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  • Feb. 2, 1878
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    Article FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Page 1 of 2
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Page 12

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .

The ceremony of installing Bro . G . S . Graham , P . M . thc District Grand Master elect of the English Constitution , and Bro . F . Whitaker as Provincial Grand Master of the Scotch Constitution in the North Island of New Zealand , which hail been looked forward to with so much eagerness by thc Craft , was performed on the 30 th Nov .,

in the Choral Hall , Symonels-street . Nothing in the annals of Masonry in Auckland can compare with tbe grandeur of the spectacle , the solemn precision and regularity of the proceedings , and the evident sense of deep responsibility under which the prominent actors in the ceremony laboured . The success which has attended the entire ceremony , together with the great number of

prominent and influential citizens who attended as members of the Craft—comprising representatives of traele and commerce in all their branches , of the learned professions , the arts and sciences , literature , and wealth anel influence —coulel not but bc struck with this proof of the great progress which Masonry has made in Auckland during thc past few years . Old settlers , like Bros . Lazar and

Whitaker , and many others , assembled in the Choral Hal ) , whose experience in Masonry ranges back to the extent of an ordinary life-time , could not but be gratified at the extension of that universal brotherhood , which , above all other human institutions , is calculated to tlisseminate and maintain the highest principles of social morality , to support liw and order , to lift the soul to the contemplation of

great and ennobling studies , and to combine men of all races , nationalities , and creeds in a common bond of sympathy , and to promote universal charity and benevolence . A great philosopher and thinker has remarked that , if another wave of barbarism were to sweep over the civilised globe , throwing down shrines and temples , and destroying the great public libraries and museums of

art , and suppressing religious creeds , Freemasonry , from its universality , and its tenacious uniformity , would still preserve in its bosom the Book of the Sacred Law—the Holy Scriptures—an unsullied code of pure morality , and an imperishable standard of truth . For already Freemasonry has outlived monuments , empires , and creeds , which have " become the sport of doubt . "

Yes , Nature ' s truths , extending through the past , As through the present , change man ' s changeful tale ; And ancient landmarks , grounded deep , to last , Those primal truths in graven symbols veil , Our allegory claims them for its own , Echoing a voice , which , laden with the lore Through ages gone , repeats in earnest tone ,

Their solemn formula *; for evermore ; And teaches Masons , an immortal lot , In " Universal Charity" to found , Whose centre may be struck at every spot , And whose circumference no space can bound . Those truths to us in allegory told , With light in the beginning had their birth ; The banded wisdom of the Wise of old

Their moral treasure guareled for the earth . And ever with the sun that from the East , Will to ' ards the West its living radiance shed , The sacred flame to glow has never ceaseel , Which for our use departed brethren fed , That we might tend it in our turn ; the while They numbered years in stone on Carnac ' s bed , Recoreled seasons on Stonehenge's pile , Or nameil thc Stars from off the Pyramid .

Formerly , through the dim period of the middle ages Freemasonry carved its records upon the great public buildings of Europe , upon the tracery of the cathedral windeiws anel the ornamentation of palaces , anel in our day it is achieving work equally noble , comprehensive , and far-reaching . The sun never sets on its lodges , sprcael as they are over the whole habitable globe , among every

race and in every clime . But notonly has Freemasonry embraced in its ample fold all climes , and tongues and families of the earth , but it has numbered in its ranks from thc days of its foundaion the highest and noblest . The grand principles o ! loyalty which it teaches have attracted Princes anel Monarchs to the Order . Hence the intimate and constant

connections of Sovereigns and members of the Royal Family with the Masonic Order . James I . of Scotland presiileel over the lodges in his kingdom , and was very regular in his attendance at their meetings . James II ., of Scotland , appointed William fit . Clair , of Roslin , Earl of Orkney and Caithness , Grand Master . In 1502 , Henry VII ., of England , presiileel over the lodges of his kingdom .

