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Craft Masonry.
ablest and most distinguished citizens of Sheffield . It has played a prominent part in all Masonic matters , not only in the town itse'f , but in the West Riding generally ; it has championed the cause of the Masonic Charities , both London and local ; it has had a just and well-spread reputation for reverent and conscientious rendering of Masonic ceremonial ; its hospitality has been thorough , bountiful , and widely bestowed , and it has yet found time to give no inconsiderable attention to Masonic arch : eology and to the s ' . udy of the history of the Craft .
A lodge which has demonstrated its raison d'etre by such proofs as these n ° cessarily attracts the attention and concentrates the interest of its Masonic neighbours . Without setting up as a pattern , it has been quite naturally looked up to as a standard by which the younger lodges around might measure themselves . After filling so high and honourable a position for considerably more thin a century , Britannia , through the weakness of human nature , at the present moment presents in some particulars a Masonic warning , rather than a Masonic example . This is not the place to go into mattersof an unpleasant kind ; let it be enough to say that , like all humin institutions ,
Britannia has not escaped adversity . Its membership is still large , its funds ample , and its individual enthusiasm great as ever ; but , unfortunately , unanimity cannot be secured . If it pleases some few brethren in a ledge to check the wheel of progress , we all know how easi ' y it can be done . For the past eight or nine years , so far from adding to its numbers , Britannia has decreased . The great bulk of the brethren are eiger to progress , anxious to remove the deadlock , and naturally impatient at the impasse . The
Past Masters , with a courage and determination , equalled only by their loyalty and attachment , have done all that mm could ; hitherto without success . The question as to the advisability of applying for intervention from outside has occupied many anxious minds . The condition of affairs is , of course , well known in official quarters , and the fact that interposition has not been offered spontaneously may possibly have been misconstrued .
The authorities must be only too eager to take any opportunity of doing away with such a state of things , and we are not without hope that should an effort of this kind be made—leaving cut the question as to who should take the initiative—some satisfactory issue might result . We can only add how deeply we regret that a lodge with so many claims upon our admiration and respect should fall irto such adversity . Let us trust that the day of its awakening is not distant , that its neglected responsibilities will soon be taken up , and that , in short , Britannia will again become the Britannia of yore .
We are told that " Hope springs eternal in the human breast , " and it 1 * , actuated by this feeling , that each year the new Worshipful Master takes his seat in the chair ot Britannia . Last year it was Dr . John Stokes ; this anniversary it is Bro . Win . Gunstone . Both well known , enthusiastic , and popular , can it be wondered if each in his turn should have fostered the idea or conceived the hope that through his influence or
during his year the lodge would arise , shake i ' self , and resume its career of progress and usefulness ? There is this , at any rate , to be said of Lodge 139 , it does not parade its troubles ; it rather seeks to hide them , and it would have required a very close observer indeed to notice on the occasion of its annual festival on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., that anything was amiss , so thoroughly and so genially from beginning to end were the proceedings conducted .
The new Worshipful Master , as we have already said , is Bro . Wm . Gunstone . Rather more than 12 months ago we chronicled his accession to the White Rose of York Lodge , No . 2491 , and only last month we noticed how ably he installed Bro . C . Hahn , his equally worthy successor .
The lodge was opened by Bro . Dr . John Stokes , VV . M ., with commendable punctuality . He was supported by Bros . VV . Gunstone , S . W . ; A . R . Fox , | . VV . ; John Hunt , P . M ., Treas . ; L . H . Osbaldistone , Sec ; VV . G . Skelton , S . D . ; G . Robinson , J . D . ; C A . Hahn , I . G . ; II . Arnold , Org . ; and T . Leighton , Tyler . Other brahrenwereBros . il . J . Garnett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV ., D . C ; A . Boultbee , Jos . Craven , J . Needham , J . VV . Shipman , G . Turner , S . Hayes , P . M ., P . P . G . VV . ; G . W . Hawkesley , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; John Shaw , P . M ., P . P . G . Sup ' , of Works ; Joseph Binney , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; E . Dickinson , P . M . ; G . Williams , P . M . ; and others .
Among the visitors were Bros . Ensor Drury , P . M . xft , P . G . D . ; Y . II . Vernon , P . M . 22 G 3 , P . P . G . D . ; Chas . Stokes , P . M . 123 . ) and 255 S , P . P . G . D . ; H . G . E . Green , P . M . ioig , Prov . G . Sec . ; E . Moore , A . B . Gunstone , VV . Skelton , J . Atkinson , C . A . Wright , T . W . Hanforth , P . P . G . Org ., VV . Foxon , VV . Turner , VV . H . Peasegood , J . K . Lister , C . F . Brindley , P . M ., and C . A . Shaw , allot 2491 ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 , P . P . A . G . Sec ; VV . Fearnchough , 255 S ; J . Barton , 1779 ; H .
