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Reports Of Masonc Meetings.
honour in accepting the office of Master of the Emulation Lodge . That was the highest honour which the Craft could confer upon him , and it was especially valuable because the lodge had gone out of the ordinary run of selecting the Senior Warden in electing the Lord Mayor to the chair . The Lord Mayor in lodge had told them of the manner in which he regarded that kindness
of the lodge , but he had desired him to again thank the officers for allowing him to fill the office to which they had elected hirn . The Lord Mayor hoped that during his year of office he might be with them often , and he had half promised to be present at their next meeting , but they all knew the many calls there were upon the Lord Mayor ' s time , and he was quite sure also that they were all
prepared to excuse his attendance . They all wished his lordship health and happiness during his year of office . He thoug ht that it was great credit to the lodge that , although their Lord Mayor was not born within the sound of Bow bells , but far—very far—beyond , they had elected him to the Chief Magistracy . They could not have better qualifications for a Lord Mayor than in the words of their own
ritual— " One whose hand was extended by justice , and whose heart was expanded by benevolence . " That it might be faithfully said of the present Lord Mayor . Bro . 1 " . Taylor , P . M ., gave in eulogistic terms "The Health of the l . P . M ., ' - ' who had so kindly taken the chair on behalf of the Lord Mayor . They were all exceedingly well pleaded with the admirable manner in which Bro .
Arthur Hills had fulfiilled the duties of his office during the year , and they all had seen the very excellent way in which he had installed the Lord Mayor that evening . No doubt during the year they should have the pleasure of seeing their good friend again in the chair , and they should still be able to appreciate his working . Bro . Arthur Hills , replying , again expressed regret for
the absence of the Lord Mayor , and thanked the gathering for the kind manner in which they had received him . He proposed " The Health of the Visitors , " stating that owing to the death of Alderman Sir John Staples , many of those who would have been present hardly considered it respectful to his memory that they should remain . That was especially so in the case of the Grand Officers . He
coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Augustus Harris and A . M . Broadley , both of whom replied . "The Health of the Initiates" was then given , and drunk with cheers , and Bros . R . L . S . Badham and Sydney Willis responded . In proposing " The Health of the Past Masters , " Bro . Arthur Hills eulogised their services to the lodge , stating
with pleasure that they were fortunate in being particularly strong in their Past Masters . Bro . George Singer replied . ' •The Health of the Treasurer , " which was next given most cordially , was replied to by Bro . Thomas Taylor , who was very warmly received . Bro . Arthur Hills then proposed "The Health of the
Officers , " whose services he particularly eulogised . Bro . G . J . Eady , S . W ., responded , stating the great pleasure it gave him and the other officers to stand on one side to allow the first citizen in the world to take the chair . It was not given to every lodge to have as one of its officers the Lord Mayor , and this he and the other officers of the lodge would greatly prize and highly value .
"The Health of the Secretary , Bro . S . Hill , " was given , and that brother , who is most popular in the lodge , suitably replied , stating the great interest which he always took in the proceedings of the lodge . An admirable selection of music was performed under the direction of Bro . Truman , assisted by Bros . Coates , F . Clive , and Schartau , and the duties of Toastmaster were well performed by Bro . Cooper .
DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on Friday the 13 th inst ., when there was a large attendance , over 100 brethren being present . The members included Bros . Abel Simner , W . M . ; H . J . Chapman , S . W . ; Richard Harvey , J . W . ; T . Morris , Sec ; N . Salmon , S . D . ; J . E . SpurrellJ . D . ; R .
, Hevvetson , Stwd . ; E . Riechelmann , Org . ; Harry N . Price , l . P . M . j W . J . Ferguson , P . M . ; H . Bowman Spinks , P . M . ; R . Pierrepoint , P . M . ; W . M . Foxcroft , P . M . ; J . McLean , P . M . ; J . Buscall , P . M . ; W . Herbage , P . M . ; J . E . Walford , P . M . ; E . White , P . M . ; G . Gardner , P . M . ; J . Barnett , jun . ; D . Plenderleith , and many others . Visitors : Bros . VV . Tones Lane , P . M .
127 ; S . J . Bull , 156 4 ? W . W . Westley , S . W . 1 S 6 ; H . Gardiner , 1604 ; W . W . Thorn , 1261 ; T . Bird , 1963 ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 ; H . Smith , S . D . 134 S ; T . Salmon , l . P . M . 917 ; J . H . Chapman , VV . M . 1556 ; T . Oldis , P . M . 128 S ; B . Brett , 1791 ; G . S . Bigley , P . M ., Sec . " . - - ^ - Green , J . W . 73 S ; J . H . Lane , l . P . M . 1269 ; E . Cliff , ss ; H . Magee , 1 ,-4 ; E . Ay res , P . M . 742 ; F .
