Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Earl Of Lathom Lodge, No. 1922.
other societies and communities at the present hour . Yet surely , Sir , we who believe in the living , the genial , the moral , the beneficial teachings of our great Fraternity ; we who neither heed the incriminations of the ignorant , or the ridicule of unreasoning opponents ; we , I say , Sir , who arc not ashamed to call ourselves Freemasons at ail times , in all countries , and under all circumstances , —we shall rejoice when it "extends its stakes" on every side of us ;
we shall not complain when another lodge is added to our wonderful and still lengthening roll , unprecedented as that is in thc history of " jurisdictions , " and marvellous , as it seems to us to-day , when we remember ancl realize the progress of English Freemasonry since 1 S 13 . For we hold , at least I hope we do , that any new lodge , properly chartered and reasonably organized , as we feel sure that this new lodge is , becomes a centre of light , goodwill ,
peace , concord , and happiness for those who belong to it , nay , for all over whom its influence extends , or may come within the radius of its true Masonic circle . For here , at any rate , if nowhere else , the principles of brotherly love and sympathetic goodwill are unceasingly proclaimed , here all the social and all the moral virtues are continually commended . A Freemason's lodge is the home , the rallying point , the assembly of brethren ,
all animated by thc laudable desire to be happy and increase the happiness of others , to avoid the rancorous heart-burnings and party " shibboleths " of the world , and to live at peace , unity , charily , ancl forbearance with one another . If , indeed , as in everything - earthly , the taint of the Fall still marks and mars the perfectibility of man ; if indeed , even within a FYcemason ' s lodge there enter in their measure those antagonisms which
antagonize , those chllcrcnccs which divide , those lower feelings which affect so seriously and often so injuriously our common lot and striving here , it is only because , —as Freemasons , —we are still mortal , and can neither claim nor expect any exemption from those infirmities which ever heTc below permeate and control individuals and associations alike . But yet what good and happiness have wc all found in Freemasonry , in its kindly associations ,
its pleasant sociality , and its beneficent principles ? Some of us , for instance , arc no longer young in Masonry , our memories go back through many years to old mates and comrades , with whom wc began our Masonic career . What agreeable gatherings can wc recall to-day , when wc worked together in love and harmony with those gcod friends and true , with one heart and mind , differences unknown , dissensions unheard of , and to keep
up thc " prestige of some good old lodge , to extend the influence and advance the principles of our true , ancl useful , and benevolent brotherhood ? What friendships have we not formed ? What cheery meetings have we not enjoyed ? All these rise up vividly before us , until there come over our lips and hearts , almost imperceptibly and irresistibly , that well-known line of the old poet . — "Adveniant utinam sic mihi sxpedies . " Surely Sir , Freemasonry
as we have clung to it , as wc have taught it , as wc have practised it , has imparted to us some good and even needful lessons , has infused into us principles of thought and action , wliich have done good to ourselves , good to others , and , let us also hope and believe , have not becn antagonistic to or unhelpful of , the welfare , the peace , the progress of thc world ! It maybe well then to remind ourselves to-day , when wc arc about , according to our
ancient ritual and decorous ceremonial , to consecrate a new lodge , and when so much false teaching and such baneful changes prevail in some olher jurisdictions affecting the whole structure and features of Universal 1 'Yeemasonry , —it may be well , Sir , I repeat , for us to remind ourselves what have been , \ vhat still are , lhcgenuine professions , the vital declarations of our honoured English Grand Lodge , and of loyal English Freemasons everywhere !
Freemasonry , ever as we set it before our members and thc world , though not a religion , inculcates respect for religion , and is even religious , in those lessons of reverence , sympathy , and morality which it unceasingly advocates and enforces ! It begins and closes all its meetings , for instance , with prayer ! It invokes the blessing of T . G . A . O . T . U . on all ils proceedings . The Bible is ever open in our lodges , and Freemasonry charges us all to regard it , as the unerring
criterion of right and wrong , and to regulate our thoughts , and words , ancl lives and labours by the Divine principles which it contains and unfolds . English Freemasonry markedly bids us ever remember the allegiance due to the Sovereign of our native land , to be loyal subjects and peaceful citizens at every period and on every emergency of public life , and to obey thc laws of any country where wc temporarily
sojourn , whatever its form of special government may be ! Freemasonry warns us , too , against illegal secret societies , those hurtful associations which , just now , are doing so much harm in many countries , and at the same time emphatically enjoins upon F ' recmasons thc zealous and unchanging support of order and of law . At the same time , it forbids us lo take part in those scenes of turbulence , and those hidden " centres " of
anarchy and conspiracy , which set constitutional government at defiance , rob industry of its fruits and property of its rights , array class against class , so that in the seething mass of hopeless confusion those elements ancl those particles which are the least sound , safe , or commendable may float safely and comfortably on the surface ! FYcemasoiiry urges us also lo be good men as well as good cilizens ; it encourages all the domestic relations , and
unceasingly advocates that love for , and devotion to , home duties and home claims which constitutes , and long may it continue to do so , the distinguishing badge , not only of the F ' reemason but thc Englishman . All those tenderer sympathies which engage , all those fairer associations which make up often so much of the charm and solace of existence here , are by us , as F ' recmasons , ever valued , and ever cherished . Wc do not believe , for example ,
that a man is , or can be , a good Freemason if hc be a disloyal citizen . Ancl still more even , do wc not believe lhat a man can be a good Freemason who > s a bad son , a bad husband , a bad brother , or a bad friend . It is this peculiar solemnity of the moral teaching of our ancient Fraternity , based as it is on the Bible , which raises it above all similar societies , and which abides happily with us wherever English lodges are to be found and English
brethren do congregrale , and which is , indeed , the unfailing characteristic ° t all Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry . It is the same unchanging reality , in A | ' ' ' ' ' taught in every symbol , impressed in every charge , is the ¦^ l pha and the Omega , the beginingand the end of every mystic ceremony and of every sacred rite . FYeemasonry , moreover , would enjoin the ever needful duty of Toleration . We claim freedom of conscience ourselves , we are uound
to protect it for others , we detest the debasing practice of persecution , under any pretext , for religion ' s sake and in religion ' s name , and we look on every son ,, [ Adam , despite the difference of colour and of creed , j . a "brother of the dust . " And , once again , F ' reemason ry J | cls us be humane and charitable , and like the good Samaritan , help , soothe ,
' 'u comiort the sorrowing bosom and the wounded heart . Ils hands arc ever open for large-hearted charity . Look at our really noble Institutions , , ' ( d J ' and ornament of English Freemasonry , which truly represent and onrJerfull y reflect thc unalterable tenets of true Freemasonry , and attest gnihcantl y the reality of our Masonic professions , and the warmth , sin-
Consecration Of The Earl Of Lathom Lodge, No. 1922.
cerity , and devotion of Masonic givers . Look at our Board of Benevolence ' granting yearly large sums to indigence and distress with liber - ality , with brotherly sympathy , and with unostentatious good will . And when we remember that the same process of Masonic "giving" goes on in our Provincial Grand Lodges and our private lodges we may feel proud , I think , to belong to that
ancient and excellent Sodality , whose practice squares with its professions , whose utterances and whose deeds are always in unison , and which claims the proud perogative and character of never being in any sense a " benefit society , " but holds out the hand of " melting charity " to every poor and distressed brother who makes a fair claim on our resources , as an act , too , on our part of simple duty , as the " outcome " of religious , Masonic ,
and fraternal obligations . Sir , I fear to weary the brethren with too " long an " exordium " to-day , often , too , as they have heard my voice before . But I will venture to add a few words which , I think , are neither unseasonable nor unsuitable for the present goodly gathering . Wc have all , I feel sure , been very deeply touched with the cruel murder , the long death agony , the national grief and mourning , and the solemn funeral of our lamented Bro .
General and President Garfield . We have mourned , I know well , wilh that bereaved widow and those orphaned children . We have sympathized with a great people in their national and unanimous grief ; we have thought of the loss lo our Order of so distinguished a ruler , so gallant a soldier , and so good a man . But can we Freemasons draw no lesson from his life and death ? I think wc can ! He has fallen in his " armour , " as was said of old" right
, knightly , " doing his *¦ devoir" to thc last . He has left behind him a record of a noble career , of courage , of calmness , of resignation , almost unparalleled . Ilave we not a ri ght to believe , Sir , that the ever loyal and faithful principles of true Freemasonry have aided in giving to that admirable character finer sensibilities , have even taught such devoted endurance of ill to one of thc most remarkable " personalities , " our generation has seen ,
or is likely to see ? Freemasonry holds out ever to us the same fidelity lo our engagements , the same good will for others , the same " chivalry" in the discharge of high responsibilities , the same tolerant and the same charitable spirit toward all men , the same calm endurance of sorrow , suffering , woe , pain , agony , and death , which will be for ever associated with the undying memory of our late lamented brother and illustrious General Garfield . And may all
these good principlesand higher sympathies mark the foundation and progress and future of the lodge we now happily meet to consecrate to-day . May it ever seek to advance the welfare of its brethren , the good of Freemasonry ; may it never forget the duties of Masonic benevolence , and , above all , the ever abiding claims of our great Charities on every lodge and on every brother of our Order . May we some of us be permitted to hear of its steady
increase , its happy unity , and its regular progression in all those Masonic virtues and excellences which attract to our great Order the devotion of its members , and have won for it the admiration of mankind . The other ceremonies then proceeded , and after the lodge had been formally dedicated to Freemasonry , Bro . James Terry , D . C , presented Bro . Anthony Runacres , P . M . No . 155 S , W . M . designate , to Col . Shadwell H . Clerke for installation .
Bro . Runacres having been installed , and saluted , and heartily congratulated , then invested the following brethren as ); is officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Robert John Taylor , S . W . ; J . Wentworth T . Chapman , J . W . ; Edward Witts , Sec . ; George W . Evans , S . D . ; Turle Lee , J . D . ; Charles Iivans , I . G . ; H . Vane Stow , M . C . ; A . J . Clarke , W . S . * , I-I . Evans , Asst . W . S . : and Bro . Church , Tyler .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE then delivered the usual addresses . A Committee was afterwards appointed to frame the bye-laws , and a vote of thanks was passed to thc Consecrating Officers , who were , also . ' elected honorary members of thc lodge . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S ., thanked the brethren heartily for
tlieir kind recognition of thc small services the consecrating brethren had given , and he could only add that what they had done they had done with a very great amount of satisfaction to themselves . They hoped on a future occasion lo visit the lodge , and to see how well the lodge was getting on . A list of candidates for initiation and joining was next read be the Secretary , after which the lodge was closed .
After the banquet which followed thc usual toasts were given , but the speeches were cut very short , in consequence of the early hour at which the last trains to and from town left . Bro . H . D . SANDEMAN , Past District Grand Master of Bengal , replied for " The Grand Officers , " who , he said , were glad to sec a lodge formed in that part of the country . Although only five or six miles from the
metropolis , Streatham wanted a lodge . I he Grand Officers were always pleased to see a lodge named after the Earl of Lathom , than JJwhom a more hardworking Mason did not exist in the country . While thanking the brethren for the toast , and for the reception accorded lo the Grand Officers , he , on their part and in his own name , wished the new lodge every prosperitywhich he believed would be a good one , and an honour to the Craft in general .
The W . M ., in proposing "The Health ofthe Consecrating Officer , " said he thought , of all Masons they could have got together , there was no one they would have been more proud of having to consecrate the lodge than Col . Shadwell H . Clerke .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE said he would lose no time in responding to the very kind way in which the toast had been proposed . As the brethren had already heard a good deal of his voice they would excuse him for being short now , another reason being that there were trains which the Grand Oilicers had to catch . Hc was deeply grateful for the way they had becn received . It was a great pleasure to him to consecrate this lodge , and he
hoped it would go on and prosper , as it ought to do . Before sitting down he would give a toast which was the most important one that night , and that was the health of the brother who was at the helm in the lodge , without whom the brethren would be nowhere— "Their Worship ful Master . " It was a great point when a lodge had in the chair one who had already filled the chair of a lodge . Bro . Runacres had already fulfilled that obligation ,
and those who knew him knew he had worked well in his former position . He ( Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke ) was quite , sure the W . M . would conduct the affairs of the Earl of Lathom Lodge with all propriety and all dignity . Hc would , therefore ask the brethren to join in drinking " Health and Prosperity to the W . M ., " and wish him a very prosperous year of office .