Cawood , 2553 ; Rev . G . Ford , VV . M . 255 S ; H . VV . Shaw , 402 ; VV . C . box , P . M . 2263 ; A . Whitchurch , 345 ; G . H . Dawes , 2263 ; Rev . J . Clough , Chip . 2330 ; R . C . Honey , 22 G 3 ; A . W . Lhadburn , 177 V ; F . VV . Johnson , 22 G 3 ; T . Burnell , VV . M . 2 yG ; C . F . Bennett , 22 GS ; VV . C Newton , 22 G 3 ; R . A . Wright , 22 GS ; E . Howarth , 2263 ; A . J . Forsdike , 12391 VV . Parken . 29 G ; T . Rowbotham , P . M . 1239 ; Thomas Firth , W . M . 1239 ; Ernest Beck , 1239 ; and many others . All the Sheffield lodges were represented .
As the business of the evening consisted solely of the installation , after the confirmation of the minutes , it was at once proceeded with . The retiring Master , Bro . John Stokes , conducted the ceremony , and , it is needless to say , did it in the excellent way for which the brethren of Lodge 2491 are distinguished . Bro . W . Gunstone was presented by Bro . H . J . Garnett , and duly addressed by the Installing Mister . On the retirement of the brethren there were found to be 23 Installed Misters constituting the Board . As Bro . Gunstone was already an Installed Master , this portion of the ceremony was very properly somewhat curtailed . On the re-admission of the brethren the usual
p oclami tior s and salute were made , and the working tools being briefl y given by Bros . VV . Wil'iams , P . M . j John Shaw , P . M . ; and E . Dickinson , P . M . The VV . M . then , after carefully addre-sing each one , invested his officers as follow * : Bros . A . R . Fox , S . W . ; L . H . Osbaldislore . J . W . ; Rtv . J . Clough ( in place of Rev . O . Odoml . Chap . ; J , Hunt , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; VV . G . Skelton , Sec . ; G . Robinson , S . D . ; C . A . Hahn , W . M . 2491 . J . U . ; H . J . Garnett , P . M ., D . C . ; A . II . Boultbee , I . G . ; H . Arnold , Org .-, and I " . Leighton , Tyler . On , the motion of Bro . John Stokes , I . P . M ,, seconded by Bro . S . Hayes , P . M ., P . P . G . W . Bro . Joseph Binney was again elected
to represent the lodge on the West Yorkshire Charity Committee . Bro . Binney proceeded at ( nee lo propose a vote of 10 guineas from the funds of the lodge to the West Yorkshire Local Charity . This , seconded by Bro . Hawkesley , was carried . After the usual questions , apologies were announced from the Prov . G . Master , Bro . W . L . Jackson ; Ihe Deputy Prov . G . Master , Bro . J . C . Malcolm ; Bros . J . Jackman , P . M ., P . G . D . ; Rev . V . Odom , and Rev . G . Ford , who had unexpectedly been called away .
The lodge was then closed and the brethren went down to dinner . It has often been our pnvilege to draw attention to the excellent arrangements which are made on these occasions at Sheffield . Surrey-street Masonic Hall attained a reputation for catering and cuisine under the regime of Bro . and Mrs . Turner . It bids fair to maintain that position under the new Hall Steward , Mr . Shelton , for there was no falling off either in the excellence of the viands or in the careful consideration for the comfort of the guests .
In proposing "The Queen , the Worshipful Master said that at no time was her Majesty more popular than at present and that she carried out the principles of the Craft by offering sympathy to the widow , and the orphan , and substantial help in case of want or distress . He trusted she would long continue to fill the throne she had ennobled and adorned . The National Anthem , of course , succeeded the toast , which was most heartily received , Bro . G . VV . Hawkesley tr . king the solo .
The VV . M . next gave "The M . W . the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " In the discharge of his duty as Head of the Craft , the Prince of Wales , Bro . Gunstone was of opinion , showed not only great ability , but an ever cheeiful readiness , which was especially pleasing . As to the officers—had they not cne with them ; He ( Bro . Gunstone ) had the pleasure of seeing their Grind Master place the collar on liro . Ensor Drury ' s neck , and he was sure they were equally delighted with himself . Bro . Knsor Drury was present that night , and he bade him hearty welcome . He should couple his name with the toast .
