-
Articles/Ads
Article Masonic Notes and Queries. ← Page 2 of 2 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Junior Wardens . I have talked over this matter svith Bro . Murray Lyon , and he repudiates the statement . But I da not think that were it incorrect the petitioners svould have falsely , and unnecessarily , set forth that such officers existed . They not only did so , but quoted minutes instructing their existence , and certified the quotations as correct . The petitioners svere the Master and Wardens of the lodge . The former svas a svell-knosvn . public county gentleman
of the period . Thc Senior Warden svas the Sheriff clerk of the county of Inverness , one of its leading officials , and the Junior Warden svas a ; solicitor in Inverness . These men were not likely either to make unfounded statements , or to pretend to quote documents having no existence . The Charter is granted by the Earl of Cromarty ( thc ancestor of the present Duchess of Sutherland ) , then Grand Master , and the other Grand Office Bearers . Hosv they came to
set forth that thc lodge had received apprentices , passed Fellosv Crafts , and raised Master Masons since 1 G 7 S , if the statement svas false , must I fear remain a mystery . It is scarcely credible that a body of public gentlemen of the highest social position should have done so , as Bro . Hughan says they did , " svithout the slightest evidence . " And it is as unlikely that another body of gentlemen of equally good position svould have received such a document , containing
such a statement , if unfounded , svithout challenge or explanation . We ( ind from the lodge minutes that on its receipt the lodge met , and carefully considered the Charter , and ordered it to be engrossed jn the minute book . Opportunity thus occurred for consideration of its terms , svhich svere adopted as true . Besides , the records under date 27 th December , 1737 , further set forth that " a list of all the brethren belonging to the lodge was enrolled in the minutes ,
and the arrears of quarter pennies due to the lodge , according io the old Book . " This list contained 19 Masters , ' 10 Fellosv Crafts , and 26 Apprentices . The admission of these brethren must have extended over a considerable period . There are , or at least there used to be , several boxes filled svith documents of the period of the formation of Grand Lodge , lying in its cellars in Edinburgh . Were these examined much light might be throsvn
on the state of Masonry in Scotland , prior to 173 G , and the authority on svhich Grand Lodge made its statement under question , discovered . In Bro . Hughan ' s interesting note in the Freemason of last sveek , he adopts the opinion that the svorking of Masonic Degrees from 167 S is apocryphal . But if they are , why should such statements have been made ? They could serve , if untrue , no purpose . The Coltness Charter sets forth that the practice in that lodge
existed only thirty years prior to 1737 , certainly no lengthened period , and not connecting it svith the practice of Masonry in ancient times . A similar observation applies to the statement in the Inverness Charter , for there . the practice is said to have existed only 59 years . There could have been noobjectin making such allegations if apocryphal . The usual claims to Masonic antiquity could not have been strengthened by a record of facts so modern . The limited
and definite periods specified incline one to believe in the accuracy of the statements . The Petition seeking the Charter further sets forth : " That preceding the year 1 G 78 , it seems by tradition of our oldest members nota living , that the lodge kept their minutes from time to time in an irregular manner upon sheets or baffles of paper , most of svhich sve nosv cannot collect , so as to make anything of them to purpose—they having been either cancelled or lost by accident . " None of these "baffles of paper "
now exist , and the Minute Book of 1 G 7 S has itself disappeared . But some of them ss * ere extant in 1737 ; and had the petitioners desired to claim an older svorking for their lodge than 1 G 7 S , they might fairly have done ' so as from the date of the oldest " baffle" in their possession . They , hosvever , did not do so , and candidly admit that these stray Minutes did not instruct the character of the lodge ' s ss-ork ing . From this circumstance may be inferred the fact that the Minute Book founded on did so . W . O ., P . M . No . 1 .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft f & asonrg . ROBERT BURNS LODGE ( No . 25 ) . —A meeting of this lodge svas held on Monday , 13 th inst ,, at Freemasons'Hall . Present : Bros . J . VV . Harvey , VV . M . ; T . Hasvkins , S . VV . ; A . W . Stead , J . W . ; J . Dyte , Sec ; J . T . Ford , S . D . ; VV . Wingham , J . D . ; T . Deaton , I . G . ; E . J . Wall , Stwd . ; Walkley , Tyler ; Past Masters J . G . Moorcroft , I . P . M . ; Lindner , Robins , Hodson ,
Losvenstark , and Baker ; Briggs , Bygrove , Witchom , Bakesvell , Cole , and Hodson . Visitors : Bros . Reynolds , I . G . 1614 ; and Ray , S . W . 743 . Bro . Cole svas raised to the Third Degree . Unanimous votes of thanks svere proposed tothedonorsforthehandsome set of tracing boards painted in oils , the svork of Bro . M . D . Losvenstark , svhich had been presented to the lodge at
the January meeting . Business being concluded , tbe brethren adjourned to the Sussex Rooms for the banquet . After the usual loyal toasts had been honoured , Bro . Moorcroft , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . " in very appropriate and kind terms . The VV . M ., in reply , assured the brethren that he sincerely appreciated the very kind and flattering terms in
which the I . P . M , had proposed his health , and the hearty svay in svhich they had responded . He felt a deep sense of the great responsibility attached to the chair , and it svould be his earnest endeavour to carry out these duties to the utmost of his endeavours , and thereby add to the prosperity and prestige of this ancient lodge . The W . M . proposed "The Health of the Visitors " in
complimentary terms . Bro . Ray , in reply , referred to the Masonic characteristics of Robert Burns , his fellosv countryman , and Bro . Reynolds spoke of his long association svith members of this lodge . The VV . M . then proposed "Thc I . P . M ., " and
congratulated him on the very able manner in svhich he had conducted the lodge during his term of office under great family afflictions . The I . P . M . responded in a fesv svcll-choscn and feeling terms . The W . M . stated that it was with a great amount of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
pleasure he proposed "The Health of the P . M . ' s of the Lodge . " Bro . Dyte responded , being the oldest member of the lodge , in a fesv well-chosen terse sentences . The W . M . announced that the usual Summer Festival ( or ladies' day ) svould be held at the Star ancl Garter Hotel , Richmond , the first sveek in July , and he trusted
that it svould , svith the joint co-operation of the brethren , be a continued success . Bro . J . C . Hodson kindly offered his services as Secretary for this occasion , after which the W . M . proposed " The Health of the Officers of the Lodge , " which svas
duly acknosvledged . The Tyler's toast brought a vcry pleasant evening to a successful close . Bros . Moorcroft , Losvenstark , Robins , Mr . A . Smythson , and Miss Eugene Kemble added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening svith singing and music .
LODGEOF TRANQUILLITY ( No . 185 ) . —The last meeting of the present session of this lodge took place at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . G ., on Monday , the 20 th inst ., and , although not numerously attended , proved one of those happy gatherings at svhich the spirit of enjoyment and content prevail , created by the absence of the more or less noisy exhilaration svhich characterises
large assemblies on grand occasions . Bro . G . Boas , VV . M ., presided , and , in consequence of the absence of some of the senior officers , several of the Past Masters acted for them . The business of the evening in the lodge consisted of the conferring the Master Mason ' s Degree upon Bros . J . Davis , ' , Frisher , Lazarus , M . Marks , and Van Geider . As svas anticipated , the W . M . had throsvn off his hesitating
timidity , and approached his task svith sufficient confidence to render his svork acceptable , thus shosving that it svas not svant of ability svhich made his performance appear somewhatunfinished on the former and first occasion . Atthe meeting of these " off nights " many of the more pompous observances are very properly dispensed svith , and the toasts and responses given svith delightful brevity .
ihe I . P . M ., Bro . Sol Barnett , in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " embraced the opportunity of making some favourable comments upon the ability svith svhich the onerous task of raising five brethren to the Third Degree had been accomplished . The VVorshipfuI Master , in his reply , did not hesitate to cast some justly deserved blame upon several of the senior officers svho svere conspicuous by tlieir absence .
Bros . VV . D . Bailey , P . M . and Treas . ; Harry Tipper , J . VV . ; Thompson , W . S . ; and J . D . Barnett , P . M . and Org ., contributed to the amusement of the evening by their vocal and instrumental talents . The visitors svere Bros . Bover , P . M . 30 G ; Robinson , 132 S ; Morling , S . W . 94 S ; and Oppenheim , 1306 . There svere also present Bros . R . Z . Bloomfield , P . M . ; Harfield , P . M . ; Stayley , P . M . ; Croker , P . M . ; N . Gluckstein , and E . Gottheil , P . M .
