Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Kirkland , S . W . ; A . Jones , J . W . ; W . Day , P . M ., Treas . ; H . Lovegrove , P . M ., Sec ; Jno . Bott , S . D . ; J . J . Newland , J . D .: E . F . Gye , Org . ; J . Hicks , I . G . ; R . Bott , D . C . ; Daunton and Inglis , Stwds . ; and R . Potter , P . M ., Tyler . The customary addresses were carefully and impressively rendered by the Installing Master , Bro . Richard Poore , P . M . The I . P . M ., Bro . Albert , was

presented by the W . M . with a handsome Past Master ' s collar and pendant and a Past Master's jewel in recognition of services rendered , and the gifts were appropriately and briefly acknowledged by the recipient . The VV . Master announced his intention of serving as Steward at the forthcoming Festival of the R . M . I , for Girls , and asked the brethren for their cordial support . Two propositions for

initiation were received , and , other routine business having been transacted , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent repast , supplied by Bro . Kirkland . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were briefly proposed . Bro . Albert , I . P . M ., then gave "The Health of the W . Master , " and said that a more genial , kindly-hearted or more talented Master than Bro . Evens they would not find .

During the last year Bro . Evens was always at his post and working up for the office he had now taken , and the brethren would drink his health and wish him a prosperous and happy year in the chair . Bro . R . Evens , W . M ., thanked the I . P . M . very much for the kind way he had proposed and the brethren had received the toast . He also thanked them for the honour

done him in electing him W . M . for the present year . He assured them he had the interests of the lodge at heart , and would do all in his power to further its welfare . Whatever duties he had to perform he would try to carry out in a creditable manner , and trusted the result would be satisfactory to all . In proposing "The Visitors , " the W . M . said he trusted

the welcome given them had met with their approval , and that the hospitality brought before them had been pleasant . He hoped the visitors would go away with pleasant recollections of that evening , and visit the lodge on a future occasion . Bro . Herbert Wright , W . M . 192 S , replied , and said that for the graceful manner in which the W . M . had been good enough to propose the health of the visitors , he could only

say how cordially and individually he thanked him , and for the graceful reception given by the brethren present to the toast , he had to add once more his thanks . It being his happy lot to be the first visitor to acknowledge the kindness of the brethren , he would refer to that thought which was uppermost in his mind—one of sincere and cordial congratulations on behalf of a neighbouring lodge meeting in that

same hall to the W . M . upon attaining to the honour of the chair . He also desired to say on behalf of that neighbouring body of brethren—the Gallery Lodge—how much pleasure it afforded him on their behalf to acknowledge the kind hospitality extended to the visitors . Both lodges had met in that hall since they were consecrated , and he believed that until this year—he was not quite sure—there had not

been that mutual exchange of amity which he thought should exist . That had been , he knew , the accident of an accident . It had been that his predecessors in the chair and others had not had the opportunity , through business avocations , of acknowledging the kind invitation that had more than once been extended to his lodge by the Brixton Lodge . He most sincerely desired to hold out to this lodge .

on behalf of the Gallery Lodge , the right hand of fellowship . He rejoiced to hear that this lodge was a prosperous and growing body , and he was sure they would rejoice to hear the same of the Gallery Lodge . He did not know that he ought to detain them by the usual platitudes that they heard upon occcasions of a kindred character . If he were to stand there for half an hour he could only

say how grateful he was , and he could only add to what he had said , that he hoped the most cordial relations would exist between the two lodges . He would take leave to add one word , leaving his brother visitors to say what was in their minds , that the work which he was privileged to see in the lodge was work which would credit to any lodge . The Past Master who so gracefully performed the installation

ceremony was , if he might say so , a credit to any lodge to which he might belong . They of the Gallery Lodge , perhaps , took too much credit to themselves for the way they worked , but he must say that in all his experience he had never seen the work better performed than in the Brixton Lodge that night . He could say a good deal more , but in the presence of the other visitors he would refrain , and

would only say how grateful he was for the kind reception given the toast , how grateful he was as the Master of the Gallery Lodge to be present , and exchange congratulations with the brother installed in this lodge , and how sincerely he hoped that the same good feeling and amity would prevail in time to come . Bros . Blake , P . M . 04 ; , and T . C . Edmonds , P . M . 1507 ,

also responded . The W . M . next gave "The Past Masters and Installing Officer , " and said he was personally very much indebted to Bro . Richard Poore , P . M ., for the impressive manner in which he had rendered the installation ceremony . He had heard it many times before but never in a more impressive manner . It was at all times a source of gratification to an incoming Master to know he had a number of Past Masters

on whom he could rely in case of need , and the Past Masters of the Brixton Lodge were always ready to come forward and place their services at the W . M . 's disposal . The I . P . M ., Bro . Albert , had had a most successful year and had performed the various duties in a highly creditable manner . The members all knew the value Bros . Lovegrove , P . M ., Sec , and Day , P . M ., Treas ., were to the lodge and the work they had done in past years .

