-
Articles/Ads
Article REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. ← Page 3 of 3 Article Red Cross of Constantine. Page 1 of 1 Article LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE. Page 1 of 1 Article CONSECRATION OF THE SKELMERSDALE LODGE, No. 1658. Page 1 of 1 Article A LONG JOURNEY. Page 1 of 1 Article A LONG JOURNEY. Page 1 of 1 Article WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC ADDRESS. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
been given , the brethren separated , highly delig hted with all they had seen and heard in the Musgrave Lodge . "
INSTRUCTION . DCJKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . _ -At the regular meeting held at the Havclock Tavern , Albion-road , Dalston , on Wedneselay , the 14 th inst , there were present Bros . Brastcel , W . M . ; Robinson , S . W . ; Laikin , J . W . ; Hewlett , S . D . ; Bonner , J . D , ; B . Meyer , IG . ; Fieldwick , Preceptor ; and Bros . Shackelton , Smith ,
G . Ferrar , Stevenson , Spencer , Polak , Brown , and Smythe . The lodge was opened iu due form with prayer . The minutes of last lodge meeting wcre read and confirmed . The lodge was opened iu the Second Degree , and Bro . Polak was passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft . The First , Second , Third , Fourth , and Fifth Sections of the Lecture were worked by Bro . Hewlett , assisted by the
brethren . Proposed by Bro . Shackelton , seconded by Bro . B . Meyer , that Bro . Smyth be elected a joining member of the Lodge of Instruction . Carried unanimously . Bro . Fieldwick proposed that Bro . Robinson be elected W . M . for the ensuing week . Nothing else offering , the lodge was closed in ancient form , and adjourned to Wednesaday , 21 st inst ., at 8 p . m .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
Red Cross of Constantine .
CAMBRIDGE . —Cambridge University Conclave ( No . 128 ) . —The regular meeting of this conclave was held on the 10 th inst ., 111 . Sir Kt . C . E . Peek , Int . Gen . M . P . S . ; Sir Kt . Leith , V . After confirmation of the minutes Bros . Maxwell and Phillips were installed Kts . of the Order . The conclave was then closed in due and ancient form .
Lodge Of Benevolence.
LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Lodge of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . John M . Clabon , P . G . D ., President of the Board , presided ; Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., Senior Vice-President , was in the Senior Vice-President ' s chair ; and Bro . E . P . Albert , G . P ., occupied the chair of Junior Vice-President .
The other brethren present were Bros . John Hervey , G . S . ; H . G . Buss , A . A . Pendlebury , C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; S . Rawson , P . District G . M . China ; W . Smith , C . E . ; H . Browse , P . G . D . ; Joseph Smith , P . G . P . ; S . G . Foxall , A . G . P . ; C . F . Hogard , H . Bartlett , W . H . Myers , W . T . Howe , H . Garrod , John Bingemann , John Constable , H . Massey ( Freemason ) , C . Atkins , Samuel Poynter ,
Herbert Dicketts , W . Clifton Crick , H . Phythian , Dr . Great Rex , S . Gamman , Samuel H . Rawley , George Littlewood , Alfred A . Drew , E . J . Harty , J . J . Pakes , J . J . Gosset , H . J . Moxon , John Nixon , W . H . Perryman , C . J . B . Bumstead , W . Lauber , C . Killick , A . Lefeaux , H . Higgins , Sam . Pardoe , John Carver , C . Rayden , A . A . Drew , S . R . Speight , John Mowlem
Burt , Jas . W . Lambert , Henry Cox , Col . H . S . Somcrville Burney , Alfred Meadows , B . H . Swallow , and John Crittenden . The grants of former lodge , which required confirmation , amounting in all to jf 220 , were confirmed , and the brethren then proceeded with the consideration of the new
cases , of which there were no less than 28 on the paper . Of these cases one was dismissed and two deferred . The remainder were relieved with a total sum of £ ( no , consisting of one jfioo ; one £ 75 ; three £ 40 ; three £ 30 ; five £ 20 ; three £ 15 ; seven £ \ o ; and two £ 3 . The lodge sat till past nine o ' clock .
