-
Articles/Ads
Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 2 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . John Houlding , I . P . M ., as a token of the high regard in which he was held by the Evertonians , and this gift was further enhanced by the presentation of an elegant album , containing portraits of all the initiates during his year of office in the chair—this presentation being made by Bro . Hudson , the senior initiate , on behalf of the " youngsters" of Bro . Houlding ' s year .
The brethren , after business , adjourned to supper , and during the evening various toasts were given . In proposing ' 'Ihe Worshipful Master" Bro . W . Cottiell , P . M ., spoke of ihe prominence of the position , especially in such a lodge as S 23 . He was sure Bro . Ashmore would feel proud of filling it ; and he might siy that , from the steady way in which he had worked his way up hitherto , the lodge
might feel proud too . In conclusion , he expressed a hope that they would all join in ensuring their new W . M . a prosperous year of office . The W . M . in rep l ying promised his best tfforts to give satisfaction to the brethren , and to emulate the example of their esteemed LP . M . ( Bro . Houlding ) , and thanked all present . " The Installing Master " was proposed by the W . M ., and enthusiastically received .
Bro . Houlding , in replying , said he passed one of the happiest years of his life as their W . M . If he hail appeared at all over strict in the performance of his duties it was through anxiety to promote the interests of Masonry in general and the Everton Lodge in particular , and he hoped they would pardon him . He concluded b / thanking them cordially for the honour they had
done him . " The Past Masters , " " The Visitors , " and others toasts' followed , and the brethren separated . On the following day the brethren and their laely friends , to the number of over 250 , were conveyed by special train , which left Woodside at 9 . 45 a . m ., to Grcsford . r l he morning was somewhu overcast , but the weatherwise prophesied a fi . e day , a prediction which was amply justified ,
as the sun soon shone out gloriously , and the beautiful scenery of Cheshire and Wales was shown to perfection . No vexatious delay occurred , and on arriving at their destination the traveller-i imm .-diately proceeded to view the fine old church and its surroundings . In the churchyard is a venerable yew tree , said to be eleven hundred years olel . At any rate it is unquestionably of great age ,
measuring thirty-two feet in circumference . The ancient monuments next attracted attention , and the excursionists observed the time-honoured cui-t rm with " The Everton " of singing the " Old Hundredth " in the church with fine effect . About noon a substantial cold collation was served up in a spacious tent adjoining the hc > tel , and as there were many Willing anel attentive Stewards , the ceimfort of
all was secured . 'Ihe arrangements were indeed admirable , and reflected great credit on the picnic committee , of which Bro . William Cottrell , P . M ., was chairman , and Bro . W . Boulton , P . M ., secretary . Bro . Cosey , 1086 , carried out the minor details to the satisfaction of all concerned . The excursionists then dispersed for the afternoon , some exploring the lovely walks on the wooded slopes or by the purling Dee ; while others , especially the juvenile
membets , prefcrretl dancing on the green . A refreshing breeze tempered the heat of the weather , anel a most enjoyable afternoon was spent . Tea was served u , > about five o'clock , and the country air enabled the participants to do ample justice to it . Bro . Henry Ashmore , W . M ., presided , as before , and was ably supported by the Past Masters anel officers . The party left Grcsford at eight p . m ., arriving in Liverpool at halt-past nine , after one of the most successful picnics ever carried out by the Everton Lodge .
DERBY . —Hartington Lodge ( No . 1085 ) — The monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Wednesday , the 17 m inst , when the following brethren were present : Bros . G . Pipes , W . M . ; M . II . Bcbart , P . P . S . G . W ., Treas ., as S . W . ; W . B . Hcxtall , J . W . ; J . O . Manton , Sec . ; S . Steele , S . D . ; W . Butterfield as J . D . ; T . H . Hepworth as I . G . ; S . Pipes , P . M . and
P . P . S . G . D . ; J . Worsnop , P . M . and P . P . G . P . ; and a number of other brethren , including Bro . R . VV . Hollon , P . M . 226 , P . G . S . B . Eng ., Prov . G . Sec . N . and E . Yorkshire , & c , & c . The loelge was opened in the several degrees , there being the usual intermediary business , and Bros .
Heffoid and Arnol 1 were raised in ancient form by the W . M . The name of a cindidate for the mysteries of Freemisonry was submitted to the loelge , and other business of local import only was then dealt with , and then the lodge was closed in perfect harmony . The brethren afterwards did substantial justice to a substantial banquet .
