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Article FIFTY-SIX YEARS A MASON. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FIFTY-SIX YEARS A MASON. Page 2 of 2 Article FIFTY-SIX YEARS A MASON. Page 2 of 2 Article OPERATIVE MASONS' MARKS. Page 1 of 1 Article GRAND COUNCIL OF THE ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES. Page 1 of 1 Article BRITISH EQUITABLE ASSURANCE. COMPANY. Page 1 of 2 →
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Fifty-Six Years A Mason.
pride ourselves upon Her Majesty ' s conelcscension , as English Masons we have further special cause to rejoice that our ancient institution is fostered and affiliated by so many individuals of the Royal Family , and particularly that one so near thc throne . His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has Jentcred o \ ir Orelev , and now presides so efficiently and zealously over its highest duties as Most Worshipful Grand Master over the Mother Grand Lodge of England , a body which we cannot fail to honour and respect , and to connection with whom we have always clung with
unswerving loyalty , fully justifyingour grateful confidence in our powerful and paramount protection by the Grand Lodge of England , which it has hitherto always extended to its warranted lodges here anel elsewhere , and which upon every principle of Masonic chivalry and honour we cannot doubt ' will continue to be extended to us , for our constant and undoubt ' mg loyalty to our English connection , as long as we hold our English
warrants . Let me add that the association with our Order of the other elevated members of the Royal Family exhibiting their fellowship with us , I need not say , is most dignifying to the Craft and not merely superficial honour . The public display by those so near the throne of this sentiment of Royalty towards our institutions is an avowal from them of their common cause with feelings and duties of Masons , and of thc teaching of brotherly love , relief ,
and truth which they have learned in their progress through the progressive steps of the Order , spreading the influence of Royalty among Masons , in the geniality which thereby cheers and expands our charity and goodwill to all our fellow creatures , whilst in other relations it assumes the chilling bleakness of indifference , withering all and everything over which it passes . Long , and at all times , as in the past and present , so in the future may thc members of thc
Royal Family of England show their cordial appreciation of the benefits and advantages of Freemasonry by becoming members of our Order , for we may now boast , as was years ago noticed to H . M . George the Third , at the time of extreme public disturbance in Great Britain , that the Freemasons of Fmgland yield to no subjects of the realm in the love of their country , in loyal attachment to the person of the Sovereign of the realms of thc British Empire .
I he toast of the e . etiing , "Our Guest , " which every one was so anxious to honour , and for which almost every brother was almost impatient , was given amid such demonstrations of enthusiasm as must , indeed , have been gratifying to the honoured guest of the occasion . Thc CHAIRMAN , in proposing the toast , saiel : Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren , this is a red-letter day in the annals of English Masonry in this iirovince , and I am sure
that the object of our assembling commends itself dearly to the heart of every one of us . ( Applause . ) My poor , weak words are totally inadequate to do justice to the subject I have in hand , but you will make up what they lack in strength by the hearty and enthusiastic manner with which you will respond to the toast of the guest whom we meet to honour , and , I am sure , you will agree with me that in honouring him wc honour ourselves . ( Hear , hear . ) The name
of Right Worshipful Bro . Badglev — ( cheers ) — District Grand Master for Montreal and William Henry , is a household word among Masons of every jurisdiction in Canada , ( Cheers . ) Renowned alike for his kindly courtesy , his gentle sympathy , and ready assistance , where is thc brother who ever applied to this noble gentleman and true Mason for advice or help in vain ? At home and abroad his opinion in matters of Masonic jurisprudence has always carried with
it the wei g ht that it deserves . ( Hear , hear . ) R . W . Bro . Badgley hrst saw the light of . Masonry on the mtli of February , 1 S 24 , years before most of us had seen the light of day . He has consequently been fifty-six years a Mason —( enthusiastic applause)—and during the whole of that long period an active and zealous Craftsman of the Royal Art . For thirty-four years he was a subscribing member of St . Paul ' s Lodge , and in 1 S 5 S the lodge , recognising his
