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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
GREAT NORTHERN LODGE ( No . 1287 ) . — At an emergency meeting , thc second this season , held on Thursday , thc 14 th inst ., there were present : Bros . J . Forbes , VV . M . ; A . Christie , J . D . ; G . West , I . G . ; J . VV . Robinson , D . C . The offices of the S . VV . and J . W . were ably filled hy I . P . M . T . 11 . Staton and P . M . G . Webb . The business of the evening consisted of initiating Messrs . W . Cushion , H . Arding , and J . Hobbs , who , being elected ,
were duly admitted into the ancient Order . There were also present , besides the above-mentioned brethren , Bros . Stevenson and Trebell ( thc candidates at thc former emergency meeting ) , P . G . Jupe , J . Arkell , Hammond , Hawtin , Hitchcock , Freshwater , Owen , Bathard , Jenkins , and Sadler . As there was no banquet , the brethren were invited by the W . M ., before separating , to partake of some slight refreshment , which was gladly received . " The Health of lhe W . M . " and "The
Candidates " havihg been responded to , the brethren separated , to meet again on Thursday , 21 st inst . METROPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 1507 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge , and first anniversary of its consecration , was held on the 21 st inst . at the Metropolitan Club , 209 , Pentonvillc-road , Kings Cross . What the lodge has done during its first year may be judge : ! of
by the fact that about ei ghty brethren attended to participate in the ceremonies , and to hail with gratification the progress which the lodge has made . Among these were some brethren of considerable eminence in thc Order , not only those belonging to the lodge , but others who came as visitors . There were , too , brethren from America , for whose presence the lodge was indebted to Bro . James
Terry , himself a brother of both rank and energy . The lodge room was crowded , although it is of considerable size , aud it required constant exertion on the part of thc officers below the chairs to minister to the comfort of those present . Thc work of the lodge began about four o'clock , and Bro . James Willing , W . M ., was under engagement to be out of thc room by seven . There being two passings
and to winitialions to perform before the installation , that brother's abili' . ies were taxed to the utmost to keep his engagement . The ceremonies , however , were speedily proceeded with , and Bros . Sayers and Erwood were passed to the Second Degree . This was succeeded by the initiation of Messrs , Gilbert and Swaagman , at the completion of which Bro . Willing requested Bro . Joseph Smith , P . G . P .,
to take the S . W . chair , and Bro . Thomas Adams , P . G . P ., the J . W . At this time there were in the lodge , among other visitors , Bros . Geo . Everett , W . M . 177 ; James Terry , P . G . D . C . Herts ; H . M . Levy , P . M . 188 ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P . ; W . Mann , P . M . 186 ; the Hon . R . H . Morrison , Attorney-General of Michigan , 33 ° ; Dr . A . Adrian , of Indiana ; Dr . Norwood , of New York * ,
Miles , . P . M . n 7 * j ; George Puzey , W . M . 1107 ; ] . T . Briggs , P . M . 157 ; S . Milles , P . M . 157 ; and H . Massey ( ' * Freemason " ) . Bro . Terry presented Bro . Joseph Jacob Michael , S . W ., and W . M . elect , to thc W . M ., who then formally installed him in the high and distinguished office of Master of his lodge . At the board of Installed Masters , among whom were thc American
brethren , some eighteen brethren were present , and , according to usual custom , they gave thc salutes to Bro . Michael . After Bro . James Willing had been invested as I . P . M ., the brethren wished the W . M . a happy and prosperous year of oflice , and thc brethren were then admitted , and thc ceremony was completed , and the following brethren were appointed to office and invested : —Bros . VV . Williams ,
S . W . ; Kingham , J . W . ; Rose , Treas . ; J . Timms , Sec ; Douglass ' ( Standard Theatre ) , S . D . •Scales , J . D . ; Side ( of thc Metropolitan Railway ) , I . G . ; Stiles , D . C . and Asst . . Sec . ; George Colls , W . S . ; and Daly , Tyler . Bro . Willing afterwards delivered the addresses , and was much cheered when he sat down . Bro . James Terry thereupon rose , and asked that he might have thc pleasure
of receiving the name of some brother who woultl take the office of Steward for this lodge at the next festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , which is lo be held on the 9 th Feb ., 18 7 6 , Lord Skelmersdale presiding . Bro . James Willing offered himself , and was immediately accepted by the brethren . There yet remained another piece of business to be done befoic the closing of thc lodge ,
