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Article CONTENTS. Page 1 of 1 Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 4 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 4 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 4 →
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Contents.
CONTENTS .
REPORTS CF MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry 133 Ins truction x 36 Royal Arch 136 Mark Masonry - 136
Mcicnt and Accepted Rite 137 Knig hts Templar 137 Cheshire Masonic Educational Institution 137 Rcyal Masonic Institution for Girls .- 137 Lodge of Benevolence 137 L-ADFRS ' 3 S
C ORSES POMDENCE : — Rnval Masonic Pi'pils' Assistance Fund 139 Was -Svved nborg a M- > son ? . ' . 139 Innovations in the Mark Degree 14 ° L ' dg ^ s of 1 ' struc'ion 14 ° The Royal Arch Degree 140 Bro . Wilson and the Boys' School : . 14 ° Masonic Rcga'ia 140
The April Elections 140 Reviews .... : ' 4 ° Masonic Notes and Queries 140 The Cilv Masonic Benevolent Association r 4 t Trn'O Cathedral 141 Nnrth Africa 141 Masonic and General Tidings 142 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 143 Advertisements i ., ii ., Hi ., iv „ v ., vi .
Ar00101
REPORTS , etc ., intended for insertion in current number , should reach the Office , ( 198 , Fleet-street ) , by Six o'clock p . m ., on "Wednesdays .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
< £ raft iHasoitrg . DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —This lodge , out ot the largest , if not the largtst , lodge in the Craft , met at Anderton ' s Hotel , on Friday , the 12 th inst . Among those present were Bros . Spink , W . M . ; Hirris , S . W . ; Maclean , [ . W . ; G . Everett , F . M ., Treas . ; Morris , Sec . ; Jennings , Asst . Sec ; White , I . P . M . ; Herbage , S . D . ; Keeler , J . D .: Foxcrofr , I . G . ; Pierpoint , D . C . ; Walford , P . M . ; Kent ,
P . M . ; Buscall , P . M . ; Ferguson , P . M . ; F . Smith , P . M . ; H . Potter , P . M . Among thc visitors were Bros . Walter , P . M . 87 ; Leah , P . M . 193 ; Butt , P . M . 700 ; Phillip-- , P . M . 97 S ; Draper , P . M . 1305 ; Fowler , P . M . 1305 ; Somers , P . M . 1602 ; Stiles , P . M . 1732 ; Hudson , 2 ; Millward , I'jq ; Coleman , inj ; Bailey , 201 ; Wynn , 201 ; Clanccy , c , ii ; Read , 913 ; Abrahams , n 78 ; Cleghorn , 1287 ;
Saunders , 1328 ; Legg , 1348 ; Mozley , 1426 ; Taylor , 1441 ; McPherson , 1772 ; T . C . Walls , P . M . 1381 , P . G . S . B . Middx . ( Freemason . ) Tbe minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Walmesley was raised to the Degree of M . M ., and Messrs . J . Cross and J . S . Wood initiated into Craft mysteries , both ceremonies being performed most effeciively . The following
notice of motion was then introduced by Bro , Kent , P . M .: "That an entertainment be given by this lodge , in one of the summer months , to which ladies may be invited , and that a Committee be appointed to make the necessary arrangements . " In proposing this resolution the speaker called the attention of the brethren to the happy resuhs that had attended the last gathering of the lodge at the Star
and Garter Hotel , Richmond , in the summer ol 1879 , and he had every reason to believe that if the proposed "outing " this year were sanctioned by the lodge it would be equally as successful . This motion having been seconded , was carried with only one dissentient . The lodge was then closed , and thc brethren , to the number of 100 , partook of a banquet in the large hall of the hotel . After