After Bro . Foxon had sung the solo of " God bless the Prince of Wales , " the biethren joined in the chorus , and Bro . Ensor Drury was called upon . After expressing his thanks for the hearty reception of his name , and his pleasure—a pleasure not unmingled with pridethat he should be qualified to reply for so important a toast , liro . Ensor Drury proceeded , humorously , to what he called " ventilate a grievance . " He deprecated coupling the Grand Officers with that of their M . W . G . Master in this toast . Up to his appointment he had leen able to drinl . with all loyalty and respect to the health of the Gtand Master , now , as the toast was given that night , he was precluded from doing so .
Craft Masonry.
Formerly it had been usual to drihk the health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales sepirately , and he hoped that custom would be revived . It was a great pleasure to be present at thp annual meeting of Britannia , and to get so warm a greeting from his brethren . Bro . Eisor Drury finished an interesting speech by local kindly references . The third toast was that of "The Provincial Grand Master for West Yorkshire , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Officers , Present and Past . " In
proposing this , Bro . Gunstone said that anyone who saw the manner in which Bro . W . L . Ja ; kson conducted the aff lirs of Provincial Grand Lodge at the Saltaire meeting could not but be struck with the ability he displayed . His capacity for business was immense . His officers he believed ably sustained and assisted him . He was gratified to see many round that table—his gond friends , all good Masons . He should associate with the toast the name of Bro . Green .
Here the Tyler's toast was introduced , after which followed a pianoforte duet by Bros . Hanforh , P . P . CO ., and Peasegood . Bro . Green , in his own name and in that of P . G . Lodge , expressed his thanks . The office of P . G . M . involved imm : nse responsibilities , and , ably assisted by his Deputy —• who though himself largely occupied in his professional duties , yet managed to bestow
much time on Masonic functions—Bro . Jackson endeavoured to fulfil those obligations . Bro . Green then referred to the Masonic events of the year , and , touching on the great meeting at the Albert Hall and the Jubilee honours , he declared that Bro . Ensor Drury on that occasion received an honour " not one day before he was entitled to it . " He concluded by expressing his gratification at the way in which his ( Bro . Green ' s ) name was received not that night only , but on many previous occasions .
"The Health of the VV . M . of Britannia Lodge , Bro . Wm . Gunstone , " was proposed by the I . P . M ., Bro . John Stokes , who said that having had the privilege of working with him in Freemasonry , and knowing him in outside life , he had come to the conclusion that Bro . Gunstone was an excellent fellow , both as a man and a Mason . It was only necessary to see him do bis work in lodge to arrive at the conclusion that , distinguished as many of the VV . Ms . of Btitannia had undoubtedly been , Bro . Gunstone
would not be the least eminent of that noble band . Besides that , he possessed the true spirit of fellowship , was honourable and straightforward in conduct and purpose , and , therefore , a fitter man they could not have selected . He had already obtained Masonic distinction in another lodge , and he ( Bro . Stokes ) was of opinion that the modest , yet effective , way in which their VV . M , had installed his successor in the chair of that lodge was an education in itself . He proposed health and happiness to their Worshipful Master .
The toast was received with great enthusiasm , proving the undoubted and general popularity of the new VV . M . ot Britannia . The brethren having relieved their feelings by means of a vigorous rendering of " Prosper the Art , " The W . M . called upon Bro . Foxon for a song . Now , Bro . Foxon is a great favourite in Sheffield and other musical circles , and his singing is thoroughly appreciated by his Masonic friends . _ He chose an air , " Where 'er you walk , " from Handel ' s not very well known oratorio Semele , and sang it with his usual care and finish .
Bro . Gunstone , who was greeted vociferously , began by invoking his good angel to guide him and instruct him as to what he should say in reply to the much too flattering portrait which had been drawn of him by the proposer , Bro . John Stokes . Perhaps it would be better , he thought , to leave the subject of self and refer only to the lodge . Britannia men , Bro . Gunstone showed , had played a not insignificant part in the affairs of Sheffield for more than a century back . At the foundation of the Infirmiry , for instance , whose centenary they had this year celebrated , they had given presence and
substantial support , and they were never wanting when any measure for the general weal was advanced or when Charity was to the fore . Britannia might for a time stand still , yet it was one of the oldest lodges of which Yorkshire could boast . It possessed , and with their help it should continue to maintain , an authority to which its antiquity and repute entitled it . It was his mother lodge , and he thanked them from his soul for placing him in the Worshipful Master ' s chair . He also thanked Bro . Stokes for the more than kind words with which he had proposed his health .
