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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
thoug ht he had thereby instilled into the minds of the three 1 rethren who had just joined thoughts which not only did honour to Freemasonry , but would do honour to the Initiates if they would only follow them . He believed these I rtthren would take advantage of the sentiments of Bro . Wike . F ° > what was Freemasonry ? He had often told i .: « nrivate friends , in reply to their enquiries , that
Freemaortry was a gigantic charitable institution . Some people jj it was a sentiment , but this was not the fact , for it vas a practical thing applied to real life . The W . M . concluded by proposing " The Health of the Initiates " who severally responded . " The Visitors " was the next ast , t 0 which each of those brethren was called on for a „„„ 1 v . Bro . Wike proposed " The W . M ., " who , he said ,
presided at the banquet table as well as he did in the lodge . He had filled the chair with the approval of every member of the lodge , and he was now quitting it with the regret of every member 0 f the lodge . Under his presidency the brethren had felt themselves well cared for in the lodge „ ,, H in the hours of refreshment . When he left the chair
he would bear with him the thanks of every member . He hoped he would be as well succeeded as he had been well preceded . Nothing was so healthy a sign in a lodge as ihe ability of its officers , and there could not be a stronger testimony to the merits of the W . M . than the able assistance he had had from these brethren . In the course of his reply , the W . M . siid he hoped that leaving the chair
he should leave it with the goodwill of all the brethren . If anything had occurred during his year of office that had huit the feelings of any of them it had not been his fault . It had been his earnest desire to do justice to all , but in doing justice to all he felt he could not consult the wishes nf all . With respect to the Treasurer ' s remark in lodge regarding the liberality of the W . M , and its effect on
the funds , he felt that when the annual account came to be made up the balance of the present W . M . would not be far behind that of the l . P . M . They had not reached the audit yet , and he dared say there were some funds to come in which would brighten the prospects of the lodge , and lighten the heart and sweeten the tongue of their Treasurer .
" The P . M . ' s" was the next toast , which was responded to by Bros . Pearson , Carpenter , Marston , Ware , and the Treasurer . Bro . Simpson responded to the toast of "The W . M . elect , " and said he would endeavour to perform his duties with satisfaction to all the brethren . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a most agreeable evening . Lodge was then resumed , and afterwards closed , and the brethren « -Darated .
CARNARVON LODGE ( No . 1632 ) . PRESENTATION TO BRO . R . PAWSON HOOTON . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held on Saturday last at the Albion Tavern , Alders"ate-strcct . There was a large gathering of the brethren on the occasion , and among the brethren present were three honorary members cA" the lodge ,
Bro . John Hervey , G . Secretary ; Bro . James Terry , l ' . G . D . C . Herts ; and Bro . H . Gustavus Buss , P . G . W . . Middlesex . The lodge was opened by Bro . R . P . Hooton , W . M ., assisted by Bros . W . S . Whitaker , S . W . ; James Cowan , ] . W . ; John Clarricoats , Treas . ; Montagu Scott , Sec . ; f . S . Hellier , S . D . ; Nelson Reed , J . D . ; Thos . Brown , D . C . ; George C . Searle , Org . ; C . A . Brock ,
Steward ; George Briggs , I . ( J . ; and W . Stcedman , 1 yler . There were several lay members present , besides visitors Bros . W . Porter , W . M . 1269 ; H . Bartlctt , P . M . 147 ; C . . 1 . Hogg , P . M . 5 8 , P . G . S . ; Edward Terry , S . W . 1319 ; Thos . Loveridgc , P . M . 28 ; W . M . Medcalf , 1086 ; James J . Chapman , 1541 J George Luscombe , 879 ; W . Barber , 754 ; Bertram Noakes , S . D . 92 ; W . Harvey , 377 ; J
Micay , 25 ; George Whitehouse , S . D . 1385 ; W . Manger , P . M . 1314 ; H . A . Lovett , J . W . 1314 ; H . Searle , 11 G 8 ; Licorge J . Harwood , 1056 ; Thos . W . C . Buck , 1 S 5 ; E . Morrish , 7 65 ; S . D . Ghosley , 18 ^; Render Brock , 7 6 5 ; David Russell , 6157 ; W . Buck , W . M . 637 ; J . McCubbin , P . P . S . G . D . Berks and Bucks , P . M . 948 ;
Lieorgc Kenning , P . G . D . Middlesex , P . M . 132 ; A . A , Sloltenhoff , P . M . 21 ; John Bumper , 142 O ; S , Earl , 186 ; J . G . Shearman , W . M . 28 ; G . H , Caviot , 1426 ; and H . Massey (" Freemason" ) . Ihe W . M . passed Bco . Philip Bullock to the Second Defree , and raised Bro . George Chaffey as a Master Mason . Afterwards Bro . Hooton installed Bro . XV . S . Whitaker in
