Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The St. George's Lodge, No. 2025, Plymouth.
sung by the choir , and the Prov . Grand Master declared the lodge duly constituted and dedicated . Before the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed the P . U . M . said he desired to express his thanks to the R . VV . Prov . Grand Master of Corn wall for his presence that day ; and for so kindly undertaking to fill the office of D . l . G . M . ( Applause . ) Their thanks were also due to the brethren decorate the well to
who had done so much to room , as as those who had undertaken the musical portions of the ceremony . He hoped they might accept those two things as an augury that the new lodge would be a thoroughly harmonious one , and one whose path would be strewn with flowers . ( Applause . ) The Earl of MOUNT EDGCUMBE said it was a great nleasure to him to be present on an occasion of so much
interest to the Province , and he sincerel y trusted that the feeling of harmony which had hitherto existed between the two provinces of Devon and Cornwall would be continued without interruption in the future . ( Applause . ) The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in due form ,
and the installation of Bro . G . R . Barrett as the first VV . M . was proceeded with by Bro . Croydon , P . M ., and at its conclusion Bro . Barrett appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . C : Croydon , I . P . M . ; J . Lynn , S . W . ; E . Aitken-Davies , J . W . ; Rev . W . Evans Darby , Chap . ; J . Austin , Treas . ; James Gifford , Sec . ; J . S . Sloggett , S . D . ;
J . T . Bond , J . D . ; J . Griffin , D . C ; C . G . Withcll , A . D . C . ; A . Brickwood Hutchings , Org . ; VV . Cann , I . G . ; J . R . Plimsaul , S . S . ; H . M . Bing , J . S . ; F . Crouch , J . S . ; and J . Gidley , Tyler . Before the lodge was closed the newly-elected VV . M . briefly addressed the brethren , and expressed a hope that by strict and regular attention to the duties of his position
he should justify the honour that had been conferred upon him . He pointed out that the movement which led to the formation and constitution of Lodge St . George had been full y justified by the success which had attended it , and nothing could be more satisfactory than the fact that , following on the lines of the new Wolseley Lodge which was started in Manchester last year , no less than seventy
lodges conducted on temperance principles had either been started in different parts of the country , or warrants had been applied for . ( Hear , hear . ) AH this tended to prove that they had done the right thing in striking out this new path in Plymouth , and he looked forward with confidence to the success of Lodge St . George . ( Applause . ) Bro . HOWARD DAVIS followed with some remarks in the
same direction , and spoke of the great success which had attended the Wolseley Lodge in Manchester . The lodge was then closed , about 120 of the brethren subsequently meeting at a banquet in the Congregational Hall , Courtcnay-strcct , Plymouth . Bro . G . R . Barrett , the VV . M ., presided , and apologised for the absence of the Prov . G . M ., who had been obliged to leave by train for
London . The usual loyal and masonic toasts were proposed from the chair . Bro . the Rev . VV . WHITTLEV , P . G . S . W ., responded for "The Provincial Grand Officers , past and present , and the Grand Lodge of Devonshire . " He congratulated the W . M . on the proud position which he occupied that day , and on the manner in which the ceromony of consecration had been carried out . I Ic congratulated them also on the
excellent gathering that he now saw around him , a gathering worthy in every respect of the body to which they belonged . Freemasons had not been considered worthy by some in high quarters , for not very long since they were not only told what they were , but also what they ought to be as Freemasons . ( Laughter . ) But in spite of all that was said against them , they had the satisfaction of knowing
that they were engaged in a great and good work . The VV . M . then read letters from several brethren who were unable to be present at the ceremony . Amongst them was a letter from Bro . General Lord Wolseley , who wrote : " 1 beg to thank you very much for your letter . I only regret that my official engagements put it out of my power to oe present on the occasion , more especially as I see that
your new lodge is formed on temperance principles , in which I take the greatest interest , and has been founded on similar princip les to those of the lodge which bears my name at Manchester , whose brethren it would give me additional pleasure to meet again . " ( Applause . ) Letters of regret at inability to be present were also read from Bros . Edward Clarke , M . P . ; P . Stewart Macliver , M . P . ; J . H . Puleston , M . P . ; Admiral Glasse ; Dr . VV . B . Richardson , C . B ., F . R . S .: and other brethren .
