-
Articles/Ads
Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN PRUSSIA. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN PRUSSIA. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC NEWS FROM AMERICA. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Being a Mark Mason myself , having receiv ed my Mark from a very old Mark Lodge in Yor kshire , I certainly never heard of any such rule in English Speculative Masonry , and the marks
of the Scotch lodges are fatal to the theory . But I will not pursue the subject . Will Bro . Kelly send me his history of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire , and I will send him a little Masonic brochure of mine . I am , yours fraternally , A MASONIC STUDENT .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of The Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , —
I observe in last week's issue of The Freemason Bro . Sutcliffe ' s letter respecting the non-appearance in that paper of the subscription
list handed in at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and I quite agree with him in reference thereto , that it would be interesting to see whence the money comes and to
know who have taken an interest in that excellent institution and deserving charity . Anxiously awaiting the publication of the several Stewards ' lists . I am , yours fraternally , HARRY W . J . MOXON .
NATIONAL GRAND PRIORY . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Having hoped for weeks past that some more efficient writer would bring to the notice of your readers the last tyrannical act of the leaders in the National Grand Priory of the
Masonic Order of Knight Templars , I find myself constrained to ask , whether our Templar brethren throughout England and Wales are aware , that at the last meeting of the National Grand Priory , the appointment of its Grand Officers was made for life , " ad vitam , " moyennant regular attendance , the consequence of
which measure being that neither metropolitan nor provincial knights have any change of Grand Priory rank . Under these circumstances , if I may be permitted to give a word of advice , I should say to all the preceptories that it is advisable to become dormant , until the Masonic , religious and moral tone be restored to our chivalric degree . Yours fraternally , A PAST PRECEPTOR .
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR AND RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE . To the Editor of the Freemason Dear Sir and Brother , —
While thanking " Enquirer " for the good opinion he has been pleased to express regarding myself , I think he has missed the pith of my former letter ( p . 323 ) . I did not object
to his making enquiries through the pages of The Freemason ; those enquiries I replied to , but I did object to his charges made against the Knights Templar of Edinburgh , and asked for proof that they had acted as he has stated . That is the sole ground of my dispute with him , I
admitted that there might be a little jealousy , quite unfounded , but it may arise from the cause he now states as the result of his further enquiries . I frankly confess that I was not aware that the Priory of the Lothian claimed the right to work the Red Cross of Constantine ,
I knew that some priories as well as some Royal Arch Chapters in Scotland do work another Red Cross Degree , of which I am also a member . But with the exception of the name it has nothing in common with the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine . I arn glad to hear that there is a probability of this difficulty being
arranged between our Edinburgh friends . I am sorry , if by using the word " credulity , " I have wounded the sensitiveness of " Enquirer , " but I know from experience when there is a divergence of opinion amongst the brethren how difficult it is to get a dispassionate statement of facts .
Original Correspondence.
I hope in this and all future controversies we bear in mind the Red Cross charges of which " Enquirer" has so kindly reminded me . I am , yours fraternally , G . W . WHEELER .
Freemasonry In Prussia.
FREEMASONRY IN PRUSSIA .
W . H . D ., writing from abroad to Bro . J . K . Larke , Masonic Editor of the New York Courier , furnishes the following interesting items concerning the present condition of Masonry in Prussia : " I was stopping some weeks since in Crefield . a manufacturing : town of Rhenish Prussia .
