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Notices Of Meetings.
NOTICES OF MEETINGS .
TRUE LOVE AND UNITY LODGE , No . 248
THE members met at their headquarters , Brixham , on Monday , 16 th inst ., to present Bro . Woolley with a very handsome P . M . ' s jewel , as a token of their respect and appreciation of the services he had rendered the Lodge as Secretary , Treasurer , and Worshipful Master during the last ten years . The Rev . R . G .
Ebrington , acting for the W . M . Bro . Alfred Kenrick ( who was unavoidably absent ) , referred to the able and kindly manner in which Bro . Woolley had uniformly discharged his duties , and much regretted his removal to Devonport ; Centenary jewels were also presented to
Bro . G . S . Bridgman and Bro . W . Jarman , for professional services erratuitously rendered in the erection of their handsome new Lodgo . The presentations were suitably acknowledged by Bros . Woolley , Bridgman and Jarman . The brethren afterwards partook of supper in their ante-room . Several visitors were present .
NELSON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 700 . THE ceremony of consecration and installation was rehearsed b y Worshipful Brother Frederick Binckes Past Grand Sword Bearer , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , assisted by Bro . W . W . Morgan P . M . 211 , at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich , on Tuesday , 21 th inst . The arrangements were carried
out by a Committee , consisting of Bros . P . M . s G . B . Davies 13 , J . H . Roberts 700 , E . B . Hobson 700 , J . Sanderson 700 , Jno . Warren 700 , Bros . T . Appleby 13 , W . B . Ledger 913 and Bro . Hy . Cox 700 . The mnsical arrangements were carried out admirably by Bros . Ledger , Bidgood and Hancock . Exactly 140 brethren were present , amongst
whom were Bros . A . Penfold P . P . S . D . Kent , E . West P . P . S . D . Horts , P . M . 's Palmer and Barry , and Bros . Keeble , Dr . Bryceson , R . Rabson , Sowers , Pryce , Murphy , Capon and several other brethren , all of the Pattison Lodge , 913 . Bros . P . M . 's N . Brown , Cleall , Syer , Akers , and several other brethren , all of the Waterloo Lodge , No . 13 . Bros . P . M . ' s
Jno . Warren , J . H . Roberts , 1 . Butt , J . Sanderson , J . Sweeting and Bro . Naylor W . M . Nelson Lodge , No . 700 . The other brethren present from the Nelson Lodge were Bros . Millor , Webber , Southgate , Tnffnell , G . R . Nioholls , Murfleet , G . Mitchell , Ward , Grammeut , KkW , Bryant , Pettifer , Orpwood , and several others . Bros . Western
W . M . 1789 and P . M . 1536 , Manle P . M ., Moulds P . M ., and several brethren , all of the United Military Lodge , No . 1536 . Bros . C . Jolly P . M . 1472 , E . Davis 79 , G . Letton 615 , H . Martin and W . Scott 829 , Curter P . M . 858 , J . J . Parson 1437 , S . Jones 511 , J . H . Haire 1446 , and several others , too numerous to
mention . Bro . C . H . Lawson W . M . 913 was unavoidably prevented ( through illi'OHs ) from occupying the post of hononr . assigned to him . Bro . F . J . Nichols P . M . 706 and Bro . Melbonrn W . M . 13 wero also unavoidably provented from attending . The following is the text of the ornti' n delivered on this occasion by Bro . Morgan : —
Brethren , —Your presiding Officer has already told you that we are to-day assembled with the ostensible purpose of consecrating j > new Lodge to the objects of Freemasonry , and ho has called upesi me to address yon ns to what Freemasonry really is ; what constitutes its Nature , and what aro its Principles . Now , Brethren , I feel it is
no euiy task which devolves apon me when I attempt to obey thi 3 request ; and although I have on more than one OJcasion strivon to fulfil a similar duty to that now imposed upon me , I am none the less mindful of the difficulty , and I may add tho otter impossibility of my telling you anything
that has not been told before . However , past experience has proved tol me that my brother Masons are the kindest of andiences it is possible to address , and I havo little fear , whatever my shortcomings may be , that I shall be interrupted , or that my endeavours to interest you will be in vain . As I have already told you this is not
the first occasion on which I have attempted a similar ta = ik , and I must therefore ask you to excuse any repetition of ideas or truisms I may have expressed elsewhere , for , after all , there is nothing new to tell you about Freemasonry , or nothing fresh to urge in its behalf . It is to-day what it was scores of years back , aud the
