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Article GRAND FESTIVAL. ← Page 2 of 3 Article GRAND FESTIVAL. Page 2 of 3 →
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Grand Festival.
and happy are the relations between the lodges of the two countries . Nature may have done much to sever us , but I believe that the Craft in the country has been unfailing in its efforts to unite the two countries in the bonds of fraternal affection . ( Cheers . ) Bro . LINENGER , P . G . M . Grand Lodge of Nebraska , as representing the
Grand Lodge of Nebraska , said : It affords me much pleasure to make this public declaration of the manner in which I have been entertained in England . As representing one of almost the youngest Grand Lodges of the West , the membership of which numbers about 125 , I am glad to say that the Masonic Institution in the Far West Country is in a very prosperous
condition indeed , and I desire now to state that while travelling in this country for the last ten months I have been received most heartily by all the brethren , both in Great Britain and Ireland . I beg to thank every member present , and I am sure that if any of you should visit the United States you will receive as hearty a welcome as I have enjoyed in this country . ( Cheers . )
The CHAIRMAN , in proposing " The Health of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , and the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , " said : I gave you the apologies of these distinguished brethren in Grand Lodo-e for their non-attendance , and we are all sorry they were not present ,
and more especially for the cause which keeps them away . I will not say in this assembly what wc know of them , because we all know how great is the interest they take in everything that concerns the Craft . I do not suppose if we were to search the United Kingdom from one end to the other we could find two brethren more fitted to fill their respective positions than they are .
( Cheers . ) The CHAIRMAN then said .: I have now to propose " The Health of the R . W . the Grand Wardens , and thc other Grand Officers , Present and Past . " I know how difficult it is for the Grand Master to make a selection of Grand Officers . I know it myself full well in my much humbler position
as a Provincial Grand Master . There is extreme difficulty in selecting suitable brethren for these offices . Therefore , how much greater must the difficulty be for him who is at the head of thc Craft . But I think we must acknowledge that the selections he generally makes are certainly those which give satisfaction to the Craft . On this occasion I think he is singularly
fortunate . Wc havein our Senior Grand Warden one who will be a credit to Grand Lodge , and I have no doubt we shall find in all the others brethren of whom wc shall ail be proud . I will not recapitulate the services of those who are appointed to office ; but I am sure you will join with me in drinking to their hearty good health , and with this toast I shall couple the name of thc Earl of March , Senior Grand Warden .
The EARL OF MARCH , S . G . W . * . R . W . Master and brethren , I have lo return thanks on behalf of myself , and other Grand Officers . I am , as you are aware , descended from a race who have been cordial supporters of Freemasonry , and whatever efforts I may be able to make in that direction I trust they will meet wilh some degree of approbation . I have also to thank you
on behalf of other Grand Officers . It struck me at thc election of Grand Officers that some like myself were new to the office , and some were reelected not for the first time ; and the applause which greeted the names of
the latter gave assurance of the approval with which the brethren entertained their past efforts , and their confidence in their future endeavours . Brethren , on behalf of myself , and all Grand Officers , Past and Present , I thank you for the honour you have done vis . ( Cheers . )
Bro . H . D . SANDEMAN , Past District G . M . Bengal , in proposing " The Health of thc Chairman , " said : Brethren , the toast which I have to propose is one for which I have been very safely selected , because it is one of those which require no verbiage , and no eloquence : it is " The Health of outexcellent Brother who is this evening acting as thc Most Worshipful Grand
Master . " ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) There are many brethren in this hall who like myself ( and I am proud of thc distinction ) , have for many years been intimately acquainted wilh our Right Worshipful Chairman in Freemasonry ; but I know that all here present , whether intimately acquainted with him or not , are well acquainted with his name , which is a household
word in the Craft ; it is a name which belongs to one who has for many years taken great interest and an active part in our ceremonies , taken also a leading part in our charities , and done everything which could make him dear to us . Brethren , I have already had a hint that time is going on and
that many brethren want to get away ; therefore I cannot treat myself to what I should like todo—some lengthened remarks as to our excellent Chairman , and so I will at once ask you to drink his health , which I know you will do in a bumper , and wish that he may long live to be our friend and associate . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . )
The CHAIRMAN : Brethren , I have to thank you very cordially for the toast and for thc patience with whicli you have listened to what I have had to say . Although I have many personal friends in the room , I attribute your kind attention to lhat fraternal regard which you all hold to me as a brother and as an old soldier . •I return you my thanks from thc bottom of my heart . ( Cheers . )
The CHAIRMAN : The next toast , brethren , is that of " The Provincial Grand Masters . " I am sorry to say that here to-night they are in the singular , not in the plural number , tbe only Provincial Grand Master present but myself being the brother by my side , the Provincial Grand Master for
Staffordshire . He has been here this evening to support me . I shall ask him to be short in his reply to the toast , but I am sure wc are ahvays glad to listen to brethren from the provinces , and we hail his first appearance in the character of Provincial Grand Master with pleasure . ( Cheers . ) I ask you to drink "The Health of the Provincial Grand Master . " ( Hear , hear . )
Bro . Major TUDOR , Prov . G . M . for Stafford : Brethren , in replying to this toast I can only say that I am as glad to ' be among you and to stand up and thank you as you can possibly be to receive me . I have as yet had but little to do with the working of the Provincial Grand Mastership , but for
Grand Festival.