RANELAGH * LODGE ( No . S 34 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge svas held at The Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 14 th inst ., svhen Bro . James Sims svas installed in the chair of K . S . by the I . P . M ., Bro . H . Purdue , by svhom the ceremony svas very ably performed . The officers appointed for the year svere Bros . Dopson , S . W . ; Blake , J . VV . ; Butt , P . M ., Treas .
luck , Sec . ; Coplestone , S . D . ; Doncaster , J . D . ; Glover , I . G . ; Burton , D . C ; Iredale , W . S . ; and Craig , Assist . W . S . Among the brethren present svere Bros . H . Shasv , P . M . ; A . Ellingford , P . M . ; J . Stack , P . M . ; and J . Oliver , P . M . Visitors : Bros . L . Bryat , P . M . 1 S 28 ; F . Walters , P . P . G . S . D . Middx ., 1309 ; E . Ayling , P . M . 975 ; C . Williams , S . D . 15 S 5 ; E . li . Cox , J . D . 1563 ; E . Smyth ,
J . U . 123 S ; l < . Earle , D . C . 1441-, G . Gardiner , S . W . 2012 ; C . Volkman , 209 ; and C . Mordaunt , 263 . After the business of the lodge had been concluded , and closed in perfect harmony , the brethren retired to a very sumptuous banquet , served in the Victoria Room , svhich svas enlivened by the aid of a portion of thc string band of thc establishment .
After the usual loyal toasts , thc I . P . M ., in proposing JThe Health of the W . M ,, " said that it seemed a lifetime since they had knosvn each other , they having of late been so often together . Having the interest of the lodge at heart caused them to be so often together , so for svhat he had done he deserved the esteem of the brethren , and from svhat he ( thc I . P . M . ) had seen , he had no doubt the lodge
svould lose none of its lustre during his year of office . The VVorshipfuI Master , in reply , said he did not knosv hosv to begin . He felt so pleased and honoured in the position the lodge had placed him , and after all the good the I . P . M . had said of him , he felt too much flattered , so he thought the best thing for him to do was to say little and try to do much during his year of office . He thanked the
brethren of the lodge for the honour they had done him in placing him in that proud and exalted position . The VVorshipfuI Master , in proposing "The Health of the I . P . M ., " said that the brethren of the lodge could not be too grateful for the good he had done to the lodge during his year of office . They had seen him svork the ceremonies in a manner that could not be surpassed by
any Mason ; they had seen him svorking for the Charities in going up as Stesvard for the aged brethren with a list worthy of the Ranelagh Lodge ; and lastly , as Installing Master , svhich they svould all agree svas done in masterly style . For this he had much pleasure , in the name of the Ranelagh Lodge , in placing on his breast the Past Alaster ' s jesvel so unanimously voted , and svhich no P . M . more
deserved , and he only hoped that svhen his time came to pass dosvn , he svould go dosvn svith much credit to himself and the Craft . The Immediate Past Master said he had passed dosvn , but he had more confidence than this time last year . He felt more proud of his position—proud at having fulfilled the position he had longed for . He had served themand
, by their mark of approbation he felt he had given them satisfaction . He had succeeded by the support he had received from the Past Masters and officers of the lodge , and for svhich he svould take that opportunity of thanking them . He could not say too much for the pride he felt in
receiving their approval for what he had done . He svas proud of the strides the lodge had made during the past fesv years , and hoped it svould go on and prosper , of svhich , under the guidance of so able a W . M ,, he had no doubt . Again thanking the brethren for their great kindness and mark of esteem , he said words could not express his gratification .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
"The Initiates" toast having been responded to , and the hour being late , Bro . Bryat , P . M ., responded on behalf of " The Visitors " in a very brief but able manner , expressing regret ihe was there then only as a visitor , he having been a P . M . of the lodge . The intervals betsveen the toasts svere cared for by Bro . Oliver , P . M ., under svhose guidance some delightful harmony svas heard . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a most pleasant evening .
WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge svas held on Tuesday , the 15 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . There [ svere present Bros . VV . Brindley , W . M . ; J . Gibson , S . W . ; Coleman , S . D . ; Mimms , J . D . ; Harvey , I . G . ; Glover , W . S . ; Rev .
Halpin , Chap . ; Young , Org . ; and about 100 P . M . 's , members , and visitors , among them being the follosving : — Bros . Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . D . ; Cottebrune , P . M ., P . G . P ., & c . j Ascott , P . M . 733 ; Baker , S . VV . and VV . M . elect 2030 ; A . Hayes , W . S . 1425 ; and Mason , P . M . 300 ,
P . P . G . S . D . Middx . The minutes of the last meeting svere read and confirmed . The ballot svas then taken for Mr . Davies , and being unanimous in his favour , he svas admitted and initiated into Freemasonry by the VV . M . in his usual good style . Bro . Gibson , S . VV . and VV . M . elect , svas then presented , and installed in the chair of K . S . in due form , Bro . Brindley performing the
duties of Installing Master in a highly efficient manner . The W . M . then appointed his officers for the ensuing year as follosvs : Bros . W . Brindley , I . P . M . ; J . Coleman , S . W . ; W . Mimms , J . W . ; Harvey , S . D . ; Luckhurst , j . D . ; Glover , I . G . ; HoWand , D . C ; Taylor , W . S . ; Tucker , A . W . S . ; R . Scott , Sec . ; T . Meredith , P . M ., Treas . ; Rev . Halpin , Chap . ; W . Young , Org . ; and
Lackland , Tyler . The business being concluded , the lodge [ svas closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet hall , svhere an excellent meal svas provided and had good justice done to it by the brethren . The toasts of "The Queen and the Craft" and "The M . W . G . M . and Grand ~ Officers" svere most heartily received .
