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Article GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. Page 1 of 1 Article GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. Page 1 of 1 Article GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC .
On Sept . 23 , thisbodymetm annual communication in the Masonic Chambers , Place d'Armes . There was a good attendance of representatives from the Province . M . AV . Bro . J . H . Graham , LL . D ., & c , occupied the chair . After ordinary routine business , connected with the perfecting
credential of representatives , the members from the lodges recently under Canada , and now affiliating with the Grand Lodge of Quebec , were introduced by the Deputy Grand Master , R . W . Bro . Dunbar , and cordially welcomed . The Grand Master then read his annual address as follows : —
Brethren , —This day becomes memorable in the annals of Freemasonry in the Province of Quebec . Seven years' discussion of constitutional principles is ended . All differences hitherto existing between the M . AV . of the Grand Lodge of Canada and this Grand Body have
been happily adjusted . Jurisdiction within our territory has been formally withdrawn , due recognition has been most fraternally extended to us , our Grand Representative , M . W . Bro . T . D . Harrington , has been most honourably and heartily received—the consummation of all
which this day , and the honourable and perfect union now most harmoniously effected between the daughter lodges of " Canada " in this jurisdiction , and this Grand Lodge is , I am sure , a source of profound satisfaction and deep , heartfelt joy to every one of you ; and
to every true Mason of whatever registry he may , hitherto , have been ; and I am confident that this will prove to be the beginning of a new era of prosperity to the craft throughout the entire Province , and will be a cause of unusual rejoicing throughout the Masonic world .
All thanks are due to the able and prudent brethren in both the Grand Lodges of Canada and Quebec , who officially or otherwise have so earnestly and efficiently laboured to bring about this most desirable end . May they long live to see the blessed fruits of their good work . May one and all put out of sight and out of mind all
past differences , and each strive to excel in that noblest of emulation of who can best work , and best agree , so that our symbolic temple may be erected , harmoniously and successfully , and in the perfection of beauty , to the honour and glory of the Great Architect of the Universe . So mote it be .
Circumstances required me to visit England during the early part of the year . A favouring Providence afforded me the pleasure of reaching London , ( that great metropolis of the world , ) on the seventy-sixth anniversary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , —one of the oldest
and most noteworthy of the great Masonic charities of England , and under the patronage of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria , ( than whom no better sovereign ever graced a throne ) . I accepted a most courteous invitation which was immediately extended to me , to
attend the anniversary banquet in the evening , at which the Grand Master , the Most Honourable the Marquis of Ripon presided . Some four or five hundred representative brethren from London and all parts of England were present on the occasion . Nothing could exceed the fraternal
heartiness of my reception as your representative by his Lordship and many other leading officers and brethren of the Grand Lodge , for which , personally and in your behalf , I improve this opportunity to return most grateful thanks . A noteworthy feature of the occasion was the
presence of several hundred ladies at a magnificent entertainment given in the grand hall after the banquet . From this our brethren may be reminded of their own remissness in not having the ladies share in some of our annual festivities . You will doubtless be pleased tohaveme allude to certain historic reminiscences and associations
brought to mind during my recent sojourn to the Mother Country , as relating to the Masonic history of this grand old Province of Quebec . It appears that no other actual Grand Master from either division of old Canada has hitherto visited the Mother Country .
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
This is not wholly devoid of interest in itself , but serves to call to mind an event of far greater historical importance to the Craft in this Province , namely the departure from Quebec , after a residence of about
two-and-a-half years , —just four-score years previous—of the first Grand Master of the Provincial Lodge of Lower Canada , His Royal Highness Prince Edward , Duke of Kent , the illustrious father of our beloved Queen . Those of you
who in 1869 , aided m the formation of the Grand Lodge of the Province of Quebec , will , I am sure , be delighted ever to remember that you were but reviving the far-seeing Masonic
policy of the Mother Grand Lodge of England , when , in 1792 , she established the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lower Canada ; and he is indeed highiy honoured to whose lot it falls to be a humble successor in the Masonic
Government of the same territory , of its first royal and illustrious chief . It is , moreover , a matter of very deep interest to the craft that the illustrious grandson of our noble brother , the Most AVorshipful the
Pnnce of Wales , is now the distinguished Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England , and a zealous patron of our order , and also the illustrious chief of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , & c . It is , indeed , a happy omen
that now , as of old , Kings and Princes are promoters of the art—that they do not think it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the gavel , to patronise our mysteries , and join our assemblies .
