Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

W . M ., Past Masters , Wardens , Treasurer , and Secretary , were appointed to consider a modification of several of the bye-laws and other important matters in connection with the lodge . Previously to the lodge being closed , a donation was unanimously voted to the Laughton Church Tower Restoration Fund , and a vote of thanks unanimously passed to Bro . Tomlinson upon his retirement from

the position of Treasurer . The banquet , which was admirably served by Bro . Baylis , having been discussed , the W . M . gave , in brief but pertinent terms , the toasts of " The Queen and Craft , " " The M . W . G . M ., " "The Pro G . M ., Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " " The R . W . P . G . M ., and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " These pledges

having been most warmly received , Bros . Charles Horslcy and W . Wigginton responded at length upon behalf of the latter . In proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " the acting I . P . M ., Bro . Horslcy , congratulated the lodge upon possessing a W . M . who , as an initiate , had been connected with it from its commencement . He had filled nearly all the minor offices most efficiently , ami had endeared himself

to all those who had been brought into contact with him . The speaker having touched upon other matters in connection with the W . M . ' s career in the lodge , concluded by wishing him a most prosperous and happy year of office . This toast having been rtccived with excellent " fire , " the W . M , modestly replied . " The Health of the Installing Master" followed , and , it having been warmly received , Bro . Wigginton , P . M ., tersely responded . The toast of

"The Past Masters " followed , and was acknowledged by Bro . W . H . Saunders in a neat speech . "The Visitors " came next in order , and drew from Bros . Laxton , Dodel , and Rookman exhaustive and complimentary replies . The toast of " The Officers " was coupled with the names of Bros . Ashley , Tomlinson , and D'Orsey . Those brethren having replied , the Tyler ' s toast terminated the proceedings , which vveve throughout most enjoyable and successful .

PLUMSTEAD . —United Military Lodge ( No . 1536 ) . —The first meeting of the above lodge since the installation of the W . M ., Bro . H . Shaw , took place on Friday , the 14 th inst ., at the Lord Raglan , Burrage-roael , and was honoured by the presence of Bros . Col . A . H . King , R . A ., P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . Kent ; J . L . Thomas , P . M . 142 , and P . A . G . D . C . ( England ); and a large number of

visitors , among whom were Bros . J . Warren , W . M . 700 ; T . Hutton , W . M . 13 ; D . W . T . Vincent , P . M . 913 ; T . D . Hayes , P . M . 913 ; A . Fcnfold , P . M . 913 ; 11 . Prycc , I . G . 913 " ( the three latter brethren are also honorary members of the United Military Lodge ) ; A . Brookson , P . M . 1424 ; Eugene Sweny , S . W . 706 ; J . Wilkins , S . W . 700 ; T . Hosgood , S . D . 13 ; G . Beaver , S . D . 700 ; J . Elder

S . D . 1472 ; O . Hutton , Sec . 13 ; W . Webber , 700 ; S . Evans , 316 ; W . Cobb , 700 ; W . Recce , 913 ; W . Watts , 913 ; E . Palmer , 913 ; H . Grice , 13 ; W . Lennox , 144 ; G . Tappenilen , 700 ; D . C . Capon , 913 ; C . T . Lemessurier , 359 ; S . Newton , 3 87 ; J . Waham , 873 ; and C . Jolly , 913 { Freemason ) , and honorary member of the United Military lodge . Among the officers present beside the W . M . were

Bros . H . Picken , I . P . M . ; W . Weston , P . M . ; D . Deeves , S . W . ; H . Welding , J . W . ; G . Kennedy , Sec . ; C . Buckland , J . D . ; and W . A . Watkins , I . G . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last meeting having been read and passed , the ballot was taken for Bro . P . Mills , A . S . C ., of No . 903 , which proved unanimous . The ballot was then taken for Augustus Carter King , Lieut ., son of Bro .

