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Article CORRESPONDENCE, ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH WALES Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH WALES Page 1 of 1 Article PRESENTATION TO BRO. B. J. THOMPSON P.G. SEC. OF NORTHUMBERLAND. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence,
England will no doubt deal with the questions raised by the Grand Orient of France , and it will do so in such a manner as to render the decision arrived at acceptable to all Masonio bodies in the world . Tho Committee appointed by Grand Lodgo is certainly composed of tho most eminent and devoted brethren that could have been selected ; but tho task given thorn is a difficult ono to fulfil , if they aro anxious
to bring to light tho basis of onr ancient Landmarks , by consulting our old records , and those Constitutions that have sprung from them . Mere dogmatism is open to a good deal of argument pro and con . Facts must be proved , aud not inferred . A principle must not be simply deduced , and thus accepted from mere supposition ; it must be established , as clearly as possible , by irrefragable proofs .
Bro . A . G . Jonanst , the author of " Histoire da Grand Orient de France , " while admitting that the first Lodge of Speculative Masons on record in France was established at Dunkirque , in 1721 , by Lord Montagu , proves at the same timo tho existence of some other Lodges in Paris , which were constituted a few years later by Lord Derwentwater . English or Scotch , French Masonry haa its origin from thoso brethren that came across the Channel . No ono contests that England
is the Alma Mater of Speculative Masonry ; no Mason denies that origin . All will , as it were , acknowledge its authority , _ espe . cially npon a subject that concerns the whole Fraternity , but it will be with the conviction that tho Grand Lodge of England will decide on something , but with a due sense of its responsibilities towards the Masonic mind throughout the world , and a proper care of the rights of conscience .
I have the honour to be , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , M . B , Paris , 7 th January 1878 .
Freemasonry In South Wales
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH WALES
ON Monday , the 14 th inst ., one of tho pleasantest meetings we have ever attended , was held at the Castle Hotel , Neath , when a capital banquet was given , presided over by Bro . Marmaduke Tennant D . P . G . M . Eastern Division South Wales . Our readers will recollect that at a Special Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Cardiff , last autumn , presided over by Sir George Elliott Bart ., for the purpose of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of tho late
Prov . G . M . Bro . Theodore Mansel Talbot , a resolution was also passed recognising the many eminent services rendered to Masonry in South Wales , by his energetic deputy , Bro . Edward J . Morris , of Swansea , now one of the Deacons of the Grand Lodge of England . This resolution , which was passed unanimously , it was agreed shonld be sent to Bro . Morris engrossed on vellum . After a little discussion , it
was decided that the form iu which the resolution shonld be presented , should be left to Bros Tennant and Whittington . As a result of their task , Messrs . De la Eue prepared one of the finest specimens of illuminated penmanship—in tho form of an Album , bound in Eussia , with solid silver spring-lock , and a monogram E . J . M . worked in massive silver letters on the side—which wo have seen . Just before
the recognition of Bro . Morris' services by Prov . G . L . a few of his personal friends met together , and determined to present him with a token of the high esteem and deep affection with which he was regarded throughout the Province . Subscriptions rapidly flowed in , when tho matter came to Bro . Morris ' s knowledge , and he at once resolutely insisted that no further steps should be taken iu the matter , but somo of his friends considering that a beginning having been
nrulc , and that it would be extremely discourteous to return such subsuii [ itions as had been received , resolved simply to let matters take their course ; not to seek any further subscriptions , but quietly accept any that might be voluntarily sent , in the hope that in time Bro . Morris might be brought to regard the movement in its true light , not as a mere payment for services rendered , but as a token from his Masonic friends of their fraternal affection and esteem . To
