Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft jrHosonrg . VITRUVIAN LODGE ( No . 87 ) . —On Wed . nesday , the nth inst ., the monthly meeting of the above lodge was held , not as formerly at the White Hart , Belvedere-road , but by special dispensation , at the Bridge House Hotel , where in future the lodge is to become located . Bro . W . H . Bale , W . M ., presided , and there were present Bros . Davis , S . W . ; Minstrell , J . W . ; P . M ' s

Thurkle , Hon . Treas . ; Stuart , Hon . Sec . ; Janaway , Harnor , Frindlev , Skirving , and Whiting ; Bros . J . Terry , Mildred , W . W . Glutton , W . English , Heming , A . E . Birch , W . Watson , E . Chamberlain , R . Lambourne , John Irving , E . Woods , R . Payne , Henry Wright , Huntley , George Isaacs , and about 60 other brethren . Mr . George Baley was unanimously elected and was

duly initiated . The Hon . Sec . read the bye-laws . The brethren then proceeded to the election of a W . M . for the year ensuing , and the choice fell upon the S . W ., Bro . Davis , who returned thanks in an appropriate speech . Bro . Thurkle , P . M ., who has served the lodge for many years as Hon . Treas ., was re-elected to the position . The Auditors were appointed ; and on the motion of Bro .

Thurkle , P . M ., to the effect that the lodge should meet duly six times in the course of the year , it was resolved that the lodge meetings in future should be held in alternate months . Additional subscriptions were announced to the list of the W . M ., who is acting as Steward to the Benevolent Institutions , to which the Vitruvian Lodge ( including their this year ' s contribution to the Master's list of

£ 26 5 s . ) has contributed at various times a total of no less than £ 420 . The lodge will vote the usual valuable P . M ' s jewel to the retiring Master in token of the esteem of the brethren for Bro . Bale and their admiration of the manner in which he has discharged the duties of the chair . Ample justice was done to the excellent banquet , which was served in the adjoining hall . In proposing the loyal and Craft toasts , the W . M . said

that they must all regret to read the news in that day ' s papers that a price had been set upon the head of their esteemed Grand Master . Bro . Mildred replied for "The Visitors , " the W . M . remarking , in giving the toast , that the brethren of the Vitruvian Lodge were never more happy than when dispensing the bounties of hospitality and . the blessings of

Charity . In proposing " The Masonic Charities , " the W . M . alluded to the liberality of the lodge to the benevolent institutions . They were all members—many of them of all their splendid benevolent institutions—of one or other of the Charities , and it behoved them to do all they possibly could for them .

Bro . Terry , who replied , said that there was scarcel y any other educational institutions , supported by Charity , in the country that could vie with those of the Masonic body . Their Girls' School was maintaining , clothing , and educating 230 girls at that moment , fitting them to become good women in the world . Their Boys' School was doing an equally good work . In the recent Cambridge examinations

out of 16 girls sent up 14 passed with honours , and two with great distinction ; and out of ip boys 15 passed with honours , and four with great distinction . The value of the Benevolent Institution was shown by the numberof candidates they had for admission . _ For the election in May they had no less than 127 candidates , viz ., 46 men and 81 widows , although they had only vacancies for 12 men and 2

widows . The Committee had , however , determined to increase the number of both men and widows to be elected , depending upon the generosity of the brethren to support them . Masonry was frequently charged with being only a social institutionj but three such splendid institutions as they possessed was a sufficient answer to such a charge , especially when they considered that last year no less than I in nnn i » q . cQienf ^ V ... fl . « a lirofkriin fnr ft . n . ¦ « ....-.... .. f it- — — IUMW uj ... w W 11 W » w » uivpuipuacj UL 11

BI ^ PW " * w ....... IUSC Charities . Other toasts followed , including "The Health of the Master , " proposed b y Bro . Janaway , and that of " The W . M . elect , " given in eulogistic terms by the W . M ., and greeted with full Masonic honours by the brethren . Considerable sympathy has been felt with the lodge in their failure to obtain a centenary certificate . The lodge

works under a warrant dated 1762 , and it is admitted that since the Union in 1 S 13 there has been continuous working . Unfortunately , however , it so happens that the Vitruvian is one of the old Athol lodges , and , as every one knows who has studied Masonic lore , in the pre-union days the Athol authorities were by no means particularly distinguished for the accuracy of their record keeping . The old Vitruvian , therefore

, suffers by the laches of others , and sees younger lodges honoured by the much coveted jewel , whilst " No . Sj '" is passed over . It is felt by all who have visited the lodge that the rulers of the Craft would do a very graceful act in conceding in this case that which the lodge cannot claim as a right owing to the lapses mentioned , but which their warrant of constitution on the face of it plainly shows they have for the last 21 vears been fullv entitled tn .

matters no doubt would be different if it could be shown that there was any interregnum since the Union , but this is not for a moment alleged . On the contrary , the fact is I A adm'tted , and if 40 years after its constitution the lodge is found strong and flourishing , surely the assump-0 ? , u " le aDSence or positive proof to the contrary , Should be that regular working would mark the earlier years of its existence .

