Contents.

CONTENTS .

R EPORTS or MASONIC MEETINGS : — Craft Masonry il Roval Arch 34 Scotland = 34 Ireland 35 Masonic and General Tidings oi Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 35 Is Freemasonry Materialism ? 3 c 3

The Disappointments of Lile <> A Bit of News 37 What Happened at Marpingen 37 CORRESPONOEXCE I— . How Can we Improve Masonry in Scotland ? 35 Masonic Queries 38 The Polish National Lodge 38 Bro . Major Rurgess 3 s The Duties cf Stewatds 3 S

The Eclectic Lodge 38 Dedication ofa Masonic Hall at Antigua 39 Lodge of fJenevolence 39 Lamartine on Freemasonry 39 Cap itular Masonry in Canada 39 Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 40 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 40 Advertisements 40 . i . ii . iii . iv . v . vi .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

toft Igtesumrs * UNITED MARINERS LODGE ( No . 30 ) . — This distinguished lodge held its monthly meeting at the Guildhall Coffee House , Gresham-street , on Thursday , the 16 th inst . Bro . A . Lefeaux , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . T . Smith , S . W ., and A . T . Gladwell , J . W . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the former meeting read and confirmed . The report of thc

Auditors was revised and adopted . Bros . Sugden , Cosedge , and Lewis were passed to the Second Degree , the ceremony being ably performed and the different officers evidently well skilled in their respective duties . Master Masons only having retired , a Board of Installed Masters was formed , consisting of Bros . R . E . Barnes , P . M . 15 ; lesse Turner , P . M . 30 : . [ . Driscoll , P . M . 30 ; G . Smith ,

P . M . 3 . 0 ; J . Harling , P . M . 3 . 0 ; H . Bethell , P . M . 30 ; W . Ansell , P . M . 30 ; W . McDonald , P . M . 30 ; W . J . Miller , P . M . 7 66 ; F . Barham , W . M . 754 ; W . Manger , P . M , 1314 ; E . S . Parker . P . M . 619 ; E . M . ' Davey . P . M . 861 ; who , according to ancient custom , installed Bro . T . Smith into the chair of the loe ' ge . The W . M . then appointed and invested the following brethren to the offices

annexed to their names , viz : Bros . A . T . Gladwell , S . W . ; C . Davey , J . W . ; J . Clark , S . D . ; H , Cosedge , J . D , ; Jesse Turner , P . M ., Treasurer ; R . E . Barnes , P . M ., Hon . Sec . ; J . Hoate , D . C . ; A . Couldry , Org . ; J . W . Crosslty , I . G . j J . Driscoll , P . M ., Steward ; J . Grant , Tyler . It was unanimously resolved , "That the best thanks of the lodge be given to Bro . Joseph Driscoll , P . M ., for thc very efficient

manner in which he discharged thc duties of Installing Master . " Bro . A . Lefeaux , P . M ., having consented to represent the lodge at the ensuing Festival in aid of the Funds of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , the lodge voted the sum of ten guineas , to be placed on his list . Some other business of the lodge havingbeen gone through , it was closed in eluc form , and the brethren aeljourned to

partake of a very excellent banquet , after which the usual Masonic teiasts were proposed and heartily responded to . The W . M ., Bro . T . Smith , then proposed " The Visitors , " the Mowing being present , viz ., Bros . D . F . McGregor , 1056 ; J . T . Frost , 1000 ; W . Henderson , 878 ; E . Hornblower , 1604 ; C . G . Lee , 164 ; H . Fowler , 754 . C . W . Howard , Leopold Lodge ; C . Cartwright , 1426 ; J . A .

