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precepts he has theoretically and practically well studied , which he retains in word and in deed with a singular force of memory . The presentation of a con * gratulatory address and a banquet of a frugal character were the only marks of this memorable event , of which the jubilator would accept ; these were offered as follows , After the Brethren had assembled in the Lodge , the W . P . M . Bro . Scholefield entered and was received in due order ; a choral ode was then played . The jubilator took his seat under the acclamations of the Brethren , and the W . M .

Bro . Barsdorf addressed him : "That as W . M . a duty devolved upon him that evening which he undertook with the greatest pleasure , fearing only that he might not be able to convey all that he and the Brethren felt on this occasion towards the worthy Bro . P . M . Scholefield . Empty compliments he would not offer , but the sincerest and most earnest congratulations . He was sure that all the Brethren throughout the realm , who read or heard of this Masonic event , would join with him in saying , that it must be considered a great privilege to retain so worthy and

venerable a Brother , who through the many changes of an eventful half-century had remained a firm representative of that order to which we alb consider it a pride and honour to belong . That it must be indeed a happy moment to all the Brethren present to see him , one of the firmest pillars of our body , blessed with health and strength , which he prayed the G . A . O . T . U . might preserve to him . Glad would the Brethren have been had he accepted of a more substantial token of regard , which he however modestly declined , and he ( the W . M . ) would now present the address , signed by all the members of the Lodge . J > The W . M . then read the following well-executed and framed address , signed severally by the Brethren : —

To the Worshipful Bro . R . M . Scholefield , Esq ., P . M ., of the Lodges of Hope , v No . 379 , and Harmony , No . 874 . We , the Masters , Past Masters , Wardens , Officers , and Brethren of the Lodge of Harmony , No . 874 , being deeply impressed by a sense of admiration of your Masonic and private virtues , and esteeming you as a father of the Craft , and as one of its valued supporters ; and also fully appreciating your profound knowledge of the royal art , and your merits as a man ; beg to offer you our most heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious event of your Masonic Jubilee ; the 5 th of February last having been the fiftieth anniversary of your Initiation into Freemasonry .

Both traditional history and the records of the Order proved that , during the long and eventful period your earnest zeal for Freemasonry never abated , as you always paid unwearied attention to the real welfare of the Order , and always belonged to that small and select band , which for years kept up in the neighbourhood the credit and the dignity of our Institution .

We feel . Worshipful Sir , that no token of admiration and esteem which we might be able to bestow on you can increase the respect you are held in by all rightminded Brethren ; but still we would not be silent on such an occasion and allow to pass unnoticed such a happy occurrence as the Masonic Jubilee of an eminent Brother , full of years and of honours , who has filled every office with credit to himself and honour to the Craft .

Accept again , Worshipful Brother , our deep-felt congratulations , and our hearty best wishes ; and may the Great Architect of the Universe , whose all-seeing eye is always watchful over us , prolong your days > and pour upon you and all who are near and dear to you His choicest blessings for ever and ever . So mote it be . With fraternal regards and greetings , we remain . Worshipful Sir , ( Here follow the Signatures . ) Navember 15 , 1855 . Freemasons ' Hall , Bradford , Yorkshire .

Bro . Scholefield made the following reply . " Fifty years have now elapsed since my first introduction into Freemasonry . Death , the great leveller of all human greatness , has , during this period , removed numbers of my Brethren from this mortal state of existence , I hope to another and better world ; and / only ( through the protection of a kind Providence ) am left to be thus honoured . " ( The venerable Brother was here overcome by his emotions , shared by the Brethren present , but soon continued . ) " Sensations of a conflicting nature blend in my bosom , —gratiyojj . t . 5 a