a place about an hour ' s ride from Cologne , and a little more from Dusseldorf . Business commanded my stay here for nearly two weeks , during which time it was my pleasure , when at table in the Hotel Wildemann , to be seated with an accomplished gentleman , of English birth ,
and a member of the Lodge of Crefield , named Henry F . Greene , Esq ., of the house of Klemme & Co ., manufacturers there . By him I was introduced to many of the brethren , whom we met at his club , and was conducted to his lodge room on their night of meeting . The building
is owned by the fraternity , with the tastefully decorated grounds surrounding . On the entrance floor are the reception rooms , with all the conveniences necessary for the brethren ; hat racks , mirrors , tables , & c , with their own servants and attendants . Here some of the brethren repair ,
before the opening of the Lodge , and partake of the choicest cuisine . In their banquet hall , were some venerable pictures ( Masonic subjects ) with historical reminiscences . They were lost to them for some years in the war with the first Napoleon , by whose command the Lodge was
closed , because of the loyalty of the membership to its own king and country—as characterizes the Craft everywhere throughout the world . The Germans are truly loyal to their duly constituted gorerment—their great Emperor , and Grand Master of the Craft in his dominions . On the
next floor are rooms for the various degrees , separate rooms for each . I was present at the opening in the first degree , and was not a little surprised to find myself requested to equip in hat and sword , as were all the brethren present . My rank in the Craft ( Past Master ) being known ,
I was furnished with the appropriate jewel . After the ceremonies incident to opening of the Lodge , the Master , Worshipful Bro . Hermendahl , tendered a cordial welcome to the visiting brethren present , and , alluding to the presence of an American Brother , addressed himself in
faultless English , expressing , as do Germans everywhere , the greatest regard for our country and people . On behalf of America , whose poor representative I found myself on the occasion , I made my acknowledgments , informing them that my lodge was largely composed of their
countrymen , and that it was an element in the composition of our Lodges as highly appreciated as was their highly swelling numbers , by emigration , in our body politic . Their work was transacted with great dignity and decorum . The officers aud members were all men of high social standing in the place , which shows what care
they exercise in guarding the ballot box . After the closing of the lodge , I was invited to participate with them at the festive board , and enjoyed myself with great satisfaction . Here the Master called on the brethren to discuss some matters which were furnished from a printed programme at intervals snatched from the enjoyment of their choice Moselle and Rhenish
. " Previous to my visiting the Lodge at Crefield , by invitation of | Brother Gustave Gebhard , Esq ., of Gebhard & Co ., Elberfield , I visited his Lodge , in that city , where I was also very cordially welcomed . The Master ' s speech was translated to me by Brother Gebhard , who ,
doubtless , replied for me in much improved language to any I could muster—the Brother being a highly accomplished linguist , as well as an eminent manufacturer . He is also consul of the Persian Empire , director in various monetary institutions , one of the dignitaries of the city government of Elberfield , and for some years a resident of this city .
Freemasonry In Prussia.
" After the closing of the Lodge , the brethren repaired to their elegantly appointed . club room , where some few . hours were passed in social enjoyment ; and , with a most fraternal " Ion voyage" to the writer , who ,. on the morrow , was to set out for other parts of the European Continent . " a
Masonic News From America.
MASONIC NEWS FROM AMERICA .
We take the following interesting excerpta from our respectable contemporary the Philadelphia Keystone , in the belief that they will be acceptable to our many readers . DESCRIPTION OF NEW YORK MASONIC TEMPLE .
The new Masonic Temple in New York city ( says the N . Y . Courier ) is 140 feet long on Twenty-third street , nearly 100 feet on Sixth avenue , and to the top of the shield is 163 feet in height from the street level . On the second floor are the Grand Secretary ' s offices , consisting
of a suite of three rooms , with that of the Grand Master adjoining . Opposite to these is the Grand Lodge room , 94 feet by 90 , and 28 feet high . This is not yet completed . A broad staircase , in the Ionic style , leads from the Twenty-third-street entrance to this floor , and
another broad staircase to the third floor , on which are located the Tuscan , Doric , and Ionic rooms , all constructed in the styles after which they are named . The first and last are 62 x 27 x 21 feet , and the'Doric , 62 x 30 x 21 feet . The description of one answers for all , except in . the colour of the
carpet and style of architecture . The altar and lesser lights are fixtures , and are suitable to tlie style of architecture . The steps leading to the stations are covered with velvet , and the . floors with rich Wilton carpets . The organ is located in s gallery above the West , where , on
extraordinary occasions , a powerful choir can be placed . In the East are columns supporting a portico , representing the entrance to a Temple and forming a recess . Each Lodge room is supplied with suitable ante-rooms , hat and coat room , with ] facilities for performing the toilet .
