Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

from whom he sprang , and was undoubtedly a boast which the Clerkenwell Lodge might make . Secondly , Bro . Bowyer was a dweller within the precincts from which this lodge sprang , and one who had drawn from among the people of Clerkenwell a sense and feeling of respect and regard . Consequently , when such a man founded a lodge in their centre , they knew full well that he would draw the best men nf Clerkenwell into the lodge , and that the lodge

would be a credit to the Craft . Then Bro . Bowyer was a man of very charitable disposition , apart even from Freemasonry . There were institutions in Clerkenwell tending to advance the education and moral improvement of the people , and the VV . M . of the Clerkenwell Lodge was one of the main supporters of those Institutions , 'the way to continue the happiness of this country was to cement the affection and regard between employer and employed .

There was no true and honest way in which that could be achieved except by providing for the education of the young and good useful amusement for the elder . There had been too much neglect in this country , and too much disregard of the necessity of providing some sound , useful , and proper entertainment for the people of mature years ; they were left to their own resources , and they went to the lower class of entertainments , which had pernicious consequences . The

VV . M . of the lodge , with the clergy of the parish , was trying to correct this . Then last , but not least , he was an exponent of the Freemasons Craft by reason of his having been twice before Master of two lodges . And now , coming and appearing again in this character , when it required the greatest assistance , the VV . M . had fulfilled the duties of a Christian citizen . They might also safely say that as a Freemason he was fitted for and ought to aspire to Grand

Office ; at any rate , he ought to be made a Grand Officer of Generosity . Bro . Bowyer , in reply , said he thanked the Lord Mayor very heartily for the kind manner in which he had proposed his health , and thanking the brethren for the way in which they had drunk it , he assured them he felt it a very deep compliment of the founders of this lodge in selecting him as first VV . M . He felt glad to do anything he could

for the well being and advancement of the lodge . He also begged to thank the Lord Mayor for what he had said in Clerkenwell yesterday . . . Bro . Philbrick , O . C ., D . P . G . M . of Essex , in replying for " The Visitors , " ' said after what they had heard that night , any speaker who might come upon the scene might feel his part superfluous and his voice dumb ; but the kindness of the reception which the visitors had met with in the lodge demanded an acknowledgment from those who

were called upon to respond to the toast . And when he saw how much the Clerkenwell Lodge existed at the mercy of the visitors , he was sure they would be grateful for the consideration the visitors extended to them , and would feel that in recognising them and their kind hospitality they were doing that which must sp ring from a generous heart on its visitors' part—that generosity which the strength of the giver imparted . On behalf ot the numerous body , let

him express their most sincere thanks . They had been told that this was a worthy lodge . The young Hercules was strong , and he grew to be a typical model for the strength of antiquity . He ventured to say , without offence , that the strength of a lodge consisted not in the mere number , but in the quality of its members . The Lord Mayor had said so truly how great the position of the Craft was . Let him ( Bro . Philbrick ) also add—if he might without unduly

trespassing—how necessary it was when the Craft had attained that position that they should be careful whom they admitted into it , and be quite sure that they would be those who in the words of the great and true ritual would ultimately reflect honour on their choice . The Clerkenwell Lodge had started well that night he could well attest , for one of the pleasant things which a visitor , such as himself could seewas the initiation of the son of their worthy Bro .

, Terry . When they were sometimes asked by the outside world ( not by the ladies whom the Lord Mayor had alluded to , because they were instructed ) what Masonry was , and why it existed , could they not say that when a father who had been so many years a Mason , and was so much respected by the Craft of which he had been so able an exponent , introduced his son into it , they might know and feel that Masonry had in itself elements which commended

themselves to the highest principles of human nature . And , therefore , it was , he ventured to think , that the Clerkenwell Lodge possessed in itself elements which must secure success in the present and continuance in the future . The more they adhered to the great principles of the Order , the more truly they responded to the great truth on which Freemasonry was founded , the more certainly thev assured the success and the prosperity

of their lodges . He had heard that evening of the neighbouring province of Hertfordshire , and of the cordiality extended by brethren of one province to the brethren of the other . His own province , Essex , was a neighbouring province to Hertfordshire , and there they had the same Masonic feeling . But the same feeling extended everywhere ; and whenever assistance was wanted it was to be found , and it was by this cultivation of the

principles of Masonry , and thus realising the truth of the Craft , that Masons became more united and were bound to each other by closer ties . Bro . Thomas Fenn , P . G . D ., congratulated the brethren on having such a master as Bro . Bowyer , who , he was sure , would maintain the prestige of the lodge . Bro . McCullagh Torrens , M . P ., said , as a very junior member of the Craft , speaking on behalf of a numerous

body of visitors , of whom he was the least conspicuous , he could not help feeling it a great privilege to be present ; because , bound ashehad been the best years of his life tothat portion of the Metropolis , it was to him a great satisfaction and source of pride to find that this noble Craft had taken root firmly in it , and he hoped that it might grow with increased strength in the soil which was especially the object of his care . He believed the lodge could not have a better

W . M . than Bro . Bowyer , who was well known in Finsbury , and appreciated in proportion as he was known . The Craft had every reason to look with hope and satisfaction , and ultimately with pride on this lodge , if only because it was founded on the clear convictions of the wants of the ncichbourhood , and placing the supplying of those wants

in the hands of Bro . Bowyer . Without trenching in the least on any of those topics which were wisely forbidden in lodges , he thought there was a growing sense in the community as far as his powers of judgment were able to perceive , of looking less to those ties that were founded upon distinctions , religious or political , but fastening those ties for the advancement of truth and honesty of purpose . As long as he was entrusted there , or elsewhere , with the confidence oi

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

his fellow citizens , it would be his highest duty and pleasure to develope a greater feeling of Christian love ; and next to the church , he believed nothing was more calculated to produce or foster the feeling of Christian love and charity than the Masonic lodge . In response to the toast of " The Initiates , " all the initiates made short speeches .

Bro . Potter responded as treasurer , and Bro . Terry as Secretary , the latter in the course of his speech referring to his Masonic life , and expressing the pleasure it had given him that evening to initiate his son into the Order . Bro . T . Hastings Miller , S . W ., responded to the toast of " The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close .

TREDEGAR LODGE ( No . 1625 ) . —This flourishing lodge met on the 2 nd inst ., at Bro . A . Yates's , Royal Hotel , Burdett-road , E . Bro . J . Maud was well supported by Bros . Clark , S . W . ; Deason , J . W . ; E . ] . Anning , P . M . Treas . ; G . WardVerry , P . M . Sec ; W . H . Rundall , D . C . ; Hubbert , S . D . ; Sly , J . D . ; and Coningham , I . G . Past Masters : Bros . G . Huggett , C . Kendall , C . Thomas ,

P . G . Tyler Herts , Tyler ; and others . The visitors . were Bros . J . L . Anderson , 554 ; Dibble , 141 ; and later on in the evening Bros . T . J . Barnes , P . M . 554 and 933 ; Oxley , 1306 ; and G . H . Stephens , J . W . 1623 and 13 S 2 ( Freemason ) . The candidate not being in attendance there was no ceremonial working . The brethren received with deep regret

the resignation from the lodge of our esteemed Bro . C . Lacey , P . M ., founder of the lodge . It was unanimously resolved to elect that worthy brother an honourable member of the lodge , in recognition of the worth of his long continued services to the lodge of which he was the founder and first Master . " Hearty good wishes " were exchanged and lodge was

closed in harmony . The creature comforts were nicely attended to by Bro . Yates , and at the conclusion of the capital repast , Bro . Maud , VV . M ., gave the usual loyal and Craft toasts . Bro . Kendall next gave in appreciative terms "The Health of the VV . M ., " to which Bro . Maud responded . "The Visitors" were next toasted , and each of these brethren briefly expressed his thanks for the . cordial

welcome received . "The Past Master ' s" were next honoured and severally responded to , Bro . Huggett expressing the mixed feelings of pain and pleasure he had felt that evening—pain at the fear of losing Bro . Lacey , P . M ., as a member of the Tredegar Lodge , and pleasure at the election of that brother as an honorary member . "The Officers , "

included the Treasurer and Secretary , both of whom briefly replied . " The Masonic Press , " acknowledged by Bro . Stephens , brought the list down to the Tyler ' s toast , which was given and the meeting closed . The proceedings were enlivened by some songs furnished by Bros . Goddard , Oxley , Hubbert , and Stephens , which greatly enhanced the pleasure of the meeting .

BROMLEY ST . LEONARD LODGE ( No . 1 S 05 ) . —This successful young lodge met on Monday , the 9 th inst ., at the Bromley St . Leonard Vestry Hall , Bow , under the presidency of Bro . Wm . Bramham , W . M ., who was supported by Bros . R . J . Fennell , S . W . ; VV . R . Marsh , P . M ., J . W . ; A . Peterken , S . D . ; R . B . Brinkley , I . D . ; W . I . Rawley , Sec . ; I . Collier , Tieas .: VV .

Marsland and VV . B . Forbes , Stwds . ; G . T . Borr , W . Home , P . J ackman , VV . H . Wheatley , G . E . Paul , and others . Visitors : Bros . E . Chatterton , 11 S 5 ; and G . H . Stephens , J . W . 1623 , 13 S 2 ( Freemason ) . Lodge was formally opened and the minutes of the previous , also of an emergency meeting , were read and confirmed . The first work the VV . M . had to perform for the

season was that ot conferring the Degree of F . C . upon Bros . Percy J ackman and W . H . Wheatley , which was worked in a careful and very impressive manner . The next business was the admission of Mr . G . E . Paul ( who had been successfully ballotted for at a previous lodge meeting ) into the mysteries of the Order , which was most satisfactorily done . Some purely formal business was next

disposed of , including the acceptance with regret of the resignation of a brother who had left England for a long period . A notice of motion in the name of Bro . J . M . Kni g ht , J . W ., was held over , owing to that brother being detained in the country on important business . Lodge was closed in due form , and a very pleasant hour was spent over some light refreshment .

The W . M . briefly gave " 1 he Queen and the Craft , " and " The Rulers of the Craft , " which were duly honoured . " In toasting " The Initiate , Bro . Braham expressed the pleasure the brethren felt in admitting new blood into the lodge . He trusted the newly-admitted brother would be deeply impressed with the teachings of Freemasonry as he arrived at the various degrees , and that he would grow

to like it the more as he became acquainted with its teachings . The toast was very heartily received , and Bro . Paul said he thanked the brethren very sincerely for the kind and cordial way in which they had drank his health , and he trusted they would always find him to be a Mason . "The Visitors ' were next hononred . That evening there were but two visiting brethren , Bro . Stephens , who

was well-known as an earnest worker , and Bro . Chatterton , who had attended on previous occasions , when , as on the present , he had kindly officiated as Organist . They had recently made a brother ( Bro . P . Jackman ) whom he ( the W . M . ) trusted would , at the next installation meeting , receive the collar of Organist of the lodge . Still he was sure they would all be pleased if both the visitors would

again pay them a visit . Bro . Stephens , in reply , congratulated the lodge upon the very excellent quarters they enjoyed , the surroundings being of a superior character , and calculated to give a proper tone to the ceremonies . " The Masonic Charities " were also honoured , Bro . Rawley , the Secretary , introducing the Stewardship of Bro . J . M . Knight , J . W ., on behalf of the Schools . "The Officers" fell in for a word of praise from the

