-
Articles/Ads
Article CONTENTS. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 1 of 3 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 1 of 3 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
Tioval Masonic Institution for Boys 255 R IPOBTS or M ASONIC HUSTINGSCraft Masonry .., 2 ja Mark Masonry 360 Freemasonry in Essex 260 Consecration if the United Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners , No . Manchester 260
,, Masonic Notes and Queries 261 Reviews 26 r Roval Masonic Institution for Girls 261 H . R . H . Prince Leopold 262 The Anniversary' Festival of the Boys' School 262 The Scottish Rite in France 262 In Memoriam 262
CoRRE SPONDEXCE : — A Warning 263 Cagliostro 263 Stewards' Unpaid Fees 26 3 Old Masons , 263
Query 263 Consecration of the Clapham Lodge , No . 1 S 18 s 26 3 Consecration of the Marquis of Dalhousie Chapter , No . rijfo . 26 4 Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire 266 Masonic and General Tidings 266 Lodge Meetings for Next Week iii . Advertisements i ., ii ., iii ., iv ., v ., vr .
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
The eighty-first anniversary festival of this Institution was held on Wednesday , at the Alexandra Palace . The Earl of Rosslyn , Past Grand Master of Scotland , presided , and was supported on his right by Lord Ribblesdale , and on his left by Sir Molyneux Nepean . About 900 ladies
and gentlemen sat down to dinner . Among those present were Bros . James Lewis Thomas , P . A . G . D . C . ; A . J . Altman , W . M . 1615 ; Edgar Bowyer , Wm . Ramsey , H . A . Dubois , Hyde Pullen , Donald M . Dewar , J . Farmaner , Thomas , Hainsworth , Charles , Dr . Morris , Abbott , George Kenning , H . C . Levander , C . Hammerton , F . Adlard , E . B . Grabham , A . E . Gladwell ,
J . T . Chancellor , W . Poore , Baron de Ferriers , T . C . Walls , H . Smith , W . Winn , Rev . H . A . Pickard , P . G . C . ; Sir E . H . Lechmere , lames Terry , F . R . W . Hedges , H . G . Buss , A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , R . W . H . Giddy , George Penn , P . M . 1642 ; Charles Lacey , V . P ., P . M . 174 , P . Prov . G . D . Herts . ; R . G . Venables , S . W . 6 ; S . Pounceby , W . M . ct j G . T . Brown , Sec . and
P . M . 65 ; J . L . Cross , l . G . 90 ; J . Ramsay , J . D . 162 ; A . J . Dottridge , P . M . 172 ; W . J . Ferguson , P . M . 177 ; T . S . Mortlock , P . M . 186 ; E . H . Stammwitz , P . M . 433 ; R . J . Jeffs , J . W . 435 ; T . W . Cooper , S . W . 53 8 ; G . W . Verry , Sec . and P . M . 554 ; J . Chapman , 6 57 : C . Hubbard , W . M . 820 W . G . Brighten , P . M . 1339 ; T . S . Taylor , P . M . 1421 ; W . Stephens , P . M . 1489 ; E . F . Storr , W . M .
1679 ; J . M . Klenck , P . M . 1686 ; R . J . Barton , J . D . 771 , Bucks and Berks ; C . W . Cox , S . W . 1566 , Bucks and Berks ; J . D . Kay , P . M . 28 9 , West Yorks . ; J . J . Berry , Z . Ch . 554 ; and H . Massey ( Freemason ) . After dinner , grace having been sung by the boys , the toasts of the evening were proposed . In giving the toast of " The Queen , "
The Chairman said : Ladies and gentlemen , In every assembly of loyal Englishmen the first toast , and that which is most heartily drunk , is that of her Majesty the Queen . A long , happy , and glorious reign has been hers , and during it she has endeared herself to all classes , particularly to the Society of Freemasons , who look upon charity and kindness of heart as the truest test of loyalty .