J . Ueaton , 25 ; A . Haysman , S . D . 2001 ; R . S . Mendy , St . Leonard ' s ; G . F . Thornes , P . M . 1223 ; E . Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Gordon , I . G . 1924 ; G . Reynolds , i > . W . 1614 , Sec . 2191 ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . D . L ; R . H . Goffin , P . M . 1572 ; J . Isaacson , P . M . 502 ; John L . Mather , A . G . D . C ; D . Harris , 16 S 1 ; A . Madell , 1201 ; H . Dickey , W . M . 17 ^ 4 ; C . F . Hosard .
r . U Std . B . ; R . P . Atkin , P . P . G . Reg . Kent ; C belton , Vice-President Board of General Purposes , W . M . 2228 ; Richard Eve , G . Treas . ; R . Baker , 2192 ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . ; W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 ; and others . ' Lodge having been formally opened , the minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed , and the Auditors
' Report , showing a substantial balance , was ref ' u c ado P - Bro . J . M . Polman Mooy was passed to ihe Second Degree by the W . M ., after which Bro . Ferguson P . M ., raised Bros . J . H . Stalman , and A . H . M . Michel to the degree of Master Mason . Bro . Henry J . ^ napman , S . W ., was presented as W . M . elect , and a Doard of Installed Masters having been formed , he was S . 'y '" stalled into the chair by Bro . H . N . Price , P . M . ne toi owing officers were appointed and invested : Bros . p . , \ ,, ° " - ' « crc ap £ juiiiLcu anu mvcsteu : cros . ichard
" Harvey , S . W . ; Nathan Salmon , J . VV . ; Thomas in S ' u , V J-E- Spurrell , S . D . ; T . B . Goodfellow , p , * c ' Hewetson , I . G . ; Ernest A . Smith , DC ; A . hU H ' d < ' Wa'kley , Tyler . The VV . M . expressed oL PJesret ' vvhich was shared by all present , that Bro . ueorge Everett , P . M ., who had been re-elected Treasurer , veTi ^ " -ft throu 8 h illness , to be present and to be install ^ 'ivx addresses were effectively rendered by the In-Stalled Master , Bro . Harry N . Price , P . M . Mr . David
Reports Of Masonc Meetings.
Charteris was then regularly initiated into Freemasonry by the W . M . Bro . Chapman , W . M ., said that one of bis first duties as the occupant of the chair was to present Bro . Simner , l . P . M ., with a P . M . ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ) , which had been unanimously voted to him in recognition of the able manner in which he
had conducted the affairs of the lodge during the past year . It afforded him considerable pleasure to make the presentation , for Bro . Simner had well earned the appreciation of the members . bro . Simner , I . P . M ., thanked the W . M . and brethren very sincerely for this mark of their esteem and respect . Whatever he had done in the past year had been performed
with a good intention , and if he had not done as much as they had expected , it was through circumstances over which he had no control . He should always regard the jewel as a bond of union , binding him more closely to the lodge . In order to accentuate the fact that Bro . Simner was W . M . during the Jubilee year of Her Majesty , the jewel presented to him was of the recognised Jubilee pattern ,
with the addition of a square as pendant , on which was the following inscription : ' •Presented to Bro . Abel Simner , l . P . M ., bythe Domatic Lodge , No . 177 , as a mark of respect , and in recognition of the efficient manner in which he discharged the duties of W . M . during the Jubilee year of the reign of Her Majesty , 1887 . " Un the motion of Bro . Walford , P . M ., seconded by Bro .
Ferguson , P . M ., a coidial vote ot thanks was passed to Bro . H . N . Price , P . M ., for his kindness in performing the installing ceremony , and to mark the appreciation of the brethren at the able manner in which he performed the duty . Bro . Price , P . M ., briefly returned thanks , and expressed his willingness to serve the lodge whenever an opportunity offered .
