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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . James Kench , P . G . P ., acknowledging the compliment , said that with regard to the Earl of Carnarvon , who in the absence of the " Grand Master wielded the destines of the Craft , Freemasons everywhere owed him _ a debt of crratitude for his untiring efforts to maintain the principles on which the Order was founded , travelling even to the Antinodes to extend the principles and tenets of the Craft .
With respect to the Earl of Lathom , that nobleman was no less distinguished for the way in which he discharged the duties of his office of Deputy Grand Master in Grand Lodge , being at all times ready and willing to devote his attention to promoting the best interest of the Craft . Among the Grand Officers were other distinguished men who had been selected by her Majesty to fill posts of State . In Grand Lodge there were men of all sorts and conditions , of all classes , of
literature , of science , divinity , law , and physic , and all kinds of art were duly represented . They were all there ; and he esteemed it a great honour to belong to so distinguished a body . There was only one pleasure he should esteem greater , and that would be to see others of his brethren of L , a Tolerance Lodge adorned with the purple of Grand Lodge ; and with the expression of that hope he returned the brethren his sincere thanks for their kind acceptance of
that toast . Bro . Fenn , I . P . M ., next proposed "The Health of the W . M . " That evening they had a W . M . who was thoroughly a child of the lodge . He came among them a complete stranger , but from the earliest moment he had been one of them , and it was an immense pleasure first of all to see him installed in the chair he so worthily filled that
evening . The interest he showed in Masonry was exemplified by the way in which he had introduced his brother to the lodge . It showed that he thought well of them , as they thought well of him , and he felt sure he expressed the wish of the brethren when he said he wished him a very happy and prosperous year of office . The W . M ., in reply , said that during the year he should
occupy the chair of the lodge he need not tell them he should do his utmost to maintain the high reputation La Tolerance Lodge had always had by carrying out the duties of Master to the best of his ability . There were many onerous duties attached to the office of Master , but with the great co-operation of the I . P . M . his duties would be somewhat easy . Five years almost to a day he was initiated
by Bro .. Langdon , P . M ., in that lodge . He was then an entire stranger to all the brethren . Bro . Stevens introduced him , and Bro . Stevens was seconded by Bro . Child , P . M . They all knew Bro . Child ; he was satisfied with him at all events . He ( the W . M . ) had gone on from office to office perhaps more quickly than the majority of the Past Masters of the lodge had , but he would do his best to hand
over the character that had been entrusted to him that evening unsullied to his successor . The W . M ., in proposing "The Initiate , " and referringto the advantages of having new additions to a lodge , said the entry of initiates allowed the old members of lodges who had done a great deal of work to retire to a certain extent on their laurels , and take things a little more easily . It
must seem very strange to an initiate when he first entered Masonry , and it was almost impossible for him fully to appreciate the beauties of the Craft , but no doubt when their brother initiate had passed through the other Degrees he would do so to the fullest extent , and value the splendid tenets of Masonry as much as the other members of La Tolerance Lodge did , and would agree with him that there
was no greater or grander institution than Freemasonry . Bro . T . H . Clear , in reply , said he was very pleased to be received into the honourable Craft , but the brethren must excuse him if he did not respond in very eloquent terms . He hoped , as he . began to be better acquainted with the brethren of the lodge , friendship and affection would spring up between him and them , as he believed was proper
m Masonry . The W . M . next gave "The Visitors , " and said he was glad to say La Tolerance Lodge always had a good name for hospitality . While he remained _ Master of the lodge he would do what he could to maintain its very good name . The brethren of the lodge had to thank the visitors for bringing much conviviality to the lodge . Without visitors
things would often seem rather dull , and that evening he had to thank Bro . Cambridge forthe assistance he had given in accompanying those brethren who sang . Though they had a goodly number of visitors , they would have had more but for the Russian epidemic . As Master of the lodge , he gave the visitors a hearty welcome , and he hoped he would see the majority of them very often during his year of office .
He coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Cambridge , Reynolds , Burt , and Stevens . Bro . Cambridge thanked the W . M . for having so kindly alluded to what little he had done , but he was delighted to be of any service to the lodge . As the W . M . had said he hoped to see the visitors again during his year of office , it would not be the fault of the visitors if they did not accept
the offer . Bro . George Reynolds said the kindness and generosity of La Tolerance Lodge to visitors was well known . He was pleased to accept Bro . Skinner ' s invitation . They had travelled many thousand miles together , and when they were on the " briny" they talked of Lodge La Tolerance , and wished it success . He trusted the W . M . would have a very
happy and prosperous year of office . Bro . Burt said that whatever the lustre of Lodge La Tolerance was already , it would have additional lustre shed on it by the present VV . M . during his year . As far as the hospitality of the lodge was concerned , it could not be eulogised too highly . As to the working of the lodge , it was perfect , while as to the banqueting , it left nothing to be desired .