property rooms , & c . On this floor will be located the Grand Lodge Library , separated from the Lodge rooms by a hall in the Corinthian style , with the flooring after the pattern of ' the ground floor of King Solomon ' s Temple . On the fourth floor are located the Corinthian
and Composite rooms , 62 x 27 x 2 r feet , fitted up in similar styles as the rooms on the third floor , only as the architecture is more beautiful , fittings are made to correspond . Between these . two rooms are the Chapter room , constructed after the Egyptian style of architecture , and
representing the inside of an Egyptian Temple . The capitals of the columns in this , as in all the other rooms , stand out in bold relief , and , although the room is 62 feet 6 , by 30 feet , and 2 r feet high , the massive caps and columns make it ap . pear much smaller . The peculiar appliances of
the R . A . D . are to be located in an adjoining room , and are well arranged . Being fixtures , the companions are saved a great amount of labour . The carpet of the main floor is scarlet , with emblematical devices , and the Council carpet is of scarlet velvet . The Grand Council is located at
the entrance or within the portico of the Inner Temple . The grandeur of this room can be better appreciated by an inspection , and when completed , during the summer recess , will present a fine eeffct . On this floor is located the handsome parlour of the Temple .
On the fifth floor are the Commandery rooms , the Asylum of which is to be in the Gothic style , but it is yet incomplete . The entrance to the Asylum is through the Sentinel ' s room , which . is formed like a tent , and presents that appearance . The banquet hall , on the north side , is after the
Norman style , and is 54 x 27 x 21 feet . The Council Chamber is after the Persian style , and is elegantly fitted up . The Chamber of R and the Transparency Room are suitably arranged , and in the dome are located three
armories , with accommodation for over 700 Knights , and with a private staircase leading thereto . By means of an elevator , this floor , as well as all the others , can be reached without laboui or difficulty .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Being a Mark Mason myself , having receiv ed my Mark from a very old Mark Lodge in Yor kshire , I certainly never heard of any such rule in English Speculative Masonry , and the marks
of the Scotch lodges are fatal to the theory . But I will not pursue the subject . Will Bro . Kelly send me his history of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Leicestershire , and I will send him a little Masonic brochure of mine . I am , yours fraternally , A MASONIC STUDENT .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of The Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , —
I observe in last week's issue of The Freemason Bro . Sutcliffe ' s letter respecting the non-appearance in that paper of the subscription
list handed in at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , and I quite agree with him in reference thereto , that it would be interesting to see whence the money comes and to
know who have taken an interest in that excellent institution and deserving charity . Anxiously awaiting the publication of the several Stewards ' lists . I am , yours fraternally , HARRY W . J . MOXON .
NATIONAL GRAND PRIORY . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Having hoped for weeks past that some more efficient writer would bring to the notice of your readers the last tyrannical act of the leaders in the National Grand Priory of the
Masonic Order of Knight Templars , I find myself constrained to ask , whether our Templar brethren throughout England and Wales are aware , that at the last meeting of the National Grand Priory , the appointment of its Grand Officers was made for life , " ad vitam , " moyennant regular attendance , the consequence of
which measure being that neither metropolitan nor provincial knights have any change of Grand Priory rank . Under these circumstances , if I may be permitted to give a word of advice , I should say to all the preceptories that it is advisable to become dormant , until the Masonic , religious and moral tone be restored to our chivalric degree . Yours fraternally , A PAST PRECEPTOR .
