Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Exhibition At Shanklin.
masonry known ) , "Long Livers , " 1722 ( remarkable only for its Masonic dedication ) , Kloss' " Bibliography , " 1844 { the authority for Masonic works , to be used with the later one by Bro . Taute , exhibited by me ) , Bode ' s Almanacks , 1776-7 ( lacking 1778-9 ) , the " Blue Blanket . " 1722 , and the
quarto edition of the Scottish Constitutions , 1848 , are all valuable books , costly to procure , and of great and abiding interest . The more modern works I must pass over , save to fraternally mention the " History of the Craft" by Bro . Gould , and Dr . Rob Morris ' s fine volume of poems , the last work hy that veteran Masonic author .
Bro . Kenning sends a copy of the very rare "Multa Faucis' of 1763 , as does also Bro . Francis , the curious " Pocket Companion " of 1735 being on the lists of Bro . Le Feuvre and Bro . Taylor , the scarce list of lodges ( Ancient , & c . ) of 1804 being sent b y Lodge 41 , Bath . Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 , York , per Bro . Whytehead ( the originator of these Masonic
Exhibitions ) , sends the Bible used by the " Grand Lodge of all England , " a fine relic of ye olden tyme . The same flourishing lodge has sent phototypes of the "Ledger B , " St . John ' s Lodge , Philadelphia , U . S . A ., which is a very valuable exhibit . The full contents of that remarkable book , 1731-7 , will be found in my list ( 1412 ) . Several of the by-laws in my lot are curious and of considerable historical value , such as those containing
histories by Bro . Meyer and other examples of American Masonic customs Calendars of the Grand Lodge of England are remarkable books for consultation , from Bro . Le Feuvre ' s library , and cannot be met with now , as a rule , " for love or money . " The unrivalled collection of Masonic seals from Bro . J . Ramsden Riley ' s prolific store call for special notice , being so difficult to obtain , and yet so useful for historical purposes . The MSS . sent by
No . 41 , Bath , are invaluable , and as that ancient lodge possesses all their records from 1733 , they may well be proud of their orig in and continuity . Those also sent by Bro . F . H . Goldney ought to be particularised ; but what can I do when there is yet so much'undone ? The MS . record of the Province of Wilts , 1777 . sent by him to Worcester , and now exhibited—89
—was the means of the Grand Lodge acknowledging that province of greater antiquity by many years than they had evidence of before . The Royal Arch Records of the Chapter at Southampton are of great value , and so are many other exhibits about which I must say nothing , or , at all events , not at present , having to stay my pen from sheer inability to hold it longer for the time . Bro . Kelly ' s interesting exhibits I must reserve for another opportunity .
Consecration Of The De Tatton Lodge, No. 2144, Bowdon, Cheshire.
CONSECRATION OF THE DE TATTON LODGE , No . 2144 , BOWDON , CHESHIRE .
The consecration of the De Tatton Lodge , No . 2144 , which took p lace at Bowdon on Monday , the 6 th inst ., marks an epoch in the annals of Freemasonry in the district . Hitherto there has been no strictly local lodge , and it was in order to remove this deficiency and promote the tenets of Freemasonry that a few brethren were determined , about twelve months ago , to take steps in the matter . They were remarkably successful in securing
signatures , and in a very short period , nearly thirty , including many of the Provincial Officers of Cheshire and the adjoining province , were appended to the petition to Grand Lodge . It was " a happy thought" also which marked the selection of the name for the new lodge . Many of the lodges in the province bear good old territorial names , but singular to say , not one bears the ancient name of Tatton . The De Tatton Lodge is therefore a
compliment to the Deputy Grand Master of the province , and at the same time a recognition of his labours in the cause of Masonry . The warrant for the constitution of the lodge arrived in Bowdon about two months ago , and the Committee at once took steps for the consecration , which was fixed for Monday , the 6 th inst ., at the Parochial Schools , the use of which had been kindly granted for the purpose . The arrangements at the schools were in the hands of the P . G . D . C , Bro . W . Booth , of Stockport , and he entered