He assembled a Grand Loelge in his palace , anel with his own hands laid the founilation-stone of " Henry Vll . ' s Chapel" in Westminster Abbey . The Good Queen Elizabeth was " the most attacheel friend " of the Order . James I . was " a great frienel" of Masons . Charles I ., by the help of Freemasons , laid the foundation-stone of St Paul ' s Cathedral . George IV . was patron . William IV .

was patron for Scotland and Grand Master for England . At the present day four crowned heads of Europe are honorary members of the Granel Lodge of Scotland . At the great Masonic meeting held at the Hague in celebration of the sixteenth anniversary of the installation of Prince Frederick of the Netherlands , as Grand Master of the Dutch Freemasons , the Crown Prince of Germany delivered a speech , in the course of which he said : —Nationalities

have . created frontiers ; Freemasonry elesires charity , tolerance and liberty , without distinction of frontiers . lam happy on this day , which I never shall forget , to be able totaise my voice in Hollantl to testify my adhesion to the principlesof the order , and lo express thc hope that in the struggle engaged for thc Iree development of the peoples anel the liberty of the human mind , the final victory will remain with the order . The Crown Prince ' s speech was received with the greatest enthusiasm , In 1851 , her Majesty the Queen

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

( God bless her ) became Patroness of the Freemasons' Boys ' School . In 1831 , Queen Adelaide became Patroness of the Freemasons' Girls' School . In 18 38 , a piece of plate weighing 1800 ounces was presented to the Duke of Sussex by the English Freemasons on his completing twenty-five years as their Grand Master ( the same period as was served by the late Eail of Zetland ) , and this same piece

of plate was sent to the Grand Loilge as a gift by the Duchess of Inverness after the Duke of Sussex ' s death . During the Duke of Sussex ' s Grand Mastership , the foundation stones of the following buildings were laid by him , accompanied by the Duke of Leicester as Grand Master of Ireland , with full Masonic ceremonial : —The Hammersmith Suspension Bridge , in 182 *;; the London

University and the Caledonian Asylum , in 1827 ; the Licensed Victuallers' Asylum , in 1828 ; and the Charing Cross Hospital in 1831 . In 1 S 22 , the Duke of York laid the foundation stone of the Eton anel Windsor Bridge ; and in 1808 , the foundation stone of Covent Garden Theatre was laid by the then Prince of Wales , both with full Masonic honours . The late King of Hanover was

initiated into Freemasonry as Duke oi Cumberland in 179 6 . His Royal Highness Prince William of Gloucester was initiated in 1795 . anel Henry Frederick , Duke of Cumber l and , was elected Granel Master in 1781 . Their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York and Gloucester were initiated in 1766 . The Crown Prince of Prussia ( Frederick the Great ) , was initiated in 1738 , Frederick

Prince of Wales in 1737 , Emperor of Germany in 173 *; , and William the Thin ! if England was initiated in logo . So much for facts whicli are patent and well-known . According to a manual which is authorised by the Grand Loelge , and revised by a committee of skilled brethren every year , the connection between Freemasonry and the reigning family goes much further back still , for we read

in it that Henry IV . was initiated in 1840 ; that Edward III . revised the Constitution of Masonry in 1358 ,- and that Prince Edwin formed a Grand Lodge at York in 926 , the year in which King Athelstan granted the Freemasons a Charter . So far back as A . D . 6 90 King Edgar was an illustrious Protector . In 826 , Alfred thc Great took a leading part in Masonry . At the present day , to us loyal Masons , it is a matter of eleep gratitude to " The Most

High , " that the " Royal Princes" of England—the Prince of Wales , the Duke eif Connaught , and Prince Leopold arc members of the Craft , and thai , the "Heir Apparent " now honours himself by occupying " Thc Throne of King Solomon , " as H . R . H . is the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Free and Acceptee ! Masons of England . Precisely at noon , Lodge Waiecmata , E . G ., was opened by Bro . Warren , W . M . The Secretary then stated the object of the meeting . The choir then

sang—Ode— " Hail , Eternal !" Hail , Eternal 1 by whose aid All created things were made ; I leav ' n and earth Thy vast design ; Hear us Architect Divine . May our work begun in Thee , Ever blest with order be .

