Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The West Middlesex Lodge, No. 1612.
CONSECRATION OF THE WEST MIDDLESEX LODGE , No . 1612 .
ON Saturday last another Lodgo was added to those on the muster roll of tho Grand Lodgo of England . The pretty little snbnrb of Ealing is tho locality selected for its head quarters , and accordingly , at half past three o'clock , there was a largo assemblage of the brethren to meet the Very Worshipful Brother John Hervey , Grand Secretary , who had kindly consented to officiato as tho
Consecrating Officer . Tho intense heat of the weather during tho past fortnight had naturally raised somo anxiety in the minds of the promoters of this gathering as to tho capabilities of the Ealing Institute , whero tho brethren intend holding the meetings of their Lodge , to accommodate all who wero expected to attend on this interesting occasion . However , it was soon evident that those who
had undertaken tho management of tho day's proceedings wero fully capable of carrying out all that was required of them , and when the company had taken their places an air of comfort was apparent that at onco showed tho brethren wore not new to their work . Tho Lodge room had been most elegantly laid onfc , the furniture and appointments wero of a neat and substantial charactor . Bro . A . Beasley ,
P . M . of tho Royal Alfred Lodge , No . 7 S 0 , well known and highly respected as one of the most careful and intelligent of the supporters of onr great Institution , was tho Worshipful Master designate , and we much question whether a more competent brother could have been chosen , or one moro fitted to ensure tho prosperity of a now Lodge .
Bro . H . G . Buss , Prov . Grand Treasurer , Middlesex , acted as Director of the Ceremonies , and , marshalled by him , tho brethren entered tho Lodgo room . Bro . John Ilervey took tho chair , and appointed Bro . Thomas Fenn P . G . D . to tho Senior Warden ' s chair , and Bro . Weaver P . M . to that of tho Junior Warden . Bro . J . Chambers Roe acting as Secretary . Tho Lodsro was then formally opened .
Brother Hervey addressed tho brethren , and in tho course of his remarks referred to his long experience , which enabled him to point out the shoals and quicksands that should be avoided if they wished prosperity to attend them . He adjured them to be specially careful in the selection of thoso who might offer themselves as candidates for initiation , and also that the antecedents of thoso brethren who
might desire to join tho Lodgo should bo carefully inquired into . He mentioned instances that had come under his notice , where one obnoxious brother had upset tho good feeling that had existed , and had even caused the breaking up of a Lodge . He spoke of tho feeling of charity that shonld exist , —not charity in the common acceptation of the term , but that charity that taught us all to bear with what
we might think the shortcomings of our neighbours , and with those with whom wo might bo intimately associated , no urged on those who might in the future havo the appointment of brethren to fill the several posts , to bo careful iu the choico of officers to govern tho Lodgo . Much misrht be saici in favour of offico by rotation , but unless members qualified themselves for a proper performance of their
duties , others , moro worthy , should be selected . Our esteemed brother then referred to the power held by tho members of Lodges in tho use of tho blackball , and earnestly commended them to use that power with judgment and discretion . Ho hoped that no private piques , or petty jealonsies , would ever actuate any of those presont while exercising the powers thus vested in them . Bro . Hervey , whose address was most attentively listened to , concluded by expressing
the pleasure ho felt at being present , and hoped a brilliant future was before the West Middlesex Lodge . Aftor prayer by tho Rev . 0 . G . D . Perrott , late Head Master of the Royal Masonic School for Boys , Bro . Roe read the petition and warrant . Approval having been given to tho Officers named , the Consecrating Officer called on the Chaplain , Bro . Perrott , who delivered the following oration : —
WousnirruL Sin AND BUOTHEK , —Having already assisted at one Consecration to-day , that of a neighbouring church , and melting , like several I see around me , under the proscnt more than tropical heat , I feel that this is not an occasion for making a long speech , and I shall therefore not weary you by indulging in those commonplaces , not unfreqnenfcly , perhaps , insincere , about inability , & c , but proceed
direct to the task assigned me , viz : —an oration , if I may venture to call such the few remarks I have to make , respecting tho nature and principles of Freemasonry . In an ago like tho present , when every Institution , whatever its antiquity and usefulness , has suffered more or less from the inroads of the sceptical and levelling tendencies of tho day , it is not to bo wondered at that our Craft has been from time to
time assailed , ridiculed and even anathematised ; and if this is moro especially trne of its present history , it is not less true of tho past ; and , notwithstanding all that has been said against it , I mako bold to say that never did the Craft stand on a firmer basis than at present , rearing its head aloft at the grandest ceremony ever witnessed , in the Albert Hall , and having for its chief H . R . H . tho Princo of Wales .
