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Article Reviews. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL UNION LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 382. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF A FREEMASONS HALL AT AUCKLAND, N.Z. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
If Benito Juarez was a freemason , his Freemasonry had taught him neither toleration nor charity , and whatever the future may have in store for Mexico , we feel , as we have always felt , that it never can be put right with honest men , until it expresses its sorrow at unheard of atrocities , and redeems its financial credit . Mexico is a most remarkable country itself , and possesses a most interesting
population , lor whom we must all feel deep sympathy ; but there seems a curse resting upon it , as some have said , and any mention of the ill-omened memories wrapt up with past and perverted deeds , whether of cruelty , treachery , blood , or outrage , seem to tell us that neither the Mexican people nor the Mexican Masons have yet truly learned thc gentler
message of peace and good will to men , which living Freemasonry proclaims , which veritable Freemasonry upholds in the sig ht of all men . Wc arc bound to admit that thc serial is ably edited and full of Masonic essays of more than average ability and interest , though we object to the official publication of a ritual .
LE MONDE MACONNIOUE . Paris . This ably edited French Masonic Magazine for January and February is now before us , and is full of matter interesting and important for French Freemasons . As a record of contemporary French Freemasonry , it is valuable , too , for the book collector and the Masonic editor , but the tone and colouring of French Freemasonry at the present
time render the lucubration ; which appear in its wcll-lilled pages unsuitable altogether for Anglo-Saxon Freemasons . " Le Monde Maconnique " has no doubt had to " cut its coat according to its cloth , " and has had "bon gre mal . gre , " to yield to the prevailing " chic , " humour , fad , and vanity of current French Freemasonry . This may be described , not unfairly , as avowed materialism on one hand , and the
assertion of pure "Comteism" on Ihe other , in that all need of a . supreme Being is denied , and a mere relegation of man to thc absurd theory of perfectible and perfected humanity is proclaimed . We must not , however , be unjust , though wc may seem to be severe . Wc who know the evil that materialism , "Comteism , " thc morale independante arc doing in the world just now , may feel somewhat indignantly ,
and repudiate such a desertion as French Freemasonry now evidences of the time-honoured teaching of French Freemasonry . itself . Still it is but fair to add , that the magazine ( which perhaps makes it more dangerous ) is conducted with a rare ability , and its essays and articles ,
"barrin tic positivism , are very well written and very readable . But here wc must stop . Freemasonry bids us always be fair and just , and even when we must condemn , to do so with as much leniency and consideration as arc compatible with what is right and true , and thc eternal fitness of things .
THE ANTTOUAKIAN MAGAZINE ANU BIBLIOGRAPHER . Win . Reeves , 1 S 5 , Fleet-street . No . 2 , edited by Edward Walford , M . A ., not only maintains the character of its first appearance , but improves on acquaintance , and gives us the promise of better things to come . It is truly well worth rcadin ? , and seems to be admirably edited and most effectively illustrated . We can specially and cordiallv commend " A Pilgrimage to Rouen , "
"The History of Gilds , " " The Berkeley MSS ., " "Thc Third Calais Roll of Arms , " "Popular Romances ot the West Riding , " " The Bibliography of Essex , " as readable and interesting contributions , worthy ol thc notice of the student , arch . iologist , book collector , and the amiable and intelligent " Dryasdusts " of to-day . Thc announcements for the coining numbers arc full of assurances of much pleasant and profitable reading , and many an intellectual neat .
LA CHAINE D'UNION . Paris . This French Masonic magazine is edited by Bro . Hubert , and most ably edited , but alas . ' it has now , owing to the prevailing ideas and temper of French Freemasonry , as wc nave already observed , but little interest for any but French 1 ' recmasons . We wish it were otherwise , hut so apparently it is not and cannot be . It contains sixty pages of clearly printed matter , and is very full and varied . We may allude to it again .
