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Article WHAT IS MASONIC CHARITY? ← Page 2 of 2 Article LITERARY PROGRESS. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Reviews. Page 1 of 1 Article LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION. Page 1 of 1 Article TWELFTH NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
What Is Masonic Charity?
sympathy of the Craft , to attract adrtiiration , or to invoke the "fostering hand . " They are bound up with the truest principles and most living practice of Freemasonry . They constitute the best of answers to the gainsayer or the scoffer ; they exemplify in a remarkable degree the warm
hearts and unselfish aims of Eng lish Masonry and they form a valid defence against rabid assailants , petulant objectors , and ignorant calumniators . What can fairly be said by way of complaint of an Order , which on the lowest calculation spends £$ 0 , 000 annually in
benevolence and charity ? As Bro . Terry has put it , we may safely leave the value of Freemasonry to be tested by its many deeds of munificent and yet unostentatious charity . Avoiding any unreasonable positions or " hyperbolical arguments , " let us endeavour to develope a true
sp irit of Masonic Charity in our well meaning and kindly Order , in all our lodges and chapters especially , and let it ever be distinguished by those characteristics which alone safely mark , in our humble opinion , true charity , namely , spontaneous gifts , sympathetic labours , cheerful almsgiving , and unostentatious doing good .
Literary Progress.
LITERARY PROGRESS .
We call attention to the announcement made in our col umns last week , that Bro . W . J . Hughan , well known to us all , is just about to produce a valuable wotk called " Numismatical and Numerical Register of the United Grand Lodge of England . " We heartily welcome this fresh
addition to our Masonic literature , from the correct and able pen of Bro . Hughan , and we desiderate for it , and we feel sure it will receive , large patronage and universal support . Masonic History and Archaeology , and above all " Lodge Life" in England past and present , owe a great
deal to Bro . Hughan . He began his labours at a time when , in common with a small band of zealous students , ( some now silent in their graves ) , the pathway of Masonic research and criticism was alike dim and dubious . He has laboured untiringly with others we could name ,
and " other men have entered" into his '" labours , " not always acknowledging the source from whence their " original facts " were derived ! We who claim to be of the number of Bro . Hughan ' s fellow students , have better reason than most , nay , better opportunities certainly than
any , to know his correctness of detail , his accuracy of research , and we admire sincerely both his remarkable clearness and his unselfish desire to communicate his knowledge to others . We shall await his promised work with interest , for we know we shall read it with pleasure and profit to ourselves .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We elo not hold ourselves responsible for , or even a 2 > provrng of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spiiit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
A GRAND LODGE FOR NEW ZEALAND . To the Editor of the " Fretmason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Under this head I notice a paragraph in your paper from your "Special Correspondent , " stating that " some brethren hailing from New Zealand lodges , who are now in Sydney , having made every inquiry , are fully
enlightened as to the correct modus operandi to be pursued , and so have decided to use every endeavour to ensure the erection of a Grand Loelge in New Zealand . " I have no wish to throw any doubt upon the reliable character of your correspondent ' s information , but in the latter portion of the paragraph in question , he says , " the brethren throughout that Colony are unanimous in their desire for a Grand
Lodge for New Zealand ; " and this , I think , can hardly be the case , seeing that within the last two months two I ' asl Masters of English lodges in New Zealand , have in writing to me , expressed a decided opinion against such a step being taken , one urging that it would be premature , and the other that the condition of the Craft would thereby be lowered in character . When I left New
Zealand five years ago , the question of a Grand Lodge for that colony was being very generally discusscel , and opinions were much divided ; anel I scarcely can think things have very much altered , from what 1 have heard , and I am in constant communication with several experienced Masons , resident in New Zealand . The statement
that the movers in this matter have obtained their enlightenment in Sydney is , I submit , at this time , somewhat suspicious , and I can only express a hope that our New Zealand friends elo not regard the "modus operandi" now being pursued by some of the New South Wales brethren as " correct . " I take it that
Original Correspondence.
the great difficulty in the establishment of a Grand Lodge for New Zealand would be the selection of a Grand Master , and from what I know of the Craft there , I fear that this question alone would prove a stumbling-block at th : outset . If our Bro . Sir George Grey ( the present Premier ) , could be induced to accept the office he would probably be the best man available , and he is just now
so popular in the colony that , perhaps , he might be acceptable to an immense majority of the brethren there ; but every one acquainted with New Zealand is well aware of the rivalry existing between North and South , and between the vafiotis cities and settlements , and knows the almost insuperable difficulties at present standing in the wav of anv unanimous movement in the direction
indicateel . For my own part , as an individual Mason , I believe that the successful formation of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand , could it be successfully achieved , would have a very beneficial effect on Masonry in that colony . I am , yours fraternally , T . B . WHYTEHE-VD , P . M ; i 6 u . Prince of Wales , 13381 . Auckland , N . Z . York , Jan . 7 , 1879 .
Reviews.
Reviews .
VANITY FAIR ( Christmas Number . ) Tavistock-street , „ Covent-garden . We have read the Winter Number of " Vanity Fair " with considerable interest , as not only a new " phasis " in our hebdomadal and Christmas literature , but as alike calling for some notice from its many Special characteristics . On the whole we confess to a feeling of
disappointment ) though sortie of the papers are sure to find readers , and , we think , justly so . One great mistake in policy we feel will strike all critical readers , namely , the error of allowing both those well-known writers , Bret Harte and Lord Desart , to make their stories turn Upon a nightmare , or " siesta-scare . " Anil if , in one case , this uncomfortable state of things is brought about by the " Pork
Chops" of a T . G > , in the other it is equally reused by the " qualifying liqueur ' of a " Free Vintner . " In neither case do we find , we hope vVe Shall be pardoned for saying so , the element of the " high or heroic , " the " sympathetic or pathetic . " Indeed , both dreams are as prosy and pointless as dreams cai be . Bret Harte amusingly describes , however , the sacred laws of German " Mittagessen . " jehu
Junior , wntes " scion nous " a very vapid and foolish tirade , and puts us in mind of an older " Jehu , '' with this difference , that whereas Jehu Senior drove , Jehu Junior writeth " furiously . " Wc think his remarks neither connected nor patriotic . How true it is , still as ever , "Scrilimus docli , indoctiijue . " " Li I ' mgolletti" appears to be marked by simple " bathos , " and to be a . piece of
unmitigated " trash" from beginning to end . Who could have taken thetrouble to put together such vapid nonsense and such pretentious childishness ? The writer , to parody a famous dictum of Lord Beaconsfield in the greater strife of old , " mistakes personality for wit , and puerility for point . " We like Lord Londonderry ' s honest and artless narrative , and the Meltonian reminiscences cf Lady Florence Dixie
as well as the " Famous Runs " of the Duke of Beaufort . Lord Ronald Gower ' s paper is very true and affecting , and we venture to think useful even in the licrrors it evokes , and the lessons it proclaims . The Duke of Manchester might well give us a longer article on so interesting a subject , and Lady Stradbroke , and Countess Bathyany's suggestions arc worth reading . We
wish Lord Winchelsea would turn his happy gift of verse to a better purpose and another subject . We always remember gratefully his verses on the Duke of Wellington at Oxford , and sigh over a promise of high power and merit , so far not realized . Let us soon welcome something better from his " facile pen . " We cannot profess to admire the special portrait of our Royal Grand Master .
SUTTON'S AMATEUR GUIDE . —Sutton and Sons , Reading . We have been much struck with this goodly "Guide" and with its noble illustrations . It reflects great credit on Messrs . Sutton , alike for lucidity of detail and artistic
excellence . We have turned over its pages with pleasure and astonishment and can only call the attention of all our readers to this last " deliverance" of a well-known firm , whose seeds and fame go eveiywhere . To all who interest themselves in gardens this Guide and Catalogue are simply invaluable .
THE GARDEN ORACLE . Edited by Shirley Hibberd , 11 , Ave Maria Lane . We have received and read with pleasure an old and valued friend . It is a " Vade mecum " for professional and amateur gareleners , and few there are who cannot profit by its contents or learn a lesson from its lore . We commend it confidently and conscientiously to the notice of all our Craft .
London Masonic Charity Association.
LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION .
A meeting of the Committee of this Association took place at 1 , Clifford's Inn , on Wednesday , the 8 th inst ., when several new members were elected , and other business was transacted . It was decided to hold a special
general meeting of members at F ' reemasons' Tavern on Tuesday , January 21 st , at 4 . 15 . Any brother , having been previously elected a member of the Association , ( the Committee meets at four for that purpose ) , can recommend the case of any London candidate .
Bro . Viscount Mandeville was installed W . M . of the Union Lodge , No . toe , Tandaragee on Friday the 27 th ult .
Twelfth Night Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
TWELFTH NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
*—arrrk The Twelfth Night Entertainment given annually hf the House Committee of this Institution . to the childre n ' Who do not go home for the Christmas holidays was given "
on Monday evening , the old-fashioned Christmas ) When snow was on the ground , and hard-pinched poverty felt none of the enjoyments that tale and legend rejoice in relating to have been the accompaniments of the season being icvived again . Twelfth Nig ht followed on the same tack , and a severe white frost taking the placeof snow brounht out all the furs and warm wraps which
were . necessary to shield the visitors against the ill efteeti of a keen northerly wind . A heavy black fog all day got frozen as it hung drer the metropolis , and covered , every * thing out of doors with a thick coating of white which had all the appearance of a snow fall : The common in frpnt of the Masonic Girls' School , at St ; John ' s Hill . as > ell is " the gardens in front of the establishment recalled tnt
memory of the before'me / itioned old-fashioned Christmajes , and the building itself might very well have been mistaken for one of the old baronial halls where warm fires and seasonable cheer gave a hearty greeting to all who entered the doors . The building was lighted Up early ; and the fires were all aglow , and it was plain long befdfe visitors entered the vestibule that a very pleasant evening
was tefbte them . The impression was strengthened otl entering when the first objects to meet the eye were "Welcome . " "A Merry Christmas , " and " A Happy New Year , " arranged amongst festoons of holly and other evergreens , and some forty little girls with as bright and sunny facts ai any Mason who . had assisted in placing them there covild
wish tc ! see ; The Matron , Governesses , and domestics were also looking as well as they themselves could have desired to be , and if any visitor had chanced not to be in the best of health , his ailments must speedily have taken wing when confronted with such universal signs of vigour and happiness . No visitor , however , appeared to be suffering from any bodily or mental malady ) and every one
seemed to have lesolved to realise all the historical pleasures of Christmas and Twelfth Night . Bros Joshua Nunn was the leading spirit among the hosts , and wa $ exceedingly active in seeing that nothing was wanting that could add to the pleasure of the company . In the performance of his functions he was ably assisted by the other members of the House Committee , and it is due also
to the Misses Chancellor , th . daughters of Bro . J . Gi Chancellor , to say that they most cheerfully rendered material aid by giving musical peiformances , and making every one feel perfectly at home : One little occutrenee which happened was very amusing , and the more amusing because it was spontaneous and unstudied . Bro . Joshua Nunn , who is well known to all London Masons as the
possessor of a long white beard and a healthy , cheerful face , was receiving visitors in the hall ; when among one of the incoming parties of visitors was a very little child ) who immediately she saw him exclaimed ) " Oh ( here ' s Old Father Christmas I " The little lady wan more truthful than polite , for though Bro . Nunn ' s beard is grey , like the beards in the pictures of Old Father Christmas , Bro . Nunn ,
does not happen to be old . If the little lady had been older than she was she would have seen that at the beard and the cheerfulness of the countenance the resemblance stopped . We may add that though several brethren heard and enjoyed the joke , no one enjoyed it more than Bro . Nunn himself . The entertainments of the evening Commented with teii
at five o'clock , after which there was dancing ) and then at seven o ' clock the excellent dramatic performances of the Pickwick Histrionic Club , who performed the previous Wednesday with so much talent at the New Year ' s entertainment at the Benevolent Institution at Croydon . The following is the programme : — Pianuf .. rl . selection by Mr . G . S . Graham ; this was followed by Cr even ' s domes . *
tic drama , "The Chimney Corner , " in wh ' ch the Charac . ters were sustained ! as follows , Soluh . on Probity , Mr . E , Johnson ; Peter Probity , Mr . Duprce ; John Probity , Mr . E . Baker ; Mr . Charles Chetty , Jun ., Mr . Upton ; Sifter , Mr , G . J . King ; Grace Emery , Miss Fanny Perfitt ; Patty , Miss Lizzie Henderson . When this piece , which was thoroughly enjoyed both by the children and the visitors ,
was concluded , the children had their twelfth cake and other refreshments , together with bon-bons , in the centre , ( annually presented by Bro . and Mrs . Hirsch ) which is always a marked feature of this entertainment . A good half-hour having been devoted to this portion of the treat , the company again assembled in the schoolroom for the second part of the dramatic performance .
Mr . G . S . Graham then presented his " Musical Olio , " Song , " Give me the Man of Honest Heart ; " " The Muddle-Puddle Porter ; " Organophonic Piccolo Solo ( Selection ) , " LucretiaBorgia" ( natural whistle and piano / orte accompaniment ); " Adventures of Little Mr . Binks . " The performances concluded with Morton ' s farce , "Whitebait at Greenwich , " Mr . Benjamin Buzzard , Mrl
E . Johnson ; Mr . Glimmer , Mr . Dupree ; John Small , Mr . ' G . J . King ; Miss Lucretia Buzzard , Miss Lizzie Hendcr- ' son ; Sally , Miss Fanny Perfitt . ' ' Supper and dancing wound up the evening , which from beginning to end was a complete success . ' Among the company present were Bros . A . H . Tattershall , Mrs . Tattershall , Geo . Everett , Mrs . and Miss Everett j '
Thos . Cubitt , Mrs . and Miss Massey , Col . Burdett , F . R . W . Hedges ( Sec . ); H . C . Levander , Thos . W . White , and ' Miss White , Thomas Kingston , John A . Rucker , Henry Muggeridge , Miss Muggeridge , Mrs . Sack , Master Charlie Sack , R . B . Webster , J . G . Chancellor , Joshua Nunn , Miss . Nunn , Miss Benny field , Frederick G . Rucker , John A . Rucker , jun ., W . J . Weber , Col . Peters , Herbert Dicketts
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
What Is Masonic Charity?
sympathy of the Craft , to attract adrtiiration , or to invoke the "fostering hand . " They are bound up with the truest principles and most living practice of Freemasonry . They constitute the best of answers to the gainsayer or the scoffer ; they exemplify in a remarkable degree the warm
hearts and unselfish aims of Eng lish Masonry and they form a valid defence against rabid assailants , petulant objectors , and ignorant calumniators . What can fairly be said by way of complaint of an Order , which on the lowest calculation spends £$ 0 , 000 annually in
benevolence and charity ? As Bro . Terry has put it , we may safely leave the value of Freemasonry to be tested by its many deeds of munificent and yet unostentatious charity . Avoiding any unreasonable positions or " hyperbolical arguments , " let us endeavour to develope a true
sp irit of Masonic Charity in our well meaning and kindly Order , in all our lodges and chapters especially , and let it ever be distinguished by those characteristics which alone safely mark , in our humble opinion , true charity , namely , spontaneous gifts , sympathetic labours , cheerful almsgiving , and unostentatious doing good .
Literary Progress.
LITERARY PROGRESS .
We call attention to the announcement made in our col umns last week , that Bro . W . J . Hughan , well known to us all , is just about to produce a valuable wotk called " Numismatical and Numerical Register of the United Grand Lodge of England . " We heartily welcome this fresh
addition to our Masonic literature , from the correct and able pen of Bro . Hughan , and we desiderate for it , and we feel sure it will receive , large patronage and universal support . Masonic History and Archaeology , and above all " Lodge Life" in England past and present , owe a great
deal to Bro . Hughan . He began his labours at a time when , in common with a small band of zealous students , ( some now silent in their graves ) , the pathway of Masonic research and criticism was alike dim and dubious . He has laboured untiringly with others we could name ,
and " other men have entered" into his '" labours , " not always acknowledging the source from whence their " original facts " were derived ! We who claim to be of the number of Bro . Hughan ' s fellow students , have better reason than most , nay , better opportunities certainly than
any , to know his correctness of detail , his accuracy of research , and we admire sincerely both his remarkable clearness and his unselfish desire to communicate his knowledge to others . We shall await his promised work with interest , for we know we shall read it with pleasure and profit to ourselves .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We elo not hold ourselves responsible for , or even a 2 > provrng of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in a spiiit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
A GRAND LODGE FOR NEW ZEALAND . To the Editor of the " Fretmason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Under this head I notice a paragraph in your paper from your "Special Correspondent , " stating that " some brethren hailing from New Zealand lodges , who are now in Sydney , having made every inquiry , are fully
enlightened as to the correct modus operandi to be pursued , and so have decided to use every endeavour to ensure the erection of a Grand Loelge in New Zealand . " I have no wish to throw any doubt upon the reliable character of your correspondent ' s information , but in the latter portion of the paragraph in question , he says , " the brethren throughout that Colony are unanimous in their desire for a Grand
Lodge for New Zealand ; " and this , I think , can hardly be the case , seeing that within the last two months two I ' asl Masters of English lodges in New Zealand , have in writing to me , expressed a decided opinion against such a step being taken , one urging that it would be premature , and the other that the condition of the Craft would thereby be lowered in character . When I left New
Zealand five years ago , the question of a Grand Lodge for that colony was being very generally discusscel , and opinions were much divided ; anel I scarcely can think things have very much altered , from what 1 have heard , and I am in constant communication with several experienced Masons , resident in New Zealand . The statement
that the movers in this matter have obtained their enlightenment in Sydney is , I submit , at this time , somewhat suspicious , and I can only express a hope that our New Zealand friends elo not regard the "modus operandi" now being pursued by some of the New South Wales brethren as " correct . " I take it that
Original Correspondence.
the great difficulty in the establishment of a Grand Lodge for New Zealand would be the selection of a Grand Master , and from what I know of the Craft there , I fear that this question alone would prove a stumbling-block at th : outset . If our Bro . Sir George Grey ( the present Premier ) , could be induced to accept the office he would probably be the best man available , and he is just now
so popular in the colony that , perhaps , he might be acceptable to an immense majority of the brethren there ; but every one acquainted with New Zealand is well aware of the rivalry existing between North and South , and between the vafiotis cities and settlements , and knows the almost insuperable difficulties at present standing in the wav of anv unanimous movement in the direction
indicateel . For my own part , as an individual Mason , I believe that the successful formation of a Grand Lodge of New Zealand , could it be successfully achieved , would have a very beneficial effect on Masonry in that colony . I am , yours fraternally , T . B . WHYTEHE-VD , P . M ; i 6 u . Prince of Wales , 13381 . Auckland , N . Z . York , Jan . 7 , 1879 .
Reviews.
Reviews .
VANITY FAIR ( Christmas Number . ) Tavistock-street , „ Covent-garden . We have read the Winter Number of " Vanity Fair " with considerable interest , as not only a new " phasis " in our hebdomadal and Christmas literature , but as alike calling for some notice from its many Special characteristics . On the whole we confess to a feeling of
disappointment ) though sortie of the papers are sure to find readers , and , we think , justly so . One great mistake in policy we feel will strike all critical readers , namely , the error of allowing both those well-known writers , Bret Harte and Lord Desart , to make their stories turn Upon a nightmare , or " siesta-scare . " Anil if , in one case , this uncomfortable state of things is brought about by the " Pork
Chops" of a T . G > , in the other it is equally reused by the " qualifying liqueur ' of a " Free Vintner . " In neither case do we find , we hope vVe Shall be pardoned for saying so , the element of the " high or heroic , " the " sympathetic or pathetic . " Indeed , both dreams are as prosy and pointless as dreams cai be . Bret Harte amusingly describes , however , the sacred laws of German " Mittagessen . " jehu
Junior , wntes " scion nous " a very vapid and foolish tirade , and puts us in mind of an older " Jehu , '' with this difference , that whereas Jehu Senior drove , Jehu Junior writeth " furiously . " Wc think his remarks neither connected nor patriotic . How true it is , still as ever , "Scrilimus docli , indoctiijue . " " Li I ' mgolletti" appears to be marked by simple " bathos , " and to be a . piece of
unmitigated " trash" from beginning to end . Who could have taken thetrouble to put together such vapid nonsense and such pretentious childishness ? The writer , to parody a famous dictum of Lord Beaconsfield in the greater strife of old , " mistakes personality for wit , and puerility for point . " We like Lord Londonderry ' s honest and artless narrative , and the Meltonian reminiscences cf Lady Florence Dixie
as well as the " Famous Runs " of the Duke of Beaufort . Lord Ronald Gower ' s paper is very true and affecting , and we venture to think useful even in the licrrors it evokes , and the lessons it proclaims . The Duke of Manchester might well give us a longer article on so interesting a subject , and Lady Stradbroke , and Countess Bathyany's suggestions arc worth reading . We
wish Lord Winchelsea would turn his happy gift of verse to a better purpose and another subject . We always remember gratefully his verses on the Duke of Wellington at Oxford , and sigh over a promise of high power and merit , so far not realized . Let us soon welcome something better from his " facile pen . " We cannot profess to admire the special portrait of our Royal Grand Master .
