-
Articles/Ads
Article CONSECRATION OF THE CHOUGH LODGE, No. 2264. ← Page 2 of 3 Article CONSECRATION OF THE CHOUGH LODGE, No. 2264. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Chough Lodge, No. 2264.
Richardson , P . G . D ., as D . of C . ; and Bro . H . M . Hobbs , P . J . G . W . Surrey , aS I . G . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . F . H . Horscroft , who was assisted by Bros . J . Brown , R . Hilton , A . James , E . Dalzell , and Turle Lee . The following is a list of the brethren who attended :
Bros . C . T . Edwards , G . J . Judge , W . J . Noad , N . Saxelby , Walter B . Marcus , Robt . Thornton , E . Piggott , J . W . Dewsnap , Charles Mussared , W . H . Freling , P . M . 765 ; R . -Tilling , P . M ., Sec . 765 ; A . J . Dudgeon , P . P . G . D . Essex , P . M . 2006 ; H . Cattermole , p M . 1839 ; Alfred J . Dixie , P . G . D . Essex , P . M . 453 ; Michael Watson , 1706 , 2001 ; H Stockwell , P . M . 1178 ; George Cordwell , P . M . 3 ; J . Porter , I . P . M . 117 S ; Thos . R " Miller , 5 S ; Chas . G . Marcus , 1593 ; G . W . Hatch , P . M . 153 S ; O . T . Freyer , 1 VV . 897 ; C . A . Body , 7 SS ; Alfred H . Bulow , 619 ; Arthur Ashby , 619 ; John T . Griffith , P . M . 2000 ; T . H . Hicks . 1597 ; H . Wood , 788 ; H . M . Hobbs , P . J . G . W . \ Jll , l > ..., I •* - * J ^ # . ' ¦ , , J --- •' -- - *« . *•* — , ~ . J . — . ..
-Surrey ; Henry Bagshott , 1 S 0 ; F . H . Horscroft , 211 ; W . J . Dyer , 211 ; B . R . Bryant , P . M . 1329 ; C . Sheath , 1507 ; G . Spurgeon , J . W . 558 ; J . F . Mills , Prov . G . Stwd . Cambridge ; F . H . Heavens , P . M . 977 ; G . W . Anderson , W . M . 1657 ; Turle Lee , Robert Hilton , Albert James , 1706 ; Edwd . Dalzell , P . M . 1549 ; F . Dunn , 73 j James A . Brown , 1672 ; C . Curtis . I . G . 1305 ; G . Skudon , P . M . 165 ; H . Massey , P . M . 6 igand 192 S ; S . Silver , S . D . 1544 ; W . Cain , W . M . and P . M . 1597 ; Walter Martin , P . M . S 79 ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; E . H . Dowsett , 79 ; Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . W . ; T . Newton , 548 ; Richard Clowes , 1706 ; and James C . Hayes , P . M . 619 .
After the formal opening of the lodge , Col . SHADWELL CLERKE addressed the brethren , and said that they were assembled on that very solemn and interesting occasion to perform a ceremony which probably some of the brethren had not had an opportunity of seeing before . At the present time , when there were a good many lodges , petitioners for a new lodge had fully to justify their claim , and in this
instance the founders of this new lodge did justify it . There existed in the building in which they were assembled a well-known musical society which had among its members many Masons , and a number of gentlemen who wanted to join the Order . These , wishing to keep themselves and their own society still together in Masonry , had applied to the Grand Master for a warrant , and the Grand Master considered their request , and happily
granted their request . The warrant had been issued , and the brethren were met that day for the purpose of giving effect to it , by constituting | and consecrating their new lodge . The founders believed they had a large and very good amount of raw material to work upon , and he hoped and fully believed that they would be very careful and discreet in the selection of their candidates , and carefully consider their character before admitting
them to the lodge , and introduce only those who were able to stand the test most thoroughly , because , as he had frequently said on former occasions , it was very easy , perhaps for the sake of funds , to get men into a lodge , but it was very difficult to get them out . Therefore , he hoped they would take care in the selection of candidates , and get only good men into the lodge , so that they might all be proud of the lodge .
