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Article PROVINCIAL. ← Page 3 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL. Page 3 of 3 Article SCOTLAND. Page 1 of 3 →
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Provincial.
table as derived from Divine Law and based upon the revelations of Holy AA rit , and therefore will be durable as the existence of the human race . This day will be a memorable one in my Masonic career , as that on which I am privileged to introduce into our noble Craft you , who are naturally near and dear to me , with the exception of myself the first of our family who have adopted this course ; one which I venture to hope you will never have cause to regretif you pursue it steadilyfollow it
, , out in all its ramifications , endeavour to make its tenets tie rule and guide of your actions , carry out in your private lifo , in your reliance on the Great Architect of the Universe , in your intercourse with your fellow men , the high principles of Faith , Hope , Charity—Brotherly Love , Relief , Truth . Nearly twentyyears have passed since I stood in the position that you occupy this evening . Though I must confess that I then had some
doubts and misgivings , steady pursuit of Freemasonry in its several branches has led mo on increasingly to admire it , and to be as ardent in its promulgation now as I was in the more early stages of my course . Nevertheless , as is inseparable from all human studies and occupations , I have sometimes found much at which to grieve , in the unfaithfulness of a few who have proved themselves unworthy of our great privilegesof our
, professions of genuine fraternity , of our relation to the Most High , as creatures dependent on His love and mercy . Rarelyvisiting this , my native town , and therefore only at long intervals made cognisant of its affairs , of its changes , of its progress , I am of course entirely ignorant of the causes which have led you to join our ancient society ; that I have been agreeably surprised , I admit , for well do I ' remember the ridicule with
which you formerly treated it , the terms in which you expressed your contempt for it , the wonder with which you regarded the enthusiasm of myself and others . You will , I am sure , bearwitness that I never unduly attempted to remove such impressions , trusting to time , and the conduct of myself and members of the Craft around you to dissipate your mistaken notions and scepticism . Nor have I been disappointed , since when I came
hither a fortnight ago , after an absence ot some years , one of the first intimations I received was that you were candidates for participation in our mysteries and privileges . AA elI , you have now been admitted to the first grade . You have stepped just
within the precincts of that mystical building , the inner chambers of which will for some time remain hidden from your view , and be revealed to you only by several distinct gradations at certain intervals of time . Nor will you even then fully understand and appreciate their import without much careful study and experience . Let me urge you , then , to form no hasty conclusions from what you have witnessed this eveningbut cheerfully to submit to the ordealsof no trivial
, , character , which you have yet to undergo , as you advance in the Masonic art , and then to endeavour to study and carry out the principles you have been taught , the sentiments you have heard expressed , which , though in many respects identical with those you have received from honoured parents in early life , are yet conveyed in a Masonic lodge in a manner differing from any that has heretofore come under your notice . The traditionary
histories , too , which will from time to time be brought before you in the higher branches of our art , will be worthy of your serious attention , as embodying important truths in forms more or less allegorical , varying in extent , to which they deserve credence , at least in all their details , but nevertheless conveying and illustrating great moral principles . I know that , many years ago , ¦ when first brought into contact with the lod hereI found
go , much laxity , and some cause for regret , since it did not then occupy the position in public esteem which could be desired . The inference I draw from the event of this evening , borne out by all I have heard , is that a vast charge of a favourable character has taken place ; that the principles of Masonry are better understood , are more carefully carried out , and therefore I rely on your endeavours to proceed in the good work by your
example and conduct to assist in raising the Craft in the estimation of the external world , and thus to accomplish the object which it has in view—tho increase of love to God , peace on earth , good-will to men . Finallj-, to use the words employed by a father to his own son , after having initiated him into the Craft , " Convince the world by your new alliance that you are deserving of our favoursand never forget the ties which hind
, you to honour and justice ; view not with indifference the extensive connections you have formed , but let universal benevolence regulate your conduct . Exert your abilities in the service of your sovereign and your country , and deem the knowledge you have this day attained as the happiest acquisition of your life .
