Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Mark Masonry. Consecration Of The Alfred Lodge Of Mark Masters, No. 247, At Oxford.
their numerous distinguished visitors and press representatives inrited to the consecration , as in all our experience , which is certainly not alight , we have never before met with . We should be wanting in onr duty to our readers if we failed to particularise the devoted efforts of our good brethren to make this occasion oue which it should be difficult to forget by any individual recipient of their
unbounded hospitality , which extended from the moment of the departure of the Grand Officers' saloon carriage from Faddington , on the first snmmor ' a morning of the year 1879 , to the evening of the following day . With but one stoppage on the entire journey , for the purpose of receiving the Beading contingent , the train reached the classic " city of pinnacles and groves " long before noon . Tho
conveyances provided at the railway station soon deposited the guests at the hostelry of tho Roebuck , where Bro . W . Park and his amiable wife took them over and attended to their creature comforts . A brief rest , a prompt visit to the Masonic Hall for inspection of its admirable proportions and undoubted fitness for Masonio ceremonial , and then Bro . Margrett claimed his prerogative as " gnide , philosopher and
friend " to " skirmish " through as many of the colleges , and to as many points of interest as the shortness of the interval at his disposal would admit of . Short as that was , however , it sufficed , thanks to the admirable "bump of locality" possessed by our worthy brother , and his indubitable powers as a skilfnl and rapid skirmisher , to enable him to present many noteworthy objects to his attentive followers , and of
these probably thafc whioh appealed most strongly to them as Freemasons was tho picturesque school ' s tower and gateway , the facade of which exhibits the five orders of architecture , proceeding upwards from Tuscan to Composite . A repast , which was called a luncheon , bat had tho unmistakeable characteristics of a sumptuous dinner , awaited tho travellers on their return to the Eoebuck , after whioh the
serious business of the day was entered npon in good earnest . Having adjourned to tho Masonic Hall , in Alfred-street , the brethren promptly assembled , and a Mark Master Masons' Lodge was opened by Bro . Thomas Jell Pulley P . M . 235 , Grand Steward , supported by , amongst others , the M . W . Bro . G . R . Portal P . G . M . of England , & c , the V . W . Bro . F . Binckes P . G . S . W . and G . S ., the V . W . Bros . James
Stevens P . G . J . O ., & c . and Eev . J . H . Jukes P . G . C . ; the W . Bros . T . Benham P . G . S . D ., Robert Berridge G . D . C ., D . M . Dewar G . Assist . Secretary , Edward Margrett G . Steward , F . W . Ansell P . P . G . S . W ., C . Park P . P . G . S . D . and J . Jeukin P . P . G . S . B ., J . M . Dormer , J . T , Stransom , W . Park , J . F . Hughes , C . Stephens , W . Hickin , A , Welch , W . Bailey , E . Bracher , H . 0 . Crane , W . Hinckley , G . Westall ,
H . Ayres , C . R . Honey ( Chaplain ) , R . Glasspool , W . M . Crane , A . Rowley and B . Hemmings , all of the Leopold Lodge , No . 235 ; Bros . E . Hornblower , T . Benham and others of the Aldershot Military Lodge , No . 51 , the parent of the Leopold , James , FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE , & C . ; Bros . Norwood G . Tyler Oxfordshire , Stevens P . G . Tyler . The following 19 out of a list of 21 candidates were then
advanced into the Order , viz .: —Bros . J . A . Acock 340 , H . Birch W . M . 1763 , W . R . Bowden Org . 340 Prov . G . Purs . Oxford , W . G . Emberlin P . M . 310 P . Prov . G . J . W . Oxford , F . R . Hall S . W . 310 P . Prov . G . D . C . Oxford , S . Harris Steward 310 , J . S . Hodgson Org . 1515 , E . Horn Steward 3-40 , J . J . Hughes J . W . 340 Prov . G . S . B . Oxford , W . E . Knowles S . D . 340 , A . E . Lambourne 340 , G . H .
