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Article TESTIMONIAL TO BRO. W. J. HUGHAN. ← Page 2 of 2 Article TESTIMONIAL TO BRO. W. J. HUGHAN. Page 2 of 2
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Testimonial To Bro. W. J. Hughan.
the qualification for that high position was that they should have been good Masons and true for 21 years . Therefore , looking at it in an American point of view , Bro . Hughan was a Veteran in the Craft with us . And certainly if he were not so by time he was by the work he had done . When Bro . Hughan was initiated he was not , as very many were , an enthusiastic Mason at that moment born ; he was more thin that—he was a capable , earnest , and most
important and industrious Mason . ( Hear , hear . ) There were many who were capable and earnest , successful and enthusiastic ; but not all by circumstances able or by themselves willing to be so absolutely industrious as lo do that which Bro . Hughan had done . ( Hear , hear . ) He was indebted to a circular which had been distributed amongst them for information of a more special kind relating lo Bro . Hughan , and thus it was that he found
himself in a position to point out that long before Bro . Hughan had entered upon the literary part of his career , he had devoted himself most earnestly and assiduously to the more ordinary duties of a Freemason in the provinces . In this class of work he had achieved distinction , and had been honoured with the appointment of Provincial Grand Secretary , and other similar positions in other branches of Freemasonry . He had also laboured most
zealously in the cause of Masonic Charity , a cause which , in his ( Bro . Monckton ' s ) opinion , represented almost , if not quite , the " summum bonum " of the aspirations of a devoted brother . Subsequently Bro . Hughan gave up much of his time lo Masonic literary pursuits , with the result that he ( Bro . Monckton ) felt himself justified in saying , without , for one moment , derogating from the high claims of other brethren , that he
now stood at the head ol Masonic literature . But such valued services as these could not be passed over unrecognised . Ten years ago , the late revered Bro . John Hervey , then Grand Secretary , wrote to Bro . Hughan and offered him the collar of Grand Deacon . With that modesty which was very seldom separated from true merit , Bro . Hughan , who was living very far away from London , feeling that he could not do justice to his office ,
wrote to Bro . Hervey—he did not know whether he absolutely declined the office—but , at all events , he did not accept it , and there Masonry again stepped in , and the rank of a Past Grand Deacon was conferred on Bro . Hughan , and that was done to the satisfaction of everybody . He ( Bro . Monckton ) mentioned that because it was a part of the history . So time went on , and Bro . Hughan had worked and , worked , and though he had
worked modestly , it was impossible that what he had done could remain unnoticed . In the provinces , as well as among the Craft in general , the circumstances related in the circular to which he had alluded were noticed , and it led to the opinion among old and experienced Masons that the time had arrived when some personal token of esteem should be presented to Bro . Hughan . ( Hear , hear . ) It was a great privilege to be asked to be the
medium of the brethren generally for inviting Bro . Hughan to accept that gift which was now offered to him . He ( Bro . Monckton ) had therefore briefly , in the name of the brethren , to ask Bro . Hughan to accept a packet which contain . ed a cheque for £ 364 —( hear , hear , and cheers)—and he was asked at the same time lo request him to receive another gift , which was , in one sense , a more tangible token—something that would remain with him—a
writing table , which he had no doubt he would use to his own satisfaction and to the benefit of the Craft he so thoroughly loved and so well adorned . In making the gift he had only to add that he wished Bro . Hughan long life , health , and strength to look back upon the present with pleasure , and to esteem it for the sake of those who presented it in memory of his vast services to the Craft . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . )
Bro . YY ' . J . HUGHAN , in acknowledging the gift , said—I should like to be able , if possible , to do some justice to my feelings , but at present I am quite incapable of it , and I hope that you will take what I very sincerely feel as having been said . It is always a pleasure for one who does his best in a quiet way to have that best recognised , and I feel that , though I in no sense worked for any hope of reward—I feel that the reward which has come
to me through your hands this evening a very pleasurable one indeed . ( Hear , hear . ) I should like first of ail to say that I feel personally indebted to Sir John Monckton for coming among us this evening and taking the chair on this occasion . There are many reasons why I should like it to be understood that I very thoroughly appreciate the honour which has been personally conferred upon me by coming through his hands . I should like also to say that ,