Bro . Ferguson , P . M ., said a very pleasant task had fallen to his lot . The officers , who had been working for some years with the l . P . M ., expressed a wish to mark the kind teelmgs of respeet and esteem they felt towards him by making him a presentation , which had taken the form ot a portrait . Theliknessto Bro . Simner , l . P . M ., was as satisfactory as his relations and friends could desire , and
would serve to mark the amiable manner . in which he had worked for the brethren . He hoped it would be an example that would be followed in all future ages , and that the same anxiety to assist each other , and the same harmonious teeling , which had characterised Bro . Simner's year of office , would be prevalent tor many years to come . He had much pleasure in presenting Bro . Simner , l . P . M .,
with the portrait , trusting it would remind him of the time during vvhich he occupied the chair , and worked so agreeably with the officers . Bro . A . Simner , l . P . M ., in . reply , said : I have to thank you most sincerely , Bro . Ferguson , for the highly eulogistic language and the Haltering remarks with which you have presented me with this token of esteem and respect
from my brother officers . 1 trust it does not require any assurance on my part to convince you of my utter inability to express my gratitude in a manner worthy of the occasion . I would , however , affirm , without fear of contradiction , that the successful conclusion of my year of office is due mainly to the hearty support and active sympathy so gladly and cheerfully afforded by my brother officers , and
to the generous tolerance ot my many shortcomings by the brethren and of the lodge . Vou are fully awaie how proudly one does his duty to gain the esteem and thanks of his fellow workers , but who can fathom the feelings when one is deemed worthy to receive such an outward and visible sign of appreciation as that with which you have just presented to me . I yield to no man in saying that my
earnest aspirations , and indeed 1 have found my greatest satisfaction and noblest ambition in seeking to call lorth a love of Masonry in its truest and best ideal . This beautiful portrait will ever serve to bring me into closer ties with its members , and cause my heart to burn with a brighter radiance tor the precepts ot Masonry . 1 may add that it will be hailed by the members of my family as an acquisition
of intrinsic value and treasured with the utmost caie . You may be sure , brother officers , that their earnest prayers will not only be tor the supieme happiness of the donors here below , but also that hereafter they may become the all radiant inhabitants of the eternal glories ot those mansions whence all goodness emanates . Having already received the splendid P . M . ' s jewel for this Jubilee year from the
lodge by their unanimous vote , 1 could almost say in the words ot Shakespeare " I feel within me a place above all earthly dignities . " In apologising for this very feeble expression ut gratitude tor your great and unexpected kindness , believe me , my heart is too full to give utterance to its thrilling feelings . 1 would , however , say in conclusion , that I sincerely trust to be spared long to enjoy the
confidence and respect of every member of this grand old Domatic Lodge , No . 177 . Brethren , 1 can only again thank you from the bottom of my heart . Ihe presentation consisted ot a large and beautifully executed crayon portrait of the l . P . M ., in a handsome massive frame , on which was inscribed : " Presented by the officers of the Domatic lodge , No . 177 , to brother
Abel Simner , W . M ., as a maik of their respect and esteem for his invariable courtesy , and in appreciation ot the manner in which he has maintained the prestige and best interests of the lodge as its 101 st Master during the eventful year of her Majesty ' s Jubilee , 1887-88 . " Other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed , and the brethren anjourned to a recherche repast .
1 he usual loyal and Masonic toasts were afterwards duly honoured , "The Queen and the Craft , " and "H . R . H . the Prince of Waits , M . W . G . M . " being received with the customary heartiness . "The Grand Officers" was next given by the W . M ., who expressed the pleasure it afforded him to see such a number ot distinguished Grand Officers present , and
coupled with it the name of Bro . Eve , G . Treas . Bro . R . live , G . Ireas ., said he felt it a distinguished honour to be called upon to respond on behalt of the Grand Officers . He also felt he could scarcely discharge that cuty with reference to the brethren on his right , and would therefore speak on behalt of the officers of Grand Lodge who were absent . It was not the first time he had
had tne giaiihcation ot being present at this large , uselul and genial louge , and he was glad to visit it again and meet the members on their installation night . It might be of some interest to them to know that he had , in his capacity of Grand Treasurer , recently signed a number ot cheques distributing £ 500 voted by Grand Lodge a few weeks ago . £ 100 had been sent to the Lord Mayor for his
Reports Of Masonc Meetings.
