Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Installation Of Bro. Augustus Harris As W.M. Of The Drury Lane Lodge, No. 2127.
Bro . A . M . BROADLEY , P . D . D . G . M . Malta , Secretary , said : Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master , Worshipful Master and brethren , when I listened to the kindly words in which Bro . Parkinson introduced to your notice the humble services I have rendered to this lodge , I really felt unequal to the task 1 knew I should have to perform when I rose to thank my brethren of the Drury Lane Lodge for the honour they have paid me . 't is perhaps a trite saying that any particular moment is the proudest of any-• hnrlv's life , but in connection with my own humble Masonic career , I can assuredly
use that expression to-day . It is just ten years ago that it was my privilege to assist in nlanting the flag of Masonry in the Mediterranean . I helped five years later to revive , in Egypt , a historical lodge in which the M . W . G . M . once sat as a Fellow Craft . And it was a proud moment when I was able to assist in drawing together the Craft , the drama , and Drury Lane . Seventy-nine years ago , down the very street in which the lodge was held , passed a great procession which included the Prince Regent , then Grand Master of our Order who assisted Bro . Kemble in laying the foundation of Covent Garden to the drama
Theatre . It was then that Freemasonry held out the hand of fellowship in distress—the bond of union . There is something in the constitution of the Drury Lane Lodge that will cement the profession of the drama and the truest of all mystic ties . It is eight years ago that I paid a visit to this country , having been absent for a time in the Mediterranean and having been there installed as D . D . G . M . I was here as a comparative stranger , and where was it that I received the hand of fellowship ? It was in this very hall and in the well known Asaph Lodge . The memory of that kindly
hosp itality is always present with me , and when I enlisted myself under the banner of this lodge I felt I should be doing a good service to Masonry if I could help as I said before , in drawing together the Craft , the drama , and Drury Lane . I ask you , have we succeeded ? I felt a deep satisfaction to-day when 1 saw the truest of friends and the best of Masons installed as W . M . I only regret that that kindly friend of us all , Bro . Lord Londesborough , is not with us now . Amongst the distinguished visitors present I am glad to see Bro . his Grace the Duke of Abercorn , who has hastened
from an Irish deputation at the Mansion House , to be with us and to testify by his presence his great belief in our work . If vve look round us , vve see that at this meeting there is scarcely a section of society of English social life that is not represented . There are peers , ecclesiastics , men of letters and science , and men holding high positions in the State . As representatives of the Privy Council we have Bro . Marriott , M . P ., who fills with credit an important post in her Majesty's Government , and Bro . Lord Robt . Montague , who was passed as a Fellow Craft 40 years ago , and who
yesterday became a M . M . We see the army well represented by Bros . Gen . Collingwood and Col . H . Hallett . If we turn to the Navy we have one whose name is historical in the annals of that great service—I allude to Admiral Cochrane . And we have enlisted a Grand Chaplain as the Chaplain of our lodge . It is not my duty to detain you longer , but propose the health of those visitors I see around this board who are members of our confraternity , and who come from every class and every creed ; many of them my own personal friends , and
some of whom once worked with me in the Mediterranean . We have a vast assembly of visitors , and if there is one thing that claims our attemion
it is the cosmopolitan character of Freemasonry , as shown by the Drury Lane Lodge . We have with us the Bishop of New Westminster . Now ,
I should like to ask you , where is New Westminster ? You have all heard of our own Westminster , where the debates have lately been of a
somewhat tedious character ( laughter ) , have made the name of Westminster rather familiar to us . I will tell you where New Westminster is . lt is
in British Columbia , and our Rev . brother present i s Grand Chaplain there . You all heard of Bro . Dr . Silli-oe when he was
Chaplain to the Princess Alice , at Darmstadt , then in British Columbia , and is here now present to-night with us . There is another name that another name that