Ihe W . M ., in reply , said the flattering way in which Col . Shadwell II Clerke had proposed his health to a certain extent took the wind out of his sails . Still , he would say , he was very proud to be in the high position he had attained to . He was also very proud to have the consecrating brethren there . As long as he had good health he should do his very best to put the Earl of Lathom Lodge forward , so that it might not disgrace
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Earl Of Lathom Lodge, No. 1922.
other societies and communities at the present hour . Yet surely , Sir , we who believe in the living , the genial , the moral , the beneficial teachings of our great Fraternity ; we who neither heed the incriminations of the ignorant , or the ridicule of unreasoning opponents ; we , I say , Sir , who arc not ashamed to call ourselves Freemasons at ail times , in all countries , and under all circumstances , —we shall rejoice when it "extends its stakes" on every side of us ;
we shall not complain when another lodge is added to our wonderful and still lengthening roll , unprecedented as that is in thc history of " jurisdictions , " and marvellous , as it seems to us to-day , when we remember ancl realize the progress of English Freemasonry since 1 S 13 . For we hold , at least I hope we do , that any new lodge , properly chartered and reasonably organized , as we feel sure that this new lodge is , becomes a centre of light , goodwill ,
peace , concord , and happiness for those who belong to it , nay , for all over whom its influence extends , or may come within the radius of its true Masonic circle . For here , at any rate , if nowhere else , the principles of brotherly love and sympathetic goodwill are unceasingly proclaimed , here all the social and all the moral virtues are continually commended . A Freemason's lodge is the home , the rallying point , the assembly of brethren ,
all animated by thc laudable desire to be happy and increase the happiness of others , to avoid the rancorous heart-burnings and party " shibboleths " of the world , and to live at peace , unity , charily , ancl forbearance with one another . If , indeed , as in everything - earthly , the taint of the Fall still marks and mars the perfectibility of man ; if indeed , even within a FYcemason ' s lodge there enter in their measure those antagonisms which
antagonize , those chllcrcnccs which divide , those lower feelings which affect so seriously and often so injuriously our common lot and striving here , it is only because , —as Freemasons , —we are still mortal , and can neither claim nor expect any exemption from those infirmities which ever heTc below permeate and control individuals and associations alike . But yet what good and happiness have wc all found in Freemasonry , in its kindly associations ,
its pleasant sociality , and its beneficent principles ? Some of us , for instance , arc no longer young in Masonry , our memories go back through many years to old mates and comrades , with whom wc began our Masonic career . What agreeable gatherings can wc recall to-day , when wc worked together in love and harmony with those gcod friends and true , with one heart and mind , differences unknown , dissensions unheard of , and to keep
up thc " prestige of some good old lodge , to extend the influence and advance the principles of our true , ancl useful , and benevolent brotherhood ? What friendships have we not formed ? What cheery meetings have we not enjoyed ? All these rise up vividly before us , until there come over our lips and hearts , almost imperceptibly and irresistibly , that well-known line of the old poet . — "Adveniant utinam sic mihi sxpedies . " Surely Sir , Freemasonry
as we have clung to it , as wc have taught it , as wc have practised it , has imparted to us some good and even needful lessons , has infused into us principles of thought and action , wliich have done good to ourselves , good to others , and , let us also hope and believe , have not becn antagonistic to or unhelpful of , the welfare , the peace , the progress of thc world ! It maybe well then to remind ourselves to-day , when wc arc about , according to our
ancient ritual and decorous ceremonial , to consecrate a new lodge , and when so much false teaching and such baneful changes prevail in some olher jurisdictions affecting the whole structure and features of Universal 1 'Yeemasonry , —it may be well , Sir , I repeat , for us to remind ourselves what have been , \ vhat still are , lhcgenuine professions , the vital declarations of our honoured English Grand Lodge , and of loyal English Freemasons everywhere !
