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Article FREEMASONRY IN INDIA. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN CEYLON. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN AUSTRALIA. Page 1 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN AUSTRALIA. Page 1 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN AUSTRALIA. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In India.
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA .
Thc regular meeting of Keystone Chapter , No . 737 , E . C , was held in the Masonic Hall , Byculla , on Monday , the oth September . Present : M . E . Comp . Counsell , P . Z . ; V . E . Comps . Watson , P . H . ; Cooper , P . J . ; M . E . Comps . Rowc , P . P . Z . ; Barrow , P . P . Z . ; Comps . Tomlinson , S . E . ; Kapadics , S . N . ; Armstrong , P . S . ; Anderson ,
ist Asst . Soj . ; Robinson , as 2 nd Asst . Soj ., Treas . ; Scager , Janitor ; and Madelen . Visitor : M . E . Comp . Wooldridge , P . Z . No . 486 , E . C . Thc summons convening the convocation vvas read . The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . The proposition of a brother as a candidate for exaltation was withdrawn . Comp . Taylor was then balloted for , anel he was declared
duly elected a member of this chapter . The proposition of Comp . Jones was ordered to stand over to the next regular meeting . A letter from the P . G . S . E . was read , acknowledging the receipt of the chapter returns for the year ending June 30 th , 1878 , together with dues for the same . M . E . Comp . P . Z . then gave instructions that three companions be served with notice of exclusion ( for non-payment
of dues ) on the summons for the next regular meeting of 1 tth November , in accordance with Bye-law XII . Bros . Klee and Breiman having been duly elected candidates for exaltation , and having taken the O . B . of a R . A . M .. were introduced in due form , and passed out for further preparation , after which they were admitted . Thc addresses were impressively delivered by the three Principals , to the
edification of the newly-exalted companions , as also all the companions present , Comps . Klee and Brennan then signed the bye-laws . M . E . Comp . Rowe proposed , and V . E . Comp . Watson seconeled Bro . R . Sowden , J . W . Lodge Concord , 757 , E . C , as a candidate for exaltation . There being no further business , the chapter was closed in due form at 8 . 50 ., p . m .
Freemasonry In Ceylon.
FREEMASONRY IN CEYLON .
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Ceylon was duly formed and instituted on Wednesday , 9 th October . It is under the Irish Constitution , the majority of the lodges here being of that tlenomination . The charter only arrived by the previous mail , -very opportunely for trie dedication of the new Freemasons' Hall , which had been accordingly
fixed for the following day . The new builehng was originally built by government for a sailors' home , but that scheme having collapsed , it was taken over by the Craf for their head quarters , for which it is very well adapted . On Thursday , 10 th October , therefore , the ceremony of dedication was carried out with all elue form anel solemnity . The Sphinx Lodge , No . 107 ( I . C ) , the mother lodge of
Ceylon , vvas opened at 3 . 30 p . m in the First , Second , anel Third Degrees . Representatives from thc four other lodges were alse present , and a large number of thc Craft assembled to assist at so interesting an occasion . The hall , though of considerable dimensions , was completely filled with sturdy forms , clad in the sombre elrcss clothes which are so admirably ill-suited to the exigencies of a climate
like Ceylon . The lodge being opened , thc Provincial Grand Lodge demanded admittance , and entered with all fitting solemnity , to the strains of a slow march . The Provincial Grand Master , Capt . W . J . Gorman , is a Mason of long standing and striking appearance . Both he and thc Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro .
John Maitlanel , are worthy and respected brethren , whose efforts to further the interests of the Craft are such as to deserve the highest commenelation . The other oflicers of thc Provincial Granel Loelge arc all well-known Masons of good standing . The ceremony of dedication was performed in a most impressive manner j the elements ( in three beautiful silver
gilt goblets ) were presented by the P . G . Secretary , Bro . Guthrie , anel the Provincial Grand Master dedicated the building to Freemasonry in thc usual way . The responses and salutations were capitally given , the brethren being well drilled by the P . G . Director of Ceremonies , Bro . J . Hcgarty .
