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Article FREEMASONRY IN THE ISLE OF MAN. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN THE ISLE OF MAN. Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF ST. ALBAN'S MARK LODGE, No. 344. AT NOTTINGHAM. Page 1 of 2 →
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Freemasonry In The Isle Of Man.
Goldie-Taubman ,-W . M . 1242 , I . P . M . ; G . IT . Smith , S . W . ; J . Hodgson . T . W . ; the Rev . Blundell Brown , Chaplain ; A . Bruce , Treasurer ; Dr J . Reynalds , S . D . ; R . Whiteside , J . D . ; Dr . Dearden , W . M . 1004 , D . C . ; j- A . Mylrea , Organist ; W . Dobson , I . G . ; and John Cowen . Tyler .
The thanks of the lodge were in the most hearty manner presented lc the Consecrating and Installing Officer , and to the other Grand Officers , and they were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge . Before the business concluded , propositions were made for an initiate and for several joining members , and the W . M . announced close upon thirty valuable presents to the lodge . These were gratefully accepted , and votes of thanks were presented to the donors .
The lodge having closed down , the brethren adjourned to the Peveril Hotel , where they sat down to an excellent dinner , served in Bro . Nattan ' s best style- In every respect the banquet was a great success . Bro . J . A . Brown , W . M ., presided , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were dul y honoured .
Amongst the speakers were the Worshipful Master , the Grand Secretary , the Grand Chaplain , Bros . C . J . Bannister , J . S . Goldie-Taubman , A . Dumbell , P . M . ( Clerk ofthe Rolls ); the Rev . Blundell Brown , G . H . Smith , S . W . ; J . Hodgson , J . W . ; Cruickshank , P . M . ; Ramsey , F . Browne , A . N . Laughton , and Dr . Haviland .
The most important subject referred to during the evening was the proposed establishment of a Provincial Grand Lod ge for the Isle of Man , and the benefits to the Craft that would ensue . The principal speakers on this point were the Grand Secretary , Bros . Dumbell , P . M . ; Cruickshank , P . M . ; and J . Hodgson , all of whom spoke in favour of the proposal .
Bro . DUMBELL , P . M ., made some very pertinent remarks on this subject . He said he could not but think that it was desirable that Masons in the Isle of Man should go in for a Provincial Grand Lodge . It would be a great advantage in many ways . Home Rule would be a great benefit to them . Why , the brethren at the banquet even could not wear Masonic clothing
without a special dispensation from Grand Lodge in London . A Provincial Grand Lodge would also make the old officers more distinguished by their not being so soon equalled by younger officers . Another advantage would be the establishment of a local Benevolent Fund . Several other brethren spoke in the same strain .
Bros . Bowman , P . M . ; Swinnerton , P . M . ; M ylrea , Hoyle , and other musical brethren contributed to the harmony of a pleasant evening . One of the songs was of a very appropriate nature . It was "Elian Vannin , " a composition which may now be looked upon as the national anthem of Manxland . It was capitally sung by Bro . Bowman , who introduced into it two new verses , composed by Bro . G . H . Smith , S . W . As they have a special interest from their Masonic allusions , we append them :
And now a band of Masons joined by close fraternal tie , ' This lodge of ours we consecrate 'neath the All-seeing Eye , And christen it most lovingly , dear Island , after thee , Our own dear Elian Vannin with her green hills by the sea . Its foundation has been laid to-day with diligence and care , Each ashlar set in level line well chiselled , smooth , and square ; May order , peace , and harmony its portion ever be , Our own dear Elian . Vannin with her green hills by the sea .
The proceedings were closed by Bro . J . E . Hunt , Secretary , singing the Tyler ' s toast . The consecration of the St . Trinian ' s Lodge , No . 2050 on the registry of the Grand Lodge of England , took place on Monday afternoon , and such was the fraternal interest taken in the proceedings that it drew together even a larger number of brethren than were present at the Elian Vannin
consecration on Saturday , there being no fewer than 54 signatures in the T yler ' s book . There was the largest gathering of P . M . ' s ever witnessed in the Island , no fewer than 27 of those present having attained that rank . They were the officers of the Grand Lodge , Bros . G . C . Heron , J . A . Brown , L . G . Hannay , C . F . Johnson , J . S . Goldie-Taubman , E . Pierpoint , G . M . Lofthousc , H . Rothwell , C . Kennaugh , J . Mylchreest , E . Mundey , E .
Ferrier , G . H . Ouayle , J . M . Cruickshank , E . C . Kerr , W . Laughlin , W . L . Wild , H . Brearley , W . Cannell , J . McWhannell , and J . W . Wood . The ceremonies of consecration and installation were , of course , almost exact repetitions of those at the Elian Vannin Lodge on Saturday , and it was also , of course , performed by the same officers of the Grand Lodge . The
brethren received the representatives of the Grand Lodge in due form shortly after four o ' clock , and the ceremony of consecration was at once proceeded with . The musical portions were very ably rendered by a choir consisting of Bros . E . Mundey , P . M . ; L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; and W . A . McKown , with Bro . F . C Poulter as Organist .
The founders of the St . Trinian ' s Lodge who signed the petition are the following brethren : Bros . G . C . Heron , L . G . Hannay , G . J . Nattan , W . A . McKown , W . Broughton , J . H . Stretch , F . Poulter , Goodwin , Colquhoun , T . H . Nesbitt , B . F . Johnson , J . A . Brown , J . Morrison , E . C . Gelling , J . F . Terry , and A . E . Rothwell . The Consecrating Officer ' s address tothe brethren , and the Grand Chaplain ' s oration on the ori gin and
principles of Masonry , were in their general scope and purport very similar to those which were rendered in the proceedings of the Elian Vannin consecration . The founders had elected Bro . G . C . Heron , P . M ., to be their first W . M ., and after the consecration ceremony , the Grand Secretary at once proceeded to install him in the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom . Both ceremonies—that of consecration and that of installation—were most impressively rendered .
The newly-installed W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . L . G . Hannay , as I . P . M . ; G . J . Nattan , S . W . ; W . A . McKown , J . W . ; C M . Challender , Sec ; W . Broughton , S . D . ; J . H . Stretch , J . D . ; T . H . Nesbitt , D . C . ; F . C . Poulter , I . G . ; T . Goodwin and W . Colquhoun , Stewards . Bro . John Lanaghan was unanimously elected Tyler . At the
conclusion of the installation ceremony several candidates were proposed for initiation , and several brethren as joining members . The officers of Grand Lodge were also enthusiastically thanked for their services , and were paid the further well-deserved compliment of being unanimousl y elected honorary members of the lodge .
The lodge business being over , the brethren adjourned to thc Peveril Hotel , where they sat down to an excellent dinner , provided in splendid style by Bro . Nattan , the S . W . of the lodge . The catering and the waiting , as at the Elian Vannin dinner on Saturday , were everything that could be desired , and the brethren thoroughly enjoyed themselves . The several loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , the various speakers being the W . M . ; the Grand Sec ; Bros . C . J . Bannister ; J . S . Goldie-Taubman , P . M . ; Rev . E . Ferrier , P . M . ; J . M . Cruickshank , P . M . ; L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; and G ; J . Nattan , S . VV . Several musical brethren ,
Freemasonry In The Isle Of Man.
