-
Articles/Ads
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Chapter Of Berks And Bucks.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF BERKS AND BUCKS .
The annual meeting- of this Provincial Grand Chapter was held at the . Masonic Hall , Windsor , on Thursday , the ioth inst ., when there were present M . li . Comp . Sir Daniel Goo ' cli , Bait ., M . P ., Prov . G . Supt . ; M . E . Comp . Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , Past ist G . A . S ., Prov . G . H . ; M . E . Comp . Robert ' Bradley , P . __ . 414 , Piov . G . J . ; and
a goodly muster of companions from the various chapters in ' the province . The usual formalities having becn observed , the Prov . litand Superintendent called thc attention of the Companions to the first business , viz ., the election of the Piov . Gtand Treasurer , when M . IC . Comp . Rev . O . J . Grace , P . Z . 501 , was re-elected to that ollice . The undermentioned companionswerc then duly appointed
and invested , viz .: Comp . | olm Williams , P . / .. 591 ... Prov . G . S . IC . S . G . KirchhofTer , Z . y-iS ... Prov . G . S . N . „ R . Roberts , II . 771 Prov . G . P . S . „ A . Portsmouth , P . Z . 414 ... Piov . G . ist A . S „ \ . D . Coales , 5 . J I Prov . G . 2 ndA . S „ IC . J . Trendell , 045 Prov . G . Reg .
. I . IC . Danks , 414 Prov . G . Swd . B „ ' S . Jacob , P . Z . S 40 Prov . G . Std . B . „ | . Batting , 5 yi Prov . G . D . C . „ | . Ueber Clerke , 045 Prov . G . Org . „ \ V . Parsons , P . Z . 414 ! J- W . ) Lamb , Z . 414 ; A . M . Yetts , > Prov . G . Studs . 414
-Th ; PROV . G . H . read a communication from the G . S . IC ., referring to the practice of companions wearing a tricolour ribbon with their jewel of ollice pendant , wliich appears to be against regulations , the tri-colour being restricted to the collar only . There being no further business of importance , the chanter was closed in due and ancient form , and the companions adjourned to a banquet at the Castle Hotel .
Laying The Foundation-Stone Of A New Lodge At Addington, New Zealand.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF A NEW LODGE AT ADDINGTON , NEW ZEALAND .
On llie 7 H 1 Dec . last the foundation-stone of the new-Masonic lodge , Point-road , Addington , was laid with an amount of ceremonial and eclat such as had not been ci )\ ialleil in an any event connected with Freemasonry in Natal . The increasing importance of Addington , as a
suburb of Durban , and the ever growing number of Masons in that district , were the natural origin of the formation of a new lodge , Ihe efforts to obtain which were cordially supported by the brethren of the older lodges in Natal . At 11 .. 50 a . m . the installation of the Worshipful Master of Addington Lodge , No . M .. 7 , was performed at the
Masonic llall , and after . 1 brief interval lodge was opened , a procession was formed , and when completed anti fairly on the move it was a very imposing spectacle . I leaded by the band of the jjStli Regiment , which performed selections of music along the whole of the route , the procession was composed as follows : first two Tylers , with swords ; next unattached visitors , two by tw . ; then Lodges Caledonian ,
474 _; Kokstad ; Umvoti , iS _ 7 ; Skelmersdale , 172 .. ; Carnarvon , if'S 4 j Natalia , iO (> 5 ; Inanda , 1102 ; and Prince Alfred , oj (> . After these , and headed by their banner , came the brethren of the Port Natal Lodge . The brethren all wore the Craft Masonry regalia and thc Royal Arch jewel , so that these and the banners , as well as the large number included in the procession ( over
,. 00 ) , made the spectacle of a lively and inspiriting kind . On arriving at the site the procession halted and opened out right and left , the band retiring to the S . IC . side of the ground , and Bios . Russell , l \ M . ; Crowe , W . M . 73 S ; Colley , W . M . i' j 37 ; Marriott , P . M . ; and Finncmore , passed up the centre , all brethren following in succession , thus inverting the order of procession . The Lewises then
surrounded the stone in front of tit . brethren , and W . M . ' s and P . M . 's took up their positions on the platform , the officers bearing the tools being at the front of the platform below , and the three columns with pedestal and volume of Sacred Law were pi iced on the front of the platform . Position being thus taken , the usual ode was sung hy
Ihe brethren . Bro . Colley , W . M . 1037 , then presented to Bro . Russell , W . M ., a silver trowel with which to perform the work of laying the stone , and the latter having been adjusted Bro . the Rev . T . J . Reynolds , Chaplain , offered a suitable prayer , to which the brethren chanted the response "So mote it be . " l'he Secretary , Bro . Leask , then read the folluwintr inscrintion of the new lodge : —
