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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
unity tn the Etonian Lodge that made them strong , and got them all on so well together ( hear , hear ) , for all the Past Masters took thc greatest interest and gave their help . He regretted his poverty of language prevented his better expressing his thanks ; but if he was poor in thanks , such
as he had he gave to them most heartily . ( Louel cheers . ) Some other toasts followed , but th * train to London being just due , the meeting was virtually closed with the last toast . The musical talent of Messrs . Policy , Bolton , and Cox , added very considerably to the evening's enjoyment .
HELSTON . —Lodge True and Faithful ( No . 318 ) . —The members of the loelge celebrated the annual festival of St . John the Evangelist , last week . The brethren assembled at the Masonic Rooms , at 1 . 30 p . m ., when the lodge was opened in due form . Two candidates for the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry were then accepted , and initiated in the First Degree . The ceremony
of installing the W . M . elect , Bro . J . Jeffery , S . W ., was then ably and impressively performed by Bro Joyce , W . M ., assisted by Bros . A . J . Grant , P . M . and H . Trembath , P . M . Bro . Jeffery , after expressing his appreciation of the high honour conferred upon himself , invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . T . J . Joyce , I . P . M . ; R . Sedgman James , Senior Warden ; W . Wcarne , Junior
Warden ; Rev . W . H . Bloxsome , M . A ., P . P . G . C , Chaplain ; T . N . Curry , P . P . G . S . D ., Treasurer ; J . Q . James , P . M ., Secretary ; R . Arthur , Senior Deacon ; Josiah Rowe , Junior Deacon ; W . E . Lukies , D . eif Ceremonies ; J . Willey , Organist ; J . Moyses Pascoe , Inner Guard ; W . Ellis and R . Dunstan , Stewards ; Richard James , Tyler ; H . Trembath , P . M ., Steward of Cornwall Masonic Annuity Fund .
The brethren then adjourned to the "Angel " Hotel , where an excellent banquet was prepared and serveel by Bro . Dawe . The usual Masonic toasts were cnthusiastically elrunk , interspersed with songs , & c , and a pleasant evening was enjoyed by all present . The visiting brethren were Bro . Jas . Lovell , jun ., No . 121 , and Bro . Stephens , from Pennsylvania .
SANDBACH — Samaritan Lodge ( No . 3 68 ) . —The annual meeting of this loelge was held at the George Hotel 011 Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., at two o ' clock p . m . The W . M ., Bro . H . Makin , was supported by his officers and above thirty brethren , including Bros . G . VV . Latham , P . G . D . of England ; J . Tomlinson . P . M ., P . P . G . D . of C . j John Bowes , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . C and W . ;
J . R . Tomlinson . P . M . ; Gilbert , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Iter . Lunt Jones , S . W ., W . M . elect , and others . The lodge was opened in due form , when the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when two brethren claimed preferment , and in due time were raisetl . The leidge was lowered , when Bro . Bowes was invited to act as Installing Master ,
and having taken the chair , the W . M . elect . Bro . Jones , was presented and duly installed , acct . rding to ancient custom . Alter labour the brethren went to refreshment , and spent a pleasant evening . BATH . —Lodge of Honour ( No . 379 I . —The first meeting under the new officers was held on Mon '' ay , January 14 , at the Masonic Hall , at 8 p . m ., but
unfortunately , several of them were unavoidably absent . The lodge was opened by BIT . H . Culliford Hopkins , W . M ., supported by Bros . Dr . Henry Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W ., as I . P . M . ; F . Wilkinson , W . M . 41 , as S . W . ; Dutton , P . M . 885 , as J . W . ; II . Gore , P . M . and Treasurer ; Johnson , Secretary ; Rev Saunderson , J . D . ; Davis , P . M . and I . G . Loder , P . M . ; Ga / . zard , Tyler ; several membcis ; and as
• isitors , Bros . Beckett , P . M . r / ifi ; Wat's , P . M . 8 55 ; •' each , 41 ; W . Baldwin , 41 . The minutes having been 'cad and confirmed , a ballot vvas taken for Bro . Lyell as a loining member , and Mr . R . B . Stewart as a candidate for initiation , which , in each case , was unanimously favourable The Treasurer read the financial report , as examined and passed by the Auditors , which vvas adopted . Bro . Dr . H .