"The Queen and Craft , " which toast was most loyally honoured , the W . M . proposed in brief but pertinent terms thc other customary pledges . In giving " The Health cfthcW . M ., " the I . P . M . said that Bio . Spink was a very efficient occupant of the chair ol K . S ., and he was pleased that the prognostications indulged in on the night of the Worshipful Mastei ' s election as to his " working"
capabilities had been amply verified . Whether in the lodge or at the banquet , the W . M . was so throughly self-possessed that it was quite a pleasure to listen to him . In concluding his lemarks the I . P . M . trusted that ( he W . M . ' s predecessois in office would be equally as efficient as he—the Worshipful Master—undoubtedly was . The Worshipful Master , in reply , expressed his best and heartfelt thanks to
""¦ I . P . M . for the very kind way in which he had Proposed bis health , and to thc brethren for the exceed-, ngly enthusiastic manner that they had responded to it . At the termination of his year of office he hoped to be aWe to hand over the chair to his successor as pure and "" sullied as he had received it from the I . P . M . He then railed the attention of the brethren to the fact that he had
accepted the cifTice of Steward at the forthcoming festival ¦ ° [ 'he Girls' School , and , notwithstanding the lodge had K'iKil y voted him £ 2 $ to head his list , he hoped that the •j'ethren would largely supplement that amount by individual subscriptions . At this juncture tbe Deacons took r ° und the list , anil thc W . M . was able to announce upon tntir return that the total donations upon the list amounted
[" upwards of £ 60 . "'I he Health of the Initiates" folkwed , and this important toast was briefly acknowledged ° v Bros . Cross and Wood . In giving "The Visitors , " "e W . M . indulged in sume very complimentary remarks , "d coupled the toast with the names of Bros . Leah , " •es , Draper , Saunders , and Walls , who severally responded . The toast of "The Past Masters" came next order , and was acknowledged at length by Pros . White , alford , Ferguson , Kent , and Buscall . In proposing
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
" The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . said that every member of the lodge entertained great respect and admiration for Bro . Everett , who held the dual positions of Past Master and Treasurer . He hoped that their esteemed brother would continue for many years to occupy the post of Treasurer , because he ( the W . M . ) was . convinced that no member of the lodge was better
qualified to hold the office . ( Hear , hear . ) The post of Secretary in so large a lodge as the Domatic was no sinecure , and , notwithstanding the very great amount of labour necessarily entailed upon the holder of it , Bro . Morris had fully answered their expectations . This toast having been received with " fire , " Bros . Everett and Morris briefly
replied . "The Officers " followed , and this toast was responded to by Bros . Harris , Herbage , ami Foxcrofr . During the evening the brethren were vocally entertained by Bros . Millward , Stiles , and others . The Tvlcr having been called upon to discharge his duty , the proceedings terminated .
THE GREAT CITT LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The last meeting of the session of tbe above lodge was held on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , and , as usual , was numerously attended . Bros . G . W . Blackie , W . M . ; Freeman , P . M ., S . W . ( pro tem . ); Hamer , J . W . ; the' assistant officers , a great body of members , and the following visitors : Bros . C . W .
Percival , W . M . 1607 ; C . W . Noehmer , P . M . 186 ; R . A . Wright , P . M . 1504 ; J . Tickle , P . M . 1196 ; Francis Guia , 32 ; W . J . Morris , 72 ; R . Wellard , 147 ; Jas . Hadington , J . D . 217 ; Henry A . Johnson , 86 9 ; J . Vincent , 1067 ; J . Lawrence , 1326 ; J . Hurdell , 1348 ; Ion Eastgate , 1563 ; D . King , J . W . 1672 ; Fred . Stevens , 1669 ; Chas . Lawrence , 1804 ; W . Middleton , 139 ;
Jno . French , 217 ; and W . B . Bhscoe , 1438 . The kvlgc was opened soon after three o ' clock , when Bro . N . B . Headon , P . M . and acting Secretary , read the minutes of the last lodge , whi .-h were confirmed . The lodge was then opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and Bro . Murdock , who had undergone a preliminary examination , was impressively raised bv the W . Master to the Degree
of a M . M . The lodge was then resumed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Jury was passed to the Degree of F . C ., the W . Master showing his proficiency in the different ceremonies . The lodge having been resumed to the First Degree , the W . M . called upon the acting Secretary to read the bye-laws as required by the Book of Constitutions . The next business was the election of a W . Master for
the ensuing year , and as Bro . Catchpole , the S . W ., resigned that appointment at the last lodge on account of business engagements , the next in turn " was Bro . I lamer , the J . W ., who has passed through all the minor offices of the lodge . A ballot was taken , and , with one vote excepted , was unanimously in favour of the Junior Warden , who thanked the brethren for the favour they had conferred
upon him , and expressed his determination to do everything in his power to deserve the confidence they had placed in him . The election of a Treasurer next followed , which proved unanimous in favour of Bro . Headon , and there was a similar result in the case of the Tyler , Bro . Steedman , P . M ., being unanimously elected to that office . The Auditors of thc accounts of the lodge were then
appointed . On the motion of Bro . Greening it was unanimously resolved , " That the usual jewel of the lodge be presented to Bro . Blackie , W . M ., on the completion of his year of office . " Some other business having been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . At the conclusion of the reporc the W . Master gave the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , "
which was loyally responded to . The W . Master said the next toast hs had to propose was one that wag always heartily responded to by Freemasons , as it was " The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand Master . " There was no doubt whatever as to the great interest he took in Freemasonry , that ' might be taken for granted , as he has given his
permission to be elected as Grand Master to occupy the chair for the ensuing year . During the time he had occupied the chair Freemasonry had flourished , and would continue to flourish as long as he held that position . The toast was cordially responded to . The W . M . next gave " The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Deputy Grand Mister , Lord Skelmersdale , and the rest of the Grand
Officers , Past and Present . " Brp . Stevens , P . M ., in proposing " The Health , of the W . Master , " alluded to the couiteous and exemplary manner in which Bro . Blackie had carried out the duties of the chair as one of thc founders of the lodge . That was the last time thei" - W . Master , Bro . Blackie , would preside at the banquet , and he might be permuted to say that as one of the backbones
of the lodge no one had excelled him in the pleasant manner in which he had carried out his duties during the past twelvemonths . The W . Master , in responding , siid he had been overpaid for anything he had done in their service , and having elected him to fill a dignified position he had endeavoured to fulfil the duties of the chair t . i the best of his ability , and he hoped that he had done so to their
satisfaction . If they were satisfied he could not be otherwise . In all matters that had come under his notice he h ^ . d always considered the interests of the lodge , and had done what he believed to be right , without consulting one side or the other . That was the last time he should occupy that position at the banquet table , and he thanked them one and all for the support they had given him , but there was one matter he had yet to do bef . ire closing his year of
office , and that was to represent tbe lodge at the next festival for the Girls' School . He had given in his name to seive as Steward on that occasion , and he WJS happy to say that he had received very liberal subscriptions from the brethren ; including the twenty-five guineas voted by the lodge he had a total of seventy-five guineas . In the circular that had been sent out he had invited subscriptions from the general members , but it had not met with
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
much response , as times were bad , but if they could not qualify themselves as Life Governors or Annual Subscribers , he ; should be glad to receive such sums as five shillings , which , added together , would give votes to the lodge , and he should have been glad if he could have increased his list to three figures . He concluded by thanking the brethren for the very hearty manner in which
the toast had been received . The Worshipful Master said The Great City Lodge was always glad to see a good gathering of visitors , and they gave them a hearty welcome . Many of those present he had had the pleasure of seeing before , and in meeting them again it gave him an assurance that they were satisfied with the reception they had before received . Bro .
Kibble , J . D ., favoured the brethren with a choice song , which was highly applauded . Several of the visitors returned thanks . Bro . Headon , P . M ., said he had obtained possession of the W . Master ' s gavel to propose a special toast , and that was " The Health of Bro . Parker , " and to wish him " God speed" in parting with him . That bro trier was about to leave England for a time , and he yvas
going to see whether there was any gold still left in Australia , whether there were any diamonds in New Zealand , or whether there was anything worth taking away from America . Should he find nothing worth while there be was going to call in to see what the Zulus were doing in South Africa . He was going to all those places , and perhaps he might drop in amongst the Affghans ; but he
believed that when he got amongst the Zulus he would meet Masons who , at any rate , would give him a warm reception , and if he did not get a warm reception it would not be because he did not deserve it . He was not jesting , as it was a serious matter when a man left his native country to see where his fortune was to be made , but he hoped that , like the Germans who went out on a similar
errand , he would come back to bis native land . He should , therefore , ask the brethren to drink his health , wishing him health , happiness , and prosperity , a ' happy journey , and a safe return to his native country . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Parker said he felt very deeply the words that had fallen from their brother Treasurer . It was his purpose to visit as many lodges as he could during his journey , and he
hpped he should be able to obtain improved health on his visit to the Antipodes- The W . Master said the next tca ' st he bad to propose was " The Past Masters of the Lodge , ' " who had all done good suit and service in their time . He had before him their Immediate Past Master ( Bro . Freeman ) , who was willing to take any subordinate position . They had Bro . Headon , acting Secretary and Treasurer
to the lodge ; Bro . Seex , who had done good work in his time , and had the welfare of the lodge at heart ; then there was Bro . Stanway , whom he was pleased to see amongst them that night , as important business had for some time kept him from them , but although not present with them in person he was in spirit . He also referred to Bro . Stevens , who was their first W . M . As they did not
often see Bro . Stanway , he should couple his name with the toast . Song by Bro . Shaw . Bro . Stanway begged to return thanks for the very kind response the brethren had made to the toast of the Past Masters , but he wished it had been placed in the hands of one more able to do justice to it . He was glad to see so many happy faces round their social board , and it was a great pleasure to
him to be in the lodge to see the working of their W . Master , and it must have cost him a great amount of study to fulfil the duties , and the ritual received additional grace from the manner it had fallen from his lips . The W . Master said he had great pleasure in proposing the next toast , which was " The Health of the W . Master Elect . " In the W . M . elect he believed that they would
have a brother who would occupy the chair in a proper and efficient manner . It was a great honour at all times for a brother to be placed in that position , but in this case there was an especial honour , as he would be the first initiate of the lodge who had arrived at the chair . He was sure that | he was the sort of man who would feel the responsibility of the situation , and would also feel the
necessity of keeping up the good working of the lodge ; and , from what he knew of him , he believed he would accomplish the task , and do the work to the satisfaction of every brother . He had no fear that in his hands the prestige of the lodge would lose any of its lustre'during his reign . He hoped he would have a successful year , and have the suppoit of all the members as all Masters have
had from the first . He was sure he must feel it to be an henour to be elected to that high office , and he wished him health and prosperity , that the officers would give him the same support as he ( the W . M . ) had received , and any time or services he could offer were at his disposal . Recitation by Bro . Clarke . Bro . Hamer , W . M . elect , said he thanked the W . Master for the very hearty manner in which he had
proposed his health , and he thanked the brethren also for having so responded to it . He might truly say that he felt the honour and he felt the responsibility . He confessed that he had an ambiiion to occupy the chair , and he thought it a laudable ambition for one initiated in the lodge to occupy that position . He would do to the utmost of his ability to carry out the duties , and he trusted that
any shortcomings on his part would meet with their indulgence . The W . M . said all the members of The Great City Lodge knew how much they were indebted to Bro . Headon for the present proud position of the lodge , and he continued his services to the present day . He was the first originator of the lodge who first conceived the idea of its existence , and with the assistance of several
biethren as founders , it was brought into bearing . From the time he first conceived the idea of founding this lodge he had been a hard worker for its interests . He had occupied the Wardens' and the Master ' s chairs , and while ip that of the Master he did more work than any other plaster had done or ever would do again . Since he had been their Treasurer he had taken good care of their funds , and had given great assistance to all Worshipful Masters
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
REPORTS CF MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry 133 Ins truction x 36 Royal Arch 136 Mark Masonry - 136
Mcicnt and Accepted Rite 137 Knig hts Templar 137 Cheshire Masonic Educational Institution 137 Rcyal Masonic Institution for Girls .- 137 Lodge of Benevolence 137 L-ADFRS ' 3 S
C ORSES POMDENCE : — Rnval Masonic Pi'pils' Assistance Fund 139 Was -Svved nborg a M- > son ? . ' . 139 Innovations in the Mark Degree 14 ° L ' dg ^ s of 1 ' struc'ion 14 ° The Royal Arch Degree 140 Bro . Wilson and the Boys' School : . 14 ° Masonic Rcga'ia 140
The April Elections 140 Reviews .... : ' 4 ° Masonic Notes and Queries 140 The Cilv Masonic Benevolent Association r 4 t Trn'O Cathedral 141 Nnrth Africa 141 Masonic and General Tidings 142 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 143 Advertisements i ., ii ., Hi ., iv „ v ., vi .
