Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

G . Noakes , J . W . ; J . Hall , P . M ., Treas . ; H . H . Thompson , Sec . ; VV . Stephens , S . D . ; H . J . Dodd , J . D . ; A . MacMahon , I . G . ; T . Gowers , P . M ., D . C ; J . Northover and H . Buckland , Stwds . ; and W . Hill , Tyler . The officers having been invested , Bro . Hall gave the concluding addresses in a most impressive manner , with perfect accuracy , and much elocutionary effect . The W . M . presented Bro . S . G . Noakes with a beautiful

Secretary ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , London ) , suitably inscribed , previously voted by the lodge , which gift was very feelingly acknowledged . Two propositions for initiation were received , and after " Hearty good wishes " from visiting brethren , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where a most recherche repast was provided b y Bro . Stone , whose arrangements for the comfort and enjoyment of the

brethren elicited unanimous expressions of satisfaction . After dessert , the W . M ., in proposing "The Queen and the Craft , " remarked that the womanly virtues of her Majesty had gained for her the love of foreigners as well as Englishmen . Her sympathy with sorrow and suffering was not confined to England alone , as evidenced by the messages sent to the widows of the late Presidents Garfield and Grant , and quite recently to the widowed Queen of Spain .

The W . M . next proposed " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " commenting on the prosperity of the Craft under his benign auspices . Much of this might be due to the exalted position of his Royal Highness ; but he ( the W . M . ) thought that much of it was due to the great interest the Grand Master took in Freemasonry , and also to the thoroughness with which he performed ( on all possible occasions ) the duties of Grand Master . In the words of the old song , "Long may he reign , and the cause maintain . "

I n proposing the toast of " The Pro Grand Master , Dep . Grand Master , and Officers of Grand Lodge , " the W . M . said the brethren were aware that much of the work of Grand Lodge devolved upon the Grand Officers . It was quite unnecessary to remind the brethren of the excellent manner in which the Grand Officers performed their duties ; but when he reminded them of the Grand Secretary and others continually travelling about the country in the

interests of the Craft , consecrating lodges , & c , he was sure they would all admit that a debt of gratitude was due to those brethren for the time and labour they gave to the cause of Freemasonry . The W . M . then proposed "The R . W . Provincial Grand Master and Grand Officers of Hants and Isle of Wight , "

in doing which he paid a deservedly high tribute to the zeal , ability , and courtesy of R . W . VV . W . B . Beach , M . P . He regretted that the Prov . Grand Master could not come among them oftener , as a strong feeling prevailed among the brethren of the Camp Lodge that of late the lodge was forgotten in the distribution of provincial grand honours .

The I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " whom he wished every success during his year of office . He congratulated the brethren on having made so wise a choice in selecting so tried and skilful a Master to preside over them . There was no part of the Sublime ritual of Masonry with which the W . M . was not thoroughly acquainted , and he always rendered it to the infinite delight of all whoheard him .

The Worshipful Master replied in an excellent speech , thanking the brethren for the great honour conferred on him , and assuring them that during his term of office everything that laid in his powet should be done to ensure the happiness and comfort of the brethren . He trusted that when he handed over the gavel and his jewel to his successor , the brethren would be able to say of him that he had worked with credit to himself , satisfaction to the lodge ,

and usefulness to the Craft . The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Health of the Installing Master , " observing that it gave him very great pleasure to propose that toast . The brethren had that afternoon been charmed with the manner in which the installation ceremony had been performed . Bro . Hall did everything in Masonry in a like masterly manner . In the absence of the W . M . during the past year , Bro . Hall had frequently discharged the duties of W . M ., and always in such a manner as to elicit praise f rem all who heard him ;

while his kindness , courtesy , and geniality had gained for him the esteem of every member of the lodge . The W . M . hoped they would long have Bro . Hall among them to offer kindly assistance and counsel . He therefore asked the brethren to be upstanding and drink to the health , happiness , and long life of the Installing Master , Bro . Hall . Bro . Hall , in responding , assured the brethren that while he was able to offer assistance and instruction they could always rely on him for anything it was in his power to render them .

