Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Lodge Of King Solomon, No. 2029.
CONSECRATION OF THE LODGE OF KING SOLOMON , No . 2029 .
On'Saturday last , at ; . ; ,, Golden-square , the consecration of this new lodge look place by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , assisted by the following officers : Bros . Philbrick , O . C ., Grand Keg ., Senior Warden ; John Messent , P . G . S . B ., Junior Warden " ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , Chaplain ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., Director of Ceremonies ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . A . D . C , Inner Guard ; and XV . Ganz , P . G . Org ., Organist .
This lodge has becn in course of formation for a year past . It owes its existence entirely to Bro . Harry Tipper , whose energy in connection with its formation its first W . M ., Bro . Dr . B . W . Richardson , did not fail lo recognize . Many lodges have of late years sprung into existence formed for special purposes , such as the Galley- Lodge for brethren connected with the Press in thc Houses of Parliament ; thc London Rifle Brigade Lodge and others connected wilh the Volunteer movement ; the lodge at
Tilbury Docks , and the Abbey Lodge for those connected with the City of Westminster . But the Lodge of King Solomon differs again from these , for it is not confined to n district or a profession , but has been established , like thc Wolseley Lodge at Manchester , thc St . George ' s at Plymouth , and others , on strictly teetotal principles . But this does not mean , as a contemporary has stated , that it is for total abstainers only ; it will include brethren who do not go thc length of abstaining altogether from alcoholic drink , but all such will be allowed to join only on the understanding thai
they abstain from intoxicants whilst they are al thc social gatherings of thc lodge . BrO . Harry Tipper sought thc assistance of those leading medical men of the day and others who arc known to take a prominent part in thc spread of thc temperance cause , such as Dr . Benjamin Ward Richardson , F . R . S . ; Sir Philip Cunliffe Ovvcii , K . C . M . G ., C . B ., & c , Director of South Kensington Museum ; and Dr . Norman Kerr , who heartily took up Bro . Tipper ' s suggestion , and with their combined assistance and influence thc Lodge of King Solomon has been founded .
The lodge was opened at half-past four o ' clock in the presence of a numerous assemblage of brethren ,, amongst whom we noticed Bros . Horace Brooks Marshall , G . Treas . ; 12 . Haward , M . D . ; G . Ames , P . M , ; T . Yeo , P . M . ; G . R . Barrett , L . Chubb , H . Maiden , R . Burt , Jabez Hogg , P . G . D . ; Sir Cunliffe Owen , K . C . M . G ., P . M . ; J . Lavics , M . D ., P . M . ; G . H . Branthwaite , P . M . ; l \ Schofield , M . D ., P . M . ; H . Truman Wood , P . M . ; J . Unite , Matthew Williams , T . Richardson , and Norman Kerr , M . D .
