Craft Masonry.

Sincerity Lodge , No . 174 . The last meeting of the members of the above lodge until Oc tober next was held on Wednesday , the igth inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C , Bro . Alan W . Griffiths , the W . M ., in the chair . He was supported by Bros . Derby , S . W . ; Cocks , J . W . ; Lacey , Treas . ; Webb , Sec . ; J .-H . Bulmer , S . D . ; J . J . Mustart , I . D . j Iggleden , I . G . ; F . G . Mustart , D . C ; Dunningham , Stwd . ; Bayley , acting LP . M . ; Seddon , P . M ., Org . ; Butcher , P . M . ; J ay , P . M . ; Jones , P . M .

Harvey , P . M . ; Dowling , A . B . Marshall , Tidman , Gough , Faundy , Smith , Pacey , Stirling , and Bulleid . Visitors : Bros . Asher , 1777 ; Barn , 1539 ; Moore , 1539 ; G . Philbrick , 2077 ; Court , 1539 ; Gaunt , 1650 "; Chatter , 1563 ; and Harriss , 3595 . The routine business of the Iodge having been transacted , Mr . A . E . Reeves was initiated hy Bro . Seddon ( father-in-law of the candidate ) , by the courteous permission of Bro . Giiffit ! s , after wlich the latter passed Bro . Gough , and raised Bros . Tidman and Dowling , in his usual able and impressive manner , although it was evident that he was

labouring under serious indisposition at the time . Bro . Webb , before the business portion of the evening concluded , mentioned he had lately seen Bro . John Newton , the I . P . M ., and could not speak very promisingly as tothe state of his health , which for some time past had been giving way . AH the members sincerely expressed their sorrow at the news and hoped the calamity which had fallen on this old and valued

supporter of the lodge would prove to be of a temporary nature only . The members and visitors afterwards adjourned to the banqueting hall , where the new proprietors , under the direction of their capable manager , again provided a capital repast , which was highly appreciated . A splendid band of entertainers enlivened the evening , and the W . M . received a well-deserved compliment for what he had done to promote and further the enjoyment of all .

There is no doubt this old Iodge has now started on a renewed season of success , for already it has been intimated that as soon as the next meeting Ts held two highly esteemed gentlemen will present themselves for initiation Consequently , taking all things into consideration , Bro . Griffiths' year of office will certainly prove a record one in the annals of the lodge .

De Grey and Ripon Lodge , No . II 6 I . The regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Manchester , on Wednesday , the 19 th instant . Present : Bros . Hugh Mortimer Massingham , W . M . ; J . Schofield , S . W . ; Walter Cockerham , J . W . ; O . M . Jones , I . P . M . ; Job Irlam , Treas . ; Sam Richards , Sec . ; J . T . C . Blackie , S . D . ; J . Brownhill . I . G . ; Buckley Carr , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , D . C . ; J . "W . Moss , P . M ., Org . ; A . E . Bentley , Stwd . ; Jas . Burgess , P . M . ; E . Loebell , " P . M . ; S . S . Lewiss , P . M . ; R . Dottie , P . M . ; J . R .

Ashworth , P . M . ; W . H . Anderton , P . M . ; E . A . Ehlinger , P . M . ; G . J . Critchley , W . Clewlow , Chas . G . Balls , Arthur Oughterson , R . J . Burrow , and J . R . Fletcher , Tyler . Visitors : Bros . Frank O . Taylor , 192 ; D . L . Sahutory , 1 S 0 ; David Wright , 317 ; E . J . Greenhalgh , 1126 ; A . E . Hurd , S 15 ; T . L . Hall , P . M . 145 S ; and j . Batchelder . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . Peter Smith , which proving

unanimous , he was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry in a vary impressive manner by the W . M ., Bro . Massingham . The working tools were presented by Bro . Schofield , S . W . lt being election night , the ballot was taken forthe W . M . for the ensuing year , which proved unanimous in favour of Bro . J . Schofield , S . W . Bro . Job Irian * was re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . J . M . Moss was re-elected Charity representative . After " Hearty good wishes " were expressed by the visiting brethren the lodge was closed .

The usual toasts were duly honoured at the social board which followed , and were interspersed with songs , recitations , and pianoforte solos , the contributors being Bros Wright , Anderton , Richards , Cockerham , Buckley , Carr , Dottie , and Batchelder .

Ley Spring Lodge , No . 1598 . The installation meeting of this flourishing City lodge took place at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , E . C ., on Thursday , the 20 th inst ., when there were present Bros . James Smith , W . M . ; G . F . Hipkins , S . VV ., VV . M . elect ; Alf . Jeffreys , J . W . ; L . Lewis , P . M ., Treas . ; S . Pargeter , P . M ., Sec . ; E . Edwards , S . D . ; VV . Nathan , J . D . ; T . S . Goddard , Org . ; F . G . Field , I . G . ; A . VV . Algar , Stwd . ; J . S . Lackland , Tyler ; J . Dippie , P . M . ; J . T . Galloway , P . M . ; J . P . Smvth , W . J . Ramsey , J . P . Thomas , R . Dansie , H . Leckington , R . Nichols , S . W . Hart , E .

Pullen , W . J . Ironside , A . C Shean , F . Ward , F . Taylor , J . G . Locks , H . Tingle , C . J . Musgrave , V . Jennings , and W . Haskin . The visitors were Bros . VValter Martin , P . A . G . P . ; A . Harvey , P . M . 19 G 3 ; F . G . Hart . 3 ; C . Turnbull , P . M . 190 ; H . Miller , J . D . 2501 ; W . E . Kent , 1539 ; W . H . Walker , 2272 ; J . Hills , P . M . 1441 ; J . Grater , I . P . M . 1125 ; C . S . Foster , VV . M . 1457 ; C F . Mackway , P . M . 2310 ; W . N . Yates , P . M . 1732 ; C . H . Mayo , 1 G 22 ; H . Ansell , P . M . 1 305 ; G . E . Healey , 15 S 9 ; C . Coulthurst , 2 G 2 G ; J . Joyce , 2 G 2 G ; Thomas Chew , 2077 ; and C . H . Stone , P . M . 507 , S . W . 1 G 41 .

The minutes of the election meeting were read and confirmed . The balance sheet which showed the lodge to be in a sound financial position , was presented by the Auditors and agreed to . Bro . T . Galloway , P . M ., next presented Bro . G . F . Hipkins , W . M . elect , to Bro . J . Smith , W . M ., to receive from him the benefit of installation , and the ceremony was carried out in an exemplary manner in a Board of iS Installed Masters . Bro . G . F . Hipkins , VV . M ., who is the 23 rd Master of the lodge , invested his officers in ' a most impressive manner as follows : Bros . Jas . Smith , I . P . M . ; A . VV . Jeffreys , S . W . ' ;

E . Edwards , J . W . ; Lewis Lewis , P . M ., Treas . ; Thos . Pargeter , P . M ., Sec . ; W . Nathan , S . D . ; E . J . Field , J . D . ; J . T . Galloway , P . M ., D . C . ; T . S . Goddard , Org . ; W . Jennings , I . G . ; A . VV . Alger , A . D . C . ; Dr . J . E . Taylor and C . F . Ward , Stwds . ; and j . S . Lackland , Tyler . The three addresses were most ably delivered by the Installing Master , Bro . J . Srr . ith , I . P . M . The W . M . next rose and said a most pleasing duty devolved upon him and that wis to present the Past Master's jewel to Bro . James Smith , which had been unanimously voted by the brethren to mark their appreciation of his valuable services to the lodge , and to show their affection for him . The VV . M . remarked that the I . P . M . was a very old and valu : d friend , and they had been associated for many years ; he had followed in step-wise progressionand

, hoped to eventually catch him next year . The brethren trusted hc might live many years to wear the same . In reply , Bro . James Smith most heartily thanked the brethren for their very kind sentiments and the mark of their love and esteem , and he hoped he might wear the jewel for many years in the lodge , and continue in the same gocd work , not only for Freemasonry in general , but for the Ley Spring Lodge in particular . Four propositions were handed in for initiation and one for a joining member , which augurs well for the ledge . The business ended , the brethren adjourned to an excellent ba . iquet .

The cloth removed , the W . M . gave the loyal and Masonic toasts right royally , which were duly honoured . Bro . Walter Martin , P . A . G . Purst ., was obliged to leave through a most important engagement , but before doing so he rose and expressed deep regret for the same , but he would bear testimony to the great ability of the W . M ., who was one of his old boys , and in whom he had had a very deep interest . All were pleased to congratulate him most heartily upon his exalted position . The toast of " The Pro G . M . the Dep . G . M . and the rest of the Grand Officers

, , , Present and Past , " having been duly honoured , •° * Jas . Smith , I . P . M ., next proposed the principal toast of the evening—that of the VV . M . " —which needed very few remarks from him to recommend it to the urethren for their heartiest reception . The W . M . had been 12 years in attaining the f , ' 0 " **'' Position ; he had filled every ofiice with the greatest credit and for the welfare of the lodge , so that now as W . M . the brethren greeted him with the greatest cordiality and good fellowship , and effered him their verv best assistance . Personally he I Bro . Smith )

"ac * known the VV . M . for 20 years , they had lived side by side during that period , and there "ad never been one jarring note between them . Everything augured well for the success or the lodge , already four worthy candidates having been proposed for initia-> ion and ere as joining member . All knew the W . M . ' sexcellent qualities , and he asked "ie Brethren to join wilh him in wishing the VV . M . long life , health , happiness , and Prosperity , and a most successful year of office . Ihe toast was drunk most cordially , with a Ley Spring fire . the j ? i it ' - * Hro * G * "•H ' P' - ' » VV - - <> had quite an ovation ) , said he had often •nought the great day of a Master ' s year of office should be at the close rather than at

Craft Masonry.

the beginning , for two reasons—First , the brethren would be able to give their verdict on the year ' s work , and , secondly , he would be better fitted to carry out the duties of the chair . He had locked forward for many years to becoming Master of his mother lodge , and he had accepted the position with a certain amount of diffidence , for he knew there were others who could have carried out the duties more ably and were better fitted than himself . However , the brethren had unanimously voted him to that honourable position , and he would endeavour to carry out the duties with credit to himself and to their

satisfaction . He had seen 12 Masters pass through the chair , and had filled every office in the lodge from W . S ., and , for the benefit of the younger brethren , he said he had attended a lodge of instruction from the time of his initiation , and , therefore , he was able to perform the duties of his office and carry out the beautiful ritual , which that night to him was more beautiful . Whatever were his shortcomings , he would give place to none in his love for Freemasonry . He had often heard it said by non-Masons that Freemasons were men of epicurean tastes and eager to retain the good things of life

to themselves . No greater mistake was ever made , for what body of men did more to feed and clothe the orphan , to comfort the widow , or succour the unfortunate among them ? To him ( the Worshipful Master ) Masonry was an ideal life , worth living up to . It taught him to be charitable , not only in act and word , but in thought , and said " Let him who is without sin cast the first stone ; " to regard men as brethren , and if that were only realised , the relationships of life would be sweetened and nations would have no need of peace

conferences , but , above all , to walk humbly and reverently before God , and endeavour to act up to the principles and tenets of the glorious Brotherhood and demonstrate tothe world that Masonry is something more than a name . He had had the pure and unsullied warrant of the lodge handed to him for its keeping during the coming year , and he would do his utmost to preserve it and hand it on to his successor in the same state , He thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their kindness and good wishes , aid he should ever look back upon his installation as one of the great days in his life .

The W . M . next presented the toast of " I'he Visitors , " giving them all a most cordial welcome , which was ably responded to by Bros . C . S . Foster , C . H . Stone , J . Hills , C . F . Mackway , C . H , Mayo , and T . Chew , all appreciating the excellent working and hospitality . The toast of " The Treasurer and Secretary " was then presented by the W . M . in highly appreciative terms , and most suitably replied to .

That of " I he Officers " was also given by the W . M . in terms of congratulation for their ability in their respective duties , and duly and gratefully responded to . The Tyler ' s toast closed a happy and successful meeting . A capital programme of music was arranged by Bro . T . S . Gaddird , Org ., ably assisted by Bros . Shean , F . Ward , Hawkins , Pullen , and others .

Skelmersdale Lodge , No . 1599 . The members of this lodge held their installation meeting at the Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-street , E . C , on the 13 th instant , when Bro . C . E . Cove was installed as W . M . by the ictiring Master , Bro . Herbert Peirce . The past year has been a very prosperous one under Bro . Peirce , and the lodge is in a flourishing state , thanks to Bro Laker , P . M ., who has rendered , yeoman service as Secretary for many years . The members present included Bros . H . Peirce , W . M . ; C . E . Cove , S . W . ; CH . A .

Harris , P . M ., Ireas . ; G . Laker , P . M ., Sec ; F . A . Lewis , P . M . ; E . J . Wilkenden , P . M . ; W . Callingham , C . W . Hall , H . W . Mellor , F . W . Horn , H . S . Easty , A . Diamond , R . F . Tyler , P . P . G . Org . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . W . H . Fowler , 13 G 2 ; C F . H . Greenwood , 2243 ; H . E . Frances , P . P . G . D . ; F . J . Reece , P . M . 65 ; J . Dobbs , S . D . 65 ; A . J . Cox , P . M . 135 " J C . T . Coggin , 2127 ; G . Callingham , 17 G 5 ; G . Callingham , 2 G 12 ; H . Palmer , 65 ; . J . W . Longley , P . P . G . W . Kent ; W . T . Humphrey , 2512 ; W . J . Sowden , 2264 ; - J . W . Cox , 2264 ; J . A . Howland , 2 G 4 S ; Walter MartinP . G . P . ; W . H . Page 2266 :

, , A . H . Sarjeant , 65 ; F . Robinson , J . W . 1309 ; George Harvey , 2264 ; G . D . Neville , 1765 ; and W . W . Lee , P . P . G . D . Lodge was opened , the minutes confirmed , and the Audit Report adopted . Mr . J . F . Morgan was successful at the ballot as a candidate for initiation . The propasal to lorm a lodge of instruction under the warrant of this lodge was adjourned to a future meeting . Bro . C E . Cove was next installed by Bro . Peirce , who rendered the ceremony in a very admirable manner . The following officers were invested Bros . W .

Callingham , S . W . ; C W . Hall , J . W . ; C H . A . Harris , P . M ., Treas . ; G . Laker , P . M ., Sec ; H . W . Mellor , S . D . ; H . S . Easty , J . D . ; F . W . Horn , D . C ; W . Mokler , I . G . ; A . Diamond , Stwd . ; R . F . Tyler , Org . ; and J . Rawles , Tyler . It is interesting to note that at the last meeting Bro . Rawles was presented with a gold watch and chain to celebrate his 21 years' connection with the lodge . Other business was transacted , and the lodge was closed . After banquet the usual toasts received hearty recognition .

Bro . VV . Martin , P . G . P ., responding for "The Grand Officers , " said that all did their best to promote the interests of Freemasonry . He complimented the W . M . on arriving at the chair , having known him for over 22 years , and felt sure he would prove a worthy successor to Bro . Peirce . The I . P . M . was one of the hardest working Masons he knew , and he hoped , now that Bro . Peirce had passed the chair , that he would still favour him with his attendance at the Star Lodge of Instruction .

Bro . H . Peirce , I . P . M ., proposed "The VV . M ., " and said that in Bro . Cove they possessed a good Master , who would give the ceremonies in the way they should be given . The excellent way in which the VV . M . invested his officers showed thit the traditions of the lodge were in safe keeping . The W . M . would have the support of every member , and all would wish him a successful year of office . Bro . C . E . Cove , W . M ., returned thanks , lt was a pleasure to him lo be installed , and he hoped those coming on would experience a similar pleasure . He had worked for it for some years past , and if his work had been satisfactory he hoped they would consider

it an augury that he wou'd do his utmost in his present position . He thanked them for their unanimous vote , and for the kind reception given him . He next proposed " The Installing Master , " and said they would all agree that the work during the past year had been done to perfection . He must say with all sincerity that he had never heard the work done as well as Bro . Peirce had done it that night . He also had the pleasure of pinning a Past Master ' s jewel upon the breast of the I . P . M ., which hi had thoroughly deserved , and which he hoped would be accepted as a token of the regard and esteem of every member .

Bro . H . Peirce , I . P . M ., said he could not adequately thank them for their kindness , and asked them to accept the will for the deed . For " The Visitors " Bros . Longley , Francis , Reece , and Callingham replied . Bro . W . Martin , P . G . P ., asked the visitors to drink a toast to the W . M . and prosperity to the lodge , and " The Ollicers " having also been honoured , the Tyler ' s toist closed the proceedings .

The following artistes assisted in a choice programme of music -. Miss Flora Edwards , and Miss Georgina Tear ; Bros . G ; o . Neville , Harry Hall , R . F . Tyler , Org . ; and Mr . Harry Hall .

Sir Francis Burdett Lodge , No . 1503 . A meeting of this lodge was held at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham , on the 12 th inst ., when there were present , among others , Bros . D , \ I . VV . Hinton , M . A ., P . M . 84 , P . P . G . O ., W . M . ; H . Bright , S . W . ; W . Taylor , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., as J . W . ; Rev . S . T . II . Saunders , M . A ., P . P . G . Chap ., Chap . ; J . T . Briggs , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; Major T . C Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . W ., P . G . Std . Br ., Sec . ; F . F . Bonney , S . D . ; J . Dobson , J . D . ; A . O . Hemming , I . G . ; E . W . Davis , P . M . ; and A . B . Brown , I . P . M . Bros . E . Bonney and Col . F . Hemming were visitors .

Ihe minutes of the previous meetir . _ T having been read and confirmed , the ballot was taken on behalf of Bro . Col . Hemming , 1 5 12 , as a joining member , and for Mr . Kendrick as an initiate . In consequence ot Mines *; the last named wis unable to attend . The financial report of the Treasurer wis presented , and a vote of congratulatei passed to him on the excellent features it presented . The Treasurer , in reply , after warmly thanking the brethren for the vote , expressed his intention of resigning the

position of Treasurer in October next , consequent upon the weak state of his health . The Secretary read a letter from Bro . William Fisher , P . M ., in which he stated that the M . W . Grand Master had been pleased to announce his intention of conferring upon hi * n the rank of Asst . Grand Pursuivant . A vote of congratulitionwas urunimously passed to Bro . Fisher , and the Secretary was directed to forward the same to him . A vote of sympathy was passed to Bro . W . H . Siunders , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., the oldest member of thc lodge , who has been confined to his house for a considerable time