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Craft Masonry.
mean music , instrumental or vocaI , which appeals to all that is best in us . Such it was our delight to listen to at Britannia Lodge . The quintette for violins , ' cello , and pianoforte , played by Bros . C . Slokes , W . H . Peasegood , Rev . G . Ford , M . T . Miner , and T . W . Hanforth was a beautiful lenderirgof the "Allegro con spirito " of Prout , and gave the greatest pleasure all round . This clever party of amateurs , during the evening ,
also clayed Schubert ' s charming "Adagio , " as well as a second " Andante " quintette , by Prout , which had not , we believe , been previously heard in Sheffield . In addition , there were pianoforte duets by Bros . T . W . Hanforth and Peasegood ; songs by Bro . John Hunt ; and recitations by Bros . Joseph Jackman , P . M ., and H . J . Garnett , P . M . This feature in the evening's j rogramme was a strong one , and its excellence equalled its strength .
"The . Health of the Worshipful Master , Bro . John Stokes , " was placed in the hands of Bro . John Hunt , who said that the pleasure he experienced in proposing the toast was enhanced by the fact that nine years ago he himself had initiated Bro . John Stokes into Freemasonry . He then predicted that their new W . M . would be a credit to the Order . His prophecy , as they would all admit , had come true , for from the first he had never swerved , and was now as thick and thin a supporter as they could possibly wish . No rran better deserved the position he had gained than Bro . John Stokes . It was amusing that the W . M . of to-night should invest as his S . W . the popular W . M . of
the White Rcse of York Lodge , and that some few weeks ago Bro . Gunstone should , on his part , place in the Junior Warden's chair the equally popular W . M . of Britannia—a nice little arrangement , giving mutual pleasure to Bros . Gunstone and Stokes , and ccmplele satisfactien to the members of b . th lodges . Their W . M . he ( Bro . Hunt ) need not tell them was a good Craft Mason , an enthusiastic companion of the Royal Arch , and had , he believed , "dabbled" in other Degrees , showing that his interest in the Order was of a strong and he althy character . A curious feature in their proceedings that night was that they had elected and put into Ihe chair a W . M . to do the work of the
lodge , and yet , in point of fact , there was no work in the actual sense for him to do . He ( Bro . Hunt ) would neither whine nor wince , but he could not blink the fact that Britannia was not in working condition , and it seemed to him rather hard upon the W . M . They were like a ship becalmed ; they were in a slate of inactivity . What in those circumstances had be st be done ? In his opinion , their duty lay in bearing this state of things as quietly as possible ; violent conduct was neither practicable nor desirab ' e . Let them
keep themselves in a position cf readiness ; support their W . M . and his officers , and wait for better times . They were not without friends , as that gathering showed , and if they could not add to their numbers by taking initiates , they could , at least , keep up old ties . If charge came , and he trusted it would come speedily , even in the time of their pnser . t W . M ., they would be prepared , and he felt that the destinies of their good old lodge were in safe and competent hands . Let them drink , then , to the health and jrospeiity of their W . M ., Bro . John Stokes , and success to his rule in Britannia .
Here was introduced a new song called "The Master ' s toast , " the music by Bro . Isidore de Solla , who was present and played the accompaniment . The [ song has a good swing with it , carries a chorus , and is distinctly taking in its character . Bro . Hunt sang it with spirit , and the brethren thoroughly appreciated it . Bro . de Solla is a member of the Iris Lodge , No . 2545 , which , it we remember rightly , was consecrated in February , iSg 5 , and meets at the Rainbow Tavern , Fleet-street . He comes of a musical family , and himself informed us that a relative of his had the honour of giving muiical instruction to her Majesty the Queen in her youthful days .
Bro . John Stokes , the W . M ., had a most enthusiastic reception . He said : Brethren , there is , I think , some excuse to be made for me if I acknowledge lo a feeling of nervousness on rising to reply to the toast so kindly , yet , I fear , flatteringly proposed by our good friend Bro . John H unt . He has attributed to me qualities which I am dubious of possessing . He has told you , too , that I am placed in a position which he fears is one of inactivity ; well brethren if I am destined to do nothing in this chair during the coming year , I am at least prepared to do it exceedingly well . He says we are moribund ; to this I distinctly take exception ; personally I think we are anything but that . Look
around and you will see indications of life and activity which contradict that statement emphatically . Previous to occupying this chair , I was always prepared to maintain that the W . M . ' s end of the table was a dead-alive sort of situation and not to be compared wilh the freedem enjoyed by the jovial occupant of the West , but brethren I can assure you it is no such thing ; it is a remarkably pleasant and agreeable situation and I hope you may all in your several turns live to occupy it , It carries with it great honour but involves serious responsibility . Brethren , I am fully conscious of both . The ceremony during the Board of Installed Masters impressed me particularly , gave rise in my mind in fact to thoughts which I find too deep for words . I am especially gratified also to see
the large number of brethren who have assembled to greet me to-night , their kindness goes to my heart and I only hope 1 shall be able to realise even partially the expectations which seem to have been formed in my legard . I shall endeavour to follow the example of Bio . Hi nt , who 1 as displayed such wordtrful powers of smoothing difficulties , I might almcst say of ren ov ' ng mi ut . ta ' ns and if I tan attain such a degree of excellence I stall r . ot lave striven n v ^ in . 1 am especially grateful for the many marks of your coi fide nee which I have f . om time to time received ; they will I assure you give me stn ngth lo go forward and to carry out the duties which owing to the circumstances of our c < ndilion are undoub : edly trying .