And may we , when labours cease , Part in harmony and peace , By Thy glorious Majesty , By the trust we place in Thee , By the badge ane ! mystic sign , Hear us , Architect Divine . The lodge was then raised to the Third Degree , after

which the choir sang in a very tasteful manner . " Behold howgood and joyful a thing it is , etc . " Thc District Grand Master ( elect ) Bro . G . S . Graham , was then received with the customary honours , Brother . ] . Brown playing an organ march . Brother Lazar , R . W . D . G . M . of Westland , and Installing Master , was next received , anel addressed the loelge as follows : —His Royal Highness the

Prince of Wales , the Most Worshipful Granel Master of Free anel Accepted Masons , having been pleased , in the exercise of his prerogative , tei grant a warrant for the District of Auckland to constitute a Grand Lodge , to be governed and presided over by Bro . George Samuel Graham , P . M ., the honour has devolved upon me to consecrate and dedicate

this Lodge to the honour ami glory of the Great Architect of the Universe . Let us , therefore , in solemn prayer supplicate the Author of our Being to bless and prosper our undertaking . The lodge was then solemnly consecrated , Bro . Moat spreading the corn of plenty , Bro . Leers the wine of joy , and Bro . Warren the oil of gladness . The choir then

sang an Oele to Virtue . Come , holy Virtue , by whose aid , In heavenward steps we lopg to tread , Bring love , bring truth , bring friendship here , Bring peace and unity sincere .

Ode to Charity . Come , Charity , with gooel crown ' el . Encircle in thy hcav ' nly robe . Diffuse thy blessings all artiund , To every corner of the globe . Anthem . To I leaven ' s 1 ligh Architect all praise , All praise , all gratitude be given , Who eltigned the human soul to raise ,

By mystic secret sprung from I leaven . Sound all the Great Jehovah's praise , To Ilim * _ the Dome , the Temple raise . The Installing Master then addrcssi-el lb' * ludgi : and formally constituted it a Grand Lodg' -. Th' * D . G . M . elect

then retired to prepare for investiture . Tin * installing Master then appointed tlie following -dfii-e-rs pro tein : — Bros . E . T . Wildman , Deputy D . G . M . ; J . Doull , D . G . S . W . ; Rev . C . M . Nelson , D . G . Chaplain ; W . Sloane , D . G . , Treasurer ; 1 leather , D . G . Register ; W . L . Mitchell , D . G .,

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

Secretary ; A . Brock , D . G . S . D . ; W . W . Batt , D . G . J . D . ; J . H . Burns , D . G . D . of Ceremonies ; Hydes , D . G . Sword-Bearer ; Rcdfcrn , D . G . Pursuivant ; C . Porter , D . G . Tyler . The Installing Master having declared the Grand Lodge duly opened , thc Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . C , M . Nelson , offeree ! up the following impressive prayer : O , Most Glorious and Eternal God , the Infinitely Wise

Architect of the Universe , we , thy servants , assembled in District Grand Lodge , woulel extol thy power and wisdom . Thou saielst , Let there be light , and there was light . The heavens opened and declared Thy glory , and the firmament spangled with thy handiwork . The Sun , who rules the night , surrounded with the Stars , so that there is one glory ofthe Sun , another glory of the Moon , and one Star differs

from another Star in glory , and all by most wondrous signs and tokens , without voice , sound or language , solemnly proclaim Thy Divine mysteries . We adore Thee for our creation , forthe breath of life , for the light of reason and conscience , ane ! for all the noble and useful faculties of our souls which give so exalted a rank in the order of being , enable us to live answerably to our exalted privileges

and happy destination . Wc beseech Thee to give us , Thy servants , at this anel at all times , wisdom in all our doings , strength of mind in our difficulties , and the beauty of harmony in all our communications with one another . Grant that Thy servant , who has been solemnly invested with authority and rule over these lodges , may be endued with knowledge and wisdom , and may we ,

and all our brethren under his jurisdiction , unelerstand , learn , and keep all the Statutes and Commandments of the Lord pure and undefiled . May brotherly love and charity always abound among us , and when we have finished our work here below , let our transition be from this earthly tabernacle to the Heavenly Temple above , there among Thy jewels may we appear in Thy glory

for ever and ever . Bless and prosper , we pray Thee , every branch and member of this fraternity throughout the habitable eirth . May Thy kingdom of peace , love , and harmony come . May Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven , and the whole world filled with Thy glory . So mote it he . Bro . Goldsbro' was elected D . G . Treas ., and Bro . Charles Porter , D . G . Tyler for the ensuing 12 months . The D . G . M . Bro . Graham then re-entered , and

was received under a splendid canopy of crimson velvet with gold mountings anil the arched wands of the Stewards -, and presented by Bros . P . M . ' s Philips and Goldsboro' to the Installing Master , who delivered an impressive address and administered the usual obligation . Choir , " Glory be to God on High . " The Installing Master then invested Bro . Graham with the' magnificent regalia of a D . G . Master , anel conducted him to the chair .

