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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and S . Hughes , Tyler . The business of the lodge being ended and the lodge closed in due form , the brethren retired to the b & nqviettiwg room , where there awaited them a most sumptuous repast got up with Bro . Smith's usual good style and taste . The chair was occupied by Bro . Peters , the newly-elected W . M ., the vice-chairs being taken by Bros . Mellor , P . M ., and W .
Riva , S . W . At the conclusion of the repast the chairman gave in appropriate terms the usual loyal toasts , "The Queen and the Craft , " "The Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " each of which was received with acclamation aud musical honours ; then followed the usual Masonic toasts in their turn . The W . M . then proposed the health of the retiring W . M .,
complimenting him in high terms on the state of efficiency to which the lodge—mostly through his untiring energy and zeal during the period of two years he had reigned over it as W . M . —had arrived . The W . M . trusted Bro . Mellor would continue to stand by , and be always ready to render his able assistance when called upon . Bro . Mellor in returning thanks , said it had been a matter ol
considerable pleasure to him to fill the office of W . M . for the last two years ; he was glad to be able to say that the lodge was in a most flourishing state , and trusted that with united efforts amongst the officers and brethren , it would continue to prosper ; he then proposed the health of the W . M ., and congratulated him on his elevation to the responsible post he had that evening been called to ,
and hoped be would find on vacating it that he had been successful and prosperous in the discharge of his onerous and responsible duties . The W . M . having returned thanks , gave the healths of the officers of the lodge , to which each in turn responded . Then followed the newly-initiated members . On the toast of the visitors being given Bro . Williams , W . M ., Llangefini , returned
thanks , and congratulated the W . M . on his elevation to the chair , and on the very efficient manner in which the different ceremonies of that evening ' s lodge had been gone through . Several other toasts were drank and amongst them that of the health of Bro . Smith , the host , who in returning thanks assured the brethren that it always would be a pride with him to endeavour to his utmost to
provide all things for the comfort and happiness of the brethren on such occasions . The proceedings , which were enlivened by many songs by Bros . Gould , Mellor , and others , were very interesting throughout and terminated about eleven o ' clock . WARRINGTON . —Gilbert Greenall Lodge , No . 12 5 . — The regular monthly meeting of the above flourishing
lodge , was held at the Masonic Rooms , on Monday evening , the 10 th inst . The W . M ., Bro . Gilbert Greenall , P . M ., Past Grand Senior Warden of England , was supported by Bros . W . Mossop , S . W . ; W . Woods , J . W . ; John Bowes , P . M ., & c . ; D . W . Finney , P . M ., Hon . Sec , and about twenty other brethren . Tie lodge was opened in solemn form , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . The ballot was then
taken for Bro . P . J . Ldelsten , of No . 1134 , as a joining member , and Messrs . Pennington , Thistlewaite and Aukland , as fit and proper persons to be made Masons . The ballot was unanimously in favour in each case , and the gentlemen being present , were initiated by Bro . Past Master Bowes . Bro . Simon was afterwards passed to the degree of F . C by Bro . Bowes . This being all the business lhe lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment .
ROCK VERKY . —Rock Lodge , Ac . 12 S 9 .- —This lodge which was consecrated on the 3 rd December , held its first meeting on Friday , the 7 th inst ., at the Albert Rooms , Rock Ferry . After the ordinary business , such as electing joining members , passing by-laws , & c , Messrs . P . J . Pearson and Edw . Ilankinson were duly initiated
into the mysteries of Freemasonry by the W . M ., Bro . Edw . Friend , P . M ., 1013 . Amongst the visitors present were Bros . Dr . Spratley , P . M ., P . Z ., 537 ; M . S . Machcn , P . M ., Member of Colonial Hoard ; T . Johnson , P . M ., 1013 , & c . After the lodge was closed , the brethren adjourned to a substantial supper at the Rock Station Hotel , where a very pleasant evening was spent .