vigorously into the matter . The large room had been beautifully decorated under the direction of Mr . H . Ormson , and the branches of acacia were most appropriate , The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , who was to conduct the ceremony in the absence of Lord De Tabley , arrived at Bowdon soon after one o ' clock , and was the guest of the VV . M . designate , Bro . Edwin George Simpson , at the Old Cottage , Bowdon . His lordship ( Lord Egerton of Tatton ) was met by the Prov . Grand Officers , amongst whom
were : Bros . Rev . E . Bigoe Bagot , P . M ., P . G . C ; Rev . R . Hodgson , P . P . G . C ; R . N . Banks , P . P . G . J . D . ; Thomas Moore , P . P . G . S . ; Josiah Drinkwater , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; Henry Miller , " P . M . 1357 , P . G . O . ; Herbert Finch , P . P . G . D . C ; S . Blackshaw , P . G . S . B . ; S . Thompson , P . P . G . P . ; J . Beresford , P . P . G . S . D . ; John Roberts , P . P . G . D . C . East Lancashire ; T . H . Kirk , P . P . G . O . ; !• Ambler , P . P . G . S . D . ; Wallace Lump , P . G . P . ; Richard Timperley , P . P . G . S . D . East Lancashire ; John Chadwick , P . G . S . East Lancashire j James W . Abbott , P . G . D . C . East Lancashire ; Benjamin Taylor ,
P . P . G . Treas . East Lancashire ; E . G . Parker , P . P . G . P . ; William C Fleming-, P . G . T . ; John Wakelield , P . P . G . S . ; H . Crosby , P . P . G . P . West Lancashire ; L . Ellis , P . G . S . D . ; Dr . Royle , P . P . G . S . W . Lancashire ; George Jackson , P . M . 1047 ; George Bowen , 1045 , and J . W . 2144 ; Alfred Ingham , 15 C 5 , and S . D . 2144 ; E . Morgan , 1565 . and S . W . 2144 ; F . Johnson , 104 , and J . D . 2144 ; Alfred J . Pearce , W . M . 1357 ; William Dunville , P . M . 1011 ; W . H . Boycott , S . D . 1798 ; Leone Levy . 179 S ; Ephraim Nahum , 1 798 ; Rev . C . Spencer Stanhope , P . G . L . C . ; R . R . Lisenden , W . M . 318 ; and others .
lhe brethren assembled in the temporary lodge room at the Parochial Schools , and the P . G . Officers and the petitioning brethren in the anteroom . A procession was here formed to the lodge room , and the P . G . Officers having taken their positions , the D . P . G . M . was saluted in ancient form .
The D . P . G . M . addressed thebrethren on the object of the meeting , and in doing so expressed great regret at the absence , through continued illhealth of the P . G . M . It gave him , however , great pleasure to recommend the granting of the charter for the De Tatton Lodge , No . 2144 , and he hoped the founders would fully recognise their responsibility , and that it would be successful in furthering the objects of Masonry . Other forms having been gone through , the oration was delivered by Bro . the Rev . E . BIGOE B AGOT , Prov . G . Chap , of Cheshire . He said : —
That in the Arabian Nights we read of a fairy tent which a young prince brought hidden in a walnut shell to his father . Placed in the council chamber , it enconpied the king and his ministers . Taken into the court yard , all the household stood beneath its shade . Brought into the midst of the great plain outside the city , it spread its mighty awning all around until it gave shelter to a host . It had infinite flexibility , infinite expansiveness , and infinite power of development . So it was with Masonry . It had
covered Europe with its shadow ; it had found acceptance with east and west , with African and American tribes , and it was still spreading in the world , and it operated unspent by its own divine and earnest vitality . They all rejoiced that the latest development and expansion of the Craft was in their own Province of Cheshire . Among the many aspects and varied hues in which Masonry appeared , there were three he would briefly refer to—the universality o £ Masonry , its unity , and its large-hcartedncss . Free-
Consecration Of The De Tatton Lodge, No. 2144, Bowdon, Cheshire.
masonry addressed itself to universal wants , to the great rudimentary , universally diffused characteristics of human nature . It committed itself to no transient human opinions . The great poet of the lakes said : " We have all of us one human heart ; " and Masonry addressed itself to the common humanity which belonged to all , and to the wants and sorrows and inward consciousness which were the heritage of man as man . Second , there was the unity of Masonry . We were living in times when all over the world there was a manifest longing for more of visible unity .
