Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Chapter Committee, In The Room Of The Late Lamented
course—made public , while the more brethren study onr literature , the more enthusiastic will they become as Masons . The example shows that our Craft blades in Sheffield are true as steel . Thus much for Freemasonry in the United Kingdom . Pass we now to a review of the Craft in foreign « nmtries .
In France the Grand Orient has pursued the task of controlling and directing the destinies of Freemasonry with unabated vigour , and with its usual success . One unfortunate question was raised at the General Assembly held in October , and this has certainly caused among English
Craftsmen a grave sense of disquietude . But , apart from this , to which wo shall shortly refer at greater length , there is nothing in the conduct ; of our French brethren which affords us other than tho sincerest pleasure . Wo should , indeed , bo wanting in our duty if we did not offer
them our hearty congratulations on the general activit y that has been noticeable in Paris and throughout tho provinces during this year . In thoso works of charity which it is the duty of all Masons to encourage and promote , in accordance , of course , with the means at their disposal , our
French brethren aro continually doing honour to the Craft . Nor are these labours directed to this duty alone . French Masonry has certain attributes peculiar to itself . The Lodges under its jurisdiction are encourrged both b y precept , and the example of the Grand Orient , to assist in
promoting whatever will conduce to the general welfare of the community . Thus , in tho month of January , a course of lectures on the English language was commenced nnder the auspices of the Grand Orient . A course of German study had already been tried , and with
a success so signal , that the G . O . made a further experiment with our language , and at the inaugural meeting , which was presided over by Bro . Armand , one of the Vice-Presidents of the Council of the Order , assisted by Bro . Caubefc , one of the Secretaries , and Bro . Seingnerlet , no
less than five hundred persons were present . The instruction is given gratuitously , and it is hoped , as time progresses , that tuition in other subjects may be attempted with equal success . On the 28 th of July a meeting was held , under the presidency of Bro . de Saint
Jean , President of tho Council of the Grand Orient , at the hotel of the G . O ., for the purpose of distributing the prizes to those students who had distinguished themselves above their fellows in tho study of German , English , and geography . About one thousand persons were present ,
and among the Masonic celebrities who supported Bro . de Saint Jean were Bros . Armand , Caubet , Gamier Moreanx . and Andre Rousselle , members of Council , and Bro . Koch , director of studies . Bro . de Saint Jean opened the proceedings in a very eloquent speech , and was followed
by Bro . Koch , who furnished some very interesting particulars as to the different branches of study ib was his duty to preside over . One point we note with pleasure , that the various sets of lectures are attended by about one thousand students . A number of recitations were then given , and
after the successful pupils had received the rewards of their ability and zeal , the assembly dispersed , well pleased with all they had heard and witnessed . Again , at one of the sittings of the Grand Orient
in October , certain medals and certificates were distributed to those brethren and Lodges which had rendered themselves deserving of some kind of testimonial . The last occasion on which this custom was observed was in
1869 , and we are pleased to note its revival in this instance . Tho medals were six in number , and were awarded as follows : —( 1 ) To Bro . Bonnet , for his very active support of the Masonic Benevolent Institutions established at Bordeaux ; ( 2 ) to the Lodge Les Sages d'Eeliopolis , Orient of
Bucharest , for its exceptional activity in erecting Schools and Benevolent Institutions ; ( 3 ) to Bro . Baverel , Orient of Caen , for exceptional acts of devotion ; ( 4 ) to Bro . Ponsolle , Orient of Toulouse , for eminent services rendered during the inundation ; ( 5 ) to Bro . Meneu , Orient of Tours ,
for signal services during fifteen years of Masonic labour ; ( 6 ) to Bro . Poullain , Orient of Paris , for exceptional activity and eminent services rendered on behalf of the Masonic Orphanage . The honorary certificates were
fifteen in number , and were adjudged to as many brethren , who had , in some way or other , distinguished themselves , either in the cause of Masonry or in their labours for the public good .
