Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Canada.
During the year I granted dispensations for opening the following lodges , viz .: —North Gower Lodge , North Gower , Ontario ; Lancaster Lodge , Lancaster , Ontario ; Chateaguay Lodge , Huntingdon , Quebec ; Evergreen Lodge , Lanark , Ontario ; Hawkesbury Lodge , Hawkesbury , Ontario ; Brome Lako Lodge , Knowltonville , Quebec ; Elysian Lodge , Garden Island , Ontario ; Dominion Lodge , Ridgway , Ontario ; Craig
Lodge , Ailsa Craig , Ontario ; Lake Lodge , Roblin ' s Mill , Ontario ; Harris Lodge , Orangeville , Ontario ; and Frederick Lodge , Fredericksburg , Ontario . The petitions were all strongly recommended , and in each case a certificate was appended , either from the District Deputy G . M . of the District , or from a competent P . M . that the W . M . elect was capable of conferring the degrees , according to the established mode . I trust that they have performed their work ,
aud transacted their business in such a manner as will enable Grand Lodge to order the issue of the usual Warrants of Confirmation . Two special communications of Grand Lodge were convened during tho year . The first was held at the City of Kingston , on the 12 th of October , 1868 , for the purpose of laying the foundation stone of a new Masonic Hall , which ceremony was most ably performed by M . W . Bro . Simpson , P . G . M . The second was held at the City of Hamilton on Dominion Day , when I bad the honour of laying the foundation stone of St . Thomas ' Cbnrcli .
The ordinary Masonic transactions of the past year have not "been varied greatly from the routine of preceding years . There have been submitted for my opinion and decision , a large number of questions , which I do not deem it necessary to be mentioned in detail here , as my Letter Book is open during the : Session of Grand Lodge , to all who may desire to examine it . One or two points , however , it may be well to allude to . I have felt it my duty to decline acceding to all applications for
dispensations to initiate into Freemasonry persons physically disqualified , for the reason , which I hope will commend itself to your judgment , that when once the line is passed , it is utterly impossible to discriminate between the admissable and the non-¦ admissable , and I have felt it to be a safe course , and one sure to result in good to the fraternity , to refuse all petitions of that ¦ nature . From various parts of our jurisdiction , I have learned with great regret that the ambition of some of our brethren
seems to have outrun their discretion . In several instances this has been carried so far as to result : in the formation of two or more parties in a lodge , and under the eagerness and excitement which such a state of things invariably produces , open canvassing for office has been actually resorted to . Brethren , this is an evil of great magnitude , fraught with most disastrous consequences , and it ought not to be tolerated in private lodges or in Grand Lodge . To be elected to a prominent position in the Craft is doubtless an honour to which all deserving and duly qualified brethren may aspire ; yet it ought always to be remembered that merit and ability alone
are the true grounds of preferment among Masons , and it is most unseemly that anything like electioneering for office should ever be attempted . It is to be hoped that in future every brother mil denounce and discountenance such proceedings by every means in his power . The most effective mode of securing the complete abolishment of this evil practice will be for every brother , when approached in that way , to cast his vote against , instead of forthe partwho resorts to such improper methods
, y for the purpose of obtaining office . The remarkable ability at all times displayed by the R . W . Grand Secretary ; his promptitude and fidelity , together with the untiring zeal he invariably manifests in promoting the best interests of the fraternity , entitle him to your warmest gratitude , and a renewal of your confidence which has been extended to him during the many years he has so worthil y filled his important officeThe remarks will
. same equally apply to the It . W . Grand Treasurer , who has so faithfully discharged the duties of his responsible position to the entire satisfaction of Grand Lodge . During the year , I have made arrangements for an exchange of representatives with several sister Grand Lodges , and have accredited the following brethren as representatives of the Grand Lodge of Canadaviz .:
—, R . W . Bros . G . S . Blackie , near the Grand Lodge of Tennessee-E . W . John V . Ellis , St . John , N . B ., near the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick ; and R . W . James Cunningham Batchelor , New Orleans , near the Grand Lodge of Louisiana . I have great pleasure in recommending that the rank of P . G .
