Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
, j delivered a most valuable oration , and in other tions 0 [ his duties as J . had impressed the companions '' - th the value of good working at a consecration ; and r mp . Herviy and the other companions who had assisted I rt ) so discharged their duties most ably . He referred licularly to comp . Terry , who had installed Comps . V 7 tst and Pearse in the H . and J . chairs . In conclusion ,
, . repeated that no working could have been better than thcy had witnessed that evening . Comp . James Lewis Thomas next proposed " Thc Conccv ating Officers , " who , he said , had performed their ' uties in a way that would long remain in the memory of the companions , and establish the day as a very remarkable one m Masonry- ^ di'l not think he had ever seen a
consecration performed more admirably . Comp . John Hervey , who had been obliged to leave already , had consecrated the lodge under very trying circumstances ; his health being very delicate , his presiding had been a great effort . The companions ought , therefore , to take it as a very great compliment . However much debility had interfered with his performance , the consecration had been
parked by that earnestness and feeling which always characterised everything that was done by thc Grand Secretary of England . Although their modest companion , Col . Burdett , endeavoured to ignore the part he took in the ceremony , thc companions must always appreciate very highly the excellent way in which he discharged the duties 0 f H . But what should he say of Comp . Wooirford , who
was a tower of strength in Masonry , in the Craft , in the lioyal Arch , and in fact in everything connected with Freemasonry . Although it required no words from him ( Comp . Thomas ) to extol a companion whose name was a household word among Masons , he could not help riferjng to the magnificent manner in which he had performed the duties of the chair of J ., and the splendid oration he
gave , which ought to be engraved in letters of gold . He could only say he was exceedingly obliged to Comp . Woodford , and to the other Consecrating Officers , with whom all the companions were highly delighted . Comp . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , in responding , said he deeply regretted on the present occasion Comp . Hervey was not there to return thanks for the very kind way in
which Comp . Thomas had proposed the health of the Consecrating Officers . They would all have been pleased to listen to the kind words which he would have delivered , and which always came from his heart , and were always acceptable to the companions or brethren . He ( Comp . Woodford ) for one most deeply deplored Comp . Hcrvey ' s absence , because it compelled him ( Comp . Woodford ) to
return thanks for the toast which Comp . Hervey , iu his usual effective manner , wojld have rendered more justice to than he ( Comp . Woodford ) was capable of doing . But as Comp . Thomas had coupled his name with the toast , he from his heart was very grateful , as he was sure Comps . Hervey and Burdett were , for the honour whicb had been dune them . It gave them , as it gave himself , great
happiness at all times to assist in the extension of the lioyal Arch among Masons , because , like himself , the more they knew of it , the more they liked its principles , and themoie they wished to see it extended through the length and breadth of the land . Unfortunately , for some years past Royal Arch Masonry had been in abeyance , but he hoped the time was coming when in Grand Chapter the
restriction of former years would be removed and every lorlge allowed after thelve months to have a chapter if so it wished . ( Cheers . ) lie had always considered it a great injustice that brethren who in new lodges were advanced to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason were obliged to go to chapters attached to other lodges for the Royal Arch
Degree because their own ledge was unable to have a haptcr attached to it for three years . He trusted that the time was not far distant when Grand Chapter would be induced to rescind the present rule . He was not a young man ; he had served Masonry a great number of years ; and the longer he had lived the more he felt its great charm was to make Masons a band cf
