Untitled Article

case of all young Lodges , there was much to be learned , he hoped that the Brethren of Banbury would embrace every opportunity of visiting the Lodges at Oxford , where they would meet with a cordial reception , and gain instruction which would be very useful to them , for not only as Masons , but as citizens in the same county , it was desirable that they should know more of each other , and meet more frequently ( cheers ) ,

Bro . Blake proposed "The health of the W . M . and P . G . M . of Oxfordshire , Bro . Bowyer , " and said that he felt how unequal he was to express their feelings and his own towards that distinguished Brother , but he knew how much he was beloved and respected by every one present ; his unwearied and continued kindness to every member of the Lodge , and the unexcelled way in which he carried into public and private life the principles which he inculcated in the Lodge , had won the respect and regard of every member in the Province ( cheers ) . He felt assured that they would all join with him in sincerely congratulating Bro .

Bowyer in having received that reward , the appointment of P . G . M . of Oxfordshire , which the Earl of Zetland had bestowed upon him , and which he had so deservedly won ( cheers ) . It was not an office which he had sought for or had acquired by interest , but it was conferred upon him simply because his fame and his character as a man and a Mason had reached the ears of the G . M . of England ( cheers ) . He sincerely hoped , and felt that all the Brethren would concur in it , that he might long continue to rule over this Province , and to afford to the Craft for many years to come his bright example as a man and a Mason ( much cheering ) .

Bro . Bowyer returned thanks , and said that it would be the utmost vanity on his part to imagine that he had attained that high standard which the late W . M . and the Brethren had given hini credit for , nor could he hope to attain it , however desirous he might be of doing so . He had , however , one most grateful reflection , and that was , that he had enjoyed to the fullest extent the kino ! cooperation and support of the Masons of Oxfordshire ever since he had come among them . It was no merit of his own which had gained for him so much regard and esteem , and which had procured for him the highest honour which could be

conferred upon him ; and , highly as he valued the distinction of P . G . M . for Oxfordshire , it would have no value in his eyes if he did not believe that it emanated from the kind feeling and expressed wish of the Brethren ( cheers ) . Although he had long been connected with the Craft , and had many personal friends who held high positions in the Order , he had studiously abstained from putting forward any pretensions to the office , and consequently he valued the honour the more on account of the noble and generous manner in which it had been conferred upon

him . On the Brethren of the province , through whose instrumentality he had received the appointment , the responsibility devolved , but he could assure them that every talent and energy which he could command should be devoted to their service ; and he sincerely hoped that his still closer connection with them might be lasting , and tend to their mutual benefit ( cheers ) . In conclusion , he would only add that whenever he surrendered that office , whether by the will of the

Great Architect of the universe , or through any other cause , he desired no better epitaph or memorial than this , that he had at least endeavoured to do his duty ( much cheering ) . Bro . Scrogos sung a song , entitled , " The Cherwell is the Lodge we love , " written for the occasion by Bro . Margetts , and containing some very happy allusions to the day ' s proceedings , and to the officers of the Lodge . The song was sung with great effect , and elicited much applause .

The W . M . proposed " The healths of the Past Masters of the Cherwell Lodge , " and coupled with the toast the name of the late W . M ., ] Bro . Blake , whose services , he said , would long be borne in grateful remembrance , for he had fulfilled all the duties of the chair in a solemn and impressive manner , and in a way which became his sacred character as well as the real dignity of Freemasonry ( cheers ) . In various capacities he had rendered great service to this Lodge , of which he was its first-born , and had proved a worthy son , reflecting honour on it , and setting a bright example for others to follow ( much cheering ) . Bro . Blake , in returning thanks , said , that although it was well known that VOL . I . 2 K