the presentation to the lodge of a portrait of Bro . Willing , painted by Bro . Tettenborn , and theDeacons having uncovered the same , the W . M . said , addressing the biethrcn , that he li id a verv pleasant duty to perform , and it was the more pleasing because he knew it would meet with the brethren ' s approval , He had been for some time filled with apprehension that he might not be able to discharge
the trust placed in his hands so creditably as his heart could wish . He need not comment , he was sure , upon the great merits of Bro . Willing as being the founder of the lodge in the chair of which he ( the VV . M . ) had had the honour of being installed that day . Some time ago it was the expressed wish of many of the brethren to do something which would commemorate the founding of
the lodge and its consecration a year ago . A committee was formed , which , after deliberation , decided upon a certain course , which was , that a portrait of Bro . Willing should be painted and presented to the lodge . This was done that the lodge might honour itself in what it did , and at the same time pay a tribute of respect to their brother , who was now the I . P . M . It was he who had borne
the burden and heat of the day , and who never refused to devo ' . e any amount of time or trouble that might be required of him for the welfare of the lodge . No time or trouble had ever been irksome to him , and not a single thing they had asked of him had he denied them . It was the general wish that something should be done in
recognition of his services . The scheme was most liberally responded to ; it was so unanimous that it far exceeded thc must . sanguine expectations . They rejoiced that they that ni ; iit had Br ) . Willing among them ia lhe possession of health and . strength , and enabled to place his successor iu the chair . Tlie testimonial took the form of an oil painting
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
by Bro . Tettenborn in his happiest style ; and he ( the VV . M . ) would now ask Bro . Willing to stand up while he presented it , that all the brethren might see thc brother who had done so much for them . The time might come and circumstances might happen when Bro . Willing might be removed from amongst them ; but with this picture in the lodge-room he might know that he would still live in the hearts and
memory of his brethren of the lodge he had founded . He ( the W . M . ) felt that it was utterly impossible for him , with thc limited vocabulary he had at his command , to do full justice to the presentation , but he was quite sure that Bro . Willing would feel that in the presentation of this portrait the brethren had done the thing that was most gratifying to his feelings , and that they could not have chosen a more
appropriate way of paying a tribute to bis merits than by hanging a portrait of him where for years it might remain when Bro . Willing himself and many of thc other brethren had passed away . Bro . Willing , who was nearly overcome with emotion , said in reply that he hardly knew how to acknowledge this compliment . He had believed that when he had anything to say he could say it with fluency . "Out
of the fulness of the heart , " King Solomou said , " thc mouth speaketh . " ft was not so , however , with him . His words came slowly and with more difficulty at that time than at any other time . He was , though , very much pleased —aye , more than pleased—with the mark of esteem bestowed on him by the brethren for the way in which he had carried out the duties of his office . lie was pleased
that in his endeavours to carry out these duties he had endeared himself to thebrcthren as they hadall endeared themselves to him . He had through this lodge made thc acquaintance of brethren which he hoped would last thc whole of his life . He had likewise been pleased to find throughout his year that so many brethren came , and gave such great attention to his working . It
greatly encouraged a W . M ., and he hoped that thc same courtesy would be extended to his successor , and the successors of his successor . He also trusted that thc brethren would continue to be as unanimous and happy as they had been hitherto , and with these few remarks he thanked the brethren from the bottom of his heart . Banquet followed * , and the toasts were subsequently given ;
and Bro . Joseph Smith in replying as one of the Grand Officers , made a special reference to the working of the I . P . M ., and his installing his successor . At one time , he said , there was scarcely a Master ofa lodge or a Principal of a chapter who could install his successor . Now , however , it was astonishing to find a principal officer who could not do so . Bros . Cubitt and A . lams also replied . Bro .
