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Article ALBERT VICTOR LODGE, No. 1773. Page 1 of 2 Article ALBERT VICTOR LODGE, No. 1773. Page 1 of 2 →
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Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
ALBERT VICTOR LODGE , No . 1773 .
r'PHE ivgulitr meeting of this youns and flourishing Lodge was held - L at the Masonic liooins , Town Hull , Pendleton , on tho 21 st inst . Present : —Bros . S . StaMmui P . P . G . Treas-. W . M ., J . Harrop I . P . M ., A . II . Allen F . M . as S . W ., . 1 . Lees J . W ., D . Asquith See ., Wm . Slatev Treas ., E . Winterbottom S . D ., J . W . Almond J . D ., J . Statham , and T . Kay Stewards , W . Hardcastle I . G ., J . Hevdon Tyler ; and Bros . G .
Crossfield , Richard Johnson , T . Hewitt , W . Crawly , Geo . Stead , J . Brooks P . M ., J . L . Hino P . M . P . P . G . S . W ., A . Gilbert , E . Williams P . M ., & a . Visitors—S . M . Davies FUKEMASON ' S CIIUONICLE , J . Wedgwood P . M . i 77 , J . S . Whittaker P . M . 935 , T . Gretorex 935 , Luke Tims and II . Waters P . M . 935 , W . T . Hansbrow W . M . 113 L A . Bennett 1219
G . Goodear 325 , G . S . Smith 1 G 33 , J . E . Bowden 15 SS , T . J . Hooper P . P . G . Trens . P . M . 1 C 33 , J . Wood 1 WO , A . Ness Sec . 11 < I 0 & o ., & o . Tho Ledge was opened with solemn prayer , at about 0 . 30 , and the niinntes of tho Inst regular meeting- read aud confirmed . Tho ballot was taken for Mr . Wm . J . Moflhtt , which proved unanimous in his
fevour , and that gentleman was then very impressively initiated into the mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry by tho I . P . M . Bro . J . Harrop . Aftor a few minutes intermission the W . M . resumed hia seat , nnd announced hia readiness to proceed with the lecturo be bad offered to give
on—THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE W . M . IN THE GOVERNMENT OF HIS LODGE . Worthy Brother Statbam introduced this highly interesting and edifying subject to his hearers by prefacing it with the follow , ing observations : —Having been appointed by your unanimous choice to the presidency of the Albert Victor Lodgo during the first year of its existence , it is tho fervent wish of my heart to render
myself as little undeserving as possible of the distinguished honour . As you well know , amongst die many important duties a Master has to perform , that of giving information is by no means the lightest . Not prosutning npon any snporior abilities , and not desiring , I assnro you , to act the part of dictator , I wonld , however , whilo I have the honour of occupying this chair , do what I hold is incumbent on every
W . M ., viz .: Upon all suitable and convenient occasions afford information and instruction to the brethren , exhort them to consider tho nature of our Institution , and remind them of the dnties it prescribes . Bro . Statbam intimated that at tho commencement of the careor of a Lodge it would be peculiarly opportune to consider the nature of tbe duties of the Master , his prerogatives , and his claims to
the strict obedience of tho brothren to his authority , to ensure order and harmony . He held it was a legitimate ambition for a brother to aspire to be Master of a Lodge , but ho deprecated—as most intelligent Masons do—tho custom of voting in succession , almost without any regard to his qualifications , or suitability for so distinguished a p « st , a brother who is totally unprepared or
unfitted for its duties and responsibilities . He admitted that the character of a Lodge was often preserved by the election of a Past Master , but thought it operated against tho advancement of the younger brothren . He held it as underirnble and unnecessary to adhere in every case to the custom of promoting the Junior to tho Senior Warden ' s chair , he being already eligible for
tho office of Master . By thus creating a greater number of Past Wardens the brethren would have a better opportunity of selecting from amongst them a brother who could undertake the dnties with confidence , and discharge them with efficiency and satisfaction . Tho idea here conveyed is no doubt that a Junior ov Senior Warden , incompetent for the offico of Master , would havo time to