brothers , eating for one another , sympathising with one another , supporting one another in their absence as well as in llieir presence , and always icidy to assist in the great cause of charity , which was the true characteristic , as they said themselves , and as hoped it ever would be of eery Freemason ' s heart among them . It was a very great
pleasure to him to think men of different views , men of different professions , men of very different feelings on many subjects , jet animated by this one great feeling , teveier . ee for Gtd , and love for their brother man , joining 'ogethcr in this great bond of union in Masonry . ( Cheers . ) Liig might it flourish , ami long might it expand and extend in the world . He had had a hint
given him that night that long speeches would not De acceptable , and he was quite certain that a pleasant 'vening might often be spoiled by making speeches a little too . long . Therefore , he would conclude his observations *! tji a toast which had been placed in his hands , and * tiich he was certain the companions would do full justice ' ? - " The Health of the First Principal . " The First
Prin-C 1 ial of ihe new chapter which the companions had had Jne pleasure of assisting in consecrating , Comp . J . Lewis 'homas , was well known . His carter in Masonry and £ ' « a ! in the Craft had been rewarded by the greatest "onour the Giand Mashr could bestow . In this new chapter he would still maintain the same brilliant services to JJjH Order of which he was a distinguished ornament . l "e waimth of his heart , and his zeal to ; ervc a brother ,
* ould maintain the suox-ss of the chapter . The Granite ™ l ter would revive the harmony and good Z ln ff which , he knew , prevailed in the Granite 0 l-ge . He ( Comp . Woodford ) , iherefore , asked the com-Prions to drink , with their heartiest good wishes for the u « ess of the Granite Chapter , " The Health of the First "ncipal , Comp . James Lewis Thomas . " 0 m p . James J-ewis Thomar , M . E . Z ., in reply , s id
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
that the compliments of Comp . Woodford were very undeserved , because the chapter was a new chapter , just consecrated , and there had been no opportunity of telling what the merits of the chapter were . He had , however , the interests of the chapter very much at heart , and he hoped it would come to a successful issuse ; as Col . Peters , whom he was glad to see present , often
said , " Nothing succeeds like success . " There was one thing he had to deplore , that in the short career of the chapter it had had several vicissitudes to go through . It was started with the co-operation of their esteemed Comp . Bosworth , who was to be its Second Principal . He shook hands with that companion one day at five o'clock in the evening , and at ten o ' clock he was dead . That sad
event threw them back a goorl deal . There was another dear old companion , who was also a petitioner for the chapter . Comp . Boyd , they knew , devoted himself almost entirely to Royal Arch Masonry , on which he was a great authority , and he promised he would be the first Sciibe E . of the Granite Chapter . With Comp . Boyd ' s kindness , and his knowledge of Royal Arch Masonry , the
chapter would have floated very well indeed . But Comp Boyd , poor fellow , had gone to his rest . These were peculiar vicissitudes . The charter was granted by Grand Chapter in May , 1878 , and twelvemonths had elapsed before it could be consecrated . It was utterly impossible for him to attempt to put together any words which would touch the companions'feelings so completely as the very eloquent
expressions cf . Comp . Woodford , who was constantly before them in Masonry , and told them truly what they ought to do , and what was expected of them in Craft and in the Arch ; and the very kind way in which Comp . Woodford had expressed himself in regard to him ( Comp . Thomas ) he was quite sure was far more then he deserved , but at all events he should aspire , if he possibly could , to act up
to Comp . Woodford's standard—not that it was really in his power to attain to it , but he should do his best to do so . If he did that , the companions would have launched the little barque successfully , of which they had seen thc birth that evening , and at the end of two years would be able to say that it was really well founded . He hoped that he would for many years be able to stand up
and speak of the success of the chapter . It consisted now of but five members , but at next meeting he expected to have the gratification of exalting twenty brethren , and welcoming six joining members . The Principals were exceedingly obliged to so many kind friends for coming forward to assist at thc consectation , and under such good auspices he did not think it at all impossible the chapter
