Architecture And Masonic History.

ARCHITECTURE AND MASONIC HISTORY .

AN interesting lecture was delivered on the 18 th inst ., at the regular meeting of the Glasgow St . John's Lodge , No . 3 bis , on the subject of our heading . A recent controversy on the Glasgow Cathedral has awakened general interest in the grand old pile of Masonry , and Bros . Jas . Chalmers and C . E . Morgan having specially

interested themselves in the architectural arrangements , made the discovery that the Cathedral of Glasgow had been built on the plan of King Solomon ' s Temple , as described in the Bible . In the lecture , which was illustrated by limelight views , these Brethren set themselves the task of demonstrating

their reasons for the contention , and descriptions of the plans of the two buildings were given . Time , however , did not permit the lecturers to go into the subject so fully as they wished , and another lecture on the subject is probable . Brother Chalmers , referring to the recent controversy ,

said that no architect , however eminent , had been able to explain the motive of the man who designed the crypt . It was evident the explanation could not be found in architectural routine or religious symbolism . It naturally remained to consider whether or not Freemasonry among its

many secrets contained a solution of this very intricate but interesting problem . No doubt the Cathedral was full of Masonic symbols , and it was a question for decision whether the design could be explained by religious symbolism , as we now knew it , or required the light of Masonry . It was

reasonable to regard the original architect as a Freemason . Bro . Chalmers showed early documents held by Masons , such as old Constitutions and companionships and other ancient societies , which there was reasonable ground for believing existed in the thirteenth century .

After giving a short history of what led to the present lecture , Brother Morgan dealt in detail with a comparison of the plan of the crypt with that of Solomon ' s Temple , and expressed the opinion that this was the key to the design . He also showed wherein some of the most valuable

symbolisms could be found in the crypt . Brother Chalmers , in turn , stated that he had extended inquiries to the nave and lady chapel of the Cathedral , and had found more advanced symbols .

The installation of Bro . Alfred Atkin , as Worshipful Master of the Borough Lodge , No . 2589 , took place on Wednesday , at the Bridge House Hotel . We hope to give a full report of the proceedings in our next issue .

Lieut .-Colonel the Earl of Stradbroke , President of the National Artillery Association , was installed on Wednesday as Worshipful Master of the National Artillery Lodge , No . 2578 , in succession to Major H . Vane Stow , Secretary of the N . A . A .

Bro . Win . Shurmur P . G . Standard Br . must be a busy man , but it may fairly be said of him that he is never tired of good works . In addition to the calls made upon him by his public and private avocations , and his numerous

attendances at Masonic meetings , he still finds time to encourage local worth by lending his influence , and often his presence , at functions which persons of his position frequently ignore . Only a short time since we heard of him

making a presentation to a well known but humble railway official at Walthamstow , and now we read of his presiding at a meeting of the local postmen , and cheering them with kindly words delivered in his most genial manner . It is no wonder that he is so popular .

At the regular meeting of the Everton Lodge , No . 823 , held on the 19 th inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Hope Street , Liverpool , the members took the opportunity of presenting Bro . John Houlding P . P . G . S . W . and Senior P . M . of the

Lodge , Lord Mayor of Liverpool , with a congratulatory address on his elevation to the position of chief magistrate of the city . The presentation was made on behalf of the Lodge by the W . M . Bro . Joseph Bennett , who congratulated his Lordship on the high post he had attained as Lord Mayor

of his native city . The W . M . also gave expression to the high feeling of regard and respect in which Bro . Houlding was held , not only by the members of the Everton Lodge , but amongst Freemasons generally . The Lord Mayor , in

Architecture And Masonic History.

acknowledging the address , warmly thanked the Lodge for their expression of goodwill towards him , and said their gift would have an honoured place in his house . He assured

them that throughout his Masonic career the Everton Lodge had always the first place in his heart . The address was beautifully illuminated , and was in album form .

We may again remind our readers of the date of the annual North London Masonic Ball , which will take place on Thursday next , 27 th inst ., at Freemasons' Tavern , Great

Queen Street , W . C ., where the whole suite of rooms have been engaged , as well as the large halls , so as to ensure the comfort of the large number who are expected to be present .

On Thursday , 6 th inst ., under the auspices of the Royal St . Edmund and the Abbey Lodges , and under the distinguished patronage of Lord Henniker P . G . M . Suffolk ,

Rev . C . J . Martyn D . P . G . M ., and other members of the Craft , a Masonic ball was held in the Athenaeum Hall , Bury , and was greatly enjoyed by a large company .

The annual ball in connection with the Southampton Lodge was held at the Masonic Hall , Albion Place , Southampton , on Tuesday , nth inst ., when a company of between sixty and seventy assembled , and spent a very enjoyable

evening . The committee , from the funds realised by these Lodge dances , recently purchased a Life vote for the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys in the name of Bro . Fairweathef , in recognition of his services as Hon . Secretary for two or three seasons .

In aid of the Centenary Fund of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , the Brethren of St . Martin ' s Lodge , No . 370 , Liskeard , held a successful and enjoyable dance at the Public Hall , on Wednesday , 12 th inst . A number of

Brethren , with their ladies and friends , came from Looe , Duloe , St . Germans , and other parts of the district , and as the Provincial Grand Master the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe had granted a dispensation to wear Masonic clothing and jewels , the scene was a gay and brilliant one .

The tenth annual ball of Newcastle Freemasons took place on the 13 th , in the Assembly Rooms , Westgate Road , Newcastle . About 115 couples were present . The Mayor ( Aid . Sanderson ) and Mayoress of Newcastle accepted

invitations to be present , as well as man ) ' well-known members of the Craft . The arduous duties of looking after the general arrangements were efficiently carried out by the Hon . Secretary Bro . F . W . Sykes P . M . P . P . G . SwordB .

General surprise and pleasure were expressed at the manner in which the supper room was decorated , and at the ample arrangements for supper . Instead of long tables being placed along the room , round tables were substituted , thus

materially adding to the comfort of the guests . Dancing was kept up until 3 a . m ., and at the close the general impression appeared to be that it had been one of the most successful balls ever held in connection with the Craft .

The sixth annual Smoking Concert of "Ye Olde Friends " ( organised by the Managers of Messrs . Spiers and Pond , Limited ) will take place at the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen Street , W . C ., on Friday , 4 th February next ,

commencing at 8 p . m . precisely . Mr . T . M . Browning will occupy the chair , and will be supported by the following Committee : Messrs G . T . King ( Treasurer ) , W . Blanchette , H . Cheesman , M . Fournier , F . A . Heymer , C . Humberset ,

C . James , F . R . Janetsky , L . E . Lefevre , O . Luer , T Platten , H . Reed , J . K . Taylor , A . Thomson , S . F Vandyke , R . Vorley , G . A . Wells , F . Williams , C

Wohlschlager , and G . A . Farnan ( Hon . Sec ) . We hope the usual success will attend the gathering , especially as we believe the proceeds will be devoted to some good cause , as has been the case in previous years .

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