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Article FREEMASONRY IN 1884. Page 1 of 5 Article FREEMASONRY IN 1884. Page 1 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In 1884.
FREEMASONRY IN 1884 .
B 3 | l [ SS |§ j T is doubtless with a somewhat mingled feeling of sorrow and iffer PY - ! rejoicing that the majority of our readers , like ourselves , will pfc | 3 fes *** * regard the year which is now so rapidly drawing to its close . l _____^__ % That Freemasonry has succeeded in strengthening and even jS @ i ® SJ ? extending its old prestige is unquestionable . It has had to run *&! MI *§ P the usual gauntlet of denunciation from many quartersbutit has
_ , « X > emerged from the trying ordeal with increased and increasing * credit . Where any detriment has happened to the Fraternity , it will generally be found to have arisen from the unfaithfulness of the brethren themselves to the principles it was their duty to uphold . As regards the position of the Craft in the United Kingdom ' and the Colonies and Possessions of
the British Crown , if we compare it now with what it was at the corresponding period of 1883 , we shall find good reason for congratulating ourselves most warmly . Our progress at home has been eminently satisfactory , and if in some of the Australasian colonies the question of continuing or severing the connection with their mother Grand Lodges has been taken in hand by the brethren out there more seriously than heretofore , this is a matter which cannot be
said to affect for evil the general welfare of our branch of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry . On the contrary , it must be looked upon as a direct evidence of the increasing strength of the Craft , when the resident brethren in a particular colony seriously debate among themselves whether it will be the wiser policy for them to remain under the old banner or unfurl one of their own . The news which reaches us ever and anon from India and China
from Africa , and other districts abroad , either bears unequivocal testimony to the general soundness and prosperity of our Institutions , or is decidedly hopeful as lo their future progress . In our relations with the independent Grand Lodges of British North America , there is to be noted only one subject of difference of any great importance and that weare happy
to say is not of our seeking ; nor , in the event of the unpleasantness becoming more acute , do we think it will seriously affect the usual calmness of our Grand Lodge authorities or induce them to show less forbearance than has been shown under parallel circumstances on previous occasions . With the Grand Lodges in the United States as well as with those in Europe , with
which we are on terms of friendly and fraternal intercourse , our relations have run their course without the intervention of a single circumstance in any way calculated to disturb their harmony . In short , both in our home administration and in our foreign relations , whatever has happened has , as a rule , been of a most gratifying character , and we feel justified in looking
forward to the new year on which we are about to enter , with every reasonable prospect of a continuance of our present prosperity . On the other hand , the losses we have to deplore have been exceptionally numerous and severe . Death has claimed many victims , not only among those whom in the course of nature we must expect to lose , but likewise among our young brethren
and brethren of mature age , to the continuance of whose sojourn in our midst for many years to come we had accustomed ourselves to look forward . Moreover , of the latter , several had deservedly attained a high position in the Craft ; some had been rewarded for their services with Grand or Provincial Grand Lodge honours , while all had laboured successfully in order to
promote the welfare of our Society . There is no doubt the remembrance of their many great qualities will long continue , but in the case of some few amongst them it will be certainly difficult , and perhaps well-nigh impossible , to find brethren as able , as they may be willing , to walk in their footsteps , But we must not prolong regrets which are unavailing . The task that is
now before us , if not untinged with regret , is on the whole an agreeable one . The record we have to lay before our readers is one of which any society might be proud , and though the narrow limits at our disposal will
make it impossible for us to give details of all that has happened , we dare say , when the tale is told , there will be a pretty general agreement of opinion that the year 1884 has not been lived in vain , and that its influence on the fortunes of our Craft will be of a favourable and enduring character .
