Page 89 - An account of the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235. 1777 to 2012UGLE

Lodge of the Nine Muses 89

numbers were only nine members with four ladies. The average attendance was:
ladies, between five and six; members, about thirteen.
In 1845, combining labour with refreshment, an experiment was tried
which was not repeated; perhaps the absence of “Rosebuds” was felt. On 10
June the Lodge met at the Freemasons’ Tavern as usual, but at four o’clock,
and, an initiation took place. Then, “The Ceremony having concluded the
Lodge was closed and the Brethren present retired to a Banquet prepared
for them at the Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich.”
Three more Brethren not at the Lodge meeting turned up for the
banquet, with a professional visitor, no doubt a singer or entertainer of
some kind.
In a few cases like these quoted the minutes are full, but generally they
consist of a few lines only; one more selection must suffice:
Recreation at the Star and Garter Richmond. Thursday 8 June 1830 Sir
William Rawlins Kt in the Chair.
Twelve members and six ladies were present, and two visitors, both men.
At 1/4 after 5 o’Clock, the Company sat down to an excellent Dinner,
elegantly served; the Desert was also on a most liberal scale, and with some
few exceptions the Wines were considered good. On the Cloth being
removed, “God bless the King” was proposed as a Toast, and the National
Anthem sung. “Health to our W.M.”, was drank with suitable respect and
his absence from the Festival regretted. Songs were sung by the Chairman,
Mr Turner, Mr Savory, and Mr Cleghorn. Several Amusing and eloquent
Speeches were delivered by Sir Wm Rawlins, Mr Turner, Mr Arden and Mr
Walsh. Mr Moore returned thanks for the Civilities conferred on the two
visitors.
The other visitor was a “Mr Bott”, perhaps a distinguished Mason of that
name, W.M. of the Corner Stone Lodge.
At Nine P.M. Tea and Coffee were served; soon after 10, Carriages were
ordered, but several of the Party remained during the night at Richmond.
the Day proved propitious!