Bro . A . E . Albert , I . P . M ., returned thanks , and said he should always remember his year in the chair with pleasure . He had endeavoured since he was initiated to do his work to the best of his ability , and evidently he had satisfied them as they had given him such a handsome jewel . It had been a very proud position to hold , and he should never forget the

courteous and kind manner in which he had been received . Bro . Hy . Lovegrove , P . M ., Sec , considered that this lodge had a strong claim upon him , for he tried for a long time to get a Brixton Lodge , and was gratified to be a Past Master and the Secretary , and if anyone could suggest anything that would enhance the lodge he should be happy to do it .

Bros . Day , P . M ., Treasurer , and Baldwin , P . M ., having responded , Bro . Richard Poore , P . M ., thanked the brethren , and particularly the visitors , for the cordial reception , and the kindness shown towards him . As far as Masonry was concerned , he was in love with it , and there was nothing he

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

liked as much as to study the Masonic ritual . As Bro . Edmonds , P . M ., had remarked , the name of Poore was becoming a household word , and that was in consequence , as they were aware , of the way in which his father—Bro . T . Poore , P . M . —was received in Masonic circles ; it was therefore pleasant for a son to try and emulate that example . This he had tried to do to the utmost of his

power , not only as far as the ritual was concerned , but also in those minor affairs necessary to the well-ruling and governing of a lodge . He was quite sure the newly-installed W . M . would attend to those necessary details in the proper manner , and the lodge would not lose any of its lustre in

having elected Bro . Evens to preside over it . " The Officers" was given , and the Tyler's toast terminated the proceedings . During the evening excellent vocal and instrumental items were contributed by Bros . E . F . Gye , Organist ; Wakefield Reed , R . Gye , Blake , and others .

Highbury Lodge ( No . 2 I 92 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Cock Tavern , Highbury Station , on Thursday , the 30 th ult . Present : Bros . T . Hastings Miller , W . M . ; J . Terry , P . G . S . B ., S . W . ; J . Barnett , jun ., J . W . ; Major Baker , Treas . ; C . F . Hogard , P . G . Std . Br ., Sec . ; W . Maple , J . D . ; G . W . Bowyer , D . C ; A . P . Bowyer , I . G . ; H . P . Sprake and E . S .

Crick , Stwds . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; and Richard Baker . Visitors : Bros . R . Eve , P . G . Treas . ; C . Belton , D . G . D . C ; F . Binckes , P . G . S . B . ; and others . The lodge having been opened , and the minutes confinned , a ballot was taken for Mr . Sydney H . Miller , the son of the W . M ., which being unanimously favourable , he was initiated by the W . M . in his well-known perfect

manner . Ibis being the period of election of officers , ballots were taken , with the following results , viz . : Bros . John Barnett , as W . M . ; Major Baker , Treas . ; and Morley , Tyler . Bro . C . F . Hogard proposed a Past Master's jewel to Bro . T . H . Miller ; seconded by Bro . R . Baker , and unanimously agreed to ; also live guineas to the R . M . B . I . on the list of Bro . Barnett . A notice was given

to vote two pounds ten shillings to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys' " Pension Indemnity Fund , " to enable the Provisional Management Committee to arrange with Bro . Frederick Binckes the terms of honourable retirement from the Secretaryship after upwards of 2 S years' service . A member was proposed for joining . Before proceeding to the election of W . M . for the ensuing

year , Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., S . W ., rose and assured the members that on this occasion he did not wish to be elected ; Bro . Barnett , the J . W ., not having gone through a chair he wished to do as he would be done by , and , therefore , he should vote for the J . W . and hoped the members would do the same , as the fact of being" an ininstalled Master would enable Bro . Barnett to make himself

more useful to the Order and enable him to take other positions in the Craft which were not yet within his reach . This kindly feeling to Bro . Barnett was also shown by another founder of the lodge , Bro . Hogard , who also was content to forego his claim to the chair , and content himself at present with the more modest but equally useful position of Secretary . Bro . Barnett said he had received the

information which had been communicated to him with mingled feelings of pride , gratitude , and anxiety . He was proud to have been elected to occupy the chair of the Highbury Lodge ; he was grateful to the brethren for having so elected him ; and , of course , his anxiety was in regard to doubts he had whether he was capable of doing justice to the position . In respect to the exceptional action taken by Bro . James Terry , he

could only say that there were moments in most men ' s lives when it was not safe nor possible for them to allow their tongues to give vent to the feelings they entertained . The present was such a moment with him . At a later hour , or it may be on a future day , he would try to thank Bro . Terry , at the present time he was sure he would not be misunderstood if he said he could not . A banquet afterwards took place , presided over by the

