-
Articles/Ads
Article Craft Masonry. ← Page 3 of 4 Article Craft Masonry. Page 3 of 4 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Craft Masonry.
Masons from all parts of the world you declared that exhibition opened . Twentv thousand pounds worth of exhibits were entrusted to my cire , and we can say " we did not lose one exhibit . " It was predicted at that time that this century would pass away before another would be attempted , and then it would probably not be surpassed , and that prediction was a true one . The Shanklin Exhibition is not only an epoch in our lodge , it is a landmark in the history of the Craft , worthy of the medal which was struck to commemorate it , and which experts pronounce to be the finest engraved medal of the century , I make no idle boast when I say that our exhibition will carry thc name
of this lodge down to distant ages , for the catalogue has become a text book of Masonry , which will add its renown as the years roll on . It should be remembered that all previous exhibitions were promoted by provinces or groups of lodges , whilst we can say , "Alone we did it . " Thus have these three great events centred round your honoured name , R . W . Prov . G . Master . The last event , and an event which we are all proud of , is recorded on that tablet , and that is , the extinction of the mortgage debt in the closing year of the 19 th century , and on it will be found the names of all who have assisted . When this lodge was built it became necessary to have trustees , who were also respon
sible for the debt , as also were their executors and assigns . Therefore , if it ware a post of honour , it was also a post of responsibility . Ten years ago when I brought forward a scheme at a day ' s notice to reduce the debt when the mortgage was suddenly called in , the careful solicitor of this lodge , who represented the mortgage , had some doubts whether my manipulations of the debt had not impaired the personal liability of the trustees , and so a bond was given , which five of us signed . I have had a clearer perception of the dangers of this debt than some of the trustees , for at my installation it now appears not one member who has joined the lodge for the last 10
years has had any idea of the provisions of the Trust Deed , and , perhaps , not half-adozen here to-day know anything of the bond . After I had made my installation speech , when I declared my intention to clear this debt , I was told by some of my friends not to bother my head about it , but leave it to the next generation . Why should we relieve them of all responsibility ? I will tell you why . The Trust Deed a £ the lod ^ e contains a provision that so long as this building is used as a Masonic Hall , it is free of ground rent , but supposing days of adversity were to fall on this lodge , and we hive instances of adversity in the Isle of Wight with lodges and chapters , who shall say
that Chine Lodge , with a debt of £ 700 and . £ 35 interest , would be safe for future generations . It was a very easy task for me to go round Shanklin and secure the signatures ofthe six remaining trustees to enable me to get possession of the title deeds , but supposing the debt had been left for 50 years , and the lodge then had decided to pay it off , would there have been no difficulty then , think you ? Some of the trustees have passed to the Grand Lodge above , some are beyond the meridian of life and are passing thitherwards over the hills to their sunset , and if this debt had been left to future generations to clear off , you might have had to send to the four quarters of the globe to
get the signature of the executors or the assigns before you would have got the title deeds handed over to you . Then you would have had the descendants of the bond holders to consider , and , perhaps , not one of them would be identified with this lodge or have any association with Masonry . Do not for one moment imagine that this tablet is erected that your names and my name should be on it , little shall we reck , little shall we care a few years hence about the honour conferred on us there . But it is recorded there that we have gained our freedom , and who will ever dare to place this lodge in bondage again ? This tablet will , I believe , | have a far-reaching influence on this lodge , it will be cherished by future generations as one of the greatest heirlooms bequeathed
by us to posterity . We hand it down free of debt and free of ground rent , and surely the man is not born who will cross that threshold as a Mason and rise up in this lodge and attempt to mortgage it again . Surelj the young Masons , who will have some day to carry on this lodge , to preserve its honour , its traditions , and its prestige , will , when he reads what has been done in the days before him , strive to hold that charter , and hand it on pure and unsullied to his successors , and when time has dimmed that tablet , and dulled the names upon it , I am confident that a halo of renown will surround it and be the means of kindling in the hearts of those who shall succeed us , a greater love for Masonry and a greater love for my mother lodge . ( Loud appla > se . )
