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Article ALDERSGATE LODGE, No. 1657. ← Page 2 of 3 Article ALDERSGATE LODGE, No. 1657. Page 2 of 3 →
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Aldersgate Lodge, No. 1657.
The W . MASTER , in proposing " The Grand Officers , " said they were honoured that night by the presence of several Grand Officers , including Bros . Sir R . N . Fowler . Sir John B . Monckton , J . D . Allcroft , the Grand Secretary , Rev . R . J . Simpson , Raymond Thrupp , C . F . Hogard , and F . Binckes . In submitting this toast , in the presence of a majority of Masons whose privilege it had not yet been to receive the honour ot Grand Office , he was sure they would all assist in welcoming those brethren who had
been so honoured . They had been taught , in the early stages of Masonry , to regard the Grand Officers with reverence , but as they became more advanced , they found them to be very human . He coupled with the toast the name of a brother who was known not only in London , but all over the world , and respected accordingly—Bro . Sir R . N . Fowler . They did not begrudge him that , but they claimed him in London peculiarly as their own , and they held him with a firm bond , which he hoped would last for many
years . Bro . Sir R . N . FOWLER , P . G . W ., on behalf of himself and colleagues , returned thanks . He felt , as they all must feel , that it was a great advantage to their Order , not only to be presided over by so distinguished a brother as the M . W . G . M ., but that he should have for his assistants two brethren who are so distinguished , not only Masonically , but in every way ,
as Lords Carnarvon and Lathom . As regards Lord Carnarvon , they were aware he had recently been making a tour round the world , and he could not doubt that the result of that tour had been beneficial to the British Empire . It was a great advantage to Masonry that Lord Carnarvon occupied the position of Pro G . M ., for he had shown that the Masons of England took the deepest interest in their
brethren in all parts of the world . As regards the members of Grand Lodge he felt he stood in the presence of some much more distinguished than himself , including Bro . Sir John Monckton , whom they knew in the City of London as one to whom they must feel deeply indebted , and one who had rendered lor a long ' series of years the greatest service to it . There was also the Grand Secretary , to whom the great prosperity of the Order was in a measure due , for the way in which he had discharged the
most arduous and responsible duties devolving upon him . He could not but feel that he unworthily represented the Grand Officers , but he had to thank the brethren for the kind way in which they had received him . It was a great satisfaction that Masonry took such a prominent place in the City cf London , and the members were at all limes anxious to show that they were worthy members of a great Order , which had lasted for centuries , and which they hoped would continue as long as the world existed .
The W . MASTER , in giving "The Health of the Lord Mayor , said lhat they were honoured that evening by the presence of London ' s chief magistrate . The knowledge that they had ot the many calls upon his time made their appreciation all the greater , that he had found time to respond to the invitation of his brethren of the Craft . Perhaps it would not be too much to say that few Lord Mayors entered upon their year
of office with greater difficulties surrounding those delicate and devious paths a Lord Mayor's feet must tread . His predecessor in the chair possessed a giant's strength , and he exercised that strength to the utmost ; his geniality was such that every stranger who entered the Mansion House felt at once that in him they had a friend . Lord Mayors novv had to face the light , of fiercer and more penetrating criticism , called into being by
the new conditions encircling corporate life , and the larger excitement their years were sure to yield . But perhaps it was not too much to say that , kindly , courteous , and courtly , they could not find a man more equal to the task than their distinguished guest . Before the Lord Mayor entered upon his year of office , the language of prophecy was busy declaring that the world-wide renowned hospitality of the Mansion House , the prestige
and many honoured traditions of our City , would be quite safe in his keeping , and now while the year was still young this language of prophecy was rapidly giving place to that of prophecy fulfilled . The Lord Mayor of to-day held his high and distinguished position not only as a recognition by his fellow-citizens of a superior ability and intelligence , but as a
reward of a lofty and never tiring industry . " No merit to be dropped on fortune ' s hill , the honour was to mount it . " And now that he had gained the summit all men congratulated , and none were found to envy . Sincerel y did he trust that the close of his year would find him as physically robust as he was mentally strong , and in the spirit of this hope he asked them to drink to the health of their brother , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor .
Bro the Right Hon . the LORD MAYOR said he could hardly find words in which adequately to return thanks for the too kindly and too flattering terms in which the W . M . had proposed his health . In one respect , however , the W . M . had only done him justice , and that was in expressing his opinion that he was , and is , desirous of fulfilling the honourable position he occupied wilh that dignity and with that earnestness for the welfare of the
City of London which had marked the Corporation to which he belonged . He must confess that he was not a very active Mason , but he belonged to a body that was Masonic in all its conduct . Whenever any dangers beset the Corporation of London those who belonged to that body united as one man is brotherly affection on behalf of the interests of the citizens they represented . There was no body more Masonic in its Charity and its good
work , and it always seemed to him that the Corporation and the City Companies vied with each other , in order that they should be on a level with the most philanthropic of the Masonic lodges . To his mind , one of the finest features connected with the Corporation of London was its desire at all times to be just and generous to its officers , and that was Masonic ; and to
be just and generous to those who had claims upon it . He hoped that for many years to come the Corporation of the City of London vvould be allowed to go on in the performance of those Masonic labours , and that they , who had the privilege ol representing it , might receive that appreciation for their services which had been shown by the kindness with winch he had been received' that night .
Bro . FLETCHER MOULTON , Q . C ., said that when he entered the room that evening he little suspected that he should be selected for the distinguished honour of proposing whal he thought he might , without disrespect to the other toasts , call the toast of the evening . It was " The Health of the W . Master . " This honour , for which he felt himself so unfilled , he would ascribe to the fact that he possessed the W . M . ' s friendship , and to the deepest feelings he had lor him in other respects than as a Mason . He had
equal pleasure in calling upon them to welcome the toast , but he could not but think that this lodge had not been honoured by the presidency of one more calculated to make it fulfil those functions which they maintained , and hoped that Masonry does and ever would fulfil . He was not going to inquire for how many centuries Masonry had existed ; but one thing was certain , that it dated from such time that it might well claim to be the grandmother of those ancient guilds and societies of which they had such admirable
Aldersgate Lodge, No. 1657.
specimens in the heart of the City , and the ancestor of these had always lived , in spite of all opposition , because it had held one great principle , and that was that it bound men closer and closer together . If this lodge had to maintain those traditions , it should be well officered , and it should have as its presiding officer one with the will and the cower to lead it in these paths . He should be
a man of energy , judgment , and kindliness , and he ( Bro . Moulton ) was sure they would agree that in the present W . Master they had one who combined all those qualities . That Bro . Alderman Renals was a man of energy no one could deny , for though he had been but a short time a citizen , he had attained to the position of thealdermanic bench , which struck terror to so many citizens . Ofthe W . M . ' s judgment he claimed to be a connoisseur
for he had amused himself by reading the accounts of certain tribunals . He sometimes thought he read them in that state of mind , much to be reprobated , in which a professional singer listens to an amateur effort , and therefore , perhaps , the great authorities that gave their decisions had not the kindest critic in him . He had read many of the decisions of their W . M . with a great deal of admiration . Was the VV . M . a man of kindness ?
After the manner in which he had presided need a word be said ? If they wanted proofs let them look round the table . The Aldersgate Lodge possessed a W . M . whom it would be a pleasure to recognise as the presiding officer , and one who , when he left the chair , would leave it with its traditions untarnished and still bright , and would , moreover , leave a memory that would stimulate those who followed , to keep the lodge up to its present state of prosperity and success .
