Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The University Of London Lodge, No. 2033.
posed of members of the University , who were not only eminent Masons , but eminent in all the walks of life they have made their own , and its success is assured . The petitioning brethren were then arranged in due order , and the petition , together with the warrant of constitution , were read by the D . C . The brethren having confirmed their choice of officers designate , Bro . the Rev .
C . W . ARNOLD , P . G . Chap ., delivered the following oration : —Brethren , I fear that in my oration to-day I shall but travel over well-trodden ground , for after so much has lately been said of the origin , history , and principles of Freemasonry I can scarcely be expected to produce anything new . I would ask you then , brethren , to bear with me a for a few minutes whilst I endeavour to say what may be appropriate on this occasion , when wc have
met together to dedicate a new lodge under the most distinguished patronage , and with the happiest auspices—a lodge which is to be especially devoted to members of the University of London . Masonry has increased in a marvellous manner during the past few years , and when wc sec the highest and noblest in the land , and men ' of the greatest intellectual powers pressing into its ranks , it is natural for us to ask the question , ** What is it
which makes Freemasonry so attractive ? " It cannot be charity alone , although wc Masons maintain such magnificent charitable Institutions that any man may well be proud of supporting them , for charity might just as well be practised without our rites and without our clothing . It cannot be morality , however beautiful the system is which is found in our Masonic
charges , for all that wc teach may be found m the Sacred Volume , and might easily be studied without Freemasonry . It cannot be only the ' pleasure of the social meetings which take place after our lodges are closed , for social intercourse of thepleasantest kind maybe easity enjoyed without Masonic work . All these combined no doubt offer some considerable inducements
. for men to join Freemasonry ; but there must be something beyond , something higher than mere brotherly love and relief , great principles though they are—yes , there must be something far deeper than this which recommends Freemasonry to men of intellectual culture . If brotherly love and relief are all that Freemasonry contains , what is the object of guarding it so completely by signs , tokens , and words , so that
only those lawfully initiated into its mysteries may become . acquainted with them ? Freemasonry is butacaskctwhich contains a priceless jewel , and that jewel is Truth ; and ail our rites and ceremonies , our signs and passwords have been designed for the purpose of guarding this precious jewel and handing it down from age to age in all its purity and integrity . Just as in Grecian mythology Prometheus is said to have brought down fire
from Heaven as a gift toman , hidden in a hollow reed , so , concealed in our rites and mysteries , Divine Truth has beep passed on from generation to generation , and wc have the highest authority for the use of passwords as a safeguard of our truths , even that of the Almighty Architect Himself , who , when he revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush , gave him a password as a voucher for the truth of His message to the children of Israel .
There seems little doubt that in very early ages , when guilds of Masons were first established , they were formed to preserve a Speculative as well as an Operative knowledge , and through many centuries these were handed down together to successive generations ; but Operative Masonry received its death-blow at the dissolution of the monasteries in the middle of the sixteenth century , whilst Speculative Masonry ¦ linirercd on and
was well nigh extinguished , until at the beginning of the eighteenth century it was revived , and gradually passed into that beautiful ritual which we practise to-day . It is Speculative Masonry which has Freserved for us those precious truths of which I have ' spoke , n every age of the world we find man as his intellectual faculties have become developed seeking after Truth 1 " What is Truth ? " was the question of the Roman Pilate on his judgment scat . " What is Truth ? " was the object of research to Pythagoras and Socrates and
Plato and all the well-known philosophers of old . But what they sought for as something lost , something unknown , Freemasonry was quietly handing down from age to age . It teaches us the great truths of the existence of one God , the Maker and Creator of all things , and the common Father of all mankind ; it teaches us that wc all , as children of this one common Father , are brethren ; it assures us of the immortality of the
soul , and tells us of a time when wc shall be summoned to the Grand Lodge above , where the world ' s Great Architect lives and reigns for evermore . He sets before us in the three Degrees a beautiful allegory of the life of man from , childhood even to old age . It reminds us how we came into this world poor and penniless ; under the fostering care of T . G . A . O . T . U . wc have passed through the dangers of childhood and arrived at
