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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Ambrose W . Hall , Chap . ; Stephen C . Dibdin , Treas . ; F . VV . Ramsay , Sec ; R . A . Pritchard , S . W . ; John Shortt , J . W , ; C . Berney Brown , S . D . ; Ernest Field , J . D . ; C . Sandys , I . G . ; P . Berney Brown , Wyatt , W . Turnor , R . Ffynes Barrett-Lennard , Arthur R . Ruddall , Chas . Haig , anrl R . H . P . Schooles .
BRIXTON LODGE ( No . 1949 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Brixton Hall on Saturday last . Bro . H . Lovegrove , W . M ., opened the lodge at G . 30 p . m ., assisted by Bros . T . Poore , as I . P . M . ; H . B . Marshall , S . W . ; VV . E . Farrington , J . W . ; W . Day , Treas . ; A . ] . Cox , Sec ; H . Baldwin , J . D . ; C . Kipling , I . G . ; R . Poore , W . S . ; W . Farrington ,
Organist ; and J . Daly , Tyler . I here was a good attendance of members and several visitors including Bros . James Stevens , P . M . ; Tarr , I . G . 1293 ; E . Store , S . D . 167 ; T . Blake , P . M . 945 ; G . W . Knight , J . D . 1507 ; J . Bate , W . M . 72 ; W . H . Paddle , W . M . 1 S 51 ; G . Moss , " P . M . 1201 ; C . Lee , 1 G 24 ; H . Barnard , 1 S 15 ; G . J . Dawson , I . P . M . 1 S 53 ; and C . J . Scales , P . M . 1507 . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the
regular and emergency meetings the ballot was taken for Mr . C . J . Dore , and he was duly initiated . Bro . T . Poore was heartily thanked for his services during the first year of the existence of the lodge and was also elected an honorary member . Bro . H . B . Marshall was then presented to Bro . Lovegrove , VV . M ., and duly installed , the ceremony being
given in extenso by the Installing Olliccr except the address to the Wardens which was given by Bro . J . Stevens and that to the brethren by Bro . T . Poore who officiated as D . C . The officers invested were as follows : Bros . W . E . Farrington , S . W . ; Firtli Groves , J . W . ; W . Day , Treas . ; H . Lovegrove , Sec . ; H . Baldwin , S . D . ; C . Kipling , J . D . ; J . Colyer , I . G . ; R . Poore , M . C ; VV . Farrington , Org . ; Axford and Newbey , Stewards , and J . Daley , Tyler .
The VV . M . then presented to the lodge a very handsomely bound bible with cushion for same , and attached to the breast of the I . P . M . a very tasteful P . Ms ' , jewel voted by the lodge . The lodge room looked very nice with the new furniture in dark oak supplied by Bro . George Kenning , and the chairs and pedestals by Bro . G . VV . Knight . There was no banquet and after drinking the health of the VV . M . the members dispersed .
SAINT MARY ABBOTT'S LODGE ( No . 1974 ) . —The installation meeting of this highly successful Westend lodge was held at the Town Hall , Kensington , on Thursday , 25 th inst ., and was numerously attended both by members and visitors . The lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock by the VV . M ., Bro . Capt . Adolphus Nicols , assisted by V . W . Bro . the Rev . VV . Ambrose Hall , P . G .
Chap ., as S . W . ; VV . Bro . Francis Compton , as J . W ., and the other officers of the lodge . Amongst the visitors were R . W . Bro . Hugh David Sandeman , P . District Grand Master of Bengal ; W . Bros . Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; Col . G . Haldane , P . D . D . G . Master Malta ; J . Jordan , W . M . of Grand Stewards Lodge ; VV . H . Kempster ; and many others .
After the usual routine business , the ceremony of raising Bros . Bauke and Beavis was proceeded with , and the W . M . ably supported by the oflicers of the lodge conferred the degree in a very impressive manner , showing considerable knowledge of Masonic work and creating additional interest b y illustrating as he proceeded the way in which this beautiful ceremony is performed in India .
The next business was the installation of the W . M . for the ensuing year . VV . Bro . Capt . A . Nicols , P . D . G . S . of VVks . Punjab , having been unanimously re-elected to serve a second term of office , then vacated the eastern chair in favour of R . W . Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman , who after a short but telling address to the brethren , in which he expressed the pleasure it gave him of being invited to
perform the ceremony of installation in the Saint Mary Abbotts Lodge , of which he had heard such good accounts , stated that he had known Bro . Capt . Nicols for more than 20 years in Masonry , proceeded with the ritual and most deservedly earned the cordial applause of all present . The Worshipful Master then appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year , delivering a short address to each on the nature of his office , Bros . Capt . Charles
Compton , S . VV . ; the Rev . VV . Francis , J . W . ; Alfred Williams , and Reuben C . Green , Deacons ; Francis Compton , D . of C . ; and H . Rockingham Gill , I . G . Bros . Jas . Green , who had been elected at the last regular meeting , and G . Capper Harding were severally invested as Treasurer and Secretary . A vote of thanks was accorded to the Installing Officer , who was at the same time elected an honorary member for life by acclamation . The lodge was then closed in perfect harmony and the brethren retired to the banqueting room .
BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . — Thursday , the 1 st inst ., was the day fixed for the installation of the new W . M ., Bro . Edward J . Bush Mercer , and the members were summoned for three p . m . at the Masonic Hall , when it was stated that the lodge would be opened at that hour precisely , which was most desirable , as contrary to usual practice an initiation was announced to take place
in addition to the special business of the day . Disregard of the injunction of punctuality which led to a delay of more than half-an-hour rendered necessary a considerable curtailment of the work and irregularity as to the banquet . The brethren having assembled in the hall the procession of officers and P . Ms , entered , the VV . M ., Bro . Cater , who was suffering from illness but pluckily determined to fulfil
his duties to the last , having already taken his seat in the chair . He opened the lodge supported by his officers , Bros . T . P . Ashley , P . M .. P . P . G . J . VV ., Treas . ; C . VV . Radwav , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., as Sec ; Dr . H . Hopkins , PM . 41 . 4 " ! , Q 5 S , P . P . G . S . W . Warwickshire , as I . P . M . ; T . Wilton , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., Dir of Cers ; E . J . B . MercerS . W . ; F . Wilkinson , P . M ., as J . W . ; I . Ames ,
, S . D . ; VV . Peach , J . D .: T . E . Wilton , I . G . ; VV . L . Baldwin , Org . ; W . B . Gregory and J . G . Wilton , Stewards ; and Bigwood , 'Tyler . In addition to the P . Ms , already mentioned there were Bros . J . Ruble , P . P . G . J . W . ; T . Moutrie , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . S . Turner , P . P . G . SJJ . ; l
S . G . Mitchell , P . P . G . D . C ; P . Iiraham , -. r . L ,. Urg . Many members of the lodge were present . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the D . P . G . M ., Bro . R . C . Else , G . J . D . of England , was announced , and on enteiingwas escorted by P . G . Officers , and received with the accustomed honours and placed at
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
the right of the W . M . He was . immediately succeeded by the following members of No . * 53 , * who were received in a similar manner : Bros . E . , T ; : Payne , P . M . and P . G . D . ; Col . J . R . Ford , P . M : ; - . 'J ., . H ' . Willson , VV . M . ; J . A . Timmins , Sec ; J . B . ; , VyilIson , J . W . ; J . Sumsion , P . M . ; H . F . Gould , B . A ;' Dyer , and C . B . Smith . Next came the following members of 90 G in procession , who were also greeted : Bros . W . Williamson , W . M ., P . M ., and P . P . G .
D . C . ; L . Howes , P . M ., and P . P . G . A . D . C . ; J . Stuckcv , P . M ., and P . P . G . P . ; F . Glover , S . W . ; J . Hayward , P . S . W . ; J . Knight , S . D . ; J . Banks , I . G . ; W . H . Baker , R . Bull , W . H . Young , W . Clements , and C . Pinket , Tyler . Other visitors were Bros . Col . G . V . Law , P . M ., and P . G . D . Madras ; VV . A . Scott , P . M ., and P . P . G . S . VV . Bristol ; Capt . VV . Wellman , P . S . W . 563 ; J . H . Macfarlane , P . M . 1296 ; Rev . M . N . Nathan , P . M . 239 ,
Kingston , Jamaica ; W . Ellis , P . M . 599 , Oxon ; J . 1 . Knight , 446 , P . P . G . A . P . ; J . E . Allen , 279 ; and A . Warden , 54 S . The anthem " Behold how good , " & c , was sung by the choir . All preliminaries having been arranged the lodge was opened , when Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins made a presentation to the lodge , accompanying it with the following address to the W . M .:
Worshipful and dear Bro . Carter , you have just performed your last act as the occupant of the chair before proceeding to install your successor in it , and such being the case I beg to address a few words to you , in which 1 feel sure that 1 shall have the support and sympathy of our brethren , even though I may perhaps be somewhat out of order . I have now entered on the tenth year of my residence among you in Bath , and though , as a stranger , I at
first had some difficulty to encounter , on the whole my retrospect is an agreeable one , as I have received so many proofs of the confidence and kindly feelings of the brethren since they became aware of my desire and earnest efforts to enhance the character of this ancient lodge , and my determination to allow no obstacles arising from petty jealousies to present me from endeavouring to promote its interests , instead , as was supposed , of destroying its high
character and ruining its future prospects . My position on this platform as a P . M . of 41 is a justification of the course I have pursued . In the Royal Cumberland Lodge it is not usual to mark the sense which the brethren entertain of the conduct of a W . M . on his retirement from the first chair by presenting a jewel to him , and 1 believe that experience shows that you are right , since in many cases it becomes a custom irrespective of success and efficiency ,
though doubtless it is very agreeable to the recipient to be able to wear a visible token of the approval of his efforts . You are aware however that I have found a substitute by offering one of the Masonic charts , constructed and executed by my own hand , to every Master who has not only ruled the lodge well but has proved his competency to perform the ceremonies , as well as to those of the Past Masters who occupied the chair before I came among you , of whose
merits I would judge only by observing the continued interest they take in our proceedings , as shown by the regularity of their attendance in our assemblies and especially by keeping up their knowledge of the rituals , thus rendering themselves able as well as willing to fill any temporary vacancies caused by the absence of the proper officers . The personal labour and the time 1 spend on each chart renders it improbable that it will be
