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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 135 s ) . —The first lodge meeting since the installation of the W . M . was held on Thursday evening , the 9 th inst . Present : Bros . W . S . Cackett , W . M . ; T . Slcap , S . W . ; W . Mitchell , J . W . ; W . Snowden , I . P . M . ; J . Dann , P . M ., Sec . ; A . Runacrcs , S . D . ; W . Chalk , J . D . ; E . W . Boyton , I . G . ; C . E . Power , D . C ; J . H . Swan ,
Org . ; T . Taylor , W . S . ; F . Geider , Tyler ; also Bros . J . E . Pcntrcath , J . Dixon , R . Scott , H . Kember , J . R . Smith , R . Mclllroy , T . C . Corpe , W . Allen , W . G . Bott , E . Pearman , G . M . Le Touzel , G . E . Beach , C . Sims . Also visitors , Bros . M . S . Larlham , P . M . 15 , 39 ; E . G . Webster , 72 ; C . S . Barker , 1426 ; E . B . Wright , 1319 ; C . F . Strube , 72 . The lodge was opened in the
First Degree . A copy of the report by the Auditors—Bros . J . E . Pentreath and R . Scott—was placed in the hands of every member , and was taken as received . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Kember was entrusted and retired . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and Bro . Kember was admitted and raised to thc Sublime Degree of Master Mason . Bros . Le Touzel
and W . Allen were then passed to the Second Degree . After a motion respecting finances , proposed by Bro . Scott , had been lost , a proposition by Bro . Pentreath as to balloting was carried . A vote of thanks to thc Auditors , Bios . Scott and Pentreath , on the motion of Bro . Mclllroy , was carried unanimously . After the formal closing of the lodge , thc brethren adjourned to an excellently prepared
banquet , at which thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were received with every degree of heartiness . The ceremonies were admirably worked by the W . M ., Bro . W . S . Cackett . LIVERPOOL . —Merchants' Lodge ( No . 241 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this well-known lodge was held on Tuesdav , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall ,
Hope-street , Liverpool . Bro . G . Hutchin , W . M ., occupied thc chair , and amongst his supporters were Bros . R . Wilson , P . M ., P . Prov . G . J . D . ; G . Broadbridge , P . M ., P . Prov . G . D . C . ; J . McQuistan , acting S . W . ; James Winsor , J . W . ; Dr . S . J . McGeorge , P . M ., Treas . ; T . H . Sheen , Sec ; T . Salter , S . D . ; W . Williams , J . D . ; S . Jacobs , I . G . ; W . H . Ball , Tyler ; R . W . Barnes , J . Latta ,
T . Whitehead , John Winsor , B . Woolf , & c . The lodge having been duly opened , and the minutes read and approved , the W . M ., Bro . G . Hutchin , proceeded to initiate in a most effective manner , and afterwards raised two brethren to the Sublime Degree in an equally impressive manner , the latter portion of the historical lecture being given by Bro . R . Wilson , P . M . The brethren subsequently
adjourned to refreshment . BOSTON . —Lodge of Harmony ( No . 272 ) . — The usual meeting of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 272 , was held on Tuesday , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Main Ridge , Boston , Lincolnshire . Bro . John Queenboro , W . M ., presided , and the following officers were present : Bros . W . H . B . Bratley , S . W . ; C . Pickering , J . W . ; J .
W . Lowe , Chap . ; W . R . Fowler , Treas . ; H . Snaith , Sec . ; A . Thorpe , S . D . ; E . Organer , J . D . ; J . Buck , Org . ; J . Eley , I . G . ; W . Warne , Tyler . Bros . Thomas , I . P . M ., and Baines , P . M ., were also present . The only visitor was Bro . H . Thompson ( " Freemason" ) , 1426 , and P . M . 177 and 1158 . The lodge having been opened and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed , Bro .
George Robert Mawer was introduced and questioned as to his proficiency in the science , and his answers being considered satisfactory , he retired , and the lodge was opened in the Second Degree . He was then readmitted in due form , and advanced to the degree of a F . C , the ceremony being most ably rendered by the W . M . Some private business having been disposed of the lodge was
closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment , which was served in that liberal spirit sn truly characteristic of the Freemasons of Lincolnshire . At the close of the repast the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were heartily responded to , after which Bro . Bratley , S . W ., in some well-chosen words proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " whose year of
office was drawing to a close , but remarked that during the time be had occupied the chair he had acquitted himself in his duties to their entire satisfaction . Thc W . M . in acknowledging the compliment expressed his thanks to the brethren for having so cordially responded to it , and said that he had been most fortunate in having such a body of officers who had so well supported him , and one
and all had been most punctual in their attendance , and carried out all that could possibly be required of them . Bro . Baines , P . M ., begged to be allowed to propose the next toast , which was "Thc Health of their Visitor , Bro . Thompson , " and could assure him that thc Lodge of Harmony gave him a hearty welcome , a toast which was drunk with thc utmost cordiality . Bro .
II . Thompson , in reply , begged to thank the W . Master and brethren , not only for thc kind manner in which the toast had been responded to , but fe > r thc bountiful hospitality with which he had been received . He could assure them that next to his initiation into Freemasonry that was the proudest moment ol his life , as for many years he had desired to visit that lodge-, and now the aspiration of
his heart had been accomplished . As a native of the county he felt some interest in being there , but more especially so as that was the lodge in which so far back as the year 1812 his father first saw thc light of Freemasonry , an event which made the greatest impression on his mind , and which he chtrislud and revered up to his latest hour , but years since he had passed away . In
answer to bis jouthful inquiries as to what Freemasonry was , his reply was that it was something very good in itself , v , liiili lie would in lime bud out It ¦« himself . In due lime lie had done so , and be could safely repeat llie words of his drpaited father and say it was a very good thing , and if properly used was calculated to promote the hai'i'inc :, and the , v . eliaie cf mankind . Tlijs brought to bii mind the f . nt tluit riceiva-. cnry v . as now aprtccUKd
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to an extent that had no parallel , for he found , according to a statement he held in his hand , that it was making most rapid strides all over thc world , for while on the 1 st November , 1863 , the total number of lodges on the roll of thc Grand Lodge of England amounted to 942 , on the 9 th November , 1836 , they were 1649 , or an increase of 707 between those two periods . That
they would admit was a most satisfactory state of things , and showed the healthy condition of their Order in this country , but as regarded lodges in France , he was sorry to find that lately there was a very uneasy feeling in London as to the condition of lodges in that country . For some time past , he had it on good authority , they had banished the use of thc Sacred Volume from their
lodges , which was in itself a blow striking at the very root and existence of Freemasonry , but a proposition was now before the Grand Orient of France even worse than that , a proposition most repugnant to their Order and every well regulated mind , and that was that no religious test should be required from any candidate seeking admission to their lodges . If they admitted infidels
or communists into tleir lodges — all repudiating tbe existence of a Supreme Being—he was really at a loss to know upon what principle they could bind them together when they disregarded all those sacred ties which formed thc great bond and foundation of Freemasonry . If such was to be the case , what was there to prevent thc admission of men who , like those
of the First Revolution , worshipped the God of Reason , and caused the streets of France to run with blood . He thought it was only right that they should know what was going on , and if the subject shall ever be taken up by thc Grand Lodge of England , they would know what to do when the lime for action should arrive . He was afraid he had wandered from the toast which had been proposed ,
but being forewarned they would be forearmed , and in conclusion he begged most cordially to return them his sincere thanks for the honour they bad conferred upon him . Some other toasts having been given , a very happy meeting was brought to a close . LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No . 281 ) . —Thc monthly meeting of this lodge was held in
tbe Masonic Rooms , Athenieum , on the 8 lh inst . There was a good attendance ; the chair of K . S . being occupied by Bro . Thomas Atkinson , the W . M . The . lodge having been opened with solemn prayer , thc minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Pandolfini , of St . John and St . Paul Lodge , No . 349 , was unanimously elected a joining member . There being no special
business the W . M . and Bro . Dr . Moore , P . G . S . B . of E ., very efficiently worked the first section of the lecture on the E . A . Degree . A cordial vote of thanks was passed to each on its termination . The usual proclamations were then made , which elicited hearty good wishes from thc visiting brethren , and the lodge was afterwards closed in peace , love , and harmony . This lodge has recently
undergone a complete renovation , and now presents a very comfortable appearance , second to none , we should think , for its size , in the Province of West Lancashire . LANCASTER . —Rowley Lodge ( No . 1051 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Rooms , Athenamm , Lancaster , on the 6 th inst ., Bro . Longman , the W . M ., presiding . There was a good
attendance of members and visiting brethren . The lodge having been opened in the First Degree with solemn prayer , the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Mr . James Vince , which proving unanimous that gentleman was regularly initiated into the mysteries of the Cia't , the woiking being performed by the W . M . Bro . Dr . Moore , P . G . S . B . of E .,
afterwards gave the lecture on the First Tracing Board , and at the close was awarded a hearty vote of thanks . Thc congratulations of the lodge were also passed to Bro . W . J . Sey , P . M ., on his appointment as J . D . of Prov . Grand Lodge of West Lancashire . The usual proclamations were then made , which elicited hearty good wishes from the visiting brethren , and the lodge was closed with
the formalities of the Craft . LIVERPOOL . —Temple Lodge ( No . 1094 ) . — The brethren of this excellent lodge were summoned to attend their Masonic duties at the monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , at six o ' clock , on the evening of Wednesday , the 8 th inst ., and in response to the summons there was quite a large gathering . Bro .
William Healing was in the place of honour as W . M ., and amongst his official supporters were Bros . R . C , Yclland , P . M . ; R . R . Martin , P . M . ; R . Washington , P . M . ; A . Jarvis , S . W . ; Thos . G . Winstanley , J . W . ; J . Wood , Treas ., ( "Freemason" ); Thos . Marsh , P . M ., Sec ; T . S . Williams , S . D . ; T . Birch , J . D . ; W . B , Jones , I . G . j Joseph Skcaf , Org . ; John Alexander , S . ;
M . G . Bateman , S . ; H . Ilorspool , S . ; and P . Ball , Tyler . Thc members present were Bros . T . Durrans , W . Callow , R . Bathic , H . Jones , Geo . B . McGachen , T . Carr , F . J . Jcffery , and J . S . Tyson . The visitors' lis ' , embraced Bros . P . B . Gee , P . M . 1264 ; W . Hawksworth , 724 ; J . Pemberton , P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; A . Magnus , 12 ( 14 ; H . S . Alpass , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . M . Stanbury ,
241 ; T . Price , 1039 ; P . McMuldrow , P . M . 1299 , P . G . Purst . ; and ' il . P . Price , P . M . 249 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for a candidate ( Mr . James Preston ) who was duly elected . The lodge was then opened in thc Second Degree , when Bro . Bethell was examined , and the remarkably perfect manner in which
he answered gave ample satisfaction . He then retired , and the ledge was opened in the Third Degree , when Uro . Brtbell was re-admiticd and raised . The noble ceremony was pnformrd in a manner which has rarely , i [ ever , been surpassed in the lodge , and elicited universal and hearty admiration . A circular was read with reference to the sedllia in Clnacr Cathtdial , and the sum of tbiee guineas was voted in aid of the fund for this purpmc . Bro . H ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , who has taken the warmest interest in the gift , cordially thanked the Temple brethren for their gift . After other votes for charitable objects , and thc transaction of some formal business , the lodge was closed according to ancient form , and the brethren retired for refreshment . The W . M . ( Bro . W . Healing ) presided at the festive board , and during thc evening the usual
loyal and Masonic toasts were given and loyally and Masonically honoured . Bro . R . C . Yelland , I . P . M ., in proposing " The Health of the Worshipful Master" ( a toast which was received with much enthusiasm ) , referred in eulogistic terms to the splendid style in which he ( Bro . Healing ) had gone through the ceremony of taising Bro , Bethell that afternoon , and also paid him a very high
compliment for the exceedingly able manner in which he performed the duties of the chair generally . In acknowledging the proposition of the toast , Bro . Healing , W . M ., thanked Bro . Yelland and the officers and members generally for the honour thus done to him . It was his ambition to maintain the dignity of his office and to do justice to their noble Masonic ceremonies , and he felt
amply repaid for study and labour by the cordial recogni . tion thus given by the brethren to his efforts in that direction . In the course of the evening Bro . R . R . Martin , P . M ., asked and obtained permission from the W . M . to depart from thc beaten track of toasts , and propose " The Health of Bro . Bethell , " who had that evening been raised to the Degree of M . M . The most efficient way in
which he had proved himself on receiving his degrees reflected honour not only upon himself but upon his tutor ; and Bro . Bethell might also feel proud in having been raised in thc presence of the P . G . Secretary , as he ( Bro . Martin ) believed this was thc only instance in which any member had been so honoured . Bro . Bethell replied in suitable terms , and shortly afterwards the Tylers ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a closcat an early hour .
LIVERPOOL . —Lodge of Israel ( No . 1302 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Liverpool Masonic Hall , last Monday afternoon , the 20 th inst ., when Bro . Maurice Hart , S . W ., was duly installed in the chair by Bro . A . J . Henochsberg , the retiring W . M . A full report of the proceedings will appear in next week's " Freemason . "
TWICKENHAM . —Francis Burdett Lodge ( No . 1503 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham , on Wednesday , the 8 th inst ., at four o'clock in the afternoon precisely . Amongst thc officers present were Bros . Wigginton , P . M . 902 , 1298 , P . P . G . D . C . Worcestershire , P . G . S . of Works Middlesex , W . M . ; W . H . Saunders , P . G . S . of Surrey ,
S . W ., W . M . elect ; Tomlinson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . of Norfolk , J W . ; C . Horsley , P . M ., & c , acting I . P . M . ; Kennedy , P . M ., & c . ; Knaggs , S . D . ; Taylor , J . D . ; Court , Sec . Bro . Hervey , G . S ., & c , & c , an honorary member of the lodge , was also present . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , thc ceremony of installation commenced . The Installing
Master , Bro . Wigginton , P . M ., appointed the following members of the lodge to assist him in carrying out the ceremonial : — Bros . Hervey , Horsley , Tomlinson , and Kennedy . The whole of thc interesting and arduous ceremony was then most ably and impressively performed by the Installing Master . Amongst the principal officers appointed and invested for the ensuing year were Bros
Knaggs , S . W . ; Court , sen ., J . W . ; Tomlinson , P . M ., etc ., Treas . ; Wigginton , I . P . M ., & c , Sec . ; Taylor , S . D . ; Vaughan , J . D . The lodge was shortly afterwards closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , thc toasts of " Thc Queen and the Craft , " " H . R . H . the M . W . G . M , " "The Pro and D . G . M . ' s , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Past and
Present , " " The M . W . P . G . M . of Middlesex , Col . Burdett , " "Thc D . G . M . of Middlesex , and the rest of thc Provincial Grand Officers , Past and Present , " were given briefly , but pertinently by the W . M . Bro . Hervey , G . S ., replied for "The Grand Officers" by expressing his thanks for thc manner in which thc toast had been proposed and received , and , amongst other matters , stated that he was personally
gratified at perceiving the great progress the lodge had made since its foundation in 1874 , which prosperity he hoped would long continue . Bros . Wigginton , P . G . S . of Works , and Horsley , P . P . G . R ., responded on behalf of the Prov . G . Officers for Middlesex . " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by the I . P . M ., who , in the course of his remarks , hoped that the W . M . ' s year of office would in
every respect prove a most happy and prosperous one . Thc W . M ., in reply , expressed his thanks to thc brethren for having elected him to fulfil the duties and discharge thc responsibilities of W . M . of No . 1303 , which lodge , he was proud to say , was equal to any in the large Masonic Province of Middlesex , and in conclusion , he hoped that thc kind wishes and anticipations contained in the I . P . M . ' s
speech would be fully realized . "The Health of thc I . P . M . and Honorary Past Masters" followed , and at its conclusion the W . M . presented Bro . Wigginton with a very handsome and artistically designed jewel as a memorial of his two years of office . The I . P . M . made a very able and effective reply in acknowledgment of thc g ift . The toasts of " Thc Visitor , Bro . Lane , " " The Masonic
Charities , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and " The Officers " followed in quick succession , and the Tyler's toast at ten o ' clock terminated thc proceedings , which were throughout eminently successful . The next meeting of thc lodge will be held on Wednesday , the 13 th prox . GREAT STANMORE . —Abercorn Lodge
( No . 1349 ) . —This young lodge completed its second season at the Abercorn Hotel on the 3 rd ult . A Lodge ol Emergency has also to be recorded , which was held on Sept . ijth , to advance several younger brethren , at which Bro . LP . M . H . Ilelsdon presided , in the absence of the W . M . This extra meeting was not only well supporte d by the eftictii and members of the lodge , but was hoii-
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 135 s ) . —The first lodge meeting since the installation of the W . M . was held on Thursday evening , the 9 th inst . Present : Bros . W . S . Cackett , W . M . ; T . Slcap , S . W . ; W . Mitchell , J . W . ; W . Snowden , I . P . M . ; J . Dann , P . M ., Sec . ; A . Runacrcs , S . D . ; W . Chalk , J . D . ; E . W . Boyton , I . G . ; C . E . Power , D . C ; J . H . Swan ,
Org . ; T . Taylor , W . S . ; F . Geider , Tyler ; also Bros . J . E . Pcntrcath , J . Dixon , R . Scott , H . Kember , J . R . Smith , R . Mclllroy , T . C . Corpe , W . Allen , W . G . Bott , E . Pearman , G . M . Le Touzel , G . E . Beach , C . Sims . Also visitors , Bros . M . S . Larlham , P . M . 15 , 39 ; E . G . Webster , 72 ; C . S . Barker , 1426 ; E . B . Wright , 1319 ; C . F . Strube , 72 . The lodge was opened in the
First Degree . A copy of the report by the Auditors—Bros . J . E . Pentreath and R . Scott—was placed in the hands of every member , and was taken as received . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Kember was entrusted and retired . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and Bro . Kember was admitted and raised to thc Sublime Degree of Master Mason . Bros . Le Touzel
and W . Allen were then passed to the Second Degree . After a motion respecting finances , proposed by Bro . Scott , had been lost , a proposition by Bro . Pentreath as to balloting was carried . A vote of thanks to thc Auditors , Bios . Scott and Pentreath , on the motion of Bro . Mclllroy , was carried unanimously . After the formal closing of the lodge , thc brethren adjourned to an excellently prepared
banquet , at which thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts were received with every degree of heartiness . The ceremonies were admirably worked by the W . M ., Bro . W . S . Cackett . LIVERPOOL . —Merchants' Lodge ( No . 241 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this well-known lodge was held on Tuesdav , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall ,
Hope-street , Liverpool . Bro . G . Hutchin , W . M ., occupied thc chair , and amongst his supporters were Bros . R . Wilson , P . M ., P . Prov . G . J . D . ; G . Broadbridge , P . M ., P . Prov . G . D . C . ; J . McQuistan , acting S . W . ; James Winsor , J . W . ; Dr . S . J . McGeorge , P . M ., Treas . ; T . H . Sheen , Sec ; T . Salter , S . D . ; W . Williams , J . D . ; S . Jacobs , I . G . ; W . H . Ball , Tyler ; R . W . Barnes , J . Latta ,
T . Whitehead , John Winsor , B . Woolf , & c . The lodge having been duly opened , and the minutes read and approved , the W . M ., Bro . G . Hutchin , proceeded to initiate in a most effective manner , and afterwards raised two brethren to the Sublime Degree in an equally impressive manner , the latter portion of the historical lecture being given by Bro . R . Wilson , P . M . The brethren subsequently
adjourned to refreshment . BOSTON . —Lodge of Harmony ( No . 272 ) . — The usual meeting of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 272 , was held on Tuesday , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Main Ridge , Boston , Lincolnshire . Bro . John Queenboro , W . M ., presided , and the following officers were present : Bros . W . H . B . Bratley , S . W . ; C . Pickering , J . W . ; J .
W . Lowe , Chap . ; W . R . Fowler , Treas . ; H . Snaith , Sec . ; A . Thorpe , S . D . ; E . Organer , J . D . ; J . Buck , Org . ; J . Eley , I . G . ; W . Warne , Tyler . Bros . Thomas , I . P . M ., and Baines , P . M ., were also present . The only visitor was Bro . H . Thompson ( " Freemason" ) , 1426 , and P . M . 177 and 1158 . The lodge having been opened and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed , Bro .
George Robert Mawer was introduced and questioned as to his proficiency in the science , and his answers being considered satisfactory , he retired , and the lodge was opened in the Second Degree . He was then readmitted in due form , and advanced to the degree of a F . C , the ceremony being most ably rendered by the W . M . Some private business having been disposed of the lodge was
closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment , which was served in that liberal spirit sn truly characteristic of the Freemasons of Lincolnshire . At the close of the repast the W . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were heartily responded to , after which Bro . Bratley , S . W ., in some well-chosen words proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " whose year of
office was drawing to a close , but remarked that during the time be had occupied the chair he had acquitted himself in his duties to their entire satisfaction . Thc W . M . in acknowledging the compliment expressed his thanks to the brethren for having so cordially responded to it , and said that he had been most fortunate in having such a body of officers who had so well supported him , and one
and all had been most punctual in their attendance , and carried out all that could possibly be required of them . Bro . Baines , P . M ., begged to be allowed to propose the next toast , which was "Thc Health of their Visitor , Bro . Thompson , " and could assure him that thc Lodge of Harmony gave him a hearty welcome , a toast which was drunk with thc utmost cordiality . Bro .
II . Thompson , in reply , begged to thank the W . Master and brethren , not only for thc kind manner in which the toast had been responded to , but fe > r thc bountiful hospitality with which he had been received . He could assure them that next to his initiation into Freemasonry that was the proudest moment ol his life , as for many years he had desired to visit that lodge-, and now the aspiration of
his heart had been accomplished . As a native of the county he felt some interest in being there , but more especially so as that was the lodge in which so far back as the year 1812 his father first saw thc light of Freemasonry , an event which made the greatest impression on his mind , and which he chtrislud and revered up to his latest hour , but years since he had passed away . In
answer to bis jouthful inquiries as to what Freemasonry was , his reply was that it was something very good in itself , v , liiili lie would in lime bud out It ¦« himself . In due lime lie had done so , and be could safely repeat llie words of his drpaited father and say it was a very good thing , and if properly used was calculated to promote the hai'i'inc :, and the , v . eliaie cf mankind . Tlijs brought to bii mind the f . nt tluit riceiva-. cnry v . as now aprtccUKd
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
to an extent that had no parallel , for he found , according to a statement he held in his hand , that it was making most rapid strides all over thc world , for while on the 1 st November , 1863 , the total number of lodges on the roll of thc Grand Lodge of England amounted to 942 , on the 9 th November , 1836 , they were 1649 , or an increase of 707 between those two periods . That
they would admit was a most satisfactory state of things , and showed the healthy condition of their Order in this country , but as regarded lodges in France , he was sorry to find that lately there was a very uneasy feeling in London as to the condition of lodges in that country . For some time past , he had it on good authority , they had banished the use of thc Sacred Volume from their
lodges , which was in itself a blow striking at the very root and existence of Freemasonry , but a proposition was now before the Grand Orient of France even worse than that , a proposition most repugnant to their Order and every well regulated mind , and that was that no religious test should be required from any candidate seeking admission to their lodges . If they admitted infidels
or communists into tleir lodges — all repudiating tbe existence of a Supreme Being—he was really at a loss to know upon what principle they could bind them together when they disregarded all those sacred ties which formed thc great bond and foundation of Freemasonry . If such was to be the case , what was there to prevent thc admission of men who , like those
of the First Revolution , worshipped the God of Reason , and caused the streets of France to run with blood . He thought it was only right that they should know what was going on , and if the subject shall ever be taken up by thc Grand Lodge of England , they would know what to do when the lime for action should arrive . He was afraid he had wandered from the toast which had been proposed ,
but being forewarned they would be forearmed , and in conclusion he begged most cordially to return them his sincere thanks for the honour they bad conferred upon him . Some other toasts having been given , a very happy meeting was brought to a close . LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No . 281 ) . —Thc monthly meeting of this lodge was held in
tbe Masonic Rooms , Athenieum , on the 8 lh inst . There was a good attendance ; the chair of K . S . being occupied by Bro . Thomas Atkinson , the W . M . The . lodge having been opened with solemn prayer , thc minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Pandolfini , of St . John and St . Paul Lodge , No . 349 , was unanimously elected a joining member . There being no special
business the W . M . and Bro . Dr . Moore , P . G . S . B . of E ., very efficiently worked the first section of the lecture on the E . A . Degree . A cordial vote of thanks was passed to each on its termination . The usual proclamations were then made , which elicited hearty good wishes from thc visiting brethren , and the lodge was afterwards closed in peace , love , and harmony . This lodge has recently
undergone a complete renovation , and now presents a very comfortable appearance , second to none , we should think , for its size , in the Province of West Lancashire . LANCASTER . —Rowley Lodge ( No . 1051 ) . — The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Rooms , Athenamm , Lancaster , on the 6 th inst ., Bro . Longman , the W . M ., presiding . There was a good
attendance of members and visiting brethren . The lodge having been opened in the First Degree with solemn prayer , the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Mr . James Vince , which proving unanimous that gentleman was regularly initiated into the mysteries of the Cia't , the woiking being performed by the W . M . Bro . Dr . Moore , P . G . S . B . of E .,
afterwards gave the lecture on the First Tracing Board , and at the close was awarded a hearty vote of thanks . Thc congratulations of the lodge were also passed to Bro . W . J . Sey , P . M ., on his appointment as J . D . of Prov . Grand Lodge of West Lancashire . The usual proclamations were then made , which elicited hearty good wishes from the visiting brethren , and the lodge was closed with
the formalities of the Craft . LIVERPOOL . —Temple Lodge ( No . 1094 ) . — The brethren of this excellent lodge were summoned to attend their Masonic duties at the monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , at six o ' clock , on the evening of Wednesday , the 8 th inst ., and in response to the summons there was quite a large gathering . Bro .
William Healing was in the place of honour as W . M ., and amongst his official supporters were Bros . R . C , Yclland , P . M . ; R . R . Martin , P . M . ; R . Washington , P . M . ; A . Jarvis , S . W . ; Thos . G . Winstanley , J . W . ; J . Wood , Treas ., ( "Freemason" ); Thos . Marsh , P . M ., Sec ; T . S . Williams , S . D . ; T . Birch , J . D . ; W . B , Jones , I . G . j Joseph Skcaf , Org . ; John Alexander , S . ;
M . G . Bateman , S . ; H . Ilorspool , S . ; and P . Ball , Tyler . Thc members present were Bros . T . Durrans , W . Callow , R . Bathic , H . Jones , Geo . B . McGachen , T . Carr , F . J . Jcffery , and J . S . Tyson . The visitors' lis ' , embraced Bros . P . B . Gee , P . M . 1264 ; W . Hawksworth , 724 ; J . Pemberton , P . G . Supt . of Wks . ; A . Magnus , 12 ( 14 ; H . S . Alpass , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . M . Stanbury ,
241 ; T . Price , 1039 ; P . McMuldrow , P . M . 1299 , P . G . Purst . ; and ' il . P . Price , P . M . 249 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for a candidate ( Mr . James Preston ) who was duly elected . The lodge was then opened in thc Second Degree , when Bro . Bethell was examined , and the remarkably perfect manner in which
he answered gave ample satisfaction . He then retired , and the ledge was opened in the Third Degree , when Uro . Brtbell was re-admiticd and raised . The noble ceremony was pnformrd in a manner which has rarely , i [ ever , been surpassed in the lodge , and elicited universal and hearty admiration . A circular was read with reference to the sedllia in Clnacr Cathtdial , and the sum of tbiee guineas was voted in aid of the fund for this purpmc . Bro . H ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
S . Alpass , P . G . Sec , who has taken the warmest interest in the gift , cordially thanked the Temple brethren for their gift . After other votes for charitable objects , and thc transaction of some formal business , the lodge was closed according to ancient form , and the brethren retired for refreshment . The W . M . ( Bro . W . Healing ) presided at the festive board , and during thc evening the usual
loyal and Masonic toasts were given and loyally and Masonically honoured . Bro . R . C . Yelland , I . P . M ., in proposing " The Health of the Worshipful Master" ( a toast which was received with much enthusiasm ) , referred in eulogistic terms to the splendid style in which he ( Bro . Healing ) had gone through the ceremony of taising Bro , Bethell that afternoon , and also paid him a very high
compliment for the exceedingly able manner in which he performed the duties of the chair generally . In acknowledging the proposition of the toast , Bro . Healing , W . M ., thanked Bro . Yelland and the officers and members generally for the honour thus done to him . It was his ambition to maintain the dignity of his office and to do justice to their noble Masonic ceremonies , and he felt
amply repaid for study and labour by the cordial recogni . tion thus given by the brethren to his efforts in that direction . In the course of the evening Bro . R . R . Martin , P . M ., asked and obtained permission from the W . M . to depart from thc beaten track of toasts , and propose " The Health of Bro . Bethell , " who had that evening been raised to the Degree of M . M . The most efficient way in
which he had proved himself on receiving his degrees reflected honour not only upon himself but upon his tutor ; and Bro . Bethell might also feel proud in having been raised in thc presence of the P . G . Secretary , as he ( Bro . Martin ) believed this was thc only instance in which any member had been so honoured . Bro . Bethell replied in suitable terms , and shortly afterwards the Tylers ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a closcat an early hour .
LIVERPOOL . —Lodge of Israel ( No . 1302 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Liverpool Masonic Hall , last Monday afternoon , the 20 th inst ., when Bro . Maurice Hart , S . W ., was duly installed in the chair by Bro . A . J . Henochsberg , the retiring W . M . A full report of the proceedings will appear in next week's " Freemason . "
TWICKENHAM . —Francis Burdett Lodge ( No . 1503 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham , on Wednesday , the 8 th inst ., at four o'clock in the afternoon precisely . Amongst thc officers present were Bros . Wigginton , P . M . 902 , 1298 , P . P . G . D . C . Worcestershire , P . G . S . of Works Middlesex , W . M . ; W . H . Saunders , P . G . S . of Surrey ,
S . W ., W . M . elect ; Tomlinson , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . of Norfolk , J W . ; C . Horsley , P . M ., & c , acting I . P . M . ; Kennedy , P . M ., & c . ; Knaggs , S . D . ; Taylor , J . D . ; Court , Sec . Bro . Hervey , G . S ., & c , & c , an honorary member of the lodge , was also present . The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , thc ceremony of installation commenced . The Installing
Master , Bro . Wigginton , P . M ., appointed the following members of the lodge to assist him in carrying out the ceremonial : — Bros . Hervey , Horsley , Tomlinson , and Kennedy . The whole of thc interesting and arduous ceremony was then most ably and impressively performed by the Installing Master . Amongst the principal officers appointed and invested for the ensuing year were Bros
Knaggs , S . W . ; Court , sen ., J . W . ; Tomlinson , P . M ., etc ., Treas . ; Wigginton , I . P . M ., & c , Sec . ; Taylor , S . D . ; Vaughan , J . D . The lodge was shortly afterwards closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , thc toasts of " Thc Queen and the Craft , " " H . R . H . the M . W . G . M , " "The Pro and D . G . M . ' s , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Past and
Present , " " The M . W . P . G . M . of Middlesex , Col . Burdett , " "Thc D . G . M . of Middlesex , and the rest of thc Provincial Grand Officers , Past and Present , " were given briefly , but pertinently by the W . M . Bro . Hervey , G . S ., replied for "The Grand Officers" by expressing his thanks for thc manner in which thc toast had been proposed and received , and , amongst other matters , stated that he was personally
gratified at perceiving the great progress the lodge had made since its foundation in 1874 , which prosperity he hoped would long continue . Bros . Wigginton , P . G . S . of Works , and Horsley , P . P . G . R ., responded on behalf of the Prov . G . Officers for Middlesex . " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by the I . P . M ., who , in the course of his remarks , hoped that the W . M . ' s year of office would in
every respect prove a most happy and prosperous one . Thc W . M ., in reply , expressed his thanks to thc brethren for having elected him to fulfil the duties and discharge thc responsibilities of W . M . of No . 1303 , which lodge , he was proud to say , was equal to any in the large Masonic Province of Middlesex , and in conclusion , he hoped that thc kind wishes and anticipations contained in the I . P . M . ' s
speech would be fully realized . "The Health of thc I . P . M . and Honorary Past Masters" followed , and at its conclusion the W . M . presented Bro . Wigginton with a very handsome and artistically designed jewel as a memorial of his two years of office . The I . P . M . made a very able and effective reply in acknowledgment of thc g ift . The toasts of " Thc Visitor , Bro . Lane , " " The Masonic
Charities , " "The Treasurer and Secretary , " and " The Officers " followed in quick succession , and the Tyler's toast at ten o ' clock terminated thc proceedings , which were throughout eminently successful . The next meeting of thc lodge will be held on Wednesday , the 13 th prox . GREAT STANMORE . —Abercorn Lodge
( No . 1349 ) . —This young lodge completed its second season at the Abercorn Hotel on the 3 rd ult . A Lodge ol Emergency has also to be recorded , which was held on Sept . ijth , to advance several younger brethren , at which Bro . LP . M . H . Ilelsdon presided , in the absence of the W . M . This extra meeting was not only well supporte d by the eftictii and members of the lodge , but was hoii-