Reports Of Masonic Meetings

823 ! A - c - Wylie , S . W . 292 ; Dr . Pitts , J . W . 1620 ; J . B . MacKcr . zie , S . W . 1601 ); and others . Two cautlitcs were initiated most impressively by the acting W . M . ( Bro . McCarthy ) , and the ancient charge was very effectively delivered by Bro . H . Jackson . Ttie election of W . M . was afterwards proceeded with , and the result of the voting fur this

high and most important office was unanimously 111 favour of Bro . Leason , S . W ., who briefly thanked the brethicn for the honour which they had confirmed uponhim . Bro . II . H . Evans , P . M ., vvas also cordially and unanimously re-elected Treasurer . Other routine business was transacteel , after which the brethren adjourned to the festive board , at which a pleasant evening was spent .

BLACKPOOL . —Blackpool Lodge ( No . 14 , 6 ) . —On Tuesday week the annual festival of St . John , in connection with this lodge , vvas held at the Clifton Arms Hotel , when the ft flowing were present : Bros . H . Gardner , E . G . Stead , H . Johns , E . Gregson , J . L . Smith , R . W . Braithwaite , A . Hodgson , A . Moore , W . Lister , Edmondson , A . J , Holloway , J . Todd , and A . Wade . There were also

present Bros . Bidder , Manchester ; Whitehead , 113 ; Carr , 1170 ; Spencer , 314 ; Barber , 113 ; Hollins , 581 and 1009 ; Taylor , 1061 ; Partington , 146 ; Wray , 1061 ; Rushton Perkins , 1061 ; Batchelor , 145 6 ; Whitaker , 1061 ; Howell , 1140 ; Ormansby , 9 C 0 ; Leigh , 484 ; and Harding , P . P . S . G . D . The lodge being opened at 3 o ' clock , Bro . Todd was passed to the Second Degree in an able manner by

Bro . Gardner , W . M . Afterwards , Bro . S . P . Bidder , the Installing Master , took the chair , when Bro . Gardner presented Bro . Stead as W . M . elect , who was duly installeel by Bro . Bidder , in his usual masterly manner , alter which the following officers were invested : Bros . J . Waddington , S . W . ; F . Patteson , J . W . ; H . Johns , Treas . ; T . B . Lane , Sec ; W . Lister , S . D . ; Edmondson , J . D . ; A . Hodgson ,

I . G . ; H . Johns , M . C . ; T . Watson and J . L . Smith , Stds . ; and B . W . Braithwaite , Org . Bro . Johns then delivered the charge to the W . M . and Wardens , and Bro . Bidder concluded the ceremony , after which the brethren , numbering over thirty , adjourned to the dining room , and sat down to a spleiieliel banejuet , prepared in Bro . Hollovvay ' s usual style . Bro . Stead , W . M ., proposed the toast of " The

Queen , " also " The Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family , " which was drunk with musical honours , Bro . Balcheleler presiding at the piano . Bro Stead then gave "The Earl of Carnarvon , R . W . Pro G . M ., " and also "Lord Skelmersdale , R . W . D . G . M ., and P . G . M . West Lancashire , and the rest of the Grand Officers . " Bro . Braithwaite proposed "Tlie Hon . F . Stanley ,

W . D . G . P . M . West Lancashire , and the rest of the Prov . G . Officers . " Bro . Harding , P . P . S . G . D ., respondjd , thanking the brethren for the kind manner in which they had received the toast , and saiel it was an astonishing fact that there vvas no Provincial Grand Officer in the Blackpool district . There were in Lancashire 13 , 000 paying Masons , 6000 in the ; east and 7000 in the west province , anil he thought it vvas

time to divide Lancashire into three provinces . He trusted they would soon have a provincial officer in their ranks . Bro . H . Gardner proposed " Tlie Health of Bro . E . G . Stead , the newly-invested W . M ., " and hoped that he would have a happy and pleasant year of office . Bro . Steael thanked the members of the lodge for electing him to fill such a high position , and piomised to do all that laid in

his power to further the interests of the lodge . Bro . H . Johns , in a neat speech , proposed " The Immediate Past Master , " and flattered Bro . Gardner for the manner in which he had conducted the lodge for the past twelve nionthf . Brei . Gardner responded . Bro . Steael then prop iseel " Tht Health of Bro . Bielelcr , the Installing Master , " and thanked him for attending to instal him W . M . Bro . S . P . Bidder , in responding , thanked all present , and

said he had great pleasure in installing Bro . Stead in such a position , as it was a glorious position for any man to occupy , being " the band of love anel the . bond of fellowship . " Bro . Bidder then proposed " The Newly-lnvcsled Officers . " Bro . Patterson responded . Afterwards " The Visiting Brethren , " " . Masonic Charities , " anil " All Poor and Distressed Masons , " were given , after which the evening vvas devoted to songs and recitations .

GREAT STANMORE . —Abercom Lodge ( No . 1549 ) . —The second regular meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on the 7 th inst ., at the Abercorn Hotel , Bro . G . Tidcombe , the W . M ., presiding , well supported by his officers , several members , and the following visitors : —Bros . Hall , 34 ; Pinnizer , 186 ; Middleton , late of 1549 ; Honeywell , 889 , the latter now taking the duty of Organist

to the Judge , for which lie is so fully competent , file lodge was opened in due form at 3 . 50 , and after confirming the minutes of last meeting , Bro . Biggs vvas examined , and approved for passing . The lodge was then opened in the Second Dsgree , and this brother received instruction as a Craftsman . On resuming to the First Degree , the ballet was unanimously taken for Bro . Cecil Austin , 811 , as a

joining member , and also in favour of Mr . Edwin Bamford and Dr . R . Campbell Puckctt as initiates , both of whom were regularly enlightened into the mysteries of the Craft . The annual reading of the bye-laws by the Secretary then preceded the election of W . M . for the ensuing year . Bro . Helsdon , P . M ., acting as S . W ., in the absence of Bro . J . Ebbs through a long illness , announced that the absent brother would be soon equal to take his position again ,

which he always did with such great satisfaction to all , and he was thereupon unanimously approved as W . M . elect . The election of Treasurer also passed as usual in favour of Bro . Dr . Rogers , and Bro . J . Middleton was appointed Tyler . The Audit Committee were appointed , and to meet on June 1 ah . Various small matters having been disposed of , the loelge was closed in peace and harmony at 6 . 15 . At the banquet the customary toasts were

Reports Of Masonic Meetings

duly honoured ; that of " The W . M ., " for the last time , vvas appropriately given by the I . P . M ., Bro . Vincent , and thankfully acknowledged by Bro . Tielcombe , speaking very highly of the progress cf Masonry in the locality , and especially of Ihis lodge in particular , whicl : would always

meet vvkh his warmest support . Our brother took a handsome donation to the Girls' School at the festival , and is always first in the cause of charity . The musical contributions of the brethren were good , as usual , and an agreeable evening closed at 10 p . m .

PONTYPRIDD . —Merlin Lodge ( No . 1578 ) . —On Monday , the 5 th inst ., the members cf this lodge held their annual festival . The lodge was opened in due form at three o ' clock by P . M . Bro . Hurman . The minutes of the ledge were read and confirmed , after which the lodge was raised , and the newly-elected Worshipful Master , Bro . J . [ ones , was conducted to the chair , and the ceremony of

installation commenced . The Secretary read the ancient charges , and the newly-elected Master was duly obligated . The lodge vvas raised again , and a Board of Installed Masters was formed , who installed Bro . J . Jones in the chair . Bro . Tcnnant , Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Eastern Division of South Wales , perfomed the eluties of Installing Master with great ability . The newly-elected

Worslnplul Master was then proclaimed in the customary manner . He afterwards proceeded to appoint his officers for the ensuing twelvemonths as follows : —Bros . George John Alexander , I . P . M . ; William Merchant , S . W . ; Robt . Charles Hunter , J . W . ; William Lewis , Chaplain ; William Williams , Treasurer ; Thomas Dickson , Secretary ; John Lindsay Leckie , S . D . ; Thomas Rogers , J . D . ; James

Iices , Organist ; Richarel Male , Dir . of Cer . ; Walter 1 lerbert Morgan , I . G . ; William Hovvclls Key and William Henry Matthias , Stewards ; and William Bairstow , Tyler . The following members of the Merlin Lodge were present : —Bros . John Jones , W . M . ; Robt . C . Hunter , J . W . ; Wat . Lewis , M . A ., Chaplain ; William Williams , Treas . ; Thomas Dickson , Sec ; J . L . Leckie , S . D . ; Thos . Rogers ,

J . D . ; 11 . Mare , D . C ; W . H . Morgan , l . G . j W . H . Key and IV . H . Matthias , Stewards . Members : H . P . Davies , Edward Rees , Morgan Price , W . II . Morgan , John Davies , Stephen Lewis , Gordon Lenox , J . J . Jenkins , H . N . Davies , Evan Rees , Evan W . Davies , R . G . Price , anel W . Morris . Among the visitors present were Bros . M . Tcnnant , D . P . G . M . ; T . G . Homfray , D . P . G . M . Monmouth ; D . It

Lewis , 110 ; M . P . S . Toz ; r , P . M . ; T . J . Jones , P . M . 110 ; C . Wilkins , P . M . 110 ; J . W . Gunn , no ; W . Griffiths , no ; F . M . Whale , 9 60 ; F . W . Goodfellow , W . M . no ; T . Stockvvojel , jun ., 1752 ; Edwin Price , 1752 ; John Hurdmaii , 1752 ; John Hemming , 833 , Sec . 1752 ; C Vidcon Ilareling " , P . P . G . O ., 476 ; C . E . Perry , 1752 ; S . R . Jones , Chap . 56 ; J . M . Lewis ( Figi ) ; G . Bounder , 723 ; G . A ,

Noel , W . M . Bute , 9 60 ; John Jones Watson , I . P . M . 3 6 ; Titus Lewis , 1258 ; It . Southern , W . M . 3 6 . The lodge room had been beautifully decorated with plants and flowers for the occasion , under the superintendence of Bros . Hunter , Dickson , Male , and Key . At five o ' clock the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , provided by Bro . Morris , at the New Inn . The

toasts of the evening were f he Queen , " " The M . W . Grand Master , " and "The R . W . Provincial Grand Master . " Bro . Tcnnant responded to the latter ; Bro . Hurman responded to the toast of " The Past Masters ;" Bro . Homfray , D . P . G . M . Alonnuuth , acknowledged the same compliment when paid to th .- visitors , as diel also

Bro . D . Hopkins , P . W . M . Bute Lodge . In the course of the evening several of the brethren sang some gooel seingt , to the accompaniment of Bro . Videoia Harding , who also added to the harmony of the proceedings with one or two songs . General satisfaction vvas expressed at the excellent way in which the banquet vvas served up by Bro . Morris .

EAST GRINSTEAD . —Sackville Lodge ( No . 1619 ) . —The first regular meeting this year of this successful loelge took place on Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., at the Crown 1 lolel . The lodge was opened at five o'clock p . m ., and there were present Bros . C . Sawyer , W . M . ; C . T . Young , S . W . ; John G . Horsey , J . W . ; E . A . Head , Sec . ; S . Daviion , S . D . ; W . Budge , J . D . ; j . G . Calway , I . G . ;

C . W . Noehmer , P . M . ; A . W . Belchley , J . Woodbridge , G . Woolgar , F . Sargent , W . Ilarvvood , J . Cooper , J . Hare , J . E . Wouduriiige , and E . D . Uickmau . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting , held em Oct . 1 st ., 1 S 7 8 , a notice of motion , that a jewel be presented by the loelge to the W . M ., Bro . Sawyer , on the expiration cf his year of office , by Bro . Hook , P . M ., was

referral to by the W . M ., who stated he had just received a telegram from Bro . Hook , stating his inability to attene-1 , and deputing either Bro , Horsey or the Secretary to bring the motion forward . After some discussion , in accordance with the motion , Bro . Horsey proposed , and Bro . Young seconded the proposition , and a jewel was unanimously voted to the W . M . The lodge was then opened in the

Second Degree , and , after replying to the usual questions , Bro . G . Woolgar was entrusted , and retired . The loelge was then opened in the Third Degree , when this brother was raised to the Thirel Degree . The lodge was then resumed to the First Degree , when , after being approved , Mr . Wm . Pile was regularly initiated . The election of W . M . was then proceeded with , the result being that Bro .

John G . Horsey , J . W ., was voted to the chair for the ensuing year . Bro . Hale , P .. M ., vvas re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Sargen ' . Tyler . After the appointment of the Audit Committee the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . The installation of Bro . John G . Horsey as W . M . will take place on Tuesday , July 1 St ., at which the Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Sir W . Burrell , and his Grand Officers are expected to be present .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

ST . GEORGE'S LODGE ( No . 140 ) . —This lod of instruction closed its session on Monday evening with a banquet at the Globe Tavern , Royal Hill , Greenwich . About thirty members assisted , ably p s ' ukel over by Bro E . M . Hubbuck , P . G . S ., P . M . 140 , 320 , & c , faced by Bro . Hill , I . G . 140 . Of the officers of the lodge present

were Bros . Tattershall , P . M . and Secretary ; Webster D . C . ; Dennant , J . W . ; Brown , S . D . ; Spark , J . D . There were also present Bros . Johnson , P . M . 140 ; Wallace , P . J { . 140 ; Blackmur , P . M . 140 ; Roberts , P . M . and Secretary 79 ; Dussee , P . M . 79 ; Moorson , W . M . 1320 ; Edwards W . M . 1494 ; Rees , I . G . 1593 ; Bates , J . W . 1155 ; anu others . The banquet was served in a manner highly

creditable to the proprietor , and gave general satisfaction . The Chairman in a few suitable remarks proposed the first toast , " The Q . jeen , " to which succeeded the National Anthem , followed , of course , by that of " The Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . " The Chairman then rose to propose the toast of the evening , " Success to St . George ' s Ledge of Instruction , " and in a speech fraught

with expressions of kindness and encouragement , referred to the good work it had done , and still vvas doing , in diffusing that sound instruction which had for many years gained for the mother lodge a notoriety for good working . He coupled with that toast the name of the Preceptor , Bro . G . Brown , who , in responding , said he could not allow the occasion to pass without a reference to the melanchol y

occasion which had placed him in the position of Preceptor of that old and important lodge of instruction—the awfully sudden death of the late Preceptor , Bro . Jardinc . Passing in review the work of the year , Bro . Brown said that whilst on the subject of imparting instruction in Masonry , and seeing one or more brother Preceptors present , he coulel not help referring to a subject which had occupied

Ills nainil for some time past , viz , the differences of working in the several lodges , for there were not two whose working vvas identical , the consequence of which was such as to deter brethren from seeking instruction sufficientl y often to prepare themselves for office , and it checked that mutual interchange of visitations to other lodges of instruction . He then referred to the fact that , about two

years ago , hearing that there existed a source from whence the correct ritual of Freemasonry coulel be acquired , he , together with the late Bro . Jardinc , joined the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , at Freemasons' Hall , and that working was now adopted pure and simple in St . George ' s Lodge , and taught in this instruction lodge . In proof ol its popularity at least one other lodge in the neighbourhood

had adopted the same working , viz ., the Royal Naval College Lodge . In conclusion , Bro . Brown made a strong appeal to the brethren to correct and aeljust themselves to the acknowledged and only correct ritual of Freemasonry . The Chairman said that there were certain ladies in Greenwich and neighbourhood which called for the most kindly consideration of the members of St \ George ' s Loelge of

Instruction , and , although a reference to the fair sex was somewhat irregular , in Masonic parlance , he thought lie might allude to the kindreel institutions as " Sister Lodges of Instruction . " He ( the Chairman ) coulel not help agreeing to the desirableness of one recognised ritual in lodges of instruction . He would couple that toast with the name of Bro . Roberts , Preceptor of the Pythagorean Lodge of

Instruction . Bro . Roberts , in responding , said he had listened to the observations on similarity in Masonic working with a consielerable amount of interest , anel whilst mainly agreeing witn the desirableness of it , and considering it a consummation devoutly to be wished , said he must remind the brethren that it was from an Emulation-taught Preceptor that they originally derived their instruction , for it was Bro . Collington , wdio , at one time , stood alone in his

ability to linpait the Masonic knowledge which he elerivcd from Bro . Stephen B . Wilson , and although innovations may have crept in , and become imperceptibly , as it were , acknowledged , he could not but think that the Emulation working had been subjected to material modification since Bro . Collington's time . During the evening the proceedings were enlivened by songs and recitations . Bro . Dennan presided at the piano , and a most enj iyable evening was spent .

LA TOLERANCE LODGE ( So . 53 8 ) . —A meeting of this lodge of instruction was held on Wednesday , the 7 U 1 inst ., at the Green Dragon , 2 , Maddox-strcet , W . There were present Bros . J . Ilurdell , W . M . ; C . A . Woods , S . W . ; A . Ginger , J . W . ; C . J . W . Davis , Treas . ; E . Childs , Sec . pro . tern . ; T . W . Cooper , S . D . ; J . Skinner , J . D . ; L . G . Langelon , I . G . ; E . Earwig , I'M . ; E . Baber , P . M . ; It . F . Potter , P . M ., and about sixty others . The Fifteen Sections were worked as follows : —

FIHST Lucrum :. 1 st Section Bro . J . Paul , 1287 . 2 nd ,, i „ A . Ginger , J . W . 901 . 3 rd „ T . W . Cooper , S . W . 53 S . 4 th „ , W . Burgess , I . G . 1472 . 5 th , „ D . Belfrage , W . M . 179 . 6 th „ , E . Child , J . W . 53 8 . 7 th , „ K . Fanvig , W . M . 1 S 0 .

SKCOSU Lucrum :. 1 st Section Bro . L . G . Langdon , W . S . 53 8 . 2 nd „ „ J . Waugh , J . D . 15 63 . 3 rd , „ E . A . B . iber , P . M . 452-4 th , , C . A . Woods , S . D . 145 . 5 th It . F . Potter , P . M .

749-T 11111 D Lucrum ; . 1 st Section Bro . W . Richardson , S . D . 134 s-2 nd O . Latreille , J . W . 1260 . 3 rd , , G . Davis , 167 . Ten brethren were elected members , and Bio . C . A . Woods , S . D . 14 s , elected honorary . A vote of thanks was giv " to Bro . John Hurdell ( Sec . of the lodge ) for presiding over the lodge for the first time at the Fifteen Sections .