Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

LIVERPOOL . —Duke of Edinburgh Lodge ( No . 11 S 2 ) . —There was an unusually large and most influential gathering of members and visitors at the ordinary monthly meeting of the above lodge , on Thursday evening , the 12 th inst ., the special attraction of the occasion being the inauguration of what was described in the W . M . ' s circular of invitation as "the musical ceremony , " for which rehearsals and preparations have been going on , we understand , for several weeks . 'The

chair was occupied by Bro . A . D . Hcskcth , W . M ., and amongst the chiefs of the lodge present were Bros . George Musker , l . P . M . ; R . Martin , jun ., P . M ., M . C . ; T . B . Myers , P . M . ; T . Williams , P . M . ; T . Davies , P . M . ; Capt . Williams , P . M . ; H . Barclay , S . W . ; T . O . Dutton , J . W . j W . Brown , Treas . ; J . O . Rea , Sec ; T . Warcing , S . D . ; D . T . Holden , J . D . ; ' J . II . Tyson , I . G . ; W . Davis , Org . ; T . Wright and R . Barnes , Stewards ; and Peter

Ball , Tyler . There were about thirty private members present , and the visitors included Bros . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec ; J . T * Callow , P . P . G . Treas . ; J . F . Newell , P . P . G . S . W . j D . Jackson , P . M . C 73 ; Hugh Williams , P . P . G ., D . C ; J . Devaynes , P . M . 607 ; T . \ V . Sergeant , P . M . 203 ; Councillor Joseph Ball , S . W . 673 ; H . Williams , 1609 ; T . Peake , W . M . 667 ; J . W . Williams , P . M . 1356 ; Rev . R . T . Leslie , W . M . 1713 ; W . Brackenburv , P . M .

673 ; C . Arden , W . M . 1356 ; W . Gick , P . M . 1756 ; L . Herman , W . M . 6 73 ; J . R . Bottomley , l . P . M . 1675 ; II . Firth , P . M . 6 G 7 ; J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 ; W . Savage , J . W . 1 C 09 ; H . Coulson , W . M . 1505 ; J . B . MacKenzie , l . P . M . 1609 ; Capt . Jackson , 1 C 09 ; and others . The ballot , after the minutes of regular and emergency meetings had been read and confirmed , was taken for two candidates for initiation , Mr . John Meols , and Mr . Richard

Alexander Lavis . The voting was unanimously in jtheir favour , | and , both being in attendance , they were duly initiated by the W . M ., assisted by his officers . Four brethren presented themselves for the purpose of being passed , and this was also most efficiently done . The new musical ceremony , which consisted of chants at every available point in the two Degrees , was rendered by a strong body of voices in the gallery , Bro . Davis presiding

at the organ , and a hymn was sung at the opening and closing of the lodge as part of the " new departure . " Before the lodge was closed , however , Bro . H . S . Alpass , Prov . Grand Secretary , rose in his place , and said he could not permit the brethren to depart that evening without calling their attention to what he looked upon as a serious innovation in connection with the ritual of their Order—viz ., the introduction of a

musical service which he was sure the Board of General Purposes in London would never sanction . He had ascertained that something of the kind was to be done that evening , and he had , therefore , made it his business to attend on that occasion to see and judge for himself as to what the new musical programme actually was . He had no hesitation in pronouncing it an innovation , and if persisted in he would consider it his duty to call the attention of the Board

of . General Purposes to the matter . He observed that the title of book of the music introduced that evening was somewhat misleading , as it was described as "Scriptural Extracts , Compiled and Pointed as a Musical Service for the various Masonic Ceremonies ( Craft and Arch ) , as recognised by the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England , by David P . Owen , P . M ., P . / .. 99 S . " ' He ( Bro . Alpass ) must remind the W . M . of the obligation