SCOTLAND . CELEBRATION OF THE FESTIVAL OF ST . JOHN IN
DUNFERMLINE . The annual festival of St . John was celebrated on Monday night , the 27 th ult ., by lhe St . John ' s Lodge of Freemasons , in lhe Masons' Hall , Maygatc ; and by the Union Lodge , No , 250 , in their Lodge Rooms , Cliapelstrect . Both lodges were appropriately decorated for the occasion , and the respective chairs were occupied by lhe
Right Worshipful Masters , supported by the office-bearers of the respective lodges . On this occasion the usual torchlight procession was wisely dispensed with , and the brethren met quietly in their lodge rooms , in full Masonic costume . In both lodges a very happy evening was spent , and the celebration ofthe annual Masonic festival passed off very harmoniously .
St . John s Lodge , 26 . —The brethren in accordance with ancient custom sat down to an excellent supper , purveyed by Bro . Milne , of the New Inn , Bridge-street . After the cloth was removed , the usual loyal , patriotic , and Masonic toasts were given and responded to , in a truly Masonic style , and the brethren enjoyed themselves in a way that
the members ofthe " mystic Craft" only can do . During the evening the usual friendly practice of visiting the sister lodge by deputation was observed , and Bro . Stewart headed the deputation from the Union Lodge , No . 250 , and bore his message honourably and Masonically , from the R . W . M . of the Union . The festival was conducted
in a proper manner , until the "wee short hour ayont twal , when the lodge was closed , all highly pleased with the happy way in which the evening had been spent . Union Lodge , No . 250 . —The brethren of this lodge Wiembled in their lodge-rooms , Chapel-street , about half-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
past seven p . m ., in full Masonic costume . The large hall was profusely decorated for the occasion with Masonic banners , Masonic emblems , and evergreens . Upwards of fifty sat down to a sumptuous banquet , purveyed by Bro . Pitcairn , Station Hotel , assisted by Bro . D . M'Gregor , Commercial Hotel—the joint Stewards of the lodge . Among the brethren from a distance were Bros . G . G .
Russell , from Manchester ; Stark , from Glasgow ; and May , from Bradford . A blessing having been asked by the Chaplain , due justice wasdone to theplentifulsupply of viands provided . The table having been cleared , a lodge was formed and the R . W . Master rose and said : Brethren , I consider it a great honour to be again placed in the position which I now occupy , by the unanimous voice of the Lodge ; and
it shall be my earnest endeavour , during my year of office , to set before you the ancient landmarks of the order , so as to raise , as far as my feeble efforts go , the status of the Craft , by working assiduously at the upbuilding of the superstructure of the ancient edifice , convinced that I shall have the earnest assistance of all the office-bearers . Much of the prosperity of a Lodge depends on their
exertions ; and I trust our meetings will be both pleasurable and profitable . I hope you will all enjoy yourselves tonight as brethren should , and that every one will act , both in the lodge and out of it , so as to merit the approbation of the Craft , and the respect of the outer world . ( Applause ) . Brethren , the first duty which devolves on me to-night , is somewdiat out of the ordinary routine , but it
is a pleasant one ; and as I do not wish to inflict a long speech on you , for we have a very lengthy programme before us , I at once proceed to place round the neck of our immediate Past Master , Bro . Taylor , this P . M . ' s Jewel , as a small token of our esteem and respect for him as a Mason , and an acknowledgment , however feeble , of our appreciation of the many invaluable services he has
rendered to this , his mother lodge . Bro . Taylor , I , in name of Lodge Union , No . 250 , present to yon this Masonic Jewel , and hope you may be long spared in health and strength to wear it . ( Great applause ) . —Bro . Taylor , in returning thanks , said he was proud to think that his past services , while occupying the R . W . M . ' s chair , had so far merited their approbation as to lead
them to present him with this P . M . ' s Jewel . He had always endeavoured to forward the interests of Masonry so far as in him lay . He had spent many pleasant evenings in the lodge-room , and he never considered any time devoted to the interests of the lodge had been wrongly expended . He rejoiced to sec so many present to celebrate the festival of St . John . As Past Master he would
