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Article PROV. GRAND LODGE OF BERKS AND BUCKS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CORRESPONDENCE. Page 1 of 1 Article CORRESPONDENCE. Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1
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Prov. Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.
admit an inoreased number of children to the Sohools , and also to provide for a larger number of annuitants . He went on to point out that if every Mason under the jarisdiotion of the Grand Lodge of England would give but 5 s annnally to each of the three great Masonio Institutions , and if each Lodge would contribute one guinea to the same , they would have an income of seventy or eighty thousand
a-vear , and be in a position to provide for all deserving candidates without tbe delay , trouble and expense of contested elections . The Benevolent Institution Festival held some fourteen or fifteen years since was presided over by Sir Daniel Gooch , and he ( Bro . Terry ) was looking forward hopefully to the time when Sir Daniel would aoain occupy that position , and he trusted that when the occasion
arrived the brethren of Berks and Bnoks would heartily support their Provincial Grand Master and send up a sum of not less than £ 1 , 000 . Bro . Terry conolnded by an earnest appeal on behalf of the Masonic Charities , urging what he considered the prior claims of the Benevolent Institution , whioh looked after the welfare of needy Freemasons and their widows in advanoed years . He heartily thanked
the brethren present for the liberality with whioh they had supported the Charities . The Provincial Grand Master then proposed the health of the Worshipful Master and Officers of Wycombe Lodge , thanking them for the cordial reception they had given to the Provincial Grand Lodge . Bro . Hunt , the Immediate Past Master , returned thanks . The Provincial Grand Master then proposed the health of
the Provincial Grand Treasurer and Provincial Grand Secretary Sir Daniel acknowledged the valuable services of Bro . Stephens , and also bore his personal testimony to the zeal and ability of the indefatigable Secretary , Bro . Bradley , observing that no Province could be better served as regards the office of Provincial Grand Secretary
than that of Berks and Berks . Bro . Bradley returned thanks in appropriate terms , assuring the brethren that anything he did in the cause of Freemasonry was a labour of love . The health of the Provincial Grand Stewards was then proposed , and Bro . Martin having responded , the Tyler's toast was given , and the company rose .
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our C 01 " resvondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .
LODGE OF KING SOLOMON . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I have read the account in your columns and elsewhere of the consecration of the so-called Temperance Lodge , and regret exceedingly that so much prominence has been given to an event which , as 1 humbly conceive , involves a clear and deliberate violation of the principles of Freemasonry . Hitherto there has been absent from our system everything that could , by the remotest
possibility , be interpreted or misinterpreted into a sense of partisanship . Now it seems the influence of onr Fraternity is to be employed on behalf of Teetotalism , because , forsooth , Dr . Richardson , who is Master of the new Temperance Lodge , is pleased to think that Freemasonry , which has been already productive of many great benefits to man , may attain a still more elevated position if only it will adopt what he calls Temperance , but what are more commonly known as Teetotal
principles . No one can have the slightest possible objection to this worthy brother or any one else entering the lists against excess in drinking , bnt I hold that he is bound to do this in his non-Masonio capaoity . Yet , if I may be allowed to put this and that together , I should jndge from what I have read that this King Solomon Lodge has been conseorated for the express purpose of using its influence on
behalf of Teetotal principles , and that Dr . Richardson , who , it seems , is an old Freemason and Past Master , bnt for several years past has remained in a state of non-activity , has resumed his active connection with the Craft for the purpose of leading this Teetotal crusade against drink . Are the authorities aware that in countenancing these most irregular proceedings they are , for the sake of effecting a
small and ephemeral benefit , doing a very serious amount of injury to the Craft ? I know there are many brethren—men whose opinion is worth listening to—who consider the establishment of any kind of class Lodge—military Lodges alone excepted—is contrary to the spirit of our laws , and I am very certain they must be still more strenuousl y opposed to the establishment of partisan Lodges .