Consecration Of The Skelmersdale Lodge, No. 1658.
CONSECRATION OF THE SKELMERSDALE LODGE , No . 1658 .
The consecration of this new lodge took place on the "th inst ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , at which place the meetings of the lodge will be regularly held . Among the brethren present , in addition to the consecrating officers , were : Bros . Rev . P . M . Holdcn , Dr . Pindcr , H .
A . Dubois , M . S . Larlham , T . Edmonson , W . Case , J . Cavin , J . Hastier , W . M . Cackett , N . Brydges , F . Koch , anil E . W . Devereux . The consecration and installation ceremonies were most effectively performed by Bro . John Hervey , P . G . D ., V . W . Grand Secretary , with the able assistance of V . W . Bro . the Rev . Robert J . Simpson , P . G . C , and Bro . Henry Gustavus Buss , J . G . Warden of Midelx .
Bio . Hervey , in the' course of his address , again cautioned the brethren in the selection of candidates for initiation , there being , in the present day , many applicants for admission into Freemasonry for designs other than those approved of by the Orelcr . During thc ceremony a very appropriate and brilliant oration was delivered by Bro .
Simpson . The Grand Secretary then installed . Bro . S . j . Harvey as W . M ., who immediately afterwards appointed and mvested the first staff of officers of the lodge . The lodge was soon after closed , anel thc brethren adjourned to a choice banquet , served in first-class style in the hall b y Bro . Geider , the usual toasts being given and duly responded to .
THE COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR DiAnv AND POCKET BOOK for 1877 ( London , George Venning , iy 8 , Fleet-street ) . We have no hesitation in strong ly recommending this useful and carefully-prepared work to every Mason . It is in itself an Encyclopedia of Masonry , and fully bears out its title of " Comprehensive Masonic Botik of Reference . To brethren in the habit of
javelljng the work is simply indispensable , and will enable nem in every town which they may visit , to find out night * nu meeting place . not only of Craft and Arch Masonry , but , ' Pfeceptories , conclaves , &* c . The book is also well . CUnd , and is a most convenient pocket book . The price teT ' y 2 S ., and is most remarkably low , considering the c [ ulness of the publication , and the fund of information ¦ , 1 'crdei 1 , _ 7 / , ( . | rs / e „ f Man Times .
A Long Journey.
A LONG JOURNEY .
Our respected contemporary Bro . Hubert , of the Chaine d'Union , Paris , in thc number for February just past , has an article in which he expresses a desire to open again fcr discussion the questions at issue between the Grand Orient of France and the American Grand Lodges , with a view to its settlement and the resumption of intercourse between
the bodies . We cannot and do not for one moment doubt the sincerity of Bro . Hubert , whom we know to be a devoted Mason , earnestly desirous of an aeijustment- ; but it is clear that he has not measured the width and depth of the gulf of separation between Masonry as practiced and understood by English-speaking Masons and the article called Masonry in France , to say nothing of the men who
guide and direct thc march of thc Grand Orient . When he has done so carefully , he will find that either one 01 the other must travel a long way from its present found ations and principles of being before there can be any possible ground of sympathy or similarity . In the first place , it must be admitted that Masonry did not originate in France , but , on the contrary , was
taken there from England , the first lodge being established by Lord Derwcntwater , at Paris , by English authority , under which in one way or another , it remained until 1756 , when the hitherto English Grand Lodge of France declared itself independent , and set out on the journey which landed French Masonry in the arms of the Grand Orient about 1771 . So far as the actual
government is concerned , we are clearly of the opinion that each nation shouTd have its own , whether Masonic or civil ; for which reason we justify the declaration of independence of English government in France , and assert for the French brethren , as we do for ourselves , the right to have their own government . But , at the same time , it is equally clear that they could not change the form and
