Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Soiree And Presentation At The Liverpool Masonic Hall.
accompanist ; Mr . VV . R . Duncan , assisted by Bro . Llewelyn Wynne , furnished a musical and elocutionary entertainment , illustrated with oxyhy drogen transparencies . Bro . Professor Leonisand Lad y Mite also provided a sleig ht-of-hand and vcntriloquial entertainment ; and Bro . G . H . Snazelle added considerably to the excellence and attractiveness of the varied
programme by giving a variety programme in the course of the evening . The organ piano used in this section of the soiree was kindly lent by Messrs . Smith and Son , Lord-street . Dancing followed these and other
entertainments , Bro . H . M . Molyneux acting as M . C , and the music was supplied by Bro . G . Eyton . The catering of Bro . R . Capper ( Gait and Capper ) was of the best class , giving satisfaction to the whole of the guests , who numbered about 700 .
The great event of the evening was the presentation of the silver-wedding " loving cup " to Lord and Lady Lathom , the ceremony being performed by Bro . Lord Claud J . Hamilton , M . P ., in the splendid banqueting room of the hail . The room was crowded by a brilliant audience , the ensemble
being greatly enhanced by the Masonic insignia worn by the brethren . Lord and Lady Lathom were accompanied by Lord C . J . Hamilton , the Hon . Miss Wilbraham , Mrs . A . B . Forwood , and the members of the Presentation Committee .
Bro . Lord CLAUD J . HAMILTON , who was loudly cheered , said : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Lady Lathom , brethren , and ladies , — The incident which is about to commence to-night is one which we all approach with mixed feelings . On one point , however , we are unanimousl y agreed , namely , the propriety of the honour which the Masons of West
Lancashire are about to confer upon their Right Worshipful Master and his noble wife . ( Applause . ) At the same time some of us must remember that we are now celebrating the expiration of a period of 25 years , and that during that period we have lost many dear friends—friends of our childhood and early youth . Those of you who have not , perhaps , before
had the pleasure of gazing upon this noble couple —( applause)—may wonder how it is that two people should look so extremel y young—( laughter and applause)—after a period of 25 years . Others amongst you—young men and young women , some of whom may possibly be contemplating matrimony—will also feel that the scene
they are witnessing to-night should emulate them , in the matrimonial alliances they may form , to be careful in the choice they may make , and having made their choice to follow the footsteps of the noble ear ) and his countess . It has been said—and it must have been by a very crusty old philosopher—that marriage is like a bag full of snakes with one eel in
it—( laughter)—you put your hand in and you may perhaps draw out the eel . Well , 25 years ago Lord Lathom put his hand in the bag , drew out the eel , and there she sits . ( Laughter and applause . ) I am sorry to say I am old enough to remember both the noble earl and his wife , I think , even before they knew one another . ( Laughter . ) I remember well when he , as Lord
Skelmersdale , an exceedingly smart and much sought after young man in London , proposed to the lady who afterwards became his wife . I also recollect well what fine testimony was paid to the wisdom of that choice . A short time after he brought home Lady Lathom , a young man , then the promising scion , but now the heir presumptive to the house of Stanley , struck
with the domestic felicity which followed that marriage , rushed off to Hertfordshire , went down at the feet of Lad } ' Lathom ' s sister , and triumphantly brought her home . ( Laughter and applause . ) I would say , and I am sure I shall not be accused by any one here of flatter }' , that those two ladies have from that day made two most admirable wives . They had lived for
their husbands and children , and for the welfare and happiness of those around them . ( " Hear , hear , " and applause . ) Now , brethren and ladies , we are about to approach the testimonial which in a short time , on your behalf , I will present to the noble earl and his countess . And why is it that you have thought fit on this occasion to present this testimonial lo Lord
Lathom ? I would say this : he has not been one of those aristocratic butterflies , whom , I am sorry to say , we do still sometimes meet , who think that the world was made for them , and not they for the world ; but he realised in early life that in the position he occupied he had duties to perform , and not merely to lead a life of pleasure . ( Hear , hear . ) From his earliest
youth he made up his mind , with an energy and determination , followed by the success which has won your applause , that he would devote himself not only to politics , but to every other work suitable to the position in which he was placed . ( Applause . ) Lord Lathom has not only been an active and successlul politician : he has been—and it is no small matter in these
daysa successful breeder of cattle . ( Hear , hear . ) He has been a patron of music , and he has been—I need hardly say , for you know it much better than myself—a most indefatigable and successful Mason . ( Applause . ) It is not so long ago—only some six years—that the late Lord Beaconsfield , recognising the work which had been performed by Lord Lathom , thought
fit to recommend that her Majesty should confer upon him the dignity which was so well received by the whole people of this portion of Lancashire —( hear , hear)—and it was conferred for duties which , though they are not generally known to the world , are duties none the less important , duties requiring the greatest tact , and which often land ( hose who perform them in
positions of considerable difficulty . The noble lord , having obtained his promotion , was not content , like some other people , to rest on his laurels , but the honour conferred upon him b y the Queen only stirred him up to fresh exertions , and at this moment there is no man more active in the House of Lords , and no man more ready in his own
county , to further every good work , and to obey the calls of those around him whenever lie can assist them , than the noble earl . ( A pplause . ) Throughout his career he has been ably and materially assisted—there is no doubt whatever about it—by the noble lady on his left . ( Applause . ) She has recognised from the first that her duty was to support her husband in his
Soiree And Presentation At The Liverpool Masonic Hall.
multifarious duties , and she has always done so with a grace and a tact which have won the admiration of all—( applause)—and these latter days she has developed a talent for public speaking —( laughter)—which would put many of us poor parliamentary candidates into the shade . ( Laughter ) . Lord Lathom and Lady Lathom , on behalf of the Masons of West
Lancashire , it is now my duty , and I assure you it is one I perform with the greatest pleasure , to present to you this cup in commemoration of your silver wedding , and I am sure I echo the feelings of every one in this hall , and of many thousands outside the Masonic circle of Lancashire , when I express an earnest hope that the Great Architect of the Universe may continue to bless you with happiness and prosperity . ( Loud applause . )
The Earl of LATHOM , who was received with renewed and prolonged applause , said : Bro . Lord Claud Hamilton , brothers , and sisters—I really do not know how to thank you enough for the kind expression of feeling you have shown towards myself and my dear wife . The eulogy , Lord Claud , which you gave of me far surpasses anything I deserve . ( Loud cries of " No , no . " ) I have attempted through life to do my duty to those around
me , and in doing it I have been most ably sustained by my dear consort . ( Loud applause . ) If I have in any way fulfilled the expectations of those around me , it is a very happy thought to mc . Bro . Lord Claud has been kind enough to refer to the various positions of my career , and has said very kind words about myself . I can only say , brothers and sisters , that it was a very happy day for me when I met my wife —( applause)—and I will
add in all honesty that without her help , sustenance , and advice , I am afraid that I should have had a very different career to that which I have led . There has been no occasion when I have been called to perform any public or private duty on which she has not come forward to help me with most excellent advice and to keep me straight . 1 thank her before you all . ( Applause . ) I can assure you that this day will always be a red-letter day
to me , because it shows me that not only have you appreciated my small efforts in the way of Masonry among you , but that you have appreciated her whom I call my wife . ( Applause . ) Brethren , there are many among you who have heard mc before to-day . I have talked to you on Masonry , but though I cannot do so now , I can say that since I began to rule over this province , now 12 years ago , there has not been one single moment in which
I have not had that brotherly help , and love , and kind feeling which every Mason has a right lo expect . ( Applause . ) Brothers , in the name of my wife and in my own , I thank you most heartily for this most valuable and beautiful gift you have presented to me—a gilt which will always , I trust , remain among the heirlooms of my family , and which will in the days to come be pointed out with the remark , " Look at that ; go and do likewise . " ( Loud applause . )
Bro . MALCOLM GUTHRIE proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Lord Claud J . Hamilton lor the able manner in which he had made the presentation . The vote was most cordially given . Bro . Lord C . J . HAMILTON , in acknowledgment , said that if anything
could prove the value of Freemasonry , it was the fact that such a vote had been proposed by a brother who was about to become his political opponent in one of the divisions of Liverpool . ( Applause . ) There was a full understanding between them that the contest would be carried out in the best spirit . ( Applause . )
The presentation proceedings then closed , and the programme of amusements was resumed . The vase , which is a beautiful work of art , stands upon an ebony pedestal about 32 inches in height , and partakes of the character of an ancient Greek amphorrc shape , with fluted parts in the Grecian style of ornamentation . The side handles are formed from the supporters of his
lordship ' s arms , standing upon a ribbon , with his motto , " In portu quies . " Round the neck is engraved a facsimile of the collar worn by Lord Lathom as Deputy Grand Master , the seven stars entwined in the decoration representing his lordship ' s grade in the Craft . A bas relief , taken from the celebrated Elgin Marbles in the British Museum , represents an ancient marriage ceremony and sacrificial feast , and occupies the centre , upon a frosted
ground , which , with the burnished or bright surface , forms a most pleasing contrast . The following is the inscription engraved , encircling the vase : — " Presented to Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , M . W . D . G . M . of West Lancashire , and the Countess of Lathom , in commemoration of their silver wedding , by the Freemasons of West Lancashire , A . D . 18 S 5 . " A little below the centre of the vase are emblazoned the jewels of the Order
of the Deputy Grand Master , with other Masonic emblems of corn , the vine , and olive branches . To complete the -design , the vase tapers in flutes resting upon a circular base , in the centre of which is engraved one of the most important of Masonic emblems . An ebony pedestal , with a silver shield affixed to the same , bearing his lordship ' s coat of arms , engraved and pierced , showing the surface of the pedestal through , adds greatly to the artistic effect .
PRUSSIA . —The history of Freemasonry in Prussia begins with Frederick the Great , " clarum et venerabile nomen . " He was initiated secretly at Brunswick in 173 S ; and in 1 740 , when king , opened a lodge at Charlottenburg , called " La Loge Premiere , ou La Loge du Roi Notre Grand Maflre . " Over this he is said to have presided in person . He was friendly to the Lodge cf " The Three Globes , " established also in 1740 , and which soon afterwards became the Grand Lodge . There is no evidence to prove that
he had anything to do with the A . and A . S . Rite . There are three Grand Lodges in Berlin ( sec Germany ) , and the progress of Freemasonry has always been favoured by the Royal Family , as with us . One defect appear to us to be noticeable in their Masonic system—the exclusion of the Hebrews ; and we hope , ere long , to hear that this last relic of a leaven of perverse teaching has been swept away by the good sense and true toleration of our Prussian Masonic brethren . —Kenning * s Cyclopaedia .
The Untied Service Gazette pointed out a short time since that when when Uro . Sir Charles Warren , of the Royal Engineers , was , many years ago , exploring the site of King Solomon's Temple , and , having- marie deep excavations , came upon the foundations of the sacred edifice as originally laid by the Tyrian builders , the Masons' marks on the stones were as fresh and exact as when first
cut and painted . Our contemporary , however , having given due weight to the discovery of this fact , falls into a moralising view , and deduces from it that though Frecmasonty " may tower aloft , a pyramid of Degrees , growing smaller and smaller as it rises into thin air , the topmost shall he the first to fall , and the lowest of all the last to remain . " The moral is a just one , ind well worthy of being borne in mind by the Craft .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Soiree And Presentation At The Liverpool Masonic Hall.
accompanist ; Mr . VV . R . Duncan , assisted by Bro . Llewelyn Wynne , furnished a musical and elocutionary entertainment , illustrated with oxyhy drogen transparencies . Bro . Professor Leonisand Lad y Mite also provided a sleig ht-of-hand and vcntriloquial entertainment ; and Bro . G . H . Snazelle added considerably to the excellence and attractiveness of the varied
programme by giving a variety programme in the course of the evening . The organ piano used in this section of the soiree was kindly lent by Messrs . Smith and Son , Lord-street . Dancing followed these and other
entertainments , Bro . H . M . Molyneux acting as M . C , and the music was supplied by Bro . G . Eyton . The catering of Bro . R . Capper ( Gait and Capper ) was of the best class , giving satisfaction to the whole of the guests , who numbered about 700 .
The great event of the evening was the presentation of the silver-wedding " loving cup " to Lord and Lady Lathom , the ceremony being performed by Bro . Lord Claud J . Hamilton , M . P ., in the splendid banqueting room of the hail . The room was crowded by a brilliant audience , the ensemble
being greatly enhanced by the Masonic insignia worn by the brethren . Lord and Lady Lathom were accompanied by Lord C . J . Hamilton , the Hon . Miss Wilbraham , Mrs . A . B . Forwood , and the members of the Presentation Committee .
Bro . Lord CLAUD J . HAMILTON , who was loudly cheered , said : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , Lady Lathom , brethren , and ladies , — The incident which is about to commence to-night is one which we all approach with mixed feelings . On one point , however , we are unanimousl y agreed , namely , the propriety of the honour which the Masons of West
Lancashire are about to confer upon their Right Worshipful Master and his noble wife . ( Applause . ) At the same time some of us must remember that we are now celebrating the expiration of a period of 25 years , and that during that period we have lost many dear friends—friends of our childhood and early youth . Those of you who have not , perhaps , before
had the pleasure of gazing upon this noble couple —( applause)—may wonder how it is that two people should look so extremel y young—( laughter and applause)—after a period of 25 years . Others amongst you—young men and young women , some of whom may possibly be contemplating matrimony—will also feel that the scene
they are witnessing to-night should emulate them , in the matrimonial alliances they may form , to be careful in the choice they may make , and having made their choice to follow the footsteps of the noble ear ) and his countess . It has been said—and it must have been by a very crusty old philosopher—that marriage is like a bag full of snakes with one eel in
it—( laughter)—you put your hand in and you may perhaps draw out the eel . Well , 25 years ago Lord Lathom put his hand in the bag , drew out the eel , and there she sits . ( Laughter and applause . ) I am sorry to say I am old enough to remember both the noble earl and his wife , I think , even before they knew one another . ( Laughter . ) I remember well when he , as Lord
Skelmersdale , an exceedingly smart and much sought after young man in London , proposed to the lady who afterwards became his wife . I also recollect well what fine testimony was paid to the wisdom of that choice . A short time after he brought home Lady Lathom , a young man , then the promising scion , but now the heir presumptive to the house of Stanley , struck
with the domestic felicity which followed that marriage , rushed off to Hertfordshire , went down at the feet of Lad } ' Lathom ' s sister , and triumphantly brought her home . ( Laughter and applause . ) I would say , and I am sure I shall not be accused by any one here of flatter }' , that those two ladies have from that day made two most admirable wives . They had lived for
their husbands and children , and for the welfare and happiness of those around them . ( " Hear , hear , " and applause . ) Now , brethren and ladies , we are about to approach the testimonial which in a short time , on your behalf , I will present to the noble earl and his countess . And why is it that you have thought fit on this occasion to present this testimonial lo Lord
Lathom ? I would say this : he has not been one of those aristocratic butterflies , whom , I am sorry to say , we do still sometimes meet , who think that the world was made for them , and not they for the world ; but he realised in early life that in the position he occupied he had duties to perform , and not merely to lead a life of pleasure . ( Hear , hear . ) From his earliest
youth he made up his mind , with an energy and determination , followed by the success which has won your applause , that he would devote himself not only to politics , but to every other work suitable to the position in which he was placed . ( Applause . ) Lord Lathom has not only been an active and successlul politician : he has been—and it is no small matter in these
daysa successful breeder of cattle . ( Hear , hear . ) He has been a patron of music , and he has been—I need hardly say , for you know it much better than myself—a most indefatigable and successful Mason . ( Applause . ) It is not so long ago—only some six years—that the late Lord Beaconsfield , recognising the work which had been performed by Lord Lathom , thought
fit to recommend that her Majesty should confer upon him the dignity which was so well received by the whole people of this portion of Lancashire —( hear , hear)—and it was conferred for duties which , though they are not generally known to the world , are duties none the less important , duties requiring the greatest tact , and which often land ( hose who perform them in
positions of considerable difficulty . The noble lord , having obtained his promotion , was not content , like some other people , to rest on his laurels , but the honour conferred upon him b y the Queen only stirred him up to fresh exertions , and at this moment there is no man more active in the House of Lords , and no man more ready in his own
county , to further every good work , and to obey the calls of those around him whenever lie can assist them , than the noble earl . ( A pplause . ) Throughout his career he has been ably and materially assisted—there is no doubt whatever about it—by the noble lady on his left . ( Applause . ) She has recognised from the first that her duty was to support her husband in his
Soiree And Presentation At The Liverpool Masonic Hall.
multifarious duties , and she has always done so with a grace and a tact which have won the admiration of all—( applause)—and these latter days she has developed a talent for public speaking —( laughter)—which would put many of us poor parliamentary candidates into the shade . ( Laughter ) . Lord Lathom and Lady Lathom , on behalf of the Masons of West
Lancashire , it is now my duty , and I assure you it is one I perform with the greatest pleasure , to present to you this cup in commemoration of your silver wedding , and I am sure I echo the feelings of every one in this hall , and of many thousands outside the Masonic circle of Lancashire , when I express an earnest hope that the Great Architect of the Universe may continue to bless you with happiness and prosperity . ( Loud applause . )
The Earl of LATHOM , who was received with renewed and prolonged applause , said : Bro . Lord Claud Hamilton , brothers , and sisters—I really do not know how to thank you enough for the kind expression of feeling you have shown towards myself and my dear wife . The eulogy , Lord Claud , which you gave of me far surpasses anything I deserve . ( Loud cries of " No , no . " ) I have attempted through life to do my duty to those around
me , and in doing it I have been most ably sustained by my dear consort . ( Loud applause . ) If I have in any way fulfilled the expectations of those around me , it is a very happy thought to mc . Bro . Lord Claud has been kind enough to refer to the various positions of my career , and has said very kind words about myself . I can only say , brothers and sisters , that it was a very happy day for me when I met my wife —( applause)—and I will
add in all honesty that without her help , sustenance , and advice , I am afraid that I should have had a very different career to that which I have led . There has been no occasion when I have been called to perform any public or private duty on which she has not come forward to help me with most excellent advice and to keep me straight . 1 thank her before you all . ( Applause . ) I can assure you that this day will always be a red-letter day
to me , because it shows me that not only have you appreciated my small efforts in the way of Masonry among you , but that you have appreciated her whom I call my wife . ( Applause . ) Brethren , there are many among you who have heard mc before to-day . I have talked to you on Masonry , but though I cannot do so now , I can say that since I began to rule over this province , now 12 years ago , there has not been one single moment in which
I have not had that brotherly help , and love , and kind feeling which every Mason has a right lo expect . ( Applause . ) Brothers , in the name of my wife and in my own , I thank you most heartily for this most valuable and beautiful gift you have presented to me—a gilt which will always , I trust , remain among the heirlooms of my family , and which will in the days to come be pointed out with the remark , " Look at that ; go and do likewise . " ( Loud applause . )
Bro . MALCOLM GUTHRIE proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Lord Claud J . Hamilton lor the able manner in which he had made the presentation . The vote was most cordially given . Bro . Lord C . J . HAMILTON , in acknowledgment , said that if anything
could prove the value of Freemasonry , it was the fact that such a vote had been proposed by a brother who was about to become his political opponent in one of the divisions of Liverpool . ( Applause . ) There was a full understanding between them that the contest would be carried out in the best spirit . ( Applause . )
The presentation proceedings then closed , and the programme of amusements was resumed . The vase , which is a beautiful work of art , stands upon an ebony pedestal about 32 inches in height , and partakes of the character of an ancient Greek amphorrc shape , with fluted parts in the Grecian style of ornamentation . The side handles are formed from the supporters of his
lordship ' s arms , standing upon a ribbon , with his motto , " In portu quies . " Round the neck is engraved a facsimile of the collar worn by Lord Lathom as Deputy Grand Master , the seven stars entwined in the decoration representing his lordship ' s grade in the Craft . A bas relief , taken from the celebrated Elgin Marbles in the British Museum , represents an ancient marriage ceremony and sacrificial feast , and occupies the centre , upon a frosted
ground , which , with the burnished or bright surface , forms a most pleasing contrast . The following is the inscription engraved , encircling the vase : — " Presented to Bro . the Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , M . W . D . G . M . of West Lancashire , and the Countess of Lathom , in commemoration of their silver wedding , by the Freemasons of West Lancashire , A . D . 18 S 5 . " A little below the centre of the vase are emblazoned the jewels of the Order
of the Deputy Grand Master , with other Masonic emblems of corn , the vine , and olive branches . To complete the -design , the vase tapers in flutes resting upon a circular base , in the centre of which is engraved one of the most important of Masonic emblems . An ebony pedestal , with a silver shield affixed to the same , bearing his lordship ' s coat of arms , engraved and pierced , showing the surface of the pedestal through , adds greatly to the artistic effect .
PRUSSIA . —The history of Freemasonry in Prussia begins with Frederick the Great , " clarum et venerabile nomen . " He was initiated secretly at Brunswick in 173 S ; and in 1 740 , when king , opened a lodge at Charlottenburg , called " La Loge Premiere , ou La Loge du Roi Notre Grand Maflre . " Over this he is said to have presided in person . He was friendly to the Lodge cf " The Three Globes , " established also in 1740 , and which soon afterwards became the Grand Lodge . There is no evidence to prove that
he had anything to do with the A . and A . S . Rite . There are three Grand Lodges in Berlin ( sec Germany ) , and the progress of Freemasonry has always been favoured by the Royal Family , as with us . One defect appear to us to be noticeable in their Masonic system—the exclusion of the Hebrews ; and we hope , ere long , to hear that this last relic of a leaven of perverse teaching has been swept away by the good sense and true toleration of our Prussian Masonic brethren . —Kenning * s Cyclopaedia .
The Untied Service Gazette pointed out a short time since that when when Uro . Sir Charles Warren , of the Royal Engineers , was , many years ago , exploring the site of King Solomon's Temple , and , having- marie deep excavations , came upon the foundations of the sacred edifice as originally laid by the Tyrian builders , the Masons' marks on the stones were as fresh and exact as when first
cut and painted . Our contemporary , however , having given due weight to the discovery of this fact , falls into a moralising view , and deduces from it that though Frecmasonty " may tower aloft , a pyramid of Degrees , growing smaller and smaller as it rises into thin air , the topmost shall he the first to fall , and the lowest of all the last to remain . " The moral is a just one , ind well worthy of being borne in mind by the Craft .