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Reports Of Masonic Meetings
having in a few appropriate sentences placed the jewel , which is handsomely chased and bore a suitable inscription , on the breast of Bro . Sharpe , he gracefully acknowledged the compliment . Upwards of thirty brethren subsequently supped together , and a most fraternal meeting was spent , the toast ofthe visitors being acknowledged by representatives of the Shirley Lodge , Bros . Aslett , P . M .
( Southampton ) ; P . M . John Adams ( Peace and Harmony ) ; and Bro . Burchett ( Economy , Winchester ) . MANCHESTER .-Caledonian Lodge ( No 204 ) . —The usual monthly mceiingof thisancient and well known lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooperstreet , on Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., anel was made the occasion of recognising the merits and services of an old
and much esteemed member . The W . M . ( Bro . Robert Eldershaw ) took the chair shortly after six o'clock ; the othcrchairs being occupied by Bros . John Roberts , S . W ., and G . T . Mullock , J . W . There were also present P . M . ' s Clay , Timperley , Battye , 1 lumphreys , Mains , Hind -, Bros . H . T . Robberds , P . M . 993 , and T . Shorrock , W . M . 350 , and a goodly muster of members and friends . Amongst the
latter were Bros . Yates , P . M . 993 ; Allison , P . M . 99 : 5 ; Sharp , W . M . 993 ; Pritchard , P . M . 5 81 ; Hardy , P . M . 1045 ; Slack , Peak , and Wright , 993 ; and Baldwin , 1357 . After the usual preliminaries , Bro , William Percival was passed to the Second Degree by the W . M ., and Bro . Samuel Lawton was raised to the Third Degree by Bro . A . Humphreys , I . P . M . ; both ceremonies being performed in a creditable
manner . The most interesting event of the evening then took place , wheh was the presentation of a silver claret jug to Bro . John C . Hind , P . M ., Treasurer , in recognition of of past services . The idea of this testimonial originated with the P . M ., who , fearing from Bro . Hind ' s retiring and modest disposition that he might thwart their desires if he heard of it , decided to keep the matter from him until the
moment of presentation ; and so faithfully was the secret kept that he was quite taken by surprise , although several of his most intimate friends had been invited to be present . The presentation -was made by the Rev . Bro . Philip Hains , P . M ., Chaplain , on behalf of the members , in an eloquent and impressive speech , in which he said : — "Masonry has its duties , its privileges , and its pleasures . Amongst its
pleasures , I know none more pleasing than the presentations which we make from time to time to those amongst our brethren who , by their zeal and industry , recognised ability , and gentle demeanour , have distinguished themselves amongst us , and have won the esteem of all Mason ? . The brethren of this lodge , upon this occasion , have made two selections ; one , in my opinion , a happy and suitable one ,
the other , if I will not say unhappy and unsuitable , yet characterised with less wise ' om than the former . They have selected you , sir , to be the recipient of this valuable gift , and they have selected me to present it to you . I must say that , in the latter case , the brethren might have made a more fortunate and happy selection , and might have delegated the duty to a more worthy and distinguished
brother—not that I yield to any of the brethren in my feeling of fraternal regard to Bro . Hind , nor to any with regard to those sentiments of sincere respect which I entertain for him . But there arc other Masons whose acquaintance with him has extended over very many more years , and whose friendship for him has been for longer standing ; but as the mouthpiece and spokesman of the brethren present , I ask
of your acceptance of this gift , as an earnest and pledge that they look upon you as a credit and honour to the lodge . They regard the assistance which you have always given as one of their main supports , and the manner in which you have conducted yourself in all the offices which you have filled , as an example to younger Masons both within and without the lodge . Whatsoever offices you
may have filled—whether it be that of a simple member , a Master of the lodge , a Past Master , or during the time you have filled the distinguished post of Treasurer—they consider that you have acted with credit to vourself , and that you have reflected honour on the body of which you are a member . During the many years that you have been a Mason , you must have witnessed many changes in
the Caledonian Lodge . Many brethren have passed away from amongst us—I will not say because they were not all of us—but some have gone to foreign lands , some have gone away to form other lodges of which now they arc the illustrious members ; anil some have gone to that undiscovered country , "that bourne from whence no traveller returns " - ' to tell us what is doing on the other side . But
amongst all the brethren , I will venture to affirm that you have not created one single enemy , but that you have made troopfi of friends . But what has been the secret of this success ? Our Grand Master , Solomon , in a Masonic precept , gives us the solution to the mystery , " He that would win friends must show himself friendly "—he must love who woulelbe beloved . It is wilh such feelings as these ,
