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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Reviews. Page 1 of 1 Article THE AUTOCRAT AT THE ROUND TABLE. Page 1 of 1 Article BELFAST MASONIC CHARITY FUND AND MASONIC WIDOWS' FUND. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Your report says , " An emergency meeting ol this highclass lodge was held on Tuesday , & c , & c ., " and goes on to say that ballots were severally taken for certain gentlemen , and amongst them one for a joining brother . Now , the Constitutions say in the clearest possible manner , that "No brother shall be admitted a member of a lodge without a regular proposition in open lodge , nor until his
name , occupation , and place of abode , as well as the name and number of the lodge , Sec , See , have been sent to all the members in the summons for the next regular lodge meeting , at which meeting the brother ' s Grand Lodge certificate , & c , is to be produced , and the decision of thc brethren ascertained by ballot . "
It is therefore clearly irregular for any brother to be balloted for at any lodge of emergency , under heavy penalties . 1 have observed that several brethren complain , and rightly too , of not having a copy of the Constitutions . In the bye-laws of the lodge of which I am the present W . M . it is provided that a copy of the Constitutions , as well as a copy of the bye-laws , shall be given to every brother on
his initiation . Were this plan more generally adopted , it would go far to prevent many useless questions being asked by brethren in your columns . I am fairly puzzled to know the meaning of W . S ., and what office it can be ; and as the term is not confined to
the report of the loelge above referred to , probably there will be no difficulty in giving me the designation and where to find it in the Book of Constitutions , for I have searched in vain . Yours fraternally , ROIIEUT CASE , Past Prov . G . Sec . Dorset .
To ( 7 te Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir , and Brother , In your reply to my queries of last week you say that it is usual for the Stewards to be installed at the same time as the other officers , and that thc appointment will appear on the minute book . But in the case I alluded to neither had been done . In such a case , is the brother ,
who had never been invested in open lodge , nor had his name inserted in the minute book as having been appointed a Steward , but merely received a note from the W , M . elect , asking him to be a Steward . Is he , under these circumstances , justified in acting as Steward . Yours fraternally , J . D . F . [ He must be invested , and the instalment entered in the minutes of the lodge . —ED . ]
To thc Editor if the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Just allow me to inform Bro . Magnus Ohrcn that the question of P . P . G . Steward did not originate from W . M . C . N ., nor , yours fraternally , R . W . O .
To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Would you , or some one of your numerous readers , kindly inform me , through the medium of your widely read columns , when , where , and by whom our
M . W . Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , was made a Mason , and in what lodge lie now holds Past Master ' s rank ? 1 am , Sir , vour obedient servant , T . E .
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — It is stated by Preston and other Masonic writers that the " Ancient Masons , " after their secession from the Grand Loelge of England , acknowledged no superior until they elected thc Duke of Athol as their Grand Master in
1772 . I think there must be some mistake 111 this assertion , as I have seen a warrant constituting a lodge at Macclesfield in 1764 , signed by the Earl of Kelly , G . M ., and Laurence Dermolt , Secretary , and which evidently emanates from that body . Can any of your readers inform mc on the subject ? Yours fraternally , A . T .
[ The following appeared in our contemporary of the 16 th inst . ] "THE SCOTTISH FREEMASON . " ( To the Editor of Ihe Scottish Freemason . )
Sir , —1 have received and read with great pleasure the first number of the Scottish Freemason , and will do all 1 can to induce the brethren here to become subscribers . It has made its appearance very opportunely . If the affairs of Grand Lodge are to be kept in proper
working order , there must be a searching investigation by Grand Committee . They must make up their minds to spend hours , if not days , superintending and investigating , and get things put into proper business form . The unsatisfactory elections of Grand Committee should be vigorously opposed by the whole Craft . Indeed , it is the current belief throughout thc lodges that there shoulel be a clean sweep of both old committeemen and old
officials , and then there would be more hope for a life of vigour and improvement . I hope that your journal , in recording the proceedings of Grand Lodge , Provincial lodges , and the daughter lodges , will not spare the " surgeon ' s knife " whenever or wherever it is required ; and that , with the hearty cooperation of thc lodges , the Finance Committee may before the end of the year be able to report satisfactory
progress I hope that Grand Loelge will get a Granel Secretary of thorough business habits , whose heart and scul are in his work , and , having nothing else to do , that he will make the business department of Grand Lodge a model of perfection . A . THOMSON . Galashiels , 12 th March , 1877 .