Freemasonry , ever as we set it before our members and thc world , though not a religion , inculcates respect for religion , and is even religious , in those lessons of reverence , sympathy , and morality which it unceasingly advocates and enforces ! It begins and closes all its meetings , for instance , with prayer ! It invokes the blessing of T . G . A . O . T . U . on all ils proceedings . The Bible is ever open in our lodges , and Freemasonry charges us all to regard it , as the unerring
criterion of right and wrong , and to regulate our thoughts , and words , ancl lives and labours by the Divine principles which it contains and unfolds . English Freemasonry markedly bids us ever remember the allegiance due to the Sovereign of our native land , to be loyal subjects and peaceful citizens at every period and on every emergency of public life , and to obey thc laws of any country where wc temporarily
sojourn , whatever its form of special government may be ! Freemasonry warns us , too , against illegal secret societies , those hurtful associations which , just now , are doing so much harm in many countries , and at the same time emphatically enjoins upon F ' recmasons thc zealous and unchanging support of order and of law . At the same time , it forbids us lo take part in those scenes of turbulence , and those hidden " centres " of
anarchy and conspiracy , which set constitutional government at defiance , rob industry of its fruits and property of its rights , array class against class , so that in the seething mass of hopeless confusion those elements ancl those particles which are the least sound , safe , or commendable may float safely and comfortably on the surface ! FYcemasoiiry urges us also lo be good men as well as good cilizens ; it encourages all the domestic relations , and
unceasingly advocates that love for , and devotion to , home duties and home claims which constitutes , and long may it continue to do so , the distinguishing badge , not only of the F ' reemason but thc Englishman . All those tenderer sympathies which engage , all those fairer associations which make up often so much of the charm and solace of existence here , are by us , as F ' recmasons , ever valued , and ever cherished . Wc do not believe , for example ,
that a man is , or can be , a good Freemason if hc be a disloyal citizen . Ancl still more even , do wc not believe lhat a man can be a good Freemason who > s a bad son , a bad husband , a bad brother , or a bad friend . It is this peculiar solemnity of the moral teaching of our ancient Fraternity , based as it is on the Bible , which raises it above all similar societies , and which abides happily with us wherever English lodges are to be found and English
brethren do congregrale , and which is , indeed , the unfailing characteristic ° t all Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry . It is the same unchanging reality , in A | ' ' ' ' ' taught in every symbol , impressed in every charge , is the ¦^ l pha and the Omega , the beginingand the end of every mystic ceremony and of every sacred rite . FYeemasonry , moreover , would enjoin the ever needful duty of Toleration . We claim freedom of conscience ourselves , we are uound
to protect it for others , we detest the debasing practice of persecution , under any pretext , for religion ' s sake and in religion ' s name , and we look on every son ,, [ Adam , despite the difference of colour and of creed , j . a "brother of the dust . " And , once again , F ' reemason ry J | cls us be humane and charitable , and like the good Samaritan , help , soothe ,
' 'u comiort the sorrowing bosom and the wounded heart . Ils hands arc ever open for large-hearted charity . Look at our really noble Institutions , , ' ( d J ' and ornament of English Freemasonry , which truly represent and onrJerfull y reflect thc unalterable tenets of true Freemasonry , and attest gnihcantl y the reality of our Masonic professions , and the warmth , sin-
Consecration Of The Earl Of Lathom Lodge, No. 1922.
cerity , and devotion of Masonic givers . Look at our Board of Benevolence ' granting yearly large sums to indigence and distress with liber - ality , with brotherly sympathy , and with unostentatious good will . And when we remember that the same process of Masonic "giving" goes on in our Provincial Grand Lodges and our private lodges we may feel proud , I think , to belong to that
ancient and excellent Sodality , whose practice squares with its professions , whose utterances and whose deeds are always in unison , and which claims the proud perogative and character of never being in any sense a " benefit society , " but holds out the hand of " melting charity " to every poor and distressed brother who makes a fair claim on our resources , as an act , too , on our part of simple duty , as the " outcome " of religious , Masonic ,
and fraternal obligations . Sir , I fear to weary the brethren with too " long an " exordium " to-day , often , too , as they have heard my voice before . But I will venture to add a few words which , I think , are neither unseasonable nor unsuitable for the present goodly gathering . Wc have all , I feel sure , been very deeply touched with the cruel murder , the long death agony , the national grief and mourning , and the solemn funeral of our lamented Bro .
