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Article THE SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL AT STRATFORD-ON-AVON. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL AT STRATFORD-ON-AVON. Page 2 of 2 Article DEDICATION OF A MASONIC HALL AT EXETER. Page 1 of 2 →
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The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
highest aims of refinement and education in the town which Shakespeare loved so well . Tbe building , on the site npon which they were gathered , was to bo not only a library aud a museum , but first and foremost a theatre , where they might from time to time witness representations by the highest artists of the country of tho dramas which Shakespeare had so lavishly given to tho world . Ho held
that the drama , rightly considered , had a great tendency to educate aud refine aud elevate tho mind . There was a day when he , as minister of theChnrch of England , would scarcely have dared to take part in such proceedings as laying the foundation stone of a theatre . He alluded to tho degrading state of tho drama fifty years ago , and thanked God that it was now changed . Ho believed now that the
production of a fine drama , not only in the metropolis , but in tho country towns , would draw people from many questionable amusements , such as music halls , & c . People sometimes said that they had no proof that Shakespeare was a Freemason . He contended that they had , because in his ( Shakespeare ' s ) plays it was exceedingly difficult to find anything whatever about
Freemasonry . ( Laughter . ) Tho unenlightened people whom ho saw around him were aware that Freemasons guarded their secrets most religiously , ancl he contended , therefore , that they had an evidence that Shakespeare was a Brother . Beyond this , some of the great heroes of Shakespeare ' s tragedies were Brothers , such as Henry VI ., and Cardinal Wolsey , who in
their times were Freemasons of England . Again , Freemasonry recognised no sectarian difference , and Shakespeare , they found , was tar above any such contemptible feeling ; for it was a question to this day whether he was a Roman Catholic or a Protestant . ( Laughter . ) He contended , therefore , that they , as Freemasons , might fairly claim to do honour ancl reverence to Shakespeare . In
conclusion , he appealed to those present to aid the Memorial Aasociation by increased subscriptions , and mentioned the fact that the Freemasons that day had contributed 50 guineas towards the building fund . Lord Leigh then announced that they were about to lay a memorial stone to tho world ' s greatest poet ; ancl tbe Provincial Grand Chaplain having invoked a blessing , the P . G . Superintendent
of Works presented the plans for the approval of tho Provincial Grand Master . The Provincial Grand Secretary i Bro . Beech ) next read a copy of the inscription , which was placed in a phial . This stated the date aud by whom the stone was laid , together with the names of the chief officials taking part in the work . The P . G . Treasurer ( Bro . Collins ) , having placed a number of coins in another
phiul , and several newspapers in a third , the whole were cteposited in a cavity under the stone , and the ceremony was proceeded with in the usual form , the band meanwhile playing '' God bless tho Prince of Wales . " On tho conclusion of the laying of the stone , Lord Leigh , according to ancient custom , declared that tho stone had beeu laid in accordance with ancient Masonic ceremony , and he prayed that God
would prosper the work for the promotion of Godliness , harmony , and brotherly love . Next the stone was proved in the usual manner by officers ot * the Provincial Grand Lodge ; ancl , finally , Lord Leigh strewed wheat upon the stone , and poured wine and oil upon it , as emblems of plenty , cheerfulness , aud prosperity . Salt was also thrown npon the stone , as an emblem of wisdom , fidelity , and
perpetuity , lhe Provincial Grand Master next mounted the stone , aud explained that when first asked to conduct tho ceremony , ho had felt some diffidence in undertaking to do so , as ho considered that there were others who had more claims to the honour . It having , however , been represented to him that the council wero very anxious to have the stone laid with Masonic ceremony , and he having been Provincial
Grand Master of the Freemasons of Warwickshire , Shakespeare ' s own county , for the Jong pcrioi ' of twenty-five years , he felt that he could not very well decline , and it was a great satisfaction to him to find that he was assisted by so many distinguished members of the Craft who possessed high literary qualifications . Ho next mentioned that their Brother Creswick , who thirteen
years ago , on that very day , on the occasion of the Tercentenary Festival , took a very prominent part in tho proceedings , wonld deliver au address to thorn . He congratulated the Council and tho Memorial Association upon the commencement of the good work , aud reminded them of au effort made in 18 G 4 to gain funds for the erection of a Shakespeare statue . That , however , fell
through . For the satisfaction of some people who could not see how a theatre could be supported in Stratford , he might mention that the building was not intended Only as a theatre , but it was hoped that a museuui and a free library might be attached to it . He had no doubt that the public of Stratford would derive very great benefit from such institutions , for the library , reading-room , aud the gardens it was in .
