-
Articles/Ads
Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CORNWALL ← Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CORNWALL Page 2 of 3 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CORNWALL Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall
Secretary , which stated that the number of lodges in the province was twenty-seven . There had been 149 initiations during the past year , as compared with 155 in the previous year , while of joining members there had been 47 against 40 . The total number of members at the present time was 1676 , while in the previous year the number was 1467 , showing an increase of 208 . ( Applause . ) Bro .
Carlyon also reported that the returns had come in more regularly than heretofore , and he expressed a hope that the Secretaries of the various lodges would be careful to observe great punctuality in this respect , as it saves much trouble to the Piov . Grand Secretary for the time being . He was sorry to say that comparatively few returns of the attendance of Past Masters of the various lodges had been
sent in . This should be carefully attended to , so that the Provincial Grand Master might know more accurately who the deserving brethren were . The Prov . G . Treasurer ' s report , which was taken as read , showed a credit balance of £ 101 4 s . 1 id . Bro . Chirgwin reael the report of the Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund , from which it appeared
that the amount received elunng the past year from the various lodges in the province amounted to £ 164 4 s . 6 d . Last year the amount was . £ 154 14 s ., showing an increase of 49 ios . Od . There was a balance in hand on the 31 st of December of £ i / G 8 s . iod ., and there had been received in interest and subscriptions £ 254 6 s . 3 ii ., making a total of J & 430 15 s . id . Thc capital invested amounted
to £ 2650 13 s ., producing an annual income of £ 119 19 s . During the year the balance had increased £ 220 9 s . ; d . ( Hear , hear . ) There were at present four annuitants on the fund , each receiving £ 20 a year , and there was also one educational grant of £ 13 per year . A petition had been received on behalf of Mary Martin Osborne for an educational grant , and the voting had resulted in a very
large majority in favour of a grant of £ 15 a year for foui years . ( Applause . ) Bro . Hughan presented a report having reference to his management of the votes for the London Masonic Charities on behalf of thc province . The report said : — " It is now ten years since we undertook to manage the votes for thc great Masonic charities , and we hope that during that
period we have so conducted thc proceedings as to place the appointment of a successor in the hands of the province without any fear that the interests ofthe lodges in Cornwall have suffered atour hands . Wc shall be most happy to afford assistance to the brother appointed as to the character and extent of his numerous duties . Since thc last Provincial Grand Lodge wc arranged for thc collection and polling of
votes for five Masonic elections , thc girls and boys in October , 1877 , and April , 1878 , and the aged Freemasons and widows in May of this year . A lad was nominated for the April election on behalf of St . Anne ' s Lodge , No . 979 , East Loos , but at the last moment it was found that he was exactly one month too young . This was unfortunate , as 31 candidates were elected , being from twice to four
times the number of ordinary elections . Thc mother is an applicant to-day for aid from tire Provincial Grand Lodge , and we hope that her son will shortly be elected , to receive the benefit of the Local Educational Fund . Having therefore no caiulidatcs from the county for either the g irls or boys , we were able to aid our sister province , which has succeeded in securing her candidates . We are
always most anxious to be of use to the province of Devon ( hear , hear)—and we arc pleased to noie that thc feeling is thoroughly reciproc . ted —( Applause ) . At the election last May , for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , we brought forward the widow of a Past Master of St . Martm's Lodge No . 510 , Liskeard , and had thc pleasure of steing her name in the list of successful candidates for £ 32 a
year for life . —( Applause ) . Six'e n were to be electee , and our Cornish candidate was fifteenth on the list , with 809 votes , the highest polling 1245 . Two more were elected to fill vacancies caused by death since the votug papers were istucd . We shoulel state that the credit of the province is so good that we declined the lean of over 700 votes , and we may also state the equally agreeable fact that at
the present time we have no candidates for either of the institutions ; all our liabilities have been paid , and the province is receiving from the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and " Girls , " about £ 220 annually . ( Applause . ) We have been receiving as a province considerably more than our donations until this year , when our esteemed Prov . G . Master acted as Steward , the province nobly responding to
the extent of £ 450 , and with other donations raising the total to £ 3 60 , the second in amount of the provinces in England , Hertford being the first witb £ ( 133 . ( Applause . ) As we arc weak in " Girls '" votes we trust to sec a similar sum raised for that institution shortly . ( Hear , hear . ) The report was adopted , anil Bro . Hughan subsequently proposed that the sum of
£ 50 should be given from the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . He stated that a brother present had offered him the sum of twenty guineas if he would undertake the Stewardship of that institution , and if he could obtain a certain sum 011 its behalf . That would go with any amount which the Provincial Grand Lodge might vote , and besides this
another brother had given a cheque for twenty guineas , and a third had promised a similar sum for thc Royal Masonic Institutions for Boys and Girls . ( Applause . ) The resolution was seconded by Bro . Bloxsome , and carried unanimously . At noon business was suspended in order that the brethren might attend the parish church .