might arrive at a successful issue . Comp . J . W . Ellison Macartney , M . P ., in replying for the toast of " Tlie Visitors , " said he felt it a distinguished honour to be asked to do so . He was deeply grateful to his friend the M . E . Z . for having . invitcd him to be present at the consecration of this chapter . It was a most interesting ceremony , and to him most instructive . Not
the least instructive part of it was the lecture delivered , and he thought the companions who were present ought to bear the lessons that were conveyed to them iu that lecture in their memories . One of the parts that struck him most was the impressive way in which they were told that they ought to remember the sacred link that bound
Masonry , and particularly Royal Arch Masonry , to truths revealed in the Word of God ; also the impressive way in which the duties were instilled into them , of love to brethren , whether they were in or out of the Order . On an occasion like that he believed that brevity was the soul of wit , and he had the advantage of wishing to be brief because the M . E . Z . conveyed to him the notice that he was
going to ask him to return thanks for the visitors , and since that time he had been in a state of utter confusion . ( Laughter . ) He never was able to prepare a speech , and tie was always taken by surprise if he got a notice of ten minutes , but he thought it did not require to compose a speech to answer on the present occasion . The wonderfully good way in which the ceremony was performed , and
the well-known character of the Granite Lodge , promised a glorious future for the chapter , which he thought none of them should be doubtful of . He did not wish to trench upon the office of H ., who was the prophet , but he thought he might venture to say the future of this chapter , if it was to be at all in consonance with its first st < p , must be a grand one . Their Excellent Z . jhad said that only
for the absence of some one member whom he expected that evening , the chapter would be floated much higher . He ( Comp . Macartney ) doubted that . He did not think that granite was a substance that could float . ( Laughter . ) If it could be kept above the surface of the water , as by the assistance of some other substance the needle of Cleopatra was conveyed to England to prevent it from sinking ,
it was all right . He did not think the Granite Chapter would sink , and if it was composed of the same materials as the Granite Lodge , it must be prosperous . One could not wish the chapter a more prosperous career than the lodge . If the two combined together , as he supposed they would , they would offer a bright example to all Masonic chapters and lodger . He returned on the part of himself and the other visitors his most heartfelt thanks , and he
was sure the visitors would be most happy on future occasions to attend and see the progress of the Granite Chapter . Comp . F . West replied to thc toast of " The Officers , " and Comp . F . Binckes and James Terry to that of " The Charities . " jj'lhe Janitor ' s | toatt was then given , and the companions separated .
Bro . Edward Terry has announced his annual benefit at the Gaiety Theatre for Monday evening , May 19 th , on which occasion he will app ? ar in H . J . Byron's comedy , " Cyril ' s Success and " Little Doctor Faust , " and deliver an original address , written by F . C . Burnand , Esq .
Consecration Of The Zion (Hebrew) Lodge, No. 1798.
CONSECRATION OF THE ZION ( HEBREW ) LODGE , No . 1798 .
This , the first Jews' lodge in East Lancashire , was consecrated in the lodge-rooms , HulmeTown Hall , Manchester , on Moi . day , the 12 th inst ., by Bro . George Mellor , Wor . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , assisted by the following Prov . Grand Officers : —Bros , the Rev . E . H . Aldridge , Prov . G
Chap . ; E . Hardon , P . G . S . D . ; T . Lancashire , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Kenyon , P . G . Supt . of Works ; J . Salmon , P . G . D . of C . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . G . D . of C . ; J . R . Fletcher , P . G . Org . ; and J . Newton , acting P . G . Sec . A Craft lodge was opened by Bro . Elias Nathan , P . M ., at 2 o ' clock , and there were present a large number of brethren .
