Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Confidence Lodge ( No . 193 ) . —A lodge of emergency was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , for the purpose of raising * Bros . Richardson , Magness , Rae , and Turner to the Degree of M . M The lodge was opened , the offices being filled by Bros . ] . Hart , W . M . ; BelchamberS . W . ; AudainI . W . ; Hairies , LD . ;

Plow-, , right , l . G . ; Kershaw , P . M ., Treas . ; Wood , P . M ., Sec . ; S . Webb , P . M ., D . C . ; Fells , P . M ., Stwd . ; Davey , P . M . ; Nightingale , P . M . ; Cubitt , P . M . ; Shackell , P . M . ; and others . The ceremony of raising was ably performed by the W . M ., and ballots were subsequently taken for Messrs . Solomon , Stephenson , and Fallot . These being favourable

the three gentlemen named above were initiated by the W . M . in a most impressive manner . All Masonic business being ended , the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where they were joined by ladies and visitors to the lodge , amongst whom we noted Bros . R . B . Hopkins , 13 S 1 ; T . Cull , P . M . 129 S , 1446 ; M . Baillie , 225 C ; T . Baxter , 22 S ; R . D . Heckels , 1601 ; Crofts , 19 SG ; C . E . Talbot , E . Stratford , 170 ; and H .

Jay , 174 . An excellent concert was provided after the statutory toasts had been duly honoured , and later in the evening an impromptu dance in the Masonic Temple , prepared for the occasion , was a great attraction . Taken altogether the evening was a great success , due in a great measure to the energetic aid of the W . M ., Bro . J . Hart . The general concurrence of opinion seemed to be that the ladies' night should be an annual institution .

Merchant Navy Lodge ( No . 781 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 13 th instant , at the Silver Tavern , Burdett-road , Limehouse . There were present the following officers and brethren : Bros . R . C . Pasfield , W . M . ; F . H . Gooch , S . W ., VV . M . elect ; W . E . Turriff , J . W . ; T . B . Daniel , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Breden , P . M ., Sec . ; G . J . Anderson ,

S . D . ; ihos . D . Burgess , D . C .,- G . H . Seage , J . G . ; J . Grout , Org . ; S . W . Ellingford , Tyler ; J . 11 . Pringle , P . M . ; S . W . Tin-son . P . M . ; A . II . Shepherd , P . M . ; F . Robinson , P . M . W . H . Thrift , N . Vincr , T . Huett , jun ., A . H . Guy , H . J . Langham , C . S . Nelson , W . H . Davis , W . Thompson , C . T . Grasham , S . W . Bull , J . Spurgeon , sen ., T . Howells , C . Lewis , W . Bell , Thomas

H . Conlield , J . E . Morrow , P . Saville , K . 1 * . Knight , E . Martin , and J . Lancett . The following visitors were also present : Bros . James Terry , P . G . S . B . ; Gilrulh , P . M . 55 ^ A . Davis , R . Thornton , 217 ; J . Smith , 1716 ; J . G . Walker , 1441 ; G . Wetton , 1161 ; J . Lusty , jun ., 1259 ; J . Reynolds , 1 . 3 S 2 ; W . L . Crow , P . M . 107 O ; A . Arrowsmith , LVV . 733 : G . I'arrott , W . M . 1259 ; G .

XV . Warn , J . W . 1 S 05 ; G . Ward Verry , and E . McKenzie , W . M . 13 S 2 . The lodge having been formally opened , and the minutes of the lodge of emergency and the last regular meeting having been confirmed , Bro . Fredk . II . Gooch was next presented as W . M . elect , and received the benefit of installation at the hands of Bro . J . II . Pringle , P . M . The