the chair , and the following brethren were appointed to office : —Bros . R . P . Hooton , I . P . M ., P . M . 765 ; James Cr-ivan , S . W . ( Lodge Commercial , 180 , Oban ); Thos . S . Hellier , I . G . 1580 , S . W . ; J . Clarricoats , Treas . ; Montagu Scott , P . M . ' , Sec . ; Nelson Reed , S . D . ; G . Briggs , J . D . ; Geo . A . Brock , I . G . ; Thomas Brown , D . C . ; Fred . Morgan , W . S , j George Carevv Searle , Org j and
W . Stcedman , Tyler . Bro . John Hervey delivered the charge to the W . M . ; Bro . Terry the charge to the Wardens ; and Bro . Montagu Scott the charge to the Rethren . Subsequently the lodge was closed , and the I'rthren adjourned to a splendid banquet served by Bro . Jinnings , the manager of the tavern . The customary tasts followed . Bro . John Hervey respondeil to the toast
J " The Pro G . M ., the D . G . M ., and Grand Officers , " and U | d that in returning thanks for these eminent brethren he mi ght say they needed no words of praise from him , inasmuch as they were doing their work excellently , and this bet was well known and appreciated by all the brethren P [ escnt . This lodge bearing the name of the Pro Grand " aster , all the members must feel that they were part and ^ rcel of the Pro Grand Master , who , although he was
n ° t present , was watching over them , thinking of them , '" d rejoicing in their success . As far as the Present and ' »» t Grand Officers went , he believed they had shown that ¦ lii-y wcre not w ) 10 ] iy ornamental on more than one oc' j * sion , for even on the 24 th November eight of those bre"en worked the Sections in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in a manner which ensured the gratification of «• who heard them . For himself , lie ( Grand Secretary ) * ' hoped and trusted to come to the Carnarvon Lodge
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
that evening for more reasons than one ; first of all , because he expected to sec the present W . M . installed , and secondly , because he knew that he should receive a cordial and kind reception from every member of the lodge . He anticipated it because he consecrated the lodge twelve months since , and he looked forward with much pleasure to this visit . That pleasure had been enhanced in several ways ,
by the excellent working of the I . P . M ., which convinced him that during the past year all the work had been done well , and to the satisfaction of every one . He saw in the lodge a spirit of kindness and cordiality throughout , such as should pervade every lodge in the Craft ; and it rejoiced him to see that the lodge had made such progress during one short year . He saw round the tabic an immense
gathering , which spoke well for the lodge , for its members , and for the officers . It was immensely gratifying to him to see the brother who was appointed S . W . last year now installed as W . M ., and the other officers also advanced a step . It was a proof that they would reflect credit on the Craft and honour on the lodge of which they were founders and first officers . He was almost astonished to
find himself there , and yet not among strangers , although there were many strangers to him present . So many being present showed how the Craft had progressed and the lodge had progressed , because there were many brethren who had come into it recently , and who had joined it , he believed , under the expectation that they wcre entering a society which was based upon that which was
not only good , but noble , and that would conduce to their gratification as a grand body . It was often asked why and for whaT benefit Freemasonry existed . He thought they might look round the table and say that they met together—men who were total strangers to each other for the time being ; but they rubbed their shoulders together and knocked off those corners which existed necessarily
outside the lodge . They came amongst each other probably as strangers , but they went away as friends . Although probably taking up too much of their time , for which he apologised ) lie must say he was pleased to come among the brethren of the lodge , and was gratified by the compliment they had paid him . He trusted that the success which the Carnarvon Lodge had achieved during the
past year might not only be equalled but exceeded in years to come . ( Hear , hear . ; Bro . Hooton proposed " The Health of the Worshipful Master , " who , he said , was initiated only three years ago , and was a living proof of what might be done by aptitude in acquiring Masonic knowledge at lodges of instruction . The W . M . was very naturally proud of the position hi
occupied , not only as Master of a lodge but of a lodge so young in the Craft as the Carnarvon Lodge . All the brethren knew , but more especially those who were immediately connected with him in Masonry , how assiduous the W . M . had been since his initiation . He had attended lodges of instruction night after night , and as a result he was the pride of the younger brethren . It took him ( Bro .
