Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

honorary member of their lodge , for the honour conferred on ] , im , and should be proud to think they would go forth and say , " He is one of us . " ' Bro . Richard Eve , P . G . Treas ., also responded , and returned thanks . It was not the first time he had been present having attended the consecration , which made a deep imnression upon him . He was glad to hear Bro . Weldon

say he realised the fact that I ' reemasonry was more than a social Institution , and that it was worthy of far higher considerations , tending to enlarge the mind , scope , and ability of all who joined the Order , and giving a higher view of things g-enerally . He quite felt that striking lesson which hadTjeen dilated upon—the brotherhood of man ; and they must bear in mind that higher principles could not be

expressed by any Institution than the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man . Whether it be in the East or West it mattered not , of whatever colour or creed , it embraced all those who were believers in one God . He believed that Masonry itself had a high capacity and a stronn- reach , and had a strong claim on every well regulated mincf for it brought under its banners the Christian and the

Jew , Mahommedan and Parsee , red , yellow , ana Clack men . ' He floried in Masonry from the fact that they could draw under its banners all phases of opinion and thought , and that all colours and creeds of men could meet upon terms of brotherhood and fellowship . Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , said that , after the two exceedingly eloquent speeches , he would simply

confine himself to remarking that he had the honour of consecrating the lodge , but had never had the honour of an-ain visiting them until the present occasion . He was delHited to find that the lodge had entirely fulfilled the expectations expressed on that occasion , and he was proud to feel that it had justified its existence . He thanked them for their reception .

Bro . C . F . Hogard , P . G . S . B ., acting I . P . M ., said that in rising to propose the next toast he found himself in a unique position . He was , at the consecration , invested as acting I . P . M ., and owing to circumstances which they all knew , he was again in possession of the gavel to propose "The Health of their W . M . " He need not say much of Bro . lessop's qualities , because since June , iSSS , he had

been the Secretary of the lodge . They all knew the duties devolving upon him in looking after the arrangements of a lodge , and those duties did not end in coming to the lodge , for since the consecration Bro . Jessop had always some duties to perform . That he had performed those duties to their satisfaction had been proved by the manner in which he had been elected as W . M . That their lodge had

prospered they had heard from the Consecrating Officer , and that it had prospered in a marvellous manner was proved by the gathering that evening . A great deal of that success had depended upon their late Secretary , and he was sure that having got the lodge to its present pitch , Bro . Jessop , as their W . M ., would see that it did not retrograde in any way . As they had a long programme he would not

detain them longer , for it required no further words to propose the health of the W . M . and to find the brethren receiving it in an enthusiastic manner . Bro . M . J . Jessop , W . M ., in reply , said heagain thanked them . They had treated him bettter than he deserved . During the past year he had done his best as Secretary , but business had prevented him doing all he could have wished .

They had treated him in an exceedingly kind manner . Every brother was proud of a jewel , but there were various ways by which they were obtained . As a Steward for the Charities he received a jewel , and as a W . M . it was customary to pay him that compliment , and although it was nice , it was a custom . What the members of that lodge had done he thought was almost unique in the annals of Masonry . It had been to him a pleasant surprise and was

the greatest mark of appreciation they could pay him . If he had 50 jewels , there would be none he should value as much as the one presented to him that evening . From the bottom of his heart he thanked them . Bro . Dr . Woodman , P . G . S . B ., responded for "The Visitors , " and said he was present at the consecration of this lodge , which was a noble function , and was also present at the next meeting , but the present meeting was a still nobler one . The manner in which the visitors were

treated left nothing to be desired , and they could hardly thank the members sufficiently for their kindness . They knew when the lodge was consecrated that it would become one of the best in the Craft , and now- he was happy to say they had realised those ideas , and saw the fruition of their hopes . There were few lodges which had sprung up to the position now held by this lodge in so short

a time . The visitors thanked them for their hospitality , congratulated them on their progress , and hoped they would continue to progress in the same manner . . Bro . S . V . Abrahams , P . M . 1017 , also replied . He said that divinit y and eloquence had claimed their attention , and he felt that he who would follow those able speeches ought , either by his eloquence or his remarks , to add something

that would not only interest , but at the same time claim their attention . Whilst he did not pretend to ask their attention for any eloquence , or want of eloquence , he possessed , still , he had that other qualification in having to speak to them on a subj ect dear to the hearts of the members present . He alluded to the visitors . He had to thank the members for the cordial reception accorded to them , which had been

