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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
T . Couture , W . M ., was supported by Bros . A . G . Clements , S . W . ; G . T . Holdom , J . W . ; W . Beck , P . M ., Treas . ; W . O . Swetman , Sec ; J . G . Twinn , S . D . ; J . Loftus , I . G . j J . Magrath , P . M ., D . C ; J . Oxley and J . Sommers , Stwds . ; T . J . Tyer , P . M . ; T . Wooding , and other members of the lodge . Visitors A . Peterken , W . M . 1 S 05 , P . M . 1349 ; F . H . Dale , 127 S ; R . Hirst , D . C . 1421 ; G . H . Stephens , W . M . 1623 ; and
others . The business before the lodge , and which was done , included the initiation of Mr . J . R . Halcrow into the Order , performed by the W . M ., and the raising of two brethren to the Sublime Degree , worked by Bro . T . J . Tyer , I . P . M Considerable time was devoted to the discussion of several matters of lodge interest , and at
rather an advanced hour the lodge was closed . Subsequently supper was partaken of , and was served in a very nice and satisfactory manner , after which a few toasts were briefly given , and harmony prevailed . Among those who contributed thereto were Bros . W . Beck , P . M ., H . J . Hirst , A . Peterken , G . T . Holdom , and others , and a very pleasant evening passed rapidly away , the brethren separating in good time .
GRANITE LODGE ( No . 1328 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Freemasons ' Hall , on Saturday , the 14 th inst . Bro . Frank Swain , W . M ., presided , and raised Bro . George Wheeler to the Third Degree , passed Bro . V . I . R . Longman to the Second Degree , and initiated Mr . Charles Edwin Layton . Bro . Swain afterwards installed Bro . Thomas Wilson , S . W . and W . M . elect , as W . M . of the lodge . The
following brethren were appointed to office : Bros , t . Wilson , W . M . j Algernon Mount , S . W . ; Robt . Masefield , J . W . ; Fredk . West , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . M ., Sec . ; W . T . Tonkin , S . D . ; Dr . J . VV . J . Oswald , J . D . ; Geo . Lansdown , I . G . ; R . White , D . C . ; H . I . J . K . Hardcastle , Stwd . ; Andrew Edwards , Asst . Stwd . ; and Woodstock , Tyler . The whole of the work was done by the outgoing
Master in splendid style , and the new W . M . also exhibited his proficiency in Masonry by investing his officers with the usual ritual . An elegant P . M . 's jewel was presented to Bro . Swain . Bro . J . Lewis Thomas , Secretary , announced the death of the oldest P . M . of the lodge , Bro . Sendy , and thereupon a vote of condolence with the late brother ' s widow and family was passed , and ordered to be recorded on the minutes . Several letters of apology and
regret for inability to attend were read , and the lodge was thereafter closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant to banquet . The P . M . ' s present were Bros . ] . O . Gardner , J . Oliver , R . Payne , B . Turner , F . West , J . Lewis Thomas , J . W . J . Oswald , R . C . Mount , F . Kirk , and C . A . Cottebrune ; and among the visitors were Bros . Col . Peters , P . G . S . B . ; F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Reg . ; R . Beevers , 57 , P . P . G . S . of uavisivi
W . N . li . Yorkshire ; lj . , r .. 107 ; o . p . Mogara , P . M . and Sec . 205 , P . P . G . S . of W . Essex ; W . H . J ackson , P . M . 1 745 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 1928 ; Chas . Belton , W . M . 165 ; Wainwright , P . M . 933 ; Bundy , W . M . 46 ; Foakes , I . P . M . 1 S 91 ; Egan , P . M . 858 ; Stedman , P . M . 1765 ; Young , S . W . 1 745 , Simpson , J . W . 1745 ; Bolding , 91 ; Peace , 507 ; Burne , S . W . 162 ; Clant , 1507 ; Hunt , 2021 ; Carliell , S . D . 1592 ; Weist , P . M . 753 ; F . W . Chamberlain , 160 S ; Oliver ,
1509 ; Purchas Hughes , 145 ; Palmer Jones , 190 J Park , 511 ; Cambridge , P . G . O . burrey ; and Hoyter , 1706 . When the toasts were proposed , Bro . F . A . Philbrick , G . Reg ., responded for "The Grand Officers , " and said that the duties which attached to the holders of Grand office , and in particular to some of the more exalted of them , such as the Pro G . M . and the Deputy G . M ., were duties which not only made great demands upon their time , but which
could only be discharged by the most unswerving fidelity , by the most unremitting attention , by the deepest love for the great Craft of which they were for the time being the ministers ; and having seen for himself , not once , but often , the manner in which those distinguished noblemen who occupied the positions to which he had referred left the cares of State and the duties which they could ill afford to leave in order to look after the great Interests of the Craft ,
he felt that the brethren's recognition of the debt of gratitude they owed to those Grand Officers was but a due recognition , and that the feeling in which they were justly held hy the Craft was a well-merited feeling , and amply deserved by those distinguished men . Having said this much for the Grand Officers , he must congratulate the W . M . of the Granite Lodge upon his installation into office . He must also congratulate the lodge on the position
it held , and the progress it made . He saw rising in answer to this toast , as members of this lodge , three distinguished brethren—Bros . J . Lewis-Thomas , C . A . Cottebrune , and F . West—who had been honoured in Grand Lodge . That was a matter on which he might fairly congratulate the lodge . He had the pleasure not merely to congratulate the lodge upon numbers , because they knew perfectly well that numbers without quality did not always mean success .
