Craft Masonry.

Warn , S . W . ; W . T . Potts , J . W . ; John Collier , Treas . ; Geo . W . Holmes , Sec . ; E . A . A . Hambridge , J . D . ; G . H . Fennell , D . C ; A . Peterken , P . M . ; J . E . McLaren , P . M . ; J . Bailey , P . M . ; R . Toole , P . M . ; Ben . Johnson , P . M . ; Tom Green , P . M . ; and many others . Visitors Bros . C . J . R . Tijou , A . G . P . ; C . J . D . Mears , P . M . 299 ; W . J . A . Denselor , S 5 S ; VV . M . Johnson , S 13 ; J . T . Wilson , 54 S ; C Bridgeman , 1 S 15 ; F . Buckner , S 13 ;

J . P . Nornington , 2105 ; J . M . Longley , 299 ; F . R . H . Good , 7 S 0 ; E . G . Cormack , 1540 ; j . R . Shearsmith , 206 ; T . G . Scott , 933 ; VV . J . Light , 299 ; W . | . Judge , 299 ; T . B . Folkes , 171 G ; W . F . Bull , P . M . 1707 ; VV . F . Keddell , l . P . M . 11 S 5 ; . Geo . May , iSgi 5 J . Isaacs , 1227 ; J . W . Isaacs , 79 ; B . A . Moore , VV . M . 171 ( 1 ; L . Bliss , P . M . 1716 ; F . H . Jackson , 1716 ; W . Andrews , 1716 ; A . J . Harvey , 9 ; J . Purvis , 504 ; J . Casseres ,

' 349 ; J- H . Etchel , 1 S 04 ; R . H . Meyer , 1767 ; j . Kemp Coleman , 907 , 1716 ; T . F . Noakes . SGi ; H . Harrison , 1421 ; E . H . Walker , 1441 ; C W . Gilling , 11 S 5 ; H . Martin , SgS ; J . Butcher , 1 S 04 ; E . Moffatt , 22 G 6 ; C Cox , J . W . 1471 ; H . Harvey , 2411 ; J . Wiseman , 1716 ; W . P . Griffith , 7 S 1 ; G . F . Weigi , P . M . S 60 ; E . Green , 1472 ; C . A . Walter , 17 G 7 ; E . Stuart Barker , P . M . ' 632 ; J- J- White , 733 ; A . B . Norman , 165 S ; W .

Webber , 19 S ; A . Williams , S 34 ; H . T . Harrison , 733 ; H . Lacey , 733 ; J . Davies , P . M . 1309 ; L . Ascott , P . M . 733 ; H . Pickett ; E . W . Dixon , 13 G 6 ; and J . Mason , VV . M . 1567 , P . P . S . G . D . Lodge was opened , the minutes confirmed , and a highly satisfactory audit report received and adopted . Bro . Tom Green , P . M ., then assumed the chair , and impressively installed Bro . George E . Warn as VV . M . The following

officers were appointed and invested : Bros . W . T . Potts , S . W . ; E . A . A . Hambridge , J . W . ; John Collier , Treas . ; Geo . VV . Holmes , Sec ; G . H . Fennell , S . D . ; Alfd . J . Bird , J . D . ; C . W . Hankey , I . G . ; P . Jackman , Org . ; F . Thornton , D . C . ; VV . G . Shadrake , A . D . C . ; H . Boorer and R . E . Miners , Stwds . ; and C . Sheppard , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . M ., Bro . Mead , and was duly acknowledged . On the motion

of Bro . Ben Johnson , P . M ., the sum of 10 guineas was voted to the R . M . B . I ., to be placed on the list of Bro . Shadrake . Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Holborn Restaurant , where an excellent banquet was served . After dessert , the usual toasts received hearty acknowledgment .

