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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Master , but also in deciding to install him in a manner befitting the auspicious occasion . After "The Grand Offirers , " Bro . Graham , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . " The Worshipful Master , in reply , thanked the brethren for their reception of the toast , and the I . P . M . for the flattering- manner he had proposed it . As their chief he
represented one of the most , if not the most , important Anglo-Italian lodges on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England . He was proud of the position he held , and trusted that when he had to speak in their behalf he would give utterance to words which should awaken a responsive echo in every Mason ' s heart . He had tried to discharge his duties faithfully and impartially , and his moments of office had " winged their way with pleasure , " but
" Pleasures are like poppies shed , You seize the flower the bloom is fled ; Or like the snow flake on the river A moment white then gone for ever . " He could scarcely realise that it was 12 months ago since he had responded to the toast of "The W . M . elect . " " Nae man can tether time or tide , The hour approached when he maun bide "
in the chair of the I . P . M ., and when that hour arrived he would be cheered and rewarded by the remembrance of the kind and loyal support he had received from the Past Masters , officers , and brethren of the lodge while discharging the duties of his important office . The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Health of the W . M . elect , " referring in a sympathetic manner to Bro .
Meyer ' s unexpected return from South Africa . He presented him with an illuminated testimonial , which the brethren had originally intended to send out as an expression of their good-will and esteem . The concluding portion of the testimonial expressed a hope that the G . A . O . T . U . would grant their brother long life , health , and happiness , and assured him of a hearty welcome should fortune ever bring
him back to the banks of the silvery Thames . Fortune had brought their brother back , and the VV . M . not only repeated the assurance , but had also to congratulate him on his election to the Master ' s chair . The testimonial was in album form of four pages , and was an admirable specimen of skill and ability . Bro . Benedetti responded for " The Visitors " in a speech
sparkling with wit and epigram . He said he had been at the New Cross Lodge before , but he was doubtful whether he should return thanks in English , Scotch , or Italian . The lodge was an emblem of that perfect love and harmony which should always characterise Freemasons . The work of the officers was well done , and from what he had seen the reputation of the W . M . for skill and ability in working
the ceremonies was well earned . The Worshipful Master , in proposing "The Health of the Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " regretted that they were short of cash , but thanked those present for their cordial support . Bro . Graham , whom he somewhat irreverently styled his impudent Past Master , from the humorous joviality he had displayed since he had escaped
the cares of office ; Bro . Cowley , for his many admirable qualities and valuable assistance ; the indescribable Bro . Tom Grummant ; Bro . Carlo Grassi , the worthy son of a noble country ; and his old friend , mentor , and Chaplain , Bro . Sturdee . Bro . Graham replied in a manner which fully justified the title bestowed on him by the W . M .
Bro . Cowley thanked the brethren for having re-elected him as Treasurer . He was pleased to say that they had sterling cash in hand , although they were without , in the other sense of the word . With regard to the flattering manner in which the W . M . had referred to his services , under their able W . M . they had enjoyed a sinecure , and he cordially endorsed the remarks of Bro . Benedetti . He was
proud to say that he ( Bro . Cowley ) had in years "lang syne " initiated and exalted their W . M ., whose manner of working was equal to any Master in the Craft , and he was also proud to say that their W . M . had during his year of office given to the Masonic world that admirable workwisdom , strength , and beauty—a copy of which every lodge should have , and if their lodge ceased to exist
tomorrow , the name of the New Cross Lodge by that work had been preserved for ever . Bro . Grummant , with his usual dry humour , said he was in a peculiar position . He had not been elected that evening like his Bro . Cowley , who was contentedly looking forward to a year ' s enjoyment of the sweets of office . He stood shivering on the threshold of a new year , where he
would have to wait patiently until the night of installation ; but , whether they turned him out next time or re-admitted him to that bed of roses—the office of Secretary—he should always do his best for the benefit of the New Cross Lodge . The W . M ., in proposing the toast of "The Officers , " alluded to the fact of being supported by three Wardens . Bro . Fry , the S . W . for the year , was one of the oldest and
most painstaking officers of the lodge . Years ago he had steadily worked up to the office of S . D ., he then retired because he could not find the necessary time . Once again he accepted the lowest office in the lodge , steadily worked up to S . W ., and sooner than fill the office of Master in the perfunctory manner observed in some lodges he had again retired for a time in favour of Bro . Meyer . Bro .
Faulkner could be depended on to fill any office . Bros . Borrett and Makeham were able and painstaking Deacons . The l . G . had never attended once since he had been appointed , but his duties had been so ably performed by Bro . Winser that the W . M . was greatly indebted to and
thanked him heartily for the assistance he had given . Bro . Faulkner responded for the officers , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings . During the evening Bros . Meffan , Grassi , Tinelli , and others ably punctuated the post-prandial eloquence with streams of melody .
Gallery Lodge ( No . 1928 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , December 27 th , at Anderton's Hotel , when there was a large attendance of members and visitors to witness the installation of Bro . W . T . Perkins . The lodge was opened by Bro . Herbert Wright , the W . M ., who , after the confirmation of the
minutes and other formal business , performed the ceremony of raising Bro . Dods to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , and afterwards installed Bro . Perkins as his successor in the chair of K . S ., performing the whole of the work in the most masterly manner . The newly-installed W . M . afterwards invested his officers as follows : Bros .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Basil Cooke , S . W . ; E . E . Peacock , J . W . ; H . Massey , P . M ., Treas . ; Thomas Minstrell , P . M ., Sec ; C . K . Moore , S . D . ; Pattison , ] . D . ; John C . Manning , l . G . ; Percy W . Husk , Org . ; Harry Bussey , P . M ., D . C . ; C . Lock , H . J . Sanderson , George Tarran , and Berthold Striem , Stewards ; and James Very , Tyler . Before the closing of the lodge a resolution expressing the sympathy
of the brethren of the lodge with Bro . J . Henwood Thomas , P . M . 101 ( a member of the lodge from its commencement ) , in his serious and long . continued illness , was passed , on the proposition of the VV . M ., secjnded by Bro . Pattison . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned tc the banquet room , where full justice was done to an excellent dinner admirably served .
At the conclusion of the banquet the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were proceeded with in their usual order , the W . M . commencing with the happily-phrased toast "The Queen and the Craft ; and may that union long continue * to the advantage of the Craft and the country . " This and the succeeding toast— " The Health of the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales " —having both been drunk with true Masonic enthusiasm .
The Worshipful Master said he had great pleasure in giving out the toast of "The D . G . M . and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " The brethren would observe that there was a conspicuous blank in that toast , in consequence of the death of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon . He was sure that there was no body of Masons who regretted the loss of the Earl of
Carnarvon more sincerely than the brethren attached to the Gallery Lodge . In the Earl of Lathom they had an excellent Dep . G . M ., and among the other Grand Officers there were many names that shed lustre on the Craft . The lodge was that evening honoured by the presence of two Grand Officers—Bros . Richard Eve and Edward Terry , both Past Grand Treasurers . Bro . Eve was still with them , but Bro ferry , having to appear in a certain Chancery suit , had
been obliged to leave . They bad filled their high positions with honour to themselves and advantage to the brethren generally , and the Gallery Lodge was pleased to welcome them both , and he trusted that it would not be the last time they would be present at the social board of the Gallery Lodge . The W . M . concluded by proposing the health of the Grand Officers , coupled with the name of Bro . Eve , P . G . Treasurer .
Bro . Eve , in reply , said he had to thank the W . M . for the honour of being present that evening . The W . M . was quite right in saying that that was not the first time he had been there , and lie might say in response that he was always glad to come . He was sorry his colleague , Bro . Terry , was not still with them . The W . M . had referred kindly and regretfully to the loss sustained through the death of the Earl
of Carnarvon . He was a great loss to the Grand Officers , and it would be very difficult for the M . W . G . M . to fill the post Lord Carnarvon held . Lord Carnarvon did great service in the Colonies , whither he went at great trouble , and brought together a number of brethren who were not under our banner , and he succeeded in bringing about a fusion of Masonic interests there . He trusted that they would soon
have a new Pro Grand Master who would be very useful to the Craft . It was quite true that the Grand Master had drawn to himself a large number oE brethren who had distinguished themselves not only in Masonry but also in social life . All the professions were representedlaw , divinity , physic , music , science , and art ; all were recognised there , and they had now a representative of the
drama in Bro . Terry . He would like to see a representative of the Press , and trusted that this Gallery Lodge would make its influence felt and would bring itself to the notice of the Grand Master in such a way that some of the Past Masters might have the honour of Grand Office conferred upon them . He and his Bro . Terry belonged to that class of Grand Officers who could not be made by the Grand
Master , they were the elect of the Craft , and he trusted that the Craft would never lose the privilege of electing the Grand Treasurer . Bro . Herbert Wright , I . P . M ., then rose and said it became once more his duty to say a few words to the brethren , who would see by the card in their hands that the occasion of his rising was to propose what was in more
senses than one the toast of the evening , namely , " The Health of the VV . M . " It was an old story how their VV . M . of that night with one other brother now present , with another brother who had gone before , and yet another brother who ought to have been present but was not , were initiated nine years ago by Bro . Massey , P . M . He ( Bro . Wright ) had the distinguished honour to take the first place on that
occasion , and the present W . M . came next , and now he ( Bro . Wright ) had just gone out of office Bro . Perkins had come in . That was preserving the sequence as it ought to be preserved . He thought that the lodge ought to take a peculiar interest in Bro . Perkins' year of office , as he had gone through every office below the chair till he had arrived at the chair itself , and they looked with perfect
confidence to the way he would acquit himself in the chair . Of Bro . Perkins' personal qualities he need say nothing , as he was known to them all , and the brethren had shown their confidence in him by electing him . Bro . Wright said he would not detain them' with a long speech , but would ask them to join with him most heartily in drinking long life and prosperity to the W . M ., wishing him from the bottom
of their hearts a happy and successful year of office , which they all looked forward to for him . In reply , Bro . Perkins said he desired to tender to the I . P . M ., the Grand Officers , and brethren his very sincere thanks for the compliment they had just paid him , and his grateful appreciation of the kind words which the I . P . M . had used towards him , and he hoped that at the end of his
year of office he would not be found unworthy of their choice . He desired to secure their warm co-operation ; he should consult their wishes in everything that concerned the welfare of the lodge , which had now attained a position which any lodge might be proud , and it would be his hope and endeavour to maintain that position . The lodge , in his opinion , had already exercised to the full extent of its
power the distinguishing characteristics of a Freemason ' s heart , and he trusted that in his year of office he might do something to continue that most excellent feeling . He intended to serve as Steward for the Boys' School , a most excellent institution , and he intended to ask the brethren ' s
approval to a confederation of lodges in connection with the Masonic Charities . Events had proved that singly they could do little , but by consolidation with a few other lodges he hoped those consolidated lodges would be placed in a position where , by a systematic exchange of votes , they would be able to secure the election of any candidate they
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
nominated . Bro . Cooke , the S . W ., who could do much in that direction , had promised his earnest co-operation , and he trusted that the year would not pass without his being able to report to the lodge some substantial result . He also proposed , with their approval , to introduce a little innovation by arranging for what had become very popular in other lodges—namely , a ladies' night , accompanied by
music and dancing . He desired to have the assistance of a committee of Stewards , and hoped they would be able to carry out the scheme . He would mention also that an admirable series of " Cinderellas " will take place at Brixton Hall on Saturday , and that is to be followed by a long night the first week in January . Bro . John Duckworth and himself had started them , and in his opinion , if not strictly Masonic
work , dancing promoted the interests of the lodge . Again thanking the brethren for the compliment paid him , he should leave nothing undone to gain their good opinion in his year of office . In proposing " The Health of the I . P . M ., " Bro . Perkins said he had great pleasure in proposing what he claimed to be the toast of the evening . He thought , they were all
of one mind in thinking that the I . P . M . had had a most successful year in the chair of K . S ., even if he had not been able to carry out his whole programme . Bro . Perkins went on to say that though the Benevolent Fund had had many calls upon it it now stood in a very satisfactory position , and in the course of a few hours the amount which now stood at j £ 115 would be invested in a separate account in a banka
, step which he was sure would meet with their unanimous approval . Again , it had been in Bro . Wright's year that they had changed their habitation from Brixton to Fleetstreet , a change which , so far as their experience went , they had had no reason to regret . It was not that Bro . Wright had had as many new members as any of his predecessors , but they had seen the interest he had evinced in
everything that concerned the welfare of the lodge . There were several things he wanted to say about Bro . Wright , but he did not know how far be was justified in detaining them , but he wished to express his warm admiration , which was shared by every brother present , for the way in which he performed the ceremony of installation . Bro . Massey had always repudiated the title of Installing- Master .
