Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
advanced under the administration of my predecessors , and the Brethren have o n several occasi ons testified their approbation of the able guidance of their former Masters , tending as it did to ensure the gratifying working of the Lodge , that I consider the way paved by following their immediate footsteps for furthering and securing the bestinterests of the Fraternity and for obtaining that unanimity and good fellowship among us all which I thankfully acknowledge to have been
manifested during the year now closed , evincing that Masonic consideration and a-ttachment which should on all occasions characterize , and be uppermost in the hearts of all really good Masons . Although in times past there was a Prov . Grand Lodge in Antigua , presided over by the R . W . William Jarvis , who had the title and exercised the authority of ' P . G . M . of his Majesty ' s Leeward Oaribbee Islands / togetherwith the ' Mount Sinai Chapter ' of Royal Arch Masons , ' The Saint John ' s / ' The Kilwinning / and ' Concord Lodges ;'—yet in course of
time and events- —the dying off of the old Worthies and other circumstances , Freemasonry fell , as it were , into abeyance , and remained so for thirty or forty years ; but Phoenix-like , as has been the case in many countries , it rose from its ashes , became itself again , and in 1843 vigorously seized the Square and Compass , the Plumb , the Level , and the Trowel , and forthwith commenced rebuilding on the ancient superstructure . Its onward course , Brethren , is known to all , and is indeed more fully exemplified by the fact of a new Lodge , ' The Star in the
West , No . 967 , springing into existence , its Master installed , and its organization effected in this Lodge three months ago . This circumstance has been hailed with satisfaction , for indeed such a step was recommended from this chair by one of our Worthy Past Masters on retiring from it some time ago , and is another proof , if any were wanting , of the glorious progress of our hoary-headed and highly venerated institution . I only give utterance to the sentiments of the St . John ' s Brethren when I bid those of 'The Star in the West / God speed , and offer our best wishes for its success and prosperity .
"The Officers who assisted me during my first year ' s presidency I pray will accept my cordial thanks ; the period of their respective appointments having now ceased , I have to request the restoration into my hand of their jewels and insignia of Office . " The Brethren replied as follows : —
" Worshipful Sir , —The Brethren , to the beneficent Author of Life , return their grateful thanks that on this day , with yourself , they have another opportunity of meeting within this building , for the purposes of Freemasonry . With welcome they receive the remarks which you have addressed to them , and thank you for your past services . Like your predecessors in office , in whose ' immediate footsteps' you have followed , you have secured approbation and esteem .
" Life has been truly and emphatically denominated ' a chequered scene , ' wherein joy and sorrow are alternate attendants . Notwithstanding the gratification naturally experienced in being permitted to assemble here to-day , the present anniversary of St . John the Evangelist painfully recalls the past , for memory brings in array familiar faces , who on the last occasion , with true Masonic devotion , joined in the celebration of this festival , but whom the hour of death has since overtaken ; they have passed aw . ay from this transitory existence , ' their place shall know them no more . '
" Notwithstanding Freemasonry fell into abeyance for many years in Antigua , yet subsequently resuscitated , and its banners again unfurled , it has received considerable reinforcement ; and while the procession to the parish church this day exhibited a goodly number of its followers , it by no means displayed the entire strength of the local Brethren . During the bygone year , the Institution has been steadily keeping its onward course , an event which proves that the principles of the . Royal Craft , which cements men of various creeds and of all nations into bonds of friendship and charity , are more generally understood .
"Ihe Brethren concur in the fraternal sentiments to which you have given expression with regard to the new Lodge . They cordially offer their congratulations to the Brethren of the ' Star in the West Lodge / No . 967 , on having obtained a charter , and wish them prosperity in their labour of brotherly love . This occurrence , while interesting to all who sympathize in extending and per-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
advanced under the administration of my predecessors , and the Brethren have o n several occasi ons testified their approbation of the able guidance of their former Masters , tending as it did to ensure the gratifying working of the Lodge , that I consider the way paved by following their immediate footsteps for furthering and securing the bestinterests of the Fraternity and for obtaining that unanimity and good fellowship among us all which I thankfully acknowledge to have been
manifested during the year now closed , evincing that Masonic consideration and a-ttachment which should on all occasions characterize , and be uppermost in the hearts of all really good Masons . Although in times past there was a Prov . Grand Lodge in Antigua , presided over by the R . W . William Jarvis , who had the title and exercised the authority of ' P . G . M . of his Majesty ' s Leeward Oaribbee Islands / togetherwith the ' Mount Sinai Chapter ' of Royal Arch Masons , ' The Saint John ' s / ' The Kilwinning / and ' Concord Lodges ;'—yet in course of
time and events- —the dying off of the old Worthies and other circumstances , Freemasonry fell , as it were , into abeyance , and remained so for thirty or forty years ; but Phoenix-like , as has been the case in many countries , it rose from its ashes , became itself again , and in 1843 vigorously seized the Square and Compass , the Plumb , the Level , and the Trowel , and forthwith commenced rebuilding on the ancient superstructure . Its onward course , Brethren , is known to all , and is indeed more fully exemplified by the fact of a new Lodge , ' The Star in the
West , No . 967 , springing into existence , its Master installed , and its organization effected in this Lodge three months ago . This circumstance has been hailed with satisfaction , for indeed such a step was recommended from this chair by one of our Worthy Past Masters on retiring from it some time ago , and is another proof , if any were wanting , of the glorious progress of our hoary-headed and highly venerated institution . I only give utterance to the sentiments of the St . John ' s Brethren when I bid those of 'The Star in the West / God speed , and offer our best wishes for its success and prosperity .
"The Officers who assisted me during my first year ' s presidency I pray will accept my cordial thanks ; the period of their respective appointments having now ceased , I have to request the restoration into my hand of their jewels and insignia of Office . " The Brethren replied as follows : —
" Worshipful Sir , —The Brethren , to the beneficent Author of Life , return their grateful thanks that on this day , with yourself , they have another opportunity of meeting within this building , for the purposes of Freemasonry . With welcome they receive the remarks which you have addressed to them , and thank you for your past services . Like your predecessors in office , in whose ' immediate footsteps' you have followed , you have secured approbation and esteem .
" Life has been truly and emphatically denominated ' a chequered scene , ' wherein joy and sorrow are alternate attendants . Notwithstanding the gratification naturally experienced in being permitted to assemble here to-day , the present anniversary of St . John the Evangelist painfully recalls the past , for memory brings in array familiar faces , who on the last occasion , with true Masonic devotion , joined in the celebration of this festival , but whom the hour of death has since overtaken ; they have passed aw . ay from this transitory existence , ' their place shall know them no more . '
" Notwithstanding Freemasonry fell into abeyance for many years in Antigua , yet subsequently resuscitated , and its banners again unfurled , it has received considerable reinforcement ; and while the procession to the parish church this day exhibited a goodly number of its followers , it by no means displayed the entire strength of the local Brethren . During the bygone year , the Institution has been steadily keeping its onward course , an event which proves that the principles of the . Royal Craft , which cements men of various creeds and of all nations into bonds of friendship and charity , are more generally understood .
"Ihe Brethren concur in the fraternal sentiments to which you have given expression with regard to the new Lodge . They cordially offer their congratulations to the Brethren of the ' Star in the West Lodge / No . 967 , on having obtained a charter , and wish them prosperity in their labour of brotherly love . This occurrence , while interesting to all who sympathize in extending and per-