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Article FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MARK MASONRY IN NATAL. Page 1 of 1 Article MARK MASONRY IN NATAL. Page 1 of 1 Article ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Page 1 of 1 Article BRO. VERNON ON FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 2 Article BRO. VERNON ON FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 2 →
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Freemasonry In Spain.
presented themselves from amongst the nubility , learned professions , nnd commercial men of the day . In 1 S 09 Joseph Bonaparte gave his support to the formation of a Supreme Council of the . - ,. * ,- ' , which , two ycars later , viz ., in 1 S 11 , was formallv confirmed in its powers by Bro . the Count Grassc- 'Tilly , a delegate specially appointed by the Supreme Grand Council of Charleston , U . S . A . Then
followed seven years of uninterrupted Masonic prosperity , antl om * Order became again an active power W gootl in the land , when the restoration of the Bourbon regime , in the person of Ferdinand VII ., again suppressed all liberty , ancl in the year 1 S 14 the Inquisition was re-invested with full powers of life and death over heretics and Freemasons alike . Thc work of repression was carried on during the
years 1 S 15-1 S 23 with a ferocious zeal worthy the worst days of Torquemada himself . Our brethren were thrown into prison ; all open movements of the Supreme Grand Council were suspended , but its members nevertheless met , although with thc utmost secrecy , and much Masonic work was carried on . In the year 1 S 1 S thc GrandCouncil numbered amongst its members Bros . General Riego , Palacios ,
Galves , Augustin Arguclles , Evanisto San Aligucl , and other illustrious workers in our cauic . In thc year 1820 the Jesuitical persecution for Ihe moment ceased , when a remarkable outburst of Alasonic activity ensued , and large numbers of worthy candidates werc initiated , too many of them to die for Alasonry ! for the lull only preceded a renewed outburst of persecution during the early months of
1 S 23 , in which year Bros . Riego , Palacios , and Galves , members of Supreme Grand Council , were arrested , condemned to death , and executed for the sole " crime" of being Freemasons . Bro . General Riego was executed at Madrid , Bro . Palacios at Cadi / ., and Bro . Galves at Granada ; whilst many other members of thc Craft vycrc executed in Seville , Barcelona , Salamanca , and other cities
of Spain . 'This fresh blow caused the surviving members of the Supreme Council entirely to suspend I heir labours , and a veritable reign of terror ensued ; wives denounced their husbands at the confessional , children their fathers , until the cup of Alasonic suffering may be said to have overflowed , when the grim proclamation of Ferdinand VI 1 . made its appearance ( on the ist of August , 1 S 24 ) , in which
sentence of death was pronounced against every . Spaniard vvho had taken the obligation of a Freemason , unless within thirty days of the date of thc saitl decree he should make a public declaration and acknowledgment to that effect . After the expiration of thirty days all who had not so declared themselves were to be forthwith executed without further process of trial . This frightful decree vvas , however , too sweeping to be effectual , seeking as it did to place the halter of the
executioner around thc necks of some So , ooo Spaniards 1 and need we say that not a single member of the Craft declared himself as such ? Every subject of King Ferdinand VII . knew too well what his royal word was worth ! 'They knew that such a declaration ami acknowledgment of belonging to thc Craft would most certainly ensure the very penalty which had been pronounced against those * who did not
make it . 'Thus our brethren kept their own counsel , but so great vvas thc secrecy with which their further labours were conducted that the movements of the Supreme Council during the next twelve years are shrouded in the utmost mystery , although the house at Alndrid , in the Calk * Alayor , where frequent meetings look place , i . * - . well known to the initiated . In the year 1 S 3 S ihe brethren again began to show signs of more open activity . Candidates from amongst the nobles of the land are known
to have rome forward , and to have been secretly initiated ; and in the year 1 S 39 no less exalted a personage than an Infanta of Spain , Don Francisco de Bourbon , had . 1 seat on the Supreme Council , which included at the time Bro . Evanisto San Miguel , one of the survivors of 1 S 23 , in which 3 'ear Bros . Riego , Palacios , anil Calves were executed . Another period of seven years of comparative calm again allowed Alasonry to prosper in Spain , until in 1 S 46 Pope Pius IX . re-enacted all Ihe terrible articles contained in the
Bull of Pope Benedict XIV . against 1-rec and Accepted Alasons . Although tlie Papal decree ofthe 9 th of November , 18 4 ^ , was not followed bv such bloody scenes as those which more inmv-diately followed Ihe edicts and enactments of the years 173 S , 1751 , antl 1 SJ 4 , yet it sufficed to suppress the further open practice of our riles in Spain . Onr Bin .
the Infanta Den Francisco had lo liy the kingdom , and Bro . Al . ignan antl Bro . Pinilla , into whnsc hands iuu * Royal brother re-igiu-tl his powers as Giant ! Commander nf Ihe Supreme Council of the 33 ° , felt compelled to entirely suspend all further Alasonic labours , bury the seals of office , and secrete the warrants of the lodges antl the documents
appertaining to the Supreme Grantl Council . Thus for twelve more years Freemasonry remained dormant in Spain , until the Revolution of the 2 nd of September , 1 WiS , frightened Queen Isabella 11 . into exile , and compelled the Jesuit throng to follow her example . ( To be continued . )
Mark Masonry In Natal.
MARK MASONRY IN NATAL .
During last year a number of leading Alasons in Pielermaritzburg , the capital of the colony , being desirous of working the Alark Master ' s Degree , forwarded a petition to the Grand Lodge of Alark Alaster Alasons for England , Wales , and the Colonies , praying for a warrant of constitution for a lotlge , to be called " 'The Natalia , " to meet in
the Masonic 'Temple . 'The petition ( being recommended by Ihe D . G . AI . AL for S . Africa , Bro . the Hon . li . VV . 11 . Giddy , 33 ' - ) was readily acceded to liy the M . W . Grant ! M . M . M ., Lord Rkelmersdale ; and , the warrant liaving been received , the lodge ( No . 252 ) was duly opened in . " . nrietit form , ( he . V / aster designate regularly in .-tailetl , and tiie officers appointed in
February l . isl . 'The brethren , having held sever . 'il preliminary meetings , antl haling overcome the inilitttoty tlillieullies connected with the establishment id the lotlge , and the proper working of the t -i-i ' enifinies , the first meeting for the advancement nf candidates to ihe honorary Degree of Alark Alastei
Mason was held on the 2 (' 4 li February last . Present : VV . liro . Wesley Francis , 30 * - ' , installed Alark Master ( in ( he chair ); Bros . R . 1 . Finneinore , yi , S . VV . ; E . S . T . Slantial , IS- *' , J . W . ; J . Smith , i 8 « , AI . O . ; B . Ireland , S . O . ; S . Find , iS * - ' , ' S . D . ; E . L . S . Torguis , J . D . ; Captain Astley Fellowes Terry ( Goth Rifles ) , 30 ' - ' , & c ; antl J . U . Harrison , 18 *** , etc . Thc lodge having been opened in due form , the ballot
Mark Masonry In Natal.
was taken for twelve candidates for advancement who had been regularly proposed and seconded at a jM ' cvious meeting , all of whom werc unanimously elected . The following approved candidates were then severally prepared and admitted , and regularly advanced to the honorary Degree of AI . AI . AL , and took their seats in thc lotlge , viz ., Bros . William Frederick Stanton , iS " , Edward Homersham Wiltshicr , Samuel Button , 'Thomas Ernest
Harding , 'Tom Bodley , George Edward ' 1 hame , antl Edward Koywood . Considering that this was the first attempt at working , the ceremony was very creditably gone through , and Bro . Harrison , of thc Caledonian R . A . Chapter , who had specially travelled from Durban to assist at the meeting , rendered efficient aid to the officers of the lodge . 'The VV . M . next proceeded to fill UJI the vacant offices in the lodge as follows : Bros . E . Homersham Wiltshicr ( Advocate
Supreme Court ) , Sec . and Reg . of Alarks ; W . 1 ' . Stanton , J . O . ; T . Bodley , I . G . ; G . E . Thame , Treasurer ; and E . Keywood , Tyler . 'The VV . AI . stated that as he intended proceeding to England , he regretted that hc must , in the course of a few months , vacate his ofiice , and it would be necessary to instal some one as his successor , so that the lodge might be carried on , as there would be no P . M . AI . ' s in the city to work the Degree . It was unanimously
resolved to apply for a dispensation to instal as VV . M . Bro . R . I . Finnemorc ( P . AL , P . H ., P . AI . W . S ., & c ) , Alaster of the Supreme Court . Another candidate for advancement having * been proposed , and "Hearty good wishes" conveyed from visiting brethren , the meeting terminated , and the brethren separated , well pleased with the successful manner in which thc lodge has been established , and with its future prospects . This is the lirst Alark lodge established in the colony ,
and , if the progress of thc Natalia Craft Ledge , No . 16 ( 15 , Natalia Royal Arch Chapter , No . 10 ( 15 , and Natalia Rose Croix Chapter , No . (" 12 , affords any criterion , then thc confidence of tlie brethren in its future may be regarded as well founded . We learn that it is in contemplation to establish , at no distant date , a Natalia Preceptory of Knights 'Templar ; antl lhat a Masonic ball was to be given in April . Undoubtedly Freemasonry flourishes in Natal , and long may il continue to do so .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
The General Committee of subscribers to this Institution met on 'Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Col . Creaton jiresided . 'There were also jiresent Bros . Col . James Peters , Griffiths Smith , John A . Rucker , A . J . Dufl Viler , R . 1 ) . Webster , T . F . Peacock , 11 . Higgins , ' 11 . A .
Dubois , C . F . Matier , Arthur E . Gladwell , F . R . VV . Hedges ( Sec ) ., and II . Alassey ( Freemason ) . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes two children were placed on the list for the October election . "The House Committee having recommended that the salary of the junior clerk be increased from £ Co to £ 70 a year , Bro . Griffiths Smith gave notice of motion embodying
that recoinvncnilation for thc next meeting of thc General Committee in April . 'The Chairman was then authorised to sign several cheques , among which was one for £ 500 , the ilejiosit on thc purchase of Lyncombe House , the contract for which hc stated he had signed on behalf of himself and his co-Trustees .
'The following notices of motions for next Quarterly Court were given : By * Bro . VV . II . SPAUI . I ., Prov . Grand Secretary North Wales and . Shropshire— "That the third antl every subsequent Stewardship lo this Institution , accompanied by a donation of £ 5 5 s ., shall entitle the brother to two votes . " By Bro . H . T . THOMPSON , P . AL 742— " That the- sum
of £ Ci be voted to each of twenty-five children next highest on tlie poll to the successful candidates at this election , in aid of their maintenance and education until the election in October next . " B y Bro . G . E . WEBSTEII , P . M . 139 , West Yorkshire"'That it is desirable that the Life Governors , subscribers , and others entitled to vote at meetings of the General
Court shoultl have ( he power of voting by j-roxy . " By the same Brother— " 'That all subscriptions , donations , legacies , and other monies received by this Charity which shall not be distinctly appropriated by ( he donors lo the Sustentation I ' nntl shall beajijilii-tlin maintaining , clothing * ,
and educating the children , mul the surplus , if any , shall be invested in 3 per cent . Consols , in Ihe names of 'Trustees of the General Funtl , which fund , and the income thereof , shall not be applietl for any other than the above mentioned jmrposcs . " A vote of thanks to ( he Chairman closed the proceeding's .
Bro. Vernon On Freemasonry.
BRO . VERNON ON FREEMASONRY .
At a recent meeting ol the ancient Lodge of Kelso , No . 5 8 , the following address was delivered by Bro . VV . Fred . Vernon , thc retiring Alaster , and a number of brethren having expressed a desire to jiosscss a copy of it , we have much pleasure in j-nblisbing it here . After the initial business Bro . Vernon rose and said :
Amongst our ancient brethren in this lodge there obtained , over a hundred years ago , many excellent customs , which I think we would do well to imitate or resuscitate . One of these was the religious observance of thc festival of St . John the Haplist , or " Summer St . John ' s , " when our worthy predecessors annually assembled to attend Divine service in one or other of the churches in the
town , making a sjiecial collection on the occasion In aid of some of the local charities . This example of theirs is , in my humhlc ofi /' nion , well worthy oi imitation , and 1 trust tlie brethren will endeavour to revive , if possible , this good old custom . Another excellent rule they had was that the retiringAiastcr should , on having ( he chair , give the brethren an address on Alasonry , antl ibis uraclice was regularly
kept uj ) as long as the lotlge prospered and held its regular meetings ; and now after the lodge had lain dormant for many years , it has entered upon what ! trust will prove a jjereiinial jiei'jotj of jH'osperity , I think we would do well to revive this custom also . As an ardent admirer of our
timehonoured Institution , and a lover of all that pertains to it , 1 beg leave to-night to as * k your indulgence while I , an unworthy representative of our good old brethren , claim thc right , as retiring Master of this lodge , of giving you a short address , and at thc same time of reviving what I consider to be a most excellent practice , and one wc should
Bro. Vernon On Freemasonry.
not willingly let die . It has happened since thc time you did me the honour to elect mc to the chair of this lodge that all our meetings were taken up by important business which left no margin for other than the ordinary routine charges and lectures , but it seems to mc that it is advisable to have an opj-ortunity from time to time of giving one ' s thoughts and impressions free vent , and accordingly I take advantage of this occasion to make a few genera ! remarks
upon some Alasonic points that strike me as being worthy of your attention . 1 dare say I will tell you nothing but what you knew before , but if any remarks of mine lead a single brother to think out for himself any Alasonic idea which I but hint at , 1 will not have spoken in vain , for my purpose , that of leading vour thoughts a little out of the ordinary routine tracks of lodge work and making you take a more comprehensive view of our subject , will then be gained .
'The question is very often jjut to a brother by some one of the outside world , "What is Alasonry ? " 'To this question nine out of every ten of you might answer— " It is a system of morality , veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , " and you would answer well . Let us briefly consider these points . It is a system of morality , for it is founded in Faith , reared in Hope , and established in Charity . It is essential that those who desire tnhr-rnme Alasons must have
faith in God , 1 . G . A . O . I . U ., and they must make His word their rule and guide through life , for He is the centre of our system , and to Him all our aspirations tend . In all cases of danger or difficulty wc are taught to put our trust in Him , and we implore His blessing on , and guidance in , all our Masonic undertakings , and therefore it is impossible for an unbeliever or atheist ever to become a Alason or pollute our sanctuary by his presence . Take away a belief
in God and you saj ) our foundations , ancl thc whole Alasonic edifice falls in hopeless ruin . Standing—for certain reasons which you all know and therefore 1 need not rcj ^ eat—ujion holy ground , beneath the sacred symbol , with the volume of thc Sacred Law ever open in our midst , we are constantly reminded that « e are in thc presence of the Alost High , and white practising our arts and mysteries , wc stedfastly endeavour to keep to that point within thc circle where we
cannot err . if we applied thc rules and lessons and practices of the lodge to our daily walk and conversation through life—and this is what we ought to aim at and try to accomplish—we would then be worthy brethren indeed . Let us each individually strive to attain to this excellence , and thus show the world that Alasonry is not a mere name , but a high principle—a great power for good . We know vcry well that our noble art is often degraded by men vvho
arc Alasons but in name , men who for mercenary or other unworthy motives have entered the Craft and joined a lodge , but whose ideas of Alasonry are as confused and erroneous as their practices are disreputable . These men , by loudl y procaiming themselves Freemasons , and indulging m debaucheries under the cloak of and in the name of Alasonry , have been the means of attaching a certain amount or odium to the Craft . But , biethren , you
are none of these . Others again there are who , by means of a retentive memory , are able , in a parrot-like manner , to go through our beautiful services without taking thought of , or understanding the deeper meaning of the words they so glibly utter . While I would have you all to perfect yourselves in our ritual—and this can only be accomj-lishcd by attendance at regular meetings and lodges of instruction—I woultl not haye you to be mere
speaking machines ; if wc only required words or sound , and not thought or ideas , science could supply our wants , for she can produce mechanism lhat will do the speaking part with unfailing accuracy , but wc want thought as well as words . Hence , in order to preserve our beautiful art , and make it intelligible only to the thoughtful and the studious , it is veiled in allegory . And what a beautiful allegory is our whole svstcin ! Our traditionary history takes
us back to the building of thc Temple of King Solomon by our ancient operative brethren . That magnificent structure was destroyed and the brethren dispersed ; a second Temple was reared , and that was also destroyed ; and yet a third time the brethren met upon thc ruins of the 'Temple and reared another structure , but unlike the former fabrics , whicii were built of perishable material , the structure raised by these worthy men of old , upon the occasion
I speak of was built of imperishable materials—the ashlar the immortal souls 01 men ; the cement , brotherly love ! Unable to rear such a gorgeous temple as that raised and dedicated to God by the wise king-, but desirous of doing something to perpetuate his wisdom and the lessons they had learned of him , and anxious to do something to tlie honour and glory of God , they founded upon the ruins of that temple Ihe superstructure of which we are
part . Founded upon Ihe purest principles of piety and virtue , built up of such imperishable materials , and dedicated to truth and charity , 110 wonder that Alasonry has shown such vitality , and has lived and flourished while many other institutions have been swept away by the relentless hand of lime . Masonry is illustrated by symbols . Let ns just glance at one or two of these . How typical of man's life are tun * various Degrees ? Our entrance , into lite
Craft symbolises our entrance upon this mortal sphere , in a slate of helplessness and ignorance , groping in mental darkness a ** we advance , and desiring in our inmost hearts the illuminating influence 01 intellectual light , which at last ive find displayed to us in the volume of the Sacred Law . Having attained a greater degree of mental vigour and emerged into a state of manhood , represented by thc Secontl Degree , our thirst for knowledge increases , and we
long for the fountains of wisdom to be opened to us , that ive may attain lo the hidden mysteries of nature and of science , so that we may reach stej ) by step from simple truths through all the most intricate labyrinths of scientific formula-, as promulgated by thc greatest intellects , ( ill wc attain to the most exalted knowledge , and thus be in a position to render ourselves of greater service to our fellowcreatures . But in all our studies we must beware of pride
antl arrogance , antl ever remember that thc great aim and end of knowledge is to lead us to "look through nature up to nature ' s God . " And thus " yoked in all exercise " of noble end , " we arc symbolically reminded in the 'Third or . Sublime Degree , thnt no matter to what extent or height our knowledge reaches it will he all in vain if we have
not studied ourselves and attained to the knowledge 01 life everlasting , for Alasonry indicates in no uncertain manner the immortality of the soul , and inculcates in all its votaries a firm belief in a future state and a glorious resurrection . It teaches us to rule our lives so as to be prepared for the closing hours of our existence , whicii we are taught is but temporary , and we learn that to the good and upright Alason even the grimly King himself has no terrors equal
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In Spain.
presented themselves from amongst the nubility , learned professions , nnd commercial men of the day . In 1 S 09 Joseph Bonaparte gave his support to the formation of a Supreme Council of the . - ,. * ,- ' , which , two ycars later , viz ., in 1 S 11 , was formallv confirmed in its powers by Bro . the Count Grassc- 'Tilly , a delegate specially appointed by the Supreme Grand Council of Charleston , U . S . A . Then
followed seven years of uninterrupted Masonic prosperity , antl om * Order became again an active power W gootl in the land , when the restoration of the Bourbon regime , in the person of Ferdinand VII ., again suppressed all liberty , ancl in the year 1 S 14 the Inquisition was re-invested with full powers of life and death over heretics and Freemasons alike . Thc work of repression was carried on during the
years 1 S 15-1 S 23 with a ferocious zeal worthy the worst days of Torquemada himself . Our brethren were thrown into prison ; all open movements of the Supreme Grand Council were suspended , but its members nevertheless met , although with thc utmost secrecy , and much Masonic work was carried on . In the year 1 S 1 S thc GrandCouncil numbered amongst its members Bros . General Riego , Palacios ,
Galves , Augustin Arguclles , Evanisto San Aligucl , and other illustrious workers in our cauic . In thc year 1820 the Jesuitical persecution for Ihe moment ceased , when a remarkable outburst of Alasonic activity ensued , and large numbers of worthy candidates werc initiated , too many of them to die for Alasonry ! for the lull only preceded a renewed outburst of persecution during the early months of
1 S 23 , in which year Bros . Riego , Palacios , and Galves , members of Supreme Grand Council , were arrested , condemned to death , and executed for the sole " crime" of being Freemasons . Bro . General Riego was executed at Madrid , Bro . Palacios at Cadi / ., and Bro . Galves at Granada ; whilst many other members of thc Craft vycrc executed in Seville , Barcelona , Salamanca , and other cities
of Spain . 'This fresh blow caused the surviving members of the Supreme Council entirely to suspend I heir labours , and a veritable reign of terror ensued ; wives denounced their husbands at the confessional , children their fathers , until the cup of Alasonic suffering may be said to have overflowed , when the grim proclamation of Ferdinand VI 1 . made its appearance ( on the ist of August , 1 S 24 ) , in which
sentence of death was pronounced against every . Spaniard vvho had taken the obligation of a Freemason , unless within thirty days of the date of thc saitl decree he should make a public declaration and acknowledgment to that effect . After the expiration of thirty days all who had not so declared themselves were to be forthwith executed without further process of trial . This frightful decree vvas , however , too sweeping to be effectual , seeking as it did to place the halter of the
executioner around thc necks of some So , ooo Spaniards 1 and need we say that not a single member of the Craft declared himself as such ? Every subject of King Ferdinand VII . knew too well what his royal word was worth ! 'They knew that such a declaration ami acknowledgment of belonging to thc Craft would most certainly ensure the very penalty which had been pronounced against those * who did not
make it . 'Thus our brethren kept their own counsel , but so great vvas thc secrecy with which their further labours were conducted that the movements of the Supreme Council during the next twelve years are shrouded in the utmost mystery , although the house at Alndrid , in the Calk * Alayor , where frequent meetings look place , i . * - . well known to the initiated . In the year 1 S 3 S ihe brethren again began to show signs of more open activity . Candidates from amongst the nobles of the land are known
to have rome forward , and to have been secretly initiated ; and in the year 1 S 39 no less exalted a personage than an Infanta of Spain , Don Francisco de Bourbon , had . 1 seat on the Supreme Council , which included at the time Bro . Evanisto San Miguel , one of the survivors of 1 S 23 , in which 3 'ear Bros . Riego , Palacios , anil Calves were executed . Another period of seven years of comparative calm again allowed Alasonry to prosper in Spain , until in 1 S 46 Pope Pius IX . re-enacted all Ihe terrible articles contained in the
Bull of Pope Benedict XIV . against 1-rec and Accepted Alasons . Although tlie Papal decree ofthe 9 th of November , 18 4 ^ , was not followed bv such bloody scenes as those which more inmv-diately followed Ihe edicts and enactments of the years 173 S , 1751 , antl 1 SJ 4 , yet it sufficed to suppress the further open practice of our riles in Spain . Onr Bin .
the Infanta Den Francisco had lo liy the kingdom , and Bro . Al . ignan antl Bro . Pinilla , into whnsc hands iuu * Royal brother re-igiu-tl his powers as Giant ! Commander nf Ihe Supreme Council of the 33 ° , felt compelled to entirely suspend all further Alasonic labours , bury the seals of office , and secrete the warrants of the lodges antl the documents
appertaining to the Supreme Grantl Council . Thus for twelve more years Freemasonry remained dormant in Spain , until the Revolution of the 2 nd of September , 1 WiS , frightened Queen Isabella 11 . into exile , and compelled the Jesuit throng to follow her example . ( To be continued . )
Mark Masonry In Natal.
MARK MASONRY IN NATAL .
During last year a number of leading Alasons in Pielermaritzburg , the capital of the colony , being desirous of working the Alark Master ' s Degree , forwarded a petition to the Grand Lodge of Alark Alaster Alasons for England , Wales , and the Colonies , praying for a warrant of constitution for a lotlge , to be called " 'The Natalia , " to meet in
the Masonic 'Temple . 'The petition ( being recommended by Ihe D . G . AI . AL for S . Africa , Bro . the Hon . li . VV . 11 . Giddy , 33 ' - ) was readily acceded to liy the M . W . Grant ! M . M . M ., Lord Rkelmersdale ; and , the warrant liaving been received , the lodge ( No . 252 ) was duly opened in . " . nrietit form , ( he . V / aster designate regularly in .-tailetl , and tiie officers appointed in
February l . isl . 'The brethren , having held sever . 'il preliminary meetings , antl haling overcome the inilitttoty tlillieullies connected with the establishment id the lotlge , and the proper working of the t -i-i ' enifinies , the first meeting for the advancement nf candidates to ihe honorary Degree of Alark Alastei
Mason was held on the 2 (' 4 li February last . Present : VV . liro . Wesley Francis , 30 * - ' , installed Alark Master ( in ( he chair ); Bros . R . 1 . Finneinore , yi , S . VV . ; E . S . T . Slantial , IS- *' , J . W . ; J . Smith , i 8 « , AI . O . ; B . Ireland , S . O . ; S . Find , iS * - ' , ' S . D . ; E . L . S . Torguis , J . D . ; Captain Astley Fellowes Terry ( Goth Rifles ) , 30 ' - ' , & c ; antl J . U . Harrison , 18 *** , etc . Thc lodge having been opened in due form , the ballot
Mark Masonry In Natal.
was taken for twelve candidates for advancement who had been regularly proposed and seconded at a jM ' cvious meeting , all of whom werc unanimously elected . The following approved candidates were then severally prepared and admitted , and regularly advanced to the honorary Degree of AI . AI . AL , and took their seats in thc lotlge , viz ., Bros . William Frederick Stanton , iS " , Edward Homersham Wiltshicr , Samuel Button , 'Thomas Ernest
Harding , 'Tom Bodley , George Edward ' 1 hame , antl Edward Koywood . Considering that this was the first attempt at working , the ceremony was very creditably gone through , and Bro . Harrison , of thc Caledonian R . A . Chapter , who had specially travelled from Durban to assist at the meeting , rendered efficient aid to the officers of the lodge . 'The VV . M . next proceeded to fill UJI the vacant offices in the lodge as follows : Bros . E . Homersham Wiltshicr ( Advocate
Supreme Court ) , Sec . and Reg . of Alarks ; W . 1 ' . Stanton , J . O . ; T . Bodley , I . G . ; G . E . Thame , Treasurer ; and E . Keywood , Tyler . 'The VV . AI . stated that as he intended proceeding to England , he regretted that hc must , in the course of a few months , vacate his ofiice , and it would be necessary to instal some one as his successor , so that the lodge might be carried on , as there would be no P . M . AI . ' s in the city to work the Degree . It was unanimously
resolved to apply for a dispensation to instal as VV . M . Bro . R . I . Finnemorc ( P . AL , P . H ., P . AI . W . S ., & c ) , Alaster of the Supreme Court . Another candidate for advancement having * been proposed , and "Hearty good wishes" conveyed from visiting brethren , the meeting terminated , and the brethren separated , well pleased with the successful manner in which thc lodge has been established , and with its future prospects . This is the lirst Alark lodge established in the colony ,
and , if the progress of thc Natalia Craft Ledge , No . 16 ( 15 , Natalia Royal Arch Chapter , No . 10 ( 15 , and Natalia Rose Croix Chapter , No . (" 12 , affords any criterion , then thc confidence of tlie brethren in its future may be regarded as well founded . We learn that it is in contemplation to establish , at no distant date , a Natalia Preceptory of Knights 'Templar ; antl lhat a Masonic ball was to be given in April . Undoubtedly Freemasonry flourishes in Natal , and long may il continue to do so .
Royal Masonic Institution For Girls.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS .
The General Committee of subscribers to this Institution met on 'Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Col . Creaton jiresided . 'There were also jiresent Bros . Col . James Peters , Griffiths Smith , John A . Rucker , A . J . Dufl Viler , R . 1 ) . Webster , T . F . Peacock , 11 . Higgins , ' 11 . A .
Dubois , C . F . Matier , Arthur E . Gladwell , F . R . VV . Hedges ( Sec ) ., and II . Alassey ( Freemason ) . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes two children were placed on the list for the October election . "The House Committee having recommended that the salary of the junior clerk be increased from £ Co to £ 70 a year , Bro . Griffiths Smith gave notice of motion embodying
that recoinvncnilation for thc next meeting of thc General Committee in April . 'The Chairman was then authorised to sign several cheques , among which was one for £ 500 , the ilejiosit on thc purchase of Lyncombe House , the contract for which hc stated he had signed on behalf of himself and his co-Trustees .
'The following notices of motions for next Quarterly Court were given : By * Bro . VV . II . SPAUI . I ., Prov . Grand Secretary North Wales and . Shropshire— "That the third antl every subsequent Stewardship lo this Institution , accompanied by a donation of £ 5 5 s ., shall entitle the brother to two votes . " By Bro . H . T . THOMPSON , P . AL 742— " That the- sum
of £ Ci be voted to each of twenty-five children next highest on tlie poll to the successful candidates at this election , in aid of their maintenance and education until the election in October next . " B y Bro . G . E . WEBSTEII , P . M . 139 , West Yorkshire"'That it is desirable that the Life Governors , subscribers , and others entitled to vote at meetings of the General
Court shoultl have ( he power of voting by j-roxy . " By the same Brother— " 'That all subscriptions , donations , legacies , and other monies received by this Charity which shall not be distinctly appropriated by ( he donors lo the Sustentation I ' nntl shall beajijilii-tlin maintaining , clothing * ,
and educating the children , mul the surplus , if any , shall be invested in 3 per cent . Consols , in Ihe names of 'Trustees of the General Funtl , which fund , and the income thereof , shall not be applietl for any other than the above mentioned jmrposcs . " A vote of thanks to ( he Chairman closed the proceeding's .
Bro. Vernon On Freemasonry.
BRO . VERNON ON FREEMASONRY .
At a recent meeting ol the ancient Lodge of Kelso , No . 5 8 , the following address was delivered by Bro . VV . Fred . Vernon , thc retiring Alaster , and a number of brethren having expressed a desire to jiosscss a copy of it , we have much pleasure in j-nblisbing it here . After the initial business Bro . Vernon rose and said :
Amongst our ancient brethren in this lodge there obtained , over a hundred years ago , many excellent customs , which I think we would do well to imitate or resuscitate . One of these was the religious observance of thc festival of St . John the Haplist , or " Summer St . John ' s , " when our worthy predecessors annually assembled to attend Divine service in one or other of the churches in the
town , making a sjiecial collection on the occasion In aid of some of the local charities . This example of theirs is , in my humhlc ofi /' nion , well worthy oi imitation , and 1 trust tlie brethren will endeavour to revive , if possible , this good old custom . Another excellent rule they had was that the retiringAiastcr should , on having ( he chair , give the brethren an address on Alasonry , antl ibis uraclice was regularly
kept uj ) as long as the lotlge prospered and held its regular meetings ; and now after the lodge had lain dormant for many years , it has entered upon what ! trust will prove a jjereiinial jiei'jotj of jH'osperity , I think we would do well to revive this custom also . As an ardent admirer of our
timehonoured Institution , and a lover of all that pertains to it , 1 beg leave to-night to as * k your indulgence while I , an unworthy representative of our good old brethren , claim thc right , as retiring Master of this lodge , of giving you a short address , and at thc same time of reviving what I consider to be a most excellent practice , and one wc should
Bro. Vernon On Freemasonry.
not willingly let die . It has happened since thc time you did me the honour to elect mc to the chair of this lodge that all our meetings were taken up by important business which left no margin for other than the ordinary routine charges and lectures , but it seems to mc that it is advisable to have an opj-ortunity from time to time of giving one ' s thoughts and impressions free vent , and accordingly I take advantage of this occasion to make a few genera ! remarks
upon some Alasonic points that strike me as being worthy of your attention . 1 dare say I will tell you nothing but what you knew before , but if any remarks of mine lead a single brother to think out for himself any Alasonic idea which I but hint at , 1 will not have spoken in vain , for my purpose , that of leading vour thoughts a little out of the ordinary routine tracks of lodge work and making you take a more comprehensive view of our subject , will then be gained .
'The question is very often jjut to a brother by some one of the outside world , "What is Alasonry ? " 'To this question nine out of every ten of you might answer— " It is a system of morality , veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols , " and you would answer well . Let us briefly consider these points . It is a system of morality , for it is founded in Faith , reared in Hope , and established in Charity . It is essential that those who desire tnhr-rnme Alasons must have
faith in God , 1 . G . A . O . I . U ., and they must make His word their rule and guide through life , for He is the centre of our system , and to Him all our aspirations tend . In all cases of danger or difficulty wc are taught to put our trust in Him , and we implore His blessing on , and guidance in , all our Masonic undertakings , and therefore it is impossible for an unbeliever or atheist ever to become a Alason or pollute our sanctuary by his presence . Take away a belief
in God and you saj ) our foundations , ancl thc whole Alasonic edifice falls in hopeless ruin . Standing—for certain reasons which you all know and therefore 1 need not rcj ^ eat—ujion holy ground , beneath the sacred symbol , with the volume of thc Sacred Law ever open in our midst , we are constantly reminded that « e are in thc presence of the Alost High , and white practising our arts and mysteries , wc stedfastly endeavour to keep to that point within thc circle where we
cannot err . if we applied thc rules and lessons and practices of the lodge to our daily walk and conversation through life—and this is what we ought to aim at and try to accomplish—we would then be worthy brethren indeed . Let us each individually strive to attain to this excellence , and thus show the world that Alasonry is not a mere name , but a high principle—a great power for good . We know vcry well that our noble art is often degraded by men vvho
arc Alasons but in name , men who for mercenary or other unworthy motives have entered the Craft and joined a lodge , but whose ideas of Alasonry are as confused and erroneous as their practices are disreputable . These men , by loudl y procaiming themselves Freemasons , and indulging m debaucheries under the cloak of and in the name of Alasonry , have been the means of attaching a certain amount or odium to the Craft . But , biethren , you
are none of these . Others again there are who , by means of a retentive memory , are able , in a parrot-like manner , to go through our beautiful services without taking thought of , or understanding the deeper meaning of the words they so glibly utter . While I would have you all to perfect yourselves in our ritual—and this can only be accomj-lishcd by attendance at regular meetings and lodges of instruction—I woultl not haye you to be mere
speaking machines ; if wc only required words or sound , and not thought or ideas , science could supply our wants , for she can produce mechanism lhat will do the speaking part with unfailing accuracy , but wc want thought as well as words . Hence , in order to preserve our beautiful art , and make it intelligible only to the thoughtful and the studious , it is veiled in allegory . And what a beautiful allegory is our whole svstcin ! Our traditionary history takes
us back to the building of thc Temple of King Solomon by our ancient operative brethren . That magnificent structure was destroyed and the brethren dispersed ; a second Temple was reared , and that was also destroyed ; and yet a third time the brethren met upon thc ruins of the 'Temple and reared another structure , but unlike the former fabrics , whicii were built of perishable material , the structure raised by these worthy men of old , upon the occasion
I speak of was built of imperishable materials—the ashlar the immortal souls 01 men ; the cement , brotherly love ! Unable to rear such a gorgeous temple as that raised and dedicated to God by the wise king-, but desirous of doing something to perpetuate his wisdom and the lessons they had learned of him , and anxious to do something to tlie honour and glory of God , they founded upon the ruins of that temple Ihe superstructure of which we are
part . Founded upon Ihe purest principles of piety and virtue , built up of such imperishable materials , and dedicated to truth and charity , 110 wonder that Alasonry has shown such vitality , and has lived and flourished while many other institutions have been swept away by the relentless hand of lime . Masonry is illustrated by symbols . Let ns just glance at one or two of these . How typical of man's life are tun * various Degrees ? Our entrance , into lite
Craft symbolises our entrance upon this mortal sphere , in a slate of helplessness and ignorance , groping in mental darkness a ** we advance , and desiring in our inmost hearts the illuminating influence 01 intellectual light , which at last ive find displayed to us in the volume of the Sacred Law . Having attained a greater degree of mental vigour and emerged into a state of manhood , represented by thc Secontl Degree , our thirst for knowledge increases , and we
long for the fountains of wisdom to be opened to us , that ive may attain lo the hidden mysteries of nature and of science , so that we may reach stej ) by step from simple truths through all the most intricate labyrinths of scientific formula-, as promulgated by thc greatest intellects , ( ill wc attain to the most exalted knowledge , and thus be in a position to render ourselves of greater service to our fellowcreatures . But in all our studies we must beware of pride
antl arrogance , antl ever remember that thc great aim and end of knowledge is to lead us to "look through nature up to nature ' s God . " And thus " yoked in all exercise " of noble end , " we arc symbolically reminded in the 'Third or . Sublime Degree , thnt no matter to what extent or height our knowledge reaches it will he all in vain if we have
not studied ourselves and attained to the knowledge 01 life everlasting , for Alasonry indicates in no uncertain manner the immortality of the soul , and inculcates in all its votaries a firm belief in a future state and a glorious resurrection . It teaches us to rule our lives so as to be prepared for the closing hours of our existence , whicii we are taught is but temporary , and we learn that to the good and upright Alason even the grimly King himself has no terrors equal