Tho uninitiated may well enquire , what can this system be which exhibits such vitality , and has survived tho many attacksthat have been madengainst it ? And , Worshipful Sir and Brother , withoutcommitting myself , or pledging you to an acceptance of those traditions which would point to Adam as the first Freemason , and wonld identify as brethren of the Craft tho sons of Lamech , who are said to have
engraved onr secrets on certain stone pillars , which shonld outlive the Deluge , it seems pretty certain that Freemasonry can boast not only of considerable antiquity , extending back perhaps into the sphere of immemorial tradition , but also of many persons of illustrious rank , and of men of genius and talent , whose works survive as monuments
of their greatness , and who havo held the prond position of Grand Masters of our Craft . I need mention only the names of Sir Christopher Wren , whose magnificent strncture is at once the pride and ornament of our metropolis , of Inigo Jones , and of Cardinal Wolsey , who , notwithstanding his ambitions projects , is said never to have neglected his dnties as Grand Master . And what is it , brethren ,
Consecration Of The West Middlesex Lodge, No. 1612.
which has given such stability to our Order ? Is it not from the fact of its being based on the three grand principles of Brotherly Love , Relief and Truth ? Yes , wo may point with prido to our Charities , which testify to the benevolence of past aud present members of the Order , no less a sum than £ 32 , 000 having been subscribed during tho present year . And hero I would remark , quoting words which fell
from tho lip 3 of our lato revered Grand Master , that these Chantie 3 ought not to bo dependent on the generosity of tho samo few , who always give liberally , but that every brother should give his quota , remembering the old adage , " Mony a micklo makes a muckle . " I need not plead with Freemasons about the duty of giving , for it ia a practical expression of our belief in Brotherly Love , and besides
giving , to quote tho words of another distinguished Brother , it becomes our duty to tako an interest in tho working of our charities , and I feel snre , that by occasionally visiting them , and watching , and aiding iu their management , great good would result to our Charities ; let thoso who cannot mako themselves at onco Life Subscribers , and Life Governors sink tho prido they may
feel in seeing their names in print , and give , according to thoir means , towards tho endowment of tho chairs in a Lodge ; in this way , as is done in some of the provinces , greater power in tho management of the Charities is acquired by tho Lodgo , and the success of ono ' s candidates becomes more assured . Another principle on which our Craft is based , is Truth ; wo aro required to rule our every action by
that , unerring volume of truth which lies opon in every Lodge , and which roveals to us the Word of God . I fear that much of the ridiculo to which we aro exposed is owing to tho licence and excess which some few brethren indulge in , and which the laws of tho land do not tolerate even in places of public resort . It was only the other day , when mentioning to a friend our ceremony of to-day , he ob .
served , " It is all moonshine , you aro no bettor than Antediluvian Buffaloes , it is all knife and fork business with yon Masons , only a question of eating and drinking . " Now it can hardly be questioned that this is a prevalent opinion amongst tho uninitiated , and however true it may bo with respect to some few amongst us , I venture to say , that tho great majority of the brethren do act up to the principles they profess , that though they may , like other mortals , havo
their differences , still they do forget and forgive with that brotherly lovo they profess , and reflect in tho general tenour of their lives the grand principles of tho Order . And , brethren , may it please the Grand Architect of the Universe to grant that all tho members of this Lodge may be bright members of tho Craft , and may become living stonos in that Grand Lodgo above whero all secrets shall be revealed .
