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Article GREAT PRIORY OF CANADA, 1877 ← Page 4 of 4 Article GREAT PRIORY OF CANADA, 1877 Page 4 of 4 Article THE MASONIC SECTION OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT PLYMOUTH. Page 1 of 2 →
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Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
the more stately act of touching or striking with tho royal sword the kneeling Knight . The buckling on of tho spurs was an indispensable adjunct of Knighthood , aud every novitiate should be formally invested with them . In the old ceremony allusion was made to tho metal ( gold ) of which the Knight ' s spurs were composed .
The practice of affixing a cross to their names by the ancient Knights to denote tho brotherhood of tho Temple was taken from the crosshilts of their swords , which , when wounded and dying on the field , they fixed upright before them in tho ground , that their last look might rest on the cross , the symbol of redemption . They also nsed the Latin cross , with tho titulens , of two bar ' s J , known as the Patriarchal cross , symbolising salvation by Jew and
Gentile , now assigned to our Preceptors ; but the cross of Salem , or triple barred , is a Papal one , and never originally used by tho Graud Master of the Temple . Ifc indicates that ho is the Sovereign Priest , Supremo Judge , and Solo Legislator . It is common in documents instead of using tho title " Sir" to place tho mark of the cross with an F ., f ., or Fra . ( frater ) bolbro tho name , as f Era . for a Knight , % Fra . for a Preceptor , and the triple cross for tho Supremo Grand Master .
Having thus endeavoured to givo you a sketch of tho Order with my own long confirmed impressions as to what our Order of tho Temple , in connection with Freemasonry , really is , 1 mnsfc now beg your consideration and attention to the communication I lately received from tho " Great Sub-Prior" of England , Major Shadwell H . Clarke , the acting head of that Great Priory , who informs mo
that the Council had recommended , in view of tho differences then existing , that past rank be in a great measure restored in the Great Priory of England , and the Ritual hitherto in use be permitted to remain ; and , further , that the title "Eminent Commander" be substituted for "Preceptor , " but as these views may not coincide with those of Ireland and Canada , the Great
Sub-Prior has submitted the following alterations , which , if agreed to by the three Great Priories , would only require the formal confirmation of Convent General , viz .. " That each nationality have full power to frame their own regulations as to Titles , Past Rank , aud Ritual ( with common landmarks ) , but still remaining , as at present , under His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , who might hold
triennial Convents General , where subjects previously agreed on by the three Great Priories could be formally passed , and where honours could be conferred . " By these means he thinks the present state of disagreement would cease , and each country left free to adopt the line which it may think best . Now , however desirable it might be to havo perfect unity on all
points , as the name Convent General implies , meaning a " general coming together in agreement and concurrence , " I consider this compromise the only way open , and most strongly recommend that this Great Priory pass a resolution to carry it out . Canada wonld then retain all her present titles , and bo guarded against future changes , excepting by her own consent , Tho capitation tax would of course
be much reduced , and scarcely felt ; a small sum to tho Vice Arch-Chancellor annually , with postage , stationery and printing , being tho only charge . As we are at present constituted , other Nationalities could not well join tho Convent General , but with these alterations in the statutes it would be quite practical for the United States Templar Nationality
( an original branch of our own langue ) , to join this federal alliance , of which , with perfect propriety , the parent body has placed H . R . H . the Prince of Wales at tho head . Scotland could also have no cause of objection . And in time each Nationality might voluntarily take a common view on most snbjects , especially as to Ritual , which , it is very important , shonld bo uniform . Tho Order would then again
assume , as in ancient times , its cosmopolitan and united character of one great and powerful Christian association . In conformity with the resolution passed afc the last Great Priory , I have appointed the V . E . Sir Knight Richard Woof Past Prov . Sub-Prior of Worcester , to bo onr representative near tho
Great Priory of England , with tho rank of a Past Prov . Prior of Canada , and the V . E . Sir Knight the Honourable Judge Townsheud Past Sub-Prior of Ireland , and Arch Chancellor of Convent General , to represent Canada near the Great Priory of Ireland , with the Past rank of a Great Sub-Prior of Canada .
The relations existing between us and our Sister Great Priories continue most satisfactory , as also with the National Grand Encampment of the United States and their State Grand C ' ommanderies . From the M . E . Grand Master James Herron Hopkins , of Pittsburg ,
Pennsylvania , I have received letters conveying his hearty congratnlations on the establishment of this National Great ; Priory , and his earnest wish to co-operate in every measure calculated to draw into closer union all belonging to the Order who speak our common langue .
1 'ioui Ireland , it has been announced that H . R . H . the Duke of Con . naught has beeu appointed Great Prior by the Grand Master , but no meeting of the Great Priory has as yet taken place for his installation , owing to the death of the late Great Prior of England . From this Nationality 1 am also in receipt ot kind expressions towards the Great Priory of Canada .
The Calendar of the Great Priory of England of the 11 th of May 1877 , notilies the appointment of our Most Worthy Past Sub-Prior JT . D . Hurington , to represent the Great Priory of England near that of Canada . Before concluding , I wish to express the deep debt of gratitude we all owe to our Great Snb-Prior , our V . E . Frater Samuel B . Harman ,
who , taking upon himself , from the commencement , the burden of organising this Great Priory , ably assisted tho Chancery in all matters of detail , and by his well known accuracy and care , has placed our Great Priory on a sure foundation ; to him , then , are due our warmest thanks , and by none more than by myself . The careful revision of the Statutes , Forms , and Returns are mainl y , if not entirely hia work , and he has also satisfactorily closed up all accounts
Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
with tho Great Priory of England , procuring numerous missing Certificates for members neglected by their own Preceptories . Tho Chancellor of tho Great Priory will , 1 am sure , bear mo out in my estimation of his valuable services and the aid and assistance ho has received , who , although himself conspicuous for his Masonic and other abilities , was fortunate in his first year of office to have so
proficient and painstaking an instructor . I may hero remark tho duties of Chancellor arc onerous , and not to bo acquired iu a day , and it is neither wise or desirable to change that officer when once his duties are acquired . One littlo matter in tho wording of tho Statutes appear to havo quite escaped the notice of us all . I mean tho oversight of
continuing the word " Grand " as a prefix to the officers' names , excepting as regards past rank . We arc now designated a " Great Priory , " having discontinued the use of the word " Grand " for tho moro English ono of " Great ; " therefore , in addressing tho officers , tho prefix " Grand " should not bo applied , and as " Great" appears to bo distinctive of the Prior and Sub-Prior only , the proper mode of
address should bo thus : —The "Chancellor" of the Great Priory , & e . I am sure this mistake ouly requires to be pointed out to bo corrected before tho Statutes are printed separately . If the Grand Master chooses to continue tho word " Graud " for his owu title , it rests with himself , bnt " Great Master" was also applied in ancient times . I would still continue to remind you that although the Order is
honoured by the patronage of the Queen , and presided over by our future sovereign , it will bo of little account if merely looked upon aa an bono rary and honorable society , to which wo belong , if wo do not perpetuate tho sacred and noble principles handed down to ns , by entering on some practical path of usefulness . It may not bo inappropriate , in conclusion , to explain the meaning
of the initials , V . D . S . A ., which has been frequently asked me . They stand for "Veut—Dieu—Saint—Amour , " which constantly recur in the Chivalric Rituals of the Order , and at pauses in the ceremonies , repeated by all present , similar to the " Kyrio " in the High Mass , and are also frequently placed at the head and termina . tion of allocutions , letters , & c , & c , and sometimes with tho cross pateo between the D . and S .
" Dieu , Amour , Concorde , Paix „ tons . Voila ! 1 ' objet des leur travaux—V . D . S . A . —Voila les crix des Chevaliers du Temple "say the old Chronicles . " Love to God , unity and peace to all . " Behold ! the object of all their work ; behold ! the exclamation of the Knights of the Temple- " We will love the Most Holy God . " Brethren , with that admonition , I am ever , in the bonds of the Order , Yours faithfully and fraternally ,
J W . J . B . MACLEOD MOORE , G . C . T ., Great Prior of Canada , & c , & c .
The Masonic Section Of The British Association At Plymouth.
THE MASONIC SECTION OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT PLYMOUTH .
AMONG the members and associates of the British Association for the advancement of Science and Art are to be found many of our brethren . Of these , several occupy a prominent position in the pursuits of science . Hitherto , during the 46 years of the existence of the Association , its connection with Freemasonry seems , in a great measure , to have been overlooked . At the various cities and towns in Great Britain where the Association's meetings have been held ,
no regular general fraternal welcome has been given by the local Masons to those of their distinguished brethren . An attempt was made to carry out such an arrangement , at Glasgow , last year ; but ifc proved a failure . To Plymouth , the metropolis of the Far West , haa been left the honour of organising such a venture , and founding what an eminent scientific brother has been pleased to christen the
" Masonic Section " of tho British Association . On the approach of the Plymouth meeting , correspondence passed between some of the Masons in the Association and the local brethren in Devon . That resulted iu the Devon Masons determining to hold the annual meeting of the Provincial Graud Lodge at Plymouth , during the visit there of the Association . At first it was arranged to hold the meeting on
20 th August , but ifc was afterwards discovered that , through tho visit of the Association , no suitable room would bo available until Wednesclay , 22 nd August , and the Grand Loclgo accordingly takes place ou that clay , in tho Town Hall at Devonporfc . This was rather lato in the meeting of the Association , and it was discovered that many of the brethren would have to leave before that date . Plymouth
was , however , not to be beaten . Five Craft Lodges , held at the Hnyshe Temple , Princess-place , Plymouth , resolved to givo thero a Muaouic reception to the brethren that wero prevented from attendiug tbe Provincial Grand Lodge . The organisation of the matter was left to our indefatigable ( secretary of tho Committee of Petitions of the Province , W . Bro . J . B . Gover . A Committee of Repieseuta .
lives of Nos . 70 St . John , 156 Harmony , 1247 the St . John s , 1 _ 55 Duudas , 1550 Prudence , was called , aud the result of their exertions is ctiat an Emergency Meeting , under tho banner of the St . John Lodge , No . 70 , was lielcl on Monday afternoon . Over 200 members of the Ledges attended the gathering , which was presided over b y Right Worshipful Bro . L . P . Metham , the D . P . G . M . of Devon , and Past
U . D . ot Lingland . Among the British Association visitors were : — R . W . Bros . Dr . J . P . Bell D . P . G . M . of N . and E . Yorkshire , P . G . D . of England , James Glaisher P . S . G . D . of England , Hyde Clarko P . P . G . M . of Egypt , & o . ; W . Bros . John W . Wordall P . P . G . S . W . of N . aud E . Yorkshire , Dr . Ace P . G . Chap . Lincolnshire , R . N . Fowler W . M . 626 ,
il . Kanco P . M . Cambridge , T . Kingston P . M . 862 , F . H . Varley S . W . 1656 Middlesex , J . H . Thomas S . W . 101 , and P . Braham Sec . 41 . Among officers of local Lodges present were W . Bros . R . Pengelly W . M . yO , who opened the Lodge , J . Y . Avery W . M . 156 S . W . pro tern , J . H . Keats W . M , 1247 J . W , pro ton , John Pearso W . M , 1265
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
the more stately act of touching or striking with tho royal sword the kneeling Knight . The buckling on of tho spurs was an indispensable adjunct of Knighthood , aud every novitiate should be formally invested with them . In the old ceremony allusion was made to tho metal ( gold ) of which the Knight ' s spurs were composed .
The practice of affixing a cross to their names by the ancient Knights to denote tho brotherhood of tho Temple was taken from the crosshilts of their swords , which , when wounded and dying on the field , they fixed upright before them in tho ground , that their last look might rest on the cross , the symbol of redemption . They also nsed the Latin cross , with tho titulens , of two bar ' s J , known as the Patriarchal cross , symbolising salvation by Jew and
Gentile , now assigned to our Preceptors ; but the cross of Salem , or triple barred , is a Papal one , and never originally used by tho Graud Master of the Temple . Ifc indicates that ho is the Sovereign Priest , Supremo Judge , and Solo Legislator . It is common in documents instead of using tho title " Sir" to place tho mark of the cross with an F ., f ., or Fra . ( frater ) bolbro tho name , as f Era . for a Knight , % Fra . for a Preceptor , and the triple cross for tho Supremo Grand Master .
Having thus endeavoured to givo you a sketch of tho Order with my own long confirmed impressions as to what our Order of tho Temple , in connection with Freemasonry , really is , 1 mnsfc now beg your consideration and attention to the communication I lately received from tho " Great Sub-Prior" of England , Major Shadwell H . Clarke , the acting head of that Great Priory , who informs mo
that the Council had recommended , in view of tho differences then existing , that past rank be in a great measure restored in the Great Priory of England , and the Ritual hitherto in use be permitted to remain ; and , further , that the title "Eminent Commander" be substituted for "Preceptor , " but as these views may not coincide with those of Ireland and Canada , the Great
Sub-Prior has submitted the following alterations , which , if agreed to by the three Great Priories , would only require the formal confirmation of Convent General , viz .. " That each nationality have full power to frame their own regulations as to Titles , Past Rank , aud Ritual ( with common landmarks ) , but still remaining , as at present , under His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , who might hold
triennial Convents General , where subjects previously agreed on by the three Great Priories could be formally passed , and where honours could be conferred . " By these means he thinks the present state of disagreement would cease , and each country left free to adopt the line which it may think best . Now , however desirable it might be to havo perfect unity on all
points , as the name Convent General implies , meaning a " general coming together in agreement and concurrence , " I consider this compromise the only way open , and most strongly recommend that this Great Priory pass a resolution to carry it out . Canada wonld then retain all her present titles , and bo guarded against future changes , excepting by her own consent , Tho capitation tax would of course
be much reduced , and scarcely felt ; a small sum to tho Vice Arch-Chancellor annually , with postage , stationery and printing , being tho only charge . As we are at present constituted , other Nationalities could not well join tho Convent General , but with these alterations in the statutes it would be quite practical for the United States Templar Nationality
( an original branch of our own langue ) , to join this federal alliance , of which , with perfect propriety , the parent body has placed H . R . H . the Prince of Wales at tho head . Scotland could also have no cause of objection . And in time each Nationality might voluntarily take a common view on most snbjects , especially as to Ritual , which , it is very important , shonld bo uniform . Tho Order would then again
assume , as in ancient times , its cosmopolitan and united character of one great and powerful Christian association . In conformity with the resolution passed afc the last Great Priory , I have appointed the V . E . Sir Knight Richard Woof Past Prov . Sub-Prior of Worcester , to bo onr representative near tho
Great Priory of England , with tho rank of a Past Prov . Prior of Canada , and the V . E . Sir Knight the Honourable Judge Townsheud Past Sub-Prior of Ireland , and Arch Chancellor of Convent General , to represent Canada near the Great Priory of Ireland , with the Past rank of a Great Sub-Prior of Canada .
The relations existing between us and our Sister Great Priories continue most satisfactory , as also with the National Grand Encampment of the United States and their State Grand C ' ommanderies . From the M . E . Grand Master James Herron Hopkins , of Pittsburg ,
Pennsylvania , I have received letters conveying his hearty congratnlations on the establishment of this National Great ; Priory , and his earnest wish to co-operate in every measure calculated to draw into closer union all belonging to the Order who speak our common langue .
1 'ioui Ireland , it has been announced that H . R . H . the Duke of Con . naught has beeu appointed Great Prior by the Grand Master , but no meeting of the Great Priory has as yet taken place for his installation , owing to the death of the late Great Prior of England . From this Nationality 1 am also in receipt ot kind expressions towards the Great Priory of Canada .
The Calendar of the Great Priory of England of the 11 th of May 1877 , notilies the appointment of our Most Worthy Past Sub-Prior JT . D . Hurington , to represent the Great Priory of England near that of Canada . Before concluding , I wish to express the deep debt of gratitude we all owe to our Great Snb-Prior , our V . E . Frater Samuel B . Harman ,
who , taking upon himself , from the commencement , the burden of organising this Great Priory , ably assisted tho Chancery in all matters of detail , and by his well known accuracy and care , has placed our Great Priory on a sure foundation ; to him , then , are due our warmest thanks , and by none more than by myself . The careful revision of the Statutes , Forms , and Returns are mainl y , if not entirely hia work , and he has also satisfactorily closed up all accounts
Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
with tho Great Priory of England , procuring numerous missing Certificates for members neglected by their own Preceptories . Tho Chancellor of tho Great Priory will , 1 am sure , bear mo out in my estimation of his valuable services and the aid and assistance ho has received , who , although himself conspicuous for his Masonic and other abilities , was fortunate in his first year of office to have so
proficient and painstaking an instructor . I may hero remark tho duties of Chancellor arc onerous , and not to bo acquired iu a day , and it is neither wise or desirable to change that officer when once his duties are acquired . One littlo matter in tho wording of tho Statutes appear to havo quite escaped the notice of us all . I mean tho oversight of
continuing the word " Grand " as a prefix to the officers' names , excepting as regards past rank . We arc now designated a " Great Priory , " having discontinued the use of the word " Grand " for tho moro English ono of " Great ; " therefore , in addressing tho officers , tho prefix " Grand " should not bo applied , and as " Great" appears to bo distinctive of the Prior and Sub-Prior only , the proper mode of
address should bo thus : —The "Chancellor" of the Great Priory , & e . I am sure this mistake ouly requires to be pointed out to bo corrected before tho Statutes are printed separately . If the Grand Master chooses to continue tho word " Graud " for his owu title , it rests with himself , bnt " Great Master" was also applied in ancient times . I would still continue to remind you that although the Order is
honoured by the patronage of the Queen , and presided over by our future sovereign , it will bo of little account if merely looked upon aa an bono rary and honorable society , to which wo belong , if wo do not perpetuate tho sacred and noble principles handed down to ns , by entering on some practical path of usefulness . It may not bo inappropriate , in conclusion , to explain the meaning
of the initials , V . D . S . A ., which has been frequently asked me . They stand for "Veut—Dieu—Saint—Amour , " which constantly recur in the Chivalric Rituals of the Order , and at pauses in the ceremonies , repeated by all present , similar to the " Kyrio " in the High Mass , and are also frequently placed at the head and termina . tion of allocutions , letters , & c , & c , and sometimes with tho cross pateo between the D . and S .
" Dieu , Amour , Concorde , Paix „ tons . Voila ! 1 ' objet des leur travaux—V . D . S . A . —Voila les crix des Chevaliers du Temple "say the old Chronicles . " Love to God , unity and peace to all . " Behold ! the object of all their work ; behold ! the exclamation of the Knights of the Temple- " We will love the Most Holy God . " Brethren , with that admonition , I am ever , in the bonds of the Order , Yours faithfully and fraternally ,
J W . J . B . MACLEOD MOORE , G . C . T ., Great Prior of Canada , & c , & c .
The Masonic Section Of The British Association At Plymouth.
THE MASONIC SECTION OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT PLYMOUTH .
AMONG the members and associates of the British Association for the advancement of Science and Art are to be found many of our brethren . Of these , several occupy a prominent position in the pursuits of science . Hitherto , during the 46 years of the existence of the Association , its connection with Freemasonry seems , in a great measure , to have been overlooked . At the various cities and towns in Great Britain where the Association's meetings have been held ,
no regular general fraternal welcome has been given by the local Masons to those of their distinguished brethren . An attempt was made to carry out such an arrangement , at Glasgow , last year ; but ifc proved a failure . To Plymouth , the metropolis of the Far West , haa been left the honour of organising such a venture , and founding what an eminent scientific brother has been pleased to christen the
" Masonic Section " of tho British Association . On the approach of the Plymouth meeting , correspondence passed between some of the Masons in the Association and the local brethren in Devon . That resulted iu the Devon Masons determining to hold the annual meeting of the Provincial Graud Lodge at Plymouth , during the visit there of the Association . At first it was arranged to hold the meeting on
20 th August , but ifc was afterwards discovered that , through tho visit of the Association , no suitable room would bo available until Wednesclay , 22 nd August , and the Grand Loclgo accordingly takes place ou that clay , in tho Town Hall at Devonporfc . This was rather lato in the meeting of the Association , and it was discovered that many of the brethren would have to leave before that date . Plymouth
was , however , not to be beaten . Five Craft Lodges , held at the Hnyshe Temple , Princess-place , Plymouth , resolved to givo thero a Muaouic reception to the brethren that wero prevented from attendiug tbe Provincial Grand Lodge . The organisation of the matter was left to our indefatigable ( secretary of tho Committee of Petitions of the Province , W . Bro . J . B . Gover . A Committee of Repieseuta .
lives of Nos . 70 St . John , 156 Harmony , 1247 the St . John s , 1 _ 55 Duudas , 1550 Prudence , was called , aud the result of their exertions is ctiat an Emergency Meeting , under tho banner of the St . John Lodge , No . 70 , was lielcl on Monday afternoon . Over 200 members of the Ledges attended the gathering , which was presided over b y Right Worshipful Bro . L . P . Metham , the D . P . G . M . of Devon , and Past
U . D . ot Lingland . Among the British Association visitors were : — R . W . Bros . Dr . J . P . Bell D . P . G . M . of N . and E . Yorkshire , P . G . D . of England , James Glaisher P . S . G . D . of England , Hyde Clarko P . P . G . M . of Egypt , & o . ; W . Bros . John W . Wordall P . P . G . S . W . of N . aud E . Yorkshire , Dr . Ace P . G . Chap . Lincolnshire , R . N . Fowler W . M . 626 ,
il . Kanco P . M . Cambridge , T . Kingston P . M . 862 , F . H . Varley S . W . 1656 Middlesex , J . H . Thomas S . W . 101 , and P . Braham Sec . 41 . Among officers of local Lodges present were W . Bros . R . Pengelly W . M . yO , who opened the Lodge , J . Y . Avery W . M . 156 S . W . pro tern , J . H . Keats W . M , 1247 J . W , pro ton , John Pearso W . M , 1265