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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF THE ISLE OF MAN. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF THE ISLE OF MAN. Page 2 of 2
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of The Isle Of Man.
those privileges from a favourable opinion preconceived of the Institution , a general desire for knowledge , and a sincere wish to render themselves more extensively serviceable to their fellow creatures . If the requirements contained in these important qualifications are complied with , the Masonic Craft in this island will have no reason to fear reproach , but will assuredly consist of " worthy men , and worthy men alone , " to whom its
privileges arc of right secured and assured . Presuming , therefore , and there is no reason to dispute the premises that these motives have been predominant in the hearts of those who have joined outranks during thc year to which thc Provincial Grand Secretary ' s report relates , I , personally , and on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodgeof this island , have much pleasure in welcoming , and gladly welcoming , the desirable accession of members to a Fellowship which is world-wide in its extent ;
a Fellowship with regard to which the sun , the great luminary of nature , is always at its meridian ; a Fellowship which , in its great cosmopolitan character , may truly be said to consist of " all sorts and ' conclitionsof men , " and I sincerely and fervently trust that their membershi p in connection with this great and Universal Fellowship may prove a lasting source of strength and stability lo the Masonic Fraternity , " For God said in strength will I establish this My house to stand firm forever . "
The next and equally important point to which I wish to direct your particular attention , and which has been incidentally referred to by the Provincial Grand Secretary in his report , is the encouragement of systematic visitation of lodges , not only by the ordinary members , but by the recognised heads of lodges , and in fact the duty is imperatively enjoined upon them . This , brethren , is a matter to which too much importance cannot bc attached .
Two distinct purposes will be answered by this course being regularly pursued . In the first place , I consider it is the imperative duty of the Worshipful Master , accompanied by his Wardens , to visit the sister lodges located in the same town at least once during his official year , and I am glad to place on record the fact that , in connection with the Tynwald Lodge , No . 1242 , this ancient custom has been most effectually observed during the
current year by Worshipful Bro . John A . Brown , P . M ., P . D . P . G . M ., and his Wardens , Bros . Thomas Whiteside and G . II . Home , as these quasiofficial visits , as they may be termed , have a direct tendency to foster and promote that good fellowship , harmony , and brotherl y love which should at all times characterise Freemasons , and which , as one of our ancient charges sets forth , is the foundation and cope-stone , the cement and glorv of our
ancient Fraternity . Considered apart from this desirable attainment , the second purpose is answered by differences in working , however slight and however trivial , being at once noticed , and once observed , criticism of external rites , and the manner in which various functions are performed , immediately induces a spirit of inquiry and criticism , not necessarily of a hostile character , and from this spirit of inquiry rightly directed by an
efficient Director of Ceremonies—who , by the way , occupies an onerous and responsible position in private lodge work—it being his especial duty and province , by the exercise of prudence and discretion , to enable the junior officers to surmount all apparent difficulties and impossibilities , into its proper legitimate channel , beneficial results are sure to follow , as b y this means the preservation of the true ritual in ils perfection of beauty is not only assured , but is manifested to others .
Again , brethren , visits of this nature naturall y induce a spirit of emulation in working the inimitable ritual of our Order ; this spirit of emulation which may justly be described as a spirit of worthy and healthy emulation ought assuredly to be encouraged . The parrot-likercpetilion and letter-perfect
but inaudible , utterances which occasionally come under our observation , and which arc anything but creditable , ought to be strongly discountenanced on every possible occasion . If our ritual is really worth working at all , and I take it no Freemason will here be found having the temerity to controvert what isa self-evident proposition , it is worth working -. veil .
The officers , from the Worshipful Master to thc Inner Guard , ought to be made to feel not only the honour and responsibility attaching to their respective offices , but also to feel the sentiment and moral leaching inculcated in our ceremonial work and symbolic teaching—the actions , forms , and circumstances serving to render the ceremony magnificent and solemn in its impressiveness . If this is done , brethren , and the genuine tenets and princi ples of Freemasonry carried out in our daily life and conversation
practised as well as taught , the members will be enabled to declare the actual reality of their own avowed and accredited faith in our ritualistic teaching , and we shall assuredly leave this sublunary abode considerably better than we found it . No matter how slight our individual influence as good men and as Masons may be exerted upon those by whom weare surrounded , that influence is sure to be felt , and to leave a beneficial impression behind . Its evidence will clearly demonstrate and approve themselves not only to the multitude , but to men of the most refined sense and distinguished abilities .