Equally zealous are our worthy French brethren in the sacred cause of Charity . In 1862 , a Masonic General Orphanage was established . Its progress was at first
Chapter Committee, In The Room Of The Late Lamented
uncertain , but thoso most interested in achieving a success persevered with an energy beyond all praise , and now this Institution is capable of supporting no less than eighty-six children , many of its pupils having already turned out to be brave workmen . The receipts of the Orphanage from
its foundation have reached the highly respectab ' e sum of 147 , 000 francs . During the past year the amount realised by contributions from all quarters , was 20 , 000 francs , while the expenditure reached 17 , 000 . It is also noteworthy that the Grand Orient contributed the sum of 200 francs towards
defraying the expenses of Avorkmon dispatched to the Philadelphia Exhibition , afc tlie same time recommending to all the Lodges under its jurisdiction that contributions should be raised towards tho same laudable purpose . Another illustration is worth recording , of tho manner in
which the cause of Charity is promoted . In March the Lodgo at Versailles gave an entertainment , at "La Salle des Varietes , in aid of the funds for its , Orphanage , and the sufferers by the then recent inundations . The house was crowded everywhere , and every item in the programme was
admirably rendered and enthusiastically applauded . But it is time we noted the events which occurred at the Grand Assembly of the Grand Orient in October . The assembly was first constituted and Bro . de Saint Jean appointed President . The various Committees were then
nominated . Several questions were next discussed , the majority of which , however , displayed rather a local than a general interest . Bub the decision on ono subject will be
read with regret by all English Masons . This was a proposal to strike out from the second paragraph of tho First Article of the Constitutions the passage in which the existence of God and tho belief in a future state are
declared to be the leading principles of Freemasonry . The grounds on which this proposal was urged were , that Freemasonry recognised absolute freedom of conscience , and to insist upon the reception of these principles by Masons would be in direct violation of tho grand system of
equality . Freemasons , it was argued , should enjoy full liberty to accept or reject these principles . After a long and animated debate , in which an attempt was made to shelve the question , by passing to the order of the day , a voto was taken , when the order of the day was rejected by 110 to
65 . The result of this important decision is that the question is now being brought under tho notice of all the subordinate Lodges , and these must make their reports within a stated time . When these reports havo been received , the General Assembly , in October next , will
decide finally on this grave question . We have alread y expressed our very deep regret at the result of the discussion . We , in England at all events , hold most devoutly that the ruling principle of Freemasonry is a belief in God and the immortality of the soul . There is no place in our English Lodges for him whom the Charges describe
as " tho stupid atheist . " The clay following this decision Bro . de Saint Jean addressed tho Assembly , on the vote that had been arrived at , pointing out that it by no means involved a negation of God's existence , bnt simply left it
open to every brother to believe or disbelieve m it , according as his conscience impelled him . The explanation was no doubt well meant , but the fact of its being submittecLshows there was reason to fear some misinterpretation . We , however , consider the explanation in no way mends matters
and we repeat the expression of onr sincere regret , particularly on the ground that it interposes a barrier which ousrht not to be erected between two sections of the Craft
universal . There is , perhaps , a hope that between now and the next General Assembly our French brethren will view the subject in a manner more consonant with the true principles of our Fraternity .
The remaining business of the Assembly was then proceeded with . Thirteen members of Council were elected
from certain lists , eleven m the place of as many members who had retired in the usual course by rotation , and two in lieu of other two deceased . The Report of the Financial Committee was then submitted and agreed to , and , after a long and able address by Bro . Wyrouboff , the
session closed , and the brethren adjourned , till the hour appointed for the banquet . But before this was held , the Council of the Order held a brief sitting , for the election of officers and committees , the result as regards the former
being , that Bro . de Saint Jean was re-elected President , Bros . Cousin and Armand Vice-Presidents , and Bros . Caubet and Ponlle Secretaries . At tho banquet , about two hundred and fifty brethren were present , and President de Saint Jean occupied the chair . The usual loyal and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Chapter Committee, In The Room Of The Late Lamented
course—made public , while the more brethren study onr literature , the more enthusiastic will they become as Masons . The example shows that our Craft blades in Sheffield are true as steel . Thus much for Freemasonry in the United Kingdom . Pass we now to a review of the Craft in foreign « nmtries .
In France the Grand Orient has pursued the task of controlling and directing the destinies of Freemasonry with unabated vigour , and with its usual success . One unfortunate question was raised at the General Assembly held in October , and this has certainly caused among English
Craftsmen a grave sense of disquietude . But , apart from this , to which wo shall shortly refer at greater length , there is nothing in the conduct ; of our French brethren which affords us other than tho sincerest pleasure . Wo should , indeed , bo wanting in our duty if we did not offer
them our hearty congratulations on the general activit y that has been noticeable in Paris and throughout tho provinces during this year . In thoso works of charity which it is the duty of all Masons to encourage and promote , in accordance , of course , with the means at their disposal , our
French brethren aro continually doing honour to the Craft . Nor are these labours directed to this duty alone . French Masonry has certain attributes peculiar to itself . The Lodges under its jurisdiction are encourrged both b y precept , and the example of the Grand Orient , to assist in
promoting whatever will conduce to the general welfare of the community . Thus , in tho month of January , a course of lectures on the English language was commenced nnder the auspices of the Grand Orient . A course of German study had already been tried , and with
a success so signal , that the G . O . made a further experiment with our language , and at the inaugural meeting , which was presided over by Bro . Armand , one of the Vice-Presidents of the Council of the Order , assisted by Bro . Caubefc , one of the Secretaries , and Bro . Seingnerlet , no
less than five hundred persons were present . The instruction is given gratuitously , and it is hoped , as time progresses , that tuition in other subjects may be attempted with equal success . On the 28 th of July a meeting was held , under the presidency of Bro . de Saint
Jean , President of tho Council of the Grand Orient , at the hotel of the G . O ., for the purpose of distributing the prizes to those students who had distinguished themselves above their fellows in tho study of German , English , and geography . About one thousand persons were present ,
and among the Masonic celebrities who supported Bro . de Saint Jean were Bros . Armand , Caubet , Gamier Moreanx . and Andre Rousselle , members of Council , and Bro . Koch , director of studies . Bro . de Saint Jean opened the proceedings in a very eloquent speech , and was followed
by Bro . Koch , who furnished some very interesting particulars as to the different branches of study ib was his duty to preside over . One point we note with pleasure , that the various sets of lectures are attended by about one thousand students . A number of recitations were then given , and
after the successful pupils had received the rewards of their ability and zeal , the assembly dispersed , well pleased with all they had heard and witnessed . Again , at one of the sittings of the Grand Orient
in October , certain medals and certificates were distributed to those brethren and Lodges which had rendered themselves deserving of some kind of testimonial . The last occasion on which this custom was observed was in
1869 , and we are pleased to note its revival in this instance . Tho medals were six in number , and were awarded as follows : —( 1 ) To Bro . Bonnet , for his very active support of the Masonic Benevolent Institutions established at Bordeaux ; ( 2 ) to the Lodge Les Sages d'Eeliopolis , Orient of
Bucharest , for its exceptional activity in erecting Schools and Benevolent Institutions ; ( 3 ) to Bro . Baverel , Orient of Caen , for exceptional acts of devotion ; ( 4 ) to Bro . Ponsolle , Orient of Toulouse , for eminent services rendered during the inundation ; ( 5 ) to Bro . Meneu , Orient of Tours ,
for signal services during fifteen years of Masonic labour ; ( 6 ) to Bro . Poullain , Orient of Paris , for exceptional activity and eminent services rendered on behalf of the Masonic Orphanage . The honorary certificates were
fifteen in number , and were adjudged to as many brethren , who had , in some way or other , distinguished themselves , either in the cause of Masonry or in their labours for the public good .
Equally zealous are our worthy French brethren in the sacred cause of Charity . In 1862 , a Masonic General Orphanage was established . Its progress was at first
Chapter Committee, In The Room Of The Late Lamented
uncertain , but thoso most interested in achieving a success persevered with an energy beyond all praise , and now this Institution is capable of supporting no less than eighty-six children , many of its pupils having already turned out to be brave workmen . The receipts of the Orphanage from
its foundation have reached the highly respectab ' e sum of 147 , 000 francs . During the past year the amount realised by contributions from all quarters , was 20 , 000 francs , while the expenditure reached 17 , 000 . It is also noteworthy that the Grand Orient contributed the sum of 200 francs towards
defraying the expenses of Avorkmon dispatched to the Philadelphia Exhibition , afc tlie same time recommending to all the Lodges under its jurisdiction that contributions should be raised towards tho same laudable purpose . Another illustration is worth recording , of tho manner in
which the cause of Charity is promoted . In March the Lodgo at Versailles gave an entertainment , at "La Salle des Varietes , in aid of the funds for its , Orphanage , and the sufferers by the then recent inundations . The house was crowded everywhere , and every item in the programme was
admirably rendered and enthusiastically applauded . But it is time we noted the events which occurred at the Grand Assembly of the Grand Orient in October . The assembly was first constituted and Bro . de Saint Jean appointed President . The various Committees were then
nominated . Several questions were next discussed , the majority of which , however , displayed rather a local than a general interest . Bub the decision on ono subject will be
read with regret by all English Masons . This was a proposal to strike out from the second paragraph of tho First Article of the Constitutions the passage in which the existence of God and tho belief in a future state are
declared to be the leading principles of Freemasonry . The grounds on which this proposal was urged were , that Freemasonry recognised absolute freedom of conscience , and to insist upon the reception of these principles by Masons would be in direct violation of tho grand system of
equality . Freemasons , it was argued , should enjoy full liberty to accept or reject these principles . After a long and animated debate , in which an attempt was made to shelve the question , by passing to the order of the day , a voto was taken , when the order of the day was rejected by 110 to
65 . The result of this important decision is that the question is now being brought under tho notice of all the subordinate Lodges , and these must make their reports within a stated time . When these reports havo been received , the General Assembly , in October next , will
decide finally on this grave question . We have alread y expressed our very deep regret at the result of the discussion . We , in England at all events , hold most devoutly that the ruling principle of Freemasonry is a belief in God and the immortality of the soul . There is no place in our English Lodges for him whom the Charges describe
as " tho stupid atheist . " The clay following this decision Bro . de Saint Jean addressed tho Assembly , on the vote that had been arrived at , pointing out that it by no means involved a negation of God's existence , bnt simply left it
open to every brother to believe or disbelieve m it , according as his conscience impelled him . The explanation was no doubt well meant , but the fact of its being submittecLshows there was reason to fear some misinterpretation . We , however , consider the explanation in no way mends matters
and we repeat the expression of onr sincere regret , particularly on the ground that it interposes a barrier which ousrht not to be erected between two sections of the Craft
universal . There is , perhaps , a hope that between now and the next General Assembly our French brethren will view the subject in a manner more consonant with the true principles of our Fraternity .
The remaining business of the Assembly was then proceeded with . Thirteen members of Council were elected
from certain lists , eleven m the place of as many members who had retired in the usual course by rotation , and two in lieu of other two deceased . The Report of the Financial Committee was then submitted and agreed to , and , after a long and able address by Bro . Wyrouboff , the
session closed , and the brethren adjourned , till the hour appointed for the banquet . But before this was held , the Council of the Order held a brief sitting , for the election of officers and committees , the result as regards the former
being , that Bro . de Saint Jean was re-elected President , Bros . Cousin and Armand Vice-Presidents , and Bros . Caubet and Ponlle Secretaries . At tho banquet , about two hundred and fifty brethren were present , and President de Saint Jean occupied the chair . The usual loyal and