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Article AUCKLAND—NEW ZEALAND. ← Page 2 of 3 Article AUCKLAND—NEW ZEALAND. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Auckland—New Zealand.
for their attendance . It is also particularly pleasing to see in orfr midst the R . W . P . G . M ., tho Honourable Frederick Whitaker , his Officers , and the members of the Scottish Constitntion who have met this day with a similar object in view themselves , and have extended to us tho right hand of fellowship by joining in the ceremony . Time will not permit me to address yon at any great length . To givo an
outline of such an ancient institution as Freemasonry , would be like repeating tho history of the world . Its area is so vast , its subjects so multifarious , and the treasures gathered for ages into its archives are so numerous . The intellectual man is struck with Freemasonry as comprehending in all its varietips the whole of human life , the contemplation of which is inexhaustible . Suffice it to say , that a
Mason , no matter what his creed may be , must be a believer in the Grand Architect of the Universe ; he must be a law-abiding citizen , and he is taught to me sure his actions by the rule of morality , as also to retain in their fullest splendour those truly Masonio ornaments which are the distinguishing characteristics of the Order , " Benevolenco and Charity . " From the earliest ages Freemasonry has been
subject to opposition , but firm in its rectitude it has successfully withstood it , and even to this day there are those who decry itknowing nothing of it , and from their ignorance , cannot comprehend its intellectual and moral development . It is that sacred bond that teaches ns the immortality of the soul , that binds men of the most discordant opinions into one band of brothers , gives ono language to
all nations , and ono altar to men of all religions . There are those who pretend to deny tho existence of a Supremo Governor of the Universe , and death to them would be but an eternal sleep . What a faith for a rational being to hold in a world teeming with wonders of animal and vegetable life . Wo behold the waters of a noble river flowing ceaselessly onward to swell the mighty ocean ; there they do
not remain . Tho glorious sun in its bright career attracts tho pure elements again to the skies where , wafted by evening zephyrs over distant hills , silently at night it descends in gentle dew to cool the arid plain , or condensed in heavy clouds , in dark horizon and in lightnings lurid glare , proclaims the approaching storm , pouring the treasures of heaven in liberal profusion over the vast field of human
labour—causing the grass to grow , the grain to swell , the trees to bud , and the heart of man to rejoice . They cannot discern in this the handiwork of the Creator . The Freemason , however , learns that , when he has performed his allotted task , when this life is ended , it closes to open upon a newer and a higher one , where in a second temple and purer Lodge , he will find " Eternal Truth , " —
For on Him he will calmly rely , To whom alone All secrets are known , Who reigns supreme on high . At the conclusion of the address , Bro . Lazar offered np a prayer , which was followed by the singing of an ode . After which
congratulations were received by the District Grand Master , and the brethren adjourned from labour to refreshment . At 3 o ' clock , the officers and brethren of Lodge St . Andrew assembled in the Hall , and the W . M ., Bro . Walker , having raised the Lodge to the third degree , Bro . the Hon . F . Whitaker , Provincial Grand Master elect , was received with the customary Masonic honours .
The ceremony of the installation differed very slightly from that in the case of Bro . Graham D . G . M . E . C . The consecration of the Lodgo was performed by the Installing Master , and Bro . Walker W . M ., Bro . Murray W . M . Sir Walter Scott , and Bro . Brodie P . M . Sir Walter Scott , sprinkled tbe corn , wine , and oil . After the consecration , a very beautiful opening prayer was offered up by tho Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . F . Gould , P . G . Chaplain .
