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Ar00200
Tire Rev . Bro . GEORGE MCCLELLAN FISKE , of Peekskill , N . Y ., is , as the Keystone tells us , one of the ablest theologians in the Episcopal Church in America , and also one of the most intelligent and devoted of Freemasons . He recently delivered an exceedingly eloquent address before Lodge No . 34 , of Peekskill , on " Freemasonry and the Church , " which we reproduce in our columns this week . It
will be found eminently readable , embodying just thought phrased in eloquent language , and kindly and ably explaining one of the most difficult and delicate of questions . VVe commend the address elsewhere , and to the attention of all our readers , and especially of our reverend brethren the Chaplains and Grand Chaplains of our Order , as an effective reply to sundry hasty assertions and vehement propositions just now .
United Grand Lodge.
UNITED GRAND LODGE .
The Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge was held on Wednesday evening , ~ at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . General Brownrigg , C . B ., P . G . W ., Prov . Grand Master for Surrey , presided . Among the other brethren were the following Present and Past Grand Officers : Bros . Gen . 1 . S . Brownrigg , as G . M . ; Rev . J . Finnimore , D . G . M . Natal , as D . G . M . ; Rev . T i ?„ M .,- nn n P . Than Cnl . Sh .-idwall H riprlrp . G . S T . Fenn . Pres . Bd . Gen .
= Purs . ; Dr . Ernst E . Wendt , G . Sec . German Correspondence ; Horace B . Marshall , G . Treas . ; Baron de Ferrieres , G . S . D . ; T . Davison , G . S . D . ; J . S . Eastes , G . J . D . j Sir Albert Woods , G . D . C ; E . Locock , G . S . B . ; E . M . Lott , G . Org . ; H . G . Buss , Asst . G . Sec ; Lieut .-Col . S . E . Taylor , G . Std . Br . ; VV . Stephens , G . P . ; H . Garrod , Asst . G . P . ; Rev . Ambrose VV . Hall , P . G . Chap . ; Col . H . S . Somerville Burney , P . G . D . ; j . H . Matthews . G . Std . B . ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . A . D . C . ; J . Nunn , P . G . S . B . ; Rev . C . VV . S .
Stanhope , P . G . Chap .: A . Richards , D . G . D . C ; I . M . Case , P . G . D . ; Rev . Sir J . VV . Hayes , P . G . Chap . ; Robt . Grey , P . G . D . ; H . D . Sandeman , P . G . D . ; C . VV . C . Hutton , P . G . D . ; C . A . Murton , P . G . D . ; Col . J . Peters , P . G . Swd . Br . ; Raymond H . Thrupp , P A . G . D . C . ; Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; Rev . C . W . Arnold , P . G . Chap . ; Ralph Goodin--, P . G . D . ; Rev . C . J . Martin , P . G . Chap . ; J . Brett , P . G . P . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; H . Maudsley , P . G . D . ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P . ; L . F . Littell , P . G . P . ; R . Warner Wheeler , P . G . D . ; Rev . W . K . R . Bedford , P . G . Chap .
Grand Lodge having been opened in form , Bro . General BROWNRIGG said before Grand Lodge proceeded to the business of the day he was sure he would have the sympathy of the brethren when he made some allusion to the death of a dear brother so lately taken from them , Bro . John Havers . He supposed there were few men among
them who had worked so zealously and thoroughly honestly as Bro . Havers . They might not perhaps have agreed with him on all occasions , but he believed there was no doubt on the minds of all the brethren that all which Bro . Havers did he did conscientiously , and he spoke fearlessly . They would now all regret not seeing that well-known face among them any more .
Bro . the Rev . C . J . MARTYN said he had attended Grand Lodge a great number of years , and he felt that though he never spoke in Grand Lodge this was one of those few particular occasions on which he should not be domg his duty if he did not speak . The Grand Master in the chair had spoken well of Bro . Havers , and he ( Bro . Martyn ) thoroughly endorsed every word . Bro . Havers loved everything connected with Freemasonry ,
and it was his earnest desire at all times to promote its interest . What he did must command their warmest admiration , and he ( Bro . Martyn ) would propose that there be recorded on the minutes of Grand Lodge by a unanimous vote the expression of the deep regret of Grand Lodge at the loss Grand Lodge in London and Freemasonry in general had sustained by the death of Bro . Havers , and their earnest hope that God would comfort those he had left behind .
