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Article THE MASONIC MIRROR. ← Page 4 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masonic Mirror.
Grand Lodge was hung from the front gallery , facing tho chairman ' s seat . This was surmounted by a banner , aud above it was the motto , " Brotherly Love , Relief , aud Truth , " with tho words ' ¦ " Faith , Hope . Charity ; " and beneath , "Sit Lux et . Lux fuit . "' In front of the other galleries wero the inscriptions— " Temperance , Fortitude , Prudence , Justice ; " and "AVe meet ou the level , we part on the square . " Above the chair occupied by the Prov . Grand Master was the illuminated device of a " Staffordshire Knot , " white upon black ground , with a V . R .
and crown . After dinner the Prov . Grand Master proposed " The Queen—God bless her : " he alluded to her Majesty ' s eminent virtues ns displayed by her in the government of this great aud prosperous country , and to tho fact that the Queen was the daughter of , and the niece of , illustrious brothers who had once ruled over the Craft . The D . Prov . Grand Master in proposing "The Prince Consort and the rest of theRoyal Family , " expressed a hope that they might , ere long , have
the honour of receiving the Prince of AVales as a member of the Craft . The Prov . Grand Master , in proposing " The health of the M . AV . Grand Master , the Earl of Zetland , " said that , notwithstanding they had heard remarks from time to time during the last two or three years implying a want of confidence in their M . W . Grand Master , he thought the fact of tho re-election of the Earl of Zetland to that office for the sixteenth time was sufficient proof that he enjoyed the confidence of his brethren . ( Cheers . ) The voice of faction and detraction miht have
g been heard—but a man ivas to bo judged of by the esteem and regard iu which he was held by those who knew hint best . Ifc was not a faction , a party , or a newspaper that could write down a deserving and good man ; and , therefore , he repeated that they had reposed confidence in their M . W . Grand Master as was shown by the fact that lie had recently , for the sixteenth time , been placed at the head of the Order . His character , which had beeu tried severely during the last tvto or three yearsshone more brihtly than before . He had proved himself an
, g anxious and zealous ruler : perhaps he had his faults , but no human being was without them—and the maimer in which he had ever ruled over the Craft—the zeal , the quiet , gentleman like good feeliug which he had shown iu every way—entitled him to their esteem and respect . ( The toast was drunk with enthusiasm . )
Bro . H . C . Vernon , Prov . Grand Master of Worcestershire , proposed "The Most AVorshipful Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland—the Dukes of Athol and Leinster , " who were at all times most happy to unite with the Grand Master of England in furthering the interests and stability of their great Masonic institution . Bro . Colonel Hogg , as an Irish Mason , expressed his acknowledgments for the enthusiastic manner in which the health of " Ireland's only Duke" had that evening been received . An additional reason why the
Masons of Staffordshire should drink his grace ' s health was that he ivas married to a daughter of tbe Duke of Sutherland , and felt au interest iu what transpired iu this county . He ( the gallant colonel ) could assure those brethren present who had visited the sister isle that if ever they did so they would receive from the Masons there such a hospitable reception as would prove the truth of the proverb that an Irishman ' s heart and purse invariably went together . He was proud to add that Masonry iu his country was advancing rapidly . They did not go for
numbers but for men , and that was tho system carried out witli success in all parts of the world where Masonry was known . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Dudley Parsons , whose name was associated with the toast , also returned thanks as au Irishman . Bro . Dr . Burton said that some delicate allusions had been made to what had transpired relative to the conduct of the M . AA * . Grand Master , who had beeu so materially strengthened iu his official usefulness by the confi ience of the Craft at large , ancl although he ( Dr . Burton ) was not personally acquainted with their Deputy Grand Master , Lord Pan inure , he had the best reasons for asserting that that nobleman had
proved himself a strai ghtforward man in office , and under all circumstances an able and zealous supporter of the Grand Master . He proposed " The Right AVorshipful Deputy Graud Master and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " ( Cheers . ) The R . W . Bro . H . Vernon replied to the toast . No one could be more anxious for the extension of Masonry , no one could be more attentive in tbe performance of his duties , and no one had the principles and practice of Masonry more at heart than Lord Panmure . AVith regard to
