-
Articles/Ads
Article THE PAST YEAR IN THE WEST. Page 1 of 1 Article CORRESPONDENCE. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Past Year In The West.
THE PAST YEAR IN THE WEST .
THE Masonic Craft has been very prosperous under the Grand Lodge of England during 1896 , and in Devon and Cornwall especially the Lodges have had a good average year , some having been exceedingly prosperous . On the whole more attention has been paid to the class of candidates accepted for initiation . It is felt most keenly by those familiar with the status of additions
to the society during this decade that sometimes the personnel of the new members has not been equal to the high requirements of the fraternity ; the extensive charities ( both local and general ) leading many to class Ereemasonry among the benefit societies of the country ; whereas the true conception includes charity as
an accident of the organisation , fraternity really being its distinctive aim . Therefore it is a luxury to be enjoyed only by those in fair or good circumstances at the time of joining . The Hon . Sir Stafford Northcote , Bart ., C . B ., M . P ., was installed as Provincial Grand Master of Devon by the B . W . Bro . Lord
Ebrington ( so long the respected local head ) . The ceremony took place in the Victoria Hall , Exeter , on 12 th August . The attendance was not only exceptionally large , but was remarkable for the presence of the Grand Secretary of England and many Grand Officers resident in the West and elsewhere . All the
reports were of a most satisfactory character . The receipts amounted to some £ 400 , the balance in hand , after payment of liabilities , being £ 282 , thus in excess of the previous year . The membership , according to the lasc return , has reached 3 , 318 , in the 52 Lodges , the dues running to £ 360 3 s . Major Davie , J . P .,
was re-appointed Deputy Prov . G . M ., and Bro . John Stocker , Exeter , is the new and energetic Prov . Grand Secretary . Another new Lodge has been constituted , raising , the total to 53 , viz ., the Trinity , No . 2595 , Buckfastleigh . There are 28 Chapters in the county , 24 Mark Lodges , and there are also Knight Templar
Preceptories and Kose Croix Chapters , a revival of interest in the latter ceremonies being needful in some parts . The Aged Widows' Annuity Fund has been established under most favourable circumstances , the inauguration being accomplished at
Exeter , under the chairmanship of Major Geo . S . Strode-Lowe , of Plymouth . Indigent Freemasons and Widows , as well as necessitous children , are now duly cared for , the whole of these funds being ably managed at no cost , save trifling incidentals , by a number of most competent and zealous Brethren .
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Cornwall assembled at St . John ' s Hall , Penzance , Bro . Sir Charles B . Graves-Sawle , Bart ., P . G . W . the Deputy Provincial Grand Master presiding , in the regretted and unavoidable absence of the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe , the esteemed Prov . Grand Master . The reports
were never more satisfactory , the active membership being now 1 , 813 , with 30 Lodges . Bro . Edward Dixon Anderton , the indefatigable Prov . Grand Secretary , was presented with Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter Eegalia , as well as a silver tea service ,
& c , by the Brethren , in appreciation of his great services on behalf of the Cornish Craft , as well as his appointment by the Prince of Wales M . W . Grand Master as Junior Grand Deacon and Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter respectively .
Sir Charles Brune Graves-Sawle , Bart ., the beloved Prov Grand Master of the Mark Province of Cornwall , has felt compelled to resign office , in consequence of more pressing duties as his age increases . His rule has been very popular and beneficial for the degree , and it will not be an easy matter to find
an eligible resident successor . In literary matters the West of England has done its share of work during the past year . Bro . W . J . Hughan has traced and published the " Macnab Masonic MS ., " of the "Old Charges , " besides writing and publishing a " Bibliography of the
Old Charges , " introduction to the " Historic Notes , " No . 170 , Weymouth ; and a bibliography of his own books , calendars , pamphlets , & c . The valuable address delivered by Major G . C . Davie , J . P ., D . Prov . G . M ., at the opening of the newly-built Masonic Hall , at Exeter , has been printed and circulated , and
deserves wide circulation and most careful perusal . The chief Masonic work , however , is a sumptuous volume on " Masonic Clothing and Begalia , " by Bro . F . J . W . Crowe , of Torquay . The publishers are Messrs . T . C . and E . 0 . Jack , of Edinburgh , the book being the finest thing of the kind ever issued .
Several Masonic Halls have been built or restored , and throughout Devon and Cornwall the Brotherhood do not appear to have been either frightened or disheartened by the anti-Masonic congress held recently on the Continent . — " Western Morning News . "
A splendid portrait of the Earl of Onslow as Provincial Grand Master of Surrey has been presented to the Weyside Lodge , Woking , by Bro . T . H . Boberts P . M . Viseount Cranley , eldest son of Lord Onslow , was lately initiated in this Lodge .
