Metropolitan.

enhanced hy the singing of Bros . Piatt , Exall , and Sloman , who displayed his celebrated power of improvising with happy effect . TEIIPLE LODGE ( NO . 118 ) . —This lodge met on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., Bro . Edmund Farthing , W . M ., presiding for the first time since his installation . On taking the chair , the W . M . asked the kind indulgence of the brethren as to any little errors they might observe in his working that night , as it was only natural he should feel slightly nervous at first , but which he knew would wear off in

a little time . Ho then proceeded to open his lodge , when Mr . H . Barnes , who had been previously balloted for , was duly initiated into the ancient and honourable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England , in a manner which elicited high encomiums from all present . Bros . Conquest , Altard , Paekworth , Felton , Wright , and Osmond , liaving answered the usual questions in a satisfactory maimer , were then duly raised to the degree of F . C . "bthe W . M . The loclge was then opened in the third degree

y , when Bros . Collier and Locke were raised to the sublime degree of M . M . We have often , very often , seen this beautiful ceremony performed , hut in all our experience never saw or heard it done in a more impressive manner than it was on this occasion . 'The loclge was then called off to refreshment , when fifty-two brethren gathered round the table , presided over by the W . M . In presiding at the banquet lie does it in that happy , good-humoured , convivial manner that wins admiration and commands respect . The

speeches given in introducing the several Masonic toasts were characterised by a few appropriate sentences ; but in drinking " The Health of the Past Masters , " coupled with the name of Bro . John Keast , P . M ., and Treasurer for the last seven years , the W . M . said , the lodge , in its wisdom , had decreed him a jewel , value ten guineas , and had made him ( the W . M . ) the humble instrument to present it ; he did so with unfeigned pleasure , having heen an eye-witness to his untiring energy for several years—also for liaving brought

the funds of the loclge from almost inextricable confusion to an unexampled pitch of prosperity . Having done so , it was natural he should -wish to repose on his laurels ; and although his manner to those who did not known him well was somewhat blunt and rough , yet under that rough exterior beat as kindly a heart as ever animated a Masonic breast . He had fairly won the jewel . In attaching the jewel , the W . M . said , long may you live to wear it ; and when , in the fulness of time , it shall please the G . A . O . T . U . to translate you to the Grand Lodge above , may you , with your dying breath , bequeath it to your children , and may they , in years

to come , treasure it , to show the estimation in which you were held by your brother Masons of the Temple Loclge . —Bro . Keast briefly returned thanks . —The inscription on the jewel is : " Presented by the members ofthe Temple Lodge ( No . 118 ) to Bro . John Keast , as a token of respect and esteem for his zealous and faithful discharge of the duties of Treasurer , during seven years . March 5 th , 1861 . " The harmony of the evening was much enhanced by the excellent singing of Bros . Perren , G . and L . Lawrence , Altard , and several

other brethren . PKCEIfiS LODGE ( No . 202 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Freemasons' Tavern on Saturday last , Bro . M . Maslin , W . M ., presiding , when Bro . Fuller was passed to the second degree . The brethren afterwards spent a pleasant evening together , enlivened by the singing of Bros . Distiu , Percy * , Fuller , and others . DOMATIC LODGE ( NO . 20 G ) . —The monthly meeting of this loclge was held on Monday eveningMarch 11 at the Masonic Hall

, , , Fetter-lane . Bro . George Moore , W . M ., presided ; Bros . Russen , S . W .,- Wilson , J . W . ; H . Thompson , S . D . ; Osborne , J . D . ; and Meekham , I . G . The following P . Ms , were present : Bros . Carpenter , Smith , Adams , Elmes , Garrod , Marshall , Brett , and Snow ; Bros . Sutherland , Cave , and Abbot were questioned as to their proficiency in the science , ancl their answers being satisfactory , they were severally raised to the sublime degree of M . M ., and Bro . Wiffen ¦ was passed to the degree of F . C . Mr . Henry Kuhlke and Mr .

Francis Edward Knibbs were severally introduced , and initiated into the mysteries , of ancient Fremasonry . There being no other business , the loclge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . After the cloth had been drawn , the W . ' M . gave the usual formal toasts ; Bro . Adams responding to the toast of " The Earl of Dalhousie and the rest of the Grand Officers . " The W . M . said he had then a most pleasing toast to which was" The

propose , , Health of their newly-initiated Brethren ; " and from the attention which he had observed they had paid to the ceremony that evening , he doubted not that they would prove themselves worthy brethren and good Masons . —Bro . Knibbs returned thanks for the honour conferred upon them , and said they hoped to prove themselves worthy of the loclge they had joined that day . — " The Visiting Brethren" was next iven and responded to . —Bro . SmithP . M .

g , and Treasurer , said he had great pleasure in proposing " The Health of the W . M ., " and he had no doubt that the brethren would have equal pleasure in responding to it . —The W . M . thanked the brethren for that mark of favour conferred upon him ; and afterwards proposed "The Health of the Past Masters of the

Metropolitan.