' !! ,, •I ' cillowing temporary officers of tho Provincial Grand Lodgo were then appointed : —Bros . VV . McCullough P . M . Sir Walter Scott D . P . G . M ., Doull P . G . S . W ., W . J . Rees P . G . J . W ., the Rev . F . Gould P . G . Chaplain , Sloane P . G . Treasurer , Heather P . G . Registrar , Mitchell P . G . Secretary , A . Brock P . G . S . D ., Batt P . G . J . D ., W . Frazer P . G . D . Director of Ceremonies , J . H . Burns A . P . G . D . Ceremonies ,
Hyde P . M . P . G . Sword Bearer , Redfern P . G . I . G ., Rawdon P . G . Tyler . After the investiture of P . G . M . Bro . the Hon . F . Whitaker , the following officers were invested : —Bros . Anderson P . M . P . G . S . M ., Brodie P . M . P . G . S . W ., A . Dewar P . M . P . G . J . XV ., T . L . Murray W . M . P . G . Treasurer , E . K . Tyler P . M . P . G . Secretary , the Rev . F . Gould
A . P . G . Chaplain ( in the absence of the Chaplain elect ) , Martin A . P . G . S . D ., T . Ellison P . G . J . D ., XV . Fraser P . G . Director of Ceremonies , W . Wilkinson P . G . M ., Errington P . G . A ., Captain Goldsmith P . G . S . B ., Henry Brett Director of Music , James Reid Hendry P . G . President of Board of Stewards , Home P . G . I . G ., Rawdon P . G . Tyler .
In investing Bro . H . Brett as P . G . D . of Musi * , the Installing Master took occasion to say that though ho had conducted many installations , h - had never attended one at which the musical portion of the ceremonies had been more tastefully and efficiently rendered than at this , and nowhere had ho more enjoyed tho singing and organ performances .
After tho investiture , Bro . F . Whitaker , Provincial Grand Master , S . C ., addressed the Lodge : —Worshipfnl Masters , Past Masters , and Brethren , —The time has now come when it is customary that I should address you as Master of this Lodge , but I shall endeavour to bo exceedingly brief , because we have already gone through two ceremonies , which havo detained yon a great length of timo , and
therefore I do not think this is a proper occasion on which I should occupy much more of your time . I will , however , avail myself of sayiuy a few words which I deem appropriate to the occasion , and then I will dismiss you and close for the first time this Provincial Grand Lod ge . Brethren , you are all aware that Freemasonry has two great
characteristics ! , Operative Masonry , and Symbolical Masonry . The fonndation of our Lodges , no doubt , in its origin , was operative . Ii commenced with the building of the Temple of King Solomon , but now a great change has taken place in Masonry , so far as it relaves to its operative character , for we havo become symbolical or specula-
Auckland—New Zealand.
tive Masons ; we have abandoned operative Masonry altogether , and I dare say , to a certain extent , we have derived a large amount of advantage from the change . I hardly think it would suit me at the present time to perform the duties of Hiram , tho Builder , or that it would suit you to cut timber on Mou'it Lebanon , or to quarry stones at Tyre . But what have we established in the place of that operative
Masonry which , as regards our Order , no longer exists ? We have established au institution of the grandest possible character upon that foundation of 3 , 000 years ago ; an institution which is flourishing in every clime , and among every race : there is none other like it in tho whole world , an institution whose greatness the brethren acknowledge with pride , an institution which all can seek entrance into with
only two qualifications requisite—one being purity of character , and the other the acknowledgment of a Supreme Being . These are the only two qualifications required . Freemasonry is as wide as the world itself . It extends over Asia , Europe , America , Africa , and even Oceana and New Zealand , the most distant part of the world from ancient civilisation . Over tho whole civilised globe , and
wherever civilised man sets his foot there we find Freemasonry in all its glory . The great principle of Freemasonry is that we are all equal aa Freemasons . In this Lodge every man is equal , except in so far as any of us may be put in authority over the others for the purpose of regulating tho conduct of the brethren , and guiding the management of the institution . Freemasonry makes no distinctions
as to creed or colour , Jew or Gentile , whoever they may be , all aro equally acceptable ; and as to religious belief , tho recognition of a Divine Being as the Great Architect of the Universe is the only qualification neeessary for admission to the brotherhood . Of course , brethren , this is a theme npon which I might descant at great length , but as I have already promised to make my remarks as brief as possi .