same it will remain , I trust , for all time . In these stirring times Freemasonry of nil things is most entitled to the definition Changeless , and it is on the basis of this one word that I may best attempt to describe to you what Freemasonry really is . It is a peculiar system of morality , which binds its members together
under the surest of all bonds—bonds which are at once the lightest to bear and the firmest to sustain—the bonds of love . It knows no distinction of nationality , religion , creed or politics , but seeks to advance the welfare of its members , not perhaps from the common standpoint of every day life , but in a higher sense , by making
them better men , and better citizens , more capable of ruling or being ruled in their public or private avocations . It teaches them to honour their Creator aud to respect the laws of the country in which they reside . To shed a tear of sympathy over the failings of others , and to render as much assistance as lies
in their power to those in misfortune or distress . Above all those , Freemasonry strives to keep its members iu the paths of truth ; it points ont the straight , undeviating line they should pursue in their actions through life , and lays down rules which they should follow on all occasions ; and I feel sure there is not one here but will
agree with me that , in inculcating its lessors , Freemasonry has been eminently successful in the past . It has done good , is doing good , and has laid such foundation as will tend to considerable good iu years to come ; indeed , to reiterate my former rem rk , it has been ,
is now , and I trust ever will be , a changeless power for good . When I speak of changeless , you must not imagine I wish to imply that the forms , ceremonies , status or general character of Freemasonry has been , or is ever likely to be changeless , rather , that its basis ia the
Notices Of Meetings.
same , and that in its spirit thero is no variation . We have long known enough of the history of the Craft to convince us that Freemasonry is different to-day to what it waa at the commencement of the last century , or even at the beginning of the present one , and it does not require we should be particularly observant of the
domgs of our own times to convince us that Freemasonry is not the same here—in some respects—as it is a few hundred miles away . It is only a few weeks since that a worthy Mason , Brother Henry Sadler , the Grand Tyler of England , set the thinking seotion of the Craft busy over the facts and fictions embodied in his most
interesting book . While he was , perhaps , the last I should have expected to suggest any thing like innovation in our time-honoured Institution , he has clearly shown ns there have been great and radical changes in Freemasonry—changes which , if the truth could ever be unravelled , would astonish many who at present
think there is nothing connected with Freemasonry to astonish them . But in spite of all these changes in the visible form of Freemasonry , in spirit it has remained the same , and whatever may have happened to check or advance its progress there always lies a basis of truth and real Brotherhood at the bottom , which makes the adjustment
of differences easier than would be possible without Freemasonry , and such , I think , you will always find to be the case among men who regard their Masonio obligation as something more
than mere words ; in short , if I may use the language of an emi « neut author , Freemasonry possesses " the advantage whioh , even in this artificial world , everything that is genuine has over every thing that is forced and false . "
I have already foreshadowed the true principles of Freemasonry—Brotherly Love , Relief and Truth . These principles are of suoh vast and manifest importance to the Masonic world , —I might even say to the remainder of the Universe , —that we can hardly consider it out of place on such an occasion as the present—the expressed
foundation of a new Lodge—for some special definition of them to be included as part of the ceremonial of the day , but what can I tell you more comprehensive , or more easily understood , than the actual principles themselves ? The Brotherly Love of Freemasonry—the first great principle of the Order—forms a stronger bond of
union than anything known in the civilised world , and it would be difficult , if not impossible , to name any other tie which has so marked an influence on the human race . It is nob my intention here to refer to the marvellons escapes from death and disaster whioh have been accredited to tho Brotherhood of Freemasonry , they are known , or
instances of them are known , I presume , to every one present , and whether they are wholly true , or somewhat coloured as they are recorded , they prove sufficient to show the power whioh underlies the principle of Masonic Brotherhood . I must not , however , forget a reference to the spirit of equality and of freedom which this