tended should be free to the public except for twenty days in the year . ( Applause . ) Bro . Creswick , who was received with loud applause , first expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present and ahuded to the reverence ho had for tbe poet , whose works it had been tlie huppy piivilege of his life 10 interpret . Tlioy hail assembled to erect a Turnpe to Geiutrs and to Art . Such a work belonged
osse-:-tisilry to the highest culture aud the must advanced civilisation . The hero-worship of nations began with the definition of physical force it culminated in the recognition of intellectual beauty . Frrot the soldier—lust the poet—such is the i ' ier of' appreciation ; and Masons could not bo engaged in unj in . / . ei work than in lawn " Hie first stone ui' that trniv Ma .- 'oiiiC :.:.-ui , ¦¦•, n ' nereiu order and
harmony would prevail—instruction a ter . suing > t itli amusement , and pleasant labour with cheering refr , shu ent all tending to socia : refinement , to moral elevation , anil to the highest intellectual culture . ( Applause ) . It was befitting that there should be a Shakespearean theatre iu the town which derived its glory rom association with lhe poei ' s name . 'J ho links which bound Snakcspeurc to Snatf '
ord-on-Aviu were singularly 'in . se . i'heie he drew his first breath and his last , 'ihe . e he mustered lhat " little Latin and le ^ s Greek , " by means ol which he dinted the classic past ot Greece and Rome , anil irnnlife to the i . ry bones ol the greatest heroes . There also he first acqu . red thut knowledge of history winch enabled him to depict so vividly the Btoimy , turbulent days of this nation ' s early struggles ; and there ,
The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
amidst the pastoral and pure , he grew up—the wonderful , the witty , rnd tho wise . Above all , it was there that he stamped his genius on those creations which were the priceless heritage of all time . In gaining their end that day they inevitably paved the way to another . They began the temple , but necessarily thero must follow provision for the purpose to which it waa to be dedicated . A memorial theatre
implied a school of dramatic art , and tho need for this had become imperative . Loving regard for the great dramatist was a national sentiment ; the absence of auy due representation of his dramas waa a national disgrace . In the absence of schools they would look in vain for scholarl y dramatic art . He accepted their work that day as a happy augury that ere long the stigma would be swept away , and that
the Memorial Theatre would form the incentive and nucleus of schools of dramatic art , the influence of which would be beneficially felt throughout all time . This waa the becoming expression of onr love and reverence for Shakespeare . To him and to that art waa dedicated that temple—sacred to his name and fame , sacred to the wonders he created , sacred to the pursuit ho loved and followed .
