The Irish Grand Lodge.

of the doings of our warm-hearted brethren across the channel , where , as we know , the very best feeling really exists between the brethren of the two jurisdictions , and only wants to be

cultivated to be both warm and enduring : The attitude of some good friends of ours in Dublin , on things Masonic , puts one in mind of c he story of the Irish widow , who said to a

rather backward admirer , who was somewhat hesitating , ' ¦ ' Ye are mighty particular , come , spake out your mind like a man , I ' ve got my answer riddy ! " Why cannot the Irish

authorities imitate her large-heartedness and opcnmindedness ? We believe , that the little " impedimentum " to a full and fraternal approval of The Freemason ,

in all three jurisdicti ons arises from the fact , that the authorities , excellent and worthy as they are in Ireland , somewhat object to innovations , and are a little afraid of change .

Yet in 1874 , it seems too late , in the history of Freemasonry and the world , to stand in the way of the progress ' and expansion of the Masonic Press .

The Inquisition of old , tried to silence Galhco , but for all that the earth moved , and the world has moved on , ^ despite that " Institutio detestabilis . "

And so to day , on every side of us we see , that , the Masonic Press and Masonic { Literature are happily on the increase , and that the Masonic

Schoolmaster is abroad . Who will take the responsibility of impeding the spread of the former , or marring the work of the latter ?

When we in good old cautious , sober , slowgoing England , remember , Jihat , the permission to print our Masonic procceedings , was granted by the most careful of rulers , and

vigilant of Grand Masters , Lord Zetland , that , it certainly has done no harm to English Masonry , that , the same privilege has been conceded in Scotland , by that able ruler , Lord Dalhousie , and

has been since confirmed by Lord Rosslyn , and is maintained by its worthy occupier of the Scottish chair , we see , how little fear any need

entertain that we are m any way departing really from our ancient landmarks or from our old and cherished constitutions .

We feel sure of this , _ that Irish Masonry itself would receive an impetus and encouragement , if we could receive proper reports of the proceedings , and were not left to the chance columns of

non-Masonic papers . We say this in all good feeling and regard to the authorities of the Irish Grand Lodge . The Irish Grand Lodge in itself is a very

distinguished body , under its venerable chief , and represents a large , and worthy , and intelligent body of Freemasons . To it we wish all possible success , and with it we are most anxious to

announce an entire " entente cordiale . " Our worthy publisher is most anxious to give all Irish news of those many lodges , which do so much good work yearly , and we sincerely hope

in conclusion that our remarks will be accepted in the spirit in which they are penned , namely , in all fraternal goodwill and respect to the

constituted authorities of the Irish Grand Lod ge , and all heartfelt aspirations , for the honour and development of Irish Craft Masonry .

The Ceremony Of The Dedication Of King Solomon's Temple.

THE CEREMONY OF THE DEDICATION OF KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE .

Freemasons have always been patrons of all -Esthetic influences , and our Bro . Albert Mackey , wrote a very able article not long ago to prove that , Freemasonry was the conservator of the

arts . Indeed , as the true history of Freemasonry is to be found invariably linked , with perhaps the noblest of all the handicraft and artistic Avorks

of man , architecture , we shall not do wrong in asserting that our benevolent brotherhood of today , is still , as ever , uniformly ready and willing to encourage those genial nnd graceful labours

which tend to expand civilization , and to elevate humanity . We are led into this train of thought by the reception of a programme and prospectus placed

in our hands by Bro . Ashton . He is the possessor , it seems , of a picture painted by Morris Lewis Hermann , painter to Peter thc Great , representing the ceremony of

the dedication of King Solomon s temple . The picture is a large one in itself , and alike unsuited from its size and subject for a private collection of paintings , and far more fitting , for

every reason , for the adornment of a public gallery , or a corporate building . The picture is interesting in itself , and was formerly in the collection of Lord Moira , a distinguished member

of our Order , we believe , as it came from a collection of paintings belonging to a descendant . It has seemed to Bro . Ashton , that , the best and most suitable place for its reception , was

Freemasons' Hall , and he has with that object in view professed himself ready to part with it for a sum of £ 2 , 000 , of which £ 1 , 000 shall bedivided among the Charities , in such proportions as a

Committee , consisting of Bro . Nathaniel G . Phillips , J . M . P . Montague , Frederick Binckes , George Kenning , and E . P . Paraire , shall think fit .

