-
Articles/Ads
Article Masonic Notes and Queries. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MERCHANT TAYLORS' COMPANY. Page 1 of 1 Article LIVERPOOL MASONIC HALL COMMITTEE. Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 4 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 4 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Notes And Queries.
ing pithy memoir : —Thomas Hinderwell vvas born at Scarborough , in 1744 , anil was the eldest son of a family of four children . At a suitable age he entered the merchant service , under the command of Mr . Robert Burn . In 1773 he became master , and vvas engaged in the transport service ; in 1775 he retired from sea . His natural talent for observation in his intercourse with different nations , their manners , customs , acts , & c , enabled him to store his mind with much
valuable information . In 177 S he was elected a member of the Corporation of Scarborough , and filled the office of magistrate in 17 S 4 , 1790 , and 1 S 00 . He was never married . His connection vvith the public institutions of the town was extensive , aud he vvas remarkable for the warm , energetic , and continued support and interest he gave to the educational , benevolent , and various philantrophic measures brought forward for the moral and spiritual advancement of
thc inhabitants of thc borough . In 1790 he issued his very excellent work the " History of Scarborough " of which a second edition vvas published in 1 S 11 . This vvas a work that had been a pleasure to him in the preparation , extending over several years , and which posterity has acknowledged as abl y and faithfully written , and quite as extensive as the material within his reach at the time . As a local work , and the first topographical history of the borough , it was a
valuableacquisition , and this was in due time acknowledged by his contemporaries . Hisdeathtook p lace in 1 S 25 , in the Sist year of his age . and his remains were interred in theburial ground of St . Mary ' s , Scarborough . " It is sadly too much the evil habit of local historians to cavil at their predecessors , instead of honourably acknowledging their debt of gratitude to them , correcting any of their errors they may discover in a kindly spirit , and gathering to thc facts
collected before them all the useful and entertaining matter within the compass of their cable tovy . I am very glad to find Mr . Baker markedly avoiding this error in the able and comprehensive history vvith which he has just favoured us ; and long after his aged head is laid beneath the sod—it may be appropriately enough near his predecessor , Bro . Hinderwell—his memory will be all the more lovingly cherished for the genial manner in which he has completed his arduous and useful labours . GEORGE MARKHAM TWEDDLE .
Merchant Taylors' Company.
MERCHANT TAYLORS' COMPANY .
A dinner vvas given by the above distinguished company on Wednesday last , the guests numbering nearly 300 . Among those present we noticed Bros . Alderman Sir Reginald Hanson , Raymond H . Thrupp , A . T . Layton , F . G . I ' aithfull , H . Pigeon , jun ., and George Kenning as Master of the Gold and Silver Wvre Drawers' Company .
The usual toasts were given by the master and responded to in a most enthusiastic manner . The master drank to his guests in the loving cup . " The loving cup is a splendid feature of the Hall feasts of the City and Inns of Court . The cup is ot silver or silver gilt , and is filled with spiced wine , immemorially termed 'Sack . ' Immediately after thc dinner and grace ,
the master and wardens drink to their visitors a hearty welcome ; the cup is then passed round the table , and each guest , after he has drunk , applies his napkin to the mouth of the cup before he passes it to his neighbour . The more formal practice is for the person who pledges with the loving cup to stand up and bow to his neighbour , who , also standing , removes the cover with his right hand , and holds
it while thc other drinks . "—/ -. W . Fairholt , F . S . A . "•To drink from the large stoops or cans in use by the Anglo-Saxons , it was necessary to lift these with both hands , and in this posture a man offered to his foe an excellent opportunity for stabbing him . As a protection against this custom , a system of 'pledging' was introduced—relics of which remain in our familiar custom to
the present day . A man , when about to drink , asked his neighbour to be his 'pledge' or ' guardian . ' If he consented to do so he rose , drew his , sword , and guarded the drinking man , who afterwards in his turn ' pledged' or guarded his companion while he drank . "—( Thrupp's Anglo-Saxon Home , p . 29 6 ) . This comnanv is celebrated for its collection of wines , the
wines served on this occasion was Madeira , O . E . 1 ; Sherry , Rauenthal , Vintage iSCS ; Champagne , Irroys' 1 S 74 ; Port , Taylors' 1 SC 1 ; Claret , Chateau Lalite 1 S 62 . The string band of thc Royal Engineers performed a selection of music during dinner , under the direction of Heir J . R . Sawerthal , B . M . R . E . After dinner an interesting programme of vocal music was gone through under the
management of Bro . Lawler , assisted by Miss hfhe Clements , Miss Helen Heath , Miss Marie Schumann , and Mr . Sidney Tower . It may be of interest to our readers to know that the National Anthem , written in 1 S 22 by Richard Clark and published by him , upon the authority of the records of the Merchant Taylors' Company , of Sion College Library and of the old cheeiuc book of his Maiesty ' s Chapel , shows that
the words of "God save the King" were written at the particular request of the Merchant Taj-lors' Company by Ben Jonson , and that the music was composed by Dr . John Bull for an entertainment given by thc company to King James I . on the 16 th July , 1 C 07 , to congratulate his Majesty on his escape from the Gunpowder Plot . The National Anthem vvas first sung in Merchant Taylors' Hall on that occasion by the gentlemen and children of the Royal Chapel .
