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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL HANOVER LODGE, No. 1777. Page 1 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL HANOVER LODGE, No. 1777. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
am afraid that thc opportunity of parading one ' s name and standing and rank in Masonry is often inducive to narrow minds to appear in correspondence upon any subject , notwithstanding their entire ignorance of the same , and in crude carelessness as to how much they may wound the feelings of the man of calmer and sounder judgment . Self-laudation , with concomitant disregard of
persons or things , is in itself a sad misfortune , but when such a person forgets that respect which is due to his brother in Masonry , it is simply deplorable . However much Bro . Bedolfe may differ in opinion as to Bro . Lamonby ' s address , he is scarcely warranted in endeavouring tcr treat such address with contumely . His letter is too exhaustive and full of ignorance of the
subject he tries to criticise to encourage one to reply as he desires , as it is evident he is simply suffering from caccethes scribendi , which his attendance at the first banquet board may somewhat tend to ameliorate , unless he also suffers from cacoethes carpendi , when it would , perhaps , be a more convenient time to relieve his mind , it would , at all events , be better than
exposing his ignorance of subjects in print . I would ask Bro . Beeloife what his opinion is cf the Second Degree of Freemasonry ? Whether , indeed , it has anything in it to warrant the title of" Second Degree , " and if he is at all at a loss to reply , 1 advise him to go to the trifling expense of joining the Mark Degree , when , I think , he will conclude that that is , or should be , the Second Degree in
Masonry . To nie it appears to be the missing link between the First and Third Degrees . That which is at present called the Second Degree cannot conscientiously be called a Degree at all , hence the Mark Masons , wise in their knowledge i f the same , believe that Mark Masonry must at some future date be acknowledged by Grand Lodge .
I need scarcely add that the subscriptions of the Mark Degree to the Masonic Institutions are acknowledged by Grand Lodge , and their lists at the festivals very warmly appreciated . Let Bro . Bedolfe take that to heart , and for the information he desires let him join the Degree , to see for himself as to its beauties or otherwise . We may then , perhaps ,
derive some intelligence from his pen , from which I conclude nought , but " grammar , good sense and truth , " will flow to our united edification . Perhaps Bro . Binckes will enlighten our brother , if not upon the subject matter in discussion , he may upon common courtesy , brotherly love , and truth . I am , dear Sir , yours in faith and fraternally , ECCE SIGNUM .
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Dr . Bedolfe , who has written you a long letter sneering at the Mark Degree , does not appear to be aware that a Committee formeel of members of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter recommended thc acknowledgment of that Degree , and that the report of the Committee was unanimously adopted by Grand Lodge at the Quarterly
Communication in March , 18 5 6 . The reason why that portion of the minutes was not confirmed at the next meeting is well known in the Craft , although the spirit which prompted their rejection is scarcely appreciated . Yours truly , P-M . S 3 . 1-I believe the Grand Lodge of England stands alone in not recognising thc Mark Degree .
A QUERY . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I write as representing your many brethren of one of the lodges of which f ha \ e the honour of being a member , anil in the welfare of which I with many others take dic ' i anil earnest intere-st .
