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Article CONSECRATION OF WEST KENT CHAPTER No. 1297. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF WEST KENT CHAPTER No. 1297. Page 2 of 2 Article TIME IMMEMORIAL LODGES.—II. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of West Kent Chapter No. 1297.
p leasure at all times to help in bringing a new chapter into existence , for , as he said in chapter , he so thoroughly believed and took an interest in the working of Royal . Arch Masonry . Not only in Royal Arch Masonry , but in Masonry generally did he also " lake ihe very greatest interest , because he thoug ht it was a blessing to society , and for this particular reason , that Masons met together , as they had met that nig ht ; many of them perhaps had never met before , or never seen or heard of , but there they were met at the banquet table after having worked in chapter , and there was this one
thin < which made them friends together , no matter what political or religious feelings they entertained , as long as they agreed together in a belief in God they met and associated as friends . That he thought was the great charm of " Freemasonry ; they met in it as a sort of haven of rest where they came across men they never saw in ordinary life . As in chapter he had expressed his feelings on this subject he would ask thc companions to excuse him from saying more than to thank them for their kindly reception of the toast of the Grand Officers .
The M . li . Z . then said they were also taught in the Sacred Volume , to which allusion had already been made , to pay " honour to whom honour is due , " and he was sure thc companions would agree with him that great honour was due to Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke for the way in which he performed the ceremonies of the day . He often thought when he read in thc Freemason the accounts of lhc many consecrations and ir spallations Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke attended—one day perhaps at Newcastle , another
day at Bristol , and another at Freemasons' llall—lhat he must be ubiquitous ; but he thought this all went to prove not only the very perfect manner in which he desired to carry out the duties of his high station , but also the very great amount of interest he to ik in all Masonic procedure . He therefore liad great pleasure in again thanking Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke in the name ofthe West Kent Chapter for his admirable performance of the ceremonies of consecration and installation , and for his kindness in coming on what he had a right to claim as his leisure day of the week to take the
principal part in launching a new chapter . In acknowledging thc toast . Comp . Col . SHADWELL II . C LEKKE said it was very kind of the M . Ii . First Principal to speak of him in such Haltering thoug h underserved terms , but it was not only his pleasure but his duty lo be there that day , and lo do all he possibly could to set thc West Kent Chapter on its legs . He had already madea few remarks in the chapter leasure that he
on the subject , and explained to the companions thc great p and the other Consecrating Companions had in attending to launch the chapter into existence , and , as he had said in chapter , from the high character the mother lodge had attained he felt quite sure lhat the West Kent Chapter thoroughly deserved the start it had had that day . He certainly did go about in various parts of the world , but he was afraid he could not claim
the character of being ubiquitous , which the M . li . Z . had ascribed to him . However , he did what he could in that way , and sometimes made long journeys in thc cause of Masonry , and he hoped he should be ab ' . e lo do in the future as he had in the past . " There was one point he might allude to —lhat the West Kent Chapter would not be slow in learning what was one of its duties , and that was the duty of hospitality ; and he believed from
what hnhad seen both in chapter and at the banquet table that the chapter would become a very happy and prosperous one . Passing now from a subject personal to himself , he would ask the companions to join him in honouring a very important toast indeed , the toast of "The M . Ii . First Principal . " He did not know what Comp . Crow-den ' s feelings might be , but he certainly had gone through : i very trying ordeal , and he must really be dazed with the many obligations he had taken . Whether he
remembered them all he ( Comp . Clerke ) was not sure , hut he had done a great deal undoubtedly , and had made a greal leap from the position of a private companion in the R . A . lo that of First Principal , a slep which very few companions had the opportunity of taking . He was very much to be congratulated on that proud position , more especiall y as he ( Comp . Col . Gierke ) believed lhat Comp . Crowden was the right man in the right place , and that in his hands the success of the West Kent Chapter was assured .
The M . li . Z ., in reply , said that when the brethren of the West Kent Lodge elected him the second time to be their W . M . he considered it to be a great honour and compliment indeed , and an era in his Masonic existence ; but to be chosen as the first M . li . Z . of a new chapter , and to be installed in the three chairs by one of the most efficient of the Grand Officers of
lingland was nn honour so great that it scarcely ever fell to a Mason . lie felt deeply thc compliment , and he hoped the future would prove lo the companions that he had not been unworthy of the honour , lt had been a great source of p leasure lo him to have been the humble instrument of creating this chapter , and he hoped , with the assistance of hi . , able coadjutors , tu make this chapter as successful as the West Kent Lodge .
