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Reports Of Meetings.
posing the health of Her Blosfc Gracious Blajesty the Queen , said ho was delighted to have the honour of introducing the toast—tho first on the programme . By no body of men was tho name of Her Majesty received with better favour than by Freemasons , who recognised the Queen as fche foremost lady in the land , revered and respected by all . They thought of her especially at that time , when the nation was beset with difficulties , and prayed that success might crown her efforts in South Africa in the war against the Boers .
Bro . Blease alluded to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Blost Worshipful Grand Blaster of Blasons in England as one who was esteemed by all classes , and as being foremost in all good work . He gave his time , presence and patronage to many worthy causes , and they , as Freemasons , wero delighted to be under his distinguished patronage . Other loyal toasts were similarly treated . Referring to the late Bro . Col . Lo Gendre N . Starkie Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire , Bro . Blease said the toast would be drunk in silence ; ho need not remind his audience tbafc it was Col . Starkie who consecrated the Lodge .
Proposing Bro . Capt . C . R . N . Beswicke-Royds Past Grand Deacon of England Deputy Provincial Grand Blaster of Kast Lancashire he said the toast came very near them , for that night they were honoured by tho presence of Bro . Royds . Before proceeding with his remarks perhaps they would allow him to read a letter be had received from Bro . Jas . Newton Past Grand Sword Bearer England Provincial Grand Secretary , who said ;— " I am greatly obliged by the kind invitation to attend the ' coming of age ' of the
Lodge , bufc am reluctantly compelled to decline the same on account of a prior engagement . I was present at the consecration , and should have been delighted had it been possible for me to have been present on 23 rd instant . Kindly present my apologies to the Brethren , and more particularly to my dear old friend Bro . Statham , whom I have known as an ardent Mason more
years than I like to admit . Blay he long bo spared to the Lodge and the Craft at large , to render that willing service and encourgemenfc to the junior niermbors which he is always so ready to give ; and may the Albert Victor Lodge in long years to come ever be mindful of the great characteristics of our Order , and above all , be careful to maintain its present high position in the Craft I . " .
Continuing , Bro . Blease said the gentleman whose health they were about to toast was a prominent figure in the Province of East Lancashire . He was not what was known as a figure-head , but a worker ; who was delighted to visit the Lodges , to maintain the honour of fche Craft , as advised by Bro . Newton , and to see thafc all the workings were conducted in proper order . They were pleased to have him there that night , and hoped he would come again . His presence would be a stimulus for them to maintain their high position in the Craft . . The toasfc was accepted most enthusiastically .
Bro . Capt . Beswicke-Royds responded . After noting what twenty-one years meant to people under varying conditions , and that it was a long time to look back upon , or anticipate , he went on to tell his auditors what it was at the commencement of that period , when Bro . Col . Starkie , the then ruling Master of the Provinco , consecrated the Albert Victor Lodge . What bad taken place during that period ? Look at the number of Lodges thafc had been founded—think of the numerous Brethren who had been initiated into
the mysteries of Freemasonry ! Cd . Starkie brought amongst them something which was wanted , and which did them good . The Brethren were no doubt aware of the contemplated festival for next year in connection wifch the East Lancashire Institution , by means of which it was intended to perpetuate the memory of their late Provincial Granrl Blaster , the founder of the said Institution . The speaker was positive that when asked , the Brethren would put their hands deep into their pockets , and the reason he advised
them to do this was , because he was not one who went round begging and asking for subscriptions unless he had very good reasons for doing so . The amount which it was hoped would he realised was fifteen hundred guineas , to purchase a perpetual presentation to tho Royal Biasonic Institution for Aged Freemasons , and this in remembrance of Col . Starkie , for in no better
way could his memory be revered . In conclusion he thanked them most kindly for their reception of him , adding that it always afforded him great pleasure to visit the Lodges and assist the Brethren in every way . He trusted that the Albert Victor would go on and prosper , until at length it held its centenary—that they would go on as they had been doing , and if he could afford them any help , they had only to ask him , to receive a response .
