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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Mason , and they were proud to possess him in this lodge . They had also Bro . Kirkham as a P . M ., who was not behind Bro . Filer in the duties of hospitality or charity . He also was a Mason who had done great work in the world , and whose work was also nobly and largely to be seem 'Their I . P . M ., Bro . John Aird , was not yet present , in consequence of some great work hc was engaged in the New Victoria Dock , the opening of which would take place
to-morrow . 'There was an enormous amount of work there , and a great deal of personal work devolved upon Bro . Aird to get ready . At the opening there would be some thirteen steamers to take the visitors . It was said that the good deeds of some men were written in water . The good deads of Bro . Aird and Bro . Kirkham were written in gas . Bro . Aird had also written his good deeds in water at Beckton . Having
said this much , to say more would be superfluous , and he begged the brethren to drink the h--.. lh of those Past Masters . Bro . A . J . Duff Filer , replying , said his task was easy , and perhaps the task of obedience was the easiest . 'The W . M . had given them a sufficient specimen that he at all events was able to govern the livening Star Lodge , and by the encouragement the brethren had given him he was the better enabled to govern the lodge for the ensuing
year . He ( Bro . Filer ) and Bro . Kirkham were the only-Past Masters of the lodge present , and he had great pleasure in feeling that he was a Past Master of that lodge . From the very first moment he was connected with the lodge he had felt he had met there a great number of men of mark in the gas world . Not one among them but stood in some position in the gas world , and whose name would be handed down to posterity . 'The experience brought to
the Evening Star Lodge taught them so well how to obey that on all occasions he found that at the sound of tin gavel immediate attention'followed . There was a good deal of care and anxiety attached to the office of W . M ., but in thc hands of the present W . M . the conduct of tin business of the Star Lodge would be carried out to perfection . Bro . li . P . Spice replied for " The Visitors , " ami said that on no occasion did he remember to have been
placed in such a difficulty as to be selected as the mouthpiece of visitors to a body of men who were men of science . He , however , took courage by reflecting upon the one fact that among all the numerous qualities that had been touched upon that evening there was one that had been missed , and which as a peg he desired to hang a very few remarks . Much had been said about this lodge , whose members were conspicuous in science , and in one
particular branch of science . He felt himself a very feeble member among the visitors present , and the fact he referred to was the illuminating power of this lodge . 'The W . M . had distinguished himself par excellence as an authority in determining illuminating power . He believed that Bro . Sugg was capable of telling the illuminating power of every planet ; that he would teHthem to the fraction of the hundredth part of a candle the difference between Mars and
Venus . 'The W . M . had said something that evening about a Venus from foreign parts , but he dirl not tell the liiethren how much illuminating power he had been instrumental in producing in these realms in bringing her across the water to the neighbourhood of some brethren . I lis modesty prevented his telling the brethren how much he had contributed to the illuminating power of England by the importation of foreign talent in female form ; but the brethren all knew
the W . M . was always ready to render suit and service whenever he was called upon , and even without being called upon when he felt inspired to render those happy touches of nature whicli made the whole world kin . He ( Bro . Spice ) had been talking about the planetary system merely , and had been endeavouring to remind tliem that the W . M . was capable of telling them the difference in the illuminating power nf each planet connected with the
solar system ; but bear in mind that they could not inhabit one small system merely ; thev were all part and parcel of the system of the . world , and while they were talking as Masons such a gathering as they then had afforded them an opportunity of improving their mental faculties , by referring to regions almost interminably and indefinitely bevnnd our own and beyond the planetary system to the Great Architect of the Universe . Thus humbly and feebly
lie endeavoured to impress upon the brethren those thoughts which rev olved in his own mind , and they would readily bel ' eve when he had been called upon to respond for the visitors the sublime sentiments and thoughts which occupied the minds of all true Masons floated in his own mind , and when the visitors came and met the brethren again and again he hoped they might all refresh their mental faculties at the festive board in that national ,
siu .-inspiring , and soul-pro iting strain wliich should make the livening Mar Lodge a polar star in the constellation of Masonry . At this period Bro . John Aird , I . P . M ., arrived , and the W . M , proposed his health and presented him with the beautiful P . M . jewel referred to above . Bro . Aird , in acknowledging the compliment , said it was a matter of extreme regret that he found that morning that business engagements came to the front to such an extent as to put
it out of his power to be present at the lodge meeting . I le had , however , made a great effort to come at that late period to offr r the cordial hand of welcome and congratulation to the W . M ., and to thank the brethren for their kindness . He was unable to express himself as deeply as he felt . If he mi ght be allowed to pass for a moment from speaking of himself he was sure the Evening Star Lodge would have reason to be proud of the W . M . they had placed
in the chair . He ( Bro . Airrl ) was deeply sensible of the compliment paid him , and grateful for the present they had made . He also felt grateful for the kind and ready assistance anil the cordial co-operation that was always accorded to him during Ihe time he held the position so admirably filled by Bin . Sugg . Bro . James Glaisher , J . W ., responded to the toast of "The Officers , " who , he said , would al ! endeavour to perform tlieir duties properly ancl
with credit to the lodge . Bros . Massey and King replied to the toast of "The Press , " and the 'T yler ' s toast having - been duly honoured , the brethren separated . During the evening a charming selection of music was performed by Miss Clara Perry ( by kind permission of Carl Rosa , Esq . ) , Miss Kate Baxter , ' Bro . Stcdman ' s Choir Boys , Bros . George Buckland , Stedman , and Egbert Roberts , under the direction of Bro . Stedman .
