Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bros . R . B . Cater , l . P . M . ; Rubie , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . S . W . ; Ames , J . W . ; Ashhry , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., Treas . Radway , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., Sec . ; F . Wilkinson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV ., A . D . of C ; VV . Peach , S . D . ; T . E . Wilton , J . D . ; Foote , Org . ; W . L . Baldwin , I . G . ; J . G . Wilton and Gregory , Stwds . ; Bin-wood , Tyler ; Past Masters : Bros . T . Wilton , P . P . G . J . W . and D . C . ( Mayor of Bath ); Capt . Peel Floyd , P . PiG . Reg . ; P . Braham , P . P . G . Org . ; T . B . Moutrie , P . P . G . S . W . ; Dr . Hopkins ,

P . P . G . S . W . Warwickshire ; and S . Collis , P . M . 15 S 7 . There were also many members present . The Secretary having read the circular of summons , Bro . VV . F . Collins , W . M . 53 , was announced as a visitor . He was admitted , accompanied by several members of that lodge , and was received with the usual honours . Immediately after , on the announcement that Bro . Glover , W . M . 906 , was at the door , he was admitted , accompanied by 22

of those under his rule , includingall his officers but one , and five Past Masters . They were received with honours . The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting , and also those of the lodge of instruction , which were confirmed . The lodge having been opened in the Second Degree , Bro . C . J . Baldwin was presented as a candidate for the Third Degree . He was thoroughly examined as to his proficiency by the W . M ., which he proved in as masterly a manner

as on the former occasion when he was a candidate for the rank of F . C ., and was loudly cheered . He was then entrusted and dismissed for preparation . The lodge having been opened in the Third Degree , he was readmitted and raised as a M . M . by the W . M ., who was assisted in one portion , which is peculiar to this lodge , by Bro . Ashley , P . M . ; the traditionary history was given by Bro . Dr . Hopkins , and the symbolism of the working tools was explained

by Bro . Bartlett . The lodge was then brought down to the First Degree , and , to the surprise of the brethren , was called oft for refreshment , an unusual occurrence in No . 41 , which had been arranged by the W . M . under the following circumstances . The brethren having' adjourned to another room , the VV . AI . addressed them on the honour which the lodge felt in having his worship the Mayor as oneof its oldest members ,

a f . Al . and still one of the active working officers . He concluded by calling on the brethren to drink to his health , prosperity , and success in his high station as chief magistrate of the city , to which a most cordial response was given . Bro . T . Wilton most feelingly acknowledged this unexpected compliment , and assured the brethren that though other high and important duties had fallen upon him , he should at all times , as had been the case during his past

Masonic career , extending over a period of twenty years , be ready to do all in his power to promote the best interests of the lodge . When the brethren had returned to the hall and resumed work , the W . M . repeated a portion of his remarks in reference to the mayor , in order that the circumstances might find a place as a record in the minutes . Bro . Dr . Hopkins brought forward the resolution of which

he he had given notice at the last meeting , stating that a Committee had now been formed for carrying out the object to which it referred , the first meeting of which had been held on the previous day , and relating the circumstances which caused a special claim on this lodge to join most heMtuy in ihe movement . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Radway , who vigorously enforced this claim , pointing out the eclat which had been given to No . 41 , by the

discoveries made by Bro . Hughan as to its early history , which would otherwise have been unknown . The result was a unanimous resolution that the sum of five guineas be granted from the lodge funds as a contribution to the testimonial to Bro . VV . J . Hughan , P . G . D ., and as a substantial proof of the general appreciation of his

services , with a view to enable him to continue his researches into the history of the Order , unfettered by other engagements . The W . M . gave notice that at the next meeting he should propose a grant of five guineas to the Benevolent Fund , to be placed on the list of the D . P . G . M ., who will go up as a steward in February . Other matters not of general interest were settled and the lodge was closed .

