Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Williams , J . W . ; R . Rose , Treas . ; George Tims , Sec . ; II . Child , S . D . ; R . T . Kingham , J . D . ; J . T . Doreglass , I . G . ; ]! . Fowler , D . C ; C . Scales , Stewartl ; Rapkin , Side , Coles , Check , Tims , jun ., Easy , Sainsbury , Shand , Cavct , Stiles , Gilbert , Clarke , Horton ; and visitors , Bros . Tubbs , P . M . ; Harris , P . M . ; and H . M . Levy , P . M . Bros . Trimmings , T-I . G . Rapkin , Rogers , J . Timms and Hatton were raised ,

and Bros . Sainsbury , Shantl and Tritton , passed ; after which Mr . William Read , of Holford-place , was initiated into the Order . The brethren then proccetletl with thc elections , and Bro . Michael , S . W ., was chosen W . M . for tlie next year . Bro . R . Rose was re-elected Treasurer , antl Bro . H . Daly , T . A motion of the W . M . 's was carried , " that a summce festival , at which ladies are to be present , be held

in the month of July , " and a committee consisting of Bros . Scales , Side , Rapkin , Cheek , anil Jones , was appointed to cany out the details . A P . M . jewel of the value of ten ouineas was voted to Bro . Willing for thc success which thc lodge hatl attained dnring his year of office , there being now forty eight members on the roll . It was decided to . have an emergency meeting on the 15 th proximo for the

dispatch of business , and the lotlge was afterwards closed . The lodge work was succeeded by an excellent banquet , and the brethren wound up the evening by honouring the usual masonic toasts . HAMPTON . —HEMMING LODGE ( NO . 1312 ) . —A strong meeting of this lodge was held at the Lion Hotel , Hampton , on Thursday , the 18 th inst ., it being thc last meeting of

the season , and the ni ght of election of VV . M . Thc proceedings commenced at six o'clock in the evening . There were present—Bros . Hammond , P . M . 201 , W . M . 1326 , P . G . S . Middlesex , & c , W . M . ; E . Hopwood . P . M . " 141 , S . W . ; S . Hill , P . M . of several lodges , J . W . ; J . Hammond , P . M ., Sec . ; Rawe , P . M . 9 69 , acting I . P . M . ; Hurst , S . D . ; Walls , 141 , 1381 , W . S . 11503 , I . G ., acting J . D . ; Jessop ,

acting I . G . ; Gilbert , G . T . of Middlesex , Tyler . Among the visitors were Bros . Watts , P . M . 201 ; Carvcll , P . M . 101 ; Wagner , S . W . 201 ; Jenkins , 3 82 , 1303 : Sadler , 1293 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M ., with the assistance of his officers , initiated Mr . Kent into the mysteries of thc Craft , and passed Bro . Arnold to the second degree . The

impressive ceremonies of both degrees were carefully and ably performed by thc W . M . The Secretary then formally read the bye-laws , in compliance with the Book of Constitutions , which were passed without dissent . The ballot was then taken for the election of a Worshipful Master , which resulted in Bro . Hopwood , the S . W ., being unanimously elected . The VV . M . congratulated the S . W . on his success ,

and assured the lodge that their choice had fallen on a brother who would reflect honour on the position , as he was a P . M . of many years sLmding of one of the oldest lodges in the City of London . Bro . I lopwood having returned thanks , thc ballot was taken for the election o ! a Treasurer in the place of Bro . Jephson , who had resigned that office in consequence of failing health , which ballot unanimously

resulted in favour of Bro . Rawe , P . M . 9 69 . A vote of condolence was ordered to be sent to the widow and family of Bro . Limpus , P . G . O . of Middlesex , Organist of the lodge , whose melancholy and premature death has cast a gloom in Masonic circles , where he had endeared himself hy the exercise ol those genial and musical abilities which he so amply possessed . Bro . Hopwood moved

antl Bro . Hill seconded , which was unanimously passed , that a Past Master ' s jewel should be presented at the next meeting to the W . M ., who hail carried out the duties of , his position so ably . Bro . Hammond in reply to this I mark of confidence and esteem said that he should prefer that the sum kindly voted by the lodge to purchase the decoration should be devoted towards purchasing a life

governorship of one of the chanties for some member of iiis family . The J . W . then addressed the lodge and said br hoped the W . M . would not pass the matter in that way , as he was of opinion that a P . M ' s ., jewel should always be awardetl a W . M ., when found deserving of thc distinction , and should be worn by him as an incentive to those young members who were anxious to attain the chair . Bro . Walls also supported this view and said that as the W . M .,

was one of the founders of thc lodge , and would hold next : year thc proud position of being first P . M ., it was a duty lie owed the lodge to accept the jewel and he respectfully hoped that Bro . Hammond would accede to the general « ish of thc lodge on the matter . The W . M . said that after the views that hatl been expressed by the several speakers and the unanimous vote of thc lodge having been taken he would withdraw his request that the money should be devoted to one of thc charities and desired to

