Craft Masonry.

the " rbumatish " ( after five years under canvas in the Crimea , South Africa , and other lovely places where a soldier had to go when he was ordered ) had rather crippled his feet . He was pleased to see Bro . Wheatley Master of the lodge . He had known Bro . Wheatley for the last 25 years . He was an excellent ofiicer of the Department , and was the first foreman of the Department that was chosen as President of the Arsenal Foreman's Association ; and he was certain that Bro . Wheatley was fully competent to discharge any service that he might be called upon to perform .

Bro . Dyer said he was the only Master who had passed the chair present . He stood alone in that respect . It put a man upon his metal when he had to stand alone . He was proud to say that during the past year they had had 34 initiates and joining members added to the strength of the lodge , and had i . 140 more in hand than last year . They had good material at hand , and every prospect of a flourishing and prosperous lodije . Bro . Ingle said he was one of the founders of the lodge and had always taken a a great interest in its welfare . He spoke highly of the splendid manner in which the Installing Officer did his work , and felt sure the Iodge would be proud of their W . M . before his year of office was up .

Bro . Murphy , in responding for " The Visitors , " said he looked upon being present as a peculiar honour , as he knew the VV . M . before he or the VV . M . were Masons . He congratulated the brethren upon having such a good Mason to preside ovar them . He hoped the lodge would get on and " thunder away , " for that would b ; indicative of the Ordnance Lodge . Their work and their hospitality were both grand , and he

congratulated the lodge on its officers , the idea striking him that they were determined to support their W . M . They had visitors from every lodge , showing the unity that existed among the lodges of the district , and he felt sure they would all unite in wishing the lodge every prosperity and the Master a happy year of office . Bros . Lait , Hill , Long , and Bennett also responded .

The singers were Miss Clara Pierce , Miss Jessie Phillips , and Bros . Walford , Conyers , and Fowler . Bro . Furlong presided at the piano .

Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 . PRESENTATION TO BRO . J . WELFORD , P . M ., TREAS ., GRAND STANDARD BEARER . The last meeting of this lodge , held at the Frascati Restaurant , proved unusually interesting , owing to the presentation of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter clothing to the Treasurer , Bro . Welford . The members present included Bros . E . Rogers , P . G . Stwd , W . M . j VV . Thomas , I . P . M . ; B . Carter , S . W . ; VV . H . Making , P . M .,

J . W . j J . Welford , P . M ., G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; VV . H . Bailey , P . G . Treas .,- W . A . Grosutt , J . Stephens , P . D . G . D . C , Sec ; VV . H . G . Rudderforth , P . M . ; VV . J . Batho , P . M . ; B . A . Griffin , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . VV . Martin , P . A . G . P . j H . L . Cooke , 209 S ; W . C . Tebbit , P . M . 2045 ; W . Parks , 170 S ; E . C . Holland , I . G . 3 ; H . Chaplin , I . P . M . 2545 j G . V . Wood , P . M . lfioS ; C . P . Murliss , 2742 ; R . Cope , 2361 j F . Wildash , 1 S 1 S ; G . IT . Cantle , P . M . 153 S j Stephen Hall , E . IT . Baker ,- and W . W . Lee , P . P . G . D . Middx .

Lodge was opened , minutes confirmed , and several candidates were impressively initiated . The principal business of the evening was introduced by Bro . Stephens , P . M ., Sec , who said they would all be proud to know that they had another Grand Officer amongst their members . In theic lodge they all delighted in the success associated with the different members , whether it be in commercial , private , or social life . They , therefore , rejoiced in Bro . Welford ' s promotion to Grand Office . Bro . Welford had been a Mason for 30 years , was Treasurer of his mother lodge for 20 years , and had been the energetic

and successful 1 reasurer of the Fellowship Lodge since its consecration . It was always a great pleasure to know that one so worthy had been selected for preferment , and they remembered with gratitude that , as Treasurer , he had husbanded their funds , and led them to financial success . Knowing the great regard in which Bro . Welford was held by the members , he ( Bro . Stephens ) had no hesitation in proposing that the lodge should present him with the insignia of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter . It was with considerable pride and pleasure that he made the proposition , for the appointment was a

compliment reflected upon the lodge . In the brief existence of four-and-half years thelodge had had five Grand Officers associated with it . It showed the high estimation in which the lodge was held , and they congratulated the Treasurer in contributing in such a marked manner to its success . Bro . W . H . Bailey , P . G . Treas ., said it was a sincere pleasure to second the proposition . He recognised with pride that they had five Grand Ofiicers in the lodge and hoped in an ) ther year to see one more added . Theloige had set an example by its magnificent work , and they were anxious to carry out that most