V . W . Bro . Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . Chap ., in responding for the Grand Officers , said : It is a very great honour to any Grand Officer to have to respond to the toast svhich has been so kindly given by the W . M . and so svarmly responded to by the brethren of this lodge . I am one of the oldest existing of Grand Officers , and I am like our esteemed friend—svho has been called the father of this
lodge ( Bro . Cottebrune)—as fresh as paint , and perfectly able to render , as he has rendered to-night , good service to the Craft and to the lodge . It is 43 years since 1 sasv the light of Freemasonry in the good Lodge of Friendship at Gibraltar , and there learned those excellent principles of our Craft—loyalty to the Queen , obedience to duty , and sympathy iwith each other—svhich have done so much to bind
us together in this sublunary scene . I thank you for thc svay in svhich you have received this toast , and I do trust that this lodge svill have a happy career before it , and go on cementing men in one happy bond of friendship and brotherly sympathy . Bro . Cottebrune responded as follosvs : After the very eloquent speech ot our svorthy Bro . Woodford I cannot say
much ; but svhat I do say svill fall very far short of his vcry able speech . Still , I feel you have paid mc a very high compliment in having received my name so kindly . I can only say that I have alsvays been vcry pleased to do svhat I can for Freemasonry and for the Wanderers Lodge ; and svhat 1 have done to-night as acting D . C . you are svelcome to . 1 cannot sit down svithout expressing my delight at thc
very able manner in svhich Bro . Brindley has done his svork this evening , especially that of Installing Master , svhich must have given great pleasure and satisfaction to the W . M . and members of this lodge . The I . P . M . then rose , saying : It is a most pleasant duty I have to perform—that is , to propose "The Health of our W . M . " 1 do it with extreme pleasure , and am
proud of having the opportunity . Bro . Gibson is a very old friend of mine , and I am sure all of our brethren svho knosv him will say that sve could not have a better Mason , or a more svorthy Master , than our esteemed Bro . Gibson . The toast svas received svith acclamation . The W . M ., in responding , thanked the brethren for the
kind manner they had received and responded to thc toast of his health , and stated that , having taken the ofiice , he svould endeavour to perform its duties to the best of his ability , and that he hoped to give satisfaction to thc brethren . The W . M . then rose and said : I have nosv a very pleasing duty to perform—namely , to present our I . P . M .
with the P . M . ' s jesvel you have so generously voted to him in recognition of the very courteous and efficient manner in svhich hc has performed his duties during the past 12 months , and I svish to add my personal testimony to the manner in svhich he performed the duties of Installing Officer to-day . I trust he may be spared many years to svear it . ln conclusion , 1 will ask yon to drink "The
Health of our esteemed I . P . M ., Bro . Brindley . " The W . M . ' s remarks svere received svith great enthusiasm . The I . P . M ., in reply , said : W . M . and brethren , I scarcely knosv how to thank you for this kind mark of respect you have paid to me , and for the very handsome jesvel you have presented me , and to knosv that 1 have g iven to
you satisfaction is very gratifying indeed . I have also thank Bro . Cottebrune , P . M ., for his kind expressions , and I may , I think , say , svithout being accused of egotism , that after what he has said I must have done my duty satisfactorily . The "Initiate" responded to his toast , and said that the ceremony had made a great impression upon him .
The remaining Masonic toasts svere duly honoured . Bros . South , White , Young , and other brethren contributed vocal and instrumental music , to the delight of t » c brethren , the "Simon the Cellarer" of Bro . South being rendered in a most humorous manner . The brethren separated at an early hour , after having spent a most enjoyable evening .
COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614)—The usual monthly meeting was held at The Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 14 th inst ., svhen there svere present Bros . John Jacobs , W . M . ; W . H . Kedgley , S . W . ; 1 . «• Dickson , J . W . ; Edsvard Jacobs , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Ralp " . acting as S . D . ; G . Reynolds , I . G . ; Stacey , P . M ., Org .,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Junior Wardens . I have talked over this matter svith Bro . Murray Lyon , and he repudiates the statement . But I da not think that were it incorrect the petitioners svould have falsely , and unnecessarily , set forth that such officers existed . They not only did so , but quoted minutes instructing their existence , and certified the quotations as correct . The petitioners svere the Master and Wardens of the lodge . The former svas a svell-knosvn . public county gentleman
of the period . Thc Senior Warden svas the Sheriff clerk of the county of Inverness , one of its leading officials , and the Junior Warden svas a ; solicitor in Inverness . These men were not likely either to make unfounded statements , or to pretend to quote documents having no existence . The Charter is granted by the Earl of Cromarty ( thc ancestor of the present Duchess of Sutherland ) , then Grand Master , and the other Grand Office Bearers . Hosv they came to
set forth that thc lodge had received apprentices , passed Fellosv Crafts , and raised Master Masons since 1 G 7 S , if the statement svas false , must I fear remain a mystery . It is scarcely credible that a body of public gentlemen of the highest social position should have done so , as Bro . Hughan says they did , " svithout the slightest evidence . " And it is as unlikely that another body of gentlemen of equally good position svould have received such a document , containing
such a statement , if unfounded , svithout challenge or explanation . We ( ind from the lodge minutes that on its receipt the lodge met , and carefully considered the Charter , and ordered it to be engrossed jn the minute book . Opportunity thus occurred for consideration of its terms , svhich svere adopted as true . Besides , the records under date 27 th December , 1737 , further set forth that " a list of all the brethren belonging to the lodge was enrolled in the minutes ,
and the arrears of quarter pennies due to the lodge , according io the old Book . " This list contained 19 Masters , ' 10 Fellosv Crafts , and 26 Apprentices . The admission of these brethren must have extended over a considerable period . There are , or at least there used to be , several boxes filled svith documents of the period of the formation of Grand Lodge , lying in its cellars in Edinburgh . Were these examined much light might be throsvn
on the state of Masonry in Scotland , prior to 173 G , and the authority on svhich Grand Lodge made its statement under question , discovered . In Bro . Hughan ' s interesting note in the Freemason of last sveek , he adopts the opinion that the svorking of Masonic Degrees from 167 S is apocryphal . But if they are , why should such statements have been made ? They could serve , if untrue , no purpose . The Coltness Charter sets forth that the practice in that lodge
existed only thirty years prior to 1737 , certainly no lengthened period , and not connecting it svith the practice of Masonry in ancient times . A similar observation applies to the statement in the Inverness Charter , for there . the practice is said to have existed only 59 years . There could have been noobjectin making such allegations if apocryphal . The usual claims to Masonic antiquity could not have been strengthened by a record of facts so modern . The limited
and definite periods specified incline one to believe in the accuracy of the statements . The Petition seeking the Charter further sets forth : " That preceding the year 1 G 78 , it seems by tradition of our oldest members nota living , that the lodge kept their minutes from time to time in an irregular manner upon sheets or baffles of paper , most of svhich sve nosv cannot collect , so as to make anything of them to purpose—they having been either cancelled or lost by accident . " None of these "baffles of paper "
now exist , and the Minute Book of 1 G 7 S has itself disappeared . But some of them ss * ere extant in 1737 ; and had the petitioners desired to claim an older svorking for their lodge than 1 G 7 S , they might fairly have done ' so as from the date of the oldest " baffle" in their possession . They , hosvever , did not do so , and candidly admit that these stray Minutes did not instruct the character of the lodge ' s ss-ork ing . From this circumstance may be inferred the fact that the Minute Book founded on did so . W . O ., P . M . No . 1 .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft f & asonrg . ROBERT BURNS LODGE ( No . 25 ) . —A meeting of this lodge svas held on Monday , 13 th inst ,, at Freemasons'Hall . Present : Bros . J . VV . Harvey , VV . M . ; T . Hasvkins , S . VV . ; A . W . Stead , J . W . ; J . Dyte , Sec ; J . T . Ford , S . D . ; VV . Wingham , J . D . ; T . Deaton , I . G . ; E . J . Wall , Stwd . ; Walkley , Tyler ; Past Masters J . G . Moorcroft , I . P . M . ; Lindner , Robins , Hodson ,
