from the visiting brethren , after which the lodge was closed in peace , love , and harmony .
INSTRUCTION . FAITH LODGE ( Nc . 141 ) . —On Tuesday evening , the 9 th inst ., the ceremonies of consecration and installation were rehearsed at this lodge by Bro . James Terry , Prov . Grand Director of Ceremonies Herts , and Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The lodge met at its usual trysting place , the Restaurant ,
Westminster Chambers , Victoria-Street , and about eighty brethren were present . Bro . Terry opened the lodge at seven o ' clock , having" Bro . Reed as S . W ., Bro . Cameron , ae J . W ., Bro . Charles Hill , as D . C ; Bro . Swallow , as S . D . ; Bro . Smith , as J . D . ; Bro . Cottebrune , as P . M . ; Bro . Scott , as Treas . ; and Bro . Bassington , as Hon . Secretary . The other brethren present vere Bros . Richard Baker ,
James Stevens , J . W . Leggott , G . M . Cole , W . II . Power , D . M . Belfrage , S . Jones . J . E . Flatterby , G . Boer , John Wyllie , D . Haslett , John Rhodes , J . Dreyberg , E . H . Boddy , A . T . Rapkin , VV . M . Stiles , H . L . Seager , Alex . South , J . J . Rennel , R . Bower , J . Barney , Thos . Lamb , VV . Grellies , J . Gardner , A . Cnrlsbron , John Ryder , John Smith , Charles Hunt , John Harper ,
J . Austin , W . Mann , John F . Woodstock , C . A . Woods , L . T . Carter , Robt . Caffull , Henry Lewis , James Lewis , Thomas , C . J . C . Mountcnoy , A . Despcrc * , W . L . Lister , Andrew Middlemass , Edward Jacobs , Thos . Petre , J . Hughes , Thos . Henden , L Samuel , A . J . Hunt , J . L . Coulton , John Olivr , W . J . Collens , H . Brock , J . J . Cantle , G .. J . Ilenty , C . Hayward , Thos .
Bull , | . E . Shanti , | . Lindner , J . M . Young , IL Stiles , T . F . K . Smith , W . H . Kempster , C . G . Mil ! , Robt . Seeker , W . Walker , C . J . Scales , S . J . Weston , Ernest H . Steinmctz , W . L . Gartlner , G . F . Levvins , John Hurdell , John E . Hunt , Thos . B . Lancaster , John Jacobs , Edward Jacobs , B . Solomon , W . Side , II . M . Levy , VV , Walker , James Curtis , Docker , Riley , Gardiner , Kempster ,
G . H . Webb , Fred . Brown , II . Massey ( " Frecmasim " ) ; W . Milroy , C . Kccpi , Wm . Read , R . Allison , S . J . Lacker , Saml . Webb , C . Fitzentrc , John Verity , and 1 nomas F . Harmen . Bro . Terry having opened the lodge in the different degrees proceeded to give the ceremony eif consecration , assisted by the officers , and Bro . Rhodes at the harmonium , with Bro . Knight Smith leading the singing .
The whole ceremony was given beautifully , including Bro . Terry's well know oration , describing what Freemasonry is , what lodges are , and the duties of all who jointhe Order . Tlic ceremony of consecration being completed Bro . Terry proceeded with the installation . for which purpose . Bro . C . A . Cottebrune was presented to him by Bro . C . G Hill . D . C . for the occasion . On the completion of thc formal
installation , Bro . Cottebrune appointed the following brethren as his officers : —Bros . Boddy , S . W . ; Seager , J . W . ; Scott , Treas . ; Bassington , Hon . Sec ; Hunt , S . D . ; Haslett , J . D .-, and Carter . I . G . Bro . Terry nfterwards gave thc charges , and the undermentioned joining members were proposed : —Bros . Walker , 145 ; James Curtis , 14 s ; Gardiner , 1207 ; Kempster ,
1420 ; Docker , 1563 ; Riley , 15 G 3 . It was then jiroposed by Bro . Cottebrune , and seconded by Bro . Scott and carried unanimously , that a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to Bro . Terry for his kindness in working the ceremonies of consecration and installation , also that hc be elected an honorary member of the lotlge . Votes of thanks were also recorded to Bros . Rhodes , Knight Smith ,