Provincial.
May the Great Architect of tho Universe aid you in your laudable efforts , and make you the means , by your personal exemplifications of our principles , of bringing others into our fold , one which embraces upright men of all creeds , all tongues , all nations , all ranks , and ought to prepare , us to meet again in the Grand Lodge above . To the AA . Master , Offices , and members of this lodge I desire to offer my sincere thanks for the honour conferred upon me this eveningin permitting me to occupy the
, first chair , iu order that I might have the pleasure and privilege of introducing among them elements which will , I trust , prove honourable and advantageous to the Craft in general and to this branch of it in particular ; and as I have this evening thesatisfaction of seeing among the Past JIasters and Provincial . Grand Officers a relative of my wife , who , when I was here last , had but recently been admitted to the light , so I trust that on
the next occasion , should I be spared by the Great Architect of the Universe to meet you again , I shall find the presentnoviciates advancing towards the same distinguished position . Bro . Dr . Hopkins concluded by proposing " The Health of Bros ,. William Grafton and George Hopkins . " The former first responded , stating that the remarks wliich had been addressed to him and his brother were most just in many respects , inasmuch as he had made up his mind to join the Craft without having even mentioned his intention to the distinguished JIason by whom he had been initiated , and he could fully endorse the
statement that no undue influence had been used . He confessed that he had for many years declined to become a JIason , because he had at one time seen connected with the body some men whose conduct was such as not to reflect credit upon it . He had at length been induced to change his views , by witnessing the zeal and enthusiasm which continued during so many years to characterise the efforts of the relative by whom he had been initiatedfor whose powers and judgment he entertained the
, highest respect , and also because he could not but bear witness to the altered character of the Kidderminster Lodge . He felt , therefore , that there must be some good in it , and under this impression he was determined to find out what it was , which he trusted was not inconsistent with the professions as to motives which he had made during the ceremony . As he advanced ia-Jfasonryshould he find his hopes not realisedhe could at
, , any time cease to be connected with it , but no harm would be done , ns under any circumstances he should remain faithful to his obligations . Bro . George Hopkins said that he had been actuated by the same feelings as his brother , that he had voluntarily offered himself as a eandidute , having been led to understand that a good Mason must be a good man , and that he hoped by the step he had just taken to be enabled to be more faithful
to his God , more willing and able to be serviceable to his fellow creatures . Bro . Fitzgerald , P . M ., gave the Entered Apprentice ' s song . Several other toasts having been proposed and honoured ,, the party separated soon after ten o ' clock .
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
ROYAL ORDER . An emergency meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland , H . R . JI . of Kilwinning , and R . S . Y . C . S ., was held in St . JIark's Hall , Glasgow , on the 27 th ult ., to advance and promote Bro . Emra Holmes , JI . M . of St . Helen's Lodge , 531 , England , JIark JIaster R . A . C . Chapter of Strict BenevolenceProv . Grand ExpertKnihts Templarand Knihts
, , g , g of St . John of Jerusalem , Northumberland , S . P . R . C 18 ° , & c . There were present : —Sir Knts . F . A . Barrow , Prov . G . JI . ; David Sutherland , Prov . G . S . AA . ; G . L . Brodie , Prov . G . J-W . J . G . Porteons , Prov . G . Sec , and a number of other officers and Knts . Companions of the Order . Bro . Emra Holmes having been accepted , was admitted and installed a Knt . Companion of this noble Order under the title
, of Sir Emra , G . N . T . L . T ., the impressive and stately ceremony being admirably conducted by the R . AA . Prov . G . M . Sir Knt . J . D . Porteous spoke briefl y upon the lamentable decease of their Bro . in the Royal Order , Sir Archibald Alison , Bart ., and it was decided that the Knights Companions of the R . S . Y . C . S . should meet in council at the Prov . G . Lodge on Thursdaythe 30 th ult . to accompany the remains of the late
, , esteemed Companion and Kni ght from Possil House to thestation of the North British Railway , from whence the bod y was to be conveyed to Edinburgh for ' interment . There being no other business , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial.
