Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

with interest , l . ecause he witnessed the Masonic progress of several of its members with extreme satisfaction . He felt more than usual gratification in seeing his friend Bro . Hardy in the chair , for he knew him to be a good Mason , and one who would reflect honour on the lodge . He had

seen him work in another lodge , with which he ( the Grand Secretary ) had been connected for 25 years , and he could assure the brethren that a most efficient worker , and was in every respect calculated to make an admirable W . M . He ( the Grand Secretary ) was also pleased with

tlie appointments ot officers , lhe S . W ., Bro . L _ ndus , was a zealous worker in the Emulation Lodge , who had been nominated by the Grand Master as Master of a lodge before he had attained the rank of Warden . Bro . Hart , the J . W ., was also a member of that lodge ; while the S . D ., Bro . Steward , was an old Mason , and one ofthe most

distinguished workers in the lodge , and lie only regretted that it had not been his good fortune to see Bro . Steward installed a Master of his lodge , but he hoped soon to have that pleasure . Of the other officers he had no doubt they would discharge their duties in an efficient manner , and he thought he might congratulate the W . M .

on navmg such good olhcers , and the lodge in Having so excellent a W . M ., and he wished him , iu conclusion , a happy year of office . ( The Grand Secretary resumed his seat amid loud cheers . )—The next toast , " The Health ofthe W . M ., " was proposed by Bro . Kench , the I . P . M .,

m a highly flattering and effective speech , and was responded to by the W . M . in the following terms : —Bro . P . M . Kench : For the extremely kind manner in which you have submitted the toast of my health to the brethren , I beg you to accept my warmest thanks ; and to you , brethren , for the kindliness and tbe cordiality

with which you have responded , I offer my heartfelt acknowledgments . It would be mere affectation on my part were I to attempt to conceal from you the pride and gratification I experience in being permitted , by the kind favours of the members of the Lodge La Tolerance , lo occupy the honourable and dignified position I now hold .

in undertaking the duties of the Mastership of this lodge , I am deeply sensible of the serious responsibilities that devolve upon me . Still , I am free to confess that it has been my ambition to attain lo the position I now occupy . This I vtgavd as a legitimate and laudable ambition in every Mason , provided he is actuated by proper motives ; and I trust there is not a member of the lodge who is not influenced by the same feeling and sentiment . Permit

me , However , earnestly to exhort those ol my brethren who may entertain the desire to occupy the chair of the lodge , seriously lo reflect upon the responsibility that will devolve upon them ; thoroughly to acquaint themselves with the nature of the trust to be confided to them ; and to qualify themselves for the efficient discharge of the duties of the office ; so that it may never in future be said mat

_ L , a tolerance possesses a Master who is incompetent to the work . Indeed , brethren , my heart ' s desire is that this , my mother lodge , may become a perfect pattern and example in this respect . And as one means of obtainii . g so desirable an object , I should be glad to see a by-law to the effect that no member should bc iniuasier 01

Maucu as Jooge given prool his proficiency in all the duties appertaining to the office . I would even go a step further , and under a deep sense of the responsibilities " for the faithful discharge of the duties annexed to the appointment , " and conscious that the honour , reputation , aid usefulness of each lodge in particular , and of Masonry in general , depends on the skill and assiduity of its rulers , I should be gratified to see established in the metropolitan district , and in

connection with each of the Provincial and District Grand Lodges , Boards of Examiners , whose certificates of competency should be an indispensable condition to installation to the Mastership of every lodge under the English Constitution . This would not only secure a fulfilment of the ancient charge , that all preferment should be grounded on real worth and personal merit , and that " no Master or Warden should be chosen by seniority ,

but for his merit ; ' but it would also go far to guarantee a uniformity of working , and eliminate from the ceremonies the false grammar and absurdities which now too frequently disgrace their performance . But while urging with all due emphasis the absolute necessity of one uniform and " established mode of working , " I would not have it supposed ih .,: t consider Masonry to consist in the

practice , However pelted , oi tne ritual and ceremony . These are necessary i : i an institution such as ours , anil their effect should be to leave a solemn ami reverential impression on the m . ' .-id . Our ritual and ceremonies , however , are but a means to an end the improvement of the human heart . The arch-enemy of bigotry , superstition , and fanaticism , the errand obieel of Masoni v is to assist

in promoting the civilization and welfare of mankindthe bringing of rude matter into due form , and socially to bind in one indissoluble bond of charity , all sorts ami conditions of men . Unfortunately , it is too often applied to the most improper purposes . This I attribute to the too indiscriminate manner in which men are admitted into the order—without due enquiries being made into

