Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS 457 Constitutional Changes 458 Royal Masoi . ic Benevolent Institution 458 Consecration and Dedication of a New-Masonic Hall at Guernsey 4 S 9 Canada 459
Australia 459 C ORRESPONDENCEStatus of Past Masters 460 Rebuilding the Temple 461 Old Lodges as Benefit Societies 461 The Organist of St . Sepulchre's 4 61 Notes and Queries 4 ( 11
The Relief Lodge Sesqui-Centenial , Bury 461 REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry 462 Instruction 403 Royal Arch 46 3 Mark Masonry 463
Lodge Picnics 4 6 4 The Theatres 464 Obituary 464 Masonic and General Tidings 465 Picnic of the Combcrmerc Lodge , Birkenhead 466 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 466
Ar00101
A CONTEMPORARY of Thursday last contained the following paragraph : " Bro . H . MATTHEWS had a motion on the paper , that the confirmation of the Special Grand Lodge minutes should be postponed till the meeting in December , and when the motion was made for the confirmation of these minutes he moved his resolution , and pointed out that the alterations in the
Book of Constitutions having only been sent out 10 days ago , brethren in the colonies would not have received them , and brethren in the provinces had not had time to consider them . Of course , he was met with cries both of assent and dissent , and several brethren spoke on the question , some declaring that the consideration should take place at once , and others that further
time should be allowed . Seldom , —in fact , never—has such excitement been witnessed in Grand Lodge , not even on that day nine 3 'ears ago when the announcement was made that the Marquis of RIPON had resigned the post of Grand 'Master of the Order . " We regret to have to add that our own report of Saturday last makes it evidently manifest that Bro . MATTHEWS ,
a very respected member of our Order , hardly received befitting attention to his very sensible motion , —an attention which the importance of the question involved might certainly and fairly claim . We note allusions in these reports to a great many undeserved interruptions , though we would fain hope the reports may be slightly exaggerated in this respect . There
evidently was a little heat in the temperament of some which ought not to have been exhibited , as the interests involved are too serious to be lightly dealt with , or hastily disposed of . We think it will be clear to all who are desirous of upholding the dignity and decorum of Grand Lodge , that all matters of business should be carefully discussed and temperately handled ,
and that anything like precip itation or impatience should be studiously avoided and repressed . Constitutional changes often require the greatest tenderness of treatment and judiciousness of handling , as their need is not always apparent to all alike , and any attempt to force down grave alterations on a thinly attended or weary Grand Lodge can only recoil on
those who are so rash and unthinking as not to realize that imparfect legislation or the sense of Masonic injustice would assuredly lead to an enforced reconsideration of the entire question . Bro . MATTHEWS ' proposition was both a constitutional and reasonable one in itself , in that especially it only sought to suggest legal delay and needful caution in
consummating very great changes in the Book of Constitutions ; and we are alike surprised and pained , we confess , to read the remarks and report alluded to above . We feel sure we are expressing the sentiments of all readers of the Freemason , as well as all members of the Craft , when we emit the anxious and serious hope that in December , when the confirmation of the revision takes place , all speakers
will be fully and quietly heard , though some no doubt do try the patience of their hearers dreadfully , and that all will remember the very important fact and truth , that in a great Order like ours and in a distinguished body like Grand Lodge any semblance of hasty counsels or passionate feelings should
be carefully eschewed and excluded , so that all our discussions may be conducted in that grave good spirit of Masonic temper and courtesy which would suppress any injudicious ebullitions , and subdue any tendency to undesirable confusion or needless excitement .
