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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
best . The absence of one ( Bro . Davics ) they all regretted , as it was the first meeting since the consecration that he had not attended . The feeling of regret was intensified when they knew his absence was caused by illness . The services of Bros . Goode and Simmonds were so well-known that it would be superfluous for him to recapitulate them . Bro . Simmonds facetiously replied on behalf of "The Past Masters" after which , "The Health
, of the Initiate" was proposed , that newly enlightened brother expressing his thanks in neat and appropriate terms . Bros . Henry Lovegrove , Hunter , Hyland , and J . G . Defriez replied on behalf of "The Visitors , " each confratulating the I . P . M . on the excellent manner in which e had Derformed the installation ceremony . The
remaining toasts were "The Officers of the Lodge" and the Tyler ' s , which were in turn given and duly acknowledged . The intervals between the toasts were enlivened with some excellent singing , one capital song in particular , the " Spirit of the Nightingale , " composed by the Organist of the lodge , Bro . T . Upward , being exceedingly well
sung . THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday evening , the Sth inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel ; Bro . Thomas Hamer , W . M ., in the chair , supported by his officers and several visitors . The minutes of the December meeting having been read and confirmed , a ballot took place for Mr . James Lodge , who was a
candidate for admission , and it being unanimous in his favour , he was at once initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry , the ceremony being most ably performed by the W . Master . Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , the Chaplain of the lodge , thanked the W . Master for again in his absence appointing him as their Chaplain , and the brethren for the kindly vote they had recently passed to him on account of a domestic bereavement . A distressed Scotch brother was relieved ,
and after some other business had been disposed of the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the " Coffee Room , " where dinner was served up , and was very well served , and the waiting at the tables was excellent . At the conclusion of the repast , and grace having been said , the W . Master rose , and said : Brethren , it is again my pleasing duty to ask you to join with me in drinking " The Health of the Queen , " and with that I will couple
" The Craft . " The W . Master , m giving the next toast , made it a very comprehensive one , as it was " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , Grand Master ; the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master ; the Earl ol Lathom , Dep . Grand Master ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " In giving this toast , he said he had nothing more to say than he trusted they all did their duty , and as long as they did so they would always have great pleasure
in drinking their health . The toast was , of course , heartily responded to . Bro . Blackie , I . P . M ., said : Brethren , the duty devolves upon me again to propose "The Health of the W . Master , " and I do so with a great deal of pleasure . The ceremonies he has gone through so far , especially in the initiation of a gentleman to-night , must have given satisfaction to all . I am sure you will all unite with me in wishing he may enjoy a happy new year and a prosperous
one . ( Hear , hear . ) The W . Master , in replying , said : I return my best thanks for the manner in which the Immediate Past Master has proposed my health , and to you , brethren , for the very cordial way in which you have received it . It is a difficult thing to speak of one ' s self , but I am deeply grateful to the Immediate Past Master for proposing it , and you for receiving it , thanking me for any little service I have been able to render to the lodge , but I
hope to do better , and I will continue to do so to the best of my ability . The W . Master said the next toast he had to asK them ta drink on that occasion was an important one , and it was one not only important to the lodge , but to Masonry at large , as it was to be hoped that every initiate would be faithful to his vows , and perform all that he had undertaken to do . It was also important to the initiate , and in his selection of The Great City Lodge for admission
into Freemasonry , he thought that they were very fortunate in that respect , for the tongue of good report had been heard in his favour , and he had endeared himself to all by his kind and genial character . He , therefore , congratulated the lodge on so good a man having joined them in the great brotherhood of Freemasonry , and he felt assured that he would never regret having entered their Order , and the more he saw of it the more he would be pleased with it .
He begged to propose " The Initiate ' s Health . " The toast was well received . Bro . Lodge said as he was only an initiate in Freemasonry he could do no more than thank the W . Master for the kind way in which he had proposed the toast , and he thanked the brethren for the equally kind way in which they had received it . He could assure them that he had not entered the lodge without due regard and consideration of the step he had taken ; but as
he had heard that a good Mason could not be a bad man , he would try to be a good Mason , and in no way would he be a disgrace to the lodge . The W . Master said that the next toast he had to give was "The Past Masters of the Lodge , " and it was one that he gave with pleasure , as he was well supported b y them . He did not expect them to be present on all occasions , but he always had a good attendance of them . They knew what they had done for the
lodgethey had made its reputation , and they had always endea voured to maintain the prestige of the lodge in the great cause of Freemasonry . Bro . Shaw , as usual , highl y amused the members with his song " Pat of Mullingar . " Bro . Blackie , I . P . M ., said he begged most sincerely for himself and Past Masters to thank the W . M . and the brethren for the toast which had been proposed and responded to . It was to him a great pleasure to meet the
lodge on every occasion , and he would do his utmost to help the W . M . in anything that was required of him . Bro . Stevens also returned thanks , and referred to a Masonic map he had introduced to the notice of the brethren , and said that although the production of it had cost him upwards of £ 300 it had been appreciated by the Craft at large . Bro . Headon , Treasurer , thanked them for the kind manner with which they had drunk the toast of the
Past Masters . Bro . Seex said the affable manner in which the W . M . had introduced the toast was duly appreciated by the Past Masters . Bro . Freeman said he did not expect to have been called upon , but all he could say was " Happy have we met , happy have we been , happy may we part , and happy meet again , and it is closed accordingly . " ( Loud laughter . ) The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was that of "The Visitors . " They were not quite so numerous as usual , but those who were present were of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
the first class , and he could say of the selected few that they had quality if not quantity ( laughter ) , and he gave them a hearty welcome . Having enumerated them , he called upon Bro . Allison , W . M . of the Industry Lodge , No . iSG , to respond to the toast . Bro . Allison , in responding ^ said as the Industry Lodge was the recommending lodge for the Great City Lodge to obtain its warrant of constitution , they naturally felt great interest in its prosperity , and he felt
exceedingly grateful to the W . M . for having associated his name with the toast . Bro . Eastgate , of the City of Westminster Lodge , also briefly acknowledged the toast . The W . M . next gave " The Health of Bros . Headon and Blackie , the Treasurer and Secretary of the lodge , " and remarked that they were two most excellent officers , and as such they should always treat them , for the work they did for the lodge few had any idea of . They were always at their
post , and willing to do any duty . Bro . Headon , P . M . and Treasurer , thanked the W . M . for the very kind manner in which he had proposed the toast of the Treasurer and Secretary , but he had nothing fresh to add to what he had said before , as he had frequently to thank them for the way in which they had responded to this toast . He might , however , inform them that he was engaged in a great Masonic workwhich he intended to furnish them with gratis .
, ( Laughter . ) He had been so much engaged-with Christmas festivities that he had not lately made much progress with it , and he might tell that it was still in the press , and also that he was frequently pressed by the printer to get out of the press as soon as possible . ( Laughter . ) As they were not aware of what was the work about to . be published , for the satisfaction of the printer , he hoped to put it into their hands with their next summons , and it would be so plain
that " he who runs may read ( renewed laughter ) , and he might also tell them that there would be no advertisements on the back of it . ( Hear , hear , and laughter ) . When it was published they would find it was presume of the doings of The Great City Lodge during the past six years , and the contributions they had made to different objects during that period . Having said so much he had no doubt he had excited their curiosity to see this work , and especially when
he informed them that it would be issued to them gratis . ( Laughter . ) Bro . Blackie also very briefly returned thanks . The W . M . gave "The Officers of the Lodge , " for which Bro . Taylor , S . W ., responded , and took occasion to offer some excellent practical observations on the necessity of members attending The Great City Lodge of Instruction if they wished to qualify themselves for the duties they might hereafcer be called upon to perform . The Tyler's toast
brought a very successful meeting to a close at an early hour . COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1714 ) . — The installation of W . M ., and appointment and investment of officers of this lodge , took place on Tuesday , the nth inst ., at the Criterion . The ceremony was impressivel y performed by the I . P . M ., Bro . Wm . Bourne , after which the officers were invested as follows : Bros . Charles
Kedgley , W . M . ; Simeon Jacobs , S . W . ; W . H . Gulliford , J . W . ; The Rev . P . M . Holden , Chaplain ; JohnCoutts , P . M ., P . G . P ., Treasurer ; W . Bourne , P . M ., Secretary ; George Stacey , P . M ., Organist ; George Coleman , S . D . ; J . E . Collins , J . D . ; John Jacobs , I . G . ; H . W . Kedgley , D . C . ; T . A . Dickson , W . S . , •R . Bridger , Asst . W . S . ; and R . F . Potter , T y ler . The banquet was in every way a success , a very pleasing
feature being the beautiful show of choice flowers which adorned the table . The first toast , "The Queen and the Craft , " was received with musical honours , and that of "The M . W . Grand Master" was also loyally responded to , the "fire" being very warm . The I . P . M ., in proposing " The Health of the W . M ., " expressed the hope that one and ail would feel they had got the right man in the light place . He wished the W . M . a very happy and
successful year of office , and he felt sure that he would have it , for " he is a good one , and his worthiness does challenge much respect . " A long list of visitors received most cordial welcome from the W . M . and brethren all . In responding to the toast of " The Secretary , " Bro . Bourne , I . P . M ., referred very feelingly to the absence of the father of the lodge , Bro . John Coutts , P . M ., P . P . G . Treasurer ,
who was unable to be present through ill-health , but they were not forgotten , for he had received a telegram from Bournemouth from their much respected brother , in which he greeted his brethren , and wished them all prosperity . The officers of the lodge , with their blushing honours thick upon them , next received "good fire , " and with the Tyler's toast closed a very pleasant and enjoyable evening .
ALLIANCE LODGE ( No . 1827 ) . —The January meeting of this very prosperous City lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Wednesday , the 5 th * inst . The lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock by the W . M . ( Bro . L . F . Littell , P . M . 1 S 60 ) , who was ably supported by the following officers : Bros . Sir John B . Monckton , P . M ., P . Z ., President of the Board of General Purposes , I . P . M . ; Noah Johnson ( C . C . ) , P . M .
1 , P . G . S ., P . M . ; Frank Green ( C . C . ) , P . M . 8 , S . W . ; J . H . Ashford , 1441 , J . W . ; R . J . Pawley , 181 , Treas . ; J . E . Turner , P . M . 181 , Sec ; J . P . Godfrey , P . M ., acting S . D . ; Wildey Wright , S . D ,, acting J . D . ( for Bro . W . Handel Cannon , who was unfortunatel y laid up with a severe attack of rheumatic gout ); C . W . Bowley , I . G . ; W . W . Brown , Org . ; Henry Wright , Steward ; and A . B . Church , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting were
then read and confirmed , after which the ballot was taken for Mr . Frank S . Jackson , which having proved unanimous , that gentleman was duly initiated into the Craft according to ancient custom . The lodge then voted £ \ o 10 s . to the " Hervey Memorial Fund , " and it may be here worthy to note that the last public appearance of the late Grand Secretary in the Masonic world was at the constcration of this lodge in July , 1879 . A beautiful tesselated carpet was
presented to the lodge b y Bro . Edwin Frederick Fitch , which was much admired by the members during ^ the evening . This is the second presentation by Bro . Fitch to the lodge since his initiation , the first being a set of tracing boards ; and a vote of thanks was unanimously agreed to , and ordered to be recorded on the minutes , a copy of which was ordered to be signed and forwarded to Bro . Fitch , he
being unavoidably absent from the lodge that evening . The following brethren were also present : Bros . Perkins , C . C . ; Pearce Morrison , C . C . ; Panned , C . C . ; Henry Clarke , Peter Ashcroft , E . G . Man , F . A . Jewson , Cooper , Squire , and others . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where a most pleasant evening was spent .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
CHICHESTER . —Lodge of Union ( No . 38 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Council Chamber , on Thursday , the Gth inst ., when Bro . R . G . Raper , P . P . G . J . W ., was for the second time installed as W . M . of the lodge . The ceremony was roost impressively performed by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Arthur Smith , Prov . Grand Steward . The newly-installed W . M . invested
his officers as follows : Bros . Arthur Smith , I . P . M . ; the Earl of March , M . P ., S . W . ; F . W . Gru ' ggen , J . W . ; Rev . H . M . Davey , P . P . G . C ., Chap . ; J . St . Clair , P . P . G . W ., Treas . ; C . H . R . Ballard , Sec ; W . H . Barrett , S . D . ; Wm . Dean , J . D . ; G . Smith , P . P . G . D ., D . C . ; ; H . N . Travers , I . G . ; O . Lloyd and J . L . Priestwell , Stewards ; and R . Smith , Tyler .
The brethren afterwards sat down to a sumptuous banquet at the Dolphin Hotel , about fifty being present . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured after dinner . "The Health of the W . M ., " was proposed by W . Bro . J . Henderson Scott , J . G . D . England , D . Prov . Grand Master for Sussex , who expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present on the occasion of Bro . Raper being
installed a second time as W . M . of the old Union Lodge . He observed that to elect a brother a second time to the Master ' s chair was sometimes a sign of weakness in a lodge , at another time it was a mark of distinction conferred upon a brother to whom the lodge wished to do honour . There could be no doubt that the latter was the casein that instance . It would be superfluous in him to indulge in
panegyrics of Bro . Raper . in Chichester . They all knew what a good and excellent Mason he was ; how honoured a citizen , for he had been six times their mayor , and how kind and generous a friend to all . It would be sufficient , - therefore , to propose his health , and wish him a happy and prosperous year of office , to ensure a hearty response from them . In the course of some further remarks , the R . W .
Prov . G . M . also alluded to the cheering prospects under which thenewyearwas commenced , from the circumstances that a worthy branch of an old Masonic tree was again engrafted in the lodge by the acceptance of office of the Earl of March , whose ancestors had for so many years been associated with Freemasonry in England , in the province , and in that particular lodge . Later in
the evening the W . M . proposed "The Health of the Officers of the Lodge , " and referred to the circumstance of the Earl of March accepting office that day in the lodge , and to the fact that in due course his lordship would succeed to the chair . He rejoiced in this , not simply from the acknowledged high position of the noble lord , but because he was keeping up the traditions of his house in
thus associating his name again with Masonry . For nearl y 200 years the Dukes of Richmond had been connected with Masonry . In 16 75 a Duke of Richmond was Grand Master of England ; and a few years later a lodge was held on St . Roque ' s-hill , near to Goodwood , under the auspices of the noble duke , who also obtained permission to hold a lodge at his seat at Aubigny , in France , in consequence of which Masonry was much extended in foreign countries .
Successive Dukes of Richmond and Earls of March had held high office in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex . That evening they had another Earl of March enrolled in their lodge , holding office in it , and in full prospect of the highest post therein . Under his kind and genial shelter they might with confidence hope to see their lodge in Chichester , and Masonry generally , flourish and increase .
Among the brethren present were the R . W . Bro . Scott , J . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . M . of Sussex ; Bros . V . P . Freeman , Prov . G . Sec . ; G . Molesworth , P . P . G . D . ; G . Gatehouse , P . P . G . D . ; C . P . Henty , P . P . G . W . ; C . Goodeve , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . F . Capon , W . M . 732 ; J . A . Swornsborne , P . M . 1726 ; R . J . Murrell , P . M . 1776 ; A . R . Bortish ,
P . M . 3 S ; Bond , P . M . 3 S ; Percival , P . M . 3 S ; Gambling , PM . 3 S ; the Rev . Prebendary Burnett ; Collins ( Mayor of Chichester ); and others . Bros . Kenningham , Kempton , and Dean , J . D ., gave an excellent selection of vocal music during the intervals between the toasts .
BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . — The last regular meeting under the present W . M . and officers was held at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , the 6 th inst . 'Hie Director of Ceremonies marshalled the procession of P . M . ' s and officers , and led them into the hall punctually at 7 . 30 , when the W . M ., Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins , at once took the chair , supported by Bros . Braham , I . P . M . ;
Hunt , S . W . ; Radway , J . W . ; Cater , Secretary ; T . Wilton , P . M ., Dir . of Cers ., P . P . G . J . W . ; F . Wilkinson , P . M ., P . P . G . Sup . Wks . ; T . B . Moutrie , P . M . and P . P . G . S . W . ; J . Rubie , P . M . and P . P . G . J . W . ; Jas . Clark , P . M . ; C . Wilkinson , P . J . W . ; J . Maggs , ' P . M . 335 ; E . B . Mercer , S . D . ; A . Holmes , J . D . ; T . Ames , I . G . ; W . L . Baldwin , Organist ; Peach and T . E . Wilton ,
Stewards ; and many members . Visitors : Bros . W . Williamson , P . M . 906 and P . P . G . D . Cers . ; Dill , P . M . 906 and P . P . G . P . ; B . A . Dyer , 53 ; and N . Jacob , 960 . The lodge having been opened the Secretary read the minutes of last meeting , which were read and confirmed . Bro . Mercer read those of the lodge of instruction . The W . M . read a note from Bro . Ashley , P . M . and Treasurer ,
expressive of regret at his most unusual but unavoidable absence . He also explained that the candidate for the Second Degree was unable to attend . The W . M . then read a most interesting paper b y Bro . W . J . Hughan , P . G . D ., on the early history of the lodge , as a sequel to previous similar ones , and this was supplemented by another written by himself as a commentary thereon . A
vote of thanks to these two brethren was carried by acclamation . The W . M . having narrated the great services rendered to the lodge by Bros . R . F . Gould , G . S . D ., and General A . Pike in the recent investigations into its history , proposed votes of thanks to them in the following terms , which were seconded by Bro . T . P . Moutrie , P . M ., & c , and carried , and the Secretary was directed to send
copies to those brethren : " Royal Cumberland Lodge of Freemasons , No . 41 , Bath , January 6 th , 18 S 1 . Resolved , that the best thanks of the lodge are due , and are hereby most fraternally tendered , to Bro . Robert Freke Gould , Premier G . S . D . of England , for the great trouble he has taken in examining the archives of the Grand Lodge of
England , with a view to assist Bro . W . J . Hughan in tracing out the early history of Freemasonry in relation to the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , the results of which have proved so important . " At a regular meeting of the Royal Cumberland Lodge , Bath , January 6 th , ) S 8 i : — " Resolved , that the best thanks of the lodge are due , and are hereby most fraternally tendered , to the Illustrious
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
best . The absence of one ( Bro . Davics ) they all regretted , as it was the first meeting since the consecration that he had not attended . The feeling of regret was intensified when they knew his absence was caused by illness . The services of Bros . Goode and Simmonds were so well-known that it would be superfluous for him to recapitulate them . Bro . Simmonds facetiously replied on behalf of "The Past Masters" after which , "The Health
, of the Initiate" was proposed , that newly enlightened brother expressing his thanks in neat and appropriate terms . Bros . Henry Lovegrove , Hunter , Hyland , and J . G . Defriez replied on behalf of "The Visitors , " each confratulating the I . P . M . on the excellent manner in which e had Derformed the installation ceremony . The
remaining toasts were "The Officers of the Lodge" and the Tyler ' s , which were in turn given and duly acknowledged . The intervals between the toasts were enlivened with some excellent singing , one capital song in particular , the " Spirit of the Nightingale , " composed by the Organist of the lodge , Bro . T . Upward , being exceedingly well
sung . THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday evening , the Sth inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel ; Bro . Thomas Hamer , W . M ., in the chair , supported by his officers and several visitors . The minutes of the December meeting having been read and confirmed , a ballot took place for Mr . James Lodge , who was a
candidate for admission , and it being unanimous in his favour , he was at once initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry , the ceremony being most ably performed by the W . Master . Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , the Chaplain of the lodge , thanked the W . Master for again in his absence appointing him as their Chaplain , and the brethren for the kindly vote they had recently passed to him on account of a domestic bereavement . A distressed Scotch brother was relieved ,
and after some other business had been disposed of the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the " Coffee Room , " where dinner was served up , and was very well served , and the waiting at the tables was excellent . At the conclusion of the repast , and grace having been said , the W . Master rose , and said : Brethren , it is again my pleasing duty to ask you to join with me in drinking " The Health of the Queen , " and with that I will couple
" The Craft . " The W . Master , m giving the next toast , made it a very comprehensive one , as it was " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , Grand Master ; the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master ; the Earl ol Lathom , Dep . Grand Master ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " In giving this toast , he said he had nothing more to say than he trusted they all did their duty , and as long as they did so they would always have great pleasure
in drinking their health . The toast was , of course , heartily responded to . Bro . Blackie , I . P . M ., said : Brethren , the duty devolves upon me again to propose "The Health of the W . Master , " and I do so with a great deal of pleasure . The ceremonies he has gone through so far , especially in the initiation of a gentleman to-night , must have given satisfaction to all . I am sure you will all unite with me in wishing he may enjoy a happy new year and a prosperous
one . ( Hear , hear . ) The W . Master , in replying , said : I return my best thanks for the manner in which the Immediate Past Master has proposed my health , and to you , brethren , for the very cordial way in which you have received it . It is a difficult thing to speak of one ' s self , but I am deeply grateful to the Immediate Past Master for proposing it , and you for receiving it , thanking me for any little service I have been able to render to the lodge , but I
hope to do better , and I will continue to do so to the best of my ability . The W . Master said the next toast he had to asK them ta drink on that occasion was an important one , and it was one not only important to the lodge , but to Masonry at large , as it was to be hoped that every initiate would be faithful to his vows , and perform all that he had undertaken to do . It was also important to the initiate , and in his selection of The Great City Lodge for admission
into Freemasonry , he thought that they were very fortunate in that respect , for the tongue of good report had been heard in his favour , and he had endeared himself to all by his kind and genial character . He , therefore , congratulated the lodge on so good a man having joined them in the great brotherhood of Freemasonry , and he felt assured that he would never regret having entered their Order , and the more he saw of it the more he would be pleased with it .
He begged to propose " The Initiate ' s Health . " The toast was well received . Bro . Lodge said as he was only an initiate in Freemasonry he could do no more than thank the W . Master for the kind way in which he had proposed the toast , and he thanked the brethren for the equally kind way in which they had received it . He could assure them that he had not entered the lodge without due regard and consideration of the step he had taken ; but as
he had heard that a good Mason could not be a bad man , he would try to be a good Mason , and in no way would he be a disgrace to the lodge . The W . Master said that the next toast he had to give was "The Past Masters of the Lodge , " and it was one that he gave with pleasure , as he was well supported b y them . He did not expect them to be present on all occasions , but he always had a good attendance of them . They knew what they had done for the
lodgethey had made its reputation , and they had always endea voured to maintain the prestige of the lodge in the great cause of Freemasonry . Bro . Shaw , as usual , highl y amused the members with his song " Pat of Mullingar . " Bro . Blackie , I . P . M ., said he begged most sincerely for himself and Past Masters to thank the W . M . and the brethren for the toast which had been proposed and responded to . It was to him a great pleasure to meet the
lodge on every occasion , and he would do his utmost to help the W . M . in anything that was required of him . Bro . Stevens also returned thanks , and referred to a Masonic map he had introduced to the notice of the brethren , and said that although the production of it had cost him upwards of £ 300 it had been appreciated by the Craft at large . Bro . Headon , Treasurer , thanked them for the kind manner with which they had drunk the toast of the
Past Masters . Bro . Seex said the affable manner in which the W . M . had introduced the toast was duly appreciated by the Past Masters . Bro . Freeman said he did not expect to have been called upon , but all he could say was " Happy have we met , happy have we been , happy may we part , and happy meet again , and it is closed accordingly . " ( Loud laughter . ) The W . M . said the next toast he had to propose was that of "The Visitors . " They were not quite so numerous as usual , but those who were present were of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
the first class , and he could say of the selected few that they had quality if not quantity ( laughter ) , and he gave them a hearty welcome . Having enumerated them , he called upon Bro . Allison , W . M . of the Industry Lodge , No . iSG , to respond to the toast . Bro . Allison , in responding ^ said as the Industry Lodge was the recommending lodge for the Great City Lodge to obtain its warrant of constitution , they naturally felt great interest in its prosperity , and he felt
exceedingly grateful to the W . M . for having associated his name with the toast . Bro . Eastgate , of the City of Westminster Lodge , also briefly acknowledged the toast . The W . M . next gave " The Health of Bros . Headon and Blackie , the Treasurer and Secretary of the lodge , " and remarked that they were two most excellent officers , and as such they should always treat them , for the work they did for the lodge few had any idea of . They were always at their
post , and willing to do any duty . Bro . Headon , P . M . and Treasurer , thanked the W . M . for the very kind manner in which he had proposed the toast of the Treasurer and Secretary , but he had nothing fresh to add to what he had said before , as he had frequently to thank them for the way in which they had responded to this toast . He might , however , inform them that he was engaged in a great Masonic workwhich he intended to furnish them with gratis .
, ( Laughter . ) He had been so much engaged-with Christmas festivities that he had not lately made much progress with it , and he might tell that it was still in the press , and also that he was frequently pressed by the printer to get out of the press as soon as possible . ( Laughter . ) As they were not aware of what was the work about to . be published , for the satisfaction of the printer , he hoped to put it into their hands with their next summons , and it would be so plain
that " he who runs may read ( renewed laughter ) , and he might also tell them that there would be no advertisements on the back of it . ( Hear , hear , and laughter ) . When it was published they would find it was presume of the doings of The Great City Lodge during the past six years , and the contributions they had made to different objects during that period . Having said so much he had no doubt he had excited their curiosity to see this work , and especially when
he informed them that it would be issued to them gratis . ( Laughter . ) Bro . Blackie also very briefly returned thanks . The W . M . gave "The Officers of the Lodge , " for which Bro . Taylor , S . W ., responded , and took occasion to offer some excellent practical observations on the necessity of members attending The Great City Lodge of Instruction if they wished to qualify themselves for the duties they might hereafcer be called upon to perform . The Tyler's toast
brought a very successful meeting to a close at an early hour . COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1714 ) . — The installation of W . M ., and appointment and investment of officers of this lodge , took place on Tuesday , the nth inst ., at the Criterion . The ceremony was impressivel y performed by the I . P . M ., Bro . Wm . Bourne , after which the officers were invested as follows : Bros . Charles
Kedgley , W . M . ; Simeon Jacobs , S . W . ; W . H . Gulliford , J . W . ; The Rev . P . M . Holden , Chaplain ; JohnCoutts , P . M ., P . G . P ., Treasurer ; W . Bourne , P . M ., Secretary ; George Stacey , P . M ., Organist ; George Coleman , S . D . ; J . E . Collins , J . D . ; John Jacobs , I . G . ; H . W . Kedgley , D . C . ; T . A . Dickson , W . S . , •R . Bridger , Asst . W . S . ; and R . F . Potter , T y ler . The banquet was in every way a success , a very pleasing
feature being the beautiful show of choice flowers which adorned the table . The first toast , "The Queen and the Craft , " was received with musical honours , and that of "The M . W . Grand Master" was also loyally responded to , the "fire" being very warm . The I . P . M ., in proposing " The Health of the W . M ., " expressed the hope that one and ail would feel they had got the right man in the light place . He wished the W . M . a very happy and
successful year of office , and he felt sure that he would have it , for " he is a good one , and his worthiness does challenge much respect . " A long list of visitors received most cordial welcome from the W . M . and brethren all . In responding to the toast of " The Secretary , " Bro . Bourne , I . P . M ., referred very feelingly to the absence of the father of the lodge , Bro . John Coutts , P . M ., P . P . G . Treasurer ,
who was unable to be present through ill-health , but they were not forgotten , for he had received a telegram from Bournemouth from their much respected brother , in which he greeted his brethren , and wished them all prosperity . The officers of the lodge , with their blushing honours thick upon them , next received "good fire , " and with the Tyler's toast closed a very pleasant and enjoyable evening .
ALLIANCE LODGE ( No . 1827 ) . —The January meeting of this very prosperous City lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Wednesday , the 5 th * inst . The lodge was opened shortly after five o ' clock by the W . M . ( Bro . L . F . Littell , P . M . 1 S 60 ) , who was ably supported by the following officers : Bros . Sir John B . Monckton , P . M ., P . Z ., President of the Board of General Purposes , I . P . M . ; Noah Johnson ( C . C . ) , P . M .
1 , P . G . S ., P . M . ; Frank Green ( C . C . ) , P . M . 8 , S . W . ; J . H . Ashford , 1441 , J . W . ; R . J . Pawley , 181 , Treas . ; J . E . Turner , P . M . 181 , Sec ; J . P . Godfrey , P . M ., acting S . D . ; Wildey Wright , S . D ,, acting J . D . ( for Bro . W . Handel Cannon , who was unfortunatel y laid up with a severe attack of rheumatic gout ); C . W . Bowley , I . G . ; W . W . Brown , Org . ; Henry Wright , Steward ; and A . B . Church , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting were
then read and confirmed , after which the ballot was taken for Mr . Frank S . Jackson , which having proved unanimous , that gentleman was duly initiated into the Craft according to ancient custom . The lodge then voted £ \ o 10 s . to the " Hervey Memorial Fund , " and it may be here worthy to note that the last public appearance of the late Grand Secretary in the Masonic world was at the constcration of this lodge in July , 1879 . A beautiful tesselated carpet was
presented to the lodge b y Bro . Edwin Frederick Fitch , which was much admired by the members during ^ the evening . This is the second presentation by Bro . Fitch to the lodge since his initiation , the first being a set of tracing boards ; and a vote of thanks was unanimously agreed to , and ordered to be recorded on the minutes , a copy of which was ordered to be signed and forwarded to Bro . Fitch , he
being unavoidably absent from the lodge that evening . The following brethren were also present : Bros . Perkins , C . C . ; Pearce Morrison , C . C . ; Panned , C . C . ; Henry Clarke , Peter Ashcroft , E . G . Man , F . A . Jewson , Cooper , Squire , and others . All Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where a most pleasant evening was spent .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
CHICHESTER . —Lodge of Union ( No . 38 ) . — The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Council Chamber , on Thursday , the Gth inst ., when Bro . R . G . Raper , P . P . G . J . W ., was for the second time installed as W . M . of the lodge . The ceremony was roost impressively performed by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Arthur Smith , Prov . Grand Steward . The newly-installed W . M . invested
his officers as follows : Bros . Arthur Smith , I . P . M . ; the Earl of March , M . P ., S . W . ; F . W . Gru ' ggen , J . W . ; Rev . H . M . Davey , P . P . G . C ., Chap . ; J . St . Clair , P . P . G . W ., Treas . ; C . H . R . Ballard , Sec ; W . H . Barrett , S . D . ; Wm . Dean , J . D . ; G . Smith , P . P . G . D ., D . C . ; ; H . N . Travers , I . G . ; O . Lloyd and J . L . Priestwell , Stewards ; and R . Smith , Tyler .
The brethren afterwards sat down to a sumptuous banquet at the Dolphin Hotel , about fifty being present . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured after dinner . "The Health of the W . M ., " was proposed by W . Bro . J . Henderson Scott , J . G . D . England , D . Prov . Grand Master for Sussex , who expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present on the occasion of Bro . Raper being
installed a second time as W . M . of the old Union Lodge . He observed that to elect a brother a second time to the Master ' s chair was sometimes a sign of weakness in a lodge , at another time it was a mark of distinction conferred upon a brother to whom the lodge wished to do honour . There could be no doubt that the latter was the casein that instance . It would be superfluous in him to indulge in
panegyrics of Bro . Raper . in Chichester . They all knew what a good and excellent Mason he was ; how honoured a citizen , for he had been six times their mayor , and how kind and generous a friend to all . It would be sufficient , - therefore , to propose his health , and wish him a happy and prosperous year of office , to ensure a hearty response from them . In the course of some further remarks , the R . W .
Prov . G . M . also alluded to the cheering prospects under which thenewyearwas commenced , from the circumstances that a worthy branch of an old Masonic tree was again engrafted in the lodge by the acceptance of office of the Earl of March , whose ancestors had for so many years been associated with Freemasonry in England , in the province , and in that particular lodge . Later in
the evening the W . M . proposed "The Health of the Officers of the Lodge , " and referred to the circumstance of the Earl of March accepting office that day in the lodge , and to the fact that in due course his lordship would succeed to the chair . He rejoiced in this , not simply from the acknowledged high position of the noble lord , but because he was keeping up the traditions of his house in
thus associating his name again with Masonry . For nearl y 200 years the Dukes of Richmond had been connected with Masonry . In 16 75 a Duke of Richmond was Grand Master of England ; and a few years later a lodge was held on St . Roque ' s-hill , near to Goodwood , under the auspices of the noble duke , who also obtained permission to hold a lodge at his seat at Aubigny , in France , in consequence of which Masonry was much extended in foreign countries .
Successive Dukes of Richmond and Earls of March had held high office in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex . That evening they had another Earl of March enrolled in their lodge , holding office in it , and in full prospect of the highest post therein . Under his kind and genial shelter they might with confidence hope to see their lodge in Chichester , and Masonry generally , flourish and increase .
Among the brethren present were the R . W . Bro . Scott , J . G . D ., Dep . Prov . G . M . of Sussex ; Bros . V . P . Freeman , Prov . G . Sec . ; G . Molesworth , P . P . G . D . ; G . Gatehouse , P . P . G . D . ; C . P . Henty , P . P . G . W . ; C . Goodeve , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . F . Capon , W . M . 732 ; J . A . Swornsborne , P . M . 1726 ; R . J . Murrell , P . M . 1776 ; A . R . Bortish ,
P . M . 3 S ; Bond , P . M . 3 S ; Percival , P . M . 3 S ; Gambling , PM . 3 S ; the Rev . Prebendary Burnett ; Collins ( Mayor of Chichester ); and others . Bros . Kenningham , Kempton , and Dean , J . D ., gave an excellent selection of vocal music during the intervals between the toasts .
BATH . —Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . — The last regular meeting under the present W . M . and officers was held at the Masonic Hall , on Thursday , the 6 th inst . 'Hie Director of Ceremonies marshalled the procession of P . M . ' s and officers , and led them into the hall punctually at 7 . 30 , when the W . M ., Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins , at once took the chair , supported by Bros . Braham , I . P . M . ;
Hunt , S . W . ; Radway , J . W . ; Cater , Secretary ; T . Wilton , P . M ., Dir . of Cers ., P . P . G . J . W . ; F . Wilkinson , P . M ., P . P . G . Sup . Wks . ; T . B . Moutrie , P . M . and P . P . G . S . W . ; J . Rubie , P . M . and P . P . G . J . W . ; Jas . Clark , P . M . ; C . Wilkinson , P . J . W . ; J . Maggs , ' P . M . 335 ; E . B . Mercer , S . D . ; A . Holmes , J . D . ; T . Ames , I . G . ; W . L . Baldwin , Organist ; Peach and T . E . Wilton ,
Stewards ; and many members . Visitors : Bros . W . Williamson , P . M . 906 and P . P . G . D . Cers . ; Dill , P . M . 906 and P . P . G . P . ; B . A . Dyer , 53 ; and N . Jacob , 960 . The lodge having been opened the Secretary read the minutes of last meeting , which were read and confirmed . Bro . Mercer read those of the lodge of instruction . The W . M . read a note from Bro . Ashley , P . M . and Treasurer ,
expressive of regret at his most unusual but unavoidable absence . He also explained that the candidate for the Second Degree was unable to attend . The W . M . then read a most interesting paper b y Bro . W . J . Hughan , P . G . D ., on the early history of the lodge , as a sequel to previous similar ones , and this was supplemented by another written by himself as a commentary thereon . A
vote of thanks to these two brethren was carried by acclamation . The W . M . having narrated the great services rendered to the lodge by Bros . R . F . Gould , G . S . D ., and General A . Pike in the recent investigations into its history , proposed votes of thanks to them in the following terms , which were seconded by Bro . T . P . Moutrie , P . M ., & c , and carried , and the Secretary was directed to send
copies to those brethren : " Royal Cumberland Lodge of Freemasons , No . 41 , Bath , January 6 th , 18 S 1 . Resolved , that the best thanks of the lodge are due , and are hereby most fraternally tendered , to Bro . Robert Freke Gould , Premier G . S . D . of England , for the great trouble he has taken in examining the archives of the Grand Lodge of
England , with a view to assist Bro . W . J . Hughan in tracing out the early history of Freemasonry in relation to the Royal Cumberland Lodge , No . 41 , the results of which have proved so important . " At a regular meeting of the Royal Cumberland Lodge , Bath , January 6 th , ) S 8 i : — " Resolved , that the best thanks of the lodge are due , and are hereby most fraternally tendered , to the Illustrious