BRIGHTON . —Royal Clarence Lodge ( No . 271 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge , on Friday evening , the 18 th inst ., was one of u , usual interest , for advantage wns taken of the only opportunity remaining before the lodge
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
reassembles in October , to welcome and congratulate the Worshipful thc Deputy I'rov . Grand Master , Bro . John II . Scott , upon his recent appointment to thc honours of Grand Lodge . The lodge having been opened , two new members were initiated . Following these ceremonies was that of raising to the 'Third Degree Bro . thc Rev . Gerard J . Ford , for which purpose the W . M . vacated the chair , in order that Bro . Gerard J . Ford might be raised by his relative ,
Bro . Gerard Ford , P . M ., who performed the ceremony in a highly impressive manner . Before the lodge was closed thc Secretary , in thc course of his duty , read the resolution passed at the last regular meeting , in which the congratulations of the members to the D . P . G . M ., upon his becoming- a Grand Deacon of England , and whereby the lodge recognised not only the appreciation thus expressed by ( band Lodge for the distinguished merits of Bro . Scott , who so
worthily represents successive generations of Freemasons in his family , but welcomes the compliment paid to the Province of Sussex generally in the selection of one of its popular Masonic representatives to fill that distinguished position . 'The reply of Bro . Scott to the copy of this resolution , which had been forwarded to him , was placed before the lodge . He acknowledged in graceful tesms the expression conveyed to him as being one of paramount worth ,
considering that it emanated from his mother lodge , the quarter of all others whence approbation was most gratifying to him . All business being concluded , the brethren adjourned to the large banqueting-room , where they sat down to an excellent repast , after which they listened to some excellent part singing and other musical performances , over which Bro . Alfred King , Prov . Grand Organist , ably presided .
Amongst the speeches following the usual and Masonic toasts were some of particular interest . The resolution which had been read in the lodge was necessarily referred to by the D . P . G . M ., when he rose to reply to the toasts which were drunk in honour of the Grand and Provincial Ofiicers . Bro . John II . Scott , who was warmly greeted , said he regretted that none of his colleagues were present to reply to the toast . When , in company with the W . M .,
he made that pleasant trip to Truro , many of the Grand Officers promised to attend this present meeting should nothing unforeseen prevent them , but the unforeseen had happened . A Masonic celebration was going on in London , at which most of the Grand Officers must wish to attend . 'The speaker himself had been invited , but felt he could not forsake his mother lodge on such an occasion as the present . When he was initiated , nearly twenty-eight years ago , it
never entered into his anticipation that he would reach the position in Freemasonry which he now held . Indeed , there was then no scope for such ambitior . At that time the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex was , and had been for many years , in a state of abeyance . To become a Prov . Grand Officer was therefore not thought of ; oflice in Grand Lodge then was scarcely , if ever , conferred upon provincial brethren . 'To become a Grand Officer was also out of the
question . His highest aim was to become W . M . of the Royal Clarence Lodge , and to keep up the good reputation of a name which had been honoured in that lodge for more than three-quarters of a century . Through the good will of his brethren that desire had been fulfilled . He had been three times their W . M ., and he had the satisfaction of knowing that the name of Scott was still honoured in the lodge , for he observed that in the vote of congratulation already
mentioned he was described as one of the most valued of their membeis . Moreover , he appeared before them as an officer of the Grand Lodge of England as well as Dep . Prov . G . M . of Sussex . ( Loud cheers . ) He did not allude to these facts in any spirit of vanity or egotism . He was fully sensible that the distinctions he had won were more owing to the force of circumstances than to any merits of his own . He had been carried along by that tide in Masonic affairs
