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Article CENTENARY OF THE TYRIAN LODGE, No. 253. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CENTENARY OF THE TYRIAN LODGE, No. 253. Page 2 of 2 Article DEVON MASONIC EDUCATIONAL FUND. Page 1 of 1 Article THE THEATRES. Page 1 of 1
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Centenary Of The Tyrian Lodge, No. 253.
name appeared upon the warrant . Two years after the Tyrian was established , the Prince of Wales , afterwards George IV ., and his brother the Duke of York were initiated . Their brothers , the Duke of Kent ( father of our present Queen ) and the Dukeof Sussex , afterwards Grand Master , had been received into the Craft shortly before , on lhe Continent , and on the death of their uncle , the Duke of Cumberland , in 1790 , the Prince of Wales was elected
Grand Master . He was not installed until two years later , and' shortly after that event , on January , 1 793 , the Tyrian Lodge voted an address to his Royal Highness expressing the loyalty and attachment of the lodge to his person , his family , and his constitution . The Tyrian Lodge gave further proofs of its loyalty . In 1798 an address protesting against revolutions and treasonable practices was adopted , and contributions raised in aid of the Government "in the alarming
crisis . " In 1 S 13 the Tyrian sent to London £ 4253 . towards the purchase of a jewel for the Earl of Moira ( a distinguished Mason ) , on the occasion of his being appointed Governor General of India , whilst in 1 S 15 no less a sum than ^ So was contributed by the Iodge towards the relief of the families of the soldiers who fell at Waterloo , and five years later the death of the Duke of Kent was made the occasion of holding a lodge of emergency , when an oration
was delivered by the Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . Chas . S . Hope . The Tyrian three years after its consecration was 4 6 S on the roll of Grand Lodge ; but by the dissolution of older lodges it now ranked as 253 . At the time of its foundation the town did not contain more than a tenth of its present population . Reviewing the connection of wellknown Derby merchants and public men with the Iodge , the speaker mentioned that the son of the celebrated William
Duesbury , the founder of the Derby China Works , was initiated in the Tyrian Lodge in the first year of its existence , whilst his grandson , Henry Duesbury , architect , who designed the Derby Town Hall and the Derby Waterworks , was admitted in 1 S 52 . In 1825 William Corden , the artist , was initiated . Joseph Strutt , youngest of the three sons of the famous introducer of the Derby rib-stocking , was admitted to the lodge in the first year of its existence , and
Jedediah Strutt and George Henry , of Belper , in 1 S 10 . These were grandsons of the first Jedediah , and the former was the father of Mr . G . H . Strutt , of Bridge Hill . The connection of the lodge with the industrial development of the town was further illustrated by the initiation in 1794 of John Whitehurst , sen ., described as " clockmaker , " and who placed the chimes in All Saints' Tower . The application for the Tyrian warrant was headed by lohn Hollis
Pigott , physician , who was Master for six years after its foundation . Daniel Parker Coke , M . P ., and barrister at law , | was initiated in 1787 , and was W . M . in 1 794 , and again in 1796 . He sat for Derby with the Lord Frederick Cavendish of that time a few years before he entered the lodge . In 1 S 13 and 1 S 14 William Spencer , sixth Duke of Devonshire , whose portrait adorned the Derby Town Hall , occupied the chair of the Iodge . His grace had been
initiated in 1 S 09 . The chair now used by the I . P . M . was his gift , and he also presented his banner to the lodge . He was for many years Grand Master of the province , and was succeeded in the title and estates by the present Duke , and as P . G . Master by the heir to the dukedom , the Marquis of Hartington . Bro . Henry Browne , whose name frequently occurred in the annals of the lodge , must have been a very zealous and able Mason , as from 17 S 5 to 1 S 17
he was eight times VV . M . and seven times acting VV . M ., when the office was held by brethren of high social position . In 1 S 10 Viscount Tamworth , eldest son of the seventh Earl Ferrers , was received into the lodge , and two months later Nathaniel , second Lord Scarsdale , his father-in-law , was initiated . The Hon . Augustus and the Hon . Edward Curzon , of Kedleston , became members in 1 S 15 , and the Hon . Francis Curzon , of Kedleston , joined in 1 S 25 , and was
elected W . M . in 1 S 26 . Earl Howe was initiated in 1 S 15 , the Hon . Augustus Stanhope , son of the third Earl of Harrington , in 1 S 15 , and Earl Ferrers in 1 S 5 S . In 1791 Mr . Charles Sedley Burdett , of Foremark , second son of the fourth baronet , was initiated . Of other members , he might name three Poles , of Radbourne , and two of the Heathcotes , an old Derbyshire family , formerly of Littleover . The father and grandfather of the present Sir Henry
Wilmot were members . Amongst other well-known names were two Cells , of Hopton , W . Pole Thornhill , of Stanton , the present Sir Henry Allsopp , the late Michael Thomas Bass , two members of the old Bainbrigge family , and last , but not least , Bro . C R . Colville , formerly M . P . for South Derbyshire , and D . P . G . M . for many years . For many years the Tyrian was the only lodge in Derbyshire . The Royal Sussex was consecrated in 1 S 17 , and no other until
'JM 4- There were now in the province 20 Craft lodges , six chapters of the Royal Arch , three Mark Mason lodges , and a chapter of the Rose Croix . Bro . Hall , in conclusion , said he would spare his hearers a narrative of the migrations of the lod ge from hostel to hostel , from its first home , at the Bunch and Grapes in the Market Place , until 10 years ago tl . an hiding place in that handsome hall , of which they were all nroud . and for which thev were trrateful to
those brethren to whose untiring perseverance and profuse liberality its erection was due , and particularly to the Provincial Senior Warden of last year—Bro . John Smith—Whose name must always be associated with this material evidence of the prosperity of Derbyshire Masonry , ¦ si _? ' ^ VoODAI-L > Grand Treasurer elect , then delivered a snort address , in the course of which he reviewed the vast progress made by Freemasonry during the past century .
socially , intellectually , and in every sense the Craft had "JMe extraordinary strides . The opposition to which the h »? u - d keen subjected was due to ignorance ; but let it L ' "" duty to answer the baseless charges of their critics tlw . ° Charity and love , and thus show the world that ne aspersions cast upon them had their origin solely in the ru L S oi the ! r opponents . ( Applause . ) the hymn "Maker and Father of us all , " having been .. -M 'ne Director of Ceremonies . Bro . E . R . Ward . un .
ou ed a mural tablet which had been erected in a conspicucnni » J , building in commemoration . The tablet comnir th , ? . dates of the foundation of the lodge , the tomS , " ¦ ¦ lts centenary , and of the centenary festival , "gether Wlth a list f t . offi ( . e _ nf t . . . ,. in
numki { !!? ^ a cavity at the back of the tablet a rnnei of Masonic documents had been deposited . Scri pture PLA ' N havin £ read an appropriate passage of ^ d dri £ " " 9 ' * STER distributed the centenary jewels , over r ^ i , . short address t 0 the brethren . Bro . Oke ' have h « n that he wasin ho P esthe P . G . Master would This w « " Present , and he regretted his absence sincerely . was a gathering in which he felt the utmost pleasure .
Centenary Of The Tyrian Lodge, No. 253.
The interest of it would never be effaced from his memory . But , interesting as the occasion was , lhe could not but feci that it suggested many grave thoughts to their minds . There was something solemn in the lapse of 100 years . It led them to think of all the different phases and experiences this lodge had gone through , and of the many eminent members ; it had been instrumental in introducing to the Craft . These men had included representatives of all classes of
society , and it was evident that they had worked hard , in less favourable times than those in which we now found ourselves , to promote the honour and usefulness of the Craft . The interesting record they had listened to could not fail to make them ponder over the work done by those who had gone before them , the zeal and fidelity they had shown , and the useful lives they had led . Then the contemplation of the past led them , as Masons , to think of the future , and
the responsibilities which rested upon them . The D . P . G . Master , in solemn terms , exhorted his brethren to feel that in the discharge of their duties as citizens and as Masons their best and surest guide was the G . A . O . T . U . Bro . the Rev . E . HILLYARD , P . P . G . Chaplain , followed with an address of much earnestness . He repudiated the right of any body of men professing to call themselves Christians , or the right of any potentate , to cast aspersions
upon the Masonic body . It was to him a matter of concern and deep sorrow that an Order to which he was affiliated , and in which he had the fullest trust and confidence , should be openly derided as a means for propagating the doctrines of infidelity , and for engaging in acts subversive of all good government . Some of his hearers might be disposed to feel less keenly on this subject than he did , but he reminded them that the most baseless charges , if
constantly repeated , were calculated to impress themselves on the minds of some , and be the means of keeping apart from them men eminently calculated to advise the Craft and carry out its principles . The strangest and saddest feature in connection with these aspersions was that no attempt was made to support them with a grain of evidence . Let them , for example , turn to the record of a hundred years' work which had been given them to-day .
Did they find in it the names of any regicides ? Did they meet with treasonable plots , or the names of those who had been disturbers of the public peace ? On the contrary , they found mention made of those whose aim it had been to cultivate deeds of brotherly kindness and charity , and who had lived in the affection and esteem of their fellow citizens . This was no exceptional experience , but the experience of Masonry generally . It was perhaps the best
answer that they could give to those who spoke of them as a disloyal and a materialistic body ; but , nevertheless , it was wise now and then to protest against the aspersions which were cast upon them by men who had no knowledge of the Order to guide them . Referring to the spirit of the Order , the speaker said it was the principle of uniting men of all grades in the one idea of a common brotherhood , and the common service of humanity in the name of that
brotherhood . Amid sympathetic cheers Bro . Hillyard said if he were asked' * What is Masonry ? " he should say " Brotherhood ; " and if he were asked " What is its principle . ' " he should say " Love . " A hymn having been sung , a liberal collection was made in aid of the Masonic Charities , and the Iodge was closed . The musical arrangements were under the able direction
of Bro . W . L . Dodd , P . P . G . Organist , the singing being effectively led by Bro . Bickley ' s glee party from Birmingham . The instrument used upon the occasion was lent by Bro . Edgar Home , and it was generally suggested that it might with advantage be added to the furniture of the hall . Subsequently the brethren dined together in the Shareholders' room of the Midland Station , the banquet being served by Mr . W . Towle , manager of the Midland Hotel .
Devon Masonic Educational Fund.
DEVON MASONIC EDUCATIONAL FUND .
The annual meeting of the Devon Masonic Educational Fund was held at the Huyshe Masonic Temple , Plymouth , on Tuesday , the Gth inst . W . Bro . TREVEXA , 159 , presided . VV . Bro . the Rev . W . Whittley was unable to be present . The following , originally his proposition , was therefore proposed by VV . Bro . E . Aitken-Davies : — " That in consideration of the valuable services rendered
to the Devon Masonic Educational Fund by VV . Bio . VV . J . Hughan , Past G . D . of England , his name be placed on the list as an hon . vice-president of the institution . " * This was seconded by W . Bro . Samuel Jew , and carried unanimously . The election of officers followed . W . Bro . C Cooper and Bro . J . B . Skinner were elected the auditors , W . Bros . L . D . Westcott and J . B . Gover were re-elected the treasurer [ and secretary respectively ; VV .
Bros . R . Lose , W . E . Warren , H . Stocker , and W . Powell were re-elected , and John Brewer , the P . G . S ,, added to the list as the Finance Committee . The members of thc General Purposes Committee were re-elected with the exception of Bro . John Baxter , who has left the neighbourhood . His name was therefore withdrawn and that of W . Bro . T . Goodall substituted . It was resolved that for the future on the voting papers should be
recorded the number of votes by which the successful candidates at the previous election had been returned . The election of the children then took place . There were two vacancies and seven candidates . The first was a boy aged 12 , from Lodge Benevolence , No . G 66 , fourth application ; votes brought forward 88 , additional votes tendered 7—total 95 . Second , a boy aged 11 , from Lodge Elms , No . 1212 ,
third application ; votes brought forward 323 , additional votes tendered 109—total 432 . Third , a girl aged nine , from Lodge Metham , No . 1205 , second application ; votes brought forward 115 , additional votes tendered 124—total 239 . Fourth , a boy aged nine , from Lodge Fortitude , No . 105 , second application ; votes brought forward 91 , additional votes tendered 381—total 472 . Fifth , a girl aged 11 , from Lodge Brunswick , No . 159 , second application ; votes brought forward 54 , additional votes tendered
Ggtotal 123 . Sixth , a boy aged seven , from Lodge Huyshe , first application ; votes tendered iS . Seventh , a girl aged seven , from Lodge Prudence , No . 1550 , first application ; votes tendered 126 . No . 4 , Martin Stanley Williams , and No . 2 , Thos . Henry Trounce , were declared the successful candidates . Bro . C . Cooper was appointed the guardian ofthe lad Williams , and Bro . F . Hooper the guardian ofthe lad Trounce . Bros . T . Goodall , R . Cawsey , and Warren acted as the scrutineers . —Western Morning News .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
The Magistrate " is such a success that at the Court Theatre during the last week of Lent , which is generally about the dullest week in the theatrical year , the house was crowded to its utmost capacity , and the demand tor seats has been almost without a parallel . We do not wonder .
* * On Saturday « In His Power " will be withdrawn from the Olympic , its place being taken by Heartless , " a version of Ouida ' s " Puck . " Mr . Kyrle Bellew will play the hero , and Mr . Philip Beck will be in the cast .
His Majesty "The Silver King" is beino- received at the Princess ' s with all the loyalty he obtained before . The renewal of this fine melodrama for a run of some _ length seems certain . On its production it was recognised as one ofthe best pieces of its classand a second
, visit is likely to confirm this opinion . The cast has only been changed in one small particular . Mr . Wilson Barrett will find this play much more remunerative than Lord Lytton s "Junius ; " but we hope he will not be deterred from bringing out a new classical play of the "Claudian " stamp .
* * * " Ours " is to be revived at the Haymarket on the 25 th inst ., as one of the farewell oerformances . Bro . Bancroft , when he gave a series of the late T . W . Robertson's comedies a year or two ago , did not include " Ours . " He has made arrangements with the late
author ' s family to give it now , and we know it will be welcomed . We think "Ours" was last played at the Haymarket when Mrs . Langtry made her debut on the stage . Messrs . Russell and Bashford will bring out a dramatised version of " Dark Days , " with Miss Lingard and . Mr . Barrymore in the cast , when they assume command of the theatre .
* * Miss Violet Melnotte has opened the Avenue , where she cannot be doing much business . Of the " Fashionable Beauty " musical burletta we cannot say anything in praise , except it be that an opportunity is afforded for a number of pretty young ladies to appear in very pretty costumes . From beginning to end there is not a line of dialogue or music worth hearing , and the sooner such trash is
taken off the better . Tact , " the farcial comedy preceding it , has plenty in it to amuse , though it is weak in itself . Some of the dialogue is smart and the business funny . Mr . Chas . Groves and Miss Sophie Larkin play with their usual zest , and between them pretty well carry the piece on their shoulders . Bro . Walter Everard plays his part with great eclat , and is the cause of many a laugh ; but he has hardly scope for his natural flow of vivacity . " Tact" is not strong enough to last long ; but it has many a funny point in it .
* # # "The Mascotte , " by M . Audran , has been revived at the Comedy , and is being received with all its old favour . Miss Violet Cameron , after her prolonged absence from the stage , once more assumes her old part of Bettina , singing and playing with all her old grace and charm . Miss Cameron looks none the worse for her recent illness , and nightly is securing a reception from her audiences little short of rapturous . Sir . Arthur Roberts appears as King
Laureat , and if he does not stick close to the text he makes his part extremely funny . Mr . H . Bollini is the shepherd lover , formerly played by M . Guillard . Mr . H . Walsham repeats his impersonation of the Stuttering Prince , and sings his fine tenor song , " Love is blind , " with real art . Mr . T . P . Haynes is still the farmer Rocco . At the end of next week Bro . A . Henderson produces " Clara Soleil , " in which Miss Violet Cameron , Miss Constance Gilchrist , Mr . Arthur Roberts , and M . Marius will play . The original is in full swing just now at the Vaudeville in Paris .
Mr . David James has not attended so well to the stage , as to the front of the house at the Opera Comique . We will say nothing further about " The Excursion Train , " except , that we hope it is an express one , and will soon run off the Opera Comique stage , and give place to something worth seeing . We understand it is in contemplation to revive "The Guv ' nor , " which was highly popular at the Vaudeville under the James and Thorne management .
Why does not some enterprising manager revive the series of burlesques which were played at the Strand some years since , with so much success ? Mr . James has converted the dress circle into the pit , and sent the dress people into the balcony . The Opera Comique has now by far the best pit in London . For two shillings one has a better seat there than for six shillings . When Mr . David James brings out something with an interest in it , he will doubtless meet with plenty of support . Since writing the above we are pleased to learn that " The Guv ' nor " will be revived on Saturday .
# * * Mr . Thorne has made so few mistakes—we think this is his first—that we really regret to record any failure at the Vaudeville . Dr . Westland Marston ' s play , " Under Fire , " should have been produced twenty years or half a century ago . The author was many years since a great favourite , since which time he has remained dormant , and on emereing to the public gaze has made a huge error .
The ground work of " Under Fire" is a terrible secret a lady who is in the fashionable world labours under . We think the author has made a mountain out of a molehill . In the first place , we do not think any one need or would be in fear of the fact of her having once been a public singer being discovered b y Society , much less allow another woman to levy black mail to keep her mouth shut , nor in these days does it matter much who or what one ' s ancestors for
were , even if one of them has been executed being a murderer , especially when his innocence is assured . We shall welcome a change in the Vaudeville programme , and only hope we are at last to see the late Bro . Byron's comedy , " Open House , " produced here , of which we have frequently heard mention . "Under Fire" is so utterly devoid of interest that no one would regret if the MS . itself be placed " Under Fire . "
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Centenary Of The Tyrian Lodge, No. 253.
name appeared upon the warrant . Two years after the Tyrian was established , the Prince of Wales , afterwards George IV ., and his brother the Duke of York were initiated . Their brothers , the Duke of Kent ( father of our present Queen ) and the Dukeof Sussex , afterwards Grand Master , had been received into the Craft shortly before , on lhe Continent , and on the death of their uncle , the Duke of Cumberland , in 1790 , the Prince of Wales was elected
Grand Master . He was not installed until two years later , and' shortly after that event , on January , 1 793 , the Tyrian Lodge voted an address to his Royal Highness expressing the loyalty and attachment of the lodge to his person , his family , and his constitution . The Tyrian Lodge gave further proofs of its loyalty . In 1798 an address protesting against revolutions and treasonable practices was adopted , and contributions raised in aid of the Government "in the alarming
crisis . " In 1 S 13 the Tyrian sent to London £ 4253 . towards the purchase of a jewel for the Earl of Moira ( a distinguished Mason ) , on the occasion of his being appointed Governor General of India , whilst in 1 S 15 no less a sum than ^ So was contributed by the Iodge towards the relief of the families of the soldiers who fell at Waterloo , and five years later the death of the Duke of Kent was made the occasion of holding a lodge of emergency , when an oration
was delivered by the Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . Chas . S . Hope . The Tyrian three years after its consecration was 4 6 S on the roll of Grand Lodge ; but by the dissolution of older lodges it now ranked as 253 . At the time of its foundation the town did not contain more than a tenth of its present population . Reviewing the connection of wellknown Derby merchants and public men with the Iodge , the speaker mentioned that the son of the celebrated William
Duesbury , the founder of the Derby China Works , was initiated in the Tyrian Lodge in the first year of its existence , whilst his grandson , Henry Duesbury , architect , who designed the Derby Town Hall and the Derby Waterworks , was admitted in 1 S 52 . In 1825 William Corden , the artist , was initiated . Joseph Strutt , youngest of the three sons of the famous introducer of the Derby rib-stocking , was admitted to the lodge in the first year of its existence , and
Jedediah Strutt and George Henry , of Belper , in 1 S 10 . These were grandsons of the first Jedediah , and the former was the father of Mr . G . H . Strutt , of Bridge Hill . The connection of the lodge with the industrial development of the town was further illustrated by the initiation in 1794 of John Whitehurst , sen ., described as " clockmaker , " and who placed the chimes in All Saints' Tower . The application for the Tyrian warrant was headed by lohn Hollis
Pigott , physician , who was Master for six years after its foundation . Daniel Parker Coke , M . P ., and barrister at law , | was initiated in 1787 , and was W . M . in 1 794 , and again in 1796 . He sat for Derby with the Lord Frederick Cavendish of that time a few years before he entered the lodge . In 1 S 13 and 1 S 14 William Spencer , sixth Duke of Devonshire , whose portrait adorned the Derby Town Hall , occupied the chair of the Iodge . His grace had been
initiated in 1 S 09 . The chair now used by the I . P . M . was his gift , and he also presented his banner to the lodge . He was for many years Grand Master of the province , and was succeeded in the title and estates by the present Duke , and as P . G . Master by the heir to the dukedom , the Marquis of Hartington . Bro . Henry Browne , whose name frequently occurred in the annals of the lodge , must have been a very zealous and able Mason , as from 17 S 5 to 1 S 17
he was eight times VV . M . and seven times acting VV . M ., when the office was held by brethren of high social position . In 1 S 10 Viscount Tamworth , eldest son of the seventh Earl Ferrers , was received into the lodge , and two months later Nathaniel , second Lord Scarsdale , his father-in-law , was initiated . The Hon . Augustus and the Hon . Edward Curzon , of Kedleston , became members in 1 S 15 , and the Hon . Francis Curzon , of Kedleston , joined in 1 S 25 , and was
elected W . M . in 1 S 26 . Earl Howe was initiated in 1 S 15 , the Hon . Augustus Stanhope , son of the third Earl of Harrington , in 1 S 15 , and Earl Ferrers in 1 S 5 S . In 1791 Mr . Charles Sedley Burdett , of Foremark , second son of the fourth baronet , was initiated . Of other members , he might name three Poles , of Radbourne , and two of the Heathcotes , an old Derbyshire family , formerly of Littleover . The father and grandfather of the present Sir Henry
Wilmot were members . Amongst other well-known names were two Cells , of Hopton , W . Pole Thornhill , of Stanton , the present Sir Henry Allsopp , the late Michael Thomas Bass , two members of the old Bainbrigge family , and last , but not least , Bro . C R . Colville , formerly M . P . for South Derbyshire , and D . P . G . M . for many years . For many years the Tyrian was the only lodge in Derbyshire . The Royal Sussex was consecrated in 1 S 17 , and no other until
'JM 4- There were now in the province 20 Craft lodges , six chapters of the Royal Arch , three Mark Mason lodges , and a chapter of the Rose Croix . Bro . Hall , in conclusion , said he would spare his hearers a narrative of the migrations of the lod ge from hostel to hostel , from its first home , at the Bunch and Grapes in the Market Place , until 10 years ago tl . an hiding place in that handsome hall , of which they were all nroud . and for which thev were trrateful to
those brethren to whose untiring perseverance and profuse liberality its erection was due , and particularly to the Provincial Senior Warden of last year—Bro . John Smith—Whose name must always be associated with this material evidence of the prosperity of Derbyshire Masonry , ¦ si _? ' ^ VoODAI-L > Grand Treasurer elect , then delivered a snort address , in the course of which he reviewed the vast progress made by Freemasonry during the past century .
socially , intellectually , and in every sense the Craft had "JMe extraordinary strides . The opposition to which the h »? u - d keen subjected was due to ignorance ; but let it L ' "" duty to answer the baseless charges of their critics tlw . ° Charity and love , and thus show the world that ne aspersions cast upon them had their origin solely in the ru L S oi the ! r opponents . ( Applause . ) the hymn "Maker and Father of us all , " having been .. -M 'ne Director of Ceremonies . Bro . E . R . Ward . un .
ou ed a mural tablet which had been erected in a conspicucnni » J , building in commemoration . The tablet comnir th , ? . dates of the foundation of the lodge , the tomS , " ¦ ¦ lts centenary , and of the centenary festival , "gether Wlth a list f t . offi ( . e _ nf t . . . ,. in
numki { !!? ^ a cavity at the back of the tablet a rnnei of Masonic documents had been deposited . Scri pture PLA ' N havin £ read an appropriate passage of ^ d dri £ " " 9 ' * STER distributed the centenary jewels , over r ^ i , . short address t 0 the brethren . Bro . Oke ' have h « n that he wasin ho P esthe P . G . Master would This w « " Present , and he regretted his absence sincerely . was a gathering in which he felt the utmost pleasure .
Centenary Of The Tyrian Lodge, No. 253.
The interest of it would never be effaced from his memory . But , interesting as the occasion was , lhe could not but feci that it suggested many grave thoughts to their minds . There was something solemn in the lapse of 100 years . It led them to think of all the different phases and experiences this lodge had gone through , and of the many eminent members ; it had been instrumental in introducing to the Craft . These men had included representatives of all classes of
society , and it was evident that they had worked hard , in less favourable times than those in which we now found ourselves , to promote the honour and usefulness of the Craft . The interesting record they had listened to could not fail to make them ponder over the work done by those who had gone before them , the zeal and fidelity they had shown , and the useful lives they had led . Then the contemplation of the past led them , as Masons , to think of the future , and
the responsibilities which rested upon them . The D . P . G . Master , in solemn terms , exhorted his brethren to feel that in the discharge of their duties as citizens and as Masons their best and surest guide was the G . A . O . T . U . Bro . the Rev . E . HILLYARD , P . P . G . Chaplain , followed with an address of much earnestness . He repudiated the right of any body of men professing to call themselves Christians , or the right of any potentate , to cast aspersions
upon the Masonic body . It was to him a matter of concern and deep sorrow that an Order to which he was affiliated , and in which he had the fullest trust and confidence , should be openly derided as a means for propagating the doctrines of infidelity , and for engaging in acts subversive of all good government . Some of his hearers might be disposed to feel less keenly on this subject than he did , but he reminded them that the most baseless charges , if
constantly repeated , were calculated to impress themselves on the minds of some , and be the means of keeping apart from them men eminently calculated to advise the Craft and carry out its principles . The strangest and saddest feature in connection with these aspersions was that no attempt was made to support them with a grain of evidence . Let them , for example , turn to the record of a hundred years' work which had been given them to-day .
Did they find in it the names of any regicides ? Did they meet with treasonable plots , or the names of those who had been disturbers of the public peace ? On the contrary , they found mention made of those whose aim it had been to cultivate deeds of brotherly kindness and charity , and who had lived in the affection and esteem of their fellow citizens . This was no exceptional experience , but the experience of Masonry generally . It was perhaps the best
answer that they could give to those who spoke of them as a disloyal and a materialistic body ; but , nevertheless , it was wise now and then to protest against the aspersions which were cast upon them by men who had no knowledge of the Order to guide them . Referring to the spirit of the Order , the speaker said it was the principle of uniting men of all grades in the one idea of a common brotherhood , and the common service of humanity in the name of that
brotherhood . Amid sympathetic cheers Bro . Hillyard said if he were asked' * What is Masonry ? " he should say " Brotherhood ; " and if he were asked " What is its principle . ' " he should say " Love . " A hymn having been sung , a liberal collection was made in aid of the Masonic Charities , and the Iodge was closed . The musical arrangements were under the able direction
of Bro . W . L . Dodd , P . P . G . Organist , the singing being effectively led by Bro . Bickley ' s glee party from Birmingham . The instrument used upon the occasion was lent by Bro . Edgar Home , and it was generally suggested that it might with advantage be added to the furniture of the hall . Subsequently the brethren dined together in the Shareholders' room of the Midland Station , the banquet being served by Mr . W . Towle , manager of the Midland Hotel .
Devon Masonic Educational Fund.
DEVON MASONIC EDUCATIONAL FUND .
The annual meeting of the Devon Masonic Educational Fund was held at the Huyshe Masonic Temple , Plymouth , on Tuesday , the Gth inst . W . Bro . TREVEXA , 159 , presided . VV . Bro . the Rev . W . Whittley was unable to be present . The following , originally his proposition , was therefore proposed by VV . Bro . E . Aitken-Davies : — " That in consideration of the valuable services rendered
to the Devon Masonic Educational Fund by VV . Bio . VV . J . Hughan , Past G . D . of England , his name be placed on the list as an hon . vice-president of the institution . " * This was seconded by W . Bro . Samuel Jew , and carried unanimously . The election of officers followed . W . Bro . C Cooper and Bro . J . B . Skinner were elected the auditors , W . Bros . L . D . Westcott and J . B . Gover were re-elected the treasurer [ and secretary respectively ; VV .
Bros . R . Lose , W . E . Warren , H . Stocker , and W . Powell were re-elected , and John Brewer , the P . G . S ,, added to the list as the Finance Committee . The members of thc General Purposes Committee were re-elected with the exception of Bro . John Baxter , who has left the neighbourhood . His name was therefore withdrawn and that of W . Bro . T . Goodall substituted . It was resolved that for the future on the voting papers should be
recorded the number of votes by which the successful candidates at the previous election had been returned . The election of the children then took place . There were two vacancies and seven candidates . The first was a boy aged 12 , from Lodge Benevolence , No . G 66 , fourth application ; votes brought forward 88 , additional votes tendered 7—total 95 . Second , a boy aged 11 , from Lodge Elms , No . 1212 ,
third application ; votes brought forward 323 , additional votes tendered 109—total 432 . Third , a girl aged nine , from Lodge Metham , No . 1205 , second application ; votes brought forward 115 , additional votes tendered 124—total 239 . Fourth , a boy aged nine , from Lodge Fortitude , No . 105 , second application ; votes brought forward 91 , additional votes tendered 381—total 472 . Fifth , a girl aged 11 , from Lodge Brunswick , No . 159 , second application ; votes brought forward 54 , additional votes tendered
Ggtotal 123 . Sixth , a boy aged seven , from Lodge Huyshe , first application ; votes tendered iS . Seventh , a girl aged seven , from Lodge Prudence , No . 1550 , first application ; votes tendered 126 . No . 4 , Martin Stanley Williams , and No . 2 , Thos . Henry Trounce , were declared the successful candidates . Bro . C . Cooper was appointed the guardian ofthe lad Williams , and Bro . F . Hooper the guardian ofthe lad Trounce . Bros . T . Goodall , R . Cawsey , and Warren acted as the scrutineers . —Western Morning News .
The Theatres.
THE THEATRES .
The Magistrate " is such a success that at the Court Theatre during the last week of Lent , which is generally about the dullest week in the theatrical year , the house was crowded to its utmost capacity , and the demand tor seats has been almost without a parallel . We do not wonder .
* * On Saturday « In His Power " will be withdrawn from the Olympic , its place being taken by Heartless , " a version of Ouida ' s " Puck . " Mr . Kyrle Bellew will play the hero , and Mr . Philip Beck will be in the cast .
His Majesty "The Silver King" is beino- received at the Princess ' s with all the loyalty he obtained before . The renewal of this fine melodrama for a run of some _ length seems certain . On its production it was recognised as one ofthe best pieces of its classand a second
, visit is likely to confirm this opinion . The cast has only been changed in one small particular . Mr . Wilson Barrett will find this play much more remunerative than Lord Lytton s "Junius ; " but we hope he will not be deterred from bringing out a new classical play of the "Claudian " stamp .
* * * " Ours " is to be revived at the Haymarket on the 25 th inst ., as one of the farewell oerformances . Bro . Bancroft , when he gave a series of the late T . W . Robertson's comedies a year or two ago , did not include " Ours . " He has made arrangements with the late
author ' s family to give it now , and we know it will be welcomed . We think "Ours" was last played at the Haymarket when Mrs . Langtry made her debut on the stage . Messrs . Russell and Bashford will bring out a dramatised version of " Dark Days , " with Miss Lingard and . Mr . Barrymore in the cast , when they assume command of the theatre .
* * Miss Violet Melnotte has opened the Avenue , where she cannot be doing much business . Of the " Fashionable Beauty " musical burletta we cannot say anything in praise , except it be that an opportunity is afforded for a number of pretty young ladies to appear in very pretty costumes . From beginning to end there is not a line of dialogue or music worth hearing , and the sooner such trash is
taken off the better . Tact , " the farcial comedy preceding it , has plenty in it to amuse , though it is weak in itself . Some of the dialogue is smart and the business funny . Mr . Chas . Groves and Miss Sophie Larkin play with their usual zest , and between them pretty well carry the piece on their shoulders . Bro . Walter Everard plays his part with great eclat , and is the cause of many a laugh ; but he has hardly scope for his natural flow of vivacity . " Tact" is not strong enough to last long ; but it has many a funny point in it .
* # # "The Mascotte , " by M . Audran , has been revived at the Comedy , and is being received with all its old favour . Miss Violet Cameron , after her prolonged absence from the stage , once more assumes her old part of Bettina , singing and playing with all her old grace and charm . Miss Cameron looks none the worse for her recent illness , and nightly is securing a reception from her audiences little short of rapturous . Sir . Arthur Roberts appears as King
Laureat , and if he does not stick close to the text he makes his part extremely funny . Mr . H . Bollini is the shepherd lover , formerly played by M . Guillard . Mr . H . Walsham repeats his impersonation of the Stuttering Prince , and sings his fine tenor song , " Love is blind , " with real art . Mr . T . P . Haynes is still the farmer Rocco . At the end of next week Bro . A . Henderson produces " Clara Soleil , " in which Miss Violet Cameron , Miss Constance Gilchrist , Mr . Arthur Roberts , and M . Marius will play . The original is in full swing just now at the Vaudeville in Paris .
Mr . David James has not attended so well to the stage , as to the front of the house at the Opera Comique . We will say nothing further about " The Excursion Train , " except , that we hope it is an express one , and will soon run off the Opera Comique stage , and give place to something worth seeing . We understand it is in contemplation to revive "The Guv ' nor , " which was highly popular at the Vaudeville under the James and Thorne management .
Why does not some enterprising manager revive the series of burlesques which were played at the Strand some years since , with so much success ? Mr . James has converted the dress circle into the pit , and sent the dress people into the balcony . The Opera Comique has now by far the best pit in London . For two shillings one has a better seat there than for six shillings . When Mr . David James brings out something with an interest in it , he will doubtless meet with plenty of support . Since writing the above we are pleased to learn that " The Guv ' nor " will be revived on Saturday .
# * * Mr . Thorne has made so few mistakes—we think this is his first—that we really regret to record any failure at the Vaudeville . Dr . Westland Marston ' s play , " Under Fire , " should have been produced twenty years or half a century ago . The author was many years since a great favourite , since which time he has remained dormant , and on emereing to the public gaze has made a huge error .
The ground work of " Under Fire" is a terrible secret a lady who is in the fashionable world labours under . We think the author has made a mountain out of a molehill . In the first place , we do not think any one need or would be in fear of the fact of her having once been a public singer being discovered b y Society , much less allow another woman to levy black mail to keep her mouth shut , nor in these days does it matter much who or what one ' s ancestors for
were , even if one of them has been executed being a murderer , especially when his innocence is assured . We shall welcome a change in the Vaudeville programme , and only hope we are at last to see the late Bro . Byron's comedy , " Open House , " produced here , of which we have frequently heard mention . "Under Fire" is so utterly devoid of interest that no one would regret if the MS . itself be placed " Under Fire . "