We have seen within the last few days an evidence of that deep sympathy which is shown by her Majesty for grief and suffering—a sympathy which is shared by every one of you here present this evening . The Chairman : Ladies and gentlemen , The next toast which I have the honour to call on you to drink is that of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the Most Worshipful
Grand Master of Freemasons in England , and the President of this Institution . The warm interest which he ever takes in Freemasonry is well known to all of you . During the many years that I have had the honour of enjoying the Masonic friendship of his Royal Highness , I have ever known him willing to take an active interest in Freemasonry j and that that is an incalculable privilege
to Freemasonry no one can deny . ( Hear , hear . ) I may go further , and I may say that the kindness which H . R . H . has shown has been shown in the most courteous and friendl y manner . ( Renewed cheering . ) In works of charity His Royal Highness ' s purse and good wishes are always to command , and no one will be more happy than H . R . H . to learn of the complete success of this meeting .
1 give you " The Health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , 'he Grand Master of Masons of England , and the " resident of this Institution . " Sir Molyneux Nepean , in proposing "The Health of the Chairman , " said : Ladies , gentlemen , and brethren , { am unworthily deputed to propose what I consider after Her Majesty ' s health and that of the Royal Famil y is the
toast of the evening . I am desired to propose " The Health of Lord Rosslyn , the Chairman of this Festival . " Ladies , gentlemen , and brethren , I need not say that , as both an English and a Scotch Mason myself , I am exceeding ly proud to see him sitting here as Chairman of atl English charity of the first water . I think that in the Position that he holds there is no man could have brought
together a better assemblage , and a better class of breth-. i and a more profitable one for the Institution ; and that s a great point to be attained . I look upon it as a glorious ning that we should get a man here who , by position , by lr 'n , and name , is equal to all and inferior to none , whose atnil y has a noble reputation . We welcome him here otn as an English and as a Scotch Mason , and I trust ' ° "ill all drink his health most heartily .
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
The Chairman : Ladies and gentlemen , I can assure you that this very flattering reception has almost deprived me of my powers of speech . I can assure you that I can attribute it to nothing else but to your Masonic kindness , for personally , I believe , I am unknown to almost every person in this room . ( No , no . ) I have heard that good wine needs no bush . A little bush hung up this evening
has given me the great honour that has been done me this evening . It is a great honour to preside here ; it is a great honour to succeed , as Chairman , to that illustrious personage who has presided here on a former occasion . But , if you will allow me , I claim to be quite as much an English Mason as a Scotch Mason . I am an English Mason of
five and twenty years' standing , for I was affiliated to an English lodge at Malta previous to the Crimean war , and during the two months I was there I had the honour to make almost every member of the Brigade Guard Masons . Some of those went forth to death and glory , but many of them returned , and are still among us . I have also another claim to urge . I had the honour to affiliate
the late Lord Zetland to a lodge of Scotch Freemasons , and it was a proud moment for me when I performed that office for the late earl . It is not for me , however , to talk of English and Scotch Masons , because we are all one , we are unitedly the same ties , and we have all one common object , the good and happiness of all mankind . I can assure you that I shall always regard this evening as
one of the proudest in my life on account of the honour which has been conferred upon me ( hear , hear ) , and that honour has been , if possible , increased by the honour and kindness with which you have received the toast of my health . The honour altogether is one which I shall never forget to thank my brother Masons for . ( Applause . ) The Chairman : The next toast I have to ask you to
drink is " The Health of the Earl of Carnarvon , W . M ., Pro Grand Master . " ( Cheers . ) It is impossible to mistake the significance of your applause , and I know that his lordship has earned it well , for he has often done duty for H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and lie has continually acted on the throne in Grand Lodge . Personally I have had his acquaintance for many years . We were boys
