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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and had said he was surprised at it . Well , he ( Bro . Berry ) was not at all surprised ; but he was very much pleased . Bro . Haig-Brown had worked with him in lodges of instruction , and had qualified himself as a good worker . For a lodge established only five years the manner in which the ceremony of installation had been worked reflected great credit upon the officers of the London Rifle Brigade . He did not usually comment upon the work , because he
had heard praises bestowed sometimes truthfully , many times untruthfully ; but he had been pleased to see the manner in which the signs were given in the lodge , which told a very good tale for a volunteer regiment and for the brethren of the lodge . Other brethren also responded , and among them Bros . Simpson , 1604 , and L . Jones , 1460 . The Worshipful Master , in giving "The Health of the
I . P . M . and Installing Master , " said the brethren all heartily thanked Bro . Haig-Brown , who so kindly and ably performed the duties of Installing Master . Personally , he had to thank him , and he thoroughly appreciated the ceremony . The other brethren also appreciated it . It was very essential that all these duties should be performed impressively , so that the brethren should thoroughly understand and appreciate the ritual the Installing Master had to draw to their attention .
Bro . Haig-Brown , I . P . M ., said he had had but one object in view since he started as a founder of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , viz ., to do his humble best to promote the interest of the lodge , and to keep it in its proud pre-eminence in Freemasonry . It was a very young lodge ; but it was not unknown . Several older lodges existed ; but many of those were not so well known or respected . He hoped it would never cease to hold its proud
position . The brethren had been pleased , through their W . M ., to bestow upon him a P . M . ' s jewel . He looked upon it with very great pleasure , for he felt it had not been given him as empty praise , which he had had the misfortuue to see in some lodges where the VV . M . had really done nothing . He had endeavoured to do his best for the lodge , and was proud to feel , now that his term of office had expired , that his efforts had met with the approbation of the
brethren ; that they felt the lustre of the lodge had not in any way been dimmed . Bright as it might be in the present , he hoped it might be still brighter in the future ; that it might rise in eminence in the Craft . For 12 months he should be the I . P . M . ; but he hoped to remain a P . M . among the brethren for a long time . It would not be his fault if he were compelled to retire from the P . M . ' s chair ; but as long as he was a P . M . among them he should feel it a pleasure and a privilege to be one .
The Worshipful Master next gave " The Treasurer , the Secretary , and the Charities . " He was sure the toast of the Treasurer would meet with the hearty response and gratitude of the brethren for his taking care of their large balances . The brethren knew those balances were in safe keeping , and that he would take care that no intruder should relieve him of any of his responsibility . With recard to the Secretary , the wonderlul vork fie did for the
lodge was something marvellous . It was not only in the lod _^ e , but outside as well , that the Secretary had to work . There was a great deal of detail connected with a Masonic lodge , and the Audit Committee could prove that the figures were all considered . AH the brethren thoroughly appreciated the services of those two brethren . The small words which he uttered in favour of them inadequately represented the appreciation of the members of the lodge . In
speaking of the Masonic Charities , he might say that Bro . Claridge was going up as Steward for the Boys' School , so that he extended his services beyond his position as Secretary by doing his best for the Masonic Charities . He hoped the brethren would give him any votes for the Boys' School , or any subscription . Bro . McDowall , P . M . and Treasurer , said he was very pleased to have a continuance of the brethren ' s confidence .
During the last 12 months the lodge had somevhat progressed . Twelve months ago they were certainly in arrear as lar as the banquet was concerned ; but they had gradually made it less , and it was now very small indeed . He f .: lt sure that at the end of the present Master's year , instead of having a very small balance on the wrong side , they would have a balance to the credit . It had been very satisfactory indeed to him to find affairs had been managed
in that way by the VV . M . in the chair and the I . P . M . Of course , the 'Treasurer had a great deal to do with the funds , but if affairs had not been so well managed the deficit would not have diminished so much . He hoped that at the end of the next 12 months the brethren ' s confidence in him would not be displaced . Bro . Claridge , P . M ., Sec , said he was so often before the brethren that it was difficult for him to find something
new to say , but he must really thank the VV . M . for his very kind remarks as to the office of Secretary . He would go on to the subject of Charity . In putting the W . M . in t _^ e chair they kn ; w they were keeping up the Charities . Bro . Green , P . M ., was the first to go up as Steward , and he took up the handsome sum of £ 200 . Bro . Treasurer had followed , and during the four years the lodge had . been established they had , with the aid of the lodge and the
benevolent association connected with it , carried to these Masonic Charities over _£ 6 no . He had the honour to appear before the brethren that night as Steward for the Boys' School . When he came into the room that night he had 60 guineas on his list ; he then had five , and by the time the Festival came off he believed and hoped it would be doubled , thereby showing to the brethren and visitors that the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , although a young
lodge , was doing the work it behoved all lodges to do , viz ., to support the Charities . He was endeavouring to work a case which was a very distressing one , that of a son of a Mason who had made himself Life Governor of the Institution , and who had , therefore , done his part . He had also made two of his children Life Governors . He was a member of the Israel Lodge , and was connected with the firm of Messrs . Reid , the brewers . He was taken suddenly ill and died . On the next summons he should ask the brethren to
support this case , which was so distressing that he could not find language to lay it before the brethren . The brother was only 38 years of age , and he left seven children , the youngest seven days old . The brethren were trying to run two children at once , for the reason that the boy was 10 years old , and only had one chance . The girl was ei ght , and therefore had more chances . When these things came before the brethren , even at a late hour after dinner , they brought many thoughts to the mind , and showed the necessity of the great Charities of the Order . It would be ridiculous for him to attempt to show their necessity .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Whether it was the old people , the boys , or the girls , there was a necessity for the Institutions . He was sure the members of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , as well as all the brethren with whom he came in contact , would help him . The S . W . and the I . G . responded to the toast of "The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast concluded an evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the brethren present .
HONOR OAK LODGE ( No . 19 S 6 ) . —The election meeting of this lodge was held at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , on Wednesday the 13 th inst . W . Bro . H . M . Williams opened the lodge , supported by his officers , Bros . H . Stokes , S . W . ; J . W . Hartley , J . W . ; VV . Hopekirk , P . M ., and Treas . ; John Hammond , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Middx ., Sec ; H . Hooper ,
S . D . ; A . Darch , P . M ., J . D . ; J . Fuller , as I . G . ; F . France , D . C . ; J . H . Worstencroft , A . D . C . ; VV . H . Simons , Org . ; G . R . Langley . Asst . Sec ; and C . Shepperd , Tyler . There were also present Bros . C . H . Phillips , I . P . M . ; J . VV . Hiscox , P . M . ; Arter , Bennett , Mordey , T . Letchford , J . Letchford , R . L . Lawson , W . H . A'Reilly , E . _Itye , sen ., and other members . The visitors were Bros . S . Richardson , W . M . 1 S 3 ; J . Harling ,
W . M . 30 ; James Stevens , P . M . 720 , 1216 , 1426 , C . Wise , P . M . n S ; VV . H . Williams , P . M . 104 ; John Mason , P . M . 309 , P . P . G . S . D . Middx . ; G . W . Knight , S . W . 15 G 7 ; E . C . Hiscox , S . W . 1159 ; Sydney Hill , Org . 1216 ; E . Schultz , 1745 ; J . Nunnerley , 1 S 15 ; J . Pike , 15 S 6 ; J . Sutton , 155 S ; and E . Bye , jun ., 141 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Assistant Secretary , and confirmed . A ballot was taken
for the initiation of Mr . Wm . Taylor Cue , which was declared clear . Bros . C . VV . Bennett and VV . W . Arber proved proficiency , and were passed to the F . C . Degree . Mr . Cue being then in attendance was introduced and initiated into the mysteries of the Order . The respective ceremonies were very ably rendered by the W . M :, and were made more than usually impressive by the perfect working of the several officers , and the appropriate musical
accompaniments by Bro . Sidney Hill , who officiated as Organist . The election of Bro . Henry Stokes , as W . M . for the ensuing year , by unanimous vote of the lodge ( which was a foregone conclusion , that worthy brother enjoying the highest esteem of every member ) , was announced amidst acclamation ; as was also the re-election of W . Bro . Hopekirk , P . M ., as Treasurer . Bro . C . Shepperd was elected Tyler . On the proposition of W . Bro . C . H . Phillips ,
I . P . M ., a Past Master ' s jewel , of the lodge pattern , was voted for presentation to the retiring W . M ., Bro . Williams , as a well-deserved recognition of valuable services , and a zealous and faithful discharge of the duties of the chair during the past year . The bye-laws of the lodge were then read by the Assistant Secretary , Bro . G . R . Langley , who prior to the closing of business made a very earnest and feeling appeal to the brethren for assistance on behalf
of Richard Turner Groombridge , a candidate for election to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and a son of the late Bro . Groombridge , publisher , of Paternoster-row . The special nature of this case made Bro . Langley ' s appeal one which deserved and received thesympathy of the brethren , and in the result promises of material support were given , both as regards lodge votes and those of individual members . " Hearty good wishes , " that good old form of
expressing the courtesy of guests towards their hosts , and of cementing Masonic friendships and the bond of union between our several lodges , having been exchanged , the lodge was closed in due form . Shortly afterwards the brethren re-assembled for dinner , and , on the clearance of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were briefly given from the chair . "The Health of the W . M ., " proposed by Bro . C . H .
Phillips , I . P . M ., was drunk with great cordiality , and the toast was ably responded to by Bro . Williams , who modestly transferred a portion of the laudatory remarks of the proposer to his officers , for their combined exertions in perfecting the ceremonial and other work of the lodge during his term of office , and so enabling him to vacate the chair of K . S . with credit to himself , and satisfaction tc
all the members . "The Initiate" was also well received , and , after the E . A . song in his honour , sung by Bro . James Stevens , had been heartily " chorused , " Bro . Cue expressed his great satisfaction with the introduction into Freemasonry he had that evening received , and the hope that the solemnity of the ceremony might continue to influence his future career as a member of the Order .
" The Masonic Charities "—a toast which is far too frequently placed too low down in the list to receive that attention which its importance demands—was next given by the VV . M ., who referred to his intention to act as one of the Stewards at the approaching Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and solicited support . He knew the present need of that Institution for generous assistance this year to maintain its power to help those of
our Order who hid borne the "heat and burden of the day , " and who now in their old age required the careful and substantial sympathy of their tormer associates . He was very pleased to see Bro . John Mason , the esteemed Collector for the Institution , present as a guest , and would couple his name with the toast . Bro . Mason , in response , acknowledged the service about to be rendered by the VV . M ., and , in a very able and
forcible speech , emphatically pressed the undoubted necessity for a strongleffortto maintain the efficiency of the particular Charity with which he is connected . The falling off in number of Stewards this year as compared with the lastbeing no less than some Co or 70—the late increase of liability , and the present increase in the number of candidates for election , were subjects of great anxiety to his Committee , their Secretary , Bro . Terry , and himself , and
he trusted that , whilst time afforded the opportunity—for there was yet an interval of six weeks before the Festival —the laudable example of the W . M . and members of the Honor Oak Lodge would be emulated by many other lodges . For the extremely cordial welcome given by the W . M . to "The Visitors " individual responses were made by those
present , one and all expressing the pleasure the proceedings of the evening had afforded them . The remaining toasts of "The Past Masters , " "The Officers , " and the Tyler's toast were duly proposed and acknowledged , and the brethren then separated . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . VV . H . Simons , the Organistof the lodge , who sung
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
two or three of his best songs in fine style , and was assisted by Bro . Sidney Hill , Organist 1216 , and by the vocal efforts of Bros . Darch , James Stevens , and others . COWES — Medina Lodge ( No . 35 ) . —At the meeting of this lodge on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., Bro . H . C . Manners , S . W ., was installed W . M . The ceremony was performed by Bro . T . W . Faulkner , P . P . G . J . W ., in
a most impressive manner , and the working throughout was excellently done . After taking the chair the VV . M . expressed his thanks to the lodge for the honour they had conferred on him , and proceeded to invest his officers for the year as follows : Bros . R . Roberton , I . P . M . ; H . C . Damant , S . W . ; F . Rutland , J . W . ; T . W . Faulkner , P . P . G . J . W ., Treas . ; G . A . Mursell , P . G . S . D ., Sec . _; J .
Leltwich , S . D . ; A . Lee , J . D . ; J . C . Airs , P . M ., D . C . ; H . Wheeler , P . M ., Reg . ; A . Barfield , P . P . G . J . D ., Charities Committee ; F . Ransome , Org . ; R . Cullingford , I . G . ; T . M . Taylor and A . Perry , Stewards ; and Young , Tyler . It was unanimously decided to present the I . P . M ., Bro . Roberton , with a P . M . 's jewel in recognition of the services
he had rendered during his year of office . There was a large attendance of members of the lodge and visiting brethren , among them being in addition to the officers Bros . O . Haxthausen , P . M . ; F . W . Dyett , W . Snellgrove , S . S . Wheeler , G . Chambers , C . Stock , W . Trew , E . Poland , F . Osborne , F . C . Hayes , and G . A . Brannon , 151 ; Geo . Pack , P . M . 175 ; M . J . Speir and S . A . Wiltshire , 245 ;
G . Brown , 32 S ; C . J . Huntoun , 940 ; J . C . Hopwood , S . D . 1457 ; R . Kirk , W . Dodson , H . Robinson , and G . Dickenson , S . D . 16 S 1 ; T . Wilkins , 17 S 0 ; John Bailey , W . M . ; A . Greenham , S . W . ; and J . H . Brown , 1 SS 4 . After the lodge was closed a large number of the brethren partook of a banquet provided at the Fountain Hotel , to which ample justice was done . Due honour was
given to the first toasts " Oueen and the Craft" and " The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . 's references to the personal qualities of his Royal Highness , which were well-known to many present , meeting with enthusiastic approval . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Earl of
Carnarvon , Pro G . M ., and the Grand Lodge of England ;" " R . W . Bro . Beach , and the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He paid a high eulogium to the Prov . Grand Master for his great services to the Craft , and his unfailing courtesy , and coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Mursell , P . G . S . D . ; Barfield , P . P . G . J . D . ; and Pack , P . P .
G . J . D . ' 1 he toast was duly responded to b y the brethren named , who fully endorsed the high praise given to the R . W . Bro . Beach , and bore testimony to the great services which were rendered by other high officers , notably Bros . Le Feuvre and Shaldon Smith . Bro . Faulkner was also called on to respond , and
remarked that be had the honour of being the last Grand Warden of the Province of the Isle of Wight . The toast of "The Worshipful Master" was ably submitted by Bro . Faulkner , who said Bro . Manners had been most regular in his attendance at lodge , and had proved himself very attentive and earnest in the discharge of his duties . He cordially wished him a prosperous year of office .
Bro . Manners expressed his thanks for the way in which the toast had been proposed , and for the enthusiastic reception that the brethren had given it . He felt that he was scarcely entitled to all the praise Bro . Faulkner had given him ; but they might rely on his doing his best to serve the lodge and carry out his duties in a proper manner . Bro . Pack proposed "The I . P . M . and Medina Lodge
, No . 35 , " and spoke of the value to the lodge of the services of an experienced body of Past Masters . He was in a position to bear testimony to the services of Bro . Roberton , and it was with particular pleasure that afternoon he heard the lodge give expression to the regard in which they held him by voting him a Past Master ' s jewel . Bro . Roberton , in responding , referred to the
improvements which had been carried out in the construction of their lodge room during his year of office , the completion of which had given him great satisfaction . His best services would continue to be at the disposal of the brethren . " The Visitors " was submitted in cordial terms by Bro . Mursell , who said no lodge in the province felt greater pleasure in receiving and welcoming visiting brethren than
Medina , No . 35 . The toast was responded toby Bros . Pack , 175 ; Brannon , 151 ; Brown , 1884 ; Hopwood , 1457 ; Huntoun , 940 ; Wilkins , 17 S 0 ; G . Brown , St . John's Lodge ; Wiltshire , 245 ; and Dickinson , Robinson , Dodson , and Kerr , of 1 CS 1 , who all expressed appreciation of the hearty welcome accorded them .
The Worshipful Master proposed " The Installing Master and the Past Masters of the Lodge . " The W . M . referred to the excellent manner in which that day ' s ceremony had been performed by Bro . Faulkner , whom they regarded as the patriarch of their lodge , and expressed his thanks for the valuable services rendered by him and other Past Masters .
Bro . Faulkner said he was sure there were other Past Masters in the lodge who , if they cared to undertake it , could do the installation ceremony as well as the W . M . had been pleased to say he ( Bro . Faulkner ) had done it that day . It was 30 years since he had been initiated in the Medina Lodge , and he should continue to do his best to maintain their good opinion of him . Other respondents to the toast were Bros . Haxthausen and
Airs—who spoke of the benefit derived from the lodge of instruction they had established — Barfield , Mursell Wheeler , and Roberton . ' Bro . Faulkner , in submitting the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " eulogised the great services in the work of charity that had been rendered by that veteran in the cause , Bro . Barfield , whom Bro . Mursell seemed
determined to emulate . Bro . Barfield , who wore the collar of the three Charities , adorned with 24 clasps , entered very fully in his reply into the working and needs of the several Charities . In the course of an interesting speech he said in June last 242
girls were being educated in a thoroughly useful and practical manner at a cost of over £ 9000 per annum . In addition to this the Trustees had been able to purchase a house and strip of land , which would prove to be a valuable investment _; 220 boys were being educated in the Boys ' School at a cost ot £ 10 , 000 , to make up which sum the Trustees had to rely almost entirely on subscriptions , as
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and had said he was surprised at it . Well , he ( Bro . Berry ) was not at all surprised ; but he was very much pleased . Bro . Haig-Brown had worked with him in lodges of instruction , and had qualified himself as a good worker . For a lodge established only five years the manner in which the ceremony of installation had been worked reflected great credit upon the officers of the London Rifle Brigade . He did not usually comment upon the work , because he
had heard praises bestowed sometimes truthfully , many times untruthfully ; but he had been pleased to see the manner in which the signs were given in the lodge , which told a very good tale for a volunteer regiment and for the brethren of the lodge . Other brethren also responded , and among them Bros . Simpson , 1604 , and L . Jones , 1460 . The Worshipful Master , in giving "The Health of the
I . P . M . and Installing Master , " said the brethren all heartily thanked Bro . Haig-Brown , who so kindly and ably performed the duties of Installing Master . Personally , he had to thank him , and he thoroughly appreciated the ceremony . The other brethren also appreciated it . It was very essential that all these duties should be performed impressively , so that the brethren should thoroughly understand and appreciate the ritual the Installing Master had to draw to their attention .
