Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

hieh degree of honour in the lodge as a reward for active ' nd zealous services on behalf of the Craft . He hoped Bro . Simons' year of office would be , as he felt convinced it would be , both prosperous to the lodge and agreeable to the brethren . His other object in being there was to share in the old and pleasurable associations ot the lodge to which he was so much attached , and he thanked them

sincerely for the kindness which they had shown him , and for the flattering way in wbich they had received him . The toast of " The Visiting Brethren " was next proposed , coupled with the name ot Bro . W . Dobbs , S . W . of the Caradoc Lodge , now of Cardiff ; also "The Lodges of the Province , " coupled with the name of Bro . Goodfellow ,

of the Loyal Cambrian Lodge , Merthyr ; and that of " The Officers of the Lodge , " coupled with the names of Bros . Morgan and Leworthy , all of whom responded ; the Tyler ' s toast bringing the proceedings to a close . During the evening there were some excellent vocal contributions by the W . M ., and Bros . Tuttiette , Beard , D . C . Jones , Borlase Gwvnne , Protberoe ( Bristol ) , and other brethren .

LIVERPOOL . —Merchants Lodge ( No . 241 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday evening , the 13 th inst ., at six p . m . Bro . Thos . Salter , W . M ., was in the chair , and he was officially supported by Bros . Jas . Winsor , I . P . M . ; Richard Brown , P . M . ; Thos . Whitehead , Sec , acting S . W . ; John Latta , J . W . ; Dr . S . J . Mc George , Treas . ;

J . R . Duggan , J . D . ; Geo . Broadbridge , P . M ., M . C . ; A . B . Ewart , Org . ; John Botherson , I . G . ; Peter Ball , Tyler . The members present were Breis . Robt . Johnson , James Winsor , S . Broadbridge , John Harries , Barnaid Levy , Thos . Connar , John Hall , S . Jude , C . Duringcr , J . Redfern , Jas . Proctor , R . Richards , C . Luker , John Bentley , Wm . Davis , Wm . Birch , P . Hnghes , Jose Y . Zarya , S .

Jacobs , and others . The visitors included Bros . J . R . Bottomley , W . M . 16 75 j David Oliphant , 249 ; John Gray , 325 ( I . C . ) j W . C . Cowell , 1675 ; H . M . W . Green , 786 ; J . D . Thomson , 1289 ; W . E . Coxon , 1675 ; W . M , Dudley , 103 s ; John Whailes , J . W . 1035 ; D . S . Ross , 823 ; J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 ; and others . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and the

ballot was taken for Messrs . T . Baty and L . E , Pemberton , and being elected unanimouslyand in attendance , they vvere efficiently initiated by the W . M ., the tools being given by the J . W . Bros . Bentley , Redfern , Dudley , and Kenerley answered the questions and retired , after which the lodge was opened up , and theabove brethren were passed to he Second Degree . The tools were explained by the J . W . in an able manner . The lodge was then closed down to the

First Degree , and several sums were voted for the relief of widows and others . The W . M . announced that steps had been taken to celebrate thc centenary of thc lodge . Several names were given for initiation at the next meeting , and the lodge was duly closed . Thc usual toasts we ' re given at the banquet vvhich followed , Bros . Bottomley and Robinson responding for "The Visitors . " Songs were given during the evening by Bros . Winsor , P . M ., S . Jacobs , A . B . Ewart , and others .

LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No . 281 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 29 th ult ., in the Masonic Rooms , Athenaium . The brethren assembled in thc lodge room at three o ' clock . There was not a large gathering , and amongst thc visitors were Bros . W . Cottam , P . M ., & c . „ Unanimity Lodge , Preston ; W . Longmire , W . M . 1563 ; S . Hall , I . G . Starkie

Lodge , Kirkham ; and W . Perkins , Whitwell Lodge , Millom . The lodge was opened in due form by Bro . Cardwell , the W . M ., who subsequently vacated his seat , and it was occupied by Bro . Dr . Moore , P . M ., P . G . S . B . of E ., who officiated as Installing Officer , and though this : stcemed brother of the Craft has installed many Masters it was remarked that he never went through the ceremony

better than on this occasion . Bro . Worbnck , the W . M . elect , was presented by Bros . Whimpray , P . M ., and Simpson , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., and afterwards installed as Worshipful Master of the lodge , with all the formalities of the Craft ; theceremony of installation being admirably gone through by Bro . Dr . Moore , P . M ., P . G . S . B . of E „ who officiated as Installing Master . The newly-installed W . M . afterwards

appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . E . Cardwell , I . P . M . ; J . J . Croskell , S . W . ; Jonh Atkinson , J . W . ; James Hatch , Treas . ; John Hatch , Sec . ; John R . B . Pilkington , S . D . ; B . Gregson , J . D . ; Thomas Bayley , I . G . ; R . Stanton , S . S . j R . Nicholson , J . S . j and A . K . Allinson , Tyler . The officers were installed into their several chairs by Bro . Moore ; the charge

to the Wardens was delivered by Bro . W . M . Cottam , and that to the brethren by Bro . John Hatch . The retiring Worshipful Master ( Bro . E . Cardwell ) before leaving the chair , and after thanking all who bad been associated with him in the work of Masonry during his year of office , announced his intention of presenting the lodge with a handsome pair of compasses and a square , for use in

work-> ng , but regretted that , owing to some unavoidable delay , they had not arrived in time for the meeting that day . He 'rusted , however , they would be ready for the next meeting ° f the lodge . A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Bro , Cardwell . The remaining business having been transacted , the lodge was closed in the customary manner . The installation banquet took place in the evening at the County Hotel , and was attended by nearly forty of the

brethren , including his Worship the Mayor ( Bro . G . Clemins ° n ); Councillors Hartley , Hatch , and Fenton ; Dr . Moore , p . Dean , Wm . Longmire , R . Bond , N . W . Helme , J . Thistlethwaite , G . Kelland , J . Stanley , T . G . Thompson , A . Mc . Raith , T . Atkinson , W . King , E . Simpson , T . Aldous , Wm . Wainman Cottam , W . Perkins , T . Jackson , "< Taylor , J . Taylor , S . Hall , the newly-invested officers , . and others . Bro . Warbrick presided , supported on his "ght b y Dr . Moore , and on his left by the Mayor . On she removal of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

were proposed from the chair , and ably responded to , that of "The Mayor of Lancaster , Bro . Cleminson , " being especially well received . The brethren separated at an early hour , after having spent a very agreeable evening . PORTSEA . —Royal Sussex Lodge ( No . 342 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this highly successful lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , St . George's

Square , on Wednesday , the 21 st inst . The W . M ., Bro , James Willmott , after finishing the business incidental to his prosperous year of office , installed his successor , Bro . Robert Barnes , in a highly creditable manner , eliciting considerable applause and a most hearty and unanimous vote of thanks from the numeious brethren assembled to do honour to the occasion . The brethren afterwards

adjourned to the dining hall , where a most recherche banquet vvas partaken of by the brethren , among whom was the May or of Portsmouth , Bro . A . Cudlipp , P . M . 487 , who received a deserved and an enthusiastic welcome from his brother Masons . Thc W . M . presided , and the usual

Masonic and complimentary toasts were ably given and responded to . Many visitors attended , among whom were the W . M . ' s of the neighbouring lodges , Bros . M . E . Frost , P . G . Treas . ; E . S . Main , P . M . 903 , P . P . G . D . C . ; C . B . Whitcomb , I . P . M . 1776 ; J . Wallingford , P . M . 903 , and P . P . J . G . W ., and " otbers .

SOUTHAMPTON . —Peace and Harmony Lodge ( No . 359 ) . —The annual installation meeting of this lodge was held at the new Masonic Hall , on Monday , the 19 th inst ., when the retiring Master , Bro . Thomas Lashmore , duly installed his successor , Bro . Andrews , amidst a full attendance . of brethren and visitors . The new officers were invested as follows : Bros . I . C . Stroud ,

S . W . ; Jones , J . W . ; J . R . Weston , P . M ., Treas . ; A . J . Miller , P . M ., Sec ; J . Patstone , S . D . ; Longlands , J . D . ; W . Waters , P . M ., D . C ; K . G . Westley , Org . ; Webb , I . G . ; and Biggs , Vare , Norris , and Harrington , Tyler and Assistant Tylers . The subsequent installation l-anquet was served by Bro . T . Dartnall , about fifty brethren sitting down .