ble , I will fulfil that promise . But there are a few matters with regard to myself which I should like to refer to , because there are some members of the Craft who have recently arrived in this colony who are not aware of the position I formerly held in connection with Freemasonry and how long I have been a brother—indeed , many of you were not born at the time when I first became a member of the
Craft . I hold in my hand a document which reminds me of the 23 rd of July 1839 , when I was initiated as an apprentice in the mysteries of Freemasonry . I was in due course raised to the degree of a Master Mason , and in October 1839 , 1 waa enrolled as a member of the Grand Lodge of England , on the records of which my name stands at the present time . Now during that time it has devolved
upon me to perform some of the most important Masonic acts . In tho first place , having arrived in New Zealand , I assisted in 1842 in instituting Lodge Ara , existing up to the present time , and I was elected as its first Master . I recollect that at that period a gentleman of the Jewish persuasion came down from Sydney . I do not know how it is that tho gentlemen of that persuasion seem to be more
intimately acquainted with our ceremonies than any one else . 1 re . collect that fact , and it reminds me of the perfect and regular way in which Bro . Lazar conducted the ceremo iy to-day . Yon see St . Paul ' s Church there on the hill ; I assisted subsequently to the ceremony in laying tho foundation stone of that church . Five and thirty years ago is a long time , brethren , a very long time to look back upon .
Again , you see the Supreme Court , and I dare say many of you will recollect that I laid the foundation stone of that building myself aa a Master Mason in 1865 . In 1876 , one of the most pleasing incidents of my career in Masonry occurred , when I was invited to the Thames by brother Masons . You must understand that being an English Freemason , I had not yet been connected witb any Scotch Lodge .
I was invited to the Thames to be affiliated to the Scotch Constitution in the Sir Walter Scott Lodge , and I was enrolled as one of the brethren on that occasion , and it was then a formal offer was made to me to become the first Provincial Grand Master of the Scotch Con . stitntion for the North Island of New Zealand . Well , that is now concluded with this ceremony to-day ; I am duly installed as your
first Grand Master , and I think I may refer to this fact in proof of the Catholicity of Freemasonry , for here I am an Englishman , never having been in Scotland iu my life , and you have accepted me as your Grand Master . I believe I may refer to Bro . Graham here on my right , the District Grand Master of the English Constitution , as being of Scotch origin . ( Bro . Graham here whispered some words
to Bro . Whitaker , which were not audible in the body of the hall ) . Born in Ireland , but of Scotch origin—well , I suppose wa must accept him aa half-Irishman and half ' -Scotchman , but half an Irish , man and half a Scotchman fitted together makes one good English Grand Master . ( Cheers ) . Here is Bro . Graham , sitting , I may say , in all his glory , and I for one do most sincerely wish him a long and
happy reign over the Lodge of which ho has bean appointed Grand Master . I now have this to say : I do from the bottom of my heart most sincerely thank you all , brethren , for the great honour you have conferred upon me in placing me in this chair , and 1 assure you it will be my utmost endeavour to conduct the business of this Grand Lodge in a manner that shall be satisfactory to the brethren . I suall
endeavour faithfull y to perform my duties with ihe aid of the officers appointed to assist me , aud depend npon it mj bjdt ¦ „„ . ___ , ;_ m _ w _ ii not be wanting to uphold tho dignity and supp rt * V i ~ fhon- » of Masonry . ( Cheers . ) Yon are aware that tho ALiS . er who .-its iu tnid chair is as great an autocrat as the Emperor of Russia . What I suy in this Lodge is law , aud there is but one appeal , viz ., to tne Grand
Lodge of Scotland . Hero tho Master of this LoJge is su , ro . n >' . I refer to Bro . Lazar as to whether I nm stating vvlmt is coiivut—uu brother has a right to dispute tho decision of the Grand M _ . ii . er , Out let me add that while I will act with firmness , I will uUu act w . th moderation , and my decisions , » i far aa it is possible to muko ihem , shall be founded on justice and truth . ( Cheers . ) Breitiren , assist
me to close this Lodge . At the dose ot tho cerem-my the P . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Huv . K . Gould , offered up the following very eloquent prayer : — God , our Creator , Preserver , an . I Benefactor , with whom all hea . ts are open , all desires known , an from whom no seirets aro hiU , we thank Thee for tho fraternal communion which we have this day
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Auckland—New Zealand.
