Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
India.
Lodge Rising Star of Western India is an event glorious in the aiiuai _ of Freemasonry . It has only been formed two years and yet it has attracted much notice , so gratifying to its members , that it must be a matter of proud gratulation to those who originally planned its erection , supported its construction , and are now endeavouring to consolidate it . The gratitude which the native members owe to its originators and supportersis of a permanent kind—like the national debt it can onlbe
, y acknowledged by humble instalments . I believe there is no Lodge where our principles are more beautifully practised . There indeed , we know no distinction of colour , creed , or caste , save that marked by virtue . My toast needs no eloquence to ensure its welcome . It is a Masonic one , and will be hailed with cordiality by every Mason in India . It is ' Prosperity to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal , ' a distinguished body , happil y under the government of one whom we are
delighted to see here , —one , of whom we heard ancl read so much , and who has now afforded us an opportunity of ascertaining the truth of all we heard and read in his favour . Brethren , I would point out the great parity between him and our own Provincial Grand Master , —alike ornaments of the same profession , —they are , as Masons , equally enthusiastic ; the Craft owes a deep debt of gratitude to both , for it was sinking in India , until they took the helm in their hands , and guided its course to its present haven of prosperity . Truly it is gratifying to the mind , and refreshing to the sight , to see two such resplendent ornaments of Masonry seated side by side ; we know of the brilliant
reception our P . G . Master met with in Bengal , but there , though Bro . Grant was foremost , he was not alone in paying homage to our Head . There , every Mason stood up , each Lodge vied with one another in the warmth of its greeting , and the splendour of its entertainments to him . Let us then fill our glasses , and drink ' Prosperity to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal , and the Bretheren of that Province . '" ( Great applause . ) The P . G . M . of Bengal returned thanks in warm termsand paid a
, kind and brotherly compliment to M . Cursetjee , observing that the sentiments he had expressed did honour to his heart and head . V . W . Bro . BLOWERS then rose to acknowledge Bro . Le Geyt ' s toast , ancl proposed " The health of the R . W . Bros . Reid ancl Willoughby . " ( Loud applause . ) Companion MULLALY M . E . Z ., proposed " Health ancl Prosperity to Bro . Colonel Pennefather and the Visiting Brethren . "
Bro . PENNEFATHER returned thanks and expressed his gratification at being present at such a meeting . Bro . GRANT then again addressed the meeting on the excellent conduct of the Grand Stewards , and proposed " The health of V . AV . Bro . Downes and the Grand Stewards' Lodge . " ( Great applause . ) Dr . DOWNES returned thanks , and this happy and joyful gathering of the Craft shortly after separated . The recollection of this great festival
will , we are sure , long live in the memory of all who were present at it , Bro . Grant ancl the gallant Commander-in-Chief remained to the last , and entered their carriages amidst the cheers of the Brethren . Would that some member of our charitable institutions could have
been present at this auspicious meeting—what great events mi ght have resulted from a personal appeal to such Brethren as the two Provincial Grand Masters , M . Cursetjee , Sir Thomas Mc Mahon , Dr . Larkworthy , and other Brethren , whose addresses were such beautiful expositions of our charitable tenets .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
India.
Lodge Rising Star of Western India is an event glorious in the aiiuai _ of Freemasonry . It has only been formed two years and yet it has attracted much notice , so gratifying to its members , that it must be a matter of proud gratulation to those who originally planned its erection , supported its construction , and are now endeavouring to consolidate it . The gratitude which the native members owe to its originators and supportersis of a permanent kind—like the national debt it can onlbe
, y acknowledged by humble instalments . I believe there is no Lodge where our principles are more beautifully practised . There indeed , we know no distinction of colour , creed , or caste , save that marked by virtue . My toast needs no eloquence to ensure its welcome . It is a Masonic one , and will be hailed with cordiality by every Mason in India . It is ' Prosperity to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal , ' a distinguished body , happil y under the government of one whom we are
delighted to see here , —one , of whom we heard ancl read so much , and who has now afforded us an opportunity of ascertaining the truth of all we heard and read in his favour . Brethren , I would point out the great parity between him and our own Provincial Grand Master , —alike ornaments of the same profession , —they are , as Masons , equally enthusiastic ; the Craft owes a deep debt of gratitude to both , for it was sinking in India , until they took the helm in their hands , and guided its course to its present haven of prosperity . Truly it is gratifying to the mind , and refreshing to the sight , to see two such resplendent ornaments of Masonry seated side by side ; we know of the brilliant
reception our P . G . Master met with in Bengal , but there , though Bro . Grant was foremost , he was not alone in paying homage to our Head . There , every Mason stood up , each Lodge vied with one another in the warmth of its greeting , and the splendour of its entertainments to him . Let us then fill our glasses , and drink ' Prosperity to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal , and the Bretheren of that Province . '" ( Great applause . ) The P . G . M . of Bengal returned thanks in warm termsand paid a
, kind and brotherly compliment to M . Cursetjee , observing that the sentiments he had expressed did honour to his heart and head . V . W . Bro . BLOWERS then rose to acknowledge Bro . Le Geyt ' s toast , ancl proposed " The health of the R . W . Bros . Reid ancl Willoughby . " ( Loud applause . ) Companion MULLALY M . E . Z ., proposed " Health ancl Prosperity to Bro . Colonel Pennefather and the Visiting Brethren . "
Bro . PENNEFATHER returned thanks and expressed his gratification at being present at such a meeting . Bro . GRANT then again addressed the meeting on the excellent conduct of the Grand Stewards , and proposed " The health of V . AV . Bro . Downes and the Grand Stewards' Lodge . " ( Great applause . ) Dr . DOWNES returned thanks , and this happy and joyful gathering of the Craft shortly after separated . The recollection of this great festival
will , we are sure , long live in the memory of all who were present at it , Bro . Grant ancl the gallant Commander-in-Chief remained to the last , and entered their carriages amidst the cheers of the Brethren . Would that some member of our charitable institutions could have
been present at this auspicious meeting—what great events mi ght have resulted from a personal appeal to such Brethren as the two Provincial Grand Masters , M . Cursetjee , Sir Thomas Mc Mahon , Dr . Larkworthy , and other Brethren , whose addresses were such beautiful expositions of our charitable tenets .