considerabl y enhanced by the kind expressions used by the W -M . in proposing the toast . Whilst he felt they owed a ( 'ebt in acknowledgment for what they had received , they were ready to admit that their visit had not been one of an ordinary nature . It was not the banquet , the sumptuousness of which was seldom excelled , but the lessons they had warned within the lodge room . They had not only heard the ceremonies performed in a manner that could not be excelled in many older lodges , but they had had the opportunit y and pleasure of hearing that veteran , Bro . Hogard , deliver the ceremony of installation in a manner that showed \ VlV Vort' , y ^ e 's t 0 ll 0 ' ^ '" s '" S ^ P ' ' 011 m " Craft . Whilst they had been deeply impressed with his delivery of I addresses , they could not but help thinking of the essons which they contained , and which , if followed out by be members , could not fail to make a lasting and deep iml , Ie ssion , and could not fail to make them better and more I ° ' . "y citizens and Masons . However few his remarks , et it be understood that they were sincere , and as the epresentative of a lodge that was held as of some little " » tcrest by the Barnato Lodge , and on behalf of that lodge n jt himself , he thanked them for the compliment paid him . ,. ° . ° s-J . P . Fitzgerald , P . M ., and A . A . Marks also 'eplied . The W . M ., in proposing "The Installing Master , " said

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

it was the toast of the evening . They all knew Bro . Hogard , and knew him to be one amongst a million , being ready to do anything for them at any time . He had done his ( the W . M . ' s ) Secretarial work when he had been away , and if he talked for a month he could not say one-tenth of what he felt and the brethren felt towards Bro . Hogard . The toast having been received with unusual enthusiasm ,

Bro . C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br ., in reply , said he really knew not how to thank them for the extremely enthusiastic manner in which they had drunk his health . Anything he could do for the lodge , either working in the lodge or outside , he should be only too pleased to do to the best of his ability . It was only about 15 or 16 months since the lodge

started , and they had had a most prosperous career . He could only hope that what had happened in the past would happen in the future , and his best exertions would be devoted to the interests of the lodge . "The Initiate " and other toasts were duly honoured , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a very successful evening to a close .

A magnificent bouquet of flowers was presented to the W . M . on his assuming the chair at the banquet table , by Bro . Sams , the energetic manager . The musical programme was ably conducted by Bro . W . Wright , Org ., who was assisted by Miss L . White , Bros . R . Jessop and T . Honey , Messrs . S . de Sola , J . Barker , and J . Rogers .

Provincial Meetings.

Provincial Meetings .

BERKHAMPSTEAD . Berkhampstead Lodge ( No . 504 ) . —The final meeting of the year was held at the King's Arms Hotel , on Wednesday , the nth inst . In the unavoidable absence of the Master—Bro . T . G . Robinson—the chair was occupied by Bro . W . H . Rowe , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W ., among the brethren present being Bros . S . R . Timson , S . W . ; A .

Prudames , J . W . ; C . Bullock , P . M ., Prov . G . Sec , Sec . ; W . Lowndes , J . D . ; J . T . Rowe , P . M ., D . C ; R . L . Batterbury , I . G . ; H . J . Foster , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; F . Q . Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W . ; Lovell , Sims , Marsh ; Dwight , Burt , the Rev . W . Quennell , Prov . G . C . ; Bookey , Grant , Clarke , T . H . Hill , P . G . Steward ; and G . Austin . Visitor : Bro . G . Blizard Abbott , 13 S 5 .

Lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , the acting Master proceeded to pass Bro . Clarke to the Degree of F . C . and raise Bros . Grant and Bookey to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., both ceremonies being very impressively carried out by Bro W . H . Rowe , with the able assistance of the officers . As it was the first time the lodge had met since the lamented

death of Bro . John E . Lane , P . M . and treasurer , the brethren appeared in mourning , and a resolution of sympathy with the family of their deceased brother was proposed , seconded , and unanimously agreed to . This being the meeting appointed for the election of W . M ., Treasurer , and Tyler for the ensuing-year , the usual balloting papers were distributed , with the result that Bro . S . R . Timson ,