Dr . Richardson tells us he is one of those who think a man is all the better for abstaining from alcoholic drink , but this is clearly a matter of opinion only . There are others who consider he is all the better for indulging in it in moderation . Thus , at the very threshold of the argument , we . aro met by a distinct difference of opinion at the same time we find Freemasonry stands committed to tho Teetotal view
, and of course in opposition to those who are striotly temperate users of alcohol . Why , may I ask , is there anything less objection , able in this kind of partisanship than to the partisanship which directs its attention to religion or politics ? If we are allowed to have ieetotal Lodges , why may we not be allowed our religious and polilcal Lodges ; and if our religions Lodges , why not Christian , Jewish , Mahommedan , and then , as a further step , our Romish , Anglican , Lutheran
, Calvinistic Lodges ? While , if we may have political T W i' mnst short ] y expect to find Whig , Tory , Conservative , wberal , Radical Lodges . In short , if Freemasonry is to be allowed o take sides in the social politics of the day , there is no reason gainst its taking sides in religions politics or politics proper , and nere is an ena immediately of our boasted principle of complete toleration within our ranks of all religious and politioal creeds . If
Correspondence.
we open the door to the discussion as between Lodges , or even in the same Lodge , of social questions , it means only opening it a little wider in order to find room for political and religions questions , and at once the very reason for the existence of the Society is destroyed . The objection of an individnal brother of no weight or influence in
Masonry against the course adopted by the authorities in sanctioning the formation of a partisan Lodge will , no doubt , meet with the fate whioh his presumption in offering it entitles him to expeot , but your humble servant is only one of many brethren who decidedly resent the idea of being ever called upon to defend their views abont the
Temperance question . We agree with Bro . Dr . Richardson as to the evils arising from an abuse of alcohol , but we disagree with him as to any evil arising from the use of it . We belong to that class of people whom Bro . Richardson is pleased to ignore entirely , and with whom , as n consequence , he can have no possible sympathy ; I mean
that class of people who think that wine , of whioh we read in the Saored Volume of the Law , is intended for the use of man , as are all the other kinds of food , whether liquid or solid , whioh an All-Wise Providence has vouchsafed us for our nourishment and delectation . We also consider it a most unwise
assumption of superior wisdom on the part of Brother Richardson that he should claim to lay down the law absolutely—even after hia scientific researches and experiments—against the nse of alcoholic drinks . Lastly , we are of those who think that Freemasonry has no more to do with Teetotalism than it has with drunkenness , except in this important particular , that while no well-conducted Lodge would
dream of tolerating the latter , none wonld raise the slightest objeotion to a brother professing the former . A man must not get drunk habitually at our meetings , but he may adopt any method he chooses for the preservation of his sobriety , if he will but allow others the freedom of choice he claims for himself . 1 fear I have trespassed largely upon your space , but in extenuation I plead the importance of the subject , aud remain ,
Fraternally youre , "Q . " [ Many of the points on which onr correspondent lays so much stress are touched upon in the article on " Teetotal
Lodges " which appears in another part of our columns . We would call " Q . ' s " atttention to our Editorial , and to express the gratification we feel on discovering that his and our views are so closely in accordance . —Ed . P . O . ]
Chiswiok Lodge of Instruction , No . 2012—This Lodge held its regular meeting on Saturday , the 14 th inst ,, at the Roebuok Tavern , High Road , Chiswick . Present : —Bros . J . H . Strong Hon . Seo . W . M ., R . H . Wimpey S . W ., J . Brown J . W ., Rixon S . D ., Wing J . D ., H . Furze I . G ., G . Gardner Treasurer , E . Ayling P . M . P . Z . Preceptor ; Bros . Pidcock , Caustou , C . F . Hughes , & c . Lodge was
opened and the minutes were read and confirmed , the W . M . rehearsed the ceremony of initiation Bro . Pidcock candidate . The W . M ., later on , drew the attention of the brethren to the announcement of the rehearsal of the ceremony of consecration which is to take place at the Chiswick Hall , ou Saturday , the 21 st inst ., ( to-day ) . It was stated that all preliminaries were arranged , and that a largo gathering
of the Craft might be expected . The musical arrangements will be under tbe direction of Bro . Pinckey , and a supper will be provided by Bro , Rixon . Before closing the Lodge the Preceptor complimented the W . M . on the ablo manner in which he had discharged his duties , this being tho first time that Bro . Strong had presided . Lodge was then closed in due form .
