History Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement, No. 256.——(Continued).

On the 4 th of November it was resolved , on the motion of Bro . Hervey , seconded by Bro . S . B . Wilson , that the sum of live pounds be placed at the disposal of the SteAvards tOAvards defraying the expenses of the next Annual Festival . At the following meeting it AA'as proposed and carried that special invitations to the Festival be sent to Bros . Havers , Clarke ( Grand Secretary ) , Farnlield , Muggeridge , Jennings , and Roxburgh .

JOIIX SAVAGE , P . G . D ., Cluiii-iiutii of' the Fettirnlt ill 1 S-11 , 13-16 , lSt \ 0 . On the 18 th of November "A circular letter was read from the Grand Secretary cautioning the brethren against

holding communication with certain spurious Masons using certificates issued by a lodge calling itself , ' The Reformed Masonic Order of Memphis , or Rite of the Grand Lodge of Philadelphes . '" The FestiA-al on the 9 th of December , 18 59 , was ^ 'c ^

in the Temple , designed by Sir John Soane ( for the meetings of the Grand Lodge ) , which AA as demolished in 1867 prior to the rebuilding of the Freemasons' Tavern . The work in the lodge marked a new departure , S . B . Wilson having undertaken the ceremonies of consecration and installation , this being the iirst occasion on which those

functions were performed either at the " Emulation " or , in all likelihood , at any other lodge of instruction in London . Many Grand Officers , in addition to those specially invited , attended the meeting , several of whom took part in the ceremony of consecration , thus conducing to the realistic character of the proceedings . The Grand Secretary

read the petition and warrant , " and the customary oration was most admirably delivered by Bro . Thomas Fenn , who officiated as Grand Chaplain ( probably his first appearance in that character ) . Bro . Charles Edward Horsley , Grand Organist , presided at the organ , and was assisted by

Bro . Donald King and several other celebrated vocalists . Bro . Wilson installed Bro . John Savage in the chair , who appointed the various oflicers and addressed them on their respective duties . "

In perusing these Festival speeches Ave look in vain foi any allusion to the early history of this justly celebrated Lodge of Improvement , an omission much to be regretted , and for which I am unable to lind valid excuse . As before stated , S . B . Wilson joined the lodge in 18 32 , and the chairman of the evening joined only four years later , while Bro . William

Farnlield had been a member longer than either of the last named brethren , and at that period scarcely ever missed a festival meeting , although it must be acknowledged that he

very seldom indulged in speech making . It is but reasonable to conclude that these as well as other brethren had sonic knoAvledge of the Avorking of the lodge in the earlier and most interesting period of its career " . On this occasion the speeches , both in proposing and responding to the various toasts , Avere Avell worth listening to r

but of not sufficient general interest to justify their reproduction at length . I will , therefore , restrict myself totranscribing the remarks of the W . Bro . Frederick Slight , f . G . D ., who proposed the toast of "The Chairman , " and alsothat brother ' s response thereto , as printed in the Freemasons '

Magazine , & c , of December 17 th , 1859 . Bro . Slight having responded to the toast of " The Grand Officers , " again rose and said : " The Worshipful Master having entrusted him with his gavel , he had to ask them to join him in a toast Avhich he was sure would be generally acceptable— " The health of the

Worshipful Master , " and with it he would couple , " Success to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement . " With regard to the Worshipful Master it Avas difficult to speak of him in his presence as he might desire , but Bro . John Savage Avas so

HENRY IIHOAVSE , P . G . I ) ., Cliniriiiiui of III- Feilirnl , Oeluber lib , INK .

if not the best , lodge of instruction in the metropolis , and that they would join with him in cordially chinking to the health of Bro . Savage , S . G . D . of England , and prosperity to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement . ( To be Continued ) .

Avell known to them all as to render it unnecessary that he should say anything in recommendation of the toast . With regard to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement he held it in high esteem . As to its teachings , he was indebted for what little knowledge he had of the ceremonies , and he wished all Masons desirous of advancing in the Craft could attend that

lodge , as he AA-as sure they would derive benelit from the manner in which it Avas worked and conducted . No one could fully appreciate the beauties of the Craft unless they had the opportunity of observing how ably and efficiently the ceremonies and lectures were always worked in that lodge .

Here he Avas reminded that in closing the lodge that evening they had omitted to return their sincere thanks , as he was sure all desired to do , to Bro . Stephen Barton Wilson , for the very able manner in which he had discharged the duties of the lodge that evening , and he trusted that there were

those present who would convey to that brother the assurance that the omission was purely accidental , and that it Avas noticed with regret after the closing of the lodge . He trusted that the lodge would long continue to flourish as one of the best ,