LNTASTED SWEETS . White and Son , <>> , High Holborn . 1 hose who appreciate innocent mirth and like to hear children sing might do much worse than procare a copy of Hro . F . Julian Crogcr ' s little song . The Sweets of which our brother sings are not of the sort that usually give pleasure to thc middle aged or old ; but there arc few whose memories will not carry them back to the delifhts of " Sweet lolfy , Lovely Toffy , " so funnily set forth in this musical tilde .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
AN OLD ORATION . I discovered before Bro . Hughan ' s kind reply came , at page 19 / ,, in rtro . D . M . Lyon ' s valuable " History of Mary Chapel , " that Wm . Smellie was thc author of thc oration . 1 ought to have looked there before . Very much obliged , however , to Hro . Hughan , as usual . EDITOR " KENNING'S CYCLOP . T-1 DIA . "
COMPANIES OF MASONS . I he companies of Masons offer to us thc proof of their regular organisation since the twelfth century in the great manifestation of zeal which they displayed about 1145 in going to Chai tres to join in the construction of this cathedral , which has since become so famous . We find at that time , as Hughes , Archbishop of Rouei ., wrote to Theodoric ° f Amiens , immense organised Norman companies in a
great corporation , under thc leadership of a chief named Innce , coming over in a crowd to the country of Chartrain . Un their return , these same companies , as reported by Haimon , Abbe of Saint Purre sur Dive , built and restored a great number of churches in Rouen and in the province . History attests , in fact , that about this time thev rivalled one another everywhere in eagerness and skill in the construction of buildings of every kind . " The above is the
Masonic Notes And Queries.
translation of an extract from the article " Maitrc Macons Architecles , " contained in thc " Histoire des Ancicnncs Corporations d ' arts et metiers , " & c , " de la capitale de la Normandie , " Pav . Ch . Ouin-Lacroix , a Rouen , 1 S 50 . page 227 . It calls to mind the often repeated statement of Dugdale about travelling companies of Masons , but in this instance it seems to be better attested . VV . H . R .
ELI AS ASH MOLE . It is most important , for many reasons , for us just now to seek to obtain all information wc can as to what became of Elias Ashmole ' s private papers , as thc probability is that they are extant still somewhere , though where exactly is thc question . The reason why his papers are so important to us is that he had made , according to his biographer ,
a collection of papers relating to Freemasonry , and had in his possession a parchment roll , or constitution , which Dr . Plot may have seen , and probably did see . T hus several questions arise—Where is Ashmole ' s will ? at Doctors ' Commons , or Lichfield ? Has it ever been published ? There was a little book published containing his diary . Had that also his will ? Are any of his papers among the
Rawlinson MSS ., Bodleian ? and is the Rawhnson Constitution a copy ol that roll : Is thc Sankcy who signs thc Sloane MS . constitution a relation of lhc Sankcy at Warrington , where Ashmole was initialed ?' or is that I ' . IS . a copy of the roll ? Lastly , is Padgett , who signs the Antiquity roll any relation of the Paget * , friends to Ashmole ?
and have we thus any connection between the two ? I hese are several points which require picssing and threshing out . As it is , it is not too much to say , that it is to Ashmole we must look , to some extent , at any rate , for the elucidation of the difficulties , and thc clearing up of the haze which hang over seventeenth century English Freemasonry . MASONIC STUDENT .
MASONIC BOOKS . I note Bro . VV . J . Hughan ' s reply , for which I am obliged , and will apply to him later . It is sufficient for my present purposes to know that the book exists . BOOKWORM .
Royal Union Lodge Of Instruction, No. 382.
ROYAL UNION LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 382 .
VISIT OF THE-PROV . G . M . FOR MIDDLESEX ' . Thc members of this Lodge of Instruction assembled on Monday evening , at thc Chequers I Intel , Uxbridge , when the R . W . thc Prov . Grand Master for Middlesex , Bro . Sir F ' rancis Burdett , Bart ., honoured the brethren with a visit . The chair was taken by Bro . II . E . Tucker , Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction ; he was supported by Bros . II .
