Board Of Benevolence.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Board of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . J . H . Matthews , President ; Bro . D . D . Mercer , Senior Vice-President ; and Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , Junior Vice-President ; occupying the three presidential chairs . Bro . William Lake , Asst . G . Secretary ; Bro . W . Dodd , and Bro . G . S . Recknell represented the Grand Secretary's department .

The other brethren who attended were Bros . George B . Chapman , George Graveley , Henry Garrod , W . H . Caton , Charles J . R . Tijou , Rev . W . K . R . Bedford , P . G . C . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . C . ; S . H . Goldschmidt , John H . Rutherglen , Charles Pulman , John Ellinger , W . Kipps , Dr . George Mickley , W . Martin , Lieut .-Col . Surgeon Henry W . Kiallmark , J . G . D . ; Charles Henry Stone , A . W . Duret , Henry Tobias , W . Baddeley , H . Massey , J . S . Eidmans , J . W . Burgess , C . H . Webb , John Hills , Samuel W . Vale , G . H . Finch , George R . Langley , and C . Winkley .

The brethren first confirmed the recommendations to the Grand Master made at the August meeting , that £ 230 should be granted in sums of £ 30 , £ Z ° < £ 4 ° > £ 4 ° i £ 3 ° , £ 3 , ° > and £ 30 , in seven cases respectively . The list of new cases contained petitions from 16 applicants , who were qualified through lodges in Hull , Fiji , East Stonehouse , Todmorden , Princctown , Plymouth ,

Coventry , Abingdon , Birmingham , London , Grand Lodge of Cuba , Alexandria , Liverpool , and Chingford . Of these two were adjourned , and one was dismissed . One case was recommended to Grand Lodge of December next for £ 75 , and one for £ 50 . The Grand Master was recommended to approve of two grants of £ 30 , and four grants were made of £ 20 each , one of . £ 15 , three of ^ , 10 each , and one of . £ 5 . The total granted was £ 315 . " "

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

Amity Lodge , No . 137 . At the ordinary meeting of the members of the above lodge held on the 7 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Market-street , Poole , Bro . J . H . Whadcoat , I . P . M ., J . P ., C . C , presented to the lodge a large and handsomely-framed photograph of himself in his Mayoral robes and chain of office . The gift was accepted by the W . M ., Bro . Herbert Saunders , on behalf of the lodge , and it will probably occupy a conspicuous position in the lodge room . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Bro . Whadcoit for the photograph , which is certainly a " speaking likeness " of his worship .

Montagu Lodge . No . 665 . On Monday , the 12 th inst ., this lodge celebrated its 43 rd installation festival in its new hall , Lyme Regis , which was opened abjut a year and a half ago . It was a beautiful afternoon , and additional eclat concentered in the event from the fact that the Rev . Bro . Rowland Hill , Prov . G . Chap ., was to be installed as W . M . There was a good number of distinguished visitors and brethren present , including Bros . R . Case , P . G . S . B ., P . G . Sec . ; S . R . Biskett , P . G . S . W . ; W . James , P . P . G . S . of W . ; II . N . Cox , P . G . S . B . ; W . Marshallsay , 707 , P . G . Stivd .: W . H . Aplin , P . P . A . G . S .

Devon ; J . G . Oldndge , P . A . G . D . C . ; G . Bailey-Toms , I . P . M . 1053 ; F . E . Yapp , S . W . ; P . Coyte , 11 S 1 ; R . Southwood , P . M . 494 ; H . E . Small , S . D . 1953 ; H . W . Chatterton , P . P . G . Reg . Middx . ; F . Kerbey , rr ; H . R . Morgan , P . G . Org ., Installing Master ; the Rev . Rowland Hill , M . A ., P . G . Chap ., W . M . elect ; W . H . Kerbey , P . P . S . G . D . Hereford , and P . P . G . S . of W . ; J . Radford , P . P . J . G . D . ; R . C Radford , P . G . S . of W . ; E . H . Wallis , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . L . Rumsey , P . P . G . Org . ; C E . Smith , S . D . j W . H . Shepheard , J . D . j F . G . Greenham , I . G . j E . Sprackling , Stwd . j J . Spurr , D . T . Chapman , W . Bloye , F . Paul , and G . Legg , Tyler .