"press his grateful acknowledgment for thc honour of 'wiving a Past Master ' s jewel , which had been so kindly awarded him by his brethren of thc Hemming Lotlge . 'he lodge was then closed in ancient form , and the "rtthren having partaken of refreshment , the lodge was Mourned until October next .

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GLASGOW . —LODOE ST . MUNGO ( NO . 27 ) . —The ¦ Ninary meeting of this lodge was held in St . Mark's ¦ "tll iBuchanan-street , on the 1 Sth inst . Bro . Dugald Butler , l - * * " v occupied the chair , and was supported on the dais M ? Bros . Geo . Sinclair , P . M . ; Archdeacon McTaggart , % " •»¦; Jas . W . Burns , R . W . M . 87 ; John Miller , P . M . 87 ; ¦ j " ' * -Bain , P . M . ior . and A . R . Wilson , Chaplain 27 . ¦ * * Dr . Mclnnes , S . W . ; McComb , J . W . ; and W . Niven ,

u ctary , occupied their respective positions . The lodge 1 "' 'S been opened , and the minutes of the previous jli ? '" ? read and passed , the chairman anno _ nccil lhat at » next regular meeting , on ist proximo , they would tL * tlie annual visitation of the P . G . L . of Glasgow , and l ^ -fter would be favoured with a lecture from thc Rev . fLi " eson > oE St - Matthew ' s Established Church . In 'alter he expected a treat , and he hoped they would

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have a large and respectable meeting . 'The lotlge was then called for a short time to refreshment , during which the chairman proposed the toast of " The Prov . Grand Lodge of Glasgow , " coupled with the name of Bro . Geo . Sinclair , Treasurer and convener of the P . G . L . Benevolent Fund . In acknowledging the compliment , Bro . Sinclair said he hoped that P . G . L . woultl be found continuing on

as they had done in the past . It had done a good deal -to raise the status of Masonry generally in thc province , to keep the working of the various lodges in proper order , and see that their books were correctly kept , and in relieving poor and distressed persons—willows of Masons especially —who might have claims upon their sympathy . This last year , towards the fund , they hatl received from the

lodges , from initiation fees , £ 190 3 s ., which represented , an addition of 761 , to the membership of the Order , being an increase of 61 over the year preceding . Their total income for the year was about £ 215 , and they hatl disbursed in charity the sum of £ 100 . In some instances the grants awarded were of £ 4 , £ 5 , and even £ 6 , respectively . They had also been instrumental in aiding not a few into a way

of doing for themselves ; one case being that of a widow whom they had managed to put into a little shop , whereby she now not only supported herself , but five of a family . The present gross capital of the fund was about £ 750 ; but the R . W . P . G . M . was presently taking steps to interest in the matter a few gentlemen who did not attend lodges , but could well spare a £ ¦¦ note ; antl he ( thc speaker ) saw

no reason why they shoultl not before long have £ 1 , 000 invested . When that was accomplished , they would be able to do much more in the way of benevolence . The toast of "The Visiting Brethren" was then given by the S . W ., and responded to by Bros . Burns , R . W . M . 87 ; A . C . Lindsay-Gray , D . M . 102 ; and A . Sage , P . M . 4 . The lodge having thereafter been recalled to labour , it was

moved by the R . W . M ., seconded hy thc P . M ., and agreed to , nem . con ., that honorary affiliation to thc lodge be conferred on Bro . Stewart , of Lotlge Commercial , 3 60 . The ceremony of affiliation was then performed by Bro . A . McTaggart , and Bro . Stewart having acknowledged the compliment . paid him , the lodge was closed in due and ancient form .

GLASGOW . —LODGE THISTLE ( NO . 87 ) . —The 113 th anniversary of this lodge was celebrated by a supper and ball , held in the Crown Rooms , Sauchiehall-street , on thc 16 th inst . At about eight o ' clock the chair in the supperroom was taken by thc R . W . M ., Bro . James W . Burns , who was supported on the platform by Bros . John Mackie , fohn Miller , and . fohn Fraser , Past Masters of the lodge ;

C . H . Jenkins , D . M . ; and James Love , S . M . ; Thomas Paton , Treasurer ; Archd . M'Taggart , P . G . Secretary ; Robert M'Dougall , R . W . M . 553 ( St . Vincent ); and VV . B . Paterson , 27 . Bro . James Booth , S . W ., officiated as Croupier , supported by Bros . William Wilson , J . W . ; D . M'Dougall , Secretary ; & : c . There was a large attendance of brethren of thc lodge and other lodges , with their wives ,

sweethearts , and daughters , and in all about 120 sat down to a supper at once amply and admirably purveyed by Bro . S . M'Phee , of the St . Andrew Restaurant , Hutchcson-street . The substantial having been disposed of , the chairman proposed in order the toasts of "The Queen , Prince of Wales , and Royal Family , " and that of " The Three Grand Lodges . " He then gave the toast of " The

Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow , " coupling with it thc name of Bro . M'Taggart , P . G . Sec . In acknowledging the compliment , Bro . M'Taggart saitl that he would fail inhi * - duty to the company , as well as to thc Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow , if he did not return them his sincere thanks for the honour they had , through himself , done the . Provincial Grand Lodge . And why , he would

ask , was this honour always accorded , not only on all high and festive occasions , hut on all occasions on which the brethren harmonised in the light ? Thc answer , to his thinking , was easy . It was because , as he thought , the office-bearers of the different lodges , as well as the members generally , were satisfied that the Provincial Grand Lodge had endeavoured to do its duty . In regard to some of its

schemes , it had no doubt failed ; and amongst these might be reckoned the erection of a grand Masonic Temple in our midst—the scheme for the education of Masons ' " bairns , "—and that of houses for decayed brethren , their widows and orphans . Still , when the past history of Masonry in Scotland came to be told , it would be discovered that , allowing for the poverty of their country ,

they had done their duty . All would have been made right but for the untimely death of Bro . Capt . Arch . A . Spiers , of Elderslie , their late P . G . M . —than whom one more worthy never filled the chair , or was actuated by more noble principles . Death took him away ; but , in his place , we have a man and a brother who will follow in his noble footsteps to

elevate thc principle of Masonry here , and extend it elsewhere . With regard to other very important objects , the speaker believed that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow had succeeded . They had succeeded , first , in bringing thc working of the individual lodges into better order , and in giving them a better tone . Formerly there was no control over them

whatever ; but by their visitations anil constant and regular supervision , thc Provincial Grand Lodge hnd brought them into harmony . Again , they had made the lodges more tolerant of each other , readier to reciprocate kindnesses , and more harmonious in their relationships . Further , they had succeeded in fostering the principles of benevolence and charity . ( Applause . ) The membership

was not a " benefit" society , but a benevolent society ; they did not enter into it to gel good , but to do good . The Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow had a had a hard fight to gain their object ; but ultimately , through the assistance of the Grand Lodge , they succeeded in establishing a permanent benevolent fund . One of the chief of those who early laboured in this direction was Bro . James Thomson , who strove for it from the beginning , and who left it flourishing .

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( Applause ) . So much so , that they had a hansome sum funded , antl were able to disburse a very large amount per annum amongst applicants who were found worthy ol recognition und support . ( Applause ) . They had succeeded in another point—that was , in endeavouring constantly to inculcate a knowled ge of the higher esoteric principles of the Order , to illustrate its symbolismand

ex-, pound its hi gher allegorical allusions . Finall y , the P . G . L of Glasgow had led the van of Provincial Grand Lodges in Scotland , had thrown in its lot unreservedly with Grand Lodge , and had prevented dissensions antl even schisms , which in past years were loudly and widely prevalent . In conclusion , he ( Bro . M'Taggart ) hoped that in the future they should go on , until they saw the ancient Order

flourishing m its pristine purity and unity . ( Applause ) . Before sitting down Bro . M'Taggart saitl they would allow him to propose the toast of the evening—viz ., " Lodge Thistle , 87 . " The lotlge , he saitl , hatl seen its days of prosperity and of adversity , but now it had prosperity along with it . For the last ten years , he believed , it had been going on to prosper , anil adding at thc rate of about thirty per annum to its