having from time to time seen a list of subscribers in print , those names have been naturally read by me , and though I thought I had many friends , yet when 1 find myself thus honoured by so large a number , 1 feel that , even if I were not inclined personally to do so , 1 must continue to devote the remainder of my days to working in behalf of our honoured Society . ( Hear , hear . ) I can assure you , so far as my feelings are concerned , that had
this presentation not been made , I should still have done my utmost on behalf of our Society as long as 1 lived . I feel , too , that this mark of appreciation from the Craft will be the means of assisting me in many ways in continuing my researches , and I trust that as the brethren haye thus expressed their satisfaction with my labours historically during the years that have gone by , they will have reason also to be satisfied with what I shall seek to perform and carry out , all being well , during the years that
are to come . ( Hear , hear . ) I have long considered that the history of Masonry can never be written by one individual . I hold that all must work together loyally and thoroughly to carry out such a duty , and therefore it is that I have always been rejoiced to find histories of lodges written by competent individuals , because , when the information is thus collected together , it furnishes facts for the historian , and therefore we maybe said to be indebted all round for the information . Hence it is that I feel
you have been very good to make the remarks that you have , Bro . Chairman , and you , brethren , likewise for having received them . A great many of the facts I have said have come from the brethren , and when you so warmly thank me , at the same time you thank them . ( Hear , hear . ) I know that the brethren present have little time to spare because of other duties , but 1 should like to say that I think . the
progress of Masonic literature and study is very pleasing to us all who pay any attention to such matters . ( Hear , hear . ) I remember when I was initiated some of the stories which were told me , and which to a great extent at the time I believed . I hope that during the last 21 3 'ears , with the assistance of my numerous friends , we have been able to place the history of Freemasonry on such a foundation as to be acceptable and accepted by critics , whether Masons or otherwise . I think the facts which
have been brought to light of late years more particularly connect us with the Grand Lodge of 1717 , with the Freemasonry which preceded its institution , and that we are really and actually members not only of an honourable but also of a very ancient institution . It has been my great aim with the friends among whom I have so long wrought , to collect and search out the evidence that connects us with ancient Freemasonry , and I say without hesitation that the
Testimonial To Bro. W. J. Hughan.
Freemasons of to-day are the lineal descendants of the Masons of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries ; that the fact can be settled beyond cavil , and that to the Society of Architects , who say we are not Freemasons , we are prepared to give evidence that will satisfy them that we are as ancient as we have in many respects declared ourselves to be . I am glad you alluded to the question of the important subject of the Masonic
Charities . I believe that we are not certainly in our infancy , but certainly we are not in the position we shall attain to with respect to those Institutions . I believe that the more Freemasonry is spread , and the more it is understood and valued , the more we shall seek when in our prosperity to help those that are in adversity , and I think if we do not do so we fail in our duty . ( Hear , hear . ) I am also very pleased to-. night to say we have in
the chairman the historian of the Jerusalem Lodge , and it is , therefore , very pleasing to me to see him in the chair on this occasion , because if there is one body more than another lo whom I am indebted , it is the historians of these old lodges . I hope they will continue to increase in number , and we shall partake in their services in the years that are to come . ( Hear , hear . ) I should like to express my personal indebtedness to every brother who has
taken part in this testimonial , from the President , the Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , to every member who has done anything in contributing towards it ; and I should like also to say that I remember with pleasure the services of many of my friends who may not be on the list , and that I shall seek to do my utmost on behalf of the Fraternity , irrespective of creed , or clime , or colour , so long as strength is given me to carry out the principles of
our ancient and honourable Soc ety . I feel also personally very much indebted to those on whom the labour has chiefly fallen with respect to this Testimonial Committee , and I think I will do honour in singling out three brethren whom I shall name who have placed me under a debt of gratitude to them as long as I live—Bro . George Kenning , Bro . Thomas B . Whytehead , and Bro . William Lake . ( Hear , hear . ) They have been a very
