Consecration Of The Fidelity And Sincerity Lodge, No. 1966, At Wellington, Somersetshire.

the artist , and the man of science are taught in symbol that they , equally with others less gifted , are by nature exposed to infirmity and disease , that an unforseen accident and sudden sickness may at any moment impair their faculties , and at once reduce them to the level of the most ignorant of their species , or if it be the will of the Alost High , an instant of time may lay them in the dust . This serves as a wholesome check on the natural

pride and arrogance of man ; and is an inducement to cultivate courtesy of demeanour to all men . Virtue is , we acknowledge , true nobility , and wisdom the path along which virtue should be directed and conveyed to others . Wisdom and virtue combined alone mark distinction among Masons , and it is by the unremitting pursuit of them that we may hope to attain and retain that most valued of all Alasonic jewels—the approval

of our brethren . Were we to do only that which seemed right and good in our eyes when assembled in open lodge , how soon in place of that courtesy and brotherly kindness , which now mark our proceedings , would discord and disorder prevail ? The true Mason has far higher views before his eyes than the mere gratification of self , viz ., the improvement of his mind , the regulation of his passions , the government of his discourse by a tongue of good

report . 1 he highest aim of his ambition is to make due progress in the art and science of his Order , and to carry out to the very best of his ability the duties of brotherly love , relief and truth . What can possibly bc more charming than to see the spirit of brotherly love not only taught , but acted on in every way . Can anything we do have a more distinct tendency to promote the gloiy of the Most High , and goodwill among men , and consequently bring

peace on earth . We are instructed to dwell together in unity , to imitate the innocence of the lamb , and the peacefulness of the dove ; to see that the head , the tongue , and the heart are united , as they should be , in one common bond , to promote each other's welfare and rejoice in each other's happiness and success , both in the Craft and the outside world , and to grieve with those whose sad lot it may be to suffer under a

chastening father s hands . Of all the arts we possess as Alasons , silence or secrecy is the chief . Reticence of speech has ever been considered a proof of wisdom , and is acknowledged on all sides to be of the utmost importance in the business of life , therefore , it is justly looked upon as an art of the greatest value ; and surely it is of more importance , and far more honourable , to learn how to hold our peace than it is to excel in the art of making words convey

meanings which in themselves they do not possess . 'The Great Architect of the Universe , the wisest of beings , has seen fit to conceal from us mortals the secrets of His providence ; and we , in all reverence , following His example , keep our mysteries from the careless gaze of an unsympathising world . In our Charities , however , we display to all men the beauty of brotherly love and relief . 'There are always opportunities for exercising them in the way most agreeable

to . ourselves and the benefit of the Craft in general . If not out of order , brethren , I would here mention that there is an intention to raise a Alasonic memorial at the West of England Sanitarium , and as doubtless many of you are well aware an appeal has gone forth from the Worshipful Alaster of St . Kew Lodge , VVeston-super-AIarc , for funds to carry out this purpose . The memorial will take the form of some architectural adornment on the completion of that

institution , whether external or internal will depend on the response made by the brethren . The Sanitorium has been a blessing to many , who obtain there those invigorating health-giving breezes they are unable to obtain for themselves elsewhere ; and , doubtless , many of our sick and distressed brethren will reap the benefit of the institution in the time to come , if they have not done so in . the past . Worshipful Alaster designate , Wardens , and brethren of

this new lodge , 1 hope and trust that Alasonry will increase in this place , that the eye of the Great Architect of the Universe will behold with favour all your undertakings , and that the lodge will grow and show that life and vigour which we have every reason to expect from those under whose fostering care it takes its rise . The VV . M . designate will , without doubt , perform his duties in the way described in the old Saxon

lines—The first article of good Alasonry Shows that the Alaster must surely be Both steadfast , trusty , and also true ; His place he then shall never rue . He must neither , for love nor dread Of neither party to take heade ; Whether he lord or fellow be , Of him to take no kind of fee ; But as a judge to stand upright , And then his conduct will be bright . "

And then the conduct of the brethren following in his steps will be bright also ; The consecration having been completed , the D . P . G . M . proceeded to instal Bro . the Rev . Prebendary Knowling , M . A ., as VV . AL of the new lodge . The W . AI . appointed his officers as fellows : Bros . Col . Adair , I . P . AL : Rev . F .

W . Raban , S . W . ; F . T . Elworthy , J . W . j A . Pratt , Sec ; R . J . F . S . Knowling , R . N ., S . D . ; H . G . Crowe , J . D . ; * and T . Handford , I . G . After business the members adjourned to the Squirrel Hotel , where they partook of a cold collation . Bro . the Rev . Preb . Knowling presided , and there were about seventy brethren present . 'The usual Alasonic toasts were proposed and responded to .

