Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

respect throughout the world ; but in addition to this , as has often been remarked before on these occasions , but the remarks being so forcible , it is not mere repetition to repeat them , there is a reason why lhe toast of our Queen has a particular interest for British Freemasons , which is that she is the representative of a family which has produced in the past many zealous and distinguished Masons , and is herself the mother of several others , amongst them

no less a person than our Grand Master , the Prince of Wales ; the connection , therefore , brethren , between our sovereign and Masons is , so to speak , a private and personal , as well as a public , one , which renders this toast an especially pleasing one , and causes it to be received with particular enthusiasm in Masonic lodges in this country . I ask you , therefore , to drink to thc long life and prosperity of Oueen Victoria , the head of the country , coupled with

that of the institution of Freemasonry ; may the fame and glory of the one , and the honour and prestige of tlie other , always co-exist , and be transmitted unimpaired from generation to generation . It is hardly necessary to say the toast was drunk with much enthusiasm . The Worshipful Master then said : The next toast this evening is that of our " M . W . G . M . the Prince of Wales . " It has always been the practice in our Craft to

appoint a highly distinguished brother as its official head , and it must be somewhat pleasing to Masons to be now represented by our Prince of Wales , the most distinguished person that could possibly hold that appointment ; our Grand Master is moreover , brethren , distinguished not only on account of possessing a manly and amiable disposition , which has earned for him his well merited popularity in this country , although it is necessarily a very limited number of

his subjects that have the privilege of personal communications with his Royal Highness , yet his presence is known , and felt , far beyond that circle , as he has placed himself , as it were , in personal contact with every class of the inhabitants of Her Majesty's dominions ; he with other members of his family forms a part of those glorious institutions our army and navy ; he is a member of , and takes an active part in , numberless peaceful associations ,

founded for the purposes of benevolence , art , or industry ; and lastly , perhaps I should have said firstly , he is the G . M . of English Freemasons . As Masons wc especially feel this contact with our Prince , as we know that he has gone through the same ceremonies , taken the same obligations , and no doubt takes a more active interest in the well being of the Craft than we are able to do . VVe , therefore , regard him with feelings , not merely of conventional reverence and

respect , but of affection and regard , as a man and a brother . This being the birthday of our Grand Master , brethren , I ask you to drink to its happy returns , may he enjoy long life and prosperity , and may every blessing attend him in his several capacities as a Prince , a Mason , and a man . ( Applause . ) This toast was likewise drunk with much enthusiasm . The next toasts were those of "The M . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the R . W .

Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the Grand Lodge of England , " and "The R . W . Prov . G . M ., the Earl Ferrers , the R . W . P . P . G . M ., Bro . Wm . Kelly , thc W . Deputy P . G . M ., Bro . George Toller , jun ., and the other Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , " both of which were duly honoured , and suitably responded to . VV . Bro . the Rev . F . H . Richardson , I . P . M ., in eloquent , and highly eulogistic terms , then proposed " The Health of the New

VV . M . of the Lodge , Bro . J . F . L . Rolleston . " The toast was very cordially drunk , and the W . M . on rising to respond was greeted in the heartiest manner . He said , I am extremely obliged to you , W . L P . M ., for the kind terms in which , you have proposed my health , and to you , brethren , for your cordial reception of it . I can assure you I am highly sensible of the honour you have done me in placing me in the chair of this lodge . I may say that

from the time that 1 joined the number of brethren who were its promoters , that I have felt a great interest in it , and must admit that it was my hope and ambition to sit one day in the chair ; that hope has been realised by your kindness at our last meeting , and consummated this evening , and I can assure you , brethren , that as far as my ability will allow me , no endeavour on my part shall be spared to fit myself for the position , and to justify the

confidence you have placed in me . Amongst the number of old and distinguished Masons who are members of this lodge , I cannot , and do not pretend to have any special qualification for the office of Master . One of Dr . Oliver ' s Masonic aphorisms is , " A young Mason should never pretend to a knowledge which can only be gained by experience . The higher the apecli , nbs thc more effectually he exposes his posterior deficiency , " and 1 am sure I feel

painfully sensible that in thc position in thc lodge that I now hold my shortcomings may be exposed and possibly magnified , and that hemmed in as I am by most able brethren , both gone by and closely coming on , 1 may be subject to the odium of comparison anil contrast . I ask Vou , therefore , brethren , bearing in mind that I am here not hy any act of my own , but , 1 am proud to say , by your unanimous vote , lo extend to me not only your assistance ,

hut your forbearance and consideration , which 1 trust , combined with patience and diligence on my part , will enable me to fill this chair in a manner satisfactory to you . It must be a gratification to every Mason , apart from the pleasure of experiencing the goodwill of his brethren , to sit for the first time in a chair traditionally deriving ils origin from thousands of years ago ; it invites reflection on the anti quity and perpetuity of Freemasonryand the cause of

, that perpetuity ; for apart from tradition there is historical evidence from Masonic symbols found on ancient monuments of the existence of Masonry in remote periods , anil more recently mosaics found in what is shown to have been a lod ge room at Pompeii prove it to have been in full bloom eighteen centuries ago , and now , after many u Ps and downs , wc see it extending and advancing more than it has ever done at period of its

any history . This advancement appears to be not a mere theory , but an acknowledged fact , and the direction of the advancement is a proof of the soundness of our Institution ; it extends to every corner ot the earth , it languishes naturally more in despotic lands , but where freedom and advancement is the order of the day , where art and science flourishesthere spreads

Free-, masonry . In that great and prosperous but most material nation , the United States of America , it has made special progress ; it includes amongst its numbers the wealthy ancl Powerful as well as the poor and helpless . Besides that nf ' v ?** sovcre jgn ° f ancient times , such names as the Dukes Ih r k and Sussex , our Prince of Wales , the late Napoleon , we Emperor of Germany , and the King of Italy are on the

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

scroll of our Craft . It is this antiquity and wonderful progress that puzzles the uninstructed world who are not Alasons , but I think those who have the privilege of knowing what Freemasonry is not , as well as what it is , need not look long to find the cause . They know that it is not a mere friendly or convivial society ; they know that it is not a ' . sct of opinions propagated by one generation to be disowned liy succeeding others , nor a system of principles

framed to suit any particular sort or condition of humanity ; but , on the contrary , they know that the tenets of our system , summed up shortly as they may lie in the duty of mankind to the Great Architect and each other , are so broad , so tolerant , so universal , that they may apply to every national inhabitant of the globe ; that they arc suited to every contrast and condition of life without regard to education , creed , or colour ; and surely , brethren , it must

be to thc broadness and pure simplicity of our principles , which may take root alike in the hearts of Christians , Mahomedans , Hindoos , or even Sun Worshippers , that the long life of our Institution is attributable . Its foundations are too wide and simple to be undermined , it is too large to be successfully assailed . In these days of sectarianism and discord that there is one association under whose banner the whole world may range themselves , forms to my mind

the great beauty of Freemasonry , and might it not be that this universal application is a foreshadowing of that brotherhood which we are taught is to be the final condition of all things . But , brethren , while congratulating ourselves on the flourishing state of thc Craft it is well to look on the other side and to sec ourselves as others see us , and it cannot be denied that we have many calumniators . Some regard our lodges in the light of clubs ,

spending some of our resources on ourselves and the balance on our indigent neighbours ; others look upon us as seeking to overturn existing customs , as having a political existence ; but , brethren , apart from the argument that monarchs are amongst us , we know that nothing so small as a policy could possibly form a part of the great constitution of Freemasonry . We can , therefore , laugh at these frivolous detractors , their derision does us no harm ; but ,

brethren , there is an instance , and the only one that I know of , where we are met with organised hostility and are officially discountenanced—the nominal head of some two hundred million people threatens those of his followers who embrace our principles with excommunication , I have been in contact with some of these of late , ancl have seen evidences of this active hostility : I know an instance in an Irish county where a competitor on the political field had

cause to attribute defeat mainly to the fact of his being , as he described it , branded as a Freemason . I know an instance , one I have reason to believe amongst hosts of others , where the confessional was used to endeavour to extort our secrets . I can only say , brethren , that if such are the means used to try and stamp us out , we need not fear our enemies , we may call them cowans , and be content . What the exact meaning of the term " cowan "

is I have never yet been able quite to discern , although I know that it is something held much in disfavour in the Masonic eye , but whatever it , may be in its full signification , we may console ourselves with the reflection that the Pope of Rome is a member of that order . Perhaps , however , we shoultl not regard our opponents with asperity but rather sorrow , sorrow that the privileges of Freemasonry , that what is noble and good , should be sought to be

withheld from any sect of our fellow creatures . Perhaps , brethren , my views with regard to Freemasonry are exaggerated , and may be modified by experiencethat unpleasant term—which proves to be false and bad much that we have believed to be good and true ; yet may experience never cause me to discover that the privileges of Freemasonry are not so great , nor its principles so pure and true , as I now regard them , and if

Masons themselves will only remember their first professions , ancl endeavour to act up to them , may I ever believe , as described by our Installing Master this evening , that , " firm in rectitude , our Craft will rise superior to opposition as the bleak mountain , which bares its breast with dignified composure to every tempest , and fearlessly presents its bosom to the midnight storm . " I have only to ask , in conclusion , the P . G . officers and those

representing the sister lodges , for their kind co-operation in discharging any duties that may devolve upon us in the province . From the Past Masters of the lodge I ask that they will accord to me the benefit of that experience which has enabled then * to pass honourably and creditably through their respective years of office , and from the officers of the lodge and thebrethren generally , bearing in mind that they may shortly be placed in a similar state of

trial , I ask for their assistance in transacting the business of the lodge , and in preserving that unanimity and concord which we have so happily experienced during the rule of our late Master . \ can assure yon , brethren , thai as far as my ability will allow mi " , the interests of this lotlge shall receive my constant care and attention . The remaining toasts were those of "The I . P . M . anil Past Masters of the Lodge , " coupletl with tho name of

VV . Bro . the Rev . V . U . Richardson , who responded ; " The Visiting Brethren , the Worshipfnl Masters , and Brethren ofthe Sister Lodges ; " "The Oflicers of the Lodge , " and the Tyler ' s toast . A capital selection of songs was given at intervals during the evening , Bro . T . A . Wykes presiding at the pianoforte . As will be seen , the Albert Edward Lodge is named after H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., M . W .

Grantl Master , and the meeting of the lodge of this , its annual festival , being on the birthday of H . R . H ., the Worshipful Master announced that a telegraphic message , expressive of congratulations and gootl wishes for many happy returns of the day , had been forwarded from the lodge to the M . W . G . M ., and the W . M . subsequently received from the private secretary of the Prince a telegram expressing the thanks of His Royal Highness for the congratulations and good wishes so kindly sent by the lodge .

MORECAMBE . —Morecambe Lodge ( No . 1561 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on the 5 th inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Edward-street , Bro . Stansfeld , the VV . M ., presiding . There was a fair attendance of members and visiting brethren . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , after which Bro .

John Charles Zimmermann , 302 , was admitted a joining member . There was no other business , and the lodge was closed with the formalities of the Craft . The brethren uf this lodge intend holding their annual ball on Friday evening , the 7 th of January next , and a pleasant gathering is anticipated .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( "No . 1611 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place on Monday , the Sth inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , Queen ' s Hotel , when the occasion brought together a very pleasant gathering of brethren . The lodge was opened at 3 p . m . by the W . M ., Bro . C . G . Padel , Prov . G . Org ., who was supported by Bros . T . B . Whytehead , as I . P . M . ; J . T . Seller , S . W . ; J . S . Cumberland , P . M ., Prov . J . G . W ., as J . W . ; R . W .

Hollon , P . M ., Prov . G . Treas . ; VV . H . Porritt , P . M ., P . P . G . W . ; VV . Lawton , P . P . G . Reg . ; J . Todd , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; W . H . Gainforth , W . M . 236 ; C . Palliser , W . M . 1337 ; G . Balmford , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Treas . ; J . Kay , Sec . ; W . P . Husband , Asst . Sec . ; M . Millington , S . D . ; J . R . Jackson , as J . D . ; A . T . B . Turner , M . C . ,-O . Marshall , Org . ; J . Blenkin , I . G . ; J . E . Wilkinson , Steward ; P . Pearson , Tyler , and many other brethren ,

and visitors

The lodge having been open and the minutes read , the W . M . appointed Bros . Whytehead and Cumberland to the Wardens' chairs pro tem ., and proceeded to open the lodge in the Second Degree . The VV . M . elect ( Bro . J . T . Seller ) was then presented and the ceremony of installation was proceeded with . The lodge was raised to the Third Degree and thebrethren below the rank of Installed Master having retired a Board of Installed Masters was opened ,

Bro . G . Balmford acting as I . G . The installation was then completed and Bro . Seller was duly greeted and congratulated . The Board was then closed and the brethren readmitted and the newly installed VV . M . was saluted and greeted in the Three Degrees successively . He then proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : —Bros . G . Simpson , S . VV . ; M . Millington , J . W . ; Rev . J . Blake , Chap . ; G . Balmford , P . M . Treas . ; J . Kay , Sec ; T .

