Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
l . EAHERS H French Ideas of the Situation 12 Consecration of thc St . Botolph's Lodge , * ' No . 3020 12 Consecration of the Haven Lodge , No . 2022 13 The Royal . Masonic Benevolent Institution ( Continued ) 13 New Year ' s Entertainment at tlie Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 15 Entertainment to the "Old Folks" of luist
t . ancasliire 15 Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 15 CORRESPONDENCEAccommodation of Members of Orand Lodge 17 The Moon ' s Changes—A ( luery 17
Reviews ' 17 Notes nnd Queries 18 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution iS Provincial ( irand Lodge of Norfolk 18 Provincial Cirand Lodgeof Jersey 19 Centenary Celebration of ' the Mariners * Lodge , No . 240 19 REI-ORTS OF MASONIC MEETIXOSCraft Masonry 20
Mark Masonry 32 Obituary 22 The Theatres 22 Masonic and General Tidings 23 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 24
Ar00101
THE results of Masonic Charity in respect of our great Metopolitan Institutions for 1883 become very remarkable facts in themselves and deserve a little more consideration than a brief paragraph in thc Freemason can necessarily supply . Vet wc must remark , in dealing * with the subject-matter , that these results , large as they seem to be , when summed up only represent , as we lately
observed , a portion of English Masonic Benevolence . Thc £ 56 , 000 odd only concern the three great Charities which Masonic zeal has founded' and Masonic beneficence has augumented and developed in wonderful measure . Indeed they form alikc a very wonderful reality , a gratifying recollcction . thcse Masonic Charities of ours , when wc come to look into them , to measure out
their work , to analyze their returns , and to realize their balance sheets . Assuming that there arc 100 , 000 Freemasons in England , —of what other Society can it bc alleged of similar numbers , that they , are raising thc amount which English Freemasons collect and devote to the support of these three Charities ? If thc whole of Masonic
Charity in England and Wales was totalled up , it would we apprehend fall not far short of £ 100 , 000 annually—a pound per head . For wc have to add to the amount raised for our great Charities , our Lodge of Benevolence Grants , our Provincial Voles , our Private Lodge Votes , our Provincial and Colonial Masonic Charities , and those many ways in which
annually Masonic beneficence is intensified and exhibited . And be it remembered Freemasons give in other ways . As members of religious denominations , as citizens of their country , as part and parcel of Society , they are influenced and attracted by those countless appeals for objects of utility , improvement , education , and philanthropy which throng around us
in the age in which wc live , and which as humantarians we cannot afford to disregard , which as sensible general beings we cannot affect to undervalue or overlook . The Metropolitan Charities themselves are now most remarkable realities . Originally smdl and unpretending in themselves they have become by gradual growth in their several spheres and relative importance great
institutions , an exact parallel lo which it is very hard to find whether at home or abroad . Take the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to begin wilh . We are now granting to 172 Aged Masons £ 40 annually , in all £ 6 S 8 o , and to 167 Widows of Freemasons £ 32 , each equivalent to £ 5344 annually , making a total of £ 12 , 224 in annuities . And this number of annuitants and this
amount of annuities will in all probability ere long be sensibly increased , so many are the claimants , so pressing the need . In order to render such payments possible the Craft has to raise for this useful charity at least £ 10 , 000 annually . The Boys' School is now educating and caring for fully 221 Boys , and is now seeking to build and organize a Junior School to hold
from 50 to 100 boys , in all about 320 . Its funded property is small , though slowly augmenting year by year , and it requires at least £ 12 , 000 annually to keep it in full efficiency . When the Junior School is completed it will require at least £ 16 , 000 annually . No doubt the large amount of 188 3 may be ascribed to the " double voting , " but we understand from Bro . BINCKES