It was well khbwn that in many lodges there were brethren who claimed to install all Masters who were elevated to the chair . Hitherto they had depended upon Bro . Massey , but he rejoiced that the I . P . M . have taken the trouble and conferred the favour of installing his successor himself . Bro . Wright was possessed of most deserving qualities , and had borne himself as a true Mason . For those reasons it was
no mere formality when the lodge voted five guineas for a presentation jewel to their Master , as well as a very pretty ring to be worn by his wife . The W . M . then invested Bro . Wright with the Past Master ' s jewel , and handed him the ring presented to Mrs . Wright . Bro . Wright , I . P . M ., in reply , said that he did not quite know how to shape his course in face of all the kind things
that the W . M . had said of him . He felt that it would be rather conventional to say he did not deserve them , but he did not feel that he did deserve them . He had often thought what a gloomy sort of creature an outgoing Lord Mayor was ; he had to yield up all his glory and honour to the gentleman who succeeded him ; and he felt as he came to the lodge like an outgoing Lord Mayor at the Lord Mayor ' s
Show . He found , however , that that was not altogether correct . He was in a better position than the outgoing Lord Mayor , because he had some functions to perform , and the brethren had expressed their approval of the work he had done . What he had done , however , was what every Master should do . He was not going to inflict on them a long speech , but there was just a sentence or two , not about
himself but about the lodge , that he would like to say . The lodge , when he was placed in office 12 months ago , was not altogether in a good condition . He hoped and believed that he was leaving the lodge in a better position than he found it , and he said without any egotism that it was due , not to his own exertions , but to the brethren who had rallied round him , and to the support of the brethren who had served
under him . In a social position the lodge w . as far above what it was then . They had got their own little Charitable Fund in a good position ; the balance-sheet showed that during the year they had expended close upon £ 50 in relieving brethren of their own lodge , and had thus given immeasurable advantages to those brethren . Another aspect in which the lodge stood higher than of yore was
seen in the way in which brethren who were coming on towards the chair were taking pains to fit themselves for the Mastership . It was the pride of the officers to do their work above the average , and there was every prospect of still further improvement in that respect . In the best Masonic sense he had , as Master , the great benefit that the lodge had effected by the bond of brotherhood among their
50 or Co members . It hadalwaysbeen their boast thatthey had no cliques or coteries in the lodge . Personally , the past had been a most agreeable year to him , and he should always regard it as one oE the milestones in his life , and he thought it was a milestone in the life of the lodge . He thought it was a mark of the stability of the lodge that two of its initiates should have been appointed to the chair . He
hoped the same spirit would be in the lodge in the future that had inspired the brethren in the past , and he believed that a long course of usefulness was before the lodge . In conclusion , Bro . Wright thanked the brethren for the handsome jewel that had been awarded him , and also for the pretty ring which had been presented to his wife , who took great interest in the lodge , and had desired him to say how
grateful she was to the brethren for their present . " The Health of the Visitors" was then proposed by the W . M ., and was responded to by Bros . J . H . Smith , P . M . 279 ; A . C . Morton , P . M . 9 ; W . E . Chapman , W . M . 2190 ; H . Joyce , P . M . 507 ; Dalgety Henderson , 21 9 0 ; and Heneker Heaton , M . P . The toasts of " The Past Masters " and " The Treasurer
and Secretary " were combined , and were replied toby Bro . H . Massey , P . M ., Treasurer , who said that for the first time since the existence of the lodge he had standing up with him as a P . M . his first initiate in the Gallery Lodge to acknowledge the toast that had been so kindly proposed . Other Past Masters had been compelled to leave , but Bro . Duckworth had requested him to respond . He assured
them that the interest taken in the lodge by the Past Masters had in no wise diminished since they had passed the chair , and they would always do their very best to promote the interests of the lodge , and to assist in conducting its affairs succcfsfully . It was with the greatest pleasure that he had seen Bro . Wright install his successor , a function he ( Bro . Massey ) had always impressed on the Masters
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Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Master , but also in deciding to install him in a manner befitting the auspicious occasion . After "The Grand Offirers , " Bro . Graham , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M . " The Worshipful Master , in reply , thanked the brethren for their reception of the toast , and the I . P . M . for the flattering- manner he had proposed it . As their chief he
represented one of the most , if not the most , important Anglo-Italian lodges on the roll of the Grand Lodge of England . He was proud of the position he held , and trusted that when he had to speak in their behalf he would give utterance to words which should awaken a responsive echo in every Mason ' s heart . He had tried to discharge his duties faithfully and impartially , and his moments of office had " winged their way with pleasure , " but
" Pleasures are like poppies shed , You seize the flower the bloom is fled ; Or like the snow flake on the river A moment white then gone for ever . " He could scarcely realise that it was 12 months ago since he had responded to the toast of "The W . M . elect . " " Nae man can tether time or tide , The hour approached when he maun bide "
in the chair of the I . P . M ., and when that hour arrived he would be cheered and rewarded by the remembrance of the kind and loyal support he had received from the Past Masters , officers , and brethren of the lodge while discharging the duties of his important office . The Worshipful Master then proposed " The Health of the W . M . elect , " referring in a sympathetic manner to Bro .
