Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
China.
wooden floor laid , so that , by introducing glazed windows , the east end may be closed off and used as a kitchen hy being fitted with American cooking stoves , & c , and the west end would form a fine banquetiiig-room . The whole of the building was thus intended to be used for Masonic purposes only , as the rental likely to accrue from the chapter , proposed new lodge , or any other Masonic orders would meet the charitable donation , whilst the subscriptions of the members of the Northern
Lodge of China ( No . 832 ) will amply defray all other expenses . " The brethren would perceive that it had been intended to devote the whole of the premises to Masonic uses , and he believed he was expressing the universal feeling in stating that the present members of the Northern Lodge of China were equally resolved that no portion of the building should be relet , when the existing leases expired . He had pleasure in announcing that , at the termination of the current year , the lodge would
probably be free of debt , and in a position to carry out the benevolent intentions of former members . Bro . Thorne was now about to return to England , but the best wishes of the hrethren would accompany him . Hereafter , through the vista of years , it might be gratifying for him to recollect that , prior to leaving the scene of his early Masonic labours , the brethren who had benefitted so much by his exertions had gathered around him iu the structure which had been raised mainlthrough his
y indefatigable exertions , and , with sincere and hearty wishes , bade him God speed on bis homeward journey . Air— " Should auld acquaintance be forgot . " Bro . THORNE , whose rising was the signal for loud and continued applause , replied : —AVorshipful Master , brother Wardens , and brethren , I cannot find words to express to you adequately how deeply I feel , not merely the enthusiastic manner in which
you have just responded to the toast of my health , hut for the many great kindnesses I have received at all times from the brethren of the Northern Lodge of China . Some time back you were pleased to present me with this jewel . I assure you whenever I look at it I shall be reminded of those brethren who have proved themselves such firm friends and from whom I now part with regret . The AVorshipful Master has been pleased to allude to what he terms my past services to Freemasonry in China , and to tho Northern Lodge of China in
particular , and more especially refers to that period when the great revival of Masonry took place in this port . AVhatcver may have been my personal labour it would have been impos-» ible for me to have effected the great changes then brought about if I had not been assisted by such noble officers as those who then supported me , with Bros . Campbell for Senior AVarden , Underwood , Junior AVarden , Bernard , Senior Deacon , Tilby , Junior Deacon , and Dunlop , Secretary . Success , so fur as
labour could ensure it , was certain . I was induced to take a great interest in Masonry , because I could not foil to see that there was something deeper in it than what is simply termed our mysteries ; there is that iu it which , if properly acted on and blessed by the Great Architect of the Universe , tends , as our installation ceremony beautifully expresses it , " to diffuse the light of wisdom and the strength of reason , dispense the beauties of virtue , and lessen the aggregate of human misery and vice . " I
think it is this that must make it attractive to all who desire to be Freemasons in truth , and not simply in name ; and I sincerely hope it may please the Great Architect of the Universe so to direct the rulers of the Northern Lodge of China that Freemasonry , as there taught , may prove a blessing to all its members . You have now at your head a AVorshipful Master who , I am sure , will do all in his power to disseminate the true principles of the Order , and he is most ably supported by Officers of
proved merit . Our sister lodges are also most ably presided over , so that , in bidding you farewell , I do so with the feeling that brotherly love , relief , and truth will prove the distinguishing characteristics of the Freemasons of Shanghai . The AV . MASTER , in proposing " The Health of the Past Masters , " remarked that though a recognition of past services was most becoming , brethren were apt , in the contemplation of present prosperity , to forget the means whereby it had heen
achieved . He hoped that those present would not lose sight of the fact that to the Past Masters of the Northern Lodge of China , then so worthily represented , was due the gratifying position of the lodge , and that , whilst endeavouring to carry on successfully the work they had so well begun , they would ever recollect the exertions of those brethren who laboured earnestly when Shanghai Masonry was iu its infancy . Bro . BIRDSEY ' E responded in a few well-chosen words . The AV . MASTER said he trusted the Northern Lodge of
