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Article CORRESPONDENCE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL AT STRATFORD-ON-AVON. Page 1 of 2 Article THE SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL AT STRATFORD-ON-AVON. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
aaid anything at all in this connection—as American writers phrase it—it has been in reproach of brethren—ganerally and apart from all considerations of influence or wealth—for not supporting by their votes a distressing case they think worthy of recommending . I hold that a brother who baoks a case incurs a certain amount of responsibility ; and , I ask , has this responsibility bean fulfilled in this
particular instance ? If so , how is it the boy obtaineJ only 381 votes at aix , and 550 votes at seven attempts ? I confess I do not think that Dr . Ace ' s proposal is calculated to strengthen this sense of responsibility . I will add , for the purpose of showing that what I have written
has been written without animus , that the little voting ability at my disposal last October was employed in behalf of this very case . I cannot see that the revelation of my name will make tho slightest difference in the merits or demerits of my argument , and , therefore , I atill subscribe myself , Fraternally yours , FRATER LO . VDINENSIS .
EXPULSION OP MEMBERS BY THE GRAND ORIENT OP ITALY .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAB , SIR AND BROTHER , —Having seen , in your issue of 24 th of March , a notice to the effect that certain brethren had been deprived of the privileges of the Order by the G . O . of Rome for having gone over to that of Naples , I beg to enclose you translation of two extracts which appear in a pamphlet published by the latter G . O . in 1875 . Should you like the entire work , I shall endeavour to get you
a copy . From my own personal experience of Italian Masonry , which extended over a year , I " could not fail to see a deal of jealousy and antagonism existing between the different G . O . ' s , each claiming the supremacy . There ia one in Rome , one in Naples , and one in Palermo working at present . I believe those of Turin and Florence
went under that of Rome . Prior to affiliating in Palermo , I wrote to Bro . J . Hervey , G . S . of England , to assure myself of the body being a recognised one , and he replied that the G . O . of Palermo was recognised by the G . L . of England . The legality of the formation of the G . O . of Rome I should consider very doubtful . It certainly sprang directly or indirectly from those of Turin and Florence , and
the records of that of Naples are much more ancient than either of them . A sort of amalgamation was formed between the G . O . of Palermo and Naples at the beginning of last year , each retaining distinct powers and holding annual meetings at their respective citiea , in which members of each S . 0 . meet , frame laws and transact the general business of the Order .
The fact of Rome being the capital of Italy would not legalise any spurious body of miscalled Masons inta a bond fide G . O ., and on that ground I am inclined to think their strongest claim will rest . Most of the Lodges in Italy have put themselves on the roll at Rome , but I firmly believe , merely on the grounds above stated , i . e ., Rome is tho
capital . It would certainly be preferable to have one G . O ., and that in the capital , but "Italia Unita" does not mean half as much as the UnitedKingdom of Great Britain and Ireland , and hero we have three G . Lodges . For my own part , I am firmly convinced that both Naples and Palermo are far more ancient than the roots from which Rome sprung . I am , Dear Sir and Brother ,
Yours fraternally , W . T . ALLAN , 18 ° . TRANSLATIONS . " The G . O . of Naples has ever been celebrated in the historical records of Freemasons as tho first and most orthodox amongst the
G . O . 's of Europe . It claims origin from the must remote times in which Pythagoras flourished iu Magna Grecia . Tho Masons of Naples , not exclusively those of Sicily , have always been in every age the most jealous custodians of the " Most Ancient rite of Misraim , " which , in its first series , comprises almost the whole of the degrees which compose the A . A . R . "—Ragon Manuel de Vlnitie , p . 253 .
" The Masonic rite of Misraim was propagated in France under the supervision of the Neapolitan brethren , not before the 3 rd lustre of the present century . On the 24 th December 1813 , power was granted to Bro . Joly , signed by President Changeur , G . Chancellor Bechera and G . Seal Bearer Lasalle , to propagate the whole four series in France . " —Idem .
The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
THE SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL AT STRATFORD-ON-AVON .
