Consecration Of The Elthorne And Middlesex Lodge, No. 2093.

CONSECRATION OF THE ELTHORNE AND MIDDLESEX LODGE , No . 2093 .

THE constantly-recurring ceremony of consecration reminds us of the growth of the Craft , thongh it by no means assures ns of the quality of the growth . Time alone can decide whether the multip lication of Lodges has been a wise policy or no . We shall not venture upon a discussion of the subject on the present occasion . It

wonld be ungracious to discount the prospects of the manhood of a child just born , and we have no desire to fignre as prophets . Judging , however , from the military character of th- ' above-named Masonic offspring , we should say that it has a future before it not war . ranted by its inauguration . We are familiar with the story of

the meeting of a few humble persons in an upper room in the early dawn of Christianity , who have left their impress upon the world , which shall never die . We know that the spirit of Freemasonry does not depend upon tho number of its discip les . Yet there is a fitness of things which cannot be altogether dispensed with in the

present age , and which was conspicuous by its absence on the occasion of the consecration of the Elthorne and Middlesex Lodge on Saturday a'ternoon last , at the Hounslow Town Hall . The ceremony of consecration took place in a small dingy top room , where the workers were literally " cribb'd , cabined , and confined . "

Fortunately only a small number of brethren were present , and the inconvenience wns more sentimental than real . The surroundings , nevertheless , were out of harmony with the solemnity and beauty of fche ceremony , and had it not been for the relief of colour displayed by the ( fficers of the army present , the whole affair would have been

dull indeed . Tbe arrangements , too , were incomplete , and the memory and work of the Officers of the new Lodge were defective , if we except the S . W ., who showed that he had the requisite confidence in himself which comes of knowledge . The consecrating Officers , as might have been expected , were equal to the occasion , and as a

redeeming feature we may mention that the brethren of the Lodge showed a zeal that may be turned to good account in the future and a degree of hospitality worthy of the members of a large-hearted and glorious profession . In speaking as we have done of what were striking defects , we desire to recognise the good personal qualities of

the members of the Elthorne Lodge . It is an every-day experience to praise indiscriminately all that takes place in connection with Masonry . It is an injurious custom , and not a little hypocritical . We are not disposed to encourage that evil , and as we write in all kindness and with that respect due to brethren who evidently are

made of true metal , we feel that our remarks will not be imsunderstood nor misjudged . We have spoken of the hospitality , let us add that the banquet was one of the best it has been onr pleasnre to enjoy . The menn card was neat , filled with a list of good things , cleverly selected , skilfully cooked and prepared , and well served .

We regret that we cannot record tho name of the caterer . It was nofc on the card , but we here testify to his merits , aud to the genuine an'l generous hospitality of the brethren of the Lodge . Bro . Col , Sir Francis Burdett , Bart ., P . G . M . Middlesex , pies ded , and took the chief part in the ceremony of consecration . He was assisted by

Bros . W . Taylor Prov . G . J . W . as S . W ., J . F . H . Woodward 877 Prov . G . Seo . as J . W ., Frank Richardson P . G . D . as Director of Ceremonies , Rev . S . T . H Sanders Prov . G . Chaplain as Chaplain , ( J . Sadler Grand Tyler ( who attended with tho beautiful consecrating vessels belonging to Grand Lodge ) , and Raymond Thrnpp D . P . G . M .

The musical services was well performed by Bro . George S . Graham P . P . Grand Organist Middlesex and Surrey , nnder difficulties that would have dismayed less expert brethren . Dnring the ceremony Bro . Burdett delivered a short address , in which he advised the brethren to be careful in selecting efficient men for office

and in the choice of members . Candidates shonld be known , 10 that they conld work well to 'ether . In some instances black balls were used too frequently , and although he was not much in favour of their nse , yet it would be better to exercise the power the brethren possessed than admit improper candidates . Sir Francis referred to

the moral power of the W . M ,, who he said onghfc to influence the bietbren , but in order that it might be successfully applied the W . M . must respect himself . He conclnded by saying , that he hoped well of tbe new Lodge , which bad his hearty and best wishes . Tho oration was delivered bv the Chaplain in a clear and solemn manner befitting

the occasion . The new brother drew a comparison between King Solomon ' s Temple and the Masonic Lodge , aud enforced tho moral arguments arising therefrom . The oration was neither long nor ¦ wearisome , bufc it was nevertheless able , well-conceived and directed . The reading of the petition and other parts of the ceremony of

