Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Payne , P . M . 1669 ; W . G . Cannon , P . M . 1539 ; R . Stokoe , P . M . 1963 ; J . T . Penney , P . M . 1679 ; G . R . Langley , P . M . 1 S 3 ; D . Rose , P . M . 73 ; W . C Canton , P . M . 1 475 ; W . Cowley , P . M . 1559 ; H . Massey , P . M . 192 S ; C . J . Axford , P . M . 1949 ; W . Worrell , P . M . 766 ; C . W . Peters , P . M . 507 ; A . Bradley , P . M . 1216 ; F . Hilton , P . M . 1 475 ; T . E . Webb , sen ., P . M . 503 ; G . Lewis ,

P . M . 1671 ; A . C . Woodward , P . M . 1538 ; F . Bromley Smith , VV . M . 1539 ; E . Gauntlett , W . M . 1901 ; W . S . Tomkins . W . M . 1669 ; H . Hooper , W . M . 1 S 3 ; G . F . Edwards , W . M . 7 66 ; J . Dunn , W . M . 1622 ; S . Hague , W . M . elect , 2105 ; J . W . Goodinge , W . M . elect 1 S 1 S ; ] . Nowakowski , S . W . 534 ; G . Collins , J . W . 1641 ; J . Fielder Haden , J . D . 7 66 ; E . Venner , J . D . 901 ; H .

Ansell , J . D . 1305 ; H . Graham , I . G . 1604 ; C . H . Stone , I . G . 507 ; H . L . Barrett , Stwd . 221 S ; T . Gay , Stwd . 1901 ; J . H . Watson , 1641 ; H . Hayward , 169 ; G . R . Davis , 202 S ; H . Nettleship , 1641 ; W . J . Bishop , 1 S 0 ; M . Woolf , 1579 ; C . A . Gibbs , 120 ; G . Thompson , S 7 S ; and W . Dasvson , 1622 .

By the indulgence of the W . M ., Bro . D . D . Mercer , A . G . P ., P . M ., S . W ., initiated bis friend , Mr . Albert George Morris , after which the W . M . resumed the chair , when the report of the Audit Committee was received and adopted . Bro . Goldschmidtthen installed Bro . D . D . Mercer as VV . M . for the ensuing year , and the following brethren were invested as his officers : Bros . S . H . Goldschmidt , I . P . M . ;

T . E . Webb , S . W . ; J . N . Turney , J . W . ; J . C . Reynolds , Treas . ; Robert Elgar , Sec . ; Charles Wilson , P . M ., S . D . ; James A . Thornhill , J . D . ; P . A . Nairne , P . M ., D . C ; John C . Bradley , A . D . C ; Dr . Charles Gross , P . M ., ' I . G . ; Robert J . Pitt , Org . ; Charles Gooding and B . T . Whitehead , Stwds . ; and George Harrison , Tyler . On the motion of Bro . Reynolds , Treas .,

a Past Master ' s jewel and collar were voted to the I . P . M ., in recognition of the very able services he had rendered to the lodge during his year of office , and , on the motion of Bro . B . R . Bryant , P . M ., 10 guineas were voted from the lodge funds to be placed upon Bro . D . D . Mercer ' s list for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . The collar and jewel were presented to Bro . Goldschmidt , for which he made a suitable reply , and the lodge was closed , and the

brethren adjourned to a choice banquet . The usual toasts followed . The W . M ., in proposing the toast of "The Queen , " made the welcome announcement that he was not going to trouble the brethren with long speeches , as there was a splendid programme of music , which he knew the brethren would appreciate . In proposing "The M . W . G . M ., " the W . M . said all the brethren knew what the Prince of Wales had done for

Freemasonry . Bro . Percival A . Nairne , P . M ., proposed "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He said that in times past Grand Lodge had exercised a great influence over the whole Craft . That influence was as great now as it was in days gone by ; it was even greater , because it was

well known that the Officers of Grand Lodge were well acquainted with the practice , as well as the principles , of Freemasonry . Modern days had brought the Grand Officers very much to the front , and the brethren had to thank them for the way in which they exercised their Grand office . The brethren had to regret on that occasion that within the last few days there had been removed from the

Grand Lodge a distinguished Grand Officer , who was initiated in the Sphinx Lodge , the Rev . G . VV . Weldon , Past Grand Chaplain . It was not six weeks ago he ( Bro . Nairne ) had the pleasure and the privilege of sitting next to him in the hall . _ Bro . Weldon was then in his usual health ; he was a distinguished member of the Order of Freemasonry ; and the Sphinx Lodge felt much

p-ratifiration in the reflection that he was initiated in their lodge . Bros . Terry , Hogard , Garrod , and Perryman were present as Grand Officers , and he called on Bro . Howard to respond . Bro . C . F . Hogard , in reply , said he was much flattered at having his name coupled with the toast , and he could

onlysay that the Grand Officers felt very grateful for the cordial and hearty way in which their health had been drunk . He did not know why the W . M . ' s name had been left out of the toast , as he was a present Grand Officer , and he congratulated him on being , and the Sphinx Lodge in having as a member , such a Grand Officer , and such a Master as he knew him to be .

The I . P . M . proposed "The Health of the VV . M ., " and wished the toast fell to the hands of a man more capable than he . However , he would do his best . They knew that what he could not express in Words he felt in heart . They had that evening the delight of seeing Bro . Mercer installed in the chair . Bro . Mercer , though he was a Grand Officer , considered it as great an honour to be placed in the chair of

the lodge as any honour he had attained . It was the greatest ambition of his life to be the Master of his mother lodge . He well remembered the time when Bro . Mercer was initiated in the Sphinx Lodge . Since that time he and Bro . Mercer had taken step by step together , and he was happy to say that during that time he had been able to secure the friendship of Bro . Mercer , and he knew that those who knew

him intimately knew how to appreciate his good qualities . Bro . Mercer was one of the best Masons in the true meaning of the word ; he had worked harder than many brethren present at the Board of Benevolence . His good work had been appreciated by the Grand Master , and he felt proud of It . One and all they wished him a very successful year of office . Before all they wished him health and streno-th to

carry out his duties in the manner in which they knew he could carry them out , and of which he had given them a specimen that evening . The VV . M ., replying , said he did not wish to lose time . He was in hope that the brethren would have half-an-hour of musical enjoyment . Therefore , he rose immediately to ' ¦ espond to the toast which had been so amiabl proposed

y . He felt he did not deserve one-half of what Bro . Goldschmidt had saidof him . It was true he and Bro . Goldschmidt were initiated in the Sphinx Lodge very nearly at the same time , and they had gone up the ladder together , step by step , and he was proud equall y as Bro . Goldschmidt was that he had in him not only a brother , but a friend , in whom

he could place the most implicit confidence—a fact which had given him the greatest pleasure he could possibly "aye . It was true , as Bro . Goldschmidt had .-aid , that he had the privilege , which many of the brethren had not , of being a Grand Officer , but still it was the greatest privilege he could have to be placed in the chair of his mother lodg ° e , and to direct the affairs of that lodge . He had been so

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

placed that night , and he felt he had arrived at the summit of his ambition in that respect . He hoped they would be able to give him some work to do during his year ; he would try to do his duty ; and when the time came for him to vacate the chair he hoped he would have the feeling- of having given satisfaction to all the brethren . The VV . M ., in giving "The Initiate , " said he was very

pleased indeed that he had had the privilege of introducing to the S phinx Lodge Bro . Morris , who had long wished to become a member , and who told him that he believed there were at least 30 members with whom he was particularly well acquainted ; and therefore he would find he was not among strangers , but among brothers and friends . If he would only pay attention to the ceremonies , not only what

he had heard that night , but what was in store for him , he would become a good brother , a good man , and a good Mason . He ( the VV . M . ) had known him many years , and he should look forward , if the Great Architect of the Universe spared him , to see him occupy a position similar to that which he ( the W . M . ) occupied that night . Bro . Morris returned thanks to the brethren for having

received Wm into the grand Institution of Masonry . The VV . M ., in proposing "The Health of the Visitors , " said the Sphinx Lodge had always been noted for the great number of visitors who attended it , and they laid themselves out for giving a hearty inducement for visitors to come . The brethren of the lodge were always pleased to see them , and he was pleased to see so many present that

evening . Something like 50 were present . The Book of Constitutions laid it down that brethren should visit lodges as often as they could , that they might become acquainted with the ritual and cultivate brotherly love . Therefore , he gave a hearty welcome to every visitor , and he hoped that during his year of office he would see many of them again . Bro . Hooper replied , and thanked the W . M . for the hearty reception that had been accorded to the visitors .

The W . M ., in proposing "The Masonic Charities , " said Charity was one of the greatest principles they were exhorted to carry out when they were admitted into Masonry . He had endeavoured , as far as his ability had allowed , to practice that virtue which was laid down for his guidance on entering the lodge . He hoped that every Mason , if his means would allow it , would become a supporter of each of

the Masonic Charitable Institutions . That was what he had endeavoured to do himself . He had made himself a Life Governor of two of the Institutions . He had been a Steward of the Girls and of the Boys , and if they would allow him he would be a Steward for the Benevolent Institution in February next . It did not need much to remind the brethren of the claims of that Institution . They knew

that when a brother arrived at old age and from reverse circumstances was unable to obtain a living the Benevolent Institution was open to him , and he obtained an annuity , if he was successful in being elected . He would call on Bro . Terry to respond to the toa < t . Bro . Terry , in reply , said he was especially pleased to hear the VV . M . say that he intended to take a Stewardship

of the Benevolent Institution . He knew well that when the W . M . made an appeal to the brethren of the Sphinx Lodge it would meet with that response which it had always met with . He remembered being present on the day of consecration , and he had witnessed many times since the growth of the lodge , and he was convinced that when an appeal was made the lodge would rally round the VV . M ., and enable

him to make up such a list as would redound to the credit , not only to the lodge , but also to the W . M . 's year of office . The W . M . was not only Grand Pursuivant , he was nominated by the Grand Master himself as one of the Committee of Management of the Benevolent Institution . That Institution was sadly in want of funds , for after the last election there was still over 100 unsuccessful candidates

standing the chance of being elected , and since then there were 40 new candidates coming forward , so that by the conclusion of the list for the next election there would be 150 or 160 candidates for help and assistance . It must be admitted that the Institution which gave help and assistance to those who had borne the heat and burden of the day , and by their age ought to be exempt from further

toil , was one eminently worthy of support . The Institution was giving away nearly £ 15 , 000 a year in annuities of £ 40 to men and £ 1 , 2 to women , and besides if they wished it they found a home for them in the Institution at Croydon where they were provided with coals , gas , and medical attendance . With such advantages it was hardly to be

wondered at that when candidates were once elected they were very loth to "shuffle off this mortal coil . " One old gentleman who died a fortnight ago was 92 . He had been an annuitant for 37 years , and had received as much as £ Soo from the Institution in that time . They had one man from North and East Yorkshire who was Si when he first

applied , but they found he had not been sufficiently long a subscriber to a lodge to be entitled to come on the fund . He then paid another 18 months and qualified himself to be a candidate . They had a benevolent law by which if a man was So years of age and had been unsuccessful the Committee might put him on the fund . That old gentleman was unfortunately not successful and the Committee placed him

on the fund . He had lived to enjoy it and had received the pension for nearly iS years—for he died within six weeks of being I 02 . _ Therefore it was clear that that Institution extended their lives . Whether that was an unmixed benefit they did not find out . The difference between the Benevolent Institution and the Boys' and Girls' Schools was that while the boys and girls as time passed became more and

more fit to take care of themselves , the aged became less capable as time went on . Again , many persons would adopt a boy or a girl , but he did not think any one had ever heard of any one adopting an old man or an old woman , who were , therefore , thrown entirely upon the world . He hoped the VV . M . would have a very successful list . He hoped the brethren would willinglv give to it and

make up that list to a good sum . He could assure them it would be thankfully received and faithfully applied . The Worshipful Master next gave "The Installing Master and the Past Masters , " and , referring to the ceremony of installation , said that when the brethren came to consider that Bro . Goldschmidt , the Installing Master , was not of their own nationality they would agree with him that they

had never seen the installation ceremony done in such an able manner . Bro . Goldschmidt had that night eclipsed all his previous performances . With regard to the other Past Masters they were always ready to give their assistance , and if ever he should want to take counsel with them he knew they would give him their advice . Bro . Goldschmidt , I . P . M ., said he had to thank the brethren of the Sphinx Lodge for the support they had given

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

him during his year of office , more especially the officers of the lodge . He thanked the VV . M . as the leading officer during that year and all those who were under him for the services they had rendered him . He also returned thanks for the honour they had conferred on him that night ; he appreciated it fully , and he should look on the jewel placed on his breast as of far more value than its intrinsic worth

as a jewel , which showed they all had kind , good feelings towards him . Referring' to the praises bestowed on him by the VV . M ., he was happy to say it had been the custom of the Sphinx Lodge for some years past for the outgoing Master to install his successor . They had many beautiful ceremonies in Masonry , but he thought one of the finest was the installation . If a Mason had once had an opportunity of

learning it well he would never forget it . He had had the opportunity in past years of learning it , and he was happy to say he had remembered it . It was an impressive ceremony . It was not owing to him that the ceremony was impressive —it was the ceremony itself which was impressive . He hoped that those who listened to it would follow out the precepts it contained . He knew Masonry was talked about

very lightly , and he thought that was partly the fault of Masons , for in many cases they did not show outside the lodge those things they were taught within it , but he most sincerely believed that the members of the Sphinx Lodge were Masons at heart , and knew that they were Masons of that

lodge . I hey were most brotherly in every sense of the word , and he hoped that that harmony which had existed in the Sphinx Lodge for many years past would continue as long as the lodge was in existence . As long as lie lived it would be his endeavour to keep the Sphinx Lodge in that position to which it had now attained . His services would be at the

disposal of the lodge and of each individual member . He thanked the VV . M . for what he had done for him ; he thought the debt was on his side and not on that of the W . M . Bro . Sugden , P . M ., also replied , and said he always felt pleased to have the privilege of saying a few words on behalf of the Past Masters of the lodge , but he felt it the strong'er that evening , as both fte outgoing and the

