St. Leonard Lodge, No. 1766.

ST . LEONARD LODGE , No . 1766 .

THE closing month of another year brings us once more to the date of the installation meeting of tho St . Leonard Lodge , which this year was hold at tho regular quarters—tho Town Hall , Shoreditch—on Wednesday , 1 st instant , and in tho result wo havo to record a most successful gathering . Tho immortal bard has told us that " Somo aro born groat , some achiove gieatuoss , andsomo havo greatness thrust upon them ; " and this sentiment is as equally applicable

to our Masonio Lodges as to mankind in general . Some Lodges start with such surroundings as to at once secure a place among the foremost ranks of the Order ; others by their deeds of hospitalit j ' and charity earn for themselves a similar distinction , while othors may assuredly be looked upon as having greatness thrust upon them . We assume there is nothing to prevent a combination of the three

causes ; indeed , we think that the present position of the St . Leonard Lodge goes far to prove not only the possibility , but the actual existence , of snoh a state . There everything , and everybody , seems to have combined to attain the great end of our beloved Order . Comfortable quarters handsomely fitted , efficient Masters and Officers , successful working , and a general desire on the part of all to unite

in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness , have produced the only result which can be possible , and to-day we find in 1766 a Lodge whioh may serve as a pattern to any who may desire to practise Freemasonry in its truest sense . On Wednesday the Lodge was opened by Bro . G . T . Barr , who has filled the chair daring the past year . He was supported by Bros . C F . Barbam S . W .

Elias Benjamin J . W ., Rev . H . G . Henderson , M . A . Chap ., C Stevens Treas ., Joseph Cox Sec ., J . A . Jones S . D ., A . A . Clement J . D ., E . Walker D . C , G . C Young W . M . 820 Organist , J . Funston I . G ., Frank Matthews Steward , J . Terry Hon . P . M ., Louis Stean P . M ., & c . Having discharged the opening duties and disposed of the routine business before the Lodge , Bro . G . T . Barr in due form installed

his successor , performing the task in a most satisfactory manner . After the customary salutations , the following Officers were invested , viz ., Bros . Benjamin S . W ., Jones J . W ., Henderson Chaplain , Stevens Treasurer , Cox Secretary , Clement S . D ., Funston J . D ., Walker I . G ., Matthews D . C , R . Drysdale Steward , H . J . Thrower Assist . Steward , Young Organist , C . T , Speight Tyler . The ceremony of installation

was then completed in regular order , after which the newly installed Master proceeded to initiate Messrs . George Lockyer and George Short into the mysteries of Freemasonry . The name of a gentleman desiring initiation was handed in , as also that of a brother wishing to join the Lodge . Before closing the Lodge , the W . M . invested his predecessor with a handsome P . M . ' s jewel , which had been

unanimously voted to him m recognition of the services he had rendered to the Lodge . The W . M . in brief terms made the presentation , at the same time assuring Bro . Barr that he had the heartiest good wishes of the members for his future health and happiness . The receipt of a letter was announced from Bro . Hedges , asking for the appointment of a Steward for the next Festival of the Girls' School .

The W . M . and S . W . announced their intention of each acting in that capacity . A similar request was also made on behalf of the Benevoient Institution by Bro . Terry , and it was understood that next year the St . Leonard ' s Lodge would be represented in that quarter . Lodge was then closed , and the brethren sat down to a banquet , the provision of which , we understand , is now undertaken by the Lodge

itself . If what we witnessed on Wednesday is a fair criterion of what can be accomplished in this direction , we could almost advise many of the Lodges now meeting in similar parts to try the experiment . Bro . Barham , the W . M ., had certainly the gratification of feeling that the efforts of himself and others in this respect amply rewarded them for any little trouble they might have been put to .

The brethren having done justice to the good things provided , and grace having been said , the W . M . proceeded with the customary toasts ; with that of the Prince of Wales the W . M . coupled , the name of the Princess , desiring the brethren especially to drink to her health on that the anniversary of her birthday . Bro . W . Clarke Assist . Grand Pursuivant replied to the toast of the Grand Officers .