Col . King ; Sergt . C . T . Rolfe , R . A ., and Sergeant-Major W . Halahan , R . A ., and the ballot proving unanimous , the candidates were duly initiated into Masonry . Bros . Hutchinson , Hunt , ami Waldron were then raised to the Sublime Degree . The whole of the work was done by the W . M . in excellent style , considering this being his first night in the chair . Bro . King

then retired , and the lodge was closed in due form . The brethren then sat down to a pretty little supper , well served by Bro . Tucker , who was thanked by the W . M . for the care taken by him for the comfort of the brethren . On the cloth being cleared the gallant brethren anil visitors drank to "'Phc Queen and the Craft "right loyally . " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , G . M . of England , " was

enthusiastically toasted , as were "The Pro and Deputy Grand Masters , and rest of tiic Grand Officers . " This being a provincial lodge , under Lord Holmesdalc , G . M . for the Province of Kent , " The Health of His Lordship , and the D . G . M ., Bro . Eastcs , " who are deservedly popular in this part of the province , was responded to most heartily . In responding for the toast of " The Grand

Officers of England , " Bro . Thomas expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present that evening . He felt sure that they did not want to hear a word from him as to the excellences and qualification of the Grand Officers who were honoured by holding office under their exalted G . M . the Prince of Walts ; but he would say , and he felt sure they would all agree with him , that the offices could not

have been placed in the hands of better men . He had come among them that evening at the invitation of the W . M ., and was completely taken by surprise at the excellent manner in which the work had been carried out . It was not only a credit to tbe lodge but an example to Masonry at large . Why , the very initiates stood to order like old Masons , anel he could only tell them that it would

be a great gratification to him to be enabled to report tc Grand Lodge the excellent way this lodge carrieel out the princip les and work of Freemasonry . He felt sure that Lord Skelmersdale would have been pleased to have been with them that evening . His lordship was not only a haret working Mason , but was filling one of the most

important offices in the realm , that of Grand Chambeilain , and nothing gave him greater satisfaction than to find that a lodge was doing good work , and in a Mason-like manner . It was not his habit to compliment any loilge merely for the sake of compliment , but what be had said upon this occasion came from the bottom of his heart . As

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

an old Woolwich Mason , for he was made a R . A . Mason within a stone ' s throw of this lodge , he was never more gratified anel pleased ihan to be among his Masonic friends at Woolwich . After the W . M . had regretted the unavoidable absence of Bro . Col . King , whose love for Masonry was only equalled by his arduous work for its prosperity , Bro . Picken proposed " The Health of Bro .

Shaw" in suitable terms ; and , in response , Bro . Shaw , after expressing the pleasure it gave him to see such a grand assembly around him , said he knew his shortcomings as well as any one , and they must take into consideration the nervousness natural to a first night . However , he would promise to do better before the end of the year . The toast of " 'I he Initiates " followed , and the

brethren present briefly responded . " The Visitors " were toasted , and Bros . Hutton , Brookson , Warren and several others responded . Bro . Picken responded for "The Past Masters , " and Bro . Deeves for " The Officers . " Bro . Jolly responded to a flattering notice of "The Masonic Press , " and then the Tyler ' s toast concluded a memorable and enjoyable evening .

MORECAMBE . —Morecarnbe Lodge ( No-1 . 561 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held in the Masonic Hall , Edward-street , on the 7 th inst ., Bro . William Longmire , W . M ., occupying the chair of K . S ., and supported by his several officers . The lodge having been opened in due form , the minutes of previous meeting

were read and confirmed , after which the ballot was taken for Mr . Henry Baxter , and ptoved unanimous . Mr . Baxter was afterwards admitted to the lodge , and initiated into the mysteries of the Craft by the W . M ., the working tools being given by the J . W . Some financial business was then discussed , and the usual proclamations followed , the loelge being closed with the usual formalities .

STONY STRATFORD . — Watling - street Lodge ( No . 1 ( 139 ) . —" installation banquet cf the above loelge was held at the Cock Hotel , on Thurselay evening , the 6 th inst ., when there was a good attendance of members and visitors . The ceremony of installing Bro . G . 15 . Valentine , W . M . of the loelge for the ensuing year , was performed by Bro . the Rev . W . F . Short , P . G . C .

The W . M . then invested his officers as follows : —Bros . J . Elmes , P . G . A . D . C , I . P . M . ; J . Bates , S . W . ; J . W . Bull , J . W . ; the Rev . W . F . Short , Chap . ; W . H . Robinson , Treas . ; J . Reeve , Sec . ; It . Marlow , S . D . ; H . ) . W . Cox , J . D . ; G . Gilkes , D . C ; L . Ewbank , I . G .-, C . L . Lovett , Steward ; and J . Bonser , Tyler . At the conclusion of the business an adjournment was maele to the

banqueting room , where Bro . ltevill had prepared a sumptuous spread , which gave great satisfaction to the guests . The toasts " The Queen and the Craft" and " The Most Worshipful the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " were given by the W . M ., accompanied by appropriate remarks . He next gave " I lie Pro Granel Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Granel Master , the