following appointments and investments were then made : Bros . VV . E . Turriff , S . W . ; G . J . Anderson , ) . W . ; T . B . Daniel , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Breden , P . M ., Sec ; G . 11 . Seage , S . D . ; Thomas D . Burgess , J . D . j J . Grout , Org . ; J . Lincett , I . G . ; C . Ilebrouth , D . C . ; W . Bull and J . " E . Morrow , Stewards ; W . Thompson , Ass' . Sec ; and W . Iillingford , Tyler . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was

presented by Bro . 1 * . II . Gooch , P . M ., to Ilro . R . C . Pasfield , who acknowledged the gift in suitable terms . Bro . J . II . Pringle , P . M . then said he had a most pleasing task toperform , and that was in the name of the lodge to present to Bio . Thomas 13 . Daniel , P . M ., Treas ., an illuminated address as a small mark of their high esteem for the way in which he had worked as Treasurer , and he was pleased

to say that at the present time all eyes in the Masonic world were upon the Merchant Navy Lodge , and that liro . T . B . Daniel stood in the proud position of being the * ' premier Steward , " he having collected no less a sum than £ 781 on behalf of the jubilee Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , which was the highest amount any one Steward had collected . Uro . A . II .

Shepherd , P . M ., then read thc addriss , and in handing it to liro . Daniel he could-not help expressing the very blight example in every shape and form he had set as a member ot the lodge , and he did hope that as this address was handed down to his family they would not think it a myth , not a thing to be despised , but a thing of honour , and something that would show to everybody the

very high esteem in which lirj . Daniel was held . liro . T . B . Daniel , in replying , said he could hardly express in words the pleasure he f It in accepting the address , and how much he would value the signatures contained thereon , inoie especially those of the Fast Masters . He had now , he said , been 33 years in that lodge , and was one of the founders—in lact , he might say the founder , as at

the present time , he was ihe only one left , lie had worked hard for the lodge , and during the 33 years had only been absent from one meeting . With reference 10 the Masonic Charities he had dune all he could , and hoped what he had done would help to alleviate the sulf . rings of those- who were applying for relief . It was then pr < posed and seconded that a hearty voteof thanks

should be given to Hro . J . H . Pringle for the very efficient manner in which he had installed the W . M . that evening , the same to be entered on the minutes . Bro . J . 11 . Pringle , in responding , thanked the brethren very heartily forthe vote of thanks just passed , and said that that was the seventh year in succession hc had installed the W . M . in that lodge ,

and hoped all being well to continue to do all be could for the lodge . Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Secretary R . M . B . I ., then ruse and said he also had a very pleasing part to perform , and with the permission of the W . M ., he would pin on ihe breast of Bro . T . B . Daniel a very handsome medal in recognition of the services he had rendered to the Jubilee Festival of the Koyal Masonic Benevolent

Craft Masonry.

Institution , in having brought up the magnificent sum of £ y ? , i , which amount placed him in the proud position of being premier Steward of England , and hoped he would be spared many years to wear the same . Bro . T . B . Daniel briefly returned thanks , and said he was glad his efforts had been so appreciated , as he had worked as hard as possible for the cause of the Masonic Charities . A Past Master ' s collar and jewel having been present to Bro . S . W .

Simson , P . M ., the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for the banquet . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and duly honoured . Those of " The Queen and Craft " and " The Most Worshipful thc Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " being given with musical honours . "The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " and "The

Masonic Charities" were proposed by the Worshipful Master , and Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., responded at length , in which he stated the pleasure it gave him at being present , and said if at any time it was requ ' red to send out a special appeal on behalf of the Masonic Charities he was quite sure he could rely on help from that lodge , as they had always done so well in the past . * Bro . R . C . Pasfield , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of

the VV . M ., " and Bro . F . H . Gooch suitably replied . The Worshipful Master proposed the toast of "The Visitors , " and said this was a toast that was always well received in that lodge . Bro . G . Parrott , VV . M . 125 a , replied . After the toasts of " The Installing Master , " " The Past

Masters , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , ' and "The Officers of the Lodge , " the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to a close , and the company separated after spending a mos * . enjoyable evening . The musical arrangements of the evening were in the hands of Bros . Anderson , Palmer , A . H . Shepherd , and Burgess .