consecration having been performed , Bro . Thrnpp took the chair of King Solomon , and installed Bro . Capt . A . J . Gant P . M . as W . M . of tho Lodge , who invested tho following Officers : — Bros . M'jor G . E . E . Blunt W . M . 1 ( 315 S . W , Surgeon-Major . ! . II . Jephson J . W ., Lieut . W . Coombes Secretary , iu whose hands the official bushesi of tho Lodge

will be perfectly safe . Some other offices will be fi 11 » rl up at a subsequent meet'tig . Bro . P . G . Mitchell wns a capable substitute , for Brother Gilbert as T yler . The appointment of this office fell to Brother Shepherd . Brother Frank Richardson delivered the addresses to the Worshipfnl Master and Wardens with his usual skill ,

and ihe S . W . proposed in justly complimentary terms that the Consecrating Officer should become honorary nv-mbersof the Lodge , This was duly carried , and in ackn > wledging the . compliment Bro . Sir Francis Burdett again retried to the future of the Lodge , and although lie did not suspect for a moment that they would r quire

watching he should have his eye npon them . Several names of joining members were gi ^ en in , as well as thosi of new candidates , ai-d the Lodyo was closed in due form . Among others who were present were Bros . r , » . W . Dixon P . G . S . W . Berks and Bucks , Tnos .

Montgomery W . M . 1871 , D'Ovley Battley 307 , Cap-. E . B . Ricketts . Chas . Burt J . W . La Tolerance 5 : ? 8 . We have already spoken of the bai . qnet ; it v \ i 1 be sufficient if we add that the usual toasts followed , together with the complimentary speeches that are never wanting on each occasions . We cannot , however , close without again referring

Consecration Of The Elthorne And Middlesex Lodge, No. 2093.

to the services of Bro . Graham , who—as a brother remarked—is a host in himself . He sang , and whistled , and played , to the delight of the brethren until the lapse of time bade pleasure cease .

Consecration Of The Ethelbert Lodge, No. 2099.

CONSECRATION OF THE ETHELBERT LODGE , No . 2099 .

r pHIS latest addition to the roll of Lodges in Kent was ushered 1 into existence on Thursday , the 9 th inst ., amid surroundings of the most gratifying character . The weather was as fine as could be desired , the season the most propitious , and the company who assembled to take part in the consecration the moat brilliant we have

ever seen at such a ceremony . Every provision that foresight conld suggest had been made , and the whole proceedings passed off without a hitch . The brethren present who supported Viscount Holmesdale Provincial Grand Mister Kent , the Consecrating Officer , were Broa . T . R . Eastes Depnty Provincial Grand Master , B . Kelly Thorpe Prov .

Grand Treasurer , who acted as S . W ., T . H . Grove Snowden P . P . G . J . W . as J . W ., Alfred Spencer Prov . Grand Secretary , Rev . E . Gcippor Banks , M . A ., P . Prov . Grand Chaplain , H . Ward Provincial T . G . W . as D . C , and the following , among other , brethren : — S . Marriott 95 , T . Crump I P . M . 972 , H . Inon W . M . 1273 ,

C . E . J . Carter 31 , W . D-nne W . M . 1206 , R . M . Mirch 31 , S . F . Printer P . M . 972 , P . A . Frost S . D . 784 , A . Moulding 972 , C . B . Cox 31 , J . Plant P . M 31 . J . W . Court W . M 1096 , R . Rhodes 31 , A . Bas . sington P . M 205 . Edwin Beer P . M . 972 1419 P . P . G . D ., Col . 0 . J .

Cox P . M ., James Emmerson P . P . S . G D „ Josh . Elazledine P . P . G . D . C , A . Wetherett , J . B . Harrison P . P . G . C , Geo . Page P . M . P . P . J G . D ., H . F . Pringner J . D . 972 , J . H . Higgins 972 , M . W . West P . P . G . P ., T . H . Blamires 1419 , R C Smith 1449 , T . Beckett 1449 , L . S . Jonea

31 , P . Montagu P . P . G . S . B . Dorset , W . L . Yonng S . W . 31 , G . H Chexfield P . P . J . G . W ., W . Price 972 , F . F . Gerard P . P . J . G . D ., J . G Kenning P . M . 127 , W . H . Bond S . W . 1273 , H . Sole W . M . 158 , W . W

Woodruff P . M . 1206 , J . Osborne Roche 31 , Robert Blake P . M . 972 , W . Plant R . W . 972 . G . Hiller P . M . 429 , J . F . Cozens P . M . 972 , R . Wesfcwood S . D . 972 , F . A . Pullen P . M . 742 , 0 . Hills S . D . 127 , T . H . Grove Snowden P . P . J . G . W ., G . Hill 127 , J . O . Eve P . P . G . A . D . C , S . Newman J . W . 972 , J . Allen P . M . 160 , 1734 ,, W . Crawford P . M . 127 , G . Piloher P . M . 972 , R . Welhy 972 , John Welsh

