Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.

ask , what gather we hence ? From first to last we view masonry as opposed to inactivity and listlessness . In the first place we see inscribed thereon , light is life and life is light , even as was the frontlet of old with Holiness to the Lord . Over the entrance of each of its triple portals is prominently graved , " Inactivity is death . " If of the body decrepitude supervenes , if of the mind mental

darkness is deepened , mental lights decreased . In every progressive step it is required to rise somewhat more above the darkness of the outward world . Why is all this ? Why are the truths , '' Light is life , " " Inactivity is death , " pressed upon our attention ? Why are we asked to dwell upon the subjects of the increase of mental darkness , the decrease of mental light , their converse and the

consequences ? Why at each progressive step is knowledge asked ? For this reason : that in every period of our world ' s age mental darkness ancl mental ignorance have ever been too surely accompanied by shameless vice and active sin , and turn we our eyes to what page we please of the world ' s history , what can we trace as having been the recognized condition of they who have loved darkness

rather than light ? What but to have the thoughts of their hearts , the words of their mouths , and the deeds of their hands only evil continually ? what but to be removed far from that knowledge of T . G . A . O . T . U ., who is the true light and the true wisdom ? To be as far as posssble unsuited , either for the passing lodge of earth or that eternal one to which every mason looks forward . I will but ask

you to take one short illustration of the continual , increasing , untiring exertion I urge , viz ., that poverty of spirit , that practical working out of charity in its highest and most exalted view , which has . its root in the love of the Eternal God . What are its characteristics ?—mere nominal profession , mere listless inert profession?—are they not rather love likewise—love in its very best and brightest

aspect—love to God first , love to man second , love full of energy , full of exertion both of soul and body—love ¦ working actively , producing self-forgetfulness , dispelling selfishness—love culminating in that glorious point , in this life , happiness diffused around from brother to brother , from man to man , and in the grand lodge above happiness unalloyed , eternal , with the G . A . O . T . U ., even as He is God .

A life passed as a masonic brother is a life of exertion to promote glory to God on high , and ' midst men brotherly love , goodwill and peace . All else is a life mispent , a life replete with opportunities wasted , with gifts and faculties either misused or misapplied , an existence wrested aside from the intention of that Supreme Almighty Architect whose will bade it exist . May , then , the Almighty

Architect of all things grant that , in this lodge which we are now engaged in consecrating to His service , no day may be without exertion , guided by His Almighty wisdom , and directed by His Almighty skill , unto a progress which shall be now to His glory , and hereafter to lhe consummation of that eternal life which is thc hope and prayer of every true mason .

The anthem was the sung , "Behold ! how pleasant and how good , " & c . Bro . ELSE , the P . G . Sec ., then presented thc W . M . designate , Bro . Dr . Samuel Bryant , P . M . ( E . C . of Knights Templar , of Bristol ) to the W . D . P . G . Master , who heartily congratulated Bro . Bryant on his being selected to be the first W . M . of the new lodge . The brethren

who signed the petition for the warrant then placed themselves on each side of the lodge-board , and W . D . P . G . M . offered up the first portion of the "dedication prayer . "—Omnes , chant , "So mote it be . " The P . G . Chap , then read a portion of the " Book of Kings , " after which four P . M . ' s uncovered the lodge board to solemn music . Anthem— " Glory be to God on high , Peace on

earth , Good will towards men . Omnes—chant , "So Mote it be . " The PG . Chap , then took the Censer , containing incense , three times round the lodge-board during solemn music ; the P . G . Chap , afterwards offered up tne second portion of the Dedication Prayer : "Almighty and Everlasting God , Architect and Ruler of the Universe , look down we beseech Thee from Thy

dwelling of Light and Glory , and be pleased to bless us in all the purposes of this , our present convocation . Endue us at this present and all other times with wisdom in all our doings , with strength and fortitude of mind for all our trials and difficulties , and the beauty of harmony in all our communications . Permit us , O Thou , who art the Author and Giver of Life and Light , of love

and happiness to form this lodge , and now solemnly consecrate it to Thy Honour and Glory , and grant that the chief corner-stone of this lodge may ever be Holiness to the Lord . " Omnes—chant— "So mote it be . " An anthem was then sung , "Praise God in His holiness ; Let every thing - that hath breath praise the Lord . " Three P . M . ' s carried Corn , Wine , and Oil three times round

the lodge , and then the V . W . D . P . G . M . consecrated thc lodge in due form . Anthem—{ Haydn ) , "Thespocious firmament on high ?" concluded the ceremony of consecration . The W . D . P . G . M . then installed Bro . Dr . Bryant in the chair of K . S . in antient form , and Bro . Bryant was saluted in the customary way , Bro . J . II . Macfarlan was invested with the Collar and Gavel of S . W . and