Might it endure to remotest times , a memorial of his greatness and their lovo , an incentive to tho highest histrionic excellence , and medium for maintaining in its purity the proudest drama of the world—a drama " tho applause , delight and wonder of "—mankind . ( Applause . ) Mr . C . E . Flower briefly acknowledged the kindness of Bro . Creswick in delivering the address ; and the proceedings were
brought to a termination by the singing of the Masonic National Anthem . The brethren reformed procession , aud marched back to the Town Hall , where the Provincial Grand Lodge was duly closed and the assembl y dismissed . At the luncheon , which waa held in a large marquee , erected in the gardens of New Place , the health of the Queen having been dul y honoured , the chairman proposed " The
Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family . " Having called upon the Freemasons to do especial honour to the toast of The Right Worshipful Grand Master of England , tho Prince of Wales , aud the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire , Prince Leopold , he said ho might announce that Prince Leopold had been invited to be present , and he felt sure that his
Royal Highness deeply regretted that he was prevented accepting the invitation . He felt himself justified , however , in announcing that he had in his possession documents which would fully lead them to hope that the day was not very distant when they would have associated with them in that undertaking at least one member of the Royal Famil y . ( Applause . ) He felt certain that they would give a
right loyal welcome in Stratford to any member of the Royal Family who would come amongst them . They could not do too much honour to that wonderful man whose birthday they were celebrating . Shakespeare had raised himself to the highest pinnacle of fame , and "wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine , his honour and the greatness of
his name shall be . " This was followed by the toasts of" The Immortal Memory of Shakespeare , " proposed by Sir Eardley Wilmot ; "Success to the Siiakespearo Memorial , " proposed by Mr . Tom Taylor , and acknowledged by Mr . C . E . Flower ; "The Drama" proposed by Mr . Theodore Martin , & c , & c . —BirmingliamDaily Post .
Dedication Of A Masonic Hall At Exeter.
DEDICATION OF A MASONIC HALL AT EXETER .
A / F ONDAY last was an epoch in the Masonio history of Exeter . That -i- ' -L ancient city contains the oldest Masonic Lodge in the Province , aud may thus bo deemed to have been the first home of the brethren in the county . The growth of the fraternity has not , however , been so rapid there as iu Plymouth and its vicinity . At pre . sent Exeter contains three Craft Lodges—St . John the Baptist , No . 39 ; St . George , No . 112 ; and Semper Fidelis , No . 1254 ; one Chapter ,
St . Georgo , No . 112 ; ono Mark Lodge , St . George , No . 15 ; one Knights Templar Preceptory , the Union , or Rougemont ; one Rose Croix Chapter , the Coryton and Rougemont . Hitherto there had been no building in tho city owned by the Masonic body , the Masonic meetings being generally held at Tucker ' s Hall , Forestreet-hill , hired premises . Of late the inconvenience of that
arrangement had been felt by tbe Exeter brethren , and a Committee of nine members , three from each of the Craft Lodges , was appointed , with Bro . S . Jones as the Hon . Sec . and Treasurer , to endeavour to provide a remedy . To build an entire new Hall , in a suitable manner , in a ceutral part of the city , it was f ' ouud would incur a larger outlay than was contemplated . It was , therefore , determined to purchase
one of those houses , numerous in the city , onco tho residences of the most prominent citizens and merchants of Exeter , before country residences became so secure , and travelling so easy as at present . The choice fell upon a fino old house iu Gaudy-stroet , centrally situated , and once a principal street in the city , ancl still boasting of
considerable importance , where houses may now be seen that wore erected under tlie regime of Henry VIII ., of notorious and eeclesiastical reformatory memory , aud fine specimens of the style returning to popularity ia Queen Anne ' s time , and erected in that reign . Gaudy-street is believed to have derived the namo it has borne for several centuries from an ancient Devonshire
family , a member ot winch was for many years tbe respected vicar of St . Andrew ' s Plymouth , whore a striking life-size effigy of him now stands within the communion rails . The house selected by the Masons stands within a tew doors of the offices of the Prov . Grand Sec , Bro . W . G . Rogers , solicitor , P . P . G . S . W . It ia of four storeys , ancl contained eighteen rooms . Its early history is obsor . re , but the house is known to have been occupied at the beginnirrg of tne
seventeenth century by the Brake family , then prominent in the city , aud one of whom , Thomas Brake , has left several memorials behind of its having been Used as a city banquettiug hall . At more recent periods it has beerr occupied by the Fortescue , Granger , Sanders , and Snow 1 ' amiiies , all leading citizens in their times , and ono of whom , Admiral Granger , has left behind many stirring anecdotes of his eccentricity in the memories of aged citizens . The premises nuder
