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Article ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. ← Page 2 of 2 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 5 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 5 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 5 →
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Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
At the time of his death he was 94 ycars of age . His death leaves Bro . Norris , thc Warden of the Institution at Croydon , the oldest known Mason living . The Warden ' s report was read , and the SECRETARY announced that he had entered into a contract with Messrs . Hall , Potter , and Co ., of Croydon , for them to supply the Institution with coals during the winter months at 23 s . Cd .
per ton . The Finance Committee ' s report for the quarter commencing 30 th June was read . From this it appeared that the balance on the Male Fund at 30 th June was £ i 359 6 s . 4 d ., subsequent receipts , £ 890 6 s ., total , £ 2249 12 s . 41 b Expenditure , £ 2126 ios . 2 d . ; balance , £ 123 2 s . 2 d . Widows' Fund . —Balance 30 th June , £ 1604 14 s . 3 d ., subsequent receipts , £ giS Ss . 6 d ., total , £ 2523 2 s . od . Ex-Sustenta
penditure , *( , 1927 12 s . ; balance , £ 595 ios . gd . - tion Fund . —Balance 30 th June , £ 59 16 s . 4 d ., subsequent receipts , £ 14 13 s . od . ; total , £ 74 ios . id . Expenditure , £ 2 gs . ; balance , £ 72 is . id . The report was received and adopted , and cheques as recommended were ordered to be signed . Two petitions for admission to tbe Institution by election werc examined , and the petitioners were placed on the list . One petition was rejected . A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
( Eraft f & asonrg . TRANQUILLITY LODGE ( No . 185 ) . —The first meeting of this lodge after the usual recess was held on Monday at the Guildhall Tavern . The ordinary meetings are held on the third Monday in the month , but as next Monday evening is a Jewish Festival ( Tabernacles ) , and a large proportion of the brethren are Jews , an emergency meeting was convened for Monday last . Bro . A .
Staley , VV . M ., presided , and there was a very large attendance of brethren . Bros . Tuck and Roscnfeld were raised , and Bros . Lebus , Myers , Emanuel , Reeves , Birn , and Cohen were passed . Bros . Abraham Cohen ( formerly of this lodge ) and Benjamin Ramus ( late of the Commercial Lodge , Glasgow , ) were elected joining members . Bro . Phillip Levy tendered his resignation as Secretary of the
lodge , after a service ot nearly a quarter of a century . The resignation was accepted with much regret , and a resolution was passed acknowledging the valuable services rendered to the lodge by Bro . Levy . Bro . Asher I . Myers was elected Secretary pro tcm .
The brethren afterwards adjourned to banquet , at which thc VV . M . presided . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to . Bros . Harfeld , P . M ., and Moses , Montefiore Lodge , acknowledged the toast of "The Visitors . " Bros . Ross , P . M . ; Barnett , P . M . ; and other brethren contributed to the harmony of the evening .
LION AND LAMB LODGE ( No . 192 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 4 th inst ., at Cannon-street Hotel . There were present Bros . H . A . Pratt , VV . M . ; H . Stevenson , S . W . ; Barclay Perkins , J . W . ; G . Abbott , P . M ., Sec . ; VV . Medwin , S . D . ; T . Forster , A . D . C . ; M . Dowland , I . G . ; T . Cohu , P . M ., Steward ; Dyer , Tyler ; E . Roberts , P . M . ; S . T . Lucas ,
P . M . ; Cobb , Dart , Williams , Smith , Saward , and Davis . Visitors : Bros . Rest , W . M . 12 SS ; J . Stevens , P . M . 1426 ; and Cotton , 1615 . The minutes of the previous meeting werc read and confirmed , and a ballot was taken for Mr . C . Woodcock for initiation , whicii proved unanimous ; the candidate was , however , unable to be present . By command of thc W . M .
the bye-laws of the lodge were read . An appeal was made on behalf of a distressed brother of the lodge , and 10 guineas were voted from the lodge funds , to Jwhich was added £ 7 4 s . 6 d ., the result of a subscription among the brethren present . After other matters of minor import the lodge was closed in due form , the brethren subsequently sitting down to banquet , after which the usual Alasonic toasts were honoured , and a pleasant evening spent .
KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This lodge met at the Horns Tavern , Kennington-park , on the 2 nd inst . Among those present were Bros . J . Cockburn , W . M . ; Appleton , S . W . ; Stranger , J . VV . ; VV . Mann , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; J . P . Webb , I . P . M . 5 Plowman , J . D . -, Mcredyth , I . G . ; Feuillade , D . C ; Foale , W . S . ; Kock , P . M . ; George Everett , P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; and T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B .
Middx ., P . M . Among thc visitors were Bros . Ayling , W . M . 975 ; Bean , J . VV . 10 S ; Vera , J . D . 1539 ; Stokes , 72 ; and Donnovan , 1963 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Dennis was passed to the Degree of F . C , and the name of Mr . Edwin Montagu Armstrong having been successfully submitted to the ballot , that
gentleman was duly initiated into Craft mysteries ; both ceremonies being well performed by the W . M . Since the last meeting of the lodge Bros . Speedy , P . M . -, Cooper , S . D . ; and Marston have died . In token of respect to their memories the brethren wore Masonic mourning , and votes of condolence were severally passed by the lodge to their respective families .
The lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts followed . " The Health of the W . M . " was warmly proposed by the I . P . M ., in which he congratulated him upon the very excellent manner he had performed the ceremonies . The Worshipful Master having in a few modest sentences expressed his thanks , then gave " Thc Initiate , " and the
toast having been cordially drunk , Hro . Armstrong replied in a neat speech . " The Health of the Visitors " followed . This toast in response received full justice from Bros . Ayling and Vera . " The Past Masters " followed , coupled with thc name of Bro . Webb , who replied at length ; but , in answer to
repeated calls , Bro . G . Everett also acknowledged thc compliment upon behalf of himself and colleagues . " The Treasurer and Secretary " was replied to by Bros . Mann and Stuart , and the toast of "Thc Ollicers" was responded toby Bros . Appleton , Stranger , and others . The brethren then separated .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
MARQUESS OF RIPON LODGE ( No . 1489 ) . ' * . * he installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 6 th inst . at the Metropolitan Societies Asylum , Ball ' s Pondroad The lodge was opened , in the absence of Bro . VVm . Stephens , G . A . P ., P . M ., the W . M ., by Bro . T . Hastings Miller , P . M ., who , after the reading and confirmation of the minutes , raised Bro . Harper to the Third Degree . Bro . W . Stephens , VV . M ., then installed Bro , John Tovell , S . W . and W . M . elect , as Master of the lodge for the
ensuing year . Bro . Stephens was invested as I . P . M ., and the following brethren were invested as the W . M . ' s officers for the year : Bros . Wm . Gray , S . VV . ; F . A . Hawthorn , J . W . ; J . E . Walford , P . M ., Treas . ; P . G . N . Goldney , Sec ; Edwin George , S . D . ; George J . Glover , J . D . ; C . H . Fisher , I . G . ; Henry Patient , D . C ; George Haynes , W . S . ; VV . Matthews , Org . ; and J . J . Marsh , Tyler . Bro . Stephens having admirably delivered the charges , the Auditors' report was taken as read , and subsequently it was unanimously adopted and ordered to be entered on the
minutes . On the motion of Bro . Hastings Miller , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Matthews , a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Bro . Stephens for the able manner in which he had performed the ceremony of installation ; and Bro . Stephens in acknowledging the vote expressed the great pleasure he always felt in doing anything he could which would further the cause of Masonry .
On the motion of Bro . VV . Stephens , I . P . M ., seconded by Bro . VV . Gray , S . VV ., a vote of condolence with the family of the late Dr . Twining was unanimously passed . Lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to an exceedingly choice banquet , supplied in best style by Bro . H . L . AUardyce . The brethren who partook of it were the VV . M . ( presiding ) and Bros . Wm . Stephens , G . A . P . ; VV . Gray , 1 . E . Walford , P . M ., Treas .,- Edwin George , W .
