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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
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