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Article THE NEW LODGE OF ALEXANDRA PALACE. ← Page 2 of 3 Article THE NEW LODGE OF ALEXANDRA PALACE. Page 2 of 3 Article THE NEW LODGE OF ALEXANDRA PALACE. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The New Lodge Of Alexandra Palace.
does Masonry ignore , it points to cnduri rig mansions and a finalrest . lt teaches the progressive nature of human knowledge , which wc sec evinced by thc improvements taking place every day amongst us , but by analogy it leads us to conclude that what we see proceeding in such regular order towards perfection will not suspend its operations even
when the functions of the body cease . This scene of human life , though the theatre of improvement , is far from being that of perfection . We must look through the cloud , therefore , and welcome { that bright morning star , which brightens all our prospects and points the pathway to immortality . " For now we see through a glass darkly ,
tut then , face to face ; now wc know in part , and then shall we know even as we are known . " It is no secret that in years far back in our history Masonry was not unaffected by the customs of the times through which it was passing , and gave more attention to the social than to thc intellectual , thc moral , or the religious clement in its
constitution , that its charity was too contracted and selfcontained , and that that most significant image which God has given of Himself , and to be an emblem of higher truths , was in danger of being reversed by the members , not the head , taking the uppermost seat , 1 trust in God , that for God ' s sake , for
our Order ' s sake , for our own sakes , that this view of Masonry is fading away like a bail photograph , and that such a view is now publicly and rightly . branded as a " Masonic rieresy . " Let me not be supposcii lorn , moment to contend for a real or affected asceticism , nor lo disparage or discourage the fair and reasonable social
intercourse that is to be found in our assemblies at thc festive board , but I do say the lodge ought to stand clearly , first , the banquet second , in our estimation , and I make bold to say . that Masonry would flourish as well . and ourselves also , if the ordinary banquets in London ( as in the provinces ) were fewer in number , and not on so expensive a
scale , as they arc at present . When I speak of the lotlge as standing first in our estimation I do not merely allude to the principles there inculcated , I would include the manner in which they are conveyed , the attention to details , the order maintained , thc gentlemanly bearing of the officers to the brethren , and to each other , and not
kast , the correct , reverent , and impressive manner in which our most beautiful , solemn , and inslructivtjcercmonies are conducted . It is impossible to conjecture the momentous effect with which this must tell upon Masonry in general or upon the lodge , or individual Masons in particular . Few scenes of my life are stamped up . n my memory in
deeper characters than my entrance into Masomy , and my being raised to what is called iu no exaggerated language , the Sublime Degree , and why ?—not merely owing to the matter , but even more u , the manner in which the degrees were worked . There is another point , brethren , to which I would venture
to direct your attention and my ow n , I mean to our noble charities . Let them be a first charge ° " ° ur Masonic affections—not merely in regard to raising princely sums to sustain them—itself a glorious work—but in maintaining in them a high standard ollefficicncy , and of moral and religious culture . Nor should we shrink from calmly
considering whether some improvements may not be made by which admission to our institutions may be made on a more reasonable , more discriminating-, more economical , and more equitable basis . I should not be sorry to sec it made a qualification for every London apprentice at least before he was passed to the degree of a Craftsman , that he
should have personally visited at least one of our Masonic charities . Brethren , the Alexandra Palace Lodge is in niy humble opinion a peculiarly happy title . The building from whieh it takes its name , and its elder sister on l ' enge Hill , owe their origin to the wise and thoughtful mind of one who for many years brought within the range
of its kindl y and extensive ken the interests alike of the palace and the cottage . The thoughts , the words , the life of the late good and great Prince Consort have left an indelible mark on this nation , so that thc " Alexandra l ' alace " mav fairly remind us of Wisdom , a wisdom which , whether taken in connection with the denarled Prince or
