Installation Of The Grand Secretary As W.M. Of The Shadwell Clerke Lodge.

INSTALLATION OF THE GRAND SECRETARY AS W . M . OF THE SHADWELL CLERKE LODGE .

A ceremony interesting in itself , but rendered unique from the fact that it is the first occasion on record of a Grand Secretary being installed in the chair of a lodge , took place at Mark Masons' Hall on Tuesday last , and as the lodge bears the honoured name of Shadwell Clerke , the ceremony was a peculiarly

fitting and appropriate one . There was a slight departure from the usual custom , the meeting of the lodge for business taking place in the ordinary lodge room , and the members and visitors assembling afterwards in the large hall for the installation ceremony . Bro . J . L . Mather ,

P . A . G . D . C , as the oldest Past Master present , performed the ceremony of installation , while Bro . C . F . Matier , P . G . Std . Br ., the Secretary of the lodge , gave the addresses . In the hands of the brethren named it is needless to say that the ceremonial was perfectly gone through , and it is equally unnecessary

to add that the candidate for installation was free from nervous embarrassment and relieved his sponsors from any trouble in connection with the ceremony . A goodly number of Past Masters were present , including one of the oldest and one of the newest Provincial Grand Masters in the persons of R . W . Bros .

W . W . B . Beach and Colonel Money . The W . M ., in appointing his officers , referred in feeling terms to the tragic event that had deprived him of the pleasure of investing the late Bro . MacDonald as I . P . M ., and proceeded to invest his officers as follows : Bros . Geo . J . Reed , S . W . ; Gordon Miller , J . W . ;

Charles Belton , P . M ., Treas . ; C . F . Matier , P . M ., Sec . ; Thomas Wye , S . D . ; Jabez Church , J . D . ; J . L . Mather , P . M ., D . C ; H . G . Holmes , Org . ; R . L . Andrews , I . G . ; E . W . Monkhouse and F . Cordeux Rhys , Stwds . ; and E . J . Mills , Tyler . This being done , and several candidates having been proposed , the lodge

was closed , and the brethren adjourned to a very choice banquet at the Holborn Restaurant . The menu was well chosen , and the arrangements , as might have been expected , were , in the hands of the Secretary , admirably carried out . We give below a list of those present , but we may mention that there sat down

nearly 40 members and about 50 visitors , the Grand Officers numbering 31 . The toasts were brief but to the point . That of " The M . W . Grand Master " gave the W . M . occasion to refer in terms of sympathy to the domestic affliction which unfortunately existed in his Royal Highness ' s household . In reply to the toast

of "The W . M ., " Bro . Colonel SHADWELL H . CLERKE thanked the brethren for the honour they had done him , first in giving his name to the lodge , and for electing him to the chair on that occasion . After a lapse of 16 years he was not desirous again of undertaking the duties of the Master ' s chair , but

circumstances had rendered it desirable that he should accede to the unanimous wish of the brethren , and he gladly did so . " The Visitors " toast was responded to in a breezy speech by Rear-Admiral MARKHAM , and Bro . BELTON , as Treas ., and Bro . C . F . MATIER , as Sec , replied on behalf of " The Officers . "

Altogether the proceedings were worthy of the occasion , and as we can unhesitatingly say that the lodge does credit to its name , so we can as safel y aver that the W . M . will , during his year of office , add lustre to the lodge . The brethren present were—Members : Bros , W . C .

Gilles , I . P . M ., as W . M . ; J . Kenyon , as S . W . ; Geo . J . Reed , J . W . ; C . Belton , Treas . ; C . F . Matier , P . M ., Sec . ; Thomas Wye , J . D . ; J . L . Mather , P . M ., D . C ; E . M . Lott , P . G . Org ., Org . ; R . L . Andrews and E . W . Monkhouse , Stewards ; Richard Eve , P . G . Treas . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ;

C . H . Driver , P . G . S . of W . ; Sir J . B . Monckton , P . G . W . ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D . ; F . A . Philbrick , Q . C ., G . Reg . ; Richard Ellis , F . C . Hill , W . B . Williamson , F . Cordeux Rhys , Gordon Miller , Jabez Church , J . R . Green , A . L . Andrews , D . H . Marrable , H . T . Matthews , J . L . Grossmith , H . Ward Andrews ,

