Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft J-Easonrg *

WEST KENT * jLODGE ( No . 1297 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was 'held on Saturday , the 23 rd inst ., at the f .,,,,., 1 p , Tace . Sydenham , when there were present Bros . J . " C Woodrow , VV . M . ; A . W . Stead , acting S . W . ; T . Perrin . J . W . ; H . D . Stead , Treas . ; bulhvood , p ° C ¦ Crump , I-G . ; Jas . Crowden and Ph . Philps , Stwds .: las . Orange , Org . ; Bowler , Tyler ; Robert H .

Crowden , LP- " " •> Allen , P . M . ; Lomas , Archer , Hicks , Trnkins Robins , and Winkworth . Visitor : Bro . John tfammond , P . M . . 326 , P . P . G . D . , _ ., _ _ ,, J The minutes of last lodge meeting having been duly read and confirmed , sundry letters of regret and telegrams were opened announcing the uncontrollable absence of various brethren , after which , by the general desire of the W . M .

and the lodge , Bro . Hammond , in a most finished , impressive and perfect manner , raised his intimate friend , Bro . Robins , to the Third Degree , for which he received a vote of thanks from the lodge . Bro . Winkworth was passed to the Second Degree by the W . M ., Bro . Woodrow . A proposition was then made by the I . P . M ., Bro . R . H . Crowden that a Royal Arch Chapter , to bear the name of the

West Kent , should be connected to the lodge , and the brethren cordially supporting the idea , it was seconded by Bro . Fullwood , and will remain for confirmation till the next meeting , in October . The brethren then retired to a sumptuous banquet , admirably presided over by Bro . Woodrow , W . M ., to whose genial and courteous bearing the success of the meeting was greatly due .

LEBANON LODGE ( No . 1326 ) . —A highly successful meeting of this lodge took place on the 16 th inst .. at the Lion Hotel , Hampton . Among those present we noticed Bros . J . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Middx ., & o , VV . M . ; J' W . Baldwin , P . P . G . P . Middx ., & c , S . W ., W . M . elect ; Gloster , J . W . ; Frederick Walters , P . P . G . D . Middx ., Sec . ; Ste ' inhauer , J . D . ; Marsh , I . G . ; H .

Potter , W . S . ; Vassilo , D . C ; Knight , Org . ; J . T . Moss , P . P . G . R . Middx ., & c , P . M . ; VV . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Middx ., & c , P . M . ; Gilbert , P . M . ; and others . The visitors were Bros . T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., Sic ; Cordingley , VV . M . 45 ; T . W . Ockenden , W . M . 1512 ; Phillips , 1 305 ; Jenkinson , 1319 ; Keeble , S . D . 1426 ; Spearing , 1502 ; Ealey , 1656 ; and Robins , West

Kent . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Messrs . Walker and Kyle were duly initiated , Bros . Ware , McQueen , Shenton , and Ealey passed , and Bros . Robertson , Mears , Bushell , and Brier raised ; all the ceremonies being most ably performed by the W . M ., assisted by his officers and Bro . Ockenden , VV . M . 1 . 512 .

The installation of W . M . followed . In the performance of this ceremonial Bros . J . Hammond was aided by Bro . W . Hammond , P . M . ; F . Walters , P . M . ; J . T . Moss , P . M . ; E . Gilbert , P . M . ; and H . Potter , P . M . The officersappointed and invested were Bros . Gloster , S . W . ; Steinhauer , J . W . ; E . Gilbert , Treas . ; F . Walters , Sec . ; Marsh , S . D . ; Knight , J . D . ; Vassilo , I . G . ; H . Potter ,

W . S . ; Mildred , D . C ; Lawrence , Org . ; and Gilbert , Tyler . A vote of thanks having been passed to the Installing Officer , and several notices of motion having been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and , after an interval , the brethren adjourned to thc banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the W . M . gave the customary preliminary toasts . VV . Bros . J . T . Moss and W .

