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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Meetings.
EEPOETS OF MEETINGS .
— : o : — METEOPOLITAN . — : o : — EVENING STAR LODGE , No . 1719 . WE have from time to time discussed the question of " class " Lodges in our pages , and although we have expressed ourselves as opposed to anything which has the slightest tendency to restrict tho freedom of Freemasonry , we are fully alive to the utility of establishing Lodges for special sections of the community , and are firmly convinced they may do an immense amount of good
if worked legitimately within the scope of their Charter , and with due regard to the principles of Freemasonry . This fact was amply demonstrated on Monday , when an Emergency Meeting of the Evening Star Lodge was held at the Holborn Restaurant , and proved one of the most successful gatherings it has been our good fortune to participate in .
As is probably well known to our readers , the Evening Star Lodge was established for the especial purpose of bringing members of the gas industry into Masonic association with each ot * her , and its seventeen years of existence has not only demonstrated the wisdom of its founders in inaugurating such a body , but as one of the earliest of the " class " Lodges which have since become very
popular , it has demonstrated the desirability of uniting Freemasonry with the every day pursuits of life , providing that in so doing strict observance is practised of the Masonic rule which prohibits mercenary or other unworthy motives from urging the outsider to pursue his researches into the mysteries of Freemasonry .
The special object of Monday ' s meeting was to extend a fraternal greeting to Bro . John West , the President , and other Masonic members of the Incorporated Gas Institute , which has this week held its annual session in the Metropolis , and has attracted the leading lights of the gas industry from all parts of the Kingdom . In proof of this latter assertion , one had only fco listen
to tlie greetings of the Brethren in Lodge , when they tendered their hearty good wishes to the Master . One minute the fraternal wish was accredited from the remote North of England , next from the extreme west , then from the east , south or midland districts ; in fact , as the list of visitors given below will demonstrate , there
was hardly a Province but was represented at this truly cosmopolitan gathering ; and it would be absurd to argue that such a " class" assembly could bo held under the banner of a Masonic Lodge without helping to smooth off some of tho " excrescenses " that are usually associated with professional or business life .
The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master Bro . J . S . Tamburini , whose earliest efforts were directed towards the expression of tho Lodge's fraternal greetings to the President and other members of the Gas Institute who had honoured the Lodge wifch their presence . Then followed tho test of the ballot on behalf of Mr . F . G . Burfield , Secretary of the Incorporated Gas Institute , who was regularly received and subsequently initiated by the Master .
In view of our oft-expressed criticism of Visitors who " had never seen the ceremonies of the Lodge performed better , " it is perhaps unwise of us to say anything as to the working on this occasion , but at the samo timo it is unfair to omit reference to the acts of the Master , whose delivery of the ritual was exceptionally impressive , concluding as it did with the too often omitted " Charge , " for which ample time was found on this occasion .
Afc the conclusion of the ceremony the Lodge was closed , and the Brethren adjourned to the Venetian Saloon to banquet , which was served in the excellent style for which the Holborn Restaurant has made itself famous . At its conclusion , the customary toasts were honoured .
The first on the list , said the Master , embraced tho beloved ruler of the Empire and the most popular Society of the world , one whose aim it was to bring together good men , and , if possible , make them better . In proposing the chief ruler of the Craft , the Master said the
Prince of Wales was most popular as a Prince , most revered as Grand Master , and indefatigable in his duties , both in association with Freemasonry , and in his princely capacity . If the Prince was not present at the chief meetings of the Craffc in person , he was in spirit , and there was nothing of importance decided in Freemasonry without his personal supervision .
The next toast was that of the Grand aud Provincial Grand Officers . As was to bo expected in so numerous a meeting of Visitors drawn from all parts of the country , there were a largo number of Provincial Officers among them , while fchey also had the pleasure of welcoming an Officer of Grand Lodgo in the person of
Bro . Berridge . The Grand Officers were those who helped to prepare the work for the Prince of Wales ; who dispensed the charity of fcho Craft ; and , by their diligence and untiring efforts , helped to preserve and strengthen the rulers thafc governed Freemasonry all over the world . The Master coupled with the toast the names of Bro . Berridge and Bro . White .
