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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Kennington Lodge ( No . 13 S 1 ) . —This lodge met at the Hoins Tavern , Kennington Park , on the Gth inst . Among those present were Bros . W . W . Westley , W . M . ; J . LaFeullade , S . W . ; Dennis , J . W . j George Everett , P . M ., Treas . j W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . j Lundie , S . D . j Mecham , I . G . j Foale , I . P . M . j Henry Higgins , P . M . j Capt . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W . j Cockburn , P . M . j
R . La Feullade , P . M . j and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . Springthorp , A . Williams , and Clowes were raised to the Third Degree , and Bro . Braddle passed as a F . C . The ballot having been taken , Messrs . H . V . Pyefinch and A . Durie were duly initiated , the whole of the ceremonies being exceedingly well performed by the W . M . Bro . 1 . La Feullade vvas unanimously elected
W . M . j Bros . G . Everett , Treas . ; and Reinardt , Tyler . Bros . Davies , Chisholm , and Springthorp were elected Auditors . A Past Master ' s jewel vvas unanimously voted to Bro . Westley . lt was resolved— " That this lodge desires to express to Bro . George Everett , P . M . and Treas ., its hearty congratulations on his being nominated unopposed to the high office of Grand Treasurer of English Freemasons , and that the same be recorded on the minutes . "
The lodge was then closed , and the members and their visitors adjourned to the banquet . Among the latter were Bros . B . Perkins , P . M . 192 ; H . B . Smith , 72 ; W . Smith , 72 j Phillips , 157 j Newton , 1 SG j Hudson , 975 j Arnold , 1624 j Bott , 1638 j and King , 1641 . The banquet was admirably served by Bro . Buxton , the host , and his assistants . Upon the removal of the cloth the usual toasts followed .
1 In proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " the I . P . M . said that Bro . Westley ' s year of office , now fast drawing to a close , had been a most successful one . They had all seen that day how well the W . M . had carried out the three arduous ceremonies of raising , passing , and initiating without a single hitch . ' The Worshipful Master , in reply , modestly said that he
had only endeavoured to discharge his duty . He had taken an obligation to that effect , as Masters had done from all time , and therefore personally he could claim no particular praise . However , he appreciated hi g hly the compliment that they had paid him that afternoon in voting him a Past Master ' s jewel , and he hoped to live long to wear it in the Kennington Lodge . Other toasts followed .
In giving "The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . said that since their last meeting Bro . Everett had been nominated as Grand Treasurer , and he felt confident that no brother was better entitled to such an honour . The members of No . 1381 had again elected Bro . Everet to be their Treasurer , a position which he had filled for many years with credit to himself and to the undoubted
advantage of the lodge . Bro . Stuart , the Secretary , was also a very worthy brother , and he ( the VV . M . ) took that opportunity of thanking him for his attention , advice , and assistance during his year of office . Bro . Everett , in reply , said that in the lodge room he had thanked the brethren for their congratulations and vote , and he would not detain them at that late hour by further
expatiating on the signal honour that had been passed upon him by the Craft at large . However , he had to thank them upon the confidence they had placed in him by again electing him to the Treasurership of the lodge , and he was confident that when the balance-sheet was presented to the Audit Committee it would show that he had not neglected his duties .
Bro . Stuart having said a few words , the toast of " The Officers" terminated the proceedings , which were enhanced by the instrumental and vocal contributions of Bros . Burn , Lundie , Davies , Everett , and others . Islington Lodge ( No . 1471 ) . — A regular meetingof this lodge was held on Thursday , the Sth inst ., at the Cock 'Tavern , Highbury , when the following officers
and brethren were present : Bros . Sidney Napper , W . M . ; H . Hunt , I . P . M . ; J . M . Scarlett , P . M ., Prov . J . G . W . Essex , S . W . ; H . B . Harding , J . W . ; J . L . Mather , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C , Treas . ; E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec ; CM . Coxon , S . D . ; R . Loomes , J . D . ; A . Cox , I . G . ; H . S . Trego , Org . ; J . A . Blount , Stwd . ; G . Couchman , Tyler ; H . Cox , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV . ; A . C . Halestrap , P . M .
I . Fetch , P . M ., Prov . G . Std . Br . Herts ; C . Hiller , VV . G . Hiller , E . J . Harrison , C . Isler , E . H . Bury , T . E . Newman , J . Amand , G . Walker , W . Taylor , C Horst , F . Meyer , E . A . Beer , G . A . Hull , C . Chapman , C H . Stevenson , D . C . Ritchie , P . Faber , C Weber , F . W . VVhite , F . Simmonds , A . Fearnhead , G . VV . Hooker , and B . Bridgwater . Visitors : Bros . J . E . Powell , 991 ; VV . J .
Holmes , 19 S 1 ; and R . Jourden , D . C . 1201 . The Iodge having been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bros . Meyer , Bury , and Newman were raised to the Degree of M . M . A ballot having been taken , Messrs . Thomas William Brown and Thomas James Hinton were duly approved and initiated . The election of a VV . M . for the ensuing year vvas then proceeded with , the choice of the
brethren proving unanimous in favour of Bro . J . M . Scarlett , S . VV ., who vvas declared duly elected . Bro . J . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C , vvas also unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . G . Couchman was re-appointed T yler of the lodge . An Audit Committee vvas also appointed . A Past Master ' s jewel vvas voted to the W . M ., Bro . Napper , in recognition of his services in the chair .
Several letters were read acknowledging assistance given by the lodge , and this concluding the business of the evening , the lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , after which the usual toasts were given and responded to .
The Worshipful Master , in proposing the toast of "The Visitors , " mentioned the name of Bro . J . E . Powell , and said that brother had passed through trying times since he last visited the lodge . He had been shipwrecked on the coast of North Devon , and landed by the rocket appartus ; he vvas the last to leave the ship , with the exception of the captain . Unfortunately eight lives were lost , and to show the violence of the storm , on the next morning not a vestige of the ship vvas to be seen .
Bro . Powell was warmly greeted by the brethren , and congratulated on his escape . Several excellent songs were given during the evening by Bros . Stevenson , Newman , and others . The Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Leopold Lodge ( No . 1571 ) . —This lodge held its installation meeting on Monday , the 12 th instant , at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , when the following were present : Bros . Kemble , VV . M . ; Dormer , S . W . ; Morgan , J . VV . ; Bartlett , P . M ., Treas . ; Penney , P . M ., Sec . ; Colley , S . D . ; Johns , J . D . ; H . Youngman , P . M ., Org . ; Duffield , P . M ., D . C ; Gregory , I . G . j Young ,
Tyler j Packer , P . M . ; Carey , P . M . ; Maud , Low , Lee , Meadows , Pummell , Wells , Davey , Hampson , Horwill , Watts , Langford , Skinner , Copper , Elliott , Goad , Tucker , Hermann , Gee , and Presland . Among the visitors were Bros . J . Terry , 22 S , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; Irons , 1579 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Beavis , S 79 , P . P . G . S . Middlesex ; Pitt , P . M . 463 ; Ives , P . M . 1472 ; Mann , P . M . 144 ; C . E . Packer ,
P . M . SG 2 ; Harbord , P . M . 901 ; Loftus , P . M . 1306 ; Martin , P . M . 879 ; Thompson , P . M . 742 ; Rich , S . VV . 1524 ; Smyth , S . W . 19 S 2 ; Talbot , J . D . 65 ; Whitehead , Stwd . 1329 ; Purkis , Stwd . S 79 ; Williams , 22 S ; Hearson , 1185 ; Hughes , 1306 ; Mansfield , 871 ; Bear , 1 G 9 ; Saxby , S 79 ; Parkinson , S 79 ; Phillips , 704 ; Marrow , S 79 ; and Budd , 101 .
The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed , Bro . J . T . Dormer was installed as W . M ., and afterwards received the congratulations of the brethren , the ceremony of installation being performed by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Kemble , in a very able manner . The W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . Kemble , I . P . M . ; Morgan , S . W . ; Colley ,
J . W . ; Bartlett , P . M ., Treas . ; Penney , P . M ., Sec ; Johns , S . D . ; Gregory , J . D . ; Duffield , P . M ., D . C ; W . F . Packer , P . M ., Org . ; Davy , I . G . ; Watts and Hampson , Stwds . ; and Young , Tyler . The ballot having proved satisfactory for Messrs . Martin , Marshall , Morris , Dray , and Davis , they were duly initiated into Freemasonry by the new VV . M . in a manner which left little to be desired . A
Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro . Kemble , P . M ., for his services in the chair during the past year , and some other business having been transacted , the VV . M . received " Hearty good wishes " from the numerous brethren present , and the lodge vvas closed . At the banquet which followed , the toasts of "The Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., " and "The D . G . M .
and the Grand Officers , Present and Past , were duly honoured . Bro . James Terry , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., in responding for "The Grand Officers , " remarked that they were always ready to give any assistance they could by their presence to any lodge , but from what he had seen of the work during the evening , the Leopold Lodge appeared to
need but little help in the way of ceremony , and he wished the VV . M . a continuance of the growth of the strength of the lodge with which he had started on his career . The toast of "The Worshipful Master ) " vvas proposed by the I . P . M ., who claimed for his successor that support he had himself received in the lodge , for the VV . M . had , by his assiduous attendance as Warden , merited the choice
of the brethren . I he work that evening vvas an earnest of what the brethren might expect in the future . The Worshipful Master , in reply , thanked the brethren for the manner in which the toast had been received , and hoped that when his year of office vvas ended , he would retire with the same good feelings which followed his predecessor .