Liverpool Masonic Hall Committee.
LIVERPOOL MASONIC HALL COMMITTEE .
The annual meeting of the Liverpool Masonic Hall Committee was held on Friday evening , thc zGth ult ., at thc head quarters of the local " Fraternity , Hope-street . Bro . Ralph Robinson , P . M . 241 , VV . M . 1502 , P . P . G . Keg ., occupied the chair and there was a large attendance . ' 1 he accounts which have already been given were taken as read
and passed . On the motion of Bro . H . A . Tobias , P . P . G . S . of VV ., seconded by Bro . R . Martin , P . M . 10 S 2 , it was unanimously resolved to borrow £ 1000 to complete the furnishing and decoration of the hall . Thanks were conveyed to the Chairman and officers of the Committee for their services during the year . Bro . John Pemberton , P . P . G . S . B .. proposed by Bro . Dr . Smith , P . P . G . Reg .,
seconded by Bro . John Ballard , was elected Chairman . Bro . lohn Ballard was appointed Vice-Chairman , and Bro . H . Tobias was re-elected Treasurer , and Mr . J . I . Callow , Secretary . Bros . T . Salter , P . P . G . J . D . ; M . Hart , P . M . 1502 ; and R . Martin , 11 S 2 , were chosen Auditors , and the representatives of thc Committee are Bros . Robinson , Becsley , Whitehead , Hart , and Mackenzie .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
© raft JlasonriL
NEPTUNE LODGE ( No . 22 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge vvas held on the 25 th ult ., at thc Guildhall Tavern , when there were present among other brethren Bros . John Harper , W . M . ; George Britton , l . P . M . ; J . Charles Slater , S . W . ; Henry Povey , J . W . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Sec . ; R . VV . Coulcher , S . D . ; Wm . Cook , J . D . ; Joseph L . Corbett , I . G . ; Thos . P . Collings , P . M ., D . of C . ; and visitors : Bros . H . Beckersdorff , 1329 ; Wm .
Francis , 34 ; Thomas Cohu , P . M . 192 ; C . Morgan , 10 S ; Jas . B . Dauncly , 1 S 21 ; F . D . Rees Copestick , P . P . G . S . B . Herts , S 69 ; A . McDowall , P . G . D . of C . Berks and Bucks , 94 S ; F . D . Cates , 453 ; Stephen Hayworth , 101 , P . M . 15 ; Horace F . Bonner , 12 S 7 ; George Kenning , P . M . 192 and 1 G 57 , P . G . D . Middx . ; P . Smith , 73 ; B . Coulson Robinson , 136 ; Sir John Bennett , 1 ; W . J . Bishop , 1 S 0 ; Edgar Bowyer , P . M . 15 S 0 , W . M . 1964 ,
P . P . G . S . W . Herts ; George Russell , 1 S 0 ; W . F . Green , S 61 ; J . Watney Watson , 1558 ; C . Bailey , 1445 ; W . C . Greaves , and H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 192 S ( Freemason ) . The VVorshipfiil Master raised Bro . Richard King to the Third Degree , after which Bro . George Britton , P . M ., installed Bro . Henry Povey , J . W . ' and W . M . elect , as Master of the lodge for the current year . The brethren appointed
and invested as officers were Bros . John Harper , l . P . M . ; John C . Slater , S . W . ; Robert W . Coulcher , J . VV . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treas . ; George Britton , P . M ., Sec . ; William Cook , S . D . ; Joseph Corbett , J . D . ; Allen Hedderley , I . G . ; Thomas P . Collings , P . M ., D . of C . ; W . Neats , W . S . ; and Joseph Parkinson , Tyler . After the delivery of the addresses Bro . Harper , I . P . M ., was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel , and a handsome
illuminated vellum , elegantly framed and glazed , was presented by the W . M . in the name of the lodge to Bro . Isaac Wilcox , P . M . and Treasurer . The vellum bore the following inscription : " Neptune Lodge , No . 22 . Presented to Bro . Isaac Wilcox , P . M ., upon his retirement from the office of Treasurer , as a token of fraternal regard and of the high appreciation by the brethren for the valuable services he rendered to the lodge in that capacity during a
period extending over a quarter of a century . Initiated lanuary , 1 S 50 , Master 1 S 55 , Treasurer 1 S 57 . Bros . John Harper , VV . M . ; J . J . Slater , S . VV . ; Henry Povey , J . VV . ; Edward F . Storr , P . M ., Hon . Sec . ; George Britton , I . P . M . ; Robert Walpole Coulcher , S . D . ; William Cook , J . D . ; and Joseph Corbett , I . G . " There was also a massive silver salver added to the above , but which was afterwards presented at the banquet table . The salver
bore the inscription : " Presented to Bro . Isaac Wilcox , P . M ., by the members ot the Neptune Lodge , No . 22 , in grateful recognition of his valuable services as Treasurer for 26 years . January 7 th , 1 SS 3 . Bros . J . Harper , W . M . ; J . J . Slater , S . W . ; H . Povey , J . VV . ; and E . F . Storr , P . M . ( Hon . Sec ) . " In presenting the illuminated vellum in lodge the Worshipful Master said : Bro . Past Master Wilcox , it is 2 G