BR 0 * A * M * BROADLEY , SEC . will be appreciated and that will re-echo wherever the English tongue is spoken . I mean Bro . George Augustus Sala . Who has not read his vivid description and his read y wit in the columns of the Daily Telegraph and the Illustrated London News . He is a member of the Universal Lodgeand it is riht and that he should
, g proper peiong to that lodge . He has to-night marked his return to Masonic life . He was an intimate friend of the father of the Worshipful Master , and by his presence helps to l ( l p rate 'he character of this lodge . There is another name and that is Bro . Puleston , M -P ., who has been sitting amongst a number of members of Parliament from whom a cabinet could be formed that vvould meet with the approbation of most reasonable
people . ( Laughter . ) Bro . Puleston is a member of the Lodge of Nine Muses . I beg ? ™ J' you all for the kind sympathy which you have shown me , and 1 can assure you mat I heartily appreciate it . I now ask you to rise and drink to "The Health of the \ Jtl L ' " and show them tliat hospitality is the first virtue in this lodge , and I couple with the toast the names of Bros , the Bishop of New Westminster , G . A . Sala , and fuleston , M . P . ( Applause . ) 0 F EW
of tut ^ ISH 0 P N W ESTMINSTER responded , and after thanking the members tne lod ge for their hospitality , said they would be anxious to hear Bro . Sala . hr * 0 ' GEORGE AUGUSTUS SALA also replied and said : Unaccustomed as lam to br th spea ^ 'n S > and being nervously apprehensive that I may be asked by some vou nftu the endof the Hal 1 , t 0 " s P eak up , " I am compelled to do my best and assure / " or the great gratification it has afforded me to be nresent . That < rratifirat ; nn was
ne « T ? -5 d Wlth a s , ight feel'ng of regret when I was in the lodge , and when I witsad t installation of your Worshipful Master . I felt for a moment a feeling of in " at R I remember that nearly 30 years have elapsed since I was initiated . Look-Posit ¦ ' f ar' < inson now ' seeing him covered with his jewels which distinguish his servirt " Masonry , ' cou , d not help feeling sorrowful that I had not rendered better positi u . Craft since my initiation - 1 m'g ht have placed myself in a higher outdid t at P resent occupy , had I worked as he has done . I was appointed S . W ., I hav h accept the office because I had not then the time to perform the duties of Masonry . 1 , e been a Mason nnvv for . 0 vears . anrl in th # » TInit ^ . 1 ^ toioc A .. ci . i ; « . Uoro ^ r-
, „ „ invitar ' I have had re P eated hospitality shown me . But I always declined the kind know * fu r hy ? Because ' felt that ' appreciated Masonry in its proper sense , and and fn 1 >> ll not wolk as a Mason ought . ! did not wish to be considered a " knife societv u r son * * have for some time been deprived of the pleasure of London Press H , L 'j £ ht ¦ ** m'g ht novv come a little into the world , that I might re-entrv , 's ™ of dear old fr , ends - l must congratulate myself that my U ... . Y \ Masonry was made in this lodee . I mav nnf he arvontaV , ! ,. t „ thi « l ™ W ;
World rn M a , ppv to bf * come a joining member . Anyone who has wandered about the togethe 11 u [ f'L t 0 have been struck Wlth the £ reat * ~** ond Masonry effects by bringing Here tn ¦ . ' dlffer - ** nt classes . In every country in which I have been I have seen it . been nl . " ? ' . Ve se < L men of every walk of life shaking each other by the hand . I have Worked uf j r s Sf * Harris installed as W - - 1 knew his father intimately , and he u nard tor the stage . The father sowed and the son has reaped . I have a sincere
Installation Of Bro. Augustus Harris As W.M. Of The Drury Lane Lodge, No. 2127.
admiration for the British Drama , which has been honoured in times past by the reigning Sovereigns . This is the Jubilee year of her Majesty , and I hope that Jubilee will be marked with one momentous result . I hope that the favours already received will only be the prelude for future favours to come . Drury Lane is the home of the Drama , and I hope we may be honoured on that stage by the sight of the Yeomen of the Guard , as in days gone by , and that we may see Victoria the Good extending her patronage . Should this take place , I have no doubt we should see a Jubilee meeting take place in this lodge . In conclusion , I will express the delight it affords me to make a second entry into Masonry and into our truly honourable Craft .
Bro . J . PULESTON , M . P ., also responded , and said : I am almost appalled when 1 contemplate the fact that I have been selected to respond for the visitors , for I know full well how inadequate any words will be from me to give expression to my own thoughts and those of my brother visitors for the magnificent hospitality . I thank you from the bottom of my heart , and I must be allowed to congratulate you upon the fact that you have a W . M . of many legions , upon whose name many thousands love to dwell , for he has for some time pastafforded them considerable pleasure . I congratulate you upon the
fact that you have as your S . W . an old friend of mine , who charms the House of Commons with his eloquence and invective . In the person of your J . W . you have a distinguished man , whom I am proud to call my friend . I thank you very much for your kindness , and I can only echo the sentiments of all when I express my gratitvde . It is the first occasion that I have had the distinguished honour of visiting you , and I hope and trust it will not be the last . There is one honour I should esteem , and that is to be enrolled a member of your lodge . And when we meet together again I hope we shall meet upon the level , and part upon the square .
The PRESIDENT of the Board of General Purposes said : Worshipful Master , I thank you for the honour you have done me in deputing me to propose the toast of " Ihe Officers of your Lodge . " You cannot but teel proud , Worshipful Master , in havng on your staff of officers men so eminently distinguished in their different professions . Your S . W ., Bio . Sir John Gorst , in early life carried off high university honours . He has proved himself a practised debater . He now occupies a high position as a member ot the Government , and we may safely predict that , in his new career as a statesman , he will amply fulfil the brilliant promise of his youth . As a brother Mason
he has assiduously discharged the duties of the office to which he was designated in the warrant ot this lodge . I believe he has never been absent from his post except on one single occasion when , during the holiday season , he was away from this country . I venture to say that he will prove a worthy successor toyourself , Worshipful Master , in the chair you now occupy , and will discharge the duties of Master when the time arrives with great credit and advantage to this lodge . The J . W ., Admiral Edward Inglefield , who is unfortunately unable to attend this evening , is a naval officer who has been deservedly honoured for the services he has rendered to his country in many seas . A man of high scientific acquirements , a Doctor of Civil Law , a Fellow of the Royal
Society , whose name is destined to be handed down to posterity in the future history of this country . The S . D ., Bro . Fernandez , I feel sure his brother artistes will readily admit to be a most
accomplished elocutionist , a powerful and thoughtful actor , and a man of high intellectual attainments , who will do credit to any office he may be called upon to hold in the lodge . TheJ . D .,
Bro . Bancrolt , has , I believe , done more for the elevation of his profession than any man of the present day connected with the drama . He has made the stage and its professers real presentments
of the actual life around us . He has shown us that an actor is a gentleman , who society ali classes are proud to seek , and to enjoy . The I . G ., Bro . Harry Nicholls , a bright comedian who has
never failed to command the approval of the public , who grows year by year in popularity , and whose genuine humour has made him an acknowledged favouiite with his audience . Although
only recently initiated into Masonry in this lodge , he is already a bright Mason , and the rapidity with which he has acquired a knowledge of
BRO . J . C . PARKINSON , » STAl „ Na MASTER . £££ » ^ pTrn of which he has given us such amusing samples on the boards of the theatre in which we have just assembled . And last , but certainly not least , you have in your D . C , Bro . Charles Dickens , a great name , a name to be , indeed , envied , a name revered and beloved throughout the civilised world . Bro . Charles Dickens , himself beloved and admired for his hereditary qualrties of geniality , kindness , and humour , is treading in his great father ' s footsteps by reading in public that fatner ' s
works . Works which I have no hesitation in saying have done more than those ot any other author of any age to expose hypocrisy and vice , to abolish abuses , and to kindle and tester sympathy in the hearts of men . Bro . Charles Dickens , although occupying the humble position of D . C . in this lodge is a P . M . in the Craft , who , when in the i _ hair of 111 s lodge performed the ceremonies and discharged the various duties of his office to the great satisfaction and delight of its members . Wurshiptul Master , with such a brilliant
staff of officers to support you there cannot be a doubt that the eminent position which the lodge has attained with such marvellous rapidity will be fully maintained , and that your year of office so auspiciously inaugurated , is destined to leave its maik in the annals of Masonry . Brethren , I feel sure you will join with me with the utmost cordiality and the warmest enthusiasm in the toast which 1 now give you , " The Officers of the Lodge , " and as Bro . Sir John Gorst has already spoken , I have the greatest pleasure in connecting with it the name of Bro . Bancroft .