The Hev . J . M . Monell , curate , read the prayers , avid Dr . Barber , of " Mount Sinai" Lodge-, read the lesson . With beautiful effect the choir sing the anthem , " Behold how good and joyful , " composed for the occasion by Bro . Heath , who accompanied on the harmonium . Mis . J . VV . Everett ( ncd Heath ) brilliantly fang the charming solo for contralto , and Bro . Johns thc effective solo for bass .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall
Composer and choir are alike to be congratulated on the resuh . The sermon was preached by the Prov . Grand Chaplain , thc Rev . F . T . Wintle , vicar of Beer Ferrers , who founded an eloquent sermon on St . Paul's exhortation to the Galatians : " Bear ye one another ' s burdens" ( Jal . xi . 2 ) , the subject being thc brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God . God has ordained , he said , that we shall
not live for ourselves alone , and that we cannot exist utterly apart from all others of like being with ourselves ; and more , that our happiness and welfare in this life depend very much indeed upon others , and most often very much more upon what is done for us than what we do for ourselves . We have to traverse beyond the code of mere morality to find the tic that really links us together ,
and in God ' s ordination of mutual dependence shall we find it . And while we , as Freemasons , do not claim to be a religious society , in the common aceeptations of the word , yet we are religious in the closest interpretation of it , as reflecting upon the intentions of the Great Creator , and acting upon them . So that we find ourselves keeping clear of dogmatism , and working for the good of each
other , beneath thc rule and guidance of thc Great One , who is the Fountain of all religion in that comprehensive sense which sanctions philanthrophy in whatever especial manner it may manifest itself . Religious , too , in that sense which a good man of God thus expressed , and which all Masons will recognise as attaching closely to their intention and purpose , " Pure religion and undefiled before
God and the Father is this : to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction , and to keep himself unspotted from the world . " And in regarding true philanthropy as our object , we find it incompatible with anything short of an acknowledged belief in God , because , in fulfilling it , we are fulfilling a law—not the utterance of human sentiment , nor the conclusion of unaided thought , apart from
all revelation of God , but a law higher than human , emanating from the counsels of thc Deity Himself , to which He had given a foremost place in the Volume of Sacred Law , and which , in the new dispensation , was revealed by the mouth of the Incarnate Son to embrace , in conjunction with the greatest law of all , love to God Himself , all laws and all prophetic enunciations of the old
dispensation . Then , if wc claim for ourselves , as members of a great brotherhood , a world-wide reputation , we have a righteous claim to the public esteem , when thc principles upon which we work are strictly in accordance with Dwine law . From the very throne itself in our own country , since the Heir Apparent is our Grand Master , down through all the gradations of rank and wealth , embracing
every profession and numberless variety of occupation , men of lcters , art , and science , within our ranks , it is impossible to conceive a society , bound together with such an object , that of true philanthropy , which can lay claim to greater respect , especially as all Mason : know our ranks are not recruited haphazard , but with due care as to fitness of character and an avowed belief and trust
in God . Very lamentable , then , must all feel that decision to be which has compelled us to withdraw from fellowship and Masonic relationship with our continental neighbours and national allies ; but if Masonry , as we understand it , can only properly exist by an expressed recognition of God as the Ruler of mankind , and the Giver of that law which essentially binds us together , the world outside our
Order will hold us blameless for keeping aloof from those who have renounced this principle , however humane their intentions may profess themselves to be . And nothing has more redounded to the honour of the Craft than its determination to sever , at great cost of pain to ourselves , from connection with those who have adopted principles which savour , at least , of doubt , if not of open infidelity .
