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Article LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A MASONIC TEMPLE, NASSAU, BAHAMAS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A MASONIC TEMPLE, NASSAU, BAHAMAS. Page 2 of 2 Article MASONRY INVINCIBLE. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONRY INVINCIBLE. Page 1 of 1
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Laying The Corner Stone Of A Masonic Temple, Nassau, Bahamas.
The SENIOR GRAND WARDENS produced wine , and , pouring it on the stone , said : We pour this wine as an emblem of joy and gladness . Alay the Great Ruler of the Universe bless and prosper our empire and city , and may friendship and brotherly love endure throughout all ages . The J UNIOR GRAND WARDENS poured oil on the stone , and said : We pour this oil as an emblem of peace . May its blessings abide with us continually , and may the Grand
Master of heaven and earth shelter and protect the vvidow and orphan , shield and defend them from trials and vicissitudes of the world , and so bestow His mercy upon the bereaved , the afflicted , and the sorrowing , that they may know sorrowing and trouble no more . An Invocation pronounced by the DISTRICT GRAND MASTER followed in these words : Alay the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of these Islands
with an abundance of the necessaries , conveniences , and comforts of life , assist in the erection and completion of this building ,- protect the workmen against every accident ; long preserve the structure from decay ; and grant to us all a supply of the corn of nourishmen t , the wine ot refreshment , and the oil of joy . —Amen . An address by the PROV . GRAND MASTER ARANHA followed : —Men and brethren here assembled : Be it known
unto you that we be lawful Alasons , true and faithful to the laws of our country , and engaged by solemn promises to erect magnificent buildings , to be serviceable to the brethren , and to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We have among us , concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which cannot be divulged , and which have never been found out ; but these secrets are . lawful and honourable , and are not repugnant to the laws of God or
man . They were entrusted , in peace and honour , to the Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to us it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our Craft were good and our calling honourable we should not have lasted for so many centuries , nor should we have been honoured with the
patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages , who have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests and defend us from all adversaries . We are assembled here to day , in the face of you all , to build a house , which we pray God may deserve to prosper , by becoming a place of concourse for good men , and promoting harmony and brotherly love throughout the world , till time shall be no
more . Amen . At the conclusion of this address , the DISTRICT GRAND MASTER rose and delivered an eloquent extempore oration , in a clear , comprehensive , and happy style , of which the following is a summary : —Brethren and Friends , —At this stage of our proceedings it is usual for some learned and eloquent brother to deliver an oration embodying the salient principles of our Order , and iheir adaptability to
the exigencies of modern thought and the requirements of society . 1 at once admit my incapability of properly performing this duty , but I feel somewhat relieved from any embarrassment by the sympathy and interest so clearly manifested in the vast assemblage of persons of al ! ranks and walks in life here gathered to assist in the ceremony of the day . I look upon the joyous faces of my brethren , this surging crowd , this g lorious weather , and brilliant tout
ensemble , as an oration in itself—more eloquent than any language of mine can illustrate . We cannot paint the lily nor adorn the rose , any more than can any vyords of mine add to the poetic beauty and grandeur ol this interesting occasion . However , I will occupy your attention for a short time with a few points in the history of Ancient and Modern Freemasonry , the Secrets of Masons , and the universal principle of Charity and Brotherhood , which is the
glory of our Order . Laurie ' s History of Freemasonry contains the most succint and graphic history of the Craft . I will read a passage or two from this work , and then leave this part of my subject , which , like all other traditional histories , is involved in a certain amount of obscurity , but has still enough of the sunlight of truth and fact to connect it with modern Speculative Freemasonry . ( Extracts were hete read tracing the origin and progress of
this ancient and venerable institution . ) In the West Indies Masonic history can be traced to its first charter , about a hundred and thirty years ago ; and in our own sea-girt island we have data for nearly a hundred years . In the records of the vestry of Christ Church in 17 S 5 it is stated that the Freemasons attended Divine service on St . John's Day ; and in 1 S 10 the foundation-stone of St . Andrew ' s Kirk was laid by Freemasons . In 1 S 30 they assisted at the
laying of the foundation-stone of the tower of Christ Church , and in 1 S 37 they were again present when the corner-stone of the new church was laid . In 1 S 44 the first efforts were put forth by Sir George Anderson , Air . Cooke , Mr . Jarrett , Air . Dillett , and Air . Smith ( whose son I now see present ) , to obtain funds for the purpose of the present lodge site , and the erection of the building for which to-day we are met to Jay the corner-stone . It is peculiarly gratifying to
me to assist at this ceremony , because I believe the building to be erected will be an ornament to this city as well as a home for Alasons , where , in mutual brotherhood , meetings for intellectual culture and social recreation may be had . It will be the fault of Alasons alone if the arts and sciences are not therein discussed and cultivated ; and I rejoice in the knowledge that all good men and true may there receive educational advantages .