which he took upon the duties of the W . M . 's chair , in which he promised that he would neither practise nor permit any deviation from the ancient landmarks of the Order . The musical service was both a deviation and an innovation , and must be discontinued . As proving bow the Grand Lodge thought of the matter , he ( Bro . Alpass ) would read the following letter which he had received from the Grand Secretary , to whom he had considered it his duty to write

on the subject— "Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C ., yth May , 1 SS 1 . Dear Sir and Brother , —In reply to yours of the 6 th inst . on the subject of vocal music in lodges , I may inform you the question has been more than once before the Board of General Purposes . The following is the text of the last letter 1 wrote by their direction : 'The singing of hymns forms no part of the ritual of the three Degrees of Masonry , and the Board would , if appealed to , object to

the practice . At the same time no objection would be made to an instrumental musical accompaniment . ' Yours fraternally , SIIAUWEI . I . H . CI . EKKF , G . S . Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Sec . W . Lancashire . " In these circumstances he trusted the musical ceremony would not be continued : if so , his ( Bro . "Alpass' ) duty would be to bring the matter before the Board of General Purposes . Bro . R . Martin , P . M ., took it that it was rather the

quantity than the quality which was objected to . Bro . E , Paull , 'Treas . 1356 , contended at some length that the musical programme that evening had very greatly added to the effectiveness of the ceremony ; and Bro . Bottomley , P . M . 1675 , said that an elaborate musical programme had been employed at a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge several years ago . T he subject then dropped , and after the lodge had been closed the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room for refreshment .

BRIGHTON . —HovaEcclesia Lodge ( No . 14 C 6 ) . —The installation meeting of this popular lodge was held at the Old Ship on Saturday , the 7 th inst ., when many distinguished brethren were present , viz ., Bros . Sir John Monckton , President of the Board of General Purposes ; Col . Shadwell II . Clerke , Grand Sec . ; W . J . II . Scott , P . G . D . of Eng „ Dep . Prov . G . M . of Sussex ; Col . Gorham , Dep . Dist . G . M . of Punjaub ; P . de Lande Long

P . G . D . ; and others . At the opening of the lodge there were some eighty brethren gathered ' together . The W . M ., Bro . the Rev . E . Richards-Adams , Prov . G . Chap ., first proceeded to pass Bros . Capt . Chambers and Trenchard to the Degree of Fellow Craft , then to initiate Mr . Percy Howard into the mysteries of the Craft ; after which Bro . C . J . Smith , P . M ., Prov . J . G . W ., took the chair , and installed Bro . II . A .

Dowell as Master for the ensuing year . The addresses were delivered by Bro . Capt . Il ' enty , P . P . J . G . W ., the work being admirably performed throughout . Ahandsome Past Master's jewel was pretenb-d to Bro . Richards-Adams , the outgoing W . M ., while Bro . C . J . Smith , in fulfilment of a promise that Past Masters should present ( heir banners

to the lodge , olfc-red his lor acceptance . 1 liis banner was a beautiful piece of work-, the arms , crest , and motto being embroidered in proper colours upon a pale blue silk ground . It is hoped that before the year is out other Past Masters will fulfil their contract , by adding their respective banners to the decoration of this already beautifully-appointed

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

lodge . The report of the Audit Committee showed a year of considerable success , both as to initiations and joinings ; an increase of thirteen members during the year bringing the muster roll up to fifty-eight all told , while a good cash balance at She bank spoke well for the financial condition of the lodge . The installation of Bro . Dowell was of more than ordinary interest from the fact that this worthy brother

is the first of the initiates of the lodge w ho has attained the distinction of the chair after working , steadily and well , through the various offices . We can but hope that a successful year awaits the new W . M ., and that the same prosperity which has so markedly attended the lodge in the past will be continued in the future . The officers for the year are : Bros . Alfred Marshall , S . W . ; Captain

Luttman Johnson , J . W . ; Capt . C . P . Henty , S . D . ; Capt . George Dalbiac , Treasurer ; C J . Smith , Secretary ; Dr . H . Price , I . G . ; Alex . Price , Steward ; Major Bridger , Steward ; Capt . McWhinnic , D . of C . ; and C . Kelly , Organist . Letters of regret at enforced absence were received from a large number of brethren , notably

from R . W . Bros . Sir Walter Burrell , Prov . Grand Master Sussex ; the Earl of March , G . S . W . ; Lord Arthur Hill , Prov . Grand Master co . Down ; Bros . Baron George de Worms ; W . Bro . Thomas Fenn , P . G . D . ; and Bro . S . H . Parker , South Australia . Some sixty brethren sat down to the banquet , and did honour to the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .

GREAT STANMORE . —Abercorn Lodge ; ( No . 1549 ) . . —This prosperous lodge commenced its seventh summer season at the Abercorn Hotel , with an emergency meeting on the 2 nd inst ., when the W . M ., Bro . R . Raj-, assisted by Bros . C . Long , S . W . ; Bamford , J . W . ; Goldsmid , S . D . ; Villiers , J . D . ; Rogers , Treasurer ; C . Veal , Secretary ; and G . Tidcombe , P . M . ; with several

other members , opened the lodge , and after a successful ballot ably initiated Mr . W . Shubrook . Bro . Wilcox , having proved himself worthy , was raised to the Degree of M . M . Bro . Wm . Haynes , of Royal Union , No . 3 S 2 , was elected as a joining member , and the usual business having been disposed of , the lodge was closed at 7 . 15 . At the first regular meeting , on April Cth , the W . M . was

also supported by his officers , and Bro . Vincent , P . M ., several members , and Bros . Schmidt , 13 S 5 ; and Scott , 73 , as visitors , were also present . The business was light on this occasion , through the very rare absence of either of the ceremonies . Three resignations , through remarkable circumstances were accepted with regret , and other new members having been announced , the lodge was closed

after the usual dispatch of business at 6 . 30 . At the second regular meeting , held on the 4 th inst ., the W . M . was also well supported , and after confirming the minutes of previous meeting , passed Bro . W . Shubrook to the Degree of F . C . in his usual impressive manner . Bro . G . Tidcombe , P . M ., gave notice of motion for next meeting to appear on summons , and also proposed Mr . C .

Lovejoy as a candidate for initiation . " Hearty good wishes" having been expressed by Bro . Shepherd , P . M . 27 , and 201 , a visitor , the lodge was closed at 7 p . m . The usual banquets , for which this lodge is famous , followed each meeting , the lovel y spring weather at this old hostelry makingthc charming spot even more

enjoyable , and giving every prospect of a successful summer season , the place being particularly adapted for quiet Masonic gatherings . The W . M . was fully effective in the chair on each occasion , and after giving the usual toasts , was equally successful and well supported when the little box passed found in the cause of charity .

I MORECAMBE — Morecambe Lodge ( No . 1561 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge \ vas held in the Masonic Hall , Edward-street , on the Cth inst . This being the annual meeting for the election of W . M ., there was a trood attendance , and the choice of the brethren was given

unanimously in favour of the S . W ., Bro . W . W . Wilde . Bro . Hartley was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Wilkinson , Ty ler . The installation meeting was fixed for the 27 th inst ., the Installing Officer" being Bro . John Hatch , P .. M and Sec . 2 S 1 . The lodge was then closed .

EAST GRINSTEAD . —Sackville Lodge ( No . 1 O 19 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Crown Hotel on Tuesday , the 3 rd inst ., at live o'clock p . m ., when the following were present : Bros . S . Davison , W . M . j Evelyn A . Head , S . W . ; Rudge , J . W . ; W . Hale , P . M ., Treas . ; Mitchell , Sec . ; Calway , S . D . ; Firbank , I . G . ; Noehmer , P . M . ; Cooper , Ovendcn , Betchley , G . 1 listed ,