Bro . Alderman RENALS , W . M ., in reply , said a man would be less than human if he did not feel grateful , not only at the kindly words used , but also the kindly reception given them . The value of a compliment paid depended not only upon the words in which it was expressed , but in a great measure in the sincerity which prompted the words . Feeling as he did how undeserving he was of the kind things said , he accepted them
in the same spirit of sincerity . He owed a great deal to his Masonic friends , and he owed more to those Masonic friends associated with the Aldersgate Lodge . When he remembered with pardonable pride the short time that London had been his home , for it was only a few short years since he left the Midlands and became a citizen of the first City of the Empire , a grateful memorv told him that his initiation into Masonry was the introduction
to friends who were largely responsible for the more prominent public position it was now his great privilege to fill , a consciousness of a friendl y leniency to his faults proved a surer incentive to work than confidence in any poor abilities of his own . A charitable construction of one ' s actions , combined with a knowledge of one ' s own integrity of purpose , was a reward beyond which a rightly balanced mind need not aspire . It was impossible
for him to place too high an estimate upon the wise counsel he had received from his brethren when in times of difficulty or doubt . For while we meet on the fringe—the border-line of the various phases of life—many congenial and kindred spirits , whom the condition and circumstance of existence impel in widely , plainly-parted paths , it was given to us all to turn to that narrowed-down circumference , thai limited charmed and inner circle
wherein dwelt friendships sincere and true , that helped to make life worth the living . Brethren , that inner circle of my life is largely peopled by Masonic friends , and in a genial , friendly company , I trust that unknown and undiscovered fulure will find us still journeying together , not unmindful of the obligations due to our Order , and endeavouring to interpret by our lives that grand old legend of humanity which teaches us the dual dutythe one we owe to our brethren , and the other to remain true to ourselves .
In giving "The Health ofthe Installing Master , " the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said the toast was one that he wished he could propose with words that would accurately represent the sincerity that he felt . This lodge was not an old lodge , but he believed the Grand Secretary had installed every W . M . into the chair . He ( the W . M . ) was the last link in the chain , which
he hoped he should not weaken . They were all pleased to see the Grand Secretary , for they knew he had attended under difficulty , but he did not complain , and the compliment was greater . He trusted the brethren would give the Grand Secretary that reception the Aldersgate Lodge only knew how to give .
Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . Sec , thanked the W . M . for the far too flattering way in which he had introduced the toast of his health , and was grateful to the brethren for receiving him so kindly . The W . M . had referred to the fact that he had for many years installed the W . M . 's of that lodge , and he hoped he might have that good fortune and honour in the future . He had always attended vvith pleasure , for he had taken a large amount of personal interest in the lodge , in which he numbered many
friends , and although on looking round the table he missed faces , he was glad to see those left . It was an honour for a brother to be installed as the W . M . of so good and worthy a lodge , which had enrolled amongst its members a number of gentlemen and brethren distinguished not only in Masonry , but also in the outside world , for deeds of philanthropy , mercy , and kindness , and they were proud to enrol them as Masons under the Grand Lodge of England . He again thanked them for their kindness .
Bro . J . D . ALLCROI ' T , P . G . Treas ., said the W . M . had been pleased to entrust him with the duty and the pleasure of proposing " The Sheriffs . " Most of them were citizens of their great City . ' and their experience had been that wherever the Lord Mayor went he was generally accompanied by the Sheriffs . It was pleasing to see that , whatever the high position to be attained , there were men striving to attain it , and there was an opening for good men in the position of Sheriff to serve their fellow citizens in the cause
of law and order . They could safely say that the brethren vvho filled that position would continue to fulfil their duties in the highest and best respect . They were not favoured that evening with the presence of both Sheriffs , but they had wilh them Bro . Sheriff Newton . They all knew how muhitarious were the duties of all officers in the City , and especially the Sheriffs , and they were , therefore , glad to welcome Bro . Sheriff Newton . They would drink the health of that brother with cordiality , and also think of the absent Sheriff , and wish him prosperity .
Bro . Sheriff NEWTON , on behalf of his colleague , who was unfortunately absent , and himself , returned thanks . It afforded him the greatest satisfaction to be present to support his friend , the W . Master , which had not been asenseof duty , but one of unalloytd pleasure . Although as a Mason he was unforiunaiely not highly situated—he being but a Master
Mason—still his sympathy was just a sincere as that of those in the hig hest position ; and although , as a Mason , he could add no lustre to the W . M . ' s position , still , his was a unique position to hold , being the last Sheriff of London and Middlesex , and it probably might give his friend in the chair some satisfaction that one of the last Sheriffs assisted in his inaugural banquet .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Aldersgate Lodge, No. 1657.
The W . MASTER , in proposing " The Grand Officers , " said they were honoured that night by the presence of several Grand Officers , including Bros . Sir R . N . Fowler . Sir John B . Monckton , J . D . Allcroft , the Grand Secretary , Rev . R . J . Simpson , Raymond Thrupp , C . F . Hogard , and F . Binckes . In submitting this toast , in the presence of a majority of Masons whose privilege it had not yet been to receive the honour ot Grand Office , he was sure they would all assist in welcoming those brethren who had
been so honoured . They had been taught , in the early stages of Masonry , to regard the Grand Officers with reverence , but as they became more advanced , they found them to be very human . He coupled with the toast the name of a brother who was known not only in London , but all over the world , and respected accordingly—Bro . Sir R . N . Fowler . They did not begrudge him that , but they claimed him in London peculiarly as their own , and they held him with a firm bond , which he hoped would last for many
years . Bro . Sir R . N . FOWLER , P . G . W ., on behalf of himself and colleagues , returned thanks . He felt , as they all must feel , that it was a great advantage to their Order , not only to be presided over by so distinguished a brother as the M . W . G . M ., but that he should have for his assistants two brethren who are so distinguished , not only Masonically , but in every way ,
as Lords Carnarvon and Lathom . As regards Lord Carnarvon , they were aware he had recently been making a tour round the world , and he could not doubt that the result of that tour had been beneficial to the British Empire . It was a great advantage to Masonry that Lord Carnarvon occupied the position of Pro G . M ., for he had shown that the Masons of England took the deepest interest in their
brethren in all parts of the world . As regards the members of Grand Lodge he felt he stood in the presence of some much more distinguished than himself , including Bro . Sir John Monckton , whom they knew in the City of London as one to whom they must feel deeply indebted , and one who had rendered lor a long ' series of years the greatest service to it . There was also the Grand Secretary , to whom the great prosperity of the Order was in a measure due , for the way in which he had discharged the
most arduous and responsible duties devolving upon him . He could not but feel that he unworthily represented the Grand Officers , but he had to thank the brethren for the kind way in which they had received him . It was a great satisfaction that Masonry took such a prominent place in the City cf London , and the members were at all limes anxious to show that they were worthy members of a great Order , which had lasted for centuries , and which they hoped would continue as long as the world existed .
The W . MASTER , in giving "The Health of the Lord Mayor , said lhat they were honoured that evening by the presence of London ' s chief magistrate . The knowledge that they had ot the many calls upon his time made their appreciation all the greater , that he had found time to respond to the invitation of his brethren of the Craft . Perhaps it would not be too much to say that few Lord Mayors entered upon their year
of office with greater difficulties surrounding those delicate and devious paths a Lord Mayor's feet must tread . His predecessor in the chair possessed a giant's strength , and he exercised that strength to the utmost ; his geniality was such that every stranger who entered the Mansion House felt at once that in him they had a friend . Lord Mayors novv had to face the light , of fiercer and more penetrating criticism , called into being by
the new conditions encircling corporate life , and the larger excitement their years were sure to yield . But perhaps it was not too much to say that , kindly , courteous , and courtly , they could not find a man more equal to the task than their distinguished guest . Before the Lord Mayor entered upon his year of office , the language of prophecy was busy declaring that the world-wide renowned hospitality of the Mansion House , the prestige
and many honoured traditions of our City , would be quite safe in his keeping , and now while the year was still young this language of prophecy was rapidly giving place to that of prophecy fulfilled . The Lord Mayor of to-day held his high and distinguished position not only as a recognition by his fellow-citizens of a superior ability and intelligence , but as a
reward of a lofty and never tiring industry . " No merit to be dropped on fortune ' s hill , the honour was to mount it . " And now that he had gained the summit all men congratulated , and none were found to envy . Sincerel y did he trust that the close of his year would find him as physically robust as he was mentally strong , and in the spirit of this hope he asked them to drink to the health of their brother , the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor .
Bro the Right Hon . the LORD MAYOR said he could hardly find words in which adequately to return thanks for the too kindly and too flattering terms in which the W . M . had proposed his health . In one respect , however , the W . M . had only done him justice , and that was in expressing his opinion that he was , and is , desirous of fulfilling the honourable position he occupied wilh that dignity and with that earnestness for the welfare of the
City of London which had marked the Corporation to which he belonged . He must confess that he was not a very active Mason , but he belonged to a body that was Masonic in all its conduct . Whenever any dangers beset the Corporation of London those who belonged to that body united as one man is brotherly affection on behalf of the interests of the citizens they represented . There was no body more Masonic in its Charity and its good
work , and it always seemed to him that the Corporation and the City Companies vied with each other , in order that they should be on a level with the most philanthropic of the Masonic lodges . To his mind , one of the finest features connected with the Corporation of London was its desire at all times to be just and generous to its officers , and that was Masonic ; and to
be just and generous to those who had claims upon it . He hoped that for many years to come the Corporation of the City of London vvould be allowed to go on in the performance of those Masonic labours , and that they , who had the privilege ol representing it , might receive that appreciation for their services which had been shown by the kindness with winch he had been received' that night .
Bro . FLETCHER MOULTON , Q . C ., said that when he entered the room that evening he little suspected that he should be selected for the distinguished honour of proposing whal he thought he might , without disrespect to the other toasts , call the toast of the evening . It was " The Health of the W . Master . " This honour , for which he felt himself so unfilled , he would ascribe to the fact that he possessed the W . M . ' s friendship , and to the deepest feelings he had lor him in other respects than as a Mason . He had
equal pleasure in calling upon them to welcome the toast , but he could not but think that this lodge had not been honoured by the presidency of one more calculated to make it fulfil those functions which they maintained , and hoped that Masonry does and ever would fulfil . He was not going to inquire for how many centuries Masonry had existed ; but one thing was certain , that it dated from such time that it might well claim to be the grandmother of those ancient guilds and societies of which they had such admirable
Aldersgate Lodge, No. 1657.
specimens in the heart of the City , and the ancestor of these had always lived , in spite of all opposition , because it had held one great principle , and that was that it bound men closer and closer together . If this lodge had to maintain those traditions , it should be well officered , and it should have as its presiding officer one with the will and the cower to lead it in these paths . He should be
a man of energy , judgment , and kindliness , and he ( Bro . Moulton ) was sure they would agree that in the present W . Master they had one who combined all those qualities . That Bro . Alderman Renals was a man of energy no one could deny , for though he had been but a short time a citizen , he had attained to the position of thealdermanic bench , which struck terror to so many citizens . Ofthe W . M . ' s judgment he claimed to be a connoisseur
for he had amused himself by reading the accounts of certain tribunals . He sometimes thought he read them in that state of mind , much to be reprobated , in which a professional singer listens to an amateur effort , and therefore , perhaps , the great authorities that gave their decisions had not the kindest critic in him . He had read many of the decisions of their W . M . with a great deal of admiration . Was the VV . M . a man of kindness ?
After the manner in which he had presided need a word be said ? If they wanted proofs let them look round the table . The Aldersgate Lodge possessed a W . M . whom it would be a pleasure to recognise as the presiding officer , and one who , when he left the chair , would leave it with its traditions untarnished and still bright , and would , moreover , leave a memory that would stimulate those who followed , to keep the lodge up to its present state of prosperity and success .
Bro . Alderman RENALS , W . M ., in reply , said a man would be less than human if he did not feel grateful , not only at the kindly words used , but also the kindly reception given them . The value of a compliment paid depended not only upon the words in which it was expressed , but in a great measure in the sincerity which prompted the words . Feeling as he did how undeserving he was of the kind things said , he accepted them
in the same spirit of sincerity . He owed a great deal to his Masonic friends , and he owed more to those Masonic friends associated with the Aldersgate Lodge . When he remembered with pardonable pride the short time that London had been his home , for it was only a few short years since he left the Midlands and became a citizen of the first City of the Empire , a grateful memorv told him that his initiation into Masonry was the introduction
to friends who were largely responsible for the more prominent public position it was now his great privilege to fill , a consciousness of a friendl y leniency to his faults proved a surer incentive to work than confidence in any poor abilities of his own . A charitable construction of one ' s actions , combined with a knowledge of one ' s own integrity of purpose , was a reward beyond which a rightly balanced mind need not aspire . It was impossible
for him to place too high an estimate upon the wise counsel he had received from his brethren when in times of difficulty or doubt . For while we meet on the fringe—the border-line of the various phases of life—many congenial and kindred spirits , whom the condition and circumstance of existence impel in widely , plainly-parted paths , it was given to us all to turn to that narrowed-down circumference , thai limited charmed and inner circle
wherein dwelt friendships sincere and true , that helped to make life worth the living . Brethren , that inner circle of my life is largely peopled by Masonic friends , and in a genial , friendly company , I trust that unknown and undiscovered fulure will find us still journeying together , not unmindful of the obligations due to our Order , and endeavouring to interpret by our lives that grand old legend of humanity which teaches us the dual dutythe one we owe to our brethren , and the other to remain true to ourselves .
In giving "The Health ofthe Installing Master , " the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said the toast was one that he wished he could propose with words that would accurately represent the sincerity that he felt . This lodge was not an old lodge , but he believed the Grand Secretary had installed every W . M . into the chair . He ( the W . M . ) was the last link in the chain , which
he hoped he should not weaken . They were all pleased to see the Grand Secretary , for they knew he had attended under difficulty , but he did not complain , and the compliment was greater . He trusted the brethren would give the Grand Secretary that reception the Aldersgate Lodge only knew how to give .
Bro . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . Sec , thanked the W . M . for the far too flattering way in which he had introduced the toast of his health , and was grateful to the brethren for receiving him so kindly . The W . M . had referred to the fact that he had for many years installed the W . M . 's of that lodge , and he hoped he might have that good fortune and honour in the future . He had always attended vvith pleasure , for he had taken a large amount of personal interest in the lodge , in which he numbered many
friends , and although on looking round the table he missed faces , he was glad to see those left . It was an honour for a brother to be installed as the W . M . of so good and worthy a lodge , which had enrolled amongst its members a number of gentlemen and brethren distinguished not only in Masonry , but also in the outside world , for deeds of philanthropy , mercy , and kindness , and they were proud to enrol them as Masons under the Grand Lodge of England . He again thanked them for their kindness .
Bro . J . D . ALLCROI ' T , P . G . Treas ., said the W . M . had been pleased to entrust him with the duty and the pleasure of proposing " The Sheriffs . " Most of them were citizens of their great City . ' and their experience had been that wherever the Lord Mayor went he was generally accompanied by the Sheriffs . It was pleasing to see that , whatever the high position to be attained , there were men striving to attain it , and there was an opening for good men in the position of Sheriff to serve their fellow citizens in the cause
of law and order . They could safely say that the brethren vvho filled that position would continue to fulfil their duties in the highest and best respect . They were not favoured that evening with the presence of both Sheriffs , but they had wilh them Bro . Sheriff Newton . They all knew how muhitarious were the duties of all officers in the City , and especially the Sheriffs , and they were , therefore , glad to welcome Bro . Sheriff Newton . They would drink the health of that brother with cordiality , and also think of the absent Sheriff , and wish him prosperity .
Bro . Sheriff NEWTON , on behalf of his colleague , who was unfortunately absent , and himself , returned thanks . It afforded him the greatest satisfaction to be present to support his friend , the W . Master , which had not been asenseof duty , but one of unalloytd pleasure . Although as a Mason he was unforiunaiely not highly situated—he being but a Master
Mason—still his sympathy was just a sincere as that of those in the hig hest position ; and although , as a Mason , he could add no lustre to the W . M . ' s position , still , his was a unique position to hold , being the last Sheriff of London and Middlesex , and it probably might give his friend in the chair some satisfaction that one of the last Sheriffs assisted in his inaugural banquet .