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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
home , B . Spencer , VV . Taylor , and J . Sully , all of the lodge ; H . Bonner , 73 ; and C . Jolly , S . W . 1472 _( Freemason ) . The only work before the lodge was the raising of Bro . B . Daw , which was admirably clone by the W . M . and his officers . The Iodsre was then closed , and the brethren sat down
to an excellent banquet , and ultimately the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . Bro . Nivins , in proposing the toast of " The VV . M ., " said they had seen that evening how capable their W . M . was of carrying out his duties to their satisfaction , and such as the Capper Lodge required . He wished Bro . Harris a happy and prosperous new year , and the lodge
every success . TheW . M ., in response , thanked them cordially for the handsome manner in which they had responded to the call of Bro . Nivins , and could assure them that if they would only rally round him nothing should be wanting on his part to uphold the dignity and increase the prosperity of the Capper Lodge . At their next meeting he should have more work to do . as there were three candidates , and the
more they gave him to do the better he should like it . The next toast was " The Visitors , " who were accorded a hearty and flattering reception , which we know from experience is nothing new at this lodge . Bros . Bonner and Jolly returned thanks . The toast of " The Past Masters " was responded to by Bro . Nivins , who pithily recorded his experience of the valuable assistance rendered him during his year of office
by the P . M . s , and which he and they would only be too glad to extend to the present VV . M ., and , in fact , to any of the brethren who might require it . Bro . Watkins responded for " The Officers , " and assured the W . M . that he and his colleagues would do all in their power to make his year a successful and harmonious one , and then the Tyler ' s toast concluded a hearty and enjoyable evening .
KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1767 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 16 th jnst ., at the Kensington Hotel , Russell Gardens , Kensington , when the following brethren were present : Bros . C . A . Walter , J . W . ; J . W . Barker , P . M ., Treas . ; George Read , P . M ., Sec ; J . H . Taylor , P . M . ; J . Metcalfe , P . P . G . S . of W . Leicestershire and Rutland , P . M . ;
Lewis Bryett , P . M . ; R . H . Williams , S . D . ; Arthur Barclay , J . D . ; F . J . Oliver , Org . ; A . Norman , I . G . ; J . Wiggins , Stwd . ; Robt . Schofield , P . M ., Tyler ; several lay members of the lodge , and the following visitors • Bros . J . R . Hubbard , 4 63 ; W . W . Snelling , S . D . 1541 ; G . Ellard , W . M . 1764 ; W , C . Williams , J . W . 1585 ; H . J . Rose , 1 S 91 ; S . Cochrane , 3 ; C . Woods , S 65 ; J . Rewcastle , 1 S 92 ; H . G . Hcywocd , 865 ; D . P . Cama , W . M . 2105 ;
S . W . Keene , S 9 S ; C . J . Foakes , P . M . 1 S 91 ; J . Banks , 834 ; A . H . Strong , S . D . 1585 ; W . H . Causton _, P . M . 1726 ; H . H . Room , W . M . 2090 ; J . F . H . Woodward , Prov . G . Sec . Middx . ; W . Bassett , S . D . 1 S 92 ; C . W . Cunningham , 1 C 12 ; Jermyn Boyd , P . M . 23 , P . G . Stwd . ; John A . Gartley , I . P . M . 205 ; T . VV . C . Lenty , W . M . 23 ; C . E . Soppett , P . G . Stwd . ; G . C . Harding , P . M . 123 S ; VV . VV . Morgan , iun ., and others .
After the transaction of some formal business and the passing of a brother to the Second Degree , Bro . C . A . Walter was installed as W . M ., and he appointed the following officers-. Bros . Williams , S . W . ; Barclay , J . W . ; Barker , P . M ., Treas . ; Read , P . M ., Sec ; Norman , S . D . ; Oliver , J . D . and Org . ; Wiggins , I . G . ; J . Mackay and C . Heath , Stwds . ; and Schofield , P . M ., Tyler . After the addresses and other parts of the installation
ceremony had been given , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . The usual toasts followed , the first being that of " The Queen and the Craft . " The Queen , the VV . M . said , was admired by all for her good qualities and for her desire to advance the interests of those under her rule . In proposing "The Health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . felt the brethren would express the heartiest feelings in
connection with the toast , as the Prince of Wales was really the one member of the Craft of whom all the brethren were especially proud . He wished it was in the power of the Grand Master to be more frequently present at Masonic meetings , to personally witness the enthusiasm of the brethren when his name was mentioned .