After unveiling the tablet , which consisted of an engraved slab of white marble set in a handsome massive frame designed by Bro . L . Colenutt , the Prov . G . Master expressed the pleasure it had given him to attend and assist them on that interesting occasion , and complimented them on the attention to Masonic precepts and the spirit and energy which animated the members of the lodge , and had enabled such a
comparatively small number to accomplish so much . The Worshipful Master had alludid with great force to the events in which the lodge had been concerned , the chief among which was the Masonic exhibition , held when he was belore in the chair of the lodge , and which was crowned with such success . He heartily congratulated them all on clearing eff their building debt . The following is the inscription on the marble tablet :
"Chine Lodge , 1 SS 4 , A . D . 1900 . This tablet is erected to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone and consecration of this hall on Mirch 7 , 1 SS 1 , and which on October 25 , 1 SS 1 , was dedicated to Freemasonry by the Right Hon . VV . W . Bramston Beach , M . P ., Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight ; who also opened the great Masonic exhibition on September 9 , iSSG ; and further as a permanent record of the names of those who in the closing year of the nineteenth century , and during the third period of the Mastership of Bro . Alfred Greenham , assisted in entirely freeing the lodge of its mortgage debt . "
The names recorded are as follows : A . Greenham , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., VV . M . ; R . Rowland Russell , I . P . M . ; Andrew H . Brown , S . W . j Charles J . Carter , J . W . ; F . Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; Francis C . Taylor , Sec . ; Edward D . Jefford , S . D . ; Alfred Kent , J . D . ; William T . Decks , I . G . ; Henry Osborne , D . C . ; W . Ball Chase , Stwd . ; and William J . Mew , Tyler ; Bros . G . H . R . Dabbs , P . M .-Francis Newman , P . G . S . B . Eng . ; John Bailey , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C ; Lewis Colenutt , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; Richard Young , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . ; VV . H . Willis P . M ., P . G . R . ; John Marsh , P . M . ; William Judd , P . M . ; G . H . MatthewsP . M . ;
, Herbert W . Daws , P . M . ; J . Chapman , P . P . J . G . D . Devon ; John Collinson , P . M . ; T . H . Brooke Hitching , P . M . ; Guillaume F . Coster , Leonard Scott , E . Neville Lovett , William G . R . Spencer , Samuel Clarke , James A . Wilson , Robert W . Greenham , Alfred J . Mew , and Charles A . Knapp . Following the oration of Bro . Greenham , the VV . M . called upon Bro . R . Young P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , to move a vote of thanks to the Prov . G . M . Bro . Young rose to express the high gratification felt by the brethren at the presence of the R . W . Bro . W . W . Beach with the Grand Officers of the province . Another
red-letter day was thereby added to those of the past , which had distinguished the history of Chine Lodge in its intimate association with the P . G . M . If only he ( Bro . Young ) had possessed thc eloquence of their W . M ., he might have spoken in terms worthy of the occasion , but , said he , " 1 am no orator as Brutus is ; " being only ' •a plain , blunt man , I speak right on , and tell you that which you yourselves do know "—our sincere sense of obligation tothe R . W . Prov . G . M . With a courage and confidence , all his own , VV . Bro . Greenham had invited the venerable head of the province to attend this interesting Masonic function . And the R . W . Prov . G . M ., with his inherent courtesy and
good nature , notwithstanding various and pressing engagements , had promised to be present to-day in this remote corner of his province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight . All the greater was the honour conferred , and all thc deeper the appreciation of the brethren of Chine Lodge . The excellence of the purpose , no doubt , commended itself as evidence of the indomitable energy and successful effort of the W . M . and the associated brethren in freeing the lodge from serious debt , and thereby inaugurating an era
of greater freedom in which to exhibit the beauty of the Masonic principles of fraternal helpfulness and Charity . The brethren , one and all , desired to evince the liveliest gratitude for favours received , and he ( Bro . Young ) , therefore , moved— " That the best thanks of the lodge be given to the P . G . M . for the honour of his presence in Chine Lodge , and for his kindness in unveiling the tablet . " The brethren responded with warm enthusiasm .
