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Article MASONIC SERMON ← Page 2 of 2 Article CONSECRATION OF THE HEREWARD MARK LODGE. Page 1 of 1 Article THE RESTORATION OF ST. ALBAN'S ABBEY. Page 1 of 1 Article THE RESTORATION OF ST. ALBAN'S ABBEY. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONS DINNERS. Page 1 of 1 Article THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Sermon
of others , as shown in our excellent Institutions . The heart must be cold indeed who is insensible to this kind of charity . The blessing of the poor and penniless wherever scattered over the face of earth or waters , the widow's gratitude , the old man ' s thanks and the orphan ' s greeting , are returns which it may not be wrong to ccvet . It is no small thing to make such hearts leap for joy , and surely
ours may beat in unison . And now I would put your charity , so far as almsgiving goes , to a practical test . It is the annual custom of Provincial Grand Lodge to meet , as we have done to I ' ay , collectively to join in common prayer and thanksgivings for past mercies , and to ask God's blessing for the next Masonic year : on these occasions an opportunity is given to testify our gratitude
in a substantial form . For this purpose a collection is made , for any local charity that the vicar may select , as a sm * ll thankoffering , for his kindness in allowing us to worship in this sacred and beautiful building to-day . The charity to which he proposes to devote your gifts is the National School of the parish , and I need enlarge but little upon this to secure your sympathy . As a stranger ,
I cannot say much upon the financial or general position of the school ; but this much I think 1 can say , that the education here given embraces the children of the poor in general ; comprising within its teachings Sunday-school , day-school , and infant school . And in a large parish like Dorking it is a pleasure , in these days of simple sectarian education , to see an establishment directly under
the care of the clergy , who from their sacrcel office are surely best suited to fill a child ' s mind with those great truths which will lighten for him the labours , trials , and duties through which he will have to pass . In short , the child is here taught those religious truths which it most concerns him to know , and which hereafter will be the most fruitful source of his happiness , and also such
subjects of knowledge are instilled into him as are best suited to his capacities , and to his probable future state in life ; but this is a subject that may be enlarged upon to almost any extent . I don't forget that time is drawing on , and that I am requested not to keep you too long . I will therefore merely say that I feel sure the object for which your alms are
asked embraces all that is required for promoting among the rising generation of this town such an education as will lead them on in that earthly walk which Masons should love well—a " walk with God . " 1 therefore , leav the charity with you , trusting that as Freemasons you will show by your liberality that you really desire to promote what is good , by deed as well as by word
And now , my brethren , a brief conclusion , We read in the " Book of Ruth" that when Boaz came from Bethlehem and said unto the reapers " The Lord be with you " that they answered him and said , " The Lord bless thee . " Amid your earthly tasks , when fortune frowns , or unkind words darken jour life ' s journey , may the Lord be with you to cheer your hearts . Many a storm
may sweep o ' er your earthly path , many a grief may be jours ; yet in all let your souls rise in prayer to God , and you will find the dreaded cloud end in sunshine on the morrow . Reap the fields where our blessed Saviour has scattered broadcast His Most Holy Word to guide and comfort you . Reap them , although it be midst toil and heat ; be diligent in seeking Him who came to save you ,
and then the Lord will bless you . Your lives will soon be past ; young and old alike must fall . God has likened us to the grass and flowers of the field , now bowed to the earth with care and trouble , now all sunshine again with joy and gladness . Learn then a lesson from the inanimate things of creation ; remember that as the grass and flowers yield their life , so man yields up his soul ; the
world the field , the mower death . Love in truth , love in strength ; and let this feeling arise from thoughts upon that higher life which Jesus came to bring by pouring out His blood . And then when like shrouding mists the ice of death shall steal upon the winter of your soul with all its dread feelings , at the Resurrection morn the vapours
will roll away , and sunlight burst from heaven and fill your souls with life , and love , and joy . Live then for this ( not only that your name may be cherished in the memory of the loving hearted ) , but that when life's frail flower lies broken , you may hear the Great God Himself saying to you—Well done I
Consecration Of The Hereward Mark Lodge.
CONSECRATION OF THE HEREWARD MARK LODGE .
The consecration of the Hereward Lodge , 227 , took place at Bourne , Lincolnshire , on Tuesday , the 13 th inst ., nd thereafter Bro . the Rev . Dr . Ace was installed as W . M ., and appointed and invested Bros . W . H . Radley
and Chamberlain as his S . and J . Wardens . Bro . Dr . Ace was afterwards installed as W . C . N , of a li dge of Royal Ark Mariners , attached to the Hereward I odge of Mark Master Masons . The consecration was performed by Bro . Dewar , Grand Asst . Sec , at the request of the D . P . G . M . of tbe province , and the same brother afterwards installed the W . M . and W . C . N .
A bust of Izaak Walton has been unveiled in St . Maiy , Stafford , by the Bail of Lichfield , who presided subsequently at a luncheon . The Dean of Lichfield ( Dr . Bickersteth ) gave an address on the occasion on " Honour . "
H . H . H . the Duke of Connaught remains for the winter at Woolwich , where his batallion is again stationed . The Duke brought his command to Lonelon during tbe absence of the Guards at the summer manoeuvres , when it was quartered at Chelsea , performing sentry duty in the metropolis for a month or so .
The Restoration Of St. Alban's Abbey.
THE RESTORATION OF ST . ALBAN'S ABBEY .
( Communique . ) A somewhat curious controversy has arisen as between Lord Carnarvon , our distinguished Pro G . M ., as President of the Society of Antiquaries , and Lord Cowper on the one side , objecting to the raising of the nave roof of the
Abbey , and Mr . B . Hope and Sir Edmund Beckett on thc other . Lord Carnarvon objects to the proposed restoration on the following grounds : — "Of course , I am quite aware that a high-pitched roof at St . Alban ' s wuld not be a novelty , and at the first blush I can quite understand that the length ( almost
excessive ) of thc nave might seem to demand the restoration of a feature which was removed , as I have seen it stated , in the fifteenth century . But , on the other hand , it must be remembered that the accidental substitution of flat roofs throughout has ended by giving singular magnificence to the only really fine feature of the cxteiior , the central tower . A high-pitched roof would , I fear , greatly
impair this effect—especially as the tower has no longer the altitude which William de Trumpington gave it ; and if one is added in the nave others will be required for the transept ajjd choir . Nor can it be said that the proposed changes would improve the effect of thc interior , for I assume that no one , even in this age of extensive church restoration , can contemplate an alteration of the flat
ceiling . I would also , with all respect , prer-s upon the committee the consideration as to the amount of new woik which this proposal must involve , together with thc obvious risks of the new ivork not being in harmony with the old . The western gable , with the parapets on cither side , will all have to be new or altered , a change involving not only considerable cost , but doubtful , perhaps , in effect when
the change is completed . The features which have been introduced into the building since the high roof was lowered have rendered such a roof incongruous . The consensus partium cannot be restored . As a work of art the exterior of St . Alban ' s can never be made beautiful ; but if it is left in its present condition , it will continue to be interesting in the highest degree as evidence of successive additions
and alteiations in successive generations of men and centuries of time . To impair that evidence by changes so serious as those now in contemplation would be , I fear , a great mistake , redeemed by no counterbalancing advantages , and , as far as I can learn , opposed to the judgment and taste ol some , at least , of the highest critics . " Lord Cowper ' s objections are , to our mind , so beside the
question , and so utterly unworthy of themselves to a very distinguished body of men , that we pass them by . Mr . A . B . Hope has , we venture to think , partully , at any rate , successfully answeied Lord Cam irvon in the worels which follow . He adduces as a canon—that where there is absolute material evidence of thc existence of anv former feature of a building—evidence sufficient to make its
restoration mathematically certain—and where the reason for the original existence of that feature is equally certain , and is such as abstractly to approve itself to our reason , then its restoration may be safe : " Let us apply these tests to St . Alban ' s . The first stands good , because the old existing tower still carries the ' weatherings' of thereof . Weatherings , as I must
explain to those who have not studied architecture , are those supports ( something between ledges and grooves ) on a tower which receive and support the roof which abuts against them . Where they exist the angle of that roof is given , and the evidence of its proportion and outline as designed by thc architect is perfect . A weathering as completely shows that such-and-such a roof was intended
to stand there , as a skull shows the existence of a brain . Circumstances may have prevented the roof being made , but its making was intended , or those weatherings would never have been provided . " The evidence for the second test is , he says , inferential , not material , but it is just as real : " When a media-val or any other rational architect