Hooton ) seven long years to attain the Master's chair ; but that was a long time ago . He hoped the W . M . ' s example would be followed by the junior members of the lodge , and if they only devoted time , study , and thought to their work there was nothing that might not be achieved in Masonry . The W . M . in reply , said it was with feelings of mingled pleasure and regret that he rose to replj to the
toast that had just been proposed by the I . P . M ., of pleasure at finding himself the occupant of his present honourable position , but of regret at his inability to find words to express his feelings of gratitude . Bro . Hooton had just said that he ( the W . M . ) had only been initiated three years ago ; but he did not wish to arrogate to himself any distinction on that ground . He must explain to the
visitors that it was owing to the confidence the brethren had placed in him that he had now the honour of occupying the Master's chair j for there were many brethren quite as competent as himself who had had to serve their seven years of office before reaching that position . He was fully sensible of the honour they conferred upon him , and he was also alive to the important duties which devolved
upon him . It was essscntial in every candidate for the Master ' s chair that he should feel himself competent to perform the duties . It was doubly important in the Carnarvon Lodge that the W . M . should thoroughly understand his duties before he attempted to perform the ceremonies in the presence of brethren who also knew how to perform those duties , and who attended lodges of
instruction the same as he did . If not , they must fee ! vexation and disappointment when they saw the ceremonies performed in a negligent and inefficient manner . He hoped they would not have that complaint to make of him , but that he would give them satisfaction . When the time came round for him to cede his office to other hands he hoped he would hand over the warrant ot the lodge to
his successor " without spot or blemish , " well knowing that his brethren would say in the generosity of their heart , "Well done , good and faithful servant . " ( Hear hear . ) The W . M . then proposed " The Health of the l . P . M . " He said it would ill become him to say much of so distinguished a brother , but he thought he could not speak higher in his favour than by saying that he had had
fifteen initiates in his year , and that they hadjall been initiated , passed , and raised by him . Bro . Hooton had not only performed these ceremonies , but he had performed them well . The l . P . M . deserved all their sympathies and all their thanks , and he retired from the chair with great honour . The lodge had been pleased to vote him a Past Master ' s jewel , which he ( the W . M . ) had now the honour to place on bis breast . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Hooton in reply
said he rose to return thanks with no ordinary amount of pleasure and satisfaction . It was a very proud distinction to be the Master of a lodge of Freemasons , and if it were possible it was a still greater distinction to be Master of such a lodge as the Carnarvon Lodge . He had durin g his year of office endeavoured to the utmost of his ability to carry out the duties of his office . If lie had succeeded it was a sufficient proof that he had endeavoured to do so ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and he could lay the flattering unction to his soul that he had performed his work with credit to himself and satisfaction to the brethren . As regarded the formation of the lodge he had taken some part in that , and the brethren could testify that he had striven to maintain its dignity . He felt satisfied that the brethren were pleased with what he had done by awarding him the massive and elegant
jewel which had been just placed on his breast by the W . M . To be of any value such a present should mean something , and it was , because it meant something that he highly prized it , and should highly prize it to the latest period of his life . It recorded that he was the first W . M . of such a hi ghly distinguished lodge as the Carnarvon Lodge , a lodge which
he hoped might be ever more successful in the future if possible than it had been in the past . Every expense of the lodge had been defrayed during its first year . There were twenty-three honorary members , two joining members , and fifteen candidates . He must thank the officers and brethren of the lodge one and all for their kind co-operation with him in performing the work of the
lodge . Without good officers a Master could no nothing , but with good officers he could defy the world . Twelve months ago he undertook the office of W . M . with anxiety , care , and thought . He then made a promise to carry out his duties , and that he had done so he was satisfied by the satisfaction of the brethren and the testimony of a good conscience . One of his last acts was to write to the Pro