Ad00703
INSTALLATION OF H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES As the M . W . G . M . of England , AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL , 28 th APRIL 1875 . COPIES of this BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVING by Brother HARTY P . M ., consisting of Artist ' s Proofs , Proofs before letters , and Lettered Proofs , India Prints , and Plain Prints may be bad at Cost Price by applying to Bro . W . R . NOERIS , 29 Southampton Buildings , W . C , London .
Ad00704
PORTRAITS ! PORTRAITS ! PORTRAITS ! Brother H . C . TURNER , IPhotoerapher , 14 PENTONVILLE ROAD ( Seven doors from the Angel ) . H . C . T . is prepared to execute photographs of Craftsmen , & c , at the following low scale of charges : — Cartes de Visite , full length or three-quarters , 12 for 4 s 6 d . Cabinets , do . do . do . 12 for 12 s . BCIG-KC OLAS 3 W 3 KK O ^ Y .
Ad00705
BRO . G . S . GRAHAM , The Popular Tenor and Buffo Vocalist , from St . James ' s Hall , Crystal Palace , & c . ( Provincial Grand Organist Middlesex ) IS OPEN TO ACCEPT ENGAGEMENTS FOR dfomcerfs , ( Snterfammenfs , & jjjasornic IJ aiujttefe . Bro . G . S . Graham ' s Party of Eminent Artists can be engaged for Masonic Banquets , Consecrations and Installations , & c . For Opinions of the Press , and terms , address—G . S , GRAHAM , St . John ' s Villa , 91 Fernlea Road , Balham , Surrey .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Prov. Grand Lodge Of Berks And Bucks.
admit an inoreased number of children to the Sohools , and also to provide for a larger number of annuitants . He went on to point out that if every Mason under the jarisdiotion of the Grand Lodge of England would give but 5 s annnally to each of the three great Masonio Institutions , and if each Lodge would contribute one guinea to the same , they would have an income of seventy or eighty thousand
a-vear , and be in a position to provide for all deserving candidates without tbe delay , trouble and expense of contested elections . The Benevolent Institution Festival held some fourteen or fifteen years since was presided over by Sir Daniel Gooch , and he ( Bro . Terry ) was looking forward hopefully to the time when Sir Daniel would aoain occupy that position , and he trusted that when the occasion
arrived the brethren of Berks and Bnoks would heartily support their Provincial Grand Master and send up a sum of not less than £ 1 , 000 . Bro . Terry conolnded by an earnest appeal on behalf of the Masonic Charities , urging what he considered the prior claims of the Benevolent Institution , whioh looked after the welfare of needy Freemasons and their widows in advanoed years . He heartily thanked
the brethren present for the liberality with whioh they had supported the Charities . The Provincial Grand Master then proposed the health of the Worshipful Master and Officers of Wycombe Lodge , thanking them for the cordial reception they had given to the Provincial Grand Lodge . Bro . Hunt , the Immediate Past Master , returned thanks . The Provincial Grand Master then proposed the health of
the Provincial Grand Treasurer and Provincial Grand Secretary Sir Daniel acknowledged the valuable services of Bro . Stephens , and also bore his personal testimony to the zeal and ability of the indefatigable Secretary , Bro . Bradley , observing that no Province could be better served as regards the office of Provincial Grand Secretary
than that of Berks and Berks . Bro . Bradley returned thanks in appropriate terms , assuring the brethren that anything he did in the cause of Freemasonry was a labour of love . The health of the Provincial Grand Stewards was then proposed , and Bro . Martin having responded , the Tyler's toast was given , and the company rose .
