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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Installation Meetings, &C.
hundred , provided the three gentleman proposed that evening wero elected , that some steps should be taken to keep it from increasing too rapidly ; ho thought it was inadvisable to go far beyoud the membership they now numbered ; he would therefore propose that a sort of sliding scale in the initiation fees should bo adopted . Up to one hundred he thought no alteration shonld be made , bnt for every
five above that number , he proposed an addition of five guineas ; he also suggested an increase in the joining fee . The propositions appeared to be woll received , and will doubtless be fully discussed at the ensuing meeting . We would however suggest to the members of the City of London Lodge they might adopt some other conrse to keep their numbers within bounds . Wo are aware that the plan of
increasing the fees is often tried , and though it may be successful in some instances , we know several where it has led to trouble nnd discontent . We are also of opinion that it is opposed to tho true spirit of Freemasonry , as it is nothing more than imposing a monetary qualification . Tho Lodge in question has proved itself a popular one , and its fees aro paid willingly . What will be the result of an
increase in the dnes ? Not that better men will offer themselves , but that only those to whom an additional five guineas is of no consideration will come forward . Men who had hoped some clay to welcome their friends into the Lodge will be disappointed , while others who have perhaps expressed a desire to join will have to withdraw , or entail an expense they cannot afford . In such case we
think it far better to stop receiving initiates , at any price , unless it bo to fill up vacancies which must of necessity occur . But the sliding scale proposed in the City of London Lodge offers further objections ; if one increase is bad , several will be worse . What will bo tho effect of admitting two men on one evening , one nt fifteen guineas and the other at twenty ? How will the lesson of equality be impressed on
the latter ? and then , who is to decide as to whose candidate is to be the hundred and fifth , and whose the hundred and sixth ? Is there to be a rush as to who shall propose his first , and is the Master ' s decision to be considered final , as at an auction . Really if such an event occurred it would be nothing less than bidding for tbe fifteen guinea nomination in opposition to the twenty guinea one .
The brother who was declared to have lost the former would perhaps feel somewhat aggrieved ; he would have to explain tho matter to his friend , who would find himself placed in a very awkward position . He must either decline to go on , and risk the chance of being considered mean , or , perhaps worse , he may enter the Institution with a feeling that an advantage was taken of him at the outset , and thafc
bis initiation cost him more than be cared to spend on ifc . As we have said , the matter is to bo discussed , nnd we hope some better means of settling the question will be found ; if not , we can bnt hope that the harmony and good feeling evinced in the Lodge will continue . Other matters of business having been disposed of , the Lodge was closed . At the banquet which followed the W . M .
presided most genially , and in due conrse proceeded with the customary toasts . The I . P . M . proposed the health of the Master . One of the chief pleasures of lieing I . P . M . was that of having to propose tho health of the W . M . He was very son-y , for Bro . Candy , that the task had not fallen into better hands , as ho felt he could not do sufficient honour to the toast , although ho felt as proud that evening
as thongh Bro . Cuudy was verily his own brother . He felt that next year they wonld have a Master who had never been surpassed in the Lodge , and this was more particularly noticeable when they considered his Masonic age , for it must be remembered that he was but four years old that night . Their new Master had already acquitted himself wonderfully well , and he felt the brethren would , one and
all , rally round him , and give him their support during hia year of office , which , he ventured to prophesy , would bo a most happy and prosperous one . The W . M . tendered his thanks . As the I . P . M . had told them , ho was only fonr years old in Freemasonry ; he trusted , therefore , they would pardon any little shortcomings he might be gnilty of , either in tho ruling of the Lodge or tbe general workinf
of Freemasonry . He should do his best , as nn old man of four years of age , to give them satisfaction , but ho could not hope to attain to the perfection of his predecessor . He then proposed the health of the Immediate Past Master . It was not only in that position , bnt also as their Installing Master , that they toasted him that day . The combination of the two positions was not a regnlar one , and
when ifc did occur—and the brother who installed his successor did it so ably and impressively—it was a great credit to him . Bro . Beaumont's work that day was certainly a feather in his cap . Ifc had afforded pleasure to all who listened to it , while to him personallv it had created a sensation of pleasure which had made an impression on his mind which would never be effaced . He had now the <* roat
pleasuro of pinning on his breast a Past Master ' s jewel , and he did so knowing that it had been well earned and thoroughly deserved . Bro . Beaumont expressed his gratitude . He could only say that if the members considered he had done bis duty he felt very proud ; if he had given them satisfaction , ho was proud indeed . Ho looked npon the jewel they had so kindly voted him , as a mark of t he
good feeling that had always existed between the members of the City of London Lodge and himself , and more particularly during the year of his Mastership . Ho could bnt again thank them . The other toasts usual on such occasions wore duly honoured , and the brethren separated . Among the visitors wero Bros . J . Chnmlcy S AV 1556 , R . AVhitaker 1042 , W . Johnson 861 , A . Orton 1287 , H . ' It ..
Fletcher 1601 , F . Fnnston IGQo , AV . Beauchamp 167 , C . Stuart ] 191 E . G . Rolls ? 54 , B . J . AVoolfo 720 , AV . G . King 77 P . P . G . O . Kent [ S . Pardoo 1585 , James Smith P . M . 201 , J . Dcmie D . C I'D '* ' J . Magrath AV . M . 1306 , C . Veal P . M : 1306 , James Cooper AV M 5-, ' T . C . Parker P . M . 1026 , A . Short 319 , AV . Fowles 471 , F . Orehnni S . AV . 198 , VV . Cnbitt S . D . 193 , C . Daniel P . M . 65 , J . Blnndell AV M
742 , 11 . Cuff , AV . AV . Cadd 172 S , Richard Brnco 957 , J . H . Champnc-s 18 , AV . Currv , AV . A . Burrows 1021 , AV . H . Easey , C H . Cox 188 and 1 S 39 , C . Arkell P . M . 192 , T . AVigglesworth 15 , E . Knox 554 , J . Barber Glenn 3 , C . Handley 475 , J . Perkins 933 , J . E . Binder I . G . 1707 , AV . Shepherd 754 , C H . Rawlins 751 , H . J . Amphlett 1511 , J . c ' Whiddington 1827 , W . AV . Morgan jun . J . W . 1107 .
Installation Meetings, &C.
MONTEFIORE LODGE , No . 1017 .
THE annual meeting of this Lodge was held on Wednosday , 25 th inst ., at the Regent Masonio Hall , Regent-street , under the presidency of Bro . S . V . Abraham W . M . There were present Bros . M . Levy S . W ., John Syer J . W ., L . Jacobs Treasurer , E . P . Albert P . G . P . Secretary , AV . Mann S . D ., W . H . Benjamin J . D ., D . M . Davis Organist , Maurice H . Leviton I . G ., N . P . Vallentine Steward , L . J . Salomons I . P . M ., J . Lazarus P . M ., J . Grunebaum P . M ., S . Pollitzer
P . M ., A . Blnmenthal P . M . and a numerous attendance of members and visitors . Lodge having beeu opened with the customary formalities , the ballot was brought into requisition . Messrs . J . Manger and Lnigi Ricci offering themselves as candidates for initiation . The voting being in their favour , they were duly initiated into the Order . Bro . Myers having answered the necessary { questions , was raised
to tho degree of Master Mason . A proposition was brought forward by the W . M . that the snm of five guineas be voted from the Lodge towards the Fund being raised for the relief of the Russian Jews ; this being soconded by Bro . Syer W . M . elect , waa put to the Lodge , and carried unanimously . The same brethren also desired that a like amount should be voted to the Jewish Board of Guardians , aud this
proposition was also carried unanimously . The AV . M . elect was then presented to the Lodge , obligated , and installed into the chair ; he afterwards appointed the following brethren as his Officers : —Bros . Mann S . AV ., Benjamin J . W ., Jacobs Treasurer , Albert Secretary , Vallentine S . D ., Davis J . D ., Davis Organist , Gulliford I . G ., L . J . Salomons Past Master D . C , A . Solomons Steward . Lodge was
then closed , and tho brethren proceeded to tho banqnet room , where banquet was served under fche direction of Bro . M . Silver . Afc tho conclusion of the repast the AVorshipful Master proceeded with tho usual toasts . After that of the Queen , tho National Anthem was sung ; and after that of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master , a song by Mr . J . W . Thompson . The W . M . in proposing
the toasfc of the Pro Grand Master , & o . referred to the presence that evening of Brothers Martyn , Thomas , and Clarke , all distinguished Officers of G . Lodge , and—so far as the Montefiore Lodge was concerned—of an even more distinguished brother , in Bro . Albert , their Secretary . For the Grand Officers generally , he felfc he need say nothing to recommend the toast to the brethren present , as all
must know that to attain to an office in Grand Lodge necessitated a great amount of work in the Craft . He had pleasure in coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Martyn . Thafc brother tendered his sincere thanks . Of the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon it was not necessary for him to say much ; his ability in Freemasonry was too well known to need recapitulation on the present occasion .
He well and worthily presides over Grand Lodge whenever he is present—as he often is . The name of the Earl of Lathom was also honoured throughout the Craffc ; was , indeed , a household word in Masonry . With two such noblemen afc fche head of the Craft , Masons might justly be proud . Speaking personally , Brother Martyn considered it a great compliment to be called upon to respond to thia
toast , more particularly so as he waa present at the installation cere , mony last year . Such a compliment convinced him that he did nofc disgrace himself then . He conld but say a word in praise of the manner in which the work thafc night had been carried out . Per . sonally he was acquainted with every word of the ceremonies the Immediate Past Master had worked that evening , and he felfc
justified in saying that Brother Abraham had acquitted himself most efficiently . He did not approve of the system adopted by somo brethren to praise indiscriminately , but he felt thafc where praise was due—as it was in the case of their I . P . M . —it shonld be bestowed . He was pleased to seo that the Lodge was in admirable working order , and well manned ; and trusted it would ever
go on advancing further and further iu the course of excellence ifc had enjoyed in the past . After a song , the I . P . M . assumed the gavel , and in appropriate terms proposed the health of tbe Master . It had been trnly observed that no Master was efficient until he had retired from the chair , as it was hardly to be expected that any one fresh to tho office could know the working . He knew that the present
Master of the Lodge entered upon his office with the fnll iutention of doing all in his power to advance the interests of the Lodge , and if any ono could prove the exception to the rule , ifc was he . Hia own ability in the Craft led them to hope that he would retain tbe Lodge in the position which ifc had occupied in the past . He sincerely hoped that at the end of his year of office he would feel that he had
received as much assistance at the hands of the brethren as he ( the speaker ) had enjoyed during the past year . The AV . M . tendered his sincere thanks . He did not like to make promises , as he always felfc , as regarded others , that he should like to see them after they had had an opportunity of fulfilling what thoy had promised . He concluded by proposing the health of the Initiates . Every Master was
only too glad to propose this toast , for when he passed night after nighfc without it , it shewed thero must be something wrong , either with the Lodge or with its Master . Tho Lodge had received , during tho past year , more initiates than during any other year sinco he had been connected with it , and ho felt he had a very hard task bofore him to maintain tho Lodge in that respect . To the initiates
themselves , ho wonld say that they had joined an Order which could hardl y bring aught but good to them . They might have thought that Freemasonry was a mere idle form , but when they camo to know more of ifc thoy would find ifc was something to belong to which meant advantage in many ways . It was a wellknown maxim that a man could not be a good Mason and at tho same time a bad man ; indeed , ho considered ifc almost ; impossible
for a man after once becoming a Mason to degenerate into a bad man . Each of the initiates having replied , the Master gave the toasfc of the Immediate Past Master . He felt the toast waa one which would be acceptable to all . Ifc was tho ensfcom among Masons to present to tho Master some little testimonial—if ho might be allowed to nse tbe word—to show the appreciation of tho brethren for tho way in which their ruler had eudeavonrod to advance tho interests of the Lodge , and he had great pleasure iu presenting auoh
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Installation Meetings, &C.