Grand Master for his permission to the lodge to bear his coat of arms , feeling sure that the lodge would not sully those arms . In reply he had received a letter from Lord Donoughmore , S . G . W . of England , as follows : — " Colonial Office , 15 th Nov ., 1876 . Sir and Brother , —lam directed by the Earl of Carnarvon to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of Nov . 1 3 th , and to state that his
lordship has great pleasure in complying with the request therein with regard to the use of his arms b y the Carnarvon Lodge . With reference to the second portion of your letter , whilst fully appreciating the kind expressions in which your invitation is couched , his lordship much regrets that he will be unable to avail himself of it . The
pressure of public business at this moment , and for some time to come , will be so great both in this department and elsewhere , that his time is more than fully occupied . I am , sir and brother , faithfully and fraternally yours , Donoughmore , G . S . W . " Bro . Hooton concluded b y observing that the jewel which had been presented to him bore Lord Carnarvon ' s arms , and that the lodire had thp authority of hi < loriUhm fr . r nctnrr tV »„ rvi
members of the Craft there wcre none who had determined more thoroughly to apply themselves to the interests of the Masonic Institutions than the members of the Carnarvon Lodge . Proof has been given of this ( he continued ) by your balance sheet this evening , you having placed away in your first year ' s existence a sum of over £ 50 to benefit the Institutions : and I congratulate the Master of this lodge as well as its members on having done all they could to enhance the prosperity of the lodge , and to consider the wants of those who arc less blessed than
themselves . From what I can learn from your remarks this evening , before a very long time , brethren , you will be called upon to vote away a portion of your invested funds ; and I venture to hope that the cause of the aged may not be overlooked in connection with the Institutions for the
boys and the girls , and more especially so , sir , as in February next the Benevolent Institution will have the honour of having as its chairman for the first time His Royal Highness Prince Leopold , the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master for Oxford ; and as the Secretary of that institution I think you will agree with me that it is a very pardonable ambition on my part to endeavour on
the first occasion of His Royal I lighness presiding to have as large a Board of Stewards as it is possible to congregate together , with the view to having the largest amount of subscriptions ever announced on behalf of that institution . That can very readily be done if a similar plan is adopted to that which has been adopted in the Cripplegate Lodge . When I had the pleasure of giving my reply for the Masonic Institutions on the occasion of die installation
meeting of that lodge , within four minutes afterwards the sum of £ 55 was placed on a Steward ' s list to represent the old people at their festival in February next . I am certain of this , that the Carnarvon Lodge is desirous to do all it can . I know the spirit of emulation exists among all its members . Subject to the condition of their own funds and their own wants , they are desirous of doing all they
can when the time comes for the allotment of the money for each institution . But though you may think of the Boys' School and the Girls' School—two noble institutions that are doing admirably their duty by providing for nearly 400 children—after doing all you can on their
be"Thc Visitors " was the next toast , to which Bro . Stoltenhoff and others responded . The W . M . then gave " The Masonic Charities , " reminding the brethren of the definition of charity in the lectures , and that they would be called upon to vote a sum out of the £ 5 6 in the benevolent fund towards the Benevolent Institutions . Bro . Terry responded . He was certain that amonsr all the
half and for their welfare , do not let those who have borne the heat and burden of the day , those who have been like ourselves in prosperous circumstances , when the day o ! adversity has overtaken them , be forgotten ; do not let it be considered that because those poor old men and poor old women who have had the misfortune to outlive their day and generation , have none of those who knew them in their day of prosperity to assist them , that it is not our
duty to do so . On their behalf I venture to appeal to the Carnarvon Lodge , one of the most prosperous in the Craft , whenever the claims of the Masonic Institutions are brought before them , not to forget the Benevolent Institution . I know well I am speaking now to a very sympathetic body of brethren . I know I have but to ask , and you will give . I have not , but I venture to hope that between now and February next I may have , the
