Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft fHasoiii'jr . UNION WATERLOO LODGE ( No , 13 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the above lodge took place 011 Wednesday , th- - nth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich , Bro . G . H . Masters , W . M ., in Ihe chair , supported by the following officers and brethren : 1305 . R . Smith , I . P . M . ; G . B . Davis , P . M . ; H . Syer ,

, piYl . ; W . Akers , S . W . ; A . Cleal , J . W . ; T . Hutton , P . M ., Treas . ; N . Brown , P . M ., Sec ; VV . Bidgood , Organist ; J . Milbourne , S . D . ; VV . Tailby , I . G . j S . Cliatcauneuf , W . S . ; H . Mason , P . M . 913 ; R . Hanson , P . M . S 29 ; J . banderson , J . W . 700 ; W . Maule , S . D . , 53 6 ; G . VV . King , 1437 ; J . Clark , 142 S ; C . Bedo , TOO ; B . Tidy , 1926 ; F . Reed , 1 S 17 ; G . H . Porter , Steed 123 and

700 ; G . Lawrance , 913 ; R . A . , ; C . jolly , 913 ( . Freemason ) . The work consisted of balloting for Mr . W . Prance , which proving unanimous , he was initiated , and Bro . Tidy was elected a joining member . Bro . Barnes was passed , and Bros . Dennis and Keeble raised . Five guineas was voted for a distressed brother , and five guineas was voted to Bro . Mason ' s list for the " Old People . " The lodge was then closed , and the brethren partook of

refreshment . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , and the VV . M . had a bumper when his health was proposed by the I . P . M ., for which he briefly returned thanks . In responding to the toast of "The Past Masters , " Bro . Smith , P . M ., cautioned the younger brethren against a rank imposter , who went about widi a big Masonic pin in

his scarf , and told people that he was a member of that lodge , which was a deliberate lie . The fellow was a wood turner , employed in the Royal Arsenal , and he wished to warn the brethren generally against allowing him to force himself into their company . Bro . Mason , for "The Visitors , " thanked the lodge for its gift of five guineas for the "Old People . " The three

grand principles of Masonry were " brotherly love , relief , and truth , " and having had the honour to represent the Pattison Lodge at the last festival of the "Aged Freemason ' s Institution , " as its Steward , he was proud to say that lie took up the very handsome sum of 1 S 5 guineas . The Province of Kent had come out well with £ 581 12 s ., in fact the Grand Master was so pleased that he said , " Oh , Kent

always does everything well , " for on an average for the last seven years Kent had sent up £ 653 per annum , while he felt sure that they would be pleased to know that the total received at the Festival amounted 10 , ^ 17 , 770 . He spoke of the pleasure with which the old people at Croydon welcomed a brother Mason , and how satisfactory it

was to see them all so comfortable and happy . He trusted the lodge would subscribe yearly to the Charities , and that none of its members might ever require assistance , for "it was more blessed to give than receive . " The other toasts were " Thc Initiate , " "The Masonic Press , " "The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast .

VITRUVIAN LODGE ( No . 87 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the nth inst ., at the Bridge House Hotel . Bro . W . H . Bale , the VV . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . W . R . Davis , S . W ., W . M . elect ; Thos . Minstrell , P . M ., l . W . ; and Thurkle , Treas . Past Masters T . Janeway , J . Hamer , R . Whiting , R . T . Hopkins , C . Walter , A . Timothy , and

a large number of visitors and brethren connected with the lodge . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and the W . M . performed the ceremony of passing in his usual efficient manner . Bro . W . R . Davis having assented to the ancient charges and regulations was installed VV . M . by his predecessor in the chair . The retiring

W . M . well performed the ceremony , being assisted by Bro . Whiting , P . M ., who delivered the charges in a most efficient manner . Bro . Davis , who , by the way , is author of the new Masonic song , " The Initiate , " then invested his officers , appointing Bro . Minstrell his Senior Warden , and Bro . Birch his Junior Warden . Bro . Thurkle , P . M ., who has for many years filled the oflice of Treasurer , was reinvested

with the collar of that office , and Bro . Stuart , P . M ., who also has done good service as Secretary of that lodge , was re-appointed . Bros . Watson was appointed S . D . ; Lamborne , J . D . ; Chamberlain , I . G . ; Irvin , D . of C ; Payne and Nichols , W . Stwds . ; and Bro . Knollys receiving the collar of Organist . The candidates were elected , and the initiation ceremony was performedthe newly-installed W . M . proving an

, admirable worker . The usual valuable Past Master's jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning ) ,, was presented to the retiring Master , Bro . Bale , whose services to the lodge during the year were warmly eulogised . As an additional token of the respect of the brethren , an emblazoned and beautifully framed address in acknowledgment of Bro . uale s services was presented to him , it having been

-iprned on behalf of all the ofiicers of the lodge . vj \ t' ' ' tably replied to the kind remarks of the W . M ., and thanked the lodge most heartily for such pleasing tokens of their esteem . Ihe lodge having been closed in the usual form , the brethren and their guests adjourned to the banqueting room , where an excellent banquet was served . Craft and other toasts of

a personal and congratulatory character were Riven and warmly responded to . A movement is on foot or the purpose of forminga chapter in connection with the otige , and the suggestion has been most zealously taken « . *> •by the brethren , many of whom have stated to Bro . 'mstrell , who has the arrangements in hand , their inten" ° n , should the warrant be granted , of joining .

LODGE OF TRANQUILLITY ( No . 185 ) . —An orainary meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the ¦ Mb inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C . « ro . - Sydney Boas , W . M . in the chair . There were present 1 YV V ^ " * 1- *^*; Stayley , asS . W . j II . Tipper , i * W . ; VV . D . Bayley , P . M ., Treas . ; and A . Myers , Sec . everal of the minor officers were absent . but there was a

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

goodly muster of brethren . It is the custom in many lodges for the retiring Master to clear off all his work , and not unfrequently recourse is had to an emergency meeting , generally held about a week before the night of installation , and so leave the course clear to the new Master . Such an arrangement is , however , sometimes extremely aggravating , especially when no new candidates are forthcoming and the newly-installed W . M . well up in his work , and

eager to convince the members that their choice was justified . On thc other hand , it is by no means pleasant to a brother tolerably efficient , but of a nervous temperament , to commence his career with three or four passings , and eventual working of the Master Mason's Degree , when , in all probability , the performance of an initiation , in which he is perhaps more at home , might have imparted to him the confidence necessary under such circumstances . Bro . Boas

had to commence his duties by conferring the Second Degree upon Bros . M . Marks , Stanley , Bamberger , Van Gilder , J . Davies , Frisher , and Lazarus—no easy task for a young beginner . After thc termination of the lodge business , an ample supper was served , and next the usual toasts were proposed and responded to with very commendable brevity . The W . M ., in response to the toast of his health ,

expressed his sincere thanks for the cordiality with which the brethren deemed proper to receive his name . He confessed a certain amount of nervousness , which everyone must have noticed during the proceedings ; but assured the brethren that his future efforts would be found to be satisfactory . Bro . Solomon Barnett , I . P . M ., who replied for " The Past Masters , " dilated upon the readiness of that body to render services whensoever and wheresoever they are

called upon , as was the case that evening , when one of them was required to do the duties of the absent S . W ., duties which he had not attempted for the last four years . Bro . T . VV . C . Bush , P . M ., announced his intention to stand Steward at the next Festival , unattached and independent of any lodge of which he was a member , and requested the aid of the brethren in the matter . [ Bro . Bush deserves all recognition . He is indefatigable in the

cause of the Charities , towards which , through his influence , no mean amount has been contributed during the last few years , and , to judge from the number of clasps he is entitled to wear , worthy to be considered a model for imitation . J Bro . W . D . Bayley , P . M . and Treasurer , whose name is ahvays received with the most sincereaffection , was puzzled to say anything he had not said before . He could assure the brethren that he most heartily reciprocated the kind

feeling ever shown to him . Bro . Asher Myers , the able Secretary , although young in that office , is making rapid strides in securing the esteem of the members by his unfailing courtesy and readiness to oblige , is so reticient as to allow the Treasurer , with whom his name is always associated , to speak for him , although his ability to respond for himself is well known and unquestioned .

A very pleasant and enjoyable gathering came to a close with the Tyler ' s toast . Bros . Bayley , Tipper , and Thompson amused the brethren by their vocal efforts . The visitors were Bros . Harris , 177 ; Hills , 754 ; Durrant , 34 ; Hamilton , 53 ; Sheffield , 1896 ; Skipton , 1603 ; Hawkes , 107 ; and Rexworthy , 172 S . The P . M . ' s were Bros . S . Barnett , I . P . M . ; Stayley , Bush , J . D . Burnett , Org . ; Harfeld , J . Ross , W . D . Bayley , N . Gluckstein , and E . Gottheil .

CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 901 ) . —A meeting was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Monday , the 16 th inst ., when there were present Bros . H . McClelland , W . M . ; David Hughes , I . P . M . ; Daniel Hughes , J . W . ; John Hughes , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Beaumont , P . M ., Sec ; R . Pittam Stevens , S . D . ; John P . Hoddinott , J . D . ; R . Clinch , D . C ; R . F . Whur , I . G . ; Hand , Org . ; Haylock , W . S . ; Rubardt and Prince ,

Stwds . ; Woodstock , Tyler ; A . Griffith , P . M . ; G . A . Cundy , P . M . ; W . Lewis , P . M . ; Sheffield , Pearce , Gross , Diamond , Fimister , Bater , Gillard , Parsons , Newman , G . Smith , H . Smith , Eade , Barwell , Dance , P . M ., Ross , Glanville , Derry , Taylor , E . VV . Cundy , W . Venner , Burnell , Follett , Watkins , Fletcher , Vale , Brittain , Chivers , Vears , Green , Clarke , Little , and Corkhill . Visitors : Bros . Wyer ,

7 S 0 ; Haller , 65 ; Brinkler , 765 ; Ayling , S 61 ; and Thomas , 1 S 53 . In the absence , through illness , of Bro . Harbord , Bro . J . Hughes took the S . W . ' s chair . The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed , and Bro . Parsons was then passed to the degree of F . C , after which Bro . Pearce was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., the W . AI . rendering both ceremonies in a very impressive and effective manner . A discussion took place respecting some members who had

allowed their subscriptions to remain in arrear , and the Secretary received instructions accordingly . The brethren then adjourned to banquet , which was served in first-class style by Messrs . Ritter and Clifford , and afforded the members every satisfaction . At the banquet which followed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given and duly honoured by the brethren , the I . P . M ., Bro . David Hughes , then requested

the brethren to charge their glasses , bumpers , and drink to "The Health of the VV . M ., " and said that there was no doubt it was a very trying ordeal for a brother to take the chair , and work the ceremonies of such a lodge as the City of London , and as the W . M . had had an opportunity on a previous occasion of proving his capabilities , so again , this evening , he had shown the members how the work could and should be done , and there was no doubt that Bro .

McClelland , as a W . M ., was second to none . The Worshipful Master , in reply , said : In thanking you , brethren , for the hearty manner in which you have received this toast , I hope you will always back me up , and as I know I have your good feeling , so I also know that every day has my obligation to you . It is my earnest desire to carry out the duties of the chair to the fullest extent of my power , and it affords me great gratification to have such a goodly gathering round me .

The VVorshipful Master then announced that there would be the usual ladies day in the summer in connection with the lodge , and that Bro . Stevens had again kindly consented to be Hon . Secretary . The toast of " The Visitors " having been given in felicitous terms from the chair , Bro . Haller , in responding , said : W . M . and brethren , I thank you for coupling my name with this toast , and for the kind reception it has met with at your hands . You will notice by my speech that I am a stranger in a strange land , and although a Mason of

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

some six or seven years standing , it is my first risit to another lodge , and as the first ball of every young lady is thc prettiest , and this my first visit to a strange lodge will , I am sure , be the best . Bro . Thomas also responded to this toast , and said : That although I am not like the last speaker , a stranger amongst you , but as a frequent visitor have much pleasure

in testifying to the genial hospitality that is always extended by the City of London Lodge . The VVorshipful Master then gave "Thc P . M . ' s" toast , and stated that the whole prosperity and good working of a lodge depended materially upon the assistance of the P . Ms ., and they not only rendered efficient help to the

chair , but were really the backbone and mainstay of the ledge generally , and he trusted that for many years to come they would maintain that efficiency . The Past Masters-having severally returned thanks , and the toast of "The Officers" given and received in the usual hearty manner , the Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable evening to a conclusion .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . — The usual meeting was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 3 rd inst ., when there were present Bros . I . Jacobs , W . M . ; W . H . Kcdgley , S . W . ; T . A . Dickson , J . W . ; Edward Jacobs , P . M ., Treas . ; Wm . lBourne , P . M ., Sec ; B . Solomon , S . D . ; Bassett , J . D . ; G . Reynolds , I . G . ; Stacey , P . M ., Org . ; Potter , Tyler ; G . ColemanP . M . ;

, i > . Jacobs , P . M . ; C . Kedgley , P . M . ; Foan , Thorpe , S . Hewitt , Cousins , Frank Gulliford , C . Ralph , Unwin , Goldsmid , and Bryan . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , afterwhich Bros . E . W . Carter , A . A . Jacobs , L . Goldsmid , T . Wilson , and E . Mills were passed to the degree of F . C . In consequence of the deaths of Bros . J . Fioges and R

. Head , votes of condolence and sympathy to tlieir families in their sad bereavement were unanimously carried , to be recorded on the minutes of the lodge , and also that letters to that effect be sent to Mrs . Fi gges and Mr . E . Head by the Secretary . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , thc lodge was closed in peace and harmony . The lodge was in mourning for the late brethren .

