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Article SUMMER BANQUET OF THE NEW CONCORD LODGE, No. 813. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MACDONALD LODGE, No. 1216. Page 1 of 1 Article MACDONALD LODGE, No. 1216. Page 1 of 1 Article MACDONALD LODGE, No. 1216. Page 1 of 1
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Summer Banquet Of The New Concord Lodge, No. 813.
masonry hadbeenbetterundcrstood by those who rule in high places , the horrors of war which now afflict Europe might have been averted . Speaking of the internal management and working of the lodge , he considered it was most satisfactory . He had an excellent staff of officers , who were not only efficient and attentive in duty , but who worked together in harmony , which was , as it ought to be , one of
the principal characters of Freemasonry . He considered it a great compliment to the New Concord Lodge to be honoured on this occasion by so distinguished a company , and he had therefore great pleasure in proposing the toast , coupled with the name of Bro . Emmens , who was the founder of the lodge . ( Cheers . ) Bro . EMMENS said he had great pleasure in responding
to the toast , for if it afforded so much gratification to the President to witness its prosperity , it could not afford less satisfaction to him , who , as the President remarked , was the founder of it . ( Cheers . ) And that pleasure was enhanced when he looked round on this festive gathering and observed that they were honoured with so much gracs and beauty . He was also much pleased to see Bro .
Bartlett presiding on that occasion , lor the lodge had not a more industrious , devoted , and respected member than he , and with the excellent officers by whom he was assisted , the New Concord could not but fro on as hitherto , happily and prosperous . ( Cheers . ) Bro . HART , P . M ., then proposed the toast of "The President , " and said he could endorse all that Bro .
Emmens had said as to his efficincy and desire to promote the good of the lodge and the comfort of every member . ( Cheers . ) The PRESIDENT briefly responded , and assured the members that no effort should be wanting either to advance the prosperity of the lodge , or to secure the good esteem of its members .
The " Health of the Visitors' was coupled with the names of Bros . Beard , P . M ., and Terry , P . M . Bro . BEARD acknowledged the hospitality of the New Concord Lodge , which he had many times experienced . Bro . TERRY took occasion to allude to the Masonic Charities , and assured the ladies that if Freemasons did sometimes transgress the rules of early closing , they were
engaged in a good work , for , in addition to a vast amount of relief privately bestowed on unfortunate brethren , the Order had established some noble institutions—to wit , a school at Wood Green , containing 150 boys ; a school at Wandsworth , containing about the same number of girls ; and an institution at Croydon for 170 widows , and another foragedbrethren—and for the maintenance of these
institutions provided a sum of £ 18 , 000 to £ 20 , 000 per year . These were the results of the practical application of the principles of Freemasonry . " The Healths of the Past Masters " was responded to by Bro . WILSON . Bro . CUSWORTK replied in a humorous speech for "The Ladies . " Bros . ATKINS , S . W ., SALISBURY , J . W ., and BLYTII
S . D ., responded for the officers . The musical programme was most satisfactorily conducted by the organist to the lodge , Bro . McDavitt , assisted by Miss Eraser , Mdllc . Faucquez , Mr . Hubbard , Mr . Hogan , and Mr . H . Thomas , whose vocal performances during the evening elicited much praise . The thanks of the company was due to the Stewards , and particularly to Bro . Main , P . M ., for the very excellent arrangements which were made .
Macdonald Lodge, No. 1216.
MACDONALD LODGE , No . 1216 .
