-
Articles/Ads
Article IONIC HALL'S DECORATION. ← Page 2 of 2 Article WHY DO THEY LEAVE US? Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ionic Hall's Decoration.
who were the carriers of the ails and sciences of the East , along and throngh the Mediterranean , to the West . Those enterprising sailors , the Phoenicians , went even beyond the Pillars of Hercules , at the Straits of Gibraltar , and to then : wo owe both the uiseoveiy of the polarity of the magnetic
need ' e and numerous inventions in art aud navigation , besides discoveries of then unknown lands . Thoy carried tho alphabet , derived from the Egyptian hieroglyphics , to Greece . Wherever their ships ploughed tlio seas , there followed the impulse of progress , tbe clissom-nation of ideas , and an advance in all of the arts of life .
The Ionic architecture of Ionic Hall is perfect ; . When Bro . James H . Windrim , tho architect of tho Masonic Temple , designed it , and superintended its construction , he left nothing to be added bufc the colour decoration .
Thafc has now been designed and executed by tho deft skill of Bro . George Herzog . No interior of an edifice is complete until ifc receives the finishing touches from the hands of the painter . Colour adds grace and beanty to every architectural design . The
Gothic architects introduced painted windows to add glory to their work , but tbe Grecian architects applied the brush of the artist to their walls and statuaiy . The Parthenon at Athens was nofc a cold , white miracle of beauty , but
glowed with gold and colour . There is a refinement in colour which nothing else can give , and tho harmony of its tones and its graceful effects emphasise all purely structural ornamentation .
No Brother , aud no aitist , who views Ionic Hall , can do so without the largest measure of admiration of its architectural and decorative beauty . The carpet , the furniture , the walls , the ceiling , are all in harmony , and each emulates in elegance the others .
We should not conclude without referring to the superb symbolic decorations of the ceiling of Ionic Hall . The main figuration consists of tho Signs of the Zodiac , in fche blaze of the rays of the sun . These signs are of remote antiquity . Assyrian cylinders indicate for fchem an
antiquity of at least four thousand years . Thero is at the present time in the British Museum a Chaldean planisphere , inscribed with the names of the twelve months and their governing signs , only a part of which , however , are now distinct , which is the most ancient Zodiacal representation
known . The term , zodiac , is derived from Zodiou , signifying " a little animal . " The ancients divided fche circle of the heavens into three hundred and sixty degrees , and these they subdivided into twelve segments of thirty degrees each , to each one of which segments they gave the
name of an animal , as the ram , the bull , the scorpion , & c , to denote the starry worlds embraced in their boundaries . Each of these heavenly animals hacl its sign , and all of these signs decorate the ceiling of Ionic Hall . Through the various zodiacal signs the sun made his annual progress . His pathway the Chinese called the " yellow road . "
All the symbolical significance of the Zodiacal signs has relation to the Sun . Here , again , we trace a similarity between Egyptian Hall and Ionic HaU , as both are
now symbolically decorated . Everything in both halls points to the sun . So every thing in Freemasonry points to the sun . Herein consists the appropriateness of this decoration , and its instruefciveness to Freemasons .
In conclusion we would remark , that our mediasval Brethren who were the builders of the great Cathedrals of Great Britain and the Continent , were well aware of the symbolic significance of the signs of the zodiac , and often carved them over the portals of their temples . Notre
Dame , Paris , has the twelve signs , as have also the Cathedrals of Amiens , Rheims , and Sens , and St . Marks , Venice ; while Cologne Cathedral perserves them in fresco . In England , also , they may be found , at Sfc . Margaret ' s , York , and Iffly , Oxfordshire .
The builders of the Gothic Cathedrals frequently painted the zodiacal emblems on their great Roso windows , where they may be seen to-day , an evidence of the " survival of the fittest "of the symbolic decorations of our operative Brethren of four thousand years ago .
The Freemasons of Pennsylvania have now more reason than ever to point with pride to their Masonic Temple . Through the efforts of the Art Association , it is becoming beautified in the highest degree , and nothing is added simply for effect , bufc all the decoration addresses fche mind , through tho eye . —Keystone .
Why Do They Leave Us?
WHY DO THEY LEAVE US ?
riTEIS question is one which is often asked : why do _ l _ many , who are , to all appearance , worthy and well ¦ 'nidified , full away from active connection with the bVaternity ? Why do they either withdraw from membership , or grow so careless and indifferent that thoy suffer
themselves to be unaffiliated , rather than pay a small amount demanded of them for Lodge dues ? No doubt various reasons can be assigned for conduct which must seem to every true Mason so senseless and improper . AU men are nofc actuated by the same motives , but the downward course generally takes the same direction .
First , the brother grows careless and irregular in his attendance at Lodge . Tear after year his visits , like those of the angels , become fewer and further between . Whatever zeal he may have had , when he first saw the light ,
gradually cools and abates ; he ceases fco take any interest in Masonic matters , and by and by he says unto himself : " What profit is this institution to me ? Why shonld I pay for that , from which I derive no benefit ? " As a natural
result of such a state of things , he either severs his connection with the Fraternity or quietly submits to tho penalty of unaffiliation . Some of these seceders , both voluntary and involuntary ,
havo never been properly prepared in their hearts to become Masons , and are therefore totally unable fco comprehend and appreciate the lofty and generous motives which actuate the true and faithful Craftsman . But we
no nofc believe that all those who allow themselves to grow cold and indifferent belong to this dull and selfish class , and we believe thafc a great number of those who leave our communion could and would discern and admire the hidden beauties of our Royal Art if those beauties were more fully
and clearly unfolded to them . We believe there are many who fall ; off because they have not received that light , knowledge , and instruction which they ought to have received , and which it is the duty of their Lodges to impart to them .
And by light and knowledge we mean something more than a mere committing of fche ritual and the lectures to memory . We mean such an acquaintance with the history and literature of the Craffc as will enable the sincere seeker after truth to understand and appreciate tbe great and
noble ends which Freemasonry aims at , the broad and tolerant views of the men and things which admonishes its members to entertain and act on , and tbe pure and generous sentiments which it endeavours to implant in fcheir minds and hearts .
To bestow this instructiou and to tram up the new-made brother in the way he should go , is the bounden duty of the rulers of the Craft—of Masters , Past Masters and Wardens especially—but how are they to play their part effectually unless they themselves possess the requisite
information ? And in the next place , how are they to acquire that information , unless they have access to the works of the best Masonic writers ? If they are rich , they
can of course purchase the books they need , and if they happen to live in one of our great cities , the large Masonic and other libraries which exist there will in all probability be of material assistance to them .
But a great many Masters , Past Masters and Wardens , and studiously inclined brethren , are not rich , and do not live in great cities , and consequently have not access to a wide range of Masonic literature . In order to enable Officers and members so situated to discharge their duties
towards the younger and less informed brethren faithfully and efficiently , Lodges should use every endeavour to establish libraries , containing as far as possible those works which throw light on the history and objects of
Freemasonry . A library , once established , would remain for the use of a succession of Masters for years . In New York City the Craft havo the advantages of the Grand Lodge Library and Reading Room , which is open afternoon and evening . —Neio York Dispatch .
HOILOWAY ' S OISI ' JIKNT ASD PILLS . —Theso world-renowned remedies o confidently recommended to nvners , na \ / les , and all who havo to worK niw * ground , or whero noxious atmospheres oxist . Tho minuto particles <" 'f coi 11 metal which permeate the air in such places tend to block np the lung' ; ' JI ; air-tubes , giving rise to bronchitis , asthma ancl palpitation of tho heart . Holloway ' s reinudies will be found a safe and easily used medicament , tor ¦ ¦ penetrating properties ot tho Ointment relieve tho local congestions anil . mildly laxative effects of tho Pills canso the liver to act freely , and the nrau to become unembarrassed . By early resort to these remedies many a sen illness may bo averted , F ^ cl soundness of health ma ' n' - 'ned .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ionic Hall's Decoration.