A . C . Whitaker , A . C . Pirie , J . McCulloch , G . F Smith , J . J . Cummins , T . W . Fullilove , and H . G Holmes . Visitors : Bros . W . W . B . Beach , Prov . G . M . Hants and the Isle of Wight ; Col . G . Noel Money Prov . G . M . Surrey ; Hugh D . Sandeman , P . Dist G . M . Bengal ; Rev . J . S . Brownrigg , P . G . Chaplain ;

Thomas Fenn , President of the Board of General Purposes ; Samuel Pope , Q . C ., P . G . D . ; Robert Berridge , P . G . D . ; Sir George D . Harris , P . G . D . ; Frederick West , P . G . D . ; Dr . Ralph Gooding , M . D ., P . G . D . ; R . Loveland Loveland , P . G . D . ; V . P . Freeman , P . G . D . ; Geo . Cooper , P . G . D . ; R .

Turtle Pigott , P . A . G . D . C ; J . Lewis Thomas , P . A . G . D . C ; Richard Clowes , G . Std . Br . ; A . A . Pendlebury , A . G . Sec ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; W . Stevenson Hoyte , G . Steward ; J . Balfour Cockburn , Past District Junior Grand Deacon Gibraltar ; G . C . H . Jennings , W . M . 1237 ; Admiral Markham ,

W . M . 1953 ; H . R . Rose , W . M . 2000 ; C . Mussared , W . M . 2264 ; Alderman Newton , W . M . 2347 ; W . Lake , P . M . 131 ; W . G . P . Gilbert , P . M . 257 ; J . R . Hayman , P . M . 257 ; Corrie Jackson , P . M . 534 ; Richard Mullen , P . M . 600 ; T . A . Richardson , P . M . 1397 ; R . Main , P . M . 1593 ; Lennox Browne , P . M . 2108 ; Dr . I

Zacharie , P . M . 2191 ; Major C . W . Carrell , 2312 ; A . R . Carter , P . M . 2347 ; Lewis Thomson , J . W . 1593 ; R . Percy Clowes , S . D . 2201 ; J . E . Evans Jackson , 10 ; F . O . de la Chapelle , 10 ; A . F . Church , 33 ; W . H . Ballison , 60 ; C . Browne , 218 ; W . H . Hillman , 56 9 ; Wm . Cussans , 1602 ; C de la Chapelle , 1615 ; Freak . Barton , 2266 ; J . Smith , 2343 ; and E . J . Mills , Tyler .

The Gold And Silver Wyre Drawers' Company.

THE GOLD AND SILVER WYRE DRAWERS ' COMPANY .

But little is known generally as to the origin and career of " The Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers , " and hence the history of that distinguished Society by Past Master Horace Stewart ( privately printed in 1891 ) is most welcome and opportune .

The popular notion that merchants dealing and trading with gold and silver in . their numerous artistic forms , must necessarily be rich and powerful , cannot be said to have found its fulfilment in the history of this Company , for until recent years financial troubles were quite its ordinary experience , and that ,

from no fault of its members , but due to circumstances which , for many years , they were powerless to control . It may be that owing to the late incorporation of the Company and the necessity that existed for a most rigid scrutiny of the quality of the manufactured gold and silver wyre , as well as the large importation of foreign

and inferior articles , the coffers were filled , but to be emptied , in prosecuting delinquents and in protection of the rig hts of the members . It is pleasant to read at times of the satisfactory results which followed from such proceedings . In 1701 , John Hughes , goldsmith , who was arrested for

" denying search , " made due submission , " whereupon the Committee of the Court withdrew the proceedings , and admitted him to the freedom of the Company . " Such cases admit rays of sunlight between many lawsuits of a costly nature , the semi-official duties of search , inspection , and seizure entailing considerable

expenses in early days , added to the heavy outlay contingent on securing the passing of various Bills in Parliament , or of opposing others of an objectionable class , which concerned the rights , privileges , and ordinances of the Company . Mr . Stewart thinks that the principal , if not the only

omission which the members of to-day have to reproach their predecessors with , consists in the want of foresight " which prevented them from making at a trifling outlay those judicious investments which have placed so many of the City Companies in their present fortunate and prosperous condition . "

