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Article Masonic Notes and Queries. ← Page 2 of 2 Article China. Page 1 of 1 Article THE DEATH OF H.R.H. THE DUKE OF ALBANY, P.G.W., &c. Page 1 of 1 Article SPECIAL PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM. Page 1 of 2 Article SPECIAL PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM. Page 1 of 2 →
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Masonic Notes And Queries.
and in the Freemason was published the answers of the Clerk to the Masons' Company to certain queries propounded through a kindly member of the Company . It has thus been clear for some time that neither Ashmole , Wren , Padgett , nor Bray had been members of the Masons' Company . The correctness of the entry as to the 16 S 2 meeting was also proved . But what we do owe
to Bro . Gould , is the search fpr Aubrey s MS . statement , a study of the documents of the Mason ' s Company , hitherto inaccessible , the authorship of Wren ' s " Parentalia , " about which therewere doubts , and the confirmation , on his own independent testimony , of the theories and conclusions of other students that seventeenth century Freemasonry was something distinct from the Mason ' s
Company , or even the existing guilds , if any , of the seventeenth century . It was thc "Society of Freemasons , " and was , as Kandal Holmes hints , nay demonstrates , a "separate body . " VVhen this separation begun is not yet clear , or if ever there was a union is at present very uncertain , but as time goes on wc shall no doubt see this and other matters in a clearer light . But I repeat I do not see
how the important question of Wren ' s Masonic membership is any further decided by evidence . In using the freedom of honest and prudentcriticism . I , for one , have not concealed , and do not conceal , the intense admiration I have for Bro . Gould's work , and the debt of gratitude I think we are under to him for his most able , conscientious , andadmirable history of Freemasonry , which henceforth must remain a
standard work on the subject . Bro . Gould is the last person in the world to deprecate fair and conscientious and dispassionate weighing of his arguments and conclusions , and no more fatal mistake could be made either in his interest or thatof Masonic history andarch ; eology , than to claim " Infallibility " forhimor for any other writer . We are all liable to mistakes , and to ask all of us tosurrendcr our judgments to
anyone Masonic writer , will Ihrow Masonic history and criticism back into those regions of uncritical and unhistorical haze from which they have of late years been slowly emerging . Recognizing fully the carefulness , the clearness , the ability , thc power which characterize Bro . Gould's work everywhere , I yet claim for myself and others who
have gone over thc same ground that Masonic liberty which ought never to be denied of free speech and respectful criticism . Just as wc deeply admire and are grateful for the labours of Bros . Hughan , D . M . Lyon , Fort , Findel , Rylands , Whytehead , C . McCalla , Speth , and others , if Masonic history is ever to be a reality , we must exercize not only the right of " private judgment , " but claim both a " liberty of prophesying " and the " privilege of criticism . " ' MASONIC STUDENT .
336 ] JAMES WYBARD . What is known of James Wybard , who wrote "Tactometria seu Tetagmenometria j or , the Geometry of Regulars , " printed b y R . Lcyboum , for Nathaniel Brooks , atthe Angel io Cornhill , MDCL . 16 , 50 ? 6 MASONIC STUDENT .
China.
China .
HONU KONG , Feb . 19 th . Another red-letter day for the District Grand Lodge of I long Kong and South China is recorded by the consecration of a ncw Masonic Hall at Canton , which took place on Thursday , the 14 th inst . Canton is one of the oldest of the foreign settlements in China , and some years ago the Royal Sussex Lodge , the oldest lodge in China , met in that citv . which was then thc principal residence for Europeans ;
but when Shanghai was opened , and thc European residents left , then the lodge closed . For some considerable time past , however , the brethren of Canton have agitated for a new lodge , and after a little both of patience and perseverance it was opened in February of last year under thc name of the Star of Southern China Lodge , and numbered 2013 on the roll of thc English Grand Lodge , with Bro . Christie ,
P . M ., as first W . M , Under thc successful working and management of this brother , assisted by Bro . Bryant , the Secretary , the lodge has proved a financial and numerical success . The lodge at first met in a small room , but now a hall has been raised from thc designs and under thc superintendence of the W . M ., at a cost of 3500 dollars , 3000 of which were raised by debenture bonds .
