Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
and simply acknowledges , as a compromise , a " principe Createur , " a "force Superieure , " utterly unreal , unhistorical , and unsatisfactory as such expressions are . We fear that such is the consequence of un-Masonic principles at work , whether in French or Belgian Masonry . Admitting , as we must do all who know Belgium , that , owing to Ultramontane bigotry , the position of
Freemasonry in that country is a very difficult one , nothing , in our opinion , can excuse the folly of those Belgian Masons in the Grantl Orient of Belgium , who have been imitating and even surpassing alike in fatuity of resolutions and violence of words , the excesses of the Grand Orient of France , and which must , we fear , rest on the Grand Consul of Belgium , however , professedly , desirous to remain
" dans la voic droite . " For , ns we have often said , and experience proves how true it is in general and particular , no more sinister or perverse proceeding has ever taken place in the annals of Freemasonry than that undignified and intolerant course which tbe " movement party " have compelled the Grand Orient of France , " nolens volens , " to pursue . For the nonce French Freemasonry lies
prostrate before an extreme party , alike in politics and lrrehgion , and we can only again repeat our distinct opinion , that if Bro . Caubet and others hatl worked to play into the hands of the Ultramontane and Jesuit party , they could not haveacted more determinedly or more significantly to that end , by what they have said and by what they have done . But why in the name of all that is sacred , reverent ,
and Masonic is the Belgian Grand Orient to follow in the same suicidal path ? to parody even the most offensive perversitie ' s of the Grantl Orient of F / ance ? The Belgians are a very religiously-minded people , antl anything more foolish , more senseless , or more un-Masonic than the violent words of Belgian Freemasons , antl tbe hopeless resolutions of Belgian lodges wc have never read and realized .
We feel deeply interested in the history of Belgian Freemasonry , because , like the French , it was originally English in origin , tone , and teaching , antl now we see it drifting helplessly down that fatal path which identifies Freemasonry with the watchwords of revolution antl party politics , which rejoices in avowals of positive irreligion antl unbelief , which shocks the reverent , antl keep honest folks away .
Thus it is that Belgian Freemasonry , even in Belgium itself , lies " under a cloud , " which we can only sincerely hope that wiser counsels ant ! a more Masonic course will help to disipate and dispel . Wc wish the Grantl Conseil of Belgium success in its endeavours to keep entirely aloof , as it most properly professes to do , from political and religious discussions , and to adhere as a Alasonic bo : ly to the ancient and universal tenets of our Order .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
I have been asked whether " prayer" is used m all Ihe " High Grades . " I feel in some difficulty as to answering the query distinctly . In some of the Foreign High Grades there are " prayers , " but in some there are certainly not any . Curiously enough , 1 fear too , their use is rapidly decreasing . There are prayers in the Knights Templar Encampments , and in the ceremonies of the Knights of
St . John , antl in the Rose Croix , but not in the Mediterranean Pass in this country . Prayers are used in Mark Masonry and the Retl Cross of Constantine . In some of the Foreign Grades undoubtedly no prayers are now to be fountl , or were apparently ever to be fountl . I
apprehend , however , such is not the normal state of English High Grade Masonry . Bro . Hughan can probably throw a little light on the subject . In the Thirtieth Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , for instance , prayer is undoubtedly used . I think it is safe to say that in English High Grade Masonry prayer is undoubtedly used .
MASONIC STUDENT . THE EARLIEST USE OF THE WORD FREEMASON . 1 have been most agreeably surprised on reading the interesting communication of " P . M . No . i ( S . C . ) , " never having heard of such a reference to Freemasonry and the Presbytery before . The record is all the more important because of its retrospective character , and we are indebted
—as Masonic Students—to Bro . the Rev . J . T . Grant , P . G . C , for the fortunate discovery . Bro . Woodford considers the earliest use of the word " Freemason " is in 1435 —at least so far as traced—when a "Freemason" contracts with Richard Duke of York to build Fotheringay Chapel ( note Kenning ' s Cycloprvdia . ) It is also noted in Act of Parliament A . D . 1548 , and in Masonic MSS ., as we already
know . These references however are operative in character , hence the value of the tliscovery of Bio . Grant ' s , made known by our Bro . P . M . No . 1 ( S . C . ) Bro . Ashmole's initiation is of course also most important , being a record of that celebrated antiquary in his journal of 16 4 6 . The reference to Freemason noted by Bro . D . Murray Lyon in his Grand History of No . 1 ( S . C . ) had regard to those " Friemesones of Edwr . " as an operative body . W . J . HUGHAN .