SUTTON'S AMATEUR GUIDE . —Sutton and Sons , Reading . We have been much struck with this goodly "Guide" and with its noble illustrations . It reflects great credit on Messrs . Sutton , alike for lucidity of detail and artistic
excellence . We have turned over its pages with pleasure and astonishment and can only call the attention of all our readers to this last " deliverance" of a well-known firm , whose seeds and fame go eveiywhere . To all who interest themselves in gardens this Guide and Catalogue are simply invaluable .
THE GARDEN ORACLE . Edited by Shirley Hibberd , 11 , Ave Maria Lane . We have received and read with pleasure an old and valued friend . It is a " Vade mecum " for professional and amateur gareleners , and few there are who cannot profit by its contents or learn a lesson from its lore . We commend it confidently and conscientiously to the notice of all our Craft .
London Masonic Charity Association.
LONDON MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION .
A meeting of the Committee of this Association took place at 1 , Clifford's Inn , on Wednesday , the 8 th inst ., when several new members were elected , and other business was transacted . It was decided to hold a special
general meeting of members at F ' reemasons' Tavern on Tuesday , January 21 st , at 4 . 15 . Any brother , having been previously elected a member of the Association , ( the Committee meets at four for that purpose ) , can recommend the case of any London candidate .
Bro . Viscount Mandeville was installed W . M . of the Union Lodge , No . toe , Tandaragee on Friday the 27 th ult .
Twelfth Night Entertainment At The Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
TWELFTH NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT AT THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
*—arrrk The Twelfth Night Entertainment given annually hf the House Committee of this Institution . to the childre n ' Who do not go home for the Christmas holidays was given "
on Monday evening , the old-fashioned Christmas ) When snow was on the ground , and hard-pinched poverty felt none of the enjoyments that tale and legend rejoice in relating to have been the accompaniments of the season being icvived again . Twelfth Nig ht followed on the same tack , and a severe white frost taking the placeof snow brounht out all the furs and warm wraps which
were . necessary to shield the visitors against the ill efteeti of a keen northerly wind . A heavy black fog all day got frozen as it hung drer the metropolis , and covered , every * thing out of doors with a thick coating of white which had all the appearance of a snow fall : The common in frpnt of the Masonic Girls' School , at St ; John ' s Hill . as > ell is " the gardens in front of the establishment recalled tnt
memory of the before'me / itioned old-fashioned Christmajes , and the building itself might very well have been mistaken for one of the old baronial halls where warm fires and seasonable cheer gave a hearty greeting to all who entered the doors . The building was lighted Up early ; and the fires were all aglow , and it was plain long befdfe visitors entered the vestibule that a very pleasant evening
was tefbte them . The impression was strengthened otl entering when the first objects to meet the eye were "Welcome . " "A Merry Christmas , " and " A Happy New Year , " arranged amongst festoons of holly and other evergreens , and some forty little girls with as bright and sunny facts ai any Mason who . had assisted in placing them there covild
wish tc ! see ; The Matron , Governesses , and domestics were also looking as well as they themselves could have desired to be , and if any visitor had chanced not to be in the best of health , his ailments must speedily have taken wing when confronted with such universal signs of vigour and happiness . No visitor , however , appeared to be suffering from any bodily or mental malady ) and every one
seemed to have lesolved to realise all the historical pleasures of Christmas and Twelfth Night . Bros Joshua Nunn was the leading spirit among the hosts , and wa $ exceedingly active in seeing that nothing was wanting that could add to the pleasure of the company . In the performance of his functions he was ably assisted by the other members of the House Committee , and it is due also
to the Misses Chancellor , th . daughters of Bro . J . Gi Chancellor , to say that they most cheerfully rendered material aid by giving musical peiformances , and making every one feel perfectly at home : One little occutrenee which happened was very amusing , and the more amusing because it was spontaneous and unstudied . Bro . Joshua Nunn , who is well known to all London Masons as the
possessor of a long white beard and a healthy , cheerful face , was receiving visitors in the hall ; when among one of the incoming parties of visitors was a very little child ) who immediately she saw him exclaimed ) " Oh ( here ' s Old Father Christmas I " The little lady wan more truthful than polite , for though Bro . Nunn ' s beard is grey , like the beards in the pictures of Old Father Christmas , Bro . Nunn ,
does not happen to be old . If the little lady had been older than she was she would have seen that at the beard and the cheerfulness of the countenance the resemblance stopped . We may add that though several brethren heard and enjoyed the joke , no one enjoyed it more than Bro . Nunn himself . The entertainments of the evening Commented with teii
at five o'clock , after which there was dancing ) and then at seven o ' clock the excellent dramatic performances of the Pickwick Histrionic Club , who performed the previous Wednesday with so much talent at the New Year ' s entertainment at the Benevolent Institution at Croydon . The following is the programme : — Pianuf .. rl . selection by Mr . G . S . Graham ; this was followed by Cr even ' s domes . *
tic drama , "The Chimney Corner , " in wh ' ch the Charac . ters were sustained ! as follows , Soluh . on Probity , Mr . E , Johnson ; Peter Probity , Mr . Duprce ; John Probity , Mr . E . Baker ; Mr . Charles Chetty , Jun ., Mr . Upton ; Sifter , Mr , G . J . King ; Grace Emery , Miss Fanny Perfitt ; Patty , Miss Lizzie Henderson . When this piece , which was thoroughly enjoyed both by the children and the visitors ,
was concluded , the children had their twelfth cake and other refreshments , together with bon-bons , in the centre , ( annually presented by Bro . and Mrs . Hirsch ) which is always a marked feature of this entertainment . A good half-hour having been devoted to this portion of the treat , the company again assembled in the schoolroom for the second part of the dramatic performance .
Mr . G . S . Graham then presented his " Musical Olio , " Song , " Give me the Man of Honest Heart ; " " The Muddle-Puddle Porter ; " Organophonic Piccolo Solo ( Selection ) , " LucretiaBorgia" ( natural whistle and piano / orte accompaniment ); " Adventures of Little Mr . Binks . " The performances concluded with Morton ' s farce , "Whitebait at Greenwich , " Mr . Benjamin Buzzard , Mrl
E . Johnson ; Mr . Glimmer , Mr . Dupree ; John Small , Mr . ' G . J . King ; Miss Lucretia Buzzard , Miss Lizzie Hendcr- ' son ; Sally , Miss Fanny Perfitt . ' ' Supper and dancing wound up the evening , which from beginning to end was a complete success . ' Among the company present were Bros . A . H . Tattershall , Mrs . Tattershall , Geo . Everett , Mrs . and Miss Everett j '
Thos . Cubitt , Mrs . and Miss Massey , Col . Burdett , F . R . W . Hedges ( Sec . ); H . C . Levander , Thos . W . White , and ' Miss White , Thomas Kingston , John A . Rucker , Henry Muggeridge , Miss Muggeridge , Mrs . Sack , Master Charlie Sack , R . B . Webster , J . G . Chancellor , Joshua Nunn , Miss . Nunn , Miss Benny field , Frederick G . Rucker , John A . Rucker , jun ., W . J . Weber , Col . Peters , Herbert Dicketts