The Rev . R . W . M . POPE , G . C , next delivered the following address : He said—Brethren , it has always been the custom at the consecration of a new lodge that a few words should be spoken to the members on the nature of their obligations . And on such an occasion the most prominent thought which comes to each of us is the wonderful union there is among Masons , and it is when we think of it a very great fact that in all parts of
the globe and all quarters of the world there are to be found men whose hearts beat responsive to our hearts to-day . This is so wherever the Masonic brotherhood is found to dwell . I will not dwell on that bond of union , but will go on and give a few solemn thoughts I wish to dwell in your minds . You are members of that august body called Freemasons , which exists throughout the world . May I remind you of the three great
principles which should be found in the Order—Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth ? Brotherly love , how good a thing it is ; how rarely found in this world . Relief , how noble a thing it is ; and lam glad to say that our Masonic body here in England will at least hold its own with any Masonic Order in the world . Truth , never to speak a base word , or allow a base •thought to pass the lips , but to live as Masons and as gentlemen . Brotherly
love , relief , and truth—three words to which you and I have to live up to , are not an easy standard height to which to attain ; but if I speak of the elements of union among ourselves , how much greater and more solemn is the thought to them with whom we have to deal ? Wisdom , strength , and beauty—three of the great Masonic attributes found in that Great Architect who looks down to-day on our gathering , and who dwells in the
light which no man can approach ; and the strength evolving out chaos this world in which we live , holding each one of us within the hollow of His hand . And the Divine beauty , what shall I say of that ? All things that are lovely , all things that are ot good report , all things that are noble , are found in ten thousand times ten thousand greater proportion in the Almighty Maker . These are solemn thoughts when we
found a new lodge . To-day we found not only a place for the meeting of friends of a generous brotherhood , but we found , I trust , a place where men may draw nearer to their fellow men and nearer still to God . Brethren , there will come a time when all Masonic symbol shall cease and we shall be face to face with the Great Reality . May I say , as it is our hope , so it is
our prayer , that each of us to-day who assists in this most solemn ceremony may be found acceptable in the sight of the Great Ruler of the Universe when all things become nothing and the earth crumbles into dust ? Now we see through a g lass darkly , but then face to face ; now we know in part , but then shall we know even as also we are known .
These addresses were received with hearty applause , and the ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with and completed . Bro . Edward T . Edwards , P . M ., was afterwards presented to Bro . Col . Clerke , who thereupon installed him as Master of the lodge . Bro . Herbert Saxelb y was appointed to act as I . P . M . for the first year , and the other
officers' collars were bestowed upon Bros . Walter B . Marcus , P . M ., S . W . ; £ eorge J . Judge , P . M ., J . W . ; Herbert Saxelby , P . M ., Treas . ; J . W . Dewsnap , P . M ., Sec ; Charles Mussared , S . D . ; William H . Tomsett , J-D . ; Ebenezer Piggott , I . G . ; Turle Lee , Org . ; William J . Noad , D . C ; Robert Thornton , Stwd . ; and T . Bowler , Tyler .
A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Consecrating Officer and his assistants , and all those brethren were unanimously elected honorary members of the Chough Lodge . The W . M . then proposed his son for initiation at the next meeting of the lodge , which was fixed for the 25 th inst . Lodge was afterwards closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The toasts were subsequently submitted to the brethren .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing the first toast— ' * The Queen fh ^ . Craft " —said that no more difficult task could fall to any one than that which fell to him , to take all the old toasts and introduce them in fresh anguage . Few could do it ; many would fail . Whether he should succeed ° not , or whether in attempting to gild refined gold he should only lacquer , "e did not know ; but he would try to have his words well chosen and few .
Consecration Of The Chough Lodge, No. 2264.
The Consecrating Officer had told the brethren the origin of the lodge—the Chough Musical Society—and , as they knew that music was a most important part of the work in the Grand Lodge above , so the Chough Lodge intended it should be a principal part of the recreation portion of . the Chough Lodge , and the standing toasts of Masonry would be put to the brethren in
very short speeches , and replied to in very short responses . He then proposed " The Oueen and the Craft . " The toasts of "The M . W . G . M . " and "The Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " were next formally proposed by the W . M .
Bro . General Lord J TAYLOUR , J . G . W ., in replying , said he felt highly complimented in being called upon to respond to that toast . The W . M . of the Chough Lodge had said it was laid down in the lodge that the speeches should be distinguished by brevity and point . He certainly should keep to the brevity , and on behalf of those very distinguished brethren
who so ably assisted in ruling the Grand Lodge , the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , as well as the Present and Past Grand Officers , he returned his very sincere thanks for the kind way in which the Worshipful Master had proposed the toast , and for the cordial way in which the brethren had received it .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed " The Consecrating Officer , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , " and said nothing could be more difficult ' than to tell a brother to his face what you thought of him ; but that was a task he had to perform in the face of the Consecrating Officer . He had to tell him what he thought of him , and what the brethren thought of him . Among men of the world it was looked upon as a little out of
good form to speak the truth of a brother when he was present . Well , it was a very good rule to say what was pleasant to their friends to their face , and then what was bad of them behind their backs . But in this instance he wished to say what was good of Col . Shadwell Clerke , and in his presence it was very difficult . However , as no Mason should neglect his duty , it was right he should tell Col . Clerke that the Chough Lodge was much indebted to him for the magnificent style in which he consecrated the lodge . The
brethren learned from it the dignified order of conducting business , and how they should always do everything decently , and in order . The touching and feeling way in which Col . Clerke did the work would not be forgotten by those who saw it . The noble example they would imitate right up to the hilt . In consideration of Col . Clerke ' s feelings , he would say nothing more on that point , but would call upon the brethren to drink his health , and wish him all the happiness he So richly deserved .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S ., in acknowledging the toast , said , as a brother of a somewhat unusually modest and retiring disposition , he could scarcely tell the brethren how much he had been taken aback by the remarks of the W . M . In vain he had suggested to the W . M . that he ( Col . Clerke ) should retire from the room for a few moments , but the W . M . would not listen to it , and therefore he had still to sit and hear all this
abuse . Joking apart , he felt greatly flattered by the far too high encomiums which the W . M . had been good enough to bestow upon him . Of course , he was in duty , as he was in inclination , bound to do his best , and he had done his best , he hoped , to the satisfaction of all the brethren . More than that no one could do ; but he must say he could not take all the credit to himself , for no one could be more sensible than he of the
assistance of his distinguished colleagues—the Grand Chaplain , who gave them a charming and uncoventional oration ; the J . G . W ., Lord John Taylour ; Bro . Philbrick ; Bro . Richardson , without whom he could not get on , who acted as Director of Ceremonies ; and Bro . Hobbs , who guarded the door most efficiently . With their assistance , he managed to get through the ceremony . The Grand Officers were gratified , one and all , with the kind
reception given to them , and they thanked the brethren for the recognition their services had had . They hoped the lodge had a grand future before it , because , as he said in the lodge , they had a magnificent field to work upon , a fine musical society of 600 members , and all bound together ; all men of refinement naturally , or they would not be musical men ; and if out of these materials they did not make a magnificent lodge , it would be their own fault .
Bro . Col . S , HADWELL H . CLERKE next rose , and said that the last time he spoke he made a personal remark about himself , but he was now a rover , and could talk of something outside his own personality . The task was a very agreeable one , because it fell to his prerogative to propose the worthy brother who , by the universal suffrages of the members of this Chough Lodge , now occupied the chair of its first W . M . It had been on very
many occasions his lot to propose the health of Masters on the ni ght of their installation , and also he had proposed the health 01 Masters on the night of the consecration ol lodges , and he did it with great satisfaction , because he felt it was a peculiar toast . He had often said that while it was an honour to a brother to work up in lodges to the top , and get it more or less by seniority , it was an unusual privilege to be the first among his
equals and among the founders of a lodge to be selected by them to take the lead on the first night of the consecration of a new lodge . It showed that the brother must be looked on by them as being the most deserving and fit man to take that position . It was always an exceedingly great comp liment to be the first Master of a lodge , and therefore he congratulated the W . M . of the Chough Lodge on his proud position , for he had succeeded
to a noble heritage , because he ought to have very shortly a large clientele ; he had good men around him now , and it would be his own fault if he did not have a large number in the lodge . He was a P . M . of nine or ten years ' standing , had had great experience , had gone through the mill as it were , and the year would be a good one under his able management . T he lodge would go on very well indeed . The good brother in the chair would do all he could , and that was a great step towards furthering its success . He
( Col . Clerke ) would point out one little matter to show that the W . M . ' s whole soul and heart was in it . He ( Col . Clerke ) had the pleasure of hearing in the lodge the first name proposed for initiation was that of the W . M . ' s own son . It spoke volumes when the W . M . proposed his own son on the first night ; it showed he was going to do his level best . At the same time he congratulated the lodge on having Bro . Edwards for its first W . M ., and he congratulated Bro . Edwards on being in that proud position .
The W . M ., in reply , thought he ought to say " Oh wad some power the giftie gi ' e us to see oursels as ithers see us . " Bro . Col . Clerke find been most flattering in painting his portrait , but he hoped it was a good likeness . Col . Clerke ' s kind remarks took two forms , one which he must pass without
comment , and the other which he must notice . The first related to himself ( the W . M . ) , but the remarks relating to his duties he must say a word about . The advice Col . Clerke had given him , he should , with the aid of the G . A . O . T . U ., try so to follow , that he hoped when at the end of his year of office he handed his ] gavel to his [ successor , the brethren would say
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Chough Lodge, No. 2264.
Richardson , P . G . D ., as D . of C . ; and Bro . H . M . Hobbs , P . J . G . W . Surrey , aS I . G . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Bro . F . H . Horscroft , who was assisted by Bros . J . Brown , R . Hilton , A . James , E . Dalzell , and Turle Lee . The following is a list of the brethren who attended :
Bros . C . T . Edwards , G . J . Judge , W . J . Noad , N . Saxelby , Walter B . Marcus , Robt . Thornton , E . Piggott , J . W . Dewsnap , Charles Mussared , W . H . Freling , P . M . 765 ; R . -Tilling , P . M ., Sec . 765 ; A . J . Dudgeon , P . P . G . D . Essex , P . M . 2006 ; H . Cattermole , p M . 1839 ; Alfred J . Dixie , P . G . D . Essex , P . M . 453 ; Michael Watson , 1706 , 2001 ; H Stockwell , P . M . 1178 ; George Cordwell , P . M . 3 ; J . Porter , I . P . M . 117 S ; Thos . R " Miller , 5 S ; Chas . G . Marcus , 1593 ; G . W . Hatch , P . M . 153 S ; O . T . Freyer , 1 VV . 897 ; C . A . Body , 7 SS ; Alfred H . Bulow , 619 ; Arthur Ashby , 619 ; John T . Griffith , P . M . 2000 ; T . H . Hicks . 1597 ; H . Wood , 788 ; H . M . Hobbs , P . J . G . W . \ Jll , l > ..., I •* - * J ^ # . ' ¦ , , J --- •' -- - *« . *•* — , ~ . J . — . ..
