Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

The Immediate Past Master , thanking the W . M . and brethren for the heartiness with which the toast of his health had been received , could only reiterate his appreciation of their kindly feeling and cordial support . In giving " The Health of the Installing Master , " the Worshipful Master observed that it is frequently asserted that Past Masters are , after all , but little use in a lodge ,

yet what they had witnessed that evening showed how valuable was the aid of a Past Master , and vvith what sterling ability they performed their duties when called upon . Bro . Bloomfield replied in a characteristic speech . Bro . N . Moss spoke in response to " The Prosperity of the Benevolent Fund , " and showed that during the past year calls to the amount of £ 150 had been met , leaving a

balance of £ 790 ; and also mentioned that the initiates had given a donation of £ 1 is . each towards the fund . The remaining toasts were then briefly given and replied to . It should be mentioned that before proceeding to refreshment a handsome gold P . M . ' s jewel was presented to the retiring Master , and several intimate friends , members of

the lodge , escorted Bro . Staley to an adjoining room , and there presented him with a silver service , consisting of five pieces , claret jug , teapot , & c ., of a quaint Queen Anne pattern , upon each of which appeared engraved his monogram , and upon one also an inscription of the sentiments of esteem and regard felt for the reci p ient by the donors . Bro . Staley with considerable emotion said : Brethren , I

feel at a loss for suitable words adequately to express my feelings at this unexpected mark of your goodwill and regard . I can assure you what little I have done for the benefit of _ the lodge has been an easy task , for the kindly and unfailing support always so willingly extended to me inspired me with thc confidence that should I in any respect be so unfortunate as to fail , a strong

arm will be ready to help and support , and prevent my feeling . I thank you most heartily for this very handsome token of your friendship ; it will ever remind me of the happy period of my Mastership of the Lodge of Tranquillity and the affectionate friends that surrounded me , with the profoundest gratification . I trust we may be spared for many years to work hand in hand to promote

its best interests and to further the grand principles of brotherly love and truth . The presentation was made by Bro . John Ross , on behalf of a few brethen . The P . Ms , present were Bros . J . Ross , R . Z . Bloomfield , J . Croker , S . Moss , N . Moss , Defries , Bush , Harficld , and Sydney E . Gottheil . The visitors were H . Aaron , VV . M . 1668 } I . M . Gartley , W . M . 205 ; G . VV . Beam , W . M . 188 ; VV . M . Benjamin , VV . M . 1017 ; A . T . Leach ,

VV . M . 749 ; A . J . R . Trendle , P . M . 29 ; A . J . Phillips , P . M . 205 ; J . Da Silva , P . M . 205 ; J . P . Benjamin , P . M . 18 S ; J . Myers , P . M . iSS ; Garten , J . VV . 105 ; Martin , S . VV . 212 ; Hatfield , S . D . 1320 ; Nathan , 599 ; Haines , 205 ; Lichtcnfeld , 205 ; Myers , 30 } Brand , 73 ; Hills , JSS : Lazarus , late , of Tranquillity ; E . Willis , 1305 ; Fox , 749 ; Chandler , 740 ; Hewlett , 193 ; and a number of others . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . Harry Tipper .

FRIENDSHIP LODGE ( No . 206 ) . —A meeting was held on Thursday , the 14 th inst ., at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street , E . C , when there present Bros . Chas . T . Scrivener , VV . M . ; ] . Anderson , S . VV . j W . Gowland , J . W . 1 S . Gamman , Treas . ; A . Ramsey , Sec . ; VV .

Arbcr . J . D . ; Rooney , I . G . ; Wiggins , P . M . ; Collier , P . M . ; E . Squirrel , P . M . ; N . , Barrett , A . Jacobs , E . J . Gillespie , and Spencer , 1597 , a visitor . The lodge having been opened , the passing of Bro . Gillespie was performed , and this being the only business of thc meeting the lodge was closed .

ST . ANDREWS LODGE ( No . 231 ) . —Presentation to Bro . John Messent , P . G . S . B . —An unusually interesting meeting of the members of the above lodge took place at the Freemasons' Hall on Thursday , the 7 th inst ., when the ceremony of the installation of the W . M . was performed for thc twenty-fifth consecutive time b y Bro . John Messent , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., and occasion taken of the resignation of that brother from the office of Treaci <» r M . 11 .-n th * ka ' c t , » lrl fnr- th * nacf try u » re t /\ rtr * Bmnr d f fwi

, . JM . W ., .. a ...... > . w > .. » ..., . aw . »» w . M .. > aw JVHI . * .... * him with an illuminated address . About too brethren assembled , amongst whom were the following : Bros . Sir John B . Monckton , President Board of General Purposes ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; Peter de Lande Long , P . G . D . ; Col . J . Peters , G . Swd . Br . ; J . Messent , P . G . S . B . ; Edgar Bowyer , G . Std . Br . ; W . Ganz , P . G . O . ; Major-General Barnett Ford , P . G . D . Bengal ; John . Toplis , P . M . 47 ,

P . G . Std . Br . ; Geo . Chapman , P . M . 47 ; H . Vickers , S . W . 47 ; Col . Harrington Trevelyan , P . M . 5 63 i K . P . Freeman , P . G . S . Sussex ; Henry Alcock , 162 ; Henry Parker , P . P . G . O . Middx . ; Francis Webb ; Henncker Ranee , 859 ; G . Ford , 271 , P . G . R . Sussex ; VV . E . Ransford , P . M . ;| F . Kirk , P . M . 503 , P . P . G . D . C . Kent ; W . W . Humfrev . P . M . c-ifi . T . Olrfir . I . P . M . 1287 : I . Bovd .

P . M . 173 ; T . Yeo , VV . M . 705 ; W . Meybricfc , VV . M . elect ; Bayley Mason , LP . M . ; Dr . J . H . Paul , P . M . ; Alfred Richards , P . M . ; W . Sutton , P . M . 21 ; Robbins , P . M . ; Bridcr , P . M . ; E . Roger Cutler , P . M . ; Calkin Lewis , P . M . ; Weston , P . M . ; Gregson , P . M . ; Edwards , P . M . ; C . D . Hoblyn , P . M . ; W . Chubb , P . M ., * R . Kyrle , S . W . ; G . Bishop , J . W . ; C . Harding ,

P . M . ; Henry Cutler , Hon . Sec . ; S . Parker Dixon , S . D . ; F . Strobcll Boully , J . D . ; Fletcher Berch , LG . ; R . Smith , W . J . Nutting , F . J . Bailey , G . Miller , H . J . Price , S . A . Walker , St . Leonard Chubb , J . Lee , W . Sherwood , C . J . Percival , W . T . Pugh , W . Giffard Devey , and others . Letters of regret at their absence were read from Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke , G . Sec , and several

other brethren . * . The lodge being opened according to ancient form and the usual ordinary business disposed of , the VV . M ., Bro . Bayley Mason , rose and said : Bro . P . M . Messent , I have now to perform one of the most pleasant duties that has devolved upon me during my year of office . It is a very great satisfaction to me to be made the mouthpiece of the lodge on this occasion , one of the most gratifying that has

occurred during its long existence . The lodge has on more than one occasion g iven substantial testimony of its appreciation of the good " suit of service" you have rendered during the long period of 20 years that you have so admirably filled the office of Hon . Treasurer with such tact , judgment , and . courtesy , and during which time you have shed a lustre on our lodge and risen to the first rank in Freemasonry . I have now , Bro . Messent , to ask your acceptance of this scroll . Intrinsically , perhaps , not of so

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

much value as other gifts you have received , but to your naturally poetic temperament it is in a form that vvill be pleasing to you , for as our poet has said " Thanks to men of noble minds is honourable meed . " Sir , you have "honourable meed , " for you have the thanks of the whole lodge , and if one thing more than another can enhance the value of this testimonial it is the fact of its being perfectly unanimous and bearing the signatures of every

brother in the lodge , and one , which you yourself , sir , your friends and those near and dear to you can always look upon with just pride and satisfaction . Personall y I have to thank you for your kind assistance and consideration during my year of office and to recapitulate the kind expressions conveyed on this scroll , for " kind words can never die , " that is my philosophy ; so with every kind wish , the respect , esteem , and I may add the affection of the entire lodge I

beg your acceptance of the testimonial . The testimonial , which is perhaps one of the most elaborate ever produced , is renaissance in style and composed of a grandly designed groundwork of gold , upon which is displayed various figures emblematic of Masonry and holding shields charged with emblems all in their proper colours ; there is also a profusion of roses of various hues and thistles displayed and brought in between the scrolls ,

giving a massive yet elegant appearance . In the top centre points is a richly designed niche wherein stands the figure ' of St . Andrew , being the patron saint of the lodge ; in the bottom centre point is a circular shield of silver , upon which is placed the crest of Bro . Messent ; thc background of the design is filled in in chocolate colours giving a fine artistic effect . The writing is in gothic letters , with rich illuminated capitals in which Masonic emblems are

introduced . After the presentation of the testimonial , which was made in due form , Bro . Messent , P . G . S . B ., amid much applause , responded , and said : It will not surprise you , brethren , if I find myself somewhat wanting in words to express my feelings to you to-night . The subject I have to speak on is not , in one sense , a good _ one , and besides 1 have been thc recipient of so many kindnesses and

compliments at your hands that it cannot be wondered at , I am sure , if , on the placing of this thc coping stone on the structure of your fraternal affection and good fellowship , 1 find my stock of thanks limited . Still , in the most grateful way I say brethren , I thank you . I shall always look upon this elegent present as I have on ' others , and value it , as I have others , not on account of their intrinsic value , which has been great , but as symbolic of the kind and

fraternal affection which for over a quarter of a century has existed between myself and the members of the St . Andrew Lodge . 1 was initiated in the lodge in the year 1855 . I had the honour to be J . VV . in 1857 , S . VV . in 1858 , VV . M . in 1859 , and Treasurer in 1864—a post I have held for 20 years . Since I left the chair , in 1859 , I have installed every Master who has occupied it , a lact which I feel to be entirely due to the forbearance and

kindness of the various brethren who have presided over the lodge , who did not like to wrest from me an honour which they could have borne as well if not better than 1 . And amongst the many kindnesses you have bestowed on me I cannot forget that you were good enough in the year 1876 to depute me , on the centenary meeting of our dear old lodge , to deliver the centenary address . The history of our lodge for the past

100 years I imperfectly tried to lay before you . and I now sincerely hope the lodge may exist until another and many other centenaries have passed , and that brethren of zeal and ability will be found to recount its history . And now , brethren , I wish to put it beyond a doubt that I seek to be released from my duties as Treasurer of the St . Andrew's Lodge , from no desire to shirk work , and still less because I have the slightest lessening interest in the

lodge . Oflice in the St . Andrew ' s Lodge is an honour which I have enjoyed , I think I might say usurped , too long , and so I wish to hand it over to a successor . I am g lad indeed that that successor should be my old friend and worthy Bro . Major Charles Harding , P . M ., with whom 1 have been associated professionally and Masonically for very many years , and who you will see is to nave thc honour , and a

most distinguished one it is , of proposing the re-election of our beloved Grand Master , H . R . H . thc Prince of Wales , at next Grand Lodge . In concluding my most imperfect remarks I beg to thank all the brethren whose united efforts have produced the elegant present you have been so good as to offer me this evening . I refrain from mentioning the names of any lest 1 should omit one , and I conclude by wishing the brethren every possible blessing and the lodge all prosperity . I hope to remain a member

of the lodge for many years and to do my share to ensure both . The ceremony of installing the W . M ., Bro . Michael Maybrick , was performed by Bro . John Messent , P . G . S . B . The ceremony being concluded , Bro . Hoblyn , P . M ., reminded the lod ge that during the vacation the brethren had presented their esteemed Hon . Secretary with a testimonial consisting of a silver salver with suitable inscription

and a diamond ring . On account of the vacation this presentation was made out of lodge , and hc now begged to move "That this lodge desires to express its best sympathy with an entire approval of the action taken by tne brethren in presenting to Bro . Cutler a testimonial which this lodge considers is but a just tribute to one who has served the lodge long , faithfully , and well , and has by his kindness and urbanity so endeared himself to its

members . The motion was recorded by Major C . Harding and unanimously carried and suitably acknowledged by Bro . Cutler . Other matters were disposed of and thc brethren adjourned to a banquet prepared in their best style by Bros . Spiers and Pond . The W . M ., Bro . Maybrick , presided , and the usual toasts were given and responded to ; that of "The Grand

Ollicers" by Bros . Sir John Monckton , Pres . B . G . P ., and Frank Richardson , P . G . D . ; and that of " The Visitors " by Bro . Gerard Ford , P . G . R . Sussex , and Bro . Geo . Chapman , P . M . of the Newstead Lodge , Nottingham . An excellent selection of music was performed , under the direction of Bro . Parker , P . P . G . O . Middx ., and the proceedings , which had been of an unusually interesting and enjoyable character , did not terminate until a late hour .

PANMURE LODGE ( No . 715 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 16 th inst ., at the Cannon-street Hotel , when there were present Bros . VV . H . Seymour Cutler , W . M . ; Herbert Cuff , S . W . ; E . Anderson , jun ., J . W . ; H . Birdseye , P . M ., Sec ;

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

J . E . U . Green , S . D . ; E . Richardson , I . G . ; Crossfield , P . M . ; W . Birdseye , P . M . ; Zivinger , P . M . ; Jonas , P . M . ; Cope , P . M . ; and M . Bennett . Visitors : Bros . Jarvis , W . M . 14 , G . S . ; Orchard , P . M . 19 S ; Barnett , VV . M . 1673 ; George Kenning , P . M . 192 , 1657 , P . G . D . Middx . ; Hawkins , P . M . 16 93 ; Pirie , P . M . Star of Burmah ; Head , Joy , Carnell , Mann , Upfield Green , and - - « -

D'Arcy . The lodge being opened and the minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed , Bro . VV . II . Seymour Cutler proceeded to install his successor , Bro . H . Cuff , into the chair of K . S ., which he did in a masterly and eloquent manner . The following officers were then invested with collars of office : Bros . Anderson , S . W . ; Green , J . VV . ; Bennett , S . D . ; and Richardson , I . G . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Cutler on his retiring

from the chair , after which the lodge was closed in due form , and the brethren adjourned to dinner , under the chairmanship of the new VV . M ., Bro . Herbert Cuff , who gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , and the enjoyment of the evening vvas considerably enhanced with some excellent music and recitations from Bros . Jarvis , Hawkins , and other brethren . Bro . Richardson will represent the lodge at thc next festival of the Girls' School .

CITY OF LONDON LODGE ( No . 901 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the iSth inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C . Present : Bros . David Hughes , VV . M . ; McClelland , S . VV . ; E . Harris , I . W . ; John Hughes , I . P . M . ; C . Beaumont , P . M ., Sec ; Henry Harbord , S . D . ; Daniel Hughes , J . D . ; R , Clinch , D . C ; R . Pittam Stevens , I . G . ; R . F . VVhur , VV .

Stwd . ; J . Woodstock , Tyler ; Gillard , Haylock , and Hoddinott , Stwds . ; VV . Lew ' s , P . M . ; G . A . Cundy , P . M . ; Dance , P . M . ; Derry , 'lorry , Gross , Barwell , Vcnner , Ross , Chivers , Bater , Barwell , Chamberlain , Taylor , Watkins , Rubardt , Whitnall , Harden , G . Smith , Parker , Vears , Diamond and Fimster .

The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . Glanvillc and Ross were passed to thc Second Degree . Thc lodge unanimously voted 20 guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , to be placed on the W . M . ' s list as Steward . The brethren then adjourned to supper , where the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given in able form by the VV . M .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE ( No . 1614 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held at the Ciiterion , Piccadilly , on the 12 th inst ., and was well attended , there being present Bros . G . Coleman , W . M . 5 E . J acobs , P . Nf . and Treas ., acting S . VV . ; G . Ralph , acting J . VV . ; VV . Bourne , Sec ; T . A . Dickson , S . D . ; B . Solomons , J . D . ; Bassctt , D . C : John Figgiss , I . G . ; S . lacobs , P . M ., W . S .: G .

Reynolds , A . W . S . ; VV . A . Gulliford , LP . M . ; C . Kedgcley , P . M .: G . A . Holditch , Z . Mordccai , E . Ralph J . W . Woodward , Frank Gulliford , S . Hewett , G . H . Reynolds , C J . Shannon , J . Mayo , VV . F . Thorpe , VV . Unvvin , Thos . Snow , James Woodward , VV . S . Ralph , VV . VV . Cousins , Thos . A . 'Thompson , Turner Wilson , H . Isaacs , G . C . Howard , A . Isaacs , VV . C . C . Essex , and lames Bellamy .

Visitors : Bros . VV . C . Smith , 1563 ; VV . Fowles , 1348 ; f . Mordecai , 1248 ; J . Cox , P . M . 190 ; E . Withers , 795 j H . Hyams , 134 S ; E . Solomon , 1997 ; and J . Cruttcndcn , 779 . The VV . M . opened the lodge and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . J . Mayo , S . Hewett , Frank Gulliford , G . H . Reynolds , G . A . Holditch , C . J . Shannon , and D . Mordecai were raised to thc Sublime

Degree ot a Master Mason in a most impressive manner by the W . M ., who afterwards passed Bros . VV . T . Ralph , VV . Unwin , T . Snow , and J . Woodward to the Degree of F . C , all the candidates being most attentive to the ceremonies . The Auditors' report , which was read at the last meeting , having been confirmed , the W . M . received the " Hearty good Wishes " of the visiting brethren , and the

lodge was closed , the brethren adjourning to the banqueting room , where a capital dinner was provided . After thc usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been proposed and duly honoured , Bro . VV . H . Gulliford , I . P . M ., said lit was vvith a great amount of pleasure and satisfaction that he took the gavel in his hand to propose what he felt sure the brethren would drink most heartily .

and that was the health of their W . M . He felt it was a great honour . At their last happy meeting attention was called that he was the child of the lodge . He was now in the noble position of VV . M . He was their first initiate , and his attention and perseverance all through his offices from I . G . to W . M . was a model to all . He would now ask the brethren to drink the health of thc VV . M . with bumpers ,

wishing him a happy year of office . The VVorshipful Master in repl y thanked the brethren most heartily for the kind manner in which his health had been drunk . He felt very sorry that his two Wardens were absent through illness , which all would regret , but he had been ably assisted , especially by two visiting brethren , who were constant attendants at the Covent Garden Lodge of

Instruction , and it only proved to him how necessary it vvas to Masonry that the lodge of instruction should be well supported . He had the interest of the lodge at heart , and would do all in his power to promote its success . The VVorshipful Alaster in proposing the health of " The Visitors , " coupled vvith the toast the names of Bros . Cox , P . M . 190 , and W . C . Smith , 1563 , who severally

acknowledged the toast , the latter brother remarking that he met the VV . M . constantly at the Covent Garden Lodge of Instruction , and he much regretted that their dear old Preceptor , Bto . VV . H . Richardson , P . M ., was not present to sec thc Worshipful Master ' s admirable working . The Worshipful Master in proposing "The Health of the Past Masters " spoke highly of the I . P . M ., Bro .

Gulliford . They had worked well together at the lodge of instruction . Bro . E . Jacobs , P . M . and Treasurer , took every care of the funds , and Bro . Bourne , P . M . and Secretary , devoted much time and attention to the Lodge . Bro . Kedgcley , P . M ., was always amongst them , and gave great assistance to the lodge ; and Bro . S . J acobs , P . M . and W . S ., all knew him well , and how he performed his duties .

All the brethren mentioned in the toast having spoken in acknowledgment , the W . M . proposed " The Health of the Officers . " He knew he had the sympathy of the brethren vvith his Wardens in their illness and being unable to attend . But their duties had been well fulfilled . All officers had done their duty well , and he would call upon Bro . Dickson to return thanks , who accordingly responded to the toast . Bro . G . Reynolds , the Secretary to the lodge o £ instruc-