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Article Untitled ← Page 2 of 2 Article Untitled Page 2 of 2 Article UNITED GRAND LODGE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF DORSET. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
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fashion , with wondrous insignia , many of which they have no right whatever to wear . But as abusft never took away the use of anything properly amongst men , so neither do exceptional cases affect the wise rule of Masonic decoration . Within certain limits it is not only rational , and proper , and becomingbut , we will also add , that it is xsthetic and realistic . For
in-, stance , we know a worthy brother amongst us , much looked up to in Grand Lodge and private lodges . He wears numerous tokens , unsolicited by himself , of the regard of his companions and the affection of the brethren . What can there be wrong in this ? What more attests , to use a foreign word , thc " solidarity " of Freemasonry and the sympathy of friendship ? Is
he to be blamed ? Far from it . Are all brethren to be censured ? Clearly no . Let the cynic and the censorious rail as they will , such are , after all , only external evidences of the living and inward spirit of good and kindness and fraternal sympathy which animates and unites the often contracted members of our one great Body . Some
questions have recently arisen as to what jewels are legal , and what are not , we allude simply , of course , to Craft jewels , what , in fact , come under the legal provisions of honorary and other jewels , medal-device , or emblem , appertaining to and consistent with those Degrees , which are recognized and acknowledged by the Grand Lodge as part of pure and ancient Masonry .
These words may admit of a wide reading , and between the lines we see and know that they allow , for instance , of Royal Arch jewels ,- and those numerous presentation jewels which many of our brethren habitually wear . Strictly and closely interpreted , "legaliter , " these words import that jewels , medallions , and emblems , which denote and connect themselves with the
Three Degrees of Craft Masonry and the Royal Arch Degree are permitted when worn in lodge . This must be so , unless there be some body or authority to which or whom all such matters can be submitted for decision . It is a pity that we have no such distinct authority to appeal to in like cases , to which all would bow . A
question has been frequently asked lately : Are founder ' s jewels legal ? They are very popular and common ; can they be properly worn ? So long as they appertain to , and are consistent with , the acknowledged Degrees of pure and ancient Masonry , ( as laid down in the Article of Union ) , there is nothing possible to be alleged against them , in our humble opinion . But to
remove all possible doubt , why should they not be legalized ? Why should not each lodge , ( subject to the approval of a distinct authority in London ) , have the power of instituting a lodge jewel , to be given to its members by vote of lodge . Surely , such a provision is neither unreasonable or unseasonable ? There are now only three lodges , as far as we know , which possess
lodge jewels granted by the GRAND MASTER , and they are deeply prized by their members . Why should not every lodge thus be encouraged to keep up its " esprit de corps , " and to be careful upon whom it bestowed its lodge
emblems ? A payment to Grand Lodge would be a very proper fee to expect or ordain ; and we feel quite sure that many lodges would gladly avail themselves of a privilege , which would be alike an honour to possess , and a duty to guard from misuse and misappropriation .
* * WE are quite aware of the current and popular objections to which our proposal might , and may , give rise . But , as we have suggested this course some time back , and have neither changed our opinion , nor introduced any new idea , we feel that our time may be better employed than in anticipating
probable objections , and discounting not unlikely " fads . " Just , now weare living at a time when fallacies abound on every side of us ; when men seem to pride themselves in defy ing the laws of logic , arguing from a particular to an universal , and accepting a premise for a conclusion . The " begging of
the question , " the " petitio principii" of the schools , is very common amongst us all , and though we are always willing to meet honest opponents , and deal with legitimate arguments , we do not see the use or the good in troubling
ourselves beforehand with arguments by which nothing is argued , and conclusions in which nothing is concluded . So we leave the matter where it is , merely assuring our readers that to all Masonic arguments , and all courteous impugners we shall gladly afford space and consideration .
* * * WE trust that our recent article about the true position of the Freemason will be read and thought over by many of our good brethren abroad and at home . Abroad , we are often assumed to be the official organ of Grand Lodge , which we are not , and never were , and than which no greater mistake could
be made . Our PUBLISHER , from the very first , has essayed to keep the Freemason a purely independent journal , and while , as influenced by the teaching of our common Order , the Freemason has ever firmly and humbly endeavoured to support lawful authority and to discountenance caucusses and cabals , idle grumblers and imaginary grievances , it has enabled all fair
befitting matters to be ventilated in its unpartizan pages . If that'is to constitute it an organ of the Grand Lodge of England , it is so . Many brethren in England seem to affect to believe the Freemason to have a quasi and semi-official character belonging to its utterances and marking its declarations . Nothing can be more irrational or absurd in truth . If it be so that
its conclusions generally harmonize with those of the executive , ; if its views agree in the main with the great majority of thinking Masons , it is only because by careful supervision and thoughtful attention it acts by Masonic line and rule , and squares its enunciation of Masonic principle and sympathies , with the undoubted realities of the Book of Constitutions on the one hand ,
and the general " consensus " of the most enlightened of our Brotherhood on the other . Some brethren very unwisely allude to it in public meetings and correspondence , as if it either assumed atone of infallibility or claimed to speak the opinions of those in authority . But a little consideration would have shown them that in saying this they utterl y disregarded the temper of
Ar00201
their hearers and the position of the Freemason . It is , what it has always been , —a friend to all Freemasons everywhere ; open to all legitimate and fair complaint ; closed to private antagonism and hateful personalities ; fair and strait running as before the Craft ; loyal and true to the princi ples and teaching which many years have taught it firmly to uphold and truly to revere .
United Grand Lodge.
UNITED GRAND LODGE .
The following is the business lo be transacted in Grand Lodge on Wednesday , the 6 th inst .: i . The minutes of the Quarterly Communication of the 7 th June for confirmation—except so far as relates to the balance of the grant of ^ 75 to Bro . James Hargrave Jones , of the Whittington Lodge , No . 862 , London , which has lapsed in consequence of the death of that brother on the 7 th July last , he having been paid £ 50 on account of such recommended grant
pursuant to the Constitutions , Art . 16 , page 104 . 2 . Report of the Lodge of Benevolence for the last quarter , in which are recommendations for the following grants : A brother of the Lodge of Unity Good Fellowship , No . S 09 , Wisbech ... £ 50 o o A brother of the Blair Lodge , No . S 15 , Hulme , Manchester ... ... 50 o o The widow of a brother of the West Middlesex Lodge , No . 1612 , Ealin" - 60 o o The widow of a brother of the Otago Lodge , No . S 44 , Dunedin , Otago , New Zealand -
... ... ., « r . .. w . .............. ... ... ... ... ... ... _ t 75 o o A brother of the Jordan Lodge , No . 201 , London ... ... ... 100 o o A brother of the Royal St . Edmunds Lodge , No . 100 S , Bury St . Edmund ' s 50 o o Abrotherof the Lodge of the Three Grand Principles , No . 441 , Cambridge 50 o A brother of the Temple Lodge No . 1094 , Liverpool ... ... = .. 50 o ° The widow of a brother of the Lod ^ e of Ligh ts , No . 14 S , Warrington ... 100 o ° A brother of the Pleiades Lodge , No . 710 , Totnes ... ... " ... 50 o ° A brother of the Welchpool Lodge , No . 99 S , Welchpool ... ... iso o o
REPORT OF THE BOARD OP GENERAL PURPOSES . To the United Grand Lod ge of Ancient FYee and Accepted Masons of England . Grand Lodge having at its last Quarterl y Communication accepted the the draft of the proposed revision of the Book of Constitutions , as prepared by the Board , and having approved of its suggestion that the same be considered at a special Grand Lodge , and that in the meantime copies be
escalated amongst the provinces for the information of the Craft , which has accordingly been done , the Board now beg to recommend that brethren desiring to propose any amendments or additions to the said revision of the Constitutions should be required to transmit the same to the Grand Secretary on or before the 25 th September next , in order that they may be considered and reported on by the Board before the meeting of the Special Grand Lodge , which , it is believed , will be held about the middle of October
next . Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , 15 th Augusi , 18 S 2 . ' ( Signed ) FRANK GREEN , Vice-President . To the report is subjoined a statement of the Grand Lodge accounts at the last meeting of the Finance Committee , held on Friday , the nth August , showing a balance in the Bank of England of £ 4245 4 s . 3 d . ; and in the hands of Grand Secretary for petty cash £ 75 , and for servants ' wages , £ 100 .
NOTICES OF MOTION . ( 1 ) By Bro . EDWIN T . BUDDEN , P . M ., No . 622 : — That the minute of the last Grand Lodge ( June 7 th , 1 SS 2 ) , containing the resolution proposed by Bro . RAYNHAM STEWART to raise the Grand Lodge subscription to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution from £ Soo a year ( its present amount ) to £ 1600 a year be not confirmed ; but that instead thereof the following resolutions be adopted , viz : —
( 1 . ) That the Grand Lodge contribution to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution be raised from £ Soo a year to £ 1000 a year ; £ 500 a year to the Male Fund , and £ 500 a year to the Female Fund . The £ 200 a year now added to be paid from the I'und of General Purposes . ( 2 . ) That the Grand Lodge contributions to the Royal Masonic Schools be raised from £ 150 a year to each school ( the present amount ) to £ 500 a year to the Girls ' School , and £ 500 a year to the Boys' School , to be paid from the Fund of General Purposes . ( 3 . ) 1 hat a Committee be appointed : —( a ) To consider the condition , resources ,
and claims of the Fund of " Benevolence , " and ( 4 ) to revise the scale of fees payable by lodges to Grand Lodge , and report to Grand Lodge , so that the revised scale of fees , if adopted , may be incorporated in the revised Constitutions , now under the consideration of Grand Lodge . ( 2 ) By Bro . EDWIN T . BUDDEN , P . M . No . 622 : That any member of Grand Lodge be permitted to purchase a proof copy of the " Revised Constitutions " now under the consideration of Grand Lodge at a price not exceeding two shillings per copy .
LIST OF LODGES FOR WHICH WARRANTS HAVE BEEN GRANTED BY THE M . W . GRAND M ASTER SINCE THE LAST Q UARTERLY C OMMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE . Lodge 1971 , Aldershot Army and Navy , Aldershot , Hants . „ 1972 , Urania , Willowmore , South Africa , E . D . » 1973 . Saye and Sele , Belvedere , Kent . „ 1974 , St . Mary Abbott ' s , Kensington . » IQ 75 . Charles Egan , Umtata , South Africa , E . D .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of Dorset.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF DORSET .
The annual meetingof the Provincial Grand Chapter of Dorset was held at the Masonic Hall , Portland , on Friday , the 25 th ult . The Provincial Grand Chapter was opened at twelve o ' clock noon , and the following were present :
M . E . Comps . J . M . P . Montagu , Prov . Grand Supt . ; Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . S . E .. K ! ? ! V ? , ^ , ' 'J- ' G . J . G . Gregory , P . P . G . J . ; W . M . Heath , P . P . G . J . ; W . Chick , P . P . G . J ., Prov . G . S . E . ; H . C . Burt , P . P . G . J . ; H . T . George , P . P . G . Reg . J W . Osmond , P . P . G . ist A . S . ; J . Lundie , P . P . G . S . N . ; W . H . Dean , J . 77 ; A . Graham , H . 178 ; and many other companions .
T he minutes of the last Provincial Grand Chapter were read and confirmed , and several telegrams and letters from absent companions were read . The report of the Prov . Grand Scribe E . on the state of the province and the progress of the several chapters , showed that each was in a prosperous condition , and that Royal Arch Masonry generally in thc province was doing well . The Provincial Grand Treasurer ' s accounts were received and passed , and a vote of thanks passed to him for his services for many years . M . EComp . Jacob , P . P . G . H ., was re-elected Provincial Grand Treasurer . U
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
fashion , with wondrous insignia , many of which they have no right whatever to wear . But as abusft never took away the use of anything properly amongst men , so neither do exceptional cases affect the wise rule of Masonic decoration . Within certain limits it is not only rational , and proper , and becomingbut , we will also add , that it is xsthetic and realistic . For
in-, stance , we know a worthy brother amongst us , much looked up to in Grand Lodge and private lodges . He wears numerous tokens , unsolicited by himself , of the regard of his companions and the affection of the brethren . What can there be wrong in this ? What more attests , to use a foreign word , thc " solidarity " of Freemasonry and the sympathy of friendship ? Is
he to be blamed ? Far from it . Are all brethren to be censured ? Clearly no . Let the cynic and the censorious rail as they will , such are , after all , only external evidences of the living and inward spirit of good and kindness and fraternal sympathy which animates and unites the often contracted members of our one great Body . Some
questions have recently arisen as to what jewels are legal , and what are not , we allude simply , of course , to Craft jewels , what , in fact , come under the legal provisions of honorary and other jewels , medal-device , or emblem , appertaining to and consistent with those Degrees , which are recognized and acknowledged by the Grand Lodge as part of pure and ancient Masonry .
These words may admit of a wide reading , and between the lines we see and know that they allow , for instance , of Royal Arch jewels ,- and those numerous presentation jewels which many of our brethren habitually wear . Strictly and closely interpreted , "legaliter , " these words import that jewels , medallions , and emblems , which denote and connect themselves with the
Three Degrees of Craft Masonry and the Royal Arch Degree are permitted when worn in lodge . This must be so , unless there be some body or authority to which or whom all such matters can be submitted for decision . It is a pity that we have no such distinct authority to appeal to in like cases , to which all would bow . A
question has been frequently asked lately : Are founder ' s jewels legal ? They are very popular and common ; can they be properly worn ? So long as they appertain to , and are consistent with , the acknowledged Degrees of pure and ancient Masonry , ( as laid down in the Article of Union ) , there is nothing possible to be alleged against them , in our humble opinion . But to
remove all possible doubt , why should they not be legalized ? Why should not each lodge , ( subject to the approval of a distinct authority in London ) , have the power of instituting a lodge jewel , to be given to its members by vote of lodge . Surely , such a provision is neither unreasonable or unseasonable ? There are now only three lodges , as far as we know , which possess
lodge jewels granted by the GRAND MASTER , and they are deeply prized by their members . Why should not every lodge thus be encouraged to keep up its " esprit de corps , " and to be careful upon whom it bestowed its lodge
emblems ? A payment to Grand Lodge would be a very proper fee to expect or ordain ; and we feel quite sure that many lodges would gladly avail themselves of a privilege , which would be alike an honour to possess , and a duty to guard from misuse and misappropriation .
* * WE are quite aware of the current and popular objections to which our proposal might , and may , give rise . But , as we have suggested this course some time back , and have neither changed our opinion , nor introduced any new idea , we feel that our time may be better employed than in anticipating
probable objections , and discounting not unlikely " fads . " Just , now weare living at a time when fallacies abound on every side of us ; when men seem to pride themselves in defy ing the laws of logic , arguing from a particular to an universal , and accepting a premise for a conclusion . The " begging of
the question , " the " petitio principii" of the schools , is very common amongst us all , and though we are always willing to meet honest opponents , and deal with legitimate arguments , we do not see the use or the good in troubling
ourselves beforehand with arguments by which nothing is argued , and conclusions in which nothing is concluded . So we leave the matter where it is , merely assuring our readers that to all Masonic arguments , and all courteous impugners we shall gladly afford space and consideration .
* * * WE trust that our recent article about the true position of the Freemason will be read and thought over by many of our good brethren abroad and at home . Abroad , we are often assumed to be the official organ of Grand Lodge , which we are not , and never were , and than which no greater mistake could
be made . Our PUBLISHER , from the very first , has essayed to keep the Freemason a purely independent journal , and while , as influenced by the teaching of our common Order , the Freemason has ever firmly and humbly endeavoured to support lawful authority and to discountenance caucusses and cabals , idle grumblers and imaginary grievances , it has enabled all fair
befitting matters to be ventilated in its unpartizan pages . If that'is to constitute it an organ of the Grand Lodge of England , it is so . Many brethren in England seem to affect to believe the Freemason to have a quasi and semi-official character belonging to its utterances and marking its declarations . Nothing can be more irrational or absurd in truth . If it be so that
its conclusions generally harmonize with those of the executive , ; if its views agree in the main with the great majority of thinking Masons , it is only because by careful supervision and thoughtful attention it acts by Masonic line and rule , and squares its enunciation of Masonic principle and sympathies , with the undoubted realities of the Book of Constitutions on the one hand ,
and the general " consensus " of the most enlightened of our Brotherhood on the other . Some brethren very unwisely allude to it in public meetings and correspondence , as if it either assumed atone of infallibility or claimed to speak the opinions of those in authority . But a little consideration would have shown them that in saying this they utterl y disregarded the temper of
Ar00201
their hearers and the position of the Freemason . It is , what it has always been , —a friend to all Freemasons everywhere ; open to all legitimate and fair complaint ; closed to private antagonism and hateful personalities ; fair and strait running as before the Craft ; loyal and true to the princi ples and teaching which many years have taught it firmly to uphold and truly to revere .
United Grand Lodge.
UNITED GRAND LODGE .
The following is the business lo be transacted in Grand Lodge on Wednesday , the 6 th inst .: i . The minutes of the Quarterly Communication of the 7 th June for confirmation—except so far as relates to the balance of the grant of ^ 75 to Bro . James Hargrave Jones , of the Whittington Lodge , No . 862 , London , which has lapsed in consequence of the death of that brother on the 7 th July last , he having been paid £ 50 on account of such recommended grant
pursuant to the Constitutions , Art . 16 , page 104 . 2 . Report of the Lodge of Benevolence for the last quarter , in which are recommendations for the following grants : A brother of the Lodge of Unity Good Fellowship , No . S 09 , Wisbech ... £ 50 o o A brother of the Blair Lodge , No . S 15 , Hulme , Manchester ... ... 50 o o The widow of a brother of the West Middlesex Lodge , No . 1612 , Ealin" - 60 o o The widow of a brother of the Otago Lodge , No . S 44 , Dunedin , Otago , New Zealand -
... ... ., « r . .. w . .............. ... ... ... ... ... ... _ t 75 o o A brother of the Jordan Lodge , No . 201 , London ... ... ... 100 o o A brother of the Royal St . Edmunds Lodge , No . 100 S , Bury St . Edmund ' s 50 o o Abrotherof the Lodge of the Three Grand Principles , No . 441 , Cambridge 50 o A brother of the Temple Lodge No . 1094 , Liverpool ... ... = .. 50 o ° The widow of a brother of the Lod ^ e of Ligh ts , No . 14 S , Warrington ... 100 o ° A brother of the Pleiades Lodge , No . 710 , Totnes ... ... " ... 50 o ° A brother of the Welchpool Lodge , No . 99 S , Welchpool ... ... iso o o
REPORT OF THE BOARD OP GENERAL PURPOSES . To the United Grand Lod ge of Ancient FYee and Accepted Masons of England . Grand Lodge having at its last Quarterl y Communication accepted the the draft of the proposed revision of the Book of Constitutions , as prepared by the Board , and having approved of its suggestion that the same be considered at a special Grand Lodge , and that in the meantime copies be
escalated amongst the provinces for the information of the Craft , which has accordingly been done , the Board now beg to recommend that brethren desiring to propose any amendments or additions to the said revision of the Constitutions should be required to transmit the same to the Grand Secretary on or before the 25 th September next , in order that they may be considered and reported on by the Board before the meeting of the Special Grand Lodge , which , it is believed , will be held about the middle of October
next . Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , 15 th Augusi , 18 S 2 . ' ( Signed ) FRANK GREEN , Vice-President . To the report is subjoined a statement of the Grand Lodge accounts at the last meeting of the Finance Committee , held on Friday , the nth August , showing a balance in the Bank of England of £ 4245 4 s . 3 d . ; and in the hands of Grand Secretary for petty cash £ 75 , and for servants ' wages , £ 100 .
NOTICES OF MOTION . ( 1 ) By Bro . EDWIN T . BUDDEN , P . M ., No . 622 : — That the minute of the last Grand Lodge ( June 7 th , 1 SS 2 ) , containing the resolution proposed by Bro . RAYNHAM STEWART to raise the Grand Lodge subscription to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution from £ Soo a year ( its present amount ) to £ 1600 a year be not confirmed ; but that instead thereof the following resolutions be adopted , viz : —
( 1 . ) That the Grand Lodge contribution to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution be raised from £ Soo a year to £ 1000 a year ; £ 500 a year to the Male Fund , and £ 500 a year to the Female Fund . The £ 200 a year now added to be paid from the I'und of General Purposes . ( 2 . ) That the Grand Lodge contributions to the Royal Masonic Schools be raised from £ 150 a year to each school ( the present amount ) to £ 500 a year to the Girls ' School , and £ 500 a year to the Boys' School , to be paid from the Fund of General Purposes . ( 3 . ) 1 hat a Committee be appointed : —( a ) To consider the condition , resources ,
and claims of the Fund of " Benevolence , " and ( 4 ) to revise the scale of fees payable by lodges to Grand Lodge , and report to Grand Lodge , so that the revised scale of fees , if adopted , may be incorporated in the revised Constitutions , now under the consideration of Grand Lodge . ( 2 ) By Bro . EDWIN T . BUDDEN , P . M . No . 622 : That any member of Grand Lodge be permitted to purchase a proof copy of the " Revised Constitutions " now under the consideration of Grand Lodge at a price not exceeding two shillings per copy .
LIST OF LODGES FOR WHICH WARRANTS HAVE BEEN GRANTED BY THE M . W . GRAND M ASTER SINCE THE LAST Q UARTERLY C OMMUNICATION OF GRAND LODGE . Lodge 1971 , Aldershot Army and Navy , Aldershot , Hants . „ 1972 , Urania , Willowmore , South Africa , E . D . » 1973 . Saye and Sele , Belvedere , Kent . „ 1974 , St . Mary Abbott ' s , Kensington . » IQ 75 . Charles Egan , Umtata , South Africa , E . D .
Provincial Grand Chapter Of Dorset.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF DORSET .
The annual meetingof the Provincial Grand Chapter of Dorset was held at the Masonic Hall , Portland , on Friday , the 25 th ult . The Provincial Grand Chapter was opened at twelve o ' clock noon , and the following were present :
M . E . Comps . J . M . P . Montagu , Prov . Grand Supt . ; Col . Shadwell H . Gierke , G . S . E .. K ! ? ! V ? , ^ , ' 'J- ' G . J . G . Gregory , P . P . G . J . ; W . M . Heath , P . P . G . J . ; W . Chick , P . P . G . J ., Prov . G . S . E . ; H . C . Burt , P . P . G . J . ; H . T . George , P . P . G . Reg . J W . Osmond , P . P . G . ist A . S . ; J . Lundie , P . P . G . S . N . ; W . H . Dean , J . 77 ; A . Graham , H . 178 ; and many other companions .
T he minutes of the last Provincial Grand Chapter were read and confirmed , and several telegrams and letters from absent companions were read . The report of the Prov . Grand Scribe E . on the state of the province and the progress of the several chapters , showed that each was in a prosperous condition , and that Royal Arch Masonry generally in thc province was doing well . The Provincial Grand Treasurer ' s accounts were received and passed , and a vote of thanks passed to him for his services for many years . M . EComp . Jacob , P . P . G . H ., was re-elected Provincial Grand Treasurer . U