S . W ., and Bro . F . Q . Lane , P . M ., were unanimously elected to the offices of W . M . and Treasurer respectively , while Bro . A . Pavett was chosen by show of hands as Tyler . A Committee of Past Masters was appointed with full powers to enter into the necessary arrangements as regards the additional accommodation for the . lodge which Mr . H . Kemp , the new proprietor of the hotel , was desirous of

erecting . Two candidates for initiation—Mr . Henry Kemp and Mr . Edward James Layton—having been proposed and seconded , and a resolution to present a Past Master's jewel to the retiring Master having been unanimously agreed to , the lodge was closed . The brethren afterwards dined together under the genial presidency of Bro . H . J . Foster , P . M ., the customary loyal

and Masonic toasts being interspersed with songs by Bros . Timson , Hill , and others . Bro . Hill , Past G . Stwd ., replied for the "Grand Officers , " and Bro . the Rev . W . Quennell , Prov . G . Chap ., for the " Provincial Grand Officers . " Bro . Lowndes , J . D ., proposed the toast of "The Visitors , " and in doing so referred in kind and complimentary

terms to the History of I ' reemasonry in Hertfordshire , which their guest of the evening was engaged in writing , and Bro . Abbott , in responding for the toast , returned thanks for the reception he had met with , and the graceful and encouraging allusion which Bro . Lowndes had made to his coming work Bro . Foster , as presiding Master , Bro . Timson , as W . M .

elect , Bro . Bullock , as Secretary , the Past Masters , and other officers , were likewise honoured , and severally but briefly acknowledged the compliment . Bros . Timson and Bullock , in particular , being congratulated , the former on his election to the chair of the lodge for next year , and the latter on his investiture as Prov . G . Secretary at the meeting at Watford , in July last , of the Prov . G . Lodge .

The brethren shortly afterwards rose after a most pleasant evening , and the new host of the King ' s Arms was very generally thanked and congratulated on the excellence of the arrangements he had made , and the very successful menu he had provided . It should be mentioned that Bro . John E . Lane , P . M ., and Treas ., whose death is so sincerely and g-enerally

lamented , was initiated in the Berkhampstead Lodge on the 1 st January , 1 S 45 , the day on which the late Bro . W . Stuart , Prov . G . Master , consecrated it , and installed the late Bro . the Rev . S . L . Wilson as its first W . M . Bro . Lane gradually worked his way through the various offices until , on the 3 rd January , 1 S 50 , he was installed in the chair of Master . In October , 185 O , he was elected to

the important office of Treasurer , and invested as such at the regular meeting in the month of January following . In the minutes of the 17 th September , 1 S 73 , occurs the following entry : " Bro . Wilson stated that he had the pleasure to propose a resolution at the May banquet , which was seconded by Bro . Hobson— ' That it was desirable we should possess a

portrait of our esteemed Treasurer and father of the lodge , Bro . John Edward Lane . ' A Committee was formed to obtain subscriptions , select artist , & c The brethren had subscribed most liberally and cheerfully ; that the work was entrusted to an eminent London artist , and would be

completed by our installation meeting . Bro . Wright proposed , and Bro . J . H . Adams , W . M ., seconded , that a photographic copy be presented to each subscriber from the funds of the lodge . Carried . " On the 21 st January , 1 S 74 , it is recorded that "The portrait of Bro . Lane , P . M . and Treasurer , was then presented

Provincial Meetings.

to the lodge by Bro . Lambert , on behalf of the subscribers , as also an address , written on vellum , to Bro . Lane . Bro . Lane expressed his sincere thanks for the kindness and fraternal regard which the brethren had evinced towards him . " The address referred to was entered in the minutes of the lodge at the meeting held on the 20 th May following , and is as follows :

" To Brother John Edward Lane , Past Prov . G . P . Herts , P . M . and Treasurer Berkhampstead Lodge , No . 504 . "We , the undersigned members of the Berkhampstead Lodge of Freemasons , gladly embrace this opportunity aiiui 113 111 ( jun 111 ti yuiUcllL Ul 111 UUl

uv . u . ^ yUUlbCU lUU ^ C room , to express the veneration and fraternal regard we entertain towards you as a Brother and Father of the lodge , as also our thanks for the exemplary manner in which you have discharged the duties of Treasurer during the last 16 years . " Sincerely trusting the Great Architect of the Universe may spare you to us and your family for many years to come . " We are , yours faithfully and fraternally , [ Here follow the signatures of some 50 members . ] " 21 st Jan ., 1 S 74 . " Bro . Lane continued to act as Treasurer till his death in the summer of this present year , and had therefore served

the Berkhampstead in this capacity for upwards of 32 years , while , as regards his Masonic career , it began , as we have seen , on the very day the lodge was constituted . Thus our readers will understand how great is the loss which the members are now mourning so deeply .

