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Article A GRUMBLE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Grumble.
they fall from their own inner unreality , and when our worthy brother has a little mo : e Masonic experience , and understands more fully the actual working of our Charities , he will be the first , we are convinced , to admit how * mistaken are his theories and how exaggerated his
complaints . Those of us who have had to do with the Charities for years , know well their work and utility , and , on the whole now , the elections are as fair as fair can be , allowing for that ever necessary ingredient in all earthly
institutions , human infirmity . We , therefore , regret to read these fresh complaints , which have been met and answered over and over again , and trust that our good brother will see good cause ere long to modify his present estimate of the voting system in our great Charities .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but wc wish in i spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
THE VACANT GRAND SECRETARYSHIP . To the Editor if the " freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I venture to trouble you with a few lines to-day , though I feel at the outset that the subject on which I am abotit to address you is both difficult and delicate in the highest degree . The much regretted resignation of
our excellent Bro . John Hervey , has placed at the disposal of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as Grand Master , the patronage in respect of the most important office in our Order . It is not for me , or for any one else , to venture in the pages of your widely circulatcel journal to point out to our Royal Granel Master either his duty or the wants of thc Craft . He is too well acquainted with both to need
uthcr the advice of the intrusive or the suggestions of the sagacious We may rest assured , I feel fully convinced , that as he thoroughly realizes the responsibility which rests upon him , so in the appointment he has to make he will only consider what will best conduce to the real interests of our great fraternity . There can be no doubt that the wide-spread popularity of our Royal Grand Master
will be markedly increased among us when it is announced in Grand Lodge that he has selected a brother qualified to discharge the duties of his high office , and to maintain the prestige of the most important Masonic body in the world . Knowing fully what the Grand Lodge of England is , alike in position at home and in influence abroad , I think that we may all of us rest tranquil in the assurance
that His Royal Highness will nominate a Craft Mason fully competent to uphold the high dignity and solid independence of the English Grand Loelge as a great Craft body , and who is not likely to weaken his own personal and independent position by being in any way intimately connected with any other organizations , especially with those many forms of quasi-Masonry which , however they
commend themselves to their own member *! , have nothing to do with Craft Masonry proper , and only serve to embarrass and weaken the position and progress of true Craft Freemasonry in the world . Craft Masonry has many foes to contend with at the present hour , and it can only , in my humble opinion , be successfully defended or safely upheld on the old and genuine principles of true Freemasonry ,
which have ever governed and directed the Grand Lodge of England as separate and distinguished from every other body , whether of Philosophic or High Grade Masonry . Apologizing far thus trespassing on your valuable space , but expressing , I fancy , imperfectly the feelings of very many Ciaft Masons , I am , dear Sir and Brother , A CRAFT GRAND OFFICER .
UNIFORMITY OF WORKING . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — In view of Bro . James Stevens's motion being brought before the Grand Lodge at the next Quarterly Communication , on Wednesday , the 3 rd prox ., will you very kindly allow me space to respectfully submit the
following suggestions to secure uniformity of working ? That a Grand Lodge of Preceptors be formed in London , and worked as follows : —Take any recognised leading lodge of instruction , say thc Lodge of Emulation , held at Freemasons' Hall , over which shall preside a Grand Preceptor ; to this lodge all members of the Craft wishing to act as Preceptors within the metropolitan district shall
become attached , the Grand Preceptor to grant certificates of competence to those qualified to teach , and without same no one shall be recognised as a Preceptor—the W . M . of the various lodges to which a lodge of instruction may be attached not to grant a dispensation for such le-dge without satisfying himself , and to be held responsible , that the intended Preceptor has a certificate as above .
For the provinces there shoulel be a provincial lodge of Preceptors , presided over by a Provincial Grand Preceptor , holding from thc Grand Preceptor a special certificate of competence , which should also empower him to grant certificates to Preceptors in his district upon same terms and
conditions as 111 the metropolitan district . In the event of death , resignation , or removal of Provincial Grand Preceptors , the successors to be appointed in same manner as predecessors . Perhaps it would not be out of place that Preceptors should wear a distinctive jewel , for , although a most use-
Original Correspondence.
ful , hard-working , and praiseworthy section of the Craft , they have no officially recognised position . Lodges of instruction as at present constituted are without sufficient superior control , and very open to neglect or abuse ; any member of the Craft having time at elisposal , and an idea of ability , can , with a little trouble , if he finds a sufficient number of students , start a new or
preside over an old lodge of instruction ; hence the many different modes of working that now exist . I would further respectfully suggest that , in order the better to enforce a due obedience to those excellent laws and tenets laid down for our guidance in Freemasonry , the Preceptor and Secretary of lodges of instruction , if not already members of the mother lodge , should be affiliated thereto as honorary members with all the duties and
advantages of subscribing members ; this would also operate as a reward for their labours . The present complicated and various modes of working certainly reiquire a thorough overhauling and setting right by those in authority , the more especially since the Craft has made such rapid strides of late and attained such vast dimensions . Apologising for the length of this epistle , yours , very fraternally , W . C . T ., W . M . No . 1622 .
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sijtand Brother , — The term " uniformity" is one which , at first sight or sound , is calculated to enlist attention , and when applied to lodge working must meet with approbation . I agree with Bro . W . J . Hughan as to its desirability in essentials , but doubt very much whether it can be attained
or not in working . It has been my privilege from time to time to meet with American brethren , and I have met one who has taken part in a loelge-working in ^ the Australian bush , with the open sky above for its covering ; but with them , although they have admitted the differences of working , still , the working has not been held up as the siimmum fcouiim of Masonry . To my mind the essentials
of Masonry are apt to be lost sight of by those who attach too much importance to a rigid working of any lodge in particular , or an uniformity of lodge-working in general . In these elays of diversity of opinion , Masons not being an exception to the rule , the mind must bc free to accept Masonic matters according to circumstances , semper cadem being applied to its vital principles alone , which
have been handed down to us from time immemorial . A common error among many Masons who are " up " is that of twitting those who are the reverse . I know several of this kind , and to a young Mason they are anything but pleasant ; because , instead of affording " instruction to the brethren of the inferior Degrees , " they magnify their own importance ( when questioned ) by all sorts of
evasive answers , such as " don ' t be in a hurry ; wait a bit ; " " you will know in time ; " " you are but young ; " or if they do not manifest their disagreeableness in this way , they do it by insisting , wherever they go that everybody is wrong but themselves / This kind of spirit is generally the result of limiting Masonry to the mere lodge working . I can sympathise very much with your Scotch
correspondent , " M . M . 31 ) 2 , S . C , " because some lodges , I believe , do push the test too far , in fact , I know of one case in particular where an old Mason , who knew his duty almost to perfection , was refused admission to a " genteel " lodge upon a mere technicality . To my mind , what we have to ascertain is this—is he a brother ? If he be , how shall we find this out ? Well , here we arc on delicate ground ,
because the evidence which would satisfy one would not satisfy another , especially if " word-perfection " were admitted to be the test standard . In the absence of uniformity there cannot be an universal word-test , therefore , caution and discretion in elealing with the circumstances of each individual case ought to be the principles upon which we should act in discerning whom we will recognise
and whom we will not . The Book of Constitutions virtually requires , and Some lodges insist upon , the production of his certificate when a visitor seeks admission to a lodge , or that he shall be properly vouched for . Now , the mere production of a certificate of itself proves nothing , the matter to be proved , as regards the certificate is concerned , is , is thc holder the
rightful owner ? If I am not mistaken as to the real principles of Masonry , what we have to do with one who wishes to recognise us , either privately or by visiting our lodge , is to be " wise as serpents and harmless as doves " in our dealing with him , and if , after due trial and stiict examination , we find he is his one of us , then give to him
his due , the right hand of fellowship . Supposing uniformity of working to exist , if perfection were demanded , how many brethren would be at the trouble to be prepared either to pass into a private lodge , Provincial Grand Lodge , or thc Grand Lodge of England ? I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , PETER LEE . Rochdale .
OLD MASONS . " To the Editor of Ihe Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I can furnish you with the name of a yet older Mason , Bro . Thomas Thorpe Delasaux , who was initiated in this lodge ( 1635 ) August 24 th , 1820 , passed September 28 th the same year , and raised January 20 th , 1821 . He is ,
I believe , the oldest Coroner in England , having been elected to that office in April , 1820 , and , strange to say , has , with the exception of one or two , outlived all those who voted for him on the occasion . He is , albeit in his 83 rd year , hale and hearty , and in possession of his corporeal and mental faculties in their fullest energy . Yours fraternally , JOHN R . HALL . P . M . 31 , Hon . Sec . •Canterbury , Nov . 26 th , 1879 .
Original Correspondence.
REV , DR . ACE'S APPEAL . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have to thank you for the kind interest you have taken in this matter . I am happy to state the result of my appeal has been most satisfactory . The " Lady of the Manor" has sent a cheque for £ 181 17 s . ( amount of builder's account ) , and numerous friends have come forward .
The following sums have been paid to Messrs . Smith , Payne & Smith ' s , Lombard-street , viz .: £ s * d ' Corban ... ... ... ... 500 C . S . ... ... ... ... 500 Thomas King ... ... ... 1 1 o Brethren of the Royal Arthur Lodge of
Instruction , per A . Withers ... ... 1120 Hale and Son ... ... ... 220 Rowlston ... ... ... ... 500 F . Canning ... ... ... ... 220 E . Cavell ... ... ... ... 330
Misses Wilson ... ... ... 200 I have received the following , viz .: — Bro . George Kenning ... ... ... 550 „ Morgan ... ... 5 5 ° „ James Austin ... ... ... 0100 „ George Clarke' ... ... ... 0 50 „ Emdon Saunders ... ... ... 050
„ William Saunders ... ... ... 050 „ Aaron Stone ... ... ... 050 „ Thomas Fenn ... ... ... 100 „ H . M ., per Freemason . ... ... o 10 o „ Latimer Saunders ... ... 060 „ Bev . J . J . Palmer , "Ryall Lodge ... o •*; o
f , W . E . T . Turner , M . D . ... ... 026 „ George Hancock ... ... 026 „ Alfred Woodward ... ... 026 „ Francis Robinson ... ... 220 „ Capt . Clayton ... ... ... o 2 C Supreme Grand Council ... ... 550 Francis Burdett Lodge ... ... 220
St . George s Chapter , Rose Crenx ... ... 220 Four members of Grand Maik Boaid , per Bro . T . C . Walls ... ... ... t o o J . T . Saunders ... ... . ... 220 H . Thompson ... ... ... 200 Rev . C . Mackenzie ... ... ... 100
G . W . ... ... ... ... 500 M . B . ... ... ... ... ¦; o o S . E . L „ per" Rock " ... ... ... 700 L . D . ( Bath ) ... ... ... ... 500 An Evangelical Protestant ... ... 500 Bro . Rev . Dr . Ace has also received sundry sums , including the following : —
£ s . d . Mount Calvary Chapter ( Rose Croix ) ... 220 Bro . J . Sutcliffe ... ... ... 220 „ T . Oldham ... ... ... 100 •„ Johnson ... ... ... ... o 10 6 „ Green ... .., ... ... o 10 6
Dr . Ace proposes to send a list of subscribers anel statement of account to each supporter on completion of the list . About £ 350 has been contributed in all , and a further sum of £ 100 will entirely clear the Doctor of this most
unpleasant position . I shall bc happy to receive any further sums . Again thanking you , and the many kind friends who have so promptly come forward , I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully anel fraternally , W . H . SAUNDERS . 27 , Walbrook , E . C .
PRECEDENCE . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I wish to enquire what position a Provincial Grand Officer , net a Past Master of a Lodge , holds in his lodge ? I am told he has , ex officio , a right to the rank of P . M . in everything but installation ceremonies , and as such
should claim a seat amongst the P . M . ' s . If you wi ' , 1 kindly give me authoritative information I shall feel obliged , Yours fraternally , P . P . G O . [ A P . G . Officer has no rank in lodge except what he obtains by his actual position in Masonry . Unless he bean Installed Master he has no rank of P . M ., though , of course , he takes precedence of all ordinary members if the lodge . —En . ]
ADMISSION OF STRANGERS . To the Editor of thc " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Residing some distance from my mcther lodge , I have on several occasions visited lodges at which 1 was an entire stranger , but was never refused admission , although I have had to undergo a certain preliminary
examination at each lodge , to which no M . M . should object ; but as M . M . 392 , S . C , is so hard on the English l"dgcs in your last issue , I will relate how I gained ae ' misuon into a Scotch lodge , and leave every brother , English and Scotch , to decide which is the safest system of receiving strangers . Being in Glasgow not long ago I visited an old lodge
there , holding meetings in Buchanan-street . I signed the roll , prepared myself , and handed my parchment to the : Tyler , who , after examining it , returned it , sajing , " all right , " a nd ushered me into the lodge ; thinking this a loose syst erti , I asked the Tyler ( before reaching the door ) if I had bee n duly announced , when he replied , as before " all right , " and passed me into the lodge , which I founj
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Grumble.