Choir . Hail Masonry Divine ! Glory of ages shine , Longmay ' st thou reign . Where ' er thy Lodges stand , May they have great commanel , And always grace the land , Thou art divine .

Hiram the Architect , Did all the Craft direct , How tbey should build . Solomon , great Israel ' s king , Did mighty blessings bring , Anel left us cause to sing , Hail 1 Royal Art !

The newly installed Grand Master was then proclaimeel by Bros . Wildman , Brasscy , anel Kissling in the East , West , South respectively , after which the Installing Masier elelivered a solemn aud impressive charge . The investiture of the following officers of the B . W . D . G . Lodge was ncxt proceeded with : Bros . W . Lodder , P . M . 679 , W . M . Lodge Rcmucra , D . G . S . W . ; J . Warren ,

W . M . 689 , D . G . J . W . ; C . M . Nelson , W . M . 13 * 58 , D . G . Chap . ; C . F . Golelsbro' P . M ., D . G . T . ; W . H . Kissling , P . M . 1338 , D . G . Reg .-, H . G . Waele , P . M . 689 , D . G . Sec ; W . H . Skinner , P . M . 1338 , D . G . S . D . ; W . P . Moat , W . M . Roelnev , D . G . J . D .-, G . N . Brassey , P . M . 1338 , D . G . S . of W . ' ; D . S . Wilcocks , D . of C . 1338 , D . G . D . of C . ; F . W . E . Dawson , S . W . 133 ¦; , D . G . D . C . ; T . Cole ,

W . M . elect , 686 , D . G . S . B . ; C . Hesketh , Remuera , D . G , Org . ; S . C . Dyer , J . W . 1338 , D . G . Purs . ; W . Rattray , Remuera , D . G . Purs . ; L . * D . Nathan , W . T . J . Bell , S . George , and J . Martin , D . G . Stewards ; C . Porter , D . G , Tyler . Thc Installing Master then delivered an address to the D . G . M . and brethren , after which

Bro . Graham , thc newly-installed District Grand Master , addressed the assembled brethren in the following terms : Right Worshipful Sir , and Brethren , —I have to thank you for the high anel honourable dignity that has been confeired upon me , and it will be my constant endeavour by zeal anel assiduity to discharge the duties of the office so as to reflect credit upon my choice . Gratitude is due to

the Most Worshipful His Royal H ighness the Prince of Wales our Grand Master iu having so cheerfully granted Ihe prayer of your petition , tending to prove that even in this remote part of Her Majesty ' s dominions the wishes and interests of the Craft have due attention . In the selection of my officers I have endeavoured to entrust the affairs of District Grand Lodge into the hands of brethren , who , by

their eminence , merits , anel abilities , will be conducive to the welfare of Masonry in general , and this D . G . L . in particular . It is gratifying to see around me such a distinguished and large gathering of brethren from all parts of the colony , and I have to tender my hearty thanks to the R . W . G . D . M . Westland E . C . Bro . Lazar , for the able

manner in which he has conductcel thc Installation , and the visiting brethren for their attendance . It is also particularly pleasing to sec in our midst the R . W . P . G . M ., the Honourable Frederick Whitaker , his Officers , and the members of the Scottish Constitution who have met this day with a similar object in view themselves , and have