Losvenstark , and Baker ; Briggs , Bygrove , Witchom , Bakesvell , Cole , and Hodson . Visitors : Bros . Reynolds , I . G . 1614 ; and Ray , S . W . 743 . Bro . Cole svas raised to the Third Degree . Unanimous votes of thanks svere proposed tothedonorsforthehandsome set of tracing boards painted in oils , the svork of Bro . M . D . Losvenstark , svhich had been presented to the lodge at
the January meeting . Business being concluded , tbe brethren adjourned to the Sussex Rooms for the banquet . After the usual loyal toasts had been honoured , Bro . Moorcroft , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . " in very appropriate and kind terms . The VV . M ., in reply , assured the brethren that he sincerely appreciated the very kind and flattering terms in
which the I . P . M , had proposed his health , and the hearty svay in svhich they had responded . He felt a deep sense of the great responsibility attached to the chair , and it svould be his earnest endeavour to carry out these duties to the utmost of his endeavours , and thereby add to the prosperity and prestige of this ancient lodge . The W . M . proposed "The Health of the Visitors " in
complimentary terms . Bro . Ray , in reply , referred to the Masonic characteristics of Robert Burns , his fellosv countryman , and Bro . Reynolds spoke of his long association svith members of this lodge . The VV . M . then proposed "Thc I . P . M ., " and
congratulated him on the very able manner in svhich he had conducted the lodge during his term of office under great family afflictions . The I . P . M . responded in a fesv svcll-choscn and feeling terms . The W . M . stated that it was with a great amount of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
pleasure he proposed "The Health of the P . M . ' s of the Lodge . " Bro . Dyte responded , being the oldest member of the lodge , in a fesv well-chosen terse sentences . The W . M . announced that the usual Summer Festival ( or ladies' day ) svould be held at the Star ancl Garter Hotel , Richmond , the first sveek in July , and he trusted
that it svould , svith the joint co-operation of the brethren , be a continued success . Bro . J . C . Hodson kindly offered his services as Secretary for this occasion , after which the W . M . proposed " The Health of the Officers of the Lodge , " which svas
duly acknosvledged . The Tyler's toast brought a vcry pleasant evening to a successful close . Bros . Moorcroft , Losvenstark , Robins , Mr . A . Smythson , and Miss Eugene Kemble added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening svith singing and music .
LODGEOF TRANQUILLITY ( No . 185 ) . —The last meeting of the present session of this lodge took place at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . G ., on Monday , the 20 th inst ., and , although not numerously attended , proved one of those happy gatherings at svhich the spirit of enjoyment and content prevail , created by the absence of the more or less noisy exhilaration svhich characterises
large assemblies on grand occasions . Bro . G . Boas , VV . M ., presided , and , in consequence of the absence of some of the senior officers , several of the Past Masters acted for them . The business of the evening in the lodge consisted of the conferring the Master Mason ' s Degree upon Bros . J . Davis , ' , Frisher , Lazarus , M . Marks , and Van Geider . As svas anticipated , the W . M . had throsvn off his hesitating
timidity , and approached his task svith sufficient confidence to render his svork acceptable , thus shosving that it svas not svant of ability svhich made his performance appear somewhatunfinished on the former and first occasion . Atthe meeting of these " off nights " many of the more pompous observances are very properly dispensed svith , and the toasts and responses given svith delightful brevity .
ihe I . P . M ., Bro . Sol Barnett , in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " embraced the opportunity of making some favourable comments upon the ability svith svhich the onerous task of raising five brethren to the Third Degree had been accomplished . The VVorshipfuI Master , in his reply , did not hesitate to cast some justly deserved blame upon several of the senior officers svho svere conspicuous by tlieir absence .
Bros . VV . D . Bailey , P . M . and Treas . ; Harry Tipper , J . VV . ; Thompson , W . S . ; and J . D . Barnett , P . M . and Org ., contributed to the amusement of the evening by their vocal and instrumental talents . The visitors svere Bros . Bover , P . M . 30 G ; Robinson , 132 S ; Morling , S . W . 94 S ; and Oppenheim , 1306 . There svere also present Bros . R . Z . Bloomfield , P . M . ; Harfield , P . M . ; Stayley , P . M . ; Croker , P . M . ; N . Gluckstein , and E . Gottheil , P . M .
