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Reports Of Meetings.
IQ <; 3 and it was a pleasure and a matter to be proud of to look down the list of twenty-two Past Masters dating from 1853 , 1855 , 185 G to 1894 . The I . P . H . having responded , Bro . F . E . W . Collard P . M . returned thanks for the Past Masters , and congratulated the Initiates on the promise thav gave of becoming good and useful Masons . and members of the Lodge .
The health of the Visitors was responded to by Bro . Dr . Klein , who expressed the pleasure it always was to visit No . 19 , and said he never visited a more united Lodge , or one better conducted ; he had never been able to find a fault with the working in the Lodge or the arrangements at the banquet , neither had he heard of anyone elso who could ; he felt he would like to become a member .
The toast of the Treasurer and Secretary was next proposed by the W . M ., who referred in terms of regret to the absence of Bro . H . Glenn P . M ., on account of illness , and to the industry , courtesy , promptness and correctness that Bro . Barnes always imparted into his work , Bro . Barnes P . M ., in response to the Secretary's toast , said he thought the kind remarks as to the Secretary were too good ; the work was necessary ,
and he had tried to do it and apparently had succeeded to their satisfaction ; he was greatly moved on this occasion . There had been two important landmarks in his life , one many years since when he married , and the other this night , having been able to conduct his three sons into Masonry , thus bringing them for the second time into Light . He hoped and believed that they would not only be good members of the Lodge , but working Masons , and that what they wero taught would influence them all their lives .
The toast of tho Officers followed , and the Tyler's toast ended a vory p leasant evening . The speeches were interspersed by some excellent songs and recitations given by Bro . Septimus Marsland and several of the members .
NEW CONCORD LODGE , No . 813 . IF number of Visitors present at a Masonic Installation is to be accepted as any evidence of a Lodge ' s success , then it is fair to say the New Concord Lodge was never more prosperous than at the present time , for tho attendance at the annual meeting held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham Street , on Thursday , was indeed a record one , brought about by the popularity of the new Master , respect for the Secretary , and various other causes .
But even great popularity has its drawback , as was pointod out by the new Master of the Lodge when he presided at tho after proceedings , and had to apologise to the numerous guests for any discomfort they had experienced in being so cramped for room as they had been . The estimate of the attendance had induced them to order for seventy , whereas they had been called upon to provide accommodation for upwards of one hundred , a number
that had severely taxed tho resources of the establishment so far as comfort was concerned , but had been ably met by the management in other respects . Those who have the control of the Lodge wisely consider that any special business arising about this time of the year should be carried through at a Lodge of emergency , and hence it was that the agenda for Thursday recorded that the confirmation of minutes and the Installation
would alone require attention . The Lodge was opened by Bro . J . Downing W . M ., who was supported by Bros . H . Sprake S . W ., H . D . Blake J . W ., J . R . Cordell P . M . Treas ., A . J . Potter P . M . Sec , G . Simpson J . D ., R . Clarke I . G ., C . Weeden P . M ., C . H . Ockleford P . M ., T . B . Richards P . M ., E . Levesquo P . M ., several other members , and a numerous assembly of Visitors .
The Treasurer of the Lodge carried through the Installation in the absence of Past Master Cusworth , who usually discharges that duty in this Lodge , but is just now laid up , and right well did he perform the task , inducting Bro . Herbert Sprake into the chair with full ceremonial . In due course the new Master appointed and invested his assistant
Officers as follow : Blake S . W ., J . I . Moar J . W ., 0 . I . Stevens , M . A ., Chaplain , Cordell P . M . Treasurer , Potter P . M . Secretary , Simpson S . D ., Clarke J . D ., J . J . Lewin I . G ., C . Weeden P . M . D . C ., W . M . Johnson A . D . C ., T . B . Richards , H . J . Davey , and T . W . Couch Stewards , A . K . Tuberfield Tyler .
The Lodge was then closed , and the Brethren proceeded to the banquet , after which the usual Loyal toasts were honoured . In submitting that of the Grand Officers the Worshipful Master said the Craft had had many good men enrolled on its list of Grand Officers . That night they had among them Bro . Hogard , a Past Grand Standard Bearer of England , who had , well performed his duties , and to whom they tendered a most hearty welcome .
