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Article THE MANIFESTO OF THE MASONIC CONGRESS AT LAUSANNE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE PROVINCE OF EAST LANCASHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article THE PROVINCE OF EAST LANCASHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Manifesto Of The Masonic Congress At Lausanne.
which g ives its force and colouring to all Ang lo-Saxon Freemasonry . Now some f our foreign brethren , in our humble opin ' > have most unwisely let go this great landmark , this holy symbol , of Freemasonry , and the consequence is , that their words often sound
as empty phrases , as unreal professions of Masonic faith . So the question naturally arises , onjwhat do they found these very professions of brotherly love and Masonic duty ? If not on a relig ion basis , on what ? Is it a " morale independante ? " is it "Positivism ? " is it a mild
Epicureanism ? is it a benevolent Pantheism ? Is it , in fact , on the absolute negation ofthe supernatural , or the denial of revelation ?—on the rejection of the Word of God ? Is it , in fact , based simply on humanitarianism ? Now we must keep all this clearly before us , if we wish rightly to "
envisager" the present condition of Masonic affairs , especially in some parts abroad . While we go with our brethren everywhere , who are honestly and temperately striving to advance legally the princip les of Freemasonry , we yet must bear in mind that in some countries the proceedings and
addresses of some Freemasons have been most unwise and unmasonic , according to our view . While we reject the pretensions ofthe Church of Rome , while we deny its infallibility , and repudiate its right of interference , we yet think that Freemasons abroad have no claim to mix up
social questions , such as that of education , with Freemasonry . As individuals and citizens they have clearly a right to do so , but not in the lodge . We have said all this , not with a wish to blame , but from a sincere regard to our Masonic brethren abroad . We believe in
Freemasonry , and the older we grow the more we believe in it , despite earthly frailties and mortal shortcomings . We would say to them , one and all , phrases go for nothing , " acta non verba " are what we ask for , "theproof of the pudding is in the eating . " And while we heartily go with the
general propositions of the Congress at Lausanne we should feel more hopeful for the future if we could think that some bodies of foreign Freemasonry would revert to an older and better teaching , and take away a great stumbling block in the path of all Anglo-Saxon brethren and
well wishers . At present , in our opinion , they are carrying on the contest on false principles of action and teaching , and we , in Great Britain and the United States , and Canada , can only look on as neutrals in the struggle , as while we are
most anxious to assist our brethren everywhere , we should not be true to ourselves , or to our own great Order , if we did not express honestly our loyal opinion in the matter . We thank Bro . Strauss for his kind communication .
The Province Of East Lancashire.
THE PROVINCE OF EAST LANCASHIRE .
At a special meeting of this distinguished province , holden at Manchester on Tuesday , 18 th January , the rules and regulations of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and
Benevolent Institution were finally approved of . The objects ofthe institution are the " education and advancement in life of children of indigent or deceased Freemasons of the Province of East
Lancashire , and to afford relief or assistance where considered desirable in aid of Freemasons and their families in the said province , and generall y to promote the cause of Masonic charity . " We think the movement a very good one , and ,
knowing how zealous and energetic our brethren in East Lancashire are , we feel sure that it will eventuall y prove a success . Alread y £ 1000 have been raised , and there can be no doubt that the interests of Masonic charity will be greatly advanced
if every province has a similar institution , not in opposition or rivalry to the great Metropolitan Institutions , but as preparatory to , and in addition to , their great and good work . We have long felt , that alike in our lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges , the work of charity must be
more largely and systematicall y carried on . On one point we feel it , however , right to say a few words . We do not think that it is desirable on constitutional grounds , to mix up such movements too much with the work of Provincial Grand Lodge proper . We think it is quite right tor Provincial Grand Lodge to appoint a certain
The Province Of East Lancashire.
