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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
He had , however , endeavoured to do the best he could for the brethren , and Masonry was to him a " labour of love . " With regard to the officers he could proudly say that they had evinced but one desire , and that was to assist him in his duties , and he believed that there was not a more unanimous lodge in the Craft than the Kennington , and in conclusion he stated that to promote its comfort and
prosperity was and should be his chief aim . In pledging " The Initiates , " the W . M . said it was a toast that should always be well received . The Kennington was a young lodge , but they had made many initiates . They should , however , be careful who they admitted , because Freemasonry was never in so flourishing a state as it was at the present time , and in order to keep it so , great
discrimination should be exercised m the admission of all candidates for its mysteries . When three of the royal family , and the elite of the aristocracy , were members , the outsi-e world must think that there was something good—something great in its principles . Two gentlemen had presented themselves there that evening for the purpose of entering the
mysterious portals of Freemasonry , and being well and worthily recommended , they were unanimously admitted , and he h- ' p ' e- that they would prove good brethren . This toast hiving been duly honoured , both initiates briefly replied . _ A introducing " The Health of the Visitors , " the W . M . said that it was always a pleasing duty to hold out thc good right hand of fellowship to visiting brethren . Thc
Kennington Lodge was favoured with an excellent caterer —not the " people ' s caterer , " ( Bro . Holland ) who he was pleased to see was present—but by a very popular one nevertheless , namely , Bro . Trotman , and they could therefore always rely upon the Fourth Degree being well attended to , and the comforts of the visitors thereby enhanced . It " Vvas very pleasant to invite brethren of different lodges ,
and thus cometh a happy bond of brotherhood ; and in conclusion he bade them , in the name of the lodge , a hearty welcome . Bro . W . Holland , P . M ., in reply , said that he was extremely obliged to the W . M . for having given him an opportunity of enjoying a very excellent evening . The working was excellent , the banquet was good , and thc vocalization charming ; and what more
could thc most fastidious visitor desire . Bro . Waghorn , P . M ., briefly said that it had afforded him a very great pleasure to be present that day , and to witness the excellent " working " of all hands . Bro . Palmer , J . W . 177 , said that he was compelled to say a few words , although he felt tenacious of occupying the time of the brethren to any extent . He had been present at nearly every meeting
of the lodge for two years past , and had almost ceased to consider himself as a visitor . He then proceeded to congratulate the lodge , amongst other things , upon possessing so zealous a W . M ., who had succeeded in bringing the lodge into an excellent working order . " The Healths of the Past Masters , the Treasurer and Secretary , and the Officers followed , which loasts were duly honoured and
severally responded to . In thc intervals Bros . Honncvvcll , Palmer , Walls , Webb , Sirgood , and others , instrumcntally and vocally entertained the brethren . The next meeting of the lodge will be held on thc first Tuesday in January next , being the election night . ERA LODGE ( No . 1423 ) . —This lodge htld an emergency meeting on Saturday , the 9 th inst .. Bro .
John Baxter Langley , W . M ., presided . The work , done in an able manner was raising and initiations . The usual twelve-guinea Past Master's jewel was voted to Bro . J . B . Langley , W . M ., for his efficient services during hi . year of office . Ten pounds were voted from the lodge funds to the Female Annuity Fund of the Royal Benevolent Institution in the name of the Secretary of the lodge for the time
being . The lodge was closed and adjourned to Saturday , February loth , 1877 . There were present : —Bros . F . Walters , P . G . J . D ., Mid . and P . M ., Sec . ; B . Wright , A . S . ; E . W . Devereux , S . C . ; S . Wolff , J . D . ; A . F . Loos , I . G . ; J . W . Baldwin , I . P . M . ; J . Faulkner ; A . Baldwin ; J . Beresford Ryley ; J . II . Pearson ; Lieut . Walter Cole , besides others whose names we were unable to ascertain .
rhcT- v > erc not any visitors . Refreshment followed labour . ROSE LODGE ( No . 1622 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , en the and inst . The lodge was opened by thc W . M ., Bro . David Rose , al j p . m . There were present : Bro . David Rose ; Jas . Garnar , S . W . ; Alf . Allworth , J . W . ; Thos , E . Webb , Treasurer ; Jno . Alfred Burgan ,
Secretary ; A . Stnbling , Org . ; Col . Thuc , S . D . ; A . W . Stead , J . D . ; G . P . Collar , D . C ; Wm . Hamlyn , W . S . ; L . H . Goldschmidt ; J . Kirby ; H . Vickery ; A . E . Stead ; W . II . Smith ; Jas Power ; N . G . Waklcy ; J . Whale ; R . Challoner ; F . A . Pethcrbridge ; A . H . Williams ; W . Tobill ; H . L . McKinstry ; John Ward , J . W . ; T . Chapman ; and P . P . Perry . The visitors present were Bros .
Dick ; Riches ; Larlham , P . M . ; Canton , W . M . 1475 ; Tucker ; Salcedo ; Clark ; Richards ; Muggeridge , W . M . 1328 j Levy ; Smith , P . M . ; Thompson ; and Jackson , The minutes of the previous lodge meeting having been confirmed , Bros . Harrison , Perry , Hewett , and R . II , Williams , were balloted for and duly elected members of the lodge . Bros . T . A . Pctherbridgc , W . H . Smith , A . E .
Stead , and Jas . Power , who were initiated at the last meeting , were then passed . The ceremony was rendered !>/ the W . M . in a very impressive and instructive manner . Messrs . Jno . Ward , John Wilson , Jas . W . Thos . Chapman , and Henry L . McKinstry , were then initiated , the character of the ceremony throughout being most efficient , It is a matter for congratulation that this new lodge
possesses a W . M ., by whom our splendid ritual vrill be suffered in no way to lose its striking force and beauty . The same remark will apply to the senior officirs of the lodge . Bro . Stribling was proposed as an honorary member by Bro . S . W . Garnar , and seconded by Bro . J . W . Allworth . The W . M . called the attention of the brethren to Miy handsome gifts to the lodge which were made by Ero . Kirby , the Volume of the Sacrrd Law , Bro . Whal ? a
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
set of magnificent ivory gavels , and Bro . H . Vickery , an ebony square , level , and plumb rule . Bro . Burgan , Sec , proposed , and Bro . Allworth , J . W ., seconded that a hearty vote of the thanks be recorded on the minutes of the lodge to these brethren for the valuable gifts enumerated . Capt . Klass Visser , was proposed by Bro . Hamlyn as a candidate for initiation . The lodsre was dulv closed at
7 p . m ., when the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The usual toasts were given and a most enjoyable evening brought to a close . CARNARVON LODGE ( No . 1642 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge , the first meeting since its consecration , was held on Saturday last at Ladbroke Hall , Notting Hill . The W . M ., Bro . W . J . Murlis , presided ,
and was supported by the following brethren : —George Penn , S . W . ; S . H . Parkhouse , J . W . ; W . Stephens , Treas . ; Joshua Pushman , Sec . ; W . Gordon , M . P ., S . D . ; F . Clench , J . D . ; C . Darby Reade , Chaplain ; F . Delevanti , Org . ; G . Smout , jun ., Stewd . ; Edwd . M . Lander , I . G , ; and visitors : Bros . James P . Brockman , 150 ; J . S . Adkins , 733 ; J . H . Webb , 834 ;
W . F . Savage , P . M . 1425 ; J . H . Pearson , J . D . 1567 ; R . H . Pearson , P . M . 1196 ; Fred C . Frye , 503 and 195 ; Richard F . Martin , 303 ; F . Empson , 141 ; H , Massey ( Freemason ); A . Barfield , P . M . 511 ; C . Woodward , 1607 ; W . Grist , 1487 ; Thomas J . Scrutton , 87 ; and G . Davis , I . G . 167 . Bro . Samuel Smout , jun ., 1489 ; R . H . Pearson , P . M . 119 G ; and Frederick
Frye , 503 and 195 , were unanimously elected joining members . Afterwards the W . M . initiated the following five gentlemen in the earliest mysteries of Freemasonry : —Mr . Thomas Swift , Mr . James Linscott , Mr . James Bartle , Mr . John Woodmason , and Mr . William Thomas Hook . In the course of the evening the W . M . announced to thc brethren the pleasing
fact that Bro . Swift , one of the above newly-initiated brethren , had presented the lodge with the three chairs . After the ceremony of initiation , Bro . William Gordon , M . P ., S . D ., proposed this resolution : — " That the founders of this lodge desire to express their best thanks to thc Rt . Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , for his kindness in allowing this lodge to use his coat of arms ,
and to ask his lordship to kindly accept the honorary membership of this lodge ; the lodge also beg cur Pro Grand Master to grant a dispensation for a jewel to be struck to commemorate the consecration of lodge 1642 , the same to be worn by thc founders . " Bro . Gordon said he had great pleasure in proposing this resolution , and he was quite sure that none of the members of the lodge
would ever do anything that would bring disgrace on the name thc lodge bore . The W . M . seconded the proposition . Bro . W . Stephens / Treasurer , asked t . at an alteration might be admitted to the form of the motion , so that all the members of the lodge , so long as they remained subscribing members to it , might be allowed to wear thc jewel . The W . M . said that they might pass thc
resolution in its proposed form , and discuss at a future meeting thc question of what brethren should be permitted to wear the jewel . The motion was then adopted unanimously . Before closing thc lodge the VV . M . remarked that there were a set of people going about , seeking to entrap thc members of new lodges , and especially to get hold of the names of thc initiates , in order
that they might within the space of some twenty-four hours after initiation wait upon the initiates , introduce themselves to them as Masons , and solicit alms . Now , he wished to warn brethren against any such people , for there was no need in London to relieve any supposed distressed brother , unless indeed one was acquainted with him personally . If a brother was really in distress
there was Grand Lodge to apply to , where a distressed brother could get relief . He had before him a letter to which the writer only affixed his initials " F . R . " and giving an address in thc Royal Exchange , requesting him ( the W . M . ) to have a " whip round" for him , for he was in deep distress . Now , it was folly to entertain such an application . If any of them met a friend or
brother who was in straitened circumstances , if he vvas worthy of their kindness , and they knew it , by all means relieve him ; but they must remember that they were not on the sands of Arabia , or on Salisbury Plain , where relief was difficult to get at . In Loudon , every distressed brother , even if he wanted only sufficient to get him lodging for the night , could go to Freemasons' Hall and
obtain immediate relief to assist him through the night , and afterwards lie could apply for assistance to the Board of Benevolence . If he was a good man and vvas proved to be such , a proper amount would be awarded lim . The brethren should be on their guard against people who applied to them . They went round to brethren saying they had just come from the Master or the S . or
J . W . of certain lodge who had relieved them . He knew a case where two ladies went round , one representing herself as the daughter of a Freemason , and the other as the widow of a Freemason . It was against such people that he wished to warn all the brethren , but particularly the initiates , for these people actually did in many cases succeed in getting hold of the names and
addresses of initiates in order that they might apply to them . The W . M . having concluded his observations on this subject , closed lodge with thc customary formalities , and the brethren adjourned to a bountiful banquet supplied by Bro . Linscott . After the banquet the usual toasts were proposed , and when "Thc Queen and the Craft , " "The Grand Master , " "The Pro Grand Master , " "The
Deputy Grand Master and Grand Officers , " had been honoured , Bro . Wm . Stephens , Treas ., proposed "Thc Health of the W . M . " In doing so he said that he knew in that neighbourhood this toast would be well received , as thc W . AI . was well known there and highly respected . Bro . Murlis was his child in Freemasonry , and he was very proud to find him occupying the distinguished position of first W . M . of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . He
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
had not only known him in Masonry , but he had been a private friend of his for 21 , years , and he had never known an action of his of which he need be ashamed . That was something to say of a friend , and in saying that of him he knew Bro . Murlis ' s neighbours and friends would be able to endorse it . He might add that he knew Bro . Murlis would sustain the reputation of the lodge
during-Ir . s year of office . 1 he toast having been most cordially received , the W . M . responded , and said that though Bro . Stephens had spoken so highly of him he felt it was more than he deserved . Nevertheless , he endeavoured as far as he could to perform his duties properly in thc short space of time that was allotted to him . If he went astrav or offended a friend he did it unintentionally , and
his object was to do all the good he could in his time . He believed he had brethren round him who would thoroughly support him in all he did , who would bear with all his defects and try to improve themselves . The W . AI . then gave " The Initiates , " all of whom were the neighbours of the brethren of the lodge . After referring to the known high character which all the
initiates bore in the parish , the W . M . made allusion to the encouraging prospects of the lodge . It had started well ; it vvas entirely free from debt ; and every piece of furniture had been presented to it . To this toast each of the initiates in his turn responded ; and the W . AI . next gave the toast of " Thc Visitors . " Each of the visitors was called upon to respond to this toast , and Bro . Savage ,
P . AI . of the Hyde Park Lodge , informed the brethren that a lodge of instruction was established in the neighbourhood , and met every Tuesday evening at halfpast seven o'clock at the " Alitre , " and at this lodge of instruction any of the brethren might obtain the instruction which would fit them for the proper performance of lodge work . The W . AI . afterwards proposed " The
Joining Members , " and Bros . Churchwarden Pearson , Samuel Smout , jun ., and F . Frye replied . Bro . Pearson in thc course of his reply remarked that he had often heard it said , " Do not enter a local lodge . " He did not see the force of that advice . If Alasonry was what it professed to be , if there was the spirit of Masonry in them which there ought to be , every man who entered a lodge
was equal ; whether they met a peer of the realm , or a peasant , they all stood on a footing of equality . That to his mind was the great charm of Alasonry . The reason he joined this lodge was that he hoped to meet his neighbours . He believed he should never regret joining the lodge . It was a lodge in the Royal parish of Kensington , and he thought it would be the means of bringing
together many of the parishioners , and cause them to know each other , and spend many pleasant evenings in each others' society . ( Hear , hear . ) The Rev . Darby Reade , Chaplain , in acknowledging his portion of the toast , "The Treasurer , Secretary , and Chaplain , " said that his great reason for joining this lodge was that the lodge was close at home . He had the honour of belonging to
the Urban Lodge with Bro . Pearson ; but when he found there was to be a lodge in Kensington he joined it , because as soon as he was released from thc labours of the day he could mingle with his brother ratepayers in lodge and spend a pleasant evening . His time was very much occupied . He served with the W . AI . on the Board of Guardians , and that very day he had been engaged at different boards
and in other duties from half-past eight in the morning , and had not been home since . Bro . W . Stephens , Treasurer , after thanking the brethren for electing him , said that there were sufficient funds in hand to meet every emergency . That evening he had received a very large amount , and he only awaited the W . M . 's orders to discharge any claim that might be made . Bros . Penn ,
S . W ., and Parkhouse , J . W ., responded to the toast of " Our Principal Officers . " Bro . W . Gordon , M . P ., S . D ., responding on behalf of The Junior Officers , " said that he felt very deeply thc kind and gracious manner in which the VV . M . had proposed the toast , and the warmth with which the brethren had received it . He could not claim to himself any right to thc eulogies which had
been bestowed on thc officers , for when he saw the grand and dignified figure of thc J . D . pacing up and down thc lodge he felt that he was performing the functions of a J . D . and a S . D . combined ; and when he saw Bro . Lander guarding the door as I . G . with the zeal of a Cerebus he felt it was utterly impossible to exceed the zeal with which he discharged his duties . He
had listened with very great attention to some remarks which had been made by Bro . Savage about a lodge of instruction having been formed in the neighbourhood . As far as he was concerned it would give him infinite pleasure to attend it , because he felt that no one had a right to assume an office the duties of which he was incompetent to discharge . It was not because he was
wanting in any zeal for Ireemasonry ; but it was probable he should not be able to avail himself of the instruction Bro . Savage was so kindly prepared to give ; for the brethren knew that he ( Bro . Gordon ) had numerous engagements elsewhere which rendered attendance at the lodge of instruction impracticable . As far as in him lay he should make himself competent to perform
the duties which devolved upon him as S . D . of this lodge . Bro . Pearson had made some observations about Freemasonry wliich he ( Bro . Gordon ) echoed with extreme cordiality , that the principle of Freemasonry was the bringing together numbers Of men of different positions in life , men of different circumstances and different callings , and uniting them as
one band of friends . This was also the principle of those other societies in England , which were called secret societies , and which he believed had contributed in an enormous degree to create that feeling of philanthropy and benevolence which lay more or less in the hearts of all , and which had produced such good results . Freemasons were not a political body , a secret society for conspiring against thc throne ; but they were simply and solely a
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
He had , however , endeavoured to do the best he could for the brethren , and Masonry was to him a " labour of love . " With regard to the officers he could proudly say that they had evinced but one desire , and that was to assist him in his duties , and he believed that there was not a more unanimous lodge in the Craft than the Kennington , and in conclusion he stated that to promote its comfort and
prosperity was and should be his chief aim . In pledging " The Initiates , " the W . M . said it was a toast that should always be well received . The Kennington was a young lodge , but they had made many initiates . They should , however , be careful who they admitted , because Freemasonry was never in so flourishing a state as it was at the present time , and in order to keep it so , great
discrimination should be exercised m the admission of all candidates for its mysteries . When three of the royal family , and the elite of the aristocracy , were members , the outsi-e world must think that there was something good—something great in its principles . Two gentlemen had presented themselves there that evening for the purpose of entering the
mysterious portals of Freemasonry , and being well and worthily recommended , they were unanimously admitted , and he h- ' p ' e- that they would prove good brethren . This toast hiving been duly honoured , both initiates briefly replied . _ A introducing " The Health of the Visitors , " the W . M . said that it was always a pleasing duty to hold out thc good right hand of fellowship to visiting brethren . Thc
Kennington Lodge was favoured with an excellent caterer —not the " people ' s caterer , " ( Bro . Holland ) who he was pleased to see was present—but by a very popular one nevertheless , namely , Bro . Trotman , and they could therefore always rely upon the Fourth Degree being well attended to , and the comforts of the visitors thereby enhanced . It " Vvas very pleasant to invite brethren of different lodges ,
and thus cometh a happy bond of brotherhood ; and in conclusion he bade them , in the name of the lodge , a hearty welcome . Bro . W . Holland , P . M ., in reply , said that he was extremely obliged to the W . M . for having given him an opportunity of enjoying a very excellent evening . The working was excellent , the banquet was good , and thc vocalization charming ; and what more
could thc most fastidious visitor desire . Bro . Waghorn , P . M ., briefly said that it had afforded him a very great pleasure to be present that day , and to witness the excellent " working " of all hands . Bro . Palmer , J . W . 177 , said that he was compelled to say a few words , although he felt tenacious of occupying the time of the brethren to any extent . He had been present at nearly every meeting
of the lodge for two years past , and had almost ceased to consider himself as a visitor . He then proceeded to congratulate the lodge , amongst other things , upon possessing so zealous a W . M ., who had succeeded in bringing the lodge into an excellent working order . " The Healths of the Past Masters , the Treasurer and Secretary , and the Officers followed , which loasts were duly honoured and
severally responded to . In thc intervals Bros . Honncvvcll , Palmer , Walls , Webb , Sirgood , and others , instrumcntally and vocally entertained the brethren . The next meeting of the lodge will be held on thc first Tuesday in January next , being the election night . ERA LODGE ( No . 1423 ) . —This lodge htld an emergency meeting on Saturday , the 9 th inst .. Bro .
John Baxter Langley , W . M ., presided . The work , done in an able manner was raising and initiations . The usual twelve-guinea Past Master's jewel was voted to Bro . J . B . Langley , W . M ., for his efficient services during hi . year of office . Ten pounds were voted from the lodge funds to the Female Annuity Fund of the Royal Benevolent Institution in the name of the Secretary of the lodge for the time
being . The lodge was closed and adjourned to Saturday , February loth , 1877 . There were present : —Bros . F . Walters , P . G . J . D ., Mid . and P . M ., Sec . ; B . Wright , A . S . ; E . W . Devereux , S . C . ; S . Wolff , J . D . ; A . F . Loos , I . G . ; J . W . Baldwin , I . P . M . ; J . Faulkner ; A . Baldwin ; J . Beresford Ryley ; J . II . Pearson ; Lieut . Walter Cole , besides others whose names we were unable to ascertain .
rhcT- v > erc not any visitors . Refreshment followed labour . ROSE LODGE ( No . 1622 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , en the and inst . The lodge was opened by thc W . M ., Bro . David Rose , al j p . m . There were present : Bro . David Rose ; Jas . Garnar , S . W . ; Alf . Allworth , J . W . ; Thos , E . Webb , Treasurer ; Jno . Alfred Burgan ,
Secretary ; A . Stnbling , Org . ; Col . Thuc , S . D . ; A . W . Stead , J . D . ; G . P . Collar , D . C ; Wm . Hamlyn , W . S . ; L . H . Goldschmidt ; J . Kirby ; H . Vickery ; A . E . Stead ; W . II . Smith ; Jas Power ; N . G . Waklcy ; J . Whale ; R . Challoner ; F . A . Pethcrbridge ; A . H . Williams ; W . Tobill ; H . L . McKinstry ; John Ward , J . W . ; T . Chapman ; and P . P . Perry . The visitors present were Bros .
