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Article MASONIC FESTIVITIES. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC FESTIVITIES. Page 1 of 1 Article THE MARK DEGREE IN ENGLAND. Page 1 of 5 →
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Masonic Festivities.
MASONIC FESTIVITIES .
GRAND MARK LODGE BENEVOLENT FUND ANNUAL FESTIVAL . The annual Festival of the Benevolent Fund of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales , the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown , took place on Friday , 28 th ult ., at the Crystal Palace , Bro . J . C . Parkinson , Junior Grand Wardenin the chair .
, There were present the Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . J . R . Portal , Bro . George Elliot , M . P . and Mrs . Elliot ; Bro . Colonel Burdett ; Mrs . J . C . Parkinson ; Bro . Eraser Rae and Mrs . Rae ; Bro . Glover ; Bro . Hansard and many others whose names we were unable to obtain , through the absence of the Grand Secretary from town , and the consequent impossibility of obtaining access to the List . Ladies as well as gentlemen sat down
to this dinner—a novelty in masonic banquets—which appeared to be highly appreciated by those presnt . A most elegant banquet was supplied by Messrs . Bertram and Roberts . The Chairman said : Ladies and Brethren , I now
in proposing the toast of the evening , ask you to drink Prosperity to the Mark Benevolent Fund , and propose to explain as briefly as possible why we are here , who we are , what we claim , and to what we aspire . It has been asked what is Mark Masonry ? What does the Mark Degree mean ? Is it something different to Freemasonry ? Is it opposed to Freemasonry ? These problems are happily very easy of solution . This Mark Degreethe existence and usefulness of which we
, celebrate to night , is composed exclusively of men , who , being Freemasons already , and having the ritual , the traditions , the objects , and the privileges of their order deeply at heart ; associate together under a distinct banner , but without abating one iota of their loyalty to the supreme rulers of the Craft , without renouncing a single privilege , and certainly without jeopardizing a solitary landmark . But for the better comprehension of the
position of Mark Masonry and its relation to that general Freemasonry to which all Mark Masons necessarily belong , I feel tempted to draw upon an experience I acquired during a recent tour in the East . There , in ancient Egypt , that land of mystery and old renown , sido by side with hoary monuments of antiquity , and laving the yellow sands wherein these have for thousands of years found a resting place and a home , their oriinal purposes doubtful and the very names of their authors
g forgotten , runs the most famous of Canals . In that strange country , the enterprise of man has , as you know , pierced the desert and turned a peninsular into an island . Over the arid waste where the camel , the jackal , tho ibis , and the Bedouin have held uninterrupted sway through the long grey centuries , argosies from every sea now make stately progress . Science has
triumphed , the waters of two oceans are united ; and the benefits to civilization and to humanity will be incalculable . Let this Suez Canal stand for general Freemasonry ; carrying on its broad bosom rich freights , knitting tho nations of the earth more closely together , bringing about a more cordial understanding between those separated by time and space , and performing the god-like function of peace on earth and good-will towards men , But running side bside with this glorious artificial sea is
y another and smaller stream , created by the same agencies , reaching the same points , of service to same mariners , and marking its progress through the sandy way by a line of tendfir foliage , always beautifully fresh and green . This bears tho attractive title—a title in which ono may trace some of the poetic imagery of tho East—the Sweet "Water Canal , and consists of a refreshing stream which was brought through the desert artificially ,
when the works of the more important canal were "being carried out , and with beautiful smiling vegetation , luxuriant gardens , and the goodly fruits of the earth in its train . If we adopt an image not unfrequently used by the theologian , and speak of the world as a desert ; if we claim for general Freemasonry the beneficient powers and objects of the general link which has made the EastandWestonethen I thinkfairl
, wemay , , y regard Mark Masonry as the smaller stream running side by side with its powerful neighbour , interchanging benefits , never obtruding itself , but still welcoming heartily all who choose to partake of its refreshing waters . The Benevolent Fund , which we are cultivating now , upon which the presence of so many fair ladies sheds a benign influence , and particulars of which will be read to you by Bro . Binckes , is the line of
Masonic Festivities.
tender foliage , marking the benefits conferred by this degree on those who have been overtaken in the desert , and who , parched and weary , are sorely in need of sustenance and help . We hope by your favour to increase our means of usefulness this evening , and I will first add that what this Fund gives it gives quickly . There is no waiting , no inquisitorial sifting of necessities ; hut directly we are satisfied that a brother is deserving , and in need , we render him all the assistance oar means afford . Ladies aud
Brethren , I give you success to the Mark Benevolent Fund . Z . After the usual loyal toasts , Bro . J . C . Parkinson . the Chairman , gave "The health of the Grand Mark Master Mason , the most Worshipful Bro . the Rev . G . R Portal . " He remarked history is not wanting in salient examples of able Churchmen who have also been leaders in secular life—of ministers of religion who have been powerful officers of state . In Freemasonry the theory
and sound practice of which embrace the broad elementary truths of religion , and which is yet an organisation rejoicing in secular aims and conferring temporal benefits , there is , I think , a special appropriateness in the fact of a clergymen being elected by the free votes of his brethren to fill the leading place among them . I believe wo have no less than ten clergymen of the Church of England among our company to night ; and it seems to me to blend the two sides of Freemasonry very happily
when we find ministers of reli gion busying themselves with its working details , besides affording to the outer world convincing proof that there can be nothing in our order which is inimical to man ' s highest and holiest interests . In the Rev . Grand Master of the Mark Degree , we have a brother greatly gifted with the ruling or admiustrative faculties ; one who learnt the art of governing in the cold shade of opposition , and who did not forget the precious lessons when the opportunitcame for
y him to wield power . Our Grand Master brought , moreover , to the discharge of his high trust , a mind skilled in controversy , stored with classical knowledge , and exercised in the most sacred of functions—that of assuaging the sorrows , and guiding the aspirations of the human soul . Need I add that onr Grand Master came to us possessed of a strong will , ardent convictions , indomitable courage , aud a goodly stock of shrewd hard common
sense . These be promising qualities out of which to evolve a prosperous reign , and I beg , as your mouthpiece , to thank the Grand Master for bis judicious and constitutional rule , and to call upon you to drink bumpers to his health . The amount subscribed was about £ 110 . [ We shall next week publish the exact amount , and the names of the principal donors , with further details of this meeting which , we may say , was a very successful one . ]
The Mark Degree In England.
THE MARK DEGREE IN ENGLAND .
[ Continued from page 100 ) . Bro . Mackcrsy : I think we have got now tho historical character of the Degree , and a resume of tho whole proceedings connected with its working in England , to lay before our constituents . I would almost bo disposed to suggest that we adjourn till 11 o'clock to-morrow , when we could have these proceedings read to Col . Burdett , and consider what wc are to do .
Probably the course we should take would be that each Delegate report them to the body he represents , or perhaps Earl Percy will take a report to Grand Lodge of England of what has passed at this Conference , and then it may be that Grand Lodge of Scotland and Ireland may each direct a report of these proceedings to be submitted and ask for a formal deliverance by the Grand Lodge and Chapter of England . If the Grand Lod
ge of England still adhere to their former opinion , then Grand Lodges of Scotland , Ireland , and Ameiica act for themselves . Earl Percy : I should have some difficulty in reporting to Grand Lodge of England , because I am not a member of this committee as representing that body . Bro . Mackcrsy : At any rate the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Ireland may report to Grand Lodge of England .
At the adjourned meeting of the Conference held in the library of the Freemasons' Hall , on Tuesday , April 4 th , 1871 , there were present : Bros . Col . Burdett , in the chair ( G . Ch . of Ireland ) , L . Mackersy , A . Kerr , W . Mann , W . Hav , T . Entwisle , The Rev . G . R . Portal , W . W . B . Beach , M . P . ; F * . Binckes . The Chairman apologised for his absence yesterday , which he
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Festivities.
MASONIC FESTIVITIES .
GRAND MARK LODGE BENEVOLENT FUND ANNUAL FESTIVAL . The annual Festival of the Benevolent Fund of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales , the Colonies and Dependencies of the British Crown , took place on Friday , 28 th ult ., at the Crystal Palace , Bro . J . C . Parkinson , Junior Grand Wardenin the chair .
, There were present the Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . J . R . Portal , Bro . George Elliot , M . P . and Mrs . Elliot ; Bro . Colonel Burdett ; Mrs . J . C . Parkinson ; Bro . Eraser Rae and Mrs . Rae ; Bro . Glover ; Bro . Hansard and many others whose names we were unable to obtain , through the absence of the Grand Secretary from town , and the consequent impossibility of obtaining access to the List . Ladies as well as gentlemen sat down
to this dinner—a novelty in masonic banquets—which appeared to be highly appreciated by those presnt . A most elegant banquet was supplied by Messrs . Bertram and Roberts . The Chairman said : Ladies and Brethren , I now
in proposing the toast of the evening , ask you to drink Prosperity to the Mark Benevolent Fund , and propose to explain as briefly as possible why we are here , who we are , what we claim , and to what we aspire . It has been asked what is Mark Masonry ? What does the Mark Degree mean ? Is it something different to Freemasonry ? Is it opposed to Freemasonry ? These problems are happily very easy of solution . This Mark Degreethe existence and usefulness of which we
, celebrate to night , is composed exclusively of men , who , being Freemasons already , and having the ritual , the traditions , the objects , and the privileges of their order deeply at heart ; associate together under a distinct banner , but without abating one iota of their loyalty to the supreme rulers of the Craft , without renouncing a single privilege , and certainly without jeopardizing a solitary landmark . But for the better comprehension of the
position of Mark Masonry and its relation to that general Freemasonry to which all Mark Masons necessarily belong , I feel tempted to draw upon an experience I acquired during a recent tour in the East . There , in ancient Egypt , that land of mystery and old renown , sido by side with hoary monuments of antiquity , and laving the yellow sands wherein these have for thousands of years found a resting place and a home , their oriinal purposes doubtful and the very names of their authors
g forgotten , runs the most famous of Canals . In that strange country , the enterprise of man has , as you know , pierced the desert and turned a peninsular into an island . Over the arid waste where the camel , the jackal , tho ibis , and the Bedouin have held uninterrupted sway through the long grey centuries , argosies from every sea now make stately progress . Science has
triumphed , the waters of two oceans are united ; and the benefits to civilization and to humanity will be incalculable . Let this Suez Canal stand for general Freemasonry ; carrying on its broad bosom rich freights , knitting tho nations of the earth more closely together , bringing about a more cordial understanding between those separated by time and space , and performing the god-like function of peace on earth and good-will towards men , But running side bside with this glorious artificial sea is
y another and smaller stream , created by the same agencies , reaching the same points , of service to same mariners , and marking its progress through the sandy way by a line of tendfir foliage , always beautifully fresh and green . This bears tho attractive title—a title in which ono may trace some of the poetic imagery of tho East—the Sweet "Water Canal , and consists of a refreshing stream which was brought through the desert artificially ,
when the works of the more important canal were "being carried out , and with beautiful smiling vegetation , luxuriant gardens , and the goodly fruits of the earth in its train . If we adopt an image not unfrequently used by the theologian , and speak of the world as a desert ; if we claim for general Freemasonry the beneficient powers and objects of the general link which has made the EastandWestonethen I thinkfairl
, wemay , , y regard Mark Masonry as the smaller stream running side by side with its powerful neighbour , interchanging benefits , never obtruding itself , but still welcoming heartily all who choose to partake of its refreshing waters . The Benevolent Fund , which we are cultivating now , upon which the presence of so many fair ladies sheds a benign influence , and particulars of which will be read to you by Bro . Binckes , is the line of
Masonic Festivities.
