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Article CONSECRATION OF THE HIRAM LODGE, No. 2416. Page 1 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE HIRAM LODGE, No. 2416. Page 1 of 2 →
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Consecration Of The Hiram Lodge, No. 2416.
CONSECRATION OF THE HIRAM LODGE , No . 2416 .
Following in the wake of other professions which have established Masonic homes in which the brethren could renew associations formed in business life , a number of brethren belonging to the Royal Institute of British Architects were desirous of forming themselves into a Masonic lodge , and of thus turning their attention from operative to speculative Masonry . The M . W . Grand Master having been pleased to grant a warrant , the new lodge ,
bearing the significant name of the Hiram Lodge , was consecrated at freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Monday , the 30 th ult . The ceremony was performed'by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , P . G . D ., Grand Secretary , assisted by Bros . W . J . Ebbetts , P . G . Stwd . ( in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Col . Edis , P . G . S . of W . ) , as S . W . ; Octavius Hansard , P . G . S . of W ., as J . W . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . Chap ., as Chap . ; C . H . Driver ) P . G . S . of W ., as D . C . ; and T . Blashill , P . M ., as I . G .
The founders , all of whom are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects , were Bros . H . Lovegrove , P . M . 1507 , 1777 , 1949 , 204 S , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx ., W . M . designate ; F . R . Farrow , W . M . 1196 ; F . A . Powell , P . M . 457 , P . P . G . S . of W . Mon . ; W . J . Ebbetts , W . M . 14 , P . G . Stwd . ; H . T . Bonner , S . W . 1601 ; W . Woodward , P . M . 1920 , P . P . G . S . of W . Surrey ; T . E . Mundy , I . P . M . 1670 ; J . O . Abbott , P . M . 63 ; T . C . Yates , 7 66 , H . G . W . Drinkwatcr , P . P . S . G . W . Oxon ; G . Elkington , jun ., P . M . 190 ; and A . Oliver , 263 .
The following visitors were also present : Bros . J . Read , P . P . G . Org . Middx . ; J . H . Richardson , 1602 ; J . Griffin , P . M . ( I . C . ) ; W . Levy Williams , " 1343 ; S . Peyton , W . M . 1802 ; E . Huxley , S . W . 1670 ; W . E . Chapman , W . M . 2190 ; C . A . Adams , P . M . 63 ; S . A . Walters , 231 ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; I . W . J . Kennedy , J . W . 26 3 ; J . H . Lee , P . M . 1196 ;
R . Manuel , I . P . M . 1196 ; H . C . Howell , P . M . 1826 ; A . B . Hudson , I . P . M . 1657 ; W . Christie , 2006 ; A . E . Mullins , 1446 ; F . C . Mander , P . M . 2090 ; H . J . Dalton , 1706 ; Gordon Smith , P . G . S . ; W . Wingham , P . M . 25 ; J . G . Albert , W . M . 227 ; J . Edwards , P . M . 1507 ; C . W . Lovett , 1657 ; W . J . Spratling , P . P . G . Treas . Middx . ; J . Tickle , P . M . 1196 , 1702 ; A . L . Fryer , T . Kempton , E . Richardson , and W . W . Lee , S . W . 2381 .
The lodge having been opened and a hymn sung , the CONSECRATING OFFICER addressing the brethren , said : We are met here to-day on an important Masonic occasion to perform a very interesting Masonic ceremony . You are aware we are assembled in this building this afternoon to give effect to a warrant recently issued by the M . W . G . M . for the formation of a new lodge and to add one more unit to the magnificent roll of lodges
already an the register of the Grand Lodge of England . You are all aware that in the present day there are so many lodges in London that it is difficult to get a new warrant and the petitioners must establish a firm ground in asking for such a favour . In the present instance the ground appears to be good , because the petitioners are all members of a distinguished institution—the Royal Institute of British Architects—which is
closely allied to Masonry , and the members who are Masons are anxious to carry on within the portals of a Masonic lodge the intercourse which no doubt has existed for many years outside it . This request appearing to be a reasonable one , his Royal Highness has been pleased to accede , anda warrant has been granted to hold a lodge under the very significant name of the Hiram Lodge . We are here to consecrate this lodge , within which will be the
happy blend of operative and speculative Masonry , and I have no doubt the members will carry out their work so as to be an honour to both branches of the Order . I always say a few words as to the care necessary in admittingmembers , but I do not think they are needed now . I will , however , say that care should be taken as to the admission of members , and I have no
doubt the result will be satisfactory in every way . They have selected a brother as Worship ful Master who has done a good deal of Masonic work in the past , so that in the first and most important year the lodge will be well cared for . I will now proceed with the ceremony by calling upon the Grand Chaplain to give us the benefit of prayer .