I he Worshipful Master proposed " The Masonic Charities , " referring to the three splendid Institutions , and the incalculable amount of good done by them . He coupled with that toast the name of Bro . Eve , than whom perhaps no brother had done more in the cause of Masonic Charity . Bro . Eve , in the course of a lengthy and very eloquent reply , said it was indeed a great honour for any brother to have his name associated with such a toast as the Masonic

Charities . He pointed out the excellent support given to these Institutions by numbers of the brethren , but regretted that there weie thousands who forgot the lesson of their initiation . He earnestly entreated every brother—as far as his circumstances in life would fairly warrant—to avail himself of the opportunity and privilege of subscribing to these excellent Institutions . If they did so he was certain they would never repent it , for the money contributed would be

gratefully accepted and faithfully applied . Their offerings would be " twice blessed , " and they would then realize how " much more blessed it was to give than to receive . " In proposing the toast of "The Visitors , " the W . M . observed that it was one always received with gicat cordiality by the brethren of Aldershot Camp Lodge . On behalf of the members he gave the visitors a right hearty welcome ; he was extremely glad to see so many , and hoped they would come often , and also assurrd them that the right

hand of friendship and brotherhood would always be extended to them . Bro . Major Walsh , 1971 , in responding on behalf of the visitors , expressed the great pleasure he felt—as an old soldier , and old Mason—for the kind manner in which the visitors were received . In lodge he had been quite delighted with the beautiful rendering of the installation ceremony , and the perfect working of the W . M . and his officers . To him , as an old soldier , this

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

was particularly gratifying , because he firmly believed that military Masons did more than any others in spreading a knowledge of Masonry . Being constantly on the move round the world , they were often instrumental in opening new lodges—thus diffusing the light of wisdom—while some , like their W . M ., left a name behind them in different countries , which would long be remembered by Masons . On behalf of the visitors he again begged to thank the

W . M . and brethren for the great treat afforded them in lodge , and for their splendid hospitality at the banquet table . The Worshipful Master next gave "The P . M . 's , " pointing out the work done by the Past Masters during the year , in the absence of the W . M . He thought the lodge had reason to be proud of the Past Masters , and hoped they would long continue to take an active and willing interest in the work .

Bro . R . White , P . M ., said he was extremely gratified to be with the brethren again , and find the lodge in such a flourishing condition . During his year he had 25 initiations , and he would be very much pleased to see the W . M . better that record . He intended to represent the lodge as Steward at the Girls' Festival , and trusted the brethren would assist him . Bro . Robertson . I . P . M ., and Bro . Gowers , P . M ., also

responded . The Worshipful Master next proposed " The Officers of the Lodge , " observing that it would be impossible for the head of any department , however efficient he might be , to carry on the duties of his office unless ably seconded by an efficient staff . He was glad to say that the officers he had chosen had proved themselves equal to the duties they had to perform .

The toast was suitably acknowledged by the officers , all of whom responded . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a conclusion a very successful and enjoyable meeting . During the evening some excellent songs and recitations were given by Bros . Eve , Broackes , Seabrook , R . White , Taylor , Noakes , Dodd , Hall , Blades , Mallord , and Harrison .

SUNDERLAND . —Londonderry Lodge ( No . 2039 ) . —The regular meet'ng of this lodge was held on Friday , 22 nd inst ., at the Young Men ' s Christian Association Hall , John-street . Present : Bros . J . C . Moor , P . P . G . J . D ., W . M . ; Thomas Atkinson , acting S . W . ; F . S . Cowper , acting J . W . ; J . R . Pattison , W . M . 97 , Sec ; W . A . Priestly , S . D . ; R . A . Brown , J . D . ; J . E . Nelson , P . M ., D . C ; T . A . Simpson , acting l . G . ; W . Milburn ,

