Rosslyn Lodge, No. 1543.

ROSSLYN LODGE , No . 1543 .

THE regular meeting of this Lodge , at tho Saracen s Head Hotol ' Dunmow , Essex , on Tuesday , 20 th ult ., was of more than ordinary interest in consequence of arrangements which had been made for the delivery , in open Lodge , by Bro . James Stevens P . M . P . Z . of his interesting lecture on the working of the first degree . The attendance was not so large as had been expected . The " waters

were out , " and the brethren were long distances apart . Moreover , the weather , dnll and depressing , threatened a further downponr , and " wet jackets" for such as ventured on the lengthy journeys neces - sary for going to , and returning from , Lodge . So that the gathering , though respectable in numbers , was to some extent disappointing to the W . M . and his Officers . Nevertheless , a more enjoyable even .

ing , both as regarded labonr and refreshment , never was passed by those who inscribed their names in the attendance book . Lodge was opened by the W . M . Bro . Dehane P . G . S . D . Essex , at six o'clock , and the previous minutes having been confirmed , the investment of Officers , whioh—for some good cause or other that did not appearhad been deferred from the former meeting , took place . The appoint .

ments and investments , all being present , were made as follows , viz ., Bros . A . Eattray S . W ., J . P . Lewin P . M . 276 P . P . G . S . W . Essex J . W ., G . D . Clapham P . M . P . P . G . E . Essex S . D ., J . C . Ehind J . D ., Frederick J . Snell P . M . 1312 1543 Treasnrer , Frederick -W Warner Secretary , W . Eowe I . G ., G . A . Eandall and W . S . Callaman Stewards , E . W . Enssean Tyler . The Visitors were Bros . James

Stevens P . M . 720 , 1216 , 1426 , & o . and J . Collinson S . D . 1862 . Mr . Edward Frith Ferris having been initiated into the Order , the Worshipfnl Master introduced Bro . Stevens , by a few appro , priate remarks bespeaking their attention to an exposition of Masonio working which he felt assured would greatly interest them . We have ourselves had former opportunities of hearing this

undoubtedly able and instructive lecture , each subsequent delivery of whioh becomes more impressively delivered , and less , as it were , stereotyped . On this occasion , time pressed the lecturer , who found it necessary to somewhat condense his work , but he made a judicious selection of those points in ceremonial working which it was of the greatest utility to explain to tbe Officers and younger members of a

Lodge , and gave good reasons why some usages shonld be condemned in practice , and others most punctiliously observed . At the close of his address , which was listened to with strict attention , Bro . Stevens received most hearty expressions of satisfaction , many brethren openly exclaiming that they had learned more of the science of Free , masonry than they hitherto thought could have been afforded them . On

the proposition of Bro . Clapham , seconded by Bro . F . J . Snell , the thanks of the Lodge and honorary membership were voted to Bro . Stevens , who acknowledged the cordiality with which he had been received , the attention given to his address , and the compliment the Lodge now paid him . Propositions having been received for initiation and joining , the Lodge was closed in harmony , and the

brethren dined together , the worthy host of the Saracen ' s Head ( who had been proposed in Lodge for initiation ) placing a very elegant repast before them , to whioh speedy and ample justice was done . Subsequently the usual Loyal toasts were honoured , Bro . Lewin singing the National Anthem . The rulers of the Province were also recognised in the usual manner observed amongst Masons , and

responses were given by Bros . Clapham and Snell . The health of the W . M . was drank with mnch enthusiasm , and the remarks of the proposer , Brother Clapham , as to the able services which had been rendered to the Lodge by Bro . Dehane , was heartily endorsed . Bro . Stevens having recited " Masons' Vows , " Bro . Dehane acknowledged the reception the brethren had given to the toast , and

assured them of continued labour and attention to the best interests of the Lodge . The health of the Initiate was proposed as a " sitting toast , " a Provincial custom which we fancy most Masons would consider more " honoured in the breach than the observance . " Bro . Ferris , in a well-spoken reply , expressed his gratification at having at length become a Freemason , and hoped that what he had heard in

the Lodge wonld be indelibly impressed on his memory , to his advantage . The toast of the Visitors was responded to by Bro . J . Collinson S . D . 862 , who in the course of his thanks for the invite he had re . ceived stated that the pleasure his co-visitor had afforded him by bis lecture would he hoped again place the same two brethren side by side elsewhere . The Officers of the Lodge having been called upon .