say that the success that had attended the lodge during the past year—the numbers who had been initiated into the mysteries of the Craft—showed that the brother who now filled the chair was worthy of the office which he held . He thought they might yet expect great fruits from his management . He begged to thank them all again for the honour which they had done him , and he
could assure them that the handsome jewel which they had now presented him with would be highly valued by him and his . In the history of the Union Lodge he only remembered of one Past Master on whom the same honour had been conferred ; and that was their old and esteemed Bro . G . Birrell . And it was no small honour , he thought , tocomeafterso worthy a Past Master . ( Great applause ) . —
The Chairman then gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts , after which Bro . Taylor , I . P . M ., in complimentary terms proposed the health of " R . W . M ., Bro . D . Lamond . " Ever since Bro . Lamond first saw "light , " he had done what in him lay to advance the cause of Freemasonry , and to promote the interests of the Union Lodge . They could all bear witness to the energetic
way in which he had fulfilled the ditties of the R . W . M . ' s chair , and he thought he was the " right man in the right place . "—The Chairman , in reply , said : Bro . Taylor , Wardens , and Brethren , the complimentary terms in which you have been pleased to speak of me I scarcely deserve , but allow me to say ' , in reply , I deeply feel your fraternal kindness , and will endeavour to discharge my
various duties to the best of my ability . Masonry has taught me much , and brought me many pleasures . Many a happy hour have 1 spent in lhe " Union , " and many more I hope to spend within its walls . With your kind assistance , wc will go forward increasing not only in numbers , but in social harmony and moral standing ; and before this Masonic year expires , I trust we shall let
many well qualified and properly prepared candidates sec " light ; " and at its close may wc all be able to look back , wilh no less pleasure than we do at this moment , on our last year of office . I am obliged to you all for your kindness . ( Great applause . )—Bro . Wardlaw , Treas ., then gave "The Past Masters of No . 250 . " In doing so , he said he was sorry there were not more
representatives of the office present . They had only one here to-night , but in all the offices which he had held , lie had proved himself both able and efficient . —Bro . Taylor , I . P . M ., replied . lie did not think there were very many of the Past Masters of the Union Lodge in existence now . But he was sure that one , at least , who was still alive and hearty ( Past Master G . Birrcl ) , would be
glad to hear of their happy meeting that evening , and of the continued prosperity of the lodge with which he had been so long connected . There was much of the old spirit in him yet , and he might safely say that although he was not able to be with them in body , his heart was with them . Bro . Ilulton , his immediate predecessor , was a good man and true , and had laboured earnestly to advance the cause of Freemasonry , and to promote the interests
of No . 250 . ( Applause)—At this stage of the proceedings , a deputation from St . John ' s Lodge was announced , headed by Depiite-Master Lindsay , bearing a fraternal message from the R . W . M . of St . John ' s to the R . W . M . ofthe Union . The Depute-Master having delivered his message , the Chairman , in replying to the deputation said : Bro . Lindsay , be so good as to convey to Bro . Tuckett , your worthy R . W . M ., my sincere thanks for his fraternal wishes , and I am sure I but feebly express the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
feelings of the brethren of the ' * Union , " when I say that we are both pleased and proud to receive you , Brother Lindsay , and such a deputation from the sister Lodge St . John . I cannot but think that such fraternal meetings will tend to stimulate each of us to employ our best energies to raise the standard , not only of our mother lodge , but of the whole craft , still higher than it has yet
reached ; and that we will all do everything in our power to promote friendship , morality , and brotherly love throughout the world . Be seated , brethren . ( Applause . ) —Bro . A . Watson , J . W ., then gave in complimentary terms , "The Fathers ofthe Union Lodge , " coupled with the name of Bro . Meiklejolm , sen . —Bro . Meiklejohn replied . He was [ sorry to say that the old members ,
the fathers of the Union Lodge , were fast dying out . When he looked round on the many new faces that he saw now in the lodge , it caused him to look back during the past 40 years , and to feel that time with some of them was getting short . Among the brethren of 40 years' standing alive at the present day , he only recollected one or two names . Bro . G . Birrel ' s name had been already mentioned ;