After an impressive oration by the Prov . Grand Master , and another by the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , thc Prov . Grand Officers retired , and thc lodge having been closed , the brethren aeljourned to the banqueting room , where thc toasts appropriate to the occasion were drunk with great enthusiasm , and the meeting broke up in peace , love , and
harmony . An occasion such as this marks an era in Freemasonry in Ceylon , and , indeed , it is an uncommon thing to see so many brethren from different constitutions joining together to promote the interests of the Craft with such unanimity and zeal . Let us hope that such may always be the case .
Freemasonry In Australia.
FREEMASONRY IN AUSTRALIA .
f On Tuesday , September 17 th , thc Masonic Hal ] , Campstreet , was the centre of attraction to the Masonic fraternity of Ballarat and thc surrounding district , the occasion being thc installation of Bro . Henry Wheeler , W . M . edict , and officers of the Yarrowee Loelge , No . 71 3 . The brethren
assembled to the number of 100 promptly at 7 p . m . Amongst those present holding high rank in thc Order were : —Bros . Kelly , W . M . Orion Lodge ; Wilson , W . M . Creswick Havilah Lodge ; Herbert , W . M . St . John ' s Lodge , I . C . ; Hale , W . M . Buninyong Lodge , I . C . ; aiid Past Masters Finlayson , Little , Claxton , Kent , Tait , Babiugtnn ,
Kennedy , l . ind « ny , White , Robertson , Gibbings , Bright , and Alroe . The beautiful ceremony of installation was most ably rendered by the retiring W . M ., liro . Nevett , the sublimity of thc ceremony being enhanced by the assistance of an excellent orchestra , consisting of : —Bros . Thomas King ,
Freemasonry In Australia.
W . Little , and A . W . Brunn , violins ; Peter R . Cazaly and Kent , P . M ., organists ; Harrison , double bass-, Tovvl , cornet ; And . Brcvvn , flute ; Glasson , piccolo ; and Robson , saxhorn , who played selections from " Le Prophetc , " " Norma , " " La Tromba , " and the overture , " The Caliph of Bagdad . " After the installation of Bro . Henry Wheeler as W . M .,
the following brethren were invested with the respective collars and badges of their offices : —Bros . H . A . Nevett , I . P . M . ; Thomas W . White , S . W . ; Andrew Brown , J . W . ; W . Little , Treas . ; Henry H . Pcake , Secretary ; F . H . Drew , S . D . ; W . H . Batten , J . D . ; J . Beauchamp , I . G . ; S . J . Morgan , Tyler ; Morgan and Harris , Stewarels ; and King , Organist . On the completion of the ceremony , Bro .
Finlayson , P . M ., presented Bro . Nevett , the I . P . M ., with a very chaste Past Master ' s jewel , manufactureel of Ballarat gold , blue and white enamel , and cnricheel with diamonds and rubies , nicely engraved as follows : — " Presented to Bro . H . A . Nevett , P . M ., by a few members of the Yarrowee Lodge , as a mark of their esteem . "
The lodge vvas then closed , and thc brethren adjourned to Craig ' s Royal Hotel . About eighty sat down to the banquet , the manner and service of which reflected great credit upon Bro . Wilkins . The tables being cleared , and thc waiters having retiree ! , the W . M . called upon the brethren to charge their glasses , and gave the following toasts : —ist , " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen ; "
2 nd , " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Granel Master ; " 3 rd , " The M . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the R . W . the Deputy Grand Master , and Grand Officers ; " 4 th , "The R . W . District and Provincial Grand Masters . " The W . M . of the Orion Lodge , Bro . K . c \\ y , then proposed "The Health of the W . M . of thc Yarrowee Lodge . "
The large attendance must be gratifying , as showing that the unanimous vote of the lodge in placing him in the highest position he could receive or they could bestow , was thoroughly endorsed by all the Craft , and from what he knew of Bro . Wheeler , he vvas perfectly sure that the honour of the lodge might be thoroughly entrusted to his keeping ; that he would discharge the duties of his hi gh
office to the best of his ability — without fear on the one hand , or favour on the other—in such a manner as would reflect honour on himself and credit to eiis lodge and Craft ; that he would preserve the honour of thc lodge , and guard it as carefully as if it were a young wife , and keep up thc high reputation of the Yarrowee Lodge . The W . M ., Bro . Wheeler , responded , and after
acknowledging the very flattering manner in which this toast had been proposed by Bro . Kelly anil received by the brethren , proceeded—When he considered the kind of Masters who had presided over the Yarrowee Lodge since he hail been connected with it , during the last five or six years—such men as Past Masters Little , Finlayson , Claxton , and Nevcrt , each one of whom had indeed proved model Masters—he
must say he felt somewhat nervous in taking the position so well filled in the past . He could , however , assure them that the honour was not unexpected , for when he first visitcel the Yarrowee Loelge he vvas so well pleased with its working that he considered it would be an honour to assist in working such a lodge , and laid himself out accordingly , and notwithstanding the good Masters they hael
alreaely had , he vvas sure that if during the ensuing year he managed to please himself , he should also give satisfaction to them . His idea of what thc working ol a Masonic lodge should be was of a high standard , but surely not too high . It was that the Master and his officers should be so perfect in their wotk that the brethren might look forward to their lodge night with unalloyed pleasure ; that no
matter how they may have been distracted by the cares of business , or what not , during the interval , that they should know that when they cntereel thc lodge all cues of the outside vvorlel coulel be forgotten , anil that they could there work together to the credit of themselves , thc honour of the Craft , and thc glory of the Great Architect . He , like many others , regareled Freemasonry as emboelying the
great principles of true religion . A good Mason could not but be a good man , and if his life is spent as we are taught a Mason should live , as surely as there was a Grand Lodge above , so surely would he qualify himself for a position in that lodge , lie had visited many lodges since he had been a Mason , and from what he had seen , and from the remarks of others well able to judge , he vvas
sure there is no provincial lodge under the English Constitution can take precedence of the Yarrowee , and to keep up that high position is one of the responsibilities a new Master should take upon himself . He took it cheerfully when he looked round and saw the officers he had to assist him , and the very experienced Past Masters he had to fall hack upon for advice . He should eneleavour so to discharge
his eluties during the coming year as to deserve from all of them thc title of Past Master of the Yarreiwec Lodge . Bro . Finlayson proposed the toast of " Thc Installing Master , Bro . Nevett . " After eulogising the manner in which the ceremony had been performed , he commented upon the excellent example that had been set during the past year , in making liberal subscriptions to the charities . Over
£ 300 had been expended by the loelges on Ballarat . It vvas the foundation of Masonic institutions , and he trusted that the lodge , eluring the ensuing year , would agree to lay apart a certain portion of its funds , so as to found some permanent charitable institution in Ballarat in connection with the Craft . Bro . Past Master Nevett , in responding , stated that it
vvas with some degree eif satisfaction that lie looked hack tei his year in the chair of the Yarrowee Lodge . It bad been signalised by one of the greatest successes that had ever taken place in Ballarat , or , in fact , in the district . He referred to the Masonic concert in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund . To Bro . Little was due the credit eif initiating that concert , and his energy and enthusiasm had
Freemasonry In Australia.
