Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

lodsre but who had been obliged to relinquish the rfi e on account of pnblic duties . In the course of the ling the proceedings were enlivened by the vocal efforts of ' several of thc brethren . LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . The usual monthly meeting of the members of this r ~ !_ e took p lace at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street ,

Liver-0 ! on Tuesday afterncon , the 27 th ult ., when there was 1 ' fa ' jrly numerous attendance of brethren , the visitors esially mustering in strong force . Bro . Lindo Courtenay , W M ., opened the lodge at half-past two o ' clock prompt , n ( l a-nongst those present were Bros . W . f . Chapman , J P . M . ; J- B . MacKenzie , S . W . ; W . W . Sandbrook , J . W . ; A Woolrich , Treas . ; John Atkinson , Sec . ; Frank Emery ,

I D . ; J- r'yer > J-G . ; R- Burgess , Org . ; W . Savage , S . S . ; II . P- Squire , J . S . ; and W . H . Ball , Tyler . The private members of the Dramatic Lodge present were Bros . S . Mattison , T . J . Avann , W . M . Armand , A . Allan , W . Addis , 1 B . Brough , C Butby , C Courtenay , C . Campion , J . W Collinson , W . Hildyard , W . Heap , H . Holden , Dr . R . H . D . Johnson , James Keet , L . Y . Lablache , G . Martin , J . Penney ,

H . Round , J . L . Shrapnell , R . Williams , Webster Williams , an d others . The visitors included Bros . John Dewhurst , Weston , Messenger , Maddox , Griffiths , Prince , and others . After the minutes of the previous regular meeting had been read and confirmed , Bro . Col . inson was passed to the rank of F . C , and Bros . Allan and Addis were raised to

the Sublime Degree of M . M . ' s . The brethren subsequently banqueted , under the presidency of the W . M ., and during the evening various songs and recitations were given by Urns . Webster Williams , L . B . Brough , J . Dewhurst , Prince , Allan , Griffiths , and others , the accompaniments to Ihe songs being played by Bros . R . Burgess , Org ., and Collinson .

MAN CHESTER . —Avon Lodge ( No . 1933 , . — The ordinary monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Denmark Hotel , Greenheys , on Wednesday , thc 28 th May . The lodge was opened by the W . M . ( Bro . J . D . Brickies ) at 5 . 15 p . m . There was a numerous gathering of members and visitors . Amongst the latter were Bro . G . Mellor , G . S . D ., Very Worshipful Deputy Grand Master

of East Lancashire ; Bros . P . Royle , M . D ., P . P . G . S . D ; John Chadwick , P . G ., Secretary ; J . II . Sillitoe , P . P . G . D . of C . ; —Magee , W . M ., 548 , — Steyermann , 1180 ; J . Buckley , W . M . 1218 ; J . Heys , P . M . 1218 ; Rev . J . E . Roberts , S . W . 1218 ; W . Jaffray , S . W . 152 ; W . Blackie , J . D . 152 ; J . Lane , W . M . 7 64 ; Ernest Link , P . M . 633 ; — Jones , P . M . 149 6 ; — Sutcliffe , J . D . 204 ; — Mac

llvvick , S . W . 350 ; —Harrap , 152 ; J . Meyer , 1791 ; — Frith , 149 6 , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Four candidates were proposed , balloted for , and accepted . Mr . Isaac Thomas George , a native of Sierra Leone , was initiated into the mysteiies of the Craft by the W . M . Afterwards Mr . John Edgar was initiated by the J . P . M . ( Bro . W . Leigh ) , and

Mr , Samuel Horatio St . Austin by ths W . M . The lodge adjourned from labour to refreshment , and , on resuming Masonic duties , Mr . John Aitcheson was initiated by the W . M . The working tools were presented to the four candidates by Bro . Whittaker , J . W . Hearty good wishes were cordially expressed by the visitors , and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 9 p . m . About 60 brethren assembled round the festive hoard under the

p csidency of Bro . J . D . Brickies , W . M . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been given and duly honoured , Bro . Brickies called upon the brethren to " fill to a bumper . " This having been done , he proceeded to give a toast , which he was sure would be heartily appreciated by all present , it being that of the " Very Wirshiuful Deputy Provincial Grand Master . " He

considered that their lodge , now in its third year , was highly liuioured by having as their guest Bro . George Mellor , who , in consequence of his health , was not often able to be present at the festive board . He ( the W . M . ) fell quite suic that not only the members of the Avon Lodge , but thc visiting brethren also , were glad to meet their esteemed Deputy Provincial Grand Master , who , by his genial and

brotherly disposition , had gained a prominent position in the hearts anil affections of the whole province . Bro . Mellor was always ready to assist in any good work which would tend to promote the interests of the Craft and the welfare of mankind in general . He , therefore , had pleasure in asking them to drink to the health of their V . W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master . The toast

was warmly received and the honours enthusiastically Riven . Bro . A . T . Forrest ( Athena ? um Dramatic Society ) recited in a masterly manner , and by special request , a poem entitled the " Ivy andthe Bell . " Bro . Mel' ° r , on rising to respond , vvas loudly cheered . He regretcd that he was compelled to leave them rather hurriedly as l > c had to catch an early train , he , however , felt compelled

'o say a few words of thanks for the kind manner in which he had been received amongst them , and , at the same time , to express his gratification at the very correct and able manner in which the ceremonial had been performed . He congratulated the lodge on possessing such an efficient " . M ., as well as such excellent Past Masters and officers , w » 0 i one and all , seemed to be thoroughly up to the work

required of them . As his time vvas up he wished them all a very pleasant evening , and hoped at some future time , n ° t far distant , to repeat his visit . After Bio . Mellor hail mired , the W . M . proposed the toast of "The Newly-Ini . bated Brethren , " which was cordially received . Bro ,

saac T . George fir ^ t responded , Bro . Edgar expressed ''' . ratification on being admitted a member of the Craft . ' of rMch he had for a long time formed a favourable opinion . ros - S . Austin and Aitchison also responded . The next PM * ' " lhe Visitors ' " proposed by Bro . W . Bostock , •M . He said that no doubt there were two reasons why nere was so large a gathering on that occasion , the first

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

vvas the pleasure which every brother felt in meeting their Deputy Prov . Grand Master , and the other was the extent , as well as the novelty , in some respects , of thc work upon the circular . It vvas somewhat of a rarity to initiate a coloured gentleman , but he was glad that it had fallen to tlnir lot to do so , in this case , as he felt sure Bro . George would prove a worthy Mason . He was pleased to

see so many distinguished visitors present , such , for instance , as thtir old friend , Dr . Royle , and the newlyappointed Prov . Grand Secretary ( Bro . Chadwick ) , who , he was sorry to say , had been compelled to leave early ; also their indefatigable Bro . Sillitoe , and so many other brethren of distinction . The toast was received with enthusiasm . Bro . Royle , in reply , congratulated the lodge on

its continued prosperity . He had been very much interested in the ceremonies that evening , one of which proved the spiiit of Masonry to be irrespective of either creed or colour , and that the great Catholic sentiment of order and truth prevailed in its ranks , which he trusted would permeate over the entire globe , and shed its influence upon all sects and nations . Bro . Sillitoe also replied ,

and complimented the W . M . on the manner in which he had performed the ceremony of initiation for tbe first time . He ( Bro . Sillitoe ) felt some interest in the progress of the lotlge , as he had assisted at its consecration . It gave him great pleasure to visit them from time to time , and witness their admirable working . What he had seen that evening satisfied him " that in the hands of the present W . M . and

his able officers the lustre of the lodge would not dimmish , but that their well-earned reputation would continue to increase . Bro . St . Austin convulsed the audience with a comical ditty . Afterwards the S . W . ( Bro . Painter ) proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " evidencing the interest Bro . Brickies took in the lodge by thc fact that he frequently travelled from London purposely to attend the meeting , returning the same night . The W . M . replied ,

anti stated that although he had been resident in London for some years , he considered Manchester his home , and he rejoiced at the opportunity of attending the meetings of his lodge to meet some of his oldest personal friends . Bro . Stephenson with a comic song met with the usual reception . Bro . T . J . Hooper , P . P . G . Treasurer , officiated as Director of Ceremonies , and Bro . F . Stanislaus presitled at the pianoforte , much to the enjoyment of all present . The Tyler ' s toast was given at 10 . 50 .

INSTRUCTION . DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . —A meeting of this lodge of instruction was held at the Havelock Tavern , A'bion-road , Dalston , on Wednesday , the 4 th inst . There were present Bros . A . McDowall , W . M . ; A . R . Olley , S . W . ; A . McMillan , J . W . ; J . Dig ? man , J . D .. C . Lorkin , I . G . ; W . Fieldwick , Preceptor ; J

, William" , Sec , and several other brethren . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed , and the ceremony of initiation vvas rehearsed , Bro . C . Olley being thc candidate . Bro . C . Lorkin , assisted by the brethren , worked the ist , 2 nd , 3 rd , and 4 th Sections of thc Lecture . Bro . Fieldwick proposed , and Bro . McMillan seconded , that

Bro . A . R . Odey be W . M . for the ensuing week . Carried unanimously . Bro . T . Slaiter proposed , and Bro . A . McMillan seconded , that Bro . W . Woodward , of Temple Bar Lodge , 1728 , be a member of this lodge of instruction . Nothing further offering , the lodge was closed in ancient form .

Jamaica.

Jamaica .

ROYAL LODGE ( No . 207 ) . —At the ordinary meeting of this lodge , held at Kingston , on the 5 th ult ., the principal business being the installation of the Master elect and officers for the ensuing year—all ordinary work was postponed . Bro . J . Thirlwall , Senior Warden and Master elect was introduced by Wor . Bro . M . Dias , and installed by Wor . Bro . G . J . Sargeant , retiring Master ,

assisted by a number of Past Masters . The appointment and . investment of officers were then proceeded with as follows : Wor . Bro . G . J . Sargeant , I . P . M . ; Bros . E . X . Leon , S . W . ; W . Duff , J . W . ; J . N . Aguilar , Treasurer ; J . M . Simpson , Secretary ; R . J . Macpherson , S . D . ; S . A . ifih , J . D . ; W . Ryder , I . G . ; P . Simpson and H . Demercudo , Stewards ; G . Magnus , Tyler . At the close of the

installation , and after the officers had returned thanks , Wor . Bro . G . J . Sargeant , I . P . M ., read and presented a report of the affairs of the lodge during his administration , showing that he held 25 lodges , initiated 18 candidates , passed 18 , and raised 16 brethren ; thus adding several members to the roll , which now numbers 70 . He had the pleasure of handing over to his successor the sum of

£ 226 in cash and good securities ; this , placed against the amount received by his administration , showed a net increase of £ 84 , after dispensing charity to the extent of £ 27 , and paying the working expenses to date . He also reported that during the year he received an official visit from Dr . R . Hamilton , R . W . D . G . Master , and his officers , and that they were pleased to express thtir entire

satisfaction at the admirable manner in which the bonks were kept , and the general working gone through . The report having been received and ordered to be entered on the minutes , a vote of thanks was recorded to Bro . Sargeant , and his administration , and it was unanimously resolved " That a testimonial be procured and presented hy this lodge to the Wor . George James Sargeant , as a mark

of appreciation of his services , and a token ol the esteem and regard in which he is held by the brethren of this lodge . " The lodge having been closed , the brethren , numbeiing over 100 , adjourned to the refreshment room , where a splendid banquet was provided . The attention paid to the visitors by the members of the Royal Lotlge rendered the evening a most enjoyable one , the brethren separating at 2 . 30 next morning .

Jamaica.

HAMILTON LODGE ( No . 1440 ) . —Tbe installation meeting of this lodge took place at the Lodge Rooms in Spanish Town , on thc 7 th ult . There was . a goodly number of Past Masters and members of the sister lodges present . The following is a list of the officeis forming the administration Wor . Brc . W . G . McFarlaine , W . M . ; Bros .

A . G . Ffrench , S . W . ; C . T . Sanguissette , J . W . ; W . D . Byles , Treas . ; J . F . Rickards , Sec ; G . ' Levy , S . D . ; C . M . L . Kerr , J . D . ; C . J . James , I . G . ; J . Dedeon , Tyler . Lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned to a sumptuous banquet , at which every one enjoyed himself .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

NEW WORKS ON FREEMASONRY . I am very pleased to see that Bro . Lamonby is about to issue a history of the Craft in Cumberland and Westmoreland from 1 740 ( according to the veteran Mason , Bro . Tweddell ) , and I trust that other provinces will be privileged to find members who will continue the good

work . The history of certain lodges , and of all old provinces , is a most useful and necessary work , and our esteemed Bro . Gould ' s " Four Old Lodges , " with thc valuable lists of lodges from 1723 , will enable brethien willing to look up tlieir leidge histories to trace all such of the " moderns" from 1723 to the "Union . " W . J . HUGHAN .

Bom ; , J OIIANN J . C . —He played a considerable part in German Freemasonry towards the latter part of the last century . He was born at Brunswick in 1730 , and died at Weimar in 1 793 , where his grave lies between Lukas Cranach and Mutiius , with this inset iption : " Restless and courageous he sought after truth , enlightenment , thc welfare of humanity . " He was made a Mason at Hamburg ,

in 1761 , in thc Absilom Lodge , and aided to constilute the Tempel der Ewigkcit Lodge , at Hildesheim , in 1763 . In 1764 he joined the Strict Observance , and was for fume years a warm supporter of it . He met at the Co ivent of Wilhclmsbad , in 1782 , Baron von Kuigge , and was introduced by him into the llluminati Order . He afterwards became as zealous an opponent of the Stiict Observance

as he had previously been in its favour , and took part in forming a " Bund " or Union of German Freemasonry . His utility was , however , marred by his unreal and unhistotical theory cf the Jesuit origin of Freemasonry , now entirely given up , however at one time , in the interests of the House of Stuait , these astute intriguers may lave endeavoured to make use of Freemasonry . He was a

man of attainments and ability , and a friend of Lessing ' s , and published many trans ' ations and works both at Hamburg and Wtimar . His was an adventurous life . He began as a musician in the Brunswick army , he then joined the Hanoverian service , and published some musical compositions . He then went to Hamburg , where he became first a teacher of languages , and then a bookseller .

He married three wives , and outlived them all , and seems to have had much family unhappiness and misfortune . From 177810 1793 , the dite of his death , he remained at Weimar , devoting himself to literature , finding a fiiendly patroness in thc widow of the well-known and eminent statesman Von Bernstorff . He translated Bonneville ' s

"Les Jesuites chasses , " etc ., and was editor from 177 6 and 1793 of the "Almanach fiir die Br . Freimaurer . " Kloss mentions several controversial pamphlets of his . Lenning and the " Handbuch " tell us that he died a " Geheimrath " of Hesse Darmstadt . Thory says he was an " Aulic Counsellor . "—Kenning ' s Cyclopwdiu .

MASONS , COMPANY OF . —Is one of the Livery Companies of London , but not one of the twelve great ones . In the reign of Edward III ., however , it was represented in the council . The company had a coat of arms granted them by Wm . Hawkeslowe , Clarenceux King of Arms , in the fourth of Edward IV ., 14 G 4 , confirmed by Thomas Benett , alias Clarenceux Kyng of Armes of the South , in the

twelfth year of King Henry VIII ., 1 5 , and entered by Henry St . George Richmond , 16 34 . See "Arms of Freemasonry . " It is doubtful , somewhat , when this company was actually incorporated by Royal Charter . It has been said , not until the reign of Charles II . Ashmole mentions a meeting in the hall in Basinghall-street in 1684 ; but the minutes of the company do not refer to it , and Ashmole

was not a member of the company . It was , in our opinion , entirely distinct from the ' •Society of Freemasons . " though many of the Freemasons mentioned b y Ashmole as present at the meeting in Basingh . ll-street were members of the Masons' Company . Indeed the fact that they were members of the Masons' Company , and yet admitted into the "Fellowship" in Masons' Hall , Basinghall-street , is

a proof to our mind lhat thc two associations were entirel y distinct . No record ol such meeting exists in the books of the company , and the Masons' Company did not dine that day or that year at the Half-Moon , Cheapside . Indeed , when we come to look into Ashmole ' s words critically , it is plain , we think , that at that memorable meeting two events took place , —first , that he himself , as he says ,

was admitted into the Fellowship of Freemasonry ; and secondly , that several | othtr pei sons were admitted into Free masonry . In what Ashmole ' s admission consisted , weare not told . He calls himself the " Senior Fellow" among them ( his terminology being neither very critical nor correct ) . He probably means no more than this : that he

was the oldest Freemason actually amongst those present . Whether Ashmole was admitted to what we call the Second Degree , or Third Degree , is impossible , we apprehend , to say ; though , following the evidence of the Scottish Minute Books as far as they are decisive on the subject , as wc have so far no available Englisjh evidence of that date-