SUNDERLAND . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . So ) . —The members of this lodge assembled at the Masonic Hall , Park-terrace , on the nth inst ., for the purpose of installing the W . M . for the ensuing year . The lodge was opened by Bro . R . de Clare Yeld , W . M ., supported bv his officers and the following : Bros . R . Kinmond , P . G . P . ; MitcMnson , J . H . Turnbul / , P . P . G . P . ; M . Douglas , P . P . G . D . ; VV . Hawdon , Hrntley , T . Elwen , P . P . G . P . ;

W . Liddell , P . P . G . D . ; J . J . Clay , P . P . G . S . of W . ; G , Porteous , P . P . G . O . ; M . Frampton , P . G . S . B . ; J . Dixon , W . M . 94 ; C . McNamara , W . M . 97 ; J . Eggleston , P . M . g 49 ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; C . Cobham , P . G . S . of W .. After other business , Bro . J . E . Nelson , S . W ., W . M . elect , was presented by Bro . M . Douglass to the Installing Master , Bro . Yeld , to receive the benefits of installation at his hands . The ceremony was very efficiently

performed by Bro . Yeld , and Bro . Nelson having been duly saluted and proclaimed , he proceeded to appoint and invest the following officers : Bros . R . de Clare Yeld , l . P . M . ; H . S . Halvorsen , S . W . ; J . Deans , J . W . ; T . Elwen , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Hawdon , P . M ., Sec ; J . J . Wilson , S . D . ; W . Mitchinson , J . D . ; T . Atkinson , I . G . ; James Hudson , Org . ; M . Douglas , P . M ., D . C . ; S . W . Rackley , T . Smith , and J . Nicholson , Stewards ; and J . G . Brown . Tyler . On the motion of Bro . J . H .

Turnbul ! , P . M ., seconded by the W . M ., it was decided that a vote of thanks be recorded to Bro . T . G . Curry , who had retired from the Secretaryship , the duties of which he had efficiently served for 11 years , and that the same be recorded on the minutes . A presentation was also made to Bro . S . Rackley , who for some years has discharged the duties of a Steward .

The lodge was afterwards closed , and the annual festival was held in the banqueting room of the hall , the W . M . in the chair , and Bros . Halvorsen and Deans in the vicechairs . Bro . T . Elwen proposed the toast of "The Worshipful Master , " which was most heartily responded to , and the Worshipful Master replied . A very enjoyable evening was spent .

SUNDERLAND . —Phoenix Lodge ( No . 94 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Queen-street , Bro . John Hudson , W . M ., in the chair , for the purpose of installing Bro . J . Dixon , S . W ., as W . M . for the ensuing year . After other business , the W . M . elect was presented by Bro . J . Todd , P . M ., to the Installing Master , Bro . J .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Smart , by whom the ceremony of installation was performed . The newly-installed W . M . then appointed his officers as follows : Bros . J . A . Rainbow , S . W . ; T . G . Garrick , J . W . ; J . Riseborough , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Stiles , P . M ., Secretary ; Dawson , S . D . ; Scarborough , J . D . ; Hunter , I . G . ; Wanless , P . M ., D . of C . ; Winham , Org . ; Freidman , Ord , Harris , S . S . ; and J . Brown , Tyler . Among the P . Ms , present were Bros . Si . Frampton , P . G . S . B . ;

J . Potts , P . P . G . D . ; C . McNamara , M . Douglas ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . Henderson , T . Sharp , and Bros . J . E . Nelson , J . C . Moor , and J . G . Kirtley . Afterwards , Bro . J . Potts , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., on behalf of the lodge , presented Bro . M . Frampton , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., with a complete set of provincial full dress clothing . That was not the first time , he said , he had had the pleasure of making a presentation to Bro . Frampton . He had the honour some years ago of presenting a P . M . ' s jewel to him

from the members of the lodge . The members had great pleasure in deputing him to make the presentation , for during the 15 years that had elapsed since he joined that lodge they always found Bro . Frampton anxious to do his duty . He had succeeded and had performed the various offices with great satisfaction . They wished him health and happiness , and that for many years he might wear the clothing in that and other lodges he might chose to visit .

