Masonic Archaeological Institute.

MASONIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE .

A meeting was held at Freemasons' Hall , Great Queen-street , on Thursday evening , June 9 th ; W . Bro . Matthew Moggridge , P . P . S . G . W ., South Wales , F . S . A ., F . G . S ., in the chair . The Secretary read letters of apology from several members . A letter was read from W . Bro . G . H .

Younghusband , P . M ., tendering to the institute as a present for its members twelve copies of his lodge music . W . Bro . Wigginton , F . R . S ., B . A ., passed a high eulogium on the value of this music at consecrations ; and Brother Shackell concurred . Thanks were accorded to Bro . Younghusband . A letter was read from Bro . Witham M . Bywater , as follows : —

5 , Hanover-square , W ., April n , 1870 . " Dear Sir and Brother , —The publication of the first report ofthe R . Commission on Historical MSS . places in a prominent manner the interesting results which arc beginning to be manifested by the discovery of long-lost and hitherto-unknown

documents . " Impressed with the importance which this movement may have for our ' noble science , ' I am led , without further apology , to suggest the question whether something cannot be gained for Masonry by this investigation ? I think it not unlikely that

among the commissioners there may be one or more who may belong to the Fraternity , with whom your influence , or that of the Council of the M . Archaeological Institute , might have sufficient weight to induce them to issue such instructions or private hints to their literary staff as would lead to their

taking note of any MSS . relating to the early history of Free Masonry and Accepted or Speculative Masonry . For instance , particular attention might be devoted to collections in the possession of the families of notable persons who , in the last century , filled the post of G . M . either in the ' Ancient' or

Modern' side . " Notwithstanding the frequent and sometimes feasible arguments which are advanced to prove that Speculative Masonry had no existence prior to 1717 , I think it highly probable that among the MSS . preserved in the muniment ( lumber ?)

rooms of some of our old families , documents may be found which will be valuable to us , by shedding light on that dark page of our history . " Apologising for thus troubling you , which please excuse by attributing it to my desire to see our ancient Craft in possession of a good ' title deed , '

I am , dear Brother , yours , & c , "AVITHAM M . BYWATER . " A discussion took place on the best mode the institute could adopt to give effect to the propositions of Bro . Bywater . Bro . Bywater stated that one document referred

to must be of interest , as it was a contract with a " Free " Mason in connection with the building of a tomb in Wells Cathedral . This had been pointed out by the . Town Clerk of Wells . Bro . Wigginton suggested that the W . M . of the lodge at Wdls should be induced to obtain a copy

from the Town Clerk for the use and consideration of the members ofthe institute . This Bro . Bywater offered to effect ; and the Chairman and Bro . Hyde Clarke undertook to communicate with the Record Commissioners with the view of carrying out the objects of Bro .

Bywater . Thanks were returned to Bro . Bywater for his valuable communications . The chief subject of the evening was a communication on a new system of Masonry among Mussulmans . It was observed that association and

secrecy or mystery are two great principles of 1- rccmasonry , and two great principles influencing the human mind . They are consequently to be observed in all ages and among all nations of mankind . In this sense , the elements of Masonry are certainly to be regarded as of the greatest antiquity .

and as they arc widely disseminated , so are they particularly to be recognised among the MusstiL man communities . The chief form of these mystic associations is that ofthe orders of Dervishes . It is not unnatural that many have supposed that the exact forms of Masonry arc to be found among the

Dervishes . A sketch was then given of the introduction of Freemasonry into Turkey , Persia , and India . It was pointed out that while the Mussulmans acknowledge the sacred books of the Jews and Christians , they treat the Koran as a further development ; and in adopting Freemasonry , they arc materially disposed to seek its development for

members of their own community in the forms of Islam . Such a development has been founded at Constantinople , but the members of it acknowledge uuivers . il Masonry as a title lo participation in llrotherliood . Many details were given , which are not of a nature to admit of public treatment . Bro . Khan Bahadour Kazi Shahabadun Ibrahim ,

Masonic Archaeological Institute.

Dewan of H . H . the Rao of Kutch , entered into some details as to the principles of Islam and the present movement in India for purifying it from superstitious practices . He stated that the persecution ofthe Persian Freemasons was probably owing

to their being confounded as a secret society with the dangerous fraternity ofthe Hashishiyeh . ( Our Indian brethren spoke fluently in English . ) Bro . Hyde Clarke concurred , and gave some account of the present condition of the Persian

Freemasons . Bro . Dadabhai Naoroji , late Professor of Guzzratee in University College , referred to the great antiquity of mysteries among the old Persians . Bro . Jamshedjee Jivanjee Gazdar concurred . Bro . Bywater referred to some points of interest

in the paper , and the general relations of Masonic signs and secrets to those of secret societies among Mussulmans and Chinese . Bro . Wigginton pointed out that the dimensions in height , length , and breadth of the temple of the Caaba , at Mecca , were very peculiar , and appeared

to have some relation to its reputed antiquity . They appeared to have some analogy to those of the Tabernacle . The situation of the door was also deserving of notice . He threw out the hint for consideration whether these relations , length and breadth , could have any reference to the

geometrical proportions ofthe globe ofthe earth . The Chairman doubted this . With regard to the connexion of Freemasonry with other mystic systems , it was difficult to judge ; but this , at all events , could be determined—that Freemasonry , being founded on the noblest principles , and on

the basis of truth , must be of the highest moral value . It could not , either be doubted that it had been of practical use in many remote places . He gave one example of an English brother captured many years ago by brigands in Greece , who was released in consequence of making a Masonic sign . Bro . Dadabhai proposed , and Bro . Bywater

seconded , a vote of thanks to the eminent archaeologist and naturalist , Bro . Moggridge , who had presided over the institute on that evening . The Chairman announced that the next meeting will be on Thursday , 30 th June , when the subject will be the Phoenician Masons' Marks at Jerusalem and the Moabite Stone .

The New Masonic Hall At New York.

THE NEW MASONIC HALL AT NEW YORK .

The following full description of the proposed new Masonic Hall at New York is taken from the New York Herald of May 9 th : — " The projected new Masonic Temple in this city will be erected on the north-east comer of Twentythird-strcet and Sixth-avenue , a most eligible and

cental location . The size ofthe lot is 141 feet on the street and 98 feet 9 inches on the avenue , the whole area of which will be covered by the building . A photographic print of the perspective view will soon be issued and sold for the benefit of the Hall and Asylum Fund and will show to advantage the

majestic , harmonious , and massive appearance of the tout ensemble . The material selected will be dark and light granite , and the main divisions , details , and ornamentations tire so disposed as to gracefully bring out its true character of solidity and strength . The style of architecture is pure

Renaissance , well proportioned , and chaste . The building will be divided into five stories , each of which will be distinctly marked in the exterior . The main feature on Twcnty-third-streel will be the central pavilion , ornamented by pilasters and columns , and surmounted by a quadrangular dome 50 feet square

at the base and rising 155 feet above the pavement to the top of its cresting . This centre compartment is connected by ' curtains , ' to be embellished by allegorical statuary , with heavily rusticated corner pavilions each 26 feet square at the base , the whole rising 95 feet to the top of the main cornice , and

capped by a Mansard roof . 1 he Sixth-avenue front consists of corner pavilions , and the recessed curtain between them is enriched at each story by pilasters , in harmony with the central portion of the Twenty-third-strcct front . The first story will be almost entirely devoted to stores—three large ones

on the street and four on the avenue . This portion of the building is to be constructed of Quincy granite , and will be massively rusticated throughout . The main entrance will be located in the south-west curtain of the building , and will be ornamented and made prominent by a Doric portico .

In front of this portico will be placed two Masonic columns , 20 feet high , the significance of which will be duly appreciated by Masons , ami , together with the statuary before mentioned and the arms ofthe Grand Lodge on the fifth storv , will form

exteriorly the only indic'itions of ihe purpose of the edifice . This entrance leads tliivcily by a wide flight of steps to a large corridor or hall on the second storey , 20 feet wide by 60 feet long and 30 feet high , from which immediate access is obtained

The New Masonic Hall At New York.

on the east side to the Grand Lodge room , 84 feet by 90 , and on the other to the parlour of the Grand Master , the parlour and offices of the Grand Secretary , the fire-proof archive room , & c . The Grand Lodge room is calculated to seat over 1 , 000 persons comfortably , in addition to which agallery across the

west end of the room will accommodate 150 persons more , and be also useful in case the room is let out for concerts or lectures , for the accommodation of the orchestra . The throne of the Grand Master will be in a recess at the east end , with retiring and accommodation rooms conveniently

located on each side . At the north end of the entrance corridor is the main stairway , leading to all the upper storeys . The landing on the third storey , 21 feet 6 inches high , gives direct access to a reception hall , 20 feet by 68 , from which entrance is gained on the east side to three tylers' rooms ,

connected by conveniently arranged ante-rooms , with three Blue Lodge rooms , each 62 feet long . On the west side of this hall is placed a large banqueting room , with stewards' rooms , & c , adjoining-. The stairway leads next to the fourth storey , 21 feet high , in which the arrangements , distribution , and

size of rooms are precisely similar to those below . In this storey there will be two Blue Lodge rooms and one Royal Arch Chapter room . The latter room will be arranged with conveniences not heretofore thought of , and will be complete in every possible respect . The whole of the fifth storey will be

devoted to the use of the Knights Templars , and it is believed this Commandery hall will be the most complete and best arranged ever constructed , and greatly increase the effect of the imposing ceremonies ofthe Order . Throughout the arrangement of the whole building it is evident the architect ,

N . Le Brun , has very carefully studied his plans , as there is not a foot of space wasted , and the greatest simplicity and convenience are attained in the distribution of the rooms , stairways , corridors , & c , which will be all appropriately decorated in accordance with the various purposes to which they

will be applied . The first storey , and all the halls , corridors , and stairways throughout will be of the most approved fire-proof construction . The whole building will be heated by steam , and thoroughly ventilated in the most approved and scientific manner . Each floor will be supplied with all the modern

conveniences found in first-class private houses , and a large elevator will traverse the building from the first to the fifth stories . This elevator is placed conveniently to the main stairway and the private stairway , giving an egress on Sixth-avenue . In case of accident or alarm , the entire building can

be emptied in five minutes . The ground has cost . £ 68 , 000 , and the estimated cost of the building will be a little over , £ 100 , 000 . An idea of its imposing exterior may be formed from the fact that it will tower 45 feet above Booth's theatre , which is situated directly opposite . "

Jottings From Masonic Journals.

Jottings from Masonic Journals .

——?—THE Indianapolis Journal says of their Grand Commandery that it closed in " awful and solemn form . " THE Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island has changed its title from

Encampment to Commandery , with that of its subordinates . ANTI-MASONIC STORM . —The Boston Masonic Monthly states that only two lodges survived the anti-Masonic storm—Portland No . 1 , at Portland , and United , No . 8 , at Brunswick . This is incorrect . A few surrendered their

characters , and many suspended their meetings ; but some kept straight on , besides those mentioned . Ancient Landmark , No . 17 , of Portland , and Fraternal , No . 55 , of Shaplcigh ( now at Alfred ) , we know kept on , and we think several others . —Portland Me ., Masonic Token .

FROM the Illuslristc Zcituitg we learn that the Freemasons of Germany have taken an active part in the work ofthe society established in Bremen , in 1865 , for the saving of shipwrecked persons on the German coast . The lodge in Brcmerhafcn and a Masonic association in Uppenheim on the Rhine

have been especially active in this work . A number of wives of Masons in Rheinhcsscn issued a call to participate in this humane enterprise in 1866 , which was met by a hearty response . In token of their appreciation of this effort , the directors of the society above-mentioned named anewboatstationed

atNewharhngeisyhl , " Frauenlot" ( praise to the women ) , the name also of the renowned singer of Maycnce . HEREIN IS OUR GREATEST DANGER . —We call the particular attention of our hosts of Masonic friends and readers to the following , the concluding

remarks of one of Masonry ' s brightest sons , III . liro . Josiah II . Drummond . of Ma inc , in his report on Foreign correspondence . Let it be read attentively , marked carefully , learnt uiidersiandingly , and we fcei satisfied all will feel benefited mentally and morally by digesting it : — " If any reader has accompanied