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
thoug ht he had thereby instilled into the minds of the three 1 rethren who had just joined thoughts which not only did honour to Freemasonry , but would do honour to the Initiates if they would only follow them . He believed these I rtthren would take advantage of the sentiments of Bro . Wike . F ° > what was Freemasonry ? He had often told i .: « nrivate friends , in reply to their enquiries , that
Freemaortry was a gigantic charitable institution . Some people jj it was a sentiment , but this was not the fact , for it vas a practical thing applied to real life . The W . M . concluded by proposing " The Health of the Initiates " who severally responded . " The Visitors " was the next ast , t 0 which each of those brethren was called on for a „„„ 1 v . Bro . Wike proposed " The W . M ., " who , he said ,
presided at the banquet table as well as he did in the lodge . He had filled the chair with the approval of every member of the lodge , and he was now quitting it with the regret of every member 0 f the lodge . Under his presidency the brethren had felt themselves well cared for in the lodge „ ,, H in the hours of refreshment . When he left the chair
he would bear with him the thanks of every member . He hoped he would be as well succeeded as he had been well preceded . Nothing was so healthy a sign in a lodge as ihe ability of its officers , and there could not be a stronger testimony to the merits of the W . M . than the able assistance he had had from these brethren . In the course of his reply , the W . M . siid he hoped that leaving the chair
he should leave it with the goodwill of all the brethren . If anything had occurred during his year of office that had huit the feelings of any of them it had not been his fault . It had been his earnest desire to do justice to all , but in doing justice to all he felt he could not consult the wishes nf all . With respect to the Treasurer ' s remark in lodge regarding the liberality of the W . M , and its effect on
the funds , he felt that when the annual account came to be made up the balance of the present W . M . would not be far behind that of the l . P . M . They had not reached the audit yet , and he dared say there were some funds to come in which would brighten the prospects of the lodge , and lighten the heart and sweeten the tongue of their Treasurer .
" The P . M . ' s" was the next toast , which was responded to by Bros . Pearson , Carpenter , Marston , Ware , and the Treasurer . Bro . Simpson responded to the toast of "The W . M . elect , " and said he would endeavour to perform his duties with satisfaction to all the brethren . The Tyler ' s toast concluded a most agreeable evening . Lodge was then resumed , and afterwards closed , and the brethren « -Darated .
CARNARVON LODGE ( No . 1632 ) . PRESENTATION TO BRO . R . PAWSON HOOTON . The installation meeting of the above lodge was held on Saturday last at the Albion Tavern , Alders"ate-strcct . There was a large gathering of the brethren on the occasion , and among the brethren present were three honorary members cA" the lodge ,
Bro . John Hervey , G . Secretary ; Bro . James Terry , l ' . G . D . C . Herts ; and Bro . H . Gustavus Buss , P . G . W . . Middlesex . The lodge was opened by Bro . R . P . Hooton , W . M ., assisted by Bros . W . S . Whitaker , S . W . ; James Cowan , ] . W . ; John Clarricoats , Treas . ; Montagu Scott , Sec . ; f . S . Hellier , S . D . ; Nelson Reed , J . D . ; Thos . Brown , D . C . ; George C . Searle , Org . ; C . A . Brock ,
Steward ; George Briggs , I . ( J . ; and W . Stcedman , 1 yler . There were several lay members present , besides visitors Bros . W . Porter , W . M . 1269 ; H . Bartlctt , P . M . 147 ; C . . 1 . Hogg , P . M . 5 8 , P . G . S . ; Edward Terry , S . W . 1319 ; Thos . Loveridgc , P . M . 28 ; W . M . Medcalf , 1086 ; James J . Chapman , 1541 J George Luscombe , 879 ; W . Barber , 754 ; Bertram Noakes , S . D . 92 ; W . Harvey , 377 ; J
Micay , 25 ; George Whitehouse , S . D . 1385 ; W . Manger , P . M . 1314 ; H . A . Lovett , J . W . 1314 ; H . Searle , 11 G 8 ; Licorge J . Harwood , 1056 ; Thos . W . C . Buck , 1 S 5 ; E . Morrish , 7 65 ; S . D . Ghosley , 18 ^; Render Brock , 7 6 5 ; David Russell , 6157 ; W . Buck , W . M . 637 ; J . McCubbin , P . P . S . G . D . Berks and Bucks , P . M . 948 ;
Lieorgc Kenning , P . G . D . Middlesex , P . M . 132 ; A . A , Sloltenhoff , P . M . 21 ; John Bumper , 142 O ; S , Earl , 186 ; J . G . Shearman , W . M . 28 ; G . H , Caviot , 1426 ; and H . Massey (" Freemason" ) . Ihe W . M . passed Bco . Philip Bullock to the Second Defree , and raised Bro . George Chaffey as a Master Mason . Afterwards Bro . Hooton installed Bro . XV . S . Whitaker in
the chair , and the following brethren were appointed to office : —Bros . R . P . Hooton , I . P . M ., P . M . 765 ; James Cr-ivan , S . W . ( Lodge Commercial , 180 , Oban ); Thos . S . Hellier , I . G . 1580 , S . W . ; J . Clarricoats , Treas . ; Montagu Scott , P . M . ' , Sec . ; Nelson Reed , S . D . ; G . Briggs , J . D . ; Geo . A . Brock , I . G . ; Thomas Brown , D . C . ; Fred . Morgan , W . S , j George Carevv Searle , Org j and
W . Stcedman , Tyler . Bro . John Hervey delivered the charge to the W . M . ; Bro . Terry the charge to the Wardens ; and Bro . Montagu Scott the charge to the Rethren . Subsequently the lodge was closed , and the I'rthren adjourned to a splendid banquet served by Bro . Jinnings , the manager of the tavern . The customary tasts followed . Bro . John Hervey respondeil to the toast
J " The Pro G . M ., the D . G . M ., and Grand Officers , " and U | d that in returning thanks for these eminent brethren he mi ght say they needed no words of praise from him , inasmuch as they were doing their work excellently , and this bet was well known and appreciated by all the brethren P [ escnt . This lodge bearing the name of the Pro Grand " aster , all the members must feel that they were part and ^ rcel of the Pro Grand Master , who , although he was
n ° t present , was watching over them , thinking of them , '" d rejoicing in their success . As far as the Present and ' »» t Grand Officers went , he believed they had shown that ¦ lii-y wcre not w ) 10 ] iy ornamental on more than one oc' j * sion , for even on the 24 th November eight of those bre"en worked the Sections in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in a manner which ensured the gratification of «• who heard them . For himself , lie ( Grand Secretary ) * ' hoped and trusted to come to the Carnarvon Lodge
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
that evening for more reasons than one ; first of all , because he expected to sec the present W . M . installed , and secondly , because he knew that he should receive a cordial and kind reception from every member of the lodge . He anticipated it because he consecrated the lodge twelve months since , and he looked forward with much pleasure to this visit . That pleasure had been enhanced in several ways ,
by the excellent working of the I . P . M ., which convinced him that during the past year all the work had been done well , and to the satisfaction of every one . He saw in the lodge a spirit of kindness and cordiality throughout , such as should pervade every lodge in the Craft ; and it rejoiced him to see that the lodge had made such progress during one short year . He saw round the tabic an immense
gathering , which spoke well for the lodge , for its members , and for the officers . It was immensely gratifying to him to see the brother who was appointed S . W . last year now installed as W . M ., and the other officers also advanced a step . It was a proof that they would reflect credit on the Craft and honour on the lodge of which they were founders and first officers . He was almost astonished to
find himself there , and yet not among strangers , although there were many strangers to him present . So many being present showed how the Craft had progressed and the lodge had progressed , because there were many brethren who had come into it recently , and who had joined it , he believed , under the expectation that they wcre entering a society which was based upon that which was
not only good , but noble , and that would conduce to their gratification as a grand body . It was often asked why and for whaT benefit Freemasonry existed . He thought they might look round the table and say that they met together—men who were total strangers to each other for the time being ; but they rubbed their shoulders together and knocked off those corners which existed necessarily
outside the lodge . They came amongst each other probably as strangers , but they went away as friends . Although probably taking up too much of their time , for which he apologised ) lie must say he was pleased to come among the brethren of the lodge , and was gratified by the compliment they had paid him . He trusted that the success which the Carnarvon Lodge had achieved during the
past year might not only be equalled but exceeded in years to come . ( Hear , hear . ; Bro . Hooton proposed " The Health of the Worshipful Master , " who , he said , was initiated only three years ago , and was a living proof of what might be done by aptitude in acquiring Masonic knowledge at lodges of instruction . The W . M . was very naturally proud of the position hi
occupied , not only as Master of a lodge but of a lodge so young in the Craft as the Carnarvon Lodge . All the brethren knew , but more especially those who were immediately connected with him in Masonry , how assiduous the W . M . had been since his initiation . He had attended lodges of instruction night after night , and as a result he was the pride of the younger brethren . It took him ( Bro .
