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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
appreciated their kindness . He hoped with regard to the work of the lodge to do everything they possibly could wish him to do . In all their working he intended to have rehearsals with the officers to make the work as perfect as possible ; and with regard to the refreshment department he trusted to be ever ready with good cheer and good music . In conclusion he trusted that the Almighty would give him strength and wisdom to carry on his duty in the
lodge in such a way that he might leave the chair with the good wishes and affection that he flattered himself he possessed at the present time . Bros . Glad well , Tomkins , and Thompson replied to the toast of " The Visitors . " In giving the toast of " The l . P . M . and Installing Master , " the W . M . said he approached it with fear and trembling , as he vvas afraid he could not do justice to it .
It was the toast of one he in the highest manner respected , a talented gentleman , an accomplished Mason , and a dear friend . The brethren were all aware of Bro . Hunt ' s admirable qualities as a Mason , and his kindness to the lodge during his year of office ; but apart from that he wished it to go forth , to be known and remembered that to this same Henry George Bonavia Hunt they owed the roof under which they were then assembled . Bro . Hunt was
the founder of Trinity College , of which Trinity College Lodge was the outcome ; and he was therefore not only the founder of the College but of the lodge . In handing down thesefacts it vvas necessary to be very plain spoken , and unless it was done by each successive Master it would not be handed down properly . He should wish this fact thundered forth by each successive Master during his year , so that when a century hence an initiate came
into the lodge , and he said , " how is it you pay such respect to this name ? he could not have founded the lodge himself , " they might answer : " This is the man who in his day grasped the wants of his time , and worked and toiled night and day to establish a musical college for the good of England and of the world ; and in ten years after he started it raised a college that gained the respect of the whole world , and did more for its own work for
raising the standard of the music of England—did more for its own work and the future of other institutions following on the same lines—did more for the cultivation of music in England than anything that had been done before . " He ( the VV . M . ) had now the pleasurable task of placing on his breast the jewel Bro . Hunt had so well and nobly earned—a jewel such as those which adorned the breasts of other brethren of the lodge , of whom there were
two present . But that jewel could not adorn any breast more than the one he vvas about to place it on , as he looked upon Bro . Hunt as the founder of the lodge . He wished Bro . Hunt to consider this jewel as given to him with all the respect and love possible of the brethren of the lodge , and he had no doubt that Bro . Hunt would in time to come , whatever honours and decorations he might have , look upon it with this spirit , and if friend or
grandchild looking upon his decorations should come across this jewel and ask what it was , he would explain it , and say he valued it as much as any of the others , as it vvas presented by loving brethren with faithful hearts . Bro . the Rev . H . G . Bonavia Hunt in reply said he had every right to feel overwhelmed with a sense of the favour bestowed on him after the eloquent speech of the W . M . In the cause of fair plav he must beg leave to disclaim the
greater part of that with which , in the fulness of his heart and of his brotherly affection as a Mason and a friend , the W . M . had been kind enough to assign to him ; but the W . M . did credit to his ( Bro . Hunt ' s ) feelings when he said that he might look upon such meetings as these with pride and perhaps with a more excusable and a worthier emotion than that of mere pride . The hour vvas now fast advancing and he could not detain the brethren with all the expressions
of his feelings that he would like to relieve his heart with ; but he must say that what he had done in the past—however little it had been—had been a labour of love , and that if it should please the Great Architect to give him health and strength to continue his labours they would be performed with the same good intentions , and certainly as sincerely , as they always had been . His readiness to address the brethren was on this occasion somewhat overweighted with the
sense that he felt that great dignitaries of Masonry were gathered round the board . It was a great compliment to nave Grand Officers present , and he felt trepidation when he had so close to him Bro . Philbrick , and he would tell them why . Not long ago he had the honour of preaching in the Temple Church for the first time , and his text from the lesson vvas " Woe unto you lawyers . " Instantly the eyes of some 20 or 30 of her Maiesty ' s Counsel learned
m the law were fixed upon him . Ever since then he had almost been afraid to meet any of them who were brethren , but he had comforted himself with feeling that the denunciations so deservedly pronounced in the gospel were pronounced against a far different race of lawyers altogether , and he believed his learned Bro . Philbrick would meet him in that position . The feeling of trepidation being thus dispelled by this confession he could only say that in the
tuture he should meet any learned brethren with a feeling that he had at any rate done his duty not only in the Temple Church but in the Masonic Temple . Having installed a dear old friend in the chair he felt as time went on a still more deepening sense of the importance of the position of Past Master . When he got into the chair he thought there was nothing so grand as to be Master of a lodge , but it was only the feeling that one had in some feeble way
endeavoured during his year of office to do his duty rendered the position of the Past Master one of peaceful retirement . If he had promoted the happiness of the brethren and visitors during his year he vvas thankful for being the means of representing the feelings of the brethren in such a matter . Bro . E . J . Hammond and Humphrey J . Stark , P . Ms ., responded to the toast of " The Past Masters . " and after
the toast of " The Officers " had been honoured and responded to , the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . A charming selection of music by Bro . Stedman's choir J > oys , Mr . W . Price , Bros . Stark and Stanley Smith , Master Herbert Townsend , with Herr Pollitzer on the violin , Bro . Humphrey J . Stark on the organ , and Bro . G . F . Smith as conductor , was given during the evening , and added greatly to the pleasure of the brethren .