In giving the toast of "The Grand Officers , Bro . Maxfield Mead , I . P . M ., said it gave him great pleasure to include the name of Bro . Tijou , A . G . P ., a native of the East-end of London , and a Past Master and Secretary of a neighbouring lodge . Bro . Tijou ' s selection for high office was something for the East-end of London to be proud of , and that worthy brother would help to direct that ancient ship which the brethren present feel they have now

some touch with . Bro . C . J . R . Tijou , A . G . P ., said that for many years past he had attended their installation meetings , but that was the first occasion he had been present at their great meeting of the year as a Grand Officer . He had received their votes from time to time for the Board of Benevolence —where he hoped he had done his duty—and to that fact he attributed the honour conferred upon him by the Alost

Worshipful Grand Master . He was also one of His Royal Highnesses representatives in the management of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Bro . Mason , who was present to represent that Institution , would say that in the East-end they had taken a great interest in the Charities , but the old people had been their great care . They had received some recognition from the hands of the Most Worshipful Grand Master in at last conferring one collar , as a

commencement he hoped , in the East-end of London . He thanked them for the reception given him , not only as a Grand Officer , but as an old friend and an active worker in the lodge " over the way , " the Coborn Lodge , which had worked hand in hand with this lodge for many years . There they were enabled to sink slight differences and work in unity to promote the great work of Freemasonry , which would be nothing if not Charity—Charity in judgment and

in judging other people s actions . Bro . Maxfield Mead , I . P . M ., then proposed "The Worshipful Master . " He said that on that occasion they would not depart from the good rule but give their W . M . a thorough good and hearty reception . In this lodge the Master had to guide , govern and rule some 90 members . During the past year there had been some progress made in their numbers , but the calibre had not deteriorated . As I . P . M ., it was his proud privilege to say the VV . M . was

not taking over an empty exchequer , although they had done something for the Charities , and he hoped would do something more during the coming year . Bro . Warn , VV . M ., had , during the past nine years , devoted time and attention to the working , and had been a most regular attendant at the lodge of instruction , which augured well for the good work they would see him do . There was no doubt there would be plenty of work , and that their meetings would continue to be carried out in a happy and pleasant

manner . Bro . George Warn , VV . M ., thanked the l . P . M . and brethren for their cordial reception , and for their great kindness to him ever since he joined the lodge . He had always been received with the greatest respect , and that day he had been installed as their W . M . He trusted that during his year he should receive the confidence they had placed in him heretofore and the support of his oflicers ,

whom he hoped also to meet at the lodge of instruction . Bro . Tom Green , P . M ., replied for the toast of " The Installing Master , " and said the brethren had added one more to the many occasions upon which they had showered evidence of their goodwill upon him . Their appreciation was a full and satisfactory recompense for any humble efforts which he might have put forward in the interest of that lodge . The membership of the lodge was very largely

drawn from those who lived in the immediate vicinity of the meeting place , and , although it had not been his good fortune to reside among his brethren in that locality , still , by their pleasure , he had been promoted to the highest honour it was possible to confer upon any member , and he could assure them that he appreciated very deeply the

honour placed upon him . Freemasonry they were taught was a progressive science which made those who practised it better men and citizens . It was a science whose votaries were called upon to seek the solace of their own distress by affording relief and consolation toothers in the hour of their allliction . It was a science which possessed the grandest

Craft Masonry.

scheme of benevolence which civilised mankind had ever witnessed . It also realised a great desire in a personal sense . There was first that period when the desire sprang up to join Masonry , accompanied by those fears and tremblings incident to it . At the initiation one was the observed of all observers , and that new experience was a very delightful one . Then they went on to the period of anticipation and realisation , and they still went on and continued to

progress towards that chair whose traditions were hidden in mystery , and the attainment of which was a most worthy object of ambition on the part of every zealous Mason . Bro . C . J . D . Mears , P . M . 299 , responded for "The Visitors , " and returned hearty thanks for the handsome reception they had received . The toast was also acknowledged by Bros . Potts , Stuart