table as derived from Divine Law and based upon the revelations of Holy AA rit , and therefore will be durable as the existence of the human race . This day will be a memorable one in my Masonic career , as that on which I am privileged to introduce into our noble Craft you , who are naturally near and dear to me , with the exception of myself the first of our family who have adopted this course ; one which I venture to hope you will never have cause to regretif you pursue it steadilyfollow it
, , out in all its ramifications , endeavour to make its tenets tie rule and guide of your actions , carry out in your private lifo , in your reliance on the Great Architect of the Universe , in your intercourse with your fellow men , the high principles of Faith , Hope , Charity—Brotherly Love , Relief , Truth . Nearly twentyyears have passed since I stood in the position that you occupy this evening . Though I must confess that I then had some
doubts and misgivings , steady pursuit of Freemasonry in its several branches has led mo on increasingly to admire it , and to be as ardent in its promulgation now as I was in the more early stages of my course . Nevertheless , as is inseparable from all human studies and occupations , I have sometimes found much at which to grieve , in the unfaithfulness of a few who have proved themselves unworthy of our great privilegesof our
, professions of genuine fraternity , of our relation to the Most High , as creatures dependent on His love and mercy . Rarelyvisiting this , my native town , and therefore only at long intervals made cognisant of its affairs , of its changes , of its progress , I am of course entirely ignorant of the causes which have led you to join our ancient society ; that I have been agreeably surprised , I admit , for well do I ' remember the ridicule with
which you formerly treated it , the terms in which you expressed your contempt for it , the wonder with which you regarded the enthusiasm of myself and others . You will , I am sure , bearwitness that I never unduly attempted to remove such impressions , trusting to time , and the conduct of myself and members of the Craft around you to dissipate your mistaken notions and scepticism . Nor have I been disappointed , since when I came
hither a fortnight ago , after an absence ot some years , one of the first intimations I received was that you were candidates for participation in our mysteries and privileges . AA elI , you have now been admitted to the first grade . You have stepped just
within the precincts of that mystical building , the inner chambers of which will for some time remain hidden from your view , and be revealed to you only by several distinct gradations at certain intervals of time . Nor will you even then fully understand and appreciate their import without much careful study and experience . Let me urge you , then , to form no hasty conclusions from what you have witnessed this eveningbut cheerfully to submit to the ordealsof no trivial
, , character , which you have yet to undergo , as you advance in the Masonic art , and then to endeavour to study and carry out the principles you have been taught , the sentiments you have heard expressed , which , though in many respects identical with those you have received from honoured parents in early life , are yet conveyed in a Masonic lodge in a manner differing from any that has heretofore come under your notice . The traditionary
histories , too , which will from time to time be brought before you in the higher branches of our art , will be worthy of your serious attention , as embodying important truths in forms more or less allegorical , varying in extent , to which they deserve credence , at least in all their details , but nevertheless conveying and illustrating great moral principles . I know that , many years ago , ¦ when first brought into contact with the lod hereI found
go , much laxity , and some cause for regret , since it did not then occupy the position in public esteem which could be desired . The inference I draw from the event of this evening , borne out by all I have heard , is that a vast charge of a favourable character has taken place ; that the principles of Masonry are better understood , are more carefully carried out , and therefore I rely on your endeavours to proceed in the good work by your
example and conduct to assist in raising the Craft in the estimation of the external world , and thus to accomplish the object which it has in view—tho increase of love to God , peace on earth , good-will to men . Finallj-, to use the words employed by a father to his own son , after having initiated him into the Craft , " Convince the world by your new alliance that you are deserving of our favoursand never forget the ties which hind
, you to honour and justice ; view not with indifference the extensive connections you have formed , but let universal benevolence regulate your conduct . Exert your abilities in the service of your sovereign and your country , and deem the knowledge you have this day attained as the happiest acquisition of your life .
Provincial.