which , having been taken at the flood , had borne him on to honour and preferment . The truth was that he had had opportunities of distinguishing himself which fell to the lot of few . His grandfather , his father , and his uncles all having been energetic and eminent members ofthe lodge , it was not surprising that when he joined it he was patted on the back and quickl y put into office . Twenty-eight years ago the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex had virtually no
existence , but soon after he was initiated it was resuscitated , and in 1 S 59 , when he was W . M . for the first time , he was appointed one of the Deacons , soon afterwards J . W ., then S . W ., which office he held for three consecutive years . Now those were advantages which could not possibly happen again to any brother in the province , for promotion in Provincial Grand Lodge was now at an end . Formerl y it was a necessity , for there were not sufficient brethren qualified to
fill the various ofhees . But now there were more than enough , sfl that in future there could be no more promotion excepting from the oflice of Steward , which in this province was the stepping stoneto provincial rank , and every now and then ' when a Warden was wanted the Prov . G . M . would look over his list of Past Prov . Grand Officers and select such as he thought fit for that position . His opportunities had not yet ended . In 1 S 73—when illness
incapacitated Bro . Gavin Pocock , whose name was never heard or thought of by those who knew him without a pang of regret that he was no longer amongst them—when illness obliged him to give up the duties of Provincial G . Secretary , which he had held for twenty years , he ( Bro . Scott ) was appointed to succeed him , and remained Prov . G . Secretary until three years ago , when the Prov . G . M . called upon him to assume the position of
D . P . G . M . Now it was to all these advantages that he attributed his present position in the Craft . 'The opportunities had presented themselves , and he had availed himself of them , for to complete the quotation which he had somewhat paraphrased just now , " We must take the current when it serves or lose our venture . " Bro . Scott concluded by saying that having reached these positions he enjoyed them very much , lie had no idea how welcome were the
privileges of office until he had experienced them . 'There was an old saying that grapes were sour , but he believed they were so only to those who attempted to pluck them before they were ripe . Let every one bide his time , and the luscious fruit would some day come within reach and be all the more grateful in the possession . It was observed duriiv ; the ctr . ninnies , and afterwards at the banquet , tliut
the donation-box , technically termed the broken column , and which has been introducedinto this lodge for some time , but not until now in an ornamental form , was placed in a prominent position , lt may be mentioned that this isa handsome work of art produced b y Messrs . Benham , and may be described as a partial reproduction of the Nelson Column , the plinth being of ebony , the enrichments of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
which , as well as the emblematical and presentation plates and the broken shaft , being of silver . The shaft , by a simple arrangement , can be lifted so as to remove the contributions . 'This presentation is expressed to be in connection with the "The Royal Clarence Lodge Fund of Benevolence , " and is intended to aid that movement , which consists of a permanently invested fund , the income being applicable by the Worshipful Master ancl a Committee ) who
act under special regulations , very carefull y framed for its regulation . It was principally due to the exertions of Bro . Gerard Ford , P . M ., who occupied the chair ofthe lodge in 1 S 7 G , that the plan of this charitable movement has been started , it being intended to be associated with his-name and year of Mastership . Owing to delays which could not be avoided , including the long and careful consideration of the rules whilst these were under the
consideration ot the Committee , tins presentation has been unavoidably postponed , although the benefits of contributions to the " Broken Column " have not been withheld for want of a repository in which to place them , and it is hoped that the well-intentioned movement may prove of lasting benefit and advantage to numbers of poor and distressed Masons , in whose aid it may , in many future years , be made available . 'This work of art is also the gift to the lodge of Bro .