At the usual fortnightly meeting 0 f thc Society of Antiquaries , held last week at their rooms in Burlingtonhouse , Bro . the Earl of Carnarvon in the chair , three papers were read ; the first by Air . H . Moore Westropp , on a bronze statuette ; the second by Al . Camile De la Croix , on some " Gallo-Roman Discoveries in Poitou ; " and the last a narrative of the opening of some Romano-British

cists at Patrixbourne , near Canterbury , by Air . George Payne . There were exhibited some line specimens of Roman and British pottery , and a bell which was formerly used at Crickhowell , in South Wales , before funerals and in parish processions . Thc director of the society , Air . Alilman , read and commented on some curious deeds of

the reign of Henry I ., & c , illustrative of feudal customs , mostly in connection with the borough of Burton , Staffordshire , and the Castle of Tutbury ; and Lord Carnarvon laid before the meeting the results of his own intervention m the House of Lords in mitigation of the evils which would naturally arise from the proposed Bill for sweeping away several of the City churches .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

ffiraft iftasonry . UNION WATERLOO LODGE ( No . 13 ) . — The usual monthly meetingof the above banner lodge took place on Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich , and was , without doubt , one oi the most pleasant and enjoyable that has occurred in this ancient and historical lodge for some time past . Bro . H . S . Syer , VV . AL , presided , and was supported by the following

Past Alasters , oflicers , and others : Bros . N . Brown , I . P . M . ; R . Hodgkinson , P . AL ; R . Smith , S . W . ; T . Hutton , P . AL , Treas . ; G . R . Davis , P . AI ., Sec ; G . H . Alasters , S . D . ; W . Akers , J . D . ; W . Bidgood , Org . ; A . deal , I . C ; VV . Holleyman , S . W ., VV . M . elect 15 O 3 ; J . H . Roberts , J . W . 700 ; J . Stear , 153 G ; H . Strickland , 1 G 9 ; J . James , 3 S 2 ( U . S . C ) ; and C lolly , 013 ( Freemason ) .

The lodge having been opened ancl the usual business transacted , Bro . Hill was passed to the Second Degree in excellent style by the W . AI . The election for W . M . was then proceeded with , and Bro . Jas . Hosgood , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . AL for the ensuing twelve months . Bro . Hutton was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Lackland , Tyler . A Past Alaster ' s jewel of the usual value was then

unanimously accorded to Bro . Syer for the good service rendered the lodge during the past year , and that brother returned thanks . Various sums were then voted to the Charities , and the lodge was closed in due form . At the social board the usual loyal and Alasonic toasts were duly honoured , and then Bro . Brown rose to propose "The Health of the W . M . " He said as this would be

his ( the W . AI . 's ) last appearance at the social board as the head of the lodge , he would ask them specially to mark their sense of the excellent manner in which he had carried out the duties of Master during the past twelve months , b y drinking the toast with all the enthusiasm it deserved . They were not only surprised but gratified at his good working , while the harmony of the lodge had , under his

lead , been once again cemented and brought to a sound and safe footing . The VV . M . in reply , said he could only again thank them . It had given him a great amount ot pleasure to preside over the destinies of their ancient and venerable Union Waterloo Lodge . There had been a good number of good men and worthy Alasons who had gone before him

through that chair , and there was , he was happy to say , good men to follow . He thought at one time that the lodge would go down , and would never again be the Union Waterloo of old , and a good many others thought so too , but he now believed it had a long and honourable future before it , and he gave credit to one and all for that result . Nothing could be more in accordance with good Alasonic

feeling than what had occurred that night in the election of VV . AL They had seen with what an excellent spirit the S . W . gave way to one who held thc same position last year , and who now , by their vote would at their next meeting occupy the chair he ( the VV . M . ) now sat in , and that good spirit would , he felt sure , animate them all to keep up that harmony and good feeling without which no

lodge could prosper . He had two good candidates to propose , and he would be happy to do all he could to assist Bro . Hosgood to make his year of office a pleasant and prosperous one . The next toast proposed was that of " The Past Alasters , " and in reply , Bro . Brown said he was always at their service , and would do all he could at any time for the benefit of the lodge . Bro . Hutton felt that every one must

be pleased at what had occurred that night , and gave great praise to the W . AL for his excellent management of the lodge . Bro . Hodgkinson and Davies also responded . The W . AL then proposed " The W . AI . elect , " and called upon Bro . Smith , S . W ., to say a few words . Bro . Smith said in ordinary course of events it would be supposed that he was the aggrieved part }' , but lie wanted to remove that

impression if it prevailed at all . He trusted he was good enough Alason to know that it mattered not when he got to the chair , so much that he did get there some time or another . If he had done his duty to them , and they appreciated it , the rest he would leave to time and their kindness . He could fairly say that he had never asked for office , but if their coming W . AL had sufficient confidence in him to give him office , he and they might depend upon having the

duties of their oflice carried out to the utmost . The W . AI . elect in returning thanks , said he should always endeavour to do his duty in such a manner as to be worthy of the splendid Masonic feeling so admirably shown that night . Bros . Hollyman , Jolly , and others , responded for " 'The Visitors , " and after " The Officers " had been toasted , the Tyler , according to ancient custom , closed the proceedings , which had been of a most cordial and harmonious character throughout .

LEBANON LODGE ( No . 1326 ) . —The election meeting of this , one of the most successful of all the numerous prosperous lodges in the Province of Aliddlesex , was held on Saturday , the 17 th inst ., at the Red Lion Hotel , Lion-square , Thames-street , Hampton . Bro . James William Baldwin , P . P . G . P . Middlesex , P . AL , Treasurer 1423 , P . Z . 73 , & c , & c , VV . M . presided . Punctually at

half-past three o clock p . m ., he opened the lodge . There were present , assisting him , Bros . Henry Gloster , P . M . 1531 , S . W ., VV . M . elect ; D . Steinhauer , J . W . ; E . Gilbert , P . AL , Treasurer ; Walters , Secretary ; J . J . Marsh , S . D . ; F . Knight , J . D . ; VV . K . Vassila , i . G . ; Henry Potter , P . AL n , W . S . ; J . Lawrence , Organist ; S . Page , Steward ; John Gilbert , P . G . Tyler Aliddlesex ,

Tyler ; VV . Hammond , P . P . G . D . Middlesex , P . M . ; E . Gilbert , P . AL ; E . Mallett , P . AL 141 , Sec . 1 G 23 ; and other Past Alasters . The lay members in attendance were Bros . William Walters , David George Akchurst , William Henry Walters , David Amos Akehurst , \ V . Stanton , G . Teideman , T . Tulett , A . H . Alacqueen , W . B . Smith ,

H . 1 . Alapleston , J . Smith , C . W . Baker , VV . K . Smith , VV . Born , A . A . Ward , G . Smith , G . S . Streeton , J . H . Ewen , J . T . Adams , Bowley , R . Annear , E . H . Boutcher , VV . Kite , Colin Holley , W . Blakeley , J . Boyce , J . Burchill , S . Corson , J . Cavell , Crout , Prattent , Pooley , C . Paulson , Russell , A . Rolington , Simpson , Sprules , Tozer , Whiteman , White , Williams , Walters , Walker , Wickens ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

McNaugliten , E . Larking , J . Af . Jennings , T . James , Hayes , and very many others whose names we were unable to ascertain . Strange to say , in a lodge which as a rule always has a large number of visitors , only one attended this mceting , * Bro . XV . R . Cooper , 105 G . There was a very heavy amount of work on the agenda paper . 'I ] he veteran and Secretary , although in enfeebled health , did his portion of tbe work by reading his long and

elaborated minutes of the previous lodge meeting , held on Saturday , the 20 th ult ., which were unanimously confirmed and signed by the W . AL , Bro . J . VV . Baldwin . He then , read letters of apology trom Bros . Al . Mildred , M . C , and C . Graham , C . S ., excusing and regretting their non-attendance , which was caused by circumstances entirely beyond their own control . Two other members were selected to fill their places , and carry out the duties of those offices

during their absence at this lodge meeting . The ballots taken forBros . VV . Nichols , and H . E . A . D'Arcy , to become joining members of this lodge , was declared to be unanimous in favour of their admission . On being informed of their admission and election they thanked the members for their having been elected unanimously , and the cordial manner in which they were received as members of this lodge . 'Ihe ballots taken separately for

Messrs . Edward Henry Boutcher , Charles John Akehurst , and Janies Robinson were declared to be unanimous in favour of their admission as candidates for initiation , and to become members of this lodge . Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs . H . R . Grove , H . J . Chamberlain , J . W . Smith and Alfred Samson , candidates for initiation . The W . AL , Bro . James William Baldwin , P . P . G . P . Aliddlesex , P . M . 1423 , & c , commenced

the work by initiating Air . Edward Boutcher into the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry . From the strict attention which the candidate gave to the ceremony it proved how ably and impressively that solemn work had been done bv the VV . AL Bros . George Teideman , Thomas Tulett , William Kite , William Walters , David Amos Akehurst , and William Henry Walters were impressively passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft Freemason .

Bro . David G . Akehurst was raised . The necessary letter from the W . AI . ( 1056 ) , Victoria Lodge , having been read sanctioning and authorising the Third Degree to be conferred upon Bro . W . R . Cooper , 105 C , he ( Bro . Cooper ) being in attendance was introduced and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Alaster Mason , which completed nine repetitions of these degrees , viz ..- one initiation , six passings and two raisings . Never has it been our lot . after

nearly thirty years experience and an attendance of over eight thousand meetings , to witness work better done than what it was by the W . M . There was a fluency , a clear bell ring in its delivery , which showed the perfectness of the workman , accompanied by a soul-devoted earnestness , a thorough impressiveness , and a perfection of ritual so seldom obtained b y any one , and the correct demeanour and respectful attention of all present , which made those

not engaged in the active duties of the lodge enjoy an , intellectual treat in witnessing the work of the W . AI . The officers were worthyof such a good , well-tried VV . M . All their working was admirable , lt would be invidous to mentioni any one ' s name , all were perfect in their parts and honourable to their W . M . Alay work be done as well everywhere else as it was done here is our earnest wish . Although the Vy . M . had done the ceremonies nine times no traces

of distress or fatigue were visible ; he seemed to be quite fresh and well able to repeat his work had he been called upon to do so . 'To show and prove how well all his services to this lodge in particular , and Alasonry in general , are appreciated by every member of this lodge , after a notice of motion had been given at the previous lodge meeting , held Alay 20 th , the same having appeared on two sets of lodge summonses , the Secretary , without

making any speech , but contenting himself with reading out his notice of motion as printed on the lodge summons , and making it a proposition , which was instantly seconded by the S . D ., and unanimously resolved , that a ten guinea Past Master ' s jewel be presented to the W . AI ., Bro . lames William Baldwin , P . P . G . P . Aliddlesex , for his efficient services rendered to the lodge during his year of office . In addition to which , durinrr his vear of office the 1 ™ * ™ from

its funds purchased and presented to him a Life Governorship of the Royal Benevolent Institution ; also , to perpetuate his name , the lother Life Governorship of the Benevolent Institution purchased from the lodge funds had his name attached to it . All these facts prove in what high estimation he is held in this , his mother lodge . Never was a lodge more proud of its child than what the Lebanon Lodge is so justly proud of their VV . M . The Secretary .

an experienced old Alason , truthfully said of the W . AI . that in every part in Alasonry he had shown himself to be a thorough good Alason . He had done all he could for the Masonic Charities—being a Life Governor to the whole four , and had served as Steward at least six or seven times , livery portion of his work he had done in Craft , Royal Arch , and Alark , and as a rule installed his successors . To the distressed Alason who sousrht his assistancewith dkrri

, mi"iation he helped with a liberal hand . It is only fair to add he vacated the chair and left the lodge-room whilst his K , , v , . ¦ ""*"" » P P osed . It is the first ten guinea Past Master s jewel voted from the lodge funds to any Past Alaster ; seven guineas was the usual amount voted . Bro . Henry Arthur Dubois , P . P . G . J . W . Aliddx ., P . AL 132 C , tendered his resignation of membership of the lodge , which was , on motion made by Secretary , accepted with very great and deen renret . r

Ihe Secretary having read aloud the bye-laws of the odge , Bro . William Stanton , one of the oldest members , having given some good sound friendly advice on the byeaws in particular , and other subjects of interest to thc odge , the election took place for the office of VV . M . Bro . Henry Gloster P . AL 1531 , S . W ., was almost unanimously elected , there being but three votes recnrrleH for

the J . W . 1 his was caus ed by a misapprehension of those members who thought the S . W . ' s health was too delicate to do the work effectually of W . AL We were very pleased to find that although the S . W . had been exceedingly ill he had taken a turn for thc better , and was now in a fair way ot recovery . He will make the third initiate of this lodge ( when installed ) who has filled the chair , his predecessors

being Bros . John B . Shackleton , P . P . G . P . Aliddx ., I . M . of this lodge and P . M . 1524 , now residing in Australia , and the present VV . AL It was hoped , and the wish expressed , that he , like his predecessors , might be selected for Provincial Grand honours , he having been recommended for the same by the unanimous wish of thc lodge . Should his health be re-established great things ace expected of him during his Mastership ,