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Article LONDON MUTUAL MASONIC VOTING ASSOCIATION. Page 1 of 1 Article LONDON MUTUAL MASONIC VOTING ASSOCIATION. Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 2 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 2 →
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London Mutual Masonic Voting Association.
LONDON MUTUAL MASONIC VOTING ASSOCIATION .
To thc Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Permit me to say a few words on behalf of the " London Mutual Masonic Voting Association . " This Association , all will admit , is much needed , and has not
been started before it was required . Many London brethren have noted for some time past the admirable manner in which the Provincial brethren have worked , and how they have , by combination , succeeded in running their candidates in at the several Elections , * but the difficulty in our minds has been , How could London , with its numerous lodges and without a rallying point , secure a like result for
London cases ? This has at last been overcome , and great praise is due to those brethren who have , I trust , successfully combated and conquered it . London brethren will , by joining thc Association , not only aid in obtaining a fair representation of London cases in the several Institutions , but will secure in the futureshould they require it for themselves , or any member of
their families—election to either of the Masonic establishments , and the cost need not debar the very poorest from joining , seeing that the entrance fee is only 2 S . 6 d ., and the subscription 2 s . per annum . The Association is at present only in its infancy , and it will take time and careful management to bring it on a level with the Provincial Associations , and its success will materially depend upon the support it receives from the
Metropolitan lodges and brethren , whom I trust will rally round the standard of the Association in such numbers as to prove to the provinces that we are not wanting in " espirit de corps , " or above following their lead in any undertaking which is for the advancement of our Order , or the benefit of its members . —I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours sincerely and fraternally , July 20 th . A . T . H ., 1425 .
DISTRICT GRAND LODGES FOR LONDON . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The letter of " A Supporter of our Institutions , " in your issue of the iSth , raises a question well worthy of consideration by all interested in the future welfare of the Craft . Masonry has extended so rapidly under the able
management of our royal Grand Master , especially in the metropolis , that the London Masons may fairly claim some constitution in the nature of a province , whereby they may be brought together and London interests fostered as in the country districts . It is true that the London rulers of the Craft have the opportunity of meeting at Grand Lodge ; but the increased interest taken by our provincial brethren
in the meetings of Grand Lodge and the large contingents they send up to London when any subject of special interest appears on the agenda , has entirely altered the nature of the meetings of Grand Lodge , which not many years since were composed principally of prominent London members . Indeed , already Grand Lodge , as at present constituted , has quite outgrown its present home , and many eminent
Masons give up attending to make room for younger brethren , the accommodation available being wholly insufficient for all wbo could and would be present . Would it not be practicable , without interfering with the privileges of "Middlesex" or "Surrey" to divide the metropolis into districts and constitute each a separate province , and then reconstitute Grand Lodge as a meeting of
elected members from each province , the number of members elected by each province being regulated by the number of working lodges existing from time to time ? If Masonry continues to increase during the next decade at the rate it has done during the last , we shall bid fair ere long to become an heterogenous mass of units , with little power of cohesion , and that spirit of unity which should be prominent will suffer . In political , municipal , and social
matters we find it necessary to reconstitute organisations which have worked well in the past but are not suited to the altered circumstances of the nineteenth century , and the same rule may have to be applied to our Brotherhood . If such be the case , let us not make the mistake of blindly adhering to " what is" because it " has been , " but look at the matter boldly and impartially . Reforms that come from without are always more drastic than those that emanate from within . —Yours , & c , L 0 ND 0 N 1 ENSIS .
A MASONIC EXCHANGE AND SALE COLUMN IN THE FREEMASON . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , There must be many brethren possessed of jewels and regalia they never want , and who would be glad to
sell if a market could be found . So , too , there are doubtless many who would be glad to know where to obtain second-hand Masonic clothing . Can you not set apart a column , or part of one , say , in the middle of the paper , opposite thc correspondence , for the purpose ?—Yours fraternally , JOHN A . LLOYD . Broad Hinton Vicarage , Swindon .