especial disposal among the poor , £ 50 to each of the two magisterial officers at the Mansion House and Guildhall , and 12 cheques to the various presiding magistrates at the 12 police courts . He was sure that the M . W . Grand Master had exercised a wise discretion in the distribution of the money . It afforded him peculiar pleasure to be with them on the present occasion , and to thank them for their
kind assistance during the past year . He was an elective officer , and the brethren on his right were appointed . by the M . W . G . M . to mark his appreciation of their services in the past . He felt he should be congratulating too much if he replied for them , and he should therefore , on behalf of the absent Grand Officers , thank the W . M . and brethren for the kind manner in which the toast had been
proposed and received . Bro . J . L . Mather , A . G . D . C , also replied , and on behalf of the Grand Officers tendered hearty thanks for their reception . Bro . A . Simner , I . P . M ., then said that once more it was his privilege to address them , and he had to propose a toast that would be received with acclamation . It was " The
Health of the W . M . " who had that evening been installed into the chair in succession to himself . However unworthy he had been , they now possessed a W . M . in Bro . Chapman who would give satisfaction not only to the members , but to the critical body of Past Masters . The brethren who had seen the W . M . perform the'initiation ceremony that
night would be convinced that they had an occupant of the chair who knew the ritual , and could render it in an effective manner . The Domatic Lodge would lose none of its lustre by the members entrusting its guidance to Bro . Chapman , but it would add to its renown by having such a W . M . He asked the brethren to drink the toast with all
the heartiness and enthusiasm of which they were capable , wishing their Worshipful Master a happy and prosperous year of office . Bro . H . J . Chapman , W . M ., returned sincere thanks for the kind manner in which the l . P . M . had proposed , and the brethren had received , the toast of his health . It was a customary thing for the lodge to receive the toast in that
manner , and he was pleased the mem tiers were satisfied with the small amount of work they had seen him perlorm . He hoped their appreciation would increase , fur he would do all in his power to maintain that leehng of satisfaction . " The Initiate " was the next toast given , and was suit , ably responded to by Bro . D . Charteris . The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Visitors , "
observing that their lodge seldom met without visitors , whom the members were always pleased to welcome . Visiting was a pleasant and useful task , lor it was always possible to gather a few hints which would be beneficial in their own lodge . Amongst " the visitors to whom he should look for reply , and who were also occupants of tne chairs ot their respective lodges , were Bros . C Belton , Vice-President
Board ot General Purposes , W . M . 2228 ; G . H . Chapman , W . M . 556 ; H . Dickey , W . M . 1744 ; D . Green , J . W . 738 , Natal j and E . Ayres , P . M . 742 . Bro . C Belton , Vice-President Board of General Purposes , in reply , said he was sensible ot the honour conferred upon him by the W . M . in coupling his name with tne toast . He felt the greatest piide in being W . M . of the Dene
Lodge , No . 2228 , possibly because it was a child ot his old age . He thanked the VV . M . and brethren sinceiely Lr the great honour paid him , and lor which he was deeply gratelnl . He was also indebted to Bro . Barnett for aliowmg him to spend an evening in such genial company . Bros . Chapman , W . M . 1556 , and Dickey , W . M . 1744 , having responded ,
Bro . D . Green , J . W . 738 , Natal , replied , and said he had only been in this country a tew months and had attended a few Masonic gatherings . Masonry was very strong in South Africa , wheie the brethren were at all times willing to extend the right hand of lriendshrp to visitors . Ihe working he had seen that evening was splendid , although different to that which he was
accustomed to . ' 1 he hints they received Irom other lodges enabled them to improve their own lodge . If a man was a good and true brother , it did not matter in what part ot the colonies , he was never regarded as a stranger . As soon as a brother arrived at the culoi . ics , alter a little enquiry , he lound there were lodges meeting monthly througnout the year , where members greeted him heaitily . In travelling
in some parts , where money would not buy comtons , anything was not too good for a brother in want , and this was where the charm of Masonry and brotherly love was experienced . Tne present occasion was the greatest Masonic meeting he had ever attended , and on his return to South Atrica he would repoit to his own lodge the kind welcome he had received .
Other bretnren having also responded , The W . Master gave "The Masonic Charities , " and expressed his pleasure at seeing two such able representatives present as Bros . Binckes , Sec . K . M . I , for Boys , and Terry , Sec . R . M . benevolent Institution . Bro . F . Binckes , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys , said he sympa « thised with the remarks ot the W . M . respecting the
dwindling of the numbers present , for he was himself dwindling in power and ability . He fdt a great amount of pride and gratification in being enabled to be present at iheir magnificent gathering , and topaitakeof their genial hospitality , and to retuin sincere thanks to the W . Master , who had been installed that evening , tor having consented to represent the Domatic Lodge as Steward lor the Boys '
bchool injune next . He said this with more sincerity than he had ever before experienced , on account of the very difficult and crucial position in which he felt they were placed in consequence , and that great event , the Girls ' school Centenary , which was justly occupying the attention of the Craft . God forbid that any word should fall from his lips to detract trom the success which he hoped would
attend that celebration , but when he knew that over 600 Stewards had given their services already , a number probably to be largely increased , he could say that the Executives of the other Institutions were not without anxiety . He did not think the Benevolent Institution would be a large sufferer , because the Festival would take place next month , and would no doubt receive a large
amouct of suppon . He was not aware of the date of tne Giils' School Centenary , which would probably be held in May , but it would doubtless take place closely before that of the Boys'School on the 27 th June . He need hardly assure them that he laboured under the largest amount of apprehension that the Institution which he represented would suffer . He was , therefore , deeply grateful to the W . M . for undertaking the arduous duty of Steward on
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Reports Of Masonc Meetings.
