Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

died "St . Thomas ' s Lodge would be engraven on his heart , " so much kindness had he received from the members of the lodge . As long as he had health and strength , life and means , his services would be placed ungrudgingly at the disposal of the lodge . It was a grand old lodge , composed of many excellent , good members . Long might it continue to be so . They endeavoured to

carry out the Masonic virtues , and he trusted it might long continue in this course . The Worshipful Master in giving " The Officers " hoped that those brethren would keep up the traditions of the lodge .

The S . W . responded , and said he was sure that at the end of his year the W . M . would express his thanks to the officers for what they had done . The Tyler's toast closed the proceedings , which had been enlivened by some delightful pianoforte music performed by Bro . W . Ganz .

ST . ANDREW'S LODGE ( No . 231 ) . —The annual installation meeting oi this lodge took place at the Freemasons' Tavern , on Thursday , the 5 th inst . The chair was occupied by Bro . Michael Maybrick , and there were present Bros , the Rev . Ambrose W . Hall , M . A ., P . G . Chap . ; F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Reg . ; Thomas Fenn , President Board of General Purposes ; Col . Shadwell H .

Gierke , Grand Sec ; James Smith Carter , G . J . D . ; Peter de Lande Long , P . G . D . ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; Charles A . Murton , P . G . D . ; J . Messent , P . G . S . B . ; R . Fitzhugh , P . M ., P . P . G . W . Notts . ; 1 . Topliss , P . M ., P . G . J . D . Notts ; Carter , P . M ., P . P . G . W . Herts ; Octavius Hansard , P . M ., P . G . S . ; Geo . Chapman , P . M . Newstead Lodge , Notts ; Vickers , W . M . Newstead Lodge , Notts ;

Starkey , P . M . ; Houle , P . M . ; Rev . A . S . Fuller , P . M . 25 , Dublin ; Dr . J . H . Paul , P . M ., P . S . S . ; Robbins , P . M . ; Brider , P . M . ; Gregson , P . M . ; E . R . Cutler , P . M . ; Edwards , P . M . ; Calkin Lewis , P . M . ; Mason , I . P . M . ; Keirle , W . M . elect , S . W . ; Bailey , Percival , and many others . Letters of apology were read from Bros . Sir John Monckton , P . G . W . ; I . Reginald Hanson , Alderman

R . Fowler , M . P ., P . G . S . W . ; Sir Albert W . Woods ( Garter King at Arms ) , G . D . C . ; Sir J . Whittaker Ellis , Bart ., M . P ., P . G . J . W . j Horace Jones , G . S . of Wks ., and others . The lodge was opened by the W . M ., after which the chair was taken bv Bro . John Messent , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., who ,

for the 26 th consecutive time performed the duties of the Installing Master in the lodge , placing in the chair in his usual able and impressive manner , Bro . Keirle , S . W . of the lodge , who appointed the following officers : Bros . Harding , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Cutler , Sec ; Bishop , S . W . ; Dixon , J . W . ; Boully , S . D . ; Beach J . D . ; W . Chubb , P . M ., I . G . ; Western , P . M ., D . C . ; and Hoblyn , P . M .,

A . D . C . No business was transacted or other ceremonies performed , and the lodge adjourned to an excellent bonquet , provided by Messrs . Spiers and Pond , at which about 100 brethren sat down . The customary toasts were given , that of " The Grand Officers " being acknowledged by Bros .

the Rev . Ambrose Hall , M . A ., P . G . C ., and F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Reg ., who was especially called upon . Bros , the Rev . A . S . Fuller , P . M . 25 , Dublin , and Vickers , W . M . of the Newstead Lodge , Nottingham , responded on behalf of " The Visitors . " The evening , which was one of very great interest , was enlivened by a selection of music , under the superintendence of Madame Marie Belval .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 1381 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park , on the 3 rd inst ., when there were present among others Bros . Appleton , W . M . ; Stranger , S . W ., W . M . elect ; H . Higgins , P . M ., acting I . W . ; Feuillade , J . D . ; Longley , I . G . ; Foald , D . C . ; Feuillade , sen ., Hon . Org . ; W . Mann , P . M ., Treas . ;

W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . ; Koch , P . M . ; George Everett , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B ., Middx ., P . M . ; Kohler , P . M . ; Webb , P . M . ; Cockburn , I . P . M . ; W . Pope , P . M . ; Reinardt , Tyler j and others . The visitors were Bros . Greenwood , P . G . S . P . ; J . Terry , P . P . G . W ., Sec . R . M . B . l . ; Martin , W . M . 188 ; C . Everett , W . M . 2012 ; J . Pope , P . M . 1305 ; Perkins , S . W . 192 ; Thompson ,

169 ; Harvey , 177 ; Sims , 851 , Salter , 861 ; Sanders , S 61 ; Hodges , 1310 j Taylor , 1310 ; H . E . Price , 1744 ; and others . , Bro . Stranger having been duly presented , was installed into the chair of K . S . by Bro . Appleton , W . M ., assisted by Bros . G . Everett , as S . W . ; Higgins , as J . W . ; Webb , D . ? f C . ; and Walls , I . G . The officers invested were as

follows : Bros . Plowman , S . W . ( by deputy ); Feuillade , J'VV . ; W . Mann , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec . Ungley , S . D . ; Foale \ J . D . ; Cruse , I . G . ; Westley , D . ° f C . 5 Ruffier , A . W . S ., Feuillade , sen ., Hon . Org . ; and Reinardt , Tyler . . A Past Master's iewel having been presented to the

' P . M ., two gentlemen were duly initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was served in the large hall , and gave every satisfaction . The usual toasts followed . A selection of music was given by Bros . Webb , Walls , Sanders , Feuillade , and Miss Cockburn .

MARQUESS OF RIPON LODGE ( No . 1489 ) . ~ -t he above lodge met on the 6 th inst . at the Metropolitan WM Almsnouses , Balls Pond-road . Bro . Wm . Gray , w . M ., opened the lodge , and was supported as follows : « ros . George , S . W . ; Tovell , P . M ., as J . W . ; Matthews , h -i Beck , as I . G . ; R . H . Clack , £ . Ashby , W . J . womley , R . J . Campbell , H . Patient , S . G . Patient , and uiers

" . Visitors : Bros . G . J . Pope , 1364 , and G . H . Stephens , W . M . 2623 , & c . to rh h ^ mess consisted of the raising of Bro . R . J . Clack i ! rJ r , h ' Degree and conferring the Second Degree the u OS - R ' J- Campbell and W . J . Bromley . Owing to inr * c P ce o £ some of his officers , the W . M . was rather c enicnced

j "? ; but being perfectly master of the work hiehl ' , Vent throu S tl , e labours of the evening in a the "y . ^ ditable manner , having enlisted the assistance of Ilm o' }'" K brethren—Bro . Pope kindly acting . as S . D ., and V te s „ t ! hetlS as hPM ' D > C' Bro- J- *> ' Clare - ' 93 ' and tL . . usly admitted a joining member of the lodge , n „„ , ,. business ended . A comfortable little spread was . ' Rr „ ' ? P osed of . and the usual toasts followed . h or o . loveli , I . P . M ., in giving the toast of " The W . M ., "

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

said previous to his going into the chair the brethren well knew what an excellent worker Bro . Gray was , and their anticipations were fully realised , as the work in the lodge had proved . He was sure all the brethren would join heartily in toasting the health of their W . M ., Bro . Gray , and wish him plenty of work . Bro . Gray suitably responded , and next gave the toast of

" The Visitors . " Unlike former times , there were only a few brethren visiting , namely , Bro . Stephens , W . M . 1 C 23 —an old friend in private life , and a fellow-worker in Masonry for years—and Bro . Pope , 1364 , also another old Masonic acquaintance ; and he ( Bro . Gray ) was greatly indebted to those brethren for their assistance in lodge . Bro . Stephens responded to the toast , and congratulated

the breteren upon possessing quarters wherein to meet and carry on the duties of Freemasonry with surroundings befitting the dignity and importance of the Order . He also congratulated the W . M . upon his excellent working that evening , and that , too , under trying circumstances . Bro . Gray had , however , surmounted all difficulties , and he could well understand that the brethren were proud of their W . M .

"The Past Masters" were next toasted , and Bros . Tovell and Walford each responded , both reviewing the early history of the lodge , and stating their opinion that under Bro . Gray ' s ruling the Marquess of Ripon Lodge would again take a foremost place in the Craft . Great regret was expressed at the non-arrival of news of Bro . Wm . Stephens , P . M . of the lodge , who recently left

England for a trip to Australia for the benefit of his health , of which happy event all the brethren were anxious to receive news . Bro . G . H . Stephens , by permission of the W . M ., recounted how at the farewell dinner given to Bro . Wm . Stephens , P . M . 1489 . his lodge was meeting in the same building , and he , as W . M ., was invited to visit the meeting alluded to , and had much pleasure , in the name of

Lodge 1623 , in wishing Bro . W . Stephens a speedy relief from his illness , and a safe return to England . Bro . Stephens mentioned this as an instance amongst many of the warm feelings of friendship which unite the members of the Craft . " The Lay Members " and " The Joining Member ,

Bro . Clare , " were also honoured . The proceedings were greatly enlivened by some excellent songs from Bros . Gray , Campbell , Bromley , Clack , Clare , and Stephen ' s , the latter brother also giving a reading , and a pleasantly-spent evening was thoroughly enjoyed and the proceedings terminated .

DUKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . —The installation meeting of this flourishing lodge was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , on Thursday , the 29 th ult . Present : Bros . C . W . Smyth , W . M . ; j . L . Payne , S . W . ; A . Ferrar , J . W . ; W . H . Brand , P . M ., Treas . ; W . H . Lee , P . M ., Sec ; R . Polak , S . D . ; G . Ferrar , J . D . ; A . R . OIley , I . G . ; W . Beasley , D . C . ; J . H .

Rich , Stwd . ; H . G . Buss , Asst . Grand Sec . ; Brasted , P . M . ; Lorkin , P . M . ; Chapman , P . M .,- Dignam , P . M . ; and a large gathering of members , with the following visitors : Bros . Clark , W . M . 117 S ; Bullwinkle , P . M . 1421 ; Fisher , P . M . 1405 ; Steel , P . M . 1194 ; Walters , P . P . G . D . Middx . ; Dean , 45 ; Ashman , 942 ; Larter , 1 C 02 ; Woodward , 1365 ; W . W . Lee , 1 S 97 ; Smithers , J . D . 193 ;

Eldridge , 1585 ; Weatherby , 80 ; Hubert , 45 ; Isaacs , 1 S 16 ; Harwood , S 13 ; Ayres , 1 S 61 ; Hawes , 554 ; Woodman , W . M . elect , 1950 ; Catling , S . D . 1679 ; Clark , J . D . 1607 ; Stephens , W . M . 1 C 23 ; and Fieldwick , P . M . 1364 . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes read

and confirmed , Bros . Searle , Duncan , and Davies were raised to the Third Degree , after which Bro . John Lambert Payne , S . W ., the W . M . elect , was installed as W . M . for the year ensuing , the ceremony being ably rendered by Bro . Lorkin , P . M . The newly-installed W . M . appointed and invested the following officers : Bros . A . Ferrar , S . W . ;

R . Polak , J . W . j W . H . Brand , P . M ., Treas ., W . H . Lee , P . M ., Prov . Asst . Grand Sec . Middx ., Sec ; G . Ferrar , S . D . j A . R . Olley , J . D . ; W . Beasley , I . G . ; J . H . Rich , D . C . ; W . Wright and W , Simpson , Stwds . ; and J . J . Marsh , Tyler . Bro . Payne , W . M ., commenced his tenure of office by initiating in a very impressive manner Messrs . H . Pearse , S . Stokes , J . Taylor , and G . French .

A Past Master s jewel was presented to Bro . C . W . Smyth , I . P . M ., in recognition of his efficient services as W . M . during the past year . The sum of ten guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution on the list of Bros . Smyth and Dignam , Stewards representing this lodge . After several propositions had been received for the next meeting , the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was

served in the usual satisfactory manner , under the personal supervision of Bro . Clemow . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . Buss , Asst . Grand Sec , returned thanks for "The Grand Officers . " Bros . T . Clark , Fieldwick , and Woodman responded to the toast of " The Visitors , " who received the usual cordial

welcome . After the remaining toasts had been given , a most enjoyable evening was terminated by the Tyler's toast . During the evening the proceedings were enlivened by the vocal abilities of Bros . Brasted , A . Ferrar , G . Ferrar , Woodman , Rich , W . W . Lee , and Dunn . Bro . Dean rendered valuable assistance at the pianoforte .

WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —A meeting was held on Tuesday , the 10 th inst ., at Freemasons' Hal ) , W . C . Present : Bros . W . Brindley , W . M . ; J . Wade , I . P . M . ; J . Gibson , S . W . ; G . Boulton , P . M ., J . W . ( pro tern . ); R . C . Halpin , M . A ., Chap . ; T . H . Meredith , P . M ., Treas . ; R . J . Scott , Sec . ; Coleman , S . D . ; W . Mimms , J . D . ; J . C . Young , Org . ; Brookson ,

P . M ., I . G . ( pro tern . ); Glover and Lackhurst , Stwds . ; Lackland , Tyler ; Wray , P . M . ; Simpson , Leslie , Fraser , Woolstein , Woolven , McCulloch , Matthews , Young , Rose , Bolton , Goode , and Somerville . Visitor : Bro . Mullins . Lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of last lodge meeting were read and confirmed . In accordance with the Book of Constitutions , the bye-laws of the lodge were read by the Secretary , Bro . Blackman having been

passed to the degree of KC . by the W . M ., Bro . Lewis was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . It was proposed , seconded , and carried unanimously that "Hearty good wishes" for the safety and speedy return of the members of the lodge—Bros . Capt . Buttenvorth , P . M ., and Sergt .-Major Foulson , J . W ., —and several other brethren who are proceeding to Egypt for service in the Soudan . Nothing further offering for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

ALDERSGATE LODGE ( No . 16 57 ) —The installation meeting of this lodge took place on Monday , the pth inst ., at the Castle and Falcon Hotel , Aldersgate-strect . There were present Bro . Samuel White , W . M ., who was supported by Bros . S . Benton , I . P . M . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , S . W .-W . H . Froom , J . W . ; J . Derby Allcroft , P . M ., P . G . Treas ., Treas . ; E . Anderton , S . D . ; George Vickery , J . D . ; A . B . Hudson , D . C ; Joseph Renals , I . G . ; C . W .

Lovctt , Org . ; M . R . Webb , F . Crockford , and Fuller , Stewards ; George Kenning , P . M . ; Alfred BrooUman , P . M . ; J . Schotcer , G . Kawlinson , J . Larkin , W . W . Thompson , H . Matthews , and Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , Grand Sec . Visitors : Bros . Edgar Bowyer , P . G . St . Br . ; P . Saillard , T . Benskin ; J . L . Mather , P . G . S . D . Herts : W . P . Hopkins , S . W . 13 S 5 ; W . O . Jameson , G . Bull , Chas . Pater , E . E . Harding , T . LudgrinE . W . Stillwel ]

, , W . Maddeson , Alderman John Staples , W . M . 2020 ; Col . Peters , P . G . S . B . ; J . J . Avery , P . P . G . Treas . Devon ; G . T . Mathew , W . R . Roberts , P . M . 1 S 1 ; Dr . GreatRex , P . M . 22 ; and W . Lake , P . P . G . Reg . ( Freemason ) . Apologies were received from the Lord Mayor , Sir John B . Monckton , and other distinguished brethren who were unable to be present . The minutes of the meeting held on the 10 th November

last were read and confirmed . The report of the Finance Committee , showing , as usual , a favourable balance-sheet , was received and adopted . In view of the urgent need of increased support for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , arising from the fact of such a large number of female applicants , and there being no vacancies , it was resolved unanimousl y that the sum of £ 25 be voted from the funds to head the list of the Steward representing the lod Past Master

ge . A ' s jewel was presented to the retiring Master in recognition of his services during his year of ?? S , 3 , -Co ' - Shadwell H . Gierke , then installed the W . M . elect , Bro . Froom , into the chair of King Solomon , the ceremony being rendered in his customary faultless manner . The W . M . appointed his officers as follows : Bros . Samuel White , I . P . M . ; E . Anderton , S . W . ; G . Vickery , J . W . ; Rev . Dr . P . H . Ernest BretteChap . ;

, 1-rP- A ' ° > T reas - ' ' E- Y- Jolliffe » Sec ; Renals , £ . ' - ' Hudson , J . D . ; Crockford , I . G . ; Lovett , Org . ; Martin , D . C . ; Fuller , Steward ; and Thomas , Tyler . lhe brethren afterwards adjourned to an admirablyserved banquet , presided over by the W . M . The toasts of "The Queen and the Craft , " and " The M . W . G . Master , the Prince of Wales , " having been proposed and loyally honoured , the W . M . crave that of " The

Grand Officers , Present and Past . " They had several Grand Officers present , but he would ask Bro . J . D . Allcroft , Past Grand Treasurer , to respond . Bro . Allcroft said the song that had just been sung , " Take thy Banner , " was particularly applicable to Bro . Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br ., who was present , and he ( Bro . Allcroft ) would have been content to reply as an officer of the lodge , but he obeyed the command of the W . M . He

had by favour of the Craft been elected to the purple , and in common with the Grand Officers he had endeavo ured to carry out the duties of his office . Bro . Samuel White , I . P . M ., said it devolved upon him to propose the next toast , and no one could do it with greater pleasure . Their P . M ' s ., like good old port , seemed to improve with age , and the present occupant of the chair was a worthy successor to a good line . But for his native modesty

he thought Bro . Froom might have occupied the chair before , but they were glad that he had now arrived at that position , and he felt sure the work he had done before was a guarantee of the manner in which he would carry out the duties of his office , and he spoke the feelings of all present in drinking the " Health of the W . M ., with hearty good wishes . " The W . M . thanked the proposer for his kind expressions ,

t" i '¦ y " onIy say at the end of nls term of ° fflce the kind things he had been pleased to say of him then he should be amply repaid for all he might have done . The next toast the Worshipful Master said was that of "The Installing Master , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . S ., " who had very ably installed all his predecessors in the Aldersgate Lodge . They all appreciated his valuable services , and thanked him heartily for coming there on that occasion

. Bro . Col . Shadwell H . CIerkethankedthebrethren for their kind and feeling response to the toast . He hardly knew howhe had drifted into the position of Installing Master , but it gave him great pleasure to respond to their wishes in this respect . He was much flattered at the proud position they had placed him in from year to year . The Worshipful Master next proposed " The Health of

the Visitors , " remarking that if there was one Masonic feature more than another the Aldersgate Lodge prided itself on it was hospitality . They had a member present whose rank and titles were too numerous to recount ; but he gave them all a hearty welcome , and he would ask Bro . Alderman Staples , W . M . of St . Botolph ' s Lodge . to respond . Bro . Alderman Staples , on behalf of himself and the other visitors , thanked them for the toast , and for their kind The

hospitality . only difficulty he had in responding as a visitor was that there were so many around him connected with the Ward that he could hardly realise the fact of his being a visitor . He congratulated the W . M . on the position he had gained in the lodge , and equally congratulated the brethren and himself in belonging in these days , when there was so much disloyalty abroad , to an Order that reckoned loyalty as its leading principle .

1 he toast of " The Past Masters of the Lodge" followed , the W . M . remarking that they had now quite an illustrious line of Past Masters , each of whom , from their first W . M ., Bro . Allcroft , to the last , Bro . White , had all performed their duties to the satisfaction of the lodge . Bro . White responded . The next toast was that of " The Officers , " and the W . M . associated the toast with the name of the S . W ., Bro . Anderton , who had been initiated in the lodgeand

, had steadily worked his way to S . W . Bros . Anderton and Jolliffe replied . Much regret was felt at the absence of Bro . the Rev . Dr . P . H . Ernest Brette , through a severe attack of sore throat—his physician forbidding his leaving the house . General sympathy was expressed for the respected Chaplain of the Lodge , Bro . the Rev . Richard Lee , who has recently sustained a severe bereavement by the loss of two children .

The musical arrangements were under the able direction of Bro . Matthews , assisted by Miss Ada Patterson , Miss Rose Dafforne , Mr . H . Schartau , Mr . Sidney Tower , Mr . W . G . Forington ; and , at the pianoforte , Mr . Alfred Izard .