Consecration Of The Anglo-American Lodge, No. 2191.

CONSECRATION OF THE ANGLO-AMERICAN LODGE , No . 2191 .

The Anglo-American Lodge , whoseapproachingadvent we have chronicled in our former issues , was consecrated on Thursday , the 24 th ult ., at the Criterion , Piccadilly . It has been started under brilliant auspices , Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . G . D ., being its first W . M ., and amongst the officers and founders will be found the names of many brethren , English and American , who have made their mark in Freemasonry , and whose

connection with the new lodge will secure for it a brilliant and prosperous career . As its name implies , it is intended as a means of drawing closer together the bonds of Masonic union existing between the two countries , and although we believe its membership is not absolutely limited in this respect , yet as that is the " raison d ' etre" of its existence , we doubt not it will always remain a Masonic centre and home for Americans resident in , or visiting ,

this country . The ceremony of consecration was performed by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , assisted by Bros . Thomas Fenn , Pres . Board of Gen . Purps ., as S . W . ; R . Turtle Pigott , D . C . L ., P . A . G . D . C , as J . W . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . C ., as Chaplain ; H . Trueman Wood , A . G . D . C , as D . of C . ; and Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br ., as I . G . There were also

present—Bros . Gen . Brownrigg , Prov . G . M . Surrey ; Hugh D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal Aubrey Saunders , P . D . G . M . Madras ; Theo . H . l'ilton , P . D . G . M . New York City ; F . A . Philbrick , G . Reg . ; Samuel Pope , S . GD . ; Brackstone Baker , P . G . D . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D . ; Dr . A . Meadows , P . G . D . ; P . de Lande Long , PG . D . ; J . C . Parkinson , P . G . D . ; Geo . PlucUnett , P . G . D . ; R . G . Glover , Dep .

G D . of C . j J . Lewis Thomas , P . A . G . D . of C ; Major G . Lambert , P . G . S . B . ; Col . Jas . Peters , P . G . S . B . ; Henry Garrod , P . G . P . ; F . Binckes , P . G . Stwd . ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; Bairon L . Barnett , Dep . District Grand Master Queensland ; Gen . R . Cunhffe , P . D . D . G . M . Madras ; Col . Haldane , P . D . D . G . M . Malta ; George Kennin" - P . G . D . Middx . ; C . F . Matier , P . G . W . Greece ; Prince Ibraham Hilmy Pasha , " A . M Broadley , P . D . D . G . M . Malta ; C . F . Hogard , P . P . G . S . of VV . Essex ;

J . S . Cumberland , P . P . G . W . North and East Yorks ; W . Lake , P . P . G . Reg . Cornwall ; Geo . ] . Dunklev . P . P . G . Organist Middx . ; P . Soman , P . P . G . Steward Norfolk ; j . Foster , H . Hambling , C . A . Itter , A . A . Drew , J . T . Rowe , Jas . Rowe , P . Rogers , J . Arnold , Pigott , Geo . Everett , John Skinner , Dr . R . Cross , VV . A . Baskcomb , VV . Brindley , J . Coltart , W . Groves , R . P . J . LaundyR . P . HareVV . VV . Lee , R . W . Pope . T . R . Walls , A . Simner , W . M . 177 ;

, , E . Stimson , T . H . Smithers , H . Chapman , W . Richards , E . Humphery , G . Edwards , Canderlier , A . Frigout , J . Green , A . Woodliffe , T . A . Roberts , C . J . Jones , T . E . Lewis , WestHeld , H . Schartau , T . Adams , A . P . Little , A . A . Pendlebury , R . Baugham , J . Gibson , T . Burnside , H . Wheatley , H . W . Kedgley , John Barnett , jun ., P . Parsons , Fred . Hurrtle , W . Woodruff , I ' . W . C . Jones , Major Foster , C . Grassi , W . W . Morgan , A . H . Baker , F . Jackson , G . Coop , W . J . Vian , G . P . Bertini , C . Corby ,

R . L . Murray , Robt . Fairclough , A . Harris , R . Mackway , A . Myers , C . F . Cusel , F . Franklin Clive , W . Crawford , J . Webb , Charles Lambert , H . C . Lambert , T . J . Robins , Lennox Browne , W . M . 210 S ; A . Clarke , F . Kedge , J . B . Cummings , Geo . Reynolds , Consul-General Waller , J . J . Woolley , Wilkie Jones , G . H . Reynolds , C , Ralph , J . Woodward , J . Williams , and J . Potter . The lodge having been opened in the Three Degrees , The GRAND SECRETARY addressed the brethren on the motive of the

meeting , and said : —Brethren , on occasions like the present , when Masons are assembled in large numbers to assist in the consecration of a new lodge , the meeting must necessarily be of great interest . I venture to say that on the present occasion that interest is greater than usual . For reasons which I have previously explained to many of you who have been present at consecrations , it is very difficult to obtain a warrant for a new lodge in London . There are , as you are aware , more than 350 London lodges , and

