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Article Masonic Notes and Queries. ← Page 2 of 2 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 →
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Masonic Notes And Queries.
as unless he saw the MS . itself , and if he depended on the report or transcript of another . it is just possible the statement in his history may not be accurate . Preston lived cspecically in a very inaccurate and uncertain period in Masonic investigations , and was not , as far as we know , an " expert " in any sense , as regards MSS . and Books , though a man
of sense and education as a printer . It has often occurred to me that if the minute book of York be not among the old minute books in the Cryptic Muniment Room at Freemasons' Hall , the York Lodge ought to apply to the ^ representatives of Godfrey Higgins , if any such exist . This is a point I especially commend to the attention of my esteemed Bro . Todd , P . M ., of the York Lodge . A . F . A . W .
446 ] THE HEXAPLA . It is very noteworthy that in the very interesting paper of Bro . Whytehead ' s last week the Hexapla , or double triangle , should be the . Masonic symbol used by worthy York Masons in 1663 . " Prima , facie , " we should have rather expected to see the Pentalpha , or five-pointed star ; but the use of the Hexapla suggests many considerations of
importance . As is well known , the Hexapla is both an Hermetic and Hebraic symbol , and represents the well-known Solomon ' s seal . It is still , as in olden times , widely diffused in Oriental lands . Some of the Hebrew forms introduce the Tetragrammata or some other mystic name of God . It was adopted by the early Christians , and made into a symbol of the Trinity , and may be seen so used in countless churches . It is a sign of the Cabbala , of Hermeticism and has been
the emblem of the Royal Arch from its initial development as the Royal Arch . It will be very curious and important to ascertain who William Baron , John Drake , and John Barron were , and whether they were only Master Masons , or Masters of lodges . We always have agreed with our lamented Bro . E . W . Shaw , in his original idea about the Royal Arch , and a good deal turns on this early use of the hexapla , and on its later connection with the Royal Arch as
its permanent symbol . MASONIC SI UUliM 1 . 447 ] - THE FREEMASON'S SURE GUIDE , OR POCKET
COMPANION . Such is the title of a little work printed and published by Bro . Seth Driggs , at Trinidad , in 1 S 19 . According to Bro . Driggs , Freemasonry consisted of 14 Degrees—1 Apprentice , 2 Fellow Craft , 3 Master , 4 Mark Master , 5 Past Master , 6 Most Excellent Master , 7 Royal Arch , 8 Super-Excellent Master , g Royal Master , 10 Knight of the Red
Cross , 11 Knight of the Christian Mark , 12 Knight of the Holy Sepulchre , 13 Knight of Malta , and 14 Knight Templar . Your readers should notice the names and sequence of these grades , which seem to have been all practised at Trinidad in 1 S 19 . According to Bro . Driggs , Freemasonry was founded in Trinidad in 1795 , by a warrant from the Grand Lodge of France to a Bro . Benoit Dert ,
but in 1797 the lodge received a charter from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania . In 1 S 14 the Grand Lodge of Scotland granted a warrant to the lodge Freres Unies , No . 327 . The Royal Arch Chapter was warranted by the " Royal Grand Conclave of Scotland , " in 1 S 13 , under the title " Trinidad Holy Royal Arch Chapter . " The encampment was warranted by Alexr . Deuchar and others , January 12 , 1 S 14 . In Trinidad there was in 1 S 19 an Irish lodge ,
called the Union Lodge , G 90 , originally a travelling charter from the Antient Grand Lodge , England , belonging to a British regiment ( which , not stated ) , and confirmed in 1 S 02 by the Irish Grand Lodge . Bro . Driggs says that H . Price , Grand Master of New England , passing by Antigua , in 173 S , and finding a number of Masons there from Boston , formed them into a lodge , and thus founded Masonry in the West Indies . BOOKWORM .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft feasants . FITZROY LODGE ( No . 569 ) . —The first meeting after the recess of this old lodge was held on Friday , the 24 th ult ., at the Honourable Artillery Company ' s headquarters , at the Armoury House , Finsbury . Bro . VV . C . J . Baker , the W . M ., presided , and there was a large attendance of members and visitors . The only business on the paper , besides general business , was the initiation of anew member , who , however , in consequence of illness , was
unable to be present . As Bro . R . N . Fowler , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , was expected to visit the lodge on this occasion , the lodge was opened in the Three Degrees , and the brethren waited anxiously to greet his lordship with Masonic honours . They were , however , doomed to disappointment , as the hour fixed for thebanquetpassedwithout his lordship putting in an appearance . The lodge was therefore closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet
room . The Lord Mayor arrived just as dinner was about to be served , and , of course , was greeted heartily , though not in Masonic form . After the cloth had been withdrawn , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed , the W . M . referring in the former to the practical loyalty of the Hon . Artillery Company , whose members compose the lodge ; and , in proposing "The Health of the Grand Master , " mentioning
