Masonic Notes And Queries':

Masonic Notes and Queries' :

„„ ^ g-- — . V-T——_ ' . y j , r" *~ ' """ —> r- *^ ^ ' » 765 ] STILL ANOTHER OLD MS . The indefatigable Secretary of the " Quatuor Coronati " Lodge , No . 2076 , London , has announced the existence of another MS . of the Masonic " Old Charges , " the latest discovered being of the year 1 C 77 , and certainly of exceptional value . The fortunate owner is Bro . F . Stanley , of

No . 127 , Margate . Its name , of course , will be the "Stanley MS ., " for of its origin and early custody we know nothing , but Bro . Stanley has in the most fraternal manner given every facility for its examination and reproduction , & c , in due course , and hence several of us now are in possession of exact copies of the parchment roll . With the spproval of Bro . R . F . Gould , our esteemed W . M .

2076 , the MS . will be numbered 19 a pro tern ., thus immediately following the "Melrose MS ., No . 2 , " in the list given in his " History of Freemasonry , " and also noted by me in the Christmas Freemason for 1 SS 7 . We sinII have to agree to an entirely fresh enumeration of these "Old Charges " ere long , several having been traced quite lately , and as respects the chronological arrangement it is

susceptible of improvement . The "Stanley MS ., " as regards the text proper , agices mainly with the "Colne MS ., No . 1 " ( 22 a , Gould ) , which I gave in the Christmas Freemason , 1 SS 7 . Many of the peculiar readings , variations , and substitutions are to be found in both MSS ., and beyond question , these rolls may be referred to the same original , notwithstanding the noteworthy differences in the two

copies . Bro . Speth coincides with my opinion after a careful examination of each roll . Dr . Bepemann , in his a ' . la classification , puts the "Colne MS . " ( 1 and 2 ) , amongst the "Sundry forms " of the Grand Lodge MS . family ; and hence we may place the Stanley MS . in the same category , only it is a more important document than the majority of that Class . The more I examine into the

arrangement suggested by Dr . Begemann , the more I am disposed to accept that diligent student ' s method , subject to modifications , which , however , do not really affect the general plan , for the Families of MSS . are thus systematically grouped , and easily recognised , all later discoveries being at once duly and orderly classified . Singular to state , however , the " Stanley MS . " docs not contain the

"Apprentice Charges , as the "Colne Mb . " It is possible that the former was used at the reception of speculalivcs , the later being employed or read only when operatives were made Masons . At all events , whilst agreeing together in relation to the ordinary version of the " 0 ! d Charges , " the " Colne " version , having ihe " Apprenlis Charges , " has an advantage in that respect over its superior in point of age and value . The special importance of the " Stanley

MS . is due to the ihyme inseited after the MS . proper , which Bro . Speth relers to 1713-4 ( circa ) . If that is a correct estimate of the curious addition by another hand , the singular " prophecy , " to say the least is most remarkable . Unless the evidence of the dtte is of a convincing character , I cannot see my way clear to adopt Bro . Speth ' s opinion , so , for the present , I shall await a fuither examination of that portion , but else , accept with pleasure , his belief in the roll being of the year it is dated . W . J . HUGHAN .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

tfraft jftasuiirg . KENT LODGE ( No . 15 ) . —The 130 th annual installation meeting of this ancient lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Wednesday , the 14 th instant , when Bro . \ V . J . Towers was installed in the chair of K . S . as W . M . for ( lie ensuing 12 months in accordance with the usual rites and customs . The installation

ceremony was impressively performed in the presence of an Installed Beard of 3 S P . M . 's by Bro . E . A . Wells—a P . M . of the lodge , who attended specially fiom Portsmouth for the purpose . The W . M . appointed the following members of the lodge as his officers : Bros . Grimmett , S . W . ; J . M Cottrell , J . W . ; Dr . Sleeman , Treas . ; Dr . Dukes , Hon . Sec .,- G . Devey , S . D . ; Buckeridge , J . D . j and Clapp ,

l . G . ; and invested the retiring W . M . with an elegant P . M . ' s jewel as a token of respect and esteem . In the evening the banquet was held in the Venetian Saloon of the Holborn Restaurant , and was attended by 121 brethren , among whom were many distinguished members of the Craft . The W . M . proved himself a genial President , and owing to the length of the programme the

speeches were brief but to the point . Bro . Dr . Paul , P . G . D . C , responded for " The Grand Officers , " Bro . Grummant for "TheSG Visitors , " and Bro Grimmett , S . W ., for "The Officers . " The selection of music performed by Madame Helen Heath , Miss Helen Winn , Bro . F . Bevan , and Bro . Arthur Thompson , was under the able direction of Bro . G . F