MASONIC POETRY . To tha Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , A long and severe illness , which has flung me behind hand in every way , has prevented me from replying as early as I ought to have done to our respected Bro . Emra Holmes ' s fraternal letter on the subject . I also
cordially endorse all that Bro . Whitehead has said in praise of our gifted Bro . Dr . Rob . Morris , although I have not had the pleasure of seeing his recently published volume , nevertheless I have read sufficient of his true Masonic poetry in the American and other Masonic periodicals to make me warmly approve of his coronation at New York as the new poet Laureate of Freemasonry , an honour
which 1 sincerely wish he may long live to enjoy . If I remember rightly , for his letter is not before me as I write , Bro . Whytehead spoke of Bro . John Cunningham as being born at York . If so , it is an error , Dublin being the natal place of the pastoral poet . Whether Bro . John Cunning .
ham was initiated into Freemasonry in Ireland , Scotland , or England , 1 tried in vain to ascertain many years ago , of which more anon . Bio . Duganne ' s most excellent Masonic poem , " King Solomon ' s Temple , " I regard as the grandest thing that has ever been done in that way , and think that every true Freemason ought to be familiar with
London Mutual Masonic Voting Association.
that wonderful production . Bro . Emra Holmes is quite correct in saying that I attempted to make it known in this country some years ago , by publishing it in a very cheap form . I sent out many thousands of advertisements to lodges all over the country , offering to send it free by post on receipt of five halfpenny postages , but the sale never cleared a quarter of the expense of advertising
it , let alone that of printing , & c . 1 will still be happy to sell copies at that price to any one who wishes to know what genuine freemasonry is , whether they belong to the Craft or not , for whilst as a true Mason , I would share the fate of that illustrious character we are taught to venerate in the Third Degree , rather than improperly divulge the secrets of Freemasonry .
I hold it to be the bounden duty of every member of the dear old Craft to be able and willing to give to every honest inquirer a rational answer to the question , " What is the good of Freemasonry in the present age ? " I thank Bro . Emra Holmes for his kindly tribute to my " Hundred Masonic Sonnets , Illustrative of the Principles of the Craft , " and , in return for his manly out-spokenness , I hope
he will allow me to dedicate the volume to him when it does appear , as I hope it will do before long . I have received some names as subscribers , both at home and abroad , of which I may well be proud ; but I have not yet a sufficient number of brethren agreed to pay half-a-crown for a copy of the book when ready for delivery to justify me incurring Ihe cost of printing and binding it at present . In the
meantime I am running the sonnets through the Masonic press wherever the English language is spoken and the editors care to give them ' ; and it is my intention in the volume to state inhere each sonnet has previously appeared . As any doggrel rhymer may call his rubbish Masonic poetry , and as the greater part of what has appeared in print as such is , in my opinion , a disgrace to the Sons of Light , this will brothers the sonnets
prove that many of my literary regard as fit for publication , and the reading Mason will not be " buying a pig in a poke . " In conclusion , allow me to say that any communication that may be addressed to me at Rose Cottage , Stokesley , Yorkshire , will receive my careful attention . —I remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours most fraternally , GEORGE MARKHAM TWEDDELL . Rose Cottage , Stokesley , July 16 th .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
623 ] FRENCH STATUTES OF 1743 . 1 am now writing to the Hague for a copy of these , as well as selections from the minutes of the Versailles Lodge " Chambre du Roy , " and trust to give " Masonic Student '' all the information he wants in a few weeks at latest . G . W . SPETH .
C 24 ] BRO . WOODFORD'S LIBRARY . Bro . Woodford seems to think students will be pleased at the sale of his valuable library . If there be a Croesus amongst us , no doubt he individually will be glad . For myself , I am sincerely sorry . For all practical purposes Bro . Woodford ' s library is as much mine as his , because he has never yet refused to place any book at my disposal ,
" and so say all of us . " But when it is dispersed what shall I do ? I look upon the proposed sale as a personal calamity . Can not Grand Lodge be induced to buy it ? or , failing this , can not a syndicate of students be formed to buy it and present it to Grand Lodge under certain conditions making it more valuable to students ? If sold , as proposed , almost every work of value will go to the United
States , and although no one can be fonder of our cousins than myself , I should feel an infinite satisfaction in robbing them of their prey . I distinctly lay down this axiom : if this collection leaves the country it will be a lasting disgrace to the English Craft . If a syndicate can be formed , I will contribute even beyond my means to avert this disgrace . G . W . SPETH .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft JHasourjL
EUPHRATES LODGE ( No . 212 ) . —The summer banquet of this lodge was held at the Holborn Restaurant on Tuesday evening , the 14 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Martin , W . M ., assisted by Bros . W . J . Cooper , S . W ., and W . J . Bassett , J . W . Previous to dinner , the brethren , ladies , and friends enjoyed a pleasurable trip on the Thames , the favourite and commodious steamer , Lotus , having been specially chartered . The
company , numbering nearly one hundred , met at the Old Swan Pier , and proceeded to Richmond , accompanied by an excellent quadrille band , returning to the Temple Pier at six o ' clock , carriages being provided to convey them to the restaurant , where a sumptuous banquet was served in firstclass style . The loyal and Masonic toasts haying been proposed and duly honoured , songs , recitations , and " morceaux de salon " brought to a close a most
enjoyable day . Among those present were Bros . W . R . Martin , W . M ., and Mrs . Martin ; Bro . W . J . Cooper , S . W ., and Mrs . Cooper ; Bro . W . J . Bassett , J . W ., W . J . Bassett , jun ., and Miss Bassett ; Bro . J . Seigenberg , S . D ., Mrs . Sei" -enberg , and Miss Seigenberg ; Bro . G . Wallduck and Mrs . Wallduck ; Hro . J . Boyden , LG . ; and Mrs . Boyden Bro . H . May , Mrs . May , and Miss May ; Bro .
