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Article LIGHT OF AGES. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE ABBEY LODGE. No. 2030. Page 1 of 4 Article THE ABBEY LODGE. No. 2030. Page 1 of 4 →
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Light Of Ages.
the symbolized unity of matter and force , a 3 well as tho oneness of man and God The numbers 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , & c , have their places in the parts and points of the " square , " " triangle" and " pyramid . " Tho " cnbical stone , " containing many geometrical forms , is tho symbol of perfection . Tho " five-pointed star , " having angles equal in number to those of the " pyramid , " becomes the symbol of the varions
forms of tho power that pervades all space , which maintains the universal harmony of matter and mind , and continues the equilibrium of cosmical forces . Trnth is mighty and will prevail . The eternal yoars are hers . The pnny efforts of man aro indeed feeble against the laws which govern his being .
Truth is tho " li « ht" a Mason seeks . Even as tho material sun gives light to the physical world , so Truth is tho Perfect Light which lighteth every mind that cometh into tho world , and by aid of which man is to bnild tho temple of his spiritnal life—a tomplo in whioh shall bo all those qualities that aid in ennobling him , that ho may bo perfect , even as tho Father Spirit is perfect .
Trnth , Goodness , and Beauty constitnto a gronp of the manifestations of God , which every ono may try to make a part of his individual life . Physical , intellectual , and moral beauty form a trinity that each should strive to attain . Let us rise through nature up to nature ' s God 1
A mason should beliovo trnth and practise universal morality . So doing , he obeys God and rises above tho world of ignorance to that bettor life where Perfect Light is all in all—ho becomes a true man and Mason . To every one , while standing a just and upright Mason , it may be said :
" Noble art thou in thy birth . By the good and great of earth Hast thou been taught . Be noble in every thought and in every deed . Let not the illusion of thy senses Betray thee to deadly offences ! Be strong , be good , be pure ! The right only shall endure . "
The Abbey Lodge. No. 2030.
THE ABBEY LODGE . No . 2030 .
IF it is ever to be ordained that the members of the gentler sex are to participate with us in the more active duties of the Craft it will readily be conceded that the kind lady to whom the brethren of this newly-established Lodge have so many reasons for being thankful has a claim to first honour at our hands . Much has been written on " Women in Freemasonry , " bnt in the United Kingdom , beyond the fact of the initiation of Miss St , Leger , in or about the year 1735 ,
in Ireland , and that of Mrs . Beaton , who was known , towards the close of the last century , in the neighbourhood of Norwich , as the " Female Freemason , " we have no material facts that we can rely on as to any association the ladies might claim with our Order . In the year 1869 , however , it was thought desirable by some most energetic brethren , who at that time had it in contemplation to establish a new
Lodge , that they could not possibly find a more suitable style and title to be designated by than that of the name of the noble-hearted lady , who took so active a part in the doings of Monday last . In due course then the Burdett-Coutts Lodge , No . 1278 , was consecrated , and the Baroness Burdett-Coutts has ever taken a most keen interest in its welfare and success . On the day of its consecration , the Baroness
presented the members with a handsome copy of the Volume of the Sacred Law , and this we ave assured will ever be highly prized and religiously guarded by the brethren . Some few years later on she presented a set of chairs for the W . M . and Wardens of this Lodge ; moreover , as evidencing her sustained interest , she expressed a wish to personally attend and make the presentation . Accordingly , the
permission of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master having been secured , the Baroness was received by the brethren in open Lodge assembled , and her Ladyship formally presented the chairs . Following on this , the brethren of the Burdett-Coutts Lodge , with their lady friends , were received and entertained by the Baroness at a Garden Party at Holly Lodge . These , however , are matters of the
past . We will now record the Masonic event of the current week . Bros . Col . Sh & dwell H . Clarke , Grand Secretary of England , bad been appointed by the M . W . the Grand Master as the Consecrating Officer of the day , but before the proceedings formally commenced a preliminary ceremony took place . This was nothing less than the presentation by the Baroness-Burdett Coutts of the whole of the Lodge
appointments . The pedestals and chairs are elegantly carved , of unpolished walnut wood . The pedestals are covered with light blue cloth , the name and devices of the Lodge being entwined on each . After the Baroness , who was accompanied by her husband , Bro . Burdett-Coutts , who we may mention here was the Worshipful Master designate , had been formally received by the brethren founders of the
Lodge , she took a position by the side of the Master ' s chair , and addressed them in the following termB : — GENTLEMEN , —Through your friendly courtesy I am enabled to be here to-day , and to present to your Master Elect , Mr . Burdett-Coutts , the furniture , ornaments , and insignia for the use of your Lodge . I know your time is limited , therefore I will very briefly ask
your attention to the device which runs throughout these , and beg you to observe the beautiful and skilful manner in which the work has been carried out . If there is one part to which I would more than another direct your attention , it is its embroidery—as upon this I am more competent to judge , and I have watched its progress under the
small and dexterous fingers which have executed its device so skilfally , and with such admirable effect . The device itself was adopted , as most present here are aware , in compliance with a kind intimation from yonr members that our arms would form on acceptable badge for tho Abbey Lodge , and it was thought by your Master Elect that these could be harmoniously conjoined with a ropresontation , as far as prac-
The Abbey Lodge. No. 2030.