worthy trio undoubtedly , and I have no doubt it is mainly to their exertions that I am so indebted for such a handsome testimonial this evening . ( Hear , hear . ) I am also told I am still more indebted to the Treasurer , who has been a good friend of mine a great many years , for I find on the back of this purse the words , " Presented to Bro . YVm . James Hughan , Past Grand Deacon , by Bro . George Kenning , Dec . 3 rd , 1 S 84 , " and I am also
informed that I shall not be allowed out of my testimonial to contribute towards the expenses either of the advertising or the printing , or the writing table , and that he , as Treasurer , chooses to put in a claim to present all this . I could not let that fact go by without mentioning it . With that very warm recognition I feel utterly unable to say anything more If I
were allowed some hours to produce a speech , and put it on paper , I might do justice to it . I cannot do so now , and I can only thank you and all the brethren from my very heart for your great kindness and appreciation of my labours , and in saying that this handsome testimonial which has just been given shall be gratefully accepted and faithfully applied . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . )
Bro . Monckton , after this period , having another engagement , was compelled to leave , and the chair was taken by Bro . F . BINCKES , who then proposed " The Chairman . " Bro . BINCKES proposed " Bro . George Kenning , the Treasurer of the Fund , " and "The Joint Secretaries , Bros . T . B . Whytehead and Wm . Lake . " Bro . Binckes said they could not sufficiently express their feelings
of admiration for the support of Bro . Kenning , inasmuch as he had been able to hand over a cheque for £ 364 , without expenses . They knew what Bro . Kenning's liberality was , and that he was always delighted in doing good in some shape or other . Then there were the Secretaries . It did not matter what shape a testimonial took , whether it was small or large , any one acquainted with secretarial duties knew what the work of a Secretary meant where the arrangements had been on foot some time .
Bro . GEORGE BAKER thanked the company on behalf of Bro . George Kenning , and expressed that brother ' s regret for his absence . Bro . YV . LAKE said they all knew Bro . Whytehead ' s ability , and he had hoped he would have been present to respond to this toast . He could not help thanking Bro . Hughan for the kind expressions towards the Secretaries , and himself in particular , which he had used . He found the duties of
a Secretary were somewhat arduous ; but Bro . Whytehead had taken his full share of them , and would have done a great deal more no doubt if he had been in London . A great deal of detail had fallen on him ( Bro . Lake ) , but had it been ten times as great it would have been to him a labour of love . He had had the privilege of enjoying the friendship of Bro . Hughan for something over 20 years , and it had been the most pleasurable connection
he had ever formed . Bro . Hughan had been a true friend to him , and nothing he could ever do could in any way repay the many kindnesses he had received at his hands . He was very sorry the result of their efforts had not been what they had all expected . It had been respectable , but , considering its object , he thought a little more might have been done ; seeing , however , it
had become a tangible amount , they had reason to be thankful . He thought " the brethren throughout the country had not been fully alive to the merits of their worthy brother . He would add that two hours ago he received a telegram from Bro . Whytehead , expressing his deep regret that he could not come , his medical man having strongly advised him not to take the journey . The toast of " The Press" was then given , and the brethren shortly afterwards separated .
KNIGGE , A . F . F . L ., FREIIIERR VoN . —Born in 1752 , and died in 1796 , in his forty-fourth year , it would almost seem at Bremen . He is said to have been made a Mason at Cassel , in 1772 , and to have been received into the high grades at Hanau in 1777 . He joined Weishaupt ' s Illuminati in 17 S 0 , induced to do so , it is stated , by the Marquis of Coslanzo . In that order he was known by the name of Philo . At the convent of Wilhelmsbad ,
in 1782 , he sought to obtain a recognition of the new order , but in vain ; and he himself quarrelled with Weishaupt , and left it in 17 S 4 . Kloss credits him with 10 literary works of one kind and another , among which may be noticed "Roman meines Leben , " 1781-83 ; "Ueber Jesuiten Freimaurcr und Deutsche Rosenkreuzer , " 1781 ; " Beitrag zur neuesten Geschichie des Freimaurcr Ordens , " Berlin , 1706 ; " Abhandlung des
hochw . Br . L . a bascia fiber die allgemeinc Zusammenkunft der Freimaurcr zur Wilhelmsbad , " 1784 , etc . A non-Masonic work of his , " Ueber den Umgang mit Menschen , " has been much admired . Though a man of many gifts , he seems to have been versatile and unstable , and is said to have ended his life in hostility to the Order , —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia . '
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Testimonial To Bro. W. J. Hughan.
