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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
West Indies.
dedicated to the same purpose—was obtained ancl speedily fitted up iu Masonic form . The jewels ancl other paraphernalia ivere import « d , and after every thing necessary for the working of a Lodge had been obtained , application was made to tho Provincial Grand Alaster of East Jamaica , the Right AA ' orshipful Robert Hamilton , M . D ., for a dispensation , ancl to tbe Grand Lodge of England for a ohm-tor—tbe new Lodge being denominated , " The Hamilton , " in honour of the Worthy Provincial Grand Alaster . For some months past the Lodlias been
ge working under the dispensation granted by tho Provincial Grand Alaster , ancl it now numbers about fifty members . The charter signed by the Earl of Zetland arrived a few weeks ago , and arrangements wero immediatel y set on foot for the consecration of the Lodge , and the installation of the officers—Thursday , the 31 st Alay , being fixed on for the imposing and solemn ceremonies . At an early hour the streets of Spanish Town assumed an unusually animated appearance . From ten o ' clock the streets through which the brethren
were to pass in procession on their way to the- cathedral were crowded with people . Every window and door ou the lino was occupied with thc fair sex , a number of whem were in the cathedral . At a quarter to II o ' clock the Right AVorshipful the Provincial Grand Alaster , accompanied by tho Right AVorshipful the Provincial Junior Grand AVarden , Solomon Melhado , arrived , and was' rescived by the Grand Officers , ancl the brethren of the Hamilton Lodge . The procession of the brethren of the new Lodge and of the Grand Officers was
immediately formed and proceeded to the Lodge room , where the Lodge was opened iu the three degrees by the Provincial Grand Master , assisted by his Grand Wardens . After a short address from thc Provincial Grand Alaster , specifying the objects of tho meeting , thc Lodge was adjourned , and tho grand procession to the cathedral was formed . The corn was borne by the AVorshipful thc Hon . Robert Osborn ; thc wine by thc AVorshipful iii . N . Nathan , and the oil by the AVorshipful AVilliam Duff ; the incense by the AVorshipful J . R . Brice , and the salt by the AA ' orshipful S . AV . Mais , all in elegant silver vessels , the bearers being Past Masters of Lodges
, not Grand Officers . Then followed , thc Ri ght AA ' orshipful John Burger , and the Right AVorshipful Solomon Alelhado ; the Provincial Grand AVardens , with their columns and mauls richly gilt . The Standard of the Provincial Grand Lodge , with thc Jamaica coat of arms and the island motto , Indus utcnpie seeriel uni , impaled with the arms of the Grand Lodge , was carried by Bro . Alexander Garcia , a Alaster Mason of No . 250 ; and the Bible , square , and compasses , by the AVorshipful John Nuues . Thc Standard of the Provincial Grand Alaster was borne by AVilliam
Bro . AVare , a Master Alason . Then came the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer , tho Very AVorshipful John Duval , ivith the sword of state , followed by the Provincial Grand Alaster , the Right AVorshipful ' Robert Hamilton , M . A ., M . I ) ., wearing the full dress of an officer of the Grand Lodge of England . The procession marched from the Lodge room , when the marshals gave the order to " halt , " upon which the brethren formed themselves into open columns , to allow thc Provincial Grand Afastcr to take the
precedence in entering tho cathedral . As thc procession entered the cathedral the organ , which was presided at by Mr . Horatio A ' a / ,, pealed forth its notes , the choir chanting the 8 (! th psalm" 0 how amiable aro thy dwellings , thou Lord of hosts , " & c . Thc Grand Alaster was met at the door of thc cathedral by the Rev . G . J . Handfiold , M . A ., Rector ,, f St . Catherine ; the Rev . , 1 . If . Murphy . M . A ., Curate of Trinity , Spanish Town , and tho Rev . Aitcheson Finlayj
tbe Assistant Prov . Grand Chaplain ( who was dressed in his Alasonic garb ) . On entering the church , tiie bearers of the several vessels and other Masonic properties , deposited them on a table covered with crimson cloth in the chancel , on the three sides of which—east , west and south—were placed the three lesser lights of Freemasonrv . The spectacle at this period of the proceedings was most brilliant and imposing . Tiie morning service was read by the Rev , thc rector , and thc Rev . J . II . Murphy , M . A . —the former taking thc lessons selected f ,. r the occasion .
I lie Rev . the Prov . Assistant Grand Chaplain then ascended the pulpit , and delivered a sermon , taking as his text , the 21 th verse of thc 0 th chapter of Hebrews . ' ' For Christ is not entered into the hul y places made with hands , ivhich arc the figures of tho true , but into heaven itself , now to appealin the presence of God for us . ' ' The rev . gentleman , after describing how atonement for sins ivas made under tho Atosaic dispensation , proceeded to give a graphic account of the le of Solomon
temp , and especially of the lUd y of Holies , which the priest alone entered once a year for the purpose of making atonement for thc people . He spoke of the rending of the veil , which tuok . place for thc purpose of showing that it was no longer necessary for the priest to make intercession in thc holy place — Jesus Christ bavin " assumed tho position of Mediator between God and man . Ho then dilated un the necessity for ail mankind so to conduct themselves as to obtain a place in heaven through the mediatorial iii |
, Uoncc of the Saviour . Ho then spoko .. ( ' ( he thins * uu .-cssarv to salvation and among these were lhe virtues which were the fundamental principles of Krceinasomy , godliness , benevolence , goodness , meekness , love and concord . In a Alasonic Lodge neither polemical discussions , unpolitical controversies were ever admitted . - Nothing was considered
but works of charity ancl love . Alasonry had existed for centuries , and had been the means of doing much good to mankind — binding the hearts of men together in brotherhood , and eradicating evil passions and improper feelings . He spoke approvingly of the opening of the Lodge with public prayer , and exhorted the brethren to remember thc obligations they were under , and to cultivate piety and morality . He expressed his hope that the service ofthe day would have a good effect on the minds ofhis hearersand that the members of the fraternity
, would remember that there was a God in Heaven watching their acts , and a Saviour , ready ancl willing to intercede on their behalf with the . Almighty Father , who was the giver of all good things and the preserver of mankind . He called on the brethren to remember their obligations one to tiie other , and to the world at , large , —to continue to perforin with fidelity those deeds of charity and beneficence which hacl rendered the order conspicuous , and hacl obtained for it the respect and esteem of their fellow men everywhere ; and , in conclusion , be called upon his
hearers to remember that Christ was iu Heaven " in the presence of God for us . " On the conclusion of the service the brethren left the cathedral in tbe same order in ivhich they set out from tbe Lodge , the choir chanting the 147 th Psalm —( 0 Praise the Lord ) . Thc procession , headed by the marshals , then returned to Adelaide Street , in which , as before stated , the Ludge is situate . On the entrance of tho Kilwinning Lodge , ivhich went last , the congregated multitude outside , which numbered some thousands of persons , gave three hearty cheers , and dispersed .
THE COXSECBATION . On the return of the Lodge , after tho usual formalities were gone through , the Rev . A . H . Delevantc , the WW . Prov . Grand Chaplain for East Jamaica , was called upon by the Prov . Grand Alaster to address thc brethren on the beauties of Freemasonry . The reverend brother commenced by congratulating the members of the Hamilton Lodge on its formation , and hoped it would 2 irove another gem to be [ added to those with which the coronet of Freemasonry is already studded . He
then proceeded to pass some merited encomiums on the AA ' orshipful Prov . Grand Alaster , whose name the Lodge bore , and after entreating the members of the Craft ever to hold in mind and practical regard the virtuous and benevolent purposes for ivhich their society was instituted , proceeded to give an historical account of Freemasonry . He first alluded to ancient or operative Alasonry . He showed that Masonic Lodges existed long before the days of the great King Solomon , ancl that the men who ivere employed to erect the temple of Jerusalem were
members of the Craft . He proved that it ivas iu consequence of the union and skill of these workmen , that thc temple was built in so scientific a manner , and that the stones ivhich were employed in the erection of the edifice , aud which obviated the necessity for the use of either hammer , axe , or any metal tool , wero prepared and brought thither b y Freemasons . He stated that it had been discovered that not only tho materia l s of the temple , but those of other antient churches as
ivell as other important structures were made by members of the Craft , and that Alasonic emblems were found ou the bricks of many buildings that had fallen into ruin . He explained how Masonry took its rise , and proved that it was not only useful but eminently conservative iu its aims . He next showed how it became universal through the instrumentality of Pythagoras , the celebrated ancient philosopher , who established a , Lodge of Alasons iu Egypt , After accounting for the abandonment of the operative character of the Alason , the reverend brother
went on to speak of modern or speculative Alasonry . In this branch of his oration , ho showed that thc same feeling of union and regard ivhich characterized the members of the fraternity who built the temple of the Lord in the days of King Solomon , still existed morally among the members of the Craft . He expatiated at some length on the objects of the society , of which he was proud of saying he was a member . Ho showed that concord , charity , usefulness , and religious tolerance were thc groundwork of Freemasonrythat it was unconfincd to sect or
; creed , and lhat all its members wero alike participators in its advantages . He further dilated on the emblems employed by the Craft , giving to eaeli a moral signification ; ancl showing at tbe same time their usefulness in the erection of a spiritual structure . The reverend brother then appealed to the brethren to employ the emblems as the signification of the morals which he had expatiated on , as in doing so , they ivould be securing for themselves the good will of man , and the favour of God in heaven .