Hammond responded upon behalf of " The Provincial Grand Officers . " The former , in the course of his very able speech , said that , as one of the oldest members of the Provincial Grand Lodge , he felt proud at the position Middlesex now held in the Masonic world . _ He was also greatly gratified that the Lebanon Lodge possessed so many recipients of the Provincial purple . ( Cheers . ) In

concluding his remarks , he congratulated the members of the province upon having so distinguished , so able , and so courteous a chief as Bro . Sir Francis Burdett at their head . ( Applause . ) VV . Bro . W . Hammond having also expressed his acknowledgment " The Health of the W . M . " was fluently proposed b y the I . P . M . During the progress of his speech the I . P . AL

said that the W . M . s praises had been so often and deservedl y sung in that room for his able performance of Masonic work , that it was almost superfluous for him ( the I . P . M . ) to say anything more than what they already knew , that a more energetic and worthy brother did not exist . ( Hear , hear . ) In concluding his remarks , he believed that the W . M . ' s year of office would be one of the most successful in

me nistory ot the Lebanon Lodge . I his toast having been duly honoured , the VV . M . modestly acknowledged the complimentary remarks that had fallen from the lips of the ' . P . M . As one of the oldest initiates of the lodge he felt proud in occupying the position of VV . M . He had striven ever since he first entered Masonry , as far as | his capabilities admitted , to discharrrr- the nrtivr- and mnnl nrinrinl ^ c

inculcated in the ritual of the Order . He had , during the course of his Masonic career , been greatly assisted by the advice and instruction of several influential members of the tlf i" ° . Lodge , and , therefore , although he had passed m t £ i ' sewl " ere » his sympathies were naturally with his alM , ! ff e - U P concluding his remarks he stated that aunough he could not hone to have so brilliant a vear of

vet f " becn so •*inc "> 'augured f 0 r him by the I . P . M ., ' •Tl ? onfidently believed it would be above mediocrity , warnfi ''** tes" fo , lo , vcd , and the pledge having been yyiccciveil , was briefly replied to by the newly-adlook br ? thren - - giving "The I . P . M . " the VV . M . tn h occas , on to speak of the zeal and ability always brought wasT ° n Masonic "ork by Bro . John Hammond . He what h . *' '' would not permit of his saying half : —« . . Sn ° uld have liked to have expressed uoon the

subwnt-j fi" . At the conclusion of his speech the W . M . prel i" * 1 the I . P . M , with a very handsome jewel . VV . Bro . . il " ^ mm ° nA 'n reply , briefly said that he hoped thc brekindn 1 not thinl * - ""grateful or unmindful of their leave fi ! ' " ecause ° y private exigencies he was obliged to that hi f " Ver " * ' abruPtly > He was very pleased to think that hk ' " - ° * "fl-c" nad passed off very happily , and nised << Tu l ?^ keen k ' ncl | y and handsomely recogledge ' d bu R ^' s'tors " followed . This toast was acknow" The pL , ; ' Cordingley , Ealey , Jenkinson , and others . r ** Masters " came next in order , and this pledge

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

was responded to by Bros . Moss , W . Hammond , and Gilbert . In proposing " The Health of the Treasurer , and the Secretary , " the VV . M . congratulated the brethren upon possessing two such good officers . In Bro . Gilbert they had a most worthy and efficient brother , who in the discharge of his new duties as Treasurer would earn their highest encomiums . The services and worth of Bro .

Walters were so well known that he would only say in respect to him that he ( the W . M . ) hoped that both his health and circumstances would ere long be greatly improved , a wish which he felt sure would be sincerely endorsed by all present . ( Hear . ) Bros . Gilbert and Walters having replied ,

the remaining toasts , viz ., "The Officers , " "The Masonic Charities , " and "The Masonic Press" were , in consequence of the lateness of the hour , quickly got over , and as briefly responded to . The proceedings in _ lodge and at the banquet were greatly enhanced by the instrumental and vocal efforts of Bro Jenkinson , of the St . Asaph Lodge .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . — An emergency meeting of this lodge was held on the 19 th inst ., at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park . Among those present were Bros . H . P . Speedy , W . M . ; W . P . Webb , S . W . ; Marston , J . W . ; W . Mann , P . M ,, Treasurer ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Secretary ; Kohler , I . P . M . ; Stokes , S . D . ; Stranger , J . D . ; Bolton , I . G . ; Appleton ,

