Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Dedication Of A Masonic Temple At Kelvedon, Essex.
Sir William Abdy for his kindness in providing lhat magnificent building for the uses of Freemasonry . He was also aware that much time and trouble had been bestowed upon that building by Bro . Salter , for which they could not thank him too much ; and he congratulated the architect , Bro . Whitmore , on the taste he had displayed in designing the hall , and the builder , Bro . Thorn , on the
faithfulness with which he had carried out the work . It was a pleasure to him to sec the way in which Masonry nourished in his province . Only the other day a Provincial Grand Master congratulated him upon the success of Masonry in Essex ; that , he felt , was due not so much to himself as to the loyal manner in which the lodges upheld the great principles of the Institution .
Prayer having been said by the PROV . GRAND CHAIU . AIN , the architect presented to his lordship the plans of the hall , and the Prov . Grand Secretary the deed of conveyance .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPLAIN ( Bro . the Rev . W . Linton Wilson ) , then delivered an address . He said : We are assembled to-day upon an occasion analogous to that recorded in the early chapters of the Second Book of the Chronicles , which obtained a testimony of the seal of God ' s favour in that " when Solomon had made an end of praying , the fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices ; and the glory of the Lord filled the house . And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord , because the
glory of the Lord had filled the house . And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down , and the glory of the Lord upon the house , they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement , and worshipped , and praised the Lord , saying : 'For He is good ; for His mercy endureth for ever . ' " That great and glorious temple which was so dedicated , and which was so accepted , was a gift—an offering of a free gift to God . This temple which we dedicate to-day is a gift likewise to God , the great architect divine ; and as the
design on that occasion was none of Solomon ' s , but was by direct inspiration of that Mighty Architect , for whose honour and glory the house was built , so this also is fashioned likewise according to ancient precedent , and here , as there , will most assuredly be realised the mighty truth contained in the words— " It is more blessed to give than to receive . " The temple of Freemasonry is set apart for the grand researches of our Order , researches into the hidden mysteries of nature and science ,
of real science of actual knowledge of Him of whom Fred . Wm . Faber wrote : "Without an end or bound Thy life lies all outspread in light ; Our lives feel Thy life all around , Making ; our weakness strong , our darkness bright ; Yet it is neither wilderness nor sea , But the calm gladness of a full eternity 1 "
And so , brethren , our researches must be vast , according as the sea of knowledge of which ive have dared to undertake the navigation , is vast also . So vast as to be boundless . Our researches are vast , for they extend to the utmost bounds of the earth and Heaven . They centre round that grand motto of Chiton , the Greek
philosopher , " Know Thyself . " Ihey demand a due attention to the celebrated motto of another mighty Greek mind , " Know the opportunity . " To ensure diligent attention to our noble ritual , every brother mustdo his part , and that over and over again ;
opportunity must be known and taken , repeatedly taken , by Ihe forelock , for " opportunity is bald behind , " and so by continual attention and constant repetition a familiarity will arise which becomes a habit , not a familiarity which breeds contempt ,
for"As long as words , like mortals , call a fatherland their own , They will be most highly valued where they are best and longest known . " This is especially true with Ihe noble ritual of Masonry , they who know it best value it the most , the noblest natures set the highest value upon the
noble words , and bright example of devotions which our annals exhibit , and which will be repeatedly and constantly set forth within these hallowed walls . Keep then , brethren , well in mind the promise which I shall shcrdy make in the name of us all , a promise quoted from the roth chapter of
Nchcmiah , " We will not forsake the house of our God . " We are sometimes accused , brethren , of making Masonry our religion . This we do not do . But we are content to be so accused if we may , without offence to our Holy God , put Masonry in the second place , for it emanates from God , and is His handiwork . And this reminds us very strongly of one of the dangers of our Craft , and warns us to be careful not to hold so close to the letter as to forget the spirit of our holy Brotherhood . Let not words have a
