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Provincial.
DORSETSHIRE . A FREEMASON ' JUBILEE . —A ceremony of a peculiar and extremely interesting character took place on AVednesday , tho 2 nd instant , at the Lodge of Amity , No . 160 , Poole , Dorset , being no less than that of tho presentation of a testimonial of respect and esteem to a right worthy and zealous brother , John Sydenham , on completing his jubilee as a Mason and member of that Lodge . The presentation took place in open Lod after the transaction of the ordinary businessand
ge , afforded entire satisfaction to a very good muster of members of the Lodge and visiting brethren from the neighbouring Lodge of Hengist at Bournemouth , to which Lodge Bro . Sydenham has endeared himself by his advice , counsel , and assistance on many occasions . The testimonial was rendered doubly valuable by the manner in which it was got up . At the last regular Lodge night , held a fortnight since , one of tho brethren stated that in the course of conversation with Bro . Sydenham lew
a days previous , ho remarked that he supposed ho was the oldest Mason in the province , having become a brother fifty years since . This caused an examination of the Lodge books , when it was found that the subject of their then conversation had been initiated into Masonry , April 10 th , 1810 , at the Lodge of Amity , and that from that period down to the present he had been a constant subscribing member . It was thereupon suggested that as the anniversary of the day had time should be
passed , no lost in offering to their venerable brother some token of recognition of his long and valuable services . A formal proposition was accordingly made and carried without a dissentient voice that Bro . John Sydenham , P . M ., should be requested to sit for his portrait in full Masonic costume ; that one copy should be presented to him , and another suspended in the Lodge by way of addition to their gallery of portraits of distinguished brethrenMrBiirnand the
. . was artist selected , and most ably has he performed his task , having produced two large sized photographs of Bro . Sydenham in full Masonic costume , of extraordinary fidelity and clearness , and completed them in a style rarely surpassed even by the first metropolitan professors of the art . The following inscription was appended : — "Presented by the brethren ot the Lodge of Amity , to Bro . John Sydenham , P . M ., P . Z . of Chapter ol Amity , and P . Prov . S . AV . of Dorset , in grateful recognition of his
mty years service to the Craft . Bro . R . Hoskins , AV . M ., Poole , AX .. 5801 . A . D . I 860 . " The task of presenting the testimonial was deputed to the immediate P . M . of the Lodge , Bro . AV . Parr , who , in its performance , spoke as follows ;— "AA'brsMpful sir and brethren , it has fallen to my lot this evening to perform one of tho most pleasing duties which could fall to the lot of a Past Master of any Lodge . You are all aware that a special matter of this evening ' s business is to celebrate tho jubilee , not as a Freemason onlbut also the jubilee of Worshipful
y , our P . M ., Bro . Sydenham , being a subscribing member of tins—the Lod ge in which he was initiated—aud that we , as a Lodge , intend to present our respected brother with his portrait as a testimonial , a slight acknowledgment of his many years services , on the occasion . To me has been entrusted the pleasing duty of presenting that testimonial to him , and I do so with feelings of move than ordinary pleasure , ns you will readily imagine when I tell you that it is now fifty years ago that our Bro . Sydenham initiated into in this
was Masonry Lodge of Amity by my grandfather , who was then the Master of the Lodge . Brethren , it may not bo so ' very remarkable an event to find a brother who has numbered his fifty years as a Mason , but it is an event to find a brother for that Ion " period a subscribing member to the Lodge in which he was initiated " und to find him during that long period a constant attendant at the Lodge and a zealousableaud active supporter of the principles
, , and duties of our Order . Such , however , has been our Bro . Sydenham , and for this reason it is that wo wish this evening to present him with some slight token of our respect ; regard , and esteem for him During his long career there have been many fluctuations in the Lodge , as there are in all sublunary affairs , and there have doubtless
been at times sorrows as well as trifling dissensions , but these have never driven our brother from his post . AA here duty called there he lias always been found , ready to counsel , to advise , and whenever he though the necessities of the case required , to admonish those he considered m the wrong , and to support those who were going right ; in fact endeavouring at all times to keep all within the ancient landmarks of our Order , Aud I may say not only in this Lod ge but also in the provinceour brother has gained respect and esteem being
, , , as you are doubtless all aware , a P . G . AV . of the province of Dorset . ( Applause ) . As other brethren may possibly wish to address the Lodge on this interesting occasion , I will not now trespass further on your time , but will proceed at once to complete the pleasing task assigned to ' mo . Bro . Sydenham , I now , in the name of this Lodge of Amity , present you with this portrait of yourself , which the brethren of tho Lod"o are anxious you should accept , and which I am satisfied you will receive from them ledof their brotherl
as a pge y love , esteem , and respect for you . Long may you live to enjoy that respect , which I feci well assured you have enjoyed during the long period you have been a I irother of our Craft , and may this testimonial servo to remind you , your children , aud your children ' s children , of the high estimation in which the brethren of the Lodge of Amity regarded their P . M . Bro . Sydenham , and act as a stimulant to the following so good an example . The portrait b
was accepted y Bro . Sydenham amidst a hearty burst of applause , aud immediately the AV . M . Bro . ! Hoskiugs , advanced , and taking Bro . Sydenham by the hand , said— ' - ' Allow me , my aged and respected brother , to offer you my sincere congratulations on the present
Provincial.
happy occasion , and to assure you that I feci exceedingly proud of my position as Master of thoLodge at this time ; indeed I may well feel proud of Masonry , especially as it is now exhibited in this Lodge , when it was the unanimous , I may say spontaneous wish of the brethren , to mark in somo signal manner the arrival of your year of jubilee . The testimonial will , I am sure , lose nothing in your estimation from its being comparatively inexpensive in its character , as you are well aware that our hearts ave all with you , that you will look on the feeling which prompts the action ,
and that our intrinsically trifling- testimonial will be as much prized by you as if it were of a most costly character . The W . M . then expatiated eloquently and at some length on the beauties and principles of Freemasonry , as illustrated by the precepts and practice towards tho brethren of the Lodge by Bro . Sydenham , who had ever been most zealous to advance the interests of the Lodge in every way in his power , and concluded , " but for yourself , my venerable friend and brother , I sincerely trust tho Great Architect of the universe will yet spare your
life many years to be amongst us , and when your eye grows with age , a gaze at that picture will be a solace to you , and in some measure cheer you , by reminding you that for so many years you jirogressed through difficulties and dangers , assisting iu the formation of a column of mutual defence and support to the Craft ; and I pray that when it shall please the Great Architect of the uuivcrse to fix the period of your departure hence , he will call you to the Grand Lodge above , there to dwell for ever iu those eternal mansions from whence all goodness emanates , and
enjoy an eternity of bliss with every good and faithful Mason to shino as the stars for ever and ever . ( Much applause ) . Bro . J . Sydenham then said , " AVorshipful Master , Past Masters , Officers , and brethren , I return you my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for this tho crowning one of very many kind marks of favour I have received at your hands . It is now twelve years since I received this testimonial ( hero tho speaker pointed to a very handsome jewel , bearing the following inscription : — ' Presented to Bro . John Sydenham , by the Lodge of Amity , No . 160 ,
as a token ol fraternal esteem for his zeal in Masonry during' a period of thirty-eight years , the 27 th day of December , A . L . 5818 , A . D . 1 S 11 ' ) , presented to me iu open Lodge , and I have since that time worn it not only amongst you , but have been proud to do so in the Provincial Lodges of Dorset , Somerset , Wilts , and Oxford , and also in the Grand Lodge of England ; I have been proud to do so , as it has been a source of gratification to me that my services to the Craft should have been so highly appreciated . This has been my constant companion in the Lodge , and now by your kindness I have another reminder , one that may lie always before mv eyes , as au incentive to go on as long as I have the
power in the path ot duty marked out for me , and endeavour to promote as far as > I can , whatever may tend to the good of Masonry in general and of this Lodge iu particular ; may its designation , 'Amity , ' be for the future our watchword—may wo always be in amity one with another . AVhen I was first admitted into Masonry Iwas particularly struck with the groat political and religious truths of the Order , being at first taught to pay due obedience to the laws of any country that should at any time become my place of residence , or that should afford mo its protection ;
and above all that I should never forget the allegiance duo to the monarch of my native land , but that wherever I might be I should remember that nature had implanted iu my breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment to that country which gave mo birth and infant nurture . " Brother Sydenham then pointed out the connection between tho sublime truths inculcated in God ' s Holy Book and the principles inculcated in tho various degrees in Masonry , urging on all who had not proceeded so far not to stay their onward progress until they had gained the fourth degree
of our Order , that of the Royal . Arch of Jerusalem , without which ho did not consider Craft Masonry to be complete , that being' the key to all Masonic mysteries , and concluded by saying , " For your kindness in holding the festival in honour of the fiftieth or jubilee year of my Masonic life , and for the handsome portraits whicli you have been pleased to present to me , and also to hang in tho Lodge in remembrance of one who has endeavoured to advance and support Masonry for tho love of those true principles of benevolence and charity to all mankind
which it inculcates , I can only say 1 thank you , I thank you most sincerely , and most heartily do I wish you all every happiness this world cau afford . " The Lodge was then , closed in due form according to antient custom , and the brethren adjourned to the festive board , where an excellent repast was provided by Bro . Shepherd , of the Antelope Hotel , to whicli ample justice was done , and after the removal of the cloth the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and many excellent remarks pertinent to the occasion were made ; amongst others wo may mention
that Bro . S . Bayly , the AA . M . of the Lodge of Hengist , spoke in very warm terms of the assistance ho had received from Bro . Sydenham i ' l ' mn the time of his initiation by him , more than forty years -since , down to tho present time . Bro . R . Baker also spoke of having been initiated within a year or two of Bro . Sydenham , and having continually remained iu amity aud entertaiued sincere fraternal regard tho one for the other . AVe may , in concluding this notice , remark tbat _ all the sous ol . Bro . Sydenham have become Masons within a short period after arriving at man ' s estate , aud the only two sons who now survive were present on this auspicious occason . May they tread in the stops of their father .
HAMPSHIRE . S OUTUAMPTON . —• Twelve . Brothers Lodge ( No , 1087 ) , —This Lodge met at the Royal Hotel , on . Monday , Bro . J . R , Stebbing , AV . M ., iu tho chair , when the by-laws passed at the last regular meeting were unanimously confirmed , aud the last Monday in every month finally adopted as tho
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial.
DORSETSHIRE . A FREEMASON ' JUBILEE . —A ceremony of a peculiar and extremely interesting character took place on AVednesday , tho 2 nd instant , at the Lodge of Amity , No . 160 , Poole , Dorset , being no less than that of tho presentation of a testimonial of respect and esteem to a right worthy and zealous brother , John Sydenham , on completing his jubilee as a Mason and member of that Lodge . The presentation took place in open Lod after the transaction of the ordinary businessand
ge , afforded entire satisfaction to a very good muster of members of the Lodge and visiting brethren from the neighbouring Lodge of Hengist at Bournemouth , to which Lodge Bro . Sydenham has endeared himself by his advice , counsel , and assistance on many occasions . The testimonial was rendered doubly valuable by the manner in which it was got up . At the last regular Lodge night , held a fortnight since , one of tho brethren stated that in the course of conversation with Bro . Sydenham lew
a days previous , ho remarked that he supposed ho was the oldest Mason in the province , having become a brother fifty years since . This caused an examination of the Lodge books , when it was found that the subject of their then conversation had been initiated into Masonry , April 10 th , 1810 , at the Lodge of Amity , and that from that period down to the present he had been a constant subscribing member . It was thereupon suggested that as the anniversary of the day had time should be
passed , no lost in offering to their venerable brother some token of recognition of his long and valuable services . A formal proposition was accordingly made and carried without a dissentient voice that Bro . John Sydenham , P . M ., should be requested to sit for his portrait in full Masonic costume ; that one copy should be presented to him , and another suspended in the Lodge by way of addition to their gallery of portraits of distinguished brethrenMrBiirnand the
. . was artist selected , and most ably has he performed his task , having produced two large sized photographs of Bro . Sydenham in full Masonic costume , of extraordinary fidelity and clearness , and completed them in a style rarely surpassed even by the first metropolitan professors of the art . The following inscription was appended : — "Presented by the brethren ot the Lodge of Amity , to Bro . John Sydenham , P . M ., P . Z . of Chapter ol Amity , and P . Prov . S . AV . of Dorset , in grateful recognition of his
mty years service to the Craft . Bro . R . Hoskins , AV . M ., Poole , AX .. 5801 . A . D . I 860 . " The task of presenting the testimonial was deputed to the immediate P . M . of the Lodge , Bro . AV . Parr , who , in its performance , spoke as follows ;— "AA'brsMpful sir and brethren , it has fallen to my lot this evening to perform one of tho most pleasing duties which could fall to the lot of a Past Master of any Lodge . You are all aware that a special matter of this evening ' s business is to celebrate tho jubilee , not as a Freemason onlbut also the jubilee of Worshipful
y , our P . M ., Bro . Sydenham , being a subscribing member of tins—the Lod ge in which he was initiated—aud that we , as a Lodge , intend to present our respected brother with his portrait as a testimonial , a slight acknowledgment of his many years services , on the occasion . To me has been entrusted the pleasing duty of presenting that testimonial to him , and I do so with feelings of move than ordinary pleasure , ns you will readily imagine when I tell you that it is now fifty years ago that our Bro . Sydenham initiated into in this
was Masonry Lodge of Amity by my grandfather , who was then the Master of the Lodge . Brethren , it may not bo so ' very remarkable an event to find a brother who has numbered his fifty years as a Mason , but it is an event to find a brother for that Ion " period a subscribing member to the Lodge in which he was initiated " und to find him during that long period a constant attendant at the Lodge and a zealousableaud active supporter of the principles
, , and duties of our Order . Such , however , has been our Bro . Sydenham , and for this reason it is that wo wish this evening to present him with some slight token of our respect ; regard , and esteem for him During his long career there have been many fluctuations in the Lodge , as there are in all sublunary affairs , and there have doubtless
been at times sorrows as well as trifling dissensions , but these have never driven our brother from his post . AA here duty called there he lias always been found , ready to counsel , to advise , and whenever he though the necessities of the case required , to admonish those he considered m the wrong , and to support those who were going right ; in fact endeavouring at all times to keep all within the ancient landmarks of our Order , Aud I may say not only in this Lod ge but also in the provinceour brother has gained respect and esteem being
, , , as you are doubtless all aware , a P . G . AV . of the province of Dorset . ( Applause ) . As other brethren may possibly wish to address the Lodge on this interesting occasion , I will not now trespass further on your time , but will proceed at once to complete the pleasing task assigned to ' mo . Bro . Sydenham , I now , in the name of this Lodge of Amity , present you with this portrait of yourself , which the brethren of tho Lod"o are anxious you should accept , and which I am satisfied you will receive from them ledof their brotherl
as a pge y love , esteem , and respect for you . Long may you live to enjoy that respect , which I feci well assured you have enjoyed during the long period you have been a I irother of our Craft , and may this testimonial servo to remind you , your children , aud your children ' s children , of the high estimation in which the brethren of the Lodge of Amity regarded their P . M . Bro . Sydenham , and act as a stimulant to the following so good an example . The portrait b
was accepted y Bro . Sydenham amidst a hearty burst of applause , aud immediately the AV . M . Bro . ! Hoskiugs , advanced , and taking Bro . Sydenham by the hand , said— ' - ' Allow me , my aged and respected brother , to offer you my sincere congratulations on the present
Provincial.
happy occasion , and to assure you that I feci exceedingly proud of my position as Master of thoLodge at this time ; indeed I may well feel proud of Masonry , especially as it is now exhibited in this Lodge , when it was the unanimous , I may say spontaneous wish of the brethren , to mark in somo signal manner the arrival of your year of jubilee . The testimonial will , I am sure , lose nothing in your estimation from its being comparatively inexpensive in its character , as you are well aware that our hearts ave all with you , that you will look on the feeling which prompts the action ,
and that our intrinsically trifling- testimonial will be as much prized by you as if it were of a most costly character . The W . M . then expatiated eloquently and at some length on the beauties and principles of Freemasonry , as illustrated by the precepts and practice towards tho brethren of the Lodge by Bro . Sydenham , who had ever been most zealous to advance the interests of the Lodge in every way in his power , and concluded , " but for yourself , my venerable friend and brother , I sincerely trust tho Great Architect of the universe will yet spare your
life many years to be amongst us , and when your eye grows with age , a gaze at that picture will be a solace to you , and in some measure cheer you , by reminding you that for so many years you jirogressed through difficulties and dangers , assisting iu the formation of a column of mutual defence and support to the Craft ; and I pray that when it shall please the Great Architect of the uuivcrse to fix the period of your departure hence , he will call you to the Grand Lodge above , there to dwell for ever iu those eternal mansions from whence all goodness emanates , and
enjoy an eternity of bliss with every good and faithful Mason to shino as the stars for ever and ever . ( Much applause ) . Bro . J . Sydenham then said , " AVorshipful Master , Past Masters , Officers , and brethren , I return you my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for this tho crowning one of very many kind marks of favour I have received at your hands . It is now twelve years since I received this testimonial ( hero tho speaker pointed to a very handsome jewel , bearing the following inscription : — ' Presented to Bro . John Sydenham , by the Lodge of Amity , No . 160 ,
as a token ol fraternal esteem for his zeal in Masonry during' a period of thirty-eight years , the 27 th day of December , A . L . 5818 , A . D . 1 S 11 ' ) , presented to me iu open Lodge , and I have since that time worn it not only amongst you , but have been proud to do so in the Provincial Lodges of Dorset , Somerset , Wilts , and Oxford , and also in the Grand Lodge of England ; I have been proud to do so , as it has been a source of gratification to me that my services to the Craft should have been so highly appreciated . This has been my constant companion in the Lodge , and now by your kindness I have another reminder , one that may lie always before mv eyes , as au incentive to go on as long as I have the
power in the path ot duty marked out for me , and endeavour to promote as far as > I can , whatever may tend to the good of Masonry in general and of this Lodge iu particular ; may its designation , 'Amity , ' be for the future our watchword—may wo always be in amity one with another . AVhen I was first admitted into Masonry Iwas particularly struck with the groat political and religious truths of the Order , being at first taught to pay due obedience to the laws of any country that should at any time become my place of residence , or that should afford mo its protection ;
and above all that I should never forget the allegiance duo to the monarch of my native land , but that wherever I might be I should remember that nature had implanted iu my breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment to that country which gave mo birth and infant nurture . " Brother Sydenham then pointed out the connection between tho sublime truths inculcated in God ' s Holy Book and the principles inculcated in tho various degrees in Masonry , urging on all who had not proceeded so far not to stay their onward progress until they had gained the fourth degree
of our Order , that of the Royal . Arch of Jerusalem , without which ho did not consider Craft Masonry to be complete , that being' the key to all Masonic mysteries , and concluded by saying , " For your kindness in holding the festival in honour of the fiftieth or jubilee year of my Masonic life , and for the handsome portraits whicli you have been pleased to present to me , and also to hang in tho Lodge in remembrance of one who has endeavoured to advance and support Masonry for tho love of those true principles of benevolence and charity to all mankind
which it inculcates , I can only say 1 thank you , I thank you most sincerely , and most heartily do I wish you all every happiness this world cau afford . " The Lodge was then , closed in due form according to antient custom , and the brethren adjourned to the festive board , where an excellent repast was provided by Bro . Shepherd , of the Antelope Hotel , to whicli ample justice was done , and after the removal of the cloth the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and many excellent remarks pertinent to the occasion were made ; amongst others wo may mention
that Bro . S . Bayly , the AA . M . of the Lodge of Hengist , spoke in very warm terms of the assistance ho had received from Bro . Sydenham i ' l ' mn the time of his initiation by him , more than forty years -since , down to tho present time . Bro . R . Baker also spoke of having been initiated within a year or two of Bro . Sydenham , and having continually remained iu amity aud entertaiued sincere fraternal regard tho one for the other . AVe may , in concluding this notice , remark tbat _ all the sous ol . Bro . Sydenham have become Masons within a short period after arriving at man ' s estate , aud the only two sons who now survive were present on this auspicious occason . May they tread in the stops of their father .
HAMPSHIRE . S OUTUAMPTON . —• Twelve . Brothers Lodge ( No , 1087 ) , —This Lodge met at the Royal Hotel , on . Monday , Bro . J . R , Stebbing , AV . M ., iu tho chair , when the by-laws passed at the last regular meeting were unanimously confirmed , aud the last Monday in every month finally adopted as tho