Willing proposed " Thc Health of thc W . M . " Bro . Michael , in reply , observed that at present he had not done much for thc credit of the lodge , and he could only promise that he would do . What he could do he would do . If his year of office should turn out to be as fortunate and happy a one as his predecessor's he should be pleased to retire into the ranks of the P . M . 's , as he woultl feel that he
had had an unlimited reign of success . After again assuring thc brethren tli . it he would do everything in his power for thc benefit of thc Metropolitan Lodge he urged them to assist him to their utmost in that object , for without the aid of his officers a W . M . could not possibly do that amount of good which he desired . Bro . Michael then proposed "The Health of thc I . P . M ., " and presented
him with a Masonic P . M . 's jewel voted by the lodge . He hoped that for many , many years he might live to wear it . The brethren , he was sure , while presenting this small testimonial , accompanied its prescntationwith their heartiest good wishes . On the jewel was an inscription showing that Bro . Willing was the first Master of thc lodge , and those who knew anything of Freemasonry would bear him
( the W . M . ) out in saying that that represented a great deal more than any of them could possibly say in words . It represented much anxiety and care , ami many of thc greatest qualities that could be possessed by a brother . Bro . Willing responded , aud acknowledged the gift with much warmth of expression . He had felt great p leasure in founding and being the first VV . M . of the lodge ,
and all he had done was for his love of Freemasonry . His efforts in its behalf would not be relaxed in any way , and he should always take a pleasure in promoting the interests of the lodge of which he had been the VV . M ., and in which he had received so many kindnesses from the brethren over whom he had been called to rule . " The Visitors " was the next toast proposed by the W . M ., but while
expressing the great pleasure the lodge had in receiving visitors , tie VV . M . wns compelled to make his speech very short on account of the advanced hour of the night . lie made special allusion to the visit of the American brethren , and informed the lodge that American and English Freemasons speaking the same language were on identically the same platform . Bro . Geo . Evtrttt , VV . M . No . 1 77 , was
the first to respond , and knowing Bro . Willing m another sphere , he was able to supplement the W . M . 's observations by adding that Bro . Williur ; was a sincere and true friend , lie could say this without flattery and in all sincerity , and h ; might be pardoned for saying with what pleasure he saw the tribute presented to him on that occasion . After some further complimentary remarks with respect to thc
I . P . M , Bro . Everett thanked the lodge for its hospitality . The lateness of the hour will preclude any extended rematks on my part . I can say in all sincerity , that it is with no ordinaiy degree of self-congratulation that we find ourselves surrounded by so many of thc brethren of the mother country , and especially so as we have met with such munificent hospitality , and such warm and cordial
greeting among you . Believe me , when I tell you , that warm is the heart that feels and willing the tongue that speaks , and yet 1 cannot , in an appropriate manner , express lo you those feelings and emotions that come welling tip from the detpeat fountains of the heart , in response to the warm , cordial , and fraternal greeting which you have extended to us on every and all occasions . There is , indcc .-l , a bond of union between brethren , how-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ever distant—there is a common tie that comes up unbidden from the deepest fountain of the heart , in response to those great and glorious principles of Freemasonry . And what are thc great principles of Freemasonry ? I answer brotherly love , relief , and truth . By the exercise of brol therly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family . Thc high , the low , thc rich , and the
poor , as created by one common parent , and placed on thc same theatre of action , arc to support , aid , and protect each other . These , in connection with thc three great theological virtues , namely , faith , hope , and charit y , are the golden links of that chain which unite earth to heaven , man to God . Thc strongest ties of fraternal feeling should ever exist between Masons of the mother
country and that of America . And , brethren , did we but realise in all its force , the fact that we are indeed brothers , and with the feelings and emotions and impulses which should move a brother ' s heart , endeavour to promote each others welfare and best interest , this world of ours would soon present a spectacle of bliss that even angels mi ght wish to come down to make and call their own .
