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Notices Of Meetings.
the origin of Masonry be so anoient , as our traditions tell us that it it > , why draw the attention of the world to tho fact that our local history extends back but a century . A century after all ia but a fragment of time when compared with the life of the world , but a very short space even compared with the thirty centuries which have nearly elapsed since the building of King Solomon ' s Temple . That
Masonry is coeval with thought ' , as was recently stated at a meeting of Grand Lodge in Kansas , is a high-sounding olaim beside which the puny life of a century might well be thought to fado into insignificance . But surely the inconsistency is rather on the part of those who confuse the outward and symbolic character of Masonry with the underlying and hidden principles of the Craft whioh in
themselves are eternal , and which can be traced with more or less clearcess down the history of the ages . The material history of our Lodge , it is true , extends back but a century , but this century of united work and life is in itself a pledge to ourselves and to tho world of the soundness of those principles which underlie our outward organisation and give vitality to our existence . The science of Operative
Masonry is indeed coeval with the history of civilisation , and none can fail to remark that from the earliest days the highott development of the Operative work of the Craft has been in connection with tho worship of the Great Architect of the U inverse . From the earl iest times those engaged in tho Craft of Masonry appear to have been bound together by ties of Brotherhood , and to take onlyjnto
consideration the history of our own land , we know that prior to the 12 th century the Masons were organised in guilds . The Halliwell MS ., dating from the latter end of the 14 th century , telts us something of tbe conditions on which members were admitted to the Craft in those days . The Master Mason must be " both steadfast , trusty , and true . " Of the ' ptentice it
states—That he no bondsman prentys make . Aud again , the bodily perfection of the oandidate is shown to have been necessary iu tho following lines : — To the craft hyt were gret sohamo To make an halt man and a lame , For an imperfect man of suohe blod Schulde do the craft but lytyl good .
There IB , however , no evidence that at this time teaching by symbolism was thought of , and though the moral teaching inculcated in tho " Old Charges , " the oldest of whioh is said to date from the 14 th century , is peculiar to the operative fraternity of Masons , it is not until some centuries later that we must look for the development of spoculative or philosophic Masonry , as distinguished from operative Masonry .
No emblem or token relating to speculative Masonry has been discovered prior to the middle of the 17 th century , but in 1646 we know that Ashmole , the antiquary , was admitted to a Lodge in Warrington . It was during the 16 th and latter half of the 15 th century that speculative , as distinguished from operative , Masonry was developed , aud this development culminated in the revival or
reconstruction which took place at the beginning of last century . We see , therefore , that the history of Masonry , although continuous , has undergone a change . It no longer concerns ourselves as a sooiety with tho operative work of tho Craft , but confine ourselves to tho moral aud social welfare of our members . Masonry has indeed been well described as " a system of inoialitv , veiled in allegory , aud
illustrated by symbols , " the allegory beiug drawn from the temple of King Solomon , the symbols being those which havo in all ages been used amougst operative Masons . Although then we cannot claim for the history of speculative Masonry , a separate life of more than 250 years , we do claim that the Masonry of to-day and of the last two and a half centuries is but a development of the life of the
past , aud that the symbolio and allegorical teaching of to-day is the same in principle as it has ever been . The attainment , therefore , of the age of a ceutnry by any speculative Masons is in itself an event worthy of commemoration . We do not therefore dissever our connection with the past , on the contrary we as a new branch , shot out a century ago , assert our living uuity with the great ove of
Masonry which taking new life at the beginning of last century has thrust out its branches to tho very end of the earth . When we were admitted to the Craft we were enjoined to make a daily advancement in Masonio knowledge , and can we then do better than study tho history of tbe past of which our centenary reminds us ? When wo remember how utterly falso and mistaken ideas about the history of
our Craft prevail , not only in the outside world , but eveu within our Lodges , we may well take into consideration whether it is not worth while to make onrsolves better acquainted with the true facts of our history . Masonry is not an invention of the 19 th century , it is not a mere organisation for social purposes , but a living organisation founded upon the vory purest principles , and having as its aim a Dove
all things the moral and social welfare of its members . No one can listen to the charges which are delivered at our Lodge meetings without recognising this * , and surely we are bound by the tiea of fraternal interest , by the common welfare of the Craft , to do our utmost to secure the carrying out of the principles upon which our society is based . This century haB seen many changes in the
world at large , and nowhere perhaps has this been more perceptible than in Masonry . The Craft is now a power in the land . Its Charities are unrivalled , ita membership is sought and valued by the very highest in tho land , and long may it continue so to be . We , then , to-day may well look baok with pride upon the past century of our life . They , indeed , who founded tbis Lodge and gave us our
connection with the past have passed away , but the example that they have set us , and which has been ernnlated by so many who have since filled their place and then like them passed away to what Spencer so happily terms " the common sun of rest , " may well arouse in us a greater euthusiasm for the Craft , a greater interest in the
common welfare of our brethren , a more unbounded charity , aud a determination to show to the world that wo , like them , aro animated b y the true spirit of brotherhood which has been the guiding star ot Masonry throughout the ages , and which alone , under the direction of the Great Architect of the Universe , cau bring about the full
Notices Of Meetings.