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
highest aims of refinement and education in the town which Shakespeare loved so well . Tbe building , on the site npon which they were gathered , was to bo not only a library aud a museum , but first and foremost a theatre , where they might from time to time witness representations by the highest artists of the country of tho dramas which Shakespeare had so lavishly given to tho world . Ho held
that the drama , rightly considered , had a great tendency to educate aud refine aud elevate tho mind . There was a day when he , as minister of theChnrch of England , would scarcely have dared to take part in such proceedings as laying the foundation stone of a theatre . He alluded to tho degrading state of tho drama fifty years ago , and thanked God that it was now changed . Ho believed now that the
production of a fine drama , not only in the metropolis , but in tho country towns , would draw people from many questionable amusements , such as music halls , & c . People sometimes said that they had no proof that Shakespeare was a Freemason . He contended that they had , because in his ( Shakespeare ' s ) plays it was exceedingly difficult to find anything whatever about
Freemasonry . ( Laughter . ) Tho unenlightened people whom ho saw around him were aware that Freemasons guarded their secrets most religiously , ancl he contended , therefore , that they had an evidence that Shakespeare was a Brother . Beyond this , some of the great heroes of Shakespeare ' s tragedies were Brothers , such as Henry VI ., and Cardinal Wolsey , who in
their times were Freemasons of England . Again , Freemasonry recognised no sectarian difference , and Shakespeare , they found , was tar above any such contemptible feeling ; for it was a question to this day whether he was a Roman Catholic or a Protestant . ( Laughter . ) He contended , therefore , that they , as Freemasons , might fairly claim to do honour ancl reverence to Shakespeare . In
conclusion , he appealed to those present to aid the Memorial Aasociation by increased subscriptions , and mentioned the fact that the Freemasons that day had contributed 50 guineas towards the building fund . Lord Leigh then announced that they were about to lay a memorial stone to tho world ' s greatest poet ; ancl tbe Provincial Grand Chaplain having invoked a blessing , the P . G . Superintendent
of Works presented the plans for the approval of tho Provincial Grand Master . The Provincial Grand Secretary i Bro . Beech ) next read a copy of the inscription , which was placed in a phial . This stated the date aud by whom the stone was laid , together with the names of the chief officials taking part in the work . The P . G . Treasurer ( Bro . Collins ) , having placed a number of coins in another
phiul , and several newspapers in a third , the whole were cteposited in a cavity under the stone , and the ceremony was proceeded with in the usual form , the band meanwhile playing '' God bless tho Prince of Wales . " On tho conclusion of the laying of the stone , Lord Leigh , according to ancient custom , declared that tho stone had beeu laid in accordance with ancient Masonic ceremony , and he prayed that God
would prosper the work for the promotion of Godliness , harmony , and brotherly love . Next the stone was proved in the usual manner by officers ot * the Provincial Grand Lodge ; ancl , finally , Lord Leigh strewed wheat upon the stone , and poured wine and oil upon it , as emblems of plenty , cheerfulness , aud prosperity . Salt was also thrown npon the stone , as an emblem of wisdom , fidelity , and
perpetuity , lhe Provincial Grand Master next mounted the stone , aud explained that when first asked to conduct tho ceremony , ho had felt some diffidence in undertaking to do so , as ho considered that there were others who had more claims to the honour . It having , however , been represented to him that the council wero very anxious to have the stone laid with Masonic ceremony , and he having been Provincial
Grand Master of the Freemasons of Warwickshire , Shakespeare ' s own county , for the Jong pcrioi ' of twenty-five years , he felt that he could not very well decline , and it was a great satisfaction to him to find that he was assisted by so many distinguished members of the Craft who possessed high literary qualifications . Ho next mentioned that their Brother Creswick , who thirteen
years ago , on that very day , on the occasion of the Tercentenary Festival , took a very prominent part in tho proceedings , wonld deliver au address to thorn . He congratulated the Council and tho Memorial Association upon the commencement of the good work , aud reminded them of au effort made in 18 G 4 to gain funds for the erection of a Shakespeare statue . That , however , fell
through . For the satisfaction of some people who could not see how a theatre could be supported in Stratford , he might mention that the building was not intended Only as a theatre , but it was hoped that a museuui and a free library might be attached to it . He had no doubt that the public of Stratford would derive very great benefit from such institutions , for the library , reading-room , aud the gardens it was in .
tended should be free to the public except for twenty days in the year . ( Applause . ) Bro . Creswick , who was received with loud applause , first expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present and ahuded to the reverence ho had for tbe poet , whose works it had been tlie huppy piivilege of his life 10 interpret . Tlioy hail assembled to erect a Turnpe to Geiutrs and to Art . Such a work belonged
osse-:-tisilry to the highest culture aud the must advanced civilisation . The hero-worship of nations began with the definition of physical force it culminated in the recognition of intellectual beauty . Frrot the soldier—lust the poet—such is the i ' ier of' appreciation ; and Masons could not bo engaged in unj in . / . ei work than in lawn " Hie first stone ui' that trniv Ma .- 'oiiiC :.:.-ui , ¦¦•, n ' nereiu order and
harmony would prevail—instruction a ter . suing > t itli amusement , and pleasant labour with cheering refr , shu ent all tending to socia : refinement , to moral elevation , anil to the highest intellectual culture . ( Applause ) . It was befitting that there should be a Shakespearean theatre iu the town which derived its glory rom association with lhe poei ' s name . 'J ho links which bound Snakcspeurc to Snatf '
ord-on-Aviu were singularly 'in . se . i'heie he drew his first breath and his last , 'ihe . e he mustered lhat " little Latin and le ^ s Greek , " by means ol which he dinted the classic past ot Greece and Rome , anil irnnlife to the i . ry bones ol the greatest heroes . There also he first acqu . red thut knowledge of history winch enabled him to depict so vividly the Btoimy , turbulent days of this nation ' s early struggles ; and there ,
The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
amidst the pastoral and pure , he grew up—the wonderful , the witty , rnd tho wise . Above all , it was there that he stamped his genius on those creations which were the priceless heritage of all time . In gaining their end that day they inevitably paved the way to another . They began the temple , but necessarily thero must follow provision for the purpose to which it waa to be dedicated . A memorial theatre
implied a school of dramatic art , and tho need for this had become imperative . Loving regard for the great dramatist was a national sentiment ; the absence of auy due representation of his dramas waa a national disgrace . In the absence of schools they would look in vain for scholarl y dramatic art . He accepted their work that day as a happy augury that ere long the stigma would be swept away , and that
the Memorial Theatre would form the incentive and nucleus of schools of dramatic art , the influence of which would be beneficially felt throughout all time . This waa the becoming expression of onr love and reverence for Shakespeare . To him and to that art waa dedicated that temple—sacred to his name and fame , sacred to the wonders he created , sacred to the pursuit ho loved and followed .
Might it endure to remotest times , a memorial of his greatness and their lovo , an incentive to tho highest histrionic excellence , and medium for maintaining in its purity the proudest drama of the world—a drama " tho applause , delight and wonder of "—mankind . ( Applause . ) Mr . C . E . Flower briefly acknowledged the kindness of Bro . Creswick in delivering the address ; and the proceedings were
brought to a termination by the singing of the Masonic National Anthem . The brethren reformed procession , aud marched back to the Town Hall , where the Provincial Grand Lodge was duly closed and the assembl y dismissed . At the luncheon , which waa held in a large marquee , erected in the gardens of New Place , the health of the Queen having been dul y honoured , the chairman proposed " The
Prince and Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Royal Family . " Having called upon the Freemasons to do especial honour to the toast of The Right Worshipful Grand Master of England , tho Prince of Wales , aud the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire , Prince Leopold , he said ho might announce that Prince Leopold had been invited to be present , and he felt sure that his
Royal Highness deeply regretted that he was prevented accepting the invitation . He felt himself justified , however , in announcing that he had in his possession documents which would fully lead them to hope that the day was not very distant when they would have associated with them in that undertaking at least one member of the Royal Famil y . ( Applause . ) He felt certain that they would give a
right loyal welcome in Stratford to any member of the Royal Family who would come amongst them . They could not do too much honour to that wonderful man whose birthday they were celebrating . Shakespeare had raised himself to the highest pinnacle of fame , and "wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine , his honour and the greatness of
his name shall be . " This was followed by the toasts of" The Immortal Memory of Shakespeare , " proposed by Sir Eardley Wilmot ; "Success to the Siiakespearo Memorial , " proposed by Mr . Tom Taylor , and acknowledged by Mr . C . E . Flower ; "The Drama" proposed by Mr . Theodore Martin , & c , & c . —BirmingliamDaily Post .
Dedication Of A Masonic Hall At Exeter.
DEDICATION OF A MASONIC HALL AT EXETER .
A / F ONDAY last was an epoch in the Masonio history of Exeter . That -i- ' -L ancient city contains the oldest Masonic Lodge in the Province , aud may thus bo deemed to have been the first home of the brethren in the county . The growth of the fraternity has not , however , been so rapid there as iu Plymouth and its vicinity . At pre . sent Exeter contains three Craft Lodges—St . John the Baptist , No . 39 ; St . George , No . 112 ; and Semper Fidelis , No . 1254 ; one Chapter ,
St . Georgo , No . 112 ; ono Mark Lodge , St . George , No . 15 ; one Knights Templar Preceptory , the Union , or Rougemont ; one Rose Croix Chapter , the Coryton and Rougemont . Hitherto there had been no building in tho city owned by the Masonic body , the Masonic meetings being generally held at Tucker ' s Hall , Forestreet-hill , hired premises . Of late the inconvenience of that
arrangement had been felt by tbe Exeter brethren , and a Committee of nine members , three from each of the Craft Lodges , was appointed , with Bro . S . Jones as the Hon . Sec . and Treasurer , to endeavour to provide a remedy . To build an entire new Hall , in a suitable manner , in a ceutral part of the city , it was f ' ouud would incur a larger outlay than was contemplated . It was , therefore , determined to purchase
one of those houses , numerous in the city , onco tho residences of the most prominent citizens and merchants of Exeter , before country residences became so secure , and travelling so easy as at present . The choice fell upon a fino old house iu Gaudy-stroet , centrally situated , and once a principal street in the city , ancl still boasting of
considerable importance , where houses may now be seen that wore erected under tlie regime of Henry VIII ., of notorious and eeclesiastical reformatory memory , aud fine specimens of the style returning to popularity ia Queen Anne ' s time , and erected in that reign . Gaudy-street is believed to have derived the namo it has borne for several centuries from an ancient Devonshire
family , a member ot winch was for many years tbe respected vicar of St . Andrew ' s Plymouth , whore a striking life-size effigy of him now stands within the communion rails . The house selected by the Masons stands within a tew doors of the offices of the Prov . Grand Sec , Bro . W . G . Rogers , solicitor , P . P . G . S . W . It ia of four storeys , ancl contained eighteen rooms . Its early history is obsor . re , but the house is known to have been occupied at the beginnirrg of tne
seventeenth century by the Brake family , then prominent in the city , aud one of whom , Thomas Brake , has left several memorials behind of its having been Used as a city banquettiug hall . At more recent periods it has beerr occupied by the Fortescue , Granger , Sanders , and Snow 1 ' amiiies , all leading citizens in their times , and ono of whom , Admiral Granger , has left behind many stirring anecdotes of his eccentricity in the memories of aged citizens . The premises nuder