A Perfect Organisation

A PERFECT ORGANISATION

DE SPITE the fact that the generality of the human race are striving day by day to secure perfection in their particular walks of life it very seldom happens that one is able to point to an instance oi its

realisation . However much an individual or an association may appear to fulfil all the necessary conditions there is usually some fault or flaw that cannot be hidden , and one is compelled to turn away from

the idol disappointed and dissatisfied . Wherever we look , in fact , there is something to call for improvement , something remaining undone , or something which upsets all idea of the perfect , and we almost

despair of ever finding anything that will , even for a time , stand the different tests that may be applied in this connection . Even in Freemasonry there is little that can put forth a claim to absolute perfection ,

much less sustain such a claim when criticised . But there are some among the special features of the Order which run very close to a realisation of perfection ; would in fact , seem to attain it , were it not that , like all human organisations , they are dependent on

human exertions for their maintenance . In this connection we may include the Mark Benevolent Fund , which seems to more nearly approach perfection than any other organisation of a

similar character m Freemasonry , as evidenced by the fact that for the whole period of its existence it has been able to carry out its mission to the letter , never once having failed to answer a legitimate call made on its resources , and showing at all times a

readiness to relieve the orphan or the distressed member of the particular Degree of Freemasonry with which it is associated . It may , perhaps , be urged that good fortune has amended

tne working of tlie Fnnd oi which we speak , but that does not wholly account for the very satisfactory state of affairs associated with its past management . From the outset perfection in fulfilling its mission has marked its career ; and if nothing

uniorseen occurs to very materially alter its surroundings , we see no reason to anticipate any serious departure from the course it has hitherto pursued . The extent of its usefulness is limited , say some of those who are inclined to discount its success—but so

is the extent of its supplies . If its benefits are reserved for Mark Masons and their families , the general field from which its support is drawn is also reserved , and to an almost similar extent , for although there may have been occasions when ordinary Craft

Masons have subscribed to its Funds , we imagine such instances are remarkably rare , because the Mark Benevolent Fund has apparently no attraction to anyone outside the scope of Mark Masonry , unless it

ne to afford some unattached person an opportunity of expressing gratitude for some favour done , or some special service rendered . In years gone by we have from time to time written

A Perfect Organisation

fully as to the working and management of this particular section of Masonic benevolence , and the fact that the twenty-fifth Anniversary Festival of the Fund is to be held on Wednesday next , at the

Freemasons Tavern , Great Queen Street , W . U ., Under the presidency of R . W . Bro . Col . G . Noel Money , C . B ., Provincial Grand Mark Master of Surrey , would seem to warrant our doing so again , were it not that

we believe the claims of the Fund are so well known among Mark Master Masons as to render such a course wholly unnecessary . All we need do now is to repeat what may be described as the watchword of the Fund , that " all Donations and Subscriptions are

divided equally between the Benevolent , Educational , and Annuity Branches . " From these the Mark Master Mason may seek casual assistance for himself or his family , his children may be educated and started on a useful career , or the aged brother and his

widow may be provided with an annuity if other resources have fallen low . This is , without doubt , a most gratifying programme to set forth , and as we have already said , the Mark Benevolent Fund has been able to carry it out to perfection . Let us

hope the Fund may always be as fortunate , and that the subscriptions to be announced on Wednesday next may be so satisfactory in amount as to allow of the good work

being continued without trouble or anxiety of any description . Further , let us wish that although the Fund may be amply provided with means for affording assistance , the necessities of expending them may be few and far between . With these

sentiments , and a special desire that the distinguished Chairman of Wednesday next may be fully and generously supported by his Mark brethren throughout the country , we leave the twenty-fifth

Anniversary Festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund as worthy the best consideration of the members of the Degree , not only on account of its marking a special epoch in the existence of the Fund , but

because it is in so many ways entitled to be regarded as among the very few " perfect organisations " of the present age , not only from a Masonic view , but also judged from a general standpoint .

Masonic Misconception.

MASONIC MISCONCEPTION .

IT is not to be doubted that among the Lodges and Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted Mason ? , occasions occnr when for want of critical and careful consideration of questions , misconceptions arise as to the true interpretation of Masonic law and usage .

The several constitutions of Grand Lodges embody the rules and regnlations that are intended to bo in harmony with the needs of these Grand Jurisdictions . These

enacted rules and regulations are interpreted or explained as the intelligence of the Grand Masters suggests as ' the proper meaning of these laws . They are , of course , circumscribed to each Grand Lodge jurisdiction ,