Our indefatigable Bro . Lamonby has evidently obtained for "An Old Song" the first edition of Robison's "Proofs of a Conspiracy , " which was issued in 1797 , pp . 49 6 . The second edition was published in the same year , the following year witnessing the advent of other editions . The work bas not the financial value 0 } a " Good Old Song , " beinsr still plentiful , antl often to bc met with for a few
shillings , neither has it much within its pages of interest to Masonic students , save as proof of the credulity of the author , who was a Professor of Natural Philosophy and Secretary to the lloyal Society of Edinburgh . Iiro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , M . A ., in lira . fCrnniiig ' s Ci / elopii'diii says " his work is now practically forgotten . " W . J . HUGHAN .
China.
China .
SHANGHAI . —Koyal Sussex Lodge ( No . 501 , E . C . )—The annual installation of W . M . of the Royal Sussex Lotlge took place on the 2 Slh January , 1 S 79 . There were about 67 brethren present . The lodge was opened at 0 . 13 o ' clock p . m . by W . Bro . Evans . Shortly afterwards the R . W . D . G . M . of Northern China nntl his
officers were announced , and received in the lodge with Masonic honours . The W . M . thereupon rose and said : R . W . D . G . Master , on my own behalf and that of the Rnyal Sussex Lodge permit me to offer you and the officers of the D . G . Lodge the right hand of fellowship , and cordially welcome you amongst us . Knowing , as we all do , R . W . Sir , the great interest you take in all that tends to the
benefit and advancement of Freemasonry , we cannot but [ eel highly gratified at your presence here this evening , it being a further proof , if any were needed , of the great anxiety you feel for the welfare and prosperity of the Craft . On such an occasion as the present , that cf the installation of our W . M ., we feel especially pleasetl and grateful to you , antl for your kindness in consenting to perform the
ceremony of installation ; antl particularly would we thank you for the sympathy you have constantly and invariably shewn the Royal Sussex Lotlge , in its adversity as well as in its prosperity . R . W . Sir , in now surrendering into your hands this gavel , which has been the symbol of my authority for the past two years , I do so expressing a sincere wish antl a fervent
hope that in the future our lodge may become more prosperous than it has been in the immediate past . The R . W . D . G . M ., in leplying , said—Worshipful Bro . Evans , although 1 never visit your lodge without ° hcing received with every mark of fraternal regard , I was quite unprepared for the very flattering reception which has been so spontaneously acci . rded to me by you and the brethren
assembled . I have always taken great interest in everything pertaining to the Craft , ^ feeling assured that when our principles arc faithfully disseminated much good must result therefrom , antl this lodge has materially assisted in promulgating those principles . The Royal Sussex Lodge , though not the first established in Shanghai , is the oldest in China . It was removed to this port under the nuspices
of the R . W . Bro . Samuel Rawson , Past Provincial Grantl Master in China , one of its former Masters , who was ever foremost in promoting the welfare of his brethren when with us , antl who continues in the gootl work now that he resides in his native country . We rarely lake up a Masonic newspaper without finding his name mentioned therein , associated with work calculated to prove beneficial to the
Craft . The first Master of this lodge in Shanghai was R . W . Bro . 'H . G . Murray , the Immediate Past District Grantl Master for China , who will be remembered by most of you for his zeal in Freemasonry , antl whose name is cherished with regard . Many worthy brethren have filled the chair since then , and you , W . Sir , have so gained the affection of the members , that on three occasions have
you been elected to the high position , and the brethren have again testified their approval of your services by their endeavour to retain you as their head for another year , but which , by the rules cf our Constitution , they are unable to do , I must not detain the lodge by further remarks now , but I will request you to retain the gavel until the commencement of the installation ceremony ,
