Consecration And Desecration.

CONSECRATION AND DESECRATION .

MUCH 1 ms been said from time to time as to the un-Masonic use of Masonic signs and symbols , and no donbt a considerable portion of the bad odour which is associated with Freemasonry in the minds of its opponents could be traced to a departure from the strict teachings of the Order ; some irregularity on the part of an actual member , or one who pretended to be , in the improper use of the outward and visible

signs of Freemasonry . It would be a very difficult matter to define the limits within which Freemasons are justified in associating Freemasonry , and making use of its signs and symbols , with matters of general public interest ; and no doubt opinions vary , to a considerable extent , in regard to the subject . There

are some who maintain that no Masonic signs or symbols should be exposed to public gaze , and that Freemasonry should only show itself to the eye within the portals of a tyled Lodge . But they are wrong in drawing so hard and fast a line ; otherwise the Constitutions of the Order err , as also does the Grand

Master and his immediate subordinates in laying foundation stones with Masonic honours , allowing Masonic processions , or taking part in any outside display dressed in the regalia of the Craft . If it is legitimate to associate Freemasonry with the erection

of a public building , or for an assembly of Masons clothed with the badges of the Order to appear in public , it is equally legitimate for the same Masonic signs and symbols to be made use of by individual brethren in connection with minor matters , if the purposes for which they are used are of the same worthy character . For this reason we disagree with

tnose who argue that a Freemason is guilty of violating his obligation when he uses Freemasonry outside his Lodge , although he is actuated by the most worthy of motives . It is , however , the defining of w orthy , as compared with unworthy motives , that presents the difficulty , and is the point on which the whole question turns . What might be considered quite legitimate in some parts would be denounced as unworthy in others , oi' perhaps even by some of the brethren of the same llP . lO-hVirmv'l- . rtnrl

We are led to these thoughts by a consideration oi recent events in which Freemasonry has played a prominent part , in association with matters of a public , ° r at least semi-public character ; together with some remarks which appeared in a local newspaper in reference to one of them . Our readers can , no doubt ,

cau to mind several instances which have occurred during the past few months in which Freemasonry has been made use of , or has assisted in works of general utility . Foundation stones have been laid , and public buildings have been erected , beautified or opened by Freemasons in their Masonic capacity , and m most of the instances the local dignitaries of the Order have taken a leading part in the work . We need not go back more than a few days for such an ^ stance ; the laying of the foundation stone of the

Consecration And Desecration.

New Masonic Hall at Plymouth , by the Provincial Grand Master , the Et . Hon . Lord Ebrington , being a case in point . It was in reference to this evont that

the Devon Weekly Tunes made somo comments , which will bear consideration at the hands of tho Craft . " I wonder what luck will attend this new venture ? " asks the writer in our contemporary , and he thus continues : ** It reciuired some nluck to start ifc . considering the

facts . Plymouth has had a Freemasons' Hall , in name , for many years ; and it was started with no less pomp and ceremony ( I am not sure that Lord Ebrington ' s grandfather did not lay the foundation stone ) ; but it was never paid for , it speedily fell into secular hands , and it has long been used as auction rooms with nothing left of its Masonic original but the name . Absit omen , of course : but it is an omen nevertheless . "

Here we have the record of a transaction which appears to convey the impression of an improper use of Masonry ' s signs and symbols , and it is by no means a solitary one , as many who have journeyed through the Provinces could testify , and yet it would no doubt be defended by the very men who are loudest in their condemnation of outside use of Masonic sijms . Thev

would see nothing wrong in starting a Masonic Hall with all the pomp and ceremony of Freemasonry , consecrating it to the uses of the Craft , and afterwards taking no active part in preserving it for its original purposes . It would be useless to tell them that the starting of such a venture , without a guarantee as to payment for its erection , was a gross instance of trading on Freemasonry , or that an unworthy use had been made of association with the Craft in mixing up

the name and ceremonies of Freemasonry in a venture of a purely speculative character . Yet there is no knowing what amount of harm this particular case may have occasioned to Freemasonry , not only in the immediate neighbourhood of the Hall , but throughout the district . It is no doubt many years since the events referred to by our contemporary took place , and yet we find them brought forward in connection with the doings of to-day . We will not say the remarks

were intended to cause pain , but Ave imagine there are few who peruse them but will , in a measure , consider that to Freemasonry should be attached some of the blame for the unsatisfactory state of affairs here made public . That a Masonic Hall should have been conceived , and ushered into existence with all the pomp and ceremony of Freemasonry , without provision having been made for its being paid for on completion , displays a laxity on the parfc of the principals concerned which , if exhibited by brethren of lower degree in matters of minor inmortance , would be strongly

condemned . It is admittedly easy to be wise after an event , and perhaps some of those who took a prominent part in the starting and consecration of the old Freemasons ' Hall at Plymouth , or of similar buildings elsewhere , have since regretted their share in the work , or are sorry they did not make more particular inquiry as to the chance of ultimate successbut regrets will avail