Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

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METROPOLITAN MEETINGS .

Merchant Navy Lodge ( No . 781 ) . —This large lodge is , like many of the larger East-end lodges , to a great extent recruited from members of the seafaring profession . Scarcely a meeting takes place without an addition to the muster roll . An emergency meeting was called for last Monday , the 24 th inst ., the occasion being the initiation of four brethren , who had been previously balloted for

and approved of . The lodge was opened , Bro . A . H . Shepherd , W . M ., presiding . The following officers were present : Bros . J . Timson , S . W . ; Varcoe , J . W . ; Daniell , P . M ., Treas . ; C . Breden , P . M ., Sec . ; Passfield , S . D . ; Lancett , J . D . ( pro tem . ); Seager , Stwd . ; and Ellinford , Tyler . Among

other brethren Bro . Alfred Timson was present . Messrs . John Yates , Alfred Sargent , Philip Thomas Wilson , and Frederick Clarke were initiated . Mr . Charles Robert Bentley ( who had been balloted for and unanimousl y elected with the foregoing ) did not put in an appearance , othe : wise the goodly number of live would havebeen initiated .

Emblematic Lodge ( No . 1321 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , on the 20 th [ inst ., when there were present Bros . J . H . Price , W . M . ; F . J . Potter , S . W . ; W . J . Kent , T . W .: W . B . Fendick , P . M ., Treas . ; R . G . Cooper , P . M ., Sec ; W . J . Harris , S . D . ; G . E . Grimes , J . D . ; A . A . Barnes , I . G . ; J . Wheatcroft , W . H . Pain , and C . H . Theiss ,

Stwds . ; H . Matthews , A . D . C . ; W . O . Welsford , A . D . C . ; and several other brethren . Visitors : Bros . B . D . Crofts , S . W . 1309 ; W . H . Hurrell , S 7 ; J . D . Hunt , A . D . C . 15 ; W . Hamlyn , P . M . 1622 ; W . H . Rice , 226 9 ; F . Mason , 214 S ; F . T . Ridpath , P . M . 1790 and 2096 , P . J . G . D . Surrey ; and J . C . Hayes , P . M . 619 , 170 S . The lodge having been opened , the minutes were read

and confirmed . Bros . Poole and White , were initiated and passed by the I . P . M ., he also performing the ceremony of raising them by consent of the W . M . The , W . M . resumed the chair and passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft Bros . Carter , Price , March , Bowers , Whitford , and Bates , and he also initiated into ancient Freemasonry Mr . Samuel John Hinton . All the ceremonies were performed most carefully

and impressively , fully maintaining the prestige of the lodge . The resignation of a member was accepted with regret . It vvas proposed and seconded that the Secretary send a letter of condolence to the widow of the late Bro . John Maclean . Although not a member of the lodge , he vvas well known to many of the members and very highly esteemed in Freemasonry . Without any discussion the members voted the sum asked for by Bro . Langton towards

the scheme for raising a fund for the proposed pension to Bro . Binckes , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . The lodge vvas closed , after which the brethren and visitors sat clown to an excellent banquet provided by Bros . Pease and Sons , with their usual good taste . Afterwards the usual loyal and ' Masonic toasts were given and duly honoured . A very pleasant and harmonious evening vvas spent .

Corinthian Lodge ( No . 1382 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge took place at the George Hotel , Cubitt Town , on Wednesday , the 19 th inst ., when brethren to the number of over So assembled . The members present included Bros . C . McLeod , W . M . ; R . Perry , S . W . ; E . Penniston , J . W . ; J . Carnaby , P . M ., Treas . ; A . H . Oakley , Sec . ; R . T . Pitt , S . D .: G . A . Saunders . T . D . :

J . Limn , I . G . ; W . J . Millington , P . M . ; H . Dering , P . M . ; B . Smith , P . M . ; J . Morrison , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . S . Finch , P . M . 861 ; F . G Burstow , P . M . 212 ; J . Gordon , W . M . SoS ; W . Smith , P . M . 22 S ; J . Mills , Sec . 1716 ; W . Norris , P . M . 1 S 1 ; J . G . Tongue . 534 ; M . L . Lincoln , 534 ; W . C . Halroyd , 13 ; C . W . J . Harledon , 201 ; T . Firth , S 71 ; J . W . James , P . M . 957 ; R . Britain , P . M . 127 S : G . Cnr . fP

127 S ; E . Bond , P . M . S 60 ; and W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 . The lodge vvas opened , and the minutes confirmed , after which Bro . Finch , P . M ., assumed the chair , and impressively initiated Mr . Wake into Freemasonry . Bro . Robert J . Perry vvas then presented as the W . M . elect , and vvas duly installed into the chair by Bro . Millington , P . M . The W . M . proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : Bros

Ii . Penniston , S . W . ; R . J . Pitt , J . W . j J . Carnaby , P . M ., Treas . ; A . H . Oakley , Sec . ; G . Saunders , S . D . ; J . S . Limn , J . D . ; A . J . Delves , I . G .,- Blois and Bassett , Stewards ; Millington , P . M ., D . C . ; and Williams , Tyler . The Installing Master , Bro . Millington , P . M ., concluded an able and impressive rendering of the installation ceremony by delivering the usual addresses with ability and care . Bro .

Millington is the Preceptor of the lodge of instruction connected with this lodge , and fully justified his position b y the ability displayed in the ceremony . The W . M . said his first duty was the pleasant one of investing Bro . McLeod with the Past Master ' s jewel voted to him at the last meeting in recognition of his services during the past year . It afforded him ( the W . M . ) great satisfaction to make the

presentation , and he trusted the Great Architect would spare the l . P . M . for many years to wear the jewel and attend their lodge . Bro . C . McLeod , I . P . M ., sincerely thanked the W . M . and brethren for the handsome jewel , and expressed the hope that he would long he spared to merit a continuance of the confidence reposed in him . Bro . Millington , P . M ., on behalf of the lodge , presented to Bro . Wm . Clark . thP

late proprietor of the hotel , a handsomely illuminated testimonial , engrossed on vellum and encased in a suitable frame , expressing the appreciation of the members at the kindness , geniality , and liberality displayed by him during his proprietorship , and the esteem and regard in which h ?

is held by them all . The brethren , some few years ago , placed on record the services rendered by Bro . Clark by presenting him with a handsome piece of plate . Bro . W . Clark , in acknowledging the gift , said he could only thank wem very heartily for the handsome present . He little thought when he came to the hotel 11 years ago that his

Craft Masonry.

leaving would be marked in so signal a manner . He should be only too pleased to place the testimonial in his little cottage , to regard it with affection vvhile he was spared , and to hand it down to his son afterwards . He could not find words to sufficiently thank them for their generosity , and he hoped the brother who had taken his place would remain for many years . He trusted the lodge

would go on and prosper as it had in the past . The number of members had more than doubled , and he hoped the present proprietor would have to enlarge the premises , as he had done . He could only again thank them all most heartily and sincerely . The audit report was read , showing fair balances to the credit of the Lodge and Charity Funds ,

and the Auditors having expressed their admiration for the clearness and accuracy with which the accounts had been presented by the Secretary and Treasurer , it was unanimously accepted . The Secretary announced with regret the decease since the last meeting of Bro . Carter , an esteemed and able Past Master , and it vvas resolved that the lodge should go into mourning for the space of two months in respect to his

memory . Other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed with the usual formalities . A substantial repast , which was presided over by the newly installed W . M ., Bro . Robert J . Perry , in a genial and kindly manner , having been done ample justice to by the brethren present , the customary toasts were given . Owing to the lateness of the hour and the fact that many present had to leave

by train , the speeches were necessarily short , but commendably to the point . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Oueen and the Craft , " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " and "The Grand Officers" in felicitous terms , and they were heartily received . Bro . C . McLeod , l . P . M . said a very pleasing duty devolved upon him in proposing " The Health of the W . M . "

The brethren had had the pleasure of seeing what Bro . Perry had done , and from what he knew of him personally , his love for Freemasonry , and his zeal to further its best interests , he vvas sure the lodge would progress during the forthcoming year to the satisfaction of the members . Bro . Robert J . Perry , W . M ., in reply , said he thanked the brethren one and all for the honour done him in placing

him in his present high position , and for the great trust and confidence reposed in him . He would promise them that during his year he would do everything possible in his power to further the interests of the lodge in particular and the Craft in general . If his officers and the members generally would give him their assistance , he did not think his year would be far behind the previous ones , but that assistance was

necessary to ensure the success of any Master in the increased prosperity of the lodge . He trusted that at the end of his year he would meet with the same cordiality that had been extended to him that evening . The Worshipful Master next gave "The I . P . M ., Bro . McLeod , " and referred in suitable terms to the services rendered by that brother to the lodge , especially during the

past year . Bro . C . McLeod , I . P . M ., in response , thanked the brethren for the heartiness with which they had received the toast , the kindness extended to him during the past year , and for the handsome Past Master ' s jewel presented to him , and assured them that he would continue in the future to exert his interest for the welfare of the lodge . The Worshipful Master , in giving "The Installing

Master , " said he need scarcely refer to the ceremony performed by Bro . Millington , P . M ., that evening , for the brethren had seen and heard the admirable manner in which it had been rendered by him . Bro . Millington , P . M ., vvas worthy to hold the position of Preceptor , his knowledge of the ritual being very extensive . He asked , the brethren to show their appreciation of Bro . Millington ' s services by cordially and heartily drinking the

toast . Bro . W . J . Millington , P . M ., D . C , replied in suitable terms , acknowledging the kind expressions used by the W . M . and the heartiness showed by the brethren , and assured them that his services would continue to be at the disposal of the lodge . "The Initiate" having been duly honoured , "The Visitors " was accorded a hearty welcome by the W . M .

Several visiting brethren , in response , expressed thenappreciation and gratification at the work witnessed , and their hearty thanks for the profuse hospitality with which they had been entertained . Other toasts followed , the Tyler's toast terminating a pleasant evening , which augurs well for the success and prosperity of the lodge , under the presidency of the newlyinstalled W . M ., Bro . R . J . Perry .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BOLTON . St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 221 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this flourishing lodge vvas held on the 19 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Institute-street , when there was a large attendance of brethren . Bro . W . Forrest , W . M ., presided , and he was supported by Bros . Cuerden , Crompton , Walker , and Boothroyd , and the other principal unicers

or cne loage—rsros . j . uraycocr ., o . vv ., ana n . Halliwell , J . W . The visitors present were Bros . T . Nightingale , P . M . V 46 ; S . Hayes , W . M . 1 S 14 ; J . B . Goulburn , S . D . 1723 ; W . Long , Sec . 146 ; J . Binns , Org . 146 ; J . Peake , 146 ; C . Holgate , 348 ; and VV . Green , 34 S . The W . M . having opened the lodge , Bro . J . Atkinson , 146 , was unanimously elected a joining member , and Messrs . G . Gorton , Hugh White , and John Thornton were

balloted for , and unanimously elected . Bro . Crompton , P . M ., then proceeded to initiate Mr . Gorton , which was performed in an admirable manner , and the W . M . initiated the other two candidates , the work being faultlessly performed , and auguring a year of brilliant and effective working . Bro . E . Halliwell , J . W ., explained the working tools to the initiates succinctly and concisely . A most interesting and unique feature of the evening was the presentation to

pro . Greenhalgh , Asst . Steward of the lodge , of a Charity jewel for having acted twice as a Steward at the Masonic Festivals , although it is only iS months since he was initiated . The VV . M . of the lodge made the presentation in a suitable address , alluding to Bro . Greenhalgh as a model Mason , and Bro . Crompton , P . M ., also supported the presentation , remarking that another brother ( Bro . Hayes ) , who had only been initiated six months , had

Provincial Meetings.

already acted as a Steward , and had consented to do so again at the forthcoming Festival . Bro . Greenhalgh feelingly responded . The lodge was then closed , after " Hearty good wishes " had been given by the visiting brethren . At the subsequent banquet , which was admirably served by Bro . Walker , P . M ., the usual Masonic toasts were

proposed and honoured , and the harmony supplied by Bros . Forrest , W . M ., Taylor , Stevenson , Peake , Greenhalgh , Goulburn , Higson , Binns , and Walker . The Visitors , in response to the toast of their healths , warmly eulogised the working in the lodge room , which had perhaps never been surpassed in the history of Freemasonry in the town .

Bro . J . W . Taylor , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., acted as D . of C . in a manner which added lustre and heartiness to the proceedings , and was ably assisted by Bro . Binns , Org . 146 , who presided at the instrument in the unavoidable absence of the Organist of the lodge , Bro . Atkinson . Bro . Binns' fraternal kindness on this and all other occasions when called upon to assist in furthering the interests of the Craft was gratefully acknowledged by the VV . M . on behalf of the brethren .

DERBY . Arboretum Lodge ( No . 731 ) . —This prosperous lodge held its 32 nd annual festival on Wednesday , the 12 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall . Over 120 brethren were present , amongst them being Bros . Severn Taylor , VV . M . ; J ., Walker , S . W . ; G . Sutherland , I . W . ; Rev . Thos .

Orrell , Chap . ; W . Whittaker , P . M ., Treas . ; W . H . Wright , Sec ; J . Jones , S . D . ; W . Todd , J . D . ; G . H . Ward , D . of C ; W . Forman , Org . ; A . Smith , I . G . ; VV . W . Heywood and G . C . Copestick , Stwds . ; T . Day , Tyler ; Sir John Smith , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; T . R . Gee , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . of C ; John Brown , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . ; A . Fraser , P . M ., ,, P . P . S . G . D . ; W . Cooper , i P . P . G . D . ofC ; J . Bland , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . ; C . Webster ,

P . M ., P . P . S . G . D . ; J . Copestick , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; Edgar Home , P . P . G . R . ; A . Woodiwiss , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; J . W . Brigg , P . M ., P . S . G . D . ; Thomas Cox , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; T . E . Yeomans , P . M ., P . A . G . P . ; J . Worsnop , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; VV . H . Roberts , P . M . ; F . G . Sanderson , P . M . ; A . Butterworth , R . Legge , H . Home , J . Melrose , N . J .

Burdett , VV . Sayer , W . Lynch , S . Tinkler , D . Ottewell , G . Tarver , J . A . Arnold , F . Ball , F . A . Marshall , J . Machin , and others . Visitors : Bros . J . T . Windle , W . M . 681 ; J . H . Marshall , P . M . 1007 , S . W . 279 ; A . J . Walker , P . M . S 02 ; R . Webster , W . M . elect 1493 ; R . Topoth , W . M . elect 47 ; J . S . Cooke , W . M . elect 1794 ; J . H . Day , P . M . 1324 ; A . J . Flint , S . W . 253 ; W . Elphinstone ,

P . M . 506 ; VV . Naylor , P . M . 253 , Prov . G . Sec . ; C . D . Hart , P . M . 10 S 5 ; P . Wallis , P . M . 253 ; J . O . Manton , P . M . 1085 ; S . Morley , S . W . 1729 ; H . B . Boag , P . M . 1 495 ; E . R . Ward , P . M . 253 ; VV . H . Marsden , P . M . 253 ; R . Woods , J . W . 925 ; J . Dewes , VV . M . 1495 ; F . G . Boden , P . M . 779 ; R . Slater , P . M . S 03 ; J . Cutting , P . M . 234 ; VV . H . Fisher , P . M . 1324 ; J . Fisher , W . M .

353 ; K Stone , P . M . 10 S 5 ; J . H . Richardson , P . M . 10 S 5 ; J . B . Coulson , P . M . 253 ; T . Oldham , S . W . S 02 ; B . VV . Pike , W . M . 10 S 5 ; G . Day , P . M . 1324 ; W . W . Vincent , W . M . 1391 ; G . S . Smith , W . M . S 02 ; W . L . Dodd , 10 S 5 , P . P . G . O . ; Rev . J . Pandy Williams , Chap . 10 S 5 ; W . J . Piper , P . M . S 02 ; VV . Binton , W . M . 733 ; C . W . Louthem , W . M . 7 S 7 ; and many others .

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , after which the VV . M . elect , Bro . John Walker , S . W ., was presented by Bros . Sir John Smith , P . M ., and C . Webber , P . M ., and vvas most ably installed by the W . M ., Bro . Severn Taylor , who did the whole ceremony in a faultless and most impressive manner . The Board of Installed Masters numbered 4 S . After the usual addresses , the W . M .

appointed and invested his officers as follows-. Bros . S . Taylor , l . P . M . ; G . Sutherland , S . W . ; VV . H . Wright , J . W . ; Rev . T . Orrell , Chap . ; W . Whittaker , P . M ., Treas . ; G . H . Ward , Sec ; John Jones , S . D . ; A . Smith , J . D . ; W . W . Haywood , D . of C ; G . C . Copestick , I . G . ; R . Legge , Org . ; L . Tinkler and A . Butterworth , Stewards ; and Thomas Day , Tyler .

On the proposition of Bro . A . Woodiwiss , P . M ., seconded by Bro . C . Webster , P . M ., a Past Master ' s jewel was voted to the retiring W . M ., and vvas presented to him by the newly-installed W . M . in a few impressive words , and was suitably acknowledged . Notice of motion was given for next meeting— "That a sum not exceeding 20 guineas be taken from the lodge funds , to be placed on the W . M . ' s list

for the Girls' School Festival , " at which he will represent the lodge as Steward . A candidate was proposed for initiation , and , after a volley of "Hearty good wishes" had been given , the lodge vvas closed . The brethren shortly after assembled at the banquet , which was splendidly served by Bro . T . Day , Tyler , 124 brethren being present .

After grace , the VV . M . brielly proposed the usual loyal and Masonic toasts . To the toast of " The Prov . Grand Lodge " Bros . J . W . Brigg , P . S . G . D . ; VV . H . Marsden , P . P . S . G . W . ; and T . Cox , P . P . S . G . W ., suitably responded . The S . W . then proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " which he considered the toast of the evening . He

considered the W . M . had already made for himself a good reputation amongst the brethren by his careful attention to the work of whatever office he had previously held , and he trusted the W . M . would have health and strength to keep up such reputation . The toast was received with great enthusiasm . In response , the Worshipful Master after thankingall for

the way in which the toast had been received , alluded to the fact of his being received first into the lodge , of his being raised by Bro . G . T . Wright , the oldest Past Master , whose absence he and all regretted . He had diligently tried his best to attend to all duties since first appointed Steward by Bro . J . Bland , P . M ., and he trusted he should have the

constant attendance and advice of the Past Masters , as well as the best attention of the officers he had appointed , then he would have a happy year . The VV . M . also alluded to the fact of his intended Stewardship to the Girls' School Festival , and asked for the assistance of the brethren of that and other lodges , so that he might take up a goodly

sum . The toast of " The Installing Master , Bro . Severn Taylor , I . P . M ., " was proposed by Bro . J . Brown , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., who warmly praised him for his work that day , and at all previous times . Bro . Taylor cordially acknowledged the toast , and thanked