Lodge . " —Bro . Carpenter , in one of his characteristic speeches , which elicited roars of laughter , returned thanks . —The W . M . next gave "The Officers of the Lodge , " which Bro . Russen , S . W ., briefly acknowledged . —The W . M . then gave "The Masonic Charities , " for which Bro . Smith responded , and said it w * as highly gratifying to them to know- that Bro . Haydon ' s list at the last Festival for the Aged Freemasons amounted to £ 20 . He wished to mention to them a letter which had heen sent there that evening in reference

to Bro . Watson , who hacl been known to many of them for the last twenty years as an energetic Mason , and who now required the assistance of the Craft at large . On Wednesday last , the Grand Loclge had voted £ 200 for the purpose of purchasing him an annuity , ancl what with the subscriptions they would be able to raise , they hoped to purchase an annuity of £ 50 ; so that the rest of his life might be made happy and comfortable . Bro . Watson was at all times ready to render his services , whether it was at the

consecration of a lodge or the installation of a W . M . ; and during his time had given instruction to hundreds of young Masons , without fee or reward . Although the Grand Lodge had voted him £ 200 , yet it could not take effect until the minutes were confirmed , ancl he hoped in June next that the brethren would attend the Grand Loclge , ancl , by confirming those minutes , secure that reward to him . —This toast brought the proceedings to a close , and the brethren separated at an early hour .

LODGE or JOPPA ( No . 223 ) . —A meeting of this loclge took place on the 4 th inst ., at the Albion , Aldersgate-street , when the W . M ., E . P . Albert , initiated Mr . Morris De Saxe and Mr . George Hamilton into the mysteries of the Order . Bro . Strathbone was passed to the second degree , ancl Bro . Wertheimer to the sublime degree of M . M ., all the ceremonies being conducted in the usual excellent

manner of the W . M . ; and after some ordinary business , the brethren adjourned to a most sumptuous banquet . Bros . Rosenthal ( No . 630 ) , George Tedder ( No . 11 ) , Smith ( No . 25 ) , Isaacs ( No . 53 ) , Wertheimer ( No . 247 ) , were the visitors of the evening ; and the musical arrangements , under the able superintendence of Bro . Van Noovclem were , of the high class usually found at this loclge . Miss Newman's scena of Verdi was given with great effect , and Madame Sainville was very pleasing in her songs , gaining much applause .

EUPHRATES LODGE ( NO . 25 V ) . —Thislodge held its second monthl y meeting , since the re-installation of . the W . M . Bro . Jacob de Solla , on Tuesday , the Sth inst ., at the White Hart Tavern , Bishopsgatestreet , when Bro . Stanger was Crafted , and Bros . Fenwick and Carnegie raised to the sublime degree of M . M . The progress of this lodge may well be noticed by a Benevolent Fund having heen instituted ( founders Bro . D . Swael , P . M ., and Bro . Francis W . Klamm , P . M . ) , which has been well-supported by its members . After the

business of the lodge , the brethren sat down to a fine banquet , prepared by Bro . Morris , in his usual satisfactory style . There were several visitors , amongst whom Bro . Maurice de Solla , son of the W . M ., having returned from the Continent , delighted the brethren by his vocalisation . UKITED STRENGTH LODGE ( NO . 27 ( 3 ) . —On Wednesday last the brethren of this lodge held a meeting , at the Old Jerusalem Tavern , St . John's GateClerkenwellconvened by Bro . Dr . Jonesfor the

, , , purpose of selecting a P . M . ' s medal to present to Bro . P . M . Frost , the late W . M . of this loclge , the next lodge night . It was proposed by Bro . Jones , and unanimously resolved upon by the rest of the brethren , that a very handsome medal , with the name of the lodge engraved thereon , a design of which was laid before them , value £ 7 , lie selected for the presentation .

Provincial.

PROVINCIAL .

HEREFORDSHIRE . HEBEIOBD . —Palladian Lodge ( No . 141 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this loclge was held on Tuesday , March 5 , when the folloiving brethren were present : —Bros . H . Clarkson , WM . ; . 7 . W . Laury , S . W . ; J . G . Morris , J . W . ; Rev . C . Allen , Chaplain ; H . C . Heddoe , Treas . ; J . Gardner , Sec . ; \ V . Phillips , S . D . ; E . George , S . D . ; W . H . Gutton , I . G . ; J . Bather , Tvler ; Bros . R . L . Turr , "

D . D ., D . Prov . G . M . ; James William , PM . HI ; C . Gray , P . M . 19 ; II . Careless , N . F . Knight , H . Vevers , T . S . Farmer , A " . Myer , 0 . Shelliind , W . Swift , C . G . Hill , J . Cheese , T . A . Court , W . J , Burville , E . J . Piper , F . Hodenham . Visitors -. Bros . I _ . S . Deiiiny . 381 , Ireland ; F . Green , 300 , Ireland ; Rev . L . H . Bluck , P . M . 328 , and P . Prov . G . C . for Shropshire and North Wales ; H . Luckes , W . M . 423 ; A . OsborneS . W . 423 ; E . Reeve 423 P . G . S . T . W

, , , ; , Garrold , 423 ; J . E . Perils , 423 ; — Skerme , 423 ; and — Collins . 423 . The lodge being opened , the W . M ., Bro . Clarkson , proceeded to raise Bros . R . F . Knight and H . Vevers to the sublime degree of M . M ., after which Bros . Swift and Thackeray were passed to the degree of F . C . Mr . F . Dillon and Mr . P . Ellis , having been unanimously elected , were initiated into the secret and mysteries of