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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft djteonrtj *
ROYAL ATHELSTAN LODGE ( No . 19 ) . — The concluding lodge meeting of the present season was held at Cannon-street Hotel on Thursday evening , the 12 th inst ., Bro . Henry Charles Jcpps , W . M ., in the chair , supported by a large gathering of brethren , among whom we noticed Bros . Sydney R . Pollard , J . W . ; E . B . Grabham , P . M ., Sec . ; H . T . Glenn , S . D . ; G . Glenn , I . G . ; R . J . Archbald , P . M . ; W . M . Bywater , P . M ., D . C . ; William
Pound , P . M ., Steward ; G . Campion , P . M . ; Matthew Henry , Athclstan A . Angier , F . W . Honischer , C . Coleman , J . E . Greenhill , S . G . Glanville , R . Sewell , J . Pugh , H . G . Buss , Asst . G . Sec ; G . Gillard , Joyce Murray , — Gilbey , H . Urquhart , C . F . Hogard , P . M . 205 ; IT . Massey ' ( Freemason ); and others . In consequence of the non-arrival of a candidate for initiation , the business of the meetinrr was confined to the
confirmation of the minutes and other formal business , at the conclusion of which the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where the event of chief interest—the presentation of a testimonial to Bro . Pound , the Steward of the lodge—was to be performed . This testimonial , consisting of a time-piece and vases of costly and very elegant design , was displayed on the chimney piece , while an addendum in the shape of a beautiful little table ornament for holding
cut flowers was placed on the table before the W . M . Below the face the clock bears the following appropriate inscription : "This clock is presented by the Royal Athclstan Lodge , No , 19 , to Bro . William Pound , P . M ., Steward , in token of the high esteem in which he is held by the brethren , and oi their best wishes for bis health and happiness . May 12 th , 1 SS 1 . " At the conclusion of the banquet the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were briefly
proposed from the chair and honoured in Royal Athelstan style ; Bro . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , responding for "The Grand Officers . " The W . M . said that there was a little matter out of the common course which had to be now attended to , in the presentation of a testimonial to their very old and esteemed friend , Bro . Pound , and he requested Bro . Bywater , P . M ., to perform that ceremony on his behalf . Bro . Bywater : Brethren , I am somewhat
taken by surprise in being called upon by the Worshipful Master to discharge this duty ; and although it is a duty , and a privilege and a great pleasure , it is an occurrence which seldom happens in our lodge , of presenting a testimonial to brethren whom we highly esteem . In this instance I am happy to say that the idea , as soon as it was started , was responded to with the greatest alacrity and the greatest unanimity . They do say " Happy is the nation which
has not a history , and 1 think the words might almost be applied to a brother Mason , who , shunning all Ihe bickerings and discussion of the outer world is able to pass over a quarter of a century possessing the good will of his brethren , and experiercing a serene , calm , and happy existence , gratifying to his own recollections and to ours . As soon as this little matter was mooted , it was unanimously resolved to take the
very earliest opportunity of acknowledging our thankfulness to Bro . Pound for the very able manner in which he has for eighteen years discharged the arduous duties of Steward to the lodge . I need not say how greatly he has added to your comforts , for you all know with what assiduity , neglecting his own comforts , he has attended to those of the visitors and of us all . You know yourselves the kind care with which he has gone round about the table
seeing that we have what we desired . Brethren , in their action in this matter , the committee who had the pleasant task of carrying out your wishes thought it would show a graceful feeling to leave Bro . Pound himself to name the form which this testimonial should take , aided by the valuable services of the lady who is our brother's partner . That will , I think , explain to you the very handsome selection which has been made . I am told it
possesses one good quality which you may remember Wendel Holmes alludes to as a characteristic of "the one-horse shay , " who having heard that the strength of a machine is not greater than its weakest point , took care to make the weakest part very strong , so that it should never want mending , but that when the end did come it should " bust up , " and resolve itself into a pile of ground coffee . Like that "shay , " 1 believe
this clock will never require to be repaired . Bro . Pound , it affords me extreme pleasure on behalf of the lodge to invite you to accept of this little memento of affection and esteem . It is hoped that at your own fireside you may for many years regard that clock with pleasure , and that it may remind you of the many happy hours we have all here spent together . And when in the fullness of time all th ngs shall have been accomplished , and it is your lot
