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Article Reviews. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article A NEW ATTACK ON FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE SELWYN LODGE, No. 1901. Page 1 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE SELWYN LODGE, No. 1901. Page 1 of 2 →
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Reviews.
opinions are very vehementl y expressed . We trust that all may tend to the careful maintenance of the just rights of the peaceful settlers , the maintenance of the Queen ' s supremacy , and the honour of the English flag .
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA . Part III . . iSSo . This most admirably printed volume , kindly forwarded to us by our esteemed friend C . E . Meyer , of Philadelphia , whose name is honoured by Masons alike in England and America , has been read by us with the deepest interest . We congratulate the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on
snch an admirable evidence of their good work and happy progress ; and the production of such a work and its artistic completion reflect the highest credit on all connected with its preparation and issue . The print representing the R . W . Bro . Dr . Smith , Provost of the College of Philadelphia , is a most admirable one , and very striking ; and we also like the representation of Bro . John Thornton , the old Grand Secretary . So late as 1 S 00
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania received a communication from the Scottish Mother Lodge of Marseilles , when the lodge numbered 250 members and more . It is a point to be noted in the history of French Freemasonry . It is not quite clear , we apprehend , when this body was united with the Grand Orient of France . In 1 S 12 , Ragon says , it was still independent , and presided over by Bro . Rigordy . Though called a Grand Lodge , it was a self-constituted one , and was only in reality a private lodge .
GRAND LODGE RECORDS . Connecticut . 93 rd Annual Report , 18 S 1 . This very clear and satisfactory record of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut has been most kindly forwarded to us . There were , it seems , on January ist , 1 SS 1 , 14 , 600 Masons , aiid 120 lodges .
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS . This is a very lucid " rcSsumd" of the work of this flourishing Grand Lodge , and well deserves noting and perusal .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
ELIAS ASHMOLE . I recur to a subject I have mentioned in these columns . Can any identification be made of the brethren whose names are given by Ashmole , and who were present at his initiation , or reception , and that of Col . Mainwaring , at Warrington in 1646 ? Surely " Penket , " thc Warden ' s name , might befound among the 17 th century parochial registers . Is there no brother of the " Lodge of Lights " who can facilitate this research ? MASONIC STUDENT .
THE HIGH GRADES . We have yet a g ; ood deal to learn about the " High Grades , " their origin and developement . That they are the creation and consequence of Ramsay's movements is now a matter of the gravest doubt . MASONIC STUDENT .
RAMSAY . Findel , following Ragon and others , makes Ramsay the founder of Jacobite Masonry . But is there any evidence of the fact ? Ramsay died in 1743 , and seems to have left Masonry soon after his famous address in 1737 , and wc find no trace of him . MASONIC STUDENT .
THE RITE DE BOUILLON . What authority is there for crediting Ramsay with the authorship of this so-called "Rite , " except "shcepwalkii ^ r ? " No contemporary writer mentions the fact . I havegBeen what nurported to be Oliver's conv of it . and
that MStainly was a late Eighteenth if not early Nineteenth Cenfi ry production . A French brother might perhaps searcfvjn the Grande Libiairic , Rue de Richelieu , Paris , and lu $ an car * y copy 0 f j t . There are some High Grade ritualS jOf about 1770 there , and a very curious old ritual of the " ( . hevaliers de I'Orient . " ' .. MASONIC STUDENT .
A New Attack On Freemasonry.
A NEW ATTACK ON FREEMASONRY .
"T- } e'i } ews and Freemasons ; or , the Sixth Age of the Church , b ,, „ 'Jr , i '"' if s et les Francmacons ; ou , le Sixiemc Age de 1 Eghse . " r - } % w . '< is written by a priest of the Roman Catholic Uiurch , it s sajd . un (* | lc namc 0 f MM . Saint Andre , aim 101
ms p . irt 0 f a much larger work on the Apocalypse . , ;^ . i' ? ' -. ntoit - the Six . ; -, Age has commenced with the iSth century , and is immecliatel y marked by the second unchaining of •?\\ n ' ' ¦ r > en * asonry . „ jy " at , s ' ' reemasonry ? Freemasc . irv is a secret and verv ancient association .
mother and d ' rectress of all the other secret societies of ur epoch , spread at the present time in theentire world , which rJ ° S an a , ru the destruction of the Church and of the r \ tnohc jj 6 . <¦;•-, the overthrow of al ! Christian social ucr , and of tht » establishment on its ruins the universal domination of tl \ c Jewish people . " . the followm _>¦•_ Hi _ _ r . _ t , !; ,, ;_; ..., _ ¦ f ii . / . .,.,., •.. ¦ . DAI ; .
"' ? ° i ^ T tlsonry : ft * condemnation by the Church , . ot Koine ); Gec- jin of Freemasonry ; Developement of reemasonry ; -d v-ganization of Freemasonry ; Means of Action 0 [ Freem _ \ nry ; Final State of Freemasonry . „ » Vc have deemefl it ri _ r . it to record the fact and make a
note of it , in the hope that it will give to our readers , «« it has afforded tc \ us , a hearty laugh . These apocalyptic revelations and explanations are alike out of vogue and I j Onerall y suspected Just now ; but to have such a view aeiiberatcly put forward by our Ultramontane school tells us au unmistakeablA terms that they have both forgotten we trUe ' exegesis' * 0 f Scripture and have lost , like other exponents , their icommon sense .
Consecration Of The Selwyn Lodge, No. 1901.
CONSECRATION OF THE SELWYN LODGE , No . 1901 .
A new lodge called the Selwyn Lodge , and numbered 1901 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England , was consecrated on Thursday , the 21 st inst ., at the East Dulwich Hotel , by Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary . Bros . Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D ., acted as S . W . ; Hugh D . Sandeman , Past District Grand Master of Bernral
as J . W . ; Col . H . S . Somerville Burney , P . G . D ., as S . D . ; C . XV . C . Hutton , P . G . D ., as J . D . ; the Rev . Ambrose XV . Hall , P . Prov . G . Chaplain Surrey , as Chaplain ; E . M . Lott , P . P . J . W . Jersey , P . P . G . Organist Surrey , as Org . ; J . XV . Brooke , P . M . 1 S 39 , as I . G . ; James Terry , P . P . G . J . VV . Herts , acted as D . C . The musical portion of the ceremony was performed by Bros . E . J . Carter , J . L . Hodges , P . W . Le Queue , and Wallis ; E . M . Lott
at the piano . The other brethren present were : Bros . W . Angus , P . M . 619 ; W . Vail , 1155 ; J . Seex , P . M . iSG ; W . King , W . M . S 40 ; T . Wallis , got ; G . XV . Hook , J . D . 1 S 6 ; Thomas Preston , Sec , 1669 ; W . Davies , 177 ; Capt . J . Ball , P . M . ; C . Mussered , 16 G ; A . J . Bellis , 1297 ; W . Hawkins , 12 S 7 ; C . H . Cox , 12 G 0 ; C . Sawyer , W . M . 1 S 92 ; VV . West Smith , P . M . S 90 ; A Campbell , 1329 ; W . J . Bullimore , S 40 ; R . Allison , ;! . P . M . ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; " I .
Batchelor , 147 ; J . M . Klenck , P . M . 1 G 56 , 1339 ; R . P . Forge , J . W . 619 ; R . J . Harris , 1135 ; A . Trewiniard , P . M . 1693 ; J . S . Gurney , and H . Massey , P . M . 619 ( Freemason ) . After the formal ceremonies of ^ opening the lodge , Col . SHADWELL CLEKKE in addressing the brethren , said that the Selwyn-Lodge was to be congratulated on having had a warrant granted for its formation at a time when warrants were not being granted for lodges within the metropolitan
area . There were , however , some special points connected with this lodge , which had no doubt influenced the Most Worshipful Grand Master in acceding to the prayer of the petition . One reason was that all the petitioners were bond fide residents in the neighbourhood where it was intended to hold the meetings of the lodge , and a further reason was that they intended as much as possible to limit the number of members of the lodge to residents in the
neighbourhood . Without wishing to protract the proceedings by any lengthened remarks , he would nevertheless repeat what was frequently said on the occasion of consecrations , that the brethren should not be hasty in increasing the numbers of the lodge , or be ambitious to make it a large lodge . He hoped they would be careful as to the admission of candidates , and be thoroughly satisfied first of all that they were worthy to belong to the Order , because
while it was very easy to get a man into a lodge it was very difficult if they were afterwards not satisfied with him to get rid of him . He hoped the brethren would exercise due caution in swelling their numbers , and that the lodge would always hold its own . The Rev . AMBROSE HALL delivered the oration . Indoing so he said that on laying the foundation stone of any building , or at the formation of any new society , it was customary
to ask some one present to say a few words bearing upon the uses to which if a building it was to be applied , or if a new society , on its nature or principles and the qualification generally of its members . He was asked that day to address a new lotlge upon the nature and principles of Freemasonry , and he thought it a time most suitable because as with the young the mind was more impressible and more easily received
knowledge , and the inculcation of wisdom or the opposite . It was in youth that the mental soil was more qualified to receive the seed , and was , so to speak , more pure . So with a new lodge ; and it was well to take advantage of its early life to impress upon its officers , founders , and members the great responsibility that they were about to take upon themselves , as well as the onerous duties that they would be called upon to fulfil . He would draw their
attention to what King David said to his son Solomon shortly before his death , because , he thought , it would be applicable to a new lodge , and would help the brethren on with tlieir task , and render that task more easy , as well as render the lodge as a body , and each member as a component part of that body , more bright and shining lights in the expanse of their great Order . King David said : " Solomon , my son , know thou the God of thy fathers , and serve
Hun with a perfect heart and with a willing mind , for the Lord scarclieth all hearts , and understandeth every imagination of the thought . If thou seek Him He will be fond of thee , but if thou forsake Him He will cast thee off for ever . " So it was well to say to a new lodge or a new society , especially at the present day , in times of infidelity , when many of the brethren in a sister land had fallen from tlieir first estate , and disregarded and cast away the
presence of the Great Architect of the Universe from their rites and ceremonies , " In all you do , in all your working-, know the God of your fathers ; and in all this serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind ; " because , as they were told in the Third Degree of Freemasonry , " the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth every imagination of the thoughts ; " in other words—all their words and all their actions were known and recorded by the Most
High , to whom they must one day give account of their conduct in life . And in their beautiful rites and ceremonies and in the teachings that they symbolised they should serve Him with a perfect heart , and be assured that if in those rites and ceremonies they thought of Him , acknowledged Him , felt His presence , He would be with them . But if they did not feel that His eye was upon them , and that Hc was never with them , if , so to speak , they forsook Him ,
He would forsake them and their house—their new lodge would be left desolate . A word or two upon the nature and principles of Freemasonry . It was , as they well knew , not restricted to any particular sect or party ; it was wide as the universe and lasting as eternity ; its branches were spread over the four quarters of the world—a community of human sympathies and human goodwill . Then it embraced myriads of men of every dime and of every
country . I hey had the experience of 3000 years to tell them that charity and goodwill were the distinguishing characteristics of their noble Order . And to the brethren assembled , a sacred band , these virtues and teachings and mysteries were to be confided that day ; and if they would use them as the * ought , if they would preserve them in
their entirety , there must be a perfect feeling of unanimity among them as members . When he saw the members , the founders , the ofiicers of this lodge , and knew how eminent they were in Masonry , he felt sure that there was a happy future before the Selwyn Lodge , and that it would take a foremost place in the annals of
Consecration Of The Selwyn Lodge, No. 1901.
Freemasonry , and that as time went on there would be many choosing to range themselves tinder their banner , either as joining members or as candidates for initiation . Let them take advice of one who had some large experience in that matter—be not too hurried in making a member , but seek him out . If a joining member seek him out at his residence , search _ into his moral and social position ; if a candidate for initiation seek him out likewise , ask his
friends and neighbours who knew him well , and see whether from his general qualities as a man he was likely to become a good Mason , an ornament to the lodge , with whom they could work in that love and harmony which always should characterise members of the Order . As regarded the principles of the Order , he would urge the brethren even at this very early day to cultivate that brotherly love which thought no evil , which rejoiced with
those that rejoice , and wept with those who wept . Likewise let them put forward that relief which helped them to relieve a brother's wants and succour his infirmities—in other words , that charity which would bring them forward in every good deed towards their fellow-men . And whilst upon _ charity he would call their attention as a new lodge to this subject , to do all they could , and hc trusted they would , both by their money and their time , in promotintr
thc noble charities of the Order , which well deserved all they could receive at their hands . Hc had been asked not to detain them very long ; so , although he could dwell much upon these principles , yet there was one he had not mentioned , but which he would mention , and that was truth . Let them cultivate Masonic truth , for it was an object of research of every good and worthy Mason . Cultivate it as the opposite of falsehood , as the feeling of the heart
coming from the mouth—that good walk through life which all of them should aim at—purity , faithfulness , and honesty . He would now simply thank them for the attention they had paid to the few words hc had been permitted to address to them . Be assured that the Selwyn Lodge , its founders , officers , and members , had his best wishes that they might work together many years in happiness and harmony , and if that day one word of his should have fallen upon good
ground , and like the bread cast upon the waters , after many days to return with good effect to any brother there ; if aught that he had said might confirm one doubting brother in the conviction that Masonry was a living , not a dead power , liis visit to them that day had not been in vain , and to the Great Architect of the Universe be all the honour and all the glory . If in that short address he had said too much he asked their leniency , because he was assured
that when he went home and meditated upon the meeting they had had he should be cheered by the feeling that he took with him the goodwill of every one of them . And now let him commend them to their work . Work as good Masons , trust in the Great Architect of the Universe , " and pray to Him that his light might be shed upon them , and pour into their hearts ail that was good and true . Work , and trust , and pray , for if they would bear the conqueror's
crown to the Grand Lodge above they must cherish Masonic truth , cherish it for its own sake , and then when death ' s calm sleep was o ' er in heaven they would wake . The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and at its conclusion Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke installed Bro . William Henry Hook , P . M . 1 S 6 and lGig , as Worshipful Master of the lodge . Thc brethren invested as officers were Bros . VV . VV . Linscott , S . VV . ; L . C . N .
Nicod , l . W . ; VV . R . Burnett , S . D . ; A . R . W . Powles , J . D . ; VV . B . Marcus , I . G . ; and J . Woodstock , Tyler . The VV . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the Consecrating Officers , to whom the lodge felt deeply indebted , for often as they had seen the ceremony performed they had never seen it performed so impressively and solemnly . He also proposed that the vote which should convey the honorary membership of the lodge to Col . Clerke , Capt . Philips ,
Bro . Sandeman , the Rev . Ambrose Hall , and Bro . Terry , should be entered on the lodge minutes . Uro . LINSCOTT , S . VV ., seconded the motion , which was put , and carried unanimously . Col . SHADWELL CI . I _ I . KI _ , in acknowledging the vote , said it had been a very great pleasure to all the Consecrating Ofiicers to come that day , and give what assistance they could in advancing the Selwyn Lodsre . Thev wished it all
success , and in the name of himself andthe other brethren mentioned in the vote , he accepted with great pleasure the compliment the lodge had paid them by making them honorary members . They hoped occasionally to avail themselves of the privilege so conferred to come to the lodge and witness its success . A long list of names for initiation and joining was then proposed and seconded , and after " Hearty good Swishes "
the lodge was closed . A choice banquet followed the working of the lodge . Bro . Hook presided . At the conclusion of the repast the usual toasts were proposed . Thc W . M . having proposed the two first loyal toasts , proposed "The Pro Grand Master , & c , " and with reference to the presence of the Grand Officers said that the lodge esteemed it a great honour that those brethren had not considered it infra dig . to attend in such numbers to
give the Selwyn Lodge a start . In connection also with the ceremony of the day he referred again to thc admirable performance which the brethren had that day seen . Bro . II . D . SANDEMAN' responded , and said if the time was not so advanced he should be glad to speak at considerable length . All Grand Ofiicers , whatever tlieir position , had devoted a good deal of lime to the welfare of Freemasonry , and there was no greater pleasure to a Grand
Officer than to take part in the consecration of a new lodge . He said this because the W . M . had said the Grand Officers did not think it infra dig . to assist in the consecration of a lodge . Tlie Grand Officers never could think anything infra dig . which assisted Masonry , and in consecrating a new lodge , speaking of himself and all the other Grand Officers , it was a great pleasure to them to bring a new lodge into existence , more especially when it was so
efficiently and ably performed as it had becn by the Grand Secretary that day . All of them would go away with a pleasing recollection of the evening they had spent among the brethren of the Selwyn Lodge , which would remain with them for the rest of their lives . Col . SOMEW . VII . LI _ I . I-RNEY would say one word in
addition to what had fallen from Bro . Sandeman . For himself it afforded him much pleasure to have been present , not only to see a new lodge spring into existence , but to hear of the admirable way in which the lodge had been managed . He had seen a good many lodges consecrated , but he had never seen the proceedings carried on so well as in this lodge . He thought it would be a most successful
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
opinions are very vehementl y expressed . We trust that all may tend to the careful maintenance of the just rights of the peaceful settlers , the maintenance of the Queen ' s supremacy , and the honour of the English flag .
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA . Part III . . iSSo . This most admirably printed volume , kindly forwarded to us by our esteemed friend C . E . Meyer , of Philadelphia , whose name is honoured by Masons alike in England and America , has been read by us with the deepest interest . We congratulate the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on
snch an admirable evidence of their good work and happy progress ; and the production of such a work and its artistic completion reflect the highest credit on all connected with its preparation and issue . The print representing the R . W . Bro . Dr . Smith , Provost of the College of Philadelphia , is a most admirable one , and very striking ; and we also like the representation of Bro . John Thornton , the old Grand Secretary . So late as 1 S 00
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania received a communication from the Scottish Mother Lodge of Marseilles , when the lodge numbered 250 members and more . It is a point to be noted in the history of French Freemasonry . It is not quite clear , we apprehend , when this body was united with the Grand Orient of France . In 1 S 12 , Ragon says , it was still independent , and presided over by Bro . Rigordy . Though called a Grand Lodge , it was a self-constituted one , and was only in reality a private lodge .
GRAND LODGE RECORDS . Connecticut . 93 rd Annual Report , 18 S 1 . This very clear and satisfactory record of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut has been most kindly forwarded to us . There were , it seems , on January ist , 1 SS 1 , 14 , 600 Masons , aiid 120 lodges .
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS . This is a very lucid " rcSsumd" of the work of this flourishing Grand Lodge , and well deserves noting and perusal .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
ELIAS ASHMOLE . I recur to a subject I have mentioned in these columns . Can any identification be made of the brethren whose names are given by Ashmole , and who were present at his initiation , or reception , and that of Col . Mainwaring , at Warrington in 1646 ? Surely " Penket , " thc Warden ' s name , might befound among the 17 th century parochial registers . Is there no brother of the " Lodge of Lights " who can facilitate this research ? MASONIC STUDENT .
THE HIGH GRADES . We have yet a g ; ood deal to learn about the " High Grades , " their origin and developement . That they are the creation and consequence of Ramsay's movements is now a matter of the gravest doubt . MASONIC STUDENT .
RAMSAY . Findel , following Ragon and others , makes Ramsay the founder of Jacobite Masonry . But is there any evidence of the fact ? Ramsay died in 1743 , and seems to have left Masonry soon after his famous address in 1737 , and wc find no trace of him . MASONIC STUDENT .
THE RITE DE BOUILLON . What authority is there for crediting Ramsay with the authorship of this so-called "Rite , " except "shcepwalkii ^ r ? " No contemporary writer mentions the fact . I havegBeen what nurported to be Oliver's conv of it . and
that MStainly was a late Eighteenth if not early Nineteenth Cenfi ry production . A French brother might perhaps searcfvjn the Grande Libiairic , Rue de Richelieu , Paris , and lu $ an car * y copy 0 f j t . There are some High Grade ritualS jOf about 1770 there , and a very curious old ritual of the " ( . hevaliers de I'Orient . " ' .. MASONIC STUDENT .
A New Attack On Freemasonry.
A NEW ATTACK ON FREEMASONRY .
"T- } e'i } ews and Freemasons ; or , the Sixth Age of the Church , b ,, „ 'Jr , i '"' if s et les Francmacons ; ou , le Sixiemc Age de 1 Eghse . " r - } % w . '< is written by a priest of the Roman Catholic Uiurch , it s sajd . un (* | lc namc 0 f MM . Saint Andre , aim 101
ms p . irt 0 f a much larger work on the Apocalypse . , ;^ . i' ? ' -. ntoit - the Six . ; -, Age has commenced with the iSth century , and is immecliatel y marked by the second unchaining of •?\\ n ' ' ¦ r > en * asonry . „ jy " at , s ' ' reemasonry ? Freemasc . irv is a secret and verv ancient association .
mother and d ' rectress of all the other secret societies of ur epoch , spread at the present time in theentire world , which rJ ° S an a , ru the destruction of the Church and of the r \ tnohc jj 6 . <¦;•-, the overthrow of al ! Christian social ucr , and of tht » establishment on its ruins the universal domination of tl \ c Jewish people . " . the followm _>¦•_ Hi _ _ r . _ t , !; ,, ;_; ..., _ ¦ f ii . / . .,.,., •.. ¦ . DAI ; .
"' ? ° i ^ T tlsonry : ft * condemnation by the Church , . ot Koine ); Gec- jin of Freemasonry ; Developement of reemasonry ; -d v-ganization of Freemasonry ; Means of Action 0 [ Freem _ \ nry ; Final State of Freemasonry . „ » Vc have deemefl it ri _ r . it to record the fact and make a
note of it , in the hope that it will give to our readers , «« it has afforded tc \ us , a hearty laugh . These apocalyptic revelations and explanations are alike out of vogue and I j Onerall y suspected Just now ; but to have such a view aeiiberatcly put forward by our Ultramontane school tells us au unmistakeablA terms that they have both forgotten we trUe ' exegesis' * 0 f Scripture and have lost , like other exponents , their icommon sense .
Consecration Of The Selwyn Lodge, No. 1901.
CONSECRATION OF THE SELWYN LODGE , No . 1901 .
A new lodge called the Selwyn Lodge , and numbered 1901 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England , was consecrated on Thursday , the 21 st inst ., at the East Dulwich Hotel , by Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Secretary . Bros . Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . D ., acted as S . W . ; Hugh D . Sandeman , Past District Grand Master of Bernral
as J . W . ; Col . H . S . Somerville Burney , P . G . D ., as S . D . ; C . XV . C . Hutton , P . G . D ., as J . D . ; the Rev . Ambrose XV . Hall , P . Prov . G . Chaplain Surrey , as Chaplain ; E . M . Lott , P . P . J . W . Jersey , P . P . G . Organist Surrey , as Org . ; J . XV . Brooke , P . M . 1 S 39 , as I . G . ; James Terry , P . P . G . J . VV . Herts , acted as D . C . The musical portion of the ceremony was performed by Bros . E . J . Carter , J . L . Hodges , P . W . Le Queue , and Wallis ; E . M . Lott
at the piano . The other brethren present were : Bros . W . Angus , P . M . 619 ; W . Vail , 1155 ; J . Seex , P . M . iSG ; W . King , W . M . S 40 ; T . Wallis , got ; G . XV . Hook , J . D . 1 S 6 ; Thomas Preston , Sec , 1669 ; W . Davies , 177 ; Capt . J . Ball , P . M . ; C . Mussered , 16 G ; A . J . Bellis , 1297 ; W . Hawkins , 12 S 7 ; C . H . Cox , 12 G 0 ; C . Sawyer , W . M . 1 S 92 ; VV . West Smith , P . M . S 90 ; A Campbell , 1329 ; W . J . Bullimore , S 40 ; R . Allison , ;! . P . M . ; H . Sadler , G . Tyler ; " I .
Batchelor , 147 ; J . M . Klenck , P . M . 1 G 56 , 1339 ; R . P . Forge , J . W . 619 ; R . J . Harris , 1135 ; A . Trewiniard , P . M . 1693 ; J . S . Gurney , and H . Massey , P . M . 619 ( Freemason ) . After the formal ceremonies of ^ opening the lodge , Col . SHADWELL CLEKKE in addressing the brethren , said that the Selwyn-Lodge was to be congratulated on having had a warrant granted for its formation at a time when warrants were not being granted for lodges within the metropolitan
area . There were , however , some special points connected with this lodge , which had no doubt influenced the Most Worshipful Grand Master in acceding to the prayer of the petition . One reason was that all the petitioners were bond fide residents in the neighbourhood where it was intended to hold the meetings of the lodge , and a further reason was that they intended as much as possible to limit the number of members of the lodge to residents in the
neighbourhood . Without wishing to protract the proceedings by any lengthened remarks , he would nevertheless repeat what was frequently said on the occasion of consecrations , that the brethren should not be hasty in increasing the numbers of the lodge , or be ambitious to make it a large lodge . He hoped they would be careful as to the admission of candidates , and be thoroughly satisfied first of all that they were worthy to belong to the Order , because
while it was very easy to get a man into a lodge it was very difficult if they were afterwards not satisfied with him to get rid of him . He hoped the brethren would exercise due caution in swelling their numbers , and that the lodge would always hold its own . The Rev . AMBROSE HALL delivered the oration . Indoing so he said that on laying the foundation stone of any building , or at the formation of any new society , it was customary
to ask some one present to say a few words bearing upon the uses to which if a building it was to be applied , or if a new society , on its nature or principles and the qualification generally of its members . He was asked that day to address a new lotlge upon the nature and principles of Freemasonry , and he thought it a time most suitable because as with the young the mind was more impressible and more easily received
knowledge , and the inculcation of wisdom or the opposite . It was in youth that the mental soil was more qualified to receive the seed , and was , so to speak , more pure . So with a new lodge ; and it was well to take advantage of its early life to impress upon its officers , founders , and members the great responsibility that they were about to take upon themselves , as well as the onerous duties that they would be called upon to fulfil . He would draw their
attention to what King David said to his son Solomon shortly before his death , because , he thought , it would be applicable to a new lodge , and would help the brethren on with tlieir task , and render that task more easy , as well as render the lodge as a body , and each member as a component part of that body , more bright and shining lights in the expanse of their great Order . King David said : " Solomon , my son , know thou the God of thy fathers , and serve
Hun with a perfect heart and with a willing mind , for the Lord scarclieth all hearts , and understandeth every imagination of the thought . If thou seek Him He will be fond of thee , but if thou forsake Him He will cast thee off for ever . " So it was well to say to a new lodge or a new society , especially at the present day , in times of infidelity , when many of the brethren in a sister land had fallen from tlieir first estate , and disregarded and cast away the
presence of the Great Architect of the Universe from their rites and ceremonies , " In all you do , in all your working-, know the God of your fathers ; and in all this serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind ; " because , as they were told in the Third Degree of Freemasonry , " the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth every imagination of the thoughts ; " in other words—all their words and all their actions were known and recorded by the Most
High , to whom they must one day give account of their conduct in life . And in their beautiful rites and ceremonies and in the teachings that they symbolised they should serve Him with a perfect heart , and be assured that if in those rites and ceremonies they thought of Him , acknowledged Him , felt His presence , He would be with them . But if they did not feel that His eye was upon them , and that Hc was never with them , if , so to speak , they forsook Him ,
He would forsake them and their house—their new lodge would be left desolate . A word or two upon the nature and principles of Freemasonry . It was , as they well knew , not restricted to any particular sect or party ; it was wide as the universe and lasting as eternity ; its branches were spread over the four quarters of the world—a community of human sympathies and human goodwill . Then it embraced myriads of men of every dime and of every
country . I hey had the experience of 3000 years to tell them that charity and goodwill were the distinguishing characteristics of their noble Order . And to the brethren assembled , a sacred band , these virtues and teachings and mysteries were to be confided that day ; and if they would use them as the * ought , if they would preserve them in
their entirety , there must be a perfect feeling of unanimity among them as members . When he saw the members , the founders , the ofiicers of this lodge , and knew how eminent they were in Masonry , he felt sure that there was a happy future before the Selwyn Lodge , and that it would take a foremost place in the annals of
Consecration Of The Selwyn Lodge, No. 1901.
Freemasonry , and that as time went on there would be many choosing to range themselves tinder their banner , either as joining members or as candidates for initiation . Let them take advice of one who had some large experience in that matter—be not too hurried in making a member , but seek him out . If a joining member seek him out at his residence , search _ into his moral and social position ; if a candidate for initiation seek him out likewise , ask his
friends and neighbours who knew him well , and see whether from his general qualities as a man he was likely to become a good Mason , an ornament to the lodge , with whom they could work in that love and harmony which always should characterise members of the Order . As regarded the principles of the Order , he would urge the brethren even at this very early day to cultivate that brotherly love which thought no evil , which rejoiced with
those that rejoice , and wept with those who wept . Likewise let them put forward that relief which helped them to relieve a brother's wants and succour his infirmities—in other words , that charity which would bring them forward in every good deed towards their fellow-men . And whilst upon _ charity he would call their attention as a new lodge to this subject , to do all they could , and hc trusted they would , both by their money and their time , in promotintr
thc noble charities of the Order , which well deserved all they could receive at their hands . Hc had been asked not to detain them very long ; so , although he could dwell much upon these principles , yet there was one he had not mentioned , but which he would mention , and that was truth . Let them cultivate Masonic truth , for it was an object of research of every good and worthy Mason . Cultivate it as the opposite of falsehood , as the feeling of the heart
