Reponement Of Lodge St. John, No. 162, At Newabbey.

including Mr . John Stewart , uf Arbigland , who was appointed Proxy Master , an ollice which he held until 1 S 52 , when hc was appointed P . G . M . of Dumfries ; su St . John ' s had the honour to be tlio mother lodge of a highly respected P . G . M . ol Dumfriesshire . The lodge had many troubles nnd dilliculties at this time , especially about their rooms ; and it must have been no unusual sig ht for the inhabitants to witness the Masonic furniture , box , tabic , chair , and portrait of a brother carried backwards and forwards between the Masonic Hall , Bro . Lewis ' s ,

the Commercial Hotel , and a private house . Indeed , in 1 S 53 the brethren are accused of holding a meeting on the public street , and peremptorily ordered to remove their goods and chattels from Bro . Mein ' s . This they did , being apparently unable to adopt thc other alternative , and pay their arrears of rent . Few meetings were now held except on St . John ' s , and it was not uncommon to be unable to raise a quorum on St . Andrew ' s , whereby the existing oflicers had to continue for the next year . In 186 3 thc fees were raised to £ 1 Os . 6 d ., 8 s . payable on entry , and

it was decided to start a benevolent fund . which , however , was dropped early in 1864 , " the amount being so very small . " Similarly , in March , 186 S , thc Gr . ind Lodge orders some of the brethren to take the Mark , and the obedient lodge directs the R . W . M . and S . W . to proceed to Dumfries for that purpose . But in May following it is resolved " not to think any more of the Mark at this time . " They were then in debt to Grand Lodge for dues , and paying a composition of . £ 1 per annum or promising to pay . An offer of 5 s . per annum was refused . In 1 S 77 all meetings

cease according to the minute-book , and the last entry is by the old and esteemed R . W . M ., Bro . Isaac Wood , who had held the office , or the titular office at least since 18 4 S without a break—probably a record in Masonry , 35 years of continuous Mastership—that " owing to there not being so many members about Newabbey as would enable me to open the lodge , there has been no regular meetings for some time . " It is to be hoped that the lodge now opens under happier auspices and will go on prospering .

The Hon . HEW DALKV . MI-LE , replying , said : I can assure you that it has given mc very great pleasure , as Provincial Grand Master of Wi gtown and Kirkcudbright , to come here to-day ; and it is also a great satisfaction to me to see such a large gathering . 1 should like in the lirst place to thank ihe brethren who have come from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dumfriesshire and also from the daughter lodges of Dumfriesshire for their attendance . It is a very friendly act on their part , and one which I lor my part , and I am sure all the members of the Prov . Grand

Lodge of Wigtown and Kirkcudbright , would willingly reciprocate . Although wc have had a Provincial Grand Lodge in Galloway for some time , we are as it were in our infancy ; and I feel very much indebted to the brethren who have come to help us . Bro . Sulley has given us a very graphic narrative of thc past history of the lodge . It is therefore not necessary that 1 should enter into it . I should like , however , to express the hope that a very prosperous future is before it , * that , to adopt Bro . Sulley ' s language , there may be " a boom in Masonry in

Newabbey . " In the province certainly things arc looking much better ; and it is a great gratification to see another lodge added to the roll to-day . There is now only one Iodge dormant in the province , and we hope to get it resuscitated . Of course I know that in a small place like Newabbey you have great difficulties to contend with . Much of the credit of the resuscitation of this lodge is due to the Right Worshipful Master , Bro . Sulley , and to Bro . Adam Edgar . When Bro .

Sulley takes a thing in hand he always goes through with it . You have a beautiful spot here . This lovely old Abbey and the surroundings are quite in harmony with the spirit and principles of Masonry . In conclusion I would wish this lodge every prosperity . 1 know that sometimes little difficulties arise in lodges . I hope they will always be smoothed over agreeably and quietly , and that brotherly love shall truly prevail among us .