Cotton , S . VV . ; E . J . Acworth , 1 ( 112 , J . W . ; Garard , S . D . ; Rowles , J . D . ; Andrews , P . M ., I . G . ; Duffin , T y ler . There were also present : Bros . II . L . Duke , 227 ; I ' .. II . Sugg , P . M . 4 . 54 ; W ' ecdcn , P . M . ; Stephens , 1 C 12 ; IT . VVoodbridge , 1 ( 11 . ¦; Nye , IOIJ ; C . E . Botley , 7 S 0 ; Phillips , Lambert , Nicholson , Taplin , Brooks , Sec , and others . Lodge was opened in due form , and minutes of previous
meeting were read , confirmed , and signed . The ceremony of initiation was then rehearsed , Bro . Fleming being the candidate . At this stage of the proceedings the Prov . G . Master arrived ; he was accompanied by Bros . J . Sampson Pcircc , J . G . D . ; Bio . VV . Burdett , 1293 , and ethers , and was formally received and saluted according to his rank . Bro . Tucker tendered the Master ' s gavel , but Sir Francis
directed him to proceed with the business . Bro . Tucker then announced that Bro . Morgan would read a short paper on " VVomcn in Freemasonry , " which was done , much to the gratification of all present . Sir F ' lancis expressed his appreciation of Bro . Morgan ' s efforts , and said he could personally testify to the accuracy of the statements made 111 reference to his relative the
Baroness Burclctt-CouUs and thc Lodge ( No . 127 S ) , which bore her name . lie then addressed the brethren , and referred to the fact that their lodge being situate in an extreme part of the province , where access was somewhat difficult for him—unless he came through the metropolishad doubtless in some measure prevented him being with them so frequently as he could have desired . However , he
had a lively and p leasant recollection that the members of the Royal Union Lodge had taken a very active part at thc time when he was nominated to preside over the Province of Middlesex . He was intensely gratified with the way in which the duties of Freemasonry were being conducted here , and looked forward to increased facilities for lessening at no very distant date the time the journey would take .
Sir Francis expressed his regret that his other engagements would not permit of a long stay on the present , but he should be much gratified in meeting thc members on a future occasion . The R . W . Prov . G . Master soon after left the lodge amid the applause of all present . Thc brethren were then called off for refreshment . On resuming their Masonic duties , on the motion of Bro .
lucker , it was unanimously agreed that a vote of thanks , to be recorded on the minutes , be sent to the Prov . Grand Master , thanking him for attending . The case of a distressed brother was then brought before the lodge , and a subscription was made by the brethren for the relief of immediate necessities . Bro . E . J . Ackworth , who on several occasions had rendered signal service to the brethren , was
then elected an honorary member of instruction . Bro . Andrews , P . M ., rose , and said that all present could but have been edified and instructed by the interesting paper read on this occasion by their esteemed honorary member , Bro . Morgan . Ho ( Bro . Andrews ) had not hitherto had an opportunity of listening to any of Bro . Morgan ' s lectures , but he was much struck with the ability
they displayed . He had great pleasure in proposing a vote of than ks " for the service rendered . In acknowledging this compliment , Bro . Morgan explained that he was indebted in the main to Bro . T . B . Whytehead , of York , for the material from which he had
prepared this paper . Bro . Whytehead , and many other distinguished Craftsmen with whom he was acquainted , would be ready to assist any brother who felt inclined to prepare similar papers , which he was convinced would be equally appreciated . Bro . Catlin was appointed to preside at the next meeting , and after the reading , by the Secretary , of some letters and telegrams , lodge was closed .
Consecration Of A Freemasons Hall At Auckland, N.Z.
CONSECRATION OF A FREEMASONS HALL AT AUCKLAND , N . Z .
A splendid new hall just erected by the Freemasons of Auckland was opened on December Oth , and consecrated with full Masonic ceremonies , and , to grace the occasion , there was one of the largest attendances of Master Masons and high dignitaries of the Order ever assembled in Auckland . T here were upwards of 400 present in full regalia in the hall , including Masters , P . M . ' s Officers , and
brethren of all the out-district lodges , which were fully represented . The proceedings were of a most imposing character , anil the arrangements as perfect as possible . This hall has been built at a cost , including furniture and interior fittings , of jfj ' 3500 , and is certainly by far the best in thc colony . Subscriptions already received from the different lodges in Auckland , together with that subscribed by many country lodges ami individual Masons , amount to nearly £ 2500 , and it is expected in a few months thc remainder will be collected .
Exactly at half-past two thc lodge was tyled , and the Ara Lodge , 34 S , l . C , was opened in the Third Degree b y the W . M ., Bro . Crothers , who thus had thc honour of opening Ihe first lodge of Freemasons in the new hall , and he very ably performed lhc duties falling on him , and was well assisted by his lodge officers . Bro . Angelo Forrest presided at the organ throughout the entire ceiemony in an able and finished manner to the entire satisfaction of the
brethren . Ihe District Grand Lodge of England , with Bro . G . S . Graham , D . G . M . ; the P . G . Lodge of Ireland , with Bro . G . P . Pierce , P . G . M . ; and the P . G . Lodge of Scotland , with Bro . the Hon . F . Whitaker , P . G . M ., and their officers having been admitted and announced by Bro . Malcolm Nichol , P . M ., 1 ) . of C , and after a procession round the lodge , in the course of which the Grand Officers took their respective positions , liro . Graham took his scat
in thc chair , with Bio . Pierce on his tight and Bro . Whitaker on his left . The D . G . Lodge of England having been opened , the chorale , " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid , " was sung . Bro . L . D . Nathan , on behalf of the Trustees , requested thc D . G . M . to consecrate the building , to which he assented , and the D . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . C . M . Nelson , read an appropriate selection of scripture . Thc anlhein , " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is" was
, sung , after which the brethren formed in order of procession outside the hall in order to proceed to St . Paul ' s Cathedral . On arriving at the door the brethren opened out right and lelt to allow the Grand Lodges to pass up the centre . They were met at the entrance to church by the churchwarden , Bro . A . W . Gardner , is , and conducted by him to their places .
I he church was crowded , a large number of ladies being present . The clergymen who took part in the services were Bros , the Revs . Gould , Gulliver , Dr . Kiild , T ' ebbs , and C . M . Nelson . The service was chanted under the direction of Bro . Rev . Nelson , Bro . T ' ebbs read a lesson from the Wisdom of Solomon . Appropriate psalms were chanted , and the hymn " Oh Praise our God to-day " was
sung , alter wlucli llro . the Rev . Uullivtr ascended the pulpit , and taking for his text a portion of the 30 th verse of the 10 th chapter of St . Luke , " Fell among thieves , " he preached an eloquent and able sermon . A h ymn having been sung and an offertory taken up for the poor of the parish , the service was closed , and the order of procession was reformed to the hall .
Vyhcn the lodge was again formed , the prayer of benediction was offered by lhc D . G . Chaplain , and the grand honours wire accorded , after which the President of Trustees addressed the D . G . M ., and the architect , Bro . Skinner , presented the plans which were duly received . T he dedication hymn " O First and Sole Foundation " was sung , and the D . G . M . addressed the brethren on the duty which they had met to perform . A procession of Grand
Lodge Officers was formed , and halting at the pedestal , the D . G . Master sprinkled salt and dedicated the hall to Masonry , the choir singing "Genius of Masonry . " The P . G . Master l . C , Bro . Pierce then scattered corn , and dedicated the hall to virtue , and the P . G . M ., S . C ., Dro . the lion . F . Whitaker , poured the wine , dedicating the hall to universal benevolence . Each act of dedication was recognised by Grand Honours , and the D . G . M . lastly
dropped oil dedicating the hall to all thc purposes of Masonry . T he verses of the consecration hymn were sung in thc intervals as the procession advanced round the hall . Bro , the Hon . F . VV'hittaker then addressed the brethren . He said it was now his duty and pleasure on this interesting occasion to offer a few remarks . Many of them would recollect that a few months ago they had met to lay the foundation stone of this structure , and he trusted they were now all satisfied with it . It had been an ancient and
was a modern custom to dedicate and consecrate buildings of this class ; but they must not confound consecration with dedication . They had met here to consecrate this handsome temple , under the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe , to Masonry . Al , lodges must , when practicable , be held in a consecrated building , and they now set this place apart for the rites of Freemasonry , and he hoped it would bng remain as a monument of the efforts of thc
brethren of the present day in erecting a building worthy of the Craft to which they belonged . He thought they might well be proud of what they had done . He had told them at the laying of thc foundation stone that , m the earliest days of the colony , Masonry had taken a firm root , but they did not dream then of laying thc foundation of such a munificent building as a Masonic hall . It required great exertion on the part of the brethren
to provide such a building as this ; but it was an advantage to wait , for now they had one entirely adequate , and they could desire no better . It had no equal in the colony . lie hoped that in future thc brethren would be more diligent in their attendance , and that their meetings would be worthy of the hall . No doubt many had reasonable objections to meeting in a hotel , but now that objection no longer existed , for they had the best hall in New Zealand , if not in the Australian colonies .