The M . li . Z ., in proposing "The Visitors , said that they were informed by tradition that when the Ouccn of Sheba went to view King Solomon ' s temple she went with a numerous retinue . As there were many illustrious companions present , ihey might from their interest in Masonry claim some sort of relationship with ' the Oueen of Sheba . But whether that were so or not , it had been the custom of thc West Kent Lodge lo hold out the right
handof fellow-hip to visitors , and at this , thc first meeting of the West Kent Chapter , he hoped lhat this traditional custom would be continued . He might mention the name of Comp . Grabham , who had so kindl y assisted in the ceremonies of the day , and whom he thanked for so doing . There were also Comps . Sorcll , Henry , and Brookman , lhc last of whom he congratulated on his coming installation on the , following Monday as W . M . of the Aldersgate
Lodge . To all the visitors he offered , in the name of the West Kent Chapter , a hearty welcome . Comp . ft . B . GiuiiitAM said he was much indebted to the M . li . Z . for the opportunity given him of being there that night . It had been a great delight to him to give some little assistance to the chapter till it was in a ripe state . His own feelings were feelings of satisfaction with the progress the chapter had made that evening . From the excellent manner in which
the arrangements had gone on he had no doubt the chapter must have been a great success . There were many members in it who were anxious to go on in the Royal Arch , and he had the satisfaction of knowing thai there were seven or eight members of his own chapter , who were also members of the West Kent Chapter . That was of itself a very great thing , because Mount Sinai had a capital nr . me for good working , and those companions
who went there always saw something worth seeing . He would be happy at any time to assist in the working of the chapter . Comp . S ORELL said he was not bursting with eloquence , but he was with gratitude and appreciation of the kindness which had been shown lo the whole of the visitors . The labour of the chapter so far must have been a source of great anxiety to the founders , but certainl y it had resulted in a great success . If they devoted themselves to it as much as they had in the
Consecration Of West Kent Chapter No. 1297.
Craft , the chapter could not fail lo attain to a high position . All thc visitors would carry with them a most pleasing recollection of the meeting thai day . Comp . H EXRY said when Comp . Stead asked him lo be al the meeting he little anticipated that he should be called upon lo say a single word , and he was quite content to come and be amused . He did not expect to have to speak , which was always difficult with him , especially in the linglish
language . He would avail himself of the opportunity of offering ' his respects to thc Grand S . li ., as it was the first time he had had the honour of meeting him . Attending Masonic meetings in Spain was very different to attending them in this country . Shortly after the revolution of iS 6 S he attended a lodge in Spain whereVmety members were present . They were demonstrative in those parts , and not phlegmatic as in these more northern
quarters . Vou were not allowed to depart from lodge there without being saluted twice on the cheek b y each of the brethren , and he was glad that that course was nut pursued here . Comp . Arnold had very nicely put to the companions what Masonry did . He had seen a great deal of this abroad , where he had had the pleasure of meeting in lodge jew , Turk , and Gentile , all assembled together . If there was anything grand in this world it was a
system which could do this . Masonry was still in ils infancy in the world , and he wished it prosperity till lime should be no more . ' Thanking the companions for their hospitality , he assured them lhat if they ever went to Gibraltar ihey would find a hearty welcome in Masonic gatherings . Comp . BROOKMAN should not represent his own feelings , and should ill represent those of the orher visitors , if he now struck a discordant note
Looking round the table and seeing thc distinguished bad ges he felt he could represent as heartily in feeling the less elevated as well as ( hose who were more elevated in the Craft . Feeling , however , that so many " well graced actors " had left the stage , he should not think of trespassing further on the time of the Chairman than to thank them for their cordial rccention . Comp . POUND , P . Z . 19 , said he stood in an invidious position , because Comp . Crowden was a private member of Mount Sinai Chapter , and he
( Comp . Pound ) was a very old P . Z . of that chapter , which had alread y been more thin a hundred years in existenro . lie was deli ghted to see Comp . Crowden in the chair . Although the Mount Sinai had existed so many years the companions were glad to see young chapters springing up . Under Comp . Crowdcn ' s auspices the chapter must succeed . Comp . Pound expressed his pleasure with the ceremonies of the evening and with the reception , in similar terms , to the other companions .