" I . T . N . O . T . G . A . O . T . U . "Addington Lodge , No . 10 , 37 , of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of ICngland . "The foundation stone of this temple , to be erected for the purposes of Masonry and dedicated to the Holy lCvangclist St . John , was laid in due form on Wednesday , the seventh dav of December , A . i „ -jS .- ! , A . D . 1 SS 1 , by
Bro . George Russell , P . M . 73 S , Prince Alfred , 0 , 50 , Inanda , 1102 , Natalia , 1 ( 165 , Carnarvon , 1 OS 4 , Skelmeisdale , i ( 2 tj , Umvoti , 1 S 07 , Kokstad , i , SS' > , and Caledonian , W \ ( Scotch Constitution ) , and of numerous distinguished brethren and visitors from all parts of the colony . " The following brethren , being ofiicers of the lodge for Ihe year 1 SS 1 . S 2 : Bros . Thomas Colley , W . M . ; Robert
Isaac l'innemore , I . P . M . j Thomas Nutter Price , S . W . ; Ccorgc Ireland , J . W . ; Harry ICscomlie , Treas . ; F . XV McICwan , Sec ; I'd IC . Washington , S . D . ; II . M . Bremer , . IU . ; D . Douglas , I . G . ; | . Le Clercq , . M . C . 5 William Hodge , Tyler . "The following are the foundation members of the Addington Lodge : BrosR . I . Finncmore , P . M . Natalia
, 'ft'j ! Thomas Colley , Skelmersdale 1729 ; George Ireland , ort Natal 7-58 ; J , R . Harrison , P . M . Caledonian 447 ; A . Hart , P . M . D ' nby 724 ; A . ] . Keeler , Port Natal , 73 S ; ' '• W . McICwan , Port Natal 73 .. ; G D . Stewart , Ncpton ' - " 4 . George Leask , Port Natal 73 S ; II . Reynolds , nanda 1102 ; G . Taylor , Caledonian 447 ; J . Le Clercq ,
Caledonian 447 ; ll . M . Bremer , Port Natal 73 S ; 11 . Luiiisdcn , Courthead 1392 ; L . J . Wilson , Port Natal 73 s ; "( - S . Jarvis , Caledonian 447 ; T . N . Price , Port Natal 73 S . "HisICxccllencySir ICvciyn Wood . V . C , Major-General , 1 \ . C . B ., Administrator of the Government of the Colony of ^ atal . In the 45 th year of the reign of Her Most Gracious Maj esty Oueen Victoria . "
Laying The Foundation-Stone Of A New Lodge At Addington, New Zealand.
Lhe Treasurer , Bro . Cullingwortli , having placed in a cavity beneath the stone , the coins of thc realm and a phial containing copies of the Mercantile Advertiser and Xatal Mercury , and a record of thc movement to form the lodge , the stone was lowered , the band meanwhile playing slow music . The inscription on the face of the stone is as follows : —¦
" This Foundation Stone of the Addington Lodge , No . "J 37 > "'as well and truly laid by Bro . Geo . Russell , P . M ., No . 73 S , on the 7 th December , 1 SS 1 . " Bro . Russell , P . M ., having tried and adjusled the stone , and declared it to be well anil truly laid in the name of the Most High , the dedication took place . The plans of the building were then inspected by Bro . Russell , P . M ., who presented them to Bro . Ireland , the architect .
Bro . RL-SSI . I . I ., P . M ., then delivered the following address : Brethren , I cannot terminate the gratifying ceremony that has brought us together this day without thanking you most heartily in my own name and on behalf of our Addington brethren , for your attendance and the assistance you have rendered . Without doubt our presence is voluntary , notwithstanding the parts we have taken arc not of our own choice . The motto of my family is
"Che sar . i , sara" — "What will be , will be , " and in that fatalistic spirit I accepted the prominent and honourable position accorded to me to-day , a position I am proud to occupy , but one that for your fraternal willing assistance I could not have sustained . In the absence of a Provincial or other Grand Ollicer the chance circumstance of my being the oldest Natal-made Mason , andthe senior Past Master of the Mother Lodge of the
colony ( Port Natal Lodge , No . 73 S ) , has caused the honours ol to-day to be thrust upon me , a duty 1 should have felt myself unfitted to perform were it not known to you all that social rank and all other attributes of distinguished citizenship are measured , squared , and brought to a level in our lodge . Prom the eminence of our most noble brother , our Grand Master , H . R . H . the Princeof Wales , and the prominence given to his works of this character , the humble
ceremonial of to-day may seem to the uninitiated as a bur-Icscjuc or an extravaganza ; but , brethren , we know better . We know that however deficient ue may be in numbers or in pageantry we are not the less earnest in heart or intention , and were it possible for His Royal Highness or any of our noble and distinguished Masters to have becn present to-day they would joyfully have taken my place and joined us in raising a temple to the Great Architect of the
Universe , whence light purified from creeds and dogmas shall shine forth to lighten this Dark Continent . I sec around ire brethren from all parts of this colony , and even from the four quarters of the globe , some of whom are of rank and eminence in our order . I hey are not gathered at an idle ceremonial , but they come as witnesses to the wisdom , strength , and beauty of our teachings , to those sacred principles which build a temple , not made by hands ,
eternal in the heavens . As '•' reemasonry originated at the building of King Solomon ' s Temple , it is our pride that we come before Christianity ; we receive into our Order all men who reverence and adore the true and living God Most High , and we recognise in every son of Adam a brother of the dust . As no merely human institutions arc perfect , as no church , sect , er philosophical system instituted b y man is perfect , so also has Masonry its defects ; but it seeks by its
teachings to make all men perfect , and if haply mankind are only improved then does it confer a benefit upon civilised society . When the lessons and symbols illustrated in our lodges—and which surround us to-day—come to be applied , they bring men ' s hearts and sentiments closer together in the fraternal union which humbles and levels all men in the presence of their Creator . We meddle with no man ' s creed , and we decline his politics ; hence where in
any institution than ouis will you see the rich and poor , the educated and the ignorant , meeting on a true equality , respecting and appreciating each other ? It is not many months since I saw a colonel sitting in a social chat with a sergeant of the line , and an ollicer of the Royal Navy g iving the fraternal hand to a leading stoker . To the ignorant inquirer as to how these things can be , I would reply , by influence of those divine principles we practice ,
the greatest of which is Charity . \\ e arc nol : a benefit society , but wc prize our labour and our actions above money ' s worth ; we are mutually bound by t ' lose sweet ties of fellowship wliich prompt all true Masons , if unable to speak well of a brother , to say nothing to his disadvantage , to deal gently with his infirmities , extending our kind offices to those most dear to him , in the person of his wife , his sister , or his child .
1 would desire to remark to our sisters , present or in prospect , while thanking them for tlieir countenance to-day , that though we keep from them the knowledge of our mysteries u-c teach them our secrets daily by making them the willing-, though unconscious , agents for the dissemination of our charity and goodwill . Hence they should accord us some consideration , deal leniently with our shortcomings , and trust us more , in the full assurance that a
good Mason must be a good man , the foundation stone of our Order being those Masonie ornaments and sacred dictates dear to every ivomrn ' s heart—truth , honour , and virtue . Wc hope that the part taken by our sons in today ' s ceremonial may mike a lasting impression upon tlieir minds , so that when thev arrive at the years of discretion they may seek knowledge where it is to be found , and gathering corn , wine , and oil , relieve their aged parents
after the heat and burden of their day , by dedicating themselves to Masonry and the jiraclicc of those virtues laid down for our own guidance in the volume of Sacred Law , the chief of which arc temperance , prudence , fortitude , and justice . Our very Worshipful Bro . Finnemore , P . M ., will now address you . In response , Bro . FINXI- ' MOKK said -. It is a time-honoured custom at the laying- of a foundation stone of any public
building for some one in authority to address a few words to those present as to the purpose which has called them together , and the uses to which the intended building is to be put , and the brethren of the Addington Lodge have done mc the honour to select me for this duty on the present occasion . The object for which we have assembled here today , and which has just been satisfactorily concluded , is
one of deep interest to members of our great Order . Another lodge has becn added to the very large and everexpanding rull ; another building has been commenced in which the grand principles of Ficemasonry are to be taught . Those of my audience who are members of the Fraternity will readily accept the fact as a subject of pleasure and congratulation , especially as we know that the new
Laying The Foundation-Stone Of A New Lodge At Addington, New Zealand.
charter has becn placed in the hands of worthy and zealous brethren , in whom wc have every confidence that they will maintain pure and unsullied the general tenets and principles of our Order . To the uninitiated it may be well that I should address a few rcmaiks upon the nature of Freemasonry . Freemasonry is a very ancient and eminently respectable institution , embracing men of every nation under the sun—of every religion , of all conditions of life—one in
which all religious and political differences are forgotten . It has its well-guarded secrets ; but this much 1 may fearlessly unfold , that universal love and charity is their shibboleth , inculcated at initiation , repeated in their various assemblies , and so not inapt to take a firm root in the mind and to exercise a more powerful control over their lives and actions than can exist in the case of those who do not possess this additional incentive to walk in thc paths of
morality and virtue . And when I speak of love and charity as being the shibboleth of our Craft , I speak of love and charity in their widest and noblest sense—of love to onr fellow men—of the charity that consists not in alms-giving alone , but that forgives its enemies , that returns good for evil , that swerves not from the paths of rectitude and justice . There is no Alason here present who is not aware that
the principles of his Craft do perpetually urge him towards those noble duties , or who leaves his lodge without a more settled determination to fulfil them . We have now , in accordance with ancient usage , laid in the north-cast corner of the building its foundation stone . 'That stone was perfectly squared ; it has been laid perfectly level ; it now stands firm and upright on its base , an earnest , let us hope , of what the building , when completed , will be— " perfect in
its parts and honourable to thc builder . " The work has now bcen handed over to the operative Mason , and we pray that the Great Architect of the Universe ( through whom alike princes reign and the humblest artisans perform their allotted tasks ) may give His grace to all engaged in the undertaking ; that they may be enabled to do their work honestly , faithfully , truly , in a workmanlike manner ; that the building may be brought to a happy completion , and
when completed that it may long serve for the convenience and benefit of the Craft , and of the inhabitants of Addington and the neighbourhood ; that the lodge which will meet within its walls may ever seek to advance the welfare of its brethren and the good of Freemasonry . May we hear of its stead y increase , its loppy unity , and its regular progression in all those Masonie virtues and excellencies which attract to our Order the devotion of its members , and have
won for it the admiration of mankind . ( A pplause . ) Hro . Archdeacon COI . I . , in returning thanks , said : It is now my pleasing duty , as Master of the Addington Lodge of Freemasons , 11 . 37 , which has this day seen auspicious buth , to return our thanks to W . Bro . Russell for laying this foundation -. tone , which has been well and truly laid in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe ; the first stone of a temple undenominational , where men of all sets .
and sects , and sections may meet in brotherly unity , and find common ground for the growth of manly virtues , unhampered by cree-dal disabilities . W . Bro . Russell , in the name of the lodge , I tender you our hearty thanks . Also , it is with much pleasure that " I am privileged to convey thc thanks of this lodge to XV . llro . l- ' innemore for the oration just delivered- that able exposition of the aims and objects of our ancient and honourable Fraternity . 'The greater is
my pleasure- in doing this , since , Worshipful Sir , you are one with us , being lust foundation member of the lodge now established . In the name uf the lodge of which you are Immediate Past Master , I thank you for your oration . I-urthcr , I thank W . Bro . Marriott , as Installing Ollicer , and the Worshipful Master , Past Masters , ofiicers , and brethren of the Port Natal Lodge , for thc very valuable help rendered us in so many ways to-day , and their great
cordiality from our first steps in the matter that has led to the foundation of this new centre of interest in the Craftthe Craft that they have in this colony from the first so long and worthily represented . XV . Bro . Marriott , Worshipful Master , Past Masters , oilicers , and brethren of the Port Natal Lodge , I heartily thank you ; and may this happy fraternal feeling , thus conspicuously shown , ever animate both lodges . And , Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , <> ftli * .. rc tn . 1 ttr . ill . ^ . in .. t . 1 ... ......... _ . ! ..... I ... ! . __ .. v iu uivuiLii uiiiei
........... u . . v , _ u _ uiuiiy IUUKC-S represented here to-day , I thank you on my own behalf and that of my oilicers and the brethren of the Addington Lodge for the assistance of your presence ; and as visitors in our working ami guests at our social board , wc shall , I trust , often have the pleasure of seeing you . Also I thank the ladies who have so gracefully adorned our proceedings to-day . It is a kindness , brethren , hardly to be estimated by us of the masculine persuasion . Tor do wc not
exclude them from our mysteries , and deny them the sweet privilege uf worming one of our secrets . ( Laughter . ) But it is like them thus to return good for evil . But though we cannot mend our manners in this one particular , yet we can all the more feelingly appreciate the kindness in lending us their presence on this festive occasion . 'The sunshine of their smiles has been sufficient , lacking the golden glare of a midsummer ' s day . And oh , dear ladies ,
let not that sunshine ever know an eclipse when your husbands , sweethearts , or brothers will not let you into any of the mysteries soon to hc practised on thc ground now hallowed by your feet . ( Laughter . ) It has been said that a woman neither can keep a secret herself nor let anybody else keei ) ¦ *«<"• ., Vic do not deny the first part of the statement , but as Freee maso ns , we are exempt from the force of the second . Fair daughters of lCvc ! ICdcn attends your
footsteps still , but we who wear these aprons ( lambs' skin not fig leaves ) are safe ; for the apple-tree has been cut down ; thc snake has been thrown over the hedge . All the more we thank you for smiling on our proceedings today . ( Laughter and applause . ) The proceedings closed with grand honours , the brethren
returning to Durban , where lodge was closed , and the Lewises and band proceeded to thc Alexandra Hotel , Point , where they had refreshments . In the evening a banquet was held at the Alexandra Hotel . We shall give an account of the proceedings at the banquet in our next .
Thc Chairman of thc South-lCistcrn Railway Company ( Sir IC . Watkin , Bart ., M . P . ) , and a party of about thirty gentlemen , including the Lord Alayor , went from Dover on Saturday morning by a special train to the Channel Tunnel Works at Shakespeare Cliff , to inspect the heading commenced at that point .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Chapter Of Berks And Bucks.
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF BERKS AND BUCKS .
The annual meeting- of this Provincial Grand Chapter was held at the . Masonic Hall , Windsor , on Thursday , the ioth inst ., when there were present M . li . Comp . Sir Daniel Goo ' cli , Bait ., M . P ., Prov . G . Supt . ; M . E . Comp . Rev . J . Studholme Brownrigg , Past ist G . A . S ., Prov . G . H . ; M . E . Comp . Robert ' Bradley , P . __ . 414 , Piov . G . J . ; and
a goodly muster of companions from the various chapters in ' the province . The usual formalities having becn observed , the Prov . litand Superintendent called thc attention of the Companions to the first business , viz ., the election of the Piov . Gtand Treasurer , when M . IC . Comp . Rev . O . J . Grace , P . Z . 501 , was re-elected to that ollice . The undermentioned companionswerc then duly appointed
and invested , viz .: Comp . | olm Williams , P . / .. 591 ... Prov . G . S . IC . S . G . KirchhofTer , Z . y-iS ... Prov . G . S . N . „ R . Roberts , II . 771 Prov . G . P . S . „ A . Portsmouth , P . Z . 414 ... Piov . G . ist A . S „ \ . D . Coales , 5 . J I Prov . G . 2 ndA . S „ IC . J . Trendell , 045 Prov . G . Reg .
. I . IC . Danks , 414 Prov . G . Swd . B „ ' S . Jacob , P . Z . S 40 Prov . G . Std . B . „ | . Batting , 5 yi Prov . G . D . C . „ | . Ueber Clerke , 045 Prov . G . Org . „ \ V . Parsons , P . Z . 414 ! J- W . ) Lamb , Z . 414 ; A . M . Yetts , > Prov . G . Studs . 414
-Th ; PROV . G . H . read a communication from the G . S . IC ., referring to the practice of companions wearing a tricolour ribbon with their jewel of ollice pendant , wliich appears to be against regulations , the tri-colour being restricted to the collar only . There being no further business of importance , the chanter was closed in due and ancient form , and the companions adjourned to a banquet at the Castle Hotel .
Laying The Foundation-Stone Of A New Lodge At Addington, New Zealand.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF A NEW LODGE AT ADDINGTON , NEW ZEALAND .
On llie 7 H 1 Dec . last the foundation-stone of the new-Masonic lodge , Point-road , Addington , was laid with an amount of ceremonial and eclat such as had not been ci )\ ialleil in an any event connected with Freemasonry in Natal . The increasing importance of Addington , as a
suburb of Durban , and the ever growing number of Masons in that district , were the natural origin of the formation of a new lodge , Ihe efforts to obtain which were cordially supported by the brethren of the older lodges in Natal . At 11 .. 50 a . m . the installation of the Worshipful Master of Addington Lodge , No . M .. 7 , was performed at the
Masonic llall , and after . 1 brief interval lodge was opened , a procession was formed , and when completed anti fairly on the move it was a very imposing spectacle . I leaded by the band of the jjStli Regiment , which performed selections of music along the whole of the route , the procession was composed as follows : first two Tylers , with swords ; next unattached visitors , two by tw . ; then Lodges Caledonian ,
474 _; Kokstad ; Umvoti , iS _ 7 ; Skelmersdale , 172 .. ; Carnarvon , if'S 4 j Natalia , iO (> 5 ; Inanda , 1102 ; and Prince Alfred , oj (> . After these , and headed by their banner , came the brethren of the Port Natal Lodge . The brethren all wore the Craft Masonry regalia and thc Royal Arch jewel , so that these and the banners , as well as the large number included in the procession ( over
,. 00 ) , made the spectacle of a lively and inspiriting kind . On arriving at the site the procession halted and opened out right and left , the band retiring to the S . IC . side of the ground , and Bios . Russell , l \ M . ; Crowe , W . M . 73 S ; Colley , W . M . i' j 37 ; Marriott , P . M . ; and Finncmore , passed up the centre , all brethren following in succession , thus inverting the order of procession . The Lewises then
surrounded the stone in front of tit . brethren , and W . M . ' s and P . M . 's took up their positions on the platform , the officers bearing the tools being at the front of the platform below , and the three columns with pedestal and volume of Sacred Law were pi iced on the front of the platform . Position being thus taken , the usual ode was sung hy
Ihe brethren . Bro . Colley , W . M . 1037 , then presented to Bro . Russell , W . M ., a silver trowel with which to perform the work of laying the stone , and the latter having been adjusted Bro . the Rev . T . J . Reynolds , Chaplain , offered a suitable prayer , to which the brethren chanted the response "So mote it be . " l'he Secretary , Bro . Leask , then read the folluwintr inscrintion of the new lodge : —
" I . T . N . O . T . G . A . O . T . U . "Addington Lodge , No . 10 , 37 , of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of ICngland . "The foundation stone of this temple , to be erected for the purposes of Masonry and dedicated to the Holy lCvangclist St . John , was laid in due form on Wednesday , the seventh dav of December , A . i „ -jS .- ! , A . D . 1 SS 1 , by
Bro . George Russell , P . M . 73 S , Prince Alfred , 0 , 50 , Inanda , 1102 , Natalia , 1 ( 165 , Carnarvon , 1 OS 4 , Skelmeisdale , i ( 2 tj , Umvoti , 1 S 07 , Kokstad , i , SS' > , and Caledonian , W \ ( Scotch Constitution ) , and of numerous distinguished brethren and visitors from all parts of the colony . " The following brethren , being ofiicers of the lodge for Ihe year 1 SS 1 . S 2 : Bros . Thomas Colley , W . M . ; Robert
Isaac l'innemore , I . P . M . j Thomas Nutter Price , S . W . ; Ccorgc Ireland , J . W . ; Harry ICscomlie , Treas . ; F . XV McICwan , Sec ; I'd IC . Washington , S . D . ; II . M . Bremer , . IU . ; D . Douglas , I . G . ; | . Le Clercq , . M . C . 5 William Hodge , Tyler . "The following are the foundation members of the Addington Lodge : BrosR . I . Finncmore , P . M . Natalia
, 'ft'j ! Thomas Colley , Skelmersdale 1729 ; George Ireland , ort Natal 7-58 ; J , R . Harrison , P . M . Caledonian 447 ; A . Hart , P . M . D ' nby 724 ; A . ] . Keeler , Port Natal , 73 S ; ' '• W . McICwan , Port Natal 73 .. ; G D . Stewart , Ncpton ' - " 4 . George Leask , Port Natal 73 S ; II . Reynolds , nanda 1102 ; G . Taylor , Caledonian 447 ; J . Le Clercq ,
Caledonian 447 ; ll . M . Bremer , Port Natal 73 S ; 11 . Luiiisdcn , Courthead 1392 ; L . J . Wilson , Port Natal 73 s ; "( - S . Jarvis , Caledonian 447 ; T . N . Price , Port Natal 73 S . "HisICxccllencySir ICvciyn Wood . V . C , Major-General , 1 \ . C . B ., Administrator of the Government of the Colony of ^ atal . In the 45 th year of the reign of Her Most Gracious Maj esty Oueen Victoria . "
Laying The Foundation-Stone Of A New Lodge At Addington, New Zealand.
Lhe Treasurer , Bro . Cullingwortli , having placed in a cavity beneath the stone , the coins of thc realm and a phial containing copies of the Mercantile Advertiser and Xatal Mercury , and a record of thc movement to form the lodge , the stone was lowered , the band meanwhile playing slow music . The inscription on the face of the stone is as follows : —¦
" This Foundation Stone of the Addington Lodge , No . "J 37 > "'as well and truly laid by Bro . Geo . Russell , P . M ., No . 73 S , on the 7 th December , 1 SS 1 . " Bro . Russell , P . M ., having tried and adjusled the stone , and declared it to be well anil truly laid in the name of the Most High , the dedication took place . The plans of the building were then inspected by Bro . Russell , P . M ., who presented them to Bro . Ireland , the architect .
Bro . RL-SSI . I . I ., P . M ., then delivered the following address : Brethren , I cannot terminate the gratifying ceremony that has brought us together this day without thanking you most heartily in my own name and on behalf of our Addington brethren , for your attendance and the assistance you have rendered . Without doubt our presence is voluntary , notwithstanding the parts we have taken arc not of our own choice . The motto of my family is
"Che sar . i , sara" — "What will be , will be , " and in that fatalistic spirit I accepted the prominent and honourable position accorded to me to-day , a position I am proud to occupy , but one that for your fraternal willing assistance I could not have sustained . In the absence of a Provincial or other Grand Ollicer the chance circumstance of my being the oldest Natal-made Mason , andthe senior Past Master of the Mother Lodge of the
colony ( Port Natal Lodge , No . 73 S ) , has caused the honours ol to-day to be thrust upon me , a duty 1 should have felt myself unfitted to perform were it not known to you all that social rank and all other attributes of distinguished citizenship are measured , squared , and brought to a level in our lodge . Prom the eminence of our most noble brother , our Grand Master , H . R . H . the Princeof Wales , and the prominence given to his works of this character , the humble
ceremonial of to-day may seem to the uninitiated as a bur-Icscjuc or an extravaganza ; but , brethren , we know better . We know that however deficient ue may be in numbers or in pageantry we are not the less earnest in heart or intention , and were it possible for His Royal Highness or any of our noble and distinguished Masters to have becn present to-day they would joyfully have taken my place and joined us in raising a temple to the Great Architect of the
Universe , whence light purified from creeds and dogmas shall shine forth to lighten this Dark Continent . I sec around ire brethren from all parts of this colony , and even from the four quarters of the globe , some of whom are of rank and eminence in our order . I hey are not gathered at an idle ceremonial , but they come as witnesses to the wisdom , strength , and beauty of our teachings , to those sacred principles which build a temple , not made by hands ,
eternal in the heavens . As '•' reemasonry originated at the building of King Solomon ' s Temple , it is our pride that we come before Christianity ; we receive into our Order all men who reverence and adore the true and living God Most High , and we recognise in every son of Adam a brother of the dust . As no merely human institutions arc perfect , as no church , sect , er philosophical system instituted b y man is perfect , so also has Masonry its defects ; but it seeks by its
teachings to make all men perfect , and if haply mankind are only improved then does it confer a benefit upon civilised society . When the lessons and symbols illustrated in our lodges—and which surround us to-day—come to be applied , they bring men ' s hearts and sentiments closer together in the fraternal union which humbles and levels all men in the presence of their Creator . We meddle with no man ' s creed , and we decline his politics ; hence where in
any institution than ouis will you see the rich and poor , the educated and the ignorant , meeting on a true equality , respecting and appreciating each other ? It is not many months since I saw a colonel sitting in a social chat with a sergeant of the line , and an ollicer of the Royal Navy g iving the fraternal hand to a leading stoker . To the ignorant inquirer as to how these things can be , I would reply , by influence of those divine principles we practice ,
the greatest of which is Charity . \\ e arc nol : a benefit society , but wc prize our labour and our actions above money ' s worth ; we are mutually bound by t ' lose sweet ties of fellowship wliich prompt all true Masons , if unable to speak well of a brother , to say nothing to his disadvantage , to deal gently with his infirmities , extending our kind offices to those most dear to him , in the person of his wife , his sister , or his child .
1 would desire to remark to our sisters , present or in prospect , while thanking them for tlieir countenance to-day , that though we keep from them the knowledge of our mysteries u-c teach them our secrets daily by making them the willing-, though unconscious , agents for the dissemination of our charity and goodwill . Hence they should accord us some consideration , deal leniently with our shortcomings , and trust us more , in the full assurance that a
good Mason must be a good man , the foundation stone of our Order being those Masonie ornaments and sacred dictates dear to every ivomrn ' s heart—truth , honour , and virtue . Wc hope that the part taken by our sons in today ' s ceremonial may mike a lasting impression upon tlieir minds , so that when thev arrive at the years of discretion they may seek knowledge where it is to be found , and gathering corn , wine , and oil , relieve their aged parents
after the heat and burden of their day , by dedicating themselves to Masonry and the jiraclicc of those virtues laid down for our own guidance in the volume of Sacred Law , the chief of which arc temperance , prudence , fortitude , and justice . Our very Worshipful Bro . Finnemore , P . M ., will now address you . In response , Bro . FINXI- ' MOKK said -. It is a time-honoured custom at the laying- of a foundation stone of any public
building for some one in authority to address a few words to those present as to the purpose which has called them together , and the uses to which the intended building is to be put , and the brethren of the Addington Lodge have done mc the honour to select me for this duty on the present occasion . The object for which we have assembled here today , and which has just been satisfactorily concluded , is
one of deep interest to members of our great Order . Another lodge has becn added to the very large and everexpanding rull ; another building has been commenced in which the grand principles of Ficemasonry are to be taught . Those of my audience who are members of the Fraternity will readily accept the fact as a subject of pleasure and congratulation , especially as we know that the new
Laying The Foundation-Stone Of A New Lodge At Addington, New Zealand.
charter has becn placed in the hands of worthy and zealous brethren , in whom wc have every confidence that they will maintain pure and unsullied the general tenets and principles of our Order . To the uninitiated it may be well that I should address a few rcmaiks upon the nature of Freemasonry . Freemasonry is a very ancient and eminently respectable institution , embracing men of every nation under the sun—of every religion , of all conditions of life—one in
which all religious and political differences are forgotten . It has its well-guarded secrets ; but this much 1 may fearlessly unfold , that universal love and charity is their shibboleth , inculcated at initiation , repeated in their various assemblies , and so not inapt to take a firm root in the mind and to exercise a more powerful control over their lives and actions than can exist in the case of those who do not possess this additional incentive to walk in thc paths of
morality and virtue . And when I speak of love and charity as being the shibboleth of our Craft , I speak of love and charity in their widest and noblest sense—of love to onr fellow men—of the charity that consists not in alms-giving alone , but that forgives its enemies , that returns good for evil , that swerves not from the paths of rectitude and justice . There is no Alason here present who is not aware that
the principles of his Craft do perpetually urge him towards those noble duties , or who leaves his lodge without a more settled determination to fulfil them . We have now , in accordance with ancient usage , laid in the north-cast corner of the building its foundation stone . 'That stone was perfectly squared ; it has been laid perfectly level ; it now stands firm and upright on its base , an earnest , let us hope , of what the building , when completed , will be— " perfect in
its parts and honourable to thc builder . " The work has now bcen handed over to the operative Mason , and we pray that the Great Architect of the Universe ( through whom alike princes reign and the humblest artisans perform their allotted tasks ) may give His grace to all engaged in the undertaking ; that they may be enabled to do their work honestly , faithfully , truly , in a workmanlike manner ; that the building may be brought to a happy completion , and
when completed that it may long serve for the convenience and benefit of the Craft , and of the inhabitants of Addington and the neighbourhood ; that the lodge which will meet within its walls may ever seek to advance the welfare of its brethren and the good of Freemasonry . May we hear of its stead y increase , its loppy unity , and its regular progression in all those Masonie virtues and excellencies which attract to our Order the devotion of its members , and have
won for it the admiration of mankind . ( A pplause . ) Hro . Archdeacon COI . I . , in returning thanks , said : It is now my pleasing duty , as Master of the Addington Lodge of Freemasons , 11 . 37 , which has this day seen auspicious buth , to return our thanks to W . Bro . Russell for laying this foundation -. tone , which has been well and truly laid in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe ; the first stone of a temple undenominational , where men of all sets .
and sects , and sections may meet in brotherly unity , and find common ground for the growth of manly virtues , unhampered by cree-dal disabilities . W . Bro . Russell , in the name of the lodge , I tender you our hearty thanks . Also , it is with much pleasure that " I am privileged to convey thc thanks of this lodge to XV . llro . l- ' innemore for the oration just delivered- that able exposition of the aims and objects of our ancient and honourable Fraternity . 'The greater is
my pleasure- in doing this , since , Worshipful Sir , you are one with us , being lust foundation member of the lodge now established . In the name uf the lodge of which you are Immediate Past Master , I thank you for your oration . I-urthcr , I thank W . Bro . Marriott , as Installing Ollicer , and the Worshipful Master , Past Masters , ofiicers , and brethren of the Port Natal Lodge , for thc very valuable help rendered us in so many ways to-day , and their great
cordiality from our first steps in the matter that has led to the foundation of this new centre of interest in the Craftthe Craft that they have in this colony from the first so long and worthily represented . XV . Bro . Marriott , Worshipful Master , Past Masters , oilicers , and brethren of the Port Natal Lodge , I heartily thank you ; and may this happy fraternal feeling , thus conspicuously shown , ever animate both lodges . And , Worshipful Masters , Past Masters , <> ftli * .. rc tn . 1 ttr . ill . ^ . in .. t . 1 ... ......... _ . ! ..... I ... ! . __ .. v iu uivuiLii uiiiei
........... u . . v , _ u _ uiuiiy IUUKC-S represented here to-day , I thank you on my own behalf and that of my oilicers and the brethren of the Addington Lodge for the assistance of your presence ; and as visitors in our working ami guests at our social board , wc shall , I trust , often have the pleasure of seeing you . Also I thank the ladies who have so gracefully adorned our proceedings to-day . It is a kindness , brethren , hardly to be estimated by us of the masculine persuasion . Tor do wc not
exclude them from our mysteries , and deny them the sweet privilege uf worming one of our secrets . ( Laughter . ) But it is like them thus to return good for evil . But though we cannot mend our manners in this one particular , yet we can all the more feelingly appreciate the kindness in lending us their presence on this festive occasion . 'The sunshine of their smiles has been sufficient , lacking the golden glare of a midsummer ' s day . And oh , dear ladies ,
let not that sunshine ever know an eclipse when your husbands , sweethearts , or brothers will not let you into any of the mysteries soon to hc practised on thc ground now hallowed by your feet . ( Laughter . ) It has been said that a woman neither can keep a secret herself nor let anybody else keei ) ¦ *«<"• ., Vic do not deny the first part of the statement , but as Freee maso ns , we are exempt from the force of the second . Fair daughters of lCvc ! ICdcn attends your
footsteps still , but we who wear these aprons ( lambs' skin not fig leaves ) are safe ; for the apple-tree has been cut down ; thc snake has been thrown over the hedge . All the more we thank you for smiling on our proceedings today . ( Laughter and applause . ) The proceedings closed with grand honours , the brethren
returning to Durban , where lodge was closed , and the Lewises and band proceeded to thc Alexandra Hotel , Point , where they had refreshments . In the evening a banquet was held at the Alexandra Hotel . We shall give an account of the proceedings at the banquet in our next .
Thc Chairman of thc South-lCistcrn Railway Company ( Sir IC . Watkin , Bart ., M . P . ) , and a party of about thirty gentlemen , including the Lord Alayor , went from Dover on Saturday morning by a special train to the Channel Tunnel Works at Shakespeare Cliff , to inspect the heading commenced at that point .