sir , that we , a banel of brothers , brethren of the mystic tie , ask your acceptance of this claret jug as a gift of friendship . Receive it as a token of our sincere and warm-hearted regard , the regard of your companions of many pleasant hours . May you be long spared to help your Mentis from it , and when you look upon it in years to corne , may strong memory write upon your heart bright visions of
those happy scenes when we all met together as brethren , and when Providence permitted you to make so many friends . " Bro . J . C . Mind was evidently taken by surprise , and much moveel by th s expression of his brethren's good good will ; but he accepted the gift in suitable terms , and referred to the past history of the lodge and his connection with it . He mentioned that she had been the mother of
many lodges , which had taken somewhat of her past sfrength away , but she was looking up again , and he sincerely hoped she would continue to increaseand prosper . The lodge was then closed in due form , and the brethren afterwards , to the number of 40 , repaired to the refreshmentroom , where an enjoyable evening was spent , the W . M . vacating the chair at 11 p . m . LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
281 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on the 13 th inst ,, in the Masonic Rooms , Alhenreum , St . Leonard Gate , under the presidency of Bro . J . Jowitt . There was a good attendance . The lodge having been opened in the First and Second Degrees with the usual formaltics , Bro . Shepherd answered theneccsssary questions in respect to the F . C . Degree , and was entrusted and
retired . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree , and Bro . Shepherd re-admitted and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , the working being carefully and efficiently performed by the W . M ., who also presented the working tools . i . The lodge was then ' resumed in the First Degree , and the sum of ten guineas voted for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged
Freemasons and their Widows , on the motion of Bro . t ,. Simpson , P . M ., P . G . S ., seconded by Bro . R . Taylor , I . l ' . M ., the former of whom stated that the Steward , Bro . Dr . Moore , had received about £ 80 from the lodges and members of the Craft in Lancaster for that charitable institution , a statement which was greeted with applause . The usual proclamations were then made , which elicited
" hearty good wishes from the visiting brethren , and the lodge closed with the usual formalities . PRESTON . —Concord Lodge ( No . 343 ) . —The installation ceremony of this lodge took place in the Assembly Room of the Bull Hotel . Bro . A . Beattie was duly installed bv Bro . Nevett , P . M . Unanimity , 113 , as Worshipful Master for the ensuing twelve months . The
following brethren were also invested as officers of the lodge , viz : Bros . Elton , I . P . M . ; Hall , S . W . ; Roe , J . W . ; Robinson , P . M ., P . G . A . D . C , Treasurer ; Fazackerley , Secretary ; Cowell , S . D . ; Thompson , J . D . ; Brown , I . G . ; Hayes , Organist ; Moss , P . M ., Tyler . After the ceremony a banquet *» as held in celebration of the festival of St . John the Evangelist , to which a hrge number of brethren
and invited guests sat down . The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and aptly responded to . The harmony of the evening was much enjoyed , and ably contributed to by Bros . Holland , Cowell , Goulborne , Hayes , and others . DERBY . —Arboretum Lodge ( No . 731 ) , —The usual meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall ,
Gower-strcet , on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., when there was a large muster of the brethren , the following being present : Bros . Brown , W . M . ; G . T . Wright , P . M ., P . P . f . G . W . ; R . Bennett , I . P . M . ; \ . Taylor , P . M . ; II . Burn , P . M . ; T . L . Gee , P . M . ; Worsnop , P . M . ; J . C . Merry , P . M . ; and Bros . T . Merry , S . W . ; W . Cooper , J . W . ; W . H . Burton , Treas . ; Whittaker , Sec ; A . Frazer , S . D . ;
G . Cay , J . D . ; Vincent , D . C ; Bovver , I . G . ; Bland and King , Stewarels ; and Day , Tyler ; also Bros . Drevvitt , Webster , Copestick , Hobson , Knight , Fone , Hollovvay , Carter , Wigg , Robinson , Johnson , Barnett , Wilton , A . Smith , Humber , F . L Smith , Coulihurst . Visitors : Bros . Wood , 1399 ; Harvey , 100 ; Pipes , W . M . 108 5 ; Bliss , 1410 ; and Biggs , W . M . 802 . After the lodge had been
opened in the First Degree , and the minutes of the last lodge read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Worshipful Master for the ensuing year , and Bro . T . Merry , S . W ., was elected ; Bro . Burton was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Holden , Tyler . The ballot was then taken for Mr . R . S . Crossby as a candidate for Freemasonry , and he was elected . The lodge was then opened in the Second
Degree , and Bro . Johnson , having answered the usual questions , retired . The lodge was opened in tbe Third Degree , and Bro , Johnson was raised to the Sublime Degree by the W . M . The lodge was resumed in the Second and First Degree , and in answer to an application from the Secretary of the Girls' School , Bro . King was appointed to represent the lodge as Steward at the forthco 1 ing
festival . The W . M . then presented a handsome gold watch and chain to Bro . Burton , Treasurer , asking him to accept it as a token of respect and esteem entertained for him by the members of the ledge , and he hoped that he would be spared many years to wear it . Bro . Burton briefly returned thanks , it being understood that the subject would be again referred to afterwards .