“The Freemason: 1878-02-02, Page 12” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 29 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_02021878/page/12/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
CONTENTS. Article 1
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 1
Royal Arch. Article 3
Mark Masonry. Article 3
THE ORDER OF THE TEMPLE IN IRELAND. Article 3
H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AND THE ORDER OF THE TEMPLE IN IRELAND. Article 4
RESIGNATION OF THE EARL OF CARNARVON. Article 4
FREEMASONRY IN INDIA. Article 4
FREEMASONRY IN JAPAN. Article 4
SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER. Article 5
CONSECRATION OF THE STAR CHAPTER, No. 1275. Article 5
MOZART A FREEMASON. Article 5
Reviews. Article 6
NOTES ON ART, &c. Article 6
Masonic and General Tidings. Article 6
THE AESTHETICS OF MASONRY. Article 7
AN AWKWARD SPLIT. Article 7
THE OBELISK. Article 7
HENRY MUGGERIDGE TESTIMONIAL. Article 7
Untitled Article 8
Untitled Article 8
Untitled Article 8
Untitled Article 8
Answers to Correspondents. Article 8
Births ,Marriages and Deaths. Article 8
Untitled Article 8
PROVINCIAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Article 8
ANOTHER SIDE TO THE PICTURE. Article 8
PEACE. Article 9
THE PRO GRAND MASTER Article 9
THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE Article 9
Original Correspondence. Article 9
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. Article 10
MASONIC CHARITY BALL AT BOOTLE. Article 10
Multum in Parbo,or Masonic Notes and Queries. Article 10
CONSECRATION OF THE KING'S CROSS LODGE, No. 1732. Article 11
OUR ROYAL GRAND MASTER AT CAMBRIDGE. Article 11
FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND. Article 12
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF DERBY. Article 13
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Article 13
MASONIC CONCERT AT ABERAVON. Article 13
Public Amusements. Article 13
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS Article 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
Untitled Ad 14
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

FREEMASONRY IN NEW ZEALAND .

The ceremony of installing Bro . G . S . Graham , P . M . thc District Grand Master elect of the English Constitution , and Bro . F . Whitaker as Provincial Grand Master of the Scotch Constitution in the North Island of New Zealand , which hail been looked forward to with so much eagerness by thc Craft , was performed on the 30 th Nov .,

in the Choral Hall , Symonels-street . Nothing in the annals of Masonry in Auckland can compare with tbe grandeur of the spectacle , the solemn precision and regularity of the proceedings , and the evident sense of deep responsibility under which the prominent actors in the ceremony laboured . The success which has attended the entire ceremony , together with the great number of

prominent and influential citizens who attended as members of the Craft—comprising representatives of traele and commerce in all their branches , of the learned professions , the arts and sciences , literature , and wealth anel influence —coulel not but bc struck with this proof of the great progress which Masonry has made in Auckland during thc past few years . Old settlers , like Bros . Lazar and

Whitaker , and many others , assembled in the Choral Hal ) , whose experience in Masonry ranges back to the extent of an ordinary life-time , could not but be gratified at the extension of that universal brotherhood , which , above all other human institutions , is calculated to tlisseminate and maintain the highest principles of social morality , to support liw and order , to lift the soul to the contemplation of

great and ennobling studies , and to combine men of all races , nationalities , and creeds in a common bond of sympathy , and to promote universal charity and benevolence . A great philosopher and thinker has remarked that , if another wave of barbarism were to sweep over the civilised globe , throwing down shrines and temples , and destroying the great public libraries and museums of

art , and suppressing religious creeds , Freemasonry , from its universality , and its tenacious uniformity , would still preserve in its bosom the Book of the Sacred Law—the Holy Scriptures—an unsullied code of pure morality , and an imperishable standard of truth . For already Freemasonry has outlived monuments , empires , and creeds , which have " become the sport of doubt . "

Yes , Nature ' s truths , extending through the past , As through the present , change man ' s changeful tale ; And ancient landmarks , grounded deep , to last , Those primal truths in graven symbols veil , Our allegory claims them for its own , Echoing a voice , which , laden with the lore Through ages gone , repeats in earnest tone ,

Their solemn formula *; for evermore ; And teaches Masons , an immortal lot , In " Universal Charity" to found , Whose centre may be struck at every spot , And whose circumference no space can bound . Those truths to us in allegory told , With light in the beginning had their birth ; The banded wisdom of the Wise of old

Their moral treasure guareled for the earth . And ever with the sun that from the East , Will to ' ards the West its living radiance shed , The sacred flame to glow has never ceaseel , Which for our use departed brethren fed , That we might tend it in our turn ; the while They numbered years in stone on Carnac ' s bed , Recoreled seasons on Stonehenge's pile , Or nameil thc Stars from off the Pyramid .

Formerly , through the dim period of the middle ages Freemasonry carved its records upon the great public buildings of Europe , upon the tracery of the cathedral windeiws anel the ornamentation of palaces , anel in our day it is achieving work equally noble , comprehensive , and far-reaching . The sun never sets on its lodges , sprcael as they are over the whole habitable globe , among every

race and in every clime . But notonly has Freemasonry embraced in its ample fold all climes , and tongues and families of the earth , but it has numbered in its ranks from thc days of its foundaion the highest and noblest . The grand principles o ! loyalty which it teaches have attracted Princes anel Monarchs to the Order . Hence the intimate and constant

connections of Sovereigns and members of the Royal Family with the Masonic Order . James I . of Scotland presiileel over the lodges in his kingdom , and was very regular in his attendance at their meetings . James II ., of Scotland , appointed William fit . Clair , of Roslin , Earl of Orkney and Caithness , Grand Master . In 1502 , Henry VII ., of England , presiileel over the lodges of his kingdom .

