Original Correspondence.

the ordinary funds of the lodge . I think the members of a lodge have a perfect right to do as they think proper with their funds , within certain bounds , but unless banquets are provided for by additional or separate subscriptions , ( either exclusive or inclusive as to the usual annual payments ) , I consider it most unmasonic to use the funds for such purposes . To make my meaning plain it is as

follows . If the lodge members subscribe only about a pound annually to meet the current incidental expenses , clearly there are no funds for banqueting purposes , and those who partake should pay . If , however , sufficient additional payments arc made for that object , no one has a right to complain . Now many lodges with such a small annual payment have refreshments at every lodge

meeting at the expense of the lodge funds , and the consequence is that , unless new members are being made frequently , the financial state is bad , and to provide the means for the feasts the tempting offers of candidates ' fees are necessarily often considered before the " moral qualifications . " No . 1201 , I think , provides for this in a most satisfactory manner . The law virtually says , " Have

what you like , brethren , but pay—nothing from the ordinary funds , remember I" Law 1 is as follows : " No part of the moneys received by this lodge can or shall be used or spent in any other manner than the requirements of the lodge , the Order , or charity may permit , and shall not be appropriated for tavern expenses or refreshments in any form ; and that this law is irrevocable so long as the

charter of said lodge exists and is in force . " I presume that this peculiarity of the lodge is still its distinguishing feature , and to make sure I fraternally invite the respected W . M . to state in the columns of the Freemason whether my belief is a correct one or not . Fraternally yours , WM . J AMES HUGHAN , Truro , 22 nd January , 1877 . P . G . D .

Dedication Of The New Temple Of The St. John's Lodge, No. 492, Antigua.

DEDICATION OF THE NEW TEMPLE OF THE ST . JOHN'S LODGE , No . 492 , ANTIGUA .

On Friday afternoon , the ist ult ., the good citizens witnessed a scene which but one generation out of ten mi ght ever hope to witness . At half-past four the brethren of the above lodge met by appointment at the old premises on the Parade , preliminary to the consecration and dedication of their New Temple in Nevis-street .

By five o'clock fifty-three Masons of attached and unattached brethren were assembled in the full regalia of Craft Masonry . The lodge then opened up to the Third Degree , and the W . M . having formally announced the object of the gathering , the brethren , under the direction of Bro . Este , D . of C , formed outside , and moved in Masonic procession up Long-street , through Market-street ,

down Nevis-street , and in due order entered the building that was ready for consecration and dedication . Besides the charter and the rest of the paraphernalia of Masonry , carried along , the S . W ., J . W ., and P . S . W . bore respectively three silver vessels with corn , wine , and oil . There were numerous spectators from the windows and balconies enjoying the scene ; and all along the procession

there was the usual crowd—but it was to their credit that nothing on their part transpired to mar the occasion ; and thc charity of Masonry is sufficiently expansive to excuse the rude eagerness of the sight-loving rabble . The brethren moved on without the usual noise of fife and drum . The quietness anel solemnity of the procession was quite in keeping with the mission on which they were

bent—the solemn consecration and dedication of their Temple . And here we beg our readers to pardon the few remarks which we are constrained to make on the subject of Masonry . We deem this a fit opportunity for an attempt at dispelling the illusions which the outer world have of Masonry . Masonry is a society extended over the world ;

and to those who scoff at its claims to antiquity , let its universality be sufficient presumptive evidence of it . The principles of Masonry are the same wherever professed j its origin must therefore be one and the same . This necessity carries us back , in the absence of any evidence to the contrary , to a period when the various branches of the human race had not yet branched off from the centre , but

wcre in close union with each other . Or if that position be untenable , we fall back on this other , that the principies of Masonry were diffused by the Phoenician merchants , whose traffic extended in the remotest antiquity over the whole world , before the learning and refinement of Greece , or the might of Rome , was heard of ; or that they were prorogated by those Jews who formed a portion of the

retinue of Alexander the Great in his career of conquests extending from the JEgcan Sea lo the Indian Ocean , and from the Granicus to the Indus . But whatever the antiquity of Masonry , it must be conceded that as a society it must have something to distinguish it from other societies ; something to serve as a mark by which the members might discover each other

wherever they meet , and as a link to weld the scattered units of the society into one homogeneous whole ; and the link that docs this is the landmarks , which it follows , as a matter of course , must be known only by Masons . But because those landmarks are jealously guarded by all faithful Masons , and are emphatically thc mysteries of the Craft , the outside world puts the worst construction on

them , and associates them with diablery and impiety . But this is the fate of everything mysterious ; and the brethren must console themselves with that reflection . _ Yet if the outer world would suspend judgment on what is unknown to them , and observe the visible manifestations of Masonry—its works of charity and benevolencethey would conclude that a societ y with that sublime virtue as its practical feature is incapable of nursing within its

Dedication Of The New Temple Of The St. John's Lodge, No. 492, Antigua.

bosom anything subversive of morality or religion . Far from being so , Masonry is thc essence of all religion ; its mission is— " To visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions , and keep himself unspotted from the world . " Hence speaking as a P . M . of the Craft , I have always considered that Masonry has this in its favour , whatever else misht be said against it , that it most nearly

approaches practical Christianity in theory and spirit . It has the Supreme Being for the object of its worship , mankind without distinction of class , clime , or colour for its subjects , and the universe for its temple . It places all men on the same platform of fraternity and equality , and thus eclipses fashionable and conventional Christianity . For while this seldom surmounts the prejudices of class or

race , and , like the Jews , has " no dealings with the Samaritans , " that , swayed by the fact that God has made all men of one blood to dwell on the face of the earth , eagerly rushes with Christ-like spirit to give the right hand of fellowship to every brother , whatever his race or station , and solemnly pledged to works of virtue and benevolence is equally pledged to keep itself free from the debilitating

effects of immorality . That all Masons are not true to their colours is as little a fault of Masonry as the inconsistencies of professing Christians are the faults of Christianity . To return to our subject . The new lodge is a threestoreyed building . The entrance is on the second storey by a stone platform at the north door with two flights of

steps , east and west respectively . The upper storey is reached by a winding gallery at the south-west corner of the building . Ascending this gallery the brethren arrived on a landing , commanding a fine view of the south . To the east of this landing is an ante-room , which the Building Committee designed the Master ' s room . Opening before them on the north is the most magnificent

hall , thc upper storey of the Court-house excepted , in the city . To consecrate and dedicate this hall was the business of the evening . It is rectangular , and is 35 feet by 29 , with a liny piazza looking towards the rising sun . It is spacious , in

thorough repair , nicely ceiled , painted and decorated with thc usual Masonic furniture and symbols . The yellow Venetian blinds increase its charms within and add to its appearance without . In the centre the ceiling has a fine gilt design by Bro . Thibou , with engravings of some of the tools of the Craft .

Writing as one who , quorum pars fui , I still experience the feeling of pride and delight whieh possessed mc , standing with the brethren in their own neat , beautiful , and spacious temple . The spirit which pervaded us all brought to my mind the feeling of the beautiful and sublime which makes poets adorn the fountain , grove , mountain , and sea ; on the one hand and on the other

minstrelsy , painting , sculpture , and poetry , each with its presiding nymph , muse , or genius . I felt as if some genius was scattering its favours around . Call it if you like , " the Genius of Masonry , " as I would have done if asked to define it . But there cannot be the least doubt that it was the tout ensemble of architectural success in the planning , and artistic skill in the furnishing and

decorating of the temple , together with the splendid appearance which the brethren presented , calling up to my mind one of those august assemblies of knights that met in the days of yore in their temple at Rhodes or Malta in the interests of Masonry and humanity . Another interesting feature in the picture was the soft and mellowy radiance of moon—or twilight—which the

three lesser . lights diffused around . Such then is the temple , the condition in which the brethren found it , and such the feeling that animated all . While the rest were taking their seats Bros . Halliday and Nibbs , who respectively bore the Charter and Constitution ? , proceeded to the centre and there deposited them , while Bros . S . W ., J . W ., and P . S . W ., deposited towards

the rising sun the three silver cups with corn , oil , and wine respectively . Bro . Athill then addressed the W . M ., informing him that it was the desire of the brethren that the building should be consecrated and dedicated . Bro . Chaplain then read the scripture for the occasion . The brethren next sung an ode , accompanied by the harmonium , praying for the blessing and protection of the G . A . O . T . U ., and other

ceremonies were gone through , after the Chaplain delivered an excellent speech on Masonry , embracing , its claims , its principles and its antiquity . A procession round the centre , by the office-bearing brethren , led by the W . M . and Chaplain , then went through the ceremony , sprinkling with corn , wine , and oil , accompanied with music . An ode then followed , and this closed the consecration and dedication . The brethren then retired to refreshment downstairs .

In the course of several speeches wc gathered the following facts concerning the origin of the temple . Sometime ago the late Bro . Mann , W . M . had occasion to refer to the finances of the lodge , and stated that up to then the brethren had paid £ 500 for rent , and that to divert such a large amount from works of charity was not carrying out the principles of Masonry . That though the

times were difficult and it was rather late in the day to think of getting their own lodge , this scheme should be entertained , if for no other object , tor that of preventing so large an expenditure for rent . Bro . [ ligham then took the matter in hand , and by his own efforts raised £ 100 as the nucleus of a building fund . By means of a bazaar and concert the brethren soon raised it to £ 200 , and in this

manner they soon felt themselves strong enough to negotiate with the attorney of the present premises about its purchase . The negotiation was successful . As soon as the place was purchased the repairs were undertaken under the kind direction of Mr . J . Mathew and the Building Committee . As a result of it all , the brethren now possess a substantial , commodious , and elegant temple , second to none , wc are told , in the , West Indies . May they all long

Dedication Of The New Temple Of The St. John's Lodge, No. 492, Antigua.

remain to occupy it , and when their last trial approaches , may they be cheered by the prospect of leaving an earthly temple for one not made with hands , eternal in the Heavens . —Antigua Journal .

Lamartine On Freemasonry.

LAMARTINE ON FREEMASONRY .

The Freemasons of Macon , M . Dc Lamartinc ' s native town , presented him with a list of subscriptions to relieve him from encumbrances . The illustrious poet and statesman thanked them in the following letter , which will be held precious by every Mason in the wide world : " I have the honour to return youHhe list ( so honourable both to you

and to me ) of subscribers from French and foregin Masonic Lodges . Pray assure all your Brothers of my gratitude . I do not speak the language , and am unacquainted with the rites of your fraternal institution , but through you I know [ its heart and its works . I see not only in the secrets of the Lodges a veil of modesty thrown upon truth and charity , to heighten their beauty in the eyes of God

and man . But for this modesty you would not conceal from men the secret which your actions reveal . You are , in my opinion , the greatest eclectics of the modern world . You cull from all time , all countries , all systems , all philosophies , the evident , ~ eternal and immutable principles of universal morality , and you blend them into an infallible and unanimously accepted dogma of fraternity . You

reject everything that divides minds , and profess everything that unites hearts , you are the manufacturers of concord . With your trowels you spread the cement of virtue about the foundation of society . Your symbols are but figures . If I am not mistaken in the interpretation of your dogmas the curtain of your mysteries might be drawn without the fear of revealing anything but services rendered to

humanity . The tribute of esteem and sympathy which the Masonic Lodges of France and foreign countries have been kind enough to send to me through you gives me a right of confraternity with them . I did not require this right to esteem them ; but this honorary conformity now entitles me to love them as Brothers . Receive and convey to your honorable correspondents of all countries the assurance of my gratitude and respectful consideration . "

Capitular Masonry In Canada.

CAPITULAR MASONRY IN CANADA .

On the 12 th ult ., in the Royal Albert Chapter Rooms , Montreal , a duly assembled convention of representative Royal Arch Masons harmoniously united in forming a Supreme Royal Arch Chapter for the province of Quebec , This important action was taken with the hearty fraternal concurrence of the Grand Chapter of Canada , whose

exclusive jurisdiction will hereafter be over the flourishing province of Ontario . The following are the first principal officers of the newly organised Grand Chapter of Quebec : John H . Graham , LL . D ., & c , Richmond , Most Excellent First Principal , Z . ; George H . Borlase , Q . C ., Montreal , Right Excellent Second Principal , H . ; James Dunbar , Q . C ., Quebec , Right Excellent Third Principal , J . ; R . E . Comp . Thomas Milton , Supt . Montreal District ; R . E .

Comp . Christopher Stavely , Quebec District ; R . E . Comp . H . W . Wood , M . D ., E . T . District ; R . E . Comp . T . J , McMinn , Montreal , Scribe E . ; R . E . Comp . John McLean , Scribe N . ; R . E . Comp . Isaac Henry Stearns , Montreal . Grand Treas . ; R . E . Comp . C . W . Woodford , Grand Reg . ; R . E . Comp . James Gibson , G . Principal Sojourner , The Montreal companions manifested a most commendable interest in this new movement . The Grand Chapter of Quebec has been inaugurated under most favourable auspices .

Lodge Of Benevolence.

LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .

The monthly meeting of the Lodge of Benevolence was held on Wednesday evening in the Board Room , Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Joshua Nunn , Senior Vice President , occupied the President ' s chair , and Bro . J . M . Case , G . D .. that of Junior Vice President . There were also present , Bros . S . Rawson , C . A . Cottebrune , Thos . Cubitt , S . G .

Foxall , Joseph Smith , W . Smith , W . H . Mvers , H . Bartlett , Rev . J . M . Vaughan , H . Garrod , Benj . Head , R . H . Marsh , H . Muggeridge , Griffiths Smith , William Stevens , Herbert Dicketts , John Constable , W . T . Howe , yE . J . Mclntyre , W . J . Murlis , F . Binrkes , H . Massey , ( Freemason ) , XV . R . Marsh . W . Mann , T . W . Allen , P . M . 733 , Ireland , K . Bergmann , Charles Atkins , P . M . 27 ;

W . B . Heath , P . G . W . Herts ; Thos . Moring , T . W . Whitmarsh , John Denton , John Green , John Dyte , James Newell , Richard Shander . John Hervey , G . S . ; H . G . Buss , W . Dodd , W . Lecker , John Herman , Charles B . Bennett . Thomas Butt , George Allen , Frederick B . Pownhall , and C . P . Cobham . Grants of £ 180 made at last Lodge of Benevolence were confirmed .

The brethren then proceeded with the consideration of the new cases , of which there were 31 on the list . Three cases wcre deferred , and one case was dismissed . The remaining cases were relieved with a total sum of £ 628 , which was made up of the following items : one of £ 200 , one £ 50 , one £ 40 , one £ 25 , eight . £ 20 , three £ 15 , ten £ to , one £ 3 , and one £ 3 . Alter sitting three hours and a half , the brethren closed the lodge .

HOLLOWAY ' PILLS . —When inclement weather checks to a considerable extent the natural exhalations of the skin , an alterative is required to expel them entirely fiom the body through some other channel . Holloway ' s PiJJs can be confidently recommended as the easiest , surest , and safest means of attaining this desirable end without weakening Ihe most delicate or incommodinn the

most feeble . When from frequent chills or impure air , the blond becomes foul and the secretions vitiated , these fills present a read y efficient means of cleansing the former and correcting the latter . By this salutary proceeding disease is arrested at itB outset , its pain and inconveniences averted , and the nervous structures saved from the depressing effects entailed upon them by an illness , — ADVT .