Bro . Berridge complimented the Lodge on thc very representative gathering . They were met there , if he mighfc say it , as the Gas Engineers of the Kingdom , and had thoroughly enjoyed the Masonic welcome accorded them . He hoped the business meeting of the week , which had called them together , would not only be equally enjoyable , but also profitable .
Bro . White was delighted to see the Master of the Evening Star Lodge supported as he was by so many Brethren who had won Provincial honours . He felt it spoke volumes for the fraternity with which they were associated—apart from Freemasonry—to see so many among them who had won high honours in the Craft . He was specially delighted in being associated that night with so many members high in Masonic rank , and hoped they might always see as many good men associated with fche Gas Fraternity , and that
Reports Of Meetings.
like honours would be conferred upon them , as evidence of how much the Gas Industry was thought of in the country . The nexc toasfc the Master regarded as one of great importance . Ho had endeavoured to study the comfort of the meeting so far by making short speeches , •but he felt the toast before him deserved greater attention , being so intimately connected with the reason
that had called them together at their special meeting of the Evening Star Lodge—fcho health of the President of the Gas Institute , Bro . John West . Being a class Lodge , in whioh the essential qualification was to belong to the gas trade , the visit of the Incorporated Gas Institute to London that week imperatively called for special attention at their hands ; and he had accordingly
issued his fiat for the Lodge of Emergency which they were then taking part in . Both the Lodge and the Institute counted on recruiting their membership from among the gas industry , and although at such a meeting it was hardly necessary fco consider the latter , he might reasonably devote himself to the Craft aspect of the case , and say how pleased the members of the Evening Star Lodge
would be if this important visit to the Metropolis , and the special Masonic gathering arranged by the Lodge , should lead to its augmentation either in the form of Joining Members or Initiates . As the Gas Institute banded together the great minds of their great industry , spread as it was over the four quarters of the globe , nofc , however , to the same extent as was Freemasonry , so the
Evening Star Lodge strove to bind together the Masonic sentiments of those great minds . The Evening Star Lodge was prond , and he as ifcs Master especially so , to see so many bright lights of the industry assembled in the Lodge , recognising as they did that these men who were engaged in the industry of light were equally
desirous of spreading the light of Masonry . He congratulated Bro . West ou having attained the high dignity of President of the Gas Institute , and the Lodge on the fact that ifc had been the means of introducing Bro . West to the light of Masonry ; and further that he and his fellow members had had the opportunity of welcoming the President and other Masonic members of the Institute . As he
desired thafc the Masonic members of the Institute , and more especially its President , should carry away a memento of the occasion , he proposed to send the Charity Box round the table , with the understanding that the proceeds should be given to Bro . West , to be handed by him to one or more of the Masonic Institutions . With so worthy an object before them , he hoped the outcome would be sufficient to qualify Bro . West in at least two of the great Charity funds .
Bro . West tendered his thanks . Ho felt highly honoured in being so very near the Worshipful Master ; ifc was a long time since he had occupied so honoured a position . On behalf of himself-and other members of the Gas Institute he tendered sincere thanks to
tho Master and Brethren of the Evening Star Lodge for having called them together , but he could not help feeling that all had been arranged with the view of doing honour to himself , as President of their Institute . It seemed they had there present a greater array of Provincial lights than was generally seen in London ; ho was particularly pleased to see such an assembly , from east , west ,
south , and north , and he appreciated the honour paid him on the occasion . He hoped it would prove a good start for their week ' s gathering , and that the success of the Masonic meeting mighfc be accepted as a kind of omen , and induce them to strive to do good , nofc only for themselves , but for the whole of their fellow creatures throughout fche Kingdom . He thought it well they should meet
from time to time and discuss topics of interest in connection with the industry they were specially associated with . Reviewing the outlook—and bearing in mind they were then surrounded by the greater , or , as some termed it the lesser , light of electricity—he felt their industry would be as much thought of in fche future as at any time in the past . He would now go to another subject , as he was
entrusted with the proposition of the toast of the Worshipful Master , Wardens and Brethren of the Evening Star Lodge . He was sure as to the reception that would be accorded this toast ; it would be received by all of those present with the heartiest satisfaction . As one of the early members oi the Lodge he could speak from personal knowledge in the highest terms of the Masters and Officers who had governed it , but especially so in regard to those
who were now at the head of its affairs . Those present that evening had seen how the Officers performed their work in Lodge , and they had also had the opportunity of judging as to the spirit with which they approached the principles of Freemasonry . As members of the Gas Industry they were much indebted to the Lodge , which attracted to its fold very many of its members , and took a leading part in promoting fraternal feeling among them .