W . S . ; Kocli , P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; Reeves , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . Middx ., P . M . ; and Drysdale , P . M . The ballot having been taken upon behalf of Messrs . John Lovesay and George Bailey , they were duly initiated into Craft mysteries by the VV . M . The ballot was also taken for Bro . G . Cooper , 47 ( S . C ) , Dundee , as a joining member . A vote of condolence having been unanimously

passed to the widow of Bro . Warner Sleigh , of the English Bar , an initiate of the lodge , who had recently died while on his passage to America , whither he had gone to recruit his health , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent collation , which reflected great credit upon the new caterer . The customary toasts followed . "The Health of the

W . M . was proposed by the I . P . M ., and this toast having been warmly received , the VV . M ., in response , briefly said that although he could not hope to equal the efforts of some of those who had passed the chair , yet he would strive to do the duties of the position to the best of his ability . " The Initiates " followed . In reply to this pledge Bro . Lovesay made a speech of some merit . " The Visitors , " " The Past Masters , " and "The Officers , " which toasts were duly acknowledged , brought the proceedings to a conclusion .

WEST SMITHFIELD ( No . 1623 ) . —A regular meeting took place on Thursday , the 21 st inst . After the opening of the lodge and the reading and confirmation of the minutes having been regularly observed , the W . M ., Bro . Pennefather , examined and passed Bros . Paterson , Wareham , and Chambers . The lodge then proceeded to

elect a W . M . for the ensuing year , which was unanimously in favour of the S . W ., Bro . Malthouse , C . C , who , being present , expressed his thanksto the brethren for their confidence . Bro . Howes , P . M ., was unanimously elected Treasurer , and Bro . Smyth , Tyler . Bro . Howes , P . M ., proposed , inasmuch that Bro . W . Pennefather having discharged the duties of W . M . during his year of office in

the most efficient manner , and also for his many services , he be presented with a Past Master's jewel , of the value of ten guineas , from the funds of the lodge , adding , that upon the presentation he would have more to say on the subject . Bro . Malthouse seconded the proposition , which was confirmed by the brethren . An Audit Committee having been appointed , the lodge was closed in due form and adjourned .

GATESHEAD-ON-TYNE . —Lodge of Industry ( No . 48 ) . —Again we have the pleasure to record another pleasant and instructive meeting of this vigorous lodge , which was held at the rooms , No . 34 , Denmarkstreet , on Monday evening , the 25 th inst . There was a capital muster of brethren considering the hot weather . The lodge was opened shortly after seven o ' clock o . m . bv

the W . M ., Bro . J . G . Smith , assisted by the following officers : Bros . J . VVood , I . P . M . ; Edwd . Liddell , S . W . ; M . H . Dodds , as J . W . ; Wm . B . Elsdon . Treas . ; A . Rhagg , Sec ; A . Simpson , as S . D . ; Wm . M . Pybus , J . D . ; R . Ferry , Org . ; J . A . Dixon , I . G . ; Wm . Dalrymple , J . S . ; and Josh . Curry , Tyler , Amongst others present wc noticed Bros . M . Corbett , P . M . ; R . Whitfield , P . M . ; D . Sinclair , P . M . ; M . H . Dodds , W . M . nig ; W . Brown ,

J . A . Dixon , VV . Whitfield , VV . Leach , A . Simpson , D . McLeod , W . J . Reid , R . Tate , J . Ivison , E . Perry , R . Locke , R . Brason , W . C . Thomlinson , and J . Atkinson . The visitors consisted of Bros . Jos . Cook , P . M . 481 ; P . O . Smith , P . M . 541 ; J . Edminson , P . M . 24 ; R . Stephenson , P . M . 424 ; John Duckett , jun ., I . P . M . 4 S 1 ; H . Usher , S . W . 541 ; T . C Parker , 636 ; T . Harbottle , S 7 ( S . C ); E . S . Edminson , 24 ; J . Lawson , 24 ; and others .