Bro . Haig-Brown , I . P . M ., said he had had but one object in view since he started as a founder of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , viz ., to do his humble best to promote the interest of the lodge , and to keep it in its proud pre-eminence in Freemasonry . It was a very young lodge ; but it was not unknown . Several older lodges existed ; but many of those were not so well known or respected . He hoped it would never cease to hold its proud
position . The brethren had been pleased , through their W . M ., to bestow upon him a P . M . ' s jewel . He looked upon it with very great pleasure , for he felt it had not been given him as empty praise , which he had had the misfortuue to see in some lodges where the VV . M . had really done nothing . He had endeavoured to do his best for the lodge , and was proud to feel , now that his term of office had expired , that his efforts had met with the approbation of the
brethren ; that they felt the lustre of the lodge had not in any way been dimmed . Bright as it might be in the present , he hoped it might be still brighter in the future ; that it might rise in eminence in the Craft . For 12 months he should be the I . P . M . ; but he hoped to remain a P . M . among the brethren for a long time . It would not be his fault if he were compelled to retire from the P . M . ' s chair ; but as long as he was a P . M . among them he should feel it a pleasure and a privilege to be one .
The Worshipful Master next gave " The Treasurer , the Secretary , and the Charities . " He was sure the toast of the Treasurer would meet with the hearty response and gratitude of the brethren for his taking care of their large balances . The brethren knew those balances were in safe keeping , and that he would take care that no intruder should relieve him of any of his responsibility . With recard to the Secretary , the wonderlul vork fie did for the
lodge was something marvellous . It was not only in the lod _^ e , but outside as well , that the Secretary had to work . There was a great deal of detail connected with a Masonic lodge , and the Audit Committee could prove that the figures were all considered . AH the brethren thoroughly appreciated the services of those two brethren . The small words which he uttered in favour of them inadequately represented the appreciation of the members of the lodge . In
speaking of the Masonic Charities , he might say that Bro . Claridge was going up as Steward for the Boys' School , so that he extended his services beyond his position as Secretary by doing his best for the Masonic Charities . He hoped the brethren would give him any votes for the Boys' School , or any subscription . Bro . McDowall , P . M . and Treasurer , said he was very pleased to have a continuance of the brethren ' s confidence .
During the last 12 months the lodge had somevhat progressed . Twelve months ago they were certainly in arrear as lar as the banquet was concerned ; but they had gradually made it less , and it was now very small indeed . He f .: lt sure that at the end of the present Master's year , instead of having a very small balance on the wrong side , they would have a balance to the credit . It had been very satisfactory indeed to him to find affairs had been managed
in that way by the VV . M . in the chair and the I . P . M . Of course , the 'Treasurer had a great deal to do with the funds , but if affairs had not been so well managed the deficit would not have diminished so much . He hoped that at the end of the next 12 months the brethren ' s confidence in him would not be displaced . Bro . Claridge , P . M ., Sec , said he was so often before the brethren that it was difficult for him to find something
new to say , but he must really thank the VV . M . for his very kind remarks as to the office of Secretary . He would go on to the subject of Charity . In putting the W . M . in t _^ e chair they kn ; w they were keeping up the Charities . Bro . Green , P . M ., was the first to go up as Steward , and he took up the handsome sum of £ 200 . Bro . Treasurer had followed , and during the four years the lodge had . been established they had , with the aid of the lodge and the
benevolent association connected with it , carried to these Masonic Charities over _£ 6 no . He had the honour to appear before the brethren that night as Steward for the Boys' School . When he came into the room that night he had 60 guineas on his list ; he then had five , and by the time the Festival came off he believed and hoped it would be doubled , thereby showing to the brethren and visitors that the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , although a young
lodge , was doing the work it behoved all lodges to do , viz ., to support the Charities . He was endeavouring to work a case which was a very distressing one , that of a son of a Mason who had made himself Life Governor of the Institution , and who had , therefore , done his part . He had also made two of his children Life Governors . He was a member of the Israel Lodge , and was connected with the firm of Messrs . Reid , the brewers . He was taken suddenly ill and died . On the next summons he should ask the brethren to
support this case , which was so distressing that he could not find language to lay it before the brethren . The brother was only 38 years of age , and he left seven children , the youngest seven days old . The brethren were trying to run two children at once , for the reason that the boy was 10 years old , and only had one chance . The girl was ei ght , and therefore had more chances . When these things came before the brethren , even at a late hour after dinner , they brought many thoughts to the mind , and showed the necessity of the great Charities of the Order . It would be ridiculous for him to attempt to show their necessity .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Whether it was the old people , the boys , or the girls , there was a necessity for the Institutions . He was sure the members of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge , as well as all the brethren with whom he came in contact , would help him . The S . W . and the I . G . responded to the toast of "The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast concluded an evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the brethren present .
HONOR OAK LODGE ( No . 19 S 6 ) . —The election meeting of this lodge was held at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , on Wednesday the 13 th inst . W . Bro . H . M . Williams opened the lodge , supported by his officers , Bros . H . Stokes , S . W . ; J . W . Hartley , J . W . ; VV . Hopekirk , P . M ., and Treas . ; John Hammond , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Middx ., Sec ; H . Hooper ,
S . D . ; A . Darch , P . M ., J . D . ; J . Fuller , as I . G . ; F . France , D . C . ; J . H . Worstencroft , A . D . C . ; VV . H . Simons , Org . ; G . R . Langley . Asst . Sec ; and C . Shepperd , Tyler . There were also present Bros . C . H . Phillips , I . P . M . ; J . VV . Hiscox , P . M . ; Arter , Bennett , Mordey , T . Letchford , J . Letchford , R . L . Lawson , W . H . A'Reilly , E . _Itye , sen ., and other members . The visitors were Bros . S . Richardson , W . M . 1 S 3 ; J . Harling ,
W . M . 30 ; James Stevens , P . M . 720 , 1216 , 1426 , C . Wise , P . M . n S ; VV . H . Williams , P . M . 104 ; John Mason , P . M . 309 , P . P . G . S . D . Middx . ; G . W . Knight , S . W . 15 G 7 ; E . C . Hiscox , S . W . 1159 ; Sydney Hill , Org . 1216 ; E . Schultz , 1745 ; J . Nunnerley , 1 S 15 ; J . Pike , 15 S 6 ; J . Sutton , 155 S ; and E . Bye , jun ., 141 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Assistant Secretary , and confirmed . A ballot was taken
for the initiation of Mr . Wm . Taylor Cue , which was declared clear . Bros . C . VV . Bennett and VV . W . Arber proved proficiency , and were passed to the F . C . Degree . Mr . Cue being then in attendance was introduced and initiated into the mysteries of the Order . The respective ceremonies were very ably rendered by the W . M :, and were made more than usually impressive by the perfect working of the several officers , and the appropriate musical
accompaniments by Bro . Sidney Hill , who officiated as Organist . The election of Bro . Henry Stokes , as W . M . for the ensuing year , by unanimous vote of the lodge ( which was a foregone conclusion , that worthy brother enjoying the highest esteem of every member ) , was announced amidst acclamation ; as was also the re-election of W . Bro . Hopekirk , P . M ., as Treasurer . Bro . C . Shepperd was elected Tyler . On the proposition of W . Bro . C . H . Phillips ,
I . P . M ., a Past Master ' s jewel , of the lodge pattern , was voted for presentation to the retiring W . M ., Bro . Williams , as a well-deserved recognition of valuable services , and a zealous and faithful discharge of the duties of the chair during the past year . The bye-laws of the lodge were then read by the Assistant Secretary , Bro . G . R . Langley , who prior to the closing of business made a very earnest and feeling appeal to the brethren for assistance on behalf
of Richard Turner Groombridge , a candidate for election to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , and a son of the late Bro . Groombridge , publisher , of Paternoster-row . The special nature of this case made Bro . Langley ' s appeal one which deserved and received thesympathy of the brethren , and in the result promises of material support were given , both as regards lodge votes and those of individual members . " Hearty good wishes , " that good old form of
expressing the courtesy of guests towards their hosts , and of cementing Masonic friendships and the bond of union between our several lodges , having been exchanged , the lodge was closed in due form . Shortly afterwards the brethren re-assembled for dinner , and , on the clearance of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were briefly given from the chair . "The Health of the W . M ., " proposed by Bro . C . H .
