Royal Cumberland Lodge, No. 41, Bath.

ROYAL CUMBERLAND LODGE , No . 41 , BATH .

THIRD JUBILEE CELEBRATION . Our numerous readers during the past few years will have noticed a series of celebrations in connection with this old lodge , but the crowning event was its completion on April 2-ird last of thc 150 th year of its uninterrupted

working . Only one other Provincial lodge at this period can boast of such an existence , namely , the Anchor and Hope Lodge , No . 39 , Bolton , Lancashire ; they celebrated their sesqui-centennial last November by a banquet . The brethren of No . 41 decided upon some more lasting memorial , and determined to raised amongst the members of the lodge the sum of one hundred guineas for the

Boys' School , which with their previous contributions qualified the lodge as vice-president , and endowed every otlicer ' s chair from the P . M . to the I . G . with a vote in perpetuity for the Boys' School . One of the oldest Past Masters and the lodge Treasurer , Bro . Thomas Payne Ashley , went up as a Steward , and presented the amount at the recent festival .

It so happens the lodge ranks amongst its P . Ms , one Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins , P . P . S . G . Warden Warwickshire , who not content with passing over a banquet , seized the very happy coincidence of being 75 years of age on the 27 th June , 1 SS 3 ( just half the existence of the lodge ) , as a sufficient excuse to ask the P . Ms , and officers of the Craft lodge , the Past and Present Principals of the chapter , the representatives of other lodges in the city , and many

other Masonic friends to a repast at the Christopher Hotel . The invitations were most cordially accepted , but many distinguished members of the Craft were unfortunately unable to be present , notably that very distinguished brother , W . J . Hughan , P . G . D . England , and Col . A . VV . Adair , P . P . G . M . Somerset and G . Supt . Somerset , & c . The Deputy P . G . M ., VV . Bro . R . C . Else , P . G . D . England , with his usual kindness and urbanity accepted and was

happily present . The following brethren , under the genial presidence of their host , Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins , sat down for refreshment at S p . m .: Bro . R . C . Else , D . P . G . M ., & c . Past Masters ' and members of No . 41 asunder : E . White , T . P . Ashley , I " . Wilton , J . Rubie , J . S . Turner , F . Wilkinson , P . liraham , R . B . Cater , T . B . Moutrie , S . G . Mitchell , C . VV . Radway , Peach

E . J . B . Mercer , VV . M . ; T . Ames , j . W . ; VV . , S . D . ; T . Wilton , J . D . j VV . L . Baldwin , I . G . ; VV . B . Gregory , and I . G . Wilton , Stewards ; J . Foote , Org . Members : C . Wilkinson , VV . H . Bartlett , and T . Brown . Royal Arch—L . Howes , M . E . Z . ; E . L . Hill , P . / .. ; J . Stuckey , and J . Hayward . Mark : Col . Ford , D . P . G . M . Somerset ; 1 . J . DuttonJohn Dutton , P . Ms . ; Bros . Sanderson , and

, Henry Culliford Hopkins , P . M . ' s 379 ; Dr . Fox , 53 ; and Rev . Prebendary Anderson , F . Cloven , VV . M . elect 906 ; and Bro . Phillips . After a proper discourse on the " knife and fork" degree , the following kindly address was read by tie host , Bro . Dr . H . HOPKINS , which was listened to with rapt attention , and enthusiastically cheered at its conclusion :

Brethren , a few weeks ago a committee was appointed by the Royal Cumberland Lodge to consider the best mode of celebrating its sesqui - centennial anniversary . Though summoned to attend the meeting convened for the purpose , my presence was prevented by illness ; but I was afterwards informed that it had been determined to recommend a subscription among the members to the extent of

loo guineas , in order to endow the occupant of each chair as a Life Governor of the Boys' School , thus making the lodge a Vice-President . Had I been present , I might perchance have advocated a different course , and possibly have induced my colleagues to propose a meeting in the " knife and fork " degree . However , I yielded to the majority , and expressed approval of the plan . The lodge gave its and has been at

sanction ; the sum was raised , presented the annual festival held in London by the oldest and most respected Past Master , Bro . Ashley , who will doubtless expatiate on the manner in which it was received . As I had no opportunity of urging on the committee a convivial evening at the personal expense of each brother , instead of the noble idea of feeding , clothing , and educating our poorer

