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Summer Festival Of The Domatic Lodge, No. 177.
itself to form public opinion . . We arc also deeply indebted to it for the brilliant writers which it engages in its service , men distinguished in their different walks of life , whose articles we peruse with the greatest pleasure , and who supply us with much that is useful to us . In all these things the Press is doing a mighty work . I believe that in this country the issues of the
newspaper press represent something like one to ten of every man , woman , and child of the population , and that is exclusive of the number that we know go into reading rooms , where one paper may be made to serve twenty individuals , or , as is so frequently the case in this country , where one newspaper is sent round to some ten or twenty families . This fact will enable us to grasp some idea of the power of
the press . If we look to other nations you will find , from the returns published in those countries , that the number of newspapers is very much in proportion to the ratio of civilization . It is very seldom indeed that you will hear a Frenchman admit that there is anything out of his country superior to what there is in it . Yet , the other day I was surprised to see a Frenchman—a Parisian journalist
—admitting that the newspaper press of this country and Germany was superior to his own . That I take to be a weighty testimony in favour of the newspaper press of this country . It stands deservedly high , and so long as it is maintained with the ability that we now see lavished upon it , so long 1 am sure we shall all feel for it the deepest respect and gratitude . I was very much struck the other day with
a quotation from a sermon by the late Dean Stanley , and recently quoted by the Duke of Albany , wherein the Dean said that we ought to remember that " behind the innumerable sheets and vast mountains of type , and the constant whirl of machinery , there stands an army of living workmen , unseen friends , through whose close , attentive eyes and ever busy fingers , the light of God , the light of the
world , the light of knowledge , the light of grace , streams out in countless rays to every corner of our streets and houses . " I will only ask you , if to these workers our gratitude is due , how much more so to the editors , writers , and reporters who supply the intellectual motive power to this mighty machine ? I therefore ask you , ladies and gentlemen , to honour the toast of "The Press" most heartily , and
1 couple with the toast the names of the representatives of the two distinguished papers present , one of which is doing a great work in the city of London—the City Press—( cheers)—while the other has a special duty perform in connection with the Craft , a duty which it performs most ably , consistently , and devotedly : I refer to the Freemason . ( Loud cheers . ) The toast having been duly honoured , Mdme . Clever
sang Theo . Marzial ' s " In the North Countree . " Mr . Carruthers then having briefly replied on behalf of the Freemason to the toast of the Press , Bro . W . J . FERGUSON , P . M ., rose to propose the toast of the afternoon , " The Worshipful Master . " He said : Worshipful Master , ladies and gentlemen and brother members of the lodge—the majority of the toasts having
been gone through , there only remains , which though it certainly is the last is the most important toast of all . All those who know our Worshipful Master as well as we do , will endorse the sentiment when 1 say it is most important . ( Cheers ) . For the very pleasant afternoon which we have had here and of which I trust we shall have many more , we are indebted to the energy of our Worshipful
Master . He has thrown his heart , mind , and soul into the pleasant business of introducing our lady and gentleman visitors to some of the pleasant mysteries of Freemasonry . Masonry is supposed to be one of those superior things which are restricted to the male sex , but on this occasion the ladies also have participated in it with great advantage , and I am sure appreciate some of the
pleasant points about it . We do not on this occasion trouble ourselves about what we as Freemasons do . We endeavour to make ourselves as agreeable as we possibl y can , and our Worshipful Master has carried out the principal to the very utmost . The brethren of the lodge I am sure share my feeling that we should be and are very proud of having such a Master to preside over us .