Bro . HOWARD DAVIS , who with Bro . THOMPSON responded for " The Visitors and the W . M . ' s of the Three Towns , " referred prominentl y to the success which had attended the Wolseley lodge in Manchester . So successful , he said , had it been that those who were the first to throw stones at it were also amongst the first to shout victory when victory came . ( Laughter . ) The movement ,
he was glad to say , was spreading amongst the Masonic body all over the country , and lodge after lodge was lifting its head and proudly bearing the banner of temperance . ( Applause . ) In the first twelve months of its existence the Wolseley lodge held no less than twenty-one working meetings . In order to get through the work it became necessary at times to hold , as many as three meetings in a
single month , and the VV . M . for that year himself admitted thirty-nine brethren . He thought they would admit that was very good work for one man , and he hoped that the success which had attended the Wolseley lodge at Manchester would be fully shared in by the brethren at Plymouth . "The health of the VV . M . " was drunk with great
cordiality and suitably acknowledged , and the other toasts were " The Consecrating Officers /'" The Officers of Lodge St . George , " and " The Masonic Charities . " During the evening valuable musical services were rendered by Bros . J . Hele , J . Rendle , W . Hearder , H . Barter , E . C . Dyke , and Firks , and recitations were given by Bros . J . Kinton Bond and E . A . Lyons , to the great enjoyment of all present .
HOLLOWAY ' PILLS . —Invalids distracted by indigestion and discouraged in their search for its remedy should make trial of this never-failing medicine . A lady , long a martyr to dyspeptic tortures , writes that Holloway ' s Pills made her feel as if a burden had been taken oil'her . Her spirits , formerly low , hare greatly improved ; her capricious appetite has given place to healthy hunger ; her dull , sick headache has departed , and gradually so marvellous a change has been effected , that she is altogether a new creature , and again fit for her duties . These Pills may be administered with safety to the most delicate . They never act harshly , nor do they ever induce weakness ; they rightly direct deranged , and control excessive , action , —[ ADVT . ]
Consecration Of The Kintore Mark Lodge, No. 333.
CONSECRATION OF THE KINTORE MARK LODGE , No . 333 .
An important addition to the roll of lodges in the degree of Mark Masters was made on Tuesday , the 29 th ult . ' , by the consecration of the Kintore Lodge at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , S . E ., under most favourable auspices , and in the presence of a large number of Grand Officers and other distinguished members of the Order . It
was expected that the proceedings would be honoured by the presence of the Right Hon . the Earl of Kintore , M . W . G . M . M . M . elect , who had taken great interest in the formation of the lodge which bears his name , and had promised toattend . Unfortunately , however , his lordship , who had travelled from Scotland expressly , took a severe chill on the journey , and was thus prevented from attending a meeting where his absence was deeply regretted . The R . VV .
Bro . Sir rrancis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . M . for Middlesex and Surrey , who had undertaken to perform the consecration ceremony , was also unexpectedly detained elsewherej and deputed R . VV . Bro . Frederick Binckes , P . G . W . and Grand Secretary , to officiate on his behalf , and Bro . Binckes was supported by ( amongst others who did not sign the attendance book ) R . VV . Bros . A . M . Broadley , P . P . G . M . of the Mediterranean ; Frederick Davison
Grand Treasurer , D . P . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; the V . W . Bros . H . C . Levander , G . R . of Marks ; lames Stevens , P . G . J . O . ; the VV . Bros . If . Lovegrove , P . G . I . Wks . ; F . II . Cozens , P . G . Org . j Thomas Poore , P . G . I . G . ; T . C Walls , P . G . W . Middx . and Surrey ; J . Mason , Clements , and others . The founders of the lodge , seven in number , viz ., Bros . G . II . Newington Bridges , 22 ; Thos . Edmonston , 22 ; J . Hepburn Hastie , 104 ; Chas . Fountain ,
104 ; Philip Dakers , 41 ; B . R . Bryant , P . M . 22 ; and VV . II . Thomas , 104 , were present ; as were also Bros . VV . II . Saunders , S . D . 23 S ; R . J . Voisey , S . W . 22 ; Geo . Waterall , 104 ; Thompson , Old Kent T . I . ; VV . Siddall , 104 ; Goss , 22 , and others ; and in attendance for advancement were Bros . G . Norrington and J . R . Routlcdge , of Lodge 16 G 9 ; Capt . C . H . Nevill , II . C . Ingram , and R . A . Marshall , of Lodge 121 G ; G . J . Venables , of Lodge i ? 7 o : W . G . Temnle . of Lodrrc 10 . 1 : and I . S . Terrv .
