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of the lodge . He had taken an active part in promoting the welfare of the lodge . The usual summer outing and banquet had taken place , also a ball , which proved a marked success in every way . He assured the brethren he would endeavour to follow in the same lines ; and , after a few more complimentary remarks , presented Bro . Stephens with a handsome Past Master's jewel , and , in doing so , hoped he would live many years to wear it ; also

a Past Master's collar , presented by the brethren , as well as a handsomely framed and illuminated vellum , worded as follows : "This testimonial , together with a Past Master ' s collar and jewel , in addition to the jewel voted by the lodge , was presented to Bro . James Stephens by the members of the lodge as a token of their high esteem and appreciation of the exemplary manner in which he performed the duties of W . M . during his year of office ; and .

further , to recognise the indefatigable manner in which he worked in connection with the summer banquet , and also the first ball of the above lodge , both of which resulted in such brilliant success . ' Bro . Stephens , in reply , alluded to the work of art produced by Bro . Bailey , and thanked him for the labour , pains , trouble , and time he must have spent over it . He was sorry he ( Bro . Bailey ) was obliged to leave to attend

and give his services towards a benefit for the Police Orphanage . He also thanked the brethren for their many kindnesses to himself . It did not fall to the lot of every brother to be able to render the ritual perfectly , and if his rendering had , as was said , been approved , it was then indeed amply repaid . He might flatter himself by the applause that it was approved . He also mentioned that two years ago the lodge numbered 22 , now , somewhere

about 40 , and the funds had grown from a deficit to a balance unprecedented in the annals of the Iodge , and concluded by saying he hoped that he should meet with a support worthy of the Hyde Park Lodge on his undertaking a Stewardship for the Boys' School , and appealed to all , and said those who rendered help might rest

assured that their offerings would be fully appreciated . "The Visitors" toast followed , responded to by Bro . Davie , thanking the brethren for their hospitality , and congratulated them also on having such admirable workers , which would keep up the standard of the lodge . . Bro . Wickens said he had followed the W . M . closely in his work , and was gratified to have been present on that

occasion . Bro . Farthing reciprocated the sentiments of the two brethren who had preceded him , and concluded that great credit was due to those who worked so well , and recommended the younger officers to follow in the same steps . "The Officers , " replied to by Bro . Langridge and the S . VV ., and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . > 5 SS ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge took place at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , on Thursday , 13 th inst . Present : Bros . George S . Stokes , W . M . ; Nettlefold , S . VV . ; T . Walker , J . W . ; T . Taylor , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Power , P . M ., Sec . ; Plummer , S . D . ; Goodyear , D . C ; Brown , I . G . ; Manley and Shave , Stwds . ; Henry Thomas , Tyler ; also Bros . Boyton ,

P . M . ; J . R . Smith , I . P . M . j C . Lacy , T . Marceau , Muddiman , W . Stevens , sen ., W . Stevens , jun ., Wakeford , Hargroves , Simpson , Sutton , Trackson , Raymond , and Rice . The visitors were Bros . James Hill , W . M . 165 S ; Edgley , J-D . 1446 ; Mancroft , P . M . 25 ; Barnes , P . M . 1452 ; and Burt , 27 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last Iodge meeting were read and confirmed . Brds .

W . Stevens , sen ., W . Stevens , jun ., and C . Lacy were passed to the Second Degree , and afterwards raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Masons . The ceremony was well rendered by the VV . M . Bro . J . F . Raymond was passed to the First Degree , and afterwards passed to the Degree of F . C . The communications were then read , and the lodge was closed . The brethren then adjourned to the dining hall , where a

nice supper was provided by Bro . Venables . The VV . M . proposed " The Health of the Queen , " coupled with the Craft . He acknowledged the Queen a great supporter of our country , laws , and the Craft . She had come forward among her subjects to promote the exhibitions whereby trade and commerce might revive , and also to gladden the eyes and hearts of her people . Bro . Power , P . M ., sang " God save the Queen . "

The next toast was "The M . W . G . M " H . R . H . the Prince of VVales . " He was a great promoter of the Craft in all the branches . His study was to enhance its welfare . Bro . Nettlefold , S . W ., sang " God bless the Prince of Wales . " The next toast was that of " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , including Pro G . M . and D . G . M . " These were the head , and they thebody . Without them they could hardly get

on , because they supported us in all directions . They were good and true . Hro . Boyton , P . M ., sang " Do not forget me . " The toast of "The W . M . " was proposed by Bro . J . R . Smith , I . P . M . He had great pleasure in proposing this toast , because they are all pleased with his work and genial manner . Every brother must have been impressed with the manner with which he worked the Degrees that

evening . Bro . Burt gave a solo on the piano . It was exceedingly well appreciated by tbe brethren . The W . M ., in responding to the toast , thanked the brethren for their appreciation of his work . It was a pleasure to him to do it for them . He would use all his powers to conduct the lodge to their satisfaction . The more good work they found him the better he would be pleased . He then stated that a summer excursion was to take place

early in July , and laid before them several plans . A Committee was formed to carry out the plans , and arrange everything for them . The summer outing two years ago , when Bro . Taylor , presided over them , was ! i complete success , and this year ' s excursion it is to be hoped will prove the same . The Committee consisted of the VV . M ., two Wardens , Secretary , Treasurer , Bros . Rice , Brown , and Goodyear .

Bro . Sutton sang a song . The W . M . introduced the toast of "The Visitors . " Generally speaking , they had large numbers , but that evening there were only a few . They were very glad to see them , and hoped they had enjoyed themselves . The Visitors then responded in suitable terms , expressing themselves delighted with the working of Ihe lodge , and the hospitality shown them .

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The toast of "The P . M . 's ., including the Treasurer and Secretary , " was next proposed . The W . M . was pleased to see Bro . Boyton , P . M ., present . He was the oldest P . M . among them . He had come some distance , and it cheered their hearts to see his face and hear his voice . He was the "grandfather" of the lodge . He also spoke in terms of strong appreciation " of the services of the Treasurer and Secretary , and likewise the

I . P . M . They were devoting their time , talents , strength , and knowledge for the lodge , and the brethren were glad to have such good and well-working P . M . 's . Bro . Raymond sang "The Village Blacksmith . " The toast of "The Officers" was proposed and well received . They responded in suitable terms , and the last toast of the evening was rendered . The brethren separated after thoroughly enjoying themselves .

SAMSON LODGE ( No . 1668 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the nth inst ., at the Regent Masonic Hall , Cafe Royal , Regent-street , when there was a representative gathering of members and visitors . Lodge was opened under the presidency of Bro . H . VV . Casperd , VV . M ., who was supported by Bros . R . A . Kingsbury , S . W ., and VV . M . elect ; B . Field , J . W . ;

M . D . Lowenstark , P . M ., Treas . ; Baron D . Barnet , P . M ., Sec ; J . L . Miller , S . D . ; L . Lancaster , J . D . ; Isaac Levy , I . G . ; H . Moss , Steward ; Past Masters H . Aarons , J . Ouincey , and C . Ochsee ; C . Benjamin , Isaac Koal , C . A . Adams , J . F . Denham , F . G . Brown , F . T . Drewett , J . Van Praagh , A . H . Marks , Emil Hahn , J . M . Nash , J . Seigenberg , A . P . Caspcrd . A . Oberdorffer , Tyler , and others .

Amongst the visitors were Bros . D . M . Davis , VV . M . 1017 ; ) . N . Dewsnap , W . M . 18 S ; D . VV . Bayley , W . M . 185 ; H . H . Myers , J . W . 1017 ; R . G . Crawford and T . S . Clarke , 55 ; W . J . Firth , 1005 ; H . J . Amphlett , and others . After the confirmation of the minutes , Bros . J . F . Denham and C . A . Adams were passed , the ceremony being

worked with the precision and impressiveness for which the retiring W . M . has become proverbial . Bro . R . A . Kingsbury , who had abl y discharged the duties of the Senior Warden ' s chairduring the preceding year , was then presented for installation , and in the rendering of this impressive rite Bro . Casperd maybe said to have even excelled himself , so admirably and faultlessly was the work

executed . The ancient charges were given with all the requisite effect , and the whole ceremony was such as to elicit the hearty encomiums of all present . 'Ihe newly-installed VV . M . invested his officers for the year as follows : Bros . VV . H . Casperd , I . P . M . ; B . Field , S . W . ; J . S . Miller , J . W . ; M . D . Lowenstark , P . M ., Treas . ; Baron , D . Barnet , P . M ., Sec ; L . Lancaster , S . D . ; Isaac Levy

J . D . ; F . G . Brow , I . G . ; F . T . Drewett , D . C ; H . Moss , Asst . D . C . ; J . Van Praagh , W . S . ; and A . Oberdorffer , Tyler . " Hearty good wishes" having been interchanged , the lodge was closed in harmony , and the brethren adjourned for the banquet , which was served in recherche style .

The customary loyal and Craft toasts were given from the chair and duly honoured . TheW . M . then proposed "The , 'R . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the ) R . W . Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He hoped to have had the presence of one of the Grand Officers that evening , but at

the last moment the Grand Treasurer had written to say he was unable to accept the invitation to attend , and in an extremely pleasant letter begged him to apologize to the brethren for his unavoidable absence from that meeting . Bro . Casperd , I . P . M ., then proposed "The Health of their excellent Worshipful Master . " He was sure that toast would be received with the utmost cordiality and

satisfaction , for they all knew the admirable qualities possessed by Bro . Kingsbury , who had that day been installed into the chair . For his own part , he was glad that he was out office , so far as the work of the Samson Lodge was concerned , and he only hoped that their new W . M . would have double the amount of work which had devolved upon himself . He had known their W . M . for he scarcely knew

how many years—before he was married , at any rate—and all he could say was that if ever a man acted Masonry before he was a Mason , that man was their W . M . Since he had known Masonry he had always acted up to it . He rejoiced to know that Bro . Kingsbury succeeded him in the chair , for he felt certain that if he ( the speaker ) had been able to give satisfaction , the present W . M . would be able

to do so far more abundantly . The Worshipful Master , in responding , remarked that , afterwhat had been said by their I . P . M . he could butthank Bro . Casperd for the extremely kind manner in which he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the cordiality with which they had received it . He asked them to accept his hearty and sincere thanks . He now filled a position

which when he joined the Iodge he could scarcely have dreamt of occupying for many years to come ; but circumstances seemed to have been ordered otherwise . He sincerely hoped the time had not come before he was prepared to accept the responsibilities of office , and he assured them he should do his utmost to deserve the goodwill and respect which they had shown him . He trusted that , with

the assistance of the officers and brethren , they might be enabled at the expiration of his term of office to feel satislied with the choice they had now made . The Worshipful Master then proposed "The Health of the Visitors , " in doing which he said he would distinguish that toast from that of "Our Sister Lodges , "which were represented that evening . He was delighted to see the

Worshipful Masters and other members of the sister lodges present , and if they would permit him , he would afterwards propose their toast specially . He asked them to drink to the visitors in right royal manner . Let them teach the visitors a lesson , that in this Iodge there was a welcome which they could not find surpassed in any other lodge . He associated with the toast the names of Bros . Crawford and H . H . Myers .

The toast was received with a " good fire , " and Bro . Crawford replied in a brief but humorous speech , thanking the brethren of the lodge for the generous manner in which the visitors had been received , and complimenting the lodge upon the excellence of its working . Bro . H . H . Myers congratulated the lodge upon having a W . M . who knew certainly how to conduct its affairs , and the I . P . M . upon the excellent way in whicli he had per-

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formed the installation ceremony . His clear enunciation and good delivery , particularly in the charges , produced a great effect upon him and all the rest of the brethren , and as long as they had such Masters the lodge would bear a name in the first rank of Freemasonry . The Worshipful Master said he had now a very important duty to discharge , and that was to propose a toast that was not down upon the programme— "The Reigning

Masters of the Three Sister Lodges " who had honoured them with their presence , out of the live lodges who termed themselves Jewish . It had been customary with them that the four other reigning Masters should take part in their installation ceremonies . He was delighted to see three of the W . M . ' s present , the fourth had , unfortunately , been compelled to send a telegram to say the state of his health prevented his attendance . He very much regretted that

Bro . Henochsberg , VV . M . of the Lodge of Israel , was not with them , and he wished him a speedy recovery to health . He associated with the toast the names of Bro . Bayley , W . M . of the Tranquillity Lodge ; Hro . Dewsnap , VV . M . of the Joppa Lodge ; and Bro . Davis , W . M . of the Montefiore Lodge . Bro . Bayley said it was with unfeigned pleasure that he attended on that occasion . He was reminded that the

Samson was the youngest of the sister lodges , and it seemed to be a wise dispensation that they were termed " sister lodges , " for he believed amongst the five lodges which had been named perfect friendship had been kept up year after year by the interchange of visits on the part of Masters and members . That had been productive of the greatest Masonic good , for it had taught them much of the inner working , as it enabled them to imitate that which thev

found to be good , and to point out what was defective in others . Every one must be pleased to see the vigour which this lodge had displayed within the comparatively short time since its establishment . The sister lodges wished it the utmost success , and congratulated them upon the excellence of its workmanship . Bro . Dewsnap , on behalf of the Joppa Lodge , also tendered his sincere thanks for the reception accorded to the

toast . It was a source of great pleasure to him to attend a meeting of the Samson Lodge for the first time . He had the pleasure of knowing their I . P . M ., whom he esteemed very highly , and doubly so after having seen him work the installation ceremony . It was his good fortune to visit many lodges ; but he never received a more kindly greeting than he did amongst the Jewish brethren . It was rather strange that of the five so-called Jewish lodges three had Christian

Masters . He must say that going amongst Jewish brethren he met with a better reception than in any other lodge . Amongst Hebrew brethren they met with working equal to any in London , and whenever he had been present with a Jewish Master and officers the ceremonies had been superbly carried out . Bro . Davis , in the course of his reply , gave it as an illustration of the universality of Freemasonry that Jews were

enabled to meet Christians , and Christians Jews , in a lodge with perfect amity and accord . They had no issues in the lodge , provided they were Masons , and they were all able to meet on the one common happy ground of Masonry . That was one of the beauties of the Order . The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Installing Master and I . P . M ., " said it was a pleasant duty to tender to Bro . Casperd hearty thanks for the excellent manner in

which he had performed his duty during his term of oflice . He ( the speaker ) only hoped he might be able to acquit himself to some extent as Bro . Casperd had done . He was only a young Mason , but he thought he was correct in saying that no Master of the lodge had had the privilege of initiating so many members into it as had their I . P . M ., having added 10 initiates and one joining member during his year . He hoped it might be his happy lot to have even

one half as much success . He was delighted to follow Bro . Casperd in the chair , for he was a Master to whom he could look up for any assistance or counsel he might need . He had now the pleasurable duty of asking Bro . Casperd to accept from the brethren of the lodge a beautiful jewel , which had been voted to him from the funds of the lodge . They would all agree with him that in placing that jewel upon his breast it had been well earned . He was charmed

to be able to pin to Bro . Casperd ' s breast a jewel equal in value to any that had been presented to his predecessors in office . It was the wish of every brother of the Iodge that Bro . Casperd might live long to wear it , and to enjoy the credit which it would reflect upon him in any lodge which he might visit . The brethren had done him the high honour of asking him to request Bro . Casperd to accept that jewel as a token of their esteem , and of thanks

for the able way in which he had performed his duties in the past year . Bro . Casperd , I . P . M ., offered his sincere thanks to the W . M . of the lodge for the kind way in which he had proposed the toast , and for the handsome manner in which he had pinned that beautiful jewel to his breast . He thanked them from the bottom of his heart for having so cordiall y supported him during his year of office . He had tried to the utmost of his ability to do his duty as a Mason and

Master of this lodge , and it wis a consolation to know he had given them a certain amount of satisfaction . There was only one point on which he was inclined to call their W . M . out of order , and that was ( he said it without fear of contradiction ) he never in his life invited a man to become a Mason . When a person had asked him " What is Freemasonry ? " his answer invariably was that he had never regretted joining it , and that his interrogator must follow in the same course—that if a man wanted to become a Mason he must do so from what he felt ; and his

conviction that it would advance him as a man and a brother . That was what the VV . M . meant . If in the immediate circle of their Masonic organisation he had been enabled to fulfil his duty to their satisfaction he was more than rewarded . He had done his best to win their approbation , and was gratified they had acknowledged that his efforts had come up to their expectations . He also thanked them for the very handsome jewel which the W . M . had placed on his breast that evening , and he could assure them that

as I . P . M . he should cansider it his duty and privilege to assist the W . M . in every possible way , though from what they had seen that day he very much doubled whether any such assistance would be needed . The W . M ., then , in felicitous terms , gave " The Health of the P . M . ' s , " the toast being acknowledged in a suitable manner by Bro . H . Aarons ; and the remaining toasts were " The Treasurer and Secretary " and "The Officers of the Lodge . " During the evening a choice selection of vocal and in-