Brother Hogard felt it a high honour to be called upon to respond for so important a toast . Those who ruled over the Craft not only ruled in Grand Lodge , but took a great interest in Freemasonry . The Prince of Wales , Lord Lathom , Lord Mount-Edgcumbe , and many others had one and all shown their interest on behalf of the charities , and in other ways had striven to uphold the dignity of Freemasonry . In this connection they could not
forget the splendid services of the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe , whose early work in the office of Deputy Grand Master was the presidency at the Jubilee Festival of the Benevolent Institution , when upwards of £ 69 , 000 was secured . Brother Hogard hoped all the other Grand Officers did equally what they could to promote the welfare of Freemasonry and advance the interests of its charities .
The Immediate Past Master proposed the health of the W . M . He felt all would agree with him it was no sinecure to occupy the chair in the New Concord Lodge . Ho felt the Worshipful Master installed that night would be a shining light on the horizon of the Lodge , and would make for himself a reputation among the rulers who had preceeded him . Bro . Sprake had been initiated in that Lodge some twenty years since , and was fully qualified to discharge the duties of the chair . The toast met a very hearty reception .
. in response , the Master said he could not say all he felt , but he thanked them from the bottom of his heart for the particularly kind way in which they had just endorsed the remarks of the Immediate Past Master . It was m 1877 that he was initiated as a member of the New Concord Lodge , which at that time met at the old Rosemary Branch , and was presided over by Bro . Cusworth . It might seem strange that he had not sooner ocemjied the
chair of Master , but other duties had made such calls upon his time ihat ho had not felt in a position to assume the responsibilities of the office , as he did not feel himself capable at any earlier date of doing his duty to the Lodge as a true Craftsman . It was this reason alone that had delayed his Installation , and not anv lack of interest in the welfare of the Lodge or the Craft at . larao .
It had long been his wish to occupy the chair of his mother Lodge , and he had hoped to do so there before rising to the distinction of Master elsewhere , but the office of Master was ofieied bim at the Highbury Lodge last year , and he had accepted it , but he hoped the fact of his doing so would not be considered as showing any disrespect to the New Concord . Theirs was a ° ornparatively young Lodge , an offshoot , he believed , of the Old Concord , whose members felt a division would prove a relief to that Lodge . Coming
Reports Of Meetings.
again to their own Lodge and to the present day , he might say no one was more gratified than himself to see the increase of members from time to time . He felt they might compare favourably with any Lodge in London , indeed with any one throughout the country , and it would not be through any fault on his part if the Lodge lost any of its lustre . Might they go on and prosper was his earnest desire , aud to make the future of the Lodge as much , a success as its past would be his constant endeavour .
Tho next toast was that of the Initiates , who , the Master said , had been received at a Lodge of Emergency , when thero was no chance of giving them tho hearty welcome he cousiderod Initiates deserved . He therefore called upon the Brethren to honour Brothers Johnson , Hines and Cole on this occasion .
Bra . Johnson returned thanks for his initiation , and for the reception accorded him and his fellow Initiates that night . He hoped he should be able to work his way up , and become as bright in the Masonic world as his health and his age would permit . Bro . Hines could only say he hoped to be able to live up to the principles of Freemasonry and trusted he should never bring discredit upon the Craft in general or on this New Concord Lodge , of which he was proud to be a member .
Bro . Cole also responded , tendering his thanks , and hoping the kindly sentiments of tho Brethren would be repaid by his subsequent actions in Freomasonry . Next on the list was tho toast of tho Immediate Past Master . The W . M . said those who knew Bro . Downing loved him , and that was saying much in his praise . He was a Brother who had worked very hard in the
Craft , as was proved by his position , taken in connection with his age and juvenile appearance . If he had not worked hard he could not have risen to the position he had occupied in the New Concord Lodge . The Master hoped the Brethren would extend to him the same courtesy and encouragement they had shown to the Immediate Past Master during his year's office . There was an especial pleasure associated with the proposition of this toast , as it was the custom of the Lodge to present to all the Masters who deserved it a Past
Masters jewel on the termination of their year of office . Needless to say it was the wish of the Lodge that Bro . Downing should be so honoured—in his case the jewel was richly deserved and had rightly been voted with enthusiasm . He trusted tho jewel ho now had the pleasure of presenting would be a reminder of pleasant days spent in the Lodge , and an incentive to the children of his predecessor to desire to carry out the true principles of Freemasonry as their father had done .