Freemasonry , hi all its parts , is essentially an organisation of principles brought from the highest source of human reason and Divine revelation , which in their practical exhibition and moral influence are of untold value to the human family . Freemasonry looks from its throne of bri ghtness , upon man , in all his natural and accumulated depravity regarding him in the light of a glorious future—not only
as a social being connected by ties and impulses to his fellow man , but also as an immortal being , linked by nature and destiny with beings of a higher race , and a life that knows no ending . An institution invested with attributes of such glorious consequences , and in the plentitudc of inherent power , tearing down the bulwarks of human misery and awakening up in thc heart of man new
thoughts , new hopes , and new desires , and telling him that he may not only be happy himself , but how to make others' happy , is a cause that must flourish ; it is the cause of civilization , refinement , virtue , arid human happiness . Wherever its empire has been established its reign has been marked with numberless blessings , and its votaries
have much to rejoice at in a cause which has alread y done so much , and is destined to accomplish still more for suffering humanity . In conclusion , allow mc to offer as a sentiment , " The Brotherhood of the mother country and that of America—now and for ever , one and inseparable . " The other toasts were given , and thc brethren shortly afterwards separated .
THE ALEXANDRA PALACE LODGE ( No . 1541 ) . —The last meeting for the year of this new summer lodge , h- * ld last Saturday , looked like the opening meeting of a winter lodge , for the year ' s work had been prolonged into that season when thc " woods decay and fall , " and the uncompromising manner in which , to put it very gently , " the vapours ' wept their burthen to the
ground , gave the Palace anything but a summer aspect . So wretched indeed was the day , that the general public , who are ever eager to take the most remote part in anything which concerns the army and navy , most sedulously stopped away from looking on the preparations for the Balaclava banquet , and thc happiest and most numerous party in the building was that of the lodge named after
the palace . ' It was again as on previous occasions , shoit of its head , Bro . Parkinson , thc W . M ,, being , as on other occasions , absent , and his place was most efficientl y filled by the Senior Warden , Bro . Kelly King , whose place in the S . VV . chair was taken by Bro . Dytc , while Bro . Palmer occupied his own part as Junior Warden . Bro . Hai gh was Senior Deacon . Bro . Lee , Junior Deacon , and
Bro . Daniel , newly raised , tried his hand at Inner Guard , the lodge being determined to work its own members , and in the course ofthe long day's work , Bro . John Rowlands was called to the Senior Warden's chair , in thc time that Bro . Dytc proceeded to fill thc duties of his other oflice . Bro . Kelly King had the pleasing task of initiating " un frere de la plume , " Mr . Senior , an author and journalist
well-known , m the former capacity , lo the reading public , but though only known iu the latter , as is the fate of English journalists , to his brothers of the press , he has acquired a reputation as a man of mind and mark ; and "Red S pinner " of the " Gentleman's Mag " found the door of thc Craft open at his knock , and brethren of his Craft and favourite sport by the waterside welcome him within thc
portals . Then a habitat of Dr . Johnson's favourite street was admitted in the person of Mr . Alfred Arnold . Thc other work of the day , the passing of Bro . J . E . Ward , and the raising of Bros . Matthews and Denison , had to be handed over to Bro . P . M . Stacey , thc Secretary , for the Master and Wardens were called by business relating to the Fourth Degree , into consultation with Messrs .
