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Article Scotland. ← Page 2 of 2 Article GRAND LODGE OF CANADA. Page 1 of 2 Article GRAND LODGE OF CANADA. Page 1 of 2 Article GRAND LODGE OF CANADA. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
•fable inscription on a silver plate . The R . W . M . said 1 c could hardly find language to express himself in thanking Rro . Fraser for thc very handsome present he had made to the lodge , but he could assure him that while he had the honour to fill that chair he w » uld see those mallets properly used . Bro . Jackman , S . W ., in a neat little speech , thanked Bro . Fraser on behalf of himself ancl J . W . An application
from Mr- Alfred W . Baylis , of H . M . ship Excellent , proposed by W . Sievewright , J . W ., ancl seconded by the H W . M ., was agreed to . An application was then read from Bro . Archd . Lauder , M . M . of Lodge Athol , 413 , for affiliation into Lodge Dramatic . This was agreed to , he stepping to the altar , when the R . W . M . administered the usual obligation . Mr . Charles Harry Baylis , who was nrnooscd and carried at the last mcctins ., was present in
the adjacent room along with Alfred W . Baylis , who was carried at this meeting . They were prepared , and received the First Degree , Bro . Dobson , R . W . M ., officiating in excellent and impressive style . The two gentlemen appearing at the altar occupied the relationship of father and son to each other , which added solemnity to the beautiful ceremony . Such an occurrence we had never seen before . There being no further business before the lodge , it was closed in all due and ancient form .
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
GRAND LODGE OF CANADA .
{ Continued from page 388 ) . The high position to which his brethren elevated him , and his continued re-election to the same , attest their appreciation of thc many virtues and Masonic abilities of this excellent man . A good and a true man , moral in
his deportment , kind and courteous in his demeanour , benevolent in his disposition , never weary in well-doing . , 1 s a neighbour he earned the regard ot those who knew him , and as a husband and father he excelled in all those noble qualities , and possessed in a large degree those tender affections and endearing characteristics that make home happy .
" None knew him but to love , None named him but to praise . " Our late Grand Master promptly appointed our esteemed and R . W . Bro . J . J . Mason to act as Grand Secretary for the remainder of the year . Bro . Mason immediately entered upon the duties of the office , and I think it but due to him to say , that M . W . Bro . Wilson frequently expressed
to me his entire satisfaction at thc thorough and efficient manner in which Bro . Mason discharged the responsibilities so unexpectedly cast upon him . I desire also to acknowledge the promptitude , energy , and assiduity evinced by Bro . Mason since I have been brought into close and frequent communication with him , and I take this opportunity of publicly thanking him for
the services he has rendered to mc , especially during the half year just ended . As the funeral dirge is ever vibrating upon our ear , we become indifferent to the sorrow and grief of those around us . We heed not the mournful wail , until a deep-toned bell tolls the knell that summons us to the grave of one we love ; then , in agony we kneel , and in our weakness
cry unto the Mighty for help and succour ! Scarce had we left the grave of our brother—scarce had we wiped away the tears which we shed upon the last resting place of our Grand Secretary—nor had we begun to know the full measure of the loss we had sustained—when we were again plunged in grief—calamities accumulated upon us . The sad tidings went forth that our Grand
Master was stricken , and that we were called to lay him in the silent tomb . Again did our sorrowing hosts assemble to pay their last sad offices to the departed—whose memory we revered—and to resign his body to the earth whence it came , and to offer up to his memory the last tribute of our affection and regard .
This being the first instance in thc history of our Grand Lodge that the Grand Master had been called by thc Supreme Architect of thc Universe to lay aside the gavel , we were overwhelmed with unutterable grief , and this great bereavement threw us into confusion . Our Head and our Chieftain had fallen .