With all deterence to so great an authority , it appears from the records submitted that the absence of such investments was the misfortune , not the fault , of the old members , the poverty of the Company in the 18 th century , united with its readiness at all times to assist indigent brethren , and above all the heavy legal

expenses already referred to , literally kept the Court without means for meeting any but urgent claims and demands , which were either unavoidable or charitable . It is disappointing to find that though the manufacture and use of gold wyre and thread can be traced back to Ancient Egyptianand Anglo-Saxon times , and numerous

instances are cited by the diligent author of mediawal work in gold and silver wyre and embroidery , all of which are of a most interesting character , and not a few are quite ordinary to students , yet the Company so ably described by Mr . Horace Stewart was not permanently incorporated until June 16 th , 1693 . under

writ of the Lord Privy seal with the title of " Masters , Wardens , Assistants , and Commonalty of the Art and Mystery of Drawing , and Flatting of Gold and Silver Wyre ; and Making and Spinning of Gold and Silver Thread and Stuffe in our City of London . " Most unfortunately the charter granted on June 16 th ,

1623 ( just 70 years before the present one ) , by authority of James I ., to the " Gould Wyer-Drawers of the City of London , " though confirmed by a Royal Proclamation , was declared by another edict " to be null and void , " and the King announced his intention to abolish the manufacture of gold and silver thread , & c ,

because wasteful of the coin and bullion of the realm . This was a terrible disappointment to the " stormtossed and harassed Wyre-Drawers , " who seemed as if nearing a haven of rest and prosperity . However , the trade was not ended , though its opposers did in time end their persecutions , and on the accession of Charles I .

there was a lull in the agitation until 1735 , when the trade was again most unfairly treated , and their petition for incorporation met with much opposition from the Goldsmiths and others , who ought to have befriended their less fortunate craftsmen ; whereas petty trade jealousies took the place of fair and honest competition ,

the richer trades gaining the ear of the King and Parliament , for evident reasons . The chapters on the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers during the Tudors , the Stuarts , and the Commonwealth are deeply interesting , and exhibit considerable research and painstaking by the author , who was so fortunate as

to find the Charter of A . D . 1623 when searching the Rolls at the Public Record Office , an attested copy of which is now owned by the Company , and a transcript is given in the appendix to this volume . The Rules and Ordinances of 1699-1700 are very suggestive , in some respects , of the Masonic Regulations

in the " Old Charges , " and run to some thirty-nine in number ( " 39 Articles ") . The Master and Wardens had to agree to the binding of apprentices , ancl made free of the Company those who had duly served their time accordingly , or who were entitled to their freedom otherwise ; Stewards were elected annually , whose duty it was to provide

two feasts during the year—viz ., one on Lord Mayor ' s day , and the other on the election of the chief officers . This position , however , ' was not an enviable one , its duties being onerous and costly , hence fines were frequently-inflicted for non-service , and even writs were issued to obtain the penalties . Only freemen could take apprentices , the term was seven years , enrolments being obligatory within

The Gold And Silver Wyre Drawers' Company.

twelve months , and within 40 days of the expiration of the term they were made free , if conduct and service were satisfactory . Cowans ( not so termed ) were not to be instructed or even worked with under penalties , as unfreemen were to be ignored and none allowed to practice in the mystery or trade within the Cities of London and Westminster .

Widows were allowed to pursue the trade of their deceased husbands and even admitted to the freedom , which says much for the hearts and gallantry of the old members . In evidence of the appreciation of such kindness , one of the earliest donations to the Company was by Mrs . Russell , who was thus favoured , and whose

virtues are duly recorded on a mural tablet in St . Alphage ' s Church , in London Wall . The oldest legacy only dates back to 1713 , when the sum of ; £ IO was willed by a popular craftsman , which was to be devoted to the purchase of a silver tankard , which is still in possession of the Company , and no

doubt has been frequently used at its annual meetings . After sundry attempts a livery was petitioned for and granted to the Company in 1780 , many members at once exercising the privilege . The fines paid in consequence amounting to nearly ^ 300 , and were a very welcome addition to the funds .