Bro . S . B . BANCROFT , J . D ., said : Obedience to orders I take to be the first duty of every officer , so I beg to respond to the toast which you have done me the honour to associate with my name and which has been so kindly proposed by the President of the Board of General Purposes . I beg also to assure that Master of the Cralt how greatly the officers of Drury Lane Lodge value the compliment being offered them by one to
whom they already owe so much , and whom they know to be so distinguished in all that concerns the wisdom , the charity , and the dignity of Masonry . Although I wish this acknowledgment had fallen to the lot of a less humble subaltern than myselt , 1 will venture on behalf of my brother officers to say that the welfare of the Drury Lane Lodge is dear to their hearts , and that their zealous endeavours will not be wanting to uphold it .
Bro . W . W . B . BEACH , M . P ., Prov . G . M . Hants , said : At this late period of the evening , I shall only detain you a few moments whilst proposing the toast of " The Masonic Charities . " It is a very gratifying thing to know that there are seveial Masonic Institutions and there is no jealousy between them—the representative ot one being always ready to advocate the claims of the others . Being this year specially associated with one of those Institutions , I might attempt to improve the occasion by advocating its claims . I will only say 1 shall be extremely grateful to those brethren who will attend the festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and 1 shall be still moregratelul for those sums which 1 hope I shall receive to strengthen this deserving Charity .
Bro . JAMES TERRV , Secretary Koyal Masonic Benevolent Institution , responded , and said : ln rising to the toast of success to the Masonic Charities , 1 would venture to say that in the history of the Drury Lane Lodge , it has already made its mark as a supporter of our Institutions . In the past year your late W . M . represented your lodge for one of the Charities , and I feel that in the coming year the Benevolent Institution is
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Installation Of Bro. Augustus Harris As W.M. Of The Drury Lane Lodge, No. 2127.
Bro . A . M . BROADLEY , P . D . D . G . M . Malta , Secretary , said : Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master , Worshipful Master and brethren , when I listened to the kindly words in which Bro . Parkinson introduced to your notice the humble services I have rendered to this lodge , I really felt unequal to the task 1 knew I should have to perform when I rose to thank my brethren of the Drury Lane Lodge for the honour they have paid me . 't is perhaps a trite saying that any particular moment is the proudest of any-• hnrlv's life , but in connection with my own humble Masonic career , I can assuredly
use that expression to-day . It is just ten years ago that it was my privilege to assist in nlanting the flag of Masonry in the Mediterranean . I helped five years later to revive , in Egypt , a historical lodge in which the M . W . G . M . once sat as a Fellow Craft . And it was a proud moment when I was able to assist in drawing together the Craft , the drama , and Drury Lane . Seventy-nine years ago , down the very street in which the lodge was held , passed a great procession which included the Prince Regent , then Grand Master of our Order who assisted Bro . Kemble in laying the foundation of Covent Garden to the drama
Theatre . It was then that Freemasonry held out the hand of fellowship in distress—the bond of union . There is something in the constitution of the Drury Lane Lodge that will cement the profession of the drama and the truest of all mystic ties . It is eight years ago that I paid a visit to this country , having been absent for a time in the Mediterranean and having been there installed as D . D . G . M . I was here as a comparative stranger , and where was it that I received the hand of fellowship ? It was in this very hall and in the well known Asaph Lodge . The memory of that kindly