Dick ; Riches ; Larlham , P . M . ; Canton , W . M . 1475 ; Tucker ; Salcedo ; Clark ; Richards ; Muggeridge , W . M . 1328 j Levy ; Smith , P . M . ; Thompson ; and Jackson , The minutes of the previous lodge meeting having been confirmed , Bros . Harrison , Perry , Hewett , and R . II , Williams , were balloted for and duly elected members of the lodge . Bros . T . A . Pctherbridgc , W . H . Smith , A . E .
Stead , and Jas . Power , who were initiated at the last meeting , were then passed . The ceremony was rendered !>/ the W . M . in a very impressive and instructive manner . Messrs . Jno . Ward , John Wilson , Jas . W . Thos . Chapman , and Henry L . McKinstry , were then initiated , the character of the ceremony throughout being most efficient , It is a matter for congratulation that this new lodge
possesses a W . M ., by whom our splendid ritual vrill be suffered in no way to lose its striking force and beauty . The same remark will apply to the senior officirs of the lodge . Bro . Stribling was proposed as an honorary member by Bro . S . W . Garnar , and seconded by Bro . J . W . Allworth . The W . M . called the attention of the brethren to Miy handsome gifts to the lodge which were made by Ero . Kirby , the Volume of the Sacrrd Law , Bro . Whal ? a
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
set of magnificent ivory gavels , and Bro . H . Vickery , an ebony square , level , and plumb rule . Bro . Burgan , Sec , proposed , and Bro . Allworth , J . W ., seconded that a hearty vote of the thanks be recorded on the minutes of the lodge to these brethren for the valuable gifts enumerated . Capt . Klass Visser , was proposed by Bro . Hamlyn as a candidate for initiation . The lodsre was dulv closed at
7 p . m ., when the brethren adjourned to the banquet . The usual toasts were given and a most enjoyable evening brought to a close . CARNARVON LODGE ( No . 1642 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge , the first meeting since its consecration , was held on Saturday last at Ladbroke Hall , Notting Hill . The W . M ., Bro . W . J . Murlis , presided ,
and was supported by the following brethren : —George Penn , S . W . ; S . H . Parkhouse , J . W . ; W . Stephens , Treas . ; Joshua Pushman , Sec . ; W . Gordon , M . P ., S . D . ; F . Clench , J . D . ; C . Darby Reade , Chaplain ; F . Delevanti , Org . ; G . Smout , jun ., Stewd . ; Edwd . M . Lander , I . G , ; and visitors : Bros . James P . Brockman , 150 ; J . S . Adkins , 733 ; J . H . Webb , 834 ;
W . F . Savage , P . M . 1425 ; J . H . Pearson , J . D . 1567 ; R . H . Pearson , P . M . 1196 ; Fred C . Frye , 503 and 195 ; Richard F . Martin , 303 ; F . Empson , 141 ; H , Massey ( Freemason ); A . Barfield , P . M . 511 ; C . Woodward , 1607 ; W . Grist , 1487 ; Thomas J . Scrutton , 87 ; and G . Davis , I . G . 167 . Bro . Samuel Smout , jun ., 1489 ; R . H . Pearson , P . M . 119 G ; and Frederick
Frye , 503 and 195 , were unanimously elected joining members . Afterwards the W . M . initiated the following five gentlemen in the earliest mysteries of Freemasonry : —Mr . Thomas Swift , Mr . James Linscott , Mr . James Bartle , Mr . John Woodmason , and Mr . William Thomas Hook . In the course of the evening the W . M . announced to thc brethren the pleasing
fact that Bro . Swift , one of the above newly-initiated brethren , had presented the lodge with the three chairs . After the ceremony of initiation , Bro . William Gordon , M . P ., S . D ., proposed this resolution : — " That the founders of this lodge desire to express their best thanks to thc Rt . Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , for his kindness in allowing this lodge to use his coat of arms ,
and to ask his lordship to kindly accept the honorary membership of this lodge ; the lodge also beg cur Pro Grand Master to grant a dispensation for a jewel to be struck to commemorate the consecration of lodge 1642 , the same to be worn by thc founders . " Bro . Gordon said he had great pleasure in proposing this resolution , and he was quite sure that none of the members of the lodge
would ever do anything that would bring disgrace on the name thc lodge bore . The W . M . seconded the proposition . Bro . W . Stephens / Treasurer , asked t . at an alteration might be admitted to the form of the motion , so that all the members of the lodge , so long as they remained subscribing members to it , might be allowed to wear thc jewel . The W . M . said that they might pass thc
resolution in its proposed form , and discuss at a future meeting thc question of what brethren should be permitted to wear the jewel . The motion was then adopted unanimously . Before closing thc lodge the VV . M . remarked that there were a set of people going about , seeking to entrap thc members of new lodges , and especially to get hold of the names of thc initiates , in order
that they might within the space of some twenty-four hours after initiation wait upon the initiates , introduce themselves to them as Masons , and solicit alms . Now , he wished to warn brethren against any such people , for there was no need in London to relieve any supposed distressed brother , unless indeed one was acquainted with him personally . If a brother was really in distress
there was Grand Lodge to apply to , where a distressed brother could get relief . He had before him a letter to which the writer only affixed his initials " F . R . " and giving an address in thc Royal Exchange , requesting him ( the W . M . ) to have a " whip round" for him , for he was in deep distress . Now , it was folly to entertain such an application . If any of them met a friend or
brother who was in straitened circumstances , if he vvas worthy of their kindness , and they knew it , by all means relieve him ; but they must remember that they were not on the sands of Arabia , or on Salisbury Plain , where relief was difficult to get at . In Loudon , every distressed brother , even if he wanted only sufficient to get him lodging for the night , could go to Freemasons' Hall and
obtain immediate relief to assist him through the night , and afterwards lie could apply for assistance to the Board of Benevolence . If he was a good man and vvas proved to be such , a proper amount would be awarded lim . The brethren should be on their guard against people who applied to them . They went round to brethren saying they had just come from the Master or the S . or
J . W . of certain lodge who had relieved them . He knew a case where two ladies went round , one representing herself as the daughter of a Freemason , and the other as the widow of a Freemason . It was against such people that he wished to warn all the brethren , but particularly the initiates , for these people actually did in many cases succeed in getting hold of the names and
addresses of initiates in order that they might apply to them . The W . M . having concluded his observations on this subject , closed lodge with thc customary formalities , and the brethren adjourned to a bountiful banquet supplied by Bro . Linscott . After the banquet the usual toasts were proposed , and when "Thc Queen and the Craft , " "The Grand Master , " "The Pro Grand Master , " "The
Deputy Grand Master and Grand Officers , " had been honoured , Bro . Wm . Stephens , Treas ., proposed "Thc Health of the W . M . " In doing so he said that he knew in that neighbourhood this toast would be well received , as thc W . AI . was well known there and highly respected . Bro . Murlis was his child in Freemasonry , and he was very proud to find him occupying the distinguished position of first W . M . of the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . He
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
had not only known him in Masonry , but he had been a private friend of his for 21 , years , and he had never known an action of his of which he need be ashamed . That was something to say of a friend , and in saying that of him he knew Bro . Murlis ' s neighbours and friends would be able to endorse it . He might add that he knew Bro . Murlis would sustain the reputation of the lodge
during-Ir . s year of office . 1 he toast having been most cordially received , the W . M . responded , and said that though Bro . Stephens had spoken so highly of him he felt it was more than he deserved . Nevertheless , he endeavoured as far as he could to perform his duties properly in thc short space of time that was allotted to him . If he went astrav or offended a friend he did it unintentionally , and
his object was to do all the good he could in his time . He believed he had brethren round him who would thoroughly support him in all he did , who would bear with all his defects and try to improve themselves . The W . AI . then gave " The Initiates , " all of whom were the neighbours of the brethren of the lodge . After referring to the known high character which all the
initiates bore in the parish , the W . M . made allusion to the encouraging prospects of the lodge . It had started well ; it vvas entirely free from debt ; and every piece of furniture had been presented to it . To this toast each of the initiates in his turn responded ; and the W . AI . next gave the toast of " Thc Visitors . " Each of the visitors was called upon to respond to this toast , and Bro . Savage ,
P . AI . of the Hyde Park Lodge , informed the brethren that a lodge of instruction was established in the neighbourhood , and met every Tuesday evening at halfpast seven o'clock at the " Alitre , " and at this lodge of instruction any of the brethren might obtain the instruction which would fit them for the proper performance of lodge work . The W . AI . afterwards proposed " The
Joining Members , " and Bros . Churchwarden Pearson , Samuel Smout , jun ., and F . Frye replied . Bro . Pearson in thc course of his reply remarked that he had often heard it said , " Do not enter a local lodge . " He did not see the force of that advice . If Alasonry was what it professed to be , if there was the spirit of Masonry in them which there ought to be , every man who entered a lodge
was equal ; whether they met a peer of the realm , or a peasant , they all stood on a footing of equality . That to his mind was the great charm of Alasonry . The reason he joined this lodge was that he hoped to meet his neighbours . He believed he should never regret joining the lodge . It was a lodge in the Royal parish of Kensington , and he thought it would be the means of bringing
together many of the parishioners , and cause them to know each other , and spend many pleasant evenings in each others' society . ( Hear , hear . ) The Rev . Darby Reade , Chaplain , in acknowledging his portion of the toast , "The Treasurer , Secretary , and Chaplain , " said that his great reason for joining this lodge was that the lodge was close at home . He had the honour of belonging to
the Urban Lodge with Bro . Pearson ; but when he found there was to be a lodge in Kensington he joined it , because as soon as he was released from thc labours of the day he could mingle with his brother ratepayers in lodge and spend a pleasant evening . His time was very much occupied . He served with the W . AI . on the Board of Guardians , and that very day he had been engaged at different boards
and in other duties from half-past eight in the morning , and had not been home since . Bro . W . Stephens , Treasurer , after thanking the brethren for electing him , said that there were sufficient funds in hand to meet every emergency . That evening he had received a very large amount , and he only awaited the W . M . 's orders to discharge any claim that might be made . Bros . Penn ,
S . W ., and Parkhouse , J . W ., responded to the toast of " Our Principal Officers . " Bro . W . Gordon , M . P ., S . D ., responding on behalf of The Junior Officers , " said that he felt very deeply thc kind and gracious manner in which the VV . M . had proposed the toast , and the warmth with which the brethren had received it . He could not claim to himself any right to thc eulogies which had
been bestowed on thc officers , for when he saw the grand and dignified figure of thc J . D . pacing up and down thc lodge he felt that he was performing the functions of a J . D . and a S . D . combined ; and when he saw Bro . Lander guarding the door as I . G . with the zeal of a Cerebus he felt it was utterly impossible to exceed the zeal with which he discharged his duties . He
had listened with very great attention to some remarks which had been made by Bro . Savage about a lodge of instruction having been formed in the neighbourhood . As far as he was concerned it would give him infinite pleasure to attend it , because he felt that no one had a right to assume an office the duties of which he was incompetent to discharge . It was not because he was
wanting in any zeal for Ireemasonry ; but it was probable he should not be able to avail himself of the instruction Bro . Savage was so kindly prepared to give ; for the brethren knew that he ( Bro . Gordon ) had numerous engagements elsewhere which rendered attendance at the lodge of instruction impracticable . As far as in him lay he should make himself competent to perform
the duties which devolved upon him as S . D . of this lodge . Bro . Pearson had made some observations about Freemasonry wliich he ( Bro . Gordon ) echoed with extreme cordiality , that the principle of Freemasonry was the bringing together numbers Of men of different positions in life , men of different circumstances and different callings , and uniting them as
one band of friends . This was also the principle of those other societies in England , which were called secret societies , and which he believed had contributed in an enormous degree to create that feeling of philanthropy and benevolence which lay more or less in the hearts of all , and which had produced such good results . Freemasons were not a political body , a secret society for conspiring against thc throne ; but they were simply and solely a