I desire to call the attention of Grand Lodge to what I deem a matter of singular importance ere the Fathers of the craft have passed away , or the records now accessible shall have gone into oblivion . The written history of Freemasonry
in this province would be of profound interest and of great importance . Every zealous brother earnestly desires to know more of the Provincial Grand Lodges of Lower Canada , of Quebec and Three Rivers , of Montreal and AVilliam Henry , and some of the oldest "daughter "
lodges on the American continent , I would , therefore , recommend Grand Lodge to take into consideration the advisability of appointing a Historical Committee composed of at least one eminent and devoted brother from each district , and that Grand Lodge defray the incidental expenses connected therewith .
I improve the present memorable occasion , to communicate to Grand Lodge one or two extracts from ancient documents of no little interest to the Craft in this province . They will explain themselves : —
" In the year of Masonry 580 . The most noble Prince John , Duke and Marquis of Athol , Marquis and Earl of Tullibardine , Earl of Stratblay , Stratbardle , Viscount of Balquider , Glenalmond and Glenlyon , Lord Murray , Belveny
and Gask , heritable Captain and Constable ofthe Castle and Constabulary of Kincleaven , Earl Strange and Baron Murray of Stanley , in the County of Gloucester , etc ., Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , etc .
" These bye-laws printed by order of the Grand Lodge . "Rules and orders which are to be punctually observed and kept by the Most Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free aud Accepted
Masons , according to the old constitutionsgranted by His Royal Highness Prince Edwin of York , in the Year of Our Lord , Nine Hundred Twenty and Six , and in the year of Masonry , Four Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty and Six .
" In order to prevent all feuds , controversies , illegal arguments , or debates , which might in any sort disturber make void the true intent and meaning of this our unanimous conjunction , — AVe , the Master , Wardens , Deacons and
Secretary , together with the rest of the members of our Lodge , No . 18 ( by and with the approbation and consent of the Grand Lodge ) have thought proper to subscribe and establish the following Rules : — " No . 1 . That a Lodge of Free snd Accepted Masons , aforesaid , shall be held at the Town-
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
ship of Eaton , to sit the Thursday preceding the Full Moon , of each Calendar month , & c , & c . " In the Minutes of this Lodge , I find the names of twenty-seven members recorded .
Ihe above will probably give Jan unexpected intimation to many brethren of the existence and progress of our Fraternity , even in the remote parts of the Eastern Townships of Lower
Canada , in the early part of the present century , and serve to point out the propriety of rescuing from oblivion as far as possible , so interesting a history .
Now that our relations with the Grand Lodge of Canada are so happily and harmoniously adjusted , it is reasonably to be anticipated that our relations to the Imperial Mother Grand Lodges of England and Scotland will in like
manner , be most satisfactorily arranged at a very early day , by the affiliation with this Grand Lodge ofthe few remaining Lodges in this jurisdiction still holding warrants from England and Scotland , and by full and complete recognition
ofthe Grand Lodge of Quebec , as the only Sovereign Masonic authority in and for this Province and by the establishment of fraternal communication and correspondence , and the interchange of Grand Representatives ,
England , after having for more than a century ,, aided in establishing and upholding our beloved : Order on the continent of North America , will equally honour herself in this last great act in . the historical drama , in the withdrawing ofthe
last vestige of her Masonic jurisdiction , feeling assured that , in accordance with our ancient constitutions so clearly evolved in the entire Masonic history of Grand Lodge organization ,
and jurisdiction on this continent , she is lawfully and fraternally committing the supreme government of the craft here , to those who as Masons or as men will not prove themselves unworthy of their origin or their destiny . So mote it be .