Amongst the visitors were Bros . Professor Prag , 1502 ; W . Aronsberg , J . P ., 1055 ; Shuheshaft , W . M . 1502 ; M . Hart , P . M . 1502 ; Tobias , J . W . 1502 ; J . Vertigans , P . M . 86 5 ; H . Rocca , S . W . 865 ; W . Bostock , P . M . 16 33 ; Jacob Meyer , 1633 ; D . Donbavand , P . M . 317 ; N . Dumville , P . M . 252 ; J . Haarbldcher , 204 ; XV . Dumville , P . M . ion ; Hudson Sister , W . M . ion ; T . R . Williams , P . M . 1147 ;
F . Peel , P . M . 1147 , and others . The V . W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master and his officers entered the lodge . After having assumed the chair , and receiving the customaiy greetings , he commenced the ceiemony of consecration by requesting the P . G . Chap , to offer up a prayer . The acting Prov . Grand Sec . produced and read the
warrant for the new lodge , and the promoters having testified their approval of the officers named therein , the Consecrating Officer called upon Bro . J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . G . D . of C , to deliver an oration , which was as follows : — Very Worshipful Sir and Brother : Without entertaining any extravagant opinions respecting the antiquity of our Order , it will , I think , be appropriate on this auspicious
occasion if we take a short retrospective glance at our early history , and refer to some of the secret Jewish societies existing in the olden time and not mentioned in our traditional ritual ; and , as they bear so remarkable a resemblance to Freemasonry of the present day , both in usages and customs , as well as their fundamental principles , I think we are justified in assuming that we are
descended from , if we are not now an exact counterpart of those societies , and that the Jews have been instrumental in preserving and handing down through succeeding generations the tenets and principles of our venerable order . It must , however , be admitted that considerable changes in our Constitution , as well as
modifications and additions in our customs and ceremonies , have been made during the intermediate periods of time . The Jewish historian tells us that the Levites practised in their grand Sanhedrim in three degrees of initiation , consecration , and ministration , and were presided over by one chief and two assistant chiefs or wardens . The
Essenes were a mysterious Jewish order , whose doctrines were contained in certain mystical interpretations of . ihe Hebrew Scriptures , received from ancient tradition , handed down from time immemorial by oral transmission , and preserved with the most profound care and secresy , and ^ their members wore white aprons or girdles , and they had also a cable of tow around their necks . They
observed ihree degrees of probation , and they were required to bind themselves by most solemn obligations to do justice , to do no wrong , to keep their hands clean from fraudulent dealings , and not to communicate any of their secrets to the profane , even though it should be to save their lives . After thc destruction of the Jewish nationalities by thc legions of Rome , the Jews were widely scattered through .
out Persia , Mesopotamia , and many parts of the Roman Empire , where they founded academies and institutions of learning . In whatever province they settled they became famous as profoundly learned astronomers , mathematicians , and geometricians . Pythagoras , the Greek philosopher , acquired a material portion of his""knowledge of geometry Jwhile sojourning
amongst the Babylonish Jews . On his return to Greece he founded a secret society or lodge ot geometricians ; he communicated his instructions by symbols and parables . The fundamental piinciples of his society were—Reverence to God , filial piety , conjugal love , chastity , probity , the forgiveness of injuries , and constant employment . The philosophy of the Egyptians , the manners ,
principles , and customs of the Hebrews , so far as they form part of our system , having reference to the reverence of the Almighty Creator , were introduced into this land by the Phcenecians , and we still retain in our lodges many Mosaic emblems—such , for instance , as the Mosaic pavement ; and let our minds now return to that original which it copies . Let it remind us that to-day our feet
tread in piospenty , to-morrow we may totter on the uneven paths of weakness , temptation , and adversity . Let us all , therefore , endeavour to live in brotherly love , faith , hope , and charity . Faith is the foundation of justice , the bond of amity , and the chief support of society . Hope is thc anchor of the soul , both sure and steadfast . Chaiityisthe keystone of our mystical fabric—it is the