designs a building he does so with a purpose , and each portion of it has its practical use and also its artistic correspondence with the other members—at all events , that was once the rule . The practical use of a high roof was , of course , to carry off the rain , but the artistic value consisted in its forming an essential clement in whatever system of proportion thc design embodied . If there be any
building in the world in which the reason of that proportion to which a high roof contributes is self-evident , it is in the nave of St . Alban ' s , with its enormous , if not ( now that the moderating high roof has disappeared ) inordinate length . The question of the retention of the old painted ceiling inside is quite independent . That is a relic of old art which it would be almost sacrilegious to disturb , while
it can probably co-exist with the hi gh roof outside . Conservative restoration bids it to remain . I have written thus strongly , because the time has come to make a protest against that mawkish scnlimentalism which tries to avoid the trouble of thinking by howling for the ruthless and unintelligent preservation of everything which happens now to exist in an old building , merely because it is
existing there . That is , as I have before had to describe it , a gospel of decay and eleath . " Sir Edmund Beckett , in a characteristic letter in the Times of the Sth , replies to the President of the Society of Antiquaries , and we confess we think makes out a good case . It seems to us quite clear that if you are to restore at all ,
you must restore up to the " original idea , " and not weaken it or dilute it by any of the " fancies" or " fads " of the hour . Architecture is a strict science , and though we admit thc evil of hyper-restoration , what can we say of " compo-Gothic , " or churchwarden ' s alterations , from which a better taste has delivered us , but that they constitute the abasement and disgrace of the art arch ' itectu-
The Restoration Of St. Alban's Abbey.
ral ? As Freemasons , lovers of the old buildings raised by the operative guilds , we think that all restorations , while they are purely conservative , should also be scientifically constructive , and we object , with Sir Edmund Beckett and Mr . Hop-, to that most mistaken view of committees , societies , and pseudo-mchitcctural critics , which degrades tbe true mission of this renovating ar . d restoring
age into a childish compliance with long-standing barbarities , or a hopeless ignorance of the fir > t principles of thc restorative art . In the highest interests of the architectural art , and the real restoration of St . Alban ' s Abbey , we regret that so distinguished a brother as Lord Carnarvon should seem to throw in his lot with obstructiveness or retrogression of ' any kind , and especially in
ecclesiastical architecture . In our opinion , thc Committee for the restoration of St . Alban ' s Abbey has been quite right in its views , and successful in its operation' :, and wc hop ; that , yielding to no mistaken weakness , influenced hy no shallow cry , and thwartel by no perverted prejudice , that body will persevere in rcs ! oring St . Alban ' s Abbey to its legitimate posit on , as a very noble specimen uf architectural art and ecclesiastical symbolism . We arc quite
sure that this partial outcry against restoration is both unsound and untenable , and is not likely to make way with any who really understand what proper architectural restoration is , and can achieve , in these , our days . Since these words were penned we are happy to hear that thc subscribers , by two to one , have determined to raise thc nave , as proposed . Let us hope that this mista ' ec n controversy will n-. » -. v cease .
Freemasons Dinners.
FREEMASONS DINNERS .
My good friends , the Freemasons , or at lra .-t a section of their mysterious body , the Red Cross Knights , have been feasting again , as I learn they celebrated their anniversary last Wednesday , at the Rampant Bull , Cockermouth , where , as a matter of course , the good things would be diver .-ified and quite up to a gourmet ' s
palate . The Masonic body are being continually twitted by outsiders on their inordinate love of eating and drinking , indeed , I have heard it said that that is the true secret of the ancient Order . Now , " John Peel " is not one of the knots in the " Mystic Tie , " but lie is charitable enough to think t ' lat the Freemasons in the matter of feasting are not a bit worse than other societies , or even as bad as some .
Take our cricket and bowling clubs as a sample . There never is a match , but a dinner or lunch is indispensable ; and quite right , too —it is a distinguishing trait of our English character . Douglas Jerrol 1 once sai 1 that he believed if England was all but elestroyed by an earthquake , and only a dozen natives were left , they would manage to meet amongst the ruins , and celebrate thc event by a
dinner . Somebody else , also , is reported to have once remarked that the sure wiy lo the bottom ct an Englishman ' s pocket is to give him a good dinner . That argument , at all events , holds good amongst the Freemasons , for , last year , at the successive fctivals of their three great charities , no less a sum than close upon £ 40 , 000 was collected at the dinner tables . This , too ,
goes on every year , and I think will at least compare with any other society that has to " raise the needful " at the social board . In justice to the Cockermouth Masons , also I should explain that , from inquiries I have made , there , are only two dinners during the twelve months in connection with the two Masonit bodies in the town . —West Cumberland Times .
