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Craft Masonry.
was held on Wednesday , the Sth inst ., Bro . Thomas H . Nesbitt , Prov . G . Sec , W . M ., in the chair , and was a most successful and pleasant gathering . The R . W . P . G . AL , Bro . Major J . Senhouse Goldie-Taubman , was unavoidably prevented by illness from being present , and wrote to the outgoing W . AI . expressing his regret , as it would have afforded him great pleasure to have attended the installation had he been able , particularly as the ceremony was to be performed
by the Provincial Grand Secretary . There was a numerous and imposing assemblage , and amongst those who signed the Tyler's book were the following : Bros . T . H . Nesbitt , Prov . G . Sec , W . M . j R . Lightfoot , Prov . G . Stwd ., S . W . and W . M . elect ; M . W . Corran , Prov . A . G . Purst ., J . W . ; G . C Heron , D . P . G . M ., P . M ., Treas . j C F . Johnson , Prov . G . Swd . Br ., P . M ., Sec . j H . Brearley , Prov . S . G . D ., P . M ., D . C . j A . E . Rothwell , S . D . j D . G . Macdonald ,
J . D . j T . E . Radcliffe , I . G . j J . Lawton and W . Gibson , Stwds . ; J . Lanaghan , Tyler ; S . Webb , P . M . ; J . A . Brown , Prov . S . G . W ., P . M . ; L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; C . M . Challender , Prov . Grand Standard Bearer , S . W . 2050 ; A . C . Paterson , W . A . Waid , W . H . Jones , J . Davie , VV . H . Holden , and R . Pascoe , of 1004 ; J . S . Morrison , W . M . j W . Kissack , Prov . G . Purst ., S . W . and W . M . elect ; W . J . Brown , Prov . A . G . Sec , J . W . ; F . C .
Poulter , S . D ., Org . ; R . Swinnerton , Prov . G . D . of C , P . M . ; J . F . Terry , P . M . ; J . C . Bradshaw , Prov . G . Std . Br ., P . M . ; and A . J . Spittall , of 1242 ; R . Whiteside , J . VV . ; P . A . Killey , Sec ; and W . P . J . Pittar , Prov . G . Stwd ., S . D . of 2049 ; W . A . AlcKown , W . M . ; W . Broughton , J . W . ; R . E . Cain , J . S . ; and VV . J . Kelly , of 2050 ; and ft . K . McGeakin , 1013 . The lodge having been opened by the outgoing W . M . in
due form , Bro . John Davie was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . by Bro . S . Webb , P . M ., in a manner which elicited hearty commendations from the brethren present . The W . M ., Bro . Nesbitt , Prov . G . Sec , again assumed the chair , and Bro . Lightfoot , the W . M . elect , was presented by Bro . H . Brearley , Prov . S . G . D ., P . M ., and Bro . Hannay , P . AL , to receive the benefit of installation . I he preliminaries consequent upon such interesting
occasions having been faultlessly gone through , the Board of Installed Masters having been duly formed and opened , and the W . AL elect admitted , the difficult ceremony of installation was most admirably executed by Bro . Nesbitt , according to ancient custom . The newly-installed W . M . having invested the LP . M . with the collar and jewel of the office , and the customary salutations and proclamations having been made , and working tools , & c , presented by
Bro . Nesbitt , the Installing Master , Bro . Lightfoot , W . M ., appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . M . VV . Corran , Prov . A . G . Purst ., S . W . j A . E . Rothwell , J . W . j G . C . Heron , D . P . G . M ., P . M ., Treas . j D . G . Macdonald , Sec . ; Hy . Brearley , Prov . S . G . D ., P . M ., D . C ; W . H . Tones , S . D . ; John Lawton , J . D . ; Richard Smith , I . G . j Geo . F . King , and Wm . Gibson , Stwds . ; and John Lanaghan , Tyler .