II . I listed , Young , Woodbridge , Brown , and Holmes . Visitors : Bros . Smith , 109 G ; W . Game , P . M . 511 ; and J . Hopkinson , 3 S . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the last regular meeting and lodge of emergency , a notice of motion , "That a jewel be presented to Bro . Davison , W . M ., on the expiration of his year of office , " was

considered , and , on the motion of Bro . Head , S . W ., seconded by Bro . Rudge , it was unanimously voted . The election of W . M . was then proceeded with , the result being that Bro . Evelyn A . Head was unanimousl y elected to the chair for the ensuing year . Some discussion took place on the appointment of Treasurer , as to the great convenience of his living in the neighbourhood , and Bro . Hale , P . M . and

Treasurer , having concurred therein , our esteemed Bro . HecUford was elected Treasurer . The thanks of the brethren were expressed to Bro . Hale , P . M ., for his most efficient seivices ; and a notice was given of a motion to present him with a Past Treasurer ' s jewel . _ Bro . Sargent was re-elected Tyler . Bros . II . and G . I listed and Bro . Brown were , on the motion of Bro . Head , S . W ., seconded

by Bro . Noc-hmer , elected the Audit Committee . Mr . Geo . Edwards was proposed as a candidate for initiation . The brethren then had the great pleasure of listening to the lecture on the tracing board in the First Degree , which was most excellently given by Bro . Hopkinson , to whom the lodge owe a debt of gratitude , not only for his services that day , but on several former occasions .

The lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet , prepared in Bro . Ovenden's wellknown style . The usual tuasls were given , including that of "The W . M . Elect , " which was most kindly received , and the W . M . expressed himself highly pleased with the reception he had received during his year of office , and for the assistance at all limes received from his officers . A most enjoyable evening ivas spent . CROYDON . —Old . England Lodge ( No . 17 C 0 ) . — At the monthly meeting of this lodge , held at the Masonic

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Hall , New Thornton Heath , on Monday , the gth inst ., Bros . Foulsham , I . P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . Northumberland , officiated as W . M . in the absence of Bro . Buckworth ; Harland , S . W . ; Pascall , J . W . ; Whittaker , S . D . j Shonfcld , J . D . ; Baber , Secretary ; Sergeant , I . G . ; Bavin , Tyler ; Daniel , P . M . ; Fleming , Clarke , White , Ransom , Legg , Ridpath , Sparrow , Haskins , and Tutton . Visitor :

Bro . Ridge , J . W . 4 53 . After the preliminaries , Messrs . Jas . Burnliam and Wm . Hirson were balloted for , elected , and presented for initiation , which ceremony was performed " by the W . M . Bro . Haskins was then passed to the Degree of F . C , and Bro . Tutton was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., after which the bye-laws were read by thc ' Secretary , and it

was announced that five brethren were eligible for the office of W . M . for the ensuing year , when the election was unanimous in favour of Bro . Harland , S . W . Bro . Foulsham was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Bavin , Tyler , for the ensuing year . Bro . Harland , in thanking the brethren for their unanimous vote , said that he w-ould , as a young Mason , use his best endeavours to deserve the trust

they had reposed in him . He would be as frequent in his attendance as it was possible , and hoped during his year of office , with the assistance of the brethren , to give satisfaction . Bro . Foulsham said , as one of the founders of the lodge with Bro . Harland , he could not keep quiet on this occasion , for he was sure that when Bro . Harland was installed W . M . of Old England Lodge he w-ould give satisfaction and perform his duties in accotdance with the

wishes of the brethren , who must know something of his working , or they would not be "so happy in their unity . " He would give him all the assistance that laid in his power . The lodgebcingonc of his own creation he did not mind what labour he was called upon to do to further the success of a lodge of which he was so proud . The Audit Committee were appointed and one gentleman proposed , when , after " Hearty good wishes " had been expressed by Bros . Daniel and Ridge , the lodge was closed in due form .