The Worshipful Master , in proposing the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " coupled with the name of Bro . James Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I ., mentioned the fact of his approaching Stewardship in aid of that Institution , and claimed the assistance of the brethren in making it successful and well worthy of the lodge . Bro . James Terry , P . M ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., in replying ,
remarked that theW . M . had called attention to the size ofthe Institution at Croydon , but it should be remembered that the annuitants of the Institution were scattered over the world , and that if a building were to be built to accommodate all the recipients of the Charity , it would have to be very large indeed , and need far more than was at present subscribed to it . He then mentioned several facts in connection with
the Charity , and pleaded for all the assistance the brethren could give , so that the number of annuitants might be increased . The toast of "The Initiates" vvas responded to by the five newly-initiated brethren ; that of "The Installing Master , " by Bro . Kemble , P . M . ; that of " TheVisitors , " by Bros . Mann , P . M ., Harboard , P . M ., Irons , P . M ., Thompson , P . M ., and Loftus , P . M . ; that of "The
Past Masters , " by Bros . Duffield , P . M ., Penney , P . M ., Carey , P . M ., and Packer , P . M . ; and " The Officers , " by Bros . Morgan , S . VV ., and Colley , J . W . The Tyler ' s toast brought the evening to a close in the customary way . During the evening an excellent programme of music vvas got through , under the direction of Bro . Packer , P . M ., by Bros . Horwill , Budd , Johns , Morgan , and Mr . Vincent Ives .
New CrOSS Lodge ( No . 1559 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Portland Hotel , Greenwich , on the 13 th inst ., Bro . C . N . Mclntyre North , VV . M ., occupying the chair . The lodge having been opened , Bro . Unwin vvas raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., and Messrs . Birshvveiler and Gerard were unanimously approved as candidates for initiation .
'The brethren having partaken of refreshment , Bro . Jas . Stevens delivered his lecture on "The Ritual and Ceremonial of Freemasonry , " and , in giving a brief but comprehensive resume of the condition of Freemasonry prior to the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England , Bro . Stevens disclaimed any authority to speak on the subject , save that of his own 33 years' varied and extensive
experience of the working of lodges in different parts of the country , a life-long study of the ritual , a love of the beautiful ceremonial , a determination to preserve the ancient landmarks sacred and inviolate , and to exercise the right which every Master Mason had of protesting in the name of common sense against the omission of words here and there from , and the insertion of so-called grammatical improvements in the ritual , which had been introduced in the
course even of his time by well-meaning , but ignorant and incompetent , enthusiasts . The worshipful brother then proceeded with the main portion of the lecture , which consisted of an admirable exposition of the symbolical meaning of the different parts of the ritual of the First Degree , interspersed with many _ humorous , but kindly , sketches of " Masonry as she is worked " in some lodges , at the same time , step by step , clearly pointing out and explaining by convincing and closely reasoned
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
argument the seeming inconsistencies which puzzle the beginner , and at the close of an eloquent peroration the brethren were astonished to find that the lecturer had exceeded the allotted time . The VV . M ., in proposing that a vote of thanks be accorded to Bro . Stevens for his admirable lecture said he was able to confirm many of the points advanced by the lecturer . The lecture vvas a proof of the increasing
vitality of Freemasonry . Rivals had risen , flourished , and decayed , in spite of their magnificent regaliaandshow of ceremonies , because they had only appealed to the eye and appetite . Freemasonry had a far surer foundation ; some were apt to look only at its social side , others to the mystical and antiquarian aspect , but to the thoughtful majority of its members its ceremonies appealed to the holiest and noblest
feelings of the heart , and the able discourse they had listened to that evening could not fail to awaken a responsive echo in the heart of all those who appreciated the beauties of Freemasonry . The lecture had convinced him ( the VV . M . ) of the high importance of the steps taken by Bro . Stevens to enlighten the brethren ; he had cast the stone of wisdom andexperienceintotheplacidturgidityof the Masonic waters of indifference and apathy , and the impetus
would increase in ever-widening circles until the members of every lodge would be eager to avail themselves of the experience of their worthy and esteemed brother . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Faulkner , J . W ., and put to the meeting by Bro . Meyer ( VV . M . elect ) , and carried unanimously . Bro . Stevens , in thanking the brethren , expressed the great satisfaction he felt at the W . M . having so far recovered from his serious accident as to be able to take the chair that
evening , and trusted that the G . A . O . T . U . would preserve his life for many years to come . The Secretary was empowered to write to Bro . Cash , P . M ., expressing the sympathy of the brethren at his bereavement , and the lodge vvas closed . After the usual refreshment , The Worshipful Master proposed the toasts of "The
Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , " and " The Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " The I . P . M ., Bro . Graham , proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " who briefly responded . Bro . Snell , in responding on behalf of " The Visitors , " thanked the New Cross Lodge for the opportunity afforded
them of hearing the admirable and impressive address of Bro . Stevens , and he . felt sure that they could not fail to carry away with them a more exalted idea of the duty they owed to the Order to which they were proud to belong . This being the first meeting of the year , Bro . Boncey produced the " vin d'honneur , " and it transpiring that one of his sons would attain his majority this month , the W . M .
took the opportunity of expressing ( in a manner which would have done no discredit tothe eloquence ot the I . P . M . or Secretary of the lodge ) the respect the brethren felt for Bro . Boncey , and the hope that the son would continue to follow in the footsteps of his worthy father .
Several admirable songs were sung , and Bro . Stevens , by his eloquent rendering of " The Level and the Square " and " For ever and for ever , " so intensified the impression made on his audience by his lecture that that impression will not be easily effaced from the memory of those present at the first meeting of the New Cross Lodge in 1891 .
London Rifle Brigade Lodge ( No . 1962 ) . —The annual meetingof this lodge for the purpose of installing a new W . M . was held on the 16 th instant , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , and it was very numerously attended . Bro . Henry Francis Bing , P . M . 1597 , P . P . G . D . Middx ., W . M ., presided , and the Past Masters of the lodge who supported him were Bros . Neville Green , A .
McDowall , Tilt , Walker , Walter C Ciaridge , and Haig-Brown , and among a long list of visitors vvas Bro . Cook , of Tokio , District Grand Treasurer of japan . After the opening of the lodge , and the reading and confirmation of the minutes , the W . M . installed Bro . J . Geen , S . VV . and W . M . elect , as Master of the lodge , and the following brethren were appointed and invested his officers : — Bros . H . F . Bing , I . P . M . ; Geo . Gregory , S . W . j H . H . Nuding , J . W . j A . McDowall , P . M ., Treas . j W . C .
Ciaridge , P . M ., Secj VV . G . Lowe , S . D . j C . Stein , J . D . ; H . L . Thomas , I . G . ; A . Haig-Brown , P . M ., D . C . j D . McNish , A . D . C . j S . W . Morris and R . T . Svvinscow , Stewards ; and j . S . Lackland , Tyler . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel vvas presented to the I . P . M . The report of the Audit Committee , which was highly favourable , vvas adopted , and the lodge was then closed . Banquet , served in splendid style , followed , and the usual toasts were honoured in their turn .
Bro . Bing , I . P . M ., in proposing "The W . M ., " said it did not require many words to introduce it to the brethren , because Bro . Geen had been known to the London Rifle Brigade Lodge for many years , and in the London Rifle Brigade he vvas known as a good and genial comrade . Since he had joined that lodge they had seen that he vvas a good Mason . He was the second initiate in the lodge , and
he had regularly passed through the various offices until he had attained to his present position , which had been the ambition of his Masonic life . The brethren would see really good work from him . If they wanted him to show his capabilities they should bring him work to do . He was sure it would be turned out in workmanlike style . The Worshipful Master , in response to the toast , said he
had looked forward with pleasure and pride to occupy the chair of W . M ., which they had honoured him by placing him in , and he should feel great pride in presiding over the brethren for the coming year . He had known many of the brethren for a long period . He would do his very best to fulfil his duties properly during the year , and if he performed his work as well as the I . P . M . he should be satisfied
with himself . The Worshipful Master , in giving "The J . P . M . and Installing Master , " observed that , as he said before , the I . P . M . had honourably earned his laurels . He had gone through his year of office in a highly satisfactory manner , to the great credit of himself and the satisfaction of the brethren generall y . In no case did he know where the Past Master ' s jewel was more merited or more heartily
accorded . In that sentiment a good deal was summed up : it meant that Bro . Bing had done his duty well and faithfully . It was no slight matter to fulfil the duty of W . M . in a lodge like the London Rifle Brigade Lodge . Bro . Bing had earned the undying esteem of every member of the lodge . No greater reward could a man desire to achieve . Bro . Bing , in reply , said while he occupied the chair he had only done what vvas the duty of every Master , as it vvas of every member of any association , to do the best he
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Kennington Lodge ( No . 13 S 1 ) . —This lodge met at the Hoins Tavern , Kennington Park , on the Gth inst . Among those present were Bros . W . W . Westley , W . M . ; J . LaFeullade , S . W . ; Dennis , J . W . j George Everett , P . M ., Treas . j W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . j Lundie , S . D . j Mecham , I . G . j Foale , I . P . M . j Henry Higgins , P . M . j Capt . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W . j Cockburn , P . M . j
R . La Feullade , P . M . j and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . Springthorp , A . Williams , and Clowes were raised to the Third Degree , and Bro . Braddle passed as a F . C . The ballot having been taken , Messrs . H . V . Pyefinch and A . Durie were duly initiated , the whole of the ceremonies being exceedingly well performed by the W . M . Bro . 1 . La Feullade vvas unanimously elected
W . M . j Bros . G . Everett , Treas . ; and Reinardt , Tyler . Bros . Davies , Chisholm , and Springthorp were elected Auditors . A Past Master ' s jewel vvas unanimously voted to Bro . Westley . lt was resolved— " That this lodge desires to express to Bro . George Everett , P . M . and Treas ., its hearty congratulations on his being nominated unopposed to the high office of Grand Treasurer of English Freemasons , and that the same be recorded on the minutes . "
The lodge was then closed , and the members and their visitors adjourned to the banquet . Among the latter were Bros . B . Perkins , P . M . 192 ; H . B . Smith , 72 ; W . Smith , 72 j Phillips , 157 j Newton , 1 SG j Hudson , 975 j Arnold , 1624 j Bott , 1638 j and King , 1641 . The banquet was admirably served by Bro . Buxton , the host , and his assistants . Upon the removal of the cloth the usual toasts followed .
1 In proposing "The Health of the W . M ., " the I . P . M . said that Bro . Westley ' s year of office , now fast drawing to a close , had been a most successful one . They had all seen that day how well the W . M . had carried out the three arduous ceremonies of raising , passing , and initiating without a single hitch . ' The Worshipful Master , in reply , modestly said that he
had only endeavoured to discharge his duty . He had taken an obligation to that effect , as Masters had done from all time , and therefore personally he could claim no particular praise . However , he appreciated hi g hly the compliment that they had paid him that afternoon in voting him a Past Master ' s jewel , and he hoped to live long to wear it in the Kennington Lodge . Other toasts followed .
In giving "The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . said that since their last meeting Bro . Everett had been nominated as Grand Treasurer , and he felt confident that no brother was better entitled to such an honour . The members of No . 1381 had again elected Bro . Everet to be their Treasurer , a position which he had filled for many years with credit to himself and to the undoubted
advantage of the lodge . Bro . Stuart , the Secretary , was also a very worthy brother , and he ( the VV . M . ) took that opportunity of thanking him for his attention , advice , and assistance during his year of office . Bro . Everett , in reply , said that in the lodge room he had thanked the brethren for their congratulations and vote , and he would not detain them at that late hour by further
expatiating on the signal honour that had been passed upon him by the Craft at large . However , he had to thank them upon the confidence they had placed in him by again electing him to the Treasurership of the lodge , and he was confident that when the balance-sheet was presented to the Audit Committee it would show that he had not neglected his duties .
Bro . Stuart having said a few words , the toast of " The Officers" terminated the proceedings , which were enhanced by the instrumental and vocal contributions of Bros . Burn , Lundie , Davies , Everett , and others . Islington Lodge ( No . 1471 ) . — A regular meetingof this lodge was held on Thursday , the Sth inst ., at the Cock 'Tavern , Highbury , when the following officers
and brethren were present : Bros . Sidney Napper , W . M . ; H . Hunt , I . P . M . ; J . M . Scarlett , P . M ., Prov . J . G . W . Essex , S . W . ; H . B . Harding , J . W . ; J . L . Mather , P . M ., P . A . G . D . C , Treas . ; E . Blinkhorn , P . M ., Sec ; CM . Coxon , S . D . ; R . Loomes , J . D . ; A . Cox , I . G . ; H . S . Trego , Org . ; J . A . Blount , Stwd . ; G . Couchman , Tyler ; H . Cox , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV . ; A . C . Halestrap , P . M .
I . Fetch , P . M ., Prov . G . Std . Br . Herts ; C . Hiller , VV . G . Hiller , E . J . Harrison , C . Isler , E . H . Bury , T . E . Newman , J . Amand , G . Walker , W . Taylor , C Horst , F . Meyer , E . A . Beer , G . A . Hull , C . Chapman , C H . Stevenson , D . C . Ritchie , P . Faber , C Weber , F . W . VVhite , F . Simmonds , A . Fearnhead , G . VV . Hooker , and B . Bridgwater . Visitors : Bros . J . E . Powell , 991 ; VV . J .
Holmes , 19 S 1 ; and R . Jourden , D . C . 1201 . The Iodge having been opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bros . Meyer , Bury , and Newman were raised to the Degree of M . M . A ballot having been taken , Messrs . Thomas William Brown and Thomas James Hinton were duly approved and initiated . The election of a VV . M . for the ensuing year vvas then proceeded with , the choice of the
brethren proving unanimous in favour of Bro . J . M . Scarlett , S . VV ., who vvas declared duly elected . Bro . J . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C , vvas also unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . G . Couchman was re-appointed T yler of the lodge . An Audit Committee vvas also appointed . A Past Master ' s jewel vvas voted to the W . M ., Bro . Napper , in recognition of his services in the chair .
Several letters were read acknowledging assistance given by the lodge , and this concluding the business of the evening , the lodge vvas closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , after which the usual toasts were given and responded to .
The Worshipful Master , in proposing the toast of "The Visitors , " mentioned the name of Bro . J . E . Powell , and said that brother had passed through trying times since he last visited the lodge . He had been shipwrecked on the coast of North Devon , and landed by the rocket appartus ; he vvas the last to leave the ship , with the exception of the captain . Unfortunately eight lives were lost , and to show the violence of the storm , on the next morning not a vestige of the ship vvas to be seen .
Bro . Powell was warmly greeted by the brethren , and congratulated on his escape . Several excellent songs were given during the evening by Bros . Stevenson , Newman , and others . The Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Leopold Lodge ( No . 1571 ) . —This lodge held its installation meeting on Monday , the 12 th instant , at the Bridge House Hotel , London Bridge , when the following were present : Bros . Kemble , VV . M . ; Dormer , S . W . ; Morgan , J . VV . ; Bartlett , P . M ., Treas . ; Penney , P . M ., Sec . ; Colley , S . D . ; Johns , J . D . ; H . Youngman , P . M ., Org . ; Duffield , P . M ., D . C ; Gregory , I . G . j Young ,
Tyler j Packer , P . M . ; Carey , P . M . ; Maud , Low , Lee , Meadows , Pummell , Wells , Davey , Hampson , Horwill , Watts , Langford , Skinner , Copper , Elliott , Goad , Tucker , Hermann , Gee , and Presland . Among the visitors were Bros . J . Terry , 22 S , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . ; Irons , 1579 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Beavis , S 79 , P . P . G . S . Middlesex ; Pitt , P . M . 463 ; Ives , P . M . 1472 ; Mann , P . M . 144 ; C . E . Packer ,
P . M . SG 2 ; Harbord , P . M . 901 ; Loftus , P . M . 1306 ; Martin , P . M . 879 ; Thompson , P . M . 742 ; Rich , S . VV . 1524 ; Smyth , S . W . 19 S 2 ; Talbot , J . D . 65 ; Whitehead , Stwd . 1329 ; Purkis , Stwd . S 79 ; Williams , 22 S ; Hearson , 1185 ; Hughes , 1306 ; Mansfield , 871 ; Bear , 1 G 9 ; Saxby , S 79 ; Parkinson , S 79 ; Phillips , 704 ; Marrow , S 79 ; and Budd , 101 .
The lodge having been opened , and the minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed , Bro . J . T . Dormer was installed as W . M ., and afterwards received the congratulations of the brethren , the ceremony of installation being performed by the retiring W . M ., Bro . Kemble , in a very able manner . The W . M . then invested his officers as follows : Bros . Kemble , I . P . M . ; Morgan , S . W . ; Colley ,
J . W . ; Bartlett , P . M ., Treas . ; Penney , P . M ., Sec ; Johns , S . D . ; Gregory , J . D . ; Duffield , P . M ., D . C ; W . F . Packer , P . M ., Org . ; Davy , I . G . ; Watts and Hampson , Stwds . ; and Young , Tyler . The ballot having proved satisfactory for Messrs . Martin , Marshall , Morris , Dray , and Davis , they were duly initiated into Freemasonry by the new VV . M . in a manner which left little to be desired . A
Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro . Kemble , P . M ., for his services in the chair during the past year , and some other business having been transacted , the VV . M . received " Hearty good wishes " from the numerous brethren present , and the lodge vvas closed . At the banquet which followed , the toasts of "The Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., " and "The D . G . M .
and the Grand Officers , Present and Past , were duly honoured . Bro . James Terry , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., in responding for "The Grand Officers , " remarked that they were always ready to give any assistance they could by their presence to any lodge , but from what he had seen of the work during the evening , the Leopold Lodge appeared to
need but little help in the way of ceremony , and he wished the VV . M . a continuance of the growth of the strength of the lodge with which he had started on his career . The toast of "The Worshipful Master ) " vvas proposed by the I . P . M ., who claimed for his successor that support he had himself received in the lodge , for the VV . M . had , by his assiduous attendance as Warden , merited the choice
of the brethren . I he work that evening vvas an earnest of what the brethren might expect in the future . The Worshipful Master , in reply , thanked the brethren for the manner in which the toast had been received , and hoped that when his year of office vvas ended , he would retire with the same good feelings which followed his predecessor .
The Worshipful Master , in proposing the toast of " The Masonic Charities , " coupled with the name of Bro . James Terry , Sec . R . M . B . I ., mentioned the fact of his approaching Stewardship in aid of that Institution , and claimed the assistance of the brethren in making it successful and well worthy of the lodge . Bro . James Terry , P . M ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., in replying ,
remarked that theW . M . had called attention to the size ofthe Institution at Croydon , but it should be remembered that the annuitants of the Institution were scattered over the world , and that if a building were to be built to accommodate all the recipients of the Charity , it would have to be very large indeed , and need far more than was at present subscribed to it . He then mentioned several facts in connection with
the Charity , and pleaded for all the assistance the brethren could give , so that the number of annuitants might be increased . The toast of "The Initiates" vvas responded to by the five newly-initiated brethren ; that of "The Installing Master , " by Bro . Kemble , P . M . ; that of " TheVisitors , " by Bros . Mann , P . M ., Harboard , P . M ., Irons , P . M ., Thompson , P . M ., and Loftus , P . M . ; that of "The
Past Masters , " by Bros . Duffield , P . M ., Penney , P . M ., Carey , P . M ., and Packer , P . M . ; and " The Officers , " by Bros . Morgan , S . VV ., and Colley , J . W . The Tyler ' s toast brought the evening to a close in the customary way . During the evening an excellent programme of music vvas got through , under the direction of Bro . Packer , P . M ., by Bros . Horwill , Budd , Johns , Morgan , and Mr . Vincent Ives .
New CrOSS Lodge ( No . 1559 ) . —An emergency meeting of this lodge vvas held at the Portland Hotel , Greenwich , on the 13 th inst ., Bro . C . N . Mclntyre North , VV . M ., occupying the chair . The lodge having been opened , Bro . Unwin vvas raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M ., and Messrs . Birshvveiler and Gerard were unanimously approved as candidates for initiation .
'The brethren having partaken of refreshment , Bro . Jas . Stevens delivered his lecture on "The Ritual and Ceremonial of Freemasonry , " and , in giving a brief but comprehensive resume of the condition of Freemasonry prior to the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England , Bro . Stevens disclaimed any authority to speak on the subject , save that of his own 33 years' varied and extensive
experience of the working of lodges in different parts of the country , a life-long study of the ritual , a love of the beautiful ceremonial , a determination to preserve the ancient landmarks sacred and inviolate , and to exercise the right which every Master Mason had of protesting in the name of common sense against the omission of words here and there from , and the insertion of so-called grammatical improvements in the ritual , which had been introduced in the
course even of his time by well-meaning , but ignorant and incompetent , enthusiasts . The worshipful brother then proceeded with the main portion of the lecture , which consisted of an admirable exposition of the symbolical meaning of the different parts of the ritual of the First Degree , interspersed with many _ humorous , but kindly , sketches of " Masonry as she is worked " in some lodges , at the same time , step by step , clearly pointing out and explaining by convincing and closely reasoned
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
argument the seeming inconsistencies which puzzle the beginner , and at the close of an eloquent peroration the brethren were astonished to find that the lecturer had exceeded the allotted time . The VV . M ., in proposing that a vote of thanks be accorded to Bro . Stevens for his admirable lecture said he was able to confirm many of the points advanced by the lecturer . The lecture vvas a proof of the increasing
vitality of Freemasonry . Rivals had risen , flourished , and decayed , in spite of their magnificent regaliaandshow of ceremonies , because they had only appealed to the eye and appetite . Freemasonry had a far surer foundation ; some were apt to look only at its social side , others to the mystical and antiquarian aspect , but to the thoughtful majority of its members its ceremonies appealed to the holiest and noblest
feelings of the heart , and the able discourse they had listened to that evening could not fail to awaken a responsive echo in the heart of all those who appreciated the beauties of Freemasonry . The lecture had convinced him ( the VV . M . ) of the high importance of the steps taken by Bro . Stevens to enlighten the brethren ; he had cast the stone of wisdom andexperienceintotheplacidturgidityof the Masonic waters of indifference and apathy , and the impetus
would increase in ever-widening circles until the members of every lodge would be eager to avail themselves of the experience of their worthy and esteemed brother . The proposition was seconded by Bro . Faulkner , J . W ., and put to the meeting by Bro . Meyer ( VV . M . elect ) , and carried unanimously . Bro . Stevens , in thanking the brethren , expressed the great satisfaction he felt at the W . M . having so far recovered from his serious accident as to be able to take the chair that
evening , and trusted that the G . A . O . T . U . would preserve his life for many years to come . The Secretary was empowered to write to Bro . Cash , P . M ., expressing the sympathy of the brethren at his bereavement , and the lodge vvas closed . After the usual refreshment , The Worshipful Master proposed the toasts of "The
Queen and the Craft , " "The M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of VVales , " and " The Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " The I . P . M ., Bro . Graham , proposed " The Health of the W . M ., " who briefly responded . Bro . Snell , in responding on behalf of " The Visitors , " thanked the New Cross Lodge for the opportunity afforded
them of hearing the admirable and impressive address of Bro . Stevens , and he . felt sure that they could not fail to carry away with them a more exalted idea of the duty they owed to the Order to which they were proud to belong . This being the first meeting of the year , Bro . Boncey produced the " vin d'honneur , " and it transpiring that one of his sons would attain his majority this month , the W . M .