to pass to your rest , may you amidst the hallelujahs of " well done " find a joyful entrance into the Grand Lodge above . Bro . Pound , who was evidently affected by the universal demonstration of good will displayed by the brethren during Bro . Bywater's address , expressed the great difficulty he experienced in gi / ing proper expression to the feelings aroused by this display of kindness on the part of the brethren . He shortly reviewed his career in the Royal
Athelstan Lodge since he was initiated there twenty-live years ago . He found that there was a strong body of eminent Past Masters , and that it he desired to hold any permanent office it would be necessary to walk in their footsteps . He took instruction from Bro . S . Barton Wilson , and after seven years of study passed through the chair
successfully in the year 1 SC 4 . During his probation he was present when Bro . Gale handed over theTreasurcr ' s keys to Bro . Starling , and this appointment showed him there was no chance of being made Treasurer . The Secretaryship also changed hands , so there was no chance in that direction . Bro . Pound continued : I then looked about to
seek for another ofiice , and from natural inclination , I suppose , was always ready to do what I could to make others happy , so that it fell out that I was constituted Steward of the lodge . I hardly know how to thank you in proper terms , but I think my duty is
first to thank the Committee , who have done so much in the matter of this testimonial , and especially Bro . Bywater , who was Chairman of that Committee . For his voluntaril y undertaking this duty , and for the speedy manner in which it was carried out , I know not how to return sufficient thanks , or for [ the graceful [ action by which the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
taste and wishes of my wife were consulted . It gives me especial pleasure to notice the presence this evening of many brethren who have not been here for a long time , and who , I flatter myself , have done this kindness with the special view to do me honour on the present occasion . Bro . Pound said he believed—he was sure—that he dwelt in the hearts of all present , and however he might fail in giving due expression to his
gratitude for their kindness , he trusted to this fact , and was assured that his feelings would be understood . It was a great pleasure to him to think that they wercsatisficd with his past services , and hoped that they-would have no occasion to complain of him in the future . During the evening several brethren sang some very effective songs , and Bro . Goddard contributed several amusing recitations . The W . M . kindly assisted the vocalists by accompanying them on the pianoforte .
BRITANNIC LODGE ( No . 33 ) . —The installation meeting for 1 SS 1 was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Friday , the i 3 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Walter Webb , W . M ., when there was a large gathering of members and visitors to do honour to the occasion . Among those present as visitors we noticed Bros . E . J . Cobley , P . M ., Caledonian ; W . W . Turner , 1449 ';
C . Harding , P . M . 231 ; R . H . Giraud , P . S . G . D . ; F . Shoppee , Royal Union ; R . S . Barton , Peace and Harmony ; Arthur Mead , Goodfellowship ; John Copper , Evening Star ; J . N . Clubb , Invicta , 709 ; A . Penford , Pattison , 9 i 3 ' ; H . J . Butler , P . M . Patterson , 90 ; there were Past Masters Bros . Edward Strouts , J . Chynoweth , J . Strapp , F . Pendered , J . Glaisher , Magnus Ohren , H . E . Wallis , J . M . Davis , H .
Massey ( Freemason ) , and others ; and members Bros . Tanquerd ^ -, Fletcher , Webb , Campbell , Wilson , Young , Hewitson , Hodge , Reader , Layton , Bower , Varley , Saunders , Wallis , W . Webb , Cogan , Leigh , Hallowes , Angell , Spencer , Boddy , Pawley , Halloms , Charles , Shaw , Stenning , Finley , and others ; and the lodge was tyled by Bro . C . T . Speight , P . M . 27 , Prov . G . Tyler for Surrey . The ceremony of
installing Bro . Arthur Giraud Browning into the chair of K . S . was most ably performed by theoutjjoing Master , Bro . Webb , who also delivered the orations in a most impressive manner . The officers were appointed as follows : Bros . James Ricks , to be S . W . ; James Clegg , P . M ., reelected Treasurer ; Thomas AlfordChubb , P . M ., rc-appointed Secretary ; J . Sampson Peirce , P . M ., re-appointed D . C ;
W . T . Sugg , to be J . W . ; G . IT . Stayton , to be S . D . ; T . W . Traill , to be | . D . ; R . C . Hallowes , to be I . G . ; J . H . Davis , to be Senior Steward ; Dr . Charles , to be junior Steward ; and C . T . Speight , re-appointed Tyler . The W . M . then presented Bro . Webb , I . P . M ., with a P . M . 's jewel , with best wishes for his health to enable him to enjoy the dignity of Past Master , which he had earned so well ; and Bro . Webb having
