Provincial Grand Chapter Of Cheshire.

The ordinary Prov . Grand Chapter business was then proceeded with . The Prov . Grand Officers answered to their names , and a few letters of apology were read . The minutes of the previous meeting , held at Macclesfield on the ioth October , 1 S 94 , were submitted and confirmed . The companions appointed on the Committee for the ensuing year were Comps . Fred Broadsmith , Moss , and James Cookson . The Prov . Grand Treasurer ' s accounts were adopted .

The GRAND SUPERINTENDENT addressed the companions , after giving his heartfelt thanks to Comp . Beach for his great kindness in coming down from London for the express purpose of installing him . He felt it was a great honour indeed to himself , and he wished the resolution to be recorded .

Comp . BEACH gracefully responded . Comp . Charles Vickers , P . Z ., was elected Prov . Grand Treasurer for the ensuing year . All other business having been attended to , the Prov . Grand Chapter was closed by the Grand Superintendent . Subsequently a banquet was prepared , at which the Grand Superintendent presided . The usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were given and responded to .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Phoenix Lodge , No . 173 . This distinguished lodge met at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on the gth ult ., when there were present : Bros . F . H . B . Riddle , W . M . ; George E . Fairchild , A . G . D . C , I . P . M . j N . R . Hart , S . W . ; E . Gilbert , J . W . ; F . Foxley , P . M ., Treas . ; James Stephens , S . D . ; C . E . Tinney , Org .: T . I . Boulting , P . M . ; A . E .

Hubert , P . M . ; E . W . Allen , P . M . ; F . D . Vine . P . M . ; J . Millier , P . M . ; G . Guterbock , P . M . ; E . V . New , P . M . ; A . Moore , P . M . ; G . Appleton , W . R . Peck , W . D . Dale , H . J . Hatfield , C . Pearce , G . G . Stanham , J . H . Finch , B . Carter , E . O . Bake , and J . Rawles , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . A . F . Cooke , 2492 ; C . Stevens , 1703 , P . P . G . Org . Middx . ; W . Stacey , 19 ; R . Barrett , W . M . 49 ; K . M . Yeomans , 2467 ; C . H . Mabey ; Hatfield , P . M . 9 ; C . Dearing , 7 6 5 , P . P . G . Supt . Wks . Berks ; F . Barrett ; W . Davies , 340 ; Harris , 177 ; P . Harris , 177 ; A . G . Lee , 1743 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .

The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting having been read , the ballot was taken for Mr . Joseph Slower , and he was unanimously elected , but he was not able to be present through ill-health . After other business , tbe lodge was closed , and the brethren partook of a superb banquet . The Worshipful Master gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were duly honoured . In responding for "The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . G . E . Fairchild ,

A . G . D . C , whose name was associated with the toast , stated that it was a comprehensive toast to reply to , which was always well received . He was in hopes that someone more distinguished in Grand Lodge would have been present to respond . He was only a novice as a Grand Officer , but he had had some experience of Grand Oflicers before he was one of them . Many of them devoted much time to the Craft , and it was needless for him to state how Freemasonry had flourished under the Mastership of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and to the great strides made with the three Institutions durinrr his

reign . He also referred to the Board of General Purposes , remarking that the lodge was well represented on that Board in the person of Bro . James Stephens . Bro . G . E . Fairchild , A . G . D . C , I . P . M ., gave "The Worshipful Master . " He said that it was his privilege and pleasure to submit the toast , which was not a difficult task on that occasion , because the W . M . was in every way competent to carry out all the duties of his office . It was a wonder to him why he had not occupied that position

many years ago , but perhaps the W . M . had waited until he thought he was perfect . The lodge was an old one , and it was an honour to anyone to be the Master of such a distinguished lodge . He had worked with the W . M . for many years in Masonry , and he knew nis great worth , and he _ regretted that he had not had any work that evening owing to the absence of the initiate . The safe keeping of the lodge was in good hands , and at the end of his term of office he would prove that he had been one of the best Masters the lodge had ever had .

Bro . F . H . B . Riddle , W . M ., on rising to respond , received a very hearty welcome . He stated that he had been a member of the lodge , for which he had a great affection , for 16 years . He was in office years ago , but his business did not permit him to go forward with it , and he came to the conclusion to retire from office . During his connection with the lodge , he had seen many members go , through death and otherwise ; but he was pleased to see so many of his old friends present that evening . He urged all the younger members to join the lodge of instruction connected with the lodge . He appreciated the way he had been received , and he hoped the lodge would ever orosoer .

for nothing would be found wanting on his part to enhance its prosperity . The W . M . proposed ' . 'The Immediate Past Master , Bro . G . E . Fairchild , A . G . D . C . " He said that the I . P . M . had told him to be brief , but how could he in a few words speak of his many qualifications and the great things he had done for Masonry ? He had maintained the prestige of the lodge during his able Mastership , and had done very much for the Charities , and he had allowed his good wife to work hard for the three Institutions with much success . The lodge was indebted in many ways for his efforts , which would never be forgotten .

Bro . Fairchild , who was received with much warmth , acknowledged the toast . He said he thought they had already heard too much of his voice . He had for years taken a very great interest in the lodge but having passed the chair his interest would not cease Many who had gone through the chair seemed to think they had done enough , but his sentiments were otherwise . He would do everything possible to assist anyone going for the chair . In referring to the Charities he thought that a ladv could do more than a man . His wife had been Steward for the Boys and her efforts

amounted to £ 340 . He hoped that other ladies connected with the members would work for the Charities . In giving "The Visitors , " the Worshipful Master remarked that it was the pleasing toast of the evening . In that good old lodge they were always welcome . A man without friends was poor , but a lodge without guests was very poor indeed . They were delighted with their presence and he hoped to see them there again . He joined with the toast the names of Bros . Hatfield , Dearing , Barrett , Yeomans , Stacey , and Harris .

Bro . Hatfield , P . M ., responded . He said that 20 years ago he left for the West , when he thought it was time he came home . A man who was a Mason should be proud of the fact , and everyone could see the importance of it in their travels . The teachings of Masonry were beyond all other organisations , and if every Mason carried out what was taught he needed no other religion . On behalf of the Fraternity in America he expressed his thanks for the honour ot being asked to respond to the toast of the visitors . Bro . C . Dearing , P . M ., stated that it was not his first visit but he was always proud

to attend the Phcenrx Lodge where he had so many very old and dear friends . Fheir W . M . was excellent , and he felt sure that he would fully maintain the well-known reputation of the lodge . Bros . Barrett , Yeomans , Stacey , and Harris also responded in some good speeches . The Worshipful Master gave "The Past Masters . " He said that Masonically it was the most important toast of the evening . They were the sustaining power of the

lodge and he was indebted to them for their great assistance , and the members appreciated their past services . He made special mention of Bro . E . W . Allen , P . M ., who had acted as Installing Master on many occasions , and he was beloved by all . The interest of the lodge was still with them and they could not do too much for the lodge . He associated with the toast the names of Bros . E . W . Allen , T . J . Boulting , and A . Moore . In response , Bro . E . W . Allen , P . M ., thanked the W . M . for his kind words and the members for their hearty greeting . In his opinion love for a lodge only commenced

Craft Masonry.

when one had been through the chair . He was happy to say he had been a constant attendant and his absence was only when he was ill . Bros . T . J . Boulting , P . M ., and A . Moore , P . M ., also responded . In submitting the toast of " The Treasurer and Secretary and other Officers , " the W . M . stated that the Treasurer was indefatigable and looked well after the financial matters of the lodge , and he hoped he would discharge his duties tor many years . They

had all a large affection for Bro . Davie , the Secretary , who he regretted was very ill and had intimated that he would have to retire from his ofiice , but he hoped he would continue as a member . The officers were good and efficient and he was proud of them . They were making great efforts to go forward and when called for higher office they would not be found wanting . He coupled with the toast the names of Bros . F . Foxley , P . M ., Treas ., and E . V . New , P . M ., acting Steward .

