-
Articles/Ads
Article MASONS OF MANY DEGREES ← Page 2 of 2 Article DEDICATION OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE, KEOKUK, IOWA. Page 1 of 1 Article DEDICATION OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE, KEOKUK, IOWA. Page 1 of 1 Article GLASGOW. Page 1 of 1 Article NOTICES OF MEETINGS. &c Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masons Of Many Degrees
pleased with them than they are witb the Lodge that they lose all interest in the latter , and are entirely absorbed in the greater beauties of the ceremonies and rites of the former . It is believed that this supposition is founded on a misconception of facta . We mnst admit , to the discredit of Masonry , but moro to tho discredit of the humanity of which Masons are made , that many become Masons through motives
of mere curiosity . They go through the first three degrees , but they are not satisfied because there are other mysteries which have not been unveiled in their presence , and their cariosity still leads them on and on until they have passed through them all , when they sit down and cry , Alexander-like , because somebody will not give them the eighty-four degrees of the Egyptian Bite in addition to the thirty
odd of the American and Scottish Bites . Having satiated their curiosity so far as possible by the reception of the degrees within their reach , they lose interest in them all , and attend on the administration of none of them . They have got what they wanted—have atisfied their foolish curiosity—and why should they pay any farther attention to the matter P As a rule , this class attend neither the
Lodge nor the consistory , and , if the facts were submitted to a scrutiny , we believe it would clearly appear that tho great majority of those who are now set down by Lodge members as absenting themselves from Lodge because they like the higher degrees better , are as often absent from the one as the other , and that the reason of their absence is not that they care more for the one than tho other , but
rather that they care for neither . On inquiry made , we should find them absent from one place as well as the other , and attending neither , unless on particular occasions , and at long intervals . Were an extended view of the facts touching the subject taken , it would probably appear that the best workers in the Lodge are , generally , the best workers in the higher bodies j and we assume it
would be found to be equally true that members of the higher bodies do their full share in keeping up the interests of the Lodge , in proportion to their nnmbers . We have not yet found the first individual member , who is a thoroughly active and efficient worker in the newer degrees , who does not reverence the ancient landmarks , and hold it to be his duty to preserve them in their vigour and full strength , as
well as inviolate . The threo degrees are the base and the ground-work of all true Masonry , and are conceded that position by every widely prevailing Rite or system in the world . We are unwilling , hence , to believe that there is any considerable number who prefer to labour for the np-buildingof the superstructure without a proper regard for the soundness and perfection of the foundation . The man who builded his house on the sand instead of
a rook is designated as a fool , and the saying has long since passed into a proverb . How much wiser is that Mason who , having a sure foundation prepared for him on which to build his moral and Masonio edifice , builds on a new or untried foundation , or on none at all , and finds his structure , like the tenement house of Chicago , based on nothing but mud P But we trust there are few of this class of builders
in Speculative Masonry . All have been tanght better how to erect their moral and Masonio edifice . Let every one build as well as he has been taught , and his work will be strong and permanent . But the charge we have so briefly examined may teach those of the so-called high degrees a salutary lesson , if heeded and practised . They cannot be ignorant of the truth that there are large nnmbers of thoie
who have taken the Lodge degrees only , who really believe those who have been inducted into the others are remiss in Lodge dnties , and look npon that body as secondary in importance . It is for those of the higher degrees , so-called , to dispel this illusion . It is in their power to do it . They are the only power which can do it . Let them , in pursuance of this fraternal work , see that a full share of time , work
and influence is given to the Lodge . If need be , to correct this wrong impression , let them give more attention , proportionally , to the first three than to the last thirty-three degrees , that no brother may be able , truthfully , to say that they build on any other foundation than that which has been laid . These last remarks are addressed only to true Masons , who love the
Fraternity , and who are willing to labour for its welfare , and suffer that it may prosper . Thoso who have passed through the various degrees to gratify an idle curiosity , and who attend the Convocations and Conclaves only on public occasions , and think all the good of the higher degrees is covered by a baldric , a sword , and an ostrich feather
will never heed our advice or profit by our exhibition of the facts . But let all true and genuine brethren of the Fraternity remember that in well-regulated communities some must obey if others rale , and that there need be no contention among them except that noble contention , or rather emulation , of who best can work and agree .
Dedication Of The New Masonic Temple, Keokuk, Iowa.
DEDICATION OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE , KEOKUK , IOWA .
WE gather the following particulars from the Weekly Constitution : — It has been scarcely a year since a violent wind cloud burst over onr city , and destroyed the hall occupied by the Masonic fraternity . They had been at great expense the fall preceding in entertaining and banqueting the grand bodies of the State which
assembled here , and the loss entailed upon them by the destruction of their hall and paraphernalia was heavy . But they were not discouraged . Temporary quarters were secured , and a committee , consisting of members from each of the Lodges , waa appointed to
see about building a new temple . Thursday , the Masonic fraternity of Koeknk dedicated one of the best arranged , most convenient , finest finished and furnished halls in the west . At half-past 2 o'clock on Thursday , 1 st March , the Grand Lodge met at 7 th and Main streets . It was soon joined by Eagle and
Dedication Of The New Masonic Temple, Keokuk, Iowa.
llardin Lodges , when a procession was formsd in the following order : —Eagle and Hardin Lodges nnder charge of their officers . Tho Grand Lodsre of Iowa , under the charge of Grand Master H . W . Bothert . Tho bodies then moved off and marched out Blondeau to Tenth , from Tenth to Main , down Main to Third , from Third lo
Johnson-street , out Johnson-street to Fonrth-street to the Hall . On the arrival of the bodies at the Hall , tho Grand Lodge waa greeted with publio grand honours . Music by the band followed , after which the dedication exercises began . Grand Master Bothert , after addressing the Craft , brieflv recited , in an impressive manner ,
the dedicatory ode . After this the hall was inspected by tho Grand Lodge , the members marching through all of tho rooms and corridors in the building . The consecration prayer by tha Grand Chaplain , Bev . B . C . Mcllwaia followed , then came the address to the Grand Master , by the Gran
Architect , B . F . Bower , who presented Grand Master Bothert with the Square , Level and Plummet , remarking that , " having , according to the best of my ability , accomplished the task assigned me , I now return my thanks for the honour of this appointment , and beg leave to surrender up the implements which were committed to my care
when the foundations of this fabric were laid—humbly hoping that the exertions which have been made on this occasion will be crowned with your approbation and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge . The Grand Master replied in the usnal form , after which he was addressed by Deputy Grand Master Cross who expressed the desire
of the Craft to have the hall dedicated . The Grand Lodge then formed a procession around the hall , during which the Craft s- > ng the dedication ode . The Junior Grand Warden , S . L . Bayliss , then presented the Grand Master with a vessel of corn , which he spread on the Lodge , saying : " In the name of the Great
Jehovah , to whom bo all hononr and glory , I most solemnly dedicate this hall to Freemasonry . " A second procession was then formed , and marched around the hall , after which the Senior Grand Warden , John B . Carpenter , presented the Grand Master with a vessel of wine , which he sprinkled
over the floor , accompanying the action with these words : "In the name of the most holy St . John , I do most solemnly dedicate this hall to virtue . " A third procession followed this act , the Craft singing an ode as tbe procession marched around . The Deputy Grand Master then presented the Grand Master with a vessel of oil , which was sprinkled over the Lodge , the G . M .
repeating : " In the name of the whole fraternity , I do most solemnly dedicate this hall to universal benevolence . " The public Grand honours were then thrice repeated , when the G . M . retired to his station . After the Invocation by the Grand Chaplain , Dr . Shaffer delivered a very eloquent oration , which brought the proceedings to a close . We 'hope in a future number to publish Dr . Sohaffer ' s oration which we are sure will be read with great interest .
Glasgow.
GLASGOW .
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE VISITATIONS .
Bro . Col . Walter Montgomerie Nelson , P . G . M . of Glasgow , commenced his visitation for the present year , by a visit to the Union and Crown , No . 103 , on Monday , 26 th March , and highly complimented the Lodge on the very efficient state of the books , and also of the finances . He , with several P . G . Os ., went te the St . Clair . That Lodge in the absence , through illness , of the Master , had been opened by
Bro . Hogg I . P . M ., assisted by the whole of the remaining office bearers . The report showed that since last visitation there had been 22 initiations , and the funds had been increased by above £ 30 . The P . G . M . congratulated them on their financial as well as their moral prosperity . It was very desirable they should look strictly into the morals of those they were about to admit into the Order .
Notices Of Meetings. &C
NOTICES OF MEETINGS . & c
The Holy Palestine Preceptory will meet at the Masonio Hall , 33 Golden . square W . on Wednesday , 4 th April at 5 . 30 ., Sir Knt . John Boyd E . Preceptor to instal the E . Preceptor Elect , Sir Knt . H . 0 . Levander M . A ., to invest the Treasurer , appoint the officers , and instal candidates .
The Vigne Chapter , Rose Croix will meet at the Pembroke Hotel , Bournemouth , on Wednesday , 4 th April , at 6 p . m . for the per . fection of candidates and election of the M . W . S . for the ensuing year .
Ex . Bro . S . G . Kirchhoffer , 18 ° , M . W . S . The Studholme Lodge of Mark Master Masons will meet at the Masonio Hall , 33 Golden-square , W ., on Thursday , Sth April , at 4 . 45 , Bro . Lieut-General J . Studholme Brownrigg , C . B ., W . M . The Bayard Lodge , No . 1615 , held a Lodge of Emergency on Monday , 26 th March , at the Masonio Hall , 33 Golden-square , W ., at 4 p . m . Present—W . Bro . Lieut-Colonel H . Somerville Burney P . M . P . P . G . Deacon of Essex as W . M ., and several others . Bros , the Eev . G . Sutton Flack , Maitland and Herbert were raised . Bros .
Egerton and Longcroft passed to the degree of Fellow Craft , and the Kev . Hugh Pearson initiated into tho mysteries of the Order . On the proposition of the W . M ., seconded by the Treasurer , a donation of ninety guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . Several candidates having been proposed for initiation at the meeting on 30 th April , the Lodge was closed in due form .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masons Of Many Degrees
pleased with them than they are witb the Lodge that they lose all interest in the latter , and are entirely absorbed in the greater beauties of the ceremonies and rites of the former . It is believed that this supposition is founded on a misconception of facta . We mnst admit , to the discredit of Masonry , but moro to tho discredit of the humanity of which Masons are made , that many become Masons through motives
of mere curiosity . They go through the first three degrees , but they are not satisfied because there are other mysteries which have not been unveiled in their presence , and their cariosity still leads them on and on until they have passed through them all , when they sit down and cry , Alexander-like , because somebody will not give them the eighty-four degrees of the Egyptian Bite in addition to the thirty
odd of the American and Scottish Bites . Having satiated their curiosity so far as possible by the reception of the degrees within their reach , they lose interest in them all , and attend on the administration of none of them . They have got what they wanted—have atisfied their foolish curiosity—and why should they pay any farther attention to the matter P As a rule , this class attend neither the
Lodge nor the consistory , and , if the facts were submitted to a scrutiny , we believe it would clearly appear that tho great majority of those who are now set down by Lodge members as absenting themselves from Lodge because they like the higher degrees better , are as often absent from the one as the other , and that the reason of their absence is not that they care more for the one than tho other , but
rather that they care for neither . On inquiry made , we should find them absent from one place as well as the other , and attending neither , unless on particular occasions , and at long intervals . Were an extended view of the facts touching the subject taken , it would probably appear that the best workers in the Lodge are , generally , the best workers in the higher bodies j and we assume it
would be found to be equally true that members of the higher bodies do their full share in keeping up the interests of the Lodge , in proportion to their nnmbers . We have not yet found the first individual member , who is a thoroughly active and efficient worker in the newer degrees , who does not reverence the ancient landmarks , and hold it to be his duty to preserve them in their vigour and full strength , as
well as inviolate . The threo degrees are the base and the ground-work of all true Masonry , and are conceded that position by every widely prevailing Rite or system in the world . We are unwilling , hence , to believe that there is any considerable number who prefer to labour for the np-buildingof the superstructure without a proper regard for the soundness and perfection of the foundation . The man who builded his house on the sand instead of
a rook is designated as a fool , and the saying has long since passed into a proverb . How much wiser is that Mason who , having a sure foundation prepared for him on which to build his moral and Masonio edifice , builds on a new or untried foundation , or on none at all , and finds his structure , like the tenement house of Chicago , based on nothing but mud P But we trust there are few of this class of builders
in Speculative Masonry . All have been tanght better how to erect their moral and Masonio edifice . Let every one build as well as he has been taught , and his work will be strong and permanent . But the charge we have so briefly examined may teach those of the so-called high degrees a salutary lesson , if heeded and practised . They cannot be ignorant of the truth that there are large nnmbers of thoie
who have taken the Lodge degrees only , who really believe those who have been inducted into the others are remiss in Lodge dnties , and look npon that body as secondary in importance . It is for those of the higher degrees , so-called , to dispel this illusion . It is in their power to do it . They are the only power which can do it . Let them , in pursuance of this fraternal work , see that a full share of time , work
and influence is given to the Lodge . If need be , to correct this wrong impression , let them give more attention , proportionally , to the first three than to the last thirty-three degrees , that no brother may be able , truthfully , to say that they build on any other foundation than that which has been laid . These last remarks are addressed only to true Masons , who love the
Fraternity , and who are willing to labour for its welfare , and suffer that it may prosper . Thoso who have passed through the various degrees to gratify an idle curiosity , and who attend the Convocations and Conclaves only on public occasions , and think all the good of the higher degrees is covered by a baldric , a sword , and an ostrich feather
will never heed our advice or profit by our exhibition of the facts . But let all true and genuine brethren of the Fraternity remember that in well-regulated communities some must obey if others rale , and that there need be no contention among them except that noble contention , or rather emulation , of who best can work and agree .
Dedication Of The New Masonic Temple, Keokuk, Iowa.
DEDICATION OF THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE , KEOKUK , IOWA .
WE gather the following particulars from the Weekly Constitution : — It has been scarcely a year since a violent wind cloud burst over onr city , and destroyed the hall occupied by the Masonic fraternity . They had been at great expense the fall preceding in entertaining and banqueting the grand bodies of the State which
assembled here , and the loss entailed upon them by the destruction of their hall and paraphernalia was heavy . But they were not discouraged . Temporary quarters were secured , and a committee , consisting of members from each of the Lodges , waa appointed to
see about building a new temple . Thursday , the Masonic fraternity of Koeknk dedicated one of the best arranged , most convenient , finest finished and furnished halls in the west . At half-past 2 o'clock on Thursday , 1 st March , the Grand Lodge met at 7 th and Main streets . It was soon joined by Eagle and
Dedication Of The New Masonic Temple, Keokuk, Iowa.
llardin Lodges , when a procession was formsd in the following order : —Eagle and Hardin Lodges nnder charge of their officers . Tho Grand Lodsre of Iowa , under the charge of Grand Master H . W . Bothert . Tho bodies then moved off and marched out Blondeau to Tenth , from Tenth to Main , down Main to Third , from Third lo
Johnson-street , out Johnson-street to Fonrth-street to the Hall . On the arrival of the bodies at the Hall , tho Grand Lodge waa greeted with publio grand honours . Music by the band followed , after which the dedication exercises began . Grand Master Bothert , after addressing the Craft , brieflv recited , in an impressive manner ,
the dedicatory ode . After this the hall was inspected by tho Grand Lodge , the members marching through all of tho rooms and corridors in the building . The consecration prayer by tha Grand Chaplain , Bev . B . C . Mcllwaia followed , then came the address to the Grand Master , by the Gran
Architect , B . F . Bower , who presented Grand Master Bothert with the Square , Level and Plummet , remarking that , " having , according to the best of my ability , accomplished the task assigned me , I now return my thanks for the honour of this appointment , and beg leave to surrender up the implements which were committed to my care
when the foundations of this fabric were laid—humbly hoping that the exertions which have been made on this occasion will be crowned with your approbation and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge . The Grand Master replied in the usnal form , after which he was addressed by Deputy Grand Master Cross who expressed the desire
of the Craft to have the hall dedicated . The Grand Lodge then formed a procession around the hall , during which the Craft s- > ng the dedication ode . The Junior Grand Warden , S . L . Bayliss , then presented the Grand Master with a vessel of corn , which he spread on the Lodge , saying : " In the name of the Great
Jehovah , to whom bo all hononr and glory , I most solemnly dedicate this hall to Freemasonry . " A second procession was then formed , and marched around the hall , after which the Senior Grand Warden , John B . Carpenter , presented the Grand Master with a vessel of wine , which he sprinkled
over the floor , accompanying the action with these words : "In the name of the most holy St . John , I do most solemnly dedicate this hall to virtue . " A third procession followed this act , the Craft singing an ode as tbe procession marched around . The Deputy Grand Master then presented the Grand Master with a vessel of oil , which was sprinkled over the Lodge , the G . M .
repeating : " In the name of the whole fraternity , I do most solemnly dedicate this hall to universal benevolence . " The public Grand honours were then thrice repeated , when the G . M . retired to his station . After the Invocation by the Grand Chaplain , Dr . Shaffer delivered a very eloquent oration , which brought the proceedings to a close . We 'hope in a future number to publish Dr . Sohaffer ' s oration which we are sure will be read with great interest .
Glasgow.
GLASGOW .
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE VISITATIONS .
Bro . Col . Walter Montgomerie Nelson , P . G . M . of Glasgow , commenced his visitation for the present year , by a visit to the Union and Crown , No . 103 , on Monday , 26 th March , and highly complimented the Lodge on the very efficient state of the books , and also of the finances . He , with several P . G . Os ., went te the St . Clair . That Lodge in the absence , through illness , of the Master , had been opened by
Bro . Hogg I . P . M ., assisted by the whole of the remaining office bearers . The report showed that since last visitation there had been 22 initiations , and the funds had been increased by above £ 30 . The P . G . M . congratulated them on their financial as well as their moral prosperity . It was very desirable they should look strictly into the morals of those they were about to admit into the Order .
Notices Of Meetings. &C
NOTICES OF MEETINGS . & c
The Holy Palestine Preceptory will meet at the Masonio Hall , 33 Golden . square W . on Wednesday , 4 th April at 5 . 30 ., Sir Knt . John Boyd E . Preceptor to instal the E . Preceptor Elect , Sir Knt . H . 0 . Levander M . A ., to invest the Treasurer , appoint the officers , and instal candidates .
The Vigne Chapter , Rose Croix will meet at the Pembroke Hotel , Bournemouth , on Wednesday , 4 th April , at 6 p . m . for the per . fection of candidates and election of the M . W . S . for the ensuing year .
Ex . Bro . S . G . Kirchhoffer , 18 ° , M . W . S . The Studholme Lodge of Mark Master Masons will meet at the Masonio Hall , 33 Golden-square , W ., on Thursday , Sth April , at 4 . 45 , Bro . Lieut-General J . Studholme Brownrigg , C . B ., W . M . The Bayard Lodge , No . 1615 , held a Lodge of Emergency on Monday , 26 th March , at the Masonio Hall , 33 Golden-square , W ., at 4 p . m . Present—W . Bro . Lieut-Colonel H . Somerville Burney P . M . P . P . G . Deacon of Essex as W . M ., and several others . Bros , the Eev . G . Sutton Flack , Maitland and Herbert were raised . Bros .
Egerton and Longcroft passed to the degree of Fellow Craft , and the Kev . Hugh Pearson initiated into tho mysteries of the Order . On the proposition of the W . M ., seconded by the Treasurer , a donation of ninety guineas was voted to the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys . Several candidates having been proposed for initiation at the meeting on 30 th April , the Lodge was closed in due form .