Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

enabled it to progress , and which was greatly due to the scrutiny and selection of Bro . Hobbs . Bro . Kilvington , S . W ., thanked them for the kind reception of the toast . He had done his best in each position he had held in the Iodge , and vvas pleased to know they had appreciated his work , and when he had the honour to discharge the functions of a higher sphere , they would , he

hoped , find he had continued the same interest and zeal as he had done in the past . Bro . Dr . Fleming , J . VV ., also thanked the W . M . and brethren for the kind and hearty toast ; he sincerely endorsed the observations of Bro . Kilvington , and trusted that the same leniency and kindness which he had hitherto experienced in the lodge , would in the future be meted out

to him . Bro . S . Clarke , S . D ., in reply , said that he regretted he was frequently absent from lodge through uncontrolable reasons , but his heart was in Masonry , and if whatever he had done satisfied his brethren , he was satisfied ; yet his ambition was to follow in the footsteps of their VV . M . He was present at the consecration of Old England and was

compelled to join it through its many genial members , and nothing could give him greater pleasure than to fulfil the duties required by the lodge . The Tyler's toast was proposed , and respected in the usual manner among Masons . Several songs vvere admirably rendered during the evening by Bros . Kilvington , S . W ., Buckley , Rayner , Grew ,

and Tite , and Bro . Turpin gave the recitation , " Claude Melnotte to Pauline , " in an effective and tasteful manner . Bro . F . Cambridge P . P . G . O . Surrey , was the accompanist . Bro . Kilvington ' s excellent selection for the completion of the programme of music left nothing to be desired—each song was feelingly rendered and heartily

received . The menu vvas plentifully and liberally carried out by Bro . C . Tarry , the Steward , and , as hitherto , to the satislaction of the brethren . The brethren then separated , after passing a most enjoyable evening in united brotherly fellowship and good social feeling .

MANSFIELD . —Forest Lodge ( No . 1852 ) . — The ioth festival and the installation of Bro . G . G . Bonseras W . M . of this lodge was held on Wednesday , the 20 th ult ., at the Town Hall . There vvere present Bros . W . F . Sanders , W . M . ; J . Linney , S . W . ; R . F . Vallance , J . W . ; T . Fisher , Treas . ; H . J . Hobson , Sec ; Rev . T . W . Dolphin , Chap . ; E . H . Hopewell and J .

Greenwood , Stwds . ; T . Shelmerdine , I . G . ; R . Watkin , Tyler ; A . H . Bonser , P . M . ; J . Sansom , P . M . ; W . Sibley , P . M . ; A . Lawson , P . M . ; J . A . Howitt , P . M . ; C . J . Neale , P . P . J . G . W . ; B . Adams , H . Smith , C . Scott , W . Meggitt , W . F . Meggitt , VV . F . Jolly , D . Williams , W . Cooper , H . C Aves , O . E . Aves , H . T . Watkin , J . C . Samp-, on , J . H . Cash , S . Watson , and T . Savage .

Visitors : Bros . J . Levy , W . M . 1435 ; J . H . Vickers , 47 ; A . Aplin , W . M . 402 ; Jno . Comyn , 411 , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . Walker , W . M . 1434 ; J . A . Spalding , P . M . 1909 ; W . Clarke , P . M . 1435 ; J . T . Bing , J . D . 1909 ; A . T . Stubbs , P . M . 402 ; H . T . Hayman , Chap . 402 ; G . Cobb , P . M . 1511 ; W . H . Tomasson , 402 ; and R . Huntley , P . M . 250 , P . P . G . D . C . N . and E . Yorkshire .

The installation ceremony was performed by Bro . W . F . Sanders in such a manner as to elicit repeated expressions of admiration from the visiting brethren . The following officers vvere appointed : Bros . R . F . Vallance , S . W . ; T . Savage , J . W . ; Rev . T . W . Dolphin , Chap , and S . D . ; T . Fisher , Treas . ; H . J . Hobson , P . M ., Sec . ; T .

Shelmerdine , J . D . ; J . H . White , P . M ., D . of C ; A . H Bonser , P . M ., Org . ; J . Greenwood , I . G . ; E . H . Hopewell and D . Williams , Stwds . ; and R . Watkin , Tyler . After the labours of the Iodge , the whole of the brethren adjourned to the Swan Hotel , where a banquet had been provided . The usual programme of toasts was gone through .