Lodge opened , and the usual routine business was transacted . The Auditors' report was presented by Bro . Wallis , who said the lodge had never had a better year's record , and adopted . The pleasing , yet novel item of planting two a : ac ; as at the lodge entrance next followed . Prior to the ceremony the brethren arranged themselves along the pathway , and the Installing Master delivered the following address , viz .: Dear Brothers , —We are assembled here to carry out a work somewhat novel in character to the usual order of Masonic labours , yet none the less appropriate to the

fulfilment of the duties of Freemasonry—that is to plant two acacias . We pray that "the rays of heaven may shed their influence" to promote in them steady growth to adorn this entrance , to establish a landmark in the lodge ' s history , and impress upon those who pass underneath their shadows some of the silent lessons of the Creator . The word acacia , 1 gather , denotes friendship—a becoming and an essential trait of Freemasonry . Within the brecincts ot this lodge let " that love and harmony prevail which should at all times characterise Freemasons . " The silent , steady irrowth of all plant

life generally , and the graceful , pinnated foliage of the acacia particularly , may serve to impress the power , the patience , and the leauty of the works of the G . A . O . T . U . in nature , " for His wisdom is infinite , His strength omnipotent , and beauty shines through the whole of creation in symmetry and order . " Lastly , the acacia , as you know , is peculiarly associated with the ritual of the Third Degree . On our third tracing board it is ever depicted at the head of the ' * emblems of mortality . " It , therefore , further reminds us that * ' man is mortal , " and that in traversing " the intricate windings of this

mortal life , " mankind , and Masons particularly , are to be preparing themselves " for the closing hours of their existence , " by doing their duty to God , to their neighbours , and to thems : lves , and " by extending consolation and relief to their fellow-creatures in the hour of need . " These lessons , my dear brothers , put into practice will mean " Jabours" well done below and ultimate departure " in harmony and peace . " "When this transitory life shall have passed away and the grave receives us into its cold bosom , " may the sprig of acacia plucked from the trees we are planting to-day , and dropped in

tearful sympathy upon each and all of us , be the token of life well lived and of Masonic "labours begun in order , conducted in peace , and closed in harmony ! " ( So mote it be . ) Bro . Case , Prov . G . Sec , was then asked to plant the first tree , and Bro . the Rev . Rowland Hill , the W . M . elect , to plant the second . Returning to the lodge room , the installation ceremony was most ably performed by Bro . Morgan , according to ancient custom , and the newly - installed Master duly proclaimed and saluted . The Worshipful Master invested his officers for the ensuing

year as follows : Bros . H . Morgan , P . G . Organist , I . P . M . j E . II . Wallis , P . G Standard Bearer , S . W . ; C . E . Smith , J . W . ; J . Radford , P . P . J . G . D ., Treas . ; <• Chas . Radford , P . G . S . Wks ., Sec . ; W . Id . Shepheard , S . D . ; F . G . Greenham , . -D . j S . S . Hasluck , P . S . G . D ., D . C . ; J . L . Rumsey , P . P . G . Org ., Org . ; J . Spurr , '• G . ; E . Sprackling and D . T . Chipman , Stivds . ; G . Legg , Tyler ; VV . II . kerbey , P . P . G . S . of W ., Charity Steward ; and J . Radford , P . P . J . G . D ., Preceptor at Rehearsals . The W . M . then presented Bro . Morgan with a Past Mister ' s collar .

"ro . James , on behalf of the Bridpart brethren , announced thit he hid procured a opy 91 the late Bro . Montagu ' s portrait from Mrs . Montagu ( who would be pleised to beir the expense thereof ) , and in token of a hippy visit to Lod ^ e Mjntagu , he ( Bro . Jm : s ) jind his colleagues would be glad to add a suitable frame and hand the same over to the udge 0 f which the late worthy brother was the found Jr . A cordial vote of thanks wis piss ; d ' ¦ > , Mrs . Montagu and to Bro . James for the thoughtful and timely gift . Bro . Kerbjy , in J-Jving up office after ; 5 years' labour , handed the W . M . a D . C . 's wand for the benefit J * ' his successors in maintaining the decorum of the lodge business . Hearty thanks were vote of to

j ^ ain proffered . A condolence was passed Bro . Cuthbert Peek , Birt ., over jne death of his father , Sir Henry Peek . Two candidates were proposed , and the 'earliest goad wishes and congratulations proffered by the visiting brethren . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Royal Lion ( Bro . "ost Groves ) to a recherche banquet . Ihe usual toast list was honoured and toast , song , and good feeling freely and paternall y prevailed . One of Lodge Montagu's most successful celebrations was brought l ?? Jl PPy close by drinking to the absent brethren ( including Bro . Prosser , J . P ., o . UD . ) , and bv the Tvler's toast .

Craft Masonry.