when I shall have pleasure in receiving it from your hands , antl of installing our W . Bro . Johnsford into the position which he has been elected to occupy . After the lodge hatl been opened in the Second Degree , the R . W . D . G . M . took the chair , and officiated as Installing Master . Bro . Johnsford was presented as W . M . elect , antl was duly installed , after which the following officers were also
invested : —Bros . E . P . Lalcaca , S . W . ; S . Ballard , J . W . antl Treas . ; U . W . Harris , Sec ; T . Ford , S . D . ; J . Howell , J . D . ; C . T . P . Hudson , I . G . j J . B . Browne , Org . ; T . W . Harrocks antl T . Roberts , Stewards ; T . Hore , Tyler . W . Bro . Evans , P . M ., then rose and said : R . W . D . G . Master , Officers of the D . G . Lodge , anil visiting brethren , to you , R . W . Sir , antl the Officers of the D . G . Lodge , on my own
behalf and that of the Royal Sussex Lodge , I return my sincere thanks for your presence , antl for the great assistance you have rendered us throughout the ceremony of installation . More especially , R . W . Sir , to you are our thanks due for the very eloquent and impressive manner in which you have conducted this ceremony . It affords me intense gratification , and 1 am sure it docs the members of our
lotlge , to see so large a gathering of the brethren here tonight , and as wc have on this , our first meeting in the new year , so many present , I think it augurs well for the future , and 1 sincerely hope that a period of revival in Freemasonry is about to set in . The R . W . D . G . M . replied : Worshipful Sirs , I am sure I am only expressing the feelings of the District Grand
Officers when I say that they have derived pleasure and instruction from visiting your lodge this evening . In performing the ceremony of installation , in this , as well as in other lodges , it has been my earnest endeavour to impress upon the Worshipful Master , his officers , and the brethren generally , the necessity of acting up to the professions they make from time to time , and I am sure if we will so
act , the blessing of T . G . A . O . T . U . will rest upon us , and the good wishes you have so forcibly expressed , that Masonry may flourish , and that a bright future will be in store for the Craft in Shanghai , will he fully realised . On behalf of mystlf aud officers I return you many thanks for your kind expressions towards us , antl we hope that
the year on which we have now entered may prove one of prosperity to the Royal Sussex Lotlge and its members . The various ceremonies having concluded , Worshipful Bro . Evans rose and said : Brethren , 1 scarcely know how to address you , or thank you sufficiently for the great honour you have conferred upon us this evening . It is indeed a source ot great pleasure to see so many of you and
China.
to welcome you all here with the right hand of fellowshi p . Brethren , there can be , 1 think , but one opinion as to the value of our D . G . Lodge lately established amongst us . It is , I think , tha nucleus or germ from whence a revival in Masonry will come , and be assured that while the baton tf D . G . M . remains in the able hands that now wield it , Masonry must flourish , and a bright future for the Craft
in Shanghai is in store . Brethren , in again thanking you all for your attendance here , before I sit down permit me one word more , and that is simply to say it is very evident to my mind from this large meeting that " love of the Craft " in Shanghai is not so dormant as some would have us believe . Wc have proof to-night that " where there is a will there always is a way . " Such being the case , I
would urge upon the brethren to be more regular in their attendance at our stated meetings , such attendance being at all times most grateful to the rulers in the Craft . Remember , brethren , it will take " a long pull , and a strong pull , and a pull together , " to make Masonry as flourishing in Shanghai as it once was . Let us put our shoulders to the wheel and see if we can accomplish it .