Bertram and Roberts . I he two ceremonies were rendered by Bro . Stacey in that faultless style as regards memory , and masterly manner so far as elocution is concerned , for which the brother is famous . It will be a point of honour among the young Masons of this lodge to "do thc work as well as P . M . Stacey . " After the working a letter was read from the biethrcn connected with the palace , who were to have
joined the lodge and to have shared its early honours , expenses , and difficulties . It will be remembered that the lodge was staited as one to be held on Saturday afternoon , its raison d'etre being that it would offer Masonic life and light to that tribe which cannot call its time its own , especially during the time from Sunday night until Saturday morning—the tribe of London journalists . After the lodge was under way the palace
authorities found they could not join a lodge on Saturday afternoon in summer , and they desired thc day altered , and this was met by the lodge offering to give up the meetings in thc midsummer and to meet in thc spring and autumn months . This offer has not been accepted , and the letter read was in effect a withdrawal of the palace authorities fiom the working of the lodge . It fortunately happens that the lodge has never had the benefit of the presence
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
GREAT NORTHERN LODGE ( No . 1287 ) . — At an emergency meeting , thc second this season , held on Thursday , thc 14 th inst ., there were present : Bros . J . Forbes , VV . M . ; A . Christie , J . D . ; G . West , I . G . ; J . VV . Robinson , D . C . The offices of the S . VV . and J . W . were ably filled hy I . P . M . T . 11 . Staton and P . M . G . Webb . The business of the evening consisted of initiating Messrs . W . Cushion , H . Arding , and J . Hobbs , who , being elected ,
were duly admitted into the ancient Order . There were also present , besides the above-mentioned brethren , Bros . Stevenson and Trebell ( thc candidates at thc former emergency meeting ) , P . G . Jupe , J . Arkell , Hammond , Hawtin , Hitchcock , Freshwater , Owen , Bathard , Jenkins , and Sadler . As there was no banquet , the brethren were invited by the W . M ., before separating , to partake of some slight refreshment , which was gladly received . " The Health of lhe W . M . " and "The
Candidates " havihg been responded to , the brethren separated , to meet again on Thursday , 21 st inst . METROPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 1507 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge , and first anniversary of its consecration , was held on the 21 st inst . at the Metropolitan Club , 209 , Pentonvillc-road , Kings Cross . What the lodge has done during its first year may be judge : ! of
by the fact that about ei ghty brethren attended to participate in the ceremonies , and to hail with gratification the progress which the lodge has made . Among these were some brethren of considerable eminence in thc Order , not only those belonging to the lodge , but others who came as visitors . There were , too , brethren from America , for whose presence the lodge was indebted to Bro . James
Terry , himself a brother of both rank and energy . The lodge room was crowded , although it is of considerable size , aud it required constant exertion on the part of thc officers below the chairs to minister to the comfort of those present . Thc work of the lodge began about four o'clock , and Bro . James Willing , W . M ., was under engagement to be out of thc room by seven . There being two passings
and to winitialions to perform before the installation , that brother's abili' . ies were taxed to the utmost to keep his engagement . The ceremonies , however , were speedily proceeded with , and Bros . Sayers and Erwood were passed to the Second Degree . This was succeeded by the initiation of Messrs , Gilbert and Swaagman , at the completion of which Bro . Willing requested Bro . Joseph Smith , P . G . P .,
to take the S . W . chair , and Bro . Thomas Adams , P . G . P ., the J . W . At this time there were in the lodge , among other visitors , Bros . Geo . Everett , W . M . 177 ; James Terry , P . G . D . C . Herts ; H . M . Levy , P . M . 188 ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P . ; W . Mann , P . M . 186 ; the Hon . R . H . Morrison , Attorney-General of Michigan , 33 ° ; Dr . A . Adrian , of Indiana ; Dr . Norwood , of New York * ,
Miles , . P . M . n 7 * j ; George Puzey , W . M . 1107 ; ] . T . Briggs , P . M . 157 ; S . Milles , P . M . 157 ; and H . Massey ( ' * Freemason " ) . Bro . Terry presented Bro . Joseph Jacob Michael , S . W ., and W . M . elect , to thc W . M ., who then formally installed him in the high and distinguished office of Master of his lodge . At the board of Installed Masters , among whom were thc American
brethren , some eighteen brethren were present , and , according to usual custom , they gave thc salutes to Bro . Michael . After Bro . James Willing had been invested as I . P . M ., the brethren wished the W . M . a happy and prosperous year of oflice , and thc brethren were then admitted , and thc ceremony was completed , and the following brethren were appointed to office and invested : —Bros . VV . Williams ,