Lewises , it appeared to me that 1 could do no less than take the matter into my own hands , as I am now doing , not , however , without consulting several personal Masonic friends on the subject before committing myself to an arrangement by which 1 might possibly be considered as treading on the toes or interfering with the prerogative of any of the old Past Masters of the lodge , who have for many years clung

fast to it , maintained its ancient traditions , and brought it to Its present high position , whereas I am but a modern importation . Moreover , a commemoration of a festive kind might be objectionable to some of our number , vegetarians , or teetotallers , or those possessed b y other crotchets . Fortunately we are not in the American State of Missouri , where the Grand Lodge had decreed that " the keeping of

liquor stores by any of its members is a Masonic offence , and those who do so are liable to be dealt with for unmasonic conduct . " Seriously , however , without going to such an extreme , those who feel themselves called upon to abstain from alcohol , so long as they do not interfere with the liberty of others who differ from them , are entitled to our hiirhest respect , not only as practising self-denial , but also

setting a good example to those who lack the power to use moderation . Brethren , as you may remember , at this time three years ago by your favour 1 was W . M . of our beloved lodge , No . 41 , which , during that and the subsequent period , was brought into considerable prominence by the occurrence of a series of interesting events connected with its history and that of its branches , namely , the centenary

of the presentation to it of the I ' reemasons Hall medal ; the discovery in America of another medal in commemoration of the erection of a Masonic Hall in Bath in 1 S 19 , the remembrance of which had quite disappeared from the mindsof our members , though twospecimens have since been discovered here , one of which is now among our archives in the iron chest ; the obtainment last year of the first

centenary jewel ever granted to a Royal Arch chapter ; the presentation of a handsome banner to the lodge by the ladies whose relatives were members of it , when they and the brethren were hospitably entertained ata most pleasant soiree by Bro . R . B . Carter , then the VV . M . ; and lastly the third jubilee of thc lodge this year . As we did not anticipate any celebrations of past events of a similar character , but only hope by steady and persevering efforts

Royal Cumberland Lodge, No. 41, Bath.

to maintain the prestige which has been thus acquired , we may perhaps consider this as the termination of the local celebrations , for the next important great event of Masonic interest , not however peculiar to us , but participated in by the whole Craft , will probably be the completion and dedication of the new Masonic Temple in London , capable of containing twice as many brethren as the one which has been recently destroyed by fire , an extension of

accomodation urgently needed . 1 had pleasure in contributing to the celebration of the first of these events by " ¦ ivin" a banquet to our members in this room . The call was cordially responded to and this has given me confidence to repeat the experiment to-day by connecting the commemoration of an event in the history of our lodge with an occasion personal to myself , namely , my 75 th birthday , just half the age of the lodge , and very nearly

double of my Masonic age . I may then regard your attendance this evening as an expression of approval , and a ratification of the course I have pursued . As it was my privilege to commence this mode of celebrating our honours in 1 SS 0 it seems most appropriate that the duty should now devolve upon me of bringing them to a close in a similar manner . If 1 have done wrong 1 plead my age as the excuse , believing that with one exception I am the

oldest man as well as the oldest Freemason 111 the lodge . You know that old age is apt occasionally to make foolish displays of foolish senility even before the period , ' of second childhood commences , for which it claims and usually obtains indulgence . Be therefore tender with me on the present occasion and accept my excuse if I have exceeded proper bounds , or if I fail to afford yoa a pleasant evening . Brethren , your kindness in obeying my summons

a second time , and now to celebrate our third jubilee causes me to feel pride in my position , not that which was at one time imputed to me , the " pride which apes humility , " nor as those [ in whose minds I was then an object of suspicion remarked , that sort of pride which strives to claim superior knowledge and to exercise undue authority in spite of opposition , for I have always made it a rule to consult my compeers before taking any important

step by which others may be effected ; but pride arising from consciousness of the honest performance of duty , of aid efficiently rendered , of instruction freely g iven , resulting in the ultimate gain of your confidence , and in a conviction that in each branch there has been , and is , a number of apt and willing pupils among the subordinate ollicers and recent initiates whose study of our forms and rituals , traditions and ceremonies , will secure efficiency for some

years to come . On them will devolve the responsibility of transmitting the same to their successor . When I came among you nearly 10 years ago , without any introduction , except my certificates , my demit from lodges to which I had belonged , and a willingness to undergo an examination in utter ignorance of the character of No . 41 in its several branches , I found many discrepancies between the system of working adopted and that tacitly recognized by authority

or by other similar bodies with which I had been connected . Thus I naturally made comparisons and formed my own conclusions . You did not then know me , I was equally unacquainted with you . Thus each was inclined to form a wrong judgment of the other . You wished that I had not been admitted . I was hesitating as to continuance of membership , or at least as to withdrawal from active paiticipation in the proceedings , though unwilling to give

up membership of a lodge so ancient and of the same age as that in which I hacl been initiated and of which I had been Master . Suddenly a better spirit manifested itself , ; councils were held , rituals were revised , suspicion was lulled , and all are now working not only efficiently but harmoniously . Do you now repent my admission among you ? At all events 1 do not . I regret that I could not invite all the members of No . 41 as before , but only the Past

Masters and Officers , feeling that I had also a duty to perform to those with whom I have worked in the affiliated branches of the Order , namely , Royal Arch and Mark Degrees , and therefore 1 wish to see them specially represented among us this evening , as well as the other Craft Lodges in Bath . During the present year it has been a great satisfaction to me to introduce two of our members to my mother lodge , St . Paul's , No . 43 on an occasion

, similar to the present one , it being of the same age , and havingin many respects maintained a similar high standard . Forming , as I do , another link between the two , which as I have shown' , are otherwise naturall y related , 1 trust that the parallelism and a mutual kindly intercourse will be still continued through many years , long after I shall have ceased to exist . Permit me to allude to one other circumstance . A few months ago I introduced as a visitor to No .

41 the Rev . Moses N . Nathan , a distinguished Jewish Rabbi , eminent as a scholar and a thorough Freemason , who brought introductions to me from London brethren who hold high rank in the Order . Though illness of both of us interfered much with our intercourse through the winter , I highly appreciated his scholarship , genial manners , and friendship , and now join with a large circle in lamenting his sudden death in Bath , and loss of the benefit which I

hoped to derive from his deep researches in Masonry , as to which he formed some curious but doubtful and singular theories . These were the results of his study of the Kabbala , which he had made an especial subject of investigation , as I learn from published accounts ot his life and character . I saw him only 40 hours before his death , but though aware of a great change in him , had no idea that his end was so near . You will all unite with me in the deepest

feelings of sympathy and regret at the absence of one of our oldest members , who , though he has not taken any very active part as an officer in the administration of Masonic ceremonies , has in other respects been an earnest and consistent supporter of the Order . Under more favourable circumstances , his presence with us this evening might have been confidently relied upon . Alas ! it is greatly to be feared that our worthy Bro . Frederick Baldwin , now

prostrate on the bed of sickness , will never again be able to meet his brethren in a lodge on earth . Alay we be reunited with him and others who have already passed away in a more enduring one . Brethren , I have availed myself of the position 1 occupy as your host to address you at some length . While such a privilege has been kindly accorded to me underthe peculiar circumstances , allow me

to say that I believe it is desired that my example should not be followed by the delivery of any very long speeches , some brethren having promised to contribute to our enjoyment by the use of their voices in another and more pleasing manner . I now say no more than to thank you for the honour you have done me by accepting my invitation , probably thc last I shall ever have an opportunity of giving to

Royal Cumberland Lodge, No. 41, Bath.

my brethren and companions , and to express a hope that on the termination of my career , at no very distant period by the natural course of events , I may live some time in your memories , as an honourable man , a zealous worker in Freemasonry both in and out of the lodge , a supporter by contributions of the great ornaments of our Order , the Charities , or , as I prefer to call them , the Benevolent Institutions , and , finally , as St . Paul says , we all ought to be

" given to hospitality . " "The Queen , " proposed by Bro . Dr . H . HOPKINS , was heartily responded to . The next toast was a comprehensive one , viz ., " Our Masonic Rulers , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Grand Lodge , Provincial Grand Lodge , Grand Chapter , and Provincial Grand Chapter . " Bro . the Rev . Prebendary ANDERSON first expressed

the great pleasure it afforded him to be present on that occasion to honour his friend , and how delighted he was to observe how thoroughly Dr . Hopkins was appreciated by all present . The rev . brother gave a very instructive and interesting address , dealing with the early impressions of Freemasonry , pointing out how by some unseen mystic connection to the outer world men of all shades of politics , professing different creeds , and having no common interest

are brought together by this bond of brotherhood , and he knew no other society professing such broad principles opening its doors to all well-meaning and properly disposed men , quietly performing a great good , and assisting to cement ties of the strongest friendship , and to which no other order could bear comparison . The objects of Freemasonry must of necessity commend itself to all , the broad basis of the Order being to do good , by taking care of the

fatherless girls and boys of Masons , rendering assistance to the aged and distressed who by misfortune are no longer able to maintain themselves , and in all conditions endeavouring to cement brotherly love and good feelings towards their fellow creatures . With this toast he coupled the names of the V . W . Bro . R . C . Else , D . P . G . M ., and Bro . Col . Ford , Prov . J . of the R . A . Bro . R . C . ELSE , in rising to respond , first craved

permission to express his persoat and sincere congratulations to his dear Bro . Dr . Hopkins , and to offer his best wishes for a continuance of the doctor ' s health ; might he be spared for many years to come to assist and further with his long Masonic knowledge the great principles of the Order . Bro . Else complimented the old lodge upon its continued vigour , and how welcome it was to him to know that the mode of celebration of the third jubilee was by a gift of 100 guineas

to the Boys School . Bro . Col . FORD also expressed his pleasure at being present , and offered his felicitations . Bro . T . P . ASHLEY gave " The Charities , " and assured the brethren he was proud and gratified with his Stewardship to the Boys' School , and thanked all for their generous and kindly assistance . He then read the following paper from VV . Bro . VV . J . Hughan , which was heartily applauded :

As the celebration of the third jubilee of a Masonic lodge in England is almost an unique event , and my dear friend , Dr . Hopkins , the Masonic " veteran , " has decided to invite you to be his guests this evening in commemoration of the founding of the lodge in 1733 , and also his 75 th birthday ( being exactly half the term of the lodge ) , as also I was kindly invited , but unable conveniently to attend , I cannot allow this special time to pass without in some small

way contributing to the eventful character of the proceedings . I was present on the never-to-be-forgotten day when the centenary of the " Freemasons' Hall medal " was observed by No . 41 , one of four country lodges entitled to participate , and the only one of the quartet possessing the original medal . As you will remember , your present beloved host was the host then , and right nobly did he acquit himself as the Master ( well so named ) . Then came the

centenary festival of the Royal Cumberland Royal Arch Chapter , No . 41 , the first of its kind in England , at which also I was present , and rejoiced to note the great success of the important gathering of illustrious members of the Craft . Between the second and third celebrations came an agreeable interlude of a totally different character , consisting of the presentation to the lodge of a Masonic banner by lady relatives of the members , who deputed Bro . Ashley as their

representative to deliver an address on their behalf , which he did most appropriately , at a soiree held in the Masonic Hall immediately after the lodge had been closed . The event was celebrated by an elegant entertainment given by Bro . Cater , the VV . M ., to the brethren and the sisters who had been instrumental in the preparation of the banner . Third , and last of the series , is the present festival , called by the same brother as the first was , and appropriately too .

for as host he has now finished the unique trio as he begun them , and I venture to say it is not likel y that any such remarkable combination of three celebrations under the protecting wing of one lodge will ever again be observed in England or elsewhere , added to which 1 do not know another brother who would have so risen to the spirit of thc occasion as Dr . Hopkins | has done . In order to exhibit the unique position of No . 41 , it will suffice to remember

the three festival gatherings , namely , 1 , Freemasons' Hall medal , 1 SS 0 ; 2 , centenary of its chapter , 1 S 82 ; and , 3 , third jubilee of the lodge , 1 S 83 . Its position on the roll of the GrandjLodge of England as a country lodge meeting continuously as such from its formation may be seen clearly by reference to the numerical and chronological list published by me in my " Masonic Register . " — Provincial Lodges . —No . 37 , Anchor and Hope , Bolton , 1732 ; No . St

39 , . John the Baptist , Exeter , 1732 ; No . 41 , Royal Cumberland , Bath , 1733 ; No . 42 , Relief , Bury , 1733 ; and 43 , St . Paul ' s , Birmingham , 1733 . The third jubilee of the Lodge No . 37 has been rightly celebrated . No . 39 cannot do so , because there was a break in its career . No . 42 intends to observe its 150 th anniversary on the 3 rd of July ; and No . 43 has done so slightly in advance of the time . No . 41 is thus the second of the provincial lodges so entitled

to commemorate its third jubilee , and for my part I much prefer the plan the members have selected , on which so to do , namely , by donating 100 guineas to the sacred cause of charity , thus enabling Dr . Hopkins to complete the triocelebrations in his own happy way . I should say that there are two country lodges on the roll now which were originally London lodges , namely , No . 20 , Royal Kent of

Antiquity , Chatham , 1723 , and No . 35 , Medina , Cowes , 1733 ; but these do not affect our provincial celebrations of bonafide country lodges from their formation to the present time . I now wish—1 , success to the meeting ; 2 , prolonged life and better health to the host ; 3 , best wishes to the guests ; and , finally , many happy returns of Dr . Hopkins's birthday .