for their attendance . It is also particularly pleasing to see in orfr midst the R . W . P . G . M ., tho Honourable Frederick Whitaker , his Officers , and the members of the Scottish Constitntion who have met this day with a similar object in view themselves , and have extended to us tho right hand of fellowship by joining in the ceremony . Time will not permit me to address yon at any great length . To givo an
outline of such an ancient institution as Freemasonry , would be like repeating tho history of the world . Its area is so vast , its subjects so multifarious , and the treasures gathered for ages into its archives are so numerous . The intellectual man is struck with Freemasonry as comprehending in all its varietips the whole of human life , the contemplation of which is inexhaustible . Suffice it to say , that a
Mason , no matter what his creed may be , must be a believer in the Grand Architect of the Universe ; he must be a law-abiding citizen , and he is taught to me sure his actions by the rule of morality , as also to retain in their fullest splendour those truly Masonio ornaments which are the distinguishing characteristics of the Order , " Benevolenco and Charity . " From the earliest ages Freemasonry has been
subject to opposition , but firm in its rectitude it has successfully withstood it , and even to this day there are those who decry itknowing nothing of it , and from their ignorance , cannot comprehend its intellectual and moral development . It is that sacred bond that teaches ns the immortality of the soul , that binds men of the most discordant opinions into one band of brothers , gives ono language to
all nations , and ono altar to men of all religions . There are those who pretend to deny tho existence of a Supremo Governor of the Universe , and death to them would be but an eternal sleep . What a faith for a rational being to hold in a world teeming with wonders of animal and vegetable life . Wo behold the waters of a noble river flowing ceaselessly onward to swell the mighty ocean ; there they do
not remain . Tho glorious sun in its bright career attracts tho pure elements again to the skies where , wafted by evening zephyrs over distant hills , silently at night it descends in gentle dew to cool the arid plain , or condensed in heavy clouds , in dark horizon and in lightnings lurid glare , proclaims the approaching storm , pouring the treasures of heaven in liberal profusion over the vast field of human
labour—causing the grass to grow , the grain to swell , the trees to bud , and the heart of man to rejoice . They cannot discern in this the handiwork of the Creator . The Freemason , however , learns that , when he has performed his allotted task , when this life is ended , it closes to open upon a newer and a higher one , where in a second temple and purer Lodge , he will find " Eternal Truth , " —
For on Him he will calmly rely , To whom alone All secrets are known , Who reigns supreme on high . At the conclusion of the address , Bro . Lazar offered np a prayer , which was followed by the singing of an ode . After which
congratulations were received by the District Grand Master , and the brethren adjourned from labour to refreshment . At 3 o ' clock , the officers and brethren of Lodge St . Andrew assembled in the Hall , and the W . M ., Bro . Walker , having raised the Lodge to the third degree , Bro . the Hon . F . Whitaker , Provincial Grand Master elect , was received with the customary Masonic honours .
The ceremony of the installation differed very slightly from that in the case of Bro . Graham D . G . M . E . C . The consecration of the Lodgo was performed by the Installing Master , and Bro . Walker W . M ., Bro . Murray W . M . Sir Walter Scott , and Bro . Brodie P . M . Sir Walter Scott , sprinkled tbe corn , wine , and oil . After the consecration , a very beautiful opening prayer was offered up by tho Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . F . Gould , P . G . Chaplain .
' !! ,, •I ' cillowing temporary officers of tho Provincial Grand Lodgo were then appointed : —Bros . VV . McCullough P . M . Sir Walter Scott D . P . G . M ., Doull P . G . S . W ., W . J . Rees P . G . J . W ., the Rev . F . Gould P . G . Chaplain , Sloane P . G . Treasurer , Heather P . G . Registrar , Mitchell P . G . Secretary , A . Brock P . G . S . D ., Batt P . G . J . D ., W . Frazer P . G . D . Director of Ceremonies , J . H . Burns A . P . G . D . Ceremonies ,
Hyde P . M . P . G . Sword Bearer , Redfern P . G . I . G ., Rawdon P . G . Tyler . After the investiture of P . G . M . Bro . the Hon . F . Whitaker , the following officers were invested : —Bros . Anderson P . M . P . G . S . M ., Brodie P . M . P . G . S . W ., A . Dewar P . M . P . G . J . XV ., T . L . Murray W . M . P . G . Treasurer , E . K . Tyler P . M . P . G . Secretary , the Rev . F . Gould
A . P . G . Chaplain ( in the absence of the Chaplain elect ) , Martin A . P . G . S . D ., T . Ellison P . G . J . D ., XV . Fraser P . G . Director of Ceremonies , W . Wilkinson P . G . M ., Errington P . G . A ., Captain Goldsmith P . G . S . B ., Henry Brett Director of Music , James Reid Hendry P . G . President of Board of Stewards , Home P . G . I . G ., Rawdon P . G . Tyler .
In investing Bro . H . Brett as P . G . D . of Musi * , the Installing Master took occasion to say that though ho had conducted many installations , h - had never attended one at which the musical portion of the ceremonies had been more tastefully and efficiently rendered than at this , and nowhere had ho more enjoyed tho singing and organ performances .
After tho investiture , Bro . F . Whitaker , Provincial Grand Master , S . C ., addressed the Lodge : —Worshipfnl Masters , Past Masters , and Brethren , —The time has now come when it is customary that I should address you as Master of this Lodge , but I shall endeavour to bo exceedingly brief , because we have already gone through two ceremonies , which havo detained yon a great length of timo , and
therefore I do not think this is a proper occasion on which I should occupy much more of your time . I will , however , avail myself of sayiuy a few words which I deem appropriate to the occasion , and then I will dismiss you and close for the first time this Provincial Grand Lod ge . Brethren , you are all aware that Freemasonry has two great
characteristics ! , Operative Masonry , and Symbolical Masonry . The fonndation of our Lodges , no doubt , in its origin , was operative . Ii commenced with the building of the Temple of King Solomon , but now a great change has taken place in Masonry , so far as it relaves to its operative character , for we havo become symbolical or specula-
Auckland—New Zealand.
tive Masons ; we have abandoned operative Masonry altogether , and I dare say , to a certain extent , we have derived a large amount of advantage from the change . I hardly think it would suit me at the present time to perform the duties of Hiram , tho Builder , or that it would suit you to cut timber on Mou'it Lebanon , or to quarry stones at Tyre . But what have we established in the place of that operative
Masonry which , as regards our Order , no longer exists ? We have established au institution of the grandest possible character upon that foundation of 3 , 000 years ago ; an institution which is flourishing in every clime , and among every race : there is none other like it in tho whole world , an institution whose greatness the brethren acknowledge with pride , an institution which all can seek entrance into with
only two qualifications requisite—one being purity of character , and the other the acknowledgment of a Supreme Being . These are the only two qualifications required . Freemasonry is as wide as the world itself . It extends over Asia , Europe , America , Africa , and even Oceana and New Zealand , the most distant part of the world from ancient civilisation . Over tho whole civilised globe , and
wherever civilised man sets his foot there we find Freemasonry in all its glory . The great principle of Freemasonry is that we are all equal aa Freemasons . In this Lodge every man is equal , except in so far as any of us may be put in authority over the others for the purpose of regulating tho conduct of the brethren , and guiding the management of the institution . Freemasonry makes no distinctions
as to creed or colour , Jew or Gentile , whoever they may be , all aro equally acceptable ; and as to religious belief , tho recognition of a Divine Being as the Great Architect of the Universe is the only qualification neeessary for admission to the brotherhood . Of course , brethren , this is a theme npon which I might descant at great length , but as I have already promised to make my remarks as brief as possi .
