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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
TVV . ; J . R . Bottomley , P . M ., Treas . ( re-elected ); O . l Rowlands , Sec . ; D . J . Davies , S . D . ; L . J . Godfrey f ' vans , J . D . j W . Hawkins , l . G . j G . Yates , Org . ; ] . K Cave , Deputy Org .,- R . M'Gee , S . M . Leigh , J . T . Jones , and J . S . Peak , Stewards ; and J . H . W . Walker , p M ., D . C . Bro . M . Williamson was re-elected Tyler .
At the close of the ceremony a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Installing Master , and a handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the retiring VV . M . by his successor , on behalf of the lodge . The brethren afterwards dined together under the presidency of the W . M ., gro . Casey ' s catering giving entire satisfaction . The usual loyal patriotic , and Masonic toasts were heartily honoured ,
, the music incidental to these being rendered by Bros . D . j Davies , D . Williams , J . T . Jones , O . J . Rowlands , and { , ' . Wynne , all of 1675 , and E . Grime , N . F . Burt , T . Shaw , aIJd J . Cantor , of 1609 , accompanied by the Organist , Bro Yates , and Bro . J . K . Cave , Deputy ' Organist , the very attractive progiamme being highly creditable to Bro . J . " 1 . Jones , the musical direcfor .
BOLTON . —St . George ' s Lodge ( No . 1723 ) . — The annual festival of this lodge was celebrated at the Commercial Hotel , on Wednesday , the 27 th ult ., when there was a large attendance of members . The W . M . elect , Bro . T . B . Tong , was installed by Bro . Alexander Cos ^ rave , W . M ., the ceremony being performed in a most impressive manner . Bro . Nathaniel Nicholson , P . M ., Sec ,
invested the officers , and the lodge is now constituted as follows : Bros . T . B . Tong , W . M . ; A . Cosgrave , I . P . M . j W E . Bardsley , S . W . j B . Derham , J . W . j J . H . Greenhaleh , P . M ., Trea = i . ; N . Nicholson , P . M ., Sec ; T . Naylor , S . D . ; J . VV . Hawksworth , J . D . ; J . VV . Taylor , Prov . S . G . D ., D . C ; Whittakerand J . Miles , Organists ; T Morris , l . G . ; J . B . Goulburn and T . E . Smith ,
Stewards ; and T . Higson , Tyler . Bro . G . P . Brockbank , P . M . 37 , 221 , and 1723 , P . G . Std . Br ., delivered the address to the officers and brethren . At the close of the business the banquet was held , successfully catered for by Mrs . Priestley , and the after proceedings were of a most enjoyable character , not the least feature being the entertainment provided by the full choir
of the lodge , Bros . Miles and Whittaker presiding at the pianoforte , and Bro . Briercliffe at the hirmonium . The loyal and patriotic toasts were enthusiastically rendered , as also those of "The G . M ., " "P . G . M ., and other Officers , including Bro . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . M . East Lancashire . "
The choir rendered several glees , quartettes , & c , in a most efficient manner , and several members contributed to the harmony of the evening , the musical programme being of a varied and enjoyable character . The lodge is in a most prosperous condition , and the year opens with considerable promise .
TEDDINGTON . —Sir Charles Bright Lodge ( No . 1793 ) . —This prosperous lodge met at the Clarence Hall , on the 27 th ult ., and among those present were Bros . Warner , W . M . ; Finch , S . VV . ; Porter , J . W . ; J . P . ller , P . M ., Treas . ; Forge , P . P . G . D . C . Middx ., P . M ., Sec . ; Hill , S . D . ; Simmonds , J . D . ; Barnes , l . G . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., I . P . M . ; Ruffle , Org . ; Gilbert ,
Tyler , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . T . Middleweek and VV . Smith were passed to the Second Degree . The ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . Hall , and it proving to be unanimous , he was duly initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . in a most able manner . The lodge elected the VV . M ., S . and
J . Wardens , Treasurer and Secretary , to represent them at the forthcoming meeting of Masons , to be held at the Albert Hall , under the presidency of his Royal Highness , the M . W . G . M ., in commemoration of her Majesty ' s Jubilee . Apologies for non-attendance having been read , the
lodge was closed , and the brethren and their visitors adjourned to the banquet . Among the visitors were Bros . Cuff , P . M ., of the Kilburn Lodge , and Crew of the Richmond Lodge . The usual toasts followed , and a most agreeable evening was spent , thanks both to instrumental and vocal abilities of Bros . Ruffle , Porter , Crew , Hall , Hill , and others .