jun ., Stwd . ; J . VV . Brown , Tyler ; P . M . ' s Bros . Chas . Cobham , P . P . G . S . of W ., acting I . P . M . ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . B . Wilkinson , W . M . 13 S 9 ; R . Kinmond , P . M . So , P . P . G . P . ; and others . The lodge having been duly opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , the W . M . read letters of apology from the S . W . and J . W ., who were

unavoidably absent . Bro . the Rev . J . J . Brown , P . P . G . C ., J . W ., enclosed £ 1 is . towards the Masonic Fund in aid of the Distress Relief Fund . The ballot was taken for Bro . George T . Egdell , 240 , as a joining member , who was duly elected . The bye-laws of the lodge were read by the Secretary . Two gentlemen were proposed for initiation , and one brother was proposed as a joining member . The lodge was afterwards closed .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —The weeklv meeting of this lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , on Tuesday * ths 19 th inst . There were present Bros . R . Rowlands , W . M . ; J . D . Smith , S . W . ; T . Brady , j . W . j \ V . H . Boys , S . D . ; Bannister , J . D . j \ V . S . Harvey , l . G . ; V / alden , Sec . * , J . Hill , Preceptor ; and Hose . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Decrees , and resumed in the Second . Bro . Hose gave

proofs of proficiency , and was entrusted . The lodge was resumed in the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising was rehearsed by the W . M . in a most creditable manner , the traditional history being fully and perfectly given . The W . M , gave the charge for the Third Degree . The lodge was called off and on . The Preceptor worked the 1 st Section of the Third Degree with the brethren . The lodge was closed down . Bro . J . D . Smith was proposed as W . M , for the next meeting . The lodge was then closed ,

STABILITY LODGE ( No . 217 ) . —The usual weekly meeting of this lodge of instruction was held at the Masons * Hall Tavern , Masons ' -avenuc , Coleman-street , E . G ., on Friday evening , the 22 nd inst . Present : Bros . I . Corbett , W . M . ; J . A . Alsop , S . W . ; 1 * . E . L . Green , J . W . ; XV * R . Brooks , S . D . ; S . Stampfer , J . D . ; E .

Anderson , jun ., Sec . ; H . Dyhall , l . G , ; and J , Turner . The lodge was opened in the First , Second , and Third Degrees , and the ceremony of raising worked . Lodge was then closed to the First Degree , and the ceremony of initiation worked by Bro , F . E . U . Green , The minutes of the last meeting were then read and confirmed , and the lodge was closed .

MARQUESS OF RIPON LODGE ( No . 1489 ) . —The last meeting of this nourishing lodge was presided over , on Monday last , by Bro . G . J . Pope , the Secretary , supported by Bros . W . > aint , S . W . ; \ V . Gray , P . M ., | . W . ; Stephens , P . M ., acting Preceptor ; Draper , S . D . ; Beatton , f . D . ; Garrood , LG . ; Gray » jun ., Dutton , Lowe , Calderara , Hart , Hughes , P . M . ; Job , P . M . ; and others . The evening was uevi'teu . to the Th ' ird Ceremony , which was

I mast carefully rendered , Bro . Dutton as candidate . Bro . Stephens then occupied the chair , and called upon Bro . Job to work the Sections of the 3 rd Lecture , which was successfully iterformed . Bro . Saint was elected W . M . for the next meeting , and a very successful meeting terminated , VVc note with mnch pleasure the great success which has attended this lodge since it took up its abode at Bro . Hart ' s Hostelry ; the working is good , attendance regular , and a more comfortable " school " it would be difficult to find .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . i 6 t 4 ) . —The usual weekly meeting of this lodge of instruction was held at the Bedford Head Hotel , Maiden-lane , Covent-Garden , W . C , on the 31 st inst ., when there were present Bros . R , J . Harnell , W . M . ; B . Solomon , S . W , ; II . G . Marsden , J . W . ; C . Grassi , S . D . ; W . F . Thorpe , J . D . ; G . 1-1 . Reynolds , l . G . ; G , Reynolds , Secretary and Treasurer ; E . S . P . Valeriani , D . Stroud , Frank Gulliford , T . A . Dickson , and T . E . Weeks . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last

meeting were read and confirmed , Bro . H . G . Marsden worked the 1 st Section of the Firbt Lecture . Bro . E , S . P . Valeriani having offered himself as a candidate for initiation , the W . M . was p leased to rehearse the ceremony . Lodtje opened in the Second Degree . Lodge opened in the Third Degree . Lodge resumed to the Second and then the First Degree , On rising for the second time , Bro . G . Reynolds , proposed that Bro . U . Solomon be W . M . for the ensuing week—seconded by the J , W ., and carried unanimously . The W . M , was pleased to appoint his officers in rotation . On rising for the third time , the bye-laws were read and approved , Bro , W , C . Smith , S . W . i $ 63 » was unanimously elected Preceptor , being pro-

Instruction.

posed by Bro . G . H . Reynolds , and seconded by Bro . T . A . Dickson ; and Bro . G . Reynolds was elected Secretary and Treasurer , being proposed by Bro . G . H . Reynolds , and seconded by the J . W . Bro . G . Reynolds then read the annual report , which had been audited by Bros . T . A . Dickson , G . H . Reynolds , and R . J . Harnell , jun ,, as follows : During the year iSS ^ 49 meetings had been held ; the number of brethren attending 0 S 4 j and new joining membcrs 4 o . The lodge had been opened in the First Degree 49 times : the Second Degree 45 times : and the Third Degree 31

times . Lodge had been resumed from one Degree to another 4 6 times ; closed down 31 times ; and called off four times . The ceremnny of initiation had been rehearsed 30 times ; passing 14 times ; raising 23 times ; installation four times ; and the Fifreen Sections worked once . The First Lecture with its Sections has been worked 56 times ; the Second Lecture with its Sections 23 times ; and the Third Lecture with its Sections 13 times . Votes of thanks have been recorded on the minutes to brethren for services as W . M ' s , for the first time and to brethren acting as Preceptor 26 times : and

three letters of condolence sent . A ballot of & $ 5 s . was drawn from the lodge of instruction for a subscribership to one oi the Royal Masonic Institutions , in accordance with bye-law 27 , on the last day of the year , which was declared to be in favour of Bro , F . Hedge , ' 749 . Bro . j . W . Ford , 1348 , had presented the lodge of instruction wilh a handsome box for depositing the tools , 81 c ., and had unanimously been voted honorary member . Bro , W . C . Smith , S . W . 1563 , was elected preceptor at the commencement of the year to re-place their late worthy Bro . W . H . Richardson .

Bro , T , E . Weeks had acted as serving brother , giving every satisfaction . A gratuity was voted to him on the 31 st Decenrber , The supper in connection with the lodge of instruction , held at the Criterion in March last , was a great success ; about 80 brethren attended . The number of brethren attending the lodge of instruction has been considerably larger than last year , and more work done , Bro . H , G . Marsden , J . W ., proposed that the report be confirmed —seconded by Bro . Frank Gulliford , carried unanimously .

Bro , J . A . Dickson then proposed that a vote 01 thanks be recorded on the minutes of this lodge of instruction to Bro . G . Reynolds , Secretary , for the very clear way their minute book and accounts were kept , also for the excellent report he had drawn up , Bro . Reynolds conducted the affairs of the lodge , he knew , to the great satisfaction of the brethren who attended it . They were pleased with his services . He was a capital Secretary , and would be to any mother lodge—seconded by Bro . Frank Gulliford , carried unanimously .

Bro . R . J . Harnell , in addressing Bro . G , Reynolds , remarked that he felt sorry a more experienced Mason was not in the chair that evening to carry out its duties , for it appeared to him it was the important meeting of the year . But as a young Mason he would express his feelings by saying that he always felt very happy in the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction , and trusted to have the pleasure of see ng Bro . G . Reynolds at his post , as Secretary , for many years to come , with health and Strength , Bro . G , Reynolds , Secretary , thanked the W . M . for his kind

remarks , which were made with sincerity , and also the brethren for the vote of thanks . He could assure them that his labours had been well rewarded by a larger attendance of members at instruction in the \ ear 1885 than in the year 1884 . In fact the lodgeof instruction had prospered wjll , especially so considering that their worthy Preceptor , Bro , W . C . Smith , had unfortunately been absent through illness for some time during the year . He was pleased to say he was now able to be with them generally on Thursday evenings . He must also thank many P . M's ., W . M ' s ., and brethren for their kind co-operation in carrying on the lodge of instruction during

Bro . W . C . Smiths absence . He regretted , much , that a larger number of brethren did not participate in the ballot for a Life Subscribership ( j £$ ijs . ) to one of the Royal Masonic Institutions , there being only seven . The bye-law required 20 attendances . The average attendance of each brother had been about 14 , Bro . G . H . Reynolds had snggested that a card should be on the Secretary's table at each meeting , showing the number of times every brother had attended up to that time , as that reminder might induce many to complete the required number of 20 attendances , and he should make it his duty to draw up the same . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed .

UBIQUE LODGE ( No . 1789 ) . —A meeting was held on Friday , the aanu inst ., at the Crown and Anchor , 79 , Ebury-street , S . W . Present : Bros , Green , sen ., W . M . ; Hume , S . W . ; Gilbert , J . W . ; Boulton , P . M ., Preceptor ; Gibson , Treas j Coughlan , Sec ; Hayes , S . D . ; Mann , J . D . j Mason , l . G . ; Wray , P . M . ; Green , jun .. Chilcott , Valeriani , Forscutt , Borgarello , Cope , and O . D . Ward , The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and coufiimed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro , Gibson being the candidate . The chair was

vacated by the W . M ., and taken by Bro . Valeriani . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Green , jun ., a candidate to be raised to the Third Degree , answered the usual questions , and was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree . The ceremony of raising was rehearsed , Bro . Green , jun ., being the candidate . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , and Bros . Valeriani , W . M , 1687 , and Hawksford , 1604 , were unanimously elected joining members . Bros . Valeriani and Hawksford returned thanks . Bro . Hume , jun ., was unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing fortnight . Nothing further offering , the lodge was closed ,

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

NICHOLSON CHAPTER ( No . 371 ) . —The regular quarterly convocation of this chapter was held at the Masonic Hall , on Wednesday , the 20 th inst . The chapter was opened by Comp F . K . Sewell , M . E . Z ., P . P . G . S . N . ; Comp . J . Gardener , H ., P . P . G . K . 5 and Comp . G . W . Thompson , J . The other companions , numbering

about 15 were then admitted . The minutes of the last chapter , held in October , were read and confirmed . The companions then proceeded to elect the Principals and other officers for the ensuing year . After some discussion it was unanimously resolved that the present officers fulfil their duties for another year . Some other business having been transacted , the chapter was closed in due form .

KINGSTON-ON-THAMES .- —Dobie Chapter ( No . 889 ) . —On Monday evening , the companions ot this chapter , which , like its namesake in the Craft , is progressing in a way that is highly gratifying to those who have striven to raise it to its proper level in the province , assembled at the Griffin Hotel . There were two propositions , and as both candidates are worthy and able members

of the Craft , there was no doubt as to the result of the ballot . The ceremony of exaltation was performed in a most able and impressive manner by Comp . Elsam , P . Z ., and the exaltees—Bros . Lane and Abel Lawrence , both P . M . ' s of the Brownrigg Lodge , 163 S , and holders of Provincial rank — were deeply impressed with the beautiful ritual . 1 here were present in convocation Comps . G . Wale

M . E . Z . ; C . E . Oldridge , H . j T . Weaver , J . ; J . W . Moorman , P . S . ; G . Moorman , A . S . ; Piller , P . Z . ; W . Chapman , W . H . Sharp , G . T . Salmon , and others . Comp . W . Lane proved himself , as he always has been , an efficient and courteous Janitor . The refreshment which followed after the labours of the evening was thoroughly enjoyed , and Comp . Sharp was deservedly complimented upon what he did to enhance the pleasure of the time that remained for recreation ,