ln this interest I am asked to address this , not only for myself individually but for the Craft generally , and shall feel obliged if any of your numerous and valued correspondents will kindly give me , through the medium of your excellent paper , their opinion on the usages and etiquette of our Craft with respect to the following case . * much i-e . spectcd I . P . M . of the lodge to which I have
alluded , on the occasion of thc last monthly meeting had important business to transact in his " private avocation , " ( many miles distant ) . He hurried home only to be in lime to reach the precincts of the lodge ( or rather , thc anteroom ) during the commencement of the ceremony of closing . Whilst waiting for admission he of course inserted his
name ( at the request of thc Tyler ) being present , ready to enter the lodge . The question is this . Has the W . M . ( after putting the minutes to the option of thc brethren in open lodge ) a right to say " I rule that the name be erased from the altendance book . " Yours truly and fraternally ,
P . P . G . W . [ In our opinion the W . M . has the right to oversee and correct thc attendance book . The question of thc confirmation of the minutes is another thing . It is quite clear that the brother . iid not attend the lodge . En . F . M . ]
lloLt-ou-AY's 1 ' n . ts . —With the darkening days and changing temperatures the dirjestion becomes impaired , the liver disordered , nr " ' tire mind despondent unless the cause of the irregularity he txpclleri from lire blond by an alterative like these Pills . They go direct to the source nf the evil , thrust out all impurities from the circulation , reduce distempered rrrrians to their natural slate , anil
correct all defective and contaminated secretions . Such easymeans of institulini ; health , strength , ami cheerfulness should hc in possession of all whose Mrni . 'u-li . s are wt-. 'ik , whose m ' rnd . s are much hnras .-cd . rrr whose brains are overworked , llrrlloway ' . U csscrrti . ' rlly a blorrrNti-nipe-rrnj , ; im-dicinc , whereby its inlhrenr-c , reaching thc remotest / i bro of the frame , effects a univctsal j ^ ood . — £ A DVI . ]
Consecration Of The Royal Hanover Lodge, No. 1777.
CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL HANOVER LODGE , No . 1777 .
This new lodge was consecrated on the nth inst , at the Town Hall , Hounslow , by Col . Francis Burdett , Prov . G . Master for Middlesex . Col . Burdett was assisted by Col . Shadwell H . Clcrke , G . D . ; Bros . John Bovd , P . G . P ., as S . W . ; Dr . F . W . Ramsay , Prov . G . S . W . Middlesex , as
J . W . ; H . G . Buss , Assistant G . Secretary , as D . C . ; W . H . Barber , as Secretary ; Sir Charles Bright , Dep . Prov . G . M . for Middlesex ; thc Rev . J . Conder , LL . D ., as Chaplain , and numerous other brethren . The complete list of brethren present was as follows : — Officers of the lodge : —H . A . Dubois , W . M . ; Henry Lovcgrove , S . W . ; Geo . Clark , jun ., J . W . ; W . H . Barber ,
Sec . ; G . J . Dunkley , Org . ; Bro . Ramsey , was elected Treasurer , but was unavoidably absent . Consecrating Officers : —R . W . Col . Francis Burdett , Prov . G . M . ; Sir Charles Bright , Dep . Prov . G . M . ; H . Shadwell Clerke , S . G . D . ; F . W . Ramsay , S . G . W . ; J . Boyd , P . G . P . ; Rev . J . Conder , LL . D ., Chaplain Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 ; H . G . Buss , Ass . G . Sec .
Visiting brethren : —E . J . Massie , 093 ; Curtis , 145 ; C . C . Ciuikshanks , 1507 ; Dixon , P . M . 20 9 P . P . D . C . ; Berks and Bucks ; Crawshay , 209 ; Newby , 73 ; Abbott , P . M . 218 ; Johnson , P . M . 855 ; John Blake , P . M . 8 , P . G . S . ; Leatham , P . M . 1216 " ; E . W . Dubois , 1216 ; H . Clark , 1507 ; Green , P . M . 27 ; Dr . Whitmarsh , 145 ; Daniel , I . P . M . 6 5 ; Lyon , 86 3 ; Stedwell , P . P . S . G . W . ;
Chas . B . Payne , Grand Tyler ; Woodstock and Daly , Tylers ; H . Massey ( Freemason . ) The musical arrangments under the direction of Bro . G . S . Graham , were executed by Bros . Taylor , Bannister , Clegg , Hobern , and Evans . Letters of apology were sent from Bros . Sir A . Woods , Kinghorn , P . M . 1507 ; Levander , Prov . G . S . ; and others .