PORTSMOUTH . —United Service Lodge ( No . 1428 ) . —The installation of Bro . James Leggett as Worshipful Master of this lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , Highbury-street , on Friday afternoon , in the presence of a very jargenumber of brethren . Among the ofiicersand brethren of the lodges were : Bros . H . Townscnd , W . M . ; . Leggett , S . W . ; J . Williams , J . W . ; T . Marco , Treas . ;
H . Woodward , Secretary ; Bourke , P . M . ; J . Linel , P . M . ; J . Johns , S . D . ; J . Strick , J . D . ; E . May , I . G . ; W . Walton , Steward ; G . Neldtr , Steward ; G . Nicholas , T . Burton , Francis Rowley , James Daidgr , H . Selby , E . A . ; G . Arnold , J . State , T . Wilton , E . Austin , J . Bailey , W . Farren , P . M . ; K . Boorman , T . Lawrence , J . Wilson , P . M . W . Baker , C . Downs , J . Cable , C . Russell , H . Holmes , P . M . ; W . Dart ,
H . Wickens , H . Allison , C . Travess . Among the visitois were : Bros . T . Palsgrave , S . ' iJ . 4 87 ; Frank Meredith , 487 ; G . Lancaster . P . M . 903 ; J . O'Connor , W . M . ; W Montgomery , 1341 ; N . Mitchell , J . W . 903 ; W . R . Bowden , 340 , P . G . Purst . ( Oxon ); L . I lackman , P . M . 342 ; A . L . Emanuel , P . M . 10 G 9 ; M . E . Frost , P . M . 487 , P . G ,
Treasurer ; H . Threadingham , W . M . 487 ; W . Payne , W . M . 342 ; R . Barnes , J . W . 34 * ; G . W . S . Lancaster , P . M . 4 S 7 , P . P . G . W . ; E . G . Holbrook , P . M . 309 , P . P . G Registrar , and others . Bro . Townsend , the retiring W . M . carried out the duties of Installing Master with greaj ability , delivering the impressive charges and ritual gen
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
erally with marked effect . The ceremony of installation over , the W . M . proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : —Bros . Townsend , I . P . M . ; Williams , S . W . ; Johns , J . W . ; Mares , Treasurer ; Woodward , Secretary ; Strick , S . D . ; May , J . D . ; Wilson , P . M ., Dir . of Cer . ; Wilton , Organist ; Laverty , I . G . ; and Nelder and Walton , Stewards . The musical portion of the ceremony was
effectively performed by Bro . Wilton , the Organist . The customary votes of thanks were accorded , and a handsome gold Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro . Townsend , in recogniton of his services during the past year . The duties of the lodge being ended , the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where they were joined by several who had been unable to be present during the
afternoon . The menu was elaborate , and the manner in which the whole banquet was served reflected the highest credit on Bro . Heath , the caterer . On the removal of the cloth , the W . M . gave " The Queen and the Craft , " " The M . W . Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., " " The M . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , " and " The R . W . the Deputy Grand Master , Lorel
Skelmersdale , and the Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " In proposing " The R . W . the Prov . Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight , Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., " he said he had had the pleasure of sitting in Prov . Grand Lodge with him , anel he had mot him under other circumstances in connection with Masonic matters , and from what he knew and had heard of him
he believed that he did all he possibly could to promote the interests of the Craft , and was ever ready to render assistance to any loelge in his extensive province , no matter at what personal inconvenience or expense . The toast was well received . The W . M . next proposed " The V . W . the Deputy Prov . Grand Master ( Bro . Hickmin ) and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " Bro .
Mark E . Frost , Prov . Grand Treasurer , respondcel , and in eMng so bore testimony to the untiring interest taken in Masonic matters by Bro . Beach . The province was a very large one , mustering thirty lodges , and the Provincial Grand Master found it exceedingly difficult to distribute his patronage every year in the way of giving office to the brethren , seeing that he only had fifteen or sixteen offices
to fill . As far as the provincial officers were concerned , he might say that thej all did their duty to the best of their ability . He expressed great gratification at the manner in which the retiring W . M . had performed the installation ceremony that afternoon . II _ had the honour of installing Bro . Townsend as W . M . last year , anel he was glad to find that
he had carried out his duties so satisfactorily during the past twelve months . He fully believed that Bro . Leggett would worthily fill the chair during his term of office , and hat under his rule the United Service Lodge would continue to prosper . Bro . Townsend , I . P . M ., proposed "The Worshipful Master , " nail in doing so said it had been his pleasing duty that afternoon to instal Bro . Leggett as
W . M . of the lodge , of which he was one of the oldest members . He had fairly worked his way up from the door to the chair , and if he fulfilled the duties of his present exalted position as attentively and well as he had fulfilled those of the offices he hadalreaely held , the brethren would have no cause whatever to regret having elected him to rule over them . I le ( Bro . Leggett ) had told him on
the night of his election that it would be impossible for him to attend to his duties during six or seven months ol the year , owing to his duties in connection with the puhlic service . It might be thought by some that it was wrong to elect one who coulel not devote all his time to the lodge , but it must be remembered that in that lodge the brethren were nearly all connected with cither the armv or the navy ,
and the character of their public duties was such as to prevent their regular attendance . Bro . Leggett had attended closely to his duties whenever he possibly could , and it was felt that it would be wrong not to advance him to the highest rank it was in their power to confer upon him , seeing that he had so ably filled all the other positions . He ( Bro . Townsend ) hael now left the service , and hael a
certain amount of leisure time , which he should be happy to devote towarels the furtherance of the interests of Freemasonry , and particularly of the Unitcel Service Lodge . He would now repeat the promise he hael made on the night of Bro . Leggett ' s election , namely , that whenever the W . M . was unable to attend he would do his best to carry on the eluties . The W . M . on rising- to respond
was greeted with loud and long continued applause . He heartily thanked the brethren of his lodge for the great honour they had conferred upon him , and the vvholc of the brethren present , who had done him the honour to attend his installation . It was satisfactory for him to reflect that he had worked his way , step by step , up to his present position , anel to feel that his conduct had been such as to
meet with the approval of the brethren . He intended to work hard to ensure the continued success of the lodge , and he knew he should be well supported in his endeavours by the officers whom he had appointed . He next proposed " The Installing Master , " whom he warmly eulogised for the able manner in which he had conducted the ceremony . Bro . Townsend , who was very warmly
received , responded , and in the course of his observations thanked the brethren for the handsome jewel with which they hael presenteel him as a memento of his year of office , With reference to the question of providing a hall of their own , which had recently been discussed in the lodge , he said he trusted that the lodge would saon be strong enough to build a place in which to meet . He hoped in
the course of a month or two to be in a position to submit a scheme which he thought would meet with the approval of the brethren . The W . M . proposed "The Worshipful Masters of Neighbouring Lodges , " the toast being acknowledged in suitable terms by Bro . O'Connor , of the Phoenix ; Bro . Payne , Royal Sussex ; Bro . Threadingham , Portsmouth ; Bro . Lancaster , Gosport ; and Bro . Frost ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
United Brothers . Bro . Lieut . Bourke , P . M ., proposed "The Visitors , " which was responded to by Bro . Bowden of Oxford . The remaining toasts were " The P . M . ' s of 1428 ; " "The Founders of the Lodge ; " and "The Officers . " During the evening several excellent songs were sung , Bro . Sylvester ably accompanying on the pianoforte . The proceedings of a very successful gathering terminated about midnight .
PLUMSTE AD—United Military Lodge ( No . 'S 3 ) - —The installation meeting of the above lodge took place on Friday , the 12 th inst ., at Bre . Girbetts' fine hall on Anglesea Hill , and was a most successful affair . The room had been prettily decorated for the occasion with flags anel choice plants , tastefully and prettily disposed , anel the coup d ' ceil presented was most effective . The lodge
was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting confirmed ; Bro . Roxford was then passed to the Second Degree . It was then announced that Bro . Eastes , D . P . G . M . Kent , had arrived , and shortly afterwards that distinguished brother entered the lodge , and was received with the customery honours . Bro . Hay Grieves Picken , the W . M . elect , was then presented to the Installing
Officer , Bro . G . Spinks , W . M ., and at his hands received the benefit of installation , and was saluted according to ancient custom . He then invested his officers as follows : Bros . H . Shaw , S . W . ; D . Deeves , J . W . ; G . Kennedy , Sec ; W . Murphy , Treas . ; Rev . G . A . Solbe , Chaplain ; W . Welding , S . D . ; A . Brooks , J . D . ; H . Harding , Org . ; T . Holleyman , I . G . ; C . Buckland , D . C ; Wilkin , A . D . C . ;
W . A . Watkins , W . S . ; T . Sharpe , A . W . S . ; and J . Lacklanel , Tyler . The three charges were then given in a most effective and eloquent manner , and indeed the whole of the ceremony was one great and sustained example of clearness , precision , and eloquence , seldom equalled , and certainly unsurpassed by anything we have ever heard . Genuine and general applause following each recital , and
upon its completion Bro . Spinks was highly congratulated on his beautiful working , and it was unanimously resolved that a vote of thanks should be presented him , and as well inscr'bed on the minutes of the lodge for it . I le was then presenteel with a jewel of the value of ten guineas , anel returned thanks for both . A very gratifying tribute of respect was then paid to Bros . Dr . Spurrell , P . M . 615 , and
Hayes , W . M . 913 , in the shape of a unanimous resolution , placing them upon the roll of the lodge as hon . members , ' and they returned thanks . Bros . Gibson and Sharpe were then thanked for their officiating as Auditors during the past year , and Bros . Saunelers anel Anelerson were accepted as Auditors for the present year . The loelge was then closed , and the brethren sat down to a well-served and
choicely selecteel banquet . Among the brethren and guests present were Bros . Eastes , D . P . G . M . Kent ; C Coupland , P . P . G . J . W . Kent ; Dr . Spurrell , P . P . G . J . W . Kent ; W , Blakey , P . M . 20 , 184 , and 1593 , P . P . G . D . C . Kent ; T . D . Hayes , W . M . 913 ; T . H . Field , W . M . 558 , and P . M . 1436 ; A Penfold , P . M . 913 ; W . T . Vincent , P . M . 913 ; L . Etheridge , P . M . 829 ; J . A Bates , P . M . 1424 ; F .
Garbett , W . M . 1178 ; A . Woodlcy , W . M . elect , 700 ; W . B . Lloyd , S . W . 913 ; J . Donnoley , S . W . 706 ; J . Warren , J . W . 700 ; Jas . Chapman , J . W . 913 ; J . Wilkins , S . D . 700 ; T . F . Davie , 8 7 ; T . Harper , 1 C 04 ; D . C Capon , 913 ; J . Grief , 158 ; A . Hiscock , 13 ; M . Bentley , 202 ; E . A . Spinks , 158 ; F . Lyons , 913 , and 700 ; F . Huggett , 1050 ; G . F . Eraser , 700 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) .
1 he usual loyal and Masonic toasts were dul y honoured . The W . M . then rose to propose the toast of "Lord Holmeselale , P . G . M . Kent , " and said that as their esteecmed D . P . G . M ., Bro . Eastes , had but little time to stay , he should as well include his name with it . It was the first time Bro . Eastes had paid them the honour of a visit , and he had expressed his pleasure at what he
had seen done in the lodge that day . They might be aware from the returns made at the late Boys' School Festival , that Kent was the second upon the list for the amount of subscriptions , and under the able guic'ance and inspiration of their Prov . G . M . anil Bro . Eastes , he hoped next year to see Kent at the heael of the list . Bro . Eastes , on rising to reply , was received with great cheering and clapping of
hands , said he thought he would rise at once to respond after that burst of Kentish " fire . " The first he should address them about We . uld be Lord Holmesdale , their P . G . M ., and he was pleased at the opportunity , because he could say more about him in his absence than in his presence . Lord Holmesdale was one of the best G . M . ' s in England . No one but those who knew could estimate
the amount of work he had to elo and how well he did it . It was not in the power of the G . M . to visit the various lodges at such times as their installations , but he had placed that duty in his ( Bro . Eastes ' s ) hands , anel it was a duty he was proud of , and never had be been more pleased at being at an installation , or more proud of his duty than he had been that day . Their lodge was not , however ,
a total stranger , for before he hael an opportunity of seeing it he had read of their excellent work , and great progress in the Freemason , and felt a deep interest in what he there saw of its vigour and intelligence . He had had lately opportunities of seeing several brethren of the lodge , and from what he had seen of them he had every reason to be proud of them .
Nothing gave Lord Holmesdale greater pleasure than to have had the opportunity , at their late Grand Lodge meeting of making one of their brethren , Col . King , his G . S . W ., and he remembered with pleasure that it was by his recommendation another distinguished brother , their First Master , Bro . Pownall , had received office in the
province . There was something in military lodges that always struck him ( as a civilian ) as being most admirable . It was the ability , discipline , and precision with which even the smallest trifles were carrieel out in those lodges , that gave him an idea of something different to what he generally saw at other lodges . He must con-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . John Houlding , I . P . M ., as a token of the high regard in which he was held by the Evertonians , and this gift was further enhanced by the presentation of an elegant album , containing portraits of all the initiates during his year of office in the chair—this presentation being made by Bro . Hudson , the senior initiate , on behalf of the " youngsters" of Bro . Houlding ' s year .