M . W . Bro . Wilson was initiated into Freemasonry in St . John ' s Lodge , Simcoe , in 1840 . He at once engaged in the active duties of thc lodge , being elected Junior Warden in the same year , and thenceforward he continued earnest and devoted in promoting thc interests of the Order , seizing eveiy fair opportunity of inculcating the principles and precepts which we profess , and actively
discharging the duties which throughout his lifetime were cast upon him by his brethren . It has been well written of him , that " The Craft has lost one of its brightest ornaments in Ontario , and the fraternity a shining light , whose large experience , sound judgment , and just decisions , commended him as a Masonic authority of the highest order . His services to Masonry
have been great and are fully appreciated , though they can never be adequately rewarded , for no man could have done more to advance its interests . He was among the first to aid in the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Canada , " and so highly were his services at that time regarded , that he was chosen the first occupant of the Oriental chair , which he held uninterruptedly for several years . In
ouo ne was permitted to retire , and chosen again in 1866 , holding the position for two years , when he only relinquished it on account of acceptance of office under the Government , rive years later he was again elected to this position , and continued to hold it up to the time of his death . "
M . W . Bro . Wilson was most indefatigable in promoting the cause of Freemasonry . He shrank from no jask calling for effort on his part , but cheerfully undertook can ° arduous lahour , and accepted the most exacting a "s upon his time and his strength , in forwarding the of h - 1 ^ ad S 0 truly at heart - BriIliant in the discharge "is duties , untiring in his zeal and energy , possessing
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
those qualities which attract and charm the minds of men , it is impossible' to measure the service he has rendered to the Craft in Canada . He promoted our interest throughout the United States , and won for our Grand Lodge the high position which it occupies in the estimation of the Grand Lodges throughout the world . He introduced into thc working of our
system any improvements which he found existing m the other Grand Bodies visited by him . He examined into thc working of our subordinate lodges , and contributed largely to their instruction , and in a great measure he controlled for good the cause of our Grand Lodge . He at all times furthered the prosecution of good works amongst his brethren , and inculcated the practice of our professions
and tenets . In M . W . Bro . Wilson were embodied those attributes symbolized by the three famous pillars of the ancient Temple . His Masonic wisdom was great . The strength of his decisions was conceded by all , and the beauty of his Masonic and Christian work won the admiration of his brethren . His exertions were largely crowned with success ,
and his untiring efforts were admired and appreciated by his brethren , who continued to shower upon him the highest honours that they could bestow ; and whilst the records of our Grand lodge abound with the works of his hands , they also bear testimony to the estimation in which M . W . Bro . Wilson was always held by his brethren . Full of Masonic honours , he left this
earthly scejie . In the world at large he played an important part , and discharged } his duties in such a manner as to entitle him to the respect of all . ' In official life he was affable and courteous—at the bar he was an able advocate and a generous adversary . In the municipal and county councils he was a thoughtful
and prudent member , a dijrnified . and judicious warden . In the military service he was a brave soldier , a considerate commander . On the bench , an upright judge and a sound lawyer . As a neighbour and friend , he was noble , generous , and hospitable . As a husband and father , he was kind and affectionate . As a good citizen , none stood higher . He was honoured as a man and almost idolized
as a Mason—for he possessed all those qualities which distinguish the good and true brother , and which have indelibly impressed his name upon the tablet of our hearts . It was by a strange and mournful coincidence that our First Grand Master and our First Grand Secretary were both taken from us within a few short months during the same Masonic year .