* "« WE have written strongly , because we have felt strongly , on the " Status of Past Masters ; " but we never wished to seem to speak too dogmatically on a matter on which there are confessedly and legitimately " two sides to the question . " We have heard the matter discussed , and we are not insensible
to this one point which seems to be suggested to us , that the need of the proposed change may be felt more strongly in the provinces than in the metropolis . In London we certainly do not experience the need of any such change , but in the provinces the view of the matter may be different . In our
provincial experience , —a pretty long oneby the way , —thedifficulty complained of was certainl y little known or hardly felt ; butwearetoldmattershavegreatlyaltered since then . The question itself has been treated in our pages as a purely constitutional one of great importance to the Craft , and which , if too hastily decided by a small majority in a not normally full assembly , and without an
Ar00102
ample discussion , might be productive of lasting injury lo our Order , in that such a conclusion would be the result of legislation alike immature and empirical . Pending the eventual decision of Grand Lodge , our columns will be open , as in the past , to all who desire temperately to discuss this very important subject , and who seek to render our revised Constitutions
satisfactory to all members of Grand Lodge , and acceptable to the whole body of the English Craft . One remark we think it right to make . So far , we note that we have heard a great deal of the question mainly from the smaller provinces . We should like to ask and know what the opinion of the larper provinces is on the subject , and as to the needanddesirability of such a change .
If the provinces generally agree as to the desirability of it , the question assumes necessarily relatively a greater importance , and can fairly claim on its own merits the most dispassionate hearing and a further and more exhaustive discussion . We yield to none in the proper deference to the views of a majority thoughtfully and Masonically expressed , and we
can only add that any idea of personality or dictation on our part , in the opinions we have deemed it our duty honestly to express , is , as far as we are concerned , utterly chimerical and baseless ; neither do we believe that our readers will in the least give credit to any such absurd suggestions . If
the Freemason is to be of any use at all , as a conscientious leader of Masonic public opinion , it must speak distinctly and decidedly , clearly and openly . We do not all agree in this view or that ; we do not accept this or that conclusion ; but we must agree fraternally to differ , mutually giving each other credit for justifiable propositions and loyal arguments .
»* # WE beg to call special attention to a letter elsewhere , signed " Country Secretary , " as proving that the opinions we have professed and put forward are shared in by many . We repeat with all deference to others , that any brother terming himself Past Master of a lodge who has not sat in the chair thereof , is to our minds a most serious and hurtful innovation .
Of " # WE have received more than one letter as to the alleged excitement , & c , in last Grand Lodge . We- will only remark that we hope all will bear in mind when there assembled , how much moderation of language and dignity of demeanour become us as Freemasons all most truly ; how anything like
abnormal vehemence of temper , tone , manner , gesture , should be carefully avoided ; and how we should all remember that we are brother Masons , met for the highest performance of our Masonic duties , and that we should seek to be not only a bright example to our whole Order , but equally to the Masonic world .
# * THE report of the Special Building Committee has been received and entered on the minutes ; the Committee has been thanked b y Grand Lodge , and the report itself , if we understand rightly what took place , is to be considered in December . We confess to a great feeling of disappointment in
the matter . We do not see that we are any further advanced in the important work of " reconstruction , " and we are afraid that unless some more energetic steps are taken , the Craft will be without its Hall for a very long time to come . The Special Building Committee , in the absence of definite instruction , apparently assumes , weapprehend , that it was " estopped" obtaining
alternative designs . But is this really a covert interpretation of this " reference " of Grand Lodge ? or a full realization of their duties as a Special Building Committee ? We think not , and we also are of opinion that when we meet in December , complaints will be fairly made how little has been done , how much valuable time has been thrown away , and how far off we
still are apparently from the " consummation so devoutly to be wished for by us all . " Can nothing be done to advance matters in the interim ? Must we allow another three months to pass away and do just nothing ? There are many architects in our Order , some of European reputation ; there are many " experts" whose advice might fairly be taken ; why not approach
the one and the other ? We cannot think the design exhibited is the ultimate one , or likely to be accepted by Grand Lodge , and we cannot but deeply regret , what must absolutely seem to all alike , a good and reasonable opportunity lost to push on the needful work , and satisfy the not unreasonable wishes of Grand Lodge . ...
