The Great City Lodge, So. 1426.

respective Lodges . This duty of politeness accomplished , allow me , W . M . and brethren , a slight digression . A few clay ago , I read in the Pall Mall Gazette , with some sadness , that Peterborough Cathedral , so famous in English history , ono of tho most beautiful Gothic churches in the world , built by onr brethren of the thirteenth century , was threatened with ruin . Mr . Pearson a brother Freemason

I hope , was called by telegram to give his opinion , and he doclares it indispensable that the tower shonld be demolished . If , instead of coming to this conclusion , Mr . Pearson said it must be repaired , and I give that important task to my brother Masons of The Great City Lodge , I suppose you would have been astonished and mnch embarrassed , for there are few amongst ns I think who would

be capable of setting a brick . Does it not seem strange , brethren , that in this great Masonic Society , which covers the world , we meet bankers , clerks , and members of every profession , but few Masons , properly speaking ? We call ourselves Masons , but not the slightest spot of mortar is seen on our aprons . This is anomalous to-day , but not in the past , now nearly two cen .

tunes ago , when our brethren were really constructive Masons . To find the solution of this enigma we must seek it in the Masonic History of England . Two centuries ago Masonry had arrived at a collapse , which I will relate . Many Societies bad sprung up apart from Masonry , and there were schisms which had divided the directing authorities ; thus in tbe fourteenth century , tbe abolition of

the celebrated Order of Templars . This ambitious Order , which had absorbed for its own benefit all the Masonio Lodges of the Christian world , had contributed not a little to enfeeble the Order . Then again in the eighteenth century , which we have reached , work failed . The great baselisks were completed—those gigantic effervescences of stone and marble , which are always the admiration of poets and

artists , and the despair of architects . All these circumstances have dislocated , and Masons were regarded with suspicion . It then became necessary to give new life and infuse new blood into the Association , so that , in 1702 , the London Lodge of Saint Paul , now the Lodge of Antiquity , No . 2 , came to a decision which entirely changed the whole Constitution of

Masonry . That decision decided that Masonio privileges should no longer be the exclusive property of constructive Masons , and that members of different professions should be called to enjoy them , provided they were regularly approved aDd initiated . From that day the private and phiosopbical element was introduced . From that day , on which Masonry opened its portals to science and

philosophyto Voltaire , Eousseaux , Diderot , Helbetius , Holbaoh , and many others whom I conld name—dates Masonry ' s new era . The consequences of this decision of the Lodge of Antiquity were immense . It gathered together all the scattered remains of the dissenting Lodges — Templars , Albigenses , Parantines , and Bulgarees—to form , in the eighteenth century , . the sect known as the

Illuminati , which for a little while made the world tremble , and of which Cagliostro was one of the chiefs . From the time of this schism Masonry became philanthropic , humanitising , renovated , and young again . It accomplished , in the interest of liberty , charity and benevolence , the work which the Templars had tried to appropriate to their own ambition , and which , so bravely commenced , was suddenly interrupted by Philip the Fair , King of France , and the

execution of the Great Master of the Order , Jaques de Molay . That is why , brethren , you are Masons but by name , and why yon will not be called npon to re-construct Peterborough Cathedral . Therefore , brethren , I am happy if I have been able to interest you by raising a coraes of th « v « il vrbicb conceals ow gveat Masonic history . Some other toasts were given , and the evening was spent in complete harmony .

Covent Garden Lodge, No. 1614.

COVENT GARDEN LODGE , No . 1614 .