Gerard Ford , who , ai some remarks concerning it , expressed the hope and confidence that the spirit whicli had prompted his effort would be taken up and carried on by numbers of true and worth y Masons in generations to come . The establishment of tlie fund had long been an attractive dream to him , and thc mode of application of its resources had been fixed upon after many anxious deliberations with others besides those brethren ot the lod"e
who had so kindly and so heartily seconded his idea b y their advice and assistance . 'They had all simply one object in view —to endeavour , in the short span of life alloted to them , to do something , however small , to signify their thankfulness for the blessings accorded to them . He was quite aware that it was not necessary to do this otherwise than in the simplest and most retiring maimer . Hut he had an object in
rendering this ornament to tlieir table in some degree attractive for its own sake . He trusted that thereby those few who listened to him ( and he heartily wished that at that period of the proceedings they could have been more numerous ) as well as future members of the Royal Clarence Lodge would , on theirattention being drawn to this presentation , call to mind the objects with which it is especiall y identified , viz ., the extension of "the Royal Clarence
Lodge Brighton Ben . volence I-und . He ventured to hope that the spirit of the movement which established a permanently invested fund ( the income of which would be applicable by the W . M . in conjunction with a strong committee ) would long be cherished and furthered . He would remind the brethren , and surely a reminder was all that should be necessary , of that cardinal point of their system which so impressively inculcated the
principle of brotherly love , the origin and stimulus of that virtue which has so well been described as the "most excellent gift of charity . " They had listened to a charming duet just now , the refrain of which said that "true love hath banished sorrow . " Might they all be able , when approaching that solemn moment so especially thc subject of that evening ' s ceremony , to reflect that by the exercise of this elevating principle they
had contributed by the truest of all love to banish sorrow . 'The "Broken Column" was passed round , and a very handsome sum announced as to its contents upon opening it . 'The remainder of Ihe proceedings were of an interesting character , and the brethren separated after a very enjoyable reunion until the re-assembling of thc lodge in the month of October next . But for the occurrence of the circumstances alluded toby the D . P . G . M ., the numbers
attending would , according to the acceptances , have been much more numerous than they were . It may be mentioned , however , that amongst the members and visitors were thc following : —Bros . | " . P . M . Smith , W . M . ; F . Sundius Smith , S . W . ; T . C . Woodman , J . W . ; J . C . Corder , Sec . ; Alfred King , S . D . ; Dennant , J . D . ; G . W . Campbell , I ) . of C . ; Cecil Parsons , I . G . ; L . Lleuliette , Org . ; II . Langton , Stwd . ; T . Hughes , Tyler ; P . M . ' s J . H . Scott
D . P . G . M . ; J . Dixon , G . W . King , Gerard Ford , P . P . G . S . D . Lincolnshire ; also Bros . TI . E . Charrington , P . M . 3 S 6 , 777 , 114 G ; General B . Ford , P . G . D . Bengal ; G . J . Ford , 271 ; R . J . Rogers , 271 ; II . Balean , 271 , and others . Amongst the visitors were Bros . O . Seth , 5 G 3 , 11 iS ; J . 11 . Cross , Yarborough Lodge ; C . P . Henty , P . P . j ' . G . W .:
J . H . Mc . Whinnie , 14 GG ; J . Echlin Ward , P . M ., 6 , Dublin ; O . Hansard , Jerusalem , 197 , P . G . Stwd . ; C . J . Smith , Prov . G . St . ; V . P . Freeman , Prov . G . Sec ; J . Large , W . M ., 771 ; W . R . Wood , P . G . St ., P . P . G . S . D . ; G . De Paris , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . Si 1 ; M . Tanner , P . P . G . D . ; anrl others .
LIVERPOOL . —Everton Lodge ( No . 823 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on Wednesday , the iGth inst . Present : Bros . 'I imothy Webster , W . M . ; H . Ashmore , I . P . M . ; Thos . Shaw , I ' . M . ; W . Cotterell , P . M ., M . C . ; Jos . Bovlc , S . W . ; T . 11 . Carefull , J . W . ; Councillor W . J . l . unt , P . M ., Treas . ; John Beesley , Sec ; W . Brassey , S . D . ; J . M . King , J / D . ; R . H . Webster , I . G . ; W . H . Ball , Tyler ; E . H . Benedict , J . G . Hassell , T .
Collinson , C .-S . Sterry , B . Brassey , 11 . J . Simms , T . Brown , A . J . I- 'ishlock , Edward Kelly , Daniel Callow , E . Morgan , J . Griffiths , Robt . Campion , J . Gage , W . Maddox , li . S . Milne , R . Gow , J . Hughes , J . Corson , J . Fairbrother , and others . Visitors-. S . Butterworth , 1547 ; S . Harvey , 203 ; W . C . Cowell , 1 G 75 ; N . J . Nosted , 249 ; J . W . Davis , 1 G 75 ; P . IL Lyons , 594 ; C Wood , GG 7 ; J . Holden , 11 S 3 ; and J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 .
'The lodge was opened at G . 30 p . m . by the W . M ., and after the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . R . Webster , who was declared dul y elected . Bro . R . T . Britton , I 7 . 5 G , was also unanimously elected a joining member . Mr . Webster being in attendance was prepared and initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . Bros . Sterry and McNaught , having- given proof of their prolicency in this Degree , were
entrusted and retired , when the lodge was opened up , and the above named brethren were re-admitted , and passed to the Degree of F . C . 'The W . M . and his officers fully sustained the reputation of the lodge by their good working . 'The lodge was then closed down , and the brethren proceeded to the election of W . M . for the ensuing year . Upon the ballot being taken Bro . Boyle , S . W ., was declared unanimously elected . Bro . W . J . Lunt , P . M .,
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Mason , and they were proud to possess him in this lodge . They had also Bro . Kirkham as a P . M ., who was not behind Bro . Filer in the duties of hospitality or charity . He also was a Mason who had done great work in the world , and whose work was also nobly and largely to be seem 'Their I . P . M ., Bro . John Aird , was not yet present , in consequence of some great work hc was engaged in the New Victoria Dock , the opening of which would take place
to-morrow . 'There was an enormous amount of work there , and a great deal of personal work devolved upon Bro . Aird to get ready . At the opening there would be some thirteen steamers to take the visitors . It was said that the good deeds of some men were written in water . The good deads of Bro . Aird and Bro . Kirkham were written in gas . Bro . Aird had also written his good deeds in water at Beckton . Having
said this much , to say more would be superfluous , and he begged the brethren to drink the h--.. lh of those Past Masters . Bro . A . J . Duff Filer , replying , said his task was easy , and perhaps the task of obedience was the easiest . 'The W . M . had given them a sufficient specimen that he at all events was able to govern the livening Star Lodge , and by the encouragement the brethren had given him he was the better enabled to govern the lodge for the ensuing
year . He ( Bro . Filer ) and Bro . Kirkham were the only-Past Masters of the lodge present , and he had great pleasure in feeling that he was a Past Master of that lodge . From the very first moment he was connected with the lodge he had felt he had met there a great number of men of mark in the gas world . Not one among them but stood in some position in the gas world , and whose name would be handed down to posterity . 'The experience brought to
the Evening Star Lodge taught them so well how to obey that on all occasions he found that at the sound of tin gavel immediate attention'followed . There was a good deal of care and anxiety attached to the office of W . M ., but in thc hands of the present W . M . the conduct of tin business of the Star Lodge would be carried out to perfection . Bro . li . P . Spice replied for " The Visitors , " ami said that on no occasion did he remember to have been
placed in such a difficulty as to be selected as the mouthpiece of visitors to a body of men who were men of science . He , however , took courage by reflecting upon the one fact that among all the numerous qualities that had been touched upon that evening there was one that had been missed , and which as a peg he desired to hang a very few remarks . Much had been said about this lodge , whose members were conspicuous in science , and in one
particular branch of science . He felt himself a very feeble member among the visitors present , and the fact he referred to was the illuminating power of this lodge . 'The W . M . had distinguished himself par excellence as an authority in determining illuminating power . He believed that Bro . Sugg was capable of telling the illuminating power of every planet ; that he would teHthem to the fraction of the hundredth part of a candle the difference between Mars and
Venus . 'The W . M . had said something that evening about a Venus from foreign parts , but he dirl not tell the liiethren how much illuminating power he had been instrumental in producing in these realms in bringing her across the water to the neighbourhood of some brethren . I lis modesty prevented his telling the brethren how much he had contributed to the illuminating power of England by the importation of foreign talent in female form ; but the brethren all knew
the W . M . was always ready to render suit and service whenever he was called upon , and even without being called upon when he felt inspired to render those happy touches of nature whicli made the whole world kin . He ( Bro . Spice ) had been talking about the planetary system merely , and had been endeavouring to remind tliem that the W . M . was capable of telling them the difference in the illuminating power nf each planet connected with the
solar system ; but bear in mind that they could not inhabit one small system merely ; thev were all part and parcel of the system of the . world , and while they were talking as Masons such a gathering as they then had afforded them an opportunity of improving their mental faculties , by referring to regions almost interminably and indefinitely bevnnd our own and beyond the planetary system to the Great Architect of the Universe . Thus humbly and feebly
lie endeavoured to impress upon the brethren those thoughts which rev olved in his own mind , and they would readily bel ' eve when he had been called upon to respond for the visitors the sublime sentiments and thoughts which occupied the minds of all true Masons floated in his own mind , and when the visitors came and met the brethren again and again he hoped they might all refresh their mental faculties at the festive board in that national ,
siu .-inspiring , and soul-pro iting strain wliich should make the livening Mar Lodge a polar star in the constellation of Masonry . At this period Bro . John Aird , I . P . M ., arrived , and the W . M , proposed his health and presented him with the beautiful P . M . jewel referred to above . Bro . Aird , in acknowledging the compliment , said it was a matter of extreme regret that he found that morning that business engagements came to the front to such an extent as to put
it out of his power to be present at the lodge meeting . I le had , however , made a great effort to come at that late period to offr r the cordial hand of welcome and congratulation to the W . M ., and to thank the brethren for their kindness . He was unable to express himself as deeply as he felt . If he mi ght be allowed to pass for a moment from speaking of himself he was sure the Evening Star Lodge would have reason to be proud of the W . M . they had placed
in the chair . He ( Bro . Airrl ) was deeply sensible of the compliment paid him , and grateful for the present they had made . He also felt grateful for the kind and ready assistance anil the cordial co-operation that was always accorded to him during Ihe time he held the position so admirably filled by Bin . Sugg . Bro . James Glaisher , J . W ., responded to the toast of "The Officers , " who , he said , would al ! endeavour to perform tlieir duties properly ancl
with credit to the lodge . Bros . Massey and King replied to the toast of "The Press , " and the 'T yler ' s toast having - been duly honoured , the brethren separated . During the evening a charming selection of music was performed by Miss Clara Perry ( by kind permission of Carl Rosa , Esq . ) , Miss Kate Baxter , ' Bro . Stcdman ' s Choir Boys , Bros . George Buckland , Stedman , and Egbert Roberts , under the direction of Bro . Stedman .