incoming Masters were initiates of his . He felt very proud of both of them , though they were not the only brethren he had initiated who had become distinguished Masons . No credit to him , but it was very pleasing to find they had been initiated in the Sphinx Lodge by himself , and had become distinguished Masons . Although there were Past Masters of the Sphinx Lodge who were better able to do

justice to that toast , he could assure the brethren he enjoyed his connection with the outgoing and the incoming Masters . Bro . Goldschmidt had spoken of Masons out of the lodge and in it ; but in the Sphinx Lodge they were neighbours and friends all round . When the warrant was granted , they were all Camberwell men , and he was pleased there were so many of the parish connected with the lodge . He

congratulated the VV . M . on having attained his high position , and he deserved the support of all the members . The W . M . next proposed " The Officers of the Lodge , " to which Bros . Webb , S . W . ; P . A . Nairne , D . C ; Reynolds , and Elgar responded , and the Tyler ' s toast

closed the proceedings . A delightful musical entertainment was given during the evening , under the direction of Bro . R . J . Pitt , Organist , by Madame Isabel George , Miss Lena Seymour , Mr . Harry Stubbs , and Mr . R . E . Miles . Solo violin—Mr . Joseph H . Pitt . Bro . Robert J . Pitt presided at the pianoforte .

Earl of Zetland Lodge ( No . 1364 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 16 th inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C , when Bro . H . Burton Chamberlain was installed VV . M . by Bro . H . VV . Gompertz , P . M ., Sec , in a most able and ritualistic manner . The charges were given very impressively . There were three passings and one initiation , which

the outgoing Master , Bro . Henry Cooper , did in his best style , his working being thorough and quietly done . This lodge is famous for its music , and the Organist , Bro . J . F . Haskins , materially helped the good working by the artistic and musician-like performance of some beautiful little pieces ; altogether the work in the lodge was an intellectual treat of no mean order .

At the banquet which followed were many visitors , but one was expected who could not be present—we refer to Bro . the Earl of Zetland . He sent an apology and a large photo of himself for the lodge album . There were some capital speeches , which we are glad to report were brevity itself , in consequence of a most excellent musical programme . The artistes who appeared were the Misses Marie Vagnolini ,

Ettie Argent , and Emily Foxcroft , Bros . John Bartlett and J . D . Fitzgerald , pianist , Mr . H . H . Pinchback , Gold Medallist Conservatoire of Music Paris , & c , who performed one solo in a very masterly manner ; and the veteran humourist , Bro . VV . G . Mackney , P . M ., & c , who performed on the violin and sung some of his inimitable songs as only a Mackney can sing them . To particularise the

different morceaux which delighted the ears of the brethren would take more space than we can spare , suffice it to say that the ladies bore the palm and that the gentlemen left nothing to be desired . The concert , for such it was to all ' intents and purposes , was a great success , for instead of long speeches we had fine singing and playing , the brethren enjoying a charming evening and an artistically rendered

concert , thanks to the Organist , Bro . J . F . Haskins . Highgate Lodge ( No . 1366 ) . —This properous lodge held its first meeting after the installation on Monday , the nth inst ., at the Gatehouse Hotel . Present : Bros . J . H . VV . Sugg , VV . M . ; F . Ashton , S . W . ; A . Cook , J . VV . ; lames Terry , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., Treas . ; Chas . Sheppard , P . M . and Sec . ; T . C . Yates , S . D . ; E . Wareham , J . D . ;

S . Rushton , Org . ; F . Cracknell , I . G . ; J . Culverwell , Stwd . ; J . E . Cussans , P . M ., P . P . G . W . Bucks ; F . Shelton , P . M . ; G . Garrett , P . M . ; E . L . Shelton , P . M . ; Thos . Underwood , P . M . ; W . B . Trick , P . M . ; J . H . Gregory , P . M . ; R . VV . Galer , P . M . ; J . J . Marsh , Tyler ; Dixon , Pizzey , Watkins , Coxen , Luxton , Medrington , Wilks , Goodman , Lewis , Wheeler , Walkden , Pragnell , and Speller . Visitors : Bros . E . G . Younger , Stwd . 1257 ; A .

Endean , P . M . 9 ; J . Ponder , 144 ; R . 1 ' . Buckdale , 1623 ; and E . Redshaw , P . M . 715 . The lodge was opened , and the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed . Bros . Medrington and Lewis were passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . It was

proposed by Bro . F . Shelton , seconded by Bro . Gregory , and carried unanimously , that 10 guineas be given to Mrs . Gillbee . Bro . James Terry , P . M ., P . G . S . B ., appealed for votes for the Masonic Schools on behalf of the children of the late Bro . Gillbee . There being no further business , the lodge was closed .