WE do not affect to understand wh y Bro . HAVERS was called to order at last Grand Lodge . He was according to our view within his just rights fully . It was a motion to " receive and enter on the minutes a report , " and
though as a common course , no doubt , such motions are more or less formal , yet in the present case as it seems to us , Bro . HAVERS was improperly stopped in his speech . If there is a brother who from his knowledge of the building of the earlier Hall it was important to hear
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS 457 Constitutional Changes 458 Royal Masoi . ic Benevolent Institution 458 Consecration and Dedication of a New-Masonic Hall at Guernsey 4 S 9 Canada 459
Australia 459 C ORRESPONDENCEStatus of Past Masters 460 Rebuilding the Temple 461 Old Lodges as Benefit Societies 461 The Organist of St . Sepulchre's 4 61 Notes and Queries 4 ( 11
The Relief Lodge Sesqui-Centenial , Bury 461 REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGSCraft Masonry 462 Instruction 403 Royal Arch 46 3 Mark Masonry 463
Lodge Picnics 4 6 4 The Theatres 464 Obituary 464 Masonic and General Tidings 465 Picnic of the Combcrmerc Lodge , Birkenhead 466 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 466
Ar00101
A CONTEMPORARY of Thursday last contained the following paragraph : " Bro . H . MATTHEWS had a motion on the paper , that the confirmation of the Special Grand Lodge minutes should be postponed till the meeting in December , and when the motion was made for the confirmation of these minutes he moved his resolution , and pointed out that the alterations in the
Book of Constitutions having only been sent out 10 days ago , brethren in the colonies would not have received them , and brethren in the provinces had not had time to consider them . Of course , he was met with cries both of assent and dissent , and several brethren spoke on the question , some declaring that the consideration should take place at once , and others that further
time should be allowed . Seldom , —in fact , never—has such excitement been witnessed in Grand Lodge , not even on that day nine 3 'ears ago when the announcement was made that the Marquis of RIPON had resigned the post of Grand 'Master of the Order . " We regret to have to add that our own report of Saturday last makes it evidently manifest that Bro . MATTHEWS ,
a very respected member of our Order , hardly received befitting attention to his very sensible motion , —an attention which the importance of the question involved might certainly and fairly claim . We note allusions in these reports to a great many undeserved interruptions , though we would fain hope the reports may be slightly exaggerated in this respect . There
evidently was a little heat in the temperament of some which ought not to have been exhibited , as the interests involved are too serious to be lightly dealt with , or hastily disposed of . We think it will be clear to all who are desirous of upholding the dignity and decorum of Grand Lodge , that all matters of business should be carefully discussed and temperately handled ,
and that anything like precip itation or impatience should be studiously avoided and repressed . Constitutional changes often require the greatest tenderness of treatment and judiciousness of handling , as their need is not always apparent to all alike , and any attempt to force down grave alterations on a thinly attended or weary Grand Lodge can only recoil on
those who are so rash and unthinking as not to realize that imparfect legislation or the sense of Masonic injustice would assuredly lead to an enforced reconsideration of the entire question . Bro . MATTHEWS ' proposition was both a constitutional and reasonable one in itself , in that especially it only sought to suggest legal delay and needful caution in
consummating very great changes in the Book of Constitutions ; and we are alike surprised and pained , we confess , to read the remarks and report alluded to above . We feel sure we are expressing the sentiments of all readers of the Freemason , as well as all members of the Craft , when we emit the anxious and serious hope that in December , when the confirmation of the revision takes place , all speakers
will be fully and quietly heard , though some no doubt do try the patience of their hearers dreadfully , and that all will remember the very important fact and truth , that in a great Order like ours and in a distinguished body like Grand Lodge any semblance of hasty counsels or passionate feelings should
be carefully eschewed and excluded , so that all our discussions may be conducted in that grave good spirit of Masonic temper and courtesy which would suppress any injudicious ebullitions , and subdue any tendency to undesirable confusion or needless excitement .
* "« WE have written strongly , because we have felt strongly , on the " Status of Past Masters ; " but we never wished to seem to speak too dogmatically on a matter on which there are confessedly and legitimately " two sides to the question . " We have heard the matter discussed , and we are not insensible
to this one point which seems to be suggested to us , that the need of the proposed change may be felt more strongly in the provinces than in the metropolis . In London we certainly do not experience the need of any such change , but in the provinces the view of the matter may be different . In our
provincial experience , —a pretty long oneby the way , —thedifficulty complained of was certainl y little known or hardly felt ; butwearetoldmattershavegreatlyaltered since then . The question itself has been treated in our pages as a purely constitutional one of great importance to the Craft , and which , if too hastily decided by a small majority in a not normally full assembly , and without an
Ar00102
ample discussion , might be productive of lasting injury lo our Order , in that such a conclusion would be the result of legislation alike immature and empirical . Pending the eventual decision of Grand Lodge , our columns will be open , as in the past , to all who desire temperately to discuss this very important subject , and who seek to render our revised Constitutions
satisfactory to all members of Grand Lodge , and acceptable to the whole body of the English Craft . One remark we think it right to make . So far , we note that we have heard a great deal of the question mainly from the smaller provinces . We should like to ask and know what the opinion of the larper provinces is on the subject , and as to the needanddesirability of such a change .
If the provinces generally agree as to the desirability of it , the question assumes necessarily relatively a greater importance , and can fairly claim on its own merits the most dispassionate hearing and a further and more exhaustive discussion . We yield to none in the proper deference to the views of a majority thoughtfully and Masonically expressed , and we
can only add that any idea of personality or dictation on our part , in the opinions we have deemed it our duty honestly to express , is , as far as we are concerned , utterly chimerical and baseless ; neither do we believe that our readers will in the least give credit to any such absurd suggestions . If
the Freemason is to be of any use at all , as a conscientious leader of Masonic public opinion , it must speak distinctly and decidedly , clearly and openly . We do not all agree in this view or that ; we do not accept this or that conclusion ; but we must agree fraternally to differ , mutually giving each other credit for justifiable propositions and loyal arguments .
»* # WE beg to call special attention to a letter elsewhere , signed " Country Secretary , " as proving that the opinions we have professed and put forward are shared in by many . We repeat with all deference to others , that any brother terming himself Past Master of a lodge who has not sat in the chair thereof , is to our minds a most serious and hurtful innovation .
Of " # WE have received more than one letter as to the alleged excitement , & c , in last Grand Lodge . We- will only remark that we hope all will bear in mind when there assembled , how much moderation of language and dignity of demeanour become us as Freemasons all most truly ; how anything like
abnormal vehemence of temper , tone , manner , gesture , should be carefully avoided ; and how we should all remember that we are brother Masons , met for the highest performance of our Masonic duties , and that we should seek to be not only a bright example to our whole Order , but equally to the Masonic world .
# * THE report of the Special Building Committee has been received and entered on the minutes ; the Committee has been thanked b y Grand Lodge , and the report itself , if we understand rightly what took place , is to be considered in December . We confess to a great feeling of disappointment in
the matter . We do not see that we are any further advanced in the important work of " reconstruction , " and we are afraid that unless some more energetic steps are taken , the Craft will be without its Hall for a very long time to come . The Special Building Committee , in the absence of definite instruction , apparently assumes , weapprehend , that it was " estopped" obtaining
alternative designs . But is this really a covert interpretation of this " reference " of Grand Lodge ? or a full realization of their duties as a Special Building Committee ? We think not , and we also are of opinion that when we meet in December , complaints will be fairly made how little has been done , how much valuable time has been thrown away , and how far off we
still are apparently from the " consummation so devoutly to be wished for by us all . " Can nothing be done to advance matters in the interim ? Must we allow another three months to pass away and do just nothing ? There are many architects in our Order , some of European reputation ; there are many " experts" whose advice might fairly be taken ; why not approach
the one and the other ? We cannot think the design exhibited is the ultimate one , or likely to be accepted by Grand Lodge , and we cannot but deeply regret , what must absolutely seem to all alike , a good and reasonable opportunity lost to push on the needful work , and satisfy the not unreasonable wishes of Grand Lodge . ...
WE do not affect to understand wh y Bro . HAVERS was called to order at last Grand Lodge . He was according to our view within his just rights fully . It was a motion to " receive and enter on the minutes a report , " and
though as a common course , no doubt , such motions are more or less formal , yet in the present case as it seems to us , Bro . HAVERS was improperly stopped in his speech . If there is a brother who from his knowledge of the building of the earlier Hall it was important to hear