membership . It was due to the lodge to mention the Past Masters who had earnestly worked for its prosperity . And foremost among these they could not omit the name of Bro . Thomas Payton , who presided over it for no less a period than eleven years . ( Applause . ) To him succeeded Bro . John Fraser , the active and loyal brother : and next came Bro . John Miller , who occupied the chair—not for thc

first but second time—for three years . Now they had in thc seat of honour to-night , Bro . Burns , in whose hands they expected the lodge would continue to flourish as it had done in time past . ( Applause ) . The speaker concluded by stating that in its intercourse , whether at labour or at refreshment , he hoped the lodge would always harmonise in the light , whether it might be in the light of brotherly

love , moral truth or intellectual progress and forbearance . The toast was drank with much enthusiasm . In briefly replying to it , the chairman said that he was comparatively a young member of the lodge . He had , on his right hand , the oldest member of 87 at the present moment , Bro . Mackie , who had been connected with it for over thirty years . Next to him was Bro . Miller , who had been twice

Master during twenty-four years ; and at the other end of the table was Bro . Sinclair , a member for twenty-one years . Under these circumstances he felt very young indeed ; seeing he had becn . a member for only five years . Referring to a time previous to that , he saitl he was once so sceptical about secret societies of every sort—especially Freemasonry —that he denounced them and scoffed at them . He said

to himself that he would become a Freemason from sheer curiosity , and then he could laugh and scoff at them more than ever . So strong was his scepticism , and utter abhorrence , that if he had been told when he entered Lodge 87 , that within five years he woultl be Master , he would have replied that the man who said so would be in Gartnaval , or in his grave before he ( the speaker ) took the chair .

However , he was not long in finding out how mistaken he had been , that the principles of F ' reemasonry are what the Almighty teaches in His holy works , and that those who deviate from its principles could not believe in the Bible . In a few words , with reference to the lodge affairs , the chairman stated that , in Nov . 1873 , their cash in hand amounted to about £ 103 ; and in November last ( 1874 )

to over £ 119 . After paying all their expenses last year , which amounted to about £ 30 , and giving away £ 14 in charity , the balance in hand was the sum mentioned ( £ l " )) which the lodge had on hand to dispense in charity if required . The sum thus disbursed last year might , he stated , have been trebled , if it had been wanted . Immediately on concluding his reply , the chairman said he

hatl now the most arduous duty of the evening to perform , namely , a presentation to the late Master of the lodge , Bro . John Miller , who had twice ocenpied the chair , and the last time for three years in succession . After a few complimentary remarks , the chairman accordingly made formal presentation to Bro . Miller of a valuable gold watch , together with a silver tea set and salver for Mrs . Miller .

On the watch was an inscription stating that it was presented by brethren of the lodge and friends as a mark of respect and esteem . The salver was also suitably inscribed . Bro . Miller , in feeling terms , acknowledged the gifts . He had , he said , for some time been making up his mind to withdraw , in a great measure , for the Order . He thought he had done his duty , and wanted to make room for new

blood . However , this token of their respect had put a binding tie upon him in such a manner that he could not withdraw from it just yet a while . Amongst the remaining toasts on the programme , subsequent to the presentation , were " Thc Ladies , " proposed in unusually happy terms by Bro . Wilson , J . W . ; and replied to by Bro . M'Dougal , Secretary ; " The Press , " by Bro . W . P .

Paterson , acknowledged by Bra . W . H . Bickerton { Freemason ); and "Visiting Friends , " by Bro . John Fraser , P . M ., responded to by Bro . R . M'Dougal , R . W . M . 533 ( St . Vincent ) . Thc routine of toast and speech , we should add , was agreeably varied by music , vocal and instrumental , and the proceedings in the supper room having been concluded with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne , " the majority of

the company proceeded down stairs to the ball-room , where dancing was commenced forthwith , and kept up with unflagging spirit till an early hour . GLASGOW . —LODGE ST . MARK ( NO . 102 ) . —The third of a series of harmony meetings got up in this lodge was held on the iCth inst . The R . W . M ., Bro . J . F . Mitchell , presided , supported by Bros . Halket , P . M . ; Harper , R . W . M .

Lodge Clyde , 408 ; John Smith , Secretary ; and a large number of visiting brethren . The business in chief of the evening was the delivery of a lecture on " Coal Mines , and a Visit to a Coal Pit , " by the R . W . M . The subject , as might have been expected under the circumstances , was handled in a masterly manner , and at the close thc lecturer received a cordial vote of thanks from the lodge . Thc next lecture is to be delivered by Bro . Bairnsfather on