SANDBACH . —Samaritan Lodge ( No . 368 ) . —The annual meeting of this good old lodge was held on Wednesday , the 21 st inst . There was a good muster of members and several v isitors . The W . M ., the Rev . T . Lunt , took the chair at four o ' clock , and was supported by his officers , brethren , and visitors . The lodge having been opened , the minutes were read and confirmed . Bro ,

Tomlinson , sen ., siid he had a very pleasing duty to perform in presenting to Bro . Gilbert , "P . M ., P . P . G . P ., on behalf of the loelge , a Treasurer ' s jewel . Bro . Gilbert had been in charge of their finances for well-nigh thirty years , and during that long period his efforts had been unceasing in promoting the general well-being of thc lodge . Indeed , if it had not been for Bro . Gilbert ' s unselfish efforts ,

it was questionable whether the Samaritan Lodge would have existed on that day . He then asked the worthy brother to accept the jewel , which was a splendid specimen of the goldsmith ' s art . Bro . Gilbert made a most feeling reply , and was frequently cheered during its delivery . Thc auditors then presented their report of thc Treasurer's accounts , by which it appeared that , although the year

commenced with a balance against the lodge , there is now a respectable balance in favour . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , when the W . M . invited Bro . John Bowes , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W . Cumberland and Westmorland , to take the chair as Installing Master . The W . M . then presented Bro . Furnival , S . W ., W . M . elect , for the bsnefit of installation . The first portion of

the ceremony being completed , Bros . J . R . Tomlinson and and Ll . Makin , Past Masters , were invited to preside over the West and South respectively . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , when all below the rank of W . Masters retired , except the W . M . elect , who was entrusted before retirement . A Board of Installed Masters was then opened in ample form , when Bro . Furnival was re-admitted ,

and installed according to ancient custom , and received the usual salutations restricted to this high Degree . The Board was then called off , and on resuming labour was closed , and the lodge declared in the Third Degree . The brethren were then re-admitted according to rank , and the new Master was solemnly proclaimed , saluted , and greeted in each Degree . In handing the warrant to the new

Master , Bro . Bowes pointedly alluded to the long and anxious care Bro . Gilbert had taken of the precious document . The W . M . then appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year , the Installing Master fully explaining the duties , the situation , and the emblems borne by each , and concluded by deliveting thc charges to the W . M ., Wardens , and brethren . Bro . Tomlinson , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ,

said that before they adjourned to the banqueting room he begged to propose a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Bowes , for his kindness in coming to Sandbach to perform the ceremony they had listened to with so much pleasure . He had heard Bro . Bowes work the ceremony before , but he considered he had excelled himself on the present occasion . Bro . Rev . T . Lunt , I . P . M ., rose to second the proposition ,

and , in doing so , acknowledged his great obligations to Bro ' Bowes for relieving him of so difficult a duty . Bro . Bowes had set them a high standard to aim at . The clear enunciation and quiet impressiveness which marked the ceremony throughout set them an example which they would do well to emulate . Far his own part , he should often claim Bro . Bowes ' s counsel and assistance . The vote was

carried by acclamation , and Bro . Bowes suitably acknowledged the compliment . After the transaction of some routine business the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . The dinner was a good one and well served . On the withdrawal of the cloth , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . Rev . T . Lunt proposed " The Health of the Installing Master " in most complimentary terms . Bro , Bowes , in reply , said

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

that his services were always at the command of any brother who was desirous of the help he was able to afford . The other toasts followed , and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was brought to a close soon after nine . Among the visitors was Bro . D . W . Finney , P . M ., Prov . G . D . C . West Lancashire .

AXMINSTER . —Looge of Virtue and Honour ( No . 494 ) . —A meeting of this lodge , one of the oldest in the province , was held on the 13 th inst . at the lodge room , George Hotel . There were present Bros . S . G . Loveless , W . M . ; J . G . Pinncy , S . W . and Treas . ; XV . J . Jefferd , J . W . ; A . P . Reecc , Sec ; E . J . Jarman , S . D . ; T . Pickering , J . D . ; L . G . Derrick , I . G . ; J .

Wakley , Tyler : S . Toms , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., I . P . M . ; T . N . Webber , P . M . ; Partridge , Parsons , Kyrke , and W . Forward . Visitors : Bros . Swann , 847 , P . G . S . B . ; Evans , n 8 r , P . P . G . S . D . ; Moore , 665 , P . P . G . S . D . ; Coombs , J . W . Kr 4 ; Richards , 1181 ; James , J . D . 1197 ; Tomsett , 814 ; Ottonswcll , P . M . 60 s ; Martin , 665 ; Walters , 66 s , ; Bath , 1197 ; and Dyke , P . M . 66 s . The business consisted in