Bro . John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Devon , seconded the vote of thanks , expressing the pleasure it was to him to be present on such a memorable day . The Prov . Grand Master having briefly responded , Bro . G . H . Matthews , P . M ., proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Lewis Colenutt for his services in drawing the plan of the tablet . He said that the ritual spoke of Masons as not being "all opeiative , but rather free and accepted or speculative . " This
oresupposed that some were " operative , " and he was glad to say that Chine Lodge possessed more than one skilful operative . " With the pencil the skilful artist draws draft or plan of the intended structure . " It was to the skill of Bro . Lewis Colenutt in using his pencil to design the beautiful tablet that had just been unveiled he wished to draw their attention . Itwas needful for the artist to work out the plan before the structure could be proceeded with ; and that beautiful tablet they were gazing upon
Craft Masonry.
would be a perpetual memorial to carry down to posterity the ability and generosity of Bro . Colenutt . The whole design was , and always would be , " a thing of beauty and a joy for ever . " It gave him much pleasure to propose a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Colenutt for his able services . Bro . C J . Carter , J . W ., seconded the proposition in a suitable speech . Bro . T . Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , proposed , and Bro . A . H . Brown , S . W ., seconded that a vote of thanks be accorded to Bro . Alfred Dashwood , P . M ., P . P . G . R . for his kindness in transferring the morteage free of cost to the lodge .
Bro . A . Dashwood having responded , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Daish's Hotel , where a recherche banquet was served . The W . M ., Bro . Alfred Greenham presided , and was supported by the Prov . G . Master and Prov . G . Officers , most of those already named being also present . The loyal and Grand Lodge toasts having been given , Bro . C . J . Carter , J . W ., sang "The Toreador . " The W . M . proposed " The R . W . Prov . Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight , the Right Hon . W . W . B . Beach , M . P . " It is said that out of the abundance
of the heart , the mouth speaketh . I have no doubt that is true as a great fundamental principle of human life , but to-day , whilst my heart is very full of gratitude , and of love for our revered chief , I find some difficulty in giving utterance to a tithe of what I feel . There is not one among you here to-day who is not looking to me to interpret not only my own feelings , not only the feelings of every member of Chine Lodge , but the feelings of every member of every lodge assembled here . The honour conferred by the P . G . M . on me to-day is great inasmuch as I am the W . M ., but I know that the
honour is intended for my lodge , but , nevertheless , it is also an honour to all Isle of Wight Masons . The P . G . M . has had a long association with this province , which in its history will be remembered and remembered for his impartiality , his firmness , and his loving qualities . There are , doubtless , in the United Kingdom many P . G . Ms , who do their duty to the Craft , and who rule over it wisely and well , but not one , I venture to say , could establish that he was so universally loved and esteemed as our P . G . M ., and I am going to quote two great public features to support that assertion . On the other
side of this province , on the other side of this county , live thousands of men of all sorts and conditions in life , of all shades of thoughts , who , by their love for him , and their admiration of him for nearly half a century , have created for him a distinction so honourable , so majestically grand , in the Parliament of this Realm not surpassed in any previous century . What greater honour can a man have in this world than the honour which is founded on love ? Can any P . G . Master in England lay claim to so much public esteem , so much love ? No , brethren , they cannot . ( Loud applause . ) The
other great feature is the hold which our P . G . M . has over the hearts of Isle of Wight Masons , evidenced by this fact , that when a few years ago the agitation commenced and ended in the municipal life of our island being severed from the mainland , no murmurirg sound was heard from us , for our allegiance to him rests on that indissoluble foundation , our love for him . ( Applause . ) The toast was received with much enthusiasm . Song , "The Maid of Malabar , " by Bro . E . G . Wetherick .