S . W . ; Kingham , J . W . ; Rose , Treas . ; J . Timms , Sec ; Douglass ' ( Standard Theatre ) , S . D . •Scales , J . D . ; Side ( of thc Metropolitan Railway ) , I . G . ; Stiles , D . C . and Asst . . Sec . ; George Colls , W . S . ; and Daly , Tyler . Bro . Willing afterwards delivered the addresses , and was much cheered when he sat down . Bro . James Terry thereupon rose , and asked that he might have thc pleasure
of receiving the name of some brother who woultl take the office of Steward for this lodge at the next festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , which is lo be held on the 9 th Feb ., 18 7 6 , Lord Skelmersdale presiding . Bro . James Willing offered himself , and was immediately accepted by the brethren . There yet remained another piece of business to be done befoic the closing of thc lodge ,
the presentation to the lodge of a portrait of Bro . Willing , painted by Bro . Tettenborn , and theDeacons having uncovered the same , the W . M . said , addressing the biethrcn , that he li id a verv pleasant duty to perform , and it was the more pleasing because he knew it would meet with the brethren ' s approval , He had been for some time filled with apprehension that he might not be able to discharge
the trust placed in his hands so creditably as his heart could wish . He need not comment , he was sure , upon the great merits of Bro . Willing as being the founder of the lodge in the chair of which he ( the VV . M . ) had had the honour of being installed that day . Some time ago it was the expressed wish of many of the brethren to do something which would commemorate the founding of
the lodge and its consecration a year ago . A committee was formed , which , after deliberation , decided upon a certain course , which was , that a portrait of Bro . Willing should be painted and presented to the lodge . This was done that the lodge might honour itself in what it did , and at the same time pay a tribute of respect to their brother , who was now the I . P . M . It was he who had borne
the burden and heat of the day , and who never refused to devo ' . e any amount of time or trouble that might be required of him for the welfare of the lodge . No time or trouble had ever been irksome to him , and not a single thing they had asked of him had he denied them . It was the general wish that something should be done in
recognition of his services . The scheme was most liberally responded to ; it was so unanimous that it far exceeded thc must . sanguine expectations . They rejoiced that they that ni ; iit had Br ) . Willing among them ia lhe possession of health and . strength , and enabled to place his successor iu the chair . Tlie testimonial took the form of an oil painting
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
by Bro . Tettenborn in his happiest style ; and he ( the VV . M . ) would now ask Bro . Willing to stand up while he presented it , that all the brethren might see thc brother who had done so much for them . The time might come and circumstances might happen when Bro . Willing might be removed from amongst them ; but with this picture in the lodge-room he might know that he would still live in the hearts and
memory of his brethren of the lodge he had founded . He ( the W . M . ) felt that it was utterly impossible for him , with thc limited vocabulary he had at his command , to do full justice to the presentation , but he was quite sure that Bro . Willing would feel that in the presentation of this portrait the brethren had done the thing that was most gratifying to his feelings , and that they could not have chosen a more
appropriate way of paying a tribute to bis merits than by hanging a portrait of him where for years it might remain when Bro . Willing himself and many of thc other brethren had passed away . Bro . Willing , who was nearly overcome with emotion , said in reply that he hardly knew how to acknowledge this compliment . He had believed that when he had anything to say he could say it with fluency . "Out
of the fulness of the heart , " King Solomou said , " thc mouth speaketh . " ft was not so , however , with him . His words came slowly and with more difficulty at that time than at any other time . He was , though , very much pleased —aye , more than pleased—with the mark of esteem bestowed on him by the brethren for the way in which he had carried out the duties of his office . lie was pleased
that in his endeavours to carry out these duties he had endeared himself to thebrcthren as they hadall endeared themselves to him . He had through this lodge made thc acquaintance of brethren which he hoped would last thc whole of his life . He had likewise been pleased to find throughout his year that so many brethren came , and gave such great attention to his working . It
greatly encouraged a W . M ., and he hoped that thc same courtesy would be extended to his successor , and the successors of his successor . He also trusted that thc brethren would continue to be as unanimous and happy as they had been hitherto , and with these few remarks he thanked the brethren from the bottom of his heart . Banquet followed * , and the toasts were subsequently given ;
and Bro . Joseph Smith in replying as one of the Grand Officers , made a special reference to the working of the I . P . M ., and his installing his successor . At one time , he said , there was scarcely a Master ofa lodge or a Principal of a chapter who could install his successor . Now , however , it was astonishing to find a principal officer who could not do so . Bros . Cubitt and A . lams also replied . Bro .
