Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Charles Edward Keyser Lodge, No. 2518.
CONSECRATION OF THE CHARLES EDWARD KEYSER LODGE , No . 2518 .
The newest lodge for the Province of Herts , named after one of the most popular residents in the county was consecrated on the 5 th inst ., at the Bull Hotel , Hoddesdon , a most commodious habitation , with the best of landlords . The Provincial Grand Mas'er , Bro . Thomas Frederick Halsey , M . P ., performed the ceremony , assisted by his Deputy , Bros . G . H . Lake , and Bro . F .
S . Knyvett , P . G . D ., as S . W . ; W . Lowndes , P . J . G . W ., as | . W . ; fames Terry , P . G . S . B , P . G . D . C ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., as D . C . ; Charles Bullock " , P . G . Sec , as Sec . ; W . Metcalfe , P . G . P ., as I . G . ; and Rev . Pope , P . G . Chap ., as Chap . The music was under the direction of Bro . W . Emerson , who was assisted by Bros . Thomas Powell , Etherington Smith , and K . J . Harris .
The founders of the lodge were : Bros . C . E . Kevser , W . M . ; A . J Williamson , S . W . ; J . Williams , J . W . ; A . V . Turner , Treas . ; W . P . Warren , Sec ; G . B . Shelbourne , S . D . ; F . H . Mansell , J . D . ; A Moloney , P . M ., D . C . ; A . Martin , A . D . C . ; E . W . Newman , ' I . G . ; G H . Fell and J . C . Matthews , Stwds . ; S . D . Moss , Org . ; H . C . Heard , I . PM . ; W . A . Sproat , P . M . ; J . F . Reade , and W . A . Greene . The other brethren in attendance were :
Bios . P . L . Blackmore , P . M . 2372 , P . P . G . Supt . Works ; R . J . Harris , 1645 ; G . E . Fairchild , W . M . 173 ; J . R . Cocks , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . W . ; 0 . Papworth , P . P . S . G . W . Cambs . ; R . J . Banning , P . M . 48 , P . P . G . W . Durham ; J . Purrott , P . M . 1479 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; ] . R . Codling , 2372 ; G . Cook , P . M . 820 ; J . M . McLeod , P . P . S . G . W . Derby , Sec . R . M . I . Boys ; J . Beavon , 2346 ; J . Dent , 2346 ; W . Sworder , P . M . 449 : J . Williams , 234 6 ; E . Margrett , P . M ., P . P . S .
G . W . Berks ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; S . Carlton , 2184 ; W . R . G . Emerson , 45 ; A . J . Bisdee , 1222 ; J . Clarke , P . M . 706 ; G . Holdsworth , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . P . ; J . Beresford Ryley , P . M ., P . G . D . Middx . ; E . Smith , 2182 ; F . Levick , P . M , P . P . G . W . ; R . J . Gibbs , P . M ., D . S . G . W . Gibraltar ; P . A . Nairne , P . M . 176 , P . G . D . ; M . Slaughter , P . M . 407 ; J . E . Le Feuvr .-, D . P . G . M . Hants ; G . Everett , P . G . Treas . Eng . ; F . Keyser , 2 ; W . M . Bywater . P . M . 79 , P . G . S . B . ; A . C .
Spaull , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; M . A . M'Inerny , P . M . 2346 , P . G . Std . Br . Gibraltar Wm . Metcalfe , P . M . 2372 , P . G . P . ; J . Mark , J . W . 1327 ; Otto Wigginton , VV . M 403 ; T . G . Carter , P . M . 403 , P . P . S . G . W . ; R . Tuffee , 2372 ; G . J . Metcilfe S . D . 2372 ; G . S . Gait , W . M . 414 , Prov . G . S . ; Sidney Martin , P . M . 404 , P . P I . G . D . ' ; W . Windes , I . P . M . 504 , P . J . G . W . ; J . Brittain , P . M . 1385 . P . P . G . W . ; R Middlehurst , P . M . 1327 , P . G . S . ; J . Cook , I . P . M . 907 ; E . P . Debenham , P . M
1479 , P . P . G . Reg . ; A . MacLean , 1479 ; W . Masters , P . M . 428 , 2128 , P . G . Stwd . ; W . Bangs , P . G . O ., 1327 ; G . Mickley , P . M . 449 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Thomas Powell , 2182 ; Septimus Croft , 1657 ; C . M . Coxon , P . M . 2278 , P . J . G . D . ; G . Haynes , I . P . M . 1479 ; H . C . Weld , P . M . 1579 , P . P . G . Reg . Middx . ; A . J . Gilbertson , I . P . M . 449 ; Col . Hy . Daniells , S . W . 403 , P . P . G . S . ; T . M . ilerv , 461 ; ] . Tydeman , P . M . 2172 , P . P . G . P . Essex ; P . W . Taylor , P . M . 409 , P . P .
G . W . ; C . E . Birch , W . M . 2323 ; J . Robinson , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . W . ; P Godfree , 2-572 ; J . H . Hughes , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Bulluck , P . M . 504 , P . G . Sec ; E . j . Barron , P . G . D . England ; R . H . Pope , P . G . Chap . ; F . M . Bilby , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . S . Ayres , P . M . 404 , P . P . G . S . ; J . H . Campling , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . D . ; H . Massey , ifio , P . M . 619 . and 1928 ; W . K . Edwards , 18 97 ; and A . G . Young , 73 .
Bro . HALSEY , after the opening ceremonies , expressed the great pleasure it gave him to attend to consecrate the new lodge . Bro . the Rev . POPE , in delivering the oration , said that as this was the first occasion on which he had performed this special office he p ' aced himself in the hands of the brethren for that indulgence which Englishmen always showed to the feeble attempts of a beginner . He would discourse
on the nature and principles of Freemasonry , and it had occurred to his mind to ask what was the nature and what were the principles of it . To his mind both the principles and the nature were the noblest and grandest that concerned man . The principles of Masonry seemed to be an attempt to make man more perfect than he was—to make him as perfect as man could be in this world . Let them then look at the nature of Masonry . It
concerned our religion , our loyalty , and our obedience ; it also concerned our Charity . With regard to our religion , was not the question asked of the candidate , in whom did he place his trust , and the answer was , in God . Did they not call on the Great Architect of the Universe , and did the } ' not invoke the aid of the Most Hi gh to their work and assist in every undertaking V Then there was conspicuous in the lodge the Volume of the Sacred
' . aw . Truly then Freemasonry concerned the religion of a man , it said put your trust in God . Then , on the other hand look at obedience . They knew it was necessary in this world for every one to obey . It was a Greek philosop her who said justice was each man doing his duty in his own proper place in life and according to his own proper ability—to do it well , to do it nobly . How then Freemasonrv heloed on this course . As one entered a
lod ge he saw the brethren while ever ready to uphold the rights of the brethren , yet they were ever ready to bow down to the authority of the W . M . and the brethren who he had appointed as his officers . Trul y freemasonry seemed to help us in the second great principle of life , viz ., how to do our duty to do this duty nobly and well . Then they came to thc third great virtue—was it not almost divine—the great virtue
of Charity , without which all our deeds were nothing worth ' ! They did Charity , not as an act of duty , but as an act of love . That mention of charity brought to the mind the grand Charities of Freemasonry , which showed that they not only taught but practised ( harity . As to what he had lust now said ot the three highest principles of life—religion , obedience , and J- _ nanty forming the perfect man , what could be more perfect than those Inree working in perfect harmony—that man who thought on religion , the
Consecration Of The Charles Edward Keyser Lodge, No. 2518.
next man who did his duty in that state of life to which he was called , and the man who did his duty towards others and bore love to others . The true Mason must be one who acted on the truest of principles , who would ever be ready to hold out a helping hand to his brother , who was an ornament to this woill . He called on all to exercise these principles , and it was for that purpose they were assembled that day to consecrate a new lodge in the name of the G . A . T . O . t ' ., and ihey asked Him to bless the work to be begun , continued , and ended in Him .
1 he ceremony of consecration was then conducted , and at its close Bro Charles Edward Keyser handed to the Provincial Grand Master , to be unfurled by him , a banner , presented by Bro . Keyser to the lodge . Bro . Halsey having unfurled the lodge banner it was erected behind the Worshi p ful Master ' s chair . Bro . George E . Lake then installed Bro . Keyser as the first Master of
the lodge , and the following brethren were invested as his officers : Bros . H . C . Heard , P . M ., & c , acting I . P . M . ; A . tj . Williamson , S . W . ; ] ohn Williams , J . W . ; A . V . Turner , Treas . ; W . P . Warren , Sec ; G . R . Shelbourne , S . D . ; F . H . Mauncell , J . D . ; A . Moloney , P . M ., D . of C . ; A . Martin , A . D . of C . ; E . W . Newman , I . G . ; G . H . Fell and J . C , Matthews , Stewards ; S . D . Moss , Org . ; and Young , Tyler .
A Committee , consisting of the W . M ., the acting I . P . M ., Bro . Sproat , P . M ., Wardens , Treasurer , and Secretary , was appointed to frame the bylaws .
Bro . H . C . Heard , P . M ., was elected the lodge representative on the Provincial Charity Committee . A founder ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Halsey , who was elected the first honorary member of the lodge .
Bro . HALSEY , in acknowledging the ' compliments , said he accepted them with the utmost pleasure . It appeared to him that if the lodge went on as it had begun it ought to flourish and become an honour to the province over which he had the honour to preside . The founder ' s jewel would be an exceedingly pleasant reminder to him of that most auspicious occasion .
Bros . G . E . Lake , F . S . Knyvett , Lowndes , Pope , Terry , Bullock , and Metcalfe were then elected honorary members of the lodge , a compliment which was acknowledged by Bro . LAKE . Bros . Turner , Treasurer , and Dr . Warren , Secretary , afterwards received a vote of thanks , which was ordeied to be entered on the minutes , for their services in connection with the founding of the lodge .
Propositions of candidates for joining and initiation were made , and the lodge was closed . A beautiful banquet followed . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing " The Oueen and the Craft , " said her Majesty had already reigned 57 years , and he hoped she would be spared to reign over them for many years to come .
In giving the toast of "The M . W . G . M ., " thc WORSHIPFUL MASTER said the Prince of Wales had presided over the Craft for more than 19 years , and while he had been head of the Order the Craft had gone forward by leaps and bounds . They were going to meet on the morrow in Special Grand Lodge , and he hoped to sec miny friends there , to pass a vote of congratu-Iat ' un on the birth of a Prince , a direct successor to the crown . They would
all rejoice with the Prince of Wales on this important event . Although his Royal Highness ' sson was not a member of the Craft , he thought the Duke of York would very shortly join the Order , and when the Prince of Wales ceased to be Grand Master , his son , the Duke of York would be prepared to stand in his place . Long might the Prince of Wales be spared to preside over Masons .
Bro . GEORGE EVERETT , P . G . T ., responded to the toast of "The Grand Ollicers , " and said that what the W . M . had said as to the great acts performed b y the Grand Ollicers , was said out of the kindness of his heart , and would be so appreciated by the brethren . The Grand Ollicers were onl y too glad to visit lodges , and promote the interest of the great Brotherhood ; they c-. iuld not be employed in a better work than assisting at the birth of a new
lodge . The W . M . had referred to the birth of a Prince The brethren had been celebrating the birth of a new lodge ; let them hope the new Prince would become an ornament to the Craft . With regard to the functions they had been engaged in that evening , the pleasure the Grand Officers had in taking part in it was enhanced by their having seen inducted in the chair
such a good brother as Bro . Charles Edward Keyser . By his kindness and large heartedness he had become a general favourite in the Craft ; there could be no better proof of it than the large number of brethren who had come that day to sje him installed in that unexplored region . But they were glad to come , and they all hoped that the lodge named after him would have a very happy future indeed .
Ihe W . M ., in proposing the toast of " The R . W . Prov . G . Master for Herts , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., " sad no province was better presided over by a Grand Mister than the Province of Herts . All the brethren knew the great interest Bro . Halsey took in the Hertfordsh re Masons . D iring the 20 years he had been the Prov . G . M ., he had seen the number of the lodges rise from eight to 22 . That was very gratifying to Bro . Halsey ,
because not being favourable to the promiscuous formation of lodges , he hid exercised great caution in his recommendations to the Grand Master . Although Bro . Halsey was a very busy man . he always managed to come among the brethren , who were at all times pleased to . see him . He had been absent on only one occasion of the consecration of a Hertfordshire lodge . The brethren of that lodge wcre proud of his being with them that day to lay the foundation-stone of the Keyser Lodge . When Bro . Halsey Unfurled the banner , he ( Bro . Keyser ) expressed the hope that it would never
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Charles Edward Keyser Lodge, No. 2518.