Of the secrets of Alasonry it only becomes me to say that they are not at variance with either the laws of God or man . In ancient times the operative Mason used them as signs of brotherhood , and in modern times the speculative Mason uses them in the same way , to discover the bond which makes all within its mystic pale one in universal charity . Whether our wives approve or not , one fact is certain , that many a widow ' s heart has been cheered and
orphan's life made happy through the very secrets which some despise and contemn . The magnificent schools , almshouses , and retreats for the elder brethren of the Order scattered throughout the Mother Country fully corroborate what 1 state ; and there is hardly a brother present who cannot testify to the fact that some . young man or woman has had the first start in life through the influence which these traditional secrets impose on the consciences of the
brethren . A good Alason will sure to be a good man , and a bad man cannot become a good Alason . Freemasonry , let us bear in mind , " is not a plaything or a sensation . It is a very useful , unassuming , benevolent and valuable Order ; a friend to true progress , and improving civilization , which asks for and obtains the warm support of the intellectual , the moral , the kindly disposed , and the honest hearted . It is an institution around which we may freely rally amid many opposing schools of thought and sympathy
Laying The Corner Stone Of A Masonic Temple, Nassau, Bahamas.
to-day , as offering us a standpoint on which we ourselves can plant as on a " firm basis its goodly standard of toleration , honour , loyalty , and charity . " _ Let me urgently advise its use and recommend its principles . It seems to me to say to-day in convincing tones our Order is one within whose peaceful portals you may learn useful lessons without dwelling upon hurtful , " puerile contentions—lessons of forbearance , love , truth , without judging one another , without condemning one another . Amid all the noise of angry f
combatants and the turmoil ot sectarianisms , reemasonry offers a rendezvousifor toleration , concord and brotherhood . Of the great fundamental principles of the Order , I will only say that they appear to me like the grand old Atlantic Ocean spread out before us in dazzling beautiy and sunlit streaks . Its vastness is only limited by the globe we inhabit , though its waters merge into other oceans and seas which lave " the continents and islands which give them
names . So is the universal bound of Masonic charity . It knows neither Confucian , Buddhist , Islam , nor Christian by symbol or creed , but embraces all in its universal girdle of charity and brotherly love . It only asks for the sign to at once extend the fraternal embrace . .. I commend this Order to your wise consideration and enlarged sympathies , and thank you on behalf of my
brethren , as well as myself , for your kind presence here today to assist in laying this stone . The Benediction was then read as follows : Glory be to God on high , and on earth peace , and goodwill towards men ! O ' Lord , we most heartily beseech Thee with Thy favour to behold and bless this assemblage ; pour down Thy mercy , like the dew that falls upon the mountains , upon Thy servants engaged in the solemn ceremonies of this day . Bless , we pray Thee , all the workmen
who shall be engaged in the erection ot tms eaince ; Keep them from all forms of accidents and harm ; grant them in health and prosperity to live ; and finally , we hope , after this life , through Thy mercy , wisdom , and forgiveness to attain everlasting joy and felicity , in Thy bright
mansionin Thy holy temple—not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . Amen . The brethren here responded earnestly , " So mote it be ! " and gave the grand honours and a usual huzza . Refreshments were afterwards liberally supplied in the lower hall of the lodge-room , which had been beautifully and lavishly decorated with flowers , and the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the temple closed .
Masonry Invincible.
MASONRY INVINCIBLE .
Alasonry is ancient and memorable . It has the finest membership and the grandest history of any secret institution on the earth . Founded upon immutable truth , with social and moral virtue , brotherly love , and charity for its corner-stone , it has stood unshaken through the storms of centuries , and shall stand until time shall be no more .