years to-night since you first had the collar of Treasurer of the Neptune Lodge placed upon your shoulders by our Bro . Goodwin , P . M . Many and varied are the changes you have seen take place here . Veryfewofthebrehrcn remain who witnessed that interesting ceremony ; they are gone—gone let us hope to that bright sphere above . But still you are with us , and now after such a lengthened service as 2 C years you feel the time arrived to nolongcr continue to hold
the ofhec . That being so the brethren have unanimously resolved to present you with this testimonial in recognition of your long and faithful services ; and in asking your , acceptance of the same every brother in the lodge will join me in expressing the hope that long may your lite bespared and that the evening time of it may be calm and pleasant . In thc words of Longfellow I would say , " Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime , And departing leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time . " You in your departure from this office have left your footprints on thc sands of thc Neptune Lodge , and I trust this will encourage every succeeding Treasurer to as faithful a discharge of the duties of the office as you have exhibited in the past . In the name of the Neptune Lodge I ask you
to accept of this testimonial . Bro . Wilcox , P . M ., in repl y said : You have been very kind , Worshipful Master , in the observations you have been pleased to make with regard to myself . 1 thank you and the brethren very sincerely for this kind recognition of my humble services during the 2 ( 5 years that I have discharged the office of your Treasurer . 1 assure you it is with feelings of regret that I have felt it a duty to ask you to relieve me
of that duty . I am sorry to leave the office , because I have been a worker in the lodge for 33 years . 1 have never had relaxation of two years , and during the whole of thc time that I have worked in the lodge , both as an officer from Inner Guard upwards to VV . M . and then Treasurer , I do not think I have been absent from my duty more than three or four times at the utmost , which is saying a very great deal , and I thank God that He has given me health to be
able to continue among you . I hope I may be spared for many years to have the kind friendly feelings of association vvith every brother that I have had during thc past 32 years . It is along time , and I am sorry to say that 1 am the only member of the lodge of all those who were in existence at the time I joined , in iSso . There arc two brethren I believe , Bro . l ' ownend and our late Secretary , Bro . Fames , who arc alive , and those are the only two to the best of my recollection , but we have a brother belonging to us a
great invalid and not able to be with us to-night , Bro . Norman , who joined us very early indeed , and a more kind and affectionate letter it is impossible for one man to write to another than the letter he has written to me greatly regretting that he is not able to be with us this evening . Many changes have taken place during the time I have been connected with this loelge , but I am pleased to say ( 1 dont't mean to say it in praise of any exertions on my part ) that I as you know have endeavoured to instil into the brethren the necessity of good
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
working . Without good working a lodge loses its position , and Masonry sinks . I have during 26 years endeavoured to keep the lodge in a position which I trust it will always maintain , that is to keep itself free from debt . I have held it one of the most essential points vvith a Treasurer that he should keep the lodge free from debt , especially as far as the tavern is concerned , that the brethren may receive from the proprietor that attention and respect
which they ought to receive . 1 believe during the whole of the time we have always been treated wherever we have gone in the most kind and friendl y and I think most princely manner . Allow me to say that 1 feel deeply sensible ; of the great compliment this lodge has paid me in presenting me vvith this recognition of my humble services in the position of your Treasurer . As I said j regret the circumstances that compelled me to resign . At different
periods of life one's tunc is encroached upon in many ways . That happens to be my case . I felt I could not consistently hold the office oi Treasurer without being present , and that you know is not always possible when you have other duties to perform . That is the only reason I had in asking you not to re-elect me this year . I thank vou verv
much for the kindness and courtesy you have shown me . Bro . E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treasurer , said the Lord Mayor had promised to be present at thc meeting of the lodge in March , an announcement which vvas received with marks of great satisfaction . Lodge vvas then closed and the brethren adjourned to a choice banquet .
