Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Proceedings Of The Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1871.
justice to this most exhaustive history in the present friendly review . The readers of the Freemason will be familiar with the subject
through several pages already having becn-devoted to the enquiry , ancl we also some time ago alluded to it at length .
An excellent portrait is given of AI . W . Bto . Price , ancl various copies of seals and facsimiles of documents have also been engraved and placed in the book . These have an interest of
their own , and are quite as valuable , whether Price was or was not what hc claimed to be , unless some other papers are discovered of a more definite nature , we do not think the doubts will
all be effaced . If such were possible we know of no brother so capable of clearing Price ' s character as this worth y historian . The Constitutions of the Grand Lodge , containing the
Amendments to Alarch 1872 , are printed as an Appendix , and tire very appropriately prefaced by 1 most " speaking" steel engraving of AL AV
Bro . Wmslow Lewis , the second eldest last Grand Alaster of Alassachusetts , and ono universally respected and bcltived throughout the Commonwealth .
We should stale that AI . AV . Bro . Sereno D wight Nickerson was installed Grand Alaster , and he has for his principal ollicers Iiros . Everett , of Boston , D . G . M . ; Kimball , of Lowell , D . G . W . ;
Cheever of Chelsea , J . G . W . ; j olm McClellan , of Boston , Grand Treas . ; C . If . Titus , Recording Grand Sec . ; and C . W . Aloore , Corresponding G . Sec . They one and all have our best wishes .
Jn conclusion we propose to christen the proceedings of 1871-2 , Grand Lodge of Alassachusetts , "The Extraordinary" Edition , for nothing to be compared with it has citherto appeared under
the wing of Freemasonry , aud no matter how great a future may be before us , the volume must ever be regarded as a monument of the industry , research , and ability of the leading Alasons in that community .
Scotland.
Scotland .
GRAND LODGE . A AJecting of Grand Officers and members of the Grand Lodge was held in the Freemasons ' Hall , George Street , on Wednesday evening , 17 th September , for the purpose of presenting the Earl of Rosslyn a requisition for his Lordship ' s continuance in office as Grand Master for the ensuing *
year . The meeting was presided over by Brother Henry Inglis , of Torsonce , substitute Grand Alaster , who was supported by Alajor Hope , of Luff ' ness , Provincial Grand Alaster for East Lothian ; Captain Colt , of Gartsherrie ; Alajor Ramsay , William Alann , Past Grand Warden ;
John Laurie , Grand Clerk ; J ohn Coghill , Grand Director of Ceremonies ; Alexander Hay , Grand Jeweller ; AI . AI'Kenzic , Chief Grand Alarshal ; anclT . Abthorpe , Grand Alarshal . There was also present a large number ofthe Grand Stewards and members of the Grand Lodge .
The Grand Clerk read the requisition , which set forth that there was but one opinion in the Craft as to the manner in which his lordship had discharged the duties of his exalted position , ancl the active interest he had taken in the management of the affairs of Grand Lodge , and the promotion and extension of its benevolent
institutions , and that , duly impressed with these considerations , and by the necessity existing , under present circumstances , ofthe government of the Craft being again confided to the noble , dignified , and impartial guidance which they now possessed , the roquisitionists most respectfully and earnestly request his Lordship to allow himself to be put
Scotland.
in nomination for the Throne of Grantl Lodge for the next ensuing year . The Grand Clerk stated that the number of signatures to the requisition was 7027 . The Chairman , in addressing his Lordship said —I am no implicit believer in ordinary requisitions and testimonials , because I am aware-that
many times they can be got up by the acre , and signed by the careless ancl unthinking for purposes that are not always praiseworthy ; but this is no ordinary requisition , and these are no ordinary requisitionists . Freemasonry is in this country a vast republican brotherhood within a monarchy ,
where each brother is equal to the other > whatever the social rank or standing of that other may be ; and the only aristocracy which we admit , subject to our reverence to God and our allegiance to the throne , is the aristocracy of -ancient Greece—thc aristocracy of the Best . We have no prejudices .
