Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

responsible for the arrangements . The members present included Bros . Robt . Hy . Clemow , W . M . ; John Bamber , S . W . ; T . J . Robinson , J . W . ; Geo . Manners , P . M ., Treas . ; David Lowe , Sec . ; Rev . Wm . Martin , Chap . ; W . H . White , Org . ; W . Farrington , S . D . ; F . J . E . Young , J . D . ; R . Archer , I . G . ; W . Wellsman , D . C . ; H . W . Clemow , Stwd . ; J . W . Beningfield , I . P . M . ;

J . C . Dwarber , P . M . ; F . Farrington , P . M . ; VV . E . Farrington , P . M ., and various lay members . Amongst , the visitors were Bros . F . A . Philbrick , O . C ., G . Reg . ; Rev . G . Weldon , G . Chap . ; Col . ShadweTl H . Clerke , G . Sec ; Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . Chap . ; Sheriff H . D . Davis , Sheriff W . A . Higgs , Under Sheriff T . R . Beard , CF . Matier , P . G . S . B . ; R . Turtle Pigott , P . A . G . D . C ;

E . Letchworth , P . G . D . ; Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . W . ; G . Norrington , I . G . 166 9 ; C . Webster , I . P . M . 1637 ; J . Jermleir , J . D . 1969 ; R . A . Kemp , 1706 ; D . Pain , P . M . 1339 ; J- Barnett , jun ., J . D . 2192 ; G . Christian , I . G . 1328 ; W . C Heaton , Chap . 1425 ; C J . R . Tijou , P . M ., Sec . 1804 ; R . Evans , J . W . 1909 ; J . Hattersley , S . W . 2262 ; H . J . Wicks , W . M . 1269 ; H . J . Adams , G . S . B . ;

R . A . Kemp , H . W . Green , P . M . 108 ; C . Burchall , 1547 ; R . Clemow , 1 744 ; W . Veale , 1385 ; J . T . Robertson , P . M . 55 ; W . H . Kirby , S . D . 1965 ; R . C Sudlow , P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; T . Vernon , 25 ; J . Brill , 780 ; C . T . Scrivener , P . M . 206 ; H . J . Selby , 177 ; A . J . Altman , G . Steward ; D . Bates , P . M ., P . G . S . ; T . H . Dodson , P . M . 860 ; W . Robbing , 90 ; G . T . Miles , 1029 ; C . J .

W . Moore , 227 ; T . Minstrell , 1928 ; F . H . Kale , T . W . Coates , 1922 ; J . Jefferys , 1756 ; VV . W . Lee , 1 S 97 ; and others . The lodge having been duly opened , Bros , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex , and the Grand Officers were received in due form by the D . C , and ushered into the lodge room . There being

no routine business for transaction , the lodge was closed in ancient style . The company then adjourned to the Pillar Room , where a banquet was served that reflected the highest credit on the Bros . Clemow , and fully maintained the high reputation which this hostelry , under their able management , has attained .

The usual toasts were subsequently duly honoured , "The Queen and the Craft " being warmly received . In giving " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . said in this toast they combined loyalty and allegiance . Many brethren had doubtless noticed the great increase in the number of Masons since the

installation of H . R . H ., and that had also meant an increase in the funds subscribed towards our three great Masonic Institutions . That was a tribute to the distinguished head of the Order , who had made Masonry popular , and the results of whose rule were most satisfactory , both to the Charities and the Order .

The W . M . next proposed "The Grand Officers , " remarking he had heard the toast called a comprehensive one , which term fitted it well . They had in this toast the moving spirits in Freemasonry—those who performed the arduous work of keeping Masonry in its proper bounds . The members of the lodge were delighted to see so many G . Officers present , and regarded it as a compliment . Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . W ., in returning

thanks , said that what would be his privilege would be to the disadvantage of the brethren were it not for the fact that he was running in double harness , and that the G . Reg . would make up the few pounds he did not pull . Although this was a comprehensive toast , it was not the toast that evening . He expressed the gratification it afforded the G . Officers in meeting , within the precincts of . this lodge , the Chief Magistrate of the City and the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex .

Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , G . Reg ., also replied , and after tendering thanks for the kindly recognition of the toast , said the W . M . had truly remarked that Masonry had progressed of late years . If he might venture to add something with regard to the' position the Craft had assumed since H . R . H . took the throne , he would add that the present position of Masonry , and its present estimation

in the eyes not only of Masons , but also in the eyes of the world at large , was due in part , if not almost entirely , to the growth of the principles of the Order . It was due to the loyal devotion of the brethren to the great principles of the Order , to the strenuous efforts made to promote those principles to the full , and due in no small degree to those efforts made to support the three great Masonic

Chanties . It was due to that spirit of co-operation and hearty fraternity which he was glad to think prevaded the Craft under H . R . H . throughout the length and breadth of the realm . Masonry was wide in its embrace , for they not only were proud that evening to receive the chief Magistrate of the City of London , but they were also proud to recognise that that Magistrate , who came from a

neighbouring land , was one of themselves . Masonry in its truest sense knew no race , clime , ' or politics ; it was universal in its extent and intention of benefiting mankind . As long as its principles were truly held and rightly administered , so long would its great power be a power for good . On behalf of the distinguished brethren for whom he responded , he tendered the W . M . and brethren most

sincere and cordial thanks . "The Rt . Hon . the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs , " was proposed by the W . Master , who said he believed it was the first occasion in the history of the St . Dunstan ' s Lodge that they had been favoured with the presence of the chief Magistrate of the City of London . It had fallen to his pleasing duty as their representative to express to the Lord

Mayor and Sheriffs their hearty thanks for the kindness shown in accepting the invitation . Being a brother parishioner , he could look round and see 15 or 20 who had watched the career of their distinguished guest , and who , therefore , felt it an increased gratification to see him with them that evening . Of the Lord Mayor in his severer moments he knew nothing . As a guest they could

wish for nothing nicer , for his geniality was well known in Masonic lodges and wherever he went . They had heard of the cordiality with which he was recently received at Stockport , and in his native country his reception was very cordial and sincere . It was said that a prophet counts but little honour in his own country , but the author of that remark must have reckoned without the Lord Mayor . They

had also present that evening the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex , whom he heartily thanked for their attendance . The present occasion would afford the members an opportunity of reckoning a red letter day in the lodge , and it had fallen to his lot to be in the chair . He appreciated the honour , and congratulated the members on the distinguished visitors with them .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . tne Right Hon . Polydore De Keyser , Lord Mayor , G . Stwd ., W . M . 21 , who was enthusiastically received , said he very sincerely thanked them for their kind , hearty , and he felt sure , sympathetic reception . He said he felt it because he knew he was surrounded by friends who had known him for years , friends who had made him what he was , and friends , therefore , to whom he tendered his

grateful thanks . He thanked them for their kind reception in that lodge , of which he was an honorary member , and had been for some years . He hoped that they would forgive him that he had not attended before , but they knew how hard at work he had been for years past . He was looking forward in the course of a few weeks to a period of rest , and if they would permit him to visit them he should

be delighted . He was glad to be present as their guest that evening , not only as a neighbour , not only as a friend , but also as a Mason . He felt they owed a great deal to Masonry , and he personally had every reason to congratulate himself upon the fact that he was a Mason , and that there was so much of that true Masonic spirit in this country . Masonry was not a local Institution ; it was not

only English , but was universal . It was that which , some time or other , they hoped to rule by—a brotherly feeling all over the world , a feeling which he would tend to humanise and make the world what it should be . This great school , as he called Masonry , tended to develope that feeling of brotherhood among nations , as well as in their social circles . If that sentiment had not existed in

this country , he should not have had the honour of appearing before them . If Masonry had not taught and spread that feeling of general tolerance , they would not have elected one who was not born in this country . Therefore , he said he was glad to be present , for he owed a great deal to Masonry . At Stockport , where he was recently performing the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of

that technical school , which would do so much good in the future , he should never forget that which he saw for the first time , and when he had to say on that occasion , addressing something like 20 , 000 people— " Men , women , and children , we are here as lawful Masons ; we have our secrets , but they are not in any way opposed to the laws of God or the laws of man . " Therein lay the true spirit

of Masonry . Therein lay the reason why some 12 months ago , when he was called upon to give up that which he had been for so many years , he refused to do . He said , " No ; as a Mason , 1 practise nothing which is incompatible with the laws of God and the laws of man . " He made up his mind to work up as a Mason , and as soon as he had time to devote , he would devote it to Masonry . He would give

as much time as he" could , and his humble means would always be at the disposal of their Charities . It was true he was not called upon that night to respond in the name of the Corporation for the great honour done to the Chief Magistrate , but he should not be doing his duty were he not to acknowledge the kind reception he had received as the representative of that old Institution which they all

respected . They were proud of that Corporation , for they knew its good work , and knew it represented the municipal power of the country . He believed it to be one of the two great powers that governed the country , and it was for them to guard its rights and privileges . He hoped it might long remain at the head of municipal life , and would always try to be worthy of it . That Institution was ,

to his mind , the very essence of their independence , freedom , and enterprise—the feeling that Englishmen never would be slaves . He should leave to the Sheriffs the task of replying to the other part of the toast ; but he should not be doing his duty on this the last occasion on which he should meet them officially as his Sheriffs , if he failed to express his hearty thanks for the kind and generous way

in which they had supported him . Nothing could have been more kind , and no Lord Mayor could have worked with two Sheriffs on more generous principles than they had . They had supported him by their presence , and whenever he had attended Charity meetings , and they had not been able to be present , they reminded him of their absence by their cheques . They had not only

supported him , but their charming wives had been so good to the Lady Mayoress , that it would be ungrateful on his part if he did not acknowledge their services . He thanked the W . M . and brethren for the cordial reception , the generous hospitality , and the luxury they had enjoyed , and for their kind attention in disfiguring the bill of fare with his portrait . He assured them that nothing had escaped

his notice , and he had seen the desire to receive him as a friend and neighbour . He was deeply grateful , and appreciated all their kindness , and heartily thanked them . Bro . Sheriff H . D . Davies , in reply , said he was in a far better position than his friend and distinguished brother , Sir John Monckton , for he not only run with a pair but he had a distinguished leader . It was to that leader

he had always looked to assist him in the work he had been called upon to perform . The W . M . had said the Grand Officers were the moving spirits in Masonry , and he could only say his distinguished leader had always . been their moving spirit and always kept them to their work . They had been associated happily together for 12 months , owing in the greatest measure to the kind manner of the Lord

Mayor , which would never be forgotten by them . Nothing could have been more worthy of the present occasion than what had taken place . He should never forget the hearty and enthusiastic reception the Lord Mayor received at every place they visited in that distinguished brother ' s native country . If for no other reason , he should ever be grateful for having served during the year of office of the

Right Hon . Polydore De Keyser , because they had seen he was not only respected and beloved in his own country , but was equally beloved and respected in the country of his adoption . ' During their year of office their first duty had been to do their duty , and they had done that to the best of their ability , and he thought they had performed it well . Perhaps that might be a bold assertionbut he

, could not help his own feelings . He thanked them most heartily and sincerely for their kind reception . Bro . Sheriff W . A . Higgs also replied . He thought his worthy colleagues had said all that was possible to say on this occasion . He knew there was an old legend that a certain gentleman paid a visit to St . Dunstan and saw him

manufacturing church bells , and in order to get rid of his visitor he laid hold of him by the tongs . Instead of laying hold of the visitors that evening by the tongs , the W . M . and brethren had given them the greatest hospitality . He thanked them for the kind reception given him , and in conclusion endorsed every sentiment of his colleague respecting the Lord Mayor . The Right Hon . the Lord Mayor said he hoped and

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

trusted that whoever might have had the intention of pro . posing the next toast would forgive him if he claimed it as a privilege to do so . He hoped he might be forgiven , f 0 r he knew the disappointment must be great . He considered it a great honour on an occasion like this to be able to propose "The Health of the W . M . " of so important a lodge . It was to him a great pleasure , because he not onlv

asked them to drink the health and wish prosperity to their good brother the W . M ., but he was proposing the health and prosperity of a very old friend—one he had known as a boy , whose good father and mother heknew well 30 years ago , and whose career he had watched with the greatest pleasure and pride . Their friend had established in that Ward , which he had the honour to represent , an establish .

vnent worthy of the Ward , and had shown by his activit y and perseverance , and by love of work , that he must be a good Mason , for it was impossible to be a good Mason without being a hard worker in every sense of the word . Bro . Clemow had proved himself to be one . He had worked successfully , and had by the consent of that lod ge become its W . Master , which position he could not have

attained but for his attention to his duties . They had before them as good a Mason as he was sure they had a kind man , and devoted friend , and one trying to do his duty . It might astonish them when he said he remembered their young friend and his sister playing and running about Chatham-place , Blackfriars , 30 years ago . It was , therefore , a great pleasure to ask them to drink the health of

one he had seen rising and becoming an important man in his business , and whom he had seen become a respected member of the Craft by being the W . M . of that lodge . He drank to the W . M . as an old friend , and wished at the same time all prosperity to the lodge . Bro . Robt . H . Clemow , W . M ., thanked the Lord Mayor for the flattering manner in which he had proposed the

toast , and the brethren for the cordial manner in which they had received it . Their worthy brother had touched upon ancient history in going back to the days of childhood . He would admit there were many spots in the old Temple Gardens'which formed happy recollections . Although the Lord Mayor saw him , he had no remembrance of it , and the thought would have been far from him that he should

have entertained the Lord Mayor on the present occasion , or that he should be the W . M . of that lodge . Bro . Dwarber , P . M ., said that , although that was not the first time he had risen to propose "The Visitors , " he had never done so under such happy and peculiar circumstances as the present . Theirs was a young , small , and parochial lodge . Some 12 or 14 years ago they knew they

had several brethren among them , and that there was a good deal of latent Masonry in the district . They thought it would be wise to bring together those elements to see if they could not introduce and carry out their principles for the benefit of Masonry , and they founded the lodge . He offered a hearty welcome to the visitors , and coupled the names of Bros . Rev . G . Weldon and Sudlow .

Bro . Rev . G . Weldon , G . Chap ., replied , and tendered thanks on behalf of the visitors . In the Lord Mayor they had one who came forward with a considerable force behind him , and in this they had a striking proof of what Masonry could do to cement the principles of universal brotherhood . Masonry was nothing more than the embodiment of the cravings of the human heart . Whenever they came to

the lodge they had "the feast of reason and the flow of soul , " the feeling of brotherhood , and the universal principle of giving the right hand of fellowship to true and loyal men . Bro . Sudlow , P . P . G . D . Kent , also replied . He was quite sure he had the sympathy of all the visitors present in having to speak after so eloquent a brother . If they looked

round on the visitors , they would see many bursting with eloquence , and only too anxious to occupy the place of responding to that toast . If they looked in his face they would see he was a man of few . words . He would condense his eloquence into one sentiment , and express very hearty thanks for the privilege of being present on this very auspicious occasion . On behalf of the visitors , he returned thanks for the hearty reception and generous hospitality .

" The Past Masters and Officers " was proposed in suitable terms by the I . P . M ., and ably responded to by Bro . Wellsman , P . M ., and the Secretary . An admirable programme of music was excellently renr dered , under the direction of Bro . W . H . White , Organist , assisted by Miss Alice Suter , Madame Isabel George , and Bros . J . A . Harrison , G . T . Miles ( harp ) , and William Coates .

WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . 1623 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 20 th inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Great ( Jueenstreet , W . C . The lodge was opened by Bro . R . F . Brickdale , W . M ., assisted by his officers , members , and a large assemblage of visiting brethren . The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and a ballot was taken

for the following gentlemen : Messrs . J . C . Smith and C . Humble , and being successful those gentlemen were duly initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . A Board of Installed Masters was then formed , and Bro . Wm . Cole Brusher , W . M . elect , was most ably installed into the chair of K . S . by Bro . Robert Favel Brickdale . The W . M . having invested his predecessor , the Board of Installed

Masters saluted the W . M . and wished him health and happiness and a successful year of office . The brethren having saluted the W . M ., he then invested his officers as follows : Bros . J . F . Rumball , S . W ; S . Renaut , J . W . J J . J . Howes , P . M ., Treasurer . ; H . J . Lardner , P . M ., Secretary ; H . K .-Clisby , S . D . ; P . K . Clisby , J . D . ; F . G . Cooper , I . G . ; C 1 . Smith . D . of C ; W .

Worrell , A . D . C ; S . C . H . Rumball , G . Higgins . J . 'H . Lennett , and E . Bradsell , Stwds . ; F . E . Roberts , Org . ; R . B . Greenwood , D . of C : Smyth , Ty ler . The I . P . M . delivered the addresses in a manner which gained the applause of all present . The Auditors next gave in their report , which was of a very satisfactory character , and was unanimously adopted . All communications were read and passed , and hearty congratulations having been

given by the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed . _ Amongst thebrethren present were Bros . Pennefather , P . _ M- » S . T . Seymour , T . G . Hodges , W . G . Buer , F . Goering , H . Armbruster , W . H . England , A . Ellenden , J . C Pratt , G . H , Foes , C . A . Barber , C . J . Atwood , J . G . Henrish , B . Obergethman , A . B . Longman , C . E . Hoare , £ Mallett , O . Wermann , B . F . Leimett , D . Jones , £ Catronie , E . Beckerton , H . Clinch , C . W . Fink , J . SmitHi and T . Turner . Visitors : T . C Walls , Prov . G . w «