the newly-installed Master then invited the brethren to j ; in him antl his officers at a banquet provided in the adjoining room , and the lodge was thereupon closetl in due and ancient form . Full justice having been done to the good things provided , Bro . Johnsford , the W . M ., rose and proposed the first toast , namely , " The Oucen antl the Craft , "
remarking that it required no words from him to ensure for it a hearty reception . After the National Anthem had been sung , the W . M . saitl tbe next toa > t was also one which all Masons delighted to honour—it was that of "The Health of the most Worshipful Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , antl Past Grand Masters of the Lodge . " The W . M . saitl a pleasing duty now devolved upon him , and
it was to propose " The Health of the R . W . D . G . M ., and the Officers of the D . G . L . in Northern China . " Thebrethren of the Royal Sussex were all proud of the presence of the R . W . D . G . M . and his officers , and he , on their behalf , begged to thank the R . W . D . G . M . for the able antl impressive manner in which he had conducted the installation ceremony . All Masons working under the English
Constitution , as well as those working under the American , German , and Scottish Constitutions , knew the value of the work the District Grand Lodge was tloing , anil they were proud of the untiring zeal and ability of their Right Worshipful D . G . Master , who , aidctl by his officers , was always ready to render assistance for the gootl of the Craft , lt was unnecessary
f » r him to detain them longer ; and he would now ask them to honour the toast as il deserved lo bc honoured . The R . W . D . G . Master , in returning thanks , said : Worshipful Sir , this is the third time I have adtlressed the brethren during the evening , but I feel constrained on behalf of the Officers of the D . G . Lodge , as well as on my own behalf , to again return our united thanks for the kind
hospitality extended towards us . We are trying to emulate t ut * worthy predecessors who were so intimately connected will- this lodge . On the wall of this banqueting room wc sec suspended the portraits of those well-known antl highly csteemctl brethren to whom I have previously alluded , viz ., onr R . W . llro . Samuel Rawson , P . P . G . M ., and R . W . Bro . Henry Murray , P . D . G . M . for China , and
who set an example worthy to be followed by all who arc desirous of increasing the influence of Masonry , or to benefit their fellow creatures . Wc have observed how well our newly-installed W . M . has wielded the gavel this evening , and I hope and trust we may augur from this that a year of prosperity is in store tor the lotlge over which he has been elected to
preside . Wc know that he will have not only the sympathy antl assistance of the brethren working under the English Constitution , but also that of the brethren working under other Constitutions , as we have many proofs that the right hand of fellowship is warmly given by those rejoicing in the tic of brotherhood , no matter from what country they may hail ; and this , W . Sir , reminds me that you have
permitted me the privilege of proposing the next toast , and I , therefore , hasten to do so . It is one always warmly received by the Shanghai brethren , amongst whom so much harmony exists . We have present many brethren owing allegiance to other Constitutions , and I ask you to join me in wishing " Prosperity to the Sister Grand Lodges . " You , brethren , are acquainted with the kindly
interest that is always exhibited to us by the brethren working under the D . G . ! Lodge of Scotland , the D . G . Lotlge of Massachusetts , and the Three Globes of Berlin . Their virtues have been so frequently brought before you , that I am sure I need not detain you by referring to them , but ask you , without delay , to join me in the toast of prosperity to the Sister Grand Lodges .
R . W . Past Master Bro . W . Birt , 30 ° , thanked the members of the Royal Sussex Lodge for the very kind and cordial reception they had given to the toast of the Sister Grand Lodges , proposed so ably by the R . W . D . G . Master . He ( Bro . Birt ) felt a double pleasure in being present at their installation that evening , first as a representative of
the Scottish Craft working in China , and , secondly , as he was paying dutiful homage to his mother lodge , inasmuch as it was within the Royal Sussex Lotlge , some sixteen years ago , that the first rays of Masonic light beamed upon his vision . He congratulated the Royal Sussex Lodge upon the large attendance , antl particularly upon the numbers of Past Masters and other exalted members of
the Craft who were present , testifying plainly their unabated interest in China in an old Masonic lodge , and their esteem for the newly-installed Master , Wardens , and officers . The duty now devolved upon him to propose " the Health of the Newly-installed Master , Wardens , and Officers of the Royal Sussex Lotlge . " Bro . Johnsford ' s Masonic career was known to all of them . For many years past he had been a most industrious worker in Ma-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
and simply acknowledges , as a compromise , a " principe Createur , " a "force Superieure , " utterly unreal , unhistorical , and unsatisfactory as such expressions are . We fear that such is the consequence of un-Masonic principles at work , whether in French or Belgian Masonry . Admitting , as we must do all who know Belgium , that , owing to Ultramontane bigotry , the position of
Freemasonry in that country is a very difficult one , nothing , in our opinion , can excuse the folly of those Belgian Masons in the Grantl Orient of Belgium , who have been imitating and even surpassing alike in fatuity of resolutions and violence of words , the excesses of the Grand Orient of France , and which must , we fear , rest on the Grand Consul of Belgium , however , professedly , desirous to remain
" dans la voic droite . " For , ns we have often said , and experience proves how true it is in general and particular , no more sinister or perverse proceeding has ever taken place in the annals of Freemasonry than that undignified and intolerant course which tbe " movement party " have compelled the Grand Orient of France , " nolens volens , " to pursue . For the nonce French Freemasonry lies
prostrate before an extreme party , alike in politics and lrrehgion , and we can only again repeat our distinct opinion , that if Bro . Caubet and others hatl worked to play into the hands of the Ultramontane and Jesuit party , they could not haveacted more determinedly or more significantly to that end , by what they have said and by what they have done . But why in the name of all that is sacred , reverent ,
and Masonic is the Belgian Grand Orient to follow in the same suicidal path ? to parody even the most offensive perversitie ' s of the Grantl Orient of F / ance ? The Belgians are a very religiously-minded people , antl anything more foolish , more senseless , or more un-Masonic than the violent words of Belgian Freemasons , antl tbe hopeless resolutions of Belgian lodges wc have never read and realized .
We feel deeply interested in the history of Belgian Freemasonry , because , like the French , it was originally English in origin , tone , and teaching , antl now we see it drifting helplessly down that fatal path which identifies Freemasonry with the watchwords of revolution antl party politics , which rejoices in avowals of positive irreligion antl unbelief , which shocks the reverent , antl keep honest folks away .
Thus it is that Belgian Freemasonry , even in Belgium itself , lies " under a cloud , " which we can only sincerely hope that wiser counsels ant ! a more Masonic course will help to disipate and dispel . Wc wish the Grantl Conseil of Belgium success in its endeavours to keep entirely aloof , as it most properly professes to do , from political and religious discussions , and to adhere as a Alasonic bo : ly to the ancient and universal tenets of our Order .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
I have been asked whether " prayer" is used m all Ihe " High Grades . " I feel in some difficulty as to answering the query distinctly . In some of the Foreign High Grades there are " prayers , " but in some there are certainly not any . Curiously enough , 1 fear too , their use is rapidly decreasing . There are prayers in the Knights Templar Encampments , and in the ceremonies of the Knights of
St . John , antl in the Rose Croix , but not in the Mediterranean Pass in this country . Prayers are used in Mark Masonry and the Retl Cross of Constantine . In some of the Foreign Grades undoubtedly no prayers are now to be fountl , or were apparently ever to be fountl . I
apprehend , however , such is not the normal state of English High Grade Masonry . Bro . Hughan can probably throw a little light on the subject . In the Thirtieth Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , for instance , prayer is undoubtedly used . I think it is safe to say that in English High Grade Masonry prayer is undoubtedly used .
MASONIC STUDENT . THE EARLIEST USE OF THE WORD FREEMASON . 1 have been most agreeably surprised on reading the interesting communication of " P . M . No . i ( S . C . ) , " never having heard of such a reference to Freemasonry and the Presbytery before . The record is all the more important because of its retrospective character , and we are indebted
—as Masonic Students—to Bro . the Rev . J . T . Grant , P . G . C , for the fortunate discovery . Bro . Woodford considers the earliest use of the word " Freemason " is in 1435 —at least so far as traced—when a "Freemason" contracts with Richard Duke of York to build Fotheringay Chapel ( note Kenning ' s Cycloprvdia . ) It is also noted in Act of Parliament A . D . 1548 , and in Masonic MSS ., as we already
know . These references however are operative in character , hence the value of the tliscovery of Bio . Grant ' s , made known by our Bro . P . M . No . 1 ( S . C . ) Bro . Ashmole's initiation is of course also most important , being a record of that celebrated antiquary in his journal of 16 4 6 . The reference to Freemason noted by Bro . D . Murray Lyon in his Grand History of No . 1 ( S . C . ) had regard to those " Friemesones of Edwr . " as an operative body . W . J . HUGHAN .