The toast of the Albert Victor Lodge was proposed by Bro . Samuel Statham P . BL P . P . G . Tr ., who said the Brethren must not expect too much from him that evening , as at last bo was constrained to confess , however unwillingly , that he was fast becoming an old man , and that "the shadows of eventide" were upon him . He rose , however , with great pleasure to propose the toasfc , knowing that none of the Ladies and Brethren in that brilliant company would be very exacting , and that he should bave both their
consideration and their sympath y . It was known to most of them that in past years he bad taken an active part in Freemasonry , and although he had lost much of the energy and enthusiasm he then possessed , yefc he had lost none of his sympathy or interest , and he rejoiced to see those occupying his place amply making up for his many deficiencies and imperfections . He could assure them it afforded him much pleasure to be present , and to take even a humble part in celebrating the 21 st anniversary of the foundation of
the Lodge . It was very gratifying to know tbat so many yet lived who could remember tho day when the good ship the Albert Victor was launched . It was indeed a red-letter day in the history of their lives , and one never to be forgotten . Tbo stately vessel had since been sailing along over smooth seas , and he trusted sho would plough her way with undiminished success for many years to come . The establishing of this Lodge had not only been the promotion of Blasonry , but it had , in the-opinion of many , done good in the
neighbourhood ; and he wcild there remark that the compliance with Blasonry and its principles must have beneficial results . The better the Blason the better the man both socially and morally . It could not but be so . There were many people who advocated right down good and excellent principles , but tbey failed to put them into practice . Such people reminded him of a genial Cambridge professor who , with a band of collegians , was on his way to the skating pond , and who discoursed and advised on the art of
skating . But . when the professor ' s skates were on , and the collegians saw him fall full length , they were astonished , whereupon the professor explained to them that he was up in the theory , but down in the practice I They hoped the Albert Victor Lodge would not be like that professor . They trusted they would not only be well acquainted with the principles of the Biasonic Craffc , but also well up iu tbe practice of them . It was pleasing to notice , and
indeed it had often been remarked , thafc the Lodge had had a beneficial effect in bringing the members ancl their families into more friendly intercourse , and the result had been a desire on the part of the members , both young and old to—what should he say ?—cultivate a desire for mental improvement , to become efficient in speaking , and to attend to the social enjoyment of the members of the Lodge . Hi trusted those would ever be characteristics of the Albert Victor Lodge . Their late lamented Provincial
Reports Of Meetings.
Grand Blaster Col . Starkie , when tbe Lodge was consecrated , stated he was the father of twelve children—meaning that bo had consecrated twelve Lodges up to thafc time ; well , they knew it was a grand thing to be worthy sons of a worthy sire . He remembered hearing of an American bishop who , when leaving home for a tour of visitations , used to give his boy some good godly advice and counsel , and invariably finished by saying , " Always remember whose son you are . " The son grew up , and possibly as a result of
the good advice , was so worthy and estimable a young man , that one day , when the bishop wns going away , the son said to him , "Always remember whose father you are . " Well , he hoped they would always remember whose Biasonic sons they were . Before sitting down , he should like to say how splendidly the various Worshipful Masters had each year filled the chair of King Solomon , fully maintaining the honourable character of tho Lodge since its promotion . The first and latest Blasters were both present that night , fco
help to celebrate the majority of the Albert Victor Lodge , and it could truly bo said that the present occupant of the position , by the able and admirable way in which he had performed his duties , was entitled to first honours . He rejoiced as a true Freemason that " he that cometh after me is greater than I . " Nor must he forget to mention Bros . Harrop , Evan Williams , Eli Winterbottom , and many others who were still spared to them , and who did their share in promoting the welfare of the Lodge , and assisted in its
foundation . Some had passed away to the Grand Lodge above , but their memories would ever remain green , and they would not allow the same to die . He was sure they would pardon him if he specially mentioned one Brother , the late lamented William Hardcastle . He was indeed a true Mason , and none rendered better service to the Albert Victor Lodge than he ; they were rejoiced to have among them his son Brother Gilbert L . Hardcastle
—the worthy son of a worthy sire—who had shown his interest and filial affection by generously presenting to the Lodge the valuable chain which adorned their Worshipful Blaster that night . He felt he must close , and ask them to drink , not merely to tbe toast of tbe Albert Victor Lodge , but to couple with it the name of the worthy and esteemed Worshipful Blaster , to whom the success of the delightful and interesting gathering was mainly due . The toast was drunk with musical honours .