Masonry now had a position which rendered the saying true that it was an honour to any man to be enrolled in the Craft . They could not be too careful whom they admitted . Let the voice of good report be really and distinctly heard in their favour , and as long as that was so the great body of Masonry would increase in quality , and its prosperity would be a prosperity founded on solid grounds . He was glad to be able to congratulate ' the W . M . and
the lodge , not only upon its newest recruit , which showed that the lodge was extending , but upon the P . M . who had gone through the chair , who had performed all the ceremonies that evening in a manner which had he supposed been expected , but which had delighted all who had the privilege of hearing it . Long might the career of the lodge be prosperous ; long might the work of Masonry be rendered as it had been rendered that evening ; long might
the lodge be harmonious and united , and this was the wish of the Grand Officers for whom he had the honour to respond . Bro . Swain , I . P . M ., proposed "TheW . M ., " and said the lodge was to be congratulated on having such a W . M . as its head , and also because the W . M . was an
old friend of his , both in and out of lodge . He knew him to be a good man and true , a thorough Mason , a perfect worker . The brethren had seen the way he had gone through the minor offices till at last he had arrived at the office he now occupied . The toast having been heartily drunk , the W . M ., in reply , said he should always endeavour to carry out the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
duties of the chair to the best cf his ability during his year of office . It was now ten or eleven years since he was initiated by Bro . Sendy , of whose death they had been sorry to hear , and to whose widow and family they had passed a vote of condolence . He trusted that when he handed to his successor the charter of the lodge it would be found not to have lost any of its former lustre . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Initiate , " and
said the lodge had undoubtedly obtained that evening a most excellent initiate , who would make a splendid Mason . He had gone through the ceremony in a most admirable manner as far as he knew it , and he showed signs of becoming a capital Freemason . Bro . Layton , in reply , said he could only express his great gratification with the kind way in which he had been received bv the brethren . Of course he had been under
some misapprehension as to the mysteries which he had had to pass through . He could only say he had been very much in the dark with respect to them . However , he had to extend his thanks to those who assisted him in his difficulties , and he trusted that having been elected a member of the lodge he might never do anything which would in any way detract from the reputation 'he lodge seemed to have attained to . He assured the brethren that he would in
every way endeavour to promote the interests ot the lodge . Bro . Lieut .-Col . Peters , P . G . Swd . Br ., in replying to the toast of " The Visitors , " said all the brethren knew the Granite Lodge was noted for its hospitality , and this had been amply exemplified that evening . If the brethren had not had all they desired it was entirely their own fault . He had more than once been a visitor to the lodge by the kind invitation of Bro . Thomas , the Secretary , and it was
always a pleasure to come because he met so many of his old friends in Masonry . The lodge progressed in every possible manner . Having been honoured with the purple , he had frequently heard the ceremonies admirably worked , but he had never seen them performed better than they had been that evening by the I . P . M . To the toast of " The P . Ms ., " Bro . Swain was the first to respond , and in doing so , said he had not been a P . M .
