Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
they are not here to represent themselves alone—not for the purpose of giving a mere particular or interested vote , and then allowing the rest of the business of Grand Lodge to be got rid of as best it may ; but they are to represent tbe opinions of the Lodges who sent them here , and Masters and Wardens are bound to ascertain those opinions ; and if they fail to do so they are not performing their duty to the Craft in general , and they are equally wanting in their duty to the Lodges whose representatives they are . Such conduct is utterly wanting in the respect due to tbe presiding
Officer and to the Grand Lodge itself , and I can well remember the time when our late Illustrious Grand Master ordered the doors to be locked , and kept them so till two o ' clock in the morning , under similar circumstances . Sir , —AVhether I consider the numbers of those who are still present , my own litter incapacity ( from severe indisposition ) , to address them , or the painful nature of my task this evening , I feel that I can but throw myself on their indulgence ; but while diffident of my own powers I am at least confident in their kind support . Often bave I addressed this Grand
Lodge , and that confidently , when I had to bring forward and to advocate causes which might admit of the greatest diversity of opinion ; and shall I feel less confident now when I know that I possess the sympathy and support of all who bear me ? I have to ask Grand Lodge to perform a painful and yet grateful duty , —I bave to ask them to record upon their minutes the following motion : —
Resolved" That the Brethren constituting this Grand Lodge desire to express tbe deep regret , with which they have heard of the death of the AA'orshipf ' ul Bro . Peter Thomson , and gratefully to record their sense of the great and lasting benefits , which have been rendered to the Craft in general by the long-continued labours of that AVorthy Brother . "
The Bro . Peter Thomson of the last ten years was probably known to you all ; permit me to reeal to your memory the Peter Thomson of some forty years ago , and briefly to relate his history and his labours . Born in the north of Scotland he arrived in London about the commencement of the present century ; he was received into Masonry in the Lodge of Confidence on the 13 th December , 1810 , and was raised to the third degree on that day week . In tbe following year we find him joining the Lion and Lamb Lodge , of which he continued a member and an ornament to the of bis death
day . It will be borne in mind by those conversant with Freemasonry , that this was an eventful period in our history , —no less than the Union of the two great Lodges or bodies of Freemasons , who had heretofore ranged under the Duke of Athol and the Prince of Wales' side ( as they were called ) . The Union being happily perfected , the Lodge of Reconciliation commenced its labours , and novv did Bro . Peter Thomson's efforts first come into play . In conjunction with his excellent friendBroBroadfoot
, . , be was found weekly and even daily and for all the year round , instructing young Masons—attending here , there , and everywhere , working the lectures and disseminating the principles of the order . ... It was not until the first Friday in September , 1817 , that tbe Lodge of Instruction ( held under the sanction of the Lodge of Stability , ) was founded by Broadfoot and Thomson ; Broadfoot being the first Master elected to tbe Chair , and Thomson the second . For a period of nearly thirty-four years he was hardly ever absent from a meeting of that Lodgeexcept from
, indisposition . I should here observe that , not only did he diligently work at the duties of this Lodge , but that , in conjunction with his friend , be worked in many other Lodges , and particularly , a Lodge of Instruction in the Borough , of which they took the entire management for some years .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Obituary.
they are not here to represent themselves alone—not for the purpose of giving a mere particular or interested vote , and then allowing the rest of the business of Grand Lodge to be got rid of as best it may ; but they are to represent tbe opinions of the Lodges who sent them here , and Masters and Wardens are bound to ascertain those opinions ; and if they fail to do so they are not performing their duty to the Craft in general , and they are equally wanting in their duty to the Lodges whose representatives they are . Such conduct is utterly wanting in the respect due to tbe presiding
Officer and to the Grand Lodge itself , and I can well remember the time when our late Illustrious Grand Master ordered the doors to be locked , and kept them so till two o ' clock in the morning , under similar circumstances . Sir , —AVhether I consider the numbers of those who are still present , my own litter incapacity ( from severe indisposition ) , to address them , or the painful nature of my task this evening , I feel that I can but throw myself on their indulgence ; but while diffident of my own powers I am at least confident in their kind support . Often bave I addressed this Grand
Lodge , and that confidently , when I had to bring forward and to advocate causes which might admit of the greatest diversity of opinion ; and shall I feel less confident now when I know that I possess the sympathy and support of all who bear me ? I have to ask Grand Lodge to perform a painful and yet grateful duty , —I bave to ask them to record upon their minutes the following motion : —
Resolved" That the Brethren constituting this Grand Lodge desire to express tbe deep regret , with which they have heard of the death of the AA'orshipf ' ul Bro . Peter Thomson , and gratefully to record their sense of the great and lasting benefits , which have been rendered to the Craft in general by the long-continued labours of that AVorthy Brother . "
The Bro . Peter Thomson of the last ten years was probably known to you all ; permit me to reeal to your memory the Peter Thomson of some forty years ago , and briefly to relate his history and his labours . Born in the north of Scotland he arrived in London about the commencement of the present century ; he was received into Masonry in the Lodge of Confidence on the 13 th December , 1810 , and was raised to the third degree on that day week . In tbe following year we find him joining the Lion and Lamb Lodge , of which he continued a member and an ornament to the of bis death
day . It will be borne in mind by those conversant with Freemasonry , that this was an eventful period in our history , —no less than the Union of the two great Lodges or bodies of Freemasons , who had heretofore ranged under the Duke of Athol and the Prince of Wales' side ( as they were called ) . The Union being happily perfected , the Lodge of Reconciliation commenced its labours , and novv did Bro . Peter Thomson's efforts first come into play . In conjunction with his excellent friendBroBroadfoot
, . , be was found weekly and even daily and for all the year round , instructing young Masons—attending here , there , and everywhere , working the lectures and disseminating the principles of the order . ... It was not until the first Friday in September , 1817 , that tbe Lodge of Instruction ( held under the sanction of the Lodge of Stability , ) was founded by Broadfoot and Thomson ; Broadfoot being the first Master elected to tbe Chair , and Thomson the second . For a period of nearly thirty-four years he was hardly ever absent from a meeting of that Lodgeexcept from
, indisposition . I should here observe that , not only did he diligently work at the duties of this Lodge , but that , in conjunction with his friend , be worked in many other Lodges , and particularly , a Lodge of Instruction in the Borough , of which they took the entire management for some years .