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Craft Masonry.
hold the annual meeting at Wokingham on the 29 th June , when he hoped to see a member of that lodge receive provincial honours . The province was flourishing , and the sum of £ 1054 sent up to the Charities during the year was a record amount for Berks . A new Masonic lodge was about to be added to the province , and that lodge did a Masonic action in recommending the petition . He wished the W . M . a most successful year of office , and trusted the officers would rally round him and support him . Bro . E . Margrett , P . P . S . G . W ., in responding , referred to the work of the
Provincial Charity Committee , of which he is Secretary , and said that since his appointment every case at the elections had been carried first time . That year they started with three cases , and having secured the election of a boy and a girl , they hoped to also be successful in reference to an aged brother seeking election to the Benevolent Institution . He impressed upon all the brethren that they should not only be "in " the province , but " of " the province , for they could only be successful by placing all their votes in a common fund . That lodge was well represented by Bro . Kedge , who gave him all the support hc could .
Bro . C . O . Burgess , I . P . M ., then said that when a Master left the chair there was one privilege left to him for the next year , and that was to propose " The Health of the VVorshipful Master . " It was his privilege on that occasion to propose that toast , which he was sure would be well received . Bro . Luff , their newly-installed W . M ., was a personal friend to most of them , and those who were not so well acquainted with him as the P . Ms ., would find that the longer they knew him the more they would esteem him . Bro . Luff tried to hide his merits , and was modest in the assertion of his claims , but it would be their province to find out that they had a jewel in their W . M ., and all would acknowledge that fact at the end of the year . The VV . M . expressed a certain amount
of modesty with regard to the performance of his duties , but the older brethren wo uld support the statement that those who modestly depreciated their own merits were afterwards found to be the best of Masters . Bro . Luff must feel proud of the personal influence which had brought together such an influential assembly , including the Deputy Prov . G . M . He hoped the W . M . would feel that they had done him good in that lodge by rescuing him from the influence of that quality of diffidence . They regarded Bro . Luff as the head of their illustrious lodge , and hoped to have occasion to congratulate Mm—as he would congratulate them all—on accepting the high office . Business had been too much his master , and they hoped that Masonry should be the antidote . They drank with all s ' nceritv , heartiness , ard etc uragement to the health of their W . M .
Brc . H . Luff , VV . M ., in responding , said that if ever anyone was in a fix it was " theirs truly . " To attempt to reply to all the eulogistic remarks of the I . P . M . would be out of his province . If the I . P . M . had criticised him severely he should not have been surprised , for during the past few months , when the Past Masters had spoken to him on mattei s connected with Masonry , he was afraid they might consider he had treated them diicourteously , but that was not so , as his attention had probably been attracted to something else at the same time . He was sure they would sympathise with him as a keen business worker . He did not think he deserved all that had been said of him by
the I . P . M ., but as the members had placed him in the position he held he would do his best . He should not attempt to equal the work of the I . P . M ., but would carry out his duties as well as possible , and he hoped to their satisfaction . He thanked all the brethren for the way in which they had received the toast and for the honour done him . The Charity-box was passed round , and , on being sold by auction , was purchased by the Secretary on behalf of Bro . G . Mason , Tyler , for live guineas , as a thank-offering for recovery from a recent illness . For " Ihe Visitors , " Bros . Dyson , Gray , Whitford , Chilcott , and Mills responded .
"The Past Masters , 'treasurer and Secretary , and Officers" concluded a very enjoyable and successful evening . Bro . Walford , Org ., was assisted in the musical programme by Miss Gertrude Snow , Mr . Walter Dodds , and Bro . Geo . Robins .
Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 . PRESENTATION TO BRO . JAMES STEPHENS , DEP . G . D . C . The history < I this phenomenal lodge during its short but eventful career furnishes a series of records of which thc members arc justly proud . Large sums have been voted frcm the lodge to the Charitable Institutions , leaving a balance in hand of several bundled pounds to the credit of thc lodge , whilst the contributions of the members for the same object which have been handsome in the past bid fair to be far exceeded under the Mastership of Bro . Valciiani , a veteran in the cause of Masonic charity . Thelodge had the distinguished honour of having its first W . M ., Bro . Bailey , elected as Grand
Treasurer of England , and showed their appreciation of that ] honour by presenting him with the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter clothing . At a meeting held at the Frascati Restaurant , Oxford-street , on the 3 rd inst ., the members had yet another opportunity of participating in an equally pleasant and agreeable presentation . The M . W . G . M . having appointed Bro . James Stephens to the high office of Deputy G . D . C , in consideration of his distinguished services to Masonry , the members of the Fellowship Lodge , of which Bro . Stephens was the originator and Secretary , claimed the privilege of presenting him with the regalia of his rank , although , each of the many lodges to which
the Deputy G . D . C belongs were equally desirous of showing their esteem and regard , The members in attendance included Bros . E . L . P . Valerian ! , P . M ., W . M . j J . R , Roberts , P . M ., I . P . M . j Sir John Monckton , P . G . W . j VV . II . Bailey , P . M ., P . G . Treas . j W . Thomas , P . M ., S . W . j E . Rogers , P . G . Stwd ., J . W . ; J . Welford , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Stephens , Dep . G . D . C , Sec . ; Major E . J . Reed , S . D . ; B . Carter , J . D . j W . II . Making , P . M ., l . G . j 1 . H . Haylor and W . H . G . Rudderforth , P . M ., D . Cs . ; S . Hussey , P . M ., and VV . J . Baths , Stwds . ; M . S . Rubinstein , Org . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec R . M . I . B . ; W . Martin
A . G . Purst . ; C . Hunt , SOi j T . Renwick , SGIJ T . Cole , 239 S ; A . V . Marshall , ' 559 J A . Rostrom , 191 ; G . E . Smith , J . D . 25 G 3 ; W . C Berry , SGi ; W . Harker Amted , 132 S ; VV . Craddock , J . VV . 2150 ; A . W . Ashplant , 179 ; A . E . Herbert , P . M . 173 ; A . C Grosutt , S . D . 215 S ; E . George , P . M . 14 S 9 ; J . Burrows , 72 ; G . J . Garland , P . M . 172 S ; R . Cope , 23 G 1 ; S . T . Lucas , P . M . 192 ; E . M . Lander , P . M . 1 G 42 ; J . W . Cuff , P . M . 511 ; 11 . II . Whale , 172 ; G . Gill , P . M . 19 G 3 ; T . Smith , 170 S ; VV . VV . Lee , P . M . ; and others . The lodge was opened and the minutes confirmed , after which Bro . G . R . Jenner
was raised to the Third Degree , and Bro . P . J . Daniels passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . Messrs . J . VV . Ward , VV . A . Grosutt , and J . Stevens wcre initiated into Freemasonry and the ancient charge given . The W . M . was unfortunately too unwell to perform Ihe ceremories , the work being kindly undertaken by Bro . Bailey , P . G . Treas . Bro . Bailey , P . G . Treas ., in order to put himself formally in order , propesed that the lodge should present Bro . Stephens with the grand clothing of the office ot Dep . G . D . C . to which he had been appointed . As a matter ot fact the order was given directly the appointment was made , as he relied upon the generous nature of all the members to express the pride
and pleasure with which they regarded the appointment . Bro . E . L . Valerian ! , W . M ., seconded the proposition , which was carried by acclamation , and said that on Bro . Bailey mentioning the matter to him , he had said that there was nothing to do but to order the clothing at once . Bro . W . H . Bailey , P . G . Treas ., then said that by thc W . M . ' s cemmand , and because he happened to be the first W . M . of that not insignificant ledge , he had to ask Bro . Stephens ' s acceptance of the Grand Lodge clothing . The lodge was so proud of its principal inceptor , that they wished to express their great phasure at the honour conferred in Grand Lodge . What Bro . Stephens ' s record in
Masonry was they all knew , " and particularly in the Fellowship Lodge . ' 1 hey had taken Ihe matter of that presentation into their own hands , because none should share with them the unspeakable pleasure of asking one who was the father of the lodge to let them be singled out as the one lodge to give him his clothing upon the occasion of his highly merited honour . There was no member who did not feel proud at the honour conferred , feeling certain that the honour had been justly and magnificently won . They ii-joiced that it had been conferred , and hc spoke as the mouthpiece of the members of that lodge , which had flourished beyond all expectations , and which had done such
wonders , mainly because of the wise counsels and energetic efforts put forth by the Secretary . He spoke as one who ought to know , having had more to do with Bro . Stephens in connection with that lodge than any other member , and he should always Icok back with pleasure to the time when they hatched the project which had borne such good fruit . That [ its success was due to its Secretary was patent , and in asking Bro . Stephens ' * acceptance of their gift , he could only say that it was given with the greatest
pleasure cn the part of every individual member . They hoped hc would continue to prosper and remain always the same energetic friend of the lodge , for there was no brighter record than that of the first Secretary of their lodge . Bro . Sir John Monckton , P . G . W ., then said while his well-worn armour is being buckled on him , I wish to say a word or two . I came here to-nignt expressly to assist you in doing honour where honour was distinctly due . Bro . Bailey has spoken
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well and eloquently for the members of the Fellowship Lodge , and for the honorary members I should like to say how much we think of what this lodge is doing . This lodge has done well in every capacity , and is now covering itself with honour in honouring one who so well deserves it . For the Grand Officers , of whom he was a humble representative , I can only say we feel that we are honoured by the accession to our ranks of Bro . Stephens , quite as much as he is honoured by receivine * this mark of favour from the M . W . G . M .
