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Article ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CANADA. Page 1 of 1 Article ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CANADA. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONRY IN AMERICA. Page 1 of 2 →
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Annual Communication Of The Grand Lodge Of Canada.
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CANADA .
The fifteenth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada , was opened at the Music Hall , Toronto , on Wednesday , the 13 th ult . Early on Tuesday the brethren began to arrive , and by night the hotels were tolerably well filled , and the earnestness of discussions showed that the brethren had
come to the meeting deeply impressed with the importance of the occasion and the responsibility resting upon the Craft in connection with it . On Wednesday morning a large additional number of brethren reached the city , and by the time the hour arrived for for opening Grand Lodge there was a larger attendance than has ever been known for a
first day . Grand Lodge was formally opened at half-past two o'clock . The entrance of Grand Officers , clothed in the new regalia which had just been imported from England , was a very imposing \ recession . The usual motion , accepting the minutes as read and confirmed , having been passed , and the rules read ,
the Grand Master delivered an address , of which the following is a summary : — " Brethren of tlie Grand Lodge of Canada : Another year—a most important one in our history—having passed away , we are assembled again in annual communication , to consider measures for the advancement and prosperity of our beloved institution . Let us , with becoming
gratitude , recognise the goodness of the Great Architect of the Universe , who has so mercifully preserved us in life and health , bestowed xipon us countless blessings , and given us a fair measure of prosperity . Let us also reverently look up to Him for wisdom to direct our deliberations at this Communication , so that all we do may be conducive to the promotion of His glory and the well-being of our fellow-men .
I do not intend to occupy much of the time of Ihe Grand Lodge with an opening address—time which can be more profitably employed in theconsiderationof the various important qmstions which are to be brought forward . I will therefore only refer to certain official acts with which it is necessary you should be made acquainted , and perhaps advert briefly to one or two other matters requiring remark .
The number of new lodges established by dispensation during the past year , was fifteen . Great care was taken to obtain reliable information as to the need for more lodges in the respective districts in which they were sought to be located , and the probability of their being able to work without detriment to the lodges already existing in the immediate vicinity : and I am happy to
sr . ytlut m nearlv every instance the replies were most sa s ictory . The applications were ill accompanied by the usual recommendations , and certificates were also furnished me that the brethren selected for the position of of Worshipful Masters were fully competent to confer the degrees . It gives me great pleasure lo state in this connection that , in March las . ' , the members of Goderich Union
Lodge , No . 720 on the registry of Grand Lodge of England , unanimously adopted a series of res dutions resigning their English warrant , ami desiring in exchange a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Cana . la . The resolutions were carcfu ly drawn , . and all their resolutions being perfectly regular and consti . ulioiial , 1 felt it to be my duty to compl ) wi . h their request , and instructed Grand . Secretary 10
accept their English warrant and forward it to the Grand Lodge of England , together with a certified copy of thc resolutions adopted by the lodge . ] n accordance with previi us arrangement , they were to get thc nearest vacant numbsr to that which they would have received had lhey orig ndly affiliated with this Grand Lodge . Thc lodge i ' s theietore now known as Goderich Lodge , No . 33 on our Grand Register .
"The following are the names of the lodges under dis pensation , with their location and date of organisation :-1 . Credit Lodge , Georgetown , O ., 27 th Sept ., 1 S 6 9 . 2 . Zeredatha Lodge , Uxbridge , O ., nth Oct ., 1 S 6 9 . 3 . Mountain Lodge , Thoiold , O ., 12 th Oct ., 1 S 69 . 4 . Marmora Lodge , Marmora , O ., 16 th Oct ., 1 S 6 9 . 5 . Norwood Lodge , Norwood , O ., 16 th Nov ., 1 S 69 .