Bro . Stevens said he was very proud to be present that evening to see his old and esteemed friend Bro . William May Clear installed in the chair of the lodge He had the honour of introducing Bro . Clear to that lodge as an initiate , and he was glad to find that in five years he was occupying the position of W . M . He himself had to work much longer for that position ; but then Bro . Clear had shown himself a
very capable member of the lodge . From what they had seen of his work that evening he might say he would make a good Master . He ( Bro . Stevens ) was also very proud to see that evening another brother , whom he esteemed equally with the W . M ., initiated in the lodge , and he trusted they
might all be spared to see him occupying the chair now held by his brother . He ( Bro . Stevens ) had had the honour of introducing Bro . Gooch as a joining member . The lodge was a good one for young men who wanted to come forward , and he was pleased that Bro . Gooch was accepted so cordiall y .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Nicholls also responded . The W . M ., in proposing "The I . P . M ., " said that while the lodge was under the charge of Bro . Fenn it had lost none of its former lustre . On the contrary , that lustre had increased . The I . P . M . was a man who was very much esteemed by all the brethren in the lodge , asd also at Croydon and other places . He had brought more initiates
into the lodge than any other member ; in fact , the very strong contingent from Croydon was the backbone of the lodge . In leaving the chair of the lodge Bro . Fenn took with him the good feeling of every one of its members . In appreciation of the most able way in which he had discharged his duties , the brethren had delegated him ( the W . M . ) to present Bro . Fenn with a Past Master's jewel , which he had
now the very greatest pleasure in placing on his breast , among , he was happy to say , many other jewels . He would wind up the short speech by quoting a line of Shakespeare , and saying how the I . P . M . '' has deserved commendation , applause , and love . " Bro . Fenn said he was extremely obliged to the W . M . for the kind and gracious way in which he had proposed his
health , and to the brethren for the kind and cordial way in which they had received it . He was at a loss for words to express his thanks for the handsome jewel . It was a jewel which he should always value and look upon with pleasure , as it would recall to his mind a very happy year of office . The year he had passed through had been a very happy one to him in every sense of the word . Masonically and
socially , he must feel that he had been highl y blest , and that jewel especially would bring back to his mind the particular year 1 SS 9 . The W . M . had alluded to the number of initiates he ( Bro . Fenn ) had introduced to the lodge . He hoped it would be his pleasure yet to introduce more members . His interest had always been in the lodge , and Vie hoped it would always continue . The Croydon contingent
no doubt would be the backbone of the lodge , and he hoped the young members who were brought in were learning Masonic ways and ritual , and that they would follow his footsteps and come up ultimately to the chair . Every member of the Croydon contingent who was a Mason was truly a Mason . They had always supported him for his Stewardships for the Charities ; he had made several calls on them ,
but they were never tired of his appeals . It was only a short time ago the S . W . asked him if he was going up next year , as he had ten guineas to give away . Since they had been members of the lodge and been Masons they had well supported the Charities . The W . M . next gave "The Past Masters . " He said durinsr his short career he had had the honour of visiting a
good many lodges , but he had never been to a lodge of which the members wereso few and in which the Past Masters were so numerous . All the visitors would notice what a splendid array of Past Masters there was in the lodge , though one or two were away through illness . The Past
Masters were a great assistance to a W . M . ; they formed a sort of Committee to whom questions which arose could be referred , and the W . M . had in them all the knowledge that was to be had on the subject . Ever since the lodge was formed the different Masters who had occupied the chair had had every assistance from the Past Masters .