tender foliage , marking the benefits conferred by this degree on those who have been overtaken in the desert , and who , parched and weary , are sorely in need of sustenance and help . We hope by your favour to increase our means of usefulness this evening , and I will first add that what this Fund gives it gives quickly . There is no waiting , no inquisitorial sifting of necessities ; hut directly we are satisfied that a brother is deserving , and in need , we render him all the assistance oar means afford . Ladies aud
Brethren , I give you success to the Mark Benevolent Fund . Z . After the usual loyal toasts , Bro . J . C . Parkinson . the Chairman , gave "The health of the Grand Mark Master Mason , the most Worshipful Bro . the Rev . G . R Portal . " He remarked history is not wanting in salient examples of able Churchmen who have also been leaders in secular life—of ministers of religion who have been powerful officers of state . In Freemasonry the theory
and sound practice of which embrace the broad elementary truths of religion , and which is yet an organisation rejoicing in secular aims and conferring temporal benefits , there is , I think , a special appropriateness in the fact of a clergymen being elected by the free votes of his brethren to fill the leading place among them . I believe wo have no less than ten clergymen of the Church of England among our company to night ; and it seems to me to blend the two sides of Freemasonry very happily
when we find ministers of reli gion busying themselves with its working details , besides affording to the outer world convincing proof that there can be nothing in our order which is inimical to man ' s highest and holiest interests . In the Rev . Grand Master of the Mark Degree , we have a brother greatly gifted with the ruling or admiustrative faculties ; one who learnt the art of governing in the cold shade of opposition , and who did not forget the precious lessons when the opportunitcame for
y him to wield power . Our Grand Master brought , moreover , to the discharge of his high trust , a mind skilled in controversy , stored with classical knowledge , and exercised in the most sacred of functions—that of assuaging the sorrows , and guiding the aspirations of the human soul . Need I add that onr Grand Master came to us possessed of a strong will , ardent convictions , indomitable courage , aud a goodly stock of shrewd hard common
sense . These be promising qualities out of which to evolve a prosperous reign , and I beg , as your mouthpiece , to thank the Grand Master for bis judicious and constitutional rule , and to call upon you to drink bumpers to his health . The amount subscribed was about £ 110 . [ We shall next week publish the exact amount , and the names of the principal donors , with further details of this meeting which , we may say , was a very successful one . ]
The Mark Degree In England.
THE MARK DEGREE IN ENGLAND .
[ Continued from page 100 ) . Bro . Mackcrsy : I think we have got now tho historical character of the Degree , and a resume of tho whole proceedings connected with its working in England , to lay before our constituents . I would almost bo disposed to suggest that we adjourn till 11 o'clock to-morrow , when we could have these proceedings read to Col . Burdett , and consider what wc are to do .
Probably the course we should take would be that each Delegate report them to the body he represents , or perhaps Earl Percy will take a report to Grand Lodge of England of what has passed at this Conference , and then it may be that Grand Lodge of Scotland and Ireland may each direct a report of these proceedings to be submitted and ask for a formal deliverance by the Grand Lodge and Chapter of England . If the Grand Lod
ge of England still adhere to their former opinion , then Grand Lodges of Scotland , Ireland , and Ameiica act for themselves . Earl Percy : I should have some difficulty in reporting to Grand Lodge of England , because I am not a member of this committee as representing that body . Bro . Mackcrsy : At any rate the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Ireland may report to Grand Lodge of England .
At the adjourned meeting of the Conference held in the library of the Freemasons' Hall , on Tuesday , April 4 th , 1871 , there were present : Bros . Col . Burdett , in the chair ( G . Ch . of Ireland ) , L . Mackersy , A . Kerr , W . Mann , W . Hav , T . Entwisle , The Rev . G . R . Portal , W . W . B . Beach , M . P . ; F * . Binckes . The Chairman apologised for his absence yesterday , which he