Osmond 340 S . D . 17 G 3 Prov . G . Steward Oxford , R . Payno Assist . Sec . 340 , A . F . Rose 340 , J . Seary 310 , S . W . 17 G 3 , W . H . Scary 17 G 3 , E . Townsend 310 P . P . G . Steward Oxford , A . Wheeler D . C . 3-10 and W . Compton 340 . In the work of advancement the W . Bros . Pulley and Margrett carried out the duties of W . M ., tho number of candidates advanced necessitating a division of labour ; and these brethren ,
ably assisted by the Officers of the Leopold Lodge , performed the beautiful ceremony in the most perfect manner , to the equal surprise and delight of the visitors , who thus had an opportunity of observing how even so young a Lodge could uphold the honour and interests of the Order by devoted attention to its ritual . To each and all , ineluding Chaplain and Organist , the strongest expression of praise
and satisfaction is due . The anthems and chants used on this occasion were those of Bro . G . F . Taylor , of Reading . The foregoing ceremony having been completed , the Past Grand Master Bro . Portal and Officers of Grand Lodge were saluted in due form , and the gavel was handed to Bro . Portal , who transferred ifc to the V . W . Bro . F . Binckes as Consecrating Officer . Bro . Stevens P . G . J . O .
officiated as G . S . W ., Bro . Margrett as G . J . W ., Bro . Berridge as G . D . C . and Bro . Dewar as G . I . G . The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , the musical service being delightfully rendered by Bros . W . M . Crane , A . Rowley and II . E . Knowles , of New College , J . S . Hodgson , of Magdalen , and J . Jenkin and W . R . Bowden . The Oration was delivered by the M . W . P . G . M . Bro .
Portal , who in a most impressive manner directed the attention of the brethren to the duties inculcated in the Mark degree ; and , tracing the pi ogress of Masonic work through the several Craft degrees , urged upon his hearers tho benefits of patience aud perseverance to secure that reward for their labours which wonld surely attend their well-directed efforts . He felt assured that such work as
they had that day accomplished would be weighed , measured , ancl rewarded to their ultimate benefit , ancl referring to peculiar circumstances which surrounded the new Lodge in the City of Oxford , counselled them to preserve the utmost harmony with their sister Lodges in the University . Iu the very hali in which they wero now assembled he had seen Masonic light , more years ago than he cared
just now to remember , but during all those years , in the course of which he had been installed into the chair of the Apollo Lodgo , ifc had over been a great happiness to him to note tho progress which had been made in Freemasonry , and to recognise his association with brethren whose names had passed into tradition , bat whose labours would never be forgotten . He offered an earnest tribute of
respect to the memory of snch members of the Order as our late lamented Bros . Spiers ancl Thomas , whoso good works had crowned the edifice of Freemasonry in that city with the splendour of their admirable qualifications ; and , congratulating tho members of the -Alfred Lodge upon the favourable nature of the day ' s proceedings , concluded an address , which received most earnest attention , by
Mark Masonry. Consecration Of The Alfred Lodge Of Mark Masters, No. 247, At Oxford.
recommending them to ever bear in mind tho importance of Mark Masonry , and the admirable lessons which it teaches , and which have hitherto been so well appreciated by all who belong to tho Order . The consecration then followed with all its solemn accompaniments , ancl the Lodge was duly constituted and dedicated to Mark Masonry . The installation of the W . M . designate , Bro . F . W . Ansell P . M .