6 . Zurich Lolge , Zurich , O ., 131 I 1 Dec . 1 S 69 , 7 . Bernard Lodge , Listowell , O ., 14 th Dec , 1 S 69 . 8 . Mount Moriah Lodge , Montreal , I ' . Q ., 3 rd March , 1870 . 9 . Sutton Lodge , Sutton Flats , P . Q ., 4 th Mar ., 1 S 70 . 10 . Prince Arthur Lodge , Odessa , O ., iSth Mar ., 1870 . 11 . Ionic Lodge , Brampton , O ., 14 th April , 1870 .
12 . Kerr Lodge , Bell Lwait , O ., 14 th April , 1870 . 13 . Lodge of Fidelity , Ottawa , 29 th April , 1870 . 14 . Cameron Lodge , Walkcrtown , O ., 28 th April , 1 S 70 . If . Doric Lodge , Park Hill , O ., 4 th July , 1870 . " Affiliated . —16 . Goderich Union , No . 720 English Register , and now known as Goderich Lodge , No . 33 , Goderich , O .
" Requests were received from several Grand Lodges for an exchange of representatives with thc Grand Lod ge of Canada . The distinguished brethren appointed to represent these Grand Bodies near this Grand Lodge will doubtless in due time present their credentials . 1 have named and accredited the following brethren to represent our Grand Lodge near their Grand Lodges ., viz . : —
R . W . Bro . Geo . F . Gouley , Grand Sec , near the Grand Lodge of Missouri . M . W . Bro . Henry R , Cannon , P . G . M ., near the Grand Lodge of New Jersey . M . W . Bro . H . P . Deiil , G . M ., near the Grand Lodge of Nebraska . R . W . Bro . Samuel C . Perkins , G . S . W ., near the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania .
Annual Communication Of The Grand Lodge Of Canada.
R . W . Bro . Samuel C . Fleming ( Bellows Falls ) , near the Grand Lodge of Vermont . R . W . Bro . Col . Wm . S . Fish ( Mystic Bridge ) , near the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . R . XV . Bro . Thomas W . Chubbuck , near the Grand Lodge of Nevada . R . W . Bro . William Ii . Fraser , near the Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin . "In consequence of the removal from this country of R . W . Bro . II . L . Robinson , D . D . G . M . for the Bedford district , it was found to be necessary to fill the vacancy thus caused . The Book of Constitutions provides that 'The Grand Master may , by a written document , direct the Grand Registrar to take charge of any district for which
there is not a District Deputy Grand Master , " but owing to the peculiar state of Masonic affairs in that district , it was to be expected that questions would arise requiring the personal superintendence of the officer in charge . I therefore deemed it of essential importance that some competent brother , resident in the district , should be selected . I communicated my views lo the present Grand
Registrar , R . W . Bro . Fairbanks , who in the most courteous manner concurred therein , and having consulted some of the officers of lodges in that district , I appointed XV . Bro . Horace D . Pickle , P . M . of Royal Canadian Lodge , Sweetsburg , who has since discharged the duties of D . D . G . M . in the district of Bedford , with great zeal and ability .