He assembled a Grand Loelge in his palace , anel with his own hands laid the founilation-stone of " Henry Vll . ' s Chapel" in Westminster Abbey . The Good Queen Elizabeth was " the most attacheel friend " of the Order . James I . was " a great frienel" of Masons . Charles I ., by the help of Freemasons , laid the foundation-stone of St Paul ' s Cathedral . George IV . was patron . William IV .

was patron for Scotland and Grand Master for England . At the present day four crowned heads of Europe are honorary members of the Granel Lodge of Scotland . At the great Masonic meeting held at the Hague in celebration of the sixteenth anniversary of the installation of Prince Frederick of the Netherlands , as Grand Master of the Dutch Freemasons , the Crown Prince of Germany delivered a speech , in the course of which he said : —Nationalities

have . created frontiers ; Freemasonry elesires charity , tolerance and liberty , without distinction of frontiers . lam happy on this day , which I never shall forget , to be able totaise my voice in Hollantl to testify my adhesion to the principlesof the order , and lo express thc hope that in the struggle engaged for thc Iree development of the peoples anel the liberty of the human mind , the final victory will remain with the order . The Crown Prince ' s speech was received with the greatest enthusiasm , In 1851 , her Majesty the Queen

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

( God bless her ) became Patroness of the Freemasons' Boys ' School . In 1831 , Queen Adelaide became Patroness of the Freemasons' Girls' School . In 18 38 , a piece of plate weighing 1800 ounces was presented to the Duke of Sussex by the English Freemasons on his completing twenty-five years as their Grand Master ( the same period as was served by the late Eail of Zetland ) , and this same piece

of plate was sent to the Grand Loilge as a gift by the Duchess of Inverness after the Duke of Sussex ' s death . During the Duke of Sussex ' s Grand Mastership , the foundation stones of the following buildings were laid by him , accompanied by the Duke of Leicester as Grand Master of Ireland , with full Masonic ceremonial : —The Hammersmith Suspension Bridge , in 182 *;; the London

University and the Caledonian Asylum , in 1827 ; the Licensed Victuallers' Asylum , in 1828 ; and the Charing Cross Hospital in 1831 . In 1 S 22 , the Duke of York laid the foundation stone of the Eton anel Windsor Bridge ; and in 1808 , the foundation stone of Covent Garden Theatre was laid by the then Prince of Wales , both with full Masonic honours . The late King of Hanover was

initiated into Freemasonry as Duke oi Cumberland in 179 6 . His Royal Highness Prince William of Gloucester was initiated in 1795 . anel Henry Frederick , Duke of Cumber l and , was elected Granel Master in 1781 . Their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York and Gloucester were initiated in 1766 . The Crown Prince of Prussia ( Frederick the Great ) , was initiated in 1738 , Frederick

Prince of Wales in 1737 , Emperor of Germany in 173 *; , and William the Thin ! if England was initiated in logo . So much for facts whicli are patent and well-known . According to a manual which is authorised by the Grand Loelge , and revised by a committee of skilled brethren every year , the connection between Freemasonry and the reigning family goes much further back still , for we read

in it that Henry IV . was initiated in 1840 ; that Edward III . revised the Constitution of Masonry in 1358 ,- and that Prince Edwin formed a Grand Lodge at York in 926 , the year in which King Athelstan granted the Freemasons a Charter . So far back as A . D . 6 90 King Edgar was an illustrious Protector . In 826 , Alfred thc Great took a leading part in Masonry . At the present day , to us loyal Masons , it is a matter of eleep gratitude to " The Most

High , " that the " Royal Princes" of England—the Prince of Wales , the Duke eif Connaught , and Prince Leopold arc members of the Craft , and thai , the "Heir Apparent " now honours himself by occupying " Thc Throne of King Solomon , " as H . R . H . is the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Free and Acceptee ! Masons of England . Precisely at noon , Lodge Waiecmata , E . G ., was opened by Bro . Warren , W . M . The Secretary then stated the object of the meeting . The choir then

sang—Ode— " Hail , Eternal !" Hail , Eternal 1 by whose aid All created things were made ; I leav ' n and earth Thy vast design ; Hear us Architect Divine . May our work begun in Thee , Ever blest with order be .