, Bro . E . T . Inskip obtained equal honour for the South . Bro . Capt . Irwin , Prov . J . G . Warden of Somerset , and W . M . of 1222 , was unanimously elected as Treasurer . On his being invested with the collar of office , the presiding W . M . remarked that he knew no man whom he appreciated as a mason more than he did him ; he was ever kind-hearted , just and firm—thc chief characteristics of a man and mason . The other officers having been

invested the W . M . closed the lodge with solemn prayer , nnd the brethren adjourned to an excellent Banquet , presided over by Dr . Samuel Bryant , W . M . of the new lodge , supported on his ri ght by Bro . Bridges , D . P . G . M . of Somerset ; Bro . G . B . Munbee , P . S . G . W ; Bro . Invin , P . G . J . W . ; Bros . Rev . J . C . Pigot , and Rev . W . Hunt , P . G . Chaplains ; Bro . Else , P . G . Sec . On the left of the W . M . were . Bro . Powell , D . P . G . M . of Bristol

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Somerset.

Bro . Wittey , D . P . G . M . of Wilts ; Bro . Morris , D . P . G . M of Wales , with about fifty other distinguished brethren . Grace having been said by Bro . Pigot , and the cloth cleared , Bro . Bryant proposed " The Queen and Craft , " and "Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . P . G . M . " The CHAIRMAN then gave thc health of the Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M . of England , also

that of the Right Hon . the Earl de Grey add Ripon , M . W . G . M-elect , and other G . O . ofthe Grand Lodge of England . The toast was well received . The next toast that of Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , P . G . M . of Somerset , was received with loud and continued cheering . The W . M : I now beg to propose to you the healths

of Bro . Bridge ' s , W . D . P . G . M .. and the rest of the Grand Officers of the province , thanking you all most sincerely for your attendance this day . ( Cheers ) . Bro . BRIDGES , in returning thanks , stated that the P . G . M . would have been amongst them that day , had it not been that his parliamentary duties required his attendance in House of Lords , and himself ( Bro . Bridges ) had

come over from France , especially to be with them that day saying , brethren , let me congratulate you on having erected another temple for Freemasonry , not for the purpose of celebrating festivities , but a place where we can carry on the mysteries of our craft , and where those sacred mysteries will be practised within its walls by so able a Master as Bro . Bryant . I thank you sincerely for

the cordial reception you have given me nnd my Grand Officers this day . Bro . Capt . IRWIN ' , P . J . G . W ., in a patriotic speech , paid a graceful compliment to the worthy chairman , and said there was something in Freemasonry superior to all

buildings , palaces , and human institutions ; all these might pass away , yet Freemasonry , being founded on truth , would endure for ever , and never decay . The proceedings were very enlliusiaslic , and several toasts followed the above . The meeting soon after separated .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Reports of Masonic Meetings .

¦ ¦ ¦ ? - THE CRAFT .

METROPOLITAN . Lodge of Temperance , No . 16 9 . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on the 17 th inst ., at thc White Swan Tavern , High-street , Deptford , Bro . John Thomas Moss , W . M ., in the chair . Thc lodge being opened , and the minutes confirmed , a ballot was taken for the admission of Messrs . J . Frederick Potter Woodley , Arthur

Llewellyn Devereux , Benjamin Martin Ingledew , and Samuel Copping , which proved unanimously in their favour , and Messrs . Woodley , Devereux and Copping , were duly initiated . Bro . George James Hillstead , John Thomas Holmes Moss , George Henry Leggctt and Reece , having proved their proficiency were entrusted and retired . Thc lodge was opened in the second

degree , and they were then passed to the degree of F . C . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the third Thursday in April next . The banquet which followed reflected great credit on Bro . Porter . The usual toasts were given , "The Initiates" war received with enthusiasm , and responded to by Bro . Woodley . The

toast of The Officers was responded to very effectually by Bro . Alfred Pulley , S . W . The Tyler ' s toast brought to conclusion a very pleasant evening . Amongst the visitors present were Brothers W . H . Warr ( P . M . 23 ) , E . Harris ( P . M . and Treas . 73 ) , F . Walters ( P . M . 73 ) , H . Keeble ( 73 , and S . D . 1275 ) , T . D . Barnard ( 700 ) , Smith ( W . M . 829 ) , J . Percival ( W . M . 147 ) , T . C . King , & c .

Lodge of Sincerity , JVO . 1 74 . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Greshamstreet , on Wednesday evening , March 16 . Bros . Gee , W . M . ; Adkins , S . W . ; Savage , J . W . ; Crawlcv , S . D . ; Tuck , J . D . ; Moore , I . G . ; Lacey , I . P . M . ; ' Rawley , P . M ., Treas . ; Barlow , P . AI . ; Norris , P . M . ; Newton . P . M ., Sec . ; Allen , Cooper , Dcllow , Decring , Buranelli ,

Farrow , Hilliard , Ives , Heather , Miller , Mortlock , P . M ., Industry ; Mann , Newman , Jas . Thomas , G . Thomas , Smith , Shorthand , Stevenson , Wright , P . M ., 7 S 1 ; Wood , Paddon . Visitors , Bros . II . G . Buss , P . M . 27 , 1293 , Prov . G . Treas . for Middlesex ; Jas . Terry , P . M 228 , W . M . 1278 , Prov . G . Sword Bearer for Herts ; Emmott , Industry ; Bright , 103 ; Levy , Joppa , Matthews , 537 . Thelodge having

been opened , the minutes were read and confirmed . Bro . Cooper was passed to the P . C . degree , and Bros . Dcering aud Wood were raised to the degree of M . M . Two gentlemen ' s names were received for initiation . The sum of two guineas was voted to a distressed brother . A further sum of three guineas ( in all five guineas , ) was voted towards thc fund now being raised , for the purpose of

purchasing a life boat to be presented to the National Life Boat Association . A petition on behalf of a deceased member ' s widow was signed by thc W . M ., Oflicers , and other brethren , previous to its submission to the Board of Benevolence . The lodge was then closed in perfect harmony , and the brethren adjourned to banquet . After the removal of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts

were given and responded to by the brethren . Other toasts were given including " The W . M ., " "Past Masters and Officers , " and thc manner iu which they were received was proof of the unanimity existing in the lodge . Bro . Rawley , P . M ., in a complimentary and suitable speech , presented to Bro . Lacey , I . P . M ., a handsome gold watch ,

which the members of Sincerity desired him to accept as a token of their appreciation of his services to the lodge . — Bro . Lacey , in reply , thanked thc brethren for their valuable present , and said he was pleased to find that his services to the lodge were of such a character as to win the esteem of the members , and he trusted that for the future they would find that his zeal for thc lodge ' s welfare

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

would not be diminished , but on the contrary ; for with such a token of regard , he would always have a constant companion reminding him of the necessity of punctuality in all things , while the hours on its face would indicate to him the flight of time , and urge him on to perform his task while the day continues , and to perform that task well . —In replying to the toast of the " Visitors , " Bro .

Buss said he was pleased to have had this opportunity of visiting the Lodge of Sincerity , for it was the first lodge he visited after receiving the degree of M . M ., ) and that was some years since , ) and from then till now he had always known the lodge as one in which the work was carried on in a true Masonic manner , and whose members were always regular in their support to the several

charities . He said that it was in the Lodge of Sincerity that he first became impressed with the claims that the Masonic Institutions had upon thc Craft , and he knew that to the late lamented Bro . H . Terry , P . M . and Treasurer to the lodge , much of the support now rendered to our noble institutions was due . —Bro . Jas . Terry , whose name is almost a household word in the Craft , and whose

geniality is always welcome , responded to the toast of " The Masonic Institutions . " He thanked the members of the lodge for their support to the several charities , and hoped that the day was far distant when the Lodge of Sincerity failed to send a Steward to one or the other of the festivals in aid ofthe funds of thc different institutions . He also alluded to the commencement and working ofthe

North Eastern Masonic Charitable Association , whicli sprung into existence only three months ago , and into which ( by each member paying one shilling per week , ) a sum of nearly sixty pounds has been paid . Already five of its members arc eligible as Life Governors to one or the other of the institutions , and he expressed his pleasure to find that so many of the members of the Lodge of

Sincerity had embraced the opportunity of joining the association , whicli so easily secures a Life Governorship to its members , and he trusted that before they separated other members would give their names in to Bro . Newton , P . M ., who is the Honorary Treasurer to the association . After spending a very pleasant evening , the brethren separated at an earlv hour .

Israel Lodge , No . 205 . —The members of this numerous and influential lodge met in their lodge-room , at Radley ' s ( Bro . Jno . Hart's ) Hotel , on Tuesday , under their much esteemed W . M ., Bro . J . Emanuel , who in very superior style installed Messrs . Ladd , Boam , and Streathcr ; passed to the and degree Bros . Pinston , Hawthorn , Bowden , Moye , and Treble ; he then conferred the sublime

degree on Bros . Whitley , Morse , Bryen , Bucklands , Fowler , Henry Richardson , Smith , Haigh Richardson , Ward , Milton , and Boatwright . In all the ceremonies he was well supported by Bros . Emanuel , S . W . ; Turner , J . W . ; A . M . Cohen , P . M ., Hon . Sec . ; Hogard , J . D . ; E . Stanton Jones , P . M . as Organist ; and Emanuel , I . G ., with the Worshipful P . M . ' s Chamberlin , S . M . Harris , Littaur , and Coote . Previous to the efection and

installation of the present excellent Master it was thought he would not prove efficient , but we are happy to be in a position to assert that they have been most agreeably surprised , as no lodge can possibly wish for a more efficient and gentlemanly W . M .-than the present occupant of the chair of K . S . We must add that the impressviencss of the ceremonies was much aided by the excellent manner in which the W . Bros . E . S . Jones and Coote presided at the harmonium .

Neiu Concord Lodge , No . S 13 . —This prosperous lodge held its usual meeting at the Rosemary Branch Tavern , lloxton , on Friday , the 18 th inst ., at 3 p . m ., when the following officers and brethren were present : Bros . Hart , W . M . ; Bartlett , S . W . ; Atkins , J . W . ; J . J . Wilson , P . M . and T . ; W . II . Main , P . M . and Sec . ; Emmens , P . M . ; Bertram , P . M . ; Byrcc , P . M . ; Nightingale ,

P . M . ; Salisbury , S . D . ; Blyth , J . D . ; Sinclair , D . C . ; McDavitt , O . ; Abseil , I . G . ; Lloyd , Steward ; and Hofbaur , A . Hill , Taylor , C . Hill , Phillips , Gallant , Gabb , Rheim , Webster , Briislhin , Shellard , Gain , Spratt , Cnsworth , Cain , Rands , Denning , Hubbard , Fancquey , Duke , Walker , Cheshire , Chant , Potter , and a numerous party of visitors , among whom were , Bros . Terry ,

P . G . S . B ., Herts ; Mather , W . M . 65 ; Forbes , J . W . 65 ; Stein , P . M . 212 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the preceding and audit meetings having been read and confirmed , after having substituted ten in lieu of five guineas to thc Boys' School at the ensiling festival . The lodge balloted for the admission of Messrs . Pyne , King , Harris and Boyden , and they were

unanimously elected . The lodge was then opened in thc second degree , and Bros . Shellard and Gallant , being candidates for the third , answered and retired . The lodge was then opened in the third degree , and they were raised lo the sublime degree of M . M . The lodge was resumed to the first degree , and Bro . Rheim being a candidate for the second , answered and retired , The lodge was resumed

to the second , and he was passed to the degree of F . C . Thc ceremony of installation was then performed b y Bro . Wilson , P . M . and' !* ., who installed Bro . Bartlett into the chair of King Solomon in a most able ancl masterly manner , to the gratification of all present . Bro . "Bartlett then invested his officers , the selection of whom was universally approved by the brethren , who testified their

approval by their applause when the names were called . The W . AI . bestowed some excellent advice to each brother on his investiture , and proceeded to initiate Messrs . Pyne , King , and Harris into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry . The lodge was then closed in due form , and the brethren retired to a very sumptuous

banquet , prepared by Bro . Gabb , in a manner worthy of the Freemasons' or any large tavern , and to which the brethren did ample justice . After grace had been sung , the W . M . gave the usual Masonic and loyal toasts . " The health of the P . M . ' s" was given , and the W . M . had the pleasure of investing his I . P . M ., Bro . Hart , with a P . M . ' s jewel , voted to him by the lodge , and highly complimented him