The Prov . G . Master , in the course of his reply , said the W . M . had alluded to his Mastership over the province , and to his acceptance of the additional responsibility of the amalgamation of the Isle of Wight and Hampshire , but this was done by the G . Master of England , who believed that a large province was more easily managed . If he had failed in any particular it was not from want of an endeavour on his part to act fairly to every part of the province . There were now more than 50 lodges , having nearly doubled since that time . He was deeply sensible of the love and regard shown
to him oy the brethren all over the province . He was also sensible of the kindly and fraternal spirit which existed between the lodges , and the love they showed to one another . This was largely due to the care exercised in admitting only those whom they were convinced would act up to the principles of the Craft . He could not but be indebted to those worthy Masons who had helped him to rule over the province . Referring to the Past Masters , he remarked that the brethren who had passed the chair should remember their duty as Past Masters did not cease . It was the zeal of the Past
Masters to keep up the credit of the Order . This was the third lime their present Master had accepted the office , and it was his desire to benefit the lodge that had induced him to accept the office this time , and the object for whicn he wis there to-day was sufficient evidence of the wisdom of their choice in again placing him in that position . It gave him great pleasure in being there to-day to congratulate them on the success of freeing Chine Lodge from debt , and he felt a pride and pleasure if he could in any way promote the interest of the lodge . They had spoken of their affection for him , and if he could do anything to deserve that love , it would give him infinite
satisfaction . ( Applause . ) Bro . John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Devon , proposed the toast of "The Dep . P . G . M ., VV . Bro . E . Goble , P . G . S . B . Eng ., and the Officers of Prov . G . Lodge , Present and Past . " He remarked that he had had considerable correspondence with that worthy brother , but never the pleasure of meeting him . The lateness of the train at Fareham the previous evening prevented him calling on him , nevertheless , he was conscious that the Prov . G . M . had a very able and zealous Deputy , and Bro . Chapman very eloquently submitted the toast , coupling with it the name of Bro . Willis , Prov . G . Reg . Song by Bro . King— "Oft in the stilly night . "
Bro . Willis said he was placed in a somewhat awkward position in being called upon to respond for the D . P . G . M ., so ably put by Bro . Chapman . He did not know he should be called upon , as he had occupied his position such a short time , and he did not think he should do it justice . At present his duties had not been very onerous , but he hoped , before his term of oflice expired , he should be called upon to do more work . He was very proud to be a Grand Officer of the province . Bro . Willis eulogised the Prov . Grand Master , and thanked the brethren for the way in which the toast had been received .
Song , " De coming of de king , " Bro . Firth . The Prov . G . M . proposed " The W . M ., " and in a very able speech remarked that he had already alluded to the benefit of the experience of Past Masters in the chair . He was sorry he was unable , through ill-health , to attend his installation , but he was glad he was able to be there that day . Bro . Greenham was not only able to voice the ritual in an exceptionally effective way , but he had a firm grip of all other details . Recitation—Bro . Hutton— " Jim Smiley . " In reply , the VV . M . said he deeply appreciated the kind words expressed bv the
Prov . G . Master . He had laid before them the qualities a Master should possess , but he did not think he possessed all these qualities . He did know he had occupied the chair of Chine Lodge three times . The cause of Freemasonry he had had at heart for many years , and he was proud to occupy the position he did that day , and he should look back on that day in future years with pride and pleasure at the honour done him by the Prov . G . Master , lt was a day he should treasure all his life . He had been loyally supported by the members in all the schemes he had advanced and carried through during the existence of the lodge , and he could say that on no occasion had the harmony of the lodge been broken .
Bro . Capt . Giles , R . N ., Prov . G . Sec , proposed "The Masonic Charities" in an earnest and vigorous speech , in the course ot which he expressed the hope that Masons belonging to the province would rally this year to the support of the Boys' School , at the festival of which their Prov . G . Master rfould preside in June next . He also urged the desirability of the scheme for the purchase of a Perpetual Presentation to the Boys ' School , with which the name of the Prov . G . Master would be associated , and which it was proposed should be secured by means of a contribution of not less than 20 guineas from each lodge in the province . Bro . Chapman suitably responded .
Other toasts were " lhe Visitors , " proposed by Bro . Young , and coupled with the names of Bros . Gieve and Lancaster ; and " The Past Masters" and " The Founders , " proposed from the chair . The Tyler ' s toast brought this memorable evening to a close .
Mozart Lodge , No . 1929 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . JAMES ALFRED CHALK . The installation meeting of this distinguished and well-known musical lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel , Croydon , on the ist instant , when there were present : Bros . H . E . Francis , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey ; Fredk . Flood , P . P . A . G . D . C , Surrey ; C H . Hewlett , P . M . ; H . J . Macfarlane , P . P . G . Org . Surrey ; J . A . Chalk , Walter Salmon , Trefelyn David , J . J . Kern , W . F . Oxley , J . J . Lamigeon , P . M . ; C W . Freeman , F . Whatley , Augustus Toop , S . E . McLewin , J . Sinclair , A . J . Stopher , W . H . Bartlett , C W . Lloyd , W . Carter , J . B . Sterehx , S . F . A . Donnelly , F . Ash
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Craft Masonry.
