Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Thc minutes having been confirmed the lodge was raised to the Second Degree , and the WXM . requested Bro . Joseph Todd , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., to take the chair as Installing Master , the latter appointing as his Wardens Bro . T . B . Whytehead , P . M .. Prov . G . S . W . ; and Bro . Mark Rooke , P . M ., Prov . G . S . D . The W . M . elect , Bro . G . Garbutt , S . VV ., was then presented by Bros . Lawton and Sir James Meek , and the ceremony of installation was

proceeded with . A Board of Installed Masters was afterwards formed and the W . M . elect was duly installed in the chair according to ancient custom . The VV . M . elect then appointed his officers as follow : Wm . Draper , S . W . ; H . Foster , J . W . ; the Dean of York , Rev . A . P . Purey-Cust , D . D ., P . G . C ., Chap . ; \ . Todd , P . M ., P . P . G . R ., Treas . ; Wm . Smith , Sec ; F . G . Hodgson , S . D . ; S . Border , J . D . ; John B . Sampson , D . of C ; VV . H . Garland , Mus .

Bac , Org . ; Geo . Davies , I . G . ; VV . Purnell and H . S . Hopton , Stwds . ; and W . G . Calvert , Tyler . Shortly afterwards a banquet was held in the hall , and the VV . M ., Bro . Garbutt presided , supported by between 50 and 60 members of the lodge , and visitors from a distance . The VV . M . in proposing the usual loyal and Craft toasts referred in graceful terms to the visit to York of the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M . of England , and remarked that all

must have appreciated the kingly way in which he laid the foundation-stone of the new institute . The Worshipful Master proposed "The R . W . the Earl of Zetland , Prov . G . M . North and East Ridings ; the W . Dr . Bell , D . P . G . M ., and the Present and Past Prov . Grand Officers , " to which Bros . T . B . Whytehead and M . Rooke responded , the former remarking that everyone of them who had had the privilege of coming in contact with

the Prov . Grand Master , Lord Zetland , Masonically , would agree that his lordship was quite prepared to exert himself and do everything in his power to promote the good of the province and Freemasonry generally . No one could have taken more earnest interest in the success of the movement when they wished to receive the M . W . G . M . the Prince of Wales last summer . They were most happy in having such a Prov . Grand Master who was a very worthy successor of

his noble uncle . Bro . Sir James Meek proposed "The VV . M . of the York Lodge , " and said that Masonry was not only increasing in the number of its lodges in England , but he was happy to say throughout the world . Bro . Garbutt , the VV . M ., in responding assured them of his continued endeavour , with the aid of his officers , to promote the interests of the lodge and Masonry generally .

Bro . Alderman Terry , J . P ., proposed " The l . P . M ., Bro . G . Kirby , and the Past Masters of the York Lodge , " which was suitably responded to by Bro . Kirby . Bro . J . bykes Rymer , P . M ., proposed "The Installing Master , " and in doing so dwelt upon the exceptionable skill and example to younger Masons furnished by the labours of Bro . Todd . Bro . Todd in reply having assured them that it was his

earnest desire to do all he possibly could to carry out the great principles of Freemassnry , and to promote the prosperity of the Craft , said that be had been working in that lodge 20 years , and it would be his continued endeavour to support future Masters in their work . Bro . A . Buckle , B . A ., proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and expressed the honour he had felt in representing York when the largest amount of money ever raised for a

Charity was collected for the Boys' School . By the help of the York Lodge and the Zetland Chapter he was enabled to carry to London a large contribution . Bro . J . S . Cumberland responded , and threw out some useful suggestions as to the formation of a branch for the provision of those who could not be aided through the existing channels of Masonic Charity . Bro . Lawton proposed "The Visitors , " and Bros , the

Rev . J . J . Needham , VV . M . gio , Pontefract ; John Blenkin , VV . M . 1 G 11 ; and Giffard , P . M . 570 , responded . Bro . Sir F . Milner , M . P ., proposed " The Officers of the York Lodge , " which was responded to by the Senior and Junior Wardens , and the toast list concluded with " All Poor and Distressed Masons . " During the evening some excellent vocal music , with pianoforte accompaniment , was given by the brethren .

LIVERPOOL . —Merchants Lodge ( No . 241 ) . — The half-yearly meeting of this popular and prosperous lodge was held on Tuesday evening , the nth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , when there was a numerous and influential attendance . The chair was taken by the W . M ., Bro . James Pendleton , supported amongst others by Bros . Thomas Whitehead , l . P . M . ; George Hutchin , P . M . ; lames Winsor , P . M . ; George Broadbridge , P . M ., P . P .

G . D . C ; Thomas Salter , P . M ., P . P . G . S . D ., D . C ; R . Brown , P . M ., P . P . G . Treas . ; J . Brotherton , S . W . ; R . White , J . VV . ; C A . Luker , Sec ; Simon Jude , S . D . ; A . H . Huther , J . D . ; A . B . Ewart , Org . ; Lieut . Nacnab , I . G . ; VV . M'Lachlan and J . . Proctor , Stewards ; A . Woolrich , P . M . 1356 ; VV . Savage , I . P . M . 1 G 09 ; VV . Stediford , P . M . 72 S ; and others . Among the numerous visitors were Bros . Eaton Batty , 1609 ; J . j . Savage , P . M .

10 S 6 ; Wm . Gick , VV . M . 203 ; Henry Firth , P . G . J . D . ; James P . Bryan , P . G . O . ; Hugh Williams , P . P . G . A . D . of C . ; W . Longbottom , P . G . Steward ; A . Bucknall , P . M . G 6 7 ; and others . After the usual routine business the VV . M . very efficiently performed the ceremony of initiation for three gentlemen—Messrs . Cottrell , Gould , and Kirkland . The chief business of the evening was , however , the

election of Treasurer and Trustee , both offices being vacant owing to the death of the late and lamented Bro . John Latta , P . M . Bro . Thomas Whitehead , I . P . M ., was duly elected Treasurer , and Bro . 'Thomas Salter , P . P . G . S . D ., D . C , the Trustee . The sum of 50 guineas , which had been provisionally promised to the West Lancashire Educational Institution , on condition of the benefits being extended , was ordered to be

handed over , that extension having taken place . Thirty guineas was also ordered to be given to the widow of a deceased brother , being balance promised on her daughter ' s going into business . The lodge was then called off , when Bro . Casey , House Steward , provided supper in good style , alter which the

usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given . Bros . Batty , iGog ; Bryan , P . G . O . ; Child , 1505 ; Lewis , 203 ; Muir , 203 ; and R . N . Hobart , 241 , gave capital vocal selections during the evening , Bro . Ewarts officiating at the piano ; and Bros . J , Brotherton , S . W ., and West furnished excellent renderings of " Horatius" and "Shamus O'Brien . " The lodge was afterwards closed .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

LANCASTER . —Lodge of Fortitude ( No . 2 S 1 ) . —The monthly meeting of this lodge , being also the annual meeting for thc election of officers , was held on the 12 th inst ., in the Masonic Rooms , Athenioum , Bro . B . Greyson , the VV . M ., presiding . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , thc ballot was | taken for VV . M . for the ensuing year , when

Bro . Thomas Bayley , J . VV ., was unanimously elected . A similar compliment was also paid to Bro . James Hatch , Treas . On the ballot being taken for the ollice , Bros . McRailth . S . D . ; Nicholson , J . D . ; and Thistlethwaite , were appointed auditors . The installation meeting was held

on the 27 th inst ., the Installing Officer being Bro . John Atkinson , P . M ., a portion of the ceremony being also undertaken by Bro . Greyson , the retiring VV . M . Bro . A . K . Allinson was re-elected Tyler . The usual proclamations were then made and the lodge was subsequently closed with the formalities of the Craft .

HARTLEPOOL . —St . Helen ' s Lodge ( No . 531 ) . —The brethren of this lodge celebrated the festival of St . John on the 16 th inst . in the presence of a large number of members ' . and visitors from VVest Hartlepool , Sunderland , Middlesborough , & c The lodge was opened at the Masonic Hall by the VV . M ., Bro . " John Metcalfe , and after the usual routine business , Bro . Levy , P . M . 07 , P . Prov .

J . G . W ., proceeded to install the new VV . M ., Bro . John Hunter , jun ., P . M ., P . P . J . G . W . The new W . M . then appointed the following as his officers for the ensuing year Bros . John Metcalfe , I . P . M . ; M . Harrison , SAV . ; F . Hockaday , J . VV . ; | . Wetherell , Sec ; VV . Shaw , Treas . ( reaopointed ); C . Cole , S . D . ; E . C . Jobson , J . D . ; G . Pattrick , I . G . ; J . Hawkes , Tyler ; and T . J . Johnson , P . M ., D . of C .