Tho I . P . M . replied , tendering thanks for the very flattering way in which his name had been received . He felt an apology was due to the members , as he had not personally worked the ceremony of Installation that day , but circumstances beyond his control had prevented his doing so . He
hoped he had done nothing during his term of office to detract from the honour and lustre of tho Lodge . He had been eight years in the various Offices , and had only once been absent from his post . He had at all times felt a pleasure in the work and hoped he had added to the reputation . of the Lodge .
The Master regarded the next toast—that of the Installing Master—as an important one , and especially worthy of honour from the fact that Bro . Cordell had undertaken the duty at very short notice . The installation was usually conducted in their Lodge by Bro . Cusworth , but ill health prevented his attendance that night . Then Brother Weeden had beer , asked to carry out the work , and he readily agreed to do it , but here again
illness prevented and Brother Cordell was asked only the day before to work the ceremony . His performance that day was proof of his zeal for the Craft , for it must be admitted he had done exceedingly well , and in view of the short notice he had received had really excelled . But they had to thank Brother Cordell in another way , for in addition to being a zealous and good Mason he was probably one of the best Treasurers to be found anywhere .
Brother Cordell responded . As he had said in the Lodge he very much regretted that neither of his senior Past Blasters was present that day , apart from which fact he had been much gratified in performing the work . He felt a pleasure in saying that the Lodge was making satisfactory progress
and he trusted that when the present Master retired from office he should bo able to report that the Lodge was as well off as it was at the commencement of his year of office . The toast of the Past Masters was next given , the ruler of the Lodge paying a well deserved tribute to each in turn .
Bro . Barclett responded . It was very gratifying after being associated with the Lodge so long as he had been to see it so flourishing . He had never witnessed a meeting such as that night ' s ; and was delighted that the New Concord was so favourably regarded . In 1870 , when he was Master on the first occasion , he was heart and soul in the Lodge , and had felt an interest in its welfare ever since . In 1875 he was requisitioned again for the chair , and was again very successful . In that year it came to his knowledge that
a change was about to be made in the amount needed to qualify a Lodge as Vice President of the Charities , the price for the near future being one hundred guineas , instead of the fifty it then was . He called a Lodge of Emergency and asked for sufficient funds from the Lodge to make it Vice President of the three at the old rate , and that was at once voted . He , was always delighted to see the Lodge prosporing , and felt it had promise of even better times in future .
Bro . Gabb also responded , saying that although he had in his time taken an active part , in the work of the Lodge he had of late been rather neglectful , but ho felt the conduct of affairs was in good hands . Brother Pierpoint could but regret how one ' s name gradually worked towards the top of the list of Past Masters , as they thereby had evidence of the loss of old friends , Brethren who had worked with them in years gone by and now , alas , were no more . He , too , was gratified at the present prospects of the Lodge .
The toast of the Visitors was next given from the chair , the reception accorded by the Master aud his fellow members being commensurate with the splendid array of guests . Bro . W . M . Stiles , who had just joined the party , was the first to respond , and he took advantago of the opportunity of thanking all the members of the New Concord Lodge , and many of the Visitors who were known to him , for
the way iu which they had supported his candidature for the Grand Treosurership , in which , by their assistance , he had been successful . ' Bros . Elliott , Dearing , Pierpoint , Townley and Jefferies also responded . Now followed one of the chief events of the meeting—the proposition of the toast of the Secretary . The Master considered the Lodge had , if not the best , at least one of the best Secretaries it was possible to find anywhere
and when he said that on this occasion they had a sort of prize packet for Brother Potter he felt it was nothing more than he richly deserved . It was gratifying to know that every member of the Lodge had been pleased to lend a hand in the work of presenting to their Secretary some tangible recognition of his services , and as a result he that night had the pleasure of presenting to Brother Potter several useful articles which he hoped would
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Meetings.
IQ <; 3 and it was a pleasure and a matter to be proud of to look down the list of twenty-two Past Masters dating from 1853 , 1855 , 185 G to 1894 . The I . P . H . having responded , Bro . F . E . W . Collard P . M . returned thanks for the Past Masters , and congratulated the Initiates on the promise thav gave of becoming good and useful Masons . and members of the Lodge .
The health of the Visitors was responded to by Bro . Dr . Klein , who expressed the pleasure it always was to visit No . 19 , and said he never visited a more united Lodge , or one better conducted ; he had never been able to find a fault with the working in the Lodge or the arrangements at the banquet , neither had he heard of anyone elso who could ; he felt he would like to become a member .
The toast of the Treasurer and Secretary was next proposed by the W . M ., who referred in terms of regret to the absence of Bro . H . Glenn P . M ., on account of illness , and to the industry , courtesy , promptness and correctness that Bro . Barnes always imparted into his work , Bro . Barnes P . M ., in response to the Secretary's toast , said he thought the kind remarks as to the Secretary were too good ; the work was necessary ,
and he had tried to do it and apparently had succeeded to their satisfaction ; he was greatly moved on this occasion . There had been two important landmarks in his life , one many years since when he married , and the other this night , having been able to conduct his three sons into Masonry , thus bringing them for the second time into Light . He hoped and believed that they would not only be good members of the Lodge , but working Masons , and that what they wero taught would influence them all their lives .
The toast of tho Officers followed , and the Tyler's toast ended a vory p leasant evening . The speeches were interspersed by some excellent songs and recitations given by Bro . Septimus Marsland and several of the members .
NEW CONCORD LODGE , No . 813 . IF number of Visitors present at a Masonic Installation is to be accepted as any evidence of a Lodge ' s success , then it is fair to say the New Concord Lodge was never more prosperous than at the present time , for tho attendance at the annual meeting held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham Street , on Thursday , was indeed a record one , brought about by the popularity of the new Master , respect for the Secretary , and various other causes .
But even great popularity has its drawback , as was pointod out by the new Master of the Lodge when he presided at tho after proceedings , and had to apologise to the numerous guests for any discomfort they had experienced in being so cramped for room as they had been . The estimate of the attendance had induced them to order for seventy , whereas they had been called upon to provide accommodation for upwards of one hundred , a number
that had severely taxed tho resources of the establishment so far as comfort was concerned , but had been ably met by the management in other respects . Those who have the control of the Lodge wisely consider that any special business arising about this time of the year should be carried through at a Lodge of emergency , and hence it was that the agenda for Thursday recorded that the confirmation of minutes and the Installation
would alone require attention . The Lodge was opened by Bro . J . Downing W . M ., who was supported by Bros . H . Sprake S . W ., H . D . Blake J . W ., J . R . Cordell P . M . Treas ., A . J . Potter P . M . Sec , G . Simpson J . D ., R . Clarke I . G ., C . Weeden P . M ., C . H . Ockleford P . M ., T . B . Richards P . M ., E . Levesquo P . M ., several other members , and a numerous assembly of Visitors .
The Treasurer of the Lodge carried through the Installation in the absence of Past Master Cusworth , who usually discharges that duty in this Lodge , but is just now laid up , and right well did he perform the task , inducting Bro . Herbert Sprake into the chair with full ceremonial . In due course the new Master appointed and invested his assistant
Officers as follow : Blake S . W ., J . I . Moar J . W ., 0 . I . Stevens , M . A ., Chaplain , Cordell P . M . Treasurer , Potter P . M . Secretary , Simpson S . D ., Clarke J . D ., J . J . Lewin I . G ., C . Weeden P . M . D . C ., W . M . Johnson A . D . C ., T . B . Richards , H . J . Davey , and T . W . Couch Stewards , A . K . Tuberfield Tyler .
The Lodge was then closed , and the Brethren proceeded to the banquet , after which the usual Loyal toasts were honoured . In submitting that of the Grand Officers the Worshipful Master said the Craft had had many good men enrolled on its list of Grand Officers . That night they had among them Bro . Hogard , a Past Grand Standard Bearer of England , who had , well performed his duties , and to whom they tendered a most hearty welcome .