"The Immediate Past Master , " was proposed by Bro . E . Dickinson , P . M . This was well received and many expressions of r egret at the accident which deprived them of the jovial piesence of Bro . Wm Middle ton , the retiring W . M ., \ vere expressed . The W . M . replied , and read a letter w hich he I ad 11 ceived from Bro . Middleton in which he expressed the hope that at no very distant date he would once more be able to join his brethren in lodge . After the "Adagio" to which reference has been made Bro . H . J . Garnett , P . M ., expressed the pleasure it gave him to propose " The Health ot the Ins ailing Master , Bro . Chailes Slokes . " He complimented him upon the happy , able , and excellent manner
in which he had got throigh the ceremor . y . He ( Bro . Gainett ) could , as doubtless many others could , remember the Masonic infancy of Bro . Charles Stokes . His career had been eminently successful , for he had worked hard andspared no timeand no trouble to attain that success . It was a privilege for any man to be able to install his own brothf r , and in that particular Bro . Charles Stokes was to be envied . The Worshipful Master also desired thus publicly to thank him for undertaking the ceremony and explained how much it had enhanced the pleasure and happiness of the evening that it should be by the hand of his own brother that he was placed in the post of honour in their midst .
Bro . Chailes Stokes , referring to the tie of blood between himself and their W . M ., said how pleased he was to receive an invitation on the part of Britannia to undertake the installation , and that if he had thereby added to the gratification of his broiher he was greatly delighted . Bro . Stckes then referred to the condition of Britannia Lodge , declared that he had heard a whisper that work might be had ; that for nine years or thereabouts the minority had had their say and exercised their will ; that now he should recommend tf em to bring fcrwaid candidates and try their fortune again . They had lone been under a very black cloud , but he believed not only was there a silver lining
to that cloud but tie lung they would find a splendid hoiizon opening out before them . They were not conquered and he recommended them manfully to face their difficulties . "The Masonic Chaiiiies" was proposed by Bro . G . W . Hawkesley , P . M . In lesponding , Bro . J oseph Binney , P . M ., Charity member for Britannia Lodge , went into details and particulars in relation to the two great questions which had lately agitated , and did yet occupy the minds of West Yorkshire . He justified the conduct of the province and explained the action which had been taken by the Committee which had been nominated to carry out the formation of the local scheme .
" The Sister Lodges and Visiting Brethren " was submitted by the J . W .,. Bro . A . R . Fox , in very felicitous terms , and was happily acknowledged by Bio . Geo . B . Wood , W , M . 29 G , Sheffield , and by Bro . Costelo , 250 . In proposing " The Past Masters , " Bro . Wm . Gunstone , W . M . 2491 and S . W . of the ledge ; made a very eloquent speech and was heartily cheered . This was suitably acknowledged by Bro . Geo . Williams , P . M . The final toast was " The Officers of Britannia Lodge . " This was left to the W . M ., who paid a generous tribute to the excellent character of those who had signified
their willirgness to serve under him . He did not doubt , he said , that notwithstanding the inactivity to which at present they had to submit , they would yet work pleasantly and harmoniously together , and he trusted the hopeful and very enjoyable evening they had spent was an augury of the year upon which they were entering . 1 his having been acknowledged , the proceedings closed . It would have been impossible , but for the admissions of the speakers themselves , for an outsider to imagine that anything but the completes ! concord existed in Britannia Lodge . There was not a jarring note , not the faintest indication of discord . This , it appears , was accounted for by the fact that the small body of malcontents on these
Craft Masonry.