the qualification for that high position was that they should have been good Masons and true for 21 years . Therefore , looking at it in an American point of view , Bro . Hughan was a Veteran in the Craft with us . And certainly if he were not so by time he was by the work he had done . When Bro . Hughan was initiated he was not , as very many were , an enthusiastic Mason at that moment born ; he was more thin that—he was a capable , earnest , and most
important and industrious Mason . ( Hear , hear . ) There were many who were capable and earnest , successful and enthusiastic ; but not all by circumstances able or by themselves willing to be so absolutely industrious as lo do that which Bro . Hughan had done . ( Hear , hear . ) He was indebted to a circular which had been distributed amongst them for information of a more special kind relating lo Bro . Hughan , and thus it was that he found
himself in a position to point out that long before Bro . Hughan had entered upon the literary part of his career , he had devoted himself most earnestly and assiduously to the more ordinary duties of a Freemason in the provinces . In this class of work he had achieved distinction , and had been honoured with the appointment of Provincial Grand Secretary , and other similar positions in other branches of Freemasonry . He had also laboured most
zealously in the cause of Masonic Charity , a cause which , in his ( Bro . Monckton ' s ) opinion , represented almost , if not quite , the " summum bonum " of the aspirations of a devoted brother . Subsequently Bro . Hughan gave up much of his time lo Masonic literary pursuits , with the result that he ( Bro . Monckton ) felt himself justified in saying , without , for one moment , derogating from the high claims of other brethren , that he
now stood at the head ol Masonic literature . But such valued services as these could not be passed over unrecognised . Ten years ago , the late revered Bro . John Hervey , then Grand Secretary , wrote to Bro . Hughan and offered him the collar of Grand Deacon . With that modesty which was very seldom separated from true merit , Bro . Hughan , who was living very far away from London , feeling that he could not do justice to his office ,
wrote to Bro . Hervey—he did not know whether he absolutely declined the office—but , at all events , he did not accept it , and there Masonry again stepped in , and the rank of a Past Grand Deacon was conferred on Bro . Hughan , and that was done to the satisfaction of everybody . He ( Bro . Monckton ) mentioned that because it was a part of the history . So time went on , and Bro . Hughan had worked and , worked , and though he had
worked modestly , it was impossible that what he had done could remain unnoticed . In the provinces , as well as among the Craft in general , the circumstances related in the circular to which he had alluded were noticed , and it led to the opinion among old and experienced Masons that the time had arrived when some personal token of esteem should be presented to Bro . Hughan . ( Hear , hear . ) It was a great privilege to be asked to be the
medium of the brethren generally for inviting Bro . Hughan to accept that gift which was now offered to him . He ( Bro . Monckton ) had therefore briefly , in the name of the brethren , to ask Bro . Hughan to accept a packet which contain . ed a cheque for £ 364 —( hear , hear , and cheers)—and he was asked at the same time lo request him to receive another gift , which was , in one sense , a more tangible token—something that would remain with him—a
writing table , which he had no doubt he would use to his own satisfaction and to the benefit of the Craft he so thoroughly loved and so well adorned . In making the gift he had only to add that he wished Bro . Hughan long life , health , and strength to look back upon the present with pleasure , and to esteem it for the sake of those who presented it in memory of his vast services to the Craft . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . )
Bro . YY ' . J . HUGHAN , in acknowledging the gift , said—I should like to be able , if possible , to do some justice to my feelings , but at present I am quite incapable of it , and I hope that you will take what I very sincerely feel as having been said . It is always a pleasure for one who does his best in a quiet way to have that best recognised , and I feel that , though I in no sense worked for any hope of reward—I feel that the reward which has come
to me through your hands this evening a very pleasurable one indeed . ( Hear , hear . ) I should like first of ail to say that I feel personally indebted to Sir John Monckton for coming among us this evening and taking the chair on this occasion . There are many reasons why I should like it to be understood that I very thoroughly appreciate the honour which has been personally conferred upon me by coming through his hands . I should like also to say that ,