Brother Hogard felt it a high honour to be called upon to respond for so important a toast . Those who ruled over the Craft not only ruled in Grand Lodge , but took a great interest in Freemasonry . The Prince of Wales , Lord Lathom , Lord Mount-Edgcumbe , and many others had one and all shown their interest on behalf of the charities , and in other ways had striven to uphold the dignity of Freemasonry . In this connection they could not
forget the splendid services of the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe , whose early work in the office of Deputy Grand Master was the presidency at the Jubilee Festival of the Benevolent Institution , when upwards of £ 69 , 000 was secured . Brother Hogard hoped all the other Grand Officers did equally what they could to promote the welfare of Freemasonry and advance the interests of its charities .
The Immediate Past Master proposed the health of the W . M . He felt all would agree with him it was no sinecure to occupy the chair in the New Concord Lodge . Ho felt the Worshipful Master installed that night would be a shining light on the horizon of the Lodge , and would make for himself a reputation among the rulers who had preceeded him . Bro . Sprake had been initiated in that Lodge some twenty years since , and was fully qualified to discharge the duties of the chair . The toast met a very hearty reception .
. in response , the Master said he could not say all he felt , but he thanked them from the bottom of his heart for the particularly kind way in which they had just endorsed the remarks of the Immediate Past Master . It was m 1877 that he was initiated as a member of the New Concord Lodge , which at that time met at the old Rosemary Branch , and was presided over by Bro . Cusworth . It might seem strange that he had not sooner ocemjied the
chair of Master , but other duties had made such calls upon his time ihat ho had not felt in a position to assume the responsibilities of the office , as he did not feel himself capable at any earlier date of doing his duty to the Lodge as a true Craftsman . It was this reason alone that had delayed his Installation , and not anv lack of interest in the welfare of the Lodge or the Craft at . larao .
It had long been his wish to occupy the chair of his mother Lodge , and he had hoped to do so there before rising to the distinction of Master elsewhere , but the office of Master was ofieied bim at the Highbury Lodge last year , and he had accepted it , but he hoped the fact of his doing so would not be considered as showing any disrespect to the New Concord . Theirs was a ° ornparatively young Lodge , an offshoot , he believed , of the Old Concord , whose members felt a division would prove a relief to that Lodge . Coming
Reports Of Meetings.
again to their own Lodge and to the present day , he might say no one was more gratified than himself to see the increase of members from time to time . He felt they might compare favourably with any Lodge in London , indeed with any one throughout the country , and it would not be through any fault on his part if the Lodge lost any of its lustre . Might they go on and prosper was his earnest desire , aud to make the future of the Lodge as much , a success as its past would be his constant endeavour .
Tho next toast was that of the Initiates , who , the Master said , had been received at a Lodge of Emergency , when thero was no chance of giving them tho hearty welcome he cousiderod Initiates deserved . He therefore called upon the Brethren to honour Brothers Johnson , Hines and Cole on this occasion .
Bra . Johnson returned thanks for his initiation , and for the reception accorded him and his fellow Initiates that night . He hoped he should be able to work his way up , and become as bright in the Masonic world as his health and his age would permit . Bro . Hines could only say he hoped to be able to live up to the principles of Freemasonry and trusted he should never bring discredit upon the Craft in general or on this New Concord Lodge , of which he was proud to be a member .
Bro . Cole also responded , tendering his thanks , and hoping the kindly sentiments of tho Brethren would be repaid by his subsequent actions in Freomasonry . Next on the list was tho toast of tho Immediate Past Master . The W . M . said those who knew Bro . Downing loved him , and that was saying much in his praise . He was a Brother who had worked very hard in the
Craft , as was proved by his position , taken in connection with his age and juvenile appearance . If he had not worked hard he could not have risen to the position he had occupied in the New Concord Lodge . The Master hoped the Brethren would extend to him the same courtesy and encouragement they had shown to the Immediate Past Master during his year's office . There was an especial pleasure associated with the proposition of this toast , as it was the custom of the Lodge to present to all the Masters who deserved it a Past
Masters jewel on the termination of their year of office . Needless to say it was the wish of the Lodge that Bro . Downing should be so honoured—in his case the jewel was richly deserved and had rightly been voted with enthusiasm . He trusted tho jewel ho now had the pleasure of presenting would be a reminder of pleasant days spent in the Lodge , and an incentive to the children of his predecessor to desire to carry out the true principles of Freemasonry as their father had done .