together at Eton , afterwards we were together at Oxford , and I have known him in later years , and I know that no man has acted a more honourable public part than the Earl of Carnarvon . ( Applause . ) I have also the honour to propose " The Health of Lord Skelmersdale , R . W . Dep . Grand Master , and the Grand Officers , the Vice-Presidents , and the Provincial Grand Masters , and Present and Past
Grand Officers of this Institution . " In giving this toast in this form I am sure that Lord Skelmersdale ' s health and the health of the Grand Officers will be well received by you . They have one and all done their duty and earned your gratitude . ( Hear , hear . ) Lord Skelmersdale , as we all know , is a most indefatigable Mason . He told me in his place in the House of Lords to express his regret
that he was unable to be present this evening . ( Applause . ) I call upon Sir Edward Lechmere , P . G . M . of Worcestershire , to respond to this toast . ( Cheers . ) Sir E . Lechmere , in reply , said : My lords , ladies , and gentlemen , I have been called upon very unexpectedly to have the honour of responding for this very important toast . I must say I thoroughly appreciate the
consideration of Bro . Binckes | in sparing us those ehsagreeable anticipations which we sometimes have to encounter when we find a slip of paper upon our plates —( no , no)—and we feel at once that all the enjoyment of our dinner is entirely spoiled . I may also say that by this admirable arrangement brevity of speech is assured , and I can say that I shall not detain you long . The toast I have been
called upon to respond to is one of importance , inasmuch as you have heard , in terms so well expressed by the Chairman , the great meed of gratitude which we owe to those distinguished nobleman who assist our Royal Grand Master in the administration of Masonry in this kingdom , and also to those other gentlemen of various positions , whether as Vice-Presidents of this Institution or Grand
Officers , present and past , who have so many years taken a great interest in this and the kindred Institution , the Girls' School , and who are so ready in their attendance in order to support this noble Charity . I assure you I feel great pride and pleasure in being present here to-night , the first occasion I have been able to attend these Charities since my installation as Grand Master of the province of
Worcester . I can look back with pleasure to the day , long distant , for although I am recently appointed a Grand Master , I am a Mason of long standing . I was a Steward of the Girls' School , and I looked with admiration and impatience to the gallery where the ladies were placed—I rejoice now the ladies are placed by our side—an arrangement which , I need scarcely say , conduces very much to
our enjoyment on these occasions , but , I believe , directly and indirectly it conduces very much to the support of our noble Charities . I am happy to say on this occasion the province of Worcester is represented , and I am further happy to say there are two Stewards on this occasion who have not come empty handed , but have brought up 522 guineas , to show that we country Masons , although we
have our shortcomings , still are quite ready to aid our metropolitan brethren as far as we can . ( Cheers . ) The Chairman : Ladies and gentlemen , in proposing what I justly called the toast of the evening— " Prosperity to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , " with the health of Bro . Plucknett , the Treasurer , I am almost overpowered by the difficulty and magnitude of the task
which has been set me . I came here , as I have said before , representing Scotch Masonry at the Grand Lodge of England , and I look to Scotland and find no charity of the kind . I come to England , and I see the most splendid , munificent , and magnificent charities that the world can produce . I confess to you that for 20 years I took the model of your Charities as an example to be followedby the Freemasons of Scotland . I toiled in vain ,
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
but still hoping against hope . My successor first followed in the same path which I had marked out myself , and , with y jur Charities for our guide we hope in Scotland some day , if not to rival you , at least to imitate you . In proposing prosperity to this magnificent Charity , so far as I am myself concerned , I can tell you I have visited it in every department to-day , and I have found it not only perfect in
all appliances and admirably suited for its purposes , but reflecting such credit on those engaged in its management and administration , that I should defy the most captious critic to find fault with it . The good that it must do is incalculable , training up the young , fitting them hereafter to serve their country , and training them up in the way they should go , bending the young twig in the way it