but there were also Bros . Saunders and Herdman , of Glasgow . He recollected also Bro . Erskine , who left for Australia , but had since died , and he thought these were all the old members , with the exception of Bro . Kelty , sen ., who was wilh them that night . He saw many new faces when he looked round the tables , but he was glad to witness the great prosperity which was
attending the lodge . He had every confidence that the lodge would yet be among the best , if not the best , in Fife . He begged to thank the Junior Warden for the kind manner in wdiich he had proposed the health of the " Fathers of the Union . " —The Chairman then said : Brethren of " Lodge Union , " I have the honour to call upon you to dedicate a bumper to " The Sister Lodge St . John" —our elder sister . Notwithstanding her great age ,
she seems to be still vigorous . It is my impression that she is blessed with a good constitution . Her present R . W . M . has been already tried , and we all know with what result ; in fact , from the manner in wdiich he has distinguished himself he is entitled to be called a "bright " Mason . I have no doubt but under his government social harmony , and everything that tends to promote brotherly love , will be cherished , and that all will be stimulated and enabled to refute the calumnies
indiscriminately thrown on the Craft . I am glad to have it in my power to propose , from the chair , "Continued and increasing prosperity to St . John ' s Lodge , No . 26 . " ( The toast was responded to with Masonic honours . )—Bro . R . Lindsay , D . M ., St . John ' s Lodge , returned thanks in the name of the deputation , for the manner in which the toast of " St . Johns Lodge" had been
responded to . This was not the first time the same duty had devolved upon him . Were it not that he owed the strictest allegiance to the St . John ' s Lodge , he could almost wish he belonged to the Union . He considered the brethren of the Union an able and energetic body of men , and although the Union was a younger lodge than the St . John ' s , the manner in which they did their work
was well worthy of imitation . He hoped the two lodges would always go hand in hand together to promote the interests of true Masonry . Freemasonry , he was glad to see , was on the increase in the county—indeed , it was on the increase all over the world . He had always been an ardent admirer of Masonry in all its phases , and he looked on it as a grand means to further a glorious end . The
practice of holding Masons' lodges in taverns and publichouses had done much to bring discredit on their principles , and he entirely disapproved of such a practice If there were any evils connected with the practice of Freemasonry , lie for one , had never seen it in the lodge-room ; he trusted that the time had now gone by when such objections would be brought against them , and that
Freemasonry will soon reach the highest apex of popularity and standing . He would have great pleasure in taking down to the St . John ' s Lodge the kind and fraternal wishes of the Union . ( Great applause . )—The Chairman then gave " The Deputation from the Sister Lodge , " to which Depute-Maslcr Lindsay replied . —Bro . G . Meiklejohn , jun ., then sang , amid great applause , a
Masonic song , composed for the occasion by the R . W . M . — The brethren forming the deputation from the Union to the St . John's Lodge having returned , the deputation from the sister lodge then departed in Masonic style . —Bro . J . Stewart , D . M ., then rose to propose "Freemasonry over the world . " He said , Masonry was spreading both at home and abroad , and he had great pleasure in proposing
the sentiment . —The Chaplain ofthe Lodge then proposed "The Young Members of No . 250 , " and in doing so , as the oldest member of the Lodge present , he took the opportunity of administering a good deal of sound Christian advice lo lhe young members . ( The exortation was well received , and highly applauded ) . —Bro . Dodds , as the youngest member present , returned thanks . —Past
Master Taylor , next gave " The Brethren from a distance , " coupled with the name of Bro . Russell . —Bro . Russell returned thanks for himself and the brethren from a distance present . —Sub-Master Stewart next proposed the health of "The Senior and Junior Wardens , " who both appropriately replied . —Bro . D . Cook , S . W ., next proposed , in highly complimentary terms , the health of
"The Treasurer and Secretary . "—The Secretary and Treasurer respectively replied . —Bro . R . Stcedman ( postmaster ) then rose , and said that he had a toast to propose which , though not on the programme , he was sure they would all heartily respond to . It was , the health of "Bro . Ballantyne , Grand Bard of Scotland . " Bro .
Ballantync had a good many friends in Dunfermline ; but , independent of that , if he had never written anything better than the song "Ilkablade o' grasskepsitsaindrapo ' dew , " his name would have been , as it now is , a household word . — -Bro . A . Romanes next proposed "The Provincial Grand Lodge , " coupled with the name of the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . Whytc Melville , of
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and S . Hughes , Tyler . The business of the lodge being ended and the lodge closed in due form , the brethren retired to the b & nqviettiwg room , where there awaited them a most sumptuous repast got up with Bro . Smith's usual good style and taste . The chair was occupied by Bro . Peters , the newly-elected W . M ., the vice-chairs being taken by Bros . Mellor , P . M ., and W .
Riva , S . W . At the conclusion of the repast the chairman gave in appropriate terms the usual loyal toasts , "The Queen and the Craft , " "The Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " each of which was received with acclamation aud musical honours ; then followed the usual Masonic toasts in their turn . The W . M . then proposed the health of the retiring W . M .,
complimenting him in high terms on the state of efficiency to which the lodge—mostly through his untiring energy and zeal during the period of two years he had reigned over it as W . M . —had arrived . The W . M . trusted Bro . Mellor would continue to stand by , and be always ready to render his able assistance when called upon . Bro . Mellor in returning thanks , said it had been a matter ol
considerable pleasure to him to fill the office of W . M . for the last two years ; he was glad to be able to say that the lodge was in a most flourishing state , and trusted that with united efforts amongst the officers and brethren , it would continue to prosper ; he then proposed the health of the W . M ., and congratulated him on his elevation to the responsible post he had that evening been called to ,
and hoped be would find on vacating it that he had been successful and prosperous in the discharge of his onerous and responsible duties . The W . M . having returned thanks , gave the healths of the officers of the lodge , to which each in turn responded . Then followed the newly-initiated members . On the toast of the visitors being given Bro . Williams , W . M ., Llangefini , returned
thanks , and congratulated the W . M . on his elevation to the chair , and on the very efficient manner in which the different ceremonies of that evening ' s lodge had been gone through . Several other toasts were drank and amongst them that of the health of Bro . Smith , the host , who in returning thanks assured the brethren that it always would be a pride with him to endeavour to his utmost to
provide all things for the comfort and happiness of the brethren on such occasions . The proceedings , which were enlivened by many songs by Bros . Gould , Mellor , and others , were very interesting throughout and terminated about eleven o ' clock . WARRINGTON . —Gilbert Greenall Lodge , No . 12 5 . — The regular monthly meeting of the above flourishing
lodge , was held at the Masonic Rooms , on Monday evening , the 10 th inst . The W . M ., Bro . Gilbert Greenall , P . M ., Past Grand Senior Warden of England , was supported by Bros . W . Mossop , S . W . ; W . Woods , J . W . ; John Bowes , P . M ., & c . ; D . W . Finney , P . M ., Hon . Sec , and about twenty other brethren . Tie lodge was opened in solemn form , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . The ballot was then
taken for Bro . P . J . Ldelsten , of No . 1134 , as a joining member , and Messrs . Pennington , Thistlewaite and Aukland , as fit and proper persons to be made Masons . The ballot was unanimously in favour in each case , and the gentlemen being present , were initiated by Bro . Past Master Bowes . Bro . Simon was afterwards passed to the degree of F . C by Bro . Bowes . This being all the business lhe lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment .
ROCK VERKY . —Rock Lodge , Ac . 12 S 9 .- —This lodge which was consecrated on the 3 rd December , held its first meeting on Friday , the 7 th inst ., at the Albert Rooms , Rock Ferry . After the ordinary business , such as electing joining members , passing by-laws , & c , Messrs . P . J . Pearson and Edw . Ilankinson were duly initiated
into the mysteries of Freemasonry by the W . M ., Bro . Edw . Friend , P . M ., 1013 . Amongst the visitors present were Bros . Dr . Spratley , P . M ., P . Z ., 537 ; M . S . Machcn , P . M ., Member of Colonial Hoard ; T . Johnson , P . M ., 1013 , & c . After the lodge was closed , the brethren adjourned to a substantial supper at the Rock Station Hotel , where a very pleasant evening was spent .
