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Article REPORTS OF MEETINGS. ← Page 2 of 3 Article REPORTS OF MEETINGS. Page 2 of 3 →
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Reports Of Meetings.
ever , by the buildings we have referred to , and which play no unimportant part in the every day life of the English capital . We thought of all this as we wended our way on Tuesday evening to the meeting of the Hampden Lodge , and found the comfortable quarters thereof—at Hampden House—a veritable oasis on the borders of
our imaginary desert ; an oasis which is one of the most notable spots around London , being the home of something like two hundred and fifty members of the sterner sex , who have here , all self contained , every accommodation they can reasonably require , for recreation and living purposes .
From a Masonic point of view Hampden House is probably unique- — -a part of its accommodation includes a Masonic Temple , specially erected and furnished for the purposes of Freemasonryas being the only place in the country where members of the Craft can live and sleep , in private residence , under the same roof as their Lodge , and enjoy all the privileges of Masonic working veritably at their own doors—truly it deserves a prominent position
in any list of the Homes of English Freemasonry , especially when , as was the case on the occasion of our visit on Tuesday , it contained within its walls a jovial gathering of members and visitors , one and all of whom appeared to be imbued with the truest principles of Freemasonry , not only striving to be happy themselves , but endeavouring to communicate happiness to all around them . .
Tuesday ' s was the annual installation meeting of the Lodge , and was opened bv Bro . Edgar Gerson W . M ., who had the support of Bros . A . C . Webb W . M .-elect S . W ., H . P . Hewson J . W ., W . Lawrence P . M . Treas ., Thos . Moss , B . A ., P . M . Sec , R . D . Cummings P . M ., T . J . Mercer P . M ., Chas . A . Underwood S . D ., W . E . Catesby J . D ., J R . Elliot D . C , I . Seaman I . G ., W . G . Smith P . M . and H . Williams Organists , W . E . Kent Steward , J .
W . Smith P . M . 1744 Tyler ; several members of the Lodge , and the following Visitors : Bros . F . Driver P . M . 45 , Herbert Emlyn 1348 , Arthur W . Briggs 1615 , J . Lancaster P . M . Sec . 534 , Thos . Voile 371 , J . J . Thomas P . G . Std . Br ., J . Hart I . G . 2265 , W . W . Morgan 177 , C . H . Morrison S . W . 1901 , H . J . Wallis 1201 , H . Saunion P . M . 14235 G . Somerville 765 , Robert Manuel P . M . 1196 , J . Wyatt S . D . 1328 , J . C . Steiner 2168 , Clement Harris 1321 , D . Osborn Knight 1185 , and others .
Lodge was regularly opened , the minutes were confirmed , and then Lodge was advanced to the second degree , when Bro . T . J . Mercer P . M . presented Bro . A . C . Webb , as W . M .-elect , for the benefits of installation . Fie was obligated in due form , and the appropriate " Be thou faithful" was impressively sung previous to
his formal recognition as Master-elect . Then followed the constitution of a Board of Installed Masters and the regular induction of Bro . Webb into the Chair of the Lodge , as its ruler for the ensuing year . He was proclaimed and saluted in the three degrees , and appointed his Assistant Officers . Various communications were reported , and the W . M . proceeded to close his Lodge .
We have heard much both for and against the custom on the part of visitors of tendering "hearty good wishes" to the W . M . previous to " the closing of a Lodge . Some argue that it is an unjustifiable proceeding on the part of individual members , because they have not received special instructions from their Lodge to pledge it in such a manner ; others maintain that each and every
visitor should pay homage to the Master of an entertaining Lodge , in this formula ; others go to the opposite extreme , and expect every member present to tender his " hearty good wishes . " This latter course is absurd , but it seems that something is missing from an assembly when all the visitors appear to come under the
first category , and let the Master close his Lodge without any greetings of cordiality— -as was the case on this occasion , whether by accident or design we cannot say . The omission is certainly not to be commended , despite the dictum of those who argue otherwise .
At the conclusion of the Lodge business the Brethren passed , as did our Brethren of long ago , down a winding staircase from labour to refreshment , and an excellent banquet was served in the Dining Hall , proving that Hampden House can cater for the inner man , as well as it does for the technical classes and the many other
of its special features . After the installation banquet , and the customary loyal toasts having been honoured , the W . M . gave that of the Grand Officers . He said they had that evening the honour of having among them a Past Officer of Grand Lodge in Bro . J . J . Thomas , whom they also honoured as a very old friend of the Hampden Lodge .
Bro . Thomas replied , thanking the W . M . very much indeed for his proposition of the toast of the Grand Officers of England . It was most gratifying to those Brethren to know—as they were so constantly told—that the work they performed met the approval of the Craft . Thev were all very pleased to > do anything that fell to their lot , and so long as they were received as their names had been received that night it would be a pleasure to them to perform any
work . that might fall to their share , in the exercise of their duties in the cause of Freemasonry . The way in which the work had been performed in the Lodge that day deserved special reference ; it was indeed creditable to Bro . Gerson to have been able to instal his successor so ably as he had done . He could but regret there had not been other Grand Officers present to witness the ability of the members of the Hampden Lodge .
The I . P . M . now assumed the gavel , and said it was quite a new position in which he found himself in addressing the Brethren that niuht . He felt an especial pleasure in proposing the health of their Worshipful Master , as he owed his advent into the Lodge to Bro . Webb , and felt it would be many years before he could adequately him for that
repay introduction . What Bro . Webb had clone as a lay member , as Secretary , and as Senior Warden was a matter of history with the members of the Hampden Lodge , and in recognition thereof he felt the members would one and all do everything in their power to make his year of Office a success . The Worshipful Master replied , thanking the Brethren most
Reports Of Meetings.
heartily and most sincerely for the kind way , and the enthusiasm with which they had drunk the toast of his health . He felt he hardly deserved the kind words the Immediate Past Master had said , but he assured them it would be his endeavour to make them all comrades during his year of Office . He was not really fond of work , but he hoped to satisfactorily deal with all the members could bring him ., and in all respects act in such a way as to add to the reputation of the Hampden Lodge . The next toast was that of the Immediate Past Master . The
W . M . said the Brethren of the Lodge all knew their Bro . Gerson , and he felt that any words he could utter would not . add to the respect or regard they entertained towards him . He was pleased to be in the position to present him with the Past Master ' s jewel of the Lodge , which he hoped Bro . Gerson would live to wear for many years among them . The jewel was inscribed :
by the Brethren of 2427 , in warm appreciation of his valuable services as W . M . 1899-1900 . The toast was heartily received , and acknowledged by the I . P . M . Twelve months ago , he said , when he rose to respond to the toast of his health as W-. M . of the Lodge , he had many tremblings . That
OCTAVUS . Presented to W . BRO . EDGAR GERSON P . M .
night he did not feel much difference , and further he felt that day , as he also did twelve months ago , that he had to thank them very much for all they had done , and all the appreciation they had shown him . He was very proud indeed to receive the jewel of Past Master . He did not feel he really deserved it , but was pleased to think the members regarded him as worthy of such recognition .
He did not wish to cast any doubt as to the veracity of their present Master , but really he had said too much in referring to the poor services he had been able to render during the past year as Master of the Lodge . The Hampden Lodge had won a name for itself , and had made a reputation for its working , much of which reputation was due to their Bro . Cummings ; and he might very justly
ask , what would they have been without that Brother's tuition , as Preceptor of their Lodge of Instruction . He had worked very hard and often under the most adverse circumstances , for it had happened that only some three or four Brethren had turned up at the meetings . He might also refer to the fact that there were several among the Officers of the Hampden Lodge who had learnt
under Bro . Manuel at the Logic Club , so that they really enjoyed the advantage of most efficient tuition . The Immediate Past Master submitted the health of the Visitors —a toast received at all times in their Lodge with the greatest amount of enthusiasm , the members well knowing how much visiting was encouraged among them .
Bro . Manuel replied . It was not the first occasion on which he had had the pleasure of visiting the Hampden Lodge . He always felt when he came into that building there was something special about it—the whole surroundings seemed to speak of true Brotherhood . It was at all times a pleasure to attend the meetings of the Lodge , but in his case particularly so this year , as he had had the
pleasure of being present when their W . M . was initiated , and on that occasion he thought Bro . Webb shaped well ; his performances that evening had proved his aptitude for the position he now occupied . A long experience of the work of Freemasonry placed him in the position of being able to express an opinion , and he
could say advisedly that the work of the I . P . M . that day had been performed in a way that could not be excelled—he had thoroughly warmed to the task , and as a result it was no parrot like repetition they had had to listen to , but the heartfelt expression of a true and sincere Freemason .
Bro . Lancaster followed . He had several nephews members of the Hampden Club , and felt they excelled as members of its Athletic class , so that it would not have surprised him had he seen Athletics introduced into the Lodge affairs that day . What he
had seen , however , had convinced him the working of the Lodge was most admirable—not alone in matter , but also in manner . The mode of working that day was really such as anyone might be proud of , and if that was Logic Club teaching he could truly say it was most logical .
Bro . Saunion also responded , saying it was indeed a pleasure to be present at the meeting . The kind way , and the homely way in which the visitors had been received would not fail to make a lasting impression on one and all of them . It seemed to him that every member of the Lodge could be congratulated on the way in which its affairs were managed .
The I . P . M . proposed the health of the Officers ; old colleagues , one and all of whom he had to thank for the hearty and unanimous support they had given him during his year of Office . He felt they would accord the same measure of support to the present chief , and that the Brethren would give them a hearty toast , which was done .
The Tvler ' s toast concluded the proceedings which , as may be judged from our comments " en passant , " were of the most enjoyable character . There was an excellent programme of music provided for the enjoyment of the company , and all passed off most successfully . —May we have many future opportunities of enjoving the pleasures of this oasis in the desert of St . Pancras !
The new Worshipful Master Bro . Alfred Charles Webb , is a native of St . Pancras , having been born there on 27 th March 1852 . He was initiated into Freemasonry in the Lodge of which he is now the presiding Officer , on 10 th January 1 S 93 , and has every prospect of a successful year before him . We tender him and the members of his Lodge our heartiest of good wishes , * * *
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Meetings.
ever , by the buildings we have referred to , and which play no unimportant part in the every day life of the English capital . We thought of all this as we wended our way on Tuesday evening to the meeting of the Hampden Lodge , and found the comfortable quarters thereof—at Hampden House—a veritable oasis on the borders of
our imaginary desert ; an oasis which is one of the most notable spots around London , being the home of something like two hundred and fifty members of the sterner sex , who have here , all self contained , every accommodation they can reasonably require , for recreation and living purposes .
From a Masonic point of view Hampden House is probably unique- — -a part of its accommodation includes a Masonic Temple , specially erected and furnished for the purposes of Freemasonryas being the only place in the country where members of the Craft can live and sleep , in private residence , under the same roof as their Lodge , and enjoy all the privileges of Masonic working veritably at their own doors—truly it deserves a prominent position
in any list of the Homes of English Freemasonry , especially when , as was the case on the occasion of our visit on Tuesday , it contained within its walls a jovial gathering of members and visitors , one and all of whom appeared to be imbued with the truest principles of Freemasonry , not only striving to be happy themselves , but endeavouring to communicate happiness to all around them . .
Tuesday ' s was the annual installation meeting of the Lodge , and was opened bv Bro . Edgar Gerson W . M ., who had the support of Bros . A . C . Webb W . M .-elect S . W ., H . P . Hewson J . W ., W . Lawrence P . M . Treas ., Thos . Moss , B . A ., P . M . Sec , R . D . Cummings P . M ., T . J . Mercer P . M ., Chas . A . Underwood S . D ., W . E . Catesby J . D ., J R . Elliot D . C , I . Seaman I . G ., W . G . Smith P . M . and H . Williams Organists , W . E . Kent Steward , J .
W . Smith P . M . 1744 Tyler ; several members of the Lodge , and the following Visitors : Bros . F . Driver P . M . 45 , Herbert Emlyn 1348 , Arthur W . Briggs 1615 , J . Lancaster P . M . Sec . 534 , Thos . Voile 371 , J . J . Thomas P . G . Std . Br ., J . Hart I . G . 2265 , W . W . Morgan 177 , C . H . Morrison S . W . 1901 , H . J . Wallis 1201 , H . Saunion P . M . 14235 G . Somerville 765 , Robert Manuel P . M . 1196 , J . Wyatt S . D . 1328 , J . C . Steiner 2168 , Clement Harris 1321 , D . Osborn Knight 1185 , and others .
Lodge was regularly opened , the minutes were confirmed , and then Lodge was advanced to the second degree , when Bro . T . J . Mercer P . M . presented Bro . A . C . Webb , as W . M .-elect , for the benefits of installation . Fie was obligated in due form , and the appropriate " Be thou faithful" was impressively sung previous to
his formal recognition as Master-elect . Then followed the constitution of a Board of Installed Masters and the regular induction of Bro . Webb into the Chair of the Lodge , as its ruler for the ensuing year . He was proclaimed and saluted in the three degrees , and appointed his Assistant Officers . Various communications were reported , and the W . M . proceeded to close his Lodge .
We have heard much both for and against the custom on the part of visitors of tendering "hearty good wishes" to the W . M . previous to " the closing of a Lodge . Some argue that it is an unjustifiable proceeding on the part of individual members , because they have not received special instructions from their Lodge to pledge it in such a manner ; others maintain that each and every
visitor should pay homage to the Master of an entertaining Lodge , in this formula ; others go to the opposite extreme , and expect every member present to tender his " hearty good wishes . " This latter course is absurd , but it seems that something is missing from an assembly when all the visitors appear to come under the
first category , and let the Master close his Lodge without any greetings of cordiality— -as was the case on this occasion , whether by accident or design we cannot say . The omission is certainly not to be commended , despite the dictum of those who argue otherwise .
At the conclusion of the Lodge business the Brethren passed , as did our Brethren of long ago , down a winding staircase from labour to refreshment , and an excellent banquet was served in the Dining Hall , proving that Hampden House can cater for the inner man , as well as it does for the technical classes and the many other
of its special features . After the installation banquet , and the customary loyal toasts having been honoured , the W . M . gave that of the Grand Officers . He said they had that evening the honour of having among them a Past Officer of Grand Lodge in Bro . J . J . Thomas , whom they also honoured as a very old friend of the Hampden Lodge .
Bro . Thomas replied , thanking the W . M . very much indeed for his proposition of the toast of the Grand Officers of England . It was most gratifying to those Brethren to know—as they were so constantly told—that the work they performed met the approval of the Craft . Thev were all very pleased to > do anything that fell to their lot , and so long as they were received as their names had been received that night it would be a pleasure to them to perform any
work . that might fall to their share , in the exercise of their duties in the cause of Freemasonry . The way in which the work had been performed in the Lodge that day deserved special reference ; it was indeed creditable to Bro . Gerson to have been able to instal his successor so ably as he had done . He could but regret there had not been other Grand Officers present to witness the ability of the members of the Hampden Lodge .
The I . P . M . now assumed the gavel , and said it was quite a new position in which he found himself in addressing the Brethren that niuht . He felt an especial pleasure in proposing the health of their Worshipful Master , as he owed his advent into the Lodge to Bro . Webb , and felt it would be many years before he could adequately him for that
repay introduction . What Bro . Webb had clone as a lay member , as Secretary , and as Senior Warden was a matter of history with the members of the Hampden Lodge , and in recognition thereof he felt the members would one and all do everything in their power to make his year of Office a success . The Worshipful Master replied , thanking the Brethren most
Reports Of Meetings.
