Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Inauguration Of A New Provincial Grand Lodge For The Isle Of Man.
realised , the gathering having been , we think , the largest ever held up to that day in the Island in connection with the Order . The Centenary Hall made a splendid lodge room , and afforded ample space for an effective celebration of the imposing ceremony which Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke and the other officers of the Grand Lodge had travelled so far to perform . The brethren commenced to assemble shortly before three o ' clock , the
majority arriving by train from Douglas , Amongst those who signed the Tyler ' s book were the following : Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . Sec , as W . M . ; F . A . Philbrick , G . R ., as S . W . ; H . T . Somerville-Burney , as J . W . j Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , as Chap . ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., as D . C ; J . H . Matthews , as A . D . C ; C . J . Bannister , P . G . S . B ., as I . G . * . W . W . B . Beach , Prov . G . M . Hants and the Isle of Wight ; _ Major J . S .
Goldie-Taubman , Prov . G . M . Isle of Man designate ; G . C Heron , P . M . ; J . A . Brown , P . M . 1242 , 2049 , and P . Z . 1004 ; J . C . Corris , 823 ; C . J . Tayleur ; J . Joughin , P . M . 221 ; H . Brearley , P . M ., D . C . 1004 ; J . Hodgson , S . V / . 2049 ; W . targ-her ; J . Clucas , 221 ; J . Pemberton , P . M . 1264 , P . P . G . S . W . Lane ; W . Booth , P . M . 104 , Prov . G . D . C " Cheshire ; R . Swinnerton , P . M . 1242 ; J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 ; F . G . Saunders , 240 ; W . Goodacre , 155 , Prov . G . Sec . W . Lane . ; T . Forrester , P . M . 710 . P . P . G . l . D . W . Lane . ; T . A . Withey , S . W . 1299 ; R . Cain , 724 , Prov . G . Std .
Br . W . Lane . ; W . Isdale , 1242 ; J . D . Manay , P . M . 1335 , Prov . G . D . C VV . Lane . ; A . I . Spittall , 1242 : T . Whiteside , 1242 ; W . J . Brown , J . W . 1242 , 2049 ; P . A . Killey , J . D . 2049 ; W . M . Roberts , P . M . 12 S 9 ; F . C Poulter , J . D . and Org . 1242 ; R . G . Hoyle , I . G . 1242 ; J . P . Legotine , P . M . 1542 ; J . g . Hunt , J . W . 2049 ; E . I . Bowman , P . M ., Sec . 1242 ; J . W . M . Year , P . M . 13 S 4 ; G . M . Lofthouse , P . M ., P . Z . 100 . 1 : I . Wakefield , P . P . G . S . Cheshire , l . D . 2 S 7 ; C . T . C . Callow , 2049 ; G . H .
Smith , 1242 , VV . M . 2049 , P . P . G . S . B . North Munster ; W . P . J . Pittar , I . U . 2049 ; H . C . Lockhart , S 97 ; A . N . Laughton , 1004 ; C . Turmeau , 7 S 6 ; W . Torrdinson , 7 S 6 ; J . Bradshaw , W . M . 730 ; G . J . Nathan , W . M . 2050 ; J . C . Bradshaw , P . M . 1242 ; G . H . Ouayle , P . M . 212 ; P . M . C . Kermode , S . W . 1075 ; Rev . W . Morris , J . W . 1075 ; W . J . Stanton , 357 ; C . Kennaugh , P . M . 1242 ; J . Clucas , 221 ; W . J . Kelly , 2050 ; R . E . Cain , 2050 ; J . S . Morrison , W . M . 1242 , 1004 , 2050 ; J . W . Barrow , Prov . G . S . D . W . Lane . ; R . Foote , Prov . G . Treas . W . Lane . ; F . Lawrence , P . M . 25 s ; J . P . Callow , J . D . 2050 ; and J . Cowen , 12 4 , Tyler .
After the brethren had assembled , the officers of the Grand Lodge were received in due form , and Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , as presiding officer , appointed Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Grand Registrar , to officiate as S . W . ; Bro . Col . Somerville-Burney , as J . W . ; and Bro . C . J . Bannister , P . G . S . B ., as I . G .