render the token as gratifying to Bro . Morris as it could be made , it was resolved to make him Vice-Patron of " Our Boys '" School—the welfare of the Charities having always been one of Bro . Morris ' s most devoted cares . Next , as his literary tastes were well known , it was thought a gift of some hundreds of volumes of the best books of tbe day , would be more welcome than any thing else , next to the
Vice-Patronship of the School , and as books require a receptacle to hold them , a very handsome carved oak book-case was provided for the books . The album being ready , and the books and book-case bought , it was arranged that the most fitting way , in order that Bro . Morris ' s friends might all—if they so wished—be present at the presentation , was to invite him to a banquet . This was
accordingly done , and on Monday night it came off , quite as many being present as had been anticipated . Tho chair was taken by Bro . Marmaduke Tennant D . P . G . M . Eastern Division South Wales , supported on his right by Bro . Morris G . D . and P . D . Prov . G . M . and Bro . J . G . Hall P . Prov . G . W ., on the left by Bro . C . Bath P . Prov . G . W ., Bro . Eowlancl Thomas P . Prov . G . W ., and Bro . Evan
Jones Prov . G . Sec . The vice chairs were taken by Bro . Whittington P . Prov . G . W ., and Bro . J . Jones Prov . G . Treas . ; there were also present Bros . T . G . South P . Prov . G . W ., D . Eobarts P . Prov . G . W ., P . Rowland P . Prov . G . W ., C . Taylor P . Prov . G . D ., T . D . Roberts P . Prov . G . D ., H . St . Georgo Caulfeild P . Prov . G . Snpt ., W . G . Davies P . Prov . G . Supt . Works , E . Jones P . Prov . G . D . C , G . H . White P . Prov . G . Pursuivant , T . Thomas P . Prov . G . S ., E . S . Hartland
P . Prov . G . S ., W . J . Ilees P . Prov . G . S ., D . E , Davies P . Prov . G . S ., Eobt . Margrave Prov . G . S . W . Western Division , J . B . Philipps P . Prov . G . W . Western Division , W . J . Morgan P . Prov . G . W ., M . Wayne Morgan W . M . of the Merlin Lodge , Dr . Lewis Maestig , and a number of other brethren from various Lodges in tho Province . After the cloth had been cleared , Bro . Tennant gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts , without which no social meeting of Freemasons begins work . After which he announced that Bro . Morris was very
Freemasonry In South Wales
unwell , and suffering from a severe cold ; it would therefore be necessary to be brief . He then presented Bro . Morris , in the name of P . G . L ., with the album ; in the course of his remarks Bro . Tennant told his hearers how he had always looked up to Bro . Morris during his Masonic life . Bro . Morris had assisted at his initiation several years ago ; since then ho had always received advice , assistance ,
and encouragement from him . Bro . Bath then , in vory feeling terms , spoke of the friendship which had existed between Bro . Morris and himself from boyhood , that even during the heat of boyish play an angry or cross word had never passed between them , and that in later life the friendship began as boys had only grown closer and moro intimate . He wonld only speak of him as a friend , for as friends , as
well as brother Masons wore they there that evening , to show in some small way the esteem and affection with which he was regarded throughout tho Province . He concluded with hoping that Bro . Morris would live long to enjoy , in his retirement , the perusal of the books which were now through him tendered for his acceptance . Bros . Tennant and Bath wero repeatedly and warmly cheered in the
course of their remarks , aud Bro . Morris , on rising to express his thanks , was enthusiastically received , the applause being long continued with true Welshheartedness . Speaking under great physical difficulty , Bro . Morris took the opportunity of saying how much he appreciated the recognition of his services by the Province , that ho should hand down to his children the very handsome volume in whioh
that recognition was recorded . Turning to Bro . Bath , he asked him to convey to his fri « nds the assurance that ho deeply felt the form in which they had chosen to manifest their kind feelings to him , their remembrance of his exertions in the cause of charity , so fittingly recognised by making him a Vice-Patron of the Boys' School , and he wonld assnre them that he shonld never take up one of the many
books with whioh they had presented him without also thinking of the kind feelings which prompted the gift . The courtesy of tho Dep . Prov . G . M . in presiding being acknowledged , as also the services of Bro . Chas . Bath , as Chairman of the Committee , and Bro . W . Whittington as Hon . Secretary , the brethren separated , in order to reach their respective homes by the several trains , many having travelled long distances in order to be present .