Earl of Skelmersdale ; and the Present and Past Grand Officers of England , " coupling with it the names of Bro . the Rev . W . F . Short and Bro . Cox , who suitably acknowledged the compliment . " The Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master , Sir Daniel Gooch ; the Right Worshipful the Deputy Provincial Grand Master ; anel the Provincial Granel Officers , Present and Past , of Berks

and Bucks , " was the next toast , with which the W . M . coupled the names of Bros . W . H . Robinson and J . Elmes , who responded , and Bros . J . Reeve and C . Avelinc also replied . Bro . the Rev . W . F . Short then proposed what he considered the toast of the evening , viz ., " The Health of the W . M ., " of whom he spoke in eulogistic terms as an enthusiastic brother Mason . He also remarked upon the

prosperous condition of the lodge , which was now in its fourth year of existence , and , in comparison with other loelges of a similar age , considered its position eejual to any in England . The toast was very suitably acknowledged by the W . M ., who then gave " The Visitors , " coupling with it the names of Bros . J . Ii . Wilmer , J . Goodwin , anel Slater , of Buckingham , who severally responded .

The other toasts were " 'I he Masonic Chanties ; " " The Chaplain , the Treasurer , and Secretary ; " " The Officers of the Watliug-street Lodge ; " and the Tyler's toast . Bro . Robinson then proposed " The Caterer , " to which Bro . Revill very suitably replied . Bros . Marlow , Goodwin , Bonser , and others contributed to the harmony of the evening , which was brought to a close by the National Anthem . —HWklii Slumlord .

HAMPTON WICK . —Wolsey Lodge ( No . 1656 ) . —This prosperous provincial lodge assembled in good strength at tti » White Hart Hotel , Hampton Wick , on the 10 th inst . Among those present were Bros , the Rev . C . dc Crespigny , P . P . G . C . of Middlesex , W . M . ; Forge , acting S . W . ; Featherstone , acting J . W . ; W . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Middlesex , I . P . M . ; T . Ockenden ,

S . W ., 1 5 12 , Sec ; T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . Middlesex , J . D . { Frivmusoii ) ; F . Honeywell , P . G . O . Middlesex , Organist ; Richer , D . C . Among the visitors were Bros , the Rev . R . Gem , P . P . G . C . of Cumberland and Westmoreland ; lnglis , P . M . Carnarvon ; Jessett , W . M . 1512 ; Beauchamp , 1 5 , Marvin , Progress . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M .

vacated the chair in favour of Bro . W . Hammond , who then proceeded to raise Bro . Gerhold to the degree of a M . M ., the ceremony being well performed . It having been reported that Bro . Scott , I . G ., had recently died , it was unanimously resolved , upon the motion of Bros . Hurst , S . D ., and Andrews , that a letter of condolence

should be foAvanlcel by the Secretary to the family of their decent : I brother . Previously to the lodge being closed , an application for relief was read from the widow of a deceased brother , one of the founders of the Wolsey and W . M . elect at the time of his demise . Upon the motion 10 the I . P . M , a petition upon her behalf was ordered to

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

be prepared and signed by the officers of the lodge and forwarded to the Board of Benevolence . The lodge was then duly closed , and the brethren partook of a collation . Upon the removal of the cloth , the W . M . arose , and said that he intended to be the best chairman that they had ever had , inasmuch as he did not intend to inflict upon them any long speeches . This announcement having

been received with applause , the W . M . proceeded to give the customary Royal and Craft toasts . " The D . P . G . M . and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past , " was responded to by Bro . W . Hammond , P . P . G . D ., in appropriate terms . "The Health of the Visitors " followed . This toast was acknowledged by Bros , the Rev . R . Gem and Marvin . The former stated that he had

visited many lodges in the North , but none of them came up to the standard of working excellence as manifested by those in the South . It had been his good foitune to visit two in the province of Middlesex , namely the Hemming and the Wolsey , anil he had been highly gratified with the manner in which the whole proceedings of those lodges had been conducted . In conclusion , he begged to thank

the W . M . for the hearty manner he had proposed the health of the visitors . Bro . Marvin , the first initiate of the Wolsey , but who had had to resign in consequence of the distance of the lodge from town , having also said a few words in response , the W . M . gave " The Officers . " In giving this toast he said he felt sorry that from urgent private reasons 30 many of his officers were unable to be

present that evening . It was the opening night of the Masonic season in connection with 16 5 6 , and it was to be regretted that only three of the principal officers were able to attend . In conclusion , he said he did not wish to complain , because their absence had been accounted for , but he

hoped that on the next occasion he should see the full complement of officers . This toast was acknowledged by Bro . Ockenden . The Tyler having been called upon to discharge his duty , the proceedings terminated . In the intervals of the toasts Bros . Honeywell , Piller , and others entertained the brethren .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

WARRINGTON . —Elias Ashmole Chapter ( No . 148 ) . —An emergency convocation of this chapter was held at the chapter rooms , Sankey-strcct , on Monday evening , the 17 th inst . The M . E . Z ., Ex . Comp . John Bowes , V . Z ., P . P . G . S . N . Cumberland and Westmorland , was supported by Ex . Comps . D . W . Finney , P . Z ., as H . ; Jas . Jackson , J . ; P . J . Edel « ten , P . Z ., P . S . ; and Comps . Charlton , Starkic , Galloway , C . Skinner ,

Hannah , Hindlcy , Domville , anil others . The chapter having been opcneel by the Principals , the rest of the companions were admitted . Bro . Charlson , who was balloted for and approved at the last convocation , was now present , and having been introduced was exalted in due form , according to ancient custom , by the M . E . Z ., who also elelivered the Mystic Lecture . Much interest was manifested in the ceremony . There being no further business the chapter was closed with the usual solemnities .

LANCASTER . —Rowley Chapter ( No . 1061 ) . —The regular meeting of this chapter of It . A . Masons was held in the Masonic Rooms , Athnreum , on the 17 th inst . There were present Ex . Comps . W . Hall , M . E . Z . ; H . Longman , H . ; and W . Duff , J . ; Comps . Ellershaw , Scribe E . ; Kclland , P . S . ; R . Stanton , A . S . ; F . G . Dale

A . S . ; and A . K . Allmson , Janitor . The muster roll of members having been read , and the minutes of last chapter read and confirmed , Comp . Col . the Right Hon . Frcelerick A . Stanley , M . P ., AVithcrslack Hall ( Her Majesty ' s Secretary of State for War ) was unanimously elected a joining member of the chapter .

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

ST . MARK'S LODGE ( No . 1 ) . —A meeting of the above loelge was held on the 4 th inst . at the Freemasons ' Tavern , and there were present Bro . Geo . Newman , W . M . ; V . W . Bros . C . Horsley , P . M ., G . J . O ., acting I . P . M . ; Rev . P . M . Holden , P . M ., P . G . C , S . W . ; Bros . Wm . Stephens , J . W . ; Dr . Wbiteway Wilkinson , M . O , ; V . W . Bro . H . C . Levander , P . M ., G . Reg ., Treas . ; Bros . H . Santer , Reg . ;

E . H . Thiellay , P . M ., Sec ; J . B . Lambe , S . D . ; II . F . Frost , J . D . ; G . Harrison , Tyler ; P . L . Simmonds , P . M . ; and G , Sandcll . The visitors were V . W . Bros . A . de Cordova , Dist . G . Overseer Jamaica ; Don . M . Dewar , G . Asst . Sec ; W . Bro . Wm . Worrell , P . G . Org . ; and Bro . George Penn . The lodge was opened in due form , the brethren , accompanied by the organ , chanting the opening hymn ,

and the minutes were read and confirmed . The musical portioii of the ceremony was most effectively executed by Bro , Worrell , with his widely known anil appreciated abilities as P . G . Organist , which musical feature is now established permanently in the St . Mark ' s Lodge , harmonising so thoroughly with the excellent working of the Degree as therein rendered . In the St . Mark ' s Lodge , whether

there are candidates or not , the whole of the ceremony is rehearsed in both elocutionary and musical form at each meeting , so that , as has been the case some time past , should a distinguished brother visitor , hailing from the Antipodes , honour again the St . Mark's Lodge , No . 1 , he may not regret the trouble when visiting the lodge . A

telegram and letters of apology for non-attendance were received from Bros . E . . Shepherd , S . O . ; H . A . Dubois , I . P . M . ; Thos . Cohu , and other menibcis . There being no further business the lodge was closed in elue form with the Mark Masters' hymn , and adjourned . The brethren , presided by the W . M ., dined at the Freemasons' Tavern . CROYDON . —Croydon Lodge ( No . 19 8 ) . — A regular meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , Nov .