Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
consider your conduct and character as a man or a Mason , we are alike struck with the right feeling , the sound judgment , and the manly energy ancl decision with whicli you have advocated and supported every good and rightful cause . AA ' e deservedly feel proud of every Brother who proves by his life that the principles of Masonry help to make those who practice them good husbands , fathers , citizens , and friendsnot to speak of those hiher and nobler subjects to which they
, g lead us , as members of a religious institution of the most perfect ancl sublime character . In all those relations of life you have ever acted with the foremost and the best , and in presenting you with this expression of our approbation and our love , together with the accompanying gold box , we gratify the best feelings of our hearts , ancl indulge in the earnest hope , that however inadequate they may be to our wishes or your worth , they may prove an incitement to those coming after to
follow in your steps . That your long career of Masonic usefulness may be followed by your fullest prosperity both here and hereafter is the sincere ancl ardent hope of your much attached friends and Brothers of this Chapter .
" Signed on Behalf of the Chapter , " MALACHI FITZPATRICK , P . M . W . S ., Secretary . " Brother Macdona delivered the following reply : — " Most AVise Sovereign ancl Brethren—AVith the deepest feelings of affectionate and respectful gratitude I accept from the Chapter this magnificent token of their approbation ancl esteem . Proudly must I
estimate the honour conferred on me , and I must ever feel a grateful remembrance of the good fortune whicli united me in fraternal intercourse with the members of this Chapter , and if my future conduct , not only as a member of the Masonic body , but as a citizen , a friend , or in any of the other relations of life , shall be such as at the close of my existence I may calmly look back upon without regret , I trust I shall in the same hour be able to rejoice that I have never , by any act
unbecoming a Mason or a Christian , forfeited a single one of those friendships ancl alliances which 1 so highly prize , and which are amongst the best securities of virtue as well as the most delightful consolations of life . It is not by any studied combination of words , nor upon any occasion such as this , that I can hope to express the warmth ancl depth of feeling with whicli I cordially reciprocate the esteem and regard which has been this evening bestowed upon me . By my life and
actions alone the sincerity of that feeling can he tested—by my life and actions alone can I expect to justify any portion , however small , of the flattering opinions of which this trul y valuable testimonial is the pledge—neither length of years , nor absence , nor distance , nor any human change shall ever weary me in acting so , that neither this Chapter nor any of its distinguished associates , may ever regret proceedings which confer upon me the highest of all distinctions , being one not given to rank or to talent , but to honesty of purpose and integrity of life . "
I he Chapter then adjourned to a sumptuous repast at Jude ' s Hotel . Among the guests were Bros . John Norman , Vice-President of the Supreme G . C . of Rites ; Thomas AVri ght , Grand Secretary to the Supreme Council ; Captain W . Laurence , 33 rd et Dernier Grade ; Lord Viscount Suirdale , Order of Mizraim ; Hon . G . P . Stanhope ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
consider your conduct and character as a man or a Mason , we are alike struck with the right feeling , the sound judgment , and the manly energy ancl decision with whicli you have advocated and supported every good and rightful cause . AA ' e deservedly feel proud of every Brother who proves by his life that the principles of Masonry help to make those who practice them good husbands , fathers , citizens , and friendsnot to speak of those hiher and nobler subjects to which they
, g lead us , as members of a religious institution of the most perfect ancl sublime character . In all those relations of life you have ever acted with the foremost and the best , and in presenting you with this expression of our approbation and our love , together with the accompanying gold box , we gratify the best feelings of our hearts , ancl indulge in the earnest hope , that however inadequate they may be to our wishes or your worth , they may prove an incitement to those coming after to
follow in your steps . That your long career of Masonic usefulness may be followed by your fullest prosperity both here and hereafter is the sincere ancl ardent hope of your much attached friends and Brothers of this Chapter .
" Signed on Behalf of the Chapter , " MALACHI FITZPATRICK , P . M . W . S ., Secretary . " Brother Macdona delivered the following reply : — " Most AVise Sovereign ancl Brethren—AVith the deepest feelings of affectionate and respectful gratitude I accept from the Chapter this magnificent token of their approbation ancl esteem . Proudly must I
estimate the honour conferred on me , and I must ever feel a grateful remembrance of the good fortune whicli united me in fraternal intercourse with the members of this Chapter , and if my future conduct , not only as a member of the Masonic body , but as a citizen , a friend , or in any of the other relations of life , shall be such as at the close of my existence I may calmly look back upon without regret , I trust I shall in the same hour be able to rejoice that I have never , by any act
unbecoming a Mason or a Christian , forfeited a single one of those friendships ancl alliances which 1 so highly prize , and which are amongst the best securities of virtue as well as the most delightful consolations of life . It is not by any studied combination of words , nor upon any occasion such as this , that I can hope to express the warmth ancl depth of feeling with whicli I cordially reciprocate the esteem and regard which has been this evening bestowed upon me . By my life and
actions alone the sincerity of that feeling can he tested—by my life and actions alone can I expect to justify any portion , however small , of the flattering opinions of which this trul y valuable testimonial is the pledge—neither length of years , nor absence , nor distance , nor any human change shall ever weary me in acting so , that neither this Chapter nor any of its distinguished associates , may ever regret proceedings which confer upon me the highest of all distinctions , being one not given to rank or to talent , but to honesty of purpose and integrity of life . "
I he Chapter then adjourned to a sumptuous repast at Jude ' s Hotel . Among the guests were Bros . John Norman , Vice-President of the Supreme G . C . of Rites ; Thomas AVri ght , Grand Secretary to the Supreme Council ; Captain W . Laurence , 33 rd et Dernier Grade ; Lord Viscount Suirdale , Order of Mizraim ; Hon . G . P . Stanhope ,