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Article Scotland. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE PLANTATION MASONIC HALL. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE PLANTATION MASONIC HALL. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE KENMUIR MASONIC HALL. Page 1 of 1 Article New South Wales. Page 1 of 2 Article New South Wales. Page 1 of 2 →
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Scotland.
Scotland .
SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER . The annual meeting of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland was held in the Freemasons' Hall on Monday afternoon , the 22 nd ult ., when the office-bearers for the year were elected and installed . Comps . Col . Sir A . Campbell , M . P ., was elected First G . Principal : the Earl
of Mar and Kellie , Past First G . Principal ; VVm . Mann , S . S . C , Depute G . Principal ; the Earl of Kintore , Second G . Principal ; F . E . Villiers , Third G . Principal ; Wm . Edwards , G . S . E . ; Dr . G . Dickson , G . S . N . ; and VVm . Officer , S . S . C , G . Treas . In the evening the Festival of the Vernal Equinox was celebrated .
Consecration Of The Plantation Masonic Hall.
CONSECRATION OF THE PLANTATION MASONIC HALL .
The formal consecration of the Masonic Hal ! of Lodge Plantation , No . 5 S 1 , situated at 465 , Paisley-road , Glasgow , took place on Thursday evening , the iSth ult ., in presence of the office-bearers of the Provincial Grand Lodge and a large attendance of the brethren of Plantation Lodge . The ceremonial , which was commenced at eight o ' clock , was
brought to a close about half-past nine o clock . In the absence of Bro . Wm . Pearce , M . P ., R . W . Prov . G . M . of Glasgow , the chair was occupied by Bro . VVm . J . Easton , D . P . G . M ., who was supported bv Bros . J . Graham , S . P . G . M . ; J . M . Oliver , P . G . S . W . ; * VVm . Ferguson , acting P . G . J . W . ; the Rev . VV . W . Tulloch , P . G . Chap . ; D . Reid , P . G . Sec ; A . M . Smith , P . G . Jeweller ; D . Sharp , P . G . Bible Bearer ; D . Gill , P . G . Marshal ; VV . Phillips ,
P . G . D . of C ; James Gallic , P . G . Dir . of Music ; J . M'William , P . G . Architect ; T . Halket , P . G . Treas . of Benevolent Fund ; J . Clark , R . W . M . 5 S 1 j J . Hendry , P . M . 5 S 1 ; Neil Thomson , S . W . 5 S 1 ; J . C . Thomson , J . W . 5 S 1 ; A . Purdie , Sec . 5 S 1 ; J . O . Struthers , Treas . 5 S 1 ; J . Paterson , R . W . M . 419 ; VVm . Barclay , R . W . M . 553 ; and D . M'Conechie , Sec . 437 . The PROV . GRAND SECRETARY read the following
letter from Bro . Pearce , M . P ., R . W . P . G . M . of Glasgow province : — " Leadenhall Buildings , London , E . G ., 13 th March , 1 SS 6 , " Dear Sir and Brother , —As there is important business in the House of Commons , in which I am interested , I regret that I am unable to be present with you at the consecration of thc new hall for Lodge Plantation . —I am
yours , faithfully and fraternally , VV . PEARCE . " In proceeding to consecrate the new hall , Provincial Grand Lodge followed the ritual of the Craft which had been carefully arranged in programme form for their use . The devotional exercises were led by Bro . the Rev . VV . W . Tulloch , P . G . Chap ., whilst the musical arrangements , which gave great satisfaction to all present , were under the charge of Bro . lames Gallic , P . G . Director of Music ,
who holds the degree of A . M . of the Training College of London . In delivering an oration to the assembled brethren , the Rev . VV . VV . TULLOCK , Chaplain , said , —Why do we meet together as Masons ? Why do we rejoice that in every town and village of any importance , not only in Scotland , but in the world , we have representatives of the Craft ? Why do we hail every additional lodge that asks for our
solemn consecration ? Is it because as a body wc exist merely for ourselves , for social fellowship and recreation ? No , it is because we believe that Masonry bears witness to some fundamental principles which are calculated to be of the greatest service to our better selves , our nobler natures , and the members of the community in which we live , and , indeed , to the world at large . What are those two principles in which we believe , and according to which , if we are
true Freemasons , we ought to be living . They recognise the relationship in which we stand , first , as towards God , and , secondly , towards our brethren . It is a grand thing for ourselves and our brethren that one of our great beliefs is that we live day by day and hour by hour under the allseeing eye of the Almighty . You who are to work and labour in this lodge , in this hall that is to-night to be dedicated to the puiposes of Masonry . I beseech you with all
the power I can , not to forget this article of your Masonic faith . Speak and act in this hall as if you fully believed it , and let nothing be done here which would grieve or vex so great , so benign a Power . On the contrary , let your labour here be for His glory , for the good of your brethren , and for your own eternal welfare . ( Applause . ) The hall was thereafter solemnly consecrated to the purposes of Freemasonry , with the usual impressive ceremonials