Masons from all parts of the world you declared that exhibition opened . Twentv thousand pounds worth of exhibits were entrusted to my cire , and we can say " we did not lose one exhibit . " It was predicted at that time that this century would pass away before another would be attempted , and then it would probably not be surpassed , and that prediction was a true one . The Shanklin Exhibition is not only an epoch in our lodge , it is a landmark in the history of the Craft , worthy of the medal which was struck to commemorate it , and which experts pronounce to be the finest engraved medal of the century , I make no idle boast when I say that our exhibition will carry thc name
of this lodge down to distant ages , for the catalogue has become a text book of Masonry , which will add its renown as the years roll on . It should be remembered that all previous exhibitions were promoted by provinces or groups of lodges , whilst we can say , "Alone we did it . " Thus have these three great events centred round your honoured name , R . W . Prov . G . Master . The last event , and an event which we are all proud of , is recorded on that tablet , and that is , the extinction of the mortgage debt in the closing year of the 19 th century , and on it will be found the names of all who have assisted . When this lodge was built it became necessary to have trustees , who were also respon
sible for the debt , as also were their executors and assigns . Therefore , if it ware a post of honour , it was also a post of responsibility . Ten years ago when I brought forward a scheme at a day ' s notice to reduce the debt when the mortgage was suddenly called in , the careful solicitor of this lodge , who represented the mortgage , had some doubts whether my manipulations of the debt had not impaired the personal liability of the trustees , and so a bond was given , which five of us signed . I have had a clearer perception of the dangers of this debt than some of the trustees , for at my installation it now appears not one member who has joined the lodge for the last 10
years has had any idea of the provisions of the Trust Deed , and , perhaps , not half-adozen here to-day know anything of the bond . After I had made my installation speech , when I declared my intention to clear this debt , I was told by some of my friends not to bother my head about it , but leave it to the next generation . Why should we relieve them of all responsibility ? I will tell you why . The Trust Deed a £ the lod ^ e contains a provision that so long as this building is used as a Masonic Hall , it is free of ground rent , but supposing days of adversity were to fall on this lodge , and we hive instances of adversity in the Isle of Wight with lodges and chapters , who shall say
that Chine Lodge , with a debt of £ 700 and . £ 35 interest , would be safe for future generations . It was a very easy task for me to go round Shanklin and secure the signatures ofthe six remaining trustees to enable me to get possession of the title deeds , but supposing the debt had been left for 50 years , and the lodge then had decided to pay it off , would there have been no difficulty then , think you ? Some of the trustees have passed to the Grand Lodge above , some are beyond the meridian of life and are passing thitherwards over the hills to their sunset , and if this debt had been left to future generations to clear off , you might have had to send to the four quarters of the globe to
get the signature of the executors or the assigns before you would have got the title deeds handed over to you . Then you would have had the descendants of the bond holders to consider , and , perhaps , not one of them would be identified with this lodge or have any association with Masonry . Do not for one moment imagine that this tablet is erected that your names and my name should be on it , little shall we reck , little shall we care a few years hence about the honour conferred on us there . But it is recorded there that we have gained our freedom , and who will ever dare to place this lodge in bondage again ? This tablet will , I believe , | have a far-reaching influence on this lodge , it will be cherished by future generations as one of the greatest heirlooms bequeathed
by us to posterity . We hand it down free of debt and free of ground rent , and surely the man is not born who will cross that threshold as a Mason and rise up in this lodge and attempt to mortgage it again . Surelj the young Masons , who will have some day to carry on this lodge , to preserve its honour , its traditions , and its prestige , will , when he reads what has been done in the days before him , strive to hold that charter , and hand it on pure and unsullied to his successors , and when time has dimmed that tablet , and dulled the names upon it , I am confident that a halo of renown will surround it and be the means of kindling in the hearts of those who shall succeed us , a greater love for Masonry and a greater love for my mother lodge . ( Loud appla > se . )
