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Article CONSECRATION OF THE CLERKENWELL LODGE, No. 1964. ← Page 3 of 3 Article OPENING OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT ANTRIM. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Clerkenwell Lodge, No. 1964.
joining member , mentioned to him as a matter of fact that he had never seen a consecration ceremony before , and that he was greatly impressed with it . Another old friend of his , a distinguished officer in the navy , also told him he had never seen a Masonic consecration before , and he was equally impressed with the effectiveness of it ; and he ( Bro . Woodford ) " then said : " Now , this is an answer to those who tell
me lhat Masonry has nothing valuable in it ; that it is neither a religious nor a lay association . " When the ceremony so struck a reverend friend on one hand , and a gallant friend on the other ( Capt . Bedford Pimm ) , he ventured to say this was the best answer to those who attacked Masons and Freemasonrythat in every ceremonial they were not ashamed to invoke the Great Architect of the Universe , or to meet together with an open Bible in cur lodges , and
to throw around the ceremonies thc reverence which they had received from their forefathers , and which he wished they would hand down to distant generations . If he was not unwilling to take up the brethren ' s time , or weary their patience , he mig ht have dilated upon the excellence of Masonry ; but , as an old Mason , having been initiated in 1842 , in Gibraltar , he had had some experience of what the value
of Freemasonry was . It was a society like no other society in the world ; it joined together men of different relig ious and political visws in one harmonious body , and that good old Craft of theirs which was detracted by some , ridiculed by others , and depreciated by others , had still unquestionable claims of utility and good , and , he ventured to add , to the respect and affection of mankind .
Bro . GEORGE LAMBERT , G . S . B ., in reply ing to the toast-of "The Visitors , " said he congratulated the brethren on giving the lodge the name of Clerkenwell , for if anything good ever came out of London it sprang from Clerkenwell . The greatest statesman , the noblest of men , George Monk , Duke of Albemarle , who lived in Albemarle-street , Clerkenwell , the founder of monarchy in this country , came from Clerkenwell , in that smoky little
street which was called by his name . All was good that came from Clerkenwell . Clerkenwell represented the great artisans of the City , and the great work which was cariied on by artisans , to which he could well testify . He was delighted to think that Clerkenwell had now a lodge of its own , to which it could bring its artisans , its friends , its workers and toilers in fine metals and fine arts . All the best work in the exhibitions of 1 S 51 and 1867 came
from Clerkenwell . Where would they have been their watches if they had not had the lever , and that great invention was commemorated by a street being named Lever-street ? All their beneficial charities came out of Clerkenwell . The great Charterhouse was thc residence of the Duke of Norfolk and the home of Elizabeth . Clerkenwell stood well in the city of London , and never would be effaced while its peculiar industry was in the hands of the
artisan . Bro . LOCOCK , Dep . Prov . G . M ., Lincolnshire , also replied . He felt that Lincolnshire had been extremely honoured by his being invited , and he wished his chief , the Prov . G . M ., had been present . Lincolnshire , though large in size as a county , was 3 . small Masonic province ; but within the last few years it had increased , and they had their Lincolnshire history .
But only a little while ago it seemed to him—though he was afraid to say he remembered the time—he saw Dr . Oliver in lodge , who was one of the leading Masons of the world , and they were justly proud of him . He was also very proud to say that in Lincolnshire they raised a memorial in remembrance of Dr . Oliver , which was coupled with one of thc principal charities connected with the Craft , the Boys'School , and he only hoped it would be
the last of the sort that they should raise . Bro . F . S . KNYVETT , P . M . 5 8 , in reply ing , said if any of the visitors had not seen a Masonic consecration before they must have been very much impressed with what they had seen that evening . He himself had seen it on more ' . lian one occasion , and he could add that the oftener he had seen
it the greater was the impression it had made on him . The beauty of the ceremonies and tbe grandeur of the ritual were , indeed , an answer to all those who tried to slander that great Institution . He congratulated the W . M . and members of the lodge on the prosperity of the lodge , in that it had obtained a warrant and had had such a successful consecration .
