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Article FREEMASONRY IN 1889. ← Page 5 of 5 Article FREEMASONRY IN 1889. Page 5 of 5 Article CONSECRATION OF THE RAVENSCROFT LODGE, No. 2331. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In 1889.
Norfolk ; W . Purnell , P . M ., P . Z ., a most valuable member of the Craft in Bristol ; Dr . Deemer , P . A . G . D . C . England , Dep . Dist . G . M . Canterbury ( N . Z . ) ; Simon Steel , P . Dist . G . W . Turkey ; James Albery , the playwright , and E . L . Blanchard , author of so many Christmas annuals ; F . Delevante , P . M . 1319 ; Dr . W . G . Foster , P . P . G . S . B . N . & E . Yorkshire ; J . Edwards , Prov . J . G . W . East Lancashire ; T . M . Shuttleworth , W . M . 32 , and Prov . S . G . W . West Lancashire ;
John E . Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . P . Herts ., who was a member of the Berkhampstead Lodge , No . 504 , from its consecration , 1 st January , 1845 , to the day of his death ; Thos . Fisher , W . M . Lion and Lamb , 192 ; J . Whitehouse , P . M . 7 * 71 ; W . Wells , formerly M . P . for Peterborough ; F . G . Baker , P . M . 733 ; Sir B . S . Phillips , and others who in more limited spheres were able to point to many important duties ably and loyally performed .
SCOTLAND . Our brethren north of the Tweed have shared in the prosperity , while escaping the turmoil which has attended the Craft in England during 188 9 . Indeed , everything seems to have fallen out satisfactorily . Though sundry of their lodges must be struck from the roll of Grand Lodge in consequence of the new state of things in Victoria , eig ht lodges have been constituted during the year , of which
three are located in Queensland , two in South Africa , one in Asia Minor , one in New Zealand , and one at home . Two new Provincial Grand Masters have been installed in office , namely , Bro . Lord Saltoun , as Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeen City , who was at the same time installed as Ri g ht Worshipful Master of the Saltoun Lodge , No . 7 61 , warranted towards the close of 1888 , and Bro . Henry Lumsden of Pitcaple , as Provincial Grand
Master of Aberdeenshire West , both ceremonies being performed by the Grand Master in person , Bro . Sir A . Campbell , Bart ., M . P . In some of the towns the foundation-stones of new Masonic Halls have been laid , as at Kincardine , on the 17 th April , when the ceremony was performed by Bro . R . Shaw-Stewart , M . P ., P . G . M . Stirlingshire , and at Stromness by Bro . Sheriff Thorns , P . G . M . Caithnessshire , & c . ; while the foundation-stone of the Camlachie Institute , Glasgow , was
laid b y Bro . John Graham , P . G . M ., in September . In Grand Lodge Bro . D . Reid has succeeded the late Bro . D . Kinnear as Grand Cashier , while Comp . R . S . Brown is the new Grand Scribe E . of the Grand Chapter . In the Royal Order of Scotland Bro . Lord Saltoun has been installed Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeenshire , while in the Order of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine his lordship now occupies the position vacated by
the Earl of Kintore as M . P . G . S . On the 1 st November the St . James ' s Lodge , No . 171 , Doune , celebrated its centenary festival , while on the 30 th of the same month , being St . Andrew ' s Day , Grand Lodge , as usual , held hi gh festival in honour of the patron Saint of Scotland and Freemasonry . The most important losses by death are those of Bro . D . Kinnear , who rendered signal service to Grand Lodge in its time of need as Grand Cashier ; Bro . James Webster , R . W . M .
Edinburgh Lodge ( Mary ' s Chapel ) , No . I ; and Bro . J . Y . Lang , Deputy Grand Master of all Scottish Freemasonry in India , who was greatly respected , and in whose honour a memorial service was held in Freemasons' Hall , Bombay , on the 27 th February . These are among the most noteworthy events of the year , and appear to bear out what we have said , that the condition of the Craft in Scotland has been one of fair prosperity .