RANELAGH * LODGE ( No . S 34 ) . —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge svas held at The Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 14 th inst ., svhen Bro . James Sims svas installed in the chair of K . S . by the I . P . M ., Bro . H . Purdue , by svhom the ceremony svas very ably performed . The officers appointed for the year svere Bros . Dopson , S . W . ; Blake , J . VV . ; Butt , P . M ., Treas .
luck , Sec . ; Coplestone , S . D . ; Doncaster , J . D . ; Glover , I . G . ; Burton , D . C ; Iredale , W . S . ; and Craig , Assist . W . S . Among the brethren present svere Bros . H . Shasv , P . M . ; A . Ellingford , P . M . ; J . Stack , P . M . ; and J . Oliver , P . M . Visitors : Bros . L . Bryat , P . M . 1 S 28 ; F . Walters , P . P . G . S . D . Middx ., 1309 ; E . Ayling , P . M . 975 ; C . Williams , S . D . 15 S 5 ; E . li . Cox , J . D . 1563 ; E . Smyth ,
J . U . 123 S ; l < . Earle , D . C . 1441-, G . Gardiner , S . W . 2012 ; C . Volkman , 209 ; and C . Mordaunt , 263 . After the business of the lodge had been concluded , and closed in perfect harmony , the brethren retired to a very sumptuous banquet , served in the Victoria Room , svhich svas enlivened by the aid of a portion of thc string band of thc establishment .
After the usual loyal toasts , thc I . P . M ., in proposing JThe Health of the W . M ,, " said that it seemed a lifetime since they had knosvn each other , they having of late been so often together . Having the interest of the lodge at heart caused them to be so often together , so for svhat he had done he deserved the esteem of the brethren , and from svhat he ( thc I . P . M . ) had seen , he had no doubt the lodge
svould lose none of its lustre during his year of office . The VVorshipfuI Master , in reply , said he did not knosv hosv to begin . He felt so pleased and honoured in the position the lodge had placed him , and after all the good the I . P . M . had said of him , he felt too much flattered , so he thought the best thing for him to do was to say little and try to do much during his year of office . He thanked the
brethren of the lodge for the honour they had done him in placing him in that proud and exalted position . The VVorshipfuI Master , in proposing "The Health of the I . P . M ., " said that the brethren of the lodge could not be too grateful for the good he had done to the lodge during his year of office . They had seen him svork the ceremonies in a manner that could not be surpassed by
any Mason ; they had seen him svorking for the Charities in going up as Stesvard for the aged brethren with a list worthy of the Ranelagh Lodge ; and lastly , as Installing Master , svhich they svould all agree svas done in masterly style . For this he had much pleasure , in the name of the Ranelagh Lodge , in placing on his breast the Past Alaster ' s jesvel so unanimously voted , and svhich no P . M . more
deserved , and he only hoped that svhen his time came to pass dosvn , he svould go dosvn svith much credit to himself and the Craft . The Immediate Past Master said he had passed dosvn , but he had more confidence than this time last year . He felt more proud of his position—proud at having fulfilled the position he had longed for . He had served themand
, by their mark of approbation he felt he had given them satisfaction . He had succeeded by the support he had received from the Past Masters and officers of the lodge , and for svhich he svould take that opportunity of thanking them . He could not say too much for the pride he felt in
receiving their approval for what he had done . He svas proud of the strides the lodge had made during the past fesv years , and hoped it svould go on and prosper , of svhich , under the guidance of so able a W . M ,, he had no doubt . Again thanking the brethren for their great kindness and mark of esteem , he said words could not express his gratification .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
"The Initiates" toast having been responded to , and the hour being late , Bro . Bryat , P . M ., responded on behalf of " The Visitors " in a very brief but able manner , expressing regret ihe was there then only as a visitor , he having been a P . M . of the lodge . The intervals betsveen the toasts svere cared for by Bro . Oliver , P . M ., under svhose guidance some delightful harmony svas heard . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a most pleasant evening .
WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge svas held on Tuesday , the 15 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hall . There [ svere present Bros . VV . Brindley , W . M . ; J . Gibson , S . W . ; Coleman , S . D . ; Mimms , J . D . ; Harvey , I . G . ; Glover , W . S . ; Rev .
Halpin , Chap . ; Young , Org . ; and about 100 P . M . 's , members , and visitors , among them being the follosving : — Bros . Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . D . ; Cottebrune , P . M ., P . G . P ., & c . j Ascott , P . M . 733 ; Baker , S . VV . and VV . M . elect 2030 ; A . Hayes , W . S . 1425 ; and Mason , P . M . 300 ,
P . P . G . S . D . Middx . The minutes of the last meeting svere read and confirmed . The ballot svas then taken for Mr . Davies , and being unanimous in his favour , he svas admitted and initiated into Freemasonry by the VV . M . in his usual good style . Bro . Gibson , S . VV . and VV . M . elect , svas then presented , and installed in the chair of K . S . in due form , Bro . Brindley performing the
duties of Installing Master in a highly efficient manner . The W . M . then appointed his officers for the ensuing year as follosvs : Bros . W . Brindley , I . P . M . ; J . Coleman , S . W . ; W . Mimms , J . W . ; Harvey , S . D . ; Luckhurst , j . D . ; Glover , I . G . ; HoWand , D . C ; Taylor , W . S . ; Tucker , A . W . S . ; R . Scott , Sec . ; T . Meredith , P . M ., Treas . ; Rev . Halpin , Chap . ; W . Young , Org . ; and
Lackland , Tyler . The business being concluded , the lodge [ svas closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet hall , svhere an excellent meal svas provided and had good justice done to it by the brethren . The toasts of "The Queen and the Craft" and "The M . W . G . M . and Grand ~ Officers" svere most heartily received .