Meyer ' s unexpected return from South Africa . He presented him with an illuminated testimonial , which the brethren had originally intended to send out as an expression of their good-will and esteem . The concluding portion of the testimonial expressed a hope that the G . A . O . T . U . would grant their brother long life , health , and happiness , and assured him of a hearty welcome should fortune ever bring
him back to the banks of the silvery Thames . Fortune had brought their brother back , and the VV . M . not only repeated the assurance , but had also to congratulate him on his election to the Master ' s chair . The testimonial was in album form of four pages , and was an admirable specimen of skill and ability . Bro . Benedetti responded for " The Visitors " in a speech
sparkling with wit and epigram . He said he had been at the New Cross Lodge before , but he was doubtful whether he should return thanks in English , Scotch , or Italian . The lodge was an emblem of that perfect love and harmony which should always characterise Freemasons . The work of the officers was well done , and from what he had seen the reputation of the W . M . for skill and ability in working
the ceremonies was well earned . The Worshipful Master , in proposing "The Health of the Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " regretted that they were short of cash , but thanked those present for their cordial support . Bro . Graham , whom he somewhat irreverently styled his impudent Past Master , from the humorous joviality he had displayed since he had escaped
the cares of office ; Bro . Cowley , for his many admirable qualities and valuable assistance ; the indescribable Bro . Tom Grummant ; Bro . Carlo Grassi , the worthy son of a noble country ; and his old friend , mentor , and Chaplain , Bro . Sturdee . Bro . Graham replied in a manner which fully justified the title bestowed on him by the W . M .
Bro . Cowley thanked the brethren for having re-elected him as Treasurer . He was pleased to say that they had sterling cash in hand , although they were without , in the other sense of the word . With regard to the flattering manner in which the W . M . had referred to his services , under their able W . M . they had enjoyed a sinecure , and he cordially endorsed the remarks of Bro . Benedetti . He was
proud to say that he ( Bro . Cowley ) had in years "lang syne " initiated and exalted their W . M ., whose manner of working was equal to any Master in the Craft , and he was also proud to say that their W . M . had during his year of office given to the Masonic world that admirable workwisdom , strength , and beauty—a copy of which every lodge should have , and if their lodge ceased to exist
tomorrow , the name of the New Cross Lodge by that work had been preserved for ever . Bro . Grummant , with his usual dry humour , said he was in a peculiar position . He had not been elected that evening like his Bro . Cowley , who was contentedly looking forward to a year ' s enjoyment of the sweets of office . He stood shivering on the threshold of a new year , where he
would have to wait patiently until the night of installation ; but , whether they turned him out next time or re-admitted him to that bed of roses—the office of Secretary—he should always do his best for the benefit of the New Cross Lodge . The W . M ., in proposing the toast of "The Officers , " alluded to the fact of being supported by three Wardens . Bro . Fry , the S . W . for the year , was one of the oldest and
most painstaking officers of the lodge . Years ago he had steadily worked up to the office of S . D ., he then retired because he could not find the necessary time . Once again he accepted the lowest office in the lodge , steadily worked up to S . W ., and sooner than fill the office of Master in the perfunctory manner observed in some lodges he had again retired for a time in favour of Bro . Meyer . Bro .
Faulkner could be depended on to fill any office . Bros . Borrett and Makeham were able and painstaking Deacons . The l . G . had never attended once since he had been appointed , but his duties had been so ably performed by Bro . Winser that the W . M . was greatly indebted to and
thanked him heartily for the assistance he had given . Bro . Faulkner responded for the officers , and the Tyler ' s toast concluded the proceedings . During the evening Bros . Meffan , Grassi , Tinelli , and others ably punctuated the post-prandial eloquence with streams of melody .
Gallery Lodge ( No . 1928 ) . —The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , December 27 th , at Anderton's Hotel , when there was a large attendance of members and visitors to witness the installation of Bro . W . T . Perkins . The lodge was opened by Bro . Herbert Wright , the W . M ., who , after the confirmation of the
minutes and other formal business , performed the ceremony of raising Bro . Dods to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason , and afterwards installed Bro . Perkins as his successor in the chair of K . S ., performing the whole of the work in the most masterly manner . The newly-installed W . M . afterwards invested his officers as follows : Bros .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
Basil Cooke , S . W . ; E . E . Peacock , J . W . ; H . Massey , P . M ., Treas . ; Thomas Minstrell , P . M ., Sec ; C . K . Moore , S . D . ; Pattison , ] . D . ; John C . Manning , l . G . ; Percy W . Husk , Org . ; Harry Bussey , P . M ., D . C . ; C . Lock , H . J . Sanderson , George Tarran , and Berthold Striem , Stewards ; and James Very , Tyler . Before the closing of the lodge a resolution expressing the sympathy
of the brethren of the lodge with Bro . J . Henwood Thomas , P . M . 101 ( a member of the lodge from its commencement ) , in his serious and long . continued illness , was passed , on the proposition of the VV . M ., secjnded by Bro . Pattison . The lodge having been closed , the brethren adjourned tc the banquet room , where full justice was done to an excellent dinner admirably served .
At the conclusion of the banquet the customary loyal and Masonic toasts were proceeded with in their usual order , the W . M . commencing with the happily-phrased toast "The Queen and the Craft ; and may that union long continue * to the advantage of the Craft and the country . " This and the succeeding toast— " The Health of the M . W . G . M ., H . R . H . the Prince of Wales " —having both been drunk with true Masonic enthusiasm .
The Worshipful Master said he had great pleasure in giving out the toast of "The D . G . M . and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past . " The brethren would observe that there was a conspicuous blank in that toast , in consequence of the death of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon . He was sure that there was no body of Masons who regretted the loss of the Earl of
Carnarvon more sincerely than the brethren attached to the Gallery Lodge . In the Earl of Lathom they had an excellent Dep . G . M ., and among the other Grand Officers there were many names that shed lustre on the Craft . The lodge was that evening honoured by the presence of two Grand Officers—Bros . Richard Eve and Edward Terry , both Past Grand Treasurers . Bro . Eve was still with them , but Bro ferry , having to appear in a certain Chancery suit , had
been obliged to leave . They bad filled their high positions with honour to themselves and advantage to the brethren generally , and the Gallery Lodge was pleased to welcome them both , and he trusted that it would not be the last time they would be present at the social board of the Gallery Lodge . The W . M . concluded by proposing the health of the Grand Officers , coupled with the name of Bro . Eve , P . G . Treasurer .
Bro . Eve , in reply , said he had to thank the W . M . for the honour of being present that evening . The W . M . was quite right in saying that that was not the first time he had been there , and lie might say in response that he was always glad to come . He was sorry his colleague , Bro . Terry , was not still with them . The W . M . had referred kindly and regretfully to the loss sustained through the death of the Earl
of Carnarvon . He was a great loss to the Grand Officers , and it would be very difficult for the M . W . G . M . to fill the post Lord Carnarvon held . Lord Carnarvon did great service in the Colonies , whither he went at great trouble , and brought together a number of brethren who were not under our banner , and he succeeded in bringing about a fusion of Masonic interests there . He trusted that they would soon
have a new Pro Grand Master who would be very useful to the Craft . It was quite true that the Grand Master had drawn to himself a large number oE brethren who had distinguished themselves not only in Masonry but also in social life . All the professions were representedlaw , divinity , physic , music , science , and art ; all were recognised there , and they had now a representative of the
drama in Bro . Terry . He would like to see a representative of the Press , and trusted that this Gallery Lodge would make its influence felt and would bring itself to the notice of the Grand Master in such a way that some of the Past Masters might have the honour of Grand Office conferred upon them . He and his Bro . Terry belonged to that class of Grand Officers who could not be made by the Grand
Master , they were the elect of the Craft , and he trusted that the Craft would never lose the privilege of electing the Grand Treasurer . Bro . Herbert Wright , I . P . M ., then rose and said it became once more his duty to say a few words to the brethren , who would see by the card in their hands that the occasion of his rising was to propose what was in more
senses than one the toast of the evening , namely , " The Health of the VV . M . " It was an old story how their VV . M . of that night with one other brother now present , with another brother who had gone before , and yet another brother who ought to have been present but was not , were initiated nine years ago by Bro . Massey , P . M . He ( Bro . Wright ) had the distinguished honour to take the first place on that
occasion , and the present W . M . came next , and now he ( Bro . Wright ) had just gone out of office Bro . Perkins had come in . That was preserving the sequence as it ought to be preserved . He thought that the lodge ought to take a peculiar interest in Bro . Perkins' year of office , as he had gone through every office below the chair till he had arrived at the chair itself , and they looked with perfect
confidence to the way he would acquit himself in the chair . Of Bro . Perkins' personal qualities he need say nothing , as he was known to them all , and the brethren had shown their confidence in him by electing him . Bro . Wright said he would not detain them' with a long speech , but would ask them to join with him most heartily in drinking long life and prosperity to the W . M ., wishing him from the bottom
of their hearts a happy and successful year of office , which they all looked forward to for him . In reply , Bro . Perkins said he desired to tender to the I . P . M ., the Grand Officers , and brethren his very sincere thanks for the compliment they had just paid him , and his grateful appreciation of the kind words which the I . P . M . had used towards him , and he hoped that at the end of his
year of office he would not be found unworthy of their choice . He desired to secure their warm co-operation ; he should consult their wishes in everything that concerned the welfare of the lodge , which had now attained a position which any lodge might be proud , and it would be his hope and endeavour to maintain that position . The lodge , in his opinion , had already exercised to the full extent of its
power the distinguishing characteristics of a Freemason ' s heart , and he trusted that in his year of office he might do something to continue that most excellent feeling . He intended to serve as Steward for the Boys' School , a most excellent institution , and he intended to ask the brethren ' s
approval to a confederation of lodges in connection with the Masonic Charities . Events had proved that singly they could do little , but by consolidation with a few other lodges he hoped those consolidated lodges would be placed in a position where , by a systematic exchange of votes , they would be able to secure the election of any candidate they
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
nominated . Bro . Cooke , the S . W ., who could do much in that direction , had promised his earnest co-operation , and he trusted that the year would not pass without his being able to report to the lodge some substantial result . He also proposed , with their approval , to introduce a little innovation by arranging for what had become very popular in other lodges—namely , a ladies' night , accompanied by
music and dancing . He desired to have the assistance of a committee of Stewards , and hoped they would be able to carry out the scheme . He would mention also that an admirable series of " Cinderellas " will take place at Brixton Hall on Saturday , and that is to be followed by a long night the first week in January . Bro . John Duckworth and himself had started them , and in his opinion , if not strictly Masonic
work , dancing promoted the interests of the lodge . Again thanking the brethren for the compliment paid him , he should leave nothing undone to gain their good opinion in his year of office . In proposing " The Health of the I . P . M ., " Bro . Perkins said he had great pleasure in proposing what he claimed to be the toast of the evening . He thought , they were all
of one mind in thinking that the I . P . M . had had a most successful year in the chair of K . S ., even if he had not been able to carry out his whole programme . Bro . Perkins went on to say that though the Benevolent Fund had had many calls upon it it now stood in a very satisfactory position , and in the course of a few hours the amount which now stood at j £ 115 would be invested in a separate account in a banka
, step which he was sure would meet with their unanimous approval . Again , it had been in Bro . Wright's year that they had changed their habitation from Brixton to Fleetstreet , a change which , so far as their experience went , they had had no reason to regret . It was not that Bro . Wright had had as many new members as any of his predecessors , but they had seen the interest he had evinced in
everything that concerned the welfare of the lodge . There were several things he wanted to say about Bro . Wright , but he did not know how far be was justified in detaining them , but he wished to express his warm admiration , which was shared by every brother present , for the way in which he performed the ceremony of installation . Bro . Massey had always repudiated the title of Installing- Master .
It was well khbwn that in many lodges there were brethren who claimed to install all Masters who were elevated to the chair . Hitherto they had depended upon Bro . Massey , but he rejoiced that the I . P . M . have taken the trouble and conferred the favour of installing his successor himself . Bro . Wright was possessed of most deserving qualities , and had borne himself as a true Mason . For those reasons it was
no mere formality when the lodge voted five guineas for a presentation jewel to their Master , as well as a very pretty ring to be worn by his wife . The W . M . then invested Bro . Wright with the Past Master ' s jewel , and handed him the ring presented to Mrs . Wright . Bro . Wright , I . P . M ., in reply , said that he did not quite know how to shape his course in face of all the kind things
that the W . M . had said of him . He felt that it would be rather conventional to say he did not deserve them , but he did not feel that he did deserve them . He had often thought what a gloomy sort of creature an outgoing Lord Mayor was ; he had to yield up all his glory and honour to the gentleman who succeeded him ; and he felt as he came to the lodge like an outgoing Lord Mayor at the Lord Mayor ' s
Show . He found , however , that that was not altogether correct . He was in a better position than the outgoing Lord Mayor , because he had some functions to perform , and the brethren had expressed their approval of the work he had done . What he had done , however , was what every Master should do . He was not going to inflict on them a long speech , but there was just a sentence or two , not about
himself but about the lodge , that he would like to say . The lodge , when he was placed in office 12 months ago , was not altogether in a good condition . He hoped and believed that he was leaving the lodge in a better position than he found it , and he said without any egotism that it was due , not to his own exertions , but to the brethren who had rallied round him , and to the support of the brethren who had served
under him . In a social position the lodge w . as far above what it was then . They had got their own little Charitable Fund in a good position ; the balance-sheet showed that during the year they had expended close upon £ 50 in relieving brethren of their own lodge , and had thus given immeasurable advantages to those brethren . Another aspect in which the lodge stood higher than of yore was
seen in the way in which brethren who were coming on towards the chair were taking pains to fit themselves for the Mastership . It was the pride of the officers to do their work above the average , and there was every prospect of still further improvement in that respect . In the best Masonic sense he had , as Master , the great benefit that the lodge had effected by the bond of brotherhood among their
50 or Co members . It hadalwaysbeen their boast thatthey had no cliques or coteries in the lodge . Personally , the past had been a most agreeable year to him , and he should always regard it as one oE the milestones in his life , and he thought it was a milestone in the life of the lodge . He thought it was a mark of the stability of the lodge that two of its initiates should have been appointed to the chair . He
hoped the same spirit would be in the lodge in the future that had inspired the brethren in the past , and he believed that a long course of usefulness was before the lodge . In conclusion , Bro . Wright thanked the brethren for the handsome jewel that had been awarded him , and also for the pretty ring which had been presented to his wife , who took great interest in the lodge , and had desired him to say how
grateful she was to the brethren for their present . " The Health of the Visitors" was then proposed by the W . M ., and was responded to by Bros . J . H . Smith , P . M . 279 ; A . C . Morton , P . M . 9 ; W . E . Chapman , W . M . 2190 ; H . Joyce , P . M . 507 ; Dalgety Henderson , 21 9 0 ; and Heneker Heaton , M . P . The toasts of " The Past Masters " and " The Treasurer
and Secretary " were combined , and were replied toby Bro . H . Massey , P . M ., Treasurer , who said that for the first time since the existence of the lodge he had standing up with him as a P . M . his first initiate in the Gallery Lodge to acknowledge the toast that had been so kindly proposed . Other Past Masters had been compelled to leave , but Bro . Duckworth had requested him to respond . He assured
them that the interest taken in the lodge by the Past Masters had in no wise diminished since they had passed the chair , and they would always do their very best to promote the interests of the lodge , and to assist in conducting its affairs succcfsfully . It was with the greatest pleasure that he had seen Bro . Wright install his successor , a function he ( Bro . Massey ) had always impressed on the Masters