CONSECRATION OF THE CHARLES EDWARD KEYSER LODGE , No . 2518 .
The newest lodge for the Province of Herts , named after one of the most popular residents in the county was consecrated on the 5 th inst ., at the Bull Hotel , Hoddesdon , a most commodious habitation , with the best of landlords . The Provincial Grand Mas'er , Bro . Thomas Frederick Halsey , M . P ., performed the ceremony , assisted by his Deputy , Bros . G . H . Lake , and Bro . F .
S . Knyvett , P . G . D ., as S . W . ; W . Lowndes , P . J . G . W ., as | . W . ; fames Terry , P . G . S . B , P . G . D . C ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., as D . C . ; Charles Bullock " , P . G . Sec , as Sec . ; W . Metcalfe , P . G . P ., as I . G . ; and Rev . Pope , P . G . Chap ., as Chap . The music was under the direction of Bro . W . Emerson , who was assisted by Bros . Thomas Powell , Etherington Smith , and K . J . Harris .
The founders of the lodge were : Bros . C . E . Kevser , W . M . ; A . J Williamson , S . W . ; J . Williams , J . W . ; A . V . Turner , Treas . ; W . P . Warren , Sec ; G . B . Shelbourne , S . D . ; F . H . Mansell , J . D . ; A Moloney , P . M ., D . C . ; A . Martin , A . D . C . ; E . W . Newman , ' I . G . ; G H . Fell and J . C . Matthews , Stwds . ; S . D . Moss , Org . ; H . C . Heard , I . PM . ; W . A . Sproat , P . M . ; J . F . Reade , and W . A . Greene . The other brethren in attendance were :
Bios . P . L . Blackmore , P . M . 2372 , P . P . G . Supt . Works ; R . J . Harris , 1645 ; G . E . Fairchild , W . M . 173 ; J . R . Cocks , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . W . ; 0 . Papworth , P . P . S . G . W . Cambs . ; R . J . Banning , P . M . 48 , P . P . G . W . Durham ; J . Purrott , P . M . 1479 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; ] . R . Codling , 2372 ; G . Cook , P . M . 820 ; J . M . McLeod , P . P . S . G . W . Derby , Sec . R . M . I . Boys ; J . Beavon , 2346 ; J . Dent , 2346 ; W . Sworder , P . M . 449 : J . Williams , 234 6 ; E . Margrett , P . M ., P . P . S .
G . W . Berks ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; S . Carlton , 2184 ; W . R . G . Emerson , 45 ; A . J . Bisdee , 1222 ; J . Clarke , P . M . 706 ; G . Holdsworth , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . P . ; J . Beresford Ryley , P . M ., P . G . D . Middx . ; E . Smith , 2182 ; F . Levick , P . M , P . P . G . W . ; R . J . Gibbs , P . M ., D . S . G . W . Gibraltar ; P . A . Nairne , P . M . 176 , P . G . D . ; M . Slaughter , P . M . 407 ; J . E . Le Feuvr .-, D . P . G . M . Hants ; G . Everett , P . G . Treas . Eng . ; F . Keyser , 2 ; W . M . Bywater . P . M . 79 , P . G . S . B . ; A . C .
Spaull , P . M ., P . G . Std . Br . ; M . A . M'Inerny , P . M . 2346 , P . G . Std . Br . Gibraltar Wm . Metcalfe , P . M . 2372 , P . G . P . ; J . Mark , J . W . 1327 ; Otto Wigginton , VV . M 403 ; T . G . Carter , P . M . 403 , P . P . S . G . W . ; R . Tuffee , 2372 ; G . J . Metcilfe S . D . 2372 ; G . S . Gait , W . M . 414 , Prov . G . S . ; Sidney Martin , P . M . 404 , P . P I . G . D . ' ; W . Windes , I . P . M . 504 , P . J . G . W . ; J . Brittain , P . M . 1385 . P . P . G . W . ; R Middlehurst , P . M . 1327 , P . G . S . ; J . Cook , I . P . M . 907 ; E . P . Debenham , P . M
1479 , P . P . G . Reg . ; A . MacLean , 1479 ; W . Masters , P . M . 428 , 2128 , P . G . Stwd . ; W . Bangs , P . G . O ., 1327 ; G . Mickley , P . M . 449 , P . P . S . G . W . ; Thomas Powell , 2182 ; Septimus Croft , 1657 ; C . M . Coxon , P . M . 2278 , P . J . G . D . ; G . Haynes , I . P . M . 1479 ; H . C . Weld , P . M . 1579 , P . P . G . Reg . Middx . ; A . J . Gilbertson , I . P . M . 449 ; Col . Hy . Daniells , S . W . 403 , P . P . G . S . ; T . M . ilerv , 461 ; ] . Tydeman , P . M . 2172 , P . P . G . P . Essex ; P . W . Taylor , P . M . 409 , P . P .
G . W . ; C . E . Birch , W . M . 2323 ; J . Robinson , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . W . ; P Godfree , 2-572 ; J . H . Hughes , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . Bulluck , P . M . 504 , P . G . Sec ; E . j . Barron , P . G . D . England ; R . H . Pope , P . G . Chap . ; F . M . Bilby , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; C . S . Ayres , P . M . 404 , P . P . G . S . ; J . H . Campling , P . M . 403 , P . P . G . D . ; H . Massey , ifio , P . M . 619 . and 1928 ; W . K . Edwards , 18 97 ; and A . G . Young , 73 .
Bro . HALSEY , after the opening ceremonies , expressed the great pleasure it gave him to attend to consecrate the new lodge . Bro . the Rev . POPE , in delivering the oration , said that as this was the first occasion on which he had performed this special office he p ' aced himself in the hands of the brethren for that indulgence which Englishmen always showed to the feeble attempts of a beginner . He would discourse
on the nature and principles of Freemasonry , and it had occurred to his mind to ask what was the nature and what were the principles of it . To his mind both the principles and the nature were the noblest and grandest that concerned man . The principles of Masonry seemed to be an attempt to make man more perfect than he was—to make him as perfect as man could be in this world . Let them then look at the nature of Masonry . It
concerned our religion , our loyalty , and our obedience ; it also concerned our Charity . With regard to our religion , was not the question asked of the candidate , in whom did he place his trust , and the answer was , in God . Did they not call on the Great Architect of the Universe , and did the } ' not invoke the aid of the Most Hi gh to their work and assist in every undertaking V Then there was conspicuous in the lodge the Volume of the Sacred
' . aw . Truly then Freemasonry concerned the religion of a man , it said put your trust in God . Then , on the other hand look at obedience . They knew it was necessary in this world for every one to obey . It was a Greek philosop her who said justice was each man doing his duty in his own proper place in life and according to his own proper ability—to do it well , to do it nobly . How then Freemasonrv heloed on this course . As one entered a
lod ge he saw the brethren while ever ready to uphold the rights of the brethren , yet they were ever ready to bow down to the authority of the W . M . and the brethren who he had appointed as his officers . Trul y freemasonry seemed to help us in the second great principle of life , viz ., how to do our duty to do this duty nobly and well . Then they came to thc third great virtue—was it not almost divine—the great virtue
of Charity , without which all our deeds were nothing worth ' ! They did Charity , not as an act of duty , but as an act of love . That mention of charity brought to the mind the grand Charities of Freemasonry , which showed that they not only taught but practised ( harity . As to what he had lust now said ot the three highest principles of life—religion , obedience , and J- _ nanty forming the perfect man , what could be more perfect than those Inree working in perfect harmony—that man who thought on religion , the
Consecration Of The Charles Edward Keyser Lodge, No. 2518.
next man who did his duty in that state of life to which he was called , and the man who did his duty towards others and bore love to others . The true Mason must be one who acted on the truest of principles , who would ever be ready to hold out a helping hand to his brother , who was an ornament to this woill . He called on all to exercise these principles , and it was for that purpose they were assembled that day to consecrate a new lodge in the name of the G . A . T . O . t ' ., and ihey asked Him to bless the work to be begun , continued , and ended in Him .
1 he ceremony of consecration was then conducted , and at its close Bro Charles Edward Keyser handed to the Provincial Grand Master , to be unfurled by him , a banner , presented by Bro . Keyser to the lodge . Bro . Halsey having unfurled the lodge banner it was erected behind the Worshi p ful Master ' s chair . Bro . George E . Lake then installed Bro . Keyser as the first Master of
the lodge , and the following brethren were invested as his officers : Bros . H . C . Heard , P . M ., & c , acting I . P . M . ; A . tj . Williamson , S . W . ; ] ohn Williams , J . W . ; A . V . Turner , Treas . ; W . P . Warren , Sec ; G . R . Shelbourne , S . D . ; F . H . Mauncell , J . D . ; A . Moloney , P . M ., D . of C . ; A . Martin , A . D . of C . ; E . W . Newman , I . G . ; G . H . Fell and J . C , Matthews , Stewards ; S . D . Moss , Org . ; and Young , Tyler .