LONDON LODGE ( No . 108 ) . —The installation meeting 0 f this lodge was held at the Ship and Turtle , ^ eadenhall-street , E . G ., on the 14 th inst ., when there were Present Bros . R . A . McCall , W . M . ; J . Edell , S . W . ; C . J- Uyleur , J . W . ; Raynham W . Stewart , P . M ., P . G . D ., f Vf -. - D . R . Philipe , P . M ., Sec . j D . Rolls , P . M . & i ' , ' Hollov Y ay P . M . ; McSweeney , S . D . ; Dr , « , 'J ' D- ' and otherSl The following visitors were feent : Bros . Dr . Ramsay , P . G . W . Middx . ; L . Ruf , 2 firV . -. * P ar'es , P . M . 19 ; Sorrell , P . M . 176 , W . M \ V p' J- W . Eastgate , P . M . 156 3 j J . C . Ward , 2030 j PM " Brown ' P . M . 90 j H . McCall , 66 ; and J . E . Shand ! •""•> oec . 1563 and 2030 .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

The only business was to install Bro . J . Edell , which was accomplished very ably by Bro . R . A . McCall , the outgoing W . M . The W . M . appointed his officers as follows : Bros . McCall , I . P . M . ; Tayleur , S . W . ; McSweeney , J . W . ; Stewart , Treas . ; Philipe , Sec . ; Berkeley , S . D . ; and Marsh , Tyler . The W . M ., in felicitous terms , presented Bro . McCall with a P . M . 's jewel , after which the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The W . M . submitted the usual loyal and Masonic toasts

with his accustomed geniality , especially referring to his gaining the chair of so old a lodge—a centenary—as the London , 10 S . Bros . Eastgate , Ramsay , D . Rolls , and the W . M . sang some capital songs , and with the Tyler ' s toast brought a very happy and auspicious meeting to a close . Bro . Painter , who served the banquet in the proverbial style of this old establishment , ; is now rebuilding the same , at an outlay of about £ 30 , 000 , to adopt it to modern requirements , Masonic and otherwise .

TRANQUILLITY LODGE ( No . 185 ) . —Among the laudable aspirations of the zealous Freemason there is none which approaches the desire of attaining to the Master's chair , and to being invested with the distinguishing badge , which is " the highest honour it is in the power of the lodge to bestow on any of its members . " This salutary ambition , together with his eventual introduction to a Board of Installed Masters , of which he is about to

be admitted , as a component part , is a sure means of inducing a feeling of very pardonable pride in having secured the good will and confidence of the members of his lodge , by whose suffrages he is being placed in so enviable and exalted a position . A Board of Installed Masters is a unique assembly , being composed not only of Past Masters of the lodge where the ceremony is about to be performed , but very frequently of Past and Present

Grand Officers and visiting Masters , and Past Masters of sister lodges , and the brother in whose honour they had gathered can scarcely fail to be impressed and gratified , and be filled with the warmest resolve that his future exertions in the cause of the Craft should render him at least , in some measure , worthy of the distinction it has been his good fortune to attain . Reflections similar to these have no doubt on many occasions occurred to those privileged to

witness the important , solemn ceremony of installation , and more especially when performed with due regard to every detail , as was the case at the above lodge , which met on Monday , the 16 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C . The retiring Master , Bro . S . Barnett , who at a former part of the evening initiated Messrs . Stanly Bamberger , Van Gelder , and A . Marks , with his usual proficiency , outdid his previous efforts , and

by his deliberate address and elocutionary abilities secured for himself the hearty and enthusiastic approval of all present . The newly-installed W . M ., Bro . Sydney Boas , commenced his duties by appointing the following as his officers , viz .: Bros . S . Barnett , I . P . M . ; H . Peartree , S . W . ; H . Tipper , J . W . ; W . D . Bayley , P . M ., Treas . ; A . J . Myers , Sec . ; A . Marks , S . D . ; J . M . Levy , J . D . ; R . Bloomfield , jun ., I . G . j J . D . Barnett , P . M ., Org . ;