took the opportunity of expressing ( in a manner which would have done no discredit tothe eloquence ot the I . P . M . or Secretary of the lodge ) the respect the brethren felt for Bro . Boncey , and the hope that the son would continue to follow in the footsteps of his worthy father .
Several admirable songs were sung , and Bro . Stevens , by his eloquent rendering of " The Level and the Square " and " For ever and for ever , " so intensified the impression made on his audience by his lecture that that impression will not be easily effaced from the memory of those present at the first meeting of the New Cross Lodge in 1891 .
London Rifle Brigade Lodge ( No . 1962 ) . —The annual meetingof this lodge for the purpose of installing a new W . M . was held on the 16 th instant , at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , and it was very numerously attended . Bro . Henry Francis Bing , P . M . 1597 , P . P . G . D . Middx ., W . M ., presided , and the Past Masters of the lodge who supported him were Bros . Neville Green , A .
McDowall , Tilt , Walker , Walter C Ciaridge , and Haig-Brown , and among a long list of visitors vvas Bro . Cook , of Tokio , District Grand Treasurer of japan . After the opening of the lodge , and the reading and confirmation of the minutes , the W . M . installed Bro . J . Geen , S . VV . and W . M . elect , as Master of the lodge , and the following brethren were appointed and invested his officers : — Bros . H . F . Bing , I . P . M . ; Geo . Gregory , S . W . j H . H . Nuding , J . W . j A . McDowall , P . M ., Treas . j W . C .
Ciaridge , P . M ., Secj VV . G . Lowe , S . D . j C . Stein , J . D . ; H . L . Thomas , I . G . ; A . Haig-Brown , P . M ., D . C . j D . McNish , A . D . C . j S . W . Morris and R . T . Svvinscow , Stewards ; and j . S . Lackland , Tyler . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel vvas presented to the I . P . M . The report of the Audit Committee , which was highly favourable , vvas adopted , and the lodge was then closed . Banquet , served in splendid style , followed , and the usual toasts were honoured in their turn .
Bro . Bing , I . P . M ., in proposing "The W . M ., " said it did not require many words to introduce it to the brethren , because Bro . Geen had been known to the London Rifle Brigade Lodge for many years , and in the London Rifle Brigade he vvas known as a good and genial comrade . Since he had joined that lodge they had seen that he vvas a good Mason . He was the second initiate in the lodge , and
he had regularly passed through the various offices until he had attained to his present position , which had been the ambition of his Masonic life . The brethren would see really good work from him . If they wanted him to show his capabilities they should bring him work to do . He was sure it would be turned out in workmanlike style . The Worshipful Master , in response to the toast , said he
had looked forward with pleasure and pride to occupy the chair of W . M ., which they had honoured him by placing him in , and he should feel great pride in presiding over the brethren for the coming year . He had known many of the brethren for a long period . He would do his very best to fulfil his duties properly during the year , and if he performed his work as well as the I . P . M . he should be satisfied
with himself . The Worshipful Master , in giving "The J . P . M . and Installing Master , " observed that , as he said before , the I . P . M . had honourably earned his laurels . He had gone through his year of office in a highly satisfactory manner , to the great credit of himself and the satisfaction of the brethren generall y . In no case did he know where the Past Master ' s jewel was more merited or more heartily
accorded . In that sentiment a good deal was summed up : it meant that Bro . Bing had done his duty well and faithfully . It was no slight matter to fulfil the duty of W . M . in a lodge like the London Rifle Brigade Lodge . Bro . Bing had earned the undying esteem of every member of the lodge . No greater reward could a man desire to achieve . Bro . Bing , in reply , said while he occupied the chair he had only done what vvas the duty of every Master , as it vvas of every member of any association , to do the best he