The Worshipful Master acknowledged the toast . It was only since Februaiy he had had fche honour of occupying fche ohair of tho Lodge , and as there was no regular meeting until October he rejoiced at the interval that seemed to be before him in which fco prepare himself for fcho work , in the hope that he might be able to carry it oufc as ifc had been dono by Masters of the Lodge in the past .
But he felt the Lodge could not keep its doors shut to tho Masonio members of the Incorporated Gas Institute , and so had called a special meeting , the result of which was before them , and seemed to fully justify the course he had pursued . But beyond this it had proved a most pleasurable experience to him , as he had found tho true value of fraternal Brotherhood in the support he had received from the Officers and Members , in order to bring the meeting to a
successful issue . It had , in fact , supplied him with an incentive to go on and do all that lay in his power for the Lodge , as well , aye , and even better , than it had been done by the Masters of the pasfc . He hoped the meeting had been one of gratification to the Masonio members of the Gas Institute , and sufficient fco induce them to pay another visit should fche annual meeting of fche Institute be again held in the Metropolis . In such a case fchey mighfc rely on receiving a hearty welcome from the Evening Star Lodge .
The Master next proposed the toast of the Visitors , saying fche Lodge took particular pleasure in having Visitors around them . If every one of the Visitors went home with the feelings the members desired ifc would be gratifying to the Lodgo , fche members
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Meetings.
EEPOETS OF MEETINGS .
— : o : — METEOPOLITAN . — : o : — EVENING STAR LODGE , No . 1719 . WE have from time to time discussed the question of " class " Lodges in our pages , and although we have expressed ourselves as opposed to anything which has the slightest tendency to restrict tho freedom of Freemasonry , we are fully alive to the utility of establishing Lodges for special sections of the community , and are firmly convinced they may do an immense amount of good
if worked legitimately within the scope of their Charter , and with due regard to the principles of Freemasonry . This fact was amply demonstrated on Monday , when an Emergency Meeting of the Evening Star Lodge was held at the Holborn Restaurant , and proved one of the most successful gatherings it has been our good fortune to participate in .
As is probably well known to our readers , the Evening Star Lodge was established for the especial purpose of bringing members of the gas industry into Masonic association with each ot * her , and its seventeen years of existence has not only demonstrated the wisdom of its founders in inaugurating such a body , but as one of the earliest of the " class " Lodges which have since become very
popular , it has demonstrated the desirability of uniting Freemasonry with the every day pursuits of life , providing that in so doing strict observance is practised of the Masonic rule which prohibits mercenary or other unworthy motives from urging the outsider to pursue his researches into the mysteries of Freemasonry .
The special object of Monday ' s meeting was to extend a fraternal greeting to Bro . John West , the President , and other Masonic members of the Incorporated Gas Institute , which has this week held its annual session in the Metropolis , and has attracted the leading lights of the gas industry from all parts of the Kingdom . In proof of this latter assertion , one had only fco listen
to tlie greetings of the Brethren in Lodge , when they tendered their hearty good wishes to the Master . One minute the fraternal wish was accredited from the remote North of England , next from the extreme west , then from the east , south or midland districts ; in fact , as the list of visitors given below will demonstrate , there
was hardly a Province but was represented at this truly cosmopolitan gathering ; and it would be absurd to argue that such a " class" assembly could bo held under the banner of a Masonic Lodge without helping to smooth off some of tho " excrescenses " that are usually associated with professional or business life .