Bro . Skinner , P . M ., said it was a great delight to the Past Masters to support the W . M ., and in that lodge they mustered in rather large numbers , but the Worshipful Masters were usually so able that they did not require the assistance of the Past Masters . Bro . Bicknell , P . M ., said it was always a satisfaction to the Past Masters to find themselves so well received . La
Tolerance was a strong lodge in Past Masters , and this fact showed the good opinion the brethren had of their mother lodge . It often happened in a lodge that when a brother had gone up through the different offices he left the lodge , but happily in that lodge the Past Masters still clung , to it . Nothing could show better the high value of the lodge , and that evening they had 11 present—they were only 13 in
number , so that that was nearly the full number present . One of the oldest Past Masters of the lodge , who was initiated some 20 years ago , was still a Past Master and member of the lodge . Therefore that brother set a good example to other members of the lodge by showing that when they had passed the chair they should still remain members . He could assure the brethren that the Past
Masters of La Tolerance Lodge would still cling to it , and would afford every assistance they could to the Master in the chair if anything should happen in which he would require their assistance . Bros . Elvin and Burt also responded briefly . The W . M ., in proposing "The Treasurer and Secretary , Bros . Kench and Sly , " said the lodge was very fortunate
in securing the services of two such Past Masters . During the many years those offices had been in their hands the duties had been carried out with that precision and accuracy that no brother could have the slightest chance of grumbling . Bro . Kench was one of the oldest of the Past Masters in the lodge , and was one of the first English initiates , and he had been Treasurer of thelodge for ovei-20 years . Happily
during that long period Bro . Kench had not been much worried . Whether the balance in hand was large or small he had not had the necessity to invest it in Goschens or Guineas . As to the Secretary , Bro . Sly , his duties had been equally well carried out . His politeness was proverbial and his attention to duty most strict . Bro . Kench , in reply , said that some few years back he
proposed that when the lodge had spare funds a portion should be given to the Masonic Charities until every office in the lodge was endowed . He hoped that after a time they would be enabled to resume that scheme , but he did not think they could do that and give a ladies' banquet as well . As far as he was individually concerned , it was a matter of the most perfect indifference to him whether he had a large
or a small amount of funds in hand . Still , taking great interest in the lodge and in his office of 'Treasurer , he would like to see a good balance in hand . Let them endeavour to be in such a position that they might discharge their duties as Freemasons , and at the same time maintain the lodge so well that it might remain an ornament to the Craft for benevolence and Charity . Bro . Sly , P . M . and Sec , also responded , and promised
to carry out Ins duties m the future as he had in the past . The VV . M ., in giving "The Officers , " said that the Wardens and some of the other officers could perform all the ceremonies of the Craft right through . The J . W . and other officers responded , and the Tyler ' s toast closed a very happy evening , Bros . A . Lister , H . Yates , Jas . Kench , G . L . Lyons , and W . E . Wilby entertained the brethren with some beautiful singing , Bro . Cambridge presiding at the piano .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Alliance Lodge ( No . 1827 ) . —Banquet to the Lord Mayor . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Monday , the 6 th inst ., when Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor was entertained at a banquet . There was a distinguished company of brethren present , including several Grand Officers and numerous officers of the
Corporation . The members present included Bros . Lieut .-Col . J . Perry Godfrey , W . M . ; H . Clarke , I . P . M . ; E . F . Fitch , S . W . ; F . S . Jackson , J . W . ; Rev . J . H . Smith , Chap . ; R . Pawley , Treas . ; J . E . Turner , Sec ; G . J . Scott , S . D . ; E . T . R . Wilde , ) . D . ; B . Emanuel , D . C ; J . C . Whiddington , A . D . C ; T . Roderick , I . G . ; F . A . jewson , Org . ; Capt . V . Dimfee , btwd . ; Col . T . D . Sewell ,
P . M . ; H . Wright , P . M . ; H . Squire , P . M . ; F . Green , P . M . ; P . de Lande Long - , P . G . D . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D . ; A . Peebles , and VV . Westcott . Visitors : Bros , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , S . W . 2127 ; E . Terry , G . Treas . ; F . A . Philbrick , O . C , G , Reg . ; E . Monteuuis , G . S . B .,- W . T . Howe , P . G . P . ; j . H . Matthews , P . G . S . B . ; Dr . I . Zacharie ; T . W . Whitmarsh , G . P . ; G . Girling , 1641 ; T . Beard , P . M . 101 ; E . Dixon , 1 C 27 ; A . Fielder , 1670 ; E . Wild , 9 6 ; J . Stevens , P . M . 720 ; E . Maybrick , G . Org . ;
W . W . Morgan , jun ., 1107 ; C . Isaacson , 1351 ; E . F . Fuller , 16 57 ; E . H . Bramley , 957 ; J . E . Walford , P . M . 177 ; and VV . W . Lee , 18 97 . Lodge was formally opened , but there being no business for transaction , it was closed after Bro . the Ri ght Hon . the Lord Mayor had been received and heartily greeted . Ample justice having been done to a substantial banquet ,