the fact that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was connected with their body as colonel of the regiment . In proposing " The Health of the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " the W . M . said it was not very often that the lodge had the opportunity of entertaining such distinguished Grand Officers as those who graced this banquet by their presence . It was only necessary for him to mention the
junior Grand Warden ( the Lord Mayor of London ) to secure its being received with enthusiasm . They considered themselves in a measure connected with the Corporatipn , and they felt it a great honour that the Chief Magistrate of the City had consented to come and partake of their rough hospitality . They had also present Bro . Lctchworth ,
one of the Junior Grand Deacons , who was svell known as an active member of Grand Lodge ; and they had also two Grand Stewards ( Bros . West and Rushworth ) , and , as they were aware , the Grand Lodge was deeply indebted to the Grand Stewards . He therefore proposed this toast with confidence , coupling it with the name of the Lord Mayor , Bro . Fowler .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
The Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , in reply , said that on the part of the officers of Grand Lodge he had the high honour to thank the brethren for the honour they had done them in drinking their health . He felt that he was a very unworthy representative of that distinguished body of men . They were a body of men who devoted themselves to Masonry ; he , on the other hand , owed the high position which he unworthily filled to the kindness of the Grand
Master and to the position which he held in the City of London ; but he thought he might say this—that the Grand Officers , whether they were good Masons like the worthy brother on his right ( Bro . Letchworth ) or unworthy ones like himself , were all anxious to promote the good of Masonry , were all anxious for their ancient Order . Those present would all feel that he did not use the word "ancient" in any conventional sense ; that it was not a
matter of centuries , but of thousands of years ; and they very much rejoiced , as regarded their own country and other countries under the guidance of their illustrious Grand Master , and those who supported him in Masonry , that it had made such very great progress . He could not forget , in saying so much for the officers of Grand Lodge on " this very interesting occasion to-night , that his sands—as he had been told in a City paper—were running out ; but he had
for the moment the honour of representing the City of London . The Worshipful Master had referred to the close connection between the Hon . Artillery Company and the City of London . He felt it a great honour to be entertained by members of that body . They heard a great deal about people who prepared for the defence of the country , but they must remember that among the various corps prominently stood the Artillery Company of the City of London .
Therefore , it was always a very great ' gratification to the Lord Mayor for the time being being entertained in that ancient hall by the members of that company . He was glad that that body had so large a lodge , and he could not help thinking that the connection would be of great advantage to both . He begged to return the lodge the grateful thanks of the Grand Officers for the honour they had received on the present occasion .
In the absence of the I . P . M ., "The W . M . ' s Health " was proposed by Bro . Helsham , P . M . and Treas ., to whose speech the W . M . replied very briefly , and proposed "The Health of the Visitors , " which was responded to by Bros . Barringer and the Rev . — Rogers , the esteemed Chaplain of the corps . The toasts of " The Treasurer and Secretary , " to which Bro . Stohwasser , P . M . and Sec , replied ; "The Masonic
Charities , " responded to by Bro . Jas . Terry ; and "The Officers of the Lodge , " to which all the officers replied , were subsequently disposed of before the Tyler's toast closed the proceedings . Besides those already mentioned , the following were among the visitors present : Bros . Wilson , 49 ; F . J . Laughlin , 1365 ; E . Barge , P . M . 267 ; R . F . Hosken
W . M . 1 S 20 ,- J . E . Terry , I . G . ig 64 ; C . 1 . Smith , P . P . G . W . Sussex ; C Harding , P . M . 231 ; T . A . Bullock , 101 ; F . Bevan , 1706 ; E . J . Altman , 101 ; W . Wiseman , Australia Felix Lodge ; J . W . Roberts , P . M . 1 S 1 and 1601 ; F . Greenwood , P . M . 749 ; F . Turner , 534 ; John Giffin , 975 ; G . J . Day , 1563 ; E . E . Barrington , P . P . G . W . Herts ; H . Standing , 1617 ; W . J . Fay , Victoria Rifles ; J . Kift , 1791 ; and E . C . Massey .
BURGOYNE LODGE ( No . 902 ) . —This lodge met at Anderton's Hotel last Monday , there being a full programme of work , including the Three Degrees . Four initiations and one passing were actuall y done , the brother who was to have been raised not being in attendance . There were present Bros . G . D . Bundy , W . M . ; W . Wilkins , I . P . M . ; W . Batty , S . W . ; W . Williams , J . W . ; R . H . Harvey , P . M ., Treas . ; H . C Jeffrys , P . M ., Sec ; R . N .
Field , P . M ., D . C ; H . Norrington , S . D . ; Chas . Castell , J . D . ; Thos . Spearing , W . S . ; George Wale , P . M . ; S . J . Byng , P . M . ; H . A . Pocock , P . M . ; and Hy . Windybank , C . C . ; Wm . Hammond , John C . Cross , E . S . White , A . J . Sendell , S . Rashleigh , Paul G . Nicholls , J . Cubbitt , Walter Smith , John Beaddoes , Jas . Phillips , Alfred Heaver , W . Bean , T . W . Davison , H . Dale , G . Fox , E . Simpson , J . A . Prince , Hugh James , and W . VV . Clarke . Visitors
Bros . James Terry , P . M . 228 , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; Bleakley , 12 S 7 ; F . J . L . Taylor , 902 ; R . Carney , 1602 ; W . Bartlett , 1786 ; J . N . Frost , 22 S , 704 , S 65 ; J . T . Wyatt , jun ., 1044 ; F . Betts , 1 S 15 ; J . Glass , 453 ; Chas . J . Fox , 1 743 ; W . Lutwyche , P . M . 1365 ; J . Fidler , 1550 ; and J . H . Sharp , 437 . The lodge having been opened in due form , Bro . Sendell was passed to the Second Degree , and Mr . Henry , Mr .
Mount , Mr . John Leys , Mr . Charles Hilliard , and Mr . Terry were initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . The W . M . did his work in a most satisfactory manner , the ceremonies being rendered most impressively . At the conclusion of the lodge business the brethren sat down to a most recherche' banquet , served in Bro . Clemow ' s best style . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts
havingbeen duly honoured , Bro . Wilkins , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " who he said was a perfect glutton for work . They all respected and esteemed their W . M ., and their appreciation of him increased the longer they knew him . The Worshipful Master , in reply , said he was grateful to the brethren for the cordial way in which they had drunk his health . He always tried to do the work as well as he
could , and in that he was ably supported by his officers . In proposing "The Initiates , " the W . M . said that new blood was always necessary to enable a lodge to go on . The brethren who had been initiated that evening promised to be extremely good Masons . Bros . Mount , Leys , and Terry having briefly responded , Bro . Hilliard said that for a good many years he had had a prejudice against Masonry , but he found that the more
he associated himself with those who belonged to the Craft the better he liked it , so he had at last determined to join their ranks . He intended to pass the other Degrees and get as soon as he could to the Master's chair . He had been challenged by his brother initiate , Bro . Terry , to see who of the two could reach the W . M . 's chair first . Those who lived the longest no doubt would see the most .
Bro . Sutridge , P . M ., in responding to the toast of "The Visitors , " said it was a pleasure to a P . M . to go into a lodge where the work is so well done as it had been in the Burgoyne Lodge . The W . M . had been well supported by his officers , and the work reflected the utmost credit upon the lodge . Bros . Fox , Frost , and Glass also responded .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Terry , in responding to the toast of "The Masonic Charities , " said it was almost unnecessary in this lodge to say much about the Masonic Charities , because he saw around the table so many who had acted as Stewards . In a lodge which was the old Tower Hamlets Lodge , and which took its title from an old governor of the Tower , they expected a good deal in support of its prestige . He had to
thank the lodge for its annual subscriptions to all their charitable institutions , and he should like to see all the other lodges follow so good an example ; for if they could have funds on which they could rely it would greatly strengthen the Charities . The institution he represented maintained 375 old men and women—many of the men having in their time supported with credit every
position in the craft . 1 welve years ago the income of the Benevolent Society was i ? 2 , Soo , it was now £ 13 , 600 . Now it had 375 annuitants , the men receiving £ 40 and the widows £ 32 , as against £ 26 and £ 25 a few years ago . Then there was the home at Croydon , which was a very harbour of refuge . It was the duty of young Masons to bear the heat and burden of the day , and to
assist the old to spend the close of their days happily and comfortably . The applications to the Charities increase in number . At present there was not a single vacancy on the Widows' Fund , and yet there were 78 applicants . The Masonic Charities had of late years greatly extended their borders , but the need of constant and enlarged support was as great as ever .
Bro . Harvey ( the Treasurer ) , in acknowledging his own health , said that the financial position of the lodge was good . When they opened the lodge that afternoon they had a working balance of £ 35 , and their Charity Fund balance was £ 51 . They had taken subscriptions , & c , that
night , to the extent of £ 105 . Other toasts followed . During the evening Bro . Field recited a piece called " Becalmed , " Bros . White , Prince , Wale , Spearing , and others contributed songs , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a most pleasant evening to a close .
WEST KENT LODGE ( No . I 297 ) .--The last meeting of the season in connection with this lodge was held on Saturday , the 25 th ult ., at the Crystal Palace , Sydenham . Present : Bros . W . B . Crump , W . M . ; James Crowden , S . W . ; P . G . Philps , J . W . ; J ohnson , J . D . ; Bellis , I . G . ; Hands , Stwd . ; Perrin , I . P . M . ; Woodrow , P . M ., Sec ; Robt . H . Crowden , P . M . ; Fullwood , D . C ;
Hicks , Dowding , Robbins , Powles , and Ferris . Visitors : Bros . Fisher , 38 ; Richards , 1901 ; Kirkland , 1949 ; Bridger , 72 ; Atkins , S 57 ; Hartung , 1139 ; Colven , Grand Stewards Lodge ; and Bowler , Tyler . The minutes of the last meeting being duly confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . G . Evan Evans , and proving unanimous , that gentleman was initiated into Freemasonry
by the W . M ., Bro . Crump . Bro . Ferris having answered the usual questions was raised to the Third Degree , both ceremonies being performed in the most faultless manner by the W . M ., and elicited the greatest satisfaction of the brethren present . The next business on the agenda was the election p i the W . M . for the following year , which proving unanimous in favour of Bro . James Crowden , that
brother returned thanks with a few well chosen words . Bros . H . D . Stead was again elected Treasurer ; Woodrow , Sec , and Bowler , Tyler . The Audit Committee was formed as usual at this meeting . Several letters of apology were read from absent brethren . The brethren afterwards sat down to a banquet , at which the usual toasts were proposed and responded to , that of
" I he W . M . elect , Bro . James Crowden , " being the toast of the evening . Bros . Colven , Atkins , Fisher and Harting responded for "The Visitors , " and all expressed themselves highly pleased with the intellectual treat they had had in the
lodge , and also with the hospitality shown them at the banquet table . The W . M ., Bro . Crump , was congratulated on all hands on the very successful term of office he was about closing , and a handsome jewel was voted him in commemoration of it . The meeting broke up at an early hour . —
METROPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 1507 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 15 th ult ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street . Bro . G . Clark , W . M ., presided , and performed the ceremonies of the Second and Third Degrees in his usual perfect manner . Bro . G . Edwards was then presented for installation , and Bro . Clark installed him into the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom in a very able manner , in the presence of a
numerous Board of Installed Masters . Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . M ., was invested as S . W ., all the other officers of the previous year retaining their offices . At the completion of the installation ceremony the newly-installed W . M . most efficiently initiated Mr . John Hunt . Above one hundred members and visitors partook of a sumptuous banquet in the crypt , and the proceedings were brought to a close at a late hour .
COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . —The opening meeting of this lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 14 th ult ., when there were present Bros . G . Coleman , W . M . ; J . Jacobs , S . W . ; S . Jacobs , P . M ., acting as J . W . ; A . T . Dickson , S . D . ; B . Solomon , J . D . j G . Reynolds , acting as I . G . j W . Bourne , P . M ., Sec ; Stacey , Org . ; E . Jacobs , P . M , ; C . RalphR .
, Head , F . Gulhford , G . H . Reynolds , J . Bond , Scheitjens , and W . Potter , Tyler . ' The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . A brother having been proposed for initiation at the next meeting , the VV . M . received the " Hearty good wishes " of the brethren for a prosperous session , and the lodge was closed in ancient form .
VICTORIA PARK LODGE ( No . 1816 ) . — The annual installation meeting of this most prosperous lodge was held at the Queen ' s Hotel , on the 23 rd ult . Present : Bros . Charles Reeve , W . M . ; H . I . Cant , S . W . ; C . N . Carrel ! , J . W . ; C Norris , Treas . ; Hy . Rogers , Sec ; A . Oldroyd , S . D . ; L G . Bellman . Orrr .:
F . Johnson , W . S . ; Sinclair , Clements , Widgery , Meiklereid , Tichiaz , 1929 , W . S . 917 ; and others . Visitors : Bros . J . W . Simoson , W . M . 907 ; ] . W . R . Hammond , S . D . 1278 ; J . Drotin , P . M ., and C . Slater , 1076 ; L . Steele , W . M . 230 ; R . Brittain , I . G . 1278 ; and various other visiting brethren . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes o £ the previous meeting read and confirmed . A ballot was
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Notes And Queries.
as unless he saw the MS . itself , and if he depended on the report or transcript of another . it is just possible the statement in his history may not be accurate . Preston lived cspecically in a very inaccurate and uncertain period in Masonic investigations , and was not , as far as we know , an " expert " in any sense , as regards MSS . and Books , though a man
of sense and education as a printer . It has often occurred to me that if the minute book of York be not among the old minute books in the Cryptic Muniment Room at Freemasons' Hall , the York Lodge ought to apply to the ^ representatives of Godfrey Higgins , if any such exist . This is a point I especially commend to the attention of my esteemed Bro . Todd , P . M ., of the York Lodge . A . F . A . W .
446 ] THE HEXAPLA . It is very noteworthy that in the very interesting paper of Bro . Whytehead ' s last week the Hexapla , or double triangle , should be the . Masonic symbol used by worthy York Masons in 1663 . " Prima , facie , " we should have rather expected to see the Pentalpha , or five-pointed star ; but the use of the Hexapla suggests many considerations of
importance . As is well known , the Hexapla is both an Hermetic and Hebraic symbol , and represents the well-known Solomon ' s seal . It is still , as in olden times , widely diffused in Oriental lands . Some of the Hebrew forms introduce the Tetragrammata or some other mystic name of God . It was adopted by the early Christians , and made into a symbol of the Trinity , and may be seen so used in countless churches . It is a sign of the Cabbala , of Hermeticism and has been
the emblem of the Royal Arch from its initial development as the Royal Arch . It will be very curious and important to ascertain who William Baron , John Drake , and John Barron were , and whether they were only Master Masons , or Masters of lodges . We always have agreed with our lamented Bro . E . W . Shaw , in his original idea about the Royal Arch , and a good deal turns on this early use of the hexapla , and on its later connection with the Royal Arch as
its permanent symbol . MASONIC SI UUliM 1 . 447 ] - THE FREEMASON'S SURE GUIDE , OR POCKET
COMPANION . Such is the title of a little work printed and published by Bro . Seth Driggs , at Trinidad , in 1 S 19 . According to Bro . Driggs , Freemasonry consisted of 14 Degrees—1 Apprentice , 2 Fellow Craft , 3 Master , 4 Mark Master , 5 Past Master , 6 Most Excellent Master , 7 Royal Arch , 8 Super-Excellent Master , g Royal Master , 10 Knight of the Red
Cross , 11 Knight of the Christian Mark , 12 Knight of the Holy Sepulchre , 13 Knight of Malta , and 14 Knight Templar . Your readers should notice the names and sequence of these grades , which seem to have been all practised at Trinidad in 1 S 19 . According to Bro . Driggs , Freemasonry was founded in Trinidad in 1795 , by a warrant from the Grand Lodge of France to a Bro . Benoit Dert ,
but in 1797 the lodge received a charter from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania . In 1 S 14 the Grand Lodge of Scotland granted a warrant to the lodge Freres Unies , No . 327 . The Royal Arch Chapter was warranted by the " Royal Grand Conclave of Scotland , " in 1 S 13 , under the title " Trinidad Holy Royal Arch Chapter . " The encampment was warranted by Alexr . Deuchar and others , January 12 , 1 S 14 . In Trinidad there was in 1 S 19 an Irish lodge ,
called the Union Lodge , G 90 , originally a travelling charter from the Antient Grand Lodge , England , belonging to a British regiment ( which , not stated ) , and confirmed in 1 S 02 by the Irish Grand Lodge . Bro . Driggs says that H . Price , Grand Master of New England , passing by Antigua , in 173 S , and finding a number of Masons there from Boston , formed them into a lodge , and thus founded Masonry in the West Indies . BOOKWORM .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft feasants . FITZROY LODGE ( No . 569 ) . —The first meeting after the recess of this old lodge was held on Friday , the 24 th ult ., at the Honourable Artillery Company ' s headquarters , at the Armoury House , Finsbury . Bro . VV . C . J . Baker , the W . M ., presided , and there was a large attendance of members and visitors . The only business on the paper , besides general business , was the initiation of anew member , who , however , in consequence of illness , was
unable to be present . As Bro . R . N . Fowler , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , was expected to visit the lodge on this occasion , the lodge was opened in the Three Degrees , and the brethren waited anxiously to greet his lordship with Masonic honours . They were , however , doomed to disappointment , as the hour fixed for thebanquetpassedwithout his lordship putting in an appearance . The lodge was therefore closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet
room . The Lord Mayor arrived just as dinner was about to be served , and , of course , was greeted heartily , though not in Masonic form . After the cloth had been withdrawn , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed , the W . M . referring in the former to the practical loyalty of the Hon . Artillery Company , whose members compose the lodge ; and , in proposing "The Health of the Grand Master , " mentioning
the fact that H . R . H . the Prince of Wales was connected with their body as colonel of the regiment . In proposing " The Health of the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , " the W . M . said it was not very often that the lodge had the opportunity of entertaining such distinguished Grand Officers as those who graced this banquet by their presence . It was only necessary for him to mention the
junior Grand Warden ( the Lord Mayor of London ) to secure its being received with enthusiasm . They considered themselves in a measure connected with the Corporatipn , and they felt it a great honour that the Chief Magistrate of the City had consented to come and partake of their rough hospitality . They had also present Bro . Lctchworth ,
one of the Junior Grand Deacons , who was svell known as an active member of Grand Lodge ; and they had also two Grand Stewards ( Bros . West and Rushworth ) , and , as they were aware , the Grand Lodge was deeply indebted to the Grand Stewards . He therefore proposed this toast with confidence , coupling it with the name of the Lord Mayor , Bro . Fowler .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
The Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , in reply , said that on the part of the officers of Grand Lodge he had the high honour to thank the brethren for the honour they had done them in drinking their health . He felt that he was a very unworthy representative of that distinguished body of men . They were a body of men who devoted themselves to Masonry ; he , on the other hand , owed the high position which he unworthily filled to the kindness of the Grand
Master and to the position which he held in the City of London ; but he thought he might say this—that the Grand Officers , whether they were good Masons like the worthy brother on his right ( Bro . Letchworth ) or unworthy ones like himself , were all anxious to promote the good of Masonry , were all anxious for their ancient Order . Those present would all feel that he did not use the word "ancient" in any conventional sense ; that it was not a
matter of centuries , but of thousands of years ; and they very much rejoiced , as regarded their own country and other countries under the guidance of their illustrious Grand Master , and those who supported him in Masonry , that it had made such very great progress . He could not forget , in saying so much for the officers of Grand Lodge on " this very interesting occasion to-night , that his sands—as he had been told in a City paper—were running out ; but he had
for the moment the honour of representing the City of London . The Worshipful Master had referred to the close connection between the Hon . Artillery Company and the City of London . He felt it a great honour to be entertained by members of that body . They heard a great deal about people who prepared for the defence of the country , but they must remember that among the various corps prominently stood the Artillery Company of the City of London .
Therefore , it was always a very great ' gratification to the Lord Mayor for the time being being entertained in that ancient hall by the members of that company . He was glad that that body had so large a lodge , and he could not help thinking that the connection would be of great advantage to both . He begged to return the lodge the grateful thanks of the Grand Officers for the honour they had received on the present occasion .
In the absence of the I . P . M ., "The W . M . ' s Health " was proposed by Bro . Helsham , P . M . and Treas ., to whose speech the W . M . replied very briefly , and proposed "The Health of the Visitors , " which was responded to by Bros . Barringer and the Rev . — Rogers , the esteemed Chaplain of the corps . The toasts of " The Treasurer and Secretary , " to which Bro . Stohwasser , P . M . and Sec , replied ; "The Masonic
Charities , " responded to by Bro . Jas . Terry ; and "The Officers of the Lodge , " to which all the officers replied , were subsequently disposed of before the Tyler's toast closed the proceedings . Besides those already mentioned , the following were among the visitors present : Bros . Wilson , 49 ; F . J . Laughlin , 1365 ; E . Barge , P . M . 267 ; R . F . Hosken
W . M . 1 S 20 ,- J . E . Terry , I . G . ig 64 ; C . 1 . Smith , P . P . G . W . Sussex ; C Harding , P . M . 231 ; T . A . Bullock , 101 ; F . Bevan , 1706 ; E . J . Altman , 101 ; W . Wiseman , Australia Felix Lodge ; J . W . Roberts , P . M . 1 S 1 and 1601 ; F . Greenwood , P . M . 749 ; F . Turner , 534 ; John Giffin , 975 ; G . J . Day , 1563 ; E . E . Barrington , P . P . G . W . Herts ; H . Standing , 1617 ; W . J . Fay , Victoria Rifles ; J . Kift , 1791 ; and E . C . Massey .
BURGOYNE LODGE ( No . 902 ) . —This lodge met at Anderton's Hotel last Monday , there being a full programme of work , including the Three Degrees . Four initiations and one passing were actuall y done , the brother who was to have been raised not being in attendance . There were present Bros . G . D . Bundy , W . M . ; W . Wilkins , I . P . M . ; W . Batty , S . W . ; W . Williams , J . W . ; R . H . Harvey , P . M ., Treas . ; H . C Jeffrys , P . M ., Sec ; R . N .
Field , P . M ., D . C ; H . Norrington , S . D . ; Chas . Castell , J . D . ; Thos . Spearing , W . S . ; George Wale , P . M . ; S . J . Byng , P . M . ; H . A . Pocock , P . M . ; and Hy . Windybank , C . C . ; Wm . Hammond , John C . Cross , E . S . White , A . J . Sendell , S . Rashleigh , Paul G . Nicholls , J . Cubbitt , Walter Smith , John Beaddoes , Jas . Phillips , Alfred Heaver , W . Bean , T . W . Davison , H . Dale , G . Fox , E . Simpson , J . A . Prince , Hugh James , and W . VV . Clarke . Visitors
Bros . James Terry , P . M . 228 , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; Bleakley , 12 S 7 ; F . J . L . Taylor , 902 ; R . Carney , 1602 ; W . Bartlett , 1786 ; J . N . Frost , 22 S , 704 , S 65 ; J . T . Wyatt , jun ., 1044 ; F . Betts , 1 S 15 ; J . Glass , 453 ; Chas . J . Fox , 1 743 ; W . Lutwyche , P . M . 1365 ; J . Fidler , 1550 ; and J . H . Sharp , 437 . The lodge having been opened in due form , Bro . Sendell was passed to the Second Degree , and Mr . Henry , Mr .
Mount , Mr . John Leys , Mr . Charles Hilliard , and Mr . Terry were initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . The W . M . did his work in a most satisfactory manner , the ceremonies being rendered most impressively . At the conclusion of the lodge business the brethren sat down to a most recherche' banquet , served in Bro . Clemow ' s best style . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts
havingbeen duly honoured , Bro . Wilkins , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " who he said was a perfect glutton for work . They all respected and esteemed their W . M ., and their appreciation of him increased the longer they knew him . The Worshipful Master , in reply , said he was grateful to the brethren for the cordial way in which they had drunk his health . He always tried to do the work as well as he
could , and in that he was ably supported by his officers . In proposing "The Initiates , " the W . M . said that new blood was always necessary to enable a lodge to go on . The brethren who had been initiated that evening promised to be extremely good Masons . Bros . Mount , Leys , and Terry having briefly responded , Bro . Hilliard said that for a good many years he had had a prejudice against Masonry , but he found that the more
he associated himself with those who belonged to the Craft the better he liked it , so he had at last determined to join their ranks . He intended to pass the other Degrees and get as soon as he could to the Master's chair . He had been challenged by his brother initiate , Bro . Terry , to see who of the two could reach the W . M . 's chair first . Those who lived the longest no doubt would see the most .
Bro . Sutridge , P . M ., in responding to the toast of "The Visitors , " said it was a pleasure to a P . M . to go into a lodge where the work is so well done as it had been in the Burgoyne Lodge . The W . M . had been well supported by his officers , and the work reflected the utmost credit upon the lodge . Bros . Fox , Frost , and Glass also responded .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Terry , in responding to the toast of "The Masonic Charities , " said it was almost unnecessary in this lodge to say much about the Masonic Charities , because he saw around the table so many who had acted as Stewards . In a lodge which was the old Tower Hamlets Lodge , and which took its title from an old governor of the Tower , they expected a good deal in support of its prestige . He had to
thank the lodge for its annual subscriptions to all their charitable institutions , and he should like to see all the other lodges follow so good an example ; for if they could have funds on which they could rely it would greatly strengthen the Charities . The institution he represented maintained 375 old men and women—many of the men having in their time supported with credit every
position in the craft . 1 welve years ago the income of the Benevolent Society was i ? 2 , Soo , it was now £ 13 , 600 . Now it had 375 annuitants , the men receiving £ 40 and the widows £ 32 , as against £ 26 and £ 25 a few years ago . Then there was the home at Croydon , which was a very harbour of refuge . It was the duty of young Masons to bear the heat and burden of the day , and to
assist the old to spend the close of their days happily and comfortably . The applications to the Charities increase in number . At present there was not a single vacancy on the Widows' Fund , and yet there were 78 applicants . The Masonic Charities had of late years greatly extended their borders , but the need of constant and enlarged support was as great as ever .
Bro . Harvey ( the Treasurer ) , in acknowledging his own health , said that the financial position of the lodge was good . When they opened the lodge that afternoon they had a working balance of £ 35 , and their Charity Fund balance was £ 51 . They had taken subscriptions , & c , that
night , to the extent of £ 105 . Other toasts followed . During the evening Bro . Field recited a piece called " Becalmed , " Bros . White , Prince , Wale , Spearing , and others contributed songs , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a most pleasant evening to a close .
WEST KENT LODGE ( No . I 297 ) .--The last meeting of the season in connection with this lodge was held on Saturday , the 25 th ult ., at the Crystal Palace , Sydenham . Present : Bros . W . B . Crump , W . M . ; James Crowden , S . W . ; P . G . Philps , J . W . ; J ohnson , J . D . ; Bellis , I . G . ; Hands , Stwd . ; Perrin , I . P . M . ; Woodrow , P . M ., Sec ; Robt . H . Crowden , P . M . ; Fullwood , D . C ;
Hicks , Dowding , Robbins , Powles , and Ferris . Visitors : Bros . Fisher , 38 ; Richards , 1901 ; Kirkland , 1949 ; Bridger , 72 ; Atkins , S 57 ; Hartung , 1139 ; Colven , Grand Stewards Lodge ; and Bowler , Tyler . The minutes of the last meeting being duly confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . G . Evan Evans , and proving unanimous , that gentleman was initiated into Freemasonry
by the W . M ., Bro . Crump . Bro . Ferris having answered the usual questions was raised to the Third Degree , both ceremonies being performed in the most faultless manner by the W . M ., and elicited the greatest satisfaction of the brethren present . The next business on the agenda was the election p i the W . M . for the following year , which proving unanimous in favour of Bro . James Crowden , that
brother returned thanks with a few well chosen words . Bros . H . D . Stead was again elected Treasurer ; Woodrow , Sec , and Bowler , Tyler . The Audit Committee was formed as usual at this meeting . Several letters of apology were read from absent brethren . The brethren afterwards sat down to a banquet , at which the usual toasts were proposed and responded to , that of
" I he W . M . elect , Bro . James Crowden , " being the toast of the evening . Bros . Colven , Atkins , Fisher and Harting responded for "The Visitors , " and all expressed themselves highly pleased with the intellectual treat they had had in the
lodge , and also with the hospitality shown them at the banquet table . The W . M ., Bro . Crump , was congratulated on all hands on the very successful term of office he was about closing , and a handsome jewel was voted him in commemoration of it . The meeting broke up at an early hour . —
METROPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 1507 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 15 th ult ., at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street . Bro . G . Clark , W . M ., presided , and performed the ceremonies of the Second and Third Degrees in his usual perfect manner . Bro . G . Edwards was then presented for installation , and Bro . Clark installed him into the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom in a very able manner , in the presence of a
numerous Board of Installed Masters . Bro . H . Lovegrove , P . M ., was invested as S . W ., all the other officers of the previous year retaining their offices . At the completion of the installation ceremony the newly-installed W . M . most efficiently initiated Mr . John Hunt . Above one hundred members and visitors partook of a sumptuous banquet in the crypt , and the proceedings were brought to a close at a late hour .
COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . —The opening meeting of this lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 14 th ult ., when there were present Bros . G . Coleman , W . M . ; J . Jacobs , S . W . ; S . Jacobs , P . M ., acting as J . W . ; A . T . Dickson , S . D . ; B . Solomon , J . D . j G . Reynolds , acting as I . G . j W . Bourne , P . M ., Sec ; Stacey , Org . ; E . Jacobs , P . M , ; C . RalphR .
, Head , F . Gulhford , G . H . Reynolds , J . Bond , Scheitjens , and W . Potter , Tyler . ' The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed . A brother having been proposed for initiation at the next meeting , the VV . M . received the " Hearty good wishes " of the brethren for a prosperous session , and the lodge was closed in ancient form .
VICTORIA PARK LODGE ( No . 1816 ) . — The annual installation meeting of this most prosperous lodge was held at the Queen ' s Hotel , on the 23 rd ult . Present : Bros . Charles Reeve , W . M . ; H . I . Cant , S . W . ; C . N . Carrel ! , J . W . ; C Norris , Treas . ; Hy . Rogers , Sec ; A . Oldroyd , S . D . ; L G . Bellman . Orrr .:
F . Johnson , W . S . ; Sinclair , Clements , Widgery , Meiklereid , Tichiaz , 1929 , W . S . 917 ; and others . Visitors : Bros . J . W . Simoson , W . M . 907 ; ] . W . R . Hammond , S . D . 1278 ; J . Drotin , P . M ., and C . Slater , 1076 ; L . Steele , W . M . 230 ; R . Brittain , I . G . 1278 ; and various other visiting brethren . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes o £ the previous meeting read and confirmed . A ballot was