The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master Bro . J . S . Tamburini , whose earliest efforts were directed towards the expression of tho Lodge's fraternal greetings to the President and other members of the Gas Institute who had honoured the Lodge wifch their presence . Then followed tho test of the ballot on behalf of Mr . F . G . Burfield , Secretary of the Incorporated Gas Institute , who was regularly received and subsequently initiated by the Master .
In view of our oft-expressed criticism of Visitors who " had never seen the ceremonies of the Lodge performed better , " it is perhaps unwise of us to say anything as to the working on this occasion , but at the samo timo it is unfair to omit reference to the acts of the Master , whose delivery of the ritual was exceptionally impressive , concluding as it did with the too often omitted " Charge , " for which ample time was found on this occasion .
Afc the conclusion of the ceremony the Lodge was closed , and the Brethren adjourned to the Venetian Saloon to banquet , which was served in the excellent style for which the Holborn Restaurant has made itself famous . At its conclusion , the customary toasts were honoured .
The first on the list , said the Master , embraced tho beloved ruler of the Empire and the most popular Society of the world , one whose aim it was to bring together good men , and , if possible , make them better . In proposing the chief ruler of the Craft , the Master said the
Prince of Wales was most popular as a Prince , most revered as Grand Master , and indefatigable in his duties , both in association with Freemasonry , and in his princely capacity . If the Prince was not present at the chief meetings of the Craffc in person , he was in spirit , and there was nothing of importance decided in Freemasonry without his personal supervision .
The next toast was that of the Grand aud Provincial Grand Officers . As was to bo expected in so numerous a meeting of Visitors drawn from all parts of the country , there were a largo number of Provincial Officers among them , while fchey also had the pleasure of welcoming an Officer of Grand Lodgo in the person of
Bro . Berridge . The Grand Officers were those who helped to prepare the work for the Prince of Wales ; who dispensed the charity of fcho Craft ; and , by their diligence and untiring efforts , helped to preserve and strengthen the rulers thafc governed Freemasonry all over the world . The Master coupled with the toast the names of Bro . Berridge and Bro . White .
Bro . Berridge complimented the Lodge on thc very representative gathering . They were met there , if he mighfc say it , as the Gas Engineers of the Kingdom , and had thoroughly enjoyed the Masonic welcome accorded them . He hoped the business meeting of the week , which had called them together , would not only be equally enjoyable , but also profitable .
Bro . White was delighted to see the Master of the Evening Star Lodge supported as he was by so many Brethren who had won Provincial honours . He felt it spoke volumes for the fraternity with which they were associated—apart from Freemasonry—to see so many among them who had won high honours in the Craft . He was specially delighted in being associated that night with so many members high in Masonic rank , and hoped they might always see as many good men associated with fche Gas Fraternity , and that
Reports Of Meetings.
like honours would be conferred upon them , as evidence of how much the Gas Industry was thought of in the country . The nexc toasfc the Master regarded as one of great importance . Ho had endeavoured to study the comfort of the meeting so far by making short speeches , •but he felt the toast before him deserved greater attention , being so intimately connected with the reason
that had called them together at their special meeting of the Evening Star Lodge—fcho health of the President of the Gas Institute , Bro . John West . Being a class Lodge , in whioh the essential qualification was to belong to the gas trade , the visit of the Incorporated Gas Institute to London that week imperatively called for special attention at their hands ; and he had accordingly
issued his fiat for the Lodge of Emergency which they were then taking part in . Both the Lodge and the Institute counted on recruiting their membership from among the gas industry , and although at such a meeting it was hardly necessary fco consider the latter , he might reasonably devote himself to the Craft aspect of the case , and say how pleased the members of the Evening Star Lodge
would be if this important visit to the Metropolis , and the special Masonic gathering arranged by the Lodge , should lead to its augmentation either in the form of Joining Members or Initiates . As the Gas Institute banded together the great minds of their great industry , spread as it was over the four quarters of the globe , nofc , however , to the same extent as was Freemasonry , so the
Evening Star Lodge strove to bind together the Masonic sentiments of those great minds . The Evening Star Lodge was prond , and he as ifcs Master especially so , to see so many bright lights of the industry assembled in the Lodge , recognising as they did that these men who were engaged in the industry of light were equally
desirous of spreading the light of Masonry . He congratulated Bro . West ou having attained the high dignity of President of the Gas Institute , and the Lodge on the fact that ifc had been the means of introducing Bro . West to the light of Masonry ; and further that he and his fellow members had had the opportunity of welcoming the President and other Masonic members of the Institute . As he
desired thafc the Masonic members of the Institute , and more especially its President , should carry away a memento of the occasion , he proposed to send the Charity Box round the table , with the understanding that the proceeds should be given to Bro . West , to be handed by him to one or more of the Masonic Institutions . With so worthy an object before them , he hoped the outcome would be sufficient to qualify Bro . West in at least two of the great Charity funds .
Bro . West tendered his thanks . Ho felt highly honoured in being so very near the Worshipful Master ; ifc was a long time since he had occupied so honoured a position . On behalf of himself-and other members of the Gas Institute he tendered sincere thanks to
tho Master and Brethren of the Evening Star Lodge for having called them together , but he could not help feeling that all had been arranged with the view of doing honour to himself , as President of their Institute . It seemed they had there present a greater array of Provincial lights than was generally seen in London ; ho was particularly pleased to see such an assembly , from east , west ,
south , and north , and he appreciated the honour paid him on the occasion . He hoped it would prove a good start for their week ' s gathering , and that the success of the Masonic meeting mighfc be accepted as a kind of omen , and induce them to strive to do good , nofc only for themselves , but for the whole of their fellow creatures throughout fche Kingdom . He thought it well they should meet
from time to time and discuss topics of interest in connection with the industry they were specially associated with . Reviewing the outlook—and bearing in mind they were then surrounded by the greater , or , as some termed it the lesser , light of electricity—he felt their industry would be as much thought of in fche future as at any time in the past . He would now go to another subject , as he was
entrusted with the proposition of the toast of the Worshipful Master , Wardens and Brethren of the Evening Star Lodge . He was sure as to the reception that would be accorded this toast ; it would be received by all of those present with the heartiest satisfaction . As one of the early members oi the Lodge he could speak from personal knowledge in the highest terms of the Masters and Officers who had governed it , but especially so in regard to those
who were now at the head of its affairs . Those present that evening had seen how the Officers performed their work in Lodge , and they had also had the opportunity of judging as to the spirit with which they approached the principles of Freemasonry . As members of the Gas Industry they were much indebted to the Lodge , which attracted to its fold very many of its members , and took a leading part in promoting fraternal feeling among them .
The Worshipful Master acknowledged the toast . It was only since Februaiy he had had fche honour of occupying fche ohair of tho Lodge , and as there was no regular meeting until October he rejoiced at the interval that seemed to be before him in which fco prepare himself for fcho work , in the hope that he might be able to carry it oufc as ifc had been dono by Masters of the Lodge in the past .
But he felt the Lodge could not keep its doors shut to tho Masonio members of the Incorporated Gas Institute , and so had called a special meeting , the result of which was before them , and seemed to fully justify the course he had pursued . But beyond this it had proved a most pleasurable experience to him , as he had found tho true value of fraternal Brotherhood in the support he had received from the Officers and Members , in order to bring the meeting to a
successful issue . It had , in fact , supplied him with an incentive to go on and do all that lay in his power for the Lodge , as well , aye , and even better , than it had been done by the Masters of the pasfc . He hoped the meeting had been one of gratification to the Masonio members of the Gas Institute , and sufficient fco induce them to pay another visit should fche annual meeting of fche Institute be again held in the Metropolis . In such a case fchey mighfc rely on receiving a hearty welcome from the Evening Star Lodge .
The Master next proposed the toast of the Visitors , saying fche Lodge took particular pleasure in having Visitors around them . If every one of the Visitors went home with the feelings the members desired ifc would be gratifying to the Lodgo , fche members