the officers of Grand Lodge , whom himself aud brother represented on that occasion , he could only say that at all times they would be happy in conveying the opinions of Grand Lodge to the brethren of their respective provinces . If they wanted them to do anything it ivas tbeir fault if they did not ask , and , if asked , they would do tbeir utmost to give satisfaction . ( Applause ) . The A . AV . D . Prov . OM ., Bro . Ward , said that it was his privilege to
propose the next toast , and he always approached it with much diffidence , because he felt that it should be entrusted to able bauds . It was , however , a toast which did not require any eloquence , inasmuch as the subject of it lived in the hearts and esteem of the Masons there assembled . He begged , therefore , to propose " The R . W . Prov . G . M ., Liettt .-Colouel Vernon . " He knew that there was no need of eloquence in making such a proposition . They were all perfectly aware of the consummate skill and talent whicli their Prov . G . M . possessed ; of the kind , gentlemanlike , and courteous way in which he ever conducted himself towards his brethren . They might ask of him to ' ' be to our virtues yery kind , " although they could not , with equal confidence , say " lie to
our faults a little blind . " AVhen their Prov . G . M . saw a fault he ivas not afraid to speak his mind , which was like medicine , very disagreeable to swallow , but it nevertheless did those who took it good . Tho R . AV . Prov . G . M . had already told them in Lodge of tbe flourishing state of Masonry in this province . He ( the speaker ) could safely endorse that statement . Since he had known Masonry , a period of upwards of half a century , he had never known it in so flourishing a condition in that province as it was now . Not only were new Lodges being opened , but .
fresh zeal and energy were infused into those in existence , which argued well for their future career . They owed a deep debt to their Prov . G . M . for the state in which the province then was ; and when they looked at the manner in which ho made his talents useful in other parts of the kingdom , the Craft generally owed him a deep debt of gratitude . ( Loud cheers ) . The Prov . Grand Master replied , his brethren would believe him when he said he was not at all insensible to the value of tbo warm applause
with which his health had been received . He trusted that he had au honest pride in the feeling that he was esteemed by his brethren , and that he had the good will and the good wishes of those who wero connected with his brethren . ( Cheers ) . In alluding to the kind and flattering terms iu which his health had been proposed , he thought that his deputy must bave been misled by au amiable weakness to speak of him , not as he was , but as a Provincial G rand Master ought really to be . ( No , no ) . He thanked them for that disclaimer ; but ho knew the kindly
feelings of their warm hearts induced them to think aud speak of him in a maimer which he did not deserve , - anil he felt deeply gratified by their kindness on that occasion . The testimony which they had given him on many occasions of the regard and esteem in which he . was held among the brethren made him proud of the position which he sustained among them—a position involving trouble and labour , but attended with little or no difficulty . If his course bad been an easy one , it . ivas because he had their good will . In speaking of himself thej' had kindly
attributed to talent ou his part what was only patient steadiness ancl fixedness of purpose . They knew that the interests of the province , and of Freemasonry generally , were the dearest objects of his care . AA'ith firm and steady views iu that direction a little talent would go a great way . If there was any method of kindness in his intercourse with the brethren , it was prompted by the kindness with which he was invariably received among them . Ho was proud of the co-operation and assistance whicli he received from all brethren in tho province , ancl especially from his officers ; and here he might remark that if his office occasioned him any difficulty it arose from the anxiety of knowing that there were forty or
fiity men annually deserving of the purple , and only eight or ten offices at his disposal . His brethren at large would , he knew , give him credit for effecting as much os he could ; and thanking them for their renewed confidence , he trusted that every day and year ol his life would be au endeavour to deserve it . He had great pleasure in proposing " The A ' . W . D . Prov . GrandMaster , Bro . Ward , " aud feelingly alluded to the zeal and efficiency of his most valuable services . In a province of the extent of Staffordshire , where Lodges were scattered widely , north and south ,