W . M ., after replying to his own health , which was given in appreciative terms by Bro . A . Peterken , S . D ., W . M . 1349 . He ( the VV . M . ) was sure few lodges had such capital officers , and whilst that was the case the future of the lodge offered a pleasant prospect . The Tyler's toast , given by Bro . C . Thomas , Prov . G . Tyler Herts , brought a pleasant meeting to a close , which was enlivened by some songs from Bros . Chatterton , Stephens , Knight , and one by Bro . Wheatley , accompanied by Bro . Percy Jackman , thctcomposer of the song .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

NORTHAMPTON . —Pomfret Lodge ( No . 360 ) . —The brethren of this lodge resumed their meetings for the season on Thursday week , when there was a large attendance of the brethren . Bro . Edwin James was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., and Mr . J . Snow was afterwards duly initiated , the VV . M . ( Bro . J . Bingley ) in each case performing the ceremony in a very able and

impressive manner . Upwards of thirty afterwards sat down to refreshment among them being Bros . R . C . Pars , P . M ., and j ' Rogers , 607 ; and Bro . Jacob Dellmain , of Western Lodge 39 , United States . The whole proceedings were most pleasant and harmonious , and the mother lodge of the province fully maintained its character for excellence of working throughout .

HARWICH . —Star in the East Lodge ( No . 650 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the ' 10 th inst ., and passed off with unusual eclat . The lodge was tyled in the Assembly Rooms , Dovercourt , and the popularity of the VV . M . elect , Bro . Richard Clowes was evidenced by the large attendance , both by members of the lodge and visitors , on the occasion . The ceremony

installation was performed in his usual impressive manner by W . Bro . Fred . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., P . G . D ., and the new W . M . appointed and invested his officers tor the ensuing year as follows : Bros . T . Jennings , P . P . G . I . D I . P . M . ; H . Everard . S . W . ; F . R . Hales , J . W . ; Rev E . H . Crate , P . P . G . C , P . M . 607 , Chap . ; w ! Groom , treasurer ; M . L . Sanders , Secretary ; Kinsev

Morgan , b . U . ; i . L . Bennett , j . D . ; C . Hempson , W . M . 1 799 , P . G . A . D . C ., D . C . ; C . Salter . Organist ; A . C . Parsons , I . G . ; Hutchinson and Howard , Stewards ; Barlow , Tyl er . At the conclusion of the ceremony a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Philbrick for his kindness in attending and so ably installing the W . M ., which was dulyacknowledged by the

Installing Master . The VV . M . then feelingly alluded to the late death of the P . G . M . ; and a vote of condolence with Lady Tenterden and her family in their heavy bereavement having been unanimously passed , the Secretary was directed to enter it on the minutes , and to forward a copy thereof to the Lady Tenterden . The presentation of a P . M . 's Jewel to the I . P . M ., and of a Secretary's Jewel to the hard-workint ?

Secretary ( Bro . M . L . Sanders ) followed , the former in acknowledgement of his two years' service as VV . M ., and the latter for his activity and attention , especially in reference to the formation of a Charity Association . The VV . M . was then heartily congratulated by the visitors present on his elevation to the chair , and the business of the day concluded . Between fifty and sixty brethren afterwards assembled at

the Pier Hotel , where an elegant banquet was served . The VV . M . presided , supported on his right and left bv W . Bros . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., P . G . D . ; T . Jennings , I . P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . ; F . Binckes , Sec . R . M . I . B . ; Thos / j . Railing P . M . 51 , Prov . G . Sec . ; A . Welch , P . M . i , P . P . G . J . VVT VV . Sowman , W . M . 51 ; J . J . C . Turner , P . M . 51 , P . P . G . O . ; the Rev . E . H . Crate , P . M . Gn 7 P . P . G . C .

Chap . 650 ; John South , P . M . 650 ; T . G . Mills , W . M . 697 ; Thomas Rix , P . M . and Sec . 6 97 , P . P . G . S . B . ; Thomas Eustace , P . M . G 97 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . P . Lewin , P . M . 276 , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; F . G . Green , P . M . 1024 P . P . G . S . W . ; R . D . Poppleton , W . M . 433 ; John Dean , P . M . 43 S ; J . E . Wiseman , P . M . and Sec . 433 , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; A . Cannon , W . M . 376 , ; H . Sidney ; Sec . 37 G , P . P . G . D . C . Suffolk ; John Hodges , S . W . 1706 ; VV .

G . Keed , 1922 ; C . Osmond , S . W . 51 , P . P . G . O . ; A . L . Langford , 637 ; A . J . B . Drake , 487 ; I . Street . P . M . 3 S 9 ; C . Lewis , 1024 ; J . M . Chapman , J . W . 1922 ; Hector Helsham , M . D . 19 ; G . F . Smith , jun ., W . M . 1 S 39 ; F . Bird , VV . M . 1024 ; H . G . Layton , P . G . C . Berks and Bucks ; W . S . Ling , P . M . 433 ; G . A . Eustace , S . W . 6 97 ; J . T . Bailey , Steward 607 j John Tavlor . iun .. I . W .

1 S 17 ; H . W . Willcocks , 225 ; Robt . Smith , S . D . G 97 ; E . Cowers , S . D . and Org . 1024 ; A . Carter , 181 ; C . D . Marshall , J . W . 697 ; C . H . Snelgar , 697 ; and the following members ot G 50 : —Bros . J . Cartledge , W . Nickerson , J . W . C . Butcher , Jas . Wells , T . S . Bennett , R . Wilson , J . - , C . Pratt , J . Howard , G . W . Pickering , R . Ford , & c , & c . fa

On the removal of the cloth , the usual Masonic toasts were dul y honoured . Feeling allusion was made in the course of the evening both by W . Bro . Philbrick and VV . Bro . T . J . Railing , to the great loss the Province has sustained in the death of Lord Tenterton , who , although unable , owing to his official engagements , to visit the lodges , took the warmest interest in the welfare of the

lodges under his rule . W . Bro . Philbrick also gave an eloquent dissertation on the tenets of Freemasonry , and of the necessity to exercise care in the admission of members . The health of the new W . M ., proposed by I . P . M . Jennings , was enthusiastically drunk ; and Bro . Clowes , in responding , promised to do all in his power to further the interests of the lodge . He announced that he had received

letters from Bros . Lord Claud J . Hamilton , M . P . ( who had taken great interest in Basham's case , having sent no less than 400 votes ); Sir Henry Tyler , M . P . ; Col . Somerville-Burney , P . G . D . ; and others , regretting that they had been unable to attend on the present occasion . The name of Bro . Frederick Binckes , as Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Bovs . was couoled with

the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " and that energetic brother ( whom all were glad to see in much better health ) , !" responding , spoke of the good service which had already been done by the Star in the East Lodge in the cause of charity , end announced that the W . M . had kindly , for the second time , undertaken to represent the lodge as Steward at the next festival of the Bovs' School . Rro . RinrliM also

expressed a hope that their labours ( and those of their W . M . he knew had been very great ) , on behalf of the boy Basham , would be successful . The proceedings at the festive board were enlivened by » capital programme of vocal music , under the direction of Bro . J . Hodges , VV . M . elect of the Ornheus Lodpe , No .

170 I ' , who was ably assisted by Bros . Reed , Chapman G . F . Smith , and G . F . Smith jun . The lodge room was adorned with some choice flowers from the nurseries of Bro . W . O . Ward , P . M ., Ramsey ; and the same brother also supplied flowers for the banqueting table , there being " a button-hole " to each serviette .

DEAL . — Wellington Lodge ( No . 785 ) . — A meeting of this lod ge was held on the 12 th inst ., at St . George's Hall , being the first of the season , when there were present Bros . J . V . Solley , VV . M . ; T . Bent , P . M-i