Humpries , Asst . Sec ; A . T . B . Turner , S . D . ; T . Blenkin , J . D . ; T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., M . C ; J . R . J ackson , Asst . M . C ; 0 . Marshall , Org . ; W . J . " Girling , I . G . ; P . Pearson , Tyler ; J . E . Wilkinson and W . B . Dyson , Stewards . Bro . J . S . Cumberland , P . M ., was appointed Preceptor . The Installing Master then gave the address from the West ; Bro . Whytehead gave the charge to the Wardens ; and Bro . Cumberland that to the brethren . The I . P . M .,

Bro . C . G . Padel , then thanked the brethren for their support during the past year , stating that the condition of his health would not allow him to remain for the banquet , so that he should not have another opportunity that evening of expressing his thanks . Bro . S . B . Whytehead was elected as the representee of the lodge on the Provincial Charity Association . Bro . Husband presented to the lodge library a valuable series of books on the Cathedrals of

England , also a history of York , for which he received a cordial vote of thanks . Great sympathy was expressed for the S . VV ., Bro . G . Simpson , who was absent through domestic affliction . A telegram was read from Bro . the Rev . J . Blake , who was detained at home by clerical duties . Congratulatory letters were read from Bros , the Provincial Grand Master , the Earl of Zetland ; T . VV . Tew , Deputy Provincial Grand Master of West Yorkshire ; W . J .

Hughan , P . G . D . ( Truro ); Peck , Prov . G . Secretary ; and many other distinguished brethren , after which the lodge was closed with " Hearty good wishes . " At seven p . m . thebrethren sat down to a capital banquet , well served by their host , Bro . H . Churchill . The VV . M ., Bro . J . T . Seller , presided , and was supported by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and about forty-five Past Masters and brethren . The toast of " The Grand Lodge "

was replied to by Bro . J . P . Bell , A . G . D ., and that of "The Provincial Grand Lodge" by Bro . J . S . Cumberland , J . Prov . G . Warden . Bro . Dr . Bell then gave "The Health of the VV . M . of the Eboracum Lodge , " and spoke in the highest terms of the working of the lodge , as well as its splendid career since the time when he had consecrated it in 1 S 7 G . The toast of " The I . P . M . and Past Masters" was responded to bv Bro . T . B . Whvtehead .

P . M ., who gave " Prosperity to the Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 . " The J . VV . proposed "The Visitors , " which was responded to by Bro . C . S . Lane , P . M . 765 . Bro . J . S . Cumberland , P . M ., Provincial Charity Steward , responded to the toast of "The Masonic Charities , " and Bro . VV . H . Gainforth , 236 , replied for "The Sister Lodges . " Bro . P . Matthews proposed "The Ladies , " and Bro . VV . B . Dyson responded . The speeches were enlivened by a

programme of unusually excellent music , including songs , ducts , and glees by the lodge quartette , under the leadership ofthe Organist , Bro . O . Marshall . The "loving cup " of the lodge was passed round during the banquet , and the brethren separately pledged the VV . M . "The Health , and ' Many Happy Returns of the Day' of the Deputy Prov . G . Master" was drank in an old wassail cup of silver ( temp . Charles IL ) , the property of Dr . Bell , and which he

had brought for the occasion . The toast list was quite a work of art , and was designed by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M . It bore a fac simile of an ancient square found at Limerick some years ago , ancl bearing a Masonic insetiption . A photograph of Lord Zetland occupied the front page , and suitable Masonic poetical quotations followed each toast , whilst the margins were adorned with medallion sketches of the four bars or gateways of York . Amongst the brethren present in addition to those already named

were Bros . Whitmore York , B . Brown , B . Stephenson , Stubbs , G . Chapman , C . Blackstone , G . C . Lee , G . D . Goodall , J . Tissiman , 236 ; C . Simmonds , 23 G ; J . Church , 317 ; C . Blagbro , 302 ; G . Kirby , 23 G ; M . Rooke , 23 G ; A . M . White , 23 G ; J . Wood , 178 ; J . Redfare , 236 ; R . Palliser , 1337 ; R . flare , 1337 ; G . Garbutt , 236 ; and A . Hanson , 23 G . The excellent manner in which Bro . Padel performed the ceremonies was the theme of universal commendation .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

SOUTHAMPTON . —Royal Gloucester Chapter ( No . 130 ) . —The installation of officers for the ensuing year took place last week , M . E . Comp . C . A . Dyer officiating , and installing Comps . G . M . Passenger , jun ., as Z . ; R . Sharpe , H . ; M . E . Comps . Aslait , P . S . ; J . R . Weston , S . E . ; R . S . Pearce , Treasurer ; Comp . VV . Waters , S . N . ;

S . Myer and C . VV . Bemister , Asst . Sojs . ; and Biggs , Jan . The chair was not filled , Ex . Comp . F . H . McCalmont having been elected thereto at the last convocation , but his melanchol y death intervened before the installation day , and one of the first duties of the newly-installed M . E . was to propose a vote of condolence with Mrs . McCalmont and her sorrowing family in their sad bereavement . . ____„*