eminent services , made him an honorary member , with all rights and privileges . ( Cheers . ) Between the years 1 . S 29 and 1 S 44 he was nine times Mastcrof St . Paul's Lodge , and the year i _ So is the fiftieth anniversary of his exaltation to the chair of King Solomon , and I only give . expression to the opinion of every one of his Masonic subjects when 1 say that he has proved a worthy successor to that great and wise king . ( Prolonged cheering . ) On St . John ' s Day ,
tS 42 , is dated his patent as Provincial and District Grand Master , and from that date to the present time , a period of thirty years , he has governed the Craft with such zeal and wisdom as are rarely united in one individual . Whilst occupying his exalted position , Masonry in Canada has undergone many changes , but throughout them all R . W . Bro . Badgley has maintained a loyal and unswerving allegiance to the dear old Grand Lodge of England , the mother of all modern Masonry —( cheers )—and if we , brethren , are
permitted to assemble to-night round this board as English Masons , we owe it entirely to the steady perseverance with which he has encouraged and upheld that connection . ( Hear , hear . ) 1 see around me many prominent Masons of other jurisdictions , and have no desire to say one word that will open a delicate subject for discussion ; we meet but with one object in view , and that is to express our feeling of love and veneration for one who , during a Masonic
career of fifty years , has not only not made a single enemy , but has succeeded in winning the love , respect , and esteem of all who have known him . ( Rounds of cheers . ) Brethren , I call upon you to drink , with all the honours , to " The Health of Right Worshipful Bro . Badglev . " The scene at this stage it would be difficult to fitly describe , brethren , young and old , giving demonstrations of . heir esteem lor the R . W . Brother in methods which ,
however different they might be , demonstrated the depth of the . sentiments which they entertained . R . W . Bro . BADGLEV as he rase to respond was cheered to the echo , and it was some little time before it was possible for him to obtain a hearing . He said : I can scarcely I ' md words to thank you for this most unexpected and overwhelming mark of thc regard and partiality with which you have honoured me by the splendid banquet of this evening , and for the compliments with which the Deputy Grand
Master , who presides so ably over this joyful gathering , has been pleased to address to tne , leaving me little power to answer his and your kindness adequately . It has been well said , as you all know and doubtless have practised , that in our Society there exists a broth' -rlv affect ion which delights in softening the sometimes eleserved asperity of judgment ; when the object is to extol the merits or to extenuate the defects of a Masonic brother , we adopt a charitable blindness to his faults , and a kindness to his weaknesses . Under this fraternal influence I have been praised for my servicer
Fifty-Six Years A Mason.
( 0 Masonry in general , and for my practical attachment to Saint Paul's Lodge in particular , into which 1 was made a member of our venerable Order . 1 have no pretentions to anything beyond credit for zeal ; it was from the good-will of my fellow-members of that lodge that I was placed in thc Master ' s chair of the lodge , long afterwards , by the unanimous re'commcmlation of the brethren of all the lodges of the Montreal District , that I was elevated to the " supreme
command among yea ' , " which I continue to heild , and the only merit 1 can justly be entitled to claim is that I honestly consielcr mvself bounel to work and aid my mother lodge , anel to protect the interests of English Masons under my care as the representative of the Grand Lodge of England in my district , but without needlessly interfering with other jurisdictions , and without breach , 1 hope , of true Masonic feeling to others not of us . My brethren , you have shown
your approval of my conception of my eluty , anel have crowned your appreciation of it , by rewarding it with this gratifying kindness , anel now , as an old member of St . Paul's—perhaps the oldest living—I may be permitted to speak a little of its origin anel existence , which may be unknown to some among 3 * ou , but which I learned during the many years of my counection with thc lodge and participatian in its duties .