having from time to time seen a list of subscribers in print , those names have been naturally read by me , and though I thought I had many friends , yet when 1 find myself thus honoured by so large a number , 1 feel that , even if I were not inclined personally to do so , 1 must continue to devote the remainder of my days to working in behalf of our honoured Society . ( Hear , hear . ) I can assure you , so far as my feelings are concerned , that had
this presentation not been made , I should still have done my utmost on behalf of our Society as long as 1 lived . I feel , too , that this mark of appreciation from the Craft will be the means of assisting me in many ways in continuing my researches , and I trust that as the brethren haye thus expressed their satisfaction with my labours historically during the years that have gone by , they will have reason also to be satisfied with what I shall seek to perform and carry out , all being well , during the years that
are to come . ( Hear , hear . ) I have long considered that the history of Masonry can never be written by one individual . I hold that all must work together loyally and thoroughly to carry out such a duty , and therefore it is that I have always been rejoiced to find histories of lodges written by competent individuals , because , when the information is thus collected together , it furnishes facts for the historian , and therefore we maybe said to be indebted all round for the information . Hence it is that I feel
you have been very good to make the remarks that you have , Bro . Chairman , and you , brethren , likewise for having received them . A great many of the facts I have said have come from the brethren , and when you so warmly thank me , at the same time you thank them . ( Hear , hear . ) I know that the brethren present have little time to spare because of other duties , but 1 should like to say that I think . the
progress of Masonic literature and study is very pleasing to us all who pay any attention to such matters . ( Hear , hear . ) I remember when I was initiated some of the stories which were told me , and which to a great extent at the time I believed . I hope that during the last 21 3 'ears , with the assistance of my numerous friends , we have been able to place the history of Freemasonry on such a foundation as to be acceptable and accepted by critics , whether Masons or otherwise . I think the facts which
have been brought to light of late years more particularly connect us with the Grand Lodge of 1717 , with the Freemasonry which preceded its institution , and that we are really and actually members not only of an honourable but also of a very ancient institution . It has been my great aim with the friends among whom I have so long wrought , to collect and search out the evidence that connects us with ancient Freemasonry , and I say without hesitation that the
Testimonial To Bro. W. J. Hughan.
Freemasons of to-day are the lineal descendants of the Masons of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries ; that the fact can be settled beyond cavil , and that to the Society of Architects , who say we are not Freemasons , we are prepared to give evidence that will satisfy them that we are as ancient as we have in many respects declared ourselves to be . I am glad you alluded to the question of the important subject of the Masonic
Charities . I believe that we are not certainly in our infancy , but certainly we are not in the position we shall attain to with respect to those Institutions . I believe that the more Freemasonry is spread , and the more it is understood and valued , the more we shall seek when in our prosperity to help those that are in adversity , and I think if we do not do so we fail in our duty . ( Hear , hear . ) I am also very pleased to-. night to say we have in
the chairman the historian of the Jerusalem Lodge , and it is , therefore , very pleasing to me to see him in the chair on this occasion , because if there is one body more than another lo whom I am indebted , it is the historians of these old lodges . I hope they will continue to increase in number , and we shall partake in their services in the years that are to come . ( Hear , hear . ) I should like to express my personal indebtedness to every brother who has
taken part in this testimonial , from the President , the Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , to every member who has done anything in contributing towards it ; and I should like also to say that I remember with pleasure the services of many of my friends who may not be on the list , and that I shall seek to do my utmost on behalf of the Fraternity , irrespective of creed , or clime , or colour , so long as strength is given me to carry out the principles of
our ancient and honourable Soc ety . I feel also personally very much indebted to those on whom the labour has chiefly fallen with respect to this Testimonial Committee , and I think I will do honour in singling out three brethren whom I shall name who have placed me under a debt of gratitude to them as long as I live—Bro . George Kenning , Bro . Thomas B . Whytehead , and Bro . William Lake . ( Hear , hear . ) They have been a very