ELSTREE . —Kingswood Lodge ( No . 2278 ) . —An emergency meeting of this new lodge was held on the 4 th instant , for the purpose of receiving the first initiate , in the person of Mr . Victor Loraine Tapling . To the regret of the brethren , and his own great disappointment , the W . M . was unable to be present , being confined to his room by a sudden and severe attack of bronchitis . The

duties of the chair , therefore , devolved upon the acting I . P . M ., Bro . John Petch , P . M ., vvho was supported by the following officers : Bros . James France , S . W . ; J . G . Cobb , J . W . ; W . Pheasant , Treas . ; VV . G . Ball , P . M ., Sec ; C . M . Coxon , S . D . ; J . F . Bell , J . D . ; W . H . Aplin , I . G . ; H . J . Nell , D . C . ; G . Couchman , Tyler ; and T . Mitchell . Visitors : Bros . John L . Mather , P . A . G .

D . C ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . ; F . Hallows , P . M . S 61 and 1662 ; S . Scott-Young , W . M . 226 ; A . J . Clerke , W . M . 1607 ; J . S . Powell , 1287 ; and thefollowingColonial brethren : Bros . T . C Kennedy , P . M . 454 ; R . Wright , 454 ; J . D . Matheson , 776 , all of Newfoundland ; and Bro . T . R . Jolly , P . M . 31 , on the register of Nova Scotia .

The lodge having been opened , the acting W . M . stated the reasons why the lodge of emergency had been summoned , and a ballot vvas then taken for Mr . Victor Loraine Tapley , vvhich proving unanimous in his favour , he was duly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry , the ceremony being performed in a most efficient and impressive manner by the acting W . M .

There being no other business , the lodge vvas closed , and adjourned until the first regular meeting in May . An excellent dinner was then served , after which the usual toasts were given . Bro . J . L . Mather , P . A . G . D . C , responded for " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " expressing his regret that illness had prevented his being present at the

consecration of the lodge , he holding Prov . Grand rank in the province . He expressed the hope that the brilliant gathering vvhich took place on that occasion might prove an augury of the future of the lodge . The next toast—that of "The R . W . P . G . M ., Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P . ; the D . P . G . M ., Bro . J . E . Dawson ; and

the rest of the P . G . Officers , Present and Past , " vvas most cordially received . Bro , J . L . Mather proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., Bro . J . Petch , acting W . M . " Bro . Petch , I . P . M ., briefly replied . " The Initiate" was ihen proposed by the acting W . M ., who read a communication from the W . M ., Bro . Rawson

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Kelley , explaining the unfortunate cause of his absence . Bro . Petch regretted exceedingly the absence of the W . M ., but expressed the pride and gratification he felt at being called upon to perform the ceremony of initiating Bro . V . Tapling , as it was from the firm of vvhich Bro . Tapling vvas a member that the Kingswood Lodge originated . No more worthy initiate could be received into the Craft , and the

fact of his being the first initiate was a source of very great pleasure to every member of the lodge . Bro . Victor Tapling , in reply , thanked the brethren for the extreme cordiality vvith vvhich they had received the toast of his health ; his sympathies had long been in the direction of Freemasonry , and he had been casting about for some time for the best lodge in which to seek admission .

When he heard of the proposed founding of the Kingswood Lodge he made up his mind at once to offer himself as a candidate , being led thereto by a feeling of duty as well as inclination . He vvas glad to be received amongst them as the bond of union which already existed had become one of Masonic brotherhood . "The Charities" vvas next proposed , coupled vvith the

name of Bro . F . Binckes , vvho responded in an eloquent speech , and on behalf of the other Charities as well as the one with vvhich he is identified , tendered his thanks to Bro . T . K . Tapling , M . P ., for his generous endowment of the W . M . ' s and Warden ' s chairs . The Kingswood Lodge had commenced its career well in that respect . They had done well that evening in initiating the worthy brother on his left , for whom he predicted a brilliant career in

Freemasonry . Bro . VV . G . Ball , P . M ., Sec , proposed "The Health of the Visitors , " specially referring to the Colonial brethren present . He had had the pleasure of meeting them in their own lodges and had been delighted vvith the truly Masonic greeting he had met with , and now that they vvere far away from their homes he cordially welcomed them as

visitors to the Kingswood Lodge . Bro . Wright ( Newfoundland ) , thanked the brethren for their kind welcome . He gave an interesting account of Freemasonry in Newfoundland , and details of theCharities in connection vvith the Craft in that colony . Bro . Joll y ( Nova Scotia ) , said that after the full and able reply just listened to not much remained for him to say .