occasions have the grace to keep away , so that , though they hinder the work and progress of the lodge , to do them justice they make no attempt to mar the pleasure of the members or the enjoyment of their visitors on the occasion of these annual festivals . Comment upon our part upon the condition of Britannia Lodge we shall not offer , for we know the fate of those who interfere in the quarrels of others , but we can cause no offence by saying how much we lament that a lodge so old , so wealthy , so distinguished , and so reputable should be hindered in its good work and rendered , if not powerless , at any rate feeble , in upholding the banner of Masonic principles which it once triumphantly bore whilst marching in the van of true Masonic progress .
fat . Ambrose Lodge , No . 1891 . The installation meeting of this lodge , which is always held on St . Ambrose Day , took place at St . James' Hall , Piccadilly , on the 7 th inst ., when there were present Bros . R . W . Jones , W . M . ; W . Ham , S . W ., W . M . elect ; G . B . Spicer , l . W . ; P . P . Perry , P . M ., Treas ; W . F . Bates , P . M ., Sec ; Dr . Ivor Davis , S D . ; G . Mav , J . D . ; D . F . Norrington , I . G . ; F . W . Buxton , P . M . ; E . T . Edwards and A . E . Gadd , Stwds . ; Ludwig Lichtwilz , P . M . ; J . C . Conway , P . M . ; W . Hoggins , I . P . M . ; A . Strutt , A . Lichtwilz . H . J . Thwaites , E . ] . Calfe , II . C . Parke , J . VV . Morley , P . M . ; A . F . Phelo , F . Mason , S . j . Ling , G . W . Thatcher , H . Hudson ,
W . H . Page-Nash , W . M'Cutcheon , L . Russell , A . White . F . W . Leeks , G . C . E . Gelardi , A . Lee , H . W . Roach , H . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler , and others . Among the numerous visitors were Bros . E . C . Mulvey , P . M . 179 , P . P . G . D . C . Herts ; John Brock , P . M . 299 , P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; W . Hunt , P . M . I 7 >; J . K . Harnell , P . M . 511 ; W . Kitson , P . M . 54 S ; J . Skinner , P . M . 2191 ; W . F . Hughes , P . M . 179 ; E . W . Carter , P . M . S 5 S ; A . E . Hughes , P . M . 17 , ); H . Leach , 1107 ; A . Simpson , 2432 ; J . Ponsford Taverner , I . G . 1364 ; F . W . Gibbs , 2512 ; J . Banks , J . W . S 34 ; W . J . Clark , 1531 ; R . Cawley , 172 ; H . Strickland , 1602 ; W . H . Handover , J . D . 1642 ; A . Hayward , 2550 ; T . B . Tipton , S . D . 2550 ; M . S . Rubinstein , Org . 2535 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .
The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , the W . M ., Bro . ' R . VV . lones , raised Bro . G . C . E . Gelardi to the Third Degree , and afterwards passed Bros . P . Habra , A . Lee , and H . W . Roach to the Second Degree . The W . M . then proceeded with the important business of installing Bro . William Ham as W . M . for the ensuing year , and he performed the duty in a most exemplary manner . The new W . M . next appointed and—with the exception of two absentees—invested the following brethren as his officers : Bros . R . W . Jones , I . P . M . ; G . B . Spicer , S . W . ; Dr . i . Davis , l . W . ; P . P . Perry , P . M ., Treas . ; W . F . Bates , P . M ., Sec ; G . May , S . D . ; D . F .
Norrington , J . D . ; A . E . Gadd , I . G . ; F . W . Buxton , P . M ., P . Vincent , F VVhicher , and A . Strutt , Stewards ; E . Rix , Director of Ceremonies ; A Lichtwitz , Asst . Director of Ceremonies ; F . P . Buxton , Mus . Dir . ; and H . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler . Ihe delivery of the usual addresses was ably rendered bv Bro . R . VV . Jones , and he is to be congratulated on the efficient way he carried out the installation ceremony . The W . M . then rose and said it was his very pleasant duty to present the
I . P . M ., Bro . R . W . Jones , with a Past Master ' s jewel , which he had well earned and won for his valuable services in the chair , and he sincerely hoped that he would be spared for many years to do for the lodge the great things he had done in the past . In response , Bro . R . W . Jones , I . P . M ., tendered his best thanks for the jewel , which he should esteem as long as he lived . The report of the Audit Committee having been received and adopted , and two gentlemen proposed for initiation at the next meeting , other business followed , and the lodge was closed .
The banquet , which was everything that could be desired , was admirably served under the personal superintendence of Bro . Scott Roberts . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts having been duly honoured , The I . P . M ., Bro . R . W . Jones , proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Master , Bro . Ham , " and said that no words of his were necessary to extol Bro . Ham's worth . He was one who would do credit to the lodge , which would continue its caieer as one of
the best in the West of London , and they had every confidence in entrusting the lodge to him as he would do everything for its welfare and the happiness of the members . He had brought in a large number of initiates and on behalf of all the members he ( Bro . Jones ) wished him gorod luck and prosperity , and when his time came to vacate the chair he had no doubt it would be with satisfaction to them all , for what he had done during his year of office , leaving the lodge in a sound financial condition .