Masonry ministered at the birth of the nation , and rocked the cradle of liberty . As the Republic has increased in territory , in wealth , and population ; as it has grown in wisdom and learning , it has become broad and liberal , intelligent and cultured . Masonry has grown with its growth , and strengthened with its strength . In the march of time Masonry keeps step with the world .
Whether we date the origin of this sublime Order at or previous to the building of King Solomon's Temple ; whether we derive it from the College ot Artificers of Ancient Rome , or trace it down through the stonemasons of the Aliddle Ages ; whether it originated in the Ancient Mysteries , or descended from the Knights Templars of old , it is notour purpose here to enquire . Its origin and
early history are lost in the my ths and fables of the past ages , and all speculations concerning it are fanciful and doubtful . From the frequent allusions in the ritual to the Temple of Solomon and its builders , the more natural inference is , that it originated at that time ; but recent researches give it even a more modern origin . That at first it had more of an operative character than at present is
beyond doubt . Mason ' x history informs us that about the year 1717 the Institution was remodelled in England , and it is from there that we glean our most modern history . Then it dropped its operative and assumed its speculative character . Since then it has been purified and adapted more to the spirit of the times , however , without dispensing with any of its ancient attributes . One cause
for the meagre history of our l ' raternity is its oral character . Nothing formerly was permitted to be written , not even the business of the meetings . A constitution compiled by Anderson and published in 1723 , is the first , if not the only reliable Masonic work published , and the fountain source from which Alasons derive all their knowledge and authority . But be it of ancient or of modern origin , we believe it to be one of the oldest institutions
existing in the world . Long before Christianity , the spirit of Alasonry vvas . Its noble teachings have been the foundation of many creeds , and our boasted Christianity of today does not contain a purer code of morals ,- a code which too many of us apparently do not realise and revere . The generations that have gone before us have profited by it , and we , their successors , should not only follow their example , but feel grateful to them for this precious
inheritance . The doctrines taught by Masonry are a belief 111 God , the immortality of the soul , and the resurrection of the body . These are strongly enforced by symbols in every degree of the Order , and explained in a manner known only to the initiates . The human heart dwells on and delights in ceremony and mystery , and it is an established
fact that nothing conveys information so readily or impresses it so vividly on the human mind as symbolism . The Catholic church understands this fully and has exhausted her ingenuity in forming a ritual which shall attract theeye and please the senses . The most popular and efficient teachers of the day , as also lecturers , are those who are aided by illustrations .
With its simple creed , Masonry goes quietly on its mission and unfurls its banner to the human race , wherever it is found ; from Greenland ' s icy mountains to India ' s coral strand , from Afric's sunny fountains—or the more temperate zone of our own beloved country . No clime ,
nor race , nor colour , nor religion is exempted . Naught but the atheist , the bondsman and the unworthy , are refused . All people have been and can be its votaries , and around its sacred altars are to be found the Cristian and the Jew , the Hindoo and the Chinese , the Alohammcdan and the savage . In its mystic circle all distinctions vanish , and all meet upon the level . Neither birth , nor rank , nor
Masonry Invincible.
genius nor religion , nor politics has any preference there , but gathered around one common altar , all can subscribe to its simple articles of faith , and join in united prayer and praise to the Great Architect of the Universe , our Father , who art in Heaven , and who is the same , yesterday , to-day , and for ever .
Alasonry inculcates morality , brotherly love and charity , but the greatest of these is charity—not that charity which vaunteth itself and consists simply in giving , but that charity which gives with humility , which deals gently with a brother ' s failings , which forgives while it admonishes , and chastens while it loves ; which relieves the distresses of a needy brother , comforts the vvidow and the orphan , and binds up the wounds of the afflicted .