essence of Masonry itself , and still claim to be Masons , for the two things are incompatible . When Lord Derwentwater was received into Masonry in England , he entered into bonds to support and maintain the landmarks and cardinal dejetrines of the Craft , and he was obliged to , and doubtless did , require a similar covenant from those persons in France to whom he accorded the privilege of
participating with him in its rights and benefits , or else thc English Granel Lodge would have taken care to know why he set his p ' edges aside . It follows that in order to remain within the household of the Craft , the French Masons were in honour bound to observe and preserve the essentials as they received them , and as they have been , and still are preserved by those from whom they
acquired them , and , indeed , by all other Masons on the face of the globe , except those owing allegiance to the Grand Orient of France . Now , it is known that there is a proposition pending before thc Grand Orient , and under discussion by its suboidinate lodges , to strike from the fundamental law the requirement that a candidate must acknowledge belief in
thc existence of one ever-living and true God . What the result of this may be canr . ot be known until the meeting of the Grand Orient , next September , and it will , when known , make but little difference , for it was made known in thc debates of the last meeting that in the practice of the French lodges mire atheism or infidelity is no bar to initiation , hence whether the clause in the constitution
relating to it he suffered to stand or be stricken out , the fact remains that thc most vital of Masonic tenets has no value in French Masonry , and therefore there is , and can bo , no possible union between those who practice it and those who not only believe in God themselves , but will not suffer their companionship to be tainted by the presence of persons who do not .
Again , a Masonic organization presupposes , for the lodge , a Master ; for the Grand Lodge , a Grand Masttr . If any lodge , by amending its bye-laws , should declare the Master a surplus wheel in the machinery , abolish the office , and name a committee to rule and gr . vcrn it , the organization would no longer be Masonic , and it would practically have ceased to exist , even before the Granel
Lodge had called in its warrant . The same rule will apply with even greater force to a Grand Lodge , one of the principal duties of which is to preserve intact the general laws , forms , and doctrines e . f thc Cratt . A Grand Lodge or a Grand Orient , without a Grand Master , ceases to be a Masonic organization , or to be entitled to Masonic recognition . The Grand Orient cf France , by its own
well-considered act , abolished the Grand Mastership as a cumbrous and useless part of the machinery , and thus vaulted without the pale of Masonry to become anything you please , but certainly no longer to be a Masonic power . Once more . The readiness of the Grand Orient to give official recognition to any and every applicant for that favour ( sic ) , has become proverbial . It recognized a
spurious organization in New Orleans , engineered by one it had itself expelled , while at the same time it was on terms of amity and friendship with the regular Grand Loelge , thc territory eif which was invaded by the organization in question . When earnestly and fraternally besought to withdraw this offensive act—offensive not only to thc local Grand Lodge , but to every other Grand Lodge in the
United States , it never condescended to notice their communications , while its several committees , pretending to treat the subject with a contemptuous indifference for the intelligence of the Americans , never deigned to approach the real question at issue , and to-day it stands precisely where it did when the Grand Orient insulted the North American Craft by its friendship for a clandestine body in
their midst . Wc violate no prescription of courtesy nor do we assume any unreasonable authority when we say that on the grounds mentioned , the Grand Lodges of North America will take no step backward , assent to no compromise , resume no relations until the Grand Orient gets back on thc platform of the Institution . The journey is a long one ,
A Long Journey.
but then the French brethren have only themselves to thank for it . —Neiv York Dispatch .
West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution.
WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION .
Like our great London Charities , the claims upon the noble institution in the West Lancashire Province , of which every brother is s-o greatly proud , continue to increase every year , and the meeting of the General Committee , held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-st ., Liverpool , on Friday ,
the 16 th inst ., conclusively prove 1 that greater efforts will be needed than ever to maintain its efficiency and power , if the education and advancement in life of the children of deceased brethren are to be carried out in the manner and spirit contemplated by the founders and supporters . With the increase of lodges and members , the demands upon the Charity have grown in even a greater ratio , and
therefore the liberal support of the brethren in West Lancashire is now all the more needed . True , there is a splendid invested capital , but it is most desirable that all liabilities for the carrying out of thc scheme of charity shoi'M be met by the yearly gatherings from Masonic brethren and contributory sources . There is no doubt that this will be the result , and that the West Lancashire Masonic Educational
Institution will continue to grow in charitable strength with its increasing years of existence , and that the " little ones" who seek its help will not be driven away disappointed . At the meeting on Friday week there was a very large attendance of the committee , there being no fewer than about fifty members present . There were nearly 30 applications brought on for consideration , and it is most
satisfactory to find that out of this unusually large number not a single refusal was given where the applications were regular and according to law . Unfortunately , in the cases of three children the requirements of the byelaws were not met , and these had to be withdrawn for the present , much to the disappointment of the committee , who would have granted all if they possibly could have
done so . These elections will involve an increased yearly expenditure e . f £ 180 , which is a considerable sum to add to the alreat ' y large amount already necessary for the children on the foundation of the noble institution . But there can be little fear that the brethren of the largest Masonic province in the kingdom will also show that their
largc-hcarteduess is quite in keeping with their proud position . Br . \ Richard Brown , P . M . 241 , the Honorary Secretary of the Institution , deserves the highest praise for his zeal and tact in connection with the Institution , and he receives valuable aid from the Hon . Treasurer , as well as every member of the influential committee .
Masonic Address.
MASONIC ADDRESS .
Thc A ew York Dispatch publishes the following addrcs recently delivered by M . W . Bro . Elwood E . Thorne before Kingston Loelge , No . 10 : Right Worshipful Brother , and Brethren of the Kingston Loelge , No . 10 . —The last visit I made you was on the occasion eif laying the corner-stone , with Masonic ceremonies
of the new City Hall of Kingston , and with pleasant recollections of my visit then , I have again accepted yrur kind and fraternal invitation to be with ycu to-night , but not without some misgivings as to my ability to interest you . However , in one thing I feel secure ; that is , the knowledge that our beloved fraternity will not suffer" in feeble hands such as mine , any more than it would be
exalteJ by the lips , or pen , of the ablest of earth ' s orators , for we can neither take from nor add to the glories cf our time-honoured institution , built as it is on the " rock of ages , " standing as it has done through the march of time , stopping by thc wayside only to let the torrent of persecution pass by , living still , through the scepticisms , the same noble , blessed institution , founded long before the
" Star of Bethlehem " arose , when Israel sent forth her thousands to witness the consecration of the first work of our art , and God , in His approval of the perfectness of the Craft , consumed the offering upon the altar , and thus the monument was dedicated to Him whose shallow and glory proclaimed His presence between the cherubim . We all know how good anil holy a thing Freemasonry is ,
and have all felt its moral and religious influences , and although the emblems of our Orelerhave often hung sorrowfully over their rejected teachings , yet in their sublime significance they are none the less powerful in their mute admonitions than when first we paw the light and took upon ourselves the vows which in the " Holy of Holies " of our individual temple , can be best answered , as to
whether we have been true to the trust , and in all the requirements have we been Masons and brethren . The nature , duties and rights of our Order have been soeften set before you , anel should be so indelibly impressed upon your minds and hearts as to need no suggestions or arguments from me in favour of their merits , nor can I offer any inducements for the observance of any
of its high behests that cannot be found encircled by the broad arms of brotherly love , relitf and charity . These , brethren , I lay at your feet ; raise them to your hearts by willing hands , and give the recompense first to yourselves of a peaceful conscience , and the world will judge you according to your works , and scoffers , to whom our lips must ever be closed iu defence of our beloved Order , will
soon learn to whom is due the championship of the noblest and most ancient of institutions ; for we all know that Masonry has grown grey with age . Its origin is lost in thc unexploreel abyss of antiquity . We can find no record in ancient history that can enlighten us as to the positive
time and place of its organization ; researches have been made by many , and neither time nor patience spared . Some have made it coeval with the world ; others have ascribed its rise to the sainted heroes of the crusades ; but amid this uncertainty , which must ever result from the absence of written history , let us rest satisfied with our
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reports Of Masonic Meetings.