it would be impossible for any single individual to attend to them all , even if he had the time to devote to such a purpose . He had the effective and zealous assistance of the D . Prov . Grand Master , especially in the superintendence of the northern districts of the province . From him bo received abundant information ; so that if he ( the Prov . Grand Master ) was not able to visit the north so frequently as the south , he was by no moans ignorant of what was going on there ; and that information was not only backed by the weiht of the opinions of one who
g had been fifty years a Mason , but whose conduct had been that of steady progress through life , and whose excellent conduct had made him tin upright man and a Mason . He could not sufficiently thank Bro . AVard for his valuable assistance , especially when he ( tho Prov . Grand Master ) was away from the province , when he knew that his services were freely given , and were more effective than bis own would be nuclei- any circumstances . He placed every confidence iu Bro . AA ' ard , in whom , too ,
every Mason had confidence . That brother had arrived at a goodly time of life , and they hoped that God would still bless and preserve his honoured hairs , so that he might remain among them for many many years . ( Cheers . ) The A . AV . D . Prov . Grand Master , who was loudly cheered , said that the gratifying reception he had met with was almost too much for a man ol his age . In thanking them for the kind maimer in which his health had been drunk , he could assure them that it was his greatest
ambition and pleasure to stand well with them all , and to earn the esteem and approbation of his brethren . After an experience of half a century he was not likely to be led away , like a young man , by any fancied enthusiasm for Masonry . He had outlived anything of that kind ; he had had experience enough of it , ( or mere enthusiasm too long ago had worn itself away ; and the longer be lived the more he had become attached to Masonry and his many brother Masons . He could boast of being the senior Mason in that room and of the province ; he was the eldest of four living generations , his son being a grandfather , and had learnt deeply to value the principles and iiractiee of Masonry ; and ho trusted that his long course had been such as to justify their approbation and esteem .
Bro . Ti-ubshaw , m proposing " The Prov . Grand AVnrdens and other Officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge , " after remarking that independently of Masonry flourishing from the purity of its principles , it was sure to prosper in that province so loug as the name of Vernon , was associated
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masonic Mirror.
Grand Lodge was hung from the front gallery , facing tho chairman ' s seat . This was surmounted by a banner , aud above it was the motto , " Brotherly Love , Relief , aud Truth , " with tho words ' ¦ " Faith , Hope . Charity ; " and beneath , "Sit Lux et . Lux fuit . "' In front of the other galleries wero the inscriptions— " Temperance , Fortitude , Prudence , Justice ; " and "AVe meet ou the level , we part on the square . " Above the chair occupied by the Prov . Grand Master was the illuminated device of a " Staffordshire Knot , " white upon black ground , with a V . R .
and crown . After dinner the Prov . Grand Master proposed " The Queen—God bless her : " he alluded to her Majesty ' s eminent virtues ns displayed by her in the government of this great aud prosperous country , and to tho fact that the Queen was the daughter of , and the niece of , illustrious brothers who had once ruled over the Craft . The D . Prov . Grand Master in proposing "The Prince Consort and the rest of theRoyal Family , " expressed a hope that they might , ere long , have
the honour of receiving the Prince of AVales as a member of the Craft . The Prov . Grand Master , in proposing " The health of the M . AV . Grand Master , the Earl of Zetland , " said that , notwithstanding they had heard remarks from time to time during the last two or three years implying a want of confidence in their M . W . Grand Master , he thought the fact of tho re-election of the Earl of Zetland to that office for the sixteenth time was sufficient proof that he enjoyed the confidence of his brethren . ( Cheers . ) The voice of faction and detraction miht have