It will be for the convenience of our friends that , in describing the events of a whole year , we should follow the good old custom of sub-dividing our narrative , so that the details may be grouped together under the sub-heads to which they properly belong . Thus , as the basis of all our modern Masonic systems is the three degrees of the Craft proper , we cannot do better perhaps than devote our first paragraph to
CRAIT MASONRY , the influence of which is so vastly important , that its condition must be regarded as the key to the question whether Freemasonry is , or is not , as flourishing during any one given period of time as it is shown to have been during any other period . That the Craft has more than held its own during
the year 1884 has already been stated , broadly and generally ; but it is desirable we should supplement this statement by recounting the principal circumstances which justify it . Thus the addition to the roll of our Grand Lodge of sundry new lodges is one indubitabl e piece of evidence in its favour , which must have weight even . with the unfavourable critic , and as many as 52
warrants for lodges have been granted since the close of the Grand Lodge Communication of December , 1883 . The very common objection that mere numerical increase is no evidence of progress will certainly not hold good in this instance . Of the 52 new lodges only four belong to the Metropolitan district , while 24 are distributed among 15 provinces and the Isle of Man , which has no provincial organisation , the remaining 24 being additions to
Freemasonry In 1884.
our strength in the Colonies , namely , nine under the District Grand Lodge of New South Wales , three under that of Victoria , three in Queensland , five in New Zealand—two in Wellington District , two in Auckland , and one where there is no District Grand Lodge—three in Bengal , and one in Madras . A few of these lodges have been constituted under special
circumstances . The University of London Lodge , No . 2033 , was consecrated by the Pro Grand Master , and is intended for brethren connected with the Metropolitan University , its first W . M . being Bro . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Registrar ; its first S . W . Bro . Alderman Fowler , M . P ., who at the time was Lord Mayor of London , G . J . W . ; and its acting I . P . M ., Bro . Sir Farrer
Herschell , Q . C , M . P ., H . M . ' s Solicitor-General . The Kiiiij Solomon Lodge , No . 2029 , of which Bro . Dr . Richardson is the first VV . M ., and the Lodge of Prudence , No . 206 9 , Leeds , are teetotal lodges , and Lod ^ e L-i France , No . 2060 , hailing from London , is intended for brethren of French
nationality who reside in this country , and are prepared to accept the principles of Freemasonry as contained in our Book of Constitutions . For the consecration of the two new Isle of Man Lodges , Ellen Vannin , No . 2049 and St . Trinian's , No 2050 , a special deputation of Grand Officers , headed by Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . visited the island .
The proceedings at our Grand Lodge meetings have been of the usual character ; but there are circumstances connected wilh one or two of them which are worthy of being specified . Though the decorative portion of the new building is far from complete , such rapid progress had been made with the structure itself , that Grand Lodge was enabled to meet as usual within
its walls at the Grand Festival in April , and the Earl of Carnarvon , who presided , made it the theme of a brief congratulatory comment at the time . At the latest Communication on the 3 rd December Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , as Chairman of the Building Committee , submitted a report of its proceedings , which , as showing that the additional expense incurred
over and above the amount for which the Temple had been insured would not be very considerable , and also that the portraits of Past Grand Masters , the loss of which , it was feared , would prove irre parable , would be replaced by copies from other authentic engravings or portraits of the same distinguished brethren , must be regarded as most satisfactory . It is also
gratifying to know that the Committee have had the Hall not only rebuilt , but enlarged to the extent of accommodating quite a hundred more members , and that they have likewise taken further precautions against the possible risk of fire in the future . In June , the Pope's violent Encyclical against Freemasonry was made the subject of a brief , but eloquent , protest on the part
of Grand Lodge against the ungrounded aspersions cast by his Holiness upon our Society . The speech in which this protest was moved was very dignified , and well worthy of the acknowledged reputation of our Pro Grand Master . The resolution submitted on the occasion by his lordship , and of which his address was merely introductory , was firm , yet moderate in tone ,
and confined itself to an expression of regret on the part of Grand Lodge that the Encyclical " in which the charges of Atheism , sedition , and vice are made against Masonry in general , without discrimination or qualification , " had been issued , and to one of " astonishment and regret that English
Freemasonry should , by some misapprehension of facts , be included in this sweeping charge , which the law , practices , and traditions of the Order , as well as the position of its rulers , clearly prove to be utterly without foundation . " It is almost needless to say that the resolution , which was seconded by the late Bro . John Havers , was carried without a dissenting voice .
