Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

a source of hearty congratulation to all ; his geniality and urbane manners having endeared him to the whole of his Masonic brethren in Malta , and although one of the youngest men and Masons that was ever placed in the chair of K . S ., it is felt that a most successful year for the lodge is assured . Amongst the visitors present wc noticed the following : Bros . VV . K . R . BedfordP . G . Chap . England ; XV .

Kings-, ton , D . G . M . ; W . Watson , D . D . G . M ., P . M . 349 ; Sir F , Blackwood , Bart ., W . M . 349 ; F . Hewson , W . M . 1923 ; J . S . Abbott , W . M . 192 G ; J . F . Taylor , P . M . igjfl ; VV . Dahn , P . M . 407 ; R . Glenday , P . M . 407 ; J . W . Starkey , D . G . Sec ; D . C . Wilson , S . VV . 1926 ; A . O . Giles , J . W . 192 G ; D . Jackson , S . W . 3 S 7 ( I . C ); D . Cooper , J . W . 387 ( 1 . 0 . ); Rabbitts , 407 ; Arnold , 407 ; E . May , 407 ; R . Wyatt , 407 ; J . Santucci , 3 S 7 ( LC . ); W . Sabin , 3 S 7

( I . C ); N . C . Attwood , 37 S ; G . Phillips , 56 ; C . Payne , 1923 ; E . N . Parker , 1 S 47 ; T . Tobin , 192 G ; C . E . Jaivis , 1926 ; F . Titmas , 192 G ; F . H . Taylor , 1926 ; J . Pocock , 1926 ; J . B . Short , 1926 ; VV . Archer , 192 G ; E . T . Livingstone , 11 J 2 G ; W . F . Horniblow , 192 G ; G . P . Stevens , 407 ; E . F . Hillman , 1926 ; J . S . Davies , 437 ; 11 . Boyce , 1926 ; VV . Putt , 142 S ; J . C . Stanley , 407 ; K . Jork , 1926 ; S . G . Galton , 1926 ; F . Mayall , 192 G ; E . O'Reilley , 102 G : W . Miles , 1926 , and many others .

ROCK FERRY . —Rock Lodge ( No . 12 S 9 ) . —The installation of the W . M . of this lodge , took place on Friday evening , the 15 th inst ., in the ballroom of the Royal Rock Hotel , in the presence of a large number of brethren , including many visitors , some from distant lodges . The Worshipful Master-elect , Bro . Charles Stewart Dean , S . W ., was installed in the chair of K . S . by the retiring W . M ., Bro . J . B . Sparks , the ceremony being performed in a dignified

and impressive manner . After the newly-installed had received the salutations according to ancient custom , he appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : —Bros . J . B . Sparks , I . P . M . ; H . B . Bare , S . W . ; J . D . Thomas , J . W . ; John Phillips , P . M ., Treas . ; F . L . " Bolton , Prov . C . S . D ., P . M ., Sec ; VVilliam Robert , S . D . ; A . II . Correlli , J . D . ; Joel Frederick Dean , I . G . ; VV . G . Cronan , S . S . ; Dr . Young , J . S . ; Edward

Friend , P . P . J . G . D ., P . M . M . C ; the Rev . G . F . Dean , Chap . ; and Banning , organist . The brethren afterwards dined together , and Mrs . Page ' s catering was satisfactory . The loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and Bro . H . Bullcy , P . G . S . B ., responded on behalf of " The Grand Lodge of England ; " Bro . W . Marquis , Prov . J . G . W ., and Bro . F . L . Bolton , Prov . S . G . W ., on behalf of "The

Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire ; " and the Rev . Bro . Dunbar , P . P . J . G . D ., West Yorks ; Bro . Lightfoot , P . M . Cestrian ; and Bro . Wristbridge , of the Hyde Park Lodge , London , on behalf of the visitors . Bro . Lee and other visitors gave an excellent musical entertainment , and theiSS 2 "St . John ' s" of the Rock Lodge will long be a pleasant memory to those who had the privilege of participating in the ceremonial .