Cantle , Hill , II . Reed , Cameron , and Smith for assisting Bro . Terry in the ceremonies . A vote of thanks was passed to Bro . II . T . Lamb for lending the consecrating vessels , also to Bro . ( I . Reed for presenting the printed programmes , anel to the members of the committee . Lodge was thereafter closed , and in a few minutes the brethren sat down to an excellent repast . The usual toasts
were proposetl . After those of " The Queen and the CvaR , " " The M . W . G . M ., " "Thc Pro Grand Master , " " The Dep . G . M ., & c , " Bro . Cottebrune , who presided , proposed " The Health of Bro . J . Terry , the Consecrating Officer . " He saitl he should come to the point at once , for hc knew very well that if he were to speak for weeks , or months , cr years , if nature had given him the power of
eloquence , he could but say a few words , and they ' would be to the effect that all the brethren were grateful to Bro . Terry for coming to perform the ceremony of consecration that evening . When some few years ago , —18 or 20 ( not that he and Bro . Terry were old ; they were still young men ) , they used to meet in lodges of instruction like boys learning the ABC
of Freemasonry—the one that could say A B before the other was the best man ; and when they coultl go on to spell syllables the one that could do it was a very good fellow , and they thought to themselves that they were getting on ; but they little dreamc-i that they would come to be as learned in Masonry as Bro . Terry was now , or as elevated in position . He was happy to say that Bro . Terry was now Secretary to one of the institutions , an institution
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
which spoke to their hearts perhaps as much as the other two , for children very often , especially among Masons , had friends ; but men or widows , when they came to old age , fountl that their friends were either dead or far away from them . The Roval Masonic Benevolent Institution for
Aged Freemasons and the Widows of Freemasons was , hc thought , and the Craft thought so , too , " the " institution ; for at last festival they had the largest subscription to it ever known—nearly £ 9000 . It proved that Freemasons thought that old age must be cared for , as well as youth . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Terry , in reply , said he appreciated the compliment just paid him , the more particularly so , that
in ( imposing tile toast Bro . Cottebrune had been good enough to allude to days gone by , when both of them had the honour of wearing only blue Craft aprons and aspiretl to no distinction beyond that of becoming P . M . Fortune , however , had favoured them , and thc Grant ! Master had honoured Bro . Cottebiunc by authorising him to take his seat on the dais . No doubt all the brethren would at some
time or other have that honour , if they lived long enough . ( Laughter . ) But there were at the present day so much rivalry and so many endeavours made by members of the Craft to bring themselves under the notice of the G . M . prominently lhat His Royal Hig hness was now obliged to look for modest merit , antl it was on that account Bro Cottebrune obtained a distinction which others missed who
sought it for themselves . With respect to his own ( Bro . Terry ' s ) distinctive rank , which Bro . Cottebrune hail kindly alluded to , he remembered the evenings 17 years ago , when he and Bro . Cottebrune used to attend on Wednesday evenings the Lotlge of United Strength . Ten or eleven of the brethren usetl to come together , and they spent their evenings very harmoniously and pleasantly indeed , with
the laudable feeling that they were worthy to go on and do something for Freemasonry which would do honour to themselves an . 1 good to thc Craft . Bro . Cottebrune hatl obtained a position which vcry few Masons could hojie to attain , and the brethren coultl only hope and trust that years would be spared him lo wear the colours anil the distinction which hatl be-11 conferred upon him .
