-
Articles/Ads
Article LODGE ACCOMMODATION. Page 1 of 2 Article LODGE ACCOMMODATION. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Accommodation.
LODGE ACCOMMODATION .
HPHE desiro on the part of Lodges to possess a -M- home of their own , which is rapidly extending in this conntry , and in the colonies and other British possessions abroad , as well as in tho United States of America , is a sign of the advancement of tho Masonic Order , and promises well for the future , both from a financial as well as a moral point of view . Financially it must be apparent that the
possession by Lodges and members of the Craffc of a number of Halls in various parts of the world is a valuable acquisition , while the moral effect on the growing generation of buildings devoted to the purposes of Freemasonry—really to tho alleviation of distress and the advancement of the human racemust be advantageous to the community at large , and redound to the credit of members of the Graft .
Besides all this , the provision of special accommodation for the regular meetings of the Order , distinct from the outside influence of public buildings , is Veil worthy the careful consideration and hearty co-operation of every Mason who desires to elevate tho surroundings of Freemasonry , and keep it , as it always has been , foremost among the many and varied friendly societies of the universe .
Admitting all the benefits which accrue from the ever increasing number of Masonic Halls which are boing erected , we must not be led away in our enthusiasm to ignore the ample , and in many cases really splendid accommodation , which is provided for the purposes of Freemasonry by those whose
business it is to cater for the public . All things being equal , it is of course preferable for the ceremonies of the Craft to be worked in halls or other buildings specially built or adapted to the requirements of Freemasonry , but there are so many matters to be
considered m this respect that it is almost impossible to argue in any general way , so as to meet all the requirements of the case . In large towns , where a number of Lodges can combine and erect for themselves a home , and can afford a sufficient outlay year by year to keep the building habitable and in proper repair ; or even in small towns , where a Masonic Club can be associated with independent
Lodge quarters , Masonic Halls can , and often arc , successfully conducted , but difficulties present themselves , especially in medium sized places , where perhaps only one Lodge is located , as to what is to bo done with the Masonic Hall , its furniture and fittings , during tho long periods -which elapse between the monthly or other stated meetings .
Financial considerations must step in here , as being of paramount importance . In the case of towns such as wc have referred to , represented by one Lodge , the expense of building and fitting a Masonic Hall would fall very heavily on the thirty , forty , or perhaps fifty members of the Lodge , but supposing the first outlay to be satisfactorily met , there is still the
Lodge Accommodation.
question of repairs and general maintenance to be provided for , year by year , and these would form no inconsiderable tax on the local members . Of course the Masonic Hall might be built in such a way as to be available for other purposes , and this is often done , but unless something outside of Freemasonry
can be introduced to bear some part of the outlay ifc is impossible to believe that Masonic Halls will ever become the rule , rather than , as they now are , the exception , and on this account Ave think those who now regard the accommodation of a Lodge month by month , and the provision of the refreshment which usually follows labour , as a part of their business , need have little fear of losing their customers .
We have'recently referred to the action of certain American Grand Lodges who are pushing the crusade against the drink question , and all who are associated with it in any shape or form , in the most severe manner , even introducing Freemasonry into the struggle , and using it and its strong associations to further their own particular ideas . These
enthusiasts in the cause of total abstinence exclude saloon keepers and everyone associated with the drink traffic from Freemasonry , they enjoin all Masons to keep intoxicating liquors away from the Lodges and tho ante-rooms , and , it may well be imagined—with such severe limits as are here shown—they do not allow their Lodges to meet at public houses . In such
quarters Masonic Halls become a necessity , or at least some suitable building must bo available , apart from the usual public resorts , in which to hold tho meetings of the Lodge . But we cannot imagine such severe restrictions ever becoming universally popular , and hence it mav be out of nlace to even consider what
would be the possible result if it did happen , but it is useful to take all such matters into consideration when discussing such a subject as that before us . America is very young in many respects , and perhaps the experience of our transatlantic cousins on the subject of private clubs and organizations is one of the matters in which they have little experience . In England there are many who feel that much more
evil may be worked in the privacy of a Club than is possible in the publicity of an hotel or other licensed premises , and if the drink question were the only consideration which could be put forward in favour of a general adoption of private Masonic Halls it would soon defeat itself , but happily such considerations do
not have much weight with the ordinary Mason . As we said a few weeks back , severe measures may bc necessary in certain quarters , to remedy certain evils , but the general body of the Order does not wish or require such exclusiveness as that to which we have referred .
The question oi providing Masonic Halls for Lodge purposes has , and must continue to have , other and more noble points to recommend it . The beautiful ceremonies of the Order can be made much more impressive in a building especially adapted to the requirements of the Craft than is possible in any
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Accommodation.
LODGE ACCOMMODATION .
HPHE desiro on the part of Lodges to possess a -M- home of their own , which is rapidly extending in this conntry , and in the colonies and other British possessions abroad , as well as in tho United States of America , is a sign of the advancement of tho Masonic Order , and promises well for the future , both from a financial as well as a moral point of view . Financially it must be apparent that the
possession by Lodges and members of the Craffc of a number of Halls in various parts of the world is a valuable acquisition , while the moral effect on the growing generation of buildings devoted to the purposes of Freemasonry—really to tho alleviation of distress and the advancement of the human racemust be advantageous to the community at large , and redound to the credit of members of the Graft .
Besides all this , the provision of special accommodation for the regular meetings of the Order , distinct from the outside influence of public buildings , is Veil worthy the careful consideration and hearty co-operation of every Mason who desires to elevate tho surroundings of Freemasonry , and keep it , as it always has been , foremost among the many and varied friendly societies of the universe .
Admitting all the benefits which accrue from the ever increasing number of Masonic Halls which are boing erected , we must not be led away in our enthusiasm to ignore the ample , and in many cases really splendid accommodation , which is provided for the purposes of Freemasonry by those whose
business it is to cater for the public . All things being equal , it is of course preferable for the ceremonies of the Craft to be worked in halls or other buildings specially built or adapted to the requirements of Freemasonry , but there are so many matters to be
considered m this respect that it is almost impossible to argue in any general way , so as to meet all the requirements of the case . In large towns , where a number of Lodges can combine and erect for themselves a home , and can afford a sufficient outlay year by year to keep the building habitable and in proper repair ; or even in small towns , where a Masonic Club can be associated with independent
Lodge quarters , Masonic Halls can , and often arc , successfully conducted , but difficulties present themselves , especially in medium sized places , where perhaps only one Lodge is located , as to what is to bo done with the Masonic Hall , its furniture and fittings , during tho long periods -which elapse between the monthly or other stated meetings .
Financial considerations must step in here , as being of paramount importance . In the case of towns such as wc have referred to , represented by one Lodge , the expense of building and fitting a Masonic Hall would fall very heavily on the thirty , forty , or perhaps fifty members of the Lodge , but supposing the first outlay to be satisfactorily met , there is still the
Lodge Accommodation.
question of repairs and general maintenance to be provided for , year by year , and these would form no inconsiderable tax on the local members . Of course the Masonic Hall might be built in such a way as to be available for other purposes , and this is often done , but unless something outside of Freemasonry
can be introduced to bear some part of the outlay ifc is impossible to believe that Masonic Halls will ever become the rule , rather than , as they now are , the exception , and on this account Ave think those who now regard the accommodation of a Lodge month by month , and the provision of the refreshment which usually follows labour , as a part of their business , need have little fear of losing their customers .
We have'recently referred to the action of certain American Grand Lodges who are pushing the crusade against the drink question , and all who are associated with it in any shape or form , in the most severe manner , even introducing Freemasonry into the struggle , and using it and its strong associations to further their own particular ideas . These
enthusiasts in the cause of total abstinence exclude saloon keepers and everyone associated with the drink traffic from Freemasonry , they enjoin all Masons to keep intoxicating liquors away from the Lodges and tho ante-rooms , and , it may well be imagined—with such severe limits as are here shown—they do not allow their Lodges to meet at public houses . In such
quarters Masonic Halls become a necessity , or at least some suitable building must bo available , apart from the usual public resorts , in which to hold tho meetings of the Lodge . But we cannot imagine such severe restrictions ever becoming universally popular , and hence it mav be out of nlace to even consider what
would be the possible result if it did happen , but it is useful to take all such matters into consideration when discussing such a subject as that before us . America is very young in many respects , and perhaps the experience of our transatlantic cousins on the subject of private clubs and organizations is one of the matters in which they have little experience . In England there are many who feel that much more
evil may be worked in the privacy of a Club than is possible in the publicity of an hotel or other licensed premises , and if the drink question were the only consideration which could be put forward in favour of a general adoption of private Masonic Halls it would soon defeat itself , but happily such considerations do
not have much weight with the ordinary Mason . As we said a few weeks back , severe measures may bc necessary in certain quarters , to remedy certain evils , but the general body of the Order does not wish or require such exclusiveness as that to which we have referred .
The question oi providing Masonic Halls for Lodge purposes has , and must continue to have , other and more noble points to recommend it . The beautiful ceremonies of the Order can be made much more impressive in a building especially adapted to the requirements of the Craft than is possible in any