Willing proposed " Thc Health of thc W . M . " Bro . Michael , in reply , observed that at present he had not done much for thc credit of the lodge , and he could only promise that he would do . What he could do he would do . If his year of office should turn out to be as fortunate and happy a one as his predecessor's he should be pleased to retire into the ranks of the P . M . 's , as he woultl feel that he
had had an unlimited reign of success . After again assuring thc brethren tli . it he would do everything in his power for thc benefit of thc Metropolitan Lodge he urged them to assist him to their utmost in that object , for without the aid of his officers a W . M . could not possibly do that amount of good which he desired . Bro . Michael then proposed "The Health of thc I . P . M ., " and presented
him with a Masonic P . M . 's jewel voted by the lodge . He hoped that for many , many years he might live to wear it . The brethren , he was sure , while presenting this small testimonial , accompanied its prescntationwith their heartiest good wishes . On the jewel was an inscription showing that Bro . Willing was the first Master of thc lodge , and those who knew anything of Freemasonry would bear him
( the W . M . ) out in saying that that represented a great deal more than any of them could possibly say in words . It represented much anxiety and care , ami many of thc greatest qualities that could be possessed by a brother . Bro . Willing responded , aud acknowledged the gift with much warmth of expression . He had felt great p leasure in founding and being the first VV . M . of the lodge ,
and all he had done was for his love of Freemasonry . His efforts in its behalf would not be relaxed in any way , and he should always take a pleasure in promoting the interests of the lodge of which he had been the VV . M ., and in which he had received so many kindnesses from the brethren over whom he had been called to rule . " The Visitors " was the next toast proposed by the W . M ., but while
expressing the great pleasure the lodge had in receiving visitors , tie VV . M . wns compelled to make his speech very short on account of the advanced hour of the night . lie made special allusion to the visit of the American brethren , and informed the lodge that American and English Freemasons speaking the same language were on identically the same platform . Bro . Geo . Evtrttt , VV . M . No . 1 77 , was
the first to respond , and knowing Bro . Willing m another sphere , he was able to supplement the W . M . 's observations by adding that Bro . Williur ; was a sincere and true friend , lie could say this without flattery and in all sincerity , and h ; might be pardoned for saying with what pleasure he saw the tribute presented to him on that occasion . After some further complimentary remarks with respect to thc
I . P . M , Bro . Everett thanked the lodge for its hospitality . The lateness of the hour will preclude any extended rematks on my part . I can say in all sincerity , that it is with no ordinaiy degree of self-congratulation that we find ourselves surrounded by so many of thc brethren of the mother country , and especially so as we have met with such munificent hospitality , and such warm and cordial
greeting among you . Believe me , when I tell you , that warm is the heart that feels and willing the tongue that speaks , and yet 1 cannot , in an appropriate manner , express lo you those feelings and emotions that come welling tip from the detpeat fountains of the heart , in response to the warm , cordial , and fraternal greeting which you have extended to us on every and all occasions . There is , indcc .-l , a bond of union between brethren , how-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ever distant—there is a common tie that comes up unbidden from the deepest fountain of the heart , in response to those great and glorious principles of Freemasonry . And what are thc great principles of Freemasonry ? I answer brotherly love , relief , and truth . By the exercise of brol therly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family . Thc high , the low , thc rich , and the
poor , as created by one common parent , and placed on thc same theatre of action , arc to support , aid , and protect each other . These , in connection with thc three great theological virtues , namely , faith , hope , and charit y , are the golden links of that chain which unite earth to heaven , man to God . Thc strongest ties of fraternal feeling should ever exist between Masons of the mother
country and that of America . And , brethren , did we but realise in all its force , the fact that we are indeed brothers , and with the feelings and emotions and impulses which should move a brother ' s heart , endeavour to promote each others welfare and best interest , this world of ours would soon present a spectacle of bliss that even angels mi ght wish to come down to make and call their own .