The usutif . monthly meeting of this flourishing lodge was held on Wednesday , at the Head Quarters of the 1 st Surrey Volunteers , -Brv . nswick-road , Camberwell . Bro . James Stevens , W . M ., presided , and in perfect style rehearsed ithe ceremony of raising , Bro . Walton taking the position . of candidate . In consequence of the death of Bio . George
England , jun ., since the former meeting , it had been arranged that Bro . the Rev . G . II . Portcous , Chaplain of the lodge , should deliver an oration , but much disappointment was felt when lhe time came for the closing of the lodge , that that brother had not arrived . Bro . N . BRIDGES , J . D ., then moved , "That the Secretary be requested to write a letter o [ condolence in
the name of the lodge , to the widow of the late Bro . Geo . England . " Bro . J AMES IIASTIE , D . C , seconded the motion , and the W . M . in putting it to ( he brethren , observed that this was the first occasion lhat the Maedonald Lodge had had to lament the loss of one of its members by death . Thrown into Bro . England's society in Masonry and also elsewhere
they had had an opportunity of discovering his excellent qualities , and it was with feelings of the deepest sorrow and regret that they heard of his loss . Those feelings this lodge would endeavour lo . show by embodying them in lhe resolution which it was proposed to pass . In lhe course of nature death must at some lime separate the members of lhe lodge , but lie hoped thai whi e he
was connected with it the occasion would be rare , and whenever it did happen , he trusted lhat those who were s [ acd would be ready U > show to the deceased ' s rel . iti . es their sympathy with ( hem in the loss ihey had sustained . It was then agreed , that the W . M . should sign ihc letter of condolence , as representing the lodge , and the motion was carried unanimously .
The W . M . brought on his motion , that the sum of five guineas be given for a silver cup , lo be shot for by numbers of the First Surrey Volunteers in Scplcmbe ' , t . ie Maedonald Mark Lodge adding three guineas . This mttion was also carried .
Bro . J . II . IIASTIK brought on his motion to reduce the nimbcr of meetings of the lodge , and after a slight discussion of the matter it was allowed to stmd over . The W . M . announce 1 the receipt from Grand Secretary of the circular giving notice of llie a'ler . iji . ms in the vuies with respect to the Ku-. i . l . it B-- ; ijv . > : ciice , « : i ! after
Macdonald Lodge, No. 1216.
having expressed his regret that the Chaplain was not present to deliver the promised oration , closed the lodge in the three degrees . A cold supper was afterwards served with great taste ind liberality , and the brethren did ample justice to what was set before them . When the cloth was removed , at the request of the W . M ., the challenge cup was placed on
the table and furnished with two bottles of champagne , in which the W . M . pledged the brethren . The cup is of the value of fifty guineas , and is subscribed for by the members of the Macdonaid Lodge . It is of chaste and elegant design , and stands about twenty inches high . On a shield on one side is the inscription , "The Maedonald Lodge Challenge Cup . Presented by the members of the
lodge to the First Surrey Rifle Volunteer Corps for annual competition , by the members of the corps , September , 1870 . Bros , James Stevens , W . M . ; F . T . Dubois , S . W . ; S . H . Wagstaff , J . W . " Figures emblematical , of Faith , Hope and Charity , are underneath , at the top the Maedonald emblem on both sides , with the words "Defence , not Defiance . " The handles arc surmounted
by two dragons , and the plinth is ornamented with some exquisite figure work . The cup gave the greatest satisfaction , and was pronounced by all the brethren present to be one of the prettiest and most elegantly finished pieces of silversmith's work ever witnessed . Its manufacture
was entrusted to Messrs . James Dixon and Son , Sheffield , whose London representative , Bro . Middleton , P . M ., 29 , present as a visitor , was universally complimented on the skill exhibited in the execution of the work . Accompanying the cup will be five guineas to the winner , while the second best shot will be presented with a sum of three
guineas . After the loving cup had been passed round , the customary formal toasts were disposed of with military precision , one of the rules of this lodge being that a certain hour shall he fixed for every step taken , Thus the Tyler ' s toast is given at eleven o ' clock , and to do this punctually all the preceding toasts must be proposed and honoured
with celerity . Bro . T . MEGGY , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " whom he congratulated on his excellent working , to which all the brethren could bear testimony . It was a most fortunate thing for the lodge that it had such a President tor the next twelve months , ami be trusted that it would be for the W . M . a happy year of office .
The W . M ., while thanking the brethren for their cordiality , could not help . informing them that his mind was constantly engaged in thinking of something which would promote the progress of the lodge . It was not so much the duties he performed when in the chair , as the thought he gave for the lodge ' s welfare from day to day , which was arduous . He would , •however , be most unparental if he
had not considerable affection for the Macdonaid Lodge-It was a child of his ; and he had been assisted very materially by the brethren in forming it , and making it what it was . So far as he could see , it would be an honour to the Craft , and he should never regret being one of its founders . The sympathy he had had from the brethren was a source of considerable confidence to him .