The M . li . Z . gave the toast of "The 11 , ami . J . " lie had known Comp . Lake for twenty year * , but only the last four or the as a Alason . He was rejoiced to be supported by him . With regard to Comp . Stead , it was a very gracious act on his part , as an old P . Z . to lake office under him . Comp , Stead , when VV . M . of the W ' esi Kent Lodge , raised him to the Third Degree .
Comp . VV . I . AKK , 11 ., saiil if there was any one connected with the West Kent Chapter who had reason lo be grateful for an honour thai had been done him 11 was himself , for he was not connected in any way with thc lodge which had given birth to this chapter . He was a comparative stranger ' m many , and a total stranger to most of the members . For his nomination b y the M . li . Z . to thc oilice of SecQiul Princi pal of this chapter he could never
be too grateful . Thus much of himself . With regard to ihe West Kent Chapter he need not say ils success was secured ' in the hands of Comp . Crowden , All of the companions who knew what lie had done during his two years of Mastershi p in the West Kent Lodge would feel assured that the destinies of the chapter were safe in Ins hands so long as he occupied the Principal ' s chair . The Royal Arch Degree ? which he hail taken so kindly to , was of itself , as thev had all s *! in " th .-ii . l .-. v .- ¦
most beautiful one -beautiful iu its ritual , symbolism , and ceremonies ; and Comp . Crowden was well capable ol appreciating all tiie benuiies ot that Degree , and exemplif ying ami expounding them in all its working . Dnrinothe year there were lo be some candidates ' for exaltation , and he would show ? as he had shown in the Craft , thai he was a master of his work ; and not only
lhat , but that he had all the Masonic spirit lo carry out not only lhc letter , bul the very spirit of it through the chapter . Thanking ihe companions for the great honour they had done him , he could noi but repeal lhat he had no claim whatever to the position he occupied , but having been placed in that position he should blush to fall short of any of its duties alter the cxainulc set by the M . li . Z . l
Comp . J IS .. Sriru ) , referring lo the M . li . Z . ' s statement that he ( Comp . Steatl ) raised him , said very lew Alasters ever had such a promising pupil , and W . T- glad to see the West Kent Chapter under such good rule . Any exertions he ( Comp . Stead ) had made in bringing about this chapter had been ampl y repaid by the success of the evening .
lhc ALI ' .. / .. 111 giving " Ihe Olticcis ol the Chapter , " regretted the absence of Comp . F ' tillwood , and hoped he would be able to be present in April . He complimented Comps . . Woodrow , S . li ., and Perrin , S . N ., on what they had done for the chapter . Iiverylhing depended on Comp . Woodrow ' s exertions .
Comp . \\ OODROW , m responding , said he had much to ( hank ( he odier companions for . He hoped that what he should do during his year of office would entitle him to be placed again in that position . Comp . PLRRIN said ho had followed the lead of the . M . li . Z . before , and he should always be contented to follow it , as he had found it a success . They
had been looking forward some time to this successful evening , and they were now glad to see the chapter started on such a good basis . There was good material in the chapter , and judging from what the M . li . Z . had done for the West Kent Lodge , the same success might be anticipated for the chapter . 'The lodge had been at a low ebb , but now it was looked upon , as one ot the Grand Ollicers had said , as one of the principal lodges of Masonry .
By permission of ihe Al . li . Z ., Comp . POUND gave the toasl , " The West Kent Chapter—may it flourish root and branch . " 'The proceedings socn after terminated . We shall publish Comp . Arnold ' s oration next week . 'The jewels and collars for the whole of the officers were presented to ( he chapter by the M . li . Z ., Comp . R , H . Crowden .
Time Immemorial Lodges.—Ii.
TIME IMMEMORIAL LODGES . —II .