Matthews , Charles Smout , George Beck , I hos . Glover , P . Goldney , B . Jeffries , H . Harper , George Humphries , A . H . Fisher , and J . G . Patient . Visitors : H . W . Mayes , 16 97 , P . G . A . P . Middlesex ; George Brotheridge , 16 94 ; E . M . Lander , P . M . 1642 ; VV . S . Hunter , P . M . 16 77 ; Joseph Young , J . VV . 1745 ; M . Fieldwick , P . M . 1364 ; and H . Massey , P . M . C 19 and 192 S ( Freemason ) . At the conclusion of the banquet the usual toasts were
proposed and honoured . In proposing "The Grand Officers" the Worshipful Master said the brethren of the lodge had always wished to see Bro . W . Stephens attain the lank of a Grand Officer , a position which they considered eminently adapted to fill , by the services whicii he had rendered to Freemasonry . After many years their wish was gratified , and he was made Assistant Grand Pursuivant of England
during the year he held the ofiice of Master of the Marquis of Ripon Lodge for the second time . Bro . VV . Stephens , A . G . P ., in replying to the toast , said he was so young in ofiice that he did not know how to respond . Since he had been appointed the work had not been very easy . He had attended the meetings of Grand Lodge , and had also attended thc Special Grand Lodge at York when the Prince of Wales laid the first stone of the
Art Institute . The Grand Master and the Grand Officers were then received by the Yorkshire brethren with all the enthusiasm and all the good wishes with which Masons were always received wherever they went . The Lord Mayor of York entertained the Grand Officers in a manner which left the best impression in their minds . Thanking the W . M . for the way in which he had spoken of him he assured the brethren that as he had endeavoured so he
should endeavour to do his duty in the Marquis of Ripon Lodge as long as he was in thc Grand Lodge of England . Bro . Stephens then proposed " The Health of the W . M . " whom he had the pleasure some years since of initiating , and whom he had seen work up from the bottom round of the ladder to the highest position in the lodge . He had known him also in another institution with which he was connected , and knowing his zeal in that sphere he was sure
he would make a good Mason . He had now attained the summit of his ambition in this lodge and the brethren were glad to find that the first . initiate in the lodge was now the Master . Previously it had ' been founders and joining members . No doubt during his year of office he would obtain the same golden opinions that the brethren now entertained of him . Might his year of office be a happy one , and the brethren speak of him at the end of it
as they did now . The Worshipful Master replying said he had been chairman of a good many bodies , but this was the first time he had had the honour of being Master of a Craft lodge . In that position he should try to do his duty . Although he might not be able to please himself he hoped he should be able to please the brethren , and that they might say so when he left the chair . Leaving this subject he had now
the most pleasant duty to perform that any Master of the Marquess of Ripon Lodge had had to perform since the lodge had . been established . According to the bye-laws of the lodge it was decided that the founders of the lodge should have a founder ' s jewel . Bro . Stephens was one of the founders and had a jewel , and as first Master of the lodge he had as all other Masters of the lodge had , a jewel at the end of his term of ofiice . Last year he became
Master of the lodge for the second time . It had been thought by the brethren almost folly to present Bro . Stephens with more jewels in connection with the lodge . It was known to thc brethren that liro . Stephens had a . jev-el at home who was of far more value than any jewel the lodge could confer upon him ; and therefore it was decided that instead of presenting him with a jewel they should recognise his worth by presenting his wife with a slight
testimony of their esteem for him . Some few years ago he ( thc W . M . ) had the pleasure of attending in that room at the celebration of Bro . Stephens's silver wedding , so that the brethren knew that Bro . Stephens ' s jewel at home had been connected with him some 30 years . It was decided that the lodge should present something to Mrs . Stephens . That lady was consulted as to what she would like , and the result was that the lodge now presented her with a handsome gold broach and a pair of gold earrings . Bro .
Stephens had been very ill , but IJr . Andrew Clark gave him every hope that he would get well , and the Craft generallyitrusted he would . for the . benefit of the body at large . Bro . VV . Stephens in reply said it was exceedingly gratifying to know that as far as Mrs . Stephens was concerned the brethren thought of her as they had previously thought of him . He could only say she had been all he could desire ; and during thc past two years being a very excellent nurse he had passed the opinion that he had never appre-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ciated her so much . Without a good nurse a good doctor could do nothing . Beyond her being a very excellent nurse she had brought up her family well , who were endeavouring to imitate her in every sense of the word . It was very pleasurable to him , and the more pleasurable when he found the lodge in which he was connected so far appreciating her good deeds as to remember her when they remembered him . The present the lodge had made her would always be
appreciated . It was not the only present she had had at the hands of the Craft ; but they had all been looked upon with great pleasure , and had been brought out on all festive occasions . He hoped also that when he and his wife were no more the presents would be handed down to their children , and that as years rolled on the lodge might never regret the step it had taken . The Worshipful Master next proposed " The Visitors , "
to whicii Bros . Mayes , Lander , and Dr . Hunter replied . In proposing " The Health of the Past Masters , " the Worshipful Master referred with pride to the admirable style in whicii Bro . T . Hastings Miller , P . M ., had that evening performed the ceremony of raising . Bro . T . Hastings Miller , P . M ., in acknowledging the toast said the Past Masters of the lodge were as parents who looked jealously after tlieir children , and they saw that
the work was done properly . The Past Masters therefore were proud of the members of the lodge . But if at any time the lodge should want the help of the Past Masters they would at once be prepared to give it . He took this opportunity of assuring the W . M . that the Past Masters wished him a happy and successful year of ofiice , and that when he retired he might retire with laurels . To the toast of " The Secretary and Treasurer , " who
were highly complimented by the Worshipful Master on the way they did their work . Bros . George and Walford responded , both brethren stating that they desired to see the lodge prospering . Bro . Walford said the Treasurer of a lodge should always be ready to advance money to the lodge , and he was prepared to do it . Although the lodge had decreased in numbers it had not decreased in prosperity , but he hoped it would
soon have more members . He would like to see initiates , as . thelodgecould very well do with tenora dozen more members . He did not want to see the lodge go down , a lodge he had belonged to from its commencement . They had been very unfortunate in having members carried away by sickness and death . Very few lodges had lost so many
members by death , but he hoped the worst days of the lodge were past , and that it would prosper . The toasts of "The Officers" and "The Lay Members" were next given , the S . W . responding for the former , and Bvo . Jeffries for the latter , and the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings .
ST . MARTIN'S-LE-GRAND LODGE ( No . 1538 ) - —This prosperous lodge held the first meeting of the official year on Wednesday , at the Guildhall Tavern , under the presidency of the Master , Bro . William Smith . The lodge was opened punctually at 4 . 30 , and after the confirmation of the niinutes and disposal of other routine work of the lodge , Bro . Lee was raised by the VV . M . to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason . The accounts show a
satisfactory state of the finances , a fact which it is always pleasant to call attention to . After defraying all expenses of the year and contributing liberally to the Masonic Charities , Bro . Smith on relinquishing his office of Master left above £ 100 in hand to the credit of the General Funds , and £ 50 on the lodge Charity Funds . Bro . T . J . Robertson , W . M . elect , was then presented to receive the benefit of installation . The
ceremony was performed by Bro . Charles Woolmer Williams , P . M ., of the Star Lodge , 1275 , who is a son of Bro . Major Williams , the Treasurer of the St . Martin ' s-le-Grand Lodge , of which Bro . Chas . Williams is also one of the founders . Great praise is due to him for unusual efficiency in the work he had undertaken . There was no effort of memory ; he had the whole ritual in his heart and mind , from which the words flowed fluently with proper
emphasis and accentuation . After Bro . Robertson had been duly installed in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters , the brethren were readmitted and saluted their new Master in the Three Degrees , and the ceremony concluded with the delivery by Bro . Williams of the usual addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren . The officers for the ensuing year were then invested by Bro . Robertson , and the manner in whicii he addressed to
each of his officers a few original words of his own beyond the mere formal detail of their duties , warrants the expectation that in Bro . Robertson the lodge has selected a Master who will do credit to his office . The officers of the year are Bros . Wm . Smith , I . P . M . ; Parkes , S . W . ; Hatch , j . W . ; Williams , P . M ., Treas . ; Hookey , Sec ; Leversedge , S . D . ; Fluck , J . D . ; Barnett , I . G . ; and Gilbert , Tyler . Bro . Robertson , having risen for the lirst time , said
that he thought that was now the proper time to present to Bro . Smith , their I . P . M ., the handsome jewel which had been unanimously voted to him by the lodge . Bro . Smith had thoroughly earned it . He had known cases where the jewel had been given indiscriminately , but that was not so in the case of Bro . Smith , and he ( the W . M . ) had much pleasure in presenting it to him , and hoped that he would wear and enjoy its possession for many years .
Bro . Smith having acknowledged this mark of the esteem of the brethren in a few suitable words , thc Secretary , among other communications , announced the death of Bro . Mutter , whereupon it was moved by Bro . Moffatt , P . M ., and seconded by Bro . Woodward , P . M ., that a vote of condolence be entered on the minutes and that a letter in accordance therewith be sent to Bro . Mutter ' s widow by the Secretary on behalf of the lodge .
A vote of thanks was subsequently passed to Bro . Williams , jun ., for the admirable manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony , in reply to which , Bro . Williams in thanking them for the compliment said that he felt it a great honour to be invited to perform such an important ceremony in so important a lodge . The lodge work concluded at seven o ' clock , and was followed by a sumptuous banquet , where brethren to the
number of nearly So sat down . Among the guests were Bros . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , P . G . D ., Deputy Prov . G . M . Essex F . Binckes , Sec Royal Masonic Institution ior Boys ; IC . Strong , P . G . Stwd . ; II . J . Reynolds , P . G . Stwd . ; * - E . Matier , P . M . 1910 ; G . Corbie , P . M . 453 i A- * - *>"'" rant , P . M . 5 O 9 i K . J . Cox , P . M . 913 ; E . F . Edwards . P . M . 78 S ; E . A . Wells , P . M . 15 J C . Woolmer Williams , P . M . 1275 ; J . Glass , W . M . 453 ; R . Robins , P . M . 25 «
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Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
At the time of his death he was 94 ycars of age . His death leaves Bro . Norris , thc Warden of the Institution at Croydon , the oldest known Mason living . The Warden ' s report was read , and the SECRETARY announced that he had entered into a contract with Messrs . Hall , Potter , and Co ., of Croydon , for them to supply the Institution with coals during the winter months at 23 s . Cd .
per ton . The Finance Committee ' s report for the quarter commencing 30 th June was read . From this it appeared that the balance on the Male Fund at 30 th June was £ i 359 6 s . 4 d ., subsequent receipts , £ 890 6 s ., total , £ 2249 12 s . 41 b Expenditure , £ 2126 ios . 2 d . ; balance , £ 123 2 s . 2 d . Widows' Fund . —Balance 30 th June , £ 1604 14 s . 3 d ., subsequent receipts , £ giS Ss . 6 d ., total , £ 2523 2 s . od . Ex-Sustenta
penditure , *( , 1927 12 s . ; balance , £ 595 ios . gd . - tion Fund . —Balance 30 th June , £ 59 16 s . 4 d ., subsequent receipts , £ 14 13 s . od . ; total , £ 74 ios . id . Expenditure , £ 2 gs . ; balance , £ 72 is . id . The report was received and adopted , and cheques as recommended were ordered to be signed . Two petitions for admission to tbe Institution by election werc examined , and the petitioners were placed on the list . One petition was rejected . A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
( Eraft f & asonrg . TRANQUILLITY LODGE ( No . 185 ) . —The first meeting of this lodge after the usual recess was held on Monday at the Guildhall Tavern . The ordinary meetings are held on the third Monday in the month , but as next Monday evening is a Jewish Festival ( Tabernacles ) , and a large proportion of the brethren are Jews , an emergency meeting was convened for Monday last . Bro . A .
Staley , VV . M ., presided , and there was a very large attendance of brethren . Bros . Tuck and Roscnfeld were raised , and Bros . Lebus , Myers , Emanuel , Reeves , Birn , and Cohen were passed . Bros . Abraham Cohen ( formerly of this lodge ) and Benjamin Ramus ( late of the Commercial Lodge , Glasgow , ) were elected joining members . Bro . Phillip Levy tendered his resignation as Secretary of the
lodge , after a service ot nearly a quarter of a century . The resignation was accepted with much regret , and a resolution was passed acknowledging the valuable services rendered to the lodge by Bro . Levy . Bro . Asher I . Myers was elected Secretary pro tcm .
The brethren afterwards adjourned to banquet , at which thc VV . M . presided . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to . Bros . Harfeld , P . M ., and Moses , Montefiore Lodge , acknowledged the toast of "The Visitors . " Bros . Ross , P . M . ; Barnett , P . M . ; and other brethren contributed to the harmony of the evening .
LION AND LAMB LODGE ( No . 192 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 4 th inst ., at Cannon-street Hotel . There were present Bros . H . A . Pratt , VV . M . ; H . Stevenson , S . W . ; Barclay Perkins , J . W . ; G . Abbott , P . M ., Sec . ; VV . Medwin , S . D . ; T . Forster , A . D . C . ; M . Dowland , I . G . ; T . Cohu , P . M ., Steward ; Dyer , Tyler ; E . Roberts , P . M . ; S . T . Lucas ,
P . M . ; Cobb , Dart , Williams , Smith , Saward , and Davis . Visitors : Bros . Rest , W . M . 12 SS ; J . Stevens , P . M . 1426 ; and Cotton , 1615 . The minutes of the previous meeting werc read and confirmed , and a ballot was taken for Mr . C . Woodcock for initiation , whicii proved unanimous ; the candidate was , however , unable to be present . By command of thc W . M .
the bye-laws of the lodge were read . An appeal was made on behalf of a distressed brother of the lodge , and 10 guineas were voted from the lodge funds , to Jwhich was added £ 7 4 s . 6 d ., the result of a subscription among the brethren present . After other matters of minor import the lodge was closed in due form , the brethren subsequently sitting down to banquet , after which the usual Alasonic toasts were honoured , and a pleasant evening spent .
KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —This lodge met at the Horns Tavern , Kennington-park , on the 2 nd inst . Among those present were Bros . J . Cockburn , W . M . ; Appleton , S . W . ; Stranger , J . VV . ; VV . Mann , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . M ., Sec ; J . P . Webb , I . P . M . 5 Plowman , J . D . -, Mcredyth , I . G . ; Feuillade , D . C ; Foale , W . S . ; Kock , P . M . ; George Everett , P . M . ; Higgins , P . M . ; and T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B .
Middx ., P . M . Among thc visitors were Bros . Ayling , W . M . 975 ; Bean , J . VV . 10 S ; Vera , J . D . 1539 ; Stokes , 72 ; and Donnovan , 1963 . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Dennis was passed to the Degree of F . C , and the name of Mr . Edwin Montagu Armstrong having been successfully submitted to the ballot , that
gentleman was duly initiated into Craft mysteries ; both ceremonies being well performed by the W . M . Since the last meeting of the lodge Bros . Speedy , P . M . -, Cooper , S . D . ; and Marston have died . In token of respect to their memories the brethren wore Masonic mourning , and votes of condolence were severally passed by the lodge to their respective families .
The lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth the customary toasts followed . " The Health of the W . M . " was warmly proposed by the I . P . M ., in which he congratulated him upon the very excellent manner he had performed the ceremonies . The Worshipful Master having in a few modest sentences expressed his thanks , then gave " Thc Initiate , " and the
toast having been cordially drunk , Hro . Armstrong replied in a neat speech . " The Health of the Visitors " followed . This toast in response received full justice from Bros . Ayling and Vera . " The Past Masters " followed , coupled with thc name of Bro . Webb , who replied at length ; but , in answer to
repeated calls , Bro . G . Everett also acknowledged thc compliment upon behalf of himself and colleagues . " The Treasurer and Secretary " was replied to by Bros . Mann and Stuart , and the toast of "Thc Ollicers" was responded toby Bros . Appleton , Stranger , and others . The brethren then separated .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
MARQUESS OF RIPON LODGE ( No . 1489 ) . ' * . * he installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 6 th inst . at the Metropolitan Societies Asylum , Ball ' s Pondroad The lodge was opened , in the absence of Bro . VVm . Stephens , G . A . P ., P . M ., the W . M ., by Bro . T . Hastings Miller , P . M ., who , after the reading and confirmation of the minutes , raised Bro . Harper to the Third Degree . Bro . W . Stephens , VV . M ., then installed Bro , John Tovell , S . W . and W . M . elect , as Master of the lodge for the
ensuing year . Bro . Stephens was invested as I . P . M ., and the following brethren were invested as the W . M . ' s officers for the year : Bros . Wm . Gray , S . VV . ; F . A . Hawthorn , J . W . ; J . E . Walford , P . M ., Treas . ; P . G . N . Goldney , Sec ; Edwin George , S . D . ; George J . Glover , J . D . ; C . H . Fisher , I . G . ; Henry Patient , D . C ; George Haynes , W . S . ; VV . Matthews , Org . ; and J . J . Marsh , Tyler . Bro . Stephens having admirably delivered the charges , the Auditors' report was taken as read , and subsequently it was unanimously adopted and ordered to be entered on the
minutes . On the motion of Bro . Hastings Miller , P . M ., seconded by Bro . Matthews , a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Bro . Stephens for the able manner in which he had performed the ceremony of installation ; and Bro . Stephens in acknowledging the vote expressed the great pleasure he always felt in doing anything he could which would further the cause of Masonry .
On the motion of Bro . VV . Stephens , I . P . M ., seconded by Bro . VV . Gray , S . VV ., a vote of condolence with the family of the late Dr . Twining was unanimously passed . Lodge was then closed and the brethren adjourned to an exceedingly choice banquet , supplied in best style by Bro . H . L . AUardyce . The brethren who partook of it were the VV . M . ( presiding ) and Bros . Wm . Stephens , G . A . P . ; VV . Gray , 1 . E . Walford , P . M ., Treas .,- Edwin George , W .
Matthews , Charles Smout , George Beck , I hos . Glover , P . Goldney , B . Jeffries , H . Harper , George Humphries , A . H . Fisher , and J . G . Patient . Visitors : H . W . Mayes , 16 97 , P . G . A . P . Middlesex ; George Brotheridge , 16 94 ; E . M . Lander , P . M . 1642 ; VV . S . Hunter , P . M . 16 77 ; Joseph Young , J . VV . 1745 ; M . Fieldwick , P . M . 1364 ; and H . Massey , P . M . C 19 and 192 S ( Freemason ) . At the conclusion of the banquet the usual toasts were
proposed and honoured . In proposing "The Grand Officers" the Worshipful Master said the brethren of the lodge had always wished to see Bro . W . Stephens attain the lank of a Grand Officer , a position which they considered eminently adapted to fill , by the services whicii he had rendered to Freemasonry . After many years their wish was gratified , and he was made Assistant Grand Pursuivant of England
during the year he held the ofiice of Master of the Marquis of Ripon Lodge for the second time . Bro . VV . Stephens , A . G . P ., in replying to the toast , said he was so young in ofiice that he did not know how to respond . Since he had been appointed the work had not been very easy . He had attended the meetings of Grand Lodge , and had also attended thc Special Grand Lodge at York when the Prince of Wales laid the first stone of the
Art Institute . The Grand Master and the Grand Officers were then received by the Yorkshire brethren with all the enthusiasm and all the good wishes with which Masons were always received wherever they went . The Lord Mayor of York entertained the Grand Officers in a manner which left the best impression in their minds . Thanking the W . M . for the way in which he had spoken of him he assured the brethren that as he had endeavoured so he
should endeavour to do his duty in the Marquis of Ripon Lodge as long as he was in thc Grand Lodge of England . Bro . Stephens then proposed " The Health of the W . M . " whom he had the pleasure some years since of initiating , and whom he had seen work up from the bottom round of the ladder to the highest position in the lodge . He had known him also in another institution with which he was connected , and knowing his zeal in that sphere he was sure
he would make a good Mason . He had now attained the summit of his ambition in this lodge and the brethren were glad to find that the first . initiate in the lodge was now the Master . Previously it had ' been founders and joining members . No doubt during his year of office he would obtain the same golden opinions that the brethren now entertained of him . Might his year of office be a happy one , and the brethren speak of him at the end of it
as they did now . The Worshipful Master replying said he had been chairman of a good many bodies , but this was the first time he had had the honour of being Master of a Craft lodge . In that position he should try to do his duty . Although he might not be able to please himself he hoped he should be able to please the brethren , and that they might say so when he left the chair . Leaving this subject he had now
the most pleasant duty to perform that any Master of the Marquess of Ripon Lodge had had to perform since the lodge had . been established . According to the bye-laws of the lodge it was decided that the founders of the lodge should have a founder ' s jewel . Bro . Stephens was one of the founders and had a jewel , and as first Master of the lodge he had as all other Masters of the lodge had , a jewel at the end of his term of ofiice . Last year he became
Master of the lodge for the second time . It had been thought by the brethren almost folly to present Bro . Stephens with more jewels in connection with the lodge . It was known to thc brethren that liro . Stephens had a . jev-el at home who was of far more value than any jewel the lodge could confer upon him ; and therefore it was decided that instead of presenting him with a jewel they should recognise his worth by presenting his wife with a slight
testimony of their esteem for him . Some few years ago he ( thc W . M . ) had the pleasure of attending in that room at the celebration of Bro . Stephens's silver wedding , so that the brethren knew that Bro . Stephens ' s jewel at home had been connected with him some 30 years . It was decided that the lodge should present something to Mrs . Stephens . That lady was consulted as to what she would like , and the result was that the lodge now presented her with a handsome gold broach and a pair of gold earrings . Bro .
Stephens had been very ill , but IJr . Andrew Clark gave him every hope that he would get well , and the Craft generallyitrusted he would . for the . benefit of the body at large . Bro . VV . Stephens in reply said it was exceedingly gratifying to know that as far as Mrs . Stephens was concerned the brethren thought of her as they had previously thought of him . He could only say she had been all he could desire ; and during thc past two years being a very excellent nurse he had passed the opinion that he had never appre-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ciated her so much . Without a good nurse a good doctor could do nothing . Beyond her being a very excellent nurse she had brought up her family well , who were endeavouring to imitate her in every sense of the word . It was very pleasurable to him , and the more pleasurable when he found the lodge in which he was connected so far appreciating her good deeds as to remember her when they remembered him . The present the lodge had made her would always be
appreciated . It was not the only present she had had at the hands of the Craft ; but they had all been looked upon with great pleasure , and had been brought out on all festive occasions . He hoped also that when he and his wife were no more the presents would be handed down to their children , and that as years rolled on the lodge might never regret the step it had taken . The Worshipful Master next proposed " The Visitors , "
to whicii Bros . Mayes , Lander , and Dr . Hunter replied . In proposing " The Health of the Past Masters , " the Worshipful Master referred with pride to the admirable style in whicii Bro . T . Hastings Miller , P . M ., had that evening performed the ceremony of raising . Bro . T . Hastings Miller , P . M ., in acknowledging the toast said the Past Masters of the lodge were as parents who looked jealously after tlieir children , and they saw that
the work was done properly . The Past Masters therefore were proud of the members of the lodge . But if at any time the lodge should want the help of the Past Masters they would at once be prepared to give it . He took this opportunity of assuring the W . M . that the Past Masters wished him a happy and successful year of ofiice , and that when he retired he might retire with laurels . To the toast of " The Secretary and Treasurer , " who
were highly complimented by the Worshipful Master on the way they did their work . Bros . George and Walford responded , both brethren stating that they desired to see the lodge prospering . Bro . Walford said the Treasurer of a lodge should always be ready to advance money to the lodge , and he was prepared to do it . Although the lodge had decreased in numbers it had not decreased in prosperity , but he hoped it would
soon have more members . He would like to see initiates , as . thelodgecould very well do with tenora dozen more members . He did not want to see the lodge go down , a lodge he had belonged to from its commencement . They had been very unfortunate in having members carried away by sickness and death . Very few lodges had lost so many
members by death , but he hoped the worst days of the lodge were past , and that it would prosper . The toasts of "The Officers" and "The Lay Members" were next given , the S . W . responding for the former , and Bvo . Jeffries for the latter , and the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings .
ST . MARTIN'S-LE-GRAND LODGE ( No . 1538 ) - —This prosperous lodge held the first meeting of the official year on Wednesday , at the Guildhall Tavern , under the presidency of the Master , Bro . William Smith . The lodge was opened punctually at 4 . 30 , and after the confirmation of the niinutes and disposal of other routine work of the lodge , Bro . Lee was raised by the VV . M . to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason . The accounts show a
satisfactory state of the finances , a fact which it is always pleasant to call attention to . After defraying all expenses of the year and contributing liberally to the Masonic Charities , Bro . Smith on relinquishing his office of Master left above £ 100 in hand to the credit of the General Funds , and £ 50 on the lodge Charity Funds . Bro . T . J . Robertson , W . M . elect , was then presented to receive the benefit of installation . The
ceremony was performed by Bro . Charles Woolmer Williams , P . M ., of the Star Lodge , 1275 , who is a son of Bro . Major Williams , the Treasurer of the St . Martin ' s-le-Grand Lodge , of which Bro . Chas . Williams is also one of the founders . Great praise is due to him for unusual efficiency in the work he had undertaken . There was no effort of memory ; he had the whole ritual in his heart and mind , from which the words flowed fluently with proper
emphasis and accentuation . After Bro . Robertson had been duly installed in the presence of a Board of Installed Masters , the brethren were readmitted and saluted their new Master in the Three Degrees , and the ceremony concluded with the delivery by Bro . Williams of the usual addresses to the Master , Wardens , and brethren . The officers for the ensuing year were then invested by Bro . Robertson , and the manner in whicii he addressed to
each of his officers a few original words of his own beyond the mere formal detail of their duties , warrants the expectation that in Bro . Robertson the lodge has selected a Master who will do credit to his office . The officers of the year are Bros . Wm . Smith , I . P . M . ; Parkes , S . W . ; Hatch , j . W . ; Williams , P . M ., Treas . ; Hookey , Sec ; Leversedge , S . D . ; Fluck , J . D . ; Barnett , I . G . ; and Gilbert , Tyler . Bro . Robertson , having risen for the lirst time , said
that he thought that was now the proper time to present to Bro . Smith , their I . P . M ., the handsome jewel which had been unanimously voted to him by the lodge . Bro . Smith had thoroughly earned it . He had known cases where the jewel had been given indiscriminately , but that was not so in the case of Bro . Smith , and he ( the W . M . ) had much pleasure in presenting it to him , and hoped that he would wear and enjoy its possession for many years .
Bro . Smith having acknowledged this mark of the esteem of the brethren in a few suitable words , thc Secretary , among other communications , announced the death of Bro . Mutter , whereupon it was moved by Bro . Moffatt , P . M ., and seconded by Bro . Woodward , P . M ., that a vote of condolence be entered on the minutes and that a letter in accordance therewith be sent to Bro . Mutter ' s widow by the Secretary on behalf of the lodge .
A vote of thanks was subsequently passed to Bro . Williams , jun ., for the admirable manner in which he had performed the installation ceremony , in reply to which , Bro . Williams in thanking them for the compliment said that he felt it a great honour to be invited to perform such an important ceremony in so important a lodge . The lodge work concluded at seven o ' clock , and was followed by a sumptuous banquet , where brethren to the
number of nearly So sat down . Among the guests were Bros . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C , P . G . D ., Deputy Prov . G . M . Essex F . Binckes , Sec Royal Masonic Institution ior Boys ; IC . Strong , P . G . Stwd . ; II . J . Reynolds , P . G . Stwd . ; * - E . Matier , P . M . 1910 ; G . Corbie , P . M . 453 i A- * - *>"'" rant , P . M . 5 O 9 i K . J . Cox , P . M . 913 ; E . F . Edwards . P . M . 78 S ; E . A . Wells , P . M . 15 J C . Woolmer Williams , P . M . 1275 ; J . Glass , W . M . 453 ; R . Robins , P . M . 25 «