Senior Warden in Grand Lodge be conferred upon onr representative near the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick . From a very early period in the history of our Grand Lodge , the question of the establishment of a Masonic Asylum has largely occupied the attention of our lodges and brethren . A special committee , consisting o f some of the most influential and talented members of Grand Lodge , has been annually appointed
to mature 4 > . practicable scbeme , and notwithstanding the efforts they have put forth from time to time , the state of that question at the present day irresistibly forces upon the mind the enquiry whether an asylum such as that proposed would bo calculated to relieve the existing distress so effectually as the system now in operation . It does seem to be a doubtful question , whether the expenditure necessary for the erection and maintenance of such an
institution would be justifiable under present circumstances ? There appears to be a very general opinion prevailing that the great majority of applicants for Grand Lodge benevolence would much prefer accepting even a small annual grant , which could be expended in maintaining themselves amongst their own relatives or acquaintances . rather than seek for admission to asylums , which would be considered ( no matter how unjustly ) as partaking of the nature of a pauper institution ; and it must be
well known to you all , that in this country , amongst every class of the community , there exists a decided feeling of aversion to everthing partaking of that character . The uncertainty which seems to have surrounded the asylum project , leads me to suggest to your consideration whether it would not be better to relinquish for the present , the realisation of that scheme , and to devote our means and energies towards the establishment of a much needed institution for the support and education of the children
and orphans of the fraternity , and others who may avail themselves of its advantages under regulations which Grand Lodge may see fit to adopt . A Freemasons' school , organised on a proper basis , would , no doubt , enlist the sympathy and support of the lodges generally , and might be so managed as to entail a slight tax upon the funds of Grand Lodge , if indeed it might not be made self supportable . I commend this matter to your earnest consideration . It will be within the recollection of many now present , that
when the Grand Lodge met in this city , three years ago , an application for recognition was received from the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia then recently organised ; after due deliberation the application was favourably entertained and recognition accorded by the Grand Lodge of Canada ; at that period considerdifference of opinion existed amongst the fraternity in that province , regarding the expediency of organising an independent Grand Lodge in Nova Scotia , and consequently a majority of
the lodges continued their allegiance to those Grand Lodges from whom their warrants were derived . Efforts have been made from time to time , to effect a union of the Craft there , and I feel certain that the members of this Grand Lodge will rejoice to learn that this has at last been satisfactorily accomplished on a basis similar in many respects to the re-union which took place in Canada in 1858 , every lodge in that province ( except one , a military lodge ) being now enrolled under the banner of the Grand
Lodge of Nova Scotia . Early in last month , I received an invitation from the joint committee or union , and also from the venerable brother , the Hon . Alex Keith , who has for a long period of years presided over the English Provincial Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , to proceed to Halifax , and instal the Grand Master elect . Duly appreciating the honour intended to be conferred upon the Grand Lodge , through that invitation , I did not feel at liberty to decline its acceptance . On arriving at
Halifax on the 23 rd ult ., in company with M . W . Bro Bernard , P . G . M . of Montreal , and 3 V 1 . W . Bro . B . L . Peters , G . M . of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick , we received a most cordial and fraternal welcome , from M . W . Bro . Keith and other brethern . The Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , and the District Grand Lodge , both met on that day for the transaction of business prior to the union , which was consummated the same evening in a manner which reflects the greatest credit on all concerned . On the 24 th
I had the honour of installing the new Grand Master ( M . W . Bro . Keith ) and other Grand Lodge Officers . Immediately after the installation , the members of the Grand Lodge and other brethren ( numbering in all about 600 ) marched in procession to St . Paul ' s Church , where a most admirable aud eloquent discourse was delivered by R . W . Bro . the Rev . D . C . Moore , G . Chap , who selected as his text , those singularly appropriate words , " Let brotherly love continue . " In the evening a banquet was held , at which there were nearly 600 present . Onr visit was a most delight-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Canada.
During the year I granted dispensations for opening the following lodges , viz .: —North Gower Lodge , North Gower , Ontario ; Lancaster Lodge , Lancaster , Ontario ; Chateaguay Lodge , Huntingdon , Quebec ; Evergreen Lodge , Lanark , Ontario ; Hawkesbury Lodge , Hawkesbury , Ontario ; Brome Lako Lodge , Knowltonville , Quebec ; Elysian Lodge , Garden Island , Ontario ; Dominion Lodge , Ridgway , Ontario ; Craig
Lodge , Ailsa Craig , Ontario ; Lake Lodge , Roblin ' s Mill , Ontario ; Harris Lodge , Orangeville , Ontario ; and Frederick Lodge , Fredericksburg , Ontario . The petitions were all strongly recommended , and in each case a certificate was appended , either from the District Deputy G . M . of the District , or from a competent P . M . that the W . M . elect was capable of conferring the degrees , according to the established mode . I trust that they have performed their work ,
aud transacted their business in such a manner as will enable Grand Lodge to order the issue of the usual Warrants of Confirmation . Two special communications of Grand Lodge were convened during tho year . The first was held at the City of Kingston , on the 12 th of October , 1868 , for the purpose of laying the foundation stone of a new Masonic Hall , which ceremony was most ably performed by M . W . Bro . Simpson , P . G . M . The second was held at the City of Hamilton on Dominion Day , when I bad the honour of laying the foundation stone of St . Thomas ' Cbnrcli .
The ordinary Masonic transactions of the past year have not "been varied greatly from the routine of preceding years . There have been submitted for my opinion and decision , a large number of questions , which I do not deem it necessary to be mentioned in detail here , as my Letter Book is open during the : Session of Grand Lodge , to all who may desire to examine it . One or two points , however , it may be well to allude to . I have felt it my duty to decline acceding to all applications for
dispensations to initiate into Freemasonry persons physically disqualified , for the reason , which I hope will commend itself to your judgment , that when once the line is passed , it is utterly impossible to discriminate between the admissable and the non-¦ admissable , and I have felt it to be a safe course , and one sure to result in good to the fraternity , to refuse all petitions of that ¦ nature . From various parts of our jurisdiction , I have learned with great regret that the ambition of some of our brethren
seems to have outrun their discretion . In several instances this has been carried so far as to result : in the formation of two or more parties in a lodge , and under the eagerness and excitement which such a state of things invariably produces , open canvassing for office has been actually resorted to . Brethren , this is an evil of great magnitude , fraught with most disastrous consequences , and it ought not to be tolerated in private lodges or in Grand Lodge . To be elected to a prominent position in the Craft is doubtless an honour to which all deserving and duly qualified brethren may aspire ; yet it ought always to be remembered that merit and ability alone
are the true grounds of preferment among Masons , and it is most unseemly that anything like electioneering for office should ever be attempted . It is to be hoped that in future every brother mil denounce and discountenance such proceedings by every means in his power . The most effective mode of securing the complete abolishment of this evil practice will be for every brother , when approached in that way , to cast his vote against , instead of forthe partwho resorts to such improper methods
, y for the purpose of obtaining office . The remarkable ability at all times displayed by the R . W . Grand Secretary ; his promptitude and fidelity , together with the untiring zeal he invariably manifests in promoting the best interests of the fraternity , entitle him to your warmest gratitude , and a renewal of your confidence which has been extended to him during the many years he has so worthil y filled his important officeThe remarks will
. same equally apply to the It . W . Grand Treasurer , who has so faithfully discharged the duties of his responsible position to the entire satisfaction of Grand Lodge . During the year , I have made arrangements for an exchange of representatives with several sister Grand Lodges , and have accredited the following brethren as representatives of the Grand Lodge of Canadaviz .:
—, R . W . Bros . G . S . Blackie , near the Grand Lodge of Tennessee-E . W . John V . Ellis , St . John , N . B ., near the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick ; and R . W . James Cunningham Batchelor , New Orleans , near the Grand Lodge of Louisiana . I have great pleasure in recommending that the rank of P . G .
Senior Warden in Grand Lodge be conferred upon onr representative near the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick . From a very early period in the history of our Grand Lodge , the question of the establishment of a Masonic Asylum has largely occupied the attention of our lodges and brethren . A special committee , consisting o f some of the most influential and talented members of Grand Lodge , has been annually appointed
to mature 4 > . practicable scbeme , and notwithstanding the efforts they have put forth from time to time , the state of that question at the present day irresistibly forces upon the mind the enquiry whether an asylum such as that proposed would bo calculated to relieve the existing distress so effectually as the system now in operation . It does seem to be a doubtful question , whether the expenditure necessary for the erection and maintenance of such an
institution would be justifiable under present circumstances ? There appears to be a very general opinion prevailing that the great majority of applicants for Grand Lodge benevolence would much prefer accepting even a small annual grant , which could be expended in maintaining themselves amongst their own relatives or acquaintances . rather than seek for admission to asylums , which would be considered ( no matter how unjustly ) as partaking of the nature of a pauper institution ; and it must be
well known to you all , that in this country , amongst every class of the community , there exists a decided feeling of aversion to everthing partaking of that character . The uncertainty which seems to have surrounded the asylum project , leads me to suggest to your consideration whether it would not be better to relinquish for the present , the realisation of that scheme , and to devote our means and energies towards the establishment of a much needed institution for the support and education of the children
and orphans of the fraternity , and others who may avail themselves of its advantages under regulations which Grand Lodge may see fit to adopt . A Freemasons' school , organised on a proper basis , would , no doubt , enlist the sympathy and support of the lodges generally , and might be so managed as to entail a slight tax upon the funds of Grand Lodge , if indeed it might not be made self supportable . I commend this matter to your earnest consideration . It will be within the recollection of many now present , that
when the Grand Lodge met in this city , three years ago , an application for recognition was received from the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia then recently organised ; after due deliberation the application was favourably entertained and recognition accorded by the Grand Lodge of Canada ; at that period considerdifference of opinion existed amongst the fraternity in that province , regarding the expediency of organising an independent Grand Lodge in Nova Scotia , and consequently a majority of
the lodges continued their allegiance to those Grand Lodges from whom their warrants were derived . Efforts have been made from time to time , to effect a union of the Craft there , and I feel certain that the members of this Grand Lodge will rejoice to learn that this has at last been satisfactorily accomplished on a basis similar in many respects to the re-union which took place in Canada in 1858 , every lodge in that province ( except one , a military lodge ) being now enrolled under the banner of the Grand
Lodge of Nova Scotia . Early in last month , I received an invitation from the joint committee or union , and also from the venerable brother , the Hon . Alex Keith , who has for a long period of years presided over the English Provincial Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , to proceed to Halifax , and instal the Grand Master elect . Duly appreciating the honour intended to be conferred upon the Grand Lodge , through that invitation , I did not feel at liberty to decline its acceptance . On arriving at
Halifax on the 23 rd ult ., in company with M . W . Bro Bernard , P . G . M . of Montreal , and 3 V 1 . W . Bro . B . L . Peters , G . M . of the Grand Lodge of New Brunswick , we received a most cordial and fraternal welcome , from M . W . Bro . Keith and other brethern . The Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia , and the District Grand Lodge , both met on that day for the transaction of business prior to the union , which was consummated the same evening in a manner which reflects the greatest credit on all concerned . On the 24 th
I had the honour of installing the new Grand Master ( M . W . Bro . Keith ) and other Grand Lodge Officers . Immediately after the installation , the members of the Grand Lodge and other brethren ( numbering in all about 600 ) marched in procession to St . Paul ' s Church , where a most admirable aud eloquent discourse was delivered by R . W . Bro . the Rev . D . C . Moore , G . Chap , who selected as his text , those singularly appropriate words , " Let brotherly love continue . " In the evening a banquet was held , at which there were nearly 600 present . Onr visit was a most delight-