The lodge was closed in perfect harmony , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where a comfortable supper awaitcel them , and to which they did justice . The usual Masonic toasts having been disposed of , the W . M . gave the toast of " Bro . Burton ' s Health , " and in referring to what hail taken place in lodge , saiel that Bro . Burton had been associated with the members of the Arboretum
Lodge for many years , and during that period he had filled various offices , notably , that of Treasurer for the long time of ten years , and had always laboured diligently and unselfishly in promoting the prosperity of the lodge , ever | willing to make himself useful—indeed , he had become almost indispensable , and his cheerful indisposition was well known to all the brethren , who universally
respected him as a friend , a brother , and a Mason in the truest sense of the word . In . making him the present of a watch and chain that evening they did not for a moment—wish it to be understood to be a monetary consideration , such services as Bro . Burton ' s could not be met in that way ; but he did wish it to be understood thoroughly as being truly what the inscription implied it to be , a
pledge of the great brotherly affection anel respect they ha : l for their brother , and he hoped that he would be spareel very many years to wear this watch , and when he looked on its honest face ( for he believed it bad a very honest face—he had worn it for some days , and it had proved very honest ) he would consider it as emblematical of the honesty of purpose that had
prompted the gift , which he was quite sure would be esteemeel as such by their brother , as also by his wife and family , who would thus be told of the ' respect in which their husband and father was held by his brother Masons . He would wish , in conclusion , that when Nature ' s dark shadow fell upon their brother , as it must fall upon all of us , he would be taken to that other lodge above , and they might all meet him there again in that blest abode where
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
the World ' s Great Architect rules and rtigns for ever . Several other toasts having been disposed of , the W . M . again rose to make another presentation to their Tyler , Bro . Day . —He said that some three years ago , it was well known that they were in some difficulty through the resignation of their Tyler , and Bro . Day , who had not long before become a joining member , at once volunteered to
take the post as a temporary arrangement , but circumstances had prevented their appointing any one else , and Bro . Day had since continued to occupy that thankless office of Outer Guard , and when the brethren came to think what that meant , that their brother hael sat outside all these years , taking no put in the lodge ceremonies , waiting often for a long lime with scarcely a sign of what
was going 01 , wondering what kept them so long ; ihey vvoulei agree with him that the duty was rather monotonous and not one that would be sel . ctel from choice by most men . It could , therefor * , scarcely be an ordinary wish to make himself useful that had prompted Bro . Day to take this post , but it rauit have been a true spirit of Masonry to do anything
that he could , or that the brethren wished him to do , for the love of the cause . They had often thought that they were laxing Bro . Day ' s good nature too much , but if they did he never showed it ; he had gone on uncomplainingly , and apparently quite satisfied if his services were giving satisfaction . Therefore , he would say that Bro . Day ' s unselfish conduct nicriteel some acknowledgment from them ,
and he had great pleasure in presenting him with a marble timepiece , which he hopetl he would accept as a simple tribute of respect from them for the way he had helped them in their difficulties , and he hoped that he would consider it as such , and that it would be valued more for thj feeling it representee ! than its intrinsic value ; indeed , he was quite sure that the inscription plate would be
considered as by far the most valuable portion of the gift . He hoped that Bro . Day would long be spared to meet with them and enjoy the good feeling evinced by the brethren of the Arboretum Lodge . Bros . Merry and Bennett , the two P . M . ' s , fully concurred in the remarks of the W . M . Bro . Day , in returning thanks , said that the W . M . had attached far more value to the small services it had