As regards the banquet , at which the Provincial Grand Master presided , after the usual loyal toasts had been duly honoured , Bro . NESIUTT , Deputy Prov . G . M ., proposed " The Health of the Provincial Grand Master" in the following terms : Worshi pful brethren and brethren ,-Prior to submitting the toast which has been entrusted to me , 1 have much pleasure in announcing that telegrams have been received from Bros . John A . Brown , W . M . 1242 , ~
P . D . P . G . M . ; j . A . Mylrea , Prov . G . Org . ; and W . P . Pittar , P . A . G . Sec , regretting their inability to be present , and conveying " Hearty good wishes " for a successful and prosperous meeting . And now , brethren , the important duty of proposing the health of the Provincial Grand Master of the Isle of Man having been assigned tome , I have much pleasure in undertaking ihe duty . From thc frequency of the intercourse I have necessaril y had with thc Provincial Grand Master in all matters appertaining
to this province and its interests , and also wilh regard to Masonic matters generally , I am in a position to strongly testify to his worth and ability as a most zealous Mason . And , whilst I have pleasure in discharging mv duty of proposing his health to the best of my ability , I at thc same time feel perfectl y assured that his virtues as a true gentleman , one of nature ' s own nobility , and a good Mason , need no encomiums or words of special
recommendation upon my part . The Provincial Grand Master , brethren , has now occupied the distinguished position of supreme head and ruler of the Masonic Fraternity in Elian Yannin upwards of five years . For four of those years I had the privilege and pleasure of serving the Provincial Grand Master and the province . In the responsible
capacity of Provincial Grand Secretary , an ollice which brought me into constant official relations and personal contact with my principal . During thc last year I have had the distinguished honour of ailing in another , and lo me equally arduous , capacity . In bolh of these capacities , brethren , as I have said , it has been my especial privilege to have frequent interviews and consultations with the Provincial Grand Master on all im-
Provincial Grand Lodge Of The Isle Of Man.
portant matters connected with the well-being of the Craft , and the administration of the province , and I am exceedingly gratified to announce to you that in no single instance or particular have I ever found him lacking in interest or wanting in duty . His chief aim and desire , as I can testify from direct personal knowledge and experience , has invariably been the true interests of Freemasonry . The appointments to office have given him thc
greatest possible concern , and , although it is impossible to please all and to make his views coincide with different shades of opinion , he has , in making those appointments and selections , striven hard to advance and maintain the prestige and credit of Provincial Grand Lodge , due regard being given to ability and merit , as well as seniority . He has always been ready and willing , and , in fact , anxious , to devote himself to the service of
Freemasonry , and upon three separate occasions he has gladly acceded to my request and qualified as a Life Governor for each of the three great central Charities . His position , brethren , in connection with our Insular Legislature -the first commoner in thc Isle of Man , the Speaker of the oldest legislative assembly in the world—is one to which I need not here allude , his especial qualifications and attainments as a model Speaker of the House
of Keys being well-known to you all . After your experience of him , he having stood the test of five years' experience as our provincial head , and he having been instrumental in shedding a certain amount of lustre on this little province , I am sure , brethren , it is a work of supererogation on my part to add any further words to heartily commend this toast to your unqualified acceptance and generous approval . Suffice it to say , brethren , thc
more he comes amongst us the better we like him and thc more wc appreciate him . His duties as a representative of the people of Douglas are manifold and ever increasing , and I know Lhat his time is fully occupied , but he is always approachable , and notwithstanding the numerous and somewhat exacting cares of office , and the duties devolving upon him as Chairman of some of the most important Government Board and public bodies
of this island , he has invariably displayed his anxiety to be with us , and by his presence to bear encouraging - testimony to the warm interest he takes in the work of the province , and his hearty and responsive participation and active concurrence in those feelings towards Freemasonry— that peculiar system of morality which is veiled in allegory , and is illustrated by symbols , which animate and pervade the great Masonic Craft . He has been