of Lodge 507 . The brethren assembled punctually at the hour named in the summons , and awaited in the Temple the commencement of the interesting proceedings of the day . The pedestals and furniture of the Temple were most tastefully draped in crape , relieved by silver cord and corner knots to pedestals and cushions ; and in accordance with the mandate of the Mark Grand Lodge the stipulated mourning
was worn by all present in memory of his late Royal Highness the Duke ot Albany , Past Grand Master of the Order . A Mark lodge having by special dispensation been opened by Bro . B . R . Bryant , P . M . 22 , Bro . Walls acting as S . W ., Bro . Lovegrove as J . W ., and Bro . T . Poore as S . D ., the candidates for advancement as above named were introduced and duly advanced into the Order , the admirable working of Bro . Bryant deserving especial
mention for its perfect and eloquent style of delivery . With such able assistance as that rendered by Bro . Poore as Deacon and Bro . Cozens as Organist , the whole ceremony was without fault or blemish , and formed a most interesting introduction to the more important business which followed . The Grand Officers having been received in due form the R . VV . Bro . Binckes , P . G . W ., Grand Sec ., assumed the chair of A ., and appointed the following
brethren to assist him , viz .: the R . W . Bro . Broadley , Orator ; Bros . T . C Walls , S . W . ; H . Lovegrove , J . W . ; and Jas . Stevens , Master of Ccrs . He then proceeded with the ceremony of consecration in ancient form , most impressively rendering the invocation and dedication . The following oration by Bro . Broadley was listened to with earnest attention , and at its conclusion was received with Masonic applause : R . W . Sir and Brethren , —We are assembled here to-day in
accordance with our traditional rites and ceremonies to p lace one more stone on the ever-rising fabric of Mark Masonry . If anything could lend a greater interest to the fact that our labours this evening will result in the addition of another Mark Lodge to the muster roll of the Order , it must , I think , be found in the circumstances surrounding the origin of the lodge we arc now about to consecrate . The Kintore Lodge of Mark Master Masons is destined to
commemorate and perpetuate the accession to supreme office in the Mark Degree of one whose skill , energy , and assiduity in the past confidently inspire us with the highest hopes for the future of Mark Masonry during the time he will rule over its fortunes and guide its destinies . The elevation to the Grand Mark Mastership of so distinguished a member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of Scotland as Lord Kintore is no unimportant epoch in our history , for
we feel that it cannot but more closely strengthen and cement the union of Mark Masters on both sides of the Tweed . An oration or address has from a remote period in the history of our Craft formed part of the consecrating ceTemony which precedes the solemn dedication of our lodges . I know of no more difficult task than an attempt to compress any general disquisition on the fruitful theme of Freemasonry into the short space which this oration or
address should with propriety occupy , and I must be pardoned if I shrink from so ambitious an effort and limit the few remarks 1 shall trouble you with to what I conceive to be the characteristic and distinctive features of the Mark Degree . I assert without fear of contradiction that the history of the rise , progress , and prosperity of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons finds no parallel , or indeed anything like a parallel , in the annals of
the Craft , there is one at least amongst us to-day who can look back through the vista of 27 years to the time when that Grand Lodge was first called into existence , and I will venture to say that its present prosperity and unrivalled vitality have surpassed the most sanguine expectations of the most enthusiastic of its founders . To what , then , must we attribute the signal and peculiar success of the Mark Grand Lodge ? We owe much , no doubt , to the individual energy and high administrative ability of
its successive rulers , as well as to the untiring labours and dauntless activity of the Grand Secretary , that veteran in the ranks of Mark Masonry—Bro . Binckes—but it seems to me that there must be something more than ability and activity to account for the proud position our Order has come to occupy . For myself , I have no difficulty in finding this secret of success in the inherent value and peculiar interest of the degree itself . It is precisely of two features of the inherent value and peculiar interest of the Mark Degree that I purpose speaking to you this evening . I allude to the wholly unequalled archaeological associations which
Consecration Of The Kintore Mark Lodge, No. 333.
r . urround it , as well as to the practical and cosmopolitan nature of its symbolic teaching . I conceive that both the one and theother have contributed not a little to the general popularity of our Order . I may be pardoned if I endeavour to make mymeaning clear to yoii by an allusion to my own personal experiences as a humble worker amongst Mark Masons beyond the seas . My lot happened to be
cast on ground richer perhaps than anv other in the Masonic traditions of the remote past—Tunis , Carthage , Malta , the Knights of St . John , Egypt . What timehonoured memories each of those well-known names are capable of calling into existence . It is on such classic sites as these that wc can appreciate perhaps better than anywhere else the legends which are treasured up in the
teachings ot the Alark Degree . It has often been my privilege to explore with Masonic brethren from a distance the ruins of the wondrous city of Carthage—at once the marvel and the terror of the day of her zenith—where even yet one can view the traces of those ancient Tyrian builders , our fathers and ancestors in Masonry , our operative prototypes , to whose genius we owe directly or indirectly those art
treasures which arc the boast of all ages and the patterns for all time . The creators of these wondrous fabrics , the architects and sculptors of these exquisite stones , have engraved their names in undying characters , and have moreover individually distinguished each man his work by means of that cipher which even to this day is practised—I mean the Mason's mark . Brethren , our legends come to
us from the period of the erection of that stately edifice which crowned the Mount of God in Jerusalem , and wc are told that in the process of building that Temple the sound of workmen's tools were not heard . Why ? Because the stones were all cut , marked in the quarries , and the marks ffuided the builders , who with square , trowel , and plumbinc of wood , fitted the stones joint to joint until the last
keystone was lowered into its place amid the plaudits of the crowds of admiring masons . Descending through history and examining the ancient temples , military erections , and domiciles of the several ages , we still find masons' marks in use amongst the builders , and whether we examine the ruined cities of Jordan , the walls of Jerusalem , the palaces of Venice , the cathedrals of England and the Continent ,
the wall of Hadrian , the mosques of Constantinople , still the same silent , yet speaking , story comes to us—the story of the fraternity of builders , whose marks , handed from father to son , record on the old stone the deeds of those who wrought them . There is no break in the story , which continues even to this day , on which we have met as Mark Masons , to perpetuate the principles which guided
our forefathers . Each mason had his mark , which he indented on his completed stone , and the plan or tracing board , committed by the master builder to the overseer ' s care , is referred to to guide the masons in the progress of their work . Each mason is known to his overseer bv his mark , just as he was in the days when Hiram , the widow ' s son , wrought in the quarries of Mount Moriah . So much
for the Operative side of the history of Mark Masonry , and the arch .-elogical associations which distinguish our Order . But at the same time it can hardly be contested that as Speculative Mark Masons wc have an origin coeval with that of our Operative brethren . The workers in stone of the present day have lost their Speculative knowledge , which is preserved by us . The Operative and Speculative
bodies of Masonry became divorced about the time that the spoliation of the monasteries in England by the eighth Henry caused the building profession to fall into comparative disrepute . The monks had been the great patrons of the Freemasons , and , their patronage removed , the occupation of the architectural fraternity was well-nigh gone . But the speculative teaching , though dormant , was not
lost , and was revived , as wc believe , by our brethren at the commencement of the eighteenth century , who found it amongst the treasures which they banded themselves together piously to preserve , and which has come to us from them through various channels—to be at length condensed and perfected in the ritual which we now practise under the Grand Mark Lodge of England .
At the present moment the Grand Mark Lodge of England occupies so splendid a position that any Mason may indeed be proud to be enrolled under its banner . It enjoys the fraternal recognition of every orthodox body working the Mark Degree , and it can boast of a succession of Grand Masters second in social rank , as well as in Masonic knowledge , to none in the world . No leadlines could be nurer
than those inculcated by its symbolism ; none could certainly be more cosmopolitan . Charity , hospitality , constancy , and courage under difficulties , perseverance—such , my brethren , are the practical lessons taught us each time that wc witness the beautiful ceremonial of the Mark . Can we wonder , then , at our success ? The brightness of the present , the calm survey of the past , the cheerinsr prospects
for the future , should unite every one of us in our determination to do our duty in upholding the best interests of this ancient and honourable Order . Brethren , I cannot do better than conclude with the words of one of the oldest Mark rituals— " While virtue is your ruling principle , hope
will always find a residence in your bosom . Under the frowns of fortune keep this consolation in your mind , that he who has a due faith in the dispensations of his beneficent Creator and a becoming charity for his fellow-creatures will be sure of receiving that just reward which is the consequent attendant on good and virtuous actions . "
Bros . Davison and Levander assisted the Consecrating Officer in distributing the consecrating elements , accompanied by grand honours and appropriate choral service under the direction of Bro . Cozens . The constitution of the Kintore Lodge having been thus completed , the W . M . designate , Bro . G . H . N . Bridges , was presented to Bro . Binckes for installation . On the completion of that
ceremony the investiture of officers for the year was made in the following order , viz .: Bros . T . Poore , acting I . P . M . ; Thomas Edmonston , S . W . ; J . H . Hastie , ] . VV . ; C . Fountain , M . O . ; P . Dakers , S . O . ; B . k . Bryant , P . M . 22 , J . O . ; C H . Nevill , Sec ; J . W . Routledge , R . M . ; G . Norrington , S . D . ; H . C . Ingram , J . D . ; G . 1 . Venables , I . G . ; R . A . Marshall , D . C ; VV . G . Temple , W . S . ; J . S . Terry , CS . ; and T . B . Potter , Tyler . The election of Treasurer was deferred to the ensuing regular meeting . The addresses to Master , Wardens , Overseers , and brethren having been delivered by the
Installing Master , the W . M . addressed his lodge in feeling terms expressive of thankfulness for the happy inauguration of the lodge , and his hope that order , peace , and harmony might ever be associated with its proceedings and its future progress . In recognition of the services which had been rendered by the Grand Officers on this occasion he
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Consecration Of The St. George's Lodge, No. 2025, Plymouth.