As a matter of course , in view of the mournful circumstances attending the sad and lamented death of H . R . H . the Duke of Albany , P . G . J . W . of England and Prov . Grand Master of Oxfordshire , and having regard to his illustrious rank and the many eminent services he had rendered to the Craft , a special meeting of Grand Lodge was held for the purpose of
passing resolutions of condolence with her Majesty the Queen , his mother , H . R . H the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., his brother , and H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany , his widow . The day chosen for the sad function was the 24 th April . The Earl of Carnarvon presided , and the several resolutions were passed amid manifestations of sorrow which were as universal as
they were . heartfelt . We may add here that other Masonic gatherings of a similarly special character were held for the same purpose in very many parts of the country , and that everywhere were manifested the same feelings of sympathy with our Royal Family , the sa . me evidences of respect for the deceased Prince ' s memory , and the same profound grief that one so young and g ifted should have been taken from us so prematurely .
Among other meetings which deserve a place in this record must be mentioned , in the first place , a special gathering at Durham towards the close of January , for the purpose of enabling the brethren of the province to give a hearty welcoms to the late , Duke of Albany who was then on a visit to the north of England . For this purpose a special Provincial Grand
Lodge was held in the old Cathedral city , under the presidency ol our late Bro . the Marquis of Londonderry , P . G . M . The attendance was numerous , and a framed address was presented to his Royal Highness , who right royally and Masonically acknowledged the compliment . The circumstances
attending this meeting will be all the more memorable from the fact of the two principal actors in it—the Duke of Albany and the Marquis of Londonderry—having passed away before the close of the year . Then in May , a Special Grand Lodge was held in Peterborough , at which it had been the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In 1884.
FREEMASONRY IN 1884 .
B 3 | l [ SS |§ j T is doubtless with a somewhat mingled feeling of sorrow and iffer PY - ! rejoicing that the majority of our readers , like ourselves , will pfc | 3 fes *** * regard the year which is now so rapidly drawing to its close . l _____^__ % That Freemasonry has succeeded in strengthening and even jS @ i ® SJ ? extending its old prestige is unquestionable . It has had to run *&! MI *§ P the usual gauntlet of denunciation from many quartersbutit has
_ , « X > emerged from the trying ordeal with increased and increasing * credit . Where any detriment has happened to the Fraternity , it will generally be found to have arisen from the unfaithfulness of the brethren themselves to the principles it was their duty to uphold . As regards the position of the Craft in the United Kingdom ' and the Colonies and Possessions of
the British Crown , if we compare it now with what it was at the corresponding period of 1883 , we shall find good reason for congratulating ourselves most warmly . Our progress at home has been eminently satisfactory , and if in some of the Australasian colonies the question of continuing or severing the connection with their mother Grand Lodges has been taken in hand by the brethren out there more seriously than heretofore , this is a matter which cannot be
said to affect for evil the general welfare of our branch of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry . On the contrary , it must be looked upon as a direct evidence of the increasing strength of the Craft , when the resident brethren in a particular colony seriously debate among themselves whether it will be the wiser policy for them to remain under the old banner or unfurl one of their own . The news which reaches us ever and anon from India and China
from Africa , and other districts abroad , either bears unequivocal testimony to the general soundness and prosperity of our Institutions , or is decidedly hopeful as lo their future progress . In our relations with the independent Grand Lodges of British North America , there is to be noted only one subject of difference of any great importance and that weare happy
to say is not of our seeking ; nor , in the event of the unpleasantness becoming more acute , do we think it will seriously affect the usual calmness of our Grand Lodge authorities or induce them to show less forbearance than has been shown under parallel circumstances on previous occasions . With the Grand Lodges in the United States as well as with those in Europe , with