number yearly of the council or committee to receive formally from time to time , notice of the proceedings , and if it grants a sum of money from its funds to lay down its own terms . But we confess we doubt the legality , on Masonic principles and precedent , of discussing in
Provincial Grand Lodge , the general concerns of another body , even though it be Masonic . A Provincial Grand Lodge might say , . as Grand Lodge has said to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " I give you a certain sum of money out of my funds , and 1 claim the right in the
interest of my subscribing members to keep a controlling power over your rules and regulations , to see practically that the amount 1 have voted , and will vote are properly expended . " But there is a habit at our Provincial Lodges , when in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled , to resolve
themselves for the nonce into an Educational or Benevolent Masonic Society , to receive a report , or to appoint officers . Such a proceeding is in our humble opinion clearly illegal . We remember , years ago , being startled at finding a distinguished lodge we visited , had a custom once a
year , in regular lodge meeting , to resolve itself into a "general meeting of a benefit order attached to the lodge . We pointed out then to the proper authority the actual illegality of such a proceeding , and we believe our remonstrance had a good effect . We might just as
well really and truly resolve ourselves into the Masonic Life Insurance Company , or , in fact , any other society . In the P . G . Lodge , as in private lodges , and as in Grand Lodge , nothing can properly be discussed or adjudicated on extern to Freemasonry proper , and the object of
the meeting itself . We , venture , therefore , to think that , subject to the limitations we have before pointed out , the P . G . Lodge of E . Lancashire will do well to be perfectly independent of this new and useful organization . We wish the new venture all success . We know some of its
active promoters , we have worked with them in thecause of charity bt * fore . and hearty good fellows they are , and we feel sure that in all sve say today , they will give us credit for being like themselves , only actuated by a"desire to speed on the c . iuse . of Masonic benevolence , and to uphold the legal and co : is ; it ' . i : ijnnl principles of our great and valuable Order .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of lhe opin ons expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , lo permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —UD . ]
LODGE OF TRUTH , BOMBAV . To Ihe Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — With reference to my letter in your issue of the 18 th ult ., regarding the irregularity which occurred in Lodge Truth , Bombay , during last year ( my year of office as W . M . ) of the Second and Third Degrees being
conferred at one meeting on the same brother , I have to request that you will be so good as to republish in your columns the following extract from the " Alasonic Record of Western India" for December , 1875 , which has just come to hand . I sec , however , in the '' Record" for October , 1875 , at the meeting at which the irregularity in question " was
committed , the name of one well-known Past Alaster recorded as being present thereat , viz ., Wor . Bro . II . W . Barrow , who had charge of Lodge Truth as W . AI . and I . P . M . for the two years preceding my installation as W . AL Surely Wor . Bro . Howe consulted Wor . Bro .
Barrow before he took upon himself the responsibility he did . Iu ; ihould also be explained why Wor . Bro . Barrow did not preside as a P . AL of Lodge Truth in accordance with the Constitutions , instead of Wor . Bio . Rowe , who is not a P . AI . of that lodge . Yours fraternally , Tenon THEVOK , I . P . M .
Lodge I ruth , Bombay , No . 944 , E . C , January 11 U 1 , i 3 ; 6 . Extract from " Masonic Record " of Western India for December , 1875 , page 324 : — THE RECBST IIIHEUULAIUTY IN LODGE "TIIUTII . " We publish the following letter from W . Bro . W . C . Rowe , on the subject of the irregularity in Lodge Truth ,
in passing and raising a brother on the same evening . We admire the promptitude and candour with which Bro . Rowe has come forward to admit his mistake , and we feel sure all who peruse his letter will absolve him from blame , as he was so suddenly called upon to perform a duty for which he was so little prepared . The Senior
Warden , who applied for the dispensation , should have consulted a Past Alaster before doing so ; and as for the Deputy District Grand Alaster , he holds the same office under the Scotch Constitution , and did not consider it much harm , as candidates arc frequently initiated , passed , and raised in one . night under the Scottish Constitution .
Original Correspondence.