They had been for many years labouring side by side in the Masonic vineyard . In life their names and works were linked together for good , and now they have gone almost together to the Grand Lodge above . But whilst we mourn our loss ^ let us endeavour to console ourselves with the belief that it is not commensurate
with those high and noble honours and awards to which our beloved brethren have been called . Let us be admonished that in the midst of life we are in death , and so live and act our parts that we may have no cause for repentance when the hour of our own departure is at hand . " Lives of good men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime , And departing , leave behind us Footsteps in the sand of time—Footprints that , perchance , another , Trav'ling o ' er life ' s troubled main , A forlorn and shipwrecked brother ,
Seeing , shall take heart again . " It is perhaps not necessary for me to add , that the funerals of our departed brethren were conducted by Grand Lodge , and that they were largely attended by the members of our Order , of all grades—as well as by an immense concourse of other citizens . They were two of thc most
numerously attended funerals ever known in this country . The proceedings at the special communications held on both occasions have been recorded , and will appear in our printed proceedings of Grand Lodge . I regret to add that other familiar faces will be missed from Our assemblies , the cruel hand of death having during the past year removed many who had been regular
attendants at Grand Lodge . Mention is made of some in the reports of the D . D . G . M . ' s , to be laid before you . I cannot , however , omit to make special mention of the death of R . W . Bro . Dr . R . M . Wilson , P . D . D . G . M . of Niagara District , on Monday , the 31 st day of May last , at Simcoe . Ill health prevented him from being with us lately , but he was one of the earliest of our members , having
taken an active part in the formation of Grand Lodge , and subsequently proved to be one of the most useful and most faithful among the brethren . He was buried by the members of Norfolk Lodge , No . 10 , at the request of Niagara Lodge , No . 2 , when the ceremonies were conducted by R . W . Bro . Bennett , D . D . G . M . of Wilson District . Towards the close of last year the sad intelligence of the
death of His Grace the Duke of Leinster , who for a period of sixty-one years , without interruption , ruled over the Craft in Ireland as Grand Master , with mild and courteous sway , was received here from the Grand Lodge of Ireland . We proffer our sympathy and condolence to that Grand Lodge on the loss of one who so worthily presided over the deliberations of that body for a period exceeding the span of most men's lives . The vacancy thus created in the Grand
Master ' s chair was filled by the election of His Grace the Duke of Abercorn , Lord Lieutenant of Ireland , who was installed on the 6 th of January last . One of thc most important events which has transpired in the Masonic world during the year now closed was the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England , in April last , in the presence of more than seven thousand Freemasons .
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
The grandeur of the proceedings attendant upon tire installation was such as to call for the unqualified admiration and approval of all who witnessed them , and the occasion was one long to be remembered by the fraternity . Long may our Royal Grand Master be spared to preside over the Craft in England , and to uphold the principles of the Order !
Our late Grand Master , M . W . Bro . Wilson , up to the time he was afflicted with his last illness , was very active in the discharge of the duties of his office . At the close of the annual communication at Toronto he repaired to Weston and dedicated two lodges , the Humber Lodge , No . 305 , and the Blackwood Lodge , No . 311 , when he installed the officers . From a trip to the seaside he returned
in time to visit the bedside of his dying friend and brother , and to render him great service in those trying moments . He conducted the services when the remains of R . W . Bro . Harris were interred , and took an active part in investigating the affairs of the Grand Lodge , as they had been left by the sudden call of our departed Grand Secretary from his earthly labours . A few days later he
was at St . Thomas , where he dedicated St . David's Lodge , No . 302 , and installed the officers . Ten days after that we find him in Montreal , where he seized that opportunity of presenting to M . W . Bro . Thos . White , P . G . M ., the testimonial which the Grand Lodge at the last annual communication directed to be procured and presented in recognition of the many valuable services of
M . W . Bro . White . The testimonial consisted of a beautiful silver epergne , side pieces , and a handsome silver tray and tea-service , and the committee to whom the selection was left are assured that it will be gratifying to the members of the Grand Lodge to know that the articles selected were those most acceptable to our Most Worshipful Bro . White . After
discharging a number of minor but none the less exacting duties , lie went to Ingcrsoll in October , where he dedicated the new Masonic Hall ; and I am aware of the pleasure it gave him to conduct those proceedings and to meet his brethren and friends who participated therein . But a few days before he was confined to his bed he delivered a lecture at Chatham , under the auspices of Parthenon Lodge ,
No . 267 , and dedicated Kent Lodge , No . 274 , at Blenheim . These , with a multitude of official acts of every variety—which time would fail me to detail—kept him almost constantly occupied up to the hour when thc summons was sent him to attend before the Great Architect
ancl Ruler above . Thus , my brethren , you will see that our Grand Master was to the last mindful of his duty ancl active in the discharge of the same . Let his example serve to stimulate us to the exercise of like energies , and the promotion of the honour and aim of our noble Order .
Whilst our lale Grand Master was confined to bed I was called upon to act on his behalf in conducting the interesting ceremony of dedicating the new Masonic Hall at Hamilton , a special communication of Grand Lodge having been called on Wednesday , the 30 th of December last , for that object . This new hall is one of the largest , handsomest , and
most substantial edifices in thc city of Hamilton , and contains ample accommodation for all thc Masonic bodies meeting in the city . It is admirably laid out for the purposes for which it is intended , and thc halls dedicated to Ancient Craft Masonry have been most completely and elegantly furnished throughout . The ceremony was performed in the presence of a large
assembly of ladies and gentlemen , who had been invited to be present by the members of the Craft , of whom also large numbers attended and took part in the proceedings . In the evening the event was celebrated by a Grand Masonic ball , which was largely attended , and proved to be a most successful and enjoyable affair . I cannot pass from this subject without extending my
most hearty congratulations to our Hamilton brethren upon the completion of this edifice ; and I must at the same time commend them for the energy they have displayed in the prosecution of their undertaking and the enterprise which has characterised their efforts in connection with the same . On the 3 rd of March last I dedicated the new Masonic
Hall in Seaforth , when I was assisted by a number of Grand Officers and by brethren of Britannia Lodge , No . 170 , and a large number of visiting brethren of the neighbouring lodges , who , notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather , assembled to take part in the proceedings . After the ceremony of dedication was completed I had the opportunity of attending a meeting of Britannia Lodge ,
and seeing the work performed by the W . M ., and I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the able manner in which it was done . Everything was commenced in order , conducted in peace , and closed in harmony . The new and handsome hall lately erected in the town of Aylmer , for the use of Malahide Lodge , No . 140 , was dedicated to Masonry on the 1 st of July last , when R . W .
Bro . McGloghlon , D . D . G . M ., of London , very kindly acted for me , and ably performed the ceremony . At the request of the Board of School Trustees of Walkerton , I called a special communication of Grand Lodge at that place on Dominion Day , thc 1 st July last , and with the assistance ofthe brethren of Saugeen Lodge , No . 197 , and of a number of other brethren from that section of the
country , and in thc presence of a large assembly of the people of that locality , I laid the corner stone of a new high and public school about to be erected in that town . I regret exceedingly that I was not able to avail myself of the kind hospitalities preferred on that occasion , but I desire
to acknowledge the kindness shown by extending to mean invitation to the festivities of the day . The corner stone of a new church at Belleville was laid on the 31 st of May last , on which occasion R . W . Bro . Lazier , D . D . G . M . of Prince Edward District , kindly acted for me and efficiently performed the work .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
•fable inscription on a silver plate . The R . W . M . said 1 c could hardly find language to express himself in thanking Rro . Fraser for thc very handsome present he had made to the lodge , but he could assure him that while he had the honour to fill that chair he w » uld see those mallets properly used . Bro . Jackman , S . W ., in a neat little speech , thanked Bro . Fraser on behalf of himself ancl J . W . An application
from Mr- Alfred W . Baylis , of H . M . ship Excellent , proposed by W . Sievewright , J . W ., ancl seconded by the H W . M ., was agreed to . An application was then read from Bro . Archd . Lauder , M . M . of Lodge Athol , 413 , for affiliation into Lodge Dramatic . This was agreed to , he stepping to the altar , when the R . W . M . administered the usual obligation . Mr . Charles Harry Baylis , who was nrnooscd and carried at the last mcctins ., was present in
the adjacent room along with Alfred W . Baylis , who was carried at this meeting . They were prepared , and received the First Degree , Bro . Dobson , R . W . M ., officiating in excellent and impressive style . The two gentlemen appearing at the altar occupied the relationship of father and son to each other , which added solemnity to the beautiful ceremony . Such an occurrence we had never seen before . There being no further business before the lodge , it was closed in all due and ancient form .
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
GRAND LODGE OF CANADA .
{ Continued from page 388 ) . The high position to which his brethren elevated him , and his continued re-election to the same , attest their appreciation of thc many virtues and Masonic abilities of this excellent man . A good and a true man , moral in
his deportment , kind and courteous in his demeanour , benevolent in his disposition , never weary in well-doing . , 1 s a neighbour he earned the regard ot those who knew him , and as a husband and father he excelled in all those noble qualities , and possessed in a large degree those tender affections and endearing characteristics that make home happy .
" None knew him but to love , None named him but to praise . " Our late Grand Master promptly appointed our esteemed and R . W . Bro . J . J . Mason to act as Grand Secretary for the remainder of the year . Bro . Mason immediately entered upon the duties of the office , and I think it but due to him to say , that M . W . Bro . Wilson frequently expressed
to me his entire satisfaction at thc thorough and efficient manner in which Bro . Mason discharged the responsibilities so unexpectedly cast upon him . I desire also to acknowledge the promptitude , energy , and assiduity evinced by Bro . Mason since I have been brought into close and frequent communication with him , and I take this opportunity of publicly thanking him for
the services he has rendered to mc , especially during the half year just ended . As the funeral dirge is ever vibrating upon our ear , we become indifferent to the sorrow and grief of those around us . We heed not the mournful wail , until a deep-toned bell tolls the knell that summons us to the grave of one we love ; then , in agony we kneel , and in our weakness
cry unto the Mighty for help and succour ! Scarce had we left the grave of our brother—scarce had we wiped away the tears which we shed upon the last resting place of our Grand Secretary—nor had we begun to know the full measure of the loss we had sustained—when we were again plunged in grief—calamities accumulated upon us . The sad tidings went forth that our Grand
Master was stricken , and that we were called to lay him in the silent tomb . Again did our sorrowing hosts assemble to pay their last sad offices to the departed—whose memory we revered—and to resign his body to the earth whence it came , and to offer up to his memory the last tribute of our affection and regard .
This being the first instance in thc history of our Grand Lodge that the Grand Master had been called by thc Supreme Architect of thc Universe to lay aside the gavel , we were overwhelmed with unutterable grief , and this great bereavement threw us into confusion . Our Head and our Chieftain had fallen .
M . W . Bro . Wilson was initiated into Freemasonry in St . John ' s Lodge , Simcoe , in 1840 . He at once engaged in the active duties of thc lodge , being elected Junior Warden in the same year , and thenceforward he continued earnest and devoted in promoting thc interests of the Order , seizing eveiy fair opportunity of inculcating the principles and precepts which we profess , and actively
discharging the duties which throughout his lifetime were cast upon him by his brethren . It has been well written of him , that " The Craft has lost one of its brightest ornaments in Ontario , and the fraternity a shining light , whose large experience , sound judgment , and just decisions , commended him as a Masonic authority of the highest order . His services to Masonry
have been great and are fully appreciated , though they can never be adequately rewarded , for no man could have done more to advance its interests . He was among the first to aid in the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Canada , " and so highly were his services at that time regarded , that he was chosen the first occupant of the Oriental chair , which he held uninterruptedly for several years . In
ouo ne was permitted to retire , and chosen again in 1866 , holding the position for two years , when he only relinquished it on account of acceptance of office under the Government , rive years later he was again elected to this position , and continued to hold it up to the time of his death . "
M . W . Bro . Wilson was most indefatigable in promoting the cause of Freemasonry . He shrank from no jask calling for effort on his part , but cheerfully undertook can ° arduous lahour , and accepted the most exacting a "s upon his time and his strength , in forwarding the of h - 1 ^ ad S 0 truly at heart - BriIliant in the discharge "is duties , untiring in his zeal and energy , possessing
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
those qualities which attract and charm the minds of men , it is impossible' to measure the service he has rendered to the Craft in Canada . He promoted our interest throughout the United States , and won for our Grand Lodge the high position which it occupies in the estimation of the Grand Lodges throughout the world . He introduced into thc working of our
system any improvements which he found existing m the other Grand Bodies visited by him . He examined into thc working of our subordinate lodges , and contributed largely to their instruction , and in a great measure he controlled for good the cause of our Grand Lodge . He at all times furthered the prosecution of good works amongst his brethren , and inculcated the practice of our professions
and tenets . In M . W . Bro . Wilson were embodied those attributes symbolized by the three famous pillars of the ancient Temple . His Masonic wisdom was great . The strength of his decisions was conceded by all , and the beauty of his Masonic and Christian work won the admiration of his brethren . His exertions were largely crowned with success ,
and his untiring efforts were admired and appreciated by his brethren , who continued to shower upon him the highest honours that they could bestow ; and whilst the records of our Grand lodge abound with the works of his hands , they also bear testimony to the estimation in which M . W . Bro . Wilson was always held by his brethren . Full of Masonic honours , he left this
earthly scejie . In the world at large he played an important part , and discharged } his duties in such a manner as to entitle him to the respect of all . ' In official life he was affable and courteous—at the bar he was an able advocate and a generous adversary . In the municipal and county councils he was a thoughtful
and prudent member , a dijrnified . and judicious warden . In the military service he was a brave soldier , a considerate commander . On the bench , an upright judge and a sound lawyer . As a neighbour and friend , he was noble , generous , and hospitable . As a husband and father , he was kind and affectionate . As a good citizen , none stood higher . He was honoured as a man and almost idolized
as a Mason—for he possessed all those qualities which distinguish the good and true brother , and which have indelibly impressed his name upon the tablet of our hearts . It was by a strange and mournful coincidence that our First Grand Master and our First Grand Secretary were both taken from us within a few short months during the same Masonic year .
They had been for many years labouring side by side in the Masonic vineyard . In life their names and works were linked together for good , and now they have gone almost together to the Grand Lodge above . But whilst we mourn our loss ^ let us endeavour to console ourselves with the belief that it is not commensurate
with those high and noble honours and awards to which our beloved brethren have been called . Let us be admonished that in the midst of life we are in death , and so live and act our parts that we may have no cause for repentance when the hour of our own departure is at hand . " Lives of good men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime , And departing , leave behind us Footsteps in the sand of time—Footprints that , perchance , another , Trav'ling o ' er life ' s troubled main , A forlorn and shipwrecked brother ,
Seeing , shall take heart again . " It is perhaps not necessary for me to add , that the funerals of our departed brethren were conducted by Grand Lodge , and that they were largely attended by the members of our Order , of all grades—as well as by an immense concourse of other citizens . They were two of thc most
numerously attended funerals ever known in this country . The proceedings at the special communications held on both occasions have been recorded , and will appear in our printed proceedings of Grand Lodge . I regret to add that other familiar faces will be missed from Our assemblies , the cruel hand of death having during the past year removed many who had been regular
attendants at Grand Lodge . Mention is made of some in the reports of the D . D . G . M . ' s , to be laid before you . I cannot , however , omit to make special mention of the death of R . W . Bro . Dr . R . M . Wilson , P . D . D . G . M . of Niagara District , on Monday , the 31 st day of May last , at Simcoe . Ill health prevented him from being with us lately , but he was one of the earliest of our members , having
taken an active part in the formation of Grand Lodge , and subsequently proved to be one of the most useful and most faithful among the brethren . He was buried by the members of Norfolk Lodge , No . 10 , at the request of Niagara Lodge , No . 2 , when the ceremonies were conducted by R . W . Bro . Bennett , D . D . G . M . of Wilson District . Towards the close of last year the sad intelligence of the
death of His Grace the Duke of Leinster , who for a period of sixty-one years , without interruption , ruled over the Craft in Ireland as Grand Master , with mild and courteous sway , was received here from the Grand Lodge of Ireland . We proffer our sympathy and condolence to that Grand Lodge on the loss of one who so worthily presided over the deliberations of that body for a period exceeding the span of most men's lives . The vacancy thus created in the Grand
Master ' s chair was filled by the election of His Grace the Duke of Abercorn , Lord Lieutenant of Ireland , who was installed on the 6 th of January last . One of thc most important events which has transpired in the Masonic world during the year now closed was the installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England , in April last , in the presence of more than seven thousand Freemasons .
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
The grandeur of the proceedings attendant upon tire installation was such as to call for the unqualified admiration and approval of all who witnessed them , and the occasion was one long to be remembered by the fraternity . Long may our Royal Grand Master be spared to preside over the Craft in England , and to uphold the principles of the Order !