The very foundation of unity is undermined if that stay and prop be ruthlessly withdrawn which supports the whole fabric , and keeps it bound together by an indissoluble band . What stronger protest can there be against infidelity than such a gathering as this ? Wc know , historically , to what terrible issues secret societies have led ; how constitutions have been undermineel
and uprooted , lands elelugcd with blooel , and defiled with crime of the deepest hue ; but do we ever find that histcry can say that such leagues were other than imbued most perniciously with atheistical tenets ; nay , does not the rejection of truth lie at the very root anil foundation of all such compacts , unrighteous because they have no truer perception of justice , ungodly for they have no truth ?
But let a society have its scciets , but withal an open , undisguised acknowledgment of a true belief in God : then it will become a bulwark of what is right , a strong upholder and defender of the constitution , not the ghastly spectre of riot and revolution , striking terror by its very name ; far rather the handmaid of peace anil oreler , the promoter of good , the benign hand of fellowship to those who need .
And it is a very strong link in our chain that we take this annual occasion for attending public worship ; and a very strong protest against any union which does not assent to a belief in Almighty God as the prime corner-stone of its foundation , as well as a powerful recognition cf the supreme government of the Eternal Ruler ofthe unive-rse , beneath whose guidance and direction alone any effort for the professed welfare of mankind can hope to flcurish or
succeed . I dare plead , brethren , to-day for unity , as the highest grace that can adorn us : difference of condition , of opinion , of language there may be , so that there be oneness of purpose and unconditional belief and trust in God , no fear that the unity of Freemasonry vvill be disturbed , or that its benevolent objects will suffer , or that thc main end and o ' lject of the brotherhood will be diverted from its hitherto straight course . And if we find the worth and the charm of our Order to be in our brotherhood in its widest
comprehension , surely there can be no greater or holier tie when that brotherhood is compacted by a bond which refers its prims unity to the one God . Thc offertory amounted to £ \ $ is . id ., and the Grand
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall
Lodge on its return resolved to give one-fifth to the rector , two-fifths to the Masonic Charities of the province , and twofifths to the Miner :, ' Hostpial . On returning to the Druid's Hall , and prior to business being resumed , the Prov . G . M . briefly alluded to the satisfactory increase there had been during the past year in thc number of Masons in tbe province . The lodges now
numbered twenty-seven , and a warrant for another had been applied for , but owing to some technical delay it had not yet been received from Grand Lodge . The result so far showed that Masonry was progressing , and was popular in the province . —( hear hear)— but he hoped it did not show that the lodges were too greedy about receiving new brethren into their ranks without considering
what they were . He believed at any rate that this was not the case in the majority of the lodges , and that the advice which he had given on former occasions in reference to this was in accordance with the feeling of tbe brethren at large . ( Hear , hear . ) He was glad to know that during the year three more lodges had opened halls of their own —( applause)— viz ., at Chacewater ,
Lostwithiel , and Redruth , and it now remained that out of twenty-seven lodges in thc province , there were only five or six which had rooms either in an hotel or in some way in connection with an hotel . He sincerely hoped that ere long these few exceptions would cease to exist , and that everywhere thc brethren would do all in their power to follow the excellent example which other towns had set them .
Referring to the late Bro . Augustus Smith , who was for so many years Provincial Grand Master of Cornwall , his Lordship said it had been suggested to offer to Mr Derrien-Smith a portrait of the deceased brother . One half the cost would be defrayed by private subscription , and he thought the brethren would agree with him that a small sum might well be voted by the Grand Lodge , otherwise
the compliment would be simply a compliment from those individuals who had subscribed towards the painting ( Hear , hear . ) It was not a copy of the original picture , but had been painted by Mr . Lane , of Plymouth . It was unanimously resolved that tbe sum of £ 1 $ should be devoted for the purpose from the Grand Lodge funds .