He , however , told a funny story—presumably Nova Scotian —which caused much laughter . The toast of "The Officers of the Lodge" was replied to by the S . W ., J . W ., Treasurer , and Secretary . The Tyler's toast and "Auld lang syne" closed the proceedings . The members of the lodge feel very grateful for the

manner in which their advent on the roll of the Province of Herts has been received ; they consider it a great compliment to have received so many kind wishes , especially those tendered to them in the leaderette in the Freemason of the 23 rd ult ., headed " The new Hertfordshire Lodge , " also in lhe report of the consecration of the lodge in that paper , and other Craft and local journals .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

RANELAGH LODGE ( No . 834 ) . —A meeting was held on the ist inst ., at the Six Bells Hotel , Queen-street , Hammersmith . Present : Bros . Craggs , W . M . ; Collings , P . M ., S . W . ; R . H . Williams , P . M ., J . W . ; D . S . Long , Sec . ; Woods , S . D . ; Cotton , J . D . ; and Jobson , I . G . The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge vvas opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Cotton offering himself as a candidate for

raising , was examined and entrusted . The lodge vvas opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony rehearsed in a most admirable manner . The lodge was closed down in the Third and Second Degrees . The W . M . having risen for the second time , the S . W ., Bro . Collings , P . M ., was elected W . M . for the next meeting . Bro . Collings , in reply , thanked the brethren for their kind expressions towards him , and promised to attend . "Hearty good wishes " vvere given and acknowledged , and the lodge vvas closed .

HYDE PARK LODGE ( No . wi ) . —A meeting was held on Monday , the 4 th inst ., at the Porchester Hotel . ' Leinster-place , Cleveland-square , Paddington , W . Present : Bros . J . R . Allman , W . M . 1425 , W . M . ; C . A . Bond , S . W . 1425 , S . W . ; A . Stephens , J . W . 1425 , J . W . ; G . Read , P . M . 511 , Sec . 1425 , Treas . ; H . Dehane , P . M . 1543 , P . P . S . G . D . Essex , Sec ; W . Matthews , S . D . ; J . Corrie , | . D . ; T . Middlewick , I . G . ; J . I-I . Taylor , Stwd . ; W . H . Chalfont , P . M . 1425 ; J . H . Wood , P . M . 1643 ; E . F . Ferris , I . P . M . 1 ^ 43 ; 0 . W . Battley , Major Ferris , C . A . Milnes , and J . Smith , Stwd . 1423 .

The lodge was opened m due form , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge vvas opened in the Second Degree , and , after the usual preliminaries , the ceremony of passing was rehearsed , Bro . Battley being candidate . The lodge was re * umed to the First Degree , and the ceremony of initiation rehearsed , Bro . Milnes being candidate . Bro . Bond , at the request of the W . M ., assumed the chair and invested the officers . Bro . Conway , the W . M . forthe next meeting , having already been elected , no proposal was necessary , After " Hearty good wishes , " the lodge vvas closed .

ISLINGTON LODGE ( No . 1471 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., at the Cock Tavern , Highbury . Present : Bros . H . Hunt , W . M . ; R . Loomes , S . W . ; J . M . Scarlett , J . W . ; W . Hancock , Preceptor ; CM . Coxon , Sec ; G . T . Chretien , S . D . ; C . Hiller , I . G . ; C . G . Gray , J . W . Cluff , J . Duncan , and George Reynolds , W . M . 1614 , Secretary i 6 r 4 L . of ' I . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The lodge vvas opened in the

Second Degree , and Bro , Gray answered the usual questions leading to the Third Degree , and vvas entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree , and the ceremony of raising rehearsed , Bro . Gray candidate . The VV . M . then vacated the chair in favour of . Bro . George Reynolds , vvho resumed the lodge to the First Degree . The ceremony of initiation vvas rehearsed , Bro . Duncan candidate . The VV . M . rose for the first time , and the dues vvere collected . On rising for the second time , Bro . Loomes vvas

unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting , and appointed officers in rotation . The W . M . rose for the third time , when , on the proposition of Bro . Hancock , Preceptor , seconded by Bro . Hunt , a cordial vote of thanks vvas unanimously ordered to be recorded on the minutes to Bro . George Reynolds for his able services in the chair for the first time in this lodge . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge vvas closed . It being the first Tuesday in the month , subscriptions were received for the Second Islington Masonic Charities Association .