Bro . Wm . Ham , W . M ., on rising to respond , was received with great en ' . husiasm . He thanked the I . P . M . for his kind words , and if he could appropriate only a half of what he had said of him he should be gratified . Looking to his splendid predecessors , it was with diffidence that he took the chair . He should never forget when Bro . P . P Perry was W . M . ( whose perfect working made a lasting impression on him ) . Bro . F . W . Buxton , who followed , had ably filled the chair for two successive years . Bro . J . C . Conway came next , and his year of ofiice would ever be remembered . The next on the list was Bro . W . Hoggins who was a perfect W . M . and no better Preceptor could
be found in London . He was succeeded by Bro . Ii . D . 1 ' . Rymer , who died during his year of cilice , and the last and certainly not the least was the I . P . M ., Bro . Jones , who had been everything . He had mentioned all the Past Masters which would show the hard task he had in store if he followed in their footsteps , which he hoped he would do . In conclusion he said nothing would be wanting on his part to do everything to promote the interests of the lodge , and he earnestly trusted it would be to their entire satisfaction ; he was honoured by being the Master of such an important lodge which was composed of members of the right sort , and he would take care that they would have , for initiates , as they had always had , quality and not quantity .
In giving "The Installing Master , Bro . R . VV . Jones , " the W . M . stated that his work that night was beyond all praise , and he had never seen the installation ceremony better performed . They expected great things of him , and they had not been disappointed . In responding , Bro . R . W . Jones , I . P . M ., thanked them for the way they had received him . He had done his very best that evening ; but it was certainly not better than his predecessors . 'twelve months ago when he was installed , the lodge was in a good position , and he was proud to say that at the end of his year of ofiice it was in a better one . It was easy enough for a lodge to go down , but somewhat difficult to keep
it in a state of perfection . If his working had given satisfaction , the thanks were due to Bro . Hoggins , P . M ., and to Bro . F . VV . Buxton , P . M ., for their tuition , and his reception was a sufficient return for his services . He was now going on the Past Master ' s shelf where he would be able to rest , as the W . M . would not require any assistance from him as the I . P . M . In referring to the jewel he said it was the only one he had received in Masonry , and it would be tne most honoured , even if it hereafter fell to his lot to get others . The j : wel bore the following inscription . " Presented by the St . Ambrose Lodge , Mo . 1 S 91 , to Bio . R . VV , Jones , P . M ., in recognition of his services as VV . M . iSo / 5 . "
The toast of " I he Visitors " came next , the W . M . observing that many of them had been there b ; fore and he hoped they would come again . They had Bro . E . C . Mulvey , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , a household name in London , no one had worked harder for the Craft and the way he was decorated with jewels , was evidence ot what he had done for Freemasonry . Then there was Bro . Jno . Brock , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., who was
more than welcome , and Bro . E . VV . Carter , P . M . —they were school boys tigerher—a very old and dear friend , who had proposed him ( the VV . M . ) in Masonry , and had initiated , passed , and raited him , and he was delighted that he hid honoured him with his presence at his installation . He mentioned each of the other visitors by name , and , in conclusion , gave them ail a very hearty welcome , coupling with the toist the names of Bros . E . C Mulvey , J . Brock , and E . W . Carter .
Bro . E . C . Mulvey , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , responded . It was a great pleasure to him to visit the lodge , which he had attended two years ago . The outgoing Mister had Deen perfect , as was the new VV . M ., for the way he had invested his officers showed that he was the light man in the right place , and the lodge , which had a good balance in hand for a London lodge , would continue its prosperity under his genial presidency . In Bro . Bates they had a most kind and energetic Secretary , and Bro . Hoggins , whom he had known for many years , was a worker ot the ritual who was second to none in the Metropolis . The W . M . had come back from his travels with renewed strength , and they were all glad to see him restored to health .