hosp itality is always present with me , and when I enlisted myself under the banner of this lodge I felt I should be doing a good service to Masonry if I could help as I said before , in drawing together the Craft , the drama , and Drury Lane . I ask you , have we succeeded ? I felt a deep satisfaction to-day when 1 saw the truest of friends and the best of Masons installed as W . M . I only regret that that kindly friend of us all , Bro . Lord Londesborough , is not with us now . Amongst the distinguished visitors present I am glad to see Bro . his Grace the Duke of Abercorn , who has hastened
from an Irish deputation at the Mansion House , to be with us and to testify by his presence his great belief in our work . If vve look round us , vve see that at this meeting there is scarcely a section of society of English social life that is not represented . There are peers , ecclesiastics , men of letters and science , and men holding high positions in the State . As representatives of the Privy Council we have Bro . Marriott , M . P ., who fills with credit an important post in her Majesty's Government , and Bro . Lord Robt . Montague , who was passed as a Fellow Craft 40 years ago , and who
yesterday became a M . M . We see the army well represented by Bros . Gen . Collingwood and Col . H . Hallett . If we turn to the Navy we have one whose name is historical in the annals of that great service—I allude to Admiral Cochrane . And we have enlisted a Grand Chaplain as the Chaplain of our lodge . It is not my duty to detain you longer , but propose the health of those visitors I see around this board who are members of our confraternity , and who come from every class and every creed ; many of them my own personal friends , and
some of whom once worked with me in the Mediterranean . We have a vast assembly of visitors , and if there is one thing that claims our attemion
it is the cosmopolitan character of Freemasonry , as shown by the Drury Lane Lodge . We have with us the Bishop of New Westminster . Now ,
I should like to ask you , where is New Westminster ? You have all heard of our own Westminster , where the debates have lately been of a
somewhat tedious character ( laughter ) , have made the name of Westminster rather familiar to us . I will tell you where New Westminster is . lt is
in British Columbia , and our Rev . brother present i s Grand Chaplain there . You all heard of Bro . Dr . Silli-oe when he was
Chaplain to the Princess Alice , at Darmstadt , then in British Columbia , and is here now present to-night with us . There is another name that another name that
BR 0 * A * M * BROADLEY , SEC . will be appreciated and that will re-echo wherever the English tongue is spoken . I mean Bro . George Augustus Sala . Who has not read his vivid description and his read y wit in the columns of the Daily Telegraph and the Illustrated London News . He is a member of the Universal Lodgeand it is riht and that he should
, g proper peiong to that lodge . He has to-night marked his return to Masonic life . He was an intimate friend of the father of the Worshipful Master , and by his presence helps to l ( l p rate 'he character of this lodge . There is another name and that is Bro . Puleston , M -P ., who has been sitting amongst a number of members of Parliament from whom a cabinet could be formed that vvould meet with the approbation of most reasonable
people . ( Laughter . ) Bro . Puleston is a member of the Lodge of Nine Muses . I beg ? ™ J' you all for the kind sympathy which you have shown me , and 1 can assure you mat I heartily appreciate it . I now ask you to rise and drink to "The Health of the \ Jtl L ' " and show them tliat hospitality is the first virtue in this lodge , and I couple with the toast the names of Bros , the Bishop of New Westminster , G . A . Sala , and fuleston , M . P . ( Applause . ) 0 F EW
of tut ^ ISH 0 P N W ESTMINSTER responded , and after thanking the members tne lod ge for their hospitality , said they would be anxious to hear Bro . Sala . hr * 0 ' GEORGE AUGUSTUS SALA also replied and said : Unaccustomed as lam to br th spea ^ 'n S > and being nervously apprehensive that I may be asked by some vou nftu the endof the Hal 1 , t 0 " s P eak up , " I am compelled to do my best and assure / " or the great gratification it has afforded me to be nresent . That < rratifirat ; nn was