The D . G . M ., after the chant "O Praise God " had been sung , addressed the brethren , congratulating them on the erection of the building . The closing hymn , " Now the evening shadows , " was sung , after which the D . G . Lodge was closed in due form , and the Grand Lodge Officers retired in procession . The chairs were then resumed b y the W . M . and officers of the Ava Lodge , and thc lodge was closed in peace and harmony . A grand ball was held 011 the 7 th December , at the Choral Hall , to celebrate the event .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
If Benito Juarez was a freemason , his Freemasonry had taught him neither toleration nor charity , and whatever the future may have in store for Mexico , we feel , as we have always felt , that it never can be put right with honest men , until it expresses its sorrow at unheard of atrocities , and redeems its financial credit . Mexico is a most remarkable country itself , and possesses a most interesting
population , lor whom we must all feel deep sympathy ; but there seems a curse resting upon it , as some have said , and any mention of the ill-omened memories wrapt up with past and perverted deeds , whether of cruelty , treachery , blood , or outrage , seem to tell us that neither the Mexican people nor the Mexican Masons have yet truly learned thc gentler
message of peace and good will to men , which living Freemasonry proclaims , which veritable Freemasonry upholds in the sig ht of all men . Wc arc bound to admit that thc serial is ably edited and full of Masonic essays of more than average ability and interest , though we object to the official publication of a ritual .
LE MONDE MACONNIOUE . Paris . This ably edited French Masonic Magazine for January and February is now before us , and is full of matter interesting and important for French Freemasons . As a record of contemporary French Freemasonry , it is valuable , too , for the book collector and the Masonic editor , but the tone and colouring of French Freemasonry at the present
time render the lucubration ; which appear in its wcll-lilled pages unsuitable altogether for Anglo-Saxon Freemasons . " Le Monde Maconnique " has no doubt had to " cut its coat according to its cloth , " and has had "bon gre mal . gre , " to yield to the prevailing " chic , " humour , fad , and vanity of current French Freemasonry . This may be described , not unfairly , as avowed materialism on one hand , and the
assertion of pure "Comteism" on Ihe other , in that all need of a . supreme Being is denied , and a mere relegation of man to thc absurd theory of perfectible and perfected humanity is proclaimed . We must not , however , be unjust , though wc may seem to be severe . Wc who know the evil that materialism , "Comteism , " thc morale independante arc doing in the world just now , may feel somewhat indignantly ,
and repudiate such a desertion as French Freemasonry now evidences of the time-honoured teaching of French Freemasonry . itself . Still it is but fair to add , that the magazine ( which perhaps makes it more dangerous ) is conducted with a rare ability , and its essays and articles ,
"barrin tic positivism , are very well written and very readable . But here wc must stop . Freemasonry bids us always be fair and just , and even when we must condemn , to do so with as much leniency and consideration as arc compatible with what is right and true , and thc eternal fitness of things .
THE ANTTOUAKIAN MAGAZINE ANU BIBLIOGRAPHER . Win . Reeves , 1 S 5 , Fleet-street . No . 2 , edited by Edward Walford , M . A ., not only maintains the character of its first appearance , but improves on acquaintance , and gives us the promise of better things to come . It is truly well worth rcadin ? , and seems to be admirably edited and most effectively illustrated . We can specially and cordiallv commend " A Pilgrimage to Rouen , "
"The History of Gilds , " " The Berkeley MSS ., " "Thc Third Calais Roll of Arms , " "Popular Romances ot the West Riding , " " The Bibliography of Essex , " as readable and interesting contributions , worthy ol thc notice of the student , arch . iologist , book collector , and the amiable and intelligent " Dryasdusts " of to-day . Thc announcements for the coining numbers arc full of assurances of much pleasant and profitable reading , and many an intellectual neat .
LA CHAINE D'UNION . Paris . This French Masonic magazine is edited by Bro . Hubert , and most ably edited , but alas . ' it has now , owing to the prevailing ideas and temper of French Freemasonry , as wc nave already observed , but little interest for any but French 1 ' recmasons . We wish it were otherwise , hut so apparently it is not and cannot be . It contains sixty pages of clearly printed matter , and is very full and varied . We may allude to it again .
LNTASTED SWEETS . White and Son , <>> , High Holborn . 1 hose who appreciate innocent mirth and like to hear children sing might do much worse than procare a copy of Hro . F . Julian Crogcr ' s little song . The Sweets of which our brother sings are not of the sort that usually give pleasure to thc middle aged or old ; but there arc few whose memories will not carry them back to the delifhts of " Sweet lolfy , Lovely Toffy , " so funnily set forth in this musical tilde .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
AN OLD ORATION . I discovered before Bro . Hughan ' s kind reply came , at page 19 / ,, in rtro . D . M . Lyon ' s valuable " History of Mary Chapel , " that Wm . Smellie was thc author of thc oration . 1 ought to have looked there before . Very much obliged , however , to Hro . Hughan , as usual . EDITOR " KENNING'S CYCLOP . T-1 DIA . "
COMPANIES OF MASONS . I he companies of Masons offer to us thc proof of their regular organisation since the twelfth century in the great manifestation of zeal which they displayed about 1145 in going to Chai tres to join in the construction of this cathedral , which has since become so famous . We find at that time , as Hughes , Archbishop of Rouei ., wrote to Theodoric ° f Amiens , immense organised Norman companies in a
great corporation , under thc leadership of a chief named Innce , coming over in a crowd to the country of Chartrain . Un their return , these same companies , as reported by Haimon , Abbe of Saint Purre sur Dive , built and restored a great number of churches in Rouen and in the province . History attests , in fact , that about this time thev rivalled one another everywhere in eagerness and skill in the construction of buildings of every kind . " The above is the
Masonic Notes And Queries.
translation of an extract from the article " Maitrc Macons Architecles , " contained in thc " Histoire des Ancicnncs Corporations d ' arts et metiers , " & c , " de la capitale de la Normandie , " Pav . Ch . Ouin-Lacroix , a Rouen , 1 S 50 . page 227 . It calls to mind the often repeated statement of Dugdale about travelling companies of Masons , but in this instance it seems to be better attested . VV . H . R .
ELI AS ASH MOLE . It is most important , for many reasons , for us just now to seek to obtain all information wc can as to what became of Elias Ashmole ' s private papers , as thc probability is that they are extant still somewhere , though where exactly is thc question . The reason why his papers are so important to us is that he had made , according to his biographer ,
a collection of papers relating to Freemasonry , and had in his possession a parchment roll , or constitution , which Dr . Plot may have seen , and probably did see . T hus several questions arise—Where is Ashmole ' s will ? at Doctors ' Commons , or Lichfield ? Has it ever been published ? There was a little book published containing his diary . Had that also his will ? Are any of his papers among the
Rawlinson MSS ., Bodleian ? and is the Rawhnson Constitution a copy ol that roll : Is thc Sankcy who signs thc Sloane MS . constitution a relation of lhc Sankcy at Warrington , where Ashmole was initialed ?' or is that I ' . IS . a copy of the roll ? Lastly , is Padgett , who signs the Antiquity roll any relation of the Paget * , friends to Ashmole ?
and have we thus any connection between the two ? I hese are several points which require picssing and threshing out . As it is , it is not too much to say , that it is to Ashmole we must look , to some extent , at any rate , for the elucidation of the difficulties , and thc clearing up of the haze which hang over seventeenth century English Freemasonry . MASONIC STUDENT .
MASONIC BOOKS . I note Bro . VV . J . Hughan ' s reply , for which I am obliged , and will apply to him later . It is sufficient for my present purposes to know that the book exists . BOOKWORM .
Royal Union Lodge Of Instruction, No. 382.
ROYAL UNION LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 382 .
VISIT OF THE-PROV . G . M . FOR MIDDLESEX ' . Thc members of this Lodge of Instruction assembled on Monday evening , at thc Chequers I Intel , Uxbridge , when the R . W . thc Prov . Grand Master for Middlesex , Bro . Sir F ' rancis Burdett , Bart ., honoured the brethren with a visit . The chair was taken by Bro . II . E . Tucker , Preceptor of the Lodge of Instruction ; he was supported by Bros . II .
Cotton , S . VV . ; E . J . Acworth , 1 ( 112 , J . W . ; Garard , S . D . ; Rowles , J . D . ; Andrews , P . M ., I . G . ; Duffin , T y ler . There were also present : Bros . II . L . Duke , 227 ; I ' .. II . Sugg , P . M . 4 . 54 ; W ' ecdcn , P . M . ; Stephens , 1 C 12 ; IT . VVoodbridge , 1 ( 11 . ¦; Nye , IOIJ ; C . E . Botley , 7 S 0 ; Phillips , Lambert , Nicholson , Taplin , Brooks , Sec , and others . Lodge was opened in due form , and minutes of previous
meeting were read , confirmed , and signed . The ceremony of initiation was then rehearsed , Bro . Fleming being the candidate . At this stage of the proceedings the Prov . G . Master arrived ; he was accompanied by Bros . J . Sampson Pcircc , J . G . D . ; Bio . VV . Burdett , 1293 , and ethers , and was formally received and saluted according to his rank . Bro . Tucker tendered the Master ' s gavel , but Sir Francis
directed him to proceed with the business . Bro . Tucker then announced that Bro . Morgan would read a short paper on " VVomcn in Freemasonry , " which was done , much to the gratification of all present . Sir F ' lancis expressed his appreciation of Bro . Morgan ' s efforts , and said he could personally testify to the accuracy of the statements made 111 reference to his relative the
Baroness Burclctt-CouUs and thc Lodge ( No . 127 S ) , which bore her name . lie then addressed the brethren , and referred to the fact that their lodge being situate in an extreme part of the province , where access was somewhat difficult for him—unless he came through the metropolishad doubtless in some measure prevented him being with them so frequently as he could have desired . However , he
had a lively and p leasant recollection that the members of the Royal Union Lodge had taken a very active part at thc time when he was nominated to preside over the Province of Middlesex . He was intensely gratified with the way in which the duties of Freemasonry were being conducted here , and looked forward to increased facilities for lessening at no very distant date the time the journey would take .
Sir Francis expressed his regret that his other engagements would not permit of a long stay on the present , but he should be much gratified in meeting thc members on a future occasion . The R . W . Prov . G . Master soon after left the lodge amid the applause of all present . Thc brethren were then called off for refreshment . On resuming their Masonic duties , on the motion of Bro .
lucker , it was unanimously agreed that a vote of thanks , to be recorded on the minutes , be sent to the Prov . Grand Master , thanking him for attending . The case of a distressed brother was then brought before the lodge , and a subscription was made by the brethren for the relief of immediate necessities . Bro . E . J . Ackworth , who on several occasions had rendered signal service to the brethren , was
then elected an honorary member of instruction . Bro . Andrews , P . M ., rose , and said that all present could but have been edified and instructed by the interesting paper read on this occasion by their esteemed honorary member , Bro . Morgan . Ho ( Bro . Andrews ) had not hitherto had an opportunity of listening to any of Bro . Morgan ' s lectures , but he was much struck with the ability
they displayed . He had great pleasure in proposing a vote of than ks " for the service rendered . In acknowledging this compliment , Bro . Morgan explained that he was indebted in the main to Bro . T . B . Whytehead , of York , for the material from which he had
prepared this paper . Bro . Whytehead , and many other distinguished Craftsmen with whom he was acquainted , would be ready to assist any brother who felt inclined to prepare similar papers , which he was convinced would be equally appreciated . Bro . Catlin was appointed to preside at the next meeting , and after the reading , by the Secretary , of some letters and telegrams , lodge was closed .
Consecration Of A Freemasons Hall At Auckland, N.Z.
CONSECRATION OF A FREEMASONS HALL AT AUCKLAND , N . Z .
A splendid new hall just erected by the Freemasons of Auckland was opened on December Oth , and consecrated with full Masonic ceremonies , and , to grace the occasion , there was one of the largest attendances of Master Masons and high dignitaries of the Order ever assembled in Auckland . T here were upwards of 400 present in full regalia in the hall , including Masters , P . M . ' s Officers , and
brethren of all the out-district lodges , which were fully represented . The proceedings were of a most imposing character , anil the arrangements as perfect as possible . This hall has been built at a cost , including furniture and interior fittings , of jfj ' 3500 , and is certainly by far the best in thc colony . Subscriptions already received from the different lodges in Auckland , together with that subscribed by many country lodges ami individual Masons , amount to nearly £ 2500 , and it is expected in a few months thc remainder will be collected .
Exactly at half-past two thc lodge was tyled , and the Ara Lodge , 34 S , l . C , was opened in the Third Degree b y the W . M ., Bro . Crothers , who thus had thc honour of opening Ihe first lodge of Freemasons in the new hall , and he very ably performed lhc duties falling on him , and was well assisted by his lodge officers . Bro . Angelo Forrest presided at the organ throughout the entire ceiemony in an able and finished manner to the entire satisfaction of the
brethren . Ihe District Grand Lodge of England , with Bro . G . S . Graham , D . G . M . ; the P . G . Lodge of Ireland , with Bro . G . P . Pierce , P . G . M . ; and the P . G . Lodge of Scotland , with Bro . the Hon . F . Whitaker , P . G . M ., and their officers having been admitted and announced by Bro . Malcolm Nichol , P . M ., 1 ) . of C , and after a procession round the lodge , in the course of which the Grand Officers took their respective positions , liro . Graham took his scat
in thc chair , with Bio . Pierce on his tight and Bro . Whitaker on his left . The D . G . Lodge of England having been opened , the chorale , " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid , " was sung . Bro . L . D . Nathan , on behalf of the Trustees , requested thc D . G . M . to consecrate the building , to which he assented , and the D . G . Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . C . M . Nelson , read an appropriate selection of scripture . Thc anlhein , " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is" was
, sung , after which the brethren formed in order of procession outside the hall in order to proceed to St . Paul ' s Cathedral . On arriving at the door the brethren opened out right and lelt to allow the Grand Lodges to pass up the centre . They were met at the entrance to church by the churchwarden , Bro . A . W . Gardner , is , and conducted by him to their places .
I he church was crowded , a large number of ladies being present . The clergymen who took part in the services were Bros , the Revs . Gould , Gulliver , Dr . Kiild , T ' ebbs , and C . M . Nelson . The service was chanted under the direction of Bro . Rev . Nelson , Bro . T ' ebbs read a lesson from the Wisdom of Solomon . Appropriate psalms were chanted , and the hymn " Oh Praise our God to-day " was
sung , alter wlucli llro . the Rev . Uullivtr ascended the pulpit , and taking for his text a portion of the 30 th verse of the 10 th chapter of St . Luke , " Fell among thieves , " he preached an eloquent and able sermon . A h ymn having been sung and an offertory taken up for the poor of the parish , the service was closed , and the order of procession was reformed to the hall .
Vyhcn the lodge was again formed , the prayer of benediction was offered by lhc D . G . Chaplain , and the grand honours wire accorded , after which the President of Trustees addressed the D . G . M ., and the architect , Bro . Skinner , presented the plans which were duly received . T he dedication hymn " O First and Sole Foundation " was sung , and the D . G . M . addressed the brethren on the duty which they had met to perform . A procession of Grand
Lodge Officers was formed , and halting at the pedestal , the D . G . Master sprinkled salt and dedicated the hall to Masonry , the choir singing "Genius of Masonry . " The P . G . Master l . C , Bro . Pierce then scattered corn , and dedicated the hall to virtue , and the P . G . M ., S . C ., Dro . the lion . F . Whitaker , poured the wine , dedicating the hall to universal benevolence . Each act of dedication was recognised by Grand Honours , and the D . G . M . lastly
dropped oil dedicating the hall to all thc purposes of Masonry . T he verses of the consecration hymn were sung in thc intervals as the procession advanced round the hall . Bro , the Hon . F . VV'hittaker then addressed the brethren . He said it was now his duty and pleasure on this interesting occasion to offer a few remarks . Many of them would recollect that a few months ago they had met to lay the foundation stone of this structure , and he trusted they were now all satisfied with it . It had been an ancient and
was a modern custom to dedicate and consecrate buildings of this class ; but they must not confound consecration with dedication . They had met here to consecrate this handsome temple , under the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe , to Masonry . Al , lodges must , when practicable , be held in a consecrated building , and they now set this place apart for the rites of Freemasonry , and he hoped it would bng remain as a monument of the efforts of thc
brethren of the present day in erecting a building worthy of the Craft to which they belonged . He thought they might well be proud of what they had done . He had told them at the laying of thc foundation stone that , m the earliest days of the colony , Masonry had taken a firm root , but they did not dream then of laying thc foundation of such a munificent building as a Masonic hall . It required great exertion on the part of the brethren
to provide such a building as this ; but it was an advantage to wait , for now they had one entirely adequate , and they could desire no better . It had no equal in the colony . lie hoped that in future thc brethren would be more diligent in their attendance , and that their meetings would be worthy of the hall . No doubt many had reasonable objections to meeting in a hotel , but now that objection no longer existed , for they had the best hall in New Zealand , if not in the Australian colonies .
The D . G . M ., after the chant "O Praise God " had been sung , addressed the brethren , congratulating them on the erection of the building . The closing hymn , " Now the evening shadows , " was sung , after which the D . G . Lodge was closed in due form , and the Grand Lodge Officers retired in procession . The chairs were then resumed b y the W . M . and officers of the Ava Lodge , and thc lodge was closed in peace and harmony . A grand ball was held 011 the 7 th December , at the Choral Hall , to celebrate the event .