AA e are indeed greatly indebted to many eminent brethren abroad for their able advocacy of our cause , and for their kindly , fraternal support extended to this Grand Lodge , which we deem it a pleasure thus formally and gratefully to acknowledge .
I now beg to express my hearty regrets that I have been quite unable during the year to accept thc many kind invitations which I have received from brethren to visit lodges , attend festivals , and the like , and I trust that they and all the
members of Grand Lodge will bear with my shortcomings when informed that various circumstances have engrossed an unusual amount of my time and attention , and I close my very imperfect address to you on this occasion by
uniting with you in the prayer that the Great Architect of the Universe may still continue to vouchsafe His blessing to the Grand Lodge of Quebec , and to our beloved Order everywhere throughout the world . So mote it be .
J . H . GRAHAM , Grand Master . Ottawa , Ont ., 25 th Sept ., 1874 . M . W . Brother J . H . Graham , 32 , L . L . D , & c , Grand Master Grand Lodge of Quebec . —My dear Grand Master , I telegraphed you to-day .
Be so good as to present the " Grand Lodge of Quebec " for me with the two accompanying old jewels : —1 st , Square , the gift of H . R . H . Prince Edward , Duke of Kent , father of our Queen ; 2 nd , Key , the gift of Prince AVilliam Henry Duke
of Clarence , and William the Fourth . I intended to present them in person , but by mistake waited for next month . I am very sorry . Wishing the
"Grand Lodge of Quebec" all prosperity , I remain , M . W . Brother , yours fraternally , T . D . HARRINGTON , 33 , P . G . M . & c , Repve . G . L . Quebec , nr . G . L . of Canada .
Grand Officers for the Current Year . James Dunbar , Esq ., Q . C , G . M . ; James O'Hallaran , Esq ., Q . C , D . G . M . ; Danl . Thomas , Esq ., N . P ., G . S . AV . ; Samuel J ohnson , Esq ., G . J . W . ; H . M . Alexander , Esq ., G . Treasurer ; J . H . Isaacson , Esq ., N . P ., G . Secretary .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
GRAND LODGE OF QUEBEC .
On Sept . 23 , thisbodymetm annual communication in the Masonic Chambers , Place d'Armes . There was a good attendance of representatives from the Province . M . AV . Bro . J . H . Graham , LL . D ., & c , occupied the chair . After ordinary routine business , connected with the perfecting
credential of representatives , the members from the lodges recently under Canada , and now affiliating with the Grand Lodge of Quebec , were introduced by the Deputy Grand Master , R . W . Bro . Dunbar , and cordially welcomed . The Grand Master then read his annual address as follows : —
Brethren , —This day becomes memorable in the annals of Freemasonry in the Province of Quebec . Seven years' discussion of constitutional principles is ended . All differences hitherto existing between the M . AV . of the Grand Lodge of Canada and this Grand Body have
been happily adjusted . Jurisdiction within our territory has been formally withdrawn , due recognition has been most fraternally extended to us , our Grand Representative , M . W . Bro . T . D . Harrington , has been most honourably and heartily received—the consummation of all
which this day , and the honourable and perfect union now most harmoniously effected between the daughter lodges of " Canada " in this jurisdiction , and this Grand Lodge is , I am sure , a source of profound satisfaction and deep , heartfelt joy to every one of you ; and
to every true Mason of whatever registry he may , hitherto , have been ; and I am confident that this will prove to be the beginning of a new era of prosperity to the craft throughout the entire Province , and will be a cause of unusual rejoicing throughout the Masonic world .
All thanks are due to the able and prudent brethren in both the Grand Lodges of Canada and Quebec , who officially or otherwise have so earnestly and efficiently laboured to bring about this most desirable end . May they long live to see the blessed fruits of their good work . May one and all put out of sight and out of mind all
past differences , and each strive to excel in that noblest of emulation of who can best work , and best agree , so that our symbolic temple may be erected , harmoniously and successfully , and in the perfection of beauty , to the honour and glory of the Great Architect of the Universe . So mote it be .