been his happiness to render the lodge than they meriteel ; he had no previous knowledge of what was to take place , and therefore was quite taken aback by the flattering way the W . M . hail spoken of him . He had been pleased to bc of service to them , and he should value their present very highly , as being what it had been stated to be , an expression of goodwill and friendship from the brethren of
his lodge . He thanked them very much for their appreciation of his service . The proceedings were then brought , to a close , all present having acknowledged that a very profitable and enjoyable evening had been spent . CREWKERNE . —Parrot and Axe Lodge ( No . S 14 ) . —The annual installation and banquet of this lodge took place at the lodge-room , George Hotel , on
Tuesday , the 13 th inst . Bio . G . Summers was installed as the W . M ., the ceremony being most impressively rendered by the W . D . P . G . M . of Somerset . The W . M . appointed anel invested his officers for the ensuing year : — Bros . Tompsett , S . W . ; Dr . Hughe--, J . W . ; M . C . J . Harris , P . P . J . GW ., Treasurer ; Josh . Ireland , P . P . G . P ., Secretary ; Coombes , S . D . ; Hussey , J . D . ; Nosworthy ,
P . P . G . O ., Organist ; Budge , P . P . J . G . D ., M . C ; Bennett , I . G . ; Lacey , Tyler ; Batten , P . G . D . C , officiated as Director of Ceremonies . The banquet was afterwards held in the lodge-room , under the presidency of the W . M ., supported by the W . D . P . G . M ., and several officers of Provincial Grand Lodge , brethren from Torquay , Yeovil , and other lodges in the province . The banquet was served by
Bro . Baker in his ever generous style . 1 he usual Masonic and other toasts were given , interspersed by some excellent songs sung by the brethren , and accompanied on the pianoforte by Bro . Milborn , and a most enjoyable evening was spent . KNUTSFORD . —De Tabley Lodge ( No . 941 ) . —The annual festival of St . John the Evangelist of this
flourishing lodge was held in their splendid lodge room , at the Royal George Hotel , on Monday , the 18 th inst ., for the installation of the Worshipful Master elect , anil the appointment of the officers for the ensuing year . Besides the brethren of the De Tabley , the Stamford , lhc Cope , the Lodge of Sincerity , the Prince of Wales ' s Loelge , and the Urmston New Lodge were represented by distinguished
brethren . Bro . W . Nicholls , P . M ., having been unanimously elected , was duly installed and invested with the collar and jewel of his office . Bro . Goodacre , P . M ., & c , was the Installing Master , anil most ably and impressively performed that duty . The Worshipful Master then appointed the following officers : —Bros . J . Hodgkinsoh , I . P . M . ; W . Leigh , S . W . ; D . Kinsey , J . W . ; Rev . C . W .
Spencer Stanhope , P . P . G . C , Chaplain ; J . Siddeley , P . M ., P . [ . CD ., Treasurer and Secretary ; W . Taberer , S . D . ; C . Sherwin , J . D .-, J . Partington , I . G .-, J . Twiss , P . M ., Org .-, W . Alcock , Tyler ; and W . Fair , P . M . ; J . Whitlow , P . M . ; J . B . Cutter , P . M . ; and J . Ilodgkinson , P . M .. Stewards . The business of the lodge being ended , the brethren sat down to a most excellent banquet , provided by the
worthy hostess ( Mrs . Caldecott ) , which reflected the highest credit upon her capability for catering upon such occasions . The Worshipful Master presided , and in truly loyal and Masonic spirit ga \ e the usual toasts . There were some excellent speeches given upon the beauties of Masonry and its charities by Bros . Goodacre , Fair , Whitlow , anil others , enlivened by a selection of
harmony , vocal and instrumental , by Bros , Young , Whitlow , Burgess , and Alcock . A most enjoyable evening was spent , and the brethren separated in that fraternal bond of brotherhood known only to the Craft . It is worthy of note , and will afford encouragement to the newly initiated brethren and those desirous of making their mark in Freemasonry , to note the progress Bro . Nicholls has made in the Craft since his initiation . Bro . Nicholls was initiated
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings
having in a few appropriate sentences placed the jewel , which is handsomely chased and bore a suitable inscription , on the breast of Bro . Sharpe , he gracefully acknowledged the compliment . Upwards of thirty brethren subsequently supped together , and a most fraternal meeting was spent , the toast ofthe visitors being acknowledged by representatives of the Shirley Lodge , Bros . Aslett , P . M .