Masonry , is most eloquently defined iu the volume of the Sacred Law to be " first pure , then peaceable , gentle , and easy , to be entreated , full of mercy and of good fruits , without partiality and without hypocrisy . " Taking the words separately , we may in our old monarchical England consider that " palace " denotes strength , especially while
tne Court of our gracious Queen holds forth so bri ght an "ample in every relation of life , and while we have our Most Worshipful Grand Master , the Heir Apparent to the I nrane , owning the allegiance of thousands of Masons , and the regard of all good and loyal Britons ; while 1 am sure that the name "Alexandra" calls up with electric
rapidity thc beauty with which our Prince and our land are adorned , not only in the person but in the character of Mat Princess whom the people of this country have learnt to regard as the good and fair consort of our Prince , anti K in addition , as the tender and devoted wife of our v-rani ] Master . With such a si _ mticant title mav this
"age prove itself worthy of its name . May its Masters 11 a long and bright succession emulate the zeal , the ability , ana the eloquence of the distinguished brother who is Reeled as the first to fill the chair . May the foundation " ° admirabl y laid by our eminent and highly
' -emeu Grand Secretary be thc base of an enduring nwument within hail of one of our grand instiand ' > a " d fillal * y ma - thc founclers of the Alexs , Palace Lodge raise a superstructure in wisdom , isn ' -n "' ' an ( 1 beautv " > wW < "h , like thc building in which it afar - ? - r thc ¦* " 011 wll ' cl 1 lt stands , may be seen from ¦ villi " '' • ' '' S llten a " Wow i " > i who come Or ( ic ln " sinf -uence , as well as a glory to our venerable of th ^ business in the lodge concluded with cordial votes ° f _ eer bc ' ns entcr < : ' 1 01 * the miuutes tothe consecrating cf p ., , ' ^ w <* re unanimously elected honorary members
The New Lodge Of Alexandra Palace.
Thc brethren then adjourned to thc banquetting room , where they partook of an excellent repast , and the W . M . presided with his accustomed dignity , supported by thc consecrating officer , his assistants , and by the visitors who were in thc lodge room . Selections were given by thc musical brethren , and the physical and harmonious feast vvas made one of intellectual enjoyment of no common
character by thc eloquent speeches which were delivered . The toast of " The Queen and the Craft" of course preceded all others , and having been duly honoured , the Worshipful Master proposed the toast of " II . R . Highness the Prince of Wales , " and said it was impossible to mention the Grand Master's name , with certain debates still
ringing in our ears , without wishing him " Gotl speetl " on his journey . The Grand Master would find on the monuments of India , —monuments which had come down through countless ages—symbols which would show him that nothing was clearer than that Masonic formulae were known in that country in ages long past . ( Hear hear . ) That nothing was clearer than this he ( Bro . Parkinson )
knew from his own experience ; but while the Prince woultl sec this , 'he would see that if the outward forms existed there the spirit of Freemasonry was entirely absent , for that natural equality and mutual dependence which ran through the mysteries of Freemasonry like a silver thread could not be found in the organization of society in India Our well-instructed Most Worshipful Grand Master , when
he saw those remarkable structures of India would deeply reflect upon the institutions of the two countries , and would turn with pleasure to his own country , where the temples were erected by thc efforts of a free people , while the structures of India were cemented by the blood and pains of down trodden slaves . There could be little doubt that what the Prince would see in India would cause
him to love the system of this country , and to consolidate his attachment to the Craft . ( Cheers . ) Thc toast was fully honoured , and the W . Master proposed " Thc I Iealth of the Pro Grind . Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , '" who , he said , was entitled to our respect and esteem , whether we viewed him as an Englishman , a
rreemason , a statesman , or as a member of Her Majesty's Government . It was extremely fortunate that our Grand Master had so excellent a Mason to fall back upon as the Earl , who was a statesman whose pertinacious examination of every question made him a safe leader in the Craft .
