Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Essex.
Masters of England had on this special occasion given the Brethren of Essex leave to visit it . The Earl and Countess then led the way to the interesting Church of St . Mary , the principal features of which were pointed out , including the Beauchamp Chapel , which is
interesting as having been built to contain the remains of the great Eaxl of Warwick , an effigy of whom in full armour is recumbent upon an altar tomb . The electric organ , at which the organist officiated , was also admired . A move was then made to the Castle grounds and after the photographic
group had been taken the party dispersd to inspect the glories of the Castle , Lord and Lady Warwick and their daughter being most assiduous in pointing out the most
interesting features . At the conclusion of the inspection of the state rooms , with their priceless , collection of paintings and antique furniture , the party passed through the armoury , which contains one of the finest collections of ancient armour
in the kingdom , and from thence into , the grounds , where the famous " Warwick Vase " was an object of great interest . The Earl also conducted a party of ladies in his electric launch for a trip on the Avon , which was very highly appreciated by those who had the privilege of taking part in it .
Others wandered along the battlements and visited the famous dungeon , while many strolled about the Park and the banks of the river , obtaining at intervals magnificent views of the stately park . Most of them found their way back to the lawn in , front of the Castle , where they were able to contemplate
the grandeur of the scene , with Guy ' s Tower , Caesar ' s Tower , and the unfinished Bear Tower , the whole range being joined by ramparts and embattled walls of great strength . The arched gateway was formerly defended by two portcullises , one of which is still in use and is , regularly closed at IO p . m .
Everyone was greatly impressed by the grandeur of the scene and felt what a privilege they had enjoyed in visiting it under such happy auspices . By six o ' clock the party had gradually melted away , the great majority wending their way to the Great Western station , from whence they were conveyed back to town by special train .
Between 120 and 130 of the party were conveyed in brakes to Leamington , under the guidance of the Provincuil Grand Secretary , where apartments had been prepared for them at the Regent Hotel and Clarendon Hotel . After the process of settling down had been completed , dinner was
served in both Hotels and the evening spent in social converse . On Sunday morning the party attended divine service at the Parish Church , and other places of worship , and after luncheon assembled at the Regent Hotel , from whence they were driven
to Kenilworth , passing on the way through the magnificent parks of Stoneleigh Abbey , which , by special permission of the Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire , had been thrown open to the Masonic visitors . Much interest was taken in the
ruins of the famous Kenilworth Castle , and after lingering there some time a move was made to the Abbey Hotel for afternoon tea , and the pleasant drive back to Leamington was by Guy ' s Cliff and Warwick . Monday was devoted to a visit to Stratford-on-Avon . Leaving the Regent Hotel ,
Leamington , about 9 . 30 , in seven or ei ght large brakes , the beautiful drive through some of the most charming scenery in Warwickshire was safely accomplished and Shakespeare ' s birth-place was reached a little before noon . Here Bro . Dr . Greene W . M . of the Swan of Avon Lodge , Bro . Bird P . M .,
and other members of the Lodge met the visitors , conducting them to the great poet ' s birth-place , the grammar school where he was educated , and the Shakespeare Hotel with its five gables and interesting associations , & c , & c . At one o ' clock all assembled in the Town Hall where , by permission of the
Mayor , luncheon had been prepared . It was hoped that the Earl and Countess of Warwick would have been present , but at the last moment a communication was received that they had been unexpectedly prevented . His Worship the Mayor
was also unable to be present on account of an unexpected engagement . Bro . T . J . Railing Provincial Grand Secretary presided , supported by the members of the Swan of Avon Lodge , and the daughter of Bro . Bird .