ne « T ? -5 d Wlth a s , ight feel'ng of regret when I was in the lodge , and when I witsad t installation of your Worshipful Master . I felt for a moment a feeling of in " at R I remember that nearly 30 years have elapsed since I was initiated . Look-Posit ¦ ' f ar' < inson now ' seeing him covered with his jewels which distinguish his servirt " Masonry , ' cou , d not help feeling sorrowful that I had not rendered better positi u . Craft since my initiation - 1 m'g ht have placed myself in a higher outdid t at P resent occupy , had I worked as he has done . I was appointed S . W ., I hav h accept the office because I had not then the time to perform the duties of Masonry . 1 , e been a Mason nnvv for . 0 vears . anrl in th # » TInit ^ . 1 ^ toioc A .. ci . i ; « . Uoro ^ r-
, „ „ invitar ' I have had re P eated hospitality shown me . But I always declined the kind know * fu r hy ? Because ' felt that ' appreciated Masonry in its proper sense , and and fn 1 >> ll not wolk as a Mason ought . ! did not wish to be considered a " knife societv u r son * * have for some time been deprived of the pleasure of London Press H , L 'j £ ht ¦ ** m'g ht novv come a little into the world , that I might re-entrv , 's ™ of dear old fr , ends - l must congratulate myself that my U ... . Y \ Masonry was made in this lodee . I mav nnf he arvontaV , ! ,. t „ thi « l ™ W ;
World rn M a , ppv to bf * come a joining member . Anyone who has wandered about the togethe 11 u [ f'L t 0 have been struck Wlth the £ reat * ~** ond Masonry effects by bringing Here tn ¦ . ' dlffer - ** nt classes . In every country in which I have been I have seen it . been nl . " ? ' . Ve se < L men of every walk of life shaking each other by the hand . I have Worked uf j r s Sf * Harris installed as W - - 1 knew his father intimately , and he u nard tor the stage . The father sowed and the son has reaped . I have a sincere
Installation Of Bro. Augustus Harris As W.M. Of The Drury Lane Lodge, No. 2127.
admiration for the British Drama , which has been honoured in times past by the reigning Sovereigns . This is the Jubilee year of her Majesty , and I hope that Jubilee will be marked with one momentous result . I hope that the favours already received will only be the prelude for future favours to come . Drury Lane is the home of the Drama , and I hope we may be honoured on that stage by the sight of the Yeomen of the Guard , as in days gone by , and that we may see Victoria the Good extending her patronage . Should this take place , I have no doubt we should see a Jubilee meeting take place in this lodge . In conclusion , I will express the delight it affords me to make a second entry into Masonry and into our truly honourable Craft .
Bro . J . PULESTON , M . P ., also responded , and said : I am almost appalled when 1 contemplate the fact that I have been selected to respond for the visitors , for I know full well how inadequate any words will be from me to give expression to my own thoughts and those of my brother visitors for the magnificent hospitality . I thank you from the bottom of my heart , and I must be allowed to congratulate you upon the fact that you have a W . M . of many legions , upon whose name many thousands love to dwell , for he has for some time pastafforded them considerable pleasure . I congratulate you upon the
fact that you have as your S . W . an old friend of mine , who charms the House of Commons with his eloquence and invective . In the person of your J . W . you have a distinguished man , whom I am proud to call my friend . I thank you very much for your kindness , and I can only echo the sentiments of all when I express my gratitvde . It is the first occasion that I have had the distinguished honour of visiting you , and I hope and trust it will not be the last . There is one honour I should esteem , and that is to be enrolled a member of your lodge . And when we meet together again I hope we shall meet upon the level , and part upon the square .
