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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft flDasonrp ,
j p METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . * ¦ Wloira Lodge ( No . 92 ) . — The anniversary festival of this ancient lodge , which dates its existence from the year 1 755 , was held at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgatestreet , on Friday , the 5 th inst . The lodge was opened by Bro . Colonel Sir Norman W . D . Pringle , Bart ., W . M ., supported , by Bros . Gotthelf Greiner , S . VV ., W . M . elect ;
J , P . Murrough , J . W . ; T . L . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas . ; R . F . Gould , P . M ., P . G . D ., Sec . ; R . W . Tweedie , I . P . M . ; H . Tarter , P . M . ; Adam Pringle , P . M . ; Bertram Noakes , P . M . ; VV . Bohm , P . M . ; S . Shorter , P . M . ; G . C . Andrew , P . M . ; M . F . Tweedie , S . D . ; J . P . Fearfield , J . D . ; J . M . Mitchell , Rev . R . I . Woodhouse , J . M . Davis , iVI . A . Tweedie , and A . J . P . Wise . Visitors : Bros . Col .
Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; E . J . Barron , P . G . D . ; Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C . ; Hy . Reid , l . P . M . 142 ; G . R . Ousey , P . M . 59 ; C . Kupferschmidt , P . M . 23 S ; J . Peeke Richards , P . M . 15 S 4 ; F . Hallows , P . M . 861 ; Geo . Gardner , P . G . S . B . Bucks ; VV . M . Bywater , P . G . S . B . ; W . H . Hooker , S . W . 1670 ; H . M . Beddington , 10 ; Charles Oberthur , 23 S ; J . M . Hamm , 23 S ; H . A . Reed , P . M . 1 S 1 ;
C . 1 . Naylor , 14 C 5 ; Lewis Wilson , P . M . 1465 ; J . H . Smith , 279 ; J . C . Partridge , 1974 ; Aron Saxon , U . S . A . ; E . J . Castle , P . M . 143 ; B . Newton , 1169 ; F . VV . Pisley , 150 ; ¦ Dr . C . Harrer , VV . Bentham , 293 ; W . Ganz , P . G . Org . ; T . Roe , M . P ., P . G . Treas . Derbyshire ; and VV . W . Lee , S . W . 23 S 1 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last
meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Gotthelf Greiner , was presented to the chair , and duly installed with the usual formalities . The following are the officers for the year : Bros . Sir Norman Pringle , Bt ., l . P . M . ; Michael F . Tweedie , S . VV . ; J . P . Fearfield , J . W . ; Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas . ; Gould , P . M ., Sec . ; E . Greiner , S . D . ; M . A . Tweedie , J . D . j I . M . Mitchell ; I . G .: VV . Noakes , Stwd .: Rev . R .
I . Woodhouse , Chap , j and Banks , Tyler . The addresses were then effectively rendered by Bro . Gould , P . G . D . Expressions of regret at being unable to attend the meeting were announced from the G . Master of Scotland ; the Grand Secretary of Scotland ; Bros . Philbrick , G . Reg . ; Fenn , Pres . B . G . P . ; Dr . Gooding , P . G . D . ; Magnus Ohren , P . A . G . D . C ; T . B . Whytehead , G . S . B . j Major Lambert ,
P . G . S . B . ; Walter Besant , Dr . W . Westcott , and others . The lodge was then closed , and a well served banquet was followed by the customary loyal and Masonic toasts . ' "The Queen and the Craft" and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " having been heartily honoured , the W . M . proposed "The Deputy Grand Master and the Grand Officers , " and referred in sympathetic terms to the
loss sustained by the death of the Earl of Carnarvon Pro G . M . _ For the last time in that lodge they were wearing mourning on account of that loss , but the memory of the late Pro G . M . would remain as long as Masonry existed , for never was there a better Mason , or a Statesman of greater integrity , ability , or uprightness of character . He was pleased to be supported that evening by no less than five
distinguished brethren of the upper house , and it was therefore unnecessary for him to dwell on the toast . Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , said he felt highly honoured at being permitted to return thanks for so distinguished a toast as the Grand Officers—a toast which comprehended so many good , true , and worthy brethren who had given long service to the Craft , and who had done ,
he ventured to say , good work for the furtherance of the Order , and who were only too pleased to do in the future what they had done in tl e past . He was quite sure the Grand Officers were exceedingly pleased to be present at the interesting ceremony of installation in so distinguished and old a lodge as the Moira Lodge , which went back for nearly 140 years , and one which had always held an
excellent position in the Craft , and to the present day had upheld the principles of Masonry to a high degree . He believed that over 100 years ago that lodge adopted for itself a very charming name , calling itself in 1777 the Lodge of Freedom and Ease . 'That name it kept for 26 years , and although at the end of that time it assumed the higher name of the Moira Lodge , yet he thought that perhaps
some brethren of the present day looked back with lingering eye to the delightful symbol of freedom and ease . tinder these circumstances he would not detain them further but again thank them . Bro . T . L . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas ., in an eloquent speech , asked the brethren to drink "To the Memory of the eminent brother whose name the lodge bears . " He said
it was impossible to propose the toast he was about to give without experiencing a feeling of sadness . It brought vividly to the mind the fact that during the year which was now rapidly drawing to a close they had experienced two great losses . B y the death of Bro . George Atkins the last link , so far as this lodge was concerned , was snapped with the generation in which the Earl of Moira was a power in