The Grand Orient Of France.
THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE .
We have been requested to publish the accompanying circular of that body . We wish we could have any hopes that matters would mend in that jurisdiction ; as it is , it is jeopardising its acknowledgment as a lawful Masonic body .
0 . de Pans , le ier Aoiit 1878 ( E . V . ) . Aux Puissances Maconniques Etrangeres , Aux Ateliers place ;? sous leur direction , Aux Ateliers de l'Obedience du Giand Orient de France . S . S . S . TT . CC . FF . L'Assemblee geSne ' rale du Grand Orient de France a
laquelle sont tenus d ' assister les Presidents ou les Delegues de tous les Ateliers de sa Correspondancc , sc rdunira dans la scconde semaine du mois de Septembre prochain . Cette session sera , comme d'habitude , terminee par un Banquet fraternel qui aura lieu le samedi 14 Septembre , a 1 'Hotel du Grand Orient de France , iO , Rue Cadet .
A cette epoque , l'Exposition universslle , encore en pleine activite , aura sans aucun doute amene ? a Paris , de divers points du Globe , un grand nombre de Francs-Maipons , et le Conseil de l'Ordre , s ' tnspirant des souvenirs de la Fete cele'breSe en 1867 , dans une circonstance semblable , a pensc que e ' e ' tait la une nouvelle et heureuse occasion de resserrer
les hens qui unisscnt les Members de la Famille Maconnique . II convie done les Francs-Macons de tous les Orients et de toutcs les Obediences a se joindre aux Francs-Macons du Grand Orient de France pour donner a cette Feite de la Fraternite un caractere univcrsel . Le Grand Orient de France , TT . CC . FF ., a l'espoir que
son appel sera entendu , it il serait heureux , dans une rdunion comprenant des Francs-Macons des differcnts rites , de pouvoir offrir a ces'Freres le temoignage elc sa vive et fraternelle sympathie . Agre ' ez , TT . CC . FF ., l ' assurance de nos sentiments d ' estime ct d ' affection fraternelle .
Au Nom du Conseil de 1 Ordre . [ Seal . ] Le President , DE SAINT -J EAN . Les Vice-Presidents , Cn . COUSIN . —CAUBET . Les Secretaires , POCLLE . —DE HEREDAI .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Sermon
of others , as shown in our excellent Institutions . The heart must be cold indeed who is insensible to this kind of charity . The blessing of the poor and penniless wherever scattered over the face of earth or waters , the widow's gratitude , the old man ' s thanks and the orphan ' s greeting , are returns which it may not be wrong to ccvet . It is no small thing to make such hearts leap for joy , and surely
ours may beat in unison . And now I would put your charity , so far as almsgiving goes , to a practical test . It is the annual custom of Provincial Grand Lodge to meet , as we have done to I ' ay , collectively to join in common prayer and thanksgivings for past mercies , and to ask God's blessing for the next Masonic year : on these occasions an opportunity is given to testify our gratitude
in a substantial form . For this purpose a collection is made , for any local charity that the vicar may select , as a sm * ll thankoffering , for his kindness in allowing us to worship in this sacred and beautiful building to-day . The charity to which he proposes to devote your gifts is the National School of the parish , and I need enlarge but little upon this to secure your sympathy . As a stranger ,
I cannot say much upon the financial or general position of the school ; but this much I think 1 can say , that the education here given embraces the children of the poor in general ; comprising within its teachings Sunday-school , day-school , and infant school . And in a large parish like Dorking it is a pleasure , in these days of simple sectarian education , to see an establishment directly under
the care of the clergy , who from their sacrcel office are surely best suited to fill a child ' s mind with those great truths which will lighten for him the labours , trials , and duties through which he will have to pass . In short , the child is here taught those religious truths which it most concerns him to know , and which hereafter will be the most fruitful source of his happiness , and also such
subjects of knowledge are instilled into him as are best suited to his capacities , and to his probable future state in life ; but this is a subject that may be enlarged upon to almost any extent . I don't forget that time is drawing on , and that I am requested not to keep you too long . I will therefore merely say that I feel sure the object for which your alms are
asked embraces all that is required for promoting among the rising generation of this town such an education as will lead them on in that earthly walk which Masons should love well—a " walk with God . " 1 therefore , leav the charity with you , trusting that as Freemasons you will show by your liberality that you really desire to promote what is good , by deed as well as by word
And now , my brethren , a brief conclusion , We read in the " Book of Ruth" that when Boaz came from Bethlehem and said unto the reapers " The Lord be with you " that they answered him and said , " The Lord bless thee . " Amid your earthly tasks , when fortune frowns , or unkind words darken jour life ' s journey , may the Lord be with you to cheer your hearts . Many a storm
may sweep o ' er your earthly path , many a grief may be jours ; yet in all let your souls rise in prayer to God , and you will find the dreaded cloud end in sunshine on the morrow . Reap the fields where our blessed Saviour has scattered broadcast His Most Holy Word to guide and comfort you . Reap them , although it be midst toil and heat ; be diligent in seeking Him who came to save you ,
and then the Lord will bless you . Your lives will soon be past ; young and old alike must fall . God has likened us to the grass and flowers of the field , now bowed to the earth with care and trouble , now all sunshine again with joy and gladness . Learn then a lesson from the inanimate things of creation ; remember that as the grass and flowers yield their life , so man yields up his soul ; the
world the field , the mower death . Love in truth , love in strength ; and let this feeling arise from thoughts upon that higher life which Jesus came to bring by pouring out His blood . And then when like shrouding mists the ice of death shall steal upon the winter of your soul with all its dread feelings , at the Resurrection morn the vapours
will roll away , and sunlight burst from heaven and fill your souls with life , and love , and joy . Live then for this ( not only that your name may be cherished in the memory of the loving hearted ) , but that when life's frail flower lies broken , you may hear the Great God Himself saying to you—Well done I
Consecration Of The Hereward Mark Lodge.
CONSECRATION OF THE HEREWARD MARK LODGE .
The consecration of the Hereward Lodge , 227 , took place at Bourne , Lincolnshire , on Tuesday , the 13 th inst ., nd thereafter Bro . the Rev . Dr . Ace was installed as W . M ., and appointed and invested Bros . W . H . Radley
and Chamberlain as his S . and J . Wardens . Bro . Dr . Ace was afterwards installed as W . C . N , of a li dge of Royal Ark Mariners , attached to the Hereward I odge of Mark Master Masons . The consecration was performed by Bro . Dewar , Grand Asst . Sec , at the request of the D . P . G . M . of tbe province , and the same brother afterwards installed the W . M . and W . C . N .
A bust of Izaak Walton has been unveiled in St . Maiy , Stafford , by the Bail of Lichfield , who presided subsequently at a luncheon . The Dean of Lichfield ( Dr . Bickersteth ) gave an address on the occasion on " Honour . "
H . H . H . the Duke of Connaught remains for the winter at Woolwich , where his batallion is again stationed . The Duke brought his command to Lonelon during tbe absence of the Guards at the summer manoeuvres , when it was quartered at Chelsea , performing sentry duty in the metropolis for a month or so .
The Restoration Of St. Alban's Abbey.
THE RESTORATION OF ST . ALBAN'S ABBEY .
( Communique . ) A somewhat curious controversy has arisen as between Lord Carnarvon , our distinguished Pro G . M ., as President of the Society of Antiquaries , and Lord Cowper on the one side , objecting to the raising of the nave roof of the
Abbey , and Mr . B . Hope and Sir Edmund Beckett on thc other . Lord Carnarvon objects to the proposed restoration on the following grounds : — "Of course , I am quite aware that a high-pitched roof at St . Alban ' s wuld not be a novelty , and at the first blush I can quite understand that the length ( almost
excessive ) of thc nave might seem to demand the restoration of a feature which was removed , as I have seen it stated , in the fifteenth century . But , on the other hand , it must be remembered that the accidental substitution of flat roofs throughout has ended by giving singular magnificence to the only really fine feature of the cxteiior , the central tower . A high-pitched roof would , I fear , greatly
impair this effect—especially as the tower has no longer the altitude which William de Trumpington gave it ; and if one is added in the nave others will be required for the transept ajjd choir . Nor can it be said that the proposed changes would improve the effect of thc interior , for I assume that no one , even in this age of extensive church restoration , can contemplate an alteration of the flat
ceiling . I would also , with all respect , prer-s upon the committee the consideration as to the amount of new woik which this proposal must involve , together with thc obvious risks of the new ivork not being in harmony with the old . The western gable , with the parapets on cither side , will all have to be new or altered , a change involving not only considerable cost , but doubtful , perhaps , in effect when
the change is completed . The features which have been introduced into the building since the high roof was lowered have rendered such a roof incongruous . The consensus partium cannot be restored . As a work of art the exterior of St . Alban ' s can never be made beautiful ; but if it is left in its present condition , it will continue to be interesting in the highest degree as evidence of successive additions
and alteiations in successive generations of men and centuries of time . To impair that evidence by changes so serious as those now in contemplation would be , I fear , a great mistake , redeemed by no counterbalancing advantages , and , as far as I can learn , opposed to the judgment and taste ol some , at least , of the highest critics . " Lord Cowper ' s objections are , to our mind , so beside the
