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Craft Masonry.
the position of Prov . G . M . of Hampshire . He was happy to see two old and respected members of Grand Lodge present , and he would couple their names with the toast . " Bro . Patten replied on behalf of the Grand Officers . He was satisfied that their Deputy Grand Master had determined to follow in the footsteps of the Earl de Grey aud Ripon , whom he had succeeded . He ( Bro . Patten ) , had been a member of Grand Lodupwards of 20 and be had visited many lodges ,
ge years , but lie had never on any occasion responded to the toast of the Grand Officers with more satisfaction than on the present occasion . He was sure his lordship and the Grand Officers were truly grateful for the hearty reception of the toasts of their healths . Brother Fowkes . AV . Prov . S . G . AA ' ., said that a man's native modesty prevented him from proposing his own health , he had
therefore been entrusted with the gavel , iu order to propose tlie health of the R . AA ' . Prov . G . Master of Kent . Ho invited the attention of the brethren to the excellent manner in which he had performed the duties pertaining to his office for the past ten years . The R . AV . Bro . was a gentleman of Kent , and was largely identified with the interests of the county . Hu had occupied lor some years a position as one of the legislators of our country .
It was not only a benefit to Masonry to have legislators enrolled amongst the members of the Craft , but he was sure that it would tend much to the welfare of the nation if more of its legislators were masons , for in that case our laws would bear the impress of the great principles of the Masonic Institution . He would conclude by asking them to drink- with all honours the "health of the R . W . Prov . G . Master , Viscount Holmesdale . "
The Prov . G . Master in reply , said that at each recurring meeting of the Prov . G . Lodge his name was ever kindly mentioned . It was a pleasure to preside over them , and more especially so when he continued year after year to meet with an increasingly favourable reception . ; Bro . Fowkes had said that the principles of our noble institution would inevitably go beyond the circle of Masonic life , and would penetrate into the outer world , which would no doubt be benefitted by its influence . Although many were going contrary to their noble principles , yet Masonry could do much to alleviate the evil . Two great nations were on the eve of a war , and two vast armies were
preparing to go into battle . It would be madness in any one to imagine that war would ever entirely cease ; but there was in tho present day an association , unknown in former times , now flourishing , and it enrolled amongst its members natives of almost every nation in Europe , the object of which is to alleviate the distress and suffering consequent upon war ; and he had no doubt that to Masonry could in a great measure be traced the origin of this organization , and , if sueh were the case , one more ,
could be added to the already long list of good deeds accomplished by Masonry , and our meetings , joyous as they are , will not have taken place in vain . He was glad to see the very great progress that had been made in the province . At the time of his appointment , ten years ago , the lodges in the province numbered 16 ; they are now 33 . Ten years ago the roll of members amounted to 560 , while they could now count between fourteen and fifteen hundred . This accession of numbers
, he was happy to say , had not been made at the expense of quality , for he was of opinion that tlie quality of the members was a far greater consideration than in great increase in their numbers . He was strongly opposed to the plan of recruiting for the sake of increasing their numbers at tlie expense of their dignity , aud it became tne brethren to inquire minutely into tho character and position of those they contemplate proposing as members of our Order . If the increase in numbers went on at the present
rate , in a few years the affairs of the province would become too much lor one Provincial Grand Lodge to direct , and it would be impossible to meet all the worthy claims to the distinction of wearing the purple , audit would become a question for serious consideration whether it would not be necessary to divide the Masonic jurisdiction of the county of Kent between two Provincial Grand Lod ges . It may not be in the discretion of the