The Rev . R . J . SIMPSON seconded the motion . On one very remarkable occasion it was his bad fortune to differ very considerably from Bro . Havi-rs , but he was happy to say that on a recent occasion that little difference was made up by a shake of the hands in the most trul y Masonic way . He was most happy to endorse what had been said . There were few men who devoted more time , or talent , or more true Masonic feeling and attention to the Craft than Bro . Havers , and it was with great pleasure
he ( Bro . Simpson ) seconded this tribute to his memory . Bro . BINCKES rose to speak , but was stopped by Gen . Brownrigg , who said he was not in order . Bro . Binckes , however , remained standing , and said he was sorry to be in Grand Lodge when this motion was proposed , as he considered he must discharge a conscientious duty , and he asked the permission of Grand Lodge to say this—that it might not be supposed that the vote was unanimous . ( " Oh , oh . " ) There were very few who knew what he had suffered ( cries of "Oh , oh . " )
Gen . BROWNRIGG said he most call Bro . Binckes to order , and he should call on Grand Secretary to read the minutes . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE then read the minutes , and afterwards explained that as one brother to whom a grant of £ 150 was made had died , between his receipt of £ 50 on account and the present time the minutes would not have to be confirmed in respect of the balance .
The Rev . SPENCER STANHOPE , P . G . C , wished to ask the Grand Secretary whether the speech of the Earl o . Carnarvon at last Grand Lodge was fully reported in Grand Lodge minui . es . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE said—Entirely .
The minutes were then put and confirmed , wil the exception referred to by Grand Secretary . General BROWNRIGG said he war sorry to have interrupted Bro . Binckes , but it was necessary to have the minutes read . Perhaps he would continue .
Bro . BINCKES said his only object in rising was , being in Grand Lodge when this vote was proposed , apart from the general regret which they must all feel at the death of the able and distinguished brother , when he heard it was to be a vote of unanimous regret , he conscientiously and honestly , as an honest man , could not join in that expression —( cries of" Oh , oh" )—because he knew well —( renewed cries of "Oh , oh , " and " Order"
)—He did not wish to rake up old animosities —( " Oh , oh . )—He wished to say he dissented . —( " Oh , oh . " ) General BROWNRIGG then put the vote , which was carried . The Report of the Board ol Benevolence for the last quarter was then read . It contained the following recommendations : —
A brother of the Lodge of Affability , No . 317 , Manchester ... £ 75 o o A brother of the Sir Francis Burdett Lodge , No . 1503 , Twickenham 150 o o A brother of the St . Peter ' s Lodge , No . 476 , Carmarthen 75 o o
A brother of the Burgoyne Lodge , No . 902 , London 100 o o A brother of the Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 , London 100 o o ¦ The widow of a brother of the British Lodge , No . 8 , London ... 100 o o A brother of the Lodge of Fortitude , No . 131 , Truro ... ... ... 50 o o A brother of the St . Marylebone Lodge , No . 1305 , London so o 0
United Grand Lodge.
The widow of a brother of the Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 , York 75 o o A brother of the Lodge of Hope and Charity , No . 377 , Kidderminster 75 o o A brother of the Lebanon Lodge , No . 1326 , Feltham ... 75 o o The widow of a brother of the Royal St . Edmunds Lodge , No ! 100 S , Bury St . Edmunds i 00 0 Q
The report was then put and carried . The following report of the Board of General Purposes was taken as read and ordered to be received and entered on the minutes : To the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England .
The Board have to report that it has recentl y appeared from the return made by a country lodge that a higher Degree had been conferred on a brother at a less interval , by one day , than four weeks from his receiving the previous Degree , and , an explanation having been called for , it was stated that the regular meeting of the lodge falling on a holiday it was summoned to meet the day before , under the new rule 165 , and it was considered that this rule allowed of the Degree beins- conferred at that
meetinoalthough one day was wanting of the four weeks . The Board thereon decided that rule 195 remained unaltered , and in full force , notwithstanding rule 165 and the additional rule 130 , and that the brother irregularly advanced must be re-obligated before a certificate can be issued . The Board beg to recommend to the Grand Lodge that a donation of 50 guineas be made to the fund now being raised for the restoration of the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields , in which parish the Grand Lodge buildings and premises are situated .