the M . W . Grand Master has , in many instances , to decline to increase the number . The present case is one of an unusual character . I am happy to say that for some time past we have had in our midst a large number of good and worthy brethren from the other side of the Atlantic who belong to our mystic Order . We always receive them with pleasure at our various Masonic meetings . But amongst those brethren who are with us , there are

several who longed to take a more active part in the work , and who wished for a lodge that mig ht be identified with them . Many of them met together , joined vvith English Masons , and have drawn up a petition for a new lodge to be called the Anglo-American Lodge . The case is so unusual that the M . W . G . M . has granted their petition , and has issued a warrant , and we are met together to-day to consecrate that Iodge . The worthy brethren who are joining with us are worthy of all praise , and I am sure

will work heartily , and shed a lustre on our Order . They have selected for their first W . M . a well-tried brother—Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . G . D . — and there is a considerable fitness in that selection , as he represents , in Grand Lodge the majority of American Grand Lodges . It is fit and proper that he should cement the tie by becoming the first W . M . of the Ang lo-American Lodge . 1 will not detain you longer , but will leave any further Masonic address to Bro . the Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . Chap ., who will deliver an oration .

The founders having signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant , Bro . the Rev . J , S . BROWNRIGG , P . G . Chap ., delivered the following oration : —

A very distinguished American writer , Judge Hahburton , is describing how in a far west colony a crowd of needy adventurers—men who to all outward appearance seemed unlikely to become good citizens—recognised the value of law and order , set themselves at once to work to form rules for their own government , and in a very short time settled down as a well organized community . He describes all this as only " Sam Slick " can , and adds the following remark , " What people on earth could do this but the

Anglo-Saxon . " What better text for the few words I have to speak to you to-night . We are welcoming a ne > v lodge which has in view the great object of drawing together our American and our English brethren . We both belong to the great Anglo Saxon family and we are both proud of our descent . Rightly are we proud . There is no race , not even the old Greek or Roman race , which has produced so many great , so many noble in every station of life . None have faced dangers and difficulties with so much courage . None have been greater in literature , or art , or science . Look at the world ' s roll call of

soldiers , sailors , statesmen , poets , artists , philanthropists , and divines , and you will find that great list full of Anglo Saxon names . And look also at the crowd . The pawns on the great chess board of the universe . What people so intelligent , so industrious , so free , so keenly appreciative of all _ that is good and true , so justly impatient of all that is base and dishonest , as the people in whose veins runs the Anglo-Saxon blood . And yet , brethren , do not let us shut our eyes to the facts that too often the various countries and colonies of this great family , spend , mispend their great faculities in watching for one anothers faults , looking out for points of difference rather than in joining hand to

Consecration Of The Anglo-American Lodge, No. 2191.

hand and strength to strength in their work . Perhaps the reason of this is that men of the same family are naturally keen in the perception of one another ' s faults . The failings ot our own relations stand out before our eyes more distinctly than those of a stranger . The inconsistencies , and littlenesses , and the peculiarities of our own brethren jar more upon our feelings than those of another race . It is to this reason that I attribute the f . ict that the American and the Englishman so often misunderstand oru

another and are hindered from realizing that brotherly affection which does exist , thoughit lies hidden beneath tV > e surface . You see our faults and we see yours . We both of us employ upon one another that power of judgment which is given for home use and not for exercise upon our neighbours . Intent upon the odious work of criticising our brother ' s peculiarities we forget that in his eyes our imperfectionsstand out with special clearness . An American speaking or writing about England ; an Englishman speakinir

or writing about America , both find it hard to do so perfectly fairly , because both cannot fail to see too clearly the points of difference , and both are too apt to enshrine themselves in a fictitious position of infallibility , and from thence to formulate judicial sentences upon the short comings of their own kinsmen . Let this un-Masonic spirit never find a place in the Anglo-American lodge . Let us rather strive to discover what is good in each and to show the world how strong a power for good the Anglo-Saxon

race is . Let every man employ the gavel upon his own excrescencies , and leave his neighbours to do a like work for himself . Let us each learn from our brother . I believe there is much that an American can teach an Englishman . Much also that an English , man can teach an American . And further , do not let us be ashamed to make use of our brother ' s work . One mans skill lies in this direction , another man ' s in the opposite . Our antient brethren recognized this fact . Every Craftsmen was set to do that work which he could do best , and what he produced was used in conjunction with other work

different in kind but no less beautiful . Every work was a masterpiece , it lent beaut y to and it borrowed beauty from other works . Both in nature and in art absolute uniformit y is impossible , it is the skilful blending together of good details which is the perfection of every structure . So , brethren , strive in your Iodge to harmonize the peculiar excellences of our two great nations , and when the world recognizes a society strong and useful because it rises above the narrow limits of prejudice and passion , it will say with the writer from whom I have borrowed my sentiment . What people on earth could do this but the Anglo-Saxon .

The ceremony of Consecration was then successfully proceeded vvith , and on its conclusion the G . Sec . installed Bro . Brackstone Baker , P . M . 21 P . G . D ., as the W . M . for the ensuing year . The following officers were appointed and invested : Bros . Major Lambert , P . G . S . Br ., l . P . M . ; A .

Clark , P . M ., S . W . ; F . Kedge , J . W . ; J . B . Cumming , Treas . ; G . Reynolds , Sec . ; Consul-General Waller , S . D . ; J . J . Woolley , J . D . ; G , H . Reynolds , I . G . ; Wilkie Jones , D . C . ; J . Skinner , C Ralph and J . Woodward , Stwds . ; J . Potter , Tyler . The usual addresses were then delivered by the Installing Officer , the G . Secretary .

1 he music used during the consecration ceremony was ( under the direction of Bro . Herbert Schartau ) most effectively rendered by Bros , Richard Mackway , Franklin Clive , T . Adams , T . J . Robins , C . Stuart Lodge , Charles Ralph and others . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER said it was his most grateful duty to ask

the lodge to pass a vote of thanks to the G . Sec . and the other Grand Officers , to whom they were indebted for the excellent way in which the ceremony had been performed . The way in which it had been rendered left nothing to be desired . He would ask the lodge not merely to pass a vote of thanks , but also to elect the brethren he had named as honorary members .

This motion having been seconded by Bro . Major G . LAMBERT , and carried unanimously , the W . M . intimated the result to the Grand Officers concerned , and presented the G , Sec . with a distinguishing jewel , as a memento of the interesting occasion . The GRAND SECRETARY said he would lose no time in rising on behalf of his colleagues , to thank the lodge for its kind and gratifying testimony ,

He could speak for his brother Grand Officers and say it had given them great pleasure to be present . They had done the best they could and wished the lodge every success . Tliey also returned thanks for the honorary membership conferred upon them , which they hoped to be able to avail themselves of . He had again to thank the lodge for the jewel which he should wear for the rest of his life in remembrance of the memorable day .

A By-laws Committee having been elected , propositions received , and a telegram and letter read from Bros . Percy Smith and T . A . Dickson , regretting their absence on account of illness , but with ' Hearty good wishes ' for the success of the Anglo-American Lodge , the lodge was closed , and

the brethren adjourned to the Victoria Hall , which was prettily decorated , the English and American flags being prominent , where a sumptuous banquet was provided by Messrs . Spiers and Pond , under the personal superintendance of their manager , Bro . Bertini , late of Delmoiiico ' s , New York , Bro . Richd . Mackway ' s Choir having sung grace

, "The Queen and the Craft" was first given , the W . M observing that he was sure the toast would meet with a ready response , for her Majesty was the daughter of a Mason , the mother of Masons , and the grandmother of a Mason .

' H . R . H . The Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " was next proposed by the W . M ., who said it had been his fate to live under the Masonic rule of three Grand Masters . It would be invidious to compare those Grand Masters . Suffice it to say that under no Masonic government had Masonry so prospered , as under that of H . R . H . He was sure they would all drink to the health of H . R . H ., and to the extension of Masonry under him .

" Ihe Pro . G . M ., Dep . G . M ., and rest of Grand Officers" was proposed by Bro . ADOLPHUS CLARK , S . W . He did not propose to occupy the time of the brethren in any attempt to paint the lil y , or to gild or refine the gold . He thought he was justified in saying that in no time in Masonry , had the brethren been honoured with the services of such an efficient body

of Grand Officers . He was pleased to see such a large number of Grand Officers present , and on behalf of the brethren of the Ang lo-American Lodge he had to heartily thank them for their attendance . He had very much pleasure in coupling with the toast the name of Bro . General Brownrigg , P . G . M ., Surrey .

Bro . General BROWNRIGG , C . B ., Prov . G . M . Surrey , in reply , said the fact of his having been called upon to respond , in his rank he held in the Craft , was a matter of accident . He had been for 45 years a Freemason , and could safely say that of all the consecrations at which he had assisted , in none had he taken a greater interest than the present . He was q "'^ sure the Grand Officers would concur in what he said . It had been well

said that evening by his son in the flesh , and brother in the Craft , that the Americans and English were both of the same Anglo-Saxon stock . " could not help feeling that this lodge would be another link to bind tne " together . They had all descended from the same old tree , and it was very pleasant indeed to find how Englishmen were annrer-ialprl when visiting tlie

United States . As an instance of hospitality he would mention , that whe he was Military Secretary to the Governor General of Canada , he wa engaged in a cricket match with a New York Club . On the return mate being played he was perfectly astounded at the welcome they enjoyed , an it was with the utmost difficulty that they were permitted to pay even lne hotel bills . In conclusion , he need hardl y say how heartil y the Grand Office