Page 20 - Centennial Sketch of the History of the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235. 1777 to 1877 UGLE

20 Lodge of the Nine Muses 1777-1877

hours. Of the Nine Muses, Terpsichore appears then to have principally exercised
her sway, and the breaking of the morning light upon the unwearied dancers must
on several occasions (judging from the Minutes) have testified to the potency of
the spell of that graceful goddess. The Minutes, be it observed, of these occasions
are generally brief, but very emphatic.
Indeed, we may note here and there an energy and glow in the curt records
of the proceedings, which suggest that the secretary had encountered during the
evening another pagan divinity, usually represented as of almost infantile years and
of the stronger sex, and that the worthy officer had been “badly hit”. The summer
meetings of the Lodge, too, were observed for many years/with a religious
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regularity, which perhaps may be partly accounted for by the fact that at them
also the presence of ladies was sought and secured. For a long series of years the
favourite and regular place of resort was the old “star and Garter”, at Richmond.
There many a joyous and delightful day has been spent by our Lodge; and it can
scarcely be mere fancy which makes it appear to the reader of the brief records
of these occasions that whenever the Lodge tried a change, and took its pleasure
elsewhere, the success of the summer meeting was not quite so complete. It will
not do, however, to dwell at greater length upon this tempting theme; but, in taking
leave of it, it may be worthwhile to suggest whether it would not be desirable, as it
certainly is in accordance with our traditions, and with the associations suggested
by our name as a Lodge, for us to introduce occasionally into our assemblies the
elevating, refining, and delightful influences of some of the fairer half of human
kind.
With regard to the discharge of those duties of benevolence and liberality
towards the members of the Craft and their families when in distress ~ duties
specially enjoined upon us by the laws and principles of the Masonic order ~ it
is gratifying to find that, so far as the Minutes afford evidence upon the point,
the readiness of the Lodge to respond to calls in this direction appears to have
increased in recent years. A special opportunity for the exercise of the benevolent
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disposition for the discharge of this high Masonic obligation is afforded to us by
the existence of those noble institutions for the divinely compassionate purpose of
providing for the orphan children of members of the Craft, in the establishment of

21 summer Meetings at Richmond.
22 The duties of benevolence and liberality.