; Glass , Sec , and Mrs . Glass ; Bro . West and Mrs . West ; Bro . Halsey and Mrs . Halsey ; Bro . Pryor and Mrs . Pryor ; Bro . Burston and Mrs . Burston ; Bro . Elsdon ; Bro . Ue Leeu and Mrs . De Leeu ; Bro . G . Stevens , Mrs . Stevens , Miss Stevens , and Miss Clara Stevens ; Bro . Williams and Mr . Williams ; Bro . Edwards , Bro . Forss
Bro . Benabo and Mrs . Benabo ; Bro . Moss , Mrs . Moss , and Miss Moss ; Bro . Barnes , Mrs . Barnes , and Miss Barnes ; Bro . Marsh ; Bro . Stean and Mrs . Stean ; Bro . Thorn , and Mrs . Thorn ; Bro . Taylor , and Mrs . Taylor ; Bro . Copson ; Bro . J . T . Wood ; Bro . Woods , Mrs . Woods , and Miss Woods ; and Bro . Hine , and Mrs . Hine .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
NELSON LODGE ( Jvo . 700 ) . —The installation meeting of this flourishing lodge took place on Wednesday , the 15 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich , when Bro . C . Sweeting , S . W . and W . M . elect , was placed in the chair of K . S . and saluted in due form . Bro . C . Norman , P . M ., Sec , performed the ceremony admirably , and the W . M . appointed his officers as follows : Bros . I . Sanderson , S . W . ; R . I . Naylor , J . W . ; T . Butt , P . M ..
Treas . ; C . Norman , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Swanson , S . D . ; W . Wray , J . D . ; J . Warren , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Bidgood , Org . ; J . W . Miller , I . G . ; and W . Webber , Assist . D . of C . A cordial vote of thanks was tendered tojBro . Norman and inscribed in the minute book for his masterly work as Installing Officer , and that brother returned thanks . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren took train to Gravesend , where , at the New Falcon Hotel , Bro
Hubbard had ready for their delectation one of those elegantly and tastily served banquets for which he is so famous ; the magnfiicent assembly room facing the river , in which the banquet was partaken of , being prettily decorated with flags and flowers for the occasion . Among those present and not above named were Bros . W . G . Graham , P . M . * , G . Crawford , P . M . ; j . Dawson , P . M . ; E . Bowles , P . M . ; C . Hobson , P . M . ; E . B .