briefly responded , the lodge was closed in the usual form , and the company adjourned to the house adjoining to dine , where the utmost care had evidently been taken by this hospitable lodge for the comfort and pleasure of the guests , from the good fare and good music down to the dainty Shakespearian menu printed in black letter , every detail bespoke the kind and ^ carelul host . After the cloth had been withdrawn the customary loyal and Masonic toasts to the Oueen and Grand Master were
proposed and duly honoured ; after which the Chairman rose and said : Brethren , I will now ask you to do honour to the toast of "The Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Right Worshipful the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " It is possible that to some of the brethren present the toast may sound
like a long string of names , but to the minds of others it will be suggestive of the three Masonic virtues , for it is in Grand Lodge that the principles of Freemasonry are brought to light in their highest perfection . 1 will only speak of the Grand Officers we have sent up from our lodge , and I am proud to say there are at least three that are able to speak to this toast ; we have Bro . Glaisher , Bro . Magnus Ohren ,
and Bro . Peirce , our worthy Director of Ceremonies , whose career , just brought to a culminating point in Grand Lodge , started from this Britannic Lodge . In connection with this toast I will couple the name of Bro . Peirce , P . M . Bro . Peirce : Worshipful Master and brethren , in return for the toast which has been so cordially received and so ably put , I , as the interesting youngest Grand
Oliicer , for I am only just fledged , am , unfortunately , called to return thanks . With regard to the Earl of Carnarvon , he is ever received in Masonry as a man in whom every confidence can be placed , because whether he is only engaged in a private position , or whether he is occupying a public position , he has always done his duty well . The Earl of Lathom is the embodiment of Masonry .
With regard to the Past Ofhcers of Grand Lodge , you have upon my right and upon my left very , very able representatives . With regard to the present men , 1 am the only one who represents them , and I can only tell you that with such examples — as wc have had before us — we , the present Grand Ollicers , will do the very best we can to continue the prestige that has been handed down to us .
Bro . Webb , l . P . M .: Brethren , by the gracious permission of your Worshipful Master I am permitted now to discharge a very pleasing duty , and , in doing so , I feel that I am acting as the mouthpiece of all the members of the Britannic Lodge . We know that in our Craft one of the fundamental principles is that unanimity and concord should govern our proceedings , but , unfortunately , in
practice this cannot always be strictly realised ; but on the present occasion there is no element to jar the absolute and entire unanimity of the act which I am about to perforin or discharge on your behalf . We , the members of the Britannic Lodge , are a very practical body ; we attend to out-Masonic duties ; we attend to duties of refreshment ; but wc do not allow these duties to interfere with those duties
of life which occupy most of our time and attention . Wc are little disposed to give much time and attention to getting up testimonials with regard to the merits of one particular brother . But there are occasions on which we of the Britannic Lodge feel ourselves moved to exert ourselves in some exceptional degree , and against our inclination we
are compelled to do that to which circumstances sometimes point . Brethren , I think the present is such an occasion . It is only twice within the mind of such as are present that the Britannic Lodge has adopted a similar course , first , in the case of our Bro . Secretary , the father of the Britannic Lodge , who , in the year 1 S 64 , received a special testimonial at your hands . Subsequently
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
our dear Bro . Crombie was singledout for these exceptional honours . In the case of Bro . Crombie the form the testimonial took was that of the clothing of Grand Deacon and the candelabra . On the present occasion we have thought it right to follow the same precedent ; and , Bro . Sampson Peirce , it takes , as you see before you , a form very similar to that which was presented in the case of Bro " . Crombie , and we trust that you will approve of the choice
that has been made on your behalf . Brethren , I said that we feci constrained to adopt this special deviation from our course with regard to 'Bro . Peirce . When he says that he is a mere fledgling he means of course as a Grand Officer , but we remember that he drew his first Masonic breath in 1 S 5 S in the Britannic Lodge , when the lodge was very different from what it is no \ v _ : he went through the different offices and in 1 S 6 4 he
was installed Worshipful Master . In consequence of the efforts which he and other members made , there was a very great accession made to the members of the lodge while he presided over its affairs , and I may mention that during his year of office he performed fifty ceremonies from the chair , and he did that with the assistance of only two lodges of emergency . But he did not pause from the active work of the lodge ; indeed , arduous as his work was in the chair
