[From Selections from Calcutta Gazettes, Vol. IV]

Thursday, July 1, 1813.

Thursday last, being the Anniversary of St. John the Baptist a numerous assemblage of the Brethren of the Ancient and Royal Craft of Free Masonry, breakfasted by particular invitation of the Right Worshipful Master, and Chapter of the Lodge, True Friendship, No. 1, Bengal, at the Rooms of Brother Moore, whence they moved in grand procession to the Old Church, to attend Divine Service and hear a Sermon preached by the Reverend T. Thomason.

In the evening, a dinner was given at Brother Moore's Rooms by the Lodge True Friendship, to a large party, consisting of many sojourning Brethren, and a number of Gentlemen of Calcutta, and near the metropolis, who partook of an elegant! repast and choice wines, viewed with admiration the unanimity and harmony which prevailed under the auspices of the Right Worshipful Master, Brother Robert Tytler, supported by Senior Warden Brother George Wordsworth, in the west chair, and Junior Warden Brother Charles Blaney, in the south chair.

The Band of the Artillery attended during the repast, and contributed greatly to the enjoyments of the evening.

The following are the Toasts, and the order in which they were given: -

"Our beloved and venerable Sovereign - the Oldest, Greatest, and most Virtuous Monarch of the age, - His Majesty George the third, and the Whole Craft of Masonry, - Tune - 'God save the King."

"The Royal and August Patron of our Art, the Nation's hope and People's pride, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent of the British Empire; and may the Loyalty and virtuous conduct of Free Masons ever cause him to remember with pleasure that he has worn an apron and handled a trowel. 'Prince of Wales' March.'

"The distinguished Princes of the Blood who have honored the Ancient and Royal Craft with their countenance and patronage. - 'Duke of Yorks March.'

"His Grace John Duke of Athol, Grand Master of the Ancient York Free Masons and the Grand Lodge of England. - 'Free Masons March.'

"Success and prosperity to the Grand Lodges, and Brethren, working under their Auspices; of Scotland and Ireland. - 'Auld Lang Syne:

"An Honest Man is the noblest work of God."

"That bright Luminary in the Masonic Constellation, the Earl of Moira, whose unremitted exertions for the benefit of Masonry render his name, indelibly imprinted on the heart of every Brother of the Craft-'Lord Moira's Welcome:'

"That Illustrious Son of Erin and boast of Britain, our Noble and Gallant Brother Marquis Wellington, and the brave Brethren and Heroes under his command. - 'British Grenadiers:'

"Health, Prosperity, and Happiness to every worthy Brother, wherever he may be; and may Masons of every Country be ever united in the 'ties of 'True Friendship: Unanimity, and Brotherly Love. - 'Free and Accepted Masons.'

"That Patriotic Statesman and enlightened Scholar, the noble Mccaenas of the East, the Right Honorable Gilbert Lord Minto, Governor General of British India, and the Heroes who accompanied him in the memorable expedition which annexed Java to the British Empire. - 'Conquest of Java.'

"His Excellency the Commander in Chief, Sir George Nugent, and the brave protectors of Asia, the Indian Army. - 'Fall of Paris.'

"The distinguished Sons of our Country, the members of the Civil Service of the Honorable East India Company. - 'Braw Braw Lads o' Gala water.'

"The Memory of the three illustrious Brethren, Lord Nelson, Sir Ralph Abercromby and Sir John 'Moore, and may their glorious example, animating the bosom of every Mason, tell, him his life is not his own when his country requires it, - [With solemn honors] - 'Here's a Health to those far away. "The Free Masons of India; and may the only desire of superiority known among them exist in the emulation of striving who best can work, and be most willing to assist a worthy Brother in distress. -'Robert Adair.'

"The Health of our excellent and worthy Brother Sir William Keir, to whose exertions the present flourishing state of the Royal Art in Bengal is chiefly to be attributed. - 'Highland Laddie.'

Back to The Sons of Mystery [ Next ] [ Previous ]