We hope this will be a lesson for all concerned in the irregularity referred to . " Parell , 15 th November , 1875 . " Dear Bro . Bease , — "Ijnoticed in the correspondence of the last number of your ' Record ' the well-grounded objections to the proceedings of Lodge Truth in October last . In justice to
myself as Presiding Officer , and for the information of your correspondent , I may state the circumstances below , under which the irregularilies occurred : — "The Alaster of the lodge being absent in England since Alarch last , it has fallen to the lot of Past Alasters of Truth to work the lodge , and on the evening in question it so happened that none of these worshipful breth
ren could be present , and on my arrival at the hall I received a note from the Senior Past Alaster requesting me to perform the work for him ; it was rather late before the lodge was opened , and on hearing that a dispensation had been granted to the Senior Warden in charge for centering the Second and Third Degrees on a brother , I confess it did not occur to mc in the hurry of the moment that any
irregularity had been or was to be committed , and the Second and Third Degrees were accordingly conferred . " 1 may add that immediately on the error which had occurred being observed steps were taken at once to apply to the Alost Worshipful the Grand Alaster for a special
dispensation legalizing the passing and raising of the breth ren who received these degrees in the one ni ght . " Yours faithfully and fraternally , " W . C . ROWE , Past Junior Warden of Lodge Truth , No . 944 , and Wor . Master of Lodge Concord , No . 757 . '
IHE LAST AIEETING OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — What has been going on at the last Provincial
Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire ? There are queer stories current in Leeds , of angry remonstrances and a Masonic scene , of a pamphlet suppressed , of a report presented , and a promise of withdrawal . In fact , as a worthy P . AI . of one of the Leeds lodges said , it was all" Tew bad . "
Can any one explain ? Will any one speak the truth ? Yours fraternally , IONOTUS . Leeds , Jan . 27 th , 1876 .
PAST AIASTERS . To Ihe Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Am I correct in supposing that a Past Master joining another lodge does not become a P . AI . of that lodge , unless he actuall y pass the chair of the lodge ? Is there any difference in the case of a new lodge , when
on the c mseciation a Past Alaster is appointed I . P . AI . Does he become a P . AI . of that lodge ? I should be much obliged if some one would answer the above , and quote an authority for his reply . Yours fi . Tcrnnlly , A PAST AIASTEB . [ ist question . Yes . He must pass through the chair . 2 nd question . No . He must pass through the chair . —En . ]
BROS . TEW , PERROTT , AND BINCKES . To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I quite agree with Bro . Binckes in his view of the question , as the claim of West Yorkshire is an utterly
impossible one to accede to , by all who care for our great charities , and the committee is an unconstitutional bod y , and its report must be a nullity . The committee contains some good names on it , but I am utterly astonished to find that Bro . Tew is a member ot it , that he had the nomination of it , and that on his evidence the report is mainly based .
It seems that this zealous censor of his brethren previously published a report privately of the evidence given by himself at Pontefraet in a pamphlet . and termed it "The Report , ' Sec . This , as it was understood at Leeds on the 26 th , was
suppressed or withdrawn . Can this proof of absurdity or partizan feeling any further go ? It grieves me deeply as an old Freemason and a lover of FA in PLAY .
THE ABBOT'S RIPTON RAILWAY ACCIDENT . To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Permit mc to say , in answer to numerous and repeated enquiries , both by letter and personal , that I am not the " Air . Yeoman " who was in the smash
up at Abbot's Ripton . So numerous are the visits and enquiries , both in the Craft and outside , that 1 do desire to express my warmest thanks for such marks of esteem . I was travelling that way , but was not in that horrible collision , for which I thank the Great Architect . Very sincerely yours , and truly fraternally , T . BUIIUETT YKOMAM .
