Reports Of Msonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MSONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft flDaeonrp

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS . BURSLEM . St . Martin ' s Lodge ( No . 98 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Town Hall on Thursday , the iSth inst ., when there were present Bros . John Mason , W . M . ; J . Scarratt , S . W . j A . Boulton , J . W . j W . Garner , l . P . M . j Rev . L . C . A . Edgeworth , Chap . ; R . Dain , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . j T . K . Pedley ,

P . M ., P . P . G . S . of W ., Sec ; F . Weston , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., D . C ; J . Beech , S . D . ; R . Wilkinson , J . D . ; R . Owen , I . G . ; J . B . Davis , Org . ; J . Boardman , Tyler j J . Godwin , P . M ., P . G . S . B . ; W . H . Emery , W . Brickel , T . Saunders , W . Pointon , W . Skellern , W . S . Gordon , and others . Bro . J . Norriss , 451 , was a visitor .

The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . J . Minshull was raised to the Degree of M . M . by the W . M . in a very creditable manner , the work of all the officers being also well carried out . There being no other business , the lodge was closed .

ETON . George Gardner Lodge ( No . 2309 ) . —A meeting of this lodge took place at the Christopher Hotel , on Saturday , the 20 th inst ., when there were present Bros . R . J . ? . Laundy , W . M . ; VV . B . Fendick , I . P . M ., acting S . W . ; J . Hanham , J . W . ; E . Corp , S . D . ; J . Broderick , I . D . j I . Pritchard , Stwd ., acting I . G . j A . Skinner ,

l . P . M . j George Gardner , P . M . j C . P . Bellerby , Sec . j R . Dennis , G . Kirkham , R . Dixon-Smith , R . J . Munlove , J . T . Muddiman , J . Muddiman , W . Page , A . Halliday , F . Halliday , H . P . Hasted , and H . R . Layton . Bro . G . W . Marple was a visitor . The lodge having been opened and the minutes confirmed , a ballot was taken for a candidate for initiation , Mr .

Pullmann , which proving unanimous he was regularly initiated into the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry . Bro . Layton was raised to the Degree of M . M . There were four brethren proposed as joining members . This was the first time the W . M . had discharged the duties as regards any of the ceremonies , in consequence of having been absent

through severe illness . We are glad to see him so far recovered , as we are Bro . George Gardner after his illness and accident , and congratulate the W . M . on the able way in which he discharged his duties . The lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to dinner provided by Host Page in his usual excellent manner . THORNE .

St . Nicholas Lodge ( No . 2259 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , thc 17 th inst ., in the Peace Hall . Present * . Bros . S . H . C Ashlin , W . M . j J . H . Bletcher , l . P . M . j J . Constable , S . W . ; G . Kenyon , J . W . j A . L . Peace , Treas . j Rev . J . J . Littlewood , Chap . ; W . P . Robotham , Sec . ; W . Martin , S . D . ; A . Goodhind , J . D . j T . Barber , I . G . j F . T . Turner , Stwd . j R . N . Brunyee , W . M . 1482 J W .

Pickering , B . Maskill , G . Eland , and F . Pine , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . F . Rand , 242 , P . P . S . G . D . j T . Foster , J . D . 242 ; G . Foster , 242 j and G . Buckland , I . G . 242 . Bro . Eland was dul y passed to the Degree of F . C , the work being performed by the W . M ., assisted by Bro . Peace . 1 he next meeting falling on a most inconvenient night , it was resolved to apply to the Provincial Grand Lodge for a dispensation to hold the September meeting a week later for the election of W . M ., & c .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

COLCHESTER . Patriotic Chapter ( No . SO —At the quarterl y meeting of this chapter on Tuesday , the lOth inst ., at the Three Cups , the following were elected officers for the ensuing year : Comps . R . D . Poppleton , Z . ; C Osmond , H . j R . Haward Ives , J . ; T . J . Railing , S . E . ;