The next toast was that of "The Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " They had no Grand Officer then present ; but they were honoured with the company of two Past Grand Stewards and the present Provincial Grand Secretary of Middlesex , with whose names the W . M . coupled the toast .
Bro . Woodward expressed his thanks for the compliment which had been paid him , and for the hearty way in which the Grand Officers , Present and Past , had been toasted . It had been a great pleasure to him , as he was sure it was to his Provincial Grand Master , Sir Francis Burdett , when the present Master of the Kensington _J-odge was invested as one of the Wardens of the Province of Middlesex . From what he knew of their present Master he felt that the
work of the lodge would be properly carried on during the ensuing year . _ Bro . Woodward said that one great thing which struck him in connection with Freemasonry—and he had travelled through 11 different countries of the worldwas , that you could meet in Freemasonry men , relations , and friends whom it was impossible to meet in any other institution in the world . He had been entertained by members of the Craft in different countries , and had at all
times great pleasure in being present at Masonic gatherings . Bro . Soppet followed , thanking the brethren for the compliment of being associated with the toast of the Grand Officers . He briefly reviewed the system under which he and his fellow Grand Stewards were appointed , and their status at the end of their year of office . As a member of the Royal Kensington Lodge , he looked upon that of which he was a guest as a brother or a sister , and felt especial
pleasure—as one of the founders and the present father of the Royal Kensington—in making the acquaintance of brethren so intimately associated so far as name was concerned . The members of the Royal Kensington Lodge had often Wondered what the Kensington Lodge was like . Now , from personal observations , he should be able to report to his brethren , and he hoped the two lodges would learn to know more of each other in consequence . He could truly say that for working and hospitality the Kensington Lodge was not to be excelled .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Jermyn Boyd also replied . He was gratified that he had had the opportunity of witnessing the proceedings of that day . He could but endorse the remarks of his brother Grand Steward , and bear testimony to the excellent way in which the W . M . had been placed in the chair by Bro . Read , the Secretary . Bro . Read then assumed the gavel . Had the I . P . M . of the lodge been present he would , no doubt , been better able
to submit the toast of " The Worshipful Master , " but in his absence he would do his best . As the first Master of the Kensington Lodge , Bro . Read had had especial opportunities of judging of the ability of the present ruler . He could truly say that Bro . Walter was a thoroughly good Mason . In any case of benevolence no one could be found more ready to render any assistance that lay in his power , and as ruler of the lodge for the coming year , he felt he
would add to his already acquired reputation . The Worshipful Master thanked the brethren most sincerely for the kind manner in which they had drunk to the last toast . He felt he should have a successful year , as he had good officers , and a united body of members . The brethren of the lodge had supported him hitherto , and would , no doubt , do so now that he was at the head of the lodge .
The toast of " The Visitors" followed , the VV . M . giving the guests a most cordial welcome , and assuring them that his lodge looked upon the large number of visitors as one of the most pleasing points of the day's proceedings . Most of the visitors replied . Bro . Room , who was the first to respond , had hardly remembered he was a visitor until reminded of the fact by the W . M . coupling his name with the toast . He saw around
him so many brethren with whom he was intimately associated—old friends and new—that he felt as if he was in one of his own lodges . He was particularly pleased that he had been present that day , as he had seen the installation ceremony worked in such a manner as could not be excelled . In the course of two months' time it would be his duty—if he was spared—to install his successor in the Hammersmith Lodge , and he felt that he could not do better on that
occasion than copy the working of Bro . Read , as displayed that day—so far as he was able . He could not have had a better lesson than he had received in the Kensington Lodge , for which , and for a most hospitable reception , he heartily thanked the brethren . Bro . Ellard desired to add his tribute of praise to the Secretary of the lodge for the way in which he had discharged the duties of Installing Master . As Director of
Ceremonies of the province of Norths and Hunts for the past six years , Bro . Ellard had attended very many installations , but he had never seen the ceremony so ably rendered as it had been that night . Bro . Foakes felt an especial interest in the lodge , his voice having been among the first heard in it at the time of its consecration . He was , indeed , pleased to witness the prosperity it was enjoying .