Circumstances required me to visit England during the early part of the year . A favouring Providence afforded me the pleasure of reaching London , ( that great metropolis of the world , ) on the seventy-sixth anniversary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys , —one of the oldest
and most noteworthy of the great Masonic charities of England , and under the patronage of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria , ( than whom no better sovereign ever graced a throne ) . I accepted a most courteous invitation which was immediately extended to me , to
attend the anniversary banquet in the evening , at which the Grand Master , the Most Honourable the Marquis of Ripon presided . Some four or five hundred representative brethren from London and all parts of England were present on the occasion . Nothing could exceed the fraternal
heartiness of my reception as your representative by his Lordship and many other leading officers and brethren of the Grand Lodge , for which , personally and in your behalf , I improve this opportunity to return most grateful thanks . A noteworthy feature of the occasion was the
presence of several hundred ladies at a magnificent entertainment given in the grand hall after the banquet . From this our brethren may be reminded of their own remissness in not having the ladies share in some of our annual festivities . You will doubtless be pleased tohaveme allude to certain historic reminiscences and associations
brought to mind during my recent sojourn to the Mother Country , as relating to the Masonic history of this grand old Province of Quebec . It appears that no other actual Grand Master from either division of old Canada has hitherto visited the Mother Country .
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
This is not wholly devoid of interest in itself , but serves to call to mind an event of far greater historical importance to the Craft in this Province , namely the departure from Quebec , after a residence of about
two-and-a-half years , —just four-score years previous—of the first Grand Master of the Provincial Lodge of Lower Canada , His Royal Highness Prince Edward , Duke of Kent , the illustrious father of our beloved Queen . Those of you
who in 1869 , aided m the formation of the Grand Lodge of the Province of Quebec , will , I am sure , be delighted ever to remember that you were but reviving the far-seeing Masonic
policy of the Mother Grand Lodge of England , when , in 1792 , she established the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lower Canada ; and he is indeed highiy honoured to whose lot it falls to be a humble successor in the Masonic
Government of the same territory , of its first royal and illustrious chief . It is , moreover , a matter of very deep interest to the craft that the illustrious grandson of our noble brother , the Most AVorshipful the
Pnnce of Wales , is now the distinguished Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England , and a zealous patron of our order , and also the illustrious chief of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , & c . It is , indeed , a happy omen
that now , as of old , Kings and Princes are promoters of the art—that they do not think it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the gavel , to patronise our mysteries , and join our assemblies .
I desire to call the attention of Grand Lodge to what I deem a matter of singular importance ere the Fathers of the craft have passed away , or the records now accessible shall have gone into oblivion . The written history of Freemasonry
in this province would be of profound interest and of great importance . Every zealous brother earnestly desires to know more of the Provincial Grand Lodges of Lower Canada , of Quebec and Three Rivers , of Montreal and AVilliam Henry , and some of the oldest "daughter "
lodges on the American continent , I would , therefore , recommend Grand Lodge to take into consideration the advisability of appointing a Historical Committee composed of at least one eminent and devoted brother from each district , and that Grand Lodge defray the incidental expenses connected therewith .
I improve the present memorable occasion , to communicate to Grand Lodge one or two extracts from ancient documents of no little interest to the Craft in this province . They will explain themselves : —
" In the year of Masonry 580 . The most noble Prince John , Duke and Marquis of Athol , Marquis and Earl of Tullibardine , Earl of Stratblay , Stratbardle , Viscount of Balquider , Glenalmond and Glenlyon , Lord Murray , Belveny
and Gask , heritable Captain and Constable ofthe Castle and Constabulary of Kincleaven , Earl Strange and Baron Murray of Stanley , in the County of Gloucester , etc ., Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , etc .
" These bye-laws printed by order of the Grand Lodge . "Rules and orders which are to be punctually observed and kept by the Most Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free aud Accepted
Masons , according to the old constitutionsgranted by His Royal Highness Prince Edwin of York , in the Year of Our Lord , Nine Hundred Twenty and Six , and in the year of Masonry , Four Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty and Six .
" In order to prevent all feuds , controversies , illegal arguments , or debates , which might in any sort disturber make void the true intent and meaning of this our unanimous conjunction , — AVe , the Master , Wardens , Deacons and
Secretary , together with the rest of the members of our Lodge , No . 18 ( by and with the approbation and consent of the Grand Lodge ) have thought proper to subscribe and establish the following Rules : — " No . 1 . That a Lodge of Free snd Accepted Masons , aforesaid , shall be held at the Town-
Grand Lodge Of Quebec.
ship of Eaton , to sit the Thursday preceding the Full Moon , of each Calendar month , & c , & c . " In the Minutes of this Lodge , I find the names of twenty-seven members recorded .
Ihe above will probably give Jan unexpected intimation to many brethren of the existence and progress of our Fraternity , even in the remote parts of the Eastern Townships of Lower
Canada , in the early part of the present century , and serve to point out the propriety of rescuing from oblivion as far as possible , so interesting a history .
Now that our relations with the Grand Lodge of Canada are so happily and harmoniously adjusted , it is reasonably to be anticipated that our relations to the Imperial Mother Grand Lodges of England and Scotland will in like
manner , be most satisfactorily arranged at a very early day , by the affiliation with this Grand Lodge ofthe few remaining Lodges in this jurisdiction still holding warrants from England and Scotland , and by full and complete recognition
ofthe Grand Lodge of Quebec , as the only Sovereign Masonic authority in and for this Province and by the establishment of fraternal communication and correspondence , and the interchange of Grand Representatives ,
England , after having for more than a century ,, aided in establishing and upholding our beloved : Order on the continent of North America , will equally honour herself in this last great act in . the historical drama , in the withdrawing ofthe
last vestige of her Masonic jurisdiction , feeling assured that , in accordance with our ancient constitutions so clearly evolved in the entire Masonic history of Grand Lodge organization ,
and jurisdiction on this continent , she is lawfully and fraternally committing the supreme government of the craft here , to those who as Masons or as men will not prove themselves unworthy of their origin or their destiny . So mote it be .
AA e are indeed greatly indebted to many eminent brethren abroad for their able advocacy of our cause , and for their kindly , fraternal support extended to this Grand Lodge , which we deem it a pleasure thus formally and gratefully to acknowledge .
I now beg to express my hearty regrets that I have been quite unable during the year to accept thc many kind invitations which I have received from brethren to visit lodges , attend festivals , and the like , and I trust that they and all the
members of Grand Lodge will bear with my shortcomings when informed that various circumstances have engrossed an unusual amount of my time and attention , and I close my very imperfect address to you on this occasion by
uniting with you in the prayer that the Great Architect of the Universe may still continue to vouchsafe His blessing to the Grand Lodge of Quebec , and to our beloved Order everywhere throughout the world . So mote it be .
J . H . GRAHAM , Grand Master . Ottawa , Ont ., 25 th Sept ., 1874 . M . W . Brother J . H . Graham , 32 , L . L . D , & c , Grand Master Grand Lodge of Quebec . —My dear Grand Master , I telegraphed you to-day .
Be so good as to present the " Grand Lodge of Quebec " for me with the two accompanying old jewels : —1 st , Square , the gift of H . R . H . Prince Edward , Duke of Kent , father of our Queen ; 2 nd , Key , the gift of Prince AVilliam Henry Duke
of Clarence , and William the Fourth . I intended to present them in person , but by mistake waited for next month . I am very sorry . Wishing the
"Grand Lodge of Quebec" all prosperity , I remain , M . W . Brother , yours fraternally , T . D . HARRINGTON , 33 , P . G . M . & c , Repve . G . L . Quebec , nr . G . L . of Canada .
Grand Officers for the Current Year . James Dunbar , Esq ., Q . C , G . M . ; James O'Hallaran , Esq ., Q . C , D . G . M . ; Danl . Thomas , Esq ., N . P ., G . S . AV . ; Samuel J ohnson , Esq ., G . J . W . ; H . M . Alexander , Esq ., G . Treasurer ; J . H . Isaacson , Esq ., N . P ., G . Secretary .