. Alasonry , like all other institutions , has its opponents and revilers , but instead of destroying it they have united and strengthened its members . During the great anti-Masonic persecution of 1 S 2 S to 1 S 33 the enemies of our Order dragged it into politics , hoping thereby to crush it . But the Masons of that day stood firm and steadfast . A few quailed before the immense avalanche , but the brave and the true , with De Witt Clinton and other noble Masons , weathered
the storm and carried the Craft through with safety . Since then the Order has rapidly increased in numbers , until to-day it is the wonder of the world . No human institution has gone through what it has experienced . It has seen the rise and fall of cities , the crash of empires and the extinction of nationalities ; has endured the dungeon and the faggot ; has suffered the tortures of the Inquisition and the anathema of the Popish Church—all for the
principles here inculcated . But as the Holy Bible stands to-day , as it always has , the rule and guide of our faith , so stands Freemasonry to follow in its precepts , and will so stand as long as time lasts . We have no replies to make to our enemies ; their ignorance is doubtless bliss to them ; but the silent and sublime workings of our Order will attest its virtue and its innocence . The number of great and good men among the different religions ,
statesmen , warriors , poets and others who have swelled the ranks of Alasonry from time to time , is a sufficient refutation thereof . If you desire to know the class of men who have represented the Masonic Order during this and some of the preceding generations , let us first turn to Europe for a few . Here we find among the number Frederick the Great and the present Crown Prince of Prussia ; the latter was their
Grand Master for several years . In Ehgland Masonry has attained a higher social position than in any other country , and it is remarkable that so many persons of high social positions are not only Masons , but take great interest in the Craft . The embrace every grade of rank and talent ; from the Prince of Wales to the poorest peasant in the realm . A statement of a few years ago snowed that one hundred and fifty-three members of the British Parliament
were Freemasons . Of these fify' -six were in the House of Lords , and seventy-seven in the Commons ; fifteen of the latter being noblemen . Their present Grand Alaster is the Prince ot Wales , who is also Grand Alaster of Templars in England . On the iGth of last January the Lord Mayor of London was installed as Worshipful Alaster of the Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 , of England , by some of the leading citizens of London , who are also members of
the Craft . To the list could be added scores of men in every station who have adorned and battled for Our glorious Order . There was the Duke of Sussex , who for thirty years presided over the Grand Lodge of England ; Sir Christopher Wren , the great architect ; Burns , the poet ; Sir Walter Scott , the great novelist ; Lord Nelson , Thomas Aloore , Sir Isaac Newton , Sheridan Fox , John Locke , the Duke of Wellington , the Bishop of Peterborough , Napoleon
Bonaparte , Charles XV . King of Sweden and Norway , Goethe , Mozart , & e In our own country we point with pride to a Washington , Lafayette , Franklin , Warren , Henry , Clinton , Jackson , Henry Clay , Lewis Cass , Bishop Hopkins , General Hancock , and the martyred President , James A . Garfield . In our own city many of the oldest and best men are Masons . Others have gone on before , and we have
followed their earthly remains to the silent tomb . How many more of our number shall we follow to their last resting place another year ? I see about me those who have gone in and out among us for years and years ,- men who have reaced the bounds of life , whose heads have whitened for heaven , whose feet have touched the rippling strand of the river , and whose inward ears even now catch faint echoes of the celestial music on the other shore . Look
upon these venerable men in whose presence we stand with uncovered heads , whose souls will soon part from us and pass into the unseen holy , and in them we shall find representative Alasons . These , and men like these , are the men who have built up Masonry in Newton , and made it what is is . These are the men who have illustrated its teachings in their lives and commanded for it the respect it enjoys to-day . Never vvas our Order
more flourishing than now ; never its prospects more bri ght . To-night we sit within our own Alasonic Temple , every dollar for which has been paid . The great temple of our three most ancient Grand Masters was no more free from debt than is this one to-day , and it is a temple of which we are all proud . It is our home ; it was bought with our money , and it will stand a monument to the industry , fidelity and zeal of the Order in this city until its walls shall
fall to decay . And yet , even this will soon crumble to decay . The mighty temples of antiquity , sculptured mountains of stone hewn from the everlasting adamant , that reared their grand and magnificent forms towards the clouds , and which seemed built for eternity , in a few centuries crumbled to dust . Their majestic ruins speak to us
with a sad eloquence of that stalwart former race that built them—built them doubtless in the belief that they would be as everlasting as the hills , and perpetuate their fame to the remotest bounds of time . In their mournful magnificence they tell us of the ambition of our elder brothers in that far-away olden time , to speak through their works to the
coming race . Though all earthly things must fade away for ever , the spirit of man is immortal , and love and truth arc eternal . 'These are the teachings of nature , of revealed religion ^ and of Masonry . And , brethren , may our light so shine before men , that , others seeing our rood works , mav rrlorifv our
Father which art in heaven ; and , ve not cease from welldoing nor rest from our labours till corruption shall put on incorruption , and this mortal shall put on immortality ; when the reign of the blessed Immanuel , the Prince of Peace , the great Captain of our Salvation , shall be universal and eternal . — Voice of Masonry .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Laying The Corner Stone Of A Masonic Temple, Nassau, Bahamas.
The SENIOR GRAND WARDENS produced wine , and , pouring it on the stone , said : We pour this wine as an emblem of joy and gladness . Alay the Great Ruler of the Universe bless and prosper our empire and city , and may friendship and brotherly love endure throughout all ages . The J UNIOR GRAND WARDENS poured oil on the stone , and said : We pour this oil as an emblem of peace . May its blessings abide with us continually , and may the Grand
Master of heaven and earth shelter and protect the vvidow and orphan , shield and defend them from trials and vicissitudes of the world , and so bestow His mercy upon the bereaved , the afflicted , and the sorrowing , that they may know sorrowing and trouble no more . An Invocation pronounced by the DISTRICT GRAND MASTER followed in these words : Alay the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the inhabitants of these Islands
with an abundance of the necessaries , conveniences , and comforts of life , assist in the erection and completion of this building ,- protect the workmen against every accident ; long preserve the structure from decay ; and grant to us all a supply of the corn of nourishmen t , the wine ot refreshment , and the oil of joy . —Amen . An address by the PROV . GRAND MASTER ARANHA followed : —Men and brethren here assembled : Be it known
unto you that we be lawful Alasons , true and faithful to the laws of our country , and engaged by solemn promises to erect magnificent buildings , to be serviceable to the brethren , and to fear God , the Great Architect of the Universe . We have among us , concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which cannot be divulged , and which have never been found out ; but these secrets are . lawful and honourable , and are not repugnant to the laws of God or
man . They were entrusted , in peace and honour , to the Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to us it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity . Unless our Craft were good and our calling honourable we should not have lasted for so many centuries , nor should we have been honoured with the
patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages , who have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests and defend us from all adversaries . We are assembled here to day , in the face of you all , to build a house , which we pray God may deserve to prosper , by becoming a place of concourse for good men , and promoting harmony and brotherly love throughout the world , till time shall be no
more . Amen . At the conclusion of this address , the DISTRICT GRAND MASTER rose and delivered an eloquent extempore oration , in a clear , comprehensive , and happy style , of which the following is a summary : —Brethren and Friends , —At this stage of our proceedings it is usual for some learned and eloquent brother to deliver an oration embodying the salient principles of our Order , and iheir adaptability to
the exigencies of modern thought and the requirements of society . 1 at once admit my incapability of properly performing this duty , but I feel somewhat relieved from any embarrassment by the sympathy and interest so clearly manifested in the vast assemblage of persons of al ! ranks and walks in life here gathered to assist in the ceremony of the day . I look upon the joyous faces of my brethren , this surging crowd , this g lorious weather , and brilliant tout
ensemble , as an oration in itself—more eloquent than any language of mine can illustrate . We cannot paint the lily nor adorn the rose , any more than can any vyords of mine add to the poetic beauty and grandeur ol this interesting occasion . However , I will occupy your attention for a short time with a few points in the history of Ancient and Modern Freemasonry , the Secrets of Masons , and the universal principle of Charity and Brotherhood , which is the
glory of our Order . Laurie ' s History of Freemasonry contains the most succint and graphic history of the Craft . I will read a passage or two from this work , and then leave this part of my subject , which , like all other traditional histories , is involved in a certain amount of obscurity , but has still enough of the sunlight of truth and fact to connect it with modern Speculative Freemasonry . ( Extracts were hete read tracing the origin and progress of
this ancient and venerable institution . ) In the West Indies Masonic history can be traced to its first charter , about a hundred and thirty years ago ; and in our own sea-girt island we have data for nearly a hundred years . In the records of the vestry of Christ Church in 17 S 5 it is stated that the Freemasons attended Divine service on St . John's Day ; and in 1 S 10 the foundation-stone of St . Andrew ' s Kirk was laid by Freemasons . In 1 S 30 they assisted at the
laying of the foundation-stone of the tower of Christ Church , and in 1 S 37 they were again present when the corner-stone of the new church was laid . In 1 S 44 the first efforts were put forth by Sir George Anderson , Air . Cooke , Mr . Jarrett , Air . Dillett , and Air . Smith ( whose son I now see present ) , to obtain funds for the purpose of the present lodge site , and the erection of the building for which to-day we are met to Jay the corner-stone . It is peculiarly gratifying to
me to assist at this ceremony , because I believe the building to be erected will be an ornament to this city as well as a home for Alasons , where , in mutual brotherhood , meetings for intellectual culture and social recreation may be had . It will be the fault of Alasons alone if the arts and sciences are not therein discussed and cultivated ; and I rejoice in the knowledge that all good men and true may there receive educational advantages .