The oration was characterized by much research and fervid eloquence , The work of consecration was then opened with an appropriate prayer from the Provincial Grand Chaplain , the Very AVorshipful ancl Rev . A . H . Dclevante , who next perfumed the Lodge with incense , repeating the seventh and ei ghth verses of the thirtieth chapter of Exodus . The Provincial Grand Alaster then strewed corn , ancl dedicated the Lodge to God and his service ; and tho wine , and dedicated the Lodge to Alasonry . He also poured forth the oil , and strewed salt on thc Lod the Provincial
ge , Grand Chaplain repeating appropriate passages of Scripture . The Provincial Assistant Grand Chaplain then" offered up another P ' . iyer , ami the seraphini . which was presided at by Bro . J , Stnrridge , ; hon struck up the anthem , " Glory be to God on high . " . After this the Lodge was constituted in antient and solemn form , by the Right AVorshipful tho Grand Alaster . The consecration being ended , thc Right AVorshipful Grand Master proceeded with
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
West Indies.
dedicated to the same purpose—was obtained ancl speedily fitted up iu Masonic form . The jewels ancl other paraphernalia ivere import « d , and after every thing necessary for the working of a Lodge had been obtained , application was made to tho Provincial Grand Alaster of East Jamaica , the Right AA ' orshipful Robert Hamilton , M . D ., for a dispensation , ancl to tbe Grand Lodge of England for a ohm-tor—tbe new Lodge being denominated , " The Hamilton , " in honour of the Worthy Provincial Grand Alaster . For some months past the Lodlias been
ge working under the dispensation granted by tho Provincial Grand Alaster , ancl it now numbers about fifty members . The charter signed by the Earl of Zetland arrived a few weeks ago , and arrangements wero immediatel y set on foot for the consecration of the Lodge , and the installation of the officers—Thursday , the 31 st Alay , being fixed on for the imposing and solemn ceremonies . At an early hour the streets of Spanish Town assumed an unusually animated appearance . From ten o ' clock the streets through which the brethren
were to pass in procession on their way to the- cathedral were crowded with people . Every window and door ou the lino was occupied with thc fair sex , a number of whem were in the cathedral . At a quarter to II o ' clock the Right AVorshipful the Provincial Grand Alaster , accompanied by tho Right AVorshipful the Provincial Junior Grand AVarden , Solomon Melhado , arrived , and was' rescived by the Grand Officers , ancl the brethren of the Hamilton Lodge . The procession of the brethren of the new Lodge and of the Grand Officers was
immediately formed and proceeded to the Lodge room , where the Lodge was opened iu the three degrees by the Provincial Grand Master , assisted by his Grand Wardens . After a short address from thc Provincial Grand Alaster , specifying the objects of tho meeting , thc Lodge was adjourned , and tho grand procession to the cathedral was formed . The corn was borne by the AVorshipful thc Hon . Robert Osborn ; thc wine by thc AVorshipful iii . N . Nathan , and the oil by the AVorshipful AVilliam Duff ; the incense by the AVorshipful J . R . Brice , and the salt by the AA ' orshipful S . AV . Mais , all in elegant silver vessels , the bearers being Past Masters of Lodges
, not Grand Officers . Then followed , thc Ri ght AA ' orshipful John Burger , and the Right AVorshipful Solomon Alelhado ; the Provincial Grand AVardens , with their columns and mauls richly gilt . The Standard of the Provincial Grand Lodge , with thc Jamaica coat of arms and the island motto , Indus utcnpie seeriel uni , impaled with the arms of the Grand Lodge , was carried by Bro . Alexander Garcia , a Alaster Mason of No . 250 ; and the Bible , square , and compasses , by the AVorshipful John Nuues . Thc Standard of the Provincial Grand Alaster was borne by AVilliam
Bro . AVare , a Master Alason . Then came the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer , tho Very AVorshipful John Duval , ivith the sword of state , followed by the Provincial Grand Alaster , the Right AVorshipful ' Robert Hamilton , M . A ., M . I ) ., wearing the full dress of an officer of the Grand Lodge of England . The procession marched from the Lodge room , when the marshals gave the order to " halt , " upon which the brethren formed themselves into open columns , to allow thc Provincial Grand Afastcr to take the
precedence in entering tho cathedral . As thc procession entered the cathedral the organ , which was presided at by Mr . Horatio A ' a / ,, pealed forth its notes , the choir chanting the 8 (! th psalm" 0 how amiable aro thy dwellings , thou Lord of hosts , " & c . Thc Grand Alaster was met at the door of thc cathedral by the Rev . G . J . Handfiold , M . A ., Rector ,, f St . Catherine ; the Rev . , 1 . If . Murphy . M . A ., Curate of Trinity , Spanish Town , and tho Rev . Aitcheson Finlayj
tbe Assistant Prov . Grand Chaplain ( who was dressed in his Alasonic garb ) . On entering the church , tiie bearers of the several vessels and other Masonic properties , deposited them on a table covered with crimson cloth in the chancel , on the three sides of which—east , west and south—were placed the three lesser lights of Freemasonrv . The spectacle at this period of the proceedings was most brilliant and imposing . Tiie morning service was read by the Rev , thc rector , and thc Rev . J . II . Murphy , M . A . —the former taking thc lessons selected f ,. r the occasion .
I lie Rev . the Prov . Assistant Grand Chaplain then ascended the pulpit , and delivered a sermon , taking as his text , the 21 th verse of thc 0 th chapter of Hebrews . ' ' For Christ is not entered into the hul y places made with hands , ivhich arc the figures of tho true , but into heaven itself , now to appealin the presence of God for us . ' ' The rev . gentleman , after describing how atonement for sins ivas made under tho Atosaic dispensation , proceeded to give a graphic account of the le of Solomon
temp , and especially of the lUd y of Holies , which the priest alone entered once a year for the purpose of making atonement for thc people . He spoke of the rending of the veil , which tuok . place for thc purpose of showing that it was no longer necessary for the priest to make intercession in thc holy place — Jesus Christ bavin " assumed tho position of Mediator between God and man . Ho then dilated un the necessity for ail mankind so to conduct themselves as to obtain a place in heaven through the mediatorial iii |
, Uoncc of the Saviour . Ho then spoko .. ( ' ( he thins * uu .-cssarv to salvation and among these were lhe virtues which were the fundamental principles of Krceinasomy , godliness , benevolence , goodness , meekness , love and concord . In a Alasonic Lodge neither polemical discussions , unpolitical controversies were ever admitted . - Nothing was considered
but works of charity ancl love . Alasonry had existed for centuries , and had been the means of doing much good to mankind — binding the hearts of men together in brotherhood , and eradicating evil passions and improper feelings . He spoke approvingly of the opening of the Lodge with public prayer , and exhorted the brethren to remember thc obligations they were under , and to cultivate piety and morality . He expressed his hope that the service ofthe day would have a good effect on the minds ofhis hearersand that the members of the fraternity
, would remember that there was a God in Heaven watching their acts , and a Saviour , ready ancl willing to intercede on their behalf with the . Almighty Father , who was the giver of all good things and the preserver of mankind . He called on the brethren to remember their obligations one to tiie other , and to the world at , large , —to continue to perforin with fidelity those deeds of charity and beneficence which hacl rendered the order conspicuous , and hacl obtained for it the respect and esteem of their fellow men everywhere ; and , in conclusion , be called upon his
hearers to remember that Christ was iu Heaven " in the presence of God for us . " On the conclusion of the service the brethren left the cathedral in tbe same order in ivhich they set out from tbe Lodge , the choir chanting the 147 th Psalm —( 0 Praise the Lord ) . Thc procession , headed by the marshals , then returned to Adelaide Street , in which , as before stated , the Ludge is situate . On the entrance of tho Kilwinning Lodge , ivhich went last , the congregated multitude outside , which numbered some thousands of persons , gave three hearty cheers , and dispersed .
THE COXSECBATION . On the return of the Lodge , after tho usual formalities were gone through , the Rev . A . H . Delevantc , the WW . Prov . Grand Chaplain for East Jamaica , was called upon by the Prov . Grand Alaster to address thc brethren on the beauties of Freemasonry . The reverend brother commenced by congratulating the members of the Hamilton Lodge on its formation , and hoped it would 2 irove another gem to be [ added to those with which the coronet of Freemasonry is already studded . He
then proceeded to pass some merited encomiums on the AA ' orshipful Prov . Grand Alaster , whose name the Lodge bore , and after entreating the members of the Craft ever to hold in mind and practical regard the virtuous and benevolent purposes for ivhich their society was instituted , proceeded to give an historical account of Freemasonry . He first alluded to ancient or operative Alasonry . He showed that Masonic Lodges existed long before the days of the great King Solomon , ancl that the men who ivere employed to erect the temple of Jerusalem were
members of the Craft . He proved that it ivas iu consequence of the union and skill of these workmen , that thc temple was built in so scientific a manner , and that the stones ivhich were employed in the erection of the edifice , aud which obviated the necessity for the use of either hammer , axe , or any metal tool , wero prepared and brought thither b y Freemasons . He stated that it had been discovered that not only tho materia l s of the temple , but those of other antient churches as
ivell as other important structures were made by members of the Craft , and that Alasonic emblems were found ou the bricks of many buildings that had fallen into ruin . He explained how Masonry took its rise , and proved that it was not only useful but eminently conservative iu its aims . He next showed how it became universal through the instrumentality of Pythagoras , the celebrated ancient philosopher , who established a , Lodge of Alasons iu Egypt , After accounting for the abandonment of the operative character of the Alason , the reverend brother
went on to speak of modern or speculative Alasonry . In this branch of his oration , ho showed that thc same feeling of union and regard ivhich characterized the members of the fraternity who built the temple of the Lord in the days of King Solomon , still existed morally among the members of the Craft . He expatiated at some length on the objects of the society , of which he was proud of saying he was a member . Ho showed that concord , charity , usefulness , and religious tolerance were thc groundwork of Freemasonrythat it was unconfincd to sect or
; creed , and lhat all its members wero alike participators in its advantages . He further dilated on the emblems employed by the Craft , giving to eaeli a moral signification ; ancl showing at tbe same time their usefulness in the erection of a spiritual structure . The reverend brother then appealed to the brethren to employ the emblems as the signification of the morals which he had expatiated on , as in doing so , they ivould be securing for themselves the good will of man , and the favour of God in heaven .
The oration was characterized by much research and fervid eloquence , The work of consecration was then opened with an appropriate prayer from the Provincial Grand Chaplain , the Very AVorshipful ancl Rev . A . H . Dclevante , who next perfumed the Lodge with incense , repeating the seventh and ei ghth verses of the thirtieth chapter of Exodus . The Provincial Grand Alaster then strewed corn , ancl dedicated the Lodge to God and his service ; and tho wine , and dedicated the Lodge to Alasonry . He also poured forth the oil , and strewed salt on thc Lod the Provincial
ge , Grand Chaplain repeating appropriate passages of Scripture . The Provincial Assistant Grand Chaplain then" offered up another P ' . iyer , ami the seraphini . which was presided at by Bro . J , Stnrridge , ; hon struck up the anthem , " Glory be to God on high . " . After this the Lodge was constituted in antient and solemn form , by the Right AVorshipful tho Grand Alaster . The consecration being ended , thc Right AVorshipful Grand Master proceeded with