privileged on two occasions to preside in the United Grand Lodge of England , the greatest and grandest of Grand Lodges , and should he at any future date bc called upon to occupy the throne in Freemasons' Hall , I hope that he will be supported by the presence of some of his many friends in this province . Brethren , "The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Mastcr of the Isle of Man . "
The toast was received with acclamation , and the Prov . G . Master was most cordially saluted . In response , Bro . Major GOLDIE-T . UBMAN said : Brethren , I am very much obliged to you for the manner in which you have received thc toast , and I am also obliged to Bro . Nesbitt for proposing it in the manner he has done . So far as my intentions go , they have been to carry out what he
says , and in the choice of officers 1 have always tried to get breihren who would best attend to their duties . I always try to make the best appointments that I can , and if these appointments have given you satisfaction it is a pleasure to me to hear of it . In thc House of Keys I have the best allegiance shown to me , and in this assembly , and amongst Masons generally throughout the island , I believe the opinion is that I am perfectly honest in doing the best I can for the Craft .
Bro . J . C . LAMOTHE , in the absence of Bro . J . Joughin , H . K ., proposed " The Health of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " Bro . the Rev . EDWARU FERRIER and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . NESBITT , replied .
Other toasts followed , including lhat of "The Masonic Charities , " which was proposed by Bro . the Rev . E . FERRIER , Prov . G . Chap ., and responded to by Bro . BKEAKEV , P . A . G . D . C , for the Girls' School , Bro . KELLEY for thc Boys'School , and Bro . NESBITT , D . P . G . M ., for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , thc speech of the last-named brother , who is a Steward for the approaching Jubilee Festival , being as follows : Asa
Life Governor of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , a Life Governor of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and I hope shortly to be a Life Governor of thc Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , I hereby endorse every word of the eloquent speech made by Bro . Ferrier in proposing the Masonic Charities , and have pleasure in responding . Although our local Benevolent Fund has assumed
satisfactory proportions , we have still done our duty , considering our size as a province , to the Central Masonic Charities . Before the province came into existence we had not one Life Governor upon the island , now we have four Life Governors for the Girls' School , seven Life Governors and two Life Subscribers for the Boys' School , and two Life Governors and two Life Subscribers to the Benevolent Institution . The latter Institution is one
1 heartily commend to your approval . The Male Fund of the Institution was founded by Grand Lodge in 1842 , and the Widows' Fund was added seven years later . Thus , the approaching Festival , in January next , will bc tlie Jubilee of thc Charity . This Jubilee Festival Anniversary will be very nearly coincident with that of the birth of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., and Grand Patron of thc
Institution ; and the opportunity will thus be afforded to thc brethren of commemorating the two auspicious events in a manner which , considering the deep interest his Royal Highness has always manifested in the success of our Masonic Charities , cannot be otherwise than most acceptable to him . When the fund was originally commenced , 15 male annuitants were elected , who received amongst them /" 305 a year , and five widow annuitants , who
received £ 75 a year . There are now 4 , 38 annuitants in thc two funds , namely , 181 brethren , 230 widows , and 27 widows receiving half their late husbands ' annuities . The sum annually apportioned amongst these brethren and widows is £ 15 , 140 , while the working expenses , amounting to about £ -700 a year , raise the total amount of annual outlay to , £ 17 , 840 . The permanent income is about / , * 4 uuo a year , and the deficiency which must be made tiood
annually is , therefore , ^ 13 , 840 . At the last election 106 candidates were left oyer , and as this list will be considerably augmented at the next election , the Committee are making a strong appeal for further support to the funds . Under these circumstances , brethren , I sincerely trust that vmi will heartily respond to the appeal , and support my Stewardship , and f pledge for my Masonic honour all contributions will be thankfully received and faithfulh applied . The Tyler's toast brought the proceedings to a close .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of The Isle Of Man.