Of late years , the Company has been prosperous , if not rich , and is doing a splendid work in relation to the particular industry or trade it so ably and usefully represents . As Mr . Stewart states , it appears invidious to make a distinction when all have done so well , but " a

special word of recognition is due to the long-sustained and untiring exertions of the able honorary Clerk , W . E . Baxter , Esq .. j . P ., D . L . " " To Past Masters George Kenningand Major Joseph , C . C , a special tribute of gratitude is likewise due , and mention must be made of the invaluable work that

has been done by the present Master , Gabriel Lindo , Esq ., C . C , " who has been elected for the third time in succession to that hi gh office . Bro . George Kenning has been repeatedly thanked for devotion to the interests of the Company , not only

whilst serving as Master during two consecutive years , but for the valuable exhibition of gold and silver wyredrawing ( made at his own expense ) in '' The Old Lo ,. don Street" at "The Healtheries , " the Lord Mayor ' s Procession , 1885 , and for the assistance rendered to the collection at the Royal Military Exhibition , which was

such a success . Since the publication of this very valuable history , the " Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers " were represented in the Lord Mayor ' s Procession by its Master , three Wardens , six Past Masters , and other members , the present Lord Mayor being the Senior Warden of the

Company . In concluding this brief sketch of a deeply interesting volume ( especially so to brethren of the " Mystic Tie , " who are so familiar with gold and silver embroidery and decorations ) , I have pleasure in stating that the very effective illustrations are by the

skillul hand of Miss Estelle D'Avi gdor , daughter of one of the Liverymen ; I desire also to draw attention to the fact that the gifts have nearl y all been made within the last 50 years , that is during the period of the gradually increasing prosperity of the Company , only two having been made prior to 1849 .

In that year , the late Mr . Scovell presented the silver loving cup , without which no old company would be complete , and another relic of antiquity , at least of the sound thereof , is the snuff-box of tortoise shell , from Past Master F . F . Camroux in 1862 . From this year the Masonic fraternity is well to the

fore , nearly all the presentations being from wellknown members of the Cratt . Bros . Dr . Henniker Ranee , in 1880 , gave the " Declaration Book ; " Colonel Sewell the bannerol in the same year ; Past Master George Kenning the Arms of the Company , worked in gold and silver wire , in 1882 , and the Beadle ' s gown in 1885 ;

Past Master Horace Stewart ( Historian ) the ebony cigar cabinet ( surmounted with silver model of City Griffin ) and the " Charity box " in 1889 ; the Master ( Bro . Gabriel Lindo , C . C ) presenting the Chairman ' s hammer and the Master ' s gold and silver chain of office .

Numerous banners of the donors' arms are also recorded on the roll of gifts in the list of the Liverymen for 1891 . Copies of the History have been accepted by the Queen and Princess of Wales . VV . J . HUGHAN .

The Old Masonians.

THE OLD MASONIANS .

I he second social evening in connection with the above Association took place on Friday , the 13 th inst ., under the chairmanship of Mr . W . J . Packer , supported by Bros . W . Boyce , J . Gilchrist , and others . The members mustered in good force , and evinced their appreciation of the artistes by frequent applause .

The following gentlemen supplied the talent , and were all most successful in their various contributions : Messrs . E . Conby , E . T . Piatt , R . L . Pearse , F . L . Scurr , S . Shales , G . Alexander , C . H . Uwins , L . H . Palmer , H . Hawkes , and J . B . Whiteley . Bro . Cole , 177 , entertained the company with an inimitable laughing song .

The vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by Mr . C . H . UWINS , who drew attention to the excellent service Mr . Packer had rendered to the Association , and trusted this was the first of many occasions that he would occupy the chair . Mr . PACKER having replied , the evening was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem .