Interruptions In Lodge.

INTERRUPTIONS IN LODGE .

ON several occasions of late we have heard of complaints being made by Worshipful Masters and others interested in Lodge work , in consequence of the continued

interruptions to business by Brethren entering or leaving the Lodge , or engaging in almost open conversation , during the progress of Masonic ceremonial or other Lodge work which should ensure quietness and decorum , and in the hope that

we may induce some of the delinquents to see the error of their way we have been asked to give the matter consideration . In a question of this sort it is best to go at once to the fountain head , and if we adopt that course we may boldly

assert that in a large number of cases it is the Master and his Officers who are primarily responsible for much of the trouble which is complained of . If the Tyler knows his report will not be taken during the progress of a ceremony

he will refrain from disturbing the Lodge by announcing late or returning Brethren ; if the Inner Guard has once or twice been called to order for interruption by repeating a report he will soon remember his duty , and signal to the Tvler that

the Lodge is engaged for the time being ; while if the Junior Warden has any desire to maintain the dignity of the work and increase the solemnity of our proceedings he will check his subordinate on any occasion he may attempt to

disturb the working . But if all three of these Officers fail in their duty there yet remains the Worshipful Master himself who , if need be , should peremptorily refuse to be disturbed , and should distinctly point out to his Assistant Officers their

duty in maintaining order during the progress of Masonic labour . While we sympathise with Worshipful Masters who are upset in their delivery of portions of the ritual , or are annoyed at the interruption of business caused by Brethren

entering or leaving the Lodge at inopportune moments , we cannot help the feeling that to a very great extent they have themselves to thank for the trouble , or at least that they

have the remedy in their own hands , and in the interests of Brethren generally and for their own personal comfort , they ought not to neglect to exercise the powers with which they have been invested .

But it must not be supposed we alone blame the Officers , and feel that the case can be easily dismissed by a " serve you right " sort of verdict ; they have a ready means at hand

of enforcing " obedience , but that should not be necessary in a Lodge of Freemasons , where Brotherly sentiment should prevail , and all should unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness .

Brethren who enter or leave a Lodge at inopportune moments , or who engage in open conservation in the Lodge during the progress of a ceremony should not need to be told they are acting un-Masonically ; their own ideas of

the fitness of things should tell them they are wrong , and they should spare themselves the indignity of being publicly called to order . However annoying their conduct may be to

a Worshipful Master he must feel it very difficult to make a public example of them , and it may be that in doing so not onl y loses the thread of his discourse , but upsets himself far

Interruptions In Lodge.

more than if he had steeled himself to go on and take no notice of interruptions . There is yet another section of Brethren to be considered in this connection—the candidates , whose attention is

distracted , and who lose much of the impressiveness of the ceremonies as a consequence of the interruptions ; and as the future reputation of a Lodge really depends on the impression it is able to make upon its new members this phase of the subject deserves careful and full attention .

No Brother who has not experienced the effect a slight diversion has upon a speaker during a ceremony can have any idea of what the thoughtless interrupter has to answer for . More often than not the work appears to go on much

the same as usual , the Master having regained the thread of his discourse ; and so it is that little or no attention is paid to the disturbers of the peace in our Lodges , but we can assure those thoughtless Brethren that they have much to

answer for , and if the harmony of a meeting is disturbed or the later proceedings appear to lack that enthusiasm and heartiness we look for in connection with Freemasonry more often than not the reason could be found in the fact that the

Master was unnerved by the early digression , and had not really recovered his equanimity . This may perhaps sound absurd to the ordinary Brother who walks in and out of his

Lodge just when his fancy dictates , but the time may come when in Office himself he is forced to recognise the important part a Master ' s . nerves play in connection with the well being and government of a Lodge .

The remedy for the evil complained of is very simple , and we believe it is only necessary to direct public attention to the matter to ensure a great improvement . " Evil is wrought'by want of thought , as well as want of heart , " and

in this sentiment we may really discern the solution of the difficulty , for it is only thoughtlessness on the part of a few Brethren which causes the trouble and discomfort of their

fellows . Once make an effort to keep a Lodge close tyled during the ceremonial work and we are convinced a better state of affairs will be started upon , and an example set which will not fail to have the desired effect .

Irish Charity.

IRISH CHARITY .

THE half-yearly meeting of the Board of Governors of the Masonic Orphan Boys School was held at the Schoolhouse , Richview , Clonskeagh , on 12 th , when the report of the scrutineers of the ballot for the election of nine pupils was read , and it was unanimously resolved that the nine candidates who obtained the highest number of votes be elected .

It is announced that Bro . John Armstrong ' s handsome volume on the History of Freemasonry in Cheshire has now been delivered to subscribers . It is illustrated with photos , amongst others of the Provincial Grand Master the Hon .

Alan de Tatton Egerton , M . P ., the D . P . G . M . Sir Horatio Lloyd , and the Prov . Grand Sec . Bro . Richard Newhouse . The volume does ample credit to Bro . Armstrong ' s researches . Probably no other Province would furnish such ample material as does Cheshire , the oldest in the world , and of this Bro . Armstrong has taken advantage . He gives graceful acknowledgment of the services of those who have assisted him .