1 entered the lodge in February , 1 S 24 , and , after having duly served Jiny apprcnticeshij ) and fellowship , served the office of Master of the lodge several times , until by warrant from the Granel Master in England , in 1 S 49 , I succeeded the late Hon . Peter McGiil , whose ill-health compelled him to retire from office . My Masonic service has extended over the long period of fifty-six years , during all which period my time devoted to lodge and Masonic duties has
been richly redeemed by the kiml recollections of my Masonic associates treating me with a genial kindness and a partiality heyontl my deserts . Thc Grand Master then detailed the first constitution of St . Paul ' s Lodge in 1770 , anel many incidents of its continued existence , among others the loss by fire of all its ancient documents in 1833 , anel its reconstituting antl continued prosperity , and high iiosition in Masonry down to the jiresent time . 'The Grand
Master then jiroceeded : Before I close permit me to occiqiy your attention for few more minutes , in some degree , more immediatel y referrable to myself , in which I ask your permission to introduce a few remarks about our Institution in general , and its doctrines and purposes , not so much foi the information of the brethren assembh'el to whom the ) are familiar , as for the outsiele information of those who , knowing nothing of our ancient Institution , permit
themselves to speak evilv and lighty of our Order . And to designate our assemblies as meeting- of riotous mirth and destructive intemperance , for answer I can point to the fact that men of full age ami healthy intellect , renowned for honour and science , and who have lived in the practice of every public and private virtue have in all ages , as well as the present , been members of our Soctety , and most zealous to promote its present welfare ami its future prosperity ,
which could not have been the case if such men had been betrayed into anything wicked , trilling , or ridiculous . I could also answer the wilfully unfountled reproach against us , by directing attention to the prodigious extent of the Institution . At no previous time was Masonry more diffused than at the present moment , the age of stirring intelligence and close research ; never were its bounelaries more extensive , or its
members more numerous , whice has called forth the beautiful remark , that wherever the sun shines on civilized man , there its brilliant beams are reflected from some bright jewel of our Order . Wherever the true principles of heavenly truth pour down their rays , their they find a receiving or a reflecting power in the virtue of some member of the Craft . The prodigious extent of the Society at present , anel its constant increase , so far as we know from
the number of lodges on English registries , with those of the sister registries of Scotland and Ireland , is but little imagined by those who are not called upon to consider its numbers . The English register numbers above 2000 lodges , to which Scotland everywhere following Fingland , has added about 700 more , making the number of British Masons almost incredible and extending their lodges over the four quarters of the globe-and it
cannot well be otherwise . Wherever British commerce and civilisation , or British intelligence and adventure , or even British arms are carried , the great principle of philanthrophy , upon which our Masonic Institution is chieilv based , there establishes British lodges , whether in the wilds of Ziihiland or the mountain barriers of Afghanistan , introducing by degrees love to God and goodwill to man . No other human institution or society has ever been
permanent or universal ; whatever were its laws , however excellent its systems , it couhl not be extended into every age and every country ; it had chielly in view victories ami conquests and thc elevation of one people above another , and could not be made congenial to the interest or fancy . Philanthrophy was not the ground upan which these institutions were founded ; the love of country frequently destroyed the love of humanity ; mankind are not
essentitially distinguished by the difference of the language they speak , the garb they wear , or the dignities with which they are invested . 'The whole world in thc spirit of philanthr _ p _ is one great Republic , of which every nation is a family , and every individual a child ; to revive and spread abroad these principles , drawn from the nature of man , is one of the great principles of our institutions of phlianthrophy , and thus on earch are our principles identified by
all mortals , and hence the boundless extent , increasing duration and remote antiquity of our Order . We would perhaps wonder if the societ y were less numerous than it is—a society former ! to stimulate to the practical performance of duties and principles of conduct with which you are all familiar ; but its movements are done with such perfect tranquillity that they attract no attention . 'That so vast a body should exist in such silence
and move 111 such regularity without its procedure being apparentlyacted upon is the best proof of its strict . inherence to principles their nature of unchanged odvantage to society ut large . It is an allowable pride to hold a leading station among men of such a class , but at all times subject to their scrutiny . For thirtv years 1 have had the honour anp sotisfaetion of presiding over the Society of F . nglish
Masonry here , and subject to the scrutiny of my brethren and fellows . It is theduty of Masons to scrutinize my conduct , and , if necessary , to prevent the credit of the Craft being tainted bv unworthy supermte'iidfiici ' . You have observe : ! me for thirty years in my high office ami I take it that you . my brethren have : this elay pronouuce'dlyour judgment . I omvht now to know how to nppreciatcthi :. testimony of your
Fifty-Six Years A Mason.
approbation , and I do appreciate it . Your verdict may be paetial anel I may he conscious that it is so , but it is the stamp of honour affixed upon me , and I thank you Right Worshipful Sir anel brethren , with a gratitude sommensurate to the magnitude of your favour . I heartily thank vou , Right Worshipful Sir and brethren , for the compliment
you have paid me , anel for the hearty manner in which the toast of your guest , including myself , has been received . So soon as it was possible for the brethren to consider anothertoast , afterthe enthusiaminto woich they had been worked as the guest of the eveningrjproceed with his
response The CHAIRMAN said : — Right Worshipful Sir and brethren , —I call upon you to drink " the health of our sister lodges , " and this affords me the opportunity to say on your behalf how happy and pleased we are to sec so many distinguished brethren of the other jurisdictions in the Dominion . ( Cheers . ) It was felt that this being a banquet got up by the three English
lodges , they alone could act as hosts , and consequently no oilicial invitations to join the demonstration were sent out , but simply an intimat on that any Mason in good standing who wished to jiarticijiate would be welcomed as a ' subscriber . 1 am much pleased to see that so many have joined us in our efforts to do honour to R . W . Bro . Badgley . The
English Masons in thc District have but one object in view to maintain their allegiance to the Granel Lodge of England and to live in peace and brotherly love with Mosons of other jurisdictions . I give you " our Sister Lrelges ; long life and prosperity to them . " Several of the toasts were give anel responded to enthusiastically , and the meeting separated after a most enjoyable evening .
Operative Masons' Marks.
OPERATIVE MASONS' MARKS .
The other day 1 saw an interesting illustration of the operative phase of Mark Masonry . IJro . J . S . Cumberland , P . M ., and I visited the works in connection with the restoration of the south transcript of York Cathedral . A window in the south front was being renewed and the . Masons were at work on thc stones . In the workshop
( lodge ) in which they were at work was a plan of the projected window , drawn to scale , and placed upon a board ( 'Tracing Board ) , and on this plan the dimensions of each stone were carefully drawn , antl the measurements in feet and inches laid down . On each stone in the drawing appeared a Mason's mark . In one case it was the square and compasses , in another the interlaced triangles , in
another the lozenge and cross , and so on . I he overseer informed us that this was the method adopted in all occasions amongst organised bodies of operative Masons . 'The jilan of the work was prepared by the architect , and handed to the Clerk of the Works , whose province it was to sec it properly completed . He delivered the general plans to the Overseerwho then selected the men to perform the
, various portions of the stone work , according to merit , and ability , and placed upon each stone , in the drawing or plan , the mark of the Mason who was to execute it . 'The plan remaining in thc workshop or lodge for reference . I have thought it worth while relating these details because it seems to me that we have here the exact prototype of our own working—the Master , the Overseer , the Craftsman ,
the 'Tracing Board , and the Mark . In speculative Masonry there being no building to be constructed , our Tracing Board is lilied with illustrated plans of moral lessons for the instruction of the brethren . We were told that the mark of e : ach Mason was presented to him by the Overseer when he was apprenticed , and was retained for life , unless he went to work in a lodge with any Mason having
a similar mark , in which case the junior Mason adojited another mark , temporally . In old days the Masons placed their marks on the stone in such a manner that they were in view on the completion of the building . These operalive Masons on the other hand put their marks on the side of the stone , which was destined to be concealed by its juncture with the next . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .
Grand Council Of The Allied Masonic Degrees.
GRAND COUNCIL OF THE ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES .
At a meeting of this Grand Council , held at No . 2 , Red Lion-square , the M . W . Bro . the Rev . G . R . Portal , P . G . M .. M . M . the Grand Master , presiding . The Constitutions of the Grand Council were approved , and ordered to be printed , and the following Grand Officers were appointed . Bro . C . F . Matier D . G . M . „ Thos . Entwistlc G . S . W . „ 'Thos . B . Whytehead G . J . W . ,, Saml . Rawson G . Treas . „ D . M . Dewar G . Sec „ II . Martin Green G . S . I ) . „ Thos . Clark G . I . D . „ R . Boggett G . l . G . „ A . Sc : _ -gill G . D . of C . The rank of Pas . Grand Senior Warden was conferred on Bros . G . P . Brockbank , Fredk . Binckes , J . Holroyd , and T , Oakden , and the Grand Council was ; then closed in ample form .
British Equitable Assurance. Company.
BRITISH EQUITABLE ASSURANCE . COMPANY .
At the twenty-fifth annual general meeting , held on May 27 th , 1 . SS 0 , at the office of the Company , 4 , Queen-street place , E . C , Fountain John Hartley , Esq ., the Chairman of the Company ( Honorary Secretary of the Sunday School Union ) , presiding .
'The Managing Director , William Sutton Cover , Esq . ( Representative of the City of London at the London School Board ) , read the following report : Notwithstanding that the deplorable depression of trade has fallen with maximum force on the classes assuring with this Company , and as a consequence , has slightly elecreased
the new business of the Company , and increased the amount of surrenders and of loans on policies , yet the results of the working of thc Company are in the highest degree satisfactory . 'The Directors have to report that 2025 new policies have been issued , assuring £ 403 . ( 1 52 , and producing a new annual premium income of £ 12 , 155 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Fifty-Six Years A Mason.
pride ourselves upon Her Majesty ' s conelcscension , as English Masons we have further special cause to rejoice that our ancient institution is fostered and affiliated by so many individuals of the Royal Family , and particularly that one so near thc throne . His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has Jentcred o \ ir Orelev , and now presides so efficiently and zealously over its highest duties as Most Worshipful Grand Master over the Mother Grand Lodge of England , a body which we cannot fail to honour and respect , and to connection with whom we have always clung with
unswerving loyalty , fully justifyingour grateful confidence in our powerful and paramount protection by the Grand Lodge of England , which it has hitherto always extended to its warranted lodges here anel elsewhere , and which upon every principle of Masonic chivalry and honour we cannot doubt ' will continue to be extended to us , for our constant and undoubt ' mg loyalty to our English connection , as long as we hold our English
warrants . Let me add that the association with our Order of the other elevated members of the Royal Family exhibiting their fellowship with us , I need not say , is most dignifying to the Craft and not merely superficial honour . The public display by those so near the throne of this sentiment of Royalty towards our institutions is an avowal from them of their common cause with feelings and duties of Masons , and of thc teaching of brotherly love , relief ,
and truth which they have learned in their progress through the progressive steps of the Order , spreading the influence of Royalty among Masons , in the geniality which thereby cheers and expands our charity and goodwill to all our fellow creatures , whilst in other relations it assumes the chilling bleakness of indifference , withering all and everything over which it passes . Long , and at all times , as in the past and present , so in the future may thc members of thc
Royal Family of England show their cordial appreciation of the benefits and advantages of Freemasonry by becoming members of our Order , for we may now boast , as was years ago noticed to H . M . George the Third , at the time of extreme public disturbance in Great Britain , that the Freemasons of Fmgland yield to no subjects of the realm in the love of their country , in loyal attachment to the person of the Sovereign of the realms of thc British Empire .
I he toast of the e . etiing , "Our Guest , " which every one was so anxious to honour , and for which almost every brother was almost impatient , was given amid such demonstrations of enthusiasm as must , indeed , have been gratifying to the honoured guest of the occasion . Thc CHAIRMAN , in proposing the toast , saiel : Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren , this is a red-letter day in the annals of English Masonry in this iirovince , and I am sure
that the object of our assembling commends itself dearly to the heart of every one of us . ( Applause . ) My poor , weak words are totally inadequate to do justice to the subject I have in hand , but you will make up what they lack in strength by the hearty and enthusiastic manner with which you will respond to the toast of the guest whom we meet to honour , and , I am sure , you will agree with me that in honouring him wc honour ourselves . ( Hear , hear . ) The name
of Right Worshipful Bro . Badglev — ( cheers ) — District Grand Master for Montreal and William Henry , is a household word among Masons of every jurisdiction in Canada , ( Cheers . ) Renowned alike for his kindly courtesy , his gentle sympathy , and ready assistance , where is thc brother who ever applied to this noble gentleman and true Mason for advice or help in vain ? At home and abroad his opinion in matters of Masonic jurisprudence has always carried with
it the wei g ht that it deserves . ( Hear , hear . ) R . W . Bro . Badgley hrst saw the light of . Masonry on the mtli of February , 1 S 24 , years before most of us had seen the light of day . He has consequently been fifty-six years a Mason —( enthusiastic applause)—and during the whole of that long period an active and zealous Craftsman of the Royal Art . For thirty-four years he was a subscribing member of St . Paul ' s Lodge , and in 1 S 5 S the lodge , recognising his
eminent services , made him an honorary member , with all rights and privileges . ( Cheers . ) Between the years 1 . S 29 and 1 S 44 he was nine times Mastcrof St . Paul's Lodge , and the year i _ So is the fiftieth anniversary of his exaltation to the chair of King Solomon , and I only give . expression to the opinion of every one of his Masonic subjects when 1 say that he has proved a worthy successor to that great and wise king . ( Prolonged cheering . ) On St . John ' s Day ,
tS 42 , is dated his patent as Provincial and District Grand Master , and from that date to the present time , a period of thirty years , he has governed the Craft with such zeal and wisdom as are rarely united in one individual . Whilst occupying his exalted position , Masonry in Canada has undergone many changes , but throughout them all R . W . Bro . Badgley has maintained a loyal and unswerving allegiance to the dear old Grand Lodge of England , the mother of all modern Masonry —( cheers )—and if we , brethren , are
permitted to assemble to-night round this board as English Masons , we owe it entirely to the steady perseverance with which he has encouraged and upheld that connection . ( Hear , hear . ) 1 see around me many prominent Masons of other jurisdictions , and have no desire to say one word that will open a delicate subject for discussion ; we meet but with one object in view , and that is to express our feeling of love and veneration for one who , during a Masonic
career of fifty years , has not only not made a single enemy , but has succeeded in winning the love , respect , and esteem of all who have known him . ( Rounds of cheers . ) Brethren , I call upon you to drink , with all the honours , to " The Health of Right Worshipful Bro . Badglev . " The scene at this stage it would be difficult to fitly describe , brethren , young and old , giving demonstrations of . heir esteem lor the R . W . Brother in methods which ,
however different they might be , demonstrated the depth of the . sentiments which they entertained . R . W . Bro . BADGLEV as he rase to respond was cheered to the echo , and it was some little time before it was possible for him to obtain a hearing . He said : I can scarcely I ' md words to thank you for this most unexpected and overwhelming mark of thc regard and partiality with which you have honoured me by the splendid banquet of this evening , and for the compliments with which the Deputy Grand
Master , who presides so ably over this joyful gathering , has been pleased to address to tne , leaving me little power to answer his and your kindness adequately . It has been well said , as you all know and doubtless have practised , that in our Society there exists a broth' -rlv affect ion which delights in softening the sometimes eleserved asperity of judgment ; when the object is to extol the merits or to extenuate the defects of a Masonic brother , we adopt a charitable blindness to his faults , and a kindness to his weaknesses . Under this fraternal influence I have been praised for my servicer
Fifty-Six Years A Mason.
( 0 Masonry in general , and for my practical attachment to Saint Paul's Lodge in particular , into which 1 was made a member of our venerable Order . 1 have no pretentions to anything beyond credit for zeal ; it was from the good-will of my fellow-members of that lodge that I was placed in thc Master ' s chair of the lodge , long afterwards , by the unanimous re'commcmlation of the brethren of all the lodges of the Montreal District , that I was elevated to the " supreme
command among yea ' , " which I continue to heild , and the only merit 1 can justly be entitled to claim is that I honestly consielcr mvself bounel to work and aid my mother lodge , anel to protect the interests of English Masons under my care as the representative of the Grand Lodge of England in my district , but without needlessly interfering with other jurisdictions , and without breach , 1 hope , of true Masonic feeling to others not of us . My brethren , you have shown
your approval of my conception of my eluty , anel have crowned your appreciation of it , by rewarding it with this gratifying kindness , anel now , as an old member of St . Paul's—perhaps the oldest living—I may be permitted to speak a little of its origin anel existence , which may be unknown to some among 3 * ou , but which I learned during the many years of my counection with thc lodge and participatian in its duties .
1 entered the lodge in February , 1 S 24 , and , after having duly served Jiny apprcnticeshij ) and fellowship , served the office of Master of the lodge several times , until by warrant from the Granel Master in England , in 1 S 49 , I succeeded the late Hon . Peter McGiil , whose ill-health compelled him to retire from office . My Masonic service has extended over the long period of fifty-six years , during all which period my time devoted to lodge and Masonic duties has
been richly redeemed by the kiml recollections of my Masonic associates treating me with a genial kindness and a partiality heyontl my deserts . Thc Grand Master then detailed the first constitution of St . Paul ' s Lodge in 1770 , anel many incidents of its continued existence , among others the loss by fire of all its ancient documents in 1833 , anel its reconstituting antl continued prosperity , and high iiosition in Masonry down to the jiresent time . 'The Grand
Master then jiroceeded : Before I close permit me to occiqiy your attention for few more minutes , in some degree , more immediatel y referrable to myself , in which I ask your permission to introduce a few remarks about our Institution in general , and its doctrines and purposes , not so much foi the information of the brethren assembh'el to whom the ) are familiar , as for the outsiele information of those who , knowing nothing of our ancient Institution , permit
themselves to speak evilv and lighty of our Order . And to designate our assemblies as meeting- of riotous mirth and destructive intemperance , for answer I can point to the fact that men of full age ami healthy intellect , renowned for honour and science , and who have lived in the practice of every public and private virtue have in all ages , as well as the present , been members of our Soctety , and most zealous to promote its present welfare ami its future prosperity ,
which could not have been the case if such men had been betrayed into anything wicked , trilling , or ridiculous . I could also answer the wilfully unfountled reproach against us , by directing attention to the prodigious extent of the Institution . At no previous time was Masonry more diffused than at the present moment , the age of stirring intelligence and close research ; never were its bounelaries more extensive , or its
members more numerous , whice has called forth the beautiful remark , that wherever the sun shines on civilized man , there its brilliant beams are reflected from some bright jewel of our Order . Wherever the true principles of heavenly truth pour down their rays , their they find a receiving or a reflecting power in the virtue of some member of the Craft . The prodigious extent of the Society at present , anel its constant increase , so far as we know from
the number of lodges on English registries , with those of the sister registries of Scotland and Ireland , is but little imagined by those who are not called upon to consider its numbers . The English register numbers above 2000 lodges , to which Scotland everywhere following Fingland , has added about 700 more , making the number of British Masons almost incredible and extending their lodges over the four quarters of the globe-and it
cannot well be otherwise . Wherever British commerce and civilisation , or British intelligence and adventure , or even British arms are carried , the great principle of philanthrophy , upon which our Masonic Institution is chieilv based , there establishes British lodges , whether in the wilds of Ziihiland or the mountain barriers of Afghanistan , introducing by degrees love to God and goodwill to man . No other human institution or society has ever been
permanent or universal ; whatever were its laws , however excellent its systems , it couhl not be extended into every age and every country ; it had chielly in view victories ami conquests and thc elevation of one people above another , and could not be made congenial to the interest or fancy . Philanthrophy was not the ground upan which these institutions were founded ; the love of country frequently destroyed the love of humanity ; mankind are not
essentitially distinguished by the difference of the language they speak , the garb they wear , or the dignities with which they are invested . 'The whole world in thc spirit of philanthr _ p _ is one great Republic , of which every nation is a family , and every individual a child ; to revive and spread abroad these principles , drawn from the nature of man , is one of the great principles of our institutions of phlianthrophy , and thus on earch are our principles identified by
all mortals , and hence the boundless extent , increasing duration and remote antiquity of our Order . We would perhaps wonder if the societ y were less numerous than it is—a society former ! to stimulate to the practical performance of duties and principles of conduct with which you are all familiar ; but its movements are done with such perfect tranquillity that they attract no attention . 'That so vast a body should exist in such silence
and move 111 such regularity without its procedure being apparentlyacted upon is the best proof of its strict . inherence to principles their nature of unchanged odvantage to society ut large . It is an allowable pride to hold a leading station among men of such a class , but at all times subject to their scrutiny . For thirtv years 1 have had the honour anp sotisfaetion of presiding over the Society of F . nglish
Masonry here , and subject to the scrutiny of my brethren and fellows . It is theduty of Masons to scrutinize my conduct , and , if necessary , to prevent the credit of the Craft being tainted bv unworthy supermte'iidfiici ' . You have observe : ! me for thirty years in my high office ami I take it that you . my brethren have : this elay pronouuce'dlyour judgment . I omvht now to know how to nppreciatcthi :. testimony of your
Fifty-Six Years A Mason.
approbation , and I do appreciate it . Your verdict may be paetial anel I may he conscious that it is so , but it is the stamp of honour affixed upon me , and I thank you Right Worshipful Sir anel brethren , with a gratitude sommensurate to the magnitude of your favour . I heartily thank vou , Right Worshipful Sir and brethren , for the compliment
you have paid me , anel for the hearty manner in which the toast of your guest , including myself , has been received . So soon as it was possible for the brethren to consider anothertoast , afterthe enthusiaminto woich they had been worked as the guest of the eveningrjproceed with his
response The CHAIRMAN said : — Right Worshipful Sir and brethren , —I call upon you to drink " the health of our sister lodges , " and this affords me the opportunity to say on your behalf how happy and pleased we are to sec so many distinguished brethren of the other jurisdictions in the Dominion . ( Cheers . ) It was felt that this being a banquet got up by the three English
lodges , they alone could act as hosts , and consequently no oilicial invitations to join the demonstration were sent out , but simply an intimat on that any Mason in good standing who wished to jiarticijiate would be welcomed as a ' subscriber . 1 am much pleased to see that so many have joined us in our efforts to do honour to R . W . Bro . Badgley . The
English Masons in thc District have but one object in view to maintain their allegiance to the Granel Lodge of England and to live in peace and brotherly love with Mosons of other jurisdictions . I give you " our Sister Lrelges ; long life and prosperity to them . " Several of the toasts were give anel responded to enthusiastically , and the meeting separated after a most enjoyable evening .
Operative Masons' Marks.
OPERATIVE MASONS' MARKS .
The other day 1 saw an interesting illustration of the operative phase of Mark Masonry . IJro . J . S . Cumberland , P . M ., and I visited the works in connection with the restoration of the south transcript of York Cathedral . A window in the south front was being renewed and the . Masons were at work on thc stones . In the workshop
( lodge ) in which they were at work was a plan of the projected window , drawn to scale , and placed upon a board ( 'Tracing Board ) , and on this plan the dimensions of each stone were carefully drawn , antl the measurements in feet and inches laid down . On each stone in the drawing appeared a Mason's mark . In one case it was the square and compasses , in another the interlaced triangles , in
another the lozenge and cross , and so on . I he overseer informed us that this was the method adopted in all occasions amongst organised bodies of operative Masons . 'The jilan of the work was prepared by the architect , and handed to the Clerk of the Works , whose province it was to sec it properly completed . He delivered the general plans to the Overseerwho then selected the men to perform the
, various portions of the stone work , according to merit , and ability , and placed upon each stone , in the drawing or plan , the mark of the Mason who was to execute it . 'The plan remaining in thc workshop or lodge for reference . I have thought it worth while relating these details because it seems to me that we have here the exact prototype of our own working—the Master , the Overseer , the Craftsman ,
the 'Tracing Board , and the Mark . In speculative Masonry there being no building to be constructed , our Tracing Board is lilied with illustrated plans of moral lessons for the instruction of the brethren . We were told that the mark of e : ach Mason was presented to him by the Overseer when he was apprenticed , and was retained for life , unless he went to work in a lodge with any Mason having
a similar mark , in which case the junior Mason adojited another mark , temporally . In old days the Masons placed their marks on the stone in such a manner that they were in view on the completion of the building . These operalive Masons on the other hand put their marks on the side of the stone , which was destined to be concealed by its juncture with the next . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .
Grand Council Of The Allied Masonic Degrees.
GRAND COUNCIL OF THE ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES .
At a meeting of this Grand Council , held at No . 2 , Red Lion-square , the M . W . Bro . the Rev . G . R . Portal , P . G . M .. M . M . the Grand Master , presiding . The Constitutions of the Grand Council were approved , and ordered to be printed , and the following Grand Officers were appointed . Bro . C . F . Matier D . G . M . „ Thos . Entwistlc G . S . W . „ 'Thos . B . Whytehead G . J . W . ,, Saml . Rawson G . Treas . „ D . M . Dewar G . Sec „ II . Martin Green G . S . I ) . „ Thos . Clark G . I . D . „ R . Boggett G . l . G . „ A . Sc : _ -gill G . D . of C . The rank of Pas . Grand Senior Warden was conferred on Bros . G . P . Brockbank , Fredk . Binckes , J . Holroyd , and T , Oakden , and the Grand Council was ; then closed in ample form .
British Equitable Assurance. Company.
BRITISH EQUITABLE ASSURANCE . COMPANY .
At the twenty-fifth annual general meeting , held on May 27 th , 1 . SS 0 , at the office of the Company , 4 , Queen-street place , E . C , Fountain John Hartley , Esq ., the Chairman of the Company ( Honorary Secretary of the Sunday School Union ) , presiding .
'The Managing Director , William Sutton Cover , Esq . ( Representative of the City of London at the London School Board ) , read the following report : Notwithstanding that the deplorable depression of trade has fallen with maximum force on the classes assuring with this Company , and as a consequence , has slightly elecreased
the new business of the Company , and increased the amount of surrenders and of loans on policies , yet the results of the working of thc Company are in the highest degree satisfactory . 'The Directors have to report that 2025 new policies have been issued , assuring £ 403 . ( 1 52 , and producing a new annual premium income of £ 12 , 155 .