a good many years I have been acquainted with my own province , and I can only say for it that Provincial Grand Masters always desire to do all they can to further the interests of Freemasonry , and to carry out the principles we all hold dear . As long as I hold the position I do now I hope I shall not bring any discredit on my own Provincial Grand Lodge , or on the Grand Lodge of England .
The CHAIRMAN then said : The next toast I have to propose is that of "The Masonic Charities . " There can be no better evidence of the interest taken in them than the increased annual subscriptions whicli we all of us hear of at the festivals . Year by year they increase , and I hope year by year they will continue to increase . There has been a good deal of
correspondence which we have seen on this subject , but after all I think among sensible , straight-thinking men it is always better—though we are open to conviction—to go and see the Institutions for themselves . Very few , I think , can see the correspondence without being sure that to a very great extent there is a good deal to be said about it ; but for all that , there is the broad
fact that we do support an immense number of orphan children , and decayed Masons and their widows . The very basis of our Institution is charity and brotherly love , and I hope the day will never come when these Masonic Charities will cease to be what they now are . I couple with the toast the name of Bro . Hedges , the Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls .
Bro . HEDGES : Most Worshipful Grand Master and brethren : In the name , and on behalf of , the Masonic Charities , I beg to tender you my sincere thanks for the hearty response which you have accorded to this toast . I do not , M . W . Sir , purpose to trepass on your time this evening by discussing the various merits of those Institutions , they are already , I am sure ,
too well known and appreciated to warrant my so doing , while the liberal support which has been accorded to them during the past year shows beyond doubt the place which they hold in the hearts of all true Masons . The festival of the Benevolent Institution , M . W . Sir , which has recently taken place , has again proved the great generosity of the Craft , and we cannot but
express the hope that at the closely-approaching festival of the Girls' School and thc not far distant festival of the Boys' School the result may be one of which Freemasonry may be justly proud , and one which shall lay the Charities under another and lasting debt of gratitude . M . W . Sir , for the honour you have conferred upon me in linking my name with this toast I thank you . There were loud calls for Bros . Binckes and Terry .
