Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS , 229 Special Grand Lodge at Peterborough 230 Supreme Grand Chapter 231 History of the Royal Masonic Institution for Hoys ( . Continued ) 232 CORRESPONDENCEThe Boys' School Election . —A Letter ot Thanks 23 $
The Late Michael Thos . Bass , M . P 23 S The Late Bro . George Buckland 335 Re-Numbering of Lodges 235 Notes and Queries 235 Gould ' s History of Freemasonry . Vol . HI . 23 S Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 236 The Province of Cumberland and Westmorland 336 Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire 236 Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of West Yorkshire 337
Consecration o £ the Brooke Lodge , No . 2005 , Chingford 237 Consecration of the St . George's Lodge , No . 2025 , Plymouth 23 S Consecration of the Kintore Mark Lodge , No . 333 2 -39 Presentation to R . W . Bro . Kelly , P . Prov . G . M . Leicestershire and Rutland 24 a REPORTS or MASONIC
MEETINGSCraft Masonry 340 Instruction 340 Royal Arch 241 Mark Masonry 341 Rosicrucian Society 241 Knights Templar 241 Scotland 241 The Threatened Papal Encyclical 241 Masonic and General Tidings 242 The Theatres 241 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... Page 3 Cover .
Ar00100
OUR readers will find elsewhere a full account of the Masonic proceedings at Peterborough on Wednesday . The weather was favourable , and consequently there was a strong gathering of visitors from all parts , but especially of the brethren who were to play so conspicuous a part in the ceremony . It is to be regretted that the sad death of the Duke of ALBANY should have
prevented his brother the Prince of WALES , Grand Master , who had marked out for himself the leading role in the important function of the day , but his Royal Highness could not have chosen an abler , worthier , or more popular a Deputy than the Earl of CARNARVON ' , and it goes without saying that his lordship fulfilled his duty as only he knows how to fulfil it—in a manner that commended itself to all present .
• * # THE Annual Festival of the English Grand Lodgesuggests many reflections , and all of the most pleasing kind . It is almost wonderful to contrast the position of the English Grand Lodge to-day and what we know of it in its revival and dcvelopement in the first two decades of the last century . Even
in 1813 , at the time of the felicitous Union , thanks to the good sense and conciliatory policy of the two Royal brothers , the Duke of KENT and the Duke of SUSSEX , the progress of the Craft , though sure perhaps , had been slow . About 700 lodges then represented the results of nearly 100 years . Within the next 50 years the Craft rapidly progressed in numbers and
influence , and in this second half of the nineteenth century we see a still more rapid growth , and a still more striking developcment . There are those who always find fault with everything ; and our social friend " PETER GRIEVOUS " is not unknown in Freemasonry . According to them , Masonic lodges
are far too rapidly increasing , and our " materiel " is deteriorating . We believe , on the contrary , in the law of progress , and we doubt very much if any one age or generation is the best judge of the one which preceded it , or of the one about to succeed it . We therefore think that what suits each
epoch is for the best after all , and that we may gladly hail the distinct advance and expansion on every side of us of our useful and philanthropic and humanizing Order . Never at any time was the Grand Lodge of England so flourishing , so united , and so peaceful . We have just revised our admirable Book of Constitutions , destined to outlive our own , and we may
hope another generation . Our Grand Lodge beneficence is marked by the very careful and considerate ^ distribution of our Board of Benevolence . The Grand Lodge of England stands high in the opinion of contemporary jurisdictions , and in the regard of even the great and curious world without , in that , eschewing unwholesome excrescences and deprecating unnecessary
changes , though it is always ready to adapt itself to passing requirements or seasonable amelioration , it stands by the old and gracious landmarks of Freemasonry ; its motto , Loyalty and Charity ; its great and distinguishing features , recognition of T . G . A . O . T . U ., relief of a world-wide Brotherhood ; in fact , in all and through all , under all circumstances and amid revolving years , reverencing GOD and sympathing with mankind .
»* # THE fact that Grand Lodge found itself at home again in its well known and cherished Hall on its Grand Festival , was a matter of deep contentment and rejoicing to all loyal English Freemasons . We rejoice to think that the good sense of the Craft stood simply yet firmly by the wise and
needful arrangement of effective restoration . Greater schemes would have involved enormous expense , without , as far as we can see , any adequate returns , or any counterbalancing advantages , and would have seriously affected the financial equilibrium of Grand Lodge for years to come , and
have paved the way , we feci convinced , for many complaints , many discussions , and many heart-burnings . As it is we are all pleased and all satisfied . We find our old Hall , with slightly more room , a very charming and well proportioned building , and when internally completed a thoroughly satisfactory rallying point for English Freemasons . It is quite large enough for
Ar00101
ordinary meetings ; when abnormal gatherings take place , abnormal accomodation must then be found elsewhere . When the lease of BACON ' S Hotel expires , we shall be in a better position to know what wc really want , and what we have to do ! If we decide to " make tracks" and set up our ' 'Tabernacle" elsewhere , we can do so , as our property in Great
Queenstreet will always fetch its value . If on the other hand wc make up our minds to cling to the old " roof tree , " associated as it is with the onward and we may say triumphant progress of our time-honoured and cherished Craft , we can do so . With what we possess of land , and what we could acquire if need be , we could obtain all the accommodation required for our
still increasing Body . A library , a museum , a reading room , a waiting room , and a smoke room , —yes a smoke room , increased accommodation for our Secretariat , if need be a larger hall , and even a supper room and a music room , are all within the reach of our attainment . We can wait patiently until then , and those of us who are alive can well hail then with thankfulness and pride the renovated home and centre of English Freemasonry .
• *• Wis think great credit is due to our authorities for the thoroughly satisfactory manner in which thus far the work of restoration of our good old Hall has been carried on . Will it be taken ill if we venture respectfully to urgo
upon those who control such matters not to overdo the internal colouring , and neither to make the Hall too gaudy , or render it too heavy and sombre ? It will be refreshing for us . nil to find a light and graceful Hall , equally appropriate and pleasant when unlightcd by artificial brilliancy , as when lighted up for the normal meetings of Grand Lodge ,
ONE question connected with the Grand Lodge of Quebec seems to have received a distinct solution . The enabling or legalizing act has not been passed by the Legislature , and the Grand Lodge of Quebec remains in the disagreeable and inenviablc position of being a body and organization
unrecognized and indeed outside the purview of the Laws of the Land , Wc always feared from the moment we mastered the legal bearings of tho case , that this must prove to be the result , and as there never was any doubt on the subject in England so wc have from the first in the Freemason recommended to our brethren in the Grand Lodge of Ouebec moderation
and caution . LTnfortunatcly our advice has been scouted and our remarks have been taken in evil part . Side issues have been raised , sentimental views protruded , until we are placed in this dilemma , that until this legal disqualification be removed we cannot recognize the fundamental authority claimed by the Grand Lodge of Quebec in any form . The English lodges
in Montreal are now fully justified , their legal position , as we have always contended , validated and strengthened before the Masonic world , and the folly of the " facilis descensus Avcrni" course pursued by the champions of the Grand Lodge of Quebec made patent to the most careless critic . The American Grand Lodges must be severely affected by this
stern reality of facts . If there is one point in their position which they have held to and claimed for it , it is legality . To suppose that if a society is illegal by the laws of tho land , they would claim for Freemasonry a " dispensing power , " so as to make Masonically lawful what is legally illegal , would to be assume a paradox , and do
despite to the true Masonic feeling and common sense of our American brethren . Such a theory could only hold fuel to the fires of that contemptible and fanatic faction in the United States , which again to-day , as in times past , is seeking to fan the flames of persecution against American Freemasons . We therefore again , as their " amici curi .-o , " advise our
Quebec brethren to consider their real position , There is no feeling on this side of the water adverse to our good friends in Quebec and Canada ; but principles are principles , and right is right , and law is law , and the English Grand Lodge is the last body in the world to be bullied , or intimidated , or
" boycotted , as it in no sense deserves the ingratitude of its own offshoots whether near or far off , just as it does certainly merit the approval and con . fidencc of all its descendant and contemporary jurisdictions everywhere at this hour .
»* # WE rejoice to hear that the number of Stewards for the Girls' School Festival is now increased to 277 . We beg again respectfully to urge upon all our readers the need and duty of giving a warm and sympathetic support to this excellent Institution of ours . If any doubt the reality or effectiveness
of the system pursued at Wandsworth , let them pay a visit to the Girls ' School , and we can answer for them beforehand that they will come back gratified , delighted , and impressed . We think that the Anniversary Festival will manifest in marked measures the untiring zeal and energy of our warmhearted Fraternity . There is one point connected with the Steward-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS , 229 Special Grand Lodge at Peterborough 230 Supreme Grand Chapter 231 History of the Royal Masonic Institution for Hoys ( . Continued ) 232 CORRESPONDENCEThe Boys' School Election . —A Letter ot Thanks 23 $
The Late Michael Thos . Bass , M . P 23 S The Late Bro . George Buckland 335 Re-Numbering of Lodges 235 Notes and Queries 235 Gould ' s History of Freemasonry . Vol . HI . 23 S Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 236 The Province of Cumberland and Westmorland 336 Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire 236 Provincial Grand Mark Lodge of West Yorkshire 337
Consecration o £ the Brooke Lodge , No . 2005 , Chingford 237 Consecration of the St . George's Lodge , No . 2025 , Plymouth 23 S Consecration of the Kintore Mark Lodge , No . 333 2 -39 Presentation to R . W . Bro . Kelly , P . Prov . G . M . Leicestershire and Rutland 24 a REPORTS or MASONIC
MEETINGSCraft Masonry 340 Instruction 340 Royal Arch 241 Mark Masonry 341 Rosicrucian Society 241 Knights Templar 241 Scotland 241 The Threatened Papal Encyclical 241 Masonic and General Tidings 242 The Theatres 241 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... Page 3 Cover .
Ar00100
OUR readers will find elsewhere a full account of the Masonic proceedings at Peterborough on Wednesday . The weather was favourable , and consequently there was a strong gathering of visitors from all parts , but especially of the brethren who were to play so conspicuous a part in the ceremony . It is to be regretted that the sad death of the Duke of ALBANY should have
prevented his brother the Prince of WALES , Grand Master , who had marked out for himself the leading role in the important function of the day , but his Royal Highness could not have chosen an abler , worthier , or more popular a Deputy than the Earl of CARNARVON ' , and it goes without saying that his lordship fulfilled his duty as only he knows how to fulfil it—in a manner that commended itself to all present .
• * # THE Annual Festival of the English Grand Lodgesuggests many reflections , and all of the most pleasing kind . It is almost wonderful to contrast the position of the English Grand Lodge to-day and what we know of it in its revival and dcvelopement in the first two decades of the last century . Even
in 1813 , at the time of the felicitous Union , thanks to the good sense and conciliatory policy of the two Royal brothers , the Duke of KENT and the Duke of SUSSEX , the progress of the Craft , though sure perhaps , had been slow . About 700 lodges then represented the results of nearly 100 years . Within the next 50 years the Craft rapidly progressed in numbers and
influence , and in this second half of the nineteenth century we see a still more rapid growth , and a still more striking developcment . There are those who always find fault with everything ; and our social friend " PETER GRIEVOUS " is not unknown in Freemasonry . According to them , Masonic lodges
are far too rapidly increasing , and our " materiel " is deteriorating . We believe , on the contrary , in the law of progress , and we doubt very much if any one age or generation is the best judge of the one which preceded it , or of the one about to succeed it . We therefore think that what suits each
epoch is for the best after all , and that we may gladly hail the distinct advance and expansion on every side of us of our useful and philanthropic and humanizing Order . Never at any time was the Grand Lodge of England so flourishing , so united , and so peaceful . We have just revised our admirable Book of Constitutions , destined to outlive our own , and we may
hope another generation . Our Grand Lodge beneficence is marked by the very careful and considerate ^ distribution of our Board of Benevolence . The Grand Lodge of England stands high in the opinion of contemporary jurisdictions , and in the regard of even the great and curious world without , in that , eschewing unwholesome excrescences and deprecating unnecessary
changes , though it is always ready to adapt itself to passing requirements or seasonable amelioration , it stands by the old and gracious landmarks of Freemasonry ; its motto , Loyalty and Charity ; its great and distinguishing features , recognition of T . G . A . O . T . U ., relief of a world-wide Brotherhood ; in fact , in all and through all , under all circumstances and amid revolving years , reverencing GOD and sympathing with mankind .