I think it has been still more arduous since he left it . He thought he saw that there was a very great work to be done for the Britannic Lodge , and he buckled himself to do it . We who belong to this lodge to-day must recollect that it was not made yesterday , " but that it has been a work of time , that the organisation with which everything occurs , the regularity with which one good Master follows another into the chair , have been the result
of years of study and years of attention—of the closest attention—by those who have worked might and main in the true interests of the Britannic Lodge . Brethren , one of those who have done a principal part in this work is our Bro . John Sampson Peirce . For many years past he has occupied what I may call the thankless office of D . C . He has not been satisfied with the perfunctory discharge of the duties appertaining to his office ; he has been always
present on every occasion where the most trifling duty was performed ; when any question had been put by a Master he was there to put the brother right . Had a committee to be appointed our brother was present at that committee meeting ; he was the first to arrive and the last to depart ; his service was continuous ; his vigilant eye was everywhere , and if a brother halted in the ritual he was there to put that brother right and to keep the work of the lodere in
satisfactory order . The work which he has done has been invaluable , not like that which we perform in the chair of a ceremonial and ostentatious character , but work out of . the lodge which enabled other people to perform perfectly and for which he gets none of the credit . I am sure there is not a Master who has passed the chair since he was Director of" the Ceremonies who is not deeply indebted to him for assistance about the lodge which so greatly
contributes to the success of a Master ' s work . Brethren , it is not only at our ordinary meetings , but whenjthere is a question of any particular kind—a lodge of emergency or a summer banquet—he attends personally upon those who are interested in the matter and sees that the meetings of the lodge are duly organised . These services never come under our special notice ; Bro . Peirce does not flaunt them before our gaze , and there are many of these kind
acts that have never seen the light of day ; and we have never known how much we owe to our brother . Brethren , under these circumstances we felt that we were bound to make an effort to display to our brother the feeling which we entertain towards him , the feeling of gratitude with which we regard the services which he had rendered to the lodge , those services and efforts which he had rendered on our behalf . When we had
arrived at this determination we found to our very great joy and delight that not only we , the members of the Britannic Lodge , entertained these feelings , but that the Craft in general entertained similar feelings , and that he had in fact been appointed a Grand Officer . You know it is said that hope deferred maketh the heart sick , and it is extremely gratifying to those who know him , and know how well he has long deserved the honour , to find that his
claims to Grand Office had at length been recognised after a delay which was hardly consistent with their avowal of making suitable appointments in Grand Lodge . " But all ' s well that ends well . " Our brother has been appointed to the ofiice he is so well qualified to fill . Brethren , we have heard in the ceremonies to-night that that is one of the greatest features of life that we ought to rise to our rank by merit , and he has succeeded at last . With regard to
greatness—Masonic greatness—he was not born to it ; with regard to greatness , it was not thrust upon him as a stripling , but now in the full maturity of manhood he has been elected to that office , and it is to us a most agreeable opportunity to do him the double honour of recognising the great services he has done to the Britannic , and congratulate him upon having attained this high and important ofiice . Brethren , with regard to those who were present when the ceremony of his lappointment was completed , it
must have been clear to every member present , and peculiarly gratifying to us all , to know that there were no indications of any jealousy that somebody had been passed over to make the appointment , but the feeling was that it was the right man in the right place . I think it was impossible not to notice the great feeling of unanimity with regard to the appointment in the case of our Bro . Peirce . Brethren , this is an honour which is due to our lodge as well as to Bro . Peirce . With regard to the inscription on the testimonial , it is as follows : —
Presented to BRO . J SAMPSON PEIRCE , G . D ., P . G . S ., P . M . 2 , P . M . 33 , By the brethren of the Britannic Lodge , No . 33 , As a token of fraternal esteem and high appreciation Of his zealous and valuable services to the lodge , Not only as a Past Master , but also as its Director of Ceremonies , 13 th May , 1 SS 1 .