The toast was warmly accepted , as was the next , that of " Lord Skelmersdale and the rest of the Grand Officers , present and past . " Of his lordship , the W . Master spoke in the highest possible terms , as one eminently fitted by qualities of head and heart for the high position he held in live Craft as Deputy Grand Master . Thc speaker mentioned the names of the G . Secretary and P . G . Chaplain ,
and the names were received with cheers , which the W . M , said were entirely premature . for he reserveil those brethren to reply to future toasts , and he intended to couple the toast with the name of Bro . T . Fenn , the P . Grand Deacon , whose services to the Craft on a recent occasion were such as to entitle him to the lasting gratitude of brethren everywhere . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Fenn vvas one who ,
at a great amount of self-denial , and with a strong belief in the usefulness of the Order , gave much of his time ta uphold thc " working " in purity . Bro . Fenn was certainly hut one of many who made these sacrifices , and but for these sacrifices , but for thc practice of this self-denial , Freemasonry would hold a very different position in the world than it holds —( hear , hear)—and it was a great
privilege the Alexandra Lodge had that evening in expressing , on the part of the Craft , gratitude to meet brethren who gave such services to thc Craft as Bro . Fenn gave . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Fenn , who on rising to reply was received with the warmest cheers , said he never expected to have to reply for the Grand Ofiicers-when he found two other G . Officers
presented both of higher position in the Craft than himself ; but as he was callcd , by the exigencies of the timc , to respond for the Grand Officers , he must say he felt proud of the duty , especially on the occasion of thc position of Worshipful Master being filled by his too partial friend , Bro . Parkinson . As to the reference to the Albert Hall ceremony , he thought that individual efforts should be
forgotten ( No , no ) , for much of the credit of that great success was due to the brethren themselves , and a great disaster on the occasion would not have been a disaster to one person only , but would have been a disaster to the Craft . ( Hear , hear ) . The Past G . Officers , who hail attained the summit of their ambition , showed that their interest in the Craft coultl not die out , they ever being ready to
take the responsibility of work in whatever direction work might be required of them . ( Cheers . ) He thanked Bro . Parkinson for the reference to Emulation Lodge of Impvovem-Vit ,-v _ d , v ___ ng -, i deep interest in the manner in which the ceremonies were worked , he could truly say that he thought this new lodge was fortunate in having a first Master like Bro . Parkinson , whose superb delivery gave a
worthy rendering to our beautiful cercmonies , and whose example would raise up a spirit of emulation in the Masters who followed . ( Cheers . ) They would , however , find a difficulty in rising to Bro . Parkinson ' s high standard , as he ( Bro . Fenn ) well knew , from having to succeed him as First Principal in a chapter . Still , a high standard would be set lo the lodge , and its character would be fashioned upon the traditions of thc excellence of their esteemed brother
whose name stood first upon its roll of Masters . ( Cheers . ) The W . Master then , amid many cheers , propesed " The Health of the Conseciating Officer of the Day—Bro . G . S . Hervey , " and said he felt he had a task of great responsibility in speaking of Bro . Hervey , whose varied accomplishments and services to Freemasonry were such as made it difficult to speak , lest the lodge should be prejudiced by thc imperfect manner in which the toast was proposed . No words could express the deep debt of gratitude which the
The New Lodge Of Alexandra Palace.