Bro . HOWARD VYSE said he had been a Mason over twenty years , but he was one of the brethren who had never before seen the consecration of a
lodge . Echoing the sentiments of the Grand Chaplain , the ceremonies were of that imposing nature that they made one feel privileged to take part in them ; one felt beyond the outer world , and a relig ious feeling stole over him the like of which he never experienced elsewhere . The Rev . J . H . ROSE , after referring to the ceremonies , said the brethren must feel that whilst there were a great many creeds , the professors of which
were very much better than their creeds , there were very few Freemasons as good as their creed ; but he hoped such shortcomings would be allowed for . That was part of thc creed of Freemasons—that they should drop a tear of sympathy over the failings of a brother , and if it was not for that he should be very sorry he had joined Freemasonry , because its principles were so high and noble , and would ever be of such high standing , that he
should be afraid of falling short of what would be expected of him . But if there was a hig h standard they could not reach , at least they might try . He heartly rejoiced Clerkenwell had another lodge . It had a good many good things , and he was glad it had taken a liking to Freemasonry . It was by no means the first lodge it had had ; the recommending lodge , No . 228 , had its rise in Clerkenwell , and there were also the Crusaders and Urban Lodges . Through circumstances they were driven out of the parish ; but he mentioned
this to show that this was not the first time Clerkenwell had taken a liking to Freemasonry , and that the Craft had been made to do a vast amount of good iu its midst . He rejoiced that another lodge had been started among them , and he rejoiced greatly in the officers they had for the lodge . He had known the W . M ., as a Freemason , a few months , but for many , many
years as a good man . He had also known all the other olhcers as thorough good men and true Masons . He hoped the lodge would go on and prosper , and do a vast amount of good for the parish ; and in supporting it he knew he was doing the best he could for the parish , and discharging the duties he was called to as vicar .
Capt . BEDFORD PIM also replied . Bros . BINCKES and T ERRY replied to the toast of " The Masonic Charities . " Bro . HICKMAN , W . M . 228 , responded for "The Recommending Lodge . " , . , Bro . T . HASTINGS MILLER , S . W ., and the other officers within the lodge , replied to the toast of " The Officers ; " and the Tyler brought the proceedings lo a close with the toast specially assigned to him .
Freemasonry is stirring herself in Austria . There is activity in several of the lodges .
Opening Of A New Masonic Hall At Antrim.
OPENING OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT ANTRIM .
Easier Monday of iSS . > will be long remembered in the history of this pleasantly-situated lillie town , and it will ever be a red-letter day in the annals of Freemasonry in this locality . FYeemasonry has ever been an active agency for good in this district , and few localities could boast of brethren more devoted to the Craft , and in carrying out the noble principles of the Order the brethren of lodge 28 have ever been indefatigable . So energetic
have they been in promoting its principles that iheir numbers have so increased that their old quarters became incommodious , and they resolved to build a new hall . They were fortunate to secure a very neat plot of ground in Church-street , which was granted to them at a nominal rent b y the popular lord of the soil , Lord Massereene ; and his lordshi p in addition , with his usual kindness , gave the handsome subscription of £ 100 towards the building fund .
The foundation-stione of the new hall was laid in August last , in the presence of a very large assemblage . The building was pushed steadil y on , until at length , a few days ago , it was completed , and the opening and consecrating ceremony was fixed to take place on Easter Monday by the Provincial Grand Lodge . The hall is a very handsome structure , and is well adapted for the purposes for which it has been erected . It is designed
in the Gothic style ol architecture and built of black stcne , with cement and freestone dressing . The principal entrance is in the centre of the gable facing the roadway , a large Gothic door being opened in thc spandiil , and over this are Masonic arms , bearing the motto , " Audi , vidi , taci , " The building is flanked on each side by heavy buttresses and piers containing iron gateways leading to the ground at the sides and rear of the hall . A
central circular window , filled with stained glass and of Masonic device , is placed above the doorway . The front gable is finished by a coping heavily moulded , over which rise wrought-iron finials . The interior is as neat as the exterior . In the second story is the large lodge-room , 32 feet long by 18 feet wide , and off this are ante-rooms ; and on the ground floor are
cloak-rooms , caretakers' apartments , and other rooms . The lodge-room is very tastefully decorated , and has all the accessories for working in the " blue " and the higher orders . The hall is creditable to all concerned , and the brethren of Lodge 28 are to be congratulated on having obtained structure so well adapted for their purposes .