Brethren , these words arc feeble , yet in their measured moderation perhaps they constitute the best evidence of the strong fraternal feeling we entertain towards our brother . There is a common chord running through the lodge which tells our brother these sentiments are heart-felt and sincere , and what higher satisfaction can such a true Mason as he enjoy than that of knowing that he is interwoven in the sympathies and aftections of his brethren . Such sentiments lift us above tl \ e Iwel o (
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
Craft djteonrtj *
ROYAL ATHELSTAN LODGE ( No . 19 ) . — The concluding lodge meeting of the present season was held at Cannon-street Hotel on Thursday evening , the 12 th inst ., Bro . Henry Charles Jcpps , W . M ., in the chair , supported by a large gathering of brethren , among whom we noticed Bros . Sydney R . Pollard , J . W . ; E . B . Grabham , P . M ., Sec . ; H . T . Glenn , S . D . ; G . Glenn , I . G . ; R . J . Archbald , P . M . ; W . M . Bywater , P . M ., D . C . ; William
Pound , P . M ., Steward ; G . Campion , P . M . ; Matthew Henry , Athclstan A . Angier , F . W . Honischer , C . Coleman , J . E . Greenhill , S . G . Glanville , R . Sewell , J . Pugh , H . G . Buss , Asst . G . Sec ; G . Gillard , Joyce Murray , — Gilbey , H . Urquhart , C . F . Hogard , P . M . 205 ; IT . Massey ' ( Freemason ); and others . In consequence of the non-arrival of a candidate for initiation , the business of the meetinrr was confined to the
confirmation of the minutes and other formal business , at the conclusion of which the brethren adjourned to the banquet room , where the event of chief interest—the presentation of a testimonial to Bro . Pound , the Steward of the lodge—was to be performed . This testimonial , consisting of a time-piece and vases of costly and very elegant design , was displayed on the chimney piece , while an addendum in the shape of a beautiful little table ornament for holding
cut flowers was placed on the table before the W . M . Below the face the clock bears the following appropriate inscription : "This clock is presented by the Royal Athclstan Lodge , No , 19 , to Bro . William Pound , P . M ., Steward , in token of the high esteem in which he is held by the brethren , and oi their best wishes for bis health and happiness . May 12 th , 1 SS 1 . " At the conclusion of the banquet the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were briefly
proposed from the chair and honoured in Royal Athelstan style ; Bro . Buss , Assistant Grand Secretary , responding for "The Grand Officers . " The W . M . said that there was a little matter out of the common course which had to be now attended to , in the presentation of a testimonial to their very old and esteemed friend , Bro . Pound , and he requested Bro . Bywater , P . M ., to perform that ceremony on his behalf . Bro . Bywater : Brethren , I am somewhat
taken by surprise in being called upon by the Worshipful Master to discharge this duty ; and although it is a duty , and a privilege and a great pleasure , it is an occurrence which seldom happens in our lodge , of presenting a testimonial to brethren whom we highly esteem . In this instance I am happy to say that the idea , as soon as it was started , was responded to with the greatest alacrity and the greatest unanimity . They do say " Happy is the nation which
has not a history , and 1 think the words might almost be applied to a brother Mason , who , shunning all Ihe bickerings and discussion of the outer world is able to pass over a quarter of a century possessing the good will of his brethren , and experiercing a serene , calm , and happy existence , gratifying to his own recollections and to ours . As soon as this little matter was mooted , it was unanimously resolved to take the
very earliest opportunity of acknowledging our thankfulness to Bro . Pound for the very able manner in which he has for eighteen years discharged the arduous duties of Steward to the lodge . I need not say how greatly he has added to your comforts , for you all know with what assiduity , neglecting his own comforts , he has attended to those of the visitors and of us all . You know yourselves the kind care with which he has gone round about the table
seeing that we have what we desired . Brethren , in their action in this matter , the committee who had the pleasant task of carrying out your wishes thought it would show a graceful feeling to leave Bro . Pound himself to name the form which this testimonial should take , aided by the valuable services of the lady who is our brother's partner . That will , I think , explain to you the very handsome selection which has been made . I am told it
possesses one good quality which you may remember Wendel Holmes alludes to as a characteristic of "the one-horse shay , " who having heard that the strength of a machine is not greater than its weakest point , took care to make the weakest part very strong , so that it should never want mending , but that when the end did come it should " bust up , " and resolve itself into a pile of ground coffee . Like that "shay , " 1 believe
this clock will never require to be repaired . Bro . Pound , it affords me extreme pleasure on behalf of the lodge to invite you to accept of this little memento of affection and esteem . It is hoped that at your own fireside you may for many years regard that clock with pleasure , and that it may remind you of the many happy hours we have all here spent together . And when in the fullness of time all th ngs shall have been accomplished , and it is your lot
