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Article LODGE LECTURES. Page 1 of 1 Article THE MARK BENEVOLENT FUND FESTIVAL. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Lectures.
LODGE LECTURES .
W"E notice that there is running through the major portion of tho Annual Reports of the Grand Lodges of America a complaint that the theoretical or p hilosophical history of Freemasonry * is but little understood by tbe brethren generally . The ritualistic side of Freemasonry is carried out to perfection in American Blue
Lodges , more so perhaps than in the same Lodges in any other country , yet Masonic scholars find that the history and principles of Freemasonry are as a sealed book to the great bulk of the brethren . We can readily understand
this complaint , and cheerfully endorse its justice and correctness , as the same defect exists in our own Lodges , and from the same causes . As brethren are aware , the only insight given into the philosophy of Freemasonry is
comprised in the lectures attached to the three degrees of Entered Apprentice , Fellow Craft , and Master Mason . These are given at a time when they are least likely to he remembered with effect . In many Lodges the lectures are scamped or omitted through the unwise effort to confer
more than one degree the same meeting night , and the result is that the epitome of Masonie history comprised in those lectures is not imparted with that regularity and impressiveness which was intended , and hence it is that
brethren are not as bright Masons as they might be , even through the overture education of the Lodge . Freemasons should all be readers and students . It being one of the " landmarks" of the Institution that every person initiated
must be able to read and write , it follows as a natural deduction that it was expected that every brother would ( ' read np " more or less , and thus become fairly versed in his duties and in the principles of Freemasonry . It is a
matter for regret that this old time notion remains so ¦ widel y a dead letter , the result being that the ignorance which exists has a deteriorating effect . Little is learned from the ritual or its recital in the Lodge , and if we are to
be educated Masons , it is absolutel y necessary that a useful system of Lod ge lecturers be instituted , the object of which would be to convey in clear concise language the principles and symbolism of Freemasonry to the members
of each Lodge periodically , ancl thus maybe developed a taste for study , with the outcome of bringing to tho front in due course" Masonic scholars of which our Grand Lodge might be proud , and who would reflect honour on the
Craft , and raise up beneath tbe Southern Cross authorities which would be looked up to with confidence and respect throughout the world . Tlio Worshipful Masters of Lodges cio
WJUIU a greaf , deal 7 n tins lecture work . Indeed , wc think it their particular dut y to instruct the brethren , and thoroughly ground them in what Freemasonry really is
. The funds of the Grand Lodgo will not permit of a paid lecturer being appointed , and we therefore must appeal to the " pride of office " of the Worshipful Master ,
to give practical effect to the object of this article . There are many Masters who possess the ability to prepare a written lecture on the symbolism of each degree , and wo reel sure that the brethren would hail with delight snel , on
attractive opportunity of learning what they ouo-ht to Know- . Will some W . M . take the initiative . TheGrand wage Library is at their disposal , and any aid we can rentier will be most cheerfull y given . Sydneit Frmn < r * on
The Mark Benevolent Fund Festival.
THE MARK BENEVOLENT FUND FESTIVAL .
W"E have occasion , in another part of this issue , to speak of the growth and popularity of the Mark degree , which is rapidly becoming more influential , and appears to be extending the circle of its labours dav b y day . The present month has been a busy one with Mark
Master Masons , while during the last few days the activit y has reached a climax , which has exhibited Mark Masonry to the world in its grandest form—that of Benevolence—in such a way as to astonish its patrons , and secure for it and
its votaries respect from those ou t side its circle . The Festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund was held on Wednesday , and its success exceeded even the most sanguine expectations of its supporters , while , considered from a
general point of view , it is another instance of the true spirit of charity which pervades Freemasonry in its every phase . The resnlt of Wednesday ' s Festival has given us fresh cause for marvel—marvel as to where the money
comes from which is subscribed from Freemasonry for the relief of distress among its members ; which , alas ! is as widespread as among any other section of the community . Complaints of bad trade does not appear to affect the
liberality of the Craft , nor does time lesson the enthusiasm which has been so long associated with the practice of its most gratifying princip le—Charity . Year after year , and month after month , have we been called upon to
chronicle performances in tin ' s noble cause , until the duty has become almost monotonous , whUc the task which now devolves upon us finds us with nothing but worn-out materials with Avhich to accomplish it . How can we find
words strong enough to express onr feelings , or how is it possible adequately to thank those who have come forward to assist in securing another success in connection with Masonic Charity ? We cannot do so ; we can only assure
them their labours are appreciated , and that the money they have subscribed will be spent in the best of good ways—in assisting those who , from calamity or misfortune ,
are reduced to the necessity of appealing to their more fortunate brothers . The success of Wednesday was an all round one . Each of the Stewards—of whom there were
eighty-eight—did well ; and if wo single out the ono instance of Bro . the Eev . H . G . Cummings , who represented the Province of Kent , it is only because ho was fortunate enousrh to secure a three figure
totalhis list amounting to one hundred guineas . Bro . Rowland Plumbe , representing the Davison Lodge , "was particularly fortunate ; in so far that he received the unanimous support of his fellow members in that Lodge , every one of whom contributed something to ( he Festival total . The
Chairman nobly discharged his duty , not only as President , but by personal support of tho Fnnd , in tho form of a donation of one hundred guineas . The total contributed at the Festival war , .. 81 , 721 16 * Od , being more than twice the
amount contributed at the gathering of last year . We append a list of the Stewards , and the amounts brought up by each , and in conclusion again tender our heartiest congratulations to those who assisted in securing fhe grand success of tho Mark Benevolent Fnnd Festival of 1885 .
The banquet was served in that ample manner that is so characteristic a feature of this annual gathering . Lord
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lodge Lectures.
LODGE LECTURES .
W"E notice that there is running through the major portion of tho Annual Reports of the Grand Lodges of America a complaint that the theoretical or p hilosophical history of Freemasonry * is but little understood by tbe brethren generally . The ritualistic side of Freemasonry is carried out to perfection in American Blue
Lodges , more so perhaps than in the same Lodges in any other country , yet Masonic scholars find that the history and principles of Freemasonry are as a sealed book to the great bulk of the brethren . We can readily understand
this complaint , and cheerfully endorse its justice and correctness , as the same defect exists in our own Lodges , and from the same causes . As brethren are aware , the only insight given into the philosophy of Freemasonry is
comprised in the lectures attached to the three degrees of Entered Apprentice , Fellow Craft , and Master Mason . These are given at a time when they are least likely to he remembered with effect . In many Lodges the lectures are scamped or omitted through the unwise effort to confer
more than one degree the same meeting night , and the result is that the epitome of Masonie history comprised in those lectures is not imparted with that regularity and impressiveness which was intended , and hence it is that
brethren are not as bright Masons as they might be , even through the overture education of the Lodge . Freemasons should all be readers and students . It being one of the " landmarks" of the Institution that every person initiated
must be able to read and write , it follows as a natural deduction that it was expected that every brother would ( ' read np " more or less , and thus become fairly versed in his duties and in the principles of Freemasonry . It is a
matter for regret that this old time notion remains so ¦ widel y a dead letter , the result being that the ignorance which exists has a deteriorating effect . Little is learned from the ritual or its recital in the Lodge , and if we are to
be educated Masons , it is absolutel y necessary that a useful system of Lod ge lecturers be instituted , the object of which would be to convey in clear concise language the principles and symbolism of Freemasonry to the members
of each Lodge periodically , ancl thus maybe developed a taste for study , with the outcome of bringing to tho front in due course" Masonic scholars of which our Grand Lodge might be proud , and who would reflect honour on the
Craft , and raise up beneath tbe Southern Cross authorities which would be looked up to with confidence and respect throughout the world . Tlio Worshipful Masters of Lodges cio
WJUIU a greaf , deal 7 n tins lecture work . Indeed , wc think it their particular dut y to instruct the brethren , and thoroughly ground them in what Freemasonry really is
. The funds of the Grand Lodgo will not permit of a paid lecturer being appointed , and we therefore must appeal to the " pride of office " of the Worshipful Master ,
to give practical effect to the object of this article . There are many Masters who possess the ability to prepare a written lecture on the symbolism of each degree , and wo reel sure that the brethren would hail with delight snel , on
attractive opportunity of learning what they ouo-ht to Know- . Will some W . M . take the initiative . TheGrand wage Library is at their disposal , and any aid we can rentier will be most cheerfull y given . Sydneit Frmn < r * on
The Mark Benevolent Fund Festival.
THE MARK BENEVOLENT FUND FESTIVAL .
W"E have occasion , in another part of this issue , to speak of the growth and popularity of the Mark degree , which is rapidly becoming more influential , and appears to be extending the circle of its labours dav b y day . The present month has been a busy one with Mark
Master Masons , while during the last few days the activit y has reached a climax , which has exhibited Mark Masonry to the world in its grandest form—that of Benevolence—in such a way as to astonish its patrons , and secure for it and
its votaries respect from those ou t side its circle . The Festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund was held on Wednesday , and its success exceeded even the most sanguine expectations of its supporters , while , considered from a
general point of view , it is another instance of the true spirit of charity which pervades Freemasonry in its every phase . The resnlt of Wednesday ' s Festival has given us fresh cause for marvel—marvel as to where the money
comes from which is subscribed from Freemasonry for the relief of distress among its members ; which , alas ! is as widespread as among any other section of the community . Complaints of bad trade does not appear to affect the
liberality of the Craft , nor does time lesson the enthusiasm which has been so long associated with the practice of its most gratifying princip le—Charity . Year after year , and month after month , have we been called upon to
chronicle performances in tin ' s noble cause , until the duty has become almost monotonous , whUc the task which now devolves upon us finds us with nothing but worn-out materials with Avhich to accomplish it . How can we find
words strong enough to express onr feelings , or how is it possible adequately to thank those who have come forward to assist in securing another success in connection with Masonic Charity ? We cannot do so ; we can only assure
them their labours are appreciated , and that the money they have subscribed will be spent in the best of good ways—in assisting those who , from calamity or misfortune ,
are reduced to the necessity of appealing to their more fortunate brothers . The success of Wednesday was an all round one . Each of the Stewards—of whom there were
eighty-eight—did well ; and if wo single out the ono instance of Bro . the Eev . H . G . Cummings , who represented the Province of Kent , it is only because ho was fortunate enousrh to secure a three figure
totalhis list amounting to one hundred guineas . Bro . Rowland Plumbe , representing the Davison Lodge , "was particularly fortunate ; in so far that he received the unanimous support of his fellow members in that Lodge , every one of whom contributed something to ( he Festival total . The
Chairman nobly discharged his duty , not only as President , but by personal support of tho Fnnd , in tho form of a donation of one hundred guineas . The total contributed at the Festival war , .. 81 , 721 16 * Od , being more than twice the
amount contributed at the gathering of last year . We append a list of the Stewards , and the amounts brought up by each , and in conclusion again tender our heartiest congratulations to those who assisted in securing fhe grand success of tho Mark Benevolent Fnnd Festival of 1885 .
The banquet was served in that ample manner that is so characteristic a feature of this annual gathering . Lord