materially assisted to carry it to a successful result ; but stiU he ( Bro . Nevett ) might fairly lay claim to a small share of the credit , as the arrangements before the curtain had been under his direction , assisted by thc brethren of the lodges . The pecuniary results of the concert were gratifying in the extreme . The brethren would doubtless remember that within forty-eight hours from the close of
the concert we were able to senel £ 200 as the Masonic contribution to the fund . At his installation banquet he had promised the brethren a ball , and he had reeleemed his promise . The initiative was due to him , and when some who had at first been enthusiastic became luke-warm and despondent , he and a few others had refused to allow the matter to drop , and the result of their
efforts vvas by everyone admitted to have been one of the most successful public balls ever held in Ballarat The pecuniary result of this was also most satisfactory , £ 50 having been sent to the Masonic Almshouses in Melbourne , a worthy anel deserving institution . As regards the Yarrowee Lodge itself , his year had been most satisfactory ; the number of members hael increascel , over , £ 60
had elircctly and indirectly been dispenseel in charities from the lodge funds , and he left the present W . M . a large cash balance with which to commence his year of office . His work in the loelge had been very heavy , and he left scarcely any arrears for thc new Master . In conclusion , he wisheel again to thank the brethren for thc assistance they had given him both in and out of the lodge room . The
handsome jewel which had been presented to him that evening had been received by him as a great and unexpecteel honour . Such a tribute by the brethren to the retiring Master was unusual in the S ' arrowee Lodge , and therefore it vvas the more gratifying . He had not been one to seek popularity , but had aUvays endeavoured to e ' o justice to aft without fear or favour . In the terms of his obligation , he had
eneleavoured to do his duty zealously , impartially , and to the best of his skill anel ability . This . evidence of the kindly feeling of thc brethren woulel be treasureel by him as a proof that his efforts had been understood anel appreciated . Bro . W . Little P . M ., P . D . J . G . W ., said the health of thc sister lodges meant success , not only to these lodges
so numerously and honourably represented that evening , but also to Freemasonry throughout the world , at least where the ancient landmarks were observed . What is that power which permeates all society ? It is nonsectarian as well as non-political . Its bark sails securely amiel the ofttimes troubled waters of Church and State , and , like an ark , affords a refuge to every peaceable ,
lawabiding man . It glides noiselessly onward anel upward , guided by that unerring chart , the Volume of the Sacred Law . Systems of religion and politics may come and go , but , like Tennyson ' s brook , Freemasonry goes on for ever , simply because it is a supcrstructute raised on those three great foundation-stones , " brotherly love , relief , and truth " —cardinal virtues coeval with that period when thc "
morning stars sang together , and all the sons of men shouteel for joy , " the echo of which they were told was heard 4000 years afterwards on the plains of Bethlehem in thc proclamation , "Glory to God in highest ; peace on earth and good-will towards men . " Unlike many societies , Freemasonry is not indebted to any straining of proselyting influence . It is content to grow from within . Indeed , to invite an outsider to join their order vvas to violate a
wellknown law , anil a wise lodge looks not for strength in numbers , but in unity , hence some lodges restrict the number of their members , and yet , notwithstanding this , Freemasonry is represented by untold thousands in every nook anel corner of the globe . Monarchs are among their rulers and patrons , anil benefactors of mankind crowel their ranks and adorn their assemblies , each one worshipping God after his own fashion ; all that he has to subscribe to is a firm trust and belief in Him as the Creator and Ruler of the
Universe , without which subscription he can never enter their sanctuary , where their proceedings are begun , continued , and ended by invocations for Divine guidance . He would not presume to constitute himself judge , and in the presence of older and wiser Masons than himself , decide moot points which their most learned historians are elivieled upon , but would merely say the early ceremonial which
his Masonic ancestors subscribed to probably in a measure corresponded to the mysteries of the ancient Egyptians , whose magi veiled their philosophy from the common people under signs , symbols , and hieroglyphics . Some venture to give Masonry an existence anterior to thc siege of Troy , Solomon ' s Temj-lc , or even thc obelisks of Egypt ; while others , more moelcst in their claims for the antiquity of Masonry , place its advent about the elays of
Pythagoras , whose problem is depicted on the Past Master ' s jewel . Anyhow , as regards English Masonry , anil with which the toast was more particularly associated , he thought himself safe in saying it vvas greatly encouragcil and practised by thc conquering Romans in Britain—that land so genial to Masonry , and in which the Craft raised so many monuments of architectural skill , the admiration of subsequent
ages—Thc solemn temples , cloud-capt towers Th' aspiring domes are works of ours ; By us those piles were raised . And where it existed with varying success till the year 1717 , when speculative or philosophic Masonry started , phoenix-like , out of the ashes of associated operative Masonry , and immediately afterwards became the progenitor of Masonry in America , India , and elsewhere . Previous
to that date it appears to have existed as a va * t co-operative society , having for its object thc promotion of science and art , but especially of operative Masonry , with its trade secrets , privileges , and a ceremonial beautifully illustrating the principles of piety and virtue-. The Masonic lodge may justly be regarded as a school for discipline , teaching thc lowest to the highest how to regulate his conduct in every possible situation in life , so that were the sublime lessons
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In India.