honour in accepting the office of Master of the Emulation Lodge . That was the highest honour which the Craft could confer upon him , and it was especially valuable because the lodge had gone out of the ordinary run of selecting the Senior Warden in electing the Lord Mayor to the chair . The Lord Mayor in lodge had told them of the manner in which he regarded that kindness
of the lodge , but he had desired him to again thank the officers for allowing him to fill the office to which they had elected hirn . The Lord Mayor hoped that during his year of office he might be with them often , and he had half promised to be present at their next meeting , but they all knew the many calls there were upon the Lord Mayor ' s time , and he was quite sure also that they were all
prepared to excuse his attendance . They all wished his lordship health and happiness during his year of office . He thoug ht that it was great credit to the lodge that , although their Lord Mayor was not born within the sound of Bow bells , but far—very far—beyond , they had elected him to the Chief Magistracy . They could not have better qualifications for a Lord Mayor than in the words of their own
ritual— " One whose hand was extended by justice , and whose heart was expanded by benevolence . " That it might be faithfully said of the present Lord Mayor . Bro . 1 " . Taylor , P . M ., gave in eulogistic terms "The Health of the l . P . M ., ' - ' who had so kindly taken the chair on behalf of the Lord Mayor . They were all exceedingly well pleaded with the admirable manner in which Bro .
Arthur Hills had fulfiilled the duties of his office during the year , and they all had seen the very excellent way in which he had installed the Lord Mayor that evening . No doubt during the year they should have the pleasure of seeing their good friend again in the chair , and they should still be able to appreciate his working . Bro . Arthur Hills , replying , again expressed regret for
the absence of the Lord Mayor , and thanked the gathering for the kind manner in which they had received him . He proposed " The Health of the Visitors , " stating that owing to the death of Alderman Sir John Staples , many of those who would have been present hardly considered it respectful to his memory that they should remain . That was especially so in the case of the Grand Officers . He
coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Augustus Harris and A . M . Broadley , both of whom replied . "The Health of the Initiates" was then given , and drunk with cheers , and Bros . R . L . S . Badham and Sydney Willis responded . In proposing " The Health of the Past Masters , " Bro . Arthur Hills eulogised their services to the lodge , stating
with pleasure that they were fortunate in being particularly strong in their Past Masters . Bro . George Singer replied . ' •The Health of the Treasurer , " which was next given most cordially , was replied to by Bro . Thomas Taylor , who was very warmly received . Bro . Arthur Hills then proposed "The Health of the
Officers , " whose services he particularly eulogised . Bro . G . J . Eady , S . W ., responded , stating the great pleasure it gave him and the other officers to stand on one side to allow the first citizen in the world to take the chair . It was not given to every lodge to have as one of its officers the Lord Mayor , and this he and the other officers of the lodge would greatly prize and highly value .
"The Health of the Secretary , Bro . S . Hill , " was given , and that brother , who is most popular in the lodge , suitably replied , stating the great interest which he always took in the proceedings of the lodge . An admirable selection of music was performed under the direction of Bro . Truman , assisted by Bros . Coates , F . Clive , and Schartau , and the duties of Toastmaster were well performed by Bro . Cooper .
DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on Friday the 13 th inst ., when there was a large attendance , over 100 brethren being present . The members included Bros . Abel Simner , W . M . ; H . J . Chapman , S . W . ; Richard Harvey , J . W . ; T . Morris , Sec ; N . Salmon , S . D . ; J . E . SpurrellJ . D . ; R .
, Hevvetson , Stwd . ; E . Riechelmann , Org . ; Harry N . Price , l . P . M . j W . J . Ferguson , P . M . ; H . Bowman Spinks , P . M . ; R . Pierrepoint , P . M . ; W . M . Foxcroft , P . M . ; J . McLean , P . M . ; J . Buscall , P . M . ; W . Herbage , P . M . ; J . E . Walford , P . M . ; E . White , P . M . ; G . Gardner , P . M . ; J . Barnett , jun . ; D . Plenderleith , and many others . Visitors : Bros . VV . Tones Lane , P . M .
127 ; S . J . Bull , 156 4 ? W . W . Westley , S . W . 1 S 6 ; H . Gardiner , 1604 ; W . W . Thorn , 1261 ; T . Bird , 1963 ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 ; H . Smith , S . D . 134 S ; T . Salmon , l . P . M . 917 ; J . H . Chapman , VV . M . 1556 ; T . Oldis , P . M . 128 S ; B . Brett , 1791 ; G . S . Bigley , P . M ., Sec . " . - - ^ - Green , J . W . 73 S ; J . H . Lane , l . P . M . 1269 ; E . Cliff , ss ; H . Magee , 1 ,-4 ; E . Ay res , P . M . 742 ; F .
