Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation To Bro. Franklin Thomas.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . FRANKLIN THOMAS .
On Thursday , the 15 th inst ., there was a large gathering of the brethren of the Lodge of Perseverance , No . 345 , which meets at the Grosvenor Hotel , Blackburn , when a presentation was made to Bro . Franklin Thomas , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W , East Lancashire , on the occasion of the 80 th anniversary of his birthday . Bro . George Whewell , W . M .. was in the chair .
After the lodge had been opened , and a portion of the lodge business transacted , the W . M . called upon Bro . BRIERLEY , P . M ., to make the presentation . In doing so , he remarked that it was not an occasion on which he proposed to make anything like a set oration . It was not , to him , a question so much of speech as a question of the heart . It was kind of the brethren to have selected him to discharge so pleasing a task , and he felt the honour they had conferred upon him
very much . Probably they delegated it to him , because he was , perhaps , one of the oldest members of the lodge . He ( the speaker ) had been a member of that lodge for many years , and had watched during the whole of those years the career of Bro . Thomas , and he could heartily testify to what the latter gentleman had done . In one respect the task he had was a difficult one , and yet again it was not a difficult , but a very easy thing to do , for the least they said about a
beautiful thing when they had seen it the better ; its worthiness was expressed in itself . In the present instance , the words he should use would come from the bottom of his heart , for the brother whom they were honouring that day was one who had attained worthily many Masonic distinctions . He ( the speaker ) could trace Bro . Thomas ' s career from his first coming amongst them . He had added dignity to their ritual and service . There was hardly a lodge in the provinces
but was glad to have the presence of their valued brother , and his services were often in request to aid the respective lodges . Wherever he went he gave a tone and raised the dignity of the ritual in the lodges . He had never turned his back en what he conceived to be his duty , and he was always at the point of duty when he was required to be there . His services would never be forgotten by them in that lodge , which stood , he need not tell them , in the very forefront of the lodges in the province . As a citizen Bro . Thomas was held in high esteem
by his fellow-tradesmen , and as a magistrate his decisions had been tempered by the Masonic virtue of mercy . He was a fine specimen of the Englishman , and they could not but admire him as they considered his clear thought , and the wonderful activity of mind and body which he showed on his 80 th birthday , In conclusion , the speaker expressed the hope that they who followed after Bro . Thomas might imitate his abilities , and might he ( Bro . Thomas ) be spared to them for many years to come .
The loving-cup was then filled , and handed round the lodge by Bro . G . H . Holt , P . M ., A . D . C ., P . P . S . G . D ., and "The Health of Bro . Thomas " was heartily drunk by every member of the lodge—the members standing . The presentation was then made in formal terms by Bro . BRIERLEY , who read the inscription on the cup , as follows 1 " Presented to Bro . Franklin Thomas , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . East Lancashire , by the Masonic Lodge of Perseverance , No .
345 , Blackburn , on the occasion of the Soth anniversary of his birthday , in recognition of his distinguished and valued services to the Craft during an unbroken record of 56 years , and as a mark of esteem and respect from the brethren of the lodge with which he has been closely identified for 36 years . Blackburn , 10 th July , 18 97 " Bro . THOMAS first thanked Bro , Brierley for the kind terms of his speech . It was not in the power of words of his ( the speaker ) to acknowledge in any
measure the flattering mark of esteem which had been paid him . The handsome gift that they had given him he was convinced was in value very much beyond anything he could have deserved at their hands . He never could have conceived , even in a dream , of so magnificent a testimonial of their brotherly kindness , and it would well try the nerves of a younger man than himself to stand in the position he found himself in that night . It pleased him to see the brethren were so gratified
in being able to show their Masonic interest and kindly feeling . Their gift was of intrinsic value , but that did not constitute its value to him . If it had been of beaten gold , and set with jewels , that would not have constituted its worth in his eyes ; he valued it as a testimony of their kindness to him—a kindness shown during the whole of the years he had been a member of their lodge . He remembered the first meeting of the lodge which he attended as though it were only
yesterday . They had mentioned very kindly any little he had done to promote the good " of Freemasonry , but he had only tried to be what was known in connection with theatrical companies as the general utility man . ( Laughter and cheers . ) That was the role he had tried to fill during the whole of the years he had been amongst them . He noticed that there were three dates on the circular calling that meeting ; one alluded to the Soth anniversary of his birthday ; but having