is certain to form stately timber which may be the pride of Old England . And , ladies and gentlemen , I have in my hand a report , from which I might tell you of the antiquity of the Institution , but you know that as well as I do . 1 mi ght tell you of its usefulness , but you know that as well as I do . Still , when we come to read of such figures as £ 1 5 , 000 a year devoted to this
Chanty we must all think how liberal and how charitable are the Freemasons of England . Taking into consideration that this great Charity that I am now asking your aid foralthough I think it almost unnecessary to ask in such an assemblage as this , for I see the desire of giving depicted on every countenance ; and if the brethren did not intend to give those ladies by their side would certainly enforce
them—takingginto consideration , I say , that this Institution has not been without its troubles , which it has suffered from circumstances over which it has had no control—the result of such a sum as this is perfectly marvellous and wonderful . I hope we shall hear it announced presently that the money collected to-night is at least as much as has been previously collected . And now , before I sit down , I
should like , if it . ' would not trouble you , to give you two or three statements as to the result of the education in this Institution . The result is simply wonderful . I can vouch for its accuracy . Fourteen boys were presented at the last Cambridge Local Examination , and thirteen of them passed out in honours . ( Great cheering . ) What institution , or college , or school can rival that ? And I will tell you
something more , that there were only fifteen first-class honours given away at all , and out of those fifteen nine fell to your Institution . One of your pupils passed first class in the London Matriculation , who had no other teaching whatever than what he had received from your own Institution . And one other lad , who received some very slight assistance , gained an open exhibition at Sidney Sussex College ,
Cambridge , where some of the mest able of his contemporaries competed , but he distanced them all . If these are not good results of good teaching , I would ask you what you could expect . These are tangible results , and show you what your Institution can do . But before I sit down it is customary , I believe , to Ind some little fault , particularly from those who come from the north of the
Tweed , and they are apt to bea little captious . I should like to find a little fault . I think I have given you all so much praise that it is not wholesome . It is not good for you to be too much praised . ( Laughter . ) I will tell you a little fault , and I am sure I need only mention it to find it immediately corrected ; and the fault that I am going to find is this—that it is not impossible that at the
end of their schooling career some of these boys "" ay leave the School homeless and in need . It may be that the good seed sown may bear fruit during their scholastic career , but it may also be that the fruit will perish for want of cultivation at a later period . It may be that having derived all the advantage that they could from their study , and from their religious training in your Institution , they may
leave it to fall into evil courses and evil ways , or even to suffer penury and poverty . I would appeal to you once more , as that is the only blot I can find in your excellent Institution , to try and amend it , that the pupils may derive the full benefit of your bounty and your charity . I hope I have not said too much . 1 feel , as a comparative stranger , I ought hardly to have made the suggestion , but
if the suggestion has fallen on willing ears , I hope it will bear fruit . I have only now to say before sitting down I received a telegram yesterday from the Secretary of the Supreme Council in Scotland . I may mention here between ourselves that when I tell you these things I do not want them to be repeated , that there has been a little misunderstanding between the Supreme Councils of England
and Scotland ; they were not Masonically good friends . I regret it ; nobody regrets it more than I do , but I think I see a little break in the cloud , which will lead to bringing about that amity and affectionate regard which we all desire . In order to pave the way the Supreme Council of Scotland begs me to offer a contribution of 50 guineas to this Institution . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Geo . Plucknett , V . Pres . and Treas ., in reply , said :
My lords , ladies , and gentlemen , there can be no doubt that the greatest possible confidence may be felt that the objects of this great Institution are most fully carried out . The beys are well taught and well cared for , and every comfort is afforded them , by means of the munificent contributions which you , ladies and gentlemen , have provided , and by the able management of Bro . Binckes and the other brethren who have the immediate conduct of the Schools in their hands . I thank you for the very liberal contributions which you have made to enable us to carry on the Institution .