sung by the choir , and the Prov . Grand Master declared the lodge duly constituted and dedicated . Before the Prov . Grand Lodge was closed the P . U . M . said he desired to express his thanks to the R . VV . Prov . Grand Master of Corn wall for his presence that day ; and for so kindly undertaking to fill the office of D . l . G . M . ( Applause . ) Their thanks were also due to the brethren decorate the well to
who had done so much to room , as as those who had undertaken the musical portions of the ceremony . He hoped they might accept those two things as an augury that the new lodge would be a thoroughly harmonious one , and one whose path would be strewn with flowers . ( Applause . ) The Earl of MOUNT EDGCUMBE said it was a great nleasure to him to be present on an occasion of so much
interest to the Province , and he sincerel y trusted that the feeling of harmony which had hitherto existed between the two provinces of Devon and Cornwall would be continued without interruption in the future . ( Applause . ) The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in due form ,
and the installation of Bro . G . R . Barrett as the first VV . M . was proceeded with by Bro . Croydon , P . M ., and at its conclusion Bro . Barrett appointed and invested his officers as follows : Bros . C : Croydon , I . P . M . ; J . Lynn , S . W . ; E . Aitken-Davies , J . W . ; Rev . W . Evans Darby , Chap . ; J . Austin , Treas . ; James Gifford , Sec . ; J . S . Sloggett , S . D . ;
J . T . Bond , J . D . ; J . Griffin , D . C ; C . G . Withcll , A . D . C . ; A . Brickwood Hutchings , Org . ; VV . Cann , I . G . ; J . R . Plimsaul , S . S . ; H . M . Bing , J . S . ; F . Crouch , J . S . ; and J . Gidley , Tyler . Before the lodge was closed the newly-elected VV . M . briefly addressed the brethren , and expressed a hope that by strict and regular attention to the duties of his position
he should justify the honour that had been conferred upon him . He pointed out that the movement which led to the formation and constitution of Lodge St . George had been full y justified by the success which had attended it , and nothing could be more satisfactory than the fact that , following on the lines of the new Wolseley Lodge which was started in Manchester last year , no less than seventy
lodges conducted on temperance principles had either been started in different parts of the country , or warrants had been applied for . ( Hear , hear . ) AH this tended to prove that they had done the right thing in striking out this new path in Plymouth , and he looked forward with confidence to the success of Lodge St . George . ( Applause . ) Bro . HOWARD DAVIS followed with some remarks in the
same direction , and spoke of the great success which had attended the Wolseley Lodge in Manchester . The lodge was then closed , about 120 of the brethren subsequently meeting at a banquet in the Congregational Hall , Courtcnay-strcct , Plymouth . Bro . G . R . Barrett , the VV . M ., presided , and apologised for the absence of the Prov . G . M ., who had been obliged to leave by train for
London . The usual loyal and masonic toasts were proposed from the chair . Bro . the Rev . VV . WHITTLEV , P . G . S . W ., responded for "The Provincial Grand Officers , past and present , and the Grand Lodge of Devonshire . " He congratulated the W . M . on the proud position which he occupied that day , and on the manner in which the ceromony of consecration had been carried out . I Ic congratulated them also on the
excellent gathering that he now saw around him , a gathering worthy in every respect of the body to which they belonged . Freemasons had not been considered worthy by some in high quarters , for not very long since they were not only told what they were , but also what they ought to be as Freemasons . ( Laughter . ) But in spite of all that was said against them , they had the satisfaction of knowing
that they were engaged in a great and good work . The VV . M . then read letters from several brethren who were unable to be present at the ceremony . Amongst them was a letter from Bro . General Lord Wolseley , who wrote : " 1 beg to thank you very much for your letter . I only regret that my official engagements put it out of my power to oe present on the occasion , more especially as I see that
your new lodge is formed on temperance principles , in which I take the greatest interest , and has been founded on similar princip les to those of the lodge which bears my name at Manchester , whose brethren it would give me additional pleasure to meet again . " ( Applause . ) Letters of regret at inability to be present were also read from Bros . Edward Clarke , M . P . ; P . Stewart Macliver , M . P . ; J . H . Puleston , M . P . ; Admiral Glasse ; Dr . VV . B . Richardson , C . B ., F . R . S .: and other brethren .
Bro . HOWARD DAVIS , who with Bro . THOMPSON responded for " The Visitors and the W . M . ' s of the Three Towns , " referred prominentl y to the success which had attended the Wolseley lodge in Manchester . So successful , he said , had it been that those who were the first to throw stones at it were also amongst the first to shout victory when victory came . ( Laughter . ) The movement ,
he was glad to say , was spreading amongst the Masonic body all over the country , and lodge after lodge was lifting its head and proudly bearing the banner of temperance . ( Applause . ) In the first twelve months of its existence the Wolseley lodge held no less than twenty-one working meetings . In order to get through the work it became necessary at times to hold , as many as three meetings in a
single month , and the VV . M . for that year himself admitted thirty-nine brethren . He thought they would admit that was very good work for one man , and he hoped that the success which had attended the Wolseley lodge at Manchester would be fully shared in by the brethren at Plymouth . "The health of the VV . M . " was drunk with great
cordiality and suitably acknowledged , and the other toasts were " The Consecrating Officers /'" The Officers of Lodge St . George , " and " The Masonic Charities . " During the evening valuable musical services were rendered by Bros . J . Hele , J . Rendle , W . Hearder , H . Barter , E . C . Dyke , and Firks , and recitations were given by Bros . J . Kinton Bond and E . A . Lyons , to the great enjoyment of all present .
HOLLOWAY ' PILLS . —Invalids distracted by indigestion and discouraged in their search for its remedy should make trial of this never-failing medicine . A lady , long a martyr to dyspeptic tortures , writes that Holloway ' s Pills made her feel as if a burden had been taken oil'her . Her spirits , formerly low , hare greatly improved ; her capricious appetite has given place to healthy hunger ; her dull , sick headache has departed , and gradually so marvellous a change has been effected , that she is altogether a new creature , and again fit for her duties . These Pills may be administered with safety to the most delicate . They never act harshly , nor do they ever induce weakness ; they rightly direct deranged , and control excessive , action , —[ ADVT . ]
Consecration Of The Kintore Mark Lodge, No. 333.
CONSECRATION OF THE KINTORE MARK LODGE , No . 333 .
An important addition to the roll of lodges in the degree of Mark Masters was made on Tuesday , the 29 th ult . ' , by the consecration of the Kintore Lodge at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell , S . E ., under most favourable auspices , and in the presence of a large number of Grand Officers and other distinguished members of the Order . It
was expected that the proceedings would be honoured by the presence of the Right Hon . the Earl of Kintore , M . W . G . M . M . M . elect , who had taken great interest in the formation of the lodge which bears his name , and had promised toattend . Unfortunately , however , his lordship , who had travelled from Scotland expressly , took a severe chill on the journey , and was thus prevented from attending a meeting where his absence was deeply regretted . The R . VV .
Bro . Sir rrancis Burdett , Bart ., Prov . G . M . for Middlesex and Surrey , who had undertaken to perform the consecration ceremony , was also unexpectedly detained elsewherej and deputed R . VV . Bro . Frederick Binckes , P . G . W . and Grand Secretary , to officiate on his behalf , and Bro . Binckes was supported by ( amongst others who did not sign the attendance book ) R . VV . Bros . A . M . Broadley , P . P . G . M . of the Mediterranean ; Frederick Davison
Grand Treasurer , D . P . G . M . Middx . and Surrey ; the V . W . Bros . H . C . Levander , G . R . of Marks ; lames Stevens , P . G . J . O . ; the VV . Bros . If . Lovegrove , P . G . I . Wks . ; F . II . Cozens , P . G . Org . j Thomas Poore , P . G . I . G . ; T . C Walls , P . G . W . Middx . and Surrey ; J . Mason , Clements , and others . The founders of the lodge , seven in number , viz ., Bros . G . II . Newington Bridges , 22 ; Thos . Edmonston , 22 ; J . Hepburn Hastie , 104 ; Chas . Fountain ,
104 ; Philip Dakers , 41 ; B . R . Bryant , P . M . 22 ; and VV . II . Thomas , 104 , were present ; as were also Bros . VV . II . Saunders , S . D . 23 S ; R . J . Voisey , S . W . 22 ; Geo . Waterall , 104 ; Thompson , Old Kent T . I . ; VV . Siddall , 104 ; Goss , 22 , and others ; and in attendance for advancement were Bros . G . Norrington and J . R . Routlcdge , of Lodge 16 G 9 ; Capt . C . H . Nevill , II . C . Ingram , and R . A . Marshall , of Lodge 121 G ; G . J . Venables , of Lodge i ? 7 o : W . G . Temnle . of Lodrrc 10 . 1 : and I . S . Terrv .
of Lodge 507 . The brethren assembled punctually at the hour named in the summons , and awaited in the Temple the commencement of the interesting proceedings of the day . The pedestals and furniture of the Temple were most tastefully draped in crape , relieved by silver cord and corner knots to pedestals and cushions ; and in accordance with the mandate of the Mark Grand Lodge the stipulated mourning
was worn by all present in memory of his late Royal Highness the Duke ot Albany , Past Grand Master of the Order . A Mark lodge having by special dispensation been opened by Bro . B . R . Bryant , P . M . 22 , Bro . Walls acting as S . W ., Bro . Lovegrove as J . W ., and Bro . T . Poore as S . D ., the candidates for advancement as above named were introduced and duly advanced into the Order , the admirable working of Bro . Bryant deserving especial
mention for its perfect and eloquent style of delivery . With such able assistance as that rendered by Bro . Poore as Deacon and Bro . Cozens as Organist , the whole ceremony was without fault or blemish , and formed a most interesting introduction to the more important business which followed . The Grand Officers having been received in due form the R . VV . Bro . Binckes , P . G . W ., Grand Sec ., assumed the chair of A ., and appointed the following
brethren to assist him , viz .: the R . W . Bro . Broadley , Orator ; Bros . T . C Walls , S . W . ; H . Lovegrove , J . W . ; and Jas . Stevens , Master of Ccrs . He then proceeded with the ceremony of consecration in ancient form , most impressively rendering the invocation and dedication . The following oration by Bro . Broadley was listened to with earnest attention , and at its conclusion was received with Masonic applause : R . W . Sir and Brethren , —We are assembled here to-day in
accordance with our traditional rites and ceremonies to p lace one more stone on the ever-rising fabric of Mark Masonry . If anything could lend a greater interest to the fact that our labours this evening will result in the addition of another Mark Lodge to the muster roll of the Order , it must , I think , be found in the circumstances surrounding the origin of the lodge we arc now about to consecrate . The Kintore Lodge of Mark Master Masons is destined to
commemorate and perpetuate the accession to supreme office in the Mark Degree of one whose skill , energy , and assiduity in the past confidently inspire us with the highest hopes for the future of Mark Masonry during the time he will rule over its fortunes and guide its destinies . The elevation to the Grand Mark Mastership of so distinguished a member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of Scotland as Lord Kintore is no unimportant epoch in our history , for
we feel that it cannot but more closely strengthen and cement the union of Mark Masters on both sides of the Tweed . An oration or address has from a remote period in the history of our Craft formed part of the consecrating ceTemony which precedes the solemn dedication of our lodges . I know of no more difficult task than an attempt to compress any general disquisition on the fruitful theme of Freemasonry into the short space which this oration or
address should with propriety occupy , and I must be pardoned if I shrink from so ambitious an effort and limit the few remarks 1 shall trouble you with to what I conceive to be the characteristic and distinctive features of the Mark Degree . I assert without fear of contradiction that the history of the rise , progress , and prosperity of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons finds no parallel , or indeed anything like a parallel , in the annals of
the Craft , there is one at least amongst us to-day who can look back through the vista of 27 years to the time when that Grand Lodge was first called into existence , and I will venture to say that its present prosperity and unrivalled vitality have surpassed the most sanguine expectations of the most enthusiastic of its founders . To what , then , must we attribute the signal and peculiar success of the Mark Grand Lodge ? We owe much , no doubt , to the individual energy and high administrative ability of
its successive rulers , as well as to the untiring labours and dauntless activity of the Grand Secretary , that veteran in the ranks of Mark Masonry—Bro . Binckes—but it seems to me that there must be something more than ability and activity to account for the proud position our Order has come to occupy . For myself , I have no difficulty in finding this secret of success in the inherent value and peculiar interest of the degree itself . It is precisely of two features of the inherent value and peculiar interest of the Mark Degree that I purpose speaking to you this evening . I allude to the wholly unequalled archaeological associations which
Consecration Of The Kintore Mark Lodge, No. 333.