ROYAL ARCH . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Companion , — I was sorry lo read the report ot the Special Provincial Grand Chapter , held at Newton Abbot on the 20 th ult ., to dedicate and consecrate the Devon Chapter . I
fear that there must have been some other cause why the Second Principal did not attend besides the one stated in the report . I wish the M . E . P . G . Superintendent would hold his chapters in the summer months instead of the winter , he would then get a much larger attendance . Yours very fraternall y , I . T . S ., M . E . Z .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Manifesto Of The Masonic Congress At Lausanne.
which g ives its force and colouring to all Ang lo-Saxon Freemasonry . Now some f our foreign brethren , in our humble opin ' > have most unwisely let go this great landmark , this holy symbol , of Freemasonry , and the consequence is , that their words often sound
as empty phrases , as unreal professions of Masonic faith . So the question naturally arises , onjwhat do they found these very professions of brotherly love and Masonic duty ? If not on a relig ion basis , on what ? Is it a " morale independante ? " is it "Positivism ? " is it a mild
Epicureanism ? is it a benevolent Pantheism ? Is it , in fact , on the absolute negation ofthe supernatural , or the denial of revelation ?—on the rejection of the Word of God ? Is it , in fact , based simply on humanitarianism ? Now we must keep all this clearly before us , if we wish rightly to "
envisager" the present condition of Masonic affairs , especially in some parts abroad . While we go with our brethren everywhere , who are honestly and temperately striving to advance legally the princip les of Freemasonry , we yet must bear in mind that in some countries the proceedings and
addresses of some Freemasons have been most unwise and unmasonic , according to our view . While we reject the pretensions ofthe Church of Rome , while we deny its infallibility , and repudiate its right of interference , we yet think that Freemasons abroad have no claim to mix up
social questions , such as that of education , with Freemasonry . As individuals and citizens they have clearly a right to do so , but not in the lodge . We have said all this , not with a wish to blame , but from a sincere regard to our Masonic brethren abroad . We believe in
Freemasonry , and the older we grow the more we believe in it , despite earthly frailties and mortal shortcomings . We would say to them , one and all , phrases go for nothing , " acta non verba " are what we ask for , "theproof of the pudding is in the eating . " And while we heartily go with the
general propositions of the Congress at Lausanne we should feel more hopeful for the future if we could think that some bodies of foreign Freemasonry would revert to an older and better teaching , and take away a great stumbling block in the path of all Anglo-Saxon brethren and
well wishers . At present , in our opinion , they are carrying on the contest on false principles of action and teaching , and we , in Great Britain and the United States , and Canada , can only look on as neutrals in the struggle , as while we are
most anxious to assist our brethren everywhere , we should not be true to ourselves , or to our own great Order , if we did not express honestly our loyal opinion in the matter . We thank Bro . Strauss for his kind communication .
The Province Of East Lancashire.
THE PROVINCE OF EAST LANCASHIRE .
At a special meeting of this distinguished province , holden at Manchester on Tuesday , 18 th January , the rules and regulations of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and
Benevolent Institution were finally approved of . The objects ofthe institution are the " education and advancement in life of children of indigent or deceased Freemasons of the Province of East
Lancashire , and to afford relief or assistance where considered desirable in aid of Freemasons and their families in the said province , and generall y to promote the cause of Masonic charity . " We think the movement a very good one , and ,
knowing how zealous and energetic our brethren in East Lancashire are , we feel sure that it will eventuall y prove a success . Alread y £ 1000 have been raised , and there can be no doubt that the interests of Masonic charity will be greatly advanced
if every province has a similar institution , not in opposition or rivalry to the great Metropolitan Institutions , but as preparatory to , and in addition to , their great and good work . We have long felt , that alike in our lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges , the work of charity must be
more largely and systematicall y carried on . On one point we feel it , however , right to say a few words . We do not think that it is desirable on constitutional grounds , to mix up such movements too much with the work of Provincial Grand Lodge proper . We think it is quite right tor Provincial Grand Lodge to appoint a certain
The Province Of East Lancashire.
number yearly of the council or committee to receive formally from time to time , notice of the proceedings , and if it grants a sum of money from its funds to lay down its own terms . But we confess we doubt the legality , on Masonic principles and precedent , of discussing in
Provincial Grand Lodge , the general concerns of another body , even though it be Masonic . A Provincial Grand Lodge might say , . as Grand Lodge has said to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , " I give you a certain sum of money out of my funds , and 1 claim the right in the
interest of my subscribing members to keep a controlling power over your rules and regulations , to see practically that the amount 1 have voted , and will vote are properly expended . " But there is a habit at our Provincial Lodges , when in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled , to resolve
themselves for the nonce into an Educational or Benevolent Masonic Society , to receive a report , or to appoint officers . Such a proceeding is in our humble opinion clearly illegal . We remember , years ago , being startled at finding a distinguished lodge we visited , had a custom once a
year , in regular lodge meeting , to resolve itself into a "general meeting of a benefit order attached to the lodge . We pointed out then to the proper authority the actual illegality of such a proceeding , and we believe our remonstrance had a good effect . We might just as
well really and truly resolve ourselves into the Masonic Life Insurance Company , or , in fact , any other society . In the P . G . Lodge , as in private lodges , and as in Grand Lodge , nothing can properly be discussed or adjudicated on extern to Freemasonry proper , and the object of
the meeting itself . We , venture , therefore , to think that , subject to the limitations we have before pointed out , the P . G . Lodge of E . Lancashire will do well to be perfectly independent of this new and useful organization . We wish the new venture all success . We know some of its
active promoters , we have worked with them in thecause of charity bt * fore . and hearty good fellows they are , and we feel sure that in all sve say today , they will give us credit for being like themselves , only actuated by a"desire to speed on the c . iuse . of Masonic benevolence , and to uphold the legal and co : is ; it ' . i : ijnnl principles of our great and valuable Order .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of lhe opin ons expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , lo permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —UD . ]
LODGE OF TRUTH , BOMBAV . To Ihe Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — With reference to my letter in your issue of the 18 th ult ., regarding the irregularity which occurred in Lodge Truth , Bombay , during last year ( my year of office as W . M . ) of the Second and Third Degrees being
conferred at one meeting on the same brother , I have to request that you will be so good as to republish in your columns the following extract from the " Alasonic Record of Western India" for December , 1875 , which has just come to hand . I sec , however , in the '' Record" for October , 1875 , at the meeting at which the irregularity in question " was
committed , the name of one well-known Past Alaster recorded as being present thereat , viz ., Wor . Bro . II . W . Barrow , who had charge of Lodge Truth as W . AI . and I . P . M . for the two years preceding my installation as W . AL Surely Wor . Bro . Howe consulted Wor . Bro .
Barrow before he took upon himself the responsibility he did . Iu ; ihould also be explained why Wor . Bro . Barrow did not preside as a P . AL of Lodge Truth in accordance with the Constitutions , instead of Wor . Bio . Rowe , who is not a P . AI . of that lodge . Yours fraternally , Tenon THEVOK , I . P . M .
Lodge I ruth , Bombay , No . 944 , E . C , January 11 U 1 , i 3 ; 6 . Extract from " Masonic Record " of Western India for December , 1875 , page 324 : — THE RECBST IIIHEUULAIUTY IN LODGE "TIIUTII . " We publish the following letter from W . Bro . W . C . Rowe , on the subject of the irregularity in Lodge Truth ,
in passing and raising a brother on the same evening . We admire the promptitude and candour with which Bro . Rowe has come forward to admit his mistake , and we feel sure all who peruse his letter will absolve him from blame , as he was so suddenly called upon to perform a duty for which he was so little prepared . The Senior
Warden , who applied for the dispensation , should have consulted a Past Alaster before doing so ; and as for the Deputy District Grand Alaster , he holds the same office under the Scotch Constitution , and did not consider it much harm , as candidates arc frequently initiated , passed , and raised in one . night under the Scottish Constitution .
Original Correspondence.
We hope this will be a lesson for all concerned in the irregularity referred to . " Parell , 15 th November , 1875 . " Dear Bro . Bease , — "Ijnoticed in the correspondence of the last number of your ' Record ' the well-grounded objections to the proceedings of Lodge Truth in October last . In justice to
myself as Presiding Officer , and for the information of your correspondent , I may state the circumstances below , under which the irregularilies occurred : — "The Alaster of the lodge being absent in England since Alarch last , it has fallen to the lot of Past Alasters of Truth to work the lodge , and on the evening in question it so happened that none of these worshipful breth
ren could be present , and on my arrival at the hall I received a note from the Senior Past Alaster requesting me to perform the work for him ; it was rather late before the lodge was opened , and on hearing that a dispensation had been granted to the Senior Warden in charge for centering the Second and Third Degrees on a brother , I confess it did not occur to mc in the hurry of the moment that any
irregularity had been or was to be committed , and the Second and Third Degrees were accordingly conferred . " 1 may add that immediately on the error which had occurred being observed steps were taken at once to apply to the Alost Worshipful the Grand Alaster for a special
dispensation legalizing the passing and raising of the breth ren who received these degrees in the one ni ght . " Yours faithfully and fraternally , " W . C . ROWE , Past Junior Warden of Lodge Truth , No . 944 , and Wor . Master of Lodge Concord , No . 757 . '
IHE LAST AIEETING OF THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST YORKSHIRE . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — What has been going on at the last Provincial
Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire ? There are queer stories current in Leeds , of angry remonstrances and a Masonic scene , of a pamphlet suppressed , of a report presented , and a promise of withdrawal . In fact , as a worthy P . AI . of one of the Leeds lodges said , it was all" Tew bad . "
Can any one explain ? Will any one speak the truth ? Yours fraternally , IONOTUS . Leeds , Jan . 27 th , 1876 .
PAST AIASTERS . To Ihe Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Am I correct in supposing that a Past Master joining another lodge does not become a P . AI . of that lodge , unless he actuall y pass the chair of the lodge ? Is there any difference in the case of a new lodge , when
on the c mseciation a Past Alaster is appointed I . P . AI . Does he become a P . AI . of that lodge ? I should be much obliged if some one would answer the above , and quote an authority for his reply . Yours fi . Tcrnnlly , A PAST AIASTEB . [ ist question . Yes . He must pass through the chair . 2 nd question . No . He must pass through the chair . —En . ]
BROS . TEW , PERROTT , AND BINCKES . To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I quite agree with Bro . Binckes in his view of the question , as the claim of West Yorkshire is an utterly
impossible one to accede to , by all who care for our great charities , and the committee is an unconstitutional bod y , and its report must be a nullity . The committee contains some good names on it , but I am utterly astonished to find that Bro . Tew is a member ot it , that he had the nomination of it , and that on his evidence the report is mainly based .
It seems that this zealous censor of his brethren previously published a report privately of the evidence given by himself at Pontefraet in a pamphlet . and termed it "The Report , ' Sec . This , as it was understood at Leeds on the 26 th , was
suppressed or withdrawn . Can this proof of absurdity or partizan feeling any further go ? It grieves me deeply as an old Freemason and a lover of FA in PLAY .
THE ABBOT'S RIPTON RAILWAY ACCIDENT . To the Editor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Permit mc to say , in answer to numerous and repeated enquiries , both by letter and personal , that I am not the " Air . Yeoman " who was in the smash
up at Abbot's Ripton . So numerous are the visits and enquiries , both in the Craft and outside , that 1 do desire to express my warmest thanks for such marks of esteem . I was travelling that way , but was not in that horrible collision , for which I thank the Great Architect . Very sincerely yours , and truly fraternally , T . BUIIUETT YKOMAM .
ROYAL ARCH . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Companion , — I was sorry lo read the report ot the Special Provincial Grand Chapter , held at Newton Abbot on the 20 th ult ., to dedicate and consecrate the Devon Chapter . I
fear that there must have been some other cause why the Second Principal did not attend besides the one stated in the report . I wish the M . E . P . G . Superintendent would hold his chapters in the summer months instead of the winter , he would then get a much larger attendance . Yours very fraternall y , I . T . S ., M . E . Z .