Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Annual Supper Of The Rose Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1622.
A capital supper having been provided by Mrs . Venables , the proprietress , in her usual appreciative style , and to which ample justice was done , The W . M . rose , and gave the toast of "Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and the Craft , " remarking that it had so often and so ably been given , that he felt sure hc was only re-echoing every sentiment of the brethren present in stating it was a most auspicious event to have broken the record as regards her beneficent reign , and that he trusted the G . A . O . T . U . would spare her to celebrate the grand event of her Diamond Jubilee . The ioast was received most loyally .
" The toast of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., the Pro G . M ., and the D . G . M ., " received at the hands of the PRESIDENT that accord of praise it so justly merited , for all who had the privilege of attending Grand Lodge could testify to their duties being most efficiently carried out . The toast was drunk with acclamation . Bro . Dr . WEBB , P . M . 1622 , next proposed "The Health of the President , "
the highly esteemed W . M . of the Rose Lodge . AH knew his worth and his work , which was of no ordinary kind , as was proved in the lodge and the excellent manner he had carried out the whole of his duties in every office to which he had been appointed . Now that he had received their unanimous suffrages he had proved , and was proving , the wisdom of their choice . He was a most ardent and worthy brother . The toast was responded to most cordially .
In reply , Bro . S . BALLARD thanked Bro . Dr . Webb for his kind expressions and the brethren for so hearty a reception . It was indeed a great honour to preside over such a distinguished gathering , which only occurred perhaps once in a lifetime , as W . M . of their mother lodge . He had been looking forward to the happy event for some time and had endeavoured to perform the function worthy of the
occasion . He was indeed flattered by the very complimentary terms of Bro . Dr . Webb , specially on his working , but if he had given them all satisfaction he was amply repaid by their many kindnesses towards him for whatever trouble and pains he had taken at any time to discharge the duties he had been appointed to . He most gratefully thanked them .
Bro . PALLAKU next presented the toast of the evening , Success to the Rose Lodge of Instruction , " coupled with the name of Bro . David Rose , P . M ., its worthy Preceptor . The lodge had been established about 24 years and had done excellent service , especially in South London , but it had also rendered good and suitable service to brethren from all parts of London to receive at the hands of the able and ever willing Preceptor , Bro . D . Rcse , that instruction which was given so perfectly by him . It placed the President in a most difficult
position to know how fully and appreciatively to express to Bro . D . Rose the thanks of the brethren for the splendid tuition they had received from him—one of the best of Preceptors , and to mark that appreciation and show their resp ect , they would ask him to receive a purse containing 42 guineas , in presenting which he ( Bro . Ballard ) said it was indeed a very great honour , and he hoped Bro . Rose would receive it with as great a pleasure as the brethren had in presenting it . At the same time the brethren had not forgotten Mrs . Rose , who had passed
through a very serious illness , but now had recovered very favourably , for her many sacrifices in the loss of her husband ' s company so much at the lodge of instruction , for the advantage of Freemasonry in general . They had thought it a duty and great pleasure in asking her , through Bro . Rose , to accept a splendid diamond brooch , inscribed as iollows : " Piesented to Mrs . David Rose as a mark of esteem frcm the members of Rose Lodge of Instruction—1897 , " with the earnest hope that she would quite recover to wear the same for years to come . He would ask the brethren to drink to the toast in bumpers .
In reply , Rro . D . ROSE said : Worshipful Bro . President and Brethren , —That he most heartily thanked them for the toast so ably and tenderly presented , and so very cordially received . It was , indeed , to him a pleasure and great privilege to have been present for 24 years at such a happy gathering , with one exception , when he was afflicted , but he had cause to be grateful for enjoying such excellent health . The Pi esident had proposed success to the Rose Lodgeof Instruction . What constituted that success ? Why the hearty support and co-operation of
the b ethren ? young and aspiring to learn the working of the beautiful ceremonies which he had endeavoured should be performed in the lodge of instiuction as perfectly as possible . The lodge had been enabled lo produce a capital muster of W . Ms , and also Installing Waiters , which , some 35 years ago was almost unheard of , for each Master to instal his successor . That duty was relegated to one or two old P . Ms ., who looked upon it as a right , and it was almost an impertinence for another to offer to
perform that ceremony . Mtny years ago an old Past Master in the Peckham Lodge was very anxious to undertake that duty , and it had been con tinued since , as also in the Rose Lodge , by each succeeding Master . He would go further , and state the lodge of instruction had made Preceptors , and he must mention a young brother in the lodge whom the younger brethren might well look up to , who was an excellent worker , and one well-fitted in an eminent degree to discharge the duties of Preceptor . He
felt well-assured in its prosperity , and would in the future , as in the past , most strenuously strive to maintain the good working and respectability of the lodge . To come to a more personal matter , Bro . Rose said his language was insufficient to respond to such a testimony of their flattering kindness . However , he was convinced that it would not have been bestowed had he not been considered worthy . It certainly was most kind , and showed the fraternal feelings of the
brethren towards Mrs . Rose , who would be delighted with such a handsome gift . It would fully compensate her for his many absences , and he would say that the obligation was so great , that no satisfaclion was so great , and opportunities so short , but that all he could render in his power should be bestowed on the lodge , and that nothing should be wanted to make it as valuable as hereto ? ore . Again he thanked the ledge most cordially for their very great kindness .
Bro . BALLARD next presented the toast of " 1 he Treasurer , Bro . Isaac Dunn , and the Secretary , Bro . C . H . Stone , P . M ., " and said the Treasurer was one of the best , and took a very deep interest in the lodge , and also well guarded its funds . The Secretary was a most enthusiastic brother , and nothing was too great a trouble for him . They had only to ask him , and whatever lay in his power it would be done with a very good heart . He also paid a high tribute of respect to the late Secretary , Bro . Thos . Grummant , P . M ., which office he had filled for so many years , and with benefit to the lodge . The toast was drunk with acclamation .
Bro . DUNN , in reply , paid a high tribute to Bro . Rose as a Preceptor , as he himself some years since had proved , and which had enabled him to discharge his duties well ; also of the remarks that had fallen from Bro . Rose respecting his understudy , who certainly was one to be admired , and who would always most ieadily assist in any instruction that was required of him . With respect to the funds of the lodge , they were not large , but in its Charitable Associations—seven in number—it had been enabled to send up to the various Masonic Institutions
between ^ , 1200 and / 1300 , not one quarter of which would have been subscribed were it not for such and kindred Associations . He thought such subscriptions were ennobling , and redounded great credit on thebrethren . They had the example given them by the M . W . G . M ., who did not disdain the shilling subscription to the Diamond Jubilee Fund for such a worthy cause . He had been attached to the lodge of instruction for many years , and so long as the trust was reposed in him , so long would he guard and distribute the funds to the benefit of the lodge .
Annual Supper Of The Rose Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1622.
Bro . STONE responded . It was indeed a great honour to him to succeed so worthy a Brother as Thomas Grummant , whom he should endeavour to emulate . He had served as Assistant Secretary for 14 years under so good a Master that being then Secretary he should perform the duties to the best of his ability . He thanked the Bro . President for the very kind words said of him and also the
brethren for the manner they had received them . He remarked upon the able assistance he had from the Assistant Secretary , Bro . Sowton , who was most indefatigable . The Iodge had made good steady progress during the year , holding 39 meetings with an average of 19 , and had also done good service in the cause of relief to the indigent on finding them worthy . He would always do his best for the benefit of all .
Bro . SOWTON also very feelingly responded . The toast ol " The Visitors" having been cordially given and duly responded to by Bros . DOWSETT , SHUTER , and KINGIIORNE , The PRESIDENT next gave the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary ol the Testimonial Fund "in words of high eulogium considering the splendid result of their efforts .
Bros . CASS , P . M ., Treas ., and WM . DAWSON , P . M ., Sec , replied . To each of them it had been a great pleasure and labour of love for so worthy an object . A capital programme was provided by Bro . Choveaux , the Organist , assisted by Bros . Kinghorne ( reciter ) , Frampton , Derham ( flautist ) , G . Thompson , Jennings , Thomas Grummant ( reciter ) , and C . H . Stone . Bro . Choveaux abl y accompanied .
Presentation To Bro. W. A. Scurrah, Grand Standard Bearer.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . W . A . SCURRAH , GRAND STANDARD BEARER .
That the appointment of Bro . W . A . Scurrah to the important offices of G . Standard Bearer in Grand Lodge and 1 st A . G . D . C . in Grand Chapter gave unbounded satisfaction to a very large circle of friends and admirers goes without saying , and it was equally certain that the opportunity would be seized to mark that satisfaction , and also the esteem and regard in which he is held , by presenting him with the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter regalia . Bros . W . M . Stiles ,
P . G . Treas ., and Captain C . J . Knightley , P . M ., took the matter in hand , and , having learnt by experience the wisdom of having small committees , constituted themselves into a committee to bring the matter to a successful issue . Subscri ptions were limited to the lodges and chapters of which Bro . Scurrah is a member , and the result was a complete success , terminating in a complimentary dinner to Bro . Scurrah , held at Anderton ' s Hotel on the gth inst .
Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., occupied the chair , and was supported by Bros . W . A . Scurrah , G . Std . Br . ; James Stephens , P . G . W . Bucks ( Vice-Chairman ) ; S . Cochrane , P . G . Treas . ; J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . Maj . T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . ; E . Storr , P . M . ; Jacobs , P . M . ; A . Clemow , P . M . ; F . Swinford , P . G . Org . Middx . ; Paine ; J . J . Thomas , Vice-Pres . Bd . Gen . Purps . ; Capt . C . J . Knightley ; J . Irvine , P . M . ; A . H . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx . ; W . Martin , P . M . ; H . Stiles , P . M . ; J . Bolton , P . M . ; and many others .
After dinner , the CHAIRMAN briefly proposed "The Queen and the Craft , " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and " The Grand Officers , " Bro . S . COCHRANE , P . G . Treas ., replying for the latter toast . The CHAIRMAN then said they had arrived at the most important part of their proceedings—to do honour to the guest of the evening , Bro . W . A . Scurrah , G . S . B . and 1 st A . G . D . C . in the Royal Arch . Something like two years ago their
places were changed . Bro . Scurrah presided , and he ( the Chairman ) sat on his right . However , they had reversedthings on the present occasion , and he felt a pleasure in saying how much he appreciated the fact , being deeply sensible of all Bro . Scurrah did for him . Bro . Scurrah had been a hard worker in Freemasonry . They all remembered , and Bro . McLeod knew well , that in his predecessor ' s time , Bro . Scurrah was the premier Steward in taking up
/ Goo for the Boys' School , and that was only done by indomitable perseverance . They were all proud to see such a representative meeting to do honour to him and it augured well that in his several lodges and chapters the members were pleased to come in such large numbers . They recollected that Bro . Scurrah had held the high official position of Vice-President of the Board of General Purposes and at last he had been selected for the higher offices in Grand Lodge and Grand
Chapter . They had not gone outside his lodges and chapters for subscriptions but all the members had come forward in a loyal spirit . All who knew Bro . Scurrah personally , knew him to be a right honest gentleman and Freemason , who had at all times done his utmost for the best interests of Freenusonry . In the Board of Management of the Boys' School he had done great work , and in every lodge and chapter with which he was associated he was a useful member . They were delighted to find him in the best of health after his hard workfor he
, was held in high esteem and honoured by his friends who were proud to be present to honour one who so richly deserved it . On behalf of the subscribers he ( the Chairman ) asked Bro . Scurrah to accept the aprons , collars , and jewels , and breast jewels of G . Std . Br . in the Craft , and 1 st A . G . D . C . in the Royal Arch , and also the heartiest good wishes of every brother assembled , hoping he would live for many years to enjoy the distinguished position he had attained by his good work .
The jewel bears the following inscription : " Presented to W . Bro . W . A . Scurrah , G . Std . Br „ by V . W . Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., on behalt cf the members of his lodges , together with a full outfit of Grand Stand . Br . clothing . 9 March , 18 97 . " A similar inscription appears on the Royal Arch jewel .
Bro . W . A . SCURRAH , G . Std . Br ., who was heartily received , said they would all agree that he was hardly ever at a loss for a speech , but on the present occasion lie felt quite overpowered with all their kindness , and if he failed in saying all he ought to say he hoped they would forgive him . He was delighted to be surrounded by so many good and faithful friends , including many of his old colleagues on the Board of General Purposes , Bros . S . Cochrane
and J . J . Thomas , the principal members of his mother lodge , and the Senior Past Masters of other lodges . There were many present whom he had initiated into Freemasonry—about 10—which showed the kindly feeling on their pait in thus showing their appreciation for their father in Freemasonry . He felt the Chairman had flattered him very considerably , because what he had done he had considered it his duty to do as a Freemason , having only been initiated in 1883 , but since that time he had to the utmost of his ability made up for lost time .
When he was initiated their chairman was the Secretary of his mother lodge and welcomed him . For 10 years he was on the Board of General Purposes , and was never afraid to put forward his own opinions , although always bowing to the decision of the majority . He * did not know what to say of the kindness displayed towards him . He thanked them all from the bottom of his heart for the very handsome gift presented to him . It was an expensive gift and therefore must be acceptable to any brothcr . and he felt he must necessaril y have the respect and esteem of the subscribers or they would not have come forward in such a liberal manner ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Annual Supper Of The Rose Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1622.
A capital supper having been provided by Mrs . Venables , the proprietress , in her usual appreciative style , and to which ample justice was done , The W . M . rose , and gave the toast of "Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and the Craft , " remarking that it had so often and so ably been given , that he felt sure hc was only re-echoing every sentiment of the brethren present in stating it was a most auspicious event to have broken the record as regards her beneficent reign , and that he trusted the G . A . O . T . U . would spare her to celebrate the grand event of her Diamond Jubilee . The ioast was received most loyally .
" The toast of " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., the Pro G . M ., and the D . G . M ., " received at the hands of the PRESIDENT that accord of praise it so justly merited , for all who had the privilege of attending Grand Lodge could testify to their duties being most efficiently carried out . The toast was drunk with acclamation . Bro . Dr . WEBB , P . M . 1622 , next proposed "The Health of the President , "
the highly esteemed W . M . of the Rose Lodge . AH knew his worth and his work , which was of no ordinary kind , as was proved in the lodge and the excellent manner he had carried out the whole of his duties in every office to which he had been appointed . Now that he had received their unanimous suffrages he had proved , and was proving , the wisdom of their choice . He was a most ardent and worthy brother . The toast was responded to most cordially .
In reply , Bro . S . BALLARD thanked Bro . Dr . Webb for his kind expressions and the brethren for so hearty a reception . It was indeed a great honour to preside over such a distinguished gathering , which only occurred perhaps once in a lifetime , as W . M . of their mother lodge . He had been looking forward to the happy event for some time and had endeavoured to perform the function worthy of the
occasion . He was indeed flattered by the very complimentary terms of Bro . Dr . Webb , specially on his working , but if he had given them all satisfaction he was amply repaid by their many kindnesses towards him for whatever trouble and pains he had taken at any time to discharge the duties he had been appointed to . He most gratefully thanked them .
Bro . PALLAKU next presented the toast of the evening , Success to the Rose Lodge of Instruction , " coupled with the name of Bro . David Rose , P . M ., its worthy Preceptor . The lodge had been established about 24 years and had done excellent service , especially in South London , but it had also rendered good and suitable service to brethren from all parts of London to receive at the hands of the able and ever willing Preceptor , Bro . D . Rcse , that instruction which was given so perfectly by him . It placed the President in a most difficult
position to know how fully and appreciatively to express to Bro . D . Rose the thanks of the brethren for the splendid tuition they had received from him—one of the best of Preceptors , and to mark that appreciation and show their resp ect , they would ask him to receive a purse containing 42 guineas , in presenting which he ( Bro . Ballard ) said it was indeed a very great honour , and he hoped Bro . Rose would receive it with as great a pleasure as the brethren had in presenting it . At the same time the brethren had not forgotten Mrs . Rose , who had passed
through a very serious illness , but now had recovered very favourably , for her many sacrifices in the loss of her husband ' s company so much at the lodge of instruction , for the advantage of Freemasonry in general . They had thought it a duty and great pleasure in asking her , through Bro . Rose , to accept a splendid diamond brooch , inscribed as iollows : " Piesented to Mrs . David Rose as a mark of esteem frcm the members of Rose Lodge of Instruction—1897 , " with the earnest hope that she would quite recover to wear the same for years to come . He would ask the brethren to drink to the toast in bumpers .
In reply , Rro . D . ROSE said : Worshipful Bro . President and Brethren , —That he most heartily thanked them for the toast so ably and tenderly presented , and so very cordially received . It was , indeed , to him a pleasure and great privilege to have been present for 24 years at such a happy gathering , with one exception , when he was afflicted , but he had cause to be grateful for enjoying such excellent health . The Pi esident had proposed success to the Rose Lodgeof Instruction . What constituted that success ? Why the hearty support and co-operation of
the b ethren ? young and aspiring to learn the working of the beautiful ceremonies which he had endeavoured should be performed in the lodge of instiuction as perfectly as possible . The lodge had been enabled lo produce a capital muster of W . Ms , and also Installing Waiters , which , some 35 years ago was almost unheard of , for each Master to instal his successor . That duty was relegated to one or two old P . Ms ., who looked upon it as a right , and it was almost an impertinence for another to offer to
perform that ceremony . Mtny years ago an old Past Master in the Peckham Lodge was very anxious to undertake that duty , and it had been con tinued since , as also in the Rose Lodge , by each succeeding Master . He would go further , and state the lodge of instruction had made Preceptors , and he must mention a young brother in the lodge whom the younger brethren might well look up to , who was an excellent worker , and one well-fitted in an eminent degree to discharge the duties of Preceptor . He
felt well-assured in its prosperity , and would in the future , as in the past , most strenuously strive to maintain the good working and respectability of the lodge . To come to a more personal matter , Bro . Rose said his language was insufficient to respond to such a testimony of their flattering kindness . However , he was convinced that it would not have been bestowed had he not been considered worthy . It certainly was most kind , and showed the fraternal feelings of the
brethren towards Mrs . Rose , who would be delighted with such a handsome gift . It would fully compensate her for his many absences , and he would say that the obligation was so great , that no satisfaclion was so great , and opportunities so short , but that all he could render in his power should be bestowed on the lodge , and that nothing should be wanted to make it as valuable as hereto ? ore . Again he thanked the ledge most cordially for their very great kindness .
Bro . BALLARD next presented the toast of " 1 he Treasurer , Bro . Isaac Dunn , and the Secretary , Bro . C . H . Stone , P . M ., " and said the Treasurer was one of the best , and took a very deep interest in the lodge , and also well guarded its funds . The Secretary was a most enthusiastic brother , and nothing was too great a trouble for him . They had only to ask him , and whatever lay in his power it would be done with a very good heart . He also paid a high tribute of respect to the late Secretary , Bro . Thos . Grummant , P . M ., which office he had filled for so many years , and with benefit to the lodge . The toast was drunk with acclamation .
Bro . DUNN , in reply , paid a high tribute to Bro . Rose as a Preceptor , as he himself some years since had proved , and which had enabled him to discharge his duties well ; also of the remarks that had fallen from Bro . Rose respecting his understudy , who certainly was one to be admired , and who would always most ieadily assist in any instruction that was required of him . With respect to the funds of the lodge , they were not large , but in its Charitable Associations—seven in number—it had been enabled to send up to the various Masonic Institutions
between ^ , 1200 and / 1300 , not one quarter of which would have been subscribed were it not for such and kindred Associations . He thought such subscriptions were ennobling , and redounded great credit on thebrethren . They had the example given them by the M . W . G . M ., who did not disdain the shilling subscription to the Diamond Jubilee Fund for such a worthy cause . He had been attached to the lodge of instruction for many years , and so long as the trust was reposed in him , so long would he guard and distribute the funds to the benefit of the lodge .
Annual Supper Of The Rose Lodge Of Instruction, No. 1622.
Bro . STONE responded . It was indeed a great honour to him to succeed so worthy a Brother as Thomas Grummant , whom he should endeavour to emulate . He had served as Assistant Secretary for 14 years under so good a Master that being then Secretary he should perform the duties to the best of his ability . He thanked the Bro . President for the very kind words said of him and also the
brethren for the manner they had received them . He remarked upon the able assistance he had from the Assistant Secretary , Bro . Sowton , who was most indefatigable . The Iodge had made good steady progress during the year , holding 39 meetings with an average of 19 , and had also done good service in the cause of relief to the indigent on finding them worthy . He would always do his best for the benefit of all .
Bro . SOWTON also very feelingly responded . The toast ol " The Visitors" having been cordially given and duly responded to by Bros . DOWSETT , SHUTER , and KINGIIORNE , The PRESIDENT next gave the toast of "The Treasurer and Secretary ol the Testimonial Fund "in words of high eulogium considering the splendid result of their efforts .
Bros . CASS , P . M ., Treas ., and WM . DAWSON , P . M ., Sec , replied . To each of them it had been a great pleasure and labour of love for so worthy an object . A capital programme was provided by Bro . Choveaux , the Organist , assisted by Bros . Kinghorne ( reciter ) , Frampton , Derham ( flautist ) , G . Thompson , Jennings , Thomas Grummant ( reciter ) , and C . H . Stone . Bro . Choveaux abl y accompanied .
Presentation To Bro. W. A. Scurrah, Grand Standard Bearer.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . W . A . SCURRAH , GRAND STANDARD BEARER .
That the appointment of Bro . W . A . Scurrah to the important offices of G . Standard Bearer in Grand Lodge and 1 st A . G . D . C . in Grand Chapter gave unbounded satisfaction to a very large circle of friends and admirers goes without saying , and it was equally certain that the opportunity would be seized to mark that satisfaction , and also the esteem and regard in which he is held , by presenting him with the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter regalia . Bros . W . M . Stiles ,
P . G . Treas ., and Captain C . J . Knightley , P . M ., took the matter in hand , and , having learnt by experience the wisdom of having small committees , constituted themselves into a committee to bring the matter to a successful issue . Subscri ptions were limited to the lodges and chapters of which Bro . Scurrah is a member , and the result was a complete success , terminating in a complimentary dinner to Bro . Scurrah , held at Anderton ' s Hotel on the gth inst .
Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., occupied the chair , and was supported by Bros . W . A . Scurrah , G . Std . Br . ; James Stephens , P . G . W . Bucks ( Vice-Chairman ) ; S . Cochrane , P . G . Treas . ; J . M . McLeod , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . I . B . Maj . T . C . Walls , P . G . S . B . ; E . Storr , P . M . ; Jacobs , P . M . ; A . Clemow , P . M . ; F . Swinford , P . G . Org . Middx . ; Paine ; J . J . Thomas , Vice-Pres . Bd . Gen . Purps . ; Capt . C . J . Knightley ; J . Irvine , P . M . ; A . H . Scurrah , P . P . G . S . of W . Middx . ; W . Martin , P . M . ; H . Stiles , P . M . ; J . Bolton , P . M . ; and many others .
After dinner , the CHAIRMAN briefly proposed "The Queen and the Craft , " " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " and " The Grand Officers , " Bro . S . COCHRANE , P . G . Treas ., replying for the latter toast . The CHAIRMAN then said they had arrived at the most important part of their proceedings—to do honour to the guest of the evening , Bro . W . A . Scurrah , G . S . B . and 1 st A . G . D . C . in the Royal Arch . Something like two years ago their
places were changed . Bro . Scurrah presided , and he ( the Chairman ) sat on his right . However , they had reversedthings on the present occasion , and he felt a pleasure in saying how much he appreciated the fact , being deeply sensible of all Bro . Scurrah did for him . Bro . Scurrah had been a hard worker in Freemasonry . They all remembered , and Bro . McLeod knew well , that in his predecessor ' s time , Bro . Scurrah was the premier Steward in taking up
/ Goo for the Boys' School , and that was only done by indomitable perseverance . They were all proud to see such a representative meeting to do honour to him and it augured well that in his several lodges and chapters the members were pleased to come in such large numbers . They recollected that Bro . Scurrah had held the high official position of Vice-President of the Board of General Purposes and at last he had been selected for the higher offices in Grand Lodge and Grand
Chapter . They had not gone outside his lodges and chapters for subscriptions but all the members had come forward in a loyal spirit . All who knew Bro . Scurrah personally , knew him to be a right honest gentleman and Freemason , who had at all times done his utmost for the best interests of Freenusonry . In the Board of Management of the Boys' School he had done great work , and in every lodge and chapter with which he was associated he was a useful member . They were delighted to find him in the best of health after his hard workfor he
, was held in high esteem and honoured by his friends who were proud to be present to honour one who so richly deserved it . On behalf of the subscribers he ( the Chairman ) asked Bro . Scurrah to accept the aprons , collars , and jewels , and breast jewels of G . Std . Br . in the Craft , and 1 st A . G . D . C . in the Royal Arch , and also the heartiest good wishes of every brother assembled , hoping he would live for many years to enjoy the distinguished position he had attained by his good work .
The jewel bears the following inscription : " Presented to W . Bro . W . A . Scurrah , G . Std . Br „ by V . W . Bro . W . M . Stiles , P . G . Treas ., on behalt cf the members of his lodges , together with a full outfit of Grand Stand . Br . clothing . 9 March , 18 97 . " A similar inscription appears on the Royal Arch jewel .
Bro . W . A . SCURRAH , G . Std . Br ., who was heartily received , said they would all agree that he was hardly ever at a loss for a speech , but on the present occasion lie felt quite overpowered with all their kindness , and if he failed in saying all he ought to say he hoped they would forgive him . He was delighted to be surrounded by so many good and faithful friends , including many of his old colleagues on the Board of General Purposes , Bros . S . Cochrane
and J . J . Thomas , the principal members of his mother lodge , and the Senior Past Masters of other lodges . There were many present whom he had initiated into Freemasonry—about 10—which showed the kindly feeling on their pait in thus showing their appreciation for their father in Freemasonry . He felt the Chairman had flattered him very considerably , because what he had done he had considered it his duty to do as a Freemason , having only been initiated in 1883 , but since that time he had to the utmost of his ability made up for lost time .
When he was initiated their chairman was the Secretary of his mother lodge and welcomed him . For 10 years he was on the Board of General Purposes , and was never afraid to put forward his own opinions , although always bowing to the decision of the majority . He * did not know what to say of the kindness displayed towards him . He thanked them all from the bottom of his heart for the very handsome gift presented to him . It was an expensive gift and therefore must be acceptable to any brothcr . and he felt he must necessaril y have the respect and esteem of the subscribers or they would not have come forward in such a liberal manner ,