those privileges from a favourable opinion preconceived of the Institution , a general desire for knowledge , and a sincere wish to render themselves more extensively serviceable to their fellow creatures . If the requirements contained in these important qualifications are complied with , the Masonic Craft in this island will have no reason to fear reproach , but will assuredly consist of " worthy men , and worthy men alone , " to whom its
privileges arc of right secured and assured . Presuming , therefore , and there is no reason to dispute the premises that these motives have been predominant in the hearts of those who have joined outranks during thc year to which thc Provincial Grand Secretary ' s report relates , I , personally , and on behalf of the Provincial Grand Lodgeof this island , have much pleasure in welcoming , and gladly welcoming , the desirable accession of members to a Fellowship which is world-wide in its extent ;
a Fellowship with regard to which the sun , the great luminary of nature , is always at its meridian ; a Fellowship which , in its great cosmopolitan character , may truly be said to consist of " all sorts and ' conclitionsof men , " and I sincerely and fervently trust that their membershi p in connection with this great and Universal Fellowship may prove a lasting source of strength and stability lo the Masonic Fraternity , " For God said in strength will I establish this My house to stand firm forever . "
The next and equally important point to which I wish to direct your particular attention , and which has been incidentally referred to by the Provincial Grand Secretary in his report , is the encouragement of systematic visitation of lodges , not only by the ordinary members , but by the recognised heads of lodges , and in fact the duty is imperatively enjoined upon them . This , brethren , is a matter to which too much importance cannot bc attached .
Two distinct purposes will be answered by this course being regularly pursued . In the first place , I consider it is the imperative duty of the Worshipful Master , accompanied by his Wardens , to visit the sister lodges located in the same town at least once during his official year , and I am glad to place on record the fact that , in connection with the Tynwald Lodge , No . 1242 , this ancient custom has been most effectually observed during the
current year by Worshipful Bro . John A . Brown , P . M ., P . D . P . G . M ., and his Wardens , Bros . Thomas Whiteside and G . II . Home , as these quasiofficial visits , as they may be termed , have a direct tendency to foster and promote that good fellowship , harmony , and brotherl y love which should at all times characterise Freemasons , and which , as one of our ancient charges sets forth , is the foundation and cope-stone , the cement and glorv of our
ancient Fraternity . Considered apart from this desirable attainment , the second purpose is answered by differences in working , however slight and however trivial , being at once noticed , and once observed , criticism of external rites , and the manner in which various functions are performed , immediately induces a spirit of inquiry and criticism , not necessarily of a hostile character , and from this spirit of inquiry rightly directed by an
efficient Director of Ceremonies—who , by the way , occupies an onerous and responsible position in private lodge work—it being his especial duty and province , by the exercise of prudence and discretion , to enable the junior officers to surmount all apparent difficulties and impossibilities , into its proper legitimate channel , beneficial results are sure to follow , as b y this means the preservation of the true ritual in ils perfection of beauty is not only assured , but is manifested to others .
Again , brethren , visits of this nature naturall y induce a spirit of emulation in working the inimitable ritual of our Order ; this spirit of emulation which may justly be described as a spirit of worthy and healthy emulation ought assuredly to be encouraged . The parrot-likercpetilion and letter-perfect
but inaudible , utterances which occasionally come under our observation , and which arc anything but creditable , ought to be strongly discountenanced on every possible occasion . If our ritual is really worth working at all , and I take it no Freemason will here be found having the temerity to controvert what isa self-evident proposition , it is worth working -. veil .
The officers , from the Worshipful Master to thc Inner Guard , ought to be made to feel not only the honour and responsibility attaching to their respective offices , but also to feel the sentiment and moral leaching inculcated in our ceremonial work and symbolic teaching—the actions , forms , and circumstances serving to render the ceremony magnificent and solemn in its impressiveness . If this is done , brethren , and the genuine tenets and princi ples of Freemasonry carried out in our daily life and conversation
practised as well as taught , the members will be enabled to declare the actual reality of their own avowed and accredited faith in our ritualistic teaching , and we shall assuredly leave this sublunary abode considerably better than we found it . No matter how slight our individual influence as good men and as Masons may be exerted upon those by whom weare surrounded , that influence is sure to be felt , and to leave a beneficial impression behind . Its evidence will clearly demonstrate and approve themselves not only to the multitude , but to men of the most refined sense and distinguished abilities .
As regards the banquet , at which the Provincial Grand Master presided , after the usual loyal toasts had been duly honoured , Bro . NESIUTT , Deputy Prov . G . M ., proposed " The Health of the Provincial Grand Master" in the following terms : Worshi pful brethren and brethren ,-Prior to submitting the toast which has been entrusted to me , 1 have much pleasure in announcing that telegrams have been received from Bros . John A . Brown , W . M . 1242 , ~
P . D . P . G . M . ; j . A . Mylrea , Prov . G . Org . ; and W . P . Pittar , P . A . G . Sec , regretting their inability to be present , and conveying " Hearty good wishes " for a successful and prosperous meeting . And now , brethren , the important duty of proposing the health of the Provincial Grand Master of the Isle of Man having been assigned tome , I have much pleasure in undertaking ihe duty . From thc frequency of the intercourse I have necessaril y had with thc Provincial Grand Master in all matters appertaining
to this province and its interests , and also wilh regard to Masonic matters generally , I am in a position to strongly testify to his worth and ability as a most zealous Mason . And , whilst I have pleasure in discharging mv duty of proposing his health to the best of my ability , I at thc same time feel perfectl y assured that his virtues as a true gentleman , one of nature ' s own nobility , and a good Mason , need no encomiums or words of special
recommendation upon my part . The Provincial Grand Master , brethren , has now occupied the distinguished position of supreme head and ruler of the Masonic Fraternity in Elian Yannin upwards of five years . For four of those years I had the privilege and pleasure of serving the Provincial Grand Master and the province . In the responsible
capacity of Provincial Grand Secretary , an ollice which brought me into constant official relations and personal contact with my principal . During thc last year I have had the distinguished honour of ailing in another , and lo me equally arduous , capacity . In bolh of these capacities , brethren , as I have said , it has been my especial privilege to have frequent interviews and consultations with the Provincial Grand Master on all im-
Provincial Grand Lodge Of The Isle Of Man.
portant matters connected with the well-being of the Craft , and the administration of the province , and I am exceedingly gratified to announce to you that in no single instance or particular have I ever found him lacking in interest or wanting in duty . His chief aim and desire , as I can testify from direct personal knowledge and experience , has invariably been the true interests of Freemasonry . The appointments to office have given him thc
greatest possible concern , and , although it is impossible to please all and to make his views coincide with different shades of opinion , he has , in making those appointments and selections , striven hard to advance and maintain the prestige and credit of Provincial Grand Lodge , due regard being given to ability and merit , as well as seniority . He has always been ready and willing , and , in fact , anxious , to devote himself to the service of
Freemasonry , and upon three separate occasions he has gladly acceded to my request and qualified as a Life Governor for each of the three great central Charities . His position , brethren , in connection with our Insular Legislature -the first commoner in thc Isle of Man , the Speaker of the oldest legislative assembly in the world—is one to which I need not here allude , his especial qualifications and attainments as a model Speaker of the House
of Keys being well-known to you all . After your experience of him , he having stood the test of five years' experience as our provincial head , and he having been instrumental in shedding a certain amount of lustre on this little province , I am sure , brethren , it is a work of supererogation on my part to add any further words to heartily commend this toast to your unqualified acceptance and generous approval . Suffice it to say , brethren , thc
more he comes amongst us the better we like him and thc more wc appreciate him . His duties as a representative of the people of Douglas are manifold and ever increasing , and I know Lhat his time is fully occupied , but he is always approachable , and notwithstanding the numerous and somewhat exacting cares of office , and the duties devolving upon him as Chairman of some of the most important Government Board and public bodies
of this island , he has invariably displayed his anxiety to be with us , and by his presence to bear encouraging - testimony to the warm interest he takes in the work of the province , and his hearty and responsive participation and active concurrence in those feelings towards Freemasonry— that peculiar system of morality which is veiled in allegory , and is illustrated by symbols , which animate and pervade the great Masonic Craft . He has been
