Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Richmond Lodge, No. 2032.
to men , passing over many other invaluable arguments , we may surely point , and confidingly and not without legitimate pride , to what it does for Charity . Brotherly love is , and ought to be , the distinguishing feature of our Masonic meetings and teaching and life . Under this head we may fairly include those long friendships which , formed in our lodges , go through cur lives , and with us to our deaths , and form so cheery a companionship for many of us in the house of our pilgrimage . There is something , too , very elevatinrr and ennobling in that Masonic theory of brotherly love , which makes
us cling to a brother , believe in a brother , stand by a brother , in all that constitutes the reality of our fraternal sympathy and goodwill . There are many touching and striking stories told how this great Masonic principle has worked among Masons of differing countries and creeds , on the field of battle , amid the horrors of shipwreck , in trial and trouble , difficulty and danger , and we must all hope and trust that brotherly love may long continue to be the great reality of English Freemasonry , and cement more and more the lodges and brethren throughout the world , not , sir , the mere idle utterances
of a passing breath , not only " lip service , " but a living reality , brightening up for us all , amid all circumstances of life , the goodly teachings of that useful and kindly Order to which it is indeed our privilege to belong . And lastly , Sir , let us glance at that great Masonic principle of Toleration . We live at a period when " Toleration " in its meaning and verity seems grtatly needed to be learnt and practised by us all . So many are the varied forms of human thought which meet us by the way , that we are sometimes troubled and perplexed by those " isms" and " ologies" which , as some one has said ,
perplex and harass " plain men to-day . Freemasonry ( and that is its great crime with many ) receives into its ranks all who reverently acknowledge the Great Creator , Maker , Sovereign of Mankind . It troubles itself with no further questions and asks from none any other confession . This very toleration constitutes in my humble opinion the peculiar utility , value , and blessing just now . An American poet has said" But we have a Temple not built up with hands , Eternal as Truth in its glory it stands ;
Age dims not its lustre , grand , noble , sublime , Unmarred by the tempest , untarnished by Time . Its porch is as wide as the cast from the west , Its altar the heart in each true Mason ' s breast , Its covering is Charity , richer than gold , Its jewels are good deeds of value untold . Here all nations meet , in one language and tongue
The anthems of praise to Jehovah are sung . No jarring of sects , no clashing of creeds , This Temple is wide as the world and its needs . All schisms are banished , for all hearts are true , Mahommedan , Hindoo , Christian , and Jew , For these are all lost in the Brotherhood , where We meet on the Level , and work by the Square . " Hence it comes to pass that as English Freemasons we always raise our
protest against the exhibition of intolerance elsewhere , against the debasing practice of persecution , and advocate the fullest rights of conscience , and the great and real truth of universal toleration . For the new lodge now about to be consecrated let us all offer " our hearty good wishes ;" and , adhering to true Masonic principles , may it move on its peaceful and prosperous path , destined in the good providence of T . G . A . O . T . U . to advance the happiness and harmony of its members , to proclaim the utility and dignity of English Freemasonry , and to subserve the lasting peace , welfare , and progress of our fellow men ! So mote it be .
The usual ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , being most efficiently performed . Bro . Fenn having to leave , Bro . Frank Richardson acted as Installing Master , and installed Bro . Blasby in the chair of King Solomon . The following officers were then appointed in the presence of a Board of 34 Installed Masters 1 Bros . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., I . P . M . ; Charles Isaac Digby , P . M . 933 , S . W . ; Edward J . Goodacre , P . M . 1260 , J . W . ; W . Forster Reynolds , P . M . 820 , Treas . ; W . R . Phillips , P . M . 975 ,
Sec ; J . P . Houghton , S . D . ; E . Dare , J . D . ; H . Sapsworth , I . G . ; J . Ireland , D . C ; and T . Callander , A . D . C . The W . M . on investing each officer placed a founder ' s jewel on the breast of each , with a few well-chosen remarks and congratulations . The Consecrating Officers were then , on the motion of the W . M ., proposed as honorary members ; this was seconded by the S . W ., and carried unanimously . Bro . Woodford , in returning thanks , expressed his regret at the absence of the senior Consecrating Officer , Bro .
Col . Shadwell H . Clerke . Eight gentlemen were proposed for initiation , and n brethren as joining members—a fact which speaks , well for the stability and prosperity of the new lodge . Some other needful business having been transacted the lodge was closed , and the brethren afterwards sat down to an excellent banquet , which was admirably served by the host , Bro . Munro . The W . M ., Bro . Blasby , occupied the chair , and proposed in their proper order the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were , as is
invariably the case , heartily received . In proposing the toast of "The Grand Officers" the WoRsmrFUi . MASTER spoke of their invaluable services to the Craft . He coupled the toast with the name of V . W . Bro . Southey , P . D . G . M . South Africa , Lieut .-Governor of Griqualand . Bro . SOUTHEY in response thanked all present for the honour they had done him . He had witnessed with great pleasure an interesting
ceremonythe establishment of another lodge under the roll of the Grand Lodge of England . When he looked around he saw not strangers , but brother Masons—in fact he never saw strangers in a lodge . The Grand Chaplain had told them that Masons assembled together in love and harmony , no matter what creed or nationality they were . In South Africa they had many Grand Lodges with different jurisdictions , but when they met together there was no distinction . In this country the cause of Charity was nobly
supported , and in his district they endeavoured to do what they could . Whenever a widow of a soldier could show that her husband was a Mason she was always taken care of and sent back to her own country . He thanked the brethren for their hospitality . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed " The Health of the Consecrating Officers . " He regretted the absence of Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , but they had the good fortune of having a most efficient substitute in Bro . f . Fenn . He had never seen the beautiful ceremony of
consecration more efficiently performed . Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD in returning thanks for "The Consecrating Officers" deplored the absence of Bro . Shadwell H . Clerke , the esteemed and hard-working Grand Secretary , as he would have spoken to the toast with full authority , and would have received that reception from the brethren he so well deserved . ( Applause . ) He equally regretted the enforced absence of Bro . Thomas Fenn , than whom no abler expounder of our ritual existed . ( Applause . ) For the Consecrating
Officers and himself he relumed hearty thanks for all the kindness extended towards them . His brethren and himself were only too happy to render any assistance they could . He ( Bro . Woodford ) had often seen the ceremony of consecration performed , but never had it appeared to him lo go with greater case or truer effect than to-day . As he was now a very old
Mason , he might be permitted to congratulate the brethren of the Richmond Lodge on the undoubted success of the day's proceedings , and the undoubted augury'of future good Masonic excellence which their consecration afforded for their new lodge . He also was glad to have the opportunity —though shortly , as he ventured to think short speeches were wisely becoming the order of the day , —( cheers)—to impress upon his
Consecration Of The Richmond Lodge, No. 2032.
younger hearers the value and importance of Freemasonry . It seemed to him , after many years' apprenticeship , that its worth and reality increased more and more , and that , amid these divided days , it afforded a rallying point and meeting ground for men of different and differing views , where all could assemble , torsjeUinsr severances and antagonisms ,
and work together in love , unity , and harmony , ignoring all that might have a tendency to keep them apart in the world without . Let them all believe in Freemasonry , and it would , indeed , afford to them all many happy hours of social friendship , and teach them the goodly lessons of brotherly love , charity , and toleration . ( Applause . )
Bro . FRANK RICHARDSON also responded . He said that he had been called on quite unexpectedly ; but he had great pleasure in taking part in the consecration of that lodge , not only because his esteemed friend Bro . Joshua Nunn was connected with it , but because he had other associations with Richmond , and he was once himself a member of the Lily Lodge of Richmond . The Grand Secretary , he said , in responding to this toast
always cautioned the members of a new lodge , advising them to be very careful as to whom they admitted to the privileges of Masonry . Not numbers , but character , was to be considered , for once an objectionable member got into a lodge it was difficult to get him out again . He congratulated the W . M . and brethren on the excellent start they had made , and wished them all success .
Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD then said he was afraid that they would be tired of hearing his voice ; but , obeying orders , he ventured , relying on their kindness , to give them " The Health of the W . M . " He always thought it a pleasing duty to propose the health of a W . M ., for they must assume that he would not fill that post of high dignity unless he had received and merited the sincere suffrages of his brethren . But he felt this pleasure
still more strongly when he proposed the health of the first W . M . of a new lodge , because , as they all knew , he had been selected by his brethren for the reason that he was emphatically the brother in their opinion best qualified to guide and direct the energies and progress of a new lodge . ( Applause . ) From what they had all seen that evening he felt quite sure Bro . Blasby fully justified the choice of his brethren , and he was convinced that at the
expiration of his year of office he would have a good account to render of his work of the lodge . He would then , with the heartiest good wishes for the prosperity of the Richmond Lodge , give them the health of its first W . M . ( Applause . ) The W . MASTER in reply said that when he asked the W . M . of the Lily Lodge he readily agreed to support the petition for the Richmond Lodge , and they had then little difficulty in obtaining a warrant for its consecration .
He assured the brethren that he would do all in his power to secure its success . He intended that the lodge should support the great Charities of the Order , and he relied with confidence on the officers who had been appointed that day to support him in his efforts . He felt great pleasure in being the first W . M ., and thanked all present for the kind reception they had given to the toast . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed the toast of " The Visitors . "
There were several present that evening , many of them being brethren of repute who had passed through various offices and obtained high honour . He wished particularly to allude to Bro . Walter Goss , P . M ., who had initiated him into Masonry , also Bro . Pearson , whom as a very old friend he was especially pleased to see present . Bros . Goss , PEARSON , HILTON , J ONATHAN PEARSON , and HERBERT , W . M . of the Lily of Richmond Lodge , responded , the latter cxpressin ( r a
hope that the two lodges would work amicably together in a friendly spirit of Emulation and in support of the Charities . The toast of " The Officers of the Lodge " was then given and responded to , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable evening to a close . A varied programme of music was performed during the evening , the artistes being Bros . L . Hodges , Stedman , L . Frere , C . E . Tinney , and Bro . Stedman ' s choir boys , under the direction of Bro . E . H . Sugg , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . Surrey . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .
Consecration And Opening Of The New Masonic Temple, Sydney.
CONSECRATION AND OPENING OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE , SYDNEY .
1 he great event of the past month in connection with Freemasonry in the Australian Colonies , has , undoubtedly , been the consecration and opening ol the new Masonic Temple in Sydney . This splendid building has been erected at a cost approaching £ 20 , 000 , including the price of the land i and the young Grand Lodge of New South Wales points to it with a feeling of pardonable pride , as a proof of what Masonry in the colonies can do , when freed from the trammels of the home Grand Lodges . There
can be no doubt that a much greater interest is taken in Masonry by those who have given their allegiance to the Giand Lodge of New South Wales , and the splendid gathering of brethren in Sydney , on January 23 rd to 26 th , showed how largely the Masons of New South Wales , Victoria , South Australia , Queensland , New Zealand , and other places sympathised with the first Australian Grand Lodge . The arrangements were admirably prepared and carried out , the R . W . Grand Secretary , Bro . N . Weekcs ,
and Bro . James Hunt , P . D . G . M ., having been unremitting in their exertions , while some other brethren rendered material assistance as the time for the ceremony drew near . Over six hundred brethren in all took part in the proceedings . The programme of the proceedings in connection with the opening of the Temple embraced a period of four days . This , though at first sight it
might appear rather too much pleasure all at once , had been wisely arranged by the Sydney brethren , to enable their visitors from the colonies tosce the lions of the place during the day , and to provide suitable entertainment for them in the evening . On Thursday , January 24 th , a grand ball was given in the hall , when about 300 couples enjoyed themselves . On Friday evening , the grand Masonic banquet took place in the same
halla dinner to the members and brethren of the Grand Lodge of Victoria especially , having been given by the M . W . G . M . the Hon . J . S . Parnell , at Bro . Hunt's , Oxford Hotel , King-street , on the evening of Wednesday , after the consecration ceremony . Apart from strict Masonry , the most delightful part of the whole
proceedings took place on Saturday , when an excursion all over the magnificent harbour , in the government steamer Ajax , was enjoyed by a party of about 200 ladies and brethren . Wc have neither time nor space here to attempt a description of the beauties of one of the most charming localities it was ever our good fortune to behold , but may take up the subject on a future occasion , Rough Ashlar .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Richmond Lodge, No. 2032.
to men , passing over many other invaluable arguments , we may surely point , and confidingly and not without legitimate pride , to what it does for Charity . Brotherly love is , and ought to be , the distinguishing feature of our Masonic meetings and teaching and life . Under this head we may fairly include those long friendships which , formed in our lodges , go through cur lives , and with us to our deaths , and form so cheery a companionship for many of us in the house of our pilgrimage . There is something , too , very elevatinrr and ennobling in that Masonic theory of brotherly love , which makes
us cling to a brother , believe in a brother , stand by a brother , in all that constitutes the reality of our fraternal sympathy and goodwill . There are many touching and striking stories told how this great Masonic principle has worked among Masons of differing countries and creeds , on the field of battle , amid the horrors of shipwreck , in trial and trouble , difficulty and danger , and we must all hope and trust that brotherly love may long continue to be the great reality of English Freemasonry , and cement more and more the lodges and brethren throughout the world , not , sir , the mere idle utterances
of a passing breath , not only " lip service , " but a living reality , brightening up for us all , amid all circumstances of life , the goodly teachings of that useful and kindly Order to which it is indeed our privilege to belong . And lastly , Sir , let us glance at that great Masonic principle of Toleration . We live at a period when " Toleration " in its meaning and verity seems grtatly needed to be learnt and practised by us all . So many are the varied forms of human thought which meet us by the way , that we are sometimes troubled and perplexed by those " isms" and " ologies" which , as some one has said ,
perplex and harass " plain men to-day . Freemasonry ( and that is its great crime with many ) receives into its ranks all who reverently acknowledge the Great Creator , Maker , Sovereign of Mankind . It troubles itself with no further questions and asks from none any other confession . This very toleration constitutes in my humble opinion the peculiar utility , value , and blessing just now . An American poet has said" But we have a Temple not built up with hands , Eternal as Truth in its glory it stands ;
Age dims not its lustre , grand , noble , sublime , Unmarred by the tempest , untarnished by Time . Its porch is as wide as the cast from the west , Its altar the heart in each true Mason ' s breast , Its covering is Charity , richer than gold , Its jewels are good deeds of value untold . Here all nations meet , in one language and tongue
The anthems of praise to Jehovah are sung . No jarring of sects , no clashing of creeds , This Temple is wide as the world and its needs . All schisms are banished , for all hearts are true , Mahommedan , Hindoo , Christian , and Jew , For these are all lost in the Brotherhood , where We meet on the Level , and work by the Square . " Hence it comes to pass that as English Freemasons we always raise our
protest against the exhibition of intolerance elsewhere , against the debasing practice of persecution , and advocate the fullest rights of conscience , and the great and real truth of universal toleration . For the new lodge now about to be consecrated let us all offer " our hearty good wishes ;" and , adhering to true Masonic principles , may it move on its peaceful and prosperous path , destined in the good providence of T . G . A . O . T . U . to advance the happiness and harmony of its members , to proclaim the utility and dignity of English Freemasonry , and to subserve the lasting peace , welfare , and progress of our fellow men ! So mote it be .
The usual ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , being most efficiently performed . Bro . Fenn having to leave , Bro . Frank Richardson acted as Installing Master , and installed Bro . Blasby in the chair of King Solomon . The following officers were then appointed in the presence of a Board of 34 Installed Masters 1 Bros . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., I . P . M . ; Charles Isaac Digby , P . M . 933 , S . W . ; Edward J . Goodacre , P . M . 1260 , J . W . ; W . Forster Reynolds , P . M . 820 , Treas . ; W . R . Phillips , P . M . 975 ,
Sec ; J . P . Houghton , S . D . ; E . Dare , J . D . ; H . Sapsworth , I . G . ; J . Ireland , D . C ; and T . Callander , A . D . C . The W . M . on investing each officer placed a founder ' s jewel on the breast of each , with a few well-chosen remarks and congratulations . The Consecrating Officers were then , on the motion of the W . M ., proposed as honorary members ; this was seconded by the S . W ., and carried unanimously . Bro . Woodford , in returning thanks , expressed his regret at the absence of the senior Consecrating Officer , Bro .
Col . Shadwell H . Clerke . Eight gentlemen were proposed for initiation , and n brethren as joining members—a fact which speaks , well for the stability and prosperity of the new lodge . Some other needful business having been transacted the lodge was closed , and the brethren afterwards sat down to an excellent banquet , which was admirably served by the host , Bro . Munro . The W . M ., Bro . Blasby , occupied the chair , and proposed in their proper order the usual loyal and Masonic toasts , which were , as is
invariably the case , heartily received . In proposing the toast of "The Grand Officers" the WoRsmrFUi . MASTER spoke of their invaluable services to the Craft . He coupled the toast with the name of V . W . Bro . Southey , P . D . G . M . South Africa , Lieut .-Governor of Griqualand . Bro . SOUTHEY in response thanked all present for the honour they had done him . He had witnessed with great pleasure an interesting
ceremonythe establishment of another lodge under the roll of the Grand Lodge of England . When he looked around he saw not strangers , but brother Masons—in fact he never saw strangers in a lodge . The Grand Chaplain had told them that Masons assembled together in love and harmony , no matter what creed or nationality they were . In South Africa they had many Grand Lodges with different jurisdictions , but when they met together there was no distinction . In this country the cause of Charity was nobly
supported , and in his district they endeavoured to do what they could . Whenever a widow of a soldier could show that her husband was a Mason she was always taken care of and sent back to her own country . He thanked the brethren for their hospitality . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER then proposed " The Health of the Consecrating Officers . " He regretted the absence of Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , but they had the good fortune of having a most efficient substitute in Bro . f . Fenn . He had never seen the beautiful ceremony of
consecration more efficiently performed . Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD in returning thanks for "The Consecrating Officers" deplored the absence of Bro . Shadwell H . Clerke , the esteemed and hard-working Grand Secretary , as he would have spoken to the toast with full authority , and would have received that reception from the brethren he so well deserved . ( Applause . ) He equally regretted the enforced absence of Bro . Thomas Fenn , than whom no abler expounder of our ritual existed . ( Applause . ) For the Consecrating
Officers and himself he relumed hearty thanks for all the kindness extended towards them . His brethren and himself were only too happy to render any assistance they could . He ( Bro . Woodford ) had often seen the ceremony of consecration performed , but never had it appeared to him lo go with greater case or truer effect than to-day . As he was now a very old
Mason , he might be permitted to congratulate the brethren of the Richmond Lodge on the undoubted success of the day's proceedings , and the undoubted augury'of future good Masonic excellence which their consecration afforded for their new lodge . He also was glad to have the opportunity —though shortly , as he ventured to think short speeches were wisely becoming the order of the day , —( cheers)—to impress upon his
Consecration Of The Richmond Lodge, No. 2032.
younger hearers the value and importance of Freemasonry . It seemed to him , after many years' apprenticeship , that its worth and reality increased more and more , and that , amid these divided days , it afforded a rallying point and meeting ground for men of different and differing views , where all could assemble , torsjeUinsr severances and antagonisms ,
and work together in love , unity , and harmony , ignoring all that might have a tendency to keep them apart in the world without . Let them all believe in Freemasonry , and it would , indeed , afford to them all many happy hours of social friendship , and teach them the goodly lessons of brotherly love , charity , and toleration . ( Applause . )
Bro . FRANK RICHARDSON also responded . He said that he had been called on quite unexpectedly ; but he had great pleasure in taking part in the consecration of that lodge , not only because his esteemed friend Bro . Joshua Nunn was connected with it , but because he had other associations with Richmond , and he was once himself a member of the Lily Lodge of Richmond . The Grand Secretary , he said , in responding to this toast
always cautioned the members of a new lodge , advising them to be very careful as to whom they admitted to the privileges of Masonry . Not numbers , but character , was to be considered , for once an objectionable member got into a lodge it was difficult to get him out again . He congratulated the W . M . and brethren on the excellent start they had made , and wished them all success .
Bro . the Rev . A . F . A . WOODFORD then said he was afraid that they would be tired of hearing his voice ; but , obeying orders , he ventured , relying on their kindness , to give them " The Health of the W . M . " He always thought it a pleasing duty to propose the health of a W . M ., for they must assume that he would not fill that post of high dignity unless he had received and merited the sincere suffrages of his brethren . But he felt this pleasure
still more strongly when he proposed the health of the first W . M . of a new lodge , because , as they all knew , he had been selected by his brethren for the reason that he was emphatically the brother in their opinion best qualified to guide and direct the energies and progress of a new lodge . ( Applause . ) From what they had all seen that evening he felt quite sure Bro . Blasby fully justified the choice of his brethren , and he was convinced that at the
expiration of his year of office he would have a good account to render of his work of the lodge . He would then , with the heartiest good wishes for the prosperity of the Richmond Lodge , give them the health of its first W . M . ( Applause . ) The W . MASTER in reply said that when he asked the W . M . of the Lily Lodge he readily agreed to support the petition for the Richmond Lodge , and they had then little difficulty in obtaining a warrant for its consecration .
He assured the brethren that he would do all in his power to secure its success . He intended that the lodge should support the great Charities of the Order , and he relied with confidence on the officers who had been appointed that day to support him in his efforts . He felt great pleasure in being the first W . M ., and thanked all present for the kind reception they had given to the toast . The WORSHIPFUL MASTER next proposed the toast of " The Visitors . "
There were several present that evening , many of them being brethren of repute who had passed through various offices and obtained high honour . He wished particularly to allude to Bro . Walter Goss , P . M ., who had initiated him into Masonry , also Bro . Pearson , whom as a very old friend he was especially pleased to see present . Bros . Goss , PEARSON , HILTON , J ONATHAN PEARSON , and HERBERT , W . M . of the Lily of Richmond Lodge , responded , the latter cxpressin ( r a
hope that the two lodges would work amicably together in a friendly spirit of Emulation and in support of the Charities . The toast of " The Officers of the Lodge " was then given and responded to , and the Tyler ' s toast brought a very enjoyable evening to a close . A varied programme of music was performed during the evening , the artistes being Bros . L . Hodges , Stedman , L . Frere , C . E . Tinney , and Bro . Stedman ' s choir boys , under the direction of Bro . E . H . Sugg , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . Surrey . The lodge was furnished by Bro . George Kenning .
Consecration And Opening Of The New Masonic Temple, Sydney.
CONSECRATION AND OPENING OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE , SYDNEY .
1 he great event of the past month in connection with Freemasonry in the Australian Colonies , has , undoubtedly , been the consecration and opening ol the new Masonic Temple in Sydney . This splendid building has been erected at a cost approaching £ 20 , 000 , including the price of the land i and the young Grand Lodge of New South Wales points to it with a feeling of pardonable pride , as a proof of what Masonry in the colonies can do , when freed from the trammels of the home Grand Lodges . There
can be no doubt that a much greater interest is taken in Masonry by those who have given their allegiance to the Giand Lodge of New South Wales , and the splendid gathering of brethren in Sydney , on January 23 rd to 26 th , showed how largely the Masons of New South Wales , Victoria , South Australia , Queensland , New Zealand , and other places sympathised with the first Australian Grand Lodge . The arrangements were admirably prepared and carried out , the R . W . Grand Secretary , Bro . N . Weekcs ,
and Bro . James Hunt , P . D . G . M ., having been unremitting in their exertions , while some other brethren rendered material assistance as the time for the ceremony drew near . Over six hundred brethren in all took part in the proceedings . The programme of the proceedings in connection with the opening of the Temple embraced a period of four days . This , though at first sight it
might appear rather too much pleasure all at once , had been wisely arranged by the Sydney brethren , to enable their visitors from the colonies tosce the lions of the place during the day , and to provide suitable entertainment for them in the evening . On Thursday , January 24 th , a grand ball was given in the hall , when about 300 couples enjoyed themselves . On Friday evening , the grand Masonic banquet took place in the same
halla dinner to the members and brethren of the Grand Lodge of Victoria especially , having been given by the M . W . G . M . the Hon . J . S . Parnell , at Bro . Hunt's , Oxford Hotel , King-street , on the evening of Wednesday , after the consecration ceremony . Apart from strict Masonry , the most delightful part of the whole
proceedings took place on Saturday , when an excursion all over the magnificent harbour , in the government steamer Ajax , was enjoyed by a party of about 200 ladies and brethren . Wc have neither time nor space here to attempt a description of the beauties of one of the most charming localities it was ever our good fortune to behold , but may take up the subject on a future occasion , Rough Ashlar .