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Article GRAND LODGE OF CANADA. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE MASONIC VETERANS. Page 1 of 1 Article THE MASONIC VETERANS. Page 1 of 1 Article THE MASONIC VETERANS. Page 1 of 1 Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Page 1 of 1 Article Mark Masonry. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
R . T . Walkem , Kingston ; Henry Macpherson , Owen Sound ; B . Saunders , Toronto ; and J . M . Meakins , Hamilton . The Grand Master appointed Bros . M . Murray , Hamilton ; L . H . Henderson , Belleville ; Dr . Carscadden , lona ; P . J . Brown , Ingersoll ; and D . Glass , London . The following are the Chairmen of Committees : Audit and Finance , Bro . H . Murray ; Benevolence , Bro . Otto
Klotz ; Condition of Masonry , Bro . P . J . Brown ; Jurisprudence , Bro . Henry Macpherson ; Grievances and Appeals , Bro . H . Robinson ; and Warrants , Bro . D . Ross . The Committee on Credentials reported , and the report of the Committee on Grand Master ' s address was presented . The newly-elected officers were installed . After transacting some further business , Grand Lodge finally adjourned at 7 . 30 .
The Masonic Veterans.
THE MASONIC VETERANS .
We take this report from our contemporary the New York Dispatch , as we think it may interest our readers : We trust to the sympathy of the brethren , wherever dispersed , to pardon us for giving in this issue of the Dispatch the place of honour to the annual meeting of the venerable brethren known by the above title . We speak not so much for ourself as for the rest , but at the same time there is
something connected with this gathering that ought to , and we believe does , appeal to the best sentiments of the Craft , and lead them to understand that age and long service only makes more evident the devotion of these brethren to all that tend ? to magnify the offices of Masonry , and to encourage all who have entered its mystic temple so to walk and act that when years have whitened their hairs and crowned their services they shall find in the
membership of-this association the chief reward of their zeal , and the best proof that they have loved Masonry because it is the true exemplification of all that tends to raise us above the common level , and to make our labours the demonstration of a robust manhood , and the reward of just , upright , and generous devotion to principle—not so much for ourselves as _ that those who are to come after us may know that , having earnestly and faithfully discharged our duty ,
the love and respect given to us will later come to them , and we being at rest and forgotten , they will inherit the love given us , and transmit to their successors the same admiration of the Institution we have tried to inculcate and exemplify , and thus , from generation to generation , from age to age , will the fire upon our altars kbe kept burning , and the esprit du corps be maintained . The annual meeting was held on the Wednesday evening
of Grand Lodge week , and after-the admission of a number of aspirants , the brethren were formed in procession , and proceeded to the place selected for the banquet . When all were seated it was found that eighty-six of . the veterans were present , and that the average , age was sixty years , with a slight fraction over . The menu furnished was all that' could be desired , being choice , but at th ' e same time such as would become old men , loving each other
rather than what they could eat . A Masonic choir furnished some of the choicest music , and made itself especially noticeable by its selections between the different addresses . After the removal of the cloth , President GEORIIK II . FISH made the following address : Venerable brethren , one year more has the Great Architect consented to our living , and allowed us again to meet at our annua ] feast .