I he Worshipful Master proposed "The Health of the Installing Master , " and Bro . Read , in replying , said he had heard so much praise of his working that night as to be almost overcome by the flattery of the brethren . If he had performed the work of installation as ably as their praise led him to believe , he was truly pleased . He felt that it was because he always strove to do his very best that the compliments had been so
numerous . He trusted he might always deserve the same kind feelings as had been expressed towards him that day . He really felt that so many kind expressions must really come from the hearts of those who uttered them , and he sincerely thanked them all for their kindness . The Worshipful Master felt the next toast was one which would give the brethren equal pleasure with the
last—it being that of " The P . M _' s . " They all knew that the longer the lodge was in existence the more P . M . ' s they got , but it was an especial pleasure to him that so many of his predecessors in the chair had been able to attend and support him on the present occasion . Bro . Barker tendered his sincere thanks for the toast , to which he hoped to have to respond for many years to
come . Bro . Metcalfe followed , expressing the pleasure he felt at being present , and in seeing so grand an assembly of visitors and members . Bro . Taylor said his greatest pleasure would be to do anything he could for the W . M . orany of the brethren , and he felt that all the P . M . ' s were actuated with feelings of a similar _rharartpr .
" the Health of the Treas . and Sec . " was next drunk . Bro . Barker felt an especial pleasure in replying on this , the fourth installation at which he had been honoured as Treasurer of the lodge . He referred to what the lodge had been able to do in the past on behalf of the Charities , and hoped they would be able to continue , even if not to increase , their grants to the Institutions . He should like to give at least 30 guineas each year to the Charities , even if by so
doing the members had to content themselves with one banquet less . Bro . Read assured the brethren he performed the duties of Secretary with especial pleasure . He considered the office the proudest position in the lodge next to that of Master , excepting , perhaps , that of Treasurer ; but that was an honour of a somewhat different character . He trusted the brethren would support their Treasurer , who
would act as a Steward at the next Festival of the Boys ' School , and that the contributions he would take up would be worthy of the Kensington Lodge . The toast of * ' The Officers " was next honoured , and was replied to by the respective brethren . After this came " The Charities , " for which , the W . M . said , all true Masons were proud to do anything in their power . Bro . Norman replied , recounting what had been done on
behalf of the widow of an old member . The Masons had come forward and helped her at a most critical time , and the result was that the house in which she resided had been secured for her , while a sufficiency had been saved to keep her and her child . This wasa practical illustration of Masonic Charity , and he trusted that when he could recount so satisfactory a result it would stimulate his hearers to further acts of benevolence , and convince them that the Charity professed by Freemasons was something more than a mere name .
'The Iylers toast was subsequently given , and the proceedings brought to a conclusion . Some excellent songs were given during the evening by members of the lodge and visitors , and the benefit of having
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
a practical Organist in the lodge was amply demonstrated The result was , to our thinking , much more enjoyable than if we had to listen to the better—but , at the same time , much less homely—utterances of professionals .
LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE LODGE ( No . 1962 ) . —The installation meeting of this excellent working lodge was opened on Friday , the Sth inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , under the Mastership of Bro . Arthur Haig-Brown , I . P . M . 174 . There was a large attendance of members of the lodge and a full muster of officers , besides the following visitors : Bros . J . Margetts , 159 S ; j . j . Berry , P . M . 554 and 127 S ; G . Blake , W . M . 507 ; H . C . Jefferys , P . M . 902 ;
George U . Bundy , P . M . 902 ; John J . Taffs , P . M . 1 S 6 ; W . Simpson , 1604 ; W . Gardiner , 1604 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 192 S ; James Salmon , VV . M . 2077 ; J . D . McDougall , P . M . 90 and 7 SS ; J . Llewellyn Jones , P . M . 14 G 0 , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; Fred McDougall , P . M . 3 ; F . VV . Frigout , J . D . 171 ; Alf J . Pritchard , P . M . 162 ; Thomas Joyce , I . P . M . 507 ; J . Sergeant Stacy , S . W . 1572 ; Chas . Fountain , P . M . 1517 ; Ernest Frederick Debenham
2 S ; R . Stark Wilkinson , 1445 ; and W . T . Wyatt , 26 . The agenda before the VV . M . consisted of a passing , two initiations , and the installation , a programme which gave the assembled brethren ample opportunity of seeing what a valuable presiding officer the lodge had had during the past year . Bro . Haig-Brown initiated Mr . Octavius Lionel Haines , of O Company , London Rifle Brigade , and passed Bro . Latham to the Second Decree . The second
candidate for initiation did not present himself , and Bro . Haig-Brown immediately after the passing proceeded to instal Bro . Walter McDougall , S . W ., as Master of the lodge for the ensuing year . The whole of the ceremonies were rendered to perfection . Bro . A . McDowall , P . M ., Treas ., acted as D . C ., and the brethren followed his lead in true military style . The officers invested were Bros . A . Haig-Brown , I . P . M . ; A . H . Sandle , S . W . ; W . J .
Tasman , J . W . ; A . McDowall , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . C . Claridge , P . M ., Sec ; L . V . Walker , S . D . ; J . C . Tilt , J . D . ; John Green , I . G . ; J . Woodley-Smith , Org . ; H . F . Bing , M . C . ; R . H . Tayton and G . Gregory , Stwds . ; and J . S . Lackland , Tyler . After the installing officer had delivered the addresses the W . M . presented him in the name of the lodge with a beautiful P . M . jewel , which had been unanimously voted by the
brethren in recognition of his eminent services to the lodge during his year of office . The brethren after the closing of the lodge adjourned to banquet , and subsequently honoured the routine toasts . After" The Oueen and the Craft ; " " The M . W . G . M . ; " " The Pro G . IiT ., & c , " had been drunk , Bro . Haig-Brown , I . P . M ., proposed "The VV . M ., " and in so doing said the brethren had that evening heard in the installation
ceremony the qualifications which were expected of the W . M . of any lodge . They would all agree that Bro . McDougall met all those requirements ; but fortunately for the brethren it did not end there . Many of them had known him a long time , some of them a short time , but the longer they knew him the more they respected him . He was now in the proud position of VV . M . of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , and they welcomed him and wished him every success and
God speed during his year of office . lo doubt that he would properly carry out the _dujfcs of his office would be unfair to him . The brethren felt perfectly certain that , having placed him in the chair , his duties would be performed to the credit of the lodge . Although the lodge was a young lodge , it was well known in the Craft , and the members of the lodge hoped , and felt certain , that the lustre which was attached to the London Rifle Brigade Lodge would be in
no degree tarnished during the year of office of Bro . McDougall . All the brethren would unite in wishing him a very happy and prosperous year of office , and health and strength to carry out the duties connected with the various work of his position . When his year of office should be expired they also hoped he would still have health and strength to take up his position among the P . M . 's for many years to come , to enjoy the brethren's appreciation of his sprvires while W . M .
The Worshipful Master , in acknowledging the toast , said he thoroughl y appreciated the manner in which he had been placed in the chair . He took a thorough interest in the working of the lodge . He hoped and wished for the success of the lodge , and although perhaps he might not be so efficient as some of the previous Masters , he would endeavour to the utmost to be so . Nothing would be lacking on his part , and he hoped they would look over any
imperfections , knowing that it would be his endeavour to hold the position to the satisfaction of the brethren . The Worshipful Master next proposed "The Initiate , " whom they all welcomed . They felt confident that in after years he would never regret having taken upon himself the obligations he had entered into that evening . He ( the W . M . ) hoped Bro . Haines was thoroughly impressed with the ceremonies of the evening , and with the manner in
which they were performed . Bro . Haines , replying _ta the toast , said he had not long been a member of the London Rifle Brigade ; but since he had been a member he had found good fellowship and kindness in all the members he had met . He must thank the brethren of the lodge for accepting him as one of their body , and he hoped it would never be his lot to bring discredit either on the London Rifle Brigade or on the lodge .