the usual toasts were given and received , " 'I he Oueen and the Craft " and "H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . " being heartily received . In proposing "The Grand Officers , " the W . M . said that with reference to the Earl of Carnarvon and the Earl of Lathom , he would say nothing , because their attention to their duties in the Masonic world were so well known . He
would call their attention to one fact and say how cordially the Alliance Lodge appreciated the presence of Grand Officers that evening . Bro . Edward Terry had been obliged to leave to perform his duties elsewhere , and they in the Masonic world knew that personal duties were to be considered first , which were proper lines to go upon . The Grand Secretary , whom he was pleased to see present , was
always pleased to give them any information in Freemasonry . There was also present the Grand Registrar , Bro . Philbrick , whose genial company was highly appreciated , but not appreciated more in any other lodge than in that over which he had the honour to preside . Bro . Philbrick , whose name he would couple with the toast , rendered great service in the compilation of the Book of Constitutions , and was
always ready whenever required by Grand Lodge to carry out any duties . Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . R ., in reply , said he supposed it was because one happened to be not quite recovered from a severe cold that it fell to one ' s lot to be in the position of returning thanks that evening . He should equally suppose that almost everyone might plead the same
excuse , and as they were all brethren in the same boat he hoped that each other ' s feelings in that respect would make them wondrous kind . By an accident of the departure of their esteemed brother Terry , whose attractions still hovered for him somewhere near Sweet Lavender , he happened to be the senior officer present that night , and it devolved upon him to return thanks for that toast which had been so well
and so kindly expressed by their VV . M . by way of appreciation of the services of the Grand Officers who assist in what he had rightly called the management of the great Craft of Freemasonry . It was a great and influential body and a power in the land , and he trusted and believed a powerforgood . He was sure it was a power for good when rightly exercised and when the true traditions of the Order were upheld . When
they were sometimes told by their kind friends who had not seen the light that they were a secret Society , and that they were unable to bring their cause to the light of day , he thought they might indeed point to those who were enlisted under the'banner of Freemasonry , embracing some of the greatest and most enlightened in the land . With regard to the two great noblemen associated with the toast they
worthily deserved the confidence of the Craft . Of the great body of Grand Officers they could form some opinion from the quality of those they sawaround them some of whom were numbered in the lodge . He was quite satisfied of thisthat very great service was rendered , and a greatj deal of time cheerfully given up , in order that the con cerns and interests of Masonry might not suffer . For the kin dness
shown in proposing and receiving the toast he begged to offer very sincere thanks . The W . M . said he had next to ask them to drink the toast of the evening—that of " Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor . " Would that he had the eloquence of Bro . Philbrick to do that toast justice , but he was sure the Lord Mayor would take the will for the deed . It was sufficient to
know that no one had arrived at the position of Chief Magistrate of the . first city in England unless he was deserving of that honour , and Bro . Sir Henry Isaacs had proved himself worthy of that post in his mercantile transactions and in the mercantile world . They knew more of him than that , for they knew him in Masonry . It might be that the Lord Mayor had not worked so hard in Masonry
as he did some years ago , but it was within the recollection of some present that he was able to work the 15 Sections , and then be as fresh as ever in the morning . He ( the W . Master ) gave that toast with all sincerity , and with all his heart , and felt certain it would be received in the same spirit . He asked them to drink to the health , long life , and prosperity of Bro . Sir H . Isaacs , the Chief Magistrate of their
great city . Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , who was warmly received , said : 1 listened with a great deal of respectful attention to the precept of the VV . iVL , who said he would make very short speeches . I listened subsequently to his example in proposing the toast of the M . W . G . M ., and I am afraid his precept was grander than his example . I shall
follow the Worshipful Master ' s precept , and ignore his example . 1 think on such occasions as these a short speech is the better one , unless the longer speech possesses that eloquence which I cannot command . You , Worshipful Master , have spoken of me h \ my capacity
of Lovu Mayor and as a Mason . I scarcely know how 1 shall apportion the great deal of praise given me , whether it is more as Mayor and less as Mason , or more as Mason and less as Mayor . In any case , and in both cases , I am grateful for the compliment paid me . I think there are some points of resemblance between the office I hold as
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . James Kench , P . G . P ., acknowledging the compliment , said that with regard to the Earl of Carnarvon , who in the absence of the " Grand Master wielded the destines of the Craft , Freemasons everywhere owed him _ a debt of crratitude for his untiring efforts to maintain the principles on which the Order was founded , travelling even to the Antinodes to extend the principles and tenets of the Craft .
With respect to the Earl of Lathom , that nobleman was no less distinguished for the way in which he discharged the duties of his office of Deputy Grand Master in Grand Lodge , being at all times ready and willing to devote his attention to promoting the best interest of the Craft . Among the Grand Officers were other distinguished men who had been selected by her Majesty to fill posts of State . In Grand Lodge there were men of all sorts and conditions , of all classes , of
literature , of science , divinity , law , and physic , and all kinds of art were duly represented . They were all there ; and he esteemed it a great honour to belong to so distinguished a body . There was only one pleasure he should esteem greater , and that would be to see others of his brethren of L , a Tolerance Lodge adorned with the purple of Grand Lodge ; and with the expression of that hope he returned the brethren his sincere thanks for their kind acceptance of
that toast . Bro . Fenn , I . P . M ., next proposed "The Health of the W . M . " That evening they had a W . M . who was thoroughly a child of the lodge . He came among them a complete stranger , but from the earliest moment he had been one of them , and it was an immense pleasure first of all to see him installed in the chair he so worthily filled that
evening . The interest he showed in Masonry was exemplified by the way in which he had introduced his brother to the lodge . It showed that he thought well of them , as they thought well of him , and he felt sure he expressed the wish of the brethren when he said he wished him a very happy and prosperous year of office . The W . M ., in reply , said that during the year he should
occupy the chair of the lodge he need not tell them he should do his utmost to maintain the high reputation La Tolerance Lodge had always had by carrying out the duties of Master to the best of his ability . There were many onerous duties attached to the office of Master , but with the great co-operation of the I . P . M . his duties would be somewhat easy . Five years almost to a day he was initiated
by Bro .. Langdon , P . M ., in that lodge . He was then an entire stranger to all the brethren . Bro . Stevens introduced him , and Bro . Stevens was seconded by Bro . Child , P . M . They all knew Bro . Child ; he was satisfied with him at all events . He ( the W . M . ) had gone on from office to office perhaps more quickly than the majority of the Past Masters of the lodge had , but he would do his best to hand
over the character that had been entrusted to him that evening unsullied to his successor . The W . M ., in proposing "The Initiate , " and referringto the advantages of having new additions to a lodge , said the entry of initiates allowed the old members of lodges who had done a great deal of work to retire to a certain extent on their laurels , and take things a little more easily . It
must seem very strange to an initiate when he first entered Masonry , and it was almost impossible for him fully to appreciate the beauties of the Craft , but no doubt when their brother initiate had passed through the other Degrees he would do so to the fullest extent , and value the splendid tenets of Masonry as much as the other members of La Tolerance Lodge did , and would agree with him that there
was no greater or grander institution than Freemasonry . Bro . T . H . Clear , in reply , said he was very pleased to be received into the honourable Craft , but the brethren must excuse him if he did not respond in very eloquent terms . He hoped , as he . began to be better acquainted with the brethren of the lodge , friendship and affection would spring up between him and them , as he believed was proper
m Masonry . The W . M . next gave "The Visitors , " and said he was glad to say La Tolerance Lodge always had a good name for hospitality . While he remained _ Master of the lodge he would do what he could to maintain its very good name . The brethren of the lodge had to thank the visitors for bringing much conviviality to the lodge . Without visitors
things would often seem rather dull , and that evening he had to thank Bro . Cambridge forthe assistance he had given in accompanying those brethren who sang . Though they had a goodly number of visitors , they would have had more but for the Russian epidemic . As Master of the lodge , he gave the visitors a hearty welcome , and he hoped he would see the majority of them very often during his year of office .
He coupled with the toast the names of Bros . Cambridge , Reynolds , Burt , and Stevens . Bro . Cambridge thanked the W . M . for having so kindly alluded to what little he had done , but he was delighted to be of any service to the lodge . As the W . M . had said he hoped to see the visitors again during his year of office , it would not be the fault of the visitors if they did not accept
the offer . Bro . George Reynolds said the kindness and generosity of La Tolerance Lodge to visitors was well known . He was pleased to accept Bro . Skinner ' s invitation . They had travelled many thousand miles together , and when they were on the " briny" they talked of Lodge La Tolerance , and wished it success . He trusted the W . M . would have a very
happy and prosperous year of office . Bro . Burt said that whatever the lustre of Lodge La Tolerance was already , it would have additional lustre shed on it by the present VV . M . during his year . As far as the hospitality of the lodge was concerned , it could not be eulogised too highly . As to the working of the lodge , it was perfect , while as to the banqueting , it left nothing to be desired .