W . M . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed and honoured , the speakers being the Grand Secretary , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke ; Bros . Binckes , Farnfield , Griffiths , and others .

St . Pancras Lodge ( No . 2271 ) . —At the regular meeting of this lodge , which was held on the 6 th inst ., at the Midland Grand Hotel , under the presidency of Bro . John Powdrell , W . M ., the brethren entertained ladies at the banquet which followed the working of the lodge . The brethren who assisted the W . M . in the lodge work were Bros . Henry R . Graham , S . W . ; Robert G . Webster , M . P .,

J . W . ; H . L . Say , Treas . ; W . A . Scurrah , P . M ., Sec . ; H . Longman , S . D . ; W . T . Perry , J . D . ; James Irvine , D . C . ; R . S . Chattey , I . G . ; H . Wilcox - Lawrence , Org . ; Charles Jacob , J . W . Maude , R . Chattey , Arthur H . Scurrah , Alex . Hicks , J . L . Smith , VV . M . Stiles , C . J . Knightley ; and the visitors were Bros . F . C . Lockstone , S 62 and 2264 ; R . T . Pakenham , 704 ; Jno . Smith , P . M .

1744 ; J . P . Fitzgerald , I . P . M . 216 S ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 192 S ; George G . Rice , and William Bradford , S 62 . The W . M . raised to the Third Degree Bro . R . T . Pakenham , 704 , performing his labours in commendable style . Lodge was shortly afterwards closed , and the ( brethr en joined the ladies , of whom the following is a list : Miss Scurrah , Mrs . Knightley , Mrs . Jacob , Mrs . Fischel , Mrs .

Fenn , Mrs . Lawrence , Mrs . Longman , Mrs . Maude , Mrs . Rice , Mrs . Bradford , Mrs . Storr , and Mrs . Lockstone . The banquet of which the brethren and ladies partook was of the choicest description , and was thoroughly enjoyed . Speeches afterwards were made very short , as there was a concert to follow in the drawing room , but the W . M . said

he could not allow some regular toasts to be omitted , even though ladies were present , and the toast of " The Queen " was one especially suited for such company , as the Queen was a Queen par excellence , and when sister Queens came together and joined Masons at the festive board , they must all wish the Queen a happy and long-continued reign . Bro . Scurrah followed with a few well-chosen remarks with

"The Health of the W . M ., " stating that Dr . Powdrell was held in such estimation among his brethren and fellows that all the brethren would rejoice to honour the toast , and would drink it very enthusiastically . Dr . Powdrell had not been a Mason many years , but he had shown himself to be thoroughly in every shape and form a Mason—not outwardly only , but in heart . Many of the brethren knew what he had done in the lodge room that night , and how well he discharged the duties of Master . He had set a

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

good example to others , and he was the forerunner of many good Masters of the St . Pancras Lodge , notably the S . W . and | . W ., who were doing everything they could to emulate the W . M . The J . W ., Bro . Rl G . Webster , had outshone himself that evening in all that he did , and when his turn to be Master came round he would be looked up to with a great deal of pride and esteem . The S . W . would also bea

good worker , and as he would come before Bro . Webster , be would also set a g-ood example , and both would have their health drunk as heartily as Dr . Powdrell would now have his health drunk . The Worshipful Master responded . He entered Masonry , became a founder of the St . Pancras Lodge , and its W . M ., with the view , if possible , of making himself a

perfect Mason . He hoped and believed he had succeeded in doing so , and he trusted that the brethren who were coming after him in the St . Pancras Lodge would take it from him that that position was one of ambition which every Mason should endeavour to attain to—not only attain to , but work in a masterly manner . The brethren who were coming on for the chair were fairing that interest in a

knowledge of Masonry which they ought to take , and would become good officers in Craft Masonry . He thanked them sincerely for drinking his health , especially on an occasion when ladies were present , as he was the first W . M . of the St . Pancras Lodge in whose year a ladies' banquet had been given . It had been one of the most enjoyable meetings o £ the lodge , and he hoped succeeding" Masters would have a

