Sphinx Lodge. No. 1329.

SPHINX LODGE . No . 1329 .

THE regular meeting of the members of this popular Lodge was held on Saturday afternoon , at the Surrey Masonio Hall , Camberwell New-road . Lodge was opened punctually at five o ' olock by the W . M ., Bro . Mansell , when the following were present : —Bros . Biokerstatt ' e P . M ., in the absence of Bro . Middlemass , acted as S . W ., Reynolds jun . J . W ., Hernaman Secretary , Brinton S . D ., Marsdeu jun . J . D ., Hall Organist , Forbes Steward , Voisey I . G . ; also Bros .

Richards I . P . M ., Sngden P . M ., Bryant P . M ., Bradley , Cooker , Bigg , Parnacott , Thornhill , Webb , Britten , Lye , Brookes , Wilson , Gooding , Henriques , Dr . Gross , Heller , Turney , Partridge , Erskine , Knox . Visitors—Bros . Hawkins P . M . Kingsland 1693 , and Dr . Bull Mount Lebanon 73 . Mr . Alfred Partrid ge was balloted for ; the result being unanimous , he was initiated into the mysteries of our Order in due form . The Secretary — Brother Hernaman—then

read the Bye-laws . Several matters associated with the Lodge financially were disoussed and forwarded . Bro . Brinton regretted there was so little of vocalization in the Lodge ; they had an excel , lent Organist in Bro . Hall , whose post it was desirable should not be a sinecure . It would , therefore , afford him ( Bro . Brinton ) much pleasure to provide copies of anthems and hymns to be sung whenever the brethren assembled . It might be remembered that at the recent installation an anthem was rendered in a manner seldom excelled

either in or out of a Lodge . Why shonld not vocalization be more cultivated ? He was aware , in other Lodges which were far less pretentious than their own , musical offerings of praise ascended to the Great Architect of the Universe at all meetings . An animated discussion , ensued , all being in favour of this musical introduction , and a Committee was formed , consisting of the W . M . and Officers of

the Lodge , in order to oarry into effeot so desirable a suggestion . During the meeting applications were made by some brethren who represented themselves as being in distress , and solicited assistance . Bro . Brinton opposed the giving any assistance to those of whom they knew nothing whatever . In tbe oases at that moment under consideration it appeared that no applications had

been made to the Lodge of Benevolence . AVhy not ? They were warned continually against aiding and assisting suoh impeounious and peripatetic brethren , the antecedents of whom were questionable . He would suggest that due inquiry should be instituted before any relief be bestowed . It was far from his wish to stem the current of relief ; what he desired was , that only the really deserving should be

assisted . After a long discussion , it was resolved to relieve both applicants . Bro . Brinton here remarked that doubtless at their next meeting they would have a number of similar applications . The Lodge was then olosed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to another part of the hall , where Bro . Slawson , of 736 Old Kent-road , had served up an excellent repast in his approved manner . Aftec

the removal of the cloth , the usual Masonio and patriotio toasts were given , and pledged right loyally . The W . M . then proposed tbe health of the Past Masters of the Lodge , whom he eulogised for the assistance they at all times rendered to the Masters in particular , and the Lodge generally . He associated the names of Past Masters Richards , Sngden , and Bryantwho severally responded for the compliment .

, Bro . Richards then proposed the health of the W . M ., whom he heartily congratulated . The W . M ., in response , regretted he had failed in carrying out the duties associated with his office on that ocoasion so efficiently as he could have wished . As , however , he had been so recently installed , he hoped his shortcomings would be pardoned . He would do all in his power to become efficient , and also to maintain

the prestige of the Lodge . He had Officers around him on whom he 0 oB . ld rely , who were conversant with their duties ; therefore their O o-operation wonld materially assist him . Thi 3 afforded him great c omfort . He then prop ed the health of the Initiate , Bro . Partridge , w ho made a capital spe eoh in reply thereto . The W . M . next proposed th e health of the Visit ors . As a rule manv Visitors were present

at tneirmeetings-on that evening there were bnt two- He would 8 ta te , however , Vi 81 tora won ] d alwayS be weIcomed at the I ^ age . Bro . Dr . Bull acknowledged the compliment , and expressed the pleasure he had felt on a former occasion when he was present . He felt great interest in the welfare of the Lodge , and it was a source of comfort to him to know that , both financially and numerically , the

Lodge was in a satisfactory condition . No doubt the introduction of more music would be attended by satisfactory results . The W . M . next proposed tbe Officers of the Lodge , and made a graceful allusion to P . M . Bro . Bickerstaffe , who had acted as S . W . during the evening , in the absence of Bro . Middlemass , who was unavoidably away . Any Master of a Lodge , who had the assistance of good Officers , was to be

congratulated . He would include himself among that nnmber . Bro . P . M . Bickerstaffe , in response , said he was not an orator , a fact they all knew . He was a man of deeds , not of words , he therefore would content himself with simply thanking the W . M . and Brethren on the part of himself and the Officers for the fraternal manner in which they had received and pledged the toast . The W . M . next called on

the brethren to drink to the health of their zealous and able Secretary , Bro . J . Hernaman , to whom they were all much indebted . The duties their Secretary had to perform were arduous , and tentative as well . But the more labour there was for him to do , the more he seemed to like it . After some more remarks , the toast was pledged with hearty good wishes . When the

Secretary was called upon , he , with great reluctance , spoke . He feared giving some offence to his brethren on points of internal rule , to which he especially wished to draw the attention of the Lodge ; matters of seeming unimportance in themselves , but which had a great effect on the comfort of the brethren and conduct of tbe Lodge . He expected that other Secretaries met with similar

difficulties in the prompt payment of dnes , and in the thoughtless Way in which communications were left unanswered , after even providing the members with the necessary material . This was a matter of " Home Rule , " and , at the risk of being considered offensive , he ventured to draw attention to these matters on this quiet home ni ght of the Lodge , rather than on an occasion like their last instal-

Sphinx Lodge. No. 1329.

lation banquet , when the meaning of his remarks were but half under > stood , and conoluded by hoping for the generous sympathy of the brethren in future . The W . M . then in warm terms proposed the health of Bro . Forbes , Steward , who in a characteristic speech

replied . The Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings of the evening . We must not omit to mention that Bros . Voisey , Knox , and Gooding , by their singing , contributed to the pleasures of tho meeting , as did also the recitation of Bro . Hernaman , which was delivered in tho style of a true orator .

OLD GLOBE LODGE , No . 200 . ON tbe 17 th inst . the brethren of the Old Globe Lodge held their annual installation at the Masonic Hall , Londesborough Rooms , Scarborough . The W . M . for the present year is Brother W . Parkin P . M . The ceremony was impressively performed by Brother Major Smyth P . M . 712 , and Provincial Grand Master Lincoln , assisted by other Officers . The various Offioers were installed for the year , after whioh the brethren and visitors adjourned to Brother Joseph Shaw ' s , where a banqnet was provided .

LION LODGE , No . 312 . ON the 15 th inst ., at the Masonio Hall , West Cliff , Whitby , Bro . M . Smith S . W . was installed W . M . for the ensuing year , the

ceremony of installation being performed by Bro . J . Stevenson P . M . The following are the Officers for the year : —Bros . H . C . Walker S . W ., J . Brooks J . W ., T . Tate S . D ., J . T . Stewart J . D ., R . W . White I . G ., J . N Lawson P . M . Treasurer , J . B . Dale Seoretary ,

W . H . Attlay M . C . and Organist , J . Brand and H . Wald Stewards , T . H . Trueman Tyler . The installation banquet afterwards took place at tbe Royal Hotel , the W . M . presiding , while the S . W . was in tbe vice-chair . The customary Masonio toasts were duly honoured .

UNION LODGE , No . 414 . ON Tuesday , the 16 th inst ., the annual festival and jubilee of the above Lodge was held at the Masonio Hall , Grey Friars ' -road , at 3 . 30 p . m ., when there was assembled one of the most distinguished and numerous gatherings that has been witnessed here for many years . The special occasion of the meeting was the installation of Bro . Ferguson , who was elected as Master at the last regular Lodge . The ceremony was performed by Bro . Moxhay P . M ., & c , who for

some years past has acted as Installing Master of this and the Grey Friars' Lodge . The admirable manner in which Bro .- Moxhay performs his duty has become a proverb in the Province of Berks and Bucks . At the appointed hour there were assembled the following Officers : —Mount W . M ., Ferguson S . W . W . M . elect , Wheeler jun . J . W ., Withers Secretary , Parry S . D ., Witherington J . D ., Butler M . C , Black .

well I . G ., Martin Senior Steward , Webb and Armstrong Junior Stewards , and Hemmings Tyler . Past Masters—Bros . Stephens , Bradley , Oades , Smith , Morris , Baker , Weightman , Honnslow , Blowers , Bradley , Long 663 , Biggs Hon . Mem . Members—Bros . Sydenham , Tirbutt , Hawkes , Walters , Hayward , Tench , Rayner , Hart , Higgs , Sherwood , and Stubbington . Visitors—Bros . Colonel

Heathcote 1101 , Tompkins 414 , Bateraan W . M . 591 , Vnrdy W . M . 1566 , Heath 1767 , Edmonds 1899 , Ivey P . M . and Sec . 1101 , Trower P . M . 122 , Tucker J . W . 1899 , Fall 173 , P . M . ' s Ferguson 1101 , Hurley 1101 , Pulley 1436 , Stransom Treasurer 1101 , Hawkes J . W . 1101 , Blackwell I . P . M . 1101 , Scribner 1427 , Faulkner 1720 , Beale P . M . 1101 , Short 1008 , Denny 1899 , Brown 123 , Ridley S . W . 1101 , Barton

W . M . 771 , Margretfc P . M . 1101 , Batting P . M . 1501 , Bent P . G . O . P . M . 1894 , Ravenscroft J . D . 1101 , James 1101 , & c . After the Lodge business was ended the brethren adjourned to the Great Western Hotel , where a banquet was provided by Bro . Flanagan , whioh reflected great credit on the caterer , and to whioh about 70 brethren sat down .

The usual Loyal and Masonio toasts were given and responded to , being interspersed with some excellent music by Bro . Dyson , of Windsor , and three other brethren , forming a quartette of unusual ability . The toast of the evening was most rapturously received , being that of the " Master , " to whioh he felicitously responded .

EBEINGTON LODGE , No . 1847 . THE annual meeting of this Lodge , was held at the Ebrington Masonio Temple , Stonehouse , on Tuesday , 9 th inst . The business of the Lodge was an initiation , admirably performed by Ihe W . Master Bro . R . Lose jun ., assisted by W . Bro . S . Jew P . M . P . P . G . T ., and a raising done by W . Bro . R . Lose sen . P . M . P . P . G . P . in the impressive manner so much appreciated by the brethren . The claims of the Devon Masonio Educational Fund to

increased support was ably advocated by W . Bro . A . R , Lethbridge P . M ., and W . Bro . Jew . They clearly showed how much good was being accomplished at the minimum of working expenses by this institution , and they confidently expeoted that each member would continue to become subscribers . The Lodge having been closed , the brethren with their visitors adjourned to Bro . W . B . Thomas ' s Great

Western Hotel , for the annual banquet . About sixty-six persons sat down to enjoy the very bountiful provision made for the comfort of all . Bro . Thomas received well deserved encomiums for his liberal catering . The W . Master Bro . R . Lose ably presided , and proposed the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts . Tbe pleasing feature of the evening was a presentation to the late Master , W . Brother C . A . Nicholson , who was prevented by illness from being present .

It took the form of a very handsome clock , selected from the stook of Brother J . Griffin , of Union-street , Stonehouse , bearing the inscription : — "The gift of Lodge Ebrington , 1847 , to P . M . Brother C . A . Nicholson , for his great zeal in Freemasonry , and the working of this Lodge especially . —December , 1882 . " A very pleasant evening was spent , the members and visitors contributing songs and recitations .