Freemason 1 August 1885
From th
From the Archives
The Freemason - 1st August 1885
Presentation of a Testimonial to Bro. Henry Muggeridge
An interesting emergency meeting of the Stability Lodge of Instruction, No.217, took place on Friday, the 24th ult., at the Masons' Hall Tavern, Leadenhall Street, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial (subscribed for by a few old pupils and friends) to their late Preceptor, Bro. Henry Muggeridge, on his retirement from all active duties in Masonry.
Bro. J. Bagot Scriven, P. M., was voted to the chair, and Bro. Henry Birdseye supported him in the vice chair. There were also present Bros. George Kenning, F. D. R. Copestick, F. Newton, A. Sack, E. Anderson, jun., H. Cuff, C. Arnold, J. W. Woodthorpe, G. Clark, H. Dyball, S. Stampfer, R. W. Muggeridge, E. F. Storr and others.
After a substantial cold collation, Bro. SCRIVEN said: We have met here to-day for the one object of presenting a testimonial to our late Preceptor and friend, Bro. Henry Muggeridge. I shall, therefore, proceed at once to the immediate, purpose of the meeting. I am pleased to see my old friend sitting beside me, apparently so well and so active, that many might naturally ask—why enter so early into retirement? but we know how he has been occasionally afflicted, and also that his continuing in good health depends so much on his taking every care of himself, that we are obliged to acknowledge the step he is taking is a wise one. It is with feelings somewhat of pain that we are met here to-day to bid a sort of farewell to our old friend, regret that we should not again see him, so ably presiding in the lodge room, as he was wont to do of old, but still hoping that he may be able to enjoy some few years yet in the society of his family and Masonic friends. When we look back to the many years we have known him (and his connection with Masonry goes back almost to a generation beyond what we can remember), I unhesitatingly say that no one has exceeded him in the good he has done for the institution generally, as well as for the Masonic Charities. The lodges and chapters he has consecrated, the installations he has performed, and the various works of Masonry, both in the ceremonies and lectures, are beyond anything that has ever been accomplished before, and in all these works he has ever had before him the Charities, to which he has been a large contributor, directly and indirectly, by his example and recommendation. The slight testimonial I am now about to present him with is given, not so much for its intrinsic value, as for the feelings of friendship which have prompted it, and I am sure our Bro. Muggeridge will accept it in the same spirit. Our good Bro. Kenning, with his usual good nature, has had a few feeling words inscribed, framed, and glazed, expressive of our thoughts in making this presentation, and I cannot do better, in handing it with this purse to Bro. Muggeridge, than conclude by reading to you what is contained therein:
"To Bro. Henry Muggeridge, - "A few of your old pupils and friends' request your acceptance of the testimonial herewith, and desire to express to you the respect and esteem they will ever retain for their old Preceptor, who presided for so many years at the Stability Lodge of Instruction. In your retirement from Masonry may the G. A. O. T. U. give you peace and happiness."
Bro. HENRY MUGGERIDGE replied, and said: Bro. Chairman and Brethren, although I feel very much delighted with the very kind testimonial you and others, of whom you are the representative, have so kindly made me this evening, still that feeling of pleasure is mingled with melancholy reflections. How many bright stars and dear friends have joined the majority since I became a member of the Stability Lodge of Instruction I can see in my mind's eye during the last 45 years; troops of old friends passing before me, whose countenances are as familiar to me as if I had only seen them last week. I was initiated in the Lion and Lamb Lodge, No.192 (then 227), on the 7th November, 1839, and joined the Stability Lodge of Instruction, under the auspices of Bro. Peter Thomson, the then Preceptor and Treasurer, on the following day, and continued a constant attendant, when in London and health permitting, till the present time—about 45 years. Bro. Peter Thomson died the 2nd February, 1851, and I was unanimously chosen his successor, and I am gratified in being able to say that since that period it has prospered exceedingly under my management. I did not intend to give it up yet; but last week I completed my 74th year, and, finding the infirmities of age increasing, I feel the necessity of ceasing to take an active part in Masonry. Yes, everything in Nature must come to a close, as Shakespeare says; "the cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples, the great globe itself; yea, all which it inherit shall dissolve, and, like this insubstantial pageant faded, leave not a rack behind." But, brethren, although I retire from the management, I hope occasionally to put in an appearance, when my health and the weather will permit. Be that as it may, I now return you my heartfelt thanks for this very kind, generous, and substantial mark of your approbation, and assure you that I hope all of you will put your shoulder to the wheel, and that the Stability Lodge of Instruction will go on prospering till time shall be no more. A few other complimentary toasts were proposed, after which the brethren separated, having spent a very enjoyable evening.
An interesting emergency meeting of the Stability Lodge of Instruction, No.217, took place on Friday, the 24th ult., at the Masons' Hall Tavern, Leadenhall Street, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial (subscribed for by a few old pupils and friends) to their late Preceptor, Bro. Henry Muggeridge, on his retirement from all active duties in Masonry.
Bro. J. Bagot Scriven, P. M., was voted to the chair, and Bro. Henry Birdseye supported him in the vice chair. There were also present Bros. George Kenning, F. D. R. Copestick, F. Newton, A. Sack, E. Anderson, jun., H. Cuff, C. Arnold, J. W. Woodthorpe, G. Clark, H. Dyball, S. Stampfer, R. W. Muggeridge, E. F. Storr and others.
After a substantial cold collation, Bro. SCRIVEN said: We have met here to-day for the one object of presenting a testimonial to our late Preceptor and friend, Bro. Henry Muggeridge. I shall, therefore, proceed at once to the immediate, purpose of the meeting. I am pleased to see my old friend sitting beside me, apparently so well and so active, that many might naturally ask—why enter so early into retirement? but we know how he has been occasionally afflicted, and also that his continuing in good health depends so much on his taking every care of himself, that we are obliged to acknowledge the step he is taking is a wise one. It is with feelings somewhat of pain that we are met here to-day to bid a sort of farewell to our old friend, regret that we should not again see him, so ably presiding in the lodge room, as he was wont to do of old, but still hoping that he may be able to enjoy some few years yet in the society of his family and Masonic friends. When we look back to the many years we have known him (and his connection with Masonry goes back almost to a generation beyond what we can remember), I unhesitatingly say that no one has exceeded him in the good he has done for the institution generally, as well as for the Masonic Charities. The lodges and chapters he has consecrated, the installations he has performed, and the various works of Masonry, both in the ceremonies and lectures, are beyond anything that has ever been accomplished before, and in all these works he has ever had before him the Charities, to which he has been a large contributor, directly and indirectly, by his example and recommendation. The slight testimonial I am now about to present him with is given, not so much for its intrinsic value, as for the feelings of friendship which have prompted it, and I am sure our Bro. Muggeridge will accept it in the same spirit. Our good Bro. Kenning, with his usual good nature, has had a few feeling words inscribed, framed, and glazed, expressive of our thoughts in making this presentation, and I cannot do better, in handing it with this purse to Bro. Muggeridge, than conclude by reading to you what is contained therein:
"To Bro. Henry Muggeridge, - "A few of your old pupils and friends' request your acceptance of the testimonial herewith, and desire to express to you the respect and esteem they will ever retain for their old Preceptor, who presided for so many years at the Stability Lodge of Instruction. In your retirement from Masonry may the G. A. O. T. U. give you peace and happiness."
Bro. HENRY MUGGERIDGE replied, and said: Bro. Chairman and Brethren, although I feel very much delighted with the very kind testimonial you and others, of whom you are the representative, have so kindly made me this evening, still that feeling of pleasure is mingled with melancholy reflections. How many bright stars and dear friends have joined the majority since I became a member of the Stability Lodge of Instruction I can see in my mind's eye during the last 45 years; troops of old friends passing before me, whose countenances are as familiar to me as if I had only seen them last week. I was initiated in the Lion and Lamb Lodge, No.192 (then 227), on the 7th November, 1839, and joined the Stability Lodge of Instruction, under the auspices of Bro. Peter Thomson, the then Preceptor and Treasurer, on the following day, and continued a constant attendant, when in London and health permitting, till the present time—about 45 years. Bro. Peter Thomson died the 2nd February, 1851, and I was unanimously chosen his successor, and I am gratified in being able to say that since that period it has prospered exceedingly under my management. I did not intend to give it up yet; but last week I completed my 74th year, and, finding the infirmities of age increasing, I feel the necessity of ceasing to take an active part in Masonry. Yes, everything in Nature must come to a close, as Shakespeare says; "the cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples, the great globe itself; yea, all which it inherit shall dissolve, and, like this insubstantial pageant faded, leave not a rack behind." But, brethren, although I retire from the management, I hope occasionally to put in an appearance, when my health and the weather will permit. Be that as it may, I now return you my heartfelt thanks for this very kind, generous, and substantial mark of your approbation, and assure you that I hope all of you will put your shoulder to the wheel, and that the Stability Lodge of Instruction will go on prospering till time shall be no more. A few other complimentary toasts were proposed, after which the brethren separated, having spent a very enjoyable evening.
The Freemason: 1st August 1885, page 8 - Library and Museum of Freemasonry
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