Bro . J . Brock , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., said that all the visitors were proud to have had the privilege of witnessing the ceremonies , which had been worked splendidly , and the membeis were to be congratulated on having such an efficient W . M ., who would , he thought , be a great success . Bro . E . W . Carter , P . M ., also acknowledged the toast , remarking that he always looked u on Bro . Ham as his young brother . vVhen the W . M . was initiated , he ( Bro . Carter ) said that he would never rest until he got into the chair , and he was glad that
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Craft Masonry.
mean music , instrumental or vocaI , which appeals to all that is best in us . Such it was our delight to listen to at Britannia Lodge . The quintette for violins , ' cello , and pianoforte , played by Bros . C . Slokes , W . H . Peasegood , Rev . G . Ford , M . T . Miner , and T . W . Hanforth was a beautiful lenderirgof the "Allegro con spirito " of Prout , and gave the greatest pleasure all round . This clever party of amateurs , during the evening ,
also clayed Schubert ' s charming "Adagio , " as well as a second " Andante " quintette , by Prout , which had not , we believe , been previously heard in Sheffield . In addition , there were pianoforte duets by Bros . T . W . Hanforth and Peasegood ; songs by Bro . John Hunt ; and recitations by Bros . Joseph Jackman , P . M ., and H . J . Garnett , P . M . This feature in the evening's j rogramme was a strong one , and its excellence equalled its strength .
"The . Health of the Worshipful Master , Bro . John Stokes , " was placed in the hands of Bro . John Hunt , who said that the pleasure he experienced in proposing the toast was enhanced by the fact that nine years ago he himself had initiated Bro . John Stokes into Freemasonry . He then predicted that their new W . M . would be a credit to the Order . His prophecy , as they would all admit , had come true , for from the first he had never swerved , and was now as thick and thin a supporter as they could possibly wish . No rran better deserved the position he had gained than Bro . John Stokes . It was amusing that the W . M . of to-night should invest as his S . W . the popular W . M . of
the White Rcse of York Lodge , and that some few weeks ago Bro . Gunstone should , on his part , place in the Junior Warden's chair the equally popular W . M . of Britannia—a nice little arrangement , giving mutual pleasure to Bros . Gunstone and Stokes , and ccmplele satisfactien to the members of b . th lodges . Their W . M . he ( Bro . Hunt ) need not tell them was a good Craft Mason , an enthusiastic companion of the Royal Arch , and had , he believed , "dabbled" in other Degrees , showing that his interest in the Order was of a strong and he althy character . A curious feature in their proceedings that night was that they had elected and put into Ihe chair a W . M . to do the work of the
lodge , and yet , in point of fact , there was no work in the actual sense for him to do . He ( Bro . Hunt ) would neither whine nor wince , but he could not blink the fact that Britannia was not in working condition , and it seemed to him rather hard upon the W . M . They were like a ship becalmed ; they were in a slate of inactivity . What in those circumstances had be st be done ? In his opinion , their duty lay in bearing this state of things as quietly as possible ; violent conduct was neither practicable nor desirab ' e . Let them
keep themselves in a position cf readiness ; support their W . M . and his officers , and wait for better times . They were not without friends , as that gathering showed , and if they could not add to their numbers by taking initiates , they could , at least , keep up old ties . If charge came , and he trusted it would come speedily , even in the time of their pnser . t W . M ., they would be prepared , and he felt that the destinies of their good old lodge were in safe and competent hands . Let them drink , then , to the health and jrospeiity of their W . M ., Bro . John Stokes , and success to his rule in Britannia .
Here was introduced a new song called "The Master ' s toast , " the music by Bro . Isidore de Solla , who was present and played the accompaniment . The [ song has a good swing with it , carries a chorus , and is distinctly taking in its character . Bro . Hunt sang it with spirit , and the brethren thoroughly appreciated it . Bro . de Solla is a member of the Iris Lodge , No . 2545 , which , it we remember rightly , was consecrated in February , iSg 5 , and meets at the Rainbow Tavern , Fleet-street . He comes of a musical family , and himself informed us that a relative of his had the honour of giving muiical instruction to her Majesty the Queen in her youthful days .
Bro . John Stokes , the W . M ., had a most enthusiastic reception . He said : Brethren , there is , I think , some excuse to be made for me if I acknowledge lo a feeling of nervousness on rising to reply to the toast so kindly , yet , I fear , flatteringly proposed by our good friend Bro . John H unt . He has attributed to me qualities which I am dubious of possessing . He has told you , too , that I am placed in a position which he fears is one of inactivity ; well brethren if I am destined to do nothing in this chair during the coming year , I am at least prepared to do it exceedingly well . He says we are moribund ; to this I distinctly take exception ; personally I think we are anything but that . Look
around and you will see indications of life and activity which contradict that statement emphatically . Previous to occupying this chair , I was always prepared to maintain that the W . M . ' s end of the table was a dead-alive sort of situation and not to be compared wilh the freedem enjoyed by the jovial occupant of the West , but brethren I can assure you it is no such thing ; it is a remarkably pleasant and agreeable situation and I hope you may all in your several turns live to occupy it , It carries with it great honour but involves serious responsibility . Brethren , I am fully conscious of both . The ceremony during the Board of Installed Masters impressed me particularly , gave rise in my mind in fact to thoughts which I find too deep for words . I am especially gratified also to see
the large number of brethren who have assembled to greet me to-night , their kindness goes to my heart and I only hope 1 shall be able to realise even partially the expectations which seem to have been formed in my legard . I shall endeavour to follow the example of Bio . Hi nt , who 1 as displayed such wordtrful powers of smoothing difficulties , I might almcst say of ren ov ' ng mi ut . ta ' ns and if I tan attain such a degree of excellence I stall r . ot lave striven n v ^ in . 1 am especially grateful for the many marks of your coi fide nee which I have f . om time to time received ; they will I assure you give me stn ngth lo go forward and to carry out the duties which owing to the circumstances of our c < ndilion are undoub : edly trying .