heartily and most sincerely for the kind way , and the enthusiasm with which they had drunk the toast of his health . He felt he hardly deserved the kind words the Immediate Past Master had said , but he assured them it would be his endeavour to make them all comrades during his year of Office . He was not really fond of work , but he hoped to satisfactorily deal with all the members could bring him ., and in all respects act in such a way as to add to the reputation of the Hampden Lodge . The next toast was that of the Immediate Past Master . The
W . M . said the Brethren of the Lodge all knew their Bro . Gerson , and he felt that any words he could utter would not . add to the respect or regard they entertained towards him . He was pleased to be in the position to present him with the Past Master ' s jewel of the Lodge , which he hoped Bro . Gerson would live to wear for many years among them . The jewel was inscribed :
by the Brethren of 2427 , in warm appreciation of his valuable services as W . M . 1899-1900 . The toast was heartily received , and acknowledged by the I . P . M . Twelve months ago , he said , when he rose to respond to the toast of his health as W-. M . of the Lodge , he had many tremblings . That
OCTAVUS . Presented to W . BRO . EDGAR GERSON P . M .
night he did not feel much difference , and further he felt that day , as he also did twelve months ago , that he had to thank them very much for all they had done , and all the appreciation they had shown him . He was very proud indeed to receive the jewel of Past Master . He did not feel he really deserved it , but was pleased to think the members regarded him as worthy of such recognition .
He did not wish to cast any doubt as to the veracity of their present Master , but really he had said too much in referring to the poor services he had been able to render during the past year as Master of the Lodge . The Hampden Lodge had won a name for itself , and had made a reputation for its working , much of which reputation was due to their Bro . Cummings ; and he might very justly
ask , what would they have been without that Brother's tuition , as Preceptor of their Lodge of Instruction . He had worked very hard and often under the most adverse circumstances , for it had happened that only some three or four Brethren had turned up at the meetings . He might also refer to the fact that there were several among the Officers of the Hampden Lodge who had learnt
under Bro . Manuel at the Logic Club , so that they really enjoyed the advantage of most efficient tuition . The Immediate Past Master submitted the health of the Visitors —a toast received at all times in their Lodge with the greatest amount of enthusiasm , the members well knowing how much visiting was encouraged among them .
Bro . Manuel replied . It was not the first occasion on which he had had the pleasure of visiting the Hampden Lodge . He always felt when he came into that building there was something special about it—the whole surroundings seemed to speak of true Brotherhood . It was at all times a pleasure to attend the meetings of the Lodge , but in his case particularly so this year , as he had had the
pleasure of being present when their W . M . was initiated , and on that occasion he thought Bro . Webb shaped well ; his performances that evening had proved his aptitude for the position he now occupied . A long experience of the work of Freemasonry placed him in the position of being able to express an opinion , and he
could say advisedly that the work of the I . P . M . that day had been performed in a way that could not be excelled—he had thoroughly warmed to the task , and as a result it was no parrot like repetition they had had to listen to , but the heartfelt expression of a true and sincere Freemason .
Bro . Lancaster followed . He had several nephews members of the Hampden Club , and felt they excelled as members of its Athletic class , so that it would not have surprised him had he seen Athletics introduced into the Lodge affairs that day . What he
had seen , however , had convinced him the working of the Lodge was most admirable—not alone in matter , but also in manner . The mode of working that day was really such as anyone might be proud of , and if that was Logic Club teaching he could truly say it was most logical .
Bro . Saunion also responded , saying it was indeed a pleasure to be present at the meeting . The kind way , and the homely way in which the visitors had been received would not fail to make a lasting impression on one and all of them . It seemed to him that every member of the Lodge could be congratulated on the way in which its affairs were managed .
The I . P . M . proposed the health of the Officers ; old colleagues , one and all of whom he had to thank for the hearty and unanimous support they had given him during his year of Office . He felt they would accord the same measure of support to the present chief , and that the Brethren would give them a hearty toast , which was done .
The Tvler ' s toast concluded the proceedings which , as may be judged from our comments " en passant , " were of the most enjoyable character . There was an excellent programme of music provided for the enjoyment of the company , and all passed off most successfully . —May we have many future opportunities of enjoving the pleasures of this oasis in the desert of St . Pancras !
The new Worshipful Master Bro . Alfred Charles Webb , is a native of St . Pancras , having been born there on 27 th March 1852 . He was initiated into Freemasonry in the Lodge of which he is now the presiding Officer , on 10 th January 1 S 93 , and has every prospect of a successful year before him . We tender him and the members of his Lodge our heartiest of good wishes , * * *