many hours , but what he had seen of the P . Ms , led him to say he had been received by them with open arms , and they appeared to be a capital lot of fellows . He could assure the brethren the P . Ms , would continue to have the interests of the Granite Lodge at heart , and if the VV . M . wanted any assistance from them he would be sure to have it . Bro . Gardner , P . M ., also replied . The position he now
held was that he had got down to the bottom of the ladder as P . M ., and he was very proud to be in the position , because be knew it was a position he had worked for , and it was one to be proud of . He had gone through every office in the lodge , and among the offices that of Wine Steward . He had found | the P . M . 's an excellent lot of brethren , and he was proud to be among them , and to have seen that night his twin brother in Masonry installed in the
chair . They were initiated , passed , and raised together , and he now saw Bro . Wilson placed in the position that he ( Bro . Gardner ) was placed in two years ago . To the toast of " Treasurer and Secretary , " Bro . F . West , P . M ., Treas ., firsti responded . He very much appreciated the honour that had been conferred upon him by his election again to this responsible office . It was some little gratification to find that year by year they
called upon him to resume duties he had endeavoured to fulfil to their satisfaction in years gone by . He then dwelt on the success and prosperity of the lodge , which had been maintained at the same time that all the wishes of the brethren had been met . Some men might perhaps criticise the large amount of expenditure on banquets , but they must look at the number of members who supported the Master upon all occasions , there not having been less than
30 or 40 present on ordinary nights . It was impossible to meet five times a year without some expense . The lodge was not extravagant , but still it treated its guests with fair consideration , and the members enjoyed themselves . Perhaps it would surprise the brethren that the expense per head per dinner , including Bro . Thomas's cigars , was ns . 6 d . Still , all the brethren thoroughly enjoyed themselves , and they had very good dinners . Bro . Thomas
arranged all these things , and with such a Secretary he ( Bro . West ) , as Treasurer , as long as the lodge entrusted him with the important office , would endeavour to keep up the dignity and high importance of the lodge with the funds at the disposal of the lodge , without infringing on the normal balance inithe hands of the Treasurer . Bro . James Lewis Thomas responded as Secretary , and complimented Bro . West on his financial ability . The
lodge might congratulate itself on the fact that the Treasurer and Secretary thoroughly understood how to manipulate the accounts , so as to make them pleasant to all the members . There was a balance of £ 80 or £ 100 , which was a great fact for the Treasurer to be proud of . The brethren did not want anything of the kind from him ( Bro . Thomas ) ; all they wanted from him was to know what was the progress of the lodge , in another sense , how
many initiates they had had , and how many they might expect during the coming year . They had had a great many last year , and they were all good men and true , such as they could welcome in a lodge of that reputation . To-night they had a very excellent initiate , one who would be found to be a very worthy member , and who it was to be hoped would go up to the chair . The history of the lodge was like that of most other lodges . It had had its
vicissitudes , _ but it ranked with nearly the hrst lodges of its age in London . There were many very , very old lodges existing , of which the Treasurer was a member , which could not boast of greater success ; but for lodges of the same age as the Granite , there were few which had shown such extraordinary vitality and force as the Granite Lodge . The other toasts were also honoured before the brethren
separated . The following is the ( programme of music performed by Bro . Stedman ' s Choir Boys , Mr . Courtice Pounds , Bro . Franklin Clive , and Bro . Warren Tear , under the direction of Bro . Stedman , 12 , Berners-street ; " National Anthem , " solo , Master Reg . Margetson ; Song , "The Bedouin Love Song , " Bro . Franklin Clive j Glee . "The Chough and Crow "; Song , "Come into
the Garden , Maud , " Mr . Courtice Pounds ; Duet , " I would that my love , " Bro . Stedman's Choir Boys ; Song , " The Old Song and the New , " Master Reg . Margetson ; Quartett , "Night , lovely Night ; " Song , "In cellar cool , " Bro . Franklin Clive j Duet , "The Angel , " Bro . Stedman's Choir Boys j Song , "Afterwards , " Mr . Courtice Pounds ; and Finale , " Good-night . "
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ISLINGTON LODGE ( No . 1471 ) . —The install , ation meeting of this lodge was held at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., and was numerousl y attended both by the members and their friends , the latter being fully 40 strong , and including such representative Craftsmen as Bro . Binckes , P . G . Stwd ., Secretary of the Boys'School , and Bro . J . L . Mather , who rendered important service in connection with the principal event of the
evening . Bro . Henry Cox presided at the opening of the lodge and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the previous lodge , proceeded to install as his successor in the chair of K . S ., Bro . A . C . Halestrap , S . W ., W . M . elect . This function , in which he was very ably assisted by Bro . J . L . Mather , Bro . Cox discharged most admirably , and the usual salutations and greetings having been tendered , Bro . Halestrap appointed and
invested the following as his officers for the year , namely , Bros . Hy . Cox , I . P . M . ; W . Shurmur , S . W . ; Thos . Hunt , J . W . ; E . Bowyer , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; D . P . Holnes , P . M ., Sec . ; J . H . Thompson , S . D . ; J . Petch , I . G . ; Scarlett , Organist ; H . Hunt , D . C . ; S . Napper , Steward . Lodge having been closed , the brethren to the number of about So , adjourned to the billiard-room , where Bro . J .
Baker , who is a member of the lodge , had ready for them a banquet , worthy alike of his skill as a caterer and the ancient reputation of his hostelry . Here a most agreeable evening was spent , capital speeches , interspersed with some excellent music , vocal and instrumental , being the order of the proceedings after the cloth had been removed . A detailed account of this part of the celebration is unnecessary . Suffice it to say that the usual loyal and Masonic
toasts were duly honoured , that of "The I . P . M . and W . M . " were materially complimentary as regards each others undoubted merits ; that the welcome previously extended to the visitors was confirmed by the W . M . on behalf of the lodge and acknowledged by sundry brethren , that Bro . Binckes made one of his accustomed powerful appeals on behalf of our Institutions ; and last but not least , that Bro . Collins , of the Kingsland Lodge , presided very efficiently at the piano . Nor did the evening close without
affording some tangible evidence of the value of our Masonic gatherings , for the W . M . having expressed his willingness to undertake the duties of Steward at the coming Festival of the Boys' School was able" to announce a very satisfactory list of promised contributions amounting to about £ So . We congratulate Bro . Halestrap on the auspicious beginning of his career as W . M ., and trust that he and his brother members of the Islington Lodge will accept our " Hearty good wishes" for the coming year .
COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . — The usual meeting of this progressive lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 10 th inst ., when there were present Bros . John Jacobs , W . M . ; H . W . Kedgley , S . W . ; T . A . Dickson , J . W . j Edw . Jacobs , P . M ., Treas . j Wm . Bourne , P . M ., Sec . j G . Stacey , P . M ., Org . ; B . Solomons , S . D . ; Bassett , J . D . ; G . Reynolds , I . G . j S . Jacobs , P . M ., W . S . j G . Howard , A . W . S . j Thorpe , D . C ; R . F . Potter , Tyler j G . Coleman ,
P . M . j C . Kedgley , P . M . ; C . Ralph , T . Snow , G . Foan , J . Napper , A . Bryan , Frank Gulliford , J . Ripley , W . Unwin , J . Woodward , S . Hewitt , W . W . Cousins , J . Alexander , H . Moore , G . Holditch , A . Packham , VV . Belham , A . Freeman , J . C . Bond , Turner Wilson , S . Isaacs , L . Goldsmid , J . Jacobs , G . Mills , W . A . Dowling , and G , H . Reynolds . Visitors : Bros . H . Hyams , 1348 ; A . Kirk , 1681 ; Wm . Rorts , 1273 ; F . Redman , 72 j
E . Isaacs , 1516 ; T . Butt , P . M . 700 ; F . Baxter , 1614 ; S . Jacobs , late of 1614 ; and J . Daniels , 333 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for the following gentlemen : Messrs . E . M . Carter , A . A . Jacobs , Lambert Goldsmid , Thomas Wilson , and Edward Mills . The candidates were informed that they had been unanimously elected . Bro . G . H . Foan was then
raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . The candidates above-named—five—were afterwards duly initiated , the W . M . performing his duties in a very clear and distinct manner . The W . M . having received the " Hearty good wishes '_ ' of the visitors , the lodge was closed in ancient form with peace and harmony . The brethren adjourned to the Victoria Hall , where the banquet was served under the personal superintendence of
Bro . Bertini , of Messrs . Spiers and Pond . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . G . Coleman , I . P . M ., who said all knew the reason of the toast . The able manner in which the W . M . had done his work that evening showed that the Covent Garden Lodge had chosen a good Master . He had begun well , and had had plenty of work to do . They must wish him every
success with health . The W . M ., in reply , thanked the brethren for the hearty manner in which his health had been drunk . The character that had been given him was most satisfactory , but flattering . He pledged himself to do all he could for the good of the lodge , and trusted he would be enabled to give the brethren great satisfaction .
The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Initiates , " said it was a great pleasure to have so many that evening . He wished them well , and that they would become a credit to the Craft . The Initiates made suitable replies , and expressed themselves anxious to become good and useful members of the Craft .
The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Visitors , " said that the Covent Garden Lodge always tried to give them a hearty welcome , and make them happy . He trusted they had had a pleasant and enjoyable evening . Bro . Butt , P . M ., in replying for the visitors , said he felt sure that all had spent an instructive and pleasant evening ' He could truly say that he had never seen such good working by a new W . M . The W . M ., in proposing the toast of "The Past Masters , " said he must thank them heartily'for the gallant
manner in which they had rallied round him that evening , being the first time of his occupying the chair ; but he greatly regretted the absence of one familiar face—that of Bro . W . H . Gulliford—whose geniality and brotherly interest was much missed . He had much pleasure in sayinff the P . M . ' s were always willing to do their best for the benefit and interest of the lodge . Bro . G . Coleman , I . P . M ., said the P . M . 's had given him the honour , being the youngest , of returning thanks »(
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
T . Couture , W . M ., was supported by Bros . A . G . Clements , S . W . ; G . T . Holdom , J . W . ; W . Beck , P . M ., Treas . ; W . O . Swetman , Sec ; J . G . Twinn , S . D . ; J . Loftus , I . G . j J . Magrath , P . M ., D . C ; J . Oxley and J . Sommers , Stwds . ; T . J . Tyer , P . M . ; T . Wooding , and other members of the lodge . Visitors A . Peterken , W . M . 1 S 05 , P . M . 1349 ; F . H . Dale , 127 S ; R . Hirst , D . C . 1421 ; G . H . Stephens , W . M . 1623 ; and
others . The business before the lodge , and which was done , included the initiation of Mr . J . R . Halcrow into the Order , performed by the W . M ., and the raising of two brethren to the Sublime Degree , worked by Bro . T . J . Tyer , I . P . M Considerable time was devoted to the discussion of several matters of lodge interest , and at
rather an advanced hour the lodge was closed . Subsequently supper was partaken of , and was served in a very nice and satisfactory manner , after which a few toasts were briefly given , and harmony prevailed . Among those who contributed thereto were Bros . W . Beck , P . M ., H . J . Hirst , A . Peterken , G . T . Holdom , and others , and a very pleasant evening passed rapidly away , the brethren separating in good time .
GRANITE LODGE ( No . 1328 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Freemasons ' Hall , on Saturday , the 14 th inst . Bro . Frank Swain , W . M ., presided , and raised Bro . George Wheeler to the Third Degree , passed Bro . V . I . R . Longman to the Second Degree , and initiated Mr . Charles Edwin Layton . Bro . Swain afterwards installed Bro . Thomas Wilson , S . W . and W . M . elect , as W . M . of the lodge . The
following brethren were appointed to office : Bros , t . Wilson , W . M . j Algernon Mount , S . W . ; Robt . Masefield , J . W . ; Fredk . West , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . M ., Sec . ; W . T . Tonkin , S . D . ; Dr . J . VV . J . Oswald , J . D . ; Geo . Lansdown , I . G . ; R . White , D . C . ; H . I . J . K . Hardcastle , Stwd . ; Andrew Edwards , Asst . Stwd . ; and Woodstock , Tyler . The whole of the work was done by the outgoing
Master in splendid style , and the new W . M . also exhibited his proficiency in Masonry by investing his officers with the usual ritual . An elegant P . M . 's jewel was presented to Bro . Swain . Bro . J . Lewis Thomas , Secretary , announced the death of the oldest P . M . of the lodge , Bro . Sendy , and thereupon a vote of condolence with the late brother ' s widow and family was passed , and ordered to be recorded on the minutes . Several letters of apology and
regret for inability to attend were read , and the lodge was thereafter closed . The brethren then adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant to banquet . The P . M . ' s present were Bros . ] . O . Gardner , J . Oliver , R . Payne , B . Turner , F . West , J . Lewis Thomas , J . W . J . Oswald , R . C . Mount , F . Kirk , and C . A . Cottebrune ; and among the visitors were Bros . Col . Peters , P . G . S . B . ; F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Reg . ; R . Beevers , 57 , P . P . G . S . of uavisivi
W . N . li . Yorkshire ; lj . , r .. 107 ; o . p . Mogara , P . M . and Sec . 205 , P . P . G . S . of W . Essex ; W . H . J ackson , P . M . 1 745 ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 1928 ; Chas . Belton , W . M . 165 ; Wainwright , P . M . 933 ; Bundy , W . M . 46 ; Foakes , I . P . M . 1 S 91 ; Egan , P . M . 858 ; Stedman , P . M . 1765 ; Young , S . W . 1 745 , Simpson , J . W . 1745 ; Bolding , 91 ; Peace , 507 ; Burne , S . W . 162 ; Clant , 1507 ; Hunt , 2021 ; Carliell , S . D . 1592 ; Weist , P . M . 753 ; F . W . Chamberlain , 160 S ; Oliver ,
1509 ; Purchas Hughes , 145 ; Palmer Jones , 190 J Park , 511 ; Cambridge , P . G . O . burrey ; and Hoyter , 1706 . When the toasts were proposed , Bro . F . A . Philbrick , G . Reg ., responded for "The Grand Officers , " and said that the duties which attached to the holders of Grand office , and in particular to some of the more exalted of them , such as the Pro G . M . and the Deputy G . M ., were duties which not only made great demands upon their time , but which
could only be discharged by the most unswerving fidelity , by the most unremitting attention , by the deepest love for the great Craft of which they were for the time being the ministers ; and having seen for himself , not once , but often , the manner in which those distinguished noblemen who occupied the positions to which he had referred left the cares of State and the duties which they could ill afford to leave in order to look after the great Interests of the Craft ,
he felt that the brethren's recognition of the debt of gratitude they owed to those Grand Officers was but a due recognition , and that the feeling in which they were justly held hy the Craft was a well-merited feeling , and amply deserved by those distinguished men . Having said this much for the Grand Officers , he must congratulate the W . M . of the Granite Lodge upon his installation into office . He must also congratulate the lodge on the position
it held , and the progress it made . He saw rising in answer to this toast , as members of this lodge , three distinguished brethren—Bros . J . Lewis-Thomas , C . A . Cottebrune , and F . West—who had been honoured in Grand Lodge . That was a matter on which he might fairly congratulate the lodge . He had the pleasure not merely to congratulate the lodge upon numbers , because they knew perfectly well that numbers without quality did not always mean success .