SHANKLIN ( I . of W ) . —Chine Lodge ( No , 18 S 4 ) . —At a meeting of the above lodge held on Thursday , 28 th ult ., at the New Institution , the following were present : Bros . A . Greenham , W . M . ; J . Bailey , I . P . M ., P . G . A . D . C ; F . Cooper , P . P . G . S ., P . M ., Treas . ; F . Rayner , S . W . ; J . H . McOueen , P . M ., ] . W . ; Lewis Colenutt , Sec ; H . A . Matthews , J . D . ; W . J . Mew , Tyler ,
Cantelow , G . H . Matthews , and R . Young . Visitors Bros . Conner , P . M ., J . VV . 1869 ; Isod ; and W . Cluett . The lodge having been opened and the minutes read , the Worshipful Master rose and presented two large photographsof theShanklin Masonic Exhibition , framed , andsaid : In presenting these photographs I do so not only with pleasure , but with a certain amount of pride . I shall
always feel proud of the Exhibition , and I believe every member of this lodge will also . It was not only a day which we shall always remember , but it is as it were a landmark in the career of this lodge which will have an important bearing upon its future . This is the first time since the Exhibition I have made any illusion to it of a general character , but I have often thought of the noble
a'd we received , not only from Shanklin but from the Province and from Masons beyo . id it which made it the success it was . I intend to present at some future time a volume of letters , bound , which I have received from Masons ' » all parts of England and out of it , thanking me and 'hanking you for the splendid efforts made , not only in hringine that unrivalled collection together to be seen , but
| o have them so fully described , together with the notes of "fo . Hughan , forming a catalogue which Masonic students will ever be proud of . * I look upon the results of that Exhibition far and beyond its effect on this lodge . I look u Pon its effects on Freemasonry in general ; and depend , Pon it the tendency of the times is to gather up the
"storical threads of the Order , to preserve its ancient traditions and documents , to infuse into its members more ei » thusiasm for the literature of the Craft , and to study some of those priceless and unique gems which were Piinted in the early days of speculative Masonry and excited in our Exhibition . It is because it was felt to na Ve an important influence on the Craft in general ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
partly by reason of its being so large and valuable , and because the largest and wealthiest exhibitors all gave their aid so willingly , and the Masonic historian of England , Bro . Hughan , amidst his many labours and without knowing any of us , appended his notes to the Exhibition , which will for ever stamp it as an authoiity . There was a vast amount of labour in connection with it , but when I call to
remembrance the appreciation I have received from Masons in general , I feel sure all of us will look back upon that great effort with pride and satisfaction . It has given an impetus to this phase of Freemasonry , which I believe will roll on and benefit the Craft in general , for I think there is a more liberal [ application of its surroundings , and a growing feeling that its sphere is not limited to conferring the three Degrees of Masonry , and that feeling
of research which is promoting the growth of Masonic intellectuality will absorb into its power , embrace , and utilise not only its historical and symbolic literature , but the products of the literary men of to-day , and the lodge room will in time become the medium of spreading Masonic knowledge to a greater extent than at present , and , I trust , correcting some of the
prejudices one how and then is made aware of . Very few of you are aware that from among some of rny Masonic friends in the Island I met with very severe criticism and rebuke for allowing the patronage of ladies and gentlemen to the Exhibition catalogue , and I was made aware that not only had I passed beyond the bounds of prudence , but I had lost their patronage and their guineas .
I accepted then the entire responsibility , I admitted 1 consulted no one , and I bore the brunt of their criticism ; but this much I will say , the names of the ladies and gentlemen as patrons in the catalogue are an honour to it . But , brethren , time has worked a vindication of my conduct , not only in that but in admitting the public , which was equally censured . I read in a Plymouth paper ( and in fact you
have heard the circular this evening ) that Bro . Hughan himself—no mean authority , mark you—proposed that any lady or gentleman contributing a guinea could become a patron of precisely a similar exhibition , and to which the public will be admitted . I confess I read that with
satisfaction , because as a young Mason it shows my impulses , which had no precedent to guide them , were right and well founded , and it also proves that this dissemination of Masonic knowledge will play a greater part in the future in spreading Masonry and enhancing its value as an Institution . The usefulness of ihe Craft must move
with the times , and tnough , years ago , those esoteric portions of Masonry were kept concealed and hidden it serves no useful purpose now , and checks the legitimate growth of the Craft . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , and the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . E . Goble , were exhibitors , and are both imbued with a love for the literature of the Craft . If you looked at Bro .
Le Feuvre's collection , starting as it did with Constitutions of Grand Lodge , which , I am pleased to say , he has now a complete set of , the value of which is very considerable , for I only know of one other complete set—Bro . George Taylor ' s ; if you looked at his collection you would have seen it embraced old works on the principles and practices of the Craft that the province had no knowledge of , and
would have no opportunity of examining except for this Exhibition , and these valuable collections may perhaps some day lead to a provincial library , as suggested at the exhibition banquet by Bro . Goble . The photographs which I present to-night are of the Exhibition , and they mark this point in the history of the Order—that the Shanklin Exhibition , which our Provincial Grand Master , Bro . W . W .
B . Beach , M . P ., honoured us by opening , was the pioneer for diffusing in a public form a knowledge of the richest gems of the Craft , and I am proud to say our example is being followed by the Plymouth Masons . The box which I have brought here contains the records of the Exhibition . 1 believe in treasuring everything pertaining to this lodge , for it is years ago I gave a very humble wooden box to
preserve the archives of the lodge in . In years to come the records of this institution , when we shall be no longer carrying on this lodge , will be more highly valued than they are to-day ; but this I am fully convinced of , that the Shanklin Exhibition the Craft universally felt proud of , the American press hailing it with pleasure . Therefore , in giving this archive box to preserve its records , I am saving
for the future that which will be valuable . Bro . F . Rayner , S . W ., proposed that the best thanks of the lodge be given to the W . M ., and recorded on the minutes , for his kindness in presenting the two very fine photographs of the Masonic Exhibition as well as the archive box , wherein would be preserved all the documents relating to that memorable event . Those who assisted the
W . M . in carrying to such a successful issue the Exhibition , would not be likely to forget the immense amount of time he devoted to it , and the zeal and energy he displayed from the beginning to the end , and even , if they were at all likely to forget it , the two splendid specimens of photographic art which will further adorn the walls of the lodge would always remind them of the great interest
the W . M . had in the lodge , by making such handsome presentations which would be looked on and read with pleasure in future years by those who followed them and b ; came members of Chine Lodge . The Worshipful Master then rose and said : I have the pleasure of presenting the photo , framed , of Bro . D . P . Cama , in Masonic clothing , as Grand Treasurer . It is a very great compliment to Chine Lodge , and I have also
been honoured with one myself . Bro . Cama was interested in the Exhibition and was a patron , and now he has shown his appreciation of our efforts , and is a patron of the Chine Lodge Jubilee Fund , as the following letter will show : — " Dear Sir and Brother , " I enclose a cheque for one guinea , which please place on the list of Chine Lodge Jubilee Fund , wishing your noble appeal will be supported by our Craft . —1 remain , yours fraternally ,
( Signed ) "li . P . CAMA , Grand Treasurer . " I have also received a similar letter from Bro . F . Hastings Goldney , P . G . D ., P . P . S . G . W . Wilts , enclosinga guinea and giving his patronage to our Jubilee Fund . Bro . Cama has been elected to the highest office Grand Lodge could confer , and those who know how much he has done for Masonry ,
and how liberal he was to the Institutions , would think the honour well deserved . His Masonic record is a bright one , and the lodge called after him will perpetuate his name . I am proud to think he considers the Chine Lodge worthy of his photograph , and of hanging side by side with our worthy Past Masters . I feel sure it will ever be appreciated and valued . I propose that our best thanks be con-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
veyed to him , and that we assure him his kindness will be remembered and his photograph treasured . Bro . Richard Young rose to second the vote of thanks proposed by the VV . M ., and , commenting upon points in the eloquent speech to which the members had so attentively listened , and with the sentiments of which they cordially agreed , observed that no doubt the spirit and purpose
of Freemasonry were far-reaching and comprehensive , hence the generous reciprocity which existed among the brethren in all climes and nf a / I nationalities . But on the present occasion it was only fair to remark that if the ¦ enterprise and zeal displayed by Bro . Greenham had not found scope and success in the late exhibition of Masonic treasures , the honours which had distinguished the chair of
1 SS 6 would certainly not have reflected honour upon the brethren . The circumstance therefore would seem a most happy one in confirming the opinion that Chine Lodge Exhibition had made its mark upon the constitutional history of Freemasonry in advancing the interests of the Craft and conferring high honour upon the Executive Committee . The members one and all present desired to