Our late Grand Master , M . W . Bro . Wilson , up to the time he was afflicted with his last illness , was very active in the discharge of the duties of his office . At the close of the annual communication at Toronto he repaired to Weston and dedicated two lodges , the Humber Lodge , No . 305 , and the Blackwood Lodge , No . 311 , when he installed the officers . From a trip to the seaside he returned
in time to visit the bedside of his dying friend and brother , and to render him great service in those trying moments . He conducted the services when the remains of R . W . Bro . Harris were interred , and took an active part in investigating the affairs of the Grand Lodge , as they had been left by the sudden call of our departed Grand Secretary from his earthly labours . A few days later he
was at St . Thomas , where he dedicated St . David's Lodge , No . 302 , and installed the officers . Ten days after that we find him in Montreal , where he seized that opportunity of presenting to M . W . Bro . Thos . White , P . G . M ., the testimonial which the Grand Lodge at the last annual communication directed to be procured and presented in recognition of the many valuable services of
M . W . Bro . White . The testimonial consisted of a beautiful silver epergne , side pieces , and a handsome silver tray and tea-service , and the committee to whom the selection was left are assured that it will be gratifying to the members of the Grand Lodge to know that the articles selected were those most acceptable to our Most Worshipful Bro . White . After
discharging a number of minor but none the less exacting duties , lie went to Ingcrsoll in October , where he dedicated the new Masonic Hall ; and I am aware of the pleasure it gave him to conduct those proceedings and to meet his brethren and friends who participated therein . But a few days before he was confined to his bed he delivered a lecture at Chatham , under the auspices of Parthenon Lodge ,
No . 267 , and dedicated Kent Lodge , No . 274 , at Blenheim . These , with a multitude of official acts of every variety—which time would fail me to detail—kept him almost constantly occupied up to the hour when thc summons was sent him to attend before the Great Architect
ancl Ruler above . Thus , my brethren , you will see that our Grand Master was to the last mindful of his duty ancl active in the discharge of the same . Let his example serve to stimulate us to the exercise of like energies , and the promotion of the honour and aim of our noble Order .
Whilst our lale Grand Master was confined to bed I was called upon to act on his behalf in conducting the interesting ceremony of dedicating the new Masonic Hall at Hamilton , a special communication of Grand Lodge having been called on Wednesday , the 30 th of December last , for that object . This new hall is one of the largest , handsomest , and
most substantial edifices in thc city of Hamilton , and contains ample accommodation for all thc Masonic bodies meeting in the city . It is admirably laid out for the purposes for which it is intended , and thc halls dedicated to Ancient Craft Masonry have been most completely and elegantly furnished throughout . The ceremony was performed in the presence of a large
assembly of ladies and gentlemen , who had been invited to be present by the members of the Craft , of whom also large numbers attended and took part in the proceedings . In the evening the event was celebrated by a Grand Masonic ball , which was largely attended , and proved to be a most successful and enjoyable affair . I cannot pass from this subject without extending my
most hearty congratulations to our Hamilton brethren upon the completion of this edifice ; and I must at the same time commend them for the energy they have displayed in the prosecution of their undertaking and the enterprise which has characterised their efforts in connection with the same . On the 3 rd of March last I dedicated the new Masonic
Hall in Seaforth , when I was assisted by a number of Grand Officers and by brethren of Britannia Lodge , No . 170 , and a large number of visiting brethren of the neighbouring lodges , who , notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather , assembled to take part in the proceedings . After the ceremony of dedication was completed I had the opportunity of attending a meeting of Britannia Lodge ,
and seeing the work performed by the W . M ., and I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the able manner in which it was done . Everything was commenced in order , conducted in peace , and closed in harmony . The new and handsome hall lately erected in the town of Aylmer , for the use of Malahide Lodge , No . 140 , was dedicated to Masonry on the 1 st of July last , when R . W .
Bro . McGloghlon , D . D . G . M ., of London , very kindly acted for me , and ably performed the ceremony . At the request of the Board of School Trustees of Walkerton , I called a special communication of Grand Lodge at that place on Dominion Day , thc 1 st July last , and with the assistance ofthe brethren of Saugeen Lodge , No . 197 , and of a number of other brethren from that section of the
country , and in thc presence of a large assembly of the people of that locality , I laid the corner stone of a new high and public school about to be erected in that town . I regret exceedingly that I was not able to avail myself of the kind hospitalities preferred on that occasion , but I desire
to acknowledge the kindness shown by extending to mean invitation to the festivities of the day . The corner stone of a new church at Belleville was laid on the 31 st of May last , on which occasion R . W . Bro . Lazier , D . D . G . M . of Prince Edward District , kindly acted for me and efficiently performed the work .