INSTRUCTION . FAITH LODGE ( No . 141 ) . —On the 10 th inst . Bro . James Terry , P . P . G . J . W . Herts , P . M . 22 S , i 2 S , and 13 CG , P . Z ., Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , rehearsed the consecration and installation ceremonies , and appointed as his assistants Bros . Mornsson , W . M . 141 , S . W . ; Percival , J . W . ; Cottebrune

, l . P . M . ; Hunt , I . G . ; and Bavington , Hon . Sec . The lodge was opened in due form and the minutes of the previous meeting read „ and confirmed . Bro . Terry then proceeded with the dedication ceremony , which was accompanied by sacred music , the brethren joining in the anthems and responses . ' This part of the ceremony ended , Bro . | Terry installed Bro . Dean , S . W . 417 , as W . AL , who

appointed his officers as follows : Bro . G . Festa , S . W . ; C . Dairy , P . M . 141 , J . W . ; Scott , Treas . ; Barrington , Sec . ; Collier , S . D . ; Docker , J . D . ; and Gardner , I . G . The addresses to the chairs and lodge were most ably delivered , Bro . Terry , if anything , excelling his usual form , 'and on the completion of his arduous task he receivcd _ a true Masonic acknowledgment . The principal business ended ,

the W . M ., after suitable introductory remarks , said he was about to propose that which he need not ask them , for they were too unanimous to require inviting , and that was that a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutest e Bro . Terry for the entertainment and instruction so ably delivered by him that evening . The vote was carried unanimously . Bro . Terry thanked the lodge for their vote , and

stated the pleasure he had in meeting so large a number of the brethren . He thanked them for their support , and begged to bear testimony to the able manner in which Bro . Rhodes , P . M ., P . P . G . C . Surrey , and his able assistants had rendered the musical part of the ceremony , which was an essential in all consecration ceremonies . The lodge afterwards passed a vote of thanks to P . M . Rhodes and thechoir

he had brought together . In reply , Bro . Rhodes expressed his thanks on behalf of himself and the brethren assisting him . A vote of thanks was also passed to the mother lodge , under whose warrant they had for so many years worked . Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent cold collation ,

prepared by Bro . Cole , consisting of the best viands in season , from eighty to one hundred brethren partaking of the same , and which was presided over by Bro . Cottebrune , P . M ., P . G . P ., Preceptor of the lodge ; Bro . Terry , as I . P . M ., and Bro . Jas . Stevens on his immediate right . The cloth being removed , and the Tyler having discharged his duty , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and

enthusiastically honoured . The President then proposed " The Health of the Consecrating and Installing- Master , " and in the course of some well-deserved complimentary remarks on the number of years he had known Bro . Terr )' , said nothing had transpired to alter , that brotherly affection so long existing between them . A great deal more might be said on Bro . Terry ' s behalf—his urbane kindness , his willingness to be always giving similar

entertainments to that which had been witnessed that evening ; and , so far as his own judgment went , he did not think it possible to improve on such working . He would now ask the brethren to show their appreciation of Bro . Terry . A spontaneous burst of applause was the result of this invitation of the President , lasting some seconds , almost even' one hailing him by name , to which the worthy

brother ' had to rise and bow to the reception . Bro . Terry rose , as he said , to thank them for their very kind reception . The kind of labours he had gone through that evening were those he bad now become familiar with from long practice , and he must say he did not feel tired of rehearsing them , and hoped he never would while he had brethren like the present to appreciate them . It was

about five years ago since he performed a similar ceremony in the Faith Lodge of Instruction , and he trusted to be spared another live years , when , if he was invited , he would be glad to perforin the same ceremonies again . He trusted their Preceptor would also be spared to meet them . He hoped the brethren would not forget the Charity of which he had the honour of being Secretary . Upwards

of ninety applicants they had now on their demands , and only sufficient to meet the demands of the twenty vacancies . All they freely gave would be faithfully applied , and he asked them to do all in their power for the indigent brethren of those seeking the benefits of the Institution ; and after fuithcr detailed exposition of the Charity , he again thanked the brethren and resumed his seat amid applause . The President next proposed the toast of "The Mother Lodsre . " couplimr the names of the