St . Marylebone Lodge ( No . 1305 ) . —This successful lodge held its installation meeting at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on Monday , the nth inst ., when there was a numerous attendance of brethren . Amongst the members present were Bros . E . B . Cox , P . P . G . S . B . Bucks , W . M . ; T . C . Artaud , S . W . ; H . Ansell , J . W . ; J . Chaplin , Treas . ; XV . D . Schwarz , S . D . ; R . Wright , | . D . ; L . IL Coles , I . G . : VV . R . McLean , Org . ; J . J . Pope , P . M . ;

R . Raymond , P . M . ; E . White , P . M . ; M . W . Halliday , P . M . ; F . J . Bonham , P . M . ; F . Seager Hunt , M . P ., P . M . ; and many others . Visitors Bros . W . Stuart , P . M . ; J . Pope , 13 S 1 ; J . Thwaites , J . W . 20 S 7 ; Capt . E . M . Money , P . G . Stwd . ; W . Diiver , P . S . G . W . Norfolk ; S . Lucas , P . M . 192 ; XV Lincoln , W . M . 534 ; A . Piper , S . W . 177 ; J . S . Kingston , W . M . elect 1420 ; T . Arnold , VV . M . 122 ; VV . Dennis , 9 ;

G . F . Vine , 2271 ; B . E . Barnes , 25 ; T . M . Beach , S . D . 1503 ; C . XV . Mayo , 16 SG ; S . H . F . Arthur , S 32 ; C . Fraise , 12 S 7 ; J . M . Martell , I . G . 1563 ; VV . T . Warner , S . VV . 1297 ; A . R . Cranch , P . M . 1216 ; and XV . XV . Lee , S . VV . 23 S 1 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes confirmed , after which Bro . Herbert Ruiz was raised to the Third Degree , and Bros . W . IL Read , K . G . Smith , and C . VV . G .

Wood were passed to the Degree of rellow Craft . Bro . Henry 1 . Ansell was next installed as VVorshipful Master in an able manner by Bro . E . B . Cox , I . P . M ., and the following ofiicers were appointed : Bros . Edmund B . Cox , I . P . M . ; J . Chaplin , Treas . ; J . T . Pope , Sec ; VV . D . Schwarz , S . W . ; R . Wright , J . W . ; L . II . Coles , S . D . ; VV . G . Cotsford , J . D . ; C . J . Schwarz , I . G . A . C . Bonham , D . C ; W . R . J . McLean , Org . ; XV

Humfrey , Stwd . ; and G . Couchman , 1 yler . Bro . Wm . Hudson was unanimously elected a joining member , and the names of several candidates were received for initiation and joining . The W . M . presented Bro . E . B . Cox , I . P . M ., with a Past Master's jewel , which was suitably acknowledged . The lodge was then closed , and an excellent banquet was served in the Victoria Hall . The usual preliminary toasts having bcen heartily

honoured , Bro . E . B . Cox , I . P . M ., said the toast he had next to propose was one which it was the lirst time he had had the honour to give in that lodge . It was "The Health of the VVorshipful Master . " He was extremely sorry the W . M . had not an opportunity that evening ol showing what he could do in the way of work , but at the last moment the candidates for initiation could not attend . No one was

more disappointed than the W . M ., but the way that brother had worked in lodges of instruction clearly showed what he would do in the St . Marylebone Lodge . They all knew what a good lodge theirs was , and as they now had an excellent VV . M ., he hoped the members would rally round him and give him the support he deserved . Bro . 11 . I . Ansell , W . M ., thanked the I . P . M . and brethren and said he hardly knew how to resnond , but

could assure them of the great pleasure it afforded him to hold thc position of VV . M . It had always been his ambition since he became a member to become the W . M . He had waited many years and was now pleased and proud to sa y he had attained the chair . He was sorry he had not had a chance of giving them some proof of his ability to hold the position in the shape of initiations , but unfortunately the candidate was prevented by illness from attending , lie

would endeavour to carry out his duties to the best of his ability and try as far as lay in his power to uphold th : dignity and position of thc lodge and Masonry in general . He again thanked them and trusted they wou'd never have occasion to regret electing him as their VV . M . The Worshipful Master next proposed ' 'Ihe I . P . M . and Installing Master , " and said he was sure all the brethren present had great respect for Bro . K . B . Cox , I . P . M ., who

during his year had done the best he could to make their meetings happy and convivial and work the ceremonies as well as possible . As regards the installation he thought the work had never been better dune during his membershi p , and all thc members would thoroughly endorse that remark . It was one of the most impressive ceremonies in Fieemasonry , and they were greatly indebted to the I . P . M . for the able manner in which he conducted it .

Bro . E . B . Cox , I . P . M-, in response , said that would be the last time he should respond for this toast , not that he had any desire to relinquish his love for Freemasonry , for all the members knew he had worked very hard in the Craft , but having passed through the chair for the second time he intended taking it more easy than he had done . This lod ge was not his mother lodge , but he had been a resident in Marylebone for many years . lie thanked the brethren lor

Craft Masonry.

the manner in which they had supported him , and hoped this would be the case with succeeding Masters . Anything he could do to support the W . M . or any young member he should always be willing to do . Bro . Spurgin , P . M ., asked him to thank the brethren for their support of his list forthe Old People , and they would all understand the absence of that brother that evening .

Bro . Capt . E . M . Money , P . G . Stwd ., returned thanks on behalf of "The Visitors" for the kindly reception accorded them . They were glad to see an abundance of work , for it showed that the lodge was an active one , doing good work . There had been a splendid entertainment placed before the brethren , and the W . M . was to be congratulated on reaching the chair of such a lodge as this .

Bros . Kingston ,, W . Stuart , P . M ., Martell , and Arthur also replied , after which Bro . Hudson acknowledged the toast of " The Joining Member . " "The Past Masters" and "The Treasurer and Secretary " were also given , and were followed by " The

Officers . " The proceedings terminated with the Tyler's toast . During the evening the proceedings were enlivened by an excellent selection of music , in which the following artistes took part : Bros . Arthur Cranch , P . M . ; A . Court , Tom Taylor , and Sam Wright . Bro . W . R . McLean , Org ., presided at the pianoforte .

Skelmersdale Lodge ( No . 1599 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held at theShipandTurtle Tavern , Leadenhall-street , on Thursday , the 14 th instant . The members in attendance included Bros . C . S . Lee , W . M . ; F . A . Lewis , S . W . ; J . Adams , J . W . ; G . J . Woodman , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Laker , P . M ., Sec ; H . F . Knee , S . D . ; W . Howes , J . D . ; E . J .

Wickenden , l . G . ; J . P . W . Goodwin , Org . ; G . M . Thompson , P . M ., D . C ; E . L . Miroy , P . M . ; E . H . A . Harris , P . M . ; and others . Visitors : Bros . E . G . Feild , W . M . 1362 ; E . H . Burrage , 13 G 2 ; J . Messent , 1622 ; J . XV . Sharman , 2255 ; J . j . Shelvey , Stwd . 101 ; C . Johnson , 220 G ; J . Crofts , 19 S 6 ; XV . J . Windle , 1107 ; VV . j . Filling , 765 ; R . E . Fairclough , I . G . 13 GJ ; VV . Peter

Brown , P . M . 90 ; W . Truman , 957 ; J . Holmes , 141 ; VV . Wills , VV . M . 1901 ; VV . Seagray , S . W , 1672 ; Egbert Eoberts , P . P . G . Org . Essex ; W . H . Lee , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; P . Stromer , P . M . 1010 ; VV . W . Lee , S . W . 23 S 1 , S . D . 1 S 97 ; and others . The lodge was opened , and the minutes confirmed , after which Bro . Thomas Hall was ably initiated into