No . 340 ( Craft ) P . P . G . S . W ., was the next ceremony performed by Bro . Binckes , in his customary perfect manner , and the Officers of tho Alfred Lodge , No . 247 , wore then invested in the following order , viz .: —Bro « . C . Park S . W ., J . Jenkin J . W ., T . J . Pulley I . P . M ., W . G . Emberlin M . O ., J . Reade S . O ., H . Birch J . O ., F . R . Hall Reg . M ., J . J . Hughes S . D ., A . Rowley J . D ., W . Park
Treasurer , J . M . Dormer Secretary , W . R . Bowden Organist , A . Wheeler I . G ., G . H . Osmond and J . Seary Stewards , and Norwood Tyler . On the proposition of the W . M ., Bro . H . R . H . Prince Leopold was elected first honorary member of the Lodge . A vote of thanks having been passed in recognition of the services of Bros . Portal and Binckes ; those brethren , together with Bros . James
Stevens , Robert Berridge , D . M . Dewar , T . Benham , Rev . J . H . Jukes and Edward Margrett were unanimously elected honorary members . This compliment to Grand Mark Lodgo was acknow . lodged by Bro . Portal . Bro . Reginald Bird Deputy P . G . M . was also elected an honorary member . A ballot was taken for several joining members j a committee was formed for preparing Bye-laws ;
several candidates for advancement wore proposed ; the charity-box circulated , and produced a good contribution as a foundation for the Benevolent Fund ; and the business of tho Lodgo terminated with an enthusiastic and well deserved acknowledgment of the services of the Leopold Lodge , in respect of which no words of ours could possibly express too favourable an opinion . The brethren
then separated for a short interval , and soon after 5 p . m . again met in tho large dining saloon in the same building , where a " right royal" banquet was served in full University style . To the great regret of all present the P . G . M . Bro . Portal , and Bros . Honey and Jukes Chaplains , were compelled to leave on the cloth being cleared , having important business connected with
ecclesiastical work in the city . The W . M . Bro . Ansell proposed The Queen and Mark Masonry , and tho toast having been received most loyally , was followed by tho " National Anthem . " Tho Most Worshipful Grand M . M . M . Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , and the Past Grand Masters waa the next toast , in giving which the W . M . expressed tho regret felt by all members of the Order for his
Lordship ' s recent illness , and their hopes for his speedy convalescence . Tho W . M . also referred to the many services of the P . G . M . ' s , and especially to thoso of the M . W . Bro . Portal , "to whom in connection with the proceedings of this day the Leopold Lodge must ever be indebted . " In proposing the next toast , the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand M . M . M . Bvo . the Earl of
Donoughmore , and Grand Officers Present and Past , the W . M . acknowledged the compliment paid to the Lodge by the presence of so many dis . tingnlshed brethren who had cheerfully undertaken tho journey from London in order to give dclat to the consecration of the Lodge , and to show their respect for its promoters and Officers . The thanks voted in the Lodge he now desired to supplement by a
farther expression of his sense of the services they had rendered , and this he now tendered on behalf of his Officers and fcho members of tho new Lodge . The V . W . Brother James Stevens P . G . J . O . responded , afc the request of his brother Grand Officers , and after testifying to tho excellence of tho work in Lodre , and the courtesy of the members of both tho Leopold and Alfred Lodges , said that he
considered whatever of obligation thero might be as between hosts and guests , it certainly rested upon the latter in recognition of the hearty reception which had been accorded to them . After a gleo had been admirably sung by tho musical brethren , the W . M . said " Brethren , I regret to say that I shall have to depart from the order in which the toasts are set out on your programme , as
I must study tho convenience of the worthy brother who has so ably discharged the most important ceremony of the day . I mean , of course , the Consecrating Officer , the V . W . Bro . F . Binckes Past Grand Warden and Grand Secretary . Bro . Binckes must return to Lordon this evening , and it shonld be onr duty , as well as pleasure * to ' speed his parting' as we have ' welcomed his coming . ' Th
services he has rendered to us to-day I need not now recapitulate ^ It will suffice to say that his name will be indelibly associated with the future of this Lodge as its Consecrating Officer and first Installing Master , aud I now ask you to drink to his health and prosperity . " The toast was most cordially received , and Bro . Binckes at once responded , thanking the W . M . 's of both Lodges , the W . Bro .
Pulley , and oil concerned in the reception of tho Grancl Officers , for the perfect arrangements which had been made on their behalf , and regretting that he could not extend his visit over the following day , so as to share in the further pleasures which hacl been designed for himself and colleagues . He desired to express his appreciation of the Masonic work he had witnessed , ancl the " creature comforts" he
had enjoyed . His position in the Order necessarily afforded him many opportunities for visiting , and he was constrained to say that on no occasion had he received from the brethren a more hearty and genial welcome . The services he had rendered , although necessary and above depreciation , were amply rewarded by the fraternal affection which had been exhibited , ancl tho honour clone himself ancl other
Grancl Officers by their election as honorary members , and the whole proceedings would justify himself and them in fixing the date of the consecration of the Alfred Lodge in their memories as a " red letter clay . " It gave intense gratification to tho heads of the Order to serve Mark Masonry by such discharge of duties , tho fulfilment of which ever produces love and zeal amongst the brethren , ancl meets
with due appreciation and the return of Inndness for labour rendered . Tiiey were nofc here by a " spasm , " but , if needed , were always ready to act np to their obligations in the service of the Order . He thanked the members of both Lodges then present for their compliments , and concluded by proposing the health of the Worshipful Master of the Alfred Lodge , No . 247 , and iu doing so ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Mark Masonry. Consecration Of The Alfred Lodge Of Mark Masters, No. 247, At Oxford.