J . Ueaton , 25 ; A . Haysman , S . D . 2001 ; R . S . Mendy , St . Leonard ' s ; G . F . Thornes , P . M . 1223 ; E . Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; J . Gordon , I . G . 1924 ; G . Reynolds , i > . W . 1614 , Sec . 2191 ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . D . L ; R . H . Goffin , P . M . 1572 ; J . Isaacson , P . M . 502 ; John L . Mather , A . G . D . C ; D . Harris , 16 S 1 ; A . Madell , 1201 ; H . Dickey , W . M . 17 ^ 4 ; C . F . Hosard .
r . U Std . B . ; R . P . Atkin , P . P . G . Reg . Kent ; C belton , Vice-President Board of General Purposes , W . M . 2228 ; Richard Eve , G . Treas . ; R . Baker , 2192 ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . ; W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 ; and others . ' Lodge having been formally opened , the minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed , and the Auditors
' Report , showing a substantial balance , was ref ' u c ado P - Bro . J . M . Polman Mooy was passed to ihe Second Degree by the W . M ., after which Bro . Ferguson P . M ., raised Bros . J . H . Stalman , and A . H . M . Michel to the degree of Master Mason . Bro . Henry J . ^ napman , S . W ., was presented as W . M . elect , and a Doard of Installed Masters having been formed , he was S . 'y '" stalled into the chair by Bro . H . N . Price , P . M . ne toi owing officers were appointed and invested : Bros . p . , \ ,, ° " - ' « crc ap £ juiiiLcu anu mvcsteu : cros . ichard
" Harvey , S . W . ; Nathan Salmon , J . VV . ; Thomas in S ' u , V J-E- Spurrell , S . D . ; T . B . Goodfellow , p , * c ' Hewetson , I . G . ; Ernest A . Smith , DC ; A . hU H ' d < ' Wa'kley , Tyler . The VV . M . expressed oL PJesret ' vvhich was shared by all present , that Bro . ueorge Everett , P . M ., who had been re-elected Treasurer , veTi ^ " -ft throu 8 h illness , to be present and to be install ^ 'ivx addresses were effectively rendered by the In-Stalled Master , Bro . Harry N . Price , P . M . Mr . David
Reports Of Masonc Meetings.
Charteris was then regularly initiated into Freemasonry by the W . M . Bro . Chapman , W . M ., said that one of bis first duties as the occupant of the chair was to present Bro . Simner , l . P . M ., with a P . M . ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ) , which had been unanimously voted to him in recognition of the able manner in which he
had conducted the affairs of the lodge during the past year . It afforded him considerable pleasure to make the presentation , for Bro . Simner had well earned the appreciation of the members . bro . Simner , I . P . M ., thanked the W . M . and brethren very sincerely for this mark of their esteem and respect . Whatever he had done in the past year had been performed
with a good intention , and if he had not done as much as they had expected , it was through circumstances over which he had no control . He should always regard the jewel as a bond of union , binding him more closely to the lodge . In order to accentuate the fact that Bro . Simner was W . M . during the Jubilee year of Her Majesty , the jewel presented to him was of the recognised Jubilee pattern ,
with the addition of a square as pendant , on which was the following inscription : ' •Presented to Bro . Abel Simner , l . P . M ., bythe Domatic Lodge , No . 177 , as a mark of respect , and in recognition of the efficient manner in which he discharged the duties of W . M . during the Jubilee year of the reign of Her Majesty , 1887 . " Un the motion of Bro . Walford , P . M ., seconded by Bro .
Ferguson , P . M ., a coidial vote ot thanks was passed to Bro . H . N . Price , P . M ., for his kindness in performing the installing ceremony , and to mark the appreciation of the brethren at the able manner in which he performed the duty . Bro . Price , P . M ., briefly returned thanks , and expressed his willingness to serve the lodge whenever an opportunity offered .