France and Germany had both given us new words expressive of this desire for cosmopolitan unity . Conventions and expositions were held , in which representatives from all countries met to exchange ideas and commodities . These were signs which , like the tufts of grass and sprigs of red berries which caught the eye of Columbus from the masthead of the Pints , betokened the vicinity of land . It had been said said that there is a certain point in the upper atmosphere in which all the discordant sounds of the earth , the rattle of wheels , the chime of bells , the roll of the drum , the laugh of the
child , the moan of the beggar , all meet and blend in perfect harmony . Surely if that bright and cultured conception were realised anywhere on earth , it would be within the portals of a Masonic lodge , There vve meet together in that kindly spirit and friendly intercourse which does not sanction the intrusion of a single uncharitable thought , or require the compromise of one sincere conviction . We called no man Master . We did not set up a tabernacle for sect or party ; but united various grades and sections of men , diverse elements of conflicting society , in one reasonable and harmonious whole , and on
one broad and comprehensive basis . Thirdly , there was the large-heartedness of Masonry . We read in the Volume of the Sacred Law that the Great Architect of the Universe gave to our great Grand Master , King Solomon , wisdom and understanding exceeding much , and largeness of heart , even as the sand that is on the sea seore . The need of this large-heartedness was evident when we observed the hurtful influence of the power of selfishness in the world around . We almost persuaded ourselves that unselfishness was to be found only in the dictionary , and that interestedness absorbs every
noble feeling of the soul . Masonry exhibited beauteous contrasts by the bestowment of largeness of heart . All that was contracted and unworthy was sought to be replaced by all that was noble and sympathising , and brother was taught to grasp the hand of brother in fraternal recognition . All these principles of Masonry gravitated in one direction—to inspire and stimulate the brethren to active , practical benevolence and charity , which were the key note and index of the system . " Heaven does with us as we with torches do
Not light them for themselves ; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us , 'twere all alike As if we had them not . Spirits are not finely touched But to fine issues . Nor nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence , But , like a thrifty goddess , she determines Herself the glory of a creditor—Both thanks and use . "
There was a large field of labour open to their energy . There were two worlds in which to word—the world of the heart , with its many phased and wondrous life ; the world around us , with its problems waiting for solution , and its discordances yearning for the harmoniser . Masonry exhorted us with trumpet-tongued earnestness not to be enchained in idleness or indolence , enthralled by the blandishments of pleasure or
unmanned by its enervating air . May the principles and practice of the Craft find in this lodge their truest expression , and from generation to generation may Freemasonry incraase and prosper , placed by the unanimous verdict of society among the salutary and beneficient institutions of the country , enthroned deep in the hearts of its earnest and devoted worshippers , clothed in beauty , health , and vigour , the bloom of never decaying beauty upon her cheeks , and the light of an immortal youth upon her brow .
The D . P . G . M . afterwards constituted the new Iodge , and the ceremony of installing the W . M . designate ( Bro . Edwin George Simpson ) and investiture of officers followed . The Installing Master was Bro . Thomas Marwood , P . G . S . W ., and this portion of the ceremony being completed , the W . M ., Bro . Simpson , invested his officers as follows : Bros . James Simpson , I . P . M . ; Ed . Morgan , S . W . ; George Bowen , J . W . ; Alfred Ingham , S . D . ; Frederick Johnson , J . D . ; Col . Robert Munn , I . G . ; A . J . Pearce , Sec . ; Josiah Drinkwater , Treas . ; John Hunt , Steward ; William Bostock , D . C ;
and James Harrison , Tyler . In the evening the brethren sat down to a banquet admirably placed on the table by Bro . John Hunt , of the Griffin Hotel . Considering the difficulty he laboured under in having to convey the viands from his house to the schools , he acquitted himself most efficiently , and gave the greatest satisfaction . The newly-installed W . M . presided , on his right being Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton , and on his left the P . G . C . ( Bro . the Rev . E . B . Bagot ) , the P . P . G . C . ( Bro . Rev . R . Hodgson ) , and others .
The loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . That of the R . W . P . G . M . of Cheshire , Lord De Tabley , " was most heartily received , as was also "The Health of Lord Egerton . " His LORDSHIP in responding informed the brethren that Lord De Tabley had definitely announced his intention of resigning his position as Provincial Grand Master , and this would be a matter for regret , not only
amongst Masons in the province , but also throughout the kingdom . He thanked those present for the honour they had done him in drinking his health that evening , and he also felt the compliment conveyed in the name of the new lodge , which he could not help saying was a great source of satisfaction to him . He regretted the absence of his brother ( the Hon . Alan Egerton ) , who was detained in London b y his Parliamentary duties , otherwise he would undoubtedly have been present .
"Success ' . to the De Tatton Lodge , No . 2144 , " was drunk amid much enthusiasm , and was followed very appropriately by the glee , " Our ship now goes with a pleasant gale . " In proposing " The Health of thc W . M ., " Lord EGERTON said he fully believed that in Bro . Simpson , who had that day been constituted the first Master of the De Tatton Lodge , they would have one who would be the
first of a long roll of distinguished Masters of that lodge . He was sure there was no one who would fill his duties with greater ability , efficiency , or urbanity . Personally he had to thank the W . M . for his liberal and general hospitality that day , and he had great pleasure in asking them to drink health and prosperity to him . The large company they had had that day showed the interest taken in the new Iodge and in the W . M . thereof . ( Applause ) .
Bro , SIMPSON said he felt deeply the honour conferred upon him that day , but he almost felt unable to realise his responsibility . He was , however , surrounded by so many hearty brethren and officers of long standing who were there that day to do him honour , that he felt certain he should receive every assistance from them . ( Hear , hear . ) He was not repeating the mere conventionalities of every-day life when he said he thanked them for the exceedingly kind and brotherly manner in which they had received his health . He could only say it was his earnest hope and trust that as years rolled on he might still retain that good opinion which he believed honestly and sincerely he held at their hands that night . ( Applause ) .
"The Health of the Prov . Grand Sec , Bro . E . H . Griffiths , " also met with a hearty reception , but he had unfortunately to leave early to catch his train for Nantwich , and was therefore unable to reply in person . It is very noteworthy that he still retains the affection and esteem of the brethren to which his years and services entitle him in the highest degree . Bro . E . B . BAGOT proposed " The Health of the Newly-Invested Officers , " and he said he was quite sure they would discharge their duties in a most noble and perfect way .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Exhibition At Shanklin.
masonry known ) , "Long Livers , " 1722 ( remarkable only for its Masonic dedication ) , Kloss' " Bibliography , " 1844 { the authority for Masonic works , to be used with the later one by Bro . Taute , exhibited by me ) , Bode ' s Almanacks , 1776-7 ( lacking 1778-9 ) , the " Blue Blanket . " 1722 , and the
quarto edition of the Scottish Constitutions , 1848 , are all valuable books , costly to procure , and of great and abiding interest . The more modern works I must pass over , save to fraternally mention the " History of the Craft" by Bro . Gould , and Dr . Rob Morris ' s fine volume of poems , the last work hy that veteran Masonic author .
Bro . Kenning sends a copy of the very rare "Multa Faucis' of 1763 , as does also Bro . Francis , the curious " Pocket Companion " of 1735 being on the lists of Bro . Le Feuvre and Bro . Taylor , the scarce list of lodges ( Ancient , & c . ) of 1804 being sent b y Lodge 41 , Bath . Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 , York , per Bro . Whytehead ( the originator of these Masonic
Exhibitions ) , sends the Bible used by the " Grand Lodge of all England , " a fine relic of ye olden tyme . The same flourishing lodge has sent phototypes of the "Ledger B , " St . John ' s Lodge , Philadelphia , U . S . A ., which is a very valuable exhibit . The full contents of that remarkable book , 1731-7 , will be found in my list ( 1412 ) . Several of the by-laws in my lot are curious and of considerable historical value , such as those containing
histories by Bro . Meyer and other examples of American Masonic customs Calendars of the Grand Lodge of England are remarkable books for consultation , from Bro . Le Feuvre ' s library , and cannot be met with now , as a rule , " for love or money . " The unrivalled collection of Masonic seals from Bro . J . Ramsden Riley ' s prolific store call for special notice , being so difficult to obtain , and yet so useful for historical purposes . The MSS . sent by
No . 41 , Bath , are invaluable , and as that ancient lodge possesses all their records from 1733 , they may well be proud of their orig in and continuity . Those also sent by Bro . F . H . Goldney ought to be particularised ; but what can I do when there is yet so much'undone ? The MS . record of the Province of Wilts , 1777 . sent by him to Worcester , and now exhibited—89
—was the means of the Grand Lodge acknowledging that province of greater antiquity by many years than they had evidence of before . The Royal Arch Records of the Chapter at Southampton are of great value , and so are many other exhibits about which I must say nothing , or , at all events , not at present , having to stay my pen from sheer inability to hold it longer for the time . Bro . Kelly ' s interesting exhibits I must reserve for another opportunity .
