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Article THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE BEFORE THE CRAFT UNIVERSAL. ← Page 3 of 3 Article MARRIAGE. Page 1 of 1 Article TESTIMONIAL TO BRO. EDWIN WILLIAMS. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Orient Of France Before The Craft Universal.
occupied by a common design ; each one learning with zeal the real principles , and the true object of the Mystio Art , tho better to teach them in truth and light by deeds of example . The Freemason , thus trained , thus emulated in the practice of thoso virtues of our Order , could nofc prove—we agree most decidedly with Dr . Anderson—to be an " irreligious libertine nor a stupid atheist . "
Without going any further into these controversial questions , it is , however , curious to remark that of all the Masonio Powers that have sounded tho alarm at tho mere amendment made by the Grand Orient of its Constitution , and which have shown their appreciation of its act by excommunicating it , not one belongs to what is termed a " Roman Catholic " country , save Ireland . But Ireland is
Masonically rather Protestant , as well as England and Scotland ; and , by a singular coincidence , it was from our dear brethren of the emerald island , whom , ifc was then said , and it is still believed , were directly or indirectly influenced by Roman Clericalism , that the first blow at the Grand Orient was struck , —in due Popish fashion too . Their bull of excommunication went from this to the other Continent in no time
and , apparently , none of the fifty Grand Lodges of the United States disagreed with it . Many of the American Grand Lodges , it is true , were not then in friendly relations with tho Grand Orient , owing to its having been tho first power to acknowledge the coloured-men Grand Lodges of America ; but no other cause of disaffection existed thafc might be converted into a general ono .
With regard to the alleged influence exercised in the case b y Irish clericalism , certain articles may bo recalled to mind against the Grand Orient from thafc section of the profane press that is representative of Romanism in Ireland , articles which acted on public opinion as it were like the horalds-at-arms of the Irish Grand Lodge . In the meantime it may bo curiously observed that not ono of the
so-called Catholic countries , on both Continents , whose Grand Lodges are in relations of amity with the Grand Orient , did take alarm at its conduct and show tho least objection to its having , more emphatically than before , proclaimed the Masonic dogma of " liberty of conscience . " From the smallest Republics of South America to Italy , Portugal , and Spain ( land of intolerance and persecution , last seat ,
not very long ago yet , of a Grand Inquisitor ' s Hermandad ) , all fraternal relations and friendly correspondence with tho Grand Orient of France have been maintained and remain still unaffected . We would not take , certainly , upon ourselves to say that this accusation is founded on truth . We can only state the facts and tho circumstances under which they happercd .
It was at the General Assembly of September 1877 , that the resolution for tho amendment of the First Article was by unanimity voted , and that , in consequence , tho Constitution was restored to what it was prior to 1849 , a fact which the Grand Orient did not officially communicate to any Masonic Power , as ifc believed they had nothing to do with the matter .
Now , wo find , as early as the 2 nd of November following , tho Irish Grand Lodge notifying its decree of excommunication against the French brethren . Whether it bo Orange or Ribbon , wo think it worth quoting ; it runs thus : — - " Whereas , tho Grand Lodge of Ireland has received official notification that the Grand Orient of France has altered tho first article of its Constitution from its
previous form , and omitted therefrom , as ono of its fundamental principles , a belief in tho existence of God and tho immortality of the soul . The Grand Lodge of Ireland hereby resolves : —That the Grand 0 . of Franco having by snch alteration rendered admissible ns members of Lodye-s within its jurisdiction individuals who do not believe in the existence of a persumil Deity , has therein- coined a breach in
the foundation of ancient Masonry , and act ed in violation of the first principle of tho Order , and therefore the Grand Lodge of Ireland hereby declares that it cannot continue to recognise the Grand Orient of France as a Masouic Body , and directs all the Lodges working under Irish Constitution to decline receiving as Masons any persons bailing from the Grand Orient of France or from anv subordinate
Lodge under its jurisdiction . Those who are familiar with this question of the Grand Orient may recollect the correspondence that ensued between Sir Edwards Borough , Rep . of the G . O . at Dublin , aud Bro . De Saint Jean , President of the Council of the Order , that correspondence having been published and commented ou by many Masonic papers . Most
probably so hasty nil informal a decision would not havo carried much weight , and Masonic opinion , enlightened by the explanations given , wonld have unravelled tho real motive of precipitate action from its authors , had it been allowed to remain , at least lor a timo , unnoticed . But the charge thus sounded from Ireland was soon joined in by Scotland and finally , by England . For wo find the
United Grand Lodge , ou the b ' th of March following , pasrin" -, at its Quarterly Communication , " amid loud cheering and enthusiastic satisfaction , " says the report , a series ol four resolutions prepared and proposed against tbe Grand Orient by the t ro Grand Masto of England , which resolutions ho described as the minimum of precaution it was the Grand Lodge ' s duty to immediately adopt . It may be remarked that no correspon . ienie
whatever had passed between these two Powers ; and that the first of the resolutions positively affirmed that the Grand Orient had eliminated the Great Architect ol the Universe from their Service , while a complete assertion to the contrary existed in tne very letters previously published from Bro . De Saint Jean and the Grand Secretary to the representatives of Grand Orient in Ireland and Scotland , those letters being besides initiated as usual , and as it is still the practice—a la Gloiro du G . A . O . T . U . ( To be continued . )
Marriage.