brightest gem that can adorn our Masonie profession . It embraces more than mere almsgiving . It is not enough to regard it in _ thc practicaljand substantial light of giving liberally to our institutions , although this forms an important part of our system . Money is not the only thing the poor and unfortunate stand in need of ; compassion
points out to those who are not blessed with liches many ways by which they can befriend and assist a distressed brother , such as to soothe the unhappy , to sympathise with their misfortunes , to comj-assionate their miseries , to give advice , consolation , and protection , and to make known their wants and distresses to those who are in a
position to relieve them . So shall the blessings of Him who was about to perish rest upon us , even though we give but the good-will of our recommendation . By
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
, j delivered a most valuable oration , and in other tions 0 [ his duties as J . had impressed the companions '' - th the value of good working at a consecration ; and r mp . Herviy and the other companions who had assisted I rt ) so discharged their duties most ably . He referred licularly to comp . Terry , who had installed Comps . V 7 tst and Pearse in the H . and J . chairs . In conclusion ,
, . repeated that no working could have been better than thcy had witnessed that evening . Comp . James Lewis Thomas next proposed " Thc Conccv ating Officers , " who , he said , had performed their ' uties in a way that would long remain in the memory of the companions , and establish the day as a very remarkable one m Masonry- ^ di'l not think he had ever seen a
consecration performed more admirably . Comp . John Hervey , who had been obliged to leave already , had consecrated the lodge under very trying circumstances ; his health being very delicate , his presiding had been a great effort . The companions ought , therefore , to take it as a very great compliment . However much debility had interfered with his performance , the consecration had been
parked by that earnestness and feeling which always characterised everything that was done by thc Grand Secretary of England . Although their modest companion , Col . Burdett , endeavoured to ignore the part he took in the ceremony , thc companions must always appreciate very highly the excellent way in which he discharged the duties 0 f H . But what should he say of Comp . Wooirford , who
was a tower of strength in Masonry , in the Craft , in the lioyal Arch , and in fact in everything connected with Freemasonry . Although it required no words from him ( Comp . Thomas ) to extol a companion whose name was a household word among Masons , he could not help riferjng to the magnificent manner in which he had performed the duties of the chair of J ., and the splendid oration he
gave , which ought to be engraved in letters of gold . He could only say he was exceedingly obliged to Comp . Woodford , and to the other Consecrating Officers , with whom all the companions were highly delighted . Comp . the Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , in responding , said he deeply regretted on the present occasion Comp . Hervey was not there to return thanks for the very kind way in
which Comp . Thomas had proposed the health of the Consecrating Officers . They would all have been pleased to listen to the kind words which he would have delivered , and which always came from his heart , and were always acceptable to the companions or brethren . He ( Comp . Woodford ) for one most deeply deplored Comp . Hcrvey ' s absence , because it compelled him ( Comp . Woodford ) to
return thanks for the toast which Comp . Hervey , iu his usual effective manner , wojld have rendered more justice to than he ( Comp . Woodford ) was capable of doing . But as Comp . Thomas had coupled his name with the toast , he from his heart was very grateful , as he was sure Comps . Hervey and Burdett were , for the honour whicb had been dune them . It gave them , as it gave himself , great
happiness at all times to assist in the extension of the lioyal Arch among Masons , because , like himself , the more they knew of it , the more they liked its principles , and themoie they wished to see it extended through the length and breadth of the land . Unfortunately , for some years past Royal Arch Masonry had been in abeyance , but he hoped the time was coming when in Grand Chapter the
restriction of former years would be removed and every lorlge allowed after thelve months to have a chapter if so it wished . ( Cheers . ) lie had always considered it a great injustice that brethren who in new lodges were advanced to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason were obliged to go to chapters attached to other lodges for the Royal Arch