And may we , when labours cease , Part in harmony and peace , By Thy glorious Majesty , By the trust we place in Thee , By the badge ane ! mystic sign , Hear us , Architect Divine . The lodge was then raised to the Third Degree , after

which the choir sang in a very tasteful manner . " Behold howgood and joyful a thing it is , etc . " Thc District Grand Master ( elect ) Bro . G . S . Graham , was then received with the customary honours , Brother . ] . Brown playing an organ march . Brother Lazar , R . W . D . G . M . of Westland , and Installing Master , was next received , anel addressed the loelge as follows : —His Royal Highness the

Prince of Wales , the Most Worshipful Granel Master of Free anel Accepted Masons , having been pleased , in the exercise of his prerogative , tei grant a warrant for the District of Auckland to constitute a Grand Lodge , to be governed and presided over by Bro . George Samuel Graham , P . M ., the honour has devolved upon me to consecrate and dedicate

this Lodge to the honour ami glory of the Great Architect of the Universe . Let us , therefore , in solemn prayer supplicate the Author of our Being to bless and prosper our undertaking . The lodge was then solemnly consecrated , Bro . Moat spreading the corn of plenty , Bro . Leers the wine of joy , and Bro . Warren the oil of gladness . The choir then

sang an Oele to Virtue . Come , holy Virtue , by whose aid , In heavenward steps we lopg to tread , Bring love , bring truth , bring friendship here , Bring peace and unity sincere .

Ode to Charity . Come , Charity , with gooel crown ' el . Encircle in thy hcav ' nly robe . Diffuse thy blessings all artiund , To every corner of the globe . Anthem . To I leaven ' s 1 ligh Architect all praise , All praise , all gratitude be given , Who eltigned the human soul to raise ,

By mystic secret sprung from I leaven . Sound all the Great Jehovah's praise , To Ilim * _ the Dome , the Temple raise . The Installing Master then addrcssi-el lb' * ludgi : and formally constituted it a Grand Lodg' -. Th' * D . G . M . elect

then retired to prepare for investiture . Tin * installing Master then appointed tlie following -dfii-e-rs pro tein : — Bros . E . T . Wildman , Deputy D . G . M . ; J . Doull , D . G . S . W . ; Rev . C . M . Nelson , D . G . Chaplain ; W . Sloane , D . G . , Treasurer ; 1 leather , D . G . Register ; W . L . Mitchell , D . G .,

Freemasonry In New Zealand.

Secretary ; A . Brock , D . G . S . D . ; W . W . Batt , D . G . J . D . ; J . H . Burns , D . G . D . of Ceremonies ; Hydes , D . G . Sword-Bearer ; Rcdfcrn , D . G . Pursuivant ; C . Porter , D . G . Tyler . The Installing Master having declared the Grand Lodge duly opened , thc Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . C , M . Nelson , offeree ! up the following impressive prayer : O , Most Glorious and Eternal God , the Infinitely Wise

Architect of the Universe , we , thy servants , assembled in District Grand Lodge , woulel extol thy power and wisdom . Thou saielst , Let there be light , and there was light . The heavens opened and declared Thy glory , and the firmament spangled with thy handiwork . The Sun , who rules the night , surrounded with the Stars , so that there is one glory ofthe Sun , another glory of the Moon , and one Star differs

from another Star in glory , and all by most wondrous signs and tokens , without voice , sound or language , solemnly proclaim Thy Divine mysteries . We adore Thee for our creation , forthe breath of life , for the light of reason and conscience , ane ! for all the noble and useful faculties of our souls which give so exalted a rank in the order of being , enable us to live answerably to our exalted privileges

and happy destination . Wc beseech Thee to give us , Thy servants , at this anel at all times , wisdom in all our doings , strength of mind in our difficulties , and the beauty of harmony in all our communications with one another . Grant that Thy servant , who has been solemnly invested with authority and rule over these lodges , may be endued with knowledge and wisdom , and may we ,

