Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Chapter Of Quebec And The Grand Mark Lodge Of England.
THE GRAND CHAPTER OF QUEBEC AND THE GRAND MARK LODGE OF ENGLAND .
The former body has published an excommunication of the latter , and which wc publish below for information , taken from the Montreal Dailv Witness of November 13 th ,
1 SS 3 : To all companions in obedience to the Grand Chapter of Ouebec and to all regular Grand Chapters and Grand Lodges of Mark AIaster Alasons throughout the World—Whereas , the Grand Lodge of Mark Alaster Alasons ot England and VVales , & c , & c , has granted warrants to form two lodges of Mark Master Masons at Montreal within the
territory and jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , named respectively Victoria , No . 301 , and Henniker , No . 314 , under which warrant said lodges have been erected and constituted , and also formed and constituted from and by the members of said Alark lodges , a Provincial Grand Lodge , styled Provincial Grand Lodge for Quebec Province , under R . W . Uro . William Badgley , as Provincial Grand Alaster . And , whereas , the granting of such
warrants has thus been done since the formation of said Grand Chapter of Quebec , and its unconditional recognition by said Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and VVales , Sic ' ., Sic , and the interchange of fraternal relations from time to time between said two Grand Bodies . And , whereas , said Grand Chapter of Quebec has , since its formation , sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the territory of the Province of Quebec , so far as
relates to capitular Masonry , or the degrees of Mark Alaster and intermediate degrees to , and inclusive of the Royal Arch degree , by reason whereof sur-h action on the part of thc Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales , & c , Sic , was , and is anjustiliable and unlawful invasion of the territory and jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Ouebec , in violation of well established principles of Masonic jurisdiction , and an attack upon
sovereignty of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , And whereas , on the 13 th day of August last past , I did . on behalf and in the name of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , solemnly protest against the establishment of said named Alark Lodges , by letter addressed to the Right Honourable Lord Henniker , Most Worshipful Grand Alaster of said Grand Lodge of Alark Master Alasons of England and VVales , & c , & c , and demanded the withdrawal of the
warrants ol said two Alark Alaster Lodges , notifying him that failure to comply with such demand on or before the twenty-fourth day of September then next , and now last past would necessitate the severance of fraternal relations between the said two Grand Bodies . And , whereas , the said Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and VVales , & c , has i <; noved the said notification , protest and demand , and has
failed to withdraw the said warrants of said lodges , and discontinue its illegal usurpation of rights and invasion of territorv of the Grand Chapter of Ouebec . Therefore , be it known unto you all , that in vindication of the sovereignty and in defence of the rights and prerogatives of the Order , and in justice to those Grand Chapters , whose recognition has been extended to it , I declare , in virtue of the authority vested in me as Grand Z . of the Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Alasons of Quebec , that the action of the said Grand Lodge of Mark " Master Alasons of England and VVales , & c , in granting said warrants , and erecting and constituting said lodges , was and is illegal and unfraternal , and said lodges irregular and illegal lodges , according to Alasonic law and tradition , and the members of said lodges made or to be made therein , irregular Mark Alaster Alasons . In consequence whereof , I declare and proclaim all
Alasonic intercourse to be suspended , and to cease bztwecn the said Grand Chapter , its subordinate chapters , and all members thereof , and in obedience thereto on the one hand , and the Grand Lodge of Alark Master Alasons of England and VVales , Sic , and all lodges and members in obedience thereto on the other ; and all companions and members of the Grand Chapter of Ouebec and of its Subordinate Chapters are
hereby commanded to hold no intercourse with any brother in obedience to the said Grand Lodge of Alark Alaster Masons of England and Wales , Sic . This edict to be and remain in full force and effect until revoked by the Grand / .., or the Grand Chapter of Ouebec . It is further ordered that due proclamation of this edict be made to all companions and members in obedience to this Grand Chapter ,
of which they , and each and all of them , are to take due notice and govern themselves accordingly , and that the same be communicated to all regular Grand Chapters and Grand Lodges of Alark Masons throughout the world . Witness my hand and the seal of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Alasons of Quebec , at Waterloo in the Province of Quebec , Dominion of Canada , this 13 th day of October , A . D . 1 SS 3 . The circular is duly signed and sealed by the Grand Z ., and Grand Scribe E .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . JAAIES HAYTER . We regret lo record the death of Bro . Hayter , Derwent Lodge , No . 40 , Hastings , at the age of 65 . Bro . Hayter had for some time past been in declining health , and his death occurred at his residence , on Monday , the 3 rd inst . He had been associated with tbe Alasonic body for some twenty-five years , having been initiated in the Derwent Lodge , No . 40 , April , 1 S 5 S . He was only just recently
elected as an annuitant of the Royal Alasonic Benevolent Institution . The funeral took place at the cemetery , Ore , near Hastings , on Saturday , the Sth inst ., when Bros . Charles VV . Duke , P . P . G . D ., P . M . 40 , 11 S 4 ; John Pearce , W . M . 40 ; John Howell , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks ., P . M . 40 ; C . D . Jones , P . M . 11 S 4 ; and others were present to pay their last tribute of fraternal respect . The service was very impressively rendered by Bro . Alfred Hodges .
" Ri . ' 1-ruiiEs . "—WHITE ' MOC-MAIN LEVER TRUSS is the mnst effective invention for Ihe treatment of Hernia . The use of a sleel spring , so hurtful in ils effects , is avoided , n soft bandage being worn round the bodv , wbile the requisite resisting power is supplied by the Moc-Main ' Pad and Patent Lever , fitting with so much ease and closeness lhat it cannot be detected . . Send for descriptive circular , with testimonials and prices , to . [ . White and Co . ( Limited ) 2 *>« , Piccadilly , London . Do not buy of Chemists , who often sell an IMITATION of our Moc-Main , J . White and Co . have not any agents , —[ ADVT . ]
Funeral Of The Late Bro. Hanham, P. Prov. G.S.W. Dorset, &C.
FUNERAL OF THE LATE BRO . HANHAM , P . PROV . G . S . W . DORSET , & c .
The late Thomas ^ B . Hanham , Commander R . N . ; J . P . for the county ; Chairman of the Bench of Alagistrates for the Petty Sessional Division of Stucm ' mster Newton ; Chairman of the Board of Guardians for the same district ; P . Prov . G . S . Warden Dorset ; P . AL of 472 , Shaftesbury ( two years in the chair ); P . M . of 126 O , Blandford ( three
years VV . AI . ); member of 622 , Wimborn ; also member of the R . A . Chap . 622 ; of the St . Leonard ' s Chapter Rose Croix , Blandford ; and of the Weymouth Chapter Rose Croix , in both which he passed the chair ; also a member of the 32 , was entombed with all the interesting and impressive ceremonies of a Masonic funeral , at Alanston House , the residence of the deceased , situated most pleasantly on thc banks of the river Stour , in the beautiful
Vale of Blackmore . Bro . Hanham had frequently expressed his wish to have a Alasonic service at his funeral ; and only a few weeks before his fatal illness , repeated his wish to the writer of this narrative , saying , " I ' ve lived a Alason ; I shall die a Alason ; and 1 hope to be hurried as a Mason ; and 1 enjoin you , as a brother Mason , to use every effort to carry out my wishes . " The constitutional formalities having been observed , and
the dispensation of the Prov . Grand Alaster obtained , invitations to attend and take part in tbe ceremony were issued to all the members of the three lodges with which he was immediately connected , to the VV . Masters , Wardens , or other officers of the other lodges in the province ; and by the Prov . Grand Secretary to all the Prov . Grand Lodge Officers . On Tuesday , 5 th December , 1 SS 3 , about 100 brethren assembled , each province with " the form of
service " and the " order of the ceremony" arranged for the occasion by VV . Bro . E . T . Budden , P . AL 622 , P . AI . 3 S 6 , and P . P . G . S . W . Dorset . The service and order of the ceremony was submitted to and approved by the P . G . Alaster , whilst in proof , and was carried out by the brethren with the utmost reverence in every detail . The coffin was placed in the centre of the hall and the brethren took their places around in due order ; the relatives ,
domestics , and other non-Masonic friends and neighbours occupying a suitable position . The coffin was covered with a Union Jack , and on it were placed two swords crossed , the regalia and jewels of the deceased , and a beautiful wreath , laid thereon by VV . Bro . G . Burt ( ex-Sheriff of London ) . Precisely at 1 . 30 p . m ., the P . G . AI . and his officers took their places , the former at the head of the coffin . In a
clear solemn tone the P . G . M . then commenced the following service : — Master : What man is he that liveth , and shall not see death ? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave ' : —Response : Alan walketh in a vain shadow , he heapeth up riches , and cannot tell who shall gather them . M .: When be dieth he shall carry nothing away ; his ) glory shall not descend after him . —R ..- Naked he came into
the ivorld , and naked he must return ; the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord . M .: Let me die the death of the righteous , and let my last end belike his . —R ..- God is our God for ever ; He will be our guide even unto death . M .: Almighty Father \ into Thy hands we commend the soul of our beloved brother . —R .: The will of God is accomplished . So mote it be !
The Rev . VV . AL Heath , P . P . G . Chap ., then offered up the prayer : Alost glorious God ! author of all good , and giver of all mercy ' . Pour down thy blessings upon us , and strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection . Alay the present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching fate , and draw our attention towards Thee , the only refuge in time of need , that when the awful moment shall arrive that we are about to quit this transitory
scene , the enlivening prospect of Thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death ; and after our departure hence in peace , and in Thy favour we may be received into Thy everlasting kingdorn , to enjoy in union with the souls of our departed friends , the just reward of a pious and virtuous life . Amen . At the conclusion of this prayer , a choir of picked and trained voices sang with exquisite pathos the well-known anthem of Dr . Calcott :
Forgive , blest shade , the tributary tear , That mourns thy exit from a world like this ; Forgive the wish that would have kept thee here , And stayed thy progress to a world of bliss . No more confined to grovelling scenes of night , No more a tenant pent in mortal clay ;
Now should we rather had thy glorious flight , And trace thy journey to the realms of day . As the anthem closed the brethren quietly filed off in procession , viz . : Two Tylers , with swords . Brethren not belonging to the province . Lodges No . 136 7 , 11 CS , 1146 , 1037 , 707 , 665 , 417 , 3 S 6 ,
170 , 137 . Thc Present Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge . Lodges 622 , 472 , 12 C 6 ( To which deceased belonged at death ) . A Past Officer of Grand Lodge ( Ex-Sheriff Burt ) . The Holy Writings ( Carried by the oldest member of 126 G ) . The Provincial Grand Alaster . The choir .
The coffin ( Borne by six brethren of 12 C 6 ) . The Chief Alourner ( Supported on each side by relatives ) . The domestics and other servants , two by two . Gentlemen friends and neighbours , two by two . The Provincial Grand Tyler .
As the procession moved off they sang the following processional anthem ( Redhead ' s ) , and continued singing until the collin was placed at the entrance to the mausoleum : Here another guest we bring ! Seraphs of celestial wing To our fun ' ral altar come , Waft a friend and brother home .
There , enlarged , his soul will see What was veiled in mystery ; Heavenly glories of the place , Show his Maker face to face . God of life's eternal day Guide us , lest from Thee we stray ; Lead us by Thy love and might To the realms of endless light .
Funeral Of The Late Bro. Hanham, P. Prov. G.S.W. Dorset, &C.
¦ Lord of all—below , above-Fill our souls with truth and love ; As dissolves the earthly tie , Take us to Thy Lodge on High . When the head of the procession reached the mausoleum the brethren opened out right and left , and the P . G . M ., choir , and brethren bearing coffin ( and mourners ) passed through the ranks , and deposited the body at the foot of
the steps , on the top of which stood the P . G . AL , who continued the service by giving the following address : Brethren , here we view a striking instance of the uncertainty of life ; and the vanity of all earthly pursuits . The last offices paid to the dead are useful onl y as warnings to the living . From them we are to derive instruction , and consider every solemnity of this kind as a summons to prepare for our own approaching dissolution .