The brethren , after business , adjourned to supper , and during the evening various toasts were given . In proposing ' 'Ihe Worshipful Master" Bro . W . Cottiell , P . M ., spoke of ihe prominence of the position , especially in such a lodge as S 23 . He was sure Bro . Ashmore would feel proud of filling it ; and he might siy that , from the steady way in which he had worked his way up hitherto , the lodge
might feel proud too . In conclusion , he expressed a hope that they would all join in ensuring their new W . M . a prosperous year of office . The W . M . in rep l ying promised his best tfforts to give satisfaction to the brethren , and to emulate the example of their esteemed LP . M . ( Bro . Houlding ) , and thanked all present . " The Installing Master " was proposed by the W . M ., and enthusiastically received .
Bro . Houlding , in replying , said he passed one of the happiest years of his life as their W . M . If he hail appeared at all over strict in the performance of his duties it was through anxiety to promote the interests of Masonry in general and the Everton Lodge in particular , and he hoped they would pardon him . He concluded b / thanking them cordially for the honour they had
done him . " The Past Masters , " " The Visitors , " and others toasts' followed , and the brethren separated . On the following day the brethren and their laely friends , to the number of over 250 , were conveyed by special train , which left Woodside at 9 . 45 a . m ., to Grcsford . r l he morning was somewhu overcast , but the weatherwise prophesied a fi . e day , a prediction which was amply justified ,
as the sun soon shone out gloriously , and the beautiful scenery of Cheshire and Wales was shown to perfection . No vexatious delay occurred , and on arriving at their destination the traveller-i imm .-diately proceeded to view the fine old church and its surroundings . In the churchyard is a venerable yew tree , said to be eleven hundred years olel . At any rate it is unquestionably of great age ,
measuring thirty-two feet in circumference . The ancient monuments next attracted attention , and the excursionists observed the time-honoured cui-t rm with " The Everton " of singing the " Old Hundredth " in the church with fine effect . About noon a substantial cold collation was served up in a spacious tent adjoining the hc > tel , and as there were many Willing anel attentive Stewards , the ceimfort of
all was secured . 'Ihe arrangements were indeed admirable , and reflected great credit on the picnic committee , of which Bro . William Cottrell , P . M ., was chairman , and Bro . W . Boulton , P . M ., secretary . Bro . Cosey , 1086 , carried out the minor details to the satisfaction of all concerned . The excursionists then dispersed for the afternoon , some exploring the lovely walks on the wooded slopes or by the purling Dee ; while others , especially the juvenile
membets , prefcrretl dancing on the green . A refreshing breeze tempered the heat of the weather , anel a most enjoyable afternoon was spent . Tea was served u , > about five o'clock , and the country air enabled the participants to do ample justice to it . Bro . Henry Ashmore , W . M ., presided , as before , and was ably supported by the Past Masters anel officers . The party left Grcsford at eight p . m ., arriving in Liverpool at halt-past nine , after one of the most successful picnics ever carried out by the Everton Lodge .
DERBY . —Hartington Lodge ( No . 1085 ) — The monthly meeting of this lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , on Wednesday , the 17 m inst , when the following brethren were present : Bros . G . Pipes , W . M . ; M . II . Bcbart , P . P . S . G . W ., Treas ., as S . W . ; W . B . Hcxtall , J . W . ; J . O . Manton , Sec . ; S . Steele , S . D . ; W . Butterfield as J . D . ; T . H . Hepworth as I . G . ; S . Pipes , P . M . and
P . P . S . G . D . ; J . Worsnop , P . M . and P . P . G . P . ; and a number of other brethren , including Bro . R . VV . Hollon , P . M . 226 , P . G . S . B . Eng ., Prov . G . Sec . N . and E . Yorkshire , & c , & c . The loelge was opened in the several degrees , there being the usual intermediary business , and Bros .
Heffoid and Arnol 1 were raised in ancient form by the W . M . The name of a cindidate for the mysteries of Freemisonry was submitted to the loelge , and other business of local import only was then dealt with , and then the lodge was closed in perfect harmony . The brethren afterwards did substantial justice to a substantial banquet .
