Canada.

Canada .

ALLOCUTION OF THE GREAT PRIOR . Read before the National Great Priory of Canada , United Orders of the Temple and Malta , at Hamilton , Out ., on ' 2 th July , 1 SS 1 .

( Concluded from page 3 S 5 . ) The present British Templar Order professes to be in a modified form a perpetuation of the Ancient Chivalry of the Crusades , which the Craft had always claimed affinity to , unknown to the world at large . This may have arisen durin" - their early intercourse from a similarity of ideas on metaphysical questions , and the more enlightened religious

opinions , entertained in common by the experienced leaders and learned clerks or ecclesiastical brethren of the Templars , and the scientific rulers of the Secret Architectural Societies—the spirit of the rules and regulations of the Military Order closely resembling that which prevades the Masonic system . From whatever cause , Templary now completes a perfect system of Speculative Free Masonry ,

teaching in the "Craft" and " Royal Arch " the universal doctrine of the Fatherhood of the Most High , and common brotherhood of the children of the dust , without reference to religious sects or creeds ; whilst the "United Orders of the Temple and Malta" assure the Christian Mason , the completion of his Masonic career by publicly proclaiming his belief in that faith , comprised in the

Apostles' creed which formerly constituted the basis of the Masonic character . The organisation and rules of the Hospitalers of St . John of Jerusalem ( Malta ) weresimilarto those of the Templars , but as they existed long after the Templar Order was suppressed a number of additional rules were added . The modern Templar system , as connected with

Freemasonry in Great Britain and Ireland during the last century , being the combined "Orders of the Temple and Malta , " it appears to me strictly correct to continue this system , by attaching a Commandery or Priory of Malta to the Templar Preceptories , to commemorate the absorption of a portion of the deposed Templars ( after the suppression ) with the Order of St . John . Our revised Ritual of

Malta is merely intended as a short explanatory historical addition to the Order of St John , consequent on their accession to the Island of Malta in 1530 , and is of modern and Masonic compilation . The object of both Orders being alike , viz . the defence of the Christian faith , the union with that of " Malta" cannot be prejudicial to the status of the Templar Order as now constituted by us , or be

considered as assuming any claim to be an offshoot of the existing civil branches of the Chivalric Order of St . John of Jerusalem . The jealous rivalry , terminating in violence , bloodshed , and bitter animosity , which unfortunately prevailed between them during the Crusades , although both were the bulworks of the Christian host , together with the fact the Orderof St . John still exists , never having been

totally suppressed as were the Templars , has been brought forward as an objection to its being continued in connection with Templary . I do not agree with this objection , neither can I see the necessity or propriety of eliminating it from our Templar system with which it has always been so closely connected . The Order of Malta as a chivalric institution had ever

been obedient to the Church , which was opposed to modern Freemasonry , a secret society that had withdrawn themselves from its influence and protection , and the later Grand Masters of the Order , who were obliged to give way to Papal influence , issued etfttts forbidding the meetings of the fraternity on the Island ; but , notwithstanding these restrictions , Freemasonry existed and was patronised by

the Knights , and continues to flourish in Malta to the present day . For a full account of these transactions I refer you to a most interesting history of Freemasonry in the District of Malta by Bro . Alex . M . Broadley , barristerat-law , & c , of Tunis , North Africa , lately published by Bro . George Kenning , of the London Freemason . Having shown the connection that exists between

Freemasonry , the lemplar Order , and that of St John , it appears necessary to make some reference to the existing civil branches of the latter Order . Pope Leo XIII ., in 1 S 79 , revived the Dignity of Grand Master in Italy , with the rank of a Sovereign Prince , placing the Order under the exclusive authority of the Papal See .

I he other branches in Europe , since the expulsion of the Soverei gn Order from the Island of Malta in i 7 gS , are independent bodies—those of Bradenburgh , in Prussia , and the English Langue , in London , Protestant . The legitimate revival of the sixth or English Langue has been proved in the most satisfactory and convincing manner , although the Roman Catholic branch refuses

recognition , but this is not to be wondered at , as the Papal claims to everything seem to become more intolerant and rigid every day . The English Protestant branch is presided over by His Grace the Duke of Manchester as Lord Prior , holding its chancery at the old Gatehouse of St . John ' s Hospital , Clerkenwell , London , and strictly carries out the original intention of the founders of the Order , by