HONOR OAK LODGE ( No . _ gS 6 ) . —The instal . lation meeting of this young but thriving lodge was held on Wednesday , the 1 ith inst ., at the Moore Park Hotel , Honor Oak , S . E ., and the executive of the lodge and-the brethren generally must be congratulated on the excellent arrangements for the convenience and comfort of the large number of members and visitors who attended the meeting .

Sixty brethren were present during labour in lodge , of whom fifty-five sat down to the subsequent refreshment . Lodge was opened punctually at 4 . 30 p . m ., by the VV . M ., Bro . C . II . Phillips , who was supported by the following officers and brethren of the lodge : Bros . H . Maunde " Williams , S . W . and W . M . elect ; H . Stokes , J . W . ; VV Hopekirk , P . M ., Treas . ; John Hammond , P . P . G . D .

Middx ., Secretary ; J . VV . Hartley , S . D . ; II . Hooper , J . D . ; G . VV . Knight , I . G . ; A . Darch , P . M ., n . 0 f fc . , ' F . France , W . S . ; VV . H . Simons , Asst . Org . ; J . Fuller , A . E . Chew , G . Mordey , T . Letchford , C . Longhurst . S . S . Young , W . Bartlett , E . Bye , sen . ; T . VV . Aidwinckle , N . R . McKinnon , Thos . Cox , J . H . Worstcncroft , W . H . O'Reilly , D . Baird , B . Forster , A . Pitman , and

G . R . Langley . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . There were three candidates for initiation , viz . : Mr . Joseph Andrews , Dr . Robert Lockhart Lawson , and Mr . Wm . Hy . Cloake . On the ballot being taken , these gentlemen were approved , and on being admitted were initiated by the VV . M . to the mysteries and privileges of ancient the

Freemasonry ; working of the ceremony being exceedingly creditable to the W . M . and officers . The lodge being advanced , the W . M . elect , Bro . H . Maunder Williams was presented to the W . M . by Bro . John Hammond , acting as D . of C , for the benefit of installation . The ancient charges were read by Bro . Langley , acting Secretary . The ceremony proceeded and the lodge was opened in the Third Degree , when those below the Deirrce of Installed Master

an having retired , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , numbering 20 . Bro . Phillips , as Installing Master then duly installed his successor , Bro . H . Maunder Williams into the chair of K . S . in due form , who was saluted most cordially . The new VV . M . appointed his predecessor I . P . M ., and invested him with the collar of such office . On the brethren being re-admited the newly , installed Alaster was greeted and saluted with full Alasonic honours .

The W . M . then proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : Bros . H . Stokes , S . W . ; J . W . Hartley J . VV . ; W . Hopekirk , P . M . ( unanimousl y elected at the previous meeting ) , Treas . ; John Hammond , P . P . P . D ., Sec . ; Herbert Hooper , S . D . ; Aug . Darch . P . M . J D T . W . Aldwinckle , l . G . ; F . France , D . C ; J . A . Worstcncroft , Asst . D . C . ; W . H . SimonsOrg . ; W . Bartlett

, , W . S . ; J . Fuller , C . S . ; A . Pitman , Asst . Org . ; G . R . Langley , Asst . Sec . ; and C . Thomas ( re-elected at the previous meeting ) , Tyler . The installation ceremony was concluded by the Installing Master , Bro . Phillips , giving the several charges most impressively ; in fact , our worthy brother rendered the whole ceremony faultlessly , and thus , by installing : his successor , so creditably comnleted

his year of office to the satisfaction of the brethren tohis own credit , and to the honour of the Craft . ' The W . M . then said he had a most pleasing duty to perform in the name of the lodge , namely , to present a Past Master's jewel , of gold , to Bro . Phillips as a mark of esteem and in appreciation of his valued services as one of the founders ol the lodge and W . M . for the year 1 SS 4-5 ; and , furtherto ask his

, acceptance of a collar and silver Past Master ' s jewel from some of his more personal friends in the lodge , as a token of brotherly love . The VV . AI . added that the brethren valued Bro . Phillips's services most highly , and trusted that he might long be spared in full vigour to them , to his lodge , and to his family , and that these jewels would be handed down from generation to

generation , as showing the respect in which he was held . Bro . Phillips thanked the brethren in suitable terms assuring them that , though he had joined the rank of Past Masters , yet he would assure them of his continued devotion to the best interests of the lodge . The usual complimentary resolutions were passed and after " Hearty good wishes" had been expressed , the ' lodge was closed in due form and adiourned .