Whatever annoyances of daily life he might meet with , they were smoothed over by the reflection that in the Macdonaid Lodge there were kind and generous spirits who appreciated whatever he did . This made his work a labour of love , and he felt they would never be wanting in their support of him after they had placed him at their head . He thanked them very much for their kindness
in drinking the toast proposed by Bro . Meggy , but would now go to that toast which followed in the proper order , and which all the brethren of this lodge appreciated whenever it was given . The toast was that of "The Past Masters . " lie mentioned it in the plural , although there was but one brother who had filled the office of Master of the lodge , and that , loo , for a couple of years . Still they
recognised the services of Bro . Meggy on this occasion , and felt themselves highly honoured in considering him one of their P . M . ' s . He was the first brother who was invested with the P . M . collar during the occupation of the chair of the lodge by the first W . M . He was present now , ami during the remainder of his life it would always give the brethren satisfaction to meet him . Bro . Irvine , the I . P . M .,
he ( the W . M . ) had hoped would be present . It was a desirable thing to secure his presence , because during his year of office he had been , without exception , lhe great stronghold and support of the lodge . His position in the corps had helped materially to bring about the state of prosperity into which the lodge had got , and it would be ungrateful if after all the first Master of the lodge had
done for it they were lo forget his name when drinking t ' le health of lhe Past Misters . Therefore , he coupled llro . Major Irvine , as lhe I . P . M ., withihatof Bm . Meggy , P . M . As for this latter lm . ther , llr . -re was so much of him that iflhey went on talking of him in proportion to his bulk , it would occupy lime till far into the night . Under anv circumstances , he was a very important man ,
ami he ( the W . M . ) was much indebted lo him for his atten lance . The brethren were always much pleased 10 see him . The value of the presence of a P . M . in a lodge conk ! not be over-estimated . It tended to give the W . M . confider . c : ! , and enabled him to do his work correctly . No nutlet' how efficient . 1 W . M . might he , lherc were times when he went a lillle astray , and it was not
al-vays thai lhe ritual would come al a man ' s command . W lenever such a circumstance occurred lhe P . M . ' :. were a . vays able to set the Master straight , and no one was moie useful in that respect than Bro . Miggy . He coneluded by proposing " The h nth of lhe P . W . ' s " I ! ¦ <> . MKGOV regrctlul tl c absence of 1 ! o Ir . i : ic , who
woul . 1 have relumed his best ihanks for the honour c < mlene . l on hint . For himself , he ( Bro . Meggy ) could say that ever since he had been a number of the h d ; e he had been a regular attendant , and he could honestly say lhat , in the whole of his Masonic career , he ha 1 seldom seen a M ti ' er v .- ! i 1 h 1 I u "; i ki' I ill . ' tvrein m ! es : ri I rule I over a o / : si nvll . li : ' ,. ; I . ^ 1 1 ' . 1 . ) . hl >! , i : ) ' f . ; e b ' . eh . v ' . i
Macdonald Lodge, No. 1216.
on his behalf , he congratulated the lodge on having had so able a Master to start them . The first year was the great point with a lodge , and if they could tide over the first two or three years in any lodge , they might rely on its being a success . It was an excellent thing for the Macdonaid Lodge that it had had such an admirable ruler . He could quite understand the brethren wishing Bro .
Irvine to take the office for two years , as it was very much , for the benefit of the lodge that he should do so . If he ( Bro . Meggy ) had been of any use , he was amply rewarded by such an acknowledgment being made . As long as he belonged to the lodge , which he hoped would be a very long time , he would as often as possible come among the brethren to renew his acquaintance with the First Surrey
Rifles , and to acknowledge personally the affectionate regard which they gave expression to whenever he met them . The W . M . next proposed "The Visitors , " a toast which was always gratifying to the members of the Macdonaid Lodge . He looked back to the time when they did not sit down after business was concluded , but were
only called oil to refreshment ; but , even then , this toast was always honoured . The same cordiality which they had then they had now . Although the affair of to-night was very humble , it was considered better to have it so than to throw themselves into debt for the purpose of showing their visitors hospitality—a hospitality they could not afford . The brethren who were visitors he knew
personally as old and tried Masons , who had the same feelings on this subject as himself , and would not desire that in honour to them anything should be done detrimental to the interests of the lodge . They would rather come among their brethren for the society , the comfort , and the geniality they experienced ; and the Macdonaid Lodge was therefore not ashamed of what it set before them . Bro .