administering relief to human suffering and help to the E'ck and wounded in war , to which is added rewards for acts of bravery in saving life , objects that are most commendable . When we contrast these motives and acts with " } e unfortunately almost useless " United Orders of the 1 emple and Malta , " I do not feel our boasted Templary is w i ? slightest use . " Pro ntilitate Homimum . "

fhe question has been frequently asked—What useful purpose does Templary seem to have in view ? With great egret I must answer , none , and still we profess to be a revival or a continuation of the old historic Orders . Unless •e cnter " > to some path of extended usefulness , it is almost to . ' ? expect it will ever become of any practical benefit , .. man , < ln d . Templary is so impregnated on this continent in the idea that it is only a mere ornamental annendace

if it ^ nasonr y , as an imitation military body , that I doubt emh •eVer be an >' S ' unt | l 'h ere is a new departure , tan ? i ' f " le causc of suffering humanity or in some other ini'T" % i P ° f practical benefit to society , and occupythe l " , , onry ) a h ' 8 h and useful Position such as that of ChsJi"" . ' -angue , St . John , so unpretending in its svrnnJ ? " cha / uy devoid of all display to attract the ympatny and admiration of the public . hP ' r ^ ' ° , urselves and claim to be a religious Order , it oecomes our duty to promulgate the orthodox doctrines of

Canada.

Christianity , and repel the insidious attacks of the " Freethinker , " who , regarding the Holy Spirit as a mere myth , would reduce Christianity to his own level , and overthrow the great characteristics of Templary—belief in the Divinity of Christ and the Holy Trinity . Fratres , without this belief there can be no representation of the old religious Order of the Temple . A universal Masonic Degree of Templary is not the "Templar Order , " being but the

assumption of a name it has no claim or title to whatever . The " United Orders" teach the doctrines of -the Holy Trinity , but the nature of the Trinity is not defined ; it is the simple description of the "Apostle's" creed , and so long as the Orders are founded upon the cardinal doctrines of the Christian religion , the dogma of the Trinity must be accepted . It has been well said , " If that is left out , there is nothing in the whole svstem of Christianity that may not

be omitted and still be considered Christian . " Beware , then , of the wily sophistry of the sceptic . Once admit the small end of the wedge of doubt , and the Christian fabric is in danger of being shaken to the foundation . I would wish to draw the attention of the Order generally in all Provinces of the Dominion having a Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter to the advisability of completing their " English Rite" of Freemasonry by the formation of

Provincial Grand Priories , when a sufficient number of Preceptories have been established , to be independent bodies , but still holding allegiance to the National Great Priory of Canada ; for it should be kept in mind that in the year 17 S 0 the Grand Lodge of all England , held at York , officially declared that the Order of Knights Templar constituted the fifth Degree in Freemasonry . This completed the " Engtfsh Rite , " commonly , but erroneously ( as shown

b y Bro . W . J . Hughan , of Truro ) called the " York Rite , " viz ., the practice of the three Craft degrees , followed by the Royal Arch , while Templary covers the _ whole , but altogether as a separate matter . These contain all that is required in the teachings of the old system of Freemasonry , for whatever merit the numerous other Degrees and rites that now flood the Masonic world undoubtedly possess to interest and instruct the Masonic student , whose pursuits

lead him in that direction , they are not of sufficient practical utility or importance generally to the members of the Craft to repay the time , great expense , and research necessarily involved in acquiring a knowledge of them . There is one circumstance worthy of notice , trifling as it may appear , but in trifles we are often indebted to the knowledge of matters of greater importance . It has been observed that at laying the foundation stone of Truro Cathedral , H . R . H .

the Grand Master wore the Grand Cross of the Temple , and his Templar jewel , showing how much he still continues to exhibit a warm interest in the Order ; it also implied that he considers the Templar Order the climax of the "English Rite of Freemasonry , " its badge being the only one worn by him as a Mason , in addition to that of the Craft . Fratres , with all reverence and respect , let us heartily

unite in the prayer that , "May God blcs ; the Prince of Wales , " our Royal Grand Master . It is my opinion and advice that Great Priory and every Preceptory be called upon at onc * e to procure complete sets of our proceedings from the establishment of the Order in Canada , and have them bound for reference . The want of them in time to come will be most seriously felt and regretted . It is also most desirable , in fact , enjoined , that

presiding Preceptors take the earliest opportunity after the proceedings of Great Priory are published , to cause them to be read in open Preceptory , and made known to all members . Copies can be procured from the ofiice of the Grand Chancellor . I consider it the duty of the head of an Order to give all the information in his power , and , if possible , correct existing errors , which can only be accomplished by a departure from mere formal details

adopting a system which will be found most useful to historians in collecting everything into one work ; rather as a chronicle than a mere report of transactions . For the proceedings of this year I have added an appendix explanatory of many of the customs and usages of the Orders wc represent , with a revised schedule of badge designs and paraphernalia for your consideration and approval . I may here state that in " Convent General

Statutes" relating to Insignia , two very great errors appear . The " Cross of the Order " is called a " Cross Patent . " No such term is known in heraldry , the mistake being evidently a misprint for " Patec "—the heraldic term for open or spread out . This cross is generally depicted as formed of four equilatoral triangles joining in a small centre point , into which form it has been corrupted by those ignorant of its true shape and character , viz—an

cqualhmbed red cross , wider at the extremities , to symbolise the Christian religion extending towards and embracing the four quarters of the globe . Another mistake is in calling the Grand Master ' s " Baton of Ofiice" an "Abaccus , " a name applied to objects of quite a different nature to that of a Baton ; the correct name is " Baculus , " from " Baculum "—a Staff , Baton , a Sceptre . In conclusion , I would recommend Great Priory to decide

definitely at this meeting the question of introducing an out-door uniform as an addition to the established costume of the Order , in such preceptories as may amongst themselves be in favour of adopting it , without its being a compulsory measure , or interfering with the prescribed regulations . So far as I am concerned , it is not my intention to influence the Fraters , or throw further obstacles in the way of what may be considered a harmless innovation of our

customs , and wish it to be understood that preceptories are at liberty to make their own rules as to the time and places in which this uniform is to be worn , without any restriction whatever as to the right of doing so . I am always glad to be able to conform to your wishes , and assist in affecting such changes as may be considered desirable , when they are not in direct violation of the constitutions , and my vows of allegiance to H . R . H . the Supreme Grand Master , who has

honoured me by the appointment of Great Prior to represent him in this nationality , a distinction I appreciate and value more highly than any other that could possibly be conferred upon me in the Masonic Fraternity . We are all equally bound not to infringe , or permit to be infringed , the general regulations on which the Order is founded and governed ; and be assured , Fratres , my sole object has

ever been to uphold the dignity of the Order , and preserve it from innovations contrary to its true meaning , without any desire to interfere with your prerogatives . I am now the only link that connects us with the Mother Country as one of the Independent branches of Templary in the British Dominions , and as long as I am spared by divine mercy I shall . at all times be ready to do my utmost for the advancement and prosperity of Canadian Templarv . and

Canada.

maintain its declared complete independence , whilst pre serving the old Constitutions from violation , confidently looking forward to a continuance of that loyalty , harmony , unity , and good feeling which has hitherto prevailed characteristic of the Masonic Fraternity in the British Empire , more particularly the Christian United Orders of the "Temple and Malta . " Let our aspirations then be , Fratres , for " The Glory of God in the highest , and on earth peace , good will towards men . "

Death Of The Wife Of The Grand Master Of Canada.

DEATH OF THE WIFE OF THE GRAND MASTER OF CANADA .

The lamented death of Mrs . Graham , the amiable wife of Dr . Graham , of Richmond , Canada , took place on Sunday morning , the 14 th ult . The deceased lady had been ill for some weeks , but until Saturday no fatal result was expected . The telegrams announcing the event seem

to have been misread at the Montreal office , and the morning papers on Monday made it appear that " Dr . " Graham had died , and the Masonic fraternity of which the doctor is Grand Master was thrown into a state of great excitement . The mistake was corrected on Tuesday , greatly to the relief of the lodges . The Craft , however , everywhere manifested their sympathy and respect by calling emergent

meetings and appointing delegates to attend the funeral Accordingly on Wednesday , the day appointed , the trains brought a large number of prominent Masons to Richmond , twenty arriving from Montreal alone , every one oi the city lodges being represented , including the three principal officers of the Grand Lodge of Quebec . There were also present a number of brethren from other provinces .