P . M . 972 , H . S . Ford W . M . 429 , A . H . Hall S . W . 1209 , 0 . J . Hiller P . M . 429 , R . H . Gill J . D . 1209 , T . Ayling P . M . 1096 , John Barnwell 972 , J . T . May T . G . 4 ? 9 , John Garrafct J . S . 429 , S . Payn P M . 133 , J . J . Roach 429 , James Cooper P . M . 1449 , H . Uamruonrl W . M . 1419 , E . Cockersell J . W . 1449 , W . J . Fuller J . W . 133 . T . B . Rosseter I . P . M .

972 , E . L . Elgar W . M . 1209 , J . G . Dunn 1209 , C . Godamark 1209 , R . Morley J . W . 429 , R . D . Sirams 1419 , J . Cooper 1449 , Albert Pilcher 972 . H . G . West 120 » , F . Clarke 972 , A . Abbs Sec . 1449 , W . Carter I . P . M . 1419 , S . Joseph W M . 558 , A . Petts S . W . 558 , A . J . Cane J . W . 558 , H . Waite S . D . 558 , F . Stanley 127 , S . H . Shaw

W . M . 709 , G . W . J . Baldwin 1209 , G . D-varner W . M . 1678 , W La-Id 972 , G . Hart 972 , R . Lightfoot 1915 , T . W . Porter 1915 , W . Chandler 1915 , W . H . D malison J . D . 31 , F . Fagge 972 , R . Hall 1149 , W . Watts 1209 , W . J . Davey 1209 , W . Asheuden 31 , H . J . Navlor P . M . 1449 , T . H . Jones W . M . " 1449 .

The consecration took place at the Town Hall , Heme Bay , which had been most tastefully fitted np for the occasion , and presented a pleasing appearance when filled , as it was , by the Provincial Officers and others present . In his address the Provincial Grand Master expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing so numerous an assembly .

The Masons of Kent had amply demonstrated their zeal in the Order , and their interest in the new Lodge , by the ' r attendance in such numbers to take part in the consecration , and he thanked them for their support . The Orition by the Chaplain was most interesting , and was attentively listened to . The consecration of the Lodge

having been completed , Bro , Eastes assumed the chair , and proceeded to instal Bro . Charles F . W-. icher P . M . 1209 Prov . S . G . D . as tho first Worshipful Master . He appointed the following as hia Offi -ers : —Edward Ayre S . W ., George Farley J . W ., William Hufcfcon

Treasurer , Henry Grey Secretary , J . Gascoigne Fawcett S . D ., Henry Turner J . D ., Edgar A . G ., Larkin I . G ., and L . W . West P . M . 1089 P . P . G . P . Tyler . Bro . Edward Ayre was appointed to represent the Lodge on the Charity Committee of tbe Province , and after the transaction of formal business the Lodge was closed .

A banquet followed at the Pavilion , Heme B iy , and was presided over by Bro . Wacher . The W . M . was supported by thu Provincial Grand Master , the Deputy , and most of thos < who were present afc the Lodge . The repast was well served and afc its conclusion the until toasts were proposed . In submitting that of the Queen and

the Craft the W . M . said Her Maj -sty had endeared herself to every Eng ' shmati—indeed to every onu throughout her Empire—and he might also say to every Foreign power . As regarded he Craft ifc was nofc only beloved bv every member of it , but was respected b y outsiders for the good it did by its magnificent Charities . The

Prov . Grand Mister proposed tho toa-t of II . RH . the Prince of Wales . In all the pursuits of life the Grand Master had never omitted to take that part which , as Englishmen , they desired their Princes should take—the leading part ; whilo in all the more uanly amusements of the English people ho had always evinced the great .

est interest , this wis evidenced by his actions day by day . Yet among all his various occupations His Royal EI ghness had found time to endear himself to every member of the Masonic Order by the devotion of his time and abil ty to its interests . Bro . H . Ward proposed the Pro G . M ., the Deputy G . M ., and the rest of the Grand

Olficor . a . Referring to the Earls of Carnarvon and Lathom ha spoke of the dignity with which these noblemen presided in Grand Lodge and the courtesy they always evinced toward brethren from the provinces . The brethren of Kent had felt especially pleased when the Grand Blaster gave to their es'eemed Depu y Provincial Grand Master the office of D -aeon of the ; Grand Lol / eof England , an'l hoped that Bro . Eastes might live many years fco enjoy thecjui » pliraeatpaid him , Bro , Eastes replied . He was very proud of the