IRELAND . We live in hopes of being able to write a tolerably full account some day of the doings of the Craft in Ireland . We seem during the present year to have been favoured with more reports of meetings than it has been usually our lot to receive ; and possibly , therefore . we may in time be still more hig hly favoured , and the columns of this Journal as well filled with Irish Masonic news as the non-Masonic press
is now . But though we consider we have fared better than heretofore , the particulars we are able to record are still somewhat scanty . We know that the great event of the Irish Masonic year is the distribution of prizes to the children of the Masonic Orphan Schools in Dublin , that the event is celebrated with all possible pomp and circumstance , and that the president of the day is usually the Grand Master , or some other distinguished Craftsman . On this occasio . n the meeting
was held , as it has been before , in the Leinster Hall , Dublin , under the presidency of his Grace the Duke of Abercorn , M . W . G . M ., while the prizes were distributed b y the Duchess of Abercorn . Fashionable Dublin was in great force at the gathering , which took place on the 16 th May , and the children acquitted themselves admirabl y to the delight of all present , and especially of the brethren . In November the half-yearly election to these Schools was held , when from a list of 15 candidates
five were elected by ballot . There were also several concerts given in various parts of the country in aid of this Institution , one in particular , which was held on the 19 th January in Dublin , being eminently successful . We are also able to state that the various Provincial Grand Lodges have been held , and that earl y in October Bro . the Marquis of Hertford was installed Provincial Grand Master of Antrim , the ceremony being performed b y no less important a brother than the
Duke of Abercorn , Grand Master . It remains to be added that owing to the changes that have taken place in the Masonic relations between Victoria and the home Grand Lodges , sundry lodges have been struck off the roll , but we know ' of one new lodge—the Theodore Unmack—having been consecrated at Brisbane , the capital of Queensland , and others may possibly have taken the place of those which have transferred their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Victoria . It is also
necessary we should mention that the Grand Lodge of Ireland has not yet recognised the new order of things in New South Wales , having declined to accede to the request of the United Grand Lodge of that colony until its former lod ges , which now form part of the latter body , have remitted the moneys it alleges are due from them . Into the merits of the difficulty which has thus arisen between
the two Grand Lodges it is not in our power , nor would it be becoming in us , to enter . We can only express the hope that no great length of time will elapse before they are on a perfectly friendly footing , and have made the necessary arrangements for an interchange of representatives . The desire is natural on the part of all true Masons that the relations between the various branches of the Craft should be at all times of the friendliest and most intimate character .
OUR COLONIES AND DEPENDENCIES . There may perhaps be differences of opinion as to whether our Fraternity at home has fared quite as well in 188 9 as during the years more immediately preceding it , but there cannot be much doubt as to the prosperity which has attended it in ' the British Colonies and Dependencies . The Grand Lodges in British North America , but more particularly that of Canada in the province of Ontario , have made such
progress as might have been expected from G . Lodges which are governed pretty much on the lines adopted by our Home Grand Lodge , and whose members are pretty much of the same social status as those of the latter . Canada , indeed , has some 400 lodges on its roll , while its assets are considerable , ancl the other Grand Lodges , though on a very much smaller scale , steer their way dexterousl y , and in proportion to their strength , are decidedl y in clover . We notice also with pleasure that the
Grand Lodge of Quebec has annulled the edicl of non-intercourse with the Grand Lodge of England and her subordinate lodges , which it issued some time back , this course having been adopted on the suggestion of Bro . Walkem , Grand Master of Canada , who has undertaken to mediate between the two Grand Lodges , and was of opinion that such a step was necessary , or at all events desirable , in order to
afford his mediation a reasonable chance of success . We trust , therefore , that at an early date , we may find Quebec and England as friendl y disposed towards each other as for the last two or three years they have , through no fault of England , been embittered . In India and the West Indies all things have gone on as smoothl y as the most enthusiastic brother could desire , while in Australasia the doings of
Freemasonry In 1889.
