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Article Untitled Page 1 of 1 Article LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A NEW MASONIC TEMPLE AT NASSAU. Page 1 of 2 Article LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A NEW MASONIC TEMPLE AT NASSAU. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00902
23 GREAT QUEEN STREET , W . C .
Laying The Corner Stone Of A New Masonic Temple At Nassau.
LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A NEW MASONIC TEMPLE AT NASSAU .
T 1 IE ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the Masonic Temple at Nassau took place on Monday , 17 th July , in the presence of an enormous concourse of people of all religions denominations and grades of society in this city . A procession was formed at the Lodge room in Bay-street soon after four p . m ., whioh moved to the Cathedral ,
headed by two Tylers with drawn swords , the Friendly Society ' s Band , the Members of the Lodges and Masters thereof , tho two Grand Lodges , the Deputy Grand Masters , the Grand Masters with the Grand Deacons on either side of them , two Grand Stewards and the Grand Tyler bringing np the rear . In this order the march was continued till the Cathedral was
reached , when a halt was called , and the brethren opeued to the right and left , facing one another inwards , so as to leave a lane for the Grand Masters to pass np the centre ; thus the Church was entered by inverting tbe order of the procession . The service was begun with the appropriate bymc , " Pleasant are Tby courts , " & o ., which was sung most heartily . The Rev . R . Swann ,
rector of the parish , read the prayers ; tbe Rev . R . Saunders , rector of St . Matthew ' s , read the first lesson ; and tbe Rev . W . W . Duncombe , rector of St . David ' s , the second lesson . The sermon by the Right Rev . the Bishop was a practical and eloquent exposition of the words : " In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth nntoan holy temple in the Lord , "—Ephesians ii . 21 .
The Cathedral choir on the occasion was inoreased by many of the singers of St . Andrew ' s Church , whioh added mnch to the mnsic both in volume and effectiveness . The Anthem selected was " Tho Marv'Ious Work , " from Haydn ' s Creation . The solo was very finely sung by Mrs . Spence , in a clear , brilliant , and well-sustained manner , and the whole service was most hearty and joyous . When the last
notes of the organ wero pealing oat the Hallelujah Chorus the procession reformed , and proceeded to the grounds of the present Lodge , in front of which the new Temple is to be erected , where preparations were made for laying the oorner stone . A platform had been constructed for the members of the Grand Lodges ; and as soon as order could be obtained , the Hon . J . H . Webb , District Grand
Master for the Bahamas under the English Constitution , aunounced the purpose of the oocasion , and offered a short prayer . The Provincial Grand Master , under the Scotch Constitution , F . J . Aranha , Esq ., then inquired of the Treasurers and Secretaries of the Grand Lodges what coins , papers , or written documents had been prepared to place in the cavity of the stone . These Officers responded , and
Bro . Butler read the scroll , whioh contained the names of the Grand Masters and Officers of the Grand Lodges , & c . Coins of the period and newspapers were also deposited under the stone , tbe cement was spread and the stone lowered , making three distinct stops , while the band played " Rule Britannia . " Bro . Grand Master Arnnha then presented to the Deputy Grand Masters , Bros . Captain Lightbourn and
A . Thurston , the Square ; to the Grand Senior Wardens the Level , and to the Grand Junior Wardens the Plumb , and the following colloquy ensued : —The Deputies were asked , " What is the proper jewel of yonr office ? " To this they replied , and stated the moral and Masonic use of the Square . Similarly the Senior and Junior Wardens stated the jewels of their respective offices , and their nses in
Masonry ; the Level to remind the brothers of eqnality and to lay horizontals , and the Plumb to indicate rectitude of conduct and to tiy perpendiculars . All these several Masonic uses were applied to the Corner Stone , and the Depnty Masters reported it " square , " the Senior Wardens "level , " and the Junior Wardens " plumb . " The District Graud Master then said : —
This Corner Stone has been tested by the proper implements of Masonry , aud we fifld that the Craftsmen have skilfully and faithfully performed their duty . We do , therefore , declare the stone to be well formed , true arid trusty , and correctly laid according to the rules of our ancient Craft . Let the elements of consecration now be presented . "
Tbe Deputy Grand Masters then scattered corn as an emblem of plenty , and said : — " May the blessing of bounteous heaven be showered upou all like patriotic and benevolent undertakings , and inspire the hearts of tbe people with virtue , wisdom , and gratitude . " The Senior Grand Wardens produced wine , and , pouring it on the
Stone , said : — " We ponr fchi = t wine as an emblem of joy and gladness . May the Great Ruler of tbe Universe bless and prosper oar Empire and City , aud may Friendship and Brotherly Love endure throughout all ages . " The Junior Grand Wardens poured oil on the Stone , and said : — We pour this oil as an emblem of peace . May its blessings abide
with us continually , and may the Grand Master of heaven and earth shelter and protect the widow and orphan , shield and defend them from trials and vicissitudes of the world , and so bestow His mercy £ pon the bereaved , the afflicted , and the sorrowing , that they may know sorrowing and trouble no more . " . Au Invocation , pronounced by the District Grand Master , followed Iu these words : —
Laying The Corner Stone Of A New Masonic Temple At Nassau.