We have had no insignificant number of able W . Masters in their day , but there is one point in which it will be very difficult for any following Master to surpass the present . ( Cheers . ) Under him we have arrived at a very hig ^ h point of development , and it will be a tax upon the abilities of any succeeding Master to surpass the present one . It is a pleasant duty to give honour where honour
is due , and 1 think in the present instance there is no man whose acquaintance I have ever made who has ever more perfectly carried out the duties both socially and ritually than the Master who presides to-day . ( Cheers . ) Therefore I and all my brother members of the lodge are very proud of their Master , and I know the ladies and gentlemen present will join heartily with us and
the Craft in honouring this toast as it deserves to be honoured . If , to-day , the arrangements have been so successful , that is attributable to the fact that our Worshipful Master has been their presiding genius . I trust you will join with me in drinking most heartily his very good health , in the hope that he may long be spared to give us the benefit of his ability and experience . ( Cheers . ) i
he toast was enthusiasticall y drunk , and was followed by a call of three times three which was lustily given . „ r P : Joseph Wilson then sang Mr . G . Marks' song , Sailing , " after which the Worshipful Master returned thanks . He said I must try to address myself briefly to the eloquent words with which our Bro . P . M . Ferguson has Proposed my health . I think he made one mistake in saying that that was the toast of the even ' mrr , for that is in
direct contradiction to what I said . "The Ladies " Was the toast of the evening , and in spite of my respect and reverence for Bro . Ferguson I must maintain my fitst statement . He has told you that the lodge was proud of the Master . I am sure that the Master is proud of the lodge —( Cheers . )—and I am sure my best energies andlservices are given to upholding its honour , dignity , and prestige . ( Cheers . ) Anythingthat can be done to
advance its prosperity will always command my best services , oro . Ferguson has spoken of me in such kind terms because nis own heart is overflowing with that kindness which is such distinguishing feature of the man . He is one of those masons of whom it may be said that he is a man' ^ 0 has kept nis empathies awake , And scattered good for more than custom ' s sake ; Steadfast and tender in the hour of need , gentle in thought , benevolent in deed ; Whose looks have power to make dissensions cease , Whose smile is pleasant , and whose words arc peace . "
Summer Festival Of The Domatic Lodge, No. 177.
The feelings which he knows are in his own breast make him attribute to me all the same qualities . I can only assure you , ladies and gentlemen , that 1 shall never cease to strive to deserve them . I am quite sure of this , that it is in consequence of the great support that I have received from the members of the lodge that we go on in the happy and satisfactory manner in which we do . 1 can assure you , ladies and gentlemen , that wc find our gatherings very
pleasing . There is a great deal of work to do in the lodge of which I cannot speak now , but which is very satisfactory to us . We strive to make these meetings as profitable as they can be , and I can assure you that in everything that is said in the lodge , everything that is going on in the lodge , and everything that is done in the lodge , there is not one word which we should be ashamed for the ladies to hear and know . The founders of our Craft have decreed otherwise . They have , for wise
and good reasons , ruled that ladies shall not be members of our society ; but I assure you that nothing takes place which I , personally , would not welcome every lady here present to witness , feeling quite sure that , after watching our Masonic work and sharing in our Masonic banquets , she would but wish us the more fervently "God speed . " ( Cheers . ) As regards our brethren of the lodge , they have my most hearty sympathy , and I can say of us
all" We carry not with us a heart from hence That beats not but in fair consent with ours ; Nor leave not one behind that does not wish Success and conquest to attend upon us . " That is my feeling as Master of the lodge . As regards these gatherings , I can assure you , ladies and gentlemen , friends all , that they are associated with the most pleasant recollections , and that this particular day will always be
engraved upon my memory . I am sure that nothing can ever efface it from my mind , for as in a vase in which roses have once been distilled their sweet fragrance continues to linger even after the vessel is broken and shattered , so of my memory in which these pleasant recollections have entered I can truly say " You may break , you may shatter the vase if you will But the scent of the roses will hang round it still . "
Gentlemen and ladies , one and all , I thank you . ( Loud and continuous cheering . ) The visitors then descended to the terrace , where the showers of the earlier part of the afternoon had given way to a splendid summer's evening , which displayed the lovely view of the Thames and the misty hills beyond to the best advantage . Meanwhile the banqueting room was cleared or dancing , and speedily converted into a very spacious , fairy , and attractive ball room , where dancing commenced at
about nine o ' clock , and was kept up until a late hour . The following is the programme of dances : I , quadrille , " Fun of the fair ; " 2 , valse , " Ehrcn on the Rhine ; " 3 , lancers , "Carmen ; " 4 , valse , "Dream faces ; " 5 , quadrille , "Dejacet ; " 6 , polka , "Bonne Chance ; " 7 , lancers , " Patience ; " S , schottische , " Happy moments ; " 9 , Caledonians , " Tullochgorum ; " 10 , valse , " Boccaccio ; " 11 , lancers , "The knight of St . Patrick ; " and 12 , galop , " Harlequin . "
Complimentary Dinner To Bro. Alfred Brookman, C.C., I.P.M. Aldersgate Lodge, 1657.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO BRO . ALFRED BROOKMAN , C . C ., I . P . M . ALDERSGATE LODGE , 1657 .