To Bro . John Hunt , P . M ., was entrusted No . G on the list , that of " The Health ol the I . P . M . and Installing Master , Bro . John Stokes . " Bro . Hunt said the duties of W . M . of Lodge 139 at present were not of a very active character , but were , perhaps , better described as those of peaceful repose . The position was , nevertheless , a powerful and dignified one and Bro . Stokes had duly exemplified the power and maintained the dignity for whilst Britannia rules the waves , Bro . Stokes had ruled Britannia . With no work it was doubtless more difficult to keep a lodge going pleasantly , bat ,
notwithstanding , the past year had been peaceful , happy , and as far as their means would allow , prosperous . Bro . Stokes had left nothing undone which might tend to rehabilitate the lodge or improve its condition and for his conduc ; in the chair , they owed him their fullest thanks . Like Bro . Gunstone , Bro . Stokes was an initiate ofhis own , the last but one , he believed , which Britannia had received , lie had shown his capacity in the splendid way in which he had carried out the installation ceremony and he hoped that opportunity would be afforded him some day to still further display the ability which they all knew him to possess .
An instrumental trio from Reissiger ( op . 5 6 ) , was here introduced—violin , Bro . C . Stokes ; violincello , Bro . M . T . Miner ; and piano , Bro . T . W . Hanforth , Mus . Bac , F . R . CO . Music of this class is not common at Masonic soirees and it is to the credit of
the Sheffield brethren when we say that it was as fully appreciated as it was ably executed . Bro . John Stokes had a very cordial reception . He said that on an occasion of this kind when the year ' s duties were ended and the reins of office were handed on , one was naturally led to look back upon one ' s shortcomings , there were so miny things which he might have done better , as well as some , perhaps , which he might have done worse . He hoped they would strike a merciful balance and believe that he had done the best he could . During the year just past he had , he feared , been like Mr . Miciwbsr " waiting
for something to turn up . It had not turned up , it was true , but , as in the career of that hero , a time came when prosperous and honoured , he burst forth into splendour , so it was his hope and belief that at no distant date Britannia like the phuoiix would rise from its ashes and occupy the position from which it had fallen . To bring this about there was nothing towards which they would not all diligently strive . The position of W . M . even in a lodge like the Britannia where the duties were the reverse of active , wis still an important one ; it was , in fact , an education by no means to be despised . He wis very grateful to Bro . Hunt for the kind words he had used and to his brethren for the unfailing courtesy and consideration which he had received .
Bro . R . C . Honey introduced a cornet solo— " Beyond earth s shadowland . Bro . Honey not only possesses a fine instrument , but is thoroughly master of it , and the result was nil that could be desired .
The J . W ., Bro . L . H . Osbaldistone , in proposing "The Sister Lodges and Visiting Brethren , " said that that toast was ever popular in Sheffield , and eminently so in Lodge 139 ; that , notwithstanding her adversities , Britannia still held her own , and , as the numerous visitors proved , still retained her friends . Bro . J . Atkinson gave a song— " My Friends "—after which Bro . F . VV . Johnstone , VV . M . 22 G 3 , replied , as also did Bro Burnell , W . M . 29 G , both of whom prophesied returning prosperity in Britannia Lolge at no distant date . In responding to the toast of " The Masonic Charities " —most ably and sympathetically proposed by Bro . G . VV . Hawkesley , the Charity
Steward—Bro . J oseph Binney thanked the brethren for their continued confilenc ; in him as their representative . That was the eighth time he had been selected for that honourable —yet also responsible—post . Bro . Binney explained the system upon which the brethren of West Yorkshire worked the Cha-ity organisation , and assured them that no votes which came into the hands of the executive were lost . After touching upon the West
Yorkshire local Charity , Bro . Binney went on to point out the wonderful success which had attended the efforts of their previous Charity member—Bro . Simeon Hayes—who each year contrived to obtain never less thin 100 guineas from Lodge 139 for the Masonic Charities . II-.: was pleased to siy that that evening he had received promises of 75 guineas—50 guineas London and 25 guineas local—and he was not without hope of still lurther increasing that sum .
"The Past Misters" was given by the S . W ., Bro . A . R . Fox , w ' 10 especially thanked those worthy and enthusiastic Past Misters who , through evil report and good report , in adversity as well as in prosperity , hid stood staunch and firm in their support oi the lodge . The younger brethren ought , he ( Hro . Fox ) considered , to be especially grateful to them . To this , Bro . II . J . Girnctt mide a touc ' iing res . oons ; . He said thit next to the comforts and delights of home he had found greate . t pleasure in Freenasoary . lis gave instances of various experiences of many years bick , touchsd upon the kindnesses
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Craft Masonry.
ablest and most distinguished citizens of Sheffield . It has played a prominent part in all Masonic matters , not only in the town itse'f , but in the West Riding generally ; it has championed the cause of the Masonic Charities , both London and local ; it has had a just and well-spread reputation for reverent and conscientious rendering of Masonic ceremonial ; its hospitality has been thorough , bountiful , and widely bestowed , and it has yet found time to give no inconsiderable attention to Masonic arch : eology and to the s ' . udy of the history of the Craft .
A lodge which has demonstrated its raison d'etre by such proofs as these n ° cessarily attracts the attention and concentrates the interest of its Masonic neighbours . Without setting up as a pattern , it has been quite naturally looked up to as a standard by which the younger lodges around might measure themselves . After filling so high and honourable a position for considerably more thin a century , Britannia , through the weakness of human nature , at the present moment presents in some particulars a Masonic warning , rather than a Masonic example . This is not the place to go into mattersof an unpleasant kind ; let it be enough to say that , like all humin institutions ,
Britannia has not escaped adversity . Its membership is still large , its funds ample , and its individual enthusiasm great as ever ; but , unfortunately , unanimity cannot be secured . If it pleases some few brethren in a ledge to check the wheel of progress , we all know how easi ' y it can be done . For the past eight or nine years , so far from adding to its numbers , Britannia has decreased . The great bulk of the brethren are eiger to progress , anxious to remove the deadlock , and naturally impatient at the impasse . The
Past Masters , with a courage and determination , equalled only by their loyalty and attachment , have done all that mm could ; hitherto without success . The question as to the advisability of applying for intervention from outside has occupied many anxious minds . The condition of affairs is , of course , well known in official quarters , and the fact that interposition has not been offered spontaneously may possibly have been misconstrued .
The authorities must be only too eager to take any opportunity of doing away with such a state of things , and we are not without hope that should an effort of this kind be made—leaving cut the question as to who should take the initiative—some satisfactory issue might result . We can only add how deeply we regret that a lodge with so many claims upon our admiration and respect should fall irto such adversity . Let us trust that the day of its awakening is not distant , that its neglected responsibilities will soon be taken up , and that , in short , Britannia will again become the Britannia of yore .
We are told that " Hope springs eternal in the human breast , " and it 1 * , actuated by this feeling , that each year the new Worshipful Master takes his seat in the chair ot Britannia . Last year it was Dr . John Stokes ; this anniversary it is Bro . Win . Gunstone . Both well known , enthusiastic , and popular , can it be wondered if each in his turn should have fostered the idea or conceived the hope that through his influence or
during his year the lodge would arise , shake i ' self , and resume its career of progress and usefulness ? There is this , at any rate , to be said of Lodge 139 , it does not parade its troubles ; it rather seeks to hide them , and it would have required a very close observer indeed to notice on the occasion of its annual festival on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., that anything was amiss , so thoroughly and so genially from beginning to end were the proceedings conducted .
The new Worshipful Master , as we have already said , is Bro . Wm . Gunstone . Rather more than 12 months ago we chronicled his accession to the White Rose of York Lodge , No . 2491 , and only last month we noticed how ably he installed Bro . C . Hahn , his equally worthy successor .
The lodge was opened by Bro . Dr . John Stokes , VV . M ., with commendable punctuality . He was supported by Bros . VV . Gunstone , S . W . ; A . R . Fox , | . VV . ; John Hunt , P . M ., Treas . ; L . H . Osbaldistone , Sec ; VV . G . Skelton , S . D . ; G . Robinson , J . D . ; C A . Hahn , I . G . ; II . Arnold , Org . ; and T . Leighton , Tyler . Other brahrenwereBros . il . J . Garnett , P . M ., P . P . G . S . of VV ., D . C ; A . Boultbee , Jos . Craven , J . Needham , J . VV . Shipman , G . Turner , S . Hayes , P . M ., P . P . G . VV . ; G . W . Hawkesley , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; John Shaw , P . M ., P . P . G . Sup ' , of Works ; Joseph Binney , P . M ., P . P . G . Reg . ; E . Dickinson , P . M . ; G . Williams , P . M . ; and others .
Among the visitors were Bros . Ensor Drury , P . M . xft , P . G . D . ; Y . II . Vernon , P . M . 22 G 3 , P . P . G . D . ; Chas . Stokes , P . M . 123 . ) and 255 S , P . P . G . D . ; H . G . E . Green , P . M . ioig , Prov . G . Sec . ; E . Moore , A . B . Gunstone , VV . Skelton , J . Atkinson , C . A . Wright , T . W . Hanforth , P . P . G . Org ., VV . Foxon , VV . Turner , VV . H . Peasegood , J . K . Lister , C . F . Brindley , P . M ., and C . A . Shaw , allot 2491 ; Joseph Matthewman , P . M . 1019 , P . P . A . G . Sec ; VV . Fearnchough , 255 S ; J . Barton , 1779 ; H .