and the pouring of corn , wine , and oil . Bro . EASTON , D . P . G . M ., in addressing the brethren , said —I can assure you I speak not only on behalf of myself , but on behalf of the office-bearers of Provincial Grand Lodge , when I say we wish Lodge Plantation every success in the new hall which has been consecrated this evening . We trust that here the brethren of Lodge Plantation may pass many happy evenings in concord , that harmony and
brotherly love will reign , and that they will be successful in thc work they have to do . The office-bearers of Provincial Grand Lodge have to congratulate you upon the very neat hall you have secured . It is large enough in every way , and has a pleasing appearance . I cannot but add one word of praise to your excellent choir —( applause)—by whom the musical part of the services has been conducted , and in a way which has given very great pleasure to us all . (
Aoplause . ) The whole service , from beginning to end , has been most impressive . ( Applause . ) Bro . J CLARKE , R . W . M . of Lodge Plantation , 5 S 1 , returned sincere thanks for the cordial manner in which the office-bearers of Prov . Grand Lodge had come forward in connection with the new hall for Lodge Plantation . The hall they previously possessed was not very well suited for their work , they had set about to procure a new halland
, were very happy that the issue of their efforts had been so successful . Plantation Lodge had always worked in unison . The necessary expenses of the new hall had been all defrayed by the voluntary subscriptions of members , which must be a very pleasing feature , in the eyes of the Prov . Grand Lodge , as to Lodge Plantation . While
raising the additional subscription , they resolved , if possible , to leave the lodge funds intact , and he was happy to state that all the necessary funds had been subscribed by the members themselves . ( Applause . ) The Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed in due form , after which Lodge Plantation was opened by the R . W . M .,
Consecration Of The Plantation Masonic Hall.
and Bro . the Rev . VV . VV . Tulloch , Chaplain of thc Prov . Grand Lodge , was affiliated to the membership . The brethren afterwards sojourned from labour to refreshment , and spent a pleasant evening together . jy .
Consecration Of The Kenmuir Masonic Hall.
CONSECRATION OF THE KENMUIR MASONIC HALL .
By the office-bearers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow the Masonic Hall of Lodge Kenmuir , No . 570 , situated at 37 , Cowlairs-road , Springburn , was solemnly consecrated to the purposes of Freemasonry on Thursday evening , the 25 th ult . In the absence of Bro . VVm . Pearce ,
M . P ., R . W . Prov . G . M ., the chair was occupied by Bro . W . J . Easton , D . P . G . M ., who was supported by Bros . J . M . Oliver , P . G . S . W . ; VV . Ferguson , acting P . G . J . W . ; D . Reid , P . G . Sec . ; the Rev . J . Watt , G . Chap , of bcotland ; J . Jackson , P . G . J . D . ; A . M . Smith , P . G . Jeweller ; Wm . Phillips , P . G . D . C . ; Jas . Gallic , P . G . Director ol Music ; D . Gill , P . G . Marshal ; R . Gibson , R . W . M . 570 ;
and others . Apologies for absence were received from Bros . William Pearce , ' M . P ., R . W . P . G . M . ; J . Graham , S . R . G . M . ; and J . Morgan , P . G . J . W . After the ordinary preliminary services , Bro . the Rev . J WATTS , Grand Chap ., in delivering an oration , said : One hears sometimes the words used of an alliance
between the Masonic Craft and religion . If there were not such an alliance , you may rely upon it that I , as a minister of religion , and others such as 1 am , could not feel ourselves justified in holding the offices we do . VVe believe that there is an alliance of a strict kind . I would put it that there is more than an alliance . I call Masonry , rightly understood , a form , and no low form , of religion in itself . As
truly is it a form of social religion as any church organisation governed either by Bishop or Presbytery . There is no need on the present occasion to raise any question as to the exact place which this religion holds , or whether in itself it is sufficient to meet the wants of an imperfect humanity . It is sufficient for me to recall to your minds this fact , that the fraternity to which we belong rests upon a solid truth ,
an eternal truth , namely , the existence of a living , Almighty , Benificent Being j that it rests upon this , and that its great aim is to bring into harmony to His will and His order , as we know it , the minds and thc lives of those who own this great fundamental truth . And if this be so it is apparent that one of the needs of our Order is a right , fitting , and suitable place to cultivate this feeling . A consecration
service such as we are to take part in now is a meaningless ceremony only to those who have eyes and see not , to those who have ears and ear not . There are symbols employed in the course of it to denote the peace and prosperity that is longed for within such a lodge as this ; there are solemn words of aspiration , adoration , and yearning for brotherhood employed that ought to carry their
weight to every thinking and feeling heart . Each spot , indeed , where virtue takes up her abode is protected by solemn sanctions , either formal or informal One such sacred spot is our home . You know the outrage which we feel is committed when impurity enters the domestic circle , The church is another place , and you know the violence that is done in the eyes of all right-thinking men to the
cause of religion when some offices that alone ought to be performed in the church are changed for the jester ' s voice , alas 1 sometimes here and there . And , with regard to the Masonic lodge , shall not it , too , have its appropriate duties to be guarded by solemn sanctions , over which the outer world may not pass ? It has seemed to me—and I know that others have felt it—that it is a cause of regret that in
a large centre of population , such as Glasgow is , Freemasonry has not some fitting home and temple of its own —some building that might be a credit and a glory to a society that lives and moves and has its being in and around the art and science of architecture . The dingy halls in which the Masonic brotherhood of the nineteenth century are sometimes content to meet are not worthy
surely of the edifice in connection with which we believe that our Craft took its rise , which long ago reared high to heaven its thousand golden domes . No doubt we must work with what material we have , but it is always a pleasing thing to those who have the best interests of Masonry at heart to find , as we do find this evening , a signal instance of the desire of the brethren to possess right and
appropriate homes in which to circulate their craft and their art . Grand Chaplain concluded as follows : —Brethren , I believe that if that which is rude and selfish , or sensual or degrading , or disobedient in any form , ever enters into this place , and if it is allowed to stay here , then the noble ends of Masonry will be so far forgotten , and the consecration services , as far as regards those who do such things , will , I out iet
tear , oe saa mocKery . -us , nowever , pray ano hope for better things after our consecration services . ( Applause . ) The hall having been duly consecrated by the pouring of corn , wine , and oil , Bro . GIBSON , R . W . M . of Lodge Kenmuir , 570 , proposed a vote of thanks to the office-bearers of Provincial Grand Lodge for the admirable and efficient way in which they had carried out the consecration ceremony .
Bro . EASTON , in acknowledging the compliment , said the ceremony had indeed been solemn and impressive . He was sure that in the hands of the present R . W . M . and of his successors the lodge would ever stand as one of the ancient landmarks of the Order , and maintain in their integrity all things that true Masons prize . ( Applause . ) The proceedings terminated with the formal closing of Provincial Grand Lodge . —Scottish Netos .
New South Wales.
New South Wales .
BANQUET TO BRO . LORD CARRINGTON . A LARGE AND BRILLIANT GATHERING . Thc Exhibition Building in Prince Alfred Park presented a brilliant spectacle recently , when his Excellency Bro . Lord Carrington enjoyed the hospitality of his brother Masons . From all parts of the colony members of the
Craft had come to do him honour . The hall was splendidly decorated by Messrs . Sale and Dare with Hags , ferns , evergreens , and emblems of the Craft . Thc galleries were filled with ladies , who were rewarded , especially those who used opera-glasses , with an insight , as far as banqueting went , into thc mysteries of the Masonic Craft . Below this animated assemblage there sat in the body ot thc
New South Wales.
hall ( the annexes being partitioned off with appropriately Hag and ( lower bedecked canvas ) more than 600 Masons . Thc crush was too great for the caterer , Mr . Gunsler , for whose reputation sympathy was expressed , as the tables had only been laid for 500—that is , for 100 persons less than tickets were sold to the day preceding . His Excellency , who was accompanied by Capt . Gascoigne , A . D . C , was received by the D . G . M . 's of the English and Scottish
Constitutions ( Bros . John Williams and Dr . Sedgwick respectively . ; Accompanied by six Stewards , they conducted him to the place of honour , the band , under the direction of Herr Patek , playing thc National Anthem . Behind the Governor there hung the Royal Standard—before him , high up on the gallery-railing , was the Royal coat of arms ; and in front of him , on the table , was a magnificent floral decoration . Among , white dahlias and tuber roses Mr .
Searle had skilfully worked , with red geraniums , in large letters , distinguishable at any distance , the words " Welcome , Lord Carrington . " The Governor sat on the right of the Chairman ( Bro . John Williams ) , and on the left was Bro . Dr . Sedgwick . The lodges under the two Constitutions were well represented by Masteis , Past Masteis , and brethren . The Mayor of Sydney , Bro . John Young , was present . Among
the Grand Lodge Officers present were the following : Bros . F . A . Wright , D . D . G . M . ( E . G . ); H . Westcott , P . D . D . G . M . ( E . C . ); H . Simpson , P . D . D . G . M . ( E . C . ); Gastain Sahicl , G . S . W . ( E . C ); VV . H . Tulloh , J . W . ( E . C ); F . B . Davidson , D . G . G . M . ( E . G . ); T . Read , Registrar ; VV . ' H . Stokes , Pres . Board of Gen . Purps . ; W . Webster , Grand Treasurer ; A . H . Bray , Grand Sec ; A . A . P . Tighe , D . G . D . C ; 1 . Booth , G . S . D . ; J .
Leavison , G . S . D . ; S . Hodge , G . J . D . ; A . Hancocks and J . Marshall , Swd . Brs . ; Albert Chapman , D . G . J . W . ( S . C ); J . M . Lachlan , D . G . S . C ; M . S . Levy , Instructor of Works ; J . Macdonald , Pres . Board of Benevolence ; W . Higstrim , D . G . S . ( S . C . ); Madgwick , D . G . Chaplain ( E . G . ); Darcy Irvine , D . G . Chaplain ( S . C ); F . W .
Knigh , Grand Purst . ; Captain Airey , Asst . Grand Purst . ; and G . F . Garland , D . G . Organist . The toast list was brief and brotherly . First there was thatof'The Queen , "then that of " The Prince of Wales , the Grand Master of English and Patron of Scottish Freemasonry , " to which the brethren responded with thc honours "One Feint 21 , " led by the Director of
Cere-. The CHAIRMAN then proposed the toast of " Thc Governor . " He said it was well known that their guest was an intimate friend of their brother , his Royal Highness the Prince of VVales , and was one of the most respected and esteemed of England's peers . ( Applause . ) With such a name and fame it was unnecessary for him to say that all Masonic honours should belong to him . ( Cheers . )
His Excellency , more that any other man in the colony , was fitted to consolidate Masonry here . ( Applause . ) And if in his wisdom it was essentially necessary that his Excellency should perform this duty , no one would hail with greater delight the occasion than he ( the speaker ) would , provided it was done in a legal and constitutional manner . ( Applause . ) The toast was vociferously pledged with Masonic
honours , the band playing " The Fine Old English Gentleman , " and the Masons giving the mark of distinction , "The Feint iS , " some impulsive ladies in the galleries taking their time , too , from the Director of Ceremonies , and giving the honours as heartily and as " brotherly " as thc Masons beneath . Lord CARRINGTON , who , on rising , received an ovation , said : Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren , — From thc
bottom of my heart I beg to tender to you my most respectful and grateful thanks for the overwhelming kindness with which this honourable company has been pleased to receive this toast . ( Applause . ) _ And I feel that the reception of this toast has a great significance , for it is not the individual that has been received , but it is what the individual represents . ( Cheers . ) It is a grand moment to stand here and reflect that the cheers which greeted the name of the
Governor of this great and important colony really represented the loyalty which is felt towards her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen by all ranks and by all sections of this colony . ( Cheers . ) And it proves that the loyalty of New South VVales is indeed a creed , and indeed a reality . ( Applause . ) I take the opportunity , sir , this evening , at this grand and magnificent banquet , to express my great pleasure at seeing the galleries filled with the grace and beauty
of this great city . ( Cheers . ) It is indeed a compliment to Freemasonry . ( Loud cheers . ) And it shows how utterly wrong those are who tell us that Freemasonry is unpopular amongst the ladies . ( Cheers . ) Their presence here shows entirely the reverse . Brethren , your Chairman has told you of the many distinguished persons who have held high office in the Craft , and also that the heir to the throne of England—the heir to the great Empire—holds the highest
place of honour in our Grand Lodge of England . ( Applause . ) He has told you that his Royal Highness's brothers have held high office in the lodge , and , most important of all , that his Royal Highness the Prince of VVales , in the Royal Alpha Lodge himself admitted his son into Masonry . ( Applause . ) It was my great privilege to be present on that occasion . ( Hear , hear . ) It is indeed a thing that ought never to be forgotten by every Mason
all over the world , as it gives a distinct answer to all those who bring accusations of every sort or kind against our great and glorious Craft . ( Applause . ) The chairman has also introduced a subject which in this company I should not individually have ventured to touch , and that is , the subject of the consolidation of Masonry in this colony . ( Loud cheers . ) On my arrival , brethren , on your shores I was greeted not only by the brethren who belong to thc
Constitution which is so worthily presided over by my right worshipful brother on my left ( Bro . Williams ) , but I also was greeted with expressions of loyalty from the Grand Lodge of New South Wales , which is under the presidency of Dr . Tarrant . It is impossible for me , serving under the English Constitution , to accept their address as a Mason . ( Hear , hear . ) But 1 think it would be unbecoming of me if I did not , before this honourable company , acknowledge
the loyalty that prompted them to receive me as the representative here of the Throne . ( Applause . ) Brethren , we all regret there is a division in our ranks . ( Hear , hear . ) It is a matter of deep and lasting regret ; but perhaps we have the cure amongst ourselves . ( App lause . ) For it ia only Masonry that can unite us . ( Hear , hear . ) Masonry , brethren , is the centre of union between good men and true , and the happy means of conciliating friendships amongst those who otherwise must have remained at a perpetual
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
Scotland .
SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER . The annual meeting of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland was held in the Freemasons' Hall on Monday afternoon , the 22 nd ult ., when the office-bearers for the year were elected and installed . Comps . Col . Sir A . Campbell , M . P ., was elected First G . Principal : the Earl
of Mar and Kellie , Past First G . Principal ; VVm . Mann , S . S . C , Depute G . Principal ; the Earl of Kintore , Second G . Principal ; F . E . Villiers , Third G . Principal ; Wm . Edwards , G . S . E . ; Dr . G . Dickson , G . S . N . ; and VVm . Officer , S . S . C , G . Treas . In the evening the Festival of the Vernal Equinox was celebrated .
Consecration Of The Plantation Masonic Hall.
CONSECRATION OF THE PLANTATION MASONIC HALL .
The formal consecration of the Masonic Hal ! of Lodge Plantation , No . 5 S 1 , situated at 465 , Paisley-road , Glasgow , took place on Thursday evening , the iSth ult ., in presence of the office-bearers of the Provincial Grand Lodge and a large attendance of the brethren of Plantation Lodge . The ceremonial , which was commenced at eight o ' clock , was
brought to a close about half-past nine o clock . In the absence of Bro . Wm . Pearce , M . P ., R . W . Prov . G . M . of Glasgow , the chair was occupied by Bro . VVm . J . Easton , D . P . G . M ., who was supported bv Bros . J . Graham , S . P . G . M . ; J . M . Oliver , P . G . S . W . ; * VVm . Ferguson , acting P . G . J . W . ; the Rev . VV . W . Tulloch , P . G . Chap . ; D . Reid , P . G . Sec ; A . M . Smith , P . G . Jeweller ; D . Sharp , P . G . Bible Bearer ; D . Gill , P . G . Marshal ; VV . Phillips ,
P . G . D . of C ; James Gallic , P . G . Dir . of Music ; J . M'William , P . G . Architect ; T . Halket , P . G . Treas . of Benevolent Fund ; J . Clark , R . W . M . 5 S 1 j J . Hendry , P . M . 5 S 1 ; Neil Thomson , S . W . 5 S 1 ; J . C . Thomson , J . W . 5 S 1 ; A . Purdie , Sec . 5 S 1 ; J . O . Struthers , Treas . 5 S 1 ; J . Paterson , R . W . M . 419 ; VVm . Barclay , R . W . M . 553 ; and D . M'Conechie , Sec . 437 . The PROV . GRAND SECRETARY read the following
letter from Bro . Pearce , M . P ., R . W . P . G . M . of Glasgow province : — " Leadenhall Buildings , London , E . G ., 13 th March , 1 SS 6 , " Dear Sir and Brother , —As there is important business in the House of Commons , in which I am interested , I regret that I am unable to be present with you at the consecration of thc new hall for Lodge Plantation . —I am
yours , faithfully and fraternally , VV . PEARCE . " In proceeding to consecrate the new hall , Provincial Grand Lodge followed the ritual of the Craft which had been carefully arranged in programme form for their use . The devotional exercises were led by Bro . the Rev . VV . W . Tulloch , P . G . Chap ., whilst the musical arrangements , which gave great satisfaction to all present , were under the charge of Bro . lames Gallic , P . G . Director of Music ,
who holds the degree of A . M . of the Training College of London . In delivering an oration to the assembled brethren , the Rev . VV . VV . TULLOCK , Chaplain , said , —Why do we meet together as Masons ? Why do we rejoice that in every town and village of any importance , not only in Scotland , but in the world , we have representatives of the Craft ? Why do we hail every additional lodge that asks for our
solemn consecration ? Is it because as a body wc exist merely for ourselves , for social fellowship and recreation ? No , it is because we believe that Masonry bears witness to some fundamental principles which are calculated to be of the greatest service to our better selves , our nobler natures , and the members of the community in which we live , and , indeed , to the world at large . What are those two principles in which we believe , and according to which , if we are
true Freemasons , we ought to be living . They recognise the relationship in which we stand , first , as towards God , and , secondly , towards our brethren . It is a grand thing for ourselves and our brethren that one of our great beliefs is that we live day by day and hour by hour under the allseeing eye of the Almighty . You who are to work and labour in this lodge , in this hall that is to-night to be dedicated to the puiposes of Masonry . I beseech you with all
the power I can , not to forget this article of your Masonic faith . Speak and act in this hall as if you fully believed it , and let nothing be done here which would grieve or vex so great , so benign a Power . On the contrary , let your labour here be for His glory , for the good of your brethren , and for your own eternal welfare . ( Applause . ) The hall was thereafter solemnly consecrated to the purposes of Freemasonry , with the usual impressive ceremonials
and the pouring of corn , wine , and oil . Bro . EASTON , D . P . G . M ., in addressing the brethren , said —I can assure you I speak not only on behalf of myself , but on behalf of the office-bearers of Provincial Grand Lodge , when I say we wish Lodge Plantation every success in the new hall which has been consecrated this evening . We trust that here the brethren of Lodge Plantation may pass many happy evenings in concord , that harmony and
brotherly love will reign , and that they will be successful in thc work they have to do . The office-bearers of Provincial Grand Lodge have to congratulate you upon the very neat hall you have secured . It is large enough in every way , and has a pleasing appearance . I cannot but add one word of praise to your excellent choir —( applause)—by whom the musical part of the services has been conducted , and in a way which has given very great pleasure to us all . (
Aoplause . ) The whole service , from beginning to end , has been most impressive . ( Applause . ) Bro . J CLARKE , R . W . M . of Lodge Plantation , 5 S 1 , returned sincere thanks for the cordial manner in which the office-bearers of Prov . Grand Lodge had come forward in connection with the new hall for Lodge Plantation . The hall they previously possessed was not very well suited for their work , they had set about to procure a new halland
, were very happy that the issue of their efforts had been so successful . Plantation Lodge had always worked in unison . The necessary expenses of the new hall had been all defrayed by the voluntary subscriptions of members , which must be a very pleasing feature , in the eyes of the Prov . Grand Lodge , as to Lodge Plantation . While
raising the additional subscription , they resolved , if possible , to leave the lodge funds intact , and he was happy to state that all the necessary funds had been subscribed by the members themselves . ( Applause . ) The Prov . Grand Lodge was then closed in due form , after which Lodge Plantation was opened by the R . W . M .,
Consecration Of The Plantation Masonic Hall.
and Bro . the Rev . VV . VV . Tulloch , Chaplain of thc Prov . Grand Lodge , was affiliated to the membership . The brethren afterwards sojourned from labour to refreshment , and spent a pleasant evening together . jy .
Consecration Of The Kenmuir Masonic Hall.
CONSECRATION OF THE KENMUIR MASONIC HALL .
By the office-bearers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow the Masonic Hall of Lodge Kenmuir , No . 570 , situated at 37 , Cowlairs-road , Springburn , was solemnly consecrated to the purposes of Freemasonry on Thursday evening , the 25 th ult . In the absence of Bro . VVm . Pearce ,
M . P ., R . W . Prov . G . M ., the chair was occupied by Bro . W . J . Easton , D . P . G . M ., who was supported by Bros . J . M . Oliver , P . G . S . W . ; VV . Ferguson , acting P . G . J . W . ; D . Reid , P . G . Sec . ; the Rev . J . Watt , G . Chap , of bcotland ; J . Jackson , P . G . J . D . ; A . M . Smith , P . G . Jeweller ; Wm . Phillips , P . G . D . C . ; Jas . Gallic , P . G . Director ol Music ; D . Gill , P . G . Marshal ; R . Gibson , R . W . M . 570 ;
and others . Apologies for absence were received from Bros . William Pearce , ' M . P ., R . W . P . G . M . ; J . Graham , S . R . G . M . ; and J . Morgan , P . G . J . W . After the ordinary preliminary services , Bro . the Rev . J WATTS , Grand Chap ., in delivering an oration , said : One hears sometimes the words used of an alliance
between the Masonic Craft and religion . If there were not such an alliance , you may rely upon it that I , as a minister of religion , and others such as 1 am , could not feel ourselves justified in holding the offices we do . VVe believe that there is an alliance of a strict kind . I would put it that there is more than an alliance . I call Masonry , rightly understood , a form , and no low form , of religion in itself . As
truly is it a form of social religion as any church organisation governed either by Bishop or Presbytery . There is no need on the present occasion to raise any question as to the exact place which this religion holds , or whether in itself it is sufficient to meet the wants of an imperfect humanity . It is sufficient for me to recall to your minds this fact , that the fraternity to which we belong rests upon a solid truth ,
an eternal truth , namely , the existence of a living , Almighty , Benificent Being j that it rests upon this , and that its great aim is to bring into harmony to His will and His order , as we know it , the minds and thc lives of those who own this great fundamental truth . And if this be so it is apparent that one of the needs of our Order is a right , fitting , and suitable place to cultivate this feeling . A consecration
service such as we are to take part in now is a meaningless ceremony only to those who have eyes and see not , to those who have ears and ear not . There are symbols employed in the course of it to denote the peace and prosperity that is longed for within such a lodge as this ; there are solemn words of aspiration , adoration , and yearning for brotherhood employed that ought to carry their
weight to every thinking and feeling heart . Each spot , indeed , where virtue takes up her abode is protected by solemn sanctions , either formal or informal One such sacred spot is our home . You know the outrage which we feel is committed when impurity enters the domestic circle , The church is another place , and you know the violence that is done in the eyes of all right-thinking men to the
cause of religion when some offices that alone ought to be performed in the church are changed for the jester ' s voice , alas 1 sometimes here and there . And , with regard to the Masonic lodge , shall not it , too , have its appropriate duties to be guarded by solemn sanctions , over which the outer world may not pass ? It has seemed to me—and I know that others have felt it—that it is a cause of regret that in
a large centre of population , such as Glasgow is , Freemasonry has not some fitting home and temple of its own —some building that might be a credit and a glory to a society that lives and moves and has its being in and around the art and science of architecture . The dingy halls in which the Masonic brotherhood of the nineteenth century are sometimes content to meet are not worthy
surely of the edifice in connection with which we believe that our Craft took its rise , which long ago reared high to heaven its thousand golden domes . No doubt we must work with what material we have , but it is always a pleasing thing to those who have the best interests of Masonry at heart to find , as we do find this evening , a signal instance of the desire of the brethren to possess right and
appropriate homes in which to circulate their craft and their art . Grand Chaplain concluded as follows : —Brethren , I believe that if that which is rude and selfish , or sensual or degrading , or disobedient in any form , ever enters into this place , and if it is allowed to stay here , then the noble ends of Masonry will be so far forgotten , and the consecration services , as far as regards those who do such things , will , I out iet
tear , oe saa mocKery . -us , nowever , pray ano hope for better things after our consecration services . ( Applause . ) The hall having been duly consecrated by the pouring of corn , wine , and oil , Bro . GIBSON , R . W . M . of Lodge Kenmuir , 570 , proposed a vote of thanks to the office-bearers of Provincial Grand Lodge for the admirable and efficient way in which they had carried out the consecration ceremony .
Bro . EASTON , in acknowledging the compliment , said the ceremony had indeed been solemn and impressive . He was sure that in the hands of the present R . W . M . and of his successors the lodge would ever stand as one of the ancient landmarks of the Order , and maintain in their integrity all things that true Masons prize . ( Applause . ) The proceedings terminated with the formal closing of Provincial Grand Lodge . —Scottish Netos .
New South Wales.
New South Wales .
BANQUET TO BRO . LORD CARRINGTON . A LARGE AND BRILLIANT GATHERING . Thc Exhibition Building in Prince Alfred Park presented a brilliant spectacle recently , when his Excellency Bro . Lord Carrington enjoyed the hospitality of his brother Masons . From all parts of the colony members of the
Craft had come to do him honour . The hall was splendidly decorated by Messrs . Sale and Dare with Hags , ferns , evergreens , and emblems of the Craft . Thc galleries were filled with ladies , who were rewarded , especially those who used opera-glasses , with an insight , as far as banqueting went , into thc mysteries of the Masonic Craft . Below this animated assemblage there sat in the body ot thc
New South Wales.
hall ( the annexes being partitioned off with appropriately Hag and ( lower bedecked canvas ) more than 600 Masons . Thc crush was too great for the caterer , Mr . Gunsler , for whose reputation sympathy was expressed , as the tables had only been laid for 500—that is , for 100 persons less than tickets were sold to the day preceding . His Excellency , who was accompanied by Capt . Gascoigne , A . D . C , was received by the D . G . M . 's of the English and Scottish
Constitutions ( Bros . John Williams and Dr . Sedgwick respectively . ; Accompanied by six Stewards , they conducted him to the place of honour , the band , under the direction of Herr Patek , playing thc National Anthem . Behind the Governor there hung the Royal Standard—before him , high up on the gallery-railing , was the Royal coat of arms ; and in front of him , on the table , was a magnificent floral decoration . Among , white dahlias and tuber roses Mr .
Searle had skilfully worked , with red geraniums , in large letters , distinguishable at any distance , the words " Welcome , Lord Carrington . " The Governor sat on the right of the Chairman ( Bro . John Williams ) , and on the left was Bro . Dr . Sedgwick . The lodges under the two Constitutions were well represented by Masteis , Past Masteis , and brethren . The Mayor of Sydney , Bro . John Young , was present . Among
the Grand Lodge Officers present were the following : Bros . F . A . Wright , D . D . G . M . ( E . G . ); H . Westcott , P . D . D . G . M . ( E . C . ); H . Simpson , P . D . D . G . M . ( E . C . ); Gastain Sahicl , G . S . W . ( E . C ); VV . H . Tulloh , J . W . ( E . C ); F . B . Davidson , D . G . G . M . ( E . G . ); T . Read , Registrar ; VV . ' H . Stokes , Pres . Board of Gen . Purps . ; W . Webster , Grand Treasurer ; A . H . Bray , Grand Sec ; A . A . P . Tighe , D . G . D . C ; 1 . Booth , G . S . D . ; J .