'' May the all-bounteons Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of these Islands with an abundance of the necessaries , conveniences , and comforts of life ; assist in the erection r nd completion of this building , protect the workmen against every accident , long preserve the structure from decav , and grunt to ns all a supply of the Corn of Nourishment , the Wine of Refreshment , aud the Oil of Joy . "Amen .
An Address by the Provincial Grand Master Aranha followed : — Men and Brethren here Assembled : Be it known unto you , tbat we be lawful Masous , true and faithful to tho laws of our country , and engaged by solemn obligations , to erect magnificent buildings , to be serviceable to the brethren , aud to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We have among ns , concealed from
tho oyes of all men , secrets whioh cannot be divulged , aud which have never been found ont ; but these secrets are lawful and honour , able , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrnsted , in peace and hononr , to tho Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to ns . it is our duty to convey the munimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our Craft were good ,
and our calling honourable , we should not have lasted for so many oontnries , nor should we have beeu honoured with tho patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages , who have ever showu themselves ready to promote our interests and defend us from all adversaries . We are assembled here to-day , in tbe face of you all , to build a house , which we pray God may deserve to prosper , by becoming a place of
conconrse for good men , and promoting harmony and brotherly love throughout the world , till time shall be no m ^ re . Amen . " At the conolnsion of this Address , tbe District Grand Master ( Bro . J . H . Webb ) rose and delivered an eloquent and extempore oration , in a clear , comprehensive and happy style , of whioh the following is a summary : —
"Brethren and Friends , —At this stage of our proceedings , it ia usual for some learned and eloquent brother to deliver an oration , embodyiug the salient principles of our Order , and their adaptability to the exigencies of modern thought and the requirements of Society . I at once admit my incapability of properly performing this duty , but I feel somewhat relieved from any embarrassment by tho sympathy
and interest so clearly manifested in the vast assemblage of persons of all ranks and walks in life hero gathered to assist in the ceremony of the day . I look upon the joyous fac ° s of my brethren , this surging crowd , tbis glorious weather and brilliant tout ensemble , as au oration in itself—more eloquent than any langnage of mine can illustrate . We cannot paint the lily nor adorn the rose , any more than
can any words of mine add to the poetic beauty and grandeur of this interesting occasion . However , I will occupy your attention for a short time with a few points in the history of Ancient and Modem Freemasonry , the Secrets of Masons , and the universal principle of Charity and Brotherhood , which is the glory of our Order . Laurie ' s " History of Freemasonry " contains the most succinct aud graphic
history of the Craft . I will read a passage or two from this work , and then leave this part of my subject , whioh , like all other traditional histories , is involved in a certain amount of obscurity , but has still enough of the sunlight of truth and fact to connect it with modern Speculative Freemasonry . ( Extracts were here read , tracing the origin and progress of this ancient and venerable Institution . ) In
the West Indies Masonic history can be traced to its first Charter , about 130 years ago , and in onr own sea-girt island we have data for nearly a hundred years . In the records of the vestry of Christ Church in 1785 it is stated that tho Freemasons attended Divine Service on St . John's Dav ; and in 1810 the fonndation stone of St . Andrew ' s Kirk was laid by Freemasons . In 1830 they assistod at
the laving of the foundation stone of tbe tower of Christ Church , aud in 1837 they were again present when the corner atone of the new chnrch was laid . In 18 * 4 the first efforts were put forth by Bros . Sir George Anderson , Cooke , Jarrett , Dillefct , and Smith ( whose son I now see present ) , to obtain fnnds for the purchase of the present Lodge site , and the ereotiou of the building for which to-day we are