man ' s estate ; we pass on by regular steps across the chequered llooring of the world , learning lessons as wc go , looking up from nature to nature ' s God ; in the Third Degree still more knowledge is given to us as we behold the emblems of immortality around us , and the bri ght star above whose light pierces even through the darkness of the tomb . Thus in each step of Masonry fresh truths arc revealed and the best instruction given
how man must live on earth , how die , how rest in heaven , when he shall have ascended to those immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates . Still further , Masonry is the handmaid of religion , directing us to the volume of the Sacred Law to guide our actions and govern our . faith . And as man is weak and liable to err , so does Freemasonry give him help along the path of life , so that every instrument he handles in his work may
remind him of some moral duty . Thus , brethren , I say Masonry is worthy of the noblest intellect of man , for the more we study it the more treasures do wc discover in it , and the deeper do its lessons sink into our heart . 1 do not wonder then , brethren , that you who belong to the University of London ( which differs from the older Universities , in that it is only an examining body ) should seek in a Masonic lodge a bond of union
which may draw you more closely together , for in your lodge work you will find food for the highest intellect , and after work is over you will enjoy the happiest social intercourse , all irritating topics of conversation being banished , so that whatever may be your creed , whatever your political views , angry discussion will be hushed , and peaccand harmony must prevail . And when I look at the names of those who are to rule and govern this new lodge , I feel sure that their duties will be performed with the utmost
profici' ency , so that the brethren will have " forcibl y impressed upon them the dignity and high importance of Freemasonry , and the loyalty which is due to God , our country , and our Queen , and that our noble ceremonies will be so worked as to leave a lasting impression on every initiate , for , believe me , iheJirst impression of Freemasonry is everything ; if a candidate sees and hears careless work and irreverent behaviour in the lodge , is it likely that he can be seriously impressed with the truths conveyed in our ritual ? In conclusion , may the favour of the Most High rest upon this lodge . May it ' be a centre of love and harmony , of hospitality and truth . May each
Consecration Of The University Of London Lodge, No. 2033.
member be , as it were , a perfect and well-cemcntcd stone , built into the Temple of the Most High . And may the object of all our work be ' * Glory to God in the highest , on earth peace , goodwill to men . " The usual ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and the lodge duly constituted .
I he PRO GRAND MASTER then said that be greatly rcyrettcd that it was not in his power to close the evening with them after performing the ceremony . He had hoped to have had that pleasure , but engagements prevented . He could not leave , however , without offering " Hearty good wishes" for the future welfare of the lodge . When he considered who composed it he was confident it would be successful . It had his sincerest good wishes , and he trusted that a long career of honour and usefulness was before it .
The chair was then re-occupied by Bro . Fcnn , who proceeded with the installation ceremony . Bro . Philbrick was presented , and having been duly obligated , was then installed in the chair of K . S ., and at once pro * cecded to invest his principal officers as designated in the warrant , viz . : R . W . Bro . Rt . Hon . the Lord Mayor of London , R . N . Fowler , M . A . ' , M . P ., G . J . W ., W . M . No . i , S . W . ; Bro . Alfred Meadows , M . D ., P . M .
No . 4 , J . W . The appointment of the other officers was as follows : Bros . Sir Farrer Herschcll , B . A ., Q . C ., M . P ., Solicitor-General , P . M . 1310 , acting I . P . M . ; William G . Lemon , LL . I 3 ., P . M . 165 , Treas . ; -William J . Spratling , B . Sc , W . M . 1924 , Sec ; W . R . McConncll , B . A ., 1610 , S . D . ; A . E . Sansom , M . D ., 1494 , J . D . ; John Curnow , M . D ., 121 , l . G . ; Augustus C . Maybury , D . Sc , W . M . 1293 , D . C ; and Frank E . Lemon , LL . B ., S 59 , Steward .
The INSTALLING MASTER having delivered to the W . M . and other officers the customary addresses , and several brethren having been proposed for joining and initiation , the W . M . said that it was his pleasing duty loask the brethren to concur in tendering their cordial thanks to the Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Milltowh , and other distinguished brethren who had assisted them , and he had the further pleasure of asking them to elect those brethren ' as honorary members .
This was seconded by Bro . RALI ' GOODING and carried unanimously . The Earl of MILLTOWN returned thanks on behalf of the Grand Officers and the lodge was then closed . A banquet subsequently took place , presided over by the . W . M . In proposing "The Health of the Queen" the WORSIIIIMUL MASTER said that it was peculiarly appropriate that the first toast of a new lodge should
be to render homage to the first lady of the land . The heart of the nation had been touched with sympathy at her last bereavement which was shared by the great body of Masons . The WoRsiiiriUL MASTER next gave the " M . W . G . M ., " remarking of his Royal Highness that amidst all his duties there were none in which ho took a deeper interest than those of the Craft .
In proposing , "' 1 he Health of the M . W . the Pro Grand Master , llic Karl of Carnarvon ; the Earl of Lathom , and the other Grand Officers , " the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said that they had not onl y been honoured by the presence and active assistance of the Pro Grand Master , but b y a galaxy of Grand Officers , which any lodge might be proud to welcome . ' 1 heir presence was not alone due to the consecration of anew lodge , because lodges arcfrc
qucntly consecrated , but , without arrogating to themselves * any special claims , they felt it was a privilege to have so many distinguished Grand Officers with them on that occasion . This also gave them a sense of responsibility , for they felt that where much was expected much would be required . They had with them many whom since he first saw the light of Masonry he had been taught to look up to . He need mention only the
names of Bros . Sir Francis Burdett , John Havers , and Sir John B . Monckton . It would be injudicious to particularise ; the position they held went far to show that the hold they had upon the Craft was great and well deserved . Sir FRANCIS BURDETT responded for the Grand Officers in suitable terms , and predicted that the University of London Lodge would hold a high position in the'Craft .
THE WORSHHTUL MASTER in prosposing "The Health of the Consecrating Officers , the Earl of Carnarvon , and the hcaltli ,-tlic better health , of his esteemed and respected friend Bro . Col . Shadwcll H . . Clcrke , G . S ., " wlio was prevented by illness from being present , said he would couple with that toast the name of Bro . Fcnn , who came forward in time of difficulty to supply his place . To Bro . Arnold , for the part he took in the ceremony , they would be ever grateful and to Bro . Fenn they were greatly indebted for
the beautiful rendering , apart Irom the question ol ritual , ol the ceremony . Bro . the Rev . C . \ v . ARNOLD returned thanks . He had accepted with f ) leasure the invitation , not only because he would assist in bringing a new . odgc into existence—a lodge of a peculiar character that would shed lustre on the Craft—but because' his old friend Bro . Philbrick was to preside . What he had seen that night of the way in which the W . M . had presided augured well for the future .
Bro . I ' said that he had received on the previous evening an intimation from Col . Gierke that he would be unable to be present , and he willingly undertook the duties . Bro . HAVERS , in an exceedingly graccfuland happv speech , also returned thanks . He wished them well through all their infantile troubles , inseparable from early life . Since his return to his dear old friends in Masonry he had taken no part that was more hopeful of Masonry in the future than the
constitution of that lodge . He wished it from the bottom of his heart all success , and concluding by proposing "The Health of the Worshipful Master . " He had watched his career in public life , as well as in Masonry , and it was with peculiar gratification that he had seen him appointed to the important office in Grand Lodge which he now occupied . I le carried great weight in Grand Lodge , which gave promise of the most thorough obedience to his ruling .
The WoRSini'fUL MASTER in returning thanks said that by an accident he found himself in the position of W . M . The Lord Mayor would have been the first Master , but imperative claims of duty had prevented it . For himself , he would say that he should have greatly preferred to sec the S . W . occupying the position . The University of London inherited a great name , and such place as it occupied in public estimation had been honourably earned . .
They could not boast of Theology , but in the school of medicine and the faculty of law and of science they were strong , and he claimed that they were the first to extend the privilege of University training to the other sex . That lodge would afford an opportunity for all ' to meet on neutral ground , which did not exist elsewhere . They had yet to win their spurs as Masons , and no spurs were worth winning which were not achieved by sheer hard work . The WORSHII ' MASTER next proposed " The Health of the Visitors , " remarking that without the . presence of visitors a Masonic
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The University Of London Lodge, No. 2033.
posed of members of the University , who were not only eminent Masons , but eminent in all the walks of life they have made their own , and its success is assured . The petitioning brethren were then arranged in due order , and the petition , together with the warrant of constitution , were read by the D . C . The brethren having confirmed their choice of officers designate , Bro . the Rev .
C . W . ARNOLD , P . G . Chap ., delivered the following oration : —Brethren , I fear that in my oration to-day I shall but travel over well-trodden ground , for after so much has lately been said of the origin , history , and principles of Freemasonry I can scarcely be expected to produce anything new . I would ask you then , brethren , to bear with me a for a few minutes whilst I endeavour to say what may be appropriate on this occasion , when wc have
met together to dedicate a new lodge under the most distinguished patronage , and with the happiest auspices—a lodge which is to be especially devoted to members of the University of London . Masonry has increased in a marvellous manner during the past few years , and when wc sec the highest and noblest in the land , and men ' of the greatest intellectual powers pressing into its ranks , it is natural for us to ask the question , ** What is it
which makes Freemasonry so attractive ? " It cannot be charity alone , although wc Masons maintain such magnificent charitable Institutions that any man may well be proud of supporting them , for charity might just as well be practised without our rites and without our clothing . It cannot be morality , however beautiful the system is which is found in our Masonic
charges , for all that wc teach may be found m the Sacred Volume , and might easily be studied without Freemasonry . It cannot be only the ' pleasure of the social meetings which take place after our lodges are closed , for social intercourse of thepleasantest kind maybe easity enjoyed without Masonic work . All these combined no doubt offer some considerable inducements
. for men to join Freemasonry ; but there must be something beyond , something higher than mere brotherly love and relief , great principles though they are—yes , there must be something far deeper than this which recommends Freemasonry to men of intellectual culture . If brotherly love and relief are all that Freemasonry contains , what is the object of guarding it so completely by signs , tokens , and words , so that
only those lawfully initiated into its mysteries may become . acquainted with them ? Freemasonry is butacaskctwhich contains a priceless jewel , and that jewel is Truth ; and ail our rites and ceremonies , our signs and passwords have been designed for the purpose of guarding this precious jewel and handing it down from age to age in all its purity and integrity . Just as in Grecian mythology Prometheus is said to have brought down fire
from Heaven as a gift toman , hidden in a hollow reed , so , concealed in our rites and mysteries , Divine Truth has beep passed on from generation to generation , and wc have the highest authority for the use of passwords as a safeguard of our truths , even that of the Almighty Architect Himself , who , when he revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush , gave him a password as a voucher for the truth of His message to the children of Israel .
There seems little doubt that in very early ages , when guilds of Masons were first established , they were formed to preserve a Speculative as well as an Operative knowledge , and through many centuries these were handed down together to successive generations ; but Operative Masonry received its death-blow at the dissolution of the monasteries in the middle of the sixteenth century , whilst Speculative Masonry ¦ linirercd on and
was well nigh extinguished , until at the beginning of the eighteenth century it was revived , and gradually passed into that beautiful ritual which we practise to-day . It is Speculative Masonry which has Freserved for us those precious truths of which I have ' spoke , n every age of the world we find man as his intellectual faculties have become developed seeking after Truth 1 " What is Truth ? " was the question of the Roman Pilate on his judgment scat . " What is Truth ? " was the object of research to Pythagoras and Socrates and
Plato and all the well-known philosophers of old . But what they sought for as something lost , something unknown , Freemasonry was quietly handing down from age to age . It teaches us the great truths of the existence of one God , the Maker and Creator of all things , and the common Father of all mankind ; it teaches us that wc all , as children of this one common Father , are brethren ; it assures us of the immortality of the
soul , and tells us of a time when wc shall be summoned to the Grand Lodge above , where the world ' s Great Architect lives and reigns for evermore . He sets before us in the three Degrees a beautiful allegory of the life of man from , childhood even to old age . It reminds us how we came into this world poor and penniless ; under the fostering care of T . G . A . O . T . U . wc have passed through the dangers of childhood and arrived at
man ' s estate ; we pass on by regular steps across the chequered llooring of the world , learning lessons as wc go , looking up from nature to nature ' s God ; in the Third Degree still more knowledge is given to us as we behold the emblems of immortality around us , and the bri ght star above whose light pierces even through the darkness of the tomb . Thus in each step of Masonry fresh truths arc revealed and the best instruction given
how man must live on earth , how die , how rest in heaven , when he shall have ascended to those immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates . Still further , Masonry is the handmaid of religion , directing us to the volume of the Sacred Law to guide our actions and govern our . faith . And as man is weak and liable to err , so does Freemasonry give him help along the path of life , so that every instrument he handles in his work may
remind him of some moral duty . Thus , brethren , I say Masonry is worthy of the noblest intellect of man , for the more we study it the more treasures do wc discover in it , and the deeper do its lessons sink into our heart . 1 do not wonder then , brethren , that you who belong to the University of London ( which differs from the older Universities , in that it is only an examining body ) should seek in a Masonic lodge a bond of union
which may draw you more closely together , for in your lodge work you will find food for the highest intellect , and after work is over you will enjoy the happiest social intercourse , all irritating topics of conversation being banished , so that whatever may be your creed , whatever your political views , angry discussion will be hushed , and peaccand harmony must prevail . And when I look at the names of those who are to rule and govern this new lodge , I feel sure that their duties will be performed with the utmost
profici' ency , so that the brethren will have " forcibl y impressed upon them the dignity and high importance of Freemasonry , and the loyalty which is due to God , our country , and our Queen , and that our noble ceremonies will be so worked as to leave a lasting impression on every initiate , for , believe me , iheJirst impression of Freemasonry is everything ; if a candidate sees and hears careless work and irreverent behaviour in the lodge , is it likely that he can be seriously impressed with the truths conveyed in our ritual ? In conclusion , may the favour of the Most High rest upon this lodge . May it ' be a centre of love and harmony , of hospitality and truth . May each
Consecration Of The University Of London Lodge, No. 2033.
member be , as it were , a perfect and well-cemcntcd stone , built into the Temple of the Most High . And may the object of all our work be ' * Glory to God in the highest , on earth peace , goodwill to men . " The usual ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and the lodge duly constituted .
I he PRO GRAND MASTER then said that be greatly rcyrettcd that it was not in his power to close the evening with them after performing the ceremony . He had hoped to have had that pleasure , but engagements prevented . He could not leave , however , without offering " Hearty good wishes" for the future welfare of the lodge . When he considered who composed it he was confident it would be successful . It had his sincerest good wishes , and he trusted that a long career of honour and usefulness was before it .
The chair was then re-occupied by Bro . Fcnn , who proceeded with the installation ceremony . Bro . Philbrick was presented , and having been duly obligated , was then installed in the chair of K . S ., and at once pro * cecded to invest his principal officers as designated in the warrant , viz . : R . W . Bro . Rt . Hon . the Lord Mayor of London , R . N . Fowler , M . A . ' , M . P ., G . J . W ., W . M . No . i , S . W . ; Bro . Alfred Meadows , M . D ., P . M .
No . 4 , J . W . The appointment of the other officers was as follows : Bros . Sir Farrer Herschcll , B . A ., Q . C ., M . P ., Solicitor-General , P . M . 1310 , acting I . P . M . ; William G . Lemon , LL . I 3 ., P . M . 165 , Treas . ; -William J . Spratling , B . Sc , W . M . 1924 , Sec ; W . R . McConncll , B . A ., 1610 , S . D . ; A . E . Sansom , M . D ., 1494 , J . D . ; John Curnow , M . D ., 121 , l . G . ; Augustus C . Maybury , D . Sc , W . M . 1293 , D . C ; and Frank E . Lemon , LL . B ., S 59 , Steward .
The INSTALLING MASTER having delivered to the W . M . and other officers the customary addresses , and several brethren having been proposed for joining and initiation , the W . M . said that it was his pleasing duty loask the brethren to concur in tendering their cordial thanks to the Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Milltowh , and other distinguished brethren who had assisted them , and he had the further pleasure of asking them to elect those brethren ' as honorary members .
This was seconded by Bro . RALI ' GOODING and carried unanimously . The Earl of MILLTOWN returned thanks on behalf of the Grand Officers and the lodge was then closed . A banquet subsequently took place , presided over by the . W . M . In proposing "The Health of the Queen" the WORSIIIIMUL MASTER said that it was peculiarly appropriate that the first toast of a new lodge should
be to render homage to the first lady of the land . The heart of the nation had been touched with sympathy at her last bereavement which was shared by the great body of Masons . The WoRsiiiriUL MASTER next gave the " M . W . G . M ., " remarking of his Royal Highness that amidst all his duties there were none in which ho took a deeper interest than those of the Craft .
In proposing , "' 1 he Health of the M . W . the Pro Grand Master , llic Karl of Carnarvon ; the Earl of Lathom , and the other Grand Officers , " the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said that they had not onl y been honoured by the presence and active assistance of the Pro Grand Master , but b y a galaxy of Grand Officers , which any lodge might be proud to welcome . ' 1 heir presence was not alone due to the consecration of anew lodge , because lodges arcfrc
qucntly consecrated , but , without arrogating to themselves * any special claims , they felt it was a privilege to have so many distinguished Grand Officers with them on that occasion . This also gave them a sense of responsibility , for they felt that where much was expected much would be required . They had with them many whom since he first saw the light of Masonry he had been taught to look up to . He need mention only the
names of Bros . Sir Francis Burdett , John Havers , and Sir John B . Monckton . It would be injudicious to particularise ; the position they held went far to show that the hold they had upon the Craft was great and well deserved . Sir FRANCIS BURDETT responded for the Grand Officers in suitable terms , and predicted that the University of London Lodge would hold a high position in the'Craft .
THE WORSHHTUL MASTER in prosposing "The Health of the Consecrating Officers , the Earl of Carnarvon , and the hcaltli ,-tlic better health , of his esteemed and respected friend Bro . Col . Shadwcll H . . Clcrke , G . S ., " wlio was prevented by illness from being present , said he would couple with that toast the name of Bro . Fcnn , who came forward in time of difficulty to supply his place . To Bro . Arnold , for the part he took in the ceremony , they would be ever grateful and to Bro . Fenn they were greatly indebted for
the beautiful rendering , apart Irom the question ol ritual , ol the ceremony . Bro . the Rev . C . \ v . ARNOLD returned thanks . He had accepted with f ) leasure the invitation , not only because he would assist in bringing a new . odgc into existence—a lodge of a peculiar character that would shed lustre on the Craft—but because' his old friend Bro . Philbrick was to preside . What he had seen that night of the way in which the W . M . had presided augured well for the future .
Bro . I ' said that he had received on the previous evening an intimation from Col . Gierke that he would be unable to be present , and he willingly undertook the duties . Bro . HAVERS , in an exceedingly graccfuland happv speech , also returned thanks . He wished them well through all their infantile troubles , inseparable from early life . Since his return to his dear old friends in Masonry he had taken no part that was more hopeful of Masonry in the future than the
constitution of that lodge . He wished it from the bottom of his heart all success , and concluding by proposing "The Health of the Worshipful Master . " He had watched his career in public life , as well as in Masonry , and it was with peculiar gratification that he had seen him appointed to the important office in Grand Lodge which he now occupied . I le carried great weight in Grand Lodge , which gave promise of the most thorough obedience to his ruling .
The WoRSini'fUL MASTER in returning thanks said that by an accident he found himself in the position of W . M . The Lord Mayor would have been the first Master , but imperative claims of duty had prevented it . For himself , he would say that he should have greatly preferred to sec the S . W . occupying the position . The University of London inherited a great name , and such place as it occupied in public estimation had been honourably earned . .
They could not boast of Theology , but in the school of medicine and the faculty of law and of science they were strong , and he claimed that they were the first to extend the privilege of University training to the other sex . That lodge would afford an opportunity for all ' to meet on neutral ground , which did not exist elsewhere . They had yet to win their spurs as Masons , and no spurs were worth winning which were not achieved by sheer hard work . The WORSHII ' MASTER next proposed " The Health of the Visitors , " remarking that without the . presence of visitors a Masonic