express this recognition of the services of their W . M ., while appreciating the honour of being associated with his enterprise . The VV . M ., Bro . Greenham , then rose and said : I have another surprise for you , but it is one which will give you great pleasure to see . I have the pleasure to be the medium of presenting the photograph of Bro . J . H . McOueen ,
P . M . of the Old Enoch Lodge , No . n , and J . VV . of this lodge , and I must say jt is a splendid life-size photograph of him . I had the privilege of proposing him as a member of this lodge . I felt then to have a Past Master of his rank and position in a lodge which has seen its centenary years ago , joining our lodge was of itself alone , without the individuality of Bro . McQueen , a good thing for Chine
Lodge . A very old lodge has a peculiar charm for me , and I think a Past Master of such a lodge more to be envied than one who has passed the chair of one recently created . You are all aware how real his interest in this lodge has been since he joined us , in fact , I may say he has taken an interest in other lodges , and joined them , but Chine Lodge in this respect is his favourite , and long may it continue to
be so , and , I trust , deserve it . We were all very proud of having him as a member , and I was more so to have him as a Warden of this lodge . I felt then he conferred a great honour on me in accepting that office , and we all look on toa ' prouder day when that latentappreciationof yours will be allowed a spontaneous outburst , and his kindness to us remembered . To have his photograph here will influence
the lodge for good , and prove to all who see it , be they members or visitors , that he considers us worthy , and it is an encouragement for younger members to take a greater interest in the lodge and Masonry , and we can all look to the future with pleasure when he shall rule over us . If there is one year of office , if I am spared , that I shall do my very best to make brilliant , if there is one installation '
that I shall throw my heart and soul in , to make memorable , it will be Bro . McQueen ' s , for both mine has been graced by his generous acts , that will perpetuate his name , and made [ my installation days to be remembered in Isle of Wight Masonry . I do not wish to repeat my remarks that I made on Bro . Newman ' s photograph , but I do feel that amid all the depressing difficulties our heavy debt '
entails , these presentations to Chine Lodge prove to me we shall emerge through them , and the kind and generous acts of Bro . McQueen has always been , and will always be , appreciated by me , and by every member of this lodge , and the vote of thanks to him will , I know , be heartily and unanimously agreed to . Bro . John Bailey , I . P . M ., Prov . A . G . D . C . Hants and Isle of Wight , said : I had the pleasure to second Bro .
McQueen as a member of this lodge , and I second the resolution now , and express my grateful thanks , not only for this gift but for all Bro . McQueen has done for us ; outwalls are adorned with many gitts , but none will be more valued than this one . Bro . F . Cooper , P . M ., desired in a few words to express how grateful he felt for the interest Bro . McOueen was
taking in Chine Lodge , as evidenced by his generosity , and identifying himself with it as he was doing now . Bro . J . Conner , P . M ., P . P . G . Sec . Lanarkshire , and J . W . of 186 9 , begged the W . M . to allow him to say that Bro . McQueen had done also as much for their lodge . He had endowed the chair of their lodge in the Benevolent Institution , and they also had a small debt connected with
the formation of the lodge , and Bro . Queen had helped them to reduce that , and he was quite sure the Sandown brethren felt deeply indebted to him . Bro . J . H . McQueen briefly returned thanks . He said since he became a Mason he had endeavoured to the best of his ability to help on Masonry , and the Institutions that
were maintained by Masons . He was very glad that what he had done—and he tried to do what lay in his powerwas appreciated . He agreed with the W . M . that the debt was a heavy burden on the lodge , and should he ever be in the chair of Chine Lodge he should try to reduce it , and he approved of the efforts of the Worshipful Master to do so .
The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room to the usual lodge dinner . After the loyal toasts had been duly honoured , Bro . McQueen proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " which , he was sure , would be well received . Bro . Greenham , W . M ., in replying , thanked the brethren for the kind reception given to his toast . They all
knew he tried to do his best tor the lodge , particulaily for the lodge debt . However , ihat night he had to make a humiliating confession that he had deprived the lodge of £ 5 per year benefit , or the interest on £ ico debt . He felt sure their regret would be great , but his wasgreater . In closing down that night in rising for tee second and third time he did not enquire if any of them had aught to
propose for the benefits of Masonry , & c , or if Bro . McQueen intended to offer the mortgage at a lower rate of interest , saving them £ 100 a year . He had worked hard to get £ 100 , and to think he should lose that through his ignorance —( Bro . McQueen : Negligence)—well , perhaps , negligence , or a little of both—would be a regret , and the fust one he had had to associate with the Chine Lodge . Bro .