and all our brethren under his jurisdiction , unelerstand , learn , and keep all the Statutes and Commandments of the Lord pure and undefiled . May brotherly love and charity always abound among us , and when we have finished our work here below , let our transition be from this earthly tabernacle to the Heavenly Temple above , there among Thy jewels may we appear in Thy glory

for ever and ever . Bless and prosper , we pray Thee , every branch and member of this fraternity throughout the habitable eirth . May Thy kingdom of peace , love , and harmony come . May Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven , and the whole world filled with Thy glory . So mote it he . Bro . Goldsbro' was elected D . G . Treas ., and Bro . Charles Porter , D . G . Tyler for the ensuing 12 months . The D . G . M . Bro . Graham then re-entered , and

was received under a splendid canopy of crimson velvet with gold mountings anil the arched wands of the Stewards -, and presented by Bros . P . M . ' s Philips and Goldsboro' to the Installing Master , who delivered an impressive address and administered the usual obligation . Choir , " Glory be to God on High . " The Installing Master then invested Bro . Graham with the' magnificent regalia of a D . G . Master , anel conducted him to the chair .

Choir . Hail Masonry Divine ! Glory of ages shine , Longmay ' st thou reign . Where ' er thy Lodges stand , May they have great commanel , And always grace the land , Thou art divine .

Hiram the Architect , Did all the Craft direct , How tbey should build . Solomon , great Israel ' s king , Did mighty blessings bring , Anel left us cause to sing , Hail 1 Royal Art !

The newly installed Grand Master was then proclaimeel by Bros . Wildman , Brasscy , anel Kissling in the East , West , South respectively , after which the Installing Masier elelivered a solemn aud impressive charge . The investiture of the following officers of the B . W . D . G . Lodge was ncxt proceeded with : Bros . W . Lodder , P . M . 679 , W . M . Lodge Rcmucra , D . G . S . W . ; J . Warren ,

W . M . 689 , D . G . J . W . ; C . M . Nelson , W . M . 13 * 58 , D . G . Chap . ; C . F . Golelsbro' P . M ., D . G . T . ; W . H . Kissling , P . M . 1338 , D . G . Reg .-, H . G . Waele , P . M . 689 , D . G . Sec ; W . H . Skinner , P . M . 1338 , D . G . S . D . ; W . P . Moat , W . M . Roelnev , D . G . J . D .-, G . N . Brassey , P . M . 1338 , D . G . S . of W . ' ; D . S . Wilcocks , D . of C . 1338 , D . G . D . of C . ; F . W . E . Dawson , S . W . 133 ¦; , D . G . D . C . ; T . Cole ,

W . M . elect , 686 , D . G . S . B . ; C . Hesketh , Remuera , D . G , Org . ; S . C . Dyer , J . W . 1338 , D . G . Purs . ; W . Rattray , Remuera , D . G . Purs . ; L . * D . Nathan , W . T . J . Bell , S . George , and J . Martin , D . G . Stewards ; C . Porter , D . G , Tyler . Thc Installing Master then delivered an address to the D . G . M . and brethren , after which

Bro . Graham , thc newly-installed District Grand Master , addressed the assembled brethren in the following terms : Right Worshipful Sir , and Brethren , —I have to thank you for the high anel honourable dignity that has been confeired upon me , and it will be my constant endeavour by zeal anel assiduity to discharge the duties of the office so as to reflect credit upon my choice . Gratitude is due to

the Most Worshipful His Royal H ighness the Prince of Wales our Grand Master iu having so cheerfully granted Ihe prayer of your petition , tending to prove that even in this remote part of Her Majesty ' s dominions the wishes and interests of the Craft have due attention . In the selection of my officers I have endeavoured to entrust the affairs of District Grand Lodge into the hands of brethren , who , by

their eminence , merits , anel abilities , will be conducive to the welfare of Masonry in general , and this D . G . L . in particular . It is gratifying to see around me such a distinguished and large gathering of brethren from all parts of the colony , and I have to tender my hearty thanks to the R . W . G . D . M . Westland E . C . Bro . Lazar , for the able

manner in which he has conductcel thc Installation , and the visiting brethren for their attendance . It is also particularly pleasing to sec in our midst the R . W . P . G . M ., the Honourable Frederick Whitaker , his Officers , and the members of the Scottish Constitution who have met this day with a similar object in view themselves , and have

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