Bro . Stevens said he was very proud to be present that evening to see his old and esteemed friend Bro . William May Clear installed in the chair of the lodge He had the honour of introducing Bro . Clear to that lodge as an initiate , and he was glad to find that in five years he was occupying the position of W . M . He himself had to work much longer for that position ; but then Bro . Clear had shown himself a
very capable member of the lodge . From what they had seen of his work that evening he might say he would make a good Master . He ( Bro . Stevens ) was also very proud to see that evening another brother , whom he esteemed equally with the W . M ., initiated in the lodge , and he trusted they
might all be spared to see him occupying the chair now held by his brother . He ( Bro . Stevens ) had had the honour of introducing Bro . Gooch as a joining member . The lodge was a good one for young men who wanted to come forward , and he was pleased that Bro . Gooch was accepted so cordiall y .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Bro . Nicholls also responded . The W . M ., in proposing "The I . P . M ., " said that while the lodge was under the charge of Bro . Fenn it had lost none of its former lustre . On the contrary , that lustre had increased . The I . P . M . was a man who was very much esteemed by all the brethren in the lodge , asd also at Croydon and other places . He had brought more initiates
into the lodge than any other member ; in fact , the very strong contingent from Croydon was the backbone of the lodge . In leaving the chair of the lodge Bro . Fenn took with him the good feeling of every one of its members . In appreciation of the most able way in which he had discharged his duties , the brethren had delegated him ( the W . M . ) to present Bro . Fenn with a Past Master's jewel , which he had
now the very greatest pleasure in placing on his breast , among , he was happy to say , many other jewels . He would wind up the short speech by quoting a line of Shakespeare , and saying how the I . P . M . '' has deserved commendation , applause , and love . " Bro . Fenn said he was extremely obliged to the W . M . for the kind and gracious way in which he had proposed his
health , and to the brethren for the kind and cordial way in which they had received it . He was at a loss for words to express his thanks for the handsome jewel . It was a jewel which he should always value and look upon with pleasure , as it would recall to his mind a very happy year of office . The year he had passed through had been a very happy one to him in every sense of the word . Masonically and
socially , he must feel that he had been highl y blest , and that jewel especially would bring back to his mind the particular year 1 SS 9 . The W . M . had alluded to the number of initiates he ( Bro . Fenn ) had introduced to the lodge . He hoped it would be his pleasure yet to introduce more members . His interest had always been in the lodge , and Vie hoped it would always continue . The Croydon contingent
no doubt would be the backbone of the lodge , and he hoped the young members who were brought in were learning Masonic ways and ritual , and that they would follow his footsteps and come up ultimately to the chair . Every member of the Croydon contingent who was a Mason was truly a Mason . They had always supported him for his Stewardships for the Charities ; he had made several calls on them ,
but they were never tired of his appeals . It was only a short time ago the S . W . asked him if he was going up next year , as he had ten guineas to give away . Since they had been members of the lodge and been Masons they had well supported the Charities . The W . M . next gave "The Past Masters . " He said durinsr his short career he had had the honour of visiting a
good many lodges , but he had never been to a lodge of which the members wereso few and in which the Past Masters were so numerous . All the visitors would notice what a splendid array of Past Masters there was in the lodge , though one or two were away through illness . The Past
Masters were a great assistance to a W . M . ; they formed a sort of Committee to whom questions which arose could be referred , and the W . M . had in them all the knowledge that was to be had on the subject . Ever since the lodge was formed the different Masters who had occupied the chair had had every assistance from the Past Masters .
