Masonic Calendar For Warwickshire And Staffordshire.

MASONIC CALENDAR FOR WARWICKSHIRE AND STAFFORDSHIRE .

This Directory , or Calendar , is published by the authority of the R . W . Bro . Lord Leigh and the R . VV . Bro . Colonel Tudor , as Prov . Grand Masters of their respective provinces , the editor in chief being the publisher , Bro . Edmund Worrall , assisted by Bro . F . Derry for Staffordshire . The work is a splendid compilation , and the editing is so well

done as to leave little to be desired . In fact , so much is given that the wonder is the varied particulars are so com plete , the difficulty felt by many editors being to induce brethren to furnish even a tithe of the voluminous details which in Warwickshire and Staffordshire are cheerfully supplied to the indefatigable editor . The tables are most comprehensive , typographically as well as editorially . Bro . Worrall is , without doubt , one of the recognised chiefs

amongst the numerous provincial editors of Masonic Directories , and every year he issues one of the most compact , useful , and accurate Calendars that we know of , his publication reflecting great credit on all concerned , and particularly on himself . The Table of Reports for Warwickshire gives 1232 members to June , 1 SS 5 , distributed amongst the 30 lodges , the number of initiations for the year being 114 , and ot deaths , resignations , & c , amounting to 129 , so the

number is slightly decreased from the last report . During the same period £ 911 12 s . _ d . have been disbursed in Charity by the lodges , exclusive of personal contributions . There are only nine chapters in Warwickshire . In Staffordshire there are 27 lodges and eight chapters , the senior lodge being No . 98 , Burslem . The senior lodge in Warwickshire is No . 43 , of A . D . 1733 , one of the few lodges that have celebrated their sesqui-centennials , and , though old ,

is as vigorous as ever . The " Remarkable Occurrences in Masonry , " printed from the "Constitutions of 1738 , " are not quite accurate as a com-Jlation , the ancient legends , of modem origin , being rather more conspicuous than agreeable , though ceriainly they may be accepted as evidence of the non-critical period of Masonic history , and thus serve to illustrate the contrast existing between late and early works on the origin and character of the Craft .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

66 i ] THE SLOANE MS ., No . 3329 . Brethren who failed to obtain copies of the " Freemasons ' Secrets , " edited by Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , M . A ., Past Grand Chaplain , will be glad to hear that a third edition is now ready , published by Bro . George

Kenning , at the nominal cost of half-a-crown per copy . As students will be aware , the work is reall y a reproduction of the noted Sloane MS ., No . 3329 , British Museum , which is the earliest MS . known respecting the Masonic ceremony of initiation , & c . The Editor accepts the MS . as of the seventeenth century compilation , and considers it represents a continuation and conservation of the customs

and symbolisms of that century , "not antagonistic , to some extent at the least , to the terminology and teaching , as far as we know it , of the early eighteenth century of Freemasonry . " The Editor carefully notes the fact that the Sloane MS . No . 3329 , is not an " exposure , '' but a " catechetical examination or Guild Masonic examination

of general usage" at the period in question . Even those who have the earlier editions would do well to have copies of the third issue , not only because of the enlarged facsimile , admirably executed . by Mr . Prsetorius , but also because of the valuable notes which are now published for the first time . It is one of the most important of the early Masonic MSS . so far known .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft JHasonrg . CONFIDENCE LODGE ( No . 193 ) . —The last meeting of the session in connection with this sound and prosperous old lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleetstreet , on Monday , the ioth inst ., when the W . M ., Bro . W . Saint , was supported by his officers and over 40 of the members and Hast Masters . Among the latter were Bros . W . A . Cubitt , I . P . M .,- S . Webb , J . E . Fells , W . Wood , J . Smith , R . Kershaw , Treas .: J . Shackell , Sec ; Biddle ,