Middleton , the London manager of Messrs . Dixon and Son , of Sheffield—who had so ably carried out the wishes of tlie lodge in the manufacture of the magnificent cup which was to be shot for next month—was one of these , and Bro . Wolpcrt , a P . M . of the Panmure . For Bro . Middleton he must say that , having followed the views of the brethren with regard to the cup , he was always
welcome to visit the lodge to look at the work he had so well carried out . Having spoken in terms of great praise of the other visitor , the W . M . concluded by giving the toast . Bro . MIDDLETON responded . The W . M . was sorry , in proposing the next toast" The Wardens "—that the order in which the toasts were
given prevented that of the working officers of the lodge being referred to in such terms as it justified . Without a great deal of zeal in the assistance given by these officers it was impossible that the business could be properly done . Without a good army of soldiers a general could do nothing ; even with a good army , recent events had proved generals could not always win . ( Laughter . ) But
still there was no denying the fact that , without proper men in the army , generals were powerless , and without good officers in a lodge , the means of carrying the business on would not exist . Bros . Dubois , S . W ., and Wagstaff , J . W ., were excellent officers . Bro . Wagstaff was , however , unable to be present , but he had sent an apolopy , which was the next best thing to his presence .
Bro . Dubois did more . He had done what put him ( the W . M . ) in mind of applications for leave on the night of inspection . He had sent a letter saying he could not come , and afterwards came . Bro . Dubois , as W . M . and P . M . of other lodges , knew how important it was for a Master to be well supported , and that he should have notice when an officer was going to be absent . He had ,
therefore , given htm notice , and afforded him an opportunity of temporarily supplying his place . For the assistance which the officers rendered the W . M . he was much obliged , and begged to acknowledge it in the toast which he proposed . Bro . Dunois was exceedingly sorry that he was not present during the working of the lodge ; but he was
happy to find that his substitute had discharged his duties efficiently . It was a very great honour to be an officer of the Macdonaid Lodge , and he hoped that next year he might be in the same office as he was nowf and that the present Master , as captain of this lodge , would for another year preside over them . In that case , he ( Bro . Dubois ) would be but too happy to act as one of his subaltern
officers . The W . M . said he hoped that precedence would not be followed . It was not a desirable rule lo establish . The W . M . next proposed the Treasurer , Bro . Croniii ; Bro . Curtis , Secrclary , and the rest of the officers , coupling willi it lhe Masonic Charities . These charities were all admiiablc , and the giant strides they were
miking were wonderful , even in the annals of litis charitable country . They stood foremost and prominent as the finest charities iu England , and he hoped they would continue to do so . Bro . CuRTlsrep ' . icd , and the brethren shortly afterwards separated .
The following is a lisi of those present : Bros . James Stevens , W . M . ; — Meggy , P . M . ; J . J . Curtis , S . D . ; G . Waterall , S . D . ; N . Bridges , J . D . ; James IIastie , D . C . ; and Bros . Shairp , Larlhant , Newton , Francis , Williams , Ilammcrton , and Walton . The visitors were Bros . J . E . Middleton , P . M . No . 20 : II . Massev , P . M . No . Oio , and J . B . Wolpert , P . M . No . 720 .