In proposing " Ihe Health of the Visitors , the W . M . enumerated every name on the list , and gave them all a hearty welcome . Bro . Salmon , W . M . 2077 , who was the first lo reply , said he happened to be the youngest installed Master in the room with the exception of the W . M . He had had an opportunity that evening of listening attentively to the installation , and following the beautiful ceremony as rendered by the I . P . M . Bro . Haig-Brown was known not only as a
good Mason , but as a good neighbour . He and Bro . Haig-Brown resided within a stone ' s throw of each other , and there was no man in or out of Masonry he more respected . He had enjoyed himself very much , and was deeply indebted to the I . P . M . He had rarely enjoyed eithera banqueter an installation ceremony more than he had that night . Every brother admitted that the ceremony had been most
admirably rendered ; he had never heard it done better . He was more than surprised , and he should look to Bro . Haig-Brown to coach him up before the time came for him to perform the same ceremony himself . Bro . J . J . Berry , P . M . 544 and 127 S , also replied , and said he had not only been present at the consecration of the lodge , but at every installation in the lodge since . Bro . Salmon had referred to the working of Bro . Haig-Brown
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
home , B . Spencer , VV . Taylor , and J . Sully , all of the lodge ; H . Bonner , 73 ; and C . Jolly , S . W . 1472 _( Freemason ) . The only work before the lodge was the raising of Bro . B . Daw , which was admirably clone by the W . M . and his officers . The Iodsre was then closed , and the brethren sat down
to an excellent banquet , and ultimately the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . Bro . Nivins , in proposing the toast of " The VV . M ., " said they had seen that evening how capable their W . M . was of carrying out his duties to their satisfaction , and such as the Capper Lodge required . He wished Bro . Harris a happy and prosperous new year , and the lodge
every success . TheW . M ., in response , thanked them cordially for the handsome manner in which they had responded to the call of Bro . Nivins , and could assure them that if they would only rally round him nothing should be wanting on his part to uphold the dignity and increase the prosperity of the Capper Lodge . At their next meeting he should have more work to do . as there were three candidates , and the
more they gave him to do the better he should like it . The next toast was " The Visitors , " who were accorded a hearty and flattering reception , which we know from experience is nothing new at this lodge . Bros . Bonner and Jolly returned thanks . The toast of " The Past Masters " was responded to by Bro . Nivins , who pithily recorded his experience of the valuable assistance rendered him during his year of office
by the P . M . s , and which he and they would only be too glad to extend to the present VV . M ., and , in fact , to any of the brethren who might require it . Bro . Watkins responded for " The Officers , " and assured the W . M . that he and his colleagues would do all in their power to make his year a successful and harmonious one , and then the Tyler ' s toast concluded a hearty and enjoyable evening .
KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1767 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 16 th jnst ., at the Kensington Hotel , Russell Gardens , Kensington , when the following brethren were present : Bros . C . A . Walter , J . W . ; J . W . Barker , P . M ., Treas . ; George Read , P . M ., Sec ; J . H . Taylor , P . M . ; J . Metcalfe , P . P . G . S . of W . Leicestershire and Rutland , P . M . ;
Lewis Bryett , P . M . ; R . H . Williams , S . D . ; Arthur Barclay , J . D . ; F . J . Oliver , Org . ; A . Norman , I . G . ; J . Wiggins , Stwd . ; Robt . Schofield , P . M ., Tyler ; several lay members of the lodge , and the following visitors • Bros . J . R . Hubbard , 4 63 ; W . W . Snelling , S . D . 1541 ; G . Ellard , W . M . 1764 ; W , C . Williams , J . W . 1585 ; H . J . Rose , 1 S 91 ; S . Cochrane , 3 ; C . Woods , S 65 ; J . Rewcastle , 1 S 92 ; H . G . Hcywocd , 865 ; D . P . Cama , W . M . 2105 ;
S . W . Keene , S 9 S ; C . J . Foakes , P . M . 1 S 91 ; J . Banks , 834 ; A . H . Strong , S . D . 1585 ; W . H . Causton _, P . M . 1726 ; H . H . Room , W . M . 2090 ; J . F . H . Woodward , Prov . G . Sec . Middx . ; W . Bassett , S . D . 1 S 92 ; C . W . Cunningham , 1 C 12 ; Jermyn Boyd , P . M . 23 , P . G . Stwd . ; John A . Gartley , I . P . M . 205 ; T . VV . C . Lenty , W . M . 23 ; C . E . Soppett , P . G . Stwd . ; G . C . Harding , P . M . 123 S ; VV . VV . Morgan , iun ., and others .
After the transaction of some formal business and the passing of a brother to the Second Degree , Bro . C . A . Walter was installed as W . M ., and he appointed the following officers-. Bros . Williams , S . W . ; Barclay , J . W . ; Barker , P . M ., Treas . ; Read , P . M ., Sec ; Norman , S . D . ; Oliver , J . D . and Org . ; Wiggins , I . G . ; J . Mackay and C . Heath , Stwds . ; and Schofield , P . M ., Tyler . After the addresses and other parts of the installation
ceremony had been given , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . The usual toasts followed , the first being that of " The Queen and the Craft . " The Queen , the VV . M . said , was admired by all for her good qualities and for her desire to advance the interests of those under her rule . In proposing "The Health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . felt the brethren would express the heartiest feelings in
connection with the toast , as the Prince of Wales was really the one member of the Craft of whom all the brethren were especially proud . He wished it was in the power of the Grand Master to be more frequently present at Masonic meetings , to personally witness the enthusiasm of the brethren when his name was mentioned .
The next toast was that of "The Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " They had no Grand Officer then present ; but they were honoured with the company of two Past Grand Stewards and the present Provincial Grand Secretary of Middlesex , with whose names the W . M . coupled the toast .
Bro . Woodward expressed his thanks for the compliment which had been paid him , and for the hearty way in which the Grand Officers , Present and Past , had been toasted . It had been a great pleasure to him , as he was sure it was to his Provincial Grand Master , Sir Francis Burdett , when the present Master of the Kensington _J-odge was invested as one of the Wardens of the Province of Middlesex . From what he knew of their present Master he felt that the
work of the lodge would be properly carried on during the ensuing year . _ Bro . Woodward said that one great thing which struck him in connection with Freemasonry—and he had travelled through 11 different countries of the worldwas , that you could meet in Freemasonry men , relations , and friends whom it was impossible to meet in any other institution in the world . He had been entertained by members of the Craft in different countries , and had at all
times great pleasure in being present at Masonic gatherings . Bro . Soppet followed , thanking the brethren for the compliment of being associated with the toast of the Grand Officers . He briefly reviewed the system under which he and his fellow Grand Stewards were appointed , and their status at the end of their year of office . As a member of the Royal Kensington Lodge , he looked upon that of which he was a guest as a brother or a sister , and felt especial
pleasure—as one of the founders and the present father of the Royal Kensington—in making the acquaintance of brethren so intimately associated so far as name was concerned . The members of the Royal Kensington Lodge had often Wondered what the Kensington Lodge was like . Now , from personal observations , he should be able to report to his brethren , and he hoped the two lodges would learn to know more of each other in consequence . He could truly say that for working and hospitality the Kensington Lodge was not to be excelled .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Jermyn Boyd also replied . He was gratified that he had had the opportunity of witnessing the proceedings of that day . He could but endorse the remarks of his brother Grand Steward , and bear testimony to the excellent way in which the W . M . had been placed in the chair by Bro . Read , the Secretary . Bro . Read then assumed the gavel . Had the I . P . M . of the lodge been present he would , no doubt , been better able
to submit the toast of " The Worshipful Master , " but in his absence he would do his best . As the first Master of the Kensington Lodge , Bro . Read had had especial opportunities of judging of the ability of the present ruler . He could truly say that Bro . Walter was a thoroughly good Mason . In any case of benevolence no one could be found more ready to render any assistance that lay in his power , and as ruler of the lodge for the coming year , he felt he
would add to his already acquired reputation . The Worshipful Master thanked the brethren most sincerely for the kind manner in which they had drunk to the last toast . He felt he should have a successful year , as he had good officers , and a united body of members . The brethren of the lodge had supported him hitherto , and would , no doubt , do so now that he was at the head of the lodge .
The toast of " The Visitors" followed , the VV . M . giving the guests a most cordial welcome , and assuring them that his lodge looked upon the large number of visitors as one of the most pleasing points of the day's proceedings . Most of the visitors replied . Bro . Room , who was the first to respond , had hardly remembered he was a visitor until reminded of the fact by the W . M . coupling his name with the toast . He saw around
him so many brethren with whom he was intimately associated—old friends and new—that he felt as if he was in one of his own lodges . He was particularly pleased that he had been present that day , as he had seen the installation ceremony worked in such a manner as could not be excelled . In the course of two months' time it would be his duty—if he was spared—to install his successor in the Hammersmith Lodge , and he felt that he could not do better on that
occasion than copy the working of Bro . Read , as displayed that day—so far as he was able . He could not have had a better lesson than he had received in the Kensington Lodge , for which , and for a most hospitable reception , he heartily thanked the brethren . Bro . Ellard desired to add his tribute of praise to the Secretary of the lodge for the way in which he had discharged the duties of Installing Master . As Director of
Ceremonies of the province of Norths and Hunts for the past six years , Bro . Ellard had attended very many installations , but he had never seen the ceremony so ably rendered as it had been that night . Bro . Foakes felt an especial interest in the lodge , his voice having been among the first heard in it at the time of its consecration . He was , indeed , pleased to witness the prosperity it was enjoying .
I he Worshipful Master proposed "The Health of the Installing Master , " and Bro . Read , in replying , said he had heard so much praise of his working that night as to be almost overcome by the flattery of the brethren . If he had performed the work of installation as ably as their praise led him to believe , he was truly pleased . He felt that it was because he always strove to do his very best that the compliments had been so
numerous . He trusted he might always deserve the same kind feelings as had been expressed towards him that day . He really felt that so many kind expressions must really come from the hearts of those who uttered them , and he sincerely thanked them all for their kindness . The Worshipful Master felt the next toast was one which would give the brethren equal pleasure with the
last—it being that of " The P . M _' s . " They all knew that the longer the lodge was in existence the more P . M . ' s they got , but it was an especial pleasure to him that so many of his predecessors in the chair had been able to attend and support him on the present occasion . Bro . Barker tendered his sincere thanks for the toast , to which he hoped to have to respond for many years to
come . Bro . Metcalfe followed , expressing the pleasure he felt at being present , and in seeing so grand an assembly of visitors and members . Bro . Taylor said his greatest pleasure would be to do anything he could for the W . M . orany of the brethren , and he felt that all the P . M . ' s were actuated with feelings of a similar _rharartpr .
" the Health of the Treas . and Sec . " was next drunk . Bro . Barker felt an especial pleasure in replying on this , the fourth installation at which he had been honoured as Treasurer of the lodge . He referred to what the lodge had been able to do in the past on behalf of the Charities , and hoped they would be able to continue , even if not to increase , their grants to the Institutions . He should like to give at least 30 guineas each year to the Charities , even if by so
doing the members had to content themselves with one banquet less . Bro . Read assured the brethren he performed the duties of Secretary with especial pleasure . He considered the office the proudest position in the lodge next to that of Master , excepting , perhaps , that of Treasurer ; but that was an honour of a somewhat different character . He trusted the brethren would support their Treasurer , who
would act as a Steward at the next Festival of the Boys ' School , and that the contributions he would take up would be worthy of the Kensington Lodge . The toast of * ' The Officers " was next honoured , and was replied to by the respective brethren . After this came " The Charities , " for which , the W . M . said , all true Masons were proud to do anything in their power . Bro . Norman replied , recounting what had been done on
behalf of the widow of an old member . The Masons had come forward and helped her at a most critical time , and the result was that the house in which she resided had been secured for her , while a sufficiency had been saved to keep her and her child . This wasa practical illustration of Masonic Charity , and he trusted that when he could recount so satisfactory a result it would stimulate his hearers to further acts of benevolence , and convince them that the Charity professed by Freemasons was something more than a mere name .
'The Iylers toast was subsequently given , and the proceedings brought to a conclusion . Some excellent songs were given during the evening by members of the lodge and visitors , and the benefit of having
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
a practical Organist in the lodge was amply demonstrated The result was , to our thinking , much more enjoyable than if we had to listen to the better—but , at the same time , much less homely—utterances of professionals .
LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE LODGE ( No . 1962 ) . —The installation meeting of this excellent working lodge was opened on Friday , the Sth inst ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , under the Mastership of Bro . Arthur Haig-Brown , I . P . M . 174 . There was a large attendance of members of the lodge and a full muster of officers , besides the following visitors : Bros . J . Margetts , 159 S ; j . j . Berry , P . M . 554 and 127 S ; G . Blake , W . M . 507 ; H . C . Jefferys , P . M . 902 ;
George U . Bundy , P . M . 902 ; John J . Taffs , P . M . 1 S 6 ; W . Simpson , 1604 ; W . Gardiner , 1604 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 192 S ; James Salmon , VV . M . 2077 ; J . D . McDougall , P . M . 90 and 7 SS ; J . Llewellyn Jones , P . M . 14 G 0 , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; Fred McDougall , P . M . 3 ; F . VV . Frigout , J . D . 171 ; Alf J . Pritchard , P . M . 162 ; Thomas Joyce , I . P . M . 507 ; J . Sergeant Stacy , S . W . 1572 ; Chas . Fountain , P . M . 1517 ; Ernest Frederick Debenham
2 S ; R . Stark Wilkinson , 1445 ; and W . T . Wyatt , 26 . The agenda before the VV . M . consisted of a passing , two initiations , and the installation , a programme which gave the assembled brethren ample opportunity of seeing what a valuable presiding officer the lodge had had during the past year . Bro . Haig-Brown initiated Mr . Octavius Lionel Haines , of O Company , London Rifle Brigade , and passed Bro . Latham to the Second Decree . The second
candidate for initiation did not present himself , and Bro . Haig-Brown immediately after the passing proceeded to instal Bro . Walter McDougall , S . W ., as Master of the lodge for the ensuing year . The whole of the ceremonies were rendered to perfection . Bro . A . McDowall , P . M ., Treas ., acted as D . C ., and the brethren followed his lead in true military style . The officers invested were Bros . A . Haig-Brown , I . P . M . ; A . H . Sandle , S . W . ; W . J .