He felt the Craft was safe in the hands of its present rulers , all of whom were always striving for its advancement . Bro . Barr I . P . M . followed with the next toast . On no occasion , he said , had a more pleasing duty devolved on him than that he had then undertaken . Whenever it was his lot to propose the health of a brother he liked to be in the position of knowing him well , as he desired to make only

such statements as coafd not be related . 01 the present Master he could justly say that he was never satisfied when he undertook a task unless he performed it well . From his known ability in the chair of a Lodge , Bro . Barr felt sure his dnty as Master would prove no exception to the rule . The W . M . had undertaken the work or principally so , required in connection with the catering of that day ; the

brethren had had an opportunity of jud ging what he could do in that respect , and he felt that if any improvement was required it would be carried out . The toast met a hearty reception at the hands of the brethren , and the W . M . briefly acknowledged it . He felt gratefeul to the brethren for having elected him to his present position . He should do his utmost to carry out the duties of the chair with credit , both to

himself and the Lodge . He assured the brethren that that day he had done his best , both in the Lodge and as regarded the provision of the banquet , and if anything was wrong , it must be attributed not to a want of desire for success , but really as being beyond his power . He next proposed the health of the I . P . M . He expressed the great pleasure and surprise he felt at witnessing the splendid way in which Bro . Barr had carried out the duties of Installing Master . He

sincerely hoped that in the future every Master would consider that part of the year ' s work as a part of his duty , and that for many years to come successive Masters would be installed , not by deputy , but by the outgoing Master himself . He concluded by paying a welldeserved compliment to Bro . Barr for the able and efficient way in which he had carried out the work of the Lodge . Bro . Barr , in reply , expressed his thanks to the brethren for the very kind manner in which they and the W . M . eulogised him . He only hoped that what

St. Leonard Lodge, No. 1766.

had been said was deserved on his part , and that he should ever maintain the credit whioh then attaohed to him . As regarded his position as Installing Master , he had thought of leaving that ceremony in tho hands of some more able brother , but he felt that however much more ably a brother might do the usual work , he could not more heartily approach the task than he should himself . Knowing

also the kindly feeling of tho brethren , who he was assured would look upon any mistakes , not with a critical eye , but rather with one of sympathy , aud who would bo the last to blame him for any short , comings , he determined to attempt the task , with what result the brethren could best judge . He knew he could hardly express his feelings as regarded the handsome jewel which had that night been

presented to him , but he hoped he might , by his presence on many future occasions , shew his appreciation of it . The W . M . proposed the health of the Past Masters of the Lodge . Bro . Stean was , he said , one of the oldest Masons in London , and a worthy father of the Si . Leonard Lodge . He was—and the W . M . trusted always would be—• highly respected . Bros . Stean and Barr each replied . Bro . Stean

felt he was too well known as a Past Master to need his making any long speech . Bro . Barr pointed out that the work of a brother did not finish when he left the chair , as he hinself could testify , having received snoh valuable assistance from Past Masters both in his own Lodge and elsewhere . To the toast of the Initiates a reply was given by each of the newly admitted brethren , both of whom

expressed their pleasure at joining the Graft . Bro . Terry , in an able speech , acknowledged a similar compliment paid to " The Charities , " after which " The Visitors " and "The Officers" brought the proceeedings to a termination . Among the Visitors who signed the book were Bros . R . Jennings I . P . M . 907 , G . Edwards W . M . 1816 , S . Smither 193 , W . Cutting 193 , G . Taylor P . M . 217 , J . Harrison 127 C . F . A . Kelly

1524 , H . Sarson 70 , W . H . Lee P . M . 975 , H . Dance P . M . 754 , 0 . F . Luckhurst 1604 , J . S . Badkin P . M . 1365 , R . H . Peace 179 , G . T . Turner S . D . 183 , J . Smith 1107 , J . T . Sinclair 813 , W . W . Morgan jnn . 1385 , G . Townsend P . M . 820 , & c , G . J . Woodman J . W . 1599 , J . Dunse J . D . 193 , A . Bridgman 754 , W . Musto P . M . 1349 , H . Finch W . M . 1635 , J . Robson J . D . 1445 , F . Carr S . D . 1607 , W . Nicholson 19 , T . Hamer W . M . 1426 , W . Hancock 1549 , & c , & o .