The founders signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant , and the following oration was then delivered by Bro . the Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG , P . G . C .:
In these days when class lodges are being established in all directions we welcome gladly one which seeks to provide a Masonic home tor architects . And first let me say one word in favour of class lodges . It would of course be extremely undesirable if every lodge was a class lodge . One of the great advantages of our Order is that it brings together men who would not otherwise meet , those who in politics , tastes , and religious feeling are distinctly opposed to one another . Such
association teaches us that it is possible without the slightest compromise of our opinions to pass a few hours in friendly companionship with those whose opinions we think wrong and even mischievous . It is not too much to say that our Order has done much to soften the bitterness which in all controversy exists on both sides , whether the dispute be religious , social , or political . All this may be used as an argument against class lodges . They cannot to the same
degree , in this particular direction , carry out one of the fundamental principles of our Order . But notwithstanding this , f feel strongly that class lodges , supplemental to other lodges , are most useful . Men of the same profession are ever being thrown together , but each year that the world grows older , the world becomes easier . Modern civilisation is taking away our leisure , and unless we make opportunities we shall seldom , if ever , meet those of our own profession except for hard ,
cold business purposes . The founding of a lodge like this is the making of an opportunity for knowing better the men whose whole life is interested in work similar to our own . And what profession cin more fitly claim a class lodge than yours . To the present generation of English architects , England owes much . Pardon my lay ignorance if I select only two points , perhaps not the most important ones for which you
deserve our gratitude . They both embody true Masonic principles . ( 1 ) You are assisting in the restoration of old work , the destruction of anything that is good . It is impossible to over-estimate the real serious harm that was done at the beginning of the present century by the sensless havoc that was m ide in many historic buildings in the attempt to produce a tasteless uniformity . I take most of the blame upon the shoulders of my own profession . The first and most
useful lesson that a clergyman can learn is that he is not an architect . I was glad when I was young to know well one of the rising members of your profession , and . teaching me much about your art , he taught me this : ( 2 ) You are not ashamed to copy what is good in the past . We are sometimes taunted with being a copyist age . But surely this is a happy thing . Our antient brethren were copyists , It is easy to trace how one age learnt to do good work by copying what
Consecration Of The Hiram Lodge, No. 2416.
had gone before , and that art ever became enfeebled when it did not study the past . Pardon my trenching upon subjects about which I know little , but of which I know enough to make me rejoice that the architects of London are making for themselves a Masonic home . The ceremony was proceeded with , and the new lodge was dedicated and constituted with the usual formalities .
I he Grand Secretary then installed Bro . Hy . Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx ., into the chair as W . M ., after which the following officers were invested : Bros . F . R . Farrow , S . W . ; F . A . Powell , J . W . ; T . E . Mundy , Treas . ; W . f . Ebbetts , Sec . ; H . T . Bonner , S . D . ; G . Elkington , ' jun ., J . D . ; H . G . " W . Drinkwater , P . P . G . W . Oxfordshire , I . G . ; J . O . Abbott , D . C . ; A . Oliver and W . Woodward , Stwds . ; and G . Austin , Tyler .
On the motion of the WORSHIPFUL MASTER , a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Consecrating Master and his assistants , and they were unanimously elected honorary members as an earnest of the desire of the founders to show their appreciation of the great kindness shown by the Consecrating Officers . The W . M . also presented Bro . Col . Shadwell H , Clerke with a founder ' s jewel as a souvenir of the occasion .
Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . Sec , returned thanks for himself and colleagues , and the lodge was formally closed . A banquet was held at Freemasons' Tavern , which was followed b y the usual toasts . " The Queen and the Craft " and " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " were first heartily honoured .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed " The Grand Officers , " and said that those who had been some years in Masonry must have witnessed with great pleasure the work of the Earl of Lathom , and ever ) ' Freemason hailed with great pleasure his promotion after the lamented death of the
Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Mount Eclgcumbe was much respected in his province , and would speedily gain a position in the hearts of all Masons . The Grand Officers were men who had done good suit and service in the past , and who had been selected for these reasons for the positions they now occupy .
Bro . Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG , P . G . Chap ., said it was a very great pleasure to those Grand Officers who were sometimes called upon by the Grand Secretary to assist in consecrating new lodges , and it was also a great pleasure to assist in starting such promising lodges as this appeared to be . The GRAND SECRETARY then said he was permitted to propose a toast which he was sure would come home very dearly to their own hearts . It
was the health of the worthy brother who was sitting in the chair of authority . Unless that brother was the choice of all the founders he would not be in that proud position , and therefore the brethren would appreciate his few words in proposing " The Worshipful Master ' s Health . " It was always a great distinction to a brother to be selected as Worshi pful Master of a new lodge , because in an ordinary lodge a brother arrived at that
position generally by seniority , whereas in a new lod ge it must be a flattering distinction to a brother to be selected from amongst the founders and put in the proud position of Worshi pful Master . In that position Bro . Lovegrove found himself that evening , and he heartily congratulated him on the office he held . The W . M . was a brother who , although not a very old Mason , had done a great deal of work in Masonry . This was the '
fifth chair in the Craft Bro . Lovegrove had filled , which was a very creditable record , as it showed he had thrown his heart and soul into the Order . Under Bro . Lovegrove ' s able and careful sway the Hiram Lodge ouo-ht to progress well . The first year was the great crucial test , as it either made or marred a lodge . He was sure that Bro . Lovegrove would steer them
successfully , and under him their progress ought to be well assured . He would ask the brethren to join with him in heartily and cordially conoratulating the W . M . That was not the first time Bro . Lovegrove had been the first W . M . of a new lodge , for he was installed b y him as the first W . M . of the Brixton Lodge . He asked all present to drink the W . M . ' s health , wishing him a happy and prosperous year of office .
Bro . H . LOVEGROVE , W . M ., in reply , said the Grand Secretary had kindly remarked that this was the fifth time he had been in the chair of a Craft lodge , and it was also the fourteenth time he had occupied the chair of a Masonic body since the installation of the Prince of Wales as Most Worshipful Grand Master , which event induced him to become a Mason . He was also a founder of five lodges . He felt that , architecturally
he was unworthy to be in the chair of this lodge , because they should have had a President or a Member of the Council of the Royal Institute of British Architects in that position . They tried to get Bro . Barry to take the post , and that brother had corresponded with him and pointed out that the number of his engagements prevented him . They also tried to induce Bro . Blashill , who was Architect to the London County Council , to become W . M ., but without success . It was the founders' suggestion that he ( the
W . M . ) should take the post , and he had filled the gap . He had said that architecturally he was not fit , but if they took energy and work in the Craft he would not take second place to any member of the Royal Institute of British Architects . He had worked hard in the Craft to learn the ritual and to further the best interests of the Order . He should endeavour to do his best for the lodge in order to make it a success . Bro . Ebbetts had been kind enough to do all in his power regarding the arrangements for the consecration , and it remained for the founders to make the lodge successful .
1 he WORSHIPFUL MASTER then gave " The Consecrating Master and his Assistants , " and said that before Bro . Cob- Clerke was Grand Secretary he kindly assisted him ( the W . M . ) in the formation of a new lodwe , and since that time he had taken part in many . Many changes had taken place since then , and the Grand Secretary ' s name had become a household word in England and the Colonies . His courteous manners , great ability in the
ritual , and personal kindness to many Masons must be remembered by all . He could not find words to express his thanks to the Grand Secretary for having recommended the lodge to the M . W . G . M ., for much depended on that . Col . Clerke had come there to consecrate this lodge in his able manner and had been ably assisted by Bro . Rev . J . S . Brownri gg , who acted as
Chaplain at the consecration of the Cordwainer Ward Lod ge , of which he ( the W . M . ) was Secretary . Bro . Hansard was known more as an architect than as a Mason , and Bro . Driver was known as both . Bro . Blashill was well known to architects and was much respected . They regretted the absence of Bros . Col . Edis and Philbrick , who were unavoidably absent .
Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Secretary , said it was a oreat pleasure to him , and he was sure it was to his colleagues , to have their services recognised in the kind way they had been . The W . M . had been good enough to speak of his position in far too flattering terms . It was his great pleasure and delight , as it was his duty , to do all he could for the benefit of the Order which they all loved so well . He was onl y too happy to promote the prosperity and existence of any lodge which called upon him to hel p them , and that night it was a great p leasure to be present to launch
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Hiram Lodge, No. 2416.