At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren and visitors adjourned to Bro . Humble's , Cleveland Hotel , where dinner had been prepared . Numerous toasts and songs followed , and the brethren retired at an early hour . In addition to the above there were present Past Masters

Bros . S . Armstrong , VV . Pearson , F . Bennett , M . Spofforth , and E . Terry , all of St . Helen ' s Lodge ; Bro . J . Stonehouse , VV . M . of the Harbour of Refuge Lodge ; Bros . Coxon , P . M . ; E . Hudson , P . M . ; Beauman , P . M . ; Simpson , W . M . of the Stranton Lodge ; and Bennett , P . M .

LIVERPOOL . —Lodge of Loyalty ( No . S 97 ) . — On Monday , the 17 th inst ., this lodge met at the Masonic Rooms , St . Helens , to install the VV . M . elect , Bro . D . M . F . Gaskin . The VV . M ., Bro . Biclby , presided , and in a most efficient manner installed his successor , after which the following officers were appointed and invested for the ensuing year : Bros . Bielby , I . P . M . ; C . C . Wilson , P . M .,

D . C ; I . Smith , S . W . ; J . J . Tickle , J . VV . ; Joseph Robinson , Treas . ( re-elected ); J . L . Wolfenden , Sec . ; Dr . Garson , S . D . ; John Jackson , J . D . ; W . Gardner , Org . ; John Taylor , I . G . ; Edwin Jackson , S . S . ; J . A . Rattray , J . S . ; and John Taylor , Tyler ( re-elected ) . A handsome Past Master ' s jewel was . presented to the l . P . M . Tbe

following visiting brethren were present : Bros . Lieut .-Col . Gough , G . Std . Br ., Deputy Prov . G . M . Staffordshire ; R . Young , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Callow , P . P . G . Treas . ; Broadbridge , P . P . G . A . D . C ; J . VV . McTcar , W . M . SG ; W . R . Robinson , P . M . 1335 ; Newsome , P . G . S . B ., P . M . 1353 ; and W . Tyrer , P . P . G . S ., P . M . S 6 . At the conclusion of the proceedings a banquet was held in the Fleece Hotel .

WIGAN . —Lindsay Lodge ( No . 1335 ) . —The regular monthly meeting of the members of this lodge took place at the Masonic Hall , King-street , on Wednesday , the 5 th inst ., when the following were present : Bros . J . D . Murray , VV . M . ; H . T . Byrom , S . W . ; A . H . Crossby , J . W . ; VV . Johnson , Sec ; S . A . Oliver , P . M ., Treas . ; W . Wall , J . D . ; J . Browne and H . Boucher , Stwds . ; Ino . Marsden .

I . G . ; J . E . Barlow , l . P . M . ; C . E . Beaier , P . M . ; C . B . Holmes , P . M . ; H . T . Follcard , H . Riddlesworth , R . Halliwell , VV . M . Wylde , VV . Rigby , and G . G . Tatham . Visitors : Bros . Jno . Preston , P . M ., P . P . G . A . D . C . 17 S ; Jas . Ashurst , W . M . 17 S ; T . D . Swift , 17 S ; Wm . Dean , J . VV . 17 S ; C . J . W . Stork , J . VV . ; 1353 ; VV . Drinkall , J . D . 1051 ; and H . McEleney , 3 S 4 .

The brethren met at six o ' clock for a cup of tea , and the lodge was opened at seven o ' clnck . Thc minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . The lodge was then opened in the Second Degree , when Bro . G . G . Tatham answered the necessary questions and retired . The lodge having been opened in the Third Degree Bro . Tatham was duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M . by the VV . M . Bro . H . T . Byrom , the S . W ., was then

unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year , and Bro . S . A . Oliver again re-elected as Treasurer . The VV . M . then proposed that the sum of 40 guineas be voted from the funds of the lodge to the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution . This was duly seconded and unanimously agreed to by the brethren . " Hearty good wishes " having been tendered by the visitors , the lodge was closed in peace and harmony , and at the social board a most enjoyable evening was afterwards spent .

LIVERPOOL . — Prince Arthur Lodge ( No . 157 ° ) - —The annual assembly for installation purposes of the brethren attached to the above lodge , took place at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , on Tuesday , the iSth inst . The VV . M . elect , VV . Bro . David Morris , and the very large attendance proved his personal popularity as well as the prosperity of the lodge . The chair was taken by Bro .

VV . P . Vines , VV . M ., supported by Bros . Henry Worthing , ton , P . M . ; A . G . Morrison , P . M . ; D . Morris , S . W . ; VV . Bennett , J . VV . ; J . Hunter , Sec ; VV . Vines , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C ; and others . Among the numerous visitors were Bros . Major Jos . Balmer , P . P . G . D . C ; Robert , Ing , P . M . Sg 4 ; W . Brackcnbury , P . P . G . A . D . C . ; G . Godfrey , VV . M . 673 ; R . G . Bradley , J . W . 24 g ; Lewis Peake , W . M . 1035 ;

VV . H . tsucknell , P . U . A . U . C . Staffordshire ; J . P . Bryan , P . G . O . ; Hy . Jones , P . M . 12 S 9 ; VV . Savage , P . M . iGog ; Thos . Hatton , P . M . 203 ; and others . The W . M . elect was presented by Bros . A . Morrison and H . VVorthington , P . M ., and the preliminary part of the installation ceremony was performed by Bro . W . H . Bucknell , and the remainder by Bro . Thos . Hatton , both of whom performed their duties

admirably , considering the short notice , Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . M . ; P . G . Std . Br . of England , who was to have installed , being absent through illness . The following officers were invested by the W . M ., Bro . D . Morris , for the ensuing year : Bros . W . P . Vines , [ . P . M . ; W . Bennett , S . W . ; J . Hunter , J . W . ; H . S . Alpass , P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ( by proxy ); II . VVorthington , P . M . M . C . ; A . Morrison ,

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

P . M ., A . M . C ; T . Scnar , Sec ; G . Woodward , S . D . ; I , Baird , J . D . ; J . Stock , I . G . ; A . Jackson , S . ; and j . Malcolm , Tyicr . Dinner was afterwards served in good style by Bro . Casey , the House Steward . During the evening a handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the I . P . M . by the W .. M . on behalf of the lodge . . +.

Instruction

INSTRUCTION

HYDE PARK LODGK ( No . 142 *;) . —A meeting of this lodge was on Monday , the 17 th inst ., at the Foun " tarns Abbey Hotel , in , Praed-streer , Paddington , W . 1 here were present Bros . F . Swain , W . M . ; S . J . Ilumfress , S . W . ; CS . Mote , J . VV . ; G . Read , P . M . 511 , Preceptor , Ireas . ; H . Dehane , I . P . M . i . Sec ; H . Perdue , S . D . ;

VV . J . Mason , J . D . ; VV . Midd ' leweek , I . G . ; VV . Death , Stwd . ; VV . H . Chalfont , P . M ., VV . M . 1425 ; F . T . C . Keeble , P . M ., W . M . 1426 ; J . ] - ] . Wood , A . Hardy , E . F . Ferns , E . J . Brown , J . R . Phillips , D . Hart , M . J . Green , K . Cullen , G . Simpson , J . J . 'Thomas , C Breitbart , J . M . Chasman , II . Robinson , C . R . Wickens . Visitor : Bro . H . P . Gilbert , 1 S 2 S .

The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were confirmed . The lodge called off and on . The ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Brown being candidate . 'The Second Section of the Lecture was worked b y Bro . Read . Bro . Gilbert was elected a joining member , and Bro .

Humfress W . M . for Monday , Jan . S , 1 S . S 4 . Ten guineas out of the lodge funds was voted , to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , to be placed on Bro . Chalfont ' s list . The lodge was closed , and adjourned until Jan . Sth , 1 SS 4 . A ballot was then taken , being the twelfth since March .

COVENT GARDEN LODGE . —No . 1 C 14 ) . — A meeting of this lodge was held on the 13 th inst ., at the Cranbourne Hotel , 1 , Upper St . Martin ' s-lane , W . C . ( next door to Aldridge ' s ) , when the following were present : Bros . Fowles , W . M . ; RalhS . W . ; Ford JW ;

p , , .. Read , S . D . ; G . Coleman , J . D . ; B . Solomon , I . G . ; VV . II . Richardson , Preceptor ; G . Reynolds , Secretary ; VV . H . Gulliford , VV . M . ; S . Jacobs , P . M . ; W . C . Smith , Hyams , E . W . Smith , Mogford , and T . A . Dickson .

Ihe lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer , and thc minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Richards , Preceptor , bavin " worked the First Section of the Lecture , Bro . L . Jacobs " P . M ., offered himself as a candidate for initiation , tbe W . M . rehearsed the ceremony . Bros . Fowles and W . C . Smith then worked the Second and Third Section of tbe

Lecture respectively . Lodge opened in the Second Degree . Bro . Fowles worked the First Section of thc Lecture . Lodge having resumed to thc Inrst Degree , Bro . Ralph was elected VV . M . for the ensuing week , and lie appointed Ins officers in rotation . He afterwards called attention to the very handsome pedestals which graced the lodge . He had only just heard they were indebted to the liberality of

Bro . Ford for them . A unanimous vote of thanks was recorded on the minutes to Bro . Ford for his great kindness ; and Bro . Ford having replied , Bro . Read offered to supply a brass plate , with suitable inscription , to be placed on the VV . M ' s . pedestal , and the thanks of the lodge were unanimously voted to him . It was decided that a Past Master ' s collar and jewel be bought , and also that thc

other collars and jewels belonging to the lodge be cleaned and repaired . Br » . Richardson , Preceptor , proposed that a vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes for the very able and efficient manner in which the VV . M . had discharged his duties for the first time in this lodge ; and this having been carried unanimousl y , the VV . M . returned thanks . Nothing further offering- for the good of Freemasonry , the lodge was closed in due form .

WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE ( No . JG 23 ) . — The above lodge has just taken up its quarters at the Clarence Hotel , Aldersgate-street , near the Aldersgate Railway Station . At the inaugural meeting on Monday last Bro . H . J . Lardner , VV . M . of the mother lodge , presided , and was supported by over 20 brethren , including nearly all the officers of 1623 and many brethren . The

First and Second ceremonies were ably rendered , and at the conclusion of the business it was unanimously resolved to make an effort , now the brethren have secured such a convenient place to meet in , to restore the VVest Smithfield Lodge of Instruction to its wonted condition of good working . Two arrangements tending in that direction have been

made , viz ., to have the annual supper early in February and to invite Bro . G . H . Stephens , S . W . 1 G 23 , to work the Fifteen Sections at the end of that month . Brethren are cordially invited on Monday evenings at seven o ' clock . Bro . VV . Pennefather , P . M ., is the Preceptor , and Bro . j . King , J . D . 1 G 23 , Hon . Sec .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

NORTHAMPTON . — Northampton Chapter ( No . 360 ) . —A regular convocation of this prosperous chapter was held at the Masonic Hall , on the Gth inst ., when there were present Comps . H . J . Atkins , M . E . Z . ; S . J . W . Sanders , H . ; G . Robinson , P . Z ., actin ° - J . ; J U . Stanton , P . Z ., acting S . E . ; J . Kellett , P . Z ., acting S . N . ; G . Eilard , P . S . ; H . Brown , 1 st A . S . ; ButhSWilkins , P . Z ., D . C . ; R . Croft , Org . ; CottonP . Z . -

, Hart , liouvene , Cockenll , Wetherell , Sampson , Todd , Currall , Jones , Clayson , Dorman , Manlield , and others . The chapter having been opened in due form by the Ina ; ed Principals , the companions were admitted , when the m nutes of the last meeting were read and dul y confirmed . A ballot was then taken for Bro . J . Emison , 1 9 , and he was declared duly elected , and he being in attendance was then exalted to the Supreme Degree of a R . A . M . by the

M . E . Z ,, wbo performed theceremony throughout , including the lecture on the pedestal , he being most efficiently supported by the Second and Third Principals , the P . S ., and the other officers of the chapter , all of whom discharged their respective duties in such a manner as to elicit the warmest commendations from the companions present .

Comp . Croft most ably presided at the harmonium , and under his and Comp . Hart ' s superintendence the choral part of the ceremony was most effectively rendered . The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , and the following were declared by the M . E . Z . duly elected ; Comps . S . J . VV . Sanders , Z . ; J . Bingley , H .