Thc musical portion of thc ceremony was under the direction of Bro . G . S . Graham , who was assisted by the quartette party , Bros . R . Taylor , A . Bannister , W . Clegg , and W . Hobern , wilh Bro . G . W . Evans , as Organist and accompany ist . After opening the lodge in the Three Degrees , Col . Burdett said thc brethren were assembled for the purpose of
consecrating a new lodge , and it was usual at such ceremonies for the Consecrating Officer to say a few words , not only to the officers coming into office for the first time , but also to the brethren who were intending to become members of the lodge . It was hardly necessary for him to address many of the brethren , as they were so well acquainted with the principles of the Order ; but still there
might be a few who might derive some benefit from a short address . The brethren were all much pleased at the advances which Masonry had made during thc last three or four years , those advances not having been so much in thc addition of lodges , but in the class ot persons who had joined thc Order . It was of great advantage to Freemasonry to have in it men of position and standing . They did
not wish to have large numbers of lodges or overwhelming numbers of brethren . A lodge with a large number of members was frequently a noisy lodge . It was desirable to have a small number of members and a good subscription , which would generally insure a good description of men , who would give a character to Freemasonry , to persons who were living in the neighbourhood where
thc lodge was situated . It was such people who were to be looked to for the suppoit of a lodge , and he hoped that during the time the Royal Hanover Lodge was in existence in Hounslow they would find a great number of the gentry round about , and the superior class of inhabitants joining and doing credit to the lodge and Freemasonry . There were instances in which difficulties arose in lodges ,
more particularly in lodges which were large . In large lodges there were frequently little coteries and cabals . A small lodge was usually mote united and unanimous . In a Urge lodge many members were desirous of wearing collars of office , and when they could not get into office they became annoyed and . blackballed intending initiates only through pique .
In a small lodge , if a brother found a gentleman was being brought forward as a member who was not a fit and proper person to become a member of the lodge , it was better not to blackball him , but to go previously to the Secretary quietly and inform him that if the gentleman were brought forward he would be blackballed . He might mention anothersuggestion which he thought was worthy of
attention . In a province like Middlesex , where many gentlemen were proposed for initiation , who were brought down from London , it would be better not to bring him for initiation the same night as he was to be balloted for , because if the b allot box was not clear the proposer and seconder of the gentleman were in the awkward position of having to go out and to tell him he could not be
admitted . They managed these things differently in Ireland , where a gentleman was balloted for at one meeting and initiated the next , lie once saw in a neighbouring province , a gentleman who had been prepared for initiation told he could not be admitted , as some of the brethren objected , and he had to retire , as might be imagined , in a very disagreeable state of mind . All these points hc
thought ought to be considered , as thc Order was making such great and rapid advances . They were now going to consecrate No . 1777 , and hc believed up to the present time there had been as many as fifty-two new lodges constituted this year . Last year there were sixty-three . Consequently there was a probability that by thc time the present year was out there would be more lodges established
this year than there were last year . During next year it was likely that there would be added to thc roll sufficient to make up the total number to 1800 . It required great knowledge , intelligence , and tact to manage such a large number of lodges . If the members of all the lodges were brought together one could imagine what an array they would form . We should hardly know what to do with
Consecration Of The Royal Hanover Lodge, No. 1777.