Degree because their own ledge was unable to have a haptcr attached to it for three years . He trusted that the time was not far distant when Grand Chapter would be induced to rescind the present rule . He was not a young man ; he had served Masonry a great number of years ; and the longer he had lived the more he felt its great charm was to make Masons a band cf
brothers , eating for one another , sympathising with one another , supporting one another in their absence as well as in llieir presence , and always icidy to assist in the great cause of charity , which was the true characteristic , as they said themselves , and as hoped it ever would be of eery Freemason ' s heart among them . It was a very great
pleasure to him to think men of different views , men of different professions , men of very different feelings on many subjects , jet animated by this one great feeling , teveier . ee for Gtd , and love for their brother man , joining 'ogethcr in this great bond of union in Masonry . ( Cheers . ) Liig might it flourish , ami long might it expand and extend in the world . He had had a hint
given him that night that long speeches would not De acceptable , and he was quite certain that a pleasant 'vening might often be spoiled by making speeches a little too . long . Therefore , he would conclude his observations *! tji a toast which had been placed in his hands , and * tiich he was certain the companions would do full justice ' ? - " The Health of the First Principal . " The First
Prin-C 1 ial of ihe new chapter which the companions had had Jne pleasure of assisting in consecrating , Comp . J . Lewis 'homas , was well known . His carter in Masonry and £ ' « a ! in the Craft had been rewarded by the greatest "onour the Giand Mashr could bestow . In this new chapter he would still maintain the same brilliant services to JJjH Order of which he was a distinguished ornament . l "e waimth of his heart , and his zeal to ; ervc a brother ,
* ould maintain the suox-ss of the chapter . The Granite ™ l ter would revive the harmony and good Z ln ff which , he knew , prevailed in the Granite 0 l-ge . He ( Comp . Woodford ) , iherefore , asked the com-Prions to drink , with their heartiest good wishes for the u « ess of the Granite Chapter , " The Health of the First "ncipal , Comp . James Lewis Thomas . " 0 m p . James J-ewis Thomar , M . E . Z ., in reply , s id
Consecration Of The Granite Chapter, No. 1328.
that the compliments of Comp . Woodford were very undeserved , because the chapter was a new chapter , just consecrated , and there had been no opportunity of telling what the merits of the chapter were . He had , however , the interests of the chapter very much at heart , and he hoped it would come to a successful issuse ; as Col . Peters , whom he was glad to see present , often
said , " Nothing succeeds like success . " There was one thing he had to deplore , that in the short career of the chapter it had had several vicissitudes to go through . It was started with the co-operation of their esteemed Comp . Bosworth , who was to be its Second Principal . He shook hands with that companion one day at five o'clock in the evening , and at ten o ' clock he was dead . That sad
event threw them back a goorl deal . There was another dear old companion , who was also a petitioner for the chapter . Comp . Boyd , they knew , devoted himself almost entirely to Royal Arch Masonry , on which he was a great authority , and he promised he would be the first Sciibe E . of the Granite Chapter . With Comp . Boyd ' s kindness , and his knowledge of Royal Arch Masonry , the
chapter would have floated very well indeed . But Comp Boyd , poor fellow , had gone to his rest . These were peculiar vicissitudes . The charter was granted by Grand Chapter in May , 1878 , and twelvemonths had elapsed before it could be consecrated . It was utterly impossible for him to attempt to put together any words which would touch the companions'feelings so completely as the very eloquent
expressions cf . Comp . Woodford , who was constantly before them in Masonry , and told them truly what they ought to do , and what was expected of them in Craft and in the Arch ; and the very kind way in which Comp . Woodford had expressed himself in regard to him ( Comp . Thomas ) he was quite sure was far more then he deserved , but at all events he should aspire , if he possibly could , to act up
to Comp . Woodford's standard—not that it was really in his power to attain to it , but he should do his best to do so . If he did that , the companions would have launched the little barque successfully , of which they had seen thc birth that evening , and at the end of two years would be able to say that it was really well founded . He hoped that he would for many years be able to stand up
