Knights Templar In Canada.

time was spent in renewing old friendships and this interchange of ideas , as to the aims and purposes of our noble Order . He believes that such re-unions should be of more frequent eccurrcncc , as they tend to bring the Fratres of

tho different Preceptories into closer fellowship with each other , and fraternal associations and friendships are formed , which materially advance the interests of Knight Templarism . Tho Provincial Prior of Hamilton District reports

that he had the p leasure of assisting at the presentation of a beautiful jewel to V . 1 * 1 . Sir Knight Thomas Hood , Preceptor of Godfrey de Bouillon Preceptory ; and also in in stallinj ? the officers on the same occasion . The Officers of

the various Preceptories , he says , are zealous , ardent lovers of tho Order , and are doing all in their power to further the interests of Knight Templarism in their several Preceptories . The Prior of Kingston was happy to state that none of the

Preceptories in his District have adopted , or appear to have any desire to adopt , the showy aud unsuitable military dress that some of the Western Fratres now use , and for this reason applications for membership in the Templar Order

in this District are likely to come from those only who desire to join the Order from a conviction that its teachings are pure and elevating , rather than from a wish to

exhibit themselves in public parades aud quasi-military drills . The Provincial Prior of New Brunswick reports that since the issuance of the edict of non-intercourse with

the membera of the two Scottish Encampments in his jurisdiction , the position of affairs remains unchanged , aud , excepting in ono instance , the edict of Great Priory has been generally observed . It is felt , however , that a

settlement of the difficult }' , and a renewal of fraternal feeling , would be viewed by those who have tho welfare of the Order at heart with satisfaction . Yet it appears that nothing will dislodge the Fratres of the Scottish

Encampments from the position taken , that " Now Brunswick is unoccupied Knight Templar territory . " It is needless to state other than that the opposition is strong , and admitedly active . This is apparent not only iu the issuance of

the printed statement by the Encampment of St . John , U . S ., under date of the 2 nd July 1885 , explanatory of its position , and challenging , as it were , that assumed by the Great Priory of Canada , but in the publication of numerous

articles on the question , which have appeared in Masonic journals in the United States , some of them adding weight of approval to the stand taken . It is interesting to note that the printed statement alluded to was issued directly

by the Encampment of St . John , and immediately placed in the hands of those high in Templar authority in the United States , a favour not extended to cither the Grand Master or Grand Chancellor , so it is said . The reply ,

however , to that printed statement , when it did come , from the M . E . the Supreme Grand Master , and the Grand Chancellor , R . E . Frater Daniel Spry , dated 20 th January 1886 , published in full iu the Toronto Evening Telegram

Craftsman , and other journals , was considered effective , clear , and scholarly ; the many points adduced so forcibl y met that Knights Templar could not fail to be enlightened on the question at issue . As the Grand Encampment of

the United States meets in St . Louis m September next , an opportunity will be given to that body to consider the question of encroachment of territory in this jurisdiction by the Scottish Encampments . Viewing the proposed

meeting in any light , whatever action may be taken will be interesting , and considered an event in the history of Templar Masonry , as doubtless the members of Grand Encampment have a keen comprehension of the scope and

underlying principles involved ; that wise counsels will prevail , and a decision arrived at which may facilitate an early settlement of the alienation between the respective Knights Templar bodies , before the situation becomes

additionall y complicated ; that it will array itself in favour of home rule in Templar Masonry for Canada , and by a statutory regulation declare that the law in respect to territorial rights in America is immutable , —by so doing it

will assist in knitting together all Knights Templar in the Dominion under one governing power . Not that we desire that the Grand Encampment should make itself a party to the strict enforcement of right , but of the reasonableness

with which the ri g ht is asserted . Alread y the Grand Encampment of the United States has given generous recognition to Great Priory , without condition or limitation ,

also exchanged Representatives therewith . The onl y essential t ' -iing now iooked for is the heartiness of any action which will give practical effect to their own doctrine

of S :, ; . ! . o and territorial rights . Lot it he in accord

Knights Templar In Canada.

with tho popular sentiment of home rule in Templai Masonry . The annual statement of accounts was next submitted ind then followed the report of the Grand Council on the

Allocution of the Supreme Grand Master . This Council heartily approves of the remarks of the Supreme Grand Master , " That the course pursued by the Sovereign Great Priory has been the wisest " in regard to the New

Brunswick matter , and the report thus proceeds : It must be expected , however , that any course of action , even when adopted after mature deliberation , will not meet , beyond the Dominion of Canada , with unanimous approval . The

doctrine of exclusive jurisdiction which is accepted by all governing Masonio bodies on this continent , must , if acted on at all , be acted on fully and freely . The Sovereign Great Priory accepts that doctrine in its unrestricted sense . The

Grand Council are , however , inclined to believe that sectional feelings and prejudices exist , which having previously disturbed the Templar harmony in New Brunswick , were at the outset an hindrance to the Great Priory

carrying out amicably its objects in that Province , and continue to prevent that kindl y adjustment of differences which the Sovereign Great Priory would approach in a proper spirit . The Grand Council believe that the time will soon

arrive when on all sides will be hailed , with kindl y emotions , the silver lining which is undoubtedly behind the present cloud . The history of the Templar Order , says the Council , so far as relates to its connection with

Freemasonry , is admittedly shrouded with such uncertainty , that even the best historians on the subject , and among whom may be well reckoned their Supreme Grand Master , feel compelled to rear a superstructure , pleasing no doubt , but not able to bear strict historic tests . But

their Supreme Grand Master has shown such diligent and profound research that he has removed from ' the history of the Order many of the doubts which have enshrouded it . The Council believes it is wiser for Templars to depend

on their own actions for what they profess to be than merely to live on the renown of their predecessors , heightened by traditional colouring . The Grand Council regrets that the Supreme Grand Master , through ill health , is unable

to preside over the deliberations of the Sovereign Great Priory . It is fervently hoped that he may again be blessed with good health . His presence and advice are not only sources of strength , but they inculcate that spirit of

loyalty to the Sovereign and fidelity to the principles of the Order , which have ever been conspicuous in Sovereign Great Priory . The report was subsequently adopted , as also were those on Audit and Finance , on the condition of

the Order of the Temple in Canada , on grievances and appeals , on Warants , and other matters . It was then resolved that the next Assembly of the Great Priory

should be held , at Brockville , Ontario , on the 12 th July 1887 , and the third annual Assembly was brought to a conclusion in due form .

The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Suffolk will be held , on Friday next , at the Town Hall , Ipswich , when the R , i ght Honourable the Lord Henniker will be installed as Grand Master of the Province by the

Right Honourable the Earl Amherst Provincial Grand Master of Kent , and the usual business of the year will be transacted . Provincial Grand Lodge will be opened at 12 30 , the brethren assembling at 12 o ' clock . Divine

Service will be held at St . Matthew ' s Church , at 3 p . m ., after which Provincial Grand Lodge will be resumed , and , as soon as the business is completed , a banquet will be held at the Public Hall , under the presidency of the Provincial

Grand Master . Special arrangements have been made with the Great Eastern Bailway Company , whereby return tickets at a single fare and a quarter will be issued from all stations in Suffolk and Essex , as well as from Norwich , Yarmouth , and other places .

Death.

DEATH .

GREENWOOD . —On the 28 th ult ., at 11 Bentinck Terrace , Regent ' s Park , suddenly , Bro . Charles Greenwood P . G . S . B ., D . P . G . M . Surrey , in his 05 th year . The 1 ' uneral will take place on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., at Finchley ( St . Pancras ) Cemetery . The cortege will leave the residence of the deceased , 17 High-gate Koacl , at 12 o ' clock .

Ad00203

FUNERALS properly carried out and personally attended I iu . London , or Country by Bro . G . A . HUTTON , 17 Newcastle Street , Strand , W . C . Monuments erected . Valuations made