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  • May 9, 1896
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The Freemason's Chronicle, May 9, 1896: Page 4

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    Article CHURCH SERVICES. Page 1 of 1
    Article CHURCH SERVICES. Page 1 of 1
Page 4

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Church Services.

CHURCH SERVICES .

A SPECIAL service took place on Sunday evening , at St . James ' s Church , Bermondsey , under the auspices of the Lodge of St . James , No . . 765 , Bro . W . J . Stahlschmidt W . M ., by special dispensation granted by the M . W . G . M . H . E . H . the Prince of Wales . This church has many serious difficulties to

face , and the vicar the Eev . E . N . Coulthard , with the aid of his earnest body of workers , is tackling them in a strenuous manner . The edifice , the most imposing in the neighbourhood , requires renovation . The stonework of the tower and cornice needs careful overhauling , the iron frames of the large windows show

signs of rapid decay , the beautiful peal of bells , which have been silent for a year , needs attention , which will cost about £ 50 , the fine organ , which was built in 1828 by Messrs . Bishop and Co ., wants cleaning and repairing , and the appearance of the interior of the building appeals for re-painting and decoration .

It was with the object of assisting the church thafc fche service was convened , and it was gratifying to see such a large body of Brethren assembled . Altogether there were nearly 200 present . A large crowd assembled in the churchyard and outside the

gates to witness the Masons as they passed from the schoolroom ( where cloak room accommodation had been provided , under the supervision of a Director of Ceremonies and an efficient staff of Tylers ) , to the sacred edifice . The majority of the Brethren wore Masonic regalia and jewels ( Arch and Craft ) , and the effect

was very picturesque . The sacred edifice was full , the nave being reserved for the Masons , whose appearance stood out in bold contrast to the more sombre attire of the remainder of the male congregation . The service was exceedingly hearty , and enjoyable ; the singing was spirited , and the visitors appeared

most enthusiastic . The music was under the direction of Brother Chatterton P . M . 1185 , and the hymns chosen were well-known favourites , such as " O worship the King all-glorious above , " " All people that on earth do dwell , " & c . The choir also rendered as

an anthem Psalm cxxxm , which was beautifully performed , one of the leading singers enrapturing the congregation wifch her clear sweet tones . The words seemed particularly appropriate and were much appreciated .

The sermon was preached by the Eev . Brother John Parry , M . A . ( vicar of Bromley , and Chaplain Bromley St . Leonard Lodge , No . 1805 . ) His text was chosen from Zechariah iv ., 6 , 7 . He said the beginning of Freemasonry and Masonry generally was associated with the building of King Solomon ' s temple , ana

reference was made in this passage to there-construction of what was commonly known as the second temple . There was a threefold aspect to that , primarily , prophetic and personal , and under each could be observed obstacles like mountains , and the principles and performance of duty . In the first reference the

duty was to build the temple . Obstacles were raised by opponents to the scheme , from the enemy of man , and lukewarmness of friends . Many an old Levite who had seen the first temple compared its magnificence with the meagreness of this proposed second temple , and sneered and scorned . Idolatrous

strangers who inhabited Samaria , and whose help was refused , used every means in their power to make the obstacles like a huge mountain . They made unholy alliances , and spread false reports in the Palace of Babylon . With all these difficulties how was the work done ? Not by might or by power , but by the

Spirit of the most high God—the Great Architect and Builder of all . And so with the work of the Great Master . He had to build the temple of humanity , the obstacles became like a great mountain , but by the Spirit of God they were surmounted . There was a personal lesson in the text for every man . He had

a special duty to perform—to build himself as a temple for Godto get clear of sin , to check his passions and finally to curb them —to strive alter virtue—to seek to follow the example of Christ . The work could not be done by outward observances or moral right , but by the mighty Spirit of God .

The collection amounted to £ 33 Is , and subsequent donations have been received from Bros . Col . S . B . Bevington , J . Chalkly Kennedy , M . D ., L . Garrett P . M . P . Z . 11 , W . H . Farrow 548 , J . J . Howes P . M ., West Smithfield ; and Southwark Lodge , 879 , St . James , 765 , and the Star Lodge of Instruction . — " Southwark Eecorder . "

ON Sunday , 26 th ult ., the Brethren of the Lewisham and other Lodges attended divine service at St . Laurence Church , Catford . There was a crowded congregation , over 300 Brethren being present , including Bro . Walter Tyler Steward of the Lewisham Lodge for the Boys Institution . Mr . C . W . Wilkes

officiated at the organ , and the clergy in attendance were the Vicar ( Bro . the Eev . W . J . Salt ) and the Eev . C . E . Milton ( curate ) . The choir sang the anthem , "O , how amiable are Thy dwellings , " & c . ( Psalm Ixxxiv ., 1 , 2 , and 3 ) , and also " Gloria in Excelsis " ( Mozart ' s Twelfth Mass ) .