1 he Provincial Grand Lodge could not have fixed on a more fitting occasion , as it enabled large numbers of the Masonic fraternity to be piesent at the interesting ceremony . From an earl y hour Antrim streets were crowded , and the early trains from Belfast , Ballymena , and clsew here
brought large contingents , and seldom has there been seen in the N orth such a large assemblage of the brethren of the mystic tie . No little gratification was expressed on all sides that Sir Charles Lanyon , the D . P . G . M ., who has the cause of Masonry so much at heart , had so far recovered from his recent illness as to be able to take part in the ceremony .
At two o ' clock Provincial Grand Lodge was opened , and a procession having been formed , it proceeded to the hall , and the officers took their respective places in the lodge , and the impressive ceremony was performed . The PROV . GRAND CHAPLAIN having pronounced the benediction , the lodge was covered , and the proceedings in the hall terminated . Owine * to
want of space to accommodate the large concourse of brethren who were present , and who were unable to witness the consecration ceremony in detail , Sir Cha . * les Lanyon announced that he would deliver his address in the Protestant Hall , it being the most commodious building available . The brethren then repaired to that building , and , having assembled there ,
SIR CHARLES LANYON , the P . G . M ., said that he had to make an announcement which would be very gratif ying and pleasing to all the brethren . A meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge had been called at his suggestion for the purpose of presenting to her Majesty an address expressive of the abhorrence of the Provincial Lodge at the atrocious attempt made on
her Majesty s life , and also to express their gratitude to Providence that the attempt had proved ineffectual . The address , which he had suggested , had been proposed in his absence b y Bro . T . S . Dixon , who presided on the occasion , and adopted unanimously . The address was forwarded to . the Marquis of Donegall , P . G . M ., who caused it to be forwarded to the proper quarter , and he had received the following reply * . —
22 , Grosvenor Square , VV ., April 5 , 1 SS 2 . My Dear Sir Charles , —I enclose herewith the reply to the address to the Queen . It is very satisfactory , and I am delighted it was sent . —Yours trulv and fraternally . Sir C . Lanyon , D . P . G . M . DONEGALL . Mentone , April , 1 SS 2 . Dear Lord Donegal ! , —I am commanded by the Queen to request that you will convey to the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim her Majesty's thanks for their kind and loyal address . —Believe me , yours very faithfully ,
The Marquis of Donegal ) , K . P . HENRY V . PONSONUY . The PROV . GRAND MASTER then delivered an eloquent address , which was attentively listened to and frequently applauded . The proceedings terminated by thc brethren singing the Masonic version of the National Anthem .
MYSTICISM . —A word commonly employed , rightly or wrongly , to represent , so to -. say , the teaching of the internal consciousness as regards things sacred and divine . The Germans , fond of definition , have divided ( at least some of them have done so ) , this special form of psychological emotional dogma into mystik and mysticismus , while they have again separated mystik into allgemeines mystik and specifisches mystik . According to some of them ,
allgemeines mystik , universal mysticalness , as Johnson has it , relates to the inner form and source of the religious life ; specifisches myslik is a one-sided subjectivity , which oversteps the limits of revealed reli gion ; while to mysticismus they ascribe the " statius" of the two hurtful extremes of pure subjective religion , which takes to superstition or hyper-fanaticism and hyperasceticism , or to mystic theosophy . It is very difficult for the practical Anglo-Saxon mind to follow the reveries of the Teutonic philosophy , which
sometimes seems lost in a haze of mists or incongruities . There has been another meaning- attached to mysticism , which it can hardly bear , as that of Pantheism , Deism , Spinozaism , for this reason—that mysticism , when simply given up to a good object , is the study , more or less , of the innerward emotions and sympathies which connect man with God , earth with heaven , time with eternity . But in Freemasonry , the mysticism of the hermetic theosophic grades cannot be praised . —Kenning ' s Ciyclopcedia of Freemasonry .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Clerkenwell Lodge, No. 1964.
joining member , mentioned to him as a matter of fact that he had never seen a consecration ceremony before , and that he was greatly impressed with it . Another old friend of his , a distinguished officer in the navy , also told him he had never seen a Masonic consecration before , and he was equally impressed with the effectiveness of it ; and he ( Bro . Woodford ) " then said : " Now , this is an answer to those who tell
me lhat Masonry has nothing valuable in it ; that it is neither a religious nor a lay association . " When the ceremony so struck a reverend friend on one hand , and a gallant friend on the other ( Capt . Bedford Pimm ) , he ventured to say this was the best answer to those who attacked Masons and Freemasonrythat in every ceremonial they were not ashamed to invoke the Great Architect of the Universe , or to meet together with an open Bible in cur lodges , and
to throw around the ceremonies thc reverence which they had received from their forefathers , and which he wished they would hand down to distant generations . If he was not unwilling to take up the brethren ' s time , or weary their patience , he mig ht have dilated upon the excellence of Masonry ; but , as an old Mason , having been initiated in 1842 , in Gibraltar , he had had some experience of what the value
of Freemasonry was . It was a society like no other society in the world ; it joined together men of different relig ious and political visws in one harmonious body , and that good old Craft of theirs which was detracted by some , ridiculed by others , and depreciated by others , had still unquestionable claims of utility and good , and , he ventured to add , to the respect and affection of mankind .
Bro . GEORGE LAMBERT , G . S . B ., in reply ing to the toast-of "The Visitors , " said he congratulated the brethren on giving the lodge the name of Clerkenwell , for if anything good ever came out of London it sprang from Clerkenwell . The greatest statesman , the noblest of men , George Monk , Duke of Albemarle , who lived in Albemarle-street , Clerkenwell , the founder of monarchy in this country , came from Clerkenwell , in that smoky little
street which was called by his name . All was good that came from Clerkenwell . Clerkenwell represented the great artisans of the City , and the great work which was cariied on by artisans , to which he could well testify . He was delighted to think that Clerkenwell had now a lodge of its own , to which it could bring its artisans , its friends , its workers and toilers in fine metals and fine arts . All the best work in the exhibitions of 1 S 51 and 1867 came
from Clerkenwell . Where would they have been their watches if they had not had the lever , and that great invention was commemorated by a street being named Lever-street ? All their beneficial charities came out of Clerkenwell . The great Charterhouse was thc residence of the Duke of Norfolk and the home of Elizabeth . Clerkenwell stood well in the city of London , and never would be effaced while its peculiar industry was in the hands of the
artisan . Bro . LOCOCK , Dep . Prov . G . M ., Lincolnshire , also replied . He felt that Lincolnshire had been extremely honoured by his being invited , and he wished his chief , the Prov . G . M ., had been present . Lincolnshire , though large in size as a county , was 3 . small Masonic province ; but within the last few years it had increased , and they had their Lincolnshire history .
But only a little while ago it seemed to him—though he was afraid to say he remembered the time—he saw Dr . Oliver in lodge , who was one of the leading Masons of the world , and they were justly proud of him . He was also very proud to say that in Lincolnshire they raised a memorial in remembrance of Dr . Oliver , which was coupled with one of thc principal charities connected with the Craft , the Boys'School , and he only hoped it would be
the last of the sort that they should raise . Bro . F . S . KNYVETT , P . M . 5 8 , in reply ing , said if any of the visitors had not seen a Masonic consecration before they must have been very much impressed with what they had seen that evening . He himself had seen it on more ' . lian one occasion , and he could add that the oftener he had seen
it the greater was the impression it had made on him . The beauty of the ceremonies and tbe grandeur of the ritual were , indeed , an answer to all those who tried to slander that great Institution . He congratulated the W . M . and members of the lodge on the prosperity of the lodge , in that it had obtained a warrant and had had such a successful consecration .
