Correspondence

Correspondence

Wc do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limitsfree discussion .

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION ELECTION 1 S 98 . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , I much regret that my letter which appeared in your issue of October 30 th , on the above subject has not been deemed worthy of any notice by your readers . As however it is a very important matter , in my humble opinion ,

will you kindly allow me to shortly state the purport of it . I drew the attention of the Subscribers that at the ensuing election there would be 17 candidates ( six brethren and 11 widows ) who have been on the list from six to 16 years , a sad state of affairs and utterly belying our title to the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart , and that I had ventured to suggest to the W . Brothers , the Treasurer , and Secretary , that this dark spot might be easily remedied and

ultimately removed by allowing a proportion of these old and friendless candidates , to take the place of those annuitants who had died after the polli ng papers were issued . This would be helping the friendless and no injustice to those who were at the head of the unsuccessful at the previous election , who by that position showed that they bad many friends still living to help them to success , and I pointed out that other Institutions assisted candidates in this manner . I regret to say Bros . Farnfield and Terry did not receive my

suggestion favourably . Failing this , I further suggested that it would be greater kindness to make a law , " That any candidate failing to obtain a sufficiency of votes should , after a certain number of elections , be removed from the list of candidates , " this would spur up those brethren and lodges to get their candidates elected and would also deter others who had not sufficient influence from nominating a candidate and then leaving them in the sad plight of those 1 am endeavouring to interest your readers in .

I had hoped that you , in your editorial capacity , might have drawn the attention of subscribers to the subject , and I cannot understand why no one has troubled to discuss the above . I undeistand that the Committee are waiting for some evidence of a general wish that something should be done before moving in

the matter , so that unless the Subscribers make a move and bring pressure to bear , this blot will still remain and these poor old candidates must still go on , with hope deferred , until death relieves them and removes them from the list . Hoping some Brother of more ability and influence than I possess will take up their cause . —I am , Dear Sir and Brother , yours truly and fraternally ,

WILLIAM C . PARSONS , P . M . and Sec . 180 , P . M . and Sec . 1687 51 , Loughborough Park , Brixton , December Sth , 18 97 .

THE SERVICE IN ST . PAUL'S CATHEDRAL . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , Having been present as a Steward at a notable event of Masonic interest and importance at St . Paul ' s Cathedral on Thursday , the 2 nd of

December last , I venture to offer a few remarks upon the unusual observance , with the view of urging upon all those who have ever attended or are likely to be present in the sacred edifice for private or public worship , to remember that the work still to be accomplished needs further subscriptions in order that success may be achieved in a manner worthy of the aspirations of this great nation .

After the great fire of London in 1666 a Royal Commission was constituted for the purpose of carrying on the reconstructions of the chief architectural glory of the Metropolis , and the Letters Patent enjoin upon that body " that it was to be done for the promotion of Divine Service there to be celebrated to the end that the building might excel the splendour and magnificence of the former Church , and so become the principal ornament of the City of London , to the honour of this Realm and to the glory of God . "

Sir Christopher Wren , the son of a Dean and nephew of a Bishop , brought to the discharge of this duty an earnestness of genius and great scientific knowledge in conjunction with the industry of the medi ; eval workers to whom Christendom owes its heritage of architectural majesty whereby the Minster of the People , one of the grandest Cathedrals of Europe was reared to adorn what in a few years has become the chief City of the World .

Over the north door will be found a richly sculptured Phcjenix by Cibber , the pertinent motto being , " Resurgam . " It is worthy of remark that the building was commenced and finished under one architect , under the supervision of one Master Mason , Bro . Thomas Strong ,

and during the life time of one Bishop of London , Dr . Henry Compton . The re-opening of the Cathedral 200 years ago after restoration was rendered doubly important as being the thanksgiving day for the Peace of Ryswick which established the right of England to choose its own Government and to manage it own affairs .

We are justly proud of this memorial to the greatness of the Church of England , which has become the last resting place of soldiers , sailors , and artists as the Royal Minster of the West is of poets , politicians , and jurists . Ample as the church is in its proportions , dignified in design , with acoustic properties of the highest character it yet needs decoration to relieve its coldness and poverty of colour .

Much ornate work has been done in the choir and dome , but much more is required in the transepts and nave before perfection can be attained , which it should be our pride to bring to pass , so as to satisfy the ideal and cultured taste of England .

The Masonic Brotherhood is especially interested in translating into spiritual language the historic sanctity with which the sacrei building is invested by taking a distinct share in its mural embellishment . The process is slow , but the progress is continuous ; and it is most fitting that the Crait should undertake some portion of the interior decoration , for when all is done the effect will be magnificent .