Thomson , Stwd . j Eiseuman , D . C . ; and Potter , Tyler . A very handsome P . M . ' s jewel , iS-caratgold , set with a valuable diamond ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ) the gift of the lodge , was presented to the retiring W . M . for his valuable services during his term of office . After an excellent and well arranged banquet , under the superintendence of Bro . Silver , the usual toasts were proceeded with . It is needless to say that the loyal and

Masonic toasts were proposed and received with accustomed cordiality , the newly installed W . M ., who it appears had never before an oppurtunity of presiding at any public gathering , doing this part of his duties in an undeniably creditable manner . Replying to the toast of " The Visitors , " Bro . Valentine , W . M . 1017 , disclaimed any personal merit as the cause of the cordiality with which his name was received , but

ascribed it to the spirit of sympathy between the sister lodges towards each other . He would be failing in his duty were he to forget to express his approval and admiration of the manner in which the work of the lodge was accomplished , and also to declare his gratitude for the fraternal way in which the visitors were received . Everybody knew the saying that " gratitude meant a lively sense of favours to come , " but he could assure them that

no such cynical spirit influenced him in what he had said . Bro . J . Rensworth , S . D . 172 S , said his visits to this lodge , through the kindness of Bro . T . VV . C . Bush , P . M ., had been so frequent , and his sentiments regarding it had so often been reiterated , that he feared his remarks would only be a repetition of what he had expressed on former occasions . He had had opportunities of witnessing the progress of many of the officers , when step by step they

ultimately arrived at the highest points . It was not at all surprising that a lodge where the best abilities are exerted in every portion of the work should become prosperous and influential . Bro . Dr . Harron , P . M . Pilgrim Lodge , said that after the speeches already made by some of the visitors he would have hesitated to make any remarks , were it not that he belonged to a lodge occupying an exceptional position in the Craft . The Pilgrim Lodge , 238 , was the

only lodge on the register under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England which was permitted to work the ritual in a foreign tongue . The German language was used . The lodge ( was founded in 1779 , and therefore reached a century of its existence in 1879 . There are some slight divergencies in the work , and he would be happy to meet as many of them at the lodge as could make it convenient to visit it , that they might beable to note in what

the difference existed . He was exceedingly gratified to be able to compliment the lodge in regard to the efficiency of its officers , and altogether the whole proceedings had a tendency to create a feeling of wishing to come again . The I . P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " thought that under his guidance the duties appertaining to the chair would be creditably fulfilled , and the W . M . in reply expressed his thanks to the brethren for the

cordiality with which his name was received . He would ask them to bear with him in his endeavours , and pardon his shortcomings , but , relying on their assistance and co-operation , he trusted to prove himself not unworthy of their confidence . The I . P . M ., Bro . 5 . _ Barnett , in response , said that in the performance of his duties it was not nervousness but anxiety to prevent disappoiment . But he had always felt that the brethren were " to -his faults a little

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

blind , and to his failings so very kind , " which encouraged him in his work , and the assurance of their approval was all he aimed at . He would take the opportunity of again expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the very handsome jswel presented to him , and the kindness evinced towards him would never be effaced from his

memory . The W . M . next proposed "The Prosperity of the Benevolent Fund , " coupling with it the name of Bro . Morris Hart , the oldest P . M . of the lodge , who , during a forcible and telling appeal on behalf of the fund , pointed to the excellent effects which had resulted from the timely application of its benefits , and in particular to the

fact that in one case it was deemed neither injudicious nor unjust to grant the sum of £ 200 to one individual brother . It did not transpire how the appeal was met , but , to judge from the generous disposition of Tranquillity members , there is no doubt of a considerable increase to the fund , which now consists of £ 600 India Four per Cents , and £ 100 Scinde Railway , against which , howbalance of

ever , a £ 90 to the Treasurer has to be considered . There was an amiable rivalry between Bros . Bush , P . M ., and Staley , P . M ., inasmuch as , in giving "The Health of the P . M . 's , " the name of Bro . Bush was first mentioned . Bro . Staley , however , briefly responded , and Bro . Bush , who seems to have required the trick of accomplishing the

to so many people difficult feat of making an acceptable after-dinner speech , reviewed at some length several phases and experiences he had gathered during his Masonic career . He was pleased with the progress made by the younger members in their official duties , especially with the

position of Bro . Peartree , a name never to be forgotten in the lodge ; the former bearer of it , by his services , had endeared himself to every member of the lodge . No doubt some faults might be pointed at ; but " If from them some errors fall , look in their faces , you'll forgive them all . "

The toast of " The Officers " having been proposed and replied to , the Tyler's toast brought the proceedings to a close . The musical arrangements were most ably conducted by Bro . Harry Tipper , J . W ., chief of the Royal Criterion glee singers , assisted by Bro . Fletcher , and Messrs . James , Wise , and Doyle . The visitors were Bros . M . Benjamin 733 ; E . Walford