Stwd . ; and C . H . Davis . The visitors included Bros . S . Roberts , jun ., 569 ; L . C . Mollet , 765 ; H . Forss , 917 ; H . W . Humphreys , 163 S ; H . Waynforth , 1766 ; C . M . Campbell , 975 ; H . Jay , 174 ; and G . A . Stephenson , 1623 . The lodge having been opened in dueform , Bro . A . Mignot was passed to the Second Degree . Bro . F . Hemings' name was on the agenda paper for raising , but he sent a letter of apology for unavoidable non-attendance . After the despatch

p f the usual Masonic business , lodge was closed , and adjourned . The brethren and visitors were afterwards entertained at a sumptuous banquet , provided in Bro . Clemow ' s proverbially excellent style , when the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured , ln proposing " The Queen and the Craft , " the W . M . spoke of her Majesty opening the Colonial and Indian Exhibition , and of her being then

on her way to perfotm an equally interesting ceremony at Liverpool . He also alluded to the M . W . Grand Master , the Prince of Wales , rendering his august mother such assistance , and of his being an ornament to the Craft . Bro . VV . A . Cubitt , I . P . M ., in proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " spoke in eulogistic terms of Hro . Saint ' s sincere and earnest endeavours to make himself proficient in the ritual of Freemasonry , and to make every member

of the lodge , as well as the visiting brethren , comfortable . The Worshipful Master having responded in suitable terms , several complimentary toasts followed , Bros . Jay , Stcphenson ,. and Forss responding for " The Visitors . " Some excellent songs were rendered by Bros . S . Webb , P . M ., F . Silvester , S . W ., and visiting Bros . Forss and J . Roberts , jun ., the evening being brought to a close by the Tyler's toast . ¦ KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 176 7 ) . —At the tegular meeting o ! this ljdge , held on the 15 th inst . at the

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Kensington Hotel , Russell-road , there was a fair attendance of brethren present , and the following visitors : Bios . J . R . Hubbard , East Surrey ; VV . C . VVilliams and A . H . Strong , 1585 ; P . Monson , 1194 ; and W . H . Butt , 511 . After the usual preliminary business , the W . M ., Bro . Walters , proceeded with the raising of Bros . Crispe and Dovey , after which Mr . A . Pritchard and Mr . J . J . Rumble ,

having been balloted for , were initiated into the mysteries of the First Degree . At the request of the VV . M . of Zetland Lodge , Bro . Walter Butt was passed from the First to the Second Degree by Bro . Taylor , P . M ., in this brother ' s well-known faultless manner . At the conclusion of the

business a banquet was served , and a very pleasant evening was enjoyed , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts being cordially received . The toast of " The Initiates " was given and cordially responded to , as was also that of " The Visitors . " The proceedings were enlivened by excellent harmony during the evening .

COBORN LODGE ( No . 1804 ) . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 13 th inst ., at the Bow Vestry Hall , Bow , when there were present Bros . Charles J . R . Tijou , W . M . ; A . Souch , S . VV . ; E . G . Johnson , J . W . ; R . Logan , P . M ., Treas . ; C . A . Plater , J . D . ; R . R . Green , D . C . ; P . Balme , I . G . ; A . Paterson , Stwd . ; W . Lane , as Tyler ; Witherby , Webster , Self , Wiseman , Annan , J , Johnson , Sulley , Holland , Gibbs , and Sutton . Visitors :

Bros . E . Brown , P . M . 16 S 5 ; J . Taylor , P . M . 753 ; R . Martin , P . P . G . S . D . Essex ; J . House , P . M . 1716 ; T . L . Kennett , P . M . 1716 ; G . Brown , P . M . 169 ; Ford , S 07 ; J . H . Brown , 933 ; Stunt , 1625 ; Marsland , S . D . 1 S 05 ; Colley , 1571 ; and Peterken , P . M . 1 S 05 . Thelodge being duly opened , and the minutes of the two previous meetings read and confirmed , the VV . M ., after

disposing of some matters of business on the agenda , then passed to the Degree of F . C . Bros . Witherby , Annan , Self , J . H . Johnson , and Sulley , after which Bro . J . House , P . M . 1716 , at the invitation of the W . M ., delivered the charge and lecture on the tracing board in this Degree with his usual care and ability , and for his kindness in thus again

^' helping the Coborn Lodge a hearty vote of thanks was given him . The ballot was then taken for , and found in favour of , Mr . James W . Gibbs , whom the VV . M . initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . " Hearty good wishes " being given , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the light refreshment provided as customary with this lodge .

DUKE OF ALBANY LODGE ( No . 1963 ) . — The installation of the fifth Master of this young lodge was held at the Albert Palace , Battersea Park , on Thursday , the 20 th inst ., when Bro . Robert Stokoe , W . M ., placed his successor , Bro . Vincent T . Murche , in the chair of K . S . A very large gathering of the members and their friends assembled to assist , and received their reward both

in the very excellent rendering of the ceremony of installation by Bro . Stokoe , and in the impressive and perfect performance of Bro . Murche , who immediately initiated tour candidates into the mysteries and privileges of the Craft . This lodge is fast increasing in numbers and influence , and taking a firm stand as an Institution of the Parish of Battersea . Many of its members hold hiph

position in the local municipal and political councils , and although they differ materially in matters public and political , yet in the lodge they are all on the level , their differences being amicably adjusted by the square of their unerring good Masonic consciences , lt would be difficult to find a lodge , even among Masons , where brotherly love more strongly obtains than the Duke of Albany Lodge . The

W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . Stokoe , I . P . M . ; F . Kerry , S . W . ; G . Gill , J . W . ; C . Donaldson , Treas . t R . J . Voisey , P . M ., Sec ; W . I * . Pink , S . D . ; J . J . White , J . D . ; Beaven , I . G . ; R . J . Vincent , P . M ., D . C ; A . Harvey , A . D . C ; Jeffries , Stwd . ; Bannister , Asst . Stwd . ; and G . W . Rowe , Tyler . The pleasure and enjoyment of the brethren were greatly enhanced by the

admirable catering of Bro . Todman , of the refreshment department , who supplied a splendid and recherche banquet , and their comfort was increased by the admirable arrangements made by Bro . William Holland , the proprietor of the Palace . The music , under the direction of Bro . Voisey , who was ably assisted by Bros . H . VV . Schartau , C . A . White , and Wm . V . Leonard , was thoroughly successful .

The visitors present were Bros . R . J . Simpson , M . A ., P . G . Chap . ; David Rose , P . M . 73 , & c . ; Pilditch , P . M . 1420 ; Goffin , I . P . M . 1572 ; F . Hilton , P . M . 1475 ; F . Dunn , P . M . j . ; T . Grummant , P . M . 1559 ; Cowley , P . M . 1559 ; Stephens , P . M . 754 , & c . ; Drinkwater , P . M . 1531 ; Dr . Oakman , P . M . 1 S 53 ; Bramley , P . M . 957 ; Wm . Holland , P . M . ; H . Henton , P . M . 1559 ; Greenwood , W . M . 1641 ; Collick , W . M . 1585 ; White , S . D . 34 ;

Hernaman , J . D . 1329 ; Salisbury , A . D . C . 1321 ; Smith , Org . 217 ; Schartau , Org . 1549 ; Leonard , W . S . 1777 ; C . A . White , 1777 ; Read , n < po ; Merritt , 172 ; Oldfield , 1269 ; Darling , 1446 ; Stone , 1641 ; Briant , 1641 ; McDougle , 65 ; Raynor , J . D . 1681 ; Street , 172 ; Bate , 1507 ; Lightfoot , 1901 ; Green , 1687 ; Elgar , 1329 ; Girling , 1641 ; Sykes , 1641 ; Terry , P . M . 507 ; Wells , S . D . 34 ; and B . Morgan , 1901 .

DONCASTER—St . George ' s Lodge ( No . 242 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on ' the 7 th inst ., at the Lodge Rooms , Nether Hall-road . Present - . Bros . G . Pindall , VV . M . ; T . S . Verity . S . W . ; C . Goldthorp , J . VV . ; F . J . Forth , Sec . ; G . G . Wilkie , S . D . ; C . H . Ward . J . D . ; A . W . Fretwell , I . G . j J . Hirst , Tyler ; P . M . ' s Bros . F . D . Walker , W . Dcloney , and F . Rand ; Bros . Thos .

Schofield , W . Blake , T . Webb , C . P . Frood , T . Colley , and G . Ashton . Visitors : Bros . John Reed , 207 S ; J . Constable , 1482 ; W . Everatt , 45 S ; and W . Brown , 1611 . Mr . John Fitzgerald was elected a member . Bro . T . S . Verity was installed W . M . for the ensuing 12 months , when he invested his officers as follows : Bros . C Golilthnrn .

S . W . j G . G . Wilkie , J . W . ; C . M . Hartley , Treas : F . J . Forth , Sec . j C H . Ward , S . D . ; A . W . Fretwell , J . D . ; Thos . Athron , l . G . ; J . Hirst , Tyler ; G . Ashton and F . Webb , Stwds . j W . Deloney , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., was appointed Charity Steward . The annual banquet was afterwards held at the Salutation Hotel , at which many of the brethren were present .

WARWICK . —Shakespeare Lodge ( No . 284 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Tuesday , the iSth inst . Present : Bros . Herbert Spencer , W . M . j W . C ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Williams , S . W . ; Col . S . Jervis , J . W . j Rev . Thurston Rivin ton , Chap . ; Major Cooke , P . P . G . S . W ., Sec . j E . Nettlefold , j . D . ; Hon . R . H . Lyttelton , I . G . ; J . VV . Margett , Stwd . ; VV . Mann , lyler ; J . Thorne , George Bond , S . C . Smith , Lord Ernest Seymour , R . I . Smyth , and Herbert Margetts . Mr . Charles Paxton Markham was initiated , and Bro . Robert Soulby was passed .

MAIDENHEAD . —St . John ' s Lodge ( No . 795 ) . The first summer meeting of this lodge was held at the Ray Mead Hotel , on Wednesday , the 19 th in * t Present Bros . J . Greenfield , P . M . 1 G 02 , VV . M . ; K . \ V Allen P . M . m , S . VV . ; F Foxley , P . M . . 73 , J . VV . . J . Finch ! P . M . 173 , Treas . ; C . Dearing , S . D . 1602 , Sec - E W Withers , S . D . ; J . Cutbill , I . C .-, VV . Fenton ' . ' A . I . ( V

Waterhouse , J . Soper , P . M . 1769 , and others . Visitors : Bros . Andrews , P . M ., and R . Garner , I . G . 1 G 02 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , a ballot was taken , when Bro . Harling , 975 , was declared duly elected a joining member . The VV . M . then addressed the brethren upon the serious loss the lod ge had sustained in

tne separation Irom them by death of Bros . H . H Hodires . P . M ., P . P . G . S . W and J . R . Foulger , P . i \ 7 . ^ and 1013 . Ihe former had been for 25 years Secretary of the lodge—always at his post , and doing good and loyal service to the lodge . The latter was known as a most amiable unpretending Mason , upon whom the members completely relied , ready upon any emergency to help and assist , lt was to show the deepest respect to such worthv

brethren , that not only were the members in mourning , but the lodge had been fully draped in mourning , and the outward signs of sorrow manifested . Upon the motion of Bto . li . W . Allen , S . VV ., who also spoke in feeling terms of the departed , it was unanimously resolved that letters of deep condolence and sympathy be addressed on behalf of the lodge to the families of the respective deceased . Bro . R . Garner , l . G . 1602 , was then proposed as a ioinins

member . The lodge was closed , and Host . Bro . Deacon provided the brethren with a plain dinner , which gave every satisfaction . The toasts were limited in consequence of the lodge being in mourning , and the brethren returned to town by an early train . It is due to the memory of the deceased wife of thc worthy host , who was widel y known and respected , and who had been taken away by death since the last meeting , to state that the greatest sympathy was expressed .

KINGSTON-ON-THAMES . —Dobie Lodge ( No . SS 9 ) . —This lodge met at the Griffin Hotel on VVednesday , the 19 th inst . ; and the W . M . was supported by a large number of the members . All the officers were present , viz ., Bros . Thos . Weaver , W . M . ; W . Chapman , S . VV . ; W . Drewett , J . W . ; T . Long , P . M ., Treas . j J . Squire , P . M ., Sec ; Edwin Porter , S . D .: G . Wade .

h , * ' -I vr ^' , * * ; J * * J arvis * ' * * 5 a"d Gilbert , Tyler . The P . M . ' s present were Bros . Elsam , Veal , T . H . Styles , G . Porter , and A . Nuthall ; while amongst the visitors were Bros . Sir J . Whittaker Ellis , Bart ., M . P ., P . G . I' ^ lj Aldington , P . M . 217 ; Clayton , P . M . 1872 ; Aldridge , P . M . 163 S ; Noton , VV . M . 1997 ; G . T . Salmon , P . M . 1260 ; Piller , P . M . 165 ; and others .