Bro . Skinner , P . M ., said it was a great delight to the Past Masters to support the W . M ., and in that lodge they mustered in rather large numbers , but the Worshipful Masters were usually so able that they did not require the assistance of the Past Masters . Bro . Bicknell , P . M ., said it was always a satisfaction to the Past Masters to find themselves so well received . La
Tolerance was a strong lodge in Past Masters , and this fact showed the good opinion the brethren had of their mother lodge . It often happened in a lodge that when a brother had gone up through the different offices he left the lodge , but happily in that lodge the Past Masters still clung , to it . Nothing could show better the high value of the lodge , and that evening they had 11 present—they were only 13 in
number , so that that was nearly the full number present . One of the oldest Past Masters of the lodge , who was initiated some 20 years ago , was still a Past Master and member of the lodge . Therefore that brother set a good example to other members of the lodge by showing that when they had passed the chair they should still remain members . He could assure the brethren that the Past
Masters of La Tolerance Lodge would still cling to it , and would afford every assistance they could to the Master in the chair if anything should happen in which he would require their assistance . Bros . Elvin and Burt also responded briefly . The W . M ., in proposing "The Treasurer and Secretary , Bros . Kench and Sly , " said the lodge was very fortunate
in securing the services of two such Past Masters . During the many years those offices had been in their hands the duties had been carried out with that precision and accuracy that no brother could have the slightest chance of grumbling . Bro . Kench was one of the oldest of the Past Masters in the lodge , and was one of the first English initiates , and he had been Treasurer of thelodge for ovei-20 years . Happily
during that long period Bro . Kench had not been much worried . Whether the balance in hand was large or small he had not had the necessity to invest it in Goschens or Guineas . As to the Secretary , Bro . Sly , his duties had been equally well carried out . His politeness was proverbial and his attention to duty most strict . Bro . Kench , in reply , said that some few years back he
proposed that when the lodge had spare funds a portion should be given to the Masonic Charities until every office in the lodge was endowed . He hoped that after a time they would be enabled to resume that scheme , but he did not think they could do that and give a ladies' banquet as well . As far as he was individually concerned , it was a matter of the most perfect indifference to him whether he had a large
or a small amount of funds in hand . Still , taking great interest in the lodge and in his office of 'Treasurer , he would like to see a good balance in hand . Let them endeavour to be in such a position that they might discharge their duties as Freemasons , and at the same time maintain the lodge so well that it might remain an ornament to the Craft for benevolence and Charity . Bro . Sly , P . M . and Sec , also responded , and promised
to carry out Ins duties m the future as he had in the past . The VV . M ., in giving "The Officers , " said that the Wardens and some of the other officers could perform all the ceremonies of the Craft right through . The J . W . and other officers responded , and the Tyler ' s toast closed a very happy evening , Bros . A . Lister , H . Yates , Jas . Kench , G . L . Lyons , and W . E . Wilby entertained the brethren with some beautiful singing , Bro . Cambridge presiding at the piano .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Alliance Lodge ( No . 1827 ) . —Banquet to the Lord Mayor . —A regular meeting of this lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , on Monday , the 6 th inst ., when Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor was entertained at a banquet . There was a distinguished company of brethren present , including several Grand Officers and numerous officers of the
Corporation . The members present included Bros . Lieut .-Col . J . Perry Godfrey , W . M . ; H . Clarke , I . P . M . ; E . F . Fitch , S . W . ; F . S . Jackson , J . W . ; Rev . J . H . Smith , Chap . ; R . Pawley , Treas . ; J . E . Turner , Sec ; G . J . Scott , S . D . ; E . T . R . Wilde , ) . D . ; B . Emanuel , D . C ; J . C . Whiddington , A . D . C ; T . Roderick , I . G . ; F . A . jewson , Org . ; Capt . V . Dimfee , btwd . ; Col . T . D . Sewell ,
P . M . ; H . Wright , P . M . ; H . Squire , P . M . ; F . Green , P . M . ; P . de Lande Long - , P . G . D . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D . ; A . Peebles , and VV . Westcott . Visitors : Bros , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , S . W . 2127 ; E . Terry , G . Treas . ; F . A . Philbrick , O . C , G , Reg . ; E . Monteuuis , G . S . B .,- W . T . Howe , P . G . P . ; j . H . Matthews , P . G . S . B . ; Dr . I . Zacharie ; T . W . Whitmarsh , G . P . ; G . Girling , 1641 ; T . Beard , P . M . 101 ; E . Dixon , 1 C 27 ; A . Fielder , 1670 ; E . Wild , 9 6 ; J . Stevens , P . M . 720 ; E . Maybrick , G . Org . ;
W . W . Morgan , jun ., 1107 ; C . Isaacson , 1351 ; E . F . Fuller , 16 57 ; E . H . Bramley , 957 ; J . E . Walford , P . M . 177 ; and VV . W . Lee , 18 97 . Lodge was formally opened , but there being no business for transaction , it was closed after Bro . the Ri ght Hon . the Lord Mayor had been received and heartily greeted . Ample justice having been done to a substantial banquet ,