Barker , and Foskett . Bro . John Mason , P . P . G . D . Middx ., representing the R . M . B . L , made an effective response for "The Masonic Charities . " He said he felt the task was light , because Bro . Tijou had already referred to the subject , and the I . P . M . in proposing that toast had gone into figures . The Benevolent Institution was doing the greatest good to the greatest number by sending money quarter by quarter to

those needing it , and whose next door neighbours possibly did not know how they lived . There were 130 seeking to be elected with only 30 vacancies . In conclusion , he strongly appealed to the brethren , especially those who had never yet contributed to the Masonic Charities , to assist the Benevolent Institution by contributing to the list of Bro . Shadrake .

" The Past Masters " and other toasts followed , the proceedings terminating as usual with the Tyler's toast . Under the direction of Bro . H . Boorer a musical programme was carried out , in which the following took part—Miss A . Mottaway , Miss McLaren ( violinist ) , Mr . Sadleur Brown , and Bros . Partridge and Devey . Bros . P . Jackman and T . F . Noakes shared the duties of accomnanist .

London Rifle Brigade Lodge ( No . 1962 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was celebrated in a most enthusiastic manner at Anderton's Hotel , on the igth inst ., when Bro . Henry Hughes Nuding , W . M ., presided over a gathering of some 70 brethren , including Past Masters of the lodge—Bros . Neville Green , A . McDowall , W . C . Claridge , A . Haigh-Brown , A . H . Sandle , L . V . Walker , J . C . Tilt , H . F . Bing , John Geen , and George Gregory—and a large number of

visitors . The VV . M . first initiated in admirable style Mr . Alfred Collins , late of A Company L . R . B ., and then , with equal efficiency , installed Bro . David McNish , one of the oldest colour-sergeants and drill-sergeants of the old Brigade , formerly of the 3 rd Lanark . The following brethren were appointed to office : Bros . H . H . Nuding , I . P . M . ; S . W . Morris , S . W . ; C . F . Elles , J . W . ; A . McDowall , P . M .,

Treas . ; A . Haig-Brown , P . M ., Sec . and D . C ; G . R . Rix , S . D . ; H . Henton , J . D- ; VV . S . Wright , I . G .: VV . J . Pearce , A . D .. C ; S . H . Latham and F . F . Grimes , Stewards ; and J . S . Lackland , Tyler . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Nuding , and a beautifully illuminated testimonial , framed and glazed , to Bro . Walter C . Claridge , together with a substantial purse , in recognition of his able and untiring performance of the

duties of Secretary of the lodge for several years , and from which he now retired . Bro . Claridge was also unanimously elected an honorary member of the lodge , and he feelingly acknowledged the kindness and compliments evinced towards him by the brethren . An adjournment for banquet followed , when an excellent repast , personally superintended by Bro . Clemow , who was assisted by Bro . Evans , and Bro . VV . S . WagstafT , the

Masonic waiter , was partaken of , and the toasts were afterwards proposed and responded to . The songs and recitations were given by Bros . H . H . Nuding , I . P . M . ; W . J . Pearce , Fawkes , VV . VV . Jones , H . Lintott , and V . J . Wright . Bro . Nuding , I . P . M ., in proposing "The VV . M ., " said Bro . McNish was not only initiated in that lodge , but was well tried , and proved to be by that fact in every way fitted

to occupy the chair of W . M ., and keep up the credit of the London Rifle Brigade Lodge won for it by his predecessors . He asked all ths brethren to support and uphold in every way they could Bro . McNish , and if they only accorded to him the support given to him ( Bro . Nuding ) and his predecessors , the W . M . ought not to be dissatisfied with his year of office . Bro . McNish , in acknowledging the toast , which was

most cordially received , said it would be his object to conduct the affairs of the lodge as they had been conducted by previous Worshipful Masters . He should certainly try to equal them , although it would be difficult . However , he would try , and he thanked the brethren very much for receiving his health so cordially . In proposing "The I . P . M ., " Bro . McNish said it was with pleasure the officers of the lodge had acted under Bro .

Nuding , and he hoped they might have him among them many years to come . He had to announce that the Benevolent box had yielded £ 2 3 s . Bro . Nuding , I . P . M ., replying to the toast , said he wished to thank the brethren who had served under him , who had all done their duty . He asked every brother who had been promoted that evening to serve the W . M . as they had served him and his predecessors . As long as that

condition of things lasted the lodge was bound to succeed . He was not going to refer in grandiloquent terms to what the lodge had done in the cause of Charity , but he might say it had done its duty in that respect . Bro . Nuding then thanked the brethren for the Past Master's jewel with which they had presented him . It would give him great pleasure to put it by the side of those he already wore . Bro . Collins having replied to the toast of " The

Initiate , ' Bros . E . VVard Verry , Hurley , and Jones responded to that of "The Visitors . " Bro . McDowall , P . M ., Treasurer , responding on behalf of " The Past Masters , " said that those brethren , though they had gone through the chair , took the same interest in the lodge as when they were in its chair and previously to occupying that position . They always had assisted the

W .. VL , and he honed they always would assist him in carrying out every arrangement of the lodge . When any officer was unfortunately absent , they were quite able and ready to take his place . As Treasurer , he thanked the lodge for its renewed confidence . He was happy to say the lodge had a good Benevolent Fund , to which , in cases of necessity , application could be made . Independently of

Craft Masonry.

that , there were few lodges which had sent up so much to the Masonic Charities , and it was out of a separate fund of a Charity association and from individual subscriptions that they sent up so large a sum . Bro . Tilt , P . M ., was one of the oldest active members in the association , and with Bro . Gregory , P . M ., worked hard in the cause . Bro . A . Haig-Brown , P . M ., Sec , also responded , and referred to the excellent service rendered by Bro . Claridge

to the lodge which made it very difficult for any one to follow him in that office . His ( Bro . Haig-Brown ' s ) willingness to work on behalf of the lodge had been evinced on former occasions , but the duties of Secretary he was not quite fully acquainted with , and would not be until he got fairly into the work . But , however that might be , his hearty wish would be to emulate—never to excel—their worthy Bro . Claridge . If he emulated the way in which

the late Secretary had carried out his duties he should be quite satisfied The W . M ., in proposing Bro . Claridge's health , reminded the brethren that that brother had presented the lodge with Gould ' s History of Freemasonry . Bro . Claridge said he had had a certain amount of pride in seeing how the London Rifle Brigade Lodge grew , and he had satisfaction in feeling that his small efforts had assisted in its growth . He was assured that night by what

the brethren had done that they recognised his efforts . During the last eighteen months he had gone through great trouble by the loss of his wife and losses in business , but as there was no black cloud without a silver lining , what the brethren had done gave him more pluck , and he felt younger that night than he did when he came into the

lodge . Bro . George Gregory , P . M ., replying to the toast of " The Charities , " advocated the candidature of the son of the late Bro . Brookes , for the Boys' School . Every possible vote that could be given for this case at the April election , whether Boys' or Girls' votes , or Old People ' s , would be of value . He hoped the visiting brethren would

assist . The remaining toasts were then given , and the brethren separated .

Strand Lodge ( No . 1987 ) . ' —This important and ever-growing lodge met at the Criterion , Regentcircus , on the nth inst ., when there were present Bros . C . I . Taylor , VV . M . ; E . Evans , S . W . ; W . Merrett , J . W . ; James Willing , jun ., P . M ., Treas . ; W . M . Stiles , " P . M ., Sec . ; W . S . Hooper , S . D . j R . W . Steggles , J . D . ; E . L . Campbell , D . of C . ; J . N . Hare and J . T . Buston , Stewards ; T . Seary , Org . ; F . Jackson , I . P . M . ; E . N .

Dale , P . M . ; H . S . Foster , P . M . ; J . Evans , T . Welham , H . A . Campbell , A . Sparkes , A . H . Westcott , H . F . Thrupp , J . Fleming , W . H . Mason , A . Romano , H . 1 . Towell , W . Challice , J . H . Warden , VV . Shore , W . 1 . Walker , J . Soper , G . F . Barnes , J . E . Thomas , J . L . Oakley , F . G . Soper , W . R . Hill , VV . Rapley , H . Love , G . Bound , F . Burman , J . Firderer , A . L . Gieve , J . B . Giolma , Mat O'Brien , and R . Whiting , Tyler . Visitors

Bros . Walter Andrews , 177 and 2421 ; E . W . Roach , 2396 ; A . E . Todd , W . M . 27 ; T . Carter , 1507 ; j . G . Hopgood , 17 G 5 ; C . V . Hunter , 2205 ; F . VV . Vaughan , 2030 ; T . F . Strutt , 1679 ; VV . A . Scurrah , P . M . 1 G 7 ; and R . T . West , 1744 . The minutes of the last meeting were read , and the VV . M . passed Bro . A . H . Westcott . He afterwards initiated Messrs . J . B . Giolma , Frank Soper , and VV , R . Hill .

The working of the W . M . was of the very best , and it was much appreciated by the members and visitors . The W . M . stated that Bro . J . Soper had presented to the lodge a handsome gavel made from a piece of oak of the ship Resolute , and it was unanimously resolved that it be accepted with many thanks . Letters regretting their inability to accept invitations were read from Bro . George Everett , P . G . Treas ., and others .

The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet , served in good style , for which Bro . Bertini was responsible . " The Queen and the Craft" having | been duly honoured , Bro . F . Jackson , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . " He said that it was somewhat difficult to find anything new to express what the brethren thought of their genial VV . M . He was beloved by them all , very energetic ,

and always to the front to do everything to promote the interests of the lodge , and it was impossible for any other lodge to have a better ruler . Bro . C . J . Taylor , the W . M ., who was well received , stated in eloquent terms that it was only a short time ago that he was installed , but after two more meetings he would have to vacate the chair , of which he was more than proud that he was the occupant ; but he should leave it with the

deepest regret . No one , he thought , should begrudge the time that was necessary to qualify for a W . M . In proposing "The Past Masters , " the VV . M . stated that the great position the lodge held was due to the Past Masters , who were the stepping-stones to the prosperity of the lodge . He referred specially to Bro . VV . M . Stiles , P . M ., who had done grand work for the lodge , which would stand him in great stead for the Grand Lodgefor

, which he was more than fitted in every way , and on behalf of the lodge he wished him every success in his candidature for the Grand Treasurership . Bro . J ackson , l . P . M ., having replied in suitable terms , Bro . Jas . Willing , junr ., also responded . He said that goodwill was always shown towards the Past Masters . Their excellent W . M . was carrying out his duties in a most efficient manner , and he would keep up the great standard

of the lodge . He felt he must express , on behalf of the members , how sorry they were for Bro . W . M . Stiles , who was endeared to them all , because he was working so hard for the office of Grand Treasurer . He was sure that he would have his reward by being elected in March next , and it would be more than an honour for the lodge to have a member as a Grand Officer elected by the masses . Bro . W . M . Stiles , who , on rising to respondhad a

, hearty reception , said that sometimes he blushed , and he did that night after the many kind things said of him . lie had done his best as their Secretary since the consecration of the lodge , and if he had the high honour of being elected as Grand Treasurer he should never forget the Strand Lodge . He had a hard task before him , as his numerous

opponents were doing their very utmost to gain the coveted office , but he had been repeatedly told that what he had done in Masonry would compare favourably with what any of the other candidates might have done , and , in conclusion , he thanked them from his heart for their great reception that evening and for their kind and good wishes .