Reviews.
Reviews .
IHE ROYAL MASONIC CYCI . OI ' . TDIA , Part XXX . Wc congratulate Bro . Kenneth Mackenzie on thc conclusion of his work , which wc sec , by the last number received , he has successfully achieved . The old adage is still " finis coronat opus , " and we always think that the author who looks back on his completed work can regard
with some satisfaction the work of his hands . Bro . K . Mackenzie has shown great diligence and much industry in the continuous work of a cyclopaedia , and has laboured earnestly to give to the Masonic brotherhood a very readable book . In the present taste and temper of our student Masons there is plenty of room for a cyclopaedia like that
of Bro . K . Mackenzie , which offers , to those especially who take the hermetic view , a fund of information on a most difficult subject . Just now many cyclopaeelias ask for public approval , Mackey anel Macoy , Oliver and Baily , the " Handbuch , " and Bro . K . Mackenzie , to say nothing of
old Giidiche and accurate Lenmng ; but Bro . K . Mackenzie has presented to his friends anel readers what may be termed a " hermetic cyclopaedia , " which , as a " Masonic Student , " we heartily accept as a very laudable contribution to severe studies and abstruse speculation . MASONIC STUDENT .
A SELECTION or SCAIICE AND VAI . UAIII . E BOOKS CN FIIEEMASONRY . —On Sale by Bro . J HUGO , Patcrnoster-row , E . C . We have read this catalogue with much interest , and commend it to thc notice of indivielual members and lodge librarians . Many of thc works advertized arc both scarce and valuable , anel would be well worth thc attention of
all who are making up Masonic libraries , and it is right to point out that though some Masonic works arc very dear now , they will probably yet be dearer still , and we , therefore , think it well to remind our readers , and all who are interested in Masonic literature , that they now have the opportunity of purchasing books which subsequently may not be so easily met with .
THE " SCOTTISH FREEMASON , " NO . 2 . We liked ihe first number very much ; we like the second number still move , and we fed sure that it has a career of success before it . It gives a great amount of well-arranged and interesting matter , at a most moderate price , and is admirably printed and supervised .
As a new literary Masonic bantling it comes before Freemasons , and above all in Scotland , with every claim for attention anel approval . Many of our Sceittish brethren and readers , " per mare ct per terras , " will like to hear of the Masonic doings in thc " Land o' Cakes , " anel we think
it but right to remind them that they now have thc opportunity , at a very cheap rate , of keeping up their connection with the " auld country , " and of knowing how thc Masonic world " wags its way . Wc offer again to alitor and publisher our hearty congratulations anel good wishes .
The Autocrat At The Round Table.
THE AUTOCRAT AT THE ROUND TABLE .
MERCURY— "But what is Freemasonry ? 1 don't understand it . " PUFF—turning over a number of papers—selects one and reaels— " Dr . Oliver , otic of the greatest Masonic writers , has ilefined it as ' the handmaid of religion . ' Our
system beautifully exemplifies this definition . It is truly the handmaid of religion , inasmuch as , without violating any creed or dogma , it inculcates thc love of our great Creator , teaches us in contemplating His works to estimate duly His mighty power , to admire the symmetry with which He has designed them all , and finally , to appreciate thc beauty oi His every work . Where can we
find greater teaching than this r " MERCURY— " Ah , where ? But is this taught in your lodges ' : " PUFF— "All this and more . One of its greatest principles is ' Charity . ' Listen once more . " Reads— " This is a word of vast importance and significance , it is not only giving to the poor and distressed of your abundance , it is
much more than this ; ' it is charity of mind—charity of feeling—charity of character—and charity of action—it is thc incarnation of every moral and social virtue' Masonry , moreover , inculcates another duty , viz ., a good and well-spent life ; an example to our fellow-mortals , ruled by thc four cardinal virtues—Prudence , Temperance , Fortituele , and Justice . These teachings , if properly carried
out , must necessarily extenel thc power of man s intellect ( the great and glorious boon given by thc Creator to mankind ) and enable him to contemplate that great principle , that the wisest philosophers of ancient days could never fathom— ' The knowledge of oneself . ' What , then , it may be asked , is Freemasonry—is it nothing ? or is it not rathcronc of thc grandest conceptions eif the mortal mind ?
