Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
and may the compact of this day be interrupted only by the chance of time . Alay that be far distant—a sentiment which , I am sure , pervades every heart here . Alay he , when the Great Architect of the universe shall see fit to call him from this sublunary abode , consider him worth y of nobler works , and admit him to his Grancl Lodge above , there to enjoy an unclouded East for ever . Bro . Grant concluded by proposing tbe " Health of the Prov . Grand Aiaster of Belfast and North Down
, Archdeacon Mant . " *—( The toast was drank most enthusiastically , willfull masonic honours . ) The CHAIRMAN—Brethren , I congratulate you on the meeting of today . It is most gratifying to me to see such a large ancl influential assemblage as now presents itself to my view . It does good to my heart , and to yours , my brethren , who are good and true Freemasons , to see and to be present at such a meeting as this . You may have heard it
saicl , no doubt , that in this part of the world , in this kingdom at the present distracted time—distracted by political animosities and religious feuds—Alasonry cannot be effectual to prevent such things ; but if those who say so saw this room to-night—if they saw what I now see , what would they say ? The very fact of the existence of such a state of things in this country makes Freemasonry more suited to us . Is it not delightful to think that , in the midst of all this unhappy division and
dissension , there is one happy spot—one oasis in tbe desert , where the demon of politics dare not intrude , but where men of every religious and political feeling can meet upon the level and part upon the square . We ask not what a man ' s politics or religion are . All we seek to know
is if he has a reverence for his God , and if he bears true loyalty to his Sovereign . These are indispensable conditions . —these are absolutely necessary to make him a fit companion for a gentleman , a Christian , and also of a Freemason—( cheers ) . Brethren , I am glad to hear those cheers ; I rejoice to know that you reciprocate those sentiments , because itshows me that you look upon Alasonry in its true light . To-morrow it will be my pleasing duty to report the result of this happy day ' s proceedings to the Duke of Leinsterour Grand Master . That will be to me a happy
, duty ; and with proud feelings I shall be enabled to record that I had the honour of presiding on such an occasion . Brethren , I must thank you for the great attention and respect exhibited by you this evening , ancl for the kind support you have given me . I need not say that the character of the assembly was exhibited by its order and regularity . In so large a company nothing but Freemasonry can keep us quiet and orderly—nothing could do it but the magic influence of the maul . I
am sure the Prov . Grand Master will feel proud of the result of this day ' s proceedings , also . Join me then , brethren , in giving , " The Deputy Prov . Grand AIaster and other Prov . Grand Officers . "—( The toast was drunk with masonic honours , the band playing "Auld Lang Syne . " ) Bro . CONNOR , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , acknowledged the toast . He said—Brethren , I cannot express how strongly and deeply I feel this compliment . I am extremelhappy that such a worthy and
y esteemed brother as Captain Jocelyn was selected to fill the chair on this occasion , as he has by so doing removed a weight of responsibility from the shoulders of a young officer like myself . For the very able and efficient manner in which he has discharged the duties of chairman this evening , I beg to express to him my very best thanks . Brethren , I now
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
and may the compact of this day be interrupted only by the chance of time . Alay that be far distant—a sentiment which , I am sure , pervades every heart here . Alay he , when the Great Architect of the universe shall see fit to call him from this sublunary abode , consider him worth y of nobler works , and admit him to his Grancl Lodge above , there to enjoy an unclouded East for ever . Bro . Grant concluded by proposing tbe " Health of the Prov . Grand Aiaster of Belfast and North Down
, Archdeacon Mant . " *—( The toast was drank most enthusiastically , willfull masonic honours . ) The CHAIRMAN—Brethren , I congratulate you on the meeting of today . It is most gratifying to me to see such a large ancl influential assemblage as now presents itself to my view . It does good to my heart , and to yours , my brethren , who are good and true Freemasons , to see and to be present at such a meeting as this . You may have heard it
saicl , no doubt , that in this part of the world , in this kingdom at the present distracted time—distracted by political animosities and religious feuds—Alasonry cannot be effectual to prevent such things ; but if those who say so saw this room to-night—if they saw what I now see , what would they say ? The very fact of the existence of such a state of things in this country makes Freemasonry more suited to us . Is it not delightful to think that , in the midst of all this unhappy division and
dissension , there is one happy spot—one oasis in tbe desert , where the demon of politics dare not intrude , but where men of every religious and political feeling can meet upon the level and part upon the square . We ask not what a man ' s politics or religion are . All we seek to know
is if he has a reverence for his God , and if he bears true loyalty to his Sovereign . These are indispensable conditions . —these are absolutely necessary to make him a fit companion for a gentleman , a Christian , and also of a Freemason—( cheers ) . Brethren , I am glad to hear those cheers ; I rejoice to know that you reciprocate those sentiments , because itshows me that you look upon Alasonry in its true light . To-morrow it will be my pleasing duty to report the result of this happy day ' s proceedings to the Duke of Leinsterour Grand Master . That will be to me a happy
, duty ; and with proud feelings I shall be enabled to record that I had the honour of presiding on such an occasion . Brethren , I must thank you for the great attention and respect exhibited by you this evening , ancl for the kind support you have given me . I need not say that the character of the assembly was exhibited by its order and regularity . In so large a company nothing but Freemasonry can keep us quiet and orderly—nothing could do it but the magic influence of the maul . I
am sure the Prov . Grand Master will feel proud of the result of this day ' s proceedings , also . Join me then , brethren , in giving , " The Deputy Prov . Grand AIaster and other Prov . Grand Officers . "—( The toast was drunk with masonic honours , the band playing "Auld Lang Syne . " ) Bro . CONNOR , Deputy Provincial Grand Master , acknowledged the toast . He said—Brethren , I cannot express how strongly and deeply I feel this compliment . I am extremelhappy that such a worthy and
y esteemed brother as Captain Jocelyn was selected to fill the chair on this occasion , as he has by so doing removed a weight of responsibility from the shoulders of a young officer like myself . For the very able and efficient manner in which he has discharged the duties of chairman this evening , I beg to express to him my very best thanks . Brethren , I now