CONSECRATION OF THE HIRAM LODGE , No . 2416 .
Following in the wake of other professions which have established Masonic homes in which the brethren could renew associations formed in business life , a number of brethren belonging to the Royal Institute of British Architects were desirous of forming themselves into a Masonic lodge , and of thus turning their attention from operative to speculative Masonry . The M . W . Grand Master having been pleased to grant a warrant , the new lodge ,
bearing the significant name of the Hiram Lodge , was consecrated at freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Monday , the 30 th ult . The ceremony was performed'by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , P . G . D ., Grand Secretary , assisted by Bros . W . J . Ebbetts , P . G . Stwd . ( in the unavoidable absence of Bro . Col . Edis , P . G . S . of W . ) , as S . W . ; Octavius Hansard , P . G . S . of W ., as J . W . ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . Chap ., as Chap . ; C . H . Driver ) P . G . S . of W ., as D . C . ; and T . Blashill , P . M ., as I . G .
The founders , all of whom are members of the Royal Institute of British Architects , were Bros . H . Lovegrove , P . M . 1507 , 1777 , 1949 , 204 S , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx ., W . M . designate ; F . R . Farrow , W . M . 1196 ; F . A . Powell , P . M . 457 , P . P . G . S . of W . Mon . ; W . J . Ebbetts , W . M . 14 , P . G . Stwd . ; H . T . Bonner , S . W . 1601 ; W . Woodward , P . M . 1920 , P . P . G . S . of W . Surrey ; T . E . Mundy , I . P . M . 1670 ; J . O . Abbott , P . M . 63 ; T . C . Yates , 7 66 , H . G . W . Drinkwatcr , P . P . S . G . W . Oxon ; G . Elkington , jun ., P . M . 190 ; and A . Oliver , 263 .
The following visitors were also present : Bros . J . Read , P . P . G . Org . Middx . ; J . H . Richardson , 1602 ; J . Griffin , P . M . ( I . C . ) ; W . Levy Williams , " 1343 ; S . Peyton , W . M . 1802 ; E . Huxley , S . W . 1670 ; W . E . Chapman , W . M . 2190 ; C . A . Adams , P . M . 63 ; S . A . Walters , 231 ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; I . W . J . Kennedy , J . W . 26 3 ; J . H . Lee , P . M . 1196 ;
R . Manuel , I . P . M . 1196 ; H . C . Howell , P . M . 1826 ; A . B . Hudson , I . P . M . 1657 ; W . Christie , 2006 ; A . E . Mullins , 1446 ; F . C . Mander , P . M . 2090 ; H . J . Dalton , 1706 ; Gordon Smith , P . G . S . ; W . Wingham , P . M . 25 ; J . G . Albert , W . M . 227 ; J . Edwards , P . M . 1507 ; C . W . Lovett , 1657 ; W . J . Spratling , P . P . G . Treas . Middx . ; J . Tickle , P . M . 1196 , 1702 ; A . L . Fryer , T . Kempton , E . Richardson , and W . W . Lee , S . W . 2381 .
The lodge having been opened and a hymn sung , the CONSECRATING OFFICER addressing the brethren , said : We are met here to-day on an important Masonic occasion to perform a very interesting Masonic ceremony . You are aware we are assembled in this building this afternoon to give effect to a warrant recently issued by the M . W . G . M . for the formation of a new lodge and to add one more unit to the magnificent roll of lodges
already an the register of the Grand Lodge of England . You are all aware that in the present day there are so many lodges in London that it is difficult to get a new warrant and the petitioners must establish a firm ground in asking for such a favour . In the present instance the ground appears to be good , because the petitioners are all members of a distinguished institution—the Royal Institute of British Architects—which is
closely allied to Masonry , and the members who are Masons are anxious to carry on within the portals of a Masonic lodge the intercourse which no doubt has existed for many years outside it . This request appearing to be a reasonable one , his Royal Highness has been pleased to accede , anda warrant has been granted to hold a lodge under the very significant name of the Hiram Lodge . We are here to consecrate this lodge , within which will be the
happy blend of operative and speculative Masonry , and I have no doubt the members will carry out their work so as to be an honour to both branches of the Order . I always say a few words as to the care necessary in admittingmembers , but I do not think they are needed now . I will , however , say that care should be taken as to the admission of members , and I have no
doubt the result will be satisfactory in every way . They have selected a brother as Worship ful Master who has done a good deal of Masonic work in the past , so that in the first and most important year the lodge will be well cared for . I will now proceed with the ceremony by calling upon the Grand Chaplain to give us the benefit of prayer .