-Surrey ; Henry Bagshott , 1 S 0 ; F . H . Horscroft , 211 ; W . J . Dyer , 211 ; B . R . Bryant , P . M . 1329 ; C . Sheath , 1507 ; G . Spurgeon , J . W . 558 ; J . F . Mills , Prov . G . Stwd . Cambridge ; F . H . Heavens , P . M . 977 ; G . W . Anderson , W . M . 1657 ; Turle Lee , Robert Hilton , Albert James , 1706 ; Edwd . Dalzell , P . M . 1549 ; F . Dunn , 73 j James A . Brown , 1672 ; C . Curtis . I . G . 1305 ; G . Skudon , P . M . 165 ; H . Massey , P . M . 6 igand 192 S ; S . Silver , S . D . 1544 ; W . Cain , W . M . and P . M . 1597 ; Walter Martin , P . M . S 79 ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; E . H . Dowsett , 79 ; Sir John B . Monckton , P . G . W . ; T . Newton , 548 ; Richard Clowes , 1706 ; and James C . Hayes , P . M . 619 .
After the formal opening of the lodge , Col . SHADWELL CLERKE addressed the brethren , and said that they were assembled on that very solemn and interesting occasion to perform a ceremony which probably some of the brethren had not had an opportunity of seeing before . At the present time , when there were a good many lodges , petitioners for a new lodge had fully to justify their claim , and in this
instance the founders of this new lodge did justify it . There existed in the building in which they were assembled a well-known musical society which had among its members many Masons , and a number of gentlemen who wanted to join the Order . These , wishing to keep themselves and their own society still together in Masonry , had applied to the Grand Master for a warrant , and the Grand Master considered their request , and happily
granted their request . The warrant had been issued , and the brethren were met that day for the purpose of giving effect to it , by constituting | and consecrating their new lodge . The founders believed they had a large and very good amount of raw material to work upon , and he hoped and fully believed that they would be very careful and discreet in the selection of their candidates , and carefully consider their character before admitting
them to the lodge , and introduce only those who were able to stand the test most thoroughly , because , as he had frequently said on former occasions , it was very easy , perhaps for the sake of funds , to get men into a lodge , but it was very difficult to get them out . Therefore , he hoped they would take care in the selection of candidates , and get only good men into the lodge , so that they might all be proud of the lodge .
The Rev . R . W . M . POPE , G . C , next delivered the following address : He said—Brethren , it has always been the custom at the consecration of a new lodge that a few words should be spoken to the members on the nature of their obligations . And on such an occasion the most prominent thought which comes to each of us is the wonderful union there is among Masons , and it is when we think of it a very great fact that in all parts of
the globe and all quarters of the world there are to be found men whose hearts beat responsive to our hearts to-day . This is so wherever the Masonic brotherhood is found to dwell . I will not dwell on that bond of union , but will go on and give a few solemn thoughts I wish to dwell in your minds . You are members of that august body called Freemasons , which exists throughout the world . May I remind you of the three great
principles which should be found in the Order—Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth ? Brotherly love , how good a thing it is ; how rarely found in this world . Relief , how noble a thing it is ; and lam glad to say that our Masonic body here in England will at least hold its own with any Masonic Order in the world . Truth , never to speak a base word , or allow a base •thought to pass the lips , but to live as Masons and as gentlemen . Brotherly
love , relief , and truth—three words to which you and I have to live up to , are not an easy standard height to which to attain ; but if I speak of the elements of union among ourselves , how much greater and more solemn is the thought to them with whom we have to deal ? Wisdom , strength , and beauty—three of the great Masonic attributes found in that Great Architect who looks down to-day on our gathering , and who dwells in the
light which no man can approach ; and the strength evolving out chaos this world in which we live , holding each one of us within the hollow of His hand . And the Divine beauty , what shall I say of that ? All things that are lovely , all things that are ot good report , all things that are noble , are found in ten thousand times ten thousand greater proportion in the Almighty Maker . These are solemn thoughts when we
found a new lodge . To-day we found not only a place for the meeting of friends of a generous brotherhood , but we found , I trust , a place where men may draw nearer to their fellow men and nearer still to God . Brethren , there will come a time when all Masonic symbol shall cease and we shall be face to face with the Great Reality . May I say , as it is our hope , so it is
our prayer , that each of us to-day who assists in this most solemn ceremony may be found acceptable in the sight of the Great Ruler of the Universe when all things become nothing and the earth crumbles into dust ? Now we see through a g lass darkly , but then face to face ; now we know in part , but then shall we know even as also we are known .