The Board of General Purposes beg to submit a statement of the Grand Lodge accounts at the meeting of the Finance Committee , held on Friday , the 15 th day of August instant , showing a balance in the Bank of England of £ 4770 5 s . iod ., and in the hands of the Grand Secretary for petty cash £ 100 , and for servants' wages £ 100 , and balance of annual allowance for library £ 14 is . 2 d . ( Signed ) RALPH CLUTTON , Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , Vice-President 19 th August , 1884 . .
Bro . THOS . FENN , P . G . D ., President of the Board of General Purposes , in moving " That a donation of 50 guineas be made to the fund now being raised for the restoration of the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields , " said the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields , in which parish the premises ' of Grand Lodge were situated , entirely depended on voluntary contributions for its repairs , there being no fund applicable for that purpose . It had been the custom former occasions to
on vote small sums for this purpose , but a larger sum being now required , and many of the parishioners having subscribed ^ 50 and £ 100 , it had been the unanimous opinion of the Board of General Purposes that the Grand Lodge should be recommended to add 50 guineas to the list , and they thought such a donation would be a fitting sequel to that protest which was unanimousl y agreed to at Grand Lodge last Quarterly Communication against those unfounded charees which had
been brought against the Craft . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . J AMES STEVENS seconded the motion , and said the whole matter had been thoroughly discussed , and many more excellent reasons than the worthy President had stated were adduced in favour of the proposition Bro . C . W . C . HUTTON , P . G . D ., said he very seldom , as a Churchman , much less as a Mason , intruded himself upon Grand Lodge , but he ht it the
thoug was duty of Masonry to uphold that very high position which had made it the distinguishing feature and bond of friendship in the world . He thought that it was the bounden duty of Masonry to hold itself free from any sectarianism . ( Hear , hear . ) He was a Churchman himself , and he should feel pleasure as a member of the body to subscribe his quota individually , but not as a member of Grand Lodge , to any fund that might be for the restoration
required of the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields ; but he took a very strong stand and a very strong position upon that which Masonry had achieved in the world , and which he hoped it would ever maintain in the world , and that was an utter unsectarian position . They might be called upon to-morrow to subscribe for the repairs of this , that , or the other place of worship , no matter what —( hear , hear)—and he thought
it was their duty as Masons to hold themselves aloof , and to recollect that grand characteristic of their Order , a universal system of morality which had pervaded the whole of humanity ; If they connected themselves in any \ vay , and Grand Lodge in any way connected , itself with sectarianism , he thought Masonry would lose its position and character very much . He should not bring forward any motion in opposition , but he stood up there
as an Englishman , and as a member of Grand Lodge , and as a Churchman , to say that he should feel it his duty to oppose the vote . Col . SOMERVILLE BURNEY , P . G . D ., said one of the principles of Freemasonry was obedience to the laws of the land . The law divided the land into parishes . Grand Lodge was situated in the parish of St . Giles-in-the-Fields , and as a parishioner it was asked to support the fabric of the
parish church . Bro . the Rev . R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . C , opposed the vote . If they subscribed in this case they would not only probably do an act which might mislead Masons into the idea that they had taken up what was commonly called a sectarian ground—( no , no)—but they would be bound in honour to support any works , whatever they might be . It would be better for them to subscribe as individuals .
Bro . the Rev . C . J . MARTYN , P . G . C , supported the vote . They were not asked to give as Masons . He agreed that Masonry ought to hold itself aloof trom denominationalism . They were not asked to give as Masons but as landlords . ( Hear , hear . ) It was a recognised rule that the owners of property in various parishes were asked to contribute to any good work , whether Dissenters or Church people . Bro . FENN having replied , a division was taken , when there
appeared—For the vote ... ,.. ... ,., 92 Against ... ... ... ... TI 0
Majority against ... ... ... 18 Bro . CHARLES F . HOGARD , P . M . 205 , moved to add to paragraph 19 of the Book of Constitutions—Election of Grand Treasurer—the following words , " In the same manner as the elected members of the Board of General Purposes . " He explained that the nomination of Grand Treasurer
would take place at the December Quarterly Communication , and the election in March , when the names ofthe different candidates would be printed on the balloting papers and the voting would be scrutinised . In this way time would be saved and confusion avoided . Bro . Controller S . G . BAKE seconded the motion . A Brother objected . Grand I . odge would be deprived of one of its privileges if this motion was carried . Instead of the members of Grand
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00200
Tire Rev . Bro . GEORGE MCCLELLAN FISKE , of Peekskill , N . Y ., is , as the Keystone tells us , one of the ablest theologians in the Episcopal Church in America , and also one of the most intelligent and devoted of Freemasons . He recently delivered an exceedingly eloquent address before Lodge No . 34 , of Peekskill , on " Freemasonry and the Church , " which we reproduce in our columns this week . It
will be found eminently readable , embodying just thought phrased in eloquent language , and kindly and ably explaining one of the most difficult and delicate of questions . VVe commend the address elsewhere , and to the attention of all our readers , and especially of our reverend brethren the Chaplains and Grand Chaplains of our Order , as an effective reply to sundry hasty assertions and vehement propositions just now .
United Grand Lodge.
UNITED GRAND LODGE .
The Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge was held on Wednesday evening , ~ at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . General Brownrigg , C . B ., P . G . W ., Prov . Grand Master for Surrey , presided . Among the other brethren were the following Present and Past Grand Officers : Bros . Gen . 1 . S . Brownrigg , as G . M . ; Rev . J . Finnimore , D . G . M . Natal , as D . G . M . ; Rev . T i ?„ M .,- nn n P . Than Cnl . Sh .-idwall H riprlrp . G . S T . Fenn . Pres . Bd . Gen .
= Purs . ; Dr . Ernst E . Wendt , G . Sec . German Correspondence ; Horace B . Marshall , G . Treas . ; Baron de Ferrieres , G . S . D . ; T . Davison , G . S . D . ; J . S . Eastes , G . J . D . j Sir Albert Woods , G . D . C ; E . Locock , G . S . B . ; E . M . Lott , G . Org . ; H . G . Buss , Asst . G . Sec ; Lieut .-Col . S . E . Taylor , G . Std . Br . ; VV . Stephens , G . P . ; H . Garrod , Asst . G . P . ; Rev . Ambrose VV . Hall , P . G . Chap . ; Col . H . S . Somerville Burney , P . G . D . ; j . H . Matthews . G . Std . B . ; Magnus Ohren , P . G . A . D . C . ; J . Nunn , P . G . S . B . ; Rev . C . VV . S .
Stanhope , P . G . Chap .: A . Richards , D . G . D . C ; I . M . Case , P . G . D . ; Rev . Sir J . VV . Hayes , P . G . Chap . ; Robt . Grey , P . G . D . ; H . D . Sandeman , P . G . D . ; C . VV . C . Hutton , P . G . D . ; C . A . Murton , P . G . D . ; Col . J . Peters , P . G . Swd . Br . ; Raymond H . Thrupp , P A . G . D . C . ; Edgar Bowyer , P . G . Std . Br . ; Rev . C . W . Arnold , P . G . Chap . ; Ralph Goodin--, P . G . D . ; Rev . C . J . Martin , P . G . Chap . ; J . Brett , P . G . P . ; C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; H . Maudsley , P . G . D . ; Thomas Cubitt , P . G . P . ; L . F . Littell , P . G . P . ; R . Warner Wheeler , P . G . D . ; Rev . W . K . R . Bedford , P . G . Chap .
Grand Lodge having been opened in form , Bro . General BROWNRIGG said before Grand Lodge proceeded to the business of the day he was sure he would have the sympathy of the brethren when he made some allusion to the death of a dear brother so lately taken from them , Bro . John Havers . He supposed there were few men among
them who had worked so zealously and thoroughly honestly as Bro . Havers . They might not perhaps have agreed with him on all occasions , but he believed there was no doubt on the minds of all the brethren that all which Bro . Havers did he did conscientiously , and he spoke fearlessly . They would now all regret not seeing that well-known face among them any more .
Bro . the Rev . C . J . MARTYN said he had attended Grand Lodge a great number of years , and he felt that though he never spoke in Grand Lodge this was one of those few particular occasions on which he should not be domg his duty if he did not speak . The Grand Master in the chair had spoken well of Bro . Havers , and he ( Bro . Martyn ) thoroughly endorsed every word . Bro . Havers loved everything connected with Freemasonry ,
and it was his earnest desire at all times to promote its interest . What he did must command their warmest admiration , and he ( Bro . Martyn ) would propose that there be recorded on the minutes of Grand Lodge by a unanimous vote the expression of the deep regret of Grand Lodge at the loss Grand Lodge in London and Freemasonry in general had sustained by the death of Bro . Havers , and their earnest hope that God would comfort those he had left behind .
The Rev . R . J . SIMPSON seconded the motion . On one very remarkable occasion it was his bad fortune to differ very considerably from Bro . Havi-rs , but he was happy to say that on a recent occasion that little difference was made up by a shake of the hands in the most trul y Masonic way . He was most happy to endorse what had been said . There were few men who devoted more time , or talent , or more true Masonic feeling and attention to the Craft than Bro . Havers , and it was with great pleasure
he ( Bro . Simpson ) seconded this tribute to his memory . Bro . BINCKES rose to speak , but was stopped by Gen . Brownrigg , who said he was not in order . Bro . Binckes , however , remained standing , and said he was sorry to be in Grand Lodge when this motion was proposed , as he considered he must discharge a conscientious duty , and he asked the permission of Grand Lodge to say this—that it might not be supposed that the vote was unanimous . ( " Oh , oh . " ) There were very few who knew what he had suffered ( cries of "Oh , oh . " )
Gen . BROWNRIGG said he most call Bro . Binckes to order , and he should call on Grand Secretary to read the minutes . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE then read the minutes , and afterwards explained that as one brother to whom a grant of £ 150 was made had died , between his receipt of £ 50 on account and the present time the minutes would not have to be confirmed in respect of the balance .
The Rev . SPENCER STANHOPE , P . G . C , wished to ask the Grand Secretary whether the speech of the Earl o . Carnarvon at last Grand Lodge was fully reported in Grand Lodge minui . es . Col . SHADWELL H . CLERKE said—Entirely .
The minutes were then put and confirmed , wil the exception referred to by Grand Secretary . General BROWNRIGG said he war sorry to have interrupted Bro . Binckes , but it was necessary to have the minutes read . Perhaps he would continue .
Bro . BINCKES said his only object in rising was , being in Grand Lodge when this vote was proposed , apart from the general regret which they must all feel at the death of the able and distinguished brother , when he heard it was to be a vote of unanimous regret , he conscientiously and honestly , as an honest man , could not join in that expression —( cries of" Oh , oh" )—because he knew well —( renewed cries of "Oh , oh , " and " Order"
)—He did not wish to rake up old animosities —( " Oh , oh . )—He wished to say he dissented . —( " Oh , oh . " ) General BROWNRIGG then put the vote , which was carried . The Report of the Board ol Benevolence for the last quarter was then read . It contained the following recommendations : —
A brother of the Lodge of Affability , No . 317 , Manchester ... £ 75 o o A brother of the Sir Francis Burdett Lodge , No . 1503 , Twickenham 150 o o A brother of the St . Peter ' s Lodge , No . 476 , Carmarthen 75 o o
A brother of the Burgoyne Lodge , No . 902 , London 100 o o A brother of the Lion and Lamb Lodge , No . 192 , London 100 o o ¦ The widow of a brother of the British Lodge , No . 8 , London ... 100 o o A brother of the Lodge of Fortitude , No . 131 , Truro ... ... ... 50 o o A brother of the St . Marylebone Lodge , No . 1305 , London so o 0
United Grand Lodge.
The widow of a brother of the Eboracum Lodge , No . 1611 , York 75 o o A brother of the Lodge of Hope and Charity , No . 377 , Kidderminster 75 o o A brother of the Lebanon Lodge , No . 1326 , Feltham ... 75 o o The widow of a brother of the Royal St . Edmunds Lodge , No ! 100 S , Bury St . Edmunds i 00 0 Q
The report was then put and carried . The following report of the Board of General Purposes was taken as read and ordered to be received and entered on the minutes : To the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England .
The Board have to report that it has recentl y appeared from the return made by a country lodge that a higher Degree had been conferred on a brother at a less interval , by one day , than four weeks from his receiving the previous Degree , and , an explanation having been called for , it was stated that the regular meeting of the lodge falling on a holiday it was summoned to meet the day before , under the new rule 165 , and it was considered that this rule allowed of the Degree beins- conferred at that
meetinoalthough one day was wanting of the four weeks . The Board thereon decided that rule 195 remained unaltered , and in full force , notwithstanding rule 165 and the additional rule 130 , and that the brother irregularly advanced must be re-obligated before a certificate can be issued . The Board beg to recommend to the Grand Lodge that a donation of 50 guineas be made to the fund now being raised for the restoration of the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields , in which parish the Grand Lodge buildings and premises are situated .
The Board of General Purposes beg to submit a statement of the Grand Lodge accounts at the meeting of the Finance Committee , held on Friday , the 15 th day of August instant , showing a balance in the Bank of England of £ 4770 5 s . iod ., and in the hands of the Grand Secretary for petty cash £ 100 , and for servants' wages £ 100 , and balance of annual allowance for library £ 14 is . 2 d . ( Signed ) RALPH CLUTTON , Freemasons' Hall , London , W . C , Vice-President 19 th August , 1884 . .
Bro . THOS . FENN , P . G . D ., President of the Board of General Purposes , in moving " That a donation of 50 guineas be made to the fund now being raised for the restoration of the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields , " said the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields , in which parish the premises ' of Grand Lodge were situated , entirely depended on voluntary contributions for its repairs , there being no fund applicable for that purpose . It had been the custom former occasions to
on vote small sums for this purpose , but a larger sum being now required , and many of the parishioners having subscribed ^ 50 and £ 100 , it had been the unanimous opinion of the Board of General Purposes that the Grand Lodge should be recommended to add 50 guineas to the list , and they thought such a donation would be a fitting sequel to that protest which was unanimousl y agreed to at Grand Lodge last Quarterly Communication against those unfounded charees which had
been brought against the Craft . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . J AMES STEVENS seconded the motion , and said the whole matter had been thoroughly discussed , and many more excellent reasons than the worthy President had stated were adduced in favour of the proposition Bro . C . W . C . HUTTON , P . G . D ., said he very seldom , as a Churchman , much less as a Mason , intruded himself upon Grand Lodge , but he ht it the
thoug was duty of Masonry to uphold that very high position which had made it the distinguishing feature and bond of friendship in the world . He thought that it was the bounden duty of Masonry to hold itself free from any sectarianism . ( Hear , hear . ) He was a Churchman himself , and he should feel pleasure as a member of the body to subscribe his quota individually , but not as a member of Grand Lodge , to any fund that might be for the restoration
required of the Church of St . Giles ' s-in-the-Fields ; but he took a very strong stand and a very strong position upon that which Masonry had achieved in the world , and which he hoped it would ever maintain in the world , and that was an utter unsectarian position . They might be called upon to-morrow to subscribe for the repairs of this , that , or the other place of worship , no matter what —( hear , hear)—and he thought
it was their duty as Masons to hold themselves aloof , and to recollect that grand characteristic of their Order , a universal system of morality which had pervaded the whole of humanity ; If they connected themselves in any \ vay , and Grand Lodge in any way connected , itself with sectarianism , he thought Masonry would lose its position and character very much . He should not bring forward any motion in opposition , but he stood up there
as an Englishman , and as a member of Grand Lodge , and as a Churchman , to say that he should feel it his duty to oppose the vote . Col . SOMERVILLE BURNEY , P . G . D ., said one of the principles of Freemasonry was obedience to the laws of the land . The law divided the land into parishes . Grand Lodge was situated in the parish of St . Giles-in-the-Fields , and as a parishioner it was asked to support the fabric of the
parish church . Bro . the Rev . R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . C , opposed the vote . If they subscribed in this case they would not only probably do an act which might mislead Masons into the idea that they had taken up what was commonly called a sectarian ground—( no , no)—but they would be bound in honour to support any works , whatever they might be . It would be better for them to subscribe as individuals .
Bro . the Rev . C . J . MARTYN , P . G . C , supported the vote . They were not asked to give as Masons . He agreed that Masonry ought to hold itself aloof trom denominationalism . They were not asked to give as Masons but as landlords . ( Hear , hear . ) It was a recognised rule that the owners of property in various parishes were asked to contribute to any good work , whether Dissenters or Church people . Bro . FENN having replied , a division was taken , when there
appeared—For the vote ... ,.. ... ,., 92 Against ... ... ... ... TI 0
Majority against ... ... ... 18 Bro . CHARLES F . HOGARD , P . M . 205 , moved to add to paragraph 19 of the Book of Constitutions—Election of Grand Treasurer—the following words , " In the same manner as the elected members of the Board of General Purposes . " He explained that the nomination of Grand Treasurer
would take place at the December Quarterly Communication , and the election in March , when the names ofthe different candidates would be printed on the balloting papers and the voting would be scrutinised . In this way time would be saved and confusion avoided . Bro . Controller S . G . BAKE seconded the motion . A Brother objected . Grand I . odge would be deprived of one of its privileges if this motion was carried . Instead of the members of Grand