Lodge of Lights , No . 148 , Warrington . —The regular monthly meeting of this old Lodge was held on Monday , 29 th ult ., at the Masonio Hall . The W . M . Bro . Charles E . Hiudley wns supported by his Officers and a large number of members and visitors . The Lodge was opened and the minutes rep 1 and confirmed . The ballot was then taken for Mr . William Warner , dnly proposed at the last meeting , which proved unanimously in his favour , and being pre

sent he was initiated by the W . M . Later in the evening , on the invitatation of the W . M . Bro . John Bowes P . M . P . P . G . J . W . Cumberland and Westmoreland , raised Bro . Thos . Robinson to the sublime degree of M . M . The Lodge . having been lowered , a gold Past Master ' s jewel was voted to Bro . Hindley for his valuable services as W . M . The S . W . Dr . Alf . H . Young was unanimously elected W . M . for the en . suing year . After the transaction of some routine busin es the Lodge was closed .

Royal Alfred Lodge of Instruction , Wo . 780 . —At the meeting held on Friday , 26 th November , at the Star and Garter Hotel , Kew Bridge , at half-past seven p . m ., there were present—Bros . C . E . Botley W . M ., Maton S . W ., GommI . P . M . 780 J . W ., Blasby W . M . 780 S . D ., Gunner Hon . Sec . J . D ., Monson I . G ., Roe P . M . Pre . ceptor ; Bros . Cummins P . M ., F . Botley , Geflowski , N . Wotton , Kent ,

Lees , Matts , & c . Lodge was opened , and the minutes of last meeting were read , confirmed , and signed . Bro . N . Wotton offered him . self as candidate , and the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed . Bro , Lees and Matts answered the questions leading to the second degree . Lodge was advanced ; then Bro . Kent offered himself as candidate ,

and the ceremony of passing was rehearsed . Lodge was opened in third degree , and closed to first , when Bro . Lees and Matts were re-admitted , and the dues were collected . Bro . Maton was elected W . M . for next meeting . Lodge was then closed , and adjourned till 3 rd December , at the usual hour .

Friars Lodge of Instruction , No . 1349 . —At Bro . Pavitt ' s , " Liverpool Arms , " Canning Town , on 23 rd ult . Bro . Pavitt W . M ,, P . M . Myers S . W ., Smith J . W ., Ives I . G ., P . M . Cundick I . P . M . ; also Bros . Andrews , Johnson , Ellingford , Sadler , Spencer , & o . This being the night for Sections only , the following were worked by the brethren—1 st Bro . Johnson , 2 nd Andrews , 3 rd Worsley , 4 th Johnson ,

5 th Smith , 6 th Myers , 7 th Cundick . The Lodge opened in the 2 nd and 3 rd degrees , and closed to the 1 st . Bro . Cundick spoke highly of the way in which Bro . Pavitt put the questions for the first seven sections , and hoped to hear him work the fifteen on the next occasion . It was arranged the installation ceremony should have

been worked on Tuesday by P . M . Bro . Musto , who , from unavoidable circumstances , has been unable to attend for the past month , and that he should be assisted by Past Masters Cundick and Myers , who kindly promised to attend . To commence at 7 . 30 punctually . We had not , however , at the time of going to press , received our usual report of the proceedings .

High Cross Lodge , No . 754 . —The regular meeting of this Lodge was held at tho Seven Sisters' Hotel , Tottenham , on Wednesday , the 24 th November , when there were present—Bros . H . V . Clements W . M ., J . Farren S . W ., J . Garrod J . W ., David Roberts Treasurer , T . Cunningham Sec , the rest of the Officers , and a good

muster of the brethren and P . M . 's . The Visitors were Bro 3 . W . T . Howe P . G . P ., O . S . Oxley W . M . 1237 , Bryant 1237 , Poore 1237 , Mathison P . M . 1237 , Hubbard 1732 , Pawson 1732 , and Woodward 1728 . After the usual preliminaries , and the confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting , Lodge was opened to the second degree , and