BRIGHTON . —Royal Clarence Lodge ( No . 271 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge , on Friday evening , the 18 th inst ., was one of u , usual interest , for advantage wns taken of the only opportunity remaining before the lodge
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
reassembles in October , to welcome and congratulate the Worshipful thc Deputy I'rov . Grand Master , Bro . John II . Scott , upon his recent appointment to thc honours of Grand Lodge . The lodge having been opened , two new members were initiated . Following these ceremonies was that of raising to the 'Third Degree Bro . thc Rev . Gerard J . Ford , for which purpose the W . M . vacated the chair , in order that Bro . Gerard J . Ford might be raised by his relative ,
Bro . Gerard Ford , P . M ., who performed the ceremony in a highly impressive manner . Before the lodge was closed thc Secretary , in thc course of his duty , read the resolution passed at the last regular meeting , in which the congratulations of the members to the D . P . G . M ., upon his becoming- a Grand Deacon of England , and whereby the lodge recognised not only the appreciation thus expressed by ( band Lodge for the distinguished merits of Bro . Scott , who so
worthily represents successive generations of Freemasons in his family , but welcomes the compliment paid to the Province of Sussex generally in the selection of one of its popular Masonic representatives to fill that distinguished position . 'The reply of Bro . Scott to the copy of this resolution , which had been forwarded to him , was placed before the lodge . He acknowledged in graceful tesms the expression conveyed to him as being one of paramount worth ,
considering that it emanated from his mother lodge , the quarter of all others whence approbation was most gratifying to him . All business being concluded , the brethren adjourned to the large banqueting-room , where they sat down to an excellent repast , after which they listened to some excellent part singing and other musical performances , over which Bro . Alfred King , Prov . Grand Organist , ably presided .
Amongst the speeches following the usual and Masonic toasts were some of particular interest . The resolution which had been read in the lodge was necessarily referred to by the D . P . G . M ., when he rose to reply to the toasts which were drunk in honour of the Grand and Provincial Ofiicers . Bro . John II . Scott , who was warmly greeted , said he regretted that none of his colleagues were present to reply to the toast . When , in company with the W . M .,
he made that pleasant trip to Truro , many of the Grand Officers promised to attend this present meeting should nothing unforeseen prevent them , but the unforeseen had happened . A Masonic celebration was going on in London , at which most of the Grand Officers must wish to attend . 'The speaker himself had been invited , but felt he could not forsake his mother lodge on such an occasion as the present . When he was initiated , nearly twenty-eight years ago , it
never entered into his anticipation that he would reach the position in Freemasonry which he now held . Indeed , there was then no scope for such ambitior . At that time the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex was , and had been for many years , in a state of abeyance . To become a Prov . Grand Officer was therefore not thought of ; oflice in Grand Lodge then was scarcely , if ever , conferred upon provincial brethren . 'To become a Grand Officer was also out of the
question . His highest aim was to become W . M . of the Royal Clarence Lodge , and to keep up the good reputation of a name which had been honoured in that lodge for more than three-quarters of a century . Through the good will of his brethren that desire had been fulfilled . He had been three times their W . M ., and he had the satisfaction of knowing that the name of Scott was still honoured in the lodge , for he observed that in the vote of congratulation already
mentioned he was described as one of the most valued of their membeis . Moreover , he appeared before them as an officer of the Grand Lodge of England as well as Dep . Prov . G . M . of Sussex . ( Loud cheers . ) He did not allude to these facts in any spirit of vanity or egotism . He was fully sensible that the distinctions he had won were more owing to the force of circumstances than to any merits of his own . He had been carried along by that tide in Masonic affairs
which , having been taken at the flood , had borne him on to honour and preferment . The truth was that he had had opportunities of distinguishing himself which fell to the lot of few . His grandfather , his father , and his uncles all having been energetic and eminent members ofthe lodge , it was not surprising that when he joined it he was patted on the back and quickl y put into office . Twenty-eight years ago the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex had virtually no
existence , but soon after he was initiated it was resuscitated , and in 1 S 59 , when he was W . M . for the first time , he was appointed one of the Deacons , soon afterwards J . W ., then S . W ., which office he held for three consecutive years . Now those were advantages which could not possibly happen again to any brother in the province , for promotion in Provincial Grand Lodge was now at an end . Formerl y it was a necessity , for there were not sufficient brethren qualified to
fill the various ofhees . But now there were more than enough , sfl that in future there could be no more promotion excepting from the oflice of Steward , which in this province was the stepping stoneto provincial rank , and every now and then ' when a Warden was wanted the Prov . G . M . would look over his list of Past Prov . Grand Officers and select such as he thought fit for that position . His opportunities had not yet ended . In 1 S 73—when illness
incapacitated Bro . Gavin Pocock , whose name was never heard or thought of by those who knew him without a pang of regret that he was no longer amongst them—when illness obliged him to give up the duties of Provincial G . Secretary , which he had held for twenty years , he ( Bro . Scott ) was appointed to succeed him , and remained Prov . G . Secretary until three years ago , when the Prov . G . M . called upon him to assume the position of
D . P . G . M . Now it was to all these advantages that he attributed his present position in the Craft . 'The opportunities had presented themselves , and he had availed himself of them , for to complete the quotation which he had somewhat paraphrased just now , " We must take the current when it serves or lose our venture . " Bro . Scott concluded by saying that having reached these positions he enjoyed them very much , lie had no idea how welcome were the
privileges of office until he had experienced them . 'There was an old saying that grapes were sour , but he believed they were so only to those who attempted to pluck them before they were ripe . Let every one bide his time , and the luscious fruit would some day come within reach and be all the more grateful in the possession . It was observed duriiv ; the ctr . ninnies , and afterwards at the banquet , tliut
the donation-box , technically termed the broken column , and which has been introducedinto this lodge for some time , but not until now in an ornamental form , was placed in a prominent position , lt may be mentioned that this isa handsome work of art produced b y Messrs . Benham , and may be described as a partial reproduction of the Nelson Column , the plinth being of ebony , the enrichments of
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
which , as well as the emblematical and presentation plates and the broken shaft , being of silver . The shaft , by a simple arrangement , can be lifted so as to remove the contributions . 'This presentation is expressed to be in connection with the "The Royal Clarence Lodge Fund of Benevolence , " and is intended to aid that movement , which consists of a permanently invested fund , the income being applicable by the Worshipful Master ancl a Committee ) who
act under special regulations , very carefull y framed for its regulation . It was principally due to the exertions of Bro . Gerard Ford , P . M ., who occupied the chair ofthe lodge in 1 S 7 G , that the plan of this charitable movement has been started , it being intended to be associated with his-name and year of Mastership . Owing to delays which could not be avoided , including the long and careful consideration of the rules whilst these were under the
consideration ot the Committee , tins presentation has been unavoidably postponed , although the benefits of contributions to the " Broken Column " have not been withheld for want of a repository in which to place them , and it is hoped that the well-intentioned movement may prove of lasting benefit and advantage to numbers of poor and distressed Masons , in whose aid it may , in many future years , be made available . 'This work of art is also the gift to the lodge of Bro .