which we are on terms of friendly and fraternal intercourse , our relations have run their course without the intervention of a single circumstance in any way calculated to disturb their harmony . In short , both in our home administration and in our foreign relations , whatever has happened has , as a rule , been of a most gratifying character , and we feel justified in looking
forward to the new year on which we are about to enter , with every reasonable prospect of a continuance of our present prosperity . On the other hand , the losses we have to deplore have been exceptionally numerous and severe . Death has claimed many victims , not only among those whom in the course of nature we must expect to lose , but likewise among our young brethren
and brethren of mature age , to the continuance of whose sojourn in our midst for many years to come we had accustomed ourselves to look forward . Moreover , of the latter , several had deservedly attained a high position in the Craft ; some had been rewarded for their services with Grand or Provincial Grand Lodge honours , while all had laboured successfully in order to
promote the welfare of our Society . There is no doubt the remembrance of their many great qualities will long continue , but in the case of some few amongst them it will be certainly difficult , and perhaps well-nigh impossible , to find brethren as able , as they may be willing , to walk in their footsteps , But we must not prolong regrets which are unavailing . The task that is
now before us , if not untinged with regret , is on the whole an agreeable one . The record we have to lay before our readers is one of which any society might be proud , and though the narrow limits at our disposal will
make it impossible for us to give details of all that has happened , we dare say , when the tale is told , there will be a pretty general agreement of opinion that the year 1884 has not been lived in vain , and that its influence on the fortunes of our Craft will be of a favourable and enduring character .
It will be for the convenience of our friends that , in describing the events of a whole year , we should follow the good old custom of sub-dividing our narrative , so that the details may be grouped together under the sub-heads to which they properly belong . Thus , as the basis of all our modern Masonic systems is the three degrees of the Craft proper , we cannot do better perhaps than devote our first paragraph to
CRAIT MASONRY , the influence of which is so vastly important , that its condition must be regarded as the key to the question whether Freemasonry is , or is not , as flourishing during any one given period of time as it is shown to have been during any other period . That the Craft has more than held its own during
the year 1884 has already been stated , broadly and generally ; but it is desirable we should supplement this statement by recounting the principal circumstances which justify it . Thus the addition to the roll of our Grand Lodge of sundry new lodges is one indubitabl e piece of evidence in its favour , which must have weight even . with the unfavourable critic , and as many as 52
warrants for lodges have been granted since the close of the Grand Lodge Communication of December , 1883 . The very common objection that mere numerical increase is no evidence of progress will certainly not hold good in this instance . Of the 52 new lodges only four belong to the Metropolitan district , while 24 are distributed among 15 provinces and the Isle of Man , which has no provincial organisation , the remaining 24 being additions to
Freemasonry In 1884.
our strength in the Colonies , namely , nine under the District Grand Lodge of New South Wales , three under that of Victoria , three in Queensland , five in New Zealand—two in Wellington District , two in Auckland , and one where there is no District Grand Lodge—three in Bengal , and one in Madras . A few of these lodges have been constituted under special
circumstances . The University of London Lodge , No . 2033 , was consecrated by the Pro Grand Master , and is intended for brethren connected with the Metropolitan University , its first W . M . being Bro . Philbrick , Q . C , Grand Registrar ; its first S . W . Bro . Alderman Fowler , M . P ., who at the time was Lord Mayor of London , G . J . W . ; and its acting I . P . M ., Bro . Sir Farrer
Herschell , Q . C , M . P ., H . M . ' s Solicitor-General . The Kiiiij Solomon Lodge , No . 2029 , of which Bro . Dr . Richardson is the first VV . M ., and the Lodge of Prudence , No . 206 9 , Leeds , are teetotal lodges , and Lod ^ e L-i France , No . 2060 , hailing from London , is intended for brethren of French
nationality who reside in this country , and are prepared to accept the principles of Freemasonry as contained in our Book of Constitutions . For the consecration of the two new Isle of Man Lodges , Ellen Vannin , No . 2049 and St . Trinian's , No 2050 , a special deputation of Grand Officers , headed by Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . visited the island .
The proceedings at our Grand Lodge meetings have been of the usual character ; but there are circumstances connected wilh one or two of them which are worthy of being specified . Though the decorative portion of the new building is far from complete , such rapid progress had been made with the structure itself , that Grand Lodge was enabled to meet as usual within
its walls at the Grand Festival in April , and the Earl of Carnarvon , who presided , made it the theme of a brief congratulatory comment at the time . At the latest Communication on the 3 rd December Bro . Sir John B . Monckton , as Chairman of the Building Committee , submitted a report of its proceedings , which , as showing that the additional expense incurred
over and above the amount for which the Temple had been insured would not be very considerable , and also that the portraits of Past Grand Masters , the loss of which , it was feared , would prove irre parable , would be replaced by copies from other authentic engravings or portraits of the same distinguished brethren , must be regarded as most satisfactory . It is also
gratifying to know that the Committee have had the Hall not only rebuilt , but enlarged to the extent of accommodating quite a hundred more members , and that they have likewise taken further precautions against the possible risk of fire in the future . In June , the Pope's violent Encyclical against Freemasonry was made the subject of a brief , but eloquent , protest on the part
of Grand Lodge against the ungrounded aspersions cast by his Holiness upon our Society . The speech in which this protest was moved was very dignified , and well worthy of the acknowledged reputation of our Pro Grand Master . The resolution submitted on the occasion by his lordship , and of which his address was merely introductory , was firm , yet moderate in tone ,
and confined itself to an expression of regret on the part of Grand Lodge that the Encyclical " in which the charges of Atheism , sedition , and vice are made against Masonry in general , without discrimination or qualification , " had been issued , and to one of " astonishment and regret that English
Freemasonry should , by some misapprehension of facts , be included in this sweeping charge , which the law , practices , and traditions of the Order , as well as the position of its rulers , clearly prove to be utterly without foundation . " It is almost needless to say that the resolution , which was seconded by the late Bro . John Havers , was carried without a dissenting voice .
As a matter of course , in view of the mournful circumstances attending the sad and lamented death of H . R . H . the Duke of Albany , P . G . J . W . of England and Prov . Grand Master of Oxfordshire , and having regard to his illustrious rank and the many eminent services he had rendered to the Craft , a special meeting of Grand Lodge was held for the purpose of
passing resolutions of condolence with her Majesty the Queen , his mother , H . R . H the Prince of Wales , M . W . G . M ., his brother , and H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany , his widow . The day chosen for the sad function was the 24 th April . The Earl of Carnarvon presided , and the several resolutions were passed amid manifestations of sorrow which were as universal as
they were . heartfelt . We may add here that other Masonic gatherings of a similarly special character were held for the same purpose in very many parts of the country , and that everywhere were manifested the same feelings of sympathy with our Royal Family , the sa . me evidences of respect for the deceased Prince ' s memory , and the same profound grief that one so young and g ifted should have been taken from us so prematurely .
Among other meetings which deserve a place in this record must be mentioned , in the first place , a special gathering at Durham towards the close of January , for the purpose of enabling the brethren of the province to give a hearty welcoms to the late , Duke of Albany who was then on a visit to the north of England . For this purpose a special Provincial Grand
Lodge was held in the old Cathedral city , under the presidency ol our late Bro . the Marquis of Londonderry , P . G . M . The attendance was numerous , and a framed address was presented to his Royal Highness , who right royally and Masonically acknowledged the compliment . The circumstances
attending this meeting will be all the more memorable from the fact of the two principal actors in it—the Duke of Albany and the Marquis of Londonderry—having passed away before the close of the year . Then in May , a Special Grand Lodge was held in Peterborough , at which it had been the