Thanks to God for his care and kindness . Life to us is pleasant . It is worth our while to live ; then let us so live that death shall lead to abiding peace . Changes must come to us each year . Some who sat with us at our last feast are gone—whither ? It is well that we know not , and you can all join with me in remembering our dead , and , trusting in that mercy " which falleth like the " gentle rain from Heaven , " rejoice with them in their ' new and better
life . The contemplation of death should be no bar to enjoyment like this . Scarcely a meeting that we are not reminded of it , never a feast that places are not vacant . It is only bringing us nearer to Him , in whom we avowed our trust so many years ago . This is our annual feast , a time for entertainment and delight ; then let us rejoice . Rejoice that , when o » f- names are held "in memoriam , " there will be one place from which our Guardian Angel can
bring the testimony of loving words from fraternal hearts . Rejoice in tho fact that , amid the tutmoil and strife incident to earth , there are so many glad trusting brothers who delight to meet , and with speech , song , and good cheer , brighten these twilight hours of life . In listening to some remarks made last year by Veil . Bro . Pike , I was surprised at their tenour . To think that that grand old man , who loves now " to sit in his chimney corner and cheerily
chirp , " should have taken so sombre a view of his . Masonic life as to question whether it was not a failure ' . Could he have looked into the hearts of the thousands who have listened to his sound advice and treasure his words of wisdom , and who feel that their lives are better from the influence of his silver tongue , he could have read his answer there , graven in letters of living love upon hearts ever responsive to his slightest wish . In a moment of
despondency he forgot that" He who plowed and who sowed is not missed by the reaper ; He is only remembered by what he has done . " "Man shuts the door against the setting sun , " said a philosopher of the olden time . Human nature still remains the same . There have undoubtedly been times during our Masonic lives when loss of station , business cares , family
troubles , or the tongue of misrepresentation have vexed and wearied until , iii despondent thought , we too have felt that the teachings of our Order were as a myth , and personal friendship a farce , that our brothers w-ere " shutting the door against the setting sun . " It is not until the zenith of life is passed , and rank and title have ceased to be an aspiration and become a memory , that wc fully appreciate the strength of friendship , and can see the welcoming hands which have always been outstretched ,
only hidden by the glriom of our own despondency . It is then that the tendrils of sympathy reach out towards each kind word and friendly glance , until , entwined in each other ' s affection , we realise the fruition of hope and ( he harvest of our earlier teachings . Venerable brethren , what brings you hereto-night ? Not an epicurean feast ; for we are frugal ; not a convivial revel , for we are temperate . "The hearts of men vibrate in answer to one another like the strings ol a musical instrument , " and is
The Masonic Veterans.
not this the secret of your presence here to-night ? The echo in your own heart of the wish of some brother that you may meet and exchange the fraternal greeting , and by the warmth of your \ velcomc assure him that the pleasure he feels is but a vibration- in unison with your own . Music and flowers have been brought in as aids to brighten and cheer us on this occasion ; to help , by appealing to our finer sensibilities , to draw our thoughts from self and
individual ends to the more noble fraternal purposes for which wc meet . I know there is not one here whose eye does not brighten as he looks upon these art colourings from Nature ' s studio , or whose pulse does not quicken at the concord of sweet sounds . Wc can feel kindlier , look kindlier , and speak kindlier , when affected by such influences ; and can any of us say we need them not ? Are our tempers always under curb , our minds free from imaginary
grievances , ourtongues never forgetful that weare brothers , and our thoughts ever ready to acknowledge the care and goodness of the Grand Architect ? Then let us welcome these , or any aids , that can serve to keep back the grosser parts of our nature and bring into the fuller light all that in us is ennobling . There are many present this evening for the first time , and it may not be amiss to say a few words to
them . We are an organisation of old men , who having laboured for the Craft for twenty-one years or more , are anxious to preserve the friendships of past time , and willing to form new ones . Many , in fact most of you , have ceased from your especial labor for the fraternity , and are enjoying that well-earned rest which belongs to the faithful . We arc in a great degree social . Yet in this as in all organisations , there is work to be done , and we trust that you will
not be content to sit quietly down and drift along , satisfied so long as some one has the helm . You can alltind something to do to assist your officers in making our meetings pleasant and attractive , and you will find that the more interest you take in this Guild the more satisfaction you will derive from your membership . I will not detain you longer , for there are those present whose ready wit and fluent tongue will fill the coming hours with gems
of thought , so rare that memory will ever love to revert to the feast of 1 SS 1 , and so , venerable brethren , 1 bid you all a most sincere and fraternal welcome , and extend to each that soulful greeting which is the distinguished mark of our grand old brotherhood . Then followed the regular toasts , the first being : "The memory of our Dead . " Silent and standing . "The Grand Lodge ; the parent whom we still obey . "
To this sentiment Bro . M . W . C . F . PAIGE responded in an address replete with mother wit ; his allusions to the living landmarks being filled with remarks in the happiest of veins . " The Literature of Masonry . " M . W . Bro . ALBERT PIKE responded to this sentiment in grand and poetical language , and made alt those privileged to hear him feel that thus was furnished an opportunity to know and
appreciate the thoughts of a seholar who had given his life to the philosophy of Masonry , and who was prepared to make evident to his hearers the result of his long years of study and application . " The Ethics of Masonry . " To this sentiment the M . W . Bro . MARSHALL B . SMITH , P . G . M . of New Jersey , responded in his best style . " The Sentiment of . Masonry . " To this toast M . W .
