Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft Masonry .

STRONG MAN LODGE ( No . 45 . )— lhe regular meeting of this lodge took p lace on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., at the Alasons Hall Tavern , Alasons Avenue , Basinghall-street , K . C . The W . AL , Bro . VV . A . S . Humphries , presided , supported by Bros . W . Ball , S . W . ; J . Smith , . W . ; II . Follett , P . M ., Treas . ; H . T . Nell , S . D . ; L . S . Fontaine , J . D . ; F . R . Callow , I . G . ; F . A . Driver ,

M . A ., P . AL , Al . C ; Past Alasters J . G . Defriez , G . G . Symons , J . Vass ; and a goodly muster of brethren and visitors . Amongst the visitors were : Bros . A . Hcald , P . AL 1 G 3 ; C . | . Fox , J . W . 201 ; F . Dewsbury , Al . C . 1599 ; R . Willats , " 1540 ; T . Fletcher , 3- ; and H . J . Dean , 1200 . After the discharge of routine business , Bro . Hodsoll was raised to the Third Degree , and Bros . Stead and Schopfer

to the Second Degree , according to ancient custom by Bro . Humphries . W . AL Thc ballot was taken for Alessrs . lob Henry Smethurst , Henry Richard Willats , and Capt . John Tullock Nash Leibrandt , and proving unanimous in their favour , they were admitted and initiated into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry , the ceremony of initiation being most impressively rendered by

Bro . G . G . Symonds , P . AL , who officiated through the courtesy of the W . AI . Other business matters having been happily disposed of , lodge was duly closed . The brethren sat down to a banquet , which was well served by Bro . S . Wood . The usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were duly honoured and responded to . Bros . Heald ,

Fox , and Willats , responded on behalf of "The Visitors ; " Bro . G . G . Symons for "The Past Masters ; " and Bro . Smith for "The Officers . " Bros . Dean , Hunt , Nell , Upjohn , J esson , Bigg , Heald , and others enhanced the proceedings by their vocal , instrumental , and histrionic abilities . The Tyler ' s toast closed a most enjoyable evening .

VITRUVIAN LODGE ( No . 87 ) . —A meeting of this lodge took place on Wednesday , at the White Hart Hotel , Lambeth . The W . AL , Bro . W . AI . Robinson , presided , and was supported by Bros . Thos . Janeway , S . W . ; VV . Knight , J . W . ; VV . R . Davis , J . D . ; Thos . Alinstrell , LG . ; VV . Stuart , Sec ; VV . Watson , W . S . ; R . Lambourne , A . W . S . ; Past Alasters Skirving , Whiting , Timothy , and

the following visitors and members : Bros . ) . Alason , P . P . G . S . D . ; F . W . Siliis and H . Dickey , Royal Savoy Lodge ; J . B . Harvey , Acacia Lodge ; T . Hearthcr , C . J . Knightly , Royal Savoy Lodge ; E . Chamberlain , R . Goodacre , 11 . Spooner , J . Irving , E . R . Alassey , R . A . Payne , XV . Figes , H . Wright , J . Waterer , E . Woods , jun ., W . II . Lavers , S . E . Holland , W . Dale , E . Hancock , II . B . Quin , XV .

Glover , F . A . Barten , G . Warner , D . Horsnell , J . Hallam , J . Gallards , and others . A raising and initiation was performed , and the lodge was closed in Alasonic form . The brethren adjourned to one of those capital banquets which Bro . R . R . Carrington , the proprietor of the Hotel , knows so well how to supply , and under the genial

presidency of the VV . M . a pleasant evening was spent . The usual loyal and Craft Coasts were given , and the personal and congratulatory toasts , especially that of "The Health of the W . AL , " were drunk with enthusiasm and appropriately responded to . Songs and recitations by several brethren enlivened the proceedings .