privileged on two occasions to preside in the United Grand Lodge of England , the greatest and grandest of Grand Lodges , and should he at any future date bc called upon to occupy the throne in Freemasons' Hall , I hope that he will be supported by the presence of some of his many friends in this province . Brethren , "The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Mastcr of the Isle of Man . "
The toast was received with acclamation , and the Prov . G . Master was most cordially saluted . In response , Bro . Major GOLDIE-T . UBMAN said : Brethren , I am very much obliged to you for the manner in which you have received thc toast , and I am also obliged to Bro . Nesbitt for proposing it in the manner he has done . So far as my intentions go , they have been to carry out what he
says , and in the choice of officers 1 have always tried to get breihren who would best attend to their duties . I always try to make the best appointments that I can , and if these appointments have given you satisfaction it is a pleasure to me to hear of it . In thc House of Keys I have the best allegiance shown to me , and in this assembly , and amongst Masons generally throughout the island , I believe the opinion is that I am perfectly honest in doing the best I can for the Craft .
Bro . J . C . LAMOTHE , in the absence of Bro . J . Joughin , H . K ., proposed " The Health of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge , Present and Past . " Bro . the Rev . EDWARU FERRIER and the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Bro . NESBITT , replied .
Other toasts followed , including lhat of "The Masonic Charities , " which was proposed by Bro . the Rev . E . FERRIER , Prov . G . Chap ., and responded to by Bro . BKEAKEV , P . A . G . D . C , for the Girls' School , Bro . KELLEY for thc Boys'School , and Bro . NESBITT , D . P . G . M ., for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , thc speech of the last-named brother , who is a Steward for the approaching Jubilee Festival , being as follows : Asa
Life Governor of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , a Life Governor of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and I hope shortly to be a Life Governor of thc Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons , I hereby endorse every word of the eloquent speech made by Bro . Ferrier in proposing the Masonic Charities , and have pleasure in responding . Although our local Benevolent Fund has assumed
satisfactory proportions , we have still done our duty , considering our size as a province , to the Central Masonic Charities . Before the province came into existence we had not one Life Governor upon the island , now we have four Life Governors for the Girls' School , seven Life Governors and two Life Subscribers for the Boys' School , and two Life Governors and two Life Subscribers to the Benevolent Institution . The latter Institution is one
1 heartily commend to your approval . The Male Fund of the Institution was founded by Grand Lodge in 1842 , and the Widows' Fund was added seven years later . Thus , the approaching Festival , in January next , will bc tlie Jubilee of thc Charity . This Jubilee Festival Anniversary will be very nearly coincident with that of the birth of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., and Grand Patron of thc
Institution ; and the opportunity will thus be afforded to thc brethren of commemorating the two auspicious events in a manner which , considering the deep interest his Royal Highness has always manifested in the success of our Masonic Charities , cannot be otherwise than most acceptable to him . When the fund was originally commenced , 15 male annuitants were elected , who received amongst them /" 305 a year , and five widow annuitants , who
received £ 75 a year . There are now 4 , 38 annuitants in thc two funds , namely , 181 brethren , 230 widows , and 27 widows receiving half their late husbands ' annuities . The sum annually apportioned amongst these brethren and widows is £ 15 , 140 , while the working expenses , amounting to about £ -700 a year , raise the total amount of annual outlay to , £ 17 , 840 . The permanent income is about / , * 4 uuo a year , and the deficiency which must be made tiood
annually is , therefore , ^ 13 , 840 . At the last election 106 candidates were left oyer , and as this list will be considerably augmented at the next election , the Committee are making a strong appeal for further support to the funds . Under these circumstances , brethren , I sincerely trust that vmi will heartily respond to the appeal , and support my Stewardship , and f pledge for my Masonic honour all contributions will be thankfully received and faithfulh applied . The Tyler's toast brought the proceedings to a close .