McOueen intended to punish his forgetfulness , lor at their next " lodge he thought he would be away , and some of them would perhaps remind him of it in the future . To him . it was a matter of profound regret , and he could only say that he was sincerely sorry that he had been the means of robbing that lodge of a great advantage . In concluding he gave them " The Health of the Wardens and Officers
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
TVV . ; J . R . Bottomley , P . M ., Treas . ( re-elected ); O . l Rowlands , Sec . ; D . J . Davies , S . D . ; L . J . Godfrey f ' vans , J . D . j W . Hawkins , l . G . j G . Yates , Org . ; ] . K Cave , Deputy Org .,- R . M'Gee , S . M . Leigh , J . T . Jones , and J . S . Peak , Stewards ; and J . H . W . Walker , p M ., D . C . Bro . M . Williamson was re-elected Tyler .
At the close of the ceremony a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Installing Master , and a handsome Past Master ' s jewel was presented to the retiring VV . M . by his successor , on behalf of the lodge . The brethren afterwards dined together under the presidency of the W . M ., gro . Casey ' s catering giving entire satisfaction . The usual loyal patriotic , and Masonic toasts were heartily honoured ,
, the music incidental to these being rendered by Bros . D . j Davies , D . Williams , J . T . Jones , O . J . Rowlands , and { , ' . Wynne , all of 1675 , and E . Grime , N . F . Burt , T . Shaw , aIJd J . Cantor , of 1609 , accompanied by the Organist , Bro Yates , and Bro . J . K . Cave , Deputy ' Organist , the very attractive progiamme being highly creditable to Bro . J . " 1 . Jones , the musical direcfor .
BOLTON . —St . George ' s Lodge ( No . 1723 ) . — The annual festival of this lodge was celebrated at the Commercial Hotel , on Wednesday , the 27 th ult ., when there was a large attendance of members . The W . M . elect , Bro . T . B . Tong , was installed by Bro . Alexander Cos ^ rave , W . M ., the ceremony being performed in a most impressive manner . Bro . Nathaniel Nicholson , P . M ., Sec ,
invested the officers , and the lodge is now constituted as follows : Bros . T . B . Tong , W . M . ; A . Cosgrave , I . P . M . j W E . Bardsley , S . W . j B . Derham , J . W . j J . H . Greenhaleh , P . M ., Trea = i . ; N . Nicholson , P . M ., Sec ; T . Naylor , S . D . ; J . VV . Hawksworth , J . D . ; J . VV . Taylor , Prov . S . G . D ., D . C ; Whittakerand J . Miles , Organists ; T Morris , l . G . ; J . B . Goulburn and T . E . Smith ,
Stewards ; and T . Higson , Tyler . Bro . G . P . Brockbank , P . M . 37 , 221 , and 1723 , P . G . Std . Br ., delivered the address to the officers and brethren . At the close of the business the banquet was held , successfully catered for by Mrs . Priestley , and the after proceedings were of a most enjoyable character , not the least feature being the entertainment provided by the full choir
of the lodge , Bros . Miles and Whittaker presiding at the pianoforte , and Bro . Briercliffe at the hirmonium . The loyal and patriotic toasts were enthusiastically rendered , as also those of "The G . M ., " "P . G . M ., and other Officers , including Bro . Col . Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . M . East Lancashire . "
The choir rendered several glees , quartettes , & c , in a most efficient manner , and several members contributed to the harmony of the evening , the musical programme being of a varied and enjoyable character . The lodge is in a most prosperous condition , and the year opens with considerable promise .
TEDDINGTON . —Sir Charles Bright Lodge ( No . 1793 ) . —This prosperous lodge met at the Clarence Hall , on the 27 th ult ., and among those present were Bros . Warner , W . M . ; Finch , S . VV . ; Porter , J . W . ; J . P . ller , P . M ., Treas . ; Forge , P . P . G . D . C . Middx ., P . M ., Sec . ; Hill , S . D . ; Simmonds , J . D . ; Barnes , l . G . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., I . P . M . ; Ruffle , Org . ; Gilbert ,
Tyler , and others . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bros . T . Middleweek and VV . Smith were passed to the Second Degree . The ballot was taken on behalf of Mr . Hall , and it proving to be unanimous , he was duly initiated into Craft mysteries by the W . M . in a most able manner . The lodge elected the VV . M ., S . and
J . Wardens , Treasurer and Secretary , to represent them at the forthcoming meeting of Masons , to be held at the Albert Hall , under the presidency of his Royal Highness , the M . W . G . M ., in commemoration of her Majesty ' s Jubilee . Apologies for non-attendance having been read , the
lodge was closed , and the brethren and their visitors adjourned to the banquet . Among the visitors were Bros . Cuff , P . M ., of the Kilburn Lodge , and Crew of the Richmond Lodge . The usual toasts followed , and a most agreeable evening was spent , thanks both to instrumental and vocal abilities of Bros . Ruffle , Porter , Crew , Hall , Hill , and others .