Brotherhood engenders among Freemasons , or , as an extract in Bro . Sadler ' s " Masonic Facts and Fictions , " the work already referred to , has it , which induces them to consider " that the original of mankind is the same ; and though Masonry divests no man of his honour , yet does the Craft admit that strictly to pursue the paths of virtue ,
whereby a clear conscience may be preserved , is the only method to make any man noble . " It is this principle which enables men of all ranks , professions and creeds to meet together , as they often do , in the Masonic Lodge , without the fear of their individual views being
attacked , or a controversy opened on matters of a purely class character , and in which they are either uninterested or may entertain opinions at variance with their fellows . The matter of freedom in all Masonic actions is too well known to necessitate
comment on ; it is sufficient to remember that no man is forced to t'ike upon himself the duties of Freemasonry , or to continue his researches when once he has made a start ; everything he ventures on in Freemasonry must be undertaken of his own free will and accord , and he can disassociate himself from its Lodges
whenever he likes . I am sure you will forgive me taking another extract from Brother Sadler's book , to show you how permanent is this principle of freedom of withdrawal in connection with Freemasonry . Bro . Sadler tells us that the minutes of the Grand Lodge ( Ancients ) of the 2 nd April 1755 record that "Thomas
Eastman , the Master of No . 18 , stood up and declared that his business to Grand Lodge on this night was to make a formal declaration that neither he nor any of the members of his Lodge would contribute to the Grand Fund , nor attend this Grand Lodge for the future . Upon which the Right Worshipful Grand Master told Mr . Eastman that
he was welcome to stay away , and further that if he knew anybody of like principles in the Assembly be also was at liberty to take him or them . " This , Brethren , you will agree was plain English , but it forcibly illustrates the Freedom which existed in Masonry even in the eirly days . Brethren , I am afraid I am trying your patience ,
and for that reason will say very little on the score of Relief and Truth , more especially as in Brother Binckes you have one far more capable of telling you what is the present outcome of Masonic Relief . It is a subject to which he has devoted a lifetime , and it would be presumption on ray part to relegate from him the opportunity
which I hope he will have of enlarging on the subject of Masonic Relief . There remains , then , the principle of Truth , and in connection with this subject you are all pretty well posted . Freemasonry teaches us to be true to our God , our country , our neighbour , and , above all , to ourselves ; for we should not forget we are just as likely to do harm
by deceiving ourselves as by misleading others , even if the consequences are not of a more serious character . For this reason we should so regulate our lives and actions as to merit the approval of our own consciences and the applanse of our fellow creatures . This cannot better be accomplished than by adherin" to the
principles and general teachings of Freemnsonry , which are sure to win for the true broth r the eulogy which Lord Beaconsfield bestowed on his ideal " Vivian Grey . " " His accomplishments were the standard of all perfection ; his sayings were the soul of all good fellowship ; and his opinion the guide in any cruis which occurred . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Notices Of Meetings.
NOTICES OF MEETINGS .
TRUE LOVE AND UNITY LODGE , No . 248
THE members met at their headquarters , Brixham , on Monday , 16 th inst ., to present Bro . Woolley with a very handsome P . M . ' s jewel , as a token of their respect and appreciation of the services he had rendered the Lodge as Secretary , Treasurer , and Worshipful Master during the last ten years . The Rev . R . G .
Ebrington , acting for the W . M . Bro . Alfred Kenrick ( who was unavoidably absent ) , referred to the able and kindly manner in which Bro . Woolley had uniformly discharged his duties , and much regretted his removal to Devonport ; Centenary jewels were also presented to
Bro . G . S . Bridgman and Bro . W . Jarman , for professional services erratuitously rendered in the erection of their handsome new Lodgo . The presentations were suitably acknowledged by Bros . Woolley , Bridgman and Jarman . The brethren afterwards partook of supper in their ante-room . Several visitors were present .