DATCHET . George Gardner Lodge ( No . 2309 ) . —The last meetiegof the present session was held at ^ the Village Hall , on Saturday , the 14 th inst ., when there was a good attendance . The progress of this young but energetic lodge was marked by a full programme of work , the three Degrees being carried through , and other business transacted .

The chair was punctually taken by Bro . Geo . Gardner , W . M ., who was assisted by Bros . Fendick , S . W . ; A . F . Skinner , J . W . ; Chas . P . Bellerby , P . M ., Sec ; R . Dennis , J . D . ; E . Ayling , P . M . 975 , acting I . P . M . ; Dr . W . H . Stanley Mansfield , J . E . Broderick , H . R . S . Pulman , J . Coop , jun ., W . H . Hanham , Louis Lee , A . J . Druce , H . Purdue , P . M ., D . C . ; R . Bennetts , F . Kemp , and others . Visitors : Bros . E . Ayling , P . M . 075 ; F . S .

Risenberger , 186 3 ; L . Polak , D . C . 11 : ti . Kennon , 2012 ; W . Clowes , 2012 ; W . C . Dickey , 2012 ; R . A . Kirkaldy , P . M . 1321 ; and W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . Lodge having been opened , and the minutes confirmed , Bros . J . E . Broderick and Risenberger , were raised to the Third Degree , and Bros . Louis Lee and H . R . S . ' Pulman were passed to the Degree of F . C . Messrs . R . Bennetts

and F . Kemp were then impressively initiated into Freemasonry . On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by the S . W ., a vote of condolence was unanimously passed , expressing the sympathy of the brethren with Bro . Cox , Treas ., in his illness , and their earnest hopes for his speedy recovery . 'The Audit Committee was appointed , and a notice of motion given by the W . M . to raise the initiation fee . Bro .

Risenberger was proposed and seconded as a joining member of the lodge . The elections were proceeded with , and resulted unanimously as follows : Bros . Fendick , S . W ., W . M . ; Cox , re-elected Treas . ; and Ellis , re-elected 'T yler . Bro . Bellerby , Sec , proposed that a P . M . ' s jewel should be presented to Bro . George Gardner , the first W . M . of the lodge ,

on the expiration of his term of office , which was heartily agreed to by the brethren . The W . M . briefly returned thanks , remarking that whilst he had health and strength they could rely upon his doing all in his power for the lodge . Other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed .

The brethren subsequently dined at the Manor Hotel , where an excellent dinner was provided . After the usual toasts had been disposed of , Bro . E . Ayling , P . M . 975 , rose and said he found himself in a somewhat curious position . In the first place , he had come down at the earnest request of the W . M ., and had unexpectedly found himself in the position of l . P . M . The

W . M . had asked him to take the gavel to propose the next toast . It was , as they were aware , " The Health of their W . M . " He need not say much in praise of Bro . George Gardner , W . M ., for the majority present had known him perhaps longer than he had . He had watched Bro . Gardner go step by step up the Masonic ladder , and he could say there was scarcely a brother who had worked so

hard , or who had done so much good in the cause of Charity . It was therefore a great pleasure for him to be present , and to have the privilege of proposing the W . M . ' s health . Having heard the brethren express their approbation of the manner in which Bro . Gardner had carried out his duties , he trusted his successor would have the same good feeling shown towards him as the present W . M . had received .

He would ask the brethren to rise and heartily and sincerely drink to the health of Bro . G . Gardner , the W . M . Bro . George Gardner , W . M ., in reply , said he was very much obliged to Bro . Ayling—who was an old friend of his —for the manner in which he had proposed the toast . He was glad to see that brother amongst them , because he had been of great assistance , and hoped it would not be the

last time he would visit them . Although that was the last time he ( the W . M . ) would preside over them , he trusted it would not be the last time he should see Bro . Ayling present to assist them with the work , as he was so competent to do , being Preceptor of the Chiswick Lodge of Instruction , and a P . M . and P . Z . He thanked that brother , and the brethren generally , for the manner in which the toast had been

proposed and received . If he had earned their thanks and good wishes it rewarded him for all the trouble he had taken in order to bring this lod ge to its present state of perfection . He said it without egotism . He was glad to have had the pleasure of initiating the 10 th candidate that evening . He thought that in a small place like Datchet they did not want a large lodge . It was not numbers that caused

unanimity and good feeling , and a small lodge , where they knew every member , was better than a large one , and that was one reason for his motion to raise the initiation fee . He had no doubt they would work amicably together , and always be proud to meet one another . In a small lodge there was a better chance of working up , for they worked together and with a will . He trusted all the members of that lodge would work up , and be able to take any office