that the General Fund has not suffered , as some feared . The Girls' School has received 12 , 650 in 1883 . It is now taking care of 237 girls , and we hope that that number will soon be raised to 250 . It requires about £ 9000 a year to maintain it in full efficiency . This last year is the largest amount ever yet attained for the Metropolitan Charities , the next year to it being 1 S 80
when £ 49 , 763 were raised . And when we cast our eyes back , or let our memories run say 20 years , wc find that £ 5000 among the three Charities was considered then a " noble return . " Thus times change and we change with them . New wants , new claims arise , new supplies are found , new energies are unfolded . As Freemasons we may be proud of our Charities , and
Ar00102
prouder still of that Masonic zeal and liberality which render them so "thorough , " and maintain them in such enviable vitality and such admirable efficiency . * # BUT do not let any of us think that because much is done , and well done ,
and nobly done , year by year , nothing now remains to be effected . Never would be a greater mistake . Despite the munificent gifts of a few , and the praiseworthy sacrifices of man } ' , some lodges and chapters and brethren there still are who have done nothing as yet for the Charities . With 1 SS 4 let such an anomaly be obliterated , such a blot removed , from our Masonic
life and professions . Where lodges and chapters are too young or too poor to make availing grants from their funds , let their members subscribe among themselves , say five shillings each , or half-a-crown each , and let the amount be sent up by the Worshipful Master or First Principal , and thc voles secured
to the chair . Let them persevere until more prosperous times , and then let them make a befitting grant . It will be a satisfaction to all to remember that they have contributed their " mite" even to the support of Charitie : ; so important to their Order , so valuable and useful to themselves , and so consonant with , and expressive of , the general tenets and principles of
Freemasonry . # « * THERE is one great fact connected with our Charities , —that they are both wisely and economically administered , and that the actual and immediate results from them are remarkable ami significant , a fact which wc should never
undervalue or lose sight of . For this is a matter for much satisfaction and , we may add , pride to us all alike . There arc , as we all know , " charities and charities ; " but having looked into the m . itier closely and fully , we have no hesitation in saying that our Charities can favourably compare , in all particulars , with the best managed , and the most
economically conducted of those Charities which shed such a lustre on our metropolis and people . There are cases , let us bear in mind , where even virtues become vices ; where prudence degenerates into paltriness , and economy is simply " cheeseparing . " Our Charities arc administered on the soundest of all principles , whether as regards annuitants or pupils , to make
them happy and comfortable , and not unnecessarily to expend funds destined for charity , except for purposes which arc absolutely requisite to uphold the integrity , or advance the elHciency of thc Institutions . It is always so easy to find fault , to make broad allegations , to advance hasty and sweeping statements ; but no one who has had any experience in the
management of our Charities but must feel persuaded that they arc ably , faithfully , and honestly administered . We might say a good deal more on this subject , but wc forbear . If ever thc time comes , we shall be prepared to show
convincingly that our Charities stand most favourably as regards all other Charities ; while their peculiar characteristics and exceptional claims render their ccconomy and administration all that the subscribers could wish for or demand .
• * IT seems that the Grand Orient of France is about to address itself to all the Jurisdictions not now in official relationship wilh it . This proposed letter is to be based on certain "Ideas , " as expressed by Bro . Du HAMKL , and which appear in another portion of our paper . Whether or not this
little outcome of Masonic sentiment , may we not say " gush ? will have the effect hoped for , we think at present better not to express an opinion . We must all be struck with the lone of calm complacency which pervades Bro .
Du HAMEL ' S words , an optimism which is certainly much to be admired . Whether such a circular is likely to affect disapproving Jurisdictions , after certain recent " fails accomplis , " we must leave to Time , which elucidates all things , and wiser heads than ours to demonstrate and determine .
* * * WE trust that the Royal Masonic Benevolent Instulion will have a goodly gathering on February 26 th , and that the Stewards will be able to present very satisfactory returns . Under the able presidency of our worthy Grand Treasurer , Bro . J . D . ALLCROFT , and with an energetic Board of Stewards ,
of which the President is Bro . H . B . MARSHALL , we shall not doubt to hear of another signal success . There is not one of our Institutions which has a truer or more abiding claim on the sympathies of our always benevolent Craft , and we feel sure that thc appeal for their large-hearted support will not be made to them by Bro . J AMBS TERRY in vain .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
l . EAHERS H French Ideas of the Situation 12 Consecration of thc St . Botolph's Lodge , * ' No . 3020 12 Consecration of the Haven Lodge , No . 2022 13 The Royal . Masonic Benevolent Institution ( Continued ) 13 New Year ' s Entertainment at tlie Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 15 Entertainment to the "Old Folks" of luist
t . ancasliire 15 Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 15 CORRESPONDENCEAccommodation of Members of Orand Lodge 17 The Moon ' s Changes—A ( luery 17
Reviews ' 17 Notes nnd Queries 18 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution iS Provincial ( irand Lodge of Norfolk 18 Provincial Cirand Lodgeof Jersey 19 Centenary Celebration of ' the Mariners * Lodge , No . 240 19 REI-ORTS OF MASONIC MEETIXOSCraft Masonry 20
Mark Masonry 32 Obituary 22 The Theatres 22 Masonic and General Tidings 23 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 24
Ar00101
THE results of Masonic Charity in respect of our great Metopolitan Institutions for 1883 become very remarkable facts in themselves and deserve a little more consideration than a brief paragraph in thc Freemason can necessarily supply . Vet wc must remark , in dealing * with the subject-matter , that these results , large as they seem to be , when summed up only represent , as we lately
observed , a portion of English Masonic Benevolence . Thc £ 56 , 000 odd only concern the three great Charities which Masonic zeal has founded' and Masonic beneficence has augumented and developed in wonderful measure . Indeed they form alikc a very wonderful reality , a gratifying recollcction . thcse Masonic Charities of ours , when wc come to look into them , to measure out
their work , to analyze their returns , and to realize their balance sheets . Assuming that there arc 100 , 000 Freemasons in England , —of what other Society can it bc alleged of similar numbers , that they , are raising thc amount which English Freemasons collect and devote to the support of these three Charities ? If thc whole of Masonic
Charity in England and Wales was totalled up , it would we apprehend fall not far short of £ 100 , 000 annually—a pound per head . For wc have to add to the amount raised for our great Charities , our Lodge of Benevolence Grants , our Provincial Voles , our Private Lodge Votes , our Provincial and Colonial Masonic Charities , and those many ways in which
annually Masonic beneficence is intensified and exhibited . And be it remembered Freemasons give in other ways . As members of religious denominations , as citizens of their country , as part and parcel of Society , they are influenced and attracted by those countless appeals for objects of utility , improvement , education , and philanthropy which throng around us
in the age in which wc live , and which as humantarians we cannot afford to disregard , which as sensible general beings we cannot affect to undervalue or overlook . The Metropolitan Charities themselves are now most remarkable realities . Originally smdl and unpretending in themselves they have become by gradual growth in their several spheres and relative importance great
institutions , an exact parallel lo which it is very hard to find whether at home or abroad . Take the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to begin wilh . We are now granting to 172 Aged Masons £ 40 annually , in all £ 6 S 8 o , and to 167 Widows of Freemasons £ 32 , each equivalent to £ 5344 annually , making a total of £ 12 , 224 in annuities . And this number of annuitants and this
amount of annuities will in all probability ere long be sensibly increased , so many are the claimants , so pressing the need . In order to render such payments possible the Craft has to raise for this useful charity at least £ 10 , 000 annually . The Boys' School is now educating and caring for fully 221 Boys , and is now seeking to build and organize a Junior School to hold
from 50 to 100 boys , in all about 320 . Its funded property is small , though slowly augmenting year by year , and it requires at least £ 12 , 000 annually to keep it in full efficiency . When the Junior School is completed it will require at least £ 16 , 000 annually . No doubt the large amount of 188 3 may be ascribed to the " double voting , " but we understand from Bro . BINCKES
that the General Fund has not suffered , as some feared . The Girls' School has received 12 , 650 in 1883 . It is now taking care of 237 girls , and we hope that that number will soon be raised to 250 . It requires about £ 9000 a year to maintain it in full efficiency . This last year is the largest amount ever yet attained for the Metropolitan Charities , the next year to it being 1 S 80
when £ 49 , 763 were raised . And when we cast our eyes back , or let our memories run say 20 years , wc find that £ 5000 among the three Charities was considered then a " noble return . " Thus times change and we change with them . New wants , new claims arise , new supplies are found , new energies are unfolded . As Freemasons we may be proud of our Charities , and
Ar00102
prouder still of that Masonic zeal and liberality which render them so "thorough , " and maintain them in such enviable vitality and such admirable efficiency . * # BUT do not let any of us think that because much is done , and well done ,
and nobly done , year by year , nothing now remains to be effected . Never would be a greater mistake . Despite the munificent gifts of a few , and the praiseworthy sacrifices of man } ' , some lodges and chapters and brethren there still are who have done nothing as yet for the Charities . With 1 SS 4 let such an anomaly be obliterated , such a blot removed , from our Masonic
life and professions . Where lodges and chapters are too young or too poor to make availing grants from their funds , let their members subscribe among themselves , say five shillings each , or half-a-crown each , and let the amount be sent up by the Worshipful Master or First Principal , and thc voles secured
to the chair . Let them persevere until more prosperous times , and then let them make a befitting grant . It will be a satisfaction to all to remember that they have contributed their " mite" even to the support of Charitie : ; so important to their Order , so valuable and useful to themselves , and so consonant with , and expressive of , the general tenets and principles of
Freemasonry . # « * THERE is one great fact connected with our Charities , —that they are both wisely and economically administered , and that the actual and immediate results from them are remarkable ami significant , a fact which wc should never
undervalue or lose sight of . For this is a matter for much satisfaction and , we may add , pride to us all alike . There arc , as we all know , " charities and charities ; " but having looked into the m . itier closely and fully , we have no hesitation in saying that our Charities can favourably compare , in all particulars , with the best managed , and the most
economically conducted of those Charities which shed such a lustre on our metropolis and people . There are cases , let us bear in mind , where even virtues become vices ; where prudence degenerates into paltriness , and economy is simply " cheeseparing . " Our Charities arc administered on the soundest of all principles , whether as regards annuitants or pupils , to make
them happy and comfortable , and not unnecessarily to expend funds destined for charity , except for purposes which arc absolutely requisite to uphold the integrity , or advance the elHciency of thc Institutions . It is always so easy to find fault , to make broad allegations , to advance hasty and sweeping statements ; but no one who has had any experience in the
management of our Charities but must feel persuaded that they arc ably , faithfully , and honestly administered . We might say a good deal more on this subject , but wc forbear . If ever thc time comes , we shall be prepared to show
convincingly that our Charities stand most favourably as regards all other Charities ; while their peculiar characteristics and exceptional claims render their ccconomy and administration all that the subscribers could wish for or demand .
• * IT seems that the Grand Orient of France is about to address itself to all the Jurisdictions not now in official relationship wilh it . This proposed letter is to be based on certain "Ideas , " as expressed by Bro . Du HAMKL , and which appear in another portion of our paper . Whether or not this
little outcome of Masonic sentiment , may we not say " gush ? will have the effect hoped for , we think at present better not to express an opinion . We must all be struck with the lone of calm complacency which pervades Bro .
Du HAMEL ' S words , an optimism which is certainly much to be admired . Whether such a circular is likely to affect disapproving Jurisdictions , after certain recent " fails accomplis , " we must leave to Time , which elucidates all things , and wiser heads than ours to demonstrate and determine .
* * * WE trust that the Royal Masonic Benevolent Instulion will have a goodly gathering on February 26 th , and that the Stewards will be able to present very satisfactory returns . Under the able presidency of our worthy Grand Treasurer , Bro . J . D . ALLCROFT , and with an energetic Board of Stewards ,
of which the President is Bro . H . B . MARSHALL , we shall not doubt to hear of another signal success . There is not one of our Institutions which has a truer or more abiding claim on the sympathies of our always benevolent Craft , and we feel sure that thc appeal for their large-hearted support will not be made to them by Bro . J AMBS TERRY in vain .