"Emergent Communications of Grand Lodge , for the purpose of laying foundation stones , were held at the following times and places , viz .: On the 12 th of August , 1869 , at Belleville , Ont ., foundation-stone of ihe Deaf and Dumb Asylum ; on the 16 th May , 1 S 70 , at Odessa , Ont ., foundation of the Methodist Episcopal Church . On both occasions I had the honour of presiding and
officiating . "On the 17 th of May , accompanied by R . W . Bros . Seymour , D . G . M . ; Willson , D . D . G . M . for the Hamilton district ; Harris , Grand Secretary , and others , I had the pleasure of meeting a large number of the Hamilton brethren , in the Lodge of Strict Observance , and of witnessing the presentation of a very beautiful address and an
elegant Past Masters jewel to V . W . Bro . Pringle , the able and talented W . M . of that lodge . On the following evening I enjoyed the privilege of meeting several hundred of the Toronto brethren , assembled in their commodious lodge-room , under the direction oi R . XV . Bro . Kerr , the D . D . G . M . for that district , Stevenson Lodge being in session . There were also a number of the ofiicers and
past officers of the Grand Lodge , amongst whom was R . W . Bro . Harman , the present Mayor of the city . On . both these occasions thc fraternal sentiments expressed afforded evidence of the harmony and good feeling prevailing amongst the members of their respective lodges , and I deem it due to them to acknowledge thus publicly the kindly and fraternal consideration and the bounteous
hospitality extended to me by the brethren of Hamilton and Toronto . " In January I had the great gratification of meeting with the brethren of New Jersey , at the annual communication of their Grand Lodge , held at the city of Trenton . This was the first Grand Lodge which I had the honour of visiting in the United States , and 1 was greatly impressed
with the strict order which characterised all their proceedings , aud the high respect for authority manifested throughout thc session . The reports presented gave unmistakable evidence of ihe prosperous condition of Freemasonry within the jurisdiction of that Slate . From M . W . Bros . Canning , Rusling and Whitehead , and R . W . Bros . Pine , Corson , and others , I received ihe greatest fraternal
courtesy . "In pursuance of an invitation extended to me by the Committee of Arrangements , I had the honour of being present at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York , held on the 71 I 1 of last month and following days , and oi assisli ig at the laying of a foundation stone of the proposed Masonic Hell or Temple , now being
erected at the corner of 6 ih Avenue and 23 rd streets , in thc city of New York . Re- res .-ntatives were present from about 600 lodges , besides many distinguished visitors from sister Grand Lodges , amongst whom were two highly esteemed officers of our own Grand Lodge—R . W . Bro . Seymour , Dep . G . M ., and R . W . Bro . McCabe , D . D . G . M . Ontario . M . W . Bro . B . L . Peters , G . M . of
New Brunswkk , and several of his Grand Officers , were also present at that interesting ceremony . The procession was said to be the largest and most imposing Masonic demonstration ever witnessed in the city of New York . The numbers present in the ranks were variouslyestimated at from 8 , 000 to 15 , 000 . The marshalling of this vast number was accomplished with marvellous ease , the
column being in motion promptly at the hour agreed upon , reflecting great credit upon the Committee of Arrangements , and especially upon R . W . Bro . Herrick , the Acting Grand Director of Ceremonies . From the Grand Master downwards , the brethren were all clothed alikethe regalia consisting of a white linen apron , white gloves , and the jewel of office attached to thc left breast . No
collars or other insignia were permitted to be worn in Ihe procession . The foundation-stone was laid by the Grand Master , M . W . Bro . James Gibson , of Salem , N . Y ., ably assisted by R . W . Bro . Anthon , Dep . G . M . ( now G . M . ) , and R . W . Bros . Fox and Judson , respectively G . S . W . and G . J . W . The visiting brethren were most courteously
received by the Grand Officers just mentioned , and by M . W . Bro . Simons and R . W . Bro . Dr . Austin , Grand Secretary , and others . The banquet was held at the Apollo llall on the evening of thc 8 lh , to which all visitors from abroad were invited . f ' To be continued . )
THE 111 . Bro . Albert G . Goodall , 33 ° , has just embarked for New York , after nearly a twelvemonths' tour through Europe . We wish him a speedy and safe voyage .
Masonry In America.
MASONRY IN AMERICA .
SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF OLIVE BRANCH LODGE , LEROY , N . Y . ( Continued from page 400 . ) " In that army of the Revolution every Major-General was a Mason . Nor did the influence of the Institution begin and end here . In that great struggle for civil liberty , of the signers of the Declaration of Independence all but five were members of this Fraternity . The bold
advocates of independence and the brave defenders of the liberties ofthe land were Freemasons ; they who pledged their honour and their fortunes in council , and braved their enemies in the field , were brethren . Freemasonry has followed the fortunes of freedom in its struggles in modern times . There never could be any conflict between the cause of civil liberty and the principles of this
Brotherhood ; for , although it was not , and never could be , a political society without violating its fundamental principles , yet it held , and taught , and practised principles which lay at the foundationof all free governments . Tlie fact that it existed so extensively in the Continental Congress and in the Colonial Army—that it rapidly spread through the colonies—that the first men in the
country were the leading men of the Craft—this of itself would be a sufficient indication that the spirit of Masonry and the spirit of liberty were in entire harmony . But so important a matter as this is , happily , not left to the uncertain deductions of an inferential argument . The plain and positive teachings of this Institution leave no room for doubt . While that equality is inculcated both by
lectures and ceremonials—which constitute the foundation of all civil liberty—there is also set forth with equal distinctness the duty of submission to authority , obedience to law , and loyalty lo government . "In no human institution is there to be found such democratic equality , with such absolute sovereignty . While the brethren stand upon the level , the Master
rules with a power which is neither resisted nor appealed from . His office is the personification of authority ; his gavel is the emblem of unconditional submission—a blow from it brings instant order out of confusion . Prompt and cheerful submission to rightful rule is a Masonic instinct . This is the habit of Masonry in the administration of its lodge , educating the teachable mind in the
duties of good citizenship , as manifested m ready obedience to lawful government . " In this country always , and in this century particularly , is this lesson needed—where civil liberty is the common heritage , where equal rights is every man ' s portion—there is no little danger that liberty will give place
to despotism . Intoxicated with the spirit of freedom , men sometimes become mad enough to throw away their birthright , forgetting that , while the people may be their own rulers , yet civil government is nnordinanceof Heaven and must be recognised , submitted to , and maintained , or despotism will change places with liberty , and freemen become bondmen .
" One consequence of popular suffrage is the perpetuity of political divisions . These are aggravated by local interests and personal prejudices . Mutual jealousies are bred by rival pursuits , and are ceaseless causes of irritation . Such a Brotherhood as this—that embraces the entire land , binding every community in the fellowship of a common cause , holding in its embrace men of every
shade of political sentiment—must exert a conserving power beyond the reach or help of any other earthly organisation . Here is an Institution where members throughout the land recognise each other as brethren who are related by mutual bonds , who have fraternal interests in common , whose feelings of brotherly endearment are too deep to be destroyed by any power of passion or
prejudice . They come together in their asylums , away from the world and its politics , and banishing all thoughts of difference and divisions , unite in the harmony of a beautiful Brotherhood , and dwell together in peace and unity . Such a bond is a thousand times stronger than the principles of the strongest political platform , . stronger than thc iron or golden bands of local interest .
" As conserving power is seen in the influence which it exerts in affording for all its members a pleasant retreat , where all may turn a deaf ear to thc din of all strife , where minds may dwell together in harmony , and each may sec in the other a friend and a brother . It is indeed a great privilege for individuals to have such a place to flee lo in times of political strife , but a more glorious thing for the
country to have in thc very bosom of its wide domain a Society whose obligations are a bond of union , and whose principles are a conserving power , teaching and enforcing liberty , equality , and fraternity , loyalty to the government , obedience to authority , and a love for good order and good morals . "Thus it is that an Institution , which is not , and never
can be , a political association , from the fact that it is open lo , and is entered alike by , men of all grades of political opinion , may exert a strong and lasting influence over the destinies of the nation in the success of that grand experiment which is now being made in this country—of man ' s capability of self-government—and towards which the eyes ofthe nations arc now directed .
"I have thus endeavoured to show an outline of the conservatism of Freemasonry in its moral , social , and political aspects—all of which wc see illustrated and exemplified here to-day . It is for its members to say how long , under God , it shall continue to hold ils present proud distinction . If they do their duty to it , to
themselves , and to their God , it will assume still more beautiful and enduring proportions—the means of an incalculable good to the world in time to come , as in ages past . " This Institution was venerable for age before the most populous parts of our country were old enough ( o have a name and a place among the nations of the earth . It has maintained its ancient organisation , teaching Us
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Annual Communication Of The Grand Lodge Of Canada.
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF CANADA .
The fifteenth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Canada , was opened at the Music Hall , Toronto , on Wednesday , the 13 th ult . Early on Tuesday the brethren began to arrive , and by night the hotels were tolerably well filled , and the earnestness of discussions showed that the brethren had
come to the meeting deeply impressed with the importance of the occasion and the responsibility resting upon the Craft in connection with it . On Wednesday morning a large additional number of brethren reached the city , and by the time the hour arrived for for opening Grand Lodge there was a larger attendance than has ever been known for a
first day . Grand Lodge was formally opened at half-past two o'clock . The entrance of Grand Officers , clothed in the new regalia which had just been imported from England , was a very imposing \ recession . The usual motion , accepting the minutes as read and confirmed , having been passed , and the rules read ,
the Grand Master delivered an address , of which the following is a summary : — " Brethren of tlie Grand Lodge of Canada : Another year—a most important one in our history—having passed away , we are assembled again in annual communication , to consider measures for the advancement and prosperity of our beloved institution . Let us , with becoming
gratitude , recognise the goodness of the Great Architect of the Universe , who has so mercifully preserved us in life and health , bestowed xipon us countless blessings , and given us a fair measure of prosperity . Let us also reverently look up to Him for wisdom to direct our deliberations at this Communication , so that all we do may be conducive to the promotion of His glory and the well-being of our fellow-men .
I do not intend to occupy much of the time of Ihe Grand Lodge with an opening address—time which can be more profitably employed in theconsiderationof the various important qmstions which are to be brought forward . I will therefore only refer to certain official acts with which it is necessary you should be made acquainted , and perhaps advert briefly to one or two other matters requiring remark .
The number of new lodges established by dispensation during the past year , was fifteen . Great care was taken to obtain reliable information as to the need for more lodges in the respective districts in which they were sought to be located , and the probability of their being able to work without detriment to the lodges already existing in the immediate vicinity : and I am happy to
sr . ytlut m nearlv every instance the replies were most sa s ictory . The applications were ill accompanied by the usual recommendations , and certificates were also furnished me that the brethren selected for the position of of Worshipful Masters were fully competent to confer the degrees . It gives me great pleasure lo state in this connection that , in March las . ' , the members of Goderich Union
Lodge , No . 720 on the registry of Grand Lodge of England , unanimously adopted a series of res dutions resigning their English warrant , ami desiring in exchange a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Cana . la . The resolutions were carcfu ly drawn , . and all their resolutions being perfectly regular and consti . ulioiial , 1 felt it to be my duty to compl ) wi . h their request , and instructed Grand . Secretary 10
accept their English warrant and forward it to the Grand Lodge of England , together with a certified copy of thc resolutions adopted by the lodge . ] n accordance with previi us arrangement , they were to get thc nearest vacant numbsr to that which they would have received had lhey orig ndly affiliated with this Grand Lodge . Thc lodge i ' s theietore now known as Goderich Lodge , No . 33 on our Grand Register .
"The following are the names of the lodges under dis pensation , with their location and date of organisation :-1 . Credit Lodge , Georgetown , O ., 27 th Sept ., 1 S 6 9 . 2 . Zeredatha Lodge , Uxbridge , O ., nth Oct ., 1 S 6 9 . 3 . Mountain Lodge , Thoiold , O ., 12 th Oct ., 1 S 69 . 4 . Marmora Lodge , Marmora , O ., 16 th Oct ., 1 S 6 9 . 5 . Norwood Lodge , Norwood , O ., 16 th Nov ., 1 S 69 .
6 . Zurich Lolge , Zurich , O ., 131 I 1 Dec . 1 S 69 , 7 . Bernard Lodge , Listowell , O ., 14 th Dec , 1 S 69 . 8 . Mount Moriah Lodge , Montreal , I ' . Q ., 3 rd March , 1870 . 9 . Sutton Lodge , Sutton Flats , P . Q ., 4 th Mar ., 1 S 70 . 10 . Prince Arthur Lodge , Odessa , O ., iSth Mar ., 1870 . 11 . Ionic Lodge , Brampton , O ., 14 th April , 1870 .
12 . Kerr Lodge , Bell Lwait , O ., 14 th April , 1870 . 13 . Lodge of Fidelity , Ottawa , 29 th April , 1870 . 14 . Cameron Lodge , Walkcrtown , O ., 28 th April , 1 S 70 . If . Doric Lodge , Park Hill , O ., 4 th July , 1870 . " Affiliated . —16 . Goderich Union , No . 720 English Register , and now known as Goderich Lodge , No . 33 , Goderich , O .
" Requests were received from several Grand Lodges for an exchange of representatives with thc Grand Lod ge of Canada . The distinguished brethren appointed to represent these Grand Bodies near this Grand Lodge will doubtless in due time present their credentials . 1 have named and accredited the following brethren to represent our Grand Lodge near their Grand Lodges ., viz . : —
R . W . Bro . Geo . F . Gouley , Grand Sec , near the Grand Lodge of Missouri . M . W . Bro . Henry R , Cannon , P . G . M ., near the Grand Lodge of New Jersey . M . W . Bro . H . P . Deiil , G . M ., near the Grand Lodge of Nebraska . R . W . Bro . Samuel C . Perkins , G . S . W ., near the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania .
Annual Communication Of The Grand Lodge Of Canada.
R . W . Bro . Samuel C . Fleming ( Bellows Falls ) , near the Grand Lodge of Vermont . R . W . Bro . Col . Wm . S . Fish ( Mystic Bridge ) , near the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . R . XV . Bro . Thomas W . Chubbuck , near the Grand Lodge of Nevada . R . W . Bro . William Ii . Fraser , near the Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin . "In consequence of the removal from this country of R . W . Bro . II . L . Robinson , D . D . G . M . for the Bedford district , it was found to be necessary to fill the vacancy thus caused . The Book of Constitutions provides that 'The Grand Master may , by a written document , direct the Grand Registrar to take charge of any district for which
there is not a District Deputy Grand Master , " but owing to the peculiar state of Masonic affairs in that district , it was to be expected that questions would arise requiring the personal superintendence of the officer in charge . I therefore deemed it of essential importance that some competent brother , resident in the district , should be selected . I communicated my views lo the present Grand
Registrar , R . W . Bro . Fairbanks , who in the most courteous manner concurred therein , and having consulted some of the officers of lodges in that district , I appointed XV . Bro . Horace D . Pickle , P . M . of Royal Canadian Lodge , Sweetsburg , who has since discharged the duties of D . D . G . M . in the district of Bedford , with great zeal and ability .
"Emergent Communications of Grand Lodge , for the purpose of laying foundation stones , were held at the following times and places , viz .: On the 12 th of August , 1869 , at Belleville , Ont ., foundation-stone of ihe Deaf and Dumb Asylum ; on the 16 th May , 1 S 70 , at Odessa , Ont ., foundation of the Methodist Episcopal Church . On both occasions I had the honour of presiding and
officiating . "On the 17 th of May , accompanied by R . W . Bros . Seymour , D . G . M . ; Willson , D . D . G . M . for the Hamilton district ; Harris , Grand Secretary , and others , I had the pleasure of meeting a large number of the Hamilton brethren , in the Lodge of Strict Observance , and of witnessing the presentation of a very beautiful address and an
elegant Past Masters jewel to V . W . Bro . Pringle , the able and talented W . M . of that lodge . On the following evening I enjoyed the privilege of meeting several hundred of the Toronto brethren , assembled in their commodious lodge-room , under the direction oi R . XV . Bro . Kerr , the D . D . G . M . for that district , Stevenson Lodge being in session . There were also a number of the ofiicers and
past officers of the Grand Lodge , amongst whom was R . W . Bro . Harman , the present Mayor of the city . On . both these occasions thc fraternal sentiments expressed afforded evidence of the harmony and good feeling prevailing amongst the members of their respective lodges , and I deem it due to them to acknowledge thus publicly the kindly and fraternal consideration and the bounteous
hospitality extended to me by the brethren of Hamilton and Toronto . " In January I had the great gratification of meeting with the brethren of New Jersey , at the annual communication of their Grand Lodge , held at the city of Trenton . This was the first Grand Lodge which I had the honour of visiting in the United States , and 1 was greatly impressed
with the strict order which characterised all their proceedings , aud the high respect for authority manifested throughout thc session . The reports presented gave unmistakable evidence of ihe prosperous condition of Freemasonry within the jurisdiction of that Slate . From M . W . Bros . Canning , Rusling and Whitehead , and R . W . Bros . Pine , Corson , and others , I received ihe greatest fraternal
courtesy . "In pursuance of an invitation extended to me by the Committee of Arrangements , I had the honour of being present at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York , held on the 71 I 1 of last month and following days , and oi assisli ig at the laying of a foundation stone of the proposed Masonic Hell or Temple , now being
erected at the corner of 6 ih Avenue and 23 rd streets , in thc city of New York . Re- res .-ntatives were present from about 600 lodges , besides many distinguished visitors from sister Grand Lodges , amongst whom were two highly esteemed officers of our own Grand Lodge—R . W . Bro . Seymour , Dep . G . M ., and R . W . Bro . McCabe , D . D . G . M . Ontario . M . W . Bro . B . L . Peters , G . M . of
New Brunswkk , and several of his Grand Officers , were also present at that interesting ceremony . The procession was said to be the largest and most imposing Masonic demonstration ever witnessed in the city of New York . The numbers present in the ranks were variouslyestimated at from 8 , 000 to 15 , 000 . The marshalling of this vast number was accomplished with marvellous ease , the
column being in motion promptly at the hour agreed upon , reflecting great credit upon the Committee of Arrangements , and especially upon R . W . Bro . Herrick , the Acting Grand Director of Ceremonies . From the Grand Master downwards , the brethren were all clothed alikethe regalia consisting of a white linen apron , white gloves , and the jewel of office attached to thc left breast . No
collars or other insignia were permitted to be worn in Ihe procession . The foundation-stone was laid by the Grand Master , M . W . Bro . James Gibson , of Salem , N . Y ., ably assisted by R . W . Bro . Anthon , Dep . G . M . ( now G . M . ) , and R . W . Bros . Fox and Judson , respectively G . S . W . and G . J . W . The visiting brethren were most courteously
received by the Grand Officers just mentioned , and by M . W . Bro . Simons and R . W . Bro . Dr . Austin , Grand Secretary , and others . The banquet was held at the Apollo llall on the evening of thc 8 lh , to which all visitors from abroad were invited . f ' To be continued . )
THE 111 . Bro . Albert G . Goodall , 33 ° , has just embarked for New York , after nearly a twelvemonths' tour through Europe . We wish him a speedy and safe voyage .
Masonry In America.
MASONRY IN AMERICA .
SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF OLIVE BRANCH LODGE , LEROY , N . Y . ( Continued from page 400 . ) " In that army of the Revolution every Major-General was a Mason . Nor did the influence of the Institution begin and end here . In that great struggle for civil liberty , of the signers of the Declaration of Independence all but five were members of this Fraternity . The bold
advocates of independence and the brave defenders of the liberties ofthe land were Freemasons ; they who pledged their honour and their fortunes in council , and braved their enemies in the field , were brethren . Freemasonry has followed the fortunes of freedom in its struggles in modern times . There never could be any conflict between the cause of civil liberty and the principles of this
Brotherhood ; for , although it was not , and never could be , a political society without violating its fundamental principles , yet it held , and taught , and practised principles which lay at the foundationof all free governments . Tlie fact that it existed so extensively in the Continental Congress and in the Colonial Army—that it rapidly spread through the colonies—that the first men in the
country were the leading men of the Craft—this of itself would be a sufficient indication that the spirit of Masonry and the spirit of liberty were in entire harmony . But so important a matter as this is , happily , not left to the uncertain deductions of an inferential argument . The plain and positive teachings of this Institution leave no room for doubt . While that equality is inculcated both by
lectures and ceremonials—which constitute the foundation of all civil liberty—there is also set forth with equal distinctness the duty of submission to authority , obedience to law , and loyalty lo government . "In no human institution is there to be found such democratic equality , with such absolute sovereignty . While the brethren stand upon the level , the Master
rules with a power which is neither resisted nor appealed from . His office is the personification of authority ; his gavel is the emblem of unconditional submission—a blow from it brings instant order out of confusion . Prompt and cheerful submission to rightful rule is a Masonic instinct . This is the habit of Masonry in the administration of its lodge , educating the teachable mind in the
duties of good citizenship , as manifested m ready obedience to lawful government . " In this country always , and in this century particularly , is this lesson needed—where civil liberty is the common heritage , where equal rights is every man ' s portion—there is no little danger that liberty will give place
to despotism . Intoxicated with the spirit of freedom , men sometimes become mad enough to throw away their birthright , forgetting that , while the people may be their own rulers , yet civil government is nnordinanceof Heaven and must be recognised , submitted to , and maintained , or despotism will change places with liberty , and freemen become bondmen .
" One consequence of popular suffrage is the perpetuity of political divisions . These are aggravated by local interests and personal prejudices . Mutual jealousies are bred by rival pursuits , and are ceaseless causes of irritation . Such a Brotherhood as this—that embraces the entire land , binding every community in the fellowship of a common cause , holding in its embrace men of every
shade of political sentiment—must exert a conserving power beyond the reach or help of any other earthly organisation . Here is an Institution where members throughout the land recognise each other as brethren who are related by mutual bonds , who have fraternal interests in common , whose feelings of brotherly endearment are too deep to be destroyed by any power of passion or
prejudice . They come together in their asylums , away from the world and its politics , and banishing all thoughts of difference and divisions , unite in the harmony of a beautiful Brotherhood , and dwell together in peace and unity . Such a bond is a thousand times stronger than the principles of the strongest political platform , . stronger than thc iron or golden bands of local interest .
" As conserving power is seen in the influence which it exerts in affording for all its members a pleasant retreat , where all may turn a deaf ear to thc din of all strife , where minds may dwell together in harmony , and each may sec in the other a friend and a brother . It is indeed a great privilege for individuals to have such a place to flee lo in times of political strife , but a more glorious thing for the
country to have in thc very bosom of its wide domain a Society whose obligations are a bond of union , and whose principles are a conserving power , teaching and enforcing liberty , equality , and fraternity , loyalty to the government , obedience to authority , and a love for good order and good morals . "Thus it is that an Institution , which is not , and never
can be , a political association , from the fact that it is open lo , and is entered alike by , men of all grades of political opinion , may exert a strong and lasting influence over the destinies of the nation in the success of that grand experiment which is now being made in this country—of man ' s capability of self-government—and towards which the eyes ofthe nations arc now directed .
"I have thus endeavoured to show an outline of the conservatism of Freemasonry in its moral , social , and political aspects—all of which wc see illustrated and exemplified here to-day . It is for its members to say how long , under God , it shall continue to hold ils present proud distinction . If they do their duty to it , to
themselves , and to their God , it will assume still more beautiful and enduring proportions—the means of an incalculable good to the world in time to come , as in ages past . " This Institution was venerable for age before the most populous parts of our country were old enough ( o have a name and a place among the nations of the earth . It has maintained its ancient organisation , teaching Us