May the Great Architect of tho Universe aid you in your laudable efforts , and make you the means , by your personal exemplifications of our principles , of bringing others into our fold , one which embraces upright men of all creeds , all tongues , all nations , all ranks , and ought to prepare , us to meet again in the Grand Lodge above . To the AA . Master , Offices , and members of this lodge I desire to offer my sincere thanks for the honour conferred upon me this eveningin permitting me to occupy the
, first chair , iu order that I might have the pleasure and privilege of introducing among them elements which will , I trust , prove honourable and advantageous to the Craft in general and to this branch of it in particular ; and as I have this evening thesatisfaction of seeing among the Past JIasters and Provincial . Grand Officers a relative of my wife , who , when I was here last , had but recently been admitted to the light , so I trust that on
the next occasion , should I be spared by the Great Architect of the Universe to meet you again , I shall find the presentnoviciates advancing towards the same distinguished position . Bro . Dr . Hopkins concluded by proposing " The Health of Bros ,. William Grafton and George Hopkins . " The former first responded , stating that the remarks wliich had been addressed to him and his brother were most just in many respects , inasmuch as he had made up his mind to join the Craft without having even mentioned his intention to the distinguished JIason by whom he had been initiated , and he could fully endorse the
statement that no undue influence had been used . He confessed that he had for many years declined to become a JIason , because he had at one time seen connected with the body some men whose conduct was such as not to reflect credit upon it . He had at length been induced to change his views , by witnessing the zeal and enthusiasm which continued during so many years to characterise the efforts of the relative by whom he had been initiatedfor whose powers and judgment he entertained the
, highest respect , and also because he could not but bear witness to the altered character of the Kidderminster Lodge . He felt , therefore , that there must be some good in it , and under this impression he was determined to find out what it was , which he trusted was not inconsistent with the professions as to motives which he had made during the ceremony . As he advanced ia-Jfasonryshould he find his hopes not realisedhe could at
, , any time cease to be connected with it , but no harm would be done , ns under any circumstances he should remain faithful to his obligations . Bro . George Hopkins said that he had been actuated by the same feelings as his brother , that he had voluntarily offered himself as a eandidute , having been led to understand that a good Mason must be a good man , and that he hoped by the step he had just taken to be enabled to be more faithful
to his God , more willing and able to be serviceable to his fellow creatures . Bro . Fitzgerald , P . M ., gave the Entered Apprentice ' s song . Several other toasts having been proposed and honoured ,, the party separated soon after ten o ' clock .
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
ROYAL ORDER . An emergency meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland , H . R . JI . of Kilwinning , and R . S . Y . C . S ., was held in St . JIark's Hall , Glasgow , on the 27 th ult ., to advance and promote Bro . Emra Holmes , JI . M . of St . Helen's Lodge , 531 , England , JIark JIaster R . A . C . Chapter of Strict BenevolenceProv . Grand ExpertKnihts Templarand Knihts
, , g , g of St . John of Jerusalem , Northumberland , S . P . R . C 18 ° , & c . There were present : —Sir Knts . F . A . Barrow , Prov . G . JI . ; David Sutherland , Prov . G . S . AA . ; G . L . Brodie , Prov . G . J-W . J . G . Porteons , Prov . G . Sec , and a number of other officers and Knts . Companions of the Order . Bro . Emra Holmes having been accepted , was admitted and installed a Knt . Companion of this noble Order under the title
, of Sir Emra , G . N . T . L . T ., the impressive and stately ceremony being admirably conducted by the R . AA . Prov . G . M . Sir Knt . J . D . Porteous spoke briefl y upon the lamentable decease of their Bro . in the Royal Order , Sir Archibald Alison , Bart ., and it was decided that the Knights Companions of the R . S . Y . C . S . should meet in council at the Prov . G . Lodge on Thursdaythe 30 th ult . to accompany the remains of the late
, , esteemed Companion and Kni ght from Possil House to thestation of the North British Railway , from whence the bod y was to be conveyed to Edinburgh for ' interment . There being no other business , the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed .