Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Quarterly Magazine And Review.
has been reared , being one of the most precious in the estimation of all worthy men and Masons ,- —what was to be done ? When we wrote on this topic last year , we stated unequivocally , that the M . W . the G . M ., the Earl of Zetland , would not stultify himself by consenting to lay the first stone of a building
nearly finished , if asked to do so . As circumstances have turned out , it will be seen that our opinion has been confirmed The Committee , — -seeing the position in which they had placed themselves , probably from having read our comments , —did not place the M . W . the G . M . in such a difficulty , as to
render it impossible that he could do otherwise than refuse to take a part in any future proceedings . The building was , therefore , " hastened to its completion . " The matter of laying the first stone was entirely put aside , and attention was turned to make the best of a bad matter , and to rectify a mistake , as
far as it might be practicable to do so , by a solemn dedication . Here , then , was an opportunity which might still redound to the service of Masonry , and wipe away much
of the discredit of the original blunder , if managed decently and discreetly . The M . W . the G . M ., and the R . W . the D . G . M ., with a consideration for the interests of the Charity , that does them infinite honour , consented to take part in the ceremony of dedication , and every Mason who wished well to
the Order , congratulated himself that something of a high and palmy character might , at last , be consummated . However , no sooner were the necessary arrangements entered upon , than it began to be apparent that the same spirit which had caused the primary blunder , was in existence . Difficulties of
no ordinary nature arose . The holding of a Grand Lodge , and the ceremonial of dedication were clearly the exclusive province of the M . W . the G . M . In a matter of this kind , no one , beside the M . W . the G . M . had a right even to offer an opinion . Let alone the grace of submitting to the M . W . the
G . M ., on account of his position at the head of the Craft , it was the duty of every member of the Committee to wait the Earl of Zetland ' s directions , to abide by his pleasure , and to submit to his decision . So far , however , from the Com-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Quarterly Magazine And Review.
has been reared , being one of the most precious in the estimation of all worthy men and Masons ,- —what was to be done ? When we wrote on this topic last year , we stated unequivocally , that the M . W . the G . M ., the Earl of Zetland , would not stultify himself by consenting to lay the first stone of a building
nearly finished , if asked to do so . As circumstances have turned out , it will be seen that our opinion has been confirmed The Committee , — -seeing the position in which they had placed themselves , probably from having read our comments , —did not place the M . W . the G . M . in such a difficulty , as to
render it impossible that he could do otherwise than refuse to take a part in any future proceedings . The building was , therefore , " hastened to its completion . " The matter of laying the first stone was entirely put aside , and attention was turned to make the best of a bad matter , and to rectify a mistake , as
far as it might be practicable to do so , by a solemn dedication . Here , then , was an opportunity which might still redound to the service of Masonry , and wipe away much
of the discredit of the original blunder , if managed decently and discreetly . The M . W . the G . M ., and the R . W . the D . G . M ., with a consideration for the interests of the Charity , that does them infinite honour , consented to take part in the ceremony of dedication , and every Mason who wished well to
the Order , congratulated himself that something of a high and palmy character might , at last , be consummated . However , no sooner were the necessary arrangements entered upon , than it began to be apparent that the same spirit which had caused the primary blunder , was in existence . Difficulties of
no ordinary nature arose . The holding of a Grand Lodge , and the ceremonial of dedication were clearly the exclusive province of the M . W . the G . M . In a matter of this kind , no one , beside the M . W . the G . M . had a right even to offer an opinion . Let alone the grace of submitting to the M . W . the
G . M ., on account of his position at the head of the Craft , it was the duty of every member of the Committee to wait the Earl of Zetland ' s directions , to abide by his pleasure , and to submit to his decision . So far , however , from the Com-