met to lav the Oorner Stone . It is peculiarly gratifying to me to assist at this ceremony , because I believe the building to be ereoted will be an ornament to this City as well as a home for Masons , where iu mutual brotherhor . d meetings for intellectual culture and social recreation may be bad . It will be the fault of Masous alone if the arts and sciences 1 are not therein disousaed and cultivated ,
and I rejoice in the knowledge that all good men and true may there receive educational advantages . Of the seorets of Masonry it only becomes me to say , that they are not at variance with either the laws of God or man . In anoieut times tbe Operative MaBon used tbem as signs of brotherhood , and in modern times the Speculative Mason uses them iu the same way to discover the bond whioh makes
all within its mystic pale one in universal charity . Whether our wives approve or not , one fact is certain , that many a widow ' s heart has hwri ohfered , and orphan's life made happy through the very secrets which some desnise and contemn . The magnificent schools , almshouse , and retreats for the elder brethren of tbe Order scattered throughout the mother country fnlly corroborate what I state ; and
tb"re is hardly a brother prpsent who cannot testify to the fact that some voting man or woman has had the first start in life through the influence which these traditional spcrets impose on the conscience of tho brethren . A good Mason will sore to be a good man , and a bad man cannot be a aood Mason . Freemasonry , let ns bear in mind , " is not , a plavthing or a sensation . It is a very useful , nnassuming ,
benevolent , and Viiluablo Order ; a friend to true progress , and improviny civilisation , which asks for and obfcaius the warm support of the intellectual , the moral , the kindly disposed , and the honest-hearted . It ; is an institution , aronnd which we may freely rally , amid many opposing schools of thought and sympathy to-day , as offering us a
standpoint on which we ourselves can plant , as on a firm basis , its goodly standard of toleration , hononr , loyalty , and charity . " Let me urgently advise its use , aud recommend its principles . It seems to mo to say to-day , in convincing tones , Our Order is one within whose peaceful portals you may learn useful lessons , without dwelling upon hurtful , puerile contentious—lessons of forbearance , love , truth ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00902
23 GREAT QUEEN STREET , W . C .
Laying The Corner Stone Of A New Masonic Temple At Nassau.
LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A NEW MASONIC TEMPLE AT NASSAU .
T 1 IE ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the Masonic Temple at Nassau took place on Monday , 17 th July , in the presence of an enormous concourse of people of all religions denominations and grades of society in this city . A procession was formed at the Lodge room in Bay-street soon after four p . m ., whioh moved to the Cathedral ,
headed by two Tylers with drawn swords , the Friendly Society ' s Band , the Members of the Lodges and Masters thereof , tho two Grand Lodges , the Deputy Grand Masters , the Grand Masters with the Grand Deacons on either side of them , two Grand Stewards and the Grand Tyler bringing np the rear . In this order the march was continued till the Cathedral was
reached , when a halt was called , and the brethren opeued to the right and left , facing one another inwards , so as to leave a lane for the Grand Masters to pass np the centre ; thus the Church was entered by inverting tbe order of the procession . The service was begun with the appropriate bymc , " Pleasant are Tby courts , " & o ., which was sung most heartily . The Rev . R . Swann ,
rector of the parish , read the prayers ; tbe Rev . R . Saunders , rector of St . Matthew ' s , read the first lesson ; and tbe Rev . W . W . Duncombe , rector of St . David ' s , the second lesson . The sermon by the Right Rev . the Bishop was a practical and eloquent exposition of the words : " In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth nntoan holy temple in the Lord , "—Ephesians ii . 21 .