been given , the brethren separated , highly delig hted with all they had seen and heard in the Musgrave Lodge . "
INSTRUCTION . DCJKE OF CONNAUGHT LODGE ( No . 1524 ) . _ -At the regular meeting held at the Havclock Tavern , Albion-road , Dalston , on Wedneselay , the 14 th inst , there were present Bros . Brastcel , W . M . ; Robinson , S . W . ; Laikin , J . W . ; Hewlett , S . D . ; Bonner , J . D , ; B . Meyer , IG . ; Fieldwick , Preceptor ; and Bros . Shackelton , Smith ,
G . Ferrar , Stevenson , Spencer , Polak , Brown , and Smythe . The lodge was opened iu due form with prayer . The minutes of last lodge meeting wcre read and confirmed . The lodge was opened iu the Second Degree , and Bro . Polak was passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft . The First , Second , Third , Fourth , and Fifth Sections of the Lecture were worked by Bro . Hewlett , assisted by the
brethren . Proposed by Bro . Shackelton , seconded by Bro . B . Meyer , that Bro . Smyth be elected a joining member of the Lodge of Instruction . Carried unanimously . Bro . Fieldwick proposed that Bro . Robinson be elected W . M . for the ensuing week . Nothing else offering , the lodge was closed in ancient form , and adjourned to Wednesaday , 21 st inst ., at 8 p . m .
Red Cross Of Constantine.
Red Cross of Constantine .
CAMBRIDGE . —Cambridge University Conclave ( No . 128 ) . —The regular meeting of this conclave was held on the 10 th inst ., 111 . Sir Kt . C . E . Peek , Int . Gen . M . P . S . ; Sir Kt . Leith , V . After confirmation of the minutes Bros . Maxwell and Phillips were installed Kts . of the Order . The conclave was then closed in due and ancient form .
Lodge Of Benevolence.
LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .
The monthly meeting of the Lodge of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . John M . Clabon , P . G . D ., President of the Board , presided ; Bro . Joshua Nunn , P . G . S . B ., Senior Vice-President , was in the Senior Vice-President ' s chair ; and Bro . E . P . Albert , G . P ., occupied the chair of Junior Vice-President .
The other brethren present were Bros . John Hervey , G . S . ; H . G . Buss , A . A . Pendlebury , C . A . Cottebrune , P . G . P . ; S . Rawson , P . District G . M . China ; W . Smith , C . E . ; H . Browse , P . G . D . ; Joseph Smith , P . G . P . ; S . G . Foxall , A . G . P . ; C . F . Hogard , H . Bartlett , W . H . Myers , W . T . Howe , H . Garrod , John Bingemann , John Constable , H . Massey ( Freemason ) , C . Atkins , Samuel Poynter ,
Herbert Dicketts , W . Clifton Crick , H . Phythian , Dr . Great Rex , S . Gamman , Samuel H . Rawley , George Littlewood , Alfred A . Drew , E . J . Harty , J . J . Pakes , J . J . Gosset , H . J . Moxon , John Nixon , W . H . Perryman , C . J . B . Bumstead , W . Lauber , C . Killick , A . Lefeaux , H . Higgins , Sam . Pardoe , John Carver , C . Rayden , A . A . Drew , S . R . Speight , John Mowlem
Burt , Jas . W . Lambert , Henry Cox , Col . H . S . Somcrville Burney , Alfred Meadows , B . H . Swallow , and John Crittenden . The grants of former lodge , which required confirmation , amounting in all to jf 220 , were confirmed , and the brethren then proceeded with the consideration of the new
cases , of which there were no less than 28 on the paper . Of these cases one was dismissed and two deferred . The remainder were relieved with a total sum of £ ( no , consisting of one jfioo ; one £ 75 ; three £ 40 ; three £ 30 ; five £ 20 ; three £ 15 ; seven £ \ o ; and two £ 3 . The lodge sat till past nine o ' clock .
Consecration Of The Skelmersdale Lodge, No. 1658.
CONSECRATION OF THE SKELMERSDALE LODGE , No . 1658 .
The consecration of this new lodge took place on the "th inst ., at the Surrey Masonic Hall , at which place the meetings of the lodge will be regularly held . Among the brethren present , in addition to the consecrating officers , were : Bros . Rev . P . M . Holdcn , Dr . Pindcr , H .
A . Dubois , M . S . Larlham , T . Edmonson , W . Case , J . Cavin , J . Hastier , W . M . Cackett , N . Brydges , F . Koch , anil E . W . Devereux . The consecration and installation ceremonies were most effectively performed by Bro . John Hervey , P . G . D ., V . W . Grand Secretary , with the able assistance of V . W . Bro . the Rev . Robert J . Simpson , P . G . C , and Bro . Henry Gustavus Buss , J . G . Warden of Midelx .
Bio . Hervey , in the' course of his address , again cautioned the brethren in the selection of candidates for initiation , there being , in the present day , many applicants for admission into Freemasonry for designs other than those approved of by the Orelcr . During thc ceremony a very appropriate and brilliant oration was delivered by Bro .
Simpson . The Grand Secretary then installed . Bro . S . j . Harvey as W . M ., who immediately afterwards appointed and mvested the first staff of officers of the lodge . The lodge was soon after closed , anel thc brethren adjourned to a choice banquet , served in first-class style in the hall b y Bro . Geider , the usual toasts being given and duly responded to .
THE COSMOPOLITAN MASONIC CALENDAR DiAnv AND POCKET BOOK for 1877 ( London , George Venning , iy 8 , Fleet-street ) . We have no hesitation in strong ly recommending this useful and carefully-prepared work to every Mason . It is in itself an Encyclopedia of Masonry , and fully bears out its title of " Comprehensive Masonic Botik of Reference . To brethren in the habit of
javelljng the work is simply indispensable , and will enable nem in every town which they may visit , to find out night * nu meeting place . not only of Craft and Arch Masonry , but , ' Pfeceptories , conclaves , &* c . The book is also well . CUnd , and is a most convenient pocket book . The price teT ' y 2 S ., and is most remarkably low , considering the c [ ulness of the publication , and the fund of information ¦ , 1 'crdei 1 , _ 7 / , ( . | rs / e „ f Man Times .
A Long Journey.
A LONG JOURNEY .
Our respected contemporary Bro . Hubert , of the Chaine d'Union , Paris , in thc number for February just past , has an article in which he expresses a desire to open again fcr discussion the questions at issue between the Grand Orient of France and the American Grand Lodges , with a view to its settlement and the resumption of intercourse between
the bodies . We cannot and do not for one moment doubt the sincerity of Bro . Hubert , whom we know to be a devoted Mason , earnestly desirous of an aeijustment- ; but it is clear that he has not measured the width and depth of the gulf of separation between Masonry as practiced and understood by English-speaking Masons and the article called Masonry in France , to say nothing of the men who
guide and direct thc march of thc Grand Orient . When he has done so carefully , he will find that either one 01 the other must travel a long way from its present found ations and principles of being before there can be any possible ground of sympathy or similarity . In the first place , it must be admitted that Masonry did not originate in France , but , on the contrary , was
taken there from England , the first lodge being established by Lord Derwcntwater , at Paris , by English authority , under which in one way or another , it remained until 1756 , when the hitherto English Grand Lodge of France declared itself independent , and set out on the journey which landed French Masonry in the arms of the Grand Orient about 1771 . So far as the actual
government is concerned , we are clearly of the opinion that each nation shouTd have its own , whether Masonic or civil ; for which reason we justify the declaration of independence of English government in France , and assert for the French brethren , as we do for ourselves , the right to have their own government . But , at the same time , it is equally clear that they could not change the form and
