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Article INAUGURATION FESTIVAL AT FREEMASONS' HALL. ← Page 3 of 4 Article INAUGURATION FESTIVAL AT FREEMASONS' HALL. Page 3 of 4 Article INAUGURATION FESTIVAL AT FREEMASONS' HALL. Page 3 of 4 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Inauguration Festival At Freemasons' Hall.
the Earl of Zetland . " He said it was a toast which had been given a great many times , but he was sure had never been given with more satisfaction than it would be upon that occasion . ( Cheers . ) The Grand Master was really their friend . ( Hear , hear . ) He ( Bro .
Hall ) , was old enough to remember what took place twenty-five years ago , when he was elected to the high and important office of Grand Master , and what hopes were expressed then , and which hopes had been fully realised by his consistent perseverance ,
culminating in the glorious ceremony they had that evening witnessed . The Grand Master had gained the affection of the Brethren , not only in this country bu < all over the world , and he was quite satisfied that had it not been for his excellent
conduct , the Craft would not be in such a flourishing state as it now is . He need not refer to the building , which had been re-organised and valuable a principle adopted , for they now had a separation of their lodges from the tavern . It had for some
time been a reproach to them that their mysteries were performed in rooms which were almost immediately afterwards used for conviviality , and it had been well said by the Graud Chaplain that the name of Zetland was not only engraved on the
building , but on the breast of every 1 * reemason , for he had found Masonry in a tavern , and he would leave it in a palace . The toast was drunk with loud and continued cheering .
The GRAND MASTER , who upon risuig to respond to the toast was greeted with acclamation , said Brethren , I will request you to give me , by your silence for a little while , au opportunity of expressing my feelings on this occasion . I can assure you
that I find it very difficult to do so , for the kindness with which I have been received this day not only compensates me for all the trouble and anxiety I have had during the five and twenty years I have been Graud Master , but it renders it most
difficult to express my gratitude for the kind support you have given during that long period , I may say in reference to the excellent speech delivered by Bro . Havers in the temple , when he complimented me that an honour had been
conferred upon Freemasonry by my having served so long as Grand Master , that , but I consider Freemasonry has conferred a greater honour on me in electing me for twenty-five times as Grand Master . I can assure you , brethren , that I never conceived
that I conferred an honour upon Freemasonry , but I do conceive that Freemasonry has done me a high and unmerited honour in electing me so often as Grand Master , and I can assure you I feel it iu the inmost recesses of my heart . I can never do
sufficient to repay the good opinion you have formed of me . I wish I could have done ten times as much as I have done . I wish I could have done my duty in a more able and efficient manner ; but as far as my talents and time havo enabled me , I have
done what I believe to be the best , I caii assure you that I feel proud of this day ; I feel proud of the compliment you have paid me in inviting me to preside at the inauguration of this building at the end of twenty-five years' service . After what
has been accomplished for Freemasonry I am fully aware that very little merit or credit is due to me for what has taken place , except that I have done all in my power to build a temple adequate to the wants of Freemasonry , and separate the Craft from
th 6 influence of the tavern . By the indefatigable exertions of the brethren who formed the Building Committee , and the good sense of Grand Lodge , this great act has been accomplished , and I trust for the benefit of Freemasons in ages to come . ( Hear , hear ,
and cheers . ) And although , I shall not live to see it , I shall bear to the grave a remembrance of the honour conferred upon me in presiding over the great Craft of English Freemasons . I assure you , I most heartily drink success to this building and all
concerned iu it . ( Loud cheers . ) The GRAND MASTER said : —Brethren , it is now my pleasing duty to propose a toast which I am sure needs no recommendation from me to invite your attention . The toast is " The Grand Lodges
Inauguration Festival At Freemasons' Hall.
of Scotland and Ireland . " ( Loud cheers ) . That is a toast that is given on every occasion of our great meetings , but it is not given then as now , when we are not only honoured by the presence of the Grand Master of Scotland in person ,
but we are also honoured by the presence of the Deputy Grand Master of Ireland . If it had been possible , we should have been honoured by the presence of the Grand Master of Ireland , but I have received a communication from him stating that , in
consequence of his masonic duties in Ireland it would prevent him from coming over , as he did us the honour of attending on the occasion of laying the foundation stone . With regard to the Grand Master of Scotland , I need not say one word , as he
is well-known to the greater part of those present , as one who for so long occupied the post of Deputy Grand Master of England , and I am sure he is worthy of the great acclamations you will cordially bestow upon him . As to Sir Edward Borough ,
the Deputy Grand Master of Ireland , he has done us the honour to come from Ireland to attend on this occasion in the name of the Grand Master of Ireland , I feel myself gratified by his presence here this day , and I am sure you will drink with all
possible honours the toast , which is " The health of the Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland . " ( The toast was drunk with loud cheering ) . The EARL op DALIIOUSIE , Grand Master for Scotland , said : —Brethren , as your M . W . Grand
Master has said , the toast he has just given on ordinary occasions is somewhat of a formal character . I rejoice to find that on this important occasion that we are united together , and I thank you for the way in which the Grand Master of Scotland has been
received in the Graud Lodge of England ; and brethren I shall make my constituents in Scotland aware of the high honour you have conferred on their Grand Master upon the present occasion . I hope , however , that I do not sever myself when I
say that , although sailing under my national colours , you all recognise the old flag under which I formerly fought . Although I have been called upon to fill the masonic throne of Scotland fur a season , my masonry dates from England , and England is the
standard under which I was made and under which I served . I am old enough to remember the intra , duction of our Most Worshipful Grand Master to the throne of England , and since he has occupied that post he had been of great benefit to the masons
of England in the accomplishment of that great work of which lie has this day as it were laid the ' ' keystone . " Biv hreu , let me congratulate you that you have now a temple for freemasonry , not where we celebrate festivities but in a place where
we carry on the secret nrysteries of the craft , and where only those sacred mysteries will be practised , within the walls . You have not only done that but you have added a group of buildings , and the magnificent hall in which I am now addressing you
Nothing is more required to make freemasonry in England perfect than that every man should put his shoulder to the wheel and assist in doing what he can . I thank you sincerely for tho very cordial reception you have given mo this day as the Grand
Master of Scotland , and I trust I shall long live in your hearts as Past Deputy * Grand Master of England . ( Cheers ) . Sir E . R . BOROUGHS , Deputy Graud Master for Ireland , said : —After the eloquent speech of the
Right Worshipful the Grand Master of Scotland , I must leave my case in your hands , but I cannot refrain from saying that 1 never had a greater Masonic treat than being present on this occasion . I think it was about 1830 when I first entered tho
Apollo Lodge , at Oxford , and although I have risen to high rank in Ireland , yet I can never forget that I first began my career in England . I havo to thank you for your hospitality , and when I return to Ireland I shall certainly tell the Irish Masons all I
have seen , and the kind reception I have met with . We have a hall which will soon be open in that unfortunato country ( Cries of Oh ! Oh !) , and if any one of you will do us the honour of coming , and seeingus , we will give you a hospitable welcome . The
Inauguration Festival At Freemasons' Hall.
Grand Master of Ireland was obliged to go away , but on Wednesday next , he will distribute the prizes to the children in the Masonic schools , and although Masonry has been denounced in certain quarters , yet the Grand Master of Ireland has
written a letter to me , saying that the masonic ball in Dublin was a great success . I thank you most heartily , and when I go back to Ireland , I shall not forget to tell them what excellent fellows the English Masons are . ( Applause . )
The M . W . GRAND MASTER : —I now beg to propose to you the health of the Right Worshipful Earl de Grey and Ripon , Deputy Grand Master and the rest of the Grand Officers for the year . In proposing the toast , I regret that the Deputy Grand Master is
unable to be present . 1 received a letter from him yesterday evening , which will account satisfactorily for his absence , which is to the effect that "the Queen will hold a Council this evening , aud as Lord President I am bound to attend , therefore it will be
impossible for me to be present at the lu-eemasons Hall . " I regret that he is absent , but he could not prevent it . I hope you will join with me in drinking to the Earl de Grey and Ripon , and the
rest of the Grand Officers of the year , believing as I do they are all most anxious to serve the Grand Lodge and the Craft to the best of their ability . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Frederick Dundas , P . G . W .
The toast was well received . Bro . FREDERICK DUNDAS , P . G . Warden , aud a representative of the Prussian Gran Lodge , returned thanks . He said the Craft was greatly indebted to the Grand Master for the manner in which he
had for twenty-five years presided over them , sparing no time of his own , and no opportunity to further the interests of the Craft to the best of his ability and the utmost of his power and ; he believed if it was known how many times he was absent it would not
approach the number of times he was at his post . They could never be too grateful to him for twentyfive years was a large piece in a man ' s life and there were brethren present , who would remember it for years to come . The Craft was in a languid state
when he came in it , compared to what it is now . What was it they . Why not only England alone , but the colonics themselves were alive to the spirit of Masonry . That was the result of the arduous duty undertaken by thcM . AV . Grand Master which
would speak for itself . Every Mason here present was , he felt sure , ready to speak a good word for their M . W . Grand Master . He had asked that his name might be remembered in the breast , but he ( Bro . Dundas ) believed his name would be remembered
for ever . ( Hear , hear . ) I beg in the name of the Grand Officers to thank you , and assure you it will always bo our endeavour to support you . The Most Worshipful GRAND MASTER : —I now beg to call your attention to the toast of the
Provincial Grand Masters who have honoured us with their presence this day . 1 am glad to see so many around me to day ; Bro . Hall has returned thanks already , and therefore I will select another iu rotation , which is Bro . Bagshaw . P . G . Master
for Essex , but he was anxious that he ( Grand Master ) should couple another name with the toast , which was that of Bro . Stephen Blair , Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire , who had lately shown himself to be a true Mason by giving a large
sum to one of their Charities . Ho was sure the brethren would be gratified to see so many Provincial Grand Masters , and amongst them the Earl of Limerick , who was ably carrying out Masonry in a different province . lie gave them
" The health of the Grand Masters of England , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Stephen Blair , Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire Bro . BLAIII said when he came into tho room he had little expectation of being singled out to
propose a toast , or to return thanks for the Prov . Grand Masters of England , which had been proposed . He believed that the Grand Master appointed him ( Bro . Blair ) as one of his Provincial Grand Officers soon after lie was appointed himself as Grand Master .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Inauguration Festival At Freemasons' Hall.
the Earl of Zetland . " He said it was a toast which had been given a great many times , but he was sure had never been given with more satisfaction than it would be upon that occasion . ( Cheers . ) The Grand Master was really their friend . ( Hear , hear . ) He ( Bro .
Hall ) , was old enough to remember what took place twenty-five years ago , when he was elected to the high and important office of Grand Master , and what hopes were expressed then , and which hopes had been fully realised by his consistent perseverance ,
culminating in the glorious ceremony they had that evening witnessed . The Grand Master had gained the affection of the Brethren , not only in this country bu < all over the world , and he was quite satisfied that had it not been for his excellent
conduct , the Craft would not be in such a flourishing state as it now is . He need not refer to the building , which had been re-organised and valuable a principle adopted , for they now had a separation of their lodges from the tavern . It had for some
time been a reproach to them that their mysteries were performed in rooms which were almost immediately afterwards used for conviviality , and it had been well said by the Graud Chaplain that the name of Zetland was not only engraved on the
building , but on the breast of every 1 * reemason , for he had found Masonry in a tavern , and he would leave it in a palace . The toast was drunk with loud and continued cheering .
The GRAND MASTER , who upon risuig to respond to the toast was greeted with acclamation , said Brethren , I will request you to give me , by your silence for a little while , au opportunity of expressing my feelings on this occasion . I can assure you
that I find it very difficult to do so , for the kindness with which I have been received this day not only compensates me for all the trouble and anxiety I have had during the five and twenty years I have been Graud Master , but it renders it most
difficult to express my gratitude for the kind support you have given during that long period , I may say in reference to the excellent speech delivered by Bro . Havers in the temple , when he complimented me that an honour had been
conferred upon Freemasonry by my having served so long as Grand Master , that , but I consider Freemasonry has conferred a greater honour on me in electing me for twenty-five times as Grand Master . I can assure you , brethren , that I never conceived
that I conferred an honour upon Freemasonry , but I do conceive that Freemasonry has done me a high and unmerited honour in electing me so often as Grand Master , and I can assure you I feel it iu the inmost recesses of my heart . I can never do
sufficient to repay the good opinion you have formed of me . I wish I could have done ten times as much as I have done . I wish I could have done my duty in a more able and efficient manner ; but as far as my talents and time havo enabled me , I have
done what I believe to be the best , I caii assure you that I feel proud of this day ; I feel proud of the compliment you have paid me in inviting me to preside at the inauguration of this building at the end of twenty-five years' service . After what
has been accomplished for Freemasonry I am fully aware that very little merit or credit is due to me for what has taken place , except that I have done all in my power to build a temple adequate to the wants of Freemasonry , and separate the Craft from
th 6 influence of the tavern . By the indefatigable exertions of the brethren who formed the Building Committee , and the good sense of Grand Lodge , this great act has been accomplished , and I trust for the benefit of Freemasons in ages to come . ( Hear , hear ,
and cheers . ) And although , I shall not live to see it , I shall bear to the grave a remembrance of the honour conferred upon me in presiding over the great Craft of English Freemasons . I assure you , I most heartily drink success to this building and all
concerned iu it . ( Loud cheers . ) The GRAND MASTER said : —Brethren , it is now my pleasing duty to propose a toast which I am sure needs no recommendation from me to invite your attention . The toast is " The Grand Lodges
Inauguration Festival At Freemasons' Hall.
of Scotland and Ireland . " ( Loud cheers ) . That is a toast that is given on every occasion of our great meetings , but it is not given then as now , when we are not only honoured by the presence of the Grand Master of Scotland in person ,
but we are also honoured by the presence of the Deputy Grand Master of Ireland . If it had been possible , we should have been honoured by the presence of the Grand Master of Ireland , but I have received a communication from him stating that , in
consequence of his masonic duties in Ireland it would prevent him from coming over , as he did us the honour of attending on the occasion of laying the foundation stone . With regard to the Grand Master of Scotland , I need not say one word , as he
is well-known to the greater part of those present , as one who for so long occupied the post of Deputy Grand Master of England , and I am sure he is worthy of the great acclamations you will cordially bestow upon him . As to Sir Edward Borough ,
the Deputy Grand Master of Ireland , he has done us the honour to come from Ireland to attend on this occasion in the name of the Grand Master of Ireland , I feel myself gratified by his presence here this day , and I am sure you will drink with all
possible honours the toast , which is " The health of the Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland . " ( The toast was drunk with loud cheering ) . The EARL op DALIIOUSIE , Grand Master for Scotland , said : —Brethren , as your M . W . Grand
Master has said , the toast he has just given on ordinary occasions is somewhat of a formal character . I rejoice to find that on this important occasion that we are united together , and I thank you for the way in which the Grand Master of Scotland has been
received in the Graud Lodge of England ; and brethren I shall make my constituents in Scotland aware of the high honour you have conferred on their Grand Master upon the present occasion . I hope , however , that I do not sever myself when I
say that , although sailing under my national colours , you all recognise the old flag under which I formerly fought . Although I have been called upon to fill the masonic throne of Scotland fur a season , my masonry dates from England , and England is the
standard under which I was made and under which I served . I am old enough to remember the intra , duction of our Most Worshipful Grand Master to the throne of England , and since he has occupied that post he had been of great benefit to the masons
of England in the accomplishment of that great work of which lie has this day as it were laid the ' ' keystone . " Biv hreu , let me congratulate you that you have now a temple for freemasonry , not where we celebrate festivities but in a place where
we carry on the secret nrysteries of the craft , and where only those sacred mysteries will be practised , within the walls . You have not only done that but you have added a group of buildings , and the magnificent hall in which I am now addressing you
Nothing is more required to make freemasonry in England perfect than that every man should put his shoulder to the wheel and assist in doing what he can . I thank you sincerely for tho very cordial reception you have given mo this day as the Grand
Master of Scotland , and I trust I shall long live in your hearts as Past Deputy * Grand Master of England . ( Cheers ) . Sir E . R . BOROUGHS , Deputy Graud Master for Ireland , said : —After the eloquent speech of the
Right Worshipful the Grand Master of Scotland , I must leave my case in your hands , but I cannot refrain from saying that 1 never had a greater Masonic treat than being present on this occasion . I think it was about 1830 when I first entered tho
Apollo Lodge , at Oxford , and although I have risen to high rank in Ireland , yet I can never forget that I first began my career in England . I havo to thank you for your hospitality , and when I return to Ireland I shall certainly tell the Irish Masons all I
have seen , and the kind reception I have met with . We have a hall which will soon be open in that unfortunato country ( Cries of Oh ! Oh !) , and if any one of you will do us the honour of coming , and seeingus , we will give you a hospitable welcome . The
Inauguration Festival At Freemasons' Hall.
Grand Master of Ireland was obliged to go away , but on Wednesday next , he will distribute the prizes to the children in the Masonic schools , and although Masonry has been denounced in certain quarters , yet the Grand Master of Ireland has
written a letter to me , saying that the masonic ball in Dublin was a great success . I thank you most heartily , and when I go back to Ireland , I shall not forget to tell them what excellent fellows the English Masons are . ( Applause . )
The M . W . GRAND MASTER : —I now beg to propose to you the health of the Right Worshipful Earl de Grey and Ripon , Deputy Grand Master and the rest of the Grand Officers for the year . In proposing the toast , I regret that the Deputy Grand Master is
unable to be present . 1 received a letter from him yesterday evening , which will account satisfactorily for his absence , which is to the effect that "the Queen will hold a Council this evening , aud as Lord President I am bound to attend , therefore it will be
impossible for me to be present at the lu-eemasons Hall . " I regret that he is absent , but he could not prevent it . I hope you will join with me in drinking to the Earl de Grey and Ripon , and the
rest of the Grand Officers of the year , believing as I do they are all most anxious to serve the Grand Lodge and the Craft to the best of their ability . He coupled with the toast the name of Bro . Frederick Dundas , P . G . W .
The toast was well received . Bro . FREDERICK DUNDAS , P . G . Warden , aud a representative of the Prussian Gran Lodge , returned thanks . He said the Craft was greatly indebted to the Grand Master for the manner in which he
had for twenty-five years presided over them , sparing no time of his own , and no opportunity to further the interests of the Craft to the best of his ability and the utmost of his power and ; he believed if it was known how many times he was absent it would not
approach the number of times he was at his post . They could never be too grateful to him for twentyfive years was a large piece in a man ' s life and there were brethren present , who would remember it for years to come . The Craft was in a languid state
when he came in it , compared to what it is now . What was it they . Why not only England alone , but the colonics themselves were alive to the spirit of Masonry . That was the result of the arduous duty undertaken by thcM . AV . Grand Master which
would speak for itself . Every Mason here present was , he felt sure , ready to speak a good word for their M . W . Grand Master . He had asked that his name might be remembered in the breast , but he ( Bro . Dundas ) believed his name would be remembered
for ever . ( Hear , hear . ) I beg in the name of the Grand Officers to thank you , and assure you it will always bo our endeavour to support you . The Most Worshipful GRAND MASTER : —I now beg to call your attention to the toast of the
Provincial Grand Masters who have honoured us with their presence this day . 1 am glad to see so many around me to day ; Bro . Hall has returned thanks already , and therefore I will select another iu rotation , which is Bro . Bagshaw . P . G . Master
for Essex , but he was anxious that he ( Grand Master ) should couple another name with the toast , which was that of Bro . Stephen Blair , Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire , who had lately shown himself to be a true Mason by giving a large
sum to one of their Charities . Ho was sure the brethren would be gratified to see so many Provincial Grand Masters , and amongst them the Earl of Limerick , who was ably carrying out Masonry in a different province . lie gave them
" The health of the Grand Masters of England , " coupling with the toast the name of Bro . Stephen Blair , Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire Bro . BLAIII said when he came into tho room he had little expectation of being singled out to
propose a toast , or to return thanks for the Prov . Grand Masters of England , which had been proposed . He believed that the Grand Master appointed him ( Bro . Blair ) as one of his Provincial Grand Officers soon after lie was appointed himself as Grand Master .