Ihe minutes of last lodge having been confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . VV . F . Brown , who was duly elected . Messrs . Brown , J . R . Bewley , and R . R . Hudson ( elected last meeting ) being in attendance , were initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry by the VV . M ., the S . W . explaining the working tools . 13 ro . VV . C . Thomlinson was passed to the Second Degrceby Bro . J . Wood , I . P . M ..

thc S . W . cxplaing the working tools . Bros . Jacob Atkinson and Edwin Perry were afterwards raised as M . M . ' s by the VV . M ., who gave the working tools . After a candidate for initiation had been proposed , the lodge was closed , at ten o'clock p . m ., and , alter such a laborious evening , the brethren retired to the refreshment board , and enjoyed themselves with toasts and harmony for an hour .

MACCLESFIELD . —Lodge of Unity fNo . 267 ) . —The brethren of theabove lodge assembled on the 21 st inst . at the Macclesfield Arms Hotel , when the installation of VV . M . for thc ensuing year took place , and the festival of St . John was celebrated . Bro . Slade , for the second time , was appointed W . M . There was a good attendance of the

brethren and also visitors from the sister Lodge 295 ; the Stamford and Warrington Lodge , Altiincham ; Lodge of Friendship , Manchester ; Staffordshire Knott , Stafford ; the Derby Masonic Temple , Liverpool ; and Eaton Lodge , Congleton . The Installing Masters were Bros . Cockayne , I . P . M ., and Bro . R . Wood , P . M . The following officers were invested : Bros . R . Wood , P . M ., S . W .: F . R . B .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Heaps , J . W . ; W . Astle , P . M ., Treas . and Sec ; H . Froggatt , S . D . ; W . Harrison , J . D . ; G . H . J . Gundry , I . G . ; F . Harscher , Org . ; Frith and Hordern , Stwds . ; and D . Mason , Tyler . The banquet was provided by Bro . Comberbach in his usual efficient manner , and a coodlv number honoured the

annual feast , including the Town Clerk of Congleton and representative brethren from the Eaton Lodge , Congleton . During the evening reference was made to the visit of Prov . Grand Lodge to Macclesfield in September next , and a regret was expressed that the R . W . P . G . M ., Lord de Tabley , was in greatly impaired health . MayT . G . AiO . TiU , speedily restore him .

STAFFORD . —Staffordshire Knot Lodge ( No . 726 ) . —A meeting was held on Wednesday evening , the 20 th inst ., at the North Western Hotel . There were present Bros . S . Wood , Prov . G . R ., W . M . ; J . Senior , S . W . ; J . Baker , J . W . ; Rev . E . C . Perry , M . A ., Chap . ; F . Woolley , Sec ; I . Mottram , S . D . ; E . J . Mousley , J . D . ; J . Bervon , Organist ; J . Wooldridge , acting as

I . G . ; f . Rigby , Steward ; R . Tomlinson , Tyler ; G . Gfiffiths , S . B . Mottram , S . Masters , J . T . Evans , W . P . Dunculfe , J . Taylor , P . Bottrill , A . Ward , S . S . Plant , and A . F . Whittorne . Visitors : Bros . W . E . Proctor , Sec . 1520 and 526 ; and R . Barton , J . W . 1520 . The lodge having been duly opened , a proposition by the W . M . that

a Committee , consisting of the Past Masters and present officers of the lodge be formed to consider and report on the bye-laws of the lodge , with a view to their revision , was carried unanimously . Mr . Charles Addison Ash was afterwards introduced and initiated by the W . M . Mr . W . Brown was proposed as a candidate for Masonry , and the lodge was then closed in due form .

LANCASTER . — Duke of Lancaster Lodge ( No . 1353 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on the afternoon of the 20 th inst ., in the Masonic Room , at the Athenaeum . There was a good attendance , including several visitors . The lodge having been opened in due form , the W . M . elect , Bro . Henry Hartley , S . W ., was presented , and duly installed into his office , the

ceremony being most efficiently performed by Bro . J . Ellersbaw , P . M . Subsequently the newly-installed Master appointed and invested his officers for the year ensuing as follows : Bros . Wm . Parker , I . P . M . ; Richard Cleminson , S . W . ; J . E . Oglethorpe , J . W . ; W . King , Treasurer ; J . Acton , Secretary ; Joseph D . Bell , S . D . ; C . J . W . Stork , J . D . ; P . Dutton , I . G . ; R . Woods , Orranist ;