( Southampton ) ; P . M . John Adams ( Peace and Harmony ) ; and Bro . Burchett ( Economy , Winchester ) . MANCHESTER .-Caledonian Lodge ( No 204 ) . —The usual monthly mceiingof thisancient and well known lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooperstreet , on Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., anel was made the occasion of recognising the merits and services of an old
and much esteemed member . The W . M . ( Bro . Robert Eldershaw ) took the chair shortly after six o'clock ; the othcrchairs being occupied by Bros . John Roberts , S . W ., and G . T . Mullock , J . W . There were also present P . M . ' s Clay , Timperley , Battye , 1 lumphreys , Mains , Hind -, Bros . H . T . Robberds , P . M . 993 , and T . Shorrock , W . M . 350 , and a goodly muster of members and friends . Amongst the
latter were Bros . Yates , P . M . 993 ; Allison , P . M . 99 : 5 ; Sharp , W . M . 993 ; Pritchard , P . M . 5 81 ; Hardy , P . M . 1045 ; Slack , Peak , and Wright , 993 ; and Baldwin , 1357 . After the usual preliminaries , Bro , William Percival was passed to the Second Degree by the W . M ., and Bro . Samuel Lawton was raised to the Third Degree by Bro . A . Humphreys , I . P . M . ; both ceremonies being performed in a creditable
manner . The most interesting event of the evening then took place , wheh was the presentation of a silver claret jug to Bro . John C . Hind , P . M ., Treasurer , in recognition of of past services . The idea of this testimonial originated with the P . M ., who , fearing from Bro . Hind ' s retiring and modest disposition that he might thwart their desires if he heard of it , decided to keep the matter from him until the
moment of presentation ; and so faithfully was the secret kept that he was quite taken by surprise , although several of his most intimate friends had been invited to be present . The presentation -was made by the Rev . Bro . Philip Hains , P . M ., Chaplain , on behalf of the members , in an eloquent and impressive speech , in which he said : — "Masonry has its duties , its privileges , and its pleasures . Amongst its
pleasures , I know none more pleasing than the presentations which we make from time to time to those amongst our brethren who , by their zeal and industry , recognised ability , and gentle demeanour , have distinguished themselves amongst us , and have won the esteem of all Mason ? . The brethren of this lodge , upon this occasion , have made two selections ; one , in my opinion , a happy and suitable one ,
the other , if I will not say unhappy and unsuitable , yet characterised with less wise ' om than the former . They have selected you , sir , to be the recipient of this valuable gift , and they have selected me to present it to you . I must say that , in the latter case , the brethren might have made a more fortunate and happy selection , and might have delegated the duty to a more worthy and distinguished
brother—not that I yield to any of the brethren in my feeling of fraternal regard to Bro . Hind , nor to any with regard to those sentiments of sincere respect which I entertain for him . But there arc other Masons whose acquaintance with him has extended over very many more years , and whose friendship for him has been for longer standing ; but as the mouthpiece and spokesman of the brethren present , I ask
of your acceptance of this gift , as an earnest and pledge that they look upon you as a credit and honour to the lodge . They regard the assistance which you have always given as one of their main supports , and the manner in which you have conducted yourself in all the offices which you have filled , as an example to younger Masons both within and without the lodge . Whatsoever offices you
may have filled—whether it be that of a simple member , a Master of the lodge , a Past Master , or during the time you have filled the distinguished post of Treasurer—they consider that you have acted with credit to vourself , and that you have reflected honour on the body of which you are a member . During the many years that you have been a Mason , you must have witnessed many changes in
the Caledonian Lodge . Many brethren have passed away from amongst us—I will not say because they were not all of us—but some have gone to foreign lands , some have gone away to form other lodges of which now they arc the illustrious members ; anil some have gone to that undiscovered country , "that bourne from whence no traveller returns " - ' to tell us what is doing on the other side . But
amongst all the brethren , I will venture to affirm that you have not created one single enemy , but that you have made troopfi of friends . But what has been the secret of this success ? Our Grand Master , Solomon , in a Masonic precept , gives us the solution to the mystery , " He that would win friends must show himself friendly "—he must love who woulelbe beloved . It is wilh such feelings as these ,
sir , that we , a banel of brothers , brethren of the mystic tie , ask your acceptance of this claret jug as a gift of friendship . Receive it as a token of our sincere and warm-hearted regard , the regard of your companions of many pleasant hours . May you be long spared to help your Mentis from it , and when you look upon it in years to corne , may strong memory write upon your heart bright visions of