Axnccountofthegcology of the desert of Atacama , in Chili , has been written by M . Pissiz . A GERMAN translation of " In Memoriam" has appeared , under the title " Frendcs-KIagc . " Tmc Granite Lodge , No . 1328 , will be consccrrf tc 1 on S . nur . lay next , at the Freemasons' Hall , by W . I ' rJ . J . i'iie 1 ! ell , G . P .. ns , \ s-cl by Bro . R . W . ittle , f ' .-. iv . ( i . ec e ' . arv of Mi Idlest-: ; .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Summer Banquet Of The New Concord Lodge, No. 813.
masonry hadbeenbetterundcrstood by those who rule in high places , the horrors of war which now afflict Europe might have been averted . Speaking of the internal management and working of the lodge , he considered it was most satisfactory . He had an excellent staff of officers , who were not only efficient and attentive in duty , but who worked together in harmony , which was , as it ought to be , one of
the principal characters of Freemasonry . He considered it a great compliment to the New Concord Lodge to be honoured on this occasion by so distinguished a company , and he had therefore great pleasure in proposing the toast , coupled with the name of Bro . Emmens , who was the founder of the lodge . ( Cheers . ) Bro . EMMENS said he had great pleasure in responding
to the toast , for if it afforded so much gratification to the President to witness its prosperity , it could not afford less satisfaction to him , who , as the President remarked , was the founder of it . ( Cheers . ) And that pleasure was enhanced when he looked round on this festive gathering and observed that they were honoured with so much gracs and beauty . He was also much pleased to see Bro .
Bartlett presiding on that occasion , lor the lodge had not a more industrious , devoted , and respected member than he , and with the excellent officers by whom he was assisted , the New Concord could not but fro on as hitherto , happily and prosperous . ( Cheers . ) Bro . HART , P . M ., then proposed the toast of "The President , " and said he could endorse all that Bro .
Emmens had said as to his efficincy and desire to promote the good of the lodge and the comfort of every member . ( Cheers . ) The PRESIDENT briefly responded , and assured the members that no effort should be wanting either to advance the prosperity of the lodge , or to secure the good esteem of its members .
The " Health of the Visitors' was coupled with the names of Bros . Beard , P . M ., and Terry , P . M . Bro . BEARD acknowledged the hospitality of the New Concord Lodge , which he had many times experienced . Bro . TERRY took occasion to allude to the Masonic Charities , and assured the ladies that if Freemasons did sometimes transgress the rules of early closing , they were
engaged in a good work , for , in addition to a vast amount of relief privately bestowed on unfortunate brethren , the Order had established some noble institutions—to wit , a school at Wood Green , containing 150 boys ; a school at Wandsworth , containing about the same number of girls ; and an institution at Croydon for 170 widows , and another foragedbrethren—and for the maintenance of these
institutions provided a sum of £ 18 , 000 to £ 20 , 000 per year . These were the results of the practical application of the principles of Freemasonry . " The Healths of the Past Masters " was responded to by Bro . WILSON . Bro . CUSWORTK replied in a humorous speech for "The Ladies . " Bros . ATKINS , S . W ., SALISBURY , J . W ., and BLYTII
S . D ., responded for the officers . The musical programme was most satisfactorily conducted by the organist to the lodge , Bro . McDavitt , assisted by Miss Eraser , Mdllc . Faucquez , Mr . Hubbard , Mr . Hogan , and Mr . H . Thomas , whose vocal performances during the evening elicited much praise . The thanks of the company was due to the Stewards , and particularly to Bro . Main , P . M ., for the very excellent arrangements which were made .
Macdonald Lodge, No. 1216.
MACDONALD LODGE , No . 1216 .