Bro . F . BINCKES rose , and said : Most Worshipful Grand Master , I am entirely taken by surprise by the call made upon me to add anything to the remarks lhat have already becn addressed by the brother whose name was formally and officially associated with the toast just so warml y given and so kindly received . I am sure in a festive gathering like this , which has simply
for its object convivial enjoyment and geniality to those brethren who arc honoured by the appointments to office by the Most Worshipful Grand Master , it is neither expedient , nor just , nor right , that our brethren should be wearied by a reply to the toast of "Success tothe Masonic Institutions . " Wc all know , brethren , with a large amount of thankfulness and gratitude ,
that whenever Masons meet together , and for whatever purpose lhey may be congregated , they never lose sight of the object of charity , and I will simply indulge in the hope that whenever on these occasions we are gathered together to congratulate the Grand Officers on their advance to their high office , those officers will remember that with the increase of
honours there is also an increase of responsibility , and that they will always be setting a good example to those not so highly honoured ns themselves , and do all in their power to stimulate the charity of thc brethren 011 behatf of our great Masonic Institutions . ( Hear , hear . ) For myself , I would simply say , as being an honoured guest of the Board of Grand Stewards , it is not my
object to weary this company with any long observations ; but that for more than a quarter of a century being an honoured labourer in thc cause of Masonic Charity I desire to express my grateful thanks for what has been done in thc past , my confidence in the present , and my hope for the future . ( Cheers . )
Bro . J AMES TERRY being again called for , said : As the last representative of our Masonic Institutions , permit me , Sir , in a few words to say that as the representative of thc Benevolent Institution , whose festival has already taken place with that enormous success which , I am bound lo admit in this Grand Lodge , has never taken place in connection wilh any of our Masonic
Institutions , I have to inform you a grand total of £ 14 , 380 was brought in . I only hope that Bro . Hedges may have the honour of exceeding that amount , and that Bro . Binckes may be enabled to total more than Bro .
Hedges . All I can say is that on behalf of thc Benevolent Institution I beg to thank the brethren for the support which my Institution has had , and for the kindness it has always received from Grand Lodge of England and the Board of Grand Stewards . ( Hear , hear . )
The CHAIRMAN : I have now , gentlemen , lo ask you to drink " The Health of the Stewards , " which is the last toast you will have to drink . I have to thank these brethren for the provision they have made for our comfort . In almost all the toasts that I have had to propose I have had to speak of those who were absent . It is more difficult to thank those gentlemen who are
present , without causing them to blush , but I clo thank them heartily on behalf of the brethren present . Bro . RUDOLPH G . G LOVER : M . W . G . M . and brethren , I thank 3-011 on behalf of myself and brother Stewards , for the honour you have done us in thc toast that has been so cordially given and received . Anything which we
have done has been a labour of love to us . If this Grand Festival has been a success , any amount of trouble that has been thrown upon us has been amply repaid in the pleasure that success has afforded us . ( Hear , hear . ) The brethren then adjourned to the Temple , where a beautiful concert was given under the direction of W . Bro . C S . Jekyll , Grand Org ., assisted
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Festival.
and happy are the relations between the lodges of the two countries . Nature may have done much to sever us , but I believe that the Craft in the country has been unfailing in its efforts to unite the two countries in the bonds of fraternal affection . ( Cheers . ) Bro . LINENGER , P . G . M . Grand Lodge of Nebraska , as representing the
Grand Lodge of Nebraska , said : It affords me much pleasure to make this public declaration of the manner in which I have been entertained in England . As representing one of almost the youngest Grand Lodges of the West , the membership of which numbers about 125 , I am glad to say that the Masonic Institution in the Far West Country is in a very prosperous
condition indeed , and I desire now to state that while travelling in this country for the last ten months I have been received most heartily by all the brethren , both in Great Britain and Ireland . I beg to thank every member present , and I am sure that if any of you should visit the United States you will receive as hearty a welcome as I have enjoyed in this country . ( Cheers . )
The CHAIRMAN , in proposing " The Health of the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , and the Deputy Grand Master , the Earl of Lathom , " said : I gave you the apologies of these distinguished brethren in Grand Lodo-e for their non-attendance , and we are all sorry they were not present ,
and more especially for the cause which keeps them away . I will not say in this assembly what wc know of them , because we all know how great is the interest they take in everything that concerns the Craft . I do not suppose if we were to search the United Kingdom from one end to the other we could find two brethren more fitted to fill their respective positions than they are .
( Cheers . ) The CHAIRMAN then said .: I have now to propose " The Health of the R . W . the Grand Wardens , and thc other Grand Officers , Present and Past . " I know how difficult it is for the Grand Master to make a selection of Grand Officers . I know it myself full well in my much humbler position
as a Provincial Grand Master . There is extreme difficulty in selecting suitable brethren for these offices . Therefore , how much greater must the difficulty be for him who is at the head of thc Craft . But I think we must acknowledge that the selections he generally makes are certainly those which give satisfaction to the Craft . On this occasion I think he is singularly
fortunate . Wc havein our Senior Grand Warden one who will be a credit to Grand Lodge , and I have no doubt we shall find in all the others brethren of whom wc shall ail be proud . I will not recapitulate the services of those who are appointed to office ; but I am sure you will join with me in drinking to their hearty good health , and with this toast I shall couple the name of thc Earl of March , Senior Grand Warden .
The EARL OF MARCH , S . G . W . * . R . W . Master and brethren , I have lo return thanks on behalf of myself , and other Grand Officers . I am , as you are aware , descended from a race who have been cordial supporters of Freemasonry , and whatever efforts I may be able to make in that direction I trust they will meet wilh some degree of approbation . I have also to thank you
on behalf of other Grand Officers . It struck me at thc election of Grand Officers that some like myself were new to the office , and some were reelected not for the first time ; and the applause which greeted the names of
the latter gave assurance of the approval with which the brethren entertained their past efforts , and their confidence in their future endeavours . Brethren , on behalf of myself , and all Grand Officers , Past and Present , I thank you for the honour you have done vis . ( Cheers . )
Bro . H . D . SANDEMAN , Past District G . M . Bengal , in proposing " The Health of thc Chairman , " said : Brethren , the toast which I have to propose is one for which I have been very safely selected , because it is one of those which require no verbiage , and no eloquence : it is " The Health of outexcellent Brother who is this evening acting as thc Most Worshipful Grand
Master . " ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) There are many brethren in this hall who like myself ( and I am proud of thc distinction ) , have for many years been intimately acquainted wilh our Right Worshipful Chairman in Freemasonry ; but I know that all here present , whether intimately acquainted with him or not , are well acquainted with his name , which is a household
word in the Craft ; it is a name which belongs to one who has for many years taken great interest and an active part in our ceremonies , taken also a leading part in our charities , and done everything which could make him dear to us . Brethren , I have already had a hint that time is going on and
that many brethren want to get away ; therefore I cannot treat myself to what I should like todo—some lengthened remarks as to our excellent Chairman , and so I will at once ask you to drink his health , which I know you will do in a bumper , and wish that he may long live to be our friend and associate . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . )
The CHAIRMAN : Brethren , I have to thank you very cordially for the toast and for thc patience with whicli you have listened to what I have had to say . Although I have many personal friends in the room , I attribute your kind attention to lhat fraternal regard which you all hold to me as a brother and as an old soldier . •I return you my thanks from thc bottom of my heart . ( Cheers . )
The CHAIRMAN : The next toast , brethren , is that of " The Provincial Grand Masters . " I am sorry to say that here to-night they are in the singular , not in the plural number , tbe only Provincial Grand Master present but myself being the brother by my side , the Provincial Grand Master for
Staffordshire . He has been here this evening to support me . I shall ask him to be short in his reply to the toast , but I am sure wc are ahvays glad to listen to brethren from the provinces , and we hail his first appearance in the character of Provincial Grand Master with pleasure . ( Cheers . ) I ask you to drink "The Health of the Provincial Grand Master . " ( Hear , hear . )
Bro . Major TUDOR , Prov . G . M . for Stafford : Brethren , in replying to this toast I can only say that I am as glad to ' be among you and to stand up and thank you as you can possibly be to receive me . I have as yet had but little to do with the working of the Provincial Grand Mastership , but for
Grand Festival.
a good many years I have been acquainted with my own province , and I can only say for it that Provincial Grand Masters always desire to do all they can to further the interests of Freemasonry , and to carry out the principles we all hold dear . As long as I hold the position I do now I hope I shall not bring any discredit on my own Provincial Grand Lodge , or on the Grand Lodge of England .
The CHAIRMAN then said : The next toast I have to propose is that of "The Masonic Charities . " There can be no better evidence of the interest taken in them than the increased annual subscriptions whicli we all of us hear of at the festivals . Year by year they increase , and I hope year by year they will continue to increase . There has been a good deal of
correspondence which we have seen on this subject , but after all I think among sensible , straight-thinking men it is always better—though we are open to conviction—to go and see the Institutions for themselves . Very few , I think , can see the correspondence without being sure that to a very great extent there is a good deal to be said about it ; but for all that , there is the broad
fact that we do support an immense number of orphan children , and decayed Masons and their widows . The very basis of our Institution is charity and brotherly love , and I hope the day will never come when these Masonic Charities will cease to be what they now are . I couple with the toast the name of Bro . Hedges , the Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls .
Bro . HEDGES : Most Worshipful Grand Master and brethren : In the name , and on behalf of , the Masonic Charities , I beg to tender you my sincere thanks for the hearty response which you have accorded to this toast . I do not , M . W . Sir , purpose to trepass on your time this evening by discussing the various merits of those Institutions , they are already , I am sure ,
too well known and appreciated to warrant my so doing , while the liberal support which has been accorded to them during the past year shows beyond doubt the place which they hold in the hearts of all true Masons . The festival of the Benevolent Institution , M . W . Sir , which has recently taken place , has again proved the great generosity of the Craft , and we cannot but
express the hope that at the closely-approaching festival of the Girls' School and thc not far distant festival of the Boys' School the result may be one of which Freemasonry may be justly proud , and one which shall lay the Charities under another and lasting debt of gratitude . M . W . Sir , for the honour you have conferred upon me in linking my name with this toast I thank you . There were loud calls for Bros . Binckes and Terry .
Bro . F . BINCKES rose , and said : Most Worshipful Grand Master , I am entirely taken by surprise by the call made upon me to add anything to the remarks lhat have already becn addressed by the brother whose name was formally and officially associated with the toast just so warml y given and so kindly received . I am sure in a festive gathering like this , which has simply
for its object convivial enjoyment and geniality to those brethren who arc honoured by the appointments to office by the Most Worshipful Grand Master , it is neither expedient , nor just , nor right , that our brethren should be wearied by a reply to the toast of "Success tothe Masonic Institutions . " Wc all know , brethren , with a large amount of thankfulness and gratitude ,
that whenever Masons meet together , and for whatever purpose lhey may be congregated , they never lose sight of the object of charity , and I will simply indulge in the hope that whenever on these occasions we are gathered together to congratulate the Grand Officers on their advance to their high office , those officers will remember that with the increase of
honours there is also an increase of responsibility , and that they will always be setting a good example to those not so highly honoured ns themselves , and do all in their power to stimulate the charity of thc brethren 011 behatf of our great Masonic Institutions . ( Hear , hear . ) For myself , I would simply say , as being an honoured guest of the Board of Grand Stewards , it is not my
object to weary this company with any long observations ; but that for more than a quarter of a century being an honoured labourer in thc cause of Masonic Charity I desire to express my grateful thanks for what has been done in thc past , my confidence in the present , and my hope for the future . ( Cheers . )
Bro . J AMES TERRY being again called for , said : As the last representative of our Masonic Institutions , permit me , Sir , in a few words to say that as the representative of thc Benevolent Institution , whose festival has already taken place with that enormous success which , I am bound lo admit in this Grand Lodge , has never taken place in connection wilh any of our Masonic
Institutions , I have to inform you a grand total of £ 14 , 380 was brought in . I only hope that Bro . Hedges may have the honour of exceeding that amount , and that Bro . Binckes may be enabled to total more than Bro .
Hedges . All I can say is that on behalf of thc Benevolent Institution I beg to thank the brethren for the support which my Institution has had , and for the kindness it has always received from Grand Lodge of England and the Board of Grand Stewards . ( Hear , hear . )
The CHAIRMAN : I have now , gentlemen , lo ask you to drink " The Health of the Stewards , " which is the last toast you will have to drink . I have to thank these brethren for the provision they have made for our comfort . In almost all the toasts that I have had to propose I have had to speak of those who were absent . It is more difficult to thank those gentlemen who are
present , without causing them to blush , but I clo thank them heartily on behalf of the brethren present . Bro . RUDOLPH G . G LOVER : M . W . G . M . and brethren , I thank 3-011 on behalf of myself and brother Stewards , for the honour you have done us in thc toast that has been so cordially given and received . Anything which we
have done has been a labour of love to us . If this Grand Festival has been a success , any amount of trouble that has been thrown upon us has been amply repaid in the pleasure that success has afforded us . ( Hear , hear . ) The brethren then adjourned to the Temple , where a beautiful concert was given under the direction of W . Bro . C S . Jekyll , Grand Org ., assisted