school himself for so exalted a position . The worthy Brother then adverted to the difficulties and responsibilities of the W . M ., often surrounded with many cares and anxieties . If be were a faithful brother , and loyal to his obligation , ho would esteem the honourable office confided to him , and discharge his trust with zeal . In order to do so satisfactorily , Bro . Stathani assured the brethren that a careful
study of its principles was necessary , and a scrutinising observance and investigation into its ancient landmarks imperative . Ho believed that such a course of study and practice would enrich the mind of tho student , nnd elevate the standard of Freemasonry , and the axiom , " Bolter the Mason , better the man , " wonld bo fully realised . If a brother who aspired to the chair had not acquired bis complement of
tuition , to him might be applied tho words , " If he can do nothing and say nothing , he must bo content to be nothing . " Every Master should be able to understand and expound the ceremonies with due solemnity and elucidation . Our glorious Eitnal shonld not appear frivolous , or a tedious formality . Thero was litt e or no excuse for any brother not possessing knowledge , seeing that Masonry to-day is
not crippled by the restraints with which the timid jealousy of our predecessors fettered it . Progress is on the banner of the age , everything is moving onward , and Freemasonry has not beeu left laggingly behind ; its history , antiquity , and principles are lncidly and forcibly explained in the Masonic treatises , magazines , and journals now so nbnndantly provided , and available to every one . An incompetent
Master may derive information nnd explanations from the Craftsmen of his Lodge . but such a position is not llattoringto him . Self respect ought to prevent this . He feared the idea of many Masters was nothing more than that they held the presidency of a convivial club . Such a post shonld imply far more than spending a pleasant evening in sociable company . Freemasonry should produce , by example and precept , a permanent effect on one ' s life for good among all grades
of society . If it were not so , we wero following a shadow . The Worshipfnl Brother dwelt upon the idea entertained that we ever estimate the importance of Freemasonry . Ho contended that the Craft was not estimated sufficientl y , otherwise it would be in a happier state to-day , aud many who have been admitted to participate in its privileges ought never to be counted among its number . Ho was sorry that many men had sullied the lustre of Masonic purity , and dwarfed the standard of Masonic excellence He yet had hope that the nobler views
Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
of the Craft would provail . The Master onco installed , his power becamo absolute in his Lodgo , althongh duo checks are provided against tho arbitrary exercise of it . The knowledge of his powor , aud tho confidence reposed in him , ought to deter the W . M . from capricious and tyrannical tendencies . By immemorial law , obedionco is his right , and ho must bo obeyed accordingly . Tho W . M . has an
iudefeusiblo right to preside in his Lodge dnring his term of office and is not amenable to removal or suspension from office or to ecu . sure . The brethren could not compel him to open , close , or adjourn the Lodge ; ho did all at his own pleasuro , and the command of tho W . M . must bo obeyed . Thero wero many matters on which a Master could decido on his own responsibility , such as points of order ,
coremonial , aud arrangement of Lodge business ; and to his decision on such questions all the members should cheerfully submit . This absolute authority may appoar to somo arbitrary . But it was beneficial , even though occasioning a temporary inconvenience , as by preserving his powor intact the harmony of the Lodgo was often kept unimpaired , which was paramount for its wolfare . Shonld the W . M .
overstep tho mark , in his zeal or from other cause , Bro . Statham pointed out tho Court of Appeal , viz ., Grand Lodgo , where tho W . M . himself must submit ; and he continued further by rightly supposing that somo brethren , who had but little experience , would deem it improbable that any differenoo could arise in tho decision of Masonio questions . Differences were averted by the ruling of a judioious and
well-versed ruler , but experience tells ns that these wise rulers aro few aud far between ; therefore , thero is a groat doferonco shown to the opinions of members ns woll as Masters . The W . M . should be quite impartial in the deliberations of the Lodgo , and guard tho honour of tho ballot ; he should never forget that the welfare of the Lodge is in his keeping . He should bo like tho skilful
commander of a splendid vessel navigating dangerous seas ; he should bo ever ready to heal dissension , and prevent disunion . Ho should be equal tempered , and maiutain coolness of judgmont . The real power of tho W . M . consisted in the respect by which he was held by the Lodge . Bro . Statham condemned levity or rudenoss in Lodgo . He maintained a Master ought to visit such an offender
sharply . The Master must consider the advantage , welfaro , and comfort of his brethren , all his proceedings should be interpreted with charity and liberality ; if ho seems to orr , there are means and opportunities for placid intercourse , and communication whioh no Master will refuse , but for any brother to be arrogant , self-willod or disobedient , whether from injured pride or disappointment , as to
endeavour harshly to rule over him , is not ouly unmasonic , but totally unworthy a member of so noble and exalted a society as that of Freemasonry . An eminent Masonio writer had said , " Let it ever be born in mind that all the plans of Freemasonry are pacific , it co-operates with our blessed roligion in regulating the tempers , restraining tho passions , sweetening the dispositions , and harmonising
the discordant interests of men . It breathe * a spirit of universal love and benevolence , adds one thread more to the silken cord of ovangelical charity which binds man to man , and seeks to entwine the cardinal virtues with Christian grace in tho web of tho affections and tho drapery of tho conduct . " The W . M . has tho right to admit all brethren as visitors to his Lodge . Ho could debar the entrance
of any of dissolute habits . A Master should demand every satisfaction of a visitor ' s right to enter his Lodge . Bro . Statham was very warm on the rights of tho W . M . at refreshment . Refreshment , he very justly said , is a department of Masonic duty , and the festive board is under official supervision . Tho Junior Warden called the brethren , by the command of the Master , from labour to
refreshment , and rice versa . The habit then , ho said , of closing tbe Lodge and then retiring to refreshment was , in his opinion , unconstitutional . At the opportune moment the J . W ., after each brother had enjoyed " the feast of reason and the flow of soul , " should instruct tho brethren to resume labonr , and as a consequence he inferred that every brother would be whero duty
called him , and inclination guided him—at his own fireside , to reflect upon his own family circle , and the virtuous teachings of tho Craft . Having gone so far , he reminded the brethren that the basis of tho Order is indissoluble friendship , and tho cement of it unanimity and brotherly lovo . no know it was a delicate thing to interest ono ' s self in a dispute , and yet preserve decorum . It was inferred that
unless good order , decency , and good temper bo preserved in tho Lodge , discontent would arise , oonfusion be introduced , and something approaching dissolution follow . Ho then pointed out four things to be observed and guarded against . First of all roughness , which makes a brother unpleasant to others ; second , contempt , which brings uneasiness and pain along with it . No one can contentedl y
bear to be slighted ; wo should gnard against the curled lip , tho crnel sneer , and the scornful word ; third , censoriousness ; we aro apt to find fault , but wo do not consider our own shortcoming ? : fourth , railery , although clothed in wit and good language , rfteu stings , aud often leaves the sting behind . Contradiction is a species of incivility , ho thought often indicative of ill-breeding . Bro .
Statham considered affability a virtuous trait . We should oppose ill-grounded opinions , and rectify the mistakes of others , bnt do it with due care , truth , charity , and proper caution . He now drew a rapid picture of some of tho features of our noble Institution , of which he hoped the Albert Victor Lodge was a young , and at presont a humble representative ; he trusted it would soon be seen as a
bright and honoured symbol . He then paased on to Charity , the magic sound of which made every Mason ' s heart vibrate . He bestowed high ealogiurn on the Grand Institutions—both central and provincial—which are the highest jewels of Freemasonry , and insepnrable from tho three grand principles which govern our glorions Fraternity . In conclusion , our brother exhorted those
present to strictly adhere to the holy teachings of Freemasonry . Let every brother lift his eyes to the bright morning star , emblem of peace and source of light ; let him so live that he will secure to himself a residence in those blessed and immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates . Speak gently , act humanely , commiserate the destitute , fling wide tho door of hospitality , cast round you the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
ALBERT VICTOR LODGE , No . 1773 .
r'PHE ivgulitr meeting of this youns and flourishing Lodge was held - L at the Masonic liooins , Town Hull , Pendleton , on tho 21 st inst . Present : —Bros . S . StaMmui P . P . G . Treas-. W . M ., J . Harrop I . P . M ., A . II . Allen F . M . as S . W ., . 1 . Lees J . W ., D . Asquith See ., Wm . Slatev Treas ., E . Winterbottom S . D ., J . W . Almond J . D ., J . Statham , and T . Kay Stewards , W . Hardcastle I . G ., J . Hevdon Tyler ; and Bros . G .
Crossfield , Richard Johnson , T . Hewitt , W . Crawly , Geo . Stead , J . Brooks P . M ., J . L . Hino P . M . P . P . G . S . W ., A . Gilbert , E . Williams P . M ., & a . Visitors—S . M . Davies FUKEMASON ' S CIIUONICLE , J . Wedgwood P . M . i 77 , J . S . Whittaker P . M . 935 , T . Gretorex 935 , Luke Tims and II . Waters P . M . 935 , W . T . Hansbrow W . M . 113 L A . Bennett 1219
G . Goodear 325 , G . S . Smith 1 G 33 , J . E . Bowden 15 SS , T . J . Hooper P . P . G . Trens . P . M . 1 C 33 , J . Wood 1 WO , A . Ness Sec . 11 < I 0 & o ., & o . Tho Ledge was opened with solemn prayer , at about 0 . 30 , and the niinntes of tho Inst regular meeting- read aud confirmed . Tho ballot was taken for Mr . Wm . J . Moflhtt , which proved unanimous in his
fevour , and that gentleman was then very impressively initiated into the mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry by tho I . P . M . Bro . J . Harrop . Aftor a few minutes intermission the W . M . resumed hia seat , nnd announced hia readiness to proceed with the lecturo be bad offered to give
on—THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE W . M . IN THE GOVERNMENT OF HIS LODGE . Worthy Brother Statbam introduced this highly interesting and edifying subject to his hearers by prefacing it with the follow , ing observations : —Having been appointed by your unanimous choice to the presidency of the Albert Victor Lodgo during the first year of its existence , it is tho fervent wish of my heart to render
myself as little undeserving as possible of the distinguished honour . As you well know , amongst die many important duties a Master has to perform , that of giving information is by no means the lightest . Not prosutning npon any snporior abilities , and not desiring , I assnro you , to act the part of dictator , I wonld , however , whilo I have the honour of occupying this chair , do what I hold is incumbent on every
W . M ., viz .: Upon all suitable and convenient occasions afford information and instruction to the brethren , exhort them to consider tho nature of our Institution , and remind them of the dnties it prescribes . Bro . Statbam intimated that at tho commencement of the careor of a Lodge it would be peculiarly opportune to consider the nature of tbe duties of the Master , his prerogatives , and his claims to
the strict obedience of tho brothren to his authority , to ensure order and harmony . He held it was a legitimate ambition for a brother to aspire to be Master of a Lodge , but ho deprecated—as most intelligent Masons do—tho custom of voting in succession , almost without any regard to his qualifications , or suitability for so distinguished a p « st , a brother who is totally unprepared or
unfitted for its duties and responsibilities . He admitted that the character of a Lodge was often preserved by the election of a Past Master , but thought it operated against tho advancement of the younger brothren . He held it as underirnble and unnecessary to adhere in every case to the custom of promoting the Junior to tho Senior Warden ' s chair , he being already eligible for
tho office of Master . By thus creating a greater number of Past Wardens the brethren would have a better opportunity of selecting from amongst them a brother who could undertake the dnties with confidence , and discharge them with efficiency and satisfaction . Tho idea here conveyed is no doubt that a Junior ov Senior Warden , incompetent for the offico of Master , would havo time to
school himself for so exalted a position . The worthy Brother then adverted to the difficulties and responsibilities of the W . M ., often surrounded with many cares and anxieties . If be were a faithful brother , and loyal to his obligation , ho would esteem the honourable office confided to him , and discharge his trust with zeal . In order to do so satisfactorily , Bro . Stathani assured the brethren that a careful
study of its principles was necessary , and a scrutinising observance and investigation into its ancient landmarks imperative . Ho believed that such a course of study and practice would enrich the mind of tho student , nnd elevate the standard of Freemasonry , and the axiom , " Bolter the Mason , better the man , " wonld bo fully realised . If a brother who aspired to the chair had not acquired bis complement of
tuition , to him might be applied tho words , " If he can do nothing and say nothing , he must bo content to be nothing . " Every Master should be able to understand and expound the ceremonies with due solemnity and elucidation . Our glorious Eitnal shonld not appear frivolous , or a tedious formality . Thero was litt e or no excuse for any brother not possessing knowledge , seeing that Masonry to-day is
not crippled by the restraints with which the timid jealousy of our predecessors fettered it . Progress is on the banner of the age , everything is moving onward , and Freemasonry has not beeu left laggingly behind ; its history , antiquity , and principles are lncidly and forcibly explained in the Masonic treatises , magazines , and journals now so nbnndantly provided , and available to every one . An incompetent
Master may derive information nnd explanations from the Craftsmen of his Lodge . but such a position is not llattoringto him . Self respect ought to prevent this . He feared the idea of many Masters was nothing more than that they held the presidency of a convivial club . Such a post shonld imply far more than spending a pleasant evening in sociable company . Freemasonry should produce , by example and precept , a permanent effect on one ' s life for good among all grades
of society . If it were not so , we wero following a shadow . The Worshipfnl Brother dwelt upon the idea entertained that we ever estimate the importance of Freemasonry . Ho contended that the Craft was not estimated sufficientl y , otherwise it would be in a happier state to-day , aud many who have been admitted to participate in its privileges ought never to be counted among its number . Ho was sorry that many men had sullied the lustre of Masonic purity , and dwarfed the standard of Masonic excellence He yet had hope that the nobler views
Albert Victor Lodge, No. 1773.
of the Craft would provail . The Master onco installed , his power becamo absolute in his Lodgo , althongh duo checks are provided against tho arbitrary exercise of it . The knowledge of his powor , aud tho confidence reposed in him , ought to deter the W . M . from capricious and tyrannical tendencies . By immemorial law , obedionco is his right , and ho must bo obeyed accordingly . Tho W . M . has an
iudefeusiblo right to preside in his Lodge dnring his term of office and is not amenable to removal or suspension from office or to ecu . sure . The brethren could not compel him to open , close , or adjourn the Lodge ; ho did all at his own pleasuro , and the command of tho W . M . must bo obeyed . Thero wero many matters on which a Master could decido on his own responsibility , such as points of order ,
coremonial , aud arrangement of Lodge business ; and to his decision on such questions all the members should cheerfully submit . This absolute authority may appoar to somo arbitrary . But it was beneficial , even though occasioning a temporary inconvenience , as by preserving his powor intact the harmony of the Lodgo was often kept unimpaired , which was paramount for its wolfare . Shonld the W . M .
overstep tho mark , in his zeal or from other cause , Bro . Statham pointed out tho Court of Appeal , viz ., Grand Lodgo , where tho W . M . himself must submit ; and he continued further by rightly supposing that somo brethren , who had but little experience , would deem it improbable that any differenoo could arise in tho decision of Masonio questions . Differences were averted by the ruling of a judioious and
well-versed ruler , but experience tells ns that these wise rulers aro few aud far between ; therefore , thero is a groat doferonco shown to the opinions of members ns woll as Masters . The W . M . should be quite impartial in the deliberations of the Lodgo , and guard tho honour of tho ballot ; he should never forget that the welfare of the Lodge is in his keeping . He should bo like tho skilful
commander of a splendid vessel navigating dangerous seas ; he should bo ever ready to heal dissension , and prevent disunion . Ho should be equal tempered , and maiutain coolness of judgmont . The real power of tho W . M . consisted in the respect by which he was held by the Lodge . Bro . Statham condemned levity or rudenoss in Lodgo . He maintained a Master ought to visit such an offender
sharply . The Master must consider the advantage , welfaro , and comfort of his brethren , all his proceedings should be interpreted with charity and liberality ; if ho seems to orr , there are means and opportunities for placid intercourse , and communication whioh no Master will refuse , but for any brother to be arrogant , self-willod or disobedient , whether from injured pride or disappointment , as to
endeavour harshly to rule over him , is not ouly unmasonic , but totally unworthy a member of so noble and exalted a society as that of Freemasonry . An eminent Masonio writer had said , " Let it ever be born in mind that all the plans of Freemasonry are pacific , it co-operates with our blessed roligion in regulating the tempers , restraining tho passions , sweetening the dispositions , and harmonising
the discordant interests of men . It breathe * a spirit of universal love and benevolence , adds one thread more to the silken cord of ovangelical charity which binds man to man , and seeks to entwine the cardinal virtues with Christian grace in tho web of tho affections and tho drapery of tho conduct . " The W . M . has tho right to admit all brethren as visitors to his Lodge . Ho could debar the entrance
of any of dissolute habits . A Master should demand every satisfaction of a visitor ' s right to enter his Lodge . Bro . Statham was very warm on the rights of tho W . M . at refreshment . Refreshment , he very justly said , is a department of Masonic duty , and the festive board is under official supervision . Tho Junior Warden called the brethren , by the command of the Master , from labour to
refreshment , and rice versa . The habit then , ho said , of closing tbe Lodge and then retiring to refreshment was , in his opinion , unconstitutional . At the opportune moment the J . W ., after each brother had enjoyed " the feast of reason and the flow of soul , " should instruct tho brethren to resume labonr , and as a consequence he inferred that every brother would be whero duty
called him , and inclination guided him—at his own fireside , to reflect upon his own family circle , and the virtuous teachings of tho Craft . Having gone so far , he reminded the brethren that the basis of tho Order is indissoluble friendship , and tho cement of it unanimity and brotherly lovo . no know it was a delicate thing to interest ono ' s self in a dispute , and yet preserve decorum . It was inferred that
unless good order , decency , and good temper bo preserved in tho Lodge , discontent would arise , oonfusion be introduced , and something approaching dissolution follow . Ho then pointed out four things to be observed and guarded against . First of all roughness , which makes a brother unpleasant to others ; second , contempt , which brings uneasiness and pain along with it . No one can contentedl y
bear to be slighted ; wo should gnard against the curled lip , tho crnel sneer , and the scornful word ; third , censoriousness ; we aro apt to find fault , but wo do not consider our own shortcoming ? : fourth , railery , although clothed in wit and good language , rfteu stings , aud often leaves the sting behind . Contradiction is a species of incivility , ho thought often indicative of ill-breeding . Bro .
Statham considered affability a virtuous trait . We should oppose ill-grounded opinions , and rectify the mistakes of others , bnt do it with due care , truth , charity , and proper caution . He now drew a rapid picture of some of tho features of our noble Institution , of which he hoped the Albert Victor Lodge was a young , and at presont a humble representative ; he trusted it would soon be seen as a
bright and honoured symbol . He then paased on to Charity , the magic sound of which made every Mason ' s heart vibrate . He bestowed high ealogiurn on the Grand Institutions—both central and provincial—which are the highest jewels of Freemasonry , and insepnrable from tho three grand principles which govern our glorions Fraternity . In conclusion , our brother exhorted those
present to strictly adhere to the holy teachings of Freemasonry . Let every brother lift his eyes to the bright morning star , emblem of peace and source of light ; let him so live that he will secure to himself a residence in those blessed and immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates . Speak gently , act humanely , commiserate the destitute , fling wide tho door of hospitality , cast round you the