lotlge felt at Bro . Hcrvey ' s kindness—and kindness he ever willingly showed—in taking upon himself this onerous and arduous duty , and in coming to thc Palace in such weather , at the sacrifice of much personal comfort , even giving up his holiday arrangements to comply with the wishes of the brethren . ( Cheers . ) It was with pride that thc brethren that day had hatl the benefit of Bro . Hervcy ' s ripe
experience , his Masonic learning , and the reflected honour of his high position . ( Cheers . ) It was to be hoped that Bro . Hervey would accept his honorary membership as no idle compliment , for when he should be absent they would mourn his vacant place . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Grand Secretary , who was received with warm applause , saitl it was not the first time he hatl had his
health drank , or the first time that he had been in a lodgemeeting with brother G . Officers surrounding him , but he assured them that on no occasion was he mere gratified at the proceedings than he was at those of that day . It hat : given thc other G . Officers and himself great pleasure in affording their services to consecrate that lodge , but it had , likewise , given them great pleasure to assist ' in the
installation of a brother so respected as the excellent Master of this lodge . ( Cheers . ) It would be perfectly out of place to make a long speech on such an occasion as that , but he felt bound to say that thc Past G . Chaplain was always ready to place his service at the call of the Craft , and his assistance was always most valuable , as it had been that day . ( Cheers . ) Their { rood Mend Bro . Little was in a
different position to Bro . Simpson , but still there was a similarity in the name of his vocation , for it comprised " clerkly " labours of an onerous character . ( A laugh . ) He vvas always ready to place his services at the behests of the Craft , and he was always ready to undertake these duties . ( Cheers . ) On behalf of his brethren , Simpson and Little , and for himself , he thanked thc ledge :
and now he begged to propose thc toast of " The Worshipful Master . " It was with much pleasure that he ( G . S . ) attended to bring this bantling of a lodge into the world , and in this short space of time it was not only brought into the world , but was a full-grown child , of such promis .-, too , that it would do great credit to those who had assisted at the birth . It was the more to be congratulated as it
had the good fortune to have Bro . Parkinson for its Master . ( Cheers . ) The work which Bro . Parkinson had done for Freemasonry was such that the most glowing eulogium would not do justice to his merits , but that was unnecessary on the occasion . That he would make the lodge a good Master , and carry it through the troubled waters of early existence , no one who knew him could doubt , and it was
well for the lodge that they had prevailed upon him to take the first Mastership . ( Cheers . ) With the toast he ( G . S . ) would couple " Prosperity to thc Alexandra Palace Lodge , " and he congratulated the lodge on the charming locale it had chosen , and upon having in its ranks a brother who could instal its first W . M . as Bro . Stacey had installed Bro . Parkinson .
1 he toast having been duly honoured , The Worshipful Master rose , and was received with warm cheers . He thanked Bro . Hervey for thc kind manner in which he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the manner in which they had received it , and said if anything enhanced the pleasure he felt , il was the undoubled sincerity of Bro . Hervey , who was a man who
would not flatter , and what fell from his lips were no perfunctory compliments . Of course there vvas a great responsibility in undertaking the chair of a new lodge—a responsibility which was felt all the more strongly the more one knew about it ( hear , and a laugh ) , but some rushed in where other beings feared to tread ( a laugh ) , and those who had passed through the work felt the responsibilities
of the duties ; but having accepted the collar . he should , to the best of his ability , work for the benefit of- thc lodge , knowing that in doing so he should have the hearty cooperation of the brethren . ( Cheers . ) He then proceeded to make observations of a general character and of a public interest , and his words were—I think it is ^ useful , on occasions of this character , to take a
brief survey of the position of Freemasonry , and to mark its progress at home and abroad ; and this is the more necessary from the impotent antagonism which continues to threaten and denounce all within its pale . The triumphant installation of the Prince of Wales as our Grand Master has been followed by the usual exhibitions . His Holiness the Pope has again anathemised what be is
pleased to denominate " the Masonic sect . " ( A laugh . ) Bishop Dupanloup has honoured us by a bitterly hostile pamphlet ; thc organ of Ultromontanism , have declared that "the Protestant religion and Freemasonry are identical and must stand or fall together "—a proposition it is certainly not worth our while to dispute ; anti an elaborate volume has been published what is
alleged to be the secret warfare of Freemasonry against thc Church . The battle ground is not of our seeking ; for we are ready to welcome , and do welcome as brothers , Roman Catholics if they are worthily recommended and if they can take our obligations and obey cur laws . These indispensable conditions being fulfilled , we hail the enlightened Roman Catholic as a Mason with the same
cordiality as we extend to the Jew , the Mahommedan , or the Parsee . The very first page of our Book of Constitutions states that , " let a man ' s religion or mode of worship be what it may , he is not excluded from the Order , provided he believe in . the glorious Architect of flea ven and earth , and practise the sacred duties of morality ; " and it is this broad toleration and true Christian charity which shocks bigotry ,
and makes pviestcrait tremble . ( Cheers . ) Freemasonry can afford to smile at and to pity its detractors , for since that great demonstration at the Albert Hall , and as one of the earliest acts of grace of our Royal Grand Master , the Grand Lodge of Italy has been recognised officially by the Grand Lodge of England , and the Masons of Italy and the Masons of England are now linked together by the strongest fratcrnalities , professing the same principles and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The New Lodge Of Alexandra Palace.