Bro . Frampton in reply thanked Bro . Potts , P . M ., for the kind remarks he had made repecting him , and the brethren who had presented the testimonial to him . He had much pleasure in accepting it as a mark of their esteem and respect . It had always been his endeavour to

discharge his duties in the lodge to the best . of his ability . The proceedings shortly afterwards terminated . On the following evening the annual festival of the lodge was held at the Palatine Hotel , the W . M . presiding , Bro . J . A . Rainbow being in the vice-chair . A large company sat down to an excellent repast .

"The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . John Potts , P . M ., and "The Officers" by Bro . Todd , P . M . ; Bro . F . Maddison , P . M ., responded on behalf of " The Masonic Charities . "

STOCKPORT . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 104 ) . — The annual meeting for the installation of Worshipful Master and celebration of the festival of St . John the Evangelist was held on Monday , the 10 th inst ., at Ashton House , Greek-street , when Bro . George Balfe was installed in the chair in a very able manner by Bro . William Booth , P . M ., P . G . A . D . C , assisted by Bro . J . Beresford , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . From the position Bro . Balfe holds in the

musical world , it is not surprising that his musical friends in the Craft should rally round him on so interesting an occasion , and assist in the formalities . Under the direction of Bro . Henry Collier , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., the ceremony of installation was rendered chorally , and proved a great Masonic treat for the numerous and distinguished assemblage who attended the meeting . The vocalists included Bros . M . Stafford , P . M . 361 ; E . J . Edmondson , 2 S 7 ; T .

Wilkinson , P . M . 1126 ; J . Smith , 323 ; W . Booth , P . M . 104 ; G . Gaskill , Sec . 104 ; and R . Garner , 521 . The officers for the ensuing year were invested b y Bro . Balfe , as follows : Bros . Major F . Preston , l . P . M . ; John Bell , S . W . ; E . Johnson , P . P . G . A . D . C , J . W . ; Rev . T Newton , M . A ., Chap . ; Joseph Wood , Treas . ; G . Gaskill , Sec . ; J . Fox , S . D . ; W . Cleave , J . D . ; W . Booth , P . M ., P . G . A . D . C , D . of Cers . ; H . Collier , P . M ., P . P .

G . O ., Org . ; T . Davis , I . G . ; C . Clarkson , S . S . ; Giles Atherton , J . S . ; and John Scott , P . M . 322 , Tyler . At the conclusion of the installation ceremony the VV . Master invested the retiring W . M . with a handsome gold Past Master's jewel , which the brethren had subscribed for as a mark of their esteem . After some formal business had been transacted the lodge was closed and the brethren adjourned to the dining room . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured ,

" The Worshipful Master ' s " health being received with much enthusiasm . Bro . Balfe is certainly to be congratulated on the happy auspices under which he commenced his Mastership of this ancient lodge , and his own efficiency as a Craftsman , coupled with that of a zealous and able staff of officers , augur well for the success during the ensuing year of this branch of the " ancient and honourable fraternity . " Bro . H . Finch , P . M ., P . G . D . C , srave his

assistance in the procedure , and besides the members of the lodge already named , there were present Bros . W . Harrison , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . ; Lieut .-Col . Wilkinson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . ; Dr . T . Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D . ; VV . Caldwell , J . W . 336 ; C . Smith , P . M . 10 S 3 ; J . C . Atkinson , 1957 ; Col . Staples , P . M . 1030 ; I . Higginbotham , W . M . 1957 ; J- Emerson , VV . H . Harrison , J . L . Newton , A . G . Cummings , T . Torkington , J . Kain , S . Selby , J . Tutton ,

W . Armitage , J . Eaton , b . J . Hampson , C . H . Andrew , Stephen Robinson , 322 ; S . Bunting , 2 S 7 ; I . Marshall , P . M . 323 ; Dr . Kenneth MacLean , S . W . 1030 ; A . Pemberton , W . M . 1030 ; VV . H . Vaughan , P . M . 1030 ; A . Waithman , 456 ; T . Whalley , 323 ; G . Fearn , W . M . elect , 323 ; Sidney May , W . M . 322 ; L . D . Bradbury , P . M . 322 ; Henry Sell , F . T . Tapp , W . M . 2 S 7 ; Geo . Bowden , P . M . ; Ingham , 1045 ; VV . Schofield , P . M . ; and R .

Bentley . It appears from a printed Charity Report issued by this Lodge , that its contributions to the Masonic Institutions have been on a liberal scale , amounting in the aggregate to £ 560 IOS ., and that as a result the Lodge and its members hold 50 votes for the Aged Freemasons' Institution , 32 votes for the Girls' School , 47 votes for the Boys ' School , and So votes for the Cheshire Educational Masonic Institution .

SOUTH SHIELDS . —St . Hilda ' s Lodge ( No . 240 ) . —The brethren met on Monday afternoon , 10 th inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Fowler-street , upon the occasion of the installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . Thomas Binks , S . W ., as W . M . for the ensuing year . The chair was occupied by the retiring W . M ., Bro . James H . Thompson , and he was well supported by a large number of W . Ms , and present and past provincial officers , the sreneral

attendance being exceptionally large . Amongst those present were Bros . James McCulIoch , P . P . G . J . W . ; Thos Coulson , P . P . G . J . D . ; T . G . Mabane ( Mayor of South ' Shields ) P . P . G . J . D . ; John Hinde . P . P . G . J . D . ; Rev . W . C . Harris , P . G . Chap . ; George Hardy , P . G . A . D . C- J Rodham , P . P . G . P . ; G . Lawson , P . P . G . S . B . ; Charles Cobham , P . G . S . of VV . ; Bell , P . P . G . A . D . of C . ( Northumberland ); A . Balfour , ; P . M . 24 ; VV . Davidson , W M 1970 ; Thomas Renton , W . M . 1119 ; G . S . Shotton

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

l . P . M . ; W . Wright , P . M . ; J . H . Morton , P . M . ; J . T . Wi son , P . M . ; J . C . Moore , W . M . elect , ; C . Roope , b . VV . 24 ; J . Armstrong , J . W . 1119 ; and others . 1 he lodge having been opened in due form by Rro . J H . Thompson , W . M ., Bro . Rodham introduced the W . ' Sl . " elect to receive the benefits of installation as W . M . for the ensuing 12 months . The ceremony of installing Bro . Binks in the chair of K . S . was gone through by Bro . Thompson

in a manner which was most impressive , more particularly perhaps the charges to the Wardens and brethren . The newly-installed W . M . then appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . H . Thompson , l . P . M Geo Robson , S . W . ; A . K . Cowling , J . W . ; J . Hinde , P . M ., A , ' e ^ - ~ Francs L . Pearson , Sec . ; John A . Hall , S . D . VV . 1 . Clarke , J . D . ; T . G . Mabane , P . M ., D . C ; B Purvis , S . S . ; H . Hinde , J . S . ; and John Brown , Tyler . 1 he

Mayor then rose , and , amidst loud applause , said that he had the pleasing duty to present to Bro . Thompson on behalf of the brethren a beautiful gold Past Master ' s jewel , which bore the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . James H . Thompson by the brethren of St . Hilda ' s Lodge , No . 240 , South Shields , as a token of regard , and in appreciation of his services as VV . Master durino- the year 1 SS 3 . December 10 th , 1 SS 3 . " In making the presentation Mabane warml

Bro . y congratulated Bro . Thompson upon the masterly way in which he had discharged the duties of Installing Master that day . Bro . Thompson gave a suitable response , and the lodn-e was afterwards closed in due form . The brethren , to the number of about 70 , dined together in the evening at Bro . Lauderdale's , Golden Lion Hotel , King-street , the chair being occupied by the W . M ., and the vice-chairs respectivel Robson

y by Bros . , S . W ., and Cowling , J . W . « Ti '?? sts of " lhc Queen > " " The Grand " Master . "and I . ie Grand Officers" having been honoured , ' Bro . Ihompson , I . P . M ., rose to propose "The R . W . Prov Grand Master of Durham , the most noble the Marquess of Londonderry , and the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge . They were all aware , he said , that the Marquess of Londonderry took a very great interest in Masonryand

, was most anxious for the welfare and prosperity of the lodges under his rule . His last visit to South Shields was upon the occasion of the calling into existence of a daughter of St . Hilda , in the person of the Hadrian Lodge , and he hoped that in the course of a few months they would have to welcome the Prov . Grand Master and his officers to lay the foundationstone of

- a new Masonic Hall . He was sure thatit was unnecessary to dwell upon the very efficient manner in which the officers , Present and Past , of Provincial Grand Lodge performed their duties . He coupled the toast with the names of Bros . Geo . Hardy VV M 164 * P- £ . A . p . of C , and James McCulIoch , P . M . ' 16 43 ! ' ¦"'

P . P . G . J . W . Bro . Hardy in responding to the toast briefly alluded to the forthcoming visit of the M . W . Grand Master to the R . W . Prov . Grand Master at Wynyard Park , and proceeded to say that the Marquess of Londonderry took the liveliest interest in Freemasonry . He ( Bro . Hardy ) trusted that the day was not very far distant when the Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge would have the pleasure of visiting

bouth Shields to assist in laying the foundation-stone of the New Masonic Hall . Bro . McCulIoch also responded . Bro . James Roddam , P . M ., next proposed "The R . W . Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland , the Right r ° ? ' ff 'P ^ y . and the Officers of Provincial Grand h ° Fr il ha < £ ? ? arl Percy on many occasions , and he believed that he had a thoroughl Masonic heartand

y , that the brethren of the neighbouring province ought to be very proud of their Provincial Grand Master . Bro . Thompson I P . M . then gave "The Worshipful Master of St . Hilda ' s Lodge . '" The toast he said was ike good wine , and " required no brush . " This however he could say , that there had succeeded that day to the chair of StHilda

. ' s Lodge one who had thoroughly and sincerely at heart the interests of Freemasonry . Throughout the career of Bro . Binks as a man and a Mason there was nothing that was not purely Masonic ; and even before Bro . Binks knew anything of the Craft he ( Bro . Thompson ) was certain that in all things he was actuated by that spirit which ought to characterise all true Masons .

Un Oehait ot himself and the other Past Masters of the lodge he promised the W . M . every possible assistance during his year of office upon which he had just entereda yearvyhich would work one of the most important epochs in the history of St . Hilda ' s Lod ge . In the erection of a more suitable lodge in South Shields the W . M . would have a great deal of extra trouble to contend with , but he could assure him of the cordial assistance of the Past Masters in his dutiesand he

, was certain that Bro . Binks would accept of that assistance m the same spirit in which it was being offered to him . In conclusion he trusted that the ensuing year would be prosperous and harmonious , and that rrood feeling might exist all round . J "ft % } nk \ / M ., in responding , said that in South Shields there had been a rivalry-a healthy rivalry-amongst Masons ; but he assured them that so far he

as was con cerned the St . Hilda ' s and Hadrian Lodges would work together in love and harmony . Bro . J . H . Morton , P . M ., next proposed " The Health of Immediate Past Master , Bro . J . H . Thompson . " Having referred in complimentary terms to the way in which Bro . Thompson had filled the office of W . M . during the past and the excellent

year , manner in which he had that day performed the duties of Installing Master , he adverted to tne usetul work done b y him in connection with the centenary celebration during his ( Bro . Morton ' s ) year of office in ibbo , and more especiall y with respect to the highly interesting history of St . Hilda ' s Lodge which had been written by him .

Brip . Ihompson suitabl y responded and said that writing the history of the lodge had been to him purely " a labour of love . " "The Visiting Lodges , " " The Officers of St . Hilda ' s Lodge , and " Our Absent Brethren " having been duly given , a most harmonious evening was brought to a close . MARPLE . —Lodge of Benevolence ( No . 336 ) . —The brethren of this lodge celebrated the Festival of St .

John the Evangelist and installed the W . M , elect on Saturday , the Sth inst . The lodge was opened in the First Degree and Mr . Wm . Twidale was regularly initiated according to ancient usuage by Bro . R . Andrew , W . M . At four o ' clock , the time fixed for the installation , no fewer than 33 brethren and visitors had assembled . The presentation was made by Bro . Henry Jackson , P . M ., Treas . 5