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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
years with which this century opened — during the period that elapsed between the morning on which Abercrombie met a soldier ' s death on the sands of Alexandra and the fine evening on which the thin red line swept down the slope at Waterloothat period so full of military opportunity , so glorious in our military history—it was felt that Lord Moira could render greater services to his country in the Parliament
House at Westminster and the Council Chambers at Calcutta than even in the field . What these services were is a matter of common history . It is enough for me to say that Lord Moira was one , and not the least distinguished , of that band of Statesmen who during that troubled time guided the destinies of England , and guided them to such good purpose as to bring her out of the turmoil of the nations , not only with increased strength ,
with increased wealth , and with increased honour , but with the proud reflection that in a time when the streets of every capital in Christendom , save our own , had resounded with the drums of hostile regiments or the guns of hostile fleets , no Englishman in his own land had ever seen an enemy ' s flag save as a trophy , or an enemy's ship save as a prize . But , brethren , although it behoves us to speak of Lord Moira ' s services to his country in the first place , yet it is
not to these services , brilliant and valuable though they were , that is due the enduring love in which his name is held by Masons ; that is due to other causes . Lord Moira was above all things a Mason . From the day of his initiation he made the welfare of the Craft one of his primary objects in life . For years he filled the very highest office in it , and he brought to its council all the skill and energy he brought to affairs of war and of State .
But he did more—to use his own words , he ever tried to rule his life by the _ finest Masonic principles , and that effort produced in him a wise and splendid beneficence . It was a beneficence untainted by any mixture of self-glorification . It was a beneficence not confined to any classnot confined to any country—it was refused to none of the far-reaching Brotherhood that is united in the bonds of want , sickness , and sorrow . It was given to black men in
America , fever-stricken amidst the swamps that skirt the Atlantic seaboard . It was given to white men plaguestricken in the Lazar-houses that dot the shores of the Afedicerranean . It was given to the orphans of the Bengalee , who but for it would have filled dens of infamy on the banks of the Ganges . It was given to the orphans of the Irish rebel , who but for it would have starved in the cabins of Down and of Antrim . And it was given with
such lavish generosity , that amongst millions of whom our principles and keystones were unknown our brother became renowned , not alone as a soldier and a statesman , but as one to whom was given , in a measure such as is rarely vouchsafed unto men , a large-handed Charity , a sympathy with suffering , a tenderness for the frailties of mankind , and , above all , a passionate desire to relieve human misery—that was unbounded by seas or by . skies .
by language , by race , or by religion . And so it is , brethren , that now , though 59 years have elapsed since the boom of the minute guns passed over the Bay of Naples told the world that the warrior had gone to rest , we still in this lodge call for his name , and on this his birth night bear him in memory ; we bear him in memory as Masons should ever bear in memory a departed brother who , during a life thst was varied and eventful amongst even varied
and eventful lives—in courts and in camps ; amidst the conflict of armies and the conflict of political factions ; in many lands and amongst many peoples—ever bore testimony by his life and works to the great truths that are illustrated by the symbolism of our Craft ; and we bear him in memory as Englishmen should ever bear in memory British worthies , who in dark days of our country ' s history , when peril to the commonwealth came on every wind of
Heaven , not only ever bade " England be of good cheer , " but ever with brain and hand fought manfully to preserve and extend that glorious heritage , power , and presidency which they received from their fathers , and which they have handed down to us , their children . Let us drink then , brethren , to the memory of that valiant man and true , great soldier , great Statesman , great Mason , who has left a name so splendid
on the annals of our Craft ; so splendid on the annals of England . Brethren , we will drink in solemn silence to the memory of our departed brother and the former patron of the lodge , Francis Rawdon , second Earl of Moira and first Marquis of Hastings . Bro . VV . H . Read , D . G . M . Eastern Archipelago , in responding for "The Visitors , " said : In the first place , 1 have to apologise for not appearing before you this evening in my proper clothing , but I have but lately arrived from
the far East , and my baggage is still on the bosom of the ocean . I have , however , done my best to supplement it , and if the apron I wear looks grimy it is with the dust of ages , as the owner of it assures me that it has been in the possession of his forefathers for upwards of a century . Having thus apologised for myself , allow me to thank you on behalf of the guests for the very handsome entertainment you have offered us this evening . Hospitality