Edmund Cowers , S . N . ; E . Hennemeyer , Treas . ; J . G . Renshaw , P . S . J A . J . H . Ward , ist A . S . ; H . J . Skinpley , 2 nd A . S . j and A . Wright , Janitor . During the evening a telegram of regret and sympathy at the dastardly outrage on his daughter was dispatched to the Grand Supt . of the province , Comp . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., who is a member of the chapter . ~

GUERNSEY . Doyle ' s Chapter of Fellowship No . 84 . —This well-known chapter , over whose existence for some years past rather dark clouds of neglect have rolled , has at length , under the fostering care of two or three zealous companions , completely emerged from the shade and resumed its old form , promising the best results . This was

most ampl y exemphhed at a meeting held at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , the iSth inst ., when the following companions , having been duly approved , were esalted : Comps . Osmond Priaul , A . G . Lacy , and F . S . Sorrell . The ceremony was most impressively conducted by Comp . Stickland , P . Z ., who also gave the symbolical lecture in a faultless manner , the historical being relegated to Comp . Laine , P . J .

, and the mystical to Comp . Balfour Cockburn , P . Z ., who occupied the chair of II . The duties of P . S . were carried out for the first time by Comp . Hamel with such marked ability as to elect the special commendation of the Principals later on in the evening . The chapter owes much to its energetic Scribe E ., Comp . Haighton Wilkins , who is

unfailing in his zeal to promote its best interests . I here was a full muster of all the companions in the roll as also several visitors , amongst whom we noticed Comps . Dobree , P . Z ., P . G . W . ; De Jausserand , Mellish , and others . A charming gathering in the banquet hall terminated the evening ' s proceedings .

Lodges And Chapters Of Instruction.

Lodges and Chapters of Instruction .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . 834 ) . —A meeting was held on Friday , the ujth inst ., at the Six Bells Hotel , Queenstreet , Hammersmith , when there were present Bros . R . Reid , W . M . ; W . Hide , S . W . j H . Foreman , J . W . ; J . Sims , P . M ., Preceptor ; A . Williams , Treas . j D . S . Long , Sec . j J . Cummings , S . D . j C . C . Stafford , J . D . ; J . Banks , I . G . ; C . C . Barber , H . Bone , A . Salmon , and f . W . Biggs . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes

of the previous meeting read and confirmed . Bro . Barber offering himself as a candidate for passing , was questioned . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony was rehearsed . Bro . Salmon offering himself as a candidate for raising , was questioned and entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . The W . M . having risen , Bro . Hide , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing meeting .

BLACKHEATH LODGE ( No . 1320 ) . —The usual weekly meeting was held at the Milkwood Tavern , Milkwood-road , Loughborough Junction , on Monday , the 22 nd instant , when there were present Bros . E . A . Rice , W . M . j T . R . Cass , S . W . j H . C . Turner , J . W . j F . Hilton , P . M ., Preceptor j Cass , Treas . j C . H . Stone , Sec ; K . Barr , S . D . ; Niblett , J . D . ; Chabot , I . G . j Lake , Tyler j Lord , H . G . Martin , Dawson , G . Thompson ,

Reap , Porter , Bate , Stafford , J . Mills , Hill , and Grummant . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last and previous meetings were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Stafford being the candidate . The lodge was called off and on . Bro . Stone resumed the chair , and the lodge was opened in the Second Degree . The ceremony of raising was

rehearsed , and Bro . Dawson having offered himself as a candidate , answered the usual questions , was entrusted , and retired . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and Bro . Dawson duly raised to ihe Degree of M . M . Bro . I . Mills , 765 , was elected a member . It was resolved that the first annual supper take place the last Monday in October , and the W . M . of the mother lodge be invited to take the chair . All business being ended , the lodge was closed .

CHISWICK LODGE ( No . 2012 ) . —A meeting was held on Saturday , the 20 th inst ., at the Windsor Castle Hotel , King-street , Hammersmith , W ., when there were present Bros . R . Reed , W . M . ; J . H . Cummings , P . M ., S . W . ; W . Hide , J . W . ; A . Williams , P . M ., Preceptor ; J . Sims , P . M ., Deputy Preceptor ; J . Davies , P . M ., S . Di ; W . S . Whiteley , J . D . ; E . Fox , I . G . ; and Tucker , W . M . 144 . The lodge was duly opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Reed

worked the 5 th Section of the Lecture , under the direction of Bro . J . Davies , P . M . Bro . Tucker offered himself as a candidate for passing , and was examined and entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and the 3 rd Section of the Lecture was then worked by Bro . J . Davies , P . M ., assisted by the brethren . Bro . Cummings was elected W . M . for the next meeting . The lodge was then closed .