SHANKLIN ( I . of W ) . —Chine Lodge ( No , 18 S 4 ) . —At a meeting of the above lodge held on Thursday , 28 th ult ., at the New Institution , the following were present : Bros . A . Greenham , W . M . ; J . Bailey , I . P . M ., P . G . A . D . C ; F . Cooper , P . P . G . S ., P . M ., Treas . ; F . Rayner , S . W . ; J . H . McOueen , P . M ., ] . W . ; Lewis Colenutt , Sec ; H . A . Matthews , J . D . ; W . J . Mew , Tyler ,
Cantelow , G . H . Matthews , and R . Young . Visitors Bros . Conner , P . M ., J . VV . 1869 ; Isod ; and W . Cluett . The lodge having been opened and the minutes read , the Worshipful Master rose and presented two large photographsof theShanklin Masonic Exhibition , framed , andsaid : In presenting these photographs I do so not only with pleasure , but with a certain amount of pride . I shall
always feel proud of the Exhibition , and I believe every member of this lodge will also . It was not only a day which we shall always remember , but it is as it were a landmark in the career of this lodge which will have an important bearing upon its future . This is the first time since the Exhibition I have made any illusion to it of a general character , but I have often thought of the noble
a'd we received , not only from Shanklin but from the Province and from Masons beyo . id it which made it the success it was . I intend to present at some future time a volume of letters , bound , which I have received from Masons ' » all parts of England and out of it , thanking me and 'hanking you for the splendid efforts made , not only in hringine that unrivalled collection together to be seen , but
| o have them so fully described , together with the notes of "fo . Hughan , forming a catalogue which Masonic students will ever be proud of . * I look upon the results of that Exhibition far and beyond its effect on this lodge . I look u Pon its effects on Freemasonry in general ; and depend , Pon it the tendency of the times is to gather up the
"storical threads of the Order , to preserve its ancient traditions and documents , to infuse into its members more ei » thusiasm for the literature of the Craft , and to study some of those priceless and unique gems which were Piinted in the early days of speculative Masonry and excited in our Exhibition . It is because it was felt to na Ve an important influence on the Craft in general ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
partly by reason of its being so large and valuable , and because the largest and wealthiest exhibitors all gave their aid so willingly , and the Masonic historian of England , Bro . Hughan , amidst his many labours and without knowing any of us , appended his notes to the Exhibition , which will for ever stamp it as an authoiity . There was a vast amount of labour in connection with it , but when I call to
remembrance the appreciation I have received from Masons in general , I feel sure all of us will look back upon that great effort with pride and satisfaction . It has given an impetus to this phase of Freemasonry , which I believe will roll on and benefit the Craft in general , for I think there is a more liberal [ application of its surroundings , and a growing feeling that its sphere is not limited to conferring the three Degrees of Masonry , and that feeling
of research which is promoting the growth of Masonic intellectuality will absorb into its power , embrace , and utilise not only its historical and symbolic literature , but the products of the literary men of to-day , and the lodge room will in time become the medium of spreading Masonic knowledge to a greater extent than at present , and , I trust , correcting some of the
prejudices one how and then is made aware of . Very few of you are aware that from among some of rny Masonic friends in the Island I met with very severe criticism and rebuke for allowing the patronage of ladies and gentlemen to the Exhibition catalogue , and I was made aware that not only had I passed beyond the bounds of prudence , but I had lost their patronage and their guineas .
I accepted then the entire responsibility , I admitted 1 consulted no one , and I bore the brunt of their criticism ; but this much I will say , the names of the ladies and gentlemen as patrons in the catalogue are an honour to it . But , brethren , time has worked a vindication of my conduct , not only in that but in admitting the public , which was equally censured . I read in a Plymouth paper ( and in fact you
have heard the circular this evening ) that Bro . Hughan himself—no mean authority , mark you—proposed that any lady or gentleman contributing a guinea could become a patron of precisely a similar exhibition , and to which the public will be admitted . I confess I read that with
satisfaction , because as a young Mason it shows my impulses , which had no precedent to guide them , were right and well founded , and it also proves that this dissemination of Masonic knowledge will play a greater part in the future in spreading Masonry and enhancing its value as an Institution . The usefulness of ihe Craft must move
with the times , and tnough , years ago , those esoteric portions of Masonry were kept concealed and hidden it serves no useful purpose now , and checks the legitimate growth of the Craft . The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . E . Le Feuvre , and the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . E . Goble , were exhibitors , and are both imbued with a love for the literature of the Craft . If you looked at Bro .