them . Still he felt that the rulers of the lodge hc was now going to consecrate would do their best to keep every member within bounds for the interest of the lodge , in which case we should no doubt see the lodge soon standing higV in the ranks of Freemasonry . After the formalities following the address had been observed ,
Bro . the Rev . J . Conder , in delivering the oration , said—Brethren , I am honoured on this interesting occasion by being allowed the privilege of addressing a few words to you , on a subject which is , I believe , generally the theme , because it is one in which we are all interested ; the nature and principles of Masonry . I confess at starting , my fear , nay , my certainty , that I shall fail in doing justice to my
subject . The brother who proposed that thc honour should fall to my lot kindly suggested to me that I should , in a few words , give you my impiessions and my experience of Masonry . In his suggestion he seems to have given , but in other words , the same subject—the nature and principles of Masonry . In our knowledge and our impression of Masonry we leain its nature , and to the honour of the
fraternity , be it spoken , in our experience we evidence its principles . Now , brethren , I know well the surest way to affect men , to touch their hearts , is to speak to them as it were heart to heart , not lip to heart , to gather in hand , as it were , the strings binding together a common humanity , and any one so doing let him speak as feebly as he may , in simple or in eloquent terms , let his voice be high or
low , harsh or sweet , he is , l . e must be , listened lo ; and so , brethren , to assure myself of a patient hearing I need only refer to my impressions of Masonry , and I am sure your hearts will go with me . For were not my impressions yours ? When I speak of them do you not , are not your minds taken back to some of the most solemn moments of your lives : when by a most impressive ritual , by the
simplest , and yet most beautiful , symbolism you learned step by step some of the mysteries of Masonry , something of its beauty and excellence . Your impressions were mine , I am sure they were . You felt strongly as you went through the various ceremonies , and you were constrained to exclaim almost aloud , " How beautiful ! How significant I How true I How holy 1 " And you went forth , as I
think , every English Mason must go forth from the lodge in which he was initiated , with a noble determination that Masonry should make you a better man , that you had a noble call , that you had to live up to the principles which you had heard enunciated , and which had been brought so clearly before you in the symbols and allegories which you had seen . Does not the recollection of these
impressions give us some idea of thc nature of which Masonry is , and how it touches our human nature . Masonry in very truth appeals very strongly to men . There are indeed traces of an ' universal Maso-. ry , insomuch that materi-il structures have in all ages affordeil illustrations and words descriptive of moral goodness . There is no language on the face of the earth which has
not words more or less connected with Masonry . Men speak of thc foundation of truth and integrity , of men being upright , they talk of men being true , of edifying one another . And there is one section of the community whose lives are more or less guided by rules or canons . In a similar way in our lodges we take the tools and secrets of the art of Masons , not as operativc , but as speculative Masons ,
and apply them to our morals and to our whole lives . And what a debt we owe to those wise men of old , those noble men and true , who investigated the inner hearts as it were , and brought together the teaching which will be handed down from generation to generation till time shall be no more . The Mason goes forth from his lodge to practice the principles he learnt in it . Therefore , the
brethren who have come forward and sought and obtained permission to found this Royal Hanover Lodge , all honour be to them , they have started a noble work , and they deserve well of every member of the Craft . They bring forward the great truths wc have learned that others may be enlightened as well , that others may go forth to show their principles in their actions and in being true friends ;
true men show themselves true Masons , advancing in fvery social virtue , exercising charity in assisting the distressed , knowing their country's laws ; worthy as citizens , worthy as men ; with such principles as these Masons must be and will be honoured . Now all thc world wonders at the progress of the Craft ; wonders I and when men wonder , despite some scepticism they may show at one time
or another , what is good and true they will ultimately admire , for they cannot but acknowledge that the man who sets before him a standard of excellence , and endeavours to live up to it , is a better man than he who is contented with a common mediocrity . Maso : ; s , we have a noble work , as our art has been honoured by the highest in the lane ! in time past so I believe will it be honoured in time to
come . May its principles be adhered to more and more closely , and when our work here is done may our good names be enrolled in the great lodge above ruled over by the One True Great Master . Thc lodge was then consecrated according to ancient form , and at the conclusion of the ceremony , Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , P . G . D ., at the request of Colonel
Burdett , took thc chair , and installed Bro . II . A . Dubois , P . M ., as W . M . if thc lodge , who thereupon proceeded with thc instalment of his officers . A vote of thanks was passed to Bros . Colonel Burdett , Sir Charles Bright , II . G . Buss , Colonel Shadwell H . Clcrke , the Rev . J . Conder , LL . D ., Dr . Ramsey , and John Boyrl , who were also elected honorary members of the
lodge , the W . M ., in proposing the resolution , stating that the brethren would always feci glad to see them whenever they might be disposed to visit the lodge . Colonel Burdett , in acknowledging the compliment , said honorary members were always pleased to visit the lodges , and come again among thc brethren ; but although the members were always glad to see them , and extended to them a hearty reception , the honorary members did not
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
am afraid that thc opportunity of parading one ' s name and standing and rank in Masonry is often inducive to narrow minds to appear in correspondence upon any subject , notwithstanding their entire ignorance of the same , and in crude carelessness as to how much they may wound the feelings of the man of calmer and sounder judgment . Self-laudation , with concomitant disregard of
persons or things , is in itself a sad misfortune , but when such a person forgets that respect which is due to his brother in Masonry , it is simply deplorable . However much Bro . Bedolfe may differ in opinion as to Bro . Lamonby ' s address , he is scarcely warranted in endeavouring tcr treat such address with contumely . His letter is too exhaustive and full of ignorance of the
subject he tries to criticise to encourage one to reply as he desires , as it is evident he is simply suffering from caccethes scribendi , which his attendance at the first banquet board may somewhat tend to ameliorate , unless he also suffers from cacoethes carpendi , when it would , perhaps , be a more convenient time to relieve his mind , it would , at all events , be better than
exposing his ignorance of subjects in print . I would ask Bro . Beeloife what his opinion is cf the Second Degree of Freemasonry ? Whether , indeed , it has anything in it to warrant the title of" Second Degree , " and if he is at all at a loss to reply , 1 advise him to go to the trifling expense of joining the Mark Degree , when , I think , he will conclude that that is , or should be , the Second Degree in
Masonry . To nie it appears to be the missing link between the First and Third Degrees . That which is at present called the Second Degree cannot conscientiously be called a Degree at all , hence the Mark Masons , wise in their knowledge i f the same , believe that Mark Masonry must at some future date be acknowledged by Grand Lodge .
I need scarcely add that the subscriptions of the Mark Degree to the Masonic Institutions are acknowledged by Grand Lodge , and their lists at the festivals very warmly appreciated . Let Bro . Bedolfe take that to heart , and for the information he desires let him join the Degree , to see for himself as to its beauties or otherwise . We may then , perhaps ,
derive some intelligence from his pen , from which I conclude nought , but " grammar , good sense and truth , " will flow to our united edification . Perhaps Bro . Binckes will enlighten our brother , if not upon the subject matter in discussion , he may upon common courtesy , brotherly love , and truth . I am , dear Sir , yours in faith and fraternally , ECCE SIGNUM .
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Dr . Bedolfe , who has written you a long letter sneering at the Mark Degree , does not appear to be aware that a Committee formeel of members of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter recommended thc acknowledgment of that Degree , and that the report of the Committee was unanimously adopted by Grand Lodge at the Quarterly
Communication in March , 18 5 6 . The reason why that portion of the minutes was not confirmed at the next meeting is well known in the Craft , although the spirit which prompted their rejection is scarcely appreciated . Yours truly , P-M . S 3 . 1-I believe the Grand Lodge of England stands alone in not recognising thc Mark Degree .
A QUERY . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I write as representing your many brethren of one of the lodges of which f ha \ e the honour of being a member , anil in the welfare of which I with many others take dic ' i anil earnest intere-st .
ln this interest I am asked to address this , not only for myself individually but for the Craft generally , and shall feel obliged if any of your numerous and valued correspondents will kindly give me , through the medium of your excellent paper , their opinion on the usages and etiquette of our Craft with respect to the following case . * much i-e . spectcd I . P . M . of the lodge to which I have
alluded , on the occasion of thc last monthly meeting had important business to transact in his " private avocation , " ( many miles distant ) . He hurried home only to be in lime to reach the precincts of the lodge ( or rather , thc anteroom ) during the commencement of the ceremony of closing . Whilst waiting for admission he of course inserted his
name ( at the request of thc Tyler ) being present , ready to enter the lodge . The question is this . Has the W . M . ( after putting the minutes to the option of thc brethren in open lodge ) a right to say " I rule that the name be erased from the altendance book . " Yours truly and fraternally ,
P . P . G . W . [ In our opinion the W . M . has the right to oversee and correct thc attendance book . The question of thc confirmation of the minutes is another thing . It is quite clear that the brother . iid not attend the lodge . En . F . M . ]
lloLt-ou-AY's 1 ' n . ts . —With the darkening days and changing temperatures the dirjestion becomes impaired , the liver disordered , nr " ' tire mind despondent unless the cause of the irregularity he txpclleri from lire blond by an alterative like these Pills . They go direct to the source nf the evil , thrust out all impurities from the circulation , reduce distempered rrrrians to their natural slate , anil
correct all defective and contaminated secretions . Such easymeans of institulini ; health , strength , ami cheerfulness should hc in possession of all whose Mrni . 'u-li . s are wt-. 'ik , whose m ' rnd . s are much hnras .-cd . rrr whose brains are overworked , llrrlloway ' . U csscrrti . ' rlly a blorrrNti-nipe-rrnj , ; im-dicinc , whereby its inlhrenr-c , reaching thc remotest / i bro of the frame , effects a univctsal j ^ ood . — £ A DVI . ]
Consecration Of The Royal Hanover Lodge, No. 1777.
CONSECRATION OF THE ROYAL HANOVER LODGE , No . 1777 .
This new lodge was consecrated on the nth inst , at the Town Hall , Hounslow , by Col . Francis Burdett , Prov . G . Master for Middlesex . Col . Burdett was assisted by Col . Shadwell H . Clcrke , G . D . ; Bros . John Bovd , P . G . P ., as S . W . ; Dr . F . W . Ramsay , Prov . G . S . W . Middlesex , as
J . W . ; H . G . Buss , Assistant G . Secretary , as D . C . ; W . H . Barber , as Secretary ; Sir Charles Bright , Dep . Prov . G . M . for Middlesex ; thc Rev . J . Conder , LL . D ., as Chaplain , and numerous other brethren . The complete list of brethren present was as follows : — Officers of the lodge : —H . A . Dubois , W . M . ; Henry Lovcgrove , S . W . ; Geo . Clark , jun ., J . W . ; W . H . Barber ,
Sec . ; G . J . Dunkley , Org . ; Bro . Ramsey , was elected Treasurer , but was unavoidably absent . Consecrating Officers : —R . W . Col . Francis Burdett , Prov . G . M . ; Sir Charles Bright , Dep . Prov . G . M . ; H . Shadwell Clerke , S . G . D . ; F . W . Ramsay , S . G . W . ; J . Boyd , P . G . P . ; Rev . J . Conder , LL . D ., Chaplain Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 ; H . G . Buss , Ass . G . Sec .
Visiting brethren : —E . J . Massie , 093 ; Curtis , 145 ; C . C . Ciuikshanks , 1507 ; Dixon , P . M . 20 9 P . P . D . C . ; Berks and Bucks ; Crawshay , 209 ; Newby , 73 ; Abbott , P . M . 218 ; Johnson , P . M . 855 ; John Blake , P . M . 8 , P . G . S . ; Leatham , P . M . 1216 " ; E . W . Dubois , 1216 ; H . Clark , 1507 ; Green , P . M . 27 ; Dr . Whitmarsh , 145 ; Daniel , I . P . M . 6 5 ; Lyon , 86 3 ; Stedwell , P . P . S . G . W . ;
Chas . B . Payne , Grand Tyler ; Woodstock and Daly , Tylers ; H . Massey ( Freemason . ) The musical arrangments under the direction of Bro . G . S . Graham , were executed by Bros . Taylor , Bannister , Clegg , Hobern , and Evans . Letters of apology were sent from Bros . Sir A . Woods , Kinghorn , P . M . 1507 ; Levander , Prov . G . S . ; and others .
Thc musical portion of thc ceremony was under the direction of Bro . G . S . Graham , who was assisted by the quartette party , Bros . R . Taylor , A . Bannister , W . Clegg , and W . Hobern , wilh Bro . G . W . Evans , as Organist and accompany ist . After opening the lodge in the Three Degrees , Col . Burdett said thc brethren were assembled for the purpose of
consecrating a new lodge , and it was usual at such ceremonies for the Consecrating Officer to say a few words , not only to the officers coming into office for the first time , but also to the brethren who were intending to become members of the lodge . It was hardly necessary for him to address many of the brethren , as they were so well acquainted with the principles of the Order ; but still there
might be a few who might derive some benefit from a short address . The brethren were all much pleased at the advances which Masonry had made during thc last three or four years , those advances not having been so much in thc addition of lodges , but in the class ot persons who had joined thc Order . It was of great advantage to Freemasonry to have in it men of position and standing . They did
not wish to have large numbers of lodges or overwhelming numbers of brethren . A lodge with a large number of members was frequently a noisy lodge . It was desirable to have a small number of members and a good subscription , which would generally insure a good description of men , who would give a character to Freemasonry , to persons who were living in the neighbourhood where
thc lodge was situated . It was such people who were to be looked to for the suppoit of a lodge , and he hoped that during the time the Royal Hanover Lodge was in existence in Hounslow they would find a great number of the gentry round about , and the superior class of inhabitants joining and doing credit to the lodge and Freemasonry . There were instances in which difficulties arose in lodges ,
more particularly in lodges which were large . In large lodges there were frequently little coteries and cabals . A small lodge was usually mote united and unanimous . In a Urge lodge many members were desirous of wearing collars of office , and when they could not get into office they became annoyed and . blackballed intending initiates only through pique .
In a small lodge , if a brother found a gentleman was being brought forward as a member who was not a fit and proper person to become a member of the lodge , it was better not to blackball him , but to go previously to the Secretary quietly and inform him that if the gentleman were brought forward he would be blackballed . He might mention anothersuggestion which he thought was worthy of
attention . In a province like Middlesex , where many gentlemen were proposed for initiation , who were brought down from London , it would be better not to bring him for initiation the same night as he was to be balloted for , because if the b allot box was not clear the proposer and seconder of the gentleman were in the awkward position of having to go out and to tell him he could not be
admitted . They managed these things differently in Ireland , where a gentleman was balloted for at one meeting and initiated the next , lie once saw in a neighbouring province , a gentleman who had been prepared for initiation told he could not be admitted , as some of the brethren objected , and he had to retire , as might be imagined , in a very disagreeable state of mind . All these points hc
thought ought to be considered , as thc Order was making such great and rapid advances . They were now going to consecrate No . 1777 , and hc believed up to the present time there had been as many as fifty-two new lodges constituted this year . Last year there were sixty-three . Consequently there was a probability that by thc time the present year was out there would be more lodges established
this year than there were last year . During next year it was likely that there would be added to thc roll sufficient to make up the total number to 1800 . It required great knowledge , intelligence , and tact to manage such a large number of lodges . If the members of all the lodges were brought together one could imagine what an array they would form . We should hardly know what to do with
Consecration Of The Royal Hanover Lodge, No. 1777.
them . Still he felt that the rulers of the lodge hc was now going to consecrate would do their best to keep every member within bounds for the interest of the lodge , in which case we should no doubt see the lodge soon standing higV in the ranks of Freemasonry . After the formalities following the address had been observed ,
Bro . the Rev . J . Conder , in delivering the oration , said—Brethren , I am honoured on this interesting occasion by being allowed the privilege of addressing a few words to you , on a subject which is , I believe , generally the theme , because it is one in which we are all interested ; the nature and principles of Masonry . I confess at starting , my fear , nay , my certainty , that I shall fail in doing justice to my
subject . The brother who proposed that thc honour should fall to my lot kindly suggested to me that I should , in a few words , give you my impiessions and my experience of Masonry . In his suggestion he seems to have given , but in other words , the same subject—the nature and principles of Masonry . In our knowledge and our impression of Masonry we leain its nature , and to the honour of the
fraternity , be it spoken , in our experience we evidence its principles . Now , brethren , I know well the surest way to affect men , to touch their hearts , is to speak to them as it were heart to heart , not lip to heart , to gather in hand , as it were , the strings binding together a common humanity , and any one so doing let him speak as feebly as he may , in simple or in eloquent terms , let his voice be high or
low , harsh or sweet , he is , l . e must be , listened lo ; and so , brethren , to assure myself of a patient hearing I need only refer to my impressions of Masonry , and I am sure your hearts will go with me . For were not my impressions yours ? When I speak of them do you not , are not your minds taken back to some of the most solemn moments of your lives : when by a most impressive ritual , by the
simplest , and yet most beautiful , symbolism you learned step by step some of the mysteries of Masonry , something of its beauty and excellence . Your impressions were mine , I am sure they were . You felt strongly as you went through the various ceremonies , and you were constrained to exclaim almost aloud , " How beautiful ! How significant I How true I How holy 1 " And you went forth , as I
think , every English Mason must go forth from the lodge in which he was initiated , with a noble determination that Masonry should make you a better man , that you had a noble call , that you had to live up to the principles which you had heard enunciated , and which had been brought so clearly before you in the symbols and allegories which you had seen . Does not the recollection of these
impressions give us some idea of thc nature of which Masonry is , and how it touches our human nature . Masonry in very truth appeals very strongly to men . There are indeed traces of an ' universal Maso-. ry , insomuch that materi-il structures have in all ages affordeil illustrations and words descriptive of moral goodness . There is no language on the face of the earth which has
not words more or less connected with Masonry . Men speak of thc foundation of truth and integrity , of men being upright , they talk of men being true , of edifying one another . And there is one section of the community whose lives are more or less guided by rules or canons . In a similar way in our lodges we take the tools and secrets of the art of Masons , not as operativc , but as speculative Masons ,
and apply them to our morals and to our whole lives . And what a debt we owe to those wise men of old , those noble men and true , who investigated the inner hearts as it were , and brought together the teaching which will be handed down from generation to generation till time shall be no more . The Mason goes forth from his lodge to practice the principles he learnt in it . Therefore , the
brethren who have come forward and sought and obtained permission to found this Royal Hanover Lodge , all honour be to them , they have started a noble work , and they deserve well of every member of the Craft . They bring forward the great truths wc have learned that others may be enlightened as well , that others may go forth to show their principles in their actions and in being true friends ;
true men show themselves true Masons , advancing in fvery social virtue , exercising charity in assisting the distressed , knowing their country's laws ; worthy as citizens , worthy as men ; with such principles as these Masons must be and will be honoured . Now all thc world wonders at the progress of the Craft ; wonders I and when men wonder , despite some scepticism they may show at one time
or another , what is good and true they will ultimately admire , for they cannot but acknowledge that the man who sets before him a standard of excellence , and endeavours to live up to it , is a better man than he who is contented with a common mediocrity . Maso : ; s , we have a noble work , as our art has been honoured by the highest in the lane ! in time past so I believe will it be honoured in time to
come . May its principles be adhered to more and more closely , and when our work here is done may our good names be enrolled in the great lodge above ruled over by the One True Great Master . Thc lodge was then consecrated according to ancient form , and at the conclusion of the ceremony , Colonel Shadwell H . Clerke , P . G . D ., at the request of Colonel
Burdett , took thc chair , and installed Bro . II . A . Dubois , P . M ., as W . M . if thc lodge , who thereupon proceeded with thc instalment of his officers . A vote of thanks was passed to Bros . Colonel Burdett , Sir Charles Bright , II . G . Buss , Colonel Shadwell H . Clcrke , the Rev . J . Conder , LL . D ., Dr . Ramsey , and John Boyrl , who were also elected honorary members of the
lodge , the W . M ., in proposing the resolution , stating that the brethren would always feci glad to see them whenever they might be disposed to visit the lodge . Colonel Burdett , in acknowledging the compliment , said honorary members were always pleased to visit the lodges , and come again among thc brethren ; but although the members were always glad to see them , and extended to them a hearty reception , the honorary members did not