The above interesting event took place on Wednesday , the 20 th inst ., at the Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court , when the brethren present were Bros . Dr . Samuel Benton , W . M . ; Alfred Brookman , I . P . M . ; Samuel White , S . W . ;
E . Y . Jolliffe , J . W . ; Rev . Richard Lee , Chaplain : John Derby Allcroft , Grand Treasurer , P . M . and Treas . ; Rev . Dr . P . H . Ernest Brette , P . M . and Sec ; W . H . Froom , S . D . ; Edward Anderton , J . D . ; Arthur B . Hudson , Stewd . ; Fred Crockford , W . Stewd . ; and Joseph Lavendar . Visitors Bro . Bradshaw Brown , W . M . Grand Masters Lodge , No . 1 ; and Messrs . T . Spreckley , R . White , and J . H . Spreat .
Letters of apology were received from Bros . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . M . Middx . ; Dr . Alder Smith , Matthew R . Webb , P . Saillard , A . J . Altman , P . M . ; George Kenning , P . M . ; Thomas Benskin , W . S . Chapman , Henry Matthews , John Larkin , Joseph Renals , George Rawlinson , and Thompson . The festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ' , the Handel festival , and other
gatherings on the same day prevented many more from being present . The Worshi p ful Master of the lodge , Bro . Dr . Samuel Benton , occupied the chair , and after the toast of " The Queen and the Craft" had been honoured , theCHAiRMAN proposed the toast of the evening , "The Health of Bro . Brookman . " In the course of his speech Bro . Benton said that although Bro . Brookman was , comparatively speaking ,
a young Mason , he had by industry and earnestness of purpose made great strides in the Craft . Last year he was unanimously elected W . M . of the Aldersgate Lodge , and was the first brother initiate chosen to preside over his mother lodge . During his term of office he had had a great deal of Masonic work to perform , and it was the dignified and impressive way in which he did that work
which had prompted the brethren to invite him to a complimentary dinner that night , and to thank him for adding to and maintaining the reputation of the Aldersgate Lodge . Bro . Brookman by his liberality had associated his name with all the Masonic Charities , and never spared himself in the discharge of any good work which had to be done . He was a constant attendant at their little lodge of
instruction , and was always ready and willing to give a helping hand to brethren less efficient than himself . As there were a few visitors there that night who were not Masons , they might ask who was Bro . Brookman ? Well , in answer to that question , he ( Bro . Benton ) might say that Bro . Brookman was a man highl y esteemed by his fellow citizens . Upon being pressed into allowing himself to be
nominated to take part in the municipal government of London he was returned at the head of the poll . He gave them "The Health of Bro . Brookman , " and was sure they would all join in wishing him long life and happiness . Bro . BROOKMAN in reply said that he thanked the brethren and the visitors for their very cordial response to
the toast proposed with such kindness by the W . M . Dr . Benton had alluded to one circumstance , that of his happening to be the first of their initiates to be put in the chair , and lie could assure the brethren that it had caused him much anxiety at the time . He remembered he had to follow eminent Masons who possessed high social positions ,
Complimentary Dinner To Bro. Alfred Brookman, C.C., I.P.M. Aldersgate Lodge, 1657.
