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    Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2
    Article ORATION DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL, JULY 14th, 1875. Page 1 of 2
    Article ORATION DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL, JULY 14th, 1875. Page 1 of 2
    Article ORATION DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL, JULY 14th, 1875. Page 1 of 2 →
Page 8

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Original Correspondence.

resident might become a member of the lodge , thc lodge would soon cease to exist , but , fortunately , many Liverpool gentlemen like the easy journey out of town , and add very considerably to its strength , and at last , through the energy of its members , there has been erected in " the old and very sleepy little town , " a new Masonic I lall , where our lodge , chapter , and preceptory are now held .

I have yet to learn what objection there is to gentlemen , in every respect eligible , being initiated in , and becoming suscribing members to , " old S _ , " if 't please the brethren to receive them . There is not a Sunday passes but what people pass by places of worship of their own religion , and go long distances to hear their favourite preacher , and Sunday after Sunday crowds cross over from

Lancashire to Cheshire , and vice versa , to attend Divine worship . With regard to thc circular , on which apppeared the names of five candidates for initiation , 1 will , like " L of L , "' take them seriatim . No . i is a gentleman residing at Rainford , who , having friends in the Prescot Lodge , prefers to come the slig ht extra distance , although he passes through the town of St . Helen ' s . No harm , I

venture to say , in this case ! Nos . 2 and 3 come out with friends , and although they reside in Liveipool , they are not thc last by a many , I trust , who will become members of our lodge . No . 4 lives at Seacombe , and as his intimate friend , Bro . ]? ., has long been a member of our lodge , he thought it would be more agreeable to belong to the same one , and have a companion to and fro , as both reside at

the same place . No . 5 seems to me thc only one at all remarkable , and even this case is easily explained . One of our old Past Masters and No . 3 are directors , with several other gentlemen , of a company in thc Jsle of Man , and No . 5 being thc only non-mason , expressed a desire to become one , when our Past Master said , " Well ! why not come to our lodge ! " and his name , accordingly ,

appeared 011 the circular . Simply a case of friendship As they were workers together in business they wished to be workers together in Masonry . The paragraph relating to black-balled candidates having been admitted at Prescot , I am unable to reply to , unless furnished with some names and dates ; but 1 may say I have seen cases of black-balling quite

unjustifiable , and only caused by business differences . In conclusion , I cannot help thinking a strong spirit of jealousy pervades " L . of L . 's" letter , and I have little doubt much more light could be thrown on the matter , were he to sign his real name , as 1 now do . Yours fraternally , IUXUN . VI . I ) Yo-so , W . M . Lodge of Loyalty , Prescot , No . 86 .

THE BOYS' SCHOOL PESTIVAL . To l ) it Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In your excellent report in the Freemason of July 10 th , of the proceedings at the festival of the Royal Masonic S-hool for Boy-:. w .- ; d L . .- ' , . ; on the 7 U 1 inst .,

there is an error as to the amount of thc subscription on my list as Steward for the Royal Naval Lodge , No . 50 . The amount on my list was £ ( , 3 , instead of £ 30 ns ., as stated in the Freemason . I shall feel much obliged by your correction of the error in your next issue . I am , sir , yours faithfully , Jtms 11 E . II . _ , P . M . 30 .

Oration Delivered At The Dedication Of The Surrey Masonic Hall, July 14th, 1875.

ORATION DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL , JULY 14 th , 1875 .

Bv THE Rnv . A . F . A . Woon . oiin , M . A ., P . G . CHAPLAIN . Most Worshipful Deputy Grand Master , Officers , and Brethren , —Having been requested to deliver a short oration , as is our Masonic wont , at the dedication of this new hall , I venture , for a short space of time , to crave your fraternal

attention . I think that we shall all of us agree that it is both a laudable and befitting custom , " more majorum , " which requires that in such special assemblies as this , that a few words should be spoken by an appointed officer , relative to the work we are engaged in , and the ceremony which calls us together . For we are thereby afforded an opportunity of recalling to our work-day recollection the

ancient lore , thc long history , the great mission of our useful brotherhood . We arc enabled to take friendly counsel together as friends and as brethren in lodge assembled as regards the progress of Freemasonry , and thus reminded of the past , encouraged for tho present , weare chceretl and prepared for the coming duties , and , it may be , the sterner struggles of the future . I also rejoice personally that we

carefully preserve this good old custom of our Masonic forefathers for another reason . All work completed , some one has well said , is but an earnest of work yet to he done , and when , as to-day , we gather together to rejoice over the completion of this so far successful undertaking , we also feel and hope that this new hall may be the type and augury of many another like needed structure in many

parts of our land . And the first feeling which comes before us is one surely of rejoicing ! I ' or we all feel thankful that no accident has happened to the workmen , and we congratulate ourselves that wc are witnessing to-day the prosperous erection of our own hands as well in the uueuiug of another Masonic hall . And in the next place ours must be mutual and brotherly feelings of congratulation thai

Freemasonry , in this important district , has received so needed and so salutary an impetus . Hence there seems to me to arise for us all alike , as Freemasons , much that is most useful to call to mind , and more that it is most important to realize . Those of us who , like myself , may be said to have grown grey iu Freemasonry , and can look

back to-day through many years of fair Masonic work , must be gladdened by the signs we see around us everywhere of the onward progress of our good old Craft . We can recall , going back , 1 am almost sorry to say , a quarter of a century—we can vividly recall to-day , I repeat , how very often our Masonic vyprk was done in those days , as

Oration Delivered At The Dedication Of The Surrey Masonic Hall, July 14th, 1875.

we say , very much " in the rough . " We met very often then in incommodious rooms , surrounded by incongruous accessories , and it was often a very hard struggle , whether the customs of Freemasonry or the associations of the outer world , which had obtruded themselves sensibly into our lodge-rooms , should get the upper hand . I for one felt then , as others felt too—all of us in the full fervour of early Masonic work how much Freemasonry lost when the " locale " where we assembled was redolent of

everything but Freemasonry , and where there vvas positively nothing suitably to impress the brethren , much less a candidate tor our mysteries , with a high and reverent appreciation , of the reality , thc merit , the excellency , the importance of that ancient Order into which he was seeking admission , and to which it was our great privilege to belong . Now all is rapidly changing , and happily changing ,

I believe , for the better . Following the current of the great stream of the epoch in wliich we live , Fieemasonry has received a much needed impulse in respect of aesthetic improvement , and ceremonial decency , and lodge ornamentation . We have of late years , as you , M . W . Sir , well know , especially in the great province over which you so worthily preside , and in many other provinces and even in the

Metropolis , been raising edifices at much cost , specially destined like this to-day , which we arc dedicating in the name of God , Most High , for the uses and purposes the work , and the mysteries of Freemasonry alone . And all of us who value Freemasonry , both for what is and for what it is not , both in respect of the truth it inculcates and the brotherhood it forms , will , within due bounds always both

derstood , heartily commend , and personally rejoice , at to use a French phrase , such a " changement tics decorations . " Some writer has said , !; " that we may have too much even of a good thing . " and without pausing to analyze the saying , perhaps like many other sayings , somewhat questionable , I feel strongly myself that while we may fairly advance everything in favour of our increased love of lodge

decoration and ceremonial attractiveness amongst us , and in our numerous lodges nnd halls , we should not attempt to lay down any too rigid or dogmatic a line of cither an ornamented ritual or architectural buildings for our Order generally . There are many rooms for instance in the Metropolis , like one I saw the week before last , which , beautiful in themselves , and perfectly adapted ( o our

ceremonies , enable many of our brethren on moderate terms , to meet happily , peacefully , and comfortably for all Masonic purposes and duties . While , then , I blame no brother who differs from me on this important question , while I fully admit that some may consider economy to be the crucial test ofthe whole question for themselves , while some may fairly prefer the old room , if not so ornamental or convenient as

others , where they can recall many years perchance , of happy work and cheerful companionship , I yet feel it to be my duty , M . W . Sir , to press upon all who hear mc to day the great advisabilay and importance in the best interests of Freemasonry , of encouraging the building of halls and separate buildings for all our meetings . In so doing , weare but following , as I pointed out before ,

thc taste and feelings of our own generation ; we arc but obeying , as I believe , and within due limits of moderation and propriety , the onward and upward movement of our age , which seeks to connect all that is necessary , all that is useful , all that is customary , with all that is becoming , all that is graceful , all that is artistic , and all that is beautiful . And not only this , but in the erection of lodge rooms ,

apart from the associations and drawbacks of the outward world , wc shall remove many objections , and silence many opponents , whose main allegations against Freemasonry too often take the shape of a charge that it is to a great extent , from its public appearances and outward gathering , only a great and friendly but convivial associacion . And those of us who know well our ancient ritual , and

our impressive ceremonies , know , too , how greatly they are enhanced , both iu grace aud solemnity , by all the proper adjuncts of a duly decorated lodge room . It was old Aske who told us so well at the beginning of this century , how symbolical all our lodge ornaments , all our lodge decorations really were ; how full of meaning , beauty , wisdom , anil good were all these

familiar features of the lodge , wliich wc hardly , perhaps , understand or value as we ought to do . When , then , we see to-day a Masonic I lall separated from common and profane uses , and dedicated reverently to the service and ceremonies of our useful Order , in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe ; when we behold around us all thc appropriate emblems of our ancient Craft ; when we

admiringly gaze upon the good taste displayed in all that is befitting and yet attractive in lodge decorations complete and chaste—we feel at once how suitable a home Freemasonry has obtained for itself iu this important district . Must we not also commend , M . W . Sir , those who undertook , the architect who planned , and those who have so far completed the goodly undertaking ? And shall we

not rejoice to think how becoming , and yet how effective , will be the development of our old aud cherished ritual here under the auspices of the new lodge , whose constitution and consecration we shall shortly witness ? For it has often happened , and 1 believe will often happen , that the first impressions we receive and form of Freemasonry arc those which go with us during our Masonic career . Many

a neophyte has been , so to say , all but turned back with an unfavourable impression , by his first reception into our Order , an impression which has never left him , and has rendered his after Masonic membership half-hearted , doubting , undervaluing . But when , as it was my privilege to be admitted into the light of Masonry

3 J years ago , in the Lodge of friendship at Gibraltar , all that vvas graceful and beautiful , all that was purely Masonic and intellectual , and cultivated , were the characteristics of that well ordered lodge , set apart for Masonic services alone , the feelings of wonder were soon exchanged for admiration , and admiration gave place to gratification , and gratification \ yas foliovyed by interest , reverence

Oration Delivered At The Dedication Of The Surrey Masonic Hall, July 14th, 1875.

and love . And so it is , I believe , with all . The pleasure and contentment which the admiring initiate feels , when surrounded by all the befitting ornamentation of a carefulharranged lodge room , follows him the older he becomes , and the longer he belongs to our fraternity . Warmly ' then do I venture to congratulate you , M . W . Sir , and all my brethren present , alike at your kindly presiding over

this pleasant gathering , that so having set the seal of your official approbation to this happily achieved work , we and you , as our Deputy Grand Master , cm mutually rejoice to have been permitted to take part in this appropriate ceremony , and this festive array . For here , M . W . Sir , I make bold once more to remind my hearers , iu this newly dedicated lodge room it is proposed that our peaceful

ceremonies should be performed amid al ) the reverence ami propriety , that circumstances can supply , or true Masonic feeling can suggest . I lei - we hope that our great principles will be upheld , our venerated truths proclaimed , our benevolent and tolerant and philantrophic maxims from time to time duly set forth and lovingly avowed . Here we trust that—a band of brethren linked together by the golden

chain of peace and concord , fraternal harmony , goodwill , and sympathy—wc shall ever maintain in the lodge , and evidence out of the lodge , that these words on our lips are not empty professions , but regulate our actions and control our lives . I ( ere we fondly trust , that whatever may happen in the world outside , plain deiling and sincerity will always distinguish us , nnd truth and honour ,

and right and justice , will ever abound amongst us . Here we shall learn , let us hope , to master our tempers , to curb our tongues , to repress the too common propensity to censoriousness and detraction ; here we shall maintain a brother ' s character in his absence as we would in his presence ; lure wc will stand by him in trial , cheer him in sorrow , befriend him in adversity-, do unto him as we would

he should do unto us , listen to no idle tale affecting his honour , his probity , his uprightness , but calmly practise what we have solemnly pledged ourselves to perform , never deserting theright , never truckling to what is base , cowardly , or dishonourable ; but as true Freemasons , vindicating a brother's cause , and boldly repelling the slanderer of his good fame . And here , too , while we practise all the

moral duties , and all the virtues of humanity , in humble dependence on our Supreme Lawgiver and Divine Protector , while we seek ever to be courteous , considerate , forbearing , tolerant , pitying , and forgiving , we shall not forget the exercise of those gentle graces , which are the practical proof alike of our Masonic profession and of the true value of Freemasonry . Open will our hands be as melting charity to all who make a proper claim on our

benevolence . Wc shall never forget that many are the ups and downs of lite , and that some who are 'U >_ i . sK \ ivg in prosperity to-day , may be struck down by adversity tomorrow , and that while we must always act with prudence , caution , and discrimination , even in philanthropic endeavours , the abiding duty of Freemasonry is charity ; that charity which " never faileth , " that charity alike welcome to God and pleasant to man " is the Spirit that on the widest plan ,

Brother to brother binds , and man to man . " So too as regards the widows and orphans of our brethren we , as Freemasons know full well , that they as such have a solemn and an enduring claim on us , not the claim of a Benefit Order , but thc claim of truer and spontaneous Masonic interest and fraternal good-will . No happier work , no better remembrance can be ours , than that we

have aided to dry the widow ' s tears and to educate the orphan child of our brethren , and we may rest assured , M . W . Sir , that those who shall assemble within these now dedecated walls , will always bear in mind that amid all the excellent teachings of our Order , amid its great and commendable merits , there is not one which so appeals to the hearts and admiration of men , as well as to the

feelings of our own benevolent brotherhood , as that which may be justly denominated its chief ornaments and its most benign , characteristic , earnest , kindly , simple-minded , large-hearted philanthropy . So Freemasonry is not , despite what some may chance to say , a mere creation of the caprice , or fashion , or folly of the hour ; it is not merely a genial meeting , or a social assembly , though it

partakes properly of both these characteristics , but it entails on its members high aims , moral duties , and I will add , great responsibilities . In au age of much controversy , at a time when men are often injuriously agitated by the virulence and tumults of political or polemical contests , Freemasonry has often appeared to mc like an oasis iu the wilderness of life , where amid the dust

ftorms , and the mirage of the desert , the weary traveller can rest peacefully and serene , and quaff the refreshing stream , and seek an umbrageous shelter of tranquillity and repose . Over the portals of this new hal' , as over all our lodge buildings to-day , are engraved the talismanic words of " Loyalty and Charity , " and , universal in its scope and tolerant in its teaching ,

i-i-. masonry welcomes all good men and true within its - fold , all , I say , who acknowledge and revere the Grand and Divine Master of us all above , all except the avowed atheist and the open libertine . Mav , then , all prosperity attend on this new Masonic llall , and may all who enter within its dedicated walls find it to be to them a perfect tabernacle of peace and good will , of happiness and harmony , of

rest and kindly fellowship to them one and all . Like good workmen , the Master still sets on tithe work , neither has He yet called us from labour to refreshment ; but yet let us all hope that when our time of dismissal comes , having like faithful Craftsmen ascended the winding stair , and passed , under Heavenly help , through the dark valley of

the shadow of death , in all the hope of Master Masons , true and trusty , by the infinite mercies of the Great Jehovah , we may be admitted to that Grand Lodge above , whose officers , to use an old Masonic illustration , are the Holy Angels , whose members arc our own familiar friends , and where ( he World ' s Great Architect lives and reigns

“The Freemason: 1875-07-24, Page 8” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 23 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fvl/issues/fvl_24071875/page/8/.
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Title Category Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS. Article 1
REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 1
Scotland. Article 2
THE NEW LODGE OF ALEXANDRA PALACE. Article 2
GRAND MARK LODGE BENEVOLENT FUND. Article 4
Poetry. Article 5
Untitled Article 6
TO OUR READERS. Article 6
TO ADVERTISERS. Article 6
Answers to Correspondents. Article 6
Untitled Article 6
THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW SURREY MASONIC HALL. Article 6
THE LAST BULLETINOFFICIEL OF THE GRAND ORIENT OF FRANCE. Article 6
INSTALLATION OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, K.G. Article 6
BRO. BURGESS'S COMPLAINT. Article 7
ST. SWITHIN. Article 7
THE BOYS' SCHOOL. Article 7
Original Correspondence. Article 7
ORATION DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL, JULY 14th, 1875. Article 8
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF SUFFOLK. Article 9
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF KENT. Article 10
Masonic Tidings. Article 11
LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE. Article 11
ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS. Article 11
METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS. Article 11
MASONIC MEETINGS IN WEST LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE. Article 12
MASONIC MEETINGS IN EAST LANCASHIRE. Article 12
MASONIC MEETINGS IN GLASGOW AND VICINITY. Article 12
MASONIC MEETINGS IN EDINBURGH AND VICINITY. Article 12
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Original Correspondence.

resident might become a member of the lodge , thc lodge would soon cease to exist , but , fortunately , many Liverpool gentlemen like the easy journey out of town , and add very considerably to its strength , and at last , through the energy of its members , there has been erected in " the old and very sleepy little town , " a new Masonic I lall , where our lodge , chapter , and preceptory are now held .

I have yet to learn what objection there is to gentlemen , in every respect eligible , being initiated in , and becoming suscribing members to , " old S _ , " if 't please the brethren to receive them . There is not a Sunday passes but what people pass by places of worship of their own religion , and go long distances to hear their favourite preacher , and Sunday after Sunday crowds cross over from

Lancashire to Cheshire , and vice versa , to attend Divine worship . With regard to thc circular , on which apppeared the names of five candidates for initiation , 1 will , like " L of L , "' take them seriatim . No . i is a gentleman residing at Rainford , who , having friends in the Prescot Lodge , prefers to come the slig ht extra distance , although he passes through the town of St . Helen ' s . No harm , I

venture to say , in this case ! Nos . 2 and 3 come out with friends , and although they reside in Liveipool , they are not thc last by a many , I trust , who will become members of our lodge . No . 4 lives at Seacombe , and as his intimate friend , Bro . ]? ., has long been a member of our lodge , he thought it would be more agreeable to belong to the same one , and have a companion to and fro , as both reside at

the same place . No . 5 seems to me thc only one at all remarkable , and even this case is easily explained . One of our old Past Masters and No . 3 are directors , with several other gentlemen , of a company in thc Jsle of Man , and No . 5 being thc only non-mason , expressed a desire to become one , when our Past Master said , " Well ! why not come to our lodge ! " and his name , accordingly ,

appeared 011 the circular . Simply a case of friendship As they were workers together in business they wished to be workers together in Masonry . The paragraph relating to black-balled candidates having been admitted at Prescot , I am unable to reply to , unless furnished with some names and dates ; but 1 may say I have seen cases of black-balling quite

unjustifiable , and only caused by business differences . In conclusion , I cannot help thinking a strong spirit of jealousy pervades " L . of L . 's" letter , and I have little doubt much more light could be thrown on the matter , were he to sign his real name , as 1 now do . Yours fraternally , IUXUN . VI . I ) Yo-so , W . M . Lodge of Loyalty , Prescot , No . 86 .

THE BOYS' SCHOOL PESTIVAL . To l ) it Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In your excellent report in the Freemason of July 10 th , of the proceedings at the festival of the Royal Masonic S-hool for Boy-:. w .- ; d L . .- ' , . ; on the 7 U 1 inst .,

there is an error as to the amount of thc subscription on my list as Steward for the Royal Naval Lodge , No . 50 . The amount on my list was £ ( , 3 , instead of £ 30 ns ., as stated in the Freemason . I shall feel much obliged by your correction of the error in your next issue . I am , sir , yours faithfully , Jtms 11 E . II . _ , P . M . 30 .

Oration Delivered At The Dedication Of The Surrey Masonic Hall, July 14th, 1875.

ORATION DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SURREY MASONIC HALL , JULY 14 th , 1875 .

Bv THE Rnv . A . F . A . Woon . oiin , M . A ., P . G . CHAPLAIN . Most Worshipful Deputy Grand Master , Officers , and Brethren , —Having been requested to deliver a short oration , as is our Masonic wont , at the dedication of this new hall , I venture , for a short space of time , to crave your fraternal

attention . I think that we shall all of us agree that it is both a laudable and befitting custom , " more majorum , " which requires that in such special assemblies as this , that a few words should be spoken by an appointed officer , relative to the work we are engaged in , and the ceremony which calls us together . For we are thereby afforded an opportunity of recalling to our work-day recollection the

ancient lore , thc long history , the great mission of our useful brotherhood . We arc enabled to take friendly counsel together as friends and as brethren in lodge assembled as regards the progress of Freemasonry , and thus reminded of the past , encouraged for tho present , weare chceretl and prepared for the coming duties , and , it may be , the sterner struggles of the future . I also rejoice personally that we

carefully preserve this good old custom of our Masonic forefathers for another reason . All work completed , some one has well said , is but an earnest of work yet to he done , and when , as to-day , we gather together to rejoice over the completion of this so far successful undertaking , we also feel and hope that this new hall may be the type and augury of many another like needed structure in many

parts of our land . And the first feeling which comes before us is one surely of rejoicing ! I ' or we all feel thankful that no accident has happened to the workmen , and we congratulate ourselves that wc are witnessing to-day the prosperous erection of our own hands as well in the uueuiug of another Masonic hall . And in the next place ours must be mutual and brotherly feelings of congratulation thai

Freemasonry , in this important district , has received so needed and so salutary an impetus . Hence there seems to me to arise for us all alike , as Freemasons , much that is most useful to call to mind , and more that it is most important to realize . Those of us who , like myself , may be said to have grown grey iu Freemasonry , and can look

back to-day through many years of fair Masonic work , must be gladdened by the signs we see around us everywhere of the onward progress of our good old Craft . We can recall , going back , 1 am almost sorry to say , a quarter of a century—we can vividly recall to-day , I repeat , how very often our Masonic vyprk was done in those days , as

Oration Delivered At The Dedication Of The Surrey Masonic Hall, July 14th, 1875.

we say , very much " in the rough . " We met very often then in incommodious rooms , surrounded by incongruous accessories , and it was often a very hard struggle , whether the customs of Freemasonry or the associations of the outer world , which had obtruded themselves sensibly into our lodge-rooms , should get the upper hand . I for one felt then , as others felt too—all of us in the full fervour of early Masonic work how much Freemasonry lost when the " locale " where we assembled was redolent of

everything but Freemasonry , and where there vvas positively nothing suitably to impress the brethren , much less a candidate tor our mysteries , with a high and reverent appreciation , of the reality , thc merit , the excellency , the importance of that ancient Order into which he was seeking admission , and to which it was our great privilege to belong . Now all is rapidly changing , and happily changing ,

I believe , for the better . Following the current of the great stream of the epoch in wliich we live , Fieemasonry has received a much needed impulse in respect of aesthetic improvement , and ceremonial decency , and lodge ornamentation . We have of late years , as you , M . W . Sir , well know , especially in the great province over which you so worthily preside , and in many other provinces and even in the

Metropolis , been raising edifices at much cost , specially destined like this to-day , which we arc dedicating in the name of God , Most High , for the uses and purposes the work , and the mysteries of Freemasonry alone . And all of us who value Freemasonry , both for what is and for what it is not , both in respect of the truth it inculcates and the brotherhood it forms , will , within due bounds always both

derstood , heartily commend , and personally rejoice , at to use a French phrase , such a " changement tics decorations . " Some writer has said , !; " that we may have too much even of a good thing . " and without pausing to analyze the saying , perhaps like many other sayings , somewhat questionable , I feel strongly myself that while we may fairly advance everything in favour of our increased love of lodge

decoration and ceremonial attractiveness amongst us , and in our numerous lodges nnd halls , we should not attempt to lay down any too rigid or dogmatic a line of cither an ornamented ritual or architectural buildings for our Order generally . There are many rooms for instance in the Metropolis , like one I saw the week before last , which , beautiful in themselves , and perfectly adapted ( o our

ceremonies , enable many of our brethren on moderate terms , to meet happily , peacefully , and comfortably for all Masonic purposes and duties . While , then , I blame no brother who differs from me on this important question , while I fully admit that some may consider economy to be the crucial test ofthe whole question for themselves , while some may fairly prefer the old room , if not so ornamental or convenient as

others , where they can recall many years perchance , of happy work and cheerful companionship , I yet feel it to be my duty , M . W . Sir , to press upon all who hear mc to day the great advisabilay and importance in the best interests of Freemasonry , of encouraging the building of halls and separate buildings for all our meetings . In so doing , weare but following , as I pointed out before ,

thc taste and feelings of our own generation ; we arc but obeying , as I believe , and within due limits of moderation and propriety , the onward and upward movement of our age , which seeks to connect all that is necessary , all that is useful , all that is customary , with all that is becoming , all that is graceful , all that is artistic , and all that is beautiful . And not only this , but in the erection of lodge rooms ,

apart from the associations and drawbacks of the outward world , wc shall remove many objections , and silence many opponents , whose main allegations against Freemasonry too often take the shape of a charge that it is to a great extent , from its public appearances and outward gathering , only a great and friendly but convivial associacion . And those of us who know well our ancient ritual , and

our impressive ceremonies , know , too , how greatly they are enhanced , both iu grace aud solemnity , by all the proper adjuncts of a duly decorated lodge room . It was old Aske who told us so well at the beginning of this century , how symbolical all our lodge ornaments , all our lodge decorations really were ; how full of meaning , beauty , wisdom , anil good were all these

familiar features of the lodge , wliich wc hardly , perhaps , understand or value as we ought to do . When , then , we see to-day a Masonic I lall separated from common and profane uses , and dedicated reverently to the service and ceremonies of our useful Order , in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe ; when we behold around us all thc appropriate emblems of our ancient Craft ; when we

admiringly gaze upon the good taste displayed in all that is befitting and yet attractive in lodge decorations complete and chaste—we feel at once how suitable a home Freemasonry has obtained for itself iu this important district . Must we not also commend , M . W . Sir , those who undertook , the architect who planned , and those who have so far completed the goodly undertaking ? And shall we

not rejoice to think how becoming , and yet how effective , will be the development of our old aud cherished ritual here under the auspices of the new lodge , whose constitution and consecration we shall shortly witness ? For it has often happened , and 1 believe will often happen , that the first impressions we receive and form of Freemasonry arc those which go with us during our Masonic career . Many

a neophyte has been , so to say , all but turned back with an unfavourable impression , by his first reception into our Order , an impression which has never left him , and has rendered his after Masonic membership half-hearted , doubting , undervaluing . But when , as it was my privilege to be admitted into the light of Masonry

3 J years ago , in the Lodge of friendship at Gibraltar , all that vvas graceful and beautiful , all that was purely Masonic and intellectual , and cultivated , were the characteristics of that well ordered lodge , set apart for Masonic services alone , the feelings of wonder were soon exchanged for admiration , and admiration gave place to gratification , and gratification \ yas foliovyed by interest , reverence

Oration Delivered At The Dedication Of The Surrey Masonic Hall, July 14th, 1875.

and love . And so it is , I believe , with all . The pleasure and contentment which the admiring initiate feels , when surrounded by all the befitting ornamentation of a carefulharranged lodge room , follows him the older he becomes , and the longer he belongs to our fraternity . Warmly ' then do I venture to congratulate you , M . W . Sir , and all my brethren present , alike at your kindly presiding over

this pleasant gathering , that so having set the seal of your official approbation to this happily achieved work , we and you , as our Deputy Grand Master , cm mutually rejoice to have been permitted to take part in this appropriate ceremony , and this festive array . For here , M . W . Sir , I make bold once more to remind my hearers , iu this newly dedicated lodge room it is proposed that our peaceful

ceremonies should be performed amid al ) the reverence ami propriety , that circumstances can supply , or true Masonic feeling can suggest . I lei - we hope that our great principles will be upheld , our venerated truths proclaimed , our benevolent and tolerant and philantrophic maxims from time to time duly set forth and lovingly avowed . Here we trust that—a band of brethren linked together by the golden

chain of peace and concord , fraternal harmony , goodwill , and sympathy—wc shall ever maintain in the lodge , and evidence out of the lodge , that these words on our lips are not empty professions , but regulate our actions and control our lives . I ( ere we fondly trust , that whatever may happen in the world outside , plain deiling and sincerity will always distinguish us , nnd truth and honour ,

and right and justice , will ever abound amongst us . Here we shall learn , let us hope , to master our tempers , to curb our tongues , to repress the too common propensity to censoriousness and detraction ; here we shall maintain a brother ' s character in his absence as we would in his presence ; lure wc will stand by him in trial , cheer him in sorrow , befriend him in adversity-, do unto him as we would

he should do unto us , listen to no idle tale affecting his honour , his probity , his uprightness , but calmly practise what we have solemnly pledged ourselves to perform , never deserting theright , never truckling to what is base , cowardly , or dishonourable ; but as true Freemasons , vindicating a brother's cause , and boldly repelling the slanderer of his good fame . And here , too , while we practise all the

moral duties , and all the virtues of humanity , in humble dependence on our Supreme Lawgiver and Divine Protector , while we seek ever to be courteous , considerate , forbearing , tolerant , pitying , and forgiving , we shall not forget the exercise of those gentle graces , which are the practical proof alike of our Masonic profession and of the true value of Freemasonry . Open will our hands be as melting charity to all who make a proper claim on our

benevolence . Wc shall never forget that many are the ups and downs of lite , and that some who are 'U >_ i . sK \ ivg in prosperity to-day , may be struck down by adversity tomorrow , and that while we must always act with prudence , caution , and discrimination , even in philanthropic endeavours , the abiding duty of Freemasonry is charity ; that charity which " never faileth , " that charity alike welcome to God and pleasant to man " is the Spirit that on the widest plan ,

Brother to brother binds , and man to man . " So too as regards the widows and orphans of our brethren we , as Freemasons know full well , that they as such have a solemn and an enduring claim on us , not the claim of a Benefit Order , but thc claim of truer and spontaneous Masonic interest and fraternal good-will . No happier work , no better remembrance can be ours , than that we

have aided to dry the widow ' s tears and to educate the orphan child of our brethren , and we may rest assured , M . W . Sir , that those who shall assemble within these now dedecated walls , will always bear in mind that amid all the excellent teachings of our Order , amid its great and commendable merits , there is not one which so appeals to the hearts and admiration of men , as well as to the

feelings of our own benevolent brotherhood , as that which may be justly denominated its chief ornaments and its most benign , characteristic , earnest , kindly , simple-minded , large-hearted philanthropy . So Freemasonry is not , despite what some may chance to say , a mere creation of the caprice , or fashion , or folly of the hour ; it is not merely a genial meeting , or a social assembly , though it

partakes properly of both these characteristics , but it entails on its members high aims , moral duties , and I will add , great responsibilities . In au age of much controversy , at a time when men are often injuriously agitated by the virulence and tumults of political or polemical contests , Freemasonry has often appeared to mc like an oasis iu the wilderness of life , where amid the dust

ftorms , and the mirage of the desert , the weary traveller can rest peacefully and serene , and quaff the refreshing stream , and seek an umbrageous shelter of tranquillity and repose . Over the portals of this new hal' , as over all our lodge buildings to-day , are engraved the talismanic words of " Loyalty and Charity , " and , universal in its scope and tolerant in its teaching ,

i-i-. masonry welcomes all good men and true within its - fold , all , I say , who acknowledge and revere the Grand and Divine Master of us all above , all except the avowed atheist and the open libertine . Mav , then , all prosperity attend on this new Masonic llall , and may all who enter within its dedicated walls find it to be to them a perfect tabernacle of peace and good will , of happiness and harmony , of

rest and kindly fellowship to them one and all . Like good workmen , the Master still sets on tithe work , neither has He yet called us from labour to refreshment ; but yet let us all hope that when our time of dismissal comes , having like faithful Craftsmen ascended the winding stair , and passed , under Heavenly help , through the dark valley of

the shadow of death , in all the hope of Master Masons , true and trusty , by the infinite mercies of the Great Jehovah , we may be admitted to that Grand Lodge above , whose officers , to use an old Masonic illustration , are the Holy Angels , whose members arc our own familiar friends , and where ( he World ' s Great Architect lives and reigns

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