Church Services.

The sermon was preached by the Vicar , who based an eloquent and appropriate discourse on the words " Thou shalt love " ( Matt , xxii ., 37 ) , and " Love is the fulfilling of the law " ( Bom . xiii ., 10 ) . In the course of his observations our Eeverend Brother said that the essential idea contained in the verses was

that love was enjoined . Gathered together as they were that night in the presence of a large assemblage they might feel especially proud of those words , emanating from the Master and the apostle . For did they not express concisely and clearly the tenets and responsibilities of the ancient and rightly much-loved

Order of Freemasonry ? They all had had a feeling of sentiment towards Almighty God , the Great Architect of the Universe , the very mention of whose holy name created in them thafc reverence undoubtedly due from creature to Creator . But sentiment was one thing , and practice was another ; and practice was the better

of the two . _ t is well known to every Mason that the Order to which he belonged was a system of morality . But morality without charity or love was absolutely dead , and he reminded them that , although their mysteries could never be known , the fruit of their mysteries must be made manifest by the constant

practice of every moral and social virtue in their every-day life . Every Mason ought to be a better and holier man , as he was asked to take the volume of the sacred scripture , the holy book of the law , as the standard of truth and justice , and to regulate all his actions by the divine principles therein contained , and to

learn once and for all the important duties he owed to God , to his neighbour , and to himself . He was one of the youngest ' Master Masons present , but he would venture to affirm , without fear of contradiction , that if there was one thing of which Masons were proud , it was the social virtue of charity . Vast , indeed ,

must be the sums gathered for their charitable institutions ; for distress , for the afflicted , for the widow , for the aged , and the amount of charity distributed in other ways . Their Craft mighfc be justly described as a powerful charitable organisation ; secret , but without a rival . Hence ifc was that they were called upon

from time to time to assemble as they had done that night , by and with authority from the proper quarter , to prove to the outside world whafc they could do , and to stimulate others in the good , the magnificent cause of charity . Charity was the last round of that inestimable ladder which , by faith and hopethey desired

, to ascend , reaching from earth to that place where the blessed rest in everlasting peace . In conclusion the preacher made a strong appeal for a liberal offertory , and called upon the Brethren to exercise that virtue which might justly be denominated the

leading characteristic , not only of Freemasonry , bub also of a Christian heart . If he could he would have inscribed somewhere in the porch of the new vicarage these words , so full of meaning for a parish priest , " To all who seek thee open thy portals wide , to be to each a pastor , friend and guide . "

Collections taken on behalf of St . Laurence Vicarage fund and the Masonic Institutions amounted to £ 25 . —* ' South Eastern Herald . "

Those who attend the Masonic service already referred to will be greatly interested in old Eainham Church , which forms the principal attraction afc the village . Ifc dates back to the eleventh century , and is evidently of Norman architecture .

Although it bears marks of decay and frequent repairs , it still retains a fine Norman archway , an ancient font , and other sculpture which would delight the antiquarian . A considerable sum will be required for the work of restoration , and it is to be hoped that the general public will assist in the undertaking .

We have been favoured with a copy of the " West Lancashire Masonic Calendar" for 1896-97 . The book , published at one shilling , has been compiled by Brother w ! Goodacre Past Grand Sword Bearer Provincial Grand Secretary , who has dedicated it , by permission , to the Et . Hon . the Earl

of Lathom , G . C . B ., Pro Grand Master . The publication is a very interesting one , and besides conveying an amount of general information , hints to Secretaries , & c , contains not only a complete list of the Lodges and Chapters in the Province , with the names of the Officers , places and dates of meeting

, but is furnished with a very useful diary also . From fche Calendar it appears that West Lancashire possesses 114 Craft Lodges , 46 Eoyal Arch Chapters , 7 Knight Templar Preceptories , 3 Eose Croix Chapters , 18 Mark Master Lodgesand 3

, Councils of the Allied Masonic Degrees . We are sure the book , having been carefully prepared , will prove to be a desideratum , and confidently recommend it to the Brethren connected with the Province for which it is intended

Particulars of the Midland Eailway Company ' s Whitsuntide excursion arrangements will appear in our advertisement columns next week .