Hill , 4 , : ; , which was responded toby the respective brethren expressing their gratification in visiting this lodge , and the admirable manner thc business of the same was conducted . Bro . Lefeaux , P . M . in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " about whom he scarcely knew what to say , his amiable qualities having been fully developed to the brethren during the time he had been amongst them ; his

duties as a subordinate officer had been carried out with that zeal anil efficiency which rendered his elevation to the Mastership of the lodge a matter of deep interest , and his conduct in that chair , he felt assured , would realize their fullest expectations , his urbanity and perfect mode of performing the duties of the several offices entitled him to the respect of the brethren . The toast being received with

acclamation , Bro . T . Smith , W . M ., said he never felt his own deficiency more in his life , in any duty that he was called upon to perform , than now . He could not adequately return thanks to the brethren for the way in which the proposition of his health had been received by thc lodge , he felt fully sensible of his own deficiencies in not being able properly to return thanks , on the present

occasion , for the unanimous way in which he had been elected as W . M . of that distinguished lodge ; he would endeavour to the best of his ability while presiding over the United Mariners Lodge , and if he followed in the steps of his brother Past Masters he thought he could not go very far wrong . Whatever might be wanting in the discharge of his duties he could assure them that there was

no or . e whose heart was warmer than his own towards Freemasonry in general , and to the United Mariners Lodge in particular . He had the welfare of every individual brother at heart , and the only way he could show how sensible he was of their kindness , was by a strict attention to the duties of the lodge . He thanked the brethren for the kind way in which they had responded to the

toast , and drank long life and happiness to them all . The W . M . then proposed "The Health of the P . M . 's , Bros . Harling . Turner , Driscoll , G . J . Smith , Ansell , Bethell , and McDonald . " He entertained the highest opinion of the P . M . ' s of the lodge , and he was sure the brethren would drink their healths with eclat . Bro .

Lefeaux , P . M ., in returning thanks , strongly advised those who aspired to office in the lodge to make themselves acquainted with the ritual of Freemasonry , and apply to the P . M . ' s of the lodge , who had the power to give them instruction . Unless they could prove themselves proficient they could never aspire , or if they did , they could never

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

hope to obtain the position of W . M ., which was the highest object of their ambition . Bro . Turner , P . M ., thanked the brethren for having elected him as their Treasurer for the 14 th time , and was happy to say that their funds were in a very promising condition , and he hoped that when their W . M . retired he would leave them in as good a state as they were left in by his predecessor . It was a

most agreeable thing to sit at their banquet table , but he trusted they had higher objects , and by ascending another round of the ladder of Freemasonry become "better men , improving their morals , and inculcating those divine principles of doing unto others as they would wish they should do unto them . " The Wardens and Officers " was next proposed and duly honoured . The S . W . returned

thanks , and assured the brethren the honour conferred would be a stimulant to future exertions in the cause of Masonry . Bro . R . E . Barnes , P . M ., Hon . Sec , tendered his grateful thanks for the re-appointment of Secretary , which office he had filled for a period of thirty years , and that he had given them satisfaction was shown by the observations of the W . M . in investing him with his collar

that evening ; and as long as he had health and strength he would perform his duties as he had hitherto done . The United Mariners' Lodge was in a prosperous condition . He begged them to accept his sincere and heartfelt thanks for the many acts of kindness he had received at their hands ; more especially for their kind and generous sympathy in advocating his cause , being a candidate for the

benefits , of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund , having subscribed to the fund of benevolence for a period of seventy-two years . The W . M . then informed the brethren that he had a most gratifying duty to perform , that of presenting their highly esteemed Bro . A . Lefeaux , P . M ., some mark of their esteem , viz ., a handsome Past Master ' s jewel , in recognition of the valuable services

rendered for the welfare of the lodge , and the very able manner in which he conducted thc onerous duties of Mastership . Bro . P . M . Lefeaux , in replying , said he cordially thanked the brethren for this mark of respect to him . As a Mason he could not look on the gift as a reward for his services , but as a strong expression of the regard of the brethren for him , and he sincerely trusted , by constant attendance

and assiduity in promoting the welfare of the lodge , to merit a continuance of the esteem already evinced towards him . The evening ' s pleasure was enhanced by some very suitable melodies from Bros . Harling , T . Smith , and others , with Bro . Cauldey presiding at the piano , which gave unqualified gratification . After a delightful meeting , in which each and all vied in exhibiting the most

kindly feelings , the brethren separated at an early hour . DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —The installation meeting of this old lodge was held on the izthinst . Previous to the installation , Bro . Joseph Smith , P . G . P ., P . M ., presided , the W . M ., Bro . A . Treadwell , being too unwell to pciform the ceremonies . This was the first appearance of the W . M . in the lodge since his accident , and

he was congratulated by the brethren on his having so far recovered . Bro . Smith raised Bro . Cox to the Third Degree , and passed Bros . Pether , Scattergood , Davies , Brangwin , and Read to the Second Degree . He then installed Bro . James Willing , jun ., as Matter . The officers appointed were Bros . A . Treadwell , l . P . M . ; W . Palmer , S . W . ; I . Buscall , J . W . ; Joseph Smith , P . M .,

Treas . ; T . Williams , Sec ; E . White , S . D . ; II . N . B . Spink , J . D . ; W . Harris , I . G . ; J . McLean , D . C ; T Williams , Stwd . ; and Daly , Tyler . Among the brethren present , who were very numerous , were Past Masters H . Elmcs , J . Tims , T . A . Adams , M . Haydon , J . Brett , Ferguson , J . Smith , A . Treadwell and Massey ( Freemason ) . The W . M ., immediately after the ceremony of installation

had been completed , initiated Messrs . Wm . Cohen and Alfred Piper into the Order . The next business was the consielcration of a motion of Bro . Harris to raise the annual subscription , and this having been made , seconded by Bro . Ferguson , P . M ., and debated , was passed . A vote of thanks was also adopted to Bro . Joseph Smith and Bro . T . Adams , moved by Bro . Ferguson , and seconded

by the J . W ., for having performed the ceremony of installation . Bro . Palmer mentioned to the lodge that as all thc other lodges and chapters meeting in that house were contributing to a testimonial to Bro . William Smith , the head waiter , from whom all the brethren and companions had received for many years great attention and courtesy , he thought so famous a lodge as the Domatic should not

leave itself out of the list of contributions . This met with the general assent of the brethren , and the subject was reserved for full consideration . After closing the lodge , the brethren , to the number of 133 , partook of banquet , and among them were the brethren above named , and Past Masters Foulger , Potter , Walford , and Fred Smith . When the toasts were proposed , Bro . Joseph

Smith and Bro . Thomas Adams responded to that of "The Grand Officers . " Bro . Joseph Smith remarked that he was the father of thc lodge , and as such , and as Treasurer too , he felt great interest in its welfare . He took part in all the discussions which came on , and he had that evening felt an interest in the question of raising the subscription . In that discussion mention had been made of charity .

The lodge had done a good deal in that way ; and it ought to bear a part in that great work . It was quite right ; but though they had done much , they should do more .. The Past Masters particulaily felt this , and one of their number , Bro . Ferguson , was going to represent the lodge as its Steward at the next festival of the Aged Freemasons . Bro . Ferguson would that evening go round the lodge and put the brethren ' s principles to the test . It

had been said in lodge that they would rather do without one or two banquets in order that they might give to charity ; let them prove that principle when the lime arrived . An opportunity offered itself then , and though Bro . Ferguson would not ask them for their money , he -would be glad if they would give him their names . ( Cheers . ) After Bro . Adams had said a few words , Bro . Joseph Smith proposed " The Health ot the W . M . " He

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

said that Bro . Treadwell , whom they were all much pleased to have among them again , was too much fatigued to propose this toast , the effects of his severe illness not having by any means disappeared . Referring to the W . M ., he said although this was the first time he was Master of this lodge , he had been the Master of another distinguished lodge . The brethren of the Domatic had

unanimously called him to the chair of their lodge , and , knowing the responsibility which devolved upon him , he would take care during his year of office to give them no cause to regret their selection . His having filled the chair of another lodge was a guarantee that his working for the year would be perfect . Bro . Willing , when in the chair of the Metropolitan Lodge , had not only done his

duties while presiding in the lodge , but had also represented it at all the boards he was entitled to beat . He would do the same for the Domatic . The W . M ., in responding , said that his experience as acting Secretary of the Domatic Lodge for the last three years had introduced him to the chair . The labours of Secretary had been arduous in so numerous a lodge ; but to the best of his ability he had discharged them . He had had no intention of offending