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR AND RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE . To the Editor of the Freemason Dear Sir and Brother , —
While thanking " Enquirer " for the good opinion he has been pleased to express regarding myself , I think he has missed the pith of my former letter ( p . 323 ) . I did not object
to his making enquiries through the pages of The Freemason ; those enquiries I replied to , but I did object to his charges made against the Knights Templar of Edinburgh , and asked for proof that they had acted as he has stated . That is the sole ground of my dispute with him , I
admitted that there might be a little jealousy , quite unfounded , but it may arise from the cause he now states as the result of his further enquiries . I frankly confess that I was not aware that the Priory of the Lothian claimed the right to work the Red Cross of Constantine ,
I knew that some priories as well as some Royal Arch Chapters in Scotland do work another Red Cross Degree , of which I am also a member . But with the exception of the name it has nothing in common with the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine . I arn glad to hear that there is a probability of this difficulty being
arranged between our Edinburgh friends . I am sorry , if by using the word " credulity , " I have wounded the sensitiveness of " Enquirer , " but I know from experience when there is a divergence of opinion amongst the brethren how difficult it is to get a dispassionate statement of facts .
Original Correspondence.
I hope in this and all future controversies we bear in mind the Red Cross charges of which " Enquirer" has so kindly reminded me . I am , yours fraternally , G . W . WHEELER .
Freemasonry In Prussia.
FREEMASONRY IN PRUSSIA .
W . H . D ., writing from abroad to Bro . J . K . Larke , Masonic Editor of the New York Courier , furnishes the following interesting items concerning the present condition of Masonry in Prussia : " I was stopping some weeks since in Crefield . a manufacturing : town of Rhenish Prussia .
a place about an hour ' s ride from Cologne , and a little more from Dusseldorf . Business commanded my stay here for nearly two weeks , during which time it was my pleasure , when at table in the Hotel Wildemann , to be seated with an accomplished gentleman , of English birth ,
and a member of the Lodge of Crefield , named Henry F . Greene , Esq ., of the house of Klemme & Co ., manufacturers there . By him I was introduced to many of the brethren , whom we met at his club , and was conducted to his lodge room on their night of meeting . The building
is owned by the fraternity , with the tastefully decorated grounds surrounding . On the entrance floor are the reception rooms , with all the conveniences necessary for the brethren ; hat racks , mirrors , tables , & c , with their own servants and attendants . Here some of the brethren repair ,
before the opening of the Lodge , and partake of the choicest cuisine . In their banquet hall , were some venerable pictures ( Masonic subjects ) with historical reminiscences . They were lost to them for some years in the war with the first Napoleon , by whose command the Lodge was
closed , because of the loyalty of the membership to its own king and country—as characterizes the Craft everywhere throughout the world . The Germans are truly loyal to their duly constituted gorerment—their great Emperor , and Grand Master of the Craft in his dominions . On the
next floor are rooms for the various degrees , separate rooms for each . I was present at the opening in the first degree , and was not a little surprised to find myself requested to equip in hat and sword , as were all the brethren present . My rank in the Craft ( Past Master ) being known ,
I was furnished with the appropriate jewel . After the ceremonies incident to opening of the Lodge , the Master , Worshipful Bro . Hermendahl , tendered a cordial welcome to the visiting brethren present , and , alluding to the presence of an American Brother , addressed himself in
faultless English , expressing , as do Germans everywhere , the greatest regard for our country and people . On behalf of America , whose poor representative I found myself on the occasion , I made my acknowledgments , informing them that my lodge was largely composed of their
countrymen , and that it was an element in the composition of our Lodges as highly appreciated as was their highly swelling numbers , by emigration , in our body politic . Their work was transacted with great dignity and decorum . The officers aud members were all men of high social standing in the place , which shows what care
they exercise in guarding the ballot box . After the closing of the lodge , I was invited to participate with them at the festive board , and enjoyed myself with great satisfaction . Here the Master called on the brethren to discuss some matters which were furnished from a printed programme at intervals snatched from the enjoyment of their choice Moselle and Rhenish
. " Previous to my visiting the Lodge at Crefield , by invitation of | Brother Gustave Gebhard , Esq ., of Gebhard & Co ., Elberfield , I visited his Lodge , in that city , where I was also very cordially welcomed . The Master ' s speech was translated to me by Brother Gebhard , who ,
doubtless , replied for me in much improved language to any I could muster—the Brother being a highly accomplished linguist , as well as an eminent manufacturer . He is also consul of the Persian Empire , director in various monetary institutions , one of the dignitaries of the city government of Elberfield , and for some years a resident of this city .
Freemasonry In Prussia.
" After the closing of the Lodge , the brethren repaired to their elegantly appointed . club room , where some few . hours were passed in social enjoyment ; and , with a most fraternal " Ion voyage" to the writer , who ,. on the morrow , was to set out for other parts of the European Continent . " a
Masonic News From America.
MASONIC NEWS FROM AMERICA .
We take the following interesting excerpta from our respectable contemporary the Philadelphia Keystone , in the belief that they will be acceptable to our many readers . DESCRIPTION OF NEW YORK MASONIC TEMPLE .
The new Masonic Temple in New York city ( says the N . Y . Courier ) is 140 feet long on Twenty-third street , nearly 100 feet on Sixth avenue , and to the top of the shield is 163 feet in height from the street level . On the second floor are the Grand Secretary ' s offices , consisting
of a suite of three rooms , with that of the Grand Master adjoining . Opposite to these is the Grand Lodge room , 94 feet by 90 , and 28 feet high . This is not yet completed . A broad staircase , in the Ionic style , leads from the Twenty-third-street entrance to this floor , and
another broad staircase to the third floor , on which are located the Tuscan , Doric , and Ionic rooms , all constructed in the styles after which they are named . The first and last are 62 x 27 x 21 feet , and the'Doric , 62 x 30 x 21 feet . The description of one answers for all , except in . the colour of the
carpet and style of architecture . The altar and lesser lights are fixtures , and are suitable to tlie style of architecture . The steps leading to the stations are covered with velvet , and the . floors with rich Wilton carpets . The organ is located in s gallery above the West , where , on
extraordinary occasions , a powerful choir can be placed . In the East are columns supporting a portico , representing the entrance to a Temple and forming a recess . Each Lodge room is supplied with suitable ante-rooms , hat and coat room , with ] facilities for performing the toilet .
property rooms , & c . On this floor will be located the Grand Lodge Library , separated from the Lodge rooms by a hall in the Corinthian style , with the flooring after the pattern of ' the ground floor of King Solomon ' s Temple . On the fourth floor are located the Corinthian
and Composite rooms , 62 x 27 x 2 r feet , fitted up in similar styles as the rooms on the third floor , only as the architecture is more beautiful , fittings are made to correspond . Between these . two rooms are the Chapter room , constructed after the Egyptian style of architecture , and
representing the inside of an Egyptian Temple . The capitals of the columns in this , as in all the other rooms , stand out in bold relief , and , although the room is 62 feet 6 , by 30 feet , and 2 r feet high , the massive caps and columns make it ap . pear much smaller . The peculiar appliances of
the R . A . D . are to be located in an adjoining room , and are well arranged . Being fixtures , the companions are saved a great amount of labour . The carpet of the main floor is scarlet , with emblematical devices , and the Council carpet is of scarlet velvet . The Grand Council is located at
the entrance or within the portico of the Inner Temple . The grandeur of this room can be better appreciated by an inspection , and when completed , during the summer recess , will present a fine eeffct . On this floor is located the handsome parlour of the Temple .
On the fifth floor are the Commandery rooms , the Asylum of which is to be in the Gothic style , but it is yet incomplete . The entrance to the Asylum is through the Sentinel ' s room , which . is formed like a tent , and presents that appearance . The banquet hall , on the north side , is after the
Norman style , and is 54 x 27 x 21 feet . The Council Chamber is after the Persian style , and is elegantly fitted up . The Chamber of R and the Transparency Room are suitably arranged , and in the dome are located three
armories , with accommodation for over 700 Knights , and with a private staircase leading thereto . By means of an elevator , this floor , as well as all the others , can be reached without laboui or difficulty .