The usutif . monthly meeting of this flourishing lodge was held on Wednesday , at the Head Quarters of the 1 st Surrey Volunteers , -Brv . nswick-road , Camberwell . Bro . James Stevens , W . M ., presided , and in perfect style rehearsed ithe ceremony of raising , Bro . Walton taking the position . of candidate . In consequence of the death of Bio . George
England , jun ., since the former meeting , it had been arranged that Bro . the Rev . G . II . Portcous , Chaplain of the lodge , should deliver an oration , but much disappointment was felt when lhe time came for the closing of the lodge , that that brother had not arrived . Bro . N . BRIDGES , J . D ., then moved , "That the Secretary be requested to write a letter o [ condolence in
the name of the lodge , to the widow of the late Bro . Geo . England . " Bro . J AMES IIASTIE , D . C , seconded the motion , and the W . M . in putting it to ( he brethren , observed that this was the first occasion lhat the Maedonald Lodge had had to lament the loss of one of its members by death . Thrown into Bro . England's society in Masonry and also elsewhere
they had had an opportunity of discovering his excellent qualities , and it was with feelings of the deepest sorrow and regret that they heard of his loss . Those feelings this lodge would endeavour lo . show by embodying them in lhe resolution which it was proposed to pass . In lhe course of nature death must at some lime separate the members of lhe lodge , but lie hoped thai whi e he
was connected with it the occasion would be rare , and whenever it did happen , he trusted lhat those who were s [ acd would be ready U > show to the deceased ' s rel . iti . es their sympathy with ( hem in the loss ihey had sustained . It was then agreed , that the W . M . should sign ihc letter of condolence , as representing the lodge , and the motion was carried unanimously .
The W . M . brought on his motion , that the sum of five guineas be given for a silver cup , lo be shot for by numbers of the First Surrey Volunteers in Scplcmbe ' , t . ie Maedonald Mark Lodge adding three guineas . This mttion was also carried .
Bro . J . II . IIASTIK brought on his motion to reduce the nimbcr of meetings of the lodge , and after a slight discussion of the matter it was allowed to stmd over . The W . M . announce 1 the receipt from Grand Secretary of the circular giving notice of llie a'ler . iji . ms in the vuies with respect to the Ku-. i . l . it B-- ; ijv . > : ciice , « : i ! after
Macdonald Lodge, No. 1216.
having expressed his regret that the Chaplain was not present to deliver the promised oration , closed the lodge in the three degrees . A cold supper was afterwards served with great taste ind liberality , and the brethren did ample justice to what was set before them . When the cloth was removed , at the request of the W . M ., the challenge cup was placed on
the table and furnished with two bottles of champagne , in which the W . M . pledged the brethren . The cup is of the value of fifty guineas , and is subscribed for by the members of the Macdonaid Lodge . It is of chaste and elegant design , and stands about twenty inches high . On a shield on one side is the inscription , "The Maedonald Lodge Challenge Cup . Presented by the members of the
lodge to the First Surrey Rifle Volunteer Corps for annual competition , by the members of the corps , September , 1870 . Bros , James Stevens , W . M . ; F . T . Dubois , S . W . ; S . H . Wagstaff , J . W . " Figures emblematical , of Faith , Hope and Charity , are underneath , at the top the Maedonald emblem on both sides , with the words "Defence , not Defiance . " The handles arc surmounted
by two dragons , and the plinth is ornamented with some exquisite figure work . The cup gave the greatest satisfaction , and was pronounced by all the brethren present to be one of the prettiest and most elegantly finished pieces of silversmith's work ever witnessed . Its manufacture
was entrusted to Messrs . James Dixon and Son , Sheffield , whose London representative , Bro . Middleton , P . M ., 29 , present as a visitor , was universally complimented on the skill exhibited in the execution of the work . Accompanying the cup will be five guineas to the winner , while the second best shot will be presented with a sum of three
guineas . After the loving cup had been passed round , the customary formal toasts were disposed of with military precision , one of the rules of this lodge being that a certain hour shall he fixed for every step taken , Thus the Tyler ' s toast is given at eleven o ' clock , and to do this punctually all the preceding toasts must be proposed and honoured
with celerity . Bro . T . MEGGY , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " whom he congratulated on his excellent working , to which all the brethren could bear testimony . It was a most fortunate thing for the lodge that it had such a President tor the next twelve months , ami be trusted that it would be for the W . M . a happy year of office .
The W . M ., while thanking the brethren for their cordiality , could not help . informing them that his mind was constantly engaged in thinking of something which would promote the progress of the lodge . It was not so much the duties he performed when in the chair , as the thought he gave for the lodge ' s welfare from day to day , which was arduous . He would , •however , be most unparental if he
had not considerable affection for the Macdonaid Lodge-It was a child of his ; and he had been assisted very materially by the brethren in forming it , and making it what it was . So far as he could see , it would be an honour to the Craft , and he should never regret being one of its founders . The sympathy he had had from the brethren was a source of considerable confidence to him .