BY MASONIC STUDENT . I have read , as all students must read , Bro . Gould ' s last communication on this subject with much pleasure , and thank him sincerel y for the information he so lucidl y gives us all . In my humble opinion , strictly speaking , those only are really time immemorial lod ges which act without a-charter , there now being only two on the register of the Grand Lodge of Iingland , vi / ., the Lodge of Antiquity and Somerset House and Inverness . " 'The Lodge of Fortitude and Old Cumbsrland , though one of the original four
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of West Kent Chapter No. 1297.
p leasure at all times to help in bringing a new chapter into existence , for , as he said in chapter , he so thoroughly believed and took an interest in the working of Royal . Arch Masonry . Not only in Royal Arch Masonry , but in Masonry generally did he also " lake ihe very greatest interest , because he thoug ht it was a blessing to society , and for this particular reason , that Masons met together , as they had met that nig ht ; many of them perhaps had never met before , or never seen or heard of , but there they were met at the banquet table after having worked in chapter , and there was this one
thin < which made them friends together , no matter what political or religious feelings they entertained , as long as they agreed together in a belief in God they met and associated as friends . That he thought was the great charm of " Freemasonry ; they met in it as a sort of haven of rest where they came across men they never saw in ordinary life . As in chapter he had expressed his feelings on this subject he would ask thc companions to excuse him from saying more than to thank them for their kindly reception of the toast of the Grand Officers .
The M . li . Z . then said they were also taught in the Sacred Volume , to which allusion had already been made , to pay " honour to whom honour is due , " and he was sure thc companions would agree with him that great honour was due to Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke for the way in which he performed the ceremonies of the day . He often thought when he read in thc Freemason the accounts of lhc many consecrations and ir spallations Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke attended—one day perhaps at Newcastle , another
day at Bristol , and another at Freemasons' llall—lhat he must be ubiquitous ; but he thought this all went to prove not only the very perfect manner in which he desired to carry out the duties of his high station , but also the very great amount of interest he to ik in all Masonic procedure . He therefore liad great pleasure in again thanking Comp . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke in the name ofthe West Kent Chapter for his admirable performance of the ceremonies of consecration and installation , and for his kindness in coming on what he had a right to claim as his leisure day of the week to take the
principal part in launching a new chapter . In acknowledging thc toast . Comp . Col . SHADWELL II . C LEKKE said it was very kind of the M . Ii . First Principal to speak of him in such Haltering thoug h underserved terms , but it was not only his pleasure but his duty lo be there that day , and lo do all he possibly could to set thc West Kent Chapter on its legs . He had already madea few remarks in the chapter leasure that he
on the subject , and explained to the companions thc great p and the other Consecrating Companions had in attending to launch the chapter into existence , and , as he had said in chapter , from the high character the mother lodge had attained he felt quite sure lhat the West Kent Chapter thoroughly deserved the start it had had that day . He certainly did go about in various parts of the world , but he was afraid he could not claim
the character of being ubiquitous , which the M . li . Z . had ascribed to him . However , he did what he could in that way , and sometimes made long journeys in thc cause of Masonry , and he hoped he should be ab ' . e lo do in the future as he had in the past . " There was one point he might allude to —lhat the West Kent Chapter would not be slow in learning what was one of its duties , and that was the duty of hospitality ; and he believed from
what hnhad seen both in chapter and at the banquet table that the chapter would become a very happy and prosperous one . Passing now from a subject personal to himself , he would ask the companions to join him in honouring a very important toast indeed , the toast of "The M . Ii . First Principal . " He did not know what Comp . Crow-den ' s feelings might be , but he certainly had gone through : i very trying ordeal , and he must really be dazed with the many obligations he had taken . Whether he
remembered them all he ( Comp . Clerke ) was not sure , hut he had done a great deal undoubtedly , and had made a greal leap from the position of a private companion in the R . A . lo that of First Principal , a slep which very few companions had the opportunity of taking . He was very much to be congratulated on that proud position , more especiall y as he ( Comp . Col . Gierke ) believed lhat Comp . Crowden was the right man in the right place , and that in his hands the success of the West Kent Chapter was assured .
The M . li . Z ., in reply , said that when the brethren of the West Kent Lodge elected him the second time to be their W . M . he considered it to be a great honour and compliment indeed , and an era in his Masonic existence ; but to be chosen as the first M . li . Z . of a new chapter , and to be installed in the three chairs by one of the most efficient of the Grand Officers of
lingland was nn honour so great that it scarcely ever fell to a Mason . lie felt deeply thc compliment , and he hoped the future would prove lo the companions that he had not been unworthy of the honour , lt had been a great source of p leasure lo him to have been the humble instrument of creating this chapter , and he hoped , with the assistance of hi . , able coadjutors , tu make this chapter as successful as the West Kent Lodge .
The M . li . Z ., in proposing "The Visitors , said that they were informed by tradition that when the Ouccn of Sheba went to view King Solomon ' s temple she went with a numerous retinue . As there were many illustrious companions present , ihey might from their interest in Masonry claim some sort of relationship with ' the Oueen of Sheba . But whether that were so or not , it had been the custom of thc West Kent Lodge lo hold out the right
handof fellow-hip to visitors , and at this , thc first meeting of the West Kent Chapter , he hoped lhat this traditional custom would be continued . He might mention the name of Comp . Grabham , who had so kindl y assisted in the ceremonies of the day , and whom he thanked for so doing . There were also Comps . Sorcll , Henry , and Brookman , lhc last of whom he congratulated on his coming installation on the , following Monday as W . M . of the Aldersgate
Lodge . To all the visitors he offered , in the name of the West Kent Chapter , a hearty welcome . Comp . ft . B . GiuiiitAM said he was much indebted to the M . li . Z . for the opportunity given him of being there that night . It had been a great delight to him to give some little assistance to the chapter till it was in a ripe state . His own feelings were feelings of satisfaction with the progress the chapter had made that evening . From the excellent manner in which
the arrangements had gone on he had no doubt the chapter must have been a great success . There were many members in it who were anxious to go on in the Royal Arch , and he had the satisfaction of knowing thai there were seven or eight members of his own chapter , who were also members of the West Kent Chapter . That was of itself a very great thing , because Mount Sinai had a capital nr . me for good working , and those companions
who went there always saw something worth seeing . He would be happy at any time to assist in the working of the chapter . Comp . S ORELL said he was not bursting with eloquence , but he was with gratitude and appreciation of the kindness which had been shown lo the whole of the visitors . The labour of the chapter so far must have been a source of great anxiety to the founders , but certainl y it had resulted in a great success . If they devoted themselves to it as much as they had in the
Consecration Of West Kent Chapter No. 1297.
Craft , the chapter could not fail lo attain to a high position . All thc visitors would carry with them a most pleasing recollection of the meeting thai day . Comp . H EXRY said when Comp . Stead asked him lo be al the meeting he little anticipated that he should be called upon lo say a single word , and he was quite content to come and be amused . He did not expect to have to speak , which was always difficult with him , especially in the linglish
language . He would avail himself of the opportunity of offering ' his respects to thc Grand S . li ., as it was the first time he had had the honour of meeting him . Attending Masonic meetings in Spain was very different to attending them in this country . Shortly after the revolution of iS 6 S he attended a lodge in Spain whereVmety members were present . They were demonstrative in those parts , and not phlegmatic as in these more northern
quarters . Vou were not allowed to depart from lodge there without being saluted twice on the cheek b y each of the brethren , and he was glad that that course was nut pursued here . Comp . Arnold had very nicely put to the companions what Masonry did . He had seen a great deal of this abroad , where he had had the pleasure of meeting in lodge jew , Turk , and Gentile , all assembled together . If there was anything grand in this world it was a
system which could do this . Masonry was still in ils infancy in the world , and he wished it prosperity till lime should be no more . ' Thanking the companions for their hospitality , he assured them lhat if they ever went to Gibraltar ihey would find a hearty welcome in Masonic gatherings . Comp . BROOKMAN should not represent his own feelings , and should ill represent those of the orher visitors , if he now struck a discordant note
Looking round the table and seeing thc distinguished bad ges he felt he could represent as heartily in feeling the less elevated as well as ( hose who were more elevated in the Craft . Feeling , however , that so many " well graced actors " had left the stage , he should not think of trespassing further on the time of the Chairman than to thank them for their cordial rccention . Comp . POUND , P . Z . 19 , said he stood in an invidious position , because Comp . Crowden was a private member of Mount Sinai Chapter , and he
( Comp . Pound ) was a very old P . Z . of that chapter , which had alread y been more thin a hundred years in existenro . lie was deli ghted to see Comp . Crowden in the chair . Although the Mount Sinai had existed so many years the companions were glad to see young chapters springing up . Under Comp . Crowdcn ' s auspices the chapter must succeed . Comp . Pound expressed his pleasure with the ceremonies of the evening and with the reception , in similar terms , to the other companions .