Thc Grand Secretary , as Consecrating Officer , opened thc proceedings with sonic kindly and seasonable prefatory remarks , and having appointed his officers for thc ceremony as detailed above , the lodge was opened in the Three Degrees . The hymn , " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid " was sung / and prayer was next offered up by thc Chaplain . Bro . Frank Richardson' then addressed the Consecrating Officer , explaining thc objects for which they were assembled , and praying thc Grand Secretary to fulfil thc Grand Master ' s warrant . The founders of thc lodge having given their approval lo the names mentioned in thc petition ,
The Rev . A . I * . A . WOODI-ORD , P . G . C , then delivered the following oration : V . W . Consecrating Officer , it becomes my pjcasing duty at this portion of our ancient and allotted ceremonial to address a few words , by way of customary oration , to my assembled brethren . Often as you and I , Sir , in later years have taken part in similar proceedings , you will , I feel sure , agree with mc when I say , that the task of the orator becomes at each succeeding consecration more difficult . For within our own memory , and within thc last few years especially , what energy and activity have been
displayed in thc increase of lodges . How many consecrations have we witnessed or heard of . We can refer with pride to past orations by distinguished members of our Order , and which many of us have listened to with deep approbation , in which all that can be said for our benevolent and useful Fraternity has bcen put forth with lucidity , eloquence , and effect . Indeed , as one of our most able orators said the other day , so much has bcen said and so well in past orations that there seems little left for each succeeding orator to dwell upon or dilate upon . If then , Sir , you and my brethren hear
nothing new and nothing striking to-day ; if you seem to be doomed to be favoured with little but what has been better expressed previously ; if all you are compelled patiently to listen to what seems but " an oft-told tale , " be good enough to bear in mind that "forewarned is forearmed , " and in fraternal goodwill and kindly criticism " take thc will for the deed . " Wc all of us , Sir , by our very assembly here prove to-day , 1 think , that we all feel deeply interested in that bcnclicent Masonic fellowship of ours , which , outliving thc natural decay of time , and resisting the levelling inllucncc of years , seems to gather fresh
life and vigour as thc ages come and go , and is , in fact , as it appears to me , more living-, more active , and moro widely extending now than it has been in any past epoch of its prolonged existence . One of thc reasons for the present position of public favour and Personal attachment which our Order has succeeded in winning for . itself may be found , venture to think , in this fact and reality . In this divided and disjointed period , when party shibboleths and sectarian animosities arc very many and prevalent in the vv-orld without , Freemasonry offers a shelter , a resting place , a point of contact , a centre of
unity and peace for very many here . It is thus are we able to explain the fact , —for fact it is , — that we do manage to gather together within our lodges , on the earth ' s surface , men of different countries , sects , and opinions , and to unite in happy sympathies and harmonious wcirks of chanty persons of the most widely-opposed opinions and of different orders and ranks in society . ' And further . Within thc portals of a Freemason's lodge discord is hushed and divisions cease . Wc ask no questions , and we impose no tests . We do not even enquire
into one another ' s specific creeds . Wc assemble in religious reverence and friendly sympathy , invoking a blessing from T . G . A . O . T . U . on all our proceedings , good Masons and true , loyal subjects , obedient citizens , peaceful , morally-living , law .-abiding men , and we have no warrant as we entertain no desire to interfere with personal views or individual beliefs , which it is notfor us to question ortojudge , inasmuch as we all to our own great Creator stand or fall . In this our wise and neutral position , we naturall y decline to express any opinion whatever on all that constitutes often the greatest trial of earthly
friendship , association , and affection , namely , differences of religious theory . It is true we do make a stand very properly on one point , and insist upon one qualification for Freemasonry . Wc do not and cannot admit into our respectable and reverential body the deliberate athcistof the avowed libertine ; the person who denies or rejects a divine and lasting law of public and private morality . And for this good and essential reason . He- who rejects the divine and common law of human moral regulation cannot be exuected to nav much attention to any merely earthly laws or regulations ; and we have
no reason to suppose or expect that he who professedly believes in nothing as binding on his conscience uua divine , or obligatory as to his individual responsibility here , can by any possibility lind any safe or controlling earthly principle by which to direct his steps and animate his hopes , and control his life-long struggles now . But we go no further . We have no further questions rightfully to ask as regards our personal beliefs , and therefore all who truly and ' religiously acknowledge T . G . A . O . T . U ., whatever their country or colour , race or name , find a ready and peaceful admittance within a Freemasons' lodge . And hence it is . too . that so manv ot us all , as it often appears to one , find a pleasant
meeting place , an . agreeable centre of union , and concord , and harmony in Freemasonry , as citizens of the -world to-day . 'The controversies of the turbulent crowd appear to be hushed , the insane logomachies , of men nre stilled , and friendship , exercizing its most kindly inlluenccs , and sympathy , expanding its most gracious interest , seem to bind us all together , to cement us into one true-hearted brotherhood , to unlock , so to say , our hearts and minds , and make us as friend vvith friend , and brother with brother really , and enter into the meaning of ^ lie simple word Fraternity . Thus it is that we are often cheered and encouraged by all that is pleasant and acceptable to thc innermost feelings and being of humanity , to lind a heartfelt pleasure and satisfaction in the enjoyable companionship of smiling faces and sincere hearts . To adapt the language of our old Grand Master King Solomon ,- rich and poor , the noble and thc
Consecration Of The Lodge Of King Solomon, No. 2029.
commoner , contrasted classes and differing ranks , assemble within a Freemason lodge , and I . G . A . O . I . U . is the Maker of them one and all . If life comes to seme of us , a . it often does , with its difiiculties and trials , its troubles and its cares , that weariness whicli some may feel in most prosperous and successful labours ; if public duties and private responsibilities sometimes affect us and depress us all , I know of no better relief or remedy than that gathering of friends and contemporaries and companions which in many a good lodge up and down our land has' riven tn n _ all s _ mm . h .. nnv hours in
past times , and where amid hearty labour and peaceful sociality we have met " upon the level and parted on the square . " Freemasonry has another charm for us all , in that it approaches us as in a complex form , in a multiplex personality . Like many of the ancient oracles it has more than one meaning for thc patient-seeker . It is not merely a neutral society ; it is not merely a social organization ; it is not merely a school of morality ; it is not merely an academe of mystic philosophy ; it is not merely a charitable sodality : but it is all these combined : VPS . n _ . r , n , i , 11 !!_ . „ , _ . :. , „„_ , L-
to us all in different ways , and from , as it were , opposite points of view . From whatever side we approach it we can gam , if only we will , lessons of instruction , improvement , counsel , and education , lt encourages sympathy , and warms friendship ; it advocates fraternal interest and prudent hospitality , it inculcates ever religious reverence and loyal attachment to the throne . And while it never ceases to warn us against secret conspiracies and illegal associations , it bids us not only to obey the laws of our own country , but to respect the enactments of all countries and governments however different or
differing . Perhaps one of its remarkable characteristics is thc unceasing protest it raises against the debasing practice of persecution for conscience sake , as well as the unchanging claim it puts forward in no uncertain voice for the sanctity of private judgment , and the inviolability of Universal Toleration . And when we add to all this those gentler virtues and engrossing affections it ever urges upon its members , —charity , brotherly love , friendship , kindness , fidelity , sympathy to one another , —we see at once how large is its scope , how valuable its mission , how useful and
elevating its work , in the world in wliich wc live to-day . We shall all , I feel convinced , unite heartily in the aspiration and confidence that that great Order of which we are privileged to be members will still , in the good providence of T . G . A . O . T . U . and under thc auspices of our Royal Grand Master , keep on the even tenour of its way , unharmed by childish accusations , unimpeded by perverse antagonism . We can afford to pass by any contemporary attacks , from whatever quarter emanating , in peaceful silence . They are not worth our notice or reply . Revering God and honouring all men , full of kindness
and good feeling for our world-spread Brotherhood , our English Grand Lodge will still continue to unfurl its broad banner of Toleration , Charity , Loyalty , Justice , Honour , and Truth , and carry out its useful and beneficial work at home and abroad for the happiness and satisfaction of its own members , a faithful witness to the great and veritable and unchanging principles of English Freemasonry . And fortius new lodge of ours to-day , the Lodge of King Solomon , we will all anticipate and hope that it has before it a happy career of utility , activity , and good . Faithful to the Grand Lodge
from which it derives its very Masonic life , may it ever minister to the happiness and harmony of its members , the honour of the Fraternity , and thc welfare of thc world . Not forgetting the active principles of Masonic beneficence , and charity , may it seek to propagate thc kindly and healing tenets of true Freemasonry amid many brethren for many generations . May it encourage culture , extend beneficence , maintain all the
moral and social virtues in their fullest extent . May its gathering together both on its first formation and its after developement be abounding in good to its founders and their companion labourers and successors . May thc Lodge of King Solomon prove a source of vital energy , fraternal feeling , and enduring concord to all who range themselves under its banner , and may they all find as years succeed to years , that Freemasonry can be to them one and all a reality , a help , a pride and a blessing now and evermore .
Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke then proceeded with the wonted and impressive ceremony of consecration in his careful and conscientious performance of thc appointed ritual , which , with its * musical accompaniment and the hymns and anthems judiciously interspersed and conducted in the most efficient way by Bro . Ganz , produced a great impression on the brethren present , many of whom had seen a ledge consecration service for the . first time . After the consecration was . concluded Bro . B . XX ' . Richardson , M . I ) .,
F . R . S ,, was duly installed by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke as first Master of thc lodge , and returned thanks to his brethren in a very forcible speech . He invested as his officers the following brethren : Bros . Chubb , S . W . 1 II . Branlhwaitc ' , J . W . ; Sir P . Cunliffe Owen , K . C . M . G ., acting P . M . and Treas . ; and Harry Tipper , Sec . Several candidates were proposed - for initiation and several brethren as joining members , and thc lodge was duly closed , after prayer by thc W . M . Thc brethren then proceeded to the Holborn Restaurant , and assembled
there again , but without Masonic clothing . It is well known lhat the Lodge of King Solomon is a lodge conducted on temperance principles , and in which all alcoholic or intoxicant litjour is forbidden . The brethren sat down to a very good dinner , under the provision of a very elegantly-arranged menu . The various temperance beverages were abundant . The W . M . at the conclusion of thc repast proposed the several loyal and Masonic toasls . Bro . WOOD , ORD responded for " The Grand Officers , " and said : W . M .,
brother Wardens , and brethren , I should be the most unconscionable of mortals if , after trespassing so long on your attention in lodge , 1 again made a trial of your enduring patience . If brevity , as has becn said , be the soul of wit , it is also thc perfection of Masonic speeches . But as I am privileged to return thanks for the Grand Officers , thanking you , W . M ., for thc terms in which you have proposed the toast , and you , brethren , for thc hearty manner in' which you have received it , I beg , on thc behalf of my friends
with mc-to-day , to assure you that we are fully sensible of the honour you have done us . It is always a happiness . to present and past Grand Officers to answer thc summons ol our esteemed Grand Secretary and assist him in our humble measure , in those arduous duties and peregrinations of his , when he consecrates new lodges especially of our Order . It has becn a great pleasure to us all to take part in the interesting ceremony of to-day , and wc augur all of success and prosperity from these initiatory proceedings . Though
some of us are not so young as we were , wc arc glad to be able to testify by our presence and sympathy our continued conviction of the great reality and importance of our benevolent Order , and to proclaim our adherence to those its living principles which we know to be true , and of which we have experienced their practical value . Let us all join in the hope thai our Fraternity may continue to prosper and progress , not merely enhancing the comfort and happiness of its own members , bul subserving the peace , thc welfare , the civilization , and thc elevation of mankind .
The WORSIIU'FUL MASTER then proposed ' * The Health of Bro ; Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , the Consecrating Ollicer , " expressing his high opinion of his qualifications and services as Grand Secretary , and pointing out impressively lhat the Order owed a greal deal of its present unexampled prosperity lo the thoroughly admirable manner in which the duties of that most important office of Grand Secretary were performed . I certainly never at any time were they carried out more to the entire satisfaction and welfare of thc entire Craft . The toast was received with loud applause . H . in hc
I ^ o . Col . S IIADWKLL C LERKU responding said was deeply sensible of the kind words of the VV . M ., far too flattering , in respect to himself , and of the warm reception accorded to him b y his brethren present . ¦ He could truly say that his heart was in his work , and that all his best efforts were and would be continually directed to fulfil efficiently thc responsibilities of the hig h office committed to him by H . R . H . the Grand Master . He had had very great pleasure in faking the chief part in thc ceremony that day in representing the Grand Master , and hc rejoiced to . see so numerous an assemblage lo start this new lodge . He felt sure from what he had
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Lodge Of King Solomon, No. 2029.
CONSECRATION OF THE LODGE OF KING SOLOMON , No . 2029 .
On'Saturday last , at ; . ; ,, Golden-square , the consecration of this new lodge look place by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , assisted by the following officers : Bros . Philbrick , O . C ., Grand Keg ., Senior Warden ; John Messent , P . G . S . B ., Junior Warden " ; Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , P . G . C , Chaplain ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., Director of Ceremonies ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . A . D . C , Inner Guard ; and XV . Ganz , P . G . Org ., Organist .
This lodge has becn in course of formation for a year past . It owes its existence entirely to Bro . Harry Tipper , whose energy in connection with its formation its first W . M ., Bro . Dr . B . W . Richardson , did not fail lo recognize . Many lodges have of late years sprung into existence formed for special purposes , such as the Galley- Lodge for brethren connected with the Press in thc Houses of Parliament ; thc London Rifle Brigade Lodge and others connected wilh the Volunteer movement ; the lodge at
Tilbury Docks , and the Abbey Lodge for those connected with the City of Westminster . But the Lodge of King Solomon differs again from these , for it is not confined to n district or a profession , but has been established , like thc Wolseley Lodge at Manchester , thc St . George ' s at Plymouth , and others , on strictly teetotal principles . But this does not mean , as a contemporary has stated , that it is for total abstainers only ; it will include brethren who do not go thc length of abstaining altogether from alcoholic drink , but all such will be allowed to join only on the understanding thai
they abstain from intoxicants whilst they are al thc social gatherings of thc lodge . BrO . Harry Tipper sought thc assistance of those leading medical men of the day and others who arc known to take a prominent part in thc spread of thc temperance cause , such as Dr . Benjamin Ward Richardson , F . R . S . ; Sir Philip Cunliffe Ovvcii , K . C . M . G ., C . B ., & c , Director of South Kensington Museum ; and Dr . Norman Kerr , who heartily took up Bro . Tipper ' s suggestion , and with their combined assistance and influence thc Lodge of King Solomon has been founded .
The lodge was opened at half-past four o ' clock in the presence of a numerous assemblage of brethren ,, amongst whom we noticed Bros . Horace Brooks Marshall , G . Treas . ; 12 . Haward , M . D . ; G . Ames , P . M , ; T . Yeo , P . M . ; G . R . Barrett , L . Chubb , H . Maiden , R . Burt , Jabez Hogg , P . G . D . ; Sir Cunliffe Owen , K . C . M . G ., P . M . ; J . Lavics , M . D ., P . M . ; G . H . Branthwaite , P . M . ; l \ Schofield , M . D ., P . M . ; H . Truman Wood , P . M . ; J . Unite , Matthew Williams , T . Richardson , and Norman Kerr , M . D .