The Cathedral choir on the occasion was inoreased by many of the singers of St . Andrew ' s Church , whioh added mnch to the mnsic both in volume and effectiveness . The Anthem selected was " Tho Marv'Ious Work , " from Haydn ' s Creation . The solo was very finely sung by Mrs . Spence , in a clear , brilliant , and well-sustained manner , and the whole service was most hearty and joyous . When the last
notes of the organ wero pealing oat the Hallelujah Chorus the procession reformed , and proceeded to the grounds of the present Lodge , in front of which the new Temple is to be erected , where preparations were made for laying the oorner stone . A platform had been constructed for the members of the Grand Lodges ; and as soon as order could be obtained , the Hon . J . H . Webb , District Grand
Master for the Bahamas under the English Constitution , aunounced the purpose of the oocasion , and offered a short prayer . The Provincial Grand Master , under the Scotch Constitution , F . J . Aranha , Esq ., then inquired of the Treasurers and Secretaries of the Grand Lodges what coins , papers , or written documents had been prepared to place in the cavity of the stone . These Officers responded , and
Bro . Butler read the scroll , whioh contained the names of the Grand Masters and Officers of the Grand Lodges , & c . Coins of the period and newspapers were also deposited under the stone , tbe cement was spread and the stone lowered , making three distinct stops , while the band played " Rule Britannia . " Bro . Grand Master Arnnha then presented to the Deputy Grand Masters , Bros . Captain Lightbourn and
A . Thurston , the Square ; to the Grand Senior Wardens the Level , and to the Grand Junior Wardens the Plumb , and the following colloquy ensued : —The Deputies were asked , " What is the proper jewel of yonr office ? " To this they replied , and stated the moral and Masonic use of the Square . Similarly the Senior and Junior Wardens stated the jewels of their respective offices , and their nses in
Masonry ; the Level to remind the brothers of eqnality and to lay horizontals , and the Plumb to indicate rectitude of conduct and to tiy perpendiculars . All these several Masonic uses were applied to the Corner Stone , and the Depnty Masters reported it " square , " the Senior Wardens "level , " and the Junior Wardens " plumb . " The District Graud Master then said : —
This Corner Stone has been tested by the proper implements of Masonry , aud we fifld that the Craftsmen have skilfully and faithfully performed their duty . We do , therefore , declare the stone to be well formed , true arid trusty , and correctly laid according to the rules of our ancient Craft . Let the elements of consecration now be presented . "
Tbe Deputy Grand Masters then scattered corn as an emblem of plenty , and said : — " May the blessing of bounteous heaven be showered upou all like patriotic and benevolent undertakings , and inspire the hearts of tbe people with virtue , wisdom , and gratitude . " The Senior Grand Wardens produced wine , and , pouring it on the
Stone , said : — " We ponr fchi = t wine as an emblem of joy and gladness . May the Great Ruler of tbe Universe bless and prosper oar Empire and City , aud may Friendship and Brotherly Love endure throughout all ages . " The Junior Grand Wardens poured oil on the Stone , and said : — We pour this oil as an emblem of peace . May its blessings abide
with us continually , and may the Grand Master of heaven and earth shelter and protect the widow and orphan , shield and defend them from trials and vicissitudes of the world , and so bestow His mercy £ pon the bereaved , the afflicted , and the sorrowing , that they may know sorrowing and trouble no more . " . Au Invocation , pronounced by the District Grand Master , followed Iu these words : —
Laying The Corner Stone Of A New Masonic Temple At Nassau.
'' May the all-bounteons Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of these Islands with an abundance of the necessaries , conveniences , and comforts of life ; assist in the erection r nd completion of this building , protect the workmen against every accident , long preserve the structure from decav , and grunt to ns all a supply of the Corn of Nourishment , the Wine of Refreshment , aud the Oil of Joy . "Amen .