Our indefatigable Bro . Lamonby has evidently obtained for "An Old Song" the first edition of Robison's "Proofs of a Conspiracy , " which was issued in 1797 , pp . 49 6 . The second edition was published in the same year , the following year witnessing the advent of other editions . The work bas not the financial value 0 } a " Good Old Song , " beinsr still plentiful , antl often to bc met with for a few
shillings , neither has it much within its pages of interest to Masonic students , save as proof of the credulity of the author , who was a Professor of Natural Philosophy and Secretary to the lloyal Society of Edinburgh . Iiro . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , M . A ., in lira . fCrnniiig ' s Ci / elopii'diii says " his work is now practically forgotten . " W . J . HUGHAN .
China.
China .
SHANGHAI . —Koyal Sussex Lodge ( No . 501 , E . C . )—The annual installation of W . M . of the Royal Sussex Lotlge took place on the 2 Slh January , 1 S 79 . There were about 67 brethren present . The lodge was opened at 0 . 13 o ' clock p . m . by W . Bro . Evans . Shortly afterwards the R . W . D . G . M . of Northern China nntl his
officers were announced , and received in the lodge with Masonic honours . The W . M . thereupon rose and said : R . W . D . G . Master , on my own behalf and that of the Rnyal Sussex Lodge permit me to offer you and the officers of the D . G . Lodge the right hand of fellowship , and cordially welcome you amongst us . Knowing , as we all do , R . W . Sir , the great interest you take in all that tends to the
benefit and advancement of Freemasonry , we cannot but [ eel highly gratified at your presence here this evening , it being a further proof , if any were needed , of the great anxiety you feel for the welfare and prosperity of the Craft . On such an occasion as the present , that cf the installation of our W . M ., we feel especially pleasetl and grateful to you , antl for your kindness in consenting to perform the
ceremony of installation ; antl particularly would we thank you for the sympathy you have constantly and invariably shewn the Royal Sussex Lotlge , in its adversity as well as in its prosperity . R . W . Sir , in now surrendering into your hands this gavel , which has been the symbol of my authority for the past two years , I do so expressing a sincere wish antl a fervent
hope that in the future our lodge may become more prosperous than it has been in the immediate past . The R . W . D . G . M ., in leplying , said—Worshipful Bro . Evans , although 1 never visit your lodge without ° hcing received with every mark of fraternal regard , I was quite unprepared for the very flattering reception which has been so spontaneously acci . rded to me by you and the brethren
assembled . I have always taken great interest in everything pertaining to the Craft , ^ feeling assured that when our principles arc faithfully disseminated much good must result therefrom , antl this lodge has materially assisted in promulgating those principles . The Royal Sussex Lodge , though not the first established in Shanghai , is the oldest in China . It was removed to this port under the nuspices
of the R . W . Bro . Samuel Rawson , Past Provincial Grantl Master in China , one of its former Masters , who was ever foremost in promoting the welfare of his brethren when with us , antl who continues in the gootl work now that he resides in his native country . We rarely lake up a Masonic newspaper without finding his name mentioned therein , associated with work calculated to prove beneficial to the
Craft . The first Master of this lodge in Shanghai was R . W . Bro . 'H . G . Murray , the Immediate Past District Grantl Master for China , who will be remembered by most of you for his zeal in Freemasonry , antl whose name is cherished with regard . Many worthy brethren have filled the chair since then , and you , W . Sir , have so gained the affection of the members , that on three occasions have
you been elected to the high position , and the brethren have again testified their approval of your services by their endeavour to retain you as their head for another year , but which , by the rules cf our Constitution , they are unable to do , I must not detain the lodge by further remarks now , but I will request you to retain the gavel until the commencement of the installation ceremony ,