essence of Masonry itself , and still claim to be Masons , for the two things are incompatible . When Lord Derwentwater was received into Masonry in England , he entered into bonds to support and maintain the landmarks and cardinal dejetrines of the Craft , and he was obliged to , and doubtless did , require a similar covenant from those persons in France to whom he accorded the privilege of
participating with him in its rights and benefits , or else thc English Granel Lodge would have taken care to know why he set his p ' edges aside . It follows that in order to remain within the household of the Craft , the French Masons were in honour bound to observe and preserve the essentials as they received them , and as they have been , and still are preserved by those from whom they
acquired them , and , indeed , by all other Masons on the face of the globe , except those owing allegiance to the Grand Orient of France . Now , it is known that there is a proposition pending before thc Grand Orient , and under discussion by its suboidinate lodges , to strike from the fundamental law the requirement that a candidate must acknowledge belief in
thc existence of one ever-living and true God . What the result of this may be canr . ot be known until the meeting of the Grand Orient , next September , and it will , when known , make but little difference , for it was made known in thc debates of the last meeting that in the practice of the French lodges mire atheism or infidelity is no bar to initiation , hence whether the clause in the constitution
relating to it he suffered to stand or be stricken out , the fact remains that thc most vital of Masonic tenets has no value in French Masonry , and therefore there is , and can bo , no possible union between those who practice it and those who not only believe in God themselves , but will not suffer their companionship to be tainted by the presence of persons who do not .
Again , a Masonic organization presupposes , for the lodge , a Master ; for the Grand Lodge , a Grand Masttr . If any lodge , by amending its bye-laws , should declare the Master a surplus wheel in the machinery , abolish the office , and name a committee to rule and gr . vcrn it , the organization would no longer be Masonic , and it would practically have ceased to exist , even before the Granel
Lodge had called in its warrant . The same rule will apply with even greater force to a Grand Lodge , one of the principal duties of which is to preserve intact the general laws , forms , and doctrines e . f thc Cratt . A Grand Lodge or a Grand Orient , without a Grand Master , ceases to be a Masonic organization , or to be entitled to Masonic recognition . The Grand Orient cf France , by its own
well-considered act , abolished the Grand Mastership as a cumbrous and useless part of the machinery , and thus vaulted without the pale of Masonry to become anything you please , but certainly no longer to be a Masonic power . Once more . The readiness of the Grand Orient to give official recognition to any and every applicant for that favour ( sic ) , has become proverbial . It recognized a
spurious organization in New Orleans , engineered by one it had itself expelled , while at the same time it was on terms of amity and friendship with the regular Grand Loelge , thc territory eif which was invaded by the organization in question . When earnestly and fraternally besought to withdraw this offensive act—offensive not only to thc local Grand Lodge , but to every other Grand Lodge in the
United States , it never condescended to notice their communications , while its several committees , pretending to treat the subject with a contemptuous indifference for the intelligence of the Americans , never deigned to approach the real question at issue , and to-day it stands precisely where it did when the Grand Orient insulted the North American Craft by its friendship for a clandestine body in
their midst . Wc violate no prescription of courtesy nor do we assume any unreasonable authority when we say that on the grounds mentioned , the Grand Lodges of North America will take no step backward , assent to no compromise , resume no relations until the Grand Orient gets back on thc platform of the Institution . The journey is a long one ,
A Long Journey.
but then the French brethren have only themselves to thank for it . —Neiv York Dispatch .
West Lancashire Masonic Educational Institution.
WEST LANCASHIRE MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION .
Like our great London Charities , the claims upon the noble institution in the West Lancashire Province , of which every brother is s-o greatly proud , continue to increase every year , and the meeting of the General Committee , held at the Masonic Hall , Hope-st ., Liverpool , on Friday ,
the 16 th inst ., conclusively prove 1 that greater efforts will be needed than ever to maintain its efficiency and power , if the education and advancement in life of the children of deceased brethren are to be carried out in the manner and spirit contemplated by the founders and supporters . With the increase of lodges and members , the demands upon the Charity have grown in even a greater ratio , and
therefore the liberal support of the brethren in West Lancashire is now all the more needed . True , there is a splendid invested capital , but it is most desirable that all liabilities for the carrying out of thc scheme of charity shoi'M be met by the yearly gatherings from Masonic brethren and contributory sources . There is no doubt that this will be the result , and that the West Lancashire Masonic Educational
Institution will continue to grow in charitable strength with its increasing years of existence , and that the " little ones" who seek its help will not be driven away disappointed . At the meeting on Friday week there was a very large attendance of the committee , there being no fewer than about fifty members present . There were nearly 30 applications brought on for consideration , and it is most
satisfactory to find that out of this unusually large number not a single refusal was given where the applications were regular and according to law . Unfortunately , in the cases of three children the requirements of the byelaws were not met , and these had to be withdrawn for the present , much to the disappointment of the committee , who would have granted all if they possibly could have
done so . These elections will involve an increased yearly expenditure e . f £ 180 , which is a considerable sum to add to the alreat ' y large amount already necessary for the children on the foundation of the noble institution . But there can be little fear that the brethren of the largest Masonic province in the kingdom will also show that their
largc-hcarteduess is quite in keeping with their proud position . Br . \ Richard Brown , P . M . 241 , the Honorary Secretary of the Institution , deserves the highest praise for his zeal and tact in connection with the Institution , and he receives valuable aid from the Hon . Treasurer , as well as every member of the influential committee .
Masonic Address.
MASONIC ADDRESS .
Thc A ew York Dispatch publishes the following addrcs recently delivered by M . W . Bro . Elwood E . Thorne before Kingston Loelge , No . 10 : Right Worshipful Brother , and Brethren of the Kingston Loelge , No . 10 . —The last visit I made you was on the occasion eif laying the corner-stone , with Masonic ceremonies
of the new City Hall of Kingston , and with pleasant recollections of my visit then , I have again accepted yrur kind and fraternal invitation to be with ycu to-night , but not without some misgivings as to my ability to interest you . However , in one thing I feel secure ; that is , the knowledge that our beloved fraternity will not suffer" in feeble hands such as mine , any more than it would be
exalteJ by the lips , or pen , of the ablest of earth ' s orators , for we can neither take from nor add to the glories cf our time-honoured institution , built as it is on the " rock of ages , " standing as it has done through the march of time , stopping by thc wayside only to let the torrent of persecution pass by , living still , through the scepticisms , the same noble , blessed institution , founded long before the
" Star of Bethlehem " arose , when Israel sent forth her thousands to witness the consecration of the first work of our art , and God , in His approval of the perfectness of the Craft , consumed the offering upon the altar , and thus the monument was dedicated to Him whose shallow and glory proclaimed His presence between the cherubim . We all know how good anil holy a thing Freemasonry is ,
and have all felt its moral and religious influences , and although the emblems of our Orelerhave often hung sorrowfully over their rejected teachings , yet in their sublime significance they are none the less powerful in their mute admonitions than when first we paw the light and took upon ourselves the vows which in the " Holy of Holies " of our individual temple , can be best answered , as to
whether we have been true to the trust , and in all the requirements have we been Masons and brethren . The nature , duties and rights of our Order have been soeften set before you , anel should be so indelibly impressed upon your minds and hearts as to need no suggestions or arguments from me in favour of their merits , nor can I offer any inducements for the observance of any
of its high behests that cannot be found encircled by the broad arms of brotherly love , relitf and charity . These , brethren , I lay at your feet ; raise them to your hearts by willing hands , and give the recompense first to yourselves of a peaceful conscience , and the world will judge you according to your works , and scoffers , to whom our lips must ever be closed iu defence of our beloved Order , will
soon learn to whom is due the championship of the noblest and most ancient of institutions ; for we all know that Masonry has grown grey with age . Its origin is lost in thc unexploreel abyss of antiquity . We can find no record in ancient history that can enlighten us as to the positive
time and place of its organization ; researches have been made by many , and neither time nor patience spared . Some have made it coeval with the world ; others have ascribed its rise to the sainted heroes of the crusades ; but amid this uncertainty , which must ever result from the absence of written history , let us rest satisfied with our