r . urround it , as well as to the practical and cosmopolitan nature of its symbolic teaching . I conceive that both the one and theother have contributed not a little to the general popularity of our Order . I may be pardoned if I endeavour to make mymeaning clear to yoii by an allusion to my own personal experiences as a humble worker amongst Mark Masons beyond the seas . My lot happened to be
cast on ground richer perhaps than anv other in the Masonic traditions of the remote past—Tunis , Carthage , Malta , the Knights of St . John , Egypt . What timehonoured memories each of those well-known names are capable of calling into existence . It is on such classic sites as these that wc can appreciate perhaps better than anywhere else the legends which are treasured up in the
teachings ot the Alark Degree . It has often been my privilege to explore with Masonic brethren from a distance the ruins of the wondrous city of Carthage—at once the marvel and the terror of the day of her zenith—where even yet one can view the traces of those ancient Tyrian builders , our fathers and ancestors in Masonry , our operative prototypes , to whose genius we owe directly or indirectly those art
treasures which arc the boast of all ages and the patterns for all time . The creators of these wondrous fabrics , the architects and sculptors of these exquisite stones , have engraved their names in undying characters , and have moreover individually distinguished each man his work by means of that cipher which even to this day is practised—I mean the Mason's mark . Brethren , our legends come to
us from the period of the erection of that stately edifice which crowned the Mount of God in Jerusalem , and wc are told that in the process of building that Temple the sound of workmen's tools were not heard . Why ? Because the stones were all cut , marked in the quarries , and the marks ffuided the builders , who with square , trowel , and plumbinc of wood , fitted the stones joint to joint until the last
keystone was lowered into its place amid the plaudits of the crowds of admiring masons . Descending through history and examining the ancient temples , military erections , and domiciles of the several ages , we still find masons' marks in use amongst the builders , and whether we examine the ruined cities of Jordan , the walls of Jerusalem , the palaces of Venice , the cathedrals of England and the Continent ,
the wall of Hadrian , the mosques of Constantinople , still the same silent , yet speaking , story comes to us—the story of the fraternity of builders , whose marks , handed from father to son , record on the old stone the deeds of those who wrought them . There is no break in the story , which continues even to this day , on which we have met as Mark Masons , to perpetuate the principles which guided
our forefathers . Each mason had his mark , which he indented on his completed stone , and the plan or tracing board , committed by the master builder to the overseer ' s care , is referred to to guide the masons in the progress of their work . Each mason is known to his overseer bv his mark , just as he was in the days when Hiram , the widow ' s son , wrought in the quarries of Mount Moriah . So much
for the Operative side of the history of Mark Masonry , and the arch .-elogical associations which distinguish our Order . But at the same time it can hardly be contested that as Speculative Mark Masons wc have an origin coeval with that of our Operative brethren . The workers in stone of the present day have lost their Speculative knowledge , which is preserved by us . The Operative and Speculative
bodies of Masonry became divorced about the time that the spoliation of the monasteries in England by the eighth Henry caused the building profession to fall into comparative disrepute . The monks had been the great patrons of the Freemasons , and , their patronage removed , the occupation of the architectural fraternity was well-nigh gone . But the speculative teaching , though dormant , was not
lost , and was revived , as wc believe , by our brethren at the commencement of the eighteenth century , who found it amongst the treasures which they banded themselves together piously to preserve , and which has come to us from them through various channels—to be at length condensed and perfected in the ritual which we now practise under the Grand Mark Lodge of England .
At the present moment the Grand Mark Lodge of England occupies so splendid a position that any Mason may indeed be proud to be enrolled under its banner . It enjoys the fraternal recognition of every orthodox body working the Mark Degree , and it can boast of a succession of Grand Masters second in social rank , as well as in Masonic knowledge , to none in the world . No leadlines could be nurer
than those inculcated by its symbolism ; none could certainly be more cosmopolitan . Charity , hospitality , constancy , and courage under difficulties , perseverance—such , my brethren , are the practical lessons taught us each time that wc witness the beautiful ceremonial of the Mark . Can we wonder , then , at our success ? The brightness of the present , the calm survey of the past , the cheerinsr prospects
for the future , should unite every one of us in our determination to do our duty in upholding the best interests of this ancient and honourable Order . Brethren , I cannot do better than conclude with the words of one of the oldest Mark rituals— " While virtue is your ruling principle , hope
will always find a residence in your bosom . Under the frowns of fortune keep this consolation in your mind , that he who has a due faith in the dispensations of his beneficent Creator and a becoming charity for his fellow-creatures will be sure of receiving that just reward which is the consequent attendant on good and virtuous actions . "
Bros . Davison and Levander assisted the Consecrating Officer in distributing the consecrating elements , accompanied by grand honours and appropriate choral service under the direction of Bro . Cozens . The constitution of the Kintore Lodge having been thus completed , the W . M . designate , Bro . G . H . N . Bridges , was presented to Bro . Binckes for installation . On the completion of that
ceremony the investiture of officers for the year was made in the following order , viz .: Bros . T . Poore , acting I . P . M . ; Thomas Edmonston , S . W . ; J . H . Hastie , ] . VV . ; C . Fountain , M . O . ; P . Dakers , S . O . ; B . k . Bryant , P . M . 22 , J . O . ; C H . Nevill , Sec ; J . W . Routledge , R . M . ; G . Norrington , S . D . ; H . C . Ingram , J . D . ; G . 1 . Venables , I . G . ; R . A . Marshall , D . C ; VV . G . Temple , W . S . ; J . S . Terry , CS . ; and T . B . Potter , Tyler . The election of Treasurer was deferred to the ensuing regular meeting . The addresses to Master , Wardens , Overseers , and brethren having been delivered by the
Installing Master , the W . M . addressed his lodge in feeling terms expressive of thankfulness for the happy inauguration of the lodge , and his hope that order , peace , and harmony might ever be associated with its proceedings and its future progress . In recognition of the services which had been rendered by the Grand Officers on this occasion he