Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address Of Comp. J. Ross Robertson, M.E. Grand Z. Of The Grand Chapter Of Canada.
The warrants so removed , havine chapter names applicable to the locality , ceas- to possess any geographical significance , while the fact that those whose n * mes appear on the warrant as charter members are dead and gone , looks as if the scheme of revival were an enterprise for obtaining antiquity at a 1 < w price , with inducements to live men to climb a genealogical tree which might be admired for its age only .
C' apters cannot prosper in small centres . One lodge rarely developes searchers after the higher mysteries of the Royal Arch in sufficient numbers to give strenv th to a Chapter . Different lodges have different characteristics , but these are harmonised in the hig her and unified life of the chapter . One great element of strength in our system is its power to build stones hewn from many quarries into the perfected beauty of the Royal Arch .
The introduction of the work in the form adopted by Grand Chapter commends itself as a ready means of attaining an exemplification which existed only in a very crude form prior to the adoption of the present work . While it is true that in a few of the chapters the moss-covered ritual of long ago is worked off on unsuspecting candidates , the percentage of these workers is so small that it is better to await the dispensations of a kindly Providence than endeavour to discipline those who offend . In the former
case the action would be permanent ; in the latter it would be but temporary . One is reminded of these efforts when listening to obligations so constructed that they contain the condensed essentials of all the Degrees , from the Entered Apprentice to those which were in vogue in the days of the Egyptian mysteries , when novices were tested with the terrors of the elements . There can be no efficiency without effort , and with effort would come a knowledge of the ritual which would save the work from being disfigured by absurdities in rendering .
The wisdom of the action taken by Grand Chapter in reducing the fee for Degrees to § 10 may have been questioned , and justly so , when first discussed . It was a venture which had within it possibilities not of advantage to the Royal Arch . It was said to be a cheapening of Masonic privilege that would lessen the dignity of Degrees which had acknowledged antiquity .
These views , however , are not justified by actual experience . The move was an excellent one from many points of view . It has enlivened the work in our chapters . It has turned the streams of Craft thought to refresh the fields of ihe Royal Arch . It has given us life in places where , Masonically
speaking , death was lurking . It has revived the work so much that even veterans , who unbuckled their armour years ago , thinking that as they walked out chaos would walk in , have left their firesides and refreshed their memories with bits of the ritual , which , if shortened by a couple of words , would leave them nothing to say .
While these outward and visible signs of revival cheer our hearts , we have , nevertheless , to contend with difficulties which have not to be surmounted by other institutions . The ground floor of our fraternal structure holds the initial part of the work , which gives , by the three sections of the Craft Degrees , the right to go up higher and seek in the fourth section the brighter and clearer light of
Masonry in the Degrees of the Royal Arch . The Capitular Degrees are of admitted antiquity . They contain the essentials of knowledge that give perfection to the Craft Degrees , and which were not manufactured to suit the whims of those whose delight it was to face a camera and look pleasant as the artist perpetuates the grandeur of their regalia for the edification of generations yet unborn . These thoughts meet us when we find that there are those who claim
that the higher light shines elsewhere , that the Royal Arch is but a minor constellation , and that if the Craft Mason desires to see the sun of knowledge in all its radiance , and eventually find himself placed amongst the immortals , he must have a guide who knew not Moses , one of a tribe that is not descended from the princes and rulers of the Craft , but who can lead the wayfarer by pleasant roadways , where obligations vegetate and good company is the leading characteristic .
For other Degrees in the field of Masonic labour one has , and truly , every regard and veneration . Men have the right to join any branch of Masonic work , but no man or men have the right to better the condition of the rites , to which they are partial , at the expense of an institution which saw the sunlight almost half a century before the rites alluded to were known to have either a father or mother .
The Royal Arch Degree is one of merit . Its worth is shown in the fact that in the motherland it was for years an integral part of the Craft work . It stands and will stand as the perfection of Masonry . Other Degrees may have in them the essentials and be good enough Masonry for those who want them . Our Degrees , however , are not counted as the
millionaire counts his cash . We are not turning into the highways and byways companions as moving advertisements of our work . Nor do we call to our aid the notation table and teach innocent Craftsmen to believe that a concentration of numerals proves that the possessor has the pathway to his greatness lined with libraries of knowledge , when every friend knows that all he owns are the steps that lead up to empty shelves .
The higher rites , any that you may select , are not the exalted end of the Masonic student s journey . They are pleasant picnic-grounds on the upward road , where worthy brothers , with the price of admission , may turn aside to be refreshed with good companionship and adorn their names with Roman numerals indicative of nothing but ability to pay for Degrees . Tlie Royal Arch chapter is the real seal summit of the true Mason ' s journey , a
height which is not to be attained by the sweat of a pocket-book , but which must be won by mental toil . The Royal Arch has the right of way . It follows in the van of the primal Degrees , and is the living impersonation and the recognised terminus of all that is l'gitimate in the Masonry that has been handed down by our fathers in the Craft .
This divergence for a few moments from the beaten track reminds me that of er features of the work deserve attention . The Committee- in charge of the re-drafiing of our Constitution will place the result of their labours before you , and it is to be hoped that their earnest effort made , will be favoured with your approval . On one point in the proposed Constitution , I desire to express an opinion .
The Committee has introduced a clause providing for an officer to be known as a Grand Lecturer . This was a suggestion of my own—the result of considerable thought as I journeyed from chapter to chapter . It does not entail any expenditure whatever on the part of Grand Chapter , but gives those chapters which desire the services of such an officer an opportunity at a very moderate cost of perfecting themselves in the ritual under a thorough competent instructor . It is an experiment worthy of trial .
Address Of Comp. J. Ross Robertson, M.E. Grand Z. Of The Grand Chapter Of Canada.
An important matter for Grand Chapter is its financial investments . We are not a wealthy Institution and yet we have some $ 20 , 000 of funds , . S 5000 of which is invested in building society stock , and the remainder , about . St 6 , ooo lies to our credit in the bank . One-fourth of this sum was invested a few years ago with a loan and building association , whose stock to-day is so low that a poor man , with but little ready cash , could be a millionaire in
the face value of this stock . Fortunately , we sold out and escaped what would have been a loss to-day of perhaps S 3 , two or over . It is not my duty to criticise the standing of commercial companies . M y business is with the funds of Grand Chapter . Safety is our first consideration . Our funds are trust funds , and there should be no speculative investment in funds of that character . We have no right to invest in the securities
of societies or companies that may , or may not , when assets are re-valued , be able to stand the strain . Nor should we , in our investments , be swayed by the influences and friendship of those of the Craft who are either directl y or indirectly interested in moneyed institutions . Prudent investors recognise the value of municipal and county bonds and debentures as the best form of security , and with this in view , an opportunity will be offered to Grand
Chapter in a few weeks to have city bonds , at a shade under 4 per cent , as an investment for surplus funds . It is better to have 3 J per cent , or 3 J per cent , sure , than 4 J- per cent , or 5 per cent , with the element of doubtful value . The shrinkage , which has struck every form of business and every line of trade , affects loan institutions . Property on the red-lined balance sheet of a loan society only increases in value by the addition of interest and
of taxes , and when re-values have to be made , if they ever are , the decrease in value is not encouraging . If we must invest in monetary institutions , let us choose those which receive money at first hand from the investor , and not institutions which have to seek the aid of chartered banks on the larger trust companies . I have held under my personal direction 13 chapters of instruction durine
the past year . At these all the Degrees have been exemplified . The at endance , except at the meeting at Chatham , was satisfactory . The work at London , Barrie , Belleville , Brockville , Almonte and Windsor , was excellent , while that at Toronto and Oakville was of the highest character . The Mark work of Dunnville Chapter , and the Royal Arch work of St . Paul ' s , Toronto , and of Oakville Chapter , were an example of earnest study and exact attention to every detail never excelled in the jurisdiction .
Coincidences that mark our lives are illustrated by the fact that as this paragraph is being written , the Australian mail brings with it the announcement from our Grand Superintendent , that union on terms honourable to our companions in the Australian District and to those of the Grand Chapter of Victoria , has been agreed upon , and that the fusion will be consummated on next Friday , the 20 th July . The terms of union will be found
in the report of our Grand Superintendent . They provide for a recognition of the past rank of our officers , for foundation warrants from the Grand Chapter of Victoria , for our chapters , free registration of our members at date of amalgamation , and that dispensations be granted by the Grand Chapter of Victoria for the installation of officers elected at the meeting in each chapter succeeding amalgamation .
Judging by the report of our Grand Superintendent and by personal letters received , the basis of union is one that is satisfactory . May it prove to be so . May the memory of whatever unrest existed in the past be forgotten for ever . May the union now accomplished lead to the building up of another stronghold of the Royal Arch , guarded by companions with hands and hearts united , in a land pre-eminent for enterprise , and dear to us as Canadians because of its place in thc circle of ou 1 world-wide British
rnation . The question of changing the date of the meeting of Grand Chapter has been discussed by many companions during the past year . The Committee on the Constitution considered the matter , and although favourable to the idea , determined to leave the decision to Grand Chapter without a recommendation .
Years ago the proposal was made to have a Masonic week , once each year , when all organisations , Craft and Capitular , as well as those affiliated by custom , would meet and transact the business and other duties pertaining to each . The proposal was carried into effect , and for 15 years past , a week in July has been occupied with Masonic work . The feeling that more interest would be created in each department of
the work , that a larger attendance would be secured , and that a more general prosperity would wait upon us induced the promoters of the movement to carry it into effect . While there may be an increase in the average of attendance by other institutions meeting in the same week , the average number of chapters
represented is about the same as it was 10 years ago , and a review of the proceedings does not show the advantages anticipated . Indeed , an opinion prevails that our meeting in the same week as the Craft Grand Lodge lessens our importance and obscures our identity , and decreases the interest , by reason of the relatively greater questions which occupy the mind of the Craft Grand Lodge .
1 his is a subject of paramount importance to Grand Chapter , and a proposal that we should foregather in midwinter , when the demands of business are not so pressing upon those who toil either in city or country , is worthy of the fullest consideration . This Grand Chapter is a sovereign organisation , with an honourable record of 38 years . It has raised the standard of Capitular work , and
commands the regard and respect of kindred bodies . If the view that we are lost in the Masonic maze by meeting in the same week as other bodies be true , then by all means let us try , if only as an experiment , the effect of assembling another time , when our energies will not be divided , when our time will be at our command and not subordinate , as it is to-day , to the business of another body , which naturally takes precedence .
The exchange of representatives with foreign Grand Chapters , and the appointment of companions to positions of that character , remind me tha ' the representative system is to be discussed in the Craft Grand Lodge . The representative system has been established for many years . It orig inated with the Grand Lodgeof an American jurisdiction , and in its initial form subordinate lod ges of various jurisdictions exchanged representatives & evidences of fraternity , as tokens of friendship . When adopted by Grand tiw
Lodge it assumed a more enlarged form , and has gained such favour with , perhaps , one exception , every Grand Lodge and Grand Chapt _ adhere to the system . It may not have all the advantages intended by ' ' founders , but it has the merit , at least , of making friendly relations whid exist between Craft jurisdictions , and the very act of appointment is evidence of a desire to strengthen and cement the bond that mutually joins all orga " " sations known to the Masonic . Some allege that these representative 5 ar
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address Of Comp. J. Ross Robertson, M.E. Grand Z. Of The Grand Chapter Of Canada.
The warrants so removed , havine chapter names applicable to the locality , ceas- to possess any geographical significance , while the fact that those whose n * mes appear on the warrant as charter members are dead and gone , looks as if the scheme of revival were an enterprise for obtaining antiquity at a 1 < w price , with inducements to live men to climb a genealogical tree which might be admired for its age only .
C' apters cannot prosper in small centres . One lodge rarely developes searchers after the higher mysteries of the Royal Arch in sufficient numbers to give strenv th to a Chapter . Different lodges have different characteristics , but these are harmonised in the hig her and unified life of the chapter . One great element of strength in our system is its power to build stones hewn from many quarries into the perfected beauty of the Royal Arch .
The introduction of the work in the form adopted by Grand Chapter commends itself as a ready means of attaining an exemplification which existed only in a very crude form prior to the adoption of the present work . While it is true that in a few of the chapters the moss-covered ritual of long ago is worked off on unsuspecting candidates , the percentage of these workers is so small that it is better to await the dispensations of a kindly Providence than endeavour to discipline those who offend . In the former
case the action would be permanent ; in the latter it would be but temporary . One is reminded of these efforts when listening to obligations so constructed that they contain the condensed essentials of all the Degrees , from the Entered Apprentice to those which were in vogue in the days of the Egyptian mysteries , when novices were tested with the terrors of the elements . There can be no efficiency without effort , and with effort would come a knowledge of the ritual which would save the work from being disfigured by absurdities in rendering .
The wisdom of the action taken by Grand Chapter in reducing the fee for Degrees to § 10 may have been questioned , and justly so , when first discussed . It was a venture which had within it possibilities not of advantage to the Royal Arch . It was said to be a cheapening of Masonic privilege that would lessen the dignity of Degrees which had acknowledged antiquity .
These views , however , are not justified by actual experience . The move was an excellent one from many points of view . It has enlivened the work in our chapters . It has turned the streams of Craft thought to refresh the fields of ihe Royal Arch . It has given us life in places where , Masonically
speaking , death was lurking . It has revived the work so much that even veterans , who unbuckled their armour years ago , thinking that as they walked out chaos would walk in , have left their firesides and refreshed their memories with bits of the ritual , which , if shortened by a couple of words , would leave them nothing to say .
While these outward and visible signs of revival cheer our hearts , we have , nevertheless , to contend with difficulties which have not to be surmounted by other institutions . The ground floor of our fraternal structure holds the initial part of the work , which gives , by the three sections of the Craft Degrees , the right to go up higher and seek in the fourth section the brighter and clearer light of
Masonry in the Degrees of the Royal Arch . The Capitular Degrees are of admitted antiquity . They contain the essentials of knowledge that give perfection to the Craft Degrees , and which were not manufactured to suit the whims of those whose delight it was to face a camera and look pleasant as the artist perpetuates the grandeur of their regalia for the edification of generations yet unborn . These thoughts meet us when we find that there are those who claim
that the higher light shines elsewhere , that the Royal Arch is but a minor constellation , and that if the Craft Mason desires to see the sun of knowledge in all its radiance , and eventually find himself placed amongst the immortals , he must have a guide who knew not Moses , one of a tribe that is not descended from the princes and rulers of the Craft , but who can lead the wayfarer by pleasant roadways , where obligations vegetate and good company is the leading characteristic .
For other Degrees in the field of Masonic labour one has , and truly , every regard and veneration . Men have the right to join any branch of Masonic work , but no man or men have the right to better the condition of the rites , to which they are partial , at the expense of an institution which saw the sunlight almost half a century before the rites alluded to were known to have either a father or mother .
The Royal Arch Degree is one of merit . Its worth is shown in the fact that in the motherland it was for years an integral part of the Craft work . It stands and will stand as the perfection of Masonry . Other Degrees may have in them the essentials and be good enough Masonry for those who want them . Our Degrees , however , are not counted as the
millionaire counts his cash . We are not turning into the highways and byways companions as moving advertisements of our work . Nor do we call to our aid the notation table and teach innocent Craftsmen to believe that a concentration of numerals proves that the possessor has the pathway to his greatness lined with libraries of knowledge , when every friend knows that all he owns are the steps that lead up to empty shelves .
The higher rites , any that you may select , are not the exalted end of the Masonic student s journey . They are pleasant picnic-grounds on the upward road , where worthy brothers , with the price of admission , may turn aside to be refreshed with good companionship and adorn their names with Roman numerals indicative of nothing but ability to pay for Degrees . Tlie Royal Arch chapter is the real seal summit of the true Mason ' s journey , a
height which is not to be attained by the sweat of a pocket-book , but which must be won by mental toil . The Royal Arch has the right of way . It follows in the van of the primal Degrees , and is the living impersonation and the recognised terminus of all that is l'gitimate in the Masonry that has been handed down by our fathers in the Craft .
This divergence for a few moments from the beaten track reminds me that of er features of the work deserve attention . The Committee- in charge of the re-drafiing of our Constitution will place the result of their labours before you , and it is to be hoped that their earnest effort made , will be favoured with your approval . On one point in the proposed Constitution , I desire to express an opinion .
The Committee has introduced a clause providing for an officer to be known as a Grand Lecturer . This was a suggestion of my own—the result of considerable thought as I journeyed from chapter to chapter . It does not entail any expenditure whatever on the part of Grand Chapter , but gives those chapters which desire the services of such an officer an opportunity at a very moderate cost of perfecting themselves in the ritual under a thorough competent instructor . It is an experiment worthy of trial .
Address Of Comp. J. Ross Robertson, M.E. Grand Z. Of The Grand Chapter Of Canada.
An important matter for Grand Chapter is its financial investments . We are not a wealthy Institution and yet we have some $ 20 , 000 of funds , . S 5000 of which is invested in building society stock , and the remainder , about . St 6 , ooo lies to our credit in the bank . One-fourth of this sum was invested a few years ago with a loan and building association , whose stock to-day is so low that a poor man , with but little ready cash , could be a millionaire in
the face value of this stock . Fortunately , we sold out and escaped what would have been a loss to-day of perhaps S 3 , two or over . It is not my duty to criticise the standing of commercial companies . M y business is with the funds of Grand Chapter . Safety is our first consideration . Our funds are trust funds , and there should be no speculative investment in funds of that character . We have no right to invest in the securities
of societies or companies that may , or may not , when assets are re-valued , be able to stand the strain . Nor should we , in our investments , be swayed by the influences and friendship of those of the Craft who are either directl y or indirectly interested in moneyed institutions . Prudent investors recognise the value of municipal and county bonds and debentures as the best form of security , and with this in view , an opportunity will be offered to Grand
Chapter in a few weeks to have city bonds , at a shade under 4 per cent , as an investment for surplus funds . It is better to have 3 J per cent , or 3 J per cent , sure , than 4 J- per cent , or 5 per cent , with the element of doubtful value . The shrinkage , which has struck every form of business and every line of trade , affects loan institutions . Property on the red-lined balance sheet of a loan society only increases in value by the addition of interest and
of taxes , and when re-values have to be made , if they ever are , the decrease in value is not encouraging . If we must invest in monetary institutions , let us choose those which receive money at first hand from the investor , and not institutions which have to seek the aid of chartered banks on the larger trust companies . I have held under my personal direction 13 chapters of instruction durine
the past year . At these all the Degrees have been exemplified . The at endance , except at the meeting at Chatham , was satisfactory . The work at London , Barrie , Belleville , Brockville , Almonte and Windsor , was excellent , while that at Toronto and Oakville was of the highest character . The Mark work of Dunnville Chapter , and the Royal Arch work of St . Paul ' s , Toronto , and of Oakville Chapter , were an example of earnest study and exact attention to every detail never excelled in the jurisdiction .