Our discussions on matters of Alasonic law , and justice , and expediency , are not unattended often with that perfervid heat which is the attribute of Scotchmen . ( Applause . ) We do not hesitate at times boldl y to state our opinions in opposition to the very leader we have chosen . But because
we may differ from him now and then , we are not on that account blind to the qualities which have p laced him at our head , and it is that very independence of thought and expression which is the guarantee of our honest unanimity , when we attain it . That the thousands of names appended
to this requisition recognise in you , in all honesty and truth , a chief worthy of your predecessors , and worthy ofthe ancient craft of Free ancl Accepted Scottish Alasons , your own knowledge ancl experience will at once enable you to hold as tin undoubted fact .
The Earl of _ Rosslyn , in replying , said—1 must feel impressed by the honesty of this requisition , because I have found in presiding over you an independence of thought and of expression , which , of themselves , were guarantees for the honesty of your feelings , ancl far distant be thc day when an assembly of Freemasons will
be ashamed or afraid to say that which is honestly their opinion . But I claim a right on behalf of the chair , at least equal to your own , of independently expressing my opinion . ( Loud applause . ) It is that feeling that the Grand Alaster of the Craft must be independent , which partially induced me on a late occasion , to declare that 1 would
not a « -ain allow my name to be put in nomination ; but I acknowledge to you that in the face of a requisition of this magnitude , ancl ofthe flattering terms in which you have been pleased to speak of any humble services I have rendered to the Craft , 1 am fain to withdraw my declaration .
( Loud cheers . ) And I will venture to promise to you , not only the strictest endeavours to allow the most free ancl full declaration of your opinions ou all subjects brought before you , but I shall endeavour to limit my own language and my own conduct within the most courteous and the
strictest bounds that are consistent with thorough independence of opinion . ( Applause . ) In the course of some further remarks his Lordship said—When I endeavour to point out the means by which matters connected with the Grand Lodge maybe improved , I hope you will
individuall y not consider it matter for discord , but that every Alason will make it a point , as far as possible , to help the Graud Alaster , if he really means doing good to the Craft . ( Applause . ) I have no doubt that I am looked upon at the present moment very much as if I were on strike .
( Laughter . ) Well it is the fashion in these days to be on strike ? antl I may be regarded as being pretty much in thc fashion . But now that 1 have agreed to come back to work— ( applause and laughter)—I hope you will do your best to make Freemasonry a positive good that will be well
understood by the outer world—that will redound to the credit of Scotland , as well as to the credit of ourselves as Alasons ( Applause . - ) Let us be able to point to our schools ancl to our orphanages •and to say that we had so mnch money that we had spent , and have so much money that
we arc spending , for the benefit of our lellowcreatures . ( Applause . ) Before the meeting separated , Lord Rosslyn said he was happy to tell them that he had been requested to lay the foundation-stone ofthe Watt Institution ancl School of Arts , on the 9 th Oct . Feeling that the brethren would naturally take a
Scotland.
great interest in an institution which had done so much to promote the study of subjects interesting to all Scotchmen , he asked for their support on fhe occasion . ( Applause . ) Three cheers having been given for the Grand Alaster , the meeting separated .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
THE BALLOT FOR W . M . 7 o lhe Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir ancl Brother , I am pleased to find that Bro . W . J . Hughan , although he is a man who " consents against his will , " has withdrawn his suggestions
for the ballot of W . AI . ( Page 523 ofthe Freemason ) ; there should be no doubt on the subject , the ballot should only pass once round , and the brother who then has the majority of votes should be declared elected ; and I must say that
if the S . W . ofthe lodge has worked his way to that position , it is unjust of the brethren not to place him in the chair , unless , indeed , the tongue of bad report has been heard and vouched against
him , in which case I should vote for the J . W ., as , in my opinion , no P . AL of the lod ge should be re-elected ( although he must be nominated ) while there are Wardens ready and willing to serve in the chair .
Sometimes , I know , there is a slight difference of opinion ; but let us hope , for the sake of brotherly love , not so often as some may suppose , from the correspondence which you have primed
on the subject , lor the members ofa lodge cannot be said to work with love and harmony , where there is so little unity as lo require a Bye Law , such as Bro . William Date suggests in page , 537 ofthe Freemason .
Yours fraternally , MAGNUS OHREN , P . AI . 453 ; W . AL No . 33 .
MASONS AT PUBLIC AIEFTINGS
To the Editor tf the Freemason . Dear Sir ancl Brother , — I beg to thank you cm behalf ofa large section of the Alasonic fraternity , who are no friends of religious bigotry and intolerance , for
your able article on the above subject , ancl at the same time to express my entire concurrence in the sentiments expressed b y " Vectis . " " J . R ., " writing to exonerate Bro . Woodward , insinuates that the Siijj ' olh Reporter was
alone to blame for inserting his office as Chaplain to the Boys' School . I take the liberty of asking how does " J . R . " know , writing in London , that the Reporter at Ipswich if the innocent ori g in , of this , as I think , iu the interest of
Masonry , justifiable attack upon and censure of our Reverend Brother ? " J . R . " admits lhat heis a younger Alason than the Chaplain , and I should judge by his letter , that he is a very young Alason , indeed .
Like " Vectis , " I am compelled to say that I hope liro . Woodward will not iill ' cud again . Yours fraternally , A AIASON , of fifteen vears standing .
"A \ ISIT TO iM'i ' . s a * COCOA MASI ' IACTOIIY . — I'liiough the ; kindness of Messrs . ICpps , I recently had an oppottiiiiitv of seeing * the many complicated and varied processes the Cocoa bean passes through ere it is sold for public use , and being both interested and highly pleased with what I
saw during my visit to the manufactory , I thought a brief account of tlie Cocoa and the way it is manufactured by Messrs . lipps , to lit il for a wholesome ami -, i nutritious beverage , might lie of interest to tlie readers of l . mi . l uml I later . —See Article in / . uml anil . II ' uli-v , October 14 .
If . J . SMYTH , of Sali .-liurv Cottage , Walivoitli , wu es , May , 1871 :-- ' •)had had the lumbago so bad for eight iUi > s that I thought I should have to gbc up entirely my business : but thanks to Perry Davis's Pain liillci , I feit
quite a new man by the following afternoon . / sat by ti . e lire the previous night , and bad it well rubbed int . ) ti , _ e small of my back , and then took some internally . Tlie effect was almost magical , and tin * cure complete . —To Perry Davit ; _ - Son , London . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Proceedings Of The Grand Lodge Of Massachusetts, 1871.
justice to this most exhaustive history in the present friendly review . The readers of the Freemason will be familiar with the subject
through several pages already having becn-devoted to the enquiry , ancl we also some time ago alluded to it at length .
An excellent portrait is given of AI . W . Bto . Price , ancl various copies of seals and facsimiles of documents have also been engraved and placed in the book . These have an interest of
their own , and are quite as valuable , whether Price was or was not what hc claimed to be , unless some other papers are discovered of a more definite nature , we do not think the doubts will
all be effaced . If such were possible we know of no brother so capable of clearing Price ' s character as this worth y historian . The Constitutions of the Grand Lodge , containing the
Amendments to Alarch 1872 , are printed as an Appendix , and tire very appropriately prefaced by 1 most " speaking" steel engraving of AL AV
Bro . Wmslow Lewis , the second eldest last Grand Alaster of Alassachusetts , and ono universally respected and bcltived throughout the Commonwealth .
We should stale that AI . AV . Bro . Sereno D wight Nickerson was installed Grand Alaster , and he has for his principal ollicers Iiros . Everett , of Boston , D . G . M . ; Kimball , of Lowell , D . G . W . ;
Cheever of Chelsea , J . G . W . ; j olm McClellan , of Boston , Grand Treas . ; C . If . Titus , Recording Grand Sec . ; and C . W . Aloore , Corresponding G . Sec . They one and all have our best wishes .
Jn conclusion we propose to christen the proceedings of 1871-2 , Grand Lodge of Alassachusetts , "The Extraordinary" Edition , for nothing to be compared with it has citherto appeared under
the wing of Freemasonry , aud no matter how great a future may be before us , the volume must ever be regarded as a monument of the industry , research , and ability of the leading Alasons in that community .
Scotland.
Scotland .
GRAND LODGE . A AJecting of Grand Officers and members of the Grand Lodge was held in the Freemasons ' Hall , George Street , on Wednesday evening , 17 th September , for the purpose of presenting the Earl of Rosslyn a requisition for his Lordship ' s continuance in office as Grand Master for the ensuing *
year . The meeting was presided over by Brother Henry Inglis , of Torsonce , substitute Grand Alaster , who was supported by Alajor Hope , of Luff ' ness , Provincial Grand Alaster for East Lothian ; Captain Colt , of Gartsherrie ; Alajor Ramsay , William Alann , Past Grand Warden ;
John Laurie , Grand Clerk ; J ohn Coghill , Grand Director of Ceremonies ; Alexander Hay , Grand Jeweller ; AI . AI'Kenzic , Chief Grand Alarshal ; anclT . Abthorpe , Grand Alarshal . There was also present a large number ofthe Grand Stewards and members of the Grand Lodge .
The Grand Clerk read the requisition , which set forth that there was but one opinion in the Craft as to the manner in which his lordship had discharged the duties of his exalted position , ancl the active interest he had taken in the management of the affairs of Grand Lodge , and the promotion and extension of its benevolent
institutions , and that , duly impressed with these considerations , and by the necessity existing , under present circumstances , ofthe government of the Craft being again confided to the noble , dignified , and impartial guidance which they now possessed , the roquisitionists most respectfully and earnestly request his Lordship to allow himself to be put
Scotland.
in nomination for the Throne of Grantl Lodge for the next ensuing year . The Grand Clerk stated that the number of signatures to the requisition was 7027 . The Chairman , in addressing his Lordship said —I am no implicit believer in ordinary requisitions and testimonials , because I am aware-that
many times they can be got up by the acre , and signed by the careless ancl unthinking for purposes that are not always praiseworthy ; but this is no ordinary requisition , and these are no ordinary requisitionists . Freemasonry is in this country a vast republican brotherhood within a monarchy ,
where each brother is equal to the other > whatever the social rank or standing of that other may be ; and the only aristocracy which we admit , subject to our reverence to God and our allegiance to the throne , is the aristocracy of -ancient Greece—thc aristocracy of the Best . We have no prejudices .
Our discussions on matters of Alasonic law , and justice , and expediency , are not unattended often with that perfervid heat which is the attribute of Scotchmen . ( Applause . ) We do not hesitate at times boldl y to state our opinions in opposition to the very leader we have chosen . But because
we may differ from him now and then , we are not on that account blind to the qualities which have p laced him at our head , and it is that very independence of thought and expression which is the guarantee of our honest unanimity , when we attain it . That the thousands of names appended
to this requisition recognise in you , in all honesty and truth , a chief worthy of your predecessors , and worthy ofthe ancient craft of Free ancl Accepted Scottish Alasons , your own knowledge ancl experience will at once enable you to hold as tin undoubted fact .
The Earl of _ Rosslyn , in replying , said—1 must feel impressed by the honesty of this requisition , because I have found in presiding over you an independence of thought and of expression , which , of themselves , were guarantees for the honesty of your feelings , ancl far distant be thc day when an assembly of Freemasons will
be ashamed or afraid to say that which is honestly their opinion . But I claim a right on behalf of the chair , at least equal to your own , of independently expressing my opinion . ( Loud applause . ) It is that feeling that the Grand Alaster of the Craft must be independent , which partially induced me on a late occasion , to declare that 1 would
not a « -ain allow my name to be put in nomination ; but I acknowledge to you that in the face of a requisition of this magnitude , ancl ofthe flattering terms in which you have been pleased to speak of any humble services I have rendered to the Craft , 1 am fain to withdraw my declaration .
( Loud cheers . ) And I will venture to promise to you , not only the strictest endeavours to allow the most free ancl full declaration of your opinions ou all subjects brought before you , but I shall endeavour to limit my own language and my own conduct within the most courteous and the
strictest bounds that are consistent with thorough independence of opinion . ( Applause . ) In the course of some further remarks his Lordship said—When I endeavour to point out the means by which matters connected with the Grand Lodge maybe improved , I hope you will
individuall y not consider it matter for discord , but that every Alason will make it a point , as far as possible , to help the Graud Alaster , if he really means doing good to the Craft . ( Applause . ) I have no doubt that I am looked upon at the present moment very much as if I were on strike .