Allied Masonic Degrees.

Allied Masonic Degrees .

EASTWOOD . Prince Edward Council ( T . I . ) . —A meeting of this prosperous council was held on Monday , the 15 th inst ., at the Station House Inn , Bro . Thomas Wrigley , the W . M ., in the chair , supported by all his officers and a numerous attendance of the brethren . The minutes of the meeting held on May 25 th were read and confirmed . A ballot was taken for the following candidates , which proved

unanimous : Bros . JamesCookson , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , P . P . G . Treas . Cheshire ; Chas . Greenwood , P . M ., P . Z ., & c . j Thomas Mellor , P . M ., P . Z ., & c , P . P . A . G . S . j and Wm . Crossley , P . M ., P . Z ., & c . Bro . John Marshall , P . M . and Sec , then took the chair , and admitted , received , and consecrated the candidates in the several Degrees of St . Lawrence the Martyr , Knights of Constantine , Red Cross of Bablyon , and Grand High Priest in such a masterly

manner as to fill the hearts of everyone present , both candidates and witnessess with the greatest pleasure , and made one regret when the beautiful ceremonies terminated . The lectures were rendered in a very efficient manner by Bro . K . D . Kendal , and Bro . Smith added materially to the beauty of the ceremonies by presiding at the organ . Letters

of apology for inability to attend were received from Bros , the Earl of Euston , K . W . G . M . ; John Paterson , P . G . D . England j and other brethren . " Hearty good wishes " were expressed on behalf of the visitors By Bros . Geo . S . Smith and W . Watson . After the business the brethren sat down to a substantial tea , and separated after spending a very enjoyable evening .

Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at F ' reemasons' Hall . Bro . Robert Grey , P . G . D ., President of the Board , presided ; Bro . James Brett , P . G . P ., Senior Vice-President , and Bro . C . A . Cottcbrune , P . G . P ., Junior Vice-President , occupied the chairs of those officers ; Bro . E . Letchworth , G . S ., Bro . A . A . Pendlebury , Asst .

G . S ., and Bro . W . H . Lee represented Grand Secretary ' s office . There were also present Bros . W . P . Brown , Samuel Vallentine , Dr . H . J . Strong , Henry Garrod , Charles J . R . Tijou , Charles Dairy , George Read , J . H . Matthews , S . V . Abraham , William Vincent , Walter Hopekirk ,

E . C . Mulvey , William lusher , W . M , Bywater , T . W . Whitmarsh , E . Weston , George Gregory , J . Duncan , W . Adams , John C . Yates , J . H . Clare , Charles Turner , C . H . Webb , H . Massey , H . Dickey , T . Montagu , C . J . Scales , H . Hooper , John Mattey , A . C . Dandridge , J . Warcup , W . E . M . Tomlinson , M . P . ; C . j . Sowling , C . Wakefield , Edwin Styles , Walter E . Gompertz , A .

Board Of Benevolence.

H . Williams , Robert A . Gowan , Charles Lamb , F . H . Cureton , S . M . Barker , Ernest M . Coombe , Charles Thomas , A . W . Flack , and H . Sadler , G . Tyler . The Board of Masters was first held at which the agenda for Grand Lodge on September 7 th , was submitted to the brethren . At the Board of Benevolence the brethren confirmed recommendations to the amount

of £ 225 to the Grand Master to grant at the July meeting . There were 20 cases on the new list qualified through lodges in the London district , and at Highbridge , Brentwood , Secunderabad , St . Ives , Cornwall , Fowey , Worthing , Cannamore , E . I ., Bombay , Helston , Manchester , Durham , Cheshunt , and Fyzabad .

All the cases were relieved . One case was recommended to Grand Lodge for ; £ ioo and one for ^ 50 . There were two recommendations to the Grand Master for ^ 40 each and three for ^ 30 each ; while there were six grants of ^ 20 each , one of £ 1 $ and six of £ 10 each—a total of ^ 515 .

Corporation Records.

CORPORATION RECORDS .

Bro . Sir John Monckton , F . S . A ., the Town Clerk , has presented to the Corporation his sixteenth annual report on the records of the Corporation . He states that during the past year Dr . Sharpe , the Records ' Clerk , has devoted nearly the whole of his time to forwarding the new historical work entrusted to him

by the Corporation , in which the rise and progress of the City of London , its commercial greatness , and its increasing political influence consequent thereupon , are traced from its own archives . The first volume of the work is now finished , and ready to pass through the press . It carries the history of the City from the time when , under the Roman Empire ,

London was honoured with the name of Augusta , to the close of the reign of Elizabeth . A brief account is given of London under the Saxon kings , when it gradually supplanted Winchester as the chief city of the kingdom , and became the seat of royal resi . dence and the scene of frequent witena-gemots . The hesitation of William , the Norman to employ force

against the City , the inhabitants of which had learnt courage from distress , the contest between Stephen and the Empress Matilda , in which the City of London held , as it were , the balance ; the favour of the citizens shown to John , while Earl of Mortain , in his struggle against Longchamp , a favour which met its reward

in a grant of Commune , and a promise from John and the Barons to preserve their rights and priviliges untouched ; the claim of the Mayor to serve at the ( 2 nd ) Coronation banquet of Richard I . as thc King's Butler , a claim shared by the rival city of Winchester ; the fidelity of the citizens to the barons against the tyrrany of John as King , in

acknowledgment of which the barons took care to insert a clause

in Magna Charta guaranteeing the preservation of the City's liberties ; the disturbances in the City which followed the decease of John and the accession of Henry III ., as well as the struggles of the 13 th century , in which London is represented as being " ever foremost in the cause of freedom " —these all find a place in the earlier chapters of the work , not drawn from the

City s archives , for they could scarcely be said to commence before the reign of Henry III ., but from thc Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and other chronicles famaliar in the publications of the Master of the Rolls . With the accession of Henry III ., the work touches upon the increase in strength which the craft guilds of thc City , under the Mayors Thomas FitzThomas and

Walter Hervey , gradually achieved for themselves , and the breach of friendship between England and Flanders , which threatened to put an end to the wool trade , on which this country depended so much . It is curious and instructive to follow the City's own account of its troubles in supplying men and money to enable Edward III . and Henry V . to carry on their wars with France ;

to watch the attitude of our citizens during the struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster ; to note the importance attached to the City's assent , if not approval , when the Crown was offered to Richard III ., and theeager haste displayed by the Protector Somerset and the disatisfied lords to be the first to secure the City ' s favour ; but no fact is more fully proved and

illustrated from the City's own archives than that the City was honoured with the style of the Kings " Chamber , " a fact which no king , Plantagenet , Tudor , or Stuart , ever allowed himself to forget whenever he happened to be in want of money . The work of the first volume has entailed the necessity of going through

27 journals and 28 repertories , and as there remains nearly 150 journals and more than 250 repertories to be examined for the rest of the work , it is doubtful if it can be completed in two volumes . The Committee have authorised the preparation of a supp lementary volume .

A Masonic Sermon.

A MASONIC SERMON .

The following notice of the sermon preached recently by Bro . the Rev . James Anderson on the occasion of the meeting of the Provincial Grand Mark Lo ? S of Cumberland and Westmorland is thus referred to in the Whitehaven News of the 18 th inst .: There has

just been published a sermon preached last month , a the Egremont Parish Church , by the Rev . ] ime ^ Anderson , on the occasion of the annual meeting the Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Cumberland an ^ Westmorland Freemasons . It is in many r f P , . Jlts notable production . Addressed to Masons , it dir their laudable ambition to the Mark Degree as acme of Masonic perfection : and so far as an outs