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dall , Prov . G . D . of C . ; W . Butterworth , Prov . G . S . B . ; J . Twiss , Prov . G . O . ; A . Hyde , Prov . G . P . ; S . Moss , Prov . P . G . J . W . of Gloucestershire , Prov . G . D . of C . Staffordshire ; J . Smith , P . Prov . G . E . A selection of excellent glees , songs , & c . were given by the principal vocalists who sung at the church , Bro . Twiss accompanying them on the pianoforte .

The Rev . Prov . G . Chaplain rose to propose the health of their revered Prov . G . Master , Lord Viscount Combermere . It was a great privilege and pride for him to be so placed as to toast his lordship ' s health for no nobleman in the realm deserved to be honoured more—for his continued anxiety for the welfare of the craft , for his public worth and private acts of charity and beneficence , and heroic deeds .

He was convinced their G . M . looked a year younger , and he prayed that he might be spared many years to preside over them , for he was always ready with his advice and assistance on all occasions about the regularity of the Order and proceedings ; was exact that the duty of every officer should be properly fulfilled , and that they should be true and faithful to each other ; and no one looked more pleasantly forward to their annual gathering than his lordship .

Lord Combermere said he felt grateful for the manner in which Bro . Tanner had proposed his health , and it seemed as though his esteem increased for the Masonic body year by year—a natural result of Masonic and fraternal intimacy , and such kind receptions as he had received that day , and indeed whenever his annual visit happened to be arranged in Cheshire . He had some difficulty in expressing his sentiments , owing to the very complimentary strain his Bro . Tanner had indulged in , and the very handsome manner in which they had received and

responded to the toast ; but he could only again repeat that which he had so frequently expressed in the Lodges in the provinces , the great esteem and respect he had for them all . Let him congratulate the Lodges in his Province on the improvement and Masonic tone so generally diffused throughout , and especially in the town of Congleton , under the able presidency and influence of his acting

deputy , Bro . Antrobus , on his right . At his advanced age , he was not able to attend public meetings as heretofore , but he hoped the G-. A . O . T . Universe would spare him still , and he would attend every year . Once more let him thank them for the enthusiastic , flattering , and Masonic manner he had been received that day . Next year he trusted to meet them at Egremont . He wished them all good health , and again a thousand thanks .

The healths of the Earl of Ellesmere , R . W . Prov . G . M . East Lancashire ; Le Gendre N \ Starkie , R . W . Prov . G . M . West Lancashire ; Sir W . W . Wynn , Bart . M . P . R . W . Prov . " G . M . North Wales and Salop ; and T . F . Maddock , R . W . T > . Prov . G . M . Cheshire , were then given from the chair in succession , appropriate songs and glees intervening . Lord Combermere then proposed the health of his acting deputy , Bro . Antrobus .

He thanked him for having performed the duties of his high office that day—he thanked him for the magnificent arrangements that had been made—he thanked him for his ability and influence in the Lodge—for he was delighted to state , that in the county , in towns , and his own neighbourhood , he was esteemed alike , and that Masonry under his guidance was taking a more active lead in human enlightenment .

Bro . Antrobus said it was a source of congratulation to him , as well as to the Congleton Brethren , to have so highly gifted a nobleman as their P . G . Master a guest at Eaton Hall , with their Rev . Bro . Tanner and others . He assured them , both for himself and the Lodge , that they were prosperous ; at one time there was an apparent decrease in numbers , in 777—three odd figures , but not odd

fellows—they were now in a high state of discipline . Many and various had been their discussions ; but he was thankful they were always conducted ( though there might be a difference of opinion ) in peace and order , and indeed in harmony . He wished Masons would carry out Masonic principles to their fullest extent , as Masonry enforces the duty they owe to God , to their neighbour , and themselves .

Lord Combermere then gave the health of the Mayor of Congleton , ' and Bro . Dakin responded , by stating that it was the proudest moment of his existence to be Mayor of Congleton on such an occasion as the present meeting , and would