Whatever annoyances of daily life he might meet with , they were smoothed over by the reflection that in the Macdonaid Lodge there were kind and generous spirits who appreciated whatever he did . This made his work a labour of love , and he felt they would never be wanting in their support of him after they had placed him at their head . He thanked them very much for their kindness
in drinking the toast proposed by Bro . Meggy , but would now go to that toast which followed in the proper order , and which all the brethren of this lodge appreciated whenever it was given . The toast was that of "The Past Masters . " lie mentioned it in the plural , although there was but one brother who had filled the office of Master of the lodge , and that , loo , for a couple of years . Still they
recognised the services of Bro . Meggy on this occasion , and felt themselves highly honoured in considering him one of their P . M . ' s . He was the first brother who was invested with the P . M . collar during the occupation of the chair of the lodge by the first W . M . He was present now , ami during the remainder of his life it would always give the brethren satisfaction to meet him . Bro . Irvine , the I . P . M .,
he ( the W . M . ) had hoped would be present . It was a desirable thing to secure his presence , because during his year of office he had been , without exception , lhe great stronghold and support of the lodge . His position in the corps had helped materially to bring about the state of prosperity into which the lodge had got , and it would be ungrateful if after all the first Master of the lodge had
done for it they were lo forget his name when drinking t ' le health of lhe Past Misters . Therefore , he coupled llro . Major Irvine , as lhe I . P . M ., withihatof Bm . Meggy , P . M . As for this latter lm . ther , llr . -re was so much of him that iflhey went on talking of him in proportion to his bulk , it would occupy lime till far into the night . Under anv circumstances , he was a very important man ,
ami he ( the W . M . ) was much indebted lo him for his atten lance . The brethren were always much pleased 10 see him . The value of the presence of a P . M . in a lodge conk ! not be over-estimated . It tended to give the W . M . confider . c : ! , and enabled him to do his work correctly . No nutlet' how efficient . 1 W . M . might he , lherc were times when he went a lillle astray , and it was not
al-vays thai lhe ritual would come al a man ' s command . W lenever such a circumstance occurred lhe P . M . ' :. were a . vays able to set the Master straight , and no one was moie useful in that respect than Bro . Miggy . He coneluded by proposing " The h nth of lhe P . W . ' s " I ! ¦ <> . MKGOV regrctlul tl c absence of 1 ! o Ir . i : ic , who
woul . 1 have relumed his best ihanks for the honour c < mlene . l on hint . For himself , he ( Bro . Meggy ) could say that ever since he had been a number of the h d ; e he had been a regular attendant , and he could honestly say lhat , in the whole of his Masonic career , he ha 1 seldom seen a M ti ' er v .- ! i 1 h 1 I u "; i ki' I ill . ' tvrein m ! es : ri I rule I over a o / : si nvll . li : ' ,. ; I . ^ 1 1 ' . 1 . ) . hl >! , i : ) ' f . ; e b ' . eh . v ' . i
Macdonald Lodge, No. 1216.
on his behalf , he congratulated the lodge on having had so able a Master to start them . The first year was the great point with a lodge , and if they could tide over the first two or three years in any lodge , they might rely on its being a success . It was an excellent thing for the Macdonaid Lodge that it had had such an admirable ruler . He could quite understand the brethren wishing Bro .
Irvine to take the office for two years , as it was very much , for the benefit of the lodge that he should do so . If he ( Bro . Meggy ) had been of any use , he was amply rewarded by such an acknowledgment being made . As long as he belonged to the lodge , which he hoped would be a very long time , he would as often as possible come among the brethren to renew his acquaintance with the First Surrey
Rifles , and to acknowledge personally the affectionate regard which they gave expression to whenever he met them . The W . M . next proposed "The Visitors , " a toast which was always gratifying to the members of the Macdonaid Lodge . He looked back to the time when they did not sit down after business was concluded , but were
only called oil to refreshment ; but , even then , this toast was always honoured . The same cordiality which they had then they had now . Although the affair of to-night was very humble , it was considered better to have it so than to throw themselves into debt for the purpose of showing their visitors hospitality—a hospitality they could not afford . The brethren who were visitors he knew
personally as old and tried Masons , who had the same feelings on this subject as himself , and would not desire that in honour to them anything should be done detrimental to the interests of the lodge . They would rather come among their brethren for the society , the comfort , and the geniality they experienced ; and the Macdonaid Lodge was therefore not ashamed of what it set before them . Bro .