STUART LODGE ( No . 1632 ) . —A meeting of this lodge vvas held on Thursday , the 28 th ult ., at the Victoria Hotel , Charter , house-street , E . C . Present : Bros . H . E . Frances , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey ; VV . Ball , 1330 ; H . H . Vickers , VV . M . 1633 ; M . Spiegel , P . M . 188 ; G . W . Wood , 1642 ; H . Baldwin , P . M . 1632 and 1949 , P . P . G . Std . Br . Middlesex ; J . L . Bush , 1632 ; E . Pettit , VV . M . elect 1632 ; VV . P . Allen , 2356 ; VV . H . Vickers , 1632 ; C . Linsev , S . W . 1632 ; J . H . Nicholls , S . D . 1280 ; A . J . Crofts , I . G . 1632 ; A . Bannister , I . P . M . 1632 ; G . H . G . Morgan , Stwd . 1633 ; J . G . Manley , 3030 ; and S . Ellis , Tyler .

Instruction.

The lodge being opened , the chair vvas occupied by Bro . II . li , Frances , who appointed Bros . Wood and Baldwin as Wardens , and Bro . Spiegel , D . C . He then addressed the brethren upon lhe occasion of" the meeting , and rehearsed most effectively the ceremony of consecration , in the course of which he delivered an impressive oration on the nature and principles of the Institution . The lodge having been dedicated and constituted , the Benediction vvas pronounced , and the lodge resumed to thc Second Degree ,

when Bro . H . E . Vickers was duly installed , and appointed and invested his officers . Bro . Frances vvas elected an honorary member , and a hearty vote of thanks vvas accorded to him for his services as Consecrating and Installing Master , also to Bro . Pettit for his able conduct of thc musical part , and to those , brethren who lent him their assistance , and contributed so much to the

solemnity of the ceremony . After the lodge vvas closed , the brethren sat down to an excellent banquet , vvhich did credit to Bro . Manley ' s abilities as caterer . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been duly honoured , the brethren spent an enjoyable and musical evening . It is contemplated to establish a smoking concert for the fourth Thursday in each month .

CREATON LODGE ( No . 1791 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Thursday , the 38 th ult ., at the Wheatsheaf Hotel , Goldhawkroad , Shepherd's Bush , VV . Present : ' Bros . W . Jennings , W . M . ; G . Higginson , S . W . ; A . T . Whittell , J . W . ; | . Davies , Preceptor ; E . Austin , P . M ., Treas . ; W . H . Chalfont , P . M ., Sec ; H . Nash , S . D . ; L . Cox , J . D . ; P . Bick , I . G . ; J . Sims , P . M . ; W . Williams , P . M . 1 * 791 ; Cross , VV . M . 1791 ; Love , West , Sansom , Cotton , and Gilbert .

The lodge vvas opened , and the minutes of last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The lodge vvas opened in the Second and Third Degrees , and resumed to thc First Degree . The ceremony of initiation vvas rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the Second Degree , and the ist and 2 nd Sections were worked by Bro . John Davies , assisted by the brethren . The lodge vvas resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Higginson vvas elected W . M . for the next meeting , and the lodge vvas closed .

CHISWICK LODGE ( No . aoraj . —A meeting was held at the Windsor Castle Hotel , King-street , Hammersmith , or . Saturday , the 2 nd inst ., when there vvere present Bros . T . W . Biggs , W . M . ; J . Davies , S . W . ; J . VVood . P . M ., J . VV . ; J . Sims , P . M ., acting Preceptor ; J . Brown , Sec . ; R . H . Wimpey , S . D . ; A . Williams , J . D . ; VV . Hillier , I . G . ; E . Fox , D . S . Long , F . Craggs , W . Hatton , and W . VV . Williams . The lodge vvas opened in the First Degree , and the minutes of

the last meeting vvere read and confirmed . The lodge was opened in the Second and Third Degrees . The VV . M . rehearsed the ceremony of raising , Bro . E . Fox acting as candidate . The lodge vvas resumed . The 2 nd Section of the First Lecture and the ist Section of the Second Lecture were worked , the former by Bro . A . Williams , and the latter by the brethren , both under the direction of Bro . J . Davies . Bro . J . Davies vvas unanimously elected VV . M . for the next meeting . The lodge was then closed . The Fifteen Sections vvill be worked on Saturday , Cth of April .

THE ABBEY ( WESTMINSTER ) LODGE ( No . 2030 ) . —A meeting vvas held on Friday , the ist inst ., at the King's Arms , Buckingham Palace-road , S . VV . Present : Bros . Roberts , W . M . ; Evans , S . W . ; Stutlield , J . VV . ; Gibson , P . M ., Preceptor ; Coughlan , Sec ; Piper , S . D . ; Hobbs , J . D . ; Shand , P . M ., I . G . ; Green , P . M . ; Hill , Fraser , and Edwards . The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last

meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Hill being the candidate . Bro . Green , a candidate to be passed to the Second Degree , answered the usual questions , and vvas entrusted . The lodge vvas opened in the Second Degree , and the ceiemony of passing rehearsed , Bro . Green being the candidate . The lodge vvas resumed to the First Degree . Bro . Evans vvas unanimously elected W . M . for the next meeting . Nothing further offering , the lodge vvas closed .

LOUGHBOROUGH LODGE . —Thc usual weekly meeting was held on Monday , the 4 th inst ., at the Gauden Hotel , Clapham-road Station ( L . C . & D . R . ) , when there were present Bros . E . G . King , W . M . ; Spencer , S . W . ; Evans , J . W . ; Westley , Preceptor ; J . Andrews , Sec . ; Chapman , S . D . ; Mitchell , J . D . ; Jones , I . G . ; Cochrane , Hudson , Smith , F . Hill , Beaven , Newton , Lengdon , C , Woods , West , Folkard , Steele , Cowland , and Burns . The lodge vvas opened in due form , and the minutes of the last

meeting were read and confirmed . The ist , 2 nd , and 3 rd Sections of the Lecture vvere worked by Bro . Andrews , assisted hy the brethren . The ceremony of initiation vvas rehearsed , vvith Bro . F . Hill as candidate . The VV . M . rose for the first time , and the dues vvere collected . Bros . Lengdon and Burns were elected joining member . Bros . Lengdon and Burns suitably replied . The VV . M .

rose for the second time , and a vote of thanks vvas passed , and ordered to he recorded on the minutes , to Bro . King for his creditable performance in the chair for the first time in his Masonic career . Bro . Russell vvas elected VV . M . forthe 18 th instant , next , Monday being for the annual supper . The W . M . rose for the third time , and the lodge vvas closed .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

FIDELITY CHAPTER ( No . 3 ) . —This distinguished old chapter met for the dispatch of business at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on the ist instant . Among those in attendance were Comps . Heming , M . E . Z . ; Charles Greenwood , P . G . S . E . Surrey , H . ; Collens , J . ; Birch , S . N . ; Weeks , P . Z ., Treas . ; Radcliffe , P . S . ; J .

B . Stevens , ist A . S . ; Kinsey , D . C ; F . Graves , P . Z . ; F . McDougall , P . Z . ; the Rev . J . Amos , P . Z . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . P . S . Middx . j H . J . Lardner , P . P . G . Std . Br . Surrey ; and others . The minutes of the past convocation vvere read and confirmed . Letters pleading inability to attend , vvere received

from Comps . Pearce , P . Z . ; W . E . Williams , S . E . ; J . Withers , Cochrane , and others . Thechapter was then closed , andthecoompanionsadjourned to the banquet . The customary toasts followed , and a most agreeable evening was spent .

BATH . — Royal Cumberland Chapter ( No . 41 ) . —The first convocation of the present session of this very old chapter ( vvhich received the first centenary warrant ever granted to a Royal Arch Chapter in England ) , vvas held at the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , the 19 th ult ., when there vvere present Comps . F . Glover , M . E . Z . j Jas . Knight , IL ; G . H . Bartlett , ] . ; C . W . Radway ,

P . Z . 41 , P . P . G . J ., Treas . ; Lawson Howes , P . Z ., P . P . G . R ., D . C . ; W . E . Sparrow , Org . ; T . E . Wilton , S . E . ; T . Raymond Gill , S . N . ; J . H . Macfarlane , P . S . ; Jno . Banks , ist A . S . ; H . Humphries , 2 nd A . S . ; S . Bigwood , Janitor ; T . B . Moutrie , P . P . G . J . ; John Hearne , P . G . Std . Br . ; E . L . Hill , P . P . A . G . Soj . ; C . Becket , P . P . A . G . Soj . ; E . J . B . Mercer , P . P . G . P . Soj . ; R . B . Cater , P . Z . ; and

Chas . Wilkinson . The visitors included Comps . Col . J . RandellFord , P . Z . 53 , P . P . G . J ., * J . A . Timmins , Z . 53 ; E . Noke , H . 53 ; and Isaac Sumsian , 53 . The chapter having been opened , the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Wm . Hy . Fisher , 906 ( who had been previously elected ) , was then exalted to the Supreme Degree of a R . A . Mason , the ceremony being most ably performed by the M . E . Z . Thc