their numerous distinguished visitors and press representatives inrited to the consecration , as in all our experience , which is certainly not alight , we have never before met with . We should be wanting in onr duty to our readers if we failed to particularise the devoted efforts of our good brethren to make this occasion oue which it should be difficult to forget by any individual recipient of their
unbounded hospitality , which extended from the moment of the departure of the Grand Officers' saloon carriage from Faddington , on the first snmmor ' a morning of the year 1879 , to the evening of the following day . With but one stoppage on the entire journey , for the purpose of receiving the Beading contingent , the train reached the classic " city of pinnacles and groves " long before noon . Tho
conveyances provided at the railway station soon deposited the guests at the hostelry of tho Roebuck , where Bro . W . Park and his amiable wife took them over and attended to their creature comforts . A brief rest , a prompt visit to the Masonic Hall for inspection of its admirable proportions and undoubted fitness for Masonio ceremonial , and then Bro . Margrett claimed his prerogative as " gnide , philosopher and
friend " to " skirmish " through as many of the colleges , and to as many points of interest as the shortness of the interval at his disposal would admit of . Short as that was , however , it sufficed , thanks to the admirable "bump of locality" possessed by our worthy brother , and his indubitable powers as a skilfnl and rapid skirmisher , to enable him to present many noteworthy objects to his attentive followers , and of
these probably thafc whioh appealed most strongly to them as Freemasons was tho picturesque school ' s tower and gateway , the facade of which exhibits the five orders of architecture , proceeding upwards from Tuscan to Composite . A repast , which was called a luncheon , bat had tho unmistakeable characteristics of a sumptuous dinner , awaited tho travellers on their return to the Eoebuck , after whioh the
serious business of the day was entered npon in good earnest . Having adjourned to tho Masonic Hall , in Alfred-street , the brethren promptly assembled , and a Mark Master Masons' Lodge was opened by Bro . Thomas Jell Pulley P . M . 235 , Grand Steward , supported by , amongst others , the M . W . Bro . G . R . Portal P . G . M . of England , & c , the V . W . Bro . F . Binckes P . G . S . W . and G . S ., the V . W . Bros . James
Stevens P . G . J . O ., & c . and Eev . J . H . Jukes P . G . C . ; the W . Bros . T . Benham P . G . S . D ., Robert Berridge G . D . C ., D . M . Dewar G . Assist . Secretary , Edward Margrett G . Steward , F . W . Ansell P . P . G . S . W ., C . Park P . P . G . S . D . and J . Jeukin P . P . G . S . B ., J . M . Dormer , J . T , Stransom , W . Park , J . F . Hughes , C . Stephens , W . Hickin , A , Welch , W . Bailey , E . Bracher , H . 0 . Crane , W . Hinckley , G . Westall ,
H . Ayres , C . R . Honey ( Chaplain ) , R . Glasspool , W . M . Crane , A . Rowley and B . Hemmings , all of the Leopold Lodge , No . 235 ; Bros . E . Hornblower , T . Benham and others of the Aldershot Military Lodge , No . 51 , the parent of the Leopold , James , FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE , & C . ; Bros . Norwood G . Tyler Oxfordshire , Stevens P . G . Tyler . The following 19 out of a list of 21 candidates were then
advanced into the Order , viz .: —Bros . J . A . Acock 340 , H . Birch W . M . 1763 , W . R . Bowden Org . 340 Prov . G . Purs . Oxford , W . G . Emberlin P . M . 310 P . Prov . G . J . W . Oxford , F . R . Hall S . W . 310 P . Prov . G . D . C . Oxford , S . Harris Steward 310 , J . S . Hodgson Org . 1515 , E . Horn Steward 3-40 , J . J . Hughes J . W . 340 Prov . G . S . B . Oxford , W . E . Knowles S . D . 340 , A . E . Lambourne 340 , G . H .
Osmond 340 S . D . 17 G 3 Prov . G . Steward Oxford , R . Payno Assist . Sec . 340 , A . F . Rose 340 , J . Seary 310 , S . W . 17 G 3 , W . H . Scary 17 G 3 , E . Townsend 310 P . P . G . Steward Oxford , A . Wheeler D . C . 3-10 and W . Compton 340 . In the work of advancement the W . Bros . Pulley and Margrett carried out the duties of W . M ., tho number of candidates advanced necessitating a division of labour ; and these brethren ,
ably assisted by the Officers of the Leopold Lodge , performed the beautiful ceremony in the most perfect manner , to the equal surprise and delight of the visitors , who thus had an opportunity of observing how even so young a Lodge could uphold the honour and interests of the Order by devoted attention to its ritual . To each and all , ineluding Chaplain and Organist , the strongest expression of praise
and satisfaction is due . The anthems and chants used on this occasion were those of Bro . G . F . Taylor , of Reading . The foregoing ceremony having been completed , the Past Grand Master Bro . Portal and Officers of Grand Lodge were saluted in due form , and the gavel was handed to Bro . Portal , who transferred ifc to the V . W . Bro . F . Binckes as Consecrating Officer . Bro . Stevens P . G . J . O .
officiated as G . S . W ., Bro . Margrett as G . J . W ., Bro . Berridge as G . D . C . and Bro . Dewar as G . I . G . The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , the musical service being delightfully rendered by Bros . W . M . Crane , A . Rowley and II . E . Knowles , of New College , J . S . Hodgson , of Magdalen , and J . Jenkin and W . R . Bowden . The Oration was delivered by the M . W . P . G . M . Bro .
Portal , who in a most impressive manner directed the attention of the brethren to the duties inculcated in the Mark degree ; and , tracing the pi ogress of Masonic work through the several Craft degrees , urged upon his hearers tho benefits of patience aud perseverance to secure that reward for their labours which wonld surely attend their well-directed efforts . He felt assured that such work as
they had that day accomplished would be weighed , measured , ancl rewarded to their ultimate benefit , ancl referring to peculiar circumstances which surrounded the new Lodge in the City of Oxford , counselled them to preserve the utmost harmony with their sister Lodges in the University . Iu the very hali in which they wero now assembled he had seen Masonic light , more years ago than he cared
just now to remember , but during all those years , in the course of which he had been installed into the chair of the Apollo Lodgo , ifc had over been a great happiness to him to note tho progress which had been made in Freemasonry , and to recognise his association with brethren whose names had passed into tradition , bat whose labours would never be forgotten . He offered an earnest tribute of
respect to the memory of snch members of the Order as our late lamented Bros . Spiers ancl Thomas , whoso good works had crowned the edifice of Freemasonry in that city with the splendour of their admirable qualifications ; and , congratulating tho members of the -Alfred Lodge upon the favourable nature of the day ' s proceedings , concluded an address , which received most earnest attention , by
Mark Masonry. Consecration Of The Alfred Lodge Of Mark Masters, No. 247, At Oxford.
recommending them to ever bear in mind tho importance of Mark Masonry , and the admirable lessons which it teaches , and which have hitherto been so well appreciated by all who belong to tho Order . The consecration then followed with all its solemn accompaniments , ancl the Lodge was duly constituted and dedicated to Mark Masonry . The installation of the W . M . designate , Bro . F . W . Ansell P . M .
No . 340 ( Craft ) P . P . G . S . W ., was the next ceremony performed by Bro . Binckes , in his customary perfect manner , and the Officers of tho Alfred Lodge , No . 247 , wore then invested in the following order , viz .: —Bro « . C . Park S . W ., J . Jenkin J . W ., T . J . Pulley I . P . M ., W . G . Emberlin M . O ., J . Reade S . O ., H . Birch J . O ., F . R . Hall Reg . M ., J . J . Hughes S . D ., A . Rowley J . D ., W . Park
Treasurer , J . M . Dormer Secretary , W . R . Bowden Organist , A . Wheeler I . G ., G . H . Osmond and J . Seary Stewards , and Norwood Tyler . On the proposition of the W . M ., Bro . H . R . H . Prince Leopold was elected first honorary member of the Lodge . A vote of thanks having been passed in recognition of the services of Bros . Portal and Binckes ; those brethren , together with Bros . James
Stevens , Robert Berridge , D . M . Dewar , T . Benham , Rev . J . H . Jukes and Edward Margrett were unanimously elected honorary members . This compliment to Grand Mark Lodgo was acknow . lodged by Bro . Portal . Bro . Reginald Bird Deputy P . G . M . was also elected an honorary member . A ballot was taken for several joining members j a committee was formed for preparing Bye-laws ;
several candidates for advancement wore proposed ; the charity-box circulated , and produced a good contribution as a foundation for the Benevolent Fund ; and the business of tho Lodgo terminated with an enthusiastic and well deserved acknowledgment of the services of the Leopold Lodge , in respect of which no words of ours could possibly express too favourable an opinion . The brethren
then separated for a short interval , and soon after 5 p . m . again met in tho large dining saloon in the same building , where a " right royal" banquet was served in full University style . To the great regret of all present the P . G . M . Bro . Portal , and Bros . Honey and Jukes Chaplains , were compelled to leave on the cloth being cleared , having important business connected with
ecclesiastical work in the city . The W . M . Bro . Ansell proposed The Queen and Mark Masonry , and tho toast having been received most loyally , was followed by tho " National Anthem . " Tho Most Worshipful Grand M . M . M . Bro . the Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , and the Past Grand Masters waa the next toast , in giving which the W . M . expressed tho regret felt by all members of the Order for his
Lordship ' s recent illness , and their hopes for his speedy convalescence . Tho W . M . also referred to the many services of the P . G . M . ' s , and especially to thoso of the M . W . Bro . Portal , "to whom in connection with the proceedings of this day the Leopold Lodge must ever be indebted . " In proposing the next toast , the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand M . M . M . Bvo . the Earl of
Donoughmore , and Grand Officers Present and Past , the W . M . acknowledged the compliment paid to the Lodge by the presence of so many dis . tingnlshed brethren who had cheerfully undertaken tho journey from London in order to give dclat to the consecration of the Lodge , and to show their respect for its promoters and Officers . The thanks voted in the Lodge he now desired to supplement by a
farther expression of his sense of the services they had rendered , and this he now tendered on behalf of his Officers and fcho members of tho new Lodge . The V . W . Brother James Stevens P . G . J . O . responded , afc the request of his brother Grand Officers , and after testifying to tho excellence of tho work in Lodre , and the courtesy of the members of both tho Leopold and Alfred Lodges , said that he
considered whatever of obligation thero might be as between hosts and guests , it certainly rested upon the latter in recognition of the hearty reception which had been accorded to them . After a gleo had been admirably sung by tho musical brethren , the W . M . said " Brethren , I regret to say that I shall have to depart from the order in which the toasts are set out on your programme , as
I must study tho convenience of the worthy brother who has so ably discharged the most important ceremony of the day . I mean , of course , the Consecrating Officer , the V . W . Bro . F . Binckes Past Grand Warden and Grand Secretary . Bro . Binckes must return to Lordon this evening , and it shonld be onr duty , as well as pleasure * to ' speed his parting' as we have ' welcomed his coming . ' Th
services he has rendered to us to-day I need not now recapitulate ^ It will suffice to say that his name will be indelibly associated with the future of this Lodge as its Consecrating Officer and first Installing Master , aud I now ask you to drink to his health and prosperity . " The toast was most cordially received , and Bro . Binckes at once responded , thanking the W . M . 's of both Lodges , the W . Bro .
Pulley , and oil concerned in the reception of tho Grancl Officers , for the perfect arrangements which had been made on their behalf , and regretting that he could not extend his visit over the following day , so as to share in the further pleasures which hacl been designed for himself and colleagues . He desired to express his appreciation of the Masonic work he had witnessed , ancl the " creature comforts" he
had enjoyed . His position in the Order necessarily afforded him many opportunities for visiting , and he was constrained to say that on no occasion had he received from the brethren a more hearty and genial welcome . The services he had rendered , although necessary and above depreciation , were amply rewarded by the fraternal affection which had been exhibited , ancl tho honour clone himself ancl other
Grancl Officers by their election as honorary members , and the whole proceedings would justify himself and them in fixing the date of the consecration of the Alfred Lodge in their memories as a " red letter clay . " It gave intense gratification to tho heads of the Order to serve Mark Masonry by such discharge of duties , tho fulfilment of which ever produces love and zeal amongst the brethren , ancl meets
with due appreciation and the return of Inndness for labour rendered . Tiiey were nofc here by a " spasm , " but , if needed , were always ready to act np to their obligations in the service of the Order . He thanked the members of both Lodges then present for their compliments , and concluded by proposing the health of the Worshipful Master of the Alfred Lodge , No . 247 , and iu doing so ,