to pass to your rest , may you amidst the hallelujahs of " well done " find a joyful entrance into the Grand Lodge above . Bro . Pound , who was evidently affected by the universal demonstration of good will displayed by the brethren during Bro . Bywater's address , expressed the great difficulty he experienced in gi / ing proper expression to the feelings aroused by this display of kindness on the part of the brethren . He shortly reviewed his career in the Royal
Athelstan Lodge since he was initiated there twenty-live years ago . He found that there was a strong body of eminent Past Masters , and that it he desired to hold any permanent office it would be necessary to walk in their footsteps . He took instruction from Bro . S . Barton Wilson , and after seven years of study passed through the chair
successfully in the year 1 SC 4 . During his probation he was present when Bro . Gale handed over theTreasurcr ' s keys to Bro . Starling , and this appointment showed him there was no chance of being made Treasurer . The Secretaryship also changed hands , so there was no chance in that direction . Bro . Pound continued : I then looked about to
seek for another ofiice , and from natural inclination , I suppose , was always ready to do what I could to make others happy , so that it fell out that I was constituted Steward of the lodge . I hardly know how to thank you in proper terms , but I think my duty is
first to thank the Committee , who have done so much in the matter of this testimonial , and especially Bro . Bywater , who was Chairman of that Committee . For his voluntaril y undertaking this duty , and for the speedy manner in which it was carried out , I know not how to return sufficient thanks , or for [ the graceful [ action by which the
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
taste and wishes of my wife were consulted . It gives me especial pleasure to notice the presence this evening of many brethren who have not been here for a long time , and who , I flatter myself , have done this kindness with the special view to do me honour on the present occasion . Bro . Pound said he believed—he was sure—that he dwelt in the hearts of all present , and however he might fail in giving due expression to his
gratitude for their kindness , he trusted to this fact , and was assured that his feelings would be understood . It was a great pleasure to him to think that they wercsatisficd with his past services , and hoped that they-would have no occasion to complain of him in the future . During the evening several brethren sang some very effective songs , and Bro . Goddard contributed several amusing recitations . The W . M . kindly assisted the vocalists by accompanying them on the pianoforte .
BRITANNIC LODGE ( No . 33 ) . —The installation meeting for 1 SS 1 was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Friday , the i 3 th inst ., under the presidency of Bro . Walter Webb , W . M ., when there was a large gathering of members and visitors to do honour to the occasion . Among those present as visitors we noticed Bros . E . J . Cobley , P . M ., Caledonian ; W . W . Turner , 1449 ';
C . Harding , P . M . 231 ; R . H . Giraud , P . S . G . D . ; F . Shoppee , Royal Union ; R . S . Barton , Peace and Harmony ; Arthur Mead , Goodfellowship ; John Copper , Evening Star ; J . N . Clubb , Invicta , 709 ; A . Penford , Pattison , 9 i 3 ' ; H . J . Butler , P . M . Patterson , 90 ; there were Past Masters Bros . Edward Strouts , J . Chynoweth , J . Strapp , F . Pendered , J . Glaisher , Magnus Ohren , H . E . Wallis , J . M . Davis , H .
Massey ( Freemason ) , and others ; and members Bros . Tanquerd ^ -, Fletcher , Webb , Campbell , Wilson , Young , Hewitson , Hodge , Reader , Layton , Bower , Varley , Saunders , Wallis , W . Webb , Cogan , Leigh , Hallowes , Angell , Spencer , Boddy , Pawley , Halloms , Charles , Shaw , Stenning , Finley , and others ; and the lodge was tyled by Bro . C . T . Speight , P . M . 27 , Prov . G . Tyler for Surrey . The ceremony of
installing Bro . Arthur Giraud Browning into the chair of K . S . was most ably performed by theoutjjoing Master , Bro . Webb , who also delivered the orations in a most impressive manner . The officers were appointed as follows : Bros . James Ricks , to be S . W . ; James Clegg , P . M ., reelected Treasurer ; Thomas AlfordChubb , P . M ., rc-appointed Secretary ; J . Sampson Peirce , P . M ., re-appointed D . C ;
W . T . Sugg , to be J . W . ; G . IT . Stayton , to be S . D . ; T . W . Traill , to be | . D . ; R . C . Hallowes , to be I . G . ; J . H . Davis , to be Senior Steward ; Dr . Charles , to be junior Steward ; and C . T . Speight , re-appointed Tyler . The W . M . then presented Bro . Webb , I . P . M ., with a P . M . 's jewel , with best wishes for his health to enable him to enjoy the dignity of Past Master , which he had earned so well ; and Bro . Webb having
briefly responded , the lodge was closed in the usual form , and the company adjourned to the house adjoining to dine , where the utmost care had evidently been taken by this hospitable lodge for the comfort and pleasure of the guests , from the good fare and good music down to the dainty Shakespearian menu printed in black letter , every detail bespoke the kind and ^ carelul host . After the cloth had been withdrawn the customary loyal and Masonic toasts to the Oueen and Grand Master were
proposed and duly honoured ; after which the Chairman rose and said : Brethren , I will now ask you to do honour to the toast of "The Most Worshipful the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon ; the Right Worshipful the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " It is possible that to some of the brethren present the toast may sound
like a long string of names , but to the minds of others it will be suggestive of the three Masonic virtues , for it is in Grand Lodge that the principles of Freemasonry are brought to light in their highest perfection . 1 will only speak of the Grand Officers we have sent up from our lodge , and I am proud to say there are at least three that are able to speak to this toast ; we have Bro . Glaisher , Bro . Magnus Ohren ,
and Bro . Peirce , our worthy Director of Ceremonies , whose career , just brought to a culminating point in Grand Lodge , started from this Britannic Lodge . In connection with this toast I will couple the name of Bro . Peirce , P . M . Bro . Peirce : Worshipful Master and brethren , in return for the toast which has been so cordially received and so ably put , I , as the interesting youngest Grand
Oliicer , for I am only just fledged , am , unfortunately , called to return thanks . With regard to the Earl of Carnarvon , he is ever received in Masonry as a man in whom every confidence can be placed , because whether he is only engaged in a private position , or whether he is occupying a public position , he has always done his duty well . The Earl of Lathom is the embodiment of Masonry .
With regard to the Past Ofhcers of Grand Lodge , you have upon my right and upon my left very , very able representatives . With regard to the present men , 1 am the only one who represents them , and I can only tell you that with such examples — as wc have had before us — we , the present Grand Ollicers , will do the very best we can to continue the prestige that has been handed down to us .
Bro . Webb , l . P . M .: Brethren , by the gracious permission of your Worshipful Master I am permitted now to discharge a very pleasing duty , and , in doing so , I feel that I am acting as the mouthpiece of all the members of the Britannic Lodge . We know that in our Craft one of the fundamental principles is that unanimity and concord should govern our proceedings , but , unfortunately , in
practice this cannot always be strictly realised ; but on the present occasion there is no element to jar the absolute and entire unanimity of the act which I am about to perforin or discharge on your behalf . We , the members of the Britannic Lodge , are a very practical body ; we attend to out-Masonic duties ; we attend to duties of refreshment ; but wc do not allow these duties to interfere with those duties
of life which occupy most of our time and attention . Wc are little disposed to give much time and attention to getting up testimonials with regard to the merits of one particular brother . But there are occasions on which we of the Britannic Lodge feel ourselves moved to exert ourselves in some exceptional degree , and against our inclination we
are compelled to do that to which circumstances sometimes point . Brethren , I think the present is such an occasion . It is only twice within the mind of such as are present that the Britannic Lodge has adopted a similar course , first , in the case of our Bro . Secretary , the father of the Britannic Lodge , who , in the year 1 S 64 , received a special testimonial at your hands . Subsequently
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
our dear Bro . Crombie was singledout for these exceptional honours . In the case of Bro . Crombie the form the testimonial took was that of the clothing of Grand Deacon and the candelabra . On the present occasion we have thought it right to follow the same precedent ; and , Bro . Sampson Peirce , it takes , as you see before you , a form very similar to that which was presented in the case of Bro " . Crombie , and we trust that you will approve of the choice
that has been made on your behalf . Brethren , I said that we feci constrained to adopt this special deviation from our course with regard to 'Bro . Peirce . When he says that he is a mere fledgling he means of course as a Grand Officer , but we remember that he drew his first Masonic breath in 1 S 5 S in the Britannic Lodge , when the lodge was very different from what it is no \ v _ : he went through the different offices and in 1 S 6 4 he
was installed Worshipful Master . In consequence of the efforts which he and other members made , there was a very great accession made to the members of the lodge while he presided over its affairs , and I may mention that during his year of office he performed fifty ceremonies from the chair , and he did that with the assistance of only two lodges of emergency . But he did not pause from the active work of the lodge ; indeed , arduous as his work was in the chair
