Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Mornington Lodge, No. 1672.
noint to those grand—those noble institutions which have Keen raised for the nurture of the young and for the shelter 0 f the old . Some hundred years have nearly passed away now since the Masonic Girls' School was founded , and who would presume to estimate the vast amount of good that it has achieved ? The Boys' School , I believe , was established some , ten years later ; whilst the crowning of
our charitable undertakings was effected by the erection of a cnitable retreat for those who , having borne the burden and the heat of the day , and standing as it were on the very threshold of the Grand Lodge above , desired to pass the remainder of their lives in ease , comfort , and tranquillity . My brethren , it is our duty , believe me , to prove to the world that Freemasonry is something more
than an empty name , something infinitely better and hig her than a mere excuse for social gatherings , be those social gatherings ever so pleasant . It is our solemn duty to prove to the world that its principles are high and lofty —that its designs are grand and praiseworthy ; and the clearest and most logical way to convince the sceptic or the scorner is by a steady , consistent , unwavering practice
of the benevolent precepts of the Order . Freemasonry will then present not only to the mind of the philosopher an organised system of peculiar knowledge , enfolded in beautiful ceremonies known only to the initiated , but to mankind in general , to the whole world at large , it will appear as a beneficent and a most beautiful institution , teaching , inculcating , and enforcing the purest morality ,
and visibly bearing fruits of charity and goodwill . May this lodge which we are met to consecrate and to inaugurate this day , prove a conspicuous example of all those virtues which adorn the Masonic character . May it convey to distant generations those august lessons which have been handed down to us from our Masonic forefathers . May it ever be the shrine of intellect and the
temple of thought , the home of peace , and the abode of joy , established by a few faithful , earnest , and devoted Masons , and supported by the mighty pillars of intelligence and truth . May it ever remain as an imperishable memorial of its founders , growing year by year in prosperity and happiness , and shining brighter and brighter in the g lorious firmament of Masonic fame . Worshipful sir
and brethren , I have now arrived at what , at any rate to me personally , is not by any means the least pleasant part of my duty , and that is to thank you , sir , and all the brethren for the very kind and patient attention , which you have bestowed upon these few , I admit , imperfect remarks , and which I cannot perhaps better conclude than by wishing with all my heart and soul that the grand
principles upon which our noble institution is founded , viz , brotherly love , relief , and truth , may ever be present with us in our hearts , and shine forth conspicuously in our conduct through life , so that when we leave this earthly scene our names may be enrolled as members of that glorious brotherhood , who loving their fellow men are loved of God ; even as in that well-known little poem we
are taught how Abou Ben Hamed—may his tribe increase , — Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace , And saw within the moonlight in his room , Making it rich , like a lily in bloom , An angel writing in a book of gold—Exceeding peace had made Ben Hamed
bold—And to the presence in his room he said , " What writest thou ? " the vision raised its head And with a look , made of all sweet accord , Answered , "The names of those who love the Lord . " " And is mine one ? " said Abou : " Nay not so , " Replied the angel . Abou spoke more low , But cheerless still , he said , " I pray thee then
Write me as one who loved his fellow men . " The angel wrote and vanished . On next night It came again with a grand wakening light , And showed the names whom love of God had blest , And , lo Ben Hamed's name led all the test . The remainder of the ceremony of consecration was then performed , and after the lodge had been dedicated
and the brethren constituted , Bro . William Robert Marsh Was installed as W . M . by Bro . Hervey . The brethren invested with the collars of office were Bros . J . Edward Cockett , S . W . ; G . Blackman , J . W . ; J . W . Cook , Treasurer ; D . King , Secretary ; S . G . Redfearn , S . D . ; R . B . Salisbury , J . D . ; J . W . Pollard , I . G . ; Lensen , Stcwartl ; S . Coates , D . C . ; and Goddard , Tyler . Votes of thanks ifere then passed , and ordered to be recorded on the lodge