China had never been wanting in giving a hospitable reception to visitors , and if , on ordinary occasions , visiting brethren were not offered refreshments on a scale commensurate with the fatigues of the labours they were called upon to share , such behaviour must only be ascribed to its proper cause , the general wish to circumscribe all unnecessary expenses until the lodge was clear of debt . In the visitors of the evening tbey beheld several brethren who , in former years , had rendered essential
service to the Craft , and he associated Bro . Westall's name with the toast as one who , in the double capacity of Secretary and Treasurer , had materially conduced to the present satisfactory position of the lodge . He should give them " The Health of the Visitors . " Air — " Willie we have missed you . " Bro . WESTALL having made an appropriate reply , Bro . BIRDSEYE , P . M ., in an eloquent speech , proposed " The
Health of the Worshi pful Master , " which was briefly acknowledged by Bro . GOULD . The W . MASTER , in giving " The Sister Lodges in Shanghai , " commented on the fraternal relations which had always subsisted between the Royal Sussex and Northern Lodge of China , and expressed a hope that when the new lodges Under the Scotch and American constitutions respectively arrived in full working order , the same harmony and good feeling might continue . Air— " Come let us be happy together . "
Bro . PARKER , W . M . No . 501 , said—On reviewing the number of lodges now existing in Shanghai in prospective and in reality , I could have hoped that the task of answering to the toast of " Sister Lodges" might have fallen to one more worthy and better able to do justice to a response to a toast which has been so kindly received . But standing here to speak on behalf of the sister lodges of the Northern Lodge of China on an occasion like this—being a farewell to our worthy Bro . Thorne—I
cannot allow the occasion to pass without recording on their behalf an expression of our gratitude to our worthy brother for the many benefits he has conferred on Freemasonry in China . We have already been told that on his back he has carried the Northern Lodge of China through many difficulties and over many obstacles ; but also to him are we indebted for the preservation of that spirit which is now our support . A \ ell may we vouch for him as one whose heart is filled with the spirit of true
Masonry—one whose zeal and industry have not been less remarkable than his sound judgment and correct working . To you , Brother Gould , as AA orshipful Master of the Northern Lodge of China , in the name of the sister lodges , I extend the right hand of fellowship , and I will give you , brethren , this toast —• " Freemasonry in China . Its progress must keep pace with the progress of Christianity and civilization in this country , and may its several lodges work with that love and harmony which shall present to the world an ensample of true Masonic brotherhood . "
J he W . MASTER , in proposing " The Health of the Officers , drew attention to the merits of those by whom he was supported , remarking , that in the Wardens were to be seen brethren who had ably filled subordinate offices in the previous year , and in the Deacons , though younger members of the Craft , officers actuated bj' a wish to gain as deep an insight as possible into the mysteries of the Order , as evidenced by their regular attendance at the Assiduity Lodge of Instruction .
Air— " Excelsior . " Bro . NUTT , S . W ., replied . He said—Worshipful Master and Brethren , on behalf of the officers of the Northern Lodge of China I have to thank you very much for the cordial manner in which the toast just proposed has been responded to . AVe feel proud in holding office under so zealous a Master as yourself , and are prompted to discharge our duties to the lodge faithfullnot onlbecause we have so worthan example before
y , y y us , but also from the love we have for Masonry in general . So many have already spoken in praise of Bro . Thorne and the services he has rendered to this lodge and the Craft in China , that any remarks from me would be superfluous . I have no doubt , however , that it will afford him much satisfaction to hear from time to time of the prosperity of the Northern Lodge of China , and I beg to assure him that the present officers will do all in their power to support the position which the lodge
has worthily maintained in former years . The W . MASTER , in giving the next toast , "The Press , " said that being anxious not to venture from the neutral ground of Masonry into the more stormy field of politics , he would restrict himself to bringing to notice the ability and impavtiality with which the various journals were conducted in Shanghai .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
China.