Bro . Blease W . M . responded , saying he was sure he would best meet the wishes of his friends , and his own convenience , by curtailing his remarks as much as possible . He thanked them for the manner in which they had honoured him . As for himself , it had been a pleasure to assist in that undertaking , and he was glad the celebration of tho coming of age of the Lodge had taken the form it had . Ifc had proved a great success . Blauy ladies were continually murmuring about their husbands going fco the Lodges
and banquets , they being uninvited , and so it was decided to make a new departure , and invite the fair sex to celebrate the coming of age of the Albert Victor Lodge . If the Ladies had hitherto entertained mistaken views about the Craffc , he hoped they would now be banished for ever . He would tell them the great secret of what constituted Freemasonry ; ifc embodied three principles , brotherly love , relief , and truth . Those were the principles Freemasonry was built upon , and he believed those principles were exemplified
from the foundation upwards . If they said , " Show me the people who act up to the principles , " well , it was invidious , but still they musfc pardon him if he added that those principles were illustrated in Brother Statham , and in Brofcher Harrop . One of the pleasant things be should always remember was that he had been privileged to enjoy the friendship of Brother Statham , and the entree to his house , which he called Liberty Hall , and he was glad that Bro . Statham had proposed the toast of the Albert Victor Lodge , which task he
had performed so eloquently , worthily , feelingly and lovingly . He would tell them another secret . Blany of them did not know that there were futile efforts made to obtain a Charter for the Albert Victor Lodge , and it only came to them after the name of Brother Statham had been attached to the petition . Personally , he felt extremely grateful to the Great Architect of the Universe that Brother Statham was still among them , and might he long remain , for though old in years , there was not a younger heart in the Lodge . The speaker bad had intercourse with him night after night in connection with
that function , and the interest he had shown was astonishing . He had devoted hours to help to make it a success , and it was gratifying to see him there that night . One word in conclusion . He felt they owed a debt of gratitude to those who founded the Lodge twenty-ono years ago . The Albert Victor Lodge stood well in the Craft , and it did good work . It was not merely a selfish eating and drinking institution ; last year the Lodgo contributed from its funds no less a sum than seventy guineas for charitable Institutions . He thanked fche company once more for the hearty manner in which they had honoured the toast .
Tbe health of the Ladies was proposed in an eloquent and humorous manner by Bro . Rev . W . G . Edwards Rees , M . A ., and was responded to by Bro : T . T . Sefton P . BI . D . C .
The toast of the visitors fell to the lot of Bro . 3 . Harrop P . M , P . P . G . D . CR . who , after paying a tribute to Bro . Rees , said the occasion recalled the words of an old song : — "No mortal can more The ladies adore , Than a free and an Accepted Mason . "
The portion of the visitors whose health he was charged to propose belonged , like themselves , to the inferior sex . Visiting Brethren might be described as ( 1 ) some who were present at the consecration of the Lodge ; ( 2 ) those who had been initiated into the Lodge , bub who , by varying circumstances had left fche neighbourhood ; and ( 3 ) visitors from other Lodges who had never been members of the Alberfc Victor . They had all , however , come thafc night oufc of love for the Lodge . From its inception it had been tho
aim of every Master and Officer , from the timo when Brother Statham was its first W . M ., down to the present day , to make every Brother ' a better man , and he believed that a great and good work had been done . Blany of the members had surprised them in the course of years . Young men originally timid and nervous , and afraid to stand up , had , after a little encouragement and consideration , shown fche metfcle that was in them , and had been enabled
by practice attained in Lodge , to take an active part in public life . Then there were others—visitors—those from other Lodges . But ifc was fco all these that he ask « d them to give cordial and hearty welcome . The presence of the visitors proved their admiration for the Albert Victor Lodge , and tbat they wished it prosperity . Let them reciprocate those good feelings , and drink to the health of the visitors .
Bro . Evan Williams P . BI . P . P . G . S . of Works responded . He asked to be allowed to return thanks for the unbounded hospitality and the splendid reception accorded to the visitors . 1 Ie was one of the very few among them who were present at tho starting of the Lodge , and he had a lively recollection of the intellectual treat then provided by Bro . Statham , who performed such loads of work on thafc memorable evening that none who were present would ever forget the occasion . Still Bro . Statham was as green as ever , and tbey all hoped he might be spared for many years yet to come . Several of the original Brethren had gone to rest , and if they were not present in the body ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Meetings.
posing the health of Her Blosfc Gracious Blajesty the Queen , said ho was delighted to have the honour of introducing the toast—tho first on the programme . By no body of men was tho name of Her Majesty received with better favour than by Freemasons , who recognised the Queen as fche foremost lady in the land , revered and respected by all . They thought of her especially at that time , when the nation was beset with difficulties , and prayed that success might crown her efforts in South Africa in the war against the Boers .