Hopkins then took thc W . M . ' s chair , and initiated the candidate , also explaining Ihe symbolism of the working tools and giving the charge . The W . M . resumed his chair , and though he had intended to give the lecture on the first Tracing Board , for several reasons deferred it till thc next meeting . Other business was transacted , a vote of thanks to the visitors was passed , especially to the
brother who had officiated in the ceremony , and the lodge was closed at 10 o ' clock . BANGOR . —St . David ' s Lodge ( No . 384 ) . — The annual installation meeting of the members of this ancient lodge was held on Tuesday evening , the 15 th inst ., at the lodge-room , Bangor , Bro . John Ellis , P . M . St . Cybi , being installing officer . The following brethren
were installed : —D . Wynn Williams , W . M . ; A . M'Millan , I . P . M . ; W . Jarvis , S . W . ; D . Cameron , J . W . ; Ellis Roberts , S . D . and Sec . ; W , E . Thomas , J . D . ; John Jones , S . S . and Org . ; M . Roberts , J . S . ; R . Owen , Treas . ; W . Jones , P . M .. Tyler . After the closing of the lodge , a banquet took place at the Castle Hotel , the W . M . presiding . The visitors included Bros . J . S . Boucher , P . G . C . P . M .
606 ; Tysilio Johnson , P . M . 1013 , 755 ; J . Salmon , P . P . G . J . W . j T . Coxhead , J . S . 16 7 i ; L . H . Atonson , 906 ; Banks , P . P . G . S . W . ; and others . SPALDING . —Hundred of Elloe Lodge ( No , 469 ) . —It is many years since , if ever , such a large gathering of the fraternity has been witnesseel in thc " good old town of Spalding , " as lhat which assembled last
Thursday week to do honour to Bro . G . I ' . Barrel ! , who was then installed W . M . of this ancient lodge . After reading the minutes , Bro . Woodrow , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., raised Bro . Edmund Cammack to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., and in the hands of this gifted exponent of the ritual of
Masonry it would be difficult to imagine anything more impressive . Indeed , nearly the-whole of the lodges in the south of the province have been indebted to Bro . Wood , row at one time or other for most eloquent rendering of a . 11 the ceremonies of the Craft , and he is thoroughl y looked to as the standard of perfection to which every
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
working brother in the province should strive to attain . Bro . Harmstonc , the Organist of the lodge , mest effectively renelered appropriate music in this and the subsequent ceremonies , thus much increasing the interest and solemnity . The lodge being reduced to thc First Degree , the W . M ., Bro . Jas . Robinson ( who has laboured hard during- his Mastership to render accurately all the
ceremonies he bas performed ) initiated Mr . J . R . Capps , and the lodge being again raised the installation ceremony proceeded , " it was understood that Bro . J . Terry , P . M . 228 , P . G . D . C , Herts , and Sec . R . M . B . I ., would officiate as Installing Master , and additional interest was thereby excited in thc proceedings , and no brother , be his rank or Masonic experience what it may , could have been
disappointed . Throughout the whole ceremony not a word escaped without its proper effect , and Bro . Terry held the breathless attention of the lodge—a silence at times almost painful . The Board of Instilled Masters numbered no less than-twenty-four—a number rarely , if ever , congregated at a private lodge in this province . On the readmission of the brethren , the W . M . invested his officers
as follows , addressing at the same time a few most telling and well-chosen words to each , viz : —Bros . J . Robinson , I . P . M . ; Marten Perry , S . W . ; J . F . Symes , J . W . ; F . rantain , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treasurer ( for the eleventh time ); Giles W . Ham , Secretary ; J . Laming , S . D . ; J . Bcnner , J . D . ; Woodrow , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., D . C ; J . T . Harmstonc , Organist ; A . Harrism , I . G . The I . G . was a ' so
invested with a new and very handsome sword , which the W . M . presented to the lodge in addition to the either furniture . The lodge was then called off for refrcsmen ' , and loving cups were for a few minutes passed freely round . On labour being resumed , the newly-installed Alaster addressed the brethren , thanking them for having raised him to the proud position of their Master , asking their help
and co-operation in carrying e ut the work of the lodge , claiming their patience towards himself , and urging punctuality throughout the coming year . The VV . M also dwelt upon Bro . Terry ' s great kindness in coming down to install him , and expressing the thanks of both himself and the brethren for the great treat they had hail in the ceremony so ably performed . Bro . Terry replied ,
assuring the lodge that no one could be more gratified than himself in being present on so interesting an occasion , and after a unanimous vote of thanks had been proposeel by the I . P . M ., to the W . M ., for his liberal presentations to the lodge , it was closed in form by the W . M . The brethren then adjournc . l to the Corn Excnangc , vvhcrc a sumptuous banquet had been provided by Bro
Harper . The table s were decciatcd" _ ith a very beautiful collection of hothouse ferns aud plants in pots , as well as cut flowers from thc fine ce ' . lection of thc VV . M ., who is known as one of the most enthusiastic anil able amateur horticulturists in Lincolnshire . Thc labours of the " knife and fork elegrec" being ended , grace , "To Thee Alone , " was beautifully sung by Bros . Montem Smith , T . G
Carter , and Theodore Distin , whose talents in this line are so well known throughout the kingdom , and who contributcel very matcrally to the enjoyment of the evening . The W . M . then gave " The Queen anil the Craft , " and followed by " The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., the Pro G . M ., and the D . G . M , " " The Prov . G . M ., the D . Prov . G . M ., and Present and Past Provincial Officers , " to the
latter of which Bro . Vise responded , endorsing the remarks respecting the officers of the p : \) vincc , and regretting the absence of the D . P . G . M ., whom he had hoped to entertain as his guest . Bro . Harrison , IG . 4 6 9 , then gave " The Past Masters , " considering that by their counsels , experience and ready help they constitute almost the backbone of the entire system .
and Bro . Fountain , P . M . 4 6 9 , i :. responding on behalf of the Past Masters , assureel the brethren and the W . M . that they would be ever ready to give every assistance in promoting and establishing thc science so dear to them all . He trusted that the ancient customs and time-honoured observances would ever be preserved , and especially in thc Hundred of Elloe Lodge . Bro . Woodward , P . M . 469 , in
giving ' The W . M . ' said : " I am sorry I feci t-uite incompetent to discharge the duty of proposing this toast in any way acceptable to you , with satisfaction to myself or the person to whom it alludes , and although , my brethren , admitting my inability , still on looking down the toast list I see none that requires so few worels from the proposer as the one allotcd to me . The toast is that of our esteemed
and respected W . M ., who has this day been installed as our presiding officer for the year , aid who I trust will sit most comfortably in the honourable position in which hc has been placed by the unanimous vote of thc lodge . Yes , brethren , I have the greatest pleasure in proposing the toast , because I believe we have got thc right man in thc right place , and , if you will allow me the expression , the
round peg in the round hole this time . In his election we have had no heartburnings , no casting vote—I have heard of no resignations , but everything has gone ' as happy as the marriage bell , ' and my earnest hope and belief is that uneler e . 'ir Master the Hundred of Elloe will have a most joyous , most happy , anel prosperous year . In our W . M . we have one who is net only respected in our order ,
but he is one who has the confidence of a very large portion of the citizens of his native town . Very pleasing must it have been to him a short time back , in the building in which we now are , to see the forest of hands held up for him on his being elected to a most important post in carrying out the law for thc better education of the rising generation , Yes , we have in our W . M . one who has the
tact , the abi'ity , the energy , the will , and Ihe determination to make anything go to which he sets his hand . In him we have a brother who is able to acquit himself with honour and credit to thc lodge be represents , no matter how high in social rank they may be into whose company the duties of his office may lead him , and whilst he is able to rub shoulder to shoulder with my Lord Duke or with the Very Rev . the Bishop , ! we know full well he has the gen-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
tlemariliness to hold out the right hand of fellowship to the poorest and most unfortunate Mason that may cross his path . I mi ght go on to speak of his kind and openhearted generosity , of the tlcbt we owe to him for thc handsome way in which he has , at great expense and loss of time beautified and adorned the temple in which we meet , but this has been patent to you all . I therefore ask you to
drink 111 a bumper , health and prusperity to our W . M with all thc enthusiasm it deserves . " The toast was received with loud and long-continued cheers . The W . M . expressed his thanks for the honour done him , and saitt he feared when Bro . Woodwarel ' s name was placed to this toast that his partiality might lead him to say much more than was deserved , or than a strict
interpretation of language would justify ( cries of no , no ) . He could only say that no effort should be wanting on his part to conduct the lodge according to the purest principles of ancient Freemasonry ; no innovations would be attempted under his rule , and if in any minor particulars the lcelge had departed from that standard , he should attempt ruthlessly to pull it back again . He hoped thc
lodge would increase in all the Masonic virtues , for he believed that was the true strength of a lodge , and though new members might be desirable , he would lather see a small loelge of Masonic Masons thau a large lodge of unmasonic brethren . In his opinion a man is a Mason in heart and life before his initiation , as he could not imagine that merely going through the ceremony worked
a magic change iu mot ' wes and actions , and great care should therefore be exercised in the selection of candidates at the beginning . The W . M . resumed his seat amid prolonged cheering . Bro . Woodrow , P . M . 4 69 , P . P . G . J . D ., then proposed " The Retiring W . M . ai . ri Officers . " The I . P . M . responded on behalf of himself and officers , thanking the brethren for all their help and confidence , and the
officers for their ready co- . peration during the past year , assuring them of his uintiminished interest in all the affairs of the Craft . " The Other Lodges in the Province . " " The Vis-ting Brethren . " " Thc Newly-initiated , " " Thc Charities , '' " Thc Ladies , " "The Tyler ' s toast , " were also proposed and suitably acknowledged . Bro . Terry in the course of an eloeicent response to ' The Charities "
touching most feelingly on the irreparable loss the province and the Craft had sustained in thc death of Bro . Sutcliffe . Bros . M . Smith , Distin , an . i Caiter continued to entertain the brethren with their vocal powers , as also did Bros . Woodrow and Bollon , to the great delight of all present , anil thus terminated certainly the most numerously att .-uded gathering that has taken place in the " Hundred
of Elloe . " BIRKENHEAD . —Mersey Lodge ( No . 477 ) . —The annual nstallation meeting of the members of thc above lodge , perhaps the strongest in the province of Cheshire , took place on Thursday afternoon , the 10 th inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , Argyle-street , Birkenhead . Bro . W . Pulfnrd , W . M ., occupied the chair at thc opening
of the lodge , and his position was subsequently t . ken by Bro . Samuel Jones , P . M ., Secretary , who initiated two candidates . Bro . Pulford at the conclusion of this ceremony , again took the chair of K . S ., and very efficiently installed Bro . John Dutton as the W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing year . The following were the officers appointed elected , anel invested : Bros . VV . Pulford , I . P . M . ; T .
Brown , S . W . ; W . Bennett , J . W . ; D . Fraser , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Jones , P . M ., Secretary ( for the fourth time ) ; J . Woolcy , S . D . ; E . K . Gardiner , J . D . ; F . Thompson , 1 . 6 . ; G . Dieken , D . C ; E . Gross , Organist and S . S . ; VV . Hopkinson , J . S . ; G . Lloyd , A . S . ; H . Seaman , A . S . ; and Ottoway , Tyler . The retiring W . M ., Bro . Pulford , was presented with a P . M . 's jewel in recognition of his valuable services
to the lodge , and a letter vvas read eluring the evening from Bro . Lord De Tabley , Prov . G . M ., expressing regret at inability to attend in consequence of other business . ST AUSTELL . — Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 49 6 ) . —The annual meeting of this prosperous lodge was held in the New Masonic Hall—a very neat little structure anel well-propoitioned—close to the
County Court—on Tuesday the Sth inst . About twenty or thiity brethren were present , including- Bros . T . J . Smith , W . M . ; W . Mason , S . W . ; Rev . F . B . Paul , P . P . G . C . ; E . G . Dyke , P . P . G . Org . ; VV . Eny , P . P . G . D . C ; and C . Truscott , P . P . G . S . B . Visiting brethren : Revs . G . Ross , P . M ., 1121 , P . P . G . C ; F . Williams , P . M . ; W . H . Durant , W . M . of No . 977 ; and Bros . N . Lamb , P . M .
977 ; J . Stephens , P . M . II- ; I ; W . P . Smith , W . M . 856 ; Emra Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., and P . P . G . C , Suffolk . The ordinary business of the lodge having been transacted Bro . Mason , who had been previously elected to that honourable position , vvas installed into the chair of K . S ., and duly obligateel as W . M ., for the ensuing year , the interesting and impressive ceremony being very ably
conducted by Bro . Truscott . The Mas'cr then appointed the following brethren as officers for the ensuing year : T . J . Smith , I . P . M . ; A . White , S . W . ; J . Jub , J . W . ; R . Stephens , S . D , ; A . Luke , J . D . ; C . Beggs , I . G . ; C . G . Pedlar , D . C ; A . Hodge and B . Ousley , Stewards ; Rev . F . B . Paul , Chaplain : W . Eny , Treasurer ; C . Tozer , Secretary . The lodge having been duly closed in ancient
form and with solemn prayer , the brethren aeljourned to the White Boar Hotel where an elegant banquet was spread , to which ample justice was done by some five and twenty of the brethren . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given from thc chair , and the W . M . took occasion to remark that the brethren were specially required to be loyal to the Queen when they remembered she was
patron of the Oreler , and three of her sons held the foremost positions in thc Grand Lodge of England . Bro . Ross responded to the toast of the Past and Present Prov . G . Officers , anil in doing so passtel a very high enconiurti on the Provincial Grand Master , the Earl of Mount Eelgecumbe , whose heart was so thoroughly in all that concerned the welfare of Masonry . Bro . Emra Holmes proposeel the toast of the Installing Master , Bro . Truscott
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
unity tn the Etonian Lodge that made them strong , and got them all on so well together ( hear , hear ) , for all the Past Masters took thc greatest interest and gave their help . He regretted his poverty of language prevented his better expressing his thanks ; but if he was poor in thanks , such
as he had he gave to them most heartily . ( Louel cheers . ) Some other toasts followed , but th * train to London being just due , the meeting was virtually closed with the last toast . The musical talent of Messrs . Policy , Bolton , and Cox , added very considerably to the evening's enjoyment .
HELSTON . —Lodge True and Faithful ( No . 318 ) . —The members of the loelge celebrated the annual festival of St . John the Evangelist , last week . The brethren assembled at the Masonic Rooms , at 1 . 30 p . m ., when the lodge was opened in due form . Two candidates for the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry were then accepted , and initiated in the First Degree . The ceremony
of installing the W . M . elect , Bro . J . Jeffery , S . W ., was then ably and impressively performed by Bro Joyce , W . M ., assisted by Bros . A . J . Grant , P . M . and H . Trembath , P . M . Bro . Jeffery , after expressing his appreciation of the high honour conferred upon himself , invested the following as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . T . J . Joyce , I . P . M . ; R . Sedgman James , Senior Warden ; W . Wcarne , Junior
Warden ; Rev . W . H . Bloxsome , M . A ., P . P . G . C , Chaplain ; T . N . Curry , P . P . G . S . D ., Treasurer ; J . Q . James , P . M ., Secretary ; R . Arthur , Senior Deacon ; Josiah Rowe , Junior Deacon ; W . E . Lukies , D . eif Ceremonies ; J . Willey , Organist ; J . Moyses Pascoe , Inner Guard ; W . Ellis and R . Dunstan , Stewards ; Richard James , Tyler ; H . Trembath , P . M ., Steward of Cornwall Masonic Annuity Fund .
The brethren then adjourned to the "Angel " Hotel , where an excellent banquet was prepared and serveel by Bro . Dawe . The usual Masonic toasts were cnthusiastically elrunk , interspersed with songs , & c , and a pleasant evening was enjoyed by all present . The visiting brethren were Bro . Jas . Lovell , jun ., No . 121 , and Bro . Stephens , from Pennsylvania .
SANDBACH — Samaritan Lodge ( No . 3 68 ) . —The annual meeting of this loelge was held at the George Hotel 011 Wednesday , the 16 th inst ., at two o ' clock p . m . The W . M ., Bro . H . Makin , was supported by his officers and above thirty brethren , including Bros . G . VV . Latham , P . G . D . of England ; J . Tomlinson . P . M ., P . P . G . D . of C . j John Bowes , P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . C and W . ;
J . R . Tomlinson . P . M . ; Gilbert , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Iter . Lunt Jones , S . W ., W . M . elect , and others . The lodge was opened in due form , when the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when two brethren claimed preferment , and in due time were raisetl . The leidge was lowered , when Bro . Bowes was invited to act as Installing Master ,
and having taken the chair , the W . M . elect . Bro . Jones , was presented and duly installed , acct . rding to ancient custom . Alter labour the brethren went to refreshment , and spent a pleasant evening . BATH . —Lodge of Honour ( No . 379 I . —The first meeting under the new officers was held on Mon '' ay , January 14 , at the Masonic Hall , at 8 p . m ., but
unfortunately , several of them were unavoidably absent . The lodge was opened by BIT . H . Culliford Hopkins , W . M ., supported by Bros . Dr . Henry Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W ., as I . P . M . ; F . Wilkinson , W . M . 41 , as S . W . ; Dutton , P . M . 885 , as J . W . ; II . Gore , P . M . and Treasurer ; Johnson , Secretary ; Rev Saunderson , J . D . ; Davis , P . M . and I . G . Loder , P . M . ; Ga / . zard , Tyler ; several membcis ; and as
• isitors , Bros . Beckett , P . M . r / ifi ; Wat's , P . M . 8 55 ; •' each , 41 ; W . Baldwin , 41 . The minutes having been 'cad and confirmed , a ballot vvas taken for Bro . Lyell as a loining member , and Mr . R . B . Stewart as a candidate for initiation , which , in each case , was unanimously favourable The Treasurer read the financial report , as examined and passed by the Auditors , which vvas adopted . Bro . Dr . H .
Hopkins then took thc W . M . ' s chair , and initiated the candidate , also explaining Ihe symbolism of the working tools and giving the charge . The W . M . resumed his chair , and though he had intended to give the lecture on the first Tracing Board , for several reasons deferred it till thc next meeting . Other business was transacted , a vote of thanks to the visitors was passed , especially to the
brother who had officiated in the ceremony , and the lodge was closed at 10 o ' clock . BANGOR . —St . David ' s Lodge ( No . 384 ) . — The annual installation meeting of the members of this ancient lodge was held on Tuesday evening , the 15 th inst ., at the lodge-room , Bangor , Bro . John Ellis , P . M . St . Cybi , being installing officer . The following brethren
were installed : —D . Wynn Williams , W . M . ; A . M'Millan , I . P . M . ; W . Jarvis , S . W . ; D . Cameron , J . W . ; Ellis Roberts , S . D . and Sec . ; W , E . Thomas , J . D . ; John Jones , S . S . and Org . ; M . Roberts , J . S . ; R . Owen , Treas . ; W . Jones , P . M .. Tyler . After the closing of the lodge , a banquet took place at the Castle Hotel , the W . M . presiding . The visitors included Bros . J . S . Boucher , P . G . C . P . M .
606 ; Tysilio Johnson , P . M . 1013 , 755 ; J . Salmon , P . P . G . J . W . j T . Coxhead , J . S . 16 7 i ; L . H . Atonson , 906 ; Banks , P . P . G . S . W . ; and others . SPALDING . —Hundred of Elloe Lodge ( No , 469 ) . —It is many years since , if ever , such a large gathering of the fraternity has been witnesseel in thc " good old town of Spalding , " as lhat which assembled last
Thursday week to do honour to Bro . G . I ' . Barrel ! , who was then installed W . M . of this ancient lodge . After reading the minutes , Bro . Woodrow , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., raised Bro . Edmund Cammack to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., and in the hands of this gifted exponent of the ritual of
Masonry it would be difficult to imagine anything more impressive . Indeed , nearly the-whole of the lodges in the south of the province have been indebted to Bro . Wood , row at one time or other for most eloquent rendering of a . 11 the ceremonies of the Craft , and he is thoroughl y looked to as the standard of perfection to which every
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
working brother in the province should strive to attain . Bro . Harmstonc , the Organist of the lodge , mest effectively renelered appropriate music in this and the subsequent ceremonies , thus much increasing the interest and solemnity . The lodge being reduced to thc First Degree , the W . M ., Bro . Jas . Robinson ( who has laboured hard during- his Mastership to render accurately all the
ceremonies he bas performed ) initiated Mr . J . R . Capps , and the lodge being again raised the installation ceremony proceeded , " it was understood that Bro . J . Terry , P . M . 228 , P . G . D . C , Herts , and Sec . R . M . B . I ., would officiate as Installing Master , and additional interest was thereby excited in thc proceedings , and no brother , be his rank or Masonic experience what it may , could have been
disappointed . Throughout the whole ceremony not a word escaped without its proper effect , and Bro . Terry held the breathless attention of the lodge—a silence at times almost painful . The Board of Instilled Masters numbered no less than-twenty-four—a number rarely , if ever , congregated at a private lodge in this province . On the readmission of the brethren , the W . M . invested his officers
as follows , addressing at the same time a few most telling and well-chosen words to each , viz : —Bros . J . Robinson , I . P . M . ; Marten Perry , S . W . ; J . F . Symes , J . W . ; F . rantain , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treasurer ( for the eleventh time ); Giles W . Ham , Secretary ; J . Laming , S . D . ; J . Bcnner , J . D . ; Woodrow , P . M ., P . P . G . J . D ., D . C ; J . T . Harmstonc , Organist ; A . Harrism , I . G . The I . G . was a ' so
invested with a new and very handsome sword , which the W . M . presented to the lodge in addition to the either furniture . The lodge was then called off for refrcsmen ' , and loving cups were for a few minutes passed freely round . On labour being resumed , the newly-installed Alaster addressed the brethren , thanking them for having raised him to the proud position of their Master , asking their help
and co-operation in carrying e ut the work of the lodge , claiming their patience towards himself , and urging punctuality throughout the coming year . The VV . M also dwelt upon Bro . Terry ' s great kindness in coming down to install him , and expressing the thanks of both himself and the brethren for the great treat they had hail in the ceremony so ably performed . Bro . Terry replied ,
assuring the lodge that no one could be more gratified than himself in being present on so interesting an occasion , and after a unanimous vote of thanks had been proposeel by the I . P . M ., to the W . M ., for his liberal presentations to the lodge , it was closed in form by the W . M . The brethren then adjournc . l to the Corn Excnangc , vvhcrc a sumptuous banquet had been provided by Bro
Harper . The table s were decciatcd" _ ith a very beautiful collection of hothouse ferns aud plants in pots , as well as cut flowers from thc fine ce ' . lection of thc VV . M ., who is known as one of the most enthusiastic anil able amateur horticulturists in Lincolnshire . Thc labours of the " knife and fork elegrec" being ended , grace , "To Thee Alone , " was beautifully sung by Bros . Montem Smith , T . G
Carter , and Theodore Distin , whose talents in this line are so well known throughout the kingdom , and who contributcel very matcrally to the enjoyment of the evening . The W . M . then gave " The Queen anil the Craft , " and followed by " The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., the Pro G . M ., and the D . G . M , " " The Prov . G . M ., the D . Prov . G . M ., and Present and Past Provincial Officers , " to the
latter of which Bro . Vise responded , endorsing the remarks respecting the officers of the p : \) vincc , and regretting the absence of the D . P . G . M ., whom he had hoped to entertain as his guest . Bro . Harrison , IG . 4 6 9 , then gave " The Past Masters , " considering that by their counsels , experience and ready help they constitute almost the backbone of the entire system .
and Bro . Fountain , P . M . 4 6 9 , i :. responding on behalf of the Past Masters , assureel the brethren and the W . M . that they would be ever ready to give every assistance in promoting and establishing thc science so dear to them all . He trusted that the ancient customs and time-honoured observances would ever be preserved , and especially in thc Hundred of Elloe Lodge . Bro . Woodward , P . M . 469 , in
giving ' The W . M . ' said : " I am sorry I feci t-uite incompetent to discharge the duty of proposing this toast in any way acceptable to you , with satisfaction to myself or the person to whom it alludes , and although , my brethren , admitting my inability , still on looking down the toast list I see none that requires so few worels from the proposer as the one allotcd to me . The toast is that of our esteemed
and respected W . M ., who has this day been installed as our presiding officer for the year , aid who I trust will sit most comfortably in the honourable position in which hc has been placed by the unanimous vote of thc lodge . Yes , brethren , I have the greatest pleasure in proposing the toast , because I believe we have got thc right man in thc right place , and , if you will allow me the expression , the
round peg in the round hole this time . In his election we have had no heartburnings , no casting vote—I have heard of no resignations , but everything has gone ' as happy as the marriage bell , ' and my earnest hope and belief is that uneler e . 'ir Master the Hundred of Elloe will have a most joyous , most happy , anel prosperous year . In our W . M . we have one who is net only respected in our order ,
but he is one who has the confidence of a very large portion of the citizens of his native town . Very pleasing must it have been to him a short time back , in the building in which we now are , to see the forest of hands held up for him on his being elected to a most important post in carrying out the law for thc better education of the rising generation , Yes , we have in our W . M . one who has the
tact , the abi'ity , the energy , the will , and Ihe determination to make anything go to which he sets his hand . In him we have a brother who is able to acquit himself with honour and credit to thc lodge be represents , no matter how high in social rank they may be into whose company the duties of his office may lead him , and whilst he is able to rub shoulder to shoulder with my Lord Duke or with the Very Rev . the Bishop , ! we know full well he has the gen-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
tlemariliness to hold out the right hand of fellowship to the poorest and most unfortunate Mason that may cross his path . I mi ght go on to speak of his kind and openhearted generosity , of the tlcbt we owe to him for thc handsome way in which he has , at great expense and loss of time beautified and adorned the temple in which we meet , but this has been patent to you all . I therefore ask you to
drink 111 a bumper , health and prusperity to our W . M with all thc enthusiasm it deserves . " The toast was received with loud and long-continued cheers . The W . M . expressed his thanks for the honour done him , and saitt he feared when Bro . Woodwarel ' s name was placed to this toast that his partiality might lead him to say much more than was deserved , or than a strict
interpretation of language would justify ( cries of no , no ) . He could only say that no effort should be wanting on his part to conduct the lodge according to the purest principles of ancient Freemasonry ; no innovations would be attempted under his rule , and if in any minor particulars the lcelge had departed from that standard , he should attempt ruthlessly to pull it back again . He hoped thc
lodge would increase in all the Masonic virtues , for he believed that was the true strength of a lodge , and though new members might be desirable , he would lather see a small loelge of Masonic Masons thau a large lodge of unmasonic brethren . In his opinion a man is a Mason in heart and life before his initiation , as he could not imagine that merely going through the ceremony worked
a magic change iu mot ' wes and actions , and great care should therefore be exercised in the selection of candidates at the beginning . The W . M . resumed his seat amid prolonged cheering . Bro . Woodrow , P . M . 4 69 , P . P . G . J . D ., then proposed " The Retiring W . M . ai . ri Officers . " The I . P . M . responded on behalf of himself and officers , thanking the brethren for all their help and confidence , and the
officers for their ready co- . peration during the past year , assuring them of his uintiminished interest in all the affairs of the Craft . " The Other Lodges in the Province . " " The Vis-ting Brethren . " " Thc Newly-initiated , " " Thc Charities , '' " Thc Ladies , " "The Tyler ' s toast , " were also proposed and suitably acknowledged . Bro . Terry in the course of an eloeicent response to ' The Charities "
touching most feelingly on the irreparable loss the province and the Craft had sustained in thc death of Bro . Sutcliffe . Bros . M . Smith , Distin , an . i Caiter continued to entertain the brethren with their vocal powers , as also did Bros . Woodrow and Bollon , to the great delight of all present , anil thus terminated certainly the most numerously att .-uded gathering that has taken place in the " Hundred
of Elloe . " BIRKENHEAD . —Mersey Lodge ( No . 477 ) . —The annual nstallation meeting of the members of thc above lodge , perhaps the strongest in the province of Cheshire , took place on Thursday afternoon , the 10 th inst ., at the Masonic Rooms , Argyle-street , Birkenhead . Bro . W . Pulfnrd , W . M ., occupied the chair at thc opening
of the lodge , and his position was subsequently t . ken by Bro . Samuel Jones , P . M ., Secretary , who initiated two candidates . Bro . Pulford at the conclusion of this ceremony , again took the chair of K . S ., and very efficiently installed Bro . John Dutton as the W . M . of the lodge for the ensuing year . The following were the officers appointed elected , anel invested : Bros . VV . Pulford , I . P . M . ; T .
Brown , S . W . ; W . Bennett , J . W . ; D . Fraser , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Jones , P . M ., Secretary ( for the fourth time ) ; J . Woolcy , S . D . ; E . K . Gardiner , J . D . ; F . Thompson , 1 . 6 . ; G . Dieken , D . C ; E . Gross , Organist and S . S . ; VV . Hopkinson , J . S . ; G . Lloyd , A . S . ; H . Seaman , A . S . ; and Ottoway , Tyler . The retiring W . M ., Bro . Pulford , was presented with a P . M . 's jewel in recognition of his valuable services
to the lodge , and a letter vvas read eluring the evening from Bro . Lord De Tabley , Prov . G . M ., expressing regret at inability to attend in consequence of other business . ST AUSTELL . — Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 49 6 ) . —The annual meeting of this prosperous lodge was held in the New Masonic Hall—a very neat little structure anel well-propoitioned—close to the
County Court—on Tuesday the Sth inst . About twenty or thiity brethren were present , including- Bros . T . J . Smith , W . M . ; W . Mason , S . W . ; Rev . F . B . Paul , P . P . G . C . ; E . G . Dyke , P . P . G . Org . ; VV . Eny , P . P . G . D . C ; and C . Truscott , P . P . G . S . B . Visiting brethren : Revs . G . Ross , P . M ., 1121 , P . P . G . C ; F . Williams , P . M . ; W . H . Durant , W . M . of No . 977 ; and Bros . N . Lamb , P . M .
977 ; J . Stephens , P . M . II- ; I ; W . P . Smith , W . M . 856 ; Emra Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., and P . P . G . C , Suffolk . The ordinary business of the lodge having been transacted Bro . Mason , who had been previously elected to that honourable position , vvas installed into the chair of K . S ., and duly obligateel as W . M ., for the ensuing year , the interesting and impressive ceremony being very ably
conducted by Bro . Truscott . The Mas'cr then appointed the following brethren as officers for the ensuing year : T . J . Smith , I . P . M . ; A . White , S . W . ; J . Jub , J . W . ; R . Stephens , S . D , ; A . Luke , J . D . ; C . Beggs , I . G . ; C . G . Pedlar , D . C ; A . Hodge and B . Ousley , Stewards ; Rev . F . B . Paul , Chaplain : W . Eny , Treasurer ; C . Tozer , Secretary . The lodge having been duly closed in ancient
form and with solemn prayer , the brethren aeljourned to the White Boar Hotel where an elegant banquet was spread , to which ample justice was done by some five and twenty of the brethren . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given from thc chair , and the W . M . took occasion to remark that the brethren were specially required to be loyal to the Queen when they remembered she was
patron of the Oreler , and three of her sons held the foremost positions in thc Grand Lodge of England . Bro . Ross responded to the toast of the Past and Present Prov . G . Officers , anil in doing so passtel a very high enconiurti on the Provincial Grand Master , the Earl of Mount Eelgecumbe , whose heart was so thoroughly in all that concerned the welfare of Masonry . Bro . Emra Holmes proposeel the toast of the Installing Master , Bro . Truscott