they fall from their own inner unreality , and when our worthy brother has a little mo : e Masonic experience , and understands more fully the actual working of our Charities , he will be the first , we are convinced , to admit how * mistaken are his theories and how exaggerated his
complaints . Those of us who have had to do with the Charities for years , know well their work and utility , and , on the whole now , the elections are as fair as fair can be , allowing for that ever necessary ingredient in all earthly
institutions , human infirmity . We , therefore , regret to read these fresh complaints , which have been met and answered over and over again , and trust that our good brother will see good cause ere long to modify his present estimate of the voting system in our great Charities .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but wc wish in i spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]
THE VACANT GRAND SECRETARYSHIP . To the Editor if the " freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I venture to trouble you with a few lines to-day , though I feel at the outset that the subject on which I am abotit to address you is both difficult and delicate in the highest degree . The much regretted resignation of
our excellent Bro . John Hervey , has placed at the disposal of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , as Grand Master , the patronage in respect of the most important office in our Order . It is not for me , or for any one else , to venture in the pages of your widely circulatcel journal to point out to our Royal Granel Master either his duty or the wants of thc Craft . He is too well acquainted with both to need
uthcr the advice of the intrusive or the suggestions of the sagacious We may rest assured , I feel fully convinced , that as he thoroughly realizes the responsibility which rests upon him , so in the appointment he has to make he will only consider what will best conduce to the real interests of our great fraternity . There can be no doubt that the wide-spread popularity of our Royal Grand Master
will be markedly increased among us when it is announced in Grand Lodge that he has selected a brother qualified to discharge the duties of his high office , and to maintain the prestige of the most important Masonic body in the world . Knowing fully what the Grand Lodge of England is , alike in position at home and in influence abroad , I think that we may all of us rest tranquil in the assurance
that His Royal Highness will nominate a Craft Mason fully competent to uphold the high dignity and solid independence of the English Grand Loelge as a great Craft body , and who is not likely to weaken his own personal and independent position by being in any way intimately connected with any other organizations , especially with those many forms of quasi-Masonry which , however they
commend themselves to their own member *! , have nothing to do with Craft Masonry proper , and only serve to embarrass and weaken the position and progress of true Craft Freemasonry in the world . Craft Masonry has many foes to contend with at the present hour , and it can only , in my humble opinion , be successfully defended or safely upheld on the old and genuine principles of true Freemasonry ,
which have ever governed and directed the Grand Lodge of England as separate and distinguished from every other body , whether of Philosophic or High Grade Masonry . Apologizing far thus trespassing on your valuable space , but expressing , I fancy , imperfectly the feelings of very many Ciaft Masons , I am , dear Sir and Brother , A CRAFT GRAND OFFICER .
UNIFORMITY OF WORKING . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — In view of Bro . James Stevens's motion being brought before the Grand Lodge at the next Quarterly Communication , on Wednesday , the 3 rd prox ., will you very kindly allow me space to respectfully submit the
following suggestions to secure uniformity of working ? That a Grand Lodge of Preceptors be formed in London , and worked as follows : —Take any recognised leading lodge of instruction , say thc Lodge of Emulation , held at Freemasons' Hall , over which shall preside a Grand Preceptor ; to this lodge all members of the Craft wishing to act as Preceptors within the metropolitan district shall
become attached , the Grand Preceptor to grant certificates of competence to those qualified to teach , and without same no one shall be recognised as a Preceptor—the W . M . of the various lodges to which a lodge of instruction may be attached not to grant a dispensation for such le-dge without satisfying himself , and to be held responsible , that the intended Preceptor has a certificate as above .
For the provinces there shoulel be a provincial lodge of Preceptors , presided over by a Provincial Grand Preceptor , holding from thc Grand Preceptor a special certificate of competence , which should also empower him to grant certificates to Preceptors in his district upon same terms and
conditions as 111 the metropolitan district . In the event of death , resignation , or removal of Provincial Grand Preceptors , the successors to be appointed in same manner as predecessors . Perhaps it would not be out of place that Preceptors should wear a distinctive jewel , for , although a most use-
Original Correspondence.
ful , hard-working , and praiseworthy section of the Craft , they have no officially recognised position . Lodges of instruction as at present constituted are without sufficient superior control , and very open to neglect or abuse ; any member of the Craft having time at elisposal , and an idea of ability , can , with a little trouble , if he finds a sufficient number of students , start a new or
preside over an old lodge of instruction ; hence the many different modes of working that now exist . I would further respectfully suggest that , in order the better to enforce a due obedience to those excellent laws and tenets laid down for our guidance in Freemasonry , the Preceptor and Secretary of lodges of instruction , if not already members of the mother lodge , should be affiliated thereto as honorary members with all the duties and
advantages of subscribing members ; this would also operate as a reward for their labours . The present complicated and various modes of working certainly reiquire a thorough overhauling and setting right by those in authority , the more especially since the Craft has made such rapid strides of late and attained such vast dimensions . Apologising for the length of this epistle , yours , very fraternally , W . C . T ., W . M . No . 1622 .
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sijtand Brother , — The term " uniformity" is one which , at first sight or sound , is calculated to enlist attention , and when applied to lodge working must meet with approbation . I agree with Bro . W . J . Hughan as to its desirability in essentials , but doubt very much whether it can be attained
or not in working . It has been my privilege from time to time to meet with American brethren , and I have met one who has taken part in a loelge-working in ^ the Australian bush , with the open sky above for its covering ; but with them , although they have admitted the differences of working , still , the working has not been held up as the siimmum fcouiim of Masonry . To my mind the essentials
of Masonry are apt to be lost sight of by those who attach too much importance to a rigid working of any lodge in particular , or an uniformity of lodge-working in general . In these elays of diversity of opinion , Masons not being an exception to the rule , the mind must bc free to accept Masonic matters according to circumstances , semper cadem being applied to its vital principles alone , which
have been handed down to us from time immemorial . A common error among many Masons who are " up " is that of twitting those who are the reverse . I know several of this kind , and to a young Mason they are anything but pleasant ; because , instead of affording " instruction to the brethren of the inferior Degrees , " they magnify their own importance ( when questioned ) by all sorts of
evasive answers , such as " don ' t be in a hurry ; wait a bit ; " " you will know in time ; " " you are but young ; " or if they do not manifest their disagreeableness in this way , they do it by insisting , wherever they go that everybody is wrong but themselves / This kind of spirit is generally the result of limiting Masonry to the mere lodge working . I can sympathise very much with your Scotch
correspondent , " M . M . 31 ) 2 , S . C , " because some lodges , I believe , do push the test too far , in fact , I know of one case in particular where an old Mason , who knew his duty almost to perfection , was refused admission to a " genteel " lodge upon a mere technicality . To my mind , what we have to ascertain is this—is he a brother ? If he be , how shall we find this out ? Well , here we arc on delicate ground ,
because the evidence which would satisfy one would not satisfy another , especially if " word-perfection " were admitted to be the test standard . In the absence of uniformity there cannot be an universal word-test , therefore , caution and discretion in elealing with the circumstances of each individual case ought to be the principles upon which we should act in discerning whom we will recognise
and whom we will not . The Book of Constitutions virtually requires , and Some lodges insist upon , the production of his certificate when a visitor seeks admission to a lodge , or that he shall be properly vouched for . Now , the mere production of a certificate of itself proves nothing , the matter to be proved , as regards the certificate is concerned , is , is thc holder the
rightful owner ? If I am not mistaken as to the real principles of Masonry , what we have to do with one who wishes to recognise us , either privately or by visiting our lodge , is to be " wise as serpents and harmless as doves " in our dealing with him , and if , after due trial and stiict examination , we find he is his one of us , then give to him
his due , the right hand of fellowship . Supposing uniformity of working to exist , if perfection were demanded , how many brethren would be at the trouble to be prepared either to pass into a private lodge , Provincial Grand Lodge , or thc Grand Lodge of England ? I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , PETER LEE . Rochdale .
OLD MASONS . " To the Editor of Ihe Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I can furnish you with the name of a yet older Mason , Bro . Thomas Thorpe Delasaux , who was initiated in this lodge ( 1635 ) August 24 th , 1820 , passed September 28 th the same year , and raised January 20 th , 1821 . He is ,
I believe , the oldest Coroner in England , having been elected to that office in April , 1820 , and , strange to say , has , with the exception of one or two , outlived all those who voted for him on the occasion . He is , albeit in his 83 rd year , hale and hearty , and in possession of his corporeal and mental faculties in their fullest energy . Yours fraternally , JOHN R . HALL . P . M . 31 , Hon . Sec . •Canterbury , Nov . 26 th , 1879 .
Original Correspondence.
REV , DR . ACE'S APPEAL . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I have to thank you for the kind interest you have taken in this matter . I am happy to state the result of my appeal has been most satisfactory . The " Lady of the Manor" has sent a cheque for £ 181 17 s . ( amount of builder's account ) , and numerous friends have come forward .
The following sums have been paid to Messrs . Smith , Payne & Smith ' s , Lombard-street , viz .: £ s * d ' Corban ... ... ... ... 500 C . S . ... ... ... ... 500 Thomas King ... ... ... 1 1 o Brethren of the Royal Arthur Lodge of
Instruction , per A . Withers ... ... 1120 Hale and Son ... ... ... 220 Rowlston ... ... ... ... 500 F . Canning ... ... ... ... 220 E . Cavell ... ... ... ... 330
Misses Wilson ... ... ... 200 I have received the following , viz .: — Bro . George Kenning ... ... ... 550 „ Morgan ... ... 5 5 ° „ James Austin ... ... ... 0100 „ George Clarke' ... ... ... 0 50 „ Emdon Saunders ... ... ... 050
„ William Saunders ... ... ... 050 „ Aaron Stone ... ... ... 050 „ Thomas Fenn ... ... ... 100 „ H . M ., per Freemason . ... ... o 10 o „ Latimer Saunders ... ... 060 „ Bev . J . J . Palmer , "Ryall Lodge ... o •*; o
f , W . E . T . Turner , M . D . ... ... 026 „ George Hancock ... ... 026 „ Alfred Woodward ... ... 026 „ Francis Robinson ... ... 220 „ Capt . Clayton ... ... ... o 2 C Supreme Grand Council ... ... 550 Francis Burdett Lodge ... ... 220
St . George s Chapter , Rose Crenx ... ... 220 Four members of Grand Maik Boaid , per Bro . T . C . Walls ... ... ... t o o J . T . Saunders ... ... . ... 220 H . Thompson ... ... ... 200 Rev . C . Mackenzie ... ... ... 100
G . W . ... ... ... ... 500 M . B . ... ... ... ... ¦; o o S . E . L „ per" Rock " ... ... ... 700 L . D . ( Bath ) ... ... ... ... 500 An Evangelical Protestant ... ... 500 Bro . Rev . Dr . Ace has also received sundry sums , including the following : —
£ s . d . Mount Calvary Chapter ( Rose Croix ) ... 220 Bro . J . Sutcliffe ... ... ... 220 „ T . Oldham ... ... ... 100 •„ Johnson ... ... ... ... o 10 6 „ Green ... .., ... ... o 10 6
Dr . Ace proposes to send a list of subscribers anel statement of account to each supporter on completion of the list . About £ 350 has been contributed in all , and a further sum of £ 100 will entirely clear the Doctor of this most
unpleasant position . I shall bc happy to receive any further sums . Again thanking you , and the many kind friends who have so promptly come forward , I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully anel fraternally , W . H . SAUNDERS . 27 , Walbrook , E . C .
PRECEDENCE . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I wish to enquire what position a Provincial Grand Officer , net a Past Master of a Lodge , holds in his lodge ? I am told he has , ex officio , a right to the rank of P . M . in everything but installation ceremonies , and as such
should claim a seat amongst the P . M . ' s . If you wi ' , 1 kindly give me authoritative information I shall feel obliged , Yours fraternally , P . P . G O . [ A P . G . Officer has no rank in lodge except what he obtains by his actual position in Masonry . Unless he bean Installed Master he has no rank of P . M ., though , of course , he takes precedence of all ordinary members if the lodge . —En . ]
ADMISSION OF STRANGERS . To the Editor of thc " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Residing some distance from my mcther lodge , I have on several occasions visited lodges at which 1 was an entire stranger , but was never refused admission , although I have had to undergo a certain preliminary
examination at each lodge , to which no M . M . should object ; but as M . M . 392 , S . C , is so hard on the English l"dgcs in your last issue , I will relate how I gained ae ' misuon into a Scotch lodge , and leave every brother , English and Scotch , to decide which is the safest system of receiving strangers . Being in Glasgow not long ago I visited an old lodge
there , holding meetings in Buchanan-street . I signed the roll , prepared myself , and handed my parchment to the : Tyler , who , after examining it , returned it , sajing , " all right , " a nd ushered me into the lodge ; thinking this a loose syst erti , I asked the Tyler ( before reaching the door ) if I had bee n duly announced , when he replied , as before " all right , " and passed me into the lodge , which I founj