those happy scenes when we all met together as brethren , and when Providence permitted you to make so many friends . " Bro . J . C . Mind was evidently taken by surprise , and much moveel by th s expression of his brethren's good good will ; but he accepted the gift in suitable terms , and referred to the past history of the lodge and his connection with it . He mentioned that she had been the mother of
many lodges , which had taken somewhat of her past sfrength away , but she was looking up again , and he sincerely hoped she would continue to increaseand prosper . The lodge was then closed in due form , and the brethren afterwards , to the number of 40 , repaired to the refreshmentroom , where an enjoyable evening was spent , the W . M . vacating the chair at 11 p . m . LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
281 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on the 13 th inst ,, in the Masonic Rooms , Alhenreum , St . Leonard Gate , under the presidency of Bro . J . Jowitt . There was a good attendance . The lodge having been opened in the First and Second Degrees with the usual formaltics , Bro . Shepherd answered theneccsssary questions in respect to the F . C . Degree , and was entrusted and
retired . The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree , and Bro . Shepherd re-admitted and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , the working being carefully and efficiently performed by the W . M ., who also presented the working tools . i . The lodge was then ' resumed in the First Degree , and the sum of ten guineas voted for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged
Freemasons and their Widows , on the motion of Bro . t ,. Simpson , P . M ., P . G . S ., seconded by Bro . R . Taylor , I . l ' . M ., the former of whom stated that the Steward , Bro . Dr . Moore , had received about £ 80 from the lodges and members of the Craft in Lancaster for that charitable institution , a statement which was greeted with applause . The usual proclamations were then made , which elicited
" hearty good wishes from the visiting brethren , and the lodge closed with the usual formalities . PRESTON . —Concord Lodge ( No . 343 ) . —The installation ceremony of this lodge took place in the Assembly Room of the Bull Hotel . Bro . A . Beattie was duly installed bv Bro . Nevett , P . M . Unanimity , 113 , as Worshipful Master for the ensuing twelve months . The
following brethren were also invested as officers of the lodge , viz : Bros . Elton , I . P . M . ; Hall , S . W . ; Roe , J . W . ; Robinson , P . M ., P . G . A . D . C , Treasurer ; Fazackerley , Secretary ; Cowell , S . D . ; Thompson , J . D . ; Brown , I . G . ; Hayes , Organist ; Moss , P . M ., Tyler . After the ceremony a banquet *» as held in celebration of the festival of St . John the Evangelist , to which a hrge number of brethren
and invited guests sat down . The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and aptly responded to . The harmony of the evening was much enjoyed , and ably contributed to by Bros . Holland , Cowell , Goulborne , Hayes , and others . DERBY . —Arboretum Lodge ( No . 731 ) , —The usual meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall ,
Gower-strcet , on Wednesday , the 13 th inst ., when there was a large muster of the brethren , the following being present : Bros . Brown , W . M . ; G . T . Wright , P . M ., P . P . f . G . W . ; R . Bennett , I . P . M . ; \ . Taylor , P . M . ; II . Burn , P . M . ; T . L . Gee , P . M . ; Worsnop , P . M . ; J . C . Merry , P . M . ; and Bros . T . Merry , S . W . ; W . Cooper , J . W . ; W . H . Burton , Treas . ; Whittaker , Sec ; A . Frazer , S . D . ;
G . Cay , J . D . ; Vincent , D . C ; Bovver , I . G . ; Bland and King , Stewarels ; and Day , Tyler ; also Bros . Drevvitt , Webster , Copestick , Hobson , Knight , Fone , Hollovvay , Carter , Wigg , Robinson , Johnson , Barnett , Wilton , A . Smith , Humber , F . L Smith , Coulihurst . Visitors : Bros . Wood , 1399 ; Harvey , 100 ; Pipes , W . M . 108 5 ; Bliss , 1410 ; and Biggs , W . M . 802 . After the lodge had been
opened in the First Degree , and the minutes of the last lodge read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Worshipful Master for the ensuing year , and Bro . T . Merry , S . W ., was elected ; Bro . Burton was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Holden , Tyler . The ballot was then taken for Mr . R . S . Crossby as a candidate for Freemasonry , and he was elected . The lodge was then opened in the Second
Degree , and Bro . Johnson , having answered the usual questions , retired . The lodge was opened in tbe Third Degree , and Bro , Johnson was raised to the Sublime Degree by the W . M . The lodge was resumed in the Second and First Degree , and in answer to an application from the Secretary of the Girls' School , Bro . King was appointed to represent the lodge as Steward at the forthco 1 ing
festival . The W . M . then presented a handsome gold watch and chain to Bro . Burton , Treasurer , asking him to accept it as a token of respect and esteem entertained for him by the members of the ledge , and he hoped that he would be spared many years to wear it . Bro . Burton briefly returned thanks , it being understood that the subject would be again referred to afterwards .