Middleton , the London manager of Messrs . Dixon and Son , of Sheffield—who had so ably carried out the wishes of tlie lodge in the manufacture of the magnificent cup which was to be shot for next month—was one of these , and Bro . Wolpcrt , a P . M . of the Panmure . For Bro . Middleton he must say that , having followed the views of the brethren with regard to the cup , he was always
welcome to visit the lodge to look at the work he had so well carried out . Having spoken in terms of great praise of the other visitor , the W . M . concluded by giving the toast . Bro . MIDDLETON responded . The W . M . was sorry , in proposing the next toast" The Wardens "—that the order in which the toasts were
given prevented that of the working officers of the lodge being referred to in such terms as it justified . Without a great deal of zeal in the assistance given by these officers it was impossible that the business could be properly done . Without a good army of soldiers a general could do nothing ; even with a good army , recent events had proved generals could not always win . ( Laughter . ) But
still there was no denying the fact that , without proper men in the army , generals were powerless , and without good officers in a lodge , the means of carrying the business on would not exist . Bros . Dubois , S . W ., and Wagstaff , J . W ., were excellent officers . Bro . Wagstaff was , however , unable to be present , but he had sent an apolopy , which was the next best thing to his presence .
Bro . Dubois did more . He had done what put him ( the W . M . ) in mind of applications for leave on the night of inspection . He had sent a letter saying he could not come , and afterwards came . Bro . Dubois , as W . M . and P . M . of other lodges , knew how important it was for a Master to be well supported , and that he should have notice when an officer was going to be absent . He had ,
therefore , given htm notice , and afforded him an opportunity of temporarily supplying his place . For the assistance which the officers rendered the W . M . he was much obliged , and begged to acknowledge it in the toast which he proposed . Bro . Dunois was exceedingly sorry that he was not present during the working of the lodge ; but he was
happy to find that his substitute had discharged his duties efficiently . It was a very great honour to be an officer of the Macdonaid Lodge , and he hoped that next year he might be in the same office as he was nowf and that the present Master , as captain of this lodge , would for another year preside over them . In that case , he ( Bro . Dubois ) would be but too happy to act as one of his subaltern
officers . The W . M . said he hoped that precedence would not be followed . It was not a desirable rule lo establish . The W . M . next proposed the Treasurer , Bro . Croniii ; Bro . Curtis , Secrclary , and the rest of the officers , coupling willi it lhe Masonic Charities . These charities were all admiiablc , and the giant strides they were
miking were wonderful , even in the annals of litis charitable country . They stood foremost and prominent as the finest charities iu England , and he hoped they would continue to do so . Bro . CuRTlsrep ' . icd , and the brethren shortly afterwards separated .
The following is a lisi of those present : Bros . James Stevens , W . M . ; — Meggy , P . M . ; J . J . Curtis , S . D . ; G . Waterall , S . D . ; N . Bridges , J . D . ; James IIastie , D . C . ; and Bros . Shairp , Larlhant , Newton , Francis , Williams , Ilammcrton , and Walton . The visitors were Bros . J . E . Middleton , P . M . No . 20 : II . Massev , P . M . No . Oio , and J . B . Wolpert , P . M . No . 720 .
Axnccountofthegcology of the desert of Atacama , in Chili , has been written by M . Pissiz . A GERMAN translation of " In Memoriam" has appeared , under the title " Frendcs-KIagc . " Tmc Granite Lodge , No . 1328 , will be consccrrf tc 1 on S . nur . lay next , at the Freemasons' Hall , by W . I ' rJ . J . i'iie 1 ! ell , G . P .. ns , \ s-cl by Bro . R . W . ittle , f ' .-. iv . ( i . ec e ' . arv of Mi Idlest-: ; .