PORTSMOUTH . —United Service Lodge ( No . 1428 ) . —The installation of Bro . James Leggett as Worshipful Master of this lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , Highbury-street , on Friday afternoon , in the presence of a very jargenumber of brethren . Among the ofiicersand brethren of the lodges were : Bros . H . Townscnd , W . M . ; . Leggett , S . W . ; J . Williams , J . W . ; T . Marco , Treas . ;
H . Woodward , Secretary ; Bourke , P . M . ; J . Linel , P . M . ; J . Johns , S . D . ; J . Strick , J . D . ; E . May , I . G . ; W . Walton , Steward ; G . Neldtr , Steward ; G . Nicholas , T . Burton , Francis Rowley , James Daidgr , H . Selby , E . A . ; G . Arnold , J . State , T . Wilton , E . Austin , J . Bailey , W . Farren , P . M . ; K . Boorman , T . Lawrence , J . Wilson , P . M . W . Baker , C . Downs , J . Cable , C . Russell , H . Holmes , P . M . ; W . Dart ,
H . Wickens , H . Allison , C . Travess . Among the visitois were : Bros . T . Palsgrave , S . ' iJ . 4 87 ; Frank Meredith , 487 ; G . Lancaster . P . M . 903 ; J . O'Connor , W . M . ; W Montgomery , 1341 ; N . Mitchell , J . W . 903 ; W . R . Bowden , 340 , P . G . Purst . ( Oxon ); L . I lackman , P . M . 342 ; A . L . Emanuel , P . M . 10 G 9 ; M . E . Frost , P . M . 487 , P . G ,
Treasurer ; H . Threadingham , W . M . 487 ; W . Payne , W . M . 342 ; R . Barnes , J . W . 34 * ; G . W . S . Lancaster , P . M . 4 S 7 , P . P . G . W . ; E . G . Holbrook , P . M . 309 , P . P . G Registrar , and others . Bro . Townsend , the retiring W . M . carried out the duties of Installing Master with greaj ability , delivering the impressive charges and ritual gen
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
erally with marked effect . The ceremony of installation over , the W . M . proceeded to appoint and invest his officers as follows : —Bros . Townsend , I . P . M . ; Williams , S . W . ; Johns , J . W . ; Mares , Treasurer ; Woodward , Secretary ; Strick , S . D . ; May , J . D . ; Wilson , P . M ., Dir . of Cer . ; Wilton , Organist ; Laverty , I . G . ; and Nelder and Walton , Stewards . The musical portion of the ceremony was
effectively performed by Bro . Wilton , the Organist . The customary votes of thanks were accorded , and a handsome gold Past Master's jewel was presented to Bro . Townsend , in recogniton of his services during the past year . The duties of the lodge being ended , the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall , where they were joined by several who had been unable to be present during the
afternoon . The menu was elaborate , and the manner in which the whole banquet was served reflected the highest credit on Bro . Heath , the caterer . On the removal of the cloth , the W . M . gave " The Queen and the Craft , " " The M . W . Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , K . G ., " " The M . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , " and " The R . W . the Deputy Grand Master , Lorel
Skelmersdale , and the Officers of Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " In proposing " The R . W . the Prov . Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight , Bro . W . W . B . Beach , M . P ., " he said he had had the pleasure of sitting in Prov . Grand Lodge with him , anel he had mot him under other circumstances in connection with Masonic matters , and from what he knew and had heard of him
he believed that he did all he possibly could to promote the interests of the Craft , and was ever ready to render assistance to any loelge in his extensive province , no matter at what personal inconvenience or expense . The toast was well received . The W . M . next proposed " The V . W . the Deputy Prov . Grand Master ( Bro . Hickmin ) and the Officers of Prov . Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " Bro .
Mark E . Frost , Prov . Grand Treasurer , respondcel , and in eMng so bore testimony to the untiring interest taken in Masonic matters by Bro . Beach . The province was a very large one , mustering thirty lodges , and the Provincial Grand Master found it exceedingly difficult to distribute his patronage every year in the way of giving office to the brethren , seeing that he only had fifteen or sixteen offices
to fill . As far as the provincial officers were concerned , he might say that thej all did their duty to the best of their ability . He expressed great gratification at the manner in which the retiring W . M . had performed the installation ceremony that afternoon . II _ had the honour of installing Bro . Townsend as W . M . last year , anel he was glad to find that
he had carried out his duties so satisfactorily during the past twelve months . He fully believed that Bro . Leggett would worthily fill the chair during his term of office , and hat under his rule the United Service Lodge would continue to prosper . Bro . Townsend , I . P . M ., proposed "The Worshipful Master , " nail in doing so said it had been his pleasing duty that afternoon to instal Bro . Leggett as
W . M . of the lodge , of which he was one of the oldest members . He had fairly worked his way up from the door to the chair , and if he fulfilled the duties of his present exalted position as attentively and well as he had fulfilled those of the offices he hadalreaely held , the brethren would have no cause whatever to regret having elected him to rule over them . I le ( Bro . Leggett ) had told him on
the night of his election that it would be impossible for him to attend to his duties during six or seven months ol the year , owing to his duties in connection with the puhlic service . It might be thought by some that it was wrong to elect one who coulel not devote all his time to the lodge , but it must be remembered that in that lodge the brethren were nearly all connected with cither the armv or the navy ,
and the character of their public duties was such as to prevent their regular attendance . Bro . Leggett had attended closely to his duties whenever he possibly could , and it was felt that it would be wrong not to advance him to the highest rank it was in their power to confer upon him , seeing that he had so ably filled all the other positions . He ( Bro . Townsend ) hael now left the service , and hael a
certain amount of leisure time , which he should be happy to devote towarels the furtherance of the interests of Freemasonry , and particularly of the Unitcel Service Lodge . He would now repeat the promise he hael made on the night of Bro . Leggett ' s election , namely , that whenever the W . M . was unable to attend he would do his best to carry on the eluties . The W . M . on rising- to respond
was greeted with loud and long continued applause . He heartily thanked the brethren of his lodge for the great honour they had conferred upon him , and the vvholc of the brethren present , who had done him the honour to attend his installation . It was satisfactory for him to reflect that he had worked his way , step by step , up to his present position , anel to feel that his conduct had been such as to
meet with the approval of the brethren . He intended to work hard to ensure the continued success of the lodge , and he knew he should be well supported in his endeavours by the officers whom he had appointed . He next proposed " The Installing Master , " whom he warmly eulogised for the able manner in which he had conducted the ceremony . Bro . Townsend , who was very warmly
received , responded , and in the course of his observations thanked the brethren for the handsome jewel with which they hael presenteel him as a memento of his year of office , With reference to the question of providing a hall of their own , which had recently been discussed in the lodge , he said he trusted that the lodge would saon be strong enough to build a place in which to meet . He hoped in
the course of a month or two to be in a position to submit a scheme which he thought would meet with the approval of the brethren . The W . M . proposed "The Worshipful Masters of Neighbouring Lodges , " the toast being acknowledged in suitable terms by Bro . O'Connor , of the Phoenix ; Bro . Payne , Royal Sussex ; Bro . Threadingham , Portsmouth ; Bro . Lancaster , Gosport ; and Bro . Frost ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
United Brothers . Bro . Lieut . Bourke , P . M ., proposed "The Visitors , " which was responded to by Bro . Bowden of Oxford . The remaining toasts were " The P . M . ' s of 1428 ; " "The Founders of the Lodge ; " and "The Officers . " During the evening several excellent songs were sung , Bro . Sylvester ably accompanying on the pianoforte . The proceedings of a very successful gathering terminated about midnight .
PLUMSTE AD—United Military Lodge ( No . 'S 3 ) - —The installation meeting of the above lodge took place on Friday , the 12 th inst ., at Bre . Girbetts' fine hall on Anglesea Hill , and was a most successful affair . The room had been prettily decorated for the occasion with flags anel choice plants , tastefully and prettily disposed , anel the coup d ' ceil presented was most effective . The lodge
was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last meeting confirmed ; Bro . Roxford was then passed to the Second Degree . It was then announced that Bro . Eastes , D . P . G . M . Kent , had arrived , and shortly afterwards that distinguished brother entered the lodge , and was received with the customery honours . Bro . Hay Grieves Picken , the W . M . elect , was then presented to the Installing