I he ballot having proved favourable , Mr . James Edgell was added to the other accepted candidates for Masonry who had been elected at the last meeting—Messrs . J . Moscrop and G . W . Laxley . The VV . M . then proceeded with the ceremony of initiation , which was worked carefully and accurately , Bros . Long and Squire assisting after the obligation . At the usual time thc worthv Treasurer announce

that , after consultation with several Past Masters and officers , he had taken upon himself to pledge the lodge to a donation of 10 guineas to the Girls' School Festival , and asked for a bill of indemnity , if the members so willed . Bro . Long also said that he had sent up £ 42 in all ; but intimated that there was yet time for the list to be increased . Sanction was at once given to what the Treasurer had done .

and he was thanked for the part he had taken in ensuring the representation of the Dobie Lodge at the Festival . After an exchange of " Hearty good wishes " the lodge was closed , and the brethren afterwards partook of supper , served by Bro . Sharp in his well-known liberal and excellent manner . Bro . Sir J . W . Ellis was not able to stay late , having another engagement in the town .

uuring the evening Bro . Long again referred to thc Charities , and urged upon the brethren the necessity which lay upon them of supporting them . He also advised married Masons to take the earliest opportunity of showing their wives the Boys' and Girls' Schools ; that would prove that there was some real good in Masonry , and would awaken a desire in the hearts of the ladies to do something to help support those grand Institutions .

HEATON NORRIS . —Egerton Lod ge ( No . 1030 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held and St . John ' s I'estival celebrated at the George Hotel , on Monday , the iOthinst . Present : Bros . Lingard , VV . M . ; Rev . E . J . Reeve , Prov . G . Chap ., S . VV . ; George Baker , J . VV . 1 Abraham Pemberton , P . M ., Treas . ; J . L . Vaughan , P . M ., Sec ; James Cookson , S . D . ; R . Bassnett Preston . l . D .:

Kenneth Maclean , I . P . M . ; J . VV . Abbott , P . AI ., PICD . of C , D . of C . j John Uostron , I . G . j VV . Dawson , P . M .. l y ler j H . Sidebotham , VV . A . Vaughan , Thomas Knott , r , , ., M S * £ arUu , * » H - Wilson , Geo . L . Vaughan , P . M ., H . Wilson , C . Sumner , and J . B . Hamond , P . AI . Visitors : Bros . James McLaren , P . P . G . S . W . j Rev . K . Bigoe Bagot , P . M . 1357 , Prov . G . Chan . Cheshire : K . Inhn .

son , W . M 104 P . P . G . A . D . C Cheshire ; J . Gibb Smith , » M ' ,, *! t * , * -H * E * *> * w * H * Bibby , W . M . 289 , P . P . G . J . D . ; Thos . Axon , W . M . 1957 ; T . Higginbotham , S . W . 1957 ; W . Bickerton , J . W . 1957 ; J . Hibbert , P . M . 11 G 6 ; Geo . R . Brady , P . M . 322 ; J . Radcliffe , 210 ; S . Lowe , VV . M . 323 ; T . VV . Whalley , S . VV . 323 ; T . H . Ihoniason , VV . M . 1993 ; C D . Cheetham , jun ., W . M . 993 ; Ihos . Rigby , VV . M . 1289 ; H . Smith , 361 ; W . S . Brown , P . M . 322 ; and R . R . Lisscnden , VV . M . 317 .

I he lodge was opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . After the usual preliminaries , the W . M . elect , Bvo . George Baker , was presented to the Installing Master ( Bro . E . C . Lingard , W . AL ) , and inducted into thc chair of K . S . with all due lite and ceremony . Bro . J . VV . Abbott , P . AI ., Prov . G . D . C , presented and explained the working tools , whilst Bro . George Vaughan , P . M addressed the W . AI .