passing Bro . F . Ferryman by Bro . Toms , after which a Past Master ' s jewel , of great beauty of workmanship , was presented to Bro . Webber , P . M ., the brethren having unanimously resolved that his distinguished services to this , his mother lodge , extending over thirty-five years , should no longer pass unrecognised . Bro . Webber's services in this lodge have been of a very exceptionable nature ,

having passed through all the offices , ever lending a helping hand on all occasions where it was needed . His assistance to the officers and instructions to the juniors of the Craft have been most valuable , and sister ledges have also shared tbe benefit of his skill and scientific attainments . The jewel was presented by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Loveless , who closed an able address in the following

eloquent terms : Bro . Webber , it gives me very great pleasure to present you with this jewel , and I feel sure that I speak the voice of the brethren of the whole lodge , in wishing that you may be enabled to wear it amongst us for many years to come , and when the day shall arrive for you to lay it aside for those who shall follow you , may the Most High then claim you as one of his bri ghtest jewels ,

worthy to adorn the Grand Lod ge above . Bro . Webber having feelingly acknowledged the honour conferred on him , the lodge proceeded to the instalment of the newl yelected W . M ., Bro . Jno . Geo . Pinney , the ceremony being most impressively rendered by the retiring Master , Bro . Loveless . Thc W . M . then investeel his officers as follows Bros . Toms , P . P . G . S . D ., I . P . M . ; W . J . Jefferd , S . W . ;

E . J . Jarman , J . W . ; T . Pickering , S . D . ; L . G . Derrick , J . D . ; A . P . Reece , I . G . and Sec . Bros . Webber was unanimously elected Treasurer and Waklcy Tyler . The lodge being closed , the brethren assembled to the annual banquet , which , notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather , was well attended , about thirty brethren being present . The usual Masonic , loyal , and social toasts were

given , interspersed with some capital singing . The W . M ., Bro . Pinney , may be congratulated on having inaugurated his occupation of our great King ' s chair ic . a manner that promises well for the lodge and for his future Masonic career . It would be a grave omission to close our report

of thc proceedings of this lodge without referring to thc able and indefatigable exertions of Bro . Loveless , I . P . M ., who for the two successive years during which he occupied the chair , has greatly contributed to the efficiency and strength of this old lodge ; working it up from a period of depression to its present promising state .

WOOLWICH . — Nelson Lodge ( No . 700 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the above prosperous lodge in this district took place on Wednesday , the 21 st inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Bro . John Warren , W . M ., in the chair , supported by the following P . M . ' s and officeis : Bros . S . Goddard , P . M . ; G . Crawford , P . M . ; J . Wilkins , S . W . j E . B . Hobson , J . W . ; T . Butt , Treas .

and P . M . ; C . Norman , P . M . and Sec . ; G . Beaver , S . D . j J . H . Roberts , J . D . ; T . Ovenden , I . G . ; and Bidgood , Org . Among the visitors were Bros . W . Moulder , S . W . 829 ; D . Deeves , S . W . 1536 ; E . W . Welding , 1536 ; A . Alford , 913 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) . The business before the lodge consisted in the balloting for of Messrs . G . Bartlett , C . Day , and A . Ford , which proving

unanimous , those gentlemen were , with the usual formalities , initiated into Masonry . Bros . Orpwood and Lawson were then passed to the Second Djgree , and Bros . Rudge , Sanderson , and Hornsey were raised to the Sublime Degree . The whole of the ceremonies , which were very laborious , were performed by the W . M . in a manner sufficient to justify us in saying that the high prestige ofthe

Nelson Lodge has not deteriorated one item in thc hands of its present and esteemed Master . As is thc usual custom , an inexpensive but excellent cold repast was provided by Bro . Robert Beaver , and partaken of by the brethren and visitors , after which the brethren assembled round the social board , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drunk with due honours . Bro . S . Goddard then proposed

briefly the toast of "The W . M . " He said that no language of his could do sufficient merit to the toast . They had all seen the working of the W . M . that night , and it was sufficient for him to bring before their notice the fact to secure for it that hearty reception that the toast always received in the Nelson Lodge when their W . M , did his duty in accordance with the old traditions of the lodge . Bio . Warren , in reply , expressed the pleasure it

had afforded him to be the W . M . of such . a lodge as the Nelson Lodge . He thanked the brethren and thc officers generally for the hearty and cordial support they hail at all times accorded him . He promised at his election to the distinguished office he held that he would do his utmost to carry out the duties entrusted to him , and maintain by every effort in his power the honour that had for so many years attended the Nelson Lodge . So far he believed that he had to the best of his abilities carried out those duties