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .
STAFFOBDSHIEE AND THE BOYS SCHOOL .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Your issue of 1 . 9 th inst . contains a paragraph reporting a speech at Hanley by Bro . Greatbatch , which , by the prominent heading , and your reference to it in the leading article , you appear to assume expresses the opinion of the Province of Staffordshire on the proposed removal of the Boys School . I am sure that Bro . Greatbatch would not
desire his personal opinion to be quoted in that sense . Even if the 120 Brethren present on that occasion were unanimous in their approval , they are less than one tenth of the Masons of the Province . It is far from certain even that the sentiments specially applauded were those in condemnation of the removal rather than the suggestions for the localisation of the Charities , of which Bro . Greatbatch is the well-known advocate .
A well-known North Staffordshire Brother , whose active interest in the Charities has lasted for a quarter of a century , and who was present , writes " As a Visitor I wished to avoid anything of a controversial character oj : I should have had something to say on the subject . " Bro . Greatbatch holds very strong views on the general management of the Masonic Institutions , looking at them as ( to quote his own words )
" Elementary " Schools and comparing the cost of teaching staff , as well as office expenses , with the outlay of the School Board of which he is Chairman . Whether this is the level to which they desire their Schools to aspire is a question for the consideration of the Craft . If it be so , then all the efforts made by the present Board of Management to raise the character and standing of the School are thrown away , and should bo limited to securing " Elementary " Education and subsistence at the lowest possible cost .
Your leading article suggests that Bro . Greatbatch ' s opinions are due to the contemplated removal . It is rather probably the reverse . His feeling towards the Eoyal Institutions is long anterior to the proposed removal , and having made up his mind to'" leave them severely alone " he naturally opposes any further outlay . Pray let it be understood that in deprecating the acceptance of Bro . Greatbatch ' s utterances as the voice of Staffordshire I make no claim to give expression to it myself , though , without vanity , I may claim to have had a share in its charitable work equal to that of any Mason in the Province .
Yours fraternally , J . BODENHAM Past A . G . D . C . P . P . S . G . W . Staffs , Edgmond , Newport , Salop , 29 th December 1896 .
BOYAL ABCH MASONBY .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Every member of Eoyal Arch Masonry must sincerely sympathise with Comp . Ensor Drury , whose remarks when acting as Grand Superintendent at the Provincial Grand Chapter of West Yorkshire at Dewsbury , are reported in your columns of 19 th inst . There can be no doubt that if the members of our Chapters were " to show a little more enthusiasm and interest in this beautiful degree , many of the Craft Masons
who neglect Eoyal Arch Masonry altogether would be attracted to it . " I have long been of opinion that one of the great causes of this lack of enthusiasm may be attributed to the fact that the Companions meet so seldom . Two , three or four Convocations at the most in a year is the rule in this country , and when the study necessary to perfect a Companion in the
ritual is taken into consideration it is hardly surprising to find so few , comparatively speaking , who oare to learn , when so few opportunities are afforded them of making use of their knowledge . One ' s enthusiasm and interest are necessarily blunted . This leads to an excessively bad practice , amounting to almost a scandal , of allowing Officers to occupy their chairs and qualify for Principals , without being able to do the work .
I must certainly add my testimony to that of Comp . Ensor Drury , that it was a very questionable policy to reduce the probation of a Master Mason , to four weeks instead of twelve months , before being admitted to the Supreme Order , and it is very doubtful whether it has led to any increase in the members . Judging from the condition of the Metropolitan Chapters I fear that they cannot boast of one Master Mason in three who joins the Eoyal Arch . I am , Yours fraternally , HAGGAI .
GUY'S HOSPITAL ENDOWMENT .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Now that the appeal of the respected joint Freemasons Bro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale P . G . T . and Bro . Charles Keyser P . G . D . will be before the various London Lodges I think it would not be out of p lace if I ask you to be kind enough to publish the result of the following investigation made by me since September 1895 . I visited the Hospital during that time , generally twice a month , for the purpose of ascertaining how many Freemasons receive the benefit of that Institution , and this is the result : —
Month . No . of Freemasons . Wives of Freemasons October 1895 8 4 November 4 3 December 6 6 January 1896 5 6 February 9 4 March 6 5
It was impossible to obtain information from the children , most of them were too young to understand the meaning of the inquiry . Yours fraternally , MAURICE SFEIGEL P . M . P . Z .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Past Year In The West.
THE PAST YEAR IN THE WEST .
THE Masonic Craft has been very prosperous under the Grand Lodge of England during 1896 , and in Devon and Cornwall especially the Lodges have had a good average year , some having been exceedingly prosperous . On the whole more attention has been paid to the class of candidates accepted for initiation . It is felt most keenly by those familiar with the status of additions
to the society during this decade that sometimes the personnel of the new members has not been equal to the high requirements of the fraternity ; the extensive charities ( both local and general ) leading many to class Ereemasonry among the benefit societies of the country ; whereas the true conception includes charity as
an accident of the organisation , fraternity really being its distinctive aim . Therefore it is a luxury to be enjoyed only by those in fair or good circumstances at the time of joining . The Hon . Sir Stafford Northcote , Bart ., C . B ., M . P ., was installed as Provincial Grand Master of Devon by the B . W . Bro . Lord
Ebrington ( so long the respected local head ) . The ceremony took place in the Victoria Hall , Exeter , on 12 th August . The attendance was not only exceptionally large , but was remarkable for the presence of the Grand Secretary of England and many Grand Officers resident in the West and elsewhere . All the
reports were of a most satisfactory character . The receipts amounted to some £ 400 , the balance in hand , after payment of liabilities , being £ 282 , thus in excess of the previous year . The membership , according to the lasc return , has reached 3 , 318 , in the 52 Lodges , the dues running to £ 360 3 s . Major Davie , J . P .,
was re-appointed Deputy Prov . G . M ., and Bro . John Stocker , Exeter , is the new and energetic Prov . Grand Secretary . Another new Lodge has been constituted , raising , the total to 53 , viz ., the Trinity , No . 2595 , Buckfastleigh . There are 28 Chapters in the county , 24 Mark Lodges , and there are also Knight Templar
Preceptories and Kose Croix Chapters , a revival of interest in the latter ceremonies being needful in some parts . The Aged Widows' Annuity Fund has been established under most favourable circumstances , the inauguration being accomplished at
Exeter , under the chairmanship of Major Geo . S . Strode-Lowe , of Plymouth . Indigent Freemasons and Widows , as well as necessitous children , are now duly cared for , the whole of these funds being ably managed at no cost , save trifling incidentals , by a number of most competent and zealous Brethren .
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Cornwall assembled at St . John ' s Hall , Penzance , Bro . Sir Charles B . Graves-Sawle , Bart ., P . G . W . the Deputy Provincial Grand Master presiding , in the regretted and unavoidable absence of the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe , the esteemed Prov . Grand Master . The reports
were never more satisfactory , the active membership being now 1 , 813 , with 30 Lodges . Bro . Edward Dixon Anderton , the indefatigable Prov . Grand Secretary , was presented with Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter Eegalia , as well as a silver tea service ,
& c , by the Brethren , in appreciation of his great services on behalf of the Cornish Craft , as well as his appointment by the Prince of Wales M . W . Grand Master as Junior Grand Deacon and Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter respectively .
Sir Charles Brune Graves-Sawle , Bart ., the beloved Prov Grand Master of the Mark Province of Cornwall , has felt compelled to resign office , in consequence of more pressing duties as his age increases . His rule has been very popular and beneficial for the degree , and it will not be an easy matter to find
an eligible resident successor . In literary matters the West of England has done its share of work during the past year . Bro . W . J . Hughan has traced and published the " Macnab Masonic MS ., " of the "Old Charges , " besides writing and publishing a " Bibliography of the
Old Charges , " introduction to the " Historic Notes , " No . 170 , Weymouth ; and a bibliography of his own books , calendars , pamphlets , & c . The valuable address delivered by Major G . C . Davie , J . P ., D . Prov . G . M ., at the opening of the newly-built Masonic Hall , at Exeter , has been printed and circulated , and
deserves wide circulation and most careful perusal . The chief Masonic work , however , is a sumptuous volume on " Masonic Clothing and Begalia , " by Bro . F . J . W . Crowe , of Torquay . The publishers are Messrs . T . C . and E . 0 . Jack , of Edinburgh , the book being the finest thing of the kind ever issued .
Several Masonic Halls have been built or restored , and throughout Devon and Cornwall the Brotherhood do not appear to have been either frightened or disheartened by the anti-Masonic congress held recently on the Continent . — " Western Morning News . "
A splendid portrait of the Earl of Onslow as Provincial Grand Master of Surrey has been presented to the Weyside Lodge , Woking , by Bro . T . H . Boberts P . M . Viseount Cranley , eldest son of Lord Onslow , was lately initiated in this Lodge .
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .
STAFFOBDSHIEE AND THE BOYS SCHOOL .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Your issue of 1 . 9 th inst . contains a paragraph reporting a speech at Hanley by Bro . Greatbatch , which , by the prominent heading , and your reference to it in the leading article , you appear to assume expresses the opinion of the Province of Staffordshire on the proposed removal of the Boys School . I am sure that Bro . Greatbatch would not
desire his personal opinion to be quoted in that sense . Even if the 120 Brethren present on that occasion were unanimous in their approval , they are less than one tenth of the Masons of the Province . It is far from certain even that the sentiments specially applauded were those in condemnation of the removal rather than the suggestions for the localisation of the Charities , of which Bro . Greatbatch is the well-known advocate .
A well-known North Staffordshire Brother , whose active interest in the Charities has lasted for a quarter of a century , and who was present , writes " As a Visitor I wished to avoid anything of a controversial character oj : I should have had something to say on the subject . " Bro . Greatbatch holds very strong views on the general management of the Masonic Institutions , looking at them as ( to quote his own words )
" Elementary " Schools and comparing the cost of teaching staff , as well as office expenses , with the outlay of the School Board of which he is Chairman . Whether this is the level to which they desire their Schools to aspire is a question for the consideration of the Craft . If it be so , then all the efforts made by the present Board of Management to raise the character and standing of the School are thrown away , and should bo limited to securing " Elementary " Education and subsistence at the lowest possible cost .
Your leading article suggests that Bro . Greatbatch ' s opinions are due to the contemplated removal . It is rather probably the reverse . His feeling towards the Eoyal Institutions is long anterior to the proposed removal , and having made up his mind to'" leave them severely alone " he naturally opposes any further outlay . Pray let it be understood that in deprecating the acceptance of Bro . Greatbatch ' s utterances as the voice of Staffordshire I make no claim to give expression to it myself , though , without vanity , I may claim to have had a share in its charitable work equal to that of any Mason in the Province .
Yours fraternally , J . BODENHAM Past A . G . D . C . P . P . S . G . W . Staffs , Edgmond , Newport , Salop , 29 th December 1896 .
BOYAL ABCH MASONBY .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Every member of Eoyal Arch Masonry must sincerely sympathise with Comp . Ensor Drury , whose remarks when acting as Grand Superintendent at the Provincial Grand Chapter of West Yorkshire at Dewsbury , are reported in your columns of 19 th inst . There can be no doubt that if the members of our Chapters were " to show a little more enthusiasm and interest in this beautiful degree , many of the Craft Masons
who neglect Eoyal Arch Masonry altogether would be attracted to it . " I have long been of opinion that one of the great causes of this lack of enthusiasm may be attributed to the fact that the Companions meet so seldom . Two , three or four Convocations at the most in a year is the rule in this country , and when the study necessary to perfect a Companion in the
ritual is taken into consideration it is hardly surprising to find so few , comparatively speaking , who oare to learn , when so few opportunities are afforded them of making use of their knowledge . One ' s enthusiasm and interest are necessarily blunted . This leads to an excessively bad practice , amounting to almost a scandal , of allowing Officers to occupy their chairs and qualify for Principals , without being able to do the work .
I must certainly add my testimony to that of Comp . Ensor Drury , that it was a very questionable policy to reduce the probation of a Master Mason , to four weeks instead of twelve months , before being admitted to the Supreme Order , and it is very doubtful whether it has led to any increase in the members . Judging from the condition of the Metropolitan Chapters I fear that they cannot boast of one Master Mason in three who joins the Eoyal Arch . I am , Yours fraternally , HAGGAI .
GUY'S HOSPITAL ENDOWMENT .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Now that the appeal of the respected joint Freemasons Bro . Sir Joseph Dimsdale P . G . T . and Bro . Charles Keyser P . G . D . will be before the various London Lodges I think it would not be out of p lace if I ask you to be kind enough to publish the result of the following investigation made by me since September 1895 . I visited the Hospital during that time , generally twice a month , for the purpose of ascertaining how many Freemasons receive the benefit of that Institution , and this is the result : —
Month . No . of Freemasons . Wives of Freemasons October 1895 8 4 November 4 3 December 6 6 January 1896 5 6 February 9 4 March 6 5
It was impossible to obtain information from the children , most of them were too young to understand the meaning of the inquiry . Yours fraternally , MAURICE SFEIGEL P . M . P . Z .