Ar00101
REPORTS , etc ., intended for insertion in current number , should reach the Office , ( 198 , Fleet-street ) , by Six o'clock p . m ., on "Wednesdays .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
< £ raft iHasoitrg . DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —This lodge , out ot the largest , if not the largtst , lodge in the Craft , met at Anderton ' s Hotel , on Friday , the 12 th inst . Among those present were Bros . Spink , W . M . ; Hirris , S . W . ; Maclean , [ . W . ; G . Everett , F . M ., Treas . ; Morris , Sec . ; Jennings , Asst . Sec ; White , I . P . M . ; Herbage , S . D . ; Keeler , J . D .: Foxcrofr , I . G . ; Pierpoint , D . C . ; Walford , P . M . ; Kent ,
P . M . ; Buscall , P . M . ; Ferguson , P . M . ; F . Smith , P . M . ; H . Potter , P . M . Among thc visitors were Bros . Walter , P . M . 87 ; Leah , P . M . 193 ; Butt , P . M . 700 ; Phillip-- , P . M . 97 S ; Draper , P . M . 1305 ; Fowler , P . M . 1305 ; Somers , P . M . 1602 ; Stiles , P . M . 1732 ; Hudson , 2 ; Millward , I'jq ; Coleman , inj ; Bailey , 201 ; Wynn , 201 ; Clanccy , c , ii ; Read , 913 ; Abrahams , n 78 ; Cleghorn , 1287 ;
Saunders , 1328 ; Legg , 1348 ; Mozley , 1426 ; Taylor , 1441 ; McPherson , 1772 ; T . C . Walls , P . M . 1381 , P . G . S . B . Middx . ( Freemason . ) Tbe minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Walmesley was raised to the Degree of M . M ., and Messrs . J . Cross and J . S . Wood initiated into Craft mysteries , both ceremonies being performed most effeciively . The following
notice of motion was then introduced by Bro , Kent , P . M .: "That an entertainment be given by this lodge , in one of the summer months , to which ladies may be invited , and that a Committee be appointed to make the necessary arrangements . " In proposing this resolution the speaker called the attention of the brethren to the happy resuhs that had attended the last gathering of the lodge at the Star
and Garter Hotel , Richmond , in the summer ol 1879 , and he had every reason to believe that if the proposed "outing " this year were sanctioned by the lodge it would be equally as successful . This motion having been seconded , was carried with only one dissentient . The lodge was then closed , and thc brethren , to the number of 100 , partook of a banquet in the large hall of the hotel . After
"The Queen and Craft , " which toast was most loyally honoured , the W . M . proposed in brief but pertinent terms thc other customary pledges . In giving " The Health cfthcW . M ., " the I . P . M . said that Bio . Spink was a very efficient occupant of the chair ol K . S ., and he was pleased that the prognostications indulged in on the night of the Worshipful Mastei ' s election as to his " working"
capabilities had been amply verified . Whether in the lodge or at the banquet , the W . M . was so throughly self-possessed that it was quite a pleasure to listen to him . In concluding his lemarks the I . P . M . trusted that ( he W . M . ' s predecessois in office would be equally as efficient as he—the Worshipful Master—undoubtedly was . The Worshipful Master , in reply , expressed his best and heartfelt thanks to
""¦ I . P . M . for the very kind way in which he had Proposed bis health , and to thc brethren for the exceed-, ngly enthusiastic manner that they had responded to it . At the termination of his year of office he hoped to be aWe to hand over the chair to his successor as pure and "" sullied as he had received it from the I . P . M . He then railed the attention of the brethren to the fact that he had
accepted the cifTice of Steward at the forthcoming festival ¦ ° [ 'he Girls' School , and , notwithstanding the lodge had K'iKil y voted him £ 2 $ to head his list , he hoped that the •j'ethren would largely supplement that amount by individual subscriptions . At this juncture tbe Deacons took r ° und the list , anil thc W . M . was able to announce upon tntir return that the total donations upon the list amounted
