Annual Supper Of The Chiswick Lodge Of Instruction, No. 2012.

ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE CHISWICK LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 2012 .

On Wednesday , the Sth inst ., this lodge held its annual supper at the Windsor Castle Hotel , King-st ., Hammersmith , and the occasion vvas taken as the opportunity for presenting a testimonial to its worthy Preceptor . The chair vvas occupied by Bro . George Gardner , founder and Treasurer of the lodge , and Past Master ot the mother

lodge , he being supported on his right by Bro . Edward Ayling * - the Preceptor , and P . M . of 975 , and upon his left by Bro . Arthur Williams , Sec , and D . C . of S 34 ; the vicechair vvas taken by Bro . Jas . Sims , P . M . S 34 . The following brethren were also present : Bros . W . Defries , P . M . " 012 ; M . Spiegel , P . M . iSS ; H . Purdue , P . M . S 34 ; W . Game , P . M . 511 ; 1 . A . Gartley , P . M . 205 ; C . Dcpson ,

P . M . 834 ; J . H . Wood , VV . M . 1642 ; H . Tipper , W . M . 1 S 5 ; D . S . Long , S . D . 1275 ; W . G . Coat , 1275 ; J . G . Doncaster , S . W . X 34 ; H . Hewett , S 34 ; F . Walden , Sec . 2012 ; J . T . Benson , 2012 ; T . M . Coleman , 192 ; H . D . Aslett , 1 S 92 ; R . J . Steers , 1 559 ; W . W . Fazar , 2090 ; I , J . Boswell , 2012 ; A . J . Mann , 172 ; F . Craggs , I . G . " 3-14 ; J . Worth , 834 ; E . M tchell , 1275 ; V . Wing ,

I . W . 1585 ; P . J . Davies , 1767 ; H . Oliver , I . G . 15 S 5 ; J . Davis , 169 ; W . H . Wilson , 2012 ; J . Brown , 2012 ; \ V . Ritchie , 2090 , - W . C . Dickey , 2012 ; W . W . Williams , 834 ; D . Stroud , 55 ; and J . Luhtenfelt , A . D . C . 205 . During the evening the following toasts and songs were given—Bro Hobbiss , Pianist , "The Oueen and the Craft ; " " Gud save the Queen " by Bro . Tipper ; " H . R . H . the

Prince of Wales , and the rest of the Grand Officers Present and Past ; " Song—Speed on my Bark—Bro . Wing . The VICE-CHAIRMAN then proposed "Success to the Chiswick Lodge of Instruction , " coupling with the toast the names of the Preceptor , Treasurer and Secretary , paying due compliment to their zeal and assiduity , the value of their services , and willingness at all times to do

their utmost to promote the prosperity of the Iodge . This was most cordially received by the brethren , and after a song by Bro . Dicney— " The White Squall , " The SECRETARY replied , and gave a brief sketch of the career of the lodge , the large amount it had given to the Charities , and its prospects of continued prosperity ; and whilst thanking the brethren for the hearty manner in

vvhich they had received the toast assured them on his own behalf , as well as of the Preceptor and Treasurer , of their hearty goodwill and desire to maintain and uphold the lodge to the best of their ability . The CHAIRMAN then stated the next duty—and it vvas certainly a most pleasing one—was that of proposing "The Health of the worthy Preceptor of the lodge , Bro .

Ayling , " and presenting him with a small token of the esteem and regard in vvhich he vvas held by them all , and after reverting briefly to the inauguration and consecration of the lodge three years ago , under exceptionally gratifying circumstances , when he had asked Bro . Ayling to become its Preceptor , and paying a just tribute to his many excellent qualities , and testifying to his earnest de .= ire and readiness

at all times to impart that knowledge he possessed to those who aspire to obtain it , he handed him a diamond ring , subscribed ior by 43 members of the lodge , and trusted that it would ever bring to his mind the esteem in which he vvas held , that its lustre like its own might never be dimmed , and with united "Hearty good wishes" might he live long to wear it as a token of their appreciation and

regard . He therefore asked the brethren to be upstandingand join him in this the toast of the evening . The toast vvas drunk in the heartiest manner . Song— " W . ll o' the Wisp "—Bro . Tipper . Bro . AYLING then responded , tendering his sincere thanks for the honour and kindness shown him , that he could not find words to adequately convey what he felt .

Hc had an earnest desire at all times to promote the welfare of the lodge and the friendship and brotherly love at all times shown him made it a pleasure to come amongst them . The ring he should ever prize as long as he lived , and when absent from them , it would ever remind him of the kindness evinced towards him by the brethren of the Chiswick Lodge of Instruction .

Song— " Bedouin's love song "—Bro . Walden . The VICE-CHAIRMAN then proposed " The Health of the Chairman , " and hoped that all present might be spared to meet him at many such future gatherings ; and having already spoken of his good qualities , he would not delay with any further remarks . The toast having been received vvith applause , Bro .

Ayling sung "Welcome ever welcome friends . " The CHAIRMAN returned thanks , and trusted he might meet them at many future gatherings , and vvas glad to see the lodge prosper , and was pleased to promote its interests and that of the Benevolent Association connected with it ; and he would now , as time vvas getting on and some brethren had to leave , propose " The Visitors " before

that of the Vice-Chairman , and he coupled the toast vvith the names of Bros . Defries and Coleman . , This being duly received , Bro . Doncaster gave an exposition of the art of ledgerdemain , illustrated by various tricks , which greatly puzzled and amused , and evoked hearty applause . . Bros . DEFRIES and COLEMAN returned thanks , expressmg _ the pleasure they felt at being present upon that

particular occasion . "The Health of the Vice-Chairman" vvas then proposed in feeling terms by the CHAIRMAN , and vvas duly responded to by Bro . SIMS . The next and last toast was that of "The Hostess , Mrs . filbert , " who had provided for their entertainment , and

for her unstinted kindness generally to the brethren of the lodge . The toast was well received , and duly responded to by her son . the meeting then broke up , after spending a very enjoyable evening , to which Bro . Craggs contributed not a little "y kindl y acting at Steward .

The Late Bro. Andrew Kerr, P.M. No. 8 (S.C).

THE LATE BRO . ANDREW KERR , P . M . No . 8 ( S . C ) .

the Lodge of Journeymen , No . S ( S . C ) , has lately lost one of its prominent members in the person of Bro . j \ -idrew Kerr , P . M . A funeral lodge was held at the M asonic Hall , and the following oration was delivered by •& e R . W . M ., Bro . Cha . les Robb : d Hre « iren , in approaching a subject which must necessarily uei * l not only with life but also vvith death , it is meet and

The Late Bro. Andrew Kerr, P.M. No. 8 (S.C).

becoming that due reverence be made by the creature to the Creator , the Great Architect of the Universe . In such a spirit we are assembled to make obeisance to Him whose all-seeing eye is ever upon us and our actions , and to pay tribute to the memory of our brother , who , while left to us for a while in this earthly sphere , has now been called again by Him who gave him . From that old and sacred volume

on which the ground work of our Freemasonry is based , our brotherhood and ultimate salvation , the familiar words will ring until the end of time— " The Lord gave , and the Lord taketh away , blessed be the name of the Lord . " Would that the present duty had been in more skilful and able hands than mine , and 1 might also add older and more experienced hands , but in humbly fulfilling the duty , 1

claim from you that forbearance and kindly thoughtfulness which have always characterised your conduct to me since I became one of yourselves . Our lamented brother , the late Andrew Kerr , wa-s born on the 13 th May , 1814 , at Stenhouse , near Liberton , in the county of Mid-Lothian , and was the only son of John Kerr , joiner and builder at Stenhouse , by a second marriage . When six years of age

the first eventful and sad experience in his young life took place , by the death of his father , and he was left to the care of his loving mother , who amp ' y fulfilled the trust which , by the death of her husband , was then thrown upon her in the careful watchfulness and Christian training , vvhich vvas fully verified in the boy ' s career , and the man's whole after life . Andrew Kerr received the usual scholastic

training of tho times at the parish school of Liberton , near where he was born , and on leaving school was apprenticed to his step-brother , who had succeeded to his father ' s business . To show how young ; Kerr vvas determined to make his way in the world , it may herejbe incidently mentioned that during the period of his apprenticeship , while applying himself diligently to his vocation , he came

regularly to Edinburgh after the work vvas over for the day , to attend the classes of drawing , & c , then conducted by Mr . Dick . From his early boyhood to the latter years of his life , the Grand Masonic principles pervaded the life work and aspirations of our deceased brother , so well applied by Bro . Burns . That" Man to man the world o'er , Shall Brithers be for a' that . "

While yet , one might almost say , a school boy Bro . Kerr instituted in his native village a friendly society for youths like himself , for the purpose of affording sick and funeral allowances to the members . The society met annually on June Day , and had a procession to commemorate the glorious battle of Bannockburn . On these occasions the " Stenhouse Scottish Youths" mustered from all parts of

the parish of Liberton , " plaided and plumed in their tartan array , " and paid with pleasure the small fees which secured to them the benefits of the Society . The Society continued in full force and vigour until the advent of savings banks and other provident institutions were formulated when it ceased to exist . His apprenticeship completed , Bro . Kerr procured employment , first at Dalkeith

and thereafter in Glasgow , with the view of acquiring a more extended view of his trade . Subsequently he returned to his brother ' s employment where , while in charge 0 / some work he attracted the attention of Mr . James Newlands , architect , in Edinburgh , thereafter burgh engineer of Liverpool . Mr . Newlands recognising the joiner's abilities , offered him a situation in his office , vvhich

Bro . Kerr accepted , and he remained in Mr . Newlands employment for close upon two years . It so happened that at this period Mr . Nixon who vvas at the head of the department in Edinburgh of her Majesty ' s office of works required an extra assistant , and applying to Mr . Newlands for help in the matter , Bro . Andrew Kerr vvas sent temporarily to fulfil what duties where required of him . Again

good fortune followed him , for his new master recognising the abilities and business acumen and energy of Andrew Kerr , promoted him tothe permanent staff of the office , where he remained a valued servant and revered friend of those who were associated with him for so many years in business . Bro . Kerr vvith that sort of Masonic ardour that cements man to man in material and mental progress ,

by doing good and lessening ill instituted while yet a mere youth , a parish library . "'Tis only 60 years ago ! " but while the man has gone , the library still flourishes in the parish kirk . When the Reform Bill of 1 S 32 had passed , and Edinburgh did honour to Earl Grey by holding

high holiday with processions , banquets , & c , Bro . Kerr , although only 18 years of age , had the distinguished honour , in the records there , of heading the procession of trades from Liberton , carrying the banner that he had himself made , and which bore the verse he had composed for the occasion , so hopeful of good : —

" With joy we'll toil , tho' scant our pay , Since justice is decreed us ; We'll grateful prove to noble Grey Who has from thraldom freed us . " Onward and upward toiled our brave brother Kerr until he climbed step by step to the highest place that Masonry can give . A true brother , and well worthy vvas he of all the

honour he received while yet in the body , and more so now may his memory be revered by every true Mason of Lodge No . 8 , for the mystic source of Masonry vvas ever around him , searching and scanning the misty far gone past of pre-historic times . Some record of the labours of Bro . Kerr may yet be obtained from his bereaved wife and family . In his later years the historic relics in church and

tower at Liberton and the castle of Craigmillar received much attention from his well informed mind , in fact he could re-produce to our eyes the old kirk of Liberton such as it was pourtrayed by Sir Walter Scott in the " Heart of Mid-Lothian , " when Jeannie Deans says from York that she had " bought a braw lion grace as big and round as the middle aisle o' Liberton Kirk . " He was honoured as a

Mason as no one vvas honoured both amongst ourselves of No . 8 , and by the members of other lodges far and near . As has been well said of another brother "It has fallen to the lot of few to live in such uniform esteem , over so long a period , among so large a circle , associated in such close intimacy . He made no ostentatious display , either in manner or decorati > n of symbolized

morality . His was the bright ornament of an honest , upright , feeling heart . While he was upright in his actions , no harshness vvas manifested , and kindness was associated with kindness and fidelity in dealing with such as required caution or advice . For those under sickness or affliction he spared no exertions , and he delighted to undertake any labour that would tend to their comfort or advantage . " In short he was a man and a Mason in every true sense of

The Late Bro. Andrew Kerr, P.M. No. 8 (S.C).

the word . Joining our lodge in 1840 , his energy , his enthusiasm , and his hard vvork are deserving of all praise , and vve can confidently say that ali was done in that spirit of doing unto others as you would be done by , and no regretful memory troubled his declining years , while his end was " Peace . " In the history of our lodge , compiled by Bro . Hunter , his name often occurs in connection with

matters beneficial to the interests of Freemasonry in general , and his own lodge in particular , in which he always took an ardent interest . Allow me shortly to refer to a few of these . The first mention of his name is in connection with the fact that a copy of the order or charge by virtue of which our Lodge Journeymen , No . 8 , on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , holds her charter of

Freemasonry direct from the Court of Session , had been accidentally discovered by the late David Laing , of the Signet Library , amongst some waste paper , and presented by him to our lamented brother , who handed it over to our Iodge . That document we still have and it is worthy of perusal by all interested in thesubjectof our lodge ' s rise and progress . I he next notice of him we get in 1842 when a proposal vvas

made that Bro . Andrew Kerr should be appointed to the chair of Lodge Journeymen , No . 8 . The proposal was strongly opposed by the older Craftsmen on the ground that they being an Operative Lodge of Masons and Kerr merely a wright or joiner by trade was not qualified for such a position . The objection was of little consequence to a man like Andrew Kerr , for nothing daunted he

equipped himself with an ordinary mason ' s apron , took his place in a Mason ' s shed , and under the watchful eyes of Bros . George Clark , James Smiih , and James Blackadder , vvith mallet and chisel prepared a window-sill of binny stone , which was of such fairly good workmanship , that having been passed by the inspectors and presented to the Iodge , all objection to his election was withdrawn and

he vvas duly appointed R . W . M . of Lodge Journaymen , No . S . Following we find him making efforts to get Grand Lodge to recognise Mark Masonry as forming part of the ritual of the Fellow Craft Degree and to repudiate the assumption by the Supreme Arch Chapter , that it and it only had right to grant warrants to lodges to work this degree . His efforts we ' re ultimately successful , and power

is now given to any lodge under the Grand Lodge ' s jurisdiction t-i add Mark Masonry to their ritual . That Degree has remained of special interest to him until the end of his days , and so you know there was no one during his life who had a more profound knowledge of the system of working and the ritual . Again we have him in 1 S 42 urging the erection of a new hall for the lodge as near as possible

to their old lodge , which was about to meet the fate of many , a historical and picturesque old house by being improved off the face of the earth by the Edinburgh Improvement Trust . As there vvas some legal question involved , we Hnd Bro . Kerr urging that legal opinion should be obtained before proceeding further . Everything proved satisfactory , however , and a

site having been procured from the Improvement Trust , Bro . Kerr prepared the plans and superintended the building and completion of the hall , tho foundation-stone of which vvas laid by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master Mason of Scotland , the Earl of Dalhousie . All this vvork was done by Bro . Kerr freeof remuneration . In connection vvith the lodge he vvas always a prominent member of the

Charitable Committees , and many a widow and child of a Masonic brother has had to thank God for the kind help given by Bro . Kerr from his private purse . He was a most enthusiastic supporter of the sick , funeral , benevolent , and insurance schemes in connection with the lodge , and never wearied in pointing out their great benefits to the brethren . He obtained from some relatives—also Masons—in

California donations of £ 50 each towards the erection of the lodge . He was the means of having the shields of the various trades emblazoned on the walls of the hall . He , along with other three members of the Iodge , inserted each a stained glass window at their own expense . In the higher grades of Freemasonry he rose to a prominent position . On 26 th January , 1844 , he was exalted in Esk Chapter .

Dalkeith ( Royal Arch ) , and on the creation of the office of Grand Superintendent of Works by Supreme Grand Chapter , on 6 th March , 1 S 61 , he received the appointment , which he held until March , 1867 . In April , 1863 , he vvas admitted to the 18 ° and 30 ° ( Supreme Council ) , and in 1866 there being a vacancy in the Supreme Council , it was resolved , as a recognition of Bro . Andrew Kerr's services 0

to the Craft , to give him the 33 , and to make him a member of the Council . This was carried into effect on 13 th September , when he received the 31 ° , 32 , and 33 ° and was duly elected a member of the Council . His activity , vvhich lasted until 1877 , could not he more exemplified than by the fact that in November , 1877 , he held the office of Captain of the Guard . He , however , resigned that office , but , bv

a unanimous vote , was created an honorary member of the Council for life . His successor in the above office vvas Sir Molyneux F . C . Nepean , Bart . And now what lesson are vve to draw from our brother ' s life and death : In the former , a life unsullied has been lived , energetic and active in the interests of his fellovvmen , and doing his Creator's will . Can more be said ? So let us live that those who

know us here on earth may bless us when vve go hence ; and again in death how pleasant is memory . Our departed brother is not , for God took him . Bro . Andrew Kerr has left far behind him in the dim distance his old home , his old associations , and his old fraternal friendships . Could

the parting from him be borne did we not fully realise that there would be | a never-ending union , where friend holds fellowship with friend around the Great White Throne . He is not forgotten in his quiet grave . The grass waves green above his head ; but is his name omitted from our chain of friends ?

"Oh ! no , not then ; least then ; VVhen life is shriven , And death ' s full joy is given ; Of those who loved you up in heaven , Say not we loved them once . "

At a meeting of the Swansea brethren , held 011 Tuesday evening , the 7 th inst ., under the joint presidency of the Worshipful Masters of the three local lodges—the Indefatigable , Talbot , and Caradoc*—it was unanimously resolved that the members of these lodges , attired in full regalia , should accompany the Mayor and Corporation to Divine services at the parish church on Monday , the 20 th inst ., the brethren to meet at the hall at 9 . 30 a . m . On the evening of the same day a Masonic ball will be given at the Mackvvorth Hotel .