Multiple Ceremonies.

MULTIPLE CEREMONIES .

IN many of the affairs of life phenomenal successes very often prove to be but the first step towards failure or decay , and in this respect Masonic Lodges are no exception to a rule that is recognised on all sides , as many Brethren

can doubtless testify from personal knowledge , either of Lodges with which they have themselves been associated , or with others they have learnt the private history of through their friends .

It is for this reason one so often hears the expression that a small , compact Lodge is much more desirable than one in which the membership is extensive , for in the one every member is acquainted with his fellows , and so really feels at

home in their company , -while in the other the Brethren are often comparative strangers to each other , and cannot feel the same spirit of Brotherhood as is the case in the smaller circle ; but this feature may not prove so ready a source of

weakness as some other of the attendants of great success , as among the large number of members there are frequently one or more sections or divisions of united Brethren , who

make it their business to see the Lodge proceeds fairly on its course , and use every effort on their part to introduce the less familiar members to each other—very often with the best of results .

A frequent danger from great success in Freemasonry is to be found in the lack of care displayed in rendering the different ceremonies , with the effect that the early tuition of the Brethren is neglected , and the usual results ensue from

building on a faulty foundation . This evil most frequently shows itself in what may be termed Multiple Ceremonies , when a number of Candidates are initiated , passed or raised at the same time , with results not only confusing to the

candidates themselves , and irritating to the general body of members of the Lodge , but really dangerous to the Order at large , by bringing its ceremonies and ritual into contempt , in consequence of the general jumble up of such proceedings .

The present is by no means the first occasion attention has been devoted to this subject in the pages of the FBEEMASON ' CHBONICLE —it is an old and well recognised evil , so much so that most of the Brethren who really take an interest in

maintaining the high character of Freemasonry will not permit , if it is in their power to prevent , the more important portions oi our ceremonies being carried through with more than one candidate at a time . Should there be two or more candidates

for initiation , or advancement to the second or third degree , the proper course is to take each separately , and that is the method more usually adopted among those who really study to keep up a reputation for careful and proper working .

It would seem that the evil of Multiple Ceremonies is not practiced in this country only , for we find that as far away as the State of Maine the Grand Master of that Jurisdiction devotes attention to it , and in his annual address expresses himself strongly on the practice recently introduced

Multiple Ceremonies.

there of conferring degress on " classes of candidates ; the old usage , and what he considers to be the evident meaning of the ritual , requiring that every candidate should go himself , and alone , through every part of the ceremonies .

The need for directing attention to the necessity for every candidate himself going through every part of the ceremonies is manifest when we witness two or more candidates passing their examination before being promoted to a superior degree .

It is no uncommon thing , under such conditions , to hear the questions put to the different candidates in turn , and although that course may be no more objectionable than allowing all

to answer simultaneously , we regard it as a by no means satisfactory method of dealing with a difficulty created by excessive prosperity .

Eeturning to our American item we find it is set down that the practice of Mutiple Ceremonies originated in Maine at the commencement of the Civil War , when all over the State the rush of candidates to the Lodges was

unprecedented , but we doubt if any so recent a period can be associated with its adoption in this country , where we fear it has become too deeply rooted to hope that it will ever be eradicated . Our contemporary " The Mallet , " writing in the

" Glasgow Evening News , " refers to this subject in so far as it affects Scotland , where it is as prevalent , perhaps more so than anywhere else , there even being no restriction there as to the number of candidates who may be initiated at one

time , but perhaps our Scottish Brethren will make an improvement in this direction , and introduce a law on the subject in the code now being prepared , which will bring the practice under that Jurisdiction more in accord with other

parts of the world . It is very gratifying to see the leaders of Scottish Freemasonry so continually touching on these points , as it is evidence of a desire among those in power to improve that portion of the Order that owes allegiance to the Grand Lodge of their country .

Cornwall.

CORNWALL .

THE Mark Grand Lodge of Cornwall is to assemble in the Old Grammar School , Lostwithiel , on Tuesday next , 30 th inst ., at 1 * 30 p . m ., under the banner of Lodge Lebanon , No . 325 , warranted in 1883 . Brother Sir Charles B . Graves-Sawle , Bart ., the esteemed Provincial Grand Master will preside , and doubtless will be proposed for the same honourable office for the

ensuing three years , says the " Western Morning News . " The Province was formed iu 1867 , with the late Sir F . Martin Williams , Bart ., as the first Provincial Grand Master , and then consisted of four Lodges . There are now thirteen Lodges—held in Eedruth , Truro , Hayle , Falmouth , Chacewater , Helston ,

Newquay and St . Columb , St . Austell , Lostwithiel , East Looe , Liskeard , Penzance , and Camborne ; the last mentioned dating from 1890 . A vote of condolence will be proposed to the widow and family of the lamented Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and

then the ordinary busiuess will be transacted . The meeting is an important one , and it is hoped the Brethren will do their best to attend . Arrangements have been made with the Great Western Kailway Company for tickets , first and second class , at a single fare and quarter for the double journey .