Bro . Ferguson , P . M ., said a very pleasant task had fallen to his lot . The officers , who had been working for some years with the l . P . M ., expressed a wish to mark the kind teelmgs of respeet and esteem they felt towards him by making him a presentation , which had taken the form ot a portrait . Theliknessto Bro . Simner , l . P . M ., was as satisfactory as his relations and friends could desire , and
would serve to mark the amiable manner . in which he had worked for the brethren . He hoped it would be an example that would be followed in all future ages , and that the same anxiety to assist each other , and the same harmonious teeling , which had characterised Bro . Simner's year of office , would be prevalent tor many years to come . He had much pleasure in presenting Bro . Simner , l . P . M .,
with the portrait , trusting it would remind him of the time during vvhich he occupied the chair , and worked so agreeably with the officers . Bro . A . Simner , l . P . M ., in . reply , said : I have to thank you most sincerely , Bro . Ferguson , for the highly eulogistic language and the Haltering remarks with which you have presented me with this token of esteem and respect
from my brother officers . 1 trust it does not require any assurance on my part to convince you of my utter inability to express my gratitude in a manner worthy of the occasion . I would , however , affirm , without fear of contradiction , that the successful conclusion of my year of office is due mainly to the hearty support and active sympathy so gladly and cheerfully afforded by my brother officers , and
to the generous tolerance ot my many shortcomings by the brethren and of the lodge . Vou are fully awaie how proudly one does his duty to gain the esteem and thanks of his fellow workers , but who can fathom the feelings when one is deemed worthy to receive such an outward and visible sign of appreciation as that with which you have just presented to me . I yield to no man in saying that my
earnest aspirations , and indeed 1 have found my greatest satisfaction and noblest ambition in seeking to call lorth a love of Masonry in its truest and best ideal . This beautiful portrait will ever serve to bring me into closer ties with its members , and cause my heart to burn with a brighter radiance tor the precepts ot Masonry . 1 may add that it will be hailed by the members of my family as an acquisition
of intrinsic value and treasured with the utmost caie . You may be sure , brother officers , that their earnest prayers will not only be tor the supieme happiness of the donors here below , but also that hereafter they may become the all radiant inhabitants of the eternal glories ot those mansions whence all goodness emanates . Having already received the splendid P . M . ' s jewel for this Jubilee year from the
lodge by their unanimous vote , 1 could almost say in the words ot Shakespeare " I feel within me a place above all earthly dignities . " In apologising for this very feeble expression ut gratitude tor your great and unexpected kindness , believe me , my heart is too full to give utterance to its thrilling feelings . 1 would , however , say in conclusion , that I sincerely trust to be spared long to enjoy the
confidence and respect of every member of this grand old Domatic Lodge , No . 177 . Brethren , 1 can only again thank you from the bottom of my heart . Ihe presentation consisted ot a large and beautifully executed crayon portrait of the l . P . M ., in a handsome massive frame , on which was inscribed : " Presented by the officers of the Domatic lodge , No . 177 , to brother
Abel Simner , W . M ., as a maik of their respect and esteem for his invariable courtesy , and in appreciation ot the manner in which he has maintained the prestige and best interests of the lodge as its 101 st Master during the eventful year of her Majesty ' s Jubilee , 1887-88 . " Other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed , and the brethren anjourned to a recherche repast .
1 he usual loyal and Masonic toasts were afterwards duly honoured , "The Queen and the Craft , " and "H . R . H . the Prince of Waits , M . W . G . M . " being received with the customary heartiness . "The Grand Officers" was next given by the W . M ., who expressed the pleasure it afforded him to see such a number ot distinguished Grand Officers present , and
coupled with it the name of Bro . Eve , G . Treas . Bro . R . live , G . Ireas ., said he felt it a distinguished honour to be called upon to respond on behalt of the Grand Officers . He also felt he could scarcely discharge that cuty with reference to the brethren on his right , and would therefore speak on behalt of the officers of Grand Lodge who were absent . It was not the first time he had
had tne giaiihcation ot being present at this large , uselul and genial louge , and he was glad to visit it again and meet the members on their installation night . It might be of some interest to them to know that he had , in his capacity of Grand Treasurer , recently signed a number ot cheques distributing £ 500 voted by Grand Lodge a few weeks ago . £ 100 had been sent to the Lord Mayor for his
Reports Of Masonc Meetings.