These addresses were received with hearty applause , and the ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with and completed . Bro . Edward T . Edwards , P . M ., was afterwards presented to Bro . Col . Clerke , who thereupon installed him as Master of the lodge . Bro . Herbert Saxelb y was appointed to act as I . P . M . for the first year , and the other
officers' collars were bestowed upon Bros . Walter B . Marcus , P . M ., S . W . ; £ eorge J . Judge , P . M ., J . W . ; Herbert Saxelby , P . M ., Treas . ; J . W . Dewsnap , P . M ., Sec ; Charles Mussared , S . D . ; William H . Tomsett , J-D . ; Ebenezer Piggott , I . G . ; Turle Lee , Org . ; William J . Noad , D . C ; Robert Thornton , Stwd . ; and T . Bowler , Tyler .
A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Consecrating Officer and his assistants , and all those brethren were unanimously elected honorary members of the Chough Lodge . The W . M . then proposed his son for initiation at the next meeting of the lodge , which was fixed for the 25 th inst . Lodge was afterwards closed , and the brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet . The toasts were subsequently submitted to the brethren .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing the first toast— ' * The Queen fh ^ . Craft " —said that no more difficult task could fall to any one than that which fell to him , to take all the old toasts and introduce them in fresh anguage . Few could do it ; many would fail . Whether he should succeed ° not , or whether in attempting to gild refined gold he should only lacquer , "e did not know ; but he would try to have his words well chosen and few .
Consecration Of The Chough Lodge, No. 2264.
The Consecrating Officer had told the brethren the origin of the lodge—the Chough Musical Society—and , as they knew that music was a most important part of the work in the Grand Lodge above , so the Chough Lodge intended it should be a principal part of the recreation portion of . the Chough Lodge , and the standing toasts of Masonry would be put to the brethren in
very short speeches , and replied to in very short responses . He then proposed " The Oueen and the Craft . " The toasts of "The M . W . G . M . " and "The Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , " were next formally proposed by the W . M .
Bro . General Lord J TAYLOUR , J . G . W ., in replying , said he felt highly complimented in being called upon to respond to that toast . The W . M . of the Chough Lodge had said it was laid down in the lodge that the speeches should be distinguished by brevity and point . He certainly should keep to the brevity , and on behalf of those very distinguished brethren
who so ably assisted in ruling the Grand Lodge , the Pro Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , as well as the Present and Past Grand Officers , he returned his very sincere thanks for the kind way in which the Worshipful Master had proposed the toast , and for the cordial way in which the brethren had received it .
The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed " The Consecrating Officer , Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , " and said nothing could be more difficult ' than to tell a brother to his face what you thought of him ; but that was a task he had to perform in the face of the Consecrating Officer . He had to tell him what he thought of him , and what the brethren thought of him . Among men of the world it was looked upon as a little out of
good form to speak the truth of a brother when he was present . Well , it was a very good rule to say what was pleasant to their friends to their face , and then what was bad of them behind their backs . But in this instance he wished to say what was good of Col . Shadwell Clerke , and in his presence it was very difficult . However , as no Mason should neglect his duty , it was right he should tell Col . Clerke that the Chough Lodge was much indebted to him for the magnificent style in which he consecrated the lodge . The
brethren learned from it the dignified order of conducting business , and how they should always do everything decently , and in order . The touching and feeling way in which Col . Clerke did the work would not be forgotten by those who saw it . The noble example they would imitate right up to the hilt . In consideration of Col . Clerke ' s feelings , he would say nothing more on that point , but would call upon the brethren to drink his health , and wish him all the happiness he So richly deserved .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S ., in acknowledging the toast , said , as a brother of a somewhat unusually modest and retiring disposition , he could scarcely tell the brethren how much he had been taken aback by the remarks of the W . M . In vain he had suggested to the W . M . that he ( Col . Clerke ) should retire from the room for a few moments , but the W . M . would not listen to it , and therefore he had still to sit and hear all this
abuse . Joking apart , he felt greatly flattered by the far too high encomiums which the W . M . had been good enough to bestow upon him . Of course , he was in duty , as he was in inclination , bound to do his best , and he had done his best , he hoped , to the satisfaction of all the brethren . More than that no one could do ; but he must say he could not take all the credit to himself , for no one could be more sensible than he of the
assistance of his distinguished colleagues—the Grand Chaplain , who gave them a charming and uncoventional oration ; the J . G . W ., Lord John Taylour ; Bro . Philbrick ; Bro . Richardson , without whom he could not get on , who acted as Director of Ceremonies ; and Bro . Hobbs , who guarded the door most efficiently . With their assistance , he managed to get through the ceremony . The Grand Officers were gratified , one and all , with the kind
reception given to them , and they thanked the brethren for the recognition their services had had . They hoped the lodge had a grand future before it , because , as he said in the lodge , they had a magnificent field to work upon , a fine musical society of 600 members , and all bound together ; all men of refinement naturally , or they would not be musical men ; and if out of these materials they did not make a magnificent lodge , it would be their own fault .
Bro . Col . S , HADWELL H . CLERKE next rose , and said that the last time he spoke he made a personal remark about himself , but he was now a rover , and could talk of something outside his own personality . The task was a very agreeable one , because it fell to his prerogative to propose the worthy brother who , by the universal suffrages of the members of this Chough Lodge , now occupied the chair of its first W . M . It had been on very
many occasions his lot to propose the health of Masters on the ni ght of their installation , and also he had proposed the health 01 Masters on the night of the consecration ol lodges , and he did it with great satisfaction , because he felt it was a peculiar toast . He had often said that while it was an honour to a brother to work up in lodges to the top , and get it more or less by seniority , it was an unusual privilege to be the first among his
equals and among the founders of a lodge to be selected by them to take the lead on the first night of the consecration of a new lodge . It showed that the brother must be looked on by them as being the most deserving and fit man to take that position . It was always an exceedingly great comp liment to be the first Master of a lodge , and therefore he congratulated the W . M . of the Chough Lodge on his proud position , for he had succeeded
to a noble heritage , because he ought to have very shortly a large clientele ; he had good men around him now , and it would be his own fault if he did not have a large number in the lodge . He was a P . M . of nine or ten years ' standing , had had great experience , had gone through the mill as it were , and the year would be a good one under his able management . T he lodge would go on very well indeed . The good brother in the chair would do all he could , and that was a great step towards furthering its success . He
( Col . Clerke ) would point out one little matter to show that the W . M . ' s whole soul and heart was in it . He ( Col . Clerke ) had the pleasure of hearing in the lodge the first name proposed for initiation was that of the W . M . ' s own son . It spoke volumes when the W . M . proposed his own son on the first night ; it showed he was going to do his level best . At the same time he congratulated the lodge on having Bro . Edwards for its first W . M ., and he congratulated Bro . Edwards on being in that proud position .
The W . M ., in reply , thought he ought to say " Oh wad some power the giftie gi ' e us to see oursels as ithers see us . " Bro . Col . Clerke find been most flattering in painting his portrait , but he hoped it was a good likeness . Col . Clerke ' s kind remarks took two forms , one which he must pass without
comment , and the other which he must notice . The first related to himself ( the W . M . ) , but the remarks relating to his duties he must say a word about . The advice Col . Clerke had given him , he should , with the aid of the G . A . O . T . U ., try so to follow , that he hoped when at the end of his year of office he handed his ] gavel to his [ successor , the brethren would say