the country . The toast he was about to give was first given in that lodge at the anniversary dinner of 1 S 27 , a few days after the news of the death of the Earl of Moira reached England . Bro . Atkins was present as an Entered Apprentice on the second occasion , in 1 S 2 S , and only passed away during the present year . Their brother died as they would all wish—in peace , and an honoured member of the
lodge in which he had spent so many hours . The second loss they had sustained was one which they shared with all Masons—for the Masonic services of the distinguished brother for whom they were in mourning were rendered to the Craft in general . The distinguished services of the Earl of Carnarvon had been already mentioned by the W . M ., and he would not therefore mention them on that
occasion were it not that it seemed invidious to dilate upon the Pro Grand Master who ruled during the 16 years preceding 1814 , whilst remaining silent about him who ruled during the 14 years preceding 1 S 90 . Ahhough the Earl of Moira and the Earl of Carnarvon differed widely in many things—in politics , in life , temper , and tastes , their devotion to Masonry showed a marked similarity . The Earl of Carnarvon , a conservative , a scholar , statesman , and man
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
of letters differed from the Earl of Moira , a liberal amongst liberals , and a soldier who seemed to breathe forth every year the lines of Scott , "Sound , sound the clarion , " but each sprang from an ancient historical family . Each had ancestors who had been ready and willing to lead wherever Englishmen were ready and willing to follow . Each had shown a rare independence in thought and action , when
the interests of the country were being sacrificed in the interests of a party , and it could be said , as of the ideal knight of King Arthur , that each had "The desire of fame ancf love of truth , and all that makes a man . " It redounded much to the honour and advantage of the Craft that it should have numbered such devoted and highly placed brethren . As of all ancient Institutions , so with Masonry ,
the question must arise— " Of what good is it ? " And although they might reflect with pride that the world is infinitely richer by the labours of operative Masons to whom they owed the name of Winchester and many other splendid works which yearly attracted cultivated men from every quarter of the globe , vet it was that system of morality such as they knew by the name of speculative Masonry
which was calculated to touch the heart and which had from generation to generation affected the greatest lights of the country , and numbered many of the ruling men of England . It was because the Earl of Moira was a great Mason and a great man that they kept his birthday and bore his name , and he a-ked the brethren to join him in drinking to the memory of Francis , second Earl of Moira .
"The Health of the W M . " was given by Bro . Col . Sir Norman Pringle , Bart ., I . P . M ., who said hecould hardly do fuil justice to the toast after the eloquent and glowing speech and tribute to the past which had been delivered . The VV . M . possessed all those good qualities necessary to make a man noble , having great Charity , single-mmdedness , and a strong faith in , Masonry , and he would remind them to use the words of the poet , that —•
" Kind hearts are more than coronets , And simple faith than Norman blood . " He congratulated the lodge on having selected Bro . Greiner as its Master , for , although a young Mason of only six years' standing , that brother was so earnest in his Masonry that he was a member of no less than six lodges . Amongst those lodges the Moira was hismother lodge , and the
next was the Pilgrim , N 0 . 23 S , alodge workingin theGerman language , which had in England been unique in its character since its foundation in 1779 . Bro . Greiner had also joined the Correspondence . Circle of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , which was of new birth , but which had made a progress hitherto unknown to the annals of the Craft , and had shed a light on Masonry of which every Mason should be
proud . The W . M . had also joined two lodges of instruction , and was not an idle man , being on the senior livery of one of the City guilds . Bro . Greiner had further shown his appreciation of this country by choosing in the land of his adoption an English lady for a life-long companion . The VV . M . was surrounded that evening by many compatriots and members of the Pilgrim Lodge , who he
hoped would take away such a greeting that they would often come and support him while in the chair . He ( the l . P . M . ) congratulated the W . M . on attaining the highest dignity the brethren could bestow , and he felt certain that when his time came to join the phalanx of the Past Masters , he would see that his efforts had been crowned with success , an 1 that the Past Masters would consider he had added
fresh laurels by his accesston to their number . Bro . G . Greiner , VV . M ., said he did not know how to reply , as the l . P . M . had spoken of him in terms which he realiy did not deserve . 'Those who were present last year would remember how eloquently the VV . M . responded to that toast , and he would be deli g hted to give them a similar treat if it were in his power . He came from a place in
Germany where Masonry was unknown in his day , and consequently he could not point to a roll of Masonic ancestors such as their l . P . M . was able to bring before them on the last occasion . He modestly hoped , however , that at some future time a Greiner might point back to that night with pride , and refer to the honour they had done him in
drinking the toast in such an enthusiastic manner . He was afraid he should never shine in speech-making , but he would do his very utmost to further the welfare of the Craft in general , and of that lodge in particular . " The Visitors " was briefly given from the chair , and appropriately responded to by Bros . Castle , Roe , and Hamm .