ble , I will fulfil that promise . But there are a few matters with regard to myself which I should like to refer to , because there are some members of the Craft who have recently arrived in this colony who are not aware of the position I formerly held in connection with Freemasonry and how long I have been a brother—indeed , many of you were not born at the time when I first became a member of the
Craft . I hold in my hand a document which reminds me of the 23 rd of July 1839 , when I was initiated as an apprentice in the mysteries of Freemasonry . I was in due course raised to the degree of a Master Mason , and in October 1839 , 1 waa enrolled as a member of the Grand Lodge of England , on the records of which my name stands at the present time . Now during that time it has devolved
upon me to perform some of the most important Masonic acts . In tho first place , having arrived in New Zealand , I assisted in 1842 in instituting Lodge Ara , existing up to the present time , and I was elected as its first Master . I recollect that at that period a gentleman of the Jewish persuasion came down from Sydney . I do not know how it is that tho gentlemen of that persuasion seem to be more
intimately acquainted with our ceremonies than any one else . 1 re . collect that fact , and it reminds me of the perfect and regular way in which Bro . Lazar conducted the ceremo iy to-day . Yon see St . Paul ' s Church there on the hill ; I assisted subsequently to the ceremony in laying tho foundation stone of that church . Five and thirty years ago is a long time , brethren , a very long time to look back upon .
Again , you see the Supreme Court , and I dare say many of you will recollect that I laid the foundation stone of that building myself aa a Master Mason in 1865 . In 1876 , one of the most pleasing incidents of my career in Masonry occurred , when I was invited to the Thames by brother Masons . You must understand that being an English Freemason , I had not yet been connected witb any Scotch Lodge .
I was invited to the Thames to be affiliated to the Scotch Constitution in the Sir Walter Scott Lodge , and I was enrolled as one of the brethren on that occasion , and it was then a formal offer was made to me to become the first Provincial Grand Master of the Scotch Con . stitntion for the North Island of New Zealand . Well , that is now concluded with this ceremony to-day ; I am duly installed as your
first Grand Master , and I think I may refer to this fact in proof of the Catholicity of Freemasonry , for here I am an Englishman , never having been in Scotland iu my life , and you have accepted me as your Grand Master . I believe I may refer to Bro . Graham here on my right , the District Grand Master of the English Constitution , as being of Scotch origin . ( Bro . Graham here whispered some words
to Bro . Whitaker , which were not audible in the body of the hall ) . Born in Ireland , but of Scotch origin—well , I suppose wa must accept him aa half-Irishman and half ' -Scotchman , but half an Irish , man and half a Scotchman fitted together makes one good English Grand Master . ( Cheers ) . Here is Bro . Graham , sitting , I may say , in all his glory , and I for one do most sincerely wish him a long and
happy reign over the Lodge of which ho has bean appointed Grand Master . I now have this to say : I do from the bottom of my heart most sincerely thank you all , brethren , for the great honour you have conferred upon me in placing me in this chair , and 1 assure you it will be my utmost endeavour to conduct the business of this Grand Lodge in a manner that shall be satisfactory to the brethren . I suall
endeavour faithfull y to perform my duties with ihe aid of the officers appointed to assist me , aud depend npon it mj bjdt ¦ „„ . ___ , ;_ m _ w _ ii not be wanting to uphold tho dignity and supp rt * V i ~ fhon- » of Masonry . ( Cheers . ) Yon are aware that tho ALiS . er who .-its iu tnid chair is as great an autocrat as the Emperor of Russia . What I suy in this Lodge is law , aud there is but one appeal , viz ., to tne Grand
Lodge of Scotland . Hero tho Master of this LoJge is su , ro . n >' . I refer to Bro . Lazar as to whether I nm stating vvlmt is coiivut—uu brother has a right to dispute tho decision of the Grand M _ . ii . er , Out let me add that while I will act with firmness , I will uUu act w . th moderation , and my decisions , » i far aa it is possible to muko ihem , shall be founded on justice and truth . ( Cheers . ) Breitiren , assist
me to close this Lodge . At the dose ot tho cerem-my the P . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Huv . K . Gould , offered up the following very eloquent prayer : — God , our Creator , Preserver , an . I Benefactor , with whom all hea . ts are open , all desires known , an from whom no seirets aro hiU , we thank Thee for tho fraternal communion which we have this day