Officer , Bro . G . Spinks , W . M ., and at his hands received the benefit of installation , and was saluted according to ancient custom . He then invested his officers as follows : Bros . H . Shaw , S . W . ; D . Deeves , J . W . ; G . Kennedy , Sec ; W . Murphy , Treas . ; Rev . G . A . Solbe , Chaplain ; W . Welding , S . D . ; A . Brooks , J . D . ; H . Harding , Org . ; T . Holleyman , I . G . ; C . Buckland , D . C ; Wilkin , A . D . C . ;
W . A . Watkins , W . S . ; T . Sharpe , A . W . S . ; and J . Lacklanel , Tyler . The three charges were then given in a most effective and eloquent manner , and indeed the whole of the ceremony was one great and sustained example of clearness , precision , and eloquence , seldom equalled , and certainly unsurpassed by anything we have ever heard . Genuine and general applause following each recital , and
upon its completion Bro . Spinks was highly congratulated on his beautiful working , and it was unanimously resolved that a vote of thanks should be presented him , and as well inscr'bed on the minutes of the lodge for it . I le was then presenteel with a jewel of the value of ten guineas , anel returned thanks for both . A very gratifying tribute of respect was then paid to Bros . Dr . Spurrell , P . M . 615 , and
Hayes , W . M . 913 , in the shape of a unanimous resolution , placing them upon the roll of the lodge as hon . members , ' and they returned thanks . Bros . Gibson and Sharpe were then thanked for their officiating as Auditors during the past year , and Bros . Saunelers anel Anelerson were accepted as Auditors for the present year . The loelge was then closed , and the brethren sat down to a well-served and
choicely selecteel banquet . Among the brethren and guests present were Bros . Eastes , D . P . G . M . Kent ; C Coupland , P . P . G . J . W . Kent ; Dr . Spurrell , P . P . G . J . W . Kent ; W , Blakey , P . M . 20 , 184 , and 1593 , P . P . G . D . C . Kent ; T . D . Hayes , W . M . 913 ; T . H . Field , W . M . 558 , and P . M . 1436 ; A Penfold , P . M . 913 ; W . T . Vincent , P . M . 913 ; L . Etheridge , P . M . 829 ; J . A Bates , P . M . 1424 ; F .
Garbett , W . M . 1178 ; A . Woodlcy , W . M . elect , 700 ; W . B . Lloyd , S . W . 913 ; J . Donnoley , S . W . 706 ; J . Warren , J . W . 700 ; Jas . Chapman , J . W . 913 ; J . Wilkins , S . D . 700 ; T . F . Davie , 8 7 ; T . Harper , 1 C 04 ; D . C Capon , 913 ; J . Grief , 158 ; A . Hiscock , 13 ; M . Bentley , 202 ; E . A . Spinks , 158 ; F . Lyons , 913 , and 700 ; F . Huggett , 1050 ; G . F . Eraser , 700 ; and C . Jolly , 913 ( Freemason ) .
1 he usual loyal and Masonic toasts were dul y honoured . The W . M . then rose to propose the toast of "Lord Holmeselale , P . G . M . Kent , " and said that as their esteecmed D . P . G . M ., Bro . Eastes , had but little time to stay , he should as well include his name with it . It was the first time Bro . Eastes had paid them the honour of a visit , and he had expressed his pleasure at what he
had seen done in the lodge that day . They might be aware from the returns made at the late Boys' School Festival , that Kent was the second upon the list for the amount of subscriptions , and under the able guic'ance and inspiration of their Prov . G . M . anil Bro . Eastes , he hoped next year to see Kent at the heael of the list . Bro . Eastes , on rising to reply , was received with great cheering and clapping of
hands , said he thought he would rise at once to respond after that burst of Kentish " fire . " The first he should address them about We . uld be Lord Holmesdale , their P . G . M ., and he was pleased at the opportunity , because he could say more about him in his absence than in his presence . Lord Holmesdale was one of the best G . M . ' s in England . No one but those who knew could estimate
the amount of work he had to elo and how well he did it . It was not in the power of the G . M . to visit the various lodges at such times as their installations , but he had placed that duty in his ( Bro . Eastes ' s ) hands , anel it was a duty he was proud of , and never had be been more pleased at being at an installation , or more proud of his duty than he had been that day . Their lodge was not , however ,
a total stranger , for before he hael an opportunity of seeing it he had read of their excellent work , and great progress in the Freemason , and felt a deep interest in what he there saw of its vigour and intelligence . He had had lately opportunities of seeing several brethren of the lodge , and from what he had seen of them he had every reason to be proud of them .
Nothing gave Lord Holmesdale greater pleasure than to have had the opportunity , at their late Grand Lodge meeting of making one of their brethren , Col . King , his G . S . W ., and he remembered with pleasure that it was by his recommendation another distinguished brother , their First Master , Bro . Pownall , had received office in the
province . There was something in military lodges that always struck him ( as a civilian ) as being most admirable . It was the ability , discipline , and precision with which even the smallest trifles were carrieel out in those lodges , that gave him an idea of something different to what he generally saw at other lodges . He must con-