The PRESIDENT of the Board of General Purposes said : Worshipful Master , I thank you for the honour you have done me in deputing me to propose the toast of " Ihe Officers of your Lodge . " You cannot but teel proud , Worshipful Master , in havng on your staff of officers men so eminently distinguished in their different professions . Your S . W ., Bio . Sir John Gorst , in early life carried off high university honours . He has proved himself a practised debater . He now occupies a high position as a member ot the Government , and we may safely predict that , in his new career as a statesman , he will amply fulfil the brilliant promise of his youth . As a brother Mason
he has assiduously discharged the duties of the office to which he was designated in the warrant ot this lodge . I believe he has never been absent from his post except on one single occasion when , during the holiday season , he was away from this country . I venture to say that he will prove a worthy successor toyourself , Worshipful Master , in the chair you now occupy , and will discharge the duties of Master when the time arrives with great credit and advantage to this lodge . The J . W ., Admiral Edward Inglefield , who is unfortunately unable to attend this evening , is a naval officer who has been deservedly honoured for the services he has rendered to his country in many seas . A man of high scientific acquirements , a Doctor of Civil Law , a Fellow of the Royal
Society , whose name is destined to be handed down to posterity in the future history of this country . The S . D ., Bro . Fernandez , I feel sure his brother artistes will readily admit to be a most
accomplished elocutionist , a powerful and thoughtful actor , and a man of high intellectual attainments , who will do credit to any office he may be called upon to hold in the lodge . TheJ . D .,
Bro . Bancrolt , has , I believe , done more for the elevation of his profession than any man of the present day connected with the drama . He has made the stage and its professers real presentments
of the actual life around us . He has shown us that an actor is a gentleman , who society ali classes are proud to seek , and to enjoy . The I . G ., Bro . Harry Nicholls , a bright comedian who has
never failed to command the approval of the public , who grows year by year in popularity , and whose genuine humour has made him an acknowledged favouiite with his audience . Although
only recently initiated into Masonry in this lodge , he is already a bright Mason , and the rapidity with which he has acquired a knowledge of
BRO . J . C . PARKINSON , » STAl „ Na MASTER . £££ » ^ pTrn of which he has given us such amusing samples on the boards of the theatre in which we have just assembled . And last , but certainly not least , you have in your D . C , Bro . Charles Dickens , a great name , a name to be , indeed , envied , a name revered and beloved throughout the civilised world . Bro . Charles Dickens , himself beloved and admired for his hereditary qualrties of geniality , kindness , and humour , is treading in his great father ' s footsteps by reading in public that fatner ' s
works . Works which I have no hesitation in saying have done more than those ot any other author of any age to expose hypocrisy and vice , to abolish abuses , and to kindle and tester sympathy in the hearts of men . Bro . Charles Dickens , although occupying the humble position of D . C . in this lodge is a P . M . in the Craft , who , when in the i _ hair of 111 s lodge performed the ceremonies and discharged the various duties of his office to the great satisfaction and delight of its members . Wurshiptul Master , with such a brilliant
staff of officers to support you there cannot be a doubt that the eminent position which the lodge has attained with such marvellous rapidity will be fully maintained , and that your year of office so auspiciously inaugurated , is destined to leave its maik in the annals of Masonry . Brethren , I feel sure you will join with me with the utmost cordiality and the warmest enthusiasm in the toast which 1 now give you , " The Officers of the Lodge , " and as Bro . Sir John Gorst has already spoken , I have the greatest pleasure in connecting with it the name of Bro . Bancroft .
Bro . S . B . BANCROFT , J . D ., said : Obedience to orders I take to be the first duty of every officer , so I beg to respond to the toast which you have done me the honour to associate with my name and which has been so kindly proposed by the President of the Board of General Purposes . I beg also to assure that Master of the Cralt how greatly the officers of Drury Lane Lodge value the compliment being offered them by one to
whom they already owe so much , and whom they know to be so distinguished in all that concerns the wisdom , the charity , and the dignity of Masonry . Although I wish this acknowledgment had fallen to the lot of a less humble subaltern than myselt , 1 will venture on behalf of my brother officers to say that the welfare of the Drury Lane Lodge is dear to their hearts , and that their zealous endeavours will not be wanting to uphold it .
Bro . W . W . B . BEACH , M . P ., Prov . G . M . Hants , said : At this late period of the evening , I shall only detain you a few moments whilst proposing the toast of " The Masonic Charities . " It is a very gratifying thing to know that there are seveial Masonic Institutions and there is no jealousy between them—the representative ot one being always ready to advocate the claims of the others . Being this year specially associated with one of those Institutions , I might attempt to improve the occasion by advocating its claims . I will only say 1 shall be extremely grateful to those brethren who will attend the festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and 1 shall be still moregratelul for those sums which 1 hope I shall receive to strengthen this deserving Charity .
Bro . JAMES TERRV , Secretary Koyal Masonic Benevolent Institution , responded , and said : ln rising to the toast of success to the Masonic Charities , 1 would venture to say that in the history of the Drury Lane Lodge , it has already made its mark as a supporter of our Institutions . In the past year your late W . M . represented your lodge for one of the Charities , and I feel that in the coming year the Benevolent Institution is