Hooton ) seven long years to attain the Master's chair ; but that was a long time ago . He hoped the W . M . ' s example would be followed by the junior members of the lodge , and if they only devoted time , study , and thought to their work there was nothing that might not be achieved in Masonry . The W . M . in reply , said it was with feelings of mingled pleasure and regret that he rose to replj to the
toast that had just been proposed by the I . P . M ., of pleasure at finding himself the occupant of his present honourable position , but of regret at his inability to find words to express his feelings of gratitude . Bro . Hooton had just said that he ( the W . M . ) had only been initiated three years ago ; but he did not wish to arrogate to himself any distinction on that ground . He must explain to the
visitors that it was owing to the confidence the brethren had placed in him that he had now the honour of occupying the Master's chair j for there were many brethren quite as competent as himself who had had to serve their seven years of office before reaching that position . He was fully sensible of the honour they conferred upon him , and he was also alive to the important duties which devolved
upon him . It was essscntial in every candidate for the Master ' s chair that he should feel himself competent to perform the duties . It was doubly important in the Carnarvon Lodge that the W . M . should thoroughly understand his duties before he attempted to perform the ceremonies in the presence of brethren who also knew how to perform those duties , and who attended lodges of
instruction the same as he did . If not , they must fee ! vexation and disappointment when they saw the ceremonies performed in a negligent and inefficient manner . He hoped they would not have that complaint to make of him , but that he would give them satisfaction . When the time came round for him to cede his office to other hands he hoped he would hand over the warrant ot the lodge to
his successor " without spot or blemish , " well knowing that his brethren would say in the generosity of their heart , "Well done , good and faithful servant . " ( Hear hear . ) The W . M . then proposed " The Health of the l . P . M . " He said it would ill become him to say much of so distinguished a brother , but he thought he could not speak higher in his favour than by saying that he had had
fifteen initiates in his year , and that they hadjall been initiated , passed , and raised by him . Bro . Hooton had not only performed these ceremonies , but he had performed them well . The l . P . M . deserved all their sympathies and all their thanks , and he retired from the chair with great honour . The lodge had been pleased to vote him a Past Master ' s jewel , which he ( the W . M . ) had now the honour to place on bis breast . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Hooton in reply
said he rose to return thanks with no ordinary amount of pleasure and satisfaction . It was a very proud distinction to be the Master of a lodge of Freemasons , and if it were possible it was a still greater distinction to be Master of such a lodge as the Carnarvon Lodge . He had durin g his year of office endeavoured to the utmost of his ability to carry out the duties of his office . If lie had succeeded it was a sufficient proof that he had endeavoured to do so ,
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
and he could lay the flattering unction to his soul that he had performed his work with credit to himself and satisfaction to the brethren . As regarded the formation of the lodge he had taken some part in that , and the brethren could testify that he had striven to maintain its dignity . He felt satisfied that the brethren were pleased with what he had done by awarding him the massive and elegant
jewel which had been just placed on his breast by the W . M . To be of any value such a present should mean something , and it was , because it meant something that he highly prized it , and should highly prize it to the latest period of his life . It recorded that he was the first W . M . of such a hi ghly distinguished lodge as the Carnarvon Lodge , a lodge which
he hoped might be ever more successful in the future if possible than it had been in the past . Every expense of the lodge had been defrayed during its first year . There were twenty-three honorary members , two joining members , and fifteen candidates . He must thank the officers and brethren of the lodge one and all for their kind co-operation with him in performing the work of the
lodge . Without good officers a Master could no nothing , but with good officers he could defy the world . Twelve months ago he undertook the office of W . M . with anxiety , care , and thought . He then made a promise to carry out his duties , and that he had done so he was satisfied by the satisfaction of the brethren and the testimony of a good conscience . One of his last acts was to write to the Pro
