Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Wm . Butler , S . W . ; Isaac Herron , J . W . " On the page saluted by Washington was written , "On this Sacred Volume , on the 30 th day of April , A . M . 57 S 9 , in the City of New York , was administered to Geotge Washington , the first President of the United States of America , the oath to support the Constitution of the United States . This important ceremony was performed by the M . W . G . M .

of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Yorkthe Hon . Robert R . Livingstone , Chancellor of the State . " He had given them a little of their national history connected with their Masonic history , by which they would see that Masonry existed in New York before they had their first President . That lodge had existed for 137 years , and was the third oldest lodge in the United States . He

was pleased that they had that evening the honour and pleasure of having a representative of that Grand Lodge present , one who had made bis mark , who had put his shoulder to the wheel , and had succeeded in paying off the debt on the temple , the income of which would be devoted to the aged and infirm . He had great pleasure in proposing this toast , coupled with the name of Bro .

Hayes . Bro . George Hayes , D . G . Master Sth Masonic District , New York City , U . S . A ., returned thanks . _ He said the jurisdiction from whence he came was presided over by a prince—a prince of Masons—for those who knew their Grand Master knew him to be a prince among men . Twenty-five years ago he ( Bro . Hayes ) indulged in the

sports of this country , and bore arms for this country , being an Englishman by birth . The first twenty-four years of his life were spent in England , and he was mighty proud to say so . He then found himself on the other side , just entering into life . No man had led a more industrious or more active life , and he had succeeded , but notwithstanding the activity of his present life , he had

found time to devote to their noble Craft . The Grand Master , some four years ago , conceived the idea of ridding their Craft of debt . They had a building which had cost them one-and-a-half million dollars , which was put up to produce an income to be given to widows and children . The Grand Master did not look for eloquent men to support him , but he thought that in him he would

find one who would help him . He buckled to and helped him and others , and had succeeded not only in paying off that debt but they had also acquired almost a quarter of million dollars , besides offers of sites of land for the purpose of erecting this Institution . One brother of the Craft—Bro . Hodge—had offered them a property worth 50 , 000 dols ., but as that property was located away from the

centre they could not accept it . They , however , remembered him all the same . So many offers had been made that it stood in statu quo until June , when it would be determined . He hardly called it charity , for it was providing for their own family . There was another thing which occupied the minds of New York Masons . They had a Bro . Pope who was the President of their Board of Relief , and they of

that cosmopolitan city suffered from many Masonic mendicants of the worst order—of course the Devil entered into the most sacred Order . What they wanted to do was to take care of all good and worthy Masons , and , as a matter of course , theirs being a large jurisdiction , they naturally got a large number . When a brother applied , all they could do was to prove him and put him through

what was known as a " course of sprouts . " They wanted to have a temporary home in New York City where they could say to applicants , " Retire there and make that your home , " and they would also have a labour bureau so that they could find positions for them . They would very soon have their home for the aged and the infirm , and also have a temporary dwelling for those unfortunate Masons , whom

they would take care of . If the bretnren could have seen the lodges of their jurisdiction five years ago , and see them that day , and the enthusiasm with which they were inspired , they would be astonished . The members had come round to the fact that Masonry did not begin and end with the working of Degrees , and with meeting as they would meet at their clubs . As long as the Almighty gave him health

and strength he would render his little share towards that noble end . He wanted to be a good Mason . He did not care so much about the working of the Degrees , but he wanted to be a Mason . He thanked them very much for the kind manner in which they had received the toast . Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . G . D ., I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " and referred to England and

America as one nation , the undying sympathies between the two countries being unextinguishable . Each responded to theother ' s feelings , and their flags were the same , although the colours were a little differently placed . The brethren prided themselves upon having a Masonic home in this country for Masons coming over here . He felt like the Lord Mayor on the 10 th November , when he went out of

office . That was the first opportunity he had had of bearing testimony to the value and worth of their W . M . He was wonder-struck at the W . M . He was extremely glad he had such a worthy successor , and had much pleasure in proposing his health . Bro . Adolphus Clark , W . M ., said he was much obliged to the I . P . M ., for proposing his health , and to the brethren

for the way they had received it . It was often said that when a brother became W . M . he was supreme in his lodge and could do just as he pleased . Of course he must be guided by the Constitution . He ould assure them he had had no such feeling since he had been in the chair . His pleasure was to serve the brethren and to give them satisfaction , and he did not think any W . M . ought to conduct himself