The Worshipful Master next proposed "The Past Masters , " and said that as the hour was late , he could not refer to each individually , but he felt oblig'ed to say a few words of special commendation respecting their l . P . M . The l . P . M . could not only look back on his ancestors with pride from a Masonic point of view , but also for their military achievements , his father having commanded the
21 st Regiment of Foot , or Royal North British Fusiliers , at the battle of New Orleans , and his grandfather having fought with thesame gallant corp-i at the battle of Culloden . He had special gratification in referring to that illustrious regiment , as their worthy Grand Secretary served in it throughout the whole of his military career , including the battles of the Crimea . The l . P . M . joined the 3 Sth
Regiment in 1 S 5 S , and served in it for 31 years , in the latter portion of which he held the command . His Masonic career commenced in the Moira Lodge in 1 SS 0 , where in due course he attained the rank of J . D ., but being suddenly called away with his regiment could not reach the chair in the regular rotation . Upon his return , however , they were pleased to again receive him in the lodge , also to see him
placed in the S . W . s chair , and from the manner in which he had occupied that position , and afterwards presided over them as VV . M . ast year , there was no doubt he had won the esteem and respect of every member of the lodge . Hro . Col . Sir Norman Pringle , Bart ., I . P . M ., in the course of his reply to the toast , thanked the VV . M . for his kind words , and said that any little trouble he had taken
had been quite a labour of love . He then proceeded togive the brethren some interesting information respecting previous Past Masters who had rendered good service to the lodge , including Bro . J . H . Sarratt , who in 1 S 13 , at the Union of the two Grand Lodges of England , was selected by the Duke of Sussex as one of the nine brethren to be nominated by himself as members of the Lod ge of
Reconciliation ; Bro . Phillins , who transcribed the famous Harliean manuscript now in the British Museum , and which was published in 1 S 35 i Bro . John Bigg , who was Master for two years , during which time he initiated 35 candidates , and at the end of his term of office was presented by the lodge with a jewel of the value of £ 40 j Bro . Isaac Walton ,, who shared with Dr . Crucefix the honour of having
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
founded what had since become the R . M . B . I . ; to the latter brother being due the credit of having created the asylum , and to the former one that of having successfully carried out the scheme of an Annuity Fund . ( The two institutions were separate organisations until 1 S 50 , when an amalgamation was effected ); and Bro . Potter , P . G . D ., who was for a lengthened period their Treasurer , and who at the
anniversary meeting - 19 years ago , when standing up in response to the toast of his health , was struck down by paralysis , but insisted on being propped up again by those sitting next to him , and actually completed his speech . These were memories which the lodge , dating back from 1 755 , had a right to be proud of , and the l . P . M . said that he felt honoured in being associated with such a lodge
in the ranks of the Past Masters . Bro . Tweedie , S . W ., on behalf of "The Officers , " thanked the VV . M . for appointing them , and assured him of their intention to do their utmost to make the coming year as successful as that of his predecessor . In giving "The 'Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . said Bro . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas ., initiated him , which he
believed was the last occasion he performed a ceremony in the lodge . The "Treasurer managed the finances in an exemplary manner , for during a long course of years the balance had invariably been on the right side . He did not know what he could say of Bro . Gould , the Secretary , because he was a Grand Officer , and the greatest authority they had in this country , or any other , on Masonry . Bro .
