The Masonic Mirror.

the healths of tho Treasurer aud Secretary , Bros . Apted and Newton , pointing out the arduous duties they had to * fulfil in so numerous a Lodge . Bros . Apted and Newton returned thanks , and in doing so , stated that their long acquaintance with the Lodge enabled them to say that although it was of ail onerous nature still it was a labour of love . This Lodge now numbers nearly one hundred and forty members .

OLD COJSCOBD LODGE ( 201 ) . —The closing meeting ot this Lodge for the season was held on Tuesday , May 3 rd , at the Freemasons' Tavern , and was most numerously attended . Bro . Maney , W . M ., presided , supported by his officers , Bro . Swatnston , S . W . ; Bro . the Rev . J . LaughJiu , J . W . ; Bro . Kennedy , P . M . and Treasurer ; Bro . Nicholson , Dir . of Cers ., the members and the following visitors : —Bros . Crew , P . M ., J . How , Grand Dir . of Cers . for Herts ; Goyder , No . 53 S ; Baker , No . 20 ; Lowe , No . 319 ; Davis , No . 112 ; Blackburn , P . M ., No . 169 ; Young , P . M ., No . 72 ; NormanP . M . No . 156 ; Sirson and ScottNo . USMaddockNo 209

, , . , ; , . ; Thompson , No . 20 b ' , & c . The Lodge having been opened the W . M . proceeded to raise Bros . Gill , Morrin , Hurlstone , and Stannard , to tiie sublime degree of M . M . Bros . Mathews , Davis , and Mogiuie , were then severally passed . Mr . Wm . Wiseman and Mr . G . W . Watkins were afterwards initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry in a very impressive manner . The Lodge was then called off , and the brethren , including the visitors , assembled at the social board , and about sixty sat down to an excellent banquet . After the loyal and Masonic toasts had been giventhe

, business of the Lodgo was resumed . The W . M , said a most pleasing ditty now devolved upon him , which was to present their worthy Secretary with a testimonial of of the approbation of tho Lodge for his services . As there were many brethren present that evening who wero not aware of the circumstances , he might state that last year he had brought the matter before tho Lodge , and a council was formed to take it into consideration , and they recommended tbe testimonial which he was now about to present . Bro . Emmens entered the Lodge in 1836 ; in 1839 and ISiO

he was elected W . M ., and in 1811 he was appointed Secretary of the Lodge , which office he has held ever since . This was a result which spoke for itself , for , at the time he entered the Lodge , it was comparatively insignificant ; but now it was second to none , either in its working , or in its contributions to the Masonic

charities . In consideration of Bro . Emmens ' s long services , the committee recommended that tho Lodge should present him with , a purse containing 100 guineas , and a P . M . 's jewel of the value of 10 guineas , and he was sorry that the duty of presenting them had not fallen to some brother who could have done more justice to their admiration of him for his zeal , assiduity , and valuable services ; for his indefatigable exertions iu the Lodge , as well as for tho benefit of their Masonic charities , were beyond all praise . In conclusion , he said he had great pleasure , on behalf of the brethreniu presenting him with that testimonial as a mark of

, their esteem , and be trusted that tho Lodge might , for many years , have the benefit of his valuable services . He then presented the purse , aud affixed the jewel to his breast ( manufactured by Bro . A . D . Loewenstark ) , which bore the following inscription ;— - '' Presented to Bro . John Emmens , with 100 guineas , by tha members of the Old Concord Lodge , No . 201 , as a mark of their esteem aud consideration of his long and valuable service as Secretary . May 3 , 1859 . " —Bro . Emmens said— " Brethren , for the cordial reception you have given me , and your

W . M . for the flattering terms in which he has introduced my name , in connection with this testimonial , I beg you to accept my sincere and heartfelt thanks . I fear that for this handsome jewel and munificent testimonial of your goodwill , I shall be at a loss to return you my thanks in the manner that I should desire , and I only wish that I was possessed of language adequately to express what I feel on this memorable occasion , aud I really- never regretted my inability so much as I do now . The question which presented itself to my mind iswhat bave I done to

, merit this special mark of your favour ?—what has Bro . Emmens done for the Old Concord Lodge ? I bave simply done my duty , and that I have done so the proceedings of this evening afford ample proof , but the splendid testimonial which you have presented , goes beyond what I had a right to expect . The noble compliment you have paid me , to the latest period of my existence I shall never forget , for never 3 M