contrary to the wishes of the majority of the lodge . When he became W . M . he did his best to select good officers , which was often a difficult matter . He did what he thought was right , and he thought the members had supported him . He knew that was so , and thanked them very much for their confidence . As long as he remained W . M . he should do all he could to give them satisfaction in every way , and he had to thank them for their

reception . "The Initiates" was next given and appropriately responded to . Bro . Saml . Pope , Q . C , P . G . D ., said he had , somewhat secretly , to interpolate a toast which was not upon the programme , but it was one that was in their thoughts , and he

was sure would be acceptable to all present , The Grand Registrar had pointed out that England , and every Mason , and every lodge in the United Kingdom were about to suffer a certain loss in the departure from these shores of a distinguished Mason . He had the honour of being in attendance at the inauguration of this lodge . He then

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

heard an exposition of the principles which actuated the Masons of America , which at once satisfied him that an Institution such as theirs , which could blend the enthusiasm of America with the solidity and calmness of English Masonry , must be of advantage to the Craft . That experience was supported by a speech delivered by Bro . Consul General Waller . That night they had heard from

other American Masons sentiments the enthusiasm of which must have infected and filled them with admiration and respect , and might he say then that it would be a hard thing upon the English Masons who were not members of that lodge if they were not permitted to add their voices in regret at the departure of Bro . Consul General Waller ? He hoped there would be some substantial opportunity of

expressing their regret , and that it would not be confined to American Masons of that lodge , but that they might all show the esteem and affection with which they regarded him when an accident of life obliged him to leave them for the present . He only hoped they might have as good a Masonic successor as Bro . Waller had been . He was quite sure if the traditions of that grand office described by Bro .

Tilton—when the first President swore fidelity upon a Masonic bible—were carried out by the American Government , they would have a Consul General who would represent America and Masonry as well as Bro . Waller had done . He was afraid he could not compete in Masonic influence with his namesake on the other side , but he could assure Bro . Waller that he would take with him no higher respect ,

no more sincere wishes for his future success in whatever course of life he might choose to enter , than the English Masons would extend , and they would hear with the greatest satisfaction ot his future prosperity . With the leave of their W . M ., he ventured to suggest that the Anglo-American Lodge—that tie binding the two great nationsshould have the satisfaction of bidding him " God

speed , " and wishing him a happy and prosperous life . Bro . Consul General T . M . Waller , in reply , said that , an Anglo-American being in the chair , he ventured to make a special arrangement , that he should at least have a good dinner , 'without any apprehension of saying a word , and he swore him to this obligation—that he should have

a splendid opportunity of hearing the eloquence of others , without endeavouring to imitate their eloquence or their oratory . So they saw the assurance of Masonic pledges . When in New London he would tell them that at a Masonic gathering Bro . Pope , in all his majesty and all his weight , rose , and , in all his eloquence , paid attention to the simple Consul General from the United States . He knew the

extent of the compliment , and knew the weight of it . The compliment from Bro . Pope was especially grateful to him , because he happened to belong to the profession—he was away down the ranks—in which Bro . Pope occupied a high place . For many years he worked in that profession , and then said he would come to England , and take a rest . Might he tell them that that very morning he saw a paper ,

published in his town , in which he read they were alarmed that their fellow citizen was having so many dinners , given by English people . He could see how anxious those good people were that he should not go back to them with a distempered stomach . He came over here for four years to see the great Institutions from which the Institutions of the great America were founded , and from which they

sprung . He came to see in Masonry , in law , in art , the leading men and leading thought of the nineteenth century . He had had a real good time . He had had dinners and honours paid to him specially , and some personally . There ought to be no reason why America and England should not be joined together . It was perhaps the last time he should have the opportunity of addressing them , but he

should for ever remember their kindness and courtesy ; and the beautiful picture of that night , which he should look upon with great pleasure , would be for ever in his mind . He should recollect always , and tell the people of America that there was one thing—that if they found an English Mason they found an English gentleman , and if they found an English gentleman they found a gentleman they could

love . The first honour that evening was to the Queen , and he could tell them that the Anthem to the Queen and their National Anthem was set to the same tune . Other toasts were given , and the proceedings terminated . Bro . Herbert Schartau , Org ., presided at the pianoforte , and was assisted by Bro . Franklin Clive in the harmony of the evening .

SHIPLEY . —Airedale Lodge ( No . 3 87 ) . —This lodge met for the last time at the Masonic Hall , on Wednesday , the 17 th inst . Bro . John Symonds , W . M ., was in the chair , supported by Bros . C . Curran , S . W . ; R . J . Bryden , J . W . ; J . S . Rhodes , S . D . ; A . Marshall , J . D . ; J . T . Marshall , I . G . ; J . Ramsden Riley , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; H . Mitchell , P . M ., Sec ; John Hey , P . M ., Treas . ;

E . Bottomley , P . M ., Org . ; S . A . Auty , P . M ., Chap . W . Odd y , I . P . M . ; F . Ives , P . M . ; E . Heaton , P . M . ; S . Minikin , P . M . ; and a number of brethren . The visitors were Bros . J . Ramsden , P . M . 459 , P . P . G . S . j Rev . J . N . Dee , 2035 ; J . Seward , 603 ; A . Hinings , 600 ; R . Brown , ' 545 J an < I a brother from a lodge at Buenos Ayres . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the

previous meeting and of a special meeting , authorising the removal of the lodge to the Institute at Saltaire , were confirmed , the ballot was taken for Messrs . John Cromack and Matthew Banks Newell , and , proving unanimous , both gentlemen were initiated , the former by Bro . S . Minikin ; P . M ., and the latter by Bro . W . Oddy , I . P . M ., in a most creditable manner . The working tools in the First Degree

Were ably explained by Bro . R . J . Bryden , J . W ., and the charge was most impressively given by Bro . Curran , S . W . Resolutions were passed with reference to furnishing the new rooms at the Institute , Soltaire , which , when equipped , will compare favourably with any in the province . After supper the usual toasts , including " The Initia tes " and "The Visitors , " were given and suitably acknowledged , and a pleasant evening was spent .

PLUMSTEAD . —Nelson Lodge ( No . 700 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the above prosperous lodge took place on Wednesday , the 17 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Bull Fields , Bro . J . VV . Miller , W . M ., in the chair , supported by the following officers and brethren : Bios . R . j .

Naylor , I . P . M . j T . Butt , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Warren , P . M ., Sec . ; F . Dawson , P . M . ; G . Crawford , P . M . ; J . H . Roberts , P . M . ; T . Ovenden , P . M ., Stwd . ; J . Sanderson , P . M . ; W . Webber , S . W . ; J . McCollough , S . D . ; G . A . Taylor , J . D . j W . Lawson , I . G . ; W . Bidgood , Org . ; H . Tuffnell , D . C . j G . H . Nichols , Stwd . ; G . Mitchell , P , Auld , J . Carty , A . Sanderson , G . West , Z , Kitley , T .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

White , W . Marfleet , C . Benstead , A . Abbey , W . Wilson C . Wood , R . Unthank , G . Brown , W . Long , J . Paul , T * Day , T . Smith , Capt . W . Ward , A . Bryant , W . Harris , and C . H . Brooks . Among the visitors were Bros . C Jolly , P . M . 1472 ; J . Murphy , R . Rabson , VV . Davidson , and H . Tucker , of 913 ; C Foss and J . Hall , of 13 ; W . C . Halley , 17 S 9 ; D . Bailey , 334 ; and others .

The lodge having been opened and the minutes confirmed , Bro . Morrell was passed , and the lodge formed itself into a committee to consider the revision of the bye-laws , and a long and animated discussion ensued . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren sat down to a neat little supper served in the upper hall by Bro .

Moulder , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . The I . P . M ., in proposing the toast of "The W . M ., " regretted that he had not had more work to do that night , as it was always a great Masonic treat to hear him work the ceremonies .

Bro . Miller in response , thanked them for the toast and , as Bro . Naylor had said , he also regretted not having more work to do , but trusted his successor would have more initiates . During the time he had held office in the lodge , and since he had filled the chair , it was very gratifying to him to know that his efforts had been appreciated . The W . M ., in giving the toast of "The Past Masters , "

said that they had with them that night some of the best of the Past Masters . He ( the W . M . ) had been a member of the lodge for the last eighteen years , and that time ago two of these esteemed Past Masters—he referred to Bros . Crawford and Dawson—were prominent officers , and took a great interest in the welfare of the lodge . He thanked them for their attendance that night , and trusted to see them often

among them . Bro . Crawford , in responding , said that he and Bro . Dawson had been Past Masters of the lodge for many years , and had worked hard for its prosperity , and although not so often present as some of them , yet he had the interest of the lodge at heart . It was a good old lodge , and sprang from another good old lodge in the locality , the Union

Waterloo . He wished the W . M ., brethren , and lodge continued prosperity . Bro . Dawson said that the longer he stayed away the greater the penalty he had to pay . There was a time , how . ever , when he knew everything , and took a great interest in everything that occurred in the lodge . He was pleased at their prosperity , and that they were going to open an account at the bank . He was once Treasurer for five

years , and during that time had often to put his hand in his pocket and pay pressing debts ; that , he was pleased to hear , was not likely to be the case of their present Treasurer . He thanked them for the toast . Bros . Butt and Warren also responded . „ . ? u ; r 'loIIy '„ Rabs , ' Foss ' and Ha"ey responded foe . . p Visitors , " and Bro . Webber for "The Officers , " and the 1 yler s toast concluded the business and pleasures of the evening . HARROGATE . —Harrogate and Claro Lodge ( No . 1001 ) . —A meeting of this lod ge was held on Friday , the 12 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , under the presidency of Bro . T . A . Marsh , W . M ., when there was a large attendance of members and visiting brethren , the occasion being the anniversary or installation meeting , as also the

quartocentenary of the existence of this flourishing lodge . Several letters of apology were read from members at a distance , notably one from Bro . E . Wareham Harry , P . M . where he finds six lodges and four chapters located . The visitors were Bros . Thos . Riley , P . M . 600 , Prov . G . Stwd ., M . E . Z . IOOI J John Shaw , P . M . 139 , P . P . G . S . of W . ; W -J ; Kaye , B . A ., I . P . M . 1522 ; W . J . RorkeJ . W . 1 794 and Banks 101 J >;•—•>*¦*>

J . S . , 9 . After the confirmation of minutes and adoption of balance sheet , it was announced from the chair that an untimely accident had befallen Bro . C . J . B . Johnson , P . M ., who was that day to act as D . C . This duty was accepted by Bro . John Richardson , P . M ., P . P . G . Purst ., who presentedthe W . M . electBro . Thomas Lawrence

^ , , S . W ., to receive the benefit of installation , which ceremony was most impressivel y performed by Bro . Thomas A . Marsh , I . P . M ., when the new W . M . proceeded to appoint and invest his officers for the ensuing year , viz . Bros . George Thompson , S . W . ; J . B . Griffiths , J . VV . ; Rev . W . Hall , Chap . ; H . Allison , Treas . ; A . Orlando Jones , Sec ; R . H . Walters , S . D . ; Neville Williams ,

J p I 1 A ' Tnt , - -l J- Myers Pratt , Org . ; R . T ™' ,-. ¦ G , vJ-, f ^? cnab and Walter Da vey , Stwds . ; and William Child , Tyler . Bro . A . J . Bodman , P . M ., was elected representative of the lodge on the Provincial Charity Committee for the ensuing year . Bro . Aid . J . T . Walker , P . M ., was elected Almoner , and also to serve on the Provincial Charity Committee candidate

. A for initiation was balloted for , and unanimously elected . Lod ge dues were collected , and Heaity good wishes " expressed by the members and visitors to the newly-installed W . M ., who closed the lodge , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , and partook of a most recherche repast , served under the direction of Bro . 1 . Butler Wilson , Steward for the past year . This room being profusely decorated with flags , plants , and flowers .

The menu and toast list was a work of art , embellished by a capital portrait of the new Master . The musical por . tion was contributed by Bros . Pratt , Davey , Lawrence , Allison , Macnab , Seaborne , Booty , Stennett , Wilson , Driver , and Walker , who added greatly to the evening ' s enjoyment .

MANCHESTER .-Richmond Lod ge ( No ion ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Old Boar's Head , on Thursday , the 18 th inst . There were present Bros . S . Dawson , W . M . ; Thos . Hind , S . W . ; M . Watson , J . W . ; John Williams , S . D . ; R . T . Dawson , l . G . j James Hyde , Tyler ; Thos . Mottershead , P . M . ; T . S . Lacey , S . Anderton , D . C Lambert , F . T . Hair , J . Taylor , J . Standring , and Geo . S . Smith .

The lodge was opened by the W . M ., and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Taylor expressed his intention of being passed to the Second Degree , which ceremony was subsequently performed by Bro . Dawson in a most impressive manner . Belore the lodge was closed it was unanimously agreed that the Secretary write a letter of condolence to the widow of the late Bro , Collier , expressing their great sympathy with her and her family in their great bereavement . Othef business being ended , the lodge was closed ,