minutes , lo Bro . Hervey and the other Consecrating Officers , and they were also elected honorary members of the lodge . Lodge was afterwards closed , and the brethren were entertained at a beautiful banquet . The customary toa sts followed . Bro . John Hervey replied to the toast of " The Earl of Carnarvon , " & c . After expressing the great pleasure he « ad in having his name coupled with the names of two s Wh noblemen as the Earl of Carnarvon and Lord
Skelraersdale , he said it gave him additional pleasure to have "le opportunity of returning thanks for two other brethren * ho were standing up with him , one of whom had passed "rough grand office with credit to himself , and the other a good friend of his own , who for the first time was to up ! ed with " Grand Officers , " ( Bro . Buss ) , and who he * w sure would do his duty in the future as he had done
' 'he past . The W . M . would permit him to say one * wd for himself , because it had given him great pleasure "come down to Snaresbrook to consecrate the Morning-0 , 1 Lodge . He trusted that the future would justify the ; ° Pcs which they all entertained of it . Before sitting
°° « n he wished to propose " The Health of the W . M ., " fcess to the lodge , and a long career of prosperity to j * and all of its members , " He hoped the lodge had j ^ e into the world in a satisfactory manner ; it had ™* n no symptons at present of anything like what , married men at the table might have some 'owled ge of—rickets—or any other complaints whit h
Consecration Of The Mornington Lodge, No. 1672.
were the misfortune of young children . He trusted there would be no signs of any disorder in the Mornington Lodge , and he was quite sure that under the able presidency of its present Master it could not do otherwise than progress . He vvas confident that the brethren who were associated with the W . M . in the founding of the lodge , would do their utmost to support its
respectability , to insure its good working , and to shew to the Craft that on the 30 th April , 1877 , they had added one more lodge and one more good member to the long chain of lodges which were now working under the rule of the Grand Lodge of England . The W . M ., in replying , said he would use every endeavour to carry out those principles which Bro . Hervey had
mentioned , not only in the lodge , but just now , over the banqueting table . It was his earnest desire to carry out the principles as closely as he possibly could . He had intended to make a speech , but time forbade it ; therefore , he hoped the brethren would pardon his brevity in merely thanking them for their kind and hearty reception of the toast . As Master of the Mornington Lodge , he in the
name of the brethren expressed its hearty thanks to Bro . Hervey and his assistants for consecrating it . There seemed to him to be none like Bro . John Hervey—a household word in connection with Freemasonry , he did not know what they would do without it ; it vvas known through the length and breadth of the land , and when anything was wanted , Bro . John Hervey appeared to be
the man who would do it . Then they had their Bro . Buss , Bro . Terrjv Bro . Albert , and others who were well known to them , all of whom did the best they possibly could for the furtherance of the ends of Freemasonry ; and , notwithstanding so much had been said against Freemasonry , it was a great testimony to its worth that three Princes of the Blood no , v were officers in Grand Lodge
and that many of the highest and noblest in the land were connected with it . Bro . Scott , W . M . 9 , returned thanks for "The Master -ind Wardens of the Recommending Odge , " and Bro . Rawley and other brethren for " The Visitors . " Bro . J . E . Cockett , S . W ., replied for " The Founders , " a toast which he thought the toast of the evening , because he
considered if it had not been for the founders they would rot then have had the pleasure of the presence of the Consecrating Officers . It was ouite customary in Masonic matters that brethren should be able to give a good reason for their actions , and he also ought to give a reason why this Mornington Lodge arose . There were several residents in the
neighbourhood who were Masons , and they had talked over the benefit of having a lodge of their own . The happy thought occurred to Bro . Polland . From that happy thought the present happy day had sprung . They had had difficulties to contend with , one of which vvas the convincing the wives that Masonry was Free ( laughter ) - ; but happily they got over them , as in the performance of their Masonic duties
they had previously done . ( Laughter . ) The next and gravest difficulty arose with the same sex in Grand Lodge . ( Great laughter . ) He did not mean to say they were old women there ( laughter ) , but permit him to say Grand Lodge was the " mother" of Freemasonry . ( Applause . ) They were always proud to be under Grand Lodge of England . Their good mother and their goi-d
sister , Bro . Marsh ( laughter ) , got up the petition so well , that Grand Lo ^ ge granted its prayer when she knew her children so much desired it . He might congratulate the brethren that the consecration took place on the last day of April instead of tne first . ( Laughter . ) But with regard to the difficulty of the ladies , he must allude to that again , and on this point some of the brethren might be reminded of the lines , —
" For me , I neither knew nor care Whether a person ought to wear A black dress or a white dress . I have a trouble of my own , — A wife who preaches in her gown Ar-d lectures in her night dress . " ( Renewed laughter . ) It appeared to him that on an occa
sion like the founding of their lodge they , as founders , had to remember that they were not only units , but their lodge , as a co-operate body , was a unit in that grand circle of Freemasonry , the centre of which vvas everywhere and the circumference of which was nowhere . It appeared to him that this was a fitting occasion for all young Masons to remember that with the consecration at a lodge should
commence , if it had not already begun , a consecration of their Masonic lives , and that they should so comport themselves as Masons that they should make Masonry loved not only by their own families , but in the families of their friends , among their homes , by their wives and children . The lotlge had been consecrated to the noble purposes of the Craft , and he hoped the brethren would consecrate their lives to Masonry , to all that was true and good in it ,
and thert-fore to all that is grandest and best in the brightest examples of the noblest deeds of mankind . Bro . James Terry responded for " The Masonic Charities , " by which time there was only space enough left to catch the last train for London , and the brethren separated after spending a most cheerful and pleasant evening . There was a beautiful selection of music performed during the evening by Bros . Dr . Jas . Haskins , T . W . Simons , G . T . Carter , and R . Farquharson .
A meeting of the subscribers to the Masonic Institutions will be held at the Royal Hotel , Mile End-rd ., on Monday , the 14 th inst ., at 8 . 30 p . m ., to take into consideration the advisability of devising means by which some unity of action may be brought about , to concentrate the votes of the brethren , so that a more equitable return may be the result , and the candidates for admission to the different institutions receive that aid and support , which the urgency of the case may require .
Consecration Of The Ancient Briton Lodge, No. 1675.
CONSECRATION OF THE ANCIENT BRITON LODGE , No . 1675 .
Masonry s in many respects a progressive science , especially in 1 he Province of West Lancashire , as the rapidly extending lift of lodges there clearly indicates . The enthusiasm of the brethren in the Liverpool section of the division was again manifested last week , when the Ancient
Briton Lodge , No . 1675 , was consecrated at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , with the greatest e ' clat . It is a well known fact that Welshmen are hearty and consistent supporters of Freemasonry , and nowhere more than in Liverpool , which is popularly named the metropolis of Wales . The formation of the new lodge has been specially carried out with the view of accommodating the
representatives of the principality ; and while no creed , sect , or nationality will , of course , prove a barrier to admission , the " Ancient Britons" will be largely composed of the Welsh element . Steps were taken some time since to secure a charter from the United Gram ! Lodge for the constitution of this lodge , and after a considerable amount of negotiations the petition was granted , the result of which
will doubtless prove a substanti al and honourable addition to the roll of West Lancashire lodges . The interest in the ceremony was manifested by the attendance of a large number of brethren , comprising an excellent representation of Prov . G . Officers , W . M . ' s , P . M . ' s , and officers of various lodges in the neighbourhood . The consecration ceremony took place on Monday
afternoon , the iCth inst ., and was performed by Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Secretary for West Lancashire , who had been appointed by Bro . the Ri ght Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , Dep . G . M ., P . G . M . West Lancashire , to do the interesting and important work . Bro . Alpass accordingly took tbe position of Consecrating Officer scon after two o ' clock , and appointed Bro . I .
Pemberton , P . G . Supt . of Wnrks , as his S . W . ; and Bro . B B . Marson , P . G . S ., as his J . W . The whole of the conse crating work vvas most efficiently pet formed by the presid ing officers , who were assisted by Bros , the Rev . H . G . Ver non , P . P . G . Chap , of Lancashire and Cheshire , Hon . Chap lain of Lodge 1505 , acting as P . G . Chaplain ; G . D Pochin , P . G . Reg ., acting as P . G . Sec ; J . M'Kune , P . M
216 , acting P . G . D . C ; J . R . Goepel , P . P . G . D . C , acting P . G . Assistant D . C . ; R . Martin , P . M . 109 + ; H . Williams , P . M . 249 ; and J . Hayes , P . M . 249 . The fine musical consecration service composed by Bro . J . Skeaf , P . G . Organist ( who presided at the harmonium ) was rendered with fine effect by Bros . J . Busfield , 216 ; T . J . Hughes , 216 : C . Haswell , 203 ; and D . Jones , 155 .
The following eloquent oration was delivered during the ceremony by Bro . the Rev . G . H . Ver . ion , acting P . G . Chaplain : — Worshipful Sir , Grand Officers , and Brethren , —At the dedication of this , the Ancient Briton Lodge , it has devolved upon me , in the discharge of the duties of the office which I have this day been requested to hold , in the absence
of the P . G . C , to address to you a few observations suitable to this interesting occasion . There is always , no doubt , a feeling of solemnity attached to the meetings of the brethren , even when the business that calls them together is of the most ordinary nature , for no degree exempts us from that serious obligation which is th-: glory of our Craft at all times and under all circumstances at the
opening of a lodge solemnly to invoke the presence and continuance of the Great Architect of the World . But to-day we are called together for a purpose so august and sacred that all levity and carelessness must be utterly impossible while in pursuance of dedicating this lodge to His services who , as the Great Master Builder , has originated the principles upon which our Masonic Order
professes to be founded . And first , as to principles , which are the foundations of any Order , our principles are—that our members should be mutually beneficial to each other , and instrumental for the good of society , which , in the Scriptural phrase , is " to be of one mind , " having compassion one for another , and to love as brethren . Wherever there is a brother , like ourselves , the offspring of one common stock ,
partaker of the same nature , and sharer of the same hope , so in numberless instances it has proved itself to be ; it has gained for the wandering traveller kindness in an inhospitable and savage clime ; it has quelled the violence of the pirate by sea ; it has in all the various and distinct nations which diversify the map of the world discovered everywhere an object for the display of that beneficence which
each brother owes to his fellow . Looking back to the pages of ancient history , we trace , even in the records of the Sacred Volume , the origin of our Order . The pedigree of our Society is both ancient and honourable , lor virtue is virtue , whether it be ancient or modern , whether it dazzle from the throne or glimmer from the hut , and having stood the lapse of ages , and the storm of opposition ,
proves itself erected upon a good and sound foundation , The principles of our Masonic Order are derived from Him who is the Maker and Builder of the Temple of the World . To the Great Master of all , in whose presence alone we seek to be approved , and to whom , as on all occasions , so now much more especially , we dedicate this lodge . Let me entreat you , then , brethren , diligently to search
the Volume of the Sacred Law for the secrets of our art ; and while you seek to pry into thetovenant , the signs and tokens which subsisted and were communicated between the Kings of Judah and of Tyre , O may the spirit of the widow ' s son be in you , filling you with a knowledge of the points on which they all turned , even wisdom to design , strength to execute , and the beauties of holyness to adorn .
Remember that the same pages contain an inestimable pearl of great price , and that they only are the wise and good who make that pearl their own . Gain this and you thus lay hold on the right pillar , both of solid fame and spiritual wealth , whereby you shall be established ; and then you may safely rest upon the left , a still higher column in our scientific line , for in that you will find strength . Whether
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Mornington Lodge, No. 1672.
noint to those grand—those noble institutions which have Keen raised for the nurture of the young and for the shelter 0 f the old . Some hundred years have nearly passed away now since the Masonic Girls' School was founded , and who would presume to estimate the vast amount of good that it has achieved ? The Boys' School , I believe , was established some , ten years later ; whilst the crowning of
our charitable undertakings was effected by the erection of a cnitable retreat for those who , having borne the burden and the heat of the day , and standing as it were on the very threshold of the Grand Lodge above , desired to pass the remainder of their lives in ease , comfort , and tranquillity . My brethren , it is our duty , believe me , to prove to the world that Freemasonry is something more
than an empty name , something infinitely better and hig her than a mere excuse for social gatherings , be those social gatherings ever so pleasant . It is our solemn duty to prove to the world that its principles are high and lofty —that its designs are grand and praiseworthy ; and the clearest and most logical way to convince the sceptic or the scorner is by a steady , consistent , unwavering practice
of the benevolent precepts of the Order . Freemasonry will then present not only to the mind of the philosopher an organised system of peculiar knowledge , enfolded in beautiful ceremonies known only to the initiated , but to mankind in general , to the whole world at large , it will appear as a beneficent and a most beautiful institution , teaching , inculcating , and enforcing the purest morality ,
and visibly bearing fruits of charity and goodwill . May this lodge which we are met to consecrate and to inaugurate this day , prove a conspicuous example of all those virtues which adorn the Masonic character . May it convey to distant generations those august lessons which have been handed down to us from our Masonic forefathers . May it ever be the shrine of intellect and the
temple of thought , the home of peace , and the abode of joy , established by a few faithful , earnest , and devoted Masons , and supported by the mighty pillars of intelligence and truth . May it ever remain as an imperishable memorial of its founders , growing year by year in prosperity and happiness , and shining brighter and brighter in the g lorious firmament of Masonic fame . Worshipful sir
and brethren , I have now arrived at what , at any rate to me personally , is not by any means the least pleasant part of my duty , and that is to thank you , sir , and all the brethren for the very kind and patient attention , which you have bestowed upon these few , I admit , imperfect remarks , and which I cannot perhaps better conclude than by wishing with all my heart and soul that the grand
principles upon which our noble institution is founded , viz , brotherly love , relief , and truth , may ever be present with us in our hearts , and shine forth conspicuously in our conduct through life , so that when we leave this earthly scene our names may be enrolled as members of that glorious brotherhood , who loving their fellow men are loved of God ; even as in that well-known little poem we
are taught how Abou Ben Hamed—may his tribe increase , — Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace , And saw within the moonlight in his room , Making it rich , like a lily in bloom , An angel writing in a book of gold—Exceeding peace had made Ben Hamed
bold—And to the presence in his room he said , " What writest thou ? " the vision raised its head And with a look , made of all sweet accord , Answered , "The names of those who love the Lord . " " And is mine one ? " said Abou : " Nay not so , " Replied the angel . Abou spoke more low , But cheerless still , he said , " I pray thee then
Write me as one who loved his fellow men . " The angel wrote and vanished . On next night It came again with a grand wakening light , And showed the names whom love of God had blest , And , lo Ben Hamed's name led all the test . The remainder of the ceremony of consecration was then performed , and after the lodge had been dedicated
and the brethren constituted , Bro . William Robert Marsh Was installed as W . M . by Bro . Hervey . The brethren invested with the collars of office were Bros . J . Edward Cockett , S . W . ; G . Blackman , J . W . ; J . W . Cook , Treasurer ; D . King , Secretary ; S . G . Redfearn , S . D . ; R . B . Salisbury , J . D . ; J . W . Pollard , I . G . ; Lensen , Stcwartl ; S . Coates , D . C . ; and Goddard , Tyler . Votes of thanks ifere then passed , and ordered to be recorded on the lodge
minutes , lo Bro . Hervey and the other Consecrating Officers , and they were also elected honorary members of the lodge . Lodge was afterwards closed , and the brethren were entertained at a beautiful banquet . The customary toa sts followed . Bro . John Hervey replied to the toast of " The Earl of Carnarvon , " & c . After expressing the great pleasure he « ad in having his name coupled with the names of two s Wh noblemen as the Earl of Carnarvon and Lord
Skelraersdale , he said it gave him additional pleasure to have "le opportunity of returning thanks for two other brethren * ho were standing up with him , one of whom had passed "rough grand office with credit to himself , and the other a good friend of his own , who for the first time was to up ! ed with " Grand Officers , " ( Bro . Buss ) , and who he * w sure would do his duty in the future as he had done
' 'he past . The W . M . would permit him to say one * wd for himself , because it had given him great pleasure "come down to Snaresbrook to consecrate the Morning-0 , 1 Lodge . He trusted that the future would justify the ; ° Pcs which they all entertained of it . Before sitting
°° « n he wished to propose " The Health of the W . M ., " fcess to the lodge , and a long career of prosperity to j * and all of its members , " He hoped the lodge had j ^ e into the world in a satisfactory manner ; it had ™* n no symptons at present of anything like what , married men at the table might have some 'owled ge of—rickets—or any other complaints whit h
Consecration Of The Mornington Lodge, No. 1672.
were the misfortune of young children . He trusted there would be no signs of any disorder in the Mornington Lodge , and he was quite sure that under the able presidency of its present Master it could not do otherwise than progress . He vvas confident that the brethren who were associated with the W . M . in the founding of the lodge , would do their utmost to support its
respectability , to insure its good working , and to shew to the Craft that on the 30 th April , 1877 , they had added one more lodge and one more good member to the long chain of lodges which were now working under the rule of the Grand Lodge of England . The W . M ., in replying , said he would use every endeavour to carry out those principles which Bro . Hervey had
mentioned , not only in the lodge , but just now , over the banqueting table . It was his earnest desire to carry out the principles as closely as he possibly could . He had intended to make a speech , but time forbade it ; therefore , he hoped the brethren would pardon his brevity in merely thanking them for their kind and hearty reception of the toast . As Master of the Mornington Lodge , he in the
name of the brethren expressed its hearty thanks to Bro . Hervey and his assistants for consecrating it . There seemed to him to be none like Bro . John Hervey—a household word in connection with Freemasonry , he did not know what they would do without it ; it vvas known through the length and breadth of the land , and when anything was wanted , Bro . John Hervey appeared to be
the man who would do it . Then they had their Bro . Buss , Bro . Terrjv Bro . Albert , and others who were well known to them , all of whom did the best they possibly could for the furtherance of the ends of Freemasonry ; and , notwithstanding so much had been said against Freemasonry , it was a great testimony to its worth that three Princes of the Blood no , v were officers in Grand Lodge
and that many of the highest and noblest in the land were connected with it . Bro . Scott , W . M . 9 , returned thanks for "The Master -ind Wardens of the Recommending Odge , " and Bro . Rawley and other brethren for " The Visitors . " Bro . J . E . Cockett , S . W ., replied for " The Founders , " a toast which he thought the toast of the evening , because he
considered if it had not been for the founders they would rot then have had the pleasure of the presence of the Consecrating Officers . It was ouite customary in Masonic matters that brethren should be able to give a good reason for their actions , and he also ought to give a reason why this Mornington Lodge arose . There were several residents in the
neighbourhood who were Masons , and they had talked over the benefit of having a lodge of their own . The happy thought occurred to Bro . Polland . From that happy thought the present happy day had sprung . They had had difficulties to contend with , one of which vvas the convincing the wives that Masonry was Free ( laughter ) - ; but happily they got over them , as in the performance of their Masonic duties
they had previously done . ( Laughter . ) The next and gravest difficulty arose with the same sex in Grand Lodge . ( Great laughter . ) He did not mean to say they were old women there ( laughter ) , but permit him to say Grand Lodge was the " mother" of Freemasonry . ( Applause . ) They were always proud to be under Grand Lodge of England . Their good mother and their goi-d
sister , Bro . Marsh ( laughter ) , got up the petition so well , that Grand Lo ^ ge granted its prayer when she knew her children so much desired it . He might congratulate the brethren that the consecration took place on the last day of April instead of tne first . ( Laughter . ) But with regard to the difficulty of the ladies , he must allude to that again , and on this point some of the brethren might be reminded of the lines , —
" For me , I neither knew nor care Whether a person ought to wear A black dress or a white dress . I have a trouble of my own , — A wife who preaches in her gown Ar-d lectures in her night dress . " ( Renewed laughter . ) It appeared to him that on an occa
sion like the founding of their lodge they , as founders , had to remember that they were not only units , but their lodge , as a co-operate body , was a unit in that grand circle of Freemasonry , the centre of which vvas everywhere and the circumference of which was nowhere . It appeared to him that this was a fitting occasion for all young Masons to remember that with the consecration at a lodge should
commence , if it had not already begun , a consecration of their Masonic lives , and that they should so comport themselves as Masons that they should make Masonry loved not only by their own families , but in the families of their friends , among their homes , by their wives and children . The lotlge had been consecrated to the noble purposes of the Craft , and he hoped the brethren would consecrate their lives to Masonry , to all that was true and good in it ,
and thert-fore to all that is grandest and best in the brightest examples of the noblest deeds of mankind . Bro . James Terry responded for " The Masonic Charities , " by which time there was only space enough left to catch the last train for London , and the brethren separated after spending a most cheerful and pleasant evening . There was a beautiful selection of music performed during the evening by Bros . Dr . Jas . Haskins , T . W . Simons , G . T . Carter , and R . Farquharson .
A meeting of the subscribers to the Masonic Institutions will be held at the Royal Hotel , Mile End-rd ., on Monday , the 14 th inst ., at 8 . 30 p . m ., to take into consideration the advisability of devising means by which some unity of action may be brought about , to concentrate the votes of the brethren , so that a more equitable return may be the result , and the candidates for admission to the different institutions receive that aid and support , which the urgency of the case may require .
Consecration Of The Ancient Briton Lodge, No. 1675.
CONSECRATION OF THE ANCIENT BRITON LODGE , No . 1675 .
Masonry s in many respects a progressive science , especially in 1 he Province of West Lancashire , as the rapidly extending lift of lodges there clearly indicates . The enthusiasm of the brethren in the Liverpool section of the division was again manifested last week , when the Ancient
Briton Lodge , No . 1675 , was consecrated at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , with the greatest e ' clat . It is a well known fact that Welshmen are hearty and consistent supporters of Freemasonry , and nowhere more than in Liverpool , which is popularly named the metropolis of Wales . The formation of the new lodge has been specially carried out with the view of accommodating the
representatives of the principality ; and while no creed , sect , or nationality will , of course , prove a barrier to admission , the " Ancient Britons" will be largely composed of the Welsh element . Steps were taken some time since to secure a charter from the United Gram ! Lodge for the constitution of this lodge , and after a considerable amount of negotiations the petition was granted , the result of which
will doubtless prove a substanti al and honourable addition to the roll of West Lancashire lodges . The interest in the ceremony was manifested by the attendance of a large number of brethren , comprising an excellent representation of Prov . G . Officers , W . M . ' s , P . M . ' s , and officers of various lodges in the neighbourhood . The consecration ceremony took place on Monday
afternoon , the iCth inst ., and was performed by Bro . H . S . Alpass , P . G . Secretary for West Lancashire , who had been appointed by Bro . the Ri ght Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , Dep . G . M ., P . G . M . West Lancashire , to do the interesting and important work . Bro . Alpass accordingly took tbe position of Consecrating Officer scon after two o ' clock , and appointed Bro . I .
Pemberton , P . G . Supt . of Wnrks , as his S . W . ; and Bro . B B . Marson , P . G . S ., as his J . W . The whole of the conse crating work vvas most efficiently pet formed by the presid ing officers , who were assisted by Bros , the Rev . H . G . Ver non , P . P . G . Chap , of Lancashire and Cheshire , Hon . Chap lain of Lodge 1505 , acting as P . G . Chaplain ; G . D Pochin , P . G . Reg ., acting as P . G . Sec ; J . M'Kune , P . M
216 , acting P . G . D . C ; J . R . Goepel , P . P . G . D . C , acting P . G . Assistant D . C . ; R . Martin , P . M . 109 + ; H . Williams , P . M . 249 ; and J . Hayes , P . M . 249 . The fine musical consecration service composed by Bro . J . Skeaf , P . G . Organist ( who presided at the harmonium ) was rendered with fine effect by Bros . J . Busfield , 216 ; T . J . Hughes , 216 : C . Haswell , 203 ; and D . Jones , 155 .
The following eloquent oration was delivered during the ceremony by Bro . the Rev . G . H . Ver . ion , acting P . G . Chaplain : — Worshipful Sir , Grand Officers , and Brethren , —At the dedication of this , the Ancient Briton Lodge , it has devolved upon me , in the discharge of the duties of the office which I have this day been requested to hold , in the absence
of the P . G . C , to address to you a few observations suitable to this interesting occasion . There is always , no doubt , a feeling of solemnity attached to the meetings of the brethren , even when the business that calls them together is of the most ordinary nature , for no degree exempts us from that serious obligation which is th-: glory of our Craft at all times and under all circumstances at the
opening of a lodge solemnly to invoke the presence and continuance of the Great Architect of the World . But to-day we are called together for a purpose so august and sacred that all levity and carelessness must be utterly impossible while in pursuance of dedicating this lodge to His services who , as the Great Master Builder , has originated the principles upon which our Masonic Order
professes to be founded . And first , as to principles , which are the foundations of any Order , our principles are—that our members should be mutually beneficial to each other , and instrumental for the good of society , which , in the Scriptural phrase , is " to be of one mind , " having compassion one for another , and to love as brethren . Wherever there is a brother , like ourselves , the offspring of one common stock ,
partaker of the same nature , and sharer of the same hope , so in numberless instances it has proved itself to be ; it has gained for the wandering traveller kindness in an inhospitable and savage clime ; it has quelled the violence of the pirate by sea ; it has in all the various and distinct nations which diversify the map of the world discovered everywhere an object for the display of that beneficence which
each brother owes to his fellow . Looking back to the pages of ancient history , we trace , even in the records of the Sacred Volume , the origin of our Order . The pedigree of our Society is both ancient and honourable , lor virtue is virtue , whether it be ancient or modern , whether it dazzle from the throne or glimmer from the hut , and having stood the lapse of ages , and the storm of opposition ,
proves itself erected upon a good and sound foundation , The principles of our Masonic Order are derived from Him who is the Maker and Builder of the Temple of the World . To the Great Master of all , in whose presence alone we seek to be approved , and to whom , as on all occasions , so now much more especially , we dedicate this lodge . Let me entreat you , then , brethren , diligently to search
the Volume of the Sacred Law for the secrets of our art ; and while you seek to pry into thetovenant , the signs and tokens which subsisted and were communicated between the Kings of Judah and of Tyre , O may the spirit of the widow ' s son be in you , filling you with a knowledge of the points on which they all turned , even wisdom to design , strength to execute , and the beauties of holyness to adorn .
Remember that the same pages contain an inestimable pearl of great price , and that they only are the wise and good who make that pearl their own . Gain this and you thus lay hold on the right pillar , both of solid fame and spiritual wealth , whereby you shall be established ; and then you may safely rest upon the left , a still higher column in our scientific line , for in that you will find strength . Whether