higher domination over us than those deeds which the words pre-suppose . Take care to let the grand mottoes of our Order be the mottoes of our own lives , our deeds and actions , and then the dedication of to-day will be a dedication of our . selves to the service of the Great Architect of the Universe , and a dedication of far wider influence than it can have when confined to this single temple of Freemasonry . Virtue , unity , and universal benevolence are the three grand uses to which this temple is dedicated to-day , dedicated in joy and gratilude , with
offerings of corn , and wine , and oil , emblems of plentiful and beneficent food , of g ladness of heart , and of cheerful joyousness of soul , for it is well said by the Psalmist that among the bountiful gifts of God are " wine thai maketh glad the heart of man , and oil to make him of cheerful countenance , and bread to strengthen man's heart . " It is dedicated with Angel ' s songs , the Tarsanctus of the Archangels in Heaven , who veil their faces when they cry , " Holy , Holy , Holy , Lord God Almighty ; Heaven and earth arc
full of Thy Glory ; Glory be to Thee , O Lord , most high ! " With thoughts like these before us we need not be ashamed to put Masonry in the highest postion next to our Holy religion , and esteem it worthy of that high position , second only to that which we hold holiest and most sacred on earth . Masonry is progressive . We are sometimes accused of being stationery , utterly opposed to growth and enlargement . Those who accuse Masonry of being too steadfast might as well accuse a firmly set rockupon which is built one of our grand cathedrals , of being
, too steadfast . Upon such a foundation a magnificent super-structure can be erected . Without such steadfastness nothing worthy of permanent regard can be built . Masonry is progressive as nature is . Nature , in her marvellous laboratory changes the common carbon of earth into the brilliant crystal of the diamond , the most brilliantly beautiful crystal the eye of man can look upon among the
things of this earth . Nature , in the process of crystalisation , progresses from a lump of carbon without form or beauty to the double refracting glory of that bead of living light . Masonry , too , is progressive . It concerns itself deeply about the thousand and one things that affect humanity ; the whole of humanity , at least , ° f civilised humanity , without distincton of race or creed . But this , with a majestic steadfastness and a calm leisure , which we are quite content to have falsely
Dedication Of A Masonic Temple At Kelvedon, Essex.
named stationary by the unlearned and i gnorant world . Scl then , Brethren , deeply in your hearts the great principles to ' which this temple is dedicated to-day —Virtue , Unity , and Universal benevolence . True Virtue is valour , valour in moving forward and upward in civilisation , refinement , and beneficence . True Unity is oneness of heart and soul in the advance towards God and goodness .
Oneness , by which all are united , W . M ., Wardens , Officers , and Brethren , united in one shoulder to shoulder phalanx in their grand march to the great lodge above . Universal benevolence is wider than the world in its application , it is the mighty banner under which Masonry has made itself honoured and respected by mankind . It has the aprobation of earth and Heaven , and binds mankind , as prayer does , by golden chains about the throne of God .
I he ceremony of consecration was ( hen most ably carried out by Bro . the Earl of Warwick , assisted by the Prov . Grand Wardens , Bros . Sir William Abdy and E . C . Willis , and the Director of Ceremonies , Bro . A . Lucking , the musical portion being charmingly rendered by Bros . E . Gowers , N . L . Howlett , E . j . Motutn , and R . Galpin . At its close the W . M . of the Easterford Lodge , Bro . Sir Wm . Abdy , assisted by his officers , passed to the Second Degree Bro . A . Money Wigram , M . P . for the Romford Division .
Seventy-one brethren subsequently dined together in the Banqueting Hall of the Temple , the catering of Messrs . Wri ght and Son , of Colchester , giving the greatest satisfaction . Bro . Sir Wm . Abdy , occupied the chair , and he was supported by the brethren already mentioned . After dinner , the usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . Sir FRANCIS ALSTON , replying for that of " The Grand Officers , " said
he was delighted to find himself once more in an Essex Lodge . His connection with Essex Masonry had been life-long . Not onl y was he at one time a member of one of the oldest of its Lodges ( Hope and Unity ) , but he had held the office of Prov . Grand Secretary . The pleasure of his visit had been greatly enhanced by his finding his nephew , Sir William Abdy , holding such a distinguished position in the Craft in this county , and it would be long before he forgot the proceedings of that day .
The GRAND SECRETARY also responded , and after congratulating those who had taken part in the ceremonies of the day on the able way in which they had been carried out , said it had given him great pleasure to be present at so interesting and unique an occasion . He could onl y hope that the erection of that magnificent Temple might be an incentive to other lodges to possess halls of their
own . The W . M ., in eulogistic terms , proposed " The Earl of Warwick , Provincial Grand Master , " comparing the rule of his lordship to that of a good colonel of a regiment—who knew how to maintain due discipline , and at the same time be the friend of those under him . Since his lordship had been Provincial Grand Master the lodges had increased from 19 to 37 , and he trusted that all the members of the Fraternityjn Essex would show themselves worthy of so good a ruler . The Earl of WARWICK , who received an ovation on rising to respond , said he
could hardly find words to express how warmly he felt towards his Essex brethren . He could not help recalling the time when he first came amongst them as a happy and fortunate husband . And then the next lie that
bound them to him was when he was installed as their Provincial Grand Master in the good old town of Colchester . With several of his Colchester friends before him , he was forcibly reminded of a brief but very pleasant connection he had with that good old town . Il had been a matter
of regret that , with the many calls upon his time , he had not been able to come amongst them so often as before , but he could assure them that his interest in the county had not abated , and he appreciated most thoroughly the warmth of their reception of him thai day .
Ihe VV . M ., in proposing "The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " remarked upon the high position that Bro . Philbrick held in the counsels ot the Craft , and his readiness at all times to assist any of them in their Masonic work . He had
taken a great interest in that Temple , having carefully perused the deed of conveyance , and also revised the arrangements of the ceremonies of the day . The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER , after thanking the brethren for his hearty reception , said their W . M . had likened their beloved Provincial Grand Master to the colonel of an army , and who , he asked , could serve under such a chief and not do his duty ? When some 12 years ago he himself took the position he
had the honour to hold , he felt he was serving under one who would bring the province into the front rank , and events had pioved that . The province was prospering-- not because of its broad lands , as in the Northern Districts , not because of its great manufactories—for they could not boast of any : not because of its mineral wealth—they had not yet struck coal in Essex—but because of the harmony and good feeling that pervaded the lodges , and the thoroughly Masonicway in which the ceremonies—as that of that day—were carried out .
Ihe PROV . GRAND MASTER proposed " The Health of Sir William Abdy . " He felt sure that Sir William might look back on thai day with feelings of pride and pleasure , for had he not handed over to the care of the province that handsome emblem of his Masonic zeal . For himself , he ( Lord Warwick ) appreciated most deeply Sir William ' s noble and generous gift , and he only hoped that others might follow his example .
Sir WILLIAM AIIDY , who on rising was enthusiastically received , thanked his lordship for his kind words , and said whatever feelings of pleasure the brethren might feel in the new Temple , they fell very far short of his own . Really their thanks were more due to Bro . Salter , on whom had fallen the chief burden of all the work . Bro . Salter had travelled many miles , and expended no end of time and postage stamps in his superintendence of the erection of the hall , and he took the opportunity of proposing his good health . The toast was received with musical honours .
Bro . Dr . SALTER responded , expressing the pleasure it had been to him to superintend the building of that Temple , backed by so good a man as Sir Wm .
Abdy . Other toasts followed , that of " The Visitors " being responded to by Bros . Col . MACLEAN , J . SADLER , and HAROLD FRANCIS . During the evening an excellent programme of music was given , under the direction of Bro . Howlett , those taking part being Mrs . Lucas , Mrs . Cherry , and Bros . Gowers , Motum , and Gibbs .
FIELD-MARSHALL SIR DONALD STEWART , Governor of Chelsea Hospital , pre sided at the 3 > Sth annual meeting , on Wednesday , of the Strargers' Home for Asiatics at West India Docks .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Dedication Of A Masonic Temple At Kelvedon, Essex.