Grand Master to consent to this step . Although Kent could not claim to be so large as the county of Yorkshire , yet this increase of numbers fairly entitles her to serious consideration of the matter ;; but if it was the opinion of theGrand Masterthat such a step would not be considered advisable , they would be bound by the superior wisdom of their superiors . The claims of the people were now so numerous , that those brethren who were left ' -out in the cold " must not think that they were slightly passed over . If _ hardship was inflicted in some instances , the Craft was a gainer ; for with a larger stock to select from , tlie quality was
sure to be of a higher order . AVith regard to the procession to to the church , lie would mention that that that was a matter which had been discussed some years ago , when it was decided that tbe procession should not take place . On the present occasion , the distance was but small , and it had been represented to him that it would be u great disappointment to the inhabitants —who had done their best to welcome the Prov . G . Lodge—if the brethren did not attend the church . But he would remark
that if upon another occasion it was decided to have the procession , it would be necessary that tho AV . Masters , and the Prov . G . Lodgo also , would turn out their members to drill , so that there might not be so much irregularity in their inarching . Occupying a position in the rear , it came perhaps more closely under Ids observation , and he hoped that if the custom was to be kept up , | they would , on the next occasion , turn out , if not in
military , at least in decent order . They had had a pleasant day , with nothing to complain of in the weather , tho company , or the excellent arrangements . Ho concluded by again thanking them . The Prov . G . Master next proposed , in complimentary terms , the " Health of the D . Prov . G . Master Bro . Dodson . Bro . Dodson , D . Prov . G . M ., thanked the brethren for their ksnd tion of his name . Iu tlie course of his remarks he
recep stated that their bye-laws had been altered . He had been looking over the bye-laws of a lodge which formerly existed in Dartford , and he was of the opinion that they were so practically good that it was a question whether , if any further alteration were required , it would not be better to go back to tlie old rules . ' He would read a fen- extracts he had made from bye-laws of the lodge , True and Faithful , which was formerly
held at the Rose Inn in tliis town , and afterwards at the Marquis of Granby , within five years of a century ago . The first extract he would read bore so strongly upon a matter that had been mentioned by their Provincial Grand Master as to the care requisite in admitting new members . The remarks which had been made he fully concurred iu . There was no necessity to descend to a lower class to keep up their numbers , but they should rather look up to a higher class . Hpfiv wli'itthe nhf bvp-lo ws sav on this snbieet :-
—" Admission of M embers . " That no person be suffered or admitted to be made a free and accepted Mason in this lodge , or , if a Mason , to be be a member thereof unless well known to one or more members to be a man of virtuous principles and integrity , and not a bondsman , and such as hy their own consent are desirous to become brethren , it being contrary to our established constitution to persuade or theretoand it is hereby recommended to every good
engage , Mason , and particularly to the brethren of this lodge , that they be careful whom they- recommend as candidates for Masonry , that they may not bring scandal or disreputation on the Craft . " If anyone , made a Mason in tliis lodge , shall afterwards prove an unworthy member of the Craft , by treating it disrespectfulleither bwords or actionsor leading an immoral
y , y , or scandalous life , such persons shall not be entitled to any further degree in this loclge . And whereas the Craft hath suffered greatly in its reputation and happiness by tbe admission of low and inferior persons no ways fit to become members of our ancient and honourable institution , whereby men of rank , quality , knowledge , and education are oft deterred from officiating with their brethren at their public meetingsit is hoped any
, brother who is desired to propose any person will be particularly careful that lie is one in all respects suitable to the venerable society ho is to become a member of , one whose temper and disposition may cement the harmony of the Jodg-e , and whose conduct and circumstance in life are such as may not tend to diminish the credit of it . " Thpn . nwain . as to HIP conduct of the members -.
—"Article 1 st , on lodge nights . "That the lodge shall assemble on the second Friday in every month , at the hour of six , from Michaelmas to Lady Day , and at the hour of seven from Lady Day to Michaelmas , aud that every member shall come into the lodge sober and decent , always remembering that he can never associate himself with better company than brothers and fellows . " Then , as to late hours , which is no doubt the cause of any little unpopularity amongst the wives of Masons , the old by-laws provide
that" Closing the Lodge . "As nothing has a greater tendency to bring the Craft into disrepute than keeping late hours on lodge nights , the Master
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Craft Masonry.
the position of Prov . G . M . of Hampshire . He was happy to see two old and respected members of Grand Lodge present , and he would couple their names with the toast . " Bro . Patten replied on behalf of the Grand Officers . He was satisfied that their Deputy Grand Master had determined to follow in the footsteps of the Earl de Grey aud Ripon , whom he had succeeded . He ( Bro . Patten ) , had been a member of Grand Lodupwards of 20 and be had visited many lodges ,
ge years , but lie had never on any occasion responded to the toast of the Grand Officers with more satisfaction than on the present occasion . He was sure his lordship and the Grand Officers were truly grateful for the hearty reception of the toasts of their healths . Brother Fowkes . AV . Prov . S . G . AA ' ., said that a man's native modesty prevented him from proposing his own health , he had
therefore been entrusted with the gavel , iu order to propose tlie health of the R . AA ' . Prov . G . Master of Kent . Ho invited the attention of the brethren to the excellent manner in which he had performed the duties pertaining to his office for the past ten years . The R . AV . Bro . was a gentleman of Kent , and was largely identified with the interests of the county . Hu had occupied lor some years a position as one of the legislators of our country .
It was not only a benefit to Masonry to have legislators enrolled amongst the members of the Craft , but he was sure that it would tend much to the welfare of the nation if more of its legislators were masons , for in that case our laws would bear the impress of the great principles of the Masonic Institution . He would conclude by asking them to drink- with all honours the "health of the R . W . Prov . G . Master , Viscount Holmesdale . "
The Prov . G . Master in reply , said that at each recurring meeting of the Prov . G . Lodge his name was ever kindly mentioned . It was a pleasure to preside over them , and more especially so when he continued year after year to meet with an increasingly favourable reception . ; Bro . Fowkes had said that the principles of our noble institution would inevitably go beyond the circle of Masonic life , and would penetrate into the outer world , which would no doubt be benefitted by its influence . Although many were going contrary to their noble principles , yet Masonry could do much to alleviate the evil . Two great nations were on the eve of a war , and two vast armies were
preparing to go into battle . It would be madness in any one to imagine that war would ever entirely cease ; but there was in tho present day an association , unknown in former times , now flourishing , and it enrolled amongst its members natives of almost every nation in Europe , the object of which is to alleviate the distress and suffering consequent upon war ; and he had no doubt that to Masonry could in a great measure be traced the origin of this organization , and , if sueh were the case , one more ,
could be added to the already long list of good deeds accomplished by Masonry , and our meetings , joyous as they are , will not have taken place in vain . He was glad to see the very great progress that had been made in the province . At the time of his appointment , ten years ago , the lodges in the province numbered 16 ; they are now 33 . Ten years ago the roll of members amounted to 560 , while they could now count between fourteen and fifteen hundred . This accession of numbers
, he was happy to say , had not been made at the expense of quality , for he was of opinion that tlie quality of the members was a far greater consideration than in great increase in their numbers . He was strongly opposed to the plan of recruiting for the sake of increasing their numbers at tlie expense of their dignity , aud it became tne brethren to inquire minutely into tho character and position of those they contemplate proposing as members of our Order . If the increase in numbers went on at the present
rate , in a few years the affairs of the province would become too much lor one Provincial Grand Lodge to direct , and it would be impossible to meet all the worthy claims to the distinction of wearing the purple , audit would become a question for serious consideration whether it would not be necessary to divide the Masonic jurisdiction of the county of Kent between two Provincial Grand Lod ges . It may not be in the discretion of the
Grand Master to consent to this step . Although Kent could not claim to be so large as the county of Yorkshire , yet this increase of numbers fairly entitles her to serious consideration of the matter ;; but if it was the opinion of theGrand Masterthat such a step would not be considered advisable , they would be bound by the superior wisdom of their superiors . The claims of the people were now so numerous , that those brethren who were left ' -out in the cold " must not think that they were slightly passed over . If _ hardship was inflicted in some instances , the Craft was a gainer ; for with a larger stock to select from , tlie quality was
sure to be of a higher order . AVith regard to the procession to to the church , lie would mention that that that was a matter which had been discussed some years ago , when it was decided that tbe procession should not take place . On the present occasion , the distance was but small , and it had been represented to him that it would be u great disappointment to the inhabitants —who had done their best to welcome the Prov . G . Lodge—if the brethren did not attend the church . But he would remark
that if upon another occasion it was decided to have the procession , it would be necessary that tho AV . Masters , and the Prov . G . Lodgo also , would turn out their members to drill , so that there might not be so much irregularity in their inarching . Occupying a position in the rear , it came perhaps more closely under Ids observation , and he hoped that if the custom was to be kept up , | they would , on the next occasion , turn out , if not in
military , at least in decent order . They had had a pleasant day , with nothing to complain of in the weather , tho company , or the excellent arrangements . Ho concluded by again thanking them . The Prov . G . Master next proposed , in complimentary terms , the " Health of the D . Prov . G . Master Bro . Dodson . Bro . Dodson , D . Prov . G . M ., thanked the brethren for their ksnd tion of his name . Iu tlie course of his remarks he
recep stated that their bye-laws had been altered . He had been looking over the bye-laws of a lodge which formerly existed in Dartford , and he was of the opinion that they were so practically good that it was a question whether , if any further alteration were required , it would not be better to go back to tlie old rules . ' He would read a fen- extracts he had made from bye-laws of the lodge , True and Faithful , which was formerly
held at the Rose Inn in tliis town , and afterwards at the Marquis of Granby , within five years of a century ago . The first extract he would read bore so strongly upon a matter that had been mentioned by their Provincial Grand Master as to the care requisite in admitting new members . The remarks which had been made he fully concurred iu . There was no necessity to descend to a lower class to keep up their numbers , but they should rather look up to a higher class . Hpfiv wli'itthe nhf bvp-lo ws sav on this snbieet :-
—" Admission of M embers . " That no person be suffered or admitted to be made a free and accepted Mason in this lodge , or , if a Mason , to be be a member thereof unless well known to one or more members to be a man of virtuous principles and integrity , and not a bondsman , and such as hy their own consent are desirous to become brethren , it being contrary to our established constitution to persuade or theretoand it is hereby recommended to every good
engage , Mason , and particularly to the brethren of this lodge , that they be careful whom they- recommend as candidates for Masonry , that they may not bring scandal or disreputation on the Craft . " If anyone , made a Mason in tliis lodge , shall afterwards prove an unworthy member of the Craft , by treating it disrespectfulleither bwords or actionsor leading an immoral
y , y , or scandalous life , such persons shall not be entitled to any further degree in this loclge . And whereas the Craft hath suffered greatly in its reputation and happiness by tbe admission of low and inferior persons no ways fit to become members of our ancient and honourable institution , whereby men of rank , quality , knowledge , and education are oft deterred from officiating with their brethren at their public meetingsit is hoped any
, brother who is desired to propose any person will be particularly careful that lie is one in all respects suitable to the venerable society ho is to become a member of , one whose temper and disposition may cement the harmony of the Jodg-e , and whose conduct and circumstance in life are such as may not tend to diminish the credit of it . " Thpn . nwain . as to HIP conduct of the members -.
—"Article 1 st , on lodge nights . "That the lodge shall assemble on the second Friday in every month , at the hour of six , from Michaelmas to Lady Day , and at the hour of seven from Lady Day to Michaelmas , aud that every member shall come into the lodge sober and decent , always remembering that he can never associate himself with better company than brothers and fellows . " Then , as to late hours , which is no doubt the cause of any little unpopularity amongst the wives of Masons , the old by-laws provide
that" Closing the Lodge . "As nothing has a greater tendency to bring the Craft into disrepute than keeping late hours on lodge nights , the Master