attained to such a long term of years , he felt his thanks were due , in the first place , to the Great Architect of the Universe that He had granted him through all that long life such an amount of mental and physical power as he had always enjoyed and still enjoyed to-day . He felt his great indebtedness to the Almighty for so signal a mark of favour . Strange it seemed that a harp of one thousand strings should keep in tune so long . Bro . Thomas entered upon
a retrospect of his life as a Freemason , stating that he had joined the Order when he was 24 years of age . When he was a young Freemason he found the brethren cared more about the jollities connected with the Craft than about its verities , but he noticed , as years went on , a great improvement in that respect . There was a greater regard paid now to the high principles and duties of the Craft . Their own lodge , he was pleased to think , occupied a high place in East Lancashire , and he need not tell them that East Lancashire
occupied a foremost place in Freemasonry in the whole country . When he became a Freemason there were not over one thousand lodges , and it was at that time thought that the Order was progressing too fast , and that the number of charters should not be extended . It was like Mrs . Partington trying to mop up the waves of the Atlantic , for now there were over two thousar . d lodges , and they existed everywhere where the English race had settled throughout the world . Bro . Thomas concluded by thanking them from the bottom of his heart , and he assured them he should value the cup they had presented to him as a precious heirloom .
The W . M . having read a letter from the P . G . M ., Bro . Starkie , regretting his inability to be present , and having paid a high compliment to Bro . Thomas , the proceedings concluded . The cup is a very beautiful specimen of the silversmith ' s art , of beaten silver , exquisitively chased , and was manufactured in Edinburgh in 1724 . It bears on the reverse the monogram of Bro . Thomas , anil the various provincial offices ( with dates ) held by him in different parts of the country .
Another pleasing ceremony took place when Bro . R . W . Ccttrell , J . D ., presented a lithographed stone , in oak case , bearing a suitable design for lodge circulars , to the lodge . The W . M . said he had great pleasure in accepting Brc . Cottrell ' s handsome gilt .
Bro . THOMAS proposed a hi arty vote of thanks for the gift , and it was seconded by Bro . Riuiiv , P . M . Bro . COTTKKLL replied .
Freemasonry And The Diamond Jubilee In The West Indies.
FREEMASONRY AND THE DIAMOND JUBILEE IN THE WEST INDIES .
We are indebted to Bro . R . J . Clinckett , Past D . S . G . W ., for the following report of the Masonic celebration of the Queen ' s Diamond Jubilee at Barbados . We are also indebted to another Past Master for a resume of the speeches at the banquet that followed the church service , from which we select and publish a portion of the remarks of Bro . Clinckett in proposing the toast of the District Grand Lodge of Barbados , the toast we are advised was received with
acclamation and was responded to by Bro . Rev . Clark Solomon , Past D . G . Chap . Pursuant to general notification the Freemasons of Barbados under the jurisdiction of Bro . John Locke , their District Grand Master , assembled at 9 . 30 a . m . on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult ., to the number of 102 , at the Masonic Hall , in Sprystreet , Bridgetown , at a special communication of the District Grand Lodge , when after the usual formalities , the District Grand Lodge was adjourned and the brethren formed up in procession and left the hall to attend divine service at the cathedral .
All the District Grand Lodge Officers , the Masters , Wardens , and Junior Officers , as well as the Royal Arch Masons , wore their full regalia and jewels and carried their banners and emblems . The procession presented a picturesque and imposing appearance as it left the Masonic Hall and proceeded up Constitution to the south gate of the cathedral . The effect of the procession was greatly heightened by the banners carried by the different lodges .
At the Cathedral they were met by the rsbed choristers drawn up on either side ot the porch . The procession marched through , and took up their position on either side of the central aisle and through their ranks the clergy , the officers of the District Grand Lodge , and the choristers passed and took their positions in the chancel .
As soon as the brethren had occupied the seats reserved for them in the central aisle , Bro . the Rev . G . B . HALL announced that Bro . his Excellency the Acting Governor had just received a telegram from the Queen to her people of Barbados . Bro . LE HUNTE then read the following telegram from her Majesty and his reply thereto :
ROVAL MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN . From Victoria R . and I . To Governor—Barbados . 11 . 7 a . m . —From my heart I thank my beloved people j may God bless them Buckingham Palace , London , June 22 nd .