Consecration Of The De Tatton Lodge, No. 2144, Bowdon, Cheshire.
CONSECRATION OF THE DE TATTON LODGE , No . 2144 , BOWDON , CHESHIRE .
The consecration of the De Tatton Lodge , No . 2144 , which took p lace at Bowdon on Monday , the 6 th inst ., marks an epoch in the annals of Freemasonry in the district . Hitherto there has been no strictly local lodge , and it was in order to remove this deficiency and promote the tenets of Freemasonry that a few brethren were determined , about twelve months ago , to take steps in the matter . They were remarkably successful in securing
signatures , and in a very short period , nearly thirty , including many of the Provincial Officers of Cheshire and the adjoining province , were appended to the petition to Grand Lodge . It was " a happy thought" also which marked the selection of the name for the new lodge . Many of the lodges in the province bear good old territorial names , but singular to say , not one bears the ancient name of Tatton . The De Tatton Lodge is therefore a
compliment to the Deputy Grand Master of the province , and at the same time a recognition of his labours in the cause of Masonry . The warrant for the constitution of the lodge arrived in Bowdon about two months ago , and the Committee at once took steps for the consecration , which was fixed for Monday , the 6 th inst ., at the Parochial Schools , the use of which had been kindly granted for the purpose . The arrangements at the schools were in the hands of the P . G . D . C , Bro . W . Booth , of Stockport , and he entered
vigorously into the matter . The large room had been beautifully decorated under the direction of Mr . H . Ormson , and the branches of acacia were most appropriate , The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , who was to conduct the ceremony in the absence of Lord De Tabley , arrived at Bowdon soon after one o ' clock , and was the guest of the VV . M . designate , Bro . Edwin George Simpson , at the Old Cottage , Bowdon . His lordship ( Lord Egerton of Tatton ) was met by the Prov . Grand Officers , amongst whom
were : Bros . Rev . E . Bigoe Bagot , P . M ., P . G . C ; Rev . R . Hodgson , P . P . G . C ; R . N . Banks , P . P . G . J . D . ; Thomas Moore , P . P . G . S . ; Josiah Drinkwater , P . M ., P . P . G . S . ; Henry Miller , " P . M . 1357 , P . G . O . ; Herbert Finch , P . P . G . D . C ; S . Blackshaw , P . G . S . B . ; S . Thompson , P . P . G . P . ; J . Beresford , P . P . G . S . D . ; John Roberts , P . P . G . D . C . East Lancashire ; T . H . Kirk , P . P . G . O . ; !• Ambler , P . P . G . S . D . ; Wallace Lump , P . G . P . ; Richard Timperley , P . P . G . S . D . East Lancashire ; John Chadwick , P . G . S . East Lancashire j James W . Abbott , P . G . D . C . East Lancashire ; Benjamin Taylor ,
P . P . G . Treas . East Lancashire ; E . G . Parker , P . P . G . P . ; William C Fleming-, P . G . T . ; John Wakelield , P . P . G . S . ; H . Crosby , P . P . G . P . West Lancashire ; L . Ellis , P . G . S . D . ; Dr . Royle , P . P . G . S . W . Lancashire ; George Jackson , P . M . 1047 ; George Bowen , 1045 , and J . W . 2144 ; Alfred Ingham , 15 C 5 , and S . D . 2144 ; E . Morgan , 1565 . and S . W . 2144 ; F . Johnson , 104 , and J . D . 2144 ; Alfred J . Pearce , W . M . 1357 ; William Dunville , P . M . 1011 ; W . H . Boycott , S . D . 1798 ; Leone Levy . 179 S ; Ephraim Nahum , 1 798 ; Rev . C . Spencer Stanhope , P . G . L . C . ; R . R . Lisenden , W . M . 318 ; and others .
lhe brethren assembled in the temporary lodge room at the Parochial Schools , and the P . G . Officers and the petitioning brethren in the anteroom . A procession was here formed to the lodge room , and the P . G . Officers having taken their positions , the D . P . G . M . was saluted in ancient form .