The places of business closed at noon , and the village put on an appearance of gloom . The funeral cortege , which was one of the largest ever seen here , started from Dr . Graham's residence at half-past two . On arriving at Chalmers' Church , of which the deceased lady was an active and beloved member , the procession

opened , and the hearse and mourners passed through the ranks , when the coffin was carried into the church , where a funeral sermon was preached by the pastor , the Rev . F . M . Dewey . The pulpit and seats for the mourners were draped in black cloth , and the edifice was crowded to the door .

On the procession re-forming it proceeded to the burying ground of the English Church , where , after a short prayer by the Rev . Mr . Dewey , all that was mortal of Almira Graham was committed to the earth , and the friends of her lifetime bid a last and sorrowful adieu . Mr . Foster , Mr . Bedard , and Mr . Snow placed all their vehicles at the disposal of Dr . Graham for the occasion ,

and every one seemed sorrowfully enthusiastic in contributing to make the funeral in every way worthy of one who in life had troops of friends , and whose memory will be revered for many a day . Deacon M . Marshall and Franklin Graham , Esqrs ., of Vermont , were among the mourners at the funeral , and M . C . Jones , Esq ., of Iowa , brother of Mrs . Graham , and George Graham , her eldest son , arrived too late .

Grand Lodge Of Greece.

GRAND LODGE OF GREECE .

In accordance with established custom , the annual festival of this Grand Lodge was held at Freemasons ' Hall , Athens , on the evening of the 22 nd July . The festival was preceded by a meeting of Grand Lodge , presided over by Bro . Professor Nicholas Damaschino , Rector of the National University , and Pro-Grand Master

Mason of Greece . The minutes of the last meeting of Grand Lodge , by which the election of Bro . the Prince Rhodocanakis , of Scio , as Grand Master for the years 1 SS 1-18 S 4 was confirmed , having been read , the Grand Director of Ceremonies made the customary proclamation of the Imperial Grand Master , declaring the Prince Grand Master by his many

titles ; and the Grand Master's acceptance of the position was saluted by the brethren upstanding in ancient form . The appointment of officers of Grand Lodge for the three years ensuing , under the mandate of the Imperial Grand Master , were then announced , and the officers were elevated to the position to which they had been called : — Bro . Profe , sor Nicholas Damaschino was again

proclaimed Pro Grand Master ; and Colonel Spiridion G . Karaiscaces , late Secretary of State for War , Deputy Grand Master , amid | the chcers | of the ' assemblage . Bro . Constantine Dosti , Professor of Criminal Law in the National University , was appointed Senior Grand Warden ; Bro . Spiridon Aravantino , one of the Court Judges , was appointed Junior Grand Warden ; Bro . Nicholas

Rhado , the Attorney-General , was appointed Grand Chaplain ; Bro . Athanasius Durutti , Grand Treasurer ; Bro . Andrew Kalyvas , Grand Secretary and Registrar ; Bro . Professor Emmanuel Galani , Secretary for -Foreign Correspondence ; Bro . John Negroponte , banker , Senior Grand Deacon ; Bro . the Chev . Michael Rhodocanakis , Charge des Affaires of Sweden and Norway , Junior Grand Deacon ;

Bro . Maximilian de Rothschild , Grand Superintendent of Works ; Bro . John Mindler , First Reporter of the House of Commons , Grand Director of Ceremonies ; Bro . Dr . Alexander Olympios , Grand Steward ; Bro . Paul Zolas , banker , Inner Guard ; and Charalambos Nikolaides , Kt . S ., Sub-Director of the Royal Post Office , Grand Tyler to the Grand Lodge .

After the transaction of the usual annual business , Grand Lodge proceeded in procession from the Temple to the Great Hall , where an elegant banquet was provided by the Grand Stewards . After the banquet the loyal toasts were given , and the services of the Grand Master were also warmly acknowledged . A dance followed , which was honoured by the elite ol the Athenian society .

I HE INNER 1 EMPLE LIBRARY . —Contrary to the practice which has hitherto prevailed in the Long Vacation of entirely closing the Inner Temple Library during September , it has this year been decided to keep it open every day during that month , except Saturdays , be twecn the hours of ten and two o ' clock . On Saturdays it will be closed . During October the library will be opened daily from ten to four .

. £ 20 TO - £ joo . —TOBACCONISTS COMMENCING . —A pamphlet ; how to open respectably from ^' , post free . Address II . Myers and Co ., 1031 , Luston-road , London ; and at irnunghan .. Established i 8 << , Wholesale only