-
Articles/Ads
Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 4 of 4 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 4 of 4 Article Provincial Meetings. Page 1 of 2 Article Provincial Meetings. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
him all the assistance they possibly could . The lodge , in which he had always taken such a large amount of interest , had a most satisfactory reputation , thanks to the exceedingly good example which had been set them by their first Master , Bro . Sir John Monckton . Bros . j . Mowlem Burt , I . Zacharie ( South Carolina ) , and J . P . Sadler acknowledged the toast of "The Visitors , "
the latter remarking upon the wonderfully perfect manner in which the installation ceremony had been performed . As for the hospitality of the lodge , it had been on a most regal and splendid scale . The W . M . proposed "The Health of the Officers of the Lodge . " Bro . Fitch , S . VV ., replied , thanking the Master for honouring them as he had done . He could assure the VV .
Master that they would serve him most loyally , and do all in their power to make his year of office a most pleasant and agreeable one . Bro . Lovell , Tyler , gave the Tyler ' s toast , and the proceedings , which had been of a most pleasurable character , terminated . The banquet arrangements , as usual , gave the utmost satisfaction .
Lodge La France ( No . 2060 ) . —On Monday , the iSth inst ., the above lodge held its installation meeting , and , as usual , it was a great success . Bro . E . St . Clair , the outgoing Master , performed the ceremony with that accuracy and in the impressive manner which has distinguished his performance of the ceremonies during his two consecutive years of office . In order to give greater
eclat to the meeting , he had requested Bro Fenn , P . B . G . P ., Membre d'Honneur of the lodge , to take the chair of S . W ., and also to give the three addresses , which Bro . Fenn did in a manner which must have astonished those who had not before seen him at work in the Lodge La France . Bro . F . Richardson , P . G . D ., alsoa . Mem . d'Hon ., acted as D . of C . The brethren of the lodge mustered
m strong force , and were honoured by the presence of a •large number of visitors , among whom were about a dozen Officers of Grand Lodge , viz .: Bros . H . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal ; E . J . Barron , P . G . D . ; E . Letchworth , P . G . D . ; Lewis Thomas , P . Asst . G . D . C ; Col Harding , P . Asst . G . D . C ; J . H . Matthews , P . G . Std . Br . ; Dr . R . Gooding , P . G . D . ; R . Glover , P . Dep . G . D . C . ; and R . Thrupp ,
P . Asst . G . D . C , Dep . Prov . G . M . Middx . Among the other visitors we noticed Bros . Gen . Wimburne Laurie , P . G . M . Nova Scotia ; Dr . J . Tatham , 1616 ; F . Novara , 16 5 ; Alex . Baume , 180 ; A . Greatrex , 22 ; T . Grummant , 1559 ; J . Tennyson , 780 ; William Crawford , 127 ; H . L . Gautier , 907 ; Thomas Craston , F . Dunn , Aubrey Howard , J . Hammond ,
Henry Ellis , Norton Barnes , Henry Gardner , H . 0 . Mordaunt , A . Treherne , C . Rean , and others . The officers appointed and invested by the W . M ., Bro . L . Clerc were Bros . Rev . E . C . d'Auquier , S . VV . ; A . Lacoste , J . VV . ; H . Bue , PaVL , P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; E . Monteuuis , P . M ., G . S . B ., Sec ; J . Desvignes , S . D . ; E . Pouard , J . D . ; L . Mallett , I . G . ; E . Casabianca , D . of C ; E . Chatrian and E .
Beranger , Stwds . ; L . Walter , Org . ; and A . Oberdoerffer , Tyler . As Bro . St . Clair had been presented with the Past Master ' s jewel at the end of his first year of office , the following proposition was made by the Treasurer , seconded by the Secretary , and unanimously passed : "The Lodge La France having already conferred to its much esteemed W . M .,
Bro . E . St . Clair , all the honours which it was in its power to give , passes a vote of most sincere thanks to him in acknowledgment of the courteous and perfect manner in which he has presided over the lodge during his second year of office . " The lodge having been closed , the brethren the adjourned to the large banqueting room of the Cafe Royal , where Bro
Delacoste , the manager , put before them a menu worthy of the reputation of that great establishment . The W . M . rose to propose the first toast— "The Queen and the Craft . " He said that among the many important events which had taken place during her great reign one of the most important was the Crimean War . Those two great nations , the French and the English , had for
centuries fought against one another , and had never learned to know one another . In the Crimea they fought side by side , shoulder to shoulder , and had now learned to appreciate one another . He hoped that Anglo-French alliance which was then started would never be severed , but that should any thing arise to put the entente cordiale in danger , then it would be for the members of the Lodge La France to
endeavour to restore the good understanding . He proposed "The Queen and the Craft . " The toast was duly honoured , and the whole company joined in "God save the Queen . " In proposing the toast of " La France et Son Representant , Monsieur le Pres . Carnot , " the VV . M . asked what is La Patrie ? and answered , it is the country where we are
born , where our mother first tendered to us , and showed us so much devotion and affection , where we formed our first college friendships , where , through the study of the history of our country and of its great men , we gradually worked ourselves into the same communion of ideas and feelings into one large family . We all Frenchmen here admire and like the English , admire and like their country ;
but somehow in France the air seems to us lighter , nature brighter , and we are happier . I drink to our country , to our President , M . Carnot . Marseillaise . The W . M . then proposed "The Health of the M . VV . G . Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " calling special attention to the great sympathy his Royal Highness had always
shown towards France , and to the fact of his having visited M . Pasteur . In the next toast , that of " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . L . Cere alluded to the great services they rendered to Freemasonry , and thanked them for the great honour they had done the lodge by their presence that evening . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . H .
Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal . Bro . Sandeman , who spoke in perfect French , said he had great pleasure in replying to the toast that had been so kindly proposed by the W . M . The Grand Officers had taken a great interest in the progress of the Lodge La
France , and had been concerned with what they had heard and seen that evening . He wound up after the French fashion with three fires , or wishes . Bro . St . Clair then rose to propose "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . L . Clerc . " He had had the pleasure of proposing his health many times before , first as Treasurer of the lodge
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and then as S . VV ., but he was most pleased that , having at last overcome the modesty of Bro . Clerc , and having' induced him to accept the chair , he was now enabled to drink his health as W . M . He ( Bro . St . Clair ) had been the first initiate of the lodge , the other Past Master had been initiated in English lodges , but Bro . Clerc had been initiated 26 years ago in the Perseverance Aniitie at a time when certificates
still bore the inscription A . G . A . de l'U—an inscription they were all so sorry to have seen omitted of late years in France . Bro . Clerc was one of the mainstays of the Societe Nationale Francaise , and took a great interest in all the French Charities . The lodge had never had a more worthy brother to preside over it , and he would wish him a successful year of office .
The VV . M . thanked Bro . St . Clair very much , but could not help thinking he had been very much flattered . He certainly had been rather shy to undertake the duties of Master , and it was the knowledge that he would be so well supported by the I . P . M . that had at last prompted him to accept the post . The VV . M . then gave a cordial greeting to all the visitors present . The lodge had always been fortunate in
being honoured by the presence of many visitors . There were present that evening between 50 and 60 . He could not , therefore , think of naming them all . One was a host in himself , Bro . General VV . Laurie , P . G . M . of Nova Scotia , whom he was particularly pleased to see on the present occasion , and he hoped that when he went back to America he would talk of the Lodge La France to the Canadians .
Bro . Gen . Laurie , who began his speech in French , related that in Canada both English and French were allowed in the Law Courts . He hoped the same privilege would be granted him , and he would continue in English . He would refer to the allusion the VV . M . had made to the Crimean War , and relate an anecdote of what occurred to him . He
wanted , with a fellow officer , to go and see the French camp , but he was stopped by a sentry , who took them for spies , and the sentry was nearly firing , but he thought better of it , and accompanying them to the English lines , there they satisfied him of their identity . He then alluded to French Freemasonry , and hoped that the Lodge La France would ever remain true to the ancient landmarks .
In freemasonry they would find liberty , equality , fraternity ; but liberty founded our Order ; equality for all to rise to the same honours ; fraternity exemplified by Charity . Bro . Mordaunt also responded . The VV . M . then proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " alluding to bis great capabilities , which bad enabled him in
the course of a few years to reach the chair of the lodge . He had fulfilled the duties of his office with great brilliancy . He would not make a long speech . They had all seen Bro . St . Clair at work , _ and knew how perfectly he had done it . He would drink his health . Bro . St . Clair , I . P . M ., answered in his usual happy
manner . The rest of the toasts were then proceeded with . The Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to an end . VVe must not omit to mention that Bro . Novara aided very much to the success of it by his magnificent singing . It is very rarely that a lodge comes across such a volunteer .
Provincial Meetings.
Provincial Meetings .
BATTLE . Abbey Lodge ( No . 1184 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 2 ist inst ., at the Masonic Hall , when there were present Bros . R . T . Davison , M . D ., VV . M . ; W . A . Raper , S . VV . ; J . B . Foster , J . VV . ; H . G . F . Wells , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; R . Hughes , P . M ., P . G . S . Br ., Sec ; W . J . Pepper , S . D . ; T . J . Walder , as J . D . ; J . Fielding , Org . ; B . H . Thorpe , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., D . C . ; T . W . Avis , I . G ., VV . Lamborn , P . M .,
P . P . G . P . ; J . B . Sargent , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; VV . C . Till , VV . E . Skinner , J . Chance , C . J . Honisett , G . Smith , J . Hodson , J . Bellchamber , and others . Visitors : Bros . S . E . Stembridge , VV . M . 2205 ; Snowdon Kirke , J . VV . 1716 ; E . J . McCormick , 40 ; and G . Heaphy , 40 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes having been read and confirmed , a very touching letter from the widow of
the late Bro . Gerard Ford , D . P . G . M ., was read , acknowledging the receipt of a resolution of sympathy passed at the last meeting . A letter was also read from Bro . the Very Rev . E . R . Currie , D . D ., P . M ., P . G . C , Chaplain , thanking the brethren for their congratulations on his recent marriage . A successful ballot was then taken for Mr . Louis Fredk . St . John , and he was duly initiated , the ceremony being impressively performed by the VV . M . The
charge was ably given by the S . VV ., Bro . Raper . The late Tyler , Bro . Cornelius Leary , having found it necessary to resign the office which he has so satisfactorily filled , Mr . William Newman was elected to succeed him , and was proposed forinitiation at the next meeting , subject to the usual dispensation from Provincial Grand Lodge . A sum of 10 guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . All business being ended , the lodge was closed .
HAMPTON COURT . Hemming Lodge ( No . 1512 ) . —This prosperous lodge met at the Greyhound Hotel , on the 2 ist inst ., when there were present , among others , Bros . G . Ransford , VV . M . ; E . Clark , S . W . ; A . F . Scholding , J . W . ; J . C . Jessett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Sec ; VV . Fisher , S . D . ; J . Smith ,
I . G . ; W . Spearing , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., D . C ; H . Wheatley , H . Robinson , and Trotter , Stewards ; J . VV . ( lark , A . D . C . j T . W . Ockenden , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Eales , P . M . ; Plimsaul , P . M . j Gilbert , Tyler j Harvey , P . M . 1314 J Bowers , 163 S ; Broom , 165 S ; Fisk , 1733 j and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read
and confirmed , Bro . Boyce was passed to the Second Degree , and Bros . Hill , Gummer , and Connell were raised to the Third Degree . The by-laws having been read , Bro . E . Clark was unanimously elected W . M . j Bro . J . C . Jessett , Treas . j and Gilbert , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to the VV . M .
The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was well served under the personal direction of Bro . Mella , and gave unqualified satisfaction . After the loyal and other Craft toasts had been proposed and honoured , "The Health of the VV . M . " was given by the I . P . M ., who , n the course of his remarks , congratulated Bro . Ransford
Provincial Meetings.
upon the great success that had attended his year of office now fast drawing to a close . They had seen how well he had carried out the work in the lodge room , and also how pleasantly he had presided at the banquet table . He ( the speaker ) looked forward with pleasure to the installation in January , when the VV . M . would complete his labours by
inducting Bro . Clark , the VV . M . elect , into the chairof K . S . Bro . Ransford having replied , the toasts of "The Visitors , " " The Past Masters , " " The Treasurer and Secretary , " and "The Officers" were given rapidly , and but briefly acknowledged in consequence oE the lateness of the hour and the exigencies of the train service .
JERSEY . Yarborough Lodge ( No . 244 ) . —The brethren of the above old lodge held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday , the 20 th inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , when the following were present : Bros . C . Baker , VV . M . j T . J . J . T . Baker , I . P . M . j J . T . du Jardin , P . M . j J . F . Hamon , acting S . W . j
J . A . Balleina , J . VV . ; C . Donaldson , P . M ., Treas . ; L . P . Hespiradoux , P . M ., Sec . j VV . M . Inglis , S . D . j A . J . Le Ouesne , J . D . j H . B . East , Dir . of Cer . j VV . FentumrOrg . j A . Curry , I . G . j C . Naylor , P . M . j E . Leigh Bennett , P . M . j J . VV . Linney , R . Cross , Geo . Parkinson , C . Booth , G . Godden , J . E . Hamon , A . Anslow , W . Hunter , C . Lincoln , F . A . Bennett , P . S . W . j J . F . Le
Gresley , H . B . East , J . De Veulle , J . Marett , and Geo . Rogers , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Bros . F . Fisher , late 491 ; J . H . Goldsmith , P . M . 491 j P . E . Sohier , P . M . 877 , P . G . S . j G . E . Manger , S 77 j VV . T . Davey , 245 J VV . Metherell , P . M . 1003 ; C . _ Marett . P . M . 590 , P . S . G . D . ; C . J . Renong , late 244 ; T . Palmer , J . W . 491 ; J . Flinn , 1003 j J . O'Flaherty , P . M . 95 S , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Pool ,
P . M . 491 , P . P . J . G . W . ; VV . H . Richards , P . S . W . 1003 ; S . Gilley , P . M . 491 , P . G . R . ; G . Mourant , 245 , P . P . G . P . j L . E . Bisson , S . VV . 491 ; F . A . Jubel , S . D . 491 ; VV . Aubin , 1003 ; A . Curry , I . G . 245 ; VV . Le Feuvre , 1003 , P . G . Stwd . j L . Kelley , LP . M . 491 ; H . M . Godfrey , J . D . 590 J E . Bree , VV . M . 590 J J . Le Sueur , P . M . 590 , P . P . S . G . W . ; G . H . Rogers , 1003 j E . Le Sueur , 590 j T .