amongst them being Bros . L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; J . McWhannell , P . M . ; W . L . Wild , P . M ., and others , contributed to the harmony of the evening . The proposal to establish a Prov . Grand Lodge for the Island was again referred to in terms of general acceptance . The Grand Secretary ' s remarks on this and other points are of especial value . Hc said—Masonry has more than doubled itself in number of lod ges in 20 years . Every day we have
lodges started , and every day the Order is growing stronger . We have an enormous amount of subscriptions . £ 40 , 000 a year is subscribed from our Charities , and we give awa y £ 10 , 000 a year in our Fund of Benevolence . Indeed the Order is becoming what the Yankee would call a " very big thing . " ( Laughter . ) With respect to your government , Manxland is famous all over the world for Home Rule ; but you have not yet got
Home Rule in Masonry ; but I hope you will soon agree amongst yourselves to ask the Most Worshi pful Grand Master his Royal Highness to make you a Provincial Grand Lod ge . ( Cheers . ) The time has come when you ought to have a certain amount of government amongst yourselves , and that you must gain by having a Prov . Grand Lodge . On that subject let me clear up one or two points . Since I have bcen here I have
been spoken to a great deal about this . Some brethren have said , " Cannot we have a District Grand Lodge ? " perhaps with the idea of having extended powers . Really , the powers of a District Grand Lodge are not so very valuable , and really it is quite out of question that you should be formed into a district . Up to last Saturday you had three lodges in the Isle of Man , paying two shillings of a capitation grant , and the two new
lodges could not have been put on a different footing . The Channel Islands , who are in the same position as you , are a province , not a district . It is only fair to explain to you that the formation of . 1 district is out of the question . A Provincial Grand Lodge would be of great benefit to you , and you would have many privileges that now you have "" not . ( Hear , hear . ) You would have your own charitable institutions ; all your little disputes could
be settled at home , and you would not have to write to me when you wish to appear at dinner in your best bib and tucker . ( Laughter . ) I mean , of course , in Masonic clothing . There are a great many advantages in a province . Every part of England has its provinces , and see how well they work . It is nothing to me whether you have it or not ; I advise you for your own good . That is the reason wh y I soon hope to be amongst you again .
( Cheers . ) I have been greatl y delighted at the strong fraternal feeling which exists among you here . The brethren here are greatly to be praised for the manner in which they have conducted Masonry . We leave tomorrow morning , and we all leave with regret . We have an invitation to another Masonic meeting to-morrow ni ght , but we are unable to stay . We , however , leave the Isle of Man with most pleasant recollections of our sojourn in it . ( Cheers . ) Our worth y brother the Master of the Elian
Vannin Lodge wishes me to explain the modus operandi in connection with the obtaining of a Provincial Grand Lodge . The lodges have only to pass a resolution that they are of opinion that it is desirable to have a Provincial Grand Lodge . They send me a copy of the resolution , and if I receive a resolution from the five lodges to the same effect , then it will be my duty to lay the matter before the Grand Master , and ask his favourable consideration of the petition . ( Applause . ) I need scarcely say that I will urge it in every way in my power .
The Tyler ' s toast— " Happy to meet , sorry to part , happy to meet again , " recited by Bro . J . A . Brown , P . M ., brought to a close a very pleasant evening . Both lodges were furnished b y Bro . George Kenning .
Consecration Of St. Alban's Mark Lodge, No. 344. At Nottingham.
CONSECRATION OF ST . ALBAN'S MARK LODGE , No . 344 . AT NOTTINGHAM .
The consecration of this lodge took place at thc Masonic Hall , Goldsmithstreet , Nottingham , on Thursday , the 16 th ult ., in the presence of a brilliant and distinguished gathering of nearly thc whole of the Mark Master Masons of the province , Bro . H . R . Hathcrly , Past G . M . O ., Prov . G . M . Sec , being the Consecrating Officer , and , it is needless to say , performed the ceremony in that splendid way for which he is so famous . The following oration was then delivered by ^ Bro . the Rev . F . V . RUSSELL :
Worshipful iPresiding Officer and Brethren , —I should , indeed , jbe undertaking a difficult task did I propose in this oration to lay before you wholly new thoughts or new information on the nature and principles of Mark Masonry . With its history , its privileges , its requirements , you are all more or less familiar . " They have from time to time been treated of fully and lucidly by brethren of far greater ability than he who now addresses you . A few words , however , whether new or old , are demanded on these matters by the present solemn occasion , when we are met together to fix another stone
in the Masonic structure , and reverentially to dedicate it to the Great Overseer of the Universe . Let my first words be those of congratulation . A few short years ago there was but one Mark Master Masonic lodge for the whole of the Province of Nottinghamshire—that established in this ancient town of Nottingham claiming its origin from time immemorial . In the year 18 S 0 , however , Mark Masonry woke up from its lethargic sleep , and the Fleming Lodge was founded at Newark , where good work still continues to be done for that part of the province . Then came the establishment of the Provincial
Grand Mark Lodge , at whose head we welcome our Right Worshipful Bro . John Watson —a brother whose praise will ever sound in our lodges , and whose work is ably seconded b y another standard and prop of Masonry in this province , our Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Newton . And not content with this , we meet together again to-day to consecrate with all our solemn rites and pageants the St . Alban ' s Lodge of Mark Master Masons , bearing the honoured and respected name of the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft in Nottinghamshire . Mark Masonry then , brethren ,
beingthus flourishing , well may we congratulate ourselves on being enrolled under thc banner of such a society , which I make bold to say sheds lustre on all who come within scope of its influence . Let us , one and all , express a fervent hope that the lodge we dedicate today may prove equally flourishing and luxuriant as the parent stem from which it springs . As regards Mark Masonry generally , brethren , it is especially your duty to make your conduct such as shall stand the test of the Grand Overseer's square , and fit us for the place for which we are destined in the building . This as regards ourselves ,
With respect also to others , let us learn from this Degree not to judge by appearances , let us remember our own ignorance , and be more ready to approve than to condemn . It has been well said that as the stone ^ which t the builders rejected became the head of the corner , so the man we despise to-day may control our destiny to-morrow . If we consider the Degree of Mark Master historically , it is of the utmost importance , since we are informed that , by its influence , each Operative Mason at the building of the Temple was known and distinguished , and the disorder and confusion which might otherwise have , attended so immense an undertaking wascompletely prevented . Not less useful is it in its
symbolic signification . As illustrative of the Fellow Craft , this Degree is particularly directed to the inculcation of order , regularity , and discipline . It teaches us that we should discharge all the duties of our several stations with precision and punctuality ; that the work of our hands and the thoughts of our hearts should be good and true—not unfinished and imperfect ; not sinful and defective ; but such as the Great Overseer ami Judge of Heaven and Earth will see fit to approve as a worthy oblation from His creatures . If the Fellow Craft Degree is devoted to the inculcation of learning , that of the-Mark Master is intended to instruct us how that learning can most usefully and judiciously be employed for our own honour and the profit of others . And it holds forth tothe desponding the encouraging thought that , although our motives may sometimes W
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In The Isle Of Man.
Goldie-Taubman ,-W . M . 1242 , I . P . M . ; G . IT . Smith , S . W . ; J . Hodgson . T . W . ; the Rev . Blundell Brown , Chaplain ; A . Bruce , Treasurer ; Dr J . Reynalds , S . D . ; R . Whiteside , J . D . ; Dr . Dearden , W . M . 1004 , D . C . ; j- A . Mylrea , Organist ; W . Dobson , I . G . ; and John Cowen . Tyler .
The thanks of the lodge were in the most hearty manner presented lc the Consecrating and Installing Officer , and to the other Grand Officers , and they were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge . Before the business concluded , propositions were made for an initiate and for several joining members , and the W . M . announced close upon thirty valuable presents to the lodge . These were gratefully accepted , and votes of thanks were presented to the donors .
The lodge having closed down , the brethren adjourned to the Peveril Hotel , where they sat down to an excellent dinner , served in Bro . Nattan ' s best style- In every respect the banquet was a great success . Bro . J . A . Brown , W . M ., presided , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were dul y honoured .
Amongst the speakers were the Worshipful Master , the Grand Secretary , the Grand Chaplain , Bros . C . J . Bannister , J . S . Goldie-Taubman , A . Dumbell , P . M . ( Clerk ofthe Rolls ); the Rev . Blundell Brown , G . H . Smith , S . W . ; J . Hodgson , J . W . ; Cruickshank , P . M . ; Ramsey , F . Browne , A . N . Laughton , and Dr . Haviland .
The most important subject referred to during the evening was the proposed establishment of a Provincial Grand Lod ge for the Isle of Man , and the benefits to the Craft that would ensue . The principal speakers on this point were the Grand Secretary , Bros . Dumbell , P . M . ; Cruickshank , P . M . ; and J . Hodgson , all of whom spoke in favour of the proposal .
Bro . DUMBELL , P . M ., made some very pertinent remarks on this subject . He said he could not but think that it was desirable that Masons in the Isle of Man should go in for a Provincial Grand Lodge . It would be a great advantage in many ways . Home Rule would be a great benefit to them . Why , the brethren at the banquet even could not wear Masonic clothing
without a special dispensation from Grand Lodge in London . A Provincial Grand Lodge would also make the old officers more distinguished by their not being so soon equalled by younger officers . Another advantage would be the establishment of a local Benevolent Fund . Several other brethren spoke in the same strain .
Bros . Bowman , P . M . ; Swinnerton , P . M . ; M ylrea , Hoyle , and other musical brethren contributed to the harmony of a pleasant evening . One of the songs was of a very appropriate nature . It was "Elian Vannin , " a composition which may now be looked upon as the national anthem of Manxland . It was capitally sung by Bro . Bowman , who introduced into it two new verses , composed by Bro . G . H . Smith , S . W . As they have a special interest from their Masonic allusions , we append them :
And now a band of Masons joined by close fraternal tie , ' This lodge of ours we consecrate 'neath the All-seeing Eye , And christen it most lovingly , dear Island , after thee , Our own dear Elian Vannin with her green hills by the sea . Its foundation has been laid to-day with diligence and care , Each ashlar set in level line well chiselled , smooth , and square ; May order , peace , and harmony its portion ever be , Our own dear Elian . Vannin with her green hills by the sea .
The proceedings were closed by Bro . J . E . Hunt , Secretary , singing the Tyler ' s toast . The consecration of the St . Trinian ' s Lodge , No . 2050 on the registry of the Grand Lodge of England , took place on Monday afternoon , and such was the fraternal interest taken in the proceedings that it drew together even a larger number of brethren than were present at the Elian Vannin
consecration on Saturday , there being no fewer than 54 signatures in the T yler ' s book . There was the largest gathering of P . M . ' s ever witnessed in the Island , no fewer than 27 of those present having attained that rank . They were the officers of the Grand Lodge , Bros . G . C . Heron , J . A . Brown , L . G . Hannay , C . F . Johnson , J . S . Goldie-Taubman , E . Pierpoint , G . M . Lofthousc , H . Rothwell , C . Kennaugh , J . Mylchreest , E . Mundey , E .
Ferrier , G . H . Ouayle , J . M . Cruickshank , E . C . Kerr , W . Laughlin , W . L . Wild , H . Brearley , W . Cannell , J . McWhannell , and J . W . Wood . The ceremonies of consecration and installation were , of course , almost exact repetitions of those at the Elian Vannin Lodge on Saturday , and it was also , of course , performed by the same officers of the Grand Lodge . The
brethren received the representatives of the Grand Lodge in due form shortly after four o ' clock , and the ceremony of consecration was at once proceeded with . The musical portions were very ably rendered by a choir consisting of Bros . E . Mundey , P . M . ; L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; and W . A . McKown , with Bro . F . C Poulter as Organist .
The founders of the St . Trinian ' s Lodge who signed the petition are the following brethren : Bros . G . C . Heron , L . G . Hannay , G . J . Nattan , W . A . McKown , W . Broughton , J . H . Stretch , F . Poulter , Goodwin , Colquhoun , T . H . Nesbitt , B . F . Johnson , J . A . Brown , J . Morrison , E . C . Gelling , J . F . Terry , and A . E . Rothwell . The Consecrating Officer ' s address tothe brethren , and the Grand Chaplain ' s oration on the ori gin and
principles of Masonry , were in their general scope and purport very similar to those which were rendered in the proceedings of the Elian Vannin consecration . The founders had elected Bro . G . C . Heron , P . M ., to be their first W . M ., and after the consecration ceremony , the Grand Secretary at once proceeded to install him in the chair of K . S . according to ancient custom . Both ceremonies—that of consecration and that of installation—were most impressively rendered .