Forhimself ( Bro . 'I erry ) , he could only say that it had afforded him infinite pleasure to be present that evening to give to thc members of the Faith Lodge of Iisiruciion the opportunity—it might be to some of them the fust time—of hearing the ceremony of consecration rehearsed . If hehad afforded the-m any gratification he was amply repaid , not alone by thc large attendance of brethren he had the honour of addressing , or by their s ; rent attention
to the ceremony , but from the fact stated in lodge , lhat he was doing it in the presence of the Preceptor who hatl taught him the first rudiments of Freemasonry . Therefore it was he found a double pleasure in being there to repay some of those debts of gratitude which he owed to their worthy brother and chairman . As far as vegardcel his ( Bro . Terry ' s ) connection with one of the institutions of thc Craft , he could only say lhat since he had filled that high jiosition ( and he coultl appeal to
those around tile rotitn who knew him to > e-.- ; r Inm out 111
what he was saying ; he had endeavoured to do his tint * . Let him recal a few facts . Four years ago the amount that usetl lo be announced at the festivals never exceeded £ 3500 , but in February of this year they announced £ 9 174 . That amount was subse-quently increased by lists which had not come in at thc festival to £ 93 80 . Four years ago he fountl the institution with something like So
men upon its funds , and something like 6 5 widows ; at the jiresent time they hatl 130 men antl 110 witlows . Four years ago the men had annuities of £ 26 a year , and the widows , £ 23 . After June next the men would have £ 40 a year , and thc widows , £ 32 . The income actually required to |> ay annuities alone , without anything for working expenses , instead of the sum of jf-uoo j-c * r annum ,
four years back amounted to within £ 13 of £ ' 9000 per annum . This showed that the Craft had been indulgent to them , and had extended to them , as their presiding officers had told them that evening , the right hand of charity lo the aged . The Boys' --nil the Girls ' , in days gone by , had the advantage of being considered the pet iiistitulii'iis ; the Girls were receiving X ' ioooeir / 6000 ,
a year , and the Boys greatly exceeded lhat sum . At that time the Benevolent was scarcely reaching the sum of £ 2000 . He was hapjiy to say the aspect of affairs was now entirely changed , and the BcncvoLnt Institution had £ 9380 . The Girls' School Festival would be held tomorrow , and he trusted a still larger sum would come in . He did not like to be beaten himself , but still he liked to
see his brother Secretaries , each in his own individual sphere , doing the best they could , as hc knew they did , for their institutions , as he endeavoured to do for hi ? . Tomorrow he hoped and trusted that Bro . Little—whose health he was sorry to say was net such as they could wish it to be—would have a bunijiing * list to cheer him in his illness . On the last Wednesday in June Bro . Binckes
would have another great fes'ival for the Boys' School . Last year ha collected over £ 12 , 700 , and hc liojicd that this year it woultl be still more , if it was only for the important fact that he mi ght prove to the whole of the Craft that ( he did not wish to use a harsh term , but nothing short of it would convey the true state of the case ) the libellous charge made against him was not believed by the
bulk of the Craft of English Freemasons , and that they felt that the honour , integrity , and reputation of tlie institution's committees were unimpeachable , and that they would not pass the least item of expenditure unless it was vouched for antl unless it was necessary for the institution . He could not help thinking that it seemed a
remarkable thing , indeed it assumed the appearance of cruel irony , that the President of the Stcwartls for the next Festival of the Boys' Schot 1 was no other than the Provincial Grand Master of West Yoikshirc , which province had been endeavouring to crush thc Boys' School during the past twelve months . He only menlioneel these facts to shew that though brethren might differ in their opinions ab out
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
the institutions , yet when their claims were brought before thc Craft they obtained thc support cf the bulk of the Craft . ( Hear hear . ) Bro . Terry concluded b y again thanking the brethren , and again assuring them of the pleasure it had afforded him to be present . Bros . C . G . Hill , Reid , Cameron , Cantle , Knight Smith , responded to the toast of " The Brethren who assisted at the
Consecration . " Bro . Terry proposed " Bro . Cottebrune ' s Health , " and that brother in reply gave an account of the rise , vicissitudes , and progress of the Faith Lodge of Instruction . Established now on a firm basis , he had great pleasure in reflecting what good it did antl must do ; and he exhorted the brethren to support it as weil as they hatl hitherto , and so make the work of the mother lodges perfect . After the
other toasts the brethren separated . Some excellent sing , ing was given by Bros . Cantle , Webb , and Knight Smith . CHATHAM . —Royal Kent Lodge of Antiquity ( No . 20 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Mitre Hotel , on Wednesday , 3 rd inst . The lodge was ojicned at 6 . 30 p . m . This being the night for the election of officers , Bro . Thos . Mason was duly elected VV . M , for
the present month , and afterwards appointed his officers . The lodge was then closed , when thc brethren proceeded to partake of a banquet given in honour of Bro . William Gamon , S . W . of Lotlge 20 , which was most ably supplied by Bro . J . T . Lewis , of that hotel ; Bro . R . C . Burfield , P . M . of Lodge 20 , presiding in the East ; theW . M . of Lodge of Instruction being in the West . The banquet
being finished , the usual loyal ant ] Masonic toasts were gone through . Bro . R . C . Burfield then proposed in flattering terms " The Health of Bro . Gamon , " at the same time presenting * him with a handsome gold jewel , given by the brethren of the Lodge of Instruction as a token of their esteem and regard , and as an acknowledgment for the long and
valuable services rendered by him on all occasions as Instructor . Bro . Gamon , in feeling terms , thanked the brethren heartily for the veiy handsome present he had received from their hands , and Bro . Burfield ft r the very kind remarks he had been jileased to make of him , and hoped that hc might be sjiaretl for many years to wear and appreciate it as a Mason ought , and when hc should be
called away from this sublunary abode one of his sons might be in a position to wear and prize it as much as he should do . There were many brethren from neighbouring bulges present , amongst them Bro . T . Watson , W . M . ; Bro . G . Currel , I . P . M . ; and Bros . Nicol and Newton , P . M . 's of lo . no ; Bro . Cottrell , J . W . 1424 ; and Bro . Benenjue , P . M . 50 J , Maidstone . Bro . John Thornton ,
W . M . of Lodge 20 , supported Bro . Burfield on his left . The evening was enlivened by some cajiital singing by the brethren . The Tyler's toast closed the evening at II o ' clock . MANCHESTER . —St . David ' s Lodge ( No . 1147 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodgeof instruction was held on Tuesday evening , April 25 th , at the Masonic
Hall , Cooper-street . Bro . J . Holmes-loulton , 44 and 1565 , occupied Ihe chair as VV . M . There was a very fair attendance of brethren . The lotlge was opened in the First Degree with solemn prayer , and the minutes of thc previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was raised lo the Second Degree , and the ceremony of this elegree was then worked in . 1 vcry able and impressive
manner . Afterwards the acting W . M . delivered the lecture on the Tracing Board , which he did for the first time , and acquitted himself admirably . Thc lodge was brought down to the First Degree , and a jioition of the First Lecture was then rehearsed hy the brethren jiresent . Bro . T . II . Peel , VV . M . r 447 , proposed Bro . J . B , Seel as a joining member . Hearty good wishes were expressed by the brethren from various lodges .
Royal Arch.
Royal Arch .
SOUTHEND . —Priory Chapter ( No . 1000 ) . — The installation meeting cf this flourishing chajiter , anil first anniversary of its consecration , was held at the Middleton Hotel , Southend , on Wednesday , the iothinst . There were present Comps . Rev . •*•' . R . Wigram , P . Z . 214 , Grand 1 st . Asst . Soj ., M . E . Z . ; E . E . * Phillips , H ; A .
Lucking , J ; J . C Johnstone , Scribe E ; S . P . Weston , Treas . ; J . A . Wardell Prin . Soj ; Jas . Willing , jun ., and S . VV . Gower , Asst . Sojs . ; J . R . Hemmann , F . V . Jillings , E . Judd , W . Pissey , F . Canton , T . Williams , H . II . Child , J . Wiseman . Visitois : Comp . Rev . Skilton , P . Z . 214 . The chapter having been opened and the companions admitted , the minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . Four candidates for exaltation were
balloted for and unanimously elected . Bros . F . Wood , P . M . 1000 , and F . Calron , 1 97 , being present were duly exalted to this supreme degree , the ceremony being impressively p-rformed by the M . E . Z ., the H . and J . giving the Symbolic and Historical Lectures . The Principals were then installed for the ensuing year , viz ., Comps . E . E . Phillijis , M . E . Z . ; A . Lucking , H . ; J .. A . Wardell , J . The
ful'owing officeis were invested : Comps . J . C Johnstone , Scribe E . ; W . Pissey , Scribe N . ; S . R . ' Weston , Treas . ; Jas . Willing , jun ., Prin . Soj . ; T . W . Gower , ist . Asst . Soj . ; Rev . H . J . Hatch , 2 nd . Asst . Soj . ; J . R . Hemmann , D . C ; E . Judd and F . V . Jillings , Stewards ; Mountain , Janitor . The report of the Audit Committee , which was very favourable , was received antl atf opted , lb 6 M . E . Z . in the name of the chajitcr then i-irescntcd the
I . P . Z , Comp . Rev . S . R . W ' . gram , with a handsome P . Z . jewel , in recognition of nis invaluable services as the first M . E . Z . of the Priory Chapter , and also congratulated him on the high ofT-jeto which he had been appointed in the Supreme Grand Chapter . The chapter was duly closed i :. d thc comjianions adjourned to banquet . 1 heusual loyal and R . A . toasts were given and tluly honoured . Comp . Rev . S . R . Wigram returned thanks for tne