"The Immediate Past Master , " was proposed by Bro . E . Dickinson , P . M . This was well received and many expressions of r egret at the accident which deprived them of the jovial piesence of Bro . Wm Middle ton , the retiring W . M ., \ vere expressed . The W . M . replied , and read a letter w hich he I ad 11 ceived from Bro . Middleton in which he expressed the hope that at no very distant date he would once more be able to join his brethren in lodge . After the "Adagio" to which reference has been made Bro . H . J . Garnett , P . M ., expressed the pleasure it gave him to propose " The Health ot the Ins ailing Master , Bro . Chailes Slokes . " He complimented him upon the happy , able , and excellent manner
in which he had got throigh the ceremor . y . He ( Bro . Gainett ) could , as doubtless many others could , remember the Masonic infancy of Bro . Charles Stokes . His career had been eminently successful , for he had worked hard andspared no timeand no trouble to attain that success . It was a privilege for any man to be able to install his own brothf r , and in that particular Bro . Charles Stokes was to be envied . The Worshipful Master also desired thus publicly to thank him for undertaking the ceremony and explained how much it had enhanced the pleasure and happiness of the evening that it should be by the hand of his own brother that he was placed in the post of honour in their midst .
Bro . Chailes Stokes , referring to the tie of blood between himself and their W . M ., said how pleased he was to receive an invitation on the part of Britannia to undertake the installation , and that if he had thereby added to the gratification of his broiher he was greatly delighted . Bro . Stckes then referred to the condition of Britannia Lodge , declared that he had heard a whisper that work might be had ; that for nine years or thereabouts the minority had had their say and exercised their will ; that now he should recommend tf em to bring fcrwaid candidates and try their fortune again . They had lone been under a very black cloud , but he believed not only was there a silver lining
to that cloud but tie lung they would find a splendid hoiizon opening out before them . They were not conquered and he recommended them manfully to face their difficulties . "The Masonic Chaiiiies" was proposed by Bro . G . W . Hawkesley , P . M . In lesponding , Bro . J oseph Binney , P . M ., Charity member for Britannia Lodge , went into details and particulars in relation to the two great questions which had lately agitated , and did yet occupy the minds of West Yorkshire . He justified the conduct of the province and explained the action which had been taken by the Committee which had been nominated to carry out the formation of the local scheme .
" The Sister Lodges and Visiting Brethren " was submitted by the J . W .,. Bro . A . R . Fox , in very felicitous terms , and was happily acknowledged by Bio . Geo . B . Wood , W , M . 29 G , Sheffield , and by Bro . Costelo , 250 . In proposing " The Past Masters , " Bro . Wm . Gunstone , W . M . 2491 and S . W . of the ledge ; made a very eloquent speech and was heartily cheered . This was suitably acknowledged by Bro . Geo . Williams , P . M . The final toast was " The Officers of Britannia Lodge . " This was left to the W . M ., who paid a generous tribute to the excellent character of those who had signified
their willirgness to serve under him . He did not doubt , he said , that notwithstanding the inactivity to which at present they had to submit , they would yet work pleasantly and harmoniously together , and he trusted the hopeful and very enjoyable evening they had spent was an augury of the year upon which they were entering . 1 his having been acknowledged , the proceedings closed . It would have been impossible , but for the admissions of the speakers themselves , for an outsider to imagine that anything but the completes ! concord existed in Britannia Lodge . There was not a jarring note , not the faintest indication of discord . This , it appears , was accounted for by the fact that the small body of malcontents on these
Craft Masonry.
occasions have the grace to keep away , so that , though they hinder the work and progress of the lodge , to do them justice they make no attempt to mar the pleasure of the members or the enjoyment of their visitors on the occasion of these annual festivals . Comment upon our part upon the condition of Britannia Lodge we shall not offer , for we know the fate of those who interfere in the quarrels of others , but we can cause no offence by saying how much we lament that a lodge so old , so wealthy , so distinguished , and so reputable should be hindered in its good work and rendered , if not powerless , at any rate feeble , in upholding the banner of Masonic principles which it once triumphantly bore whilst marching in the van of true Masonic progress .
fat . Ambrose Lodge , No . 1891 . The installation meeting of this lodge , which is always held on St . Ambrose Day , took place at St . James' Hall , Piccadilly , on the 7 th inst ., when there were present Bros . R . W . Jones , W . M . ; W . Ham , S . W ., W . M . elect ; G . B . Spicer , l . W . ; P . P . Perry , P . M ., Treas ; W . F . Bates , P . M ., Sec ; Dr . Ivor Davis , S D . ; G . Mav , J . D . ; D . F . Norrington , I . G . ; F . W . Buxton , P . M . ; E . T . Edwards and A . E . Gadd , Stwds . ; Ludwig Lichtwilz , P . M . ; J . C . Conway , P . M . ; W . Hoggins , I . P . M . ; A . Strutt , A . Lichtwilz . H . J . Thwaites , E . ] . Calfe , II . C . Parke , J . VV . Morley , P . M . ; A . F . Phelo , F . Mason , S . j . Ling , G . W . Thatcher , H . Hudson ,
W . H . Page-Nash , W . M'Cutcheon , L . Russell , A . White . F . W . Leeks , G . C . E . Gelardi , A . Lee , H . W . Roach , H . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler , and others . Among the numerous visitors were Bros . E . C . Mulvey , P . M . 179 , P . P . G . D . C . Herts ; John Brock , P . M . 299 , P . P . S . G . D . Kent ; W . Hunt , P . M . I 7 >; J . K . Harnell , P . M . 511 ; W . Kitson , P . M . 54 S ; J . Skinner , P . M . 2191 ; W . F . Hughes , P . M . 179 ; E . W . Carter , P . M . S 5 S ; A . E . Hughes , P . M . 17 , ); H . Leach , 1107 ; A . Simpson , 2432 ; J . Ponsford Taverner , I . G . 1364 ; F . W . Gibbs , 2512 ; J . Banks , J . W . S 34 ; W . J . Clark , 1531 ; R . Cawley , 172 ; H . Strickland , 1602 ; W . H . Handover , J . D . 1642 ; A . Hayward , 2550 ; T . B . Tipton , S . D . 2550 ; M . S . Rubinstein , Org . 2535 ; and R . T . West , 1744 .
The minutes of the previous meeting having been read , the W . M ., Bro . ' R . VV . lones , raised Bro . G . C . E . Gelardi to the Third Degree , and afterwards passed Bros . P . Habra , A . Lee , and H . W . Roach to the Second Degree . The W . M . then proceeded with the important business of installing Bro . William Ham as W . M . for the ensuing year , and he performed the duty in a most exemplary manner . The new W . M . next appointed and—with the exception of two absentees—invested the following brethren as his officers : Bros . R . W . Jones , I . P . M . ; G . B . Spicer , S . W . ; Dr . i . Davis , l . W . ; P . P . Perry , P . M ., Treas . ; W . F . Bates , P . M ., Sec ; G . May , S . D . ; D . F .
Norrington , J . D . ; A . E . Gadd , I . G . ; F . W . Buxton , P . M ., P . Vincent , F VVhicher , and A . Strutt , Stewards ; E . Rix , Director of Ceremonies ; A Lichtwitz , Asst . Director of Ceremonies ; F . P . Buxton , Mus . Dir . ; and H . Evenden , P . M ., Tyler . Ihe delivery of the usual addresses was ably rendered bv Bro . R . VV . Jones , and he is to be congratulated on the efficient way he carried out the installation ceremony . The W . M . then rose and said it was his very pleasant duty to present the
I . P . M ., Bro . R . W . Jones , with a Past Master ' s jewel , which he had well earned and won for his valuable services in the chair , and he sincerely hoped that he would be spared for many years to do for the lodge the great things he had done in the past . In response , Bro . R . W . Jones , I . P . M ., tendered his best thanks for the jewel , which he should esteem as long as he lived . The report of the Audit Committee having been received and adopted , and two gentlemen proposed for initiation at the next meeting , other business followed , and the lodge was closed .
The banquet , which was everything that could be desired , was admirably served under the personal superintendence of Bro . Scott Roberts . The customary loyal and Masonic toasts having been duly honoured , The I . P . M ., Bro . R . W . Jones , proposed "The Health of the Worshipful Master , Bro . Ham , " and said that no words of his were necessary to extol Bro . Ham's worth . He was one who would do credit to the lodge , which would continue its caieer as one of
the best in the West of London , and they had every confidence in entrusting the lodge to him as he would do everything for its welfare and the happiness of the members . He had brought in a large number of initiates and on behalf of all the members he ( Bro . Jones ) wished him gorod luck and prosperity , and when his time came to vacate the chair he had no doubt it would be with satisfaction to them all , for what he had done during his year of office , leaving the lodge in a sound financial condition .