The ceremony of Consecration was then proceeded with , in accord , anco with the customary formalities . Bro . Buss then introduced Bro . A . Beasley as tho W . M . designate , and Bro . Hervoy most impressively performed the ceremony ot installation . After tho W . M . had been saluted , tho Officers wore invested , as follow : —
Bros . Thomas Kingston W . M . 862 S . W ., H . L . P Kasner 382 J . W ., T . Brown P . M . 780 Treasurer , J . Chambers Roe S . W . 780 Secretary , Burr S . D ., Green J . D ., Compton I . G ., Leonard D . C ., Rev . 0 . G . D . Perrott Chaplain , F . Delevanti Organist , Harrison Tyler . The W . M . said the first duty he had to perform was a pleasant ono indeed , it was to thank Bro . Hervey , and those who had rendered
him such goodly assistance , for their kindness . It was not much the Lodgo could do in return , but he would propose that Bros . Hervey , Fenn , Weaver , Buss , and their Reverend Bro . Perrott , be elected honorary members of tho West Middlesex Lodgo . This proposition was seconded , and unanimously carried . After Bro . Hervey had acknowledged the compliment , for himself and those associated with
him in the day ' s proceedings , tho bye-laws for tho governance of tho Lodgo wero finally approved , and propositions for initiation and joining wero handed in . Tho Lodge was then closed . The brethren afterwards repaired to Brown's Hotel , where an excellent banquet had been provided . After tli 9 cloth had been removed , Bro . Beasley , who presided , rose and said , that he should , during tho
evening , set an example , by only making short speeches . His first toast would he that of the Queen and the Craft . We all honour aud revere Her Majesty tho Qneen , and he was sure all present also honoured and revered the Craft . Tho National Anthem having been sung , the W . M . gave tho toast of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales . It was gratifying to them all to know that tho Prince of
Wales considered it an honour to be at the head of the Order . This toast was followed by the solo and chorus , " God Bless the Prince of Wales . " The next on the list was the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , Lord Skclmersdale , Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers Present and Past . The Worshipful Master said this toast was of personal interest to the members of tho West
Middlesex Lodge , as tho names of tho most prominent of the Grand Officers had been brought bofore them iu reading tho Lodge Warrant . Bro . Thomas Fenn , Past Grand Deacon , with whoso name he would associate the toast , was a power in Masonry , and whenever he went into a Lodge he conferred an honour on those he visited . Bros . Baxter , Carter and Lawler then sang the glee , " Just liko Love . " Bro . Fenn ,
in replying , thanked tho brethren for tho compliment they had paid him in coupling his namo with the toast . " Just like Love , " is an old saying , and he thought that a gay young batchelor like Bro . Hervey was in a better position to reply after such a song than he who was a grandfather . He had been a member of Grand Lodgo upwards of twelve years , and ho considered the Grand Officers were always
willing and desirous to be of service to members of the Craft , and in consideration of their devotion to Masonry they were honoured with the Purple . These appointments were necessarily limited . Ho had never been at Ealing before , bnt he considered , from its importance , that it ought to be represented in the Parliament of Freemasonry . He considered the remarks of tho Grand Secretary as to the choice of
officers were correct , and that tho prosperity of a Lodge was dependent on careful selection . The next toast , the V . W . the Consecrating Officer , Bro . J . Hervey , G . S ., P . G . D ., was proposed by tho W . M ., who remarked that Bro .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The West Middlesex Lodge, No. 1612.
CONSECRATION OF THE WEST MIDDLESEX LODGE , No . 1612 .
ON Saturday last another Lodgo was added to those on the muster roll of tho Grand Lodgo of England . The pretty little snbnrb of Ealing is tho locality selected for its head quarters , and accordingly , at half past three o'clock , there was a largo assemblage of the brethren to meet the Very Worshipful Brother John Hervey , Grand Secretary , who had kindly consented to officiato as tho
Consecrating Officer . Tho intense heat of the weather during tho past fortnight had naturally raised somo anxiety in the minds of the promoters of this gathering as to tho capabilities of the Ealing Institute , whero tho brethren intend holding the meetings of their Lodge , to accommodate all who wero expected to attend on this interesting occasion . However , it was soon evident that those who
had undertaken tho management of tho day's proceedings wero fully capable of carrying out all that was required of them , and when the company had taken their places an air of comfort was apparent that at onco showed tho brethren wore not new to their work . Tho Lodge room had been most elegantly laid onfc , the furniture and appointments wero of a neat and substantial charactor . Bro . A . Beasley ,
P . M . of tho Royal Alfred Lodge , No . 7 S 0 , well known and highly respected as one of the most careful and intelligent of the supporters of onr great Institution , was tho Worshipful Master designate , and we much question whether a more competent brother could have been chosen , or one moro fitted to ensure tho prosperity of a now Lodge .
Bro . H . G . Buss , Prov . Grand Treasurer , Middlesex , acted as Director of the Ceremonies , and , marshalled by him , tho brethren entered tho Lodgo room . Bro . John Ilervey took tho chair , and appointed Bro . Thomas Fenn P . G . D . to tho Senior Warden ' s chair , and Bro . Weaver P . M . to that of tho Junior Warden . Bro . J . Chambers Roe acting as Secretary . Tho Lodsro was then formally opened .