Le Feuvre's collection , starting as it did with Constitutions of Grand Lodge , which , I am pleased to say , he has now a complete set of , the value of which is very considerable , for I only know of one other complete set—Bro . George Taylor ' s ; if you looked at his collection you would have seen it embraced old works on the principles and practices of the Craft that the province had no knowledge of , and
would have no opportunity of examining except for this Exhibition , and these valuable collections may perhaps some day lead to a provincial library , as suggested at the exhibition banquet by Bro . Goble . The photographs which I present to-night are of the Exhibition , and they mark this point in the history of the Order—that the Shanklin Exhibition , which our Provincial Grand Master , Bro . W . W .
B . Beach , M . P ., honoured us by opening , was the pioneer for diffusing in a public form a knowledge of the richest gems of the Craft , and I am proud to say our example is being followed by the Plymouth Masons . The box which I have brought here contains the records of the Exhibition . 1 believe in treasuring everything pertaining to this lodge , for it is years ago I gave a very humble wooden box to
preserve the archives of the lodge in . In years to come the records of this institution , when we shall be no longer carrying on this lodge , will be more highly valued than they are to-day ; but this I am fully convinced of , that the Shanklin Exhibition the Craft universally felt proud of , the American press hailing it with pleasure . Therefore , in giving this archive box to preserve its records , I am saving
for the future that which will be valuable . Bro . F . Rayner , S . W ., proposed that the best thanks of the lodge be given to the W . M ., and recorded on the minutes , for his kindness in presenting the two very fine photographs of the Masonic Exhibition as well as the archive box , wherein would be preserved all the documents relating to that memorable event . Those who assisted the
W . M . in carrying to such a successful issue the Exhibition , would not be likely to forget the immense amount of time he devoted to it , and the zeal and energy he displayed from the beginning to the end , and even , if they were at all likely to forget it , the two splendid specimens of photographic art which will further adorn the walls of the lodge would always remind them of the great interest
the W . M . had in the lodge , by making such handsome presentations which would be looked on and read with pleasure in future years by those who followed them and b ; came members of Chine Lodge . The Worshipful Master then rose and said : I have the pleasure of presenting the photo , framed , of Bro . D . P . Cama , in Masonic clothing , as Grand Treasurer . It is a very great compliment to Chine Lodge , and I have also
been honoured with one myself . Bro . Cama was interested in the Exhibition and was a patron , and now he has shown his appreciation of our efforts , and is a patron of the Chine Lodge Jubilee Fund , as the following letter will show : — " Dear Sir and Brother , " I enclose a cheque for one guinea , which please place on the list of Chine Lodge Jubilee Fund , wishing your noble appeal will be supported by our Craft . —1 remain , yours fraternally ,
( Signed ) "li . P . CAMA , Grand Treasurer . " I have also received a similar letter from Bro . F . Hastings Goldney , P . G . D ., P . P . S . G . W . Wilts , enclosinga guinea and giving his patronage to our Jubilee Fund . Bro . Cama has been elected to the highest office Grand Lodge could confer , and those who know how much he has done for Masonry ,
and how liberal he was to the Institutions , would think the honour well deserved . His Masonic record is a bright one , and the lodge called after him will perpetuate his name . I am proud to think he considers the Chine Lodge worthy of his photograph , and of hanging side by side with our worthy Past Masters . I feel sure it will ever be appreciated and valued . I propose that our best thanks be con-
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
veyed to him , and that we assure him his kindness will be remembered and his photograph treasured . Bro . Richard Young rose to second the vote of thanks proposed by the VV . M ., and , commenting upon points in the eloquent speech to which the members had so attentively listened , and with the sentiments of which they cordially agreed , observed that no doubt the spirit and purpose
of Freemasonry were far-reaching and comprehensive , hence the generous reciprocity which existed among the brethren in all climes and nf a / I nationalities . But on the present occasion it was only fair to remark that if the ¦ enterprise and zeal displayed by Bro . Greenham had not found scope and success in the late exhibition of Masonic treasures , the honours which had distinguished the chair of
1 SS 6 would certainly not have reflected honour upon the brethren . The circumstance therefore would seem a most happy one in confirming the opinion that Chine Lodge Exhibition had made its mark upon the constitutional history of Freemasonry in advancing the interests of the Craft and conferring high honour upon the Executive Committee . The members one and all present desired to
express this recognition of the services of their W . M ., while appreciating the honour of being associated with his enterprise . The VV . M ., Bro . Greenham , then rose and said : I have another surprise for you , but it is one which will give you great pleasure to see . I have the pleasure to be the medium of presenting the photograph of Bro . J . H . McOueen ,
