Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

QUATUOR CORONATI LODGE ( No . 2076 ) . —This lodge met at Freemasons' Hall , on Monday , the 25 th ult ., to keep the Festival of St . John , when there were present Bros . R . F . Gould , W . M . ; W . J . Hughan , W . Simpson , W . H . Rylands , G . W . Speth , W . M . Bywater , Dr . W . W . Westcott , and J . Lane . Of the Correspondence Circle the following attended : Bros . A . Howell , A . H . Bateman , D . P . Cama , S . SaundersW . Rowley ,

, R . A . Gowan , F . A . Powell , W . Watson , C . Kupferschmidt , H . Sadler , W . Lake , R . Eve , J . S . Cumberland , C . S . Lane , and Col . J . Mead . The visitors were Bros . T . W . Richardson , W . M . 2029 ; and S . L . MacGregor Mathers , 195 . After opening , the Worshipful Master announced that accompanied by Bro . Speth he had recently attended a

meeting of the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands , June 17 th , and a Masonic Festival in Brussels , June 23 rd . On both occasions they had been treated with great kindness and cordiality , as representatives of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , a circumstance which he asked the Secretary to record on the minutes , and , would himself again refer to at a later period of the evening . The following 38 lodges and

brethren were admitted members of the Correspondence Circle , viz .: St . Paul ' s Lodge , No . 374 , Montreal ; York Lodge of Instruction , No . 21 iS , York , West Australia ; Mirfield Lodge , No . 1102 , Mirfield , Yorks ; Mandalay Lodge , No . 2119 , Burmah ; Grand Council of the Order of the Secret Monitor ; and Bros . C . P . Barnes , London ; D . P . Masson , P . D . G . Treas . Punjab ; Dhaniibore F .

Camadore , Rawul Pindee , Punjab ; j . W . Howard , Newara Eliya , Ceylon ; J . Brown , Gora Gully , Punjab ; J . L . Holland , Rawul Pindee ; E . F . Stranack , Madras ; J . R . Holmes , Gold Coast , Africa ; A . M . M . Geesteranus , Dep . Grand Master of the Netherlands ; J . P . Vaillant , G . Secretary of the G . O . of the Netherlands ; D . B . Rush , Johannesberg , Transvaal ; H . L . Stringer , Dist . G . Org . Hong Kong ; Capt . W . S . Bellew , Blink-klip , South Africa ; C . W . B . Geddes , Kimberley , South Africa ; J . Terry ,

P . G . Swd . Br ., Sec . of the R . M . B . I . ; J . Shearman , P . j . G . W . Dorset ; H . W . Peters , Kimberley ; D . Mather , Kimberley ; S . G . Foster , Kimberley ; R . F . Wilson , Kimberley ; H . Swift , Kimberley ; F . Wood , Abbey Wood , Kent ; A . C . Tanqueray , London ; C . B . Cooper , London ; H . J . Wade , Dist . G . Sec . Auckland , New Zealand ; J . A . Gumbs , Port of Spain , Trinidad : C . F .

Matier , P . G . Std . Br . London ; A . R . Carter , Blackheath ; J . R . Paton , Glasgow ; J . D . Duncan , Glasgow ; A . J . Kauffman , Dist . Dep . G . M . Pennsylvania ; Dr . G . R . Welchans , Lancaster , Pennsylvania ; and Ed . T . Schultz , P . G . W . of Maryland . The total of members admitted to the Correspondence Circle is thus brought to 346 . The following Report to the officers of the lodge was

discussed and adopted : —Worshipful Master and Brethren —Your officers in Committee beg to report that a member of the Correspondence Circle , Bro . Alexander Howell , Southsea , in his zeal for the welfare of our Society , made , in aletter to the Secretary , dated 10 th May last a suggestion which Bro . Speth has placed before us , and which we have taken into consideration and unreservedly approve . We

therefore suggest that the Worshipful Master shall from time to time , as may appear advisable , appoint on the recommendation of the Secretary for the time being , and with the assent of the officers in Committee , some active and willing brother , who is a member of either the Inner or Outer Circle , to act as a local centre of information respecting the purposes of our Lodge and Literary Society .