Leavison , G . S . D . ; S . Hodge , G . J . D . ; A . Hancocks and J . Marshall , Swd . Brs . ; Albert Chapman , D . G . J . W . ( S . C ); J . M . Lachlan , D . G . S . C ; M . S . Levy , Instructor of Works ; J . Macdonald , Pres . Board of Benevolence ; W . Higstrim , D . G . S . ( S . C . ); Madgwick , D . G . Chaplain ( E . G . ); Darcy Irvine , D . G . Chaplain ( S . C ); F . W .
Knigh , Grand Purst . ; Captain Airey , Asst . Grand Purst . ; and G . F . Garland , D . G . Organist . The toast list was brief and brotherly . First there was thatof'The Queen , "then that of " The Prince of Wales , the Grand Master of English and Patron of Scottish Freemasonry , " to which the brethren responded with thc honours "One Feint 21 , " led by the Director of
Cere-. The CHAIRMAN then proposed the toast of " Thc Governor . " He said it was well known that their guest was an intimate friend of their brother , his Royal Highness the Prince of VVales , and was one of the most respected and esteemed of England's peers . ( Applause . ) With such a name and fame it was unnecessary for him to say that all Masonic honours should belong to him . ( Cheers . )
His Excellency , more that any other man in the colony , was fitted to consolidate Masonry here . ( Applause . ) And if in his wisdom it was essentially necessary that his Excellency should perform this duty , no one would hail with greater delight the occasion than he ( the speaker ) would , provided it was done in a legal and constitutional manner . ( Applause . ) The toast was vociferously pledged with Masonic
honours , the band playing " The Fine Old English Gentleman , " and the Masons giving the mark of distinction , "The Feint iS , " some impulsive ladies in the galleries taking their time , too , from the Director of Ceremonies , and giving the honours as heartily and as " brotherly " as thc Masons beneath . Lord CARRINGTON , who , on rising , received an ovation , said : Right Worshipful Sir and Brethren , — From thc
bottom of my heart I beg to tender to you my most respectful and grateful thanks for the overwhelming kindness with which this honourable company has been pleased to receive this toast . ( Applause . ) _ And I feel that the reception of this toast has a great significance , for it is not the individual that has been received , but it is what the individual represents . ( Cheers . ) It is a grand moment to stand here and reflect that the cheers which greeted the name of the
Governor of this great and important colony really represented the loyalty which is felt towards her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen by all ranks and by all sections of this colony . ( Cheers . ) And it proves that the loyalty of New South VVales is indeed a creed , and indeed a reality . ( Applause . ) I take the opportunity , sir , this evening , at this grand and magnificent banquet , to express my great pleasure at seeing the galleries filled with the grace and beauty
of this great city . ( Cheers . ) It is indeed a compliment to Freemasonry . ( Loud cheers . ) And it shows how utterly wrong those are who tell us that Freemasonry is unpopular amongst the ladies . ( Cheers . ) Their presence here shows entirely the reverse . Brethren , your Chairman has told you of the many distinguished persons who have held high office in the Craft , and also that the heir to the throne of England—the heir to the great Empire—holds the highest
place of honour in our Grand Lodge of England . ( Applause . ) He has told you that his Royal Highness's brothers have held high office in the lodge , and , most important of all , that his Royal Highness the Prince of VVales , in the Royal Alpha Lodge himself admitted his son into Masonry . ( Applause . ) It was my great privilege to be present on that occasion . ( Hear , hear . ) It is indeed a thing that ought never to be forgotten by every Mason
all over the world , as it gives a distinct answer to all those who bring accusations of every sort or kind against our great and glorious Craft . ( Applause . ) The chairman has also introduced a subject which in this company I should not individually have ventured to touch , and that is , the subject of the consolidation of Masonry in this colony . ( Loud cheers . ) On my arrival , brethren , on your shores I was greeted not only by the brethren who belong to thc
Constitution which is so worthily presided over by my right worshipful brother on my left ( Bro . Williams ) , but I also was greeted with expressions of loyalty from the Grand Lodge of New South Wales , which is under the presidency of Dr . Tarrant . It is impossible for me , serving under the English Constitution , to accept their address as a Mason . ( Hear , hear . ) But 1 think it would be unbecoming of me if I did not , before this honourable company , acknowledge
the loyalty that prompted them to receive me as the representative here of the Throne . ( Applause . ) Brethren , we all regret there is a division in our ranks . ( Hear , hear . ) It is a matter of deep and lasting regret ; but perhaps we have the cure amongst ourselves . ( App lause . ) For it ia only Masonry that can unite us . ( Hear , hear . ) Masonry , brethren , is the centre of union between good men and true , and the happy means of conciliating friendships amongst those who otherwise must have remained at a perpetual