Tho I . P . M . replied , tendering thanks for the very flattering way in which his name had been received . He felt an apology was due to the members , as he had not personally worked the ceremony of Installation that day , but circumstances beyond his control had prevented his doing so . He
hoped he had done nothing during his term of office to detract from the honour and lustre of tho Lodge . He had been eight years in the various Offices , and had only once been absent from his post . He had at all times felt a pleasure in the work and hoped he had added to the reputation . of the Lodge .
The Master regarded the next toast—that of the Installing Master—as an important one , and especially worthy of honour from the fact that Bro . Cordell had undertaken the duty at very short notice . The installation was usually conducted in their Lodge by Bro . Cusworth , but ill health prevented his attendance that night . Then Brother Weeden had beer , asked to carry out the work , and he readily agreed to do it , but here again
illness prevented and Brother Cordell was asked only the day before to work the ceremony . His performance that day was proof of his zeal for the Craft , for it must be admitted he had done exceedingly well , and in view of the short notice he had received had really excelled . But they had to thank Brother Cordell in another way , for in addition to being a zealous and good Mason he was probably one of the best Treasurers to be found anywhere .
Brother Cordell responded . As he had said in the Lodge he very much regretted that neither of his senior Past Blasters was present that day , apart from which fact he had been much gratified in performing the work . He felt a pleasure in saying that the Lodge was making satisfactory progress
and he trusted that when the present Master retired from office he should bo able to report that the Lodge was as well off as it was at the commencement of his year of office . The toast of the Past Masters was next given , the ruler of the Lodge paying a well deserved tribute to each in turn .
Bro . Barclett responded . It was very gratifying after being associated with the Lodge so long as he had been to see it so flourishing . He had never witnessed a meeting such as that night ' s ; and was delighted that the New Concord was so favourably regarded . In 1870 , when he was Master on the first occasion , he was heart and soul in the Lodge , and had felt an interest in its welfare ever since . In 1875 he was requisitioned again for the chair , and was again very successful . In that year it came to his knowledge that
a change was about to be made in the amount needed to qualify a Lodge as Vice President of the Charities , the price for the near future being one hundred guineas , instead of the fifty it then was . He called a Lodge of Emergency and asked for sufficient funds from the Lodge to make it Vice President of the three at the old rate , and that was at once voted . He , was always delighted to see the Lodge prosporing , and felt it had promise of even better times in future .
Bro . Gabb also responded , saying that although he had in his time taken an active part , in the work of the Lodge he had of late been rather neglectful , but ho felt the conduct of affairs was in good hands . Brother Pierpoint could but regret how one ' s name gradually worked towards the top of the list of Past Masters , as they thereby had evidence of the loss of old friends , Brethren who had worked with them in years gone by and now , alas , were no more . He , too , was gratified at the present prospects of the Lodge .
The toast of the Visitors was next given from the chair , the reception accorded by the Master aud his fellow members being commensurate with the splendid array of guests . Bro . W . M . Stiles , who had just joined the party , was the first to respond , and he took advantago of the opportunity of thanking all the members of the New Concord Lodge , and many of the Visitors who were known to him , for
the way iu which they had supported his candidature for the Grand Treosurership , in which , by their assistance , he had been successful . ' Bros . Elliott , Dearing , Pierpoint , Townley and Jefferies also responded . Now followed one of the chief events of the meeting—the proposition of the toast of the Secretary . The Master considered the Lodge had , if not the best , at least one of the best Secretaries it was possible to find anywhere
and when he said that on this occasion they had a sort of prize packet for Brother Potter he felt it was nothing more than he richly deserved . It was gratifying to know that every member of the Lodge had been pleased to lend a hand in the work of presenting to their Secretary some tangible recognition of his services , and as a result he that night had the pleasure of presenting to Brother Potter several useful articles which he hoped would