ALLIANCE LODGE ( No . 1827 ) . —The instal'ation meeting of this prosperous and influential lodge vvas "eld at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Wednes"ay last . There was a large attendance of members , and 'he visitors , as usual , were very numerous . The VV . M .,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Wildey Wright , having opened the lodge the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The chair vvas then occupied by Sir John B . Monckton , P . M ., President of the Board of General Purposes , who proceeded to install Bro . Major T . Davies Sewell , P . G . S ., in the presence of a large Board of Installed Masters , numbering over 30 brethren . The ceremony , as might have been expected , vvas very ably performed . The new Master then appointed
his officers for the year . The Auditors' report , which was highly satisfactory , was then received and adopted . The business being ended the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was presided over by the W . M ., and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed and honoured . A selection of music vvas performer ] , under the direction of Bro . Frederick A . Jewson , Organist , assisted by Miss Matilda Roby , Madame Dunbar Perkins , and Mr . B . Smith .
Among those present were Bros . Sir John Monckton , P . M ., President Board of General Purposes ; Rev . C . VV . Arnold , P . G . Chap . ; Major J . Davies Sewell , S . W . ; ex-Sheriff Burt , P . G . D . ; Capt . Philips , P . G . D . ; Capt . Cook , Hutton Gregory , P . G . D . ; Frank Green , P . M ., G . D . ; Howe , P . G . Purs . ; Wm . Green , Littell , P . M ., P . G . Purs . ; R . J . Pavvley , Treas . ; J . E . Turner , Sec ; Wallford , C . VV . Thompson , D . VV . Pearse , P . G . Reg . Middx . ; George Kenning , P . G . D . Middx . ; Alderman Savory , and many others , the brethren numbering over 50 .
MANCHESTER . —Lodge of Affability ( No . 317 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge took place on the 1 st inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street . There were present Bros . James Wilson , W . M . ; VV . J . Cumliffe , S . W . ; J . VV . Edwards , J . W . ; VV . Nicholl , P . M ., Treas . ; J . R . Lever , P . M ., Sec ; J . G . Elderton , J . D . ; John Bladon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; J . Garside , l . G . ; VV . B . Ackerman , Stwd . ; Robt . Tomlins , G . C . Frtihlmg ,
Chesworth , J . Pearson , and R . R . Lisenden , S . D . ( Freemason ) ; visitor , Bro . Marsland , 15 SS . The lodge being opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot vvas taken for Bro . Peter Watson , and being unanimous in his favour , he vvas declared elected . By desire of the W . M ., Bro . John Bladon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , then
occupied the chair of K . S ., and raised Bro . Chesworth to the sublime degree of M . M . Bro . Bladon also delivered the traditional history , and presented and explained the working tools to the candidate , after which the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . The aunual soiree afterwards took place , and vvill be found reported on another page .