does Masonry ignore , it points to cnduri rig mansions and a finalrest . lt teaches the progressive nature of human knowledge , which wc sec evinced by thc improvements taking place every day amongst us , but by analogy it leads us to conclude that what we see proceeding in such regular order towards perfection will not suspend its operations even
when the functions of the body cease . This scene of human life , though the theatre of improvement , is far from being that of perfection . We must look through the cloud , therefore , and welcome { that bright morning star , which brightens all our prospects and points the pathway to immortality . " For now we see through a glass darkly ,
tut then , face to face ; now wc know in part , and then shall we know even as we are known . " It is no secret that in years far back in our history Masonry was not unaffected by the customs of the times through which it was passing , and gave more attention to the social than to thc intellectual , thc moral , or the religious clement in its
constitution , that its charity was too contracted and selfcontained , and that that most significant image which God has given of Himself , and to be an emblem of higher truths , was in danger of being reversed by the members , not the head , taking the uppermost seat , 1 trust in God , that for God ' s sake , for
our Order ' s sake , for our own sakes , that this view of Masonry is fading away like a bail photograph , and that such a view is now publicly and rightly . branded as a " Masonic rieresy . " Let me not be supposcii lorn , moment to contend for a real or affected asceticism , nor lo disparage or discourage the fair and reasonable social
intercourse that is to be found in our assemblies at thc festive board , but I do say the lodge ought to stand clearly , first , the banquet second , in our estimation , and I make bold to say . that Masonry would flourish as well . and ourselves also , if the ordinary banquets in London ( as in the provinces ) were fewer in number , and not on so expensive a
scale , as they arc at present . When I speak of the lotlge as standing first in our estimation I do not merely allude to the principles there inculcated , I would include the manner in which they are conveyed , the attention to details , the order maintained , thc gentlemanly bearing of the officers to the brethren , and to each other , and not
kast , the correct , reverent , and impressive manner in which our most beautiful , solemn , and inslructivtjcercmonies are conducted . It is impossible to conjecture the momentous effect with which this must tell upon Masonry in general or upon the lodge , or individual Masons in particular . Few scenes of my life are stamped up . n my memory in
deeper characters than my entrance into Masomy , and my being raised to what is called iu no exaggerated language , the Sublime Degree , and why ?—not merely owing to the matter , but even more u , the manner in which the degrees were worked . There is another point , brethren , to which I would venture
to direct your attention and my ow n , I mean to our noble charities . Let them be a first charge ° " ° ur Masonic affections—not merely in regard to raising princely sums to sustain them—itself a glorious work—but in maintaining in them a high standard ollefficicncy , and of moral and religious culture . Nor should we shrink from calmly
considering whether some improvements may not be made by which admission to our institutions may be made on a more reasonable , more discriminating-, more economical , and more equitable basis . I should not be sorry to sec it made a qualification for every London apprentice at least before he was passed to the degree of a Craftsman , that he
should have personally visited at least one of our Masonic charities . Brethren , the Alexandra Palace Lodge is in niy humble opinion a peculiarly happy title . The building from whieh it takes its name , and its elder sister on l ' enge Hill , owe their origin to the wise and thoughtful mind of one who for many years brought within the range
of its kindl y and extensive ken the interests alike of the palace and the cottage . The thoughts , the words , the life of the late good and great Prince Consort have left an indelible mark on this nation , so that thc " Alexandra l ' alace " mav fairly remind us of Wisdom , a wisdom which , whether taken in connection with the denarled Prince or