W . Huntington , S . S . ; D . Shaw , J . S . ; T . Abbott , D . C . j and A . K . Allison , Tyler . In the course of the afternoon Bro . Bagnall , P . M . 2 S 1 , on behalf of the members of the lodge , presented the retiring Worshipful Master , Bro . W . Parker , with avery neat and handsome Past Master ' s jewel ,

the reverse of which bore the following inscription : " Presented to Bro . William Parker , P . M ., by the members of the Duke of Lancaster Lodge , No . 1353 , as a mark of esteem . —Sth July , 18 S 1 . " Bro . Parker acknowledged the gift in suitable terms , and the lodge was closed with the usual formalities .

The brethren then adjourned to the King s Arms Hotel , at Morecambe , where the installation banquet had been prepared by the host , Bro . W . Longmire . The menu was of a bounteous character , the viands being of the choicest quality , and well served , reflecting credit on the cuisine of this establishment . Some fifty-five brethren sat down under the presidency of the newly-elected W . M ., Bro .

Hartley , who was supported by Bros . Fenton , Jas . Hatch , E . Simpson , P . M . 2 S 1 ; Atkinson ; W . M . 2 S 1 ( Freemason ); Wilde , VV . M . 1650 ; W . Parker , J . Ellersbaw , C . Hartley , J . Bell , J . Acton , and R . Wolfenden , P . M . 1353 . Amongst other visitors were Bros . Warbrick , P . M . ; Pilkington , Gregson , Stanton , and Bond , 281 ; Hall , 1070 ; Bannister , Poole , and Brown , 1650 . Dinner concluded , and dessert

having been handed round , the Chairman gave the toasts of "The Queen" and "The M . W . G . M . the Prince of Wales , " which were received with the usual honours . Bro . Fenton gave the toast referring to Present and Past Officers of Grand Lodge , speaking at length on the abilities displayed by them , and especially as regarded Earl Lathom , which was also received with the usual honours . The duty

of : proposing "The Healths of the Officers , Present and Past , of Provincial Grand Lodge , " received full justice at the hands of Bro . James Hatch , who paid a warm tribute to the ability displayed by Bro . the Right Hon . F . A . Stanley in the cause of Masonry , and who occupied the proud position of Deputy Grand Master of the Province of West Lancashire . The toast was coupled with the names

of , and responded to by Bros . E . Simpson , Prov . G . Purst ., and Wm . Longmire , Prov . D . C . Bro . Parker , in brief , but complimentary terms , gave " The Health of the Worshipful Master , " which was drank in a bumper . Bro . Hartley , in rising to respond , was received with much applause , and in the course of his remarks , expressed his sense of the high honour which had been conferred upon him that day in

appointing him Worshipful Master of the Duke of Lancaster Lodge . It would be his duty to maintain the integrity of the office , and promote to the best of his ability the interest and welfare of the lodge ; so that at the close of his term of Mastership he might hand over the emblems of office to his successor pure and unsullied . After referring to the course he intended to adopt as regarded the routine work of the

lodge , the Chairman alluded in praiseworth y terms to the Charities connected with Masonry , and which he looked upon as the brightest ornament connected with the craft . Bro . Wolfenden proposed " The Visitors , " giving them a hearty greeting on behalf of the lodge , and expressing the pleasure their members experienced in meeting with brethren from neighbouring lodges . The toast was

acknowledged by Bros . Atkinson and Wilde . The Chairman , in proposing " The Health of the Installing Master , " paid a high compliment to Bro . Ellersbaw on the manner in which he had gone through the ceremony of installation—a remark which was endorsed by other speakers of more experience . Bro . Ellersbaw , in acknowledging the compliment , expressed his satisfaction that his efforts had met with the approval of the members , and stated that he would be

willing at all times to do what lay in his power to advance the interests of the lodge . Bro . Bond , in a humorous speech , fave " The Health of the Past Masters of the Duke of ancaster Lodge , " which was responded to by Bros . Parker , Bell , and Wolfenden . Bro . Ellershaw gave the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary , " both of which was responded to by Bro . King , in the temporary absence of the Secretary . Bro . Longmire proposed " The Health oi the Wardens and Junior Officers , " and spoke of the im «