presented to any one who has not merited it . To you W . M . I cannot pay such a compliment , however little it may be worthy of acceptance , because your repeated acts of private personal kindness led me long ago thus to mark my sense of them , and as in some other instances a subsequent repetition of them induced me to offer an ecclesiastical chart to your partner in life , it became my duty therefore to endeavour to find other appropriate means of
showingljmy appreciation of your services in the chair of K . S ., and f may add that the acquirement of the rituals at your age , with the heavy strain on the mind and memory by extensive mercantile and public engagements , affords a high example to much younger men , who sometimes plead far inferior occupations and responsibilities as an excuse for omission to make the requisite preparation . I now solicit your permission to allow the Secretary to read the
inscriptions which appear at the front and back of this frame . [ The Secretary read : Front— " Photographed from a list of Masonic lodges , engraved by Monsr . Picart in 1735 , which he arranged from the official roll , published by John Pine ( London ) . The " signs" of the houses or taverns at which the lodges were held are exhibited , and both the lodges which assembled at Bath , of A . l > . 172 S and A . I ) . 1733 ( Royal Cumberland ) are inserted . " Back— " This valuable
photograph was placed at the disposal of Bro . Dr . Henry Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W . for Warwickshire , P . M . 41 , 43 , and 95 S , by Bro . William J . Hughan , P . G . D . of the Grand Lodge of England , P . M . 131 , & c , & c , and an honorary member of this lodge . Dr . Hopkins having arranged and mounted it , now presents it framed to the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , at the installation meeting , February 1 st , i 8 S 3 , as a compliment to Bro . Richard Bryant Cater
on his retirement from the Mastership of the lodge . " ] Worshipful Master , at the conclusion of the business the brethren will have an opportunity of examining this beautiful and interesting document . At the top is a portrait of Sir Richard Steele , the first of the modern class of essayists , who at the beginning of the last century brought out the " Tatler , " and afterwards with Addison and others the " Spectator . " Why this portrait is placed there I
know not . Above it is thecoat-of-arms with themotto "J ' ay bonne cause " of the Viscount Montacute , or Montagu , by whom as the Grand Master at the period , you will find that the warrant of the lodge was signed with the latter mode of spelling the name , and lhe addition of the letter c , thus making it Montague . 1 mention this especially because I have discovered that these arms and motto are now borne by the present Marquis of Bath , a
matter of no little interest to us . At my age , considerably beyond the three score years and ten , I cannot expect to be with you long , and even should the G . A . O . T . U . prolong my life it is improbable that my eyes and fingers will obey the accustomed call upon them for future Masters ; but be assured while any energy and strength shall be allowed me they shall not fail to repay the many acts of kindness 1
have received from members of No . 41 by my endeavours to promote the interests ofjthe lodge . Nor must I forget my mother lodge , No . 43 , whose antiquity and celebrity extend nearly as far back , the difference in the date of the warrants being only a few months in the year 1733 . Last week , on the 35 th anniversary of my initiation as a Mason and the 32 nd of my installation as W . M ., I visited St .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Paul's Lodge , No . 43 , to assist in celebrating the third jubilee , when you , W . M ., kindly forwarded hearty congratulations on behalf of No . 41 , which 1 was desired as fully to reciprocate to the Royal Cumberland Lodge . Thus belonging to both , my first and my last love , I have become as it were a link between two old lodges , which the W . M . happily designated " twin sisters . " In the course of the evening you will no doubt hear more on the subject from the
I . P . M . and Bro . Robinson , who kindly accompanied me to Birmingham . Even after I have been summoned to the Grand Lodge above I trust proof will not be wanting that both these bodies , as well as others in which during my Masonic career I have been interested , have been in my thoughts to the end . May the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , and the St . Paul ' s Lodge , No . 43 , continue to prosper in the future as they have done in the past and vie
with each other in maintaining the character and grand principles of the Order by brotherly love , relief , and truth , faith , hope , and above all , charity . Bro . Radway , I . P . M ., followed with another presentation , consisting of a framed artist ' s proof of a fine full length portrait of the respected D . P . G . M ., which he said that he had obtained with the intention of hanging it in his own residence that he might constantly be reminded of an eminent
brother who held so high a place in his regard , but on reconsideration he thought its most appropriate place % vould be as highly appreciated by all the brethren as by himself ; moreover , the pleasure he had in presenting it was increased by the fact that it occurred during the Mastership of Bro . Cater , to whom he desired it to be regarded as a compliment , as in the previous presentation , before vacating the chair . The Worshipful Master responded to the remarks of the