SCOTLAND . CELEBRATION OF THE FESTIVAL OF ST . JOHN IN
DUNFERMLINE . The annual festival of St . John was celebrated on Monday night , the 27 th ult ., by lhe St . John ' s Lodge of Freemasons , in lhe Masons' Hall , Maygatc ; and by the Union Lodge , No , 250 , in their Lodge Rooms , Cliapelstrect . Both lodges were appropriately decorated for the occasion , and the respective chairs were occupied by lhe
Right Worshipful Masters , supported by the office-bearers of the respective lodges . On this occasion the usual torchlight procession was wisely dispensed with , and the brethren met quietly in their lodge rooms , in full Masonic costume . In both lodges a very happy evening was spent , and the celebration ofthe annual Masonic festival passed off very harmoniously .
St . John s Lodge , 26 . —The brethren in accordance with ancient custom sat down to an excellent supper , purveyed by Bro . Milne , of the New Inn , Bridge-street . After the cloth was removed , the usual loyal , patriotic , and Masonic toasts were given and responded to , in a truly Masonic style , and the brethren enjoyed themselves in a way that
the members ofthe " mystic Craft" only can do . During the evening the usual friendly practice of visiting the sister lodge by deputation was observed , and Bro . Stewart headed the deputation from the Union Lodge , No . 250 , and bore his message honourably and Masonically , from the R . W . M . of the Union . The festival was conducted
in a proper manner , until the "wee short hour ayont twal , when the lodge was closed , all highly pleased with the happy way in which the evening had been spent . Union Lodge , No . 250 . —The brethren of this lodge Wiembled in their lodge-rooms , Chapel-street , about half-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
past seven p . m ., in full Masonic costume . The large hall was profusely decorated for the occasion with Masonic banners , Masonic emblems , and evergreens . Upwards of fifty sat down to a sumptuous banquet , purveyed by Bro . Pitcairn , Station Hotel , assisted by Bro . D . M'Gregor , Commercial Hotel—the joint Stewards of the lodge . Among the brethren from a distance were Bros . G . G .
Russell , from Manchester ; Stark , from Glasgow ; and May , from Bradford . A blessing having been asked by the Chaplain , due justice wasdone to theplentifulsupply of viands provided . The table having been cleared , a lodge was formed and the R . W . Master rose and said : Brethren , I consider it a great honour to be again placed in the position which I now occupy , by the unanimous voice of the Lodge ; and
it shall be my earnest endeavour , during my year of office , to set before you the ancient landmarks of the order , so as to raise , as far as my feeble efforts go , the status of the Craft , by working assiduously at the upbuilding of the superstructure of the ancient edifice , convinced that I shall have the earnest assistance of all the office-bearers . Much of the prosperity of a Lodge depends on their
exertions ; and I trust our meetings will be both pleasurable and profitable . I hope you will all enjoy yourselves tonight as brethren should , and that every one will act , both in the lodge and out of it , so as to merit the approbation of the Craft , and the respect of the outer world . ( Applause ) . Brethren , the first duty which devolves on me to-night , is somewdiat out of the ordinary routine , but it
is a pleasant one ; and as I do not wish to inflict a long speech on you , for we have a very lengthy programme before us , I at once proceed to place round the neck of our immediate Past Master , Bro . Taylor , this P . M . ' s Jewel , as a small token of our esteem and respect for him as a Mason , and an acknowledgment , however feeble , of our appreciation of the many invaluable services he has
rendered to this , his mother lodge . Bro . Taylor , I , in name of Lodge Union , No . 250 , present to yon this Masonic Jewel , and hope you may be long spared in health and strength to wear it . ( Great applause ) . —Bro . Taylor , in returning thanks , said he was proud to think that his past services , while occupying the R . W . M . ' s chair , had so far merited their approbation as to lead
them to present him with this P . M . ' s Jewel . He had always endeavoured to forward the interests of Masonry so far as in him lay . He had spent many pleasant evenings in the lodge-room , and he never considered any time devoted to the interests of the lodge had been wrongly expended . He rejoiced to sec so many present to celebrate the festival of St . John . As Past Master he would
say that the success that had attended the lodge during the past year—the numbers who had been initiated into the mysteries of the Craft—showed that the brother who now filled the chair was worthy of the office which he held . He thought they might yet expect great fruits from his management . He begged to thank them all again for the honour which they had done him , and he