At the conclusion of the meal the health of His Majesty the King was drunk , and the Chairman then proposed the health of the Worshipful Master and members of the Swan of
Avon Lodge , with thanks to them for their kindness in devoting the day to the visitors . In making arrangements for this day ' s excursion the chairman said he had received invaluable assistance from the local Brethren , not only in
Essex.
regard to what they had already seen ., but what was to follow , tie associated with the toast the name of the Worshipful Master of the Lodge and Miss Bird , for whom he would ask her father to reply . Bro . Greene in responding as Worshipful Master of the
Swan of Avon Lodge , said that himself and the other Brethren had been most pleased to do all in their power to render this visit a pleasant and successful one . They were naturally
very proud of Stratford , and well gratified to see so many visitors from a distant county . Bro . Greene then explained the afternoon ' s programme and concluded by thanking the company for drinking his health .
Bro . Bird followed in similar strain , remarking that both himself and daughter had felt it a great pleasure to assist in the day ' s proceedings . Bro . H . A . Baxter W . M . of the Waltham Abbey Lodge , No . 2750 , said before they separated he desired on behalf
of the company present , to propose the health of , and a hearty vote of thanks to their Provincial Grand Secretary . They had enjoyed a great treat in the excursion in which they were participating , and they all felt that it was entirely due to the energy and foresight of Bro . Railing . As a proof of
their thanks he had been commissioned to present to Mrs . Railing a gold bracelet , and to Bro . Railing himself a silver salver and a purse of gold . This announcement was received with loud and long applause , during which Bro . Baxter handed
the bracelet to Mrs . Railing ; and the salver and purse to Bro . Railing . Bro . Baxter added that ' of course there had been no time to have an inscription put on the salver , but he read a written inscription which it is proposed to have engraved on it .
Bro . Railing , whose rising was the signal for renewed cheering , said they had now given him the hardest task he had had throughout the proceedings , viz ., how adequately to thank them for this thoughtful present . Pie felt bound to say that this excursion had cost himself and wife a
considerable amount of anxiety , and the only reward they had looked for was that it should be a great success . Pie thought up to the present success had been achieved , and he felt sure when they had finished the afternoon ' s programme they would feel they had had a most interesting experience . Himself and
wife would value most highly the gifts that had been so kindly made , and they would be a reminder to them in after years of the generosity with which their efforts had been met . An adjournment was then made to the church , where the vicar , the Rev . George Arbuthnot , M . A ., was in attendance
and most kindly pointed out the salient features of this interesting edifice . The greatest interest of course , centred round the tomb of the Poet , and the stone , which according to unbroken tradition-, covers his remains . In describing the pulpit erected by Sir Theodore Martin , in memory of his wife ,
Helen Faucit , he awakened particular interest in the minds of the Colchester visitors by pointing out that the centre figure is that of St . Plelena , the mother of Constantine . He also incidentally alluded to the controversy which had taken place over the erection of a mural monument to the memory of the
famous actress , m which Miss Mane Corelli ( who resides at Stratford-on-Avon ) took so prominent a part . Another object of great interest was the old parish register , in which are
entries of Shakespeare ' s baptism and burial , while of the monuments one of the most interesting- is that of Susannah , the poet ' s elder daughter , the wife of Dr . John Hall , because the lines on it distinctly assert the genius or wit of the poet .
Leaving the Church the company passed along by the river ' s bank to the Memorial Hall , where so many relics of Shakespeare are deposited . While here the party were visited by Miss Marie Corelli , who very kindly pointed out many interesting features . While in the theatre Miss Corelli
said there was a great feeling of regret among Stratfordians that Sir Henry Irving had , up to the present , not produced a Shakesperian play there . In reference to the memorial tablet to Miss Plelen Faucit which is in a prominent pkice in the Hall , Miss Corelli claimed that she had acted quite right
in her opposition to the erection of the tablet in the chancel of Stratford Church , as the position in which Shakespeare ' s medallion was exhibited on it was a distinct indignity to the poet . There was no objection to its being put in some other
part of the Church , but the donor would not consent to this . The prominent feature of the Memorial Plall Grounds is the Shakespeare monument , the gift of Lord Ronald Gower to the town of Stratford , the figures on which were modelled by the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Essex.