After unveiling the tablet , which consisted of an engraved slab of white marble set in a handsome massive frame designed by Bro . L . Colenutt , the Prov . G . Master expressed the pleasure it had given him to attend and assist them on that interesting occasion , and complimented them on the attention to Masonic precepts and the spirit and energy which animated the members of the lodge , and had enabled such a
comparatively small number to accomplish so much . The Worshipful Master had alludid with great force to the events in which the lodge had been concerned , the chief among which was the Masonic exhibition , held when he was belore in the chair of the lodge , and which was crowned with such success . He heartily congratulated them all on clearing eff their building debt . The following is the inscription on the marble tablet :
"Chine Lodge , 1 SS 4 , A . D . 1900 . This tablet is erected to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone and consecration of this hall on Mirch 7 , 1 SS 1 , and which on October 25 , 1 SS 1 , was dedicated to Freemasonry by the Right Hon . VV . W . Bramston Beach , M . P ., Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight ; who also opened the great Masonic exhibition on September 9 , iSSG ; and further as a permanent record of the names of those who in the closing year of the nineteenth century , and during the third period of the Mastership of Bro . Alfred Greenham , assisted in entirely freeing the lodge of its mortgage debt . "
The names recorded are as follows : A . Greenham , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D ., VV . M . ; R . Rowland Russell , I . P . M . ; Andrew H . Brown , S . W . j Charles J . Carter , J . W . ; F . Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , Treas . ; Francis C . Taylor , Sec . ; Edward D . Jefford , S . D . ; Alfred Kent , J . D . ; William T . Decks , I . G . ; Henry Osborne , D . C . ; W . Ball Chase , Stwd . ; and William J . Mew , Tyler ; Bros . G . H . R . Dabbs , P . M .-Francis Newman , P . G . S . B . Eng . ; John Bailey , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C ; Lewis Colenutt , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . ; Richard Young , P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C . ; VV . H . Willis P . M ., P . G . R . ; John Marsh , P . M . ; William Judd , P . M . ; G . H . MatthewsP . M . ;
, Herbert W . Daws , P . M . ; J . Chapman , P . P . J . G . D . Devon ; John Collinson , P . M . ; T . H . Brooke Hitching , P . M . ; Guillaume F . Coster , Leonard Scott , E . Neville Lovett , William G . R . Spencer , Samuel Clarke , James A . Wilson , Robert W . Greenham , Alfred J . Mew , and Charles A . Knapp . Following the oration of Bro . Greenham , the VV . M . called upon Bro . R . Young P . M ., P . P . A . G . D . C , to move a vote of thanks to the Prov . G . M . Bro . Young rose to express the high gratification felt by the brethren at the presence of the R . W . Bro . W . W . Beach with the Grand Officers of the province . Another
red-letter day was thereby added to those of the past , which had distinguished the history of Chine Lodge in its intimate association with the P . G . M . If only he ( Bro . Young ) had possessed thc eloquence of their W . M ., he might have spoken in terms worthy of the occasion , but , said he , " 1 am no orator as Brutus is ; " being only ' •a plain , blunt man , I speak right on , and tell you that which you yourselves do know "—our sincere sense of obligation tothe R . W . Prov . G . M . With a courage and confidence , all his own , VV . Bro . Greenham had invited the venerable head of the province to attend this interesting Masonic function . And the R . W . Prov . G . M ., with his inherent courtesy and
good nature , notwithstanding various and pressing engagements , had promised to be present to-day in this remote corner of his province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight . All the greater was the honour conferred , and all thc deeper the appreciation of the brethren of Chine Lodge . The excellence of the purpose , no doubt , commended itself as evidence of the indomitable energy and successful effort of the W . M . and the associated brethren in freeing the lodge from serious debt , and thereby inaugurating an era
of greater freedom in which to exhibit the beauty of the Masonic principles of fraternal helpfulness and Charity . The brethren , one and all , desired to evince the liveliest gratitude for favours received , and he ( Bro . Young ) , therefore , moved— " That the best thanks of the lodge be given to the P . G . M . for the honour of his presence in Chine Lodge , and for his kindness in unveiling the tablet . " The brethren responded with warm enthusiasm .
