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Article Mark Masonry. ← Page 2 of 2 Article ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT. Page 1 of 2 Article ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT. Page 1 of 2 Article ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT. Page 1 of 2 →
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Mark Masonry.
proved unanimous in each case , and being in attendance they were advanced in due form to the hon . degree of "M . M . M . The Secretary congratulated the W . M ., officiating for thc first time , on the efficient and effective manner in which the whole ceremony was performed , evidencing not
only thc labour bestowed by bim and his officers upon thc work , but rendering evident the fact that the labour is a labour of love and pleasure . The brethren adjourned to partake of a collation , and an hour was harmoniously whiled away in toast , song , and sentiment . The Honorary Trio was not forgotten .
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT .
The annual festival of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , working under the Lodge of Unions , No . 256 , was held yesterday week at Freemasons' Hall . About 300 brethren were present at the working of the lodge , over which Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D ., presided . Bro .
J . Muzio was S . W . ; E . Legg , J . W . ; John Hervey , G . S . Treasurer ; W . II . Smallpeicc , Secretary ; W . A . Dawson ' S . D . ; F . K . Spaull , J . D . ; and Tattershall , I . G . Among thc other brethren present were Bros . R . J . S . Beeton , S . D . 788 ; G . Brooke , W . M . 63 ; C . P . Cobham , P . M . 957 ; Evans Cronk , J . W . 1414 ; W . A . Dawson , 421 ; H . J . P . Dumas , P . G . D . ; ] . Edell , 108 ; T . Fenn , P . G . D ; J . P .
Ltcdlrey , W . M . 1261 ; Montague Gosset , P . M . 66 ; R . Grey , P . G . D . ; E . M . Haigh , P . G . S . ; E . J Harty , W . M . 1201 ; A . Hill , 21 ; W . G . Kentish , I . G . 1293 ; J . W . Lambert , W . M . 142 ; VV . S . Lee , S . D . 1201 ; Edwin March , P . M . ( . rand Stewads' Lodge ; J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D . ; H ) de Pullen , P . G . S . B . ; A . D . Renshaw , J . D . 194 ; A . A . Richards , P . M . 8 and 86 ; , P . Prov . G . J . W .
Midx . ; J . A . Rucker , P . G . D . ; J . E . Shand , I . G . 1563 ; G . B . Smallpeicc , P . M . 3 , 70 ; F . R . Spaull , I . G . 1124 ; K . G . Tattershall , 16 5 ; S . B . Wilson . P . M . 59 . 'J'he questions were put by Bro . Murton , the work chosen for the evening being the Second Lecture . The answers in the First Section were g'ven by Bro . W . A . Dawson ; S . cuid Section , ky Bro . Spaull ; Third Section , by Bro .
Tattershall ; Fourth b y Bro . l . ec , S . D . 1201 ; and Fifth by Uro . Kentish . Of the style of work it is only necessary to say that it was fully up to thc high standard cf Emulation working , and at thc close of thc labours of thc < veiling , tbe Earl cf Dcnoughmore , P . G . J . W ., in proposing a vote of thanks to the working brethren , said that : < s he should have the honour of presiding at the banquet ,
where he would have an opportunity of speaking more fully , be should trouble the brethren now with very few observations ; but he thought he should represent the wishes of all the brethren assembled if he said that they did not wish to sepaiate without giving their he-arty thanks to I hose who had that ni ght given such excellent woiking . Last year he had thc pleasure of being present on a
simi-1 tr occasion , when the working was performed by those whom he might ca 1 the rulers of thc Ciaft . Those , bowover , who bad done thc work this evening , were brethren who bad not yet risen to the high position of VV . M . ; but the brethren could have no doubt , from the excellent manner in which they had just carried out their duties , tbat when il came to Ibeir turn to fill tbe chair tbey would
have a very successful Masonic career before them . The vote having been carried with acclamation , Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D ., W . M ., in acknowledging it , said it had always been bis desire in this Lodge of Emulation to promote a good style of working , ancl the study of the Sections which illustrated the beautiful ceremonies . He thought it was highly necessary that those who
desired to understand thc nature of the ceremonies or of the Craft generally shoul I give their attention to this study . Lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern to supper where they were presided over bv the Earl of Donoughmore , who was supported on the dais by Bros . C . A . Murton , P . G . D . ; J . M . Case , P . G . D . ; J . A . Ruckcr , P . G . D . ; Hyde Pullen , P . G . S . B .
Col . Somerville Burney , Lieut .-Col . Shadwell Clerke , J . M . P . Montagu , D . P . G . M . Dorset ; S . Tomkins G . Treas ; John Hervey , G . S . ; Capt . Philips , G . D . ; Peter de Lande Long , G . D . ; Thos . Fenn , P . G . D . ; A . J . D . Filer , P . G . S . B . ; H . G . Buss , Assist . G . S . ; Rev . D . Robbins , A . B . Cooke , W . H . Smallpeicc , and H . J . P . Dumas , P . A . G . D . C After supper thc toasts were proposed , and that of
" The Queen and the Craft" having been disposed of , Lord Donoughmore proposed "Thc M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . " His Lordship said it was his fortune to be in a position with regard to the Pro Grand Master , in which , as it happened , a great deal of Masonic wrrk had to pass through his hands , and he was therefore in a position to bear witness to the very great interest the Grand
Master took in everything that Masons attempted and did . Il was hardly necessary he should give the brethren this assurance , but as he was able to give it he was sure it would only increase the zeal with which they would receive thc Grand Master ' s health . Lord Donoughmore in giving the toast of "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy G . M ., "fcc , " sail the majority
of those present had often heard the Pro Grand Master's eloquence and observed his wonderful power of dealing with the most difficult subjects w'hich came before Grand Lodge for decision at different times . Any panegyric on bim now would be a waste of time . Of Lord Skelmersdale
be might say they all knew the work he had done in the province over which he presided , and in London , in Freemasons' Uall , and in oilier Buildings where Masonry flourished . Bro . Samuel Tomkins , G . Trea ? , proposed "The Health of the Chairman . " There was no Mason who did not look
upon the working of tbe Lodge of Emulation as a very important , useful , and interesting work in Masonry . The prosperity of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was virtually thc prosperity of Masonry ; and the more the brethren felt an interest in it , the more Masonry was ap-
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
preciated , and the more good Masonry effected . Masonry , however , would not be able to do the good it did unless noblemen like the Chairman showed by the interest they took in it that it was an Order to which all honourable men might belong . For the interest such noblemen took in Masonry the brethren were greatly thankful . He asked the brethren to drink " The Health of Lord Donoughmore , "
as an excellent Mascn . Lord Donoughmore said that thc very flattering manner in which the brethren had received his . name was naturally very gratifying to him . He could thoroughly concur with the brother who had brought it before them in everything he had said about the Emulation Lodge ot Improvement . Bro . Tomkins had said it was a most useful
institution , and one which deserved the greatest encouragement from all brethren , whatever rank they might hold in the Craft . Bro . Tomkins said at the same time that unless the governors of the Craft supported it , it would not flourish so much as it did . He perfectly agreed with Bro . Tomkins in that ; but then he agreed with him for a practical reason on another ground as well . He felt that it was not
only the rulers of the Craft who should support it for the sake of the good i would do to the Craft , but for the good it would do to themselves . He spoke from practical experience . He had had the honour of founding a lodge at a time when he knew little of what he had to do as Master , and if it had not been for the Emulation Lodge of Improvement he would not have been able to learn his
duties . Therefore , he had good reason to foster and support the existence of such a valuable body . He had to thank the brethren again for receiving his name so cordially on this his visit to the lodge , and he could only say it had given him the greatest pleasure to occupy the position of Chairman . Last > ear the chair in lodge was occupied for a time by the Earl of Carnarvon , and a very
interes . ingceremony was then gone through , win-h most of the brethren would remember . Upon that occasion the distinguished brother who had been Treasurer of the lodge for the past thirty years was presented by Lord Carnarvon on behalf the lodge with a testimonial . Lord Carnarvon then spoke in far more eloquent terms than he ( Lord Donoughmore ) could of thc very great
services Bro . Hervey bad rendered to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , and to Freemasonry , but he ( Lord Donoughmore ) considered it a piece of great good fortune to find himself , in proposing "Success to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , " supported by Bro . Hervey , whose name he should couple with the toast . The toast itself was one well voithy of the brethren ' s acceptance ; but he felt sure
that if there was one thing more than another which would render it acceptable to the brethren it was that it would be responded to by the excellent Bro . Grand Secretary , the Treasurer of the lodge . Bro . Hervey , in reply , said lhat if his lordship had been gratified by the reception accordetl to him . almost a young Mason , it must be doubly gratifying to him ( Bro . Hervey )
as an old Mason to be , after a long tenure of office and service in thc lodge , received in the manner in which the brethren had received his name . It was not always that after more than thirty years' exertions for a lodge , or for any body of men whatever , one was well received ; but he felt sure that be was scarcely deserving of such a compliment as Lord Donoughmore had paid him ,
because his attendance at the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was not now , and could not be what it used to be . He felt now almost superannuated ( no , no ); at any rate to a certain extent , and he was very glad to give up the lead which he had had the honour and pleasure of taking for so many years in this lodge to such good men as the brethren had seen that evening , as he had seen in
Bro . Fenn , a constant attendant at the lodge ( cheers ) , as the brethren also saw in other members of the lodge , such as the Secietary , Iiro . Smallpeicc , and in Bro . Richardson . It was to these brethren that the prosperity of the lodge was now due ; it was to them that the lodge might be thankful for thc meeting that they had had that night , and for the general success of the meeting . ( Hear , hear . ) He felt now that he was like an old horse which was
turned out to pasture after a long interval , and left to vegetate for the rest of his life without labour ; but so long as he could be of any use to thc lodge , or at any time the lodge might feel there was a special call for his services , then again he should be happy to come forward and to say , that although he had been turned out to pasture for the rest of his days he was still ready to exert
himself to the utmost to further the interests of the lodge , anil at all times to do what in him lay to promote its welfare . ( Applause . ) He was extremely gratified to see that evening young men , in contradistinction to the older Masons they saw a twelvemonth ago , performing all the sections . Last year they were worked by Past Grand Officers , and it was a pleasure to see the
young ones coming up , probably to push the old ones from their pedestals , and show that they also could do the work as well as the old ones did a year ago . Next year probably we should see others ready to show that the Emulation Lodge was not effete but was doing good suit and service to the Craft in the excellent working of the ceremonies . He had often said
that it must present itself to all those who took an interest in the working of Masonry that first impressions were everything ; that if a man was well initiated , he would feel that he was entering on something that was worth entering upon ; but if he was initiated in a slovenly man ner he would turn from it in disgust and say , " why was I initiated into an Institution where nothing is offered me
but a Master who stumbles over his work , and officers who cannot do their duties ? " Unless the working was good at an initiation , it would have no good effect upon the initiate ; iand hence he repeated the words which had fallen from Lord Donoughmore 011 the present occasion , that the Emulation was doing good service to the Craft , and he was glad to hear his Lordship say it had done good service to him . He ( Bro . Hervey ) , again thanked
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
the brethren heartily on behalf of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , and trusted that a l though time was ruuning fast along he might still have an opportunit y or two more of meeting the brethren in that hall and of again responding to this toast . Lord Donoughm . ire then rose and said that at the risk of tiring the brethren with the sound of his voice he would
propose another toast . Bro . Hervey had said that the work that evening had been dons by young hands ; and that although he felt he was like an old horse turned out to pasture he was always ready to come back at thc call of duty . In giving the brethren the toast of " The W . M . and the officers who presided in the Lodge of Emulation , " to-night he could not do better than say that he was sure
that the young members would remember whenever they were in difficulties Bro . Hervey ' s promise . It was a thing well known that an old hunter was always the best , he was always cleverer than any other ; and whenever the breihrcn were in a difficulty he was sure they would avail themselves of Bro . Hervey ' s advice . At present he was bound to say that as far as he and the brithren could see ,
none of those who took part in the ceremonies of tbe evening , were in need of much assistance , the work was so admirably given . He did not himself perceive a mistake from beginning to end , and the whole thing was a credit to the Emulation Lodge , which was a guide to the working of the Craft . Therefore he thought as they had already done in the lodge in a business manner they