Of the secrets of Alasonry it only becomes me to say that they are not at variance with either the laws of God or man . In ancient times the operative Mason used them as signs of brotherhood , and in modern times the speculative Mason uses them in the same way , to discover the bond which makes all within its mystic pale one in universal charity . Whether our wives approve or not , one fact is certain , that many a widow ' s heart has been cheered and
orphan's life made happy through the very secrets which some despise and contemn . The magnificent schools , almshouses , and retreats for the elder brethren of the Order scattered throughout the Mother Country fully corroborate what 1 state ; and there is hardly a brother present who cannot testify to the fact that some . young man or woman has had the first start in life through the influence which these traditional secrets impose on the consciences of the
brethren . A good Alason will sure to be a good man , and a bad man cannot become a good Alason . Freemasonry , let us bear in mind , " is not a plaything or a sensation . It is a very useful , unassuming , benevolent and valuable Order ; a friend to true progress , and improving civilization , which asks for and obtains the warm support of the intellectual , the moral , the kindly disposed , and the honest hearted . It is an institution around which we may freely rally amid many opposing schools of thought and sympathy
Laying The Corner Stone Of A Masonic Temple, Nassau, Bahamas.
to-day , as offering us a standpoint on which we ourselves can plant as on a " firm basis its goodly standard of toleration , honour , loyalty , and charity . " _ Let me urgently advise its use and recommend its principles . It seems to me to say to-day in convincing tones our Order is one within whose peaceful portals you may learn useful lessons without dwelling upon hurtful , " puerile contentions—lessons of forbearance , love , truth , without judging one another , without condemning one another . Amid all the noise of angry f
combatants and the turmoil ot sectarianisms , reemasonry offers a rendezvousifor toleration , concord and brotherhood . Of the great fundamental principles of the Order , I will only say that they appear to me like the grand old Atlantic Ocean spread out before us in dazzling beautiy and sunlit streaks . Its vastness is only limited by the globe we inhabit , though its waters merge into other oceans and seas which lave " the continents and islands which give them
names . So is the universal bound of Masonic charity . It knows neither Confucian , Buddhist , Islam , nor Christian by symbol or creed , but embraces all in its universal girdle of charity and brotherly love . It only asks for the sign to at once extend the fraternal embrace . .. I commend this Order to your wise consideration and enlarged sympathies , and thank you on behalf of my
brethren , as well as myself , for your kind presence here today to assist in laying this stone . The Benediction was then read as follows : Glory be to God on high , and on earth peace , and goodwill towards men ! O ' Lord , we most heartily beseech Thee with Thy favour to behold and bless this assemblage ; pour down Thy mercy , like the dew that falls upon the mountains , upon Thy servants engaged in the solemn ceremonies of this day . Bless , we pray Thee , all the workmen
who shall be engaged in the erection ot tms eaince ; Keep them from all forms of accidents and harm ; grant them in health and prosperity to live ; and finally , we hope , after this life , through Thy mercy , wisdom , and forgiveness to attain everlasting joy and felicity , in Thy bright
mansionin Thy holy temple—not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . Amen . The brethren here responded earnestly , " So mote it be ! " and gave the grand honours and a usual huzza . Refreshments were afterwards liberally supplied in the lower hall of the lodge-room , which had been beautifully and lavishly decorated with flowers , and the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the temple closed .
Masonry Invincible.
MASONRY INVINCIBLE .
Alasonry is ancient and memorable . It has the finest membership and the grandest history of any secret institution on the earth . Founded upon immutable truth , with social and moral virtue , brotherly love , and charity for its corner-stone , it has stood unshaken through the storms of centuries , and shall stand until time shall be no more .
Masonry ministered at the birth of the nation , and rocked the cradle of liberty . As the Republic has increased in territory , in wealth , and population ; as it has grown in wisdom and learning , it has become broad and liberal , intelligent and cultured . Masonry has grown with its growth , and strengthened with its strength . In the march of time Masonry keeps step with the world .