General and President Garfield . We have mourned , I know well , wilh that bereaved widow and those orphaned children . We have sympathized with a great people in their national and unanimous grief ; we have thought of the loss lo our Order of so distinguished a ruler , so gallant a soldier , and so good a man . But can we Freemasons draw no lesson from his life and death ? I think wc can ! He has fallen in his " armour , " as was said of old" right
, knightly , " doing his *¦ devoir" to thc last . He has left behind him a record of a noble career , of courage , of calmness , of resignation , almost unparalleled . Ilave we not a ri ght to believe , Sir , that the ever loyal and faithful principles of true Freemasonry have aided in giving to that admirable character finer sensibilities , have even taught such devoted endurance of ill to one of thc most remarkable " personalities , " our generation has seen ,
or is likely to see ? Freemasonry holds out ever to us the same fidelity lo our engagements , the same good will for others , the same " chivalry" in the discharge of high responsibilities , the same tolerant and the same charitable spirit toward all men , the same calm endurance of sorrow , suffering , woe , pain , agony , and death , which will be for ever associated with the undying memory of our late lamented brother and illustrious General Garfield . And may all
these good principlesand higher sympathies mark the foundation and progress and future of the lodge we now happily meet to consecrate to-day . May it ever seek to advance the welfare of its brethren , the good of Freemasonry ; may it never forget the duties of Masonic benevolence , and , above all , the ever abiding claims of our great Charities on every lodge and on every brother of our Order . May we some of us be permitted to hear of its steady
increase , its happy unity , and its regular progression in all those Masonic virtues and excellences which attract to our great Order the devotion of its members , and have won for it the admiration of mankind . The other ceremonies then proceeded , and after the lodge had been formally dedicated to Freemasonry , Bro . James Terry , D . C , presented Bro . Anthony Runacres , P . M . No . 155 S , W . M . designate , to Col . Shadwell H . Clerke for installation .
Bro . Runacres having been installed , and saluted , and heartily congratulated , then invested the following brethren as ); is officers for the ensuing year : Bros . Robert John Taylor , S . W . ; J . Wentworth T . Chapman , J . W . ; Edward Witts , Sec . ; George W . Evans , S . D . ; Turle Lee , J . D . ; Charles Iivans , I . G . ; H . Vane Stow , M . C . ; A . J . Clarke , W . S . * , I-I . Evans , Asst . W . S . : and Bro . Church , Tyler .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE then delivered the usual addresses . A Committee was afterwards appointed to frame the bye-laws , and a vote of thanks was passed to thc Consecrating Officers , who were , also . ' elected honorary members of thc lodge . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , G . S ., thanked the brethren heartily for
tlieir kind recognition of thc small services the consecrating brethren had given , and he could only add that what they had done they had done with a very great amount of satisfaction to themselves . They hoped on a future occasion lo visit the lodge , and to see how well the lodge was getting on . A list of candidates for initiation and joining was next read be the Secretary , after which the lodge was closed .
After the banquet which followed thc usual toasts were given , but the speeches were cut very short , in consequence of the early hour at which the last trains to and from town left . Bro . H . D . SANDEMAN , Past District Grand Master of Bengal , replied for " The Grand Officers , " who , he said , were glad to sec a lodge formed in that part of the country . Although only five or six miles from the
metropolis , Streatham wanted a lodge . I he Grand Officers were always pleased to see a lodge named after the Earl of Lathom , than JJwhom a more hardworking Mason did not exist in the country . While thanking the brethren for the toast , and for the reception accorded lo the Grand Officers , he , on their part and in his own name , wished the new lodge every prosperitywhich he believed would be a good one , and an honour to the Craft in general .
The W . M ., in proposing "The Health ofthe Consecrating Officer , " said he thought , of all Masons they could have got together , there was no one they would have been more proud of having to consecrate the lodge than Col . Shadwell H . Clerke .
Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE said he would lose no time in responding to the very kind way in which the toast had been proposed . As the brethren had already heard a good deal of his voice they would excuse him for being short now , another reason being that there were trains which the Grand Oilicers had to catch . Hc was deeply grateful for the way they had becn received . It was a great pleasure to him to consecrate this lodge , and he
hoped it would go on and prosper , as it ought to do . Before sitting down he would give a toast which was the most important one that night , and that was the health of the brother who was at the helm in the lodge , without whom the brethren would be nowhere— "Their Worship ful Master . " It was a great point when a lodge had in the chair one who had already filled the chair of a lodge . Bro . Runacres had already fulfilled that obligation ,
and those who knew him knew he had worked well in his former position . He ( Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke ) was quite , sure the W . M . would conduct the affairs of the Earl of Lathom Lodge with all propriety and all dignity . Hc would , therefore ask the brethren to join in drinking " Health and Prosperity to the W . M ., " and wish him a very prosperous year of office .
Ihe W . M ., in reply , said the flattering way in which Col . Shadwell II Clerke had proposed his health to a certain extent took the wind out of his sails . Still , he would say , he was very proud to be in the high position he had attained to . He was also very proud to have the consecrating brethren there . As long as he had good health he should do his very best to put the Earl of Lathom Lodge forward , so that it might not disgrace