V . W . Bro . Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . Chap ., in responding for the Grand Officers , said : It is a very great honour to any Grand Officer to have to respond to the toast svhich has been so kindly given by the W . M . and so svarmly responded to by the brethren of this lodge . I am one of the oldest existing of Grand Officers , and I am like our esteemed friend—svho has been called the father of this
lodge ( Bro . Cottebrune)—as fresh as paint , and perfectly able to render , as he has rendered to-night , good service to the Craft and to the lodge . It is 43 years since 1 sasv the light of Freemasonry in the good Lodge of Friendship at Gibraltar , and there learned those excellent principles of our Craft—loyalty to the Queen , obedience to duty , and sympathy iwith each other—svhich have done so much to bind
us together in this sublunary scene . I thank you for thc svay in svhich you have received this toast , and I do trust that this lodge svill have a happy career before it , and go on cementing men in one happy bond of friendship and brotherly sympathy . Bro . Cottebrune responded as follosvs : After the very eloquent speech ot our svorthy Bro . Woodford I cannot say
much ; but svhat I do say svill fall very far short of his vcry able speech . Still , I feel you have paid mc a very high compliment in having received my name so kindly . I can only say that I have alsvays been vcry pleased to do svhat I can for Freemasonry and for the Wanderers Lodge ; and svhat 1 have done to-night as acting D . C . you are svelcome to . 1 cannot sit down svithout expressing my delight at thc
very able manner in svhich Bro . Brindley has done his svork this evening , especially that of Installing Master , svhich must have given great pleasure and satisfaction to the W . M . and members of this lodge . The I . P . M . then rose , saying : It is a most pleasant duty I have to perform—that is , to propose "The Health of our W . M . " 1 do it with extreme pleasure , and am
proud of having the opportunity . Bro . Gibson is a very old friend of mine , and I am sure all of our brethren svho knosv him will say that sve could not have a better Mason , or a more svorthy Master , than our esteemed Bro . Gibson . The toast svas received svith acclamation . The W . M ., in responding , thanked the brethren for the
kind manner they had received and responded to thc toast of his health , and stated that , having taken the ofiice , he svould endeavour to perform its duties to the best of his ability , and that he hoped to give satisfaction to thc brethren . The W . M . then rose and said : I have nosv a very pleasing duty to perform—namely , to present our I . P . M .
with the P . M . ' s jesvel you have so generously voted to him in recognition of the very courteous and efficient manner in svhich hc has performed his duties during the past 12 months , and I svish to add my personal testimony to the manner in svhich he performed the duties of Installing Officer to-day . I trust he may be spared many years to svear it . ln conclusion , 1 will ask yon to drink "The
Health of our esteemed I . P . M ., Bro . Brindley . " The W . M . ' s remarks svere received svith great enthusiasm . The I . P . M ., in reply , said : W . M . and brethren , I scarcely knosv how to thank you for this kind mark of respect you have paid to me , and for the very handsome jesvel you have presented me , and to knosv that 1 have g iven to
you satisfaction is very gratifying indeed . I have also thank Bro . Cottebrune , P . M ., for his kind expressions , and I may , I think , say , svithout being accused of egotism , that after what he has said I must have done my duty satisfactorily . The "Initiate" responded to his toast , and said that the ceremony had made a great impression upon him .
The remaining Masonic toasts svere duly honoured . Bros . South , White , Young , and other brethren contributed vocal and instrumental music , to the delight of t » c brethren , the "Simon the Cellarer" of Bro . South being rendered in a most humorous manner . The brethren separated at an early hour , after having spent a most enjoyable evening .
COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614)—The usual monthly meeting was held at The Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 14 th inst ., svhen there svere present Bros . John Jacobs , W . M . ; W . H . Kedgley , S . W . ; 1 . «• Dickson , J . W . ; Edsvard Jacobs , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Ralp " . acting as S . D . ; G . Reynolds , I . G . ; Stacey , P . M ., Org .,