Masonry now had a position which rendered the saying true that it was an honour to any man to be enrolled in the Craft . They could not be too careful whom they admitted . Let the voice of good report be really and distinctly heard in their favour , and as long as that was so the great body of Masonry would increase in quality , and its prosperity would be a prosperity founded on solid grounds . He was glad to be able to congratulate ' the W . M . and
the lodge , not only upon its newest recruit , which showed that the lodge was extending , but upon the P . M . who had gone through the chair , who had performed all the ceremonies that evening in a manner which had he supposed been expected , but which had delighted all who had the privilege of hearing it . Long might the career of the lodge be prosperous ; long might the work of Masonry be rendered as it had been rendered that evening ; long might
the lodge be harmonious and united , and this was the wish of the Grand Officers for whom he had the honour to respond . Bro . Swain , I . P . M ., proposed "TheW . M ., " and said the lodge was to be congratulated on having such a W . M . as its head , and also because the W . M . was an
old friend of his , both in and out of lodge . He knew him to be a good man and true , a thorough Mason , a perfect worker . The brethren had seen the way he had gone through the minor offices till at last he had arrived at the office he now occupied . The toast having been heartily drunk , the W . M ., in reply , said he should always endeavour to carry out the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
duties of the chair to the best cf his ability during his year of office . It was now ten or eleven years since he was initiated by Bro . Sendy , of whose death they had been sorry to hear , and to whose widow and family they had passed a vote of condolence . He trusted that when he handed to his successor the charter of the lodge it would be found not to have lost any of its former lustre . The Worshipful Master proposed " The Initiate , " and
said the lodge had undoubtedly obtained that evening a most excellent initiate , who would make a splendid Mason . He had gone through the ceremony in a most admirable manner as far as he knew it , and he showed signs of becoming a capital Freemason . Bro . Layton , in reply , said he could only express his great gratification with the kind way in which he had been received bv the brethren . Of course he had been under
some misapprehension as to the mysteries which he had had to pass through . He could only say he had been very much in the dark with respect to them . However , he had to extend his thanks to those who assisted him in his difficulties , and he trusted that having been elected a member of the lodge he might never do anything which would in any way detract from the reputation 'he lodge seemed to have attained to . He assured the brethren that he would in
every way endeavour to promote the interests ot the lodge . Bro . Lieut .-Col . Peters , P . G . Swd . Br ., in replying to the toast of " The Visitors , " said all the brethren knew the Granite Lodge was noted for its hospitality , and this had been amply exemplified that evening . If the brethren had not had all they desired it was entirely their own fault . He had more than once been a visitor to the lodge by the kind invitation of Bro . Thomas , the Secretary , and it was
always a pleasure to come because he met so many of his old friends in Masonry . The lodge progressed in every possible manner . Having been honoured with the purple , he had frequently heard the ceremonies admirably worked , but he had never seen them performed better than they had been that evening by the I . P . M . To the toast of " The P . Ms ., " Bro . Swain was the first to respond , and in doing so , said he had not been a P . M .
many hours , but what he had seen of the P . Ms , led him to say he had been received by them with open arms , and they appeared to be a capital lot of fellows . He could assure the brethren the P . Ms , would continue to have the interests of the Granite Lodge at heart , and if the VV . M . wanted any assistance from them he would be sure to have it . Bro . Gardner , P . M ., also replied . The position he now
held was that he had got down to the bottom of the ladder as P . M ., and he was very proud to be in the position , because be knew it was a position he had worked for , and it was one to be proud of . He had gone through every office in the lodge , and among the offices that of Wine Steward . He had found | the P . M . 's an excellent lot of brethren , and he was proud to be among them , and to have seen that night his twin brother in Masonry installed in the
chair . They were initiated , passed , and raised together , and he now saw Bro . Wilson placed in the position that he ( Bro . Gardner ) was placed in two years ago . To the toast of " Treasurer and Secretary , " Bro . F . West , P . M ., Treas ., firsti responded . He very much appreciated the honour that had been conferred upon him by his election again to this responsible office . It was some little gratification to find that year by year they
called upon him to resume duties he had endeavoured to fulfil to their satisfaction in years gone by . He then dwelt on the success and prosperity of the lodge , which had been maintained at the same time that all the wishes of the brethren had been met . Some men might perhaps criticise the large amount of expenditure on banquets , but they must look at the number of members who supported the Master upon all occasions , there not having been less than
30 or 40 present on ordinary nights . It was impossible to meet five times a year without some expense . The lodge was not extravagant , but still it treated its guests with fair consideration , and the members enjoyed themselves . Perhaps it would surprise the brethren that the expense per head per dinner , including Bro . Thomas's cigars , was ns . 6 d . Still , all the brethren thoroughly enjoyed themselves , and they had very good dinners . Bro . Thomas
arranged all these things , and with such a Secretary he ( Bro . West ) , as Treasurer , as long as the lodge entrusted him with the important office , would endeavour to keep up the dignity and high importance of the lodge with the funds at the disposal of the lodge , without infringing on the normal balance inithe hands of the Treasurer . Bro . James Lewis Thomas responded as Secretary , and complimented Bro . West on his financial ability . The
lodge might congratulate itself on the fact that the Treasurer and Secretary thoroughly understood how to manipulate the accounts , so as to make them pleasant to all the members . There was a balance of £ 80 or £ 100 , which was a great fact for the Treasurer to be proud of . The brethren did not want anything of the kind from him ( Bro . Thomas ) ; all they wanted from him was to know what was the progress of the lodge , in another sense , how
many initiates they had had , and how many they might expect during the coming year . They had had a great many last year , and they were all good men and true , such as they could welcome in a lodge of that reputation . To-night they had a very excellent initiate , one who would be found to be a very worthy member , and who it was to be hoped would go up to the chair . The history of the lodge was like that of most other lodges . It had had its
vicissitudes , _ but it ranked with nearly the hrst lodges of its age in London . There were many very , very old lodges existing , of which the Treasurer was a member , which could not boast of greater success ; but for lodges of the same age as the Granite , there were few which had shown such extraordinary vitality and force as the Granite Lodge . The other toasts were also honoured before the brethren
separated . The following is the ( programme of music performed by Bro . Stedman ' s Choir Boys , Mr . Courtice Pounds , Bro . Franklin Clive , and Bro . Warren Tear , under the direction of Bro . Stedman , 12 , Berners-street ; " National Anthem , " solo , Master Reg . Margetson ; Song , "The Bedouin Love Song , " Bro . Franklin Clive j Glee . "The Chough and Crow "; Song , "Come into
the Garden , Maud , " Mr . Courtice Pounds ; Duet , " I would that my love , " Bro . Stedman's Choir Boys ; Song , " The Old Song and the New , " Master Reg . Margetson ; Quartett , "Night , lovely Night ; " Song , "In cellar cool , " Bro . Franklin Clive j Duet , "The Angel , " Bro . Stedman's Choir Boys j Song , "Afterwards , " Mr . Courtice Pounds ; and Finale , " Good-night . "
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
ISLINGTON LODGE ( No . 1471 ) . —The install , ation meeting of this lodge was held at the Cock Tavern , Highbury , on Thursday , the 12 th inst ., and was numerousl y attended both by the members and their friends , the latter being fully 40 strong , and including such representative Craftsmen as Bro . Binckes , P . G . Stwd ., Secretary of the Boys'School , and Bro . J . L . Mather , who rendered important service in connection with the principal event of the
evening . Bro . Henry Cox presided at the opening of the lodge and after the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the previous lodge , proceeded to install as his successor in the chair of K . S ., Bro . A . C . Halestrap , S . W ., W . M . elect . This function , in which he was very ably assisted by Bro . J . L . Mather , Bro . Cox discharged most admirably , and the usual salutations and greetings having been tendered , Bro . Halestrap appointed and
invested the following as his officers for the year , namely , Bros . Hy . Cox , I . P . M . ; W . Shurmur , S . W . ; Thos . Hunt , J . W . ; E . Bowyer , P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; D . P . Holnes , P . M ., Sec . ; J . H . Thompson , S . D . ; J . Petch , I . G . ; Scarlett , Organist ; H . Hunt , D . C . ; S . Napper , Steward . Lodge having been closed , the brethren to the number of about So , adjourned to the billiard-room , where Bro . J .
