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Article MASONIC ADDRESS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MASONIC ADDRESS. Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES. Page 1 of 1 Article PRESENTATION TO BRO. W. S. GOVER. Page 1 of 1 Article BRO. RICHARD WAGNER. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONRY A RELIGION. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Address.
own convictions that it began with the Temple of Solomon , when the widow ' s son gave the binding word , and is the most ancient anel benevolent institution in the world , and its votaries and followers are from every land and of every tongue ; an institution growing in strength and firmness as years go by , until its mighty power is known all over the world , entwining itself with the best sympathies of our
whole nature , and approved by the most enlightened faculties of the mind : that all the persecutions it has suffered has not been able to destroy ; but , like the true religion , it has flouiished even on the blood-stained soil of fanaticism and despotism . Its progress in enlightened nations has been marvellously great . In our own loved country it has spread over the entire
land , anr" attained a perfection unequalled m any other country of the globe , and in comparing the condition of Freemasonry at the close of the revolutionary war with its present prosperity , we are lost in admiration of its rapid strides . At that time only ten lodges were to be found in our State . Now , in less than a century , we number about 800 lodges and nearly 100 , 000 ( Masons ) brethren in good
standing . And although we have had foes without and dissensions within , yet out march has been steadily onward , diffusing light and imparting joy . Wherever man in his enlightened state fixes his habitation , there you will find a band of brothers " meeting upon the level , acting by the plumb , and parting upon thc square . " We own to exceptions of worthiness in thc material often used to
constitute lodges , and know too that many who have become Masons in good faith have alloweel worldly ambition and mercenary aspirations to blK out from memory the solemn obligations they assumed when they vowed to be true to the teachings of the sublime principles of our fraternity . This has been material in the hands of our enemies , who are not willing to give us the benefit of the same
allowance made to all religious sects , of having among us the tares as well as the wheat ; and while I do not claim for our Order the spiritual enthusiasm or incomparable character of that greatest of all institutions on earth—the Church Universal—or assert that it can in any way be substituted for that special manifestation of our Heavenly Father ' s presence , I do not hesitate to state that as a great
moral system , and as an inculcator of His teachings , it is second only to that body . Its nature and traditions are in the highest degree religious . The temple on which we are supposed to be engaged as ever diligent workmen is no edifice of sculptured stone or fretted wood , but "that temple not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . " The tools with which we work
are not the hardened steel of earthly make , but " thc soft answer that turncth away wrath , " the gentle reproof that melts but does not break , and the friendly word of cheer that kindles hope and encourages effort . Thc cement that unites the several parts of our structure is not thc perishable mortar of material life , but the love and close communion that bind us together as members of that living
temple in one compact mass of fraternal regard . As wc can enter the lodge only in the name of Goel , our doors arc inexorably barred against thc atheist and the scoffer . As wc commence our Masonic ceremonies only after invoking the guidance and protection of Divine Love , we are sure that a trust so well founded will insure from all danger , anel as wc separate to resume the cares and
joys and temptations of the outer world , we arc solemnly enjoined so to act as to be an example of uprightness and moral worth , and thus secure our admission , after this life , into that Grand Lodge on high where none but the redeemed shall sit . Our " Great light , " the guieie to our faith and practice , is thc same inspired volume that is a lamp to the feet of the believer .
On its open pages are recorded our vows and obligations . To its mandates and precepts we humbly and cliee-rfully kneel . Within its leaves we find the material for our liturgy and thc early history of our Order , and among its heroes arc the first and greatest of our Grand Masters . As an illustration of the veneration in which this sacred book is held by Masons , I can do no better than to i | uote
the language of an eloquent and distinguished divine and brother , who says : " With no narrow spirit of propagandism , wc place on our altar this sacred book in all its holy completeness . We open it at thc book of Ruth . vVVe gather about it at the hour of solemn obligation . There lies before you this solitary book upon whose pages the sun never sets , whose beams of grace illumine a
sin-ensnared world , adapted to all experiences of human life , adding joy to thc marriage festival , substituting peace for sorrow at the funeral . Childhcod approaches it with reverence . Maturity leans upon it as a trusty anil well-tried staff , anel tottering age worships , while it clings to it , as the friend faithful to uphold in thc rolling of death ' s dark river . The world's Bible , thc Christian ' s Bible , thc open
Bible , thc word of the living God , is the central thing of the Masonic Lodge , and the corner-stone of the Craftsman ' s faith . Right Worshipful Sir anil Brethren of Kingston Loelge , —I thank you for the honour conferred on me in requesting my presence here this evening , and I trust thc object of our brotherhood may be ever present with us
all—remembering that around thc sacred altar of Freemasonry we have promised to befriend and relieve any brother who shall need our assistance . Let us endeavour to inscribe our names on that blessed roll of those who , loving men , arc loved of Goel , even as in that little poem of Leigh Hunt ' s we learn how " Abou Ben Adhem ( may his tribe increase )
Awoke one night from a deep elream of peace , And saw within the moonlight in his room—Making it rich and like a lily in bloom—An angel writing in a book of gold . Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold , And to the presence in the room he said : ' What writest thou ? ' The vision raised its head , And , with a look made of all sweet accord ,
Masonic Address.
Answered : ' The names of those who love the Lord . ' ' And is mine one ? ' said Abou . ' Nay , not so , ' Replied the angel . Abou spoke more low , But cheerfully still , and said , ' I pray thee , then , Write me as one that loves his fellow men . '
The angel wrote and vanished . The next night ft came again , with a great wakening light , And showed the names whom love of God had blessed—And , lo I Ben Adhcm ' s name led all the rest . "
Freemasonry In The United States.
FREEMASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES .
A notable event in the history of Freemasonry in Newark was thc celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Newark ( New Jersey ) Lodge , No . 7 . About one hundred and fifty of the members were present . The loelge was opened in ancient
form by Bro . Wm . Kipp , W . M ., who extended a hearty welcome to all in a few well-chosen remarks . Bro . Daniel Bruen , P . G . M . of New Jersey , and the oldest Mason in the State , then read a complete history of the lodge from its institution to the present time . He also stated that that evening was not only memorable to him as the
anniversary of Newark Lodge , but it was the sixtieth anniversary of his being raised . A quartet , composed of Messrs . Frank Hodson , A . H . Ward , Wm . J . Hall , and A . G . Cann , rendered some very fine selections . Bro . the Rev , Lansing Burrows , pastor of the North Baptist Church , delivered an address on thc principles of the Oreler . The
aeleiress was well prepared , and was listened to with rapt attention . Bro . Vehslage , R . W . D . G M ., closed the exercises with a few humorous remarks . The audience were afterwards invited to a repast , to which ample justice was done . The exercises conclueleel happily , with all the participants highly pleased .
There was quite a gatheiing of the fraternity at New Britain on the 22 nd February , who , under the leadership of Marshal Freeslon , marched to their new quarters in the Odd Fellows' Hall , to the number of 250 . We are glad to see that the families of the brethren wcre invited to partake of a banquet . We congratulate thc Freemasons of New Britain on their success , and trust it may long
continue . The following officers wcre installed by Grand Master Rone : —Edw . S . Conklin , W . M . ; S . W . Clark , S . W . ; W . W . Woodruff , J . W . ; W . L . Morgan , Treas . ; E . J . Goodwin , Sec . ; S . H . Stearns , S . D . ; A . J . Leonard , J . D . ; Wm . Freestone , Marshal ; J . L . Dole , S . Steward ; F . C . Zimmerman , J . Steward ; and George H . Booth , Tyler .
Bro . Thomas J . Mellish has taken his position at the helm of the veteran Masonic Review , now in its fiftieth year . No . 1 of the new volume is very creditable , and we wish every success to the enterprise . The subscription price is 2 dols . per annum , and the address , Cincinnati , Ohio .
THE EXCLUSION or THE HEIIIIEWS . —The Ae'iu York Si / uare copies our remarks on the above subject , and appends the following : — "We cannot too warmly endorse the views of our able contemporary . We regret that such
an intolerant spirit should prevail among certain Masons in Germany . Here , anel throughout the British Empire , no such a feeling exists—indeed , the greatest coreliality is extended to Hebrew brethren , who , as a rule , are good men and good Masons .
The Grand Lodge of Iaaho has withdrawn its recognition of the Grand Orient of Hungary , on thc ground that it appears to be a recent offshoot of the Grand Orient of France , from which Masonic intercourse has been withdrawn on account oi its schismatical recognition and encouragement of certain clandestine organisations in
the United States . It has also refused to recognise the socalled Grand Lodge of Ontario , or any subordinate loelges claiming or acknowledging jurisdiction uneler the same , or any member owing allegiance thereto . From this , it is evident that the Craft in Idaho adhere to strict Masonic principles , and merit the commendation of all regular Freemasons . —I ' oice of Masmiru .
MASONIC PROGRESS . —M . W . Bro . J . W . Griffin , in his last annual address to the Grand Lodge of A . F . and A . M . of Idaho , said : — " It is a matter of just priele to every true lover of our Oreler , that although prehistoric in its origin , it has , without any departure from its primary principles , or deviating from its ancient
landmarks , kept even pace with , and has ever been found in the vanguard of an enlightened and progressive civilization . And nowhere is this more apparent than in the history of thc first century of our beloved republic—recognized , fo 3 tcreel and cherished by the fathers of the republic , Their descendants have followed in their pathway , anil in
no country does thc Ancient and Honourable Oreler of Freemasonry hold higher rank or find more general and honourable recognition than in America . Let us endeavour , in the preservation of the purity and integrity of the Craft , to demonstrate our appreciation of the inheritance we have rrriMvnl "
1 he Masons' Widows and Orphans Home , of Kentucky , has had to undergo some severe trials , and many a doubt of its success has been entertained and expressed ; but its friends have determined to be equal to all its emergencies , and to crown it with victory . At the last annual
communication of the Grand Lodge it was ordered that a proposition to levy annually , for thc next two years , a tax of one dollar on each member should be submitted to the subordinate lodges , at their annual meetings on last St . John ' s Day . From the Masonic Journal wc learn that thc proposition was carried by about four votes for to one
Freemasonry In The United States.
against it , and that many of the lodges voted for jj unanimously . Commenting on this , the journal says : The action of thc fraternity in levying a tax upon them , selves of near one hundred thousand dollars will ij e gratifying to the friends of that great enterprise , the Horne established for the benefit of the widows and orphans of our deceased brethren , as it will insure the success and
permanent prosperity of the institution , and place it beyond the contingency of even a temporary suspension or financial embarrassment . The promptness and unanimity with which the brethren have responded to the liberal proposi . tion is highly creditable to them , and will reflect honour
on the name Mason , and silence those who sometimes say that there is no practical good resulting from its labours or flowing from its organization . The " Home " is secure , brethren , and when the success of the proposition is announccel by our Grand Master , Fairleigh , many widowed hearts will cease to ache . —I'oice of Masonra .
Presentation To Bro. W. S. Gover.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . W . S . GOVER .
In the City Press ot the 17 th inst . appears an account of the presentation of a handsome silver tea and coffee service of the weight of 205 oz . 19 dwts ., manufactured on an entirely elaborate and beautiful design by Messrs . Wostenholme & Biggin , of Sheffield , to Bro . W . S . Gover , P . G . S ., P . M . Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 , and P . Z . St
James ' s Chapter , on the occasion of his retirement from thc Chairmanship of the Corporation Committee , having charge and management of the great metropolitan markets . Bro . Gover has filleel ether impottant chairs in the corporation , notably that of the City Commission of Sewers , anel Bridge House Estate Committee ; and he was recently
elected by the City of London a second time as one of its representatives on the London School Board , when he stood second on the poll . Since his retirement from the Chairmanship of the Markets Committee Bro . Gover has been unanimously elected by the'Common Council to the important office of Deputy Governor of the Honourable Irish Society .
Bro . Gover is an actuary of 30 years standing , and has been the founder of various important and successful public undertakings . He is the manager of the British Fquitable Assurance Company , and recently assisted in the formation of the House Property Company , which , while founded on a strictly commercial basis , promises in a most effective and satisfactory manner , to solve the great problem of
improving the dwellings of the working classes . * The inscription on the salver is as follows : " Presented together with Tea and Coffee Service , by the members of the Markets Committee of the Corporation of Londoi ., to William Sutton Gover , in testimony ol their high estimation of his zealous , indefatigable , and successful labouis as their Chairman during the year 1877 . "
Bro. Richard Wagner.
BRO . RICHARD WAGNER .
Among the lions of the approaching London season there is good reason to believe will be no less renowned a personage as Bro . Richard Wagner . The correspondent of a contemporary , writing from Munich , assures us that the master will reach England some time in April ; adding , " The object of his excursion is the bringing
out parts of his ' Ring des Nibelungen' trilogy on the English stage , and he wishes to superintend the perform , ances himself . " We fear the addendum is much too gooel to be true , and may be dismissed from our minds at once . But the Ncue Berliner Musikxeit ung agrees wilh the Munich correspondent as to the fact of the proposed visit , and also as to its ultimate object . It seems that
England is to receive another recognition of what sister nations appear to look upon as the primary object of her cxistnece—the making good of deficits . Even as , only a few years ago , every Finance Minister " from China to Peru " expected us to fill the abhorred vacuum in his exchequer , so now Bro . Wagner comes for money wherewith to pay the debts incurred by his Bayreuth Festival .
There is this difference , however , that the master bungs with him , not promises of the pie-crust order , but a genuine quid pro IJUO . Accoreling to the Berlin journal , he will " personally conduct " several concerts at which will be performed some of some of his newest compositions . This is gooel news , and , assuming its correctness , we shall not be rash in guaranteeing Bro . Wagner a
hearty anel sympathetic welcome , even from those wlw contend that he has pushed his theories too far . His recollections of England , owing to the treatment he received here twenty-two years ago , cannot be very pleasant . But since then we have grown wiser . We re-cognise his genius and , even if unable to agree with all his principals or all his schemes , we may at least be generous where we cannot approve .
Masonry A Religion.
MASONRY A RELIGION .
We are taught that Masonry unites men of every country , sect and opinion . This is true in a limited sem only . It is true that what are commonly known as sectarian d'fferenccs , have no place in the lodge ; yet it i * none thc less true that Masonry is a religion . Man )'
worthy , zealous Masons , in opposing anything like sectarian cxclusiveness , rush to the other extreme , and , W us hope , without due reflection , say , " Let us banish tf ligion , from the lodge room . " What ! banish relig ion from an Institution which , at its very portals , requires a
belief and a trust in God ? Banish religion from a " Institution which teaches that no one should enter up "'' any great cr important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity : Banish religion from the sacred precincts where we are taught our duty to God , in nej * mentioning his name but with that reverential awe wh ' "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Address.
own convictions that it began with the Temple of Solomon , when the widow ' s son gave the binding word , and is the most ancient anel benevolent institution in the world , and its votaries and followers are from every land and of every tongue ; an institution growing in strength and firmness as years go by , until its mighty power is known all over the world , entwining itself with the best sympathies of our
whole nature , and approved by the most enlightened faculties of the mind : that all the persecutions it has suffered has not been able to destroy ; but , like the true religion , it has flouiished even on the blood-stained soil of fanaticism and despotism . Its progress in enlightened nations has been marvellously great . In our own loved country it has spread over the entire
land , anr" attained a perfection unequalled m any other country of the globe , and in comparing the condition of Freemasonry at the close of the revolutionary war with its present prosperity , we are lost in admiration of its rapid strides . At that time only ten lodges were to be found in our State . Now , in less than a century , we number about 800 lodges and nearly 100 , 000 ( Masons ) brethren in good
standing . And although we have had foes without and dissensions within , yet out march has been steadily onward , diffusing light and imparting joy . Wherever man in his enlightened state fixes his habitation , there you will find a band of brothers " meeting upon the level , acting by the plumb , and parting upon thc square . " We own to exceptions of worthiness in thc material often used to
constitute lodges , and know too that many who have become Masons in good faith have alloweel worldly ambition and mercenary aspirations to blK out from memory the solemn obligations they assumed when they vowed to be true to the teachings of the sublime principles of our fraternity . This has been material in the hands of our enemies , who are not willing to give us the benefit of the same
allowance made to all religious sects , of having among us the tares as well as the wheat ; and while I do not claim for our Order the spiritual enthusiasm or incomparable character of that greatest of all institutions on earth—the Church Universal—or assert that it can in any way be substituted for that special manifestation of our Heavenly Father ' s presence , I do not hesitate to state that as a great
moral system , and as an inculcator of His teachings , it is second only to that body . Its nature and traditions are in the highest degree religious . The temple on which we are supposed to be engaged as ever diligent workmen is no edifice of sculptured stone or fretted wood , but "that temple not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . " The tools with which we work
are not the hardened steel of earthly make , but " thc soft answer that turncth away wrath , " the gentle reproof that melts but does not break , and the friendly word of cheer that kindles hope and encourages effort . Thc cement that unites the several parts of our structure is not thc perishable mortar of material life , but the love and close communion that bind us together as members of that living
temple in one compact mass of fraternal regard . As wc can enter the lodge only in the name of Goel , our doors arc inexorably barred against thc atheist and the scoffer . As wc commence our Masonic ceremonies only after invoking the guidance and protection of Divine Love , we are sure that a trust so well founded will insure from all danger , anel as wc separate to resume the cares and
joys and temptations of the outer world , we arc solemnly enjoined so to act as to be an example of uprightness and moral worth , and thus secure our admission , after this life , into that Grand Lodge on high where none but the redeemed shall sit . Our " Great light , " the guieie to our faith and practice , is thc same inspired volume that is a lamp to the feet of the believer .
On its open pages are recorded our vows and obligations . To its mandates and precepts we humbly and cliee-rfully kneel . Within its leaves we find the material for our liturgy and thc early history of our Order , and among its heroes arc the first and greatest of our Grand Masters . As an illustration of the veneration in which this sacred book is held by Masons , I can do no better than to i | uote
the language of an eloquent and distinguished divine and brother , who says : " With no narrow spirit of propagandism , wc place on our altar this sacred book in all its holy completeness . We open it at thc book of Ruth . vVVe gather about it at the hour of solemn obligation . There lies before you this solitary book upon whose pages the sun never sets , whose beams of grace illumine a
sin-ensnared world , adapted to all experiences of human life , adding joy to thc marriage festival , substituting peace for sorrow at the funeral . Childhcod approaches it with reverence . Maturity leans upon it as a trusty anil well-tried staff , anel tottering age worships , while it clings to it , as the friend faithful to uphold in thc rolling of death ' s dark river . The world's Bible , thc Christian ' s Bible , thc open
Bible , thc word of the living God , is the central thing of the Masonic Lodge , and the corner-stone of the Craftsman ' s faith . Right Worshipful Sir anil Brethren of Kingston Loelge , —I thank you for the honour conferred on me in requesting my presence here this evening , and I trust thc object of our brotherhood may be ever present with us
all—remembering that around thc sacred altar of Freemasonry we have promised to befriend and relieve any brother who shall need our assistance . Let us endeavour to inscribe our names on that blessed roll of those who , loving men , arc loved of Goel , even as in that little poem of Leigh Hunt ' s we learn how " Abou Ben Adhem ( may his tribe increase )
Awoke one night from a deep elream of peace , And saw within the moonlight in his room—Making it rich and like a lily in bloom—An angel writing in a book of gold . Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold , And to the presence in the room he said : ' What writest thou ? ' The vision raised its head , And , with a look made of all sweet accord ,
Masonic Address.
Answered : ' The names of those who love the Lord . ' ' And is mine one ? ' said Abou . ' Nay , not so , ' Replied the angel . Abou spoke more low , But cheerfully still , and said , ' I pray thee , then , Write me as one that loves his fellow men . '
The angel wrote and vanished . The next night ft came again , with a great wakening light , And showed the names whom love of God had blessed—And , lo I Ben Adhcm ' s name led all the rest . "
Freemasonry In The United States.
FREEMASONRY IN THE UNITED STATES .
A notable event in the history of Freemasonry in Newark was thc celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Newark ( New Jersey ) Lodge , No . 7 . About one hundred and fifty of the members were present . The loelge was opened in ancient
form by Bro . Wm . Kipp , W . M ., who extended a hearty welcome to all in a few well-chosen remarks . Bro . Daniel Bruen , P . G . M . of New Jersey , and the oldest Mason in the State , then read a complete history of the lodge from its institution to the present time . He also stated that that evening was not only memorable to him as the
anniversary of Newark Lodge , but it was the sixtieth anniversary of his being raised . A quartet , composed of Messrs . Frank Hodson , A . H . Ward , Wm . J . Hall , and A . G . Cann , rendered some very fine selections . Bro . the Rev , Lansing Burrows , pastor of the North Baptist Church , delivered an address on thc principles of the Oreler . The
aeleiress was well prepared , and was listened to with rapt attention . Bro . Vehslage , R . W . D . G M ., closed the exercises with a few humorous remarks . The audience were afterwards invited to a repast , to which ample justice was done . The exercises conclueleel happily , with all the participants highly pleased .
There was quite a gatheiing of the fraternity at New Britain on the 22 nd February , who , under the leadership of Marshal Freeslon , marched to their new quarters in the Odd Fellows' Hall , to the number of 250 . We are glad to see that the families of the brethren wcre invited to partake of a banquet . We congratulate thc Freemasons of New Britain on their success , and trust it may long
continue . The following officers wcre installed by Grand Master Rone : —Edw . S . Conklin , W . M . ; S . W . Clark , S . W . ; W . W . Woodruff , J . W . ; W . L . Morgan , Treas . ; E . J . Goodwin , Sec . ; S . H . Stearns , S . D . ; A . J . Leonard , J . D . ; Wm . Freestone , Marshal ; J . L . Dole , S . Steward ; F . C . Zimmerman , J . Steward ; and George H . Booth , Tyler .
Bro . Thomas J . Mellish has taken his position at the helm of the veteran Masonic Review , now in its fiftieth year . No . 1 of the new volume is very creditable , and we wish every success to the enterprise . The subscription price is 2 dols . per annum , and the address , Cincinnati , Ohio .
THE EXCLUSION or THE HEIIIIEWS . —The Ae'iu York Si / uare copies our remarks on the above subject , and appends the following : — "We cannot too warmly endorse the views of our able contemporary . We regret that such
an intolerant spirit should prevail among certain Masons in Germany . Here , anel throughout the British Empire , no such a feeling exists—indeed , the greatest coreliality is extended to Hebrew brethren , who , as a rule , are good men and good Masons .
The Grand Lodge of Iaaho has withdrawn its recognition of the Grand Orient of Hungary , on thc ground that it appears to be a recent offshoot of the Grand Orient of France , from which Masonic intercourse has been withdrawn on account oi its schismatical recognition and encouragement of certain clandestine organisations in
the United States . It has also refused to recognise the socalled Grand Lodge of Ontario , or any subordinate loelges claiming or acknowledging jurisdiction uneler the same , or any member owing allegiance thereto . From this , it is evident that the Craft in Idaho adhere to strict Masonic principles , and merit the commendation of all regular Freemasons . —I ' oice of Masmiru .
MASONIC PROGRESS . —M . W . Bro . J . W . Griffin , in his last annual address to the Grand Lodge of A . F . and A . M . of Idaho , said : — " It is a matter of just priele to every true lover of our Oreler , that although prehistoric in its origin , it has , without any departure from its primary principles , or deviating from its ancient
landmarks , kept even pace with , and has ever been found in the vanguard of an enlightened and progressive civilization . And nowhere is this more apparent than in the history of thc first century of our beloved republic—recognized , fo 3 tcreel and cherished by the fathers of the republic , Their descendants have followed in their pathway , anil in
no country does thc Ancient and Honourable Oreler of Freemasonry hold higher rank or find more general and honourable recognition than in America . Let us endeavour , in the preservation of the purity and integrity of the Craft , to demonstrate our appreciation of the inheritance we have rrriMvnl "
1 he Masons' Widows and Orphans Home , of Kentucky , has had to undergo some severe trials , and many a doubt of its success has been entertained and expressed ; but its friends have determined to be equal to all its emergencies , and to crown it with victory . At the last annual
communication of the Grand Lodge it was ordered that a proposition to levy annually , for thc next two years , a tax of one dollar on each member should be submitted to the subordinate lodges , at their annual meetings on last St . John ' s Day . From the Masonic Journal wc learn that thc proposition was carried by about four votes for to one
Freemasonry In The United States.
against it , and that many of the lodges voted for jj unanimously . Commenting on this , the journal says : The action of thc fraternity in levying a tax upon them , selves of near one hundred thousand dollars will ij e gratifying to the friends of that great enterprise , the Horne established for the benefit of the widows and orphans of our deceased brethren , as it will insure the success and
permanent prosperity of the institution , and place it beyond the contingency of even a temporary suspension or financial embarrassment . The promptness and unanimity with which the brethren have responded to the liberal proposi . tion is highly creditable to them , and will reflect honour
on the name Mason , and silence those who sometimes say that there is no practical good resulting from its labours or flowing from its organization . The " Home " is secure , brethren , and when the success of the proposition is announccel by our Grand Master , Fairleigh , many widowed hearts will cease to ache . —I'oice of Masonra .