Cawood , 2553 ; Rev . G . Ford , VV . M . 255 S ; H . VV . Shaw , 402 ; VV . C . box , P . M . 2263 ; A . Whitchurch , 345 ; G . H . Dawes , 2263 ; Rev . J . Clough , Chip . 2330 ; R . C . Honey , 22 G 3 ; A . W . Lhadburn , 177 V ; F . VV . Johnson , 22 G 3 ; T . Burnell , VV . M . 2 yG ; C . F . Bennett , 22 GS ; VV . C Newton , 22 G 3 ; R . A . Wright , 22 GS ; E . Howarth , 2263 ; A . J . Forsdike , 12391 VV . Parken . 29 G ; T . Rowbotham , P . M . 1239 ; Thomas Firth , W . M . 1239 ; Ernest Beck , 1239 ; and many others . All the Sheffield lodges were represented .
As the business of the evening consisted solely of the installation , after the confirmation of the minutes , it was at once proceeded with . The retiring Master , Bro . John Stokes , conducted the ceremony , and , it is needless to say , did it in the excellent way for which the brethren of Lodge 2491 are distinguished . Bro . W . Gunstone was presented by Bro . H . J . Garnett , and duly addressed by the Installing Mister . On the retirement of the brethren there were found to be 23 Installed Misters constituting the Board . As Bro . Gunstone was already an Installed Master , this portion of the ceremony was very properly somewhat curtailed . On the re-admission of the brethren the usual
p oclami tior s and salute were made , and the working tools being briefl y given by Bros . VV . Wil'iams , P . M . j John Shaw , P . M . ; and E . Dickinson , P . M . The VV . M . then , after carefully addre-sing each one , invested his officers as follow * : Bros . A . R . Fox , S . W . ; L . H . Osbaldislore . J . W . ; Rtv . J . Clough ( in place of Rev . O . Odoml . Chap . ; J , Hunt , P . M ., P . P . G . D ., Treas . ; VV . G . Skelton , Sec . ; G . Robinson , S . D . ; C . A . Hahn , W . M . 2491 . J . U . ; H . J . Garnett , P . M ., D . C . ; A . II . Boultbee , I . G . ; H . Arnold , Org .-, and I " . Leighton , Tyler . On , the motion of Bro . John Stokes , I . P . M ,, seconded by Bro . S . Hayes , P . M ., P . P . G . W . Bro . Joseph Binney was again elected
to represent the lodge on the West Yorkshire Charity Committee . Bro . Binney proceeded at ( nee lo propose a vote of 10 guineas from the funds of the lodge to the West Yorkshire Local Charity . This , seconded by Bro . Hawkesley , was carried . After the usual questions , apologies were announced from the Prov . G . Master , Bro . W . L . Jackson ; Ihe Deputy Prov . G . Master , Bro . J . C . Malcolm ; Bros . J . Jackman , P . M ., P . G . D . ; Rev . V . Odom , and Rev . G . Ford , who had unexpectedly been called away .
The lodge was then closed and the brethren went down to dinner . It has often been our pnvilege to draw attention to the excellent arrangements which are made on these occasions at Sheffield . Surrey-street Masonic Hall attained a reputation for catering and cuisine under the regime of Bro . and Mrs . Turner . It bids fair to maintain that position under the new Hall Steward , Mr . Shelton , for there was no falling off either in the excellence of the viands or in the careful consideration for the comfort of the guests .
In proposing "The Queen , the Worshipful Master said that at no time was her Majesty more popular than at present and that she carried out the principles of the Craft by offering sympathy to the widow , and the orphan , and substantial help in case of want or distress . He trusted she would long continue to fill the throne she had ennobled and adorned . The National Anthem , of course , succeeded the toast , which was most heartily received , Bro . G . VV . Hawkesley tr . king the solo .
The VV . M . next gave "The M . W . the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " In the discharge of his duty as Head of the Craft , the Prince of Wales , Bro . Gunstone was of opinion , showed not only great ability , but an ever cheeiful readiness , which was especially pleasing . As to the officers—had they not cne with them ; He ( Bro . Gunstone ) had the pleasure of seeing their Grind Master place the collar on liro . Ensor Drury ' s neck , and he was sure they were equally delighted with himself . Bro . Knsor Drury was present that night , and he bade him hearty welcome . He should couple his name with the toast .
After Bro . Foxon had sung the solo of " God bless the Prince of Wales , " the biethren joined in the chorus , and Bro . Ensor Drury was called upon . After expressing his thanks for the hearty reception of his name , and his pleasure—a pleasure not unmingled with pridethat he should be qualified to reply for so important a toast , liro . Ensor Drury proceeded , humorously , to what he called " ventilate a grievance . " He deprecated coupling the Grand Officers with that of their M . W . G . Master in this toast . Up to his appointment he had leen able to drinl . with all loyalty and respect to the health of the Gtand Master , now , as the toast was given that night , he was precluded from doing so .
Craft Masonry.
Formerly it had been usual to drihk the health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales sepirately , and he hoped that custom would be revived . It was a great pleasure to be present at thp annual meeting of Britannia , and to get so warm a greeting from his brethren . Bro . Eisor Drury finished an interesting speech by local kindly references . The third toast was that of "The Provincial Grand Master for West Yorkshire , the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Officers , Present and Past . " In
proposing this , Bro . Gunstone said that anyone who saw the manner in which Bro . W . L . Ja ; kson conducted the aff lirs of Provincial Grand Lodge at the Saltaire meeting could not but be struck with the ability he displayed . His capacity for business was immense . His officers he believed ably sustained and assisted him . He was gratified to see many round that table—his gond friends , all good Masons . He should associate with the toast the name of Bro . Green .
Here the Tyler's toast was introduced , after which followed a pianoforte duet by Bros . Hanforh , P . P . CO ., and Peasegood . Bro . Green , in his own name and in that of P . G . Lodge , expressed his thanks . The office of P . G . M . involved imm : nse responsibilities , and , ably assisted by his Deputy —• who though himself largely occupied in his professional duties , yet managed to bestow
much time on Masonic functions—Bro . Jackson endeavoured to fulfil those obligations . Bro . Green then referred to the Masonic events of the year , and , touching on the great meeting at the Albert Hall and the Jubilee honours , he declared that Bro . Ensor Drury on that occasion received an honour " not one day before he was entitled to it . " He concluded by expressing his gratification at the way in which his ( Bro . Green ' s ) name was received not that night only , but on many previous occasions .
"The Health of the VV . M . of Britannia Lodge , Bro . Wm . Gunstone , " was proposed by the I . P . M ., Bro . John Stokes , who said that having had the privilege of working with him in Freemasonry , and knowing him in outside life , he had come to the conclusion that Bro . Gunstone was an excellent fellow , both as a man and a Mason . It was only necessary to see him do bis work in lodge to arrive at the conclusion that , distinguished as many of the VV . Ms . of Btitannia had undoubtedly been , Bro . Gunstone
would not be the least eminent of that noble band . Besides that , he possessed the true spirit of fellowship , was honourable and straightforward in conduct and purpose , and , therefore , a fitter man they could not have selected . He had already obtained Masonic distinction in another lodge , and he ( Bro . Stokes ) was of opinion that the modest , yet effective , way in which their VV . M , had installed his successor in the chair of that lodge was an education in itself . He proposed health and happiness to their Worshipful Master .
The toast was received with great enthusiasm , proving the undoubted and general popularity of the new VV . M . ot Britannia . The brethren having relieved their feelings by means of a vigorous rendering of " Prosper the Art , " The W . M . called upon Bro . Foxon for a song . Now , Bro . Foxon is a great favourite in Sheffield and other musical circles , and his singing is thoroughly appreciated by his Masonic friends . _ He chose an air , " Where 'er you walk , " from Handel ' s not very well known oratorio Semele , and sang it with his usual care and finish .
Bro . Gunstone , who was greeted vociferously , began by invoking his good angel to guide him and instruct him as to what he should say in reply to the much too flattering portrait which had been drawn of him by the proposer , Bro . John Stokes . Perhaps it would be better , he thought , to leave the subject of self and refer only to the lodge . Britannia men , Bro . Gunstone showed , had played a not insignificant part in the affairs of Sheffield for more than a century back . At the foundation of the Infirmiry , for instance , whose centenary they had this year celebrated , they had given presence and
substantial support , and they were never wanting when any measure for the general weal was advanced or when Charity was to the fore . Britannia might for a time stand still , yet it was one of the oldest lodges of which Yorkshire could boast . It possessed , and with their help it should continue to maintain , an authority to which its antiquity and repute entitled it . It was his mother lodge , and he thanked them from his soul for placing him in the Worshipful Master ' s chair . He also thanked Bro . Stokes for the more than kind words with which he had proposed his health .
To Bro . John Hunt , P . M ., was entrusted No . G on the list , that of " The Health ol the I . P . M . and Installing Master , Bro . John Stokes . " Bro . Hunt said the duties of W . M . of Lodge 139 at present were not of a very active character , but were , perhaps , better described as those of peaceful repose . The position was , nevertheless , a powerful and dignified one and Bro . Stokes had duly exemplified the power and maintained the dignity for whilst Britannia rules the waves , Bro . Stokes had ruled Britannia . With no work it was doubtless more difficult to keep a lodge going pleasantly , bat ,
notwithstanding , the past year had been peaceful , happy , and as far as their means would allow , prosperous . Bro . Stokes had left nothing undone which might tend to rehabilitate the lodge or improve its condition and for his conduc ; in the chair , they owed him their fullest thanks . Like Bro . Gunstone , Bro . Stokes was an initiate ofhis own , the last but one , he believed , which Britannia had received , lie had shown his capacity in the splendid way in which he had carried out the installation ceremony and he hoped that opportunity would be afforded him some day to still further display the ability which they all knew him to possess .
An instrumental trio from Reissiger ( op . 5 6 ) , was here introduced—violin , Bro . C . Stokes ; violincello , Bro . M . T . Miner ; and piano , Bro . T . W . Hanforth , Mus . Bac , F . R . CO . Music of this class is not common at Masonic soirees and it is to the credit of
the Sheffield brethren when we say that it was as fully appreciated as it was ably executed . Bro . John Stokes had a very cordial reception . He said that on an occasion of this kind when the year ' s duties were ended and the reins of office were handed on , one was naturally led to look back upon one ' s shortcomings , there were so miny things which he might have done better , as well as some , perhaps , which he might have done worse . He hoped they would strike a merciful balance and believe that he had done the best he could . During the year just past he had , he feared , been like Mr . Miciwbsr " waiting
for something to turn up . It had not turned up , it was true , but , as in the career of that hero , a time came when prosperous and honoured , he burst forth into splendour , so it was his hope and belief that at no distant date Britannia like the phuoiix would rise from its ashes and occupy the position from which it had fallen . To bring this about there was nothing towards which they would not all diligently strive . The position of W . M . even in a lodge like the Britannia where the duties were the reverse of active , wis still an important one ; it was , in fact , an education by no means to be despised . He wis very grateful to Bro . Hunt for the kind words he had used and to his brethren for the unfailing courtesy and consideration which he had received .
Bro . R . C . Honey introduced a cornet solo— " Beyond earth s shadowland . Bro . Honey not only possesses a fine instrument , but is thoroughly master of it , and the result was nil that could be desired .
The J . W ., Bro . L . H . Osbaldistone , in proposing "The Sister Lodges and Visiting Brethren , " said that that toast was ever popular in Sheffield , and eminently so in Lodge 139 ; that , notwithstanding her adversities , Britannia still held her own , and , as the numerous visitors proved , still retained her friends . Bro . J . Atkinson gave a song— " My Friends "—after which Bro . F . VV . Johnstone , VV . M . 22 G 3 , replied , as also did Bro Burnell , W . M . 29 G , both of whom prophesied returning prosperity in Britannia Lolge at no distant date . In responding to the toast of " The Masonic Charities " —most ably and sympathetically proposed by Bro . G . VV . Hawkesley , the Charity
Steward—Bro . J oseph Binney thanked the brethren for their continued confilenc ; in him as their representative . That was the eighth time he had been selected for that honourable —yet also responsible—post . Bro . Binney explained the system upon which the brethren of West Yorkshire worked the Cha-ity organisation , and assured them that no votes which came into the hands of the executive were lost . After touching upon the West
Yorkshire local Charity , Bro . Binney went on to point out the wonderful success which had attended the efforts of their previous Charity member—Bro . Simeon Hayes—who each year contrived to obtain never less thin 100 guineas from Lodge 139 for the Masonic Charities . II-.: was pleased to siy that that evening he had received promises of 75 guineas—50 guineas London and 25 guineas local—and he was not without hope of still lurther increasing that sum .
"The Past Misters" was given by the S . W ., Bro . A . R . Fox , w ' 10 especially thanked those worthy and enthusiastic Past Misters who , through evil report and good report , in adversity as well as in prosperity , hid stood staunch and firm in their support oi the lodge . The younger brethren ought , he ( Hro . Fox ) considered , to be especially grateful to them . To this , Bro . II . J . Girnctt mide a touc ' iing res . oons ; . He said thit next to the comforts and delights of home he had found greate . t pleasure in Freenasoary . lis gave instances of various experiences of many years bick , touchsd upon the kindnesses