Bro . J W . Snuioxns responded . " The Universality of Masonry . " To this sentiment Right Worshipful Bro . CHARLES T . MCCLENACHA . N' responded . He said : Venerable brethren , the closing toast of the evening's festivities demands our serious consideration . Were all the finer sentiments and abilities with which the Creator has imbued man called into requisition and concentrated to frame an association that should
embrace every tribe and every nation in indissoluble bonds —that should touch every chord within the human breast —it-would not be within the scope of heart or intellect to organise and perfect an institution that would meet every such requirement as the universal Fraternity of Masonry . It is the blessed tic that binds our hearts in friendship ' s love . Of the myriad sacraments that the Creator has spread before the creature—man—it would seem as if the
Divine Will had finally imposed that an universal link should bind them in a brotherhood , whereby they should enjoy and partake of all these sacramental blessings in unison , and drink from the fount of His love with thanksg iving and praise . The bond of Masonry extends to infinity . Would we feast our mental eyes on the glories of the Creator , Masonry presents the vision . Would wc feed the intellect on the knowledge of things visible , Masonry opens the Book of Nature . Would we sanctify
the lips in speech as to the longing of the soul , in praise and prayer , in gratitude and supplication , Masonry in its universality unfolds the Divine Word as the greatest light and guide . Do we crave for greater wisdom , strength , and an harmonious bond ? Masonry points to the principles of the new law , to faith , to hope , and the divinity of love . All our powers of action , our intellect and reason , and the passions of the soul are purified and sanctified through the teachings of God's blest institution that enfolds the world .
" Before our Father ' s throne We pour united prayers ; Our fears , our hopes , our aims are one , Our comforts and our cares . " To tlioje who arc the devotees of Masonry—who have scored the toils of passing years—what garlands are too fresh , what strains of harmony too sweet , what zephyrs
wafted from angelic wings too soft , what praises from the trump too great for services rendered mortal man in sowing the undying seed taught as none others can ? But those of this assemblage arc growing old , and we are looking back upon the days of " Auld Lang Syne . " 1 know you long and love to sing the good old song , and so I close , quoting the lines of the poet , the illustrious Albert Pike :
" l ' or . the truer life draws nigher Every year ; And its Morning Star climbs higher , Every year ; Earth ' s hold on us grows slighter , - And the heavy burden lighter , And the Dawn Immortal brighter Every year . "
Altogether the occasion was most enjoyable , and will certainly live in the memory of the participants surrounded by pleasant thoughts . The association is now in the full tide of success . Each
The Masonic Veterans.
year enlarges the number of its members and the circle of its kindly influence , and each annual feast adds increased approval of the happy thought that brought into existence , the Association of Masonic Veterans .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
¦ - ^>—¦ ( Craft fllasmtrru
FARRINGDON WITHOUT LODGE ( No . r 745 ) - —This lodge held a regular meeting on the 25 th ult . at the Viaduct Hotel , Holborn . Among those present were Bros . H . J . Lardner , W . M . ; J . St ' rugnell , S . W . ; W . Williams , J . W . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., I . P . M . ; W . H . Jackson , jun ., P . M . and Sec . ; Goodenough , S . D . ; T . Simpson , J . D . ; II . B .. Marshall , C . C .,
& c , I . G . ; Hart ( Hon . Organist ); and Parkinson , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Skelhorne having proved himself duly qualified for preferment , was passed to the Degree of F . C , the ceremony being ably performed by the W . M . Several communications having been read , the lodge was closed in ancient form , and the brethren separated . There was no banquet .
GREAT STANMORE . —Abercorn Lodge ( No . ' 549 ) - —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on the 30 th ult ., and , the day being delightful , passed off with great success . The W . M . ' , Bro . Roy , opened his lodge punctually at 3 o ' clock with the assistance of the following brethren : Bros . C . Long , S . W . ; E . Bamford , J . W . ; Dr . Rovers , Treas . ; C . Veal , Sec . ; A . Goldsmid , S . D . ; T . J . Villiers , J . D . ; W . G . LocI . G .
, G . Tidcombc , P . M . ; J Muldleton , Tyler ; Sherbrook , Puckett , Dalzell , Paten , Haynes , Biggs , and Felton . Visitors : Bros . F . H . Wilson-llts , 404 , D . P . G . M . Herts ; Clement Heaton , 404 ; W . H . Norris , 404 ; F . A . Vansetter , 404 ; J . Shepherd , P . M . 27 and 201 ; Williams , D . C . 975 ; and Schartan , 1549 . The minutes of the previous meeting , and the report of the Audit Committee were then duly confirmed , the latter
this year giving more than usual satisfaction , from the fact of the lodge releasing itself of its many liabilities , which by unavoidable misfortune had previously accumulated , thus giving the new W . M . every prospect of a prosperous year , and to speed on in the cause of charity . Bro . Geo . ridcombc introduced his old friend and brother Mason , Bro . Francis Antoine Vansetter , who was initiated at Antwerp , at the Lodge Les Amis du Roi et de la Patrie , in
1 S 25 . ln October of that year he came to England and became a teacher of languages in many of the best families and schools in the neighbourhood . lie passed through the English Degree of Freemasonry at the Watford Lodge some years after . He descends from a well-known old family of Antwerp and Brussells , and with wonderful animation he vividly described to some of the brethren of the Abercorn Lodge the scenes he witnessed at Brussells at
the time of the Battle of Waterloo . On his way to the field after the battle , at five o ' clock in the evening , he met an aide-de-camp of Sir Colin Halkct—Capt . Alexander Home—who hurriedly told him the glorious news that he was taking to Brussels—that " The Prussians arrived in time ! The English have won the battle ! The French are in full retreat ! " Bro . Vansetter is one uf the brethren of Carthusian Friars of the Charterhouse in London , and is one
ot the _ happiest there , full of spirits , and interesting anecdote , in his eighty-sixth year , having been a M . M . ' fifty-six years . Bro . Sherbrook was raised to the Third Degree by the W . M ., and Bro . Dalzell was also passed in the same effective manner to the Second Degree . A candidate for initiation not appearing , the W . M . vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Dr . Wilson-Iles , who , on presentation of Bro . C . Long by Bro . Tidcombe , P . M ., most
impressively performed the ceremony of installation . After the customary salutes and investing the I . P . M ., the following were selected as ollicers for the ensuing year : Bros . Bamford , S . W . ; Goldsmid , J . W . ; Rogers , Treas . ; Veal , Sec ; Villiers , S . D . ; Loe , J . D . ; Schartan , Org . ; Puckett , I . G . ; Tidcombc , D . C . 5 and Middleton , Tyler . The addresses having been listened to with great enjoyment , the W . M ., in the name of the lodge , then presented
the I . P . M . with the handsome jewel , which he had so well earned and was most unanimously accorded to him , for which he appropriately responded . The customary " Good wishes " from the visiting brethren , and a hearty vote of thanks to the Installing Master , concluded the business , and the lodge was closed in peace anil harmony at six o ' clock p . m . The banquet , of the usual recherche character , passed
off admirably , many expressions of . satisfaction being accorded to Bro . C . Veal for his efficient catering . The usual time-honoured toasts were given and responded to ; and most worthy of special praise were the musical contributions of Bros . Schartan and Dal / ell , of Westminster Abbey , both initiated in this lodge . The W . M . having passed the little Charity-box most successfully , the Tyler ' s toast , at ten o ' clock p . m ., concluded one of the most enjoyable gatherings for which this lodge is becoming famous .
Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
WORKINGTON . —Derwent Lodge ( No . 282 ) . —The first monthly meeting of this new lodge , which was consecrated on the 12 th ult ., was held on Wednesday evening , the 3 rd inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Portlandsquare . The whole of the members wen : present but two , they being out of town . Bro . T . Dixon , W . M ., P . G . Reg ., presided , supported by Bros . Rev . K . M . Rice , M . A ., S . W ., P . G . Chaplain ; J . J . Coverdale . J . W ., P . G .
Steward ; J . A . Salkelcl , M . O . ; D . B . Winston , S . O . ; E . G . Burrows , J . O . ; W . Carlyle , R . M . ; J . Thompson , Sec ; F . Paul , J . D . ; J . J . Little , I . G . ; J . Lewthwaite , Steward ; W . Wagg , Tyler ; and W . Smith . The minutes having been read and confirmed , the business before the lodge was the confirmation of the draft bye-laws , which
were ordered to be printed , and a c . ipy forwarded to London for the approval of the General Hoard . On the proclamations being put , Bro . I . Evening , I . G . Faithfull Lodge , No . 229 , Cockermouth , was proposed as a joining member , after which the lodge was closed . Next meeting it is expected several candidates will be proposed for advancement .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Canada.
R . T . Walkem , Kingston ; Henry Macpherson , Owen Sound ; B . Saunders , Toronto ; and J . M . Meakins , Hamilton . The Grand Master appointed Bros . M . Murray , Hamilton ; L . H . Henderson , Belleville ; Dr . Carscadden , lona ; P . J . Brown , Ingersoll ; and D . Glass , London . The following are the Chairmen of Committees : Audit and Finance , Bro . H . Murray ; Benevolence , Bro . Otto
Klotz ; Condition of Masonry , Bro . P . J . Brown ; Jurisprudence , Bro . Henry Macpherson ; Grievances and Appeals , Bro . H . Robinson ; and Warrants , Bro . D . Ross . The Committee on Credentials reported , and the report of the Committee on Grand Master ' s address was presented . The newly-elected officers were installed . After transacting some further business , Grand Lodge finally adjourned at 7 . 30 .
The Masonic Veterans.
THE MASONIC VETERANS .
We take this report from our contemporary the New York Dispatch , as we think it may interest our readers : We trust to the sympathy of the brethren , wherever dispersed , to pardon us for giving in this issue of the Dispatch the place of honour to the annual meeting of the venerable brethren known by the above title . We speak not so much for ourself as for the rest , but at the same time there is
something connected with this gathering that ought to , and we believe does , appeal to the best sentiments of the Craft , and lead them to understand that age and long service only makes more evident the devotion of these brethren to all that tend ? to magnify the offices of Masonry , and to encourage all who have entered its mystic temple so to walk and act that when years have whitened their hairs and crowned their services they shall find in the
membership of-this association the chief reward of their zeal , and the best proof that they have loved Masonry because it is the true exemplification of all that tends to raise us above the common level , and to make our labours the demonstration of a robust manhood , and the reward of just , upright , and generous devotion to principle—not so much for ourselves as _ that those who are to come after us may know that , having earnestly and faithfully discharged our duty ,
the love and respect given to us will later come to them , and we being at rest and forgotten , they will inherit the love given us , and transmit to their successors the same admiration of the Institution we have tried to inculcate and exemplify , and thus , from generation to generation , from age to age , will the fire upon our altars kbe kept burning , and the esprit du corps be maintained . The annual meeting was held on the Wednesday evening
of Grand Lodge week , and after-the admission of a number of aspirants , the brethren were formed in procession , and proceeded to the place selected for the banquet . When all were seated it was found that eighty-six of . the veterans were present , and that the average , age was sixty years , with a slight fraction over . The menu furnished was all that' could be desired , being choice , but at th ' e same time such as would become old men , loving each other
rather than what they could eat . A Masonic choir furnished some of the choicest music , and made itself especially noticeable by its selections between the different addresses . After the removal of the cloth , President GEORIIK II . FISH made the following address : Venerable brethren , one year more has the Great Architect consented to our living , and allowed us again to meet at our annua ] feast .
Thanks to God for his care and kindness . Life to us is pleasant . It is worth our while to live ; then let us so live that death shall lead to abiding peace . Changes must come to us each year . Some who sat with us at our last feast are gone—whither ? It is well that we know not , and you can all join with me in remembering our dead , and , trusting in that mercy " which falleth like the " gentle rain from Heaven , " rejoice with them in their ' new and better
life . The contemplation of death should be no bar to enjoyment like this . Scarcely a meeting that we are not reminded of it , never a feast that places are not vacant . It is only bringing us nearer to Him , in whom we avowed our trust so many years ago . This is our annual feast , a time for entertainment and delight ; then let us rejoice . Rejoice that , when o » f- names are held "in memoriam , " there will be one place from which our Guardian Angel can
bring the testimony of loving words from fraternal hearts . Rejoice in tho fact that , amid the tutmoil and strife incident to earth , there are so many glad trusting brothers who delight to meet , and with speech , song , and good cheer , brighten these twilight hours of life . In listening to some remarks made last year by Veil . Bro . Pike , I was surprised at their tenour . To think that that grand old man , who loves now " to sit in his chimney corner and cheerily
chirp , " should have taken so sombre a view of his . Masonic life as to question whether it was not a failure ' . Could he have looked into the hearts of the thousands who have listened to his sound advice and treasure his words of wisdom , and who feel that their lives are better from the influence of his silver tongue , he could have read his answer there , graven in letters of living love upon hearts ever responsive to his slightest wish . In a moment of
despondency he forgot that" He who plowed and who sowed is not missed by the reaper ; He is only remembered by what he has done . " "Man shuts the door against the setting sun , " said a philosopher of the olden time . Human nature still remains the same . There have undoubtedly been times during our Masonic lives when loss of station , business cares , family
troubles , or the tongue of misrepresentation have vexed and wearied until , iii despondent thought , we too have felt that the teachings of our Order were as a myth , and personal friendship a farce , that our brothers w-ere " shutting the door against the setting sun . " It is not until the zenith of life is passed , and rank and title have ceased to be an aspiration and become a memory , that wc fully appreciate the strength of friendship , and can see the welcoming hands which have always been outstretched ,
only hidden by the glriom of our own despondency . It is then that the tendrils of sympathy reach out towards each kind word and friendly glance , until , entwined in each other ' s affection , we realise the fruition of hope and ( he harvest of our earlier teachings . Venerable brethren , what brings you hereto-night ? Not an epicurean feast ; for we are frugal ; not a convivial revel , for we are temperate . "The hearts of men vibrate in answer to one another like the strings ol a musical instrument , " and is
The Masonic Veterans.
not this the secret of your presence here to-night ? The echo in your own heart of the wish of some brother that you may meet and exchange the fraternal greeting , and by the warmth of your \ velcomc assure him that the pleasure he feels is but a vibration- in unison with your own . Music and flowers have been brought in as aids to brighten and cheer us on this occasion ; to help , by appealing to our finer sensibilities , to draw our thoughts from self and
individual ends to the more noble fraternal purposes for which wc meet . I know there is not one here whose eye does not brighten as he looks upon these art colourings from Nature ' s studio , or whose pulse does not quicken at the concord of sweet sounds . Wc can feel kindlier , look kindlier , and speak kindlier , when affected by such influences ; and can any of us say we need them not ? Are our tempers always under curb , our minds free from imaginary
grievances , ourtongues never forgetful that weare brothers , and our thoughts ever ready to acknowledge the care and goodness of the Grand Architect ? Then let us welcome these , or any aids , that can serve to keep back the grosser parts of our nature and bring into the fuller light all that in us is ennobling . There are many present this evening for the first time , and it may not be amiss to say a few words to
them . We are an organisation of old men , who having laboured for the Craft for twenty-one years or more , are anxious to preserve the friendships of past time , and willing to form new ones . Many , in fact most of you , have ceased from your especial labor for the fraternity , and are enjoying that well-earned rest which belongs to the faithful . We arc in a great degree social . Yet in this as in all organisations , there is work to be done , and we trust that you will
not be content to sit quietly down and drift along , satisfied so long as some one has the helm . You can alltind something to do to assist your officers in making our meetings pleasant and attractive , and you will find that the more interest you take in this Guild the more satisfaction you will derive from your membership . I will not detain you longer , for there are those present whose ready wit and fluent tongue will fill the coming hours with gems
of thought , so rare that memory will ever love to revert to the feast of 1 SS 1 , and so , venerable brethren , 1 bid you all a most sincere and fraternal welcome , and extend to each that soulful greeting which is the distinguished mark of our grand old brotherhood . Then followed the regular toasts , the first being : "The memory of our Dead . " Silent and standing . "The Grand Lodge ; the parent whom we still obey . "
To this sentiment Bro . M . W . C . F . PAIGE responded in an address replete with mother wit ; his allusions to the living landmarks being filled with remarks in the happiest of veins . " The Literature of Masonry . " M . W . Bro . ALBERT PIKE responded to this sentiment in grand and poetical language , and made alt those privileged to hear him feel that thus was furnished an opportunity to know and
appreciate the thoughts of a seholar who had given his life to the philosophy of Masonry , and who was prepared to make evident to his hearers the result of his long years of study and application . " The Ethics of Masonry . " To this sentiment the M . W . Bro . MARSHALL B . SMITH , P . G . M . of New Jersey , responded in his best style . " The Sentiment of . Masonry . " To this toast M . W .
Bro . J W . Snuioxns responded . " The Universality of Masonry . " To this sentiment Right Worshipful Bro . CHARLES T . MCCLENACHA . N' responded . He said : Venerable brethren , the closing toast of the evening's festivities demands our serious consideration . Were all the finer sentiments and abilities with which the Creator has imbued man called into requisition and concentrated to frame an association that should
embrace every tribe and every nation in indissoluble bonds —that should touch every chord within the human breast —it-would not be within the scope of heart or intellect to organise and perfect an institution that would meet every such requirement as the universal Fraternity of Masonry . It is the blessed tic that binds our hearts in friendship ' s love . Of the myriad sacraments that the Creator has spread before the creature—man—it would seem as if the
Divine Will had finally imposed that an universal link should bind them in a brotherhood , whereby they should enjoy and partake of all these sacramental blessings in unison , and drink from the fount of His love with thanksg iving and praise . The bond of Masonry extends to infinity . Would we feast our mental eyes on the glories of the Creator , Masonry presents the vision . Would wc feed the intellect on the knowledge of things visible , Masonry opens the Book of Nature . Would we sanctify
the lips in speech as to the longing of the soul , in praise and prayer , in gratitude and supplication , Masonry in its universality unfolds the Divine Word as the greatest light and guide . Do we crave for greater wisdom , strength , and an harmonious bond ? Masonry points to the principles of the new law , to faith , to hope , and the divinity of love . All our powers of action , our intellect and reason , and the passions of the soul are purified and sanctified through the teachings of God's blest institution that enfolds the world .
" Before our Father ' s throne We pour united prayers ; Our fears , our hopes , our aims are one , Our comforts and our cares . " To tlioje who arc the devotees of Masonry—who have scored the toils of passing years—what garlands are too fresh , what strains of harmony too sweet , what zephyrs
wafted from angelic wings too soft , what praises from the trump too great for services rendered mortal man in sowing the undying seed taught as none others can ? But those of this assemblage arc growing old , and we are looking back upon the days of " Auld Lang Syne . " 1 know you long and love to sing the good old song , and so I close , quoting the lines of the poet , the illustrious Albert Pike :
" l ' or . the truer life draws nigher Every year ; And its Morning Star climbs higher , Every year ; Earth ' s hold on us grows slighter , - And the heavy burden lighter , And the Dawn Immortal brighter Every year . "
Altogether the occasion was most enjoyable , and will certainly live in the memory of the participants surrounded by pleasant thoughts . The association is now in the full tide of success . Each
The Masonic Veterans.
year enlarges the number of its members and the circle of its kindly influence , and each annual feast adds increased approval of the happy thought that brought into existence , the Association of Masonic Veterans .
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .
¦ - ^>—¦ ( Craft fllasmtrru
FARRINGDON WITHOUT LODGE ( No . r 745 ) - —This lodge held a regular meeting on the 25 th ult . at the Viaduct Hotel , Holborn . Among those present were Bros . H . J . Lardner , W . M . ; J . St ' rugnell , S . W . ; W . Williams , J . W . ; T . C . Walls , P . P . G . S . B . Middx ., I . P . M . ; W . H . Jackson , jun ., P . M . and Sec . ; Goodenough , S . D . ; T . Simpson , J . D . ; II . B .. Marshall , C . C .,
& c , I . G . ; Hart ( Hon . Organist ); and Parkinson , Tyler . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , Bro . Skelhorne having proved himself duly qualified for preferment , was passed to the Degree of F . C , the ceremony being ably performed by the W . M . Several communications having been read , the lodge was closed in ancient form , and the brethren separated . There was no banquet .
GREAT STANMORE . —Abercorn Lodge ( No . ' 549 ) - —The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on the 30 th ult ., and , the day being delightful , passed off with great success . The W . M . ' , Bro . Roy , opened his lodge punctually at 3 o ' clock with the assistance of the following brethren : Bros . C . Long , S . W . ; E . Bamford , J . W . ; Dr . Rovers , Treas . ; C . Veal , Sec . ; A . Goldsmid , S . D . ; T . J . Villiers , J . D . ; W . G . LocI . G .
, G . Tidcombc , P . M . ; J Muldleton , Tyler ; Sherbrook , Puckett , Dalzell , Paten , Haynes , Biggs , and Felton . Visitors : Bros . F . H . Wilson-llts , 404 , D . P . G . M . Herts ; Clement Heaton , 404 ; W . H . Norris , 404 ; F . A . Vansetter , 404 ; J . Shepherd , P . M . 27 and 201 ; Williams , D . C . 975 ; and Schartan , 1549 . The minutes of the previous meeting , and the report of the Audit Committee were then duly confirmed , the latter
this year giving more than usual satisfaction , from the fact of the lodge releasing itself of its many liabilities , which by unavoidable misfortune had previously accumulated , thus giving the new W . M . every prospect of a prosperous year , and to speed on in the cause of charity . Bro . Geo . ridcombc introduced his old friend and brother Mason , Bro . Francis Antoine Vansetter , who was initiated at Antwerp , at the Lodge Les Amis du Roi et de la Patrie , in
1 S 25 . ln October of that year he came to England and became a teacher of languages in many of the best families and schools in the neighbourhood . lie passed through the English Degree of Freemasonry at the Watford Lodge some years after . He descends from a well-known old family of Antwerp and Brussells , and with wonderful animation he vividly described to some of the brethren of the Abercorn Lodge the scenes he witnessed at Brussells at
the time of the Battle of Waterloo . On his way to the field after the battle , at five o ' clock in the evening , he met an aide-de-camp of Sir Colin Halkct—Capt . Alexander Home—who hurriedly told him the glorious news that he was taking to Brussels—that " The Prussians arrived in time ! The English have won the battle ! The French are in full retreat ! " Bro . Vansetter is one uf the brethren of Carthusian Friars of the Charterhouse in London , and is one
ot the _ happiest there , full of spirits , and interesting anecdote , in his eighty-sixth year , having been a M . M . ' fifty-six years . Bro . Sherbrook was raised to the Third Degree by the W . M ., and Bro . Dalzell was also passed in the same effective manner to the Second Degree . A candidate for initiation not appearing , the W . M . vacated the chair in favour of Bro . Dr . Wilson-Iles , who , on presentation of Bro . C . Long by Bro . Tidcombe , P . M ., most
impressively performed the ceremony of installation . After the customary salutes and investing the I . P . M ., the following were selected as ollicers for the ensuing year : Bros . Bamford , S . W . ; Goldsmid , J . W . ; Rogers , Treas . ; Veal , Sec ; Villiers , S . D . ; Loe , J . D . ; Schartan , Org . ; Puckett , I . G . ; Tidcombc , D . C . 5 and Middleton , Tyler . The addresses having been listened to with great enjoyment , the W . M ., in the name of the lodge , then presented
the I . P . M . with the handsome jewel , which he had so well earned and was most unanimously accorded to him , for which he appropriately responded . The customary " Good wishes " from the visiting brethren , and a hearty vote of thanks to the Installing Master , concluded the business , and the lodge was closed in peace anil harmony at six o ' clock p . m . The banquet , of the usual recherche character , passed
off admirably , many expressions of . satisfaction being accorded to Bro . C . Veal for his efficient catering . The usual time-honoured toasts were given and responded to ; and most worthy of special praise were the musical contributions of Bros . Schartan and Dal / ell , of Westminster Abbey , both initiated in this lodge . The W . M . having passed the little Charity-box most successfully , the Tyler ' s toast , at ten o ' clock p . m ., concluded one of the most enjoyable gatherings for which this lodge is becoming famous .
Mark Masonry.
Mark Masonry .
WORKINGTON . —Derwent Lodge ( No . 282 ) . —The first monthly meeting of this new lodge , which was consecrated on the 12 th ult ., was held on Wednesday evening , the 3 rd inst ., in the Masonic Hall , Portlandsquare . The whole of the members wen : present but two , they being out of town . Bro . T . Dixon , W . M ., P . G . Reg ., presided , supported by Bros . Rev . K . M . Rice , M . A ., S . W ., P . G . Chaplain ; J . J . Coverdale . J . W ., P . G .
Steward ; J . A . Salkelcl , M . O . ; D . B . Winston , S . O . ; E . G . Burrows , J . O . ; W . Carlyle , R . M . ; J . Thompson , Sec ; F . Paul , J . D . ; J . J . Little , I . G . ; J . Lewthwaite , Steward ; W . Wagg , Tyler ; and W . Smith . The minutes having been read and confirmed , the business before the lodge was the confirmation of the draft bye-laws , which
were ordered to be printed , and a c . ipy forwarded to London for the approval of the General Hoard . On the proclamations being put , Bro . I . Evening , I . G . Faithfull Lodge , No . 229 , Cockermouth , was proposed as a joining member , after which the lodge was closed . Next meeting it is expected several candidates will be proposed for advancement .