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA .
Thc regular meeting of Keystone Chapter , No . 737 , E . C , was held in the Masonic Hall , Byculla , on Monday , the oth September . Present : M . E . Comp . Counsell , P . Z . ; V . E . Comps . Watson , P . H . ; Cooper , P . J . ; M . E . Comps . Rowc , P . P . Z . ; Barrow , P . P . Z . ; Comps . Tomlinson , S . E . ; Kapadics , S . N . ; Armstrong , P . S . ; Anderson ,
ist Asst . Soj . ; Robinson , as 2 nd Asst . Soj ., Treas . ; Scager , Janitor ; and Madelen . Visitor : M . E . Comp . Wooldridge , P . Z . No . 486 , E . C . Thc summons convening the convocation vvas read . The minutes of the last regular meeting were read and confirmed . The proposition of a brother as a candidate for exaltation was withdrawn . Comp . Taylor was then balloted for , anel he was declared
duly elected a member of this chapter . The proposition of Comp . Jones was ordered to stand over to the next regular meeting . A letter from the P . G . S . E . was read , acknowledging the receipt of the chapter returns for the year ending June 30 th , 1878 , together with dues for the same . M . E . Comp . P . Z . then gave instructions that three companions be served with notice of exclusion ( for non-payment
of dues ) on the summons for the next regular meeting of 1 tth November , in accordance with Bye-law XII . Bros . Klee and Breiman having been duly elected candidates for exaltation , and having taken the O . B . of a R . A . M .. were introduced in due form , and passed out for further preparation , after which they were admitted . Thc addresses were impressively delivered by the three Principals , to the
edification of the newly-exalted companions , as also all the companions present , Comps . Klee and Brennan then signed the bye-laws . M . E . Comp . Rowe proposed , and V . E . Comp . Watson seconeled Bro . R . Sowden , J . W . Lodge Concord , 757 , E . C , as a candidate for exaltation . There being no further business , the chapter was closed in due form at 8 . 50 ., p . m .
Freemasonry In Ceylon.
FREEMASONRY IN CEYLON .
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Ceylon was duly formed and instituted on Wednesday , 9 th October . It is under the Irish Constitution , the majority of the lodges here being of that tlenomination . The charter only arrived by the previous mail , -very opportunely for trie dedication of the new Freemasons' Hall , which had been accordingly
fixed for the following day . The new builehng was originally built by government for a sailors' home , but that scheme having collapsed , it was taken over by the Craf for their head quarters , for which it is very well adapted . On Thursday , 10 th October , therefore , the ceremony of dedication was carried out with all elue form anel solemnity . The Sphinx Lodge , No . 107 ( I . C ) , the mother lodge of
Ceylon , vvas opened at 3 . 30 p . m in the First , Second , anel Third Degrees . Representatives from thc four other lodges were alse present , and a large number of thc Craft assembled to assist at so interesting an occasion . The hall , though of considerable dimensions , was completely filled with sturdy forms , clad in the sombre elrcss clothes which are so admirably ill-suited to the exigencies of a climate
like Ceylon . The lodge being opened , thc Provincial Grand Lodge demanded admittance , and entered with all fitting solemnity , to the strains of a slow march . The Provincial Grand Master , Capt . W . J . Gorman , is a Mason of long standing and striking appearance . Both he and thc Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro .
John Maitlanel , are worthy and respected brethren , whose efforts to further the interests of the Craft are such as to deserve the highest commenelation . The other oflicers of thc Provincial Granel Loelge arc all well-known Masons of good standing . The ceremony of dedication was performed in a most impressive manner j the elements ( in three beautiful silver
gilt goblets ) were presented by the P . G . Secretary , Bro . Guthrie , anel the Provincial Grand Master dedicated the building to Freemasonry in thc usual way . The responses and salutations were capitally given , the brethren being well drilled by the P . G . Director of Ceremonies , Bro . J . Hcgarty .