The D . P . G . M . addressed thebrethren on the object of the meeting , and in doing so expressed great regret at the absence , through continued illhealth of the P . G . M . It gave him , however , great pleasure to recommend the granting of the charter for the De Tatton Lodge , No . 2144 , and he hoped the founders would fully recognise their responsibility , and that it would be successful in furthering the objects of Masonry . Other forms having been gone through , the oration was delivered by Bro . the Rev . E . BIGOE B AGOT , Prov . G . Chap , of Cheshire . He said : —
That in the Arabian Nights we read of a fairy tent which a young prince brought hidden in a walnut shell to his father . Placed in the council chamber , it enconpied the king and his ministers . Taken into the court yard , all the household stood beneath its shade . Brought into the midst of the great plain outside the city , it spread its mighty awning all around until it gave shelter to a host . It had infinite flexibility , infinite expansiveness , and infinite power of development . So it was with Masonry . It had
covered Europe with its shadow ; it had found acceptance with east and west , with African and American tribes , and it was still spreading in the world , and it operated unspent by its own divine and earnest vitality . They all rejoiced that the latest development and expansion of the Craft was in their own Province of Cheshire . Among the many aspects and varied hues in which Masonry appeared , there were three he would briefly refer to—the universality o £ Masonry , its unity , and its large-hcartedncss . Free-
Consecration Of The De Tatton Lodge, No. 2144, Bowdon, Cheshire.
masonry addressed itself to universal wants , to the great rudimentary , universally diffused characteristics of human nature . It committed itself to no transient human opinions . The great poet of the lakes said : " We have all of us one human heart ; " and Masonry addressed itself to the common humanity which belonged to all , and to the wants and sorrows and inward consciousness which were the heritage of man as man . Second , there was the unity of Masonry . We were living in times when all over the world there was a manifest longing for more of visible unity .
France and Germany had both given us new words expressive of this desire for cosmopolitan unity . Conventions and expositions were held , in which representatives from all countries met to exchange ideas and commodities . These were signs which , like the tufts of grass and sprigs of red berries which caught the eye of Columbus from the masthead of the Pints , betokened the vicinity of land . It had been said said that there is a certain point in the upper atmosphere in which all the discordant sounds of the earth , the rattle of wheels , the chime of bells , the roll of the drum , the laugh of the
child , the moan of the beggar , all meet and blend in perfect harmony . Surely if that bright and cultured conception were realised anywhere on earth , it would be within the portals of a Masonic lodge , There vve meet together in that kindly spirit and friendly intercourse which does not sanction the intrusion of a single uncharitable thought , or require the compromise of one sincere conviction . We called no man Master . We did not set up a tabernacle for sect or party ; but united various grades and sections of men , diverse elements of conflicting society , in one reasonable and harmonious whole , and on
one broad and comprehensive basis . Thirdly , there was the large-heartedness of Masonry . We read in the Volume of the Sacred Law that the Great Architect of the Universe gave to our great Grand Master , King Solomon , wisdom and understanding exceeding much , and largeness of heart , even as the sand that is on the sea seore . The need of this large-heartedness was evident when we observed the hurtful influence of the power of selfishness in the world around . We almost persuaded ourselves that unselfishness was to be found only in the dictionary , and that interestedness absorbs every
noble feeling of the soul . Masonry exhibited beauteous contrasts by the bestowment of largeness of heart . All that was contracted and unworthy was sought to be replaced by all that was noble and sympathising , and brother was taught to grasp the hand of brother in fraternal recognition . All these principles of Masonry gravitated in one direction—to inspire and stimulate the brethren to active , practical benevolence and charity , which were the key note and index of the system . " Heaven does with us as we with torches do
Not light them for themselves ; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us , 'twere all alike As if we had them not . Spirits are not finely touched But to fine issues . Nor nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence , But , like a thrifty goddess , she determines Herself the glory of a creditor—Both thanks and use . "
There was a large field of labour open to their energy . There were two worlds in which to word—the world of the heart , with its many phased and wondrous life ; the world around us , with its problems waiting for solution , and its discordances yearning for the harmoniser . Masonry exhorted us with trumpet-tongued earnestness not to be enchained in idleness or indolence , enthralled by the blandishments of pleasure or
unmanned by its enervating air . May the principles and practice of the Craft find in this lodge their truest expression , and from generation to generation may Freemasonry incraase and prosper , placed by the unanimous verdict of society among the salutary and beneficient institutions of the country , enthroned deep in the hearts of its earnest and devoted worshippers , clothed in beauty , health , and vigour , the bloom of never decaying beauty upon her cheeks , and the light of an immortal youth upon her brow .
The D . P . G . M . afterwards constituted the new Iodge , and the ceremony of installing the W . M . designate ( Bro . Edwin George Simpson ) and investiture of officers followed . The Installing Master was Bro . Thomas Marwood , P . G . S . W ., and this portion of the ceremony being completed , the W . M ., Bro . Simpson , invested his officers as follows : Bros . James Simpson , I . P . M . ; Ed . Morgan , S . W . ; George Bowen , J . W . ; Alfred Ingham , S . D . ; Frederick Johnson , J . D . ; Col . Robert Munn , I . G . ; A . J . Pearce , Sec . ; Josiah Drinkwater , Treas . ; John Hunt , Steward ; William Bostock , D . C ;
and James Harrison , Tyler . In the evening the brethren sat down to a banquet admirably placed on the table by Bro . John Hunt , of the Griffin Hotel . Considering the difficulty he laboured under in having to convey the viands from his house to the schools , he acquitted himself most efficiently , and gave the greatest satisfaction . The newly-installed W . M . presided , on his right being Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton , and on his left the P . G . C . ( Bro . the Rev . E . B . Bagot ) , the P . P . G . C . ( Bro . Rev . R . Hodgson ) , and others .
The loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured . That of the R . W . P . G . M . of Cheshire , Lord De Tabley , " was most heartily received , as was also "The Health of Lord Egerton . " His LORDSHIP in responding informed the brethren that Lord De Tabley had definitely announced his intention of resigning his position as Provincial Grand Master , and this would be a matter for regret , not only
amongst Masons in the province , but also throughout the kingdom . He thanked those present for the honour they had done him in drinking his health that evening , and he also felt the compliment conveyed in the name of the new lodge , which he could not help saying was a great source of satisfaction to him . He regretted the absence of his brother ( the Hon . Alan Egerton ) , who was detained in London b y his Parliamentary duties , otherwise he would undoubtedly have been present .
"Success ' . to the De Tatton Lodge , No . 2144 , " was drunk amid much enthusiasm , and was followed very appropriately by the glee , " Our ship now goes with a pleasant gale . " In proposing " The Health of thc W . M ., " Lord EGERTON said he fully believed that in Bro . Simpson , who had that day been constituted the first Master of the De Tatton Lodge , they would have one who would be the
first of a long roll of distinguished Masters of that lodge . He was sure there was no one who would fill his duties with greater ability , efficiency , or urbanity . Personally he had to thank the W . M . for his liberal and general hospitality that day , and he had great pleasure in asking them to drink health and prosperity to him . The large company they had had that day showed the interest taken in the new Iodge and in the W . M . thereof . ( Applause ) .
Bro , SIMPSON said he felt deeply the honour conferred upon him that day , but he almost felt unable to realise his responsibility . He was , however , surrounded by so many hearty brethren and officers of long standing who were there that day to do him honour , that he felt certain he should receive every assistance from them . ( Hear , hear . ) He was not repeating the mere conventionalities of every-day life when he said he thanked them for the exceedingly kind and brotherly manner in which they had received his health . He could only say it was his earnest hope and trust that as years rolled on he might still retain that good opinion which he believed honestly and sincerely he held at their hands that night . ( Applause ) .
"The Health of the Prov . Grand Sec , Bro . E . H . Griffiths , " also met with a hearty reception , but he had unfortunately to leave early to catch his train for Nantwich , and was therefore unable to reply in person . It is very noteworthy that he still retains the affection and esteem of the brethren to which his years and services entitle him in the highest degree . Bro . E . B . BAGOT proposed " The Health of the Newly-Invested Officers , " and he said he was quite sure they would discharge their duties in a most noble and perfect way .