Gerard Ford , who , ai some remarks concerning it , expressed the hope and confidence that the spirit whicli had prompted his effort would be taken up and carried on by numbers of true and worth y Masons in generations to come . The establishment of tlie fund had long been an attractive dream to him , and thc mode of application of its resources had been fixed upon after many anxious deliberations with others besides those brethren ot the lod"e
who had so kindly and so heartily seconded his idea b y their advice and assistance . 'They had all simply one object in view —to endeavour , in the short span of life alloted to them , to do something , however small , to signify their thankfulness for the blessings accorded to them . He was quite aware that it was not necessary to do this otherwise than in the simplest and most retiring maimer . Hut he had an object in
rendering this ornament to tlieir table in some degree attractive for its own sake . He trusted that thereby those few who listened to him ( and he heartily wished that at that period of the proceedings they could have been more numerous ) as well as future members of the Royal Clarence Lodge would , on theirattention being drawn to this presentation , call to mind the objects with which it is especiall y identified , viz ., the extension of "the Royal Clarence
Lodge Brighton Ben . volence I-und . He ventured to hope that the spirit of the movement which established a permanently invested fund ( the income of which would be applicable by the W . M . in conjunction with a strong committee ) would long be cherished and furthered . He would remind the brethren , and surely a reminder was all that should be necessary , of that cardinal point of their system which so impressively inculcated the
principle of brotherly love , the origin and stimulus of that virtue which has so well been described as the "most excellent gift of charity . " They had listened to a charming duet just now , the refrain of which said that "true love hath banished sorrow . " Might they all be able , when approaching that solemn moment so especially thc subject of that evening ' s ceremony , to reflect that by the exercise of this elevating principle they
had contributed by the truest of all love to banish sorrow . 'The "Broken Column" was passed round , and a very handsome sum announced as to its contents upon opening it . 'The remainder of Ihe proceedings were of an interesting character , and the brethren separated after a very enjoyable reunion until the re-assembling of thc lodge in the month of October next . But for the occurrence of the circumstances alluded toby the D . P . G . M ., the numbers
attending would , according to the acceptances , have been much more numerous than they were . It may be mentioned , however , that amongst the members and visitors were thc following : —Bros . | " . P . M . Smith , W . M . ; F . Sundius Smith , S . W . ; T . C . Woodman , J . W . ; J . C . Corder , Sec . ; Alfred King , S . D . ; Dennant , J . D . ; G . W . Campbell , I ) . of C . ; Cecil Parsons , I . G . ; L . Lleuliette , Org . ; II . Langton , Stwd . ; T . Hughes , Tyler ; P . M . ' s J . H . Scott
D . P . G . M . ; J . Dixon , G . W . King , Gerard Ford , P . P . G . S . D . Lincolnshire ; also Bros . TI . E . Charrington , P . M . 3 S 6 , 777 , 114 G ; General B . Ford , P . G . D . Bengal ; G . J . Ford , 271 ; R . J . Rogers , 271 ; II . Balean , 271 , and others . Amongst the visitors were Bros . O . Seth , 5 G 3 , 11 iS ; J . 11 . Cross , Yarborough Lodge ; C . P . Henty , P . P . j ' . G . W .:
J . H . Mc . Whinnie , 14 GG ; J . Echlin Ward , P . M ., 6 , Dublin ; O . Hansard , Jerusalem , 197 , P . G . Stwd . ; C . J . Smith , Prov . G . St . ; V . P . Freeman , Prov . G . Sec ; J . Large , W . M ., 771 ; W . R . Wood , P . G . St ., P . P . G . S . D . ; G . De Paris , P . P . G . S . D ., P . M . Si 1 ; M . Tanner , P . P . G . D . ; anrl others .
LIVERPOOL . —Everton Lodge ( No . 823 ) . — The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on Wednesday , the iGth inst . Present : Bros . 'I imothy Webster , W . M . ; H . Ashmore , I . P . M . ; Thos . Shaw , I ' . M . ; W . Cotterell , P . M ., M . C . ; Jos . Bovlc , S . W . ; T . 11 . Carefull , J . W . ; Councillor W . J . l . unt , P . M ., Treas . ; John Beesley , Sec ; W . Brassey , S . D . ; J . M . King , J / D . ; R . H . Webster , I . G . ; W . H . Ball , Tyler ; E . H . Benedict , J . G . Hassell , T .
Collinson , C .-S . Sterry , B . Brassey , 11 . J . Simms , T . Brown , A . J . I- 'ishlock , Edward Kelly , Daniel Callow , E . Morgan , J . Griffiths , Robt . Campion , J . Gage , W . Maddox , li . S . Milne , R . Gow , J . Hughes , J . Corson , J . Fairbrother , and others . Visitors-. S . Butterworth , 1547 ; S . Harvey , 203 ; W . C . Cowell , 1 G 75 ; N . J . Nosted , 249 ; J . W . Davis , 1 G 75 ; P . IL Lyons , 594 ; C Wood , GG 7 ; J . Holden , 11 S 3 ; and J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 .
'The lodge was opened at G . 30 p . m . by the W . M ., and after the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken for Mr . R . Webster , who was declared dul y elected . Bro . R . T . Britton , I 7 . 5 G , was also unanimously elected a joining member . Mr . Webster being in attendance was prepared and initiated into the mysteries of the Craft . Bros . Sterry and McNaught , having- given proof of their prolicency in this Degree , were
entrusted and retired , when the lodge was opened up , and the above named brethren were re-admitted , and passed to the Degree of F . C . 'The W . M . and his officers fully sustained the reputation of the lodge by their good working . 'The lodge was then closed down , and the brethren proceeded to the election of W . M . for the ensuing year . Upon the ballot being taken Bro . Boyle , S . W ., was declared unanimously elected . Bro . W . J . Lunt , P . M .,