In giving the toast of "The Queen and the Craft" the W . M . said the Masons of England were loyal men—loyal to the Queen they served and honoured and loyal to the Craft they loved . In giving the toast of " The Grand Master" he said their loyalty as Masons was not limited by the toast they had just celebrated ; they also owed allegiance to their illustrious chief , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the Grand Master , who for the past eight years had ruled the Order wisel
so y and so well . The toast of " The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand plaster , " LS : c ., was next given . There were no ^ ,, ,, !; , P ? . ent to " = P ' y . but in compliance with the W . M . ' s call Bro . Edgar Bowyer , a Past Grand Officer of Herts , and Bro . Walter McDowall , Past Grand Officer of Berks and Bucks , said a few words in acknowledgment . Bro . Harper , I . P . M ., in proposing "The W . M . " said
however much he might flatter himself that he had shed some rushlight ray over the lodge during his year of office the brethren knew it vvas expunged and driven into the shade by the brightness of the sun which had just risen in the Masonic firmament , and he should have to hide llis diminished head and pale his ineffectual fire But seriously , he assured the brethren that he rose with a great deal of pleasure to propose the W . M . 's health , and he did not the words
use which were so often used , that he wished it had fallen into better hands to do more justice to it , because he did not believe any one was better able to do justice to it than he . To explain what he meant , the brethren when they elected a Warden to the chair of Master naturally liked to know how he performed his duties . None of the brethren sitting at the table knew how Bro . Povey could perform his dutiesbut as he ( BroHarper )
, . had known him many years and had studied hard vvith him he considered he was the only one who could tell them that Bro . Povey vvas perfect in the duties of his office from beginning to end . Two years ago when he ( Bro . Harper ) considered himself an inefficient , and feeling he did not know the ritual completely , he made up his mind to resign any pretensions to the office of Master . Bro . Povey however assisted him , and he wondered how that brother could
acquire the knowledge he had . It was on those grounds he considered himself better able than other brethren to let thc lodge know that the prestige of the Neptune Lodge would not be lessened in the hands of Bro . Povey . He knew of no one who had worked harder than he from thc lowest grade upwards , and therefore it was with the greatest delight he found the members had voted Bro . Povcv into the chair of K . S . _ Bro . Povey had riven them some
inkling ol how he could act at the social board , but as they of the Neptune Lodge were so particular and considered that no one should take the office of VV . M . unless he could perform the duties properly , and equal if not surpass those who had preceded him , he vvas sure the brethren would be glad to hear from him that they were perfectly justified in electing Bro . Povey . The Worshipful Master in reply said : In tendering you
1 - V 11 J """""•'"' yuur great mnaness allow me to say I shall do my utmost lor the interests of the lodge , and although 1 fee I have many shortcomings I can with confidence appeal to the brethren to be lenient with me and give me all the aid they can . I sincerel y trust this year may be a very enjoyable one to every brother in the lodge . In proposing "The Health of the Visitors !> the Worshipful Master said : This perhaps is the most important toast of the evening . We all know that without the mi .. * .
the feast cannot take place . To-night you have placed me in the chair of King Solomon , and without the Oueer , of Sneba even Solomon would have been shorn ofhalf his glory . To-night the Neptune Lodge would have lost a great deal of its pleasure were it not for its visitors I believe wc have the honour of entertaining 20 visitors , and if chanty is one of the great principles of Freemasonry , hospitality I think must be its sister virtue .
Sir John Bennett said he felt it with his brother visitors a most distinguished honour to be present in the heart of the City at this ancient Neptune Lodge . Whatever thev thought on other matters in public , attending as thev did sometimes gorgeous ceremonies and on great occasions , he looked with the most profound reverence and respect upon the Masonic Craft and a Masonic lodtre like the Neptune . 'I he history of thc human race could not be
written without attributing to the Craft a most remarkable career during the last 300 years . They had run through every phase of human existence century after cenlurv - whatever had changed Masons had not changed . Empires had risen and fallen ; d ynasties , kings , and princes had come ; they had done their work and they had passed away . Even religions had changed . But Freemasonry d 10 its
w ° r ., ' , ? , - on 5 'n 3 ooo years ago . We little knew—history could not tell us fas from thc very character of the Masonic operations history could not tell us ) -how much the world was indebted to the Craft . Whatever was done in tyranny , whether m Church or State , in all their forms , kingcraft and priestcraft , the Craft of Freemasonry stood . Lodges after lodges , wherever civilisation was doing its work there always stood the Craft in its various forms . Yes , through-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Notes And Queries.
ing pithy memoir : —Thomas Hinderwell vvas born at Scarborough , in 1744 , anil was the eldest son of a family of four children . At a suitable age he entered the merchant service , under the command of Mr . Robert Burn . In 1773 he became master , and vvas engaged in the transport service ; in 1775 he retired from sea . His natural talent for observation in his intercourse with different nations , their manners , customs , acts , & c , enabled him to store his mind with much
valuable information . In 177 S he was elected a member of the Corporation of Scarborough , and filled the office of magistrate in 17 S 4 , 1790 , and 1 S 00 . He was never married . His connection vvith the public institutions of the town was extensive , aud he vvas remarkable for the warm , energetic , and continued support and interest he gave to the educational , benevolent , and various philantrophic measures brought forward for the moral and spiritual advancement of
thc inhabitants of thc borough . In 1790 he issued his very excellent work the " History of Scarborough " of which a second edition vvas published in 1 S 11 . This vvas a work that had been a pleasure to him in the preparation , extending over several years , and which posterity has acknowledged as abl y and faithfully written , and quite as extensive as the material within his reach at the time . As a local work , and the first topographical history of the borough , it was a
valuableacquisition , and this was in due time acknowledged by his contemporaries . Hisdeathtook p lace in 1 S 25 , in the Sist year of his age . and his remains were interred in theburial ground of St . Mary ' s , Scarborough . " It is sadly too much the evil habit of local historians to cavil at their predecessors , instead of honourably acknowledging their debt of gratitude to them , correcting any of their errors they may discover in a kindly spirit , and gathering to thc facts
collected before them all the useful and entertaining matter within the compass of their cable tovy . I am very glad to find Mr . Baker markedly avoiding this error in the able and comprehensive history vvith which he has just favoured us ; and long after his aged head is laid beneath the sod—it may be appropriately enough near his predecessor , Bro . Hinderwell—his memory will be all the more lovingly cherished for the genial manner in which he has completed his arduous and useful labours . GEORGE MARKHAM TWEDDLE .
Merchant Taylors' Company.
MERCHANT TAYLORS' COMPANY .
A dinner vvas given by the above distinguished company on Wednesday last , the guests numbering nearly 300 . Among those present we noticed Bros . Alderman Sir Reginald Hanson , Raymond H . Thrupp , A . T . Layton , F . G . I ' aithfull , H . Pigeon , jun ., and George Kenning as Master of the Gold and Silver Wvre Drawers' Company .
The usual toasts were given by the master and responded to in a most enthusiastic manner . The master drank to his guests in the loving cup . " The loving cup is a splendid feature of the Hall feasts of the City and Inns of Court . The cup is ot silver or silver gilt , and is filled with spiced wine , immemorially termed 'Sack . ' Immediately after thc dinner and grace ,
the master and wardens drink to their visitors a hearty welcome ; the cup is then passed round the table , and each guest , after he has drunk , applies his napkin to the mouth of the cup before he passes it to his neighbour . The more formal practice is for the person who pledges with the loving cup to stand up and bow to his neighbour , who , also standing , removes the cover with his right hand , and holds
it while thc other drinks . "—/ -. W . Fairholt , F . S . A . "•To drink from the large stoops or cans in use by the Anglo-Saxons , it was necessary to lift these with both hands , and in this posture a man offered to his foe an excellent opportunity for stabbing him . As a protection against this custom , a system of 'pledging' was introduced—relics of which remain in our familiar custom to
the present day . A man , when about to drink , asked his neighbour to be his 'pledge' or ' guardian . ' If he consented to do so he rose , drew his , sword , and guarded the drinking man , who afterwards in his turn ' pledged' or guarded his companion while he drank . "—( Thrupp's Anglo-Saxon Home , p . 29 6 ) . This comnanv is celebrated for its collection of wines , the
wines served on this occasion was Madeira , O . E . 1 ; Sherry , Rauenthal , Vintage iSCS ; Champagne , Irroys' 1 S 74 ; Port , Taylors' 1 SC 1 ; Claret , Chateau Lalite 1 S 62 . The string band of thc Royal Engineers performed a selection of music during dinner , under the direction of Heir J . R . Sawerthal , B . M . R . E . After dinner an interesting programme of vocal music was gone through under the
management of Bro . Lawler , assisted by Miss hfhe Clements , Miss Helen Heath , Miss Marie Schumann , and Mr . Sidney Tower . It may be of interest to our readers to know that the National Anthem , written in 1 S 22 by Richard Clark and published by him , upon the authority of the records of the Merchant Taylors' Company , of Sion College Library and of the old cheeiuc book of his Maiesty ' s Chapel , shows that
the words of "God save the King" were written at the particular request of the Merchant Taj-lors' Company by Ben Jonson , and that the music was composed by Dr . John Bull for an entertainment given by thc company to King James I . on the 16 th July , 1 C 07 , to congratulate his Majesty on his escape from the Gunpowder Plot . The National Anthem vvas first sung in Merchant Taylors' Hall on that occasion by the gentlemen and children of the Royal Chapel .
Liverpool Masonic Hall Committee.
LIVERPOOL MASONIC HALL COMMITTEE .
The annual meeting of the Liverpool Masonic Hall Committee was held on Friday evening , thc zGth ult ., at thc head quarters of the local " Fraternity , Hope-street . Bro . Ralph Robinson , P . M . 241 , VV . M . 1502 , P . P . G . Keg ., occupied the chair and there was a large attendance . ' 1 he accounts which have already been given were taken as read
and passed . On the motion of Bro . H . A . Tobias , P . P . G . S . of VV ., seconded by Bro . R . Martin , P . M . 10 S 2 , it was unanimously resolved to borrow £ 1000 to complete the furnishing and decoration of the hall . Thanks were conveyed to the Chairman and officers of the Committee for their services during the year . Bro . John Pemberton , P . P . G . S . B .. proposed by Bro . Dr . Smith , P . P . G . Reg .,
seconded by Bro . John Ballard , was elected Chairman . Bro . lohn Ballard was appointed Vice-Chairman , and Bro . H . Tobias was re-elected Treasurer , and Mr . J . I . Callow , Secretary . Bros . T . Salter , P . P . G . J . D . ; M . Hart , P . M . 1502 ; and R . Martin , 11 S 2 , were chosen Auditors , and the representatives of thc Committee are Bros . Robinson , Becsley , Whitehead , Hart , and Mackenzie .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
© raft JlasonriL
NEPTUNE LODGE ( No . 22 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge vvas held on the 25 th ult ., at thc Guildhall Tavern , when there were present among other brethren Bros . John Harper , W . M . ; George Britton , l . P . M . ; J . Charles Slater , S . W . ; Henry Povey , J . W . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Sec . ; R . VV . Coulcher , S . D . ; Wm . Cook , J . D . ; Joseph L . Corbett , I . G . ; Thos . P . Collings , P . M ., D . of C . ; and visitors : Bros . H . Beckersdorff , 1329 ; Wm .
Francis , 34 ; Thomas Cohu , P . M . 192 ; C . Morgan , 10 S ; Jas . B . Dauncly , 1 S 21 ; F . D . Rees Copestick , P . P . G . S . B . Herts , S 69 ; A . McDowall , P . G . D . of C . Berks and Bucks , 94 S ; F . D . Cates , 453 ; Stephen Hayworth , 101 , P . M . 15 ; Horace F . Bonner , 12 S 7 ; George Kenning , P . M . 192 and 1 G 57 , P . G . D . Middx . ; P . Smith , 73 ; B . Coulson Robinson , 136 ; Sir John Bennett , 1 ; W . J . Bishop , 1 S 0 ; Edgar Bowyer , P . M . 15 S 0 , W . M . 1964 ,
P . P . G . S . W . Herts ; George Russell , 1 S 0 ; W . F . Green , S 61 ; J . Watney Watson , 1558 ; C . Bailey , 1445 ; W . C . Greaves , and H . Massey , P . M . 619 and 192 S ( Freemason ) . The VVorshipfiil Master raised Bro . Richard King to the Third Degree , after which Bro . George Britton , P . M ., installed Bro . Henry Povey , J . W . ' and W . M . elect , as Master of the lodge for the current year . The brethren appointed
and invested as officers were Bros . John Harper , l . P . M . ; John C . Slater , S . W . ; Robert W . Coulcher , J . VV . ; E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treas . ; George Britton , P . M ., Sec . ; William Cook , S . D . ; Joseph Corbett , J . D . ; Allen Hedderley , I . G . ; Thomas P . Collings , P . M ., D . of C . ; W . Neats , W . S . ; and Joseph Parkinson , Tyler . After the delivery of the addresses Bro . Harper , I . P . M ., was presented with a Past Master ' s jewel , and a handsome
illuminated vellum , elegantly framed and glazed , was presented by the W . M . in the name of the lodge to Bro . Isaac Wilcox , P . M . and Treasurer . The vellum bore the following inscription : " Neptune Lodge , No . 22 . Presented to Bro . Isaac Wilcox , P . M ., upon his retirement from the office of Treasurer , as a token of fraternal regard and of the high appreciation by the brethren for the valuable services he rendered to the lodge in that capacity during a
period extending over a quarter of a century . Initiated lanuary , 1 S 50 , Master 1 S 55 , Treasurer 1 S 57 . Bros . John Harper , VV . M . ; J . J . Slater , S . VV . ; Henry Povey , J . VV . ; Edward F . Storr , P . M ., Hon . Sec . ; George Britton , I . P . M . ; Robert Walpole Coulcher , S . D . ; William Cook , J . D . ; and Joseph Corbett , I . G . " There was also a massive silver salver added to the above , but which was afterwards presented at the banquet table . The salver
bore the inscription : " Presented to Bro . Isaac Wilcox , P . M ., by the members ot the Neptune Lodge , No . 22 , in grateful recognition of his valuable services as Treasurer for 26 years . January 7 th , 1 SS 3 . Bros . J . Harper , W . M . ; J . J . Slater , S . W . ; H . Povey , J . VV . ; and E . F . Storr , P . M . ( Hon . Sec ) . " In presenting the illuminated vellum in lodge the Worshipful Master said : Bro . Past Master Wilcox , it is 2 G
years to-night since you first had the collar of Treasurer of the Neptune Lodge placed upon your shoulders by our Bro . Goodwin , P . M . Many and varied are the changes you have seen take place here . Veryfewofthebrehrcn remain who witnessed that interesting ceremony ; they are gone—gone let us hope to that bright sphere above . But still you are with us , and now after such a lengthened service as 2 C years you feel the time arrived to nolongcr continue to hold
the ofhec . That being so the brethren have unanimously resolved to present you with this testimonial in recognition of your long and faithful services ; and in asking your , acceptance of the same every brother in the lodge will join me in expressing the hope that long may your lite bespared and that the evening time of it may be calm and pleasant . In thc words of Longfellow I would say , " Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime , And departing leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time . " You in your departure from this office have left your footprints on thc sands of thc Neptune Lodge , and I trust this will encourage every succeeding Treasurer to as faithful a discharge of the duties of the office as you have exhibited in the past . In the name of the Neptune Lodge I ask you
to accept of this testimonial . Bro . Wilcox , P . M ., in repl y said : You have been very kind , Worshipful Master , in the observations you have been pleased to make with regard to myself . 1 thank you and the brethren very sincerely for this kind recognition of my humble services during the 2 ( 5 years that I have discharged the office of your Treasurer . 1 assure you it is with feelings of regret that I have felt it a duty to ask you to relieve me
of that duty . I am sorry to leave the office , because I have been a worker in the lodge for 33 years . 1 have never had relaxation of two years , and during the whole of thc time that I have worked in the lodge , both as an officer from Inner Guard upwards to VV . M . and then Treasurer , I do not think I have been absent from my duty more than three or four times at the utmost , which is saying a very great deal , and I thank God that He has given me health to be
able to continue among you . I hope I may be spared for many years to have the kind friendly feelings of association vvith every brother that I have had during thc past 32 years . It is along time , and I am sorry to say that 1 am the only member of the lodge of all those who were in existence at the time I joined , in iSso . There arc two brethren I believe , Bro . l ' ownend and our late Secretary , Bro . Fames , who arc alive , and those are the only two to the best of my recollection , but we have a brother belonging to us a
great invalid and not able to be with us to-night , Bro . Norman , who joined us very early indeed , and a more kind and affectionate letter it is impossible for one man to write to another than the letter he has written to me greatly regretting that he is not able to be with us this evening . Many changes have taken place during the time I have been connected with this loelge , but I am pleased to say ( 1 dont't mean to say it in praise of any exertions on my part ) that I as you know have endeavoured to instil into the brethren the necessity of good
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
working . Without good working a lodge loses its position , and Masonry sinks . I have during 26 years endeavoured to keep the lodge in a position which I trust it will always maintain , that is to keep itself free from debt . I have held it one of the most essential points vvith a Treasurer that he should keep the lodge free from debt , especially as far as the tavern is concerned , that the brethren may receive from the proprietor that attention and respect
which they ought to receive . 1 believe during the whole of the time we have always been treated wherever we have gone in the most kind and friendl y and I think most princely manner . Allow me to say that 1 feel deeply sensible ; of the great compliment this lodge has paid me in presenting me vvith this recognition of my humble services in the position of your Treasurer . As I said j regret the circumstances that compelled me to resign . At different
periods of life one's tunc is encroached upon in many ways . That happens to be my case . I felt I could not consistently hold the office oi Treasurer without being present , and that you know is not always possible when you have other duties to perform . That is the only reason I had in asking you not to re-elect me this year . I thank vou verv
much for the kindness and courtesy you have shown me . Bro . E . F . Storr , P . M ., Treasurer , said the Lord Mayor had promised to be present at thc meeting of the lodge in March , an announcement which vvas received with marks of great satisfaction . Lodge vvas then closed and the brethren adjourned to a choice banquet .
In giving the toast of "The Queen and the Craft" the W . M . said the Masons of England were loyal men—loyal to the Queen they served and honoured and loyal to the Craft they loved . In giving the toast of " The Grand Master" he said their loyalty as Masons was not limited by the toast they had just celebrated ; they also owed allegiance to their illustrious chief , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the Grand Master , who for the past eight years had ruled the Order wisel
so y and so well . The toast of " The Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand plaster , " LS : c ., was next given . There were no ^ ,, ,, !; , P ? . ent to " = P ' y . but in compliance with the W . M . ' s call Bro . Edgar Bowyer , a Past Grand Officer of Herts , and Bro . Walter McDowall , Past Grand Officer of Berks and Bucks , said a few words in acknowledgment . Bro . Harper , I . P . M ., in proposing "The W . M . " said
however much he might flatter himself that he had shed some rushlight ray over the lodge during his year of office the brethren knew it vvas expunged and driven into the shade by the brightness of the sun which had just risen in the Masonic firmament , and he should have to hide llis diminished head and pale his ineffectual fire But seriously , he assured the brethren that he rose with a great deal of pleasure to propose the W . M . 's health , and he did not the words
use which were so often used , that he wished it had fallen into better hands to do more justice to it , because he did not believe any one was better able to do justice to it than he . To explain what he meant , the brethren when they elected a Warden to the chair of Master naturally liked to know how he performed his duties . None of the brethren sitting at the table knew how Bro . Povey could perform his dutiesbut as he ( BroHarper )
, . had known him many years and had studied hard vvith him he considered he was the only one who could tell them that Bro . Povey vvas perfect in the duties of his office from beginning to end . Two years ago when he ( Bro . Harper ) considered himself an inefficient , and feeling he did not know the ritual completely , he made up his mind to resign any pretensions to the office of Master . Bro . Povey however assisted him , and he wondered how that brother could
acquire the knowledge he had . It was on those grounds he considered himself better able than other brethren to let thc lodge know that the prestige of the Neptune Lodge would not be lessened in the hands of Bro . Povey . He knew of no one who had worked harder than he from thc lowest grade upwards , and therefore it was with the greatest delight he found the members had voted Bro . Povcv into the chair of K . S . _ Bro . Povey had riven them some
inkling ol how he could act at the social board , but as they of the Neptune Lodge were so particular and considered that no one should take the office of VV . M . unless he could perform the duties properly , and equal if not surpass those who had preceded him , he vvas sure the brethren would be glad to hear from him that they were perfectly justified in electing Bro . Povey . The Worshipful Master in reply said : In tendering you
1 - V 11 J """""•'"' yuur great mnaness allow me to say I shall do my utmost lor the interests of the lodge , and although 1 fee I have many shortcomings I can with confidence appeal to the brethren to be lenient with me and give me all the aid they can . I sincerel y trust this year may be a very enjoyable one to every brother in the lodge . In proposing "The Health of the Visitors !> the Worshipful Master said : This perhaps is the most important toast of the evening . We all know that without the mi .. * .
the feast cannot take place . To-night you have placed me in the chair of King Solomon , and without the Oueer , of Sneba even Solomon would have been shorn ofhalf his glory . To-night the Neptune Lodge would have lost a great deal of its pleasure were it not for its visitors I believe wc have the honour of entertaining 20 visitors , and if chanty is one of the great principles of Freemasonry , hospitality I think must be its sister virtue .
Sir John Bennett said he felt it with his brother visitors a most distinguished honour to be present in the heart of the City at this ancient Neptune Lodge . Whatever thev thought on other matters in public , attending as thev did sometimes gorgeous ceremonies and on great occasions , he looked with the most profound reverence and respect upon the Masonic Craft and a Masonic lodtre like the Neptune . 'I he history of thc human race could not be
written without attributing to the Craft a most remarkable career during the last 300 years . They had run through every phase of human existence century after cenlurv - whatever had changed Masons had not changed . Empires had risen and fallen ; d ynasties , kings , and princes had come ; they had done their work and they had passed away . Even religions had changed . But Freemasonry d 10 its
w ° r ., ' , ? , - on 5 'n 3 ooo years ago . We little knew—history could not tell us fas from thc very character of the Masonic operations history could not tell us ) -how much the world was indebted to the Craft . Whatever was done in tyranny , whether m Church or State , in all their forms , kingcraft and priestcraft , the Craft of Freemasonry stood . Lodges after lodges , wherever civilisation was doing its work there always stood the Craft in its various forms . Yes , through-