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Article SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN. Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 3 →
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Sir Christopher Wren.
SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN .
Since I wrote my first note on Sir Christopher Wren I have stumbled upon one or two little matters which deserve , I think , consideration . It seems that King Charles II . laid the first stone of the first pillar of the Royal Exchange , October 23 , 166 7 , and a reference to the " papers" of thc day would give us the names of those present . Hc knighted on that occasion
Denis Gauden and Thomas Davis , Sheriffs of London . Is not this the explanation of thc mallet ? One cannot help thinking , as one surveys the evidence , how true is Bro . Gould ' s remark , that there is no actual historical proof of the fact of Wren being a Freemason . It is not stated until 173 S that Sir Christopher Wren vvas a Freemason by any one , and Anderson ' s
evidence of 173 S is the foundation of all subsequent authorities . I may observe in passing that thc authority of the "AIason ' s Pocket Companions " is very little indeed . I , for one , cannot get over the fact that in 1723 , and up to 1736 , nothing vvas known of the matter of Wren ' s Freemasonry . The authority of the Parentalia is not much , as it is based on Dugdale , whose authority was only ' ut dicitur . On the other hand , there has been this continuous tradition
since 173 S , and there is the evidence , so fas as it goes , of the Lodge of Antiquity . Shroder , the German Ritual reformer , declares that Wren took the direction of the Craft in 1660 , but where he got his authority from "deponent knoweth not" If 'Alulta Paucis" could be relied on , the fact is certain , but , unfortunately , he makes so many mistakes and repeats uncritically so many myths , that we cannot accept his witness , the more so as he is unknown himself , and , as Bro . Gould says , only amplifies Anderson . MASONIC STUDENT .
AIASONIC MEDALS . Brethren in possession of curious and old Alasonic medals of the last century will oblige by communicating their character , or " rubbings , " or sketches to me , as I am most anxious to do justice to English Masonic medallics . These are mostly of silver , and oval . I have already heard of far more than I had any idea existed , and apparently there arc still more to be traced . Did the Alfred Lodge , Oxford , ever issue a medal ? VV . J . HUGHAN .
BRO . GOULD AND THE OLD STATUTES . 1 should like again to draw attention to the remarkable communication b y our able Bro . Robert Freke Gould in the Freemason of Alarch 20 th , entitled "Alasonic Histoo * , " as our Rev . Bro . Woodford has already done in an editorial . To maintain that the word "sign , " referred to on the
Statutes 1495 , & c - (" oil signe ) doesnot mean a Alasonic sign , would quite astonish some , but Bro . Gould proves most clearly that the word then had no such signification as we attach to it in the Act referred to , but reall y meant a "badge , " and what is more , it is rendered quite evident that no statute whatever prior to thc reign of George III . contains any allusion which , by the greatest latitude of
interpretation , can be twisted or converted into a reference or recognition of the Freemasons as a secret society , f fully endorse Bro . Gould's statements on these points in the communication herein noted , and also those of considerable value and research made known in the "Four Old Lodges and their Descendants . "
Facts are vvhat we want , and are now having , instead of fanciful notions and modern traditions ; but such discoveries by Bro . Gould as the above severely shake our confidence in Alasonic historians , even of the German school , and demand that wc in England most carefully test every statement submitted from all sources , including our own . VV . J . HUGHAN .
AIILITARY LODGES . I regret that " Alasonic Student ' s " note does not help me . Regiments throughout the last century were known by the names of their Colonels , and the "Army Lists " ( whicii I have carefully searched ) duly record all who filled , or had filled , such office . General Majarilmnk ' s Regiment I have discovered vvas . 1 corps in thc servic of the States General of the United Provinces , but I cannot
yet ascertain to what bodies of " Horse or " Foot" the title of Duke of York ' s Regiment was applied in 17 G ; , and that of Queen ' s Royal Irish Regiment in 17 G 2 . I shall be very much obliged to any reader of this note vvho will favour me with the names of distinguished military or naval brethren , especially those initiated during the past century in Scotch or Irish lodges . R . F . GOULD .
SIR JOHN PRINGLE . Can any brother inform me whether Sir John Pringle , Bart , President of thc Royal Society , 1772 , was a Freemason ? Alany of the Pringles of "Stichell" ( of which family Sir J . Pringle was a scion ) arc cited as "Craftsmen " by Bro . D . AL Lyon , in the "Notes on Scotch Alasonry , " contributed by him to the now defunct " Freemasons ' Magazine . " R . F . GOULD .
AIASONIC HISTORY ( No . 2 ) . "Alasonic Student" will find the act of Parliament , 11 Henry VII ., cap 3 , in the collection of statutes printed by order of George III ., the ist vol . of which was published in 1 S 10 . Prior to this date , no complete collection had ever been printed , containing all the matters , which at different times , and by different editors , had been published as
statutes . Referring to his comment on my interpretation of the law of 1549 , my object vvas limited to a demonstration of the erroneous construction placed upon this statute by Bros . Findel and Fort ; their contention ( as it seemed tome ) that the City of London on ' y was excepted from the operation of the 154 S Act being very misleading .
R . F . GOULD . P . S . The third footnote at page 131 ante , should read" prior to the accession of Henry the Seventh , " & c .
The Duke and Duchess of Abercorn are staying at Biarritz . VVORUSWORTH ' "COCA PILLS , " thc successful remedy for sleeplessness , neuralgia , and hAv fever . 2 s . per box . Homccpathic Chemist , 6 , Sloanc-strcct , London . —[ ADVT . ]
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft ifcoitrjL LODGE OF ANTIQUITY ( No . 2 ) . —The meeting of this ancient lodge took place on Wednesday week last , under the presidency of Bro . W . Hope , M . D ., I . P . M ., in the unavoidable absence , through indisposition , on the Continent , of Bro . Parker Deacon , TLAL Having disposed of some formal business , the lodge adjourned to the social board , and spent a pleasant and
harevening . We noticed among others the G . S . ; Bros . Hope , Sampson Pierce , Woodford , Barron , Pontifex , Sharon Turner , Rivington , Stephen Pearce , Stuart , Tagart , and Bro . Jekyll , the able Organist The Lodge of Antiquity sends up two Stewards to the Girls' School Festival this year—Bro . Pontifex , the esteemed S . W ., and Bro . Tagart .
WEST KENT LODGE ( No . 1297 ) . —Tho installation meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Crystal Palace on Saturday , the 27 th ult , and there were present Bros . R . H . Crowden , VV . AI . ; J . C . Wandraw , S . VV ; VV . G . Kent , J . W . ; W . F . Gardner , S . D . ; Thomas Perrin , J . D . ; J . B . Crump and C . B . Cooke , Stewards ; D . Fullwood , James Crowden , P . G . Phelps , Thomas Archer , AV . Lomas , A . J . Druce . Visitors : VV . Pound ,
P . AL 19 ; E . Dresser Rogers , P . M . 15 ; E . B . Grabham , P . AL 19 ; G . P . Gillard , S . W . 651 ; Alfred Allworth , P . AL 1261 ; E . W . Postans , 1426 ; — Hodge , 127 S ; and W . Lake , P . AL 131 ( Freemason ) . The ceremony of installation was very ably performed by P . AL Grabham , and the proceedings were of more than ordinary interest from the fact that the W . AL , Bro . R . H . Crowden , had been unanimously re-elected to fill that position for another year .
On the re-admission of the Alaster Alasons the usual proclamations were made , and the officers were invested as follows : VV . G . Kent , S . VV . ; VV . Gardner , J . W . ; T . Perrin , S . D . ; AL Vizitelley , J . D . ; II . £ . Stead , P . AL , Treasurer ; J . C . Woodrow , P . AL , Secretary ; C . B . Cooke , I . G . ; Rev . Rosenthal , Chap . ; B . Fullwood , D . C . ; Orange , Organist ; James Crowden and J . B . Crump , Stewards .
The business on the agenda was then proceeded with . Bro . P . G . Phelps was raised to the degree of a ALAL , and Bros . William Lomas and Thomas Archer passed to thc Second Degree . The ballot was then taken for Air . Robert P . Jenkins , Commander Royal Navy , and Air . John Hicks , which vvas satisfactory , and they were duly initiated into our ancient mysteries . A motion that the time of meeting be altered to the 4 th Saturday in
Alarch , April , Afay , June , July , and October was then put and carried , and the lodge vvas closed down and the brethren adjourned toabanquet , presided over by the W . AL After "The Health of thc Queen , " and "H . R . H . the Princelof Wales , " had been honoured , the W . M . proposed "'The Health of those Grand Officers" vvho are appointed to preside over us , and in doing so hoped he was expressing tlie feelings of all the brethren present when he
congratulated Grand Lodge upon the conclusion they came to at the last Quarterly Communication in reference to the important subject of " Uniformity of Ritual , " for if once thc traditions and privileges of any particular lodge were interfered with , dissatisfaction and discord would surely take place , and there would be an end to the unanimity that at present exists amongst us . Bro . Crouch , P . AL , then rose to propose "The Health of the W . AL , Bro . Crowden . " He said it
gave him the greatest pleasure to see the W . AL installed a second time in the chair of that lodge ; he had filled it during the past year with great ability , and vvas well worthy of their esteem , and of thc honour that had been conferred on him . The W . AL , in reply , said : It has been your pleasure , brethren , toagain place me in this honourable chair for another term of office , and I feel deeply the high compliment you have paid me . It has pleased also our P . M .,
Bro . Crouch , to speak of me in such kind aid felicitous terms , that I hardly know how sufficiently to thank him and you for the honour you have done me . I have been to-day reminded , in thewordsof ourbeautiful installation ceremony , that the honour , reputation , and usefulness of a lodge materially depend on a Master in the management of its concerns , and I trust that these points have , in your opinion , been well kept before me , and it gives me much
pleasure to think that the zeal and assiduity which I have attempted to display in the carrying out of these grand objects have met with such a hearty recognition at your hands . It also gives me much gratification in seeing the same good feeling and unanimity still exists throughout the lodge , and 1 think we may now all say with pride and satisfaction we belong to a lodge second to none , viz ., the West Kent , and if I have been the humble means of producing
these results I am sure I have been amply rewarded this day by the honour you have done mc b y placing me again in this chair . I tender you my sincere thanks for this compliment , as well as for your hearty reception of this toast The VV . AI . then proposed "The Health of the Installing Alaster , Bro . Grabham , " and thanked him in the name of the lodge for so kindly coming down to the Crystal Palace and giving them the benefit of his valuable services . The
eloquent and impressive manner in whicii he had rendered the ceremony gave the greatest satisfaction to all . In reply , Bro . Grabham said that it had given him the greatest pleasure to re-instal Bro . Crowden . He was much gratified at the way in which the lodge had progressed under the rule of the Worshipful Alaster ; it had not only'increased in numbers , but they had quality as well . The Worshipful Alaster next proposed "The Health of the Initiates , "
and said if there was one toast more than another that a VV . AI . should give preference to it was the one he was about to propose , viz ., "The Health of the Initiates , " for if they did not introduce their friends into their lodges their Masonic circles would not be complete , they would have little work to do , and their years of office would be wanting in success . It had been his pleasure and privilege that day to initiate Bro . Capt Jenkins ( Royal Navy ) and
Bro . John Hicks , and he trusted by the reception they werc about to accord to this toast they would show the pleasure they had in receiving them into the fraternity as well as to heartily welcome them as members of this particular lodge . By the manner they had gone through their first ceremony he ventured to hope they would look forward with a pleasurable anticipation to their other Degrees , and when , at last , they became M . M . they would be the better enabled to appreciate and distinguish the connection of our
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
whole system , and understand more fully the grand principles upon which our Institution vvas founded . He came across the following thrilling stanza the other day , taken from an old Alasonic poem , the sentiment of which he would leave with the brethren and with
them" Let love abound in all your ways , That all mankind may sec That trust in God is the Keystone Of ancient Alasonry . " The initiates , Bros . Jenkins and Hicks , having suitabl y replied , the VV . M . then gave "The Health of the Visitors , " and coupled the names of Bros . Dr . Allworth and Dresser Rogers . The latter brother responded to
the toast , and expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present . He had many years ago occupied the chair of his lodge , but for a considerable time had not taken his share of the duties . He felt , however , much inclined to return to Freemasonry after what he had seen that evening . He referred to the fact that they could meet there on neutral ground , even in such a time of political excitement , and that many of the political speakers might
take a lesson from Alasonry , and often speak a good word instead of an unkind one . "The Past Masters" followed , Bros . Stead and Crouch responding . The W . AL then proposed "The Health of the Treasurer , Secretary , and Officers of the Lodge , " and , after thanking those brethren ( Bros . Stead and VVoodrow ) for the satisfactory manner in which they had carried out their respectvie duties , gave the following allegory , which he considered adapted itself some
what to this toast : —At one time a number of boats were to cross the river where the current vvas particularly swift and strong ; they all drifted to a greater or a lesser distance from the landing place , reaching it after great difficulty and delay ; but there were two who kept steadily on their path , and arrived at their destination far in advance of the rest . The two boatswains on being asked wh y they had been more successful than the others , replied it was only
by keeping their eyes steadily and firmly fixed upon the point where they had to land , whilst patience and perseverance did thc rest Now , these happy boatswains were our Treasurer and Secretary , who already had reached their landing place ; thc others were the officers of this lodge . Afany were the currents , swift and strong , ready to carry them away from the grand prize they had before them , and the only way to prevent drifting was by maintaining a steads
fast and constant view of thc great ends and aims they had before them . They should be careful to study their respective parts , and perform their allotted tasks to the best of their ability . They would all then add lustre to the beautiful ceremonies of their ancient Institution , and eventually , he trusted , reach their true goal , namely , this honourable chair . Bro . Woodrow , in the absence of Bro . Stead , the Treasurer , replied . He considered that the pleasure of serving the
West Kent Lodge vvas enough to repay him for any trouble or effort he made on its behalf , and , speaking for the officers generally , he believed that whatever they carried out to their own satisfaction would be to the satisfaction of the West Kent Lodge . Bros . Kent , Gardner , Perrin , and Fullwood also replied . The Tyler's toast brought a most enjoyable evening to a close .
During the evening the W . AL announced that the subscriptions on his Stewards' list for the Girls' School amounted to £ 72 3 s . 6 d . We should mention also that the proceedings were enlivened by songs from thc W . AL , Bro . Kent , and liro . Gillard , vvho gave " The Charge of the Light Brigade " in a most effective manner .
ST . DUNSTAN'S LODGE ( No . 1589 ) . —The usual meeting of this lodge took place at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , thc 25 th ult , and was numerously attended . Special interest attached to this meeting , as the brethren had , at the audit of the lodge on thc 24 th February , unanimously passed the following resolution : " That it is desirable to offer to Bro . Tisley some token of esteem and regard in recognition of the very valuable
services he has rendered to the St Dunstan ' s Lodge and Chapter , not only in their formation , but since then as Honorary Secretary , his exertions in those offices very much contributing to the great success attained by the lodge and chapter . " The following brethren were nominated as a committee for carrying out thc above object : Bros . Henry Turner , W . AL 1589 , Chairman ; J . C . Divarbcr , P . M . ; W . Wellsman , P . AL ; f . H . Dodson ,
LP . AL ; VV . AL Praed , P . G . S ., Treasurer ; T . A . Woodbridge , S . VV . ; G . Alanners , J . W . ; G . AlcA . Low , S . D . ; W . H . Clemow , j . D . ; F . Farrington , LG . ; W . Farrington , Organist ; R . H . Clemow , Steward ; T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . Aliddx ., P . S . ; G . H . Mason , E . D . Maddick . Bro . Dalwood vvas requested to act as Treasurer , and Bro . VV . E . Farrington as Honorary Secretary . The proposition was so well received that in
a few days a goodly sum had been collected , all the members of both lodge and chapter , we believe , subscribing , and it was resolved that the presentation should take place at the next meeting of the lodge . The lodge was opened in due form , and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes , two candidates , Air . H . Lyons , and Air . H . T . F . Groves were introduced and initiated , the ceremony being ably performed by the W . AL ,
Bro . Turner . There being no further business , the lodge vvas dul y closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet under the presidency of the W . M . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed from the chair , and received with the customary honours , after whicii Bro . P . M . Dodson proposed "The Health of the W . AL " in very laudatory terms . Bro . Turner responded , thanking Bro . Dodson heartily for the kind expressions he had used
towards him , and the brethren for their reception of the toast The toast of "The Initiates , " responded to by those biethren , and that of " The Visitors , " responded to by Bros . Long , VV . Lake , and Baldwin , followed . " The Past Alasters of St . Dunstan's Lodge " was the next , and was responded to by Bros . Dallvvood and Dodson . Regret was expressed at the absence of P . AL Wellsman , who had been suddenly called out of town . The Worshipful Alaster then gave the toast of "The Treasurer and
Secretary , Bros . Praed and Tisley . " He was sorry that the "Treasurer" vvas not | present , andthe ' more so because of the reason—Bro . Praed was in ill health and had been obliged to resort to a more genial climate than London for some time had afforded . With regard to , the Secretary , Bro . Tisley , he said it would be recollected that a week or two ago it vvas suggested that some sort of recognition of his invaluable ' services both to the lodge and the chapter should be made . " . * . The lodge and
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Sir Christopher Wren.
SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN .
Since I wrote my first note on Sir Christopher Wren I have stumbled upon one or two little matters which deserve , I think , consideration . It seems that King Charles II . laid the first stone of the first pillar of the Royal Exchange , October 23 , 166 7 , and a reference to the " papers" of thc day would give us the names of those present . Hc knighted on that occasion
Denis Gauden and Thomas Davis , Sheriffs of London . Is not this the explanation of thc mallet ? One cannot help thinking , as one surveys the evidence , how true is Bro . Gould ' s remark , that there is no actual historical proof of the fact of Wren being a Freemason . It is not stated until 173 S that Sir Christopher Wren vvas a Freemason by any one , and Anderson ' s
evidence of 173 S is the foundation of all subsequent authorities . I may observe in passing that thc authority of the "AIason ' s Pocket Companions " is very little indeed . I , for one , cannot get over the fact that in 1723 , and up to 1736 , nothing vvas known of the matter of Wren ' s Freemasonry . The authority of the Parentalia is not much , as it is based on Dugdale , whose authority was only ' ut dicitur . On the other hand , there has been this continuous tradition
since 173 S , and there is the evidence , so fas as it goes , of the Lodge of Antiquity . Shroder , the German Ritual reformer , declares that Wren took the direction of the Craft in 1660 , but where he got his authority from "deponent knoweth not" If 'Alulta Paucis" could be relied on , the fact is certain , but , unfortunately , he makes so many mistakes and repeats uncritically so many myths , that we cannot accept his witness , the more so as he is unknown himself , and , as Bro . Gould says , only amplifies Anderson . MASONIC STUDENT .
AIASONIC MEDALS . Brethren in possession of curious and old Alasonic medals of the last century will oblige by communicating their character , or " rubbings , " or sketches to me , as I am most anxious to do justice to English Masonic medallics . These are mostly of silver , and oval . I have already heard of far more than I had any idea existed , and apparently there arc still more to be traced . Did the Alfred Lodge , Oxford , ever issue a medal ? VV . J . HUGHAN .
BRO . GOULD AND THE OLD STATUTES . 1 should like again to draw attention to the remarkable communication b y our able Bro . Robert Freke Gould in the Freemason of Alarch 20 th , entitled "Alasonic Histoo * , " as our Rev . Bro . Woodford has already done in an editorial . To maintain that the word "sign , " referred to on the
Statutes 1495 , & c - (" oil signe ) doesnot mean a Alasonic sign , would quite astonish some , but Bro . Gould proves most clearly that the word then had no such signification as we attach to it in the Act referred to , but reall y meant a "badge , " and what is more , it is rendered quite evident that no statute whatever prior to thc reign of George III . contains any allusion which , by the greatest latitude of
interpretation , can be twisted or converted into a reference or recognition of the Freemasons as a secret society , f fully endorse Bro . Gould's statements on these points in the communication herein noted , and also those of considerable value and research made known in the "Four Old Lodges and their Descendants . "
Facts are vvhat we want , and are now having , instead of fanciful notions and modern traditions ; but such discoveries by Bro . Gould as the above severely shake our confidence in Alasonic historians , even of the German school , and demand that wc in England most carefully test every statement submitted from all sources , including our own . VV . J . HUGHAN .
AIILITARY LODGES . I regret that " Alasonic Student ' s " note does not help me . Regiments throughout the last century were known by the names of their Colonels , and the "Army Lists " ( whicii I have carefully searched ) duly record all who filled , or had filled , such office . General Majarilmnk ' s Regiment I have discovered vvas . 1 corps in thc servic of the States General of the United Provinces , but I cannot
yet ascertain to what bodies of " Horse or " Foot" the title of Duke of York ' s Regiment was applied in 17 G ; , and that of Queen ' s Royal Irish Regiment in 17 G 2 . I shall be very much obliged to any reader of this note vvho will favour me with the names of distinguished military or naval brethren , especially those initiated during the past century in Scotch or Irish lodges . R . F . GOULD .
SIR JOHN PRINGLE . Can any brother inform me whether Sir John Pringle , Bart , President of thc Royal Society , 1772 , was a Freemason ? Alany of the Pringles of "Stichell" ( of which family Sir J . Pringle was a scion ) arc cited as "Craftsmen " by Bro . D . AL Lyon , in the "Notes on Scotch Alasonry , " contributed by him to the now defunct " Freemasons ' Magazine . " R . F . GOULD .
AIASONIC HISTORY ( No . 2 ) . "Alasonic Student" will find the act of Parliament , 11 Henry VII ., cap 3 , in the collection of statutes printed by order of George III ., the ist vol . of which was published in 1 S 10 . Prior to this date , no complete collection had ever been printed , containing all the matters , which at different times , and by different editors , had been published as
statutes . Referring to his comment on my interpretation of the law of 1549 , my object vvas limited to a demonstration of the erroneous construction placed upon this statute by Bros . Findel and Fort ; their contention ( as it seemed tome ) that the City of London on ' y was excepted from the operation of the 154 S Act being very misleading .
R . F . GOULD . P . S . The third footnote at page 131 ante , should read" prior to the accession of Henry the Seventh , " & c .
The Duke and Duchess of Abercorn are staying at Biarritz . VVORUSWORTH ' "COCA PILLS , " thc successful remedy for sleeplessness , neuralgia , and hAv fever . 2 s . per box . Homccpathic Chemist , 6 , Sloanc-strcct , London . —[ ADVT . ]
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft ifcoitrjL LODGE OF ANTIQUITY ( No . 2 ) . —The meeting of this ancient lodge took place on Wednesday week last , under the presidency of Bro . W . Hope , M . D ., I . P . M ., in the unavoidable absence , through indisposition , on the Continent , of Bro . Parker Deacon , TLAL Having disposed of some formal business , the lodge adjourned to the social board , and spent a pleasant and
harevening . We noticed among others the G . S . ; Bros . Hope , Sampson Pierce , Woodford , Barron , Pontifex , Sharon Turner , Rivington , Stephen Pearce , Stuart , Tagart , and Bro . Jekyll , the able Organist The Lodge of Antiquity sends up two Stewards to the Girls' School Festival this year—Bro . Pontifex , the esteemed S . W ., and Bro . Tagart .
WEST KENT LODGE ( No . 1297 ) . —Tho installation meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Crystal Palace on Saturday , the 27 th ult , and there were present Bros . R . H . Crowden , VV . AI . ; J . C . Wandraw , S . VV ; VV . G . Kent , J . W . ; W . F . Gardner , S . D . ; Thomas Perrin , J . D . ; J . B . Crump and C . B . Cooke , Stewards ; D . Fullwood , James Crowden , P . G . Phelps , Thomas Archer , AV . Lomas , A . J . Druce . Visitors : VV . Pound ,
P . AL 19 ; E . Dresser Rogers , P . M . 15 ; E . B . Grabham , P . AL 19 ; G . P . Gillard , S . W . 651 ; Alfred Allworth , P . AL 1261 ; E . W . Postans , 1426 ; — Hodge , 127 S ; and W . Lake , P . AL 131 ( Freemason ) . The ceremony of installation was very ably performed by P . AL Grabham , and the proceedings were of more than ordinary interest from the fact that the W . AL , Bro . R . H . Crowden , had been unanimously re-elected to fill that position for another year .
On the re-admission of the Alaster Alasons the usual proclamations were made , and the officers were invested as follows : VV . G . Kent , S . VV . ; VV . Gardner , J . W . ; T . Perrin , S . D . ; AL Vizitelley , J . D . ; II . £ . Stead , P . AL , Treasurer ; J . C . Woodrow , P . AL , Secretary ; C . B . Cooke , I . G . ; Rev . Rosenthal , Chap . ; B . Fullwood , D . C . ; Orange , Organist ; James Crowden and J . B . Crump , Stewards .
The business on the agenda was then proceeded with . Bro . P . G . Phelps was raised to the degree of a ALAL , and Bros . William Lomas and Thomas Archer passed to thc Second Degree . The ballot was then taken for Air . Robert P . Jenkins , Commander Royal Navy , and Air . John Hicks , which vvas satisfactory , and they were duly initiated into our ancient mysteries . A motion that the time of meeting be altered to the 4 th Saturday in
Alarch , April , Afay , June , July , and October was then put and carried , and the lodge vvas closed down and the brethren adjourned toabanquet , presided over by the W . AL After "The Health of thc Queen , " and "H . R . H . the Princelof Wales , " had been honoured , the W . M . proposed "'The Health of those Grand Officers" vvho are appointed to preside over us , and in doing so hoped he was expressing tlie feelings of all the brethren present when he
congratulated Grand Lodge upon the conclusion they came to at the last Quarterly Communication in reference to the important subject of " Uniformity of Ritual , " for if once thc traditions and privileges of any particular lodge were interfered with , dissatisfaction and discord would surely take place , and there would be an end to the unanimity that at present exists amongst us . Bro . Crouch , P . AL , then rose to propose "The Health of the W . AL , Bro . Crowden . " He said it
gave him the greatest pleasure to see the W . AL installed a second time in the chair of that lodge ; he had filled it during the past year with great ability , and vvas well worthy of their esteem , and of thc honour that had been conferred on him . The W . AL , in reply , said : It has been your pleasure , brethren , toagain place me in this honourable chair for another term of office , and I feel deeply the high compliment you have paid me . It has pleased also our P . M .,
Bro . Crouch , to speak of me in such kind aid felicitous terms , that I hardly know how sufficiently to thank him and you for the honour you have done me . I have been to-day reminded , in thewordsof ourbeautiful installation ceremony , that the honour , reputation , and usefulness of a lodge materially depend on a Master in the management of its concerns , and I trust that these points have , in your opinion , been well kept before me , and it gives me much
pleasure to think that the zeal and assiduity which I have attempted to display in the carrying out of these grand objects have met with such a hearty recognition at your hands . It also gives me much gratification in seeing the same good feeling and unanimity still exists throughout the lodge , and 1 think we may now all say with pride and satisfaction we belong to a lodge second to none , viz ., the West Kent , and if I have been the humble means of producing
these results I am sure I have been amply rewarded this day by the honour you have done mc b y placing me again in this chair . I tender you my sincere thanks for this compliment , as well as for your hearty reception of this toast The VV . AI . then proposed "The Health of the Installing Alaster , Bro . Grabham , " and thanked him in the name of the lodge for so kindly coming down to the Crystal Palace and giving them the benefit of his valuable services . The
eloquent and impressive manner in whicii he had rendered the ceremony gave the greatest satisfaction to all . In reply , Bro . Grabham said that it had given him the greatest pleasure to re-instal Bro . Crowden . He was much gratified at the way in which the lodge had progressed under the rule of the Worshipful Alaster ; it had not only'increased in numbers , but they had quality as well . The Worshipful Alaster next proposed "The Health of the Initiates , "
and said if there was one toast more than another that a VV . AI . should give preference to it was the one he was about to propose , viz ., "The Health of the Initiates , " for if they did not introduce their friends into their lodges their Masonic circles would not be complete , they would have little work to do , and their years of office would be wanting in success . It had been his pleasure and privilege that day to initiate Bro . Capt Jenkins ( Royal Navy ) and
Bro . John Hicks , and he trusted by the reception they werc about to accord to this toast they would show the pleasure they had in receiving them into the fraternity as well as to heartily welcome them as members of this particular lodge . By the manner they had gone through their first ceremony he ventured to hope they would look forward with a pleasurable anticipation to their other Degrees , and when , at last , they became M . M . they would be the better enabled to appreciate and distinguish the connection of our
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
whole system , and understand more fully the grand principles upon which our Institution vvas founded . He came across the following thrilling stanza the other day , taken from an old Alasonic poem , the sentiment of which he would leave with the brethren and with
them" Let love abound in all your ways , That all mankind may sec That trust in God is the Keystone Of ancient Alasonry . " The initiates , Bros . Jenkins and Hicks , having suitabl y replied , the VV . M . then gave "The Health of the Visitors , " and coupled the names of Bros . Dr . Allworth and Dresser Rogers . The latter brother responded to
the toast , and expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present . He had many years ago occupied the chair of his lodge , but for a considerable time had not taken his share of the duties . He felt , however , much inclined to return to Freemasonry after what he had seen that evening . He referred to the fact that they could meet there on neutral ground , even in such a time of political excitement , and that many of the political speakers might
take a lesson from Alasonry , and often speak a good word instead of an unkind one . "The Past Masters" followed , Bros . Stead and Crouch responding . The W . AL then proposed "The Health of the Treasurer , Secretary , and Officers of the Lodge , " and , after thanking those brethren ( Bros . Stead and VVoodrow ) for the satisfactory manner in which they had carried out their respectvie duties , gave the following allegory , which he considered adapted itself some
what to this toast : —At one time a number of boats were to cross the river where the current vvas particularly swift and strong ; they all drifted to a greater or a lesser distance from the landing place , reaching it after great difficulty and delay ; but there were two who kept steadily on their path , and arrived at their destination far in advance of the rest . The two boatswains on being asked wh y they had been more successful than the others , replied it was only
by keeping their eyes steadily and firmly fixed upon the point where they had to land , whilst patience and perseverance did thc rest Now , these happy boatswains were our Treasurer and Secretary , who already had reached their landing place ; thc others were the officers of this lodge . Afany were the currents , swift and strong , ready to carry them away from the grand prize they had before them , and the only way to prevent drifting was by maintaining a steads
fast and constant view of thc great ends and aims they had before them . They should be careful to study their respective parts , and perform their allotted tasks to the best of their ability . They would all then add lustre to the beautiful ceremonies of their ancient Institution , and eventually , he trusted , reach their true goal , namely , this honourable chair . Bro . Woodrow , in the absence of Bro . Stead , the Treasurer , replied . He considered that the pleasure of serving the
West Kent Lodge vvas enough to repay him for any trouble or effort he made on its behalf , and , speaking for the officers generally , he believed that whatever they carried out to their own satisfaction would be to the satisfaction of the West Kent Lodge . Bros . Kent , Gardner , Perrin , and Fullwood also replied . The Tyler's toast brought a most enjoyable evening to a close .
During the evening the W . AL announced that the subscriptions on his Stewards' list for the Girls' School amounted to £ 72 3 s . 6 d . We should mention also that the proceedings were enlivened by songs from thc W . AL , Bro . Kent , and liro . Gillard , vvho gave " The Charge of the Light Brigade " in a most effective manner .
ST . DUNSTAN'S LODGE ( No . 1589 ) . —The usual meeting of this lodge took place at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , thc 25 th ult , and was numerously attended . Special interest attached to this meeting , as the brethren had , at the audit of the lodge on thc 24 th February , unanimously passed the following resolution : " That it is desirable to offer to Bro . Tisley some token of esteem and regard in recognition of the very valuable
services he has rendered to the St Dunstan ' s Lodge and Chapter , not only in their formation , but since then as Honorary Secretary , his exertions in those offices very much contributing to the great success attained by the lodge and chapter . " The following brethren were nominated as a committee for carrying out thc above object : Bros . Henry Turner , W . AL 1589 , Chairman ; J . C . Divarbcr , P . M . ; W . Wellsman , P . AL ; f . H . Dodson ,
LP . AL ; VV . AL Praed , P . G . S ., Treasurer ; T . A . Woodbridge , S . VV . ; G . Alanners , J . W . ; G . AlcA . Low , S . D . ; W . H . Clemow , j . D . ; F . Farrington , LG . ; W . Farrington , Organist ; R . H . Clemow , Steward ; T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . Aliddx ., P . S . ; G . H . Mason , E . D . Maddick . Bro . Dalwood vvas requested to act as Treasurer , and Bro . VV . E . Farrington as Honorary Secretary . The proposition was so well received that in
a few days a goodly sum had been collected , all the members of both lodge and chapter , we believe , subscribing , and it was resolved that the presentation should take place at the next meeting of the lodge . The lodge was opened in due form , and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes , two candidates , Air . H . Lyons , and Air . H . T . F . Groves were introduced and initiated , the ceremony being ably performed by the W . AL ,
Bro . Turner . There being no further business , the lodge vvas dul y closed , and the brethren adjourned to a banquet under the presidency of the W . M . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed from the chair , and received with the customary honours , after whicii Bro . P . M . Dodson proposed "The Health of the W . AL " in very laudatory terms . Bro . Turner responded , thanking Bro . Dodson heartily for the kind expressions he had used
towards him , and the brethren for their reception of the toast The toast of "The Initiates , " responded to by those biethren , and that of " The Visitors , " responded to by Bros . Long , VV . Lake , and Baldwin , followed . " The Past Alasters of St . Dunstan's Lodge " was the next , and was responded to by Bros . Dallvvood and Dodson . Regret was expressed at the absence of P . AL Wellsman , who had been suddenly called out of town . The Worshipful Alaster then gave the toast of "The Treasurer and
Secretary , Bros . Praed and Tisley . " He was sorry that the "Treasurer" vvas not | present , andthe ' more so because of the reason—Bro . Praed was in ill health and had been obliged to resort to a more genial climate than London for some time had afforded . With regard to , the Secretary , Bro . Tisley , he said it would be recollected that a week or two ago it vvas suggested that some sort of recognition of his invaluable ' services both to the lodge and the chapter should be made . " . * . The lodge and