Smith , jun ., P . G . O . Essex , the present W . M . of the Sterndale Bennett Lodge , and gave universal satisfaction . During dinner the string band of the Holborn Restaurant attended in the room and played selections , and solos were contributed in the course of the evening by Mr . Lindley ( bassoon ) , and Mr . Saunders ( violin ) . Mr . G . W Todd the well-known elocutionist , also favoured the company with recitations . J

CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 001 ) - 'l'his lodge—which so worthil y represents the Teat city whose name it bears—held the last meeling of the winter session , at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Monday , the 19 th inst . There was a large attendance of members , including Bros . Pittam Stevens , W . M . ; Daniel

Hughes . l . P . M . ; I . P . Hoddinott , S . W . ; W . R . Haylock , i'W'S Jno . Hughes , P . M j . Treas . ; Chas . Beaumont P . M ., Sec ; G . M . Gross , D . C . ; E . Venner , l . G •1 E . Fimister , Org . ; A . Eade and R . Gillard , Stwds .: H Harbord , P . M . ; A Ginger , P . M . ; David Hughes , P . M . ; G . A . Conolly , P . M . ; . H . McClelland , P ? M . ? nd many others . Visitors ; Bros . W . Huzon , 1257 ; W .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

mmom Beard , 94 6 , Prov . G . D . C . Middx . ; W . T . Barnard , 1305 ; V . G . Holdgate , S . W . 1929 ; F . A . Williams , 339 ; G . Cumington , S 60 ; J . Hare , 19 S 7 ; T . Jefferies , 1744 ; VV . F . Follett , 1624 j A . Rolls , 1369 ; F . Jones , 1624 ; D . A . Mostyn , J . D . 1 045 ; C . F . Williams , 72 ; J . Hooper , 1515 ; and W . VV . Lee , 1 S 97 . As usual there was a large amount of work on the

agenda paper , enabling the W . M . and officers to show how thoroughly conversant they are with the ritual of the Three Degrees . The lodge was opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , also a vote of 10 guineas extra to the R . M . Benevolent Institution in order to complete the Vice-Presidentship of 100 guineas . Mr . Alfred Head , having been successfuly balloted for , was initiated into

Freemasonry . Bros . Beveridge and Pavelly were passed to the Second Degree , and Bros . Toll and Lines raised to the Degree of Master Mason . The whole of the ceremonies were worked with a smoothness and regularity that constant practice alone could attain , the Third Degree being especially marked for the very impressive rendering . Ten guineas was voted from the Benevolent Fund to the widowjof

a deceased brother , and the Secretary also instructed to send a letter of condolence . Several propositions having been received for initiation and joining . and other routine business having been transacted , the lodge was closed . An adjournment was then made to the banquet-room where an excellent repast was admirably served . After dessert , the usual toasts were duly honoured .

"The Health of the W . Master" was proposed by Bro . Daniel Hughes , I . P . M ., who remarked that he had had the pleasure on one or two previous occasions of referring to the good qualities of Bro . Pittam Stevens , W . M ., which were , moreover , well known to the brethren . Their W . M . had , however , shown two qualities that evening which were not known to them before . The first was the splendid

manner in which he had worked the various ceremonies . There had been a good many W . M . ' s in that lodge who had tried , as Bro . Pittam Stevens had tried , to carry out the ritual in a perfect and effective manner , but it had never before been rendered so effectively . He congratulated the members most heartily on possessing such a . YV . Master . He congratulated himself more in particular , for being the

I . P . M ., the perfection of the W . M . rendered his duties very light , and his position almost a sinecure . The second quality possessed by the present occupant of the chair was one that would touch every Mason ' s heart . It was his energetic exertions in the cu ; e of Charity . At the recent Festival of the R . M . Benevolent Institution , Bro . btevens , W . M ., took up the magnificent amount of £ 210 , being

£ 5 6 more lhan had ever been taken up from that lodge . The list taken up was second in the list of London lodges , being but £ 1 $ short of the total of the first . If the members had but known their W . Master was so near to the head of the list , they would have taken care that he should have been first . The brethren present would heaitily drink to the health of the W . Master .

Bro . R . Pittam Stevens , W . M ., said he was sure the l . P . M . had proposed the toast in terms far too nattering . He had only done what every P . M . had done , and that was to endeavour to do credit to the lodge , and every officer following him would be animated with the same spirit . He had been supported that night , in the unavoidable absence of the two Deacons , by two brethren who had performed

the duties in a highly creditable manner , and to whom he tendered sincere thanks . With reference to the amount he took up at the recent Festival , he could assure them that he certainly took a great interest in the Charities , and was therefore very pleased to be second on the list of London lodges . He thanked them heartily for the support he had received . He belonged to a small club , to which he

was especially indebted for assistance—the Logic Cluband he only wished that such clubs were more numerous , for by their aid it was rendered comparatively easy to take up LifeSubscriberships or Life Governorships of the various Institutions . As far as the work was concerned , his only wish was to carry out the ritual in the way in which it had been carried out by rrevious Masters . He hoped

that by thus emulating his predecessors he would be received at the end of his year in the sime kindly way as they had received him that evening . "The Initiate" was given and suitably responded to by Bro . Head , after which the Worshipful Master proposed "The I . P . M ., " and said that Bro . Daniel Hughes was a brother of whom they were justly proud . The manner in

which the duties of the chair had been carried out by him last year was second to none in completeness and impressiveness , and was a great treat for the brethren to listen to . The members hoped their l . P . M . would be spared for many years to assist them as he had in the past . Bro . Daniel Hughes , I . P . M ., thanked the W . M . and brethren for the kind manner in which the toast of his

health had been given and received . As he had previously told them , he should always endeavour to make the working of the lodge as perfect as possible . It was a matter of great anxiety to him that he should finish his year of office properly , and it must necessarily be an anxirty to any brother who occupied the chair . There was not only the ritual to study , but also the various arrangements to make for the comfort of the members , and a large amount of time was

thus taken up . He tried his best to finish up well , and installed his successor as well as he could , considering he was suffering severely from ill-health . To brethren who had Masonry at heart it was a matter of mutual enjoyment and instruction , and they eagerly looked forward to the meetings . He again thanked them for their kindness , and from the remarks made he believed he had given satisfaction to the brethren by his efforts to perform the duties of the chair in a creditable manner .

Bro . Beard , Prov . G . D . C . Middlesex , returned sincere thanks for the reception accorded the toast of " The Visitors . " Owing to the very severe weather he had felt inclined to shrink from coming to town in response to the kind invitation of the S . W ., but he was very pleased he had faced the elements , and had the opportunity of witnessing the splendid working . He congratulated the lodge

on the very efficient officers it possessed , and , on behalf of the visitors , tendered sincere thanks for the profuse hospitality they had received . " The Past Masters" and "The Treasurer and Secretary " were duly honoured , Bros . Chas . Beaumont , P . M ., Sec , and J . Hughes , P . M ., Treas ., responding in appropriate terms to the latter .

" The Officers" having been given , the Tyler ' s toast closed a successful meeting . Under the able directions of Bro . Fimister , Organist , an excellent selection of music was rendered .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

ISLINGTON LODGE ( No . 1471 )—The reg „ i meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , theSth inst at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , when the following brethren were present : Bros . | ohn Petch , W . M . ; H . Him ? S . W . ; S . Napper , J . W . ; E . Bowyer , P . M ., P . G . S . B Treas . ; E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec ; Scarlett , S D . '

Harding , J . D . ; Tyrrell , I . G . ; C . M . Coxon , D . C . Loomci , Stwd . ; Couchman , Tyler ; D . P . HolnesV P . M . ; Halestrap , P . M . ; Cobb , Jarvis , W . T . Baker A . Cox , Steven ; on , Faber , Snook , VV . Brookman , Fearn ' . head , Ritchie , Simmonds , Sheldrake , Beer , Ganter , ami others . Visitors : Bros . F . Hallows , P . M . Si 6 ; W Q

Church , J . D . 1365 ; R . Brookman , 1426 ; and StaffJnj Trego , Org . 1 S 39 . The business of the evening was the raising of Bros Stevenson and Faber , which ceremony was perlormed bii the W . M . in a most excellent manner . A ballot was taken for Messrs . Benjamin Bridgwater , John Gravatt , and

Charles Hiller , which having proved unanimous in each case , they were duly initiated into the mysteries and priyj , leges of Freemasonry . The routine business of the lodge having been transacted it was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshments The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and ' honoured .

Bro . D . P . Holness , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " and complimented him upon his working of the ceremonies , and the successful beginning he had made of his year ot office . Bro . Halestrap , P . M ., favoured the brethren with a song . The W . M . replied , thanking the brethren for the manner in which the toast of his health had been received .

The W . M . proposed "The Initiates , " which toast was heartily received , and replied to by the newly-made brethren respectively . Other toasts followed , and a very pleasant evening was spent . The Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . Telegrams were received by the W . M . from Bros . Rawson Kelley and Macauley , West Yorks .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) .-A regular meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the 13 th inst ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly . There were present Bros . J . Jacobs , P . M ., acting as W . M . in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Bowers Solomon , the W . M . ; G . Reynolds , Sec . 2 I 9 I .. S . W . ; G . Coleman , P . M ., acting as J . W . ; C .

Ralph , S . D . ; G . H . Reynolds , J . D . ; J . Woodward , I . G . ; W . Bourne , P . M ., Sec . ; G . Stacey , P . M ., Org . ; R . F . Potter , Tyler ; Foam , W . A . Dowling , J . W . Belsham , VV . A . Faulkes , and S . Isaacs . Visitors : Bros . G . Gardner , P . M . 2012 ; and F . M . Noakes , 214 S . The lodge was opened and the minutes of the last meeting were read ancl confirmed . Bros . W . HoneybadVV .

, Humphrey , and R . Sparrow who were initiated at the last regular meeting held on the 14 th ult ., were then passed to the Second Degree in a most clear and impressive manner . The following motion , notice of which had been given at the previous meeting , was proposed by Bro . G . Coleman ,

and having been duly seconded , was carried unanimously : "That the December meeting of this lodge be discontinued , that the election for Worshiptul Master shall take place in November , and that the by-laws be altered accordingly . " Several communications having been disposed of the lodge was closed .

ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 1657 ) .-The March meeting of the above lodge was held on Monday last , at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street . There were present Bros . Edward Anderton , W . M . : Alderman

Renals , J . vV . ; If . Y . Jolliffe , P . M ., Sec ; Hudson , S . D . ; F . Crockford , J . D . ; M . R . Webb , I . G . ; John Larkin and George Rawlinson , Stewards ; Rev . Dr . P . H . li . Brette , P . M ., P . G . D . ; George Kenning , P . M . ; W . H . Froom , P . M . ; Fuller , Saillard , Shotter , and

Kift . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was taken for the Worshipful Master for the ensuing year , Bro . Alderman Renals being unanimously elected . The brethren dined together under the gavel of Bro . Edward Anderton .

ALLIANCE LODGE . —( No . 1837 ) . —This lodge on Tuesday evening entertained Bros , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , Major and Sheriff Davies , Sheriff Higgs , and a large and distinguished company , including a large number of Present and Past Officers of Grand Lodge . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., Bro . H . Squire ,

C . C ., and the Lord Mayor , Sheriffs , and other idistingnished guests were received with Masonic honours in the body of the lodge . The lodge was closed , and the brethren of the lodge and their numerous guests adjourned to the banquet-room , a " the arrangements of which were placed under the able

management of Bro . Wright , P . M ., D . C . of the lodge . The President ' s place was of course occupied by B ' £ ' Squire , C . C ., the W . M . of the lodge , who had Bro . he Rt . Hon . the Lord Mayor on his right , the l . P . M . ( ex officio ) occupying the seat on his left , and Bro . Alderman Sir R . N . Fowler , Bart ., M . P ., occupying the next seatht

The S . W ., Bro . H . Clarke , C . C ., took the end of the rig - hand table ; the J . W ., Bro . J . P . Godfrey , took care ot the left-hand table ; and the Secretary , Bro . J . E . Turner , faced the W . M . at the centre of the table . There were also present : Bros . Alderman Sir J . Whittaker m ?> Bart . M . P . P . G . W . Sir JB . MoncktonP £ '

, , ; . , P . P . G . P ., & c . j Rev . G . W . Weldon , M . A ., G . Chap ., Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sic , P . G . D . ; Alderman Saunders , P . G . D . ; Lieut .-Col . R . W . Ellis , G . S . of yv ., J . Perkins , C . C ., l . P . M . ; R . Eve , G . Treas . ; Dr . ^ Wendt , D . C . L ., G . S . G . C ; G . Cooper , S . O . u- > CaDt . N . G . Philms . P . G . I ) •P . de L . Long , P _ . - " V

V . P . Freeman , I . G . O . ; \ . L . Matter , A . G . D . C ! »• A . Pendlebury , A . G . S . ; G . Beech , G . S . B . ; Under Sheriff Beard , C . C . ; C . D . Milner , C . C ; A . ¦)'"' . man , C . C ; C . W . Bowley , E . A . Baylis , D . G . U . i- > W . M . Bywater , G . S . B . ; W . H . Perryman , G . K ., Hopekirk , A . G . P . ; Ex-Sheriff Clarke , A . ^ eebles , « . Barrow Emanuel , M . A . ; G . N . Johnson , C . C , ¦ ¦ . u \ s / .: ui D */ r . -r ¦ ' -. t- 11 ID n c . Maior Oaepuj vviigui 1 1 1 ^

_ n . , . m ., . u . oewcu , . u .. , - •- . ; . " lA / ater-F . Hill , F . C . Hill , J . Jeynson , E . F . Fitch , Philip WW low , E . Clarke , Alderman Renals , G . Burt , R . K C . C . ; J . E . Walford , C . C . ; , T . Roderick , ( Seconal George Kenning , A . M . Broadley , P . Dep . D . G . M . w « W . T . Roberts , VV . Westcott , Alderman Sir H . A . isa *