INSTRUCTION . UNITED PILGRIMS LODGE ( No . 507 ) . — A meeting of this lodge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , on Friday evening , the 22 nd inst . Amongst those present were Bros . Richard Poore , W . M . j ] . M . Bate , S . W . j M . E . Stokes , J . W . j V . Thurston , Treas ., S . D . ; G . Newby , J . D . ; Alfred Jones , I . G . ; James Stevens , P . M ., Preceptor ; J . Willniot , R .

W . Pooler , and others . The lodge was opened in the First Degree , and the first four Sections of the Lecture were worked by the brethren , with explanations by the Preceptor . Bro . Bate was elected W . M . for the ensuing week . The ceremony of installation will be worked by Bro . James Stevens on the 29 th inst . The lodge was then closed in due form .

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

BATH . —Royal Cumberland Chapter ( No . 41 ) . —The annual convocation was held at the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , the 19 th inst ., for the installation of officers , but without the usual festivity , as the centenary celebration had been held so recently under circumstances of much eclat , favoured by the presence of some of the most distinguished members of the Order . Tic Board of Installed Principals was opened by Ex . Comps . L . Howes , Z . ; E .

L . Hill , P . Z ., as H . j F . Wilkinson , J . ; in the presence of P . Z . 's Rubie , Becket , Moutrie , Treas . ; Dr . Hopkins , Hearne , and VViUiamson . The Board having been closed , the companions were admitted , and , in addition to the above-named ofiicers , the following look their respective chairs : Comps . C . Radway , E . ; Mercer , N . ; Glover , Prin . Soj . ; VV . Peach and Knight , Asst . Sojs . ; Comp . Bigwood was Janitor , and Ex . Comp . Williamson acted as D .

ofC . The chapter was then opened , and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . All below the rank of Principal retired , and a Board of Installed Principals was again constituted by Ex . Comp . Dr . Hopkins , P . Z . 32 S , 5 S 7 , and 710 , who had undertaken the duty of Installing Principal , as usual during each of the last eight years . Ex . Comp . Howes was again installed as Z . ; Ex .

Comp . F . Wilkinson , as H . ; and hs . Comp . C . VV . Radway , as J . The Board was closed , the companions were re-admitted , and the new Principals were saluted and proclaimed . The following were then invested as officers for the ensuing year : Comps . T . B . Moutrie , P . Z ,, Treas . ; Mercer , El ; Glover , N . ; W . Peach , Prin . Soj . ; R . B .

Cater and Knight , Asst . Sojs . ; and Bigwood , Janitor . A very hearty and cordial vote of thanks was passed by acclamation , on the proposition of the Z ., to Ex . Comp . Dr . Hopkins , the Installing Principal , with the expression of best wishes for an increase of health and strength , and a hone that he might be able to do the duty in many future

years . In acknowledging the compliment and the kindly feeling of the companions , Ex . Comp . Dr . Hopkins stated that he hoped , and indeed felt assured , from the antecedents of the Principals , that it would be the ambition of

each to instal his successor on the future annual occasions . The Treasurer ' s accounts , which had been duly audited , Were passed . A letter from the W . M . of the Royal Cumberland Lodge was read , expressing compliance with the request that the ancient records of the chapter may be deposited

Royal Arch.

in the iron chest of the lodge , and it was announced that this course had been adopted , and a receipt for them given , which was copied into the minute book . A favourable ballot was taken for the election as hon . members of M . Ex . Comps . Shadwell H . Clerke and VV . J . Hughan . A ballot was also taken for Comp , J . H . Macfarlane , as a joining member , which was likewise favourable . The names of all these three appeared on the summons as having been

proposed at the previous meeting . No companion having been appointed to conduct the musical portions of the ceremony , it was suggested that the M . E . Z . should confer with Comp . Macfarlane with a view to his undertaking that duty . The Treasurer gave notice of motion to raise the annual subscription of members from two shillings and sixpence to five shillings . It was proposed by Ex . Comp . Hill , P . Z ., and seconded by Ex . Comp . Radway , J ., that a chapter of emergency be held on January nth , that being the

anniversary of fhe foundation of the chapter , and that M . Ex . Comp . Col . Adair , Grand Superintendent of Somerset , be invited to attend and receive the gold centenary jewel voted to him at the convocation held on November 21 st , and that should he consent , the banquet be held on that day . This was carried . Scribe E . was directed to communicate ' with the Grand Superintendent and ascertain whether this arrangement will be convenient to him . No other business offering , the chapter was closed in peace , harmony , and unity .