The lodge having been opened , the CONSECRATING OFFICER , in addressing the brethren on the motive of the meeting , said that he did not think when he visited the Island two years ago for the purpose of consecrating two lodges , that he would be so soon called upon to visit the Island again for a similar purpose . It had , however , been dimly foreshadowed that an application would be made for a warrant for a lodge at Peel , instead of the
warrant held some years ago under the Irish Constitution . That expectation was now being realised . The local brethren had met together , and signeda petition to H . R . H . the Most Worshipful Grand Master to form them into a lodge . That lodge was now being formed , and it was very properly being called by the honoured name of St . German ' s . That name had many claims upon them . In the first place , he understood that it had
been the name of the old Irish lodge ; in the second place , it was the name of the parish in which they now were ; and in the third place , it was the name of the old historic cathedral now in ruins in the centre of Peel Castle . He need scarcely say that the Grand Master had given to the petition every favourable consideration , and had at once granted its prayer . Therefore , he would at once " proceed to dedicate and constitute thc lodge . The
petitioners werc fortunate in having obtained the services of so energetic and so well-known and worthy a Mason as the worthy brother whom they had selected as their first Master . He referred to Bro . Heron . ( Applause . ) It was a most curious fact that on his last visit to the Island he had the pleasure of installing Bro . Heron into the chair of one of the new lodges to
which he had referred . But he had not anticipated that he should again have the pleasure of installing that worthy brother . However , he was glad it should be so , and he felt quite confident in the belief that under Bro . Heron ' s able guidance the lodge would be prosperous and have a great career of usefulness before it , as he was glad to find the two lodges he had previously consecrated had had . ( Applause . )
During the ceremony , the Kev . U W . bPENCER ISTANHOPE , as urana Chaplain , delivered an oration . The Consecrating Officer concluded the impressive ritual of consecration by formally constituting the Iodge , and pronouncing the final benediction . Immediately afterwards he proceeded to intall Bro . G . C . Heron into the position of W . M . of the new lodge—a ceremony which was performed in an equally impressive manner with that of consecration .
After the installation of the new W . M ., Bro . J . A . BROWN , P . M ., proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , the Grand Secretary of England , and the other Grand Officers who had come to the Island for the purpose of performing the ceremony they had just witnessed . He was sure that those who had watched the proceedings could not fail to join him in saying that these brethren had performed their arduous duties in a manner conspicuous for ability .
The motion was seconded by Bro . HENRY BREARLEY , P . M ., and adopted amidst applause . The CONSECRATING OFFICER briefly replied , and , in doing so , thanked the Grand Officers who had rendered him such able assistance .
On the motion of the same brethren it was also decided to confer the furthur compliment upon the Grand Officers of enrolling them as honorary members of St . German ' s Lodge . The W . M . invested the officers of the newly-constituted lodge as follows * .
Bros . J . C Corris , S . W . ; C . ] . Tayleur , J . W . ; J . Joughin , H . K ., Treas . ; Jas . Hodgson , Sec . ; Jos . Clucas , J . D . ; Wm . Fargher , I . G . * , and H . Brearley , P . M ., D . C . The musical portion of . the proceedings was most efficiently performed by
a choir of the Tynwald Lodge , 12 4 , Douglas , consisting of Bros . F . C . Poulter , Organist ; R . Swinnerton , P . M . ; J . C . Bradshaw , P . M . ; H . C . Lockhart , and R , G . Hoyle .
Inauguration Of A New Provincial Grand Lodge For The Isle Of Man.
The brethren afterwards dined together in the Peel Castle Hotel . An excellent banquet vvas served up by Mrs . Kelly , the hostess . Forty brethren , including the Grand Lodge Officers , sat down to the repast . The chair was occupied by Bro . G . C . Heron , W . M ., who was supported on the right by Bro . Shadwell H . Clerke ,, and on the left by Bro . W . W . B . Beach , the Grand Officers being arranged on either side .
Several brethren who were unable to be present sent telegrams congratulating the Master of the new lodge on the auspicious occasion . After the toasts of "The Queen , " of " The M . W . G . M ., his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the Grand Officers , and the Craft , " had been proposed and duly honoured ,
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER said the next toast he had to propose was one which he was sure would be received with every enthusiasm . It was not often they were honoured in the Isle of Man by the visit of so many Grand Officers as were present on that occasion . These brethren had all
gone to very great trouble to assist in furthering the cause of Freemasonry in the Isle of Man ; and they had visited Peel for the purpose of commencing what he hoped would be a powerful instrument for good in the Isle of Man in the future . He gave "The Health of the Grand Officers , " and coupled with the toast the names of Bro . Beach , Provincial Grand Master
Hants , and Bro . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Registrar of England , and Provincial Grand Master of Essex . The toast having been heartily received , Bro . BEACH , in responding , said it had given him very great pleasure to pay this his first visit to the Isle of Man on such an auspicious occasion .
It had been his good fortune to have witnessed that beautiful ceremony of consecration and installation so beautifully performed , and it also gave him great pleasure to know that he would be able in future to speak from personal experience of the manner in which Freemasonry was progressing in the Isle of Man . In the south they knew but little of what was going on in that
Island , the lodges having no independent jurisdiction of their own ; but he had heard since that Masonry was flourishing and undergoing a career of great usefulness in the Isle of Man , and he congratulated them upon it . Masonry was increasing all over the world , and he was thankful to say that that was due to the excellent example shown to all by H . R . H . the Grand
Master , who took the deepest interest in the progress of the Craft . Those who acted under H . R . H . were imbued with his enthusiasm , and they all did their best to promote the cause of the Order in the parts of the Kingdom in which they resided . But they could do little were they not assisted b y the universal good feeling which prevailed amongst those who ruled over
Masons , and it was owing to the good feeling also displayed towards their rulers by those who did not hold such positions of responsibility . The increase in the strength of the Order throughout the Kingdom was an excellent thing , because there was nothing that tended so much to make men good citizens and to inspire them with a desire to do something for the
benefit of their fellow men as Freemasonry . Freemasonry was more powerful now than ever it was , and if it was powerful it was for good and not for evil . Long might it continue so ; long might every brother be animated by a desire to do something to promote good fellowship in the progress of the Order . ( Applause ) .
Bro . PHILBRICK said : There is an axiom in Freemasonry that the Master can do no wrong . Certain it is on the night of his installation that if he does do wrong the loyal subject ought not to reproach him for it , but when I sat down here to dinner I sat down in peace , I ate in peace , and what is more , I drank in peace , because I thought when I cast my eye down
the list of toasts I should have been allowed to remain without inflicting upon you any words of mine , and without having to inflict upon the brethren what by courtesy is called a speech . ( Laughter . ) I am not about to do it , but as you have been good enough to couple my name with that of the distinguished body for which the Prov . Grand Master of Hampshire and the
Isle of Wight has responded , it would ill become me to refrain from answering , and answering with gratitude , for the very kind reception which the Grand Officers have met at the hands of the brethren of the Isle of Man . One thing strikes me wherever I go in English Freemasonry , and that is the universality of our Craft . It'brings together those who would not have a
chance of meeting and becoming acquainted except under the hospitable banner of a Freemasons' lodge . It brings brother to grasp the hand of brother , who otherwise would go through life a strange r to him . It cultivates the best instincts of humanity ; it fulfils , as has been eloquently expressed , a want which we all recognise ; and Masonry , believe me , when
truly practised , and when its principles are thoroughly adhered to , is one of those binding ties which binds society together , and which brings man to face his fellow man under the best and under the most advantageous circumstances . I can imagine no more powerful factor for the good of society at large . It is composed of a loyal and united body of brethren , who are met together ,
as we are met together , as Freemasons . The great topics on which men are divided ; the momentous topics on which religion is divided ; the topics on which men of varied politics differ , are all excluded at the portals of our lodges . We meet here looking to something higher than the mere divisions which man manufactures . We look to something higher and better ; we
cultivate that which is best for humanity , and that which has the greatest claim upon us . And it is better because it is universal ; nobler because no colour , no race , no religion , no form of political development can divide man from man svhen he recognises his brother as a Freemason . It is because of this , that the society is powerful : it is because of this , and because of our
adherence to the great principles and traditions of our Order , that we go on prospering as we do , and I trust will continue to prosper . It is because of this , that we feel proud when an addition is made to the number of lodges , and St . German ' s Lodge is an addition which I trust will bring strength to us —* strength in numbers , and strength in the quality of recruits . Strength not
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Inauguration Of A New Provincial Grand Lodge For The Isle Of Man.
realised , the gathering having been , we think , the largest ever held up to that day in the Island in connection with the Order . The Centenary Hall made a splendid lodge room , and afforded ample space for an effective celebration of the imposing ceremony which Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke and the other officers of the Grand Lodge had travelled so far to perform . The brethren commenced to assemble shortly before three o ' clock , the
majority arriving by train from Douglas , Amongst those who signed the Tyler ' s book were the following : Bros . Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . Sec , as W . M . ; F . A . Philbrick , G . R ., as S . W . ; H . T . Somerville-Burney , as J . W . j Rev . C . W . Spencer Stanhope , as Chap . ; Frank Richardson , P . G . D ., as D . C ; J . H . Matthews , as A . D . C ; C . J . Bannister , P . G . S . B ., as I . G . * . W . W . B . Beach , Prov . G . M . Hants and the Isle of Wight ; _ Major J . S .
Goldie-Taubman , Prov . G . M . Isle of Man designate ; G . C Heron , P . M . ; J . A . Brown , P . M . 1242 , 2049 , and P . Z . 1004 ; J . C . Corris , 823 ; C . J . Tayleur ; J . Joughin , P . M . 221 ; H . Brearley , P . M ., D . C . 1004 ; J . Hodgson , S . V / . 2049 ; W . targ-her ; J . Clucas , 221 ; J . Pemberton , P . M . 1264 , P . P . G . S . W . Lane ; W . Booth , P . M . 104 , Prov . G . D . C " Cheshire ; R . Swinnerton , P . M . 1242 ; J . C . Robinson , P . M . 249 ; F . G . Saunders , 240 ; W . Goodacre , 155 , Prov . G . Sec . W . Lane . ; T . Forrester , P . M . 710 . P . P . G . l . D . W . Lane . ; T . A . Withey , S . W . 1299 ; R . Cain , 724 , Prov . G . Std .
Br . W . Lane . ; W . Isdale , 1242 ; J . D . Manay , P . M . 1335 , Prov . G . D . C VV . Lane . ; A . I . Spittall , 1242 : T . Whiteside , 1242 ; W . J . Brown , J . W . 1242 , 2049 ; P . A . Killey , J . D . 2049 ; W . M . Roberts , P . M . 12 S 9 ; F . C Poulter , J . D . and Org . 1242 ; R . G . Hoyle , I . G . 1242 ; J . P . Legotine , P . M . 1542 ; J . g . Hunt , J . W . 2049 ; E . I . Bowman , P . M ., Sec . 1242 ; J . W . M . Year , P . M . 13 S 4 ; G . M . Lofthouse , P . M ., P . Z . 100 . 1 : I . Wakefield , P . P . G . S . Cheshire , l . D . 2 S 7 ; C . T . C . Callow , 2049 ; G . H .
Smith , 1242 , VV . M . 2049 , P . P . G . S . B . North Munster ; W . P . J . Pittar , I . U . 2049 ; H . C . Lockhart , S 97 ; A . N . Laughton , 1004 ; C . Turmeau , 7 S 6 ; W . Torrdinson , 7 S 6 ; J . Bradshaw , W . M . 730 ; G . J . Nathan , W . M . 2050 ; J . C . Bradshaw , P . M . 1242 ; G . H . Ouayle , P . M . 212 ; P . M . C . Kermode , S . W . 1075 ; Rev . W . Morris , J . W . 1075 ; W . J . Stanton , 357 ; C . Kennaugh , P . M . 1242 ; J . Clucas , 221 ; W . J . Kelly , 2050 ; R . E . Cain , 2050 ; J . S . Morrison , W . M . 1242 , 1004 , 2050 ; J . W . Barrow , Prov . G . S . D . W . Lane . ; R . Foote , Prov . G . Treas . W . Lane . ; F . Lawrence , P . M . 25 s ; J . P . Callow , J . D . 2050 ; and J . Cowen , 12 4 , Tyler .
After the brethren had assembled , the officers of the Grand Lodge were received in due form , and Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , as presiding officer , appointed Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Grand Registrar , to officiate as S . W . ; Bro . Col . Somerville-Burney , as J . W . ; and Bro . C . J . Bannister , P . G . S . B ., as I . G .
The lodge having been opened , the CONSECRATING OFFICER , in addressing the brethren on the motive of the meeting , said that he did not think when he visited the Island two years ago for the purpose of consecrating two lodges , that he would be so soon called upon to visit the Island again for a similar purpose . It had , however , been dimly foreshadowed that an application would be made for a warrant for a lodge at Peel , instead of the
warrant held some years ago under the Irish Constitution . That expectation was now being realised . The local brethren had met together , and signeda petition to H . R . H . the Most Worshipful Grand Master to form them into a lodge . That lodge was now being formed , and it was very properly being called by the honoured name of St . German ' s . That name had many claims upon them . In the first place , he understood that it had
been the name of the old Irish lodge ; in the second place , it was the name of the parish in which they now were ; and in the third place , it was the name of the old historic cathedral now in ruins in the centre of Peel Castle . He need scarcely say that the Grand Master had given to the petition every favourable consideration , and had at once granted its prayer . Therefore , he would at once " proceed to dedicate and constitute thc lodge . The
petitioners werc fortunate in having obtained the services of so energetic and so well-known and worthy a Mason as the worthy brother whom they had selected as their first Master . He referred to Bro . Heron . ( Applause . ) It was a most curious fact that on his last visit to the Island he had the pleasure of installing Bro . Heron into the chair of one of the new lodges to
which he had referred . But he had not anticipated that he should again have the pleasure of installing that worthy brother . However , he was glad it should be so , and he felt quite confident in the belief that under Bro . Heron ' s able guidance the lodge would be prosperous and have a great career of usefulness before it , as he was glad to find the two lodges he had previously consecrated had had . ( Applause . )
During the ceremony , the Kev . U W . bPENCER ISTANHOPE , as urana Chaplain , delivered an oration . The Consecrating Officer concluded the impressive ritual of consecration by formally constituting the Iodge , and pronouncing the final benediction . Immediately afterwards he proceeded to intall Bro . G . C . Heron into the position of W . M . of the new lodge—a ceremony which was performed in an equally impressive manner with that of consecration .
After the installation of the new W . M ., Bro . J . A . BROWN , P . M ., proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , the Grand Secretary of England , and the other Grand Officers who had come to the Island for the purpose of performing the ceremony they had just witnessed . He was sure that those who had watched the proceedings could not fail to join him in saying that these brethren had performed their arduous duties in a manner conspicuous for ability .
The motion was seconded by Bro . HENRY BREARLEY , P . M ., and adopted amidst applause . The CONSECRATING OFFICER briefly replied , and , in doing so , thanked the Grand Officers who had rendered him such able assistance .
On the motion of the same brethren it was also decided to confer the furthur compliment upon the Grand Officers of enrolling them as honorary members of St . German ' s Lodge . The W . M . invested the officers of the newly-constituted lodge as follows * .
Bros . J . C Corris , S . W . ; C . ] . Tayleur , J . W . ; J . Joughin , H . K ., Treas . ; Jas . Hodgson , Sec . ; Jos . Clucas , J . D . ; Wm . Fargher , I . G . * , and H . Brearley , P . M ., D . C . The musical portion of . the proceedings was most efficiently performed by
a choir of the Tynwald Lodge , 12 4 , Douglas , consisting of Bros . F . C . Poulter , Organist ; R . Swinnerton , P . M . ; J . C . Bradshaw , P . M . ; H . C . Lockhart , and R , G . Hoyle .
Inauguration Of A New Provincial Grand Lodge For The Isle Of Man.
The brethren afterwards dined together in the Peel Castle Hotel . An excellent banquet vvas served up by Mrs . Kelly , the hostess . Forty brethren , including the Grand Lodge Officers , sat down to the repast . The chair was occupied by Bro . G . C . Heron , W . M ., who was supported on the right by Bro . Shadwell H . Clerke ,, and on the left by Bro . W . W . B . Beach , the Grand Officers being arranged on either side .
Several brethren who were unable to be present sent telegrams congratulating the Master of the new lodge on the auspicious occasion . After the toasts of "The Queen , " of " The M . W . G . M ., his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , the Grand Officers , and the Craft , " had been proposed and duly honoured ,
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER said the next toast he had to propose was one which he was sure would be received with every enthusiasm . It was not often they were honoured in the Isle of Man by the visit of so many Grand Officers as were present on that occasion . These brethren had all
gone to very great trouble to assist in furthering the cause of Freemasonry in the Isle of Man ; and they had visited Peel for the purpose of commencing what he hoped would be a powerful instrument for good in the Isle of Man in the future . He gave "The Health of the Grand Officers , " and coupled with the toast the names of Bro . Beach , Provincial Grand Master
Hants , and Bro . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Registrar of England , and Provincial Grand Master of Essex . The toast having been heartily received , Bro . BEACH , in responding , said it had given him very great pleasure to pay this his first visit to the Isle of Man on such an auspicious occasion .
It had been his good fortune to have witnessed that beautiful ceremony of consecration and installation so beautifully performed , and it also gave him great pleasure to know that he would be able in future to speak from personal experience of the manner in which Freemasonry was progressing in the Isle of Man . In the south they knew but little of what was going on in that
Island , the lodges having no independent jurisdiction of their own ; but he had heard since that Masonry was flourishing and undergoing a career of great usefulness in the Isle of Man , and he congratulated them upon it . Masonry was increasing all over the world , and he was thankful to say that that was due to the excellent example shown to all by H . R . H . the Grand
Master , who took the deepest interest in the progress of the Craft . Those who acted under H . R . H . were imbued with his enthusiasm , and they all did their best to promote the cause of the Order in the parts of the Kingdom in which they resided . But they could do little were they not assisted b y the universal good feeling which prevailed amongst those who ruled over
Masons , and it was owing to the good feeling also displayed towards their rulers by those who did not hold such positions of responsibility . The increase in the strength of the Order throughout the Kingdom was an excellent thing , because there was nothing that tended so much to make men good citizens and to inspire them with a desire to do something for the
benefit of their fellow men as Freemasonry . Freemasonry was more powerful now than ever it was , and if it was powerful it was for good and not for evil . Long might it continue so ; long might every brother be animated by a desire to do something to promote good fellowship in the progress of the Order . ( Applause ) .
Bro . PHILBRICK said : There is an axiom in Freemasonry that the Master can do no wrong . Certain it is on the night of his installation that if he does do wrong the loyal subject ought not to reproach him for it , but when I sat down here to dinner I sat down in peace , I ate in peace , and what is more , I drank in peace , because I thought when I cast my eye down
the list of toasts I should have been allowed to remain without inflicting upon you any words of mine , and without having to inflict upon the brethren what by courtesy is called a speech . ( Laughter . ) I am not about to do it , but as you have been good enough to couple my name with that of the distinguished body for which the Prov . Grand Master of Hampshire and the
Isle of Wight has responded , it would ill become me to refrain from answering , and answering with gratitude , for the very kind reception which the Grand Officers have met at the hands of the brethren of the Isle of Man . One thing strikes me wherever I go in English Freemasonry , and that is the universality of our Craft . It'brings together those who would not have a
chance of meeting and becoming acquainted except under the hospitable banner of a Freemasons' lodge . It brings brother to grasp the hand of brother , who otherwise would go through life a strange r to him . It cultivates the best instincts of humanity ; it fulfils , as has been eloquently expressed , a want which we all recognise ; and Masonry , believe me , when
truly practised , and when its principles are thoroughly adhered to , is one of those binding ties which binds society together , and which brings man to face his fellow man under the best and under the most advantageous circumstances . I can imagine no more powerful factor for the good of society at large . It is composed of a loyal and united body of brethren , who are met together ,
as we are met together , as Freemasons . The great topics on which men are divided ; the momentous topics on which religion is divided ; the topics on which men of varied politics differ , are all excluded at the portals of our lodges . We meet here looking to something higher than the mere divisions which man manufactures . We look to something higher and better ; we
cultivate that which is best for humanity , and that which has the greatest claim upon us . And it is better because it is universal ; nobler because no colour , no race , no religion , no form of political development can divide man from man svhen he recognises his brother as a Freemason . It is because of this , that the society is powerful : it is because of this , and because of our
adherence to the great principles and traditions of our Order , that we go on prospering as we do , and I trust will continue to prosper . It is because of this , that we feel proud when an addition is made to the number of lodges , and St . German ' s Lodge is an addition which I trust will bring strength to us —* strength in numbers , and strength in the quality of recruits . Strength not