worthy trio undoubtedly , and I have no doubt it is mainly to their exertions that I am so indebted for such a handsome testimonial this evening . ( Hear , hear . ) I am also told I am still more indebted to the Treasurer , who has been a good friend of mine a great many years , for I find on the back of this purse the words , " Presented to Bro . YVm . James Hughan , Past Grand Deacon , by Bro . George Kenning , Dec . 3 rd , 1 S 84 , " and I am also
informed that I shall not be allowed out of my testimonial to contribute towards the expenses either of the advertising or the printing , or the writing table , and that he , as Treasurer , chooses to put in a claim to present all this . I could not let that fact go by without mentioning it . With that very warm recognition I feel utterly unable to say anything more If I
were allowed some hours to produce a speech , and put it on paper , I might do justice to it . I cannot do so now , and I can only thank you and all the brethren from my very heart for your great kindness and appreciation of my labours , and in saying that this handsome testimonial which has just been given shall be gratefully accepted and faithfully applied . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . )
Bro . Monckton , after this period , having another engagement , was compelled to leave , and the chair was taken by Bro . F . BINCKES , who then proposed " The Chairman . " Bro . BINCKES proposed " Bro . George Kenning , the Treasurer of the Fund , " and "The Joint Secretaries , Bros . T . B . Whytehead and Wm . Lake . " Bro . Binckes said they could not sufficiently express their feelings
of admiration for the support of Bro . Kenning , inasmuch as he had been able to hand over a cheque for £ 364 , without expenses . They knew what Bro . Kenning's liberality was , and that he was always delighted in doing good in some shape or other . Then there were the Secretaries . It did not matter what shape a testimonial took , whether it was small or large , any one acquainted with secretarial duties knew what the work of a Secretary meant where the arrangements had been on foot some time .
Bro . GEORGE BAKER thanked the company on behalf of Bro . George Kenning , and expressed that brother ' s regret for his absence . Bro . YV . LAKE said they all knew Bro . Whytehead ' s ability , and he had hoped he would have been present to respond to this toast . He could not help thanking Bro . Hughan for the kind expressions towards the Secretaries , and himself in particular , which he had used . He found the duties of
a Secretary were somewhat arduous ; but Bro . Whytehead had taken his full share of them , and would have done a great deal more no doubt if he had been in London . A great deal of detail had fallen on him ( Bro . Lake ) , but had it been ten times as great it would have been to him a labour of love . He had had the privilege of enjoying the friendship of Bro . Hughan for something over 20 years , and it had been the most pleasurable connection
he had ever formed . Bro . Hughan had been a true friend to him , and nothing he could ever do could in any way repay the many kindnesses he had received at his hands . He was very sorry the result of their efforts had not been what they had all expected . It had been respectable , but , considering its object , he thought a little more might have been done ; seeing , however , it
had become a tangible amount , they had reason to be thankful . He thought " the brethren throughout the country had not been fully alive to the merits of their worthy brother . He would add that two hours ago he received a telegram from Bro . Whytehead , expressing his deep regret that he could not come , his medical man having strongly advised him not to take the journey . The toast of " The Press" was then given , and the brethren shortly afterwards separated .
KNIGGE , A . F . F . L ., FREIIIERR VoN . —Born in 1752 , and died in 1796 , in his forty-fourth year , it would almost seem at Bremen . He is said to have been made a Mason at Cassel , in 1772 , and to have been received into the high grades at Hanau in 1777 . He joined Weishaupt ' s Illuminati in 17 S 0 , induced to do so , it is stated , by the Marquis of Coslanzo . In that order he was known by the name of Philo . At the convent of Wilhelmsbad ,
in 1782 , he sought to obtain a recognition of the new order , but in vain ; and he himself quarrelled with Weishaupt , and left it in 17 S 4 . Kloss credits him with 10 literary works of one kind and another , among which may be noticed "Roman meines Leben , " 1781-83 ; "Ueber Jesuiten Freimaurcr und Deutsche Rosenkreuzer , " 1781 ; " Beitrag zur neuesten Geschichie des Freimaurcr Ordens , " Berlin , 1706 ; " Abhandlung des
hochw . Br . L . a bascia fiber die allgemeinc Zusammenkunft der Freimaurcr zur Wilhelmsbad , " 1784 , etc . A non-Masonic work of his , " Ueber den Umgang mit Menschen , " has been much admired . Though a man of many gifts , he seems to have been versatile and unstable , and is said to have ended his life in hostility to the Order , —Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia . '