Craft Masonry.

Bro . Hobley invested his officers as follows : Bros . W . R . King , S . W . ; H . Cornford , J . W . ; E . A . Rice , I . P . M . ; W . H . Morson , P . M ., Treas . ; H . A . Stunt , P . M ., Sec ; T . Tucker , S . D . ; W . T . Tempest , J . D . ; A . Hesekiel , I . G .,- J . Hooper , P . M ., D . C ; H . Broadway and P . 11 . P . Twitchin , Stewards ; and J . Whiteman , Tyler . The three addresses were impressively rendered by Bro . T . R . Cass , receiving commendations from the lodge . Messrs . Houlton and Windsor were afterwards initiated in a very able manner by the new W . M . Two propositions were handed in to

the Secretary . The Auditors presented their report , which showed a substantial balance on the right side . The business of the lodge ended , the brethren adjourned to a capital banquet , supplied by Bro . Callingham , which gave great satisfaction . The cloth removed , the W . M . presented the loyal and Masonic toasts with commendation , which were most loyally received . The toast of "The Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the G . Officers , Present and Past , " was also drunk with acclamation for their valuable services which were bestowed for the welfare of the Craft .

Bro . E . A . Rice , I . P . M ., in a few words of eulogium , said the VV . M . had shown how excellently he could perform the duties appertaining to the chair . It had been accomplished by dint of great perseverance , and he was to be highly congratulated . The W . M ., he was confident , would prove one of the best Masters in the lodge , and he was delighted to see him in that honourable position . In reply , the W . M ., Bro . Hobley , who felt most heartily the kind words expressed by Bro . Rice , said his heart was overflowing , and he hoped he should deserve all , and would do his very best for the lodge .

In proposing the toast of " The Installing Master , Bro . T . R . Cass , P . M ., " the W . M . said it was a most pleasing duty , and one not to be forgo ' . ten , for the admirable manner it had been performed . It was with deep regret that Bro . E . A . Rice was unable to perform that ceremony on account of the late severe d omestic trouble he had experienced . For Bro . T . R . Cass so very kindly undertaking the duty he returned hearty thanks . _

In reply , Bro . Cass , P . M ., said he tendered sincere thanks for the manner it was proposed and so generously received by the brethren . He was pleased to perform the ceremony , and regretted himself the a miction that Bro . Rice had had , for all knew what an indefatigable worker he had been in the lodge , and had so ably assisted in bringing the lodge to its present excellent position . He was glad to work the installation

ceremony on account of its beautiful ritual , and he would recommend the younger officers and brethren to aspire to do the same when it was their privilege . For years Bro . Stunt , P . M ., had performed that ceremony most ably ; but the last few years it had been done by succeeding Masters . He again cordially thanked the brethren for so generous a response to the Installing Master .

Bro . E . A . Rice , I . P . M ., proposed the toast of "The Initiates " in very appreciative terms , being well recommended and highly respected , and felt convinced they would prove an acquisition to the lodge . Bros . Houlton and Windsor most cordially acknowledged the honour done them . The W . M . next proposed the toast of " The I . P . M ., Bro . Rice , " in most grateful

terms for the manner he had conducted the affairs of the lodge for the past year , and for which to show the approbation of the brethren he had great pleasure in presenting the Past Master's jewel unanimously voted him as a slight token of their esteem and what he had done for the Blackheath Lodge , and they earnestly hoped he would live long to wear the same .

Bro . E . A . Rice , in reply , tendered his sincere thanks for their kindness and for the mark of esteem and the Past Master ' s jewel , which he should appreciate and revere as long as he lived . He had endeavoured his best to advance the Blackheath Lodge , and he hoped that for years he should be ranked among the list of its worthy Past Masters . "The toast of " The Treasurer and Secretary and Past Masters , " received at the hands its merited praise , for they were excellent officers and efficiently performed their duties , while the Past Masters were worthy of their imitation .

This was ably responded to by Bros . Stunt , P . M ., Sec . ; LeCren , P . M . ; and Cass , P . M ., who regretted the absence of one Past Master , Bro . J . Hooper , D . C , on account of a domestic bereavement and with whom deep sympathy was expressed . The toast of "The Visitors " was most cordially proposed by the W . M ., among whom he said were many excellent workers , and worthy brethren . This was most ably responded to by Bros . Snell , G . Thompson , Win . Dawson , P . M ., and C . H . Stone , P . M ., all of whom complimented the lodge upon its working ,

especially the installation ceremony which tbey had been privileged to witness . Bro . Hobley next proposed the toast of "The Officers , " congratulating himself and the lodge upon their high efficiency . It was suitably acknowledged by Bros . King , S . W . j H . Cornford , J . W . ; Tempest , J . D . ; Hesekiel , I . G .,- and Twitchin , Stwd . The Tyler's toast closed an enjoyable and successful meeting . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . VV . H . Harper , P . M ., ably assisted by Miss Maude Ballard , Bros . Wingrove Ives , G . H . Dawson , and Fred . C . Everill . Bro . Harper presided at the piano .

Konnlngton Lodge , No . 1381 . A meeting of this lodge was held at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park , on the 14 th inst . Among those present were Bros . Colin Chisholm , W . M . ; Davies , S . W . ; Wolsey , J . W . ; R . La Feuillade , P . M ., Treas . j J . N . Hearn , P . M ., Sec ; H . Linwood , Org . ; Brading , Stwd . ; George Everett , P . M ., P . G . Treas . ; H . Higgins , P . M . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; VV . VV . Westley , P . M . ; A . Lundie , P . M . ; Dr . Millsom , P . M . ; and Barry , P . M .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . II . Hawkins and VV . Fairbrass were passed to the Second Degree . A vote of congratulation was passed with acclamation to Bro . George Everett , P . M ., P . G . Treas ., on his improved health . Bro . Everett , who laboured under emotion , thanked the brethren for their kind expressions of goodwill . He had been very ill nearly a year . During that long time he had many times received letters from various brethren of his different lodges ,

and the thought that , although absent from their meetings , he was not forgotten had soothed his pain and cheered him up considerably . As the founder of the Kennington Lodge , and at the present time its father , he was necessarily greatly interested in its welfare and he should be very sorry to see anything occur that might destroy its harmony and unanimity . Apologies for non-attendance having been received , the lodge was closed .

Percy Lodge , No . 1427 . The annual festival was held at the Central Masonic Hall , Pilgrim-street , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , last week , when Bro . H . J . A . J . de Buriatte was installed into the chair of K . S . by Bro . C . J . Ashdown , the retiring VV . M . There was a large and representative gathering of brethren , amongst whom were Bros . John Strachan , Q . C ., G . Reg . ; R . Stewart , P . G . Treas . Durham ; A . Dodds , P . J . G . D . Durham ; T . R . Short , P . P . J . G . D . Durham ; W . M . Lyon , P . P . S . G . D . ; E . G . bbon , P . P . G . O .,- C . RoopePPGO JMBrucePPGP JUSimpsonPPAGS R ^ ^ OUM lU ^ UHll WlU

, .... ; . . , .... ; . . , ..... ; . Ferry , . wwp , . ,. , v * . v , j . m . . ,, ,,,,, ( , J . , ^ UII , ,,. .. w ,,, . * . . v .. J , P . P . G . O . ; J . B . Clark , W . M . 24 ; C . Smith , P . M . 481 ; O . Jackson , W . M . 991 ; A . Anderson , W . M . 1712 ; J . S . Thompson , W . M . 22 C 0 ; J . Spence , I . P . M . 2260 ; G . H . Phiiipson , M . D ., & c , W . M . 2352 ; VV . M . Cox , S . W . 25 CS ; J . T . Leech , M . D ., S . W . 1 O 2 C ; W . G . Richardson , M . D ., S . W . 2260 ; and A . Page , S . W . 2520 . The ceremony was very impressively rendered by the Installing Master , the service being fully choral , the leading voices being those of Bros . Lyall , Gibbon , Guthrie , and

Craven , of the Newcastle Ouartette Party . The brethren afterwards adjourned to the County Hotel , where they were j oined bv a number of other brethten , among whom were Bros . Alderman K , 11 . Holmes , J . P ., P . G . D . Eng ., D . P . G . M . ; N . Meen , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . B . Garland , P . P . G . S . B . ; R , C Newton , M . D . ; Slater , M . D . ; Horslield , M . D . ; Kuxton , M . D . ; De Lacey , P . M . ; and others .

A recherche banquet , at which Bro . de Buriatte presided , wis served by Mr . Thompson , the hotel manager . The usual Masonic toasts were duly given and responded to , " The Hiilth of the W . M . " being proposed by Bro . Aid . R . II . Holmes , D . P . G . M . A most enjoyable evening was spent , the musical part being admirably rendered by Bros . Leslie Crolty , Joseph Uecrs , the Newcastle Quartette , and others .

Craft Masonry.

Metropolitan Lodge , No . 1507 . This well-known lodge held its annual installation meeting at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 19 th inst . The brethren present numbered 123 , and included no less than 49 visitors . Hearty congratulations were accorded the retiring W . M ., Bro . J . H . Moggridge , who beat all previous records in the lodge by initiating 24 candidates , taking up a goodly sum for the Charities , and completing a phenomenal year of office bv a tfood rendering of the installation ceremony . Bro . Wm . Barry , the newly-installed

W . M ., started well on his tenure of office , and showed his knowledge of the ritual by impressively initiating three gentlemen into Freemasonry . It is worthy of mention that two respected Past Masters—Bros . Wm . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., and C . J . Scales , P . M . — have started on their 25 th eear of membership , and hope to celebrate the completion of a quarter of a century at the next installation meeting . The large number of members present included Bros . J . H . Moggridge , W . M . ; Wm . Barry , W . M . elect ; E . E . Hawkins , J . W . ; Wm . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., P . M ., Treas . ; F . J . Perks , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Middx ., Sec . ; E . G . Steers , S . D . ; A . C . Bradley , J . D . ; H . Stiles , P . M . ;

G . Clark , P . M . ; J . G . McEwan , P . M . ; W . F . Bates , P . M . ; J . F . Saunders , P . M . ; J . Bate , I . P . M . ; R . C . Gleed , I . G . ; W . R . Thampson , T . E . Eames , J . C . H . Sargeant , A . Jackson , Org , and many others . Visitors : Bros . H . Lovegrove , P . G . S . B . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . G . S . B . , A . H . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx . ; E . L . Berry , P . P . G . D . Surrey ; F . Andrew , 1472 ; J . Andrew , 1472 ; W . J . Robinson , 1693 ; F . G . Messent , 1922 ; Gordon Lamer , 1326 ; L . Richardson , P . M . 157 ; J . Blades , 177 ; C . J . Free , 1227 ; E . O . Waymouth , 1744 ; Rev . T . H . Russell , 2 S 0 S ; C . E . A . Eades , W . M . 2332 ; W . J . Lockett , 192 ; W . J . Fishleigh , 192 j W . C . Brownfield ,

957 ; A . E . Gounsham , 1632 ; W . Hugh Fisher , 2552 ; W . L . Dickson , 5 S ; J . Sasson , S 32 ; J . Hatch , 153 S ; J- B . Hill , 157 ; H . Gillard , P . M . 1196 ; W . E . Collison , 1425 ; J . K . Ferguson , 2182 ; B . Hooker , P . M . 1260 ; H . J . Rich . 1201 ; C . Mitchell , 2163 ; H . H . Parnell , 2163 ; H . West , 55 ; J . F . Clebain , 1 S 34 ; W . Pearson , 2432 ; C . Cruikshanks ; W . G . Churcher , 24 * 57 ; F . Stallard , P . M . 1613 ; W . West , W . M . 2416 ; W . Noble , I . P . M . 153 S ; T . D . Hill , W . M . 117 S : E . J . Churchill , 172 ; S . Robson . P . M . 16 93 ; J . Brand , 1706 ; E . Greville , 2222 ; Hiram Long , P . M . 79 ; W . W . Lee , P . M . ; and others .

The opening of the lodge was followed by the confirmation of the minutes . The Audit report was adopted showing a substantial balance in hand , the payments during the past year including several Charitable donations . Bro . William Barry was presented as W . M . elect and duly installed into the chair by Bro J . H . Moggridge , in thepresence of a strong Board of Installed Masters . The following offieers were appointed and invested : Bros . J . H . Moggridge , I . P . M . ; E . E . Hawkins , S . W . ; E . G . Steers , J . W .: W . M . Stiles , P . M ., P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; F . J . Perks , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B .

Middx ., Sec ; A . C . Bradley , S . D . ; R . C . Gleed , J . D . ; W . R . Thompson , I . G . ; J . C . H . Sargent , D . C ; A . Jackson , Org . ; H . W . Newman and T . E . Eames , Stwds . ; and Whiting , P . M ., Tyler . A Past Master's jewel was presented to the I . P . M ., Bro . Moggridge , in recognition of his valuable services to the lodge during the past successful year , and the gift was appropriately acknowledged . Messrs . T . Tinsley , H . C Manning , and VV . G . Button were next impressively initiated into Freemasonry by the W . M . A grateful letter of thanks was read from the mother of a boy recently elected

to the Boys' School , and Bro . Stiles , P . M ., expressed the thanks of the lodge to Bro . Perks , P . M ., the indefatigable Secretary , through whose great exertions the success oE the case was mainly due . Several propositions for initiation were received , three members were placed on the country list , and the lodge was closed . After a well-served banquet , the usual toast list was proceeded with . In giving "The Grand Officers , " the W . M . alluded in flattering terms to the presence of Bros . H . Lovegrove , P . G . S . B . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . G . S . B . ; and last but not least , W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas .

Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . G . S . B ., in response , said that many years ago he sat at the right hand of the W . M . in this lodge as an initiate , and the lapse of time had again brought him round to the same position . He could recall many who had left them , and had he remained a member he should now stand fifth on the roll . He was glad to be present as a representative of Grand Lodge for when he was an initiate he felt he

deserved to be a Grand Officer . He was the first member of the lodge to be appointed to Grand office by the M . W . Grand Master ; Bro . Stiles having been elected Grand Treasurer by the brethren . He was also a small hero in another way , having received many congratulations that day on winning a prize at the Dairy Show , where he had tried on several occasions but had never before been successful .

Bro . W . A . Scurrah , P . G . S . B ., in the course of his reply , humorously alluded to Bros . Stiles and Lovegrove as two of the ornamental Grand Officers , whilst he was a plain working member . However , all Grand Officers had been selected because they had done essential service in one way or another , or had made continuous efforts to further the best interests of Freemasonry . Bro . J . H . Moggridge , I . P . M ., said it was with somewhat mournful pleasure that he rose to propose " The Health of the W . M ., " because he ( the I . P . M . ) was deposed from that position . He was glad his successor was so worthy and distinguished a Mason

as Bro . Barry , who entered upon the duties of the chair under very auspicious circumstances . At a meeting of the Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction , the W . M . and he rehearsed the ceremonies of initiation and installation respectively , and when the W . M . was giving the address to the candidate a cat emerged into the room with a rat . The W . M . had , therefore , started his year of office in a manner worthy of a Dick Whittington . They had seen Bro . Barry throughout the duties of the various offices in the lodge and were satisfied that he was not only able and willing , but that he was well skilled in the noble science . They would , therefore , heartily drink to the health and prosperity of the W . M .

Bro . Wm . Barry , W . M ,, received a cordial greeting , and , in reply to the toast , thanked the I . P . M . for his very kind words and the brethren for their reception . He was fully sensible of the honour of the position in which he was placed . If it were not for the unfailing kindness and the fraternal feeling shown by the members he might have felt some diffidence in occupying the office , but he would do all in his power to uphold the credit of the lodge .

The W . M . then gave "The I . P . M . and Installing Master , " and said that Bro . Moggridge had proved himself a goad Master in every sense . The I . P . M . broke all the records in the lodge as to initiates , took up a large sum for the Old People , and left a good balance , and did the installation ceremony in a highly commendable manner . They only hoped Bro . Moggridge would continue to give them the benefit of his good advice and assistance in the future as in the past . < Bro . I . II . Moggridge , I . P . M ., said he did not deserve half of the kind remarks of

the W . M ., but he would say it had given him a vast amount of pleasure to occupy the position the VV . M . so ably filled . The lodge had grown by leaps and bounds , and had also increased in quality as well as quantity . It was his proud privilege to initiate 24 candidates , and he was sure those initiates would be creditable members . It was an invidious thing to talk about one ' s self , and he would conclude by repea'ing the quotation placed on the programme after his toast— " Whom we meet here to thank and remember . " As long as they did that he was content .

Bro . Bruton , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C . Essex , replied first for " The Visitors , " mentioning the fact that he had known the W . M . for 20 years , during which period he had been in daily intercourse with him , and they had never had a cross word . The W . M . would , he was sure , bring continued prosperity to the lodge , and carry out Freemasonry according to its precepts and teachings . Bro . Rev . T . H . Russell , 240 S , responded , drawing special attention to a Masonic

service to be held on the following Sunday afternoon at St . Martin ' s Church , Gospel Oak , which he hoped the brethren would attend and support if possible . Bro . E . L . Berry , P . P . G . D . Surrey , thanked Bro . Eames—who having been 10 years a member of the lodge , was now to be congratulated on being appointed Steward —for his kind invitation . They had also to thank the W . M . for the opportunity oi witnessing an admirable rendering of the initiation ceremony . As for their hospitality , he need not refer to that except to say it was not only Metropolitan but Cosmopolitan .

"The Initiates " was acknowledged by Bros . Tinsley , Manning , and Button . "The Past Masters" and "The Officers" gave Bros . Stiles , P . M ., Treas ., and Perks , P . M ., Sec , another opportunity of assuring the brethren of their continued interest in the lodge—an assurance that was apparently not required judging by the very hearty reception given the toast . The Tyler ' s toast closed an enjoyable evening . Bros . Braxton Smith , J . Brand , W . Churcher , anl Jackson , Org ., contributed to an excellent programme of music .