has ever been a great Masonic virtue , and the Moira Lodge has shown that it is worthy to rank with the first on this occasion . On behalf of the visitors , among whom I am glad to see many old friends , again I thank you . With reference to the ceremony we have seen this evening , although it may be without my province to make any remark , allow me to observe that it determination , energy , and a desire to perform his duty will lead to success , I feel
sure that the VV . M . who has been raised to the chair will , at the end of his reign , beable to hand the gavel to hissuccessor with the proud satisfaction that he has not only earned the approbation of the brethren , but that , which is the Master ' s proudest reward , the inward satisfaction that he has done his duty . I have often been told that Masonry is on its decline , and that its utility is no longer recognised . The numerous meeting of brethren present this evening ; the
munificent Charities , so nobly maintained by the Craft in England ; and the constant assistance granted at all hands to those in distress , prove the utter illusion of these ideas . 00 long as we uphold the fundamental principles of the Craft—brotherl y love , relief , and truth—we need not fear the future , and Masonry will endure till this world is no
more . Again , I thank you . The next to reply—Rear-Admiral Mayne—said that he lea red he could not claim , like his friend , Sir W . Hewitt , to have assisted Masonry to the extent of building a lodge , ° r , indeed , that he had done anything' to give him any special claim to honour among Masons . He had , however , disseminated ( so to speak ) his Masonry over a considerable Portion of the globe , having been initiated in Vancouver
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Island , and raised in New Zealand—two points about as far from each other as could be easily found . He thanked them for coupling his name with the toast of the Visitors . Bro . R . H . Martin , who was loudly called for , also acknowledged the toast in a iew well-chosen words . The other toasts wereof a routine character , though that of the VV . M . met with a response which must have
been peculiarly gratifying to the occupant of the chair , and the brethren separated , after an evening that will be long remembered by all those who had the good fortune to be present . In concluding our notice of this meeting , it may be added that the musical arrangements , which were conducted on a scale of great magnificence , reflected the highest possible credit on Bro . T . Lawler .
DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) .-This lodge met in great strength at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the nth inst . Among those present were Bros . R . Pierpoint , W . M . ; H . Price , S . W . ; Simner , J . W . ; T . Morris , Sec ; Champion , J . D . ; Harvey , l . G . ; Salmon , W . S . ; Wood , D . C ; Riechelmann , Hon . Org . ; Foulger , P . M . ; Ferguson , P . M . ; Deputy Walford , C . C ., P . M . ; Kent , P . M . ;
Buscall , P . M . ; White , P . M . ; Willing , jun ., P . M . ; Spink , P . M . ; Herbage , P . M . ; Maclean , P . M . ; Foxcroft , P . M . ; and others . Among the visitors were Bros , J . Stephens , VV . M . 1425 ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middlesex , VV . M . 1 793 ; Da Costa , P . M . 1349 ; Hill , P . M . 1607 ; C . Graham , P . G . S . D . Middlesex , P . M . ; J . Stacey , P . M . ; Wingham , 25 ; Jones , 7 G 5 ; Bolt , 1563 ; Bates , 1563 ; Price , 1 S 16 ; Poole , 2030 ; and others .
The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Messrs . James Webster and Thomas Trodd , and it proving to be unanimous , the first-named , being in attendance , was duly initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . Bros . T . N . Morris , E . Melson , and A . J . White were then impressively raised to the Third Degree . It being election night , Bro . H . Price was unanimously elected as W . M . ; Bro . George
Everett , P . M ., as Treas . ; Bro . VValkerly , as Tyler ; and Bros . Plenderleith , Spurrell , Weston , Billinghurst , and Cole , as Auditors . The following resolutions , after some discussion pro and con ., were passed : " That no notice of motion be allowed to appear on the summons unless proposed in open lodge , except in cases of great urgency , and not then unless the consent of the Worshipful Master be first obtained , " and "That a Committee—consisting of the
Worshipful Master , Wardens , and Past Masters—be appointed to carry out the necessary arrangements for celebrating- the centenary of the lodge in the forthcoming year . " A Past Master ' s jewel was then unanimously voted to Bro . Pierpoint , in recognition of his vaiuable services as VV . M . during the past year . A letter from Bro . George Everett ,
P . M ., Treas ., was read , pleading his inability to attend , in consequence of severe indisposition . Several other communications having been read , the lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the usual Royal and Craft toasts were duly honoured .
" The Health of the VV . M . " was proposed in fluent terms by the l . P . M . Bro . Pierpoint , in reponse , expressed the great gratification it had afforded him in being W . M . of so large and important a lodge as No . 177 . He had striven to do his best , and he believed that he should leave the chair carrying the good wishes of every member with him . The toast of " The Initiate " followedand was briefly
, acknowledged by Bro . Webster . "The Visitors" came next in order , and was responded to by Bros . Stephens , Walls , and Graham . In giving "The W . M . Elect , " the VV . M . congratulated the lodge on the unanimous choice it had made that evening . It was a great honour for Bro . Harry Price to be unanimously elected in so influential and strong a lodge as this , as it proved the great respect he was held in by the
brethren . He ( the W . M . ) felt convinced that the lodge would never regret its action , and , in conclusion , he hoped that the VV . M . elect would have a most enjoyable and prosperous year of office . The toast having been drunk with acclamation , < Bro . Price responded in modest terms . In the course of his reply he said that it had been one of the great wishes of his heart to preside over No . 177 . He little thought ,
however , that that hope was destined to be realised on so important an occasion as the centenary of the lodge in 1 SS 6 . To prove his gratitude to the brethren , he would do all he could to still further enhance the prosperity of the good old Domatic , and trusted that his efforts would be strengthened by the assistance of the intelligent and powerful body of Past Masters . " The Treasurer and Secretary " followed . In proposing
this toast the W . M . expressed his great regret that Bro . Everett , who had discharged the duties of Treasurer so well for so many years , was not present that evening , through illness . He felt certain , however , that their absent brother would be pleased to hear that he had been unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and they all hoped that he would have a speedy return to health . He also spoke of the great services of Bro . Morris , the Secretary .
Bro . Morris having responded , "The Health of the Past Masters " was proposed , coupled with the names of Bros . Foulger and Ferguson . This toast having been warmly received , Bro . Foulger returned thanks . He said that , as an old member , he was delighted to watch the steady progress the lodge had made , and was continuing to
make . He was also pleased to notice that , notwithstanding many of their Past Masters were increasing in years , they still evinced their interest in the lodge by attending as often as possible . In conclusion , he said that he looked forward with pleasure to the year of office of the W . M . elect , who would , he felt convinced , not disappoint the brethren who had placed him in that proud position . Bro . Ferguson also made a neat speech , and his witty
remarks were well received . The toast of "The Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . Simner , Salmon , and Wood , who responded , brought the long , though enjoyable , proceedings to a close .
CONFIDENCE LODGE ( No . 228 ) . —The annual election meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on Monday evening , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , when there was a goodly attendance of brethren , under the presidency of Bro . W . A . Cubitt , who was supported by Bros . W . Saint , S . W . ; F . Silvester , J . W . ; R . D . Kershaw , 1 P . M ., Treas . ; J . Shackell , P . M ., Sec ; G . P . Nightingale ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
S . D . ; S . Smither , J . D . ; J . Gildersleve , acting as l . G . ; E . J . Davey , W . S . ; \ V . Wood , P . M . ; S . ] . Webb , P . M . ; ] . E . Fells , P . M . ; T . Biddle , P . M . ; H . T . Reed , P . M . ; f . Hart . F . Westoby , E . D . Stevenson , A . VV . South , J . ligan , A . VV . Barham , J . Dongray , VV . A . Colyer , VV . J . Parker , VV . Richell , J . Little , J . Foster , G . Masters , W . G . Fernley , J . II . Bayley , J . D . Collins , F . Hemings , and others .
Lodge having been opened in accordance with ancient rites , Bros . W . J . Parker , A . VV . South , J . Dongray , and F . Westoby were raised to the Third Degree , the work being admirably performed by the VV . M . Bro . Joseph Hart was afterwards passed , tfrt ceremony being also perfectly rendered . Subsequently the ballot was taken for Mr . H . M . Alston and Mr . F . Hemings . The latter , being present , was duly initiated , and the brethren then proceeded to the
election of W . M . for the ensuing year , the choice of the brethren falling unanimously on Bro . Saint , who had satisfactorily discharged the duties of the minor offices in the lodge . Bro . R . D . Kershaw , P . M ., was unanimously reelected Treasurer , and Bro . L . G . Ueinhardt , Tyler . At the conclusion of some formal business , the brethren and visitors partook of supper , under the presidency of the VV . M ., when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honour , ? rl .
In consequence of the heavy amount of work done in lodge , which infringed upon the time of the Fourth Degree , the W . M . said he would be brief in proposing the toasts ; but those of "The Oueen and the Craft , " " The M . W . G . M ., " and f'The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " were received with customary respect . Bro . S . Webb , P . M ., in the absencejof the I . P . M ., Bro . Bedford Lemare , proposed "The Health of the W . M ., "
and , in doing so , said Bro . Cubitt had deservedly secured the approval of every member of the lodge . He had succeeded in passing the various offices in the lodge with the utmost credit , and the lodge had lost none of its lustre under the auspices of its present Master . The W . M . next year during his term of office would have a valuable helpmeet in Bro . Cubitt , and would receive the hearty support and assistance of the rest of the Past Masters .
1 he Worshipful Master , haviug thanked the brethren for the kindly manner in which the toast had been proposed and received , said he had discharged the duties of his high position to the best of his ability , and if he had succeeded in meriting their approbation he was abundantly satisfied . He alluded to the interest always manifested in the lodge by brethren who had passed the chair , and said it was a good sign in any lodge when the Past Masters continued to
exercise a willing and active interest in the work . " The Health of the Initiate " was given from the chair , and briefly acknowledged by Bro . F . Hemings . The toast of " The Past Masters " followed , and was responded to by Bros . J . Shackell and S . J . Webb . Bro . VV . Saint , S . W . and VV . M . elect , replied for "The Officers . " After thanking the brethren for their cordial reception of the toast , he said it afforded him a considerable
amount of satisfaction to know that he had been unanimously elected to the chair , and it was something that would always live in his memory . He had worked hard during the past two or three years to qualify himself for the office , the duties of which he hoped he might be able to carry out with credit to the lodge and _ to himself . The proceedings of the evening , which were throughout of the most harmonious and enjoyable description , were interspersed with some excellent songs and recitations .
CAPPER LODGE ( No . 1072 ) . —The first meeting of the above excellent lodge since the installation of the new W . M ., Bro . W . H . Harris , took place on Thursday , the 10 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , City . The VV . M . presided , assisted by the following Past Masters , officers , and others : Bros . VV . Nevins , l . P . M . ; J . Dorton , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Mitchell , P . M . ; K . West , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . Herts ; N . Taplay , P . M . ; VV . Watkins , S . W . ; C . Mears , J . W . ; J . C . Pitt , Sec ; VV .
Temple , S . D . ; J . Still , J . D . ; A . T . Dale , l . G . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; Turberfield , Tyler ; and C . Jolly , S . W . 1472 ( Freemason ) . The only work before the lodge was the passing of Bro . Drew and the raising of Bro . Capt . Loney , both ceremonies being admirably performed by the VV . M . The lodge shortly afterwards adjourned , and the brethren departed with mutual good wishes for the approaching festive season , and a happy and prosperous New Year .
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . JS 58 ) . —The December meeting of this lodge took place on Thursday evening , the 10 th inst ., at 5 . 30 o'clock , at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . Present : Bros . G . S . Stokes , W . M . ; Nettleford , S . W . ; Walker , J . W . ; Sutton , S . D . ; Clayton , J . D . ; TaylorP . M ., Treas . ;
, Power , Sec ; Brown , I . G . ; Manly and Shave , W . S . ; C . Sims , P . M . ; Muddiman , Mullett , Catt , and Sutton . The visitors were Bros . J . Hill , S . W . 165 S ; J . D . Smith , WM . 165 S ; Pay ton , Israel Lodge ; and Walker , Ebury Lodge . Bros . H . Wakeford , J . Clark , F . Jackson , and VV . Simpson gave proofs of proficiency in the First Degree , were entrusted , and retired . The lodge was opened in the
Second Degree , the brethren were admitted in due form , and were passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . The lodge was resumed in the First Degree , but the candidate for initiation was unable to attend , and the lodge was called off for a short time . The lodge being called on the W . Master rose for three times to enquire . One proposition was made tor a candidate . The lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren retired to the " refreshment" prepared for them . The
brethren thoroughly enjoyed themselves , and after the "Christmas pudding , " fully ablaze , and the mince pies were despatched , the toasts were proposed . " The Queen and the Craft , " after which Bro . C . Power , P . M ., sang " God save the Oueen . " The next toast , " The M . W . Grand Master , " was introduced by the VV . M . in the expression of admiration for his continual work in Masonry , and the amount of attention given . Bro . John Darwin Smith sang "God bless the Prince of Wales . "
The toast of " The Pro Grand Master and all the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " being proposed , the W . M . informed the brethren that those who attended Grand Lodge must value them for their devotion to the work . Their duties were many and great ; therefore , those who could not attend Grand Lodge must value the Grand
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
years with which this century opened — during the period that elapsed between the morning on which Abercrombie met a soldier ' s death on the sands of Alexandra and the fine evening on which the thin red line swept down the slope at Waterloothat period so full of military opportunity , so glorious in our military history—it was felt that Lord Moira could render greater services to his country in the Parliament
House at Westminster and the Council Chambers at Calcutta than even in the field . What these services were is a matter of common history . It is enough for me to say that Lord Moira was one , and not the least distinguished , of that band of Statesmen who during that troubled time guided the destinies of England , and guided them to such good purpose as to bring her out of the turmoil of the nations , not only with increased strength ,
with increased wealth , and with increased honour , but with the proud reflection that in a time when the streets of every capital in Christendom , save our own , had resounded with the drums of hostile regiments or the guns of hostile fleets , no Englishman in his own land had ever seen an enemy ' s flag save as a trophy , or an enemy's ship save as a prize . But , brethren , although it behoves us to speak of Lord Moira ' s services to his country in the first place , yet it is
not to these services , brilliant and valuable though they were , that is due the enduring love in which his name is held by Masons ; that is due to other causes . Lord Moira was above all things a Mason . From the day of his initiation he made the welfare of the Craft one of his primary objects in life . For years he filled the very highest office in it , and he brought to its council all the skill and energy he brought to affairs of war and of State .
But he did more—to use his own words , he ever tried to rule his life by the _ finest Masonic principles , and that effort produced in him a wise and splendid beneficence . It was a beneficence untainted by any mixture of self-glorification . It was a beneficence not confined to any classnot confined to any country—it was refused to none of the far-reaching Brotherhood that is united in the bonds of want , sickness , and sorrow . It was given to black men in
America , fever-stricken amidst the swamps that skirt the Atlantic seaboard . It was given to white men plaguestricken in the Lazar-houses that dot the shores of the Afedicerranean . It was given to the orphans of the Bengalee , who but for it would have filled dens of infamy on the banks of the Ganges . It was given to the orphans of the Irish rebel , who but for it would have starved in the cabins of Down and of Antrim . And it was given with
such lavish generosity , that amongst millions of whom our principles and keystones were unknown our brother became renowned , not alone as a soldier and a statesman , but as one to whom was given , in a measure such as is rarely vouchsafed unto men , a large-handed Charity , a sympathy with suffering , a tenderness for the frailties of mankind , and , above all , a passionate desire to relieve human misery—that was unbounded by seas or by . skies .
by language , by race , or by religion . And so it is , brethren , that now , though 59 years have elapsed since the boom of the minute guns passed over the Bay of Naples told the world that the warrior had gone to rest , we still in this lodge call for his name , and on this his birth night bear him in memory ; we bear him in memory as Masons should ever bear in memory a departed brother who , during a life thst was varied and eventful amongst even varied
and eventful lives—in courts and in camps ; amidst the conflict of armies and the conflict of political factions ; in many lands and amongst many peoples—ever bore testimony by his life and works to the great truths that are illustrated by the symbolism of our Craft ; and we bear him in memory as Englishmen should ever bear in memory British worthies , who in dark days of our country ' s history , when peril to the commonwealth came on every wind of
Heaven , not only ever bade " England be of good cheer , " but ever with brain and hand fought manfully to preserve and extend that glorious heritage , power , and presidency which they received from their fathers , and which they have handed down to us , their children . Let us drink then , brethren , to the memory of that valiant man and true , great soldier , great Statesman , great Mason , who has left a name so splendid
on the annals of our Craft ; so splendid on the annals of England . Brethren , we will drink in solemn silence to the memory of our departed brother and the former patron of the lodge , Francis Rawdon , second Earl of Moira and first Marquis of Hastings . Bro . VV . H . Read , D . G . M . Eastern Archipelago , in responding for "The Visitors , " said : In the first place , 1 have to apologise for not appearing before you this evening in my proper clothing , but I have but lately arrived from
the far East , and my baggage is still on the bosom of the ocean . I have , however , done my best to supplement it , and if the apron I wear looks grimy it is with the dust of ages , as the owner of it assures me that it has been in the possession of his forefathers for upwards of a century . Having thus apologised for myself , allow me to thank you on behalf of the guests for the very handsome entertainment you have offered us this evening . Hospitality
has ever been a great Masonic virtue , and the Moira Lodge has shown that it is worthy to rank with the first on this occasion . On behalf of the visitors , among whom I am glad to see many old friends , again I thank you . With reference to the ceremony we have seen this evening , although it may be without my province to make any remark , allow me to observe that it determination , energy , and a desire to perform his duty will lead to success , I feel
sure that the VV . M . who has been raised to the chair will , at the end of his reign , beable to hand the gavel to hissuccessor with the proud satisfaction that he has not only earned the approbation of the brethren , but that , which is the Master ' s proudest reward , the inward satisfaction that he has done his duty . I have often been told that Masonry is on its decline , and that its utility is no longer recognised . The numerous meeting of brethren present this evening ; the
munificent Charities , so nobly maintained by the Craft in England ; and the constant assistance granted at all hands to those in distress , prove the utter illusion of these ideas . 00 long as we uphold the fundamental principles of the Craft—brotherl y love , relief , and truth—we need not fear the future , and Masonry will endure till this world is no
more . Again , I thank you . The next to reply—Rear-Admiral Mayne—said that he lea red he could not claim , like his friend , Sir W . Hewitt , to have assisted Masonry to the extent of building a lodge , ° r , indeed , that he had done anything' to give him any special claim to honour among Masons . He had , however , disseminated ( so to speak ) his Masonry over a considerable Portion of the globe , having been initiated in Vancouver
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Island , and raised in New Zealand—two points about as far from each other as could be easily found . He thanked them for coupling his name with the toast of the Visitors . Bro . R . H . Martin , who was loudly called for , also acknowledged the toast in a iew well-chosen words . The other toasts wereof a routine character , though that of the VV . M . met with a response which must have
been peculiarly gratifying to the occupant of the chair , and the brethren separated , after an evening that will be long remembered by all those who had the good fortune to be present . In concluding our notice of this meeting , it may be added that the musical arrangements , which were conducted on a scale of great magnificence , reflected the highest possible credit on Bro . T . Lawler .
DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) .-This lodge met in great strength at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on the nth inst . Among those present were Bros . R . Pierpoint , W . M . ; H . Price , S . W . ; Simner , J . W . ; T . Morris , Sec ; Champion , J . D . ; Harvey , l . G . ; Salmon , W . S . ; Wood , D . C ; Riechelmann , Hon . Org . ; Foulger , P . M . ; Ferguson , P . M . ; Deputy Walford , C . C ., P . M . ; Kent , P . M . ;
Buscall , P . M . ; White , P . M . ; Willing , jun ., P . M . ; Spink , P . M . ; Herbage , P . M . ; Maclean , P . M . ; Foxcroft , P . M . ; and others . Among the visitors were Bros , J . Stephens , VV . M . 1425 ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middlesex , VV . M . 1 793 ; Da Costa , P . M . 1349 ; Hill , P . M . 1607 ; C . Graham , P . G . S . D . Middlesex , P . M . ; J . Stacey , P . M . ; Wingham , 25 ; Jones , 7 G 5 ; Bolt , 1563 ; Bates , 1563 ; Price , 1 S 16 ; Poole , 2030 ; and others .
The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Messrs . James Webster and Thomas Trodd , and it proving to be unanimous , the first-named , being in attendance , was duly initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . Bros . T . N . Morris , E . Melson , and A . J . White were then impressively raised to the Third Degree . It being election night , Bro . H . Price was unanimously elected as W . M . ; Bro . George
Everett , P . M ., as Treas . ; Bro . VValkerly , as Tyler ; and Bros . Plenderleith , Spurrell , Weston , Billinghurst , and Cole , as Auditors . The following resolutions , after some discussion pro and con ., were passed : " That no notice of motion be allowed to appear on the summons unless proposed in open lodge , except in cases of great urgency , and not then unless the consent of the Worshipful Master be first obtained , " and "That a Committee—consisting of the
Worshipful Master , Wardens , and Past Masters—be appointed to carry out the necessary arrangements for celebrating- the centenary of the lodge in the forthcoming year . " A Past Master ' s jewel was then unanimously voted to Bro . Pierpoint , in recognition of his vaiuable services as VV . M . during the past year . A letter from Bro . George Everett ,
P . M ., Treas ., was read , pleading his inability to attend , in consequence of severe indisposition . Several other communications having been read , the lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the usual Royal and Craft toasts were duly honoured .
" The Health of the VV . M . " was proposed in fluent terms by the l . P . M . Bro . Pierpoint , in reponse , expressed the great gratification it had afforded him in being W . M . of so large and important a lodge as No . 177 . He had striven to do his best , and he believed that he should leave the chair carrying the good wishes of every member with him . The toast of " The Initiate " followedand was briefly
, acknowledged by Bro . Webster . "The Visitors" came next in order , and was responded to by Bros . Stephens , Walls , and Graham . In giving "The W . M . Elect , " the VV . M . congratulated the lodge on the unanimous choice it had made that evening . It was a great honour for Bro . Harry Price to be unanimously elected in so influential and strong a lodge as this , as it proved the great respect he was held in by the
brethren . He ( the W . M . ) felt convinced that the lodge would never regret its action , and , in conclusion , he hoped that the VV . M . elect would have a most enjoyable and prosperous year of office . The toast having been drunk with acclamation , < Bro . Price responded in modest terms . In the course of his reply he said that it had been one of the great wishes of his heart to preside over No . 177 . He little thought ,
however , that that hope was destined to be realised on so important an occasion as the centenary of the lodge in 1 SS 6 . To prove his gratitude to the brethren , he would do all he could to still further enhance the prosperity of the good old Domatic , and trusted that his efforts would be strengthened by the assistance of the intelligent and powerful body of Past Masters . " The Treasurer and Secretary " followed . In proposing
this toast the W . M . expressed his great regret that Bro . Everett , who had discharged the duties of Treasurer so well for so many years , was not present that evening , through illness . He felt certain , however , that their absent brother would be pleased to hear that he had been unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and they all hoped that he would have a speedy return to health . He also spoke of the great services of Bro . Morris , the Secretary .
Bro . Morris having responded , "The Health of the Past Masters " was proposed , coupled with the names of Bros . Foulger and Ferguson . This toast having been warmly received , Bro . Foulger returned thanks . He said that , as an old member , he was delighted to watch the steady progress the lodge had made , and was continuing to
make . He was also pleased to notice that , notwithstanding many of their Past Masters were increasing in years , they still evinced their interest in the lodge by attending as often as possible . In conclusion , he said that he looked forward with pleasure to the year of office of the W . M . elect , who would , he felt convinced , not disappoint the brethren who had placed him in that proud position . Bro . Ferguson also made a neat speech , and his witty
remarks were well received . The toast of "The Officers , " coupled with the names of Bros . Simner , Salmon , and Wood , who responded , brought the long , though enjoyable , proceedings to a close .
CONFIDENCE LODGE ( No . 228 ) . —The annual election meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on Monday evening , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , when there was a goodly attendance of brethren , under the presidency of Bro . W . A . Cubitt , who was supported by Bros . W . Saint , S . W . ; F . Silvester , J . W . ; R . D . Kershaw , 1 P . M ., Treas . ; J . Shackell , P . M ., Sec ; G . P . Nightingale ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
S . D . ; S . Smither , J . D . ; J . Gildersleve , acting as l . G . ; E . J . Davey , W . S . ; \ V . Wood , P . M . ; S . ] . Webb , P . M . ; ] . E . Fells , P . M . ; T . Biddle , P . M . ; H . T . Reed , P . M . ; f . Hart . F . Westoby , E . D . Stevenson , A . VV . South , J . ligan , A . VV . Barham , J . Dongray , VV . A . Colyer , VV . J . Parker , VV . Richell , J . Little , J . Foster , G . Masters , W . G . Fernley , J . II . Bayley , J . D . Collins , F . Hemings , and others .
Lodge having been opened in accordance with ancient rites , Bros . W . J . Parker , A . VV . South , J . Dongray , and F . Westoby were raised to the Third Degree , the work being admirably performed by the VV . M . Bro . Joseph Hart was afterwards passed , tfrt ceremony being also perfectly rendered . Subsequently the ballot was taken for Mr . H . M . Alston and Mr . F . Hemings . The latter , being present , was duly initiated , and the brethren then proceeded to the
election of W . M . for the ensuing year , the choice of the brethren falling unanimously on Bro . Saint , who had satisfactorily discharged the duties of the minor offices in the lodge . Bro . R . D . Kershaw , P . M ., was unanimously reelected Treasurer , and Bro . L . G . Ueinhardt , Tyler . At the conclusion of some formal business , the brethren and visitors partook of supper , under the presidency of the VV . M ., when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honour , ? rl .
In consequence of the heavy amount of work done in lodge , which infringed upon the time of the Fourth Degree , the W . M . said he would be brief in proposing the toasts ; but those of "The Oueen and the Craft , " " The M . W . G . M ., " and f'The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " were received with customary respect . Bro . S . Webb , P . M ., in the absencejof the I . P . M ., Bro . Bedford Lemare , proposed "The Health of the W . M ., "
and , in doing so , said Bro . Cubitt had deservedly secured the approval of every member of the lodge . He had succeeded in passing the various offices in the lodge with the utmost credit , and the lodge had lost none of its lustre under the auspices of its present Master . The W . M . next year during his term of office would have a valuable helpmeet in Bro . Cubitt , and would receive the hearty support and assistance of the rest of the Past Masters .
1 he Worshipful Master , haviug thanked the brethren for the kindly manner in which the toast had been proposed and received , said he had discharged the duties of his high position to the best of his ability , and if he had succeeded in meriting their approbation he was abundantly satisfied . He alluded to the interest always manifested in the lodge by brethren who had passed the chair , and said it was a good sign in any lodge when the Past Masters continued to
exercise a willing and active interest in the work . " The Health of the Initiate " was given from the chair , and briefly acknowledged by Bro . F . Hemings . The toast of " The Past Masters " followed , and was responded to by Bros . J . Shackell and S . J . Webb . Bro . VV . Saint , S . W . and VV . M . elect , replied for "The Officers . " After thanking the brethren for their cordial reception of the toast , he said it afforded him a considerable
amount of satisfaction to know that he had been unanimously elected to the chair , and it was something that would always live in his memory . He had worked hard during the past two or three years to qualify himself for the office , the duties of which he hoped he might be able to carry out with credit to the lodge and _ to himself . The proceedings of the evening , which were throughout of the most harmonious and enjoyable description , were interspersed with some excellent songs and recitations .
CAPPER LODGE ( No . 1072 ) . —The first meeting of the above excellent lodge since the installation of the new W . M ., Bro . W . H . Harris , took place on Thursday , the 10 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , City . The VV . M . presided , assisted by the following Past Masters , officers , and others : Bros . VV . Nevins , l . P . M . ; J . Dorton , P . M ., Treas . ; VV . Mitchell , P . M . ; K . West , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D . Herts ; N . Taplay , P . M . ; VV . Watkins , S . W . ; C . Mears , J . W . ; J . C . Pitt , Sec ; VV .
Temple , S . D . ; J . Still , J . D . ; A . T . Dale , l . G . ; M . Sherwin , Org . ; Turberfield , Tyler ; and C . Jolly , S . W . 1472 ( Freemason ) . The only work before the lodge was the passing of Bro . Drew and the raising of Bro . Capt . Loney , both ceremonies being admirably performed by the VV . M . The lodge shortly afterwards adjourned , and the brethren departed with mutual good wishes for the approaching festive season , and a happy and prosperous New Year .
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . JS 58 ) . —The December meeting of this lodge took place on Thursday evening , the 10 th inst ., at 5 . 30 o'clock , at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . Present : Bros . G . S . Stokes , W . M . ; Nettleford , S . W . ; Walker , J . W . ; Sutton , S . D . ; Clayton , J . D . ; TaylorP . M ., Treas . ;
, Power , Sec ; Brown , I . G . ; Manly and Shave , W . S . ; C . Sims , P . M . ; Muddiman , Mullett , Catt , and Sutton . The visitors were Bros . J . Hill , S . W . 165 S ; J . D . Smith , WM . 165 S ; Pay ton , Israel Lodge ; and Walker , Ebury Lodge . Bros . H . Wakeford , J . Clark , F . Jackson , and VV . Simpson gave proofs of proficiency in the First Degree , were entrusted , and retired . The lodge was opened in the
Second Degree , the brethren were admitted in due form , and were passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . The lodge was resumed in the First Degree , but the candidate for initiation was unable to attend , and the lodge was called off for a short time . The lodge being called on the W . Master rose for three times to enquire . One proposition was made tor a candidate . The lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren retired to the " refreshment" prepared for them . The
brethren thoroughly enjoyed themselves , and after the "Christmas pudding , " fully ablaze , and the mince pies were despatched , the toasts were proposed . " The Queen and the Craft , " after which Bro . C . Power , P . M ., sang " God save the Oueen . " The next toast , " The M . W . Grand Master , " was introduced by the VV . M . in the expression of admiration for his continual work in Masonry , and the amount of attention given . Bro . John Darwin Smith sang "God bless the Prince of Wales . "
The toast of " The Pro Grand Master and all the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " being proposed , the W . M . informed the brethren that those who attended Grand Lodge must value them for their devotion to the work . Their duties were many and great ; therefore , those who could not attend Grand Lodge must value the Grand