Presentation To Bro. B. J. Thompson P.G. Sec. Of Northumberland.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . B . J . THOMPSON P . G . SEC . OF NORTHUMBERLAND .
TUESDAY evening , the 8 th January , witnessed a ceremony which will long be remembered in the annals of Northern Freemasonry ; it was the paying of a well-deserved tribute of respect aud esteem to one who has laboured well and worthily in the Craft . A largo and influential gathering met at tho Masonic Hall , Maypole-street , Newcastle-on-Tyne , for the purpose of presenting Bro . Thompson with a handsome and valuable testimonial . The chair was taken
by Bro . John Hopper P . P . G . S . W ., chairman of the Committee , sup . ported by the following distinguished brethren : —L . M . Cockcroft D . P . G . M ., T . Anderson P . G . Treasurer , E . D . Davis P . P . G . S . W . P . G . D . C , B . J . Thompson P . G . Sec , Eev . E . East G . Chaplain , T . B . Winter P . P . G . S . W ., H . Laws P . P . G . S . W ., J . T . Hoylo P . P . G . S . W ., B . Clappam P . P . G . S . W ., W . Foulsham P . P . G . J . W ., W . Jackson P . P . G . J . W ., J . Risdale P . P . G . S . D ., P . 0 . Smith
P . P . S . G . D ., W . S . Hughes P . P . G . S . D ., J . S . Wilson P . P . G . S . D ., T . Henon W . M . 481 , G . I . Dean W . M . 541 , W . Cockburn P . M . 24 ,
T . Cockburn P . M . 24 , Mabern P . M . 1427 , E . L . Armstrong S . W . 481 , John Page Sec . 406 , S . M . Harris I . G . 406 , & c , & c . The testi . monial , which had been subscribed to by all the Lodges in the province , as well as by private members , consisted of a vory magnificent and massive silver tea and coffee service , with tray , upon which the following inscription was engraved , " Presented to Bro . Benjamin
James Thompson P . M . P . P . S . G . W ., Past Grand Secretary , by the Freemasons of Northumberland , in recognition of valuable services rendered to the Craft over a period of twenty-one years , as Provincial Grand Secretary . 8 th January 1878 . " The Chairman , in a few well-chosen remarks , called upon the V . W . Deputy Grand Master to make the presentation . In doing so ,
he said there could only be one feeling amongst the brethren , and that was to do honour to the man to whom honour is due ; personally , ne had received valuable services from Bro . Thompson ; in asking him , in the name of the brethren , of the Province , to accept the hand , some testimonial which stood before him , he did so with a wish that he might be spared to spend a long life of health and
prosperity , and would yet render much useful service to the Craft . Bro . Thompson , who , on rising , was received with applause , said , in the course of some well-chosen remarks , that he was particularly grateful to the Dep . P . G . M . for the kind expressions he had used , and assured the brethren that valuable as the present was in itself , it is of far greater value to him as a token of their kind feelings , which had
been a recompense to him for any trouble he may have had . In conclusion , he thanked them heartil y for the magnificent testimonial they had given to him . Votes of thanks were accorded to tha V . W . Deputy Prov . G . M ., the Chairman and the Committee . The orethren then adjourned to the banqueting-room , where the tables were beautifully laid out at the expense of Bro . George Thompson
P . P . G . S . W . The usual Loyal toasts wero duly honoured . The health of Bro . B . J . Thompson was most enthusiastically received , and suit , ably replied to . Tbe health of the Dep . P . G . iVL , the Chairman , and several otaer toasts , received their just due . The evening was euli . vened by some capital harmony , and a most enjoyable time was spent .
The Provincial Grand Chapter of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will bo held afc Ryde , on Wednesday , the 30 fch inst .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence,
England will no doubt deal with the questions raised by the Grand Orient of France , and it will do so in such a manner as to render the decision arrived at acceptable to all Masonio bodies in the world . Tho Committee appointed by Grand Lodgo is certainly composed of tho most eminent and devoted brethren that could have been selected ; but tho task given thorn is a difficult ono to fulfil , if they aro anxious
to bring to light tho basis of onr ancient Landmarks , by consulting our old records , and those Constitutions that have sprung from them . Mere dogmatism is open to a good deal of argument pro and con . Facts must be proved , aud not inferred . A principle must not be simply deduced , and thus accepted from mere supposition ; it must be established , as clearly as possible , by irrefragable proofs .
Bro . A . G . Jonanst , the author of " Histoire da Grand Orient de France , " while admitting that the first Lodge of Speculative Masons on record in France was established at Dunkirque , in 1721 , by Lord Montagu , proves at the same timo tho existence of some other Lodges in Paris , which were constituted a few years later by Lord Derwentwater . English or Scotch , French Masonry haa its origin from thoso brethren that came across the Channel . No ono contests that England
is the Alma Mater of Speculative Masonry ; no Mason denies that origin . All will , as it were , acknowledge its authority , _ espe . cially npon a subject that concerns the whole Fraternity , but it will be with the conviction that tho Grand Lodge of England will decide on something , but with a due sense of its responsibilities towards the Masonic mind throughout the world , and a proper care of the rights of conscience .
I have the honour to be , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , M . B , Paris , 7 th January 1878 .
Freemasonry In South Wales
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH WALES
ON Monday , the 14 th inst ., one of tho pleasantest meetings we have ever attended , was held at the Castle Hotel , Neath , when a capital banquet was given , presided over by Bro . Marmaduke Tennant D . P . G . M . Eastern Division South Wales . Our readers will recollect that at a Special Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Cardiff , last autumn , presided over by Sir George Elliott Bart ., for the purpose of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of tho late
Prov . G . M . Bro . Theodore Mansel Talbot , a resolution was also passed recognising the many eminent services rendered to Masonry in South Wales , by his energetic deputy , Bro . Edward J . Morris , of Swansea , now one of the Deacons of the Grand Lodge of England . This resolution , which was passed unanimously , it was agreed shonld be sent to Bro . Morris engrossed on vellum . After a little discussion , it
was decided that the form iu which the resolution shonld be presented , should be left to Bros Tennant and Whittington . As a result of their task , Messrs . De la Eue prepared one of the finest specimens of illuminated penmanship—in tho form of an Album , bound in Eussia , with solid silver spring-lock , and a monogram E . J . M . worked in massive silver letters on the side—which wo have seen . Just before
the recognition of Bro . Morris' services by Prov . G . L . a few of his personal friends met together , and determined to present him with a token of the high esteem and deep affection with which he was regarded throughout the Province . Subscriptions rapidly flowed in , when tho matter came to Bro . Morris ' s knowledge , and he at once resolutely insisted that no further steps should be taken iu the matter , but somo of his friends considering that a beginning having been
nrulc , and that it would be extremely discourteous to return such subsuii [ itions as had been received , resolved simply to let matters take their course ; not to seek any further subscriptions , but quietly accept any that might be voluntarily sent , in the hope that in time Bro . Morris might be brought to regard the movement in its true light , not as a mere payment for services rendered , but as a token from his Masonic friends of their fraternal affection and esteem . To
render the token as gratifying to Bro . Morris as it could be made , it was resolved to make him Vice-Patron of " Our Boys '" School—the welfare of the Charities having always been one of Bro . Morris ' s most devoted cares . Next , as his literary tastes were well known , it was thought a gift of some hundreds of volumes of the best books of tbe day , would be more welcome than any thing else , next to the
Vice-Patronship of the School , and as books require a receptacle to hold them , a very handsome carved oak book-case was provided for the books . The album being ready , and the books and book-case bought , it was arranged that the most fitting way , in order that Bro . Morris ' s friends might all—if they so wished—be present at the presentation , was to invite him to a banquet . This was
accordingly done , and on Monday night it came off , quite as many being present as had been anticipated . Tho chair was taken by Bro . Marmaduke Tennant D . P . G . M . Eastern Division South Wales , supported on his right by Bro . Morris G . D . and P . D . Prov . G . M . and Bro . J . G . Hall P . Prov . G . W ., on the left by Bro . C . Bath P . Prov . G . W ., Bro . Eowlancl Thomas P . Prov . G . W ., and Bro . Evan
Jones Prov . G . Sec . The vice chairs were taken by Bro . Whittington P . Prov . G . W ., and Bro . J . Jones Prov . G . Treas . ; there were also present Bros . T . G . South P . Prov . G . W ., D . Eobarts P . Prov . G . W ., P . Rowland P . Prov . G . W ., C . Taylor P . Prov . G . D ., T . D . Roberts P . Prov . G . D ., H . St . Georgo Caulfeild P . Prov . G . Snpt ., W . G . Davies P . Prov . G . Supt . Works , E . Jones P . Prov . G . D . C , G . H . White P . Prov . G . Pursuivant , T . Thomas P . Prov . G . S ., E . S . Hartland
P . Prov . G . S ., W . J . Ilees P . Prov . G . S ., D . E , Davies P . Prov . G . S ., Eobt . Margrave Prov . G . S . W . Western Division , J . B . Philipps P . Prov . G . W . Western Division , W . J . Morgan P . Prov . G . W ., M . Wayne Morgan W . M . of the Merlin Lodge , Dr . Lewis Maestig , and a number of other brethren from various Lodges in tho Province . After the cloth had been cleared , Bro . Tennant gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts , without which no social meeting of Freemasons begins work . After which he announced that Bro . Morris was very
Freemasonry In South Wales
unwell , and suffering from a severe cold ; it would therefore be necessary to be brief . He then presented Bro . Morris , in the name of P . G . L ., with the album ; in the course of his remarks Bro . Tennant told his hearers how he had always looked up to Bro . Morris during his Masonic life . Bro . Morris had assisted at his initiation several years ago ; since then ho had always received advice , assistance ,
and encouragement from him . Bro . Bath then , in vory feeling terms , spoke of the friendship which had existed between Bro . Morris and himself from boyhood , that even during the heat of boyish play an angry or cross word had never passed between them , and that in later life the friendship began as boys had only grown closer and moro intimate . He wonld only speak of him as a friend , for as friends , as
well as brother Masons wore they there that evening , to show in some small way the esteem and affection with which he was regarded throughout tho Province . He concluded with hoping that Bro . Morris would live long to enjoy , in his retirement , the perusal of the books which were now through him tendered for his acceptance . Bros . Tennant and Bath wero repeatedly and warmly cheered in the
course of their remarks , aud Bro . Morris , on rising to express his thanks , was enthusiastically received , the applause being long continued with true Welshheartedness . Speaking under great physical difficulty , Bro . Morris took the opportunity of saying how much he appreciated the recognition of his services by the Province , that ho should hand down to his children the very handsome volume in whioh
that recognition was recorded . Turning to Bro . Bath , he asked him to convey to his fri « nds the assurance that ho deeply felt the form in which they had chosen to manifest their kind feelings to him , their remembrance of his exertions in the cause of charity , so fittingly recognised by making him a Vice-Patron of the Boys' School , and he wonld assnre them that he shonld never take up one of the many
books with whioh they had presented him without also thinking of the kind feelings which prompted the gift . The courtesy of tho Dep . Prov . G . M . in presiding being acknowledged , as also the services of Bro . Chas . Bath , as Chairman of the Committee , and Bro . W . Whittington as Hon . Secretary , the brethren separated , in order to reach their respective homes by the several trains , many having travelled long distances in order to be present .
Presentation To Bro. B. J. Thompson P.G. Sec. Of Northumberland.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . B . J . THOMPSON P . G . SEC . OF NORTHUMBERLAND .
TUESDAY evening , the 8 th January , witnessed a ceremony which will long be remembered in the annals of Northern Freemasonry ; it was the paying of a well-deserved tribute of respect aud esteem to one who has laboured well and worthily in the Craft . A largo and influential gathering met at tho Masonic Hall , Maypole-street , Newcastle-on-Tyne , for the purpose of presenting Bro . Thompson with a handsome and valuable testimonial . The chair was taken
by Bro . John Hopper P . P . G . S . W ., chairman of the Committee , sup . ported by the following distinguished brethren : —L . M . Cockcroft D . P . G . M ., T . Anderson P . G . Treasurer , E . D . Davis P . P . G . S . W . P . G . D . C , B . J . Thompson P . G . Sec , Eev . E . East G . Chaplain , T . B . Winter P . P . G . S . W ., H . Laws P . P . G . S . W ., J . T . Hoylo P . P . G . S . W ., B . Clappam P . P . G . S . W ., W . Foulsham P . P . G . J . W ., W . Jackson P . P . G . J . W ., J . Risdale P . P . G . S . D ., P . 0 . Smith
P . P . S . G . D ., W . S . Hughes P . P . G . S . D ., J . S . Wilson P . P . G . S . D ., T . Henon W . M . 481 , G . I . Dean W . M . 541 , W . Cockburn P . M . 24 ,
T . Cockburn P . M . 24 , Mabern P . M . 1427 , E . L . Armstrong S . W . 481 , John Page Sec . 406 , S . M . Harris I . G . 406 , & c , & c . The testi . monial , which had been subscribed to by all the Lodges in the province , as well as by private members , consisted of a vory magnificent and massive silver tea and coffee service , with tray , upon which the following inscription was engraved , " Presented to Bro . Benjamin
James Thompson P . M . P . P . S . G . W ., Past Grand Secretary , by the Freemasons of Northumberland , in recognition of valuable services rendered to the Craft over a period of twenty-one years , as Provincial Grand Secretary . 8 th January 1878 . " The Chairman , in a few well-chosen remarks , called upon the V . W . Deputy Grand Master to make the presentation . In doing so ,
he said there could only be one feeling amongst the brethren , and that was to do honour to the man to whom honour is due ; personally , ne had received valuable services from Bro . Thompson ; in asking him , in the name of the brethren , of the Province , to accept the hand , some testimonial which stood before him , he did so with a wish that he might be spared to spend a long life of health and
prosperity , and would yet render much useful service to the Craft . Bro . Thompson , who , on rising , was received with applause , said , in the course of some well-chosen remarks , that he was particularly grateful to the Dep . P . G . M . for the kind expressions he had used , and assured the brethren that valuable as the present was in itself , it is of far greater value to him as a token of their kind feelings , which had
been a recompense to him for any trouble he may have had . In conclusion , he thanked them heartil y for the magnificent testimonial they had given to him . Votes of thanks were accorded to tha V . W . Deputy Prov . G . M ., the Chairman and the Committee . The orethren then adjourned to the banqueting-room , where the tables were beautifully laid out at the expense of Bro . George Thompson
P . P . G . S . W . The usual Loyal toasts wero duly honoured . The health of Bro . B . J . Thompson was most enthusiastically received , and suit , ably replied to . Tbe health of the Dep . P . G . iVL , the Chairman , and several otaer toasts , received their just due . The evening was euli . vened by some capital harmony , and a most enjoyable time was spent .
The Provincial Grand Chapter of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will bo held afc Ryde , on Wednesday , the 30 fch inst .