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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
New South Wales.
NEW SOUTH WALES .
INSTALLATION OF THE DISTRICT GRAND MASTER , ON Monday , 19 th November 1877 , Bro . John Williams J . P . was installed District Grand Master of tho Freemasons' Lodges of New South Wales , nnder the English Constitution , witb great ceremony , and in presence of a largo concourse of the Craft . The Masonic Hall , in York-street , was beautifully and appropriately decorated for tho occasion with evergreens , ilaga , flowers , and Masonic emblems and devices , and tho appearance of the interior of the
building waa strikingly impressive . Ou the southern wall was a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Victoria , and on tho northern and western walls portraits of His Royal Highness tho Prince of Wales , Grand Master of the parent Lodge . The words— " Peace , Love , and Harmony , " appeared on a white ground at tho western end of the hall ; while all around tho building were emblems of the Craft , nicely
arranged with a view to ornamental effect . There were between 600 and 700 of the brethren , and almost every Lodge in the colony was represented ; the brethren appearing in evening dress and full Masonic Craft clothing . Many of the brethren , Past Masters of tbe Craft , were decorated with jewels of great value , all indicative of degrees of merit in Masonry , and these , with the beautiful regalia
and insignia of tho Order , added greatly to the brilliancy of the scene . Tho tout ensemble was , indeed , ono of great magnificence , and one that is seldom witnessed , and then only by members of the Masonic Craft . The Eight Worshipful Bro . James Squire Farnell , Esq ., M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of tho Masonic Lodges in New South Wales under the Irish Constitution , presided at the ceremony ,
administered tho obligation to Bro . Williams , aud installed him as District Grand Master . Precisely at 3 o ' clock in tho afternoon , tho District Grand Lodgo was opened in due form ; on the right of the Worshipful Master being Bro . R . W . Sedgwick , Provincial Grand Master of New South Wales , under the Scottish Constitution . The Grand Chaplains , Bro . Dr . Beg , and Bro . Dr . White , were , with other
officers , on the platform . An efficient choir , under Bro . Fisher , occupied a position at the left of tho dais , Bro . Broadhurst presiding at the organ , and Bro . A . B . Smith of the United Service Lodge , acting as assistant Organist . The Lodge having been opened in the various degrees , prayer was offered by tho Grand Chaplains , and the opening hymn sung , " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid , " Bro . Nicholas Hopson
who acted as Marshal , -with Bro . F . G . Davidson aa Director of Ceremonies , announced the arrival of the Officers of the District Grand Lodge ancl the Grand Master , nnd these entered the Lodge in procession , heralded by a flourish of trumpets and headed by a banner , the Organist playing Meyerbeer's grand processional march . Having entered tho open space in the centre of the hall and approached the
pedestal , Bro . Westcott P . M . read the patent authorising the instal - lation , under tho hand of Lord Skelmersdale , and autographed by His Eoyal Highness tho Prince of Wales , and Right Worshipful Master Farnell then administered the obligation to Bro . Williams in due Masonic form , invested him with the insignia of his office , and installed him as Eight Worshipful Master of the Freemasons of New
South Wales , under the English Constitution . A procession was formed by the District Grand Officers , the newly-installed Eight Worshipful Master being conducted around the aislo with some solemnity by Bros . Farnell and Sedgwick , the choir singing , with great effect , the Masonic anthem , " March , march onward , Masons true . " The newly-installed Master then took his seat in the Master ' s
chair in the east , and Bro . Farnell proclaimed from tho east , west , and south the installation . The next business was the installation of Bro . William Henry Simpson , as Deputy District Grand Master , who was duly invested by the Worshipful Grand Master , and inducted in the chair on the Master's right . Then followed tho investment of District Grand
Lodgo Officers , as follow : —the brethren in each case being presented by the Directors of Ceremonies , P . M . ' s Hopson and Davidson : —Bros . Henry Westcott P . M . Senior District Grand Warden , Wm . G . Cassidy P . M . Junior District Grand Warden , Rev . Wazir Begg P . M . LL . D . and Rev . W . White P . M . LL . D . District Grand Chaplains , A . Gardner P . M . District Grand Registrar , R . Leeworthy P . M . District Grand
Secretary , Norman Selfe P . M . President of Board of General Purposes , Mathew Medway P . M . District Grand Senior Deacon , Nicholas J . Robinson P . M . District Grand Junior Deacon , John Booth P . M . District Grand Superintendent of Works , F . B . Davidson P . M . District Grand Director of Ceremonies , Henry Wager P . M . District Grand Assistant do ., Edward Kirschner P . M . District Grand Sword Bearer ,
Carroll P . M . District Grand Organist , David Mitchell P . M . District Grand Pursuivant , S . A . De Lissa P . M . District Grand Tyler . Also the following District Grand Stewards : —Bros . F . Wright , James , Mulholland , T . Read , W . Bull , and John Marsden . The Rev . Thomas Marshall B . A ., of Mnlgoa , was unable to attend , and his installation as Grand Chaplain could not take place .
