Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The West Smithfield Lodge, No. 1623.
CONSECRATION OF THE WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE , No . 1623 .
rTlie following appeared in our Second Edition of last week . ]
On Thursday last this new lodge was consccialcd at the new Market Hotel , King-strcet , Snow-hill . It has been started for the convenience of brethren ( of whom there are many ) in the ward of Aldersgate . The brethren who took part in the ceremony were Bros .
losep h Smith , Thomas W . Adams , Frederick Walters , Alfred Black , H . J . Green , W . M . 1275 ; A . Tisley , Sec . i s . - * 8 ' A . Beasley , P . M . 7 S 0 ; C . W . Williams , I W 1275 ; F . H . Harvey , 1423 ; W . E . Williams , WM . 15 ^ 8 ; W . Piatt , P . M . 23 ; j . W . Baldwin , P . M . ., ' ,,. W . Jones , P . M . 765 ; G . T . Wintle , P . M . 7 $ ¦ J . Taylor , W . M . 933 ; H . Bartlett , P . M . 147 ; ¦
1 T * . Briggs , P . M . 157 ; C . Legg , W . M . 861 ; C . \ v . Wise , W . M . 1158 ; Capt . Reginald Williams , P . G . O . Middlesex , S . W . 1275 ; Col . J . Creaton , P . G . p . . H . Massey , P . M . 619 (" Freemason" ); J . Terry , Sec . Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; Chas . B . Payne , P . M . 27 , G . T . ; James Willing , P . M . 1507 ; G . Mallett , J . W . 141 ; J . L . Waygood , W . M . ' 141 ;
\ V . Hale , P . M . 135 -, W . Hilton , P . M . 780 and 1351 ; Edward Smiles , 1491 ; W . Sugg , P . M . 452 ; Wright , Meanwell , P . M . 861 ; G . Allison , 1298 , Win . Ough , P . G . P . ; Michael Underwood , D . C . 1423 ; J . Johnson , 1423 ; G- Wallace , 95 ; F . Thurston , 72 ; Lieutenant ' Walter Cole , 1423 ; Hugh Cotter , W . C . Lovegrove , 564 ; R . Schroder , 217 ; II . J .
Westmore , 217 ; C . J . Hogg , P . M . 8 , P . G . S . ; T . H . Bull , 228 ; H . Walford , 228 ; Bockett , 228 ; H . Keeble , P . M . 127 *;; J . Chambers Rowe , W . M . 780 ; A . G . Dodson , W . M . 188 ; G . Rumball , 141 ; J . Harries , 879 ; W . Stuart , P . M . 141 ; and E . W . Mackney , P . M . 194 . Thc ceremony of consecration was performed by Bro . John Hervey , Grand Secretary , who appointed Lieut .-Col .
Creaton , P . G . D ., as S . W . -, W . Ough , P . G . P ., J . W . ; the Rev . P-M . Holden , Prov . G . C . Middlesex , as Chaplain ; Green , I . G . ; H . G . Buss , Prov . G . J . W . Middlesex , D . C .: Jas . Terry , Prov . G . D . C . Herts , D . C ; F . Walters , Sec , and Williams , Organist . After the lodge had been opened in the three degrees Bro . John Heri'ey said ,
Brethren , —It is customary , as you arc all aware , on these occasions for the presiding officer to address some few observations to the lodge ; but I can assure you I feel under considerable disadvantage , because as it has fallen to my lot to consecrate a great many lodges I find it perfectly impossible to discover anything new to say to every new lodge that I undertake to consecrate ; but there is one
thing I will venture to do on the present occasion , and that is to congratulate the W . M . designate and the members of the lodge which we are about now to consecrate upon having succeeded in the attainment of their wishes , that of getting a new warrant ; and I hope as this lodge is to be a lodge , I may almost say , for the convenience of this neighbourhood , that it will be so supported bv the
brethren who live round about , and by those whom they introduce into the Order , as to merit the confidence of the Craft . Having a brother at the head of this new lodge so experienced as Bro . Smith , of course we cannot but expect a good deal from this new lodge , because when a brother has had much experience in the Craft he must of necessity be better able to govern than one who
probably has never filled a Warden ' s chair , or gone through the chair of the Master ; and under those circumstances we need not anticipate that there will be much difficulty in carrying the lodge through in a proper and gratifying spirit so far as the Craft is concerned . I , brethren , as you know , always , and I believe with good reason , impress upon the brethren the necessity of not admitting to the
Craft candidates who are not fit to be introduced into the order ; and although our good friend Bro . Joseph Smilh is so experienced , yet those who are about to serve with him in this new lodge may not be so experienced as himself , and may be induced on very slight acquaintance , w not knowing who they are recommending to the lodge , 'o propose men who hereafter they will be sorry to see in
' he Craft . I may , though it is an oft-told tale with me , once more venture to impress it on the minds of those who are present that the whole existence of the Craft , one may almost say , depends upon its members being of that class who will preserve unity in the lodge , and who will not for the sake of the joining fee or the initiation fee , introduce brethren . It cannot matter to the members of a lodge whether in the first year they number twenty or thirty ; it
• piinot matter certainly to them whether they are a small . 8 e OT a large one ; and 1 am sure it will be the experi' « of all those round this room that the smaller a lodge I di m rC raana eablc it is ; the more comfortable it is ; nd I i , ; i ^ ht almost go further - .. a say , the more respectla C " 1 ^ ' ' *'•* " w'sb t 0 t'lro ' , v any discredit on fge lod ges where properly conducted , and where the Iod . h " '" " S t ; ther i" one tiain ; but in a large ge the members cannot be so much under the control of
asso * , aS " * a Sma " ° ni : ; they wil 1 break out int 0 or nokh ** the mselves into little coteries , and make more more , dc sirable * . and hence , I say , a small lodge is anoth - ° rtab * e than a largc one * ' brethren , therc is erpoint I haveinsisted unon on two or three occasions .
and 11 l ¦ a wlU aUude t 0 ''• and lhat is the absur < l than th f n . tab , e system of blackballing for no other reason can be m her is disa ointed in a lodge . Nothing orun , h ° ' Ullcharitablcor un-Masonic ; and I am bound 'ale on , ? Iu of bcir 'S * to 1 , 1 tl"at I have again told the same *«•• and , that I am , iPr , „» - -, „„ ? .. „ . . I i . „_
lr uction nf brethren -against what must be the des-, c matic bWkh tf loil g ? , in whi <* h it prevails , that of sysis Put un -7 . , > S w , thuut any object . A respectable man ca " be nothi Cand i date ror membership to the lodge ; here C 0 » ld desire „ f u r aeainst bim ; he is everything you Slre or Wlsh to i and yet when the ballot box is
Consecration Of The West Smithfield Lodge, No. 1623.
carried round the room the W . M . declares him not elected . What can bc more humiliating to thc lodge generally , or to the W . M . in particular ? Brethren , I will not trouble you by any further observation cf mine . I know presently yen will have a beautiful discourse from the rev . brother on my left ; and 1 shall leave him lo give his advice to the lode-c . and he will . I am sure , asrree with mc that thc
observations 1 have made are not out of place , although they may often have been reiterated from the Master's chair . After this the ceremony was proceeded with as far as the delivery of the Chaplain ' s oration , when Bro . Hervey called upon the Rev . P . M . Holden to perform that office , whereupon ,
The Rev . P . M . Holden said , —W . Sir , and brethren all , although the art or science of Freemasonry dates from the creation of man , the great subject of it , I might almost say , from the creation itself , yet the building of King Solomon's Temple is the great and all important era from whence is derived most of the Freemasonry , as it exists among us at the present day , and to the wise and
glorious King of Israel , wc arc indebted for many of its mystic forms and hieroglyphic ceremonies . Now this Temple of King Solomon was erected in imitation of thc Tabernacle of Moses , and the Court thereof from a design which his father , King David reccivecUin a vision from thc Great Architect of the Universe , but far exceeding * the tabernacle in erandeur and
magnificence . King Solomon dedicated this temple to the Most High by assembling all the people , by bringing thither the ark of the covenant and the holy things , by devout prayer , by music and praises , by a feast of seven days , and a vast multitude of sacrifices . Every part of the temple had a symbolic meaning ; its porch , its courts , its pillars , its altars , its decorations and vessels . The
services , moreover , were of . 1 typical and symbolic character , and most admirably calculated to impress the minds of the most ignorant among the worshippers with feelings of the deepest reppect , awe and reverence to the Great Creator . The highest acts of adoration were accompanied with the sounds of many instruments , with the swelling chorus of a trained multitude of singers ; whilst the
prayers of the faithful ascended to the Great Architect amidst the perfume of incense which flowed from golden censers . Symbolic worship has ever been used from the very earliest times by all nations in their religious rites and ceremonies -, but nothing so imposing and gorgeous has ever been seen or heard of in the world ' s history as the celebrated temple worship at Jerusalem . Now ,
brethren , a Freemasons' lodge is neither more nor less than a very humble representation oi King Solomon ' s Temple ; and however feeble an imitation it may be , it enjoins b y its symbolic teaching such estimable tenets and principles that if Masons will only strive to the utmost to make themselves acquainted with its ceremonies and mysteries they must become better fitted for the society of their
brethren of the Craft , and certainly better members of the popular world at large . So full of meaning are the simple but beautiful symbols constantly before our eyes that the very poorest memory can retain their significance and practise the principles they represent in daily life and conduct . To carry the illustration further , the human body , I need scarcely remind you , has been described
as " The 1 emple of the Most High , " and as our " earthly tabernacle ; " and the peculiar system of Freemasonry is such that by it we are enabled to build up body and soul " perfect in its parts , " and full of " wisdom , strength , and beauty . " Moreover , supported by fortitude , chastened by temperance , and guided in all our actions by faith and justice , we shall be able rightly and properly to maintain
the fabric of this our earthly temple until time for us shall be no more . Then may we hope to obtain the password to eternal life , and so at last gain admittance into the glorious lodge of our Supreme Grand Master above . The outside world , I am aware , sometimes brings the charge against us that Freemasonry is inconsistent with true religion , or , indeed , with any form of religion—a most
unjust , cruel , and wicked charge ; for in the ceremonial of Freemasonry , and more especially in the consecration ceremony , religion is always prominently , emphatically , and impressively brought forth . Now , the volume of the Sacred Law , which always lies open in the lodge , contains thc unmistakeable command of the Great Architect himself that His name should not be taken in vain ; and while
we therefore in our ceremonies invariably invoke His Name and implore a Divine blessing upon all our endeavours , it roust be a very great hypocrisy on our part , and hypocrisy of the very blackest description , if we do not act under thc feeling of reli gion with a desire to please God . Freemasonry must be one thing or the other ; it must either be what I firmly believe it to be , a grand
system of morality , or else a form of hypocrisy of which we , as honest men , should be thoroughly and heartil y ashamed . It is also with infinite pride and satisfaction that we can all bear witness and acknowledge that Freemasonry , though ranging under its banners men of every variety of creed , is wholly and entirely free from any religious controversy or bitterness . Those who arc not
Masons sometimes think it is a kind of religion of our own ; but it is not so , for this simple reason that Freemasonry never touches on the mode oc manner of Ihe worship of God ; it simply inculcates and enforces as strongly as it possibly can tha one thing which must form a part of every true religion , that we should do to our nei ghbours as we would our neighbours should do to us , and act honourably , honestly , and unselfishl y in all
our dealings with nunkind , not merely from the idea of doing them good , still less for the idea of getting credit to ourselves ; but for the highest and grandest motive of all , to please the Most High God . I do not for one moment consider that Freemasonry is a higher principle or a loftier inducement to right action than religion . It is not a substitute for reli gion in this respect , and God forbid that I should say so ; but at any rate Freemasonry unquestionably does this -. my brethren , it includes those men
Consecration Of The West Smithfield Lodge, No. 1623.
who perhaps have hardly any one thing in common , whose profession , whose business , and whose position in life would naturally always keep them entirely apart ; and it enables them , I say , to meet together , to know one another , lo esteem and respect one another , to love one another , and above all , to speak upon questions which nrobablv thev would never touch unon otherwise—nncQ .
tions as to what is right and what is wrong , as to what is noble and what is mean ; and in fact , that which is the sum total of religion is the subject about which Masons can openly talk in lodge , and which they would never think of doing without that feeling of shyness and reserve which exists is a greater or lesser degree in every man's mind and bosom where there is not this open communion
which Freemasons so thoroughly enjoy and appreciate . In this way I am positive that Freemasonry does an incalculable amount of good . I mention this at the establishment of a new lodge because it is of the greatest importance that these points should be more or less made known to new members before they are initiated . I say advisedly " before they are initiated , " for although acandidatc comes
into Freemasonry blind with regard to our secrets and mysteries and our ceremonies , he should at any rate , I think , be acquainted with the grand principle upon which the ancient Order is founded , and as to what will be expected uf him should he become a member of the Craft . May I venture to add Worshipful Sir , and lam sure , from what you have said , you will bear me out in the expression of
this opinion , and also other distinguished Freemasons present , that the greatest care , I feel , should be taken in the admission of candidates , and I am sure this should be strictly attended to , as 1 feel positive , with you , sir , that upon it depends the future prosperity and success of this lodge . It only remains for me , Worshipful Sir , to thank you and all the brethren present , for the very kind
manner in which they have been pleased to listen to this very imperfect address , I admit , and which , perhaps , I cannot better conclude than , with your permission , sir , reciting the following lines , which were delivered at the installation meeting of an American Lodge -. — " When , ages back , the Temple rose , Majestic ' neath the rising sun ,
The Sacred Scroll was then unrolled , The glorious Brotherhood begun . And proudly down the tide of years , Amid the rocks that frowning lay , The vessel with Masonic flag , Has kept its safe and steady way . The crew are pledged to noble deeds
To battle bravely for the right , To hold truth ' s standard ever up , To scatter darkness by the li ght , To help a fallen brother rise , To feed the poor , assist the weak , To drv with tender pitying hand , The tear from off the widow ' s cheek Base slander , serpent-like , and foul ,
Shall die beneath Masonic heel , The sword shall from its scabbard leap , When woman ' s honour makes appeal . When raging heat on battle field , Strives every battered pulse to smother , The feeble foe with sinking strength , Gives mystic sign that makes him brother On land or sea . in everv clime .
Where ' er the tongue of man is spoken , Is found the pure and spotless square , The Masons' ever honoured token . Their creed holds all that's good and true , No Christian teaching can be surer The prayer we lisp at mother's knee In spirit is not better , purer .
Curs'd be the man who falsely takes The sacred oath for selfish gain , Who stains his armour caitiff like , And brings reproach upon the name . But blessed shall the brother be Who purely wears the signet given Till God , the Great Hieh Priest , shall call
The sacred lodge above in Heaven . The Rev . brother was much applauded as he resumed his seat on the termination of the above address . The lodge ceremony was then performed , and Bro . Joseph Smith was installed first W . M . of the lodge . Bro . Adams was invested as S . W ., and Bro . Frederick Walters as Secretary , with manv comolimentarv remarks hv the
W . M . On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by Bro . F . Walters , the thanks of the lodge were unanimously voted to the Consecrating Master , and all the oflicers who had assisted him , and they were elected honorary members of the lodge . Bros . Hervey and Holden responded for the honour ; and a vote of thanks was afterwards passed to Bro . Williams for the
musical portion of the ceremony . Propositions for joining and initiation were then given in , and the lodge was closed . A very nice banquet , supplied by Bro . Butt , followed , and the usual toasts were proposed . Afterwards Bro . Hervey responded for the " Grand Officers , " and proposed "The W . M . ' s Health and Prosperity to the West Smithfield I . n ( l < re . " for which thc W . M . reolied .
Bros . Buss , Terry , and Hogg responded for " The Provincial Grand Officers , " and Bro . A . Beasley for "The Visitors . " Bro . Adams replied fur " The Officers , " and Bro . F . Walters for "The Secretary . " bro . H . Massey responded for "The Press , * ' and Bro . Batt to a soecial toast proposed bv the W . M . for the
landlord of the house , who had provided an excellent banquet and had been so punctual that the dinner having been ordered for five o ' clock , all the brethren were sitting down enjoying it by five minutes after that hour . Bros . E . W . Mackney and VV . Piatt amused the brethren with some pleasant singing , and Bro . Holden gave several recitations . The next meeting of llu ; lodge will be held ' < n ; Stlit
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The West Smithfield Lodge, No. 1623.
CONSECRATION OF THE WEST SMITHFIELD LODGE , No . 1623 .
rTlie following appeared in our Second Edition of last week . ]
On Thursday last this new lodge was consccialcd at the new Market Hotel , King-strcet , Snow-hill . It has been started for the convenience of brethren ( of whom there are many ) in the ward of Aldersgate . The brethren who took part in the ceremony were Bros .
losep h Smith , Thomas W . Adams , Frederick Walters , Alfred Black , H . J . Green , W . M . 1275 ; A . Tisley , Sec . i s . - * 8 ' A . Beasley , P . M . 7 S 0 ; C . W . Williams , I W 1275 ; F . H . Harvey , 1423 ; W . E . Williams , WM . 15 ^ 8 ; W . Piatt , P . M . 23 ; j . W . Baldwin , P . M . ., ' ,,. W . Jones , P . M . 765 ; G . T . Wintle , P . M . 7 $ ¦ J . Taylor , W . M . 933 ; H . Bartlett , P . M . 147 ; ¦
1 T * . Briggs , P . M . 157 ; C . Legg , W . M . 861 ; C . \ v . Wise , W . M . 1158 ; Capt . Reginald Williams , P . G . O . Middlesex , S . W . 1275 ; Col . J . Creaton , P . G . p . . H . Massey , P . M . 619 (" Freemason" ); J . Terry , Sec . Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution ; Chas . B . Payne , P . M . 27 , G . T . ; James Willing , P . M . 1507 ; G . Mallett , J . W . 141 ; J . L . Waygood , W . M . ' 141 ;
\ V . Hale , P . M . 135 -, W . Hilton , P . M . 780 and 1351 ; Edward Smiles , 1491 ; W . Sugg , P . M . 452 ; Wright , Meanwell , P . M . 861 ; G . Allison , 1298 , Win . Ough , P . G . P . ; Michael Underwood , D . C . 1423 ; J . Johnson , 1423 ; G- Wallace , 95 ; F . Thurston , 72 ; Lieutenant ' Walter Cole , 1423 ; Hugh Cotter , W . C . Lovegrove , 564 ; R . Schroder , 217 ; II . J .
Westmore , 217 ; C . J . Hogg , P . M . 8 , P . G . S . ; T . H . Bull , 228 ; H . Walford , 228 ; Bockett , 228 ; H . Keeble , P . M . 127 *;; J . Chambers Rowe , W . M . 780 ; A . G . Dodson , W . M . 188 ; G . Rumball , 141 ; J . Harries , 879 ; W . Stuart , P . M . 141 ; and E . W . Mackney , P . M . 194 . Thc ceremony of consecration was performed by Bro . John Hervey , Grand Secretary , who appointed Lieut .-Col .
Creaton , P . G . D ., as S . W . -, W . Ough , P . G . P ., J . W . ; the Rev . P-M . Holden , Prov . G . C . Middlesex , as Chaplain ; Green , I . G . ; H . G . Buss , Prov . G . J . W . Middlesex , D . C .: Jas . Terry , Prov . G . D . C . Herts , D . C ; F . Walters , Sec , and Williams , Organist . After the lodge had been opened in the three degrees Bro . John Heri'ey said ,
Brethren , —It is customary , as you arc all aware , on these occasions for the presiding officer to address some few observations to the lodge ; but I can assure you I feel under considerable disadvantage , because as it has fallen to my lot to consecrate a great many lodges I find it perfectly impossible to discover anything new to say to every new lodge that I undertake to consecrate ; but there is one
thing I will venture to do on the present occasion , and that is to congratulate the W . M . designate and the members of the lodge which we are about now to consecrate upon having succeeded in the attainment of their wishes , that of getting a new warrant ; and I hope as this lodge is to be a lodge , I may almost say , for the convenience of this neighbourhood , that it will be so supported bv the
brethren who live round about , and by those whom they introduce into the Order , as to merit the confidence of the Craft . Having a brother at the head of this new lodge so experienced as Bro . Smith , of course we cannot but expect a good deal from this new lodge , because when a brother has had much experience in the Craft he must of necessity be better able to govern than one who
probably has never filled a Warden ' s chair , or gone through the chair of the Master ; and under those circumstances we need not anticipate that there will be much difficulty in carrying the lodge through in a proper and gratifying spirit so far as the Craft is concerned . I , brethren , as you know , always , and I believe with good reason , impress upon the brethren the necessity of not admitting to the
Craft candidates who are not fit to be introduced into the order ; and although our good friend Bro . Joseph Smilh is so experienced , yet those who are about to serve with him in this new lodge may not be so experienced as himself , and may be induced on very slight acquaintance , w not knowing who they are recommending to the lodge , 'o propose men who hereafter they will be sorry to see in
' he Craft . I may , though it is an oft-told tale with me , once more venture to impress it on the minds of those who are present that the whole existence of the Craft , one may almost say , depends upon its members being of that class who will preserve unity in the lodge , and who will not for the sake of the joining fee or the initiation fee , introduce brethren . It cannot matter to the members of a lodge whether in the first year they number twenty or thirty ; it
• piinot matter certainly to them whether they are a small . 8 e OT a large one ; and 1 am sure it will be the experi' « of all those round this room that the smaller a lodge I di m rC raana eablc it is ; the more comfortable it is ; nd I i , ; i ^ ht almost go further - .. a say , the more respectla C " 1 ^ ' ' *'•* " w'sb t 0 t'lro ' , v any discredit on fge lod ges where properly conducted , and where the Iod . h " '" " S t ; ther i" one tiain ; but in a large ge the members cannot be so much under the control of
asso * , aS " * a Sma " ° ni : ; they wil 1 break out int 0 or nokh ** the mselves into little coteries , and make more more , dc sirable * . and hence , I say , a small lodge is anoth - ° rtab * e than a largc one * ' brethren , therc is erpoint I haveinsisted unon on two or three occasions .
and 11 l ¦ a wlU aUude t 0 ''• and lhat is the absur < l than th f n . tab , e system of blackballing for no other reason can be m her is disa ointed in a lodge . Nothing orun , h ° ' Ullcharitablcor un-Masonic ; and I am bound 'ale on , ? Iu of bcir 'S * to 1 , 1 tl"at I have again told the same *«•• and , that I am , iPr , „» - -, „„ ? .. „ . . I i . „_
lr uction nf brethren -against what must be the des-, c matic bWkh tf loil g ? , in whi <* h it prevails , that of sysis Put un -7 . , > S w , thuut any object . A respectable man ca " be nothi Cand i date ror membership to the lodge ; here C 0 » ld desire „ f u r aeainst bim ; he is everything you Slre or Wlsh to i and yet when the ballot box is
Consecration Of The West Smithfield Lodge, No. 1623.
carried round the room the W . M . declares him not elected . What can bc more humiliating to thc lodge generally , or to the W . M . in particular ? Brethren , I will not trouble you by any further observation cf mine . I know presently yen will have a beautiful discourse from the rev . brother on my left ; and 1 shall leave him lo give his advice to the lode-c . and he will . I am sure , asrree with mc that thc
observations 1 have made are not out of place , although they may often have been reiterated from the Master's chair . After this the ceremony was proceeded with as far as the delivery of the Chaplain ' s oration , when Bro . Hervey called upon the Rev . P . M . Holden to perform that office , whereupon ,
The Rev . P . M . Holden said , —W . Sir , and brethren all , although the art or science of Freemasonry dates from the creation of man , the great subject of it , I might almost say , from the creation itself , yet the building of King Solomon's Temple is the great and all important era from whence is derived most of the Freemasonry , as it exists among us at the present day , and to the wise and
glorious King of Israel , wc arc indebted for many of its mystic forms and hieroglyphic ceremonies . Now this Temple of King Solomon was erected in imitation of thc Tabernacle of Moses , and the Court thereof from a design which his father , King David reccivecUin a vision from thc Great Architect of the Universe , but far exceeding * the tabernacle in erandeur and
magnificence . King Solomon dedicated this temple to the Most High by assembling all the people , by bringing thither the ark of the covenant and the holy things , by devout prayer , by music and praises , by a feast of seven days , and a vast multitude of sacrifices . Every part of the temple had a symbolic meaning ; its porch , its courts , its pillars , its altars , its decorations and vessels . The
services , moreover , were of . 1 typical and symbolic character , and most admirably calculated to impress the minds of the most ignorant among the worshippers with feelings of the deepest reppect , awe and reverence to the Great Creator . The highest acts of adoration were accompanied with the sounds of many instruments , with the swelling chorus of a trained multitude of singers ; whilst the
prayers of the faithful ascended to the Great Architect amidst the perfume of incense which flowed from golden censers . Symbolic worship has ever been used from the very earliest times by all nations in their religious rites and ceremonies -, but nothing so imposing and gorgeous has ever been seen or heard of in the world ' s history as the celebrated temple worship at Jerusalem . Now ,
brethren , a Freemasons' lodge is neither more nor less than a very humble representation oi King Solomon ' s Temple ; and however feeble an imitation it may be , it enjoins b y its symbolic teaching such estimable tenets and principles that if Masons will only strive to the utmost to make themselves acquainted with its ceremonies and mysteries they must become better fitted for the society of their
brethren of the Craft , and certainly better members of the popular world at large . So full of meaning are the simple but beautiful symbols constantly before our eyes that the very poorest memory can retain their significance and practise the principles they represent in daily life and conduct . To carry the illustration further , the human body , I need scarcely remind you , has been described
as " The 1 emple of the Most High , " and as our " earthly tabernacle ; " and the peculiar system of Freemasonry is such that by it we are enabled to build up body and soul " perfect in its parts , " and full of " wisdom , strength , and beauty . " Moreover , supported by fortitude , chastened by temperance , and guided in all our actions by faith and justice , we shall be able rightly and properly to maintain
the fabric of this our earthly temple until time for us shall be no more . Then may we hope to obtain the password to eternal life , and so at last gain admittance into the glorious lodge of our Supreme Grand Master above . The outside world , I am aware , sometimes brings the charge against us that Freemasonry is inconsistent with true religion , or , indeed , with any form of religion—a most
unjust , cruel , and wicked charge ; for in the ceremonial of Freemasonry , and more especially in the consecration ceremony , religion is always prominently , emphatically , and impressively brought forth . Now , the volume of the Sacred Law , which always lies open in the lodge , contains thc unmistakeable command of the Great Architect himself that His name should not be taken in vain ; and while
we therefore in our ceremonies invariably invoke His Name and implore a Divine blessing upon all our endeavours , it roust be a very great hypocrisy on our part , and hypocrisy of the very blackest description , if we do not act under thc feeling of reli gion with a desire to please God . Freemasonry must be one thing or the other ; it must either be what I firmly believe it to be , a grand
system of morality , or else a form of hypocrisy of which we , as honest men , should be thoroughly and heartil y ashamed . It is also with infinite pride and satisfaction that we can all bear witness and acknowledge that Freemasonry , though ranging under its banners men of every variety of creed , is wholly and entirely free from any religious controversy or bitterness . Those who arc not
Masons sometimes think it is a kind of religion of our own ; but it is not so , for this simple reason that Freemasonry never touches on the mode oc manner of Ihe worship of God ; it simply inculcates and enforces as strongly as it possibly can tha one thing which must form a part of every true religion , that we should do to our nei ghbours as we would our neighbours should do to us , and act honourably , honestly , and unselfishl y in all
our dealings with nunkind , not merely from the idea of doing them good , still less for the idea of getting credit to ourselves ; but for the highest and grandest motive of all , to please the Most High God . I do not for one moment consider that Freemasonry is a higher principle or a loftier inducement to right action than religion . It is not a substitute for reli gion in this respect , and God forbid that I should say so ; but at any rate Freemasonry unquestionably does this -. my brethren , it includes those men
Consecration Of The West Smithfield Lodge, No. 1623.
who perhaps have hardly any one thing in common , whose profession , whose business , and whose position in life would naturally always keep them entirely apart ; and it enables them , I say , to meet together , to know one another , lo esteem and respect one another , to love one another , and above all , to speak upon questions which nrobablv thev would never touch unon otherwise—nncQ .
tions as to what is right and what is wrong , as to what is noble and what is mean ; and in fact , that which is the sum total of religion is the subject about which Masons can openly talk in lodge , and which they would never think of doing without that feeling of shyness and reserve which exists is a greater or lesser degree in every man's mind and bosom where there is not this open communion
which Freemasons so thoroughly enjoy and appreciate . In this way I am positive that Freemasonry does an incalculable amount of good . I mention this at the establishment of a new lodge because it is of the greatest importance that these points should be more or less made known to new members before they are initiated . I say advisedly " before they are initiated , " for although acandidatc comes
into Freemasonry blind with regard to our secrets and mysteries and our ceremonies , he should at any rate , I think , be acquainted with the grand principle upon which the ancient Order is founded , and as to what will be expected uf him should he become a member of the Craft . May I venture to add Worshipful Sir , and lam sure , from what you have said , you will bear me out in the expression of
this opinion , and also other distinguished Freemasons present , that the greatest care , I feel , should be taken in the admission of candidates , and I am sure this should be strictly attended to , as 1 feel positive , with you , sir , that upon it depends the future prosperity and success of this lodge . It only remains for me , Worshipful Sir , to thank you and all the brethren present , for the very kind
manner in which they have been pleased to listen to this very imperfect address , I admit , and which , perhaps , I cannot better conclude than , with your permission , sir , reciting the following lines , which were delivered at the installation meeting of an American Lodge -. — " When , ages back , the Temple rose , Majestic ' neath the rising sun ,
The Sacred Scroll was then unrolled , The glorious Brotherhood begun . And proudly down the tide of years , Amid the rocks that frowning lay , The vessel with Masonic flag , Has kept its safe and steady way . The crew are pledged to noble deeds
To battle bravely for the right , To hold truth ' s standard ever up , To scatter darkness by the li ght , To help a fallen brother rise , To feed the poor , assist the weak , To drv with tender pitying hand , The tear from off the widow ' s cheek Base slander , serpent-like , and foul ,
Shall die beneath Masonic heel , The sword shall from its scabbard leap , When woman ' s honour makes appeal . When raging heat on battle field , Strives every battered pulse to smother , The feeble foe with sinking strength , Gives mystic sign that makes him brother On land or sea . in everv clime .
Where ' er the tongue of man is spoken , Is found the pure and spotless square , The Masons' ever honoured token . Their creed holds all that's good and true , No Christian teaching can be surer The prayer we lisp at mother's knee In spirit is not better , purer .
Curs'd be the man who falsely takes The sacred oath for selfish gain , Who stains his armour caitiff like , And brings reproach upon the name . But blessed shall the brother be Who purely wears the signet given Till God , the Great Hieh Priest , shall call
The sacred lodge above in Heaven . The Rev . brother was much applauded as he resumed his seat on the termination of the above address . The lodge ceremony was then performed , and Bro . Joseph Smith was installed first W . M . of the lodge . Bro . Adams was invested as S . W ., and Bro . Frederick Walters as Secretary , with manv comolimentarv remarks hv the
W . M . On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by Bro . F . Walters , the thanks of the lodge were unanimously voted to the Consecrating Master , and all the oflicers who had assisted him , and they were elected honorary members of the lodge . Bros . Hervey and Holden responded for the honour ; and a vote of thanks was afterwards passed to Bro . Williams for the
musical portion of the ceremony . Propositions for joining and initiation were then given in , and the lodge was closed . A very nice banquet , supplied by Bro . Butt , followed , and the usual toasts were proposed . Afterwards Bro . Hervey responded for the " Grand Officers , " and proposed "The W . M . ' s Health and Prosperity to the West Smithfield I . n ( l < re . " for which thc W . M . reolied .
Bros . Buss , Terry , and Hogg responded for " The Provincial Grand Officers , " and Bro . A . Beasley for "The Visitors . " Bro . Adams replied fur " The Officers , " and Bro . F . Walters for "The Secretary . " bro . H . Massey responded for "The Press , * ' and Bro . Batt to a soecial toast proposed bv the W . M . for the
landlord of the house , who had provided an excellent banquet and had been so punctual that the dinner having been ordered for five o ' clock , all the brethren were sitting down enjoying it by five minutes after that hour . Bros . E . W . Mackney and VV . Piatt amused the brethren with some pleasant singing , and Bro . Holden gave several recitations . The next meeting of llu ; lodge will be held ' < n ; Stlit