the Tyler reminded the company of the " poor and distressed , " and these having been solemnly " cuffed , " according to a fortunately not invariable custom , the brethren separated , some to spend yet another hour or two on the road , and others , more fortunate , to be "taking their ease at an inn , " to enjoy a quiet chat before seeking " Nature ' s sweet restorer . " Among the numerous brethren who forwarded

written or verbal apologies for absence on this occasion were Bros . A Dnrrant P . M . 276 Prov . G . Treas . Essex , E . Blinkhorn W . M , 1471 , W . Vincent P . M . 1624 , E . W . Hedges Secretary E . M . I . G ., Bev . E . H . Crate P . M . 697 P . P . G . C . Essex , Dr . E . Shedd P . M . 276 I . P . M . 1543 P . P . G . S . Essex , C . Corbie P . M . 453 P . P . GJ . W . Essex , F . G . Green Sec . 1024 , H . E . Heasman 1437 , Percy Taylor 409 , A .

Portway P . M . 1312 , Edward Durrant I . G . 276 , Dr . James Nicholls P . M . 276 P . P . G . S . W . Essex , A . 0 . Durrant S . D . 276 , Edwin D . Hatch M . C . 1471 , N . J . Basnett P . M ., H . Mais P . M . 423 South Anstralia , R . Clowes W . M . 650 P . G . S . Essex , John L . Mather P . M . 1471 P . P . G . D . C . Herts , A . Lucking P . M . 160 P . G . D . C . Essex , J . O . Carter P . M . P . P . G . S . of Wks . Berks and Bucks , Eev . F . B . Shepherd P . M . 1543 276 P . P . G . C . Essex . Dr . M . B . Wheeler P . M . 697 P . P . G . J . W .

United Mariners Lodge of Instruction . No . 30 . — Ihe establishment of a Lodge of Instruction for the district of Peck - ham , Nunhead , and their surroundings , supplies a want that had lon » been felt in that locality of the South of London , and the success that has already attended it gives strong and satisfactory evidence of the appreciation of the movement by the brethren resident there . For a long time past the dearth of tho means for Masonic instruction

Rosslyn Lodge, No. 1543.

amongst those who belong for the most part to Lodges in tho City had been a subject of regret , and it was a most commendable idea on the part of several members of the United Mariners Lodge to found a weekly meeting for the benefit of those who desired to take ad vantage of it , under the banner of their mother Lodge . Although com . moticed only a couple of months ago , the Lodge has already assumed

very respectable dimensions , and by tho admirable working displayed it has attracted the regnlar attendance of a considerable number of members . The promoters were exceedingly fortunate in securing the assistance of Bro . W . H . Martin as Preceptor , who sustains his part with intelligence and perfection , combined with pleasing elocutionary effect . Equally zealous and active are those by whom he is supported ,

and it is little matter for surprise that the Lodge has already gained for itself so large an amount of popularity , whioh is sure to increase when the advantages it offers become more fully known . We understand there are now about forty members , whose number receives an acquisition on almost every occasion of meeting ; so that we may reasonably anticipate a very large share of popularity will surround a

Lodge whioh is already firmly established . On the occasion of onr visit , on Wednesday , the 21 st ult ., there was a fair average mnster , and the working was such as to afford a considerable amount of edification , as well as pleasure , to all assembled . Bro . J . Eotheroe ( Secretary ) was Worshipful Master for the evening , and was sup . ported by Bros . J . H . Morgan as S . W ., F . J . Eedle J . W ., P . Harvey

S . D ., J . P . Woolley J . D .. D . J . Thomas I . G ., A . J . Bellis , H . J . Andrews , A . S . McChristie , E . E . Anderson , and others . Lodge having been opened in dne form , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed , and Lodge was advanced to the second degree , with Bro . Bellis as candidate . He was examined and entrusted , and Lodge having been raised to the third degree , the ceremony was rehearsed ,

the impressive charges being rendered with admirable accuracy and effect . The first section was worked by Bro . Bellis , assisted by the brethren , and the second by Bros . Martin and Bellis . Lodge was then closed to the first , when Bro . R . E . Anderson of the Selwyn Lodge , No . 1901 , was admitted a member . Bro . Martin then proposed , as a slight recognition of the valuable services rendered by

Bro . Eotheroe , as Secretary , he should be elected an honorary member of this Lodge of Instrnction . He alluded to the zeal and energy with whioh he had assisted in furthering the interests of this young Lodge of Instruction , and considered the least they could do was to recognise those jefforts by electing him an honorary member . Bro . McChristie seconded the proposal , which was unanimously

carried . Bro . Eotheroe , in acknowledging the compliment paid to him , said the honour was very unexpected , and that tended to make it all the more gratifying to himself . As to the onerous duties to which reference had been made , he assured the brethren it only afforded him pleasure to do what he could for the interests of the Lodge of Instrnction . If he had been a subscribing , instead of

an honorary member , it wonld not have detracted from the interest he felt in the Lodge , or rendered him less infrequent in his attend , ance ; bnt he deeply appreciated the honour which they had con . ferred upon him , and for which he returned his heartfelt thanks . Hearty good wishes having been interchanged , Lodge was adjourned tc Wednesday last , -when it was announced that Bro . J . Driscoll

P . M . Secretary had kindly promised to attend and rehearse the installation ceremony . The hope was expressed that on this occasion there would be a numerous gathering , as , from the -well-known ability and experience of Brother Driscoll , they might anticipate considerable and valuable instruction . Lodge was then closed in form , and the brethren separated after a very agreeable and harmonious gathering .

We may mention that the headquarters of this Lodge of Instrnction are at the Lugard Tavern , Lugard-road , Peckham , and that Visitors will be most cordially welcomed , at its meetings , which are held every Wednesday evening from 7 . 30 to 9 . 30 p . m . The room is admirably adapted for the purpose , and Bro . Alfred Pusey has left nothing unstudied that can in any way conduce to the comfort and convenience of the brethren . The hotel is easy of access , being

within three minutes' walk of the Queen s-road railway station , and only a short distance from the stations at Old Kent-road and Nunhead . It is , therefore , most conveniently situated for brethren residing in the neighbourhood , and , as we have said , the Lodge promises to be largely used , to the immense advantage of Freemasons in this part of the south-eastern district . Bro . J . H . Morgan was nnanimously elected Worshipful Master for the meeting on the first Wednesday in March .

Percy Lodge of Instruction , No . 198 . —The members held their seventh anniversary meeting on Saturday , the 24 th Feb . at the Jolly Farmers , Southgate-road , Islington . Bro . E . Pearoy , the Preceptor , occupied the chair , and he was snpported by Bro . W . Cook S . W ., Ashton J . W ., Fenner Sec , Lorkin Treasurer , Marks S . D ., Venning J . D ., Rhodes I . G .: also Bros . Cohen , Houghton , Gibbs ,

Ferrar , Parkes , Archer , Snook , Carr , Gush , Hatch , Wolf , & o . Lodge was opened in usnal form , and the minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed . Brother Snook answered the questions leading to the degree of F . C . Lodge was opened in the second , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed . The brethren responded to the call to refreshment , and on to labour , when Brother Carr answered the questions

leading to the third degree . Lodgo was advanced , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Brother Carr acting as candidate . Lodge was resumed to the first degree . Brother Cook was elected W . M . for the ensuing week . The Auditors' made their report ; this showed the Lodge was in full work , as the average attendance of the brethren during the past year was shown to be 17-24 per night of meeting . The report was adopted . Brother Fenner , the Secretary , very

reluctantly tendered his resignation , as business will prevent him , in the future , attending to the duties with the regularity he has hitherto exhibited ; at the same time , he undertook to carry out the work pending the election of a successor . Brother Treasurer was re . elected for the ensning year . Votes of thanks were awarded Bros Auditors , Preceptor , Secretary and Treasurer , for their services after which Lodge was closed and adjonrned .