The M . li . Z . gave the toast of "The 11 , ami . J . " lie had known Comp . Lake for twenty year * , but only the last four or the as a Alason . He was rejoiced to be supported by him . With regard to Comp . Stead , it was a very gracious act on his part , as an old P . Z . to lake office under him . Comp , Stead , when VV . M . of the W ' esi Kent Lodge , raised him to the Third Degree .
Comp . VV . I . AKK , 11 ., saiil if there was any one connected with the West Kent Chapter who had reason lo be grateful for an honour thai had been done him 11 was himself , for he was not connected in any way with thc lodge which had given birth to this chapter . He was a comparative stranger ' m many , and a total stranger to most of the members . For his nomination b y the M . li . Z . to thc oilice of SecQiul Princi pal of this chapter he could never
be too grateful . Thus much of himself . With regard to ihe West Kent Chapter he need not say ils success was secured ' in the hands of Comp . Crowden , All of the companions who knew what lie had done during his two years of Mastershi p in the West Kent Lodge would feel assured that the destinies of the chapter were safe in Ins hands so long as he occupied the Principal ' s chair . The Royal Arch Degree ? which he hail taken so kindly to , was of itself , as thev had all s *! in " th .-ii . l .-. v .- ¦
most beautiful one -beautiful iu its ritual , symbolism , and ceremonies ; and Comp . Crowden was well capable ol appreciating all tiie benuiies ot that Degree , and exemplif ying ami expounding them in all its working . Dnrinothe year there were lo be some candidates ' for exaltation , and he would show ? as he had shown in the Craft , thai he was a master of his work ; and not only
lhat , but that he had all the Masonic spirit lo carry out not only lhc letter , bul the very spirit of it through the chapter . Thanking ihe companions for the great honour they had done him , he could noi but repeal lhat he had no claim whatever to the position he occupied , but having been placed in that position he should blush to fall short of any of its duties alter the cxainulc set by the M . li . Z . l
Comp . J IS .. Sriru ) , referring lo the M . li . Z . ' s statement that he ( Comp . Steatl ) raised him , said very lew Alasters ever had such a promising pupil , and W . T- glad to see the West Kent Chapter under such good rule . Any exertions he ( Comp . Stead ) had made in bringing about this chapter had been ampl y repaid by the success of the evening .
lhc ALI ' .. / .. 111 giving " Ihe Olticcis ol the Chapter , " regretted the absence of Comp . F ' tillwood , and hoped he would be able to be present in April . He complimented Comps . . Woodrow , S . li ., and Perrin , S . N ., on what they had done for the chapter . Iiverylhing depended on Comp . Woodrow ' s exertions .
Comp . \\ OODROW , m responding , said he had much to ( hank ( he odier companions for . He hoped that what he should do during his year of office would entitle him to be placed again in that position . Comp . PLRRIN said ho had followed the lead of the . M . li . Z . before , and he should always be contented to follow it , as he had found it a success . They
had been looking forward some time to this successful evening , and they were now glad to see the chapter started on such a good basis . There was good material in the chapter , and judging from what the M . li . Z . had done for the West Kent Lodge , the same success might be anticipated for the chapter . 'The lodge had been at a low ebb , but now it was looked upon , as one ot the Grand Ollicers had said , as one of the principal lodges of Masonry .
By permission of ihe Al . li . Z ., Comp . POUND gave the toasl , " The West Kent Chapter—may it flourish root and branch . " 'The proceedings socn after terminated . We shall publish Comp . Arnold ' s oration next week . 'The jewels and collars for the whole of the officers were presented to ( he chapter by the M . li . Z ., Comp . R , H . Crowden .
Time Immemorial Lodges.—Ii.
TIME IMMEMORIAL LODGES . —II .
BY MASONIC STUDENT . I have read , as all students must read , Bro . Gould ' s last communication on this subject with much pleasure , and thank him sincerel y for the information he so lucidl y gives us all . In my humble opinion , strictly speaking , those only are really time immemorial lod ges which act without a-charter , there now being only two on the register of the Grand Lodge of Iingland , vi / ., the Lodge of Antiquity and Somerset House and Inverness . " 'The Lodge of Fortitude and Old Cumbsrland , though one of the original four