Bro . John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Devon , seconded the vote of thanks , expressing the pleasure it was to him to be present on such a memorable day . The Prov . Grand Master having briefly responded , Bro . G . H . Matthews , P . M ., proposed a vote of thanks to Bro . Lewis Colenutt for his services in drawing the plan of the tablet . He said that the ritual spoke of Masons as not being "all opeiative , but rather free and accepted or speculative . " This
oresupposed that some were " operative , " and he was glad to say that Chine Lodge possessed more than one skilful operative . " With the pencil the skilful artist draws draft or plan of the intended structure . " It was to the skill of Bro . Lewis Colenutt in using his pencil to design the beautiful tablet that had just been unveiled he wished to draw their attention . Itwas needful for the artist to work out the plan before the structure could be proceeded with ; and that beautiful tablet they were gazing upon
Craft Masonry.
would be a perpetual memorial to carry down to posterity the ability and generosity of Bro . Colenutt . The whole design was , and always would be , " a thing of beauty and a joy for ever . " It gave him much pleasure to propose a hearty vote of thanks to Bro . Colenutt for his able services . Bro . C J . Carter , J . W ., seconded the proposition in a suitable speech . Bro . T . Cooper , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , proposed , and Bro . A . H . Brown , S . W ., seconded that a vote of thanks be accorded to Bro . Alfred Dashwood , P . M ., P . P . G . R . for his kindness in transferring the morteage free of cost to the lodge .
Bro . A . Dashwood having responded , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Daish's Hotel , where a recherche banquet was served . The W . M ., Bro . Alfred Greenham presided , and was supported by the Prov . G . Master and Prov . G . Officers , most of those already named being also present . The loyal and Grand Lodge toasts having been given , Bro . C . J . Carter , J . W ., sang "The Toreador . " The W . M . proposed " The R . W . Prov . Grand Master of Hants and the Isle of Wight , the Right Hon . W . W . B . Beach , M . P . " It is said that out of the abundance
of the heart , the mouth speaketh . I have no doubt that is true as a great fundamental principle of human life , but to-day , whilst my heart is very full of gratitude , and of love for our revered chief , I find some difficulty in giving utterance to a tithe of what I feel . There is not one among you here to-day who is not looking to me to interpret not only my own feelings , not only the feelings of every member of Chine Lodge , but the feelings of every member of every lodge assembled here . The honour conferred by the P . G . M . on me to-day is great inasmuch as I am the W . M ., but I know that the
honour is intended for my lodge , but , nevertheless , it is also an honour to all Isle of Wight Masons . The P . G . M . has had a long association with this province , which in its history will be remembered and remembered for his impartiality , his firmness , and his loving qualities . There are , doubtless , in the United Kingdom many P . G . Ms , who do their duty to the Craft , and who rule over it wisely and well , but not one , I venture to say , could establish that he was so universally loved and esteemed as our P . G . M ., and I am going to quote two great public features to support that assertion . On the other
side of this province , on the other side of this county , live thousands of men of all sorts and conditions in life , of all shades of thoughts , who , by their love for him , and their admiration of him for nearly half a century , have created for him a distinction so honourable , so majestically grand , in the Parliament of this Realm not surpassed in any previous century . What greater honour can a man have in this world than the honour which is founded on love ? Can any P . G . Master in England lay claim to so much public esteem , so much love ? No , brethren , they cannot . ( Loud applause . ) The
other great feature is the hold which our P . G . M . has over the hearts of Isle of Wight Masons , evidenced by this fact , that when a few years ago the agitation commenced and ended in the municipal life of our island being severed from the mainland , no murmurirg sound was heard from us , for our allegiance to him rests on that indissoluble foundation , our love for him . ( Applause . ) The toast was received with much enthusiasm . Song , "The Maid of Malabar , " by Bro . E . G . Wetherick .