“The Freemason's Chronicle: 1896-05-09, Page 4” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 18 June 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fcn/issues/fcn_09051896/page/4/.
  • List
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Title Category Page
THE GIRLS FESTIVAL. Article 1
THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 1
GRAND CHAPTER. Article 1
AT LAST THE BOOK IS FOR SALE. Article 2
CHURCH SERVICES. Article 4
ABJURATION OF A GRAND MASTER. Article 5
CORRESPONDENCE. Article 5
Untitled Ad 5
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Ad 6
Untitled Article 6
THE GIRLS SCHOOL. Article 6
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. Article 6
REPORTS OF MEETINGS. Article 7
"A SPRIG OF ACACIA." Article 9
"SAVAGES" AT HALIFAX. Article 10
The Theatres, &c. Article 10
Untitled Article 10
NEXT WEEK. Article 11
Untitled Article 11
Masonic Sonnets, No. 118. Article 11
Untitled Ad 11
Untitled Ad 11
LODGES AND CHAPTERS OF INSTRUCTION. Article 12
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Church Services.

CHURCH SERVICES .

A SPECIAL service took place on Sunday evening , at St . James ' s Church , Bermondsey , under the auspices of the Lodge of St . James , No . . 765 , Bro . W . J . Stahlschmidt W . M ., by special dispensation granted by the M . W . G . M . H . E . H . the Prince of Wales . This church has many serious difficulties to

face , and the vicar the Eev . E . N . Coulthard , with the aid of his earnest body of workers , is tackling them in a strenuous manner . The edifice , the most imposing in the neighbourhood , requires renovation . The stonework of the tower and cornice needs careful overhauling , the iron frames of the large windows show

signs of rapid decay , the beautiful peal of bells , which have been silent for a year , needs attention , which will cost about £ 50 , the fine organ , which was built in 1828 by Messrs . Bishop and Co ., wants cleaning and repairing , and the appearance of the interior of the building appeals for re-painting and decoration .

It was with the object of assisting the church thafc fche service was convened , and it was gratifying to see such a large body of Brethren assembled . Altogether there were nearly 200 present . A large crowd assembled in the churchyard and outside the

gates to witness the Masons as they passed from the schoolroom ( where cloak room accommodation had been provided , under the supervision of a Director of Ceremonies and an efficient staff of Tylers ) , to the sacred edifice . The majority of the Brethren wore Masonic regalia and jewels ( Arch and Craft ) , and the effect

was very picturesque . The sacred edifice was full , the nave being reserved for the Masons , whose appearance stood out in bold contrast to the more sombre attire of the remainder of the male congregation . The service was exceedingly hearty , and enjoyable ; the singing was spirited , and the visitors appeared

most enthusiastic . The music was under the direction of Brother Chatterton P . M . 1185 , and the hymns chosen were well-known favourites , such as " O worship the King all-glorious above , " " All people that on earth do dwell , " & c . The choir also rendered as

an anthem Psalm cxxxm , which was beautifully performed , one of the leading singers enrapturing the congregation wifch her clear sweet tones . The words seemed particularly appropriate and were much appreciated .

The sermon was preached by the Eev . Brother John Parry , M . A . ( vicar of Bromley , and Chaplain Bromley St . Leonard Lodge , No . 1805 . ) His text was chosen from Zechariah iv ., 6 , 7 . He said the beginning of Freemasonry and Masonry generally was associated with the building of King Solomon ' s temple , ana

reference was made in this passage to there-construction of what was commonly known as the second temple . There was a threefold aspect to that , primarily , prophetic and personal , and under each could be observed obstacles like mountains , and the principles and performance of duty . In the first reference the

duty was to build the temple . Obstacles were raised by opponents to the scheme , from the enemy of man , and lukewarmness of friends . Many an old Levite who had seen the first temple compared its magnificence with the meagreness of this proposed second temple , and sneered and scorned . Idolatrous

strangers who inhabited Samaria , and whose help was refused , used every means in their power to make the obstacles like a huge mountain . They made unholy alliances , and spread false reports in the Palace of Babylon . With all these difficulties how was the work done ? Not by might or by power , but by the

Spirit of the most high God—the Great Architect and Builder of all . And so with the work of the Great Master . He had to build the temple of humanity , the obstacles became like a great mountain , but by the Spirit of God they were surmounted . There was a personal lesson in the text for every man . He had

a special duty to perform—to build himself as a temple for Godto get clear of sin , to check his passions and finally to curb them —to strive alter virtue—to seek to follow the example of Christ . The work could not be done by outward observances or moral right , but by the mighty Spirit of God .