Thc Grand Secretary , as Consecrating Officer , opened thc proceedings with sonic kindly and seasonable prefatory remarks , and having appointed his officers for thc ceremony as detailed above , the lodge was opened in the Three Degrees . The hymn , " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid " was sung / and prayer was next offered up by thc Chaplain . Bro . Frank Richardson' then addressed the Consecrating Officer , explaining thc objects for which they were assembled , and praying thc Grand Secretary to fulfil thc Grand Master ' s warrant . The founders of thc lodge having given their approval lo the names mentioned in thc petition ,
The Rev . A . I * . A . WOODI-ORD , P . G . C , then delivered the following oration : V . W . Consecrating Officer , it becomes my pjcasing duty at this portion of our ancient and allotted ceremonial to address a few words , by way of customary oration , to my assembled brethren . Often as you and I , Sir , in later years have taken part in similar proceedings , you will , I feel sure , agree with mc when I say , that the task of the orator becomes at each succeeding consecration more difficult . For within our own memory , and within thc last few years especially , what energy and activity have been
displayed in thc increase of lodges . How many consecrations have we witnessed or heard of . We can refer with pride to past orations by distinguished members of our Order , and which many of us have listened to with deep approbation , in which all that can be said for our benevolent and useful Fraternity has bcen put forth with lucidity , eloquence , and effect . Indeed , as one of our most able orators said the other day , so much has bcen said and so well in past orations that there seems little left for each succeeding orator to dwell upon or dilate upon . If then , Sir , you and my brethren hear
nothing new and nothing striking to-day ; if you seem to be doomed to be favoured with little but what has been better expressed previously ; if all you are compelled patiently to listen to what seems but " an oft-told tale , " be good enough to bear in mind that "forewarned is forearmed , " and in fraternal goodwill and kindly criticism " take thc will for the deed . " Wc all of us , Sir , by our very assembly here prove to-day , 1 think , that we all feel deeply interested in that bcnclicent Masonic fellowship of ours , which , outliving thc natural decay of time , and resisting the levelling inllucncc of years , seems to gather fresh
life and vigour as thc ages come and go , and is , in fact , as it appears to me , more living-, more active , and moro widely extending now than it has been in any past epoch of its prolonged existence . One of thc reasons for the present position of public favour and Personal attachment which our Order has succeeded in winning for . itself may be found , venture to think , in this fact and reality . In this divided and disjointed period , when party shibboleths and sectarian animosities arc very many and prevalent in the vv-orld without , Freemasonry offers a shelter , a resting place , a point of contact , a centre of
unity and peace for very many here . It is thus are we able to explain the fact , —for fact it is , — that we do manage to gather together within our lodges , on the earth ' s surface , men of different countries , sects , and opinions , and to unite in happy sympathies and harmonious wcirks of chanty persons of the most widely-opposed opinions and of different orders and ranks in society . ' And further . Within thc portals of a Freemason's lodge discord is hushed and divisions cease . Wc ask no questions , and we impose no tests . We do not even enquire
into one another ' s specific creeds . Wc assemble in religious reverence and friendly sympathy , invoking a blessing from T . G . A . O . T . U . on all our proceedings , good Masons and true , loyal subjects , obedient citizens , peaceful , morally-living , law .-abiding men , and we have no warrant as we entertain no desire to interfere with personal views or individual beliefs , which it is notfor us to question ortojudge , inasmuch as we all to our own great Creator stand or fall . In this our wise and neutral position , we naturall y decline to express any opinion whatever on all that constitutes often the greatest trial of earthly
friendship , association , and affection , namely , differences of religious theory . It is true we do make a stand very properly on one point , and insist upon one qualification for Freemasonry . Wc do not and cannot admit into our respectable and reverential body the deliberate athcistof the avowed libertine ; the person who denies or rejects a divine and lasting law of public and private morality . And for this good and essential reason . He- who rejects the divine and common law of human moral regulation cannot be exuected to nav much attention to any merely earthly laws or regulations ; and we have
no reason to suppose or expect that he who professedly believes in nothing as binding on his conscience uua divine , or obligatory as to his individual responsibility here , can by any possibility lind any safe or controlling earthly principle by which to direct his steps and animate his hopes , and control his life-long struggles now . But we go no further . We have no further questions rightfully to ask as regards our personal beliefs , and therefore all who truly and ' religiously acknowledge T . G . A . O . T . U ., whatever their country or colour , race or name , find a ready and peaceful admittance within a Freemasons' lodge . And hence it is . too . that so manv ot us all , as it often appears to one , find a pleasant
meeting place , an . agreeable centre of union , and concord , and harmony in Freemasonry , as citizens of the -world to-day . 'The controversies of the turbulent crowd appear to be hushed , the insane logomachies , of men nre stilled , and friendship , exercizing its most kindly inlluenccs , and sympathy , expanding its most gracious interest , seem to bind us all together , to cement us into one true-hearted brotherhood , to unlock , so to say , our hearts and minds , and make us as friend vvith friend , and brother with brother really , and enter into the meaning of ^ lie simple word Fraternity . Thus it is that we are often cheered and encouraged by all that is pleasant and acceptable to thc innermost feelings and being of humanity , to lind a heartfelt pleasure and satisfaction in the enjoyable companionship of smiling faces and sincere hearts . To adapt the language of our old Grand Master King Solomon ,- rich and poor , the noble and thc
Consecration Of The Lodge Of King Solomon, No. 2029.
commoner , contrasted classes and differing ranks , assemble within a Freemason lodge , and I . G . A . O . I . U . is the Maker of them one and all . If life comes to seme of us , a . it often does , with its difiiculties and trials , its troubles and its cares , that weariness whicli some may feel in most prosperous and successful labours ; if public duties and private responsibilities sometimes affect us and depress us all , I know of no better relief or remedy than that gathering of friends and contemporaries and companions which in many a good lodge up and down our land has' riven tn n _ all s _ mm . h .. nnv hours in
past times , and where amid hearty labour and peaceful sociality we have met " upon the level and parted on the square . " Freemasonry has another charm for us all , in that it approaches us as in a complex form , in a multiplex personality . Like many of the ancient oracles it has more than one meaning for thc patient-seeker . It is not merely a neutral society ; it is not merely a social organization ; it is not merely a school of morality ; it is not merely an academe of mystic philosophy ; it is not merely a charitable sodality : but it is all these combined : VPS . n _ . r , n , i , 11 !!_ . „ , _ . :. , „„_ , L-
to us all in different ways , and from , as it were , opposite points of view . From whatever side we approach it we can gam , if only we will , lessons of instruction , improvement , counsel , and education , lt encourages sympathy , and warms friendship ; it advocates fraternal interest and prudent hospitality , it inculcates ever religious reverence and loyal attachment to the throne . And while it never ceases to warn us against secret conspiracies and illegal associations , it bids us not only to obey the laws of our own country , but to respect the enactments of all countries and governments however different or
differing . Perhaps one of its remarkable characteristics is thc unceasing protest it raises against the debasing practice of persecution for conscience sake , as well as the unchanging claim it puts forward in no uncertain voice for the sanctity of private judgment , and the inviolability of Universal Toleration . And when we add to all this those gentler virtues and engrossing affections it ever urges upon its members , —charity , brotherly love , friendship , kindness , fidelity , sympathy to one another , —we see at once how large is its scope , how valuable its mission , how useful and
elevating its work , in the world in wliich wc live to-day . We shall all , I feel convinced , unite heartily in the aspiration and confidence that that great Order of which we are privileged to be members will still , in the good providence of T . G . A . O . T . U . and under thc auspices of our Royal Grand Master , keep on the even tenour of its way , unharmed by childish accusations , unimpeded by perverse antagonism . We can afford to pass by any contemporary attacks , from whatever quarter emanating , in peaceful silence . They are not worth our notice or reply . Revering God and honouring all men , full of kindness
and good feeling for our world-spread Brotherhood , our English Grand Lodge will still continue to unfurl its broad banner of Toleration , Charity , Loyalty , Justice , Honour , and Truth , and carry out its useful and beneficial work at home and abroad for the happiness and satisfaction of its own members , a faithful witness to the great and veritable and unchanging principles of English Freemasonry . And fortius new lodge of ours to-day , the Lodge of King Solomon , we will all anticipate and hope that it has before it a happy career of utility , activity , and good . Faithful to the Grand Lodge
from which it derives its very Masonic life , may it ever minister to the happiness and harmony of its members , the honour of the Fraternity , and thc welfare of thc world . Not forgetting the active principles of Masonic beneficence , and charity , may it seek to propagate thc kindly and healing tenets of true Freemasonry amid many brethren for many generations . May it encourage culture , extend beneficence , maintain all the
moral and social virtues in their fullest extent . May its gathering together both on its first formation and its after developement be abounding in good to its founders and their companion labourers and successors . May thc Lodge of King Solomon prove a source of vital energy , fraternal feeling , and enduring concord to all who range themselves under its banner , and may they all find as years succeed to years , that Freemasonry can be to them one and all a reality , a help , a pride and a blessing now and evermore .
Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke then proceeded with the wonted and impressive ceremony of consecration in his careful and conscientious performance of thc appointed ritual , which , with its * musical accompaniment and the hymns and anthems judiciously interspersed and conducted in the most efficient way by Bro . Ganz , produced a great impression on the brethren present , many of whom had seen a ledge consecration service for the . first time . After the consecration was . concluded Bro . B . XX ' . Richardson , M . I ) .,
F . R . S ,, was duly installed by Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke as first Master of thc lodge , and returned thanks to his brethren in a very forcible speech . He invested as his officers the following brethren : Bros . Chubb , S . W . 1 II . Branlhwaitc ' , J . W . ; Sir P . Cunliffe Owen , K . C . M . G ., acting P . M . and Treas . ; and Harry Tipper , Sec . Several candidates were proposed - for initiation and several brethren as joining members , and thc lodge was duly closed , after prayer by thc W . M . Thc brethren then proceeded to the Holborn Restaurant , and assembled
there again , but without Masonic clothing . It is well known lhat the Lodge of King Solomon is a lodge conducted on temperance principles , and in which all alcoholic or intoxicant litjour is forbidden . The brethren sat down to a very good dinner , under the provision of a very elegantly-arranged menu . The various temperance beverages were abundant . The W . M . at the conclusion of thc repast proposed the several loyal and Masonic toasls . Bro . WOOD , ORD responded for " The Grand Officers , " and said : W . M .,
brother Wardens , and brethren , I should be the most unconscionable of mortals if , after trespassing so long on your attention in lodge , 1 again made a trial of your enduring patience . If brevity , as has becn said , be the soul of wit , it is also thc perfection of Masonic speeches . But as I am privileged to return thanks for the Grand Officers , thanking you , W . M ., for thc terms in which you have proposed the toast , and you , brethren , for thc hearty manner in' which you have received it , I beg , on thc behalf of my friends
with mc-to-day , to assure you that we are fully sensible of the honour you have done us . It is always a happiness . to present and past Grand Officers to answer thc summons ol our esteemed Grand Secretary and assist him in our humble measure , in those arduous duties and peregrinations of his , when he consecrates new lodges especially of our Order . It has becn a great pleasure to us all to take part in the interesting ceremony of to-day , and wc augur all of success and prosperity from these initiatory proceedings . Though
some of us are not so young as we were , wc arc glad to be able to testify by our presence and sympathy our continued conviction of the great reality and importance of our benevolent Order , and to proclaim our adherence to those its living principles which we know to be true , and of which we have experienced their practical value . Let us all join in the hope thai our Fraternity may continue to prosper and progress , not merely enhancing the comfort and happiness of its own members , bul subserving the peace , thc welfare , the civilization , and thc elevation of mankind .
The WORSIIU'FUL MASTER then proposed ' * The Health of Bro ; Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , the Consecrating Ollicer , " expressing his high opinion of his qualifications and services as Grand Secretary , and pointing out impressively lhat the Order owed a greal deal of its present unexampled prosperity lo the thoroughly admirable manner in which the duties of that most important office of Grand Secretary were performed . I certainly never at any time were they carried out more to the entire satisfaction and welfare of thc entire Craft . The toast was received with loud applause . H . in hc
I ^ o . Col . S IIADWKLL C LERKU responding said was deeply sensible of the kind words of the VV . M ., far too flattering , in respect to himself , and of the warm reception accorded to him b y his brethren present . ¦ He could truly say that his heart was in his work , and that all his best efforts were and would be continually directed to fulfil efficiently thc responsibilities of the hig h office committed to him by H . R . H . the Grand Master . He had had very great pleasure in faking the chief part in thc ceremony that day in representing the Grand Master , and hc rejoiced to . see so numerous an assemblage lo start this new lodge . He felt sure from what he had