The Prov . G . Master , in the course of his reply , said the W . M . had alluded to his Mastership over the province , and to his acceptance of the additional responsibility of the amalgamation of the Isle of Wight and Hampshire , but this was done by the G . Master of England , who believed that a large province was more easily managed . If he had failed in any particular it was not from want of an endeavour on his part to act fairly to every part of the province . There were now more than 50 lodges , having nearly doubled since that time . He was deeply sensible of the love and regard shown
to him oy the brethren all over the province . He was also sensible of the kindly and fraternal spirit which existed between the lodges , and the love they showed to one another . This was largely due to the care exercised in admitting only those whom they were convinced would act up to the principles of the Craft . He could not but be indebted to those worthy Masons who had helped him to rule over the province . Referring to the Past Masters , he remarked that the brethren who had passed the chair should remember their duty as Past Masters did not cease . It was the zeal of the Past
Masters to keep up the credit of the Order . This was the third lime their present Master had accepted the office , and it was his desire to benefit the lodge that had induced him to accept the office this time , and the object for whicn he wis there to-day was sufficient evidence of the wisdom of their choice in again placing him in that position . It gave him great pleasure in being there to-day to congratulate them on the success of freeing Chine Lodge from debt , and he felt a pride and pleasure if he could in any way promote the interest of the lodge . They had spoken of their affection for him , and if he could do anything to deserve that love , it would give him infinite
satisfaction . ( Applause . ) Bro . John Chapman , P . M ., P . P . J . G . D . Devon , proposed the toast of "The Dep . P . G . M ., VV . Bro . E . Goble , P . G . S . B . Eng ., and the Officers of Prov . G . Lodge , Present and Past . " He remarked that he had had considerable correspondence with that worthy brother , but never the pleasure of meeting him . The lateness of the train at Fareham the previous evening prevented him calling on him , nevertheless , he was conscious that the Prov . G . M . had a very able and zealous Deputy , and Bro . Chapman very eloquently submitted the toast , coupling with it the name of Bro . Willis , Prov . G . Reg . Song by Bro . King— "Oft in the stilly night . "
Bro . Willis said he was placed in a somewhat awkward position in being called upon to respond for the D . P . G . M ., so ably put by Bro . Chapman . He did not know he should be called upon , as he had occupied his position such a short time , and he did not think he should do it justice . At present his duties had not been very onerous , but he hoped , before his term of oflice expired , he should be called upon to do more work . He was very proud to be a Grand Officer of the province . Bro . Willis eulogised the Prov . Grand Master , and thanked the brethren for the way in which the toast had been received .
Song , " De coming of de king , " Bro . Firth . The Prov . G . M . proposed " The W . M ., " and in a very able speech remarked that he had already alluded to the benefit of the experience of Past Masters in the chair . He was sorry he was unable , through ill-health , to attend his installation , but he was glad he was able to be there that day . Bro . Greenham was not only able to voice the ritual in an exceptionally effective way , but he had a firm grip of all other details . Recitation—Bro . Hutton— " Jim Smiley . " In reply , the VV . M . said he deeply appreciated the kind words expressed bv the
Prov . G . Master . He had laid before them the qualities a Master should possess , but he did not think he possessed all these qualities . He did know he had occupied the chair of Chine Lodge three times . The cause of Freemasonry he had had at heart for many years , and he was proud to occupy the position he did that day , and he should look back on that day in future years with pride and pleasure at the honour done him by the Prov . G . Master , lt was a day he should treasure all his life . He had been loyally supported by the members in all the schemes he had advanced and carried through during the existence of the lodge , and he could say that on no occasion had the harmony of the lodge been broken .
Bro . Capt . Giles , R . N ., Prov . G . Sec , proposed "The Masonic Charities" in an earnest and vigorous speech , in the course ot which he expressed the hope that Masons belonging to the province would rally this year to the support of the Boys' School , at the festival of which their Prov . G . Master rfould preside in June next . He also urged the desirability of the scheme for the purchase of a Perpetual Presentation to the Boys ' School , with which the name of the Prov . G . Master would be associated , and which it was proposed should be secured by means of a contribution of not less than 20 guineas from each lodge in the province . Bro . Chapman suitably responded .
Other toasts were " lhe Visitors , " proposed by Bro . Young , and coupled with the names of Bros . Gieve and Lancaster ; and " The Past Masters" and " The Founders , " proposed from the chair . The Tyler ' s toast brought this memorable evening to a close .
Mozart Lodge , No . 1929 . INSTALLATION OF BRO . JAMES ALFRED CHALK . The installation meeting of this distinguished and well-known musical lodge was held at the Greyhound Hotel , Croydon , on the ist instant , when there were present : Bros . H . E . Francis , P . P . S . G . D . Surrey ; Fredk . Flood , P . P . A . G . D . C , Surrey ; C H . Hewlett , P . M . ; H . J . Macfarlane , P . P . G . Org . Surrey ; J . A . Chalk , Walter Salmon , Trefelyn David , J . J . Kern , W . F . Oxley , J . J . Lamigeon , P . M . ; C W . Freeman , F . Whatley , Augustus Toop , S . E . McLewin , J . Sinclair , A . J . Stopher , W . H . Bartlett , C W . Lloyd , W . Carter , J . B . Sterehx , S . F . A . Donnelly , F . Ash