On Thursday last a large number of visitors went to Canton and were treated with great hospitality . The hall inside and out was most profusely illuminated with lanterns , flowers , and festoons of bunting . Amongst those present were the W . Dep . D . G . M ., Bro . Dr . XV . S . Adams , M . D ., who performed thc cercmony . in the absence of the R . W . Dist . G . M ., Bro . C . P . Chafer ; Bros . E . C . Ray , D . G . S . W . ;
L . Mallory , acting D . G . J . W . ; C . L . Gorham , D . G . Treas . ; C . VV . Duggan , acting D . G . Sec . j VV . McKinney , acting D . G . S . D . i XV . V . Thompson ( Sydney , New South Wales ) , acting D . G . J . D . ; R . K . Leigh , D . G . Supt . of Works ; li . Gcorg , D . G . D . of C ; L . Kirchmann , acting D . G . S . B . ; J . Orange , D . G . Org . ; F . W . Heuermann , D . G . Purst . ; G . C . Cox and Paul Jordan , D . G . Stwds . ; C . G . Bunker ,
acting D . G . lyler ; Christie , S . J . Douglas ( Yokohama ) , J . Keating , R . Fraser Smith , 'I * . D . Burrows , L . S . Byworth , G . H . Brunt , N . E . Bryant , C . H . Palmer , D . Reid , J . Strom , R . W . H . Wood , J . P . Hoyland , and others . At the completion of the ceremony , which had been very impressively rendered , thc VV . M . appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . R . VV . H .
Wood , S . W . ; C . II . Palmer , J . W . ; N . E . Bryant , Treas . and Sec . ; T , D . Burrows , S . D . ; L . S . Byworth , I . D . ; D . Reid , D . of C . ; G . H . Brunt , Steward ; and J . Strom , I . G . The VV . M . then thanked thc District Grand Oflicers for their attendance and assistance , and Bro . Adams , D . D . G . M ., returned thanks and congratulated the brethren of the Southern China Lodge on their successful commencement , and in possessing such a beautiful temple . He
wished them every prosperity for thc future . All the visitors present of the rank of Installed Master were elected honorary members of the lodge , and no further business offering , the lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer and harmony . The brethren then adjourned to the banqueting room to partake of a sumptuous cold collation , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .
Bro . George Lambert , I ' " . S . A ., has consented to take thc chair on Tuesday , 29 th inst ., at the festival dinner of the City VVaitcrV Provident and Pension Society .
The Death Of H.R.H. The Duke Of Albany, P.G.W., &C.
THE DEATH OF H . R . H . THE DUKE OF ALBANY , P . G . W ., & c .
The following letter has been sent by the Home Secretary , Sir William Harcourt , to the press for publication * . — "Windsor Castle , April 14 , 1 SS 4 . " * I have on several previous occasions given personal expression to my deep sense of the loving sympathy and
loyalty of my subjects in all parts of my Empire . I wish therefore , in my present grievous bereavement , to thank them most warmly for the very gratifying manner in which they have shown , not only their sympathy with me and my dear , so deeply-afflicted daughter-in-law and my other children , but also their high appreciation of my beloved son's great qualities of head and heart , and of the loss he is to thc country and to me . The affectionate
sympathy of my loyal people , which has never failed me in weal or woe , is very soothing to my heart . Though much shaken and sorely afflicted by the many sorrows and trials which have fallen upon me during these past years , I will not lose courage , and with the help of Him who has never forsaken me , will strive to labour on for the sake of my children and for the good of the country I love so well as long as
I can . " My dear daughter-in-law , the Duchess of Albany , who bears her terrible misfortune with the most admirable , touching , and unmurmuring resignation to the will of God , is also deeply gratified by the universal sympathy and kind
feeling evinced towards her . " I would wish , in conclusion , to express my gratitude to all other countries for their sympathy ; above all to the neighbouring one , where my beloved son breathed his last , and for thc great respect and kindness shown on that mournful occasion . "VICTORIA R . and I . "
Special Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.
SPECIAL PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .
VOTES Of CONDOLENCE TO THE QUEEN AND THE DUCHESS OK ALUANV . A Special Provincial Grand Lodge of the Province of Durham was , by command of the . Most Hon . the Marquess of Londonderry , K . P ., Prov . Grand Master , held on luesday afternoon , thc Sth inst ., in the Freemasons' Hall , Durham , for the purpose of deciding upon an address of condolence to her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany , on the death of H . R . H .
thc Duke ot Albany , Prov . G . M . of Oxfordshire and Past G . W . of England . Thc principal scats were draped with mourning by Bro . Geo . Greenwell , P . P . G . D . of C , and thc brethren present appeared in Masonic mourning . In thc absence of thc Marquess of Londonderry , Bro . the Rev . Canon Tristram , P . P . G . S . W ., acted as Prov . G . M ., and Bro . B . Levy , P . P . G . J . W ., acted as D . P . G . M . ( he other Provincial Grand Officers present were Bros . I .
Horsley , Prov . G . S . W . ; J . VVood , Prov . G . J . W . ; B . Boulton , Prov . G . Treas . ; R . Hudson , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . Bell , P . P . G . S . D . ; G . Wilson , Prov . G . J . D .: H . Maddison , Prov . G . Reg . ; E . Hudson , Prov . G . Dir . of Cer . ; T . Bradley , Prov . G . Asst . Sec ; J . J . Clay , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; Rev . E . Collier Biggs and the Rev . VV . Harris , Prov . G . Chaps . ; M . Frampton , Prov . G . S . B . ; W . Donkin , Prov . G . Purst . ; G . VV . Richardson , acting Prov . G . Org . ;
Steel and Carter , Tylers ; the Rev . G . R . Bulman , P . P . G . J . VV . ; R . Luck , P . P . G . R . ; G . Greenwell , P . P . G . D . of C . j W . A . Malcolm , P . P . G . P . ; M . Douglass , P . P . G . D . j VV . Coxon , P . P . G . S . B . ; K . M . Cooke , P . P . G . S . of VV . N . and E . Yorks ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Porteous , P . P . G . Org . ; W . Liddell , P . P . G . D . ; W . Forster , P . P . G . S . of W . ; J . Laidler , P . P . G . D . ; j . Riseborough , P . P . G . P . ; W . M . Bell , P . P . G . A D . of C .
Northumberland ; C . R . Fry , P . P . G . W ; J . Hunter , P . P . G . J . W ., VV . M . 531 ; J . Trotter , P . P . G . J ., 940 , and a large number of brethren not holding Prov . Grand Office . Thc lodge having been opened in form , the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . R . HUDSON , read the circular convening thc meeting . The Acting Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . Canon TRISTRAM , said they had heard from their Prov . Grand
Secretary the purpose for which they were gathered together there in Prov . Grand Lodge . Before hc said anything more on that point it was his duty to explain to them why he was in the position he occupied . He read a letter from the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Most Hon . the Marquess of Londonderry , K . P ., in which he regretted hc was unable to undertake the journey to the North in order to preside over the Prov . Grand Lodge , which hc had
summoned to propose addresses of condolence to her Majesty the Queen and H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany on their sad bereavement . He felt glad when he heard that Bro . Canon Tristram would discharge his duties on the occasion , and felt sure the brethren would cordially unite in expressing their sympathy and condolence to her Majesty the Queen , and to thc widow of onc who had so recently been present in their midst at the Prov . Grand Lodge , and
whose loss they sincerely mourned . The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER then said that , obeying the commands of the Prov . Grand Master , he had no hesitation in placing his services at their disposal . Me was sure there was but one sentiment occupying every breast that day . It was a very unusual thing for two Provincial Grand Lodges to be summoned so soon after their annual gathering , and the thought must strike them
all—how strangely these two gatherings were combined , and under what unique and unparalleled circumstances they had been held . It was but two months since they in that city saw that grand Masonic pageant , honoured by the son of our Queen , who had honoured them by his presence in that Grand Lodge , a visit of royalty which had not occuired in that province for more than 60 years , when that Royal Duke ' s great uncle , the Duke of Sussex , visited the
province in 1817 . Since then the province had been without that rare honour of a Royal Masonic visit ; but what added much to the impression of that visit was the thought how little could they have anticipated then that that visit of thc Duke of Albany to thc province was to be his last public visit , the last official public ceremony in which he took part ; and his attendance at that last Masonic Provincial Grand Lodge , thc visit to the Cathedral , and thc glorious gathering
Special Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.
in that grand old fane , their return to that grand baronial hall in whicli many a King of England in olden days had been regaled—to think that within two months they were summoned to present an address of condolence to his widow , must bring home to every heart the words of the poet—that death " Aegus pulsat pede pauperum tabernas reo-umque turres . " But they had higher and nobler
consolation than a blind submission to fate , which was all that the heathen poet could offer to royalty in its hour of desolation and loneliness . They had been taught first by Masonry and then by revelation better and higher truths than this . They had been taught that their Craft was worth but little if it did not lead them up to something higher and nobler still , and
they had the thankfulness and consciousness of feeling that their Royal brother entered into the true spirit of Masonry , and was in every way a nobleman , in every respect a Christian man in his life , a Royal man in his public life . He was indeed a loss to Masonry in general , and not least to themselves , the last Masonic brethren whom he Masonically saluted . He would not detain them further than
except to remind them that they were called to express condolence with their Queen and with that widowed Princess . They must remember how very much in its sorrows and its position royalty was isolated and alone ; how much royal mourners miss that sympathy which we in our hour of life and sorrow have so freely imparted to us by those whom we mingle with on equal
terms . If royalty had its grandeur and splendour it had also its drawbacks , for Royal sorrow must be alone . The formal sympathy of courtiers , the respectful sympathy of attendants could not make up for the intimate sympathy of bosom friends . One could not but help feeling how thoroughly that feeling of private friendship was felt by the mourners for our late Royal brother . They saw his pall
bearers were not selected for their rank or position , but because they were the friends of his youth , titled and untitled , side by side . In all the relations of life Masonry must lead them to take a foremost place in sympathy with sorrow . They were therefore called upon tbat afternoon in that lodge to consider and to sanction the addresses which
had been prepared to express their respectful sympathy with their Sovereign in her bereavement , and to express their brotherly sorrow and their brotherly sympathy with the voung widowed mother to mourn her Masonic husband . The Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . R . HUDSON , then read the following addresses * . —
"Tothe Queen ' s Most Excellent Majesty . " Most Gracious Sovereign , —We , your Majesty ' s dutiful and faithful subjects , thc Prov . Grand Master , Officers , and brethren of the Province of Durham of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons , in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled , with all humility and respect approach your Royal presence and beg leave to offer our unfeigned and sincere
condolence with your Majesty on the sad and sudden bereavement with which it has p leased the Most High , in His inscrutable wisdom , to afflict your Majesty b y removing from this terrestrial sphere your Royal and beloved son and gifted and high-minded Prince , who , following faithfully in the footsteps of his illustrious father , by his high character and amiable conduct , and the
zealous and faithful discharge of the duties of his high and exalted station , gained for himself thc love and esteem of your loyal and affectionate subjects of every grade and station , and whose memory will be cherished by a loyal and sympathetic people to the latest posterity . With the recollection of his gracious and honoured visit to this Provincial Grand Lodge still fresh in
our hearts , we desire most respectfully to express to your Majesty how deeply wc deplore your sad bereavement , and pray the Great Architect of the Universe may vouchsafe to your Majesty and Royal Family peace and consolation under your severe and melancholy trial , and grant your
Majesty length of years to reign in health and happiness over your faithful , affectionate , and devoted people . " Given in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled at Durham this Sth day of April , 1 SS 4 . ( Signed ) " VANE LONDONDERRY , P . G . M . " ROBERT HUDSON , P . G . S . "
" To her Royal Highness thc Duchess of Albany . " Madam , —VVe , thc Prov . Grand Master . Deputy Prov . Grand Alaster , Officers , and brethren of the Province ut Durham of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons , in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled , beg leave most respectfully to express our heartfelt and sincere condolence with your Royal Highness on the sad and untimely loss of your
beloved and lamented husband , an amiable and illustrious Prince , in every way worthy of the highest associations of his station , and possessed of every capacity and every desire to do good service to his country . The spontaneous feeling of sorrow and grief which pervades the hearts of the people of this realm is the best proof of thc esteem in which he was held by men of all shades of opinion .
Thc personal kindness which marked his recent visit to this province has left a pleasing yet melancholy impression on our minds , which we shall ever love to cherish , and which time can never efface . VVe will not venture to trespass upon your grief and distress further than to assure you of our loyal and heartfelt sympathy , and to pray that tbe Almighty may grant you peace and consolation under your great trial . We trust that it will afford you some
consolation to reflect that your beloved husband has left behind him the enduring monument of a high character , unstained and unblemished by the faintest breath or shadow of reproach , and that thc recollection of his exalted virtues will be for ever embalmed in the hearts and affections of a loyal and sympathetic people . " Given in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled at Durham this eighth day of April , 1884 . ( Signed ) " VANE LONDONDERRY , P . G . M . " ROBT . HUDSON , P . G . S . "
The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER said they had heard thc two addresses read and it was now his duty with affectionate loyalty and sympathy to propose those addresses for their acceptance . He did not think they needed any further words of his to commend them . He firmly believed that they expressed the heartfelt sentiments
of every brother in that lodge . He would beg leave , therefore , to propose for the acceptance of the lodge the addresses of condolence to her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany . The Acting Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . B . LEVY , said he had the melancholy satisfaction of seconding the proposition so ably put before the Prov . Grand Lodge by thc Acting P . G . M .
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Masonic Notes And Queries.
and in the Freemason was published the answers of the Clerk to the Masons' Company to certain queries propounded through a kindly member of the Company . It has thus been clear for some time that neither Ashmole , Wren , Padgett , nor Bray had been members of the Masons' Company . The correctness of the entry as to the 16 S 2 meeting was also proved . But what we do owe
to Bro . Gould , is the search fpr Aubrey s MS . statement , a study of the documents of the Mason ' s Company , hitherto inaccessible , the authorship of Wren ' s " Parentalia , " about which therewere doubts , and the confirmation , on his own independent testimony , of the theories and conclusions of other students that seventeenth century Freemasonry was something distinct from the Mason ' s
Company , or even the existing guilds , if any , of the seventeenth century . It was thc "Society of Freemasons , " and was , as Kandal Holmes hints , nay demonstrates , a "separate body . " VVhen this separation begun is not yet clear , or if ever there was a union is at present very uncertain , but as time goes on wc shall no doubt see this and other matters in a clearer light . But I repeat I do not see
how the important question of Wren ' s Masonic membership is any further decided by evidence . In using the freedom of honest and prudentcriticism . I , for one , have not concealed , and do not conceal , the intense admiration I have for Bro . Gould's work , and the debt of gratitude I think we are under to him for his most able , conscientious , andadmirable history of Freemasonry , which henceforth must remain a
standard work on the subject . Bro . Gould is the last person in the world to deprecate fair and conscientious and dispassionate weighing of his arguments and conclusions , and no more fatal mistake could be made either in his interest or thatof Masonic history andarch ; eology , than to claim " Infallibility " forhimor for any other writer . We are all liable to mistakes , and to ask all of us tosurrendcr our judgments to
anyone Masonic writer , will Ihrow Masonic history and criticism back into those regions of uncritical and unhistorical haze from which they have of late years been slowly emerging . Recognizing fully the carefulness , the clearness , the ability , thc power which characterize Bro . Gould's work everywhere , I yet claim for myself and others who
have gone over thc same ground that Masonic liberty which ought never to be denied of free speech and respectful criticism . Just as wc deeply admire and are grateful for the labours of Bros . Hughan , D . M . Lyon , Fort , Findel , Rylands , Whytehead , C . McCalla , Speth , and others , if Masonic history is ever to be a reality , we must exercize not only the right of " private judgment , " but claim both a " liberty of prophesying " and the " privilege of criticism . " ' MASONIC STUDENT .
336 ] JAMES WYBARD . What is known of James Wybard , who wrote "Tactometria seu Tetagmenometria j or , the Geometry of Regulars , " printed b y R . Lcyboum , for Nathaniel Brooks , atthe Angel io Cornhill , MDCL . 16 , 50 ? 6 MASONIC STUDENT .
China.
China .
HONU KONG , Feb . 19 th . Another red-letter day for the District Grand Lodge of I long Kong and South China is recorded by the consecration of a ncw Masonic Hall at Canton , which took place on Thursday , the 14 th inst . Canton is one of the oldest of the foreign settlements in China , and some years ago the Royal Sussex Lodge , the oldest lodge in China , met in that citv . which was then thc principal residence for Europeans ;
but when Shanghai was opened , and thc European residents left , then the lodge closed . For some considerable time past , however , the brethren of Canton have agitated for a new lodge , and after a little both of patience and perseverance it was opened in February of last year under thc name of the Star of Southern China Lodge , and numbered 2013 on the roll of thc English Grand Lodge , with Bro . Christie ,
P . M ., as first W . M , Under thc successful working and management of this brother , assisted by Bro . Bryant , the Secretary , the lodge has proved a financial and numerical success . The lodge at first met in a small room , but now a hall has been raised from thc designs and under thc superintendence of the W . M ., at a cost of 3500 dollars , 3000 of which were raised by debenture bonds .