Masters of England had on this special occasion given the Brethren of Essex leave to visit it . The Earl and Countess then led the way to the interesting Church of St . Mary , the principal features of which were pointed out , including the Beauchamp Chapel , which is
interesting as having been built to contain the remains of the great Eaxl of Warwick , an effigy of whom in full armour is recumbent upon an altar tomb . The electric organ , at which the organist officiated , was also admired . A move was then made to the Castle grounds and after the photographic
group had been taken the party dispersd to inspect the glories of the Castle , Lord and Lady Warwick and their daughter being most assiduous in pointing out the most
interesting features . At the conclusion of the inspection of the state rooms , with their priceless , collection of paintings and antique furniture , the party passed through the armoury , which contains one of the finest collections of ancient armour
in the kingdom , and from thence into , the grounds , where the famous " Warwick Vase " was an object of great interest . The Earl also conducted a party of ladies in his electric launch for a trip on the Avon , which was very highly appreciated by those who had the privilege of taking part in it .
Others wandered along the battlements and visited the famous dungeon , while many strolled about the Park and the banks of the river , obtaining at intervals magnificent views of the stately park . Most of them found their way back to the lawn in , front of the Castle , where they were able to contemplate
the grandeur of the scene , with Guy ' s Tower , Caesar ' s Tower , and the unfinished Bear Tower , the whole range being joined by ramparts and embattled walls of great strength . The arched gateway was formerly defended by two portcullises , one of which is still in use and is , regularly closed at IO p . m .
Everyone was greatly impressed by the grandeur of the scene and felt what a privilege they had enjoyed in visiting it under such happy auspices . By six o ' clock the party had gradually melted away , the great majority wending their way to the Great Western station , from whence they were conveyed back to town by special train .
Between 120 and 130 of the party were conveyed in brakes to Leamington , under the guidance of the Provincuil Grand Secretary , where apartments had been prepared for them at the Regent Hotel and Clarendon Hotel . After the process of settling down had been completed , dinner was
served in both Hotels and the evening spent in social converse . On Sunday morning the party attended divine service at the Parish Church , and other places of worship , and after luncheon assembled at the Regent Hotel , from whence they were driven
to Kenilworth , passing on the way through the magnificent parks of Stoneleigh Abbey , which , by special permission of the Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire , had been thrown open to the Masonic visitors . Much interest was taken in the
ruins of the famous Kenilworth Castle , and after lingering there some time a move was made to the Abbey Hotel for afternoon tea , and the pleasant drive back to Leamington was by Guy ' s Cliff and Warwick . Monday was devoted to a visit to Stratford-on-Avon . Leaving the Regent Hotel ,
Leamington , about 9 . 30 , in seven or ei ght large brakes , the beautiful drive through some of the most charming scenery in Warwickshire was safely accomplished and Shakespeare ' s birth-place was reached a little before noon . Here Bro . Dr . Greene W . M . of the Swan of Avon Lodge , Bro . Bird P . M .,
and other members of the Lodge met the visitors , conducting them to the great poet ' s birth-place , the grammar school where he was educated , and the Shakespeare Hotel with its five gables and interesting associations , & c , & c . At one o ' clock all assembled in the Town Hall where , by permission of the
Mayor , luncheon had been prepared . It was hoped that the Earl and Countess of Warwick would have been present , but at the last moment a communication was received that they had been unexpectedly prevented . His Worship the Mayor
was also unable to be present on account of an unexpected engagement . Bro . T . J . Railing Provincial Grand Secretary presided , supported by the members of the Swan of Avon Lodge , and the daughter of Bro . Bird .
At the conclusion of the meal the health of His Majesty the King was drunk , and the Chairman then proposed the health of the Worshipful Master and members of the Swan of
Avon Lodge , with thanks to them for their kindness in devoting the day to the visitors . In making arrangements for this day ' s excursion the chairman said he had received invaluable assistance from the local Brethren , not only in
Essex.
regard to what they had already seen ., but what was to follow , tie associated with the toast the name of the Worshipful Master of the Lodge and Miss Bird , for whom he would ask her father to reply . Bro . Greene in responding as Worshipful Master of the
Swan of Avon Lodge , said that himself and the other Brethren had been most pleased to do all in their power to render this visit a pleasant and successful one . They were naturally
very proud of Stratford , and well gratified to see so many visitors from a distant county . Bro . Greene then explained the afternoon ' s programme and concluded by thanking the company for drinking his health .
Bro . Bird followed in similar strain , remarking that both himself and daughter had felt it a great pleasure to assist in the day ' s proceedings . Bro . H . A . Baxter W . M . of the Waltham Abbey Lodge , No . 2750 , said before they separated he desired on behalf
of the company present , to propose the health of , and a hearty vote of thanks to their Provincial Grand Secretary . They had enjoyed a great treat in the excursion in which they were participating , and they all felt that it was entirely due to the energy and foresight of Bro . Railing . As a proof of
their thanks he had been commissioned to present to Mrs . Railing a gold bracelet , and to Bro . Railing himself a silver salver and a purse of gold . This announcement was received with loud and long applause , during which Bro . Baxter handed
the bracelet to Mrs . Railing ; and the salver and purse to Bro . Railing . Bro . Baxter added that ' of course there had been no time to have an inscription put on the salver , but he read a written inscription which it is proposed to have engraved on it .
Bro . Railing , whose rising was the signal for renewed cheering , said they had now given him the hardest task he had had throughout the proceedings , viz ., how adequately to thank them for this thoughtful present . Pie felt bound to say that this excursion had cost himself and wife a
considerable amount of anxiety , and the only reward they had looked for was that it should be a great success . Pie thought up to the present success had been achieved , and he felt sure when they had finished the afternoon ' s programme they would feel they had had a most interesting experience . Himself and
wife would value most highly the gifts that had been so kindly made , and they would be a reminder to them in after years of the generosity with which their efforts had been met . An adjournment was then made to the church , where the vicar , the Rev . George Arbuthnot , M . A ., was in attendance
and most kindly pointed out the salient features of this interesting edifice . The greatest interest of course , centred round the tomb of the Poet , and the stone , which according to unbroken tradition-, covers his remains . In describing the pulpit erected by Sir Theodore Martin , in memory of his wife ,
Helen Faucit , he awakened particular interest in the minds of the Colchester visitors by pointing out that the centre figure is that of St . Plelena , the mother of Constantine . He also incidentally alluded to the controversy which had taken place over the erection of a mural monument to the memory of the
famous actress , m which Miss Mane Corelli ( who resides at Stratford-on-Avon ) took so prominent a part . Another object of great interest was the old parish register , in which are
entries of Shakespeare ' s baptism and burial , while of the monuments one of the most interesting- is that of Susannah , the poet ' s elder daughter , the wife of Dr . John Hall , because the lines on it distinctly assert the genius or wit of the poet .
Leaving the Church the company passed along by the river ' s bank to the Memorial Hall , where so many relics of Shakespeare are deposited . While here the party were visited by Miss Marie Corelli , who very kindly pointed out many interesting features . While in the theatre Miss Corelli
said there was a great feeling of regret among Stratfordians that Sir Henry Irving had , up to the present , not produced a Shakesperian play there . In reference to the memorial tablet to Miss Plelen Faucit which is in a prominent pkice in the Hall , Miss Corelli claimed that she had acted quite right
in her opposition to the erection of the tablet in the chancel of Stratford Church , as the position in which Shakespeare ' s medallion was exhibited on it was a distinct indignity to the poet . There was no objection to its being put in some other
part of the Church , but the donor would not consent to this . The prominent feature of the Memorial Plall Grounds is the Shakespeare monument , the gift of Lord Ronald Gower to the town of Stratford , the figures on which were modelled by the