Three candidates were then introduced and initiated as members of the lodge . Thereafter , Bro . DINWIDDIE , as representing the Pravincial Grand Lodgeof Dumfriesshire , delivered a short address . It had afforded them , he said , great pleasure to be present , and he desired to express the extreme regret of the P . G . M . of Dumfriesshire that he was not able to attend . They were aware that Bro . Johnstone-Douglas , who so honourably and ably filled that position in Dumfriesshire , was an

important factor in other matters than Freemasonry , and he was sorry to say the duties of another factorship deprived them of his presence that day . He was exceedingly glad to hear that Freemasonry had taken a fresh start in the Galloway Province . He had the privilege of witnessing one evidence of that at Castle-Douglas a short time ago , and it made him almost jealous of this province ,

because he felt that if they went on as they were doing now , they of Dumfriesshire would have to take a back seat . However , jealousy must have no place in a Masonic lodge . He wished on behalf of Dumfriesshire to extend to them their very hearty congratulations on their efforts to promote the princi ples of Freemasonry , and he congratulated them on the good start made with this lodge . The lodge was thereafter closed , and a short toast list entered upon .

One of the sentiments proposed was " The Health of Bro . Joseph Robson , the oldest surviving member of the reponed lodge . " Bro . ROHSON , in acknowledging the toast , gave some reminiscences of its history , mentioning that his own family contribution to the membership numbered three sons and two sons-in-law .

Most of the visiting brethren left Newabbey shortly before six o ' clock , a considerable company first having tea together at the Commercial Hotel . The original charter of the lodge , dated 17 S 5 , was , we may mention , granted on the application of Bros . 'John Gordon , the first R . W . M . ; William Allan , John Cramont , William Milligan , Nathaniel Black , William Crocket , and Alexander Rae .

Freemasonry As Known To The World.

FREEMASONRY AS KNOWN TO THE WORLD .

freemasonry is a principle which has existed in all stages uf civilisation . The state in which we knowit , of a vast brotherhood of amateur Masons , who are nol really builders , but who , as everybody is aware , have adopted the signs and symbols ofthe building craft to express their own secret principle , is , as far as we know , about two and a half centuries old . The lirst instance of a gentleman or amateur being accepted into one of the lodges of the old building crafts is that of Elias Ashmole , the antiquary ( afterwards Windsor Herald to King Charles II . ) , who along with

Colonel Mainwaring , was entered at Warrington in 1646 . It is oelieved that there are now more than 10 , 000 lodges , and more than 1 , 000 , 000 members . The conception of Freemasonry implies , like the Christian Church , cosmopolitan or universal brotherhood , and was impossible to thc ancient world , or until the brotherhood of man was taught by Jesus of Nazareth . But the principle ot sacred , moral , and reli gious societies on the one hand , and the principle uf brotherhood of the

building craft on the other , are as old as civilisation itself ; and it is of these two that speculative Freemasonry is the modern representative . The principle of moral and religious societies is represented in ancient times by the Pythagoreans and the Eleusinians among the Greeks , and by the Essenes amongst the Jews , and by the Carmathitcs and Fedavi , who werc the mystic Rationalists of thc Mahometans .

But the true- historical precursors of our modern brotherhood of Freemasons Were thc mediaval building corporation , who nny themselves have a remote connection with the East ; whilst amongst thc Romans there were collegia , or skilled fraternities for the same purpose . These Roman collegia had an exchequer , an archive , patrons , religions ceremonies , an oath , a benefit and burial fund , and a register . Their officers were masters , wardens , recorders , and censors , and they instructed their apprentices lo a certain extent in the secret . There can be no

Freemasonry As Known To The World.

doubl that such fellowships existed for centuries in Gaul and Britain , and it is probable thai they deposited in UIRSC countries thc tradition of their ideas and habits . The taste and science of Gothic architecture were to a large extent thc possession of the Bauhiittcn , or wooden booths , where the stonecutters during thc progress of the work kept their tools , worked , held their meetings , and probably

also took their meals and slept . Hence our modern institution of the lodge . In the 12 th century there are distinct traces of a general association of these lodge : ; throughout Germany , acknowledging one sel of craft laws , one set of secret signs and ceremonies , and to a certain extent one central authority in the Grand Lodge of Strasburg .

The Jewish and Arabian symbols , which were so popular in these crafts , arc supposed to have been introduced by Albertus Magnus early in the 13 th century . The atmosphere of these medi .-cval building societies seems even at an early dale to have been favourable to liberty of thought and religious toleration Hence they were prohibited at thc Romish Council of Avignon in thc year 1326 The authority of the Grand Lodge was recognised at the great assemblies ol Ratisbon and Strasburg in 1859 , the statues of which received Imperial

confirmation . It was legally destroyed by an Imperial edict in 1741 . England had imported much of her lodge organisation and learning from Germany . Thc causes which led to the introduction of the new class of members , the amateurs , those who are ordinarily known as Freemasons , and which gradually converted operative into speculative Masonry , were inevitable . The reconstruction of London after the lire , the building of St . Paul ' s Cathedral , and the patronage of the immortal Sir Christopher Wren , kept up thc interest in the movement , and at lasl a formal resolution was passed that the Masonic privileges should no longer

be confined to operative Masons . Thc modern phase of English Masonry may be said lo have begun in London on June 24 , 1717 , when the four London lodges , having erected themselves into a Grand Lodge , named their lirst Grand Master . The leading spirits were the Huguenot Desaguliers , the well-known poptilariscr of natural science , and James Anderson , a Scotch Presbyterian minister , who compiled the Book of Constitutions . From this time new lodges could only be formed by warrant from the Grand Lodge . In 1721 the Duke of Montagu was elected Grand Warden .

Whatever may be thc case in foreign countries , in our own Freemasonry hai always gone hand in hand with reli gion . It has emphasised the great Christian virtue of brotherly kindness , uniting men of different ranks , and often opposite views , in mutual esteem and respect . It is impossible , in writing for reiders who are not Freemasons , to particularise its moral aims ; it is sufficient to say that none who join it can fail lo be impressed for good . Freemasonry asks all its members to cultivate in all the relations of life , whether in Masonry or without , that spirit of brotherhood . Too many are the divisions which separate us in

many ways in the complex civilisation in which we live . The temper which they learn in their craft they will do well to extend to all thc children of the Divine Father of mankind . The proud look , thc cold hand , the unfeeling heart , thc angry tongue , the quarrelsome disposition are altogether unfitting to those who have learnt the lessons of the association . Too little is thought in these our times of the fear of God . Much of our life seems spent without reference to Him . The recollection of His presence alone can curb our wayward wills and nerve us to high resolves and wholesome activities . It is one of the glories of English Freemasonry that in all their ways Freemasons acknowledge God .

If Freemasons can by way of example increase the respect for wisdom aud understanding , and make men di-sire those great gifts for themselves , they will be conferring a benefit on the general character of society . " Happy is the man that lindeth wisdom , and he that getteth understanding ; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver , and the gain thereof than fine gold . " Fidelity is another principle which cannot be too highly piized . We are living in an age of restlessness , unsettlement , and change . Principles are easily abandoned , and friends shaken off . The old virtue of faithfulness to our convictions and

loyalty to our friends is greatly to be desired and honoured . The world is too much given to gossip , and few indeed are able to hold their tongues , even about secret things , if they can raise a laugh . " A tale-bearer revealeth secrets , but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter . A faithful man shall abound with blessings ; but he that maketh haste to be so rich shall not be innocent . The Lord preserveth the faithful . " The very fact that the secrets of Masonry are so well kept is a perpetual witness to us of this high quality . —Churchman ' s Magazine .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . Strong Man Lodge ( No . 45 ) . —The installation meeting of this ancient lodge was held at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , E . C ., on the 2 nd inst ., when there was a good attendance to witness Bro . IJ . A . Lingdon assume the chair as W . M . for the ensuing year . Amongst the members pres"nt were Bros . J . G . Cobb , P . P . G . Std . Br . Herts , VV . M . ; D . A . Langdon , S . W . ; W . G . Mills , I . W . ; G . G .

Symon- * , P . M ., D . C . ; H . T . Nell , P . M ., P . P . G . D . Herts , Sec . ; Tom Taylor , S . D . ; J . Crier . J . D . ; W . R . G . Emerson , Org . ; T . Ockelford , I . G . ; E . J . Stafford , S . Armfield , and J . Jenkinson , Stwds . ; A . M . Whitby , P . M . ; C Cordingley , P . M . ; K . Hunt , P . M . ; E . H . Dove , P . M . ; and K . Fountaine , P . M . Visitors : Bros . G . H . Pizey , 2374 ; S . Fortescue , 2472 ; F . J . Maltby , J . U . 417 ; O . Heffen , P . M . 1457 : R . Thomson , W . M . 1597 ; W . Sykes , P . M . 1507 ; H . A . B . Smith , 877 : H .

Tapley , P . M . 1076 ; Otto Lehman , St . Andrew ' s Lodge , No . KJ , Canada ; J . Langdon , P . P . J . G . D . Essex ; W . E . ] eam-s , 54 S ; M . Siegenberg , W . M . 1-18 ; S . C . Kaufman , P . M . 1766 ; G . W . Walke , S . W . 12 ; J . C . Sheffield , 1275 ; E . Purkess , S . W . 45 }; A . H . Cole , W . M . 1744 ; W . Smith , 1705 ; VV . A . Medcalf , 312 ; E . F . Wood , 1000 ; VV . Murrell , J . W . 12 GS ; F . Mead , S 12 ; Philip Sharpe , P . M . S 69 ; II . W . Kance , 7 S 1 ; VV . Wright , IC 24 ; W . VV . Lee , VV . M . 1 S 97 ; and others .

Lodge was opened , the minutes confirmed , and Uro . Gehringer passed to the Second Degree . Bro . D . A . Langdon was impressively installed as W . M . by Bro . J . G . Cobb , who was subsequently accorded a vote of thanks for his able render ! ig of the ceremony . The following ollicers were invested : Bros . W . G . Mills , S . VV . , * John Cuer , | . W . ; C . G . Symons , P . M ., Treas . ; II . T . Nell , P . M . 227 S , 2511 , P . G . D . ' IUts , Sec ; A . M . Whitby , P . M ., D . C . ; T . C . Taylor , S . D . ; l . Ockelford , J . D . ; VV . R . G . Emerson , Org . ; K . J . Stafford , I . G . ; S . Armfield , J . Jenkinson , and R . Medcalf , Stewards ; and E . Mallet , Tyler .

All business being ended , lod / je was closed , and an adjournment made to a wellserved banquet . After dessert the usual byal toasts were briefly given and heartily received . Bro . J . G . Cobb , I . P . M ., proposed " The W . M ., " and said they had installed into the chair a brother who would do credit to the lodge and perform his duties with dignity

and grace . The brethren would doubtless render him the support they had accorded the Master in past years . It did not rest with the VV . M . altogether to make a prosperous year , but with the members individually . The manner in which the VV . M . invested his officers was simply superb , for he was occ ipying the chair for the first time . They would have every reason to be pleased they had installed Bro . Langdo *] into the chair .

Uio . D . A . Langdon , VV . M ., returned thanks . He had had many thoughts as to his ability for the ollice , for he could not but feel it was an exceedingly onerous position , and he had to follow two brethren who had filled thc chair with the greatest credit . He would endeavour to fulfil every promise he had nude , and when his year was ended he hoped to give a good account of his Stewardship . I Is felt sure they would give him that assistance which was absolutely necessary to enable him to do himself justice . Hc assured them hc entered upon his year full uf promise for the courteous treatment he had always received from thc members .