( Laughter . ) Well it is the fashion in these days to be on strike ? antl I may be regarded as being pretty much in thc fashion . But now that 1 have agreed to come back to work— ( applause and laughter)—I hope you will do your best to make Freemasonry a positive good that will be well
understood by the outer world—that will redound to the credit of Scotland , as well as to the credit of ourselves as Alasons ( Applause . - ) Let us be able to point to our schools ancl to our orphanages •and to say that we had so mnch money that we had spent , and have so much money that
we arc spending , for the benefit of our lellowcreatures . ( Applause . ) Before the meeting separated , Lord Rosslyn said he was happy to tell them that he had been requested to lay the foundation-stone ofthe Watt Institution ancl School of Arts , on the 9 th Oct . Feeling that the brethren would naturally take a
Scotland.
great interest in an institution which had done so much to promote the study of subjects interesting to all Scotchmen , he asked for their support on fhe occasion . ( Applause . ) Three cheers having been given for the Grand Alaster , the meeting separated .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
THE BALLOT FOR W . M . 7 o lhe Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir ancl Brother , I am pleased to find that Bro . W . J . Hughan , although he is a man who " consents against his will , " has withdrawn his suggestions
for the ballot of W . AI . ( Page 523 ofthe Freemason ) ; there should be no doubt on the subject , the ballot should only pass once round , and the brother who then has the majority of votes should be declared elected ; and I must say that
if the S . W . ofthe lodge has worked his way to that position , it is unjust of the brethren not to place him in the chair , unless , indeed , the tongue of bad report has been heard and vouched against
him , in which case I should vote for the J . W ., as , in my opinion , no P . AL of the lod ge should be re-elected ( although he must be nominated ) while there are Wardens ready and willing to serve in the chair .
Sometimes , I know , there is a slight difference of opinion ; but let us hope , for the sake of brotherly love , not so often as some may suppose , from the correspondence which you have primed
on the subject , lor the members ofa lodge cannot be said to work with love and harmony , where there is so little unity as lo require a Bye Law , such as Bro . William Date suggests in page , 537 ofthe Freemason .
Yours fraternally , MAGNUS OHREN , P . AI . 453 ; W . AL No . 33 .
MASONS AT PUBLIC AIEFTINGS
To the Editor tf the Freemason . Dear Sir ancl Brother , — I beg to thank you cm behalf ofa large section of the Alasonic fraternity , who are no friends of religious bigotry and intolerance , for
your able article on the above subject , ancl at the same time to express my entire concurrence in the sentiments expressed b y " Vectis . " " J . R ., " writing to exonerate Bro . Woodward , insinuates that the Siijj ' olh Reporter was
alone to blame for inserting his office as Chaplain to the Boys' School . I take the liberty of asking how does " J . R . " know , writing in London , that the Reporter at Ipswich if the innocent ori g in , of this , as I think , iu the interest of
Masonry , justifiable attack upon and censure of our Reverend Brother ? " J . R . " admits lhat heis a younger Alason than the Chaplain , and I should judge by his letter , that he is a very young Alason , indeed .
Like " Vectis , " I am compelled to say that I hope liro . Woodward will not iill ' cud again . Yours fraternally , A AIASON , of fifteen vears standing .
"A \ ISIT TO iM'i ' . s a * COCOA MASI ' IACTOIIY . — I'liiough the ; kindness of Messrs . ICpps , I recently had an oppottiiiiitv of seeing * the many complicated and varied processes the Cocoa bean passes through ere it is sold for public use , and being both interested and highly pleased with what I
saw during my visit to the manufactory , I thought a brief account of tlie Cocoa and the way it is manufactured by Messrs . lipps , to lit il for a wholesome ami -, i nutritious beverage , might lie of interest to tlie readers of l . mi . l uml I later . —See Article in / . uml anil . II ' uli-v , October 14 .
If . J . SMYTH , of Sali .-liurv Cottage , Walivoitli , wu es , May , 1871 :-- ' •)had had the lumbago so bad for eight iUi > s that I thought I should have to gbc up entirely my business : but thanks to Perry Davis's Pain liillci , I feit
quite a new man by the following afternoon . / sat by ti . e lire the previous night , and bad it well rubbed int . ) ti , _ e small of my back , and then took some internally . Tlie effect was almost magical , and tin * cure complete . —To Perry Davit ; _ - Son , London . "