After an impressive oration by the Prov . Grand Master , and another by the Deputy Prov . Grand Master , thc Prov . Grand Officers retired , and thc lodge having been closed , the brethren aeljourned to the banqueting room , where thc toasts appropriate to the occasion were drunk with great enthusiasm , and the meeting broke up in peace , love , and
harmony . An occasion such as this marks an era in Freemasonry in Ceylon , and , indeed , it is an uncommon thing to see so many brethren from different constitutions joining together to promote the interests of the Craft with such unanimity and zeal . Let us hope that such may always be the case .
Freemasonry In Australia.
FREEMASONRY IN AUSTRALIA .
f On Tuesday , September 17 th , thc Masonic Hal ] , Campstreet , was the centre of attraction to the Masonic fraternity of Ballarat and thc surrounding district , the occasion being thc installation of Bro . Henry Wheeler , W . M . edict , and officers of the Yarrowee Loelge , No . 71 3 . The brethren
assembled to the number of 100 promptly at 7 p . m . Amongst those present holding high rank in thc Order were : —Bros . Kelly , W . M . Orion Lodge ; Wilson , W . M . Creswick Havilah Lodge ; Herbert , W . M . St . John ' s Lodge , I . C . ; Hale , W . M . Buninyong Lodge , I . C . ; aiid Past Masters Finlayson , Little , Claxton , Kent , Tait , Babiugtnn ,
Kennedy , l . ind « ny , White , Robertson , Gibbings , Bright , and Alroe . The beautiful ceremony of installation was most ably rendered by the retiring W . M ., liro . Nevett , the sublimity of thc ceremony being enhanced by the assistance of an excellent orchestra , consisting of : —Bros . Thomas King ,
Freemasonry In Australia.
W . Little , and A . W . Brunn , violins ; Peter R . Cazaly and Kent , P . M ., organists ; Harrison , double bass-, Tovvl , cornet ; And . Brcvvn , flute ; Glasson , piccolo ; and Robson , saxhorn , who played selections from " Le Prophetc , " " Norma , " " La Tromba , " and the overture , " The Caliph of Bagdad . " After the installation of Bro . Henry Wheeler as W . M .,
the following brethren were invested with the respective collars and badges of their offices : —Bros . H . A . Nevett , I . P . M . ; Thomas W . White , S . W . ; Andrew Brown , J . W . ; W . Little , Treas . ; Henry H . Pcake , Secretary ; F . H . Drew , S . D . ; W . H . Batten , J . D . ; J . Beauchamp , I . G . ; S . J . Morgan , Tyler ; Morgan and Harris , Stewarels ; and King , Organist . On the completion of the ceremony , Bro .
Finlayson , P . M ., presented Bro . Nevett , the I . P . M ., with a very chaste Past Master ' s jewel , manufactureel of Ballarat gold , blue and white enamel , and cnricheel with diamonds and rubies , nicely engraved as follows : — " Presented to Bro . H . A . Nevett , P . M ., by a few members of the Yarrowee Lodge , as a mark of their esteem . "
The lodge vvas then closed , and thc brethren adjourned to Craig ' s Royal Hotel . About eighty sat down to the banquet , the manner and service of which reflected great credit upon Bro . Wilkins . The tables being cleared , and thc waiters having retiree ! , the W . M . called upon the brethren to charge their glasses , and gave the following toasts : —ist , " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen ; "
2 nd , " H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Granel Master ; " 3 rd , " The M . W . the Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , the R . W . the Deputy Grand Master , and Grand Officers ; " 4 th , "The R . W . District and Provincial Grand Masters . " The W . M . of the Orion Lodge , Bro . K . c \\ y , then proposed "The Health of the W . M . of thc Yarrowee Lodge . "
The large attendance must be gratifying , as showing that the unanimous vote of the lodge in placing him in the highest position he could receive or they could bestow , was thoroughly endorsed by all the Craft , and from what he knew of Bro . Wheeler , he vvas perfectly sure that the honour of the lodge might be thoroughly entrusted to his keeping ; that he would discharge the duties of his hi gh
office to the best of his ability — without fear on the one hand , or favour on the other—in such a manner as would reflect honour on himself and credit to eiis lodge and Craft ; that he would preserve the honour of thc lodge , and guard it as carefully as if it were a young wife , and keep up thc high reputation of the Yarrowee Lodge . The W . M ., Bro . Wheeler , responded , and after
acknowledging the very flattering manner in which this toast had been proposed by Bro . Kelly anil received by the brethren , proceeded—When he considered the kind of Masters who had presided over the Yarrowee Lodge since he hail been connected with it , during the last five or six years—such men as Past Masters Little , Finlayson , Claxton , and Nevcrt , each one of whom had indeed proved model Masters—he
must say he felt somewhat nervous in taking the position so well filled in the past . He could , however , assure them that the honour was not unexpected , for when he first visitcel the Yarrowee Loelge he vvas so well pleased with its working that he considered it would be an honour to assist in working such a lodge , and laid himself out accordingly , and notwithstanding the good Masters they hael
alreaely had , he vvas sure that if during the ensuing year he managed to please himself , he should also give satisfaction to them . His idea of what thc working ol a Masonic lodge should be was of a high standard , but surely not too high . It was that the Master and his officers should be so perfect in their wotk that the brethren might look forward to their lodge night with unalloyed pleasure ; that no
matter how they may have been distracted by the cares of business , or what not , during the interval , that they should know that when they cntereel thc lodge all cues of the outside vvorlel coulel be forgotten , anil that they could there work together to the credit of themselves , thc honour of the Craft , and thc glory of the Great Architect . He , like many others , regareled Freemasonry as emboelying the
great principles of true religion . A good Mason could not but be a good man , and if his life is spent as we are taught a Mason should live , as surely as there was a Grand Lodge above , so surely would he qualify himself for a position in that lodge , lie had visited many lodges since he had been a Mason , and from what he had seen , and from the remarks of others well able to judge , he vvas
sure there is no provincial lodge under the English Constitution can take precedence of the Yarrowee , and to keep up that high position is one of the responsibilities a new Master should take upon himself . He took it cheerfully when he looked round and saw the officers he had to assist him , and the very experienced Past Masters he had to fall hack upon for advice . He should eneleavour so to discharge
his eluties during the coming year as to deserve from all of them thc title of Past Master of the Yarreiwec Lodge . Bro . Finlayson proposed the toast of " Thc Installing Master , Bro . Nevett . " After eulogising the manner in which the ceremony had been performed , he commented upon the excellent example that had been set during the past year , in making liberal subscriptions to the charities . Over
£ 300 had been expended by the loelges on Ballarat . It vvas the foundation of Masonic institutions , and he trusted that the lodge , eluring the ensuing year , would agree to lay apart a certain portion of its funds , so as to found some permanent charitable institution in Ballarat in connection with the Craft . Bro . Past Master Nevett , in responding , stated that it
vvas with some degree eif satisfaction that lie looked hack tei his year in the chair of the Yarrowee Lodge . It bad been signalised by one of the greatest successes that had ever taken place in Ballarat , or , in fact , in the district . He referred to the Masonic concert in aid of the Indian Famine Relief Fund . To Bro . Little was due the credit eif initiating that concert , and his energy and enthusiasm had
Freemasonry In Australia.
materially assisted to carry it to a successful result ; but stiU he ( Bro . Nevett ) might fairly lay claim to a small share of the credit , as the arrangements before the curtain had been under his direction , assisted by thc brethren of the lodges . The pecuniary results of the concert were gratifying in the extreme . The brethren would doubtless remember that within forty-eight hours from the close of
the concert we were able to senel £ 200 as the Masonic contribution to the fund . At his installation banquet he had promised the brethren a ball , and he had reeleemed his promise . The initiative was due to him , and when some who had at first been enthusiastic became luke-warm and despondent , he and a few others had refused to allow the matter to drop , and the result of their
efforts vvas by everyone admitted to have been one of the most successful public balls ever held in Ballarat The pecuniary result of this was also most satisfactory , £ 50 having been sent to the Masonic Almshouses in Melbourne , a worthy anel deserving institution . As regards the Yarrowee Lodge itself , his year had been most satisfactory ; the number of members hael increascel , over , £ 60
had elircctly and indirectly been dispenseel in charities from the lodge funds , and he left the present W . M . a large cash balance with which to commence his year of office . His work in the loelge had been very heavy , and he left scarcely any arrears for thc new Master . In conclusion , he wisheel again to thank the brethren for thc assistance they had given him both in and out of the lodge room . The
handsome jewel which had been presented to him that evening had been received by him as a great and unexpecteel honour . Such a tribute by the brethren to the retiring Master was unusual in the S ' arrowee Lodge , and therefore it vvas the more gratifying . He had not been one to seek popularity , but had aUvays endeavoured to e ' o justice to aft without fear or favour . In the terms of his obligation , he had
eneleavoured to do his duty zealously , impartially , and to the best of his skill anel ability . This . evidence of the kindly feeling of thc brethren woulel be treasureel by him as a proof that his efforts had been understood anel appreciated . Bro . W . Little P . M ., P . D . J . G . W ., said the health of thc sister lodges meant success , not only to these lodges
so numerously and honourably represented that evening , but also to Freemasonry throughout the world , at least where the ancient landmarks were observed . What is that power which permeates all society ? It is nonsectarian as well as non-political . Its bark sails securely amiel the ofttimes troubled waters of Church and State , and , like an ark , affords a refuge to every peaceable ,
lawabiding man . It glides noiselessly onward anel upward , guided by that unerring chart , the Volume of the Sacred Law . Systems of religion and politics may come and go , but , like Tennyson ' s brook , Freemasonry goes on for ever , simply because it is a supcrstructute raised on those three great foundation-stones , " brotherly love , relief , and truth " —cardinal virtues coeval with that period when thc "
morning stars sang together , and all the sons of men shouteel for joy , " the echo of which they were told was heard 4000 years afterwards on the plains of Bethlehem in thc proclamation , "Glory to God in highest ; peace on earth and good-will towards men . " Unlike many societies , Freemasonry is not indebted to any straining of proselyting influence . It is content to grow from within . Indeed , to invite an outsider to join their order vvas to violate a
wellknown law , anil a wise lodge looks not for strength in numbers , but in unity , hence some lodges restrict the number of their members , and yet , notwithstanding this , Freemasonry is represented by untold thousands in every nook anel corner of the globe . Monarchs are among their rulers and patrons , anil benefactors of mankind crowel their ranks and adorn their assemblies , each one worshipping God after his own fashion ; all that he has to subscribe to is a firm trust and belief in Him as the Creator and Ruler of the
Universe , without which subscription he can never enter their sanctuary , where their proceedings are begun , continued , and ended by invocations for Divine guidance . He would not presume to constitute himself judge , and in the presence of older and wiser Masons than himself , decide moot points which their most learned historians are elivieled upon , but would merely say the early ceremonial which
his Masonic ancestors subscribed to probably in a measure corresponded to the mysteries of the ancient Egyptians , whose magi veiled their philosophy from the common people under signs , symbols , and hieroglyphics . Some venture to give Masonry an existence anterior to thc siege of Troy , Solomon ' s Temj-lc , or even thc obelisks of Egypt ; while others , more moelcst in their claims for the antiquity of Masonry , place its advent about the elays of
Pythagoras , whose problem is depicted on the Past Master ' s jewel . Anyhow , as regards English Masonry , anil with which the toast was more particularly associated , he thought himself safe in saying it vvas greatly encouragcil and practised by thc conquering Romans in Britain—that land so genial to Masonry , and in which the Craft raised so many monuments of architectural skill , the admiration of subsequent
ages—Thc solemn temples , cloud-capt towers Th' aspiring domes are works of ours ; By us those piles were raised . And where it existed with varying success till the year 1717 , when speculative or philosophic Masonry started , phoenix-like , out of the ashes of associated operative Masonry , and immediately afterwards became the progenitor of Masonry in America , India , and elsewhere . Previous
to that date it appears to have existed as a va * t co-operative society , having for its object thc promotion of science and art , but especially of operative Masonry , with its trade secrets , privileges , and a ceremonial beautifully illustrating the principles of piety and virtue-. The Masonic lodge may justly be regarded as a school for discipline , teaching thc lowest to the highest how to regulate his conduct in every possible situation in life , so that were the sublime lessons