question , and so utterly unworthy of themselves to a very distinguished body of men , that we pass them by . Mr . A . B . Hope has , we venture to think , partully , at any rate , successfully answeied Lord Cam irvon in the worels which follow . He adduces as a canon—that where there is absolute material evidence of thc existence of anv former feature of a building—evidence sufficient to make its
restoration mathematically certain—and where the reason for the original existence of that feature is equally certain , and is such as abstractly to approve itself to our reason , then its restoration may be safe : " Let us apply these tests to St . Alban ' s . The first stands good , because the old existing tower still carries the ' weatherings' of thereof . Weatherings , as I must
explain to those who have not studied architecture , are those supports ( something between ledges and grooves ) on a tower which receive and support the roof which abuts against them . Where they exist the angle of that roof is given , and the evidence of its proportion and outline as designed by thc architect is perfect . A weathering as completely shows that such-and-such a roof was intended
to stand there , as a skull shows the existence of a brain . Circumstances may have prevented the roof being made , but its making was intended , or those weatherings would never have been provided . " The evidence for the second test is , he says , inferential , not material , but it is just as real : " When a media-val or any other rational architect
designs a building he does so with a purpose , and each portion of it has its practical use and also its artistic correspondence with the other members—at all events , that was once the rule . The practical use of a high roof was , of course , to carry off the rain , but the artistic value consisted in its forming an essential clement in whatever system of proportion thc design embodied . If there be any
building in the world in which the reason of that proportion to which a high roof contributes is self-evident , it is in the nave of St . Alban ' s , with its enormous , if not ( now that the moderating high roof has disappeared ) inordinate length . The question of the retention of the old painted ceiling inside is quite independent . That is a relic of old art which it would be almost sacrilegious to disturb , while
it can probably co-exist with the hi gh roof outside . Conservative restoration bids it to remain . I have written thus strongly , because the time has come to make a protest against that mawkish scnlimentalism which tries to avoid the trouble of thinking by howling for the ruthless and unintelligent preservation of everything which happens now to exist in an old building , merely because it is
existing there . That is , as I have before had to describe it , a gospel of decay and eleath . " Sir Edmund Beckett , in a characteristic letter in the Times of the Sth , replies to the President of the Society of Antiquaries , and we confess we think makes out a good case . It seems to us quite clear that if you are to restore at all ,
you must restore up to the " original idea , " and not weaken it or dilute it by any of the " fancies" or " fads " of the hour . Architecture is a strict science , and though we admit thc evil of hyper-restoration , what can we say of " compo-Gothic , " or churchwarden ' s alterations , from which a better taste has delivered us , but that they constitute the abasement and disgrace of the art arch ' itectu-
The Restoration Of St. Alban's Abbey.
ral ? As Freemasons , lovers of the old buildings raised by the operative guilds , we think that all restorations , while they are purely conservative , should also be scientifically constructive , and we object , with Sir Edmund Beckett and Mr . Hop-, to that most mistaken view of committees , societies , and pseudo-mchitcctural critics , which degrades tbe true mission of this renovating ar . d restoring
age into a childish compliance with long-standing barbarities , or a hopeless ignorance of the fir > t principles of thc restorative art . In the highest interests of the architectural art , and the real restoration of St . Alban ' s Abbey , we regret that so distinguished a brother as Lord Carnarvon should seem to throw in his lot with obstructiveness or retrogression of ' any kind , and especially in
ecclesiastical architecture . In our opinion , thc Committee for the restoration of St . Alban ' s Abbey has been quite right in its views , and successful in its operation' :, and wc hop ; that , yielding to no mistaken weakness , influenced hy no shallow cry , and thwartel by no perverted prejudice , that body will persevere in rcs ! oring St . Alban ' s Abbey to its legitimate posit on , as a very noble specimen uf architectural art and ecclesiastical symbolism . We arc quite
sure that this partial outcry against restoration is both unsound and untenable , and is not likely to make way with any who really understand what proper architectural restoration is , and can achieve , in these , our days . Since these words were penned we are happy to hear that thc subscribers , by two to one , have determined to raise thc nave , as proposed . Let us hope that this mista ' ec n controversy will n-. » -. v cease .
Freemasons Dinners.
FREEMASONS DINNERS .
My good friends , the Freemasons , or at lra .-t a section of their mysterious body , the Red Cross Knights , have been feasting again , as I learn they celebrated their anniversary last Wednesday , at the Rampant Bull , Cockermouth , where , as a matter of course , the good things would be diver .-ified and quite up to a gourmet ' s
palate . The Masonic body are being continually twitted by outsiders on their inordinate love of eating and drinking , indeed , I have heard it said that that is the true secret of the ancient Order . Now , " John Peel " is not one of the knots in the " Mystic Tie , " but lie is charitable enough to think t ' lat the Freemasons in the matter of feasting are not a bit worse than other societies , or even as bad as some .
Take our cricket and bowling clubs as a sample . There never is a match , but a dinner or lunch is indispensable ; and quite right , too —it is a distinguishing trait of our English character . Douglas Jerrol 1 once sai 1 that he believed if England was all but elestroyed by an earthquake , and only a dozen natives were left , they would manage to meet amongst the ruins , and celebrate thc event by a
dinner . Somebody else , also , is reported to have once remarked that the sure wiy lo the bottom ct an Englishman ' s pocket is to give him a good dinner . That argument , at all events , holds good amongst the Freemasons , for , last year , at the successive fctivals of their three great charities , no less a sum than close upon £ 40 , 000 was collected at the dinner tables . This , too ,
goes on every year , and I think will at least compare with any other society that has to " raise the needful " at the social board . In justice to the Cockermouth Masons , also I should explain that , from inquiries I have made , there , are only two dinners during the twelve months in connection with the two Masonit bodies in the town . —West Cumberland Times .
The Grand Orient Of France.
THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE .
We have been requested to publish the accompanying circular of that body . We wish we could have any hopes that matters would mend in that jurisdiction ; as it is , it is jeopardising its acknowledgment as a lawful Masonic body .
0 . de Pans , le ier Aoiit 1878 ( E . V . ) . Aux Puissances Maconniques Etrangeres , Aux Ateliers place ;? sous leur direction , Aux Ateliers de l'Obedience du Giand Orient de France . S . S . S . TT . CC . FF . L'Assemblee geSne ' rale du Grand Orient de France a
laquelle sont tenus d ' assister les Presidents ou les Delegues de tous les Ateliers de sa Correspondancc , sc rdunira dans la scconde semaine du mois de Septembre prochain . Cette session sera , comme d'habitude , terminee par un Banquet fraternel qui aura lieu le samedi 14 Septembre , a 1 'Hotel du Grand Orient de France , iO , Rue Cadet .
A cette epoque , l'Exposition universslle , encore en pleine activite , aura sans aucun doute amene ? a Paris , de divers points du Globe , un grand nombre de Francs-Maipons , et le Conseil de l'Ordre , s ' tnspirant des souvenirs de la Fete cele'breSe en 1867 , dans une circonstance semblable , a pensc que e ' e ' tait la une nouvelle et heureuse occasion de resserrer
les hens qui unisscnt les Members de la Famille Maconnique . II convie done les Francs-Macons de tous les Orients et de toutcs les Obediences a se joindre aux Francs-Macons du Grand Orient de France pour donner a cette Feite de la Fraternite un caractere univcrsel . Le Grand Orient de France , TT . CC . FF ., a l'espoir que
son appel sera entendu , it il serait heureux , dans une rdunion comprenant des Francs-Macons des differcnts rites , de pouvoir offrir a ces'Freres le temoignage elc sa vive et fraternelle sympathie . Agre ' ez , TT . CC . FF ., l ' assurance de nos sentiments d ' estime ct d ' affection fraternelle .
Au Nom du Conseil de 1 Ordre . [ Seal . ] Le President , DE SAINT -J EAN . Les Vice-Presidents , Cn . COUSIN . —CAUBET . Les Secretaires , POCLLE . —DE HEREDAI .