g been heard—but a man ivas to bo judged of by the esteem and regard iu which he was held by those who knew hint best . Ifc was not a faction , a party , or a newspaper that could write down a deserving and good man ; and , therefore , he repeated that they had reposed confidence in their M . W . Grand Master as was shown by the fact that lie had recently , for the sixteenth time , been placed at the head of the Order . His character , which had beeu tried severely during the last tvto or three yearsshone more brihtly than before . He had proved himself an
, g anxious and zealous ruler : perhaps he had his faults , but no human being was without them—and the maimer in which he had ever ruled over the Craft—the zeal , the quiet , gentleman like good feeliug which he had shown iu every way—entitled him to their esteem and respect . ( The toast was drunk with enthusiasm . )
Bro . H . C . Vernon , Prov . Grand Master of Worcestershire , proposed "The Most AVorshipful Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland—the Dukes of Athol and Leinster , " who were at all times most happy to unite with the Grand Master of England in furthering the interests and stability of their great Masonic institution . Bro . Colonel Hogg , as an Irish Mason , expressed his acknowledgments for the enthusiastic manner in which the health of " Ireland's only Duke" had that evening been received . An additional reason why the
Masons of Staffordshire should drink his grace ' s health was that he ivas married to a daughter of tbe Duke of Sutherland , and felt au interest iu what transpired iu this county . He ( the gallant colonel ) could assure those brethren present who had visited the sister isle that if ever they did so they would receive from the Masons there such a hospitable reception as would prove the truth of the proverb that an Irishman ' s heart and purse invariably went together . He was proud to add that Masonry iu his country was advancing rapidly . They did not go for
numbers but for men , and that was tho system carried out witli success in all parts of the world where Masonry was known . ( Cheers . ) Bro . Dudley Parsons , whose name was associated with the toast , also returned thanks as au Irishman . Bro . Dr . Burton said that some delicate allusions had been made to what had transpired relative to the conduct of the M . AA * . Grand Master , who had beeu so materially strengthened iu his official usefulness by the confi ience of the Craft at large , ancl although he ( Dr . Burton ) was not personally acquainted with their Deputy Grand Master , Lord Pan inure , he had the best reasons for asserting that that nobleman had
proved himself a strai ghtforward man in office , and under all circumstances an able and zealous supporter of the Grand Master . He proposed " The Right AVorshipful Deputy Graud Master and the Officers of Grand Lodge . " ( Cheers . ) The R . W . Bro . H . Vernon replied to the toast . No one could be more anxious for the extension of Masonry , no one could be more attentive in tbe performance of his duties , and no one had the principles and practice of Masonry more at heart than Lord Panmure . AVith regard to
the officers of Grand Lodge , whom himself aud brother represented on that occasion , he could only say that at all times they would be happy in conveying the opinions of Grand Lodge to the brethren of their respective provinces . If they wanted them to do anything it ivas tbeir fault if they did not ask , and , if asked , they would do tbeir utmost to give satisfaction . ( Applause ) . The A . AV . D . Prov . OM ., Bro . Ward , said that it was his privilege to
propose the next toast , and he always approached it with much diffidence , because he felt that it should be entrusted to able bauds . It was , however , a toast which did not require any eloquence , inasmuch as the subject of it lived in the hearts and esteem of the Masons there assembled . He begged , therefore , to propose " The R . W . Prov . G . M ., Liettt .-Colouel Vernon . " He knew that there was no need of eloquence in making such a proposition . They were all perfectly aware of the consummate skill and talent whicli their Prov . G . M . possessed ; of the kind , gentlemanlike , and courteous way in which he ever conducted himself towards his brethren . They might ask of him to ' ' be to our virtues yery kind , " although they could not , with equal confidence , say " lie to
our faults a little blind . " AVhen their Prov . G . M . saw a fault he ivas not afraid to speak his mind , which was like medicine , very disagreeable to swallow , but it nevertheless did those who took it good . Tho R . AV . Prov . G . M . had already told them in Lodge of tbe flourishing state of Masonry in this province . He ( the speaker ) could safely endorse that statement . Since he had known Masonry , a period of upwards of half a century , he had never known it in so flourishing a condition in that province as it was now . Not only were new Lodges being opened , but .
fresh zeal and energy were infused into those in existence , which argued well for their future career . They owed a deep debt to their Prov . G . M . for the state in which the province then was ; and when they looked at the manner in which ho made his talents useful in other parts of the kingdom , the Craft generally owed him a deep debt of gratitude . ( Loud cheers ) . The Prov . Grand Master replied , his brethren would believe him when he said he was not at all insensible to the value of tbo warm applause
with which his health had been received . He trusted that he had au honest pride in the feeling that he was esteemed by his brethren , and that he had the good will and the good wishes of those who wero connected with his brethren . ( Cheers ) . In alluding to the kind and flattering terms iu which his health had been proposed , he thought that his deputy must bave been misled by au amiable weakness to speak of him , not as he was , but as a Provincial G rand Master ought really to be . ( No , no ) . He thanked them for that disclaimer ; but ho knew the kindly
feelings of their warm hearts induced them to think aud speak of him in a maimer which he did not deserve , - anil he felt deeply gratified by their kindness on that occasion . The testimony which they had given him on many occasions of the regard and esteem in which he . was held among the brethren made him proud of the position which he sustained among them—a position involving trouble and labour , but attended with little or no difficulty . If his course bad been an easy one , it . ivas because he had their good will . In speaking of himself thej' had kindly
attributed to talent ou his part what was only patient steadiness ancl fixedness of purpose . They knew that the interests of the province , and of Freemasonry generally , were the dearest objects of his care . AA'ith firm and steady views iu that direction a little talent would go a great way . If there was any method of kindness in his intercourse with the brethren , it was prompted by the kindness with which he was invariably received among them . Ho was proud of the co-operation and assistance whicli he received from all brethren in tho province , ancl especially from his officers ; and here he might remark that if his office occasioned him any difficulty it arose from the anxiety of knowing that there were forty or
fiity men annually deserving of the purple , and only eight or ten offices at his disposal . His brethren at large would , he knew , give him credit for effecting as much os he could ; and thanking them for their renewed confidence , he trusted that every day and year ol his life would be au endeavour to deserve it . He had great pleasure in proposing " The A ' . W . D . Prov . GrandMaster , Bro . Ward , " aud feelingly alluded to the zeal and efficiency of his most valuable services . In a province of the extent of Staffordshire , where Lodges were scattered widely , north and south ,
it would be impossible for any single individual to attend to them all , even if he had the time to devote to such a purpose . He had the effective and zealous assistance of the D . Prov . Grand Master , especially in the superintendence of the northern districts of the province . From him bo received abundant information ; so that if he ( the Prov . Grand Master ) was not able to visit the north so frequently as the south , he was by no moans ignorant of what was going on there ; and that information was not only backed by the weiht of the opinions of one who
g had been fifty years a Mason , but whose conduct had been that of steady progress through life , and whose excellent conduct had made him tin upright man and a Mason . He could not sufficiently thank Bro . AVard for his valuable assistance , especially when he ( tho Prov . Grand Master ) was away from the province , when he knew that his services were freely given , and were more effective than bis own would be nuclei- any circumstances . He placed every confidence iu Bro . AA ' ard , in whom , too ,
every Mason had confidence . That brother had arrived at a goodly time of life , and they hoped that God would still bless and preserve his honoured hairs , so that he might remain among them for many many years . ( Cheers . ) The A . AV . D . Prov . Grand Master , who was loudly cheered , said that the gratifying reception he had met with was almost too much for a man ol his age . In thanking them for the kind maimer in which his health had been drunk , he could assure them that it was his greatest
ambition and pleasure to stand well with them all , and to earn the esteem and approbation of his brethren . After an experience of half a century he was not likely to be led away , like a young man , by any fancied enthusiasm for Masonry . He had outlived anything of that kind ; he had had experience enough of it , ( or mere enthusiasm too long ago had worn itself away ; and the longer be lived the more he had become attached to Masonry and his many brother Masons . He could boast of being the senior Mason in that room and of the province ; he was the eldest of four living generations , his son being a grandfather , and had learnt deeply to value the principles and iiractiee of Masonry ; and ho trusted that his long course had been such as to justify their approbation and esteem .
Bro . Ti-ubshaw , m proposing " The Prov . Grand AVnrdens and other Officers of the Prov . Grand Lodge , " after remarking that independently of Masonry flourishing from the purity of its principles , it was sure to prosper in that province so loug as the name of Vernon , was associated