Notwithstanding the various signs of mortality which daily confront us ; notwithstanding death has established his empire over the whole of nature ; yet , through some unaccountable infatuation , we are apt to forget that we are mortal ; that we also are born to die . What are the pomp and pride of station ; the power of wealth ; the charms of beauty , when nature has paid her just debt ? In the grave life is stripped of its ornaments ; all ranks are levelled ; and all
distinctions—save those of goodness and virtue—cease . Whilst we drop the tear of sympathy over the tomb of our deceased brother , let our charity throw a veil over his faults ( for none from faults are free ) , and treasure up in our memories those virtues whicii adorned his life , and made him so useful a brother amongst us . Let the present example excite 011 most serious thoughts , and strengthen our resolutions to
amend . Life is short and uncertain ; let us no longer delay the preparation for eternity ; but embrace the opportunity whicii the present time affords to provide against that great change * when all the pleasures of the world shall cease to delight , and the reflections of a virtuous life yield the only comfort and consolation . Our expectations will not then be disappointed ; nor shall we be hurried unprepared before the Grand Judge , to whom the secrets of all hearts are known , and from whose dread tribunal none can
escape . The bod y was now carried into the mausoleum and carefully laid in its resting place , into which the Prov . Grand Master entered , and laid on the coffin a sprig of acacia and passed out . All the brethren followed and deposited a like token , returning to their places in due order . The Prov . Grand Master then pronounced the following invocations , all the brethren joining in the responses :
Master : May we be true and faithful ; and may we live and die in charity . —Response . * So mote it be . il / ..- Alay we follow that only which is good , and always act agreeably to our profession . —R .: So mote it be . M .: May the Lord bless and prosper us , and may all our good intentions be successfully fulfilled . —R .: So mote it be . M . Glory be to God on high , on earth peace , goodwill amongst men . —R ..- So mote it he ; now , from henceforth , and for evermore .
The PROV . GRAND AIASTER : Brethren , from time immemorial it has been a custom amongst the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , at the request of a brother before his death , to accompany his corpse to the place ot interment , and there to deposit his remains with the usual formalities . In conformity with this usage , and at the special request of our deceased brother , whose memory we revere , and whose loss we deplore , we are here assembled
in the character of Masons , to resign his body to the earth , whence it came , and to offer up to his memory before the world this last tribute of fraternal affection . " At the conclusion of this address , the Provincial Grand Alaster led the brethren in due order back to the house , the choir and brethren singing the following processional
anthem : — What is life ? 'Tis but a vapour , Soon it vanishes away . Life is like a dying taper , Oh , my soul , why wish to stay ? Wh y not spread thy wings and fly , Straight to yonder world of joy .
On arriving at the hall door the ranks again opened out right and left ; the relatives , domestics , and friends passed into the house , and the brethren closing inwards , followed , and again took up their position in the hall . Alendelssohn ' s Solo— " Oh rest in the Lord , wait patiently for him ; and He shall give thee thy heart's desire " was charmingly sung , and the choir followed with Chorale No . 9 , from St .
Paul—To Thee , O Lord , \ yield my spirit , Who break ' st in love this mortal chain . Aly life I but from Thee inherit , And death becomes my chiefest gain . In Thee I live , in Thee 1 die , Content—for Thou art ever nigh . When the choir finished , the Prov . Grand Alaster addressed a few words of sympathy and condolence to the
relatives , and of regret for the loss the Craft had sustained , and expressed the great loss to himself as Provincial Grand Alaster occasioned by the removal of so earnest and loyal a supporter , and so generous a contributor to all our Masonio Charities . Thus concluded one of the most interesting , impressive , and faultless ceremonies the writer has ever witnessed . The commanding figure and grave and sonorous voice of the
Provincial Grand Master , the skilful execution of solemn music at intervals whilst the brethren were assembling , the great efficiency of the Director of Ceremonies and his Assistanr , all directions given and obeyed in almost absolute silence , the finished singing of the choir , the reverence of the spectators , the calm , glorious weather , all combined to lend an indescribable charm of solemnity and fitness to the unusual —too unusual—and unique celebration . 'Twas a thing to
remember the rest of one's life . No lodge was opened , as the Prov . G . AL , using his Masonic discretion , considered it more prudent to omit the few rites which could only be used in lodge , and to have the ceremony open to all presen ' from beginning to end . VV . Bro . Whitehead-Smith , P . A '' O 22 , P . P . G . D . C , P . P . G . O ., and Organist of Wimborne Alinster , presided at the organ , and the choir consisted ofa quartette of men's voices and two boy choristers from Wimborne Alinster . The anthems were selected from the greatest favourites of the deceased .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Grand Chapter Of Quebec And The Grand Mark Lodge Of England.
THE GRAND CHAPTER OF QUEBEC AND THE GRAND MARK LODGE OF ENGLAND .
The former body has published an excommunication of the latter , and which wc publish below for information , taken from the Montreal Dailv Witness of November 13 th ,
1 SS 3 : To all companions in obedience to the Grand Chapter of Ouebec and to all regular Grand Chapters and Grand Lodges of Mark AIaster Alasons throughout the World—Whereas , the Grand Lodge of Mark Alaster Alasons ot England and VVales , & c , & c , has granted warrants to form two lodges of Mark Master Masons at Montreal within the
territory and jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , named respectively Victoria , No . 301 , and Henniker , No . 314 , under which warrant said lodges have been erected and constituted , and also formed and constituted from and by the members of said Alark lodges , a Provincial Grand Lodge , styled Provincial Grand Lodge for Quebec Province , under R . W . Uro . William Badgley , as Provincial Grand Alaster . And , whereas , the granting of such
warrants has thus been done since the formation of said Grand Chapter of Quebec , and its unconditional recognition by said Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and VVales , Sic ' ., Sic , and the interchange of fraternal relations from time to time between said two Grand Bodies . And , whereas , said Grand Chapter of Quebec has , since its formation , sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the territory of the Province of Quebec , so far as
relates to capitular Masonry , or the degrees of Mark Alaster and intermediate degrees to , and inclusive of the Royal Arch degree , by reason whereof sur-h action on the part of thc Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales , & c , Sic , was , and is anjustiliable and unlawful invasion of the territory and jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of Ouebec , in violation of well established principles of Masonic jurisdiction , and an attack upon
sovereignty of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , And whereas , on the 13 th day of August last past , I did . on behalf and in the name of the Grand Chapter of Quebec , solemnly protest against the establishment of said named Alark Lodges , by letter addressed to the Right Honourable Lord Henniker , Most Worshipful Grand Alaster of said Grand Lodge of Alark Master Alasons of England and VVales , & c , & c , and demanded the withdrawal of the
warrants ol said two Alark Alaster Lodges , notifying him that failure to comply with such demand on or before the twenty-fourth day of September then next , and now last past would necessitate the severance of fraternal relations between the said two Grand Bodies . And , whereas , the said Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and VVales , & c , has i <; noved the said notification , protest and demand , and has
failed to withdraw the said warrants of said lodges , and discontinue its illegal usurpation of rights and invasion of territorv of the Grand Chapter of Ouebec . Therefore , be it known unto you all , that in vindication of the sovereignty and in defence of the rights and prerogatives of the Order , and in justice to those Grand Chapters , whose recognition has been extended to it , I declare , in virtue of the authority vested in me as Grand Z . of the Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Alasons of Quebec , that the action of the said Grand Lodge of Mark " Master Alasons of England and VVales , & c , in granting said warrants , and erecting and constituting said lodges , was and is illegal and unfraternal , and said lodges irregular and illegal lodges , according to Alasonic law and tradition , and the members of said lodges made or to be made therein , irregular Mark Alaster Alasons . In consequence whereof , I declare and proclaim all
Alasonic intercourse to be suspended , and to cease bztwecn the said Grand Chapter , its subordinate chapters , and all members thereof , and in obedience thereto on the one hand , and the Grand Lodge of Alark Master Alasons of England and VVales , Sic , and all lodges and members in obedience thereto on the other ; and all companions and members of the Grand Chapter of Ouebec and of its Subordinate Chapters are
hereby commanded to hold no intercourse with any brother in obedience to the said Grand Lodge of Alark Alaster Masons of England and Wales , Sic . This edict to be and remain in full force and effect until revoked by the Grand / .., or the Grand Chapter of Ouebec . It is further ordered that due proclamation of this edict be made to all companions and members in obedience to this Grand Chapter ,
of which they , and each and all of them , are to take due notice and govern themselves accordingly , and that the same be communicated to all regular Grand Chapters and Grand Lodges of Alark Masons throughout the world . Witness my hand and the seal of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Alasons of Quebec , at Waterloo in the Province of Quebec , Dominion of Canada , this 13 th day of October , A . D . 1 SS 3 . The circular is duly signed and sealed by the Grand Z ., and Grand Scribe E .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . JAAIES HAYTER . We regret lo record the death of Bro . Hayter , Derwent Lodge , No . 40 , Hastings , at the age of 65 . Bro . Hayter had for some time past been in declining health , and his death occurred at his residence , on Monday , the 3 rd inst . He had been associated with tbe Alasonic body for some twenty-five years , having been initiated in the Derwent Lodge , No . 40 , April , 1 S 5 S . He was only just recently
elected as an annuitant of the Royal Alasonic Benevolent Institution . The funeral took place at the cemetery , Ore , near Hastings , on Saturday , the Sth inst ., when Bros . Charles VV . Duke , P . P . G . D ., P . M . 40 , 11 S 4 ; John Pearce , W . M . 40 ; John Howell , P . P . G . Supt . of Wks ., P . M . 40 ; C . D . Jones , P . M . 11 S 4 ; and others were present to pay their last tribute of fraternal respect . The service was very impressively rendered by Bro . Alfred Hodges .
" Ri . ' 1-ruiiEs . "—WHITE ' MOC-MAIN LEVER TRUSS is the mnst effective invention for Ihe treatment of Hernia . The use of a sleel spring , so hurtful in ils effects , is avoided , n soft bandage being worn round the bodv , wbile the requisite resisting power is supplied by the Moc-Main ' Pad and Patent Lever , fitting with so much ease and closeness lhat it cannot be detected . . Send for descriptive circular , with testimonials and prices , to . [ . White and Co . ( Limited ) 2 *>« , Piccadilly , London . Do not buy of Chemists , who often sell an IMITATION of our Moc-Main , J . White and Co . have not any agents , —[ ADVT . ]
Funeral Of The Late Bro. Hanham, P. Prov. G.S.W. Dorset, &C.
FUNERAL OF THE LATE BRO . HANHAM , P . PROV . G . S . W . DORSET , & c .
The late Thomas ^ B . Hanham , Commander R . N . ; J . P . for the county ; Chairman of the Bench of Alagistrates for the Petty Sessional Division of Stucm ' mster Newton ; Chairman of the Board of Guardians for the same district ; P . Prov . G . S . Warden Dorset ; P . AL of 472 , Shaftesbury ( two years in the chair ); P . M . of 126 O , Blandford ( three
years VV . AI . ); member of 622 , Wimborn ; also member of the R . A . Chap . 622 ; of the St . Leonard ' s Chapter Rose Croix , Blandford ; and of the Weymouth Chapter Rose Croix , in both which he passed the chair ; also a member of the 32 , was entombed with all the interesting and impressive ceremonies of a Masonic funeral , at Alanston House , the residence of the deceased , situated most pleasantly on thc banks of the river Stour , in the beautiful
Vale of Blackmore . Bro . Hanham had frequently expressed his wish to have a Alasonic service at his funeral ; and only a few weeks before his fatal illness , repeated his wish to the writer of this narrative , saying , " I ' ve lived a Alason ; I shall die a Alason ; and 1 hope to be hurried as a Mason ; and 1 enjoin you , as a brother Mason , to use every effort to carry out my wishes . " The constitutional formalities having been observed , and
the dispensation of the Prov . Grand Alaster obtained , invitations to attend and take part in tbe ceremony were issued to all the members of the three lodges with which he was immediately connected , to the VV . Masters , Wardens , or other officers of the other lodges in the province ; and by the Prov . Grand Secretary to all the Prov . Grand Lodge Officers . On Tuesday , 5 th December , 1 SS 3 , about 100 brethren assembled , each province with " the form of
service " and the " order of the ceremony" arranged for the occasion by VV . Bro . E . T . Budden , P . AL 622 , P . AI . 3 S 6 , and P . P . G . S . W . Dorset . The service and order of the ceremony was submitted to and approved by the P . G . Alaster , whilst in proof , and was carried out by the brethren with the utmost reverence in every detail . The coffin was placed in the centre of the hall and the brethren took their places around in due order ; the relatives ,
domestics , and other non-Masonic friends and neighbours occupying a suitable position . The coffin was covered with a Union Jack , and on it were placed two swords crossed , the regalia and jewels of the deceased , and a beautiful wreath , laid thereon by VV . Bro . G . Burt ( ex-Sheriff of London ) . Precisely at 1 . 30 p . m ., the P . G . AI . and his officers took their places , the former at the head of the coffin . In a
clear solemn tone the P . G . M . then commenced the following service : — Master : What man is he that liveth , and shall not see death ? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave ' : —Response : Alan walketh in a vain shadow , he heapeth up riches , and cannot tell who shall gather them . M .: When be dieth he shall carry nothing away ; his ) glory shall not descend after him . —R ..- Naked he came into
the ivorld , and naked he must return ; the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord . M .: Let me die the death of the righteous , and let my last end belike his . —R ..- God is our God for ever ; He will be our guide even unto death . M .: Almighty Father \ into Thy hands we commend the soul of our beloved brother . —R .: The will of God is accomplished . So mote it be !
The Rev . VV . AL Heath , P . P . G . Chap ., then offered up the prayer : Alost glorious God ! author of all good , and giver of all mercy ' . Pour down thy blessings upon us , and strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection . Alay the present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching fate , and draw our attention towards Thee , the only refuge in time of need , that when the awful moment shall arrive that we are about to quit this transitory
scene , the enlivening prospect of Thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death ; and after our departure hence in peace , and in Thy favour we may be received into Thy everlasting kingdorn , to enjoy in union with the souls of our departed friends , the just reward of a pious and virtuous life . Amen . At the conclusion of this prayer , a choir of picked and trained voices sang with exquisite pathos the well-known anthem of Dr . Calcott :
Forgive , blest shade , the tributary tear , That mourns thy exit from a world like this ; Forgive the wish that would have kept thee here , And stayed thy progress to a world of bliss . No more confined to grovelling scenes of night , No more a tenant pent in mortal clay ;
Now should we rather had thy glorious flight , And trace thy journey to the realms of day . As the anthem closed the brethren quietly filed off in procession , viz . : Two Tylers , with swords . Brethren not belonging to the province . Lodges No . 136 7 , 11 CS , 1146 , 1037 , 707 , 665 , 417 , 3 S 6 ,
170 , 137 . Thc Present Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge . Lodges 622 , 472 , 12 C 6 ( To which deceased belonged at death ) . A Past Officer of Grand Lodge ( Ex-Sheriff Burt ) . The Holy Writings ( Carried by the oldest member of 126 G ) . The Provincial Grand Alaster . The choir .
The coffin ( Borne by six brethren of 12 C 6 ) . The Chief Alourner ( Supported on each side by relatives ) . The domestics and other servants , two by two . Gentlemen friends and neighbours , two by two . The Provincial Grand Tyler .
As the procession moved off they sang the following processional anthem ( Redhead ' s ) , and continued singing until the collin was placed at the entrance to the mausoleum : Here another guest we bring ! Seraphs of celestial wing To our fun ' ral altar come , Waft a friend and brother home .
There , enlarged , his soul will see What was veiled in mystery ; Heavenly glories of the place , Show his Maker face to face . God of life's eternal day Guide us , lest from Thee we stray ; Lead us by Thy love and might To the realms of endless light .
Funeral Of The Late Bro. Hanham, P. Prov. G.S.W. Dorset, &C.
¦ Lord of all—below , above-Fill our souls with truth and love ; As dissolves the earthly tie , Take us to Thy Lodge on High . When the head of the procession reached the mausoleum the brethren opened out right and left , and the P . G . M ., choir , and brethren bearing coffin ( and mourners ) passed through the ranks , and deposited the body at the foot of
the steps , on the top of which stood the P . G . AL , who continued the service by giving the following address : Brethren , here we view a striking instance of the uncertainty of life ; and the vanity of all earthly pursuits . The last offices paid to the dead are useful onl y as warnings to the living . From them we are to derive instruction , and consider every solemnity of this kind as a summons to prepare for our own approaching dissolution .
Notwithstanding the various signs of mortality which daily confront us ; notwithstanding death has established his empire over the whole of nature ; yet , through some unaccountable infatuation , we are apt to forget that we are mortal ; that we also are born to die . What are the pomp and pride of station ; the power of wealth ; the charms of beauty , when nature has paid her just debt ? In the grave life is stripped of its ornaments ; all ranks are levelled ; and all
distinctions—save those of goodness and virtue—cease . Whilst we drop the tear of sympathy over the tomb of our deceased brother , let our charity throw a veil over his faults ( for none from faults are free ) , and treasure up in our memories those virtues whicii adorned his life , and made him so useful a brother amongst us . Let the present example excite 011 most serious thoughts , and strengthen our resolutions to
amend . Life is short and uncertain ; let us no longer delay the preparation for eternity ; but embrace the opportunity whicii the present time affords to provide against that great change * when all the pleasures of the world shall cease to delight , and the reflections of a virtuous life yield the only comfort and consolation . Our expectations will not then be disappointed ; nor shall we be hurried unprepared before the Grand Judge , to whom the secrets of all hearts are known , and from whose dread tribunal none can
escape . The bod y was now carried into the mausoleum and carefully laid in its resting place , into which the Prov . Grand Master entered , and laid on the coffin a sprig of acacia and passed out . All the brethren followed and deposited a like token , returning to their places in due order . The Prov . Grand Master then pronounced the following invocations , all the brethren joining in the responses :
Master : May we be true and faithful ; and may we live and die in charity . —Response . * So mote it be . il / ..- Alay we follow that only which is good , and always act agreeably to our profession . —R .: So mote it be . M .: May the Lord bless and prosper us , and may all our good intentions be successfully fulfilled . —R .: So mote it be . M . Glory be to God on high , on earth peace , goodwill amongst men . —R ..- So mote it he ; now , from henceforth , and for evermore .
The PROV . GRAND AIASTER : Brethren , from time immemorial it has been a custom amongst the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , at the request of a brother before his death , to accompany his corpse to the place ot interment , and there to deposit his remains with the usual formalities . In conformity with this usage , and at the special request of our deceased brother , whose memory we revere , and whose loss we deplore , we are here assembled
in the character of Masons , to resign his body to the earth , whence it came , and to offer up to his memory before the world this last tribute of fraternal affection . " At the conclusion of this address , the Provincial Grand Alaster led the brethren in due order back to the house , the choir and brethren singing the following processional
anthem : — What is life ? 'Tis but a vapour , Soon it vanishes away . Life is like a dying taper , Oh , my soul , why wish to stay ? Wh y not spread thy wings and fly , Straight to yonder world of joy .
On arriving at the hall door the ranks again opened out right and left ; the relatives , domestics , and friends passed into the house , and the brethren closing inwards , followed , and again took up their position in the hall . Alendelssohn ' s Solo— " Oh rest in the Lord , wait patiently for him ; and He shall give thee thy heart's desire " was charmingly sung , and the choir followed with Chorale No . 9 , from St .
Paul—To Thee , O Lord , \ yield my spirit , Who break ' st in love this mortal chain . Aly life I but from Thee inherit , And death becomes my chiefest gain . In Thee I live , in Thee 1 die , Content—for Thou art ever nigh . When the choir finished , the Prov . Grand Alaster addressed a few words of sympathy and condolence to the
relatives , and of regret for the loss the Craft had sustained , and expressed the great loss to himself as Provincial Grand Alaster occasioned by the removal of so earnest and loyal a supporter , and so generous a contributor to all our Masonio Charities . Thus concluded one of the most interesting , impressive , and faultless ceremonies the writer has ever witnessed . The commanding figure and grave and sonorous voice of the
Provincial Grand Master , the skilful execution of solemn music at intervals whilst the brethren were assembling , the great efficiency of the Director of Ceremonies and his Assistanr , all directions given and obeyed in almost absolute silence , the finished singing of the choir , the reverence of the spectators , the calm , glorious weather , all combined to lend an indescribable charm of solemnity and fitness to the unusual —too unusual—and unique celebration . 'Twas a thing to
remember the rest of one's life . No lodge was opened , as the Prov . G . AL , using his Masonic discretion , considered it more prudent to omit the few rites which could only be used in lodge , and to have the ceremony open to all presen ' from beginning to end . VV . Bro . Whitehead-Smith , P . A '' O 22 , P . P . G . D . C , P . P . G . O ., and Organist of Wimborne Alinster , presided at the organ , and the choir consisted ofa quartette of men's voices and two boy choristers from Wimborne Alinster . The anthems were selected from the greatest favourites of the deceased .