The Eight Worshipful Master then addressed tho brethren . He said he thought under the circumstances , and the honourable position ho occupied , he would be something more or less than a man if he did not feel particularly gratified and proud of the honourable position in which they had placed him . Indeed , he need scarcely say that it was not of his seeking to be there ; but their desire . It had
been felt for some time past that a change was essentiall y necessary . That change had taken place . It had pleased them to elect him again , after the lapse of ten years . His long retirement was made a charge against him of neglect of Masonry ; but the brethren of the three Constitutions would believe him when ho said that the interests
of Masonry had never been forgotten by htm . It was particularly gratifying to him to be placed in this honourable position , but more so to receive such a complimentary letter as he had from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Ledge in England , expressing pleasure at his re-election to office . He wonld read the letter : — " Freemasons' Hall , Loudon , W . C ., 16 th August 1877 . Dear Sir and Brother , —I have
New South Wales.
tho pleasure to hand you herewith the Patent of your appointment to be District Grand Master of New South Wales , in succession to Bro . A . T . Holroyd , resigned , an office -which you have already hold with so much credit to yourself and satisfaction to your brethren in the district , that they again desire you to resnmo your sway over them . I sincerely trust that your efforts in the canse of Masonry
may be as successful now as they were on a former occasion , and that health and strength may be granted you to carry out tho duties of the office as formerly , for tho general benefit of the Order . I have tho honour to be , yours trnly and fraternally , John Hervey , G . S . John Williams , Esq ., Right Worshipful District Grand Master for New South Wales . " Notwithstanding the length of time that had
elapsed since ho had occupied tho proud position that he now did , it was gratifying to find that even tho Grand Lodge of England had not forgotten tho services ho had rendered to the Craft ten years ago . He might not possess tho same amount of strength that he did ten years ago , but ho thought it would take but a short time to get into harness again . Somo doubt was expressed as to tho position of somo
of his brethren and their right to retain their distinguishing badges , but , so far as he was concerned , ho had no desire to take away any rank that he believed they had received in a legal manner . He believed -what the brethren had received they had received legally . He had no object in view but tho good government of the Craft . Ho wonld know no distinctions amongst the brethren in Masonry . Ho had only to say in conclusion that he hoped to bo able to carry
out all the good wishes mentioned in the letter from tho Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge in England . ( Applanso . ) The office of District Grand Treasurer being vacant was then filled up by tbe unanimons election of P . M . Bro . Nicholas Hopson , on motion by Bro . Simpson , seconded by Bro . Begg , and supported by Bro . Webster . Bro . Hopson made an appropriate acknowledgment of the honour conferred .
The Right Worshipful Master then granted a dispensation to open a Lodge at Woollahra , on Thursday , to bo called the Empress of India . Several hymns were nicely sung by tho choir during tho ceremony , and the Lodge was closed , the brethren singing the National Anthem .
A grand banquet was held in the evening , in the Hall , at which about 150 brethren sat down . The Right Worshipful Master presided , having on his right Bro . Farnell , Provincial Grand Master of New South Wales , under tho Irish constitution , and on his left Bro . Sedgwick , P . G . M . of New South Wales , under the Scotch Constitution . Among other masons
occupying seats at the Master ' s table we noticed Bro . J . Davies ( Postmaster . General ) , John Sutherland , J . F . Burns , J . Booth , Dr . Begg , Leeworthy , Simpson , Coley , Kennedy , Dr . White , and Guise . The viands and liquors were of the very best description , and did credit to the cuisine of host Hook , who was the caterer . The tables wero very nicely laid out , and ornamented with beautiful bouquets of
flowers , & c . The following wero the toasts : — " The Queen , " " The Prince of Wales , and Grand Lodge of England , " "The District Grand Master of New South Wales under the English Constitution , " "The Grand Lodge of Ireland , coupled with the name of Grand Master Farnoll , " " The Grand Lodge of Scotland , coupled with the name of Grand Master Sedgwick , " " The Deputy District
Grand Master , and the Grand Officers under the English Constitntion , " and , " Our next happy meeting . " Between tho speeches , some very good vocal music was provided by Bros . Fisher , Jackson Barnett , Colly , Levison , Meyer , Rogers , and Davies , accompanied by Bro . Broadhurst on the pianoforte . The beautiful glee , " Spring Delights , " was especially well rendered , as a double quartette . In the onrso of the speech-making , Bro . Farnell spoke in favour of
separating from the parent lodges , and having a separate Constitution for Australia , but the W . M ., and Bros . Sedgwick , D . G . Simpson , Westcott , Cassidy , and Guise held opposite views , and expressed the opinion that tho time had not yet arrived for separation to take place , and their opinion appeared to be in accord with the largo majority of those present . The company separated shortly after 10 o'clock , having spent a very pleasant evening . —Sydney Evening Post , 20 th November 1877 .
According to the Sunday Courier of New York , the Grand Lodge of Texas has passed a resolution not to recognise the Grand Orient of France , " on account of its disbelief in God and the immortality of the soul . "
The Voice of Masonry , for the current month , contains a very elaborate sketch , by Bro . W . J . Hughan , of the early history of Royal Arch Masonry in Boston , his text being the Centennial of St . Andrews' Royal Arch Chapter , Boston , Mass ., which was celebrated on 29 th September 1869 . The date of its consecration was stated on the
tickets issued for this interesting ceremonial as the ' 28 th August 17 G 9 , but Bro . Hughan mentions , in a footnote , that the Chapter met before that . The number contains likewise , the first portion of a most interesting account
of the " Early History of Masonry in Vermont , " by Bro . George F . Koon , of the Historical Committee Grand Lodge Vermont . To this we shall take an opportunity of referring at an early opportunity .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
New South Wales.
NEW SOUTH WALES .
INSTALLATION OF THE DISTRICT GRAND MASTER , ON Monday , 19 th November 1877 , Bro . John Williams J . P . was installed District Grand Master of tho Freemasons' Lodges of New South Wales , nnder the English Constitution , witb great ceremony , and in presence of a largo concourse of the Craft . The Masonic Hall , in York-street , was beautifully and appropriately decorated for tho occasion with evergreens , ilaga , flowers , and Masonic emblems and devices , and tho appearance of the interior of the
building waa strikingly impressive . Ou the southern wall was a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Victoria , and on tho northern and western walls portraits of His Royal Highness tho Prince of Wales , Grand Master of the parent Lodge . The words— " Peace , Love , and Harmony , " appeared on a white ground at tho western end of the hall ; while all around tho building were emblems of the Craft , nicely
arranged with a view to ornamental effect . There were between 600 and 700 of the brethren , and almost every Lodge in the colony was represented ; the brethren appearing in evening dress and full Masonic Craft clothing . Many of the brethren , Past Masters of tbe Craft , were decorated with jewels of great value , all indicative of degrees of merit in Masonry , and these , with the beautiful regalia
and insignia of tho Order , added greatly to the brilliancy of the scene . Tho tout ensemble was , indeed , ono of great magnificence , and one that is seldom witnessed , and then only by members of the Masonic Craft . The Eight Worshipful Bro . James Squire Farnell , Esq ., M . P ., Provincial Grand Master of tho Masonic Lodges in New South Wales under the Irish Constitution , presided at the ceremony ,
administered tho obligation to Bro . Williams , aud installed him as District Grand Master . Precisely at 3 o ' clock in tho afternoon , tho District Grand Lodgo was opened in due form ; on the right of the Worshipful Master being Bro . R . W . Sedgwick , Provincial Grand Master of New South Wales , under the Scottish Constitution . The Grand Chaplains , Bro . Dr . Beg , and Bro . Dr . White , were , with other
officers , on the platform . An efficient choir , under Bro . Fisher , occupied a position at the left of tho dais , Bro . Broadhurst presiding at the organ , and Bro . A . B . Smith of the United Service Lodge , acting as assistant Organist . The Lodge having been opened in the various degrees , prayer was offered by tho Grand Chaplains , and the opening hymn sung , " Hail , Eternal , by whose aid , " Bro . Nicholas Hopson
who acted as Marshal , -with Bro . F . G . Davidson aa Director of Ceremonies , announced the arrival of the Officers of the District Grand Lodge ancl the Grand Master , nnd these entered the Lodge in procession , heralded by a flourish of trumpets and headed by a banner , the Organist playing Meyerbeer's grand processional march . Having entered tho open space in the centre of the hall and approached the
pedestal , Bro . Westcott P . M . read the patent authorising the instal - lation , under tho hand of Lord Skelmersdale , and autographed by His Eoyal Highness tho Prince of Wales , and Right Worshipful Master Farnell then administered the obligation to Bro . Williams in due Masonic form , invested him with the insignia of his office , and installed him as Eight Worshipful Master of the Freemasons of New
South Wales , under the English Constitution . A procession was formed by the District Grand Officers , the newly-installed Eight Worshipful Master being conducted around the aislo with some solemnity by Bros . Farnell and Sedgwick , the choir singing , with great effect , the Masonic anthem , " March , march onward , Masons true . " The newly-installed Master then took his seat in the Master ' s
chair in the east , and Bro . Farnell proclaimed from tho east , west , and south the installation . The next business was the installation of Bro . William Henry Simpson , as Deputy District Grand Master , who was duly invested by the Worshipful Grand Master , and inducted in the chair on the Master's right . Then followed tho investment of District Grand
Lodgo Officers , as follow : —the brethren in each case being presented by the Directors of Ceremonies , P . M . ' s Hopson and Davidson : —Bros . Henry Westcott P . M . Senior District Grand Warden , Wm . G . Cassidy P . M . Junior District Grand Warden , Rev . Wazir Begg P . M . LL . D . and Rev . W . White P . M . LL . D . District Grand Chaplains , A . Gardner P . M . District Grand Registrar , R . Leeworthy P . M . District Grand
Secretary , Norman Selfe P . M . President of Board of General Purposes , Mathew Medway P . M . District Grand Senior Deacon , Nicholas J . Robinson P . M . District Grand Junior Deacon , John Booth P . M . District Grand Superintendent of Works , F . B . Davidson P . M . District Grand Director of Ceremonies , Henry Wager P . M . District Grand Assistant do ., Edward Kirschner P . M . District Grand Sword Bearer ,
Carroll P . M . District Grand Organist , David Mitchell P . M . District Grand Pursuivant , S . A . De Lissa P . M . District Grand Tyler . Also the following District Grand Stewards : —Bros . F . Wright , James , Mulholland , T . Read , W . Bull , and John Marsden . The Rev . Thomas Marshall B . A ., of Mnlgoa , was unable to attend , and his installation as Grand Chaplain could not take place .
The Eight Worshipful Master then addressed tho brethren . He said he thought under the circumstances , and the honourable position ho occupied , he would be something more or less than a man if he did not feel particularly gratified and proud of the honourable position in which they had placed him . Indeed , he need scarcely say that it was not of his seeking to be there ; but their desire . It had
been felt for some time past that a change was essentiall y necessary . That change had taken place . It had pleased them to elect him again , after the lapse of ten years . His long retirement was made a charge against him of neglect of Masonry ; but the brethren of the three Constitutions would believe him when ho said that the interests
of Masonry had never been forgotten by htm . It was particularly gratifying to him to be placed in this honourable position , but more so to receive such a complimentary letter as he had from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Ledge in England , expressing pleasure at his re-election to office . He wonld read the letter : — " Freemasons' Hall , Loudon , W . C ., 16 th August 1877 . Dear Sir and Brother , —I have
New South Wales.
tho pleasure to hand you herewith the Patent of your appointment to be District Grand Master of New South Wales , in succession to Bro . A . T . Holroyd , resigned , an office -which you have already hold with so much credit to yourself and satisfaction to your brethren in the district , that they again desire you to resnmo your sway over them . I sincerely trust that your efforts in the canse of Masonry
may be as successful now as they were on a former occasion , and that health and strength may be granted you to carry out tho duties of the office as formerly , for tho general benefit of the Order . I have tho honour to be , yours trnly and fraternally , John Hervey , G . S . John Williams , Esq ., Right Worshipful District Grand Master for New South Wales . " Notwithstanding the length of time that had
elapsed since ho had occupied tho proud position that he now did , it was gratifying to find that even tho Grand Lodge of England had not forgotten tho services ho had rendered to the Craft ten years ago . He might not possess tho same amount of strength that he did ten years ago , but ho thought it would take but a short time to get into harness again . Somo doubt was expressed as to tho position of somo
of his brethren and their right to retain their distinguishing badges , but , so far as he was concerned , ho had no desire to take away any rank that he believed they had received in a legal manner . He believed -what the brethren had received they had received legally . He had no object in view but tho good government of the Craft . Ho wonld know no distinctions amongst the brethren in Masonry . Ho had only to say in conclusion that he hoped to bo able to carry
out all the good wishes mentioned in the letter from tho Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge in England . ( Applanso . ) The office of District Grand Treasurer being vacant was then filled up by tbe unanimons election of P . M . Bro . Nicholas Hopson , on motion by Bro . Simpson , seconded by Bro . Begg , and supported by Bro . Webster . Bro . Hopson made an appropriate acknowledgment of the honour conferred .
The Right Worshipful Master then granted a dispensation to open a Lodge at Woollahra , on Thursday , to bo called the Empress of India . Several hymns were nicely sung by tho choir during tho ceremony , and the Lodge was closed , the brethren singing the National Anthem .
A grand banquet was held in the evening , in the Hall , at which about 150 brethren sat down . The Right Worshipful Master presided , having on his right Bro . Farnell , Provincial Grand Master of New South Wales , under tho Irish constitution , and on his left Bro . Sedgwick , P . G . M . of New South Wales , under the Scotch Constitution . Among other masons
occupying seats at the Master ' s table we noticed Bro . J . Davies ( Postmaster . General ) , John Sutherland , J . F . Burns , J . Booth , Dr . Begg , Leeworthy , Simpson , Coley , Kennedy , Dr . White , and Guise . The viands and liquors were of the very best description , and did credit to the cuisine of host Hook , who was the caterer . The tables wero very nicely laid out , and ornamented with beautiful bouquets of
flowers , & c . The following wero the toasts : — " The Queen , " " The Prince of Wales , and Grand Lodge of England , " "The District Grand Master of New South Wales under the English Constitution , " "The Grand Lodge of Ireland , coupled with the name of Grand Master Farnoll , " " The Grand Lodge of Scotland , coupled with the name of Grand Master Sedgwick , " " The Deputy District
Grand Master , and the Grand Officers under the English Constitntion , " and , " Our next happy meeting . " Between tho speeches , some very good vocal music was provided by Bros . Fisher , Jackson Barnett , Colly , Levison , Meyer , Rogers , and Davies , accompanied by Bro . Broadhurst on the pianoforte . The beautiful glee , " Spring Delights , " was especially well rendered , as a double quartette . In the onrso of the speech-making , Bro . Farnell spoke in favour of
separating from the parent lodges , and having a separate Constitution for Australia , but the W . M ., and Bros . Sedgwick , D . G . Simpson , Westcott , Cassidy , and Guise held opposite views , and expressed the opinion that tho time had not yet arrived for separation to take place , and their opinion appeared to be in accord with the largo majority of those present . The company separated shortly after 10 o'clock , having spent a very pleasant evening . —Sydney Evening Post , 20 th November 1877 .
According to the Sunday Courier of New York , the Grand Lodge of Texas has passed a resolution not to recognise the Grand Orient of France , " on account of its disbelief in God and the immortality of the soul . "
The Voice of Masonry , for the current month , contains a very elaborate sketch , by Bro . W . J . Hughan , of the early history of Royal Arch Masonry in Boston , his text being the Centennial of St . Andrews' Royal Arch Chapter , Boston , Mass ., which was celebrated on 29 th September 1869 . The date of its consecration was stated on the
tickets issued for this interesting ceremonial as the ' 28 th August 17 G 9 , but Bro . Hughan mentions , in a footnote , that the Chapter met before that . The number contains likewise , the first portion of a most interesting account
of the " Early History of Masonry in Vermont , " by Bro . George F . Koon , of the Historical Committee Grand Lodge Vermont . To this we shall take an opportunity of referring at an early opportunity .