LONDON . Lodge £ s . d . Bro . F . Binckes ... ,.. ... 249 18 o 1 ,, F . I . Hartridge , I . W . Sewell ... 2210 2 „ S . G . Turner ... ... 42 o o
2 „ J . A . Batley , „ ... 10 10 o 4 „ F . West ... ... ... 2100 5 „ W . H . Clarke ... , „ 3 6 4 o 6 „ Rowland G . Venables . < ? s I o 1 ti F- Adlard , „ , M ) ' , „ 24 t j ( j
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
Tioval Masonic Institution for Boys 255 R IPOBTS or M ASONIC HUSTINGSCraft Masonry .., 2 ja Mark Masonry 360 Freemasonry in Essex 260 Consecration if the United Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners , No . Manchester 260
,, Masonic Notes and Queries 261 Reviews 26 r Roval Masonic Institution for Girls 261 H . R . H . Prince Leopold 262 The Anniversary' Festival of the Boys' School 262 The Scottish Rite in France 262 In Memoriam 262
CoRRE SPONDEXCE : — A Warning 263 Cagliostro 263 Stewards' Unpaid Fees 26 3 Old Masons , 263
Query 263 Consecration of the Clapham Lodge , No . 1 S 18 s 26 3 Consecration of the Marquis of Dalhousie Chapter , No . rijfo . 26 4 Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire 266 Masonic and General Tidings 266 Lodge Meetings for Next Week iii . Advertisements i ., ii ., iii ., iv ., v ., vr .
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS .
The eighty-first anniversary festival of this Institution was held on Wednesday , at the Alexandra Palace . The Earl of Rosslyn , Past Grand Master of Scotland , presided , and was supported on his right by Lord Ribblesdale , and on his left by Sir Molyneux Nepean . About 900 ladies
and gentlemen sat down to dinner . Among those present were Bros . James Lewis Thomas , P . A . G . D . C . ; A . J . Altman , W . M . 1615 ; Edgar Bowyer , Wm . Ramsey , H . A . Dubois , Hyde Pullen , Donald M . Dewar , J . Farmaner , Thomas , Hainsworth , Charles , Dr . Morris , Abbott , George Kenning , H . C . Levander , C . Hammerton , F . Adlard , E . B . Grabham , A . E . Gladwell ,
J . T . Chancellor , W . Poore , Baron de Ferriers , T . C . Walls , H . Smith , W . Winn , Rev . H . A . Pickard , P . G . C . ; Sir E . H . Lechmere , lames Terry , F . R . W . Hedges , H . G . Buss , A . A . Pendlebury , W . Dodd , R . W . H . Giddy , George Penn , P . M . 1642 ; Charles Lacey , V . P ., P . M . 174 , P . Prov . G . D . Herts . ; R . G . Venables , S . W . 6 ; S . Pounceby , W . M . ct j G . T . Brown , Sec . and
P . M . 65 ; J . L . Cross , l . G . 90 ; J . Ramsay , J . D . 162 ; A . J . Dottridge , P . M . 172 ; W . J . Ferguson , P . M . 177 ; T . S . Mortlock , P . M . 186 ; E . H . Stammwitz , P . M . 433 ; R . J . Jeffs , J . W . 435 ; T . W . Cooper , S . W . 53 8 ; G . W . Verry , Sec . and P . M . 554 ; J . Chapman , 6 57 : C . Hubbard , W . M . 820 W . G . Brighten , P . M . 1339 ; T . S . Taylor , P . M . 1421 ; W . Stephens , P . M . 1489 ; E . F . Storr , W . M .
1679 ; J . M . Klenck , P . M . 1686 ; R . J . Barton , J . D . 771 , Bucks and Berks ; C . W . Cox , S . W . 1566 , Bucks and Berks ; J . D . Kay , P . M . 28 9 , West Yorks . ; J . J . Berry , Z . Ch . 554 ; and H . Massey ( Freemason ) . After dinner , grace having been sung by the boys , the toasts of the evening were proposed . In giving the toast of " The Queen , "
The Chairman said : Ladies and gentlemen , In every assembly of loyal Englishmen the first toast , and that which is most heartily drunk , is that of her Majesty the Queen . A long , happy , and glorious reign has been hers , and during it she has endeared herself to all classes , particularly to the Society of Freemasons , who look upon charity and kindness of heart as the truest test of loyalty .
We have seen within the last few days an evidence of that deep sympathy which is shown by her Majesty for grief and suffering—a sympathy which is shared by every one of you here present this evening . The Chairman : Ladies and gentlemen , The next toast which I have the honour to call on you to drink is that of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , the Most Worshipful
Grand Master of Freemasons in England , and the President of this Institution . The warm interest which he ever takes in Freemasonry is well known to all of you . During the many years that I have had the honour of enjoying the Masonic friendship of his Royal Highness , I have ever known him willing to take an active interest in Freemasonry j and that that is an incalculable privilege
to Freemasonry no one can deny . ( Hear , hear . ) I may go further , and I may say that the kindness which H . R . H . has shown has been shown in the most courteous and friendl y manner . ( Renewed cheering . ) In works of charity His Royal Highness ' s purse and good wishes are always to command , and no one will be more happy than H . R . H . to learn of the complete success of this meeting .
1 give you " The Health of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , 'he Grand Master of Masons of England , and the " resident of this Institution . " Sir Molyneux Nepean , in proposing "The Health of the Chairman , " said : Ladies , gentlemen , and brethren , { am unworthily deputed to propose what I consider after Her Majesty ' s health and that of the Royal Famil y is the
toast of the evening . I am desired to propose " The Health of Lord Rosslyn , the Chairman of this Festival . " Ladies , gentlemen , and brethren , I need not say that , as both an English and a Scotch Mason myself , I am exceeding ly proud to see him sitting here as Chairman of atl English charity of the first water . I think that in the Position that he holds there is no man could have brought
together a better assemblage , and a better class of breth-. i and a more profitable one for the Institution ; and that s a great point to be attained . I look upon it as a glorious ning that we should get a man here who , by position , by lr 'n , and name , is equal to all and inferior to none , whose atnil y has a noble reputation . We welcome him here otn as an English and as a Scotch Mason , and I trust ' ° "ill all drink his health most heartily .
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
The Chairman : Ladies and gentlemen , I can assure you that this very flattering reception has almost deprived me of my powers of speech . I can assure you that I can attribute it to nothing else but to your Masonic kindness , for personally , I believe , I am unknown to almost every person in this room . ( No , no . ) I have heard that good wine needs no bush . A little bush hung up this evening
has given me the great honour that has been done me this evening . It is a great honour to preside here ; it is a great honour to succeed , as Chairman , to that illustrious personage who has presided here on a former occasion . But , if you will allow me , I claim to be quite as much an English Mason as a Scotch Mason . I am an English Mason of
five and twenty years' standing , for I was affiliated to an English lodge at Malta previous to the Crimean war , and during the two months I was there I had the honour to make almost every member of the Brigade Guard Masons . Some of those went forth to death and glory , but many of them returned , and are still among us . I have also another claim to urge . I had the honour to affiliate
the late Lord Zetland to a lodge of Scotch Freemasons , and it was a proud moment for me when I performed that office for the late earl . It is not for me , however , to talk of English and Scotch Masons , because we are all one , we are unitedly the same ties , and we have all one common object , the good and happiness of all mankind . I can assure you that I shall always regard this evening as
one of the proudest in my life on account of the honour which has been conferred upon me ( hear , hear ) , and that honour has been , if possible , increased by the honour and kindness with which you have received the toast of my health . The honour altogether is one which I shall never forget to thank my brother Masons for . ( Applause . ) The Chairman : The next toast I have to ask you to
drink is " The Health of the Earl of Carnarvon , W . M ., Pro Grand Master . " ( Cheers . ) It is impossible to mistake the significance of your applause , and I know that his lordship has earned it well , for he has often done duty for H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , and lie has continually acted on the throne in Grand Lodge . Personally I have had his acquaintance for many years . We were boys
together at Eton , afterwards we were together at Oxford , and I have known him in later years , and I know that no man has acted a more honourable public part than the Earl of Carnarvon . ( Applause . ) I have also the honour to propose " The Health of Lord Skelmersdale , R . W . Dep . Grand Master , and the Grand Officers , the Vice-Presidents , and the Provincial Grand Masters , and Present and Past
Grand Officers of this Institution . " In giving this toast in this form I am sure that Lord Skelmersdale ' s health and the health of the Grand Officers will be well received by you . They have one and all done their duty and earned your gratitude . ( Hear , hear . ) Lord Skelmersdale , as we all know , is a most indefatigable Mason . He told me in his place in the House of Lords to express his regret
that he was unable to be present this evening . ( Applause . ) I call upon Sir Edward Lechmere , P . G . M . of Worcestershire , to respond to this toast . ( Cheers . ) Sir E . Lechmere , in reply , said : My lords , ladies , and gentlemen , I have been called upon very unexpectedly to have the honour of responding for this very important toast . I must say I thoroughly appreciate the
consideration of Bro . Binckes | in sparing us those ehsagreeable anticipations which we sometimes have to encounter when we find a slip of paper upon our plates —( no , no)—and we feel at once that all the enjoyment of our dinner is entirely spoiled . I may also say that by this admirable arrangement brevity of speech is assured , and I can say that I shall not detain you long . The toast I have been
called upon to respond to is one of importance , inasmuch as you have heard , in terms so well expressed by the Chairman , the great meed of gratitude which we owe to those distinguished nobleman who assist our Royal Grand Master in the administration of Masonry in this kingdom , and also to those other gentlemen of various positions , whether as Vice-Presidents of this Institution or Grand
Officers , present and past , who have so many years taken a great interest in this and the kindred Institution , the Girls' School , and who are so ready in their attendance in order to support this noble Charity . I assure you I feel great pride and pleasure in being present here to-night , the first occasion I have been able to attend these Charities since my installation as Grand Master of the province of
Worcester . I can look back with pleasure to the day , long distant , for although I am recently appointed a Grand Master , I am a Mason of long standing . I was a Steward of the Girls' School , and I looked with admiration and impatience to the gallery where the ladies were placed—I rejoice now the ladies are placed by our side—an arrangement which , I need scarcely say , conduces very much to
our enjoyment on these occasions , but , I believe , directly and indirectly it conduces very much to the support of our noble Charities . I am happy to say on this occasion the province of Worcester is represented , and I am further happy to say there are two Stewards on this occasion who have not come empty handed , but have brought up 522 guineas , to show that we country Masons , although we
have our shortcomings , still are quite ready to aid our metropolitan brethren as far as we can . ( Cheers . ) The Chairman : Ladies and gentlemen , in proposing what I justly called the toast of the evening— " Prosperity to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , " with the health of Bro . Plucknett , the Treasurer , I am almost overpowered by the difficulty and magnitude of the task
which has been set me . I came here , as I have said before , representing Scotch Masonry at the Grand Lodge of England , and I look to Scotland and find no charity of the kind . I come to England , and I see the most splendid , munificent , and magnificent charities that the world can produce . I confess to you that for 20 years I took the model of your Charities as an example to be followedby the Freemasons of Scotland . I toiled in vain ,
Royal Masonic Institution For Boys.
but still hoping against hope . My successor first followed in the same path which I had marked out myself , and , with y jur Charities for our guide we hope in Scotland some day , if not to rival you , at least to imitate you . In proposing prosperity to this magnificent Charity , so far as I am myself concerned , I can tell you I have visited it in every department to-day , and I have found it not only perfect in
all appliances and admirably suited for its purposes , but reflecting such credit on those engaged in its management and administration , that I should defy the most captious critic to find fault with it . The good that it must do is incalculable , training up the young , fitting them hereafter to serve their country , and training them up in the way they should go , bending the young twig in the way it
is certain to form stately timber which may be the pride of Old England . And , ladies and gentlemen , I have in my hand a report , from which I might tell you of the antiquity of the Institution , but you know that as well as I do . 1 mi ght tell you of its usefulness , but you know that as well as I do . Still , when we come to read of such figures as £ 1 5 , 000 a year devoted to this
Chanty we must all think how liberal and how charitable are the Freemasons of England . Taking into consideration that this great Charity that I am now asking your aid foralthough I think it almost unnecessary to ask in such an assemblage as this , for I see the desire of giving depicted on every countenance ; and if the brethren did not intend to give those ladies by their side would certainly enforce
them—takingginto consideration , I say , that this Institution has not been without its troubles , which it has suffered from circumstances over which it has had no control—the result of such a sum as this is perfectly marvellous and wonderful . I hope we shall hear it announced presently that the money collected to-night is at least as much as has been previously collected . And now , before I sit down , I
should like , if it . ' would not trouble you , to give you two or three statements as to the result of the education in this Institution . The result is simply wonderful . I can vouch for its accuracy . Fourteen boys were presented at the last Cambridge Local Examination , and thirteen of them passed out in honours . ( Great cheering . ) What institution , or college , or school can rival that ? And I will tell you
something more , that there were only fifteen first-class honours given away at all , and out of those fifteen nine fell to your Institution . One of your pupils passed first class in the London Matriculation , who had no other teaching whatever than what he had received from your own Institution . And one other lad , who received some very slight assistance , gained an open exhibition at Sidney Sussex College ,
Cambridge , where some of the mest able of his contemporaries competed , but he distanced them all . If these are not good results of good teaching , I would ask you what you could expect . These are tangible results , and show you what your Institution can do . But before I sit down it is customary , I believe , to Ind some little fault , particularly from those who come from the north of the
Tweed , and they are apt to bea little captious . I should like to find a little fault . I think I have given you all so much praise that it is not wholesome . It is not good for you to be too much praised . ( Laughter . ) I will tell you a little fault , and I am sure I need only mention it to find it immediately corrected ; and the fault that I am going to find is this—that it is not impossible that at the
end of their schooling career some of these boys "" ay leave the School homeless and in need . It may be that the good seed sown may bear fruit during their scholastic career , but it may also be that the fruit will perish for want of cultivation at a later period . It may be that having derived all the advantage that they could from their study , and from their religious training in your Institution , they may
leave it to fall into evil courses and evil ways , or even to suffer penury and poverty . I would appeal to you once more , as that is the only blot I can find in your excellent Institution , to try and amend it , that the pupils may derive the full benefit of your bounty and your charity . I hope I have not said too much . 1 feel , as a comparative stranger , I ought hardly to have made the suggestion , but
if the suggestion has fallen on willing ears , I hope it will bear fruit . I have only now to say before sitting down I received a telegram yesterday from the Secretary of the Supreme Council in Scotland . I may mention here between ourselves that when I tell you these things I do not want them to be repeated , that there has been a little misunderstanding between the Supreme Councils of England
and Scotland ; they were not Masonically good friends . I regret it ; nobody regrets it more than I do , but I think I see a little break in the cloud , which will lead to bringing about that amity and affectionate regard which we all desire . In order to pave the way the Supreme Council of Scotland begs me to offer a contribution of 50 guineas to this Institution . ( Loud applause . ) Bro . Geo . Plucknett , V . Pres . and Treas ., in reply , said :
My lords , ladies , and gentlemen , there can be no doubt that the greatest possible confidence may be felt that the objects of this great Institution are most fully carried out . The beys are well taught and well cared for , and every comfort is afforded them , by means of the munificent contributions which you , ladies and gentlemen , have provided , and by the able management of Bro . Binckes and the other brethren who have the immediate conduct of the Schools in their hands . I thank you for the very liberal contributions which you have made to enable us to carry on the Institution .
LONDON . Lodge £ s . d . Bro . F . Binckes ... ,.. ... 249 18 o 1 ,, F . I . Hartridge , I . W . Sewell ... 2210 2 „ S . G . Turner ... ... 42 o o
2 „ J . A . Batley , „ ... 10 10 o 4 „ F . West ... ... ... 2100 5 „ W . H . Clarke ... , „ 3 6 4 o 6 „ Rowland G . Venables . < ? s I o 1 ti F- Adlard , „ , M ) ' , „ 24 t j ( j