[" upwards of £ 60 . "'I he Health of the Initiates" folkwed , and this important toast was briefly acknowledged ° v Bros . Cross and Wood . In giving "The Visitors , " "e W . M . indulged in sume very complimentary remarks , "d coupled the toast with the names of Bros . Leah , " •es , Draper , Saunders , and Walls , who severally responded . The toast of "The Past Masters" came next order , and was acknowledged at length by Pros . White , alford , Ferguson , Kent , and Buscall . In proposing
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
" The Health of the Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . said that every member of the lodge entertained great respect and admiration for Bro . Everett , who held the dual positions of Past Master and Treasurer . He hoped that their esteemed brother would continue for many years to occupy the post of Treasurer , because he ( the W . M . ) was . convinced that no member of the lodge was better
qualified to hold the office . ( Hear , hear . ) The post of Secretary in so large a lodge as the Domatic was no sinecure , and , notwithstanding the very great amount of labour necessarily entailed upon the holder of it , Bro . Morris had fully answered their expectations . This toast having been received with " fire , " Bros . Everett and Morris briefly
replied . "The Officers " followed , and this toast was responded to by Bros . Harris , Herbage , ami Foxcrofr . During the evening the brethren were vocally entertained by Bros . Millward , Stiles , and others . The Tvlcr having been called upon to discharge his duty , the proceedings terminated .
THE GREAT CITT LODGE ( No . 1426 ) . — The last meeting of the session of tbe above lodge was held on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , and , as usual , was numerously attended . Bros . G . W . Blackie , W . M . ; Freeman , P . M ., S . W . ( pro tem . ); Hamer , J . W . ; the' assistant officers , a great body of members , and the following visitors : Bros . C . W .
Percival , W . M . 1607 ; C . W . Noehmer , P . M . 186 ; R . A . Wright , P . M . 1504 ; J . Tickle , P . M . 1196 ; Francis Guia , 32 ; W . J . Morris , 72 ; R . Wellard , 147 ; Jas . Hadington , J . D . 217 ; Henry A . Johnson , 86 9 ; J . Vincent , 1067 ; J . Lawrence , 1326 ; J . Hurdell , 1348 ; Ion Eastgate , 1563 ; D . King , J . W . 1672 ; Fred . Stevens , 1669 ; Chas . Lawrence , 1804 ; W . Middleton , 139 ;
Jno . French , 217 ; and W . B . Bhscoe , 1438 . The kvlgc was opened soon after three o ' clock , when Bro . N . B . Headon , P . M . and acting Secretary , read the minutes of the last lodge , whi .-h were confirmed . The lodge was then opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and Bro . Murdock , who had undergone a preliminary examination , was impressively raised bv the W . Master to the Degree
of a M . M . The lodge was then resumed to the Second Degree , and Bro . Jury was passed to the Degree of F . C ., the W . Master showing his proficiency in the different ceremonies . The lodge having been resumed to the First Degree , the W . M . called upon the acting Secretary to read the bye-laws as required by the Book of Constitutions . The next business was the election of a W . Master for
the ensuing year , and as Bro . Catchpole , the S . W ., resigned that appointment at the last lodge on account of business engagements , the next in turn " was Bro . I lamer , the J . W ., who has passed through all the minor offices of the lodge . A ballot was taken , and , with one vote excepted , was unanimously in favour of the Junior Warden , who thanked the brethren for the favour they had conferred
upon him , and expressed his determination to do everything in his power to deserve the confidence they had placed in him . The election of a Treasurer next followed , which proved unanimous in favour of Bro . Headon , and there was a similar result in the case of the Tyler , Bro . Steedman , P . M ., being unanimously elected to that office . The Auditors of thc accounts of the lodge were then