Blamlied , P . M . 245 , P . P . G . D . C ; VV . T . Pugsley , P . M . 245 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Dr . John Le Cronier , P . M ., D . P . G . M . ; J . VV . Handing , S . VV . 245 j Thos . Stone , P . M . 245 , P . P . J . G . D . ; P . J . Toneri , 1003 j W . VV . Richardson , VV . M . 491 j J . Gray , P . M . 245 , P . J . G . W . ; Dr . P . B . Bentliff , S . VV . S 77 , P . G . S . B . ; P . Newman , 1003 ; J . H . Elliott , P . M . 245 , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; J . O . Le Sueur , P . M .
491 , P . P . G . Sec . ; E . Kelly , P . M . 1003 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . A . Davey , 491 ; Capt . Lucas , J . W . S 77 , P . P . G . S . B . ; E . G . Le Gros , 245 ; L . H . Drake , 1003 ; VV . Hunt , 1003 ; G . Long , P . M . 245 ; J . Barrette , J . W . 245 ; T . Leat , P . M . 245 , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . M . Walden , P . M . 95 S , P . J . G . W . ; W . J . Taylor , 491 ; and E . B . Le Bas , VV . M . 95 S , P . P . G . P . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last
meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Richard Cross was . duly passed as a Fellow Craft , the ceremony being performed by the VV . M . in a praiseworthy manner . The charge was delivered by the VV . M . Bros . Parkinson and Booth were duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason . The VV . M ., although a young one , gave again proofs of his efficiency in the ritual . Bro . J . T . Baker , I . P . M ., gave the
traditional history . Bro . F . Fisher , late of 491 , was balloted for , and unanimously elected a joining member . During the evening , the D . P . G . M ., Bro . Dr . John Le Cronier , was announced , and duly received . Several communications having been read , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall to partake of a sumptuous cold collation , which was
excellently served under the personal supervision of Bro . Geo . Rogers , the acknowledged Masonic caterer of the province , and gave unqualified satisfaction . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts were given by the VV . M ., who proposed them with well-chosen and eloquent remarks , somewhat out of the beaten track of ordinary after-dinner speakers .
The Tyler ' s toast concluded the list . During the intervals between the toasts , several brethren exhibited their talents , vocal and instrumental , prominent among them being Bros . Inglis , A . Curry , E . Bree , and Thos . Palmer . The Organist of the lodge , Bro . VV . Fentum , emulated Orpheus on his lute , not on the same
instrument , but with the piano , both as an accompanist and solo player . The evening's proceedings furnished a rich musical treat , and it was generally agreed by all present , some 70 in number , that they had never been present at a more enjoyable or more successful Masonic gathering .
KINGSTON-ON-THAMES . Dobie Lodge ( No . 889 ) . —The last meeting of the year of this lodge was held on the 20 th instant , at the Griffin Hotel , Kingston-on-Thames , when Bro . J . Drewett , VV . M ., was supported by the following officers : Bros . VV . Drewett , VV . M . i 6 3 S , I . P . M . ; Colbron , S . W . j F . J . Heywood , J . W . j R . T . Elsam , P . M ., Sec . ; F . T . V .
Honeywell , P . M ., Org . ; A . M . Levy , S . D . ; and J . Bond , I . G . Bro . James Edgell , J . D ., was , to the regret of all , unable to be present owing to ill-health . There was a candidate for the Second Degree , but he was prevented by indisposition from attending . Bro . Harold Fawssett , 70 S , was elected a joining member . Bro . Colbron , P . M ., S . VV ., was unanimously elected VV . M . for the year ensuing . Bro .
Long , who has long filled the office of Treasurer with the utmost ability and acceptance , had intimated his desire to be relieved from the duties , and his decision was most regretfully accepted . Bro . John Drewett was unanimously elected to succeed Bro . Long . Bro . Gilbert was again elected Tyler , an office he has filled since the formation of the lodge . A Past Master ' s jewel was with one accord voted to the outgoing W . M ., and there being no other business , the lodge was closed .
LIVERPOOL . Israel Lodge ( No . 1502 ) . —Bro . Andrew Kirkpatrick , a former occupant of the chair of this lodge , was , on the iSth inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Hope-street , duly installed as VV . M . The proceedings were opened by Bro .
David Gabrielsen , the retiring W . M ., assisted by Bros . Herman Archer , V . M . ; Maurice Hart , P . M . ; M . Aronsberg , P . M . ; A . Kirkpatrick , P . M . ; Rev . H . M . Silver , P . M . ; Henry Gabriel , Treas . ; W . W . Mellor , Sec . ; D . Matthews , S . D . ; M . Karet , J . D . ; J . 0 . Roberts , I . G . ; J . C . Lemmensand J . Vos , Stwds . ; Henry De
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
him all the assistance they possibly could . The lodge , in which he had always taken such a large amount of interest , had a most satisfactory reputation , thanks to the exceedingly good example which had been set them by their first Master , Bro . Sir John Monckton . Bros . j . Mowlem Burt , I . Zacharie ( South Carolina ) , and J . P . Sadler acknowledged the toast of "The Visitors , "
the latter remarking upon the wonderfully perfect manner in which the installation ceremony had been performed . As for the hospitality of the lodge , it had been on a most regal and splendid scale . The W . M . proposed "The Health of the Officers of the Lodge . " Bro . Fitch , S . VV ., replied , thanking the Master for honouring them as he had done . He could assure the VV .
