Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS 595 The Revised Constitutions . —V 596 Banquet to the Grand Oflicers and No . J Lodge at the Mansion House £ 97 Supreme Grand Chapter 598 Presentation to Pro . Lord Charles Beresford <" o 8
ClIRRKSPONnENCERevise of Constitutions 600 Stewards' Badges 600 Honorary Secretaries 600 A Step in the Right Direction lioo Thc Recent Elections 600 Biennial 600 An Outrage 600 Thc Proper Prefix for Provincial Grand
Officers ' " 00 Thc Lord Mayor ' s Masonic Banquet 601 Reviews doi Masonic Notes and Queries ; 601 Provincial Grand Lodgeof Durham 6 or 1 ' rovincial Grand Chapter of Somerset 603
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight 602 Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Lancashire 602 Provincial Grand Mark Lodgeof Sursex ... 603 Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of
Staffordshire 003 Scotland 603 Deatli of Bro . John Fawcett , late P . G . M . of Durham .. ' 603 REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry 003 Instruction , < JO
Royal Masonic institution for Girls 60 O The Theatres Go } Music 607 Science and Art 607 Masonic and General Tidings 608 ( Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... 3 rd p . Cover .
Ar00100
OUR readers will notice with regret the announcement of the decease , at a ripe old age , of Bro . J FAWCETT , of Durham , lately the oldest of our Provincial Grand Masters , and one of the most staunch and devoted members of our Order . His work for and services to Freemasony go back through nearly two generations , and amid the many worthy brethren who
have from time to time adorned our ranks or illustrated our principles none have ever deserved better of our Order than that lamented chief whose loss we regret to-day . He was most emphatically a loyal and devoted Freemason , attached to its principles , proud of its good ; and , the very last time he ever appeared in Grand Lodge , he said to the writer of these few and
inadequate lines , " Thc older he grew , the more he was attached to Freemasonry , though he was greatly struck with its rapid increase and marked progress , somewhat different from his earlier experiences of it . " Many of us will gratefully remember to-day his unfailing courtesy and his Masonic
large-heartedness , his many virtues and his high and honest worth ; and will feel that a few feeble lines " in memoriam " are , indeed , most justly due to him who has left us full of years , personal regard , and public respect , a devoted and zealous Freemason to the last .
* * * THE statistics of Freemasonry are very curious " facts , " which have been used indiscriminately by injudicious friends and credulous antagonists , often without authority , and still more frequently without reality . Theories have been based upon figures which are fabulous , and arguments have been
alleged on numerals which are non-existent ; so much so , that on both sides unwise encomiasts and illiberal impugners have practically fallen into gross delusions on the subject . Still , as Masonic statistics exist , though , in some instances , only imperfectly , let us see what we can make of them ; whether the result will turn out to the discomfort of our zealous allies , or the
discomfiture of Ultramontane excommunicationists . Some Roman Catholic writers have stated the number of Freemasons to be in the world over 10 , 000 , 000 ; while other exuberant Masonic writers have placed them at 3 , , 000 or 4 , 000 , 000 . We have always said that such calculations were erroneous and absurd , especially in the default of absolute data or reliable statistics . In
VAN DALEN ' S " Kalendar " we find an attempt made to supply these figures and furnish statistical details ; but these , still clearly , are defective , and avowedly more or less only guess work . Indeed , in some jurisdictions figures and facts fail entirely . But , still , the numbers the EDITOR gives us are carefully put together , and tell their own tale , and may be accepted as
true , in as far as they go , ancl , no doubt , are approximately correct . And thus , even though comparatively " numbers into nothing flee , " and the ghost of Masonic millions turns out to be the shadowest of the shadowy creations of fear and hyperbole , let us attend to our Masonic statistics . In Great Britain there are , according to the authority we have just
mentioned , 227 , 655 Freemasons ; of these England and Wales and tre Dependencies muster 140 , 000 , Scotland 69 , 255 , and Ireland 18 , 400 . As regards England and the Colonies , we are aware of no official statistics on the subject whatever , and should be glad to receive from friendly critics any remarks on these same figures . Germany seems to boast of 43 , 375
members of our Order , Holland 4417 , Switzerland 226 S , Sweden 2700 , Denmark 3175 , Italy 12 , 050 , Portugal 2800 , Hungary 1770 , Brazil , 11 , 014 , America Coo . ooo in round numbers , Canada , Nova Scotia . Quebec , New Brunswick , Prince Edward ' s Island , Columbia , and Manitoba 14 , 000 ; of Mexico little is known . Chili is credited with 945 , but the number of the other jurisdictions in
South America is very hazy . Fra nee gives no statistics , and those of Belgium are inadmissible , and are evidently grossly exaggerated . We apprehend that the number of actual Freemasons now in both countries does not certainly exceed 35 , , and of these Belgium probably counts about 3000 or 4000 . It is impossible amid conflicting jurisdictions
Ar00101
to ascertain the exact numoerof Spanish Freemasons ; there are also many other jurisdictions in which the real numbers are probably small . But if the figures we have just quoted be approximately near correct , there are in Europe about 340 , 000 Freemasons in all , and in North and South America about 650 , 000 , and in India and China probably about 10 . 000 , making a
total of a little over a . million , ft is possible that we may add to that number another 10 , 000 for Cuba , and Liberia and Australasia ; but we are on the safe side , when avoiding extravagant figures , or the mere vulgarity of bombast , we fix our Masonic family , as we have always put it , therefore
about a million and a-half . There are , of course , a large number of unattached and unaffiliated Masons , and some of our calculations may be under the mark ; 1 , 600 , 000 must , however , cover our Masonic adherents . A very good family , by the way , and one of which we need not complain , and of which wc have no reason to be ashamed .
* * WE have received a post card in very bad form , the worst imaginable , namely , that of affected but witless wit , complaining of our ungrammatical (?) use of the word "biennial . " In the hurry of transcription , owing to pressing work , we had intended to coin a word and use bi-annual , if it be
allowable , but the familiar word slipped in by a " lapsus calami . " We do not suppose but that every one else , except "J . D ., " would clearly see , and as fairly make allowance for , the obvious little mistake . Biennial comes from " Biennalis , " or " Biennis , " as Dr . J OHNSON , in the large edition of 1827 , edited by T ODD , tells us . In LATHAM ' newer J OHNSON the word is derived ,
and truly , from "bis , twice , and " annus" a year . No doubt the accepted meaning of biennial is of two years continuance , and we meant to convey the meaning of twice in a year . Wc may add that " J . D . " gives us a convincing proof of his fitness as a critic , when he spells ridiculous , " rediculous , " and we would beg respectfully to ask now whether his initials "J . D . " are meant to represent "Juvenile Dunce ? "
V * * WE call attention to a review elsewhere of the " Christian Cynosure . " We can hardly in England realize the meaninglessness , not to say the absurdity , of such an attack on Freemasonry . But , as all things find their level , like water , in the world , we are glad to note that , not withstanding such terrific philippics and such formidable (?) arraignments , Freemasonry in America prospers and progresses . ^^
OUR distinguished brother , the LORD MAYOR , who has so nobly fulfilled his post of civic responsibility and honour , has won the good opinion of all who have come in contact with him , alike for his unfailing courtesy and his genial hospitality , as well as by his zealous and untiring dischaige of thc various duties of his high office , with such energy and such thorough efficiency . His zeal and labours in the cause of charity will not be easily forgotten .
* * THE banquet given by our Bro . Sir J WHITTAKER ELLIS to the Grand Officers of the year , the members of his own lodge , No . \ , and some distinguished Masonic guests , was alike a most fraternal act on the part of the entertainer , and greatly appreciated by the entertained . By a report elsewhere our readers will peruse the speeches made under such agreeable circumstances , and amid such pleasant hospitality , and will observe without wonder , though with much gratification , the marked tone of hearty kindliness and active sympath y prevading equally the speeches of the LORD MAYOR and the replies of his guests . Some of us may be
pleased to remind ourselves how such agreeable " reunions" reflect credit on those who arrange them , and on that great Order of whose membershi p we ought all to be proud . These are " white days " for Freemasonry and Freemasons , and ought to be noted and preserved with laudatory words and kindliest memories . . # .
" WHAT is Freemasonry ? " is a question often asked and answered by our neophytes in terms we all remember and all are familiar with . What is Freemasonry in its personal influence and practical outcome ? is another , and a very difficult , query to propound or resolve . Freemasonry in itself , as it comes before us , is full of high principles , noble axioms , and goodly
promise . It is far above the grovelling , sordid views of mere common-place human theory , the pettiness of earthly aspirations , the debasing tendency of mortal fralities and infirmities . When , however , we seek to gauge the professions and practice of its " alumni" by the unerring " plumb rule" or the symbolic " square , " we find , sometimes , alas I a margin of difference , which
is alike alarming and depressing . Freemasons , as we know them and consort with them , are not always the most consistent , the most forbearing , the most charitable , the most loyal , the most truthful of mortals . Perhaps it may be said we ought to expect this style of thing , as a matter of fact , from the knowledge we all have of the prevailing influences of human weaknesSj
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS 595 The Revised Constitutions . —V 596 Banquet to the Grand Oflicers and No . J Lodge at the Mansion House £ 97 Supreme Grand Chapter 598 Presentation to Pro . Lord Charles Beresford <" o 8
ClIRRKSPONnENCERevise of Constitutions 600 Stewards' Badges 600 Honorary Secretaries 600 A Step in the Right Direction lioo Thc Recent Elections 600 Biennial 600 An Outrage 600 Thc Proper Prefix for Provincial Grand
Officers ' " 00 Thc Lord Mayor ' s Masonic Banquet 601 Reviews doi Masonic Notes and Queries ; 601 Provincial Grand Lodgeof Durham 6 or 1 ' rovincial Grand Chapter of Somerset 603
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight 602 Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of Lancashire 602 Provincial Grand Mark Lodgeof Sursex ... 603 Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of
Staffordshire 003 Scotland 603 Deatli of Bro . John Fawcett , late P . G . M . of Durham .. ' 603 REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry 003 Instruction , < JO
Royal Masonic institution for Girls 60 O The Theatres Go } Music 607 Science and Art 607 Masonic and General Tidings 608 ( Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... 3 rd p . Cover .
Ar00100
OUR readers will notice with regret the announcement of the decease , at a ripe old age , of Bro . J FAWCETT , of Durham , lately the oldest of our Provincial Grand Masters , and one of the most staunch and devoted members of our Order . His work for and services to Freemasony go back through nearly two generations , and amid the many worthy brethren who
have from time to time adorned our ranks or illustrated our principles none have ever deserved better of our Order than that lamented chief whose loss we regret to-day . He was most emphatically a loyal and devoted Freemason , attached to its principles , proud of its good ; and , the very last time he ever appeared in Grand Lodge , he said to the writer of these few and
inadequate lines , " Thc older he grew , the more he was attached to Freemasonry , though he was greatly struck with its rapid increase and marked progress , somewhat different from his earlier experiences of it . " Many of us will gratefully remember to-day his unfailing courtesy and his Masonic
large-heartedness , his many virtues and his high and honest worth ; and will feel that a few feeble lines " in memoriam " are , indeed , most justly due to him who has left us full of years , personal regard , and public respect , a devoted and zealous Freemason to the last .
* * * THE statistics of Freemasonry are very curious " facts , " which have been used indiscriminately by injudicious friends and credulous antagonists , often without authority , and still more frequently without reality . Theories have been based upon figures which are fabulous , and arguments have been
alleged on numerals which are non-existent ; so much so , that on both sides unwise encomiasts and illiberal impugners have practically fallen into gross delusions on the subject . Still , as Masonic statistics exist , though , in some instances , only imperfectly , let us see what we can make of them ; whether the result will turn out to the discomfort of our zealous allies , or the
discomfiture of Ultramontane excommunicationists . Some Roman Catholic writers have stated the number of Freemasons to be in the world over 10 , 000 , 000 ; while other exuberant Masonic writers have placed them at 3 , , 000 or 4 , 000 , 000 . We have always said that such calculations were erroneous and absurd , especially in the default of absolute data or reliable statistics . In
VAN DALEN ' S " Kalendar " we find an attempt made to supply these figures and furnish statistical details ; but these , still clearly , are defective , and avowedly more or less only guess work . Indeed , in some jurisdictions figures and facts fail entirely . But , still , the numbers the EDITOR gives us are carefully put together , and tell their own tale , and may be accepted as
true , in as far as they go , ancl , no doubt , are approximately correct . And thus , even though comparatively " numbers into nothing flee , " and the ghost of Masonic millions turns out to be the shadowest of the shadowy creations of fear and hyperbole , let us attend to our Masonic statistics . In Great Britain there are , according to the authority we have just
mentioned , 227 , 655 Freemasons ; of these England and Wales and tre Dependencies muster 140 , 000 , Scotland 69 , 255 , and Ireland 18 , 400 . As regards England and the Colonies , we are aware of no official statistics on the subject whatever , and should be glad to receive from friendly critics any remarks on these same figures . Germany seems to boast of 43 , 375
members of our Order , Holland 4417 , Switzerland 226 S , Sweden 2700 , Denmark 3175 , Italy 12 , 050 , Portugal 2800 , Hungary 1770 , Brazil , 11 , 014 , America Coo . ooo in round numbers , Canada , Nova Scotia . Quebec , New Brunswick , Prince Edward ' s Island , Columbia , and Manitoba 14 , 000 ; of Mexico little is known . Chili is credited with 945 , but the number of the other jurisdictions in
South America is very hazy . Fra nee gives no statistics , and those of Belgium are inadmissible , and are evidently grossly exaggerated . We apprehend that the number of actual Freemasons now in both countries does not certainly exceed 35 , , and of these Belgium probably counts about 3000 or 4000 . It is impossible amid conflicting jurisdictions
Ar00101
to ascertain the exact numoerof Spanish Freemasons ; there are also many other jurisdictions in which the real numbers are probably small . But if the figures we have just quoted be approximately near correct , there are in Europe about 340 , 000 Freemasons in all , and in North and South America about 650 , 000 , and in India and China probably about 10 . 000 , making a
total of a little over a . million , ft is possible that we may add to that number another 10 , 000 for Cuba , and Liberia and Australasia ; but we are on the safe side , when avoiding extravagant figures , or the mere vulgarity of bombast , we fix our Masonic family , as we have always put it , therefore
about a million and a-half . There are , of course , a large number of unattached and unaffiliated Masons , and some of our calculations may be under the mark ; 1 , 600 , 000 must , however , cover our Masonic adherents . A very good family , by the way , and one of which we need not complain , and of which wc have no reason to be ashamed .
* * WE have received a post card in very bad form , the worst imaginable , namely , that of affected but witless wit , complaining of our ungrammatical (?) use of the word "biennial . " In the hurry of transcription , owing to pressing work , we had intended to coin a word and use bi-annual , if it be
allowable , but the familiar word slipped in by a " lapsus calami . " We do not suppose but that every one else , except "J . D ., " would clearly see , and as fairly make allowance for , the obvious little mistake . Biennial comes from " Biennalis , " or " Biennis , " as Dr . J OHNSON , in the large edition of 1827 , edited by T ODD , tells us . In LATHAM ' newer J OHNSON the word is derived ,
and truly , from "bis , twice , and " annus" a year . No doubt the accepted meaning of biennial is of two years continuance , and we meant to convey the meaning of twice in a year . Wc may add that " J . D . " gives us a convincing proof of his fitness as a critic , when he spells ridiculous , " rediculous , " and we would beg respectfully to ask now whether his initials "J . D . " are meant to represent "Juvenile Dunce ? "
V * * WE call attention to a review elsewhere of the " Christian Cynosure . " We can hardly in England realize the meaninglessness , not to say the absurdity , of such an attack on Freemasonry . But , as all things find their level , like water , in the world , we are glad to note that , not withstanding such terrific philippics and such formidable (?) arraignments , Freemasonry in America prospers and progresses . ^^
OUR distinguished brother , the LORD MAYOR , who has so nobly fulfilled his post of civic responsibility and honour , has won the good opinion of all who have come in contact with him , alike for his unfailing courtesy and his genial hospitality , as well as by his zealous and untiring dischaige of thc various duties of his high office , with such energy and such thorough efficiency . His zeal and labours in the cause of charity will not be easily forgotten .
* * THE banquet given by our Bro . Sir J WHITTAKER ELLIS to the Grand Officers of the year , the members of his own lodge , No . \ , and some distinguished Masonic guests , was alike a most fraternal act on the part of the entertainer , and greatly appreciated by the entertained . By a report elsewhere our readers will peruse the speeches made under such agreeable circumstances , and amid such pleasant hospitality , and will observe without wonder , though with much gratification , the marked tone of hearty kindliness and active sympath y prevading equally the speeches of the LORD MAYOR and the replies of his guests . Some of us may be
pleased to remind ourselves how such agreeable " reunions" reflect credit on those who arrange them , and on that great Order of whose membershi p we ought all to be proud . These are " white days " for Freemasonry and Freemasons , and ought to be noted and preserved with laudatory words and kindliest memories . . # .
" WHAT is Freemasonry ? " is a question often asked and answered by our neophytes in terms we all remember and all are familiar with . What is Freemasonry in its personal influence and practical outcome ? is another , and a very difficult , query to propound or resolve . Freemasonry in itself , as it comes before us , is full of high principles , noble axioms , and goodly
promise . It is far above the grovelling , sordid views of mere common-place human theory , the pettiness of earthly aspirations , the debasing tendency of mortal fralities and infirmities . When , however , we seek to gauge the professions and practice of its " alumni" by the unerring " plumb rule" or the symbolic " square , " we find , sometimes , alas I a margin of difference , which
is alike alarming and depressing . Freemasons , as we know them and consort with them , are not always the most consistent , the most forbearing , the most charitable , the most loyal , the most truthful of mortals . Perhaps it may be said we ought to expect this style of thing , as a matter of fact , from the knowledge we all have of the prevailing influences of human weaknesSj