»* # THE fact that Grand Lodge found itself at home again in its well known and cherished Hall on its Grand Festival , was a matter of deep contentment and rejoicing to all loyal English Freemasons . We rejoice to think that the good sense of the Craft stood simply yet firmly by the wise and
needful arrangement of effective restoration . Greater schemes would have involved enormous expense , without , as far as we can see , any adequate returns , or any counterbalancing advantages , and would have seriously affected the financial equilibrium of Grand Lodge for years to come , and
have paved the way , we feci convinced , for many complaints , many discussions , and many heart-burnings . As it is we are all pleased and all satisfied . We find our old Hall , with slightly more room , a very charming and well proportioned building , and when internally completed a thoroughly satisfactory rallying point for English Freemasons . It is quite large enough for
Ar00101
ordinary meetings ; when abnormal gatherings take place , abnormal accomodation must then be found elsewhere . When the lease of BACON ' S Hotel expires , we shall be in a better position to know what wc really want , and what we have to do ! If we decide to " make tracks" and set up our ' 'Tabernacle" elsewhere , we can do so , as our property in Great
Queenstreet will always fetch its value . If on the other hand wc make up our minds to cling to the old " roof tree , " associated as it is with the onward and we may say triumphant progress of our time-honoured and cherished Craft , we can do so . With what we possess of land , and what we could acquire if need be , we could obtain all the accommodation required for our
still increasing Body . A library , a museum , a reading room , a waiting room , and a smoke room , —yes a smoke room , increased accommodation for our Secretariat , if need be a larger hall , and even a supper room and a music room , are all within the reach of our attainment . We can wait patiently until then , and those of us who are alive can well hail then with thankfulness and pride the renovated home and centre of English Freemasonry .
• *• Wis think great credit is due to our authorities for the thoroughly satisfactory manner in which thus far the work of restoration of our good old Hall has been carried on . Will it be taken ill if we venture respectfully to urgo
upon those who control such matters not to overdo the internal colouring , and neither to make the Hall too gaudy , or render it too heavy and sombre ? It will be refreshing for us . nil to find a light and graceful Hall , equally appropriate and pleasant when unlightcd by artificial brilliancy , as when lighted up for the normal meetings of Grand Lodge ,
ONE question connected with the Grand Lodge of Quebec seems to have received a distinct solution . The enabling or legalizing act has not been passed by the Legislature , and the Grand Lodge of Quebec remains in the disagreeable and inenviablc position of being a body and organization
unrecognized and indeed outside the purview of the Laws of the Land , Wc always feared from the moment we mastered the legal bearings of tho case , that this must prove to be the result , and as there never was any doubt on the subject in England so wc have from the first in the Freemason recommended to our brethren in the Grand Lodge of Ouebec moderation
and caution . LTnfortunatcly our advice has been scouted and our remarks have been taken in evil part . Side issues have been raised , sentimental views protruded , until we are placed in this dilemma , that until this legal disqualification be removed we cannot recognize the fundamental authority claimed by the Grand Lodge of Quebec in any form . The English lodges
in Montreal are now fully justified , their legal position , as we have always contended , validated and strengthened before the Masonic world , and the folly of the " facilis descensus Avcrni" course pursued by the champions of the Grand Lodge of Quebec made patent to the most careless critic . The American Grand Lodges must be severely affected by this
stern reality of facts . If there is one point in their position which they have held to and claimed for it , it is legality . To suppose that if a society is illegal by the laws of tho land , they would claim for Freemasonry a " dispensing power , " so as to make Masonically lawful what is legally illegal , would to be assume a paradox , and do
despite to the true Masonic feeling and common sense of our American brethren . Such a theory could only hold fuel to the fires of that contemptible and fanatic faction in the United States , which again to-day , as in times past , is seeking to fan the flames of persecution against American Freemasons . We therefore again , as their " amici curi .-o , " advise our
Quebec brethren to consider their real position , There is no feeling on this side of the water adverse to our good friends in Quebec and Canada ; but principles are principles , and right is right , and law is law , and the English Grand Lodge is the last body in the world to be bullied , or intimidated , or
" boycotted , as it in no sense deserves the ingratitude of its own offshoots whether near or far off , just as it does certainly merit the approval and con . fidencc of all its descendant and contemporary jurisdictions everywhere at this hour .
»* # WE rejoice to hear that the number of Stewards for the Girls' School Festival is now increased to 277 . We beg again respectfully to urge upon all our readers the need and duty of giving a warm and sympathetic support to this excellent Institution of ours . If any doubt the reality or effectiveness
of the system pursued at Wandsworth , let them pay a visit to the Girls ' School , and we can answer for them beforehand that they will come back gratified , delighted , and impressed . We think that the Anniversary Festival will manifest in marked measures the untiring zeal and energy of our warmhearted Fraternity . There is one point connected with the Steward-