wooden floor laid , so that , by introducing glazed windows , the east end may be closed off and used as a kitchen hy being fitted with American cooking stoves , & c , and the west end would form a fine banquetiiig-room . The whole of the building was thus intended to be used for Masonic purposes only , as the rental likely to accrue from the chapter , proposed new lodge , or any other Masonic orders would meet the charitable donation , whilst the subscriptions of the members of the Northern
Lodge of China ( No . 832 ) will amply defray all other expenses . " The brethren would perceive that it had been intended to devote the whole of the premises to Masonic uses , and he believed he was expressing the universal feeling in stating that the present members of the Northern Lodge of China were equally resolved that no portion of the building should be relet , when the existing leases expired . He had pleasure in announcing that , at the termination of the current year , the lodge would
probably be free of debt , and in a position to carry out the benevolent intentions of former members . Bro . Thorne was now about to return to England , but the best wishes of the hrethren would accompany him . Hereafter , through the vista of years , it might be gratifying for him to recollect that , prior to leaving the scene of his early Masonic labours , the brethren who had benefitted so much by his exertions had gathered around him iu the structure which had been raised mainlthrough his
y indefatigable exertions , and , with sincere and hearty wishes , bade him God speed on bis homeward journey . Air— " Should auld acquaintance be forgot . " Bro . THORNE , whose rising was the signal for loud and continued applause , replied : —AVorshipful Master , brother Wardens , and brethren , I cannot find words to express to you adequately how deeply I feel , not merely the enthusiastic manner in which
you have just responded to the toast of my health , hut for the many great kindnesses I have received at all times from the brethren of the Northern Lodge of China . Some time back you were pleased to present me with this jewel . I assure you whenever I look at it I shall be reminded of those brethren who have proved themselves such firm friends and from whom I now part with regret . The AVorshipful Master has been pleased to allude to what he terms my past services to Freemasonry in China , and to tho Northern Lodge of China in
particular , and more especially refers to that period when the great revival of Masonry took place in this port . AVhatcver may have been my personal labour it would have been impos-» ible for me to have effected the great changes then brought about if I had not been assisted by such noble officers as those who then supported me , with Bros . Campbell for Senior AVarden , Underwood , Junior AVarden , Bernard , Senior Deacon , Tilby , Junior Deacon , and Dunlop , Secretary . Success , so fur as
labour could ensure it , was certain . I was induced to take a great interest in Masonry , because I could not foil to see that there was something deeper in it than what is simply termed our mysteries ; there is that iu it which , if properly acted on and blessed by the Great Architect of the Universe , tends , as our installation ceremony beautifully expresses it , " to diffuse the light of wisdom and the strength of reason , dispense the beauties of virtue , and lessen the aggregate of human misery and vice . " I
think it is this that must make it attractive to all who desire to be Freemasons in truth , and not simply in name ; and I sincerely hope it may please the Great Architect of the Universe so to direct the rulers of the Northern Lodge of China that Freemasonry , as there taught , may prove a blessing to all its members . You have now at your head a AVorshipful Master who , I am sure , will do all in his power to disseminate the true principles of the Order , and he is most ably supported by Officers of
proved merit . Our sister lodges are also most ably presided over , so that , in bidding you farewell , I do so with the feeling that brotherly love , relief , and truth will prove the distinguishing characteristics of the Freemasons of Shanghai . The AV . MASTER , in proposing " The Health of the Past Masters , " remarked that though a recognition of past services was most becoming , brethren were apt , in the contemplation of present prosperity , to forget the means whereby it had heen
achieved . He hoped that those present would not lose sight of the fact that to the Past Masters of the Northern Lodge of China , then so worthily represented , was due the gratifying position of the lodge , and that , whilst endeavouring to carry on successfully the work they had so well begun , they would ever recollect the exertions of those brethren who laboured earnestly when Shanghai Masonry was iu its infancy . Bro . BIRDSEY ' E responded in a few well-chosen words . The AV . MASTER said he trusted the Northern Lodge of
China had never been wanting in giving a hospitable reception to visitors , and if , on ordinary occasions , visiting brethren were not offered refreshments on a scale commensurate with the fatigues of the labours they were called upon to share , such behaviour must only be ascribed to its proper cause , the general wish to circumscribe all unnecessary expenses until the lodge was clear of debt . In the visitors of the evening tbey beheld several brethren who , in former years , had rendered essential
service to the Craft , and he associated Bro . Westall's name with the toast as one who , in the double capacity of Secretary and Treasurer , had materially conduced to the present satisfactory position of the lodge . He should give them " The Health of the Visitors . " Air — " Willie we have missed you . " Bro . WESTALL having made an appropriate reply , Bro . BIRDSEYE , P . M ., in an eloquent speech , proposed " The
Health of the Worshi pful Master , " which was briefly acknowledged by Bro . GOULD . The W . MASTER , in giving " The Sister Lodges in Shanghai , " commented on the fraternal relations which had always subsisted between the Royal Sussex and Northern Lodge of China , and expressed a hope that when the new lodges Under the Scotch and American constitutions respectively arrived in full working order , the same harmony and good feeling might continue . Air— " Come let us be happy together . "
Bro . PARKER , W . M . No . 501 , said—On reviewing the number of lodges now existing in Shanghai in prospective and in reality , I could have hoped that the task of answering to the toast of " Sister Lodges" might have fallen to one more worthy and better able to do justice to a response to a toast which has been so kindly received . But standing here to speak on behalf of the sister lodges of the Northern Lodge of China on an occasion like this—being a farewell to our worthy Bro . Thorne—I
cannot allow the occasion to pass without recording on their behalf an expression of our gratitude to our worthy brother for the many benefits he has conferred on Freemasonry in China . We have already been told that on his back he has carried the Northern Lodge of China through many difficulties and over many obstacles ; but also to him are we indebted for the preservation of that spirit which is now our support . A \ ell may we vouch for him as one whose heart is filled with the spirit of true
Masonry—one whose zeal and industry have not been less remarkable than his sound judgment and correct working . To you , Brother Gould , as AA orshipful Master of the Northern Lodge of China , in the name of the sister lodges , I extend the right hand of fellowship , and I will give you , brethren , this toast —• " Freemasonry in China . Its progress must keep pace with the progress of Christianity and civilization in this country , and may its several lodges work with that love and harmony which shall present to the world an ensample of true Masonic brotherhood . "
J he W . MASTER , in proposing " The Health of the Officers , drew attention to the merits of those by whom he was supported , remarking , that in the Wardens were to be seen brethren who had ably filled subordinate offices in the previous year , and in the Deacons , though younger members of the Craft , officers actuated bj' a wish to gain as deep an insight as possible into the mysteries of the Order , as evidenced by their regular attendance at the Assiduity Lodge of Instruction .
Air— " Excelsior . " Bro . NUTT , S . W ., replied . He said—Worshipful Master and Brethren , on behalf of the officers of the Northern Lodge of China I have to thank you very much for the cordial manner in which the toast just proposed has been responded to . AVe feel proud in holding office under so zealous a Master as yourself , and are prompted to discharge our duties to the lodge faithfullnot onlbecause we have so worthan example before
y , y y us , but also from the love we have for Masonry in general . So many have already spoken in praise of Bro . Thorne and the services he has rendered to this lodge and the Craft in China , that any remarks from me would be superfluous . I have no doubt , however , that it will afford him much satisfaction to hear from time to time of the prosperity of the Northern Lodge of China , and I beg to assure him that the present officers will do all in their power to support the position which the lodge
has worthily maintained in former years . The W . MASTER , in giving the next toast , "The Press , " said that being anxious not to venture from the neutral ground of Masonry into the more stormy field of politics , he would restrict himself to bringing to notice the ability and impavtiality with which the various journals were conducted in Shanghai .