any brother . During that time he had experienced so much respect and regard from the brethren , that without knowing how that feeling had been engendered , he felt as they wished him to take the chair he must do so . He had not wished to keep any other brother out of the chair , and he did not seek the chair . He merely consulted the feelings and wishes of the brethren . What he had done for the lodge in the past he trusted would be an earnest of what he would do in the future . When a brother knew

the duties and acted up to them he became the servant of the lodge and not its Master ; he was anxious for every individual member . After making reference to the P . M . ' s of No . 1507 , some of whom were members of the Domatic , he said he knew when he became Master of the latter lodge that he was coming among friendly critics , men who knew to the fullest extent what Masonry

was , what Masonic working was . The Master was looked upon in this lodge with keen but friendly eyes ; but there was no lodge where a heartier reception was given to him by the Past Masters , which was reciprocated by all the other brethren , who united in the grand design of being happy themselves and communicating happiness to others . He promised them his best services for the ensuing year .

The W . M . then gave " The Health of the P . M . ' s , " and he wished the brethren to give this toast a cordial reception , humorously remarking that we never know to what we may ourselves come to some time . In the Domatic Lodge there was quite an array of P . M . ' s . He then feelingly alluded to Bro . Treadwell ' s accident , which had incapacitated him not from working the lodge alone , but from

attending , for he had been laid up with a broken kneecap during a great portion of his year of office . During the early portion of his year he had done his work well and completely , and it was in consideration of his services that the brethren presented him with a handsome P . M . 's jewel . The brethren all participated in his great sorrow , for not only had he sustained heavy physical pain by his accident ,

but in the early stages of his misfortune he was visited by a greater calamity , the loss of his wife . With true Masonic feeling the brethren shared his affliction , and begged him to accept their heartfelt sympathies in his heavy loss during the year . Bro . Treadwell , who was much affected when he rose to reply , said he was exceedingly thankful to the brethren for their sympathy in his trouble

and affliction , and for the jewel which they had kindly presented him with . He had been laid up for four months , and during that time his work had been kindly and ably performed by Bros . Joseph Smith and George Everett . If it had not been for them and his esteemed friend , Bro . Willing , he really did not know what he should have done . It was no easy task to be Master of thc Domatic Lodge ,

and if he had not an able Secretary and Treasurer the Master would be nowhere . The only complaint he could find to make was that he could not carry forward a large balance , but he felt sure that when Bro . Willing went out of the chair there would be £ 100 balance to hand over to his successor . While Secretary Bro . Willing ' s services had been extraordinary . The brethren had had experience of his

indomitable courage and perseverance and tact , and they would expect him to leave the chair to his successor with £ 100 balance . If he did not , he ( Bro . Treadwell ) would be very much deceived . A W . M . of the Domatic Lodge ought to be proud of having such officers as Bro . Joseph Smith and Bro . Willing . With respect to the other P . M . ' s , for whom he was asked to respond , it was in fact

unnecessary for him to speak of their qualities , inasmuch as they ranked amongst them most distinguished members of the Craft , Past Grand Officers and others , who had taught Masons their duties and the ritual ; and many of them were Past Masters of other lodges as well . It would be wrong on his part to speak on their behalf , as nature had gifted them with

greater eloquence to speak for themselves . The toast of "The Visitors" followed , and Bros . Fisher , Swallow , Levy , and Style replied . Bro . Joseph Smith responded , as Treasurer , to the toast proposed and drunk in favour of that officer . In the course of his observations he said that his advice to every Master was , " Keep within your income . " If they followed this advice they would

never have cause of complaint . The T . reasurer of a lodge was like the Chancellor of the Exchequer . If they were wrong it was the Treasurer ' s duty to tell them so . He would promise them that so long as he was Treasurer the lodge should never be " scratched " for non-payment of Grand Lodge dues . If they had not the money let them

go without their banquets , and he would remind them whenever they were going too far . He had a great horror for Masons getting into debt in Masonry . A great many lodges did so , as he had himself witnessed , but he would not let the Domatic get into debt . " The Initiates " was the next toast , anil when these brethren had replied , the toast of "The Secretary and other Officers " was given , to