On Thursday last a large number of visitors went to Canton and were treated with great hospitality . The hall inside and out was most profusely illuminated with lanterns , flowers , and festoons of bunting . Amongst those present were the W . Dep . D . G . M ., Bro . Dr . XV . S . Adams , M . D ., who performed thc cercmony . in the absence of the R . W . Dist . G . M ., Bro . C . P . Chafer ; Bros . E . C . Ray , D . G . S . W . ;
L . Mallory , acting D . G . J . W . ; C . L . Gorham , D . G . Treas . ; C . VV . Duggan , acting D . G . Sec . j VV . McKinney , acting D . G . S . D . i XV . V . Thompson ( Sydney , New South Wales ) , acting D . G . J . D . ; R . K . Leigh , D . G . Supt . of Works ; li . Gcorg , D . G . D . of C ; L . Kirchmann , acting D . G . S . B . ; J . Orange , D . G . Org . ; F . W . Heuermann , D . G . Purst . ; G . C . Cox and Paul Jordan , D . G . Stwds . ; C . G . Bunker ,
acting D . G . lyler ; Christie , S . J . Douglas ( Yokohama ) , J . Keating , R . Fraser Smith , 'I * . D . Burrows , L . S . Byworth , G . H . Brunt , N . E . Bryant , C . H . Palmer , D . Reid , J . Strom , R . W . H . Wood , J . P . Hoyland , and others . At the completion of the ceremony , which had been very impressively rendered , thc VV . M . appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year as follows : Bros . R . VV . H .
Wood , S . W . ; C . II . Palmer , J . W . ; N . E . Bryant , Treas . and Sec . ; T , D . Burrows , S . D . ; L . S . Byworth , I . D . ; D . Reid , D . of C . ; G . H . Brunt , Steward ; and J . Strom , I . G . The VV . M . then thanked thc District Grand Oflicers for their attendance and assistance , and Bro . Adams , D . D . G . M ., returned thanks and congratulated the brethren of the Southern China Lodge on their successful commencement , and in possessing such a beautiful temple . He
wished them every prosperity for thc future . All the visitors present of the rank of Installed Master were elected honorary members of the lodge , and no further business offering , the lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer and harmony . The brethren then adjourned to the banqueting room to partake of a sumptuous cold collation , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured .
Bro . George Lambert , I ' " . S . A ., has consented to take thc chair on Tuesday , 29 th inst ., at the festival dinner of the City VVaitcrV Provident and Pension Society .
The Death Of H.R.H. The Duke Of Albany, P.G.W., &C.
THE DEATH OF H . R . H . THE DUKE OF ALBANY , P . G . W ., & c .
The following letter has been sent by the Home Secretary , Sir William Harcourt , to the press for publication * . — "Windsor Castle , April 14 , 1 SS 4 . " * I have on several previous occasions given personal expression to my deep sense of the loving sympathy and
loyalty of my subjects in all parts of my Empire . I wish therefore , in my present grievous bereavement , to thank them most warmly for the very gratifying manner in which they have shown , not only their sympathy with me and my dear , so deeply-afflicted daughter-in-law and my other children , but also their high appreciation of my beloved son's great qualities of head and heart , and of the loss he is to thc country and to me . The affectionate
sympathy of my loyal people , which has never failed me in weal or woe , is very soothing to my heart . Though much shaken and sorely afflicted by the many sorrows and trials which have fallen upon me during these past years , I will not lose courage , and with the help of Him who has never forsaken me , will strive to labour on for the sake of my children and for the good of the country I love so well as long as
I can . " My dear daughter-in-law , the Duchess of Albany , who bears her terrible misfortune with the most admirable , touching , and unmurmuring resignation to the will of God , is also deeply gratified by the universal sympathy and kind
feeling evinced towards her . " I would wish , in conclusion , to express my gratitude to all other countries for their sympathy ; above all to the neighbouring one , where my beloved son breathed his last , and for thc great respect and kindness shown on that mournful occasion . "VICTORIA R . and I . "
Special Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.
SPECIAL PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .
VOTES Of CONDOLENCE TO THE QUEEN AND THE DUCHESS OK ALUANV . A Special Provincial Grand Lodge of the Province of Durham was , by command of the . Most Hon . the Marquess of Londonderry , K . P ., Prov . Grand Master , held on luesday afternoon , thc Sth inst ., in the Freemasons' Hall , Durham , for the purpose of deciding upon an address of condolence to her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany , on the death of H . R . H .
thc Duke ot Albany , Prov . G . M . of Oxfordshire and Past G . W . of England . Thc principal scats were draped with mourning by Bro . Geo . Greenwell , P . P . G . D . of C , and thc brethren present appeared in Masonic mourning . In thc absence of thc Marquess of Londonderry , Bro . the Rev . Canon Tristram , P . P . G . S . W ., acted as Prov . G . M ., and Bro . B . Levy , P . P . G . J . W ., acted as D . P . G . M . ( he other Provincial Grand Officers present were Bros . I .
Horsley , Prov . G . S . W . ; J . VVood , Prov . G . J . W . ; B . Boulton , Prov . G . Treas . ; R . Hudson , Prov . G . Sec . ; T . Bell , P . P . G . S . D . ; G . Wilson , Prov . G . J . D .: H . Maddison , Prov . G . Reg . ; E . Hudson , Prov . G . Dir . of Cer . ; T . Bradley , Prov . G . Asst . Sec ; J . J . Clay , P . P . G . S . of VV . ; Rev . E . Collier Biggs and the Rev . VV . Harris , Prov . G . Chaps . ; M . Frampton , Prov . G . S . B . ; W . Donkin , Prov . G . Purst . ; G . VV . Richardson , acting Prov . G . Org . ;
Steel and Carter , Tylers ; the Rev . G . R . Bulman , P . P . G . J . VV . ; R . Luck , P . P . G . R . ; G . Greenwell , P . P . G . D . of C . j W . A . Malcolm , P . P . G . P . ; M . Douglass , P . P . G . D . j VV . Coxon , P . P . G . S . B . ; K . M . Cooke , P . P . G . S . of VV . N . and E . Yorks ; A . T . Munro , P . P . G . S . B . ; G . Porteous , P . P . G . Org . ; W . Liddell , P . P . G . D . ; W . Forster , P . P . G . S . of W . ; J . Laidler , P . P . G . D . ; j . Riseborough , P . P . G . P . ; W . M . Bell , P . P . G . A D . of C .
Northumberland ; C . R . Fry , P . P . G . W ; J . Hunter , P . P . G . J . W ., VV . M . 531 ; J . Trotter , P . P . G . J ., 940 , and a large number of brethren not holding Prov . Grand Office . Thc lodge having been opened in form , the Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . R . HUDSON , read the circular convening thc meeting . The Acting Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Rev . Canon TRISTRAM , said they had heard from their Prov . Grand
Secretary the purpose for which they were gathered together there in Prov . Grand Lodge . Before hc said anything more on that point it was his duty to explain to them why he was in the position he occupied . He read a letter from the Prov . Grand Master , Bro . the Most Hon . the Marquess of Londonderry , K . P ., in which he regretted hc was unable to undertake the journey to the North in order to preside over the Prov . Grand Lodge , which hc had
summoned to propose addresses of condolence to her Majesty the Queen and H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany on their sad bereavement . He felt glad when he heard that Bro . Canon Tristram would discharge his duties on the occasion , and felt sure the brethren would cordially unite in expressing their sympathy and condolence to her Majesty the Queen , and to thc widow of onc who had so recently been present in their midst at the Prov . Grand Lodge , and
whose loss they sincerely mourned . The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER then said that , obeying the commands of the Prov . Grand Master , he had no hesitation in placing his services at their disposal . Me was sure there was but one sentiment occupying every breast that day . It was a very unusual thing for two Provincial Grand Lodges to be summoned so soon after their annual gathering , and the thought must strike them
all—how strangely these two gatherings were combined , and under what unique and unparalleled circumstances they had been held . It was but two months since they in that city saw that grand Masonic pageant , honoured by the son of our Queen , who had honoured them by his presence in that Grand Lodge , a visit of royalty which had not occuired in that province for more than 60 years , when that Royal Duke ' s great uncle , the Duke of Sussex , visited the
province in 1817 . Since then the province had been without that rare honour of a Royal Masonic visit ; but what added much to the impression of that visit was the thought how little could they have anticipated then that that visit of thc Duke of Albany to thc province was to be his last public visit , the last official public ceremony in which he took part ; and his attendance at that last Masonic Provincial Grand Lodge , thc visit to the Cathedral , and thc glorious gathering
Special Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.
in that grand old fane , their return to that grand baronial hall in whicli many a King of England in olden days had been regaled—to think that within two months they were summoned to present an address of condolence to his widow , must bring home to every heart the words of the poet—that death " Aegus pulsat pede pauperum tabernas reo-umque turres . " But they had higher and nobler
consolation than a blind submission to fate , which was all that the heathen poet could offer to royalty in its hour of desolation and loneliness . They had been taught first by Masonry and then by revelation better and higher truths than this . They had been taught that their Craft was worth but little if it did not lead them up to something higher and nobler still , and
they had the thankfulness and consciousness of feeling that their Royal brother entered into the true spirit of Masonry , and was in every way a nobleman , in every respect a Christian man in his life , a Royal man in his public life . He was indeed a loss to Masonry in general , and not least to themselves , the last Masonic brethren whom he Masonically saluted . He would not detain them further than
except to remind them that they were called to express condolence with their Queen and with that widowed Princess . They must remember how very much in its sorrows and its position royalty was isolated and alone ; how much royal mourners miss that sympathy which we in our hour of life and sorrow have so freely imparted to us by those whom we mingle with on equal
terms . If royalty had its grandeur and splendour it had also its drawbacks , for Royal sorrow must be alone . The formal sympathy of courtiers , the respectful sympathy of attendants could not make up for the intimate sympathy of bosom friends . One could not but help feeling how thoroughly that feeling of private friendship was felt by the mourners for our late Royal brother . They saw his pall
bearers were not selected for their rank or position , but because they were the friends of his youth , titled and untitled , side by side . In all the relations of life Masonry must lead them to take a foremost place in sympathy with sorrow . They were therefore called upon tbat afternoon in that lodge to consider and to sanction the addresses which
had been prepared to express their respectful sympathy with their Sovereign in her bereavement , and to express their brotherly sorrow and their brotherly sympathy with the voung widowed mother to mourn her Masonic husband . The Prov . Grand Secretary , Bro . R . HUDSON , then read the following addresses * . —
"Tothe Queen ' s Most Excellent Majesty . " Most Gracious Sovereign , —We , your Majesty ' s dutiful and faithful subjects , thc Prov . Grand Master , Officers , and brethren of the Province of Durham of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons , in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled , with all humility and respect approach your Royal presence and beg leave to offer our unfeigned and sincere
condolence with your Majesty on the sad and sudden bereavement with which it has p leased the Most High , in His inscrutable wisdom , to afflict your Majesty b y removing from this terrestrial sphere your Royal and beloved son and gifted and high-minded Prince , who , following faithfully in the footsteps of his illustrious father , by his high character and amiable conduct , and the
zealous and faithful discharge of the duties of his high and exalted station , gained for himself thc love and esteem of your loyal and affectionate subjects of every grade and station , and whose memory will be cherished by a loyal and sympathetic people to the latest posterity . With the recollection of his gracious and honoured visit to this Provincial Grand Lodge still fresh in
our hearts , we desire most respectfully to express to your Majesty how deeply wc deplore your sad bereavement , and pray the Great Architect of the Universe may vouchsafe to your Majesty and Royal Family peace and consolation under your severe and melancholy trial , and grant your
Majesty length of years to reign in health and happiness over your faithful , affectionate , and devoted people . " Given in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled at Durham this Sth day of April , 1 SS 4 . ( Signed ) " VANE LONDONDERRY , P . G . M . " ROBERT HUDSON , P . G . S . "
" To her Royal Highness thc Duchess of Albany . " Madam , —VVe , thc Prov . Grand Master . Deputy Prov . Grand Alaster , Officers , and brethren of the Province ut Durham of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons , in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled , beg leave most respectfully to express our heartfelt and sincere condolence with your Royal Highness on the sad and untimely loss of your
beloved and lamented husband , an amiable and illustrious Prince , in every way worthy of the highest associations of his station , and possessed of every capacity and every desire to do good service to his country . The spontaneous feeling of sorrow and grief which pervades the hearts of the people of this realm is the best proof of thc esteem in which he was held by men of all shades of opinion .
Thc personal kindness which marked his recent visit to this province has left a pleasing yet melancholy impression on our minds , which we shall ever love to cherish , and which time can never efface . VVe will not venture to trespass upon your grief and distress further than to assure you of our loyal and heartfelt sympathy , and to pray that tbe Almighty may grant you peace and consolation under your great trial . We trust that it will afford you some
consolation to reflect that your beloved husband has left behind him the enduring monument of a high character , unstained and unblemished by the faintest breath or shadow of reproach , and that thc recollection of his exalted virtues will be for ever embalmed in the hearts and affections of a loyal and sympathetic people . " Given in Provincial Grand Lodge assembled at Durham this eighth day of April , 1884 . ( Signed ) " VANE LONDONDERRY , P . G . M . " ROBT . HUDSON , P . G . S . "
The ACTING PROV . GRAND MASTER said they had heard thc two addresses read and it was now his duty with affectionate loyalty and sympathy to propose those addresses for their acceptance . He did not think they needed any further words of his to commend them . He firmly believed that they expressed the heartfelt sentiments
of every brother in that lodge . He would beg leave , therefore , to propose for the acceptance of the lodge the addresses of condolence to her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany . The Acting Deputy Prov . Grand Master , Bro . B . LEVY , said he had the melancholy satisfaction of seconding the proposition so ably put before the Prov . Grand Lodge by thc Acting P . G . M .