The newly-installed W . M . invested his officers as follows : Bros . L . G . Hannay , as I . P . M . ; G . J . Nattan , S . W . ; W . A . McKown , J . W . ; C M . Challender , Sec ; W . Broughton , S . D . ; J . H . Stretch , J . D . ; T . H . Nesbitt , D . C . ; F . C . Poulter , I . G . ; T . Goodwin and W . Colquhoun , Stewards . Bro . John Lanaghan was unanimously elected Tyler . At the
conclusion of the installation ceremony several candidates were proposed for initiation , and several brethren as joining members . The officers of Grand Lodge were also enthusiastically thanked for their services , and were paid the further well-deserved compliment of being unanimousl y elected honorary members of the lodge .
The lodge business being over , the brethren adjourned to thc Peveril Hotel , where they sat down to an excellent dinner , provided in splendid style by Bro . Nattan , the S . W . of the lodge . The catering and the waiting , as at the Elian Vannin dinner on Saturday , were everything that could be desired , and the brethren thoroughly enjoyed themselves . The several loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured , the various speakers being the W . M . ; the Grand Sec ; Bros . C . J . Bannister ; J . S . Goldie-Taubman , P . M . ; Rev . E . Ferrier , P . M . ; J . M . Cruickshank , P . M . ; L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; and G ; J . Nattan , S . VV . Several musical brethren ,
Freemasonry In The Isle Of Man.
amongst them being Bros . L . G . Hannay , P . M . ; J . McWhannell , P . M . ; W . L . Wild , P . M ., and others , contributed to the harmony of the evening . The proposal to establish a Prov . Grand Lodge for the Island was again referred to in terms of general acceptance . The Grand Secretary ' s remarks on this and other points are of especial value . Hc said—Masonry has more than doubled itself in number of lod ges in 20 years . Every day we have
lodges started , and every day the Order is growing stronger . We have an enormous amount of subscriptions . £ 40 , 000 a year is subscribed from our Charities , and we give awa y £ 10 , 000 a year in our Fund of Benevolence . Indeed the Order is becoming what the Yankee would call a " very big thing . " ( Laughter . ) With respect to your government , Manxland is famous all over the world for Home Rule ; but you have not yet got
Home Rule in Masonry ; but I hope you will soon agree amongst yourselves to ask the Most Worshi pful Grand Master his Royal Highness to make you a Provincial Grand Lod ge . ( Cheers . ) The time has come when you ought to have a certain amount of government amongst yourselves , and that you must gain by having a Prov . Grand Lodge . On that subject let me clear up one or two points . Since I have bcen here I have
been spoken to a great deal about this . Some brethren have said , " Cannot we have a District Grand Lodge ? " perhaps with the idea of having extended powers . Really , the powers of a District Grand Lodge are not so very valuable , and really it is quite out of question that you should be formed into a district . Up to last Saturday you had three lodges in the Isle of Man , paying two shillings of a capitation grant , and the two new
lodges could not have been put on a different footing . The Channel Islands , who are in the same position as you , are a province , not a district . It is only fair to explain to you that the formation of . 1 district is out of the question . A Provincial Grand Lodge would be of great benefit to you , and you would have many privileges that now you have "" not . ( Hear , hear . ) You would have your own charitable institutions ; all your little disputes could
be settled at home , and you would not have to write to me when you wish to appear at dinner in your best bib and tucker . ( Laughter . ) I mean , of course , in Masonic clothing . There are a great many advantages in a province . Every part of England has its provinces , and see how well they work . It is nothing to me whether you have it or not ; I advise you for your own good . That is the reason wh y I soon hope to be amongst you again .
( Cheers . ) I have been greatl y delighted at the strong fraternal feeling which exists among you here . The brethren here are greatly to be praised for the manner in which they have conducted Masonry . We leave tomorrow morning , and we all leave with regret . We have an invitation to another Masonic meeting to-morrow ni ght , but we are unable to stay . We , however , leave the Isle of Man with most pleasant recollections of our sojourn in it . ( Cheers . ) Our worth y brother the Master of the Elian
Vannin Lodge wishes me to explain the modus operandi in connection with the obtaining of a Provincial Grand Lodge . The lodges have only to pass a resolution that they are of opinion that it is desirable to have a Provincial Grand Lodge . They send me a copy of the resolution , and if I receive a resolution from the five lodges to the same effect , then it will be my duty to lay the matter before the Grand Master , and ask his favourable consideration of the petition . ( Applause . ) I need scarcely say that I will urge it in every way in my power .
The Tyler ' s toast— " Happy to meet , sorry to part , happy to meet again , " recited by Bro . J . A . Brown , P . M ., brought to a close a very pleasant evening . Both lodges were furnished b y Bro . George Kenning .
Consecration Of St. Alban's Mark Lodge, No. 344. At Nottingham.
CONSECRATION OF ST . ALBAN'S MARK LODGE , No . 344 . AT NOTTINGHAM .
The consecration of this lodge took place at thc Masonic Hall , Goldsmithstreet , Nottingham , on Thursday , the 16 th ult ., in the presence of a brilliant and distinguished gathering of nearly thc whole of the Mark Master Masons of the province , Bro . H . R . Hathcrly , Past G . M . O ., Prov . G . M . Sec , being the Consecrating Officer , and , it is needless to say , performed the ceremony in that splendid way for which he is so famous . The following oration was then delivered by ^ Bro . the Rev . F . V . RUSSELL :
Worshipful iPresiding Officer and Brethren , —I should , indeed , jbe undertaking a difficult task did I propose in this oration to lay before you wholly new thoughts or new information on the nature and principles of Mark Masonry . With its history , its privileges , its requirements , you are all more or less familiar . " They have from time to time been treated of fully and lucidly by brethren of far greater ability than he who now addresses you . A few words , however , whether new or old , are demanded on these matters by the present solemn occasion , when we are met together to fix another stone
in the Masonic structure , and reverentially to dedicate it to the Great Overseer of the Universe . Let my first words be those of congratulation . A few short years ago there was but one Mark Master Masonic lodge for the whole of the Province of Nottinghamshire—that established in this ancient town of Nottingham claiming its origin from time immemorial . In the year 18 S 0 , however , Mark Masonry woke up from its lethargic sleep , and the Fleming Lodge was founded at Newark , where good work still continues to be done for that part of the province . Then came the establishment of the Provincial
Grand Mark Lodge , at whose head we welcome our Right Worshipful Bro . John Watson —a brother whose praise will ever sound in our lodges , and whose work is ably seconded b y another standard and prop of Masonry in this province , our Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . Newton . And not content with this , we meet together again to-day to consecrate with all our solemn rites and pageants the St . Alban ' s Lodge of Mark Master Masons , bearing the honoured and respected name of the Provincial Grand Master of the Craft in Nottinghamshire . Mark Masonry then , brethren ,
beingthus flourishing , well may we congratulate ourselves on being enrolled under thc banner of such a society , which I make bold to say sheds lustre on all who come within scope of its influence . Let us , one and all , express a fervent hope that the lodge we dedicate today may prove equally flourishing and luxuriant as the parent stem from which it springs . As regards Mark Masonry generally , brethren , it is especially your duty to make your conduct such as shall stand the test of the Grand Overseer's square , and fit us for the place for which we are destined in the building . This as regards ourselves ,
With respect also to others , let us learn from this Degree not to judge by appearances , let us remember our own ignorance , and be more ready to approve than to condemn . It has been well said that as the stone ^ which t the builders rejected became the head of the corner , so the man we despise to-day may control our destiny to-morrow . If we consider the Degree of Mark Master historically , it is of the utmost importance , since we are informed that , by its influence , each Operative Mason at the building of the Temple was known and distinguished , and the disorder and confusion which might otherwise have , attended so immense an undertaking wascompletely prevented . Not less useful is it in its
symbolic signification . As illustrative of the Fellow Craft , this Degree is particularly directed to the inculcation of order , regularity , and discipline . It teaches us that we should discharge all the duties of our several stations with precision and punctuality ; that the work of our hands and the thoughts of our hearts should be good and true—not unfinished and imperfect ; not sinful and defective ; but such as the Great Overseer ami Judge of Heaven and Earth will see fit to approve as a worthy oblation from His creatures . If the Fellow Craft Degree is devoted to the inculcation of learning , that of the-Mark Master is intended to instruct us how that learning can most usefully and judiciously be employed for our own honour and the profit of others . And it holds forth tothe desponding the encouraging thought that , although our motives may sometimes W