THE installation meeting of this new and flourishing Lodge was held on the 9 th iustant , at tho Criterion , Piccadilly , where the gathering was numerously attended . Bros . Simeon Jacobs W . M ., Gnlliford P . M . 1017 S . W ., Coleman J . W ., Jacobs P . M . Treasurer , Bourne P . M . Secretary , Jacobs S . D ., Kedgley J . D ., Dickson I . G ., Stacey P . M . Organist , Solomon Steward , Feis M . C , Rev . Philip M . Holden P . P . Grand Chaplain Middlesex , Baldwin P . P . G . P

Middlesex , Albert P . G . P ., Smith 1348 , Boots 1273 , Cox P . M . 190 , Headon 779 , Hyams 1348 , Gross 901 , Parish P . M . 1604 , Davis 188 , Marks 1349 , Jacobs 704 , Miller 1631 , Richardson P . M . 1348 , Bond 704 , Eeis 12 , Smith 1563 , Jordan 1580 , Jacobs 1348 , Mason P . P . G . S . D . Middlesex , Hart 1348 , Waghorn P . M . 946 , Smeed P . P . G . J . W . Middlesex , Isaac 1624 , Butt 834 , Gnlliford 1017 , Price 733 , Fowler 1507 754 , Wells P . M . 299 , Hammond 569 , Cooper P . M . 916 ,

Hillier 946 , Hart 1348 , Madell 1201 , Ralph 1421 , Holmes 141 , Demetrius 1348 , Judge 1178 , Hawkes P . M . 1071 , Alexander 1348 , H . M . Levy P . M . 188 , Jackson P . M . 534 . After the Lodge had been formally opened , and the minutes read and confirmed , Bros . C . Williams and Freeman were passed to the second degree , by the W . M . Bro . Eeynolds , No . 749 , was unanimously elected a joining member . A Board of Installed Masters was opened , and Bro , Gnlliford P . M .

1017 S . W . and W . M . elect was inducted into the Master s chair by Bro . Jacobs P . M . and Treasurer , who conducted the proceedings in a very perfect and impressive manner , and at the conclusion of the ceremony was warmly congratulated by those present . There were twenty W . M . ' s and P . M . 's present at the Board of Installed Masters . On the re-admission of the brethren the customary salutations were

given , and the W . M ., with some appropriate remarks , appointed and invested his Officers : —Bros . S . Jacobs I . P . M ., Coleman S . W ., J . Jacobs J . W ., Reverend P . M . Holden Chaplain , E . Jacobs P . M . Treasurer , Bourne P . M . Secretary , Stacey P . P . G . O . Berks and Bucks Organist , Kedgley S . D ., Dixon J . D ., Solomon I . G ., FiggosW . S ., Baxter M . C , Bassett A . W . S ., Potter P . M . Tyler . The applause that followed the investiture of each Officer showed the W . M . had made

Covent Garden Lodge, No. 1614.

a selection that was approved . The W . M . on rising said it was a great pleasure to know the members of the Lodge were delighted at the ability the I . P . M . Bro . Simeon Jacobs had displayed in conducting the duties during the past year , and in placing the P . M . 's jewel on his breast , he mightsay it carried with it the good wishes of the Lodge . He hoped Bro . Jacobs might be spared for many years to

wear it , with honour and oredit . Bro . Jacobs thanked the W . M . for bis kiiid remarks , and the Lodge for the splendid jewel presented to him . He hoppd , while he had health , hi 3 endeavours might redound to tho welfare of the Lodgo . He would wear the jewel with pride , as a pleasing remembrance of his connection with the Covent Garden Lodge . Lodge was then olosed , and the brethren , eighty . four in

number , sat down to a capital banquet and dessert , provided by Messrs . Spiers and Pond ( Limited ) , and superintended by Bro . Madell . The tables were beautifully and artistically decorated , and the W . M . provided a "button hole" for every guest . Grace having been said by the Rev . P . M . Holden , the W . M . proposed the Loyal and Masonio toasts . In proposing the toasts of the P . G . M ., the

D . G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Offioers , the W . M . said be would call on a brother who bad been honoured by H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . on the auspicious occasion of his Installation at the Albert Hall . He hoped to see Brother Albert in health and prosperity for many years . Fifteen years ago he ( Bro . Albert ) initiated him into the Order . Bro . Albert P . G . P . was pleased to return thanks for this toast ; he

could testify to the zeal displayed by tbe Grand Officers . Brother S , Jacobs proposed tbe health of the W M ., who bad ably worked his way to the chair . Bro . Gnlliford knew the dnties thoroughly , and would doubtless receive the fruits of his labour ; he was well worthy of their respect . Bro . Rev . P . M . Holden here gratified the brethren with his splendid delivery of " The Midnight Charge of Kassassin . "

The W . M . in responding said , after the wonderful recital of the Wor . Brother , he felt somewhat at a loss to reply . However , he might remark that if they would allow themselves to be led by the Blue Ribbon , they would have nothing to regret at having elected him W . Master . He thanked Bro . Simeon Jacobs for proposing the toast , and the brethren for so kindly responding to it , and now , before resuming

his seat , he bad great pleasure in proposing the toast of the I . P . M . Bro . Jacobs , in acknowledging the compliment , said he had not received a classical education , but by attending at Lodges of Instruction , he had , he believed , qualified himself to occupy tbe ohair , he hoped to their satisfaction . The jewel presented to him that evening he should wear with pride . He thanked them for their kindness .

The W . M . next proposed the toast of the Visitors . Bros . Smeed , Levy , Cox , and Baldwin severally responded . In proposing the toast of the P . M . ' s , the W . M . said if time permitted he could say a great deal ; but as it was late , he would merely propose the toast , and call on Bros . Bourne and Jacobs , than whom there were none superior , in regard to their duties , in the Craft . Bro . Jacobs said , so long as he

occupied his position , his services would always be at their command . Bro . Bourne followed , with an excellent speech , as also did Bro . Kedgley . Tbe toast of the Wardens and Officers came next , and Bro , Coleman responded . The Tyler's toast was then given . Bros . Holden , Solomon , Master Solomon , Marks , and Bassett entertained the brethren . Bro . Charles Solomon ably presided at the pianoforte .

Loughborough Lodge of Instruction , No . 22 . —A meeting was held on Monday evening , 22 ud January , at Brother McDiarmaid's , the Cambria Tavern , Cambria-road , Longhborough . junction . Present—Bros . Banks W . M ., Perkins S . W ., Warren J . W . , McKinley Secretary , Brown S . D ., Sherring J . D ., Johnson Preceptor , Carnock I . G ., also Bros . Westley , Spencer , Tapps , Leigh . After

preliminaries , the ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , with Brother Leigh as candidate . The second section of the first lecture was worked by Bro . Sherring , and the third section by Bro . Westley . Bro . Sherring , as ono of the Auditors , presented the annual report , which showed a most healthy account . It pointed out that sixty new members had joined the Lodge during the past year , and that a contribution had been paid to the Charities in the name of Bro . Johnson

and that the furniture had been presented gratuitously to the Lodge , thus avoiding any strain on tbe funds . Bros . Johnson Preceptor , McDiarmaid Treas ., and McKinley Sec . were unanimously elected to their respective officers for the ensuing year . The balance sheet having been duly signed by the Auditors , showing a good balance to be carried forward , and all business being ended , Lodge was olosed in ancient form , and adjourned till Monday eveniDg , the 29 th inst .

United Pilgrims Lodge of Instrnction , No . 507 . — A meeting was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell Newroad , S . E ., on Friday , tho 19 th instant , and was well attended . Bro . James Stevens P . M . Preceptor opened tho Lodge at 7 . 30 , the Officers being Bros . C . H . Wiltshire S . W ., Style J . W ., H . H . Wiltshire S . D ., Bate J . D ., Philips I . G ., James Terry P . M . Secretary , Thurston P . M .

Treasurer ; there were also present Bros . Fullwood P . M ., Williams , Pooler , and others . Lodge having been opened in the second degree , Bro . Thurston , as candidato , proved F . C . proficiency , and the ceremony of raising was rehearsed by the W . M . and Officers , 'in a most effective aud impressive manner ; the traditional history boing fully given , and Bro . Bate subsequently delivered the charge in M . M . degree . Lodgo was resumed to the first degree , and called off for

" entry drill , " and called on . Having been again raised , Lodge was closed down in due order . Bro . Poore was nominated by the Preceptor as W . M . for tho ensuing week , the Officers to retain their present positions . Bro . Thurston announced his intention to serve as Steward at the ensuing Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and acknowledged a liberal support by brethren . Lodge was then closed in dne form , and the meeting adjourned .