Gould was the author of a history of Masonry , which he ( the VV . M . ) strongly recommended the brethren to study . Bro . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas ., having very briefly returned thanks , Bro . R . F . Gould , P . G . D ., Sec , said he should like to say a great many more words than time would permit . . He regarded the speech of the Grand Secretary as admirably
conceived and expressed , and as showing his singular lacility of remembering at just the right time the most pleasing traditions of his hearers , when visiting - lodges throughout the country in which he held a position of such honour and distinction . He felt great pride in being a Grand Officer , but when he was present at the Moira Lodge his only thought was that his position there was that of a Past Master in it . The Treasurer and
Secretary would endeavour to carry out the intentions expressed by the S . W ., and if they did not possess the youth attributed to the officers by the VV . M ., they would act as if they had it , and do their best . A year previously they had heard another brother speak to the toast for which he was then replying , and in taking over the books and papers from him he felt there was no one could have better
performed the du . ies of Secretary than his predecessor in that office . He wished to mention that circumstance because the l . P . M . would no doubt have referred to it when speaking of the distinguished Past Masters if time had permitted . The greatest attraction ( continued Bro . Gould ) that could draw him to any lodge to which he belonged , was the fact that there was work for him to do when he got there .
Hence , in attending the meetings of the " Moira , " he not only had the pleasure of associating with very old friends , but enjoyed the comforting reflection that he was performing a certain amount of useful work on their behalf . While , therefore , they remained satisfied with the manner in which his duties were performed , it would afford him the highest possible gratification to continue in the office to which he had that evening been re-appointed .
The Tyler ' s toast then closed the proceedings . A most excellent programme of music enhanced the enjoyment of the brethren . Miss Marie Groebl ( of D'Oyly Carte ' s new Theatre Company ) , Bro . VVilhelm Ganz , P . G . Org . ; Bro . Chevalier C . " Oberthiir , and Bro . Dr . C . Harrer , friends of the W . M ., rendered good service in this direction , whilst enjoyable items were also furnished by Miss Ada Patterson , Miss Marie Schumann , Miss Louise Schumann , and bros . J . Gawthrop , Stanley ^ ^ Smith , J . Lawler , and Fountain Meen . ^ ^ tr ** - ^
Faith Lodge ( No . 141 ) . —This old lodge met at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 25 th ult . Among those present were Bros . Walter Langdale , VV . M . ; Sheppard , S . VV . ; Welsh , J . W . j W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec-Taylor , S . D . j Trott , I . G . j C . Wetzlar , l . P . M . j E .
Hopwood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . VV . j Frommholz , P . M . j Hudson , P . M . j Hakim , P . M . j Nathan Godfrey , and others . The minutes of tne previous meeting were read and confirmed . The case of a distressed brother was referred to
the Benevolent Committee to adjudicate upon . Bro . Carter , P . M ., Treasurer , sent an apol . igy for non-attendance . The lodge was then closed and adjourned till the last Tuesday in January next . There was no banquet . Farringdon Without Lodge ( No . 1745 ) , This civic lodge met at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel , Holborn Viaduct , on the 24 th ult . Among those present were Bros .
R . Webber , W . M . j Phillips , acting S . W . ; Nelson Prower , M . A ., ] . W . ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . G . D . C ; Surrey , P . M ., Treas . ; W . H . Jackson , P . M ., Sec . ; P . N . Lardner , J . D . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . VV ., D . C ; Matson , A . D . C ; Bachnoffner , Stwd . ; J . Young , P . M . ; T . Simpson , P . M . ; G . Herbert , P . M . ; Schultz , P . M . ; and others .
I he minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . A . E . Salt was then impressively raised , Bro . F . Kent , S . D ., sent an apology for non-attendance . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren and their visitors adjourned to the banquet . Among the lattei
were Bros . Seton , VV . M . 1965 ; Armitage , P . M . S 59 ; Dalman , 1431 j Headley Cams , Org . 1 S 91 j and others . The customary toasts received ample justice . During the proceedings Bros . IT . Carus , P . N . Lardner , G . Herbert , J . Young , S . Shapcott , and others , instrumentally and vocally entertained the brethren .
Borough of Greenwich Lodge ( No . 2 33 2 ) - —The extraordinary success that has attended the above lodge since its foundation in November , 1 SS 9 , may fairly lead all those who have the success of the Craft at heart to reflect upon the necessity of relief for some of the greatly congested portions of the London district that at the present moment are craving - for it . 'The Borough of
Greenwich Lodge was consecrated just 12 months ago , and has so increased during that time that it now has no less than OS members on its books , a majority of whom are initiates made in the lodge . The first Master , liro . T . VV . Boord , M . P ., P . G . D . England , installed his successor on Wednesday , the 26 th ult ., and so concluded his year ' s excellent work in the lodge with eclat .
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft flDasonrp ,
j p METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . * ¦ Wloira Lodge ( No . 92 ) . — The anniversary festival of this ancient lodge , which dates its existence from the year 1 755 , was held at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgatestreet , on Friday , the 5 th inst . The lodge was opened by Bro . Colonel Sir Norman W . D . Pringle , Bart ., W . M ., supported , by Bros . Gotthelf Greiner , S . VV ., W . M . elect ;
J , P . Murrough , J . W . ; T . L . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas . ; R . F . Gould , P . M ., P . G . D ., Sec . ; R . W . Tweedie , I . P . M . ; H . Tarter , P . M . ; Adam Pringle , P . M . ; Bertram Noakes , P . M . ; VV . Bohm , P . M . ; S . Shorter , P . M . ; G . C . Andrew , P . M . ; M . F . Tweedie , S . D . ; J . P . Fearfield , J . D . ; J . M . Mitchell , Rev . R . I . Woodhouse , J . M . Davis , iVI . A . Tweedie , and A . J . P . Wise . Visitors : Bros . Col .
Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec ; E . J . Barron , P . G . D . ; Raymond H . Thrupp , P . A . G . D . C . ; Hy . Reid , l . P . M . 142 ; G . R . Ousey , P . M . 59 ; C . Kupferschmidt , P . M . 23 S ; J . Peeke Richards , P . M . 15 S 4 ; F . Hallows , P . M . 861 ; Geo . Gardner , P . G . S . B . Bucks ; VV . M . Bywater , P . G . S . B . ; W . H . Hooker , S . W . 1670 ; H . M . Beddington , 10 ; Charles Oberthur , 23 S ; J . M . Hamm , 23 S ; H . A . Reed , P . M . 1 S 1 ;
C . 1 . Naylor , 14 C 5 ; Lewis Wilson , P . M . 1465 ; J . H . Smith , 279 ; J . C . Partridge , 1974 ; Aron Saxon , U . S . A . ; E . J . Castle , P . M . 143 ; B . Newton , 1169 ; F . VV . Pisley , 150 ; ¦ Dr . C . Harrer , VV . Bentham , 293 ; W . Ganz , P . G . Org . ; T . Roe , M . P ., P . G . Treas . Derbyshire ; and VV . W . Lee , S . W . 23 S 1 . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the last
meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . Gotthelf Greiner , was presented to the chair , and duly installed with the usual formalities . The following are the officers for the year : Bros . Sir Norman Pringle , Bt ., l . P . M . ; Michael F . Tweedie , S . VV . ; J . P . Fearfield , J . W . ; Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas . ; Gould , P . M ., Sec . ; E . Greiner , S . D . ; M . A . Tweedie , J . D . j I . M . Mitchell ; I . G .: VV . Noakes , Stwd .: Rev . R .
I . Woodhouse , Chap , j and Banks , Tyler . The addresses were then effectively rendered by Bro . Gould , P . G . D . Expressions of regret at being unable to attend the meeting were announced from the G . Master of Scotland ; the Grand Secretary of Scotland ; Bros . Philbrick , G . Reg . ; Fenn , Pres . B . G . P . ; Dr . Gooding , P . G . D . ; Magnus Ohren , P . A . G . D . C ; T . B . Whytehead , G . S . B . j Major Lambert ,
P . G . S . B . ; Walter Besant , Dr . W . Westcott , and others . The lodge was then closed , and a well served banquet was followed by the customary loyal and Masonic toasts . ' "The Queen and the Craft" and "H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., " having been heartily honoured , the W . M . proposed "The Deputy Grand Master and the Grand Officers , " and referred in sympathetic terms to the
loss sustained by the death of the Earl of Carnarvon Pro G . M . _ For the last time in that lodge they were wearing mourning on account of that loss , but the memory of the late Pro G . M . would remain as long as Masonry existed , for never was there a better Mason , or a Statesman of greater integrity , ability , or uprightness of character . He was pleased to be supported that evening by no less than five
distinguished brethren of the upper house , and it was therefore unnecessary for him to dwell on the toast . Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec , said he felt highly honoured at being permitted to return thanks for so distinguished a toast as the Grand Officers—a toast which comprehended so many good , true , and worthy brethren who had given long service to the Craft , and who had done ,
he ventured to say , good work for the furtherance of the Order , and who were only too pleased to do in the future what they had done in tl e past . He was quite sure the Grand Officers were exceedingly pleased to be present at the interesting ceremony of installation in so distinguished and old a lodge as the Moira Lodge , which went back for nearly 140 years , and one which had always held an
excellent position in the Craft , and to the present day had upheld the principles of Masonry to a high degree . He believed that over 100 years ago that lodge adopted for itself a very charming name , calling itself in 1777 the Lodge of Freedom and Ease . 'That name it kept for 26 years , and although at the end of that time it assumed the higher name of the Moira Lodge , yet he thought that perhaps
some brethren of the present day looked back with lingering eye to the delightful symbol of freedom and ease . tinder these circumstances he would not detain them further but again thank them . Bro . T . L . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas ., in an eloquent speech , asked the brethren to drink "To the Memory of the eminent brother whose name the lodge bears . " He said
it was impossible to propose the toast he was about to give without experiencing a feeling of sadness . It brought vividly to the mind the fact that during the year which was now rapidly drawing to a close they had experienced two great losses . B y the death of Bro . George Atkins the last link , so far as this lodge was concerned , was snapped with the generation in which the Earl of Moira was a power in