Whether we date the origin of this sublime Order at or previous to the building of King Solomon's Temple ; whether we derive it from the College ot Artificers of Ancient Rome , or trace it down through the stonemasons of the Aliddle Ages ; whether it originated in the Ancient Mysteries , or descended from the Knights Templars of old , it is notour purpose here to enquire . Its origin and
early history are lost in the my ths and fables of the past ages , and all speculations concerning it are fanciful and doubtful . From the frequent allusions in the ritual to the Temple of Solomon and its builders , the more natural inference is , that it originated at that time ; but recent researches give it even a more modern origin . That at first it had more of an operative character than at present is
beyond doubt . Mason ' x history informs us that about the year 1717 the Institution was remodelled in England , and it is from there that we glean our most modern history . Then it dropped its operative and assumed its speculative character . Since then it has been purified and adapted more to the spirit of the times , however , without dispensing with any of its ancient attributes . One cause
for the meagre history of our l ' raternity is its oral character . Nothing formerly was permitted to be written , not even the business of the meetings . A constitution compiled by Anderson and published in 1723 , is the first , if not the only reliable Masonic work published , and the fountain source from which Alasons derive all their knowledge and authority . But be it of ancient or of modern origin , we believe it to be one of the oldest institutions
existing in the world . Long before Christianity , the spirit of Alasonry vvas . Its noble teachings have been the foundation of many creeds , and our boasted Christianity of today does not contain a purer code of morals ,- a code which too many of us apparently do not realise and revere . The generations that have gone before us have profited by it , and we , their successors , should not only follow their example , but feel grateful to them for this precious
inheritance . The doctrines taught by Masonry are a belief 111 God , the immortality of the soul , and the resurrection of the body . These are strongly enforced by symbols in every degree of the Order , and explained in a manner known only to the initiates . The human heart dwells on and delights in ceremony and mystery , and it is an established
fact that nothing conveys information so readily or impresses it so vividly on the human mind as symbolism . The Catholic church understands this fully and has exhausted her ingenuity in forming a ritual which shall attract theeye and please the senses . The most popular and efficient teachers of the day , as also lecturers , are those who are aided by illustrations .
With its simple creed , Masonry goes quietly on its mission and unfurls its banner to the human race , wherever it is found ; from Greenland ' s icy mountains to India ' s coral strand , from Afric's sunny fountains—or the more temperate zone of our own beloved country . No clime ,
nor race , nor colour , nor religion is exempted . Naught but the atheist , the bondsman and the unworthy , are refused . All people have been and can be its votaries , and around its sacred altars are to be found the Cristian and the Jew , the Hindoo and the Chinese , the Alohammcdan and the savage . In its mystic circle all distinctions vanish , and all meet upon the level . Neither birth , nor rank , nor
Masonry Invincible.
genius nor religion , nor politics has any preference there , but gathered around one common altar , all can subscribe to its simple articles of faith , and join in united prayer and praise to the Great Architect of the Universe , our Father , who art in Heaven , and who is the same , yesterday , to-day , and for ever .
Alasonry inculcates morality , brotherly love and charity , but the greatest of these is charity—not that charity which vaunteth itself and consists simply in giving , but that charity which gives with humility , which deals gently with a brother ' s failings , which forgives while it admonishes , and chastens while it loves ; which relieves the distresses of a needy brother , comforts the vvidow and the orphan , and binds up the wounds of the afflicted .
. Alasonry , like all other institutions , has its opponents and revilers , but instead of destroying it they have united and strengthened its members . During the great anti-Masonic persecution of 1 S 2 S to 1 S 33 the enemies of our Order dragged it into politics , hoping thereby to crush it . But the Masons of that day stood firm and steadfast . A few quailed before the immense avalanche , but the brave and the true , with De Witt Clinton and other noble Masons , weathered
the storm and carried the Craft through with safety . Since then the Order has rapidly increased in numbers , until to-day it is the wonder of the world . No human institution has gone through what it has experienced . It has seen the rise and fall of cities , the crash of empires and the extinction of nationalities ; has endured the dungeon and the faggot ; has suffered the tortures of the Inquisition and the anathema of the Popish Church—all for the
principles here inculcated . But as the Holy Bible stands to-day , as it always has , the rule and guide of our faith , so stands Freemasonry to follow in its precepts , and will so stand as long as time lasts . We have no replies to make to our enemies ; their ignorance is doubtless bliss to them ; but the silent and sublime workings of our Order will attest its virtue and its innocence . The number of great and good men among the different religions ,
statesmen , warriors , poets and others who have swelled the ranks of Alasonry from time to time , is a sufficient refutation thereof . If you desire to know the class of men who have represented the Masonic Order during this and some of the preceding generations , let us first turn to Europe for a few . Here we find among the number Frederick the Great and the present Crown Prince of Prussia ; the latter was their
Grand Master for several years . In Ehgland Masonry has attained a higher social position than in any other country , and it is remarkable that so many persons of high social positions are not only Masons , but take great interest in the Craft . The embrace every grade of rank and talent ; from the Prince of Wales to the poorest peasant in the realm . A statement of a few years ago snowed that one hundred and fifty-three members of the British Parliament
were Freemasons . Of these fify' -six were in the House of Lords , and seventy-seven in the Commons ; fifteen of the latter being noblemen . Their present Grand Alaster is the Prince ot Wales , who is also Grand Alaster of Templars in England . On the iGth of last January the Lord Mayor of London was installed as Worshipful Alaster of the Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 , of England , by some of the leading citizens of London , who are also members of
the Craft . To the list could be added scores of men in every station who have adorned and battled for Our glorious Order . There was the Duke of Sussex , who for thirty years presided over the Grand Lodge of England ; Sir Christopher Wren , the great architect ; Burns , the poet ; Sir Walter Scott , the great novelist ; Lord Nelson , Thomas Aloore , Sir Isaac Newton , Sheridan Fox , John Locke , the Duke of Wellington , the Bishop of Peterborough , Napoleon
Bonaparte , Charles XV . King of Sweden and Norway , Goethe , Mozart , & e In our own country we point with pride to a Washington , Lafayette , Franklin , Warren , Henry , Clinton , Jackson , Henry Clay , Lewis Cass , Bishop Hopkins , General Hancock , and the martyred President , James A . Garfield . In our own city many of the oldest and best men are Masons . Others have gone on before , and we have
followed their earthly remains to the silent tomb . How many more of our number shall we follow to their last resting place another year ? I see about me those who have gone in and out among us for years and years ,- men who have reaced the bounds of life , whose heads have whitened for heaven , whose feet have touched the rippling strand of the river , and whose inward ears even now catch faint echoes of the celestial music on the other shore . Look
upon these venerable men in whose presence we stand with uncovered heads , whose souls will soon part from us and pass into the unseen holy , and in them we shall find representative Alasons . These , and men like these , are the men who have built up Masonry in Newton , and made it what is is . These are the men who have illustrated its teachings in their lives and commanded for it the respect it enjoys to-day . Never vvas our Order
more flourishing than now ; never its prospects more bri ght . To-night we sit within our own Alasonic Temple , every dollar for which has been paid . The great temple of our three most ancient Grand Masters was no more free from debt than is this one to-day , and it is a temple of which we are all proud . It is our home ; it was bought with our money , and it will stand a monument to the industry , fidelity and zeal of the Order in this city until its walls shall
fall to decay . And yet , even this will soon crumble to decay . The mighty temples of antiquity , sculptured mountains of stone hewn from the everlasting adamant , that reared their grand and magnificent forms towards the clouds , and which seemed built for eternity , in a few centuries crumbled to dust . Their majestic ruins speak to us
with a sad eloquence of that stalwart former race that built them—built them doubtless in the belief that they would be as everlasting as the hills , and perpetuate their fame to the remotest bounds of time . In their mournful magnificence they tell us of the ambition of our elder brothers in that far-away olden time , to speak through their works to the
coming race . Though all earthly things must fade away for ever , the spirit of man is immortal , and love and truth arc eternal . 'These are the teachings of nature , of revealed religion ^ and of Masonry . And , brethren , may our light so shine before men , that , others seeing our rood works , mav rrlorifv our
Father which art in heaven ; and , ve not cease from welldoing nor rest from our labours till corruption shall put on incorruption , and this mortal shall put on immortality ; when the reign of the blessed Immanuel , the Prince of Peace , the great Captain of our Salvation , shall be universal and eternal . — Voice of Masonry .