An Address by the Provincial Grand Master Aranha followed : — Men and Brethren here Assembled : Be it known unto you , tbat we be lawful Masous , true and faithful to tho laws of our country , and engaged by solemn obligations , to erect magnificent buildings , to be serviceable to the brethren , aud to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We have among ns , concealed from
tho oyes of all men , secrets whioh cannot be divulged , aud which have never been found ont ; but these secrets are lawful and honour , able , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrnsted , in peace and hononr , to tho Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to ns . it is our duty to convey the munimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our Craft were good ,
and our calling honourable , we should not have lasted for so many oontnries , nor should we have beeu honoured with tho patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages , who have ever showu themselves ready to promote our interests and defend us from all adversaries . We are assembled here to-day , in tbe face of you all , to build a house , which we pray God may deserve to prosper , by becoming a place of
conconrse for good men , and promoting harmony and brotherly love throughout the world , till time shall be no m ^ re . Amen . " At the conolnsion of this Address , tbe District Grand Master ( Bro . J . H . Webb ) rose and delivered an eloquent and extempore oration , in a clear , comprehensive and happy style , of whioh the following is a summary : —
"Brethren and Friends , —At this stage of our proceedings , it ia usual for some learned and eloquent brother to deliver an oration , embodyiug the salient principles of our Order , and their adaptability to the exigencies of modern thought and the requirements of Society . I at once admit my incapability of properly performing this duty , but I feel somewhat relieved from any embarrassment by tho sympathy
and interest so clearly manifested in the vast assemblage of persons of all ranks and walks in life hero gathered to assist in the ceremony of the day . I look upon the joyous fac ° s of my brethren , this surging crowd , tbis glorious weather and brilliant tout ensemble , as au oration in itself—more eloquent than any langnage of mine can illustrate . We cannot paint the lily nor adorn the rose , any more than
can any words of mine add to the poetic beauty and grandeur of this interesting occasion . However , I will occupy your attention for a short time with a few points in the history of Ancient and Modem Freemasonry , the Secrets of Masons , and the universal principle of Charity and Brotherhood , which is the glory of our Order . Laurie ' s " History of Freemasonry " contains the most succinct aud graphic
history of the Craft . I will read a passage or two from this work , and then leave this part of my subject , whioh , like all other traditional histories , is involved in a certain amount of obscurity , but has still enough of the sunlight of truth and fact to connect it with modern Speculative Freemasonry . ( Extracts were here read , tracing the origin and progress of this ancient and venerable Institution . ) In
the West Indies Masonic history can be traced to its first Charter , about 130 years ago , and in onr own sea-girt island we have data for nearly a hundred years . In the records of the vestry of Christ Church in 1785 it is stated that tho Freemasons attended Divine Service on St . John's Dav ; and in 1810 the fonndation stone of St . Andrew ' s Kirk was laid by Freemasons . In 1830 they assistod at
the laving of the foundation stone of tbe tower of Christ Church , aud in 1837 they were again present when the corner atone of the new chnrch was laid . In 18 * 4 the first efforts were put forth by Bros . Sir George Anderson , Cooke , Jarrett , Dillefct , and Smith ( whose son I now see present ) , to obtain fnnds for the purchase of the present Lodge site , and the ereotiou of the building for which to-day we are
met to lav the Oorner Stone . It is peculiarly gratifying to me to assist at this ceremony , because I believe the building to be ereoted will be an ornament to this City as well as a home for Masons , where iu mutual brotherhor . d meetings for intellectual culture and social recreation may be bad . It will be the fault of Masous alone if the arts and sciences 1 are not therein disousaed and cultivated ,
and I rejoice in the knowledge that all good men and true may there receive educational advantages . Of the seorets of Masonry it only becomes me to say , that they are not at variance with either the laws of God or man . In anoieut times tbe Operative MaBon used tbem as signs of brotherhood , and in modern times the Speculative Mason uses them iu the same way to discover the bond whioh makes
all within its mystic pale one in universal charity . Whether our wives approve or not , one fact is certain , that many a widow ' s heart has hwri ohfered , and orphan's life made happy through the very secrets which some desnise and contemn . The magnificent schools , almshouse , and retreats for the elder brethren of tbe Order scattered throughout the mother country fnlly corroborate what I state ; and
tb"re is hardly a brother prpsent who cannot testify to the fact that some voting man or woman has had the first start in life through the influence which these traditional spcrets impose on the conscience of tho brethren . A good Mason will sore to be a good man , and a bad man cannot be a aood Mason . Freemasonry , let ns bear in mind , " is not , a plavthing or a sensation . It is a very useful , nnassuming ,
benevolent , and Viiluablo Order ; a friend to true progress , and improviny civilisation , which asks for and obfcaius the warm support of the intellectual , the moral , the kindly disposed , and the honest-hearted . It ; is an institution , aronnd which we may freely rally , amid many opposing schools of thought and sympathy to-day , as offering us a
standpoint on which we ourselves can plant , as on a firm basis , its goodly standard of toleration , hononr , loyalty , and charity . " Let me urgently advise its use , aud recommend its principles . It seems to mo to say to-day , in convincing tones , Our Order is one within whose peaceful portals you may learn useful lessons , without dwelling upon hurtful , puerile contentious—lessons of forbearance , love , truth ,