when I shall have pleasure in receiving it from your hands , antl of installing our W . Bro . Johnsford into the position which he has been elected to occupy . After the lodge hatl been opened in the Second Degree , the R . W . D . G . M . took the chair , and officiated as Installing Master . Bro . Johnsford was presented as W . M . elect , antl was duly installed , after which the following officers were also
invested : —Bros . E . P . Lalcaca , S . W . ; S . Ballard , J . W . antl Treas . ; U . W . Harris , Sec ; T . Ford , S . D . ; J . Howell , J . D . ; C . T . P . Hudson , I . G . j J . B . Browne , Org . ; T . W . Harrocks antl T . Roberts , Stewards ; T . Hore , Tyler . W . Bro . Evans , P . M ., then rose and said : R . W . D . G . Master , Officers of the D . G . Lodge , anil visiting brethren , to you , R . W . Sir , antl the Officers of the D . G . Lodge , on my own
behalf and that of the Royal Sussex Lodge , I return my sincere thanks for your presence , antl for the great assistance you have rendered us throughout the ceremony of installation . More especially , R . W . Sir , to you are our thanks due for the very eloquent and impressive manner in which you have conducted this ceremony . It affords me intense gratification , and 1 am sure it docs the members of our
lotlge , to see so large a gathering of the brethren here tonight , and as wc have on this , our first meeting in the new year , so many present , I think it augurs well for the future , and 1 sincerely hope that a period of revival in Freemasonry is about to set in . The R . W . D . G . M . replied : Worshipful Sirs , I am sure I am only expressing the feelings of the District Grand
Officers when I say that they have derived pleasure and instruction from visiting your lodge this evening . In performing the ceremony of installation , in this , as well as in other lodges , it has been my earnest endeavour to impress upon the Worshipful Master , his officers , and the brethren generally , the necessity of acting up to the professions they make from time to time , and I am sure if we will so
act , the blessing of T . G . A . O . T . U . will rest upon us , and the good wishes you have so forcibly expressed , that Masonry may flourish , and that a bright future will be in store for the Craft in Shanghai , will he fully realised . On behalf of mystlf aud officers I return you many thanks for your kind expressions towards us , antl we hope that
the year on which we have now entered may prove one of prosperity to the Royal Sussex Lotlge and its members . The various ceremonies having concluded , Worshipful Bro . Evans rose and said : Brethren , 1 scarcely know how to address you , or thank you sufficiently for the great honour you have conferred upon us this evening . It is indeed a source ot great pleasure to see so many of you and
China.
to welcome you all here with the right hand of fellowshi p . Brethren , there can be , 1 think , but one opinion as to the value of our D . G . Lodge lately established amongst us . It is , I think , tha nucleus or germ from whence a revival in Masonry will come , and be assured that while the baton tf D . G . M . remains in the able hands that now wield it , Masonry must flourish , and a bright future for the Craft
in Shanghai is in store . Brethren , in again thanking you all for your attendance here , before I sit down permit me one word more , and that is simply to say it is very evident to my mind from this large meeting that " love of the Craft " in Shanghai is not so dormant as some would have us believe . Wc have proof to-night that " where there is a will there always is a way . " Such being the case , I
would urge upon the brethren to be more regular in their attendance at our stated meetings , such attendance being at all times most grateful to the rulers in the Craft . Remember , brethren , it will take " a long pull , and a strong pull , and a pull together , " to make Masonry as flourishing in Shanghai as it once was . Let us put our shoulders to the wheel and see if we can accomplish it .