Wolsey Lodge , No . 1656 . A meeting was held at the Greyhound Hotel , Hampton Court , on the 12 th instant . Among those present were Bros . Flack , W . M . ; Crozier , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . Egypt , S . W . ; Spooner , P . M ., as J . W . j J . Featherstone , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; Major T . C . Walls . P . M .. P . P . G . W ., P . G . S . B . England , Sec . ; Jehu , S . D .: Gaunt , J . D . ;

H . Bond , P . M ., Steward ; F . Figg , Org . ; R . W . Simpson , I . P . M . ; W . T . Peat , P . M ., P . P . G . O . ; R . W . Rice , P . M . ; and J . Gilbert , Tyler . Among the visitors were Bros . S . Meech , P . M . 2163 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; W . Buchart , Prov . G . Std . Br . Bucks ; G . A . Knight , P ' . M . 15 S 5 ; G . Ellis , 144 ; E . Symonds , 147 ; H . Parkhurst , 157 ; V . Dyson , 771 ; and F . Hucklebridge .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . E . E . Rice and F . Bullard were raised to the Third Degree , and Bros . G . E . P . Hertslet and T . Foster passed to the Second Degree . The ballot was then taken on behalf of Mr . John Moore , and , he being in attendance , was duly initiated . The W . M . and his officers are to be congratulated on the manner in which the three ceremonies were performed .

A vote of condolence was passed to Bro . T . Grant , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., on the sad loss of his daughter . A vote of congratulation to Bro . Gen . Sir H . Kitchener , P . G . W . Eng ., on his recent victory over the Dervishes at Khartoum , was proposed by Bro . Crozier , P . G . S . B . Egypt , seconded by the Secretary , and carried with acclamation . Two naimes for initiation at the next meeting having heen handed in , a notice of motion was given to substitute some other month for meeting other than September .

The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the customary toasts were duly honoured . Bro . W . T . Peat , P . P . G . O ., responded on behalf of "The Provincial Grand Officers . " "The Health of the W . M . " was proposed in flattering terms by the I . P . M ., who congratulated him upon the manner in which he had carried out his duties that afternoon . It was evident , he said , that the W . M . would have a busy year of office . There were three initiates to be introduced in October , and there were rumours that others would follow later on .

The W . M . having replied , then gave in quick succession the remaining toasts of "The Visitors , " " The Past Masters , " and " The Officers . " During the evening some pleasing songs were contributed by several of the members . Bro . Frank Figg effectively presided at the pianoforte .

Kensington Lodge , No . 1767 . The installation meeting of this lodge was held at the Royal Palace Hotel , Kensington , on Saturday , the 17 th inst ., when upwards of So members and visitors were in attendance . Bro . J . J . Rumbal , W . M ., presided , supported by Bros . A . J . Turner , I . P . M . ; James W . Facey , S . W . ; Frank Norman , J . W . ; Geo . Read , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . Eng ., Sec ; J . W . Barker , P . M ., Treas . ; R . H . Williams , P . M ., D . C . ; A . J . Taylor , acting S . D . ; J . M . Battersbv , acting J . D . ; L . Beale , I . G . j F . J . Oliver , P . M ., Org . ; and R . H . Meyer and C G . Hatt , P . M ., Stwds .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the W . M . vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Geo . Read , P . M ., and Bro . Shepherd was raised to the Third Degree . Bro . James W . Facey , S . W ., was then installed in the chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom , the Installing Mister being Bro . A . J . Turner , I . P . M ., who performed his duty in most able and eloquent style , the addresses being given in a way which could hardly be excelled . A strong Board of Installed

Masters assisted in the ceremony . The W . M . invested his officers , viz ., Bros . J . I . Rumbal , I . P . M . ; F . Norman , S . W . ; L . Beale , J . W . ; Geo . Read , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., Sec ; J . W . Barker , P . M ., Treas . ; R . H . Williams , P . M ., D . C ; A . Talbot , S . D . ; F . Miller , I . D . ; J . H . Byrne , I . G . ; R . H . Meyer , A . D . C . ; F . J . Oliver , P . M ., Org . ; C . G . Hatt , P . M ., and R . Bidgood , Stwds . ; and J . Lee , Tyler . A sum of 10 guineas was voted by the lodge for the assistance of a distressed brother and the case recommended to Grand Lodge .

At the binquet covers were laid for S ) . The customiry loyal and Mimic toasts were given and received with approbation . Bro . Geo . Read , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br ., replied for "The Grind Oaicers , Present and Past . " The toast of " The W . M . " was proposed in appropriate terms by Bro . Rumbal .

I . P . M . The W . M ., in reply , remarked upon the honoir he hid felt in being that day privileged to appoint again as Se : retary their esteemed Bro . Geo . Read , who , even with advancing years and after a life spent in the service of Freemasonry , during which he had earned the highest distinction as a Grand 0 , Ti : er , and had made his name literally a , household word in every assemblage of Masons , and had never allowed his interest in the Kensington Lodge , of which he was founder , to wane in the slightest degree .

