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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
BIRMINGHAM . —Forward Lodge ( No . 1180 ) —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , New-street , on Monday , the 4 th inst ., to install Bro . VV . F . Tolladay , W . M . elect , and late S . VV . Bro . Wm . Winfield , W . M ., opened the lodge , and the minutes of the previous regular lodge vvere read and confirmed . Bro . the Rev . R . Rigden vvas unanimously balloted for as
a joining member , after vvhich Bro . VV . Gilliver vvas raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The installation ceremony vvas then proceeded with , and the W . M ., in a most clear and impressive manner , installed the W . M . elect into the chair of K . S . The charges to the respective chairs and brethren vvere given by Bros . W . Hillman , P . M ., P . P . G .
Purst .,- Dr . E . T . Burton , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ; and E . P . Cole , P . M . The following officers vvere then appointed and invested : Bros . VV . Winfield , I . P . M . ; VV . J . Meredith , S . W . ; T . H . Simpson , J . VV . ; Rev . R . Rigden , Chap . ; F . Hobday , P . M ., Treas . ; E . A . bmith , Sec ; T . W . Siddaway , S . D . ; J . T . Harcourt , J . D . ; VV . Hillman ,
P . M ., D . C ; T . N . Bladon , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Org . ; VV Price , I . G . j J . M . Daffarn , Steward ; J . Trevett , Tyler ; and E . P . Cole , Charity Steward . The newly-elected W . Master then rose for the purpose of presenting the retiring W . M ., Bro . Winfield , vvith a P . M . 's jewel which the lodge had voted . The W . M . said that Bro . Winfield had done his work well during his year of office , and had now
installed his successor . Thus he had finished his year with credit to himself and honour to the lodge , and retired to the honourable ranks of the P . M . 's . In investing Bro . Winfield vvith the jewel , the W . M . hoped that he vvould be spared many years to wear it . In reply , Bro . Winfield said he felt much gratified by the mark of honour which had been conferred upon him . His work had been a labour of
love , and he vvas pleased to Iea ' rn that he had fulfilled his duties to the satisfaction of the lodge . The W . M . then stated that the report of the Audit Committee was most satisfactory , the Iodge being free from debt . Letters of apology for absence from Bros . Lord Leigh , P . G . M ., and J . T . Collins , D . P . G . M ., were read by the Sec . The W . Master then received the "Hearty good wishes" of the
visiting brethren present . After discussing the excellent banquet vvhich had been provided , the VV . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , vvhich were enthusiastically received . "The Prov . Grand Master , the Right Hon . Lord Leigh , and the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " vvere then proposed by the W . M ., vvho referred to the long
time Lord Leigh had presided over them vvith such credit to himself and honour to the province . Bro . W . Hillman , P . P . G . P ., replied to the toast , and in the course of his remarks said that the Masons of Warwickshire vvere under very considerable obligations to Lord Leigh , and the brethren he appointed from time to time vvere always anxious to keep the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Warwickshire in a high state of efficiency . Bro . F . J . Turley also responded for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Staffordshire . Bto . W . J . Meredith , S . W ., then proposed "The W . Master . " He said it was a pleasing duty vvhich fell to the lot , of the S . VV . in the Forward Lodge to propose that toast , arid it needed very few words to commend it to the brethren ,
especially when the subject was such an excellent friend as Bro . Tolladay . During the time the W . M . had been in the lodge he had carried out his various duties in an able and efficient manner , and he felt sure that the W . M . would be most popular during his year of office . Bro . Meredith asked the brethren to cordially drink to the health of the W . M ., which vvas done with enthusiasm .
The W . M ., in reply , thanked the S . W . and brethren . Since he had been initiated into Freemasonry , it had been his endeavour to render himself capable of filling any office he might be called upon to take ; he vvas an enthusiast in Masonry . Masonry meant to him the embodiment of all manliness , honesty , purity , and loyalty . The prospects of the Forward Lodge seemed to him very
bright and inspiriting , and he trusted that the future would not belie his hopes and expectations , and that no year would close less prosperously than the one just expired . No one could foretell what was in store in the future , whether joy or sorrow ; but , bound together by the union of hearts and hands , he could not doubt but that a wider field of usefulness and a still greater prosperity awaited
them as a Masonic body . In conclusion , the W . M . wished the brethren " A happy nevv Masonic year . " " The Visitors " was then proposed by the VV . M ., and responded to by Bros . W . Tansley , W . M . 925 ; T . Bott , P . M . 1031 ; R . Barber , P . M . 1782 ; R . W . Plummer , 47 5 and Thos . Clulee , J . W . 564 . The last-named brother remarked that he had known Bro . Tolladay a long time ,
and had a very pleasant recollection of a recent visit to the lodge , vvhen he heard the W . M . from the S . W . chair deliver the charge to four initiates , and he was sure that the brethren had put the right man in the right place . The W . M . then proposed "The Installing Master and the Past Masters ot the Forward Lodge . " Bro . Winfield , the retiring W . M ., had always done his work in a
painstaking and creditable manner , and he had completed his year of office with honour to himself . The Past Masters were all good and true Masons , and vvere the backbone ot the lodge . 'They vvere always ready to render any assistance they could , and their advice vvas most valuable . In reply , the Installing Master thanked the VV . M . for the kind manner in vvhich he had proposed the toast , and
promised him all the assistance he could give . Bro . Dr . Burton , P . M ., P . S . G . D ., in an enthusiastic speech on behalf of the Past Masters , said they were very pleased to see the VV . M . in the chair , and he was sure that '" whole of the Past Masters and officers vvould assist the W . M . in carrying out the important duties of his high office .
lhe toast of "The Ofiicers " having been proposed and responded to , the Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a close . Bros . Campion , Turley , Myers , Bradney , Meredith , annpson , and Hitching contributed largely to the musical e ?] oymentof the evening . Bro . P . N . Bladon presided at the
pianoforte . The following sent letters of apology for absence : Bros . P r \ , Y ' - - - » P-G . S . ; Col . Foster Gough , acting & , » •, , ? - - * Co 1 * Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; G . K . mten , J P ., P . P . S . G . W . ; C . Fendelow , Prov . Prior ; J . 7 S J ' . ; Henry Paton , J . P . ; W . B . Williamson , J' - ' -Worcesterj E . O . Smith , Councillor Wm . Brinsley , PM i * ? - ' A - F - Marrillow , P . M . ; L . Wright , c -M- i Jas . Moffatt , P . M ., Prov . G . Charity Steward ;
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
H . Sanderson , P . M . ; VV . Price , P . M . ; A . Green , P . M . ; and several others . The following visitors and brethren vvere amongst those present : Bros . J . Boston , P . M . ; J . Turley , P . M . ; Geo . Dance , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; J . Beattie , P . M ., P . S . W . ; A . F . Marrillow , P . M . ; T . Bott , P . M . ; W . Tansley , W . M . ; R . Barber , P . M . ; C . R . Garnett , P . M . ; J . J .
Simpson , VV . M . ; VV . G . F . Bolton , P . M . ; S . Walleker , P . M . ; G . N . Millward , VV . M . ; H . H . Campion , P . M . ; Jas . Rooker , S . VV . ; VV . Tedmarsh , S . W . ; J . Bradney , S . W . ; L . Gunsell , S . D . ; Thos . Clulee , J . VV . ; G . H . Thomas , G . H . Middleton , C . J . Nicholls , G . A . Daffarn ,
T . C Bigwood , R . Pauling , R . W . Plummer , S . G . Wilkinson , W . H . Butcher , H . A . Clulee , H . Read , J . C Gunsell , J . Morgan , H . Southall , E . Cheshire , H . Auliff , T . W . Dollman , C . Clarke , E . W . Kitching , H . Stephens , C . VV . Grove , W . 1 . Chambers , D . Marks , W . Gilliver , F . Hall , and H . Myers .
YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons ' Hall , St . Saviourgate , on Monday last , vvhen , in the absence of the W . M ., the chair was occupied by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., the following brethren and officers being also present : Bros . VV . B . Dyson , I . P . M . ; J . T . Seller , P . M . ; Wm . Brown , P . M . ; Geo . Balmford ,
P . M . and Treas . ; G . Chapman , S . W . ; G . Lamb , J . W . ; J . H . Shonksmith , | . D . ; W . Lackenby , D . of Cj J . L . Spetch and F . W . Halliwell , Stwds . ; W . S . Child , Org . ; P . Pearson , l . G . ; R . Ware , A . Chapman , A . bellerby , Jas . Smith , R . H . Wisker , G . G . Pook , A . Archer , G . Fletcher , F . McDonald , 660 ; and others . The minutes having been confirmed , Bro . Whytehead
proceeded to give a Masonic address , in vvhich he reviewed the objects and original design of Speculative Masonry and then entered into an inquiry as to whether those objects and designs were conscientiously carried out at the present time , appealing to the brethren to use their utmost endeavours to preserve and elevate the tone of their lodge and of the Craft . Freemasonry , he said , seemed to be
regarded by some brethren as a sort of rescue society . He had heard it urged as an argument for the admission of a member of the outside world that he was not very steady , but that it would "do him good " to be brought under the influence of the Craft . This was utterly wrong , and could lead to nothing but disaster . Freemasonry was intended to be a union of good men for good-fellowship and
usefulness , and if a man vvere not soundly fixed in good principles he vvas not fit to be a Mason . To take an unfit man into the Order vvould do him no good , and would demoralise the lodge that received him into its doors . Other people appeared to imagine that the Craft vvas a benefit society . This was also an error of the gravest and most injurious kind . No Mason or Mason ' s widow had any
claim whatever upon the Crait , and all the great Chanties of the Order , as well as money gilts by the Board of Benevolence vvere purely acts of grace on the part of the Craft . He ( the speaker ) had choked off far moie men from Masonry than he had brought in , and he was glad of it . The world ought to kno . v that Freemasonry was a luxury , and a rather expensive one two , and if this
truth were generally known there vvould be very soon a reduction in the applications for Charity . No one had a right to become a Freemason vvho was living from hand to mouth , and whose death would be the certain prelude to an application for relief from his family . The speaker dwelt on the moral duties of the Order , and especially on that of Charity , which he said did not mean merely giving of alms ,
but that great virtue vvhich comprised all the Christian graces put together as described by the great apostle vvhen he said " the greatest of these is Charity . " A brother , he said , might be a good ritualist , a punctual attender at the lodge , and a pleasant associate at the supper table , but he might be , in spite of all that , a wretched bad Mason in the true sense of the word . On the other hand a genuine
Mason might never have done a ceremony decently in his life , but he might be trusted to be a good husband , a good father , a good brother , a good son , and a good citizen , for his rule ot life vvas to love the Lord his God vvith all his heart and his neighbour as himself . On the motion of Bro . Brown , P . M ., a vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Whytehead for his address .
Bro . Whytehead then presented , on behalf of Bro . J . Lane , of Torquay , a copy of Bro . Hughan ' s latest work ; on behalf of Bro . Simpson , a bound copy of the Aberdeen Masonic Reporter , and , on his own account , a copy of Bro . Kelly's " Fifty Years of Masonic Reminiscences , " and several minor works .
A vote of thanks vvas also passed to Bro . Sir F . Milner , P . M ., for the gift of his portrait which had been presented at the last meeting after Royal Arch Chapter . Two candidates and one joining member vvere proposed , and the lodge was closed , the brethren afterwards meeting at supper . _____
STRATFORD-ON . AVON .-SwanofAvonLodge ( No . 2133 ) . —The installation meeting and banquet in connection vvith the above lodge took place on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., at the Union Club . Although the lodge has been established only three years it has now a membership of over forty , and the activity and zeal of its officers have been the means of giving it a very meritorious position in the
Warwickshire province . During that time a great deal has been effected in the matter of Charity—the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart—and several Liie Governorships to one or other of the Masonic Charities have been secured to the members through the benevolent fund established in connection vvith the lodge . The installation ceremony vvas performed with due solemnity by Bro . C . R .
Garnett , P . P . G . D ., vvho stands in the front rank of Masonry , and who may be designated the father of the Iodge , the new Master being Bro . Joseph Francis Burke , who has taken a warm interest in the prosperity of the lodge , and also rendered active assistance in its formation . 1 here was a large attendance of brethren , amongst those present being Bros . Lord Hertford , P . S . G . W . ; Lord Ernest Seymour , P . P . S . G . W . ; G . H . Fosbroke , P . P . G . P . ;
S . G . Smith , P . M . 2 S 4 ; C . J . Collins , P . M . 74 ; Albert E . Davis , W . M . 567 ; J . M . Masheter , P . M . 567 ; Albert Petter , 187 ; J . E . Hiron , Robert Gibbs , R . M . Bird , P . M . ; W . Linell , 395 ; J . J . Panley , 567 ; Newton Spryce , 194 ; J . Callaway , P . M . ; and others . After the installation the W . M . invested his officers with the insignia of their respective offices . The following are the appointments : Bros . E . Birch , S . W . ; John Smith , J . W . ; A . C .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Pickering , Treas . ; J . S . Cranmer , Sec ; J . Downing , S . D . j T . C . Nevv , J . D . ; C . R . Garnett , D . C . ; C F . Loggin , Std . Br . ; J . H . Caseley , Org . ; W . Horton , Asst . Sec ; G . M . Bird , I . G . ; E . Deer and J . Hill , Stwds . ; R . Lunn , Charity Steward ; and W . Wilmore , Tyler . After the investment , the W . M . proposed a vote of
thanks to Bro . Deer for a very handsome banner he had presented to the lodge , vvhich he regarded as a great vvork of art . The banner is of light blue silk , vvith silver corded border and enrichments , ln the centre , skilfully worked in silk , is the figure of a swan , vvith feathers full set , sailing majestically on the Avon , and in the distance , worked in similar material , is a representation of Holy Trinity
Church , with its pretty surroundings . The name and number of the lodge , the motto " England and St . George , " and the Masonic devices are worked in raised silver cord , and the effect is strikingly picturesque . The whole vvork certainly reflects credit on the lady by whose fair hands it was manipulated . Bro . Deer expressed the pleasure it gave him to make the
presentation , and added that the lady who worked it would be gratified that her skill had been so highly appreciated . Afterwards a handsome P . M . ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , London ) , vvas presented , in graceful terms , to Bro . George Boydon , by the W . M ., and a drawing for a Life Governorship of one of the Masonic Institutions following , this also fell to Bro . Boyden . It may
be stated that the Masonic vvork vvas admirably gone through by all concerned , and that the W . M . commenced his year of office under the most favourable auspices . The installation banquet afterwards took place in thc large room adjoining the lodge . The tables had been profusely decorated vvith beautiful flowers and plants , choice exotics , in exquisite vases , ' being placed in front of the
W . M . A pretty effect was produced by sprigs of ivy being skilfully arranged on the surface of an over-mantel , the reflection enhancing , of course , the richness of the arrangement . This work vvas very kindly undertaken by Mrs . Hill and Miss Callaway , and certainly testified to the taste and skill of these ladies . 'The dinner , a rich , elegant , and varied repast , was provided by the Steward , Bro . Deer ,
whose successful catering has obtained for him quite a reputation among the brethren . The W . M . vvas supported by Bros . Lord Hertford , Lord Earnest Seymour , G . H . Fosbroke , S . G . Smith , F . H . Haynes , P . P . J . G . W ., the Installing Master ; R . M . Bird , VV . Hutchings , R . Gibbs ,
and between 40 and 50 other brethren , most of whom were members of the lodge . The W . M ., in proposing the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , alluded to the proofs they were always having of the interest taken in Freemasonry by the Queen and Prince of VVales .
"The Provincial Grand Officers " vvas submitted by Bro . Callaway , who referred to the active interest taken in Freemasonry by Lord Leigh . Bro . Lord Hertford replied , and remarked that it gave him great pleasure to be present on that occasion , and he hoped the Swan of Avon Lodge vvould go on prospering , as it had done since its commencement . Its growth had been
something astonishing , and vvould certainly secure the attention of the Provincial Grand Lodge . " The Worshipful Master" vvas proposed in suitable terms by Bro . Garnett , vvho referred to the zeal and industry Bro . Burke had exhibited in the various posts he had held , and how richly he deserved the honour which had that day been conferred upon him .
The W . M . responded in felicitous terms , stating that in filling the posts he had occupied he had been actuated by one single desire—the advancement of Masonry and the prosperity of the Swan of Avon Lodge . Now that he had been placed in the highest position he could occupy in the lodge it vvould be his earnest endeavour to zealously discharge his duty and maintain the prestige it had already obtained .
Bro . Haynes , in a speech containing some dashes of humour , proposed " The installing Master , " and said although he was not present at the afternoon ceremony , he vvas sure from what he knew of Bro . Garnett it had been performed in that thoroughly efficient manner vvhich one so skilled in the Crait could infuse . in the work . Bro . Garnett replied in a characteristic speech , and said
that he had the interests of Masonry at heart , and it vvould ever be a pleasure to him to advance those interests . Bro . Lord Ernest Seymour , in appropriate terms , submitted the toast of "The P . M . ' s . " Bro . Boyden , in reply , said the growth of the lodge under the only two Masters it had had vvas quite phenomenal .
' 1 he Visitors" vvas proposed in a capital speech by Bro . VV . Hutchings , who commented upon the fact that Masonry fulfilled a worthy object by cultivating a spirit of friendship and goodwill towards each other . " The Officers of the Lodge " vvas proposed by Bro . Boyden , who congratulated the W . M . on his excellent appointments , and the toast was acknowledged by Bros .
Birch and Cranmer , the Senior Warden and Secretary . Bro . Lord Hertford submitted "The Masonic Charities , " and pointed out that the existence of these Institutions showed that the sole object of Masonry vvas not , as some people imagined , to feast sumptuously . He congratulated the Swan of Avon Lodge on having established a Benevolent Fund , and hoped that other lodges would follow its
example . That vvas a practical way cf showing that Charity came before everything else—that a good dinner was only an incidental affair . The Masonic Charities vvere effecting a great deal of good , and from what he had seen of their working , he could strongly recommend Masons to give them all the support they possibly could . He urged the Swan of Avon Lodge to consider the question of
establishing in connection with it a Mark Lodge , and any assistance he could render them in the matter as the Grand Mark Master ot Warwickshire would afford him very great pleasure . Bro . Lunn felicitously responded , and showed what the lodge was doing in promoting Charity , not only in a monetary tense , but in establishing a kino and generous ieeling towards each other .
The Tyler's toast completed the list , the speeches having been agreeably varied by songs contributed by Bros . Fosbroke , Hay nes , Caseley , Cranmer , 1 £ . Birch , Eaton , and Callaway , the accompaniments being efficiently played by Bro . Caseley .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
BIRMINGHAM . —Forward Lodge ( No . 1180 ) —The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , New-street , on Monday , the 4 th inst ., to install Bro . VV . F . Tolladay , W . M . elect , and late S . VV . Bro . Wm . Winfield , W . M ., opened the lodge , and the minutes of the previous regular lodge vvere read and confirmed . Bro . the Rev . R . Rigden vvas unanimously balloted for as
a joining member , after vvhich Bro . VV . Gilliver vvas raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . The installation ceremony vvas then proceeded with , and the W . M ., in a most clear and impressive manner , installed the W . M . elect into the chair of K . S . The charges to the respective chairs and brethren vvere given by Bros . W . Hillman , P . M ., P . P . G .
Purst .,- Dr . E . T . Burton , P . M ., P . J . G . D . ; and E . P . Cole , P . M . The following officers vvere then appointed and invested : Bros . VV . Winfield , I . P . M . ; VV . J . Meredith , S . W . ; T . H . Simpson , J . VV . ; Rev . R . Rigden , Chap . ; F . Hobday , P . M ., Treas . ; E . A . bmith , Sec ; T . W . Siddaway , S . D . ; J . T . Harcourt , J . D . ; VV . Hillman ,
P . M ., D . C ; T . N . Bladon , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., Org . ; VV Price , I . G . j J . M . Daffarn , Steward ; J . Trevett , Tyler ; and E . P . Cole , Charity Steward . The newly-elected W . Master then rose for the purpose of presenting the retiring W . M ., Bro . Winfield , vvith a P . M . 's jewel which the lodge had voted . The W . M . said that Bro . Winfield had done his work well during his year of office , and had now
installed his successor . Thus he had finished his year with credit to himself and honour to the lodge , and retired to the honourable ranks of the P . M . 's . In investing Bro . Winfield vvith the jewel , the W . M . hoped that he vvould be spared many years to wear it . In reply , Bro . Winfield said he felt much gratified by the mark of honour which had been conferred upon him . His work had been a labour of
love , and he vvas pleased to Iea ' rn that he had fulfilled his duties to the satisfaction of the lodge . The W . M . then stated that the report of the Audit Committee was most satisfactory , the Iodge being free from debt . Letters of apology for absence from Bros . Lord Leigh , P . G . M ., and J . T . Collins , D . P . G . M ., were read by the Sec . The W . Master then received the "Hearty good wishes" of the
visiting brethren present . After discussing the excellent banquet vvhich had been provided , the VV . M . gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , vvhich were enthusiastically received . "The Prov . Grand Master , the Right Hon . Lord Leigh , and the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " vvere then proposed by the W . M ., vvho referred to the long
time Lord Leigh had presided over them vvith such credit to himself and honour to the province . Bro . W . Hillman , P . P . G . P ., replied to the toast , and in the course of his remarks said that the Masons of Warwickshire vvere under very considerable obligations to Lord Leigh , and the brethren he appointed from time to time vvere always anxious to keep the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Warwickshire in a high state of efficiency . Bro . F . J . Turley also responded for the Provincial Grand Lodge of Staffordshire . Bto . W . J . Meredith , S . W ., then proposed "The W . Master . " He said it was a pleasing duty vvhich fell to the lot , of the S . VV . in the Forward Lodge to propose that toast , arid it needed very few words to commend it to the brethren ,
especially when the subject was such an excellent friend as Bro . Tolladay . During the time the W . M . had been in the lodge he had carried out his various duties in an able and efficient manner , and he felt sure that the W . M . would be most popular during his year of office . Bro . Meredith asked the brethren to cordially drink to the health of the W . M ., which vvas done with enthusiasm .
The W . M ., in reply , thanked the S . W . and brethren . Since he had been initiated into Freemasonry , it had been his endeavour to render himself capable of filling any office he might be called upon to take ; he vvas an enthusiast in Masonry . Masonry meant to him the embodiment of all manliness , honesty , purity , and loyalty . The prospects of the Forward Lodge seemed to him very
bright and inspiriting , and he trusted that the future would not belie his hopes and expectations , and that no year would close less prosperously than the one just expired . No one could foretell what was in store in the future , whether joy or sorrow ; but , bound together by the union of hearts and hands , he could not doubt but that a wider field of usefulness and a still greater prosperity awaited
them as a Masonic body . In conclusion , the W . M . wished the brethren " A happy nevv Masonic year . " " The Visitors " was then proposed by the VV . M ., and responded to by Bros . W . Tansley , W . M . 925 ; T . Bott , P . M . 1031 ; R . Barber , P . M . 1782 ; R . W . Plummer , 47 5 and Thos . Clulee , J . W . 564 . The last-named brother remarked that he had known Bro . Tolladay a long time ,
and had a very pleasant recollection of a recent visit to the lodge , vvhen he heard the W . M . from the S . W . chair deliver the charge to four initiates , and he was sure that the brethren had put the right man in the right place . The W . M . then proposed "The Installing Master and the Past Masters ot the Forward Lodge . " Bro . Winfield , the retiring W . M ., had always done his work in a
painstaking and creditable manner , and he had completed his year of office with honour to himself . The Past Masters were all good and true Masons , and vvere the backbone ot the lodge . 'They vvere always ready to render any assistance they could , and their advice vvas most valuable . In reply , the Installing Master thanked the VV . M . for the kind manner in vvhich he had proposed the toast , and
promised him all the assistance he could give . Bro . Dr . Burton , P . M ., P . S . G . D ., in an enthusiastic speech on behalf of the Past Masters , said they were very pleased to see the VV . M . in the chair , and he was sure that '" whole of the Past Masters and officers vvould assist the W . M . in carrying out the important duties of his high office .
lhe toast of "The Ofiicers " having been proposed and responded to , the Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a close . Bros . Campion , Turley , Myers , Bradney , Meredith , annpson , and Hitching contributed largely to the musical e ?] oymentof the evening . Bro . P . N . Bladon presided at the
pianoforte . The following sent letters of apology for absence : Bros . P r \ , Y ' - - - » P-G . S . ; Col . Foster Gough , acting & , » •, , ? - - * Co 1 * Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; G . K . mten , J P ., P . P . S . G . W . ; C . Fendelow , Prov . Prior ; J . 7 S J ' . ; Henry Paton , J . P . ; W . B . Williamson , J' - ' -Worcesterj E . O . Smith , Councillor Wm . Brinsley , PM i * ? - ' A - F - Marrillow , P . M . ; L . Wright , c -M- i Jas . Moffatt , P . M ., Prov . G . Charity Steward ;
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
H . Sanderson , P . M . ; VV . Price , P . M . ; A . Green , P . M . ; and several others . The following visitors and brethren vvere amongst those present : Bros . J . Boston , P . M . ; J . Turley , P . M . ; Geo . Dance , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; J . Beattie , P . M ., P . S . W . ; A . F . Marrillow , P . M . ; T . Bott , P . M . ; W . Tansley , W . M . ; R . Barber , P . M . ; C . R . Garnett , P . M . ; J . J .
Simpson , VV . M . ; VV . G . F . Bolton , P . M . ; S . Walleker , P . M . ; G . N . Millward , VV . M . ; H . H . Campion , P . M . ; Jas . Rooker , S . VV . ; VV . Tedmarsh , S . W . ; J . Bradney , S . W . ; L . Gunsell , S . D . ; Thos . Clulee , J . VV . ; G . H . Thomas , G . H . Middleton , C . J . Nicholls , G . A . Daffarn ,
T . C Bigwood , R . Pauling , R . W . Plummer , S . G . Wilkinson , W . H . Butcher , H . A . Clulee , H . Read , J . C Gunsell , J . Morgan , H . Southall , E . Cheshire , H . Auliff , T . W . Dollman , C . Clarke , E . W . Kitching , H . Stephens , C . VV . Grove , W . 1 . Chambers , D . Marks , W . Gilliver , F . Hall , and H . Myers .
YORK . —Eboracum Lodge ( No . 1611 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held at Freemasons ' Hall , St . Saviourgate , on Monday last , vvhen , in the absence of the W . M ., the chair was occupied by Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., the following brethren and officers being also present : Bros . VV . B . Dyson , I . P . M . ; J . T . Seller , P . M . ; Wm . Brown , P . M . ; Geo . Balmford ,
P . M . and Treas . ; G . Chapman , S . W . ; G . Lamb , J . W . ; J . H . Shonksmith , | . D . ; W . Lackenby , D . of Cj J . L . Spetch and F . W . Halliwell , Stwds . ; W . S . Child , Org . ; P . Pearson , l . G . ; R . Ware , A . Chapman , A . bellerby , Jas . Smith , R . H . Wisker , G . G . Pook , A . Archer , G . Fletcher , F . McDonald , 660 ; and others . The minutes having been confirmed , Bro . Whytehead
proceeded to give a Masonic address , in vvhich he reviewed the objects and original design of Speculative Masonry and then entered into an inquiry as to whether those objects and designs were conscientiously carried out at the present time , appealing to the brethren to use their utmost endeavours to preserve and elevate the tone of their lodge and of the Craft . Freemasonry , he said , seemed to be
regarded by some brethren as a sort of rescue society . He had heard it urged as an argument for the admission of a member of the outside world that he was not very steady , but that it would "do him good " to be brought under the influence of the Craft . This was utterly wrong , and could lead to nothing but disaster . Freemasonry was intended to be a union of good men for good-fellowship and
usefulness , and if a man vvere not soundly fixed in good principles he vvas not fit to be a Mason . To take an unfit man into the Order vvould do him no good , and would demoralise the lodge that received him into its doors . Other people appeared to imagine that the Craft vvas a benefit society . This was also an error of the gravest and most injurious kind . No Mason or Mason ' s widow had any
claim whatever upon the Crait , and all the great Chanties of the Order , as well as money gilts by the Board of Benevolence vvere purely acts of grace on the part of the Craft . He ( the speaker ) had choked off far moie men from Masonry than he had brought in , and he was glad of it . The world ought to kno . v that Freemasonry was a luxury , and a rather expensive one two , and if this
truth were generally known there vvould be very soon a reduction in the applications for Charity . No one had a right to become a Freemason vvho was living from hand to mouth , and whose death would be the certain prelude to an application for relief from his family . The speaker dwelt on the moral duties of the Order , and especially on that of Charity , which he said did not mean merely giving of alms ,
but that great virtue vvhich comprised all the Christian graces put together as described by the great apostle vvhen he said " the greatest of these is Charity . " A brother , he said , might be a good ritualist , a punctual attender at the lodge , and a pleasant associate at the supper table , but he might be , in spite of all that , a wretched bad Mason in the true sense of the word . On the other hand a genuine
Mason might never have done a ceremony decently in his life , but he might be trusted to be a good husband , a good father , a good brother , a good son , and a good citizen , for his rule ot life vvas to love the Lord his God vvith all his heart and his neighbour as himself . On the motion of Bro . Brown , P . M ., a vote of thanks was passed to Bro . Whytehead for his address .
Bro . Whytehead then presented , on behalf of Bro . J . Lane , of Torquay , a copy of Bro . Hughan ' s latest work ; on behalf of Bro . Simpson , a bound copy of the Aberdeen Masonic Reporter , and , on his own account , a copy of Bro . Kelly's " Fifty Years of Masonic Reminiscences , " and several minor works .
A vote of thanks vvas also passed to Bro . Sir F . Milner , P . M ., for the gift of his portrait which had been presented at the last meeting after Royal Arch Chapter . Two candidates and one joining member vvere proposed , and the lodge was closed , the brethren afterwards meeting at supper . _____
STRATFORD-ON . AVON .-SwanofAvonLodge ( No . 2133 ) . —The installation meeting and banquet in connection vvith the above lodge took place on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., at the Union Club . Although the lodge has been established only three years it has now a membership of over forty , and the activity and zeal of its officers have been the means of giving it a very meritorious position in the
Warwickshire province . During that time a great deal has been effected in the matter of Charity—the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart—and several Liie Governorships to one or other of the Masonic Charities have been secured to the members through the benevolent fund established in connection vvith the lodge . The installation ceremony vvas performed with due solemnity by Bro . C . R .
Garnett , P . P . G . D ., vvho stands in the front rank of Masonry , and who may be designated the father of the Iodge , the new Master being Bro . Joseph Francis Burke , who has taken a warm interest in the prosperity of the lodge , and also rendered active assistance in its formation . 1 here was a large attendance of brethren , amongst those present being Bros . Lord Hertford , P . S . G . W . ; Lord Ernest Seymour , P . P . S . G . W . ; G . H . Fosbroke , P . P . G . P . ;
S . G . Smith , P . M . 2 S 4 ; C . J . Collins , P . M . 74 ; Albert E . Davis , W . M . 567 ; J . M . Masheter , P . M . 567 ; Albert Petter , 187 ; J . E . Hiron , Robert Gibbs , R . M . Bird , P . M . ; W . Linell , 395 ; J . J . Panley , 567 ; Newton Spryce , 194 ; J . Callaway , P . M . ; and others . After the installation the W . M . invested his officers with the insignia of their respective offices . The following are the appointments : Bros . E . Birch , S . W . ; John Smith , J . W . ; A . C .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Pickering , Treas . ; J . S . Cranmer , Sec ; J . Downing , S . D . j T . C . Nevv , J . D . ; C . R . Garnett , D . C . ; C F . Loggin , Std . Br . ; J . H . Caseley , Org . ; W . Horton , Asst . Sec ; G . M . Bird , I . G . ; E . Deer and J . Hill , Stwds . ; R . Lunn , Charity Steward ; and W . Wilmore , Tyler . After the investment , the W . M . proposed a vote of
thanks to Bro . Deer for a very handsome banner he had presented to the lodge , vvhich he regarded as a great vvork of art . The banner is of light blue silk , vvith silver corded border and enrichments , ln the centre , skilfully worked in silk , is the figure of a swan , vvith feathers full set , sailing majestically on the Avon , and in the distance , worked in similar material , is a representation of Holy Trinity
Church , with its pretty surroundings . The name and number of the lodge , the motto " England and St . George , " and the Masonic devices are worked in raised silver cord , and the effect is strikingly picturesque . The whole vvork certainly reflects credit on the lady by whose fair hands it was manipulated . Bro . Deer expressed the pleasure it gave him to make the
presentation , and added that the lady who worked it would be gratified that her skill had been so highly appreciated . Afterwards a handsome P . M . ' s jewel ( manufactured by Bro . George Kenning , London ) , vvas presented , in graceful terms , to Bro . George Boydon , by the W . M ., and a drawing for a Life Governorship of one of the Masonic Institutions following , this also fell to Bro . Boyden . It may
be stated that the Masonic vvork vvas admirably gone through by all concerned , and that the W . M . commenced his year of office under the most favourable auspices . The installation banquet afterwards took place in thc large room adjoining the lodge . The tables had been profusely decorated vvith beautiful flowers and plants , choice exotics , in exquisite vases , ' being placed in front of the