Such is the original proposal of Bro . Ashton , and his lirst plan , for the surrender of the picture to the Craft and Freemasons' Hall . We think the idea is in itself most coiniiie ndable , and the

oiler of Bro . Ashton most fraternal and praiseworthy . But naturally such a plan is not proposed by him as a " sine qua non" or without any possible modifications .

It is just , possible as the subscription progresses , it may become apparent to Bro . Ashton , that it is after all more advisable for him , to make the transaction a simple matter of business

arrangement , as between him and the Commutes . In that case , we are warranted in saying , that , he will probably be found perfectly willing to accept a fair sum from the Committee , for

the purchase itself , leaving out the question of the charities , and to hand the picture over to Grand Lodge , at the request of the subscribers under such conditions as Grand Lodge itself

shall see fit to lay down . Jt is but fair to Bro . Ashton , to bear in mind that the picture originally cost 1200 guineas .

We subjoin a very able and artistic account of the picture itself to which we beg to call the attention of our many readers . It is written b y Bro . Paraire . A very interesting picture is now exhibited in Freemasons' Hall , the production of Francis

The Ceremony Of The Dedication Of King Solomon's Temple.

Lewis Hermann , who was painter to Peter the Great . The subject chosen by the artist is the feast of the dedication of the Temple , the moment that of King Solomon ' s prayer . The attributes and accessories which constitute the

groundwork of the picture are taken from the first Book of Kings , the 7 th and Sth chapters . The architectural details of the great court are well designed , and the appearance of space produced by careful attention to the laws of

perspective , assisted by the very delicate warm tone of the colouring , produce a pleasing effect . As the far end and sides of the court fade into obscure indistinctness , they form a well studied back ground to the Inner Court of the house of

the Lord , which thus relieved stands out in bold prominence and forms the centre of the picture . The effect of the whole is considerably enhanced by the distinct though apparently unlaboured attributes . The two pillars of brass with the

chapiters concentrate the view on the porch of the temple ¦ in front of which is the altar for the sacrifice of peace offerings . The details of this extraordinary work are so minutely studied in design and pourtrayed by the artist , and are brought

together in such an able manner , that the mind is sensibly affected , and left to wonder at the amount of time and care that must have been bestowed on the design of the various implements , lavers , and vessels with which the picture

abounds . No less extraordinary is thc general grouping of the numerous figures , that , fill every part of the canvass . The assemblage of all the heads and chief fathers with the banners of the various

tribes and their retainers , the variety of costume ,, the attitude , and the anxiety manifested by all , the expression pourtrayed by each , the position and colour , all tend to strike the mind of the observer , while memory calls back the various

details of that portion of history so clearly set forth in the biblical record of the construction and dedication of King Solomon ' s Temple .

We have only further to add that our Grand Master has given his full approbation to the plan and proposal , and has himself become a subscriber .

Our Bro . George Kenning is the Treasurer of the Committee , and we therefore , shall not ba exceeding our province if we press on all our brethren to see the picture for themselves , and to aid in obtaining for the perpetual adornment

of Freemasons' Hall , the representation of an episode in the history of Freemasonry and of mankind , so deepl y connected with the progress of the most civilising of arts , and so speciall y interesting to all true Freemasons everywhere .

We beg to remind all our readers , . and repeat for the information of the brethren , that the picture is now on daily view , in a large room adjoining Freemasons' Hall .

Next week we shall publish a list of subscribers towards the purchase of the picture , and Bro . George Kenning is ready to receive the names of all our brethren wishful to contribute towards so desirable an object .

Girls' School Festival.

GIRLS' SCHOOL FESTIVAL .

Owing to the time that we are obliged to go to press on Thursday we cannot call attention to the report of the Girls' School , but hope to do so , and also to advert to the giving of prizes on Monday , in our leadinsr columns next week .

NEW LODGE AT BLACKPOOL . —The consecration of the new lodge at Blackpool , in the Province of West Lancashire , which was originally fixed for Easter Tuesday , has been postponed for a few days . A full report of the opening will appear in the columns of The Freemason .