The founders signified their approval of the officers named in the warrant , and the following oration was then delivered by Bro . the Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG , P . G . C .:
In these days when class lodges are being established in all directions we welcome gladly one which seeks to provide a Masonic home tor architects . And first let me say one word in favour of class lodges . It would of course be extremely undesirable if every lodge was a class lodge . One of the great advantages of our Order is that it brings together men who would not otherwise meet , those who in politics , tastes , and religious feeling are distinctly opposed to one another . Such
association teaches us that it is possible without the slightest compromise of our opinions to pass a few hours in friendly companionship with those whose opinions we think wrong and even mischievous . It is not too much to say that our Order has done much to soften the bitterness which in all controversy exists on both sides , whether the dispute be religious , social , or political . All this may be used as an argument against class lodges . They cannot to the same
degree , in this particular direction , carry out one of the fundamental principles of our Order . But notwithstanding this , f feel strongly that class lodges , supplemental to other lodges , are most useful . Men of the same profession are ever being thrown together , but each year that the world grows older , the world becomes easier . Modern civilisation is taking away our leisure , and unless we make opportunities we shall seldom , if ever , meet those of our own profession except for hard ,
cold business purposes . The founding of a lodge like this is the making of an opportunity for knowing better the men whose whole life is interested in work similar to our own . And what profession cin more fitly claim a class lodge than yours . To the present generation of English architects , England owes much . Pardon my lay ignorance if I select only two points , perhaps not the most important ones for which you
deserve our gratitude . They both embody true Masonic principles . ( 1 ) You are assisting in the restoration of old work , the destruction of anything that is good . It is impossible to over-estimate the real serious harm that was done at the beginning of the present century by the sensless havoc that was m ide in many historic buildings in the attempt to produce a tasteless uniformity . I take most of the blame upon the shoulders of my own profession . The first and most
useful lesson that a clergyman can learn is that he is not an architect . I was glad when I was young to know well one of the rising members of your profession , and . teaching me much about your art , he taught me this : ( 2 ) You are not ashamed to copy what is good in the past . We are sometimes taunted with being a copyist age . But surely this is a happy thing . Our antient brethren were copyists , It is easy to trace how one age learnt to do good work by copying what
Consecration Of The Hiram Lodge, No. 2416.
had gone before , and that art ever became enfeebled when it did not study the past . Pardon my trenching upon subjects about which I know little , but of which I know enough to make me rejoice that the architects of London are making for themselves a Masonic home . The ceremony was proceeded with , and the new lodge was dedicated and constituted with the usual formalities .
I he Grand Secretary then installed Bro . Hy . Lovegrove , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx ., into the chair as W . M ., after which the following officers were invested : Bros . F . R . Farrow , S . W . ; F . A . Powell , J . W . ; T . E . Mundy , Treas . ; W . f . Ebbetts , Sec . ; H . T . Bonner , S . D . ; G . Elkington , ' jun ., J . D . ; H . G . " W . Drinkwater , P . P . G . W . Oxfordshire , I . G . ; J . O . Abbott , D . C . ; A . Oliver and W . Woodward , Stwds . ; and G . Austin , Tyler .
On the motion of the WORSHIPFUL MASTER , a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Consecrating Master and his assistants , and they were unanimously elected honorary members as an earnest of the desire of the founders to show their appreciation of the great kindness shown by the Consecrating Officers . The W . M . also presented Bro . Col . Shadwell H , Clerke with a founder ' s jewel as a souvenir of the occasion .
Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . Sec , returned thanks for himself and colleagues , and the lodge was formally closed . A banquet was held at Freemasons' Tavern , which was followed b y the usual toasts . " The Queen and the Craft " and " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " were first heartily honoured .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed " The Grand Officers , " and said that those who had been some years in Masonry must have witnessed with great pleasure the work of the Earl of Lathom , and ever ) ' Freemason hailed with great pleasure his promotion after the lamented death of the
Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Mount Eclgcumbe was much respected in his province , and would speedily gain a position in the hearts of all Masons . The Grand Officers were men who had done good suit and service in the past , and who had been selected for these reasons for the positions they now occupy .