the Craft have been on a scale of grandeur that could hardl y have been expected from such new countries . In South Australia , Bro . Chief Justice Way , M . W . G . M ., has retired in order that Bro . the Earl of Kintore , the new Governor of the Colony , may preside over the Grand Lodge . In New South Wales , United Grand Lodge , under Bro . Lord Carrington , has been chiefl y occupied in setting itself in order in accordance with the new condition of things ; but it is to Victoria that
we must turn for the greatest event that has happened in Australasian Masonry during the current year , namely , the establishment of a United Grand Lodge composed of the lodges of the English , Irish , Scotch , ancl unrecognised Victorian Constitutions . This great event happened on the 20 th March , and when Grand Lodge had been constituted , Bro . Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart ., who had been previously District G . M . and P . G . M . of the English , Irish ,
and Scotch District and Provincial Grand Lodges , was solemnly installed in office as M . W . G . M . of the United Grand Lodge by Bro . Way , M . W . G . M . of South Australia , supported by Bro . Lord Carrington , M . W . G . M . of New South Wales . The meeting was on a grand scale , and the enthusiasm exhibited was commensurate with its importance . Four days later a Supreme Grand Chapter of Victoria was constituted with Comp . Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart ., as Grand Z ., and the hope at
one time prevailed that the difficulty caused by the introduction of Canadian Chapter Warrants would have disappeared with the constitution of a Supreme Royal Arch authority . However , the members of the Canadian chapters , though in the first instance they agreed to return their warrants and join the new order of things under the wing of an Irish chapter , appear to have regretted this determination , and at the last moment the Grand Chapter was formed without
them . Thus there is just a slight cloud on the Masonic horizon in this part of the world , but we hope and trust that it will not be long before it disappears . In Queensland , as well as in New Zealand , and even in Tasmania , a movement has been started for the constitution of further Grand Lodges , and in the case of all these it is possible such a change may be effected . Our New Zealand brethren appear to have set their minds on having Bro . the Earl of Onslow , to whom
on his arrival in the colony as Governor they accorded a most glorious reception , as their first M . W . G . M . But Tasmania appears to be at present too weak to stand alone , while in Queensland there is a great division of opinion as to the desirability of any change being made at all , the Irish and Scotch Masons being apparently in its favour , while the English brethren are anxious to remain in their
old allegiance for the present , and these constitute quite one-half of the whole community . However , whether these changes take place or not , our Australasian brethren will always be able to command the sympathy of the Masons in the Old Country , and whatever the future may have in store for them , they will always have our " Hearty good wishes " for their prosperity .
CONCLUDING REMARKS . Our task is now completed . We should have liked to say a few words about Freemasonry in the United States and on the Continent of Europe , but our space is , after all , limited , and we feel that we have already trespassed too long on the
patience of our readers . We , therefore , close our Summary of 188 9 , with an expression of gratitude to all who have assisted us in our labours in behalf of Freemasonry , and , at the same time , as this will be our last appearance in the present year , we wish all our friends , wherever they may be located , a Happy and Prosperous New Year .
Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.
CONSECRATION OF THE RAVENSCROFT LODGE , No . 2331 .
Another lodge was added to the roll of lodges of the Province of Herts on Tuesday , the 17 th inst ., by the consecration and dedication of the Ravenscroft Lodge , No . 2331 , on the register of Grand Lodge of England , and 19 in the list of Hertfordshire lodges . The ceremonies took place at the Red Lion Hotel , High Chipping , Barnet , where another Hertfordshire lodge , the Gladsmuir , No . 1385 , finds the most comfortable of quarters . The name " Ravenscroft" may be unmeaning to other than local people , but it is perfectly understood in Barnet ,
which place is figuratively saturated with it . The Ravenscroft Trust is visible almost everywhere in the locality , and dates back several centuries—some say to the fourteenth , and some the fifteenth century—when one Ravenscroft left estates , then producing a small sum of money annually , for certain charitable purposes . Hence the name of Ravenscroft was chosen as the title of the lodge , the founders of which had first proposed the name of " Duke of Fife . " His Grace , however , recommended a local title , and the founders selected the name by which the lodge
is now and will continue to be known . Bro . Col . Thomas F . Halsey , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master for Herts , performed the ceremony , and he was assisted b y Bro . G . E . Lake , Deputy Provincial Grand Master ; Bro . T . S . Carter , P . M . and Sec . 403 , P . Prov . G . Warden , as S . W . ; Bro . Mihill Slaughter , P . M . 404 , P . Prov . G . Warden , as J . W . ; Bro . H . Tipper , P . M . 2054 , Prov . G . Registrar , as l . G . j and Bro . James Terry ably carried out his duties as G . D . C . There were present—Bros . A . Philips Hills , W . M . 2054 ; R . Burgin , S . W . 2136 ; M . G . Laughlin , 404 P . J . G . W . ;
, J . H . Miller , W . M . 22 S ; R . Middlehurst , J . W . 1327 ; J . Robins , P . M . 1327 , P . P . J . G . W . ; Thomas Wigginton , 404 , P . P . S . G . W . ; John Goodchild , W . M . 2202 ; S . R . Timson , W . M . elect 504 ; W . Lovell , 504 ; J . VV . Duvall , 404 ; H . Trask , 1327 ; C . J . Grove , l . P . M . 742 ; W . Ball , P . M . and Secretary 227 S ; S . S . Scott , l . P . M . 226 ; A . F . Scholding , J . W . 1512 ; J . Simpson , 957 ; Dr . J . Powdrell , W . M . 2271 ; J . Tydeman , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . P . Essex ; G . Holdsworth , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . R . ; I .
fhompson , 2319 ; G . Cronin , 9 ; J . T . Davies , 134 S ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 , 192 S ; J . Hemming , W . M . 12 S 7 ; F . W . Hearn , Org . 2206 ; N . Ruffen , 2060 ; C . J . Fox , S . W . 1 743 ; W . Langley , J . D . 220 C ; A . A . Nottingham , S . D . 2206 ; C . Poston , 134 ; G . J . Holdsworth , 1327 ; E . Heathcote , 1563 : J . Dix , 209 ; Henry Lindfield , W . M . 211 ; W . W . Morgan , P . M . 211 ; T . B . Smith , 1743 ; H . A . Wheelden , 2206 , J . H . Dobbs , 2206 , J . Mason , 2206 ; G . Ransford , W . M . 1512 ; F . Hill , l . P . M . 156 3 ; and others .