Baker , who is a member of the lodge , had ready for them a banquet , worthy alike of his skill as a caterer and the ancient reputation of his hostelry . Here a most agreeable evening was spent , capital speeches , interspersed with some excellent music , vocal and instrumental , being the order of the proceedings after the cloth had been removed . A detailed account of this part of the celebration is unnecessary . Suffice it to say that the usual loyal and Masonic
toasts were duly honoured , that of "The I . P . M . and W . M . " were materially complimentary as regards each others undoubted merits ; that the welcome previously extended to the visitors was confirmed by the W . M . on behalf of the lodge and acknowledged by sundry brethren , that Bro . Binckes made one of his accustomed powerful appeals on behalf of our Institutions ; and last but not least , that Bro . Collins , of the Kingsland Lodge , presided very efficiently at the piano . Nor did the evening close without
affording some tangible evidence of the value of our Masonic gatherings , for the W . M . having expressed his willingness to undertake the duties of Steward at the coming Festival of the Boys' School was able" to announce a very satisfactory list of promised contributions amounting to about £ So . We congratulate Bro . Halestrap on the auspicious beginning of his career as W . M ., and trust that he and his brother members of the Islington Lodge will accept our " Hearty good wishes" for the coming year .
COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . — The usual meeting of this progressive lodge was held at the Criterion , Piccadilly , on the 10 th inst ., when there were present Bros . John Jacobs , W . M . ; H . W . Kedgley , S . W . ; T . A . Dickson , J . W . j Edw . Jacobs , P . M ., Treas . j Wm . Bourne , P . M ., Sec . j G . Stacey , P . M ., Org . ; B . Solomons , S . D . ; Bassett , J . D . ; G . Reynolds , I . G . j S . Jacobs , P . M ., W . S . j G . Howard , A . W . S . j Thorpe , D . C ; R . F . Potter , Tyler j G . Coleman ,
P . M . j C . Kedgley , P . M . ; C . Ralph , T . Snow , G . Foan , J . Napper , A . Bryan , Frank Gulliford , J . Ripley , W . Unwin , J . Woodward , S . Hewitt , W . W . Cousins , J . Alexander , H . Moore , G . Holditch , A . Packham , VV . Belham , A . Freeman , J . C . Bond , Turner Wilson , S . Isaacs , L . Goldsmid , J . Jacobs , G . Mills , W . A . Dowling , and G , H . Reynolds . Visitors : Bros . H . Hyams , 1348 ; A . Kirk , 1681 ; Wm . Rorts , 1273 ; F . Redman , 72 j
E . Isaacs , 1516 ; T . Butt , P . M . 700 ; F . Baxter , 1614 ; S . Jacobs , late of 1614 ; and J . Daniels , 333 . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for the following gentlemen : Messrs . E . M . Carter , A . A . Jacobs , Lambert Goldsmid , Thomas Wilson , and Edward Mills . The candidates were informed that they had been unanimously elected . Bro . G . H . Foan was then
raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . The candidates above-named—five—were afterwards duly initiated , the W . M . performing his duties in a very clear and distinct manner . The W . M . having received the " Hearty good wishes '_ ' of the visitors , the lodge was closed in ancient form with peace and harmony . The brethren adjourned to the Victoria Hall , where the banquet was served under the personal superintendence of
Bro . Bertini , of Messrs . Spiers and Pond . After the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . G . Coleman , I . P . M ., who said all knew the reason of the toast . The able manner in which the W . M . had done his work that evening showed that the Covent Garden Lodge had chosen a good Master . He had begun well , and had had plenty of work to do . They must wish him every
success with health . The W . M ., in reply , thanked the brethren for the hearty manner in which his health had been drunk . The character that had been given him was most satisfactory , but flattering . He pledged himself to do all he could for the good of the lodge , and trusted he would be enabled to give the brethren great satisfaction .
The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Initiates , " said it was a great pleasure to have so many that evening . He wished them well , and that they would become a credit to the Craft . The Initiates made suitable replies , and expressed themselves anxious to become good and useful members of the Craft .
The W . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Visitors , " said that the Covent Garden Lodge always tried to give them a hearty welcome , and make them happy . He trusted they had had a pleasant and enjoyable evening . Bro . Butt , P . M ., in replying for the visitors , said he felt sure that all had spent an instructive and pleasant evening ' He could truly say that he had never seen such good working by a new W . M . The W . M ., in proposing the toast of "The Past Masters , " said he must thank them heartily'for the gallant
manner in which they had rallied round him that evening , being the first time of his occupying the chair ; but he greatly regretted the absence of one familiar face—that of Bro . W . H . Gulliford—whose geniality and brotherly interest was much missed . He had much pleasure in sayinff the P . M . ' s were always willing to do their best for the benefit and interest of the lodge . Bro . G . Coleman , I . P . M ., said the P . M . 's had given him the honour , being the youngest , of returning thanks »(