great intellectual attainments , and world-wide Masonic fame , under whose governance the lodge had attained a prestige which made it difficult for their successor to uphold ; but the brethren seemed , to unite in rendering his duties light and to prove that his year should not be behindhand in well-doing . And on resigning it was a great satisfaction to know that they had passed through a happy
, peaceful , and prosperous year together , and that they thought him worthy of the honour they conferred upon him that day . It would be remembered that during the year the lodge had been visited by very many of the Grand Officers , and also by an unusual visitor , a Lord Mayor of London in the person of Sir John Whittakcr Ellis . It was gratifying to know that the hospitality of
the lodge had been well exercised , but it was better still to feel that they had also well supported the chanties , and by the kindness of the lodge and friends he , Bro . Brookman , had the pleasure of taking up a list of £ 115 for the Boys' School , and the Stewards for the Girls' School and Benevolent Institution had also each a large list . He was glad that during his year the lodge
had been strengthened by the addition of worthy members , and therefore if he had commenced with some trepidation he was thankful to retire , feeling that the lodge was increasing in usefulness . And now he would like to congratulate the present W . M . that already two circumstances had occurred that pointed in the same direction—that from their members had been elected the Grand Treasurer of England , their esteemed Allcroft
Bro . , the first W . M . of the lodge , and that the new Aldersgate Chapter , composed of their members , had been consecrated and started in a manner which foretold success . He again thanked them for the many kindnesses he had received and for the compliment of the day . The CHAIRMAN said he did not intend to indulge in
many toasts ; but there was one he could not pass over , and that was "The Visitors , " with which he coupled the names of Bro . Bradshaw Brown , W . M . No . 1 , and Mr . Spreckley . Bro . BRADSHAW BROWN said he was exceedingly pleased to be at this meeting , and he was glad to see the kindly feelingevinced towards Bro . Brookman , who was also a member of his lodge . Seeing there were some present who were
not Masons , he would hope they had not altogether been unmindful of dining in order to notice if Masons acted like the unenlighted on such occasions . Mr . SPRECKLEY , in responding alluded to Bro . Bradshaw Brown ' s remarks , and said he as yet had not been able to discover any difference , for it appeared that they as Masons wished to pass a compliment upon
one who possessed their esteem , and it gave him as much pleasure to join in the compliment as if he were one of the Brotherhood . With regard to Masonry , he would say that he had always admired the grand spirit of charity which they carried out in supporting the noble Institutions of the Order , and also in assisting those who perhaps from no fault of their own had met with
reverses . Such true charity , just when needed , and given without ostentation , was to his mind carrying out the holiest instincts of humanity . Bro . SAMUEL WHITE , S . W ., proposed "The health of the W . M ., Bro . Dr . Samuel Benton , " which was acknowledged by the W . M ., who in turn gave the toast of "The Grand Treasurer , Bro . John Derby Allcroft . " Bro . J DERBY ALLCROFT , in responding to the
toast , said he could have wished that the position ' to which he felt honoured in being elected had been of a less 01 namental nature ; he would have been better satisfied had more work appertained to the office . Bro . Allcroft expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity of acknowledging the able manner in which the interests of the lodge had been promoted by Bro . Brookman , and said it was the dutv of
the members to testify to the admirable way which their I . P . M . had carried out the duties of the chair during his year of office . An excellent menu had been provided , the tables and dining room were decorated with a profusion of flowers , the whole being under the personal superintendence of Bro . Sadler , the entire proceedings being carried through and terminating to the complete satisfaction of the company .
The Boys' School Festival For 1884.
THE BOYS' SCHOOL FESTIVAL FOR 1884 .
We are glad to be in a position to announce that his Royal Highness Prince Leopold , Duke of Albany , P . G . J . W ., and P . G . M ., and Grand Supt . of Oxfordshire , has kindly undertaken to preside at the SGth anniversary festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . It will be in the recollection of our readers that his Roval Highness
has already presided at a festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls in 1 SS 0 , and that in 1 S 77 he would have occupied the chair at the festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , but was unfortunately prevented at the last moment by serious indisposition . We be" - to congratulate Bro . Binckes on this further piece of good fortune , and we trust that he will have another surprise in store for the well-wishers of the Boys' School .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
At a meetingof the General Committee heldon Thursday last , at Freemasons' Hall , under the presidency of Col . Creaton , P . G . Treas ., there were present : Bros . E , Letchworth , R . Grey , Peter de Landc Long , A . E . Gladwell , W . Stephens , Frank Richardson , C . 1 . Perceval . l . G . Thomas
C . H . Webb , J . II Matthews , F . Walters , T . G . Vohmann C . J . Browne , F . R . W . Hedges , Secretary , and W . Lake { Freemason ) . The minutes of the last meeting were read and verified , and the minutes of the House Committee held on the 21 st inst . were read for information , in which they report an offer of the purchase of about nine acres of land adjoining
the grounds of the Institution , arising out of which a report to the Quarterly General Court was agreed to , and a notice of motion given that it be received and considered , and such action taken thereon as shall be deemed desirable by the General Court Petitions were considered on behalf of 10 candidates for election
, one of which was deferred , the remainder being approved . This closing the list for the October election , it was resolved to recommend that the six unsuccessful candidates from the last election , together with the 2 ( 5 which have been since approved ( making 32 in all ) be placed on the list for the October election , and that eight vacancies be declared . b
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Summer Festival Of The Domatic Lodge, No. 177.
itself to form public opinion . . We arc also deeply indebted to it for the brilliant writers which it engages in its service , men distinguished in their different walks of life , whose articles we peruse with the greatest pleasure , and who supply us with much that is useful to us . In all these things the Press is doing a mighty work . I believe that in this country the issues of the
newspaper press represent something like one to ten of every man , woman , and child of the population , and that is exclusive of the number that we know go into reading rooms , where one paper may be made to serve twenty individuals , or , as is so frequently the case in this country , where one newspaper is sent round to some ten or twenty families . This fact will enable us to grasp some idea of the power of
the press . If we look to other nations you will find , from the returns published in those countries , that the number of newspapers is very much in proportion to the ratio of civilization . It is very seldom indeed that you will hear a Frenchman admit that there is anything out of his country superior to what there is in it . Yet , the other day I was surprised to see a Frenchman—a Parisian journalist
—admitting that the newspaper press of this country and Germany was superior to his own . That I take to be a weighty testimony in favour of the newspaper press of this country . It stands deservedly high , and so long as it is maintained with the ability that we now see lavished upon it , so long 1 am sure we shall all feel for it the deepest respect and gratitude . I was very much struck the other day with
a quotation from a sermon by the late Dean Stanley , and recently quoted by the Duke of Albany , wherein the Dean said that we ought to remember that " behind the innumerable sheets and vast mountains of type , and the constant whirl of machinery , there stands an army of living workmen , unseen friends , through whose close , attentive eyes and ever busy fingers , the light of God , the light of the
world , the light of knowledge , the light of grace , streams out in countless rays to every corner of our streets and houses . " I will only ask you , if to these workers our gratitude is due , how much more so to the editors , writers , and reporters who supply the intellectual motive power to this mighty machine ? I therefore ask you , ladies and gentlemen , to honour the toast of "The Press" most heartily , and
1 couple with the toast the names of the representatives of the two distinguished papers present , one of which is doing a great work in the city of London—the City Press—( cheers)—while the other has a special duty perform in connection with the Craft , a duty which it performs most ably , consistently , and devotedly : I refer to the Freemason . ( Loud cheers . ) The toast having been duly honoured , Mdme . Clever
sang Theo . Marzial ' s " In the North Countree . " Mr . Carruthers then having briefly replied on behalf of the Freemason to the toast of the Press , Bro . W . J . FERGUSON , P . M ., rose to propose the toast of the afternoon , " The Worshipful Master . " He said : Worshipful Master , ladies and gentlemen and brother members of the lodge—the majority of the toasts having
been gone through , there only remains , which though it certainly is the last is the most important toast of all . All those who know our Worshipful Master as well as we do , will endorse the sentiment when 1 say it is most important . ( Cheers ) . For the very pleasant afternoon which we have had here and of which I trust we shall have many more , we are indebted to the energy of our Worshipful
Master . He has thrown his heart , mind , and soul into the pleasant business of introducing our lady and gentleman visitors to some of the pleasant mysteries of Freemasonry . Masonry is supposed to be one of those superior things which are restricted to the male sex , but on this occasion the ladies also have participated in it with great advantage , and I am sure appreciate some of the
pleasant points about it . We do not on this occasion trouble ourselves about what we as Freemasons do . We endeavour to make ourselves as agreeable as we possibl y can , and our Worshipful Master has carried out the principal to the very utmost . The brethren of the lodge I am sure share my feeling that we should be and are very proud of having such a Master to preside over us .
We have had no insignificant number of able W . Masters in their day , but there is one point in which it will be very difficult for any following Master to surpass the present . ( Cheers . ) Under him we have arrived at a very hig ^ h point of development , and it will be a tax upon the abilities of any succeeding Master to surpass the present one . It is a pleasant duty to give honour where honour
is due , and 1 think in the present instance there is no man whose acquaintance I have ever made who has ever more perfectly carried out the duties both socially and ritually than the Master who presides to-day . ( Cheers . ) Therefore I and all my brother members of the lodge are very proud of their Master , and I know the ladies and gentlemen present will join heartily with us and
the Craft in honouring this toast as it deserves to be honoured . If , to-day , the arrangements have been so successful , that is attributable to the fact that our Worshipful Master has been their presiding genius . I trust you will join with me in drinking most heartily his very good health , in the hope that he may long be spared to give us the benefit of his ability and experience . ( Cheers . ) i
he toast was enthusiasticall y drunk , and was followed by a call of three times three which was lustily given . „ r P : Joseph Wilson then sang Mr . G . Marks' song , Sailing , " after which the Worshipful Master returned thanks . He said I must try to address myself briefly to the eloquent words with which our Bro . P . M . Ferguson has Proposed my health . I think he made one mistake in saying that that was the toast of the even ' mrr , for that is in
direct contradiction to what I said . "The Ladies " Was the toast of the evening , and in spite of my respect and reverence for Bro . Ferguson I must maintain my fitst statement . He has told you that the lodge was proud of the Master . I am sure that the Master is proud of the lodge —( Cheers . )—and I am sure my best energies andlservices are given to upholding its honour , dignity , and prestige . ( Cheers . ) Anythingthat can be done to
advance its prosperity will always command my best services , oro . Ferguson has spoken of me in such kind terms because nis own heart is overflowing with that kindness which is such distinguishing feature of the man . He is one of those masons of whom it may be said that he is a man' ^ 0 has kept nis empathies awake , And scattered good for more than custom ' s sake ; Steadfast and tender in the hour of need , gentle in thought , benevolent in deed ; Whose looks have power to make dissensions cease , Whose smile is pleasant , and whose words arc peace . "
Summer Festival Of The Domatic Lodge, No. 177.
The feelings which he knows are in his own breast make him attribute to me all the same qualities . I can only assure you , ladies and gentlemen , that 1 shall never cease to strive to deserve them . I am quite sure of this , that it is in consequence of the great support that I have received from the members of the lodge that we go on in the happy and satisfactory manner in which we do . 1 can assure you , ladies and gentlemen , that wc find our gatherings very
pleasing . There is a great deal of work to do in the lodge of which I cannot speak now , but which is very satisfactory to us . We strive to make these meetings as profitable as they can be , and I can assure you that in everything that is said in the lodge , everything that is going on in the lodge , and everything that is done in the lodge , there is not one word which we should be ashamed for the ladies to hear and know . The founders of our Craft have decreed otherwise . They have , for wise
and good reasons , ruled that ladies shall not be members of our society ; but I assure you that nothing takes place which I , personally , would not welcome every lady here present to witness , feeling quite sure that , after watching our Masonic work and sharing in our Masonic banquets , she would but wish us the more fervently "God speed . " ( Cheers . ) As regards our brethren of the lodge , they have my most hearty sympathy , and I can say of us
all" We carry not with us a heart from hence That beats not but in fair consent with ours ; Nor leave not one behind that does not wish Success and conquest to attend upon us . " That is my feeling as Master of the lodge . As regards these gatherings , I can assure you , ladies and gentlemen , friends all , that they are associated with the most pleasant recollections , and that this particular day will always be
engraved upon my memory . I am sure that nothing can ever efface it from my mind , for as in a vase in which roses have once been distilled their sweet fragrance continues to linger even after the vessel is broken and shattered , so of my memory in which these pleasant recollections have entered I can truly say " You may break , you may shatter the vase if you will But the scent of the roses will hang round it still . "
Gentlemen and ladies , one and all , I thank you . ( Loud and continuous cheering . ) The visitors then descended to the terrace , where the showers of the earlier part of the afternoon had given way to a splendid summer's evening , which displayed the lovely view of the Thames and the misty hills beyond to the best advantage . Meanwhile the banqueting room was cleared or dancing , and speedily converted into a very spacious , fairy , and attractive ball room , where dancing commenced at
about nine o ' clock , and was kept up until a late hour . The following is the programme of dances : I , quadrille , " Fun of the fair ; " 2 , valse , " Ehrcn on the Rhine ; " 3 , lancers , "Carmen ; " 4 , valse , "Dream faces ; " 5 , quadrille , "Dejacet ; " 6 , polka , "Bonne Chance ; " 7 , lancers , " Patience ; " S , schottische , " Happy moments ; " 9 , Caledonians , " Tullochgorum ; " 10 , valse , " Boccaccio ; " 11 , lancers , "The knight of St . Patrick ; " and 12 , galop , " Harlequin . "
Complimentary Dinner To Bro. Alfred Brookman, C.C., I.P.M. Aldersgate Lodge, 1657.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO BRO . ALFRED BROOKMAN , C . C ., I . P . M . ALDERSGATE LODGE , 1657 .
The above interesting event took place on Wednesday , the 20 th inst ., at the Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court , when the brethren present were Bros . Dr . Samuel Benton , W . M . ; Alfred Brookman , I . P . M . ; Samuel White , S . W . ;
E . Y . Jolliffe , J . W . ; Rev . Richard Lee , Chaplain : John Derby Allcroft , Grand Treasurer , P . M . and Treas . ; Rev . Dr . P . H . Ernest Brette , P . M . and Sec ; W . H . Froom , S . D . ; Edward Anderton , J . D . ; Arthur B . Hudson , Stewd . ; Fred Crockford , W . Stewd . ; and Joseph Lavendar . Visitors Bro . Bradshaw Brown , W . M . Grand Masters Lodge , No . 1 ; and Messrs . T . Spreckley , R . White , and J . H . Spreat .
Letters of apology were received from Bros . Colonel Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . M . Middx . ; Dr . Alder Smith , Matthew R . Webb , P . Saillard , A . J . Altman , P . M . ; George Kenning , P . M . ; Thomas Benskin , W . S . Chapman , Henry Matthews , John Larkin , Joseph Renals , George Rawlinson , and Thompson . The festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys ' , the Handel festival , and other
gatherings on the same day prevented many more from being present . The Worshi p ful Master of the lodge , Bro . Dr . Samuel Benton , occupied the chair , and after the toast of " The Queen and the Craft" had been honoured , theCHAiRMAN proposed the toast of the evening , "The Health of Bro . Brookman . " In the course of his speech Bro . Benton said that although Bro . Brookman was , comparatively speaking ,
a young Mason , he had by industry and earnestness of purpose made great strides in the Craft . Last year he was unanimously elected W . M . of the Aldersgate Lodge , and was the first brother initiate chosen to preside over his mother lodge . During his term of office he had had a great deal of Masonic work to perform , and it was the dignified and impressive way in which he did that work
which had prompted the brethren to invite him to a complimentary dinner that night , and to thank him for adding to and maintaining the reputation of the Aldersgate Lodge . Bro . Brookman by his liberality had associated his name with all the Masonic Charities , and never spared himself in the discharge of any good work which had to be done . He was a constant attendant at their little lodge of
instruction , and was always ready and willing to give a helping hand to brethren less efficient than himself . As there were a few visitors there that night who were not Masons , they might ask who was Bro . Brookman ? Well , in answer to that question , he ( Bro . Benton ) might say that Bro . Brookman was a man highl y esteemed by his fellow citizens . Upon being pressed into allowing himself to be
nominated to take part in the municipal government of London he was returned at the head of the poll . He gave them "The Health of Bro . Brookman , " and was sure they would all join in wishing him long life and happiness . Bro . BROOKMAN in reply said that he thanked the brethren and the visitors for their very cordial response to
the toast proposed with such kindness by the W . M . Dr . Benton had alluded to one circumstance , that of his happening to be the first of their initiates to be put in the chair , and lie could assure the brethren that it had caused him much anxiety at the time . He remembered he had to follow eminent Masons who possessed high social positions ,
Complimentary Dinner To Bro. Alfred Brookman, C.C., I.P.M. Aldersgate Lodge, 1657.
great intellectual attainments , and world-wide Masonic fame , under whose governance the lodge had attained a prestige which made it difficult for their successor to uphold ; but the brethren seemed , to unite in rendering his duties light and to prove that his year should not be behindhand in well-doing . And on resigning it was a great satisfaction to know that they had passed through a happy
, peaceful , and prosperous year together , and that they thought him worthy of the honour they conferred upon him that day . It would be remembered that during the year the lodge had been visited by very many of the Grand Officers , and also by an unusual visitor , a Lord Mayor of London in the person of Sir John Whittakcr Ellis . It was gratifying to know that the hospitality of
the lodge had been well exercised , but it was better still to feel that they had also well supported the chanties , and by the kindness of the lodge and friends he , Bro . Brookman , had the pleasure of taking up a list of £ 115 for the Boys' School , and the Stewards for the Girls' School and Benevolent Institution had also each a large list . He was glad that during his year the lodge
had been strengthened by the addition of worthy members , and therefore if he had commenced with some trepidation he was thankful to retire , feeling that the lodge was increasing in usefulness . And now he would like to congratulate the present W . M . that already two circumstances had occurred that pointed in the same direction—that from their members had been elected the Grand Treasurer of England , their esteemed Allcroft
Bro . , the first W . M . of the lodge , and that the new Aldersgate Chapter , composed of their members , had been consecrated and started in a manner which foretold success . He again thanked them for the many kindnesses he had received and for the compliment of the day . The CHAIRMAN said he did not intend to indulge in
many toasts ; but there was one he could not pass over , and that was "The Visitors , " with which he coupled the names of Bro . Bradshaw Brown , W . M . No . 1 , and Mr . Spreckley . Bro . BRADSHAW BROWN said he was exceedingly pleased to be at this meeting , and he was glad to see the kindly feelingevinced towards Bro . Brookman , who was also a member of his lodge . Seeing there were some present who were
not Masons , he would hope they had not altogether been unmindful of dining in order to notice if Masons acted like the unenlighted on such occasions . Mr . SPRECKLEY , in responding alluded to Bro . Bradshaw Brown ' s remarks , and said he as yet had not been able to discover any difference , for it appeared that they as Masons wished to pass a compliment upon
one who possessed their esteem , and it gave him as much pleasure to join in the compliment as if he were one of the Brotherhood . With regard to Masonry , he would say that he had always admired the grand spirit of charity which they carried out in supporting the noble Institutions of the Order , and also in assisting those who perhaps from no fault of their own had met with
reverses . Such true charity , just when needed , and given without ostentation , was to his mind carrying out the holiest instincts of humanity . Bro . SAMUEL WHITE , S . W ., proposed "The health of the W . M ., Bro . Dr . Samuel Benton , " which was acknowledged by the W . M ., who in turn gave the toast of "The Grand Treasurer , Bro . John Derby Allcroft . " Bro . J DERBY ALLCROFT , in responding to the
toast , said he could have wished that the position ' to which he felt honoured in being elected had been of a less 01 namental nature ; he would have been better satisfied had more work appertained to the office . Bro . Allcroft expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity of acknowledging the able manner in which the interests of the lodge had been promoted by Bro . Brookman , and said it was the dutv of
the members to testify to the admirable way which their I . P . M . had carried out the duties of the chair during his year of office . An excellent menu had been provided , the tables and dining room were decorated with a profusion of flowers , the whole being under the personal superintendence of Bro . Sadler , the entire proceedings being carried through and terminating to the complete satisfaction of the company .
The Boys' School Festival For 1884.
THE BOYS' SCHOOL FESTIVAL FOR 1884 .
We are glad to be in a position to announce that his Royal Highness Prince Leopold , Duke of Albany , P . G . J . W ., and P . G . M ., and Grand Supt . of Oxfordshire , has kindly undertaken to preside at the SGth anniversary festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . It will be in the recollection of our readers that his Roval Highness
has already presided at a festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls in 1 SS 0 , and that in 1 S 77 he would have occupied the chair at the festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , but was unfortunately prevented at the last moment by serious indisposition . We be" - to congratulate Bro . Binckes on this further piece of good fortune , and we trust that he will have another surprise in store for the well-wishers of the Boys' School .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
At a meetingof the General Committee heldon Thursday last , at Freemasons' Hall , under the presidency of Col . Creaton , P . G . Treas ., there were present : Bros . E , Letchworth , R . Grey , Peter de Landc Long , A . E . Gladwell , W . Stephens , Frank Richardson , C . 1 . Perceval . l . G . Thomas
C . H . Webb , J . II Matthews , F . Walters , T . G . Vohmann C . J . Browne , F . R . W . Hedges , Secretary , and W . Lake { Freemason ) . The minutes of the last meeting were read and verified , and the minutes of the House Committee held on the 21 st inst . were read for information , in which they report an offer of the purchase of about nine acres of land adjoining
the grounds of the Institution , arising out of which a report to the Quarterly General Court was agreed to , and a notice of motion given that it be received and considered , and such action taken thereon as shall be deemed desirable by the General Court Petitions were considered on behalf of 10 candidates for election
, one of which was deferred , the remainder being approved . This closing the list for the October election , it was resolved to recommend that the six unsuccessful candidates from the last election , together with the 2 ( 5 which have been since approved ( making 32 in all ) be placed on the list for the October election , and that eight vacancies be declared . b