ineir position and character . 1 he consequence is , that wc find men who are no sooner admitted into the Craft than they publicly exhibit Masonic emblems , with a view to attract custom and to promote their own commercial intercsls . Every right-minded Mason must regard such

proceedings with abhorence , and I should rejoice to see Grand Lodge adopt some summary and effective step to put an end to such a gross degradation of the Order . For my own part , I studiously avoid such men—regarding them as men who have sacraligiously violated in solemn obligation ; as men who have desecrated one of

me grand principles ol the Order—truth ; as men who are ignorant of and arc incapable of appreciating the dignity and hi g h importance of Masonry ; and who , regardless of their moral responsibilities disgrace the Craft by perverting "Best things To worst abuse or to their meanest use , "

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Brethren , our ritual itself , in several of its parts , points to something far loftier and more noble than this—to something far beyond the reach and attainment , or even the comprehension , of such men as those to whom I have alluded — to something more than mere ceremonies and the making of Masons , Breaking down the barriers which separate nations from nations , and man from his

fellow-man ; recognising the law of contrasts in the order of nature as the law of love in the moral order , Masonry sends out an invitation to man , wherever she finds him , bidding him put forth a new activity in tlie exercise of universal benevolence and charily . She bridges over the abysses which national religions have opened up between the nations of the earth , and unites

them together in spirit by the bonds of charity under the law of the same Great Architect ofthe Universe It is the accomplishment of this freedom and this unity that Masonry adopts as her mission , proclaiming to the world the true principle of humanity—the unity and brotherhood of all human kind , without distinction of nature 01

of race . It is upon this basis lhat Freemasonry builds , and will continue her task until she completes her glorious edifice . It is this that constitutes the grand aim aud object of Freemasonry , but which can only be understood and appreciated by those who are actuated bv that

Desire which tends to know The works of God , thereby to glorify The Great Work-Master . " To receive at the hands of my brethren the appointment as one of the rulers of such a noble institution is indeed an honour , which I duly appreciate and esteem . To the faithful discharge of the important duties it involves , I

shdl devote my best efforts , ' with the hope that the kind wishes you have individually aud collectively expressed towards me may be realised ; and assuring you that I shall ever look back upon the present occasion with a grateful recollection , remembering il as amongst the happiest of my rcminisences . ( The W . M . was loudly cheered at the conclusion his speech . )—The . next toast

" Ihe Visitors , was responded to by Bro . Read . —The toast of " The P . M , ' s" was replied to by Bros . Burmeister , P . M ., and Kench , I . P . M . —Bro . Lindus , S . W ., replied to the toast of "The Officers , " and the Tyler ' s toast brought the proceedings to an end . In the course of the evening some excellent vocal and " mstrumenlal music was given by Bro . S . Smith , assisted by the brethren .

Nelson Lodae , No , 700 . —This nourishing lodge held its usual monthly meeting on Wednesday , the iSlh inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich . Bro . W . D . May , W . M ., occupied the chair , supported bv Bros . XV . Graham , S . W . ; J . Norman , J . W . ; C . Hobson , S . D . ; Ingle , J . D . ; Ritchie , I . G . ; Glashier , Org . ; Henderson , Crawford , Cook , Rowland , Dunham ,

Bowles , and Tongue , P . M . ' s ; Copcland , W . M , and P . M . 913 ; Davies , W . M . 13 ; Yong , S . W . 13 ; in addition to a strong muster of the members . The work done war- initiating two gentlemen , passing one , and raising three . Bro . Biddick , 913 , was also balloted for ,

and admitted a joining member . 1 $ was voted to a distressed brother , and „ £ io to each ofthe Masonic schools . The business being ended , the lodge was closed in due form , when lhe brethren sat down to refreshment , supplied by Bro . Hilton , and spent a most pleasant and harmonious evening .

Pan 111 lire lodge , No . 715 . —The installation meeting of this nourishing and most prosperous loilge was held at the City Terminus Hotel , Cannon-street , on Saturday , the 21 st inst . Bro . W . Kibble , W . M ., opened the lodge supported by Bros . J . If . Townend , S . W . ; W . Bennett , J . W . ; S . G . Myers , ' P . M ., Treas . ; II . Muggeridge , P . M ., Sec . ; J . Crossfield , S . D . ; II . Birdseye , J . D . ; J . Jonas ,

I . G . ; J . Paddle , C . Vines , C . II . Fielder , and J . II . Weedon , P . M . ' s ; C . Wyche , J . Laequ ' m , M . Bennett , J . Harris , T . 15 . Yeoman , II . Warden , J . Clemmans , G . Wyatt , W . E . Stoucr , J . Gale , & c . Amongst a large number of visitors were Bros . Iv II . Patten ( P . G . S . B . ) , A . Bryant , G . Yapp , G . A . Taylor , R . H . Townend , li . II . Tipton , J . II . Cox , C . Bennett , F . Walters , F . Can-ill ,

S . Muggeridge , F . Troll , T . Turner , W . Nicholls , and II . Chambers . The work gone through was raising Bros . J . Lacquin and J . Harris , passing Iiro . M . Bennett , and initiating Mr . Alfred Carritt , the W . M . performing the ceremonies in a very satisfactory manner . The installation of Iiro . | . II . Townend as W . M . was then proceeded wilh by Bro . II . Muggeridge , who went through his work

in his usual superior style . The newly-installed W . M . appointed , and Bro . II . Muggeridge invested , the officers , viz ., Bros . W . Bennett , S . W . ; J . Crossfield , J . W . ; II . Birdseye , S . D . ; J . Jonas , J . D . ; T . II . Yeoman , I . G G . Smith , P . M ., Tyler . Bros . S . G . Myers and II . Mug geridge were reinvested as Treas . and Sec . respectively ,

The W . M ., on behalf of the lodge , presented the I . P . M ., with a superior P . M . ' s jewel . Br . Kibble returned thanks in an appropriate speech , and the lodge was closed . An excellent banquet followed , and we regret that pressure of mailer precludes our giving the speeches delivered at this and other festive boards .

] Vliittiii ; lon Lodge , No . S 62 . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at Anderton's Ilolel on the idlh instant . The I . P . M ., Bro . Weaver , occupied the chair ( in the unavoidable absence of Iiro . S . S . Davis , W . M . ) , and about four-and-twenty brethren were present , including Past Masters Hurlstone , Brett , ami Quilty ; W . | . II . Junes ,

J W . ; R . W . Little , Sec . ; A . Krickenhaus , S . D . ; W . F . Smith , J . D . ; T . Kingston , D . C ; J . D . Tavlor , C . Bergeinanii , C . Walker , XV . II . Kaye , L . Adult , 1 " . Moll . The ceremonies of the evening comprised two initiations ( Messrs . C . Stciner and G . C . Prilehad ) , and two raisings ( Bros . Lutchmecpatby Naidoo Garu and Whitehead ) , both being ably rendered by the Acting W . M . and his officers .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . Weaver then proposed , Bro . Jones , J . W ., seconded , and it was carried by acclamation , " That the sum of five guineas be voted to the ' Wentworth Little Testimonial Fund , ' - '' and it may be added that in the course of the evening this amount was supplemented by liberal subscriptions from the brethren individually . After the proceedings in lodge a capital banquet was served , and the

remainder of the evening was spent in the usual convivial and happy fraternal manner . Bro . Brett , G . P ., responded for the Grand Officers , Bro . F . Walters for the visitors , and Bro . Hurlstone for the P . M . ' s . Several songs were well sung during the evening with musical accompaniment by Bro . Weaver , whose execution of a difficult fantasia on the pianoforte , was also highly appreciated .

Royal Oak Lodge , No . S 71 . —The members of this lodge met at the White Swan Tavern , Deptford , on Wednesday , January 25 . Bro . J . Truelove , W . M ., opened the lodge , and passed Bro . Wilson to the second degree . Bro . W . Andrews , P . M ., was elected W . M . by a large majority ; Bro . H . A . Collingtoii , P . M ., Treas ., was

re-elected ; and J . Bavin , P . M ., Tyler . Present : Bros . J . Barrett , S . W . ; T . Kilner , J . W . ; II . A . Codington , P . M ., Treas . ; F . Wallers , P . M ., Sec . ; J . W . Reed , S . D . ; XV . Myatt , J . D . ; G . Andrews , I . G . ; W . Andrews , P . M . ; J . Ragg , G . Harvey , & c . Refreshment followed labour .

Rose of Denmark Lodge , No . 975 . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the White Hart Tavern , Barnes , Surrey , on the 20 th inst . Bro . C . A . Smith , W . M ., presided , and was supported by Bros . W . H . Barnard , S . XV . ; S . H . Stephens , J . W . ; G . T . Noyce , P . M ., Treas . ; R . Wentworth Little , P . M ., Sec . ; R . B . ITuddleston , S . D . ; C . Butcher , J . D . : W . Bell , I . G . ; T . Farrell , W . S . ; R . G . C . Lemon , C . Willcox , W . Hamlyn , J . Ayles , S . Curtis ,

W . Hayes , E . Harris , T . T . Willcox , and several other members and visitors . Mr . Samuel Harris was initiated , and six brethren were passed to the second degree . A notice of motion was given that lhe sum of five guineas be voted to the " Wentworth Little Testimonial Fund , " after which the lodge was closed , and the brethren sat down to a substantial repast provided by Bro . Willcox , the host of the White Hart .

Sphinx I . odje , No . 1329 . —The regular meeting of this rapidly-rising ' lodge was held on the 21 st instant at the Stirling Castle , Camberwell . Present : Bros . Ed . Clarke , P . G . S ~ of W . Middlesex , W . M . ; Major II . W . Palmer , S . W . ; E . 1 . Bailev , I . W . ; J . G . Reynolds , Treas . ; IT . Allman , Sec : Dr . V . " Uedolfe , S . D . ; S . Saunders , J . D . ; 1 . Vockens , I . G . ; J . Sugden , Steward ; Hyde , P . M . ; Dr .

' Binder , Campbell , Mansell , Blanch , J . S . Dunbar , and Hancock ; visitors , Bros . James Stevens ( W . M 1216 ) , E . Worthington ( P . M . 507 ) , Pulsford ( P . M . 507 ) , Larlham ( 1216 ) , and Green ( 1194 ) . The lodge was opened in due form by the W . M ., and the minutes of previous meeting were read anil confirmed . A ballot was taken for the admission into Freemasonry of Messrs . George Craggs ,

George Champion , William Andrews , G . T . Bickerton , and Charles I . Coles , which proving unanimous in each of their favour , " and Messrs . Andrews , l . icker . ston , and Coles being in attendance were severally initiated into the Order , the ceremony being effectively rendered by the W . M ., who unfortunately was suffering from the effects of a cold . Bro . las . Sleveusj kindly relieving the W . M . of his duties ,

proceeded in his usual careful and correct manner to pass Bros . Campbell , Mansell , Blanch and Hancock . Several gentlemen having been proposed for initiation at the next meeting , and a petition from various brethren for permission to hold a lodge of instruction under the warrant and sanction of this lodge , wilh Bro . John Thomas ns

Preceptor , having been duly considered ami unanimously granted , a vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . Dr . Bcdolfe for a very liaml .-oine present made by him lo the lodge ( ihe Sphinx beautifully executed as a coat of arms ) , the lodge was closed in due form and the brethren adjourned to the banquet table , Bro . While ' s entering well meriting the enconiums passed upon il by the visitors .

PROVINCIAL . COWKS . — Medina Lodge , No . 3 r . —On Thursday , I 2 th January , the brethren of this lodge held their installation meeting . This is the oldest lodge in the province , being established iu 1731 , and recently , by command of the late Grand Master of England , has been , with the other Islam ! lodges , annexed to Hampshire province . The

brethren having assembled , Bro . J . Hall Smith , W . M ., opened his lodge in the third degree . Bros . Westbrook , Tail , ami Parnell were then introduced , and having passed the necessary examinations , were separately raised to the sublime degree of M . M . The W . M . then resumed the lodge to the first degree , when Messrs . Pepper and Hurst were initiated , after which a Board of Installed Masters

was formed , when Bro . O . Hnxlhausen was duly placed in the chair according lo ancient custom . The brethren were then admitted , and the W . M . was saluted , who proceeded to the election of his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . J . Hall Smith , I . P . M . ; J . G . Wheeler , S . W . ; G . Jones , J . W . ; J . K . Dawson , P . M ., Sec . ; C . Sari , Treas . ; Hunter , S . D . ; J . Netlen , J . D . ;

C . Fellows , I . G . ; and D . White , Tyler . There being no further business before lhe lodge , lhe W . M . closed the same with folemn prayer , according to ancient custom . The brethren then retired lo lhe Dolphin Ilolel to a banquet , the chair being occupied by lhe W . M ., who proceeded with tho toasis , ihe first being " The Queen and the Craft . " This was followed by "H . R . H . the

Prince of Wales , P . G . Master of England , " "The Earl de Grey and Ripon , G . M ., and the Grand Lodge of England , " "The P . G . Master , " "The P . G . Lodge , " ami " The Officers of the Loilge . " We need not expatiate upon tbe various toasts , suffice it to say that tbey were drank with a deal of brotherly feeling . The W . M . then proposed " The health of Bro . J . Smith , I . P . M ., "