could assure them that the handsome jewel which they had now presented him with would be highly valued by him and his . In the history of the Union Lodge he only remembered of one Past Master on whom the same honour had been conferred ; and that was their old and esteemed Bro . G . Birrell . And it was no small honour , he thought , tocomeafterso worthy a Past Master . ( Great applause ) . —
The Chairman then gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts , after which Bro . Taylor , I . P . M ., in complimentary terms proposed the health of " R . W . M ., Bro . D . Lamond . " Ever since Bro . Lamond first saw "light , " he had done what in him lay to advance the cause of Freemasonry , and to promote the interests of the Union Lodge . They could all bear witness to the energetic
way in which he had fulfilled the ditties of the R . W . M . ' s chair , and he thought he was the " right man in the right place . "—The Chairman , in reply , said : Bro . Taylor , Wardens , and Brethren , the complimentary terms in which you have been pleased to speak of me I scarcely deserve , but allow me to say ' , in reply , I deeply feel your fraternal kindness , and will endeavour to discharge my
various duties to the best of my ability . Masonry has taught me much , and brought me many pleasures . Many a happy hour have 1 spent in lhe " Union , " and many more I hope to spend within its walls . With your kind assistance , wc will go forward increasing not only in numbers , but in social harmony and moral standing ; and before this Masonic year expires , I trust we shall let
many well qualified and properly prepared candidates sec " light ; " and at its close may wc all be able to look back , wilh no less pleasure than we do at this moment , on our last year of office . I am obliged to you all for your kindness . ( Great applause . )—Bro . Wardlaw , Treas ., then gave "The Past Masters of No . 250 . " In doing so , he said he was sorry there were not more
representatives of the office present . They had only one here to-night , but in all the offices which he had held , lie had proved himself both able and efficient . —Bro . Taylor , I . P . M ., replied . lie did not think there were very many of the Past Masters of the Union Lodge in existence now . But he was sure that one , at least , who was still alive and hearty ( Past Master G . Birrcl ) , would be
glad to hear of their happy meeting that evening , and of the continued prosperity of the lodge with which he had been so long connected . There was much of the old spirit in him yet , and he might safely say that although he was not able to be with them in body , his heart was with them . Bro . Ilulton , his immediate predecessor , was a good man and true , and had laboured earnestly to advance the cause of Freemasonry , and to promote the interests
of No . 250 . ( Applause)—At this stage of the proceedings , a deputation from St . John ' s Lodge was announced , headed by Depiite-Master Lindsay , bearing a fraternal message from the R . W . M . of St . John ' s to the R . W . M . ofthe Union . The Depute-Master having delivered his message , the Chairman , in replying to the deputation said : Bro . Lindsay , be so good as to convey to Bro . Tuckett , your worthy R . W . M ., my sincere thanks for his fraternal wishes , and I am sure I but feebly express the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
feelings of the brethren of the ' * Union , " when I say that we are both pleased and proud to receive you , Brother Lindsay , and such a deputation from the sister Lodge St . John . I cannot but think that such fraternal meetings will tend to stimulate each of us to employ our best energies to raise the standard , not only of our mother lodge , but of the whole craft , still higher than it has yet
reached ; and that we will all do everything in our power to promote friendship , morality , and brotherly love throughout the world . Be seated , brethren . ( Applause . ) —Bro . A . Watson , J . W ., then gave in complimentary terms , "The Fathers ofthe Union Lodge , " coupled with the name of Bro . Meiklejolm , sen . —Bro . Meiklejohn replied . He was [ sorry to say that the old members ,
the fathers of the Union Lodge , were fast dying out . When he looked round on the many new faces that he saw now in the lodge , it caused him to look back during the past 40 years , and to feel that time with some of them was getting short . Among the brethren of 40 years' standing alive at the present day , he only recollected one or two names . Bro . G . Birrel ' s name had been already mentioned ;
but there were also Bros . Saunders and Herdman , of Glasgow . He recollected also Bro . Erskine , who left for Australia , but had since died , and he thought these were all the old members , with the exception of Bro . Kelty , sen ., who was wilh them that night . He saw many new faces when he looked round the tables , but he was glad to witness the great prosperity which was