should now do in a social manner , give them a recognition of their appreciation of the instruction they had exemplified . Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D ., responded . Though not such an old horse as Bro . Hervey , he was simewhat an old horse , for he could count up 21 years in Masonry , Bro Hervey was his father in Masonry , and perhaps he should not have taken such an interest in it but for
the impression made on his mind at his initiation . He had always felt what Bro . Hervey had said , that if . the ceremonies were not well performed , many brethren retreated from the Order , probably in disgust . He was not surprised that Lord Donoughmore and the brethren should have been pleased with tbe working of those brethren who had
worked thc sections . Jt was a very happy allusion to tbe noble Chairman , that in comparing thc working of that evening with the working of last year , the work of last year was done by old officers , o'd rulers of the Craft ; whereas the woiking of this eveninc was , with one exception , done by brethren who did not hold oflice . It was wondecfully creditable to those brethren that they should work the difficult sections without an error . He did not know
whether , in returning thanks for the officers of the lodge , he should include the permanent officers ; but he imagined they should regard the Tn' . surer and Secretary . They hail very arduous duties to perform , and no one more so than the Secretary . On their bcball , and on behalf of the working brethren , he begged t > thank the noble Chairman and brethren very much .
Bro . Murton , then , in proposing "The Lodge of Unions , " under whose warrant the Lorlge of Emulation was held , said it might well be that the Lodge of Unions was proud of her offspring , who would render it very great honour by the large number of members on its rolls who had turned out such efficient workers ; but still the Emulation ought to be grateful to
the Lodge of Unions for allowing them to work under its warrant . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Farnfield , P . M ., of the Lodge of Unions . Bro . J . A . Farnfield regretted that ( through a domestic affliction , the Master of the Lodge of Unions , the Rev . D . J . Drakeford , having lost his wife ) the pleasure of responding to this toast should have fallen to him ( Bro .
Farnfield ) . Thc Lodge of Unions was deeply sensible of the great glory that had attached to them by the eminence the Lodge of Emulation had arrived at . Instead of tbe mother lodge shedding lustre on the child , the child really shed lustre on the mother . He hoped that the cordial relations which had hitherto existed between the mother and child might never be severed ; that both might increase
and have good men and true ranging under their banners . Bro . J . A . Rucker , P . G . D ., proposed "The Visitors , " of whom there were a host present , and who he hoped would honour the lodge with their presence again , not only on these festive occasions , but on every Friday except Good Friday and Christmas Day . The real entertaining hosts were the brethren who had afforded so much entertainment ;
but there were other hosts , the committee of tbe Emulation Lodge of Improvement , who had issued invitations to several distinguished brethren . To do honour to these distinguished brethren he supposed he had been asked to propose this toast , and among these brethren was Bro . I ' omkins , G . T ., who added lustre to every Masonic meeting at which he was present , there were also other
distinguished brethren present ; Capt . Philips , G . D . ; Bro . Long , G . D . ; Bro . Buss , Assistant G . Secretary and Lieut .-Col . Shadwell Clerke . It would be agreeable to the brethren , and he hoped it would not be disagreeable tc Col . Gierke , that they were able to honour him as Colonc for the first time in such a splendid lodge of Freemasons . Bro . S . Tomkins , G . T ., regretted that by an imperative
appointment be had not been able to be present at thc working of the lodge ; but he had heard from the Graiul Officers who were present how admirable the working of the lodge had been . The prosperity of this lodge was a matter of giave importance and interest to the brethren who felt an interest in the prosperity of Masonry generally , but while the lodge of Emulation worked as it did now ,
and while it was supported by distinguished brethren like the nobleman who was in thc chair that evening , no brother could feel any doubts tbat the prosperity of Masonry would be maintained , and it would go on effecting the good that it had in past times . Lieut . Col . Shadwell Gierke said as Bro Rucker had kindly mentioned his name in connection with this toast
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Mark Masonry.
proved unanimous in each case , and being in attendance they were advanced in due form to the hon . degree of "M . M . M . The Secretary congratulated the W . M ., officiating for thc first time , on the efficient and effective manner in which the whole ceremony was performed , evidencing not
only thc labour bestowed by bim and his officers upon thc work , but rendering evident the fact that the labour is a labour of love and pleasure . The brethren adjourned to partake of a collation , and an hour was harmoniously whiled away in toast , song , and sentiment . The Honorary Trio was not forgotten .
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT .
The annual festival of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , working under the Lodge of Unions , No . 256 , was held yesterday week at Freemasons' Hall . About 300 brethren were present at the working of the lodge , over which Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D ., presided . Bro .
J . Muzio was S . W . ; E . Legg , J . W . ; John Hervey , G . S . Treasurer ; W . II . Smallpeicc , Secretary ; W . A . Dawson ' S . D . ; F . K . Spaull , J . D . ; and Tattershall , I . G . Among thc other brethren present were Bros . R . J . S . Beeton , S . D . 788 ; G . Brooke , W . M . 63 ; C . P . Cobham , P . M . 957 ; Evans Cronk , J . W . 1414 ; W . A . Dawson , 421 ; H . J . P . Dumas , P . G . D . ; ] . Edell , 108 ; T . Fenn , P . G . D ; J . P .
Ltcdlrey , W . M . 1261 ; Montague Gosset , P . M . 66 ; R . Grey , P . G . D . ; E . M . Haigh , P . G . S . ; E . J Harty , W . M . 1201 ; A . Hill , 21 ; W . G . Kentish , I . G . 1293 ; J . W . Lambert , W . M . 142 ; VV . S . Lee , S . D . 1201 ; Edwin March , P . M . ( . rand Stewads' Lodge ; J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D . ; H ) de Pullen , P . G . S . B . ; A . D . Renshaw , J . D . 194 ; A . A . Richards , P . M . 8 and 86 ; , P . Prov . G . J . W .
Midx . ; J . A . Rucker , P . G . D . ; J . E . Shand , I . G . 1563 ; G . B . Smallpeicc , P . M . 3 , 70 ; F . R . Spaull , I . G . 1124 ; K . G . Tattershall , 16 5 ; S . B . Wilson . P . M . 59 . 'J'he questions were put by Bro . Murton , the work chosen for the evening being the Second Lecture . The answers in the First Section were g'ven by Bro . W . A . Dawson ; S . cuid Section , ky Bro . Spaull ; Third Section , by Bro .
Tattershall ; Fourth b y Bro . l . ec , S . D . 1201 ; and Fifth by Uro . Kentish . Of the style of work it is only necessary to say that it was fully up to thc high standard cf Emulation working , and at thc close of thc labours of thc < veiling , tbe Earl cf Dcnoughmore , P . G . J . W ., in proposing a vote of thanks to the working brethren , said that : < s he should have the honour of presiding at the banquet ,
where he would have an opportunity of speaking more fully , be should trouble the brethren now with very few observations ; but he thought he should represent the wishes of all the brethren assembled if he said that they did not wish to sepaiate without giving their he-arty thanks to I hose who had that ni ght given such excellent woiking . Last year he had thc pleasure of being present on a
simi-1 tr occasion , when the working was performed by those whom he might ca 1 the rulers of thc Ciaft . Those , bowover , who bad done thc work this evening , were brethren who bad not yet risen to the high position of VV . M . ; but the brethren could have no doubt , from the excellent manner in which they had just carried out their duties , tbat when il came to Ibeir turn to fill tbe chair tbey would
have a very successful Masonic career before them . The vote having been carried with acclamation , Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D ., W . M ., in acknowledging it , said it had always been bis desire in this Lodge of Emulation to promote a good style of working , ancl the study of the Sections which illustrated the beautiful ceremonies . He thought it was highly necessary that those who
desired to understand thc nature of the ceremonies or of the Craft generally shoul I give their attention to this study . Lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern to supper where they were presided over bv the Earl of Donoughmore , who was supported on the dais by Bros . C . A . Murton , P . G . D . ; J . M . Case , P . G . D . ; J . A . Ruckcr , P . G . D . ; Hyde Pullen , P . G . S . B .
Col . Somerville Burney , Lieut .-Col . Shadwell Clerke , J . M . P . Montagu , D . P . G . M . Dorset ; S . Tomkins G . Treas ; John Hervey , G . S . ; Capt . Philips , G . D . ; Peter de Lande Long , G . D . ; Thos . Fenn , P . G . D . ; A . J . D . Filer , P . G . S . B . ; H . G . Buss , Assist . G . S . ; Rev . D . Robbins , A . B . Cooke , W . H . Smallpeicc , and H . J . P . Dumas , P . A . G . D . C After supper thc toasts were proposed , and that of
" The Queen and the Craft" having been disposed of , Lord Donoughmore proposed "Thc M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . " His Lordship said it was his fortune to be in a position with regard to the Pro Grand Master , in which , as it happened , a great deal of Masonic wrrk had to pass through his hands , and he was therefore in a position to bear witness to the very great interest the Grand
Master took in everything that Masons attempted and did . Il was hardly necessary he should give the brethren this assurance , but as he was able to give it he was sure it would only increase the zeal with which they would receive thc Grand Master ' s health . Lord Donoughmore in giving the toast of "The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy G . M ., "fcc , " sail the majority
of those present had often heard the Pro Grand Master's eloquence and observed his wonderful power of dealing with the most difficult subjects w'hich came before Grand Lodge for decision at different times . Any panegyric on bim now would be a waste of time . Of Lord Skelmersdale
be might say they all knew the work he had done in the province over which he presided , and in London , in Freemasons' Uall , and in oilier Buildings where Masonry flourished . Bro . Samuel Tomkins , G . Trea ? , proposed "The Health of the Chairman . " There was no Mason who did not look
upon the working of tbe Lodge of Emulation as a very important , useful , and interesting work in Masonry . The prosperity of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was virtually thc prosperity of Masonry ; and the more the brethren felt an interest in it , the more Masonry was ap-
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
preciated , and the more good Masonry effected . Masonry , however , would not be able to do the good it did unless noblemen like the Chairman showed by the interest they took in it that it was an Order to which all honourable men might belong . For the interest such noblemen took in Masonry the brethren were greatly thankful . He asked the brethren to drink " The Health of Lord Donoughmore , "
as an excellent Mascn . Lord Donoughmore said that thc very flattering manner in which the brethren had received his . name was naturally very gratifying to him . He could thoroughly concur with the brother who had brought it before them in everything he had said about the Emulation Lodge ot Improvement . Bro . Tomkins had said it was a most useful
institution , and one which deserved the greatest encouragement from all brethren , whatever rank they might hold in the Craft . Bro . Tomkins said at the same time that unless the governors of the Craft supported it , it would not flourish so much as it did . He perfectly agreed with Bro . Tomkins in that ; but then he agreed with him for a practical reason on another ground as well . He felt that it was not
only the rulers of the Craft who should support it for the sake of the good i would do to the Craft , but for the good it would do to themselves . He spoke from practical experience . He had had the honour of founding a lodge at a time when he knew little of what he had to do as Master , and if it had not been for the Emulation Lodge of Improvement he would not have been able to learn his
duties . Therefore , he had good reason to foster and support the existence of such a valuable body . He had to thank the brethren again for receiving his name so cordially on this his visit to the lodge , and he could only say it had given him the greatest pleasure to occupy the position of Chairman . Last > ear the chair in lodge was occupied for a time by the Earl of Carnarvon , and a very
interes . ingceremony was then gone through , win-h most of the brethren would remember . Upon that occasion the distinguished brother who had been Treasurer of the lodge for the past thirty years was presented by Lord Carnarvon on behalf the lodge with a testimonial . Lord Carnarvon then spoke in far more eloquent terms than he ( Lord Donoughmore ) could of thc very great
services Bro . Hervey bad rendered to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , and to Freemasonry , but he ( Lord Donoughmore ) considered it a piece of great good fortune to find himself , in proposing "Success to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , " supported by Bro . Hervey , whose name he should couple with the toast . The toast itself was one well voithy of the brethren ' s acceptance ; but he felt sure
that if there was one thing more than another which would render it acceptable to the brethren it was that it would be responded to by the excellent Bro . Grand Secretary , the Treasurer of the lodge . Bro . Hervey , in reply , said lhat if his lordship had been gratified by the reception accordetl to him . almost a young Mason , it must be doubly gratifying to him ( Bro . Hervey )
as an old Mason to be , after a long tenure of office and service in thc lodge , received in the manner in which the brethren had received his name . It was not always that after more than thirty years' exertions for a lodge , or for any body of men whatever , one was well received ; but he felt sure that be was scarcely deserving of such a compliment as Lord Donoughmore had paid him ,
because his attendance at the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was not now , and could not be what it used to be . He felt now almost superannuated ( no , no ); at any rate to a certain extent , and he was very glad to give up the lead which he had had the honour and pleasure of taking for so many years in this lodge to such good men as the brethren had seen that evening , as he had seen in
Bro . Fenn , a constant attendant at the lodge ( cheers ) , as the brethren also saw in other members of the lodge , such as the Secietary , Iiro . Smallpeicc , and in Bro . Richardson . It was to these brethren that the prosperity of the lodge was now due ; it was to them that the lodge might be thankful for thc meeting that they had had that night , and for the general success of the meeting . ( Hear , hear . ) He felt now that he was like an old horse which was
turned out to pasture after a long interval , and left to vegetate for the rest of his life without labour ; but so long as he could be of any use to thc lodge , or at any time the lodge might feel there was a special call for his services , then again he should be happy to come forward and to say , that although he had been turned out to pasture for the rest of his days he was still ready to exert
himself to the utmost to further the interests of the lodge , anil at all times to do what in him lay to promote its welfare . ( Applause . ) He was extremely gratified to see that evening young men , in contradistinction to the older Masons they saw a twelvemonth ago , performing all the sections . Last year they were worked by Past Grand Officers , and it was a pleasure to see the
young ones coming up , probably to push the old ones from their pedestals , and show that they also could do the work as well as the old ones did a year ago . Next year probably we should see others ready to show that the Emulation Lodge was not effete but was doing good suit and service to the Craft in the excellent working of the ceremonies . He had often said
that it must present itself to all those who took an interest in the working of Masonry that first impressions were everything ; that if a man was well initiated , he would feel that he was entering on something that was worth entering upon ; but if he was initiated in a slovenly man ner he would turn from it in disgust and say , " why was I initiated into an Institution where nothing is offered me
but a Master who stumbles over his work , and officers who cannot do their duties ? " Unless the working was good at an initiation , it would have no good effect upon the initiate ; iand hence he repeated the words which had fallen from Lord Donoughmore 011 the present occasion , that the Emulation was doing good service to the Craft , and he was glad to hear his Lordship say it had done good service to him . He ( Bro . Hervey ) , again thanked
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
the brethren heartily on behalf of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , and trusted that a l though time was ruuning fast along he might still have an opportunit y or two more of meeting the brethren in that hall and of again responding to this toast . Lord Donoughm . ire then rose and said that at the risk of tiring the brethren with the sound of his voice he would
propose another toast . Bro . Hervey had said that the work that evening had been dons by young hands ; and that although he felt he was like an old horse turned out to pasture he was always ready to come back at thc call of duty . In giving the brethren the toast of " The W . M . and the officers who presided in the Lodge of Emulation , " to-night he could not do better than say that he was sure
that the young members would remember whenever they were in difficulties Bro . Hervey ' s promise . It was a thing well known that an old hunter was always the best , he was always cleverer than any other ; and whenever the breihrcn were in a difficulty he was sure they would avail themselves of Bro . Hervey ' s advice . At present he was bound to say that as far as he and the brithren could see ,
none of those who took part in the ceremonies of tbe evening , were in need of much assistance , the work was so admirably given . He did not himself perceive a mistake from beginning to end , and the whole thing was a credit to the Emulation Lodge , which was a guide to the working of the Craft . Therefore he thought as they had already done in the lodge in a business manner they
should now do in a social manner , give them a recognition of their appreciation of the instruction they had exemplified . Bro . C . A . Murton , P . G . D ., responded . Though not such an old horse as Bro . Hervey , he was simewhat an old horse , for he could count up 21 years in Masonry , Bro Hervey was his father in Masonry , and perhaps he should not have taken such an interest in it but for
the impression made on his mind at his initiation . He had always felt what Bro . Hervey had said , that if . the ceremonies were not well performed , many brethren retreated from the Order , probably in disgust . He was not surprised that Lord Donoughmore and the brethren should have been pleased with tbe working of those brethren who had
worked thc sections . Jt was a very happy allusion to tbe noble Chairman , that in comparing thc working of that evening with the working of last year , the work of last year was done by old officers , o'd rulers of the Craft ; whereas the woiking of this eveninc was , with one exception , done by brethren who did not hold oflice . It was wondecfully creditable to those brethren that they should work the difficult sections without an error . He did not know
whether , in returning thanks for the officers of the lodge , he should include the permanent officers ; but he imagined they should regard the Tn' . surer and Secretary . They hail very arduous duties to perform , and no one more so than the Secretary . On their bcball , and on behalf of the working brethren , he begged t > thank the noble Chairman and brethren very much .
Bro . Murton , then , in proposing "The Lodge of Unions , " under whose warrant the Lorlge of Emulation was held , said it might well be that the Lodge of Unions was proud of her offspring , who would render it very great honour by the large number of members on its rolls who had turned out such efficient workers ; but still the Emulation ought to be grateful to
the Lodge of Unions for allowing them to work under its warrant . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Farnfield , P . M ., of the Lodge of Unions . Bro . J . A . Farnfield regretted that ( through a domestic affliction , the Master of the Lodge of Unions , the Rev . D . J . Drakeford , having lost his wife ) the pleasure of responding to this toast should have fallen to him ( Bro .
Farnfield ) . Thc Lodge of Unions was deeply sensible of the great glory that had attached to them by the eminence the Lodge of Emulation had arrived at . Instead of tbe mother lodge shedding lustre on the child , the child really shed lustre on the mother . He hoped that the cordial relations which had hitherto existed between the mother and child might never be severed ; that both might increase
and have good men and true ranging under their banners . Bro . J . A . Rucker , P . G . D ., proposed "The Visitors , " of whom there were a host present , and who he hoped would honour the lodge with their presence again , not only on these festive occasions , but on every Friday except Good Friday and Christmas Day . The real entertaining hosts were the brethren who had afforded so much entertainment ;
but there were other hosts , the committee of tbe Emulation Lodge of Improvement , who had issued invitations to several distinguished brethren . To do honour to these distinguished brethren he supposed he had been asked to propose this toast , and among these brethren was Bro . I ' omkins , G . T ., who added lustre to every Masonic meeting at which he was present , there were also other
distinguished brethren present ; Capt . Philips , G . D . ; Bro . Long , G . D . ; Bro . Buss , Assistant G . Secretary and Lieut .-Col . Shadwell Clerke . It would be agreeable to the brethren , and he hoped it would not be disagreeable tc Col . Gierke , that they were able to honour him as Colonc for the first time in such a splendid lodge of Freemasons . Bro . S . Tomkins , G . T ., regretted that by an imperative
appointment be had not been able to be present at thc working of the lodge ; but he had heard from the Graiul Officers who were present how admirable the working of the lodge had been . The prosperity of this lodge was a matter of giave importance and interest to the brethren who felt an interest in the prosperity of Masonry generally , but while the lodge of Emulation worked as it did now ,
and while it was supported by distinguished brethren like the nobleman who was in thc chair that evening , no brother could feel any doubts tbat the prosperity of Masonry would be maintained , and it would go on effecting the good that it had in past times . Lieut . Col . Shadwell Gierke said as Bro Rucker had kindly mentioned his name in connection with this toast