two donors ; first , on behalf of the lodge gratefully accepting the two presents , the latter of which would for a long series of years remind the brethren of the D . P . G . M ., who had done so much for the Order in the province and has always been ready to answer any demands upon him , when in the natural course of events he may be removed from this world ; but he trusted that day was far distant , for without his genial presence an installation meeting would be
shorn of half its glory . As regarded Bro . Dr . Hopkins , he would remark that his handsome and unique present was another addition to the many proofs he asjwell as his friend , Bro . Hughan , had given of his desire to promote the interests of the lodge ; and farther than this he had personally to thank him and Bro . Radway for valuable help and instruction in his preparation for the duties of the chair , which would henceforth devolve upon his successor , and
more particularly in enabling him to undertake the duties of Installing Master . Bros . Ashley and T . Wilton , two of the oldest Past Masters ot the lodge , then presented Bro . Edwd . J . B . Mercer , as having been elected by the lodge to fill the chair of W . M . during the ensuing year , and he was then regularly installed in the chair of K . S . by Bro . Cater , who was afterwards invested as I . P . M . The loving cup
presented by Bro . Dr . Hopkins in his year of Mastership was introduced , and the health and success of the new W . M . were drank by each of the twenty-four Past Masters present . The Board of Installed Masters was closed and the customary processions , salutations , greetings , and proclamations , with the presentation of the working tools , warrant , constitutions , and bye-laws to the W . M ., were conducted by the Installing Master .
Bro . Mercer appointed and invested his officers as follows 5 , , - ,- - P - £ # *> PM - Trcas -J Kadway , ? -M - > Sec ; T . Wilton P . M ., D . of C . ; J . Ruble , P . M ., S . VV . ; T . Ames , J . W . ; VV . Peach , S . D . ; T . E . VVilton , J . D . ; VV . L . Baldwin , I . G . ; Gregory and J . G . VVilton , Stewards ; and Bigwood , Tyler . The Installing Master gave the charge to the new VV . M ., and those to the Wardens and brethren were given by Bro . Dr . Hopkins .
1 he Worshipful Master in appropriate terms renewed his thanks to the members for the honourable position in which he was placed , and especially to his predecessor for the efficient manner in which the ceremony had been performed and for the pains he had taken when in a condition of so much suffering . Mr . Henry Moody was then initiated , the symbolism of the working tools being explained by the S . D . Owing to the lateness of the hour the delivery of the charge was
postponed . ™ ii £ Worshipful Master proposed a vote of thanks to the D . I . G . M . for his attendance , which was carried by acclamation , the D . P . G . M . acknowledging the same very briefly as another opportunity would be afforded in the evening . The same remark applies to the visitors generally . A candidate was proposed for initiation and a brother as a joining member . In the case of a necessitous widow of a
Mason a committee of inquiry was appointed with power to act within certain limits , and other business was transacted . Briefly , for reasons already given and also as having spoken on the subject in his address to Bro . Cater , Bro . Dr . Hopkins proposed a most cordial acknowledgment of the services rendered to the lodge by him during his year of Mastership , and especially in having so satisfactorily
installed his successor under pain which would have induced many men to shrink from it . Bro . Radway seconded the proposition , which was carried by acclamation . The lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to the Grand Pump Room Hotel for the annual banquet , the management and completeness of which were all that the most fastidious could desire . The usual toasts were of course honoured , interspersed with songs and complimentary speeches . .
MANCHESTER . -Lodge of Affability ( No . ? ! - — r . " sual , ° ntnly meeting of this lodge was held in the Freemasons Hall , Cooper-street , on Thursday , the istinst . Present : Bros . J Wilson , VV . M . ; VV . J . Cunliffe , S - - j J-W . Edwards , J . W . ; W . Nicholl , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Smith , Sec . ; I . G . Elderton , J . D . ; J . Bladon , P . M . ft , '» ¦ 9 i ' l 3 lC ' J" Garside , G . C . Friihling Org . ; W . B . Akermann and A . Wild , Stds . ; J . Sly , Tyler ; las Dawson , P . M . ; II . WalmsleyP . M . Daniel Donbavand 3
, ; , T , R i-f i , ?' i , '„ ^' - J' ^ ry Samuels , Dr . C . J . Rix ' , . I . E . Middlehursl , R . lomhns , and R . R . Lisenden , S D ( Freemason ) . Visitors : Bros . Geo . Flint , 12 S 7 , London ; and W . R . Williams , 152 . The lodge was opened and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . 'The ballot was taken for rirp . Hopwood , of the Silent 'Temple Lodge , Burnley , and being declared in his favour he was elected . 'The ballot was next taken for Mr . Isaac Pearson , and was also favourable
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Ambrose W . Hall , Chap . ; Stephen C . Dibdin , Treas . ; F . VV . Ramsay , Sec ; R . A . Pritchard , S . W . ; John Shortt , J . W , ; C . Berney Brown , S . D . ; Ernest Field , J . D . ; C . Sandys , I . G . ; P . Berney Brown , Wyatt , W . Turnor , R . Ffynes Barrett-Lennard , Arthur R . Ruddall , Chas . Haig , anrl R . H . P . Schooles .
BRIXTON LODGE ( No . 1949 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Brixton Hall on Saturday last . Bro . H . Lovegrove , W . M ., opened the lodge at G . 30 p . m ., assisted by Bros . T . Poore , as I . P . M . ; H . B . Marshall , S . W . ; VV . E . Farrington , J . W . ; W . Day , Treas . ; A . ] . Cox , Sec ; H . Baldwin , J . D . ; C . Kipling , I . G . ; R . Poore , W . S . ; W . Farrington ,
Organist ; and J . Daly , Tyler . I here was a good attendance of members and several visitors including Bros . James Stevens , P . M . ; Tarr , I . G . 1293 ; E . Store , S . D . 167 ; T . Blake , P . M . 945 ; G . W . Knight , J . D . 1507 ; J . Bate , W . M . 72 ; W . H . Paddle , W . M . 1 S 51 ; G . Moss , " P . M . 1201 ; C . Lee , 1 G 24 ; H . Barnard , 1 S 15 ; G . J . Dawson , I . P . M . 1 S 53 ; and C . J . Scales , P . M . 1507 . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the
regular and emergency meetings the ballot was taken for Mr . C . J . Dore , and he was duly initiated . Bro . T . Poore was heartily thanked for his services during the first year of the existence of the lodge and was also elected an honorary member . Bro . H . B . Marshall was then presented to Bro . Lovegrove , VV . M ., and duly installed , the ceremony being
given in extenso by the Installing Olliccr except the address to the Wardens which was given by Bro . J . Stevens and that to the brethren by Bro . T . Poore who officiated as D . C . The officers invested were as follows : Bros . W . E . Farrington , S . W . ; Firtli Groves , J . W . ; W . Day , Treas . ; H . Lovegrove , Sec . ; H . Baldwin , S . D . ; C . Kipling , J . D . ; J . Colyer , I . G . ; R . Poore , M . C ; VV . Farrington , Org . ; Axford and Newbey , Stewards , and J . Daley , Tyler .
The VV . M . then presented to the lodge a very handsomely bound bible with cushion for same , and attached to the breast of the I . P . M . a very tasteful P . Ms ' , jewel voted by the lodge . The lodge room looked very nice with the new furniture in dark oak supplied by Bro . George Kenning , and the chairs and pedestals by Bro . G . VV . Knight . There was no banquet and after drinking the health of the VV . M . the members dispersed .
SAINT MARY ABBOTT'S LODGE ( No . 1974 ) . —The installation meeting of this highly successful Westend lodge was held at the Town Hall , Kensington , on Thursday , 25 th inst ., and was numerously attended both by members and visitors . The lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock by the VV . M ., Bro . Capt . Adolphus Nicols , assisted by V . W . Bro . the Rev . VV . Ambrose Hall , P . G .
Chap ., as S . W . ; VV . Bro . Francis Compton , as J . W ., and the other officers of the lodge . Amongst the visitors were R . W . Bro . Hugh David Sandeman , P . District Grand Master of Bengal ; W . Bros . Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; Col . G . Haldane , P . D . D . G . Master Malta ; J . Jordan , W . M . of Grand Stewards Lodge ; VV . H . Kempster ; and many others .
After the usual routine business , the ceremony of raising Bros . Bauke and Beavis was proceeded with , and the W . M . ably supported by the oflicers of the lodge conferred the degree in a very impressive manner , showing considerable knowledge of Masonic work and creating additional interest b y illustrating as he proceeded the way in which this beautiful ceremony is performed in India .
The next business was the installation of the W . M . for the ensuing year . VV . Bro . Capt . A . Nicols , P . D . G . S . of VVks . Punjab , having been unanimously re-elected to serve a second term of office , then vacated the eastern chair in favour of R . W . Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman , who after a short but telling address to the brethren , in which he expressed the pleasure it gave him of being invited to
perform the ceremony of installation in the Saint Mary Abbotts Lodge , of which he had heard such good accounts , stated that he had known Bro . Capt . Nicols for more than 20 years in Masonry , proceeded with the ritual and most deservedly earned the cordial applause of all present . The Worshipful Master then appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year , delivering a short address to each on the nature of his office , Bros . Capt . Charles
Compton , S . VV . ; the Rev . VV . Francis , J . W . ; Alfred Williams , and Reuben C . Green , Deacons ; Francis Compton , D . of C . ; and H . Rockingham Gill , I . G . Bros . Jas . Green , who had been elected at the last regular meeting , and G . Capper Harding were severally invested as Treasurer and Secretary . A vote of thanks was accorded to the Installing Officer , who was at the same time elected an honorary member for life by acclamation . The lodge was then closed in perfect harmony and the brethren retired to the banqueting room .
BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . — Thursday , the 1 st inst ., was the day fixed for the installation of the new W . M ., Bro . Edward J . Bush Mercer , and the members were summoned for three p . m . at the Masonic Hall , when it was stated that the lodge would be opened at that hour precisely , which was most desirable , as contrary to usual practice an initiation was announced to take place
in addition to the special business of the day . Disregard of the injunction of punctuality which led to a delay of more than half-an-hour rendered necessary a considerable curtailment of the work and irregularity as to the banquet . The brethren having assembled in the hall the procession of officers and P . Ms , entered , the VV . M ., Bro . Cater , who was suffering from illness but pluckily determined to fulfil
his duties to the last , having already taken his seat in the chair . He opened the lodge supported by his officers , Bros . T . P . Ashley , P . M .. P . P . G . J . VV ., Treas . ; C . VV . Radwav , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W ., as Sec ; Dr . H . Hopkins , PM . 41 . 4 " ! , Q 5 S , P . P . G . S . W . Warwickshire , as I . P . M . ; T . Wilton , P . M ., P . P . G . J . W ., Dir of Cers ; E . J . B . MercerS . W . ; F . Wilkinson , P . M ., as J . W . ; I . Ames ,
, S . D . ; VV . Peach , J . D .: T . E . Wilton , I . G . ; VV . L . Baldwin , Org . ; W . B . Gregory and J . G . Wilton , Stewards ; and Bigwood , 'Tyler . In addition to the P . Ms , already mentioned there were Bros . J . Ruble , P . P . G . J . W . ; T . Moutrie , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . S . Turner , P . P . G . SJJ . ; l
S . G . Mitchell , P . P . G . D . C ; P . Iiraham , -. r . L ,. Urg . Many members of the lodge were present . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the D . P . G . M ., Bro . R . C . Else , G . J . D . of England , was announced , and on enteiingwas escorted by P . G . Officers , and received with the accustomed honours and placed at
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
the right of the W . M . He was . immediately succeeded by the following members of No . * 53 , * who were received in a similar manner : Bros . E . , T ; : Payne , P . M . and P . G . D . ; Col . J . R . Ford , P . M : ; - . 'J ., . H ' . Willson , VV . M . ; J . A . Timmins , Sec ; J . B . ; , VyilIson , J . W . ; J . Sumsion , P . M . ; H . F . Gould , B . A ;' Dyer , and C . B . Smith . Next came the following members of 90 G in procession , who were also greeted : Bros . W . Williamson , W . M ., P . M ., and P . P . G .
D . C . ; L . Howes , P . M ., and P . P . G . A . D . C . ; J . Stuckcv , P . M ., and P . P . G . P . ; F . Glover , S . W . ; J . Hayward , P . S . W . ; J . Knight , S . D . ; J . Banks , I . G . ; W . H . Baker , R . Bull , W . H . Young , W . Clements , and C . Pinket , Tyler . Other visitors were Bros . Col . G . V . Law , P . M ., and P . G . D . Madras ; VV . A . Scott , P . M ., and P . P . G . S . VV . Bristol ; Capt . VV . Wellman , P . S . W . 563 ; J . H . Macfarlane , P . M . 1296 ; Rev . M . N . Nathan , P . M . 239 ,
Kingston , Jamaica ; W . Ellis , P . M . 599 , Oxon ; J . 1 . Knight , 446 , P . P . G . A . P . ; J . E . Allen , 279 ; and A . Warden , 54 S . The anthem " Behold how good , " & c , was sung by the choir . All preliminaries having been arranged the lodge was opened , when Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins made a presentation to the lodge , accompanying it with the following address to the W . M .:
Worshipful and dear Bro . Carter , you have just performed your last act as the occupant of the chair before proceeding to install your successor in it , and such being the case I beg to address a few words to you , in which 1 feel sure that 1 shall have the support and sympathy of our brethren , even though I may perhaps be somewhat out of order . I have now entered on the tenth year of my residence among you in Bath , and though , as a stranger , I at
first had some difficulty to encounter , on the whole my retrospect is an agreeable one , as I have received so many proofs of the confidence and kindly feelings of the brethren since they became aware of my desire and earnest efforts to enhance the character of this ancient lodge , and my determination to allow no obstacles arising from petty jealousies to present me from endeavouring to promote its interests , instead , as was supposed , of destroying its high
character and ruining its future prospects . My position on this platform as a P . M . of 41 is a justification of the course I have pursued . In the Royal Cumberland Lodge it is not usual to mark the sense which the brethren entertain of the conduct of a W . M . on his retirement from the first chair by presenting a jewel to him , and 1 believe that experience shows that you are right , since in many cases it becomes a custom irrespective of success and efficiency ,
though doubtless it is very agreeable to the recipient to be able to wear a visible token of the approval of his efforts . You are aware however that I have found a substitute by offering one of the Masonic charts , constructed and executed by my own hand , to every Master who has not only ruled the lodge well but has proved his competency to perform the ceremonies , as well as to those of the Past Masters who occupied the chair before I came among you , of whose