excellent precept of quality and not quantity . They were happy to see their Treasurer in his new capacity , and hoped he would have health and strength for miny years to weir the clothing of Grand Ollice . It is almost needless to say the proposition was carried by acclamation and the Secretary , with that intuitive foresight in anticipating the wishes ofthe members , which is one of his principal characteristics , announced that he had the insigna in the 100 m ready for presentation . The W . M ., in a few graceful terms , then made the presentation of complete sets of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter regalia with

accompanying jewels . The inscription on the latter reads : "Presented to VV . Bro . John Welford on his appointment as G . Std . Br . in United Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter of England , tog ' ether with the regalia of the offices by the brethren of the Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 , as a mark of their affection and esteem as their first Treasurer , and under whose financial control the lodge has been so remarkably prosperous . May Day , 1 S 99 . " Bro . John Welford , G . Std . Br ., said if there was a

moment in his life when he should feel happy it was now , to feel he had won their good opinions and their generous gift . Their kind words had gone deeply to his heart . He should never forget this May Day . It would be a great pleasure to represent their lods-je in the Grand Lodge which they all looked up to . He could only repeat that he thanked them and that he hoped in the future , as in the past , to do all he possibly could for the lodge .

Lodge was closed , and the banquet was followed by the several toasts , one item for congratulation in the speeches being thc fact that the charitable work of the lodge , which had been of a record nature in the past , was being continued by the present W . M ., whose list as Steward for the Girls' School amounted to 450 guineas . Bros . ) . Welford , G . Std . Br ., and W . Martin , P . A . G . P ., briefly replied for " The Grand Oflicers . " Bro . W . Thomas , LP . M ., in well-chosen terms , proposed "The Health of the VV . Master , " and expressed the hope that the W . M . ' s list , which was in conjunction with Bro . Sir J . Monckton , would reach 500 guineas .

The W . M ., in response , said he would undertake that the list should reach the sum named .

Bros . Walter and Ferguson replied for " The Initiates . " Bros . Minton , Greenwood , and Murliss acknowledged "The Visitors . " "The Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary" was next giv ; n , th ; VV .. VL hiving a kindly and appreciative word for each in turn . He expressed regret that Bro . Briley had been obliged to leave , also that Bro . Valeriani , owing to ill-health , h id been oi . 'iged to resign active membership . Last , but not least , Bros . Welford and Stephens received the meed of praise which was due for their invaluable services to the lodge . " The Oflicers" was given before the proceedings terminated . Miss Ethel Winn , Miss Emily Foxcroft , and Bros . Stubbs and Tebbutt rendered an excellent selection of music .

Craft Masonry.

Alleyn Lodge , No . 2647 . An emergency meeting of this lodge was held at the Crown and Greyhound Hotel , Dulwich , on Saturday , the 6 th inst ., when there were present Bros . J . Joel , W . M . ; W . H . Stone , S . W . j T . C . Stanley , J . VV . ; C . J . Axford , Treas . j C . H . Phillips , Sec . ; F . J . Henley , S . D . ; E . J . Scott , J . D . ; R . Omash , I . G . ; Mitchell , Tyler ; G . VV . Capel , P . M . ; W . Stevens , P . M . ; H . Harwood , T . Terry , IT . F . Wvatt , C . Letchmere , VV . P . Chapman , F . J . Ritson . A . Adams , A . Brown , and N . VV . Buis .

Visitors : Bros . VV . Boyce , P . M . 30 ; A . E . Kipps , J . W . 1275 j and C . Crowther , 230 S . The lodge was opened in due form . Letters of apology for inability to attend were announced as having been received from a great many brethren . TheW . M . read the notice summoning the meeting . The ballot was taken for Messrs . J . VV , Harrison and W . T . Meredith and , proving unanimous in their favour , they were duly elected . Mr . Alfred Adams , balloted for at the last regular meeting , being in attendance , was duly initiated into the privileges of the Order by the W . M . in a most

impressive manner . Bros . Thos . Terry and IT . F . Wyatt were subsequently passed to theDegieeof F . C , the W . M . performed the portions of the ceremony which appertains to the chair in a manner which elicited the heartiest commendation of all the brethren present , while his officers performed their duties with admirable efficiency . The W . M . then presented to Bro . C * J . Axford a wedding present , the gift of the members , addressing the lodge as follows : " Brethren , we will now proceed to a very important item on the summons , that is , to present to our highly esteemed

Bro . Axford , P . Prov . G . Director of Ceremonies Middx ., a wedding present , in token of the respect and affection with which we all regard him . The late Sir Francis Burdett , Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , selected Bro . Axford some 15 years ago for Provincial Grand honours j since that time he has devoted his best energies to the interests of the Craft , especially in coaching young Masons an-i preparing them for the different offices to which in due course they would be elected . Personally , I have to thank him for many valuable hints in working our beautiful ceremonies . Bro . Axford

first conceived the idea of founding this Iodge , and has brought it to maturity . He was the first Master , and has also introduced the largest number of initiates . I am sure that all the brethren who know him will testify that 1 am not using too flittering ter ms when I describe him as " a Mason of the highest class , a gentleman in deameanour , courteous in address , and kindly in disposition . " Bro . Axford , I have peculiar pleasure ,

and esteem it a very great honour , in being Master for this year , with such a privilege , in asking you to accept from us this token of our high appreciation of your truly Masonic excellence . We have selected this present that your good wife miy also participate , and we trust that the Most High may preserve you both to use these articles for -many years to come . The lodge was then closed .

A banquet was served after business by Hro . W . P . Chapman , and during a most enjoyable two hours' board gathering a capital musical entertainment was given . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to . The proceedings were greatly enhanced by the excellent singing of Bros . Adams , Omash , and Crowther . Bro . A . E . Kipps , 1275 , ably presided at the piano .

Rahere Lodge , No . 2546 . An ordinary meeting of the above lodge was held at the Frascati Restaurant on the 9 th instant , Bro . T . G . A . Burns , W . M ., in the chair . Bros . Tucker , Lewis and Kennedy were raised to the T hird Degree , Bro . Stack was passed to the Second Degree , and Mr . C . J . Heath was initiated . Bro . R . J . Reece , M . D ., was elected

w . M . tor the ensuing year , liro . Uoelson was re-elected treasurer , and Bro . Madden was re-elected Tyler . It was decided that for the present no steps should be taken to found a Royal Arch chapter in connection with the lodge . Forty brethren afterwards dined together , and during the evening a wedding present , subscribed for by some members of the lodge , was presented to Bro . Burns .

Tilbury Lodge , No . 2006 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 13 th inst ., at the Tilbury Hotel , Tilburjj , Essex . Bro . Plumer C . Walker was installed Master for the second time , he having previously occupied the chair in 1895 , but only served n months . Bros . A . 1 . Brickwell was appointed S . VV . ; Ryon , I . W .: Dudgeon , P . M .,

Treas . ; Bruton , P . M ., Sec . ; Wayman Martin , S . l ) . ; Long , P . M ., J . D . ; and J . R . Hill , VV . M . 157 , I . G . A most successful meeting was enjiyed by all the brethren , including three Grand Officers , liros . T . Railing , A . Lucking , and VV . J . Crump ; the latter performed the installation ceremony . This lodge is the entertaining lodge of the Provincial Grand Lodge this year , and the meeting will take place at Tilbury on July 2 G .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

Fidelity Chapter , No . 3 . The last meeting of the season of this chapter was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Oueen-street , on the 5 th instant . Among those present were Comps . H . J . Lardner , 1 ~ Z . 1745 , P . P . G . Std . Br ., M . E . Z , ; Lieut .-Col . VV . Hart , IT . ; H . Nash , J . j W . J . Cohens , P . Z ., P . P . G . S . N ., S . E . ; VV . Radcliffe , P . Z ., acting P . S . ; Cooper , 2 nd A . S . ; Weeks , P . Z . ; Major T . C . Walls , P . Z ., P . D . G . D . C ; and Cordwell , P . Z . ( H . M . ) Among the visitors were Comps . E . S . Lardner , P . Z ., and T . Simpson , P . Z .

T hc minutes of the last convocation were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken on behalf of Bro . John Bryant , 1772 , and it being unanimous , he was duly exalted in a most impressive manner . The sum of 10 guineas was voted unanimously to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Apologies for non-attendance were received from Comps . J . Heming , P . Z ., Treas . j F . Graves , P . Z . ; F . McDougal , P . Z . j Stevens , P . Z . ; Mapleton , l . P . Z . ; and olhers . The chapter was then closed . A banquet followed . Comp . Weeks , P . Z ., after the customary toasts hid b : en duly honoured , subnitted

" The Health of the M . E . Z . " In the course of his remirks he said that but tew words of his were necessary to make the toast a bumper one . Comp . Lardner ' s work and worth were not only well known to the members of the old Fidelity Chapter , but to all companions and brethren in the broad area of Metropolitan Masonry . He ( Comp Weeks ) felt confident that the M . E . Z ., apart from his services as a Mason was highly

and deservedly popular in other walks of life . This toast being very warmly received , the M . E . Z . briefly replied . The toast of " The II . and J . " followed . The M . E . Z . spoke highly of the work of Comps . Hirt and Nrsh . With regard to the latter companion , he was glad to hear that his health was improving . The proposer of the last toast had spoken of the importance of th » work of a I'irst Principal , but it

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