Freemasonry . Bro . F . A . Lewis was next presented as W . M , elect , and received the benefit of installation in a very impressive manner , after which the following officers were appointed : Bros . J . Adams , S . W . ; H . F . Knee , J . W . ; G . J . Woodman , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Laker , P . M ., Sec . j VV . Howes , S . D . ; E . J . Wickenden , J . D . ; S . Birkin , l . G . ; G . M . Thompson , P . M ., D . C . ; J . P . VV . Goodwin ,

Org . ; and Rawles , Tyler . The lodge was closed , and after the banquet , served in first-class style , under the personal superintendence of Bro . Ashly , the usual toasts were honoured . "The Health of the Worshipful Master" was proposed by Bro . C . S . Lee , I . P . M ., who said that the W . M . ofthe Skelmersdale Lodge held—he was going to say an

unenviable position—but he would say a very responsible position . They were , as a lodge , stronger than they had been . ' or some time , and after 12 months' experience he knew the great responsibility attaching to the position of W . M . He was pleased to feel that in the W . M . they had one who was perfectly able to cope with whatever little difficulties might arise , and perfectly able to occupy the chair of that lodge ,

He thought that lodge very fortunate in securing the services of their present VV . M , If close attention to the ritual and lodges of instruction made a W . M ., Bro . Lewis was the very one required , for a more regular attendant he never knew . Having introduced their VV . M . into Freemasonry , he had watched his progress with pleasure , for whatever he had done had been done with a great amount of satisfaction .

T hey looked forward to a bright and prosperous new year , and he hoped the members would give the VV . M . an opportunity of distinguishing himself by bringing in plenty of good candidates . Bro . F . A . Lewis , VV . M ., thanked the brethren very heartily for the kind manner in which they had received the complimentary remarks of the I . P . M . The order of long

speeches did not belong to the chair , and although his words might be few , he hoped they would be received with the sincerity with which they were uttered . The ollice of W . M . —which had been the object of his ambition—had been reached by him , and he should endeavour to return the collar as unsullied as he had received it . He was afraid hc could not compete with the I . P . M ., but with a deep

sense of responsibility he would do his utmost to merit their confidence . In giving "The I . P . M ., " the Worshipful Master said they all knew the great interest taken by Bro . Lee , I . P . M ; i in matters connected with the lodge and Masonry in general . He had known the I . P . M . for many years , and had always found him what a Masonic brother should be ,

and he took that opportunity of again thanking Bro . Lee for introducing him into that happy little lodge . He had great pleasure , on behalf of the lodge , in presenting the I . P . M . with a Past Master ' s jewel , as a mark of the able working he had shown , and of the respect and esteem in which he was held . Bro . C . S . Lee , I . P . M ., said that at no time during his

connection with the lodge had he experienced anything lik ° thc diffidence he now fell in responding , and in findinjf words adequate to express his feelings and thanks for thij very flattering way in which the Worshipful Master haa spoken of him . 1 his was not his mother lodge , but he had become an adopted child , and had always taken an interest and uride in it . On one ausnicious occasion n rlistiniruisheu

visitor gave them a rap about their working , whid * made him invite the brethren to meet for rehearsal , w'tn the result that the officers now worked splendidly . ' ""' year he had had the honour of presiding had been an exceedingly great pleasure to him , for he had experienced tw greatest kindness from the members and Past Masters . " was perhaps invidious to mention names , but he must take

that opportunity of thanking his good old friends , Bros , Woodrow , P . M ., and Laker , P . M ., Sec , for the assistance rendered him . They had strengthened their lodge , but only by the class of men they wanted amongst them . He looked back upon the past year with pride , because it had revived the old spirit of Charity amongst them . For the first tiw e during the last three or four years they were sending up » Steward—in the person of his humble self—jn behall o'