merits I would judge only by observing the continued interest they take in our proceedings , as shown by the regularity of their attendance in our assemblies and especially by keeping up their knowledge of the rituals , thus rendering themselves able as well as willing to fill any temporary vacancies caused by the absence of the proper officers . The personal labour and the time 1 spend on each chart renders it improbable that it will be
presented to any one who has not merited it . To you W . M . I cannot pay such a compliment , however little it may be worthy of acceptance , because your repeated acts of private personal kindness led me long ago thus to mark my sense of them , and as in some other instances a subsequent repetition of them induced me to offer an ecclesiastical chart to your partner in life , it became my duty therefore to endeavour to find other appropriate means of
showingljmy appreciation of your services in the chair of K . S ., and f may add that the acquirement of the rituals at your age , with the heavy strain on the mind and memory by extensive mercantile and public engagements , affords a high example to much younger men , who sometimes plead far inferior occupations and responsibilities as an excuse for omission to make the requisite preparation . I now solicit your permission to allow the Secretary to read the
inscriptions which appear at the front and back of this frame . [ The Secretary read : Front— " Photographed from a list of Masonic lodges , engraved by Monsr . Picart in 1735 , which he arranged from the official roll , published by John Pine ( London ) . The " signs" of the houses or taverns at which the lodges were held are exhibited , and both the lodges which assembled at Bath , of A . l > . 172 S and A . I ) . 1733 ( Royal Cumberland ) are inserted . " Back— " This valuable
photograph was placed at the disposal of Bro . Dr . Henry Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W . for Warwickshire , P . M . 41 , 43 , and 95 S , by Bro . William J . Hughan , P . G . D . of the Grand Lodge of England , P . M . 131 , & c , & c , and an honorary member of this lodge . Dr . Hopkins having arranged and mounted it , now presents it framed to the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , at the installation meeting , February 1 st , i 8 S 3 , as a compliment to Bro . Richard Bryant Cater
on his retirement from the Mastership of the lodge . " ] Worshipful Master , at the conclusion of the business the brethren will have an opportunity of examining this beautiful and interesting document . At the top is a portrait of Sir Richard Steele , the first of the modern class of essayists , who at the beginning of the last century brought out the " Tatler , " and afterwards with Addison and others the " Spectator . " Why this portrait is placed there I
know not . Above it is thecoat-of-arms with themotto "J ' ay bonne cause " of the Viscount Montacute , or Montagu , by whom as the Grand Master at the period , you will find that the warrant of the lodge was signed with the latter mode of spelling the name , and lhe addition of the letter c , thus making it Montague . 1 mention this especially because I have discovered that these arms and motto are now borne by the present Marquis of Bath , a
matter of no little interest to us . At my age , considerably beyond the three score years and ten , I cannot expect to be with you long , and even should the G . A . O . T . U . prolong my life it is improbable that my eyes and fingers will obey the accustomed call upon them for future Masters ; but be assured while any energy and strength shall be allowed me they shall not fail to repay the many acts of kindness 1
have received from members of No . 41 by my endeavours to promote the interests ofjthe lodge . Nor must I forget my mother lodge , No . 43 , whose antiquity and celebrity extend nearly as far back , the difference in the date of the warrants being only a few months in the year 1733 . Last week , on the 35 th anniversary of my initiation as a Mason and the 32 nd of my installation as W . M ., I visited St .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Paul's Lodge , No . 43 , to assist in celebrating the third jubilee , when you , W . M ., kindly forwarded hearty congratulations on behalf of No . 41 , which 1 was desired as fully to reciprocate to the Royal Cumberland Lodge . Thus belonging to both , my first and my last love , I have become as it were a link between two old lodges , which the W . M . happily designated " twin sisters . " In the course of the evening you will no doubt hear more on the subject from the
I . P . M . and Bro . Robinson , who kindly accompanied me to Birmingham . Even after I have been summoned to the Grand Lodge above I trust proof will not be wanting that both these bodies , as well as others in which during my Masonic career I have been interested , have been in my thoughts to the end . May the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , and the St . Paul ' s Lodge , No . 43 , continue to prosper in the future as they have done in the past and vie
with each other in maintaining the character and grand principles of the Order by brotherly love , relief , and truth , faith , hope , and above all , charity . Bro . Radway , I . P . M ., followed with another presentation , consisting of a framed artist ' s proof of a fine full length portrait of the respected D . P . G . M ., which he said that he had obtained with the intention of hanging it in his own residence that he might constantly be reminded of an eminent
brother who held so high a place in his regard , but on reconsideration he thought its most appropriate place % vould be as highly appreciated by all the brethren as by himself ; moreover , the pleasure he had in presenting it was increased by the fact that it occurred during the Mastership of Bro . Cater , to whom he desired it to be regarded as a compliment , as in the previous presentation , before vacating the chair . The Worshipful Master responded to the remarks of the
two donors ; first , on behalf of the lodge gratefully accepting the two presents , the latter of which would for a long series of years remind the brethren of the D . P . G . M ., who had done so much for the Order in the province and has always been ready to answer any demands upon him , when in the natural course of events he may be removed from this world ; but he trusted that day was far distant , for without his genial presence an installation meeting would be
shorn of half its glory . As regarded Bro . Dr . Hopkins , he would remark that his handsome and unique present was another addition to the many proofs he asjwell as his friend , Bro . Hughan , had given of his desire to promote the interests of the lodge ; and farther than this he had personally to thank him and Bro . Radway for valuable help and instruction in his preparation for the duties of the chair , which would henceforth devolve upon his successor , and
more particularly in enabling him to undertake the duties of Installing Master . Bros . Ashley and T . Wilton , two of the oldest Past Masters ot the lodge , then presented Bro . Edwd . J . B . Mercer , as having been elected by the lodge to fill the chair of W . M . during the ensuing year , and he was then regularly installed in the chair of K . S . by Bro . Cater , who was afterwards invested as I . P . M . The loving cup
presented by Bro . Dr . Hopkins in his year of Mastership was introduced , and the health and success of the new W . M . were drank by each of the twenty-four Past Masters present . The Board of Installed Masters was closed and the customary processions , salutations , greetings , and proclamations , with the presentation of the working tools , warrant , constitutions , and bye-laws to the W . M ., were conducted by the Installing Master .
Bro . Mercer appointed and invested his officers as follows 5 , , - ,- - P - £ # *> PM - Trcas -J Kadway , ? -M - > Sec ; T . Wilton P . M ., D . of C . ; J . Ruble , P . M ., S . VV . ; T . Ames , J . W . ; VV . Peach , S . D . ; T . E . VVilton , J . D . ; VV . L . Baldwin , I . G . ; Gregory and J . G . VVilton , Stewards ; and Bigwood , Tyler . The Installing Master gave the charge to the new VV . M ., and those to the Wardens and brethren were given by Bro . Dr . Hopkins .
1 he Worshipful Master in appropriate terms renewed his thanks to the members for the honourable position in which he was placed , and especially to his predecessor for the efficient manner in which the ceremony had been performed and for the pains he had taken when in a condition of so much suffering . Mr . Henry Moody was then initiated , the symbolism of the working tools being explained by the S . D . Owing to the lateness of the hour the delivery of the charge was
postponed . ™ ii £ Worshipful Master proposed a vote of thanks to the D . I . G . M . for his attendance , which was carried by acclamation , the D . P . G . M . acknowledging the same very briefly as another opportunity would be afforded in the evening . The same remark applies to the visitors generally . A candidate was proposed for initiation and a brother as a joining member . In the case of a necessitous widow of a
Mason a committee of inquiry was appointed with power to act within certain limits , and other business was transacted . Briefly , for reasons already given and also as having spoken on the subject in his address to Bro . Cater , Bro . Dr . Hopkins proposed a most cordial acknowledgment of the services rendered to the lodge by him during his year of Mastership , and especially in having so satisfactorily
installed his successor under pain which would have induced many men to shrink from it . Bro . Radway seconded the proposition , which was carried by acclamation . The lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to the Grand Pump Room Hotel for the annual banquet , the management and completeness of which were all that the most fastidious could desire . The usual toasts were of course honoured , interspersed with songs and complimentary speeches . .
MANCHESTER . -Lodge of Affability ( No . ? ! - — r . " sual , ° ntnly meeting of this lodge was held in the Freemasons Hall , Cooper-street , on Thursday , the istinst . Present : Bros . J Wilson , VV . M . ; VV . J . Cunliffe , S - - j J-W . Edwards , J . W . ; W . Nicholl , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Smith , Sec . ; I . G . Elderton , J . D . ; J . Bladon , P . M . ft , '» ¦ 9 i ' l 3 lC ' J" Garside , G . C . Friihling Org . ; W . B . Akermann and A . Wild , Stds . ; J . Sly , Tyler ; las Dawson , P . M . ; II . WalmsleyP . M . Daniel Donbavand 3
, ; , T , R i-f i , ?' i , '„ ^' - J' ^ ry Samuels , Dr . C . J . Rix ' , . I . E . Middlehursl , R . lomhns , and R . R . Lisenden , S D ( Freemason ) . Visitors : Bros . Geo . Flint , 12 S 7 , London ; and W . R . Williams , 152 . The lodge was opened and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed . 'The ballot was taken for rirp . Hopwood , of the Silent 'Temple Lodge , Burnley , and being declared in his favour he was elected . 'The ballot was next taken for Mr . Isaac Pearson , and was also favourable