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Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article RANDOM NOTES AND REFLECTIONS. Page 1 of 2 Article RANDOM NOTES AND REFLECTIONS. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00902
il I r' I m — WfcJ . j — ^ J — __ . *_ .. hi'Trijrl I i ¦ i _ ... ¦ m ^^^^^ aag ** aa-.-.--r .-.-.-.--rt | V | gw ^ w AiOTjjIa
Random Notes And Reflections.
RANDOM NOTES AND REFLECTIONS .
~ j \ TO brother is more popular among the Craft , and no JJi one is more sought after , than ihe Most Worshipfnl the Grand Master of England , Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . As the heir to the throne his services are
constantly invoked throughout the length and breadth of the land , and so -well does he discharge the duties of the multifarious offices he assumes , that he actually courts invitations by his many excellencies . Wo in the Craft know his
worth as a ruler , and we are not surprised to learn that wherever Masonic work is to be done in connection with charity , the Most Worshi pfnl Grand Master should he asked to preside . To-day the Lord Provost will lay the
foundation-stone of the new municipal building in Glasgow , when 20 , 000 workmen are expected to walk in procession . The ceremony will be performed with Masonic rites , and it was expected that Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales
M . W . G . M . England would have been able to officiate . The canny Glasgie people have a pleasant recollection of a former visit , and would gladly renew the acquaintance of H . R . H ., but the Prince cannot gratify the demand of the
public on this occasion , nor cheer the hearts of the Scotch Masons bv his presence . Bro . the Earl of Mar and KelHe is the M . W . Grand Master of Scotland , but he would have
been proud to welcome the Prince of Wales , not only as n Prince , but as the head of the Craft in England , and we might almost say of the world .
Brother the Duke of Albany is scarcely less popular than his elder brother . He is held in hisrh esteem by Freemasons generally , and we are not surprised therefore
to learn that the warm-hearted Tykes of West Yorkshire intend presenting an address of welcome to His Roval Highness on the occasion of his visit to Huddersfield . The brethren of West Yorkshire are well known for their
activity , and , like Yorkshiremen generally , hospitality and loyalty are natural to them . — : o *—It is a bad look out when cowan newspapers think it necessary to make public and discuss the strained
relationship that mav exist between brother Masons .. As we have before stated there is greater freedom in these matters in America than in England , and Canada seems to be more inclined to follow the customs of its near neighbour than
those of the country to whom it owes allegiance . We do not wish to exasperate the contention that exists between the Grand Lodge of England and the so-called Grand Lod ge of Quebec . We would gladly let time and good
feeling tone down asperities and determine the relative positions of both bodies . We by no means approve of the conduct of the seceders , but we utter no harsh judgment and whatever good offices we can command shall be
exercised with kindness and forbearance . There are times however , when it is necessary to speak firmly , and one has arisen in which Bro . Wm . Ross , a member of the Lodge King Solomon , under the banner of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland , and Bro . John H . Isaacson , Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , are concerned . It appears that the King Solomon Lodge Seceded from its parent , and adopted the paternity of the Grand Lodge of Quebec .
Bro . Boss and seven other members declined to follow ttieir example . Notwithstanding this action , the names of Bro . Ross and his confreres were retained on the Lodge register . Bro . Ross received the usual summonses to
attend the meetings of the Lodge , and dues were charged a gainst him . He refused to recognise either invitation or claim , and in clue course he was suspended for the nonpayment of dues . He was reported to the Grand Lodge
° 5 Quebec as a defaulter , and his name as such was widely circulated in the annual report of the Grand Secretary . * rom the first Bro . Ross protested against thn circnlnrs of f ^ ng Solomon Lodge being sent to him , and repudiated "fte new jurisdiction . Finding remonstrance in vain ,
Random Notes And Reflections.
seeing his name blazoned forth in the list of " Suspensions for non-payment of dues " issued by the Grand Lodge of Quebec , he sought redress at the hands of the Grand Secretary . Failing in this , he commenced an action for libel against Bro . Isaacson . An appearance was put in , ^
counsel were engaged , and there was every prospect of a cause celebre coming on . Wiser counsels prevailed ; Bro . Isaacson has apologised , and Bro . E . R . Johnston , the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , has caused Bro . Ross ' s suspension to be removed , with an expression a
of regret " that all the facts connected with the case were not earlier brought under the notice of the Grand Master . " The publication of the apologies and the payment of the costs by the Grand Lodge of Quebec has brought this unhappy dispute to a close .