ON Monday the corner stone of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre about to be erected at Stra £ ford-on-Avon was laid , with Masonic ceremonial , by Lord Leigh , Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire , in the presence of a very large assemblage of Freemasons , ladies , and visitors from various parts of the country . The inhabitants of Stratford-on-Avon had made ample preparation for the interesting
ceremony which was to grace the anniversary of the birthday of the great dramatic poet . The streets were gaily decorated with flags , banners , and evergreens , triumphal arches being erected iu conspicuous positions . In addition , expressions of hearty welcome were displayed , and the church bells pealed throughout the clay . From an
early hour visitors began to arrive , from Birmingham , Warwick . Leamington , and other places in the neighbourhood , ancl long before the hour announced for tbe commencement of the official proceedings the streets were well lined with holiday makers . The memorial building is to be erected on the banks of the Avon , at the lower end of tbe town , oa a site generously presented by Mr . C . E .
The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
Flower . When completed it will be an imposing ancl handsome structure , embraciug theatre , museum , reading-room , and library . As will be seen , however , in reference to the proceedings reported below , the Memorial Association have not yet sufficient funds to warrant them in even commencing the whole of the work . The theatre itself is first to be completed , and the association hope , in the course
of a short time , to receive such additional pecuniary support aa will enable them to carry out the entire design of the architects , Messra . Dodgshun and TJnsworth , Buakiugham-street , Strand , London . The architecture will combine the Earl y English and Elizabethan styles , parts being timbered , in order to be in keeping with tko ancient buildings of Stratford , of the period iu which Shakespeare lived . The
wall will be of red brick , with stone dressings , the roof being of green slates . The interior will be decorated with carved panels , illustrative of scenes from Shakespeare ' s plays . It may incidentally be men . tioned that it is intended to build a museum in a more ornate style , but as this is a work of the future , description will be premature . Tbe proceedings commenced at mid-day , with the annual meeting of
the Shakespeare Memorial Association , which was held in the Town Hall j Mr . C . E . Flower presiding . The annual report stated that the land for the site of the memorial buildings and gardens waa con . veyed to the association by Mr . C . E . Flower on tho 1 st Jnly . The five architects whoso sketch designs wero selected from those sent in for the first competition submitted more complete plans for the second
competition , on the 23 rd of May , and the design seat in by Messrs . Dodshun and Uusworth being accepted , they were appointed architects to the association . As the amount subscribed had not yet been sufficient to allow of the whole building being undertaken , the Council decided upon commencing the theatre only , leaving tho library and picture gallery to be erected as soon as the funds would allow . The
tender of Messrs . Horseman and Co . for the foundations was accepted , and those had now been completed . The appeal made last year to the managers of theatres for a " Shakespeare night , " only met with a response from two . The Council learned with extreme regret that many managers had been deterred from giving their aid by a statement which had been industriously circulated that tho Shakespeare
Memorial was a scheme got up for the benefit of the promoters . The subscriptions to the present date amounted to nearly £ 6 , 000 . The Chairman , in moving the adoption of the report , remarked that tha Council had had many difficulties to overcome , and expected more , which they would overcome in the same manner . ( Hear , hear ) . Eight tenders had been received for the second contract , including
the main portion of the theatre , and the Council had accepted that of Messrs . Lascelles , of London , amounting to £ 9 , 256 . The Mayor of Stratford ( Dr . Nason ) seconded the motion , and it was carried . The Council having been re-elected , a vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor and Corporation of Stratford for allowing the use of the room for the meetings of the association , and the , proceedings concluded
with a vote of thanks to tho Chairman . The Masonic part of the ceremony then commenced . Lodge was opened in the Town Hall at 1 . 15 , the officers of the Shakespeare Lodge , No . 281 , conducting the proceedings , prior to the advent of the Provincial Grand Lodge . Shortly after one o ' clock the special train from Birmingham arrived , bringing so large a contingent of members of the Craft that the hall
was quickly crowded to a most inconvenient degree . Brother 3 . E . Smith then duly opened Lodge , and in a few minutes Dr . Nason ( Mayor of Stratford ) attended to present for use in the ceremony of the day a mallet , made from a piece of oak , forming a portion of a beam in Shakespeare ' s old house , which had been kindly presented for tho occasion by the trustees . Brother Smith suitably ackuow .
ledgcd the gift , and Provincial Grand Lodge was next received in due form . At this time there were present Lord Leigh P . G . M . of Warwickshire ; Lieut .-Colonel Machen D . Prov . G . M ., Brothers J . Pnrsall and E . Worrall Prov . G . Wardens , many other officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , Masters and members of Lodges of the Province of Warwickshire , visitors , & c . A collection having been
made in aid of the memorial funds , a procession was formed , and a start for tho site was effected . First marched a body of police , then the band of the Warwickshire Volunteers , and next the Freemasons in proper order , each Lodge being headed by its banner . Finally came the Provincial Grand Lodge , in Masonio order , according to rank ; the procession , which was of great length , being closed by a Tyler .
Thousands of people had assembled in the streets to witness the pageant , and a very large number had already taken up positions around the stone which was to be laid . On arriving at the site the Freemasons were received by a gnard of honour of the Stratford Rifle Volunteers , and the Mayor and Corporation of Stratford also came forward to greet them .
All being assembled within the enclosure , the Mayor , Dr . Nason , in the name of the burgesses of Stratford-on-Avon , and on behalf of the Shakespeare Memorial Association , gave a sincere welcome to Lord Leigh , and the Freemasons present . He felt sure that Lord Leigb . would bring to bear upon the duty ho was abont to perform all the grace and dignity of the ritual of Freemasonry and the splendour
which personally and officially he commanded . He was also cenain that the Masonic body would wish God speed to the work that thoir Rig ht Worship : nl Provincial Grand Master that day so auspiciously commenced . ( Hear , hear . ) The Rev . F . M . Beaumont , Provincial Grand Chaplain , then delivered an address . He said they were assembled upon a day of the highest interest connected with the memory
of him who had made the town celebrated throughout tho world . By a happy chance , the 23 rd day of April was connected with the memory of St . George , the patron saint of old England , whilst on chat date also William Shakespeare was born in the town , and the e , on the anniversary of the same day , tho 23 rd of April 1616 , he w . is gathered to his rest . He believed he could say that more than nvjro
English interest was felt in tho day ' s proceedings , for if there w is . > ne thing more than another which brought together English speaking people throughout the world it was the knowledge that they all shared the inheritance of being the fellow countrymen of Shakespeare . They wero erecting , not only a memorial to Shakespeare , bnt a building which might serye for the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
aaid anything at all in this connection—as American writers phrase it—it has been in reproach of brethren—ganerally and apart from all considerations of influence or wealth—for not supporting by their votes a distressing case they think worthy of recommending . I hold that a brother who baoks a case incurs a certain amount of responsibility ; and , I ask , has this responsibility bean fulfilled in this
particular instance ? If so , how is it the boy obtaineJ only 381 votes at aix , and 550 votes at seven attempts ? I confess I do not think that Dr . Ace ' s proposal is calculated to strengthen this sense of responsibility . I will add , for the purpose of showing that what I have written
has been written without animus , that the little voting ability at my disposal last October was employed in behalf of this very case . I cannot see that the revelation of my name will make tho slightest difference in the merits or demerits of my argument , and , therefore , I atill subscribe myself , Fraternally yours , FRATER LO . VDINENSIS .
EXPULSION OP MEMBERS BY THE GRAND ORIENT OP ITALY .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAB , SIR AND BROTHER , —Having seen , in your issue of 24 th of March , a notice to the effect that certain brethren had been deprived of the privileges of the Order by the G . O . of Rome for having gone over to that of Naples , I beg to enclose you translation of two extracts which appear in a pamphlet published by the latter G . O . in 1875 . Should you like the entire work , I shall endeavour to get you
a copy . From my own personal experience of Italian Masonry , which extended over a year , I " could not fail to see a deal of jealousy and antagonism existing between the different G . O . ' s , each claiming the supremacy . There ia one in Rome , one in Naples , and one in Palermo working at present . I believe those of Turin and Florence
went under that of Rome . Prior to affiliating in Palermo , I wrote to Bro . J . Hervey , G . S . of England , to assure myself of the body being a recognised one , and he replied that the G . O . of Palermo was recognised by the G . L . of England . The legality of the formation of the G . O . of Rome I should consider very doubtful . It certainly sprang directly or indirectly from those of Turin and Florence , and
the records of that of Naples are much more ancient than either of them . A sort of amalgamation was formed between the G . O . of Palermo and Naples at the beginning of last year , each retaining distinct powers and holding annual meetings at their respective citiea , in which members of each S . 0 . meet , frame laws and transact the general business of the Order .
The fact of Rome being the capital of Italy would not legalise any spurious body of miscalled Masons inta a bond fide G . O ., and on that ground I am inclined to think their strongest claim will rest . Most of the Lodges in Italy have put themselves on the roll at Rome , but I firmly believe , merely on the grounds above stated , i . e ., Rome is tho
capital . It would certainly be preferable to have one G . O ., and that in the capital , but "Italia Unita" does not mean half as much as the UnitedKingdom of Great Britain and Ireland , and hero we have three G . Lodges . For my own part , I am firmly convinced that both Naples and Palermo are far more ancient than the roots from which Rome sprung . I am , Dear Sir and Brother ,
Yours fraternally , W . T . ALLAN , 18 ° . TRANSLATIONS . " The G . O . of Naples has ever been celebrated in the historical records of Freemasons as tho first and most orthodox amongst the
G . O . 's of Europe . It claims origin from the must remote times in which Pythagoras flourished iu Magna Grecia . Tho Masons of Naples , not exclusively those of Sicily , have always been in every age the most jealous custodians of the " Most Ancient rite of Misraim , " which , in its first series , comprises almost the whole of the degrees which compose the A . A . R . "—Ragon Manuel de Vlnitie , p . 253 .
" The Masonic rite of Misraim was propagated in France under the supervision of the Neapolitan brethren , not before the 3 rd lustre of the present century . On the 24 th December 1813 , power was granted to Bro . Joly , signed by President Changeur , G . Chancellor Bechera and G . Seal Bearer Lasalle , to propagate the whole four series in France . " —Idem .
The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
THE SHAKESPEARE MEMORIAL AT STRATFORD-ON-AVON .
ON Monday the corner stone of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre about to be erected at Stra £ ford-on-Avon was laid , with Masonic ceremonial , by Lord Leigh , Provincial Grand Master of Warwickshire , in the presence of a very large assemblage of Freemasons , ladies , and visitors from various parts of the country . The inhabitants of Stratford-on-Avon had made ample preparation for the interesting
ceremony which was to grace the anniversary of the birthday of the great dramatic poet . The streets were gaily decorated with flags , banners , and evergreens , triumphal arches being erected iu conspicuous positions . In addition , expressions of hearty welcome were displayed , and the church bells pealed throughout the clay . From an
early hour visitors began to arrive , from Birmingham , Warwick . Leamington , and other places in the neighbourhood , ancl long before the hour announced for tbe commencement of the official proceedings the streets were well lined with holiday makers . The memorial building is to be erected on the banks of the Avon , at the lower end of tbe town , oa a site generously presented by Mr . C . E .
The Shakespeare Memorial At Stratford-On-Avon.
Flower . When completed it will be an imposing ancl handsome structure , embraciug theatre , museum , reading-room , and library . As will be seen , however , in reference to the proceedings reported below , the Memorial Association have not yet sufficient funds to warrant them in even commencing the whole of the work . The theatre itself is first to be completed , and the association hope , in the course
of a short time , to receive such additional pecuniary support aa will enable them to carry out the entire design of the architects , Messra . Dodgshun and TJnsworth , Buakiugham-street , Strand , London . The architecture will combine the Earl y English and Elizabethan styles , parts being timbered , in order to be in keeping with tko ancient buildings of Stratford , of the period iu which Shakespeare lived . The
wall will be of red brick , with stone dressings , the roof being of green slates . The interior will be decorated with carved panels , illustrative of scenes from Shakespeare ' s plays . It may incidentally be men . tioned that it is intended to build a museum in a more ornate style , but as this is a work of the future , description will be premature . Tbe proceedings commenced at mid-day , with the annual meeting of
the Shakespeare Memorial Association , which was held in the Town Hall j Mr . C . E . Flower presiding . The annual report stated that the land for the site of the memorial buildings and gardens waa con . veyed to the association by Mr . C . E . Flower on tho 1 st Jnly . The five architects whoso sketch designs wero selected from those sent in for the first competition submitted more complete plans for the second
competition , on the 23 rd of May , and the design seat in by Messrs . Dodshun and Uusworth being accepted , they were appointed architects to the association . As the amount subscribed had not yet been sufficient to allow of the whole building being undertaken , the Council decided upon commencing the theatre only , leaving tho library and picture gallery to be erected as soon as the funds would allow . The