KENNINGTON LODGE ( No . 13 S 1 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Horns Tavern , Kennington Park , on the 5 th inst ., when there were present : Bros . W . P . Webb , W . AI . ; Cockburn , S . W . ; Appleton , J . W . ; VV . Alann , P . AL , Treas . ; VV . Stuart , P . AL , Sec ; Stranger , S . D . ; Cooper , J . U . ; Bates , LG . ; Cruse , Al . C ; Aleredyth , W . S . ; Plowman , A . W . S . ; Higgins ,

acting I . P . M . ; Koch , P . M . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Aliddlesex , P . M . ; Kohler , P . M . ; Fritz , Tyler ; Palmer , Stokes , Lingley , Buxton , Allen , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Lingley was raised , Bros . Buxton and Allen passed , and Air . James Lear initiated into Craft mysteries , the whole of the three ceremonies being most ably

performed by the VV . M . Several communications from absent members having been read , the lodge was duly closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the customary toasts were duly honoured . " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . lli"gins , who complimented the VV . M . upon the very

excellent way in which he had carried out the duties of the chair that evening . Thc W . AI . having replied , then gave " The Initiate . " This toast having been drunk with acclamation , Bro . Lear , in his brief response , said that the ceremony that evening had made a deep impression on his mind , and that he should look forward with interest to a further enlightenment in

Freemasonry . "The Health of the Visitors" followed , coupled with the names of Bros . Ayling , VV . M . Hose of Denmark , and Landfield , P . AL St . John ' s . This pledge having been warmly received , Bros . Ayling and Landfield replied . In thc course of ( heir respective replies they paid a high compliment to the W . AI . for his

very efficient working . "The Past Alasters , " coupled with the name of Bro . Higgins , who responded ; " The Treasurer and Secretary , " acknowledged by Bros . Alann and Stuart ; and " The Officers , " replied to b y Bros . Cockburn and Appleton , brought the usual routine of Alasonic ( oasts to a conclusion .

THE GREAT CITY LODGE ( No . 1426 ) .--I'he third meeting for thc session of Ihis lodge was held on Saturday evening , Dec 9 th , at the Cannon-street Hotel . Bros . William F . " Kibble , W . AI . ; Keeble , S . VV . ; Baber , I . W . ; the Rev . R . j . Simpson , P . G . C Chap , of the lodge ; 1 leaden , P . AL Treas . ; Blackie , P . M . Sec . ; J . Steven ::, P . M ., and visitors , A . Baker , 1709 ; Charles J . Fox , 1743 ; and F . H . Cozens , 9 S 7 . The lodge , as usual , met at an early hour in the afternoon , and having been duly opened ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Bro . Blackie , P . M . Sec , read the minutes of thc lastlodge which were c onfirmed . Bro . Ernest S . Donaldson was then admitted to the Sublime Degree of M . M ., the W . AL , acquitting himself for the first time , in rendering the ritual in a most correct manner . A ballot then took place for Ernest Alilton Caslon , who was a candidate for admission , and being unanimous , he was duly initiated into the privileges of ancient Freemasonry . The next business brought

before the lodge was to consider a motion which had been given by Bro . Thomas Hamer , P . AL , and a grant was made on behalf of the widow of a deceased brother of the lodge . The case of another widow was then brought under the consideration of the lodge , and it was agreed to recommend her case to thc Board of Benevolence . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned

to the banqueting room , where a most substantial repast was provided . The viands were good , and the attendance left nothing to be desired . The cloth having been diawn , the W . AL said that the first toast that was given in all assemblies was that of "The Oueen , " who ruled in _ the hearts and affections of the people , and he hoped she might continue to do so for many years to come . The National Anthem was then sung , accompanied by Brc . Cozens on the

pianoforte . The W . AI . said that the next toast he had to propose was that of " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , Alost Worshipful Grand Alaster , " which was a name only to be mentioned but it evoked the heartiest sympathy and approbation . Therefore , without further preface , he should ask them to drink the toast he had proposed ; a request that , it is almost needless to say , was heartily responded to .

Thc W . AL said thc next toast hc had to propose was " The Pro Grand Alaster , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Grand Alaster , the Earl of Lathom ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Simpson , P . G . Chaplain , and their own member and Chaplain of the lodge . It had been well said by their Royal brother , the Duke of Albany , that if the Order of Freemasonry had not been good , it would not

have lasted for so many centuries , and as it was so good , men of all ranks were always ready to take part in the promotion of its welfare . That was the keynote upon which he asked them to drink the health of the Grand Officers and their brother Chaplain , and he looked upon it as a great favour that he had honoured them by being present at the working of the lodge , which he had done at some inconvenience to himself . As it was , they were always glad

to see him , for by his presence he gave additional solemnity to their ceremonies . He asked the brethren to drink enthusiastically the toast he had proposed , coupling with it the name of Bro . Simpson , P . G . Chaplain . Bro . the Rev . R . J . Simpson , P . G . C , in returning thanks , said the W . AI . had fallen into a little inaccuracy in speaking of him as honouring the lodge by being present at its working , and having to return thanks for the Grand

Officers . In being present he had enjoyed a great treat in hearing the two ceremonies—the First and Third Degreesdone in a manner which , in his humble , but rather extended , experience of over thirty-five years , he had never heard those ceremonies performed better , if so well . Such working was a great feather in the cap of The Great City Lodge , so accurate and precise had been the interpretation by the W . AL of the ceremonies , which had struck him , as it must

have done the two brethren who took part in them . As to the Grand Ollicers , he thanked them for the honour they had conferred upon them in drinking their health , and he congratulated them that good and worthy men did their duty in Grand Lodge , and men of whom , in every capacity in whicli they were placed , the brethren need not beashamed . There were nearly 2000 lodges , with a great number of members , and in consequence of the enormous increase of

Alasonry , it possessed not only a great amount of influence in this country , but upon the world at large , when they considered that their lodges were composed of men , not onl y of opulence , but of the great middle class of England ancl the Colonies—men of wisdom , position , and intelligence , and it could not be doubted that Masonry exercised a great influence in religion and the affairs of the State . He was of opinion , therefore , that the few hours allowed for the

meetings of Grand Lodge were not sufficient to allow weighty matters in the great Masonic Parliament to be properly considered , and that some other opportunity should be afforded for considering the important matters to be brought before the Craft ; for if they had not , he feared that , at no very distant period , they would be landed in a very dangerous position , and one not consistent with their Alasonic privileges . When they deducted the time occupied in the

opening of the . Grand Lodge , thc reading of the minutes , and the transaction of other matters , which occupied a considerable period , there remained but little time for the transaction of motions in which many of the brethren are particularly interested . The result \ yould be that they would have members from the metropolis and the provinces , the latter coming up for the purpose of voting for the nonconfirmation of motions , and hefeared they would continually

have a conflict , and a tidal wave might set in which would be very likely to get them into difficulties . After a few observations on a recent motion which was brought forward by Bro . Gabon , which was negatived hy 18 G votes against 182 , lie concluded by asking the brethren to give heed to this state of things , and consider hoiv best a cure could be found for the evil . Bro . Stevens , P . AL , proposed " The Health of the

W . AL , expressing a hope that he might be blessed with long life and prosperity . The toast was cordially responded to . The W . Alaster thanked the brelbren for the kind way in which they had drank the toast of his health , and for the compliment which had been paid him by the Grand Chaplain , and he could assure them he would do everything in his power to merit their approbation during his

year of office . It had been his good fortune during his short period in the chair to have to receive many congratulations , and hc could assure them that there were none he more highly appreciated than his position of VV . Alaster of The Great City Lodge . The W . AL next gave "Thc Visitors , " for which they severally returned thanks , Thc next toast was thai of " The Past Masters of the

Lodge . " After a lew remarks from liro . Slovens , Bvo . lleadon said he wished to make a few remarks 011 tlie recent proceedings of Grand Lodge , and said he entirely endorsed every word that had been uttered by their reverend brother their Chaplain , and he thought it was high time that every

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

lodge throughout the kingdom should give the various matters which come before the Grand Lodge their most serious consideration , for the manner in which they were now brought forward was anything but creditable . He considered that the manner in which matters were conducted there were very unsatisfactory . At the last Grand Lodge Bro . Clabon brought forward a proposition for

raising the subscriptions of metropolitan brethren from 4 s . to 6 s ., and the provincial brethren from 2 s . to 4 s . nominally . Now he looked upon this as a very serious proposition to advance , and he thought they ought to see something and know how the money was expended , lt was a tax upon them for what should be charitable purposes , but he believed that was left to the Board of Benevolence , and

although that Board might be influenced by the best motives , they could not consider it in their lodges , or bad they any opportunity of expressing their opinions except by coming to Grand Lodge , and " the great bulk of the brethren knew nothing whatever about it . He maintained , therefore , that every lodge should have the power of recording its opinion by proxy , and an opportunity given

to those interested in what was to be brought forward , and the privilege of expressing their sentiments upon it . A majority had decided against the increase , but the provincial lodges' could only send their representatives to the Grand Lodge , and each representative was only entitled to one vote , although he might be thc representative of several lodges and a great number of their

members , who were thus deprived of having their opinions properly expressed . Bro . H . Thompson , P . M ., saidhcal > ofullyconcurred inall that had been stated by their reverend and esteemed Bro . Simpson and Bro . Headon , their Treasurer . He agreed with them that the manner in which thc recommendations for grants came up from the Board of Benevolence were very unsatisfactory . There were

propositions brought up recommending grants for upwards of £ 1100 , and no information was given to thc members of Grand Lodge what were the grounds or circumstances upon which those large grants were recommended , and in one case it drew from Bro . Philbrick , Q . C , a Grand Oflicer , a protest against a grant of £ 100 being recommended without any explanation or

reason being assigned why so large a sum should be granted . The members of Grand Lodge ought , at any rate , to have some information why they were called upon to assent to the voting of no less a sum than £ 1100 on one night , or it really seemed something like an act of supererogation why " they should be submitted to the Grand Lodge at all . As to the motion made by Bro . Clabon for

increasing the subscriptions for the metropolitan and provincial lodges , because the Board of Benevolence had been making grants greatly in excess of their income , he believed that Bro . Clabon himself was indirectly the cause of this , for it was only a few years ago that he stated the Board of Benevolence had such a vast amount of capital and excess of unemployed wealth that the time was come

when they should be relieved of some of it that they did not think it necessary to employ , and give a tolerably good round sum of it to the Boys' and Girls' Schools . This proposition was strongly opposed at the time , and by none with greater energy than our late lamented Bro . Stebbing , who warned thc Grand Lodge not to part with any of the money subscribed for a specific purposeas a

, day might come when the old men and women might want it all . The motion was negatived , but immediately afterwards the cue was taken by " the Board of Benevolence , and at once grants were made that had been unheard of before , which have been continued ever since , and the result they now saw in thc Board of Benevolence instead of being in possession of a handsome surplus are now largely in debt ,

and if these grants so went on the accumulated capital would soon be melted away . It therefore behoved the brethren to take these matters into their serious consideration , or the consequences might prove very disastrous indeed . Some other toasts were given , and the evening was spent in complete harmony , to which Bro . Cozens materially contributed by his performances at the pianoforte .

WANDERERS LODGE ( No . 1604 ) . —This lod ^ e , the majority of whose members belong to the profession of arms , met at thc Freemasons' Hall on Tuesday list in strong numbers , and was presided over by their W . AI . Bro . F . Butterworth , who very ably and effectively performed thc ceremonies of initiation and passing , there being five candidates for the former and four for the

latter . The following officers also occupied their respective positions , viz .: Bros . ) . Wade , S . W . ; \ V . Brindley , J . W . ; F . J . Wray , acting LP . M . ; T . Meredith , P . M ., P . Z ., Treas . ; R . Scott , Sec . ; Rev . R . Ha Ipin , Chap . ; J . Gibson , S . D . ; VV . Folsoon , J . D . ; VV . Cleman , I . G ., and performed their duties in a very efficient manner . The occasion was rendered one of unusual interest

from the fact that a special banquet was given for the purpose of welcoming home from Egypt several of the brethren belonging to the Household Troops who had taken part in the recent war . General Brownrigg , Prov . G . M . Surrey , who is an hon . member of the lodge , was also present , but had , unfortunately , to leave early . Among the visitors were Bros , the Rev . R . J . Simpson ,

P . G . Chap ., 10 ; Lewis Ascott , P . AL , 733 ; George J . Dawson , P . AL , 1853 ; R . Chisholm , 34 S ; S . Belville , 407 ; VV . Harper , 554 ; AL A . Lockhart , 74 G ; G . Joci , 1114 ; S . Bruce , 1624 ; J . C . Whiddington , 1827 ; H . Diprose , 1853 , & c . A vote of condolence was passed by the Lodge to the relatives of the late Bro . Brett . At the banquet the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were duly proposed and responded to , that of "The Grand

Ollicers , " by Uro . Simpson , P . G . C , in his usual eloquent and effective manner . In proposing what , on this occasion , might be really termed the toast of lhe evening— " The Brethren on their Return from the Egyptian War "—tlie W . AL made a very touching reference to the sad and premature death of Bvo . Lieut . Brett , the pleasure of whose presence he had , a few days ago , hoped to have had on thc present ' occasion .

Bro Col . the Hon . P . Methuen , C . B ., in responding to the toast , spoke in the highest terms of the character and gallantry of his deceased comrade , who , he considered , had he been spared , would have hail a bright and brilliant future , liefove him . The gallant Colonel also gave the highest possible praise to the bravery , discipline , and endurance of every one connected with the Household Brigade , and in a truly soldierly and manly spirit contented himself by simply saying that he hoped