Hobson , P . M ., A . Woodley , P . M . ; J . H . Roberts , P . M . ; T . Ovenden , P . M . ; W . Ward , C . Bedo , H . Palmer , G . Porter , R . Low , H . Tufnell , S . Southgate , W . Orpwood , G . Shaw , J . Trodd , H . Lane , H . Smith , A . Adams , W . McCoy , ] . Carty , A . Fenn , and J . McCulIour , all ofthe lodge ; j . Vincent P . M . 1076 , P . P . G . Swd . B . Surrey ; T . D . Hayes , P . M . 913 ; J . Kent , W . M . 192 ; E . Palmer , W . M . 913 ; W . Akers , 13 ;
W . Moulds , W . M . 1536 ; E . Farwig , P . M . 180 ; J . Lathom , P . M . 1714 ; E . Bedford , P . M . 473 ( Cawnpore ); A . Ives , W . M . 1472 ; R . A . Smith , P . M . 14 ; G . Davies , P . M . 13 ; Dr . Bernays , W . M . 706 ; R . Parkes , 1567 ; G . Nichols , 1567 ; F . Tyler , 913 ; G . Barker , D . C . 1275 ; W . Balchin , 2030 ; W . Hill , 13 ; H . T . Bonner , 73 ; H . Broadway , 1790 ; H . Hammond , 129 G ; W . G . Graham , I . G . 2041 ; and C . Jolly , S . W . 1472 , & c . { Freemason . )
The usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts having been honoured , the I . P . M ., Bro . Ovenden , proposed "The Health of the W . M . " in brief but telling sentences . He felt assured that Bro . Sweeting would make as good a Master as he had made a good officer in the junior ranks , and would sustain the prestige of the lodge above all else , so as to leave it as bright as he found it . The Worshipful Master said he hardly knew how to find
^^ words sufficient to thank them for their kind reception of the toast . It did not often come to the lot of so young a Mason as himself to reach the chair in so short a time as he had , and to preside over so excellent and prosperous a lodge as the Nelson . When he looked round at the Past Masters he saw among them Bro . P . M . Hobson , who initiated him , and he thanked that brother and those who followed him in the chair for giving him his first and
successive steps . If he had done his duty in the past , and he must have done so or they would not have chosen him as their Master , then would he try even to . do even better in the future , so as to show that their confidence had not been misplaced , and also his earnest desire for the prosperity of the lodge and the happiness of the brethren . The toast of " The Past Masters" followed , and in proposing it the W . M . spoke highly of their services to the
lodge , and in glowing terms eulogised Bro . Norman's splendid rendering of the installation ceremony . He then presented Bro . Ovenden , I . P . M . with the jewel of his office , and wished him many years of health to wear it , and then to hand it dowd to his children as a token of the respect their sire was held in by the brethren of the Nelson Lodge . Bro . Ovenden , in response , said he felt highly gratified
at the reception of so handsome a testimonial , because it carried with it , he felt sure , their approbation of his poor services , and he would prize it as long as he lived . Bro . Crawford was sorry he could not attend the lodge as often as he would like to , but there were two Past Masters who were never absent , he referred to Bros . Norman and Butt , and where they were all other assistance
was unnecessary . Bco . Graham , as one ot the oldest Past Masters of the lodge , could only endorse the words of P . M . Crawford as to Bros . Butt and Norman . He regarded Masonry aa something above mere labour or refreshment , it meant purity of life , truth , honesty , and above all Charity , and if he had not the time to spare to come oftener than he did , yet any especial call would always meet with a hearty and
immediate response at his hands . Bro . Norman thanked the W . M . for the complimentary way he had spoken of his working the installation ceremony , but felt that he had only done his duty , for " labour , if delighted in , physics pain . " Bro . C . Hobson said the reception of the toast was most gratifying to the Past Masters . He looked upon himself as one of the pensioners of the lodge , and thought the
time had come when no dues should be expected from the poor old worn out Past Masters , especially those who , like , himself , had 11 years service in , with a good conduct medal . They must not expect the old Past Masters to work too hard , but let them rest comfortable in the shade and look back and talk about the honours and pleasures of their more youthful days . He concluded a witty and mirth provoking speech by wishing the lodge and the Master every prosperity .
Bro . Butt was glad to be surrounded by such an array of Past Masters , especially upon " settling " day , it showed they took an interest in the lodge once a year . As Treasurer he was pleased to say the lodge was in a sound financial position , and looked like improving year by year . Bros . Warren , Woodley , and Roberts also responded . The other toasts were "The Initiate , Bro . Smith , " "The Visitors , " " The Officers , " and Tyler ' s toast , and a special toast to Bro . Hubbard for his splendid catering concluded the proceedings . ———
DUDLEY . —Harmonic Lodge ( No . 252 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday evening , the 7 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Tavern , Stone-street . Present : Bros . G . T . Owen , W . M . ; Jas . Turner , S . W . ; R . Stevenson , J . W . ; W . E . Walker , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Smith , P . M ., Sec ; S . Bagott , S . D . ; J . Warham , J . D . ; M . Smith ,
D . C ; W . Swallow , I . G . ; F . Garner , Tyler ; S . Spittle , Asst . Tyler ; R . G . Walker , I . P . M . ; . Edwin Turner , P . M . ; Wm . Waring , P . M . ; G . Bagott , P . M . ; T . F . Higgs , P . M . ; John Bywater , E . J . Chambers , J . Jones , R . Preece , J . Sidaway , G . Morgan , and T . While . Visitor : Bro . W . Docker , 468 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
London Mutual Masonic Voting Association.
LONDON MUTUAL MASONIC VOTING ASSOCIATION .
To thc Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Permit me to say a few words on behalf of the " London Mutual Masonic Voting Association . " This Association , all will admit , is much needed , and has not
been started before it was required . Many London brethren have noted for some time past the admirable manner in which the Provincial brethren have worked , and how they have , by combination , succeeded in running their candidates in at the several Elections , * but the difficulty in our minds has been , How could London , with its numerous lodges and without a rallying point , secure a like result for
London cases ? This has at last been overcome , and great praise is due to those brethren who have , I trust , successfully combated and conquered it . London brethren will , by joining thc Association , not only aid in obtaining a fair representation of London cases in the several Institutions , but will secure in the futureshould they require it for themselves , or any member of
their families—election to either of the Masonic establishments , and the cost need not debar the very poorest from joining , seeing that the entrance fee is only 2 S . 6 d ., and the subscription 2 s . per annum . The Association is at present only in its infancy , and it will take time and careful management to bring it on a level with the Provincial Associations , and its success will materially depend upon the support it receives from the
Metropolitan lodges and brethren , whom I trust will rally round the standard of the Association in such numbers as to prove to the provinces that we are not wanting in " espirit de corps , " or above following their lead in any undertaking which is for the advancement of our Order , or the benefit of its members . —I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours sincerely and fraternally , July 20 th . A . T . H ., 1425 .
DISTRICT GRAND LODGES FOR LONDON . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The letter of " A Supporter of our Institutions , " in your issue of the iSth , raises a question well worthy of consideration by all interested in the future welfare of the Craft . Masonry has extended so rapidly under the able
management of our royal Grand Master , especially in the metropolis , that the London Masons may fairly claim some constitution in the nature of a province , whereby they may be brought together and London interests fostered as in the country districts . It is true that the London rulers of the Craft have the opportunity of meeting at Grand Lodge ; but the increased interest taken by our provincial brethren
in the meetings of Grand Lodge and the large contingents they send up to London when any subject of special interest appears on the agenda , has entirely altered the nature of the meetings of Grand Lodge , which not many years since were composed principally of prominent London members . Indeed , already Grand Lodge , as at present constituted , has quite outgrown its present home , and many eminent
Masons give up attending to make room for younger brethren , the accommodation available being wholly insufficient for all wbo could and would be present . Would it not be practicable , without interfering with the privileges of "Middlesex" or "Surrey" to divide the metropolis into districts and constitute each a separate province , and then reconstitute Grand Lodge as a meeting of
elected members from each province , the number of members elected by each province being regulated by the number of working lodges existing from time to time ? If Masonry continues to increase during the next decade at the rate it has done during the last , we shall bid fair ere long to become an heterogenous mass of units , with little power of cohesion , and that spirit of unity which should be prominent will suffer . In political , municipal , and social
matters we find it necessary to reconstitute organisations which have worked well in the past but are not suited to the altered circumstances of the nineteenth century , and the same rule may have to be applied to our Brotherhood . If such be the case , let us not make the mistake of blindly adhering to " what is" because it " has been , " but look at the matter boldly and impartially . Reforms that come from without are always more drastic than those that emanate from within . —Yours , & c , L 0 ND 0 N 1 ENSIS .
A MASONIC EXCHANGE AND SALE COLUMN IN THE FREEMASON . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , There must be many brethren possessed of jewels and regalia they never want , and who would be glad to
sell if a market could be found . So , too , there are doubtless many who would be glad to know where to obtain second-hand Masonic clothing . Can you not set apart a column , or part of one , say , in the middle of the paper , opposite thc correspondence , for the purpose ?—Yours fraternally , JOHN A . LLOYD . Broad Hinton Vicarage , Swindon .