tender of Messrs . Horseman and Co . for the foundations was accepted , and those had now been completed . The appeal made last year to the managers of theatres for a " Shakespeare night , " only met with a response from two . The Council learned with extreme regret that many managers had been deterred from giving their aid by a statement which had been industriously circulated that tho Shakespeare
Memorial was a scheme got up for the benefit of the promoters . The subscriptions to the present date amounted to nearly £ 6 , 000 . The Chairman , in moving the adoption of the report , remarked that tha Council had had many difficulties to overcome , and expected more , which they would overcome in the same manner . ( Hear , hear ) . Eight tenders had been received for the second contract , including
the main portion of the theatre , and the Council had accepted that of Messrs . Lascelles , of London , amounting to £ 9 , 256 . The Mayor of Stratford ( Dr . Nason ) seconded the motion , and it was carried . The Council having been re-elected , a vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor and Corporation of Stratford for allowing the use of the room for the meetings of the association , and the , proceedings concluded
with a vote of thanks to tho Chairman . The Masonic part of the ceremony then commenced . Lodge was opened in the Town Hall at 1 . 15 , the officers of the Shakespeare Lodge , No . 281 , conducting the proceedings , prior to the advent of the Provincial Grand Lodge . Shortly after one o ' clock the special train from Birmingham arrived , bringing so large a contingent of members of the Craft that the hall
was quickly crowded to a most inconvenient degree . Brother 3 . E . Smith then duly opened Lodge , and in a few minutes Dr . Nason ( Mayor of Stratford ) attended to present for use in the ceremony of the day a mallet , made from a piece of oak , forming a portion of a beam in Shakespeare ' s old house , which had been kindly presented for tho occasion by the trustees . Brother Smith suitably ackuow .
ledgcd the gift , and Provincial Grand Lodge was next received in due form . At this time there were present Lord Leigh P . G . M . of Warwickshire ; Lieut .-Colonel Machen D . Prov . G . M ., Brothers J . Pnrsall and E . Worrall Prov . G . Wardens , many other officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , Masters and members of Lodges of the Province of Warwickshire , visitors , & c . A collection having been
made in aid of the memorial funds , a procession was formed , and a start for tho site was effected . First marched a body of police , then the band of the Warwickshire Volunteers , and next the Freemasons in proper order , each Lodge being headed by its banner . Finally came the Provincial Grand Lodge , in Masonio order , according to rank ; the procession , which was of great length , being closed by a Tyler .
Thousands of people had assembled in the streets to witness the pageant , and a very large number had already taken up positions around the stone which was to be laid . On arriving at the site the Freemasons were received by a gnard of honour of the Stratford Rifle Volunteers , and the Mayor and Corporation of Stratford also came forward to greet them .
All being assembled within the enclosure , the Mayor , Dr . Nason , in the name of the burgesses of Stratford-on-Avon , and on behalf of the Shakespeare Memorial Association , gave a sincere welcome to Lord Leigh , and the Freemasons present . He felt sure that Lord Leigb . would bring to bear upon the duty ho was abont to perform all the grace and dignity of the ritual of Freemasonry and the splendour
which personally and officially he commanded . He was also cenain that the Masonic body would wish God speed to the work that thoir Rig ht Worship : nl Provincial Grand Master that day so auspiciously commenced . ( Hear , hear . ) The Rev . F . M . Beaumont , Provincial Grand Chaplain , then delivered an address . He said they were assembled upon a day of the highest interest connected with the memory
of him who had made the town celebrated throughout tho world . By a happy chance , the 23 rd day of April was connected with the memory of St . George , the patron saint of old England , whilst on chat date also William Shakespeare was born in the town , and the e , on the anniversary of the same day , tho 23 rd of April 1616 , he w . is gathered to his rest . He believed he could say that more than nvjro
English interest was felt in tho day ' s proceedings , for if there w is . > ne thing more than another which brought together English speaking people throughout the world it was the knowledge that they all shared the inheritance of being the fellow countrymen of Shakespeare . They wero erecting , not only a memorial to Shakespeare , bnt a building which might serye for the