W . M . A pretty effect was produced by sprigs of ivy being skilfully arranged on the surface of an over-mantel , the reflection enhancing , of course , the richness of the arrangement . This work vvas very kindly undertaken by Mrs . Hill and Miss Callaway , and certainly testified to the taste and skill of these ladies . 'The dinner , a rich , elegant , and varied repast , was provided by the Steward , Bro . Deer ,
whose successful catering has obtained for him quite a reputation among the brethren . The W . M . vvas supported by Bros . Lord Hertford , Lord Earnest Seymour , G . H . Fosbroke , S . G . Smith , F . H . Haynes , P . P . J . G . W ., the Installing Master ; R . M . Bird , VV . Hutchings , R . Gibbs ,
and between 40 and 50 other brethren , most of whom were members of the lodge . The W . M ., in proposing the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , alluded to the proofs they were always having of the interest taken in Freemasonry by the Queen and Prince of VVales .
"The Provincial Grand Officers " vvas submitted by Bro . Callaway , who referred to the active interest taken in Freemasonry by Lord Leigh . Bro . Lord Hertford replied , and remarked that it gave him great pleasure to be present on that occasion , and he hoped the Swan of Avon Lodge vvould go on prospering , as it had done since its commencement . Its growth had been
something astonishing , and vvould certainly secure the attention of the Provincial Grand Lodge . " The Worshipful Master" vvas proposed in suitable terms by Bro . Garnett , vvho referred to the zeal and industry Bro . Burke had exhibited in the various posts he had held , and how richly he deserved the honour which had that day been conferred upon him .
The W . M . responded in felicitous terms , stating that in filling the posts he had occupied he had been actuated by one single desire—the advancement of Masonry and the prosperity of the Swan of Avon Lodge . Now that he had been placed in the highest position he could occupy in the lodge it vvould be his earnest endeavour to zealously discharge his duty and maintain the prestige it had already obtained .
Bro . Haynes , in a speech containing some dashes of humour , proposed " The installing Master , " and said although he was not present at the afternoon ceremony , he vvas sure from what he knew of Bro . Garnett it had been performed in that thoroughly efficient manner vvhich one so skilled in the Crait could infuse . in the work . Bro . Garnett replied in a characteristic speech , and said
that he had the interests of Masonry at heart , and it vvould ever be a pleasure to him to advance those interests . Bro . Lord Ernest Seymour , in appropriate terms , submitted the toast of "The P . M . ' s . " Bro . Boyden , in reply , said the growth of the lodge under the only two Masters it had had vvas quite phenomenal .
' 1 he Visitors" vvas proposed in a capital speech by Bro . VV . Hutchings , who commented upon the fact that Masonry fulfilled a worthy object by cultivating a spirit of friendship and goodwill towards each other . " The Officers of the Lodge " vvas proposed by Bro . Boyden , who congratulated the W . M . on his excellent appointments , and the toast was acknowledged by Bros .
Birch and Cranmer , the Senior Warden and Secretary . Bro . Lord Hertford submitted "The Masonic Charities , " and pointed out that the existence of these Institutions showed that the sole object of Masonry vvas not , as some people imagined , to feast sumptuously . He congratulated the Swan of Avon Lodge on having established a Benevolent Fund , and hoped that other lodges would follow its
example . That vvas a practical way cf showing that Charity came before everything else—that a good dinner was only an incidental affair . The Masonic Charities vvere effecting a great deal of good , and from what he had seen of their working , he could strongly recommend Masons to give them all the support they possibly could . He urged the Swan of Avon Lodge to consider the question of
establishing in connection with it a Mark Lodge , and any assistance he could render them in the matter as the Grand Mark Master ot Warwickshire would afford him very great pleasure . Bro . Lunn felicitously responded , and showed what the lodge was doing in promoting Charity , not only in a monetary tense , but in establishing a kino and generous ieeling towards each other .
The Tyler's toast completed the list , the speeches having been agreeably varied by songs contributed by Bros . Fosbroke , Hay nes , Caseley , Cranmer , 1 £ . Birch , Eaton , and Callaway , the accompaniments being efficiently played by Bro . Caseley .