The collection amounted to £ 33 Is , and subsequent donations have been received from Bros . Col . S . B . Bevington , J . Chalkly Kennedy , M . D ., L . Garrett P . M . P . Z . 11 , W . H . Farrow 548 , J . J . Howes P . M ., West Smithfield ; and Southwark Lodge , 879 , St . James , 765 , and the Star Lodge of Instruction . — " Southwark Eecorder . "

ON Sunday , 26 th ult ., the Brethren of the Lewisham and other Lodges attended divine service at St . Laurence Church , Catford . There was a crowded congregation , over 300 Brethren being present , including Bro . Walter Tyler Steward of the Lewisham Lodge for the Boys Institution . Mr . C . W . Wilkes

officiated at the organ , and the clergy in attendance were the Vicar ( Bro . the Eev . W . J . Salt ) and the Eev . C . E . Milton ( curate ) . The choir sang the anthem , "O , how amiable are Thy dwellings , " & c . ( Psalm Ixxxiv ., 1 , 2 , and 3 ) , and also " Gloria in Excelsis " ( Mozart ' s Twelfth Mass ) .

Church Services.

The sermon was preached by the Vicar , who based an eloquent and appropriate discourse on the words " Thou shalt love " ( Matt , xxii ., 37 ) , and " Love is the fulfilling of the law " ( Bom . xiii ., 10 ) . In the course of his observations our Eeverend Brother said that the essential idea contained in the verses was

that love was enjoined . Gathered together as they were that night in the presence of a large assemblage they might feel especially proud of those words , emanating from the Master and the apostle . For did they not express concisely and clearly the tenets and responsibilities of the ancient and rightly much-loved

Order of Freemasonry ? They all had had a feeling of sentiment towards Almighty God , the Great Architect of the Universe , the very mention of whose holy name created in them thafc reverence undoubtedly due from creature to Creator . But sentiment was one thing , and practice was another ; and practice was the better

of the two . _ t is well known to every Mason that the Order to which he belonged was a system of morality . But morality without charity or love was absolutely dead , and he reminded them that , although their mysteries could never be known , the fruit of their mysteries must be made manifest by the constant

practice of every moral and social virtue in their every-day life . Every Mason ought to be a better and holier man , as he was asked to take the volume of the sacred scripture , the holy book of the law , as the standard of truth and justice , and to regulate all his actions by the divine principles therein contained , and to

learn once and for all the important duties he owed to God , to his neighbour , and to himself . He was one of the youngest ' Master Masons present , but he would venture to affirm , without fear of contradiction , that if there was one thing of which Masons were proud , it was the social virtue of charity . Vast , indeed ,

must be the sums gathered for their charitable institutions ; for distress , for the afflicted , for the widow , for the aged , and the amount of charity distributed in other ways . Their Craft mighfc be justly described as a powerful charitable organisation ; secret , but without a rival . Hence ifc was that they were called upon

from time to time to assemble as they had done that night , by and with authority from the proper quarter , to prove to the outside world whafc they could do , and to stimulate others in the good , the magnificent cause of charity . Charity was the last round of that inestimable ladder which , by faith and hopethey desired

, to ascend , reaching from earth to that place where the blessed rest in everlasting peace . In conclusion the preacher made a strong appeal for a liberal offertory , and called upon the Brethren to exercise that virtue which might justly be denominated the

leading characteristic , not only of Freemasonry , bub also of a Christian heart . If he could he would have inscribed somewhere in the porch of the new vicarage these words , so full of meaning for a parish priest , " To all who seek thee open thy portals wide , to be to each a pastor , friend and guide . "

Collections taken on behalf of St . Laurence Vicarage fund and the Masonic Institutions amounted to £ 25 . —* ' South Eastern Herald . "

Those who attend the Masonic service already referred to will be greatly interested in old Eainham Church , which forms the principal attraction afc the village . Ifc dates back to the eleventh century , and is evidently of Norman architecture .

Although it bears marks of decay and frequent repairs , it still retains a fine Norman archway , an ancient font , and other sculpture which would delight the antiquarian . A considerable sum will be required for the work of restoration , and it is to be hoped that the general public will assist in the undertaking .

We have been favoured with a copy of the " West Lancashire Masonic Calendar" for 1896-97 . The book , published at one shilling , has been compiled by Brother w ! Goodacre Past Grand Sword Bearer Provincial Grand Secretary , who has dedicated it , by permission , to the Et . Hon . the Earl

of Lathom , G . C . B ., Pro Grand Master . The publication is a very interesting one , and besides conveying an amount of general information , hints to Secretaries , & c , contains not only a complete list of the Lodges and Chapters in the Province , with the names of the Officers , places and dates of meeting

, but is furnished with a very useful diary also . From fche Calendar it appears that West Lancashire possesses 114 Craft Lodges , 46 Eoyal Arch Chapters , 7 Knight Templar Preceptories , 3 Eose Croix Chapters , 18 Mark Master Lodgesand 3

, Councils of the Allied Masonic Degrees . We are sure the book , having been carefully prepared , will prove to be a desideratum , and confidently recommend it to the Brethren connected with the Province for which it is intended

Particulars of the Midland Eailway Company ' s Whitsuntide excursion arrangements will appear in our advertisement columns next week .

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