Bro . Blease alluded to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Blost Worshipful Grand Blaster of Blasons in England as one who was esteemed by all classes , and as being foremost in all good work . He gave his time , presence and patronage to many worthy causes , and they , as Freemasons , wero delighted to be under his distinguished patronage . Other loyal toasts were similarly treated . Referring to the late Bro . Col . Lo Gendre N . Starkie Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire , Bro . Blease said the toast would be drunk in silence ; ho need not remind his audience tbafc it was Col . Starkie who consecrated the Lodge .
Proposing Bro . Capt . C . R . N . Beswicke-Royds Past Grand Deacon of England Deputy Provincial Grand Blaster of Kast Lancashire he said the toast came very near them , for that night they were honoured by tho presence of Bro . Royds . Before proceeding with his remarks perhaps they would allow him to read a letter be had received from Bro . Jas . Newton Past Grand Sword Bearer England Provincial Grand Secretary , who said ;— " I am greatly obliged by the kind invitation to attend the ' coming of age ' of the
Lodge , bufc am reluctantly compelled to decline the same on account of a prior engagement . I was present at the consecration , and should have been delighted had it been possible for me to have been present on 23 rd instant . Kindly present my apologies to the Brethren , and more particularly to my dear old friend Bro . Statham , whom I have known as an ardent Mason more
years than I like to admit . Blay he long bo spared to the Lodge and the Craft at large , to render that willing service and encourgemenfc to the junior niermbors which he is always so ready to give ; and may the Albert Victor Lodge in long years to come ever be mindful of the great characteristics of our Order , and above all , be careful to maintain its present high position in the Craft I . " .
Continuing , Bro . Blease said the gentleman whose health they were about to toast was a prominent figure in the Province of East Lancashire . He was not what was known as a figure-head , but a worker ; who was delighted to visit the Lodges , to maintain the honour of fche Craft , as advised by Bro . Newton , and to see thafc all the workings were conducted in proper order . They were pleased to have him there that night , and hoped he would come again . His presence would be a stimulus for them to maintain their high position in the Craft . . The toasfc was accepted most enthusiastically .
Bro . Capt . Beswicke-Royds responded . After noting what twenty-one years meant to people under varying conditions , and that it was a long time to look back upon , or anticipate , he went on to tell his auditors what it was at the commencement of that period , when Bro . Col . Starkie , the then ruling Master of the Provinco , consecrated the Albert Victor Lodge . What bad taken place during that period ? Look at the number of Lodges thafc had been founded—think of the numerous Brethren who had been initiated into
the mysteries of Freemasonry ! Cd . Starkie brought amongst them something which was wanted , and which did them good . The Brethren were no doubt aware of the contemplated festival for next year in connection wifch the East Lancashire Institution , by means of which it was intended to perpetuate the memory of their late Provincial Granrl Blaster , the founder of the said Institution . The speaker was positive that when asked , the Brethren would put their hands deep into their pockets , and the reason he advised
them to do this was , because he was not one who went round begging and asking for subscriptions unless he had very good reasons for doing so . The amount which it was hoped would he realised was fifteen hundred guineas , to purchase a perpetual presentation to tho Royal Biasonic Institution for Aged Freemasons , and this in remembrance of Col . Starkie , for in no better
way could his memory be revered . In conclusion he thanked them most kindly for their reception of him , adding that it always afforded him great pleasure to visit the Lodges and assist the Brethren in every way . He trusted that the Albert Victor would go on and prosper , until at length it held its centenary—that they would go on as they had been doing , and if he could afford them any help , they had only to ask him , to receive a response .
The toast of the Albert Victor Lodge was proposed by Bro . Samuel Statham P . BL P . P . G . Tr ., who said the Brethren must not expect too much from him that evening , as at last bo was constrained to confess , however unwillingly , that he was fast becoming an old man , and that "the shadows of eventide" were upon him . He rose , however , with great pleasure to propose the toasfc , knowing that none of the Ladies and Brethren in that brilliant company would be very exacting , and that he should bave both their
consideration and their sympath y . It was known to most of them that in past years he bad taken an active part in Freemasonry , and although he had lost much of the energy and enthusiasm he then possessed , yefc he had lost none of his sympathy or interest , and he rejoiced to see those occupying his place amply making up for his many deficiencies and imperfections . He could assure them it afforded him much pleasure to be present , and to take even a humble part in celebrating the 21 st anniversary of the foundation of
the Lodge . It was very gratifying to know tbat so many yet lived who could remember tho day when the good ship the Albert Victor was launched . It was indeed a red-letter day in the history of their lives , and one never to be forgotten . Tbo stately vessel had since been sailing along over smooth seas , and he trusted sho would plough her way with undiminished success for many years to come . The establishing of this Lodge had not only been the promotion of Blasonry , but it had , in the-opinion of many , done good in the
neighbourhood ; and he wcild there remark that the compliance with Blasonry and its principles must have beneficial results . The better the Blason the better the man both socially and morally . It could not but be so . There were many people who advocated right down good and excellent principles , but tbey failed to put them into practice . Such people reminded him of a genial Cambridge professor who , with a band of collegians , was on his way to the skating pond , and who discoursed and advised on the art of
skating . But . when the professor ' s skates were on , and the collegians saw him fall full length , they were astonished , whereupon the professor explained to them that he was up in the theory , but down in the practice I They hoped the Albert Victor Lodge would not be like that professor . They trusted they would not only be well acquainted with the principles of the Biasonic Craffc , but also well up iu tbe practice of them . It was pleasing to notice , and
indeed it had often been remarked , thafc the Lodge had had a beneficial effect in bringing the members ancl their families into more friendly intercourse , and the result had been a desire on the part of the members , both young and old to—what should he say ?—cultivate a desire for mental improvement , to become efficient in speaking , and to attend to the social enjoyment of the members of the Lodge . Hi trusted those would ever be characteristics of the Albert Victor Lodge . Their late lamented Provincial
Reports Of Meetings.
Grand Blaster Col . Starkie , when tbe Lodge was consecrated , stated he was the father of twelve children—meaning that bo had consecrated twelve Lodges up to thafc time ; well , they knew it was a grand thing to be worthy sons of a worthy sire . He remembered hearing of an American bishop who , when leaving home for a tour of visitations , used to give his boy some good godly advice and counsel , and invariably finished by saying , " Always remember whose son you are . " The son grew up , and possibly as a result of
the good advice , was so worthy and estimable a young man , that one day , when the bishop wns going away , the son said to him , "Always remember whose father you are . " Well , he hoped they would always remember whose Biasonic sons they were . Before sitting down , he should like to say how splendidly the various Worshipful Masters had each year filled the chair of King Solomon , fully maintaining the honourable character of tho Lodge since its promotion . The first and latest Blasters were both present that night , fco
help to celebrate the majority of the Albert Victor Lodge , and it could truly bo said that the present occupant of the position , by the able and admirable way in which he had performed his duties , was entitled to first honours . He rejoiced as a true Freemason that " he that cometh after me is greater than I . " Nor must he forget to mention Bros . Harrop , Evan Williams , Eli Winterbottom , and many others who were still spared to them , and who did their share in promoting the welfare of the Lodge , and assisted in its
foundation . Some had passed away to the Grand Lodge above , but their memories would ever remain green , and they would not allow the same to die . He was sure they would pardon him if he specially mentioned one Brother , the late lamented William Hardcastle . He was indeed a true Mason , and none rendered better service to the Albert Victor Lodge than he ; they were rejoiced to have among them his son Brother Gilbert L . Hardcastle
—the worthy son of a worthy sire—who had shown his interest and filial affection by generously presenting to the Lodge the valuable chain which adorned their Worshipful Blaster that night . He felt he must close , and ask them to drink , not merely to tbe toast of tbe Albert Victor Lodge , but to couple with it the name of the worthy and esteemed Worshipful Blaster , to whom the success of the delightful and interesting gathering was mainly due . The toast was drunk with musical honours .