P . M . of the Old Enoch Lodge , No . n , and J . VV . of this lodge , and I must say jt is a splendid life-size photograph of him . I had the privilege of proposing him as a member of this lodge . I felt then to have a Past Master of his rank and position in a lodge which has seen its centenary years ago , joining our lodge was of itself alone , without the individuality of Bro . McQueen , a good thing for Chine
Lodge . A very old lodge has a peculiar charm for me , and I think a Past Master of such a lodge more to be envied than one who has passed the chair of one recently created . You are all aware how real his interest in this lodge has been since he joined us , in fact , I may say he has taken an interest in other lodges , and joined them , but Chine Lodge in this respect is his favourite , and long may it continue to
be so , and , I trust , deserve it . We were all very proud of having him as a member , and I was more so to have him as a Warden of this lodge . I felt then he conferred a great honour on me in accepting that office , and we all look on toa ' prouder day when that latentappreciationof yours will be allowed a spontaneous outburst , and his kindness to us remembered . To have his photograph here will influence
the lodge for good , and prove to all who see it , be they members or visitors , that he considers us worthy , and it is an encouragement for younger members to take a greater interest in the lodge and Masonry , and we can all look to the future with pleasure when he shall rule over us . If there is one year of office , if I am spared , that I shall do my very best to make brilliant , if there is one installation '
that I shall throw my heart and soul in , to make memorable , it will be Bro . McQueen ' s , for both mine has been graced by his generous acts , that will perpetuate his name , and made [ my installation days to be remembered in Isle of Wight Masonry . I do not wish to repeat my remarks that I made on Bro . Newman ' s photograph , but I do feel that amid all the depressing difficulties our heavy debt '
entails , these presentations to Chine Lodge prove to me we shall emerge through them , and the kind and generous acts of Bro . McQueen has always been , and will always be , appreciated by me , and by every member of this lodge , and the vote of thanks to him will , I know , be heartily and unanimously agreed to . Bro . John Bailey , I . P . M ., Prov . A . G . D . C . Hants and Isle of Wight , said : I had the pleasure to second Bro .
McQueen as a member of this lodge , and I second the resolution now , and express my grateful thanks , not only for this gift but for all Bro . McQueen has done for us ; outwalls are adorned with many gitts , but none will be more valued than this one . Bro . F . Cooper , P . M ., desired in a few words to express how grateful he felt for the interest Bro . McOueen was
taking in Chine Lodge , as evidenced by his generosity , and identifying himself with it as he was doing now . Bro . J . Conner , P . M ., P . P . G . Sec . Lanarkshire , and J . W . of 186 9 , begged the W . M . to allow him to say that Bro . McQueen had done also as much for their lodge . He had endowed the chair of their lodge in the Benevolent Institution , and they also had a small debt connected with
the formation of the lodge , and Bro . Queen had helped them to reduce that , and he was quite sure the Sandown brethren felt deeply indebted to him . Bro . J . H . McQueen briefly returned thanks . He said since he became a Mason he had endeavoured to the best of his ability to help on Masonry , and the Institutions that
were maintained by Masons . He was very glad that what he had done—and he tried to do what lay in his powerwas appreciated . He agreed with the W . M . that the debt was a heavy burden on the lodge , and should he ever be in the chair of Chine Lodge he should try to reduce it , and he approved of the efforts of the Worshipful Master to do so .
The lodge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room to the usual lodge dinner . After the loyal toasts had been duly honoured , Bro . McQueen proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " which , he was sure , would be well received . Bro . Greenham , W . M ., in replying , thanked the brethren for the kind reception given to his toast . They all
knew he tried to do his best tor the lodge , particulaily for the lodge debt . However , ihat night he had to make a humiliating confession that he had deprived the lodge of £ 5 per year benefit , or the interest on £ ico debt . He felt sure their regret would be great , but his wasgreater . In closing down that night in rising for tee second and third time he did not enquire if any of them had aught to
propose for the benefits of Masonry , & c , or if Bro . McQueen intended to offer the mortgage at a lower rate of interest , saving them £ 100 a year . He had worked hard to get £ 100 , and to think he should lose that through his ignorance —( Bro . McQueen : Negligence)—well , perhaps , negligence , or a little of both—would be a regret , and the fust one he had had to associate with the Chine Lodge . Bro .
McOueen intended to punish his forgetfulness , lor at their next " lodge he thought he would be away , and some of them would perhaps remind him of it in the future . To him . it was a matter of profound regret , and he could only say that he was sincerely sorry that he had been the means of robbing that lodge of a great advantage . In concluding he gave them " The Health of the Wardens and Officers