A Committee , consisting of the W . M ., the acting I . P . M ., Bro . Sproat , P . M ., Wardens , Treasurer , and Secretary , was appointed to frame the bylaws .
Bro . H . C . Heard , P . M ., was elected the lodge representative on the Provincial Charity Committee . A founder ' s jewel was presented to Bro . Halsey , who was elected the first honorary member of the lodge .
Bro . HALSEY , in acknowledging the ' compliments , said he accepted them with the utmost pleasure . It appeared to him that if the lodge went on as it had begun it ought to flourish and become an honour to the province over which he had the honour to preside . The founder ' s jewel would be an exceedingly pleasant reminder to him of that most auspicious occasion .
Bros . G . E . Lake , F . S . Knyvett , Lowndes , Pope , Terry , Bullock , and Metcalfe were then elected honorary members of the lodge , a compliment which was acknowledged by Bro . LAKE . Bros . Turner , Treasurer , and Dr . Warren , Secretary , afterwards received a vote of thanks , which was ordeied to be entered on the minutes , for their services in connection with the founding of the lodge .
Propositions of candidates for joining and initiation were made , and the lodge was closed . A beautiful banquet followed . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER , in proposing " The Oueen and the Craft , " said her Majesty had already reigned 57 years , and he hoped she would be spared to reign over them for many years to come .
In giving the toast of "The M . W . G . M ., " thc WORSHIPFUL MASTER said the Prince of Wales had presided over the Craft for more than 19 years , and while he had been head of the Order the Craft had gone forward by leaps and bounds . They were going to meet on the morrow in Special Grand Lodge , and he hoped to sec miny friends there , to pass a vote of congratu-Iat ' un on the birth of a Prince , a direct successor to the crown . They would
all rejoice with the Prince of Wales on this important event . Although his Royal Highness ' sson was not a member of the Craft , he thought the Duke of York would very shortly join the Order , and when the Prince of Wales ceased to be Grand Master , his son , the Duke of York would be prepared to stand in his place . Long might the Prince of Wales be spared to preside over Masons .
Bro . GEORGE EVERETT , P . G . T ., responded to the toast of "The Grand Ollicers , " and said that what the W . M . had said as to the great acts performed b y the Grand Ollicers , was said out of the kindness of his heart , and would be so appreciated by the brethren . The Grand Ollicers were onl y too glad to visit lodges , and promote the interest of the great Brotherhood ; they c-. iuld not be employed in a better work than assisting at the birth of a new
lodge . The W . M . had referred to the birth of a Prince The brethren had been celebrating the birth of a new lodge ; let them hope the new Prince would become an ornament to the Craft . With regard to the functions they had been engaged in that evening , the pleasure the Grand Officers had in taking part in it was enhanced by their having seen inducted in the chair
such a good brother as Bro . Charles Edward Keyser . By his kindness and large heartedness he had become a general favourite in the Craft ; there could be no better proof of it than the large number of brethren who had come that day to sje him installed in that unexplored region . But they were glad to come , and they all hoped that the lodge named after him would have a very happy future indeed .
Ihe W . M ., in proposing the toast of " The R . W . Prov . G . Master for Herts , Bro . T . F . Halsey , M . P ., " sad no province was better presided over by a Grand Mister than the Province of Herts . All the brethren knew the great interest Bro . Halsey took in the Hertfordsh re Masons . D iring the 20 years he had been the Prov . G . M ., he had seen the number of the lodges rise from eight to 22 . That was very gratifying to Bro . Halsey ,
because not being favourable to the promiscuous formation of lodges , he hid exercised great caution in his recommendations to the Grand Master . Although Bro . Halsey was a very busy man . he always managed to come among the brethren , who were at all times pleased to . see him . He had been absent on only one occasion of the consecration of a Hertfordshire lodge . The brethren of that lodge wcre proud of his being with them that day to lay the foundation-stone of the Keyser Lodge . When Bro . Halsey Unfurled the banner , he ( Bro . Keyser ) expressed the hope that it would never