RIPLEY . —Okeover Lodge ( No . 1324 ) . —The 14 th installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 1 st inst ., in the Town Hall . The lodge was opened in due form at 2 . 45 p . m ., by the VV . M ., Bro . Jno . Clark , when the installation of Bro . Thos . Goodwin as VV . M . for 1 SS 4 took place . The ceremony was very impressively performed by Bro . George Day , P . M . The VV . M . at once appointed and invested the following brethren for his
officers : Bros . Jno . Clark , l . P . M . ; H . Lomas , S . VV . ; D . Upton , J . W . ; J . B . Slack , B . A ., Chap . ; J . Allen , P . M ., P . G . J . D ., Treas . ; VV . H . Fisher , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., Sec ; W . De B . J essop , S . D . ; J . H . Day , J . D . ; VV . Morton , D . of C . ; H . Barker , Org . ; Morley , Tealby , and Oakland , Stewards ; W . Cooper , l . G . ; and Jno . Stour , Tyler . The lodge was then closed in solemn form , after which
the brethren reassembled at the Cock Hotel at 5 p . m ., and sat down to a most sumptuous banquet , presided over by the VV . M . At the conclusion of the banquet the VV . M . rose to propose the toast of " H . M . G . M . the Queen and the Craft , " a toast , he remarked , never more loyally and heartily received than by Freemasons . The toast vvas heartily responded to , Iand"God Save [ the Oueen" was
sung . The toast of "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " met with a most enthusiastic reception . The other Masonic toasts followed in due form , when the l . P . M , proposed the toast of " The W . M ., " remarking that the VV . M . vvas one of the oldest initiated members in the Okeover Lodge ; that he had held six very important offices in the lodge , and that the duties of those various
offices had been discharged with rare tact and ability , and did not hesitate to say at the close of his year of office that every member of the Okeover Lodge would say the VV . M . had discharged those high and important duties with credit to himself and honour to the Craft in general , and to this lodge in particular . The W . M . briefly responded , and proposed the toast of "The I . P . M ., " remarking that under Bro . Clarke's rule
the lodge had made great progress . The l . P . M . responded in a few appropiate remarks , saying he had endeavoured to discharge the duties of VV . M . to the best of his abilities , and to try to imitate those worthy P . Ms , who had so honourably filled that chair . The toast of "The Installing Master" vvas proposed by a very worthy and veteran Mason , Bro . Robinson , 1514 , who remarked that he had been a Freemason
about 35 years , and had seen a great many installations in different parts of the country ; but in all his Masonic experience had never seen the ceremony so expressively and solemnly carried out , it being strictly and correctly to ritual , and given with that grace and dignity so well becoming at our beautiful installation ceremony ; and in some very appropriate remarks strongly encouraged all the younger brethren to try and imitate such a noble and worthy example .
The toast was most enthusiastically received by the brethren . Bro . Day very feelingly responded , and strongly brought before the brethren the Masonic Charities , earnestly soliciting their support . Bro . Fitzherbert Wright , P . M . 1324 , P . P . G . S . W ., next gave the toast of "The Officers of the Okeover Lodge , " remarking the pleasure it gave him to see every one trying to do his duty to the best of his ability , and very highly complimented the l . P . M . on the close of a happy and
prosperous year . The toast of "The Visiting Brethren" was given by Bro . Dr . Allen , P . M . 1324 , Prov . G . J . D ., and responded to by Bros . Robinson , Cook , and Cupit ; the last-mentioned brother , who is a great favourite with the brethren of this lodge , receiving great applause for his response . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close one of the most successful installation meetings ever held at this lodge . The visiting brethren included representatives from lodges
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
in London , Newcastle-on-Tyne , Derby , llkestone , Huddersfield , Eastwood , Shipley Gate , Newcastle-under-Lyne , Belper , and other places . LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The ordinary monthly meeting of the members of this lodge—the first after installation—was held on Tuesday afternoon , the 23 rd ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street . There was an attendance of about 50 members and visitors .
The chair was occupied by the recently-installed Worshipful Master , who vvas supported by Bros . William Savage , l . P . M . ; W . VV . Sandbrook , P . M ., M . C ; John Atkinson , P . M ., acting as J . D . in the First Degree ; R . Burgess , S . VV . ; J . M . Boyd , J . W . ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . M ., Treas . ; Josef Cantor , Sec ; O . VV . Sanderson , S . D ., acting l . G . ; H . Round , S . S . ; C . Buchanan , J . S . ; E . A . Allen , O . S . ; and VV . H . Ball , Tyler . Ihe members
present were Bros . T . VV . Thompson , I . Jacobs , Eaton Batty , Lewis Hughes , T . VV . O . Pughe , D . Fleming , John Hoult , J . Rawsthorpe , Luigi F . Lablache , J . F . Ainscow , J . Baylis , VV . E . Stone , J . S . Bramley , J . Skeaf , P . P . G . O ., acting as Organist ; VV . Hildyard , VV . C . Fane , John E . Jackson , P . P . G . S . ofVV . ; J . Ballard , TuJor Rogers , J . B . Macpherson , Frank Macpherson , D . Cumming , J . L . Goedhart , A . Hines , P . M . ; and H . Bennett . There were
present as visitors Bros . W . J . Nugent , S . D . 125 , 1 . 0 . ; E . Hartnell , 1264 ; J . F . Elliston , 221 ; J . Buslield , 216 ; R . J . Lloyd , 667 ; J . " Beck , 667 ; G . VV . Harris , 1399 ; J . VV . Page , 292 ; and VV . Hudson , l . G . 1013 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Bro . J osef Cantor , the Secretary , and confirmed , and the ballot proved unanimously in favour of Bros . T . W . Thompson , Captain Washington Pirrie , and John Cobham as joining
members . Mr . Giovanni M . Polini , unanimously elected at a previous meeting , who had travelled specially from Huddersfield in company with Bro . Luigi Lablache , was initiated into the Craft by the W . M ., assisted by his principal officers , in a manner which must have made a profound impression on the popular candidate . Equal efficiency marked the working in the Second Degree , which vvas taken by Bros . Eaton Batty , T . VV . O . Pughe , and Lewis
Hughes . Before the closing of the lodge the balance-sheet vvas passed , a vote of condolence vvas resolved upon to the surviving relatives of Bro . Harris , recently deceased , and the claims of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution were eloquently urged by the Secretary , Bro . Cantor . On the motion of Bro . Mackenzie , P . M ., Treas ., seconded by Bro . VV . VV . Sandbrook , P . M ., D . of C , it vvas unanimously resolved to vote the sum of 10 guineas
and to send a letter of sincere sympathy to the vvidow of a late brother who was held in high esteem by every member of the lodge , and whose sudden death has caused general regret . At the conclusion of business the members and visitors adjourned to banquet , which was admirably provided by
Bro . W . S . Vines , P . P . G . D . of C . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drunk during the pleasant after-dinner proceedings , and a capital programme of music vvas given by Bros . Eaton Batty , J . Cantor , W . E . Stone , J . Buslield , Hudson , VV . Savage , and J . Skeaf . An emergency meeting of the lodge will be held on the Sth inst ., at three o ' clock .
BRIGHTON . —St . Cecilia Lodge ( No . 1636 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the brethren of this lodge was held on Tuesday evening , the 30 th ult ., with more than ordinary interest . Among [ those present were Bros . VV . H . Gibson , W . M ., Prov . G . J . W . ; E . Broadbridge , l . P . M . ; VV . R . Wood , jun ., S . W . ; G . Cole , J . W . ; H . S . Gates , Sec . ; VV . Smithers , S . D . ; G . L . Fenner , J . D . ; H . Payne , Treas . ; VV . Roe , Prov . CO ., D . of C ; 1 .
Lelu , l . G . ; VV . Balchin , Stwd . ; J . Jefferies , C . J . Heald , J . Lewis , J . Jeffery , VV . B . Isworth , H . R . Edwards , J . Eberall , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; VV . Kuhe , P . M ., P . G . O . ; A . J . Hawkes , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Harrison , P . P . G . S . W . Hants and Isle of Wight ; with the following visitors : Bros . J . Henderson Scott , Deputy Prov . G . M . ; V . P . Freeman , Prov . G . Sec ; G . S . Godiree , P . M . 1 S 21 , P . G . S . of W . ; J . Dixon , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . VV . Stride ,
P . M . 3 ' 5 , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . Curtis , P . M . 315 and 1797 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . B . Hannay , J . W . 1 S 21 ; A . J . Carpenter , 1 S 29 ; VV . H . Dean , 1 S 21 ; and J . Reynolds , 315 . The ordinary business of the meeting having been concluded Bro . J . Eberall , on behalf of the brethren , warmly welcomed the W . M ., Bro . W . H . Gibson , on his return to the lodge after several months' severe illness . They were all glad to see him once more among them , but they were
especially drawn together that evening for other reasons . Their VV . M . during his present year of office had experienced , in his infant daughter , an addition to his family , and his ( Bro . Eberall's ) suggestion to mark the unusual event had been so heartily taken up that they were assembled that evening to present Bro . Gibson with a christening cup for his Utile daughter . He trusted their W . M . would continue to improve in health and that the
brethren of the lodge might be enabled to have him amongst them for many years to come . Having formally presented the cup to Bro . Gibson , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . Henderson Scott , wished to share in the kind wishes tendered to the W . M . But recently Bro . Gibson had been honoured by receiving high office in the Provincial Grand Lodge from the Prov . G . M ., Sir VV . W . Burrell ,
Bart ., M . P ., and he was gratified to find him held in such high esteem by the brethren of the lodge . The circumstance leading to the presentation was not one that often occurred in a lodge , but whether the event happened frequently or seldom , for the future he trusted the example of that evening would be always followed , and if he were asked why , he would say that the
act itself was one of those " small sweet courtesies of life which make smooth and p leasant the road of it , " whilst the occasion which called it forth vvas orje of those opportunities for evincing that goodwill and brotherly love which it was the peculiar province of Freemasonry to inculcate . The sole end and object of Freemasonry vvas not merely to relieve distress—though he vvas very sure that the cry of distress would never reach a Freemason ' s heart in
vainnor was it only to " pour the healing balm of consolation into the bosom of the afflicted "—though the sorrowing would always command their ready sympathy ; but the high and noble function of Freemasonry vvas to spread abroad in the world , where there were so many conflicting interests and miserable jealousies to divide and separate men , those glorious principles of brotherly love and goodwill which prove how " good and joyful a thing it is " for " brethren to dwell together in unity . " He hailed therefore
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
appreciated their kindness . He hoped with regard to the work of the lodge to do everything they possibly could wish him to do . In all their working he intended to have rehearsals with the officers to make the work as perfect as possible ; and with regard to the refreshment department he trusted to be ever ready with good cheer and good music . In conclusion he trusted that the Almighty would give him strength and wisdom to carry on his duty in the
lodge in such a way that he might leave the chair with the good wishes and affection that he flattered himself he possessed at the present time . Bros . Glad well , Tomkins , and Thompson replied to the toast of " The Visitors . " In giving the toast of " The l . P . M . and Installing Master , " the W . M . said he approached it with fear and trembling , as he vvas afraid he could not do justice to it .
It was the toast of one he in the highest manner respected , a talented gentleman , an accomplished Mason , and a dear friend . The brethren were all aware of Bro . Hunt ' s admirable qualities as a Mason , and his kindness to the lodge during his year of office ; but apart from that he wished it to go forth , to be known and remembered that to this same Henry George Bonavia Hunt they owed the roof under which they were then assembled . Bro . Hunt was
the founder of Trinity College , of which Trinity College Lodge was the outcome ; and he was therefore not only the founder of the College but of the lodge . In handing down thesefacts it vvas necessary to be very plain spoken , and unless it was done by each successive Master it would not be handed down properly . He should wish this fact thundered forth by each successive Master during his year , so that when a century hence an initiate came
into the lodge , and he said , " how is it you pay such respect to this name ? he could not have founded the lodge himself , " they might answer : " This is the man who in his day grasped the wants of his time , and worked and toiled night and day to establish a musical college for the good of England and of the world ; and in ten years after he started it raised a college that gained the respect of the whole world , and did more for its own work for
raising the standard of the music of England—did more for its own work and the future of other institutions following on the same lines—did more for the cultivation of music in England than anything that had been done before . " He ( the VV . M . ) had now the pleasurable task of placing on his breast the jewel Bro . Hunt had so well and nobly earned—a jewel such as those which adorned the breasts of other brethren of the lodge , of whom there were
two present . But that jewel could not adorn any breast more than the one he vvas about to place it on , as he looked upon Bro . Hunt as the founder of the lodge . He wished Bro . Hunt to consider this jewel as given to him with all the respect and love possible of the brethren of the lodge , and he had no doubt that Bro . Hunt would in time to come , whatever honours and decorations he might have , look upon it with this spirit , and if friend or
grandchild looking upon his decorations should come across this jewel and ask what it was , he would explain it , and say he valued it as much as any of the others , as it vvas presented by loving brethren with faithful hearts . Bro . the Rev . H . G . Bonavia Hunt in reply said he had every right to feel overwhelmed with a sense of the favour bestowed on him after the eloquent speech of the W . M . In the cause of fair plav he must beg leave to disclaim the
greater part of that with which , in the fulness of his heart and of his brotherly affection as a Mason and a friend , the W . M . had been kind enough to assign to him ; but the W . M . did credit to his ( Bro . Hunt ' s ) feelings when he said that he might look upon such meetings as these with pride and perhaps with a more excusable and a worthier emotion than that of mere pride . The hour vvas now fast advancing and he could not detain the brethren with all the expressions
of his feelings that he would like to relieve his heart with ; but he must say that what he had done in the past—however little it had been—had been a labour of love , and that if it should please the Great Architect to give him health and strength to continue his labours they would be performed with the same good intentions , and certainly as sincerely , as they always had been . His readiness to address the brethren was on this occasion somewhat overweighted with the
sense that he felt that great dignitaries of Masonry were gathered round the board . It was a great compliment to nave Grand Officers present , and he felt trepidation when he had so close to him Bro . Philbrick , and he would tell them why . Not long ago he had the honour of preaching in the Temple Church for the first time , and his text from the lesson vvas " Woe unto you lawyers . " Instantly the eyes of some 20 or 30 of her Maiesty ' s Counsel learned
m the law were fixed upon him . Ever since then he had almost been afraid to meet any of them who were brethren , but he had comforted himself with feeling that the denunciations so deservedly pronounced in the gospel were pronounced against a far different race of lawyers altogether , and he believed his learned Bro . Philbrick would meet him in that position . The feeling of trepidation being thus dispelled by this confession he could only say that in the
tuture he should meet any learned brethren with a feeling that he had at any rate done his duty not only in the Temple Church but in the Masonic Temple . Having installed a dear old friend in the chair he felt as time went on a still more deepening sense of the importance of the position of Past Master . When he got into the chair he thought there was nothing so grand as to be Master of a lodge , but it was only the feeling that one had in some feeble way
endeavoured during his year of office to do his duty rendered the position of the Past Master one of peaceful retirement . If he had promoted the happiness of the brethren and visitors during his year he vvas thankful for being the means of representing the feelings of the brethren in such a matter . Bro . E . J . Hammond and Humphrey J . Stark , P . Ms ., responded to the toast of " The Past Masters . " and after
the toast of " The Officers " had been honoured and responded to , the Tyler ' s toast closed the proceedings . A charming selection of music by Bro . Stedman's choir J > oys , Mr . W . Price , Bros . Stark and Stanley Smith , Master Herbert Townsend , with Herr Pollitzer on the violin , Bro . Humphrey J . Stark on the organ , and Bro . G . F . Smith as conductor , was given during the evening , and added greatly to the pleasure of the brethren .
ALLIANCE LODGE ( No . 1827 ) . —The instal'ation meeting of this prosperous and influential lodge vvas "eld at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Wednes"ay last . There was a large attendance of members , and 'he visitors , as usual , were very numerous . The VV . M .,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Wildey Wright , having opened the lodge the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . The chair vvas then occupied by Sir John B . Monckton , P . M ., President of the Board of General Purposes , who proceeded to install Bro . Major T . Davies Sewell , P . G . S ., in the presence of a large Board of Installed Masters , numbering over 30 brethren . The ceremony , as might have been expected , vvas very ably performed . The new Master then appointed
his officers for the year . The Auditors' report , which was highly satisfactory , was then received and adopted . The business being ended the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was presided over by the W . M ., and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed and honoured . A selection of music vvas performer ] , under the direction of Bro . Frederick A . Jewson , Organist , assisted by Miss Matilda Roby , Madame Dunbar Perkins , and Mr . B . Smith .
Among those present were Bros . Sir John Monckton , P . M ., President Board of General Purposes ; Rev . C . VV . Arnold , P . G . Chap . ; Major J . Davies Sewell , S . W . ; ex-Sheriff Burt , P . G . D . ; Capt . Philips , P . G . D . ; Capt . Cook , Hutton Gregory , P . G . D . ; Frank Green , P . M ., G . D . ; Howe , P . G . Purs . ; Wm . Green , Littell , P . M ., P . G . Purs . ; R . J . Pavvley , Treas . ; J . E . Turner , Sec ; Wallford , C . VV . Thompson , D . VV . Pearse , P . G . Reg . Middx . ; George Kenning , P . G . D . Middx . ; Alderman Savory , and many others , the brethren numbering over 50 .
MANCHESTER . —Lodge of Affability ( No . 317 ) . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge took place on the 1 st inst ., at the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper-street . There were present Bros . James Wilson , W . M . ; VV . J . Cumliffe , S . W . ; J . VV . Edwards , J . W . ; VV . Nicholl , P . M ., Treas . ; J . R . Lever , P . M ., Sec ; J . G . Elderton , J . D . ; John Bladon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; J . Garside , l . G . ; VV . B . Ackerman , Stwd . ; Robt . Tomlins , G . C . Frtihlmg ,
Chesworth , J . Pearson , and R . R . Lisenden , S . D . ( Freemason ) ; visitor , Bro . Marsland , 15 SS . The lodge being opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot vvas taken for Bro . Peter Watson , and being unanimous in his favour , he vvas declared elected . By desire of the W . M ., Bro . John Bladon , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , then
occupied the chair of K . S ., and raised Bro . Chesworth to the sublime degree of M . M . Bro . Bladon also delivered the traditional history , and presented and explained the working tools to the candidate , after which the lodge was closed in peace and harmony . The aunual soiree afterwards took place , and vvill be found reported on another page .
RIPLEY . —Okeover Lodge ( No . 1324 ) . —The 14 th installation meeting of this lodge was held on the 1 st inst ., in the Town Hall . The lodge was opened in due form at 2 . 45 p . m ., by the VV . M ., Bro . Jno . Clark , when the installation of Bro . Thos . Goodwin as VV . M . for 1 SS 4 took place . The ceremony was very impressively performed by Bro . George Day , P . M . The VV . M . at once appointed and invested the following brethren for his
officers : Bros . Jno . Clark , l . P . M . ; H . Lomas , S . VV . ; D . Upton , J . W . ; J . B . Slack , B . A ., Chap . ; J . Allen , P . M ., P . G . J . D ., Treas . ; VV . H . Fisher , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., Sec ; W . De B . J essop , S . D . ; J . H . Day , J . D . ; VV . Morton , D . of C . ; H . Barker , Org . ; Morley , Tealby , and Oakland , Stewards ; W . Cooper , l . G . ; and Jno . Stour , Tyler . The lodge was then closed in solemn form , after which
the brethren reassembled at the Cock Hotel at 5 p . m ., and sat down to a most sumptuous banquet , presided over by the VV . M . At the conclusion of the banquet the VV . M . rose to propose the toast of " H . M . G . M . the Queen and the Craft , " a toast , he remarked , never more loyally and heartily received than by Freemasons . The toast vvas heartily responded to , Iand"God Save [ the Oueen" was
sung . The toast of "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " met with a most enthusiastic reception . The other Masonic toasts followed in due form , when the l . P . M , proposed the toast of " The W . M ., " remarking that the VV . M . vvas one of the oldest initiated members in the Okeover Lodge ; that he had held six very important offices in the lodge , and that the duties of those various
offices had been discharged with rare tact and ability , and did not hesitate to say at the close of his year of office that every member of the Okeover Lodge would say the VV . M . had discharged those high and important duties with credit to himself and honour to the Craft in general , and to this lodge in particular . The W . M . briefly responded , and proposed the toast of "The I . P . M ., " remarking that under Bro . Clarke's rule
the lodge had made great progress . The l . P . M . responded in a few appropiate remarks , saying he had endeavoured to discharge the duties of VV . M . to the best of his abilities , and to try to imitate those worthy P . Ms , who had so honourably filled that chair . The toast of "The Installing Master" vvas proposed by a very worthy and veteran Mason , Bro . Robinson , 1514 , who remarked that he had been a Freemason
about 35 years , and had seen a great many installations in different parts of the country ; but in all his Masonic experience had never seen the ceremony so expressively and solemnly carried out , it being strictly and correctly to ritual , and given with that grace and dignity so well becoming at our beautiful installation ceremony ; and in some very appropriate remarks strongly encouraged all the younger brethren to try and imitate such a noble and worthy example .
The toast was most enthusiastically received by the brethren . Bro . Day very feelingly responded , and strongly brought before the brethren the Masonic Charities , earnestly soliciting their support . Bro . Fitzherbert Wright , P . M . 1324 , P . P . G . S . W ., next gave the toast of "The Officers of the Okeover Lodge , " remarking the pleasure it gave him to see every one trying to do his duty to the best of his ability , and very highly complimented the l . P . M . on the close of a happy and
prosperous year . The toast of "The Visiting Brethren" was given by Bro . Dr . Allen , P . M . 1324 , Prov . G . J . D ., and responded to by Bros . Robinson , Cook , and Cupit ; the last-mentioned brother , who is a great favourite with the brethren of this lodge , receiving great applause for his response . The Tyler ' s toast brought to a close one of the most successful installation meetings ever held at this lodge . The visiting brethren included representatives from lodges
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
in London , Newcastle-on-Tyne , Derby , llkestone , Huddersfield , Eastwood , Shipley Gate , Newcastle-under-Lyne , Belper , and other places . LIVERPOOL . —Dramatic Lodge ( No . 1609 ) . — The ordinary monthly meeting of the members of this lodge—the first after installation—was held on Tuesday afternoon , the 23 rd ult ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street . There was an attendance of about 50 members and visitors .
The chair was occupied by the recently-installed Worshipful Master , who vvas supported by Bros . William Savage , l . P . M . ; W . VV . Sandbrook , P . M ., M . C ; John Atkinson , P . M ., acting as J . D . in the First Degree ; R . Burgess , S . VV . ; J . M . Boyd , J . W . ; J . B . Mackenzie , P . M ., Treas . ; Josef Cantor , Sec ; O . VV . Sanderson , S . D ., acting l . G . ; H . Round , S . S . ; C . Buchanan , J . S . ; E . A . Allen , O . S . ; and VV . H . Ball , Tyler . Ihe members
present were Bros . T . VV . Thompson , I . Jacobs , Eaton Batty , Lewis Hughes , T . VV . O . Pughe , D . Fleming , John Hoult , J . Rawsthorpe , Luigi F . Lablache , J . F . Ainscow , J . Baylis , VV . E . Stone , J . S . Bramley , J . Skeaf , P . P . G . O ., acting as Organist ; VV . Hildyard , VV . C . Fane , John E . Jackson , P . P . G . S . ofVV . ; J . Ballard , TuJor Rogers , J . B . Macpherson , Frank Macpherson , D . Cumming , J . L . Goedhart , A . Hines , P . M . ; and H . Bennett . There were
present as visitors Bros . W . J . Nugent , S . D . 125 , 1 . 0 . ; E . Hartnell , 1264 ; J . F . Elliston , 221 ; J . Buslield , 216 ; R . J . Lloyd , 667 ; J . " Beck , 667 ; G . VV . Harris , 1399 ; J . VV . Page , 292 ; and VV . Hudson , l . G . 1013 . The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Bro . J osef Cantor , the Secretary , and confirmed , and the ballot proved unanimously in favour of Bros . T . W . Thompson , Captain Washington Pirrie , and John Cobham as joining
members . Mr . Giovanni M . Polini , unanimously elected at a previous meeting , who had travelled specially from Huddersfield in company with Bro . Luigi Lablache , was initiated into the Craft by the W . M ., assisted by his principal officers , in a manner which must have made a profound impression on the popular candidate . Equal efficiency marked the working in the Second Degree , which vvas taken by Bros . Eaton Batty , T . VV . O . Pughe , and Lewis
Hughes . Before the closing of the lodge the balance-sheet vvas passed , a vote of condolence vvas resolved upon to the surviving relatives of Bro . Harris , recently deceased , and the claims of the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution were eloquently urged by the Secretary , Bro . Cantor . On the motion of Bro . Mackenzie , P . M ., Treas ., seconded by Bro . VV . VV . Sandbrook , P . M ., D . of C , it vvas unanimously resolved to vote the sum of 10 guineas
and to send a letter of sincere sympathy to the vvidow of a late brother who was held in high esteem by every member of the lodge , and whose sudden death has caused general regret . At the conclusion of business the members and visitors adjourned to banquet , which was admirably provided by
Bro . W . S . Vines , P . P . G . D . of C . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were drunk during the pleasant after-dinner proceedings , and a capital programme of music vvas given by Bros . Eaton Batty , J . Cantor , W . E . Stone , J . Buslield , Hudson , VV . Savage , and J . Skeaf . An emergency meeting of the lodge will be held on the Sth inst ., at three o ' clock .
BRIGHTON . —St . Cecilia Lodge ( No . 1636 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of the brethren of this lodge was held on Tuesday evening , the 30 th ult ., with more than ordinary interest . Among [ those present were Bros . VV . H . Gibson , W . M ., Prov . G . J . W . ; E . Broadbridge , l . P . M . ; VV . R . Wood , jun ., S . W . ; G . Cole , J . W . ; H . S . Gates , Sec . ; VV . Smithers , S . D . ; G . L . Fenner , J . D . ; H . Payne , Treas . ; VV . Roe , Prov . CO ., D . of C ; 1 .
Lelu , l . G . ; VV . Balchin , Stwd . ; J . Jefferies , C . J . Heald , J . Lewis , J . Jeffery , VV . B . Isworth , H . R . Edwards , J . Eberall , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; VV . Kuhe , P . M ., P . G . O . ; A . J . Hawkes , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Harrison , P . P . G . S . W . Hants and Isle of Wight ; with the following visitors : Bros . J . Henderson Scott , Deputy Prov . G . M . ; V . P . Freeman , Prov . G . Sec ; G . S . Godiree , P . M . 1 S 21 , P . G . S . of W . ; J . Dixon , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . VV . Stride ,
P . M . 3 ' 5 , P . P . G . J . W . ; J . Curtis , P . M . 315 and 1797 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . B . Hannay , J . W . 1 S 21 ; A . J . Carpenter , 1 S 29 ; VV . H . Dean , 1 S 21 ; and J . Reynolds , 315 . The ordinary business of the meeting having been concluded Bro . J . Eberall , on behalf of the brethren , warmly welcomed the W . M ., Bro . W . H . Gibson , on his return to the lodge after several months' severe illness . They were all glad to see him once more among them , but they were
especially drawn together that evening for other reasons . Their VV . M . during his present year of office had experienced , in his infant daughter , an addition to his family , and his ( Bro . Eberall's ) suggestion to mark the unusual event had been so heartily taken up that they were assembled that evening to present Bro . Gibson with a christening cup for his Utile daughter . He trusted their W . M . would continue to improve in health and that the
brethren of the lodge might be enabled to have him amongst them for many years to come . Having formally presented the cup to Bro . Gibson , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . Henderson Scott , wished to share in the kind wishes tendered to the W . M . But recently Bro . Gibson had been honoured by receiving high office in the Provincial Grand Lodge from the Prov . G . M ., Sir VV . W . Burrell ,
Bart ., M . P ., and he was gratified to find him held in such high esteem by the brethren of the lodge . The circumstance leading to the presentation was not one that often occurred in a lodge , but whether the event happened frequently or seldom , for the future he trusted the example of that evening would be always followed , and if he were asked why , he would say that the
act itself was one of those " small sweet courtesies of life which make smooth and p leasant the road of it , " whilst the occasion which called it forth vvas orje of those opportunities for evincing that goodwill and brotherly love which it was the peculiar province of Freemasonry to inculcate . The sole end and object of Freemasonry vvas not merely to relieve distress—though he vvas very sure that the cry of distress would never reach a Freemason ' s heart in
vainnor was it only to " pour the healing balm of consolation into the bosom of the afflicted "—though the sorrowing would always command their ready sympathy ; but the high and noble function of Freemasonry vvas to spread abroad in the world , where there were so many conflicting interests and miserable jealousies to divide and separate men , those glorious principles of brotherly love and goodwill which prove how " good and joyful a thing it is " for " brethren to dwell together in unity . " He hailed therefore