Bro . HALSEY , in commencing the proceedings of the day , expressed the pleasure he felt in taking part in them , and in seeing the Province of Herts grow so strong . Another lodge on the roll of any province must give rise to satisfaction to a Provincial Grand Master who took a deep interest in the progress of Freemasonry under his charge . The progress of Freemasonry generall y was hi ghly satisfactory , for it proved that there were good and worthy men who desired to promote the success of the Order . Such good and worthy men were now found in those who founded the Ravenscroft Lodge , and he had no doubt they would bring the lodge to a state of success .
The ceremony was then proceeded with , and the following oration was delivered by the PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPLAIN : R . W . Provincial Grand Master and Brethren , —Allow me to ask your kind attention and indulgence while I endeavour shortly to allude to some of the purposes for which this Institution , ancient in its foundation , and venerable by many associations , is founded , and to mention some of the characteristics which should mark its members . I presume that the universal cry of our present existence is a desire for light and information about
truth , infinity above and beyond us ; and the greater the advance we make in material , philosophical , or religious knowledge , the greater the longing . Masonry , while at the outset she acknowledges that desire , strives , while we follow her guidance , to foster its growth and to lead us ever higher and upward , from material to natural , from natural to spiritual light , till she finally bids us look upward to that bright morning star whose rising
brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race . And where is true light to be found on earth but in the Volume of the Sacred Word which is given to lead us from this sublunary abode even to the throne of God Himself ? Masonry may well be considered one of the greatest helps in the development of a religious life , while the teaching she bids us follow appeals to the better side of our humanity , and urges us to apply the implements of manual labou . f ; and handicraft to the perfection of our moral nature and the building up of ourselves in the knowledge and fear of God .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In 1889.
Norfolk ; W . Purnell , P . M ., P . Z ., a most valuable member of the Craft in Bristol ; Dr . Deemer , P . A . G . D . C . England , Dep . Dist . G . M . Canterbury ( N . Z . ) ; Simon Steel , P . Dist . G . W . Turkey ; James Albery , the playwright , and E . L . Blanchard , author of so many Christmas annuals ; F . Delevante , P . M . 1319 ; Dr . W . G . Foster , P . P . G . S . B . N . & E . Yorkshire ; J . Edwards , Prov . J . G . W . East Lancashire ; T . M . Shuttleworth , W . M . 32 , and Prov . S . G . W . West Lancashire ;
John E . Lane , P . M ., P . P . G . P . Herts ., who was a member of the Berkhampstead Lodge , No . 504 , from its consecration , 1 st January , 1845 , to the day of his death ; Thos . Fisher , W . M . Lion and Lamb , 192 ; J . Whitehouse , P . M . 7 * 71 ; W . Wells , formerly M . P . for Peterborough ; F . G . Baker , P . M . 733 ; Sir B . S . Phillips , and others who in more limited spheres were able to point to many important duties ably and loyally performed .