attending the lodge . He had every confidence that the lodge would yet be among the best , if not the best , in Fife . He begged to thank the Junior Warden for the kind manner in wdiich he had proposed the health of the " Fathers of the Union . " —The Chairman then said : Brethren of " Lodge Union , " I have the honour to call upon you to dedicate a bumper to " The Sister Lodge St . John" —our elder sister . Notwithstanding her great age ,
she seems to be still vigorous . It is my impression that she is blessed with a good constitution . Her present R . W . M . has been already tried , and we all know with what result ; in fact , from the manner in wdiich he has distinguished himself he is entitled to be called a "bright " Mason . I have no doubt but under his government social harmony , and everything that tends to promote brotherly love , will be cherished , and that all will be stimulated and enabled to refute the calumnies
indiscriminately thrown on the Craft . I am glad to have it in my power to propose , from the chair , "Continued and increasing prosperity to St . John ' s Lodge , No . 26 . " ( The toast was responded to with Masonic honours . )—Bro . R . Lindsay , D . M ., St . John ' s Lodge , returned thanks in the name of the deputation , for the manner in which the toast of " St . Johns Lodge" had been
responded to . This was not the first time the same duty had devolved upon him . Were it not that he owed the strictest allegiance to the St . John ' s Lodge , he could almost wish he belonged to the Union . He considered the brethren of the Union an able and energetic body of men , and although the Union was a younger lodge than the St . John ' s , the manner in which they did their work
was well worthy of imitation . He hoped the two lodges would always go hand in hand together to promote the interests of true Masonry . Freemasonry , he was glad to see , was on the increase in the county—indeed , it was on the increase all over the world . He had always been an ardent admirer of Masonry in all its phases , and he looked on it as a grand means to further a glorious end . The
practice of holding Masons' lodges in taverns and publichouses had done much to bring discredit on their principles , and he entirely disapproved of such a practice If there were any evils connected with the practice of Freemasonry , lie for one , had never seen it in the lodge-room ; he trusted that the time had now gone by when such objections would be brought against them , and that
Freemasonry will soon reach the highest apex of popularity and standing . He would have great pleasure in taking down to the St . John ' s Lodge the kind and fraternal wishes of the Union . ( Great applause . )—The Chairman then gave " The Deputation from the Sister Lodge , " to which Depute-Maslcr Lindsay replied . —Bro . G . Meiklejohn , jun ., then sang , amid great applause , a
Masonic song , composed for the occasion by the R . W . M . — The brethren forming the deputation from the Union to the St . John's Lodge having returned , the deputation from the sister lodge then departed in Masonic style . —Bro . J . Stewart , D . M ., then rose to propose "Freemasonry over the world . " He said , Masonry was spreading both at home and abroad , and he had great pleasure in proposing
the sentiment . —The Chaplain ofthe Lodge then proposed "The Young Members of No . 250 , " and in doing so , as the oldest member of the Lodge present , he took the opportunity of administering a good deal of sound Christian advice lo lhe young members . ( The exortation was well received , and highly applauded ) . —Bro . Dodds , as the youngest member present , returned thanks . —Past
Master Taylor , next gave " The Brethren from a distance , " coupled with the name of Bro . Russell . —Bro . Russell returned thanks for himself and the brethren from a distance present . —Sub-Master Stewart next proposed the health of "The Senior and Junior Wardens , " who both appropriately replied . —Bro . D . Cook , S . W ., next proposed , in highly complimentary terms , the health of
"The Treasurer and Secretary . "—The Secretary and Treasurer respectively replied . —Bro . R . Stcedman ( postmaster ) then rose , and said that he had a toast to propose which , though not on the programme , he was sure they would all heartily respond to . It was , the health of "Bro . Ballantyne , Grand Bard of Scotland . " Bro .
Ballantync had a good many friends in Dunfermline ; but , independent of that , if he had never written anything better than the song "Ilkablade o' grasskepsitsaindrapo ' dew , " his name would have been , as it now is , a household word . — -Bro . A . Romanes next proposed "The Provincial Grand Lodge , " coupled with the name of the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . Whytc Melville , of