NELSON LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 700 . THE ceremony of consecration and installation was rehearsed b y Worshipful Brother Frederick Binckes Past Grand Sword Bearer , Secretary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , assisted by Bro . W . W . Morgan P . M . 211 , at the Masonic Hall , William-street , Woolwich , on Tuesday , 21 th inst . The arrangements were carried
out by a Committee , consisting of Bros . P . M . s G . B . Davies 13 , J . H . Roberts 700 , E . B . Hobson 700 , J . Sanderson 700 , Jno . Warren 700 , Bros . T . Appleby 13 , W . B . Ledger 913 and Bro . Hy . Cox 700 . The mnsical arrangements were carried out admirably by Bros . Ledger , Bidgood and Hancock . Exactly 140 brethren were present , amongst
whom were Bros . A . Penfold P . P . S . D . Kent , E . West P . P . S . D . Horts , P . M . 's Palmer and Barry , and Bros . Keeble , Dr . Bryceson , R . Rabson , Sowers , Pryce , Murphy , Capon and several other brethren , all of the Pattison Lodge , 913 . Bros . P . M . 's N . Brown , Cleall , Syer , Akers , and several other brethren , all of the Waterloo Lodge , No . 13 . Bros . P . M . ' s
Jno . Warren , J . H . Roberts , 1 . Butt , J . Sanderson , J . Sweeting and Bro . Naylor W . M . Nelson Lodge , No . 700 . The other brethren present from the Nelson Lodge were Bros . Millor , Webber , Southgate , Tnffnell , G . R . Nioholls , Murfleet , G . Mitchell , Ward , Grammeut , KkW , Bryant , Pettifer , Orpwood , and several others . Bros . Western
W . M . 1789 and P . M . 1536 , Manle P . M ., Moulds P . M ., and several brethren , all of the United Military Lodge , No . 1536 . Bros . C . Jolly P . M . 1472 , E . Davis 79 , G . Letton 615 , H . Martin and W . Scott 829 , Curter P . M . 858 , J . J . Parson 1437 , S . Jones 511 , J . H . Haire 1446 , and several others , too numerous to
mention . Bro . C . H . Lawson W . M . 913 was unavoidably prevented ( through illi'OHs ) from occupying the post of hononr . assigned to him . Bro . F . J . Nichols P . M . 706 and Bro . Melbonrn W . M . 13 wero also unavoidably provented from attending . The following is the text of the ornti' n delivered on this occasion by Bro . Morgan : —
Brethren , —Your presiding Officer has already told you that we are to-day assembled with the ostensible purpose of consecrating j > new Lodge to the objects of Freemasonry , and ho has called upesi me to address yon ns to what Freemasonry really is ; what constitutes its Nature , and what aro its Principles . Now , Brethren , I feel it is
no euiy task which devolves apon me when I attempt to obey thi 3 request ; and although I have on more than one OJcasion strivon to fulfil a similar duty to that now imposed upon me , I am none the less mindful of the difficulty , and I may add tho otter impossibility of my telling you anything
that has not been told before . However , past experience has proved tol me that my brother Masons are the kindest of andiences it is possible to address , and I havo little fear , whatever my shortcomings may be , that I shall be interrupted , or that my endeavours to interest you will be in vain . As I have already told you this is not
the first occasion on which I have attempted a similar ta = ik , and I must therefore ask you to excuse any repetition of ideas or truisms I may have expressed elsewhere , for , after all , there is nothing new to tell you about Freemasonry , or nothing fresh to urge in its behalf . It is to-day what it was scores of years back , aud the
same it will remain , I trust , for all time . In these stirring times Freemasonry of nil things is most entitled to the definition Changeless , and it is on the basis of this one word that I may best attempt to describe to you what Freemasonry really is . It is a peculiar system of morality , which binds its members together
under the surest of all bonds—bonds which are at once the lightest to bear and the firmest to sustain—the bonds of love . It knows no distinction of nationality , religion , creed or politics , but seeks to advance the welfare of its members , not perhaps from the common standpoint of every day life , but in a higher sense , by making
them better men , and better citizens , more capable of ruling or being ruled in their public or private avocations . It teaches them to honour their Creator aud to respect the laws of the country in which they reside . To shed a tear of sympathy over the failings of others , and to render as much assistance as lies
in their power to those in misfortune or distress . Above all those , Freemasonry strives to keep its members iu the paths of truth ; it points ont the straight , undeviating line they should pursue in their actions through life , and lays down rules which they should follow on all occasions ; and I feel sure there is not one here but will
agree with me that , in inculcating its lessors , Freemasonry has been eminently successful in the past . It has done good , is doing good , and has laid such foundation as will tend to considerable good iu years to come ; indeed , to reiterate my former rem rk , it has been ,
is now , and I trust ever will be , a changeless power for good . When I speak of changeless , you must not imagine I wish to imply that the forms , ceremonies , status or general character of Freemasonry has been , or is ever likely to be changeless , rather , that its basis ia the
Notices Of Meetings.
same , and that in its spirit thero is no variation . We have long known enough of the history of the Craft to convince us that Freemasonry is different to-day to what it waa at the commencement of the last century , or even at the beginning of the present one , and it does not require we should be particularly observant of the
domgs of our own times to convince us that Freemasonry is not the same here—in some respects—as it is a few hundred miles away . It is only a few weeks since that a worthy Mason , Brother Henry Sadler , the Grand Tyler of England , set the thinking seotion of the Craft busy over the facts and fictions embodied in his most
interesting book . While he was , perhaps , the last I should have expected to suggest any thing like innovation in our time-honoured Institution , he has clearly shown ns there have been great and radical changes in Freemasonry—changes which , if the truth could ever be unravelled , would astonish many who at present
think there is nothing connected with Freemasonry to astonish them . But in spite of all these changes in the visible form of Freemasonry , in spirit it has remained the same , and whatever may have happened to check or advance its progress there always lies a basis of truth and real Brotherhood at the bottom , which makes the adjustment
of differences easier than would be possible without Freemasonry , and such , I think , you will always find to be the case among men who regard their Masonio obligation as something more
than mere words ; in short , if I may use the language of an emi « neut author , Freemasonry possesses " the advantage whioh , even in this artificial world , everything that is genuine has over every thing that is forced and false . "
I have already foreshadowed the true principles of Freemasonry—Brotherly Love , Relief and Truth . These principles are of suoh vast and manifest importance to the Masonic world , —I might even say to the remainder of the Universe , —that we can hardly consider it out of place on such an occasion as the present—the expressed
foundation of a new Lodge—for some special definition of them to be included as part of the ceremonial of the day , but what can I tell you more comprehensive , or more easily understood , than the actual principles themselves ? The Brotherly Love of Freemasonry—the first great principle of the Order—forms a stronger bond of
union than anything known in the civilised world , and it would be difficult , if not impossible , to name any other tie which has so marked an influence on the human race . It is nob my intention here to refer to the marvellons escapes from death and disaster whioh have been accredited to tho Brotherhood of Freemasonry , they are known , or
instances of them are known , I presume , to every one present , and whether they are wholly true , or somewhat coloured as they are recorded , they prove sufficient to show the power whioh underlies the principle of Masonic Brotherhood . I must not , however , forget a reference to the spirit of equality and of freedom which this
Brotherhood engenders among Freemasons , or , as an extract in Bro . Sadler ' s " Masonic Facts and Fictions , " the work already referred to , has it , which induces them to consider " that the original of mankind is the same ; and though Masonry divests no man of his honour , yet does the Craft admit that strictly to pursue the paths of virtue ,
whereby a clear conscience may be preserved , is the only method to make any man noble . " It is this principle which enables men of all ranks , professions and creeds to meet together , as they often do , in the Masonic Lodge , without the fear of their individual views being
attacked , or a controversy opened on matters of a purely class character , and in which they are either uninterested or may entertain opinions at variance with their fellows . The matter of freedom in all Masonic actions is too well known to necessitate
comment on ; it is sufficient to remember that no man is forced to t'ike upon himself the duties of Freemasonry , or to continue his researches when once he has made a start ; everything he ventures on in Freemasonry must be undertaken of his own free will and accord , and he can disassociate himself from its Lodges
whenever he likes . I am sure you will forgive me taking another extract from Brother Sadler's book , to show you how permanent is this principle of freedom of withdrawal in connection with Freemasonry . Bro . Sadler tells us that the minutes of the Grand Lodge ( Ancients ) of the 2 nd April 1755 record that "Thomas
Eastman , the Master of No . 18 , stood up and declared that his business to Grand Lodge on this night was to make a formal declaration that neither he nor any of the members of his Lodge would contribute to the Grand Fund , nor attend this Grand Lodge for the future . Upon which the Right Worshipful Grand Master told Mr . Eastman that
he was welcome to stay away , and further that if he knew anybody of like principles in the Assembly be also was at liberty to take him or them . " This , Brethren , you will agree was plain English , but it forcibly illustrates the Freedom which existed in Masonry even in the eirly days . Brethren , I am afraid I am trying your patience ,
and for that reason will say very little on the score of Relief and Truth , more especially as in Brother Binckes you have one far more capable of telling you what is the present outcome of Masonic Relief . It is a subject to which he has devoted a lifetime , and it would be presumption on ray part to relegate from him the opportunity
which I hope he will have of enlarging on the subject of Masonic Relief . There remains , then , the principle of Truth , and in connection with this subject you are all pretty well posted . Freemasonry teaches us to be true to our God , our country , our neighbour , and , above all , to ourselves ; for we should not forget we are just as likely to do harm
by deceiving ourselves as by misleading others , even if the consequences are not of a more serious character . For this reason we should so regulate our lives and actions as to merit the approval of our own consciences and the applanse of our fellow creatures . This cannot better be accomplished than by adherin" to the
principles and general teachings of Freemnsonry , which are sure to win for the true broth r the eulogy which Lord Beaconsfield bestowed on his ideal " Vivian Grey . " " His accomplishments were the standard of all perfection ; his sayings were the soul of all good fellowship ; and his opinion the guide in any cruis which occurred . "