( Cheers . ) It was indeed a valued privilege for any incoming W . M . to have the advice and assistance of such an officer as Bro . Read . He concluded by proposing "The I . P . M ., " and , in appropriate terms , presented Bro . Rumbil with the Past Master ' s jewel , which was , he remarked , the most highly-prized distinct ! 3 n worn by any Mison . Whatever the number of his decorations ( every one earned by earnest labour in various Masonic works ) , that Master's jewel gained in his mother lodge wis the most valuable of all in the eyes of its privileged wearer . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Rumbal , I . P . M .. feelingly responded .

The toast of " The Installing Master and the Past Masters " was responded to by Bros . A . J . Turner , A . Norman , and W . B . Neville . " The Visitors" having been duly honoured , replies were made by Bros . J . Cox , P . M ., P . G . Stwd . Middx . j Geo . White , P . M . ; Morley , P . M .,- Rev . Greenwood , and several others . Bro . C . G . Hitt , responded for "The Officers . " During the evening songs were given by Bros . S . C . M . Austin , H . O . Goring , and F . Stutfield gave an amusing bassoon solo .

The evening was altogether a success and in every way worthy of the high reputation the Kensington Lodge has attained among the Misons of West London . It was stated during the evening that the Audit hid shown a very satisfactory financial balance of three figures in favour of the lodge in in the hands of Bro . Barker , the Treasurer .

Hadrian Lodge , No . 2483 . The annual installation meeting was held at the Devonshire Hotel , Bexhill-on-Sea , on the 14 th inst . The ledge was opened by Bro . J . Wood , W . M ., who was supported by Bros . G . Nicholson , S . W . j Rev . F . W . Pawson , J . W . j H . J . Capon , P . M ., Sec . j W . N . Oldham , S . D . j A . C . Dynham , J . D .: R . Francis , P . M ., D . C . j S . G . R . Coles , Org . ; W . Pennington , Tyler j E . F . Bristow , G . H . Carey , E . Cornwell , H . J . Frampton , F . Gildersleeve , W . R . Griffin , P . M . j J . Gore , B . J . Hewett , J . McCann ,

C Miles , L . Parker , A . V . Parsons , E . Piper , G . A . Ru h , R . W . Redman , G . Vale , and C . Wood . Visitors : Bros . A . Allwen , W . M . 1797 ; W . Beaty , W . M . 2450 ; P . liter , S . W . 21192 ; H . Boyce , W . M , 40 ; ] . Creighton , P . M . 1110 ; G . Fowler , it 10 , P . P . G . P . ; R . Era Feltham , 315 ; V . P . Freeman , P . M . 315 , 732 , P . G . Sec . ; J . H . Haine , W . M . 2434 ; F . Jarrett , S . W . 341 ; A . Lloyd , W . M . 1 / 26 , P . P . G . W . ; W . E . Nash , W . M . 315 . iS 2 y ; A . A . Oalcden , W . M . rrro ; J . Olliver , W . M . 1 S 29 ; G . Powell , W . M . 56 , P . M . 142 ; W . G . Rubie , W . M . 341 ; T . Southcombe , J . W . 40 ;

L . F . St . John , J . W . 11 S 4 ; II . Thwaites , 1110 ; and F . Wilson , 40 . Bro . G . Nicholson having been installed as W . M . for the ensuing year , appointed his officers as follows : Bros . J as . Wood , I . P . M . ; F . W . Pawson , S . W . ; W . N . Oldham , J . W . ; E . W . Strllwell , P . M ., P . G . S ., P . P . S . G . W ., Treas . ; Richard Francis , P . VI ., Sec . ; A . C . Dynham , S . D . ; H . R . Adams , J . D . ; Ernest Piper , I . G . ; H . J . Capon , P . M ., P . G . P ., D . C . ; S . G . R . Coles , Org . ; F . G . Bretton and E . Cornwell , Stwds . ; and W . Pennington , Tyler . Before the lodge was closed , the W . M . presented Bro . Wood with a beautiful Past Mast-r ' s jewel for his services to the lodge during his year of office , and Bro . Wood suitably acknowledged the same .

1 he lodge was then closed , and the brethren sat down to a sumptuous binquet , which was prepared b y Mrs . Sewell , of the Devonshire Hotel , the newly-installed W . M ., Bro . Nicholson , presiding . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts hiving been duly honoured , the toas ^ of " The Worshipful Master " was submitted by the I . P . M ., Bro . J . Wood , and Bro . G . Nicholson suitably responded . "The Visitors , ' ' proposed by the W . M ., was responded to by Bros . Boyce and Oakden .

"The Provincial Grand Officers , " proposed by Bro . NichoLon , W . M ., was responded to by Bros . Capon and Lloyd . Under the direction ot Bro . J . Biker Guy , an excellent programme of mus ' c was sustained by Bro . J . Baker Guy , Messrs . J , Harvey , W , H . Judge , P . T . Brigde . 1 , Wi J . Ockenden , and Miss Addie Love .