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our C 01 " resvondents . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications .
LODGE OF KING SOLOMON . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I have read the account in your columns and elsewhere of the consecration of the so-called Temperance Lodge , and regret exceedingly that so much prominence has been given to an event which , as 1 humbly conceive , involves a clear and deliberate violation of the principles of Freemasonry . Hitherto there has been absent from our system everything that could , by the remotest
possibility , be interpreted or misinterpreted into a sense of partisanship . Now it seems the influence of onr Fraternity is to be employed on behalf of Teetotalism , because , forsooth , Dr . Richardson , who is Master of the new Temperance Lodge , is pleased to think that Freemasonry , which has been already productive of many great benefits to man , may attain a still more elevated position if only it will adopt what he calls Temperance , but what are more commonly known as Teetotal
principles . No one can have the slightest possible objection to this worthy brother or any one else entering the lists against excess in drinking , bnt I hold that he is bound to do this in his non-Masonio capaoity . Yet , if I may be allowed to put this and that together , I should jndge from what I have read that this King Solomon Lodge has been conseorated for the express purpose of using its influence on
behalf of Teetotal principles , and that Dr . Richardson , who , it seems , is an old Freemason and Past Master , bnt for several years past has remained in a state of non-activity , has resumed his active connection with the Craft for the purpose of leading this Teetotal crusade against drink . Are the authorities aware that in countenancing these most irregular proceedings they are , for the sake of effecting a
small and ephemeral benefit , doing a very serious amount of injury to the Craft ? I know there are many brethren—men whose opinion is worth listening to—who consider the establishment of any kind of class Lodge—military Lodges alone excepted—is contrary to the spirit of our laws , and I am very certain they must be still more strenuousl y opposed to the establishment of partisan Lodges .
Dr . Richardson tells us he is one of those who think a man is all the better for abstaining from alcoholic drink , but this is clearly a matter of opinion only . There are others who consider he is all the better for indulging in it in moderation . Thus , at the very threshold of the argument , we . aro met by a distinct difference of opinion at the same time we find Freemasonry stands committed to tho Teetotal view
, and of course in opposition to those who are striotly temperate users of alcohol . Why , may I ask , is there anything less objection , able in this kind of partisanship than to the partisanship which directs its attention to religion or politics ? If we are allowed to have ieetotal Lodges , why may we not be allowed our religious and polilcal Lodges ; and if our religions Lodges , why not Christian , Jewish , Mahommedan , and then , as a further step , our Romish , Anglican , Lutheran
, Calvinistic Lodges ? While , if we may have political T W i' mnst short ] y expect to find Whig , Tory , Conservative , wberal , Radical Lodges . In short , if Freemasonry is to be allowed o take sides in the social politics of the day , there is no reason gainst its taking sides in religions politics or politics proper , and nere is an ena immediately of our boasted principle of complete toleration within our ranks of all religious and politioal creeds . If
Correspondence.
we open the door to the discussion as between Lodges , or even in the same Lodge , of social questions , it means only opening it a little wider in order to find room for political and religions questions , and at once the very reason for the existence of the Society is destroyed . The objection of an individnal brother of no weight or influence in
Masonry against the course adopted by the authorities in sanctioning the formation of a partisan Lodge will , no doubt , meet with the fate whioh his presumption in offering it entitles him to expeot , but your humble servant is only one of many brethren who decidedly resent the idea of being ever called upon to defend their views abont the
Temperance question . We agree with Bro . Dr . Richardson as to the evils arising from an abuse of alcohol , but we disagree with him as to any evil arising from the use of it . We belong to that class of people whom Bro . Richardson is pleased to ignore entirely , and with whom , as n consequence , he can have no possible sympathy ; I mean
that class of people who think that wine , of whioh we read in the Saored Volume of the Law , is intended for the use of man , as are all the other kinds of food , whether liquid or solid , whioh an All-Wise Providence has vouchsafed us for our nourishment and delectation . We also consider it a most unwise
assumption of superior wisdom on the part of Brother Richardson that he should claim to lay down the law absolutely—even after hia scientific researches and experiments—against the nse of alcoholic drinks . Lastly , we are of those who think that Freemasonry has no more to do with Teetotalism than it has with drunkenness , except in this important particular , that while no well-conducted Lodge would
dream of tolerating the latter , none wonld raise the slightest objeotion to a brother professing the former . A man must not get drunk habitually at our meetings , but he may adopt any method he chooses for the preservation of his sobriety , if he will but allow others the freedom of choice he claims for himself . 1 fear I have trespassed largely upon your space , but in extenuation I plead the importance of the subject , aud remain ,
Fraternally youre , "Q . " [ Many of the points on which onr correspondent lays so much stress are touched upon in the article on " Teetotal
Lodges " which appears in another part of our columns . We would call " Q . ' s " atttention to our Editorial , and to express the gratification we feel on discovering that his and our views are so closely in accordance . —Ed . P . O . ]
Chiswiok Lodge of Instruction , No . 2012—This Lodge held its regular meeting on Saturday , the 14 th inst ,, at the Roebuok Tavern , High Road , Chiswick . Present : —Bros . J . H . Strong Hon . Seo . W . M ., R . H . Wimpey S . W ., J . Brown J . W ., Rixon S . D ., Wing J . D ., H . Furze I . G ., G . Gardner Treasurer , E . Ayling P . M . P . Z . Preceptor ; Bros . Pidcock , Caustou , C . F . Hughes , & c . Lodge was
opened and the minutes were read and confirmed , the W . M . rehearsed the ceremony of initiation Bro . Pidcock candidate . The W . M ., later on , drew the attention of the brethren to the announcement of the rehearsal of the ceremony of consecration which is to take place at the Chiswick Hall , ou Saturday , the 21 st inst ., ( to-day ) . It was stated that all preliminaries were arranged , and that a largo gathering
of the Craft might be expected . The musical arrangements will be under tbe direction of Bro . Pinckey , and a supper will be provided by Bro , Rixon . Before closing the Lodge the Preceptor complimented the W . M . on the ablo manner in which he had discharged his duties , this being tho first time that Bro . Strong had presided . Lodge was then closed in due form .
Ad00703
INSTALLATION OF H . R . H . THE PRINCE OF WALES As the M . W . G . M . of England , AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL , 28 th APRIL 1875 . COPIES of this BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVING by Brother HARTY P . M ., consisting of Artist ' s Proofs , Proofs before letters , and Lettered Proofs , India Prints , and Plain Prints may be bad at Cost Price by applying to Bro . W . R . NOERIS , 29 Southampton Buildings , W . C , London .
Ad00704
PORTRAITS ! PORTRAITS ! PORTRAITS ! Brother H . C . TURNER , IPhotoerapher , 14 PENTONVILLE ROAD ( Seven doors from the Angel ) . H . C . T . is prepared to execute photographs of Craftsmen , & c , at the following low scale of charges : — Cartes de Visite , full length or three-quarters , 12 for 4 s 6 d . Cabinets , do . do . do . 12 for 12 s . BCIG-KC OLAS 3 W 3 KK O ^ Y .
Ad00705
BRO . G . S . GRAHAM , The Popular Tenor and Buffo Vocalist , from St . James ' s Hall , Crystal Palace , & c . ( Provincial Grand Organist Middlesex ) IS OPEN TO ACCEPT ENGAGEMENTS FOR dfomcerfs , ( Snterfammenfs , & jjjasornic IJ aiujttefe . Bro . G . S . Graham ' s Party of Eminent Artists can be engaged for Masonic Banquets , Consecrations and Installations , & c . For Opinions of the Press , and terms , address—G . S , GRAHAM , St . John ' s Villa , 91 Fernlea Road , Balham , Surrey .