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Laying The Corner Stone Of A New Masonic Hall At Poole.
LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT POOLE .
The Lodge of Amity , Poole , is the oldest Masonic lodge in the Province of Dorset , and , as its number ( 137 ) would imply , it is one of the oldest lodges in the country , it having had considerably more than a century of existence . For some years past the brethren have felt that the lodge
room was inadequate to their requirements , and its position in the town not exactly such as they would like , and have recently succeeded in obtaining premises adapted to their wants . At six o ' clock on the evening of Thursday , the 7 th inst ., a lodge of emergency was held in the present lodge room , and was attended by about forty members and visiting bre
thren . The following is a list of those present : Bros . VV . D . Dugdale , W . M . ; T . S . Furnell , S . W . ; H . J . Sydenhem , I . W . ; G . H . Gutch . Treas . ; G . Harrison , Sec ; H . Curtis , S . D . ; C . T . Marston , J . D . ; W . Pretty , P . M . ; F . Travers , P . M . ; W . Turner , P . M . ; J . Osment , P . M . ; Hatten Smyth , P . M . ; T . Ings , P . M . ; W . Mate , S . Hart , R . Smith , W . Bacon , G . Burt , F . A . Sharp , P . E . Lionel Budge , T . Frampton , W . H . Howell , H . C . Burt
( Witchampton ) , A . Taylor , T . H . Balson , W . J . Burden , G . White , T . Manuel , and D . Hitching . Visitors : Bros . E . T . Budden , P . M . 622 , 3 S 6 , and 195 ; Rev . W . M . Heath , P . M . 622 ; J . Tribbett , 386 ; H . J . Elford , 1226 ; A . R . Bodley , C 22 ; T . Bennett , St . Cuthbert , Yorkshire ; J . Hallett , 326 ; W . Burt , J . D . 622 ; T . H . Burt , 622 ; \ V . Burrough , 253 , and MeyricU Heath , 622 .
Before proceeding to the ceremony of laying the stone a dispensation from thc Provincial Grand Master , Bro . M . J . Guest , P . M ., authorising the Worshipful Master , Bro . Dugdale , to perform the ceremony , was read . The brethren having proceeded to the site of their new hall , where on raised platforms were a large number spectators , chiefly ladies , who seem to take a lively interest in the
proceedings , the Worshipful- Master ( Bro . Dugdale ) addressed the assembly . " Men and Brethren , here assembled to behold this ceremony , —Be it known unto you that we be the lawful Masons—true and faithful to the laws of our country and engaged by solemn obligations to erect handsome buildings , to be serviceable to the brethren , and to fear God , tlie
Great Architect of the Universe . We have amongst us concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which may not be revealed , and Which no man has discovered , but these secrets are lawful and honourable , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrusted in peace and honour to Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to us , it is our duty to convey them Unless Craft
unimpaired to the latest posterity . our were good and our calling honourable wc should not have lasted for so many centuries , nor should have had so many illustrious brethren in our Order , ready to promote our laws and further our interests . We are assembled here today in the presence of you all , to erect a house in which we can meet to perform our ceremonies in conformity with
the andent landmarks-of our Order , whicli we pray God may prosper as it seems good to Him ; and as the first duty of Masons in any undertaking is to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe on their work , 1 call upon you to unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace . " Prayer having been offered by the Chaplain , Bro . thc Rev . W . M . Heath , the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said : — " I
now declare it to be my will and pleasure that the corner stone of . this building be laid . " The Secretary , Bro . G . HARRISON-, read the inscription on the stone , as follows : — "This stone was laid by thc W . M ., Lodge Amity , No . 137 , July 7 th , A . D ., 1 SS 1 ., A . L . 5 SS 5 . —W . D . Dugdale , W . M ., T . S . Furnell , S . W ., I-I . I . Sydenham , J . W . "
The W . M . then called on the Treasurer , Bro . G . H . Gutch , to deposit the coins and other articles in the cavity . The trowel and mallet , & c , having been handed to the W . M ., he proved the position of the stone by the plumb rule , and said , "I find this stone to be plumb , and that the craftsmen have prepared it true and trusty . " After testing- thc stone by the level , the
W . M . said : "I find this stone to be level , and that the craftsmen have laboured skilfully ; " then testing the stone by the square , the W . M . said : " I find this stone to be plumb , level , and square , and I declare it to be duly prepared and truly laid , and that the craftesmen have worked well . " Receiving one by one the cornucopia , the wine and the oil , and suiting the action to the words , the W . M .
said : " I scatter corn upon this stcne as an emblem of abundance and plenty . May the good seed of His word sink into the hearts of men , take root , and bring forth fruit a hundred fold , to their benefit and His glory . I pour wine upon this stone , the symbol of strength and gladness . May those who work upon this building , and those who shall hereafter meet within its walls , ever
perform their alloted parts in the service of the Great Architect with cheerfulness and singleness of heart . I sprinkle this stone with oil , the emblem of peace and harmony . May goodwill and brotherly love prevail amongst those who shall labour in this house , to the glory of the Most High , until time shall be no more . " Then , addressing the builder , the W . M . said : "I now place in your hands the plans of this intended building , together with the
necessary tools , not doubting your skill and ability as a craftsman , and I desire that you will proceed without loss of time to the completion of the work , in conformity with the plans and designs now entrusted to you . " The ceremony then ended with prayer by the Claplain , and the brethren returned in reverse order , unrobing again in the ante-room . They then re-as . sembled at the present lodge-room , and partook of a banquet , under the presidency of theW . M .
Festival Of The Restoration Lodge, No. Iii, Darlington.
FESTIVAL OF THE RESTORATION LODGE , No . III , DARLINGTON .
On Saturday week the brethren of thc above lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John the Baptist by an excursion toMiddleton-in-Teesdale . The company lelt North-street Station shortlbefore
y one , ariving at their destination after a pleasant hour's ride . At Middleton Station the Rev . J . Milner , rector of the parish , received the brethren , and at to <^ ' a s P ecial service was held in the parish church ol bt . Mary . 1 here was a large congregation , and among
Festival Of The Restoration Lodge, No. Iii, Darlington.
the brethren present were Bros . H . Maddison , the W . M . J G . J . Wilson , Babington Boulton , William Lear , William Hobson , J . C . Martin , Thomas Ness , W . R . Innes , J . P . Lax , T . M . Barron , John Burney , J . W . Armitage , Thos . Bowman , William Hodgson , T . E . Gibson , T . A . Simpson , Fred . Tovey , Wm . Swales , J . W . Ramsay , Wm . C'IOSP , J . Fowler , Revs . C . G . Davis , Chaplain to the Marquis of Ripon Lodge ; T . Milner , Middleton-in-Teesdale ; C .
lackson , Chaplain to the Restoration Lodge ; J . M . Shepherd , Provincial Grand Chaplain , and C . R . Green , Chaplain to the Barnard Castle Lodge . There was a full choral service , the chants being sung to the " Free Chant , " by J . Crowdy , Mr . Fred . Tovey , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., presiding at the organ . The address was delivered by the Rev . C . R . Green , M . A ., and a more eloquent exposition of the moral aspects
of Masonry it has rarely been the privilege of Masons to hear . After service in thc church , the brethren sat down to tea at five o ' clock in the Cross Keys Hotel , Bro . H . Maddison , W . M ., presiding , at the conclusion of which the company enjoyed a stroll round the country side , and returned home highly gratified with the day ' s outing .
Consecration Of The Derwent Mark Lodge, No. 282.
CONSECRATION OF THE DERWENT MARK LODGE , No . 282 .
The following is the oration delivered at the consecration of the above new lodge , on the 12 th inst ., by Bro . the Rev . E . M . Rice , M . A ., and which was crowded out of our report of the proceedings last week : Brethren , —The extent to which Freemasonry embodies ,
and , as it Were , expounds Christianity , is very remarkable ; and in no Degree does it do so , as far as I am " . aware , more than in that of the Mark Degree , which employs itself chiefly on operative Masonry . 1 shall , therefore , in the few remarks I have to make , confine myself to parallel incidents in both , merely to show their affinity . We are told that during the building of King Solomon ' s Temple the work
was for a considerable time at a standstill for the want of an important stone , which was searched for up and down , till at last it was found and the Temple completed . So , on the other hand , we know that the " chief corner stone " was to be laid in Zion ; that Christ was that stone ; that He was long looked for , and His appearance anxiously awaited ; that he was at last found , and that , too , in the
Temple itself , by the pious Simeon , who , on seeing Him , at once exclaimed : " Lord , now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace , according to Thy Word , " thus showing the strong likeness there is between Him and the newly-advanced Mark Master Mason . We know that every Mark Master Mason is apportioned out his work in his lodge here below . We know that on the completion of his
work he looks forward to receiving his reward or wages . So , too , has T . G . A . O . T . U . appointed to each of us our work lo do before we approach that Grand Lodge above . He has given us the Keystone as the great pattern—the working plan , from which we are to form our lives , found our faith , and erect our building , that each of us may be a Temple fit for the indwelling of His Holy Spirit . We are
assured that our works wm follow us ; therefore , brethren , we must bc careful where we place the working plans whicli T . G . A . O . T . U . has given us . We should take care that while thc place is a place of safety , yet that it is one of easy access , so that we may readily and often examine for ourselves that which altogether teaches us to walk along the way by which alone
we are sure of our wages . While we walk thus , it is , alas , true that we are liable to be laughed at , scorned , and our work set at naught by the outer world , which is ever ready to spurn the best workmanship—that is , an honest man . But we must not be cast down on this account ; but should lead our thoughts on to King Solomon ' s Temple , and think of the joy the artificer must have felt when his work was
approved , and his wages paid . We should look to the working plans , and there see how He , who was the chief corner stone , the foundation and the building itself , suffered for us ; so that we should be united , knitted together , and so fixed as to be ready for our place in the Grand Temple above . We should be true men and brethren—true to ourselves and each other ; frank , courteous , and
charitable ; no impostors . So , like the poor Lazarus , we shall have our reward in Abraham ' s bosom ; while the impostors shall be like the rich man . We should not , on first thought , be inclined to think that so important a stone would be found in so unlikely a place as a quarry , which is—at least to our minds—a place of disordered materials . Yet the important stone was found there , and
strange to say , unimpared , after all its vicissitudes . The world we live in corresponds to that quarry . It is full of strangely-rough materials—a conglomeration of atomswhich are to be hewn and smoothed by the hands of perfect Craftsmen . We are told that there are vessels made , some for honour , and some for dishonour , which goes to show that some of our work may not—to say the least cf
it—be acceptable at the gate , and so cast amongst the rubbish . But 1 think that in this , our new building , the foundation stone of which is laid to-day , all work for the Master Overseer's inspection shall be found laudable , perfect , and easily adjusted in that Temple above , not made with hands , and where we all hope to have a space . Finally , brethren , let me congratulate you on the name you
have selected for your Mark Master s lodge here . No doubt it is as old , though not so renowned , as the Temple of King Solomon . But while we—as I hope we often do—think on the one and look on the other , there will strange , though pleasing , reminiscences come to our minds . As by times we walk by Derwent it will remind us of our lodge ; and as we see its ceaseless flow to the sea , we may be apt to ask ourselvesandbetter still
, , , to put thc question to ourselves" As this river flows on in its appointed course , going on its way by order , am I fulfilling my course ; am I leaving my mark behind me ; am I showing to all around me that 1 am a true man and no impostor ; am I steadil y working my way to ihe haven of rest , just as this river is to the sea ?" Thousands have looked on it and gone—we may not ask
where ; their works shall follow them . Thousands may come after us , and look on this river , when we are past and gone . 'They may have the same thoughts and reflections ; Ihey may be members of this Derwent Lodge of Mark Master Xlasnns or not ; but , whether one or the other , I feel they will always associate this consecrated lodge today with the river which has run its course thus far , and will only cease to run when time shall be no more .
The Holy Rock At Jerusalem.
THE HOLY ROCK AT JERUSALEM .
According to immemorial tradition , the Holy Rock is the threshing floor , on Mount Muria ' . i , of Araunah , or Omar , the Jebusite chief , which David bought of him for a place of sacrifice , and ) where Solomon afterwards erected the Temple . There is much in support of this tradition . The Rock is the highest part of the Temple platform .
Throughout Syria rock plateaus of high elevation are at the present day selected for threshing floors ; and the higher and more exposed the site the more valuable is it for the purpose , as the wind needful for driving off the chaff can play upon it from a greater number of quarters . The lofty situation of the Sakhrah , or Holy Rock , would have made it a most valuable threshing floor . Immediately beneath it is a
natural cave , a fact which also lends support to the correctness of the tradition , since underneath the majority of the threshing floors of Palestine are similar caves , which abound in the limestone hills of the country , and afford to the labourers an invaluable retreat during the burning mid-day hours . In configuration , the Rock as it juts up above the marble pavement of the mosque is very irregular . From
north to south it measures fifty-six feet , and from east to west thirty-five feet . The highest point is six and a half feet above the floor . On the top of the rock , which can only be seenbyclimbingupon therailing surrounding it , is a rough , basin-shaped hollowing , and also a hole about three feet in diameter . This communicates perpendicularly with the cave beneath . Descending into the cave from the
south-cast corner of the mosque , by a flight of fifteen steps , we find a chamber twenty-three and a half feet from north to south and twenty-three feet and three quarters from east to west . At the end and on the two sides of the cave low stone walls have been built of height varying irregularly with the slope of the rock which forms the roof . Two lamps , suspended beneath the whole already mentioned
light the cave . On the tessellated pavement of the floor , and directly beneath the whole in the roof , is a radiating star in various coloured marbles . On tapping this , thecentral part , consisting of a slab of white marble , not quite perpendiculary beneath the centre of the orifice above , is found to be hollow . The slab conceals the Bir-el-Arruah , or "Well of Spirits , " a passage said to lead out eventually
into the valley of the Kidron . A hypothesis not unreasonable is that the hole on the top of the Holy Rock was made to conduct the blood of the sacrificial victims slain upon it in Jewish times down into the cavern , thence into the Bir-el-Arruah , and eventually into the Kidron near'Siloam . If the Sakhrah is really the spot where the Jewish sacrifices were offered , the Holy
Place of thc Temple must have stood immediately to the west of it , facing that side of thestonewhichis to the right , and in shadow in Mr . Haag ' s painting . The promise made by Jehovah to Solomon , " Mine ear shall be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place , " gives the rock its present sanctity for the Mahomedans . They guard it from the approach of any but Moslem , lest supplication for evil
on themselves or on their religion should be made in such a place . The profound interest of the rock , if the tradition concerning it is correct , hardly needs to be dwelt on . Mr . Haag ' s view is taken from the north-west pierof the four supporting the noble dome , which arises to a height of 100 ft ., roughly estimated , and has a diameter of 06 ft . On the left in the picture can be seen the double
corridor ( the inner corridor 234 ft . wide , , the outer I 3 ift . ) which surrounds the building , and is lighted by stained glass windows . To the right , and somewhat in the back groand , is seen the small , tall baldachin which stands over the south-west corner of the rock . For Mahomedans this is the point of greatest interest . At this point alone are they allowed to touch the holy stone . Thrusting their
hands through a small circular opening on the west side of this structure , they can feel , if not sec , an indentation in the rock . That mark the faithful believe to have been made by the foot of the Prophet , when , with the other foot already in the stirrup of the white celestial steed sent to bear him hence , he for the last time pressed upon the soil " of this dim spot
Which men call earth . " This jealously-guarded , mysterious Hol y Rook , with its proud traditions , extending so far back into the past , is , alike for the Mahomedan , Jewish , and Christian world , one of the most profoundly interesting spots in Jerusalem . — Times .
Summer Banquet Of The Royal Kensington Lodge, No. 1627.
SUMMER BANQUET OF THE ROYAL KENSINGTON LODGE , No . 1627 .
This young , but highly prosperous lodge , had its summer banquet on Wednesday last , which was in every way most successful . 'The brethren and their friends met at the Waterloo Station at 11 . 4 s , and proceeded by the twelve o ' clock train
in a saloon carriage to Hampton Court . After luncheon at the Mitre Hotel , a ramble through Hampton Court Palace and Gardens was thoroughly enjoyed , the party returning to the hotel at five o ' clock to a splendid banquet . Amongst those present were the W . M . Bro . J . B . Stevens and Mrs . Stevens , Bro . Past Master Charles E . Soppet and Mrs . Soppet , Miss Edith Soppet , Miss Florence
Soppet and Master Bernard Soppet , Bro . Airman CC , and Mrs . Simpson , Mr . J . Charles and Mrs . Wisters , Mr . Tyrrell , Bro . Waters , Bro . Hay and Miss Hay . After the usual toasts , Bro . Altman , Mr . Tyrrell and Mr . Charles returned , thanks for the " Visitors , " and Bro . Turner for the " Ladies , " thus ending a most enjoyable day , which will not soon be forgotten by those present .
The International Medical and Sanitary Kxhibition was opened by Earl Spencer , at South Kensington , on Saturday last , the ceremony taking place in the Royal Albert Hall . Earl Granville , Sir James Paget , and other distinguished persons took part in the proceedings . The
exhibition , which is most complete , and of great interest , will be open until the 23 rd inst ., and will , we doubt not , be the means of disseminating among all classes a knowledge of medical and sanitary matters which is now considered an essential of nineteenth century life .
The annual summer banquet of the Upto " Lodge , No . 1227 , was held at the Crown Gardens , Brox " bournc , Herts , on thc 7 U 1 inst ., when a very pleasant day was spent by the brethren and their friends .
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Laying The Corner Stone Of A New Masonic Hall At Poole.
LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A NEW MASONIC HALL AT POOLE .
The Lodge of Amity , Poole , is the oldest Masonic lodge in the Province of Dorset , and , as its number ( 137 ) would imply , it is one of the oldest lodges in the country , it having had considerably more than a century of existence . For some years past the brethren have felt that the lodge
room was inadequate to their requirements , and its position in the town not exactly such as they would like , and have recently succeeded in obtaining premises adapted to their wants . At six o ' clock on the evening of Thursday , the 7 th inst ., a lodge of emergency was held in the present lodge room , and was attended by about forty members and visiting bre
thren . The following is a list of those present : Bros . VV . D . Dugdale , W . M . ; T . S . Furnell , S . W . ; H . J . Sydenhem , I . W . ; G . H . Gutch . Treas . ; G . Harrison , Sec ; H . Curtis , S . D . ; C . T . Marston , J . D . ; W . Pretty , P . M . ; F . Travers , P . M . ; W . Turner , P . M . ; J . Osment , P . M . ; Hatten Smyth , P . M . ; T . Ings , P . M . ; W . Mate , S . Hart , R . Smith , W . Bacon , G . Burt , F . A . Sharp , P . E . Lionel Budge , T . Frampton , W . H . Howell , H . C . Burt
( Witchampton ) , A . Taylor , T . H . Balson , W . J . Burden , G . White , T . Manuel , and D . Hitching . Visitors : Bros . E . T . Budden , P . M . 622 , 3 S 6 , and 195 ; Rev . W . M . Heath , P . M . 622 ; J . Tribbett , 386 ; H . J . Elford , 1226 ; A . R . Bodley , C 22 ; T . Bennett , St . Cuthbert , Yorkshire ; J . Hallett , 326 ; W . Burt , J . D . 622 ; T . H . Burt , 622 ; \ V . Burrough , 253 , and MeyricU Heath , 622 .
Before proceeding to the ceremony of laying the stone a dispensation from thc Provincial Grand Master , Bro . M . J . Guest , P . M ., authorising the Worshipful Master , Bro . Dugdale , to perform the ceremony , was read . The brethren having proceeded to the site of their new hall , where on raised platforms were a large number spectators , chiefly ladies , who seem to take a lively interest in the
proceedings , the Worshipful- Master ( Bro . Dugdale ) addressed the assembly . " Men and Brethren , here assembled to behold this ceremony , —Be it known unto you that we be the lawful Masons—true and faithful to the laws of our country and engaged by solemn obligations to erect handsome buildings , to be serviceable to the brethren , and to fear God , tlie
Great Architect of the Universe . We have amongst us concealed from the eyes of all men , secrets which may not be revealed , and Which no man has discovered , but these secrets are lawful and honourable , and not repugnant to the laws of God or man . They were entrusted in peace and honour to Masons of ancient times , and having been faithfully transmitted to us , it is our duty to convey them Unless Craft
unimpaired to the latest posterity . our were good and our calling honourable wc should not have lasted for so many centuries , nor should have had so many illustrious brethren in our Order , ready to promote our laws and further our interests . We are assembled here today in the presence of you all , to erect a house in which we can meet to perform our ceremonies in conformity with
the andent landmarks-of our Order , whicli we pray God may prosper as it seems good to Him ; and as the first duty of Masons in any undertaking is to invoke the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe on their work , 1 call upon you to unite with our Grand Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace . " Prayer having been offered by the Chaplain , Bro . thc Rev . W . M . Heath , the WORSHIPFUL MASTER said : — " I
now declare it to be my will and pleasure that the corner stone of . this building be laid . " The Secretary , Bro . G . HARRISON-, read the inscription on the stone , as follows : — "This stone was laid by thc W . M ., Lodge Amity , No . 137 , July 7 th , A . D ., 1 SS 1 ., A . L . 5 SS 5 . —W . D . Dugdale , W . M ., T . S . Furnell , S . W ., I-I . I . Sydenham , J . W . "
The W . M . then called on the Treasurer , Bro . G . H . Gutch , to deposit the coins and other articles in the cavity . The trowel and mallet , & c , having been handed to the W . M ., he proved the position of the stone by the plumb rule , and said , "I find this stone to be plumb , and that the craftsmen have prepared it true and trusty . " After testing- thc stone by the level , the
W . M . said : "I find this stone to be level , and that the craftsmen have laboured skilfully ; " then testing the stone by the square , the W . M . said : " I find this stone to be plumb , level , and square , and I declare it to be duly prepared and truly laid , and that the craftesmen have worked well . " Receiving one by one the cornucopia , the wine and the oil , and suiting the action to the words , the W . M .
said : " I scatter corn upon this stcne as an emblem of abundance and plenty . May the good seed of His word sink into the hearts of men , take root , and bring forth fruit a hundred fold , to their benefit and His glory . I pour wine upon this stone , the symbol of strength and gladness . May those who work upon this building , and those who shall hereafter meet within its walls , ever
perform their alloted parts in the service of the Great Architect with cheerfulness and singleness of heart . I sprinkle this stone with oil , the emblem of peace and harmony . May goodwill and brotherly love prevail amongst those who shall labour in this house , to the glory of the Most High , until time shall be no more . " Then , addressing the builder , the W . M . said : "I now place in your hands the plans of this intended building , together with the
necessary tools , not doubting your skill and ability as a craftsman , and I desire that you will proceed without loss of time to the completion of the work , in conformity with the plans and designs now entrusted to you . " The ceremony then ended with prayer by the Claplain , and the brethren returned in reverse order , unrobing again in the ante-room . They then re-as . sembled at the present lodge-room , and partook of a banquet , under the presidency of theW . M .
Festival Of The Restoration Lodge, No. Iii, Darlington.
FESTIVAL OF THE RESTORATION LODGE , No . III , DARLINGTON .
On Saturday week the brethren of thc above lodge celebrated the Festival of St . John the Baptist by an excursion toMiddleton-in-Teesdale . The company lelt North-street Station shortlbefore
y one , ariving at their destination after a pleasant hour's ride . At Middleton Station the Rev . J . Milner , rector of the parish , received the brethren , and at to <^ ' a s P ecial service was held in the parish church ol bt . Mary . 1 here was a large congregation , and among
Festival Of The Restoration Lodge, No. Iii, Darlington.
the brethren present were Bros . H . Maddison , the W . M . J G . J . Wilson , Babington Boulton , William Lear , William Hobson , J . C . Martin , Thomas Ness , W . R . Innes , J . P . Lax , T . M . Barron , John Burney , J . W . Armitage , Thos . Bowman , William Hodgson , T . E . Gibson , T . A . Simpson , Fred . Tovey , Wm . Swales , J . W . Ramsay , Wm . C'IOSP , J . Fowler , Revs . C . G . Davis , Chaplain to the Marquis of Ripon Lodge ; T . Milner , Middleton-in-Teesdale ; C .
lackson , Chaplain to the Restoration Lodge ; J . M . Shepherd , Provincial Grand Chaplain , and C . R . Green , Chaplain to the Barnard Castle Lodge . There was a full choral service , the chants being sung to the " Free Chant , " by J . Crowdy , Mr . Fred . Tovey , P . M ., P . P . G . O ., presiding at the organ . The address was delivered by the Rev . C . R . Green , M . A ., and a more eloquent exposition of the moral aspects
of Masonry it has rarely been the privilege of Masons to hear . After service in thc church , the brethren sat down to tea at five o ' clock in the Cross Keys Hotel , Bro . H . Maddison , W . M ., presiding , at the conclusion of which the company enjoyed a stroll round the country side , and returned home highly gratified with the day ' s outing .
Consecration Of The Derwent Mark Lodge, No. 282.
CONSECRATION OF THE DERWENT MARK LODGE , No . 282 .
The following is the oration delivered at the consecration of the above new lodge , on the 12 th inst ., by Bro . the Rev . E . M . Rice , M . A ., and which was crowded out of our report of the proceedings last week : Brethren , —The extent to which Freemasonry embodies ,
and , as it Were , expounds Christianity , is very remarkable ; and in no Degree does it do so , as far as I am " . aware , more than in that of the Mark Degree , which employs itself chiefly on operative Masonry . 1 shall , therefore , in the few remarks I have to make , confine myself to parallel incidents in both , merely to show their affinity . We are told that during the building of King Solomon ' s Temple the work
was for a considerable time at a standstill for the want of an important stone , which was searched for up and down , till at last it was found and the Temple completed . So , on the other hand , we know that the " chief corner stone " was to be laid in Zion ; that Christ was that stone ; that He was long looked for , and His appearance anxiously awaited ; that he was at last found , and that , too , in the
Temple itself , by the pious Simeon , who , on seeing Him , at once exclaimed : " Lord , now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace , according to Thy Word , " thus showing the strong likeness there is between Him and the newly-advanced Mark Master Mason . We know that every Mark Master Mason is apportioned out his work in his lodge here below . We know that on the completion of his
work he looks forward to receiving his reward or wages . So , too , has T . G . A . O . T . U . appointed to each of us our work lo do before we approach that Grand Lodge above . He has given us the Keystone as the great pattern—the working plan , from which we are to form our lives , found our faith , and erect our building , that each of us may be a Temple fit for the indwelling of His Holy Spirit . We are
assured that our works wm follow us ; therefore , brethren , we must bc careful where we place the working plans whicli T . G . A . O . T . U . has given us . We should take care that while thc place is a place of safety , yet that it is one of easy access , so that we may readily and often examine for ourselves that which altogether teaches us to walk along the way by which alone
we are sure of our wages . While we walk thus , it is , alas , true that we are liable to be laughed at , scorned , and our work set at naught by the outer world , which is ever ready to spurn the best workmanship—that is , an honest man . But we must not be cast down on this account ; but should lead our thoughts on to King Solomon ' s Temple , and think of the joy the artificer must have felt when his work was
approved , and his wages paid . We should look to the working plans , and there see how He , who was the chief corner stone , the foundation and the building itself , suffered for us ; so that we should be united , knitted together , and so fixed as to be ready for our place in the Grand Temple above . We should be true men and brethren—true to ourselves and each other ; frank , courteous , and
charitable ; no impostors . So , like the poor Lazarus , we shall have our reward in Abraham ' s bosom ; while the impostors shall be like the rich man . We should not , on first thought , be inclined to think that so important a stone would be found in so unlikely a place as a quarry , which is—at least to our minds—a place of disordered materials . Yet the important stone was found there , and
strange to say , unimpared , after all its vicissitudes . The world we live in corresponds to that quarry . It is full of strangely-rough materials—a conglomeration of atomswhich are to be hewn and smoothed by the hands of perfect Craftsmen . We are told that there are vessels made , some for honour , and some for dishonour , which goes to show that some of our work may not—to say the least cf
it—be acceptable at the gate , and so cast amongst the rubbish . But 1 think that in this , our new building , the foundation stone of which is laid to-day , all work for the Master Overseer's inspection shall be found laudable , perfect , and easily adjusted in that Temple above , not made with hands , and where we all hope to have a space . Finally , brethren , let me congratulate you on the name you
have selected for your Mark Master s lodge here . No doubt it is as old , though not so renowned , as the Temple of King Solomon . But while we—as I hope we often do—think on the one and look on the other , there will strange , though pleasing , reminiscences come to our minds . As by times we walk by Derwent it will remind us of our lodge ; and as we see its ceaseless flow to the sea , we may be apt to ask ourselvesandbetter still
, , , to put thc question to ourselves" As this river flows on in its appointed course , going on its way by order , am I fulfilling my course ; am I leaving my mark behind me ; am I showing to all around me that 1 am a true man and no impostor ; am I steadil y working my way to ihe haven of rest , just as this river is to the sea ?" Thousands have looked on it and gone—we may not ask
where ; their works shall follow them . Thousands may come after us , and look on this river , when we are past and gone . 'They may have the same thoughts and reflections ; Ihey may be members of this Derwent Lodge of Mark Master Xlasnns or not ; but , whether one or the other , I feel they will always associate this consecrated lodge today with the river which has run its course thus far , and will only cease to run when time shall be no more .
The Holy Rock At Jerusalem.
THE HOLY ROCK AT JERUSALEM .
According to immemorial tradition , the Holy Rock is the threshing floor , on Mount Muria ' . i , of Araunah , or Omar , the Jebusite chief , which David bought of him for a place of sacrifice , and ) where Solomon afterwards erected the Temple . There is much in support of this tradition . The Rock is the highest part of the Temple platform .