Master that they would serve him most loyally , and do all in their power to make his year of office a most pleasant and agreeable one . Bro . Lovell , Tyler , gave the Tyler ' s toast , and the proceedings , which had been of a most pleasurable character , terminated . The banquet arrangements , as usual , gave the utmost satisfaction .
Lodge La France ( No . 2060 ) . —On Monday , the iSth inst ., the above lodge held its installation meeting , and , as usual , it was a great success . Bro . E . St . Clair , the outgoing Master , performed the ceremony with that accuracy and in the impressive manner which has distinguished his performance of the ceremonies during his two consecutive years of office . In order to give greater
eclat to the meeting , he had requested Bro Fenn , P . B . G . P ., Membre d'Honneur of the lodge , to take the chair of S . W ., and also to give the three addresses , which Bro . Fenn did in a manner which must have astonished those who had not before seen him at work in the Lodge La France . Bro . F . Richardson , P . G . D ., alsoa . Mem . d'Hon ., acted as D . of C . The brethren of the lodge mustered
m strong force , and were honoured by the presence of a •large number of visitors , among whom were about a dozen Officers of Grand Lodge , viz .: Bros . H . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal ; E . J . Barron , P . G . D . ; E . Letchworth , P . G . D . ; Lewis Thomas , P . Asst . G . D . C ; Col Harding , P . Asst . G . D . C ; J . H . Matthews , P . G . Std . Br . ; Dr . R . Gooding , P . G . D . ; R . Glover , P . Dep . G . D . C . ; and R . Thrupp ,
P . Asst . G . D . C , Dep . Prov . G . M . Middx . Among the other visitors we noticed Bros . Gen . Wimburne Laurie , P . G . M . Nova Scotia ; Dr . J . Tatham , 1616 ; F . Novara , 16 5 ; Alex . Baume , 180 ; A . Greatrex , 22 ; T . Grummant , 1559 ; J . Tennyson , 780 ; William Crawford , 127 ; H . L . Gautier , 907 ; Thomas Craston , F . Dunn , Aubrey Howard , J . Hammond ,
Henry Ellis , Norton Barnes , Henry Gardner , H . 0 . Mordaunt , A . Treherne , C . Rean , and others . The officers appointed and invested by the W . M ., Bro . L . Clerc were Bros . Rev . E . C . d'Auquier , S . VV . ; A . Lacoste , J . VV . ; H . Bue , PaVL , P . G . Std . Br ., Treas . ; E . Monteuuis , P . M ., G . S . B ., Sec ; J . Desvignes , S . D . ; E . Pouard , J . D . ; L . Mallett , I . G . ; E . Casabianca , D . of C ; E . Chatrian and E .
Beranger , Stwds . ; L . Walter , Org . ; and A . Oberdoerffer , Tyler . As Bro . St . Clair had been presented with the Past Master ' s jewel at the end of his first year of office , the following proposition was made by the Treasurer , seconded by the Secretary , and unanimously passed : "The Lodge La France having already conferred to its much esteemed W . M .,
Bro . E . St . Clair , all the honours which it was in its power to give , passes a vote of most sincere thanks to him in acknowledgment of the courteous and perfect manner in which he has presided over the lodge during his second year of office . " The lodge having been closed , the brethren the adjourned to the large banqueting room of the Cafe Royal , where Bro
Delacoste , the manager , put before them a menu worthy of the reputation of that great establishment . The W . M . rose to propose the first toast— "The Queen and the Craft . " He said that among the many important events which had taken place during her great reign one of the most important was the Crimean War . Those two great nations , the French and the English , had for
centuries fought against one another , and had never learned to know one another . In the Crimea they fought side by side , shoulder to shoulder , and had now learned to appreciate one another . He hoped that Anglo-French alliance which was then started would never be severed , but that should any thing arise to put the entente cordiale in danger , then it would be for the members of the Lodge La France to
endeavour to restore the good understanding . He proposed "The Queen and the Craft . " The toast was duly honoured , and the whole company joined in "God save the Queen . " In proposing the toast of " La France et Son Representant , Monsieur le Pres . Carnot , " the VV . M . asked what is La Patrie ? and answered , it is the country where we are
born , where our mother first tendered to us , and showed us so much devotion and affection , where we formed our first college friendships , where , through the study of the history of our country and of its great men , we gradually worked ourselves into the same communion of ideas and feelings into one large family . We all Frenchmen here admire and like the English , admire and like their country ;
but somehow in France the air seems to us lighter , nature brighter , and we are happier . I drink to our country , to our President , M . Carnot . Marseillaise . The W . M . then proposed "The Health of the M . VV . G . Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " calling special attention to the great sympathy his Royal Highness had always
shown towards France , and to the fact of his having visited M . Pasteur . In the next toast , that of " The Grand Officers , Present and Past , " Bro . L . Cere alluded to the great services they rendered to Freemasonry , and thanked them for the great honour they had done the lodge by their presence that evening . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . H .
Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal . Bro . Sandeman , who spoke in perfect French , said he had great pleasure in replying to the toast that had been so kindly proposed by the W . M . The Grand Officers had taken a great interest in the progress of the Lodge La
France , and had been concerned with what they had heard and seen that evening . He wound up after the French fashion with three fires , or wishes . Bro . St . Clair then rose to propose "The Health of the W . M ., Bro . L . Clerc . " He had had the pleasure of proposing his health many times before , first as Treasurer of the lodge
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and then as S . VV ., but he was most pleased that , having at last overcome the modesty of Bro . Clerc , and having' induced him to accept the chair , he was now enabled to drink his health as W . M . He ( Bro . St . Clair ) had been the first initiate of the lodge , the other Past Master had been initiated in English lodges , but Bro . Clerc had been initiated 26 years ago in the Perseverance Aniitie at a time when certificates
still bore the inscription A . G . A . de l'U—an inscription they were all so sorry to have seen omitted of late years in France . Bro . Clerc was one of the mainstays of the Societe Nationale Francaise , and took a great interest in all the French Charities . The lodge had never had a more worthy brother to preside over it , and he would wish him a successful year of office .
The VV . M . thanked Bro . St . Clair very much , but could not help thinking he had been very much flattered . He certainly had been rather shy to undertake the duties of Master , and it was the knowledge that he would be so well supported by the I . P . M . that had at last prompted him to accept the post . The VV . M . then gave a cordial greeting to all the visitors present . The lodge had always been fortunate in
being honoured by the presence of many visitors . There were present that evening between 50 and 60 . He could not , therefore , think of naming them all . One was a host in himself , Bro . General VV . Laurie , P . G . M . of Nova Scotia , whom he was particularly pleased to see on the present occasion , and he hoped that when he went back to America he would talk of the Lodge La France to the Canadians .
Bro . Gen . Laurie , who began his speech in French , related that in Canada both English and French were allowed in the Law Courts . He hoped the same privilege would be granted him , and he would continue in English . He would refer to the allusion the VV . M . had made to the Crimean War , and relate an anecdote of what occurred to him . He
wanted , with a fellow officer , to go and see the French camp , but he was stopped by a sentry , who took them for spies , and the sentry was nearly firing , but he thought better of it , and accompanying them to the English lines , there they satisfied him of their identity . He then alluded to French Freemasonry , and hoped that the Lodge La France would ever remain true to the ancient landmarks .
In freemasonry they would find liberty , equality , fraternity ; but liberty founded our Order ; equality for all to rise to the same honours ; fraternity exemplified by Charity . Bro . Mordaunt also responded . The VV . M . then proposed "The Health of the I . P . M ., " alluding to bis great capabilities , which bad enabled him in
the course of a few years to reach the chair of the lodge . He had fulfilled the duties of his office with great brilliancy . He would not make a long speech . They had all seen Bro . St . Clair at work , _ and knew how perfectly he had done it . He would drink his health . Bro . St . Clair , I . P . M ., answered in his usual happy
manner . The rest of the toasts were then proceeded with . The Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to an end . VVe must not omit to mention that Bro . Novara aided very much to the success of it by his magnificent singing . It is very rarely that a lodge comes across such a volunteer .
Provincial Meetings.
Provincial Meetings .
BATTLE . Abbey Lodge ( No . 1184 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 2 ist inst ., at the Masonic Hall , when there were present Bros . R . T . Davison , M . D ., VV . M . ; W . A . Raper , S . VV . ; J . B . Foster , J . VV . ; H . G . F . Wells , P . M ., P . P . G . P ., Treas . ; R . Hughes , P . M ., P . G . S . Br ., Sec ; W . J . Pepper , S . D . ; T . J . Walder , as J . D . ; J . Fielding , Org . ; B . H . Thorpe , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., D . C . ; T . W . Avis , I . G ., VV . Lamborn , P . M .,
P . P . G . P . ; J . B . Sargent , P . M ., P . P . G . P . ; VV . C . Till , VV . E . Skinner , J . Chance , C . J . Honisett , G . Smith , J . Hodson , J . Bellchamber , and others . Visitors : Bros . S . E . Stembridge , VV . M . 2205 ; Snowdon Kirke , J . VV . 1716 ; E . J . McCormick , 40 ; and G . Heaphy , 40 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes having been read and confirmed , a very touching letter from the widow of
the late Bro . Gerard Ford , D . P . G . M ., was read , acknowledging the receipt of a resolution of sympathy passed at the last meeting . A letter was also read from Bro . the Very Rev . E . R . Currie , D . D ., P . M ., P . G . C , Chaplain , thanking the brethren for their congratulations on his recent marriage . A successful ballot was then taken for Mr . Louis Fredk . St . John , and he was duly initiated , the ceremony being impressively performed by the VV . M . The
charge was ably given by the S . VV ., Bro . Raper . The late Tyler , Bro . Cornelius Leary , having found it necessary to resign the office which he has so satisfactorily filled , Mr . William Newman was elected to succeed him , and was proposed forinitiation at the next meeting , subject to the usual dispensation from Provincial Grand Lodge . A sum of 10 guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . All business being ended , the lodge was closed .
HAMPTON COURT . Hemming Lodge ( No . 1512 ) . —This prosperous lodge met at the Greyhound Hotel , on the 2 ist inst ., when there were present , among others , Bros . G . Ransford , VV . M . ; E . Clark , S . W . ; A . F . Scholding , J . W . ; J . C . Jessett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., Sec ; VV . Fisher , S . D . ; J . Smith ,
I . G . ; W . Spearing , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., D . C ; H . Wheatley , H . Robinson , and Trotter , Stewards ; J . VV . ( lark , A . D . C . j T . W . Ockenden , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; R . Eales , P . M . ; Plimsaul , P . M . j Gilbert , Tyler j Harvey , P . M . 1314 J Bowers , 163 S ; Broom , 165 S ; Fisk , 1733 j and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read
and confirmed , Bro . Boyce was passed to the Second Degree , and Bros . Hill , Gummer , and Connell were raised to the Third Degree . The by-laws having been read , Bro . E . Clark was unanimously elected W . M . j Bro . J . C . Jessett , Treas . j and Gilbert , Tyler . A Past Master ' s jewel was voted to the VV . M .
The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banquet , which was well served under the personal direction of Bro . Mella , and gave unqualified satisfaction . After the loyal and other Craft toasts had been proposed and honoured , "The Health of the VV . M . " was given by the I . P . M ., who , n the course of his remarks , congratulated Bro . Ransford
Provincial Meetings.
upon the great success that had attended his year of office now fast drawing to a close . They had seen how well he had carried out the work in the lodge room , and also how pleasantly he had presided at the banquet table . He ( the speaker ) looked forward with pleasure to the installation in January , when the VV . M . would complete his labours by
inducting Bro . Clark , the VV . M . elect , into the chairof K . S . Bro . Ransford having replied , the toasts of "The Visitors , " " The Past Masters , " " The Treasurer and Secretary , " and "The Officers" were given rapidly , and but briefly acknowledged in consequence oE the lateness of the hour and the exigencies of the train service .
JERSEY . Yarborough Lodge ( No . 244 ) . —The brethren of the above old lodge held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday , the 20 th inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , when the following were present : Bros . C . Baker , VV . M . j T . J . J . T . Baker , I . P . M . j J . T . du Jardin , P . M . j J . F . Hamon , acting S . W . j
J . A . Balleina , J . VV . ; C . Donaldson , P . M ., Treas . ; L . P . Hespiradoux , P . M ., Sec . j VV . M . Inglis , S . D . j A . J . Le Ouesne , J . D . j H . B . East , Dir . of Cer . j VV . FentumrOrg . j A . Curry , I . G . j C . Naylor , P . M . j E . Leigh Bennett , P . M . j J . VV . Linney , R . Cross , Geo . Parkinson , C . Booth , G . Godden , J . E . Hamon , A . Anslow , W . Hunter , C . Lincoln , F . A . Bennett , P . S . W . j J . F . Le
Gresley , H . B . East , J . De Veulle , J . Marett , and Geo . Rogers , P . M ., Tyler . Visitors : Bros . F . Fisher , late 491 ; J . H . Goldsmith , P . M . 491 j P . E . Sohier , P . M . 877 , P . G . S . j G . E . Manger , S 77 j VV . T . Davey , 245 J VV . Metherell , P . M . 1003 ; C . _ Marett . P . M . 590 , P . S . G . D . ; C . J . Renong , late 244 ; T . Palmer , J . W . 491 ; J . Flinn , 1003 j J . O'Flaherty , P . M . 95 S , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Pool ,
P . M . 491 , P . P . J . G . W . ; VV . H . Richards , P . S . W . 1003 ; S . Gilley , P . M . 491 , P . G . R . ; G . Mourant , 245 , P . P . G . P . j L . E . Bisson , S . VV . 491 ; F . A . Jubel , S . D . 491 ; VV . Aubin , 1003 ; A . Curry , I . G . 245 ; VV . Le Feuvre , 1003 , P . G . Stwd . j L . Kelley , LP . M . 491 ; H . M . Godfrey , J . D . 590 J E . Bree , VV . M . 590 J J . Le Sueur , P . M . 590 , P . P . S . G . W . ; G . H . Rogers , 1003 j E . Le Sueur , 590 j T .
Blamlied , P . M . 245 , P . P . G . D . C ; VV . T . Pugsley , P . M . 245 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Dr . John Le Cronier , P . M ., D . P . G . M . ; J . VV . Handing , S . VV . 245 j Thos . Stone , P . M . 245 , P . P . J . G . D . ; P . J . Toneri , 1003 j W . VV . Richardson , VV . M . 491 j J . Gray , P . M . 245 , P . J . G . W . ; Dr . P . B . Bentliff , S . VV . S 77 , P . G . S . B . ; P . Newman , 1003 ; J . H . Elliott , P . M . 245 , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; J . O . Le Sueur , P . M .
491 , P . P . G . Sec . ; E . Kelly , P . M . 1003 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . A . Davey , 491 ; Capt . Lucas , J . W . S 77 , P . P . G . S . B . ; E . G . Le Gros , 245 ; L . H . Drake , 1003 ; VV . Hunt , 1003 ; G . Long , P . M . 245 ; J . Barrette , J . W . 245 ; T . Leat , P . M . 245 , P . P . S . G . W . ; H . M . Walden , P . M . 95 S , P . J . G . W . ; W . J . Taylor , 491 ; and E . B . Le Bas , VV . M . 95 S , P . P . G . P . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last
meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Richard Cross was . duly passed as a Fellow Craft , the ceremony being performed by the VV . M . in a praiseworthy manner . The charge was delivered by the VV . M . Bros . Parkinson and Booth were duly raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason . The VV . M ., although a young one , gave again proofs of his efficiency in the ritual . Bro . J . T . Baker , I . P . M ., gave the
traditional history . Bro . F . Fisher , late of 491 , was balloted for , and unanimously elected a joining member . During the evening , the D . P . G . M ., Bro . Dr . John Le Cronier , was announced , and duly received . Several communications having been read , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting hall to partake of a sumptuous cold collation , which was
excellently served under the personal supervision of Bro . Geo . Rogers , the acknowledged Masonic caterer of the province , and gave unqualified satisfaction . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts were given by the VV . M ., who proposed them with well-chosen and eloquent remarks , somewhat out of the beaten track of ordinary after-dinner speakers .
The Tyler ' s toast concluded the list . During the intervals between the toasts , several brethren exhibited their talents , vocal and instrumental , prominent among them being Bros . Inglis , A . Curry , E . Bree , and Thos . Palmer . The Organist of the lodge , Bro . VV . Fentum , emulated Orpheus on his lute , not on the same
instrument , but with the piano , both as an accompanist and solo player . The evening's proceedings furnished a rich musical treat , and it was generally agreed by all present , some 70 in number , that they had never been present at a more enjoyable or more successful Masonic gathering .
KINGSTON-ON-THAMES . Dobie Lodge ( No . 889 ) . —The last meeting of the year of this lodge was held on the 20 th instant , at the Griffin Hotel , Kingston-on-Thames , when Bro . J . Drewett , VV . M ., was supported by the following officers : Bros . VV . Drewett , VV . M . i 6 3 S , I . P . M . ; Colbron , S . W . j F . J . Heywood , J . W . j R . T . Elsam , P . M ., Sec . ; F . T . V .
Honeywell , P . M ., Org . ; A . M . Levy , S . D . ; and J . Bond , I . G . Bro . James Edgell , J . D ., was , to the regret of all , unable to be present owing to ill-health . There was a candidate for the Second Degree , but he was prevented by indisposition from attending . Bro . Harold Fawssett , 70 S , was elected a joining member . Bro . Colbron , P . M ., S . VV ., was unanimously elected VV . M . for the year ensuing . Bro .
Long , who has long filled the office of Treasurer with the utmost ability and acceptance , had intimated his desire to be relieved from the duties , and his decision was most regretfully accepted . Bro . John Drewett was unanimously elected to succeed Bro . Long . Bro . Gilbert was again elected Tyler , an office he has filled since the formation of the lodge . A Past Master ' s jewel was with one accord voted to the outgoing W . M ., and there being no other business , the lodge was closed .
LIVERPOOL . Israel Lodge ( No . 1502 ) . —Bro . Andrew Kirkpatrick , a former occupant of the chair of this lodge , was , on the iSth inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Hope-street , duly installed as VV . M . The proceedings were opened by Bro .
David Gabrielsen , the retiring W . M ., assisted by Bros . Herman Archer , V . M . ; Maurice Hart , P . M . ; M . Aronsberg , P . M . ; A . Kirkpatrick , P . M . ; Rev . H . M . Silver , P . M . ; Henry Gabriel , Treas . ; W . W . Mellor , Sec . ; D . Matthews , S . D . ; M . Karet , J . D . ; J . 0 . Roberts , I . G . ; J . C . Lemmensand J . Vos , Stwds . ; Henry De