who were the carriers of the ails and sciences of the East , along and throngh the Mediterranean , to the West . Those enterprising sailors , the Phoenicians , went even beyond the Pillars of Hercules , at the Straits of Gibraltar , and to then : wo owe both the uiseoveiy of the polarity of the magnetic
need ' e and numerous inventions in art aud navigation , besides discoveries of then unknown lands . Thoy carried tho alphabet , derived from the Egyptian hieroglyphics , to Greece . Wherever their ships ploughed tlio seas , there followed the impulse of progress , tbe clissom-nation of ideas , and an advance in all of the arts of life .
The Ionic architecture of Ionic Hall is perfect ; . When Bro . James H . Windrim , tho architect of tho Masonic Temple , designed it , and superintended its construction , he left nothing to be added bufc the colour decoration .
Thafc has now been designed and executed by tho deft skill of Bro . George Herzog . No interior of an edifice is complete until ifc receives the finishing touches from the hands of the painter . Colour adds grace and beanty to every architectural design . The
Gothic architects introduced painted windows to add glory to their work , but tbe Grecian architects applied the brush of the artist to their walls and statuaiy . The Parthenon at Athens was nofc a cold , white miracle of beauty , but
glowed with gold and colour . There is a refinement in colour which nothing else can give , and tho harmony of its tones and its graceful effects emphasise all purely structural ornamentation .
No Brother , aud no aitist , who views Ionic Hall , can do so without the largest measure of admiration of its architectural and decorative beauty . The carpet , the furniture , the walls , the ceiling , are all in harmony , and each emulates in elegance the others .
We should not conclude without referring to the superb symbolic decorations of the ceiling of Ionic Hall . The main figuration consists of tho Signs of the Zodiac , in fche blaze of the rays of the sun . These signs are of remote antiquity . Assyrian cylinders indicate for fchem an
antiquity of at least four thousand years . Thero is at the present time in the British Museum a Chaldean planisphere , inscribed with the names of the twelve months and their governing signs , only a part of which , however , are now distinct , which is the most ancient Zodiacal representation
known . The term , zodiac , is derived from Zodiou , signifying " a little animal . " The ancients divided fche circle of the heavens into three hundred and sixty degrees , and these they subdivided into twelve segments of thirty degrees each , to each one of which segments they gave the
name of an animal , as the ram , the bull , the scorpion , & c , to denote the starry worlds embraced in their boundaries . Each of these heavenly animals hacl its sign , and all of these signs decorate the ceiling of Ionic Hall . Through the various zodiacal signs the sun made his annual progress . His pathway the Chinese called the " yellow road . "
All the symbolical significance of the Zodiacal signs has relation to the Sun . Here , again , we trace a similarity between Egyptian Hall and Ionic HaU , as both are
now symbolically decorated . Everything in both halls points to the sun . So every thing in Freemasonry points to the sun . Herein consists the appropriateness of this decoration , and its instruefciveness to Freemasons .
In conclusion we would remark , that our mediasval Brethren who were the builders of the great Cathedrals of Great Britain and the Continent , were well aware of the symbolic significance of the signs of the zodiac , and often carved them over the portals of their temples . Notre
Dame , Paris , has the twelve signs , as have also the Cathedrals of Amiens , Rheims , and Sens , and St . Marks , Venice ; while Cologne Cathedral perserves them in fresco . In England , also , they may be found , at Sfc . Margaret ' s , York , and Iffly , Oxfordshire .
The builders of the Gothic Cathedrals frequently painted the zodiacal emblems on their great Roso windows , where they may be seen to-day , an evidence of the " survival of the fittest "of the symbolic decorations of our operative Brethren of four thousand years ago .
The Freemasons of Pennsylvania have now more reason than ever to point with pride to their Masonic Temple . Through the efforts of the Art Association , it is becoming beautified in the highest degree , and nothing is added simply for effect , bufc all the decoration addresses fche mind , through tho eye . —Keystone .