Masonry , is most eloquently defined iu the volume of the Sacred Law to be " first pure , then peaceable , gentle , and easy , to be entreated , full of mercy and of good fruits , without partiality and without hypocrisy . " Taking the words separately , we may in our old monarchical England consider that " palace " denotes strength , especially while
tne Court of our gracious Queen holds forth so bri ght an "ample in every relation of life , and while we have our Most Worshipful Grand Master , the Heir Apparent to the I nrane , owning the allegiance of thousands of Masons , and the regard of all good and loyal Britons ; while 1 am sure that the name "Alexandra" calls up with electric
rapidity thc beauty with which our Prince and our land are adorned , not only in the person but in the character of Mat Princess whom the people of this country have learnt to regard as the good and fair consort of our Prince , anti K in addition , as the tender and devoted wife of our v-rani ] Master . With such a si _ mticant title mav this
"age prove itself worthy of its name . May its Masters 11 a long and bright succession emulate the zeal , the ability , ana the eloquence of the distinguished brother who is Reeled as the first to fill the chair . May the foundation " ° admirabl y laid by our eminent and highly
' -emeu Grand Secretary be thc base of an enduring nwument within hail of one of our grand instiand ' > a " d fillal * y ma - thc founclers of the Alexs , Palace Lodge raise a superstructure in wisdom , isn ' -n "' ' an ( 1 beautv " > wW < "h , like thc building in which it afar - ? - r thc ¦* " 011 wll ' cl 1 lt stands , may be seen from ¦ villi " '' • ' '' S llten a " Wow i " > i who come Or ( ic ln " sinf -uence , as well as a glory to our venerable of th ^ business in the lodge concluded with cordial votes ° f _ eer bc ' ns entcr < : ' 1 01 * the miuutes tothe consecrating cf p ., , ' ^ w <* re unanimously elected honorary members
The New Lodge Of Alexandra Palace.
Thc brethren then adjourned to thc banquetting room , where they partook of an excellent repast , and the W . M . presided with his accustomed dignity , supported by thc consecrating officer , his assistants , and by the visitors who were in thc lodge room . Selections were given by thc musical brethren , and the physical and harmonious feast vvas made one of intellectual enjoyment of no common
character by thc eloquent speeches which were delivered . The toast of " The Queen and the Craft" of course preceded all others , and having been duly honoured , the Worshipful Master proposed the toast of " II . R . Highness the Prince of Wales , " and said it was impossible to mention the Grand Master's name , with certain debates still
ringing in our ears , without wishing him " Gotl speetl " on his journey . The Grand Master would find on the monuments of India , —monuments which had come down through countless ages—symbols which would show him that nothing was clearer than that Masonic formulae were known in that country in ages long past . ( Hear hear . ) That nothing was clearer than this he ( Bro . Parkinson )
knew from his own experience ; but while the Prince woultl sec this , 'he would see that if the outward forms existed there the spirit of Freemasonry was entirely absent , for that natural equality and mutual dependence which ran through the mysteries of Freemasonry like a silver thread could not be found in the organization of society in India Our well-instructed Most Worshipful Grand Master , when
he saw those remarkable structures of India would deeply reflect upon the institutions of the two countries , and would turn with pleasure to his own country , where the temples were erected by thc efforts of a free people , while the structures of India were cemented by the blood and pains of down trodden slaves . There could be little doubt that what the Prince would see in India would cause
him to love the system of this country , and to consolidate his attachment to the Craft . ( Cheers . ) Thc toast was fully honoured , and the W . Master proposed " Thc I Iealth of the Pro Grind . Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , '" who , he said , was entitled to our respect and esteem , whether we viewed him as an Englishman , a
rreemason , a statesman , or as a member of Her Majesty's Government . It was extremely fortunate that our Grand Master had so excellent a Mason to fall back upon as the Earl , who was a statesman whose pertinacious examination of every question made him a safe leader in the Craft .
The toast was warmly accepted , as was the next , that of " Lord Skelmersdale and the rest of the Grand Officers , present and past . " Of his lordship , the W . Master spoke in the highest possible terms , as one eminently fitted by qualities of head and heart for the high position he held in live Craft as Deputy Grand Master . Thc speaker mentioned the names of the G . Secretary and P . G . Chaplain ,
and the names were received with cheers , which the W . M , said were entirely premature . for he reserveil those brethren to reply to future toasts , and he intended to couple the toast with the name of Bro . T . Fenn , the P . Grand Deacon , whose services to the Craft on a recent occasion were such as to entitle him to the lasting gratitude of brethren everywhere . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Fenn vvas one who ,
at a great amount of self-denial , and with a strong belief in the usefulness of the Order , gave much of his time ta uphold thc " working " in purity . Bro . Fenn was certainly hut one of many who made these sacrifices , and but for these sacrifices , but for thc practice of this self-denial , Freemasonry would hold a very different position in the world than it holds —( hear , hear)—and it was a great
privilege the Alexandra Lodge had that evening in expressing , on the part of the Craft , gratitude to meet brethren who gave such services to thc Craft as Bro . Fenn gave . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Fenn , who on rising to reply was received with the warmest cheers , said he never expected to have to reply for the Grand Ofiicers-when he found two other G . Officers
presented both of higher position in the Craft than himself ; but as he was callcd , by the exigencies of the timc , to respond for the Grand Officers , he must say he felt proud of the duty , especially on the occasion of thc position of Worshipful Master being filled by his too partial friend , Bro . Parkinson . As to the reference to the Albert Hall ceremony , he thought that individual efforts should be
forgotten ( No , no ) , for much of the credit of that great success was due to the brethren themselves , and a great disaster on the occasion would not have been a disaster to one person only , but would have been a disaster to the Craft . ( Hear , hear ) . The Past G . Officers , who hail attained the summit of their ambition , showed that their interest in the Craft coultl not die out , they ever being ready to
take the responsibility of work in whatever direction work might be required of them . ( Cheers . ) He thanked Bro . Parkinson for the reference to Emulation Lodge of Impvovem-Vit ,-v _ d , v ___ ng -, i deep interest in the manner in which the ceremonies were worked , he could truly say that he thought this new lodge was fortunate in having a first Master like Bro . Parkinson , whose superb delivery gave a
worthy rendering to our beautiful cercmonies , and whose example would raise up a spirit of emulation in the Masters who followed . ( Cheers . ) They would , however , find a difficulty in rising to Bro . Parkinson ' s high standard , as he ( Bro . Fenn ) well knew , from having to succeed him as First Principal in a chapter . Still , a high standard would be set lo the lodge , and its character would be fashioned upon the traditions of thc excellence of their esteemed brother
whose name stood first upon its roll of Masters . ( Cheers . ) The W . Master then , amid many cheers , propesed " The Health of the Conseciating Officer of the Day—Bro . G . S . Hervey , " and said he felt he had a task of great responsibility in speaking of Bro . Hervey , whose varied accomplishments and services to Freemasonry were such as made it difficult to speak , lest the lodge should be prejudiced by thc imperfect manner in which the toast was proposed . No words could express the deep debt of gratitude which the
The New Lodge Of Alexandra Palace.
lotlge felt at Bro . Hcrvey ' s kindness—and kindness he ever willingly showed—in taking upon himself this onerous and arduous duty , and in coming to thc Palace in such weather , at the sacrifice of much personal comfort , even giving up his holiday arrangements to comply with the wishes of the brethren . ( Cheers . ) It was with pride that thc brethren that day had hatl the benefit of Bro . Hervcy ' s ripe
experience , his Masonic learning , and the reflected honour of his high position . ( Cheers . ) It was to be hoped that Bro . Hervey would accept his honorary membership as no idle compliment , for when he should be absent they would mourn his vacant place . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Grand Secretary , who was received with warm applause , saitl it was not the first time he hatl had his
health drank , or the first time that he had been in a lodgemeeting with brother G . Officers surrounding him , but he assured them that on no occasion was he mere gratified at the proceedings than he was at those of that day . It hat : given thc other G . Officers and himself great pleasure in affording their services to consecrate that lodge , but it had , likewise , given them great pleasure to assist ' in the
installation of a brother so respected as the excellent Master of this lodge . ( Cheers . ) It would be perfectly out of place to make a long speech on such an occasion as that , but he felt bound to say that thc Past G . Chaplain was always ready to place his service at the call of the Craft , and his assistance was always most valuable , as it had been that day . ( Cheers . ) Their { rood Mend Bro . Little was in a
different position to Bro . Simpson , but still there was a similarity in the name of his vocation , for it comprised " clerkly " labours of an onerous character . ( A laugh . ) He vvas always ready to place his services at the behests of the Craft , and he was always ready to undertake these duties . ( Cheers . ) On behalf of his brethren , Simpson and Little , and for himself , he thanked thc ledge :
and now he begged to propose thc toast of " The Worshipful Master . " It was with much pleasure that he ( G . S . ) attended to bring this bantling of a lodge into the world , and in this short space of time it was not only brought into the world , but was a full-grown child , of such promis .-, too , that it would do great credit to those who had assisted at the birth . It was the more to be congratulated as it
had the good fortune to have Bro . Parkinson for its Master . ( Cheers . ) The work which Bro . Parkinson had done for Freemasonry was such that the most glowing eulogium would not do justice to his merits , but that was unnecessary on the occasion . That he would make the lodge a good Master , and carry it through the troubled waters of early existence , no one who knew him could doubt , and it was
well for the lodge that they had prevailed upon him to take the first Mastership . ( Cheers . ) With the toast he ( G . S . ) would couple " Prosperity to thc Alexandra Palace Lodge , " and he congratulated the lodge on the charming locale it had chosen , and upon having in its ranks a brother who could instal its first W . M . as Bro . Stacey had installed Bro . Parkinson .
1 he toast having been duly honoured , The Worshipful Master rose , and was received with warm cheers . He thanked Bro . Hervey for thc kind manner in which he had proposed the toast , and the brethren for the manner in which they had received it , and said if anything enhanced the pleasure he felt , il was the undoubled sincerity of Bro . Hervey , who was a man who
would not flatter , and what fell from his lips were no perfunctory compliments . Of course there vvas a great responsibility in undertaking the chair of a new lodge—a responsibility which was felt all the more strongly the more one knew about it ( hear , and a laugh ) , but some rushed in where other beings feared to tread ( a laugh ) , and those who had passed through the work felt the responsibilities
of the duties ; but having accepted the collar . he should , to the best of his ability , work for the benefit of- thc lodge , knowing that in doing so he should have the hearty cooperation of the brethren . ( Cheers . ) He then proceeded to make observations of a general character and of a public interest , and his words were—I think it is ^ useful , on occasions of this character , to take a
brief survey of the position of Freemasonry , and to mark its progress at home and abroad ; and this is the more necessary from the impotent antagonism which continues to threaten and denounce all within its pale . The triumphant installation of the Prince of Wales as our Grand Master has been followed by the usual exhibitions . His Holiness the Pope has again anathemised what be is
pleased to denominate " the Masonic sect . " ( A laugh . ) Bishop Dupanloup has honoured us by a bitterly hostile pamphlet ; thc organ of Ultromontanism , have declared that "the Protestant religion and Freemasonry are identical and must stand or fall together "—a proposition it is certainly not worth our while to dispute ; anti an elaborate volume has been published what is
alleged to be the secret warfare of Freemasonry against thc Church . The battle ground is not of our seeking ; for we are ready to welcome , and do welcome as brothers , Roman Catholics if they are worthily recommended and if they can take our obligations and obey cur laws . These indispensable conditions being fulfilled , we hail the enlightened Roman Catholic as a Mason with the same
cordiality as we extend to the Jew , the Mahommedan , or the Parsee . The very first page of our Book of Constitutions states that , " let a man ' s religion or mode of worship be what it may , he is not excluded from the Order , provided he believe in . the glorious Architect of flea ven and earth , and practise the sacred duties of morality ; " and it is this broad toleration and true Christian charity which shocks bigotry ,
and makes pviestcrait tremble . ( Cheers . ) Freemasonry can afford to smile at and to pity its detractors , for since that great demonstration at the Albert Hall , and as one of the earliest acts of grace of our Royal Grand Master , the Grand Lodge of Italy has been recognised officially by the Grand Lodge of England , and the Masons of Italy and the Masons of England are now linked together by the strongest fratcrnalities , professing the same principles and