ticable , with that majestio pile from which your Lodge will derive its future name . Tho emblazonments of heraldry oarry U 3 back to past historic days , when tho men and women long since numbered with the dead were living actors in tho ovents and movements of their time , and it has been a pleasing thought to ns that our forbears and your foi'bears may have often watched the uprising of that
pile , and seen stone placed upon stono of that building we know as the Abbey , as each was fashioned into form and beauty by the onnning hand of the artificers of the Craft . Some may even have stood round whilst its first stone was laid , with a ceremonial not differing in its essentials from that I was entrusted to perform a short time ago in the building in which we now stand . How few who witnessed
that scene , in the then young Abbey , thought what a world of history would gather round that stone—the keystone to our national annals , and a cementing bond of union , sympathy , and affection between the English of that day and their descendants in blood—our kindred of the English-speaking people of the earth . I could say little more , even if tho hour permitted , for it is not in moments of strong feel .
irig that words come readily to the lips . I now formally place all the appointments conneoted with the Lodge into your Masters care , and have but one more office to perform , and I am not quite sure I am fully aware of what I am doing ; for tho trowel has been the only weapon I have ever used ; that has often been confided to me ; but in placing this poignard in your hand , I know that whatever yonr duty
may be , your hand will do it ; that if tho poignard be unsheathed , it will bo for the right , and with no uncertain aim ; and that when sheathed , it will be sheathed with honour . The formal presentation waa then made , and Bro . Burdett Coutts , on behalf of the brethren , addressed her Ladyship , as follows : — BARONESS BURDETT Courts , —It ill becomes me to attempt , after
the brief but eloquent words in whioh you have presented this Lodge with this beautiful furniture , to attempt to express in equivalent terms the thanks of all the founders for the honour you hare done us to-day . It is true that the articles in themselves are most beautiful—are works of art—but to us they have a value beyond their intrinsic beauty ; they have been presented by one whose
hands have ever been actively employed for the good of mankind ; by one whose association with Westminster will be amongst its proudest remembrauoes . One word more . This Inner Guard ' s jewel , which you have presented me , and which will be found to bear an appropriate inscription , I now present to the Lodge in memory of this day .
A brief inspection of the several articles waa then made by the ladies who accompanied the Baroness , who shortly afterwards was conducted from the Hall . Col . Shadwell Clerke then called on the brethren to clothe themselves , as he was prepared to go on with the ceremony of consecration . Bro . Sir Albert Woods ( Garter ) took the chair of Senior
Warden , and Dr . Turtle Piggott , D . C . L ., that of Junior Warden . Bro . Frank Eiohardson P . G . D . acted throughout as Director of Ceremonies , while Bro . Thos . Fenn P . G . D , officiated as Inner Guard . The Lodge was opened in the three Degrees . After the hymn , " Hail Eternal by whose aid , " the presiding officer addressed the assembled brethren . As they were aware , they were met together on a very
important and pleasing occasion ; no less than to give effect to a warrant of the M . W . the Grand Master for the formation of a new Lodge , and add ono more name to the long roll of Lodges existing under the English Grand Lodge—the largest in tho world . There were already a very large number of Lodges in England , those in London alone numbering no less than 330 . It was consequently a
matter of some difficulty to obtain a warrant for a new Lodge . There was , however , no rule without an exception , and it occasionally ocourred that the reasons for establishing an additional Lodge overbalanced the reasons against so doing , and then his Eoyal Highness , in the exercise of his discretionary powers , granted the warrant asked for . There were brethren in this City of Westminster who
had laid a petition before the Grand Master , who had been pleased to grant a warrant , the Lodge to be called the Abbey Lodge ; and it was for the purpose of consecrating it that they were met that day . The founders were all more or less connected with the City of Westminster , and the Lodge would therefore be a looal one , having local interests and local members . They had selected an able
brother to be the first Master—Bro . Burdett-Coutts . That worthy brother was connected by family ties with that part of London , and he ( Col . Clerke ) would be wanting in duty if he did not refer to the charming inoident whioh they had witnessed , when they had the pleasure of hearing the noble lady referring to historic times and giving them the lucid account of that historio pile , the Abbey . This
Lodge being opened under her patronage , they were greatly delighted at the incident they bad witnessed . It was scarcely necessary to make remarks he sometimes felt it his duty to urge when founding new Lodges , in reference to the caution necessary in making mem . bers . It was frequently the case that they did not perhaps exercise at the starting of a Lodge as much care or caution as they afterwards
did . He was sure this Lodge would be very careful in this respect ; that the members would weigh and consider the antecedents of every candidate who offered himself for membership . It was very easy to get candidates , but not at all easy to get rid of them if they were found unsatisfactory . He hoped , therefore , they would be careful ; there was no lack of candidates in these days , and if only they were
cautious m their selection they would reap their reward in a few years , when their Lodge would have become a high-class one . The formalities of a consecration ceremony were then gone through , the brethren were arranged , the acting Secretary ( Bro . J . E . Shand ) read the petition and warrant , and , after the brethren , had signified their approval of the Officers named in the petition and warrant , tho
Consecrating Officer called on the Grand Chaplain , the Kev . R . J . Simpson , who delivered with great effect the following Oration : — WORSHIPFUL MASTER , WARDENS , AND BRETHREN , —We meet to-day in this City of Westminster under not only very auspicious , but inter , esting circumstances . The noble and venerable pile from which this Lodge take its name , and around which crowd so many national and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Light Of Ages.
the symbolized unity of matter and force , a 3 well as tho oneness of man and God The numbers 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , & c , have their places in the parts and points of the " square , " " triangle" and " pyramid . " Tho " cnbical stone , " containing many geometrical forms , is tho symbol of perfection . Tho " five-pointed star , " having angles equal in number to those of the " pyramid , " becomes the symbol of the varions
forms of tho power that pervades all space , which maintains the universal harmony of matter and mind , and continues the equilibrium of cosmical forces . Trnth is mighty and will prevail . The eternal yoars are hers . The pnny efforts of man aro indeed feeble against the laws which govern his being .
Truth is tho " li « ht" a Mason seeks . Even as tho material sun gives light to the physical world , so Truth is tho Perfect Light which lighteth every mind that cometh into tho world , and by aid of which man is to bnild tho temple of his spiritnal life—a tomplo in whioh shall bo all those qualities that aid in ennobling him , that ho may bo perfect , even as tho Father Spirit is perfect .
Trnth , Goodness , and Beauty constitnto a gronp of the manifestations of God , which every ono may try to make a part of his individual life . Physical , intellectual , and moral beauty form a trinity that each should strive to attain . Let us rise through nature up to nature ' s God 1
A mason should beliovo trnth and practise universal morality . So doing , he obeys God and rises above tho world of ignorance to that bettor life where Perfect Light is all in all—ho becomes a true man and Mason . To every one , while standing a just and upright Mason , it may be said :
" Noble art thou in thy birth . By the good and great of earth Hast thou been taught . Be noble in every thought and in every deed . Let not the illusion of thy senses Betray thee to deadly offences ! Be strong , be good , be pure ! The right only shall endure . "
The Abbey Lodge. No. 2030.
THE ABBEY LODGE . No . 2030 .
IF it is ever to be ordained that the members of the gentler sex are to participate with us in the more active duties of the Craft it will readily be conceded that the kind lady to whom the brethren of this newly-established Lodge have so many reasons for being thankful has a claim to first honour at our hands . Much has been written on " Women in Freemasonry , " bnt in the United Kingdom , beyond the fact of the initiation of Miss St , Leger , in or about the year 1735 ,
in Ireland , and that of Mrs . Beaton , who was known , towards the close of the last century , in the neighbourhood of Norwich , as the " Female Freemason , " we have no material facts that we can rely on as to any association the ladies might claim with our Order . In the year 1869 , however , it was thought desirable by some most energetic brethren , who at that time had it in contemplation to establish a new
Lodge , that they could not possibly find a more suitable style and title to be designated by than that of the name of the noble-hearted lady , who took so active a part in the doings of Monday last . In due course then the Burdett-Coutts Lodge , No . 1278 , was consecrated , and the Baroness Burdett-Coutts has ever taken a most keen interest in its welfare and success . On the day of its consecration , the Baroness
presented the members with a handsome copy of the Volume of the Sacred Law , and this we ave assured will ever be highly prized and religiously guarded by the brethren . Some few years later on she presented a set of chairs for the W . M . and Wardens of this Lodge ; moreover , as evidencing her sustained interest , she expressed a wish to personally attend and make the presentation . Accordingly , the
permission of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master having been secured , the Baroness was received by the brethren in open Lodge assembled , and her Ladyship formally presented the chairs . Following on this , the brethren of the Burdett-Coutts Lodge , with their lady friends , were received and entertained by the Baroness at a Garden Party at Holly Lodge . These , however , are matters of the
past . We will now record the Masonic event of the current week . Bros . Col . Sh & dwell H . Clarke , Grand Secretary of England , bad been appointed by the M . W . the Grand Master as the Consecrating Officer of the day , but before the proceedings formally commenced a preliminary ceremony took place . This was nothing less than the presentation by the Baroness-Burdett Coutts of the whole of the Lodge
appointments . The pedestals and chairs are elegantly carved , of unpolished walnut wood . The pedestals are covered with light blue cloth , the name and devices of the Lodge being entwined on each . After the Baroness , who was accompanied by her husband , Bro . Burdett-Coutts , who we may mention here was the Worshipful Master designate , had been formally received by the brethren founders of the
Lodge , she took a position by the side of the Master ' s chair , and addressed them in the following termB : — GENTLEMEN , —Through your friendly courtesy I am enabled to be here to-day , and to present to your Master Elect , Mr . Burdett-Coutts , the furniture , ornaments , and insignia for the use of your Lodge . I know your time is limited , therefore I will very briefly ask
your attention to the device which runs throughout these , and beg you to observe the beautiful and skilful manner in which the work has been carried out . If there is one part to which I would more than another direct your attention , it is its embroidery—as upon this I am more competent to judge , and I have watched its progress under the
small and dexterous fingers which have executed its device so skilfally , and with such admirable effect . The device itself was adopted , as most present here are aware , in compliance with a kind intimation from yonr members that our arms would form on acceptable badge for tho Abbey Lodge , and it was thought by your Master Elect that these could be harmoniously conjoined with a ropresontation , as far as prac-
The Abbey Lodge. No. 2030.
ticable , with that majestio pile from which your Lodge will derive its future name . Tho emblazonments of heraldry oarry U 3 back to past historic days , when tho men and women long since numbered with the dead were living actors in tho ovents and movements of their time , and it has been a pleasing thought to ns that our forbears and your foi'bears may have often watched the uprising of that
pile , and seen stone placed upon stono of that building we know as the Abbey , as each was fashioned into form and beauty by the onnning hand of the artificers of the Craft . Some may even have stood round whilst its first stone was laid , with a ceremonial not differing in its essentials from that I was entrusted to perform a short time ago in the building in which we now stand . How few who witnessed
that scene , in the then young Abbey , thought what a world of history would gather round that stone—the keystone to our national annals , and a cementing bond of union , sympathy , and affection between the English of that day and their descendants in blood—our kindred of the English-speaking people of the earth . I could say little more , even if tho hour permitted , for it is not in moments of strong feel .
irig that words come readily to the lips . I now formally place all the appointments conneoted with the Lodge into your Masters care , and have but one more office to perform , and I am not quite sure I am fully aware of what I am doing ; for tho trowel has been the only weapon I have ever used ; that has often been confided to me ; but in placing this poignard in your hand , I know that whatever yonr duty
may be , your hand will do it ; that if tho poignard be unsheathed , it will bo for the right , and with no uncertain aim ; and that when sheathed , it will be sheathed with honour . The formal presentation waa then made , and Bro . Burdett Coutts , on behalf of the brethren , addressed her Ladyship , as follows : — BARONESS BURDETT Courts , —It ill becomes me to attempt , after
the brief but eloquent words in whioh you have presented this Lodge with this beautiful furniture , to attempt to express in equivalent terms the thanks of all the founders for the honour you hare done us to-day . It is true that the articles in themselves are most beautiful—are works of art—but to us they have a value beyond their intrinsic beauty ; they have been presented by one whose
hands have ever been actively employed for the good of mankind ; by one whose association with Westminster will be amongst its proudest remembrauoes . One word more . This Inner Guard ' s jewel , which you have presented me , and which will be found to bear an appropriate inscription , I now present to the Lodge in memory of this day .
A brief inspection of the several articles waa then made by the ladies who accompanied the Baroness , who shortly afterwards was conducted from the Hall . Col . Shadwell Clerke then called on the brethren to clothe themselves , as he was prepared to go on with the ceremony of consecration . Bro . Sir Albert Woods ( Garter ) took the chair of Senior
Warden , and Dr . Turtle Piggott , D . C . L ., that of Junior Warden . Bro . Frank Eiohardson P . G . D . acted throughout as Director of Ceremonies , while Bro . Thos . Fenn P . G . D , officiated as Inner Guard . The Lodge was opened in the three Degrees . After the hymn , " Hail Eternal by whose aid , " the presiding officer addressed the assembled brethren . As they were aware , they were met together on a very
important and pleasing occasion ; no less than to give effect to a warrant of the M . W . the Grand Master for the formation of a new Lodge , and add ono more name to the long roll of Lodges existing under the English Grand Lodge—the largest in tho world . There were already a very large number of Lodges in England , those in London alone numbering no less than 330 . It was consequently a
matter of some difficulty to obtain a warrant for a new Lodge . There was , however , no rule without an exception , and it occasionally ocourred that the reasons for establishing an additional Lodge overbalanced the reasons against so doing , and then his Eoyal Highness , in the exercise of his discretionary powers , granted the warrant asked for . There were brethren in this City of Westminster who
had laid a petition before the Grand Master , who had been pleased to grant a warrant , the Lodge to be called the Abbey Lodge ; and it was for the purpose of consecrating it that they were met that day . The founders were all more or less connected with the City of Westminster , and the Lodge would therefore be a looal one , having local interests and local members . They had selected an able
brother to be the first Master—Bro . Burdett-Coutts . That worthy brother was connected by family ties with that part of London , and he ( Col . Clerke ) would be wanting in duty if he did not refer to the charming inoident whioh they had witnessed , when they had the pleasure of hearing the noble lady referring to historic times and giving them the lucid account of that historio pile , the Abbey . This
Lodge being opened under her patronage , they were greatly delighted at the incident they bad witnessed . It was scarcely necessary to make remarks he sometimes felt it his duty to urge when founding new Lodges , in reference to the caution necessary in making mem . bers . It was frequently the case that they did not perhaps exercise at the starting of a Lodge as much care or caution as they afterwards
did . He was sure this Lodge would be very careful in this respect ; that the members would weigh and consider the antecedents of every candidate who offered himself for membership . It was very easy to get candidates , but not at all easy to get rid of them if they were found unsatisfactory . He hoped , therefore , they would be careful ; there was no lack of candidates in these days , and if only they were
cautious m their selection they would reap their reward in a few years , when their Lodge would have become a high-class one . The formalities of a consecration ceremony were then gone through , the brethren were arranged , the acting Secretary ( Bro . J . E . Shand ) read the petition and warrant , and , after the brethren , had signified their approval of the Officers named in the petition and warrant , tho
Consecrating Officer called on the Grand Chaplain , the Kev . R . J . Simpson , who delivered with great effect the following Oration : — WORSHIPFUL MASTER , WARDENS , AND BRETHREN , —We meet to-day in this City of Westminster under not only very auspicious , but inter , esting circumstances . The noble and venerable pile from which this Lodge take its name , and around which crowd so many national and