the usual toasts were given and received , " 'I he Oueen and the Craft " and "H . R . H . the M . W . G . M . " being heartily received . In proposing "The Grand Officers , " the W . M . said that with reference to the Earl of Carnarvon and the Earl of Lathom , he would say nothing , because their attention to their duties in the Masonic world were so well known . He
would call their attention to one fact and say how cordially the Alliance Lodge appreciated the presence of Grand Officers that evening . Bro . Edward Terry had been obliged to leave to perform his duties elsewhere , and they in the Masonic world knew that personal duties were to be considered first , which were proper lines to go upon . The Grand Secretary , whom he was pleased to see present , was
always pleased to give them any information in Freemasonry . There was also present the Grand Registrar , Bro . Philbrick , whose genial company was highly appreciated , but not appreciated more in any other lodge than in that over which he had the honour to preside . Bro . Philbrick , whose name he would couple with the toast , rendered great service in the compilation of the Book of Constitutions , and was
always ready whenever required by Grand Lodge to carry out any duties . Bro . F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . R ., in reply , said he supposed it was because one happened to be not quite recovered from a severe cold that it fell to one ' s lot to be in the position of returning thanks that evening . He should equally suppose that almost everyone might plead the same
excuse , and as they were all brethren in the same boat he hoped that each other ' s feelings in that respect would make them wondrous kind . By an accident of the departure of their esteemed brother Terry , whose attractions still hovered for him somewhere near Sweet Lavender , he happened to be the senior officer present that night , and it devolved upon him to return thanks for that toast which had been so well
and so kindly expressed by their VV . M . by way of appreciation of the services of the Grand Officers who assist in what he had rightly called the management of the great Craft of Freemasonry . It was a great and influential body and a power in the land , and he trusted and believed a powerforgood . He was sure it was a power for good when rightly exercised and when the true traditions of the Order were upheld . When
they were sometimes told by their kind friends who had not seen the light that they were a secret Society , and that they were unable to bring their cause to the light of day , he thought they might indeed point to those who were enlisted under the'banner of Freemasonry , embracing some of the greatest and most enlightened in the land . With regard to the two great noblemen associated with the toast they
worthily deserved the confidence of the Craft . Of the great body of Grand Officers they could form some opinion from the quality of those they sawaround them some of whom were numbered in the lodge . He was quite satisfied of thisthat very great service was rendered , and a greatj deal of time cheerfully given up , in order that the con cerns and interests of Masonry might not suffer . For the kin dness
shown in proposing and receiving the toast he begged to offer very sincere thanks . The W . M . said he had next to ask them to drink the toast of the evening—that of " Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor . " Would that he had the eloquence of Bro . Philbrick to do that toast justice , but he was sure the Lord Mayor would take the will for the deed . It was sufficient to
know that no one had arrived at the position of Chief Magistrate of the . first city in England unless he was deserving of that honour , and Bro . Sir Henry Isaacs had proved himself worthy of that post in his mercantile transactions and in the mercantile world . They knew more of him than that , for they knew him in Masonry . It might be that the Lord Mayor had not worked so hard in Masonry
as he did some years ago , but it was within the recollection of some present that he was able to work the 15 Sections , and then be as fresh as ever in the morning . He ( the W . Master ) gave that toast with all sincerity , and with all his heart , and felt certain it would be received in the same spirit . He asked them to drink to the health , long life , and prosperity of Bro . Sir H . Isaacs , the Chief Magistrate of their
great city . Bro . the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , who was warmly received , said : 1 listened with a great deal of respectful attention to the precept of the VV . iVL , who said he would make very short speeches . I listened subsequently to his example in proposing the toast of the M . W . G . M ., and I am afraid his precept was grander than his example . I shall
follow the Worshipful Master ' s precept , and ignore his example . 1 think on such occasions as these a short speech is the better one , unless the longer speech possesses that eloquence which I cannot command . You , Worshipful Master , have spoken of me h \ my capacity
of Lovu Mayor and as a Mason . I scarcely know how 1 shall apportion the great deal of praise given me , whether it is more as Mayor and less as Mason , or more as Mason and less as Mayor . In any case , and in both cases , I am grateful for the compliment paid me . I think there are some points of resemblance between the office I hold as