MARRIAGE .
HICKMAN" —CRESSEY—On the 2 " th September , at tho Abbey Church , Roiu-• ¦ oy , by tbe Rov . E . L . Lerthon , vi ar , assisted by the Rov . — u ' u-thon , William John , eldest son of William Hickman , Esq ., J . P ., of Aldermuur House , near Southampton , to Isabel , daughter of the late Francis Crcssoy Esq ., of Doansfield ., Komsey .
Testimonial To Bro. Edwin Williams.
TESTIMONIAL TO BRO . EDWIN WILLIAMS .
A COMMITTEE of influential and local brethren , who have for some years past had opportunities of knowing Bro . Williams , determined to present him with some tangible mark of their esteem . Accordingly , the necessary arrangements were made , and subscriptions came in freely , many of his neighbours being anxious to join the contributors to the Fund . Bro . Williams having recently taken the
ancient hostelry yclept the " Eagle" afc Snaresbrook , it was determined to celebrate the presentation in the true old English fashion , by having a dinner at his house . A numerous attendance of brethren , and also of personal friends , was presided over in a truly gonial manner by Bro . J . G . Stevens , ably supported by Bro . T . J . Barnes as Vice President . The excellence of the dinner and
choiconess of the wines were universally admitted by the company , who seemed to be pleased with tho whole of the arrangements . After grace , the usual loyal toasts were given and dutifully responded to . Bro . Stevens next said , —I now approach tho toast of the evening , and in doing so approach it with diffidence . Not that I am diffident of tho fact , but feel I am not able , seeing so large and influential an
attendance , to do honor to the importance of the toast . Now , around this table are some who have known Bro . Williams longer than I have ; my knowledge of him extends over about six years , and I can say be is an honorable man , a man of integrity , and ono whose word can bo taken , and in saying that—yon have known him for a longer period—we may say , he has endeared himself to us all . Having left bnsiness in Whitechapel , and feeling he had luxuriated long enough in the City ,
ho has come to sojourn in Essex , and we all wish him hearty success . Now , a committee of gentlemen having deputed me to offer Bro . Williams some mark of their esteem , ifc is my duty , in their name , to present this evening a Silver Service , a Loving Cup , and last , but not least , a letter from Mr . Gurney framed , with this Testimonial on Vellum , containing the names of 70 Subscribers . Whilst the Committee have thus done their duty to Mr . Williams , they are aware there is a Mrs . Williams . We all know how fond ladies aro of a
cup of tea , and this Tea Service may , when that lady does tho honours of her tea table , remind her in what estimation her husband is hold . Hononr , truth , integrity , uprightness , justice—four of these words wo may pass by , but I have something more to say of tho integrity of Bro . Williams . In acknowledging his great kindness , urbanity
of manner , gentlemanly conduct and manliness ; in the name and on behalf of the Committee , I present this Tea Service and Testimonial . After reading the Testimonial , which was a handsome specimen of art , the president resumed . During my speech , I have mentioned integrity , of this tho following letter from Mr . Gurney may bo taken as a proof : —
" 112 Whitechapel , E ., Sept . 8 , 1871 ) . "E . Beherends , Esq . " Dear Sir , —I have much pleasure in handing you herewith a contribntion towards tho proposed testimonial to Mr . Edwin Williams ; I regret that I shall not be able to attend the presentation , bnfc I shall join most heartily in the good wishes that I am sure will then
bo expressed for his success in his present enterprise . The nnmerous influential names on tho list of subscribers must always be to him valuable testimony that he has won the approbation and friendship of many who are customers here , and the addition of mine niiisfc be accepted as evidence that he has succeeded most thoroughly in
ar-eomp ' i-iliirig the very rare feat of scrvm ™ faithfully and satisfactorily a . d'ltible interest . I have ever } ' confidence that his business knowledge and the attention ho will be sure to give will ensure for the " Eagle " at Snaresbrook a long era of constantly increasing pros , perity .
" I am , Dear Sir , faithfully , ( Signed ) "JAMES GUKNET . " Tho several gifts wero then formally presented , the president saying tho occasion afforded him double pleasure iu being chosen to make the presentation . He then read a letter from Bro . Beherends , apologising for unavoidable absence , and requesting that the loving cup
might pass round the table filled with champagne at his expense ; whife this was being effected , other apologies for non attendance wero read . Bro . Williams then said , —I have to-night one of the most difficult tasks ( and yet a most pleasaufc one ) I ever had to perform . To thank you for this beautiful present would tax mo far beyond my powers to clothe my thoughts in words to thank you for the great
kindness of Chairman and Committee to me this evening . Passing to the letter from Mr . Gurney , my late employer , I may say the testimonial has given me pleasure , and the letter great surprise ; during my stay with him I have experienced all gentlemanly treatment , and have rendered him all tho service I could render . I have to study tho health of my wife and family , and havo come here ; aud shall
continue to work hard to render this place all I would have it to be . ( Cheers ) . Tbe Committee were next toasted , Bros . Lazarus and Myers II ti . Sec . being named as the two active members who had brought UusutUiivsuceessfully through . Both g . enUemen having responded , the toasts of Tre Absent Subscribers , the Residents of the Neighbourhood , responded toby Bro . Holliugtou , Whitehead , and Cox ; and tho Press , responded to by Bro . Stephens , brought the post-praudial operations
to a close , the brethren dispersing to seek their homos by rail and road . One party , remembering that tho "Eagle" wasan ancient posting house , drove down in splendid style , in i , well appointed stagecoach , with two pairs of match greys , who took us home iu such a manner as to remind some of the old days when posting and the stage coach were the recognized means of travelling . The musical arangements were under the control of Bro . J . Stcdman , assisted by Bro . Egbert Roberts and Masters Dunster aud Malinn .
Bro . J . Marsh , No . 185 , will re-open the Philharmonic Palace of Varieties , Islington , this day ( Saturday ) . Bro . Marsh intends to provide ballets , burlesques , and variety entertainments . Mr . Alfred Young is the manager .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Orient Of France Before The Craft Universal.
occupied by a common design ; each one learning with zeal the real principles , and the true object of the Mystio Art , tho better to teach them in truth and light by deeds of example . The Freemason , thus trained , thus emulated in the practice of thoso virtues of our Order , could nofc prove—we agree most decidedly with Dr . Anderson—to be an " irreligious libertine nor a stupid atheist . "
Without going any further into these controversial questions , it is , however , curious to remark that of all the Masonio Powers that have sounded tho alarm at tho mere amendment made by the Grand Orient of its Constitution , and which have shown their appreciation of its act by excommunicating it , not one belongs to what is termed a " Roman Catholic " country , save Ireland . But Ireland is
Masonically rather Protestant , as well as England and Scotland ; and , by a singular coincidence , it was from our dear brethren of the emerald island , whom , ifc was then said , and it is still believed , were directly or indirectly influenced by Roman Clericalism , that the first blow at the Grand Orient was struck , —in due Popish fashion too . Their bull of excommunication went from this to the other Continent in no time
and , apparently , none of the fifty Grand Lodges of the United States disagreed with it . Many of the American Grand Lodges , it is true , were not then in friendly relations with tho Grand Orient , owing to its having been tho first power to acknowledge the coloured-men Grand Lodges of America ; but no other cause of disaffection existed thafc might be converted into a general ono .
With regard to the alleged influence exercised in the case b y Irish clericalism , certain articles may bo recalled to mind against the Grand Orient from thafc section of the profane press that is representative of Romanism in Ireland , articles which acted on public opinion as it were like the horalds-at-arms of the Irish Grand Lodge . In the meantime it may bo curiously observed that not ono of the
so-called Catholic countries , on both Continents , whose Grand Lodges are in relations of amity with the Grand Orient , did take alarm at its conduct and show tho least objection to its having , more emphatically than before , proclaimed the Masonic dogma of " liberty of conscience . " From the smallest Republics of South America to Italy , Portugal , and Spain ( land of intolerance and persecution , last seat ,
not very long ago yet , of a Grand Inquisitor ' s Hermandad ) , all fraternal relations and friendly correspondence with tho Grand Orient of France have been maintained and remain still unaffected . We would not take , certainly , upon ourselves to say that this accusation is founded on truth . We can only state the facts and tho circumstances under which they happercd .
It was at the General Assembly of September 1877 , that the resolution for tho amendment of the First Article was by unanimity voted , and that , in consequence , tho Constitution was restored to what it was prior to 1849 , a fact which the Grand Orient did not officially communicate to any Masonic Power , as ifc believed they had nothing to do with the matter .
Now , wo find , as early as the 2 nd of November following , tho Irish Grand Lodge notifying its decree of excommunication against the French brethren . Whether it bo Orange or Ribbon , wo think it worth quoting ; it runs thus : — - " Whereas , tho Grand Lodge of Ireland has received official notification that the Grand Orient of France has altered tho first article of its Constitution from its
previous form , and omitted therefrom , as ono of its fundamental principles , a belief in tho existence of God and tho immortality of the soul . The Grand Lodge of Ireland hereby resolves : —That the Grand 0 . of Franco having by snch alteration rendered admissible ns members of Lodye-s within its jurisdiction individuals who do not believe in the existence of a persumil Deity , has therein- coined a breach in
the foundation of ancient Masonry , and act ed in violation of the first principle of tho Order , and therefore the Grand Lodge of Ireland hereby declares that it cannot continue to recognise the Grand Orient of France as a Masouic Body , and directs all the Lodges working under Irish Constitution to decline receiving as Masons any persons bailing from the Grand Orient of France or from anv subordinate
Lodge under its jurisdiction . Those who are familiar with this question of the Grand Orient may recollect the correspondence that ensued between Sir Edwards Borough , Rep . of the G . O . at Dublin , aud Bro . De Saint Jean , President of the Council of the Order , that correspondence having been published and commented ou by many Masonic papers . Most
probably so hasty nil informal a decision would not havo carried much weight , and Masonic opinion , enlightened by the explanations given , wonld have unravelled tho real motive of precipitate action from its authors , had it been allowed to remain , at least lor a timo , unnoticed . But the charge thus sounded from Ireland was soon joined in by Scotland and finally , by England . For wo find the
United Grand Lodge , ou the b ' th of March following , pasrin" -, at its Quarterly Communication , " amid loud cheering and enthusiastic satisfaction , " says the report , a series ol four resolutions prepared and proposed against tbe Grand Orient by the t ro Grand Masto of England , which resolutions ho described as the minimum of precaution it was the Grand Lodge ' s duty to immediately adopt . It may be remarked that no correspon . ienie
whatever had passed between these two Powers ; and that the first of the resolutions positively affirmed that the Grand Orient had eliminated the Great Architect ol the Universe from their Service , while a complete assertion to the contrary existed in tne very letters previously published from Bro . De Saint Jean and the Grand Secretary to the representatives of Grand Orient in Ireland and Scotland , those letters being besides initiated as usual , and as it is still the practice—a la Gloiro du G . A . O . T . U . ( To be continued . )
Marriage.
MARRIAGE .
HICKMAN" —CRESSEY—On the 2 " th September , at tho Abbey Church , Roiu-• ¦ oy , by tbe Rov . E . L . Lerthon , vi ar , assisted by the Rov . — u ' u-thon , William John , eldest son of William Hickman , Esq ., J . P ., of Aldermuur House , near Southampton , to Isabel , daughter of the late Francis Crcssoy Esq ., of Doansfield ., Komsey .
Testimonial To Bro. Edwin Williams.
TESTIMONIAL TO BRO . EDWIN WILLIAMS .
A COMMITTEE of influential and local brethren , who have for some years past had opportunities of knowing Bro . Williams , determined to present him with some tangible mark of their esteem . Accordingly , the necessary arrangements were made , and subscriptions came in freely , many of his neighbours being anxious to join the contributors to the Fund . Bro . Williams having recently taken the
ancient hostelry yclept the " Eagle" afc Snaresbrook , it was determined to celebrate the presentation in the true old English fashion , by having a dinner at his house . A numerous attendance of brethren , and also of personal friends , was presided over in a truly gonial manner by Bro . J . G . Stevens , ably supported by Bro . T . J . Barnes as Vice President . The excellence of the dinner and
choiconess of the wines were universally admitted by the company , who seemed to be pleased with tho whole of the arrangements . After grace , the usual loyal toasts were given and dutifully responded to . Bro . Stevens next said , —I now approach tho toast of the evening , and in doing so approach it with diffidence . Not that I am diffident of tho fact , but feel I am not able , seeing so large and influential an
attendance , to do honor to the importance of the toast . Now , around this table are some who have known Bro . Williams longer than I have ; my knowledge of him extends over about six years , and I can say be is an honorable man , a man of integrity , and ono whose word can bo taken , and in saying that—yon have known him for a longer period—we may say , he has endeared himself to us all . Having left bnsiness in Whitechapel , and feeling he had luxuriated long enough in the City ,
ho has come to sojourn in Essex , and we all wish him hearty success . Now , a committee of gentlemen having deputed me to offer Bro . Williams some mark of their esteem , ifc is my duty , in their name , to present this evening a Silver Service , a Loving Cup , and last , but not least , a letter from Mr . Gurney framed , with this Testimonial on Vellum , containing the names of 70 Subscribers . Whilst the Committee have thus done their duty to Mr . Williams , they are aware there is a Mrs . Williams . We all know how fond ladies aro of a
cup of tea , and this Tea Service may , when that lady does tho honours of her tea table , remind her in what estimation her husband is hold . Hononr , truth , integrity , uprightness , justice—four of these words wo may pass by , but I have something more to say of tho integrity of Bro . Williams . In acknowledging his great kindness , urbanity
of manner , gentlemanly conduct and manliness ; in the name and on behalf of the Committee , I present this Tea Service and Testimonial . After reading the Testimonial , which was a handsome specimen of art , the president resumed . During my speech , I have mentioned integrity , of this tho following letter from Mr . Gurney may bo taken as a proof : —
" 112 Whitechapel , E ., Sept . 8 , 1871 ) . "E . Beherends , Esq . " Dear Sir , —I have much pleasure in handing you herewith a contribntion towards tho proposed testimonial to Mr . Edwin Williams ; I regret that I shall not be able to attend the presentation , bnfc I shall join most heartily in the good wishes that I am sure will then
bo expressed for his success in his present enterprise . The nnmerous influential names on tho list of subscribers must always be to him valuable testimony that he has won the approbation and friendship of many who are customers here , and the addition of mine niiisfc be accepted as evidence that he has succeeded most thoroughly in
ar-eomp ' i-iliirig the very rare feat of scrvm ™ faithfully and satisfactorily a . d'ltible interest . I have ever } ' confidence that his business knowledge and the attention ho will be sure to give will ensure for the " Eagle " at Snaresbrook a long era of constantly increasing pros , perity .
" I am , Dear Sir , faithfully , ( Signed ) "JAMES GUKNET . " Tho several gifts wero then formally presented , the president saying tho occasion afforded him double pleasure iu being chosen to make the presentation . He then read a letter from Bro . Beherends , apologising for unavoidable absence , and requesting that the loving cup
might pass round the table filled with champagne at his expense ; whife this was being effected , other apologies for non attendance wero read . Bro . Williams then said , —I have to-night one of the most difficult tasks ( and yet a most pleasaufc one ) I ever had to perform . To thank you for this beautiful present would tax mo far beyond my powers to clothe my thoughts in words to thank you for the great
kindness of Chairman and Committee to me this evening . Passing to the letter from Mr . Gurney , my late employer , I may say the testimonial has given me pleasure , and the letter great surprise ; during my stay with him I have experienced all gentlemanly treatment , and have rendered him all tho service I could render . I have to study tho health of my wife and family , and havo come here ; aud shall
continue to work hard to render this place all I would have it to be . ( Cheers ) . Tbe Committee were next toasted , Bros . Lazarus and Myers II ti . Sec . being named as the two active members who had brought UusutUiivsuceessfully through . Both g . enUemen having responded , the toasts of Tre Absent Subscribers , the Residents of the Neighbourhood , responded toby Bro . Holliugtou , Whitehead , and Cox ; and tho Press , responded to by Bro . Stephens , brought the post-praudial operations
to a close , the brethren dispersing to seek their homos by rail and road . One party , remembering that tho "Eagle" wasan ancient posting house , drove down in splendid style , in i , well appointed stagecoach , with two pairs of match greys , who took us home iu such a manner as to remind some of the old days when posting and the stage coach were the recognized means of travelling . The musical arangements were under the control of Bro . J . Stcdman , assisted by Bro . Egbert Roberts and Masters Dunster aud Malinn .
Bro . J . Marsh , No . 185 , will re-open the Philharmonic Palace of Varieties , Islington , this day ( Saturday ) . Bro . Marsh intends to provide ballets , burlesques , and variety entertainments . Mr . Alfred Young is the manager .