the newly-installed Master then invited the brethren to j ; in him antl his officers at a banquet provided in the adjoining room , and the lodge was thereupon closetl in due and ancient form . Full justice having been done to the good things provided , Bro . Johnsford , the W . M ., rose and proposed the first toast , namely , " The Oucen antl the Craft , "
remarking that it required no words from him to ensure for it a hearty reception . After the National Anthem had been sung , the W . M . saitl tbe next toa > t was also one which all Masons delighted to honour—it was that of "The Health of the most Worshipful Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , antl Past Grand Masters of the Lodge . " The W . M . saitl a pleasing duty now devolved upon him , and
it was to propose " The Health of the R . W . D . G . M ., and the Officers of the D . G . L . in Northern China . " Thebrethren of the Royal Sussex were all proud of the presence of the R . W . D . G . M . and his officers , and he , on their behalf , begged to thank the R . W . D . G . M . for the able antl impressive manner in which he had conducted the installation ceremony . All Masons working under the English
Constitution , as well as those working under the American , German , and Scottish Constitutions , knew the value of the work the District Grand Lodge was tloing , anil they were proud of the untiring zeal and ability of their Right Worshipful D . G . Master , who , aidctl by his officers , was always ready to render assistance for the gootl of the Craft , lt was unnecessary
f » r him to detain them longer ; and he would now ask them to honour the toast as il deserved lo bc honoured . The R . W . D . G . Master , in returning thanks , said : Worshipful Sir , this is the third time I have adtlressed the brethren during the evening , but I feel constrained on behalf of the Officers of the D . G . Lodge , as well as on my own behalf , to again return our united thanks for the kind
hospitality extended towards us . We are trying to emulate t ut * worthy predecessors who were so intimately connected will- this lodge . On the wall of this banqueting room wc sec suspended the portraits of those well-known antl highly csteemctl brethren to whom I have previously alluded , viz ., onr R . W . llro . Samuel Rawson , P . P . G . M ., and R . W . Bro . Henry Murray , P . D . G . M . for China , and
who set an example worthy to be followed by all who arc desirous of increasing the influence of Masonry , or to benefit their fellow creatures . Wc have observed how well our newly-installed W . M . has wielded the gavel this evening , and I hope and trust we may augur from this that a year of prosperity is in store tor the lotlge over which he has been elected to
preside . Wc know that he will have not only the sympathy antl assistance of the brethren working under the English Constitution , but also that of the brethren working under other Constitutions , as we have many proofs that the right hand of fellowship is warmly given by those rejoicing in the tic of brotherhood , no matter from what country they may hail ; and this , W . Sir , reminds me that you have
permitted me the privilege of proposing the next toast , and I , therefore , hasten to do so . It is one always warmly received by the Shanghai brethren , amongst whom so much harmony exists . We have present many brethren owing allegiance to other Constitutions , and I ask you to join me in wishing " Prosperity to the Sister Grand Lodges . " You , brethren , are acquainted with the kindly
interest that is always exhibited to us by the brethren working under the D . G . ! Lodge of Scotland , the D . G . Lotlge of Massachusetts , and the Three Globes of Berlin . Their virtues have been so frequently brought before you , that I am sure I need not detain you by referring to them , but ask you , without delay , to join me in the toast of prosperity to the Sister Grand Lodges .
R . W . Past Master Bro . W . Birt , 30 ° , thanked the members of the Royal Sussex Lodge for the very kind and cordial reception they had given to the toast of the Sister Grand Lodges , proposed so ably by the R . W . D . G . Master . He ( Bro . Birt ) felt a double pleasure in being present at their installation that evening , first as a representative of
the Scottish Craft working in China , and , secondly , as he was paying dutiful homage to his mother lodge , inasmuch as it was within the Royal Sussex Lotlge , some sixteen years ago , that the first rays of Masonic light beamed upon his vision . He congratulated the Royal Sussex Lodge upon the large attendance , antl particularly upon the numbers of Past Masters and other exalted members of
the Craft who were present , testifying plainly their unabated interest in China in an old Masonic lodge , and their esteem for the newly-installed Master , Wardens , and officers . The duty now devolved upon him to propose " the Health of the Newly-installed Master , Wardens , and Officers of the Royal Sussex Lotlge . " Bro . Johnsford ' s Masonic career was known to all of them . For many years past he had been a most industrious worker in Ma-