Tasman , J . W . ; A . McDowall , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . C . Claridge , P . M ., Sec ; L . V . Walker , S . D . ; J . C . Tilt , J . D . ; John Green , I . G . ; J . Woodley-Smith , Org . ; H . F . Bing , M . C . ; R . H . Tayton and G . Gregory , Stwds . ; and J . S . Lackland , Tyler . After the installing officer had delivered the addresses the W . M . presented him in the name of the lodge with a beautiful P . M . jewel , which had been unanimously voted by the
brethren in recognition of his eminent services to the lodge during his year of office . The brethren after the closing of the lodge adjourned to banquet , and subsequently honoured the routine toasts . After" The Oueen and the Craft ; " " The M . W . G . M . ; " " The Pro G . IiT ., & c , " had been drunk , Bro . Haig-Brown , I . P . M ., proposed "The VV . M ., " and in so doing said the brethren had that evening heard in the installation
ceremony the qualifications which were expected of the W . M . of any lodge . They would all agree that Bro . McDougall met all those requirements ; but fortunately for the brethren it did not end there . Many of them had known him a long time , some of them a short time , but the longer they knew him the more they respected him . He was now in the proud position of VV . M . of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , and they welcomed him and wished him every success and
God speed during his year of office . lo doubt that he would properly carry out the _dujfcs of his office would be unfair to him . The brethren felt perfectly certain that , having placed him in the chair , his duties would be performed to the credit of the lodge . Although the lodge was a young lodge , it was well known in the Craft , and the members of the lodge hoped , and felt certain , that the lustre which was attached to the London Rifle Brigade Lodge would be in
no degree tarnished during the year of office of Bro . McDougall . All the brethren would unite in wishing him a very happy and prosperous year of office , and health and strength to carry out the duties connected with the various work of his position . When his year of office should be expired they also hoped he would still have health and strength to take up his position among the P . M . 's for many years to come , to enjoy the brethren's appreciation of his sprvires while W . M .
The Worshipful Master , in acknowledging the toast , said he thoroughl y appreciated the manner in which he had been placed in the chair . He took a thorough interest in the working of the lodge . He hoped and wished for the success of the lodge , and although perhaps he might not be so efficient as some of the previous Masters , he would endeavour to the utmost to be so . Nothing would be lacking on his part , and he hoped they would look over any
imperfections , knowing that it would be his endeavour to hold the position to the satisfaction of the brethren . The Worshipful Master next proposed "The Initiate , " whom they all welcomed . They felt confident that in after years he would never regret having taken upon himself the obligations he had entered into that evening . He ( the W . M . ) hoped Bro . Haines was thoroughly impressed with the ceremonies of the evening , and with the manner in
which they were performed . Bro . Haines , replying _ta the toast , said he had not long been a member of the London Rifle Brigade ; but since he had been a member he had found good fellowship and kindness in all the members he had met . He must thank the brethren of the lodge for accepting him as one of their body , and he hoped it would never be his lot to bring discredit either on the London Rifle Brigade or on the lodge .
In proposing " Ihe Health of the Visitors , the W . M . enumerated every name on the list , and gave them all a hearty welcome . Bro . Salmon , W . M . 2077 , who was the first lo reply , said he happened to be the youngest installed Master in the room with the exception of the W . M . He had had an opportunity that evening of listening attentively to the installation , and following the beautiful ceremony as rendered by the I . P . M . Bro . Haig-Brown was known not only as a
good Mason , but as a good neighbour . He and Bro . Haig-Brown resided within a stone ' s throw of each other , and there was no man in or out of Masonry he more respected . He had enjoyed himself very much , and was deeply indebted to the I . P . M . He had rarely enjoyed eithera banqueter an installation ceremony more than he had that night . Every brother admitted that the ceremony had been most
admirably rendered ; he had never heard it done better . He was more than surprised , and he should look to Bro . Haig-Brown to coach him up before the time came for him to perform the same ceremony himself . Bro . J . J . Berry , P . M . 544 and 127 S , also replied , and said he had not only been present at the consecration of the lodge , but at every installation in the lodge since . Bro . Salmon had referred to the working of Bro . Haig-Brown