Throughout Syria rock plateaus of high elevation are at the present day selected for threshing floors ; and the higher and more exposed the site the more valuable is it for the purpose , as the wind needful for driving off the chaff can play upon it from a greater number of quarters . The lofty situation of the Sakhrah , or Holy Rock , would have made it a most valuable threshing floor . Immediately beneath it is a
natural cave , a fact which also lends support to the correctness of the tradition , since underneath the majority of the threshing floors of Palestine are similar caves , which abound in the limestone hills of the country , and afford to the labourers an invaluable retreat during the burning mid-day hours . In configuration , the Rock as it juts up above the marble pavement of the mosque is very irregular . From
north to south it measures fifty-six feet , and from east to west thirty-five feet . The highest point is six and a half feet above the floor . On the top of the rock , which can only be seenbyclimbingupon therailing surrounding it , is a rough , basin-shaped hollowing , and also a hole about three feet in diameter . This communicates perpendicularly with the cave beneath . Descending into the cave from the
south-cast corner of the mosque , by a flight of fifteen steps , we find a chamber twenty-three and a half feet from north to south and twenty-three feet and three quarters from east to west . At the end and on the two sides of the cave low stone walls have been built of height varying irregularly with the slope of the rock which forms the roof . Two lamps , suspended beneath the whole already mentioned
light the cave . On the tessellated pavement of the floor , and directly beneath the whole in the roof , is a radiating star in various coloured marbles . On tapping this , thecentral part , consisting of a slab of white marble , not quite perpendiculary beneath the centre of the orifice above , is found to be hollow . The slab conceals the Bir-el-Arruah , or "Well of Spirits , " a passage said to lead out eventually
into the valley of the Kidron . A hypothesis not unreasonable is that the hole on the top of the Holy Rock was made to conduct the blood of the sacrificial victims slain upon it in Jewish times down into the cavern , thence into the Bir-el-Arruah , and eventually into the Kidron near'Siloam . If the Sakhrah is really the spot where the Jewish sacrifices were offered , the Holy
Place of thc Temple must have stood immediately to the west of it , facing that side of thestonewhichis to the right , and in shadow in Mr . Haag ' s painting . The promise made by Jehovah to Solomon , " Mine ear shall be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place , " gives the rock its present sanctity for the Mahomedans . They guard it from the approach of any but Moslem , lest supplication for evil
on themselves or on their religion should be made in such a place . The profound interest of the rock , if the tradition concerning it is correct , hardly needs to be dwelt on . Mr . Haag ' s view is taken from the north-west pierof the four supporting the noble dome , which arises to a height of 100 ft ., roughly estimated , and has a diameter of 06 ft . On the left in the picture can be seen the double
corridor ( the inner corridor 234 ft . wide , , the outer I 3 ift . ) which surrounds the building , and is lighted by stained glass windows . To the right , and somewhat in the back groand , is seen the small , tall baldachin which stands over the south-west corner of the rock . For Mahomedans this is the point of greatest interest . At this point alone are they allowed to touch the holy stone . Thrusting their
hands through a small circular opening on the west side of this structure , they can feel , if not sec , an indentation in the rock . That mark the faithful believe to have been made by the foot of the Prophet , when , with the other foot already in the stirrup of the white celestial steed sent to bear him hence , he for the last time pressed upon the soil " of this dim spot
Which men call earth . " This jealously-guarded , mysterious Hol y Rook , with its proud traditions , extending so far back into the past , is , alike for the Mahomedan , Jewish , and Christian world , one of the most profoundly interesting spots in Jerusalem . — Times .
Summer Banquet Of The Royal Kensington Lodge, No. 1627.
SUMMER BANQUET OF THE ROYAL KENSINGTON LODGE , No . 1627 .
This young , but highly prosperous lodge , had its summer banquet on Wednesday last , which was in every way most successful . 'The brethren and their friends met at the Waterloo Station at 11 . 4 s , and proceeded by the twelve o ' clock train
in a saloon carriage to Hampton Court . After luncheon at the Mitre Hotel , a ramble through Hampton Court Palace and Gardens was thoroughly enjoyed , the party returning to the hotel at five o ' clock to a splendid banquet . Amongst those present were the W . M . Bro . J . B . Stevens and Mrs . Stevens , Bro . Past Master Charles E . Soppet and Mrs . Soppet , Miss Edith Soppet , Miss Florence
Soppet and Master Bernard Soppet , Bro . Airman CC , and Mrs . Simpson , Mr . J . Charles and Mrs . Wisters , Mr . Tyrrell , Bro . Waters , Bro . Hay and Miss Hay . After the usual toasts , Bro . Altman , Mr . Tyrrell and Mr . Charles returned , thanks for the " Visitors , " and Bro . Turner for the " Ladies , " thus ending a most enjoyable day , which will not soon be forgotten by those present .
The International Medical and Sanitary Kxhibition was opened by Earl Spencer , at South Kensington , on Saturday last , the ceremony taking place in the Royal Albert Hall . Earl Granville , Sir James Paget , and other distinguished persons took part in the proceedings . The
exhibition , which is most complete , and of great interest , will be open until the 23 rd inst ., and will , we doubt not , be the means of disseminating among all classes a knowledge of medical and sanitary matters which is now considered an essential of nineteenth century life .
The annual summer banquet of the Upto " Lodge , No . 1227 , was held at the Crown Gardens , Brox " bournc , Herts , on thc 7 U 1 inst ., when a very pleasant day was spent by the brethren and their friends .