MASONIC POETRY . To tha Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , A long and severe illness , which has flung me behind hand in every way , has prevented me from replying as early as I ought to have done to our respected Bro . Emra Holmes ' s fraternal letter on the subject . I also
cordially endorse all that Bro . Whitehead has said in praise of our gifted Bro . Dr . Rob . Morris , although I have not had the pleasure of seeing his recently published volume , nevertheless I have read sufficient of his true Masonic poetry in the American and other Masonic periodicals to make me warmly approve of his coronation at New York as the new poet Laureate of Freemasonry , an honour
which 1 sincerely wish he may long live to enjoy . If I remember rightly , for his letter is not before me as I write , Bro . Whytehead spoke of Bro . John Cunningham as being born at York . If so , it is an error , Dublin being the natal place of the pastoral poet . Whether Bro . John Cunning .
ham was initiated into Freemasonry in Ireland , Scotland , or England , 1 tried in vain to ascertain many years ago , of which more anon . Bio . Duganne ' s most excellent Masonic poem , " King Solomon ' s Temple , " I regard as the grandest thing that has ever been done in that way , and think that every true Freemason ought to be familiar with
London Mutual Masonic Voting Association.
that wonderful production . Bro . Emra Holmes is quite correct in saying that I attempted to make it known in this country some years ago , by publishing it in a very cheap form . I sent out many thousands of advertisements to lodges all over the country , offering to send it free by post on receipt of five halfpenny postages , but the sale never cleared a quarter of the expense of advertising
it , let alone that of printing , & c . 1 will still be happy to sell copies at that price to any one who wishes to know what genuine freemasonry is , whether they belong to the Craft or not , for whilst as a true Mason , I would share the fate of that illustrious character we are taught to venerate in the Third Degree , rather than improperly divulge the secrets of Freemasonry .
I hold it to be the bounden duty of every member of the dear old Craft to be able and willing to give to every honest inquirer a rational answer to the question , " What is the good of Freemasonry in the present age ? " I thank Bro . Emra Holmes for his kindly tribute to my " Hundred Masonic Sonnets , Illustrative of the Principles of the Craft , " and , in return for his manly out-spokenness , I hope
he will allow me to dedicate the volume to him when it does appear , as I hope it will do before long . I have received some names as subscribers , both at home and abroad , of which I may well be proud ; but I have not yet a sufficient number of brethren agreed to pay half-a-crown for a copy of the book when ready for delivery to justify me incurring Ihe cost of printing and binding it at present . In the
meantime I am running the sonnets through the Masonic press wherever the English language is spoken and the editors care to give them ' ; and it is my intention in the volume to state inhere each sonnet has previously appeared . As any doggrel rhymer may call his rubbish Masonic poetry , and as the greater part of what has appeared in print as such is , in my opinion , a disgrace to the Sons of Light , this will brothers the sonnets
prove that many of my literary regard as fit for publication , and the reading Mason will not be " buying a pig in a poke . " In conclusion , allow me to say that any communication that may be addressed to me at Rose Cottage , Stokesley , Yorkshire , will receive my careful attention . —I remain , dear Sir and Brother , yours most fraternally , GEORGE MARKHAM TWEDDELL . Rose Cottage , Stokesley , July 16 th .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
623 ] FRENCH STATUTES OF 1743 . 1 am now writing to the Hague for a copy of these , as well as selections from the minutes of the Versailles Lodge " Chambre du Roy , " and trust to give " Masonic Student '' all the information he wants in a few weeks at latest . G . W . SPETH .
C 24 ] BRO . WOODFORD'S LIBRARY . Bro . Woodford seems to think students will be pleased at the sale of his valuable library . If there be a Croesus amongst us , no doubt he individually will be glad . For myself , I am sincerely sorry . For all practical purposes Bro . Woodford ' s library is as much mine as his , because he has never yet refused to place any book at my disposal ,
" and so say all of us . " But when it is dispersed what shall I do ? I look upon the proposed sale as a personal calamity . Can not Grand Lodge be induced to buy it ? or , failing this , can not a syndicate of students be formed to buy it and present it to Grand Lodge under certain conditions making it more valuable to students ? If sold , as proposed , almost every work of value will go to the United
States , and although no one can be fonder of our cousins than myself , I should feel an infinite satisfaction in robbing them of their prey . I distinctly lay down this axiom : if this collection leaves the country it will be a lasting disgrace to the English Craft . If a syndicate can be formed , I will contribute even beyond my means to avert this disgrace . G . W . SPETH .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft JHasourjL
EUPHRATES LODGE ( No . 212 ) . —The summer banquet of this lodge was held at the Holborn Restaurant on Tuesday evening , the 14 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Martin , W . M ., assisted by Bros . W . J . Cooper , S . W ., and W . J . Bassett , J . W . Previous to dinner , the brethren , ladies , and friends enjoyed a pleasurable trip on the Thames , the favourite and commodious steamer , Lotus , having been specially chartered . The
company , numbering nearly one hundred , met at the Old Swan Pier , and proceeded to Richmond , accompanied by an excellent quadrille band , returning to the Temple Pier at six o ' clock , carriages being provided to convey them to the restaurant , where a sumptuous banquet was served in firstclass style . The loyal and Masonic toasts haying been proposed and duly honoured , songs , recitations , and " morceaux de salon " brought to a close a most
enjoyable day . Among those present were Bros . W . R . Martin , W . M ., and Mrs . Martin ; Bro . W . J . Cooper , S . W ., and Mrs . Cooper ; Bro . W . J . Bassett , J . W ., W . J . Bassett , jun ., and Miss Bassett ; Bro . J . Seigenberg , S . D ., Mrs . Sei" -enberg , and Miss Seigenberg ; Bro . G . Wallduck and Mrs . Wallduck ; Hro . J . Boyden , LG . ; and Mrs . Boyden Bro . H . May , Mrs . May , and Miss May ; Bro .