and speak of the success of the chapter . It consisted now of but five members , but at next meeting he expected to have the gratification of exalting twenty brethren , and welcoming six joining members . The Principals were exceedingly obliged to so many kind friends for coming forward to assist at thc consectation , and under such good auspices he did not think it at all impossible the chapter
might arrive at a successful issue . Comp . J . W . Ellison Macartney , M . P ., in replying for the toast of " Tlie Visitors , " said he felt it a distinguished honour to be asked to do so . He was deeply grateful to his friend the M . E . Z . for having . invitcd him to be present at the consecration of this chapter . It was a most interesting ceremony , and to him most instructive . Not
the least instructive part of it was the lecture delivered , and he thought the companions who were present ought to bear the lessons that were conveyed to them iu that lecture in their memories . One of the parts that struck him most was the impressive way in which they were told that they ought to remember the sacred link that bound
Masonry , and particularly Royal Arch Masonry , to truths revealed in the Word of God ; also the impressive way in which the duties were instilled into them , of love to brethren , whether they were in or out of the Order . On an occasion like that he believed that brevity was the soul of wit , and he had the advantage of wishing to be brief because the M . E . Z . conveyed to him the notice that he was
going to ask him to return thanks for the visitors , and since that time he had been in a state of utter confusion . ( Laughter . ) He never was able to prepare a speech , and tie was always taken by surprise if he got a notice of ten minutes , but he thought it did not require to compose a speech to answer on the present occasion . The wonderfully good way in which the ceremony was performed , and
the well-known character of the Granite Lodge , promised a glorious future for the chapter , which he thought none of them should be doubtful of . He did not wish to trench upon the office of H ., who was the prophet , but he thought he might venture to say the future of this chapter , if it was to be at all in consonance with its first st < p , must be a grand one . Their Excellent Z . jhad said that only
for the absence of some one member whom he expected that evening , the chapter would be floated much higher . He ( Comp . Macartney ) doubted that . He did not think that granite was a substance that could float . ( Laughter . ) If it could be kept above the surface of the water , as by the assistance of some other substance the needle of Cleopatra was conveyed to England to prevent it from sinking ,
it was all right . He did not think the Granite Chapter would sink , and if it was composed of the same materials as the Granite Lodge , it must be prosperous . One could not wish the chapter a more prosperous career than the lodge . If the two combined together , as he supposed they would , they would offer a bright example to all Masonic chapters and lodger . He returned on the part of himself and the other visitors his most heartfelt thanks , and he
was sure the visitors would be most happy on future occasions to attend and see the progress of the Granite Chapter . Comp . F . West replied to thc toast of " The Officers , " and Comp . F . Binckes and James Terry to that of " The Charities . " jj'lhe Janitor ' s | toatt was then given , and the companions separated .
Bro . Edward Terry has announced his annual benefit at the Gaiety Theatre for Monday evening , May 19 th , on which occasion he will app ? ar in H . J . Byron's comedy , " Cyril ' s Success and " Little Doctor Faust , " and deliver an original address , written by F . C . Burnand , Esq .
Consecration Of The Zion (Hebrew) Lodge, No. 1798.
CONSECRATION OF THE ZION ( HEBREW ) LODGE , No . 1798 .
This , the first Jews' lodge in East Lancashire , was consecrated in the lodge-rooms , HulmeTown Hall , Manchester , on Moi . day , the 12 th inst ., by Bro . George Mellor , Wor . Deputy Prov . Grand Master , assisted by the following Prov . Grand Officers : —Bros , the Rev . E . H . Aldridge , Prov . G
Chap . ; E . Hardon , P . G . S . D . ; T . Lancashire , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Kenyon , P . G . Supt . of Works ; J . Salmon , P . G . D . of C . ; J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . G . D . of C . ; J . R . Fletcher , P . G . Org . ; and J . Newton , acting P . G . Sec . A Craft lodge was opened by Bro . Elias Nathan , P . M ., at 2 o ' clock , and there were present a large number of brethren .