Grand Master for his permission to the lodge to bear his coat of arms , feeling sure that the lodge would not sully those arms . In reply he had received a letter from Lord Donoughmore , S . G . W . of England , as follows : — " Colonial Office , 15 th Nov ., 1876 . Sir and Brother , —lam directed by the Earl of Carnarvon to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of Nov . 1 3 th , and to state that his
lordship has great pleasure in complying with the request therein with regard to the use of his arms b y the Carnarvon Lodge . With reference to the second portion of your letter , whilst fully appreciating the kind expressions in which your invitation is couched , his lordship much regrets that he will be unable to avail himself of it . The
pressure of public business at this moment , and for some time to come , will be so great both in this department and elsewhere , that his time is more than fully occupied . I am , sir and brother , faithfully and fraternally yours , Donoughmore , G . S . W . " Bro . Hooton concluded b y observing that the jewel which had been presented to him bore Lord Carnarvon ' s arms , and that the lodire had thp authority of hi < loriUhm fr . r nctnrr tV »„ rvi
members of the Craft there wcre none who had determined more thoroughly to apply themselves to the interests of the Masonic Institutions than the members of the Carnarvon Lodge . Proof has been given of this ( he continued ) by your balance sheet this evening , you having placed away in your first year ' s existence a sum of over £ 50 to benefit the Institutions : and I congratulate the Master of this lodge as well as its members on having done all they could to enhance the prosperity of the lodge , and to consider the wants of those who arc less blessed than
themselves . From what I can learn from your remarks this evening , before a very long time , brethren , you will be called upon to vote away a portion of your invested funds ; and I venture to hope that the cause of the aged may not be overlooked in connection with the Institutions for the
boys and the girls , and more especially so , sir , as in February next the Benevolent Institution will have the honour of having as its chairman for the first time His Royal Highness Prince Leopold , the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master for Oxford ; and as the Secretary of that institution I think you will agree with me that it is a very pardonable ambition on my part to endeavour on
the first occasion of His Royal I lighness presiding to have as large a Board of Stewards as it is possible to congregate together , with the view to having the largest amount of subscriptions ever announced on behalf of that institution . That can very readily be done if a similar plan is adopted to that which has been adopted in the Cripplegate Lodge . When I had the pleasure of giving my reply for the Masonic Institutions on the occasion of die installation
meeting of that lodge , within four minutes afterwards the sum of £ 55 was placed on a Steward ' s list to represent the old people at their festival in February next . I am certain of this , that the Carnarvon Lodge is desirous to do all it can . I know the spirit of emulation exists among all its members . Subject to the condition of their own funds and their own wants , they are desirous of doing all they
can when the time comes for the allotment of the money for each institution . But though you may think of the Boys' School and the Girls' School—two noble institutions that are doing admirably their duty by providing for nearly 400 children—after doing all you can on their
be"Thc Visitors " was the next toast , to which Bro . Stoltenhoff and others responded . The W . M . then gave " The Masonic Charities , " reminding the brethren of the definition of charity in the lectures , and that they would be called upon to vote a sum out of the £ 5 6 in the benevolent fund towards the Benevolent Institutions . Bro . Terry responded . He was certain that amonsr all the
half and for their welfare , do not let those who have borne the heat and burden of the day , those who have been like ourselves in prosperous circumstances , when the day o ! adversity has overtaken them , be forgotten ; do not let it be considered that because those poor old men and poor old women who have had the misfortune to outlive their day and generation , have none of those who knew them in their day of prosperity to assist them , that it is not our
duty to do so . On their behalf I venture to appeal to the Carnarvon Lodge , one of the most prosperous in the Craft , whenever the claims of the Masonic Institutions are brought before them , not to forget the Benevolent Institution . I know well I am speaking now to a very sympathetic body of brethren . I know I have but to ask , and you will give . I have not , but I venture to hope that between now and February next I may have , the