Bro . Rev . J . S . BROWNRIGG , P . G . Chap ., said it was a very great pleasure to those Grand Officers who were sometimes called upon by the Grand Secretary to assist in consecrating new lodges , and it was also a great pleasure to assist in starting such promising lodges as this appeared to be . The GRAND SECRETARY then said he was permitted to propose a toast which he was sure would come home very dearly to their own hearts . It
was the health of the worthy brother who was sitting in the chair of authority . Unless that brother was the choice of all the founders he would not be in that proud position , and therefore the brethren would appreciate his few words in proposing " The Worshipful Master ' s Health . " It was always a great distinction to a brother to be selected as Worshi pful Master of a new lodge , because in an ordinary lodge a brother arrived at that
position generally by seniority , whereas in a new lod ge it must be a flattering distinction to a brother to be selected from amongst the founders and put in the proud position of Worshi pful Master . In that position Bro . Lovegrove found himself that evening , and he heartily congratulated him on the office he held . The W . M . was a brother who , although not a very old Mason , had done a great deal of work in Masonry . This was the '
fifth chair in the Craft Bro . Lovegrove had filled , which was a very creditable record , as it showed he had thrown his heart and soul into the Order . Under Bro . Lovegrove ' s able and careful sway the Hiram Lodge ouo-ht to progress well . The first year was the great crucial test , as it either made or marred a lodge . He was sure that Bro . Lovegrove would steer them
successfully , and under him their progress ought to be well assured . He would ask the brethren to join with him in heartily and cordially conoratulating the W . M . That was not the first time Bro . Lovegrove had been the first W . M . of a new lodge , for he was installed b y him as the first W . M . of the Brixton Lodge . He asked all present to drink the W . M . ' s health , wishing him a happy and prosperous year of office .
Bro . H . LOVEGROVE , W . M ., in reply , said the Grand Secretary had kindly remarked that this was the fifth time he had been in the chair of a Craft lodge , and it was also the fourteenth time he had occupied the chair of a Masonic body since the installation of the Prince of Wales as Most Worshipful Grand Master , which event induced him to become a Mason . He was also a founder of five lodges . He felt that , architecturally
he was unworthy to be in the chair of this lodge , because they should have had a President or a Member of the Council of the Royal Institute of British Architects in that position . They tried to get Bro . Barry to take the post , and that brother had corresponded with him and pointed out that the number of his engagements prevented him . They also tried to induce Bro . Blashill , who was Architect to the London County Council , to become W . M ., but without success . It was the founders' suggestion that he ( the
W . M . ) should take the post , and he had filled the gap . He had said that architecturally he was not fit , but if they took energy and work in the Craft he would not take second place to any member of the Royal Institute of British Architects . He had worked hard in the Craft to learn the ritual and to further the best interests of the Order . He should endeavour to do his best for the lodge in order to make it a success . Bro . Ebbetts had been kind enough to do all in his power regarding the arrangements for the consecration , and it remained for the founders to make the lodge successful .
1 he WORSHIPFUL MASTER then gave " The Consecrating Master and his Assistants , " and said that before Bro . Cob- Clerke was Grand Secretary he kindly assisted him ( the W . M . ) in the formation of a new lodwe , and since that time he had taken part in many . Many changes had taken place since then , and the Grand Secretary ' s name had become a household word in England and the Colonies . His courteous manners , great ability in the
ritual , and personal kindness to many Masons must be remembered by all . He could not find words to express his thanks to the Grand Secretary for having recommended the lodge to the M . W . G . M ., for much depended on that . Col . Clerke had come there to consecrate this lodge in his able manner and had been ably assisted by Bro . Rev . J . S . Brownri gg , who acted as
Chaplain at the consecration of the Cordwainer Ward Lod ge , of which he ( the W . M . ) was Secretary . Bro . Hansard was known more as an architect than as a Mason , and Bro . Driver was known as both . Bro . Blashill was well known to architects and was much respected . They regretted the absence of Bros . Col . Edis and Philbrick , who were unavoidably absent .
Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Secretary , said it was a oreat pleasure to him , and he was sure it was to his colleagues , to have their services recognised in the kind way they had been . The W . M . had been good enough to speak of his position in far too flattering terms . It was his great pleasure and delight , as it was his duty , to do all he could for the benefit of the Order which they all loved so well . He was onl y too happy to promote the prosperity and existence of any lodge which called upon him to hel p them , and that night it was a great p leasure to be present to launch