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SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER IO , 1887 .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of the opinions expressed by ourcorrespondents , but wewish in aspirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limitB—free discussion , ] ——

A GRACEFUL COMPLIMENT . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The year of Jubilee has to Masons , one would think , been fruitful ot many happy gatherings and interchanges of good fellowship that never were related in your columns : but here is one of those remarkable occurrences

that should be known to your readers . At a well-known lodge the following resolution , as near as I can remember it , was proposed , seconded , supported by about a dozen P . M . 's and brethren , and carried unanimously : "That , in consideiatiun and lasting recognition of the great services tendered by Bro . P . M . to the Craft in general , and this lodge in particular , he now , after 21

years' membership , be made a free member of this lodge ; that henceforward and during the life of the said worthy and distinguished brother it shall be a duty incumbent upon the W . M ., officers , and brethren of the Lodge to see that the returns in respect of the said brother be duly and regularly paid by the Treasurer , and to generally maintain

the Masonic status and privileges of the said bro . as a full member of the lodge , Past Master , Past Prov Grand Officer , and member of Grand Lodge . " Comment is needless . Amongst the many methods lodges have adopted of signalising the Jubilee year , surely this enduring monument of 21 years' Masonic brotherhood must be unique and an honour to all concerned . —Yours fraternally , P . Z .

THE ONLY LADY FREEMASON . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , The extract you published last week , showing the connection of the late Lord Doneraile with Miss St . Leger ( afterwards the Hon . Mrs . Aldworth ) , who enjoyed the distinction of beinir the only ladv admitted to anv of our

mysteries , had a peculiar interest for me , and , with your permission , having nothing else just at present to " communicate , " I will show how . My " better half" was staying at Margate las : month , and 1 , like a dutiful husband and good Mason , sought her society lor a few days during her sojourn there . I arrived at the excellent boarding house where she had taken up her abode as luncheon was

being served , and so was introduced to the lady of the house only . Conversation turned upon the possibility of a party of men alone enjoying themselves , and after some remarks had passed , my vis-a-vis , who was of the male sex , said"Well , I once saw nearly 7000 men together , and they got on very well without ladies . " That attracted my attention

and , looking up from the discussion of ths good things before me , I asked— " Did ycu hear them sing ? " That sufficed , and in an instant we were talking ot the grand gathering at the Albert Hall , in June last . "Ah , " said the hostess , " 1 see ; you are both Freemasons . Well , I'm nearly as good as one myself , for I am a direct descendant of Mrs . Aldworth . of whom no doubt

you have heard . 1 and my newly-found brother were at once full of curiosity , and heard all the tradition of the young lady who had dared to discover the secrets of our Order . Later in the day we were sho-vn a photograph of an old portrait , showing our " sister " in all her glory , and found too that the name of Aldworth is still preserved in the family of our

informant as a baptismal name . A few days later came the news of the sad death of Lord Doneraile , and then the lady of the house 1 have referred to mentioned the fact that the deceased peer was her cousin , thus bearing out the truth of the statement in the paragraph to which I first alluded . May 1 add , in conclusion , that I was staying at Rosslyn

House , Queen ' s Gardens , Margate , when 1 lound myself in the presence of a descendant of Sister St . Leger , and by taking away " lyn" yuu have the name of the lady of the house , under the roof of which every comfort is to be found , and where a Mason will find a peculiarly warm welcome . —Yours fraternally , September 5 th . KTNGSTONIENSIS .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

740 ] EARLY FREEMASONRY IN NORTHUMBERLAND . In the list of subscribers to " The Book M ., or Masonry » ru > mphant , " printed at Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1716 , th « e are the following : — "Constituted Lodge at Swalwell . " " Lodge at Hexham . "

~ , Constituted Lodge at Gateshead . " "e first of these , which was previously working at "" nlaton without a charter , was constituted at the Two nr ™ fu ' , Svv " ' on 2- » th June ' 735 , as No . 132 , and is nw the Lod ge of Industry , No . S , Gateshead . The ihird as N ° nst'tUted at the Fa ""' 3 '" . Pipewell-gate , Gateshead , 1 . " -. MS . ° n 8 th Martin 17 ^ -6 . and was erased in i 7 fiS .

that " ' however ' f" > d no trace of any lodge at Hexham until 0 f s . Hjt ltu ted at the Black Bull » in that town > as No - 295 , Can ch ' 7 63 27 years a'ter Bonk M was published . \ r , A . any reader of the Freemason furnish a clue to this old

warrn'J ; i " ? ' 736 ? Had it any connection with the worthv fk r ^ at the Black Bull in I 7 6 ? It is note"CnvU ,. . , although two of Ihe lodges . are designated " Udt fu Lod e > " the other is referred to as the TorP at ^ exham " onl y- JNO . LANE . lorcjuay , August 29 th . J

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Cratt jUrlagcniqj . COSMOPOLITAN LODGE ( No . 917 ) . —An

emi rgency meeting of the above lodge was held on the ist inst . at the Terminus Hotel , Cannon-street , E . C , when among those present were Bros . J . Salmon , W . vi . j Hamilton , S . W . j Van Raalte , P . M ., as J . W . ; Stean , P . M ., Sec ; Yates , I . P . M . ; Forss , P . M ., D . C ; Taylor , P . M ., Steward ; Reading , P . M . ; Tichaz , S . D . ; Draper , J . D . ; Francis , l . G .: Hilton , and others . Visitors : Bros . Major

H . Stephens , P . M . 754 ; Patrick , W . M . 1227 ; Morgan , Sec . 1539 ; Robinson , 860 ; luberfield , 1227 ; W . H . Harper , 2182 ; Boyce , 1 S 6 ; Holland , 1624 ; and others . The lodge was opened in due form by the W . M ,., and the notice convening the emergency meeting having been read , the following gentlemen were balloted tor as initiates : Messrs . W . Salmon ( brother of the W . M . ) , G . H . Noakes ,

and J . Smyrner . Ihe ballot proving successful , and the candidates being present , they were regularly initiated into the mysteries ot the Craft , the J . D ., by the W . M . ' s request , delivering the charge most excellently . The lodge was ihen closed , and the brethren accompanied the W . M . to banquet , well-served and ably superintended bv Bro . Kite . The usual loyal and Masonic tuasts

were given and honoured . Bro . Yates , I . P .. VI ., proposed the toast of " The W . M . " in most eloquent terms . Bro . Salmon replied in a manner which showed he had the lodge and brethren at heart , and stated that up to the present he had had nine initiations , seven passings , 10 raisings , and hoped to leave a handsome balance in hand

for his successor to commence his year of office with . The W . M gave ' Ihe P . M . ' s of the Lodge , " enumerating them by name , and the excellent service done b y them for the lodge . Brus . Boras , Reading , and Yates leplied , expressing their desire to do all they could for the lodge and its members . 'Ihe W . M . next proposed "The Initiates , " adding the

extreme pleasure he had in introducing his own brother to the lodge , and at the attention they all paid to the ceremony or their initiation , which , to his mind , looked like their becoming good and faithful brothers . Bro . Salmon expressed his best ' thanks for the reception the toast had received , and hoped as time went on to prove himself worthy of being a brother Mason . The other

initiates also added a few words in response . The W . M . in proposing "The Visitors , " paid special compliment to them , bidding them a hearty welcome for himself and the brethren of the Cosmopolitan Lodge , calling upon P . M . Stephens to reply . That brother expressed the delight they , the visitors , had in being there that evening , and was sure they all desired to bear

testimony to the excellent working of the VV . M , and all the officers . For himself , he could positively say he had never ,-een belter . Ihe other visitors responded , one of them gratefully thanking his introducer , Bro . Hilton , lor the invite , mentioning that being there that evening was a reunion among a number of old friends of years ago , but for the first time as brother Masons ; there was also a

further pleasure in meeting his dear old brother and teacher Bro . Stean , by whom he had been prepared step by step for the VV . M . chair of his mother lodge . He trusted to have the pleasure of meeting them on many further or . casions , I he Worshipful Master next proposed the toast of " Ihe Officers , " of whom he was proud . The visitors had amply testified as to their excellent abilities ; they had heard the

last speaker refer to their esteemed Secretary , all of which the brethren of the Ijdge could readily endorse , he theietore looked for a good reception of this toast , which was amply given . The officers rising to reply to the toast , Bro . Stean claimed precedence to say the lirst few words . First thanking the brethren for the handsome reception the toast had met with at their hands , he entered into a short

history of the lodge , detailing many incidents connected therewith . As the founder of the lodge , and being the oldest member , he stated that with about two exceptions he had attended every meeting of the lodge . Having held the office of Secretary tor so long , he naturally lelt fixed to the office . He had always done his best for the lodge , and while he lived he should continue to do so ; but at his time of life he could not tell how much longer he could

continue to do so . He thanked them all for the kind attention paid him . Bros . Forss , P . M ., D . C , and Taylor , P . M ., W . S ., and other officers present also replied . The lyler ' s toast brought one of the most pleasant evenings to a close . The splendid singing—sentimental and comic—by Bros . Holland , Patrick , Meadows , Davis , Reading , P . M ., Hale , and Tichaz added greatly to the pleasures of the evening .

REGENT'S PARK LODGE ( No . 2202 ) . —A regular meeting was held at the York and Albany Hotel , Gloucester-gate , Regent ' s Park , on the 3 rd inst ., Bro . D . P . Cama , W . M ., P . G . T ., presiding , and there being among those present Bros . E . C Mulvey , S . W . ; ] . K . R . Cama , J . W . ; Kev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . Chap ., Lhap . ; N . Goodchild , P . M ., Treas . ; C Sheppard , P . M .,

Sec ; N . J . Goodchild , S . D ; A . Gidding , acting J . D . ; W . H . Hosegood , l . G . ; W . J . Hall , A . D . C ; J . Kew , P . M ., and George Lane , Stewards ; J . Passingham , H . Jordan , J . M . Trotman , W . 'E . Lane , K . J . Holden , VV . J . Holden , J . P . Poynter , H . C Coffin , W . M . 1 * . Palmer , J . Bangs , G . Oampitt , and H . J . Hazel . Visitors : Bros . W . Binnie , P . M . 1337 ; E . W .

Scattergood , P . M . 750 ; A . A . Nottingham , J . D . 22 u 6 ; J . H . Kew , J D . 179 ; and K . Whiting , P . M ., Tyler . Lodge having been opened , and the minutes read , the by-laws were amended and oidertd to be printed . Bro . Cama then vacated the chair in favour of tiro . Jas . Kew ,

P . M ., when Bros . J . F . Holden , G . Clampitt , and J . M . Trotman were raised to the Degree of M . M . Bro . W . J . Holden was passed to the Degree of F . C , and Bro . Jas . Kew having vacated the chair in favour of Bro . D . P . Cama , Bro . Dr . Powdrell presented to the lodge three sets of compasses and squares , which were accepted , and a

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

vote of thanks passed by acclamation and ordered to be recorded on the minutes . A letter of apology was read from Bro . Major G . Lambert , P . G . S . B ,, and the lodge was closed . At the supper which followed there were in all 28

brethren who sat down , and a very agreeable evening was spent , the speeches being enlivened by songs sung in the intervals by Bros . J . Bangs , F . J . Holden , J . Kew , P . M ., E . C Mulvey , J . H . Kew , and F . Palmer , Bro . J . P . Poynter very kindly presiding at the pianoforte .

BOLTON . —Anchor and Hope Lodge ( No . 37 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 5 th inst ., in the new Freemasons' Hall , Institute-street , Silverwell-street , being the first Masonic meeting held in this hall . There were present Bros . John Hardcastle , W . M . ; Harry Lomax , S . W . ; Jas . Naylor , J . W . ; Jas . Newton , Prov . A . G . Sec , Treas . ; G . P . BrockbankPast

, G . Std . Br ., Sec . ; R . Nightingale , S . D . ; Wm . Golding , J . D . ; W . Forrest , l . G . ; Thos . Murphy , M . Robinson , and j . W . Thompson , Stewards ; Thos . Higson , Prov . G . Tyler , Tyler ; Jas . Walker , P . P . J . GW . ; Jno . Morris , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; E . G . Harwood , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; F . W . Brockbank , T . P . Clarke , F . W . Broadbent , H . L Hirmell , Thos . Barnes , F . W . Isherwood , G . E .

Greenhaigh , and rhe following visitors : Bros . J . Walker , W . M . 221 ; D . VV . Stevenson , 221 ; and W . Altham , 1723 . The lodge being opened , the minutes were read and confirmed . The Secretary reported the death since the last meeting of Bro . Rooke Pennington , a much respected Past Master of the lodge , and it was resolved that a letter of condolence be addressed to his widow by the Secretary , on

behalf of the lodge . Bros . Brockbank and Newton respectively addressed the brethien , congratulating the lodge on being enabled , conjointly wi ; h the other four lodges in Bolton , to have the use of so excellent a building exclusively for Masonic purposes . All business being concluded ^ the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where a

pleasant evening was spent . It may be stated that the premises contain on ground floor large smoke room , porter ' s room , library , and lavatories ; on first floor Masonic hall , with open timbered roof , 45 feet by 25 feet , banquet room , 32 feet by 21 feet 6 in ., separated from the Masonic Hall by revolving shutters , so as , if needful , to form one large room for extraordinary

gatherings . On this floor are also room for lodge of instruction , ante-room , preparation room , butler ' s pantry , communicating by a hoist with the kitchen on the floor above , where are also rooms tor the caretaker . The basement ot the building is intended to be used for lodge stores , & c . The premises have been erected from plans by Bro . Marshall Robinson , a member of the Anchor and Hope Lodge , and reflect great credit upon his taste and ability .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

JUSTICE LODGE ( No . 147 ) . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 1 st inst ., at the Bruwn Bear , High-street , Deptford , when there were present Bros . Penrose , W . M . ; Leng , S . VV . ; Dandrioge , J . W . ; Speight , P . M ., Sec . ; tforrett , S . D . ; Millington , J . D . j Vatcky , I . G . ; Hutchings , P . M ., Preceptor ; Haire , Hunt , and Entecott . The fudge was opened in the First Degree , and , after the minutes Bad been read and confirmed , the ceremony of initiation was

rehearsed , Bro . Haire personating the canuidate . The lodge was ihen called off , and , on resuming , the questions leading from the First to the Second Degree were duly answered by Bro . LnteCott The lodge was opened 111 the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree , ana Bro . Leng , S . W ., was elected VV . M . for the ensuing Thursday , ana appointed the oilicers in rotation . All business being ended , the fudge was closed .

UNITED PILGRIMS LODGE ( No . J 07 ) .-A meeting of this lodge was held on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Surrey Masonic Hail , Camberwell , under the presidency ot Bro . Henry Baldwin , f . Prov . G . S . B . Middlesex , P . M ., as VV . M . ; supported by Bro . J . N . Bate , P . M ., the able Preceptor ; and Bro . J . Andrews , Assistant Preceptor ; with Bros . C . VV . Davres , S . VV . j Andrews , j . W . ; G . H . Lewis , S . D . ; G . A . Penncl , J . D . ; C . J . Axfurd , P . Prov . G . D . Middlesex , P . M ., l . G . ; G . H . Morgan , Acting Secretary ; and White .

The following woik was done in a very exemplary manner : The ist Section of ihe First Lecture ; the ceremony of initiation , Bro . Davies , S . W ., giving the charge ; the 1 st section of the Second Lecture ; and the ceremony uf passing , and Bros . Morgan and Penncl , being F . C . ' s , were duly examined , and answered the

questions before raising very satisfactorily . A unanimous vote of thanks was passed to Uro . Lewis and Mr .-. Lewis for their great kindness iurepaiii .-gthe well worn regalia of this Old and prosperous lodge of instiuction . Bro . C . W . Davies was unanimously elected W . M . for ihe ensuing week . Bro . Davies thanked the brethren , and appointed his oliicers . The lodije was . then closed .

CHAUCER LODGE ( No . 1540 ) . —This lodge held its usual weekly meet ng at tne Old White Hart Hotel , Borough , on Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., when there were present Bros . VV . T , Wrgglesworth , W . M . ; J . Osmond , S . W . ; J . Brock , J . VV . ; Walter Wingham , Preceptor ; F . H . Williams , Hon . bee ; VV . Steele , S . D . ; IV . VV . Block , J . D . ; Cnapman , I . G . ; Bellchamber , E . Fuliick , Cowie , VV . Roots , and A . Austin . The fudge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last

meeting were read and conhrmed . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , with Bro . A . Austin as candidate . The lodge was called off and on . Bro . Roots having answered the usual questions , was entrusted . The lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ceremony of passing rehearsed , with Bro . Ruots as candidate . The lodge was opened in the Third Degree . Tlie brethren saluted

the VV . M . in the Three Degrees . The lodge was resumed to the First Degree . The W . M . rose for the fi . st time , and the dues were collected . The W . M . rose for the second time , when it was proposed by Bro . Wingham , Preceptor , and seconded by the J . VV ., that the S . VV . be W . M . fur the ensuing wick—carried unanimously . The S . W . returned thanks , and appointed the officers . The W . M . rose for the ihird time , and the rodgc was closed .

WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —The first meeting after the adjournment was held on Wednesday , the 7 th inst ., at the Restaurant , I , Victoria Mansions , Victoria-street , S . W . Present Bros . Mimms , W . M . ; Ogg , S . VV . ; VV . Smith , J . W . ; Wray , P . M ., Preceptor ; Gibson , P . M ., 1 ' reas . ; Musson , Sec . ; Brindley , P . M ., S . D . ; Uadderrey , J . u . ; About , l . G . ; Weeks , Tyler ; Coughlan , P . M . ; Fulson , P . M . ; Smales , Adams , Sims , Hoyle , and ,. oleman , W . M . 1 ( 104 . ihe lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last

meeting were read and confirmed . The ceremony of imitation was rehearsed , Bro . wibson being the candidate . Iiro . .-smales , having answered the usual questions leading to the Second Degree , was entrusted . The lodge was Ihen opened in the second Degree , and Bro . amaies duly passeu to the Degree ot a F . C . The lodge was opened in tlie Third Degree , and closed down . The S . VV . was elected W . M . for the ensuing week . Bro . Henry Folson , I . P . M . of the mother lodge , was unanimously elected an honorary mem . ber . There being no further business , the lodge was closed ,