LIVERPOOL . —Israel Chapter , ( No . 1502 ) . — The first installation meeting of this chapter since the consecration took place at the Masonic Hall , Hopestreet , on the 21 st , inst . Among those Ipresent were Comp . Maurice Hart , M . E . Z . ; S . Schonstadt , H . ; II . A . Tobias , J . ; D . Gabrielsen , Treas . ; Alex . Levy , S . E . ; M . Aronsberg , S . N . ; S . J . Henochsberg , P . S . ; Alfred Levy , A . S . ; and Peter Ball , janitor . 'The visitors included Cotnii ,

J . T . Callow , P . Z ., P . G . 'Treas . ; J . Pembcrton , P . Z ., P . P . G . Swd . Br . ; Broadbridge , P . Z . GSo ; Dr Samuel , P . Z . 241 ; Dr . Bailey , H . GSo ; Carruthers , J . 1350 ; and J . M . King , S 23 . A ballot was taken for two brethren presented for exaltation , and the Treasurer ' s balance-sheet , showing a small balance in favour of the chapter after paying all the necessary consecration and other expenses , was read . Comp ,

Maurice Hart , M . E . / ., then proceeded to install the principals-elect as follows :- —Comps S . Schonstadt , M . E . Z . ; H . A . Tobias , H . ; and S . J . Henochsberg , J . ; the other officers invested being Comps D . Gabrielsen , Treas . ( reelected ); Alex . Levy , S . E . ( re-elected ); H . Archer , S . N . ; M . Aronsberg , P . S . ; P . S . Levy , ( b y proxy ) and Alfred Levy ( both re-appointed ) , assistant S . ; and Peter Ball , janitor . After the chapter had been closed in due form , the

companions adjourned to banquet , provided by Comp . Woodliouse , the house steward , who gave great satisfaction . In the course of the evening a valuable P . Z . 's jewel was presented to Comp . Maurice Hart , LP . / ., the gift being totally subscribed for personally by the members of the chapter , the bylaws not allowing any sum to be taken out of the funds of

the chapter for such a purpose . The principals and visitors spoke highly of the manner in which the installation ceremony was performed by Comp . M . Hart , I . P . Z ., this being his first appearanccas an installing companion in any chapter . 'The evening was pleasantly spent , songs being given by Comps . Gabrielsen , Alfred Levy , Dr . Bailey , and others .

Knights Templar.

Knights Templar .

ST . HELEN'S . —William de la More Preceptory ( No . 49 ) . — -A regular meeting of this preceptory was held at the Masonic Rooms , on the 21 st inst . Since its formation , in 1 S 5 G , as an encampment of Knights Templar at Manchester , its career has been somewhat chequered , for , in 1 S 70 , it was removed to Prescot ; in 1 S 77 , to Bootle ; in iS 79 , to Kirkdale ; and , lastly , in Dec , 1 SS 1 , it found a

resting place at its present quarters in St . Helen ' s . The meeting just held was in every respect a successful one , the Sir Knights mustering in goodly number to assist at the installation of Sir Knight Sylvester Mattison , the Eminent Commander elect . Among those present were Sir Knights Captain Clement R . N . Beswicke-Royds , the Grand Commander of Lancashire ; Henry Thomas , Prov . G .

Chancellor ; John Worsley , Prov . G . Reg , ; George Turner , P . E . C ., Past Prov . G . Vice-Chancellor ; R . Goldthorpe Brook , E . C , Prov . G . ist Pursuivant ; VV . J . Thomson , P . E . C , Past Prov . G . Marshal ; Reginald Young , P . E . C , Prov . G . Almoner ; Walter R . Robinson , P . E . C . Faith Preceptory ; William Tyrer , P . E . C . Jacques de Molay Preceptory ; Thos . Berry , Past G . Standard Bearer of

England , Past Prov . G . ist Captain ; Sylvester Mattison , Marshal ; Frank Alexander Huct , ist Herald ; and A . H . Jcfferis . The room looked very comfortable as laid out by the Equerry , Sir Kt . John Taylor , and Sir Kt . Sylvester Mattison having been presented b y P . E . C . 's Sir Kts . G . Turner and W . Tyrer , the installation ceremony was proceeded with , Em . Sir Kt . Clement R . N . Beswicke-Royds

kindly officiating . It is perhaps needless to add that the working was perfect . Sir Kt . Mattison appointed the following Sir Kts . as his officers for the ensuing year : Sir Kts . VV . R . Robinson , Prelate ; A . O . Wylie , Constable ; VV . Newsome , Marshal ; Reginald Young , Registrar ( re-appointed ); W . J . 'Thomson , Treas . ( re-elected at the last meeting ); R . G . Brook , Almoner ; F . A . Huet , Sub-Marshal ; A . H .

Jefferis , Capt . of Guard ; John Taylor , Equerry . Apologies for non-attendance were read from Sir Kts . T . Chorlton , Deputy Prov . Grand Commander ; Joseph Wood ( Freemason ); Richard Brown , Dr . J . Kellett Smith , and Joseph Ball . Before closing a vote of thanks was proposed , and accorded to Sir Knight Beswicke-Royds for coming so far to attend the installation ; and subsequently the Sir

Knights adjourned to the Fleece Hotel , where the Eminent Commander , Sir Knight Mattison , had ordered a most sumptuous banquet to be in readiness , and to which all the Sir Knights did ample justice . Sir KnightTweeddale , Past Deputy Grand Commander of Lancashire , who had been

detained en route , arrived in time for the usual Templar toasts , receiving a very hearty welcome . It was under the banner of this preceptory that the Provincial Grand Priory was held in April last , at the Adelphi Hotel , Liverpool , when every preceptory in tho province was represented ,

Royal Ark Mariners.

Royal Ark Mariners .

INAUGURATION AND DEDICATION OF THE GOSPORT LODGE . On Wednesday , the 20 th inst ., the inauguration and dedication of the Gosport Lodge of the ancient and honourable fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners , took place at the lodge-rooms , India Arms Hotel . There were present : VV . Bros . H . M . Green . P . M .. P . r . M . K . DC Knrrl . in . 1 - -, „ r !

_ _ P . M . Inspector-General Royal Ark Mariners ; 11 . R . Trigg ,. P . M ., P . G . M . K ., S . B . England , and P . M . Deputy Inspector-General R . A . M . ; J ' . Parnell , P . M ., P . J . M . K .,. G . D . England , and P . N ., RiA . M . ; A . L . Emanuel , P . M . P . P . G . M . O ., and G . C . 7 ; R . L . Loveland , G . Steward ,. R . A . M . England , G . Com . K . A . M . Southampton : G . F . Lancaster , P . M ., VV . C . N . Designate ; Bros . R . W . Mitchell , F . Powell . B . Rinsr- P . C . ChaD .: 1 . Howell . P . G .

Steward ; II . Crisp , P . G . J . G . ; G . Darby , P . G . Steward ; W . Green , P . G . Swd . Br . ; XV . G . Robertson , A . M . Rae , A . Grey , and R . West . After the procession from the ante-room to the lodgeroom , the lodge was opened by W . Bro . Green , who appointed VV . " Bros . Loveland , J ., and H . R . Triggs , S ., pro tern . The acting D . C , liro . Parnell , requested the VV . C . N . to form the brethren into a lodge . The VV . C . N . acceded and offered up a prayer invoking the assistance of theG . CO . T . U .

The warrant having been read and declared regular and valid , The VV . C . N ., Bro . GuiiliN delivered an oration , in which he said the Degree of R . A . M . was in its traditional history the oldest , save one , of all Masonic Degrees ; for they were told that it bad its origin in the days of Noah , in the year of the world 16 ^ 7 . Since the full nf man .-. r ., 1 1 , U mnc « .

quent expulsion from the Garden of Eden , his profligacy and sin had increased to an enormous extent . The sacredwritings inform them that the Almighty saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth , and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually . : And so grieved was the Creator of all men at these

sins , that He determined to destroy the world by water , preserving only righteous Noah and his family . 'They accordingly entered into the Ark , and the flood came , and every living substance which was on the face of the earth was destroyed , only Noah and they that were with him in the Ark remained alive . After many days the waters were abated , and the earth was dried , and Noah and his family went forth , it is to this neriod of the history that tho

IVgree of R . A . M . relates . In the volume of the Sacred Law we read that after the sacrifice ofTcredby Noah immediately upon his leaving the Ark , the Lord said that which was written in Genesis , chapter ix ., verses 12-17 , which Bro . Green read , and continued , saying that they , as Royal Ark Mariners had perpetually before them that covenant , for the principal sign of that degree was the rainbow , a

token of peace and quietude to the earth . All the teachings of the degree are interesting and instructive , as they inculcate the grand virtues of peace and goodwill to all mankind . 'They taught that above all men ' the champions of R . A . Masonry should live in affection and friendshi p with each other , truer and firmer even than that of

consanguinity . I his particular intercourse , by uniting them under the endearing name of brother , a name not given as . an idle compliment or as a mere parade of words , but as a symbol of most intimate union , diffuses a pleasure of which no other institution could boast , and has in its possession all the valuable requisites of true brotherhood . It was in an Ark Lodtre that merit and ahllitv

should secure to their possessors fraternal regard and . honourable distinction ; that everyone should exert himself for the general good , without vanity and without restraint ; none should contend selfishly for superiority ; emulation should be onl y with a view to please . To the R . A . M . mysteries the man of shining abilities , and he who was imblessrd u-ltli snW , ™ -n .-im , > r , fc «„ ...- »

equally admitted . All may perform their parts suitably to their acquirements , and a social familiarity should exist between the whole . 'Their pleasures should never bo embittered with ungrateful reflections , but should produce a serene and lasting composure of mind . All ill-nature should be excluded , and all satire forbidden the order ; by the observence of the rules there is no risk of a breach nf

good conduct , for in the most mirthful times the conversation of a R . A . Mariner may be said to be only wisdom in good humour , remembering always that though a brother may err as a man ( for none was perfect ) yet they should always have time , courage and opportunity to recover themselves . Thus , brethren , had the antiquity of their excellent institution , the universality of its nlan . and the

moral rectitude and purity of its design claimed a decided pre-eminence over every other bond of union , and may the nobleness of soul which ori ginated it , and the bencvolcnc of heart which has ever prevailed amongst its memV- er prompt and inspire them , so that with the blessing of " the G . CO . T . U . they might flourish and prosper , remaining the subject of lasting admiration . Bro . Parnell presented Bro . G . F . Lnnraci-o i , „ U . J

If , , " Sen as tho - ' irst Commander , and ' asked the VV . C . N . to consecrate , inaugurate , and dedicate the lodge and enthrone the C . in ancient form . The W . C . N , then solemnl y dedicated the lodge and the-Chaplain delivered the Dedication Prayer r . b , W C N . thcn Proceeded to the enthronement of the - l'irst Commander .

The VV . C . N . then appointed the following officers for the ensuing year : Bros . G . Mitchell , N . ; F . PowelS . I - B . Rmg Chap ; G . . Darby Treas . ; j . Howell , & c ? ft . * Green , S . D ; II Crisp J . D . ; VV . G . Robertson , D . of C ; A . Greig , Guard ; R . West , and A . M . Rac „ Stewards !' L .. Canon , Warden . ¦•" »•

Un the proposition of Bro . LANCASTER , seconded by Bro . MITCHELL , votes of thanks were accorded to Brol Green , I arnell , triggs , and Loveland , who were also made life honorary members . After the business of the lodge the brethren adjourned to the banquet-room , where , after a recherchebanquet , the usual toasts were honoured .

Bros . Aldermen Madley , Sir John Ellis , J . Wi Staples , Sir Francis Truscott and Sir Charles VVhitton , entertained the newly elected Common Councilmen at dinner on St , Thomas' Day , sonic at their private residences others at public hotels .