[ REPLY ] From Governor—Barbados , To Her Majesty Queen Victoria , London . 9 a . m . —Barbados expresses deepest gratitude for your Majesty's most gracious message , and unites with the empire in loyalty , devotion , and thanksgiving . LE HUNTS . The National Anthem was then sung by the brethren and the choir , assisted by the organ , the Masonic version , with the addition of the Jubilee verse , being used .
The sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . G . B . TAYLOR , LL . D ., Dep . G . Chap ., from 2 nd chap , tst Epistle of St . Peter 17 th verse , " Honour the King and love the Brotherhood . " During the service the Cathedral was crowded to its utmost capacity , over 2000 persons being present . The Masonic portion of the offertory was collected by some of the brethren , who then waited at the cross aisles , and , receiving the collections from the church officers , carried it to the altar and placed it in the alms dish .
At the conclusion of the service the brethren re-formed the procession in reversed order—the District Grand Master being at their head—and returned to the Masonic Hall , when the District Grand Lodge was formally closed . At the termination of the ceremony a large number of the brethren repaired to the banquetting room on the second floor , which had been handsomely deco . rated for the occasion .
The lodge banners were placed in suitable positions , and a wealth of flowers , flags and tropical plants , added to the splendid effects of the scene . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed , and enthusiastically responded to . The National Anthem was sung , and then the Masonic celebration of the Diamond Jubilee in Barbados came to a close .
In connection with this celebration , it gives us pleasure to record the fact the expressed wish of the Queen—that Charitable objects should be the prominent feature of the celebrations—was closely adhered to by the brethren . Seventy pounds have been distributed , in sums ranging from five to 20 shillings , to individuals , whilst larger sums have been given to the Goodridge Home , the Daily Meal Societies , and the Wesleyan and Moravian Poor Relief Societies & c .
Bro . R . J . CLINCKETT , Past D . G . W ., rose , and after bowing to the D . G . M ., said : Brethren , in response to the call of the D . G . M ., the pleasing duty now devolves on me of proposing the toast of " The District Grand Lodge of Barbados . " I take it that it is due to my being the W . M . of the Albion Lodge that the gratifying compliment of being selected to do so is mainly due . That the establishment of the District Grand Lod ge of Barbados marked an era in the history and working of the Craft in this Island cannot be questioned ; those of us
who had the pleasure of being present at its inaugural meeting held just seven years ago in the Council Chamber of the Public Buildings , under the genial presidency of Bro . Sir Walter Sindall , then Governor of this Island , will remember that many predictions were made and high hopes and aspirations were expressed as to its future . I therefore propose briefly to state its duties and its functions , run over its actions during its seven years' work and we can then see whether those predictions have been verified and whether the high hopes and
aspirations have been realised . He then showed how the presence in the lodges of District Grand Ofiicers kept down irregularities , fostered a healthy spirit of emulation , and preserved the ancient landmarks ; that the occasional visits of the District Grand Master and his officers lent dignity and grace to their installation meetings , and pointed out that it was due to the District Grand Lodge that they had that day been enabled not only to appear as Masons in public clothed with their regalia , but also , as loyal subjects of one of her Majesty ' s oldest Colonies
, and members of an empire of which they now heard so much , under one Sovereign whuse Diamond Jubilee they had that day met to celebr . te , under one Hag , and that flag the Union Jack of England ^ the flag that ' s braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze . He remarked that after that tangential , or rather erratic , flight of his , he must comedown to the more solid foundation of the subject matter of his toast , which was to express the hope that the District
Grand Lodge of Barbados should enjoy a long , prosperous , and useful earner and when , in the fulness of years , the District Grand Master felt it incumbent on ' him to lay down the gavel , and seek an honourable retirement from his onerous duties , may the Craft in that supreme crisis of their career find a worthy successor to him and his equally illustrious predecessor , Bro . Col . John Elliott . He then called on the brethren to be upstanding and assist him in tendering the toast to the District Grand Master , which he did amid the acclamations of the brethren .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation To Bro. Franklin Thomas.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . FRANKLIN THOMAS .
On Thursday , the 15 th inst ., there was a large gathering of the brethren of the Lodge of Perseverance , No . 345 , which meets at the Grosvenor Hotel , Blackburn , when a presentation was made to Bro . Franklin Thomas , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W , East Lancashire , on the occasion of the 80 th anniversary of his birthday . Bro . George Whewell , W . M .. was in the chair .
After the lodge had been opened , and a portion of the lodge business transacted , the W . M . called upon Bro . BRIERLEY , P . M ., to make the presentation . In doing so , he remarked that it was not an occasion on which he proposed to make anything like a set oration . It was not , to him , a question so much of speech as a question of the heart . It was kind of the brethren to have selected him to discharge so pleasing a task , and he felt the honour they had conferred upon him
very much . Probably they delegated it to him , because he was , perhaps , one of the oldest members of the lodge . He ( the speaker ) had been a member of that lodge for many years , and had watched during the whole of those years the career of Bro . Thomas , and he could heartily testify to what the latter gentleman had done . In one respect the task he had was a difficult one , and yet again it was not a difficult , but a very easy thing to do , for the least they said about a
beautiful thing when they had seen it the better ; its worthiness was expressed in itself . In the present instance , the words he should use would come from the bottom of his heart , for the brother whom they were honouring that day was one who had attained worthily many Masonic distinctions . He ( the speaker ) could trace Bro . Thomas ' s career from his first coming amongst them . He had added dignity to their ritual and service . There was hardly a lodge in the provinces
but was glad to have the presence of their valued brother , and his services were often in request to aid the respective lodges . Wherever he went he gave a tone and raised the dignity of the ritual in the lodges . He had never turned his back en what he conceived to be his duty , and he was always at the point of duty when he was required to be there . His services would never be forgotten by them in that lodge , which stood , he need not tell them , in the very forefront of the lodges in the province . As a citizen Bro . Thomas was held in high esteem
by his fellow-tradesmen , and as a magistrate his decisions had been tempered by the Masonic virtue of mercy . He was a fine specimen of the Englishman , and they could not but admire him as they considered his clear thought , and the wonderful activity of mind and body which he showed on his 80 th birthday , In conclusion , the speaker expressed the hope that they who followed after Bro . Thomas might imitate his abilities , and might he ( Bro . Thomas ) be spared to them for many years to come .
The loving-cup was then filled , and handed round the lodge by Bro . G . H . Holt , P . M ., A . D . C ., P . P . S . G . D ., and "The Health of Bro . Thomas " was heartily drunk by every member of the lodge—the members standing . The presentation was then made in formal terms by Bro . BRIERLEY , who read the inscription on the cup , as follows 1 " Presented to Bro . Franklin Thomas , P . M ., P . P . S . G . W . East Lancashire , by the Masonic Lodge of Perseverance , No .
345 , Blackburn , on the occasion of the Soth anniversary of his birthday , in recognition of his distinguished and valued services to the Craft during an unbroken record of 56 years , and as a mark of esteem and respect from the brethren of the lodge with which he has been closely identified for 36 years . Blackburn , 10 th July , 18 97 " Bro . THOMAS first thanked Bro , Brierley for the kind terms of his speech . It was not in the power of words of his ( the speaker ) to acknowledge in any
measure the flattering mark of esteem which had been paid him . The handsome gift that they had given him he was convinced was in value very much beyond anything he could have deserved at their hands . He never could have conceived , even in a dream , of so magnificent a testimonial of their brotherly kindness , and it would well try the nerves of a younger man than himself to stand in the position he found himself in that night . It pleased him to see the brethren were so gratified
in being able to show their Masonic interest and kindly feeling . Their gift was of intrinsic value , but that did not constitute its value to him . If it had been of beaten gold , and set with jewels , that would not have constituted its worth in his eyes ; he valued it as a testimony of their kindness to him—a kindness shown during the whole of the years he had been a member of their lodge . He remembered the first meeting of the lodge which he attended as though it were only
yesterday . They had mentioned very kindly any little he had done to promote the good " of Freemasonry , but he had only tried to be what was known in connection with theatrical companies as the general utility man . ( Laughter and cheers . ) That was the role he had tried to fill during the whole of the years he had been amongst them . He noticed that there were three dates on the circular calling that meeting ; one alluded to the Soth anniversary of his birthday ; but having
attained to such a long term of years , he felt his thanks were due , in the first place , to the Great Architect of the Universe that He had granted him through all that long life such an amount of mental and physical power as he had always enjoyed and still enjoyed to-day . He felt his great indebtedness to the Almighty for so signal a mark of favour . Strange it seemed that a harp of one thousand strings should keep in tune so long . Bro . Thomas entered upon
a retrospect of his life as a Freemason , stating that he had joined the Order when he was 24 years of age . When he was a young Freemason he found the brethren cared more about the jollities connected with the Craft than about its verities , but he noticed , as years went on , a great improvement in that respect . There was a greater regard paid now to the high principles and duties of the Craft . Their own lodge , he was pleased to think , occupied a high place in East Lancashire , and he need not tell them that East Lancashire
occupied a foremost place in Freemasonry in the whole country . When he became a Freemason there were not over one thousand lodges , and it was at that time thought that the Order was progressing too fast , and that the number of charters should not be extended . It was like Mrs . Partington trying to mop up the waves of the Atlantic , for now there were over two thousar . d lodges , and they existed everywhere where the English race had settled throughout the world . Bro . Thomas concluded by thanking them from the bottom of his heart , and he assured them he should value the cup they had presented to him as a precious heirloom .
The W . M . having read a letter from the P . G . M ., Bro . Starkie , regretting his inability to be present , and having paid a high compliment to Bro . Thomas , the proceedings concluded . The cup is a very beautiful specimen of the silversmith ' s art , of beaten silver , exquisitively chased , and was manufactured in Edinburgh in 1724 . It bears on the reverse the monogram of Bro . Thomas , anil the various provincial offices ( with dates ) held by him in different parts of the country .
Another pleasing ceremony took place when Bro . R . W . Ccttrell , J . D ., presented a lithographed stone , in oak case , bearing a suitable design for lodge circulars , to the lodge . The W . M . said he had great pleasure in accepting Brc . Cottrell ' s handsome gilt .
Bro . THOMAS proposed a hi arty vote of thanks for the gift , and it was seconded by Bro . Riuiiv , P . M . Bro . COTTKKLL replied .
Freemasonry And The Diamond Jubilee In The West Indies.
FREEMASONRY AND THE DIAMOND JUBILEE IN THE WEST INDIES .
We are indebted to Bro . R . J . Clinckett , Past D . S . G . W ., for the following report of the Masonic celebration of the Queen ' s Diamond Jubilee at Barbados . We are also indebted to another Past Master for a resume of the speeches at the banquet that followed the church service , from which we select and publish a portion of the remarks of Bro . Clinckett in proposing the toast of the District Grand Lodge of Barbados , the toast we are advised was received with
acclamation and was responded to by Bro . Rev . Clark Solomon , Past D . G . Chap . Pursuant to general notification the Freemasons of Barbados under the jurisdiction of Bro . John Locke , their District Grand Master , assembled at 9 . 30 a . m . on Tuesday , the 22 nd ult ., to the number of 102 , at the Masonic Hall , in Sprystreet , Bridgetown , at a special communication of the District Grand Lodge , when after the usual formalities , the District Grand Lodge was adjourned and the brethren formed up in procession and left the hall to attend divine service at the cathedral .
All the District Grand Lodge Officers , the Masters , Wardens , and Junior Officers , as well as the Royal Arch Masons , wore their full regalia and jewels and carried their banners and emblems . The procession presented a picturesque and imposing appearance as it left the Masonic Hall and proceeded up Constitution to the south gate of the cathedral . The effect of the procession was greatly heightened by the banners carried by the different lodges .
At the Cathedral they were met by the rsbed choristers drawn up on either side ot the porch . The procession marched through , and took up their position on either side of the central aisle and through their ranks the clergy , the officers of the District Grand Lodge , and the choristers passed and took their positions in the chancel .
As soon as the brethren had occupied the seats reserved for them in the central aisle , Bro . the Rev . G . B . HALL announced that Bro . his Excellency the Acting Governor had just received a telegram from the Queen to her people of Barbados . Bro . LE HUNTE then read the following telegram from her Majesty and his reply thereto :
ROVAL MESSAGE FROM THE QUEEN . From Victoria R . and I . To Governor—Barbados . 11 . 7 a . m . —From my heart I thank my beloved people j may God bless them Buckingham Palace , London , June 22 nd .
[ REPLY ] From Governor—Barbados , To Her Majesty Queen Victoria , London . 9 a . m . —Barbados expresses deepest gratitude for your Majesty's most gracious message , and unites with the empire in loyalty , devotion , and thanksgiving . LE HUNTS . The National Anthem was then sung by the brethren and the choir , assisted by the organ , the Masonic version , with the addition of the Jubilee verse , being used .
The sermon was preached by Bro . the Rev . G . B . TAYLOR , LL . D ., Dep . G . Chap ., from 2 nd chap , tst Epistle of St . Peter 17 th verse , " Honour the King and love the Brotherhood . " During the service the Cathedral was crowded to its utmost capacity , over 2000 persons being present . The Masonic portion of the offertory was collected by some of the brethren , who then waited at the cross aisles , and , receiving the collections from the church officers , carried it to the altar and placed it in the alms dish .
At the conclusion of the service the brethren re-formed the procession in reversed order—the District Grand Master being at their head—and returned to the Masonic Hall , when the District Grand Lodge was formally closed . At the termination of the ceremony a large number of the brethren repaired to the banquetting room on the second floor , which had been handsomely deco . rated for the occasion .
The lodge banners were placed in suitable positions , and a wealth of flowers , flags and tropical plants , added to the splendid effects of the scene . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly proposed , and enthusiastically responded to . The National Anthem was sung , and then the Masonic celebration of the Diamond Jubilee in Barbados came to a close .
In connection with this celebration , it gives us pleasure to record the fact the expressed wish of the Queen—that Charitable objects should be the prominent feature of the celebrations—was closely adhered to by the brethren . Seventy pounds have been distributed , in sums ranging from five to 20 shillings , to individuals , whilst larger sums have been given to the Goodridge Home , the Daily Meal Societies , and the Wesleyan and Moravian Poor Relief Societies & c .
Bro . R . J . CLINCKETT , Past D . G . W ., rose , and after bowing to the D . G . M ., said : Brethren , in response to the call of the D . G . M ., the pleasing duty now devolves on me of proposing the toast of " The District Grand Lodge of Barbados . " I take it that it is due to my being the W . M . of the Albion Lodge that the gratifying compliment of being selected to do so is mainly due . That the establishment of the District Grand Lod ge of Barbados marked an era in the history and working of the Craft in this Island cannot be questioned ; those of us
who had the pleasure of being present at its inaugural meeting held just seven years ago in the Council Chamber of the Public Buildings , under the genial presidency of Bro . Sir Walter Sindall , then Governor of this Island , will remember that many predictions were made and high hopes and aspirations were expressed as to its future . I therefore propose briefly to state its duties and its functions , run over its actions during its seven years' work and we can then see whether those predictions have been verified and whether the high hopes and
aspirations have been realised . He then showed how the presence in the lodges of District Grand Ofiicers kept down irregularities , fostered a healthy spirit of emulation , and preserved the ancient landmarks ; that the occasional visits of the District Grand Master and his officers lent dignity and grace to their installation meetings , and pointed out that it was due to the District Grand Lodge that they had that day been enabled not only to appear as Masons in public clothed with their regalia , but also , as loyal subjects of one of her Majesty ' s oldest Colonies
, and members of an empire of which they now heard so much , under one Sovereign whuse Diamond Jubilee they had that day met to celebr . te , under one Hag , and that flag the Union Jack of England ^ the flag that ' s braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze . He remarked that after that tangential , or rather erratic , flight of his , he must comedown to the more solid foundation of the subject matter of his toast , which was to express the hope that the District
Grand Lodge of Barbados should enjoy a long , prosperous , and useful earner and when , in the fulness of years , the District Grand Master felt it incumbent on ' him to lay down the gavel , and seek an honourable retirement from his onerous duties , may the Craft in that supreme crisis of their career find a worthy successor to him and his equally illustrious predecessor , Bro . Col . John Elliott . He then called on the brethren to be upstanding and assist him in tendering the toast to the District Grand Master , which he did amid the acclamations of the brethren .