Brother Hervey addressed tho brethren , and in tho course of his remarks referred to his long experience , which enabled him to point out the shoals and quicksands that should be avoided if they wished prosperity to attend them . He adjured them to be specially careful in the selection of thoso who might offer themselves as candidates for initiation , and also that the antecedents of thoso brethren who
might desire to join tho Lodgo should bo carefully inquired into . He mentioned instances that had come under his notice , where one obnoxious brother had upset tho good feeling that had existed , and had even caused the breaking up of a Lodge . He spoke of tho feeling of charity that shonld exist , —not charity in the common acceptation of the term , but that charity that taught us all to bear with what
we might think the shortcomings of our neighbours , and with those with whom wo might bo intimately associated , no urged on those who might in the future havo the appointment of brethren to fill the several posts , to bo careful iu the choico of officers to govern tho Lodgo . Much misrht be saici in favour of offico by rotation , but unless members qualified themselves for a proper performance of their
duties , others , moro worthy , should be selected . Our esteemed brother then referred to the power held by tho members of Lodges in tho use of tho blackball , and earnestly commended them to use that power with judgment and discretion . Ho hoped that no private piques , or petty jealonsies , would ever actuate any of those presont while exercising the powers thus vested in them . Bro . Hervey , whose address was most attentively listened to , concluded by expressing
the pleasure ho felt at being present , and hoped a brilliant future was before the West Middlesex Lodge . Aftor prayer by tho Rev . 0 . G . D . Perrott , late Head Master of the Royal Masonic School for Boys , Bro . Roe read the petition and warrant . Approval having been given to tho Officers named , the Consecrating Officer called on the Chaplain , Bro . Perrott , who delivered the following oration : —
WousnirruL Sin AND BUOTHEK , —Having already assisted at one Consecration to-day , that of a neighbouring church , and melting , like several I see around me , under the proscnt more than tropical heat , I feel that this is not an occasion for making a long speech , and I shall therefore not weary you by indulging in those commonplaces , not unfreqnenfcly , perhaps , insincere , about inability , & c , but proceed
direct to the task assigned me , viz : —an oration , if I may venture to call such the few remarks I have to make , respecting tho nature and principles of Freemasonry . In an ago like tho present , when every Institution , whatever its antiquity and usefulness , has suffered more or less from the inroads of the sceptical and levelling tendencies of tho day , it is not to bo wondered at that our Craft has been from time to
time assailed , ridiculed and even anathematised ; and if this is moro especially trne of its present history , it is not less true of tho past ; and , notwithstanding all that has been said against it , I mako bold to say that never did the Craft stand on a firmer basis than at present , rearing its head aloft at the grandest ceremony ever witnessed , in the Albert Hall , and having for its chief H . R . H . tho Princo of Wales .
Tho uninitiated may well enquire , what can this system be which exhibits such vitality , and has survived tho many attacksthat have been madengainst it ? And , Worshipful Sir and Brother , withoutcommitting myself , or pledging you to an acceptance of those traditions which would point to Adam as the first Freemason , and wonld identify as brethren of the Craft tho sons of Lamech , who are said to have
engraved onr secrets on certain stone pillars , which shonld outlive the Deluge , it seems pretty certain that Freemasonry can boast not only of considerable antiquity , extending back perhaps into the sphere of immemorial tradition , but also of many persons of illustrious rank , and of men of genius and talent , whose works survive as monuments
of their greatness , and who havo held the prond position of Grand Masters of our Craft . I need mention only the names of Sir Christopher Wren , whose magnificent strncture is at once the pride and ornament of our metropolis , of Inigo Jones , and of Cardinal Wolsey , who , notwithstanding his ambitions projects , is said never to have neglected his dnties as Grand Master . And what is it , brethren ,
Consecration Of The West Middlesex Lodge, No. 1612.
which has given such stability to our Order ? Is it not from the fact of its being based on the three grand principles of Brotherly Love , Relief and Truth ? Yes , wo may point with prido to our Charities , which testify to the benevolence of past aud present members of the Order , no less a sum than £ 32 , 000 having been subscribed during tho present year . And hero I would remark , quoting words which fell
from tho lip 3 of our lato revered Grand Master , that these Chantie 3 ought not to bo dependent on the generosity of tho samo few , who always give liberally , but that every brother should give his quota , remembering the old adage , " Mony a micklo makes a muckle . " I need not plead with Freemasons about the duty of giving , for it ia a practical expression of our belief in Brotherly Love , and besides
giving , to quote tho words of another distinguished Brother , it becomes our duty to tako an interest in tho working of our charities , and I feel snre , that by occasionally visiting them , and watching , and aiding iu their management , great good would result to our Charities ; let thoso who cannot mako themselves at onco Life Subscribers , and Life Governors sink tho prido they may
feel in seeing their names in print , and give , according to thoir means , towards tho endowment of tho chairs in a Lodge ; in this way , as is done in some of the provinces , greater power in tho management of the Charities is acquired by tho Lodgo , and the success of ono ' s candidates becomes more assured . Another principle on which our Craft is based , is Truth ; wo aro required to rule our every action by
that , unerring volume of truth which lies opon in every Lodge , and which roveals to us the Word of God . I fear that much of the ridiculo to which we aro exposed is owing to tho licence and excess which some few brethren indulge in , and which the laws of tho land do not tolerate even in places of public resort . It was only the other day , when mentioning to a friend our ceremony of to-day , he ob .
served , " It is all moonshine , you aro no bettor than Antediluvian Buffaloes , it is all knife and fork business with yon Masons , only a question of eating and drinking . " Now it can hardly be questioned that this is a prevalent opinion amongst tho uninitiated , and however true it may bo with respect to some few amongst us , I venture to say , that tho great majority of the brethren do act up to the principles they profess , that though they may , like other mortals , havo
their differences , still they do forget and forgive with that brotherly lovo they profess , and reflect in tho general tenour of their lives the grand principles of tho Order . And , brethren , may it please the Grand Architect of the Universe to grant that all tho members of this Lodge may be bright members of tho Craft , and may become living stonos in that Grand Lodgo above whero all secrets shall be revealed .
The ceremony of Consecration was then proceeded with , in accord , anco with the customary formalities . Bro . Buss then introduced Bro . A . Beasley as tho W . M . designate , and Bro . Hervoy most impressively performed the ceremony ot installation . After tho W . M . had been saluted , tho Officers wore invested , as follow : —
Bros . Thomas Kingston W . M . 862 S . W ., H . L . P Kasner 382 J . W ., T . Brown P . M . 780 Treasurer , J . Chambers Roe S . W . 780 Secretary , Burr S . D ., Green J . D ., Compton I . G ., Leonard D . C ., Rev . 0 . G . D . Perrott Chaplain , F . Delevanti Organist , Harrison Tyler . The W . M . said the first duty he had to perform was a pleasant ono indeed , it was to thank Bro . Hervey , and those who had rendered
him such goodly assistance , for their kindness . It was not much the Lodgo could do in return , but he would propose that Bros . Hervey , Fenn , Weaver , Buss , and their Reverend Bro . Perrott , be elected honorary members of tho West Middlesex Lodgo . This proposition was seconded , and unanimously carried . After Bro . Hervey had acknowledged the compliment , for himself and those associated with
him in the day ' s proceedings , tho bye-laws for tho governance of tho Lodgo wero finally approved , and propositions for initiation and joining wero handed in . Tho Lodge was then closed . The brethren afterwards repaired to Brown's Hotel , where an excellent banquet had been provided . After tli 9 cloth had been removed , Bro . Beasley , who presided , rose and said , that he should , during tho
evening , set an example , by only making short speeches . His first toast would he that of the Queen and the Craft . We all honour aud revere Her Majesty tho Qneen , and he was sure all present also honoured and revered the Craft . Tho National Anthem having been sung , the W . M . gave tho toast of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales . It was gratifying to them all to know that tho Prince of
Wales considered it an honour to be at the head of the Order . This toast was followed by the solo and chorus , " God Bless the Prince of Wales . " The next on the list was the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , Lord Skclmersdale , Deputy Grand Master , and the rest of the Grand Officers Present and Past . The Worshipful Master said this toast was of personal interest to the members of tho West
Middlesex Lodge , as tho names of tho most prominent of the Grand Officers had been brought bofore them iu reading tho Lodge Warrant . Bro . Thomas Fenn , Past Grand Deacon , with whoso name he would associate the toast , was a power in Masonry , and whenever he went into a Lodge he conferred an honour on those he visited . Bros . Baxter , Carter and Lawler then sang the glee , " Just liko Love . " Bro . Fenn ,
in replying , thanked tho brethren for tho compliment they had paid him in coupling his namo with the toast . " Just like Love , " is an old saying , and he thought that a gay young batchelor like Bro . Hervey was in a better position to reply after such a song than he who was a grandfather . He had been a member of Grand Lodgo upwards of twelve years , and ho considered the Grand Officers were always
willing and desirous to be of service to members of the Craft , and in consideration of their devotion to Masonry they were honoured with the Purple . These appointments were necessarily limited . Ho had never been at Ealing before , bnt he considered , from its importance , that it ought to be represented in the Parliament of Freemasonry . He considered the remarks of tho Grand Secretary as to the choice of
officers were correct , and that tho prosperity of a Lodge was dependent on careful selection . The next toast , the V . W . the Consecrating Officer , Bro . J . Hervey , G . S ., P . G . D ., was proposed by tho W . M ., who remarked that Bro .