A definite and highly efficient scheme of adornment has been commenced in fulfilment of Wren ' s intention , to use mosaic in order to make the edifice more worthy of the position it occupies in the history of the world . It is to be hoped that pious donors may be found ready to come forward with their offerings for stained-glass windows , the absence of which detracts from the beauty of St . Paul ' s , and it will be a lasting credit to the Craft to supplement their contributions , so that the scheme , partly carried out , may bi brought to a prosperous termination at a comparatively early date .

The Dean and Chapter ol St . Paul s having determined to celebrate the Bicentenary of the re-opening lor Divine worship of the Metropolitan Cathedral by holding a special service , the invitation to Freemasons to take a leading part in the ceremonial came with peculiar appropriateness as the architect , Bro . Sir Christopher Wren , as well as many of the workmen associated with him in erecting the greatest Renaissance Cathedral in the Universe , had founded a lodge

Correspondence

at the " Goose and Gridiron " in the vicinity , now represented by the Lodge of Antiquity which is still in a flourishing condition . Many stirring celebrations have been held from the time of Quaen Anne to the Diamond Jubilee service of the present reign with all the pomp and circumstance which the clerical authorities can command , but it was reserved for the United Grand Lodge of England and representatives of over 903 lodges to solemnize the 200 th anniversary of the opening of Sir Christopher Wren ' s great masterpiece by an unprecedented religious service , the like of which has not before been seen in any Christian church .

Praise is due to those who undertook the responsibility oE organising and carrying out the proceedings , and if the arrangements made for visitors were not so perfect as desired the cause is to be found in the fact that the Committee were overwhelmed by applications from eminent ecclesiastics , well-known statesman , Colonial celebrities , and others , representative of the great and noble in modern life .

When access to the interior had been gained , the courtesy and tact of the Stewards dispelled all irritation , and 6000 Masons of every grade soon filled the vast area . But with all the accommodation available , hundreds of the brethren high in rank , and great in social position , had to stand throughout the service , some where little could be seen , and it is a regrettable fact that many who came from distant parts of the Empire were unable to gain admission .

In taking official part in the Ceremony , the Corporation of London followed the example of their predecessors 200 years ago . The Lord Mayor and Sheriffs attended in State , accompanied by Aldermen and Members of the Common Council , whilst the procession of the clergy in their vestments and Academical robes , followed by the Grand Officers resplendent in various colours of gold and silver ,

embroidered regalia , and brilliant jewels , was most effective , and invested the Bi-centenary with superb magnificence , the sword of Grand Lodge being carried in front of the Acting Grand Master . Last of all the Bishop of London entered , preceded by his Chaplain , bearing the crozier , his lordship taking his seat within the Sacrarium .

The evensong service was intoned by the Venerable Archdeacon of London , Bro . Dr . Sinclair , P . G . C , whose full rich voice , with deliberate delivery , and clear enunciation , resounded to the furthermost parts of the great structure , where it m ly be noted more artificial light is absolutely required . A memorable service followed , characterised by devotion , fervent attention , and becoming reverence always experienced when the Masonic Order engage in religious duties .

The musical portion of this imposing service , conducted by Dr . Sir George Martin , was worthy of ancient tradition . The organ , augmented by silver trumpets and other instruments , accompanied the melodious voices of a large choir , which echoed round the great fabric , and when the compact assembly of 6000 voices joined in singing well-known hymns , and last of all the National Anthem , one realised that the glorious strains reflected the emotions of the worshippers .

The Bishop of London preached an appropriate sermon from words which David put before Solomon as the motive which was to inspire him when building the Temple of the Lord . Part of this discourse may be summarised as inculcating the nobleness of Charity with the dual obligation of Religion as binding on members of the Craft .

A special reason for the great ceremony was to give the fcratermty an opportunity of contributing to the embellishment of that temple of peace , as funds had yet to be raised for assisting in the work of Mosaic and other decoration now being carried on under the direction of Bro . Sir William B . Richmond , K . C . B ., R . A ., which was part of the original scheme revived in this generation so as to make the Cathedral worthy of the purposes for which it was intended .

The Bishop earnestly exhorted his hearers to give their practical assistance to the preserving and beautifying the House of God , and we were reminded that" Many a blow and biting sculpture ,

Polished well those stones elect , Who therewith hath willed for ever That His palace should be decked . " The offertory was \ o bo allocated to the special adornment ol the building by a mosaic panel , with a suitable inscription recording its origin , and the Decoration Committee will thankfully receive and acknowledge any further aid that may be forwarded to them . The collection would no doubt have been larger if more time had been allowed to the Stewards ,

Let us hope that the Masonic spirit of fraternal love may grow , and draw mankind together in sympathy , that they may understand and respect each other , and unite their efforts for the good of this sublime cause , for is it not written"That the House that is builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnificat of the fame and the glory throughout all countries . "—I am , Sir , your obedient servant

, GEO . L . WINGATE , Secretary 1423 , P . M ., P . P . G . R 8 i , Angel Court , E . C , December 24 th , 18 97 .

Reviews.

Reviews .

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