realisation of the brotherhood of maD . And , remembering the virlues and works of those brethren who have gone before u >> , and who have handed down to us the traditions aud principles of Masonry for the last 100 years , take to heart those touohing and absolutely true wcrda of
Longfellow—Lives of great mtn all remind us We can make our lives sublime , And , departing , leave behind ns , Footprints on the aanda of Time . On tho motion of Bro . Carrington P . M ., seconded by Bro . LaucaBler I . P . M ., a hearty vote of thauks was accorded to Bro . Syinouds for
his oration . A hymn was then sung , during whioh the offertory was taken ; ibis amounted to £ 7 133 6 d . Tbe banquet was held in the Sir Ralph Pendlebury Memorial Orphanage , and was attended by Lord Egerton Provincial Grand Master , the Hon . De Tatton Egerton , M . P ., brother of the Provincial Grand Master . Over seventy sit down to dinner , the soene in the magnificent hall being very brilliant After tho usual loyal toasts ' , that of the Provincial Grand Maati r
aud Worshipfnl Master were giv « D . To those who bad the prhil i ^ o of being present would long last in their memories the pleasnre a id enjoyment of suoh an eventful day in tho history of tho Unanimity Lodge . At the close of the meeting , the Masonio version of tho National Anthem was sung . The musical arrangements were nnder the care of Bro . Robert William Baker P . M . P . P . G . Organist Cheshire Organist , who was assisted by Bro . Johnson ( pianoforte ) , and Bros . Blaoow , Dumvillo , Kinnell , and Turner .
'PHE banquet in connection with the installation of tho W . M . took JL place on Tuesday evening , the 13 th inst ., at the Victoria and Albert Hotel , Torquay . Tho W . M . Bro . W . Hersey presided , and among tbe company of about fifty were the I . P . M . Ilro . S . Wills , P . M . ' s Bros . J . Chapman , J . Murray , T . Morgan , J . Dodge , Jno . Lane , J . Blarney , W . Taylor , W . Wakeham , F . Hex , J . Callard , aud J . Willoox 710 . There were also present about a dozen brethren from
JORDAN LODGE , Nc . 1402
the St . John s Lodge . The repast was served in a most satisfactory manner by Mrs . Hoare , the manageress . The toast list included the Queen and Craft , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales M . W . G . M ., the Grand Offioers Present and Past , Viscount Ebrington Provincial Grand Master , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Offioers Present and Past . Bro . Crowe , replying to the latter toast
said his year of office as Organist was a most pleasant one . Bro . F . Hex said he had had an opportunity of seeing Lord Ebrington in the chair on two occasions , and from the way in whioh he did the work he proved that he had the welfare of Masonry at heart . So far as the office he ( the speaker ) held , he attributed the honour not to himself , but to the Lodge . Bro . J . Lane , in giving the newly .
iustalled W . M ., said Bro . Hersey had given them a sample that afternoon of what he intended doing during his year of oifice . He had qualified himself for tbe position by his ability and attention to the duties of tho offices he had filled , and every one was glad to seo him installed in the chair of the Lodge . Bro . Hersey , in response , said he felt the i-espousibility of the position , and should rely ou
the I . P . M . and the other Officers to assist him . He should do his best for tho Lodge ar . cl the dignity of the post he filled . Brother Winget , in submit ting the Installing Master , said all who had attended the Lodge during the past year knew that Bro . Wills had ! . tie his work well , and it would bo impossible for any ono to have Uncharged the duties of that afternoon in a more able manner than
the I . P . M . bad . Bro . Wills expressed a hope that the succeeding Master would endeavour to fill the chair with the same success us had been achieved by those who had gone before . Bro . West gave the Past Masters of the Jordan Lodge , of whom he said they wero proud . He was glad to see so many present not only belonging to the Jordan Lodge but to St . John ' s also . They included amongst their number
the three founders of the Jordan , and Bro . Dodge who was first initiated . Bro . Chapman said it reminded him of old times to seo so many present at that festive gathering . One of the most excellent features of tire installation was the manner in which tho W . M . had been inducted into office , which spoke well for his predecessor , and he was sure the W . M . could rely on the P . M . ' s to do their best
to aBsist him daring his year of office . He entered upon the 21 st anuiversary of the establishment of the Jordan Lodge , and he trusted that at the end of his term for occupying the chair he would find tbo Lodge in still hotter circumstances tban at present . In a place like Torquay there was plenty of room for two splendid Lodges , aud if thoy were united in spirit , as ha believed they were by the way in
which brethron of St . John ' s had come forward to show their appieciation of the new Mastor , they would speedily make both stronger . Bro . Taylor , in proposing the visitors , congratulated the brethren on the number present , and welcomed most heartily those from the sister Lodge . He hoped that the W . M . and Officers of the Jordan Lodge would during the year endeavour to cement the friendship existing between tho two Lodges . If Masonry meant auything
it was brotherly love , and if it did not it meant nothing . Brotbors Sourly , W . Taylor , W . Wakoham , Willcor , and Callard replied , and the Officers of the Lodge , given by Bro . Glanfield and acknowledged by Jiro . Winget , and ihe Tyler ' s toast brought the post prandial procaedings to a close . During the evening some capital songs were contributed , the musical arrangements being in charge of Brother Crowe .
TRAFFORD LODGE , No . 1496 ( MOSS SIDE ) .
' PHE first meeting since the vacation took place at Mrs . Tonlmin ' s , -L Western Hotel , on Monday , the llth inst . Amongst those present were Bros . W . Blears W . M ., J . Morris S . W ., Frances Long J . W ., Jones P . M . P . P . G . S . acting Secretary , R . Wilson S . D ., Ramsey Knight J . D ., David Johnson P . M , Dir , of Cers ., A , K , Johnson aoting
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Notices Of Meetings.
the origin of Masonry be so anoient , as our traditions tell us that it it > , why draw the attention of the world to tho fact that our local history extends back but a century . A century after all ia but a fragment of time when compared with the life of the world , but a very short space even compared with the thirty centuries which have nearly elapsed since the building of King Solomon ' s Temple . That
Masonry is coeval with thought ' , as was recently stated at a meeting of Grand Lodge in Kansas , is a high-sounding olaim beside which the puny life of a century might well be thought to fado into insignificance . But surely the inconsistency is rather on the part of those who confuse the outward and symbolic character of Masonry with the underlying and hidden principles of the Craft whioh in
themselves are eternal , and which can be traced with more or less clearcess down the history of the ages . The material history of our Lodge , it is true , extends back but a century , but this century of united work and life is in itself a pledge to ourselves and to tho world of the soundness of those principles which underlie our outward organisation and give vitality to our existence . The science of Operative
Masonry is indeed coeval with the history of civilisation , and none can fail to remark that from the earliest days the highott development of the Operative work of the Craft has been in connection with tho worship of the Great Architect of the U inverse . From the earl iest times those engaged in tho Craft of Masonry appear to have been bound together by ties of Brotherhood , and to take onlyjnto
consideration the history of our own land , we know that prior to the 12 th century the Masons were organised in guilds . The Halliwell MS ., dating from the latter end of the 14 th century , telts us something of tbe conditions on which members were admitted to the Craft in those days . The Master Mason must be " both steadfast , trusty , and true . " Of the ' ptentice it
states—That he no bondsman prentys make . Aud again , the bodily perfection of the oandidate is shown to have been necessary iu tho following lines : — To the craft hyt were gret sohamo To make an halt man and a lame , For an imperfect man of suohe blod Schulde do the craft but lytyl good .
There IB , however , no evidence that at this time teaching by symbolism was thought of , and though the moral teaching inculcated in tho " Old Charges , " the oldest of whioh is said to date from the 14 th century , is peculiar to the operative fraternity of Masons , it is not until some centuries later that we must look for the development of spoculative or philosophic Masonry , as distinguished from operative Masonry .
No emblem or token relating to speculative Masonry has been discovered prior to the middle of the 17 th century , but in 1646 we know that Ashmole , the antiquary , was admitted to a Lodge in Warrington . It was during the 16 th and latter half of the 15 th century that speculative , as distinguished from operative , Masonry was developed , aud this development culminated in the revival or
reconstruction which took place at the beginning of last century . We see , therefore , that the history of Masonry , although continuous , has undergone a change . It no longer concerns ourselves as a sooiety with tho operative work of tho Craft , but confine ourselves to tho moral aud social welfare of our members . Masonry has indeed been well described as " a system of inoialitv , veiled in allegory , aud
illustrated by symbols , " the allegory beiug drawn from the temple of King Solomon , the symbols being those which havo in all ages been used amougst operative Masons . Although then we cannot claim for the history of speculative Masonry , a separate life of more than 250 years , we do claim that the Masonry of to-day and of the last two and a half centuries is but a development of the life of the
past , aud that the symbolio and allegorical teaching of to-day is the same in principle as it has ever been . The attainment , therefore , of the age of a ceutnry by any speculative Masons is in itself an event worthy of commemoration . We do not therefore dissever our connection with the past , on the contrary we as a new branch , shot out a century ago , assert our living uuity with the great ove of
Masonry which taking new life at the beginning of last century has thrust out its branches to tho very end of the earth . When we were admitted to the Craft we were enjoined to make a daily advancement in Masonio knowledge , and can we then do better than study tho history of tbe past of which our centenary reminds us ? When wo remember how utterly falso and mistaken ideas about the history of
our Craft prevail , not only in the outside world , but eveu within our Lodges , we may well take into consideration whether it is not worth while to make onrsolves better acquainted with the true facts of our history . Masonry is not an invention of the 19 th century , it is not a mere organisation for social purposes , but a living organisation founded upon the vory purest principles , and having as its aim a Dove
all things the moral and social welfare of its members . No one can listen to the charges which are delivered at our Lodge meetings without recognising this * , and surely we are bound by the tiea of fraternal interest , by the common welfare of the Craft , to do our utmost to secure the carrying out of the principles upon which our society is based . This century haB seen many changes in the
world at large , and nowhere perhaps has this been more perceptible than in Masonry . The Craft is now a power in the land . Its Charities are unrivalled , ita membership is sought and valued by the very highest in tho land , and long may it continue so to be . We , then , to-day may well look baok with pride upon the past century of our life . They , indeed , who founded tbis Lodge and gave us our
connection with the past have passed away , but the example that they have set us , and which has been ernnlated by so many who have since filled their place and then like them passed away to what Spencer so happily terms " the common sun of rest , " may well arouse in us a greater euthusiasm for the Craft , a greater interest in the
common welfare of our brethren , a more unbounded charity , aud a determination to show to the world that wo , like them , aro animated b y the true spirit of brotherhood which has been the guiding star ot Masonry throughout the ages , and which alone , under the direction of the Great Architect of the Universe , cau bring about the full
Notices Of Meetings.
realisation of the brotherhood of maD . And , remembering the virlues and works of those brethren who have gone before u >> , and who have handed down to us the traditions aud principles of Masonry for the last 100 years , take to heart those touohing and absolutely true wcrda of
Longfellow—Lives of great mtn all remind us We can make our lives sublime , And , departing , leave behind ns , Footprints on the aanda of Time . On tho motion of Bro . Carrington P . M ., seconded by Bro . LaucaBler I . P . M ., a hearty vote of thauks was accorded to Bro . Syinouds for
his oration . A hymn was then sung , during whioh the offertory was taken ; ibis amounted to £ 7 133 6 d . Tbe banquet was held in the Sir Ralph Pendlebury Memorial Orphanage , and was attended by Lord Egerton Provincial Grand Master , the Hon . De Tatton Egerton , M . P ., brother of the Provincial Grand Master . Over seventy sit down to dinner , the soene in the magnificent hall being very brilliant After tho usual loyal toasts ' , that of the Provincial Grand Maati r
aud Worshipfnl Master were giv « D . To those who bad the prhil i ^ o of being present would long last in their memories the pleasnre a id enjoyment of suoh an eventful day in tho history of tho Unanimity Lodge . At the close of the meeting , the Masonio version of tho National Anthem was sung . The musical arrangements were nnder the care of Bro . Robert William Baker P . M . P . P . G . Organist Cheshire Organist , who was assisted by Bro . Johnson ( pianoforte ) , and Bros . Blaoow , Dumvillo , Kinnell , and Turner .
'PHE banquet in connection with the installation of tho W . M . took JL place on Tuesday evening , the 13 th inst ., at the Victoria and Albert Hotel , Torquay . Tho W . M . Bro . W . Hersey presided , and among tbe company of about fifty were the I . P . M . Ilro . S . Wills , P . M . ' s Bros . J . Chapman , J . Murray , T . Morgan , J . Dodge , Jno . Lane , J . Blarney , W . Taylor , W . Wakeham , F . Hex , J . Callard , aud J . Willoox 710 . There were also present about a dozen brethren from
JORDAN LODGE , Nc . 1402
the St . John s Lodge . The repast was served in a most satisfactory manner by Mrs . Hoare , the manageress . The toast list included the Queen and Craft , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales M . W . G . M ., the Grand Offioers Present and Past , Viscount Ebrington Provincial Grand Master , and the rest of the Provincial Grand Offioers Present and Past . Bro . Crowe , replying to the latter toast
said his year of office as Organist was a most pleasant one . Bro . F . Hex said he had had an opportunity of seeing Lord Ebrington in the chair on two occasions , and from the way in whioh he did the work he proved that he had the welfare of Masonry at heart . So far as the office he ( the speaker ) held , he attributed the honour not to himself , but to the Lodge . Bro . J . Lane , in giving the newly .
iustalled W . M ., said Bro . Hersey had given them a sample that afternoon of what he intended doing during his year of oifice . He had qualified himself for tbe position by his ability and attention to the duties of tho offices he had filled , and every one was glad to seo him installed in the chair of the Lodge . Bro . Hersey , in response , said he felt the i-espousibility of the position , and should rely ou
the I . P . M . and the other Officers to assist him . He should do his best for tho Lodge ar . cl the dignity of the post he filled . Brother Winget , in submit ting the Installing Master , said all who had attended the Lodge during the past year knew that Bro . Wills had ! . tie his work well , and it would bo impossible for any ono to have Uncharged the duties of that afternoon in a more able manner than
the I . P . M . bad . Bro . Wills expressed a hope that the succeeding Master would endeavour to fill the chair with the same success us had been achieved by those who had gone before . Bro . West gave the Past Masters of the Jordan Lodge , of whom he said they wero proud . He was glad to see so many present not only belonging to the Jordan Lodge but to St . John ' s also . They included amongst their number
the three founders of the Jordan , and Bro . Dodge who was first initiated . Bro . Chapman said it reminded him of old times to seo so many present at that festive gathering . One of the most excellent features of tire installation was the manner in which tho W . M . had been inducted into office , which spoke well for his predecessor , and he was sure the W . M . could rely on the P . M . ' s to do their best
to aBsist him daring his year of office . He entered upon the 21 st anuiversary of the establishment of the Jordan Lodge , and he trusted that at the end of his term for occupying the chair he would find tbo Lodge in still hotter circumstances tban at present . In a place like Torquay there was plenty of room for two splendid Lodges , aud if thoy were united in spirit , as ha believed they were by the way in
which brethron of St . John ' s had come forward to show their appieciation of the new Mastor , they would speedily make both stronger . Bro . Taylor , in proposing the visitors , congratulated the brethren on the number present , and welcomed most heartily those from the sister Lodge . He hoped that the W . M . and Officers of the Jordan Lodge would during the year endeavour to cement the friendship existing between tho two Lodges . If Masonry meant auything
it was brotherly love , and if it did not it meant nothing . Brotbors Sourly , W . Taylor , W . Wakoham , Willcor , and Callard replied , and the Officers of the Lodge , given by Bro . Glanfield and acknowledged by Jiro . Winget , and ihe Tyler ' s toast brought the post prandial procaedings to a close . During the evening some capital songs were contributed , the musical arrangements being in charge of Brother Crowe .
TRAFFORD LODGE , No . 1496 ( MOSS SIDE ) .
' PHE first meeting since the vacation took place at Mrs . Tonlmin ' s , -L Western Hotel , on Monday , the llth inst . Amongst those present were Bros . W . Blears W . M ., J . Morris S . W ., Frances Long J . W ., Jones P . M . P . P . G . S . acting Secretary , R . Wilson S . D ., Ramsey Knight J . D ., David Johnson P . M , Dir , of Cers ., A , K , Johnson aoting