coming from the mouth—that good walk through life which all of them should aim at—purity , faithfulness , and honesty . He would now simply thank them for the attention they had paid to the few words hc had been permitted to address to them . Be assured that the Selwyn Lodge , its founders , officers , and members , had his best wishes that they might work together many years in happiness and harmony , and if that day one word of his should have fallen upon good
ground , and like the bread cast upon the waters , after many days to return with good effect to any brother there ; if aught that he had said might confirm one doubting brother in the conviction that Masonry was a living , not a dead power , liis visit to them that day had not been in vain , and to the Great Architect of the Universe be all the honour and all the glory . If in that short address he had said too much he asked their leniency , because he was assured
that when he went home and meditated upon the meeting they had had he should be cheered by the feeling that he took with him the goodwill of every one of them . And now let him commend them to their work . Work as good Masons , trust in the Great Architect of the Universe , " and pray to Him that his light might be shed upon them , and pour into their hearts ail that was good and true . Work , and trust , and pray , for if they would bear the conqueror's
crown to the Grand Lodge above they must cherish Masonic truth , cherish it for its own sake , and then when death ' s calm sleep was o ' er in heaven they would wake . The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and at its conclusion Bro . Col . Shadwell Clerke installed Bro . William Henry Hook , P . M . 1 S 6 and lGig , as Worshipful Master of the lodge . Thc brethren invested as officers were Bros . VV . VV . Linscott , S . VV . ; L . C . N .
Nicod , l . W . ; VV . R . Burnett , S . D . ; A . R . W . Powles , J . D . ; VV . B . Marcus , I . G . ; and J . Woodstock , Tyler . The VV . M . proposed a vote of thanks to the Consecrating Officers , to whom the lodge felt deeply indebted , for often as they had seen the ceremony performed they had never seen it performed so impressively and solemnly . He also proposed that the vote which should convey the honorary membership of the lodge to Col . Clerke , Capt . Philips ,
Bro . Sandeman , the Rev . Ambrose Hall , and Bro . Terry , should be entered on the lodge minutes . Uro . LINSCOTT , S . VV ., seconded the motion , which was put , and carried unanimously . Col . SHADWELL CI . I _ I . KI _ , in acknowledging the vote , said it had been a very great pleasure to all the Consecrating Ofiicers to come that day , and give what assistance they could in advancing the Selwyn Lodsre . Thev wished it all
success , and in the name of himself andthe other brethren mentioned in the vote , he accepted with great pleasure the compliment the lodge had paid them by making them honorary members . They hoped occasionally to avail themselves of the privilege so conferred to come to the lodge and witness its success . A long list of names for initiation and joining was then proposed and seconded , and after " Hearty good Swishes "
the lodge was closed . A choice banquet followed the working of the lodge . Bro . Hook presided . At the conclusion of the repast the usual toasts were proposed . Thc W . M . having proposed the two first loyal toasts , proposed "The Pro Grand Master , & c , " and with reference to the presence of the Grand Officers said that the lodge esteemed it a great honour that those brethren had not considered it infra dig . to attend in such numbers to
give the Selwyn Lodge a start . In connection also with the ceremony of the day he referred again to thc admirable performance which the brethren had that day seen . Bro . II . D . SANDEMAN' responded , and said if the time was not so advanced he should be glad to speak at considerable length . All Grand Ofiicers , whatever tlieir position , had devoted a good deal of lime to the welfare of Freemasonry , and there was no greater pleasure to a Grand
Officer than to take part in the consecration of a new lodge . He said this because the W . M . had said the Grand Officers did not think it infra dig . to assist in the consecration of a lodge . Tlie Grand Officers never could think anything infra dig . which assisted Masonry , and in consecrating a new lodge , speaking of himself and all the other Grand Officers , it was a great pleasure to them to bring a new lodge into existence , more especially when it was so
efficiently and ably performed as it had becn by the Grand Secretary that day . All of them would go away with a pleasing recollection of the evening they had spent among the brethren of the Selwyn Lodge , which would remain with them for the rest of their lives . Col . SOMEW . VII . LI _ I . I-RNEY would say one word in
addition to what had fallen from Bro . Sandeman . For himself it afforded him much pleasure to have been present , not only to see a new lodge spring into existence , but to hear of the admirable way in which the lodge had been managed . He had seen a good many lodges consecrated , but he had never seen the proceedings carried on so well as in this lodge . He thought it would be a most successful