Contents.

CONTENTS .

RETORTS OF MASONIC MF-KTINOSCraft Masonry 497 Instruction 500 Royal Arch S ° > Mark Masonry Joi Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Cumberland and Westmor-.

land Soi Installation of their Royal Highnesses thc Duke of Connaught and Prince Leopold as Knights-of Malta £ or Consecration of the Darlington Mark Lodge , No . 2 Jo Jor The Year 1879 JM The Appointment of Grand Secretary ... £ 03 CORRESPONDENCE : —

Unity of Ritual S ° 3 A Query 5 ° 4 The Book of Constitutions S <* 4 Reviews 5 ° 4 Masonic Notes and Queries 5 ° 4

Provincial Grand Lodge of Somersetshire JoJ Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Northumberland and Durham Joe Knighte , Templar : Jo 6 Masonic and General Tidings £ ob Lodge Meetings for Next Week SoO Advertisements i . » ii ., iii ., iv ., v ., vi .

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REPORTS , etc ., intended for insertion in current number , should reach the Office , ( 198 , Fleet-street ) , by Six o'clock p . m ., on Wednesdays .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft -Masonro . CONFIDENCE LODGE ( No . 193 ) . —The installation meeting of this old lodge vvas held on Monday , the Sth inst ., at Andeiton ' s Hetel , Fleet-street , when a somewhat unusual circumstance occurred . Thc W . M . elect , llro . Foottit , had been confined to his house for a time by a severe attack of gout , but had confidently hoped to be able to bc present on this occasion . Only in the

afternoon vvas he directeel by his doctor not to leave bis rooms , and in consequence had to telegraph to the installing Master , Bro . Samuel Webb , to that effect . This announcement elicited many expressions of regret and sympathy among the brethren . 'Ihe lodge was opened in due form at four o'clock , by the W . M ., Bro . Thomas B . Biddle-, who vvas suppiilcel by Bros . vValter ( ami's , J . W . ;

O . Shackell , P . M ., Secretary ; Henry Webb , P . M . ; Hen . Leah , P . M . ; W . D . Kershaw , P . M . ; Dr . Bouncy , P . M . ; G . F . Warne , P . M . ; Samuel Webb , P . M . I 2 S 7 , P . M . ; J . Shackell , P . M . ; Bedford Lemere , S . D . ; F . H . Clemow , F . J . Htale , Janies Smith , Frank Silvester , Walter Wood , B . P . Todd , R . Pye , J . J . F . Williams , C . H . Davis , E . J . Sugg , H . A . Woodvvell , J . Wood , E . Butcher , E . A . King ,

W . Prickell , W . Cubitt , W . C . Grounds , W . Harding , James Hall , E . Symons , J . Roberts , George P . Nightingale , E . H . Walden , H . L . Alston , J . Passingham , G . Masters , J . Williams , S . Dicketts , G . Peachey , A . Stearn , J . J . Cratke , W . Mager , E . V . Fithian , and the following visiting brethien : Bros . Emlcr , P . M . 879 ; C . W . Wise , P . M . 11 = 8 ; T . W . Love , P . M . 1178 ; li .

Bruin , P . M . 1575 ; H . T . Nell , 43 ; W . Skilltter , 483 ; W . D . Woodward , 54 8 ; George P . Gillard , 657 ; John Jones , 1227 ; Sep . T . Williams , 12 O 1 ; \\ . J . Kennaby , 1420 ; A . H . Goggs , 1612 ; R . Clark , 1613 , J . Thompson , 16 93 ; A . E . Western , 16 93 ; Lewis Solomon , 1732 ; and F . A . Kelly ( Freemason ) . The first business before the lodge was that of raising Bro . Williams , which vvas

followed hy the initiation of three gentlemen , Messrs . Edward Alfred King , S . Dicketts , and G . P . Dicketts , both ceremonies being well performed by the W . M ., ably assisted by his oflicers . Past Master Bro . Samuel Webb then announced to the brethren , that owing to Bro . Footiit's illness , as referred to above , the installation ceremony could not b ; proceeded with , and nn his proposition ,

seconded by Bro . W . D . Kershaw , P . M ., a vote of condolence with the W . M . elect was unanimously passed . To enable the Wardens to serve their proper term of oflice , the W . M ., Bro . Biddlc . by consent of the Past Masters , appointed and invested Bros . Walter James , as S . W . ; and Bedford Lemere , as J . W . ; thc investment of the other officers remaining over until the meeting in February , when we

hope Bro . Foottit will be well enough to be present . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to thc new banqueting hall , where dinner was served in Bro . Clemaw ' s well-known first-rate style , and under that brother ' s immediate superintendence . The W . M . ( who was creditably brief in his remarks ^ proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . In proposing the toast of" The

W . M ., Bro . Biddle , " the I . P . M . referred to the absence of the W . M . elect , which he was sure was a source of great regret to all present , but it was gratifying to know that in their present W . M . they had a brother as well able to perfoim thc duties appertaining to that office . It was his pleasing duty to present him with a Past Master's jewel , and he sincerely trusted that he would live many years to wear it among them . In proposing " The Health

of the Past Masters , " thc W . M . said it was a toast always received with acclamations , for the Past Masters of the Confidence Ljdge so well attended to their duties that they gained the respect and admiration of them all . Bro . Samuel Webb in the course of his reply referred to the absence of Bro . Foottit , which no one regretted more than himself . He ( Bro . Foottit ) was a man deserving the respect of all , and he ( Bro . Webb ) was sure they all sympathised with him in his great disappointment

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

at being absent that evening . The officers that had been appointed was a perfectly legal matter , as until a new Master was installed Bro . Bid lie vvas still their head . He sincerely hoped Bro . Foottit would be well enough to attend the next meeting , when he would have the pleasure of installing him into the chair , which pleasure had been denied him that evening . In

proposing the toast of " The Officers , " the W . M . thanked those brethren for the very efficient manner in which they hacl supported him , and was very pleased , in the absence of their new Master , to have hacl thc privilege of investing the Senior and Junior Wardens . Bros . Walter James Bedford Lemere , and H . Webb replied . The Tyler ' s toast brought a most enjoyable evening to a close .

POLISH NATIONAL LODGE ( No . 534 ) . — At a meeting held at Freemasons' Hall , on Thursday , the 1 ith inst ., the following officers were present : Bros . Aspinall , W . M . ; Ebner , I . P . M . ; Dr . Jaj-it-lski , S . W . ; Dr . Ceirrie Jackson , J . W . j Nowacowski , P . M ., Treas . ; Paas , P . M ., Sec ; Lancaster , S . D . ; Smith , J . D . ; Runtz , I . G . ; Beckett , Tyler . P . M . Gumming , and about twentv-five brethren ,

besides two visitors , were in attendance . The work , consisting of the initiation of a candidate , vvas carried out by the W . M ., who also presented Bro . Jameson with the distinctive jewel which the members of the Polish National Lodge are allowed to wear by speck ! permission of the Grand Lodge of England . The lodge vas then closed , when the W . M . received the " lie-arty good wishes" ofthe

visitors . The banquet vvas held afterwards at the Freehusons' Tavern , an I Bro . Best is to be complimented both on the repast and the v .-by in which it was served . The cloth being cleared , the usual loyal an I Masonic toa > ts were proceeded with , and during the evening the brethren were greatly entertained by the sice singing of Bros ,

Forster , Gordon , Lancaster , and Runtz , whose abilities are so well known to the visitors of this lo'lge . Bro . Ncidliski , the celebrated violinist , who is also a member of this lodge , give some magnificent performances on his violin , which brougi . t down a perfect storm of applause . The Tyler ' s toast brought a pleasantly spent evening to a close .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . — This lodge met on the ist inst ., at the Surrey Club House , Kennington Oval . There were present Bros . T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . Middx ., W . M . ; Kohler , S . W . ; Speedy , J . W . ; W . Smart , P . M ., See . ; W . Mann , acting I . P . M . ; Webb , S . D . ; Marsden , J . D . ; Stranger , W . S . ; Koch , P . M . ; Geo . Everett , P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; Drysdale , P . M . ; and

Longstaffe , ' 1 yler . 1 here were no visitors . In consec | tiencc of the recent de . ith of Bro . E . Page , P . G . S ., P . M . and Treasuier of the lodge , the brethren appeared in Masonic mourning . The minute * of the previous meeting h . ii / iiig been read and confirmed , Bro . Robertson was duly raised to the Degree nf a M . M . by the W . M ., who subsequently gave the traditional history of the Third Degree and the lecture on the Tracing Board . Upon the motion of Bro .

William Mann , it vvas unanimously resolved that a letter of condolence should be forwarded by the Secretary , upon behalf of the lodge , to Mrs . Page , the widow of the late Treasurer . Several communications from absent brethren having been read , the lodge was closed according to ancient form , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . Upon the removal of the cloth the only toasts given were "Thc Queen and Craft" and "The W . M . " The proceedings then terminated .

THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 142 G ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this lodge vvas held on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel . Bro . George W . Blackie , W . M ., presided . The other officers present were Bros . Catchpole , S . W . ; Hamer , J . W . ; Taylor , S . D . ; KifHe , J . D . ; Keeble , I . G . ; Baber , D . C ; Jenkins , Org . ; Freeman , I . P . M . ; Headon , P . M . and Treas . ; Moody ,

P . M . and Sec ; II . I hompson , P . M . 177 and 1158 ( Freemason ) ; a goodly muster of members , and the following visitors : Bros . G . Cutler , 212 , P . M . ; J 110 . Hawkins , 2- j A . Lefeaux , 30 , P . M . ; W . J . Iliffe , 78 ; Jno . Robertson , 144 ; Jos . Simpson , 539 ; Rossignol , f 2 i 6 ; W . B . Greening , 1572 ; W . Richardson , 1 : 658 ; E . C . Burnett , i ° 73 i J . D . ; W . H . Barlow , 1777 , Sec ; Geo . Cook ,

1815 ; Lawrence , 1804 . I'he minutes of the last lodge were read by Bro . Moody , thc Secretary , and confirmed . Bro . Postans was introduced and questioned as to his proficiencyjn the science ; he then withdrew . The first business really transacted was the candidature of Mr . Wm . Wood for initiation , who was proposed by Bro . Freeman , I . P . M ., and seconded by Bro . N . B . Headon , P . M . and Treas .,

and the ballot being unanimous in his favour he was most impressively and carefully initiated by the W . M . into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . The lodge was then advanced to the Second Degree , and Bro . Postans was passed to the Degree of F . C . The lodge having resumed to the First Degree , the case of a brother belonging to a lodge in Nova Scritia was considered , and such

action taken upon it as was deemed to be necessary . A proposition for initiation at the next meeting having been received , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the Pillar Room , where a good plain supper was provided . This having been disposed of , and grace said , thc W . M . said the first toast he had the honour to propose was " The tStueen and the Craft , " and , in doing so , said that they as Freemasons were

always ready to show their loyalty to the Gueen , who was possessed of many good qualities , hy Masonic honours . The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was one that was always well received amongst Freemasons , as it was "The Health of -H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand ; Master . ? His Koyal Highness , as they were all well aware , took great interest in everything appertaining to 'Freemasonry , and he congratulated the members on having such a ruler over them , and . as long

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

as he was so he was well assured that Freemasonry would flourish . ( The toast was drunk with enthusiastic cheering . ) The W . Master said the next toast he had to propose was "Thc Right Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Deputy Grand Master , Lord Skelmersdale , and the rest of tlio Grand Officers , Present and Past . " As regarded the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro G .

Master , a great deal of the work that came before the Grand Lodge devolved upon him , and he bilicved he might say that all who had witnessed the impressive manner in which he had occupied the chair in Grand Lodge would agree with him that he was a most excellent substitute in the absence of the Grand Master . As regarded the rest of the Grand Officers , he thought that they were

very proper men ana 111 their proper places . Bro . Freeman , I . P . M ., said : Brethren , the toast I have now the honour to propose is that of " Our Worshipful Master . " I am sure I feel like you do yourselves , glad to see him so well , and that he is able to du the work so well as he has done this evening . I have had to say some things about him over and over again , but I feel that Bro . Blackie is a

most worthy brother , and that he will follow in the footst .-ps of those who have gone before him . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Blackie , W . M ., said : Past Masters and brethren , I thank you very much for the kind manner in which you have received the toast of my health this evening . It is only what you have done before , not only since I have occupied the chair , but upon all other occasions . You

placed me in the chair , and it is pleasing to me to know that 1 have given you satisfaction . I shall endeavour to perform my duties , not only in the lodge , but at the festive board , to merit your approbation , and to maintain the Masonic prestige of your lodge . The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was a very important one , and that was " The Health of their Brother Initiate . " They had