, , S . D . 905 ; D . H . Jones , P . M . 16 94 ; D . W . Morrison , Sec . ipSi ; G . Gardner , S . W . 2012 j E . Kopf , D . C . 59 j C . Colman , 1 S 35 ; N . P . Valentine , W . M . 1017 ; T . H . Wilson , W . M . 194 ; J . Gershen , 1798 ; Sampson Samuel , 1017 ; P . B . Harris , 177 ; J . Rensworthy , S . D . 1728 ; J . P . Cohen , P . M . 205 ; J . Thompson , 733 ; B . Maningtree , 342 ; J . Bedford , 1671 ; D . Carrie , 1017 ; J . Maninff ,

177 ; B . b . Woolf , 72 ; Discon , 2012 ; E .-W . Bailey , 2012 ; D . King , 1445 ; J . G . Baker , P . M . 753 ; C . W . Fletcher , 2029 ; C . Harris , 23 S ; Lazarus , P . M ., P . P . G . W . Wiltshire ; Alexander , 1614 ; and Dr . Harron , P . M . The Past Masters were Bros . M . Hart , B . Z . Bloomfield , N . Moss , J . D . Barnett , Org . ; Croker , Harfeld , Defries , N . Glucl « tein , and E . Gottheil .

LODGE OF FRIENDSHIP ( No . 206 ) —The first regular meeting of the above old and well-established lodge , since the installation , was held on the 12 th inst ., at Bros . C . and A . Painter's comfortable hostelry , the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street . Lodge was opened by Bro . J . L . Anderson , W . M ., who was assisted by the undermentioned officers and brethren : Bros . Wm . Gowland ,

S . W . ; VV . H . Arber , J . W . J C . Thos . Scrivener , P . M ., Treas . ; A . R . Rumsey , P . M ., Sec . ; J . M . Rooney , S . D . j A . Britton , J . D . ; Wm . Steel , I . G . ; E . H . Marquis , Stwd . ; S . Gamman , P . M . j H . M . Collier , P . M . ; E . Squirrel ! , P . M . ; and C . D . Moore . Visitors : Bros . E . Clements , I . P . M . 181 C ; G . H . Stephens , W . M . 1623 ; and others .

Bro . C . D . Moore , who was initiated at the last lodge meeting , was in . attendance , and , having been duly tested , was entrusted . and passed to the degree of F . C . by Bro . Anderson , whose initial working proved highly satisfactory . The exercise of that virtue which so strongly characterises our ancient Craft , occupied some considerable time , and we are glad to learn that Bro . Anderson intends to signalize his year of office by standing Steward at the forthcoming

Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , ana that he is already being supported by the lodge and the brethren individually . Lodge being closed , the brethren passed a social hour together in truly social harmony . The usual loyal and Craft toasts being dul y honoured , but the proceedings being free from formality , rendered this , practically an " off-night , " a truly enjoyable occasion .

MY ,, CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . gor ) . —A meeting of the above lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Monday , the 16 th inst ., when Bros . H . McClelland , W . M . ; David Hughes , I . P . M . ; H . Harbord , S . W . 3 D . Hughes , J . W . ; Chas . Beaumont , P . M ., Sec ; John Hughes , P . M ., Treas . j R . P . Stevens ,

S . D . j J . Hoddinott , J . D . ; R . Clinch , D . C ; Hand , Org . ; Haylock , Prince , and Rubardt , Stwds . ; J . Woodstock , Tyler ; G . A . Cundy , P . M . ; Newman , Finnister , Pearce , Gross , E . Venner , Gillard , Eade , Taylor , Derry , Clarke , Vale , Follett , and Watkins . Visitor : Bro . J . Bladon , 1839 . The minutes of the installation meeting were read and

confirmed . The new bye-laws received final confirmation . The ballot was taken and proved unanimous in favour of Bro . H . Burncll , 1343 , as a joining member , also of Mr . Parsons as an initiate . Mr . Parsons being present , was then initiated , and Bro . Pearce received the degree of F . C . The W . M . reminded the members that the Festival of the Benevolent Institution , at which he should represent the

lodge as Steward , would take place during the ensuing week , and that he should be glad to receive the names of any subscribers who had not already placed their names on his list . Bro . Johnson , of the Finsbury Lodge , was proposed as a joining member , and the lodge was closed in due form . The brethren then adjourned to dinner , at which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were gracefully given and responded to .

ST . JOHN'S LODGE ( No . 1306 ) . —The regular meeting of the above lodge was held at the Three Nuns Hotel . Aldgate , on Wednesday , the 1 ith inst . Bro , J . P .