Ater the investiture the Installing Master delivered the addresses in a masterly manner , being perfect , not only as regards the actual text , but also with respect to elocution , and the impressiveness of Bro . Nesbitt ' s working will not soon be forgotten . Bro . Heron , D . P G . A . for the Isle of Man , P . M ., Treas ., said it afforded him considerable pleasure to bear testimony to the efficient manner in which the ceremony of installation had been that day performed
by Bro . Nesbitt , without the least slip or deviation Irom the ancient customs and established landmarks of the Order , and it augured well for the future of the mother lodge that his junior Past AIaster could discharge the most arduous duties so satisfactorily , and it especially gratified him to be able to congratulate the Provincial Grand Secretary upon his proficiency , and he moved that the best thanks oi the members present be tendered to Bro . Nesbitt and recorded
upon the minutes . This was seconded by Bro . H . Brearley , P . S . G . D ., P . M ., D . C , and supported by Bios . Hannay , P . M . ; Webb . P . M . ; and J . A . Brown , P . AL , P . S . G . W ., and carried unanimously . The Installing Master having replied in suitable terms , and " Hearty good wishes " having been tendered from the sister lodges and visiting brethren , the lodge was duly closed after a candidate had been proposed for initiation , and the brethren , accompanied by their
guests , adjourned to the Falcon Hotel to dine together , where ample justice was done to the sumptuous repast provided by Mrs . Cowell , the genial hostess . After the toasts of " The Queen ; " " The M . W . G . M . ; " " The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the Officers of the Grand Lodge of England , Present and Past , " had been duly given and most enthusiastically honoured ,
The Worshipful Master proposed "The R . W . P . G . M ., the D . P . G . M ., and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , " which was teceived with acclamation , and responded to in felicitous terms by Bros . Heron , D . P . G . AL , and W . Kissack , P . G . Purst . Bro . Nesbitt , LP . M ., then proposed "The Health of theW . M ., Bro . Lightfoot , P . G . Stwd ., " and in the course of his remarks said -. In asking your kindly forbearance to
my successor during the ensuing year , it is scarcely necessary for me to remind you , brethren , that a W . M . ' s lot is not always the bed of roses some of our junior members imagine it to be , or his time comfortable and easy ; there are certain excrescences to be knocked off , surfaces to smooth , and irregularities to correct , and to anyone anxious to discharge the duties of the office satisfactorily , considerable responsibility is necessarily entailed . I have carefrom his
fully noted Bro . Lightfoot ' s Masonic career , initiation to the present time ; and if he does not make a brilliant Master , I honestly believe we shall have a W . M . who will endeavour by every means in his power to discharge the duties appertaining to his exalted station with satisfaction , and one who will be most anxious to please in every respect , and who will spare no pains to make himself perfect in the ceremonial working of the various Degrees , and I have great pleasure in asking you to drink his health . to
Bro . Lightfoot , VV . M ., upon rising respond , was heartily received . He said-. Bio . Nesbitt , oflicers , and brethren , I beg to thank you for the reception accorded this toast . You all know I am a man of few words , and I will not promise to perform anything exceptionally great during my year of oflice , but I certainly will endeavour by perseverance , and the assistance of my officers , to merit your goodwill and esteem , and I hope to be favoured with the approbation of the brethren , and the testimony of a good
. „ ., ,, . „ ,,, ,. Bro . L . G . Hannay , P . M ., in addressing the VV . M ., said : It devolves upon me to propose a toast which I am sure will be gladly welcomed by everyone present— I he
Craft Masonry.
Health of the I . P . M . of the Athole Lodge , and the Install ing Master , " in connection with the interesting ceremony of to-day . It is a trite and apposite saying , Worshipful Master , that " Good wine needs no bush . " It is so in the present instance , and whilst ! fully acknowledge the correctness of the axiom , I at the same time deem it my duty , although it may be superfluous , to commend this toast to your most favourable consideration by giving it all
the " bush " in my power . In colour my subject is light , in flavour and tone excellent , though a little more body would not be amiss . In Bro . Nesbitt the Athole Lodge has during the past year been favoured with a AIaster of exceptional skill and ability . He has discharged the duties of his office with credit to himself and satisl action to the brethren , and the ceremonial work for dignity and beauty and neatness has been performed in the most exemplary
manner , whilst in the ruling and governing of the lodge Bro . Nesbitt has been to all intents and purposes practically perfect . I remember five years ago , when I occupied the chair of AIaster of this lodge , I thought I was particularly fortunate in having as my Junior Deacon a brother possessing Bro . Nesbitt ' s ability and qualifications , and one upon whom 1 could thoroughly rely to occupy any oflice in case of emergency , and at that time Bro . Nesbitt discharged
the dutits devolving upon him as Deacon in such a satisfactory manner , that the Past Masters of this and the sister lodge were unanimous in prophesying—and his capabilities were so patent that it needed no great prescience to prophecy correctly , that his year of oflice , should he ever attain to the Master's chair , would be a most successful one . That prophecy , brethren , has been fully exemplified . His year of office , however , has been signalised by another
event , one of the most important in the annals of Insular Freemasonry—the establishment of the Provincial Grand Lodge in the Isle of man . When it became known that a Provincial Grand Lodge was to be established , Bro . Nesbitt found his responsible position , as chief of the executive in our municipal administration , and his well-known ability , was by universal consent selected as Provincial Grand Secretary , and no appointment gave greater or more
general satisfaction . With regard to the proceedings of to-day , brethren , 1 think 1 am right in stating that this is the first time in the history of the Athole Lodge that the retiring W . M . has installed his successor , and that in itself redounds to Bro . Nesbitt ' s credit . In this instance there has been no division of labour , the whole of the ceremony from first to last having been performed without the least assistance . You all saw the excellent manner in
which the work was performed , and the characteristic impressiveness with which the several addresses were delivered , and from commencement to finish the interest was preserved with undiminished poignancy , and I can safely say that so long as the Athole Lodge possesses Past Masters of the calibre of Bro . Nesbitt , genuine Alasonic working will never fail or the Athole be behind its compeers . To mark the esteem in which Bro . Nesbitt is held amongst the
brethren of this lodge , and as a token of their appreciation of his services andiof his Masonic proficiency , 1 have now , by command of the Worshipful AIaster , and in the name of the Athole Lodge , to present to our worthy Bro . Nesbitt this Past Master's gold jewel , wishing him lorg life to wear it , and that his future career , Masonically and otherwise , no matter in what sphere it may be cast , may be as honourable as it has been during his connection with
this lc . 'ge . Bro . Nesbitt , LP . M ., Prov . G . Sec , in rising to respond , was received with applause , and , in the course of an excellent speech , teeming with Masonic sentiment , said : Bro . Past AIaster Hannay and brethren—I return my most sincere thanks for the very cordial manner in which you have been pleased to receive the toast oi my health , and also to thank you for this further mark of your favour , which in
itself indicates the honourable position to which I have been privileged to attain as a ruler in the Craft , while it also serves to mark the progress I have made in the science . 1 thank you with much pleasure , as the circumstance of my health as LP . M . of this lodge and Installing Master being proposed to-night , although a toast of a somewhat stereotyped nature at this annual festival , possesses a certain appropriateness and significance peculiar to myselfit being
, exactly 12 years to-night since 1 had the honour of being initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry under the auspices of the Tynwald Lodge , No . 1242 . Our brethren of the Tynwald are aware that their regular meetings are held on the Wednesday on or before new moon , whilst we in the Athole hold ours on the Wednesday on or before full moon . Upon that to me eventful occasion , 12 years ago , a new moon was privileged to appear in the
person of your humble servant , and during the past year it has , through your favour , attained to the full , and to-night the waning process commences . During the 12 years I have been a Mason I have witnessed and experienced many changes , fraught with important results . Masonry , instead of being confined within the circumscribed limits of those days , has progressed even in our limited insular sphere by marvellous leaps and bounds , and , by judicious and
stimulating management , it has succeeded in strengthening its position and extending its influence in many directions . It is exceptionally gratifying to-night to think that I have never once regretted that I was made a Mason ; I have never ceased to regard my mother lodge with due respect and admiration , and to rejoice in her continued prosperity , and at the position she occupies , and the influence she undoubtedly exercises in connection with insular Masonry ;
and I hope she may go on prospering in the future as in the past ; but , at the same time , brethren , whilst the Tynwald has my hearty good wishes , the mother of my adoption , the mother of English Freemasonry in this Island , now possesses—and 1 submit is justly entitled to possessthe first and strongest claim upon my filial affection and dutiful regard , for , notwithstanding the dictum of our ecclesiastical governors that a man may not marry his
grandmother , yet the Athole is my grandmother , and 1 am truly and legitimately wedded to her , and during the past year Masons have appeared as one result of the union , and of which—in the language of the Craft—I am the Masonic father . With respect to this handsome jewel , which has been presented to me in the name of the members of the
Athole Lodge , I assure you , brethren , I reciprocate the kindly feeling of goodwill which has prompted the presentation . I fully appreciate the compliment thus paid me , and in gratefully accepting this souvenir of your good feeling and esteem , permit me to express the fervent hope that I shall ever wear it with feelings of justifiable pride that I , an adopted child , was ever deemed worthy of being accorded the distinguished privilege of occupying the chair of Master
Craft Masonry.
of this lodge . It will be a memento of many happy hours spent in the company and society of brethren whom I highly esteem , and whose friendship , from its disinterestedness and absence of ulterior motive , it is a pleasure to possess ; and as I wear this jewel of our Order upon my breast—not as a dead leaf from a withered tree , not as a glittering , but cold , emblem on the outer heart , but as a symbol of the purest principles of morality and virtue ;
Alasonically , to be the guide of my actions through life—I shall always look upon it , and I trust my children will look upon it as the connecting link of a very pleasant and , I hope , Masonically speaking , profitable official connection with the lodge , and which will serve to call to mind many pleasing reminiscences . I receive it with greater pleasure seeing that it has been presented by the hands of one who has been styled my "Masonic mentor , " the brother who
proposed me as a joining member in this lodge , and who gavo me the first step on the officia 1 ladder which eventually placed me in my present position . It is not my intention , nor is it desirable . to repay compliment with compliment , but I should be guilty of injustice if I neglected to state that in our worthy Bro . Hannay , P . M ., I have always found a right-hand friend in fair weather and in foul , and I have always looked upon him as a most sincere , thoroughly
genuine , and conscientious worker , and although I strongly repudiate the mentorship—being of full age and , I presume , able to think , speak , and act for myself—it must be admitted that I have always been proud to follow where he has led , and I can honestly say , brethren , when Bro . Hannay and I have been shoulder to shoulder , we have invariably carried the lodge with us . I do not mean to say that we were always right ; hut we had the courage of our
convictions , and were never afraid to let those convictions be known , and we certainly thought , particularly in connection with the matter anent the establishment of the Provincial Grand Lodge , that we were right in our views , and in the arguments we advanced , when lhat matter was being discussed . In proposing the toast of my health , Bro . Hannay has alluded in graceful and complimentary terms to the manner in which the ceremonial work has been
performed during my official year . I cannot lay claim to possessing a tithe of thc qualifications enumerated by him ; but it has been my study through life , not only in connection with Freemasonry , but whatever else it may have devolved upon me to take in hand , to try at least to do it well . I am aware—no one more so—that during the past year there have been many defects and imperfections on my part ; but with accustomed kindliness and forbearance , and the
exercise of that charity which suffereth long and is kind , you have without exception , to quote the somewhat hackneyed and antiquated couplet" Been to my virtues very kind , And to my faults a little blind . " However , brethren , without being egotistical , I may say that during my year of oflice I have shrank from no task , however distasteful ; have left no duty , however
unpleasant , unfulfilled ; but , to the best of my skill and ability , have endeavoured to administer the duties annexed to the appointment faithfully , zealously , and impartially , and it would be no pleasure to wear this distinguishing badge upon my breast if I could not honestly declare that , however imperfectly I had discharged the duties devolving upon me as your head , I have been actuated by good motives . I have discharged them in strict accocdance with
the dictates of my conscience , and with the sincere wish to benefit Freemasonry in general , and this lodge in particular , and to transmit to my successor the genuine tenets and principles of Freemasonry pure and unsullied , as transmitted to myself through a long line of illustrious predeccessors . 1 think it right here , sir , to acknowledge the able and willing assistance afforded by my staff of officers during the past year . 'Ihe gavel—that significant
implement of power which has enabled me to keep good order in the lodge—has been duly answered by my Wardens whenever sounded , and they have , with the exception of " one little cloud no bigger than a man ' s hand , " been patterns of exemplary conduct , good order , and regularity . The Secretary has been indefatigable and most assiduous in the discharge of his arduous duties , and although Bro . Johnson can use a dry pen with
extraordinary facility , it has never been necessary to do so . The Treasurer has taken care of the funds , and has guarded the expenditure , so as to avoid prodigality , with his accustomed zeal ; and the Deacons and other officers have always been at their posts punctually at the time appointed , and have discharged their onerous duties to the satisfaction of every one concerned . I do not wish to be invidious in particularising or thanking my officers when
all have worked so assiduously and so harmoniously for the common weal , but I am discharging a debt of gratitude and duty when I state that I am especially indebted to my Director of Ceremonies , Bro . H . Brearley , P . M ., P . S . G . D ., for his excellent services during a time when I was prostrated by illness , and hc of all others has undoubtedly been my right hand , and to him my most fraternal acknowledgments and thanks are due . Allusion has been
made to my endeavours to work the installation ceremony this evening . I am pleased they have met with your approval . It being my first attempt I confess I felt somewhat nervous , more particularly about the little details of the work , especially when following such veterans and able exponents of our beautiful Masonic ritual as Bro . Heron , D . P . G . AL of this Island , and Bro . Webb , P . M ., and Bro . Hannay , P . AL Although I am fortunate to possess a fairlv
retentive memory it has been with me a matter of careful thought for some little time past , as I consider it a ceremony , from its peculiar impressiveness and beauty , deserving the utmost attention and study , and it was my ambition—and I submit it was a laudable ambition—to complete my record before retiring , and to install my successor in a mannerif I could possibly attain to it—befitting the traditions of lhis lodge . Before I sit down , brethren , I would urge
upon you now that the Provincial Grand Lodge is an accomplished fact , as good Alasons , true and trusty , and exemplary in conduct , steady and firm in principle , to assist its objects b y every means in your power , and to unite in making its establishment , so far as wc can , and the imperfections of our nature will permit , thoroughly
successful , and with that object in view I personally will do all in my power to assist and to encourage the establishment of a Provincial Benevolent Fund . Brethren , I again thank you most sincerely for your hearty reception of this toast , for this jewel which you have presented to me , and for the many kindnesses I have been privileged to receive from you , individually and collectively , during the last five or six years , and I assure you , that notwithstanding the fact
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Craft Masonry.
was held on Wednesday , the Sth inst ., Bro . Thomas H . Nesbitt , Prov . G . Sec , W . M ., in the chair , and was a most successful and pleasant gathering . The R . W . P . G . AL , Bro . Major J . Senhouse Goldie-Taubman , was unavoidably prevented by illness from being present , and wrote to the outgoing W . AI . expressing his regret , as it would have afforded him great pleasure to have attended the installation had he been able , particularly as the ceremony was to be performed
by the Provincial Grand Secretary . There was a numerous and imposing assemblage , and amongst those who signed the Tyler's book were the following : Bros . T . H . Nesbitt , Prov . G . Sec , W . M . j R . Lightfoot , Prov . G . Stwd ., S . W . and W . M . elect ; M . W . Corran , Prov . A . G . Purst ., J . W . ; G . C Heron , D . P . G . M ., P . M ., Treas . j C F . Johnson , Prov . G . Swd . Br ., P . M ., Sec . j H . Brearley , Prov . S . G . D ., P . M ., D . C . j A . E . Rothwell , S . D . j D . G . Macdonald ,
J . D . j T . E . Radcliffe , I . G . j J . Lawton and W . Gibson , Stwds . ; J . Lanaghan , Tyler ; S . Webb , P . M . ; J . A . Brown , Prov . S . G . W ., P . M . ; L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; C . M . Challender , Prov . Grand Standard Bearer , S . W . 2050 ; A . C . Paterson , W . A . Waid , W . H . Jones , J . Davie , VV . H . Holden , and R . Pascoe , of 1004 ; J . S . Morrison , W . M . j W . Kissack , Prov . G . Purst ., S . W . and W . M . elect ; W . J . Brown , Prov . A . G . Sec , J . W . ; F . C .
Poulter , S . D ., Org . ; R . Swinnerton , Prov . G . D . of C , P . M . ; J . F . Terry , P . M . ; J . C . Bradshaw , Prov . G . Std . Br ., P . M . ; and A . J . Spittall , of 1242 ; R . Whiteside , J . VV . ; P . A . Killey , Sec ; and W . P . J . Pittar , Prov . G . Stwd ., S . D . of 2049 ; W . A . AlcKown , W . M . ; W . Broughton , J . W . ; R . E . Cain , J . S . ; and VV . J . Kelly , of 2050 ; and ft . K . McGeakin , 1013 . The lodge having been opened by the outgoing W . M . in
due form , Bro . John Davie was raised to the Sublime Degree of M . M . by Bro . S . Webb , P . M ., in a manner which elicited hearty commendations from the brethren present . The W . M ., Bro . Nesbitt , Prov . G . Sec , again assumed the chair , and Bro . Lightfoot , the W . M . elect , was presented by Bro . H . Brearley , Prov . S . G . D ., P . M ., and Bro . Hannay , P . AL , to receive the benefit of installation . I he preliminaries consequent upon such interesting
occasions having been faultlessly gone through , the Board of Installed Masters having been duly formed and opened , and the W . AL elect admitted , the difficult ceremony of installation was most admirably executed by Bro . Nesbitt , according to ancient custom . The newly-installed W . M . having invested the LP . M . with the collar and jewel of the office , and the customary salutations and proclamations having been made , and working tools , & c , presented by
Bro . Nesbitt , the Installing Master , Bro . Lightfoot , W . M ., appointed and invested the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : Bros . M . VV . Corran , Prov . A . G . Purst ., S . W . j A . E . Rothwell , J . W . j G . C . Heron , D . P . G . M ., P . M ., Treas . j D . G . Macdonald , Sec . ; Hy . Brearley , Prov . S . G . D ., P . M ., D . C ; W . H . Tones , S . D . ; John Lawton , J . D . ; Richard Smith , I . G . j Geo . F . King , and Wm . Gibson , Stwds . ; and John Lanaghan , Tyler .
Ater the investiture the Installing Master delivered the addresses in a masterly manner , being perfect , not only as regards the actual text , but also with respect to elocution , and the impressiveness of Bro . Nesbitt ' s working will not soon be forgotten . Bro . Heron , D . P G . A . for the Isle of Man , P . M ., Treas ., said it afforded him considerable pleasure to bear testimony to the efficient manner in which the ceremony of installation had been that day performed
by Bro . Nesbitt , without the least slip or deviation Irom the ancient customs and established landmarks of the Order , and it augured well for the future of the mother lodge that his junior Past AIaster could discharge the most arduous duties so satisfactorily , and it especially gratified him to be able to congratulate the Provincial Grand Secretary upon his proficiency , and he moved that the best thanks oi the members present be tendered to Bro . Nesbitt and recorded
upon the minutes . This was seconded by Bro . H . Brearley , P . S . G . D ., P . M ., D . C , and supported by Bios . Hannay , P . M . ; Webb . P . M . ; and J . A . Brown , P . AL , P . S . G . W ., and carried unanimously . The Installing Master having replied in suitable terms , and " Hearty good wishes " having been tendered from the sister lodges and visiting brethren , the lodge was duly closed after a candidate had been proposed for initiation , and the brethren , accompanied by their
guests , adjourned to the Falcon Hotel to dine together , where ample justice was done to the sumptuous repast provided by Mrs . Cowell , the genial hostess . After the toasts of " The Queen ; " " The M . W . G . M . ; " " The Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , and the Officers of the Grand Lodge of England , Present and Past , " had been duly given and most enthusiastically honoured ,
The Worshipful Master proposed "The R . W . P . G . M ., the D . P . G . M ., and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , " which was teceived with acclamation , and responded to in felicitous terms by Bros . Heron , D . P . G . AL , and W . Kissack , P . G . Purst . Bro . Nesbitt , LP . M ., then proposed "The Health of theW . M ., Bro . Lightfoot , P . G . Stwd ., " and in the course of his remarks said -. In asking your kindly forbearance to
my successor during the ensuing year , it is scarcely necessary for me to remind you , brethren , that a W . M . ' s lot is not always the bed of roses some of our junior members imagine it to be , or his time comfortable and easy ; there are certain excrescences to be knocked off , surfaces to smooth , and irregularities to correct , and to anyone anxious to discharge the duties of the office satisfactorily , considerable responsibility is necessarily entailed . I have carefrom his
fully noted Bro . Lightfoot ' s Masonic career , initiation to the present time ; and if he does not make a brilliant Master , I honestly believe we shall have a W . M . who will endeavour by every means in his power to discharge the duties appertaining to his exalted station with satisfaction , and one who will be most anxious to please in every respect , and who will spare no pains to make himself perfect in the ceremonial working of the various Degrees , and I have great pleasure in asking you to drink his health . to
Bro . Lightfoot , VV . M ., upon rising respond , was heartily received . He said-. Bio . Nesbitt , oflicers , and brethren , I beg to thank you for the reception accorded this toast . You all know I am a man of few words , and I will not promise to perform anything exceptionally great during my year of oflice , but I certainly will endeavour by perseverance , and the assistance of my officers , to merit your goodwill and esteem , and I hope to be favoured with the approbation of the brethren , and the testimony of a good
. „ ., ,, . „ ,,, ,. Bro . L . G . Hannay , P . M ., in addressing the VV . M ., said : It devolves upon me to propose a toast which I am sure will be gladly welcomed by everyone present— I he
Craft Masonry.
Health of the I . P . M . of the Athole Lodge , and the Install ing Master , " in connection with the interesting ceremony of to-day . It is a trite and apposite saying , Worshipful Master , that " Good wine needs no bush . " It is so in the present instance , and whilst ! fully acknowledge the correctness of the axiom , I at the same time deem it my duty , although it may be superfluous , to commend this toast to your most favourable consideration by giving it all
the " bush " in my power . In colour my subject is light , in flavour and tone excellent , though a little more body would not be amiss . In Bro . Nesbitt the Athole Lodge has during the past year been favoured with a AIaster of exceptional skill and ability . He has discharged the duties of his office with credit to himself and satisl action to the brethren , and the ceremonial work for dignity and beauty and neatness has been performed in the most exemplary
manner , whilst in the ruling and governing of the lodge Bro . Nesbitt has been to all intents and purposes practically perfect . I remember five years ago , when I occupied the chair of AIaster of this lodge , I thought I was particularly fortunate in having as my Junior Deacon a brother possessing Bro . Nesbitt ' s ability and qualifications , and one upon whom 1 could thoroughly rely to occupy any oflice in case of emergency , and at that time Bro . Nesbitt discharged
the dutits devolving upon him as Deacon in such a satisfactory manner , that the Past Masters of this and the sister lodge were unanimous in prophesying—and his capabilities were so patent that it needed no great prescience to prophecy correctly , that his year of oflice , should he ever attain to the Master's chair , would be a most successful one . That prophecy , brethren , has been fully exemplified . His year of office , however , has been signalised by another
event , one of the most important in the annals of Insular Freemasonry—the establishment of the Provincial Grand Lodge in the Isle of man . When it became known that a Provincial Grand Lodge was to be established , Bro . Nesbitt found his responsible position , as chief of the executive in our municipal administration , and his well-known ability , was by universal consent selected as Provincial Grand Secretary , and no appointment gave greater or more
general satisfaction . With regard to the proceedings of to-day , brethren , 1 think 1 am right in stating that this is the first time in the history of the Athole Lodge that the retiring W . M . has installed his successor , and that in itself redounds to Bro . Nesbitt ' s credit . In this instance there has been no division of labour , the whole of the ceremony from first to last having been performed without the least assistance . You all saw the excellent manner in
which the work was performed , and the characteristic impressiveness with which the several addresses were delivered , and from commencement to finish the interest was preserved with undiminished poignancy , and I can safely say that so long as the Athole Lodge possesses Past Masters of the calibre of Bro . Nesbitt , genuine Alasonic working will never fail or the Athole be behind its compeers . To mark the esteem in which Bro . Nesbitt is held amongst the
brethren of this lodge , and as a token of their appreciation of his services andiof his Masonic proficiency , 1 have now , by command of the Worshipful AIaster , and in the name of the Athole Lodge , to present to our worthy Bro . Nesbitt this Past Master's gold jewel , wishing him lorg life to wear it , and that his future career , Masonically and otherwise , no matter in what sphere it may be cast , may be as honourable as it has been during his connection with
this lc . 'ge . Bro . Nesbitt , LP . M ., Prov . G . Sec , in rising to respond , was received with applause , and , in the course of an excellent speech , teeming with Masonic sentiment , said : Bro . Past AIaster Hannay and brethren—I return my most sincere thanks for the very cordial manner in which you have been pleased to receive the toast oi my health , and also to thank you for this further mark of your favour , which in
itself indicates the honourable position to which I have been privileged to attain as a ruler in the Craft , while it also serves to mark the progress I have made in the science . 1 thank you with much pleasure , as the circumstance of my health as LP . M . of this lodge and Installing Master being proposed to-night , although a toast of a somewhat stereotyped nature at this annual festival , possesses a certain appropriateness and significance peculiar to myselfit being
, exactly 12 years to-night since 1 had the honour of being initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry under the auspices of the Tynwald Lodge , No . 1242 . Our brethren of the Tynwald are aware that their regular meetings are held on the Wednesday on or before new moon , whilst we in the Athole hold ours on the Wednesday on or before full moon . Upon that to me eventful occasion , 12 years ago , a new moon was privileged to appear in the
person of your humble servant , and during the past year it has , through your favour , attained to the full , and to-night the waning process commences . During the 12 years I have been a Mason I have witnessed and experienced many changes , fraught with important results . Masonry , instead of being confined within the circumscribed limits of those days , has progressed even in our limited insular sphere by marvellous leaps and bounds , and , by judicious and
stimulating management , it has succeeded in strengthening its position and extending its influence in many directions . It is exceptionally gratifying to-night to think that I have never once regretted that I was made a Mason ; I have never ceased to regard my mother lodge with due respect and admiration , and to rejoice in her continued prosperity , and at the position she occupies , and the influence she undoubtedly exercises in connection with insular Masonry ;
and I hope she may go on prospering in the future as in the past ; but , at the same time , brethren , whilst the Tynwald has my hearty good wishes , the mother of my adoption , the mother of English Freemasonry in this Island , now possesses—and 1 submit is justly entitled to possessthe first and strongest claim upon my filial affection and dutiful regard , for , notwithstanding the dictum of our ecclesiastical governors that a man may not marry his
grandmother , yet the Athole is my grandmother , and 1 am truly and legitimately wedded to her , and during the past year Masons have appeared as one result of the union , and of which—in the language of the Craft—I am the Masonic father . With respect to this handsome jewel , which has been presented to me in the name of the members of the
Athole Lodge , I assure you , brethren , I reciprocate the kindly feeling of goodwill which has prompted the presentation . I fully appreciate the compliment thus paid me , and in gratefully accepting this souvenir of your good feeling and esteem , permit me to express the fervent hope that I shall ever wear it with feelings of justifiable pride that I , an adopted child , was ever deemed worthy of being accorded the distinguished privilege of occupying the chair of Master
Craft Masonry.
of this lodge . It will be a memento of many happy hours spent in the company and society of brethren whom I highly esteem , and whose friendship , from its disinterestedness and absence of ulterior motive , it is a pleasure to possess ; and as I wear this jewel of our Order upon my breast—not as a dead leaf from a withered tree , not as a glittering , but cold , emblem on the outer heart , but as a symbol of the purest principles of morality and virtue ;
Alasonically , to be the guide of my actions through life—I shall always look upon it , and I trust my children will look upon it as the connecting link of a very pleasant and , I hope , Masonically speaking , profitable official connection with the lodge , and which will serve to call to mind many pleasing reminiscences . I receive it with greater pleasure seeing that it has been presented by the hands of one who has been styled my "Masonic mentor , " the brother who
proposed me as a joining member in this lodge , and who gavo me the first step on the officia 1 ladder which eventually placed me in my present position . It is not my intention , nor is it desirable . to repay compliment with compliment , but I should be guilty of injustice if I neglected to state that in our worthy Bro . Hannay , P . M ., I have always found a right-hand friend in fair weather and in foul , and I have always looked upon him as a most sincere , thoroughly
genuine , and conscientious worker , and although I strongly repudiate the mentorship—being of full age and , I presume , able to think , speak , and act for myself—it must be admitted that I have always been proud to follow where he has led , and I can honestly say , brethren , when Bro . Hannay and I have been shoulder to shoulder , we have invariably carried the lodge with us . I do not mean to say that we were always right ; hut we had the courage of our
convictions , and were never afraid to let those convictions be known , and we certainly thought , particularly in connection with the matter anent the establishment of the Provincial Grand Lodge , that we were right in our views , and in the arguments we advanced , when lhat matter was being discussed . In proposing the toast of my health , Bro . Hannay has alluded in graceful and complimentary terms to the manner in which the ceremonial work has been
performed during my official year . I cannot lay claim to possessing a tithe of thc qualifications enumerated by him ; but it has been my study through life , not only in connection with Freemasonry , but whatever else it may have devolved upon me to take in hand , to try at least to do it well . I am aware—no one more so—that during the past year there have been many defects and imperfections on my part ; but with accustomed kindliness and forbearance , and the
exercise of that charity which suffereth long and is kind , you have without exception , to quote the somewhat hackneyed and antiquated couplet" Been to my virtues very kind , And to my faults a little blind . " However , brethren , without being egotistical , I may say that during my year of oflice I have shrank from no task , however distasteful ; have left no duty , however
unpleasant , unfulfilled ; but , to the best of my skill and ability , have endeavoured to administer the duties annexed to the appointment faithfully , zealously , and impartially , and it would be no pleasure to wear this distinguishing badge upon my breast if I could not honestly declare that , however imperfectly I had discharged the duties devolving upon me as your head , I have been actuated by good motives . I have discharged them in strict accocdance with
the dictates of my conscience , and with the sincere wish to benefit Freemasonry in general , and this lodge in particular , and to transmit to my successor the genuine tenets and principles of Freemasonry pure and unsullied , as transmitted to myself through a long line of illustrious predeccessors . 1 think it right here , sir , to acknowledge the able and willing assistance afforded by my staff of officers during the past year . 'Ihe gavel—that significant
implement of power which has enabled me to keep good order in the lodge—has been duly answered by my Wardens whenever sounded , and they have , with the exception of " one little cloud no bigger than a man ' s hand , " been patterns of exemplary conduct , good order , and regularity . The Secretary has been indefatigable and most assiduous in the discharge of his arduous duties , and although Bro . Johnson can use a dry pen with
extraordinary facility , it has never been necessary to do so . The Treasurer has taken care of the funds , and has guarded the expenditure , so as to avoid prodigality , with his accustomed zeal ; and the Deacons and other officers have always been at their posts punctually at the time appointed , and have discharged their onerous duties to the satisfaction of every one concerned . I do not wish to be invidious in particularising or thanking my officers when
all have worked so assiduously and so harmoniously for the common weal , but I am discharging a debt of gratitude and duty when I state that I am especially indebted to my Director of Ceremonies , Bro . H . Brearley , P . M ., P . S . G . D ., for his excellent services during a time when I was prostrated by illness , and hc of all others has undoubtedly been my right hand , and to him my most fraternal acknowledgments and thanks are due . Allusion has been
made to my endeavours to work the installation ceremony this evening . I am pleased they have met with your approval . It being my first attempt I confess I felt somewhat nervous , more particularly about the little details of the work , especially when following such veterans and able exponents of our beautiful Masonic ritual as Bro . Heron , D . P . G . AL of this Island , and Bro . Webb , P . M ., and Bro . Hannay , P . AL Although I am fortunate to possess a fairlv
retentive memory it has been with me a matter of careful thought for some little time past , as I consider it a ceremony , from its peculiar impressiveness and beauty , deserving the utmost attention and study , and it was my ambition—and I submit it was a laudable ambition—to complete my record before retiring , and to install my successor in a mannerif I could possibly attain to it—befitting the traditions of lhis lodge . Before I sit down , brethren , I would urge
upon you now that the Provincial Grand Lodge is an accomplished fact , as good Alasons , true and trusty , and exemplary in conduct , steady and firm in principle , to assist its objects b y every means in your power , and to unite in making its establishment , so far as wc can , and the imperfections of our nature will permit , thoroughly
successful , and with that object in view I personally will do all in my power to assist and to encourage the establishment of a Provincial Benevolent Fund . Brethren , I again thank you most sincerely for your hearty reception of this toast , for this jewel which you have presented to me , and for the many kindnesses I have been privileged to receive from you , individually and collectively , during the last five or six years , and I assure you , that notwithstanding the fact