I think it has been still more arduous since he left it . He thought he saw that there was a very great work to be done for the Britannic Lodge , and he buckled himself to do it . We who belong to this lodge to-day must recollect that it was not made yesterday , " but that it has been a work of time , that the organisation with which everything occurs , the regularity with which one good Master follows another into the chair , have been the result
of years of study and years of attention—of the closest attention—by those who have worked might and main in the true interests of the Britannic Lodge . Brethren , one of those who have done a principal part in this work is our Bro . John Sampson Peirce . For many years past he has occupied what I may call the thankless office of D . C . He has not been satisfied with the perfunctory discharge of the duties appertaining to his office ; he has been always
present on every occasion where the most trifling duty was performed ; when any question had been put by a Master he was there to put the brother right . Had a committee to be appointed our brother was present at that committee meeting ; he was the first to arrive and the last to depart ; his service was continuous ; his vigilant eye was everywhere , and if a brother halted in the ritual he was there to put that brother right and to keep the work of the lodere in
satisfactory order . The work which he has done has been invaluable , not like that which we perform in the chair of a ceremonial and ostentatious character , but work out of . the lodge which enabled other people to perform perfectly and for which he gets none of the credit . I am sure there is not a Master who has passed the chair since he was Director of" the Ceremonies who is not deeply indebted to him for assistance about the lodge which so greatly
contributes to the success of a Master ' s work . Brethren , it is not only at our ordinary meetings , but whenjthere is a question of any particular kind—a lodge of emergency or a summer banquet—he attends personally upon those who are interested in the matter and sees that the meetings of the lodge are duly organised . These services never come under our special notice ; Bro . Peirce does not flaunt them before our gaze , and there are many of these kind
acts that have never seen the light of day ; and we have never known how much we owe to our brother . Brethren , under these circumstances we felt that we were bound to make an effort to display to our brother the feeling which we entertain towards him , the feeling of gratitude with which we regard the services which he had rendered to the lodge , those services and efforts which he had rendered on our behalf . When we had
arrived at this determination we found to our very great joy and delight that not only we , the members of the Britannic Lodge , entertained these feelings , but that the Craft in general entertained similar feelings , and that he had in fact been appointed a Grand Officer . You know it is said that hope deferred maketh the heart sick , and it is extremely gratifying to those who know him , and know how well he has long deserved the honour , to find that his
claims to Grand Office had at length been recognised after a delay which was hardly consistent with their avowal of making suitable appointments in Grand Lodge . " But all ' s well that ends well . " Our brother has been appointed to the ofiice he is so well qualified to fill . Brethren , we have heard in the ceremonies to-night that that is one of the greatest features of life that we ought to rise to our rank by merit , and he has succeeded at last . With regard to
greatness—Masonic greatness—he was not born to it ; with regard to greatness , it was not thrust upon him as a stripling , but now in the full maturity of manhood he has been elected to that office , and it is to us a most agreeable opportunity to do him the double honour of recognising the great services he has done to the Britannic , and congratulate him upon having attained this high and important ofiice . Brethren , with regard to those who were present when the ceremony of his lappointment was completed , it
must have been clear to every member present , and peculiarly gratifying to us all , to know that there were no indications of any jealousy that somebody had been passed over to make the appointment , but the feeling was that it was the right man in the right place . I think it was impossible not to notice the great feeling of unanimity with regard to the appointment in the case of our Bro . Peirce . Brethren , this is an honour which is due to our lodge as well as to Bro . Peirce . With regard to the inscription on the testimonial , it is as follows : —
Presented to BRO . J SAMPSON PEIRCE , G . D ., P . G . S ., P . M . 2 , P . M . 33 , By the brethren of the Britannic Lodge , No . 33 , As a token of fraternal esteem and high appreciation Of his zealous and valuable services to the lodge , Not only as a Past Master , but also as its Director of Ceremonies , 13 th May , 1 SS 1 .
Brethren , these words arc feeble , yet in their measured moderation perhaps they constitute the best evidence of the strong fraternal feeling we entertain towards our brother . There is a common chord running through the lodge which tells our brother these sentiments are heart-felt and sincere , and what higher satisfaction can such a true Mason as he enjoy than that of knowing that he is interwoven in the sympathies and aftections of his brethren . Such sentiments lift us above tl \ e Iwel o (