Craft Masonry.

" The Treasurer and Secretary " drew from tho W . M . some well-deserved words of praise for the services rendered by Bros . Coulthard , P . M ., Treas ., and Battle , P . M ., Sec , for vvhich they duly returned thanks . " The Officers" and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings . The musical programme included items from Bros . R . Edwyn Louis Breeze and VV . T . Spencer , and Messrs . Arthur Melrose and Bert Pearce . Bro . T . F . Noakes ably presided as accompanist .

Aldersgate Lodge , No . 1657 . A meeting of the above lodge was held on Monday , the 21 st inst ., at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , E . C . Present : Bros . Thos . Briggs , I . P . M ., acting VV . M . ; Rupert Smyth , S . W . ; Saml . White , P . M ., Treas . ; Geo . Briggs , acting Sec ; Arthur B . Hudson , P . M ., S . D . ; C . R . Leedham , J . D . ; Jas ., C . Hayes , I . G . ; Geo . Rawlinson , P . M ., Stwd . ; G . Couchman , Tyler ; Thomas Hv . ( arnes , Horace F . Woodward , and Dr . Charles E . M . Hey . Visitors : Bros . W . C . Beetles , I . D . 1731 ; George J . Austin , P . M . 170 S ; Wm . RobertsS . W . 1 S 27 ; and J . Tickle , P . M . 1 igG .

, The minutes of the meeting held on the 17 th ultimo vvere read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Bro . Dr . C E . M . Hey , Oak Lodge , No . 190 , as a joining member , vvhich proved unanimous in his favour . Bros . H . F . Woodward and F . H . James were passed to the Second Degree . Bro . Rupert Smyth , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . lor the ensuing year ; Bro . Samuel White , P . M ., was reelected Treasurer ; and Bro . E . Plant , Tyler . The following brethren were then elected to serve on the Finance Committee : Bros . Rupert Smyth , Woodward , and James .

The date—the 19 th proximo—having been fixed for the Audit meeting , the Treasurer proposed the usual jewel for the outgoing W . M ., after which it vvas proposed by Bro . Georee Kenning , P . M . and Sec , and seconded by the W . M . elect"That Bro . John Vaughan Sherrin , Pimlico Lodge , No . 1772 , be elected a joining member . " The lodge having been closed , the brethren dined together under the gavel of the acting W . M ., Bro . Thomas Briggs , I . P . M .

Welcome Lodge , No . 1673 . The installation meeting of this lodge took place on the iGth ins :, at the new quarters , the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , when the Master elect , Bro . Gerard R . Newman , was installed by the outgoing Master , Bro . Arthur Monckton . There was a large number of members and visitors present , amonsrst whom were Bros . Gordon Smith , P . G . S . B . ; R . Clay Sudlow , P . G . Std . Br . ; Freke Palmer , G . Std . -. ] . 1 ) . Langton , P . D . G . D . C ; Rev . George W . Briscoe , P . G . Chap . Bucks ; VV . Lew ' s ,

P . P . A . G . D . C . Herts ; George J . Tagg , P . A . G . Purst . ; H . W . Dobb , John Moule , VV . J . Sewall , A . Williamson , F . A . Nash , J . T . Percy Monckton , Arthur Turner , John F . Hall , VV . M . Benjafield , M . B ., Sidney Scott , A . K . Thomson , A . C . Kaufman , Walter C . S . Burney , and F . Franklin Clive . Thi- newly-installed Master appointed and invested the following officers : Bros . J . Kellar Frost , S . W . j Gilbert J . Wright , J . VV . ; Harry Godwin , P . M ., Treas . ; J . D . Langton , P . M ., Sec ; A . E . Thorp , S . D . ; Re . H . VVhite , J . D , ; H . Cecil Russell , LG . ; J . H . Scott and W . P . Bowyer , Stwds . ; James Kift , Org . ; and William Lane , Tyler .

A banquet vvas afterwards served , the musical arrangements being underthe directioi of Bro . James Kift , Org . of the lodge , vvho vvas assisted by Bros . Reginald H . VVhite , Franklin Clive , and Fred Russell . Bro . Charles Bertram , who was a visitor at the Iodge , gave a short but exceedingly clever conjurinir entertainment .

De Grey and Ripon Lodge , No . 1161 . The regular meeting vvas held on Wednesday , the iGth inst .. at Praam icons' II ill , Manchester , vvhen there were present Bro ; , II . M . Massinifha-n , VV . M . ; VV . Cockerham , J . VV . ; O . M . Jones , I . P . M . ; J . Irlam , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Richards , Se :. ; J . T . C Blackie , S . D . ; ) . Brownhill , I . G . : R . G . Thonas and A . E . Bentley . Ste . vtrdi ; T . | Forknall , P . M . ; R . Dottie , P . M . ; J . A . R . Ashworth , P . M . ; J . Vleas , P . M . ; C . G . Balls , G . J . Critchley , S . Dixon , and J . R . Fletcher , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . T . J . Hcoper , P . M . 1170 , P . P . G . Treas . ; G . Rodgers , 10 S 3 ; P . Davison , 10 S 2 ; Frank Pitt , 992 ; and H . Royle , 992 .

lhe lodge vvas opened and the minutes of the last regular meeting vvere read and confirmed . Bro . Charles G . Balls having aaswered the questions in a satisfactory manner was raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason by Bro . O . M . Jones , I . P . M ., who performed the ceremony in a most effective manner ; in fact , vve have never heard it rendered in a more eloquent and finished style . Thc working tools were ably given by by Bro . VV . Cockerham , J . W . After " Hearty good wishes" Irom the visitors the lodge vvas closed .

Subsequently , the harmony of Ihe evening vvas contributed to by Bros . R . Dottie , S . Richards , W . Cockerham , O . M . Jones , J . Vleas , and F . Pitt .

Acacia Lodge , No . 2321 . Bro . Jas . B . Fearnley , the W . M . of this lodge , who started his year of office so auspicicusly at the installation meeting of the lodge in October , had the gratification of presiding over another successful meeting ofthe lodge on the 3 rd inst ., and was very ablv supported by the following officers , viz ., Bros . John Morton , I . P . M . ; T . P . Sykes , S . W . ; Wm . Docksey , J . VV . ; John VV . Bland , Treas . j J . T . Last , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., Sec . ; Fred Betteridge , B . A ., Chap . ; J . S . Hedley , S . D . ; T . H . Bedford ,

J . D . ; J . S . Cooper , Tyler ; Alfd . Stephenson , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., D . C . ; R . B . Nicholls , J . L . Turner , VV . II . Townend , and Jere , Ledgard , Stwds . There vvas a good attendance of the brethren . Visitors : Bros . Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 . P . P . Asst . G . Sec . ; VV . S . Weeks , P . M . 3 G 9 , P . P . G . Reg . E . Lanes . ; Fredk . Ronnfeldt , P . M . 101 . S ; C Dean , P . M . 1034 ; Rev . C O'Conor Fenton , 1243 ; E . Hanson , S . D . 44 S ; Dr . J . C Nixon , 1522 ; A . J . I ' aylor , Org . 2 f > f » j ; Chas . Crowther , 2 G 6 9 ; andj . H . Shelley , 603 . After the lodge had been opened and the minutes of the installation meeting

cjnfirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . Josuh Lee , which resulting in his favour , he was initiated into the Craft by the W . M . The working tools were explained by Bro . Docksey , J . VV ., and the ancient Charge was dtlivered by Bro . Sykes , S . W . The sum of £ 2 2 s . was voted as a subscription to the West Yorkshire Masonic Educational and Benevolent Fund . Bro . Holmes , P . P . G . O ., a former member of the lodge , was re-elected a joining member . The name of a candidate was submitted for initiation at the next meeting of the lodge , and after " Hearty good wishes" the lodge was closed , ani the brethren dined together , and duly honoured the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .

ln responding for the Prov . G . Lodge , Bro . Matthewman , P . P . A . G . Sec , having referred to the ability with vvhich the Prov . G . M . presided over the province , expressed the pleasure it had afforded him again to visit the lodge in which he had taken great interest since its consecration . Hs complimented the W . M . on the satisfactory result of his maiden effort in conducting the initiation ceremony . Thetoastof "The Visitors" was submitted by the VV . M ., vvho gave them a very cordial reception .

Bro . Weeks , P . M . 3 G 9 , P . P . G . Reg . E . Lane , acknowledged the toast . He stated lhat he had travelled from Clitheroe to witness the initiation of his old friend Bro . Lee , whom he spoke of in the highest terms . He vvas very pleased with the manner in which the W . M . had presided over the lodge , and with the support he received from the officers .

Bros , Ronnfeldt , P . M . 101 S , and Rev . C . O'Conor Fenton also responded . Bro . Fenton , in an able speech , referred to the teachings of Freemasonry being identical with his teachings as a minister of the Gospel . His visit at the lodge that evening had been a source of much pleasure to him . The VV . M . projiosed " 1 'he Health of the Initiate , " and spoke of him as one of his oldest and most respected friends , and he was delighted to have initiated him into thc Craft . Bro . Lee suitably responded .

' •lhe 1 icalth ol the W . M . " was proposed by Uro . Last , P . M ., and , in doing so , referred to the able manner in which the W . M . had discharged the duties of the several offices that hc had filled leading up to the chair . The brethren anticipited a prosperous year of ollice for the W . M ., and hc ( Bro . Last ) felt confident that they vvould not be disappointed . The toast was vcry cordially received .

Craft Masonry.

The W . M ., in responding , thanked the brethren for his hearty reception . He had looked forward to occupying his present position , and vvould do his best to discharge his duties to the satisfaction of the brethren . "The Past Masters , " "The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant meeting to a close . The harmony of the evening was well maintained by songs excellently rendered by Bros . Docksey , Sykes , Townend , Hanson , and Taylor .

Rose of Lancaster Lodge , No . 2325 . On the 17 th inst . the installation of iiro . J . Hudson as W . M . of the above lodge took place in the Masonic Rooms , Southport , in the presence of a goodly number of members and visiting brethren . Among the visito .-s w * re Bros . C . E . Austin , P . M . 1375 , P . P . S . G . D . ( Mayor of Southport ); Goodacre , P . G . S . B ., P . G . S . ; Rev . J . S .

Gardner , P . P . G . Chap . ; M . H . Boyd , P . M . O 13 , P . D . G . Reg . ; D . M . F . Giskin , P . P . G . Treas . ; R . B . T . Marsh , P . M . 9 S 6 ; Dr . T . Hammond Fisher , W . M . 2295 ; T . E . Williams , P . M . 2295 , P . P . G . Reg . ; R . Shamrock , P . M . 1313 , P . P . A . G . D . iJ . ; J . F . Roberts , P . P . A . G . D . C ; F . G . Moody , W . M . 1313 ; [ . M'Kinnell , P . M . 23 G 6 , P . P . G . D . C . ; VV . Lewis , P . M . 23 G 0 ; Dr . Charlie ' * , P . M . 2295 ; and R . Harvey , W . M . 2360 .

The ceremony of installation was impressively conducted by the I . P . M ., Bro . H . Peak , assisted by Bros . VV . J . Worden , P . M ., P . P . D . G . K . ; Rawsthorne , P . M . ; and VV . Platt , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . Afterwards the VV . M . invested his offirers as follows : Bros . T . R . Davies , S . VV . ; E . Leigh . J . W . ; W . J . 'Worden , Treas . ; James Platt , P . P . G . D ., Sec ; W . M . Storrar , S . D . ; Fawcett Cave , j . D . ; W . Platt , D . C ; W . Wilkinson , Org . ; N . Mason , l . G . ; T . A . Hudson , E . Wright , C . F . Woodworth , and S . Bell , Stwds . ; D . Rimmer , Tyler ; and James Platt , Charity Representative . The usual banquet followed , when the loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .

Avondale Lodge , No . 2389 . The annual installation of VV . M . and banquet in connection vvith the above lodge took place on the iGth inst ., in the Town Hall , Middlewich . Bro . VVilliam Lees vvas installed W . M ., and the ceremony vvas performed by Bro . John Taylor , P . M . The other officers elected for the year are—Bros . R . Walmsley , I . P . M . ; F . A . Lidbury , S . W . ; R . Spencer , J . W . ; B . H . Yeomans . Treas . ; J . Taylor . Sec ; J . C . Drinkwater , S . I ) . ; W . ( ones , J . D . ; Bettley Cooke , D . C ; HL Garter , I . G . ; S . L . Melville , Org . ; A . T . L . Melville and H . Brett , Stewards , * and James Earl , Tyler . The banquet vvas presided over by Bro . William Lees , W . M ., and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured .

Southern Star Lodge , No . 1158 . A meeting vvas held on the 22 nd instant , at Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , vvhen there vvere present Bros . F . W . Downes , VV . M . ; T . Green , S . W . ; F . Austin , J . W . ; VV . Richards , I . P . M . ; J . Block , Treas . ; J . Austin , P . M ., Sec . ; S . Benson , S . D . ; S . Blum , J . D . ; J . Atkinson , I . G . ; E . G . Cooper , D . C . ; S . Parker , Stwd . ; A . Briscoe , Ore . ; A . Wells , P . M . ; I . F . Tarrant , P . M . ; 1 . Bunker , P . M . ; VV .

VV . Block , P . M . ; J . Hands , P . M . ; T . F . Knibb , P . M . ; W . Beecroft , P . M . ,- A . Prangnell , C . Reeve , A . George , E . A . Bruce , J . S . Parker , C . Davies , J . L . Parry , | . Owston , F . J . Fowles , VV . H . Fleming , VV . Green , S . Nicholls , R . Needle , V . Shute , j . Rose , J . Prior , R . VV . Goodman , J . S . Swingler , R . J . Radfodr , R . Colston , C Burford , and G . Blake . Visitors : Bros . J . Hartland , 913 ; J . Gaskin , 1 S 97 ; J . J . Harward , 22 G- ; ; A . Triegler , 1929 ; F . Small , 2242 ; C . Goddard , 733 ; and H . Campbell , 742 .

The lodge was opened and the minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . A ballot was taken for Mr . VVilliam John Williams , vvhich proved in his favour , being in attendance with Mr . Frederick Cross , previously balloted for , who were regularly initiated . Bro . Shute being present , was duly raised to the Degree of M . M . Bro . J . Bunker , P . M ., proposed , and Bro . J . Hands , P . M ., seconded , that the following resolution be conveyed to Bro . the Earl of Skelmersdale that the Southern

Star Lodge , No . 115 S , vvith feelings of profound sorrow and regret , beg to tender their sincere sympathy to your Lordship and family in the sad bereavement that has just befallen you in the irreparable loss of your highly-esteemed father , and to hope that the Great Architect of the Universe will , in his unbounded goodness and mercy , be pleased to support you in your great affliction . This was at once approved by the whole of the brethren ; and before the closing of the lodge the Organist rendered thc " Dead March in Saul . "

The lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned for thc banquet , vvhich was served in excellent style by Bro . Callingham , but the concert that had been arranged by the VV . M . vvas dispensed with , and the toasts were all given with a silent fire .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Albion Chapter , No . 9 . The installation meeting of this successful chapter was held at the Ship and Turtle Tavern , Leadenhall-street , E . C , on the 17 th inst ., when there vvas a good attendance . Among the members present vvere Comps . l'L . J . Wickenden , H . ; T . W . Allsop , J . ; II . S . Friend , P . Z ., Treas . ; L . W . Harvey , P . Z ., S . E . ; J . R . Francis , P . S . ; Walter Dennis , 2 nd A . S . ; J . Start , P . Z . ; W . H . Holroyd , P . Z . ; W . E . Dring , P . Z . ; J . Bilbie , J . Graves , J . Nodder , II . A . Lewis , and others . Visitors : Comps .

F . White , P . Z . 171 G ; Percy Edwards , P . S . 1194 ; J . I . Allingham , 954 , P . P . A . G . S . ; W . F . Bull , P . Z . 820 ; E . Parsons , ) Gi 4 ; N . Salmon , P . Z . 177 ; R . F . Tyler , M . E . Z . 913 ; H . VV . Mellor , 1 S 39 ; A . Bull , 177 ; and W . W . Lee . P . Z . 1524 . Chapter having been opened and the minutes confirmed , Comp . VV . E . Dring , P . Z ., impressively installed the following Principals : Comps . E . J . Wickenden , M . E . Z . ;

T . W . Allsop , H . ; and VV . Dennis , J . The other officers invested were Comps . L . W . Harvey , P . Z ., S . E .: F . I ) . Smith , S . N . ; H . S . Friend , P . Z , Treas . ; J . R . Francis , P . S . ; H . F . Cain , ist A . S . ; A . Nutt , 2 nd A . S . ; and J . Rawles , Janitor . Bro . Joseph Nodder , I . P . M . 1309 , vvas next exalted into R . A . Masonry , the M . E . Z . and the II . and J . rendering the ceremony in a manner worthy of all praise . Other business was transacted , and the chapter was closed .

The banquet which followed fully maintained the reputation of this well-known hostelry , the unanimous opinion of all present being that the establishment had excelled itself . Thc usual toasts followed , the M . E . Z . setting an excellent example ] of brevity in consideration for the capital programme of music , Comp . VV . J . Harvey , P . Z ., in proposing " The M . E . Z ., " said he happened to be the father of the chapter present , and therefore this pleasant task devolved upon him . It had given every P . Z . present great pleasure to see the excellent way in which the

M . E . Z . went through the work of exaltation . They had had experience that whatever Comp . Wickenden took in hand he did thoroughly , and every ofli .-e he had filled with an immense amount of credit to the chapter and honour to himself . This meant a great deal of study and sacrifice of time in order to perfect himself in the ritual . Ic was more difficult , and also more beautiful , than any one of thc three Degrees in the Craft , and the exaltee would agree that it was the prettiest thing he had seen in Masonry . They did not want anything better , or with more sense and reason , than that exaltation ceremony . The only thing needful was to have the work carried throu jh as the M . E . Z . had done , and the companions present would heartily j nn in drinking his health .

Comp . E . J . Wilkenden , M . E . Z , said that although it gave him pleasure and gratification to reply and thank them for the hearty manner in which they had received the toast , yet he thought this was the hardest piece of work he had been called upon to du . It was a pleasure to him to work for this chapter , and he could not adequately thank Comp . Ilarvey for his kind expressions , or the companions for their cordial reception . Hc had always been treated in thc Albion Chapter in a kind and courteous way that he felt he could not thank them enough for it . At the present moment he hal attained the summit ot his ambition , but there was no use to deny the fact that he had worked for it . VVhen he was exalted he made up his mind to become the M . E . Z . Hi