Phillips , I . P . M ., was drunk with great cordiality , and the toast was ably responded to by Bro . Williams , who modestly transferred a portion of the laudatory remarks of the proposer to his officers , for their combined exertions in perfecting the ceremonial and other work of the lodge during his term of office , and so enabling him to vacate the chair of K . S . with credit to himself , and satisfaction tc
all the members . "The Initiate" was also well received , and , after the E . A . song in his honour , sung by Bro . James Stevens , had been heartily " chorused , " Bro . Cue expressed his great satisfaction with the introduction into Freemasonry he had that evening received , and the hope that the solemnity of the ceremony might continue to influence his future career as a member of the Order .
" The Masonic Charities "—a toast which is far too frequently placed too low down in the list to receive that attention which its importance demands—was next given by the VV . M ., who referred to his intention to act as one of the Stewards at the approaching Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and solicited support . He knew the present need of that Institution for generous assistance this year to maintain its power to help those of
our Order who hid borne the "heat and burden of the day , " and who now in their old age required the careful and substantial sympathy of their tormer associates . He was very pleased to see Bro . John Mason , the esteemed Collector for the Institution , present as a guest , and would couple his name with the toast . Bro . Mason , in response , acknowledged the service about to be rendered by the VV . M ., and , in a very able and
forcible speech , emphatically pressed the undoubted necessity for a strongleffortto maintain the efficiency of the particular Charity with which he is connected . The falling off in number of Stewards this year as compared with the lastbeing no less than some Co or 70—the late increase of liability , and the present increase in the number of candidates for election , were subjects of great anxiety to his Committee , their Secretary , Bro . Terry , and himself , and
he trusted that , whilst time afforded the opportunity—for there was yet an interval of six weeks before the Festival —the laudable example of the W . M . and members of the Honor Oak Lodge would be emulated by many other lodges . For the extremely cordial welcome given by the W . M . to "The Visitors " individual responses were made by those
present , one and all expressing the pleasure the proceedings of the evening had afforded them . The remaining toasts of "The Past Masters , " "The Officers , " and the Tyler's toast were duly proposed and acknowledged , and the brethren then separated . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . VV . H . Simons , the Organistof the lodge , who sung
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
two or three of his best songs in fine style , and was assisted by Bro . Sidney Hill , Organist 1216 , and by the vocal efforts of Bros . Darch , James Stevens , and others . COWES — Medina Lodge ( No . 35 ) . —At the meeting of this lodge on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., Bro . H . C . Manners , S . W ., was installed W . M . The ceremony was performed by Bro . T . W . Faulkner , P . P . G . J . W ., in
a most impressive manner , and the working throughout was excellently done . After taking the chair the VV . M . expressed his thanks to the lodge for the honour they had conferred on him , and proceeded to invest his officers for the year as follows : Bros . R . Roberton , I . P . M . ; H . C . Damant , S . W . ; F . Rutland , J . W . ; T . W . Faulkner , P . P . G . J . W ., Treas . ; G . A . Mursell , P . G . S . D ., Sec . _; J .
Leltwich , S . D . ; A . Lee , J . D . ; J . C . Airs , P . M ., D . C . ; H . Wheeler , P . M ., Reg . ; A . Barfield , P . P . G . J . D ., Charities Committee ; F . Ransome , Org . ; R . Cullingford , I . G . ; T . M . Taylor and A . Perry , Stewards ; and Young , Tyler . It was unanimously decided to present the I . P . M ., Bro . Roberton , with a P . M . 's jewel in recognition of the services
he had rendered during his year of office . There was a large attendance of members of the lodge and visiting brethren , among them being in addition to the officers Bros . O . Haxthausen , P . M . ; F . W . Dyett , W . Snellgrove , S . S . Wheeler , G . Chambers , C . Stock , W . Trew , E . Poland , F . Osborne , F . C . Hayes , and G . A . Brannon , 151 ; Geo . Pack , P . M . 175 ; M . J . Speir and S . A . Wiltshire , 245 ;
G . Brown , 32 S ; C . J . Huntoun , 940 ; J . C . Hopwood , S . D . 1457 ; R . Kirk , W . Dodson , H . Robinson , and G . Dickenson , S . D . 16 S 1 ; T . Wilkins , 17 S 0 ; John Bailey , W . M . ; A . Greenham , S . W . ; and J . H . Brown , 1 SS 4 . After the lodge was closed a large number of the brethren partook of a banquet provided at the Fountain Hotel , to which ample justice was done . Due honour was
given to the first toasts " Oueen and the Craft" and " The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . 's references to the personal qualities of his Royal Highness , which were well-known to many present , meeting with enthusiastic approval . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Earl of
Carnarvon , Pro G . M ., and the Grand Lodge of England ;" " R . W . Bro . Beach , and the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He paid a high eulogium to the Prov . Grand Master for his great services to the Craft , and his unfailing courtesy , and coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Mursell , P . G . S . D . ; Barfield , P . P . G . J . D . ; and Pack , P . P .
G . J . D . ' 1 he toast was duly responded to b y the brethren named , who fully endorsed the high praise given to the R . W . Bro . Beach , and bore testimony to the great services which were rendered by other high officers , notably Bros . Le Feuvre and Shaldon Smith . Bro . Faulkner was also called on to respond , and
remarked that be had the honour of being the last Grand Warden of the Province of the Isle of Wight . The toast of "The Worshipful Master" was ably submitted by Bro . Faulkner , who said Bro . Manners had been most regular in his attendance at lodge , and had proved himself very attentive and earnest in the discharge of his duties . He cordially wished him a prosperous year of office .
Bro . Manners expressed his thanks for the way in which the toast had been proposed , and for the enthusiastic reception that the brethren had given it . He felt that he was scarcely entitled to all the praise Bro . Faulkner had given him ; but they might rely on his doing his best to serve the lodge and carry out his duties in a proper manner . Bro . Pack proposed "The I . P . M . and Medina Lodge
, No . 35 , " and spoke of the value to the lodge of the services of an experienced body of Past Masters . He was in a position to bear testimony to the services of Bro . Roberton , and it was with particular pleasure that afternoon he heard the lodge give expression to the regard in which they held him by voting him a Past Master ' s jewel . Bro . Roberton , in responding , referred to the
improvements which had been carried out in the construction of their lodge room during his year of office , the completion of which had given him great satisfaction . His best services would continue to be at the disposal of the brethren . " The Visitors " was submitted in cordial terms by Bro . Mursell , who said no lodge in the province felt greater pleasure in receiving and welcoming visiting brethren than
Medina , No . 35 . The toast was responded toby Bros . Pack , 175 ; Brannon , 151 ; Brown , 1884 ; Hopwood , 1457 ; Huntoun , 940 ; Wilkins , 17 S 0 ; G . Brown , St . John's Lodge ; Wiltshire , 245 ; and Dickinson , Robinson , Dodson , and Kerr , of 1 CS 1 , who all expressed appreciation of the hearty welcome accorded them .
The Worshipful Master proposed " The Installing Master and the Past Masters of the Lodge . " The W . M . referred to the excellent manner in which that day ' s ceremony had been performed by Bro . Faulkner , whom they regarded as the patriarch of their lodge , and expressed his thanks for the valuable services rendered by him and other Past Masters .
Bro . Faulkner said he was sure there were other Past Masters in the lodge who , if they cared to undertake it , could do the installation ceremony as well as the W . M . had been pleased to say he ( Bro . Faulkner ) had done it that day . It was 30 years since he had been initiated in the Medina Lodge , and he should continue to do his best to maintain their good opinion of him . Other respondents to the toast were Bros . Haxthausen and
Airs—who spoke of the benefit derived from the lodge of instruction they had established — Barfield , Mursell Wheeler , and Roberton . ' Bro . Faulkner , in submitting the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " eulogised the great services in the work of charity that had been rendered by that veteran in the cause , Bro . Barfield , whom Bro . Mursell seemed
determined to emulate . Bro . Barfield , who wore the collar of the three Charities , adorned with 24 clasps , entered very fully in his reply into the working and needs of the several Charities . In the course of an interesting speech he said in June last 242
girls were being educated in a thoroughly useful and practical manner at a cost of over £ 9000 per annum . In addition to this the Trustees had been able to purchase a house and strip of land , which would prove to be a valuable investment _; 220 boys were being educated in the Boys ' School at a cost ot £ 10 , 000 , to make up which sum the Trustees had to rely almost entirely on subscriptions , as