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Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary Of The Relief Lodge, No. 42, Bury.
SESQUI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE RELIEF LODGE , No . 42 , BURY .
In continuation ol our report of above in the last issue of the Freemason , we now give an account of the proceedings which took place at the banquet which followed . The Worshipful Master ( Bro . CHMtLES BRIERLEY ) occupied the chair , and in proposing " The Queen , " saidhe reioiced to know that amongst all classes of the people that
toast was always received with great enthusiasm . He was sure every Mason wished with him that her Majesty might long live happily to reign over this country . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm , and the choir gave a Masonic version of the National Anthem . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed " The Prince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master , " and passed an eulogium trusted his
upon the Masonic virtues of the Prince . He Royal Highness might long be spared to occupy the high position he now held among Freemasons . " 1 he Health of the Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Farm y was also proposed , both toasts meeting with every mark of approval . ,,,, ,-, The WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave "The Healths of the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro G . M . ; the
Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Deputy G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , and it was enthusiastically honoured . Bro . T . RIGBY , S . W . 42 , then proposed the Health of Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , the R . W . Prov . G . M . East Lancashire , " who had been announced to be present , but was unexpectedly unable to fulfil the engagement . Bro .
Rigby said that toast had often devolved upon him on previous occasions , and on every occasion the mention of Bro . Starkie ' s name had been received with enthusiasm . He set an example of assiduity which every brother might follow . He possessed great tact and went through his important r 61 e with great credit to himself and to the satisfaction of everv member of the Grand Lodge . Especially
were the Craft in East Lancashire indebted to their noble brother ; his never ceasing anxiety in behalf of Freemasonry and everything connected with it was well known . He wish « d everything to prosper , and it was pleasing to know that all the Masonic Charities were in a prosperous condition . Towards this end Bro . Starkie had always been the head and foremost . By his presence and counsel he had
done all that it was in the power of a Mason to do . He ( Bro . Rigby ) found that 50 years ago the name of Starkie was conspicuous in connection with the Prov . Grand Lodge Bro . Starkie ' s father being then the R . W . Prov . G . M . of West Lancashire . ( Cheers . ) He was sure that every brother present would with him regret Bro . Starkie ' s absence , and wish that his life might long be spared in order that he
might continue to occupy ; a high position among the treemasons of East Lancashire . ( Cheers . ) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm . Bro . EDWARD EVANS , J . W . of the lodge , proposed "The Very Worshipful D . Prov . G . M . East Lane , Bro . George Mellor , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He expressed his regret that
Bro . Mellor had not found himself able to be present , and said that he and the Provincial Grand Masters were a body of men of whom they had reason to be proud . They displayed an energy and an enthusiasm in Masonry which every brothet might well copy . Bro . RIGBV , P . G . T . East Lancashire , responded . He said the proceedings that day had been most gratifying to
him , as they must have been to every brother present . In lodge they had a ceremony of a most instructive character ; in church they had had a useful and edifying sermon , and if they only cherished in their hearts the instruction and advice given by Bro . Clayton they would do much ; and that evening they had seen the unbounded hospitality of the Relief Lodge . On behalf of the Past Provincial
Grand Officers he returned the brethren sinccie thanks , and wished prosperity to the lodge under whose auspices they were met . ( Cheers . ) Bro . BROCKBANK , W . M . 37 , P . P . G . S . D . East Lane , proposed "The Masonic Charities . " He said it was a source of great joy to him to be present at the sesqui-centennial celebration of that lodge , which was a sister lodge to the one to which he beloneed at Bolton . He had been
37 years a Mason , and he was bound to confess that was the most interesting event he had ever attended . Those present who attended the meetings of the Masonic Charities knew his views in respect to them . He always had done and always should do all he could for the support of the Charities of the Order . The services which those Charities had rendered in the cause of humanity bad been
well set forth in the sermon they had heard that afternoon from their worthy Chaplain . In 184 6 the amount collected for charitable uses was £ 5000 , but in the present year it was nearer £ 50 , 000 . ( Cheers . ) It might therefore be said that Freemasons did something more than merely enjoy themselves . That afternoon , he believed , the offertory reached over £ 13 , so that it would be seen they had
by that amount enriched one of their Chanties . 1 hey had in the Eastern Division of Lancashire a Charity of their own , and £ 4000 or £ 5000 was invested for it . They had dispensed £ 75 in relief last year , and in clothing and for educational purposes they had distributed another sum of £ 200 . That was excellent . ( Hear , hear . ) He believed in frequent and systematic giving rather than occasional
benevolence on the part of the brethren . If they had , tor instance , a subscriplion of 5 s . per annum from every brother in East Lancashire they would be able to distribute nearly £ 1000 per annum . That would enable them also to set aside a sum sufficient to meet every charitable call upon the body . It would bring the brethren into the habit of systematic giving , and give them a greater interest in
the Charities . It was with great pleasure , therefore , he asked them to pledge the cause of the Masonic Charities , and he hoped they would always be kept in remembrance . ( Cheers . ) The toast was most cordially received . Bro . j . NEWTON , P . M . 37 , of Bolton , appropriately responded , and also urged the cause of the charities in the
form enunciated by Bro . Brockbank . Bro . Councillor J . VV . KENYON proposed "The Bishop and Clergy . " Bro . the Rev . W . R . CLAYTON responded . He regretted that Canon Hornby , the rector , had not been able to take part in the proceedings of that day , but he had placed the parish church entirely at their disposal . ( Cheers . ) He was glad to have had the opportunity of taking some part in the ceremonies of that day . The rev .
Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary Of The Relief Lodge, No. 42, Bury.
gentleman proceeded to state that Lodge 42 in Bury was the first lodge he visited in Lancashire . He came from the other side of the kingdom , and he must say he never met a heartier reception anywhere than that given him by the Bury brethren . In conclusion the speaker said he was n-reatly interested in Masonry , and hoped he might merit , Pf he did not obtain , the senior chaplaincy . ( Cheers ) . Bro . VV . O . W ALKER , P . P . G . J . W ., in proposing the
toast " Prosperity to the Lodge of Kelief , prefaced his remarks with "Worshipful Master , ladies , and brethren , " the word ladies being greeted with laughter and applause . He said he included the ladies especially because he thought no one was more interested in such a toast than they * were , for if a lodge was prosperous it meant prosperity for the individual members of the lodge , who were near and dear to the ladies . ( Hear , hear . ) After that
brief digression he wished to express his regret that the Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire was not there to propose the toast himself , for he would have put in a clear and lucid way , as he always did , his thoughts an instructions in regard to Masonry , which had made his name a houshehold word in East Lancashire . ( Hear , hear . ) He ( the speaker ) had said nearly all he had to say on a nrevious occasion that day , but he must endeavour very
briefly to express , on behalf of himself , the Prov . G . M ., and his Deputy , and those who had been unable to come there , how heartily and thoroughly they wished Lodge 42 every success . ( Hear , hear . ) That lodge had been in existence for about 150 years , and from what he had seen that day , and from what he saw before him , he could only hope , though very few present might expect to be spared to see another jubilee come round , that when that time came the found to have increased in in
lodge might be stability , prosperity , and in all those virtues which are most thoroughly related to Masonry , especially the great virtue Charity . By so doing , and by continuing to cultivate those qualities which especially stood connected with Masonrybrotherly love , relief and truth—he felt sure the lodge would never look behind it . He asked them all , whether members of the lodge or not , to drink success to Lodge No . 42 .
The toast was enthusiastically drunk , those present joining in singing " Prosper the art . " Bro . CHARLES BRIERLEY , W . M . of the lodge , who was heartily received , responded . He said he had very great pleasure , on behalf of Lodge 42 , in thanking Bro . Walker and the other brethren present for the very hearty reception they had given to the toast . He could assure them that they fully endorsed the importance of supporting the
Masonic Charities , and of doing everything that lay in their power for the progress of Masonry , not only in that lodge , but generally . So long as he occupied any position in Lodge 42 it would be his sole endeavour and aim to do all he possibly could to further the ends of that most im . portant , and he should say the greatest of all Masonic tenents , Charity , Of the past history of the lodge he need say little ; the book that had been compiled by Bro . Evans ,
Junior Warden of the lodge , spoke ; tor itself . As regards the future , he could only take that meeting as a pledge that the lodge would go on and prosper as it had done in the past . ( Hear , hear . ) He believed it was the sole wish of every member connected with the lodge at the present time that it should prosper , and he was told by old members , Past Masters of the lodge , that they had not known in their tiir . e a period when the lodge had been in a more prosperous
state than it was at present . ( Applause . ) He felt sure from the success which had crowned their efforts that day , that if they only went on in the way they had begun , in another fifty years they would have no cause to regret the existence of that lodge in the town of Bury . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . H . GWJNDY , Prov . G . Purst ., said the toast he had to propose for their acceptance was "Our Visiting Sisters and Brethren . " He thought , as the ladies had been
introduced into these toasts , that they could not do better than follow out that good plan and introduce them into that toast as visitors . The Lodge of Relief had for 140 years been in the habit of receiving visitors . He thought he only remembered about twice during the sixteen years that he had attended the lodge when they had been without visiting brethren . He hoped their lodge would prosper , and that thev mieht have visiting brethren present with them , and ,
on occasions like that , visiting sisters also ; and that they would be inclined to show to them the hospitality they had shown that day . Bro . WILLIAM BRIERLEY , P . M . 344 , Radcliffe , in responding to the toast , returned thanks on behalf of the visiting brethren . They had had that day a reception which could not have been excelled wherever they went . At no lodee that he had ever been to had he had a better
reception or noticed a more hearty determination to make all comfortable , not only at the night's gathering but also in the afternoon . The brethren had heard something that afternoon that they could carry away with them to do them good , and that would stimulate them to work well for the lodges to which they belonged , and the reception the visitors had had accorded them showed that the members of that lodge wished to make the visiting brethren agreeable and
comfortable , and they would ever look upon that festival with feelings of pleasure . ( Hear , hear . ) He again thanked them very heartily for the manner in which the visitors had that day been received . ( Applause . ) _ Bro . VV . O . W ALKER craved a moment s hearing because when he was up before he neglected his duty to the members of that lodge , who had so kindly treated them that day . He did not wish to leave without tendering his most
hearty thanks for the kind in which way they had received him amongst other visiting brethren . L-r m . ^ Bro . COOPER , P . P . G . Swd . Br . West Lane , testified that he never was in a better or more pleasant meeting than the present . He should go back to West Lancashire and tell them how very heartily they received visiting brethren at Bury . As Masonry was making such extensive progress , there was a word of caution which , with the permission of the
chairman , he should like to administer , and that was that the lodge should be as careful as possible whom they admitted into Masonry . ( Hear , hear . ) They could not be too careful on that point . Their ranks were being in some cases filled , and he was sorry to say it , by people who had no right to be in the lodges at all . Their claims it that it
Board of Benevolence had so many upon was rin-ht to test the question of the social status of everybody who came into the Order , to see that they were brethren of a proper stamp . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . T . C ARTER asked permission to move a vote of thanks to Bro . W . O . Walker for having supplied the lodge with plants and flowers , thus giving a more attractive and charming appearance to the room , and concluding by
Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary Of The Relief Lodge, No. 42, Bury.
referring to the excellent services rendered to Freemasonry by Bro . Walker . Bro . F . ANDERTON seconded the motion . Of the many meetings in connection with Freemasonry which he had since his initiation attended , he did not remember one at which there was greater unanimity and brotherly feeling , and at which such excellent sentiment and excellent advice had been given as in the lodge room by Bro . Walker . ( Cheers . ) Notwithstanding the absence of the R . W .
P . G . M ., they had found in Bro . Walker an excellent substitute . He had expatiated at length on the goodness and virtues of Masonry in all its bearings , and particularly alluded to the past officers of the lodge , and one departed brother , whom no one respected more highly than he ( Bro . Anderton ) did . He alluded to the late Bro . John Redfern . He felt he could hardly restrain himself when Bro . Walker spoke so pathetically respecting their deceased
brother . He felt convinced that the provincial officers who attended the Craft lodge that afternoon would entertain nothing but the highest respect for the very venerable lodge , and would be greatly pleased with the sentiments expressed by the various speakers . The motion was then carried with enthusiasm , and Bro . Walker appropriately acknowledged the compliment when the company had sung " For he ' s a worthy good Mason . "
Bro . A . VVOLSTENHOLME , of Heywood , proposed "The Health of the W . M . of the Lodge , Bro . Charles Brierley . " He said from the first moment he entered Freemasonry he had been in receipt of nothing but kindness from the lodge . When he considered the importance of the toast entrusted to his care , it reminded him of a remark which was made at a meeting held a short time ago in Liverpool , presided over b y Bro . the Earl of Derby , in connection
with some collegiate institution there . The speaker was Mr . Matthew Arnold , and he remarked that the great want of the English people as a nation was lucidity . He was not going to enter into that question that ni g ht , because there were times when it was an individual one , and at that moment he felt it strongly because he was in want of lucidity of expression in dealing with such a toast . As one who had filled similar offices to
that held by Bro . Brierley , and having frequently inducted other brethren , he had no hesitation in saying that the mastership of a Masonic lodge was a proud position ; and as he had been the fortunate medium of placing their master in other offices before that which he then held he had not failed to arrive at the conclusion that he richly deserved his present position . He also thought he was in possesion of those qualifications which was essentially necessary to make
the lodge of which he was master a success . Now , what was a leader ? A prime minister was once asked what a leader was , and replied that a leader was a man who could lead—and all the advantages of wealth would not long keep a man in that position who had not the qualifications necessary forthe office . He knew of no office that needs so many varied qualifications as that of the master of a Masonic lodge , because the master was at the head of a
section which belonged to a system that was known and practised in every country , in every clime , and by every race of civilised men . ( Cheers . ) It was a system based upon principles which taught a religion not of intolerence or bigotry , but one comprehensive system embracing men of every sect ; a system based upon principles which taught politics , not as the strife of party or the contention of a faction , but of that kind which allied itself to all that was
good , to all that was valuable in the country—in a word , principles which taught men to walk uprightly and with all humility before God , turning neither to the right hand nor to the left , and so directing their their conduct that they could always meet on one common level . ( Cheers . ) As long as memory held her seat he could not forget the noble words of Lord Carnarvon when installed in his present high position ; he used an expressian which was as truthful as it
was impressive : "There are two sides to Freemasonry , the higher and the lower . " Humanity , so grand and so noble , was never so far removed from the brute creation as when , with its mighty power of reasoning in full force , it was choosing some better and nobler path . He had no hesitation in saying that their W . M . was choosing the higher and nobler path . He asked them therefore to show by the hearty way in which they drank the toast their
desire that he might long be spared in full preservation of health and strength to continue in the way he had chosen , andjadd to the great credit he had earned in his present office . ( Loud cheers . ) The entire company then rose to their feet , and drank the toast most enthusiastically . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER in reply said he could assure them that he could scarcely find words to express his sense of the great honour they had conferred upon him . and
for the cordial manner in which the toast had been proposed and received . He must say that he felt very deeply the words to which he had listened from Bro . VVolstenholme , with whom he had been so intimately and so long associated . Many a Mason had only been a very short time in the lodge , and had been promoted , and that was his case ; he had got to the top of the tree , not from any efforts of his own , but perhaps because he had shown a
deep sense of any duties which might come upon his shoulders . He was not the first of the family with which his name was connected who had presided over that lodge . He found from the admirable history compiled by Bro . Evans that in the year 1815 his grandfather was Master of that lodge . ( Cheers . ) At a later period , when the lodge celebrated its centenary in 1 S 33 , his uncle , a native of that town , took a very active part in the event . He therefore
felt most especially honoured that he should occupy that chair during that the 150 th year of its existence . When he was appointed to the Mastership he had little knowledge that the sesqui-centennial would fall upon the lodge ; but when the knowledge was conveyed to him he felt that anything which he could do to make the event successful should not be left undone . ( Cheers . ) And he might add that so long as he could he should continue to use his utmost endeavours to further the objects of Masonry in
general and that lodge in particular . He should also do his utmost to further those objects of charity which had been so ably declaimed before them that day . Charity was the grand principle which every lodge in the country should take up and work out with a great degree of fervour . Unless that was done no lodge could prosper ; systematic charity should be encouraged , and it would be no fault ot his if that was not done . He hoped that the future of the lodge might be as prosperous as the past until another jubilee was celebrated in a manner even exceeding w " they had seen that day . That would be a red letter day m
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Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary Of The Relief Lodge, No. 42, Bury.
SESQUI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE RELIEF LODGE , No . 42 , BURY .
In continuation ol our report of above in the last issue of the Freemason , we now give an account of the proceedings which took place at the banquet which followed . The Worshipful Master ( Bro . CHMtLES BRIERLEY ) occupied the chair , and in proposing " The Queen , " saidhe reioiced to know that amongst all classes of the people that
toast was always received with great enthusiasm . He was sure every Mason wished with him that her Majesty might long live happily to reign over this country . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm , and the choir gave a Masonic version of the National Anthem . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed " The Prince of Wales , M . W . Grand Master , " and passed an eulogium trusted his
upon the Masonic virtues of the Prince . He Royal Highness might long be spared to occupy the high position he now held among Freemasons . " 1 he Health of the Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Farm y was also proposed , both toasts meeting with every mark of approval . ,,,, ,-, The WORSHIPFUL MASTER gave "The Healths of the Right Hon . the Earl of Carnarvon , M . W . Pro G . M . ; the
Right Hon . the Earl of Lathom , R . W . Deputy G . M . ; and the rest of the Grand Officers , Present and Past , and it was enthusiastically honoured . Bro . T . RIGBY , S . W . 42 , then proposed the Health of Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , the R . W . Prov . G . M . East Lancashire , " who had been announced to be present , but was unexpectedly unable to fulfil the engagement . Bro .
Rigby said that toast had often devolved upon him on previous occasions , and on every occasion the mention of Bro . Starkie ' s name had been received with enthusiasm . He set an example of assiduity which every brother might follow . He possessed great tact and went through his important r 61 e with great credit to himself and to the satisfaction of everv member of the Grand Lodge . Especially
were the Craft in East Lancashire indebted to their noble brother ; his never ceasing anxiety in behalf of Freemasonry and everything connected with it was well known . He wish « d everything to prosper , and it was pleasing to know that all the Masonic Charities were in a prosperous condition . Towards this end Bro . Starkie had always been the head and foremost . By his presence and counsel he had
done all that it was in the power of a Mason to do . He ( Bro . Rigby ) found that 50 years ago the name of Starkie was conspicuous in connection with the Prov . Grand Lodge Bro . Starkie ' s father being then the R . W . Prov . G . M . of West Lancashire . ( Cheers . ) He was sure that every brother present would with him regret Bro . Starkie ' s absence , and wish that his life might long be spared in order that he
might continue to occupy ; a high position among the treemasons of East Lancashire . ( Cheers . ) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm . Bro . EDWARD EVANS , J . W . of the lodge , proposed "The Very Worshipful D . Prov . G . M . East Lane , Bro . George Mellor , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers , Present and Past . " He expressed his regret that
Bro . Mellor had not found himself able to be present , and said that he and the Provincial Grand Masters were a body of men of whom they had reason to be proud . They displayed an energy and an enthusiasm in Masonry which every brothet might well copy . Bro . RIGBV , P . G . T . East Lancashire , responded . He said the proceedings that day had been most gratifying to
him , as they must have been to every brother present . In lodge they had a ceremony of a most instructive character ; in church they had had a useful and edifying sermon , and if they only cherished in their hearts the instruction and advice given by Bro . Clayton they would do much ; and that evening they had seen the unbounded hospitality of the Relief Lodge . On behalf of the Past Provincial
Grand Officers he returned the brethren sinccie thanks , and wished prosperity to the lodge under whose auspices they were met . ( Cheers . ) Bro . BROCKBANK , W . M . 37 , P . P . G . S . D . East Lane , proposed "The Masonic Charities . " He said it was a source of great joy to him to be present at the sesqui-centennial celebration of that lodge , which was a sister lodge to the one to which he beloneed at Bolton . He had been
37 years a Mason , and he was bound to confess that was the most interesting event he had ever attended . Those present who attended the meetings of the Masonic Charities knew his views in respect to them . He always had done and always should do all he could for the support of the Charities of the Order . The services which those Charities had rendered in the cause of humanity bad been
well set forth in the sermon they had heard that afternoon from their worthy Chaplain . In 184 6 the amount collected for charitable uses was £ 5000 , but in the present year it was nearer £ 50 , 000 . ( Cheers . ) It might therefore be said that Freemasons did something more than merely enjoy themselves . That afternoon , he believed , the offertory reached over £ 13 , so that it would be seen they had
by that amount enriched one of their Chanties . 1 hey had in the Eastern Division of Lancashire a Charity of their own , and £ 4000 or £ 5000 was invested for it . They had dispensed £ 75 in relief last year , and in clothing and for educational purposes they had distributed another sum of £ 200 . That was excellent . ( Hear , hear . ) He believed in frequent and systematic giving rather than occasional
benevolence on the part of the brethren . If they had , tor instance , a subscriplion of 5 s . per annum from every brother in East Lancashire they would be able to distribute nearly £ 1000 per annum . That would enable them also to set aside a sum sufficient to meet every charitable call upon the body . It would bring the brethren into the habit of systematic giving , and give them a greater interest in
the Charities . It was with great pleasure , therefore , he asked them to pledge the cause of the Masonic Charities , and he hoped they would always be kept in remembrance . ( Cheers . ) The toast was most cordially received . Bro . j . NEWTON , P . M . 37 , of Bolton , appropriately responded , and also urged the cause of the charities in the
form enunciated by Bro . Brockbank . Bro . Councillor J . VV . KENYON proposed "The Bishop and Clergy . " Bro . the Rev . W . R . CLAYTON responded . He regretted that Canon Hornby , the rector , had not been able to take part in the proceedings of that day , but he had placed the parish church entirely at their disposal . ( Cheers . ) He was glad to have had the opportunity of taking some part in the ceremonies of that day . The rev .
Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary Of The Relief Lodge, No. 42, Bury.
gentleman proceeded to state that Lodge 42 in Bury was the first lodge he visited in Lancashire . He came from the other side of the kingdom , and he must say he never met a heartier reception anywhere than that given him by the Bury brethren . In conclusion the speaker said he was n-reatly interested in Masonry , and hoped he might merit , Pf he did not obtain , the senior chaplaincy . ( Cheers ) . Bro . VV . O . W ALKER , P . P . G . J . W ., in proposing the
toast " Prosperity to the Lodge of Kelief , prefaced his remarks with "Worshipful Master , ladies , and brethren , " the word ladies being greeted with laughter and applause . He said he included the ladies especially because he thought no one was more interested in such a toast than they * were , for if a lodge was prosperous it meant prosperity for the individual members of the lodge , who were near and dear to the ladies . ( Hear , hear . ) After that
brief digression he wished to express his regret that the Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire was not there to propose the toast himself , for he would have put in a clear and lucid way , as he always did , his thoughts an instructions in regard to Masonry , which had made his name a houshehold word in East Lancashire . ( Hear , hear . ) He ( the speaker ) had said nearly all he had to say on a nrevious occasion that day , but he must endeavour very
briefly to express , on behalf of himself , the Prov . G . M ., and his Deputy , and those who had been unable to come there , how heartily and thoroughly they wished Lodge 42 every success . ( Hear , hear . ) That lodge had been in existence for about 150 years , and from what he had seen that day , and from what he saw before him , he could only hope , though very few present might expect to be spared to see another jubilee come round , that when that time came the found to have increased in in
lodge might be stability , prosperity , and in all those virtues which are most thoroughly related to Masonry , especially the great virtue Charity . By so doing , and by continuing to cultivate those qualities which especially stood connected with Masonrybrotherly love , relief and truth—he felt sure the lodge would never look behind it . He asked them all , whether members of the lodge or not , to drink success to Lodge No . 42 .
The toast was enthusiastically drunk , those present joining in singing " Prosper the art . " Bro . CHARLES BRIERLEY , W . M . of the lodge , who was heartily received , responded . He said he had very great pleasure , on behalf of Lodge 42 , in thanking Bro . Walker and the other brethren present for the very hearty reception they had given to the toast . He could assure them that they fully endorsed the importance of supporting the
Masonic Charities , and of doing everything that lay in their power for the progress of Masonry , not only in that lodge , but generally . So long as he occupied any position in Lodge 42 it would be his sole endeavour and aim to do all he possibly could to further the ends of that most im . portant , and he should say the greatest of all Masonic tenents , Charity , Of the past history of the lodge he need say little ; the book that had been compiled by Bro . Evans ,
Junior Warden of the lodge , spoke ; tor itself . As regards the future , he could only take that meeting as a pledge that the lodge would go on and prosper as it had done in the past . ( Hear , hear . ) He believed it was the sole wish of every member connected with the lodge at the present time that it should prosper , and he was told by old members , Past Masters of the lodge , that they had not known in their tiir . e a period when the lodge had been in a more prosperous
state than it was at present . ( Applause . ) He felt sure from the success which had crowned their efforts that day , that if they only went on in the way they had begun , in another fifty years they would have no cause to regret the existence of that lodge in the town of Bury . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . H . GWJNDY , Prov . G . Purst ., said the toast he had to propose for their acceptance was "Our Visiting Sisters and Brethren . " He thought , as the ladies had been
introduced into these toasts , that they could not do better than follow out that good plan and introduce them into that toast as visitors . The Lodge of Relief had for 140 years been in the habit of receiving visitors . He thought he only remembered about twice during the sixteen years that he had attended the lodge when they had been without visiting brethren . He hoped their lodge would prosper , and that thev mieht have visiting brethren present with them , and ,
on occasions like that , visiting sisters also ; and that they would be inclined to show to them the hospitality they had shown that day . Bro . WILLIAM BRIERLEY , P . M . 344 , Radcliffe , in responding to the toast , returned thanks on behalf of the visiting brethren . They had had that day a reception which could not have been excelled wherever they went . At no lodee that he had ever been to had he had a better
reception or noticed a more hearty determination to make all comfortable , not only at the night's gathering but also in the afternoon . The brethren had heard something that afternoon that they could carry away with them to do them good , and that would stimulate them to work well for the lodges to which they belonged , and the reception the visitors had had accorded them showed that the members of that lodge wished to make the visiting brethren agreeable and
comfortable , and they would ever look upon that festival with feelings of pleasure . ( Hear , hear . ) He again thanked them very heartily for the manner in which the visitors had that day been received . ( Applause . ) _ Bro . VV . O . W ALKER craved a moment s hearing because when he was up before he neglected his duty to the members of that lodge , who had so kindly treated them that day . He did not wish to leave without tendering his most
hearty thanks for the kind in which way they had received him amongst other visiting brethren . L-r m . ^ Bro . COOPER , P . P . G . Swd . Br . West Lane , testified that he never was in a better or more pleasant meeting than the present . He should go back to West Lancashire and tell them how very heartily they received visiting brethren at Bury . As Masonry was making such extensive progress , there was a word of caution which , with the permission of the
chairman , he should like to administer , and that was that the lodge should be as careful as possible whom they admitted into Masonry . ( Hear , hear . ) They could not be too careful on that point . Their ranks were being in some cases filled , and he was sorry to say it , by people who had no right to be in the lodges at all . Their claims it that it
Board of Benevolence had so many upon was rin-ht to test the question of the social status of everybody who came into the Order , to see that they were brethren of a proper stamp . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . T . C ARTER asked permission to move a vote of thanks to Bro . W . O . Walker for having supplied the lodge with plants and flowers , thus giving a more attractive and charming appearance to the room , and concluding by
Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary Of The Relief Lodge, No. 42, Bury.
referring to the excellent services rendered to Freemasonry by Bro . Walker . Bro . F . ANDERTON seconded the motion . Of the many meetings in connection with Freemasonry which he had since his initiation attended , he did not remember one at which there was greater unanimity and brotherly feeling , and at which such excellent sentiment and excellent advice had been given as in the lodge room by Bro . Walker . ( Cheers . ) Notwithstanding the absence of the R . W .
P . G . M ., they had found in Bro . Walker an excellent substitute . He had expatiated at length on the goodness and virtues of Masonry in all its bearings , and particularly alluded to the past officers of the lodge , and one departed brother , whom no one respected more highly than he ( Bro . Anderton ) did . He alluded to the late Bro . John Redfern . He felt he could hardly restrain himself when Bro . Walker spoke so pathetically respecting their deceased
brother . He felt convinced that the provincial officers who attended the Craft lodge that afternoon would entertain nothing but the highest respect for the very venerable lodge , and would be greatly pleased with the sentiments expressed by the various speakers . The motion was then carried with enthusiasm , and Bro . Walker appropriately acknowledged the compliment when the company had sung " For he ' s a worthy good Mason . "
Bro . A . VVOLSTENHOLME , of Heywood , proposed "The Health of the W . M . of the Lodge , Bro . Charles Brierley . " He said from the first moment he entered Freemasonry he had been in receipt of nothing but kindness from the lodge . When he considered the importance of the toast entrusted to his care , it reminded him of a remark which was made at a meeting held a short time ago in Liverpool , presided over b y Bro . the Earl of Derby , in connection
with some collegiate institution there . The speaker was Mr . Matthew Arnold , and he remarked that the great want of the English people as a nation was lucidity . He was not going to enter into that question that ni g ht , because there were times when it was an individual one , and at that moment he felt it strongly because he was in want of lucidity of expression in dealing with such a toast . As one who had filled similar offices to
that held by Bro . Brierley , and having frequently inducted other brethren , he had no hesitation in saying that the mastership of a Masonic lodge was a proud position ; and as he had been the fortunate medium of placing their master in other offices before that which he then held he had not failed to arrive at the conclusion that he richly deserved his present position . He also thought he was in possesion of those qualifications which was essentially necessary to make
the lodge of which he was master a success . Now , what was a leader ? A prime minister was once asked what a leader was , and replied that a leader was a man who could lead—and all the advantages of wealth would not long keep a man in that position who had not the qualifications necessary forthe office . He knew of no office that needs so many varied qualifications as that of the master of a Masonic lodge , because the master was at the head of a
section which belonged to a system that was known and practised in every country , in every clime , and by every race of civilised men . ( Cheers . ) It was a system based upon principles which taught a religion not of intolerence or bigotry , but one comprehensive system embracing men of every sect ; a system based upon principles which taught politics , not as the strife of party or the contention of a faction , but of that kind which allied itself to all that was
good , to all that was valuable in the country—in a word , principles which taught men to walk uprightly and with all humility before God , turning neither to the right hand nor to the left , and so directing their their conduct that they could always meet on one common level . ( Cheers . ) As long as memory held her seat he could not forget the noble words of Lord Carnarvon when installed in his present high position ; he used an expressian which was as truthful as it
was impressive : "There are two sides to Freemasonry , the higher and the lower . " Humanity , so grand and so noble , was never so far removed from the brute creation as when , with its mighty power of reasoning in full force , it was choosing some better and nobler path . He had no hesitation in saying that their W . M . was choosing the higher and nobler path . He asked them therefore to show by the hearty way in which they drank the toast their
desire that he might long be spared in full preservation of health and strength to continue in the way he had chosen , andjadd to the great credit he had earned in his present office . ( Loud cheers . ) The entire company then rose to their feet , and drank the toast most enthusiastically . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER in reply said he could assure them that he could scarcely find words to express his sense of the great honour they had conferred upon him . and
for the cordial manner in which the toast had been proposed and received . He must say that he felt very deeply the words to which he had listened from Bro . VVolstenholme , with whom he had been so intimately and so long associated . Many a Mason had only been a very short time in the lodge , and had been promoted , and that was his case ; he had got to the top of the tree , not from any efforts of his own , but perhaps because he had shown a
deep sense of any duties which might come upon his shoulders . He was not the first of the family with which his name was connected who had presided over that lodge . He found from the admirable history compiled by Bro . Evans that in the year 1815 his grandfather was Master of that lodge . ( Cheers . ) At a later period , when the lodge celebrated its centenary in 1 S 33 , his uncle , a native of that town , took a very active part in the event . He therefore
felt most especially honoured that he should occupy that chair during that the 150 th year of its existence . When he was appointed to the Mastership he had little knowledge that the sesqui-centennial would fall upon the lodge ; but when the knowledge was conveyed to him he felt that anything which he could do to make the event successful should not be left undone . ( Cheers . ) And he might add that so long as he could he should continue to use his utmost endeavours to further the objects of Masonry in
general and that lodge in particular . He should also do his utmost to further those objects of charity which had been so ably declaimed before them that day . Charity was the grand principle which every lodge in the country should take up and work out with a great degree of fervour . Unless that was done no lodge could prosper ; systematic charity should be encouraged , and it would be no fault ot his if that was not done . He hoped that the future of the lodge might be as prosperous as the past until another jubilee was celebrated in a manner even exceeding w " they had seen that day . That would be a red letter day m