ladies banquet in the course of their respective years . The Worshipful Master next proposed "The Ladies . " In Masonic gatherings brethren did not always have ladies among them . A considerable number of ladies and gentlemen said that Masons a little over-enjoyed themselves , but he did not think the ladies that evening would go away with the feeling that they had not enjoyed themselves , and there

was not one of them who would not come again . What could be done without them ? Masons required them at their homes in various positions in life . He himself knew a great deal about the ladies—a great deal more than many of the brethren did ; he knew them in their social positions , in their sufferings , in their kindness to men , and their attention to them . With that toast he coupled the names of

Bros . Scurrah and Stiles . Bro . Stiles was the first to respond , remarking that he did not think the brethren would have had a very happy evening if the ladies had not been present . He was sorry the ladies had not a better champion than he , but he would say on their behalf that they had enjoyed themselves very much , and heartily appreciated coming among the brethren to see

some of their secrets-. However , they went away somewhat discomfited by not discovering the secrets . They hoped that in future the brethren of St . Pancras Lodge would give them an opportunity of coining again . Bro . Scurrah said he was commissioned by Mrs . Powdrell , Mrs . Knightley , Mrs . Fenn , Miss Fenn , and Mrs . Storr , and Miss Scurrah to express their thanks to the members of the

St . Pancras Lodge for the hearty reception given to them . They had enjoyed themselves at the banquet very much indeed , and they hoped to enjoy themselves much more at the concert . Although they felt there were many things at the banquet which required amendment , yet taking into consideration that this was the first ladies' banquet at this lodge there was not much to find fault with . If they had a

promise that it would be better next time they would come again in February , iSgi . He was sure Bro . Graham , the next W . M ., would do his best to make the next ladies ' banquet a success . The present entertainment gave the Worshipful Master and himself considerable anxiety ; they did not know whether it would turn out a success . The ladies said it had been a success , and what the ladies

said must be right . For "The Visitors , " Bros . Storr and Fenn responded , the latter brother remarking that in a young lodge like this an institution like a ladies' banquet was a thing to be observed and encouraged . In institutions of various kinds ladies were invited once a year to participate in the pleasures of men ; the College of Physicians , the College of Surgeons ,

the Microscopical Society , and other institutions , each had a ladies' night , and it was a great pity it was not an established rule that Masons had a ladies' night . It afforded the brethren great pleasure to see their wives , sisters , or sweethearts enjoying themselves . As the ladies were about to retire he was happy to inform them that the programme of amusement was not over yet , and the brethren would

presently join them at a concert . The ladies then retired . The Worshipful Master afterwards proposed " The Officers , " whom he congratulated on the way they did their work , and thanked them for the support them gave him . Bio . Graham hoped that when he attained to the chair he would do as much credit to it as Bro . Dr . Powdrell . Bro . Webster , J . W ., said that having the possession of

the J . W . column , which was a strong column , he would say a word said at the battles of Poictiers and Cressy , " To those who fight the greater the honour . " Still , the Wardens were very formidable and distinguished Masons . For himself he had thought it his duty , having joined the Masonic body , to do what he could for it . 'This had been his plan in every stage and condition of life . Whatever

was worth doing , was worth doing well . He had in all humility attempted to attend every meeting of the lodge , and he attended all the meetings but one , and at that exceptional meeting some good spirit suggested a ladies' banquet . Some looked at the experiment with doubt and hesitation , but the result had shown there was no justification for fear . He congratulated the lodge on the success of the

venture , and hoped it would be repeated . Bro . Scurrah also replied , and said the last fortnight or three weeks had been a very anxious time for him , for it was a most important experiment , and it was on his suggestion it was made . He thought , however , that he might now congratulate himself . An excellent programme of music was afterwards performed in the drawing room .

Provincial Meetings.

PROVINCIAL MEETINGS .

BATH . Royal Cumberland Lodge ( No . 41 ) . —The installation meeting of this ancient lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on 'Thursday , the 6 th inst ., when there were

present Bros . R . C . Else , D . P . G . M . ; W . B . Gregory , W . M . ; T . Wilton , I . P . M . ; J . G . Wilton , S . W . ; Robinson , J . W . ; Bantem , S . D . ; T . P . Ashley , P . M ., Treas . ; C . W . Radway , P . M ., Sec . ; C . Baldwin , I . G . ; Gardiner and Van Praag , Stewards ; W . F . Gould , W . M .