especial disposal among the poor , £ 50 to each of the two magisterial officers at the Mansion House and Guildhall , and 12 cheques to the various presiding magistrates at the 12 police courts . He was sure that the M . W . Grand Master had exercised a wise discretion in the distribution of the money . It afforded him peculiar pleasure to be with them on the present occasion , and to thank them for their
kind assistance during the past year . He was an elective officer , and the brethren on his right were appointed . by the M . W . G . M . to mark his appreciation of their services in the past . He felt he should be congratulating too much if he replied for them , and he should therefore , on behalf of the absent Grand Officers , thank the W . M . and brethren for the kind manner in which the toast had been
proposed and received . Bro . J . L . Mather , A . G . D . C , also replied , and on behalf of the Grand Officers tendered hearty thanks for their reception . Bro . A . Simner , I . P . M ., then said that once more it was his privilege to address them , and he had to propose a toast that would be received with acclamation . It was " The
Health of the W . M . " who had that evening been installed into the chair in succession to himself . However unworthy he had been , they now possessed a W . M . in Bro . Chapman who would give satisfaction not only to the members , but to the critical body of Past Masters . The brethren who had seen the W . M . perform the'initiation ceremony that
night would be convinced that they had an occupant of the chair who knew the ritual , and could render it in an effective manner . The Domatic Lodge would lose none of its lustre by the members entrusting its guidance to Bro . Chapman , but it would add to its renown by having such a W . M . He asked the brethren to drink the toast with all
the heartiness and enthusiasm of which they were capable , wishing their Worshipful Master a happy and prosperous year of office . Bro . H . J . Chapman , W . M ., returned sincere thanks for the kind manner in which the l . P . M . had proposed , and the brethren had received , the toast of his health . It was a customary thing for the lodge to receive the toast in that
manner , and he was pleased the mem tiers were satisfied with the small amount of work they had seen him perlorm . He hoped their appreciation would increase , fur he would do all in his power to maintain that leehng of satisfaction . " The Initiate " was the next toast given , and was suit , ably responded to by Bro . D . Charteris . The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Visitors , "
observing that their lodge seldom met without visitors , whom the members were always pleased to welcome . Visiting was a pleasant and useful task , lor it was always possible to gather a few hints which would be beneficial in their own lodge . Amongst " the visitors to whom he should look for reply , and who were also occupants of tne chairs ot their respective lodges , were Bros . C Belton , Vice-President
Board ot General Purposes , W . M . 2228 ; G . H . Chapman , W . M . 556 ; H . Dickey , W . M . 1744 ; D . Green , J . W . 738 , Natal j and E . Ayres , P . M . 742 . Bro . C Belton , Vice-President Board of General Purposes , in reply , said he was sensible ot the honour conferred upon him by the W . M . in coupling his name with tne toast . He felt the greatest piide in being W . M . of the Dene
Lodge , No . 2228 , possibly because it was a child ot his old age . He thanked the VV . M . and brethren sinceiely Lr the great honour paid him , and lor which he was deeply gratelnl . He was also indebted to Bro . Barnett for aliowmg him to spend an evening in such genial company . Bros . Chapman , W . M . 1556 , and Dickey , W . M . 1744 , having responded ,
Bro . D . Green , J . W . 738 , Natal , replied , and said he had only been in this country a tew months and had attended a few Masonic gatherings . Masonry was very strong in South Africa , wheie the brethren were at all times willing to extend the right hand of lriendshrp to visitors . Ihe working he had seen that evening was splendid , although different to that which he was
accustomed to . ' 1 he hints they received Irom other lodges enabled them to improve their own lodge . If a man was a good and true brother , it did not matter in what part ot the colonies , he was never regarded as a stranger . As soon as a brother arrived at the culoi . ics , alter a little enquiry , he lound there were lodges meeting monthly througnout the year , where members greeted him heaitily . In travelling
in some parts , where money would not buy comtons , anything was not too good for a brother in want , and this was where the charm of Masonry and brotherly love was experienced . Tne present occasion was the greatest Masonic meeting he had ever attended , and on his return to South Atrica he would repoit to his own lodge the kind welcome he had received .
Other bretnren having also responded , The W . Master gave "The Masonic Charities , " and expressed his pleasure at seeing two such able representatives present as Bros . Binckes , Sec . K . M . I , for Boys , and Terry , Sec . R . M . benevolent Institution . Bro . F . Binckes , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys , said he sympa « thised with the remarks ot the W . M . respecting the
dwindling of the numbers present , for he was himself dwindling in power and ability . He fdt a great amount of pride and gratification in being enabled to be present at iheir magnificent gathering , and topaitakeof their genial hospitality , and to retuin sincere thanks to the W . Master , who had been installed that evening , tor having consented to represent the Domatic Lodge as Steward lor the Boys '
bchool injune next . He said this with more sincerity than he had ever before experienced , on account of the very difficult and crucial position in which he felt they were placed in consequence , and that great event , the Girls ' school Centenary , which was justly occupying the attention of the Craft . God forbid that any word should fall from his lips to detract trom the success which he hoped would
attend that celebration , but when he knew that over 600 Stewards had given their services already , a number probably to be largely increased , he could say that the Executives of the other Institutions were not without anxiety . He did not think the Benevolent Institution would be a large sufferer , because the Festival would take place next month , and would no doubt receive a large
amouct of suppon . He was not aware of the date of tne Giils' School Centenary , which would probably be held in May , but it would doubtless take place closely before that of the Boys'School on the 27 th June . He need hardly assure them that he laboured under the largest amount of apprehension that the Institution which he represented would suffer . He was , therefore , deeply grateful to the W . M . for undertaking the arduous duty of Steward on