That said officer be designated "Local Secretary of the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle . " That as a general rule , the Province of which he is the local centre , shall , in England , be coterminous with the Province of the same name under the United Grand Lodge of England : but that if found desirable , each of such Provinces may be further sub-divided . That in the

Colonies and abroad , such Provinces be formed from time to time , as may appearsuitable . That the duties of a Local Secretary shall be to do his utmost , on every fit and proper occasion , to spread a knowledge of the objects and proceedings of the Lodge and Correspondence Circle ; to receive and forward to the Secretary the names of applicants for admission to the Correspondence Circle ; to assist

the Secretary in collecting the dues from said Province when called upon to do so ; and in general to make himself useful on behalf of the Lodge under the immediate direction of your Seeretary . That to assist him in these duties he be kept supplied from Head Quarters with the necessary circulars and notices . That in addition hereto he be allowed to issue a printed circular or

circulars of his own , should he think such action desirable ; said circular or circulars to be subject to the approval of your Secretary for the time being . That on his sending in proper vouchers to the Secretary , a moderate amount ( to pay for such printing ) , and all postage be refunded to him . That the local Secretaries being officers of the Correspondence Circle and not of the lodge

, shall hold their offices from year to year without re-appointment . That it be thoroughly understood that such office is not one of mere honour and distinction , but shall in all cases be conferred either for service of the nature above described ahready rendered , or in anticipation of persevering efforts to increase the prestige and usefulness , and extend the sphere of the lodge and Correspondence Circle . We know " that

there are some , and we believe that there are many , of our members who will accept the office under the above conditions , rendering good suit and service , and proud of the distinction conferred upon them by the only lodge in the world devoted exclusively to literary research . We anticipate that the effects of such appointments will be beneficial to the lodge in every way ; but we do not share the

anticipations of Bro . Howell that the labours of the Secretary will be lightened , which was his hope and one of his chief reasons for formulating the scheme . Neither is it our intention that the appointment of a Local Secretary should deter any member from addressing the Secretary directly , if so inclined . Further we beg to suggest that the W . M . do immediately appoint Bros . A . Howell , Southsea , Local Sec . for the Province of Hampshire ; J .

Craft Masonry.

L . Atherton , Bradford , Local Sec . for the Province of West Riding , Yorks ; W . Henderson , Hebron , Local Sec . for the Province of Griqualand ( West ); and G . Gordon , Dunedin , Local Sec . for the Province of OtagO , New Zealand . The first two have already expressed their willingness to the Secretary , and it is confidently believed that the others will gladly accept the office . And finally , that

brethren in the several provinces who may feel willing and capable of undertaking these duties with credit to themselves and advantage to the lodge , be and are hereby invited to tender their services to the Secretary , who will submit their names to the W . M . The discussion on Bro . Westcott's motion to carry out the special work of the lodge in the Third Degree ,

adjourned from last meeting , was then resumed . Bro . W . J . Hughan suggested that , as the object of the mover had been sufficiently attained , by the ventilation of the subject at the _ last meeting of the lodge , it would , he thought , be most judicious , under all the circumstances of the case , if Bros . Westcott and Speth severally withdrew the resolution and amendment standing in their respective

names , which , after a short discussion , was agreed to . The Worshipful Master then mentioned the case of Mrs . Warren , a candidate for the benefits of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Mrs . Warren , he observed , was the widow of the late Bro . H . G . Warren , Past G . Stwd ., who was the editor of the " Freemasons' Quarterly Review" in 1 S 53 , of which , under the altered title of " Freemasons' Magazine , " he became joint proprietor in 1855 ,

and assisted in carrying on , under great difficulties , until 1 S 61 . Bro . Warren , he added , was the last person who delivered the Prestonian Lecture . With these brief observations , he should appeal with confidence to the members present to sanction the candidature of Mrs . Warren for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution being strongly recommended by the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , which was seconded by Bro . W . H . Rylands , and carried " nem . mn . "

The Worshipful Master said he had brought with him the short deed prepared for the carrying into effect the vesting of the lodge library in trustees , so as to ensure its passing to the Grand Lodge of England , in the event of the lodge , from any untoward cause , ceasing to exist ; whereupon it was moved and seconded— "That the W . M . be empowered , with the assent of the officers in committee ,

to take the necessary steps to have the said deed finally executed , " which , being put from the chair , was carried unanimously . The Paper of the evening—entitled " Masters' Lodges " —was read by Bro . J . Lane , the author of " Masonic Records , 1717—1 SS 7 . " It was devoted to a consideration of the custom prevailing extensively right up to 1 S 13 of

holding special Masters' lodges in connection with the ordinary lodge , and literally bristled with data of great importance , the fruits of long years of study . Bro . Lane especially called attention to four lodges in the fourth decade of last century , the common characteristics of which were that , although numbered on the roll , and apparently unconnected with any other lodge , they never paid for a warrant , remitted fees , or attended Grand Lodge . Nos . 116 , 117 , and 120

were called Masters'Lodges , but No . 115 was styled " a Scots Masons' Lodge . " It would be impossible here to enter into the curious questions thus raised and ably presented by our learned brother ; we must refer our readers to the printed transactions of the lodge . Suffice it to say that a lively discussion ensued , in which Bros . Hughan , Gould , Speth , Cumberland , Rylands , Howell , and Westcott took part , after which a well deserved vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer .

Bro . Hughan moved "That the members of the Lodge Quatuor Coronati , No . 2076 , London , composed exclusively of authors of works on Freemasonry , or of brethren possessing scientific , artistic , or literary qualifications , having taken note of the circular of the Grand Orient of Belgium reproduced at Part III . of * Ars Quatuor Coronatorum , ' are of opinion that " The History of

Freemasonry" by the W . M ., Bro . R . F . Gould , P . G . D . of England , & c , is the most meritorious work , from a Masonic point of view , published in Great Britain between March 15 th , 1 S 79 , and the present date . That Bro . Gould ' s work is not only critical but most exhaustive , as it treats of the origin , progress , and present condition of the various branches of the Craft in both Hemispheres , and is

practically without a rival as a history . That the W . M . be therefore requested to compete for the Peeters-Baertsoen prize offered by the Grand Orient of Belgium ; the lodge being strongly of opinion that no Masonic author is so well fitted to uphold the literary honour of England and of the Lodge Quatuor Coronati . "

This was seconded and put by the S . W ,, Bro , Simpson , and carried " nem . con . " The W . M . said he was very greatly obliged to the lodge for the compliment it had paid him , but would express himself more fully on the subject when it became his duty to address the brethren after the adjournment to

refreshment . The routine business being concluded the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to refreshment . The opening toasts having met with a loyal and fervent response , the W . M . next gave " The Grand Officers , " coupling it with the name of Bro . By water , P . G . S . B ., who responded , and then proposed "The Health of the

W . M . " Bro . Gould , in acknowledgment thereof said , I shall now call upon you to observe our Festival of St . John , by diinking to the continued prosperity of the lodge and circle of the Quatuor Coronati , and in introducing the toast you will , I am sure , forgive me , if I blend with my remarks an allusion to the recent pilgrimage from which I have returned ,

as well as an expression of my own hearttelt thanks for all the kindly words said of me by Bro . Hughan in the lodge , and by Bro . Bywater at this board . The continued prosperity of both the Inner and Outer Circles of the lod ge seems to me to require three chief conditions : the first , that the quality of our full membership should be maintained at a high standard ; the second , that the lectures or papers read in lodge should be distinguished by such good

workmanship as to render them of permanent value ; and the third , that there should be no falling off , but on the contrary , a considerable increase in the numbers of our Correspondence Circle . With the first part of the toast I shall couple the name of Bro . Hughan , who is , as you are all aware , one of the most learned Freemasons in the world , and therefore a pattern and example for youngerstudents ; with the second part that of Bro . Lane , the lecturer of this evening ; and with the third I shall associate the name

Craft Masonry.

of Bro . Speth , to whose brilliant inspiration we owe the formation ^ and to whose indefatigable exertions we owe the rapid development of our Outer Circle . If I pass somewhat lightly over the first two names the reason will be obvious . All that I can tell you about Bros . Hughan and Lane you already know , but you do not know , and 1 feel convinced would like to be informed , a little in detail

with regard to the opinion entertained of our lod ge by the brethren in Holland and Belgium , with whom the Secretary and myself have so recently been associated . To begin , however , with Bro . Hughan . When a history of Freemasonry was projected in I 8 SI by the late Bro . Jack of Edinburgh , our brother was very naturally and properly asked to write it , but this he felt himself obliged to decline

from considerations of health , his physical strength not being equal to the strain . He suggested , however , that the task should be confided to me , and promised that if 1 undertook it he would render me every assistance in his power . How this engagement was fulfilled to the letter 1 need not state , and shall only make the passing remark that had our brother accepted Bro . Jack's offer / should

have assisted him instead of vice versa , and there can be no doubt whatever that under those altered circumstances all which has been said in favour of my work , would have applied ( and I believe with far greater force ) to his . Masonic students , if they do not abound , are at all events ' less rare in this country than they used to be . But 20 years ago this was not the case . Then , indeed , the lamp nearly

went out , and if to any one man is due the credit of preventing this catastrophe , it was to Bro . Hughan , who when the light burnt dimly , supplied it with the fuel which alone saved it from becoming extinct . Next , as to the lecture of this evening , it is , 1 may justly say , worthy of Bro . Lane's reputation , but I shall go just a step farther and state , that no special study of a Masonic character has

ever—to the best of my belief—resulted in a clearer and better analysis of obscure and somewhat doubtful points , within the limited compass of a paper or essay suitable for reading in a lodge . Thirdly , and with especial reference to the portion of the toast which I have associated with the name of Bro , Speth , let me state that we—as W . M . and Secretary of this lodge—attended the annual meeting of the

Grand Lodge of Holland on the 17 th ult . The invitation to be present and partake of the banquet was sent by the Grand Secretary , Bro . J . P . Vaillant , and our healths were proposed by the Deputy Grand Master , Bro . Maas Geesteranus , both of these distinguished brethren being , I am gratified to say , members of our Correspondence Circle . Of the kindness and hospitality we experienced at the

hands of our Dutch brothers 1 could speak at great length , but will content myself with the statement of a single truth , viz ., that from the Grand Master downwards we were treated on all sides as brethren in the strictest sense in which the tie of our Fraternity can be regarded , and that the recollection will not easily fade from our memories of the personal consideration and attention shown to us by

the Grand Master , Grand Orator , Grand Treasurer , and Grand Master of the Ceremonies ( Bros . Van Diggelen , Lieftinck , Egeling , and Lelyveld ) , not to speak of the still closer relations which allied us to the Deputy G . M . and Grand Secretary , of whose thoughtful kindness in seizing upon the interval between the termination of actual work and the commencement of the banquet to show us the

cherished treasures of their Grand Lodge , it would be impossible to speak too warmly . On the Saturday following , June 23 rd , we were present at a great banquet given in Brussells , by the Rose Croix Chapter "Les Amis Philanthropes , " to Bro . Pierre Tempels , a very prominent Belgian Freemason , but better known in this lodge as a distinguished member of our Correspondence

Circle , and a valued contributor to our transactions . On that occasion , to the tribute paid to Bro . Tempel ' s worth , we also added our mite by asking his acceptance of our lodge medal in token of membership , the very first impression of which I took upon myself to present and invest him with in the name of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge . In Belgium , as in Holland , we were treated with the most

traternal cordiality , and it afforded me extreme pleasure to find that by the reading Freemasons in both these countries the labours of our Secretary , Bro . Speth , in devising and gradually perfecting a scheme for uniting the literati of our Society by a closer tie than the common bond ot the Craft , were as thoroughly well known , and as heartily appreciated as by ourselves . As a travelling companion

our Secretary proved all that could be desired , and if I mention one blemish in his character it is merely to enhance by comparison the remaining excellences . His one defect is a chronic indisposition to regard the labours of any one day as complete , and justifying a short period of repose . So that if his project of an annual tour with the W . M . for the time being becomes a reality , I venture to suggest that

in choosing my successor some attention to his physical qualifications will be desirable , and if a Master can be found who is able , on a pinch , to dispense with sleep altogether for a week or ten days , I believe it would be possible ( but in no other way ) for your W . M . to fulfil the high expectations of the Secretary , and at the same time drain fully to the dregs the brimming cup of hospitality so

bountifully presented by our continental brethren . The toast being very heartily responded to , Bro . Hughan thanked the W . M . and brethren . He said when the lodge was first mooted , years before it actually came into existence , he held aloof , because previous expeiiments in the same direction had lamentably failed . Almost against his better judgment he had been induced cast

to back the petition for the warrant ; but , having once in his lot , he was the last man who would shrink from devoting his best efforts to its welfare . As far as human toresight could tell , the lodge ' s success was now assured , and in his opinion the full membership of the lodge had already become one of the greatest honours attainable in the Craft . As regarded the " History , " he would only say that had he assist

undertaken it , he was convinced that Bro . Gould ' s - ance would have been as readily granted as in the actual case his own was . He believed other members of the lodge were actuated by similar feelings , and trusted that the demon of literary jealousy , now absolutely non-existent in the lodge , would never be allowed to enter in , and spoil their present unity of feeling . The " Quatuor Coronati

was instituted for the furtherance of Masonic researchlet each brother , therefore , on every occasion cheerfully devote his best energies to the assistance of any '' terary project in hand , for the honour of their lodge , and the welfare of the Craft in general . , , Bro . Lane said he was grateful for the hearing accordea him in lodge . If any brother had any new views to bring