Why Do They Leave Us?
WHY DO THEY LEAVE US ?
riTEIS question is one which is often asked : why do _ l _ many , who are , to all appearance , worthy and well ¦ 'nidified , full away from active connection with the bVaternity ? Why do they either withdraw from membership , or grow so careless and indifferent that thoy suffer
themselves to be unaffiliated , rather than pay a small amount demanded of them for Lodge dues ? No doubt various reasons can be assigned for conduct which must seem to every true Mason so senseless and improper . AU men are nofc actuated by the same motives , but the downward course generally takes the same direction .
First , the brother grows careless and irregular in his attendance at Lodge . Tear after year his visits , like those of the angels , become fewer and further between . Whatever zeal he may have had , when he first saw the light ,
gradually cools and abates ; he ceases fco take any interest in Masonic matters , and by and by he says unto himself : " What profit is this institution to me ? Why shonld I pay for that , from which I derive no benefit ? " As a natural
result of such a state of things , he either severs his connection with the Fraternity or quietly submits to tho penalty of unaffiliation . Some of these seceders , both voluntary and involuntary ,
havo never been properly prepared in their hearts to become Masons , and are therefore totally unable fco comprehend and appreciate the lofty and generous motives which actuate the true and faithful Craftsman . But we
no nofc believe that all those who allow themselves to grow cold and indifferent belong to this dull and selfish class , and we believe thafc a great number of those who leave our communion could and would discern and admire the hidden beauties of our Royal Art if those beauties were more fully
and clearly unfolded to them . We believe there are many who fall ; off because they have not received that light , knowledge , and instruction which they ought to have received , and which it is the duty of their Lodges to impart to them .
And by light and knowledge we mean something more than a mere committing of fche ritual and the lectures to memory . We mean such an acquaintance with the history and literature of the Craffc as will enable the sincere seeker after truth to understand and appreciate tbe great and
noble ends which Freemasonry aims at , the broad and tolerant views of the men and things which admonishes its members to entertain and act on , and tbe pure and generous sentiments which it endeavours to implant in fcheir minds and hearts .
To bestow this instructiou and to tram up the new-made brother in the way he should go , is the bounden duty of the rulers of the Craft—of Masters , Past Masters and Wardens especially—but how are they to play their part effectually unless they themselves possess the requisite
information ? And in the next place , how are they to acquire that information , unless they have access to the works of the best Masonic writers ? If they are rich , they
can of course purchase the books they need , and if they happen to live in one of our great cities , the large Masonic and other libraries which exist there will in all probability be of material assistance to them .
But a great many Masters , Past Masters and Wardens , and studiously inclined brethren , are not rich , and do not live in great cities , and consequently have not access to a wide range of Masonic literature . In order to enable Officers and members so situated to discharge their duties
towards the younger and less informed brethren faithfully and efficiently , Lodges should use every endeavour to establish libraries , containing as far as possible those works which throw light on the history and objects of
Freemasonry . A library , once established , would remain for the use of a succession of Masters for years . In New York City the Craft havo the advantages of the Grand Lodge Library and Reading Room , which is open afternoon and evening . —Neio York Dispatch .
HOILOWAY ' S OISI ' JIKNT ASD PILLS . —Theso world-renowned remedies o confidently recommended to nvners , na \ / les , and all who havo to worK niw * ground , or whero noxious atmospheres oxist . Tho minuto particles <" 'f coi 11 metal which permeate the air in such places tend to block np the lung' ; ' JI ; air-tubes , giving rise to bronchitis , asthma ancl palpitation of tho heart . Holloway ' s reinudies will be found a safe and easily used medicament , tor ¦ ¦ penetrating properties ot tho Ointment relieve tho local congestions anil . mildly laxative effects of tho Pills canso the liver to act freely , and the nrau to become unembarrassed . By early resort to these remedies many a sen illness may bo averted , F ^ cl soundness of health ma ' n' - 'ned .