Sir William Abdy for his kindness in providing lhat magnificent building for the uses of Freemasonry . He was also aware that much time and trouble had been bestowed upon that building by Bro . Salter , for which they could not thank him too much ; and he congratulated the architect , Bro . Whitmore , on the taste he had displayed in designing the hall , and the builder , Bro . Thorn , on the
faithfulness with which he had carried out the work . It was a pleasure to him to sec the way in which Masonry nourished in his province . Only the other day a Provincial Grand Master congratulated him upon the success of Masonry in Essex ; that , he felt , was due not so much to himself as to the loyal manner in which the lodges upheld the great principles of the Institution .
Prayer having been said by the PROV . GRAND CHAIU . AIN , the architect presented to his lordship the plans of the hall , and the Prov . Grand Secretary the deed of conveyance .
The PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPLAIN ( Bro . the Rev . W . Linton Wilson ) , then delivered an address . He said : We are assembled to-day upon an occasion analogous to that recorded in the early chapters of the Second Book of the Chronicles , which obtained a testimony of the seal of God ' s favour in that " when Solomon had made an end of praying , the fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices ; and the glory of the Lord filled the house . And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord , because the
glory of the Lord had filled the house . And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down , and the glory of the Lord upon the house , they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement , and worshipped , and praised the Lord , saying : 'For He is good ; for His mercy endureth for ever . ' " That great and glorious temple which was so dedicated , and which was so accepted , was a gift—an offering of a free gift to God . This temple which we dedicate to-day is a gift likewise to God , the great architect divine ; and as the
design on that occasion was none of Solomon ' s , but was by direct inspiration of that Mighty Architect , for whose honour and glory the house was built , so this also is fashioned likewise according to ancient precedent , and here , as there , will most assuredly be realised the mighty truth contained in the words— " It is more blessed to give than to receive . " The temple of Freemasonry is set apart for the grand researches of our Order , researches into the hidden mysteries of nature and science ,
of real science of actual knowledge of Him of whom Fred . Wm . Faber wrote : "Without an end or bound Thy life lies all outspread in light ; Our lives feel Thy life all around , Making ; our weakness strong , our darkness bright ; Yet it is neither wilderness nor sea , But the calm gladness of a full eternity 1 "
And so , brethren , our researches must be vast , according as the sea of knowledge of which ive have dared to undertake the navigation , is vast also . So vast as to be boundless . Our researches are vast , for they extend to the utmost bounds of the earth and Heaven . They centre round that grand motto of Chiton , the Greek
philosopher , " Know Thyself . " Ihey demand a due attention to the celebrated motto of another mighty Greek mind , " Know the opportunity . " To ensure diligent attention to our noble ritual , every brother mustdo his part , and that over and over again ;
opportunity must be known and taken , repeatedly taken , by Ihe forelock , for " opportunity is bald behind , " and so by continual attention and constant repetition a familiarity will arise which becomes a habit , not a familiarity which breeds contempt ,
for"As long as words , like mortals , call a fatherland their own , They will be most highly valued where they are best and longest known . " This is especially true with Ihe noble ritual of Masonry , they who know it best value it the most , the noblest natures set the highest value upon the
noble words , and bright example of devotions which our annals exhibit , and which will be repeatedly and constantly set forth within these hallowed walls . Keep then , brethren , well in mind the promise which I shall shcrdy make in the name of us all , a promise quoted from the roth chapter of
Nchcmiah , " We will not forsake the house of our God . " We are sometimes accused , brethren , of making Masonry our religion . This we do not do . But we are content to be so accused if we may , without offence to our Holy God , put Masonry in the second place , for it emanates from God , and is His handiwork . And this reminds us very strongly of one of the dangers of our Craft , and warns us to be careful not to hold so close to the letter as to forget the spirit of our holy Brotherhood . Let not words have a
higher domination over us than those deeds which the words pre-suppose . Take care to let the grand mottoes of our Order be the mottoes of our own lives , our deeds and actions , and then the dedication of to-day will be a dedication of our . selves to the service of the Great Architect of the Universe , and a dedication of far wider influence than it can have when confined to this single temple of Freemasonry . Virtue , unity , and universal benevolence are the three grand uses to which this temple is dedicated to-day , dedicated in joy and gratilude , with
offerings of corn , and wine , and oil , emblems of plentiful and beneficent food , of g ladness of heart , and of cheerful joyousness of soul , for it is well said by the Psalmist that among the bountiful gifts of God are " wine thai maketh glad the heart of man , and oil to make him of cheerful countenance , and bread to strengthen man's heart . " It is dedicated with Angel ' s songs , the Tarsanctus of the Archangels in Heaven , who veil their faces when they cry , " Holy , Holy , Holy , Lord God Almighty ; Heaven and earth arc
full of Thy Glory ; Glory be to Thee , O Lord , most high ! " With thoughts like these before us we need not be ashamed to put Masonry in the highest postion next to our Holy religion , and esteem it worthy of that high position , second only to that which we hold holiest and most sacred on earth . Masonry is progressive . We are sometimes accused of being stationery , utterly opposed to growth and enlargement . Those who accuse Masonry of being too steadfast might as well accuse a firmly set rockupon which is built one of our grand cathedrals , of being
, too steadfast . Upon such a foundation a magnificent super-structure can be erected . Without such steadfastness nothing worthy of permanent regard can be built . Masonry is progressive as nature is . Nature , in her marvellous laboratory changes the common carbon of earth into the brilliant crystal of the diamond , the most brilliantly beautiful crystal the eye of man can look upon among the
things of this earth . Nature , in the process of crystalisation , progresses from a lump of carbon without form or beauty to the double refracting glory of that bead of living light . Masonry , too , is progressive . It concerns itself deeply about the thousand and one things that affect humanity ; the whole of humanity , at least , ° f civilised humanity , without distincton of race or creed . But this , with a majestic steadfastness and a calm leisure , which we are quite content to have falsely
Dedication Of A Masonic Temple At Kelvedon, Essex.
named stationary by the unlearned and i gnorant world . Scl then , Brethren , deeply in your hearts the great principles to ' which this temple is dedicated to-day —Virtue , Unity , and Universal benevolence . True Virtue is valour , valour in moving forward and upward in civilisation , refinement , and beneficence . True Unity is oneness of heart and soul in the advance towards God and goodness .
Oneness , by which all are united , W . M ., Wardens , Officers , and Brethren , united in one shoulder to shoulder phalanx in their grand march to the great lodge above . Universal benevolence is wider than the world in its application , it is the mighty banner under which Masonry has made itself honoured and respected by mankind . It has the aprobation of earth and Heaven , and binds mankind , as prayer does , by golden chains about the throne of God .
I he ceremony of consecration was ( hen most ably carried out by Bro . the Earl of Warwick , assisted by the Prov . Grand Wardens , Bros . Sir William Abdy and E . C . Willis , and the Director of Ceremonies , Bro . A . Lucking , the musical portion being charmingly rendered by Bros . E . Gowers , N . L . Howlett , E . j . Motutn , and R . Galpin . At its close the W . M . of the Easterford Lodge , Bro . Sir Wm . Abdy , assisted by his officers , passed to the Second Degree Bro . A . Money Wigram , M . P . for the Romford Division .
Seventy-one brethren subsequently dined together in the Banqueting Hall of the Temple , the catering of Messrs . Wri ght and Son , of Colchester , giving the greatest satisfaction . Bro . Sir Wm . Abdy , occupied the chair , and he was supported by the brethren already mentioned . After dinner , the usual Masonic toasts were duly honoured . Bro . Sir FRANCIS ALSTON , replying for that of " The Grand Officers , " said
he was delighted to find himself once more in an Essex Lodge . His connection with Essex Masonry had been life-long . Not onl y was he at one time a member of one of the oldest of its Lodges ( Hope and Unity ) , but he had held the office of Prov . Grand Secretary . The pleasure of his visit had been greatly enhanced by his finding his nephew , Sir William Abdy , holding such a distinguished position in the Craft in this county , and it would be long before he forgot the proceedings of that day .
The GRAND SECRETARY also responded , and after congratulating those who had taken part in the ceremonies of the day on the able way in which they had been carried out , said it had given him great pleasure to be present at so interesting and unique an occasion . He could onl y hope that the erection of that magnificent Temple might be an incentive to other lodges to possess halls of their
own . The W . M ., in eulogistic terms , proposed " The Earl of Warwick , Provincial Grand Master , " comparing the rule of his lordship to that of a good colonel of a regiment—who knew how to maintain due discipline , and at the same time be the friend of those under him . Since his lordship had been Provincial Grand Master the lodges had increased from 19 to 37 , and he trusted that all the members of the Fraternityjn Essex would show themselves worthy of so good a ruler . The Earl of WARWICK , who received an ovation on rising to respond , said he
could hardly find words to express how warmly he felt towards his Essex brethren . He could not help recalling the time when he first came amongst them as a happy and fortunate husband . And then the next lie that
bound them to him was when he was installed as their Provincial Grand Master in the good old town of Colchester . With several of his Colchester friends before him , he was forcibly reminded of a brief but very pleasant connection he had with that good old town . Il had been a matter
of regret that , with the many calls upon his time , he had not been able to come amongst them so often as before , but he could assure them that his interest in the county had not abated , and he appreciated most thoroughly the warmth of their reception of him thai day .
Ihe VV . M ., in proposing "The Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and the rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , Present and Past , " remarked upon the high position that Bro . Philbrick held in the counsels ot the Craft , and his readiness at all times to assist any of them in their Masonic work . He had
taken a great interest in that Temple , having carefully perused the deed of conveyance , and also revised the arrangements of the ceremonies of the day . The DEPUTY PROV . GRAND MASTER , after thanking the brethren for his hearty reception , said their W . M . had likened their beloved Provincial Grand Master to the colonel of an army , and who , he asked , could serve under such a chief and not do his duty ? When some 12 years ago he himself took the position he
had the honour to hold , he felt he was serving under one who would bring the province into the front rank , and events had pioved that . The province was prospering-- not because of its broad lands , as in the Northern Districts , not because of its great manufactories—for they could not boast of any : not because of its mineral wealth—they had not yet struck coal in Essex—but because of the harmony and good feeling that pervaded the lodges , and the thoroughly Masonicway in which the ceremonies—as that of that day—were carried out .
Ihe PROV . GRAND MASTER proposed " The Health of Sir William Abdy . " He felt sure that Sir William might look back on thai day with feelings of pride and pleasure , for had he not handed over to the care of the province that handsome emblem of his Masonic zeal . For himself , he ( Lord Warwick ) appreciated most deeply Sir William ' s noble and generous gift , and he only hoped that others might follow his example .
Sir WILLIAM AIIDY , who on rising was enthusiastically received , thanked his lordship for his kind words , and said whatever feelings of pleasure the brethren might feel in the new Temple , they fell very far short of his own . Really their thanks were more due to Bro . Salter , on whom had fallen the chief burden of all the work . Bro . Salter had travelled many miles , and expended no end of time and postage stamps in his superintendence of the erection of the hall , and he took the opportunity of proposing his good health . The toast was received with musical honours .
Bro . Dr . SALTER responded , expressing the pleasure it had been to him to superintend the building of that Temple , backed by so good a man as Sir Wm .
Abdy . Other toasts followed , that of " The Visitors " being responded to by Bros . Col . MACLEAN , J . SADLER , and HAROLD FRANCIS . During the evening an excellent programme of music was given , under the direction of Bro . Howlett , those taking part being Mrs . Lucas , Mrs . Cherry , and Bros . Gowers , Motum , and Gibbs .
FIELD-MARSHALL SIR DONALD STEWART , Governor of Chelsea Hospital , pre sided at the 3 > Sth annual meeting , on Wednesday , of the Strargers' Home for Asiatics at West India Docks .