Freemasonry , hi all its parts , is essentially an organisation of principles brought from the highest source of human reason and Divine revelation , which in their practical exhibition and moral influence are of untold value to the human family . Freemasonry looks from its throne of bri ghtness , upon man , in all his natural and accumulated depravity regarding him in the light of a glorious future—not only
as a social being connected by ties and impulses to his fellow man , but also as an immortal being , linked by nature and destiny with beings of a higher race , and a life that knows no ending . An institution invested with attributes of such glorious consequences , and in the plentitudc of inherent power , tearing down the bulwarks of human misery and awakening up in thc heart of man new
thoughts , new hopes , and new desires , and telling him that he may not only be happy himself , but how to make others' happy , is a cause that must flourish ; it is the cause of civilization , refinement , virtue , arid human happiness . Wherever its empire has been established its reign has been marked with numberless blessings , and its votaries
have much to rejoice at in a cause which has alread y done so much , and is destined to accomplish still more for suffering humanity . In conclusion , allow mc to offer as a sentiment , " The Brotherhood of the mother country and that of America—now and for ever , one and inseparable . " The other toasts were given , and thc brethren shortly afterwards separated .
THE ALEXANDRA PALACE LODGE ( No . 1541 ) . —The last meeting for the year of this new summer lodge , h- * ld last Saturday , looked like the opening meeting of a winter lodge , for the year ' s work had been prolonged into that season when thc " woods decay and fall , " and the uncompromising manner in which , to put it very gently , " the vapours ' wept their burthen to the
ground , gave the Palace anything but a summer aspect . So wretched indeed was the day , that the general public , who are ever eager to take the most remote part in anything which concerns the army and navy , most sedulously stopped away from looking on the preparations for the Balaclava banquet , and thc happiest and most numerous party in the building was that of the lodge named after
the palace . ' It was again as on previous occasions , shoit of its head , Bro . Parkinson , thc W . M ,, being , as on other occasions , absent , and his place was most efficientl y filled by the Senior Warden , Bro . Kelly King , whose place in the S . VV . chair was taken by Bro . Dytc , while Bro . Palmer occupied his own part as Junior Warden . Bro . Hai gh was Senior Deacon . Bro . Lee , Junior Deacon , and
Bro . Daniel , newly raised , tried his hand at Inner Guard , the lodge being determined to work its own members , and in the course ofthe long day's work , Bro . John Rowlands was called to the Senior Warden's chair , in thc time that Bro . Dytc proceeded to fill thc duties of his other oflice . Bro . Kelly King had the pleasing task of initiating " un frere de la plume , " Mr . Senior , an author and journalist
well-known , m the former capacity , lo the reading public , but though only known iu the latter , as is the fate of English journalists , to his brothers of the press , he has acquired a reputation as a man of mind and mark ; and "Red S pinner " of the " Gentleman's Mag " found the door of thc Craft open at his knock , and brethren of his Craft and favourite sport by the waterside welcome him within thc
portals . Then a habitat of Dr . Johnson's favourite street was admitted in the person of Mr . Alfred Arnold . Thc other work of the day , the passing of Bro . J . E . Ward , and the raising of Bros . Matthews and Denison , had to be handed over to Bro . P . M . Stacey , thc Secretary , for the Master and Wardens were called by business relating to the Fourth Degree , into consultation with Messrs .
Bertram and Roberts . I he two ceremonies were rendered by Bro . Stacey in that faultless style as regards memory , and masterly manner so far as elocution is concerned , for which the brother is famous . It will be a point of honour among the young Masons of this lodge to "do thc work as well as P . M . Stacey . " After the working a letter was read from the biethrcn connected with the palace , who were to have
joined the lodge and to have shared its early honours , expenses , and difficulties . It will be remembered that the lodge was staited as one to be held on Saturday afternoon , its raison d'etre being that it would offer Masonic life and light to that tribe which cannot call its time its own , especially during the time from Sunday night until Saturday morning—the tribe of London journalists . After the lodge was under way the palace
authorities found they could not join a lodge on Saturday afternoon in summer , and they desired thc day altered , and this was met by the lodge offering to give up the meetings in thc midsummer and to meet in thc spring and autumn months . This offer has not been accepted , and the letter read was in effect a withdrawal of the palace authorities fiom the working of the lodge . It fortunately happens that the lodge has never had the benefit of the presence