Bro . F . Foxley , P . M ., Treas ., responded . He said that he had now held his office for some years and hoped that he had done his duty and that he would continue to give satisfaction to the members . Bros . N . R . Hart , S . W ., E . Gilbert , J . W ., and _ E . V . New , P . M ., acting Steward , also acknowledged the toast . The Tyler ' s toast ended a very happy gathering . The vocal and musical entertainment was under the able direction of Bro . Chas . E . Tinney , assisted by Bros . W . Davies , and Charles Stevens , and Miss Stella Maris , Madame Annie Buckland . and Miss Nettie Atkinson .

Joppa Lodge , No . 188 . This lodge had a very successful meeting on Monday , the 2 nd inst .. when the brethren had to fulfil their annual duty of electing a new Master for the ensuing year . The lodge was very numerously attended in support of Bro . M . Siegenberg , who was to preside for the whole evening for the last time during his year . He was strongly supported by Past Masters of the lodge , among whom where Bros . A . G . Davison , L . Lazarus , H . Lazarus , Botibol , Garrard , Cohen , and Weigal , and several visitors . All the Three Degrees had to be worked . The W . M . initiated Messrs . Paul J oseph Israel

and Daniel Kozinmski , and raised Bro . Reinemann ; while Bro . Garrard , P . M ., passed Bros . Brewer and Craig . The brethren then elected Bro . the Rev . S . J . Roco , S . W ,, as their Master for the coming year , re-elected Bro . Lyon , their Treasurer , and Bro . Ives their Tyler ; afterwards electing five brethren to serve on the Board of Management , two Auditors for the same , eight brethren to serve on the Board of Benevolence , and two Auditors for the Fund . A vote of thanks and a Past Master ' s jewel were agreed to for

Bro . Siegenberg , for which that worthy brother expressed his acknowledgments and his assurance that he had done his best for the lodge and the brethren in his year , and Bro . Garrard , P . M ., having succeeded in his motion— " That in future 10 guineas be voted from the lodge funds for providing the outgoing Master with a jewel , and no further collection made , " The lodge was closed , and banquet partaken of .

A full programme of musical entertainment was provided , in which Miss Mary Beynon , Miss Lilla Rosenberg , Bro . Edouard Delevanti , Mr . Dion Lane , and Bro . Bainbridge Hardwicke took part , and the usual toasts were honoured . Bro . Weigal , P . M ., proposed "The Worshipful Master , " and said it was the last time he should have the privilege of doing so . It was a pleasure as well as a privilege

to perform that duty , as the toast was one that would be received with the greatest enthusiasm , Bro . Siegenberg having passed a year of peace and harmony . They found in him a man who supported the Charities , the principle of Masonry , what Masonry ought to be . He had never been absent from his duty , and had always had brotherly meetings of the lodge . The brethren were with him ail the time , and would be with him in his outgoing time .

Bro . Siegenberg , W . M ., responded . He said it was a very great gratification to him to witness the enthusiasm with which the toast had been received . It was quite proof enough to him that the brethren considered he had done his duty in his year of office . The enthusiasm was not deceptive ; it would have been different if they had not been sincere . He might not have done everything to please the brethren , but so long as a man was truthful and honourable , and they believed a man to be honest , it was the custom to respect him , and if he had not a perfect quality of delivering the ritual thev

would bear with him . He ( the W . M . ) was not an eloquent man : many eloquent men were very bad and wicked men . It was the heart that spoke , and it was the actions of men they should judge . If he had done anything dishonourable let them tell him . He was glad to be a member of the Joppa Lodge ; he might not always be , but it would always have his support . It would be a great pleasure to him when he got the jewel , because it would be handed down to his sons and show them that he had done some good in his life .

In proposing the toast of " The Initiates , " Bro . Siegenberg said he hoped they would try to do what they could in Masonry , which had three Charitable Institutions , the Boys ' , the Girls ' , and the Old People . Masonry stood upon Charity , and for those Institutions Masons did all they could . Bros . Kozininski and Israel both responded , expressing their gratification at becoming members of the Lodge of Joppa , to which they wished prosperity . Bro . Siegenberg , W . M ., proposed " The I . P . M . and the Past Masters , " as the hour was late . The Past Masters were always ready to assist , as the brethren had re peatedly seen , particularly that evening when Bro . Garrod , at his request , performed the Second Degree , Bro . Dodson also , who had always done good service to the lodge , and saw that the brethren ' s wishes were carried out at the banquet table .

Bro . B . Weigal , I . P . M ., replied . There was no question about it that that lodge , like others , owed much to Past Masters . Without Past Masters lodges would fare badly . The Past Masters had the greatest wish always to assist the W . Al . in his duties , and if he was in want of any officer he had only to call on the Past Masters , and they were ready to perform the absent officer ' s duty . He was certain the Past Masters of the Lodge of Joppa were not behind the Past Masters of other lodges in being always ready to give their support not only in the lodge but on Committees . Bro . Siegenberg , W . M ., next said he was then going to propose a vjry important

toast—a toast which lodges only got once a year , but which by a mistake of nis had been omitted from the programme , it was the toast of " l ' he W .. vf . filect . " In the selection the brethren had made of Bro . Koco they had made the best choice the Lodge of Joppa had ever experienced . He ( the W . M . ) was not one of those who spoke well of a man unless he spoke of him truthfully , and he would say that in Bro . Koco they had a most distinguished brother , a brother that any lodge outfit to be proud of , and he was certain the Lodge of Joppa would be proud of him . Bro . KJCO held a goodly calling ; he would sit injthe lodge with good credentials ; he brought a goodly record ; he had been a minister of the Jewish faith for over 2 O years—a record that not only Uro . Roco

was himself proud of , but that they were all proud of . It was a proud day for the lodge that he was going to be its W . M . Bro . Roco had many duties to perform . Perhaps no one was more open to criticism than ministers of religion . They had to give to every one ; if they did not they were crrticised more than laymen . Bro . KOCJ was never approached without responding to the call of pity . He ( the W . M . ) knew that , and he said from the bottom of his heart he hoped Bro . Roco would have the brethren ' s support . He had duties outside the lodge more difficult than any duties in it ; he was a brother that would not disgrace the chair , for having attended constantly lodges of instruction regularly he could perform all the three Degrees .

Bro . the Rev . S . J . Koco , W . M . elect , in acknowledging the kind words of the W . M ., and the enthusiastic reception of them by the brethren , said he had had the honour of being elected , and the W . M . bad spoken of him very kindly after knowing him all his life . He had been many years Minister of the Portuguese Synagogue . Ever since he came to this country he had been well received wherever he had been , and the words of the Jewish Law were realised in every respect— " Ye shall love the stranger . " He came here a stranger , but he received the brotherly hand kindly held out to him . It was so in the Lodge ot Joppa ; he entered it at a time when there was not the

harmony , brotherly love , and kindly feeling which now existed . It was not pleasant to refer to , but he was happy to say matters had improved , and the brethren . might congratulate themselves that those who came to upset laws , rules , and ordinances had gone , and that the lodge was now all brethren . " How beautiful is it that brethren dwell together in unity , " they said with the Psalmist . The brethren had elected him ( Bro . Koco ) to be their W . M . ; he would only say he would do justice to the office ; he

would do everything in his power for the welfare of the lodge and tor the brethren individually , whether there or elsewhere . The brethren might depend upon it that it was through attending the lodge of instruction in connection with the Lodge of Joppa that he obtained his knowledge ct Masonic ritual . They had the pleasure ot having two initiates that evening ; he would recommend them to go to the Joppa Lodge of Instruction , and acquire there that knowledge whicli they should have as Masons , particularly