the country . The toast he was about to give was first given in that lodge at the anniversary dinner of 1 S 27 , a few days after the news of the death of the Earl of Moira reached England . Bro . Atkins was present as an Entered Apprentice on the second occasion , in 1 S 2 S , and only passed away during the present year . Their brother died as they would all wish—in peace , and an honoured member of the
lodge in which he had spent so many hours . The second loss they had sustained was one which they shared with all Masons—for the Masonic services of the distinguished brother for whom they were in mourning were rendered to the Craft in general . The distinguished services of the Earl of Carnarvon had been already mentioned by the W . M ., and he would not therefore mention them on that
occasion were it not that it seemed invidious to dilate upon the Pro Grand Master who ruled during the 16 years preceding 1814 , whilst remaining silent about him who ruled during the 14 years preceding 1 S 90 . Ahhough the Earl of Moira and the Earl of Carnarvon differed widely in many things—in politics , in life , temper , and tastes , their devotion to Masonry showed a marked similarity . The Earl of Carnarvon , a conservative , a scholar , statesman , and man
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
of letters differed from the Earl of Moira , a liberal amongst liberals , and a soldier who seemed to breathe forth every year the lines of Scott , "Sound , sound the clarion , " but each sprang from an ancient historical family . Each had ancestors who had been ready and willing to lead wherever Englishmen were ready and willing to follow . Each had shown a rare independence in thought and action , when
the interests of the country were being sacrificed in the interests of a party , and it could be said , as of the ideal knight of King Arthur , that each had "The desire of fame ancf love of truth , and all that makes a man . " It redounded much to the honour and advantage of the Craft that it should have numbered such devoted and highly placed brethren . As of all ancient Institutions , so with Masonry ,
the question must arise— " Of what good is it ? " And although they might reflect with pride that the world is infinitely richer by the labours of operative Masons to whom they owed the name of Winchester and many other splendid works which yearly attracted cultivated men from every quarter of the globe , vet it was that system of morality such as they knew by the name of speculative Masonry
which was calculated to touch the heart and which had from generation to generation affected the greatest lights of the country , and numbered many of the ruling men of England . It was because the Earl of Moira was a great Mason and a great man that they kept his birthday and bore his name , and he a-ked the brethren to join him in drinking to the memory of Francis , second Earl of Moira .
"The Health of the W M . " was given by Bro . Col . Sir Norman Pringle , Bart ., I . P . M ., who said hecould hardly do fuil justice to the toast after the eloquent and glowing speech and tribute to the past which had been delivered . The VV . M . possessed all those good qualities necessary to make a man noble , having great Charity , single-mmdedness , and a strong faith in , Masonry , and he would remind them to use the words of the poet , that —•
" Kind hearts are more than coronets , And simple faith than Norman blood . " He congratulated the lodge on having selected Bro . Greiner as its Master , for , although a young Mason of only six years' standing , that brother was so earnest in his Masonry that he was a member of no less than six lodges . Amongst those lodges the Moira was hismother lodge , and the
next was the Pilgrim , N 0 . 23 S , alodge workingin theGerman language , which had in England been unique in its character since its foundation in 1779 . Bro . Greiner had also joined the Correspondence . Circle of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge , which was of new birth , but which had made a progress hitherto unknown to the annals of the Craft , and had shed a light on Masonry of which every Mason should be
proud . The W . M . had also joined two lodges of instruction , and was not an idle man , being on the senior livery of one of the City guilds . Bro . Greiner had further shown his appreciation of this country by choosing in the land of his adoption an English lady for a life-long companion . The VV . M . was surrounded that evening by many compatriots and members of the Pilgrim Lodge , who he
hoped would take away such a greeting that they would often come and support him while in the chair . He ( the l . P . M . ) congratulated the W . M . on attaining the highest dignity the brethren could bestow , and he felt certain that when his time came to join the phalanx of the Past Masters , he would see that his efforts had been crowned with success , an 1 that the Past Masters would consider he had added
fresh laurels by his accesston to their number . Bro . G . Greiner , VV . M ., said he did not know how to reply , as the l . P . M . had spoken of him in terms which he realiy did not deserve . 'Those who were present last year would remember how eloquently the VV . M . responded to that toast , and he would be deli g hted to give them a similar treat if it were in his power . He came from a place in
Germany where Masonry was unknown in his day , and consequently he could not point to a roll of Masonic ancestors such as their l . P . M . was able to bring before them on the last occasion . He modestly hoped , however , that at some future time a Greiner might point back to that night with pride , and refer to the honour they had done him in
drinking the toast in such an enthusiastic manner . He was afraid he should never shine in speech-making , but he would do his very utmost to further the welfare of the Craft in general , and of that lodge in particular . " The Visitors " was briefly given from the chair , and appropriately responded to by Bros . Castle , Roe , and Hamm .
The Worshipful Master next proposed "The Past Masters , " and said that as the hour was late , he could not refer to each individually , but he felt oblig'ed to say a few words of special commendation respecting their l . P . M . The l . P . M . could not only look back on his ancestors with pride from a Masonic point of view , but also for their military achievements , his father having commanded the
21 st Regiment of Foot , or Royal North British Fusiliers , at the battle of New Orleans , and his grandfather having fought with thesame gallant corp-i at the battle of Culloden . He had special gratification in referring to that illustrious regiment , as their worthy Grand Secretary served in it throughout the whole of his military career , including the battles of the Crimea . The l . P . M . joined the 3 Sth
Regiment in 1 S 5 S , and served in it for 31 years , in the latter portion of which he held the command . His Masonic career commenced in the Moira Lodge in 1 SS 0 , where in due course he attained the rank of J . D ., but being suddenly called away with his regiment could not reach the chair in the regular rotation . Upon his return , however , they were pleased to again receive him in the lodge , also to see him
placed in the S . W . s chair , and from the manner in which he had occupied that position , and afterwards presided over them as VV . M . ast year , there was no doubt he had won the esteem and respect of every member of the lodge . Hro . Col . Sir Norman Pringle , Bart ., I . P . M ., in the course of his reply to the toast , thanked the VV . M . for his kind words , and said that any little trouble he had taken
had been quite a labour of love . He then proceeded togive the brethren some interesting information respecting previous Past Masters who had rendered good service to the lodge , including Bro . J . H . Sarratt , who in 1 S 13 , at the Union of the two Grand Lodges of England , was selected by the Duke of Sussex as one of the nine brethren to be nominated by himself as members of the Lod ge of
Reconciliation ; Bro . Phillins , who transcribed the famous Harliean manuscript now in the British Museum , and which was published in 1 S 35 i Bro . John Bigg , who was Master for two years , during which time he initiated 35 candidates , and at the end of his term of office was presented by the lodge with a jewel of the value of £ 40 j Bro . Isaac Walton ,, who shared with Dr . Crucefix the honour of having
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
founded what had since become the R . M . B . I . ; to the latter brother being due the credit of having created the asylum , and to the former one that of having successfully carried out the scheme of an Annuity Fund . ( The two institutions were separate organisations until 1 S 50 , when an amalgamation was effected ); and Bro . Potter , P . G . D ., who was for a lengthened period their Treasurer , and who at the
anniversary meeting - 19 years ago , when standing up in response to the toast of his health , was struck down by paralysis , but insisted on being propped up again by those sitting next to him , and actually completed his speech . These were memories which the lodge , dating back from 1 755 , had a right to be proud of , and the l . P . M . said that he felt honoured in being associated with such a lodge
in the ranks of the Past Masters . Bro . Tweedie , S . W ., on behalf of "The Officers , " thanked the VV . M . for appointing them , and assured him of their intention to do their utmost to make the coming year as successful as that of his predecessor . In giving "The 'Treasurer and Secretary , " the W . M . said Bro . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas ., initiated him , which he
believed was the last occasion he performed a ceremony in the lodge . The "Treasurer managed the finances in an exemplary manner , for during a long course of years the balance had invariably been on the right side . He did not know what he could say of Bro . Gould , the Secretary , because he was a Grand Officer , and the greatest authority they had in this country , or any other , on Masonry . Bro .
Gould was the author of a history of Masonry , which he ( the VV . M . ) strongly recommended the brethren to study . Bro . Wilkinson , P . M ., Treas ., having very briefly returned thanks , Bro . R . F . Gould , P . G . D ., Sec , said he should like to say a great many more words than time would permit . . He regarded the speech of the Grand Secretary as admirably
conceived and expressed , and as showing his singular lacility of remembering at just the right time the most pleasing traditions of his hearers , when visiting - lodges throughout the country in which he held a position of such honour and distinction . He felt great pride in being a Grand Officer , but when he was present at the Moira Lodge his only thought was that his position there was that of a Past Master in it . The Treasurer and
Secretary would endeavour to carry out the intentions expressed by the S . W ., and if they did not possess the youth attributed to the officers by the VV . M ., they would act as if they had it , and do their best . A year previously they had heard another brother speak to the toast for which he was then replying , and in taking over the books and papers from him he felt there was no one could have better
performed the du . ies of Secretary than his predecessor in that office . He wished to mention that circumstance because the l . P . M . would no doubt have referred to it when speaking of the distinguished Past Masters if time had permitted . The greatest attraction ( continued Bro . Gould ) that could draw him to any lodge to which he belonged , was the fact that there was work for him to do when he got there .
Hence , in attending the meetings of the " Moira , " he not only had the pleasure of associating with very old friends , but enjoyed the comforting reflection that he was performing a certain amount of useful work on their behalf . While , therefore , they remained satisfied with the manner in which his duties were performed , it would afford him the highest possible gratification to continue in the office to which he had that evening been re-appointed .
The Tyler ' s toast then closed the proceedings . A most excellent programme of music enhanced the enjoyment of the brethren . Miss Marie Groebl ( of D'Oyly Carte ' s new Theatre Company ) , Bro . VVilhelm Ganz , P . G . Org . ; Bro . Chevalier C . " Oberthiir , and Bro . Dr . C . Harrer , friends of the W . M ., rendered good service in this direction , whilst enjoyable items were also furnished by Miss Ada Patterson , Miss Marie Schumann , Miss Louise Schumann , and bros . J . Gawthrop , Stanley ^ ^ Smith , J . Lawler , and Fountain Meen . ^ ^ tr ** - ^
Faith Lodge ( No . 141 ) . —This old lodge met at Anderton's Hotel , Fleet-street , on the 25 th ult . Among those present were Bros . Walter Langdale , VV . M . ; Sheppard , S . VV . ; Welsh , J . W . j W . Stuart , P . M ., Sec-Taylor , S . D . j Trott , I . G . j C . Wetzlar , l . P . M . j E .
Hopwood , P . M ., P . P . G . S . B . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . VV . j Frommholz , P . M . j Hudson , P . M . j Hakim , P . M . j Nathan Godfrey , and others . The minutes of tne previous meeting were read and confirmed . The case of a distressed brother was referred to
the Benevolent Committee to adjudicate upon . Bro . Carter , P . M ., Treasurer , sent an apol . igy for non-attendance . The lodge was then closed and adjourned till the last Tuesday in January next . There was no banquet . Farringdon Without Lodge ( No . 1745 ) , This civic lodge met at the Holborn Viaduct Hotel , Holborn Viaduct , on the 24 th ult . Among those present were Bros .
R . Webber , W . M . j Phillips , acting S . W . ; Nelson Prower , M . A ., ] . W . ; H . J . Lardner , P . P . G . D . C ; Surrey , P . M ., Treas . ; W . H . Jackson , P . M ., Sec . ; P . N . Lardner , J . D . ; Capt . T . C . Walls , P . M ., P . P . G . VV ., D . C ; Matson , A . D . C ; Bachnoffner , Stwd . ; J . Young , P . M . ; T . Simpson , P . M . ; G . Herbert , P . M . ; Schultz , P . M . ; and others .
I he minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed . Bro . A . E . Salt was then impressively raised , Bro . F . Kent , S . D ., sent an apology for non-attendance . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren and their visitors adjourned to the banquet . Among the lattei
were Bros . Seton , VV . M . 1965 ; Armitage , P . M . S 59 ; Dalman , 1431 j Headley Cams , Org . 1 S 91 j and others . The customary toasts received ample justice . During the proceedings Bros . IT . Carus , P . N . Lardner , G . Herbert , J . Young , S . Shapcott , and others , instrumentally and vocally entertained the brethren .
Borough of Greenwich Lodge ( No . 2 33 2 ) - —The extraordinary success that has attended the above lodge since its foundation in November , 1 SS 9 , may fairly lead all those who have the success of the Craft at heart to reflect upon the necessity of relief for some of the greatly congested portions of the London district that at the present moment are craving - for it . 'The Borough of
Greenwich Lodge was consecrated just 12 months ago , and has so increased during that time that it now has no less than OS members on its books , a majority of whom are initiates made in the lodge . The first Master , liro . T . VV . Boord , M . P ., P . G . D . England , installed his successor on Wednesday , the 26 th ult ., and so concluded his year ' s excellent work in the lodge with eclat .