appointed . On the motion of Bro . Greening it was unanimously resolved , " That the usual jewel of the lodge be presented to Bro . Blackie , W . M ., on the completion of his year of office . " Some other business having been disposed of , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned for refreshment . At the conclusion of the reporc the W . Master gave the first toast , " The Queen and the Craft , "
which was loyally responded to . The W . Master said the next toast hs had to propose was one that wag always heartily responded to by Freemasons , as it was " The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand Master . " There was no doubt whatever as to the great interest he took in Freemasonry , that ' might be taken for granted , as he has given his
permission to be elected as Grand Master to occupy the chair for the ensuing year . During the time he had occupied the chair Freemasonry had flourished , and would continue to flourish as long as he held that position . The toast was cordially responded to . The W . M . next gave " The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Deputy Grand Mister , Lord Skelmersdale , and the rest of the Grand
Officers , Past and Present . " Brp . Stevens , P . M ., in proposing " The Health , of the W . Master , " alluded to the couiteous and exemplary manner in which Bro . Blackie had carried out the duties of the chair as one of thc founders of the lodge . That was the last time thei" - W . Master , Bro . Blackie , would preside at the banquet , and he might be permuted to say that as one of the backbones
of the lodge no one had excelled him in the pleasant manner in which he had carried out his duties during the past twelvemonths . The W . Master , in responding , siid he had been overpaid for anything he had done in their service , and having elected him to fill a dignified position he had endeavoured to fulfil the duties of the chair t . i the best of his ability , and he hoped that he had done so to their
satisfaction . If they were satisfied he could not be otherwise . In all matters that had come under his notice he h ^ . d always considered the interests of the lodge , and had done what he believed to be right , without consulting one side or the other . That was the last time he should occupy that position at the banquet table , and he thanked them one and all for the support they had given him , but there was one matter he had yet to do bef . ire closing his year of
office , and that was to represent tbe lodge at the next festival for the Girls' School . He had given in his name to seive as Steward on that occasion , and he WJS happy to say that he had received very liberal subscriptions from the brethren ; including the twenty-five guineas voted by the lodge he had a total of seventy-five guineas . In the circular that had been sent out he had invited subscriptions from the general members , but it had not met with
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
much response , as times were bad , but if they could not qualify themselves as Life Governors or Annual Subscribers , he ; should be glad to receive such sums as five shillings , which , added together , would give votes to the lodge , and he should have been glad if he could have increased his list to three figures . He concluded by thanking the brethren for the very hearty manner in which
the toast had been received . The Worshipful Master said The Great City Lodge was always glad to see a good gathering of visitors , and they gave them a hearty welcome . Many of those present he had had the pleasure of seeing before , and in meeting them again it gave him an assurance that they were satisfied with the reception they had before received . Bro .
Kibble , J . D ., favoured the brethren with a choice song , which was highly applauded . Several of the visitors returned thanks . Bro . Headon , P . M ., said he had obtained possession of the W . Master ' s gavel to propose a special toast , and that was " The Health of Bro . Parker , " and to wish him " God speed" in parting with him . That bro trier was about to leave England for a time , and he yvas
going to see whether there was any gold still left in Australia , whether there were any diamonds in New Zealand , or whether there was anything worth taking away from America . Should he find nothing worth while there be was going to call in to see what the Zulus were doing in South Africa . He was going to all those places , and perhaps he might drop in amongst the Affghans ; but he
believed that when he got amongst the Zulus he would meet Masons who , at any rate , would give him a warm reception , and if he did not get a warm reception it would not be because he did not deserve it . He was not jesting , as it was a serious matter when a man left his native country to see where his fortune was to be made , but he hoped that , like the Germans who went out on a similar
errand , he would come back to bis native land . He should , therefore , ask the brethren to drink his health , wishing him health , happiness , and prosperity , a ' happy journey , and a safe return to his native country . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Parker said he felt very deeply the words that had fallen from their brother Treasurer . It was his purpose to visit as many lodges as he could during his journey , and he
hpped he should be able to obtain improved health on his visit to the Antipodes- The W . Master said the next tca ' st he bad to propose was " The Past Masters of the Lodge , ' " who had all done good suit and service in their time . He had before him their Immediate Past Master ( Bro . Freeman ) , who was willing to take any subordinate position . They had Bro . Headon , acting Secretary and Treasurer
to the lodge ; Bro . Seex , who had done good work in his time , and had the welfare of the lodge at heart ; then there was Bro . Stanway , whom he was pleased to see amongst them that night , as important business had for some time kept him from them , but although not present with them in person he was in spirit . He also referred to Bro . Stevens , who was their first W . M . As they did not
often see Bro . Stanway , he should couple his name with the toast . Song by Bro . Shaw . Bro . Stanway begged to return thanks for the very kind response the brethren had made to the toast of the Past Masters , but he wished it had been placed in the hands of one more able to do justice to it . He was glad to see so many happy faces round their social board , and it was a great pleasure to
him to be in the lodge to see the working of their W . Master , and it must have cost him a great amount of study to fulfil the duties , and the ritual received additional grace from the manner it had fallen from his lips . The W . Master said he had great pleasure in proposing the next toast , which was " The Health of the W . Master Elect . " In the W . M . elect he believed that they would
have a brother who would occupy the chair in a proper and efficient manner . It was a great honour at all times for a brother to be placed in that position , but in this case there was an especial honour , as he would be the first initiate of the lodge who had arrived at the chair . He was sure that | he was the sort of man who would feel the responsibility of the situation , and would also feel the
necessity of keeping up the good working of the lodge ; and , from what he knew of him , he believed he would accomplish the task , and do the work to the satisfaction of every brother . He had no fear that in his hands the prestige of the lodge would lose any of its lustre'during his reign . He hoped he would have a successful year , and have the suppoit of all the members as all Masters have
had from the first . He was sure he must feel it to be an henour to be elected to that high office , and he wished him health and prosperity , that the officers would give him the same support as he ( the W . M . ) had received , and any time or services he could offer were at his disposal . Recitation by Bro . Clarke . Bro . Hamer , W . M . elect , said he thanked the W . Master for the very hearty manner in which he had
proposed his health , and he thanked the brethren also for having so responded to it . He might truly say that he felt the honour and he felt the responsibility . He confessed that he had an ambiiion to occupy the chair , and he thought it a laudable ambition for one initiated in the lodge to occupy that position . He would do to the utmost of his ability to carry out the duties , and he trusted that
any shortcomings on his part would meet with their indulgence . The W . M . said all the members of The Great City Lodge knew how much they were indebted to Bro . Headon for the present proud position of the lodge , and he continued his services to the present day . He was the first originator of the lodge who first conceived the idea of its existence , and with the assistance of several
biethren as founders , it was brought into bearing . From the time he first conceived the idea of founding this lodge he had been a hard worker for its interests . He had occupied the Wardens' and the Master ' s chairs , and while ip that of the Master he did more work than any other plaster had done or ever would do again . Since he had been their Treasurer he had taken good care of their funds , and had given great assistance to all Worshipful Masters