Bro . Wm . Ham , W . M ., on rising to respond , was received with great en ' . husiasm . He thanked the I . P . M . for his kind words , and if he could appropriate only a half of what he had said of him he should be gratified . Looking to his splendid predecessors , it was with diffidence that he took the chair . He should never forget when Bro . P . P Perry was W . M . ( whose perfect working made a lasting impression on him ) . Bro . F . W . Buxton , who followed , had ably filled the chair for two successive years . Bro . J . C . Conway came next , and his year of ofiice would ever be remembered . The next on the list was Bro . W . Hoggins who was a perfect W . M . and no better Preceptor could
be found in London . He was succeeded by Bro . Ii . D . 1 ' . Rymer , who died during his year of cilice , and the last and certainly not the least was the I . P . M ., Bro . Jones , who had been everything . He had mentioned all the Past Masters which would show the hard task he had in store if he followed in their footsteps , which he hoped he would do . In conclusion he said nothing would be wanting on his part to do everything to promote the interests of the lodge , and he earnestly trusted it would be to their entire satisfaction ; he was honoured by being the Master of such an important lodge which was composed of members of the right sort , and he would take care that they would have , for initiates , as they had always had , quality and not quantity .
In giving "The Installing Master , Bro . R . VV . Jones , " the W . M . stated that his work that night was beyond all praise , and he had never seen the installation ceremony better performed . They expected great things of him , and they had not been disappointed . In responding , Bro . R . W . Jones , I . P . M ., thanked them for the way they had received him . He had done his very best that evening ; but it was certainly not better than his predecessors . 'twelve months ago when he was installed , the lodge was in a good position , and he was proud to say that at the end of his year of ofiice it was in a better one . It was easy enough for a lodge to go down , but somewhat difficult to keep
it in a state of perfection . If his working had given satisfaction , the thanks were due to Bro . Hoggins , P . M ., and to Bro . F . VV . Buxton , P . M ., for their tuition , and his reception was a sufficient return for his services . He was now going on the Past Master ' s shelf where he would be able to rest , as the W . M . would not require any assistance from him as the I . P . M . In referring to the jewel he said it was the only one he had received in Masonry , and it would be tne most honoured , even if it hereafter fell to his lot to get others . The j : wel bore the following inscription . " Presented by the St . Ambrose Lodge , Mo . 1 S 91 , to Bio . R . VV , Jones , P . M ., in recognition of his services as VV . M . iSo / 5 . "
The toast of " I he Visitors " came next , the W . M . observing that many of them had been there b ; fore and he hoped they would come again . They had Bro . E . C . Mulvey , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , a household name in London , no one had worked harder for the Craft and the way he was decorated with jewels , was evidence ot what he had done for Freemasonry . Then there was Bro . Jno . Brock , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., who was
more than welcome , and Bro . E . VV . Carter , P . M . —they were school boys tigerher—a very old and dear friend , who had proposed him ( the VV . M . ) in Masonry , and had initiated , passed , and raited him , and he was delighted that he hid honoured him with his presence at his installation . He mentioned each of the other visitors by name , and , in conclusion , gave them ail a very hearty welcome , coupling with the toist the names of Bros . E . C Mulvey , J . Brock , and E . W . Carter .
Bro . E . C . Mulvey , P . M ., P . P . G . D . C , responded . It was a great pleasure to him to visit the lodge , which he had attended two years ago . The outgoing Mister had Deen perfect , as was the new VV . M ., for the way he had invested his officers showed that he was the light man in the right place , and the lodge , which had a good balance in hand for a London lodge , would continue its prosperity under his genial presidency . In Bro . Bates they had a most kind and energetic Secretary , and Bro . Hoggins , whom he had known for many years , was a worker ot the ritual who was second to none in the Metropolis . The W . M . had come back from his travels with renewed strength , and they were all glad to see him restored to health .
Bro . J . Brock , P . M ., P . P . S . G . D ., said that all the visitors were proud to have had the privilege of witnessing the ceremonies , which had been worked splendidly , and the membeis were to be congratulated on having such an efficient W . M ., who would , he thought , be a great success . Bro . E . W . Carter , P . M ., also acknowledged the toast , remarking that he always looked u on Bro . Ham as his young brother . vVhen the W . M . was initiated , he ( Bro . Carter ) said that he would never rest until he got into the chair , and he was glad that