Amongst the visitors were Bros . Professor Prag , 1502 ; W . Aronsberg , J . P ., 1055 ; Shuheshaft , W . M . 1502 ; M . Hart , P . M . 1502 ; Tobias , J . W . 1502 ; J . Vertigans , P . M . 86 5 ; H . Rocca , S . W . 865 ; W . Bostock , P . M . 16 33 ; Jacob Meyer , 1633 ; D . Donbavand , P . M . 317 ; N . Dumville , P . M . 252 ; J . Haarbldcher , 204 ; XV . Dumville , P . M . ion ; Hudson Sister , W . M . ion ; T . R . Williams , P . M . 1147 ;
F . Peel , P . M . 1147 , and others . The V . W . Deputy Provincial Grand Master and his officers entered the lodge . After having assumed the chair , and receiving the customaiy greetings , he commenced the ceiemony of consecration by requesting the P . G . Chap , to offer up a prayer . The acting Prov . Grand Sec . produced and read the
warrant for the new lodge , and the promoters having testified their approval of the officers named therein , the Consecrating Officer called upon Bro . J . H . Sillitoe , P . P . G . D . of C , to deliver an oration , which was as follows : — Very Worshipful Sir and Brother : Without entertaining any extravagant opinions respecting the antiquity of our Order , it will , I think , be appropriate on this auspicious
occasion if we take a short retrospective glance at our early history , and refer to some of the secret Jewish societies existing in the olden time and not mentioned in our traditional ritual ; and , as they bear so remarkable a resemblance to Freemasonry of the present day , both in usages and customs , as well as their fundamental principles , I think we are justified in assuming that we are
descended from , if we are not now an exact counterpart of those societies , and that the Jews have been instrumental in preserving and handing down through succeeding generations the tenets and principles of our venerable order . It must , however , be admitted that considerable changes in our Constitution , as well as
modifications and additions in our customs and ceremonies , have been made during the intermediate periods of time . The Jewish historian tells us that the Levites practised in their grand Sanhedrim in three degrees of initiation , consecration , and ministration , and were presided over by one chief and two assistant chiefs or wardens . The
Essenes were a mysterious Jewish order , whose doctrines were contained in certain mystical interpretations of . ihe Hebrew Scriptures , received from ancient tradition , handed down from time immemorial by oral transmission , and preserved with the most profound care and secresy , and ^ their members wore white aprons or girdles , and they had also a cable of tow around their necks . They
observed ihree degrees of probation , and they were required to bind themselves by most solemn obligations to do justice , to do no wrong , to keep their hands clean from fraudulent dealings , and not to communicate any of their secrets to the profane , even though it should be to save their lives . After thc destruction of the Jewish nationalities by thc legions of Rome , the Jews were widely scattered through .
out Persia , Mesopotamia , and many parts of the Roman Empire , where they founded academies and institutions of learning . In whatever province they settled they became famous as profoundly learned astronomers , mathematicians , and geometricians . Pythagoras , the Greek philosopher , acquired a material portion of his""knowledge of geometry Jwhile sojourning
amongst the Babylonish Jews . On his return to Greece he founded a secret society or lodge ot geometricians ; he communicated his instructions by symbols and parables . The fundamental piinciples of his society were—Reverence to God , filial piety , conjugal love , chastity , probity , the forgiveness of injuries , and constant employment . The philosophy of the Egyptians , the manners ,
principles , and customs of the Hebrews , so far as they form part of our system , having reference to the reverence of the Almighty Creator , were introduced into this land by the Phcenecians , and we still retain in our lodges many Mosaic emblems—such , for instance , as the Mosaic pavement ; and let our minds now return to that original which it copies . Let it remind us that to-day our feet
tread in piospenty , to-morrow we may totter on the uneven paths of weakness , temptation , and adversity . Let us all , therefore , endeavour to live in brotherly love , faith , hope , and charity . Faith is the foundation of justice , the bond of amity , and the chief support of society . Hope is thc anchor of the soul , both sure and steadfast . Chaiityisthe keystone of our mystical fabric—it is the
brightest gem that can adorn our Masonie profession . It embraces more than mere almsgiving . It is not enough to regard it in _ thc practicaljand substantial light of giving liberally to our institutions , although this forms an important part of our system . Money is not the only thing the poor and unfortunate stand in need of ; compassion
points out to those who are not blessed with liches many ways by which they can befriend and assist a distressed brother , such as to soothe the unhappy , to sympathise with their misfortunes , to comj-assionate their miseries , to give advice , consolation , and protection , and to make known their wants and distresses to those who are in a
position to relieve them . So shall the blessings of Him who was about to perish rest upon us , even though we give but the good-will of our recommendation . By