Briefly then , again , what is Masonry ' : ' It is a system of morality founded on the belief in thc Creator ; a true love and adoration of His name ; exemplified by using our faculties to Mis honour and glory , and the benefit of our fellow creatures ; by ruling our lives and actions according to His laws ; by a perfect exercise of charity in its most extended meaning ; in fact , ' Faith in God , hope in His promises , anel to be in charity with all men . ' "
MERCURY— " Almost thou persuadest me to be a Ma son ; but what work is it you arc quoting ?" 1 ' u IT— "A new publication called the Scottish Fi-ecma son , whichshould be in the hands of every brother . " MERCURY— " May I read it ? " Pen- — "Certainly . " Hands it over . Mercury immedi ately falls to rcaeling it , and Puff resumes his studies . — Kelso Courier , March 16 th .
Belfast Masonic Charity Fund And Masonic Widows' Fund.
BELFAST MASONIC CHARITY FUND AND MASONIC WIDOWS' FUND .
Thc annual meeting in connection with the above funds was held on the 12 th inst ., in Freemasons' Hall , Arthursquare , Belfast , at 8 o'clock . There was a very large attendance of the brethren present . Amongst those present were Bros . Dr . Robert Seeds , Q . C .: John G . M'Gec , Alexr ,
Tate , P . G . S , ; John Robson , John Mooney , P . G . S . W . ; Charles Lilley , Hugh Doey , Rev . T . J . Welland , Rev . W . C . M'Cullagh , John Hannan , Rev . Jonathan Scaver , Gerald Coulson , William Grant , W . J . Rainey , H . S . Hill , William Rankin , John Stott , James Creighton , John Ireland , Wm . Martin , James Scott , Thomas Nesbitt , James Allen , Joseph Gibson , James Adrain , Tohn Adrian , Thos .
Fisher , — Coates , W . H . M'Neill , A . B . Mitchell , R . M'Henry , Dr . Clements , William Brown , Lewis Ryans , William Jackson , J . Girfard , J . M'Donnell , John M'Neill , T . White , Alexr . Morrow , and others . On the motion of Bro . Fisher , Bro . Robert Seeds was called to the chair . The Chairman said the first part of the business of the
evening was to hear the report that would be presented to them from the committee of the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund . After thc report had been reael they would have an opportunity of discussing it . He thought they would all agree with him that it was a ' _ most commendable report . Bro . James Aelrain read the annual report as follows :
— " The income for the year 1876 amounted to the sum of £ 128 14 s . id ., which , with a balance to the credit of the fund from thc previous year of £ 31 16 s . 3 £ d ., makes a total of £ 160 10 s . 4 J . 1 l ; the total number of applicants who have received relief during thc year being 33 , at a cost of £ f 2 14 s . 3 d . ; incidental expenses , printing report , stationery , Sec , £ 1 14 s ., leaving a balance of £ 82 2 s . i ^ d .
in Treasurer's hands at the close of the year . The income during IS -6 has exceeded that of any former year in the history of the fund , notwithstanding the general depression prevailing in trade . This circumstance the committee woulel regard as an indication of the growing interest felt by the brethren in this work of charity . The general committee during the year appointed several
sub-committees to visit the lodges in the interest of the fund . In all cases the deputies were warmly received by the brethren , and good hopes are entertained that those visits will bear fruit in additional subscriptions during the ensuing year . The committee have to renew their thanks to the Rev . Dr . Macllwaine for his steady and generous suppott of this charity ; and it is cause of thankfulness to him , as to them , that the receipts from the services in St .
George ' s Church on St . John s Day , 24 th June , have been the largest yet received from that source . The committee are glad to be in a position to state that the hope expressed in their last year ' s report , of having a memorial tablet erected in the Borough Cemetery , has been so far realised as that they have approved plans for same , and that the work is in course of execution by the contractors . The committee would remind the subscribers that the balance
which now appears to the credit of the fund may be considered as reduced by the sum of £ 52 10 s ., which amount has been voted as their portion of thc cost of memorial tablet , which they , in conjunction with the Widows' Fund , have now in course of erection . " Bro . Adrain , in the absence of the Treasurer , read the statement of accounts , from which it appeared that there
was a balance in hand of £ So 2 s . 1 \ d . Bro . Rainey moved the adoption of the report and state , ment of accounts , ar . d in doing so , said he had very great pleasure in moving the aeloption of the report , inasmuch as that report was of such a satisfactory character . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Scott seconded the motion .
Thc Chairman said he thought they would all agree with that resolution , It was only necessary that such an institution should be well known in order to be supported . They were a large-hearted people , and all that' they wanted to know was where to give vent to that largeheartcelncss . ( Applause . ; Thc motion was passed .
Bro . Nesbitt moved the next resolution , — " That this meeting , whilst recording its gratitude for the past success of thc Belfast Masonic Charity Fund , earnestly desire to impress upon the brethren the duty and necessity of still further effort to develop its usefulness and promote the virtue of charity , which is the keystone of the Masonic Order , and which shoulel be the aim of all Freemasons to foster
and extend . " He thought it was unnecessary for him to make any lengthened remarks in support of the resolution . Thc usefulness of the charity testified for itself . He knew thc great service it had rendered in cases of distress . It had been the means of relieving misery and destitution . He was sure it needed only a little pressuie to make the fund a still greater success . Thc object was beyond all
eloubt a good one , and deserving of the encouragement of every member of the Masonic body . Thc past success of the fund had been very gratifying , but he trusted that next year woulel show a still further and larger increase to the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund . ( Applause . ) Bro . Clements , in seconding the motion , said that no deserving needy brother had ever applied in vain to them
for help —( hear , hear )—and he also knew cases in which they hael been willing to give a little additional luxuries to those brethren who wcre in some of the public institutions , lie coulel only say it afforded him very great pleasure : to second thc motion . Applause . ) The Chairman , in putting the motion , said , as far as he
knew , charity was really the text of the Masonic Order . ( Hear , hear . ) They had been told that of all the virtues that man can possess charity was thc greatest , and that text was one which they would hear occasionally on Sundays read from the book inspired by the Great Architect . of the Universe . He would ask them to develop , by stiU
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Your report says , " An emergency meeting ol this highclass lodge was held on Tuesday , & c , & c ., " and goes on to say that ballots were severally taken for certain gentlemen , and amongst them one for a joining brother . Now , the Constitutions say in the clearest possible manner , that "No brother shall be admitted a member of a lodge without a regular proposition in open lodge , nor until his
name , occupation , and place of abode , as well as the name and number of the lodge , Sec , See , have been sent to all the members in the summons for the next regular lodge meeting , at which meeting the brother ' s Grand Lodge certificate , & c , is to be produced , and the decision of thc brethren ascertained by ballot . "
It is therefore clearly irregular for any brother to be balloted for at any lodge of emergency , under heavy penalties . 1 have observed that several brethren complain , and rightly too , of not having a copy of the Constitutions . In the bye-laws of the lodge of which I am the present W . M . it is provided that a copy of the Constitutions , as well as a copy of the bye-laws , shall be given to every brother on
his initiation . Were this plan more generally adopted , it would go far to prevent many useless questions being asked by brethren in your columns . I am fairly puzzled to know the meaning of W . S ., and what office it can be ; and as the term is not confined to
the report of the loelge above referred to , probably there will be no difficulty in giving me the designation and where to find it in the Book of Constitutions , for I have searched in vain . Yours fraternally , ROIIEUT CASE , Past Prov . G . Sec . Dorset .
To ( 7 te Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir , and Brother , In your reply to my queries of last week you say that it is usual for the Stewards to be installed at the same time as the other officers , and that thc appointment will appear on the minute book . But in the case I alluded to neither had been done . In such a case , is the brother ,
who had never been invested in open lodge , nor had his name inserted in the minute book as having been appointed a Steward , but merely received a note from the W , M . elect , asking him to be a Steward . Is he , under these circumstances , justified in acting as Steward . Yours fraternally , J . D . F . [ He must be invested , and the instalment entered in the minutes of the lodge . —ED . ]
To thc Editor if the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Just allow me to inform Bro . Magnus Ohrcn that the question of P . P . G . Steward did not originate from W . M . C . N ., nor , yours fraternally , R . W . O .
To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Would you , or some one of your numerous readers , kindly inform me , through the medium of your widely read columns , when , where , and by whom our
M . W . Pro Grand Master , the Earl of Carnarvon , was made a Mason , and in what lodge lie now holds Past Master ' s rank ? 1 am , Sir , vour obedient servant , T . E .
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — It is stated by Preston and other Masonic writers that the " Ancient Masons , " after their secession from the Grand Loelge of England , acknowledged no superior until they elected thc Duke of Athol as their Grand Master in
1772 . I think there must be some mistake 111 this assertion , as I have seen a warrant constituting a lodge at Macclesfield in 1764 , signed by the Earl of Kelly , G . M ., and Laurence Dermolt , Secretary , and which evidently emanates from that body . Can any of your readers inform mc on the subject ? Yours fraternally , A . T .
[ The following appeared in our contemporary of the 16 th inst . ] "THE SCOTTISH FREEMASON . " ( To the Editor of Ihe Scottish Freemason . )
Sir , —1 have received and read with great pleasure the first number of the Scottish Freemason , and will do all 1 can to induce the brethren here to become subscribers . It has made its appearance very opportunely . If the affairs of Grand Lodge are to be kept in proper
working order , there must be a searching investigation by Grand Committee . They must make up their minds to spend hours , if not days , superintending and investigating , and get things put into proper business form . The unsatisfactory elections of Grand Committee should be vigorously opposed by the whole Craft . Indeed , it is the current belief throughout thc lodges that there shoulel be a clean sweep of both old committeemen and old
officials , and then there would be more hope for a life of vigour and improvement . I hope that your journal , in recording the proceedings of Grand Lodge , Provincial lodges , and the daughter lodges , will not spare the " surgeon ' s knife " whenever or wherever it is required ; and that , with the hearty cooperation of thc lodges , the Finance Committee may before the end of the year be able to report satisfactory
progress I hope that Grand Loelge will get a Granel Secretary of thorough business habits , whose heart and scul are in his work , and , having nothing else to do , that he will make the business department of Grand Lodge a model of perfection . A . THOMSON . Galashiels , 12 th March , 1877 .
Reviews.
Reviews .
IHE ROYAL MASONIC CYCI . OI ' . TDIA , Part XXX . Wc congratulate Bro . Kenneth Mackenzie on thc conclusion of his work , which wc sec , by the last number received , he has successfully achieved . The old adage is still " finis coronat opus , " and we always think that the author who looks back on his completed work can regard
with some satisfaction the work of his hands . Bro . K . Mackenzie has shown great diligence and much industry in the continuous work of a cyclopaedia , and has laboured earnestly to give to the Masonic brotherhood a very readable book . In the present taste and temper of our student Masons there is plenty of room for a cyclopaedia like that
of Bro . K . Mackenzie , which offers , to those especially who take the hermetic view , a fund of information on a most difficult subject . Just now many cyclopaeelias ask for public approval , Mackey anel Macoy , Oliver and Baily , the " Handbuch , " and Bro . K . Mackenzie , to say nothing of
old Giidiche and accurate Lenmng ; but Bro . K . Mackenzie has presented to his friends anel readers what may be termed a " hermetic cyclopaedia , " which , as a " Masonic Student , " we heartily accept as a very laudable contribution to severe studies and abstruse speculation . MASONIC STUDENT .
A SELECTION or SCAIICE AND VAI . UAIII . E BOOKS CN FIIEEMASONRY . —On Sale by Bro . J HUGO , Patcrnoster-row , E . C . We have read this catalogue with much interest , and commend it to thc notice of indivielual members and lodge librarians . Many of thc works advertized arc both scarce and valuable , anel would be well worth thc attention of
all who are making up Masonic libraries , and it is right to point out that though some Masonic works arc very dear now , they will probably yet be dearer still , and we , therefore , think it well to remind our readers , and all who are interested in Masonic literature , that they now have the opportunity of purchasing books which subsequently may not be so easily met with .
THE " SCOTTISH FREEMASON , " NO . 2 . We liked ihe first number very much ; we like the second number still move , and we fed sure that it has a career of success before it . It gives a great amount of well-arranged and interesting matter , at a most moderate price , and is admirably printed and supervised .
As a new literary Masonic bantling it comes before Freemasons , and above all in Scotland , with every claim for attention anel approval . Many of our Sceittish brethren and readers , " per mare ct per terras , " will like to hear of the Masonic doings in thc " Land o' Cakes , " anel we think
it but right to remind them that they now have thc opportunity , at a very cheap rate , of keeping up their connection with the " auld country , " and of knowing how thc Masonic world " wags its way . Wc offer again to alitor and publisher our hearty congratulations anel good wishes .
The Autocrat At The Round Table.
THE AUTOCRAT AT THE ROUND TABLE .
MERCURY— "But what is Freemasonry ? 1 don't understand it . " PUFF—turning over a number of papers—selects one and reaels— " Dr . Oliver , otic of the greatest Masonic writers , has ilefined it as ' the handmaid of religion . ' Our
system beautifully exemplifies this definition . It is truly the handmaid of religion , inasmuch as , without violating any creed or dogma , it inculcates thc love of our great Creator , teaches us in contemplating His works to estimate duly His mighty power , to admire the symmetry with which He has designed them all , and finally , to appreciate thc beauty oi His every work . Where can we
find greater teaching than this r " MERCURY— " Ah , where ? But is this taught in your lodges ' : " PUFF— "All this and more . One of its greatest principles is ' Charity . ' Listen once more . " Reads— " This is a word of vast importance and significance , it is not only giving to the poor and distressed of your abundance , it is
much more than this ; ' it is charity of mind—charity of feeling—charity of character—and charity of action—it is thc incarnation of every moral and social virtue' Masonry , moreover , inculcates another duty , viz ., a good and well-spent life ; an example to our fellow-mortals , ruled by thc four cardinal virtues—Prudence , Temperance , Fortituele , and Justice . These teachings , if properly carried
out , must necessarily extenel thc power of man s intellect ( the great and glorious boon given by thc Creator to mankind ) and enable him to contemplate that great principle , that the wisest philosophers of ancient days could never fathom— ' The knowledge of oneself . ' What , then , it may be asked , is Freemasonry—is it nothing ? or is it not rathcronc of thc grandest conceptions eif the mortal mind ?
Briefly then , again , what is Masonry ' : ' It is a system of morality founded on the belief in thc Creator ; a true love and adoration of His name ; exemplified by using our faculties to Mis honour and glory , and the benefit of our fellow creatures ; by ruling our lives and actions according to His laws ; by a perfect exercise of charity in its most extended meaning ; in fact , ' Faith in God , hope in His promises , anel to be in charity with all men . ' "
MERCURY— " Almost thou persuadest me to be a Ma son ; but what work is it you arc quoting ?" 1 ' u IT— "A new publication called the Scottish Fi-ecma son , whichshould be in the hands of every brother . " MERCURY— " May I read it ? " Pen- — "Certainly . " Hands it over . Mercury immedi ately falls to rcaeling it , and Puff resumes his studies . — Kelso Courier , March 16 th .
Belfast Masonic Charity Fund And Masonic Widows' Fund.
BELFAST MASONIC CHARITY FUND AND MASONIC WIDOWS' FUND .
Thc annual meeting in connection with the above funds was held on the 12 th inst ., in Freemasons' Hall , Arthursquare , Belfast , at 8 o'clock . There was a very large attendance of the brethren present . Amongst those present were Bros . Dr . Robert Seeds , Q . C .: John G . M'Gec , Alexr ,
Tate , P . G . S , ; John Robson , John Mooney , P . G . S . W . ; Charles Lilley , Hugh Doey , Rev . T . J . Welland , Rev . W . C . M'Cullagh , John Hannan , Rev . Jonathan Scaver , Gerald Coulson , William Grant , W . J . Rainey , H . S . Hill , William Rankin , John Stott , James Creighton , John Ireland , Wm . Martin , James Scott , Thomas Nesbitt , James Allen , Joseph Gibson , James Adrain , Tohn Adrian , Thos .
Fisher , — Coates , W . H . M'Neill , A . B . Mitchell , R . M'Henry , Dr . Clements , William Brown , Lewis Ryans , William Jackson , J . Girfard , J . M'Donnell , John M'Neill , T . White , Alexr . Morrow , and others . On the motion of Bro . Fisher , Bro . Robert Seeds was called to the chair . The Chairman said the first part of the business of the
evening was to hear the report that would be presented to them from the committee of the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund . After thc report had been reael they would have an opportunity of discussing it . He thought they would all agree with him that it was a ' _ most commendable report . Bro . James Aelrain read the annual report as follows :
— " The income for the year 1876 amounted to the sum of £ 128 14 s . id ., which , with a balance to the credit of the fund from thc previous year of £ 31 16 s . 3 £ d ., makes a total of £ 160 10 s . 4 J . 1 l ; the total number of applicants who have received relief during thc year being 33 , at a cost of £ f 2 14 s . 3 d . ; incidental expenses , printing report , stationery , Sec , £ 1 14 s ., leaving a balance of £ 82 2 s . i ^ d .
in Treasurer's hands at the close of the year . The income during IS -6 has exceeded that of any former year in the history of the fund , notwithstanding the general depression prevailing in trade . This circumstance the committee woulel regard as an indication of the growing interest felt by the brethren in this work of charity . The general committee during the year appointed several
sub-committees to visit the lodges in the interest of the fund . In all cases the deputies were warmly received by the brethren , and good hopes are entertained that those visits will bear fruit in additional subscriptions during the ensuing year . The committee have to renew their thanks to the Rev . Dr . Macllwaine for his steady and generous suppott of this charity ; and it is cause of thankfulness to him , as to them , that the receipts from the services in St .
George ' s Church on St . John s Day , 24 th June , have been the largest yet received from that source . The committee are glad to be in a position to state that the hope expressed in their last year ' s report , of having a memorial tablet erected in the Borough Cemetery , has been so far realised as that they have approved plans for same , and that the work is in course of execution by the contractors . The committee would remind the subscribers that the balance
which now appears to the credit of the fund may be considered as reduced by the sum of £ 52 10 s ., which amount has been voted as their portion of thc cost of memorial tablet , which they , in conjunction with the Widows' Fund , have now in course of erection . " Bro . Adrain , in the absence of the Treasurer , read the statement of accounts , from which it appeared that there
was a balance in hand of £ So 2 s . 1 \ d . Bro . Rainey moved the adoption of the report and state , ment of accounts , ar . d in doing so , said he had very great pleasure in moving the aeloption of the report , inasmuch as that report was of such a satisfactory character . ( Hear , hear . ) Bro . Scott seconded the motion .
Thc Chairman said he thought they would all agree with that resolution , It was only necessary that such an institution should be well known in order to be supported . They were a large-hearted people , and all that' they wanted to know was where to give vent to that largeheartcelncss . ( Applause . ; Thc motion was passed .
Bro . Nesbitt moved the next resolution , — " That this meeting , whilst recording its gratitude for the past success of thc Belfast Masonic Charity Fund , earnestly desire to impress upon the brethren the duty and necessity of still further effort to develop its usefulness and promote the virtue of charity , which is the keystone of the Masonic Order , and which shoulel be the aim of all Freemasons to foster
and extend . " He thought it was unnecessary for him to make any lengthened remarks in support of the resolution . Thc usefulness of the charity testified for itself . He knew thc great service it had rendered in cases of distress . It had been the means of relieving misery and destitution . He was sure it needed only a little pressuie to make the fund a still greater success . Thc object was beyond all
eloubt a good one , and deserving of the encouragement of every member of the Masonic body . Thc past success of the fund had been very gratifying , but he trusted that next year woulel show a still further and larger increase to the Belfast Masonic Charity Fund . ( Applause . ) Bro . Clements , in seconding the motion , said that no deserving needy brother had ever applied in vain to them
for help —( hear , hear )—and he also knew cases in which they hael been willing to give a little additional luxuries to those brethren who wcre in some of the public institutions , lie coulel only say it afforded him very great pleasure : to second thc motion . Applause . ) The Chairman , in putting the motion , said , as far as he
knew , charity was really the text of the Masonic Order . ( Hear , hear . ) They had been told that of all the virtues that man can possess charity was thc greatest , and that text was one which they would hear occasionally on Sundays read from the book inspired by the Great Architect . of the Universe . He would ask them to develop , by stiU