All through this painful matter Bro . Ross has acted with great circumspection . He has not embittered the controversy , and his one aim has been to obtain an amicable settlement . He has nevertheless manfully contended for his rights , and denied the assumption that any foreign
body can determine to whom he owes allegiance . He holds to the charter granted bv the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and hopes to revive King Solomon Lodge under its warrant , when , he says , " we will be glad to receive again among us those who now regret the false position in wbich they have been placed . "
We who live at home at ease , enjoying the fullest liberty of fellowship , little know of the persecution that Masonry is subjected to in the United States . There may be reasons for this antagonism we wot not of , but we none the less deplore its existence . Freemasonry makes more outward
show in America than m England , and perhaps challenges controversy . It is more demonstrative ; it is certainly more popular in the common acceptation of the term , and necessarily more open to criticism than with us . Now and then , however , such evidences of the power and nobility of
the Craft are manifested as to silence enemies for the time , and awaken a spirit of admiration . Like everything else in America , Freemasonry is carried out on a large scale ; even fhe acts of charity are marked by the spirit and enthusiasm , which characterise the brethren generally . They seem
equal to any occasion , and it is oue of their proudest claims to admiration that they do not limit their beneficent labours . Witness the floods that swept tho Valley of the Ohio , which caused snch wide-spread desolation . The poor in
Cincinnati suffered severely , but the Freemasons of the city were among the most earnest workers for their relief . Of course the citizens generally laboured in the same direction as well , but it was the members of the Craft who conceived and carried out one mode of relief that did more
than anything else to rescue life and property . Boats were wanted , and immediatel y the word was sent to Cleveland : " Send us a number of row-boats . " That night a dozen were , sent , with a message that if more were needed , they
should be forwarded ; also , that if necessary , " a life-saving crew , with all needed provisions to make them effective , " should follow immediately . Bro . Cornelius Moore , writing on this subject while on the narrow ledge of life which divides it from death , says : —
The next flay the Masonic fleet , manned and equipped by the strong * nrms of the Brotherhood , wns afloat on the raging stream and antimerger ! lowlands , rendering efficient help wherever help was mosfc needed . Each boat carried a captain to direct , nnd a crew of strong Craftsmen , ready nnd able to do his bidding . Besides , each bore a
small bine flap :, with the square nnd compasses npon it ; and wherever one of these boats of relief was seen , it was hailed with delight . Ancl no wonder , it was a flotilla of Pence , messengers of mercy , bringing help and hope , and gladness to all , without distinction of age , sex ,
or chnrvh , or party . In those days of desolation and distress , when homes were being swept away , and the helpless were adrift on tbe nnrrry flood , and millions of property were being destroyed—the Fraternity wns abreast of public sentiment , and in the very front rank of the helpers .
Well may Bro . Moore invoke the " blessings of heaven to rest upon such true and constant Masons . " Who would not join in such a . prayer ? Snch an act redeems a multitude of faults , and proves that the hearts of the brethren m A ruerica beat as true to the principles of the Craffc as
anywhere else in the world . They rejoice in great freedom , they may even push their displays to the verge of licence , but , when cause arises , they ai * e faithful to the spirit of charity which Masonry inculcates , which braves difficulties and dangers in order thafc the suffering may be rescued and helped .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00902
il I r' I m — WfcJ . j — ^ J — __ . *_ .. hi'Trijrl I i ¦ i _ ... ¦ m ^^^^^ aag ** aa-.-.--r .-.-.-.--rt | V | gw ^ w AiOTjjIa
Random Notes And Reflections.
RANDOM NOTES AND REFLECTIONS .
~ j \ TO brother is more popular among the Craft , and no JJi one is more sought after , than ihe Most Worshipfnl the Grand Master of England , Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales . As the heir to the throne his services are
constantly invoked throughout the length and breadth of the land , and so -well does he discharge the duties of the multifarious offices he assumes , that he actually courts invitations by his many excellencies . Wo in the Craft know his
worth as a ruler , and we are not surprised to learn that wherever Masonic work is to be done in connection with charity , the Most Worshi pfnl Grand Master should he asked to preside . To-day the Lord Provost will lay the
foundation-stone of the new municipal building in Glasgow , when 20 , 000 workmen are expected to walk in procession . The ceremony will be performed with Masonic rites , and it was expected that Bro . H . R . H . the Prince of Wales
M . W . G . M . England would have been able to officiate . The canny Glasgie people have a pleasant recollection of a former visit , and would gladly renew the acquaintance of H . R . H ., but the Prince cannot gratify the demand of the
public on this occasion , nor cheer the hearts of the Scotch Masons bv his presence . Bro . the Earl of Mar and KelHe is the M . W . Grand Master of Scotland , but he would have
been proud to welcome the Prince of Wales , not only as n Prince , but as the head of the Craft in England , and we might almost say of the world .
Brother the Duke of Albany is scarcely less popular than his elder brother . He is held in hisrh esteem by Freemasons generally , and we are not surprised therefore
to learn that the warm-hearted Tykes of West Yorkshire intend presenting an address of welcome to His Roval Highness on the occasion of his visit to Huddersfield . The brethren of West Yorkshire are well known for their
activity , and , like Yorkshiremen generally , hospitality and loyalty are natural to them . — : o *—It is a bad look out when cowan newspapers think it necessary to make public and discuss the strained
relationship that mav exist between brother Masons .. As we have before stated there is greater freedom in these matters in America than in England , and Canada seems to be more inclined to follow the customs of its near neighbour than
those of the country to whom it owes allegiance . We do not wish to exasperate the contention that exists between the Grand Lodge of England and the so-called Grand Lod ge of Quebec . We would gladly let time and good
feeling tone down asperities and determine the relative positions of both bodies . We by no means approve of the conduct of the seceders , but we utter no harsh judgment and whatever good offices we can command shall be
exercised with kindness and forbearance . There are times however , when it is necessary to speak firmly , and one has arisen in which Bro . Wm . Ross , a member of the Lodge King Solomon , under the banner of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland , and Bro . John H . Isaacson , Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , are concerned . It appears that the King Solomon Lodge Seceded from its parent , and adopted the paternity of the Grand Lodge of Quebec .
Bro . Boss and seven other members declined to follow ttieir example . Notwithstanding this action , the names of Bro . Ross and his confreres were retained on the Lodge register . Bro . Ross received the usual summonses to
attend the meetings of the Lodge , and dues were charged a gainst him . He refused to recognise either invitation or claim , and in clue course he was suspended for the nonpayment of dues . He was reported to the Grand Lodge
° 5 Quebec as a defaulter , and his name as such was widely circulated in the annual report of the Grand Secretary . * rom the first Bro . Ross protested against thn circnlnrs of f ^ ng Solomon Lodge being sent to him , and repudiated "fte new jurisdiction . Finding remonstrance in vain ,
Random Notes And Reflections.
seeing his name blazoned forth in the list of " Suspensions for non-payment of dues " issued by the Grand Lodge of Quebec , he sought redress at the hands of the Grand Secretary . Failing in this , he commenced an action for libel against Bro . Isaacson . An appearance was put in , ^
counsel were engaged , and there was every prospect of a cause celebre coming on . Wiser counsels prevailed ; Bro . Isaacson has apologised , and Bro . E . R . Johnston , the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Quebec , has caused Bro . Ross ' s suspension to be removed , with an expression a
of regret " that all the facts connected with the case were not earlier brought under the notice of the Grand Master . " The publication of the apologies and the payment of the costs by the Grand Lodge of Quebec has brought this unhappy dispute to a close .
All through this painful matter Bro . Ross has acted with great circumspection . He has not embittered the controversy , and his one aim has been to obtain an amicable settlement . He has nevertheless manfully contended for his rights , and denied the assumption that any foreign
body can determine to whom he owes allegiance . He holds to the charter granted bv the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and hopes to revive King Solomon Lodge under its warrant , when , he says , " we will be glad to receive again among us those who now regret the false position in wbich they have been placed . "
We who live at home at ease , enjoying the fullest liberty of fellowship , little know of the persecution that Masonry is subjected to in the United States . There may be reasons for this antagonism we wot not of , but we none the less deplore its existence . Freemasonry makes more outward
show in America than m England , and perhaps challenges controversy . It is more demonstrative ; it is certainly more popular in the common acceptation of the term , and necessarily more open to criticism than with us . Now and then , however , such evidences of the power and nobility of
the Craft are manifested as to silence enemies for the time , and awaken a spirit of admiration . Like everything else in America , Freemasonry is carried out on a large scale ; even fhe acts of charity are marked by the spirit and enthusiasm , which characterise the brethren generally . They seem
equal to any occasion , and it is oue of their proudest claims to admiration that they do not limit their beneficent labours . Witness the floods that swept tho Valley of the Ohio , which caused snch wide-spread desolation . The poor in
Cincinnati suffered severely , but the Freemasons of the city were among the most earnest workers for their relief . Of course the citizens generally laboured in the same direction as well , but it was the members of the Craft who conceived and carried out one mode of relief that did more
than anything else to rescue life and property . Boats were wanted , and immediatel y the word was sent to Cleveland : " Send us a number of row-boats . " That night a dozen were , sent , with a message that if more were needed , they
should be forwarded ; also , that if necessary , " a life-saving crew , with all needed provisions to make them effective , " should follow immediately . Bro . Cornelius Moore , writing on this subject while on the narrow ledge of life which divides it from death , says : —
The next flay the Masonic fleet , manned and equipped by the strong * nrms of the Brotherhood , wns afloat on the raging stream and antimerger ! lowlands , rendering efficient help wherever help was mosfc needed . Each boat carried a captain to direct , nnd a crew of strong Craftsmen , ready nnd able to do his bidding . Besides , each bore a
small bine flap :, with the square nnd compasses npon it ; and wherever one of these boats of relief was seen , it was hailed with delight . Ancl no wonder , it was a flotilla of Pence , messengers of mercy , bringing help and hope , and gladness to all , without distinction of age , sex ,
or chnrvh , or party . In those days of desolation and distress , when homes were being swept away , and the helpless were adrift on tbe nnrrry flood , and millions of property were being destroyed—the Fraternity wns abreast of public sentiment , and in the very front rank of the helpers .
Well may Bro . Moore invoke the " blessings of heaven to rest upon such true and constant Masons . " Who would not join in such a . prayer ? Snch an act redeems a multitude of faults , and proves that the hearts of the brethren m A ruerica beat as true to the principles of the Craffc as
anywhere else in the world . They rejoice in great freedom , they may even push their displays to the verge of licence , but , when cause arises , they ai * e faithful to the spirit of charity which Masonry inculcates , which braves difficulties and dangers in order thafc the suffering may be rescued and helped .