hundred , provided the three gentleman proposed that evening wero elected , that some steps should be taken to keep it from increasing too rapidly ; ho thought it was inadvisable to go far beyoud the membership they now numbered ; he would therefore propose that a sort of sliding scale in the initiation fees should bo adopted . Up to one hundred he thought no alteration shonld be made , bnt for every
five above that number , he proposed an addition of five guineas ; he also suggested an increase in the joining fee . The propositions appeared to be woll received , and will doubtless be fully discussed at the ensuing meeting . We would however suggest to the members of the City of London Lodge they might adopt some other conrse to keep their numbers within bounds . Wo are aware that the plan of
increasing the fees is often tried , and though it may be successful in some instances , we know several where it has led to trouble nnd discontent . We are also of opinion that it is opposed to tho true spirit of Freemasonry , as it is nothing more than imposing a monetary qualification . Tho Lodge in question has proved itself a popular one , and its fees aro paid willingly . What will be the result of an
increase in the dnes ? Not that better men will offer themselves , but that only those to whom an additional five guineas is of no consideration will come forward . Men who had hoped some clay to welcome their friends into the Lodge will be disappointed , while others who have perhaps expressed a desire to join will have to withdraw , or entail an expense they cannot afford . In such case we
think it far better to stop receiving initiates , at any price , unless it bo to fill up vacancies which must of necessity occur . But the sliding scale proposed in the City of London Lodge offers further objections ; if one increase is bad , several will be worse . What will bo tho effect of admitting two men on one evening , one nt fifteen guineas and the other at twenty ? How will the lesson of equality be impressed on
the latter ? and then , who is to decide as to whose candidate is to be the hundred and fifth , and whose the hundred and sixth ? Is there to be a rush as to who shall propose his first , and is the Master ' s decision to be considered final , as at an auction . Really if such an event occurred it would be nothing less than bidding for tbe fifteen guinea nomination in opposition to the twenty guinea one .
The brother who was declared to have lost the former would perhaps feel somewhat aggrieved ; he would have to explain tho matter to his friend , who would find himself placed in a very awkward position . He must either decline to go on , and risk the chance of being considered mean , or , perhaps worse , he may enter the Institution with a feeling that an advantage was taken of him at the outset , and thafc
bis initiation cost him more than be cared to spend on ifc . As we have said , the matter is to bo discussed , nnd we hope some better means of settling the question will be found ; if not , we can bnt hope that the harmony and good feeling evinced in the Lodge will continue . Other matters of business having been disposed of , the Lodge was closed . At the banquet which followed the W . M .
presided most genially , and in due conrse proceeded with the customary toasts . The I . P . M . proposed the health of the Master . One of the chief pleasures of lieing I . P . M . was that of having to propose tho health of the W . M . He was very son-y , for Bro . Candy , that the task had not fallen into better hands , as ho felt he could not do sufficient honour to the toast , although ho felt as proud that evening
as thongh Bro . Cuudy was verily his own brother . He felt that next year they wonld have a Master who had never been surpassed in the Lodge , and this was more particularly noticeable when they considered his Masonic age , for it must be remembered that he was but four years old that night . Their new Master had already acquitted himself wonderfully well , and he felt the brethren would , one and
all , rally round him , and give him their support during hia year of office , which , he ventured to prophesy , would bo a most happy and prosperous one . The W . M . tendered his thanks . As the I . P . M . had told them , ho was only fonr years old in Freemasonry ; he trusted , therefore , they would pardon any little shortcomings he might be gnilty of , either in tho ruling of the Lodge or tbe general workinf
of Freemasonry . He should do his best , as nn old man of four years of age , to give them satisfaction , but ho could not hope to attain to the perfection of his predecessor . He then proposed the health of the Immediate Past Master . It was not only in that position , bnt also as their Installing Master , that they toasted him that day . The combination of the two positions was not a regnlar one , and
when ifc did occur—and the brother who installed his successor did it so ably and impressively—it was a great credit to him . Bro . Beaumont's work that day was certainly a feather in his cap . Ifc had afforded pleasure to all who listened to it , while to him personallv it had created a sensation of pleasure which had made an impression on his mind which would never be effaced . He had now the <* roat
pleasuro of pinning on his breast a Past Master ' s jewel , and he did so knowing that it had been well earned and thoroughly deserved . Bro . Beaumont expressed his gratitude . He could only say that if the members considered he had done bis duty he felt very proud ; if he had given them satisfaction , ho was proud indeed . Ho looked npon the jewel they had so kindly voted him , as a mark of t he
good feeling that had always existed between the members of the City of London Lodge and himself , and more particularly during the year of his Mastership . Ho could bnt again thank them . The other toasts usual on such occasions wore duly honoured , and the brethren separated . Among the visitors wero Bros . J . Chnmlcy S AV 1556 , R . AVhitaker 1042 , W . Johnson 861 , A . Orton 1287 , H . ' It ..