Bro . Blease W . M . responded , saying he was sure he would best meet the wishes of his friends , and his own convenience , by curtailing his remarks as much as possible . He thanked them for the manner in which they had honoured him . As for himself , it had been a pleasure to assist in that undertaking , and he was glad the celebration of tho coming of age of the Lodge had taken the form it had . Ifc had proved a great success . Blauy ladies were continually murmuring about their husbands going fco the Lodges
and banquets , they being uninvited , and so it was decided to make a new departure , and invite the fair sex to celebrate the coming of age of the Albert Victor Lodge . If the Ladies had hitherto entertained mistaken views about the Craffc , he hoped they would now be banished for ever . He would tell them the great secret of what constituted Freemasonry ; ifc embodied three principles , brotherly love , relief , and truth . Those were the principles Freemasonry was built upon , and he believed those principles were exemplified
from the foundation upwards . If they said , " Show me the people who act up to the principles , " well , it was invidious , but still they musfc pardon him if he added that those principles were illustrated in Brother Statham , and in Brofcher Harrop . One of the pleasant things be should always remember was that he had been privileged to enjoy the friendship of Brother Statham , and the entree to his house , which he called Liberty Hall , and he was glad that Bro . Statham had proposed the toast of the Albert Victor Lodge , which task he
had performed so eloquently , worthily , feelingly and lovingly . He would tell them another secret . Blany of them did not know that there were futile efforts made to obtain a Charter for the Albert Victor Lodge , and it only came to them after the name of Brother Statham had been attached to the petition . Personally , he felt extremely grateful to the Great Architect of the Universe that Brother Statham was still among them , and might he long remain , for though old in years , there was not a younger heart in the Lodge . The speaker bad had intercourse with him night after night in connection with
that function , and the interest he had shown was astonishing . He had devoted hours to help to make it a success , and it was gratifying to see him there that night . One word in conclusion . He felt they owed a debt of gratitude to those who founded the Lodge twenty-ono years ago . The Albert Victor Lodge stood well in the Craft , and it did good work . It was not merely a selfish eating and drinking institution ; last year the Lodgo contributed from its funds no less a sum than seventy guineas for charitable Institutions . He thanked fche company once more for the hearty manner in which they had honoured the toast .
Tbe health of the Ladies was proposed in an eloquent and humorous manner by Bro . Rev . W . G . Edwards Rees , M . A ., and was responded to by Bro : T . T . Sefton P . BI . D . C .
The toast of the visitors fell to the lot of Bro . 3 . Harrop P . M , P . P . G . D . CR . who , after paying a tribute to Bro . Rees , said the occasion recalled the words of an old song : — "No mortal can more The ladies adore , Than a free and an Accepted Mason . "
The portion of the visitors whose health he was charged to propose belonged , like themselves , to the inferior sex . Visiting Brethren might be described as ( 1 ) some who were present at the consecration of the Lodge ; ( 2 ) those who had been initiated into the Lodge , bub who , by varying circumstances had left fche neighbourhood ; and ( 3 ) visitors from other Lodges who had never been members of the Alberfc Victor . They had all , however , come thafc night oufc of love for the Lodge . From its inception it had been tho
aim of every Master and Officer , from the timo when Brother Statham was its first W . M ., down to the present day , to make every Brother ' a better man , and he believed that a great and good work had been done . Blany of the members had surprised them in the course of years . Young men originally timid and nervous , and afraid to stand up , had , after a little encouragement and consideration , shown fche metfcle that was in them , and had been enabled
by practice attained in Lodge , to take an active part in public life . Then there were others—visitors—those from other Lodges . But ifc was fco all these that he ask « d them to give cordial and hearty welcome . The presence of the visitors proved their admiration for the Albert Victor Lodge , and tbat they wished it prosperity . Let them reciprocate those good feelings , and drink to the health of the visitors .
Bro . Evan Williams P . BI . P . P . G . S . of Works responded . He asked to be allowed to return thanks for the unbounded hospitality and the splendid reception accorded to the visitors . 1 Ie was one of the very few among them who were present at tho starting of the Lodge , and he had a lively recollection of the intellectual treat then provided by Bro . Statham , who performed such loads of work on thafc memorable evening that none who were present would ever forget the occasion . Still Bro . Statham was as green as ever , and tbey all hoped he might be spared for many years yet to come . Several of the original Brethren had gone to rest , and if they were not present in the body ,