the pleasure that evening of receiving into their assembly a gentleman who was well vouched for , and whom he was noiv proud to call brother . He hoped that the ceremony he had gone through that evening had been impressed upon his mind , and that he would go away with a ge-od idea of what was Freemasoiry . As in ancient times their brothers could hew , mark , and square stones , in every step

he would learn something that was good , and by diligence in due time might arrive at the summit of his profession by the use of well tried and proper implements , and by ob-erving the daily practice of secrecy and fidelity in all his actions . Bro . Worn ! s-iid he si ., eerily thanked the brethren for the very kind manner in which his health had heen proposed and received , and for the honour they had

done him in admitting him into the mysten . s of Freemasonry . From what he had gone through he felt assured that it would be fixed on his mind . \ t present he was only a veiy rough stone , but no doubt he should get smoother as he went on , and he really thanked them veiy much for the honour they had conferred up m him . '"" lie W . Master saitl the next toast he had to propose was that

of "Ihe Past Masters ot thc Lodge , " and he was sorry there were so few of them present on that Decision . In their Immediate Past Master , Bro . Freeman , he felt he had a pillar of strength , and everything he undertook he clicharged most efficiently , believing , as he did , tbat he was the right man in the ri ght place . As to Bro . Headon , he had done good work as their Treasurer , and there was

Bro . Stevens . He wished he could see all the Past Mast-rs present , and , as they ody met once a month , he thought they might strain a point to be present . Bro . Freeman , I . P . M ., thanked thc brethren very much for drinking his health , coupled with that of the Past Masters . He felt very proud of the position he held in the lodge , because he knew he held it from the confidence the brethren had

reposed 111 mm . When he first entered Freemasonry he thought the \ V . Master was most clever , never believing that he should ever rise to such a position , as there wis so much to learn , however great might be his ambition to rise to the chair of W . Master . He thanked the brethren for having placed him in that position , and as I . P . M . he should do all in his power to promote the prosperity of the 1 . dge . Bros . Stevens and Headon also returned

thanks . The W . Master next gave " The Visitors , " and said the Great City Lodge was always ready to receive them , for which several of the visitors returned thanks , expressing the satisfaction they had deiived by their visit . The W . M . next gave " The Officers of the Lodge , " which vvas responded to by most of them , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a most harmonious meeting to a close . Some very good songs were sung and recitations given during the evening .

CARNARVON LODGi * * ( No . 157 a ) . —A large number of brethien assembled at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , on Saturday wee" - , the 6 th inst ., to witness the installation of Bro . George I' -iegs as W . VI ., which ceremony was most creditably peiformed by Bro . T . S . Hillier , I . P . M ., Bro . Cowan , P . M , a-sisting as D . of C . There were present Bros . T . Stacy Hellier , W . M . ; Nels m

Reed , P . M . 1671 . S . W . ; George Briggs , W . M . elect , J . W . ; James Cowan , I . P . M . ; Henry Gustavus Buss , Hon . P . M ., Asst . Grind Secretary ; James Terry , Hon . P . M ., Secretary Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; J . Clanicoats , Treas . ; W . S . Whitaker , P . M ., Sec ; George A . Brock , S . D . ; J . E . Burman , W . S . ; L . Hopkins , Organist ; Richd . Cotton , I . G . ; A . Pearce , D . of C . ; J . Steedman , P . M .

7-I 4 . Tyler ; W . White , W . Poole , Bullock , R . E . H . Griffin , W . Russell , 11 . Hobbs , J . W . Bennett , Z . H . Perkins , J . Russell , E . A . Packer , J . W . Mayett , J . Byles , T . Brown , J . C , Werring , Wm . Berry Greening , John C . CorrU , lolin Garratt , S . Garratt , W . R . Leman , and

the following visitors : —Bros . M icrae Moir , P . M . 66 ; James Kew , P . M . 179 ; Charles G . Culler , P . M . 212 ; J . S . Mutph , i * . M . 706 ; H . A . Lovett , P . M . 1314 ; E . Terry , P . M . 1319 ; H . Bowman Speedy , S . W . 177 ; J . H . Williams , S . W . 1056 ; E . Hollandt , 22 ; J . H . Sassan , 742 ; Walter J . Nerlides , 463 ; J . Stedman , 902 ; R . Greening ,