The lodge was closed in perfect harmony , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where a comfortable supper awaitcel them , and to which they did justice . The usual Masonic toasts having been disposed of , the W . M . gave the toast of " Bro . Burton ' s Health , " and in referring to what hail taken place in lodge , saiel that Bro . Burton had been associated with the members of the Arboretum
Lodge for many years , and during that period he had filled various offices , notably , that of Treasurer for the long time of ten years , and had always laboured diligently and unselfishly in promoting the prosperity of the lodge , ever | willing to make himself useful—indeed , he had become almost indispensable , and his cheerful indisposition was well known to all the brethren , who universally
respected him as a friend , a brother , and a Mason in the truest sense of the word . In . making him the present of a watch and chain that evening they did not for a moment—wish it to be understood to be a monetary consideration , such services as Bro . Burton ' s could not be met in that way ; but he did wish it to be understood thoroughly as being truly what the inscription implied it to be , a
pledge of the great brotherly affection anel respect they ha : l for their brother , and he hoped that he would be spareel very many years to wear this watch , and when he looked on its honest face ( for he believed it bad a very honest face—he had worn it for some days , and it had proved very honest ) he would consider it as emblematical of the honesty of purpose that had
prompted the gift , which he was quite sure would be esteemeel as such by their brother , as also by his wife and family , who would thus be told of the ' respect in which their husband and father was held by his brother Masons . He would wish , in conclusion , that when Nature ' s dark shadow fell upon their brother , as it must fall upon all of us , he would be taken to that other lodge above , and they might all meet him there again in that blest abode where
Reports Of Masonic Meetings
the World ' s Great Architect rules and rtigns for ever . Several other toasts having been disposed of , the W . M . again rose to make another presentation to their Tyler , Bro . Day . —He said that some three years ago , it was well known that they were in some difficulty through the resignation of their Tyler , and Bro . Day , who had not long before become a joining member , at once volunteered to
take the post as a temporary arrangement , but circumstances had prevented their appointing any one else , and Bro . Day had since continued to occupy that thankless office of Outer Guard , and when the brethren came to think what that meant , that their brother hael sat outside all these years , taking no put in the lodge ceremonies , waiting often for a long lime with scarcely a sign of what
was going 01 , wondering what kept them so long ; ihey vvoulei agree with him that the duty was rather monotonous and not one that would be sel . ctel from choice by most men . It could , therefor * , scarcely be an ordinary wish to make himself useful that had prompted Bro . Day to take this post , but it rauit have been a true spirit of Masonry to do anything
that he could , or that the brethren wished him to do , for the love of the cause . They had often thought that they were laxing Bro . Day ' s good nature too much , but if they did he never showed it ; he had gone on uncomplainingly , and apparently quite satisfied if his services were giving satisfaction . Therefore , he would say that Bro . Day ' s unselfish conduct nicriteel some acknowledgment from them ,
and he had great pleasure in presenting him with a marble timepiece , which he hopetl he would accept as a simple tribute of respect from them for the way he had helped them in their difficulties , and he hoped that he would consider it as such , and that it would be valued more for thj feeling it representee ! than its intrinsic value ; indeed , he was quite sure that the inscription plate would be
considered as by far the most valuable portion of the gift . He hoped that Bro . Day would long be spared to meet with them and enjoy the good feeling evinced by the brethren of the Arboretum Lodge . Bros . Merry and Bennett , the two P . M . ' s , fully concurred in the remarks of the W . M . Bro . Day , in returning thanks , said that the W . M . had attached far more value to the small services it had
been his happiness to render the lodge than they meriteel ; he had no previous knowledge of what was to take place , and therefore was quite taken aback by the flattering way the W . M . hail spoken of him . He had been pleased to bc of service to them , and he should value their present very highly , as being what it had been stated to be , an expression of goodwill and friendship from the brethren of
his lodge . He thanked them very much for their appreciation of his service . The proceedings were then brought , to a close , all present having acknowledged that a very profitable and enjoyable evening had been spent . CREWKERNE . —Parrot and Axe Lodge ( No . S 14 ) . —The annual installation and banquet of this lodge took place at the lodge-room , George Hotel , on
Tuesday , the 13 th inst . Bio . G . Summers was installed as the W . M ., the ceremony being most impressively rendered by the W . D . P . G . M . of Somerset . The W . M . appointed anel invested his officers for the ensuing year : — Bros . Tompsett , S . W . ; Dr . Hughe--, J . W . ; M . C . J . Harris , P . P . J . GW ., Treasurer ; Josh . Ireland , P . P . G . P ., Secretary ; Coombes , S . D . ; Hussey , J . D . ; Nosworthy ,
P . P . G . O ., Organist ; Budge , P . P . J . G . D ., M . C ; Bennett , I . G . ; Lacey , Tyler ; Batten , P . G . D . C , officiated as Director of Ceremonies . The banquet was afterwards held in the lodge-room , under the presidency of the W . M ., supported by the W . D . P . G . M ., and several officers of Provincial Grand Lodge , brethren from Torquay , Yeovil , and other lodges in the province . The banquet was served by
Bro . Baker in his ever generous style . 1 he usual Masonic and other toasts were given , interspersed by some excellent songs sung by the brethren , and accompanied on the pianoforte by Bro . Milborn , and a most enjoyable evening was spent . KNUTSFORD . —De Tabley Lodge ( No . 941 ) . —The annual festival of St . John the Evangelist of this
flourishing lodge was held in their splendid lodge room , at the Royal George Hotel , on Monday , the 18 th inst ., for the installation of the Worshipful Master elect , anil the appointment of the officers for the ensuing year . Besides the brethren of the De Tabley , the Stamford , lhc Cope , the Lodge of Sincerity , the Prince of Wales ' s Loelge , and the Urmston New Lodge were represented by distinguished
brethren . Bro . W . Nicholls , P . M ., having been unanimously elected , was duly installed and invested with the collar and jewel of his office . Bro . Goodacre , P . M ., & c , was the Installing Master , anil most ably and impressively performed that duty . The Worshipful Master then appointed the following officers : —Bros . J . Hodgkinsoh , I . P . M . ; W . Leigh , S . W . ; D . Kinsey , J . W . ; Rev . C . W .
Spencer Stanhope , P . P . G . C , Chaplain ; J . Siddeley , P . M ., P . [ . CD ., Treasurer and Secretary ; W . Taberer , S . D . ; C . Sherwin , J . D .-, J . Partington , I . G .-, J . Twiss , P . M ., Org .-, W . Alcock , Tyler ; and W . Fair , P . M . ; J . Whitlow , P . M . ; J . B . Cutter , P . M . ; and J . Ilodgkinson , P . M .. Stewards . The business of the lodge being ended , the brethren sat down to a most excellent banquet , provided by the
worthy hostess ( Mrs . Caldecott ) , which reflected the highest credit upon her capability for catering upon such occasions . The Worshipful Master presided , and in truly loyal and Masonic spirit ga \ e the usual toasts . There were some excellent speeches given upon the beauties of Masonry and its charities by Bros . Goodacre , Fair , Whitlow , anil others , enlivened by a selection of
harmony , vocal and instrumental , by Bros , Young , Whitlow , Burgess , and Alcock . A most enjoyable evening was spent , and the brethren separated in that fraternal bond of brotherhood known only to the Craft . It is worthy of note , and will afford encouragement to the newly initiated brethren and those desirous of making their mark in Freemasonry , to note the progress Bro . Nicholls has made in the Craft since his initiation . Bro . Nicholls was initiated