Presentation To Bro. W. S. Gover.
PRESENTATION TO BRO . W . S . GOVER .
In the City Press ot the 17 th inst . appears an account of the presentation of a handsome silver tea and coffee service of the weight of 205 oz . 19 dwts ., manufactured on an entirely elaborate and beautiful design by Messrs . Wostenholme & Biggin , of Sheffield , to Bro . W . S . Gover , P . G . S ., P . M . Grand Master ' s Lodge , No . 1 , and P . Z . St
James ' s Chapter , on the occasion of his retirement from thc Chairmanship of the Corporation Committee , having charge and management of the great metropolitan markets . Bro . Gover has filleel ether impottant chairs in the corporation , notably that of the City Commission of Sewers , anel Bridge House Estate Committee ; and he was recently
elected by the City of London a second time as one of its representatives on the London School Board , when he stood second on the poll . Since his retirement from the Chairmanship of the Markets Committee Bro . Gover has been unanimously elected by the'Common Council to the important office of Deputy Governor of the Honourable Irish Society .
Bro . Gover is an actuary of 30 years standing , and has been the founder of various important and successful public undertakings . He is the manager of the British Fquitable Assurance Company , and recently assisted in the formation of the House Property Company , which , while founded on a strictly commercial basis , promises in a most effective and satisfactory manner , to solve the great problem of
improving the dwellings of the working classes . * The inscription on the salver is as follows : " Presented together with Tea and Coffee Service , by the members of the Markets Committee of the Corporation of Londoi ., to William Sutton Gover , in testimony ol their high estimation of his zealous , indefatigable , and successful labouis as their Chairman during the year 1877 . "
Bro. Richard Wagner.
BRO . RICHARD WAGNER .
Among the lions of the approaching London season there is good reason to believe will be no less renowned a personage as Bro . Richard Wagner . The correspondent of a contemporary , writing from Munich , assures us that the master will reach England some time in April ; adding , " The object of his excursion is the bringing
out parts of his ' Ring des Nibelungen' trilogy on the English stage , and he wishes to superintend the perform , ances himself . " We fear the addendum is much too gooel to be true , and may be dismissed from our minds at once . But the Ncue Berliner Musikxeit ung agrees wilh the Munich correspondent as to the fact of the proposed visit , and also as to its ultimate object . It seems that
England is to receive another recognition of what sister nations appear to look upon as the primary object of her cxistnece—the making good of deficits . Even as , only a few years ago , every Finance Minister " from China to Peru " expected us to fill the abhorred vacuum in his exchequer , so now Bro . Wagner comes for money wherewith to pay the debts incurred by his Bayreuth Festival .
There is this difference , however , that the master bungs with him , not promises of the pie-crust order , but a genuine quid pro IJUO . Accoreling to the Berlin journal , he will " personally conduct " several concerts at which will be performed some of some of his newest compositions . This is gooel news , and , assuming its correctness , we shall not be rash in guaranteeing Bro . Wagner a
hearty anel sympathetic welcome , even from those wlw contend that he has pushed his theories too far . His recollections of England , owing to the treatment he received here twenty-two years ago , cannot be very pleasant . But since then we have grown wiser . We re-cognise his genius and , even if unable to agree with all his principals or all his schemes , we may at least be generous where we cannot approve .
Masonry A Religion.
MASONRY A RELIGION .
We are taught that Masonry unites men of every country , sect and opinion . This is true in a limited sem only . It is true that what are commonly known as sectarian d'fferenccs , have no place in the lodge ; yet it i * none thc less true that Masonry is a religion . Man )'
worthy , zealous Masons , in opposing anything like sectarian cxclusiveness , rush to the other extreme , and , W us hope , without due reflection , say , " Let us banish tf ligion , from the lodge room . " What ! banish relig ion from an Institution which , at its very portals , requires a
belief and a trust in God ? Banish religion from a " Institution which teaches that no one should enter up "'' any great cr important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity : Banish religion from the sacred precincts where we are taught our duty to God , in nej * mentioning his name but with that reverential awe wh ' "