Fletcher 1601 , F . Fnnston IGQo , AV . Beauchamp 167 , C . Stuart ] 191 E . G . Rolls ? 54 , B . J . AVoolfo 720 , AV . G . King 77 P . P . G . O . Kent [ S . Pardoo 1585 , James Smith P . M . 201 , J . Dcmie D . C I'D '* ' J . Magrath AV . M . 1306 , C . Veal P . M : 1306 , James Cooper AV M 5-, ' T . C . Parker P . M . 1026 , A . Short 319 , AV . Fowles 471 , F . Orehnni S . AV . 198 , VV . Cnbitt S . D . 193 , C . Daniel P . M . 65 , J . Blnndell AV M
742 , 11 . Cuff , AV . AV . Cadd 172 S , Richard Brnco 957 , J . H . Champnc-s 18 , AV . Currv , AV . A . Burrows 1021 , AV . H . Easey , C H . Cox 188 and 1 S 39 , C . Arkell P . M . 192 , T . AVigglesworth 15 , E . Knox 554 , J . Barber Glenn 3 , C . Handley 475 , J . Perkins 933 , J . E . Binder I . G . 1707 , AV . Shepherd 754 , C H . Rawlins 751 , H . J . Amphlett 1511 , J . c ' Whiddington 1827 , W . AV . Morgan jun . J . W . 1107 .
Installation Meetings, &C.
MONTEFIORE LODGE , No . 1017 .
THE annual meeting of this Lodge was held on Wednosday , 25 th inst ., at the Regent Masonio Hall , Regent-street , under the presidency of Bro . S . V . Abraham W . M . There were present Bros . M . Levy S . W ., John Syer J . W ., L . Jacobs Treasurer , E . P . Albert P . G . P . Secretary , AV . Mann S . D ., W . H . Benjamin J . D ., D . M . Davis Organist , Maurice H . Leviton I . G ., N . P . Vallentine Steward , L . J . Salomons I . P . M ., J . Lazarus P . M ., J . Grunebaum P . M ., S . Pollitzer
P . M ., A . Blnmenthal P . M . and a numerous attendance of members and visitors . Lodge having beeu opened with the customary formalities , the ballot was brought into requisition . Messrs . J . Manger and Lnigi Ricci offering themselves as candidates for initiation . The voting being in their favour , they were duly initiated into the Order . Bro . Myers having answered the necessary { questions , was raised
to tho degree of Master Mason . A proposition was brought forward by the W . M . that the snm of five guineas be voted from the Lodge towards the Fund being raised for the relief of the Russian Jews ; this being soconded by Bro . Syer W . M . elect , waa put to the Lodge , and carried unanimously . The same brethren also desired that a like amount should be voted to the Jewish Board of Guardians , aud this
proposition was also carried unanimously . The AV . M . elect was then presented to the Lodge , obligated , and installed into the chair ; he afterwards appointed the following brethren as his Officers : —Bros . Mann S . AV ., Benjamin J . W ., Jacobs Treasurer , Albert Secretary , Vallentine S . D ., Davis J . D ., Davis Organist , Gulliford I . G ., L . J . Salomons Past Master D . C , A . Solomons Steward . Lodge was
then closed , and tho brethren proceeded to tho banqnet room , where banquet was served under fche direction of Bro . M . Silver . Afc tho conclusion of the repast the AVorshipful Master proceeded with tho usual toasts . After that of the Queen , tho National Anthem was sung ; and after that of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master , a song by Mr . J . W . Thompson . The W . M . in proposing
the toasfc of the Pro Grand Master , & o . referred to the presence that evening of Brothers Martyn , Thomas , and Clarke , all distinguished Officers of G . Lodge , and—so far as the Montefiore Lodge was concerned—of an even more distinguished brother , in Bro . Albert , their Secretary . For the Grand Officers generally , he felfc he need say nothing to recommend the toast to the brethren present , as all
must know that to attain to an office in Grand Lodge necessitated a great amount of work in the Craft . He had pleasure in coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Martyn . Thafc brother tendered his sincere thanks . Of the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon it was not necessary for him to say much ; his ability in Freemasonry was too well known to need recapitulation on the present occasion .
He well and worthily presides over Grand Lodge whenever he is present—as he often is . The name of the Earl of Lathom was also honoured throughout the Craffc ; was , indeed , a household word in Masonry . With two such noblemen afc fche head of the Craft , Masons might justly be proud . Speaking personally , Brother Martyn considered it a great compliment to be called upon to respond to thia
toast , more particularly so as he waa present at the installation cere , mony last year . Such a compliment convinced him that he did nofc disgrace himself then . He conld but say a word in praise of the manner in which the work thafc night had been carried out . Per . sonally he was acquainted with every word of the ceremonies the Immediate Past Master had worked that evening , and he felfc
justified in saying that Brother Abraham had acquitted himself most efficiently . He did not approve of the system adopted by somo brethren to praise indiscriminately , but he felt thafc where praise was due—as it was in the case of their I . P . M . —it shonld be bestowed . He was pleased to seo that the Lodge was in admirable working order , and well manned ; and trusted it would ever
go on advancing further and further iu the course of excellence ifc had enjoyed in the past . After a song , the I . P . M . assumed the gavel , and in appropriate terms proposed the health of tbe Master . It had been trnly observed that no Master was efficient until he had retired from the chair , as it was hardly to be expected that any one fresh to tho office could know the working . He knew that the present
Master of the Lodge entered upon his office with the fnll iutention of doing all in his power to advance the interests of the Lodge , and if any ono could prove the exception to the rule , ifc was he . Hia own ability in the Craft led them to hope that he would retain tbe Lodge in the position which ifc had occupied in the past . He sincerely hoped that at the end of his year of office he would feel that he had
received as much assistance at the hands of the brethren as he ( the speaker ) had enjoyed during the past year . The AV . M . tendered his sincere thanks . He did not like to make promises , as he always felfc , as regarded others , that he should like to see them after they had had an opportunity of fulfilling what thoy had promised . He concluded by proposing the health of the Initiates . Every Master was
only too glad to propose this toast , for when he passed night after nighfc without it , it shewed thero must be something wrong , either with the Lodge or with its Master . Tho Lodge had received , during tho past year , more initiates than during any other year sinco he had been connected with it , and ho felt he had a very hard task bofore him to maintain tho Lodge in that respect . To the initiates
themselves , ho wonld say that they had joined an Order which could hardl y bring aught but good to them . They might have thought that Freemasonry was a mere idle form , but when they camo to know more of ifc thoy would find ifc was something to belong to which meant advantage in many ways . It was a wellknown maxim that a man could not be a good Mason and at tho same time a bad man ; indeed , ho considered ifc almost ; impossible
for a man after once becoming a Mason to degenerate into a bad man . Each of the initiates having replied , the Master gave the toasfc of the Immediate Past Master . He felt the toast waa one which would be acceptable to all . Ifc was tho ensfcom among Masons to present to tho Master some little testimonial—if ho might be allowed to nse tbe word—to show the appreciation of tho brethren for tho way in which their ruler had eudeavonrod to advance tho interests of the Lodge , and he had great pleasure iu presenting auoh