SCOTLAND . Our brethren north of the Tweed have shared in the prosperity , while escaping the turmoil which has attended the Craft in England during 188 9 . Indeed , everything seems to have fallen out satisfactorily . Though sundry of their lodges must be struck from the roll of Grand Lodge in consequence of the new state of things in Victoria , eig ht lodges have been constituted during the year , of which
three are located in Queensland , two in South Africa , one in Asia Minor , one in New Zealand , and one at home . Two new Provincial Grand Masters have been installed in office , namely , Bro . Lord Saltoun , as Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeen City , who was at the same time installed as Ri g ht Worshipful Master of the Saltoun Lodge , No . 7 61 , warranted towards the close of 1888 , and Bro . Henry Lumsden of Pitcaple , as Provincial Grand
Master of Aberdeenshire West , both ceremonies being performed by the Grand Master in person , Bro . Sir A . Campbell , Bart ., M . P . In some of the towns the foundation-stones of new Masonic Halls have been laid , as at Kincardine , on the 17 th April , when the ceremony was performed by Bro . R . Shaw-Stewart , M . P ., P . G . M . Stirlingshire , and at Stromness by Bro . Sheriff Thorns , P . G . M . Caithnessshire , & c . ; while the foundation-stone of the Camlachie Institute , Glasgow , was
laid b y Bro . John Graham , P . G . M ., in September . In Grand Lodge Bro . D . Reid has succeeded the late Bro . D . Kinnear as Grand Cashier , while Comp . R . S . Brown is the new Grand Scribe E . of the Grand Chapter . In the Royal Order of Scotland Bro . Lord Saltoun has been installed Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeenshire , while in the Order of Rome and the Red Cross of Constantine his lordship now occupies the position vacated by
the Earl of Kintore as M . P . G . S . On the 1 st November the St . James ' s Lodge , No . 171 , Doune , celebrated its centenary festival , while on the 30 th of the same month , being St . Andrew ' s Day , Grand Lodge , as usual , held hi gh festival in honour of the patron Saint of Scotland and Freemasonry . The most important losses by death are those of Bro . D . Kinnear , who rendered signal service to Grand Lodge in its time of need as Grand Cashier ; Bro . James Webster , R . W . M .
Edinburgh Lodge ( Mary ' s Chapel ) , No . I ; and Bro . J . Y . Lang , Deputy Grand Master of all Scottish Freemasonry in India , who was greatly respected , and in whose honour a memorial service was held in Freemasons' Hall , Bombay , on the 27 th February . These are among the most noteworthy events of the year , and appear to bear out what we have said , that the condition of the Craft in Scotland has been one of fair prosperity .
IRELAND . We live in hopes of being able to write a tolerably full account some day of the doings of the Craft in Ireland . We seem during the present year to have been favoured with more reports of meetings than it has been usually our lot to receive ; and possibly , therefore . we may in time be still more hig hly favoured , and the columns of this Journal as well filled with Irish Masonic news as the non-Masonic press
is now . But though we consider we have fared better than heretofore , the particulars we are able to record are still somewhat scanty . We know that the great event of the Irish Masonic year is the distribution of prizes to the children of the Masonic Orphan Schools in Dublin , that the event is celebrated with all possible pomp and circumstance , and that the president of the day is usually the Grand Master , or some other distinguished Craftsman . On this occasio . n the meeting
was held , as it has been before , in the Leinster Hall , Dublin , under the presidency of his Grace the Duke of Abercorn , M . W . G . M ., while the prizes were distributed b y the Duchess of Abercorn . Fashionable Dublin was in great force at the gathering , which took place on the 16 th May , and the children acquitted themselves admirabl y to the delight of all present , and especially of the brethren . In November the half-yearly election to these Schools was held , when from a list of 15 candidates
five were elected by ballot . There were also several concerts given in various parts of the country in aid of this Institution , one in particular , which was held on the 19 th January in Dublin , being eminently successful . We are also able to state that the various Provincial Grand Lodges have been held , and that earl y in October Bro . the Marquis of Hertford was installed Provincial Grand Master of Antrim , the ceremony being performed b y no less important a brother than the
Duke of Abercorn , Grand Master . It remains to be added that owing to the changes that have taken place in the Masonic relations between Victoria and the home Grand Lodges , sundry lodges have been struck off the roll , but we know ' of one new lodge—the Theodore Unmack—having been consecrated at Brisbane , the capital of Queensland , and others may possibly have taken the place of those which have transferred their allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Victoria . It is also
necessary we should mention that the Grand Lodge of Ireland has not yet recognised the new order of things in New South Wales , having declined to accede to the request of the United Grand Lodge of that colony until its former lod ges , which now form part of the latter body , have remitted the moneys it alleges are due from them . Into the merits of the difficulty which has thus arisen between
the two Grand Lodges it is not in our power , nor would it be becoming in us , to enter . We can only express the hope that no great length of time will elapse before they are on a perfectly friendly footing , and have made the necessary arrangements for an interchange of representatives . The desire is natural on the part of all true Masons that the relations between the various branches of the Craft should be at all times of the friendliest and most intimate character .
OUR COLONIES AND DEPENDENCIES . There may perhaps be differences of opinion as to whether our Fraternity at home has fared quite as well in 188 9 as during the years more immediately preceding it , but there cannot be much doubt as to the prosperity which has attended it in ' the British Colonies and Dependencies . The Grand Lodges in British North America , but more particularly that of Canada in the province of Ontario , have made such
progress as might have been expected from G . Lodges which are governed pretty much on the lines adopted by our Home Grand Lodge , and whose members