The presentation was then made , the Grand Lodge jewel bearing the following inscription -. " Presented to W . Bro . James Stephenson his appointment as Dep . Grand D . C . in the Grand Lodge of England , together with the regalia of his oflice , by the brethren of the Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 , as a mark of their affection and esteem for him as the originator of the lodge , and in recognition of those invaluable services which have largely contributed to the remarkable success the lodge has achieved . May 3 , 1897 . "
Bro . James Stephens , Dep . G . D . of C , who spoke with emotion , said he found it difficult to control himself in order that he might utter the few words his heart would dictate . He had ever received nothing but kindness from every member of that lodge . He may perhaps have been considered somewhat of a martinet because he held to the opinion that no lodge could be successful unless it was financially as well as Masonically so , and he had striven to keep the finances in a high position , and to do that he might have been worrying to some members . In return he had received nothing but kindness . The members had learnt , when he had placed it before themthat it was his ambition to
, keep that lodge in its high position and had acquiesced . They were proud to be in a position that few lodges could boast of , for they had not a dozen members owing a farthing , and had something like £ 500 in hand . He had been a Mason for nearly 20 years . It was in 1 S 74 that he first started as a humble tradesman , and was initiated in 1878 . He stuck to his business and took no active part in Masonry until he had established _ himself , and in 1 SS 5 he occupied the chair in his mother lodge and sought to discharge his Masonic duties in a manner he hoped creditable to all with whom he had been associated . He had
ever since tried and whether he had succeeded was not for him to say , but he could naturally assume this to be the case from the respect he had received in this lodge since its foundation . He always held , and still held the opinion that to a brother starting in life , business should be first and Masonry second . Since he hid attained a position he had not forgotten the watchword of Freemasonry as taught by the M . W . G . M . when he said " charity " was their watchword . His dear wife , who was one of the best souls that God had ever put breath into , had spared him many nights week after week , and was ever ready to assist him for she had done much and took a keen interest in
Freemasonry and its precepts , and he had been fortunate in that direction that he could devote time to Freemasonry in recent years . He thanked this lodge most earnestly for their kind recognition . As Bro . Bailey had said this lodge would not be interfered with in presenting the clothing . Other lodges approached him on the subject and he told them of the kindness of the Fellowshi p Lodge in recognising the high position it had attained and he felt he could not refuse their request . He should like to say he considered that Freemasonry was like the two Houses of Parliament and rightly so . At the head of their distinguished
Order they had the Heir Apparent to that vast empire , and it was obvious to any sane man that the higher positions should be _ held by men of high social standing and undoubted respectability . He did not claim to be of high social standing , but , as a commoner , he rejoiced that he had had given to him the highest office next to those whom he might call the House of Lords . Above him came professional brethren and peers , and he claimed that he had had conferred upon him the highest honour Grand Lodge could have possibly bestowed upon him . Freemasonry was like their vast empire on which the sun never sets , and when they remembered the thousands of brethren
scattered over the possessions of the British crown , and the thousands deserving and worthy of receiving Grand Lodge honours , and the few collars to be annually distributed , it was indeed a great and high honour . He appreciated it as such that he should have been selected , and could not but feel that the very dear brother who assisted in the consecration—Bro . Sir John Monckton—had had a finger in that pie . To him he tendered his sincere thanks , and hoped that what Bro . Bailey had wished him might be realised , and that he might be spared many years to be with them . He had many good friends in Masonry , but none better than the members of that lodge , and he thanked them from the innermost recesses of his heart .
A vote of sympathy was next passed to Bro . Dickinson on the loss of his wife , and other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed . The brethren adjourned to banquet , which was followed by the customary toasts . ln giving "The Grand Officers" the VV . M . alluded to the presence of Bro . Sir John B . Monckton earlier in the evening . He ( the W . M . ) was not the man to flatter but he was ceitain that no brother deserved Grand Lodge honours more than Bro . Stephens . He congratulated Bro . W . Martin on his appointment as Assistant Grand Pursuivant , and said that whilst Grand Lodge appointed such brethren , Freemasonry would continue to prosper .
Bro . J . Stephens , Dep . G . D . C , in response , said he must tell them again how much he appreciated from the bottom of his heart , the kind things said of him . They were delighted to see Bro . W . Martin invested as a Grand Officer , for he had proved himself a dear friend and was ever ready to render assistance . It was pleasant to find that the Grand Officers , after appointment , did not desert the old Ship of Freemasonry , for they were on the Board of Management of the Boys' School and the Committee of the Old People ' s Institution and the Girls' School , lie was delighted to have been honoured in an extreme manner that evening , and could only thank them again .
Bro . W . Martin , A . G . Purst ., said he was the junior Grand Officer , but he held the office with great pleasure and very many thanks to the powers that be . He was not a young Mason , and had endeavoured to do his best for the Craft . He had worked hand in hand and heart in heart with Bro . Stephens in various causes of Freemasonry , and they had never had a wry word and never should . Highly appreciating the honour conferred upon him , it would be an incentive to do more , if possible , in the interests of the Craft , of the Institutions , and for the benefit of all those whom he had the honour and pleasure of knowing .
Bro . J . R . Roberts , I . P . M ., said he had the honour of proposing the toast of the evening , '' The Worshipful Master , " and all the members and visitors knew what a splendid Master they had . Unfortunately , that evening Bro . Valerian ! , W . M ., was not in good health , but at the next meeting they were in hopes of seeing him restored to thc good health he generally enjoyed . Their W . M . was of no mean order , and could render his duties in a manner suitable to their lodge , and if he did that it was second to no other lodge . All their hearts and sympathies were with their W . M . in wishing him a speedy recovery .
Bro . E . L . Valerian ! , VV . M ., in responding , said he had been confined to the house for the past six weeks . He had , however , worked hard , and when they knew the result they would say he had dpne well . Last meeting they did him the honour of naming him as their representative for the next Festival of the Boys' School , which he accepted , and promised to do his best . He received a challenge lrom the I . P . M ., which he accepted , as he wished to show he still had some pluck left in him for Masonic work . He was
challenged to break the record of festival lists for that lodge . The I . P . M . ' s total last year was £ 259 ; hut he ( the W . M . ) had left that very much behind . If , however , he "topped" the I . P . M . ' s total , he also wanted to "top" the lists of London lodges at the next festival . He thanked them for their support , and also thanked a good many of the Rothesay Lodge . He wished for another 25 guineas , and then he hoped to be first on the lists announced .
"The Initiates" was heartily honoured and suitably responded to , Bro . Grosutt kindly placing five guineas on the W . M . 's Stewardship list . The Worshipful Master proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and said that with 10 guineas kindly promised by the I . P . M ., his list now reached 330 guineas . He had been told he should have kept his total a secret , but if others were anxious to beat him , so much the better for the Institution . Bro . J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., said it was a great delight to witness the presentation to liro . Stephens who so thoroughly deserved the honour . No one rejoiced more
than hc did at the honour conferred knowing as he did the immense amount of work and labour he had put into Masonry , and especially hom muc ' i ihe Institutions oiveJ to Bro . Stephens . By the W . M . ' s command he ( Bro . McLeod ) was not to appeal to the brethren on behalf of the Institutions . He had , therefore , simply to thank them for responding so liberally to the appeal he made at the previous meeting , and especially the VV . M . for the energetic manner in which he had worked . He thought there could be no question that the W . M . 's list was the highest it would be his privilege to announce , and he only hoped that others would try to emulate him . Many lodges this year were giving to other causes and this must affect the totals of the
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hold the annual meeting at Wokingham on the 29 th June , when he hoped to see a member of that lodge receive provincial honours . The province was flourishing , and the sum of £ 1054 sent up to the Charities during the year was a record amount for Berks . A new Masonic lodge was about to be added to the province , and that lodge did a Masonic action in recommending the petition . He wished the W . M . a most successful year of office , and trusted the officers would rally round him and support him . Bro . E . Margrett , P . P . S . G . W ., in responding , referred to the work of the
Provincial Charity Committee , of which he is Secretary , and said that since his appointment every case at the elections had been carried first time . That year they started with three cases , and having secured the election of a boy and a girl , they hoped to also be successful in reference to an aged brother seeking election to the Benevolent Institution . He impressed upon all the brethren that they should not only be "in " the province , but " of " the province , for they could only be successful by placing all their votes in a common fund . That lodge was well represented by Bro . Kedge , who gave him all the support hc could .
Bro . C . O . Burgess , I . P . M ., then said that when a Master left the chair there was one privilege left to him for the next year , and that was to propose " The Health of the VVorshipful Master . " It was his privilege on that occasion to propose that toast , which he was sure would be well received . Bro . Luff , their newly-installed W . M ., was a personal friend to most of them , and those who were not so well acquainted with him as the P . Ms ., would find that the longer they knew him the more they would esteem him . Bro . Luff tried to hide his merits , and was modest in the assertion of his claims , but it would be their province to find out that they had a jewel in their W . M ., and all would acknowledge that fact at the end of the year . The VV . M . expressed a certain amount
of modesty with regard to the performance of his duties , but the older brethren wo uld support the statement that those who modestly depreciated their own merits were afterwards found to be the best of Masters . Bro . Luff must feel proud of the personal influence which had brought together such an influential assembly , including the Deputy Prov . G . M . He hoped the W . M . would feel that they had done him good in that lodge by rescuing him from the influence of that quality of diffidence . They regarded Bro . Luff as the head of their illustrious lodge , and hoped to have occasion to congratulate Mm—as he would congratulate them all—on accepting the high office . Business had been too much his master , and they hoped that Masonry should be the antidote . They drank with all s ' nceritv , heartiness , ard etc uragement to the health of their W . M .
Brc . H . Luff , VV . M ., in responding , said that if ever anyone was in a fix it was " theirs truly . " To attempt to reply to all the eulogistic remarks of the I . P . M . would be out of his province . If the I . P . M . had criticised him severely he should not have been surprised , for during the past few months , when the Past Masters had spoken to him on mattei s connected with Masonry , he was afraid they might consider he had treated them diicourteously , but that was not so , as his attention had probably been attracted to something else at the same time . He was sure they would sympathise with him as a keen business worker . He did not think he deserved all that had been said of him by
the I . P . M ., but as the members had placed him in the position he held he would do his best . He should not attempt to equal the work of the I . P . M ., but would carry out his duties as well as possible , and he hoped to their satisfaction . He thanked all the brethren for the way in which they had received the toast and for the honour done him . The Charity-box was passed round , and , on being sold by auction , was purchased by the Secretary on behalf of Bro . G . Mason , Tyler , for live guineas , as a thank-offering for recovery from a recent illness . For " Ihe Visitors , " Bros . Dyson , Gray , Whitford , Chilcott , and Mills responded .
"The Past Masters , 'treasurer and Secretary , and Officers" concluded a very enjoyable and successful evening . Bro . Walford , Org ., was assisted in the musical programme by Miss Gertrude Snow , Mr . Walter Dodds , and Bro . Geo . Robins .
Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 . PRESENTATION TO BRO . JAMES STEPHENS , DEP . G . D . C . The history < I this phenomenal lodge during its short but eventful career furnishes a series of records of which thc members arc justly proud . Large sums have been voted frcm the lodge to the Charitable Institutions , leaving a balance in hand of several bundled pounds to the credit of thc lodge , whilst the contributions of the members for the same object which have been handsome in the past bid fair to be far exceeded under the Mastership of Bro . Valciiani , a veteran in the cause of Masonic charity . Thelodge had the distinguished honour of having its first W . M ., Bro . Bailey , elected as Grand
Treasurer of England , and showed their appreciation of that ] honour by presenting him with the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter clothing . At a meeting held at the Frascati Restaurant , Oxford-street , on the 3 rd inst ., the members had yet another opportunity of participating in an equally pleasant and agreeable presentation . The M . W . G . M . having appointed Bro . James Stephens to the high office of Deputy G . D . C , in consideration of his distinguished services to Masonry , the members of the Fellowship Lodge , of which Bro . Stephens was the originator and Secretary , claimed the privilege of presenting him with the regalia of his rank , although , each of the many lodges to which
the Deputy G . D . C belongs were equally desirous of showing their esteem and regard , The members in attendance included Bros . E . L . P . Valerian ! , P . M ., W . M . j J . R , Roberts , P . M ., I . P . M . j Sir John Monckton , P . G . W . j VV . II . Bailey , P . M ., P . G . Treas . j W . Thomas , P . M ., S . W . j E . Rogers , P . G . Stwd ., J . W . ; J . Welford , P . M ., Treas . ; J . Stephens , Dep . G . D . C , Sec . ; Major E . J . Reed , S . D . ; B . Carter , J . D . j W . II . Making , P . M ., l . G . j 1 . H . Haylor and W . H . G . Rudderforth , P . M ., D . Cs . ; S . Hussey , P . M ., and VV . J . Baths , Stwds . ; M . S . Rubinstein , Org . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec R . M . I . B . ; W . Martin
A . G . Purst . ; C . Hunt , SOi j T . Renwick , SGIJ T . Cole , 239 S ; A . V . Marshall , ' 559 J A . Rostrom , 191 ; G . E . Smith , J . D . 25 G 3 ; W . C Berry , SGi ; W . Harker Amted , 132 S ; VV . Craddock , J . VV . 2150 ; A . W . Ashplant , 179 ; A . E . Herbert , P . M . 173 ; A . C Grosutt , S . D . 215 S ; E . George , P . M . 14 S 9 ; J . Burrows , 72 ; G . J . Garland , P . M . 172 S ; R . Cope , 23 G 1 ; S . T . Lucas , P . M . 192 ; E . M . Lander , P . M . 1 G 42 ; J . W . Cuff , P . M . 511 ; 11 . II . Whale , 172 ; G . Gill , P . M . 19 G 3 ; T . Smith , 170 S ; VV . VV . Lee , P . M . ; and others . The lodge was opened and the minutes confirmed , after which Bro . G . R . Jenner
was raised to the Third Degree , and Bro . P . J . Daniels passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft . Messrs . J . VV . Ward , VV . A . Grosutt , and J . Stevens wcre initiated into Freemasonry and the ancient charge given . The W . M . was unfortunately too unwell to perform Ihe ceremories , the work being kindly undertaken by Bro . Bailey , P . G . Treas . Bro . Bailey , P . G . Treas ., in order to put himself formally in order , propesed that the lodge should present Bro . Stephens with the grand clothing of the office ot Dep . G . D . C . to which he had been appointed . As a matter ot fact the order was given directly the appointment was made , as he relied upon the generous nature of all the members to express the pride
and pleasure with which they regarded the appointment . Bro . E . L . Valerian ! , W . M ., seconded the proposition , which was carried by acclamation , and said that on Bro . Bailey mentioning the matter to him , he had said that there was nothing to do but to order the clothing at once . Bro . W . H . Bailey , P . G . Treas ., then said that by thc W . M . ' s cemmand , and because he happened to be the first W . M . of that not insignificant ledge , he had to ask Bro . Stephens ' s acceptance of the Grand Lodge clothing . The lodge was so proud of its principal inceptor , that they wished to express their great phasure at the honour conferred in Grand Lodge . What Bro . Stephens ' s record in
Masonry was they all knew , " and particularly in the Fellowship Lodge . ' 1 hey had taken Ihe matter of that presentation into their own hands , because none should share with them the unspeakable pleasure of asking one who was the father of the lodge to let them be singled out as the one lodge to give him his clothing upon the occasion of his highly merited honour . There was no member who did not feel proud at the honour conferred , feeling certain that the honour had been justly and magnificently won . They ii-joiced that it had been conferred , and hc spoke as the mouthpiece of the members of that lodge , which had flourished beyond all expectations , and which had done such
wonders , mainly because of the wise counsels and energetic efforts put forth by the Secretary . He spoke as one who ought to know , having had more to do with Bro . Stephens in connection with that lodge than any other member , and he should always Icok back with pleasure to the time when they hatched the project which had borne such good fruit . That [ its success was due to its Secretary was patent , and in asking Bro . Stephens ' * acceptance of their gift , he could only say that it was given with the greatest
pleasure cn the part of every individual member . They hoped hc would continue to prosper and remain always the same energetic friend of the lodge , for there was no brighter record than that of the first Secretary of their lodge . Bro . Sir John Monckton , P . G . W ., then said while his well-worn armour is being buckled on him , I wish to say a word or two . I came here to-nignt expressly to assist you in doing honour where honour was distinctly due . Bro . Bailey has spoken
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well and eloquently for the members of the Fellowship Lodge , and for the honorary members I should like to say how much we think of what this lodge is doing . This lodge has done well in every capacity , and is now covering itself with honour in honouring one who so well deserves it . For the Grand Officers , of whom he was a humble representative , I can only say we feel that we are honoured by the accession to our ranks of Bro . Stephens , quite as much as he is honoured by receivine * this mark of favour from the M . W . G . M .
The presentation was then made , the Grand Lodge jewel bearing the following inscription -. " Presented to W . Bro . James Stephenson his appointment as Dep . Grand D . C . in the Grand Lodge of England , together with the regalia of his oflice , by the brethren of the Fellowship Lodge , No . 2535 , as a mark of their affection and esteem for him as the originator of the lodge , and in recognition of those invaluable services which have largely contributed to the remarkable success the lodge has achieved . May 3 , 1897 . "
Bro . James Stephens , Dep . G . D . of C , who spoke with emotion , said he found it difficult to control himself in order that he might utter the few words his heart would dictate . He had ever received nothing but kindness from every member of that lodge . He may perhaps have been considered somewhat of a martinet because he held to the opinion that no lodge could be successful unless it was financially as well as Masonically so , and he had striven to keep the finances in a high position , and to do that he might have been worrying to some members . In return he had received nothing but kindness . The members had learnt , when he had placed it before themthat it was his ambition to
, keep that lodge in its high position and had acquiesced . They were proud to be in a position that few lodges could boast of , for they had not a dozen members owing a farthing , and had something like £ 500 in hand . He had been a Mason for nearly 20 years . It was in 1 S 74 that he first started as a humble tradesman , and was initiated in 1878 . He stuck to his business and took no active part in Masonry until he had established _ himself , and in 1 SS 5 he occupied the chair in his mother lodge and sought to discharge his Masonic duties in a manner he hoped creditable to all with whom he had been associated . He had
ever since tried and whether he had succeeded was not for him to say , but he could naturally assume this to be the case from the respect he had received in this lodge since its foundation . He always held , and still held the opinion that to a brother starting in life , business should be first and Masonry second . Since he hid attained a position he had not forgotten the watchword of Freemasonry as taught by the M . W . G . M . when he said " charity " was their watchword . His dear wife , who was one of the best souls that God had ever put breath into , had spared him many nights week after week , and was ever ready to assist him for she had done much and took a keen interest in
Freemasonry and its precepts , and he had been fortunate in that direction that he could devote time to Freemasonry in recent years . He thanked this lodge most earnestly for their kind recognition . As Bro . Bailey had said this lodge would not be interfered with in presenting the clothing . Other lodges approached him on the subject and he told them of the kindness of the Fellowshi p Lodge in recognising the high position it had attained and he felt he could not refuse their request . He should like to say he considered that Freemasonry was like the two Houses of Parliament and rightly so . At the head of their distinguished
Order they had the Heir Apparent to that vast empire , and it was obvious to any sane man that the higher positions should be _ held by men of high social standing and undoubted respectability . He did not claim to be of high social standing , but , as a commoner , he rejoiced that he had had given to him the highest office next to those whom he might call the House of Lords . Above him came professional brethren and peers , and he claimed that he had had conferred upon him the highest honour Grand Lodge could have possibly bestowed upon him . Freemasonry was like their vast empire on which the sun never sets , and when they remembered the thousands of brethren
scattered over the possessions of the British crown , and the thousands deserving and worthy of receiving Grand Lodge honours , and the few collars to be annually distributed , it was indeed a great and high honour . He appreciated it as such that he should have been selected , and could not but feel that the very dear brother who assisted in the consecration—Bro . Sir John Monckton—had had a finger in that pie . To him he tendered his sincere thanks , and hoped that what Bro . Bailey had wished him might be realised , and that he might be spared many years to be with them . He had many good friends in Masonry , but none better than the members of that lodge , and he thanked them from the innermost recesses of his heart .
A vote of sympathy was next passed to Bro . Dickinson on the loss of his wife , and other business having been transacted , the lodge was closed . The brethren adjourned to banquet , which was followed by the customary toasts . ln giving "The Grand Officers" the VV . M . alluded to the presence of Bro . Sir John B . Monckton earlier in the evening . He ( the W . M . ) was not the man to flatter but he was ceitain that no brother deserved Grand Lodge honours more than Bro . Stephens . He congratulated Bro . W . Martin on his appointment as Assistant Grand Pursuivant , and said that whilst Grand Lodge appointed such brethren , Freemasonry would continue to prosper .
Bro . J . Stephens , Dep . G . D . C , in response , said he must tell them again how much he appreciated from the bottom of his heart , the kind things said of him . They were delighted to see Bro . W . Martin invested as a Grand Officer , for he had proved himself a dear friend and was ever ready to render assistance . It was pleasant to find that the Grand Officers , after appointment , did not desert the old Ship of Freemasonry , for they were on the Board of Management of the Boys' School and the Committee of the Old People ' s Institution and the Girls' School , lie was delighted to have been honoured in an extreme manner that evening , and could only thank them again .
Bro . W . Martin , A . G . Purst ., said he was the junior Grand Officer , but he held the office with great pleasure and very many thanks to the powers that be . He was not a young Mason , and had endeavoured to do his best for the Craft . He had worked hand in hand and heart in heart with Bro . Stephens in various causes of Freemasonry , and they had never had a wry word and never should . Highly appreciating the honour conferred upon him , it would be an incentive to do more , if possible , in the interests of the Craft , of the Institutions , and for the benefit of all those whom he had the honour and pleasure of knowing .
Bro . J . R . Roberts , I . P . M ., said he had the honour of proposing the toast of the evening , '' The Worshipful Master , " and all the members and visitors knew what a splendid Master they had . Unfortunately , that evening Bro . Valerian ! , W . M ., was not in good health , but at the next meeting they were in hopes of seeing him restored to thc good health he generally enjoyed . Their W . M . was of no mean order , and could render his duties in a manner suitable to their lodge , and if he did that it was second to no other lodge . All their hearts and sympathies were with their W . M . in wishing him a speedy recovery .
Bro . E . L . Valerian ! , VV . M ., in responding , said he had been confined to the house for the past six weeks . He had , however , worked hard , and when they knew the result they would say he had dpne well . Last meeting they did him the honour of naming him as their representative for the next Festival of the Boys' School , which he accepted , and promised to do his best . He received a challenge lrom the I . P . M ., which he accepted , as he wished to show he still had some pluck left in him for Masonic work . He was
challenged to break the record of festival lists for that lodge . The I . P . M . ' s total last year was £ 259 ; hut he ( the W . M . ) had left that very much behind . If , however , he "topped" the I . P . M . ' s total , he also wanted to "top" the lists of London lodges at the next festival . He thanked them for their support , and also thanked a good many of the Rothesay Lodge . He wished for another 25 guineas , and then he hoped to be first on the lists announced .
"The Initiates" was heartily honoured and suitably responded to , Bro . Grosutt kindly placing five guineas on the W . M . 's Stewardship list . The Worshipful Master proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and said that with 10 guineas kindly promised by the I . P . M ., his list now reached 330 guineas . He had been told he should have kept his total a secret , but if others were anxious to beat him , so much the better for the Institution . Bro . J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., said it was a great delight to witness the presentation to liro . Stephens who so thoroughly deserved the honour . No one rejoiced more
than hc did at the honour conferred knowing as he did the immense amount of work and labour he had put into Masonry , and especially hom muc ' i ihe Institutions oiveJ to Bro . Stephens . By the W . M . ' s command he ( Bro . McLeod ) was not to appeal to the brethren on behalf of the Institutions . He had , therefore , simply to thank them for responding so liberally to the appeal he made at the previous meeting , and especially the VV . M . for the energetic manner in which he had worked . He thought there could be no question that the W . M . 's list was the highest it would be his privilege to announce , and he only hoped that others would try to emulate him . Many lodges this year were giving to other causes and this must affect the totals of the