Coincidences that mark our lives are illustrated by the fact that as this paragraph is being written , the Australian mail brings with it the announcement from our Grand Superintendent , that union on terms honourable to our companions in the Australian District and to those of the Grand Chapter of Victoria , has been agreed upon , and that the fusion will be consummated on next Friday , the 20 th July . The terms of union will be found
in the report of our Grand Superintendent . They provide for a recognition of the past rank of our officers , for foundation warrants from the Grand Chapter of Victoria , for our chapters , free registration of our members at date of amalgamation , and that dispensations be granted by the Grand Chapter of Victoria for the installation of officers elected at the meeting in each chapter succeeding amalgamation .
Judging by the report of our Grand Superintendent and by personal letters received , the basis of union is one that is satisfactory . May it prove to be so . May the memory of whatever unrest existed in the past be forgotten for ever . May the union now accomplished lead to the building up of another stronghold of the Royal Arch , guarded by companions with hands and hearts united , in a land pre-eminent for enterprise , and dear to us as Canadians because of its place in thc circle of ou 1 world-wide British
rnation . The question of changing the date of the meeting of Grand Chapter has been discussed by many companions during the past year . The Committee on the Constitution considered the matter , and although favourable to the idea , determined to leave the decision to Grand Chapter without a recommendation .
Years ago the proposal was made to have a Masonic week , once each year , when all organisations , Craft and Capitular , as well as those affiliated by custom , would meet and transact the business and other duties pertaining to each . The proposal was carried into effect , and for 15 years past , a week in July has been occupied with Masonic work . The feeling that more interest would be created in each department of
the work , that a larger attendance would be secured , and that a more general prosperity would wait upon us induced the promoters of the movement to carry it into effect . While there may be an increase in the average of attendance by other institutions meeting in the same week , the average number of chapters
represented is about the same as it was 10 years ago , and a review of the proceedings does not show the advantages anticipated . Indeed , an opinion prevails that our meeting in the same week as the Craft Grand Lodge lessens our importance and obscures our identity , and decreases the interest , by reason of the relatively greater questions which occupy the mind of the Craft Grand Lodge .
1 his is a subject of paramount importance to Grand Chapter , and a proposal that we should foregather in midwinter , when the demands of business are not so pressing upon those who toil either in city or country , is worthy of the fullest consideration . This Grand Chapter is a sovereign organisation , with an honourable record of 38 years . It has raised the standard of Capitular work , and
commands the regard and respect of kindred bodies . If the view that we are lost in the Masonic maze by meeting in the same week as other bodies be true , then by all means let us try , if only as an experiment , the effect of assembling another time , when our energies will not be divided , when our time will be at our command and not subordinate , as it is to-day , to the business of another body , which naturally takes precedence .
The exchange of representatives with foreign Grand Chapters , and the appointment of companions to positions of that character , remind me tha ' the representative system is to be discussed in the Craft Grand Lodge . The representative system has been established for many years . It orig inated with the Grand Lodgeof an American jurisdiction , and in its initial form subordinate lod ges of various jurisdictions exchanged representatives & evidences of fraternity , as tokens of friendship . When adopted by Grand tiw
Lodge it assumed a more enlarged form , and has gained such favour with , perhaps , one exception , every Grand Lodge and Grand Chapt _ adhere to the system . It may not have all the advantages intended by ' ' founders , but it has the merit , at least , of making friendly relations whid exist between Craft jurisdictions , and the very act of appointment is evidence of a desire to strengthen and cement the bond that mutually joins all orga " " sations known to the Masonic . Some allege that these representative 5 ar