Bro . HOWARD VYSE said he had been a Mason over twenty years , but he was one of the brethren who had never before seen the consecration of a
lodge . Echoing the sentiments of the Grand Chaplain , the ceremonies were of that imposing nature that they made one feel privileged to take part in them ; one felt beyond the outer world , and a relig ious feeling stole over him the like of which he never experienced elsewhere . The Rev . J . H . ROSE , after referring to the ceremonies , said the brethren must feel that whilst there were a great many creeds , the professors of which
were very much better than their creeds , there were very few Freemasons as good as their creed ; but he hoped such shortcomings would be allowed for . That was part of thc creed of Freemasons—that they should drop a tear of sympathy over the failings of a brother , and if it was not for that he should be very sorry he had joined Freemasonry , because its principles were so high and noble , and would ever be of such high standing , that he
should be afraid of falling short of what would be expected of him . But if there was a hig h standard they could not reach , at least they might try . He heartly rejoiced Clerkenwell had another lodge . It had a good many good things , and he was glad it had taken a liking to Freemasonry . It was by no means the first lodge it had had ; the recommending lodge , No . 228 , had its rise in Clerkenwell , and there were also the Crusaders and Urban Lodges . Through circumstances they were driven out of the parish ; but he mentioned
this to show that this was not the first time Clerkenwell had taken a liking to Freemasonry , and that the Craft had been made to do a vast amount of good iu its midst . He rejoiced that another lodge had been started among them , and he rejoiced greatly in the officers they had for the lodge . He had known the W . M ., as a Freemason , a few months , but for many , many
years as a good man . He had also known all the other olhcers as thorough good men and true Masons . He hoped the lodge would go on and prosper , and do a vast amount of good for the parish ; and in supporting it he knew he was doing the best he could for the parish , and discharging the duties he was called to as vicar .
Capt . BEDFORD PIM also replied . Bros . BINCKES and T ERRY replied to the toast of " The Masonic Charities . " Bro . HICKMAN , W . M . 228 , responded for "The Recommending Lodge . " , . , Bro . T . HASTINGS MILLER , S . W ., and the other officers within the lodge , replied to the toast of " The Officers ; " and the Tyler brought the proceedings lo a close with the toast specially assigned to him .
Freemasonry is stirring herself in Austria . There is activity in several of the lodges .
Opening Of A New Masonic Hall At Antrim.
OPENING OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT ANTRIM .
Easier Monday of iSS . > will be long remembered in the history of this pleasantly-situated lillie town , and it will ever be a red-letter day in the annals of Freemasonry in this locality . FYeemasonry has ever been an active agency for good in this district , and few localities could boast of brethren more devoted to the Craft , and in carrying out the noble principles of the Order the brethren of lodge 28 have ever been indefatigable . So energetic
have they been in promoting its principles that iheir numbers have so increased that their old quarters became incommodious , and they resolved to build a new hall . They were fortunate to secure a very neat plot of ground in Church-street , which was granted to them at a nominal rent b y the popular lord of the soil , Lord Massereene ; and his lordshi p in addition , with his usual kindness , gave the handsome subscription of £ 100 towards the building fund .
The foundation-stione of the new hall was laid in August last , in the presence of a very large assemblage . The building was pushed steadil y on , until at length , a few days ago , it was completed , and the opening and consecrating ceremony was fixed to take place on Easter Monday by the Provincial Grand Lodge . The hall is a very handsome structure , and is well adapted for the purposes for which it has been erected . It is designed
in the Gothic style ol architecture and built of black stcne , with cement and freestone dressing . The principal entrance is in the centre of the gable facing the roadway , a large Gothic door being opened in thc spandiil , and over this are Masonic arms , bearing the motto , " Audi , vidi , taci , " The building is flanked on each side by heavy buttresses and piers containing iron gateways leading to the ground at the sides and rear of the hall . A
central circular window , filled with stained glass and of Masonic device , is placed above the doorway . The front gable is finished by a coping heavily moulded , over which rise wrought-iron finials . The interior is as neat as the exterior . In the second story is the large lodge-room , 32 feet long by 18 feet wide , and off this are ante-rooms ; and on the ground floor are
cloak-rooms , caretakers' apartments , and other rooms . The lodge-room is very tastefully decorated , and has all the accessories for working in the " blue " and the higher orders . The hall is creditable to all concerned , and the brethren of Lodge 28 are to be congratulated on having obtained structure so well adapted for their purposes .
1 he Provincial Grand Lodge could not have fixed on a more fitting occasion , as it enabled large numbers of the Masonic fraternity to be piesent at the interesting ceremony . From an earl y hour Antrim streets were crowded , and the early trains from Belfast , Ballymena , and clsew here
brought large contingents , and seldom has there been seen in the N orth such a large assemblage of the brethren of the mystic tie . No little gratification was expressed on all sides that Sir Charles Lanyon , the D . P . G . M ., who has the cause of Masonry so much at heart , had so far recovered from his recent illness as to be able to take part in the ceremony .
At two o ' clock Provincial Grand Lodge was opened , and a procession having been formed , it proceeded to the hall , and the officers took their respective places in the lodge , and the impressive ceremony was performed . The PROV . GRAND CHAPLAIN having pronounced the benediction , the lodge was covered , and the proceedings in the hall terminated . Owine * to
want of space to accommodate the large concourse of brethren who were present , and who were unable to witness the consecration ceremony in detail , Sir Cha . * les Lanyon announced that he would deliver his address in the Protestant Hall , it being the most commodious building available . The brethren then repaired to that building , and , having assembled there ,
SIR CHARLES LANYON , the P . G . M ., said that he had to make an announcement which would be very gratif ying and pleasing to all the brethren . A meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge had been called at his suggestion for the purpose of presenting to her Majesty an address expressive of the abhorrence of the Provincial Lodge at the atrocious attempt made on
her Majesty s life , and also to express their gratitude to Providence that the attempt had proved ineffectual . The address , which he had suggested , had been proposed in his absence b y Bro . T . S . Dixon , who presided on the occasion , and adopted unanimously . The address was forwarded to . the Marquis of Donegall , P . G . M ., who caused it to be forwarded to the proper quarter , and he had received the following reply * . —
22 , Grosvenor Square , VV ., April 5 , 1 SS 2 . My Dear Sir Charles , —I enclose herewith the reply to the address to the Queen . It is very satisfactory , and I am delighted it was sent . —Yours trulv and fraternally . Sir C . Lanyon , D . P . G . M . DONEGALL . Mentone , April , 1 SS 2 . Dear Lord Donegal ! , —I am commanded by the Queen to request that you will convey to the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim her Majesty's thanks for their kind and loyal address . —Believe me , yours very faithfully ,
The Marquis of Donegal ) , K . P . HENRY V . PONSONUY . The PROV . GRAND MASTER then delivered an eloquent address , which was attentively listened to and frequently applauded . The proceedings terminated by thc brethren singing the Masonic version of the National Anthem .
MYSTICISM . —A word commonly employed , rightly or wrongly , to represent , so to -. say , the teaching of the internal consciousness as regards things sacred and divine . The Germans , fond of definition , have divided ( at least some of them have done so ) , this special form of psychological emotional dogma into mystik and mysticismus , while they have again separated mystik into allgemeines mystik and specifisches mystik . According to some of them ,
allgemeines mystik , universal mysticalness , as Johnson has it , relates to the inner form and source of the religious life ; specifisches myslik is a one-sided subjectivity , which oversteps the limits of revealed reli gion ; while to mysticismus they ascribe the " statius" of the two hurtful extremes of pure subjective religion , which takes to superstition or hyper-fanaticism and hyperasceticism , or to mystic theosophy . It is very difficult for the practical Anglo-Saxon mind to follow the reveries of the Teutonic philosophy , which
sometimes seems lost in a haze of mists or incongruities . There has been another meaning- attached to mysticism , which it can hardly bear , as that of Pantheism , Deism , Spinozaism , for this reason—that mysticism , when simply given up to a good object , is the study , more or less , of the innerward emotions and sympathies which connect man with God , earth with heaven , time with eternity . But in Freemasonry , the mysticism of the hermetic theosophic grades cannot be praised . —Kenning ' s Ciyclopcedia of Freemasonry .