A motion by Bro . W . Tweedy , Provincial Grand Treasurer , " that a yearly sum of £ 3 be voted out of the Provincial Grand Lodge funds towards the rent of the Masonic Hall , Truro , in consideration of their occupation of ' the same for provincial purposes , " met with a good deal (> f opposition , but it was strongly supported by Bro . Sir F . M . Williams , Bro . T . W ebber , of Falmouth ; Bro . John ,
Bro . Carlyon , and others , and eventually it was carried by a large majority . Bro . W . Tweedy was elected as Treasurer , Bro . Chirgwin , as Sccretaiy , and Bro . Crtwcs , as Assistant Secretary of thc Cornwall Masonic Annuity Fund forthe year ensuing , and Bros . E . D . Anderton , and E . M . Cock were elected as
auditors . As auditors of the Provincial Grand Lodge accounts Bros . F . W . Dabb and R . A . Courtney were elected , and Bros . Chirgwin , of Truio ; Harvey , of Hayle ; and Childs , of Liskeard ; together with the Prov . Grand Treasurer ancl Prov . Grand Treasurer , were appointed as the Committee cf
Relief . It was resolved that the collection at thc church should be divided in the proportion of two-fifths to the Miners ' Hospital at Redruth , two fifths to thc Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund , and one fifth to the rector of ihe parish . The Prov . G . M . next appointed and invested his officers
as follows;—Sir F . M . Williams D . P . G . M . J . F . Penrose , 5 8 9 P . G . S . W . C . G . Archer , 78 9 P . G . J . W . Rev . J . T . Wintle , 8 93 P . G . S . Chap . Hon . and Rev . J . T . Boscawen , 6 99 ... P . G . J . Chap . W . Tweedy , 331 P . G . Treas .
E . T . Carlyon , 331 P . G . Sec . T . B . Williams , 1272 P . G . Reg . John Crang , 330 P . G . S . D . E . M . Ccck , 158 9 P . G . J . D . W . Tonkin , 997 P . G . S . of W . J . Hugill , 8 5 6 P . G . D . C . J . C . R . Crewes , 13 P . G . A . D . C .
F . M . Pool , 450 P . G . S . B . VV . A . Gerry , 121 P . G . Org . VV . Pascoe , 1006 P . G . Purst . W . Rooks , 131 P . G . A . P . J . Thomas , 589 , J . Stephens , 11 5 , J . a . James . 318 , A . Elford , 977 , B . Ccath , 510 , andG . B . Pearse , 450 , P . G . Stewards ,
W . Polkinhorne , 589 P . G . Tyler . t This concluded thc business of the Grand Lodge , bu before it was closed Bro . Emra Holmes gave notice tha at the next meeting he should move for a grant towards the erection of the Cathedral at Truro . The business of Grand Lodge was brought to a conclusion shortly after four , and an adjournment was made to
Bro . 1 abb ' s hotel , where the banejuet was spread . The banquet was held in the Ticketing Room , and was of thc most recherche and sumptuous character . The tables were most handsomely and profusely decorated with flowers , principally from the conservatory of Bro . J . Hocking , j jii ., and the greenhouses of Mr . Smith , florist . The R . W . thc P . G . M ., thc Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , presided , supported by the R . W . the D . P . G . M ., Sir Frederick Martin
Williams , Bart ., M . P ., the Wardens filling the vice-chiirs . About one hundred and fifty were present . Thc P . G . M ., proposing " The Queen and the Craft , " said : One of the first things wc all learnt in Masonry was that Masonry extended over the whole surface of thc globe , and that the sun is always at its meridian with respect to it . The same thing may almost be said of Her Majesty ' s dominions . Whilst Masonry is a bond among all men , I think it must be also an additional bond between men
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall
Secretary , which stated that the number of lodges in the province was twenty-seven . There had been 149 initiations during the past year , as compared with 155 in the previous year , while of joining members there had been 47 against 40 . The total number of members at the present time was 1676 , while in the previous year the number was 1467 , showing an increase of 208 . ( Applause . ) Bro .
Carlyon also reported that the returns had come in more regularly than heretofore , and he expressed a hope that the Secretaries of the various lodges would be careful to observe great punctuality in this respect , as it saves much trouble to the Piov . Grand Secretary for the time being . He was sorry to say that comparatively few returns of the attendance of Past Masters of the various lodges had been
sent in . This should be carefully attended to , so that the Provincial Grand Master might know more accurately who the deserving brethren were . The Prov . G . Treasurer ' s report , which was taken as read , showed a credit balance of £ 101 4 s . 1 id . Bro . Chirgwin reael the report of the Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund , from which it appeared
that the amount received elunng the past year from the various lodges in the province amounted to £ 164 4 s . 6 d . Last year the amount was . £ 154 14 s ., showing an increase of 49 ios . Od . There was a balance in hand on the 31 st of December of £ i / G 8 s . iod ., and there had been received in interest and subscriptions £ 254 6 s . 3 ii ., making a total of J & 430 15 s . id . Thc capital invested amounted
to £ 2650 13 s ., producing an annual income of £ 119 19 s . During the year the balance had increased £ 220 9 s . ; d . ( Hear , hear . ) There were at present four annuitants on the fund , each receiving £ 20 a year , and there was also one educational grant of £ 13 per year . A petition had been received on behalf of Mary Martin Osborne for an educational grant , and the voting had resulted in a very
large majority in favour of a grant of £ 15 a year for foui years . ( Applause . ) Bro . Hughan presented a report having reference to his management of the votes for the London Masonic Charities on behalf of thc province . The report said : — " It is now ten years since we undertook to manage the votes for thc great Masonic charities , and we hope that during that
period we have so conducted thc proceedings as to place the appointment of a successor in the hands of the province without any fear that the interests ofthe lodges in Cornwall have suffered atour hands . Wc shall be most happy to afford assistance to the brother appointed as to the character and extent of his numerous duties . Since thc last Provincial Grand Lodge wc arranged for thc collection and polling of
votes for five Masonic elections , thc girls and boys in October , 1877 , and April , 1878 , and the aged Freemasons and widows in May of this year . A lad was nominated for the April election on behalf of St . Anne ' s Lodge , No . 979 , East Loos , but at the last moment it was found that he was exactly one month too young . This was unfortunate , as 31 candidates were elected , being from twice to four
times the number of ordinary elections . Thc mother is an applicant to-day for aid from tire Provincial Grand Lodge , and we hope that her son will shortly be elected , to receive the benefit of the Local Educational Fund . Having therefore no caiulidatcs from the county for either the g irls or boys , we were able to aid our sister province , which has succeeded in securing her candidates . We are
always most anxious to be of use to the province of Devon ( hear , hear)—and we arc pleased to noie that thc feeling is thoroughly reciproc . ted —( Applause ) . At the election last May , for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , we brought forward the widow of a Past Master of St . Martm's Lodge No . 510 , Liskeard , and had thc pleasure of steing her name in the list of successful candidates for £ 32 a
year for life . —( Applause ) . Six'e n were to be electee , and our Cornish candidate was fifteenth on the list , with 809 votes , the highest polling 1245 . Two more were elected to fill vacancies caused by death since the votug papers were istucd . We shoulel state that the credit of the province is so good that we declined the lean of over 700 votes , and we may also state the equally agreeable fact that at
the present time we have no candidates for either of the institutions ; all our liabilities have been paid , and the province is receiving from the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , and " Girls , " about £ 220 annually . ( Applause . ) We have been receiving as a province considerably more than our donations until this year , when our esteemed Prov . G . Master acted as Steward , the province nobly responding to
the extent of £ 450 , and with other donations raising the total to £ 3 60 , the second in amount of the provinces in England , Hertford being the first witb £ ( 133 . ( Applause . ) As we arc weak in " Girls '" votes we trust to sec a similar sum raised for that institution shortly . ( Hear , hear . ) The report was adopted , anil Bro . Hughan subsequently proposed that the sum of
£ 50 should be given from the funds of the Provincial Grand Lodge to the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls . He stated that a brother present had offered him the sum of twenty guineas if he would undertake the Stewardship of that institution , and if he could obtain a certain sum 011 its behalf . That would go with any amount which the Provincial Grand Lodge might vote , and besides this
another brother had given a cheque for twenty guineas , and a third had promised a similar sum for thc Royal Masonic Institutions for Boys and Girls . ( Applause . ) The resolution was seconded by Bro . Bloxsome , and carried unanimously . At noon business was suspended in order that the brethren might attend the parish church .
The Hev . J . M . Monell , curate , read the prayers , avid Dr . Barber , of " Mount Sinai" Lodge-, read the lesson . With beautiful effect the choir sing the anthem , " Behold how good and joyful , " composed for the occasion by Bro . Heath , who accompanied on the harmonium . Mis . J . VV . Everett ( ncd Heath ) brilliantly fang the charming solo for contralto , and Bro . Johns thc effective solo for bass .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall
Composer and choir are alike to be congratulated on the resuh . The sermon was preached by the Prov . Grand Chaplain , thc Rev . F . T . Wintle , vicar of Beer Ferrers , who founded an eloquent sermon on St . Paul's exhortation to the Galatians : " Bear ye one another ' s burdens" ( Jal . xi . 2 ) , the subject being thc brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God . God has ordained , he said , that we shall
not live for ourselves alone , and that we cannot exist utterly apart from all others of like being with ourselves ; and more , that our happiness and welfare in this life depend very much indeed upon others , and most often very much more upon what is done for us than what we do for ourselves . We have to traverse beyond the code of mere morality to find the tic that really links us together ,
and in God ' s ordination of mutual dependence shall we find it . And while we , as Freemasons , do not claim to be a religious society , in the common aceeptations of the word , yet we are religious in the closest interpretation of it , as reflecting upon the intentions of the Great Creator , and acting upon them . So that we find ourselves keeping clear of dogmatism , and working for the good of each
other , beneath thc rule and guidance of thc Great One , who is the Fountain of all religion in that comprehensive sense which sanctions philanthrophy in whatever especial manner it may manifest itself . Religious , too , in that sense which a good man of God thus expressed , and which all Masons will recognise as attaching closely to their intention and purpose , " Pure religion and undefiled before
God and the Father is this : to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction , and to keep himself unspotted from the world . " And in regarding true philanthropy as our object , we find it incompatible with anything short of an acknowledged belief in God , because , in fulfilling it , we are fulfilling a law—not the utterance of human sentiment , nor the conclusion of unaided thought , apart from
all revelation of God , but a law higher than human , emanating from the counsels of thc Deity Himself , to which He had given a foremost place in the Volume of Sacred Law , and which , in the new dispensation , was revealed by the mouth of the Incarnate Son to embrace , in conjunction with the greatest law of all , love to God Himself , all laws and all prophetic enunciations of the old
dispensation . Then , if wc claim for ourselves , as members of a great brotherhood , a world-wide reputation , we have a righteous claim to the public esteem , when thc principles upon which we work are strictly in accordance with Dwine law . From the very throne itself in our own country , since the Heir Apparent is our Grand Master , down through all the gradations of rank and wealth , embracing
every profession and numberless variety of occupation , men of lcters , art , and science , within our ranks , it is impossible to conceive a society , bound together with such an object , that of true philanthropy , which can lay claim to greater respect , especially as all Mason : know our ranks are not recruited haphazard , but with due care as to fitness of character and an avowed belief and trust
in God . Very lamentable , then , must all feel that decision to be which has compelled us to withdraw from fellowship and Masonic relationship with our continental neighbours and national allies ; but if Masonry , as we understand it , can only properly exist by an expressed recognition of God as the Ruler of mankind , and the Giver of that law which essentially binds us together , the world outside our
Order will hold us blameless for keeping aloof from those who have renounced this principle , however humane their intentions may profess themselves to be . And nothing has more redounded to the honour of the Craft than its determination to sever , at great cost of pain to ourselves , from connection with those who have adopted principles which savour , at least , of doubt , if not of open infidelity .
The very foundation of unity is undermined if that stay and prop be ruthlessly withdrawn which supports the whole fabric , and keeps it bound together by an indissoluble band . What stronger protest can there be against infidelity than such a gathering as this ? Wc know , historically , to what terrible issues secret societies have led ; how constitutions have been undermineel
and uprooted , lands elelugcd with blooel , and defiled with crime of the deepest hue ; but do we ever find that histcry can say that such leagues were other than imbued most perniciously with atheistical tenets ; nay , does not the rejection of truth lie at the very root anil foundation of all such compacts , unrighteous because they have no truer perception of justice , ungodly for they have no truth ?
But let a society have its scciets , but withal an open , undisguised acknowledgment of a true belief in God : then it will become a bulwark of what is right , a strong upholder and defender of the constitution , not the ghastly spectre of riot and revolution , striking terror by its very name ; far rather the handmaid of peace anil oreler , the promoter of good , the benign hand of fellowship to those who need .
And it is a very strong link in our chain that we take this annual occasion for attending public worship ; and a very strong protest against any union which does not assent to a belief in Almighty God as the prime corner-stone of its foundation , as well as a powerful recognition cf the supreme government of the Eternal Ruler ofthe unive-rse , beneath whose guidance and direction alone any effort for the professed welfare of mankind can hope to flcurish or
succeed . I dare plead , brethren , to-day for unity , as the highest grace that can adorn us : difference of condition , of opinion , of language there may be , so that there be oneness of purpose and unconditional belief and trust in God , no fear that the unity of Freemasonry vvill be disturbed , or that its benevolent objects will suffer , or that thc main end and o ' lject of the brotherhood will be diverted from its hitherto straight course . And if we find the worth and the charm of our Order to be in our brotherhood in its widest
comprehension , surely there can be no greater or holier tie when that brotherhood is compacted by a bond which refers its prims unity to the one God . Thc offertory amounted to £ \ $ is . id ., and the Grand
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall
Lodge on its return resolved to give one-fifth to the rector , two-fifths to the Masonic Charities of the province , and twofifths to the Miner :, ' Hostpial . On returning to the Druid's Hall , and prior to business being resumed , the Prov . G . M . briefly alluded to the satisfactory increase there had been during the past year in thc number of Masons in tbe province . The lodges now
numbered twenty-seven , and a warrant for another had been applied for , but owing to some technical delay it had not yet been received from Grand Lodge . The result so far showed that Masonry was progressing , and was popular in the province . —( hear hear)— but he hoped it did not show that the lodges were too greedy about receiving new brethren into their ranks without considering
what they were . He believed at any rate that this was not the case in the majority of the lodges , and that the advice which he had given on former occasions in reference to this was in accordance with the feeling of tbe brethren at large . ( Hear , hear . ) He was glad to know that during the year three more lodges had opened halls of their own —( applause)— viz ., at Chacewater ,
Lostwithiel , and Redruth , and it now remained that out of twenty-seven lodges in thc province , there were only five or six which had rooms either in an hotel or in some way in connection with an hotel . He sincerely hoped that ere long these few exceptions would cease to exist , and that everywhere thc brethren would do all in their power to follow the excellent example which other towns had set them .
Referring to the late Bro . Augustus Smith , who was for so many years Provincial Grand Master of Cornwall , his Lordship said it had been suggested to offer to Mr Derrien-Smith a portrait of the deceased brother . One half the cost would be defrayed by private subscription , and he thought the brethren would agree with him that a small sum might well be voted by the Grand Lodge , otherwise
the compliment would be simply a compliment from those individuals who had subscribed towards the painting ( Hear , hear . ) It was not a copy of the original picture , but had been painted by Mr . Lane , of Plymouth . It was unanimously resolved that tbe sum of £ 1 $ should be devoted for the purpose from the Grand Lodge funds .
A motion by Bro . W . Tweedy , Provincial Grand Treasurer , " that a yearly sum of £ 3 be voted out of the Provincial Grand Lodge funds towards the rent of the Masonic Hall , Truro , in consideration of their occupation of ' the same for provincial purposes , " met with a good deal (> f opposition , but it was strongly supported by Bro . Sir F . M . Williams , Bro . T . W ebber , of Falmouth ; Bro . John ,
Bro . Carlyon , and others , and eventually it was carried by a large majority . Bro . W . Tweedy was elected as Treasurer , Bro . Chirgwin , as Sccretaiy , and Bro . Crtwcs , as Assistant Secretary of thc Cornwall Masonic Annuity Fund forthe year ensuing , and Bros . E . D . Anderton , and E . M . Cock were elected as
auditors . As auditors of the Provincial Grand Lodge accounts Bros . F . W . Dabb and R . A . Courtney were elected , and Bros . Chirgwin , of Truio ; Harvey , of Hayle ; and Childs , of Liskeard ; together with the Prov . Grand Treasurer ancl Prov . Grand Treasurer , were appointed as the Committee cf
Relief . It was resolved that the collection at thc church should be divided in the proportion of two-fifths to the Miners ' Hospital at Redruth , two fifths to thc Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund , and one fifth to the rector of ihe parish . The Prov . G . M . next appointed and invested his officers
as follows;—Sir F . M . Williams D . P . G . M . J . F . Penrose , 5 8 9 P . G . S . W . C . G . Archer , 78 9 P . G . J . W . Rev . J . T . Wintle , 8 93 P . G . S . Chap . Hon . and Rev . J . T . Boscawen , 6 99 ... P . G . J . Chap . W . Tweedy , 331 P . G . Treas .
E . T . Carlyon , 331 P . G . Sec . T . B . Williams , 1272 P . G . Reg . John Crang , 330 P . G . S . D . E . M . Ccck , 158 9 P . G . J . D . W . Tonkin , 997 P . G . S . of W . J . Hugill , 8 5 6 P . G . D . C . J . C . R . Crewes , 13 P . G . A . D . C .
F . M . Pool , 450 P . G . S . B . VV . A . Gerry , 121 P . G . Org . VV . Pascoe , 1006 P . G . Purst . W . Rooks , 131 P . G . A . P . J . Thomas , 589 , J . Stephens , 11 5 , J . a . James . 318 , A . Elford , 977 , B . Ccath , 510 , andG . B . Pearse , 450 , P . G . Stewards ,
W . Polkinhorne , 589 P . G . Tyler . t This concluded thc business of the Grand Lodge , bu before it was closed Bro . Emra Holmes gave notice tha at the next meeting he should move for a grant towards the erection of the Cathedral at Truro . The business of Grand Lodge was brought to a conclusion shortly after four , and an adjournment was made to
Bro . 1 abb ' s hotel , where the banejuet was spread . The banquet was held in the Ticketing Room , and was of thc most recherche and sumptuous character . The tables were most handsomely and profusely decorated with flowers , principally from the conservatory of Bro . J . Hocking , j jii ., and the greenhouses of Mr . Smith , florist . The R . W . thc P . G . M ., thc Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , presided , supported by the R . W . the D . P . G . M ., Sir Frederick Martin
Williams , Bart ., M . P ., the Wardens filling the vice-chiirs . About one hundred and fifty were present . Thc P . G . M ., proposing " The Queen and the Craft , " said : One of the first things wc all learnt in Masonry was that Masonry extended over the whole surface of thc globe , and that the sun is always at its meridian with respect to it . The same thing may almost be said of Her Majesty ' s dominions . Whilst Masonry is a bond among all men , I think it must be also an additional bond between men