; Glass , Sec , and Mrs . Glass ; Bro . West and Mrs . West ; Bro . Halsey and Mrs . Halsey ; Bro . Pryor and Mrs . Pryor ; Bro . Burston and Mrs . Burston ; Bro . Elsdon ; Bro . Ue Leeu and Mrs . De Leeu ; Bro . G . Stevens , Mrs . Stevens , Miss Stevens , and Miss Clara Stevens ; Bro . Williams and Mr . Williams ; Bro . Edwards , Bro . Forss
Bro . Benabo and Mrs . Benabo ; Bro . Moss , Mrs . Moss , and Miss Moss ; Bro . Barnes , Mrs . Barnes , and Miss Barnes ; Bro . Marsh ; Bro . Stean and Mrs . Stean ; Bro . Thorn , and Mrs . Thorn ; Bro . Taylor , and Mrs . Taylor ; Bro . Copson ; Bro . J . T . Wood ; Bro . Woods , Mrs . Woods , and Miss Woods ; and Bro . Hine , and Mrs . Hine .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
NELSON LODGE ( Jvo . 700 ) . —The installation meeting of this flourishing lodge took place on Wednesday , the 15 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich , when Bro . C . Sweeting , S . W . and W . M . elect , was placed in the chair of K . S . and saluted in due form . Bro . C . Norman , P . M ., Sec , performed the ceremony admirably , and the W . M . appointed his officers as follows : Bros . I . Sanderson , S . W . ; R . I . Naylor , J . W . ; T . Butt , P . M ..
Treas . ; C . Norman , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Swanson , S . D . ; W . Wray , J . D . ; J . Warren , P . M ., D . C . ; W . Bidgood , Org . ; J . W . Miller , I . G . ; and W . Webber , Assist . D . of C . A cordial vote of thanks was tendered tojBro . Norman and inscribed in the minute book for his masterly work as Installing Officer , and that brother returned thanks . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren took train to Gravesend , where , at the New Falcon Hotel , Bro
Hubbard had ready for their delectation one of those elegantly and tastily served banquets for which he is so famous ; the magnfiicent assembly room facing the river , in which the banquet was partaken of , being prettily decorated with flags and flowers for the occasion . Among those present and not above named were Bros . W . G . Graham , P . M . * , G . Crawford , P . M . ; j . Dawson , P . M . ; E . Bowles , P . M . ; C . Hobson , P . M . ; E . B .
Hobson , P . M ., A . Woodley , P . M . ; J . H . Roberts , P . M . ; T . Ovenden , P . M . ; W . Ward , C . Bedo , H . Palmer , G . Porter , R . Low , H . Tufnell , S . Southgate , W . Orpwood , G . Shaw , J . Trodd , H . Lane , H . Smith , A . Adams , W . McCoy , ] . Carty , A . Fenn , and J . McCulIour , all ofthe lodge ; j . Vincent P . M . 1076 , P . P . G . Swd . B . Surrey ; T . D . Hayes , P . M . 913 ; J . Kent , W . M . 192 ; E . Palmer , W . M . 913 ; W . Akers , 13 ;
W . Moulds , W . M . 1536 ; E . Farwig , P . M . 180 ; J . Lathom , P . M . 1714 ; E . Bedford , P . M . 473 ( Cawnpore ); A . Ives , W . M . 1472 ; R . A . Smith , P . M . 14 ; G . Davies , P . M . 13 ; Dr . Bernays , W . M . 706 ; R . Parkes , 1567 ; G . Nichols , 1567 ; F . Tyler , 913 ; G . Barker , D . C . 1275 ; W . Balchin , 2030 ; W . Hill , 13 ; H . T . Bonner , 73 ; H . Broadway , 1790 ; H . Hammond , 129 G ; W . G . Graham , I . G . 2041 ; and C . Jolly , S . W . 1472 , & c . { Freemason . )
The usual loyal and Grand Lodge toasts having been honoured , the I . P . M ., Bro . Ovenden , proposed "The Health of the W . M . " in brief but telling sentences . He felt assured that Bro . Sweeting would make as good a Master as he had made a good officer in the junior ranks , and would sustain the prestige of the lodge above all else , so as to leave it as bright as he found it . The Worshipful Master said he hardly knew how to find
^^ words sufficient to thank them for their kind reception of the toast . It did not often come to the lot of so young a Mason as himself to reach the chair in so short a time as he had , and to preside over so excellent and prosperous a lodge as the Nelson . When he looked round at the Past Masters he saw among them Bro . P . M . Hobson , who initiated him , and he thanked that brother and those who followed him in the chair for giving him his first and
successive steps . If he had done his duty in the past , and he must have done so or they would not have chosen him as their Master , then would he try even to . do even better in the future , so as to show that their confidence had not been misplaced , and also his earnest desire for the prosperity of the lodge and the happiness of the brethren . The toast of " The Past Masters" followed , and in proposing it the W . M . spoke highly of their services to the
lodge , and in glowing terms eulogised Bro . Norman's splendid rendering of the installation ceremony . He then presented Bro . Ovenden , I . P . M . with the jewel of his office , and wished him many years of health to wear it , and then to hand it dowd to his children as a token of the respect their sire was held in by the brethren of the Nelson Lodge . Bro . Ovenden , in response , said he felt highly gratified
at the reception of so handsome a testimonial , because it carried with it , he felt sure , their approbation of his poor services , and he would prize it as long as he lived . Bro . Crawford was sorry he could not attend the lodge as often as he would like to , but there were two Past Masters who were never absent , he referred to Bros . Norman and Butt , and where they were all other assistance
was unnecessary . Bco . Graham , as one ot the oldest Past Masters of the lodge , could only endorse the words of P . M . Crawford as to Bros . Butt and Norman . He regarded Masonry aa something above mere labour or refreshment , it meant purity of life , truth , honesty , and above all Charity , and if he had not the time to spare to come oftener than he did , yet any especial call would always meet with a hearty and
immediate response at his hands . Bro . Norman thanked the W . M . for the complimentary way he had spoken of his working the installation ceremony , but felt that he had only done his duty , for " labour , if delighted in , physics pain . " Bro . C . Hobson said the reception of the toast was most gratifying to the Past Masters . He looked upon himself as one of the pensioners of the lodge , and thought the
time had come when no dues should be expected from the poor old worn out Past Masters , especially those who , like , himself , had 11 years service in , with a good conduct medal . They must not expect the old Past Masters to work too hard , but let them rest comfortable in the shade and look back and talk about the honours and pleasures of their more youthful days . He concluded a witty and mirth provoking speech by wishing the lodge and the Master every prosperity .
Bro . Butt was glad to be surrounded by such an array of Past Masters , especially upon " settling " day , it showed they took an interest in the lodge once a year . As Treasurer he was pleased to say the lodge was in a sound financial position , and looked like improving year by year . Bros . Warren , Woodley , and Roberts also responded . The other toasts were "The Initiate , Bro . Smith , " "The Visitors , " " The Officers , " and Tyler ' s toast , and a special toast to Bro . Hubbard for his splendid catering concluded the proceedings . ———
DUDLEY . —Harmonic Lodge ( No . 252 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday evening , the 7 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Tavern , Stone-street . Present : Bros . G . T . Owen , W . M . ; Jas . Turner , S . W . ; R . Stevenson , J . W . ; W . E . Walker , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Smith , P . M ., Sec ; S . Bagott , S . D . ; J . Warham , J . D . ; M . Smith ,
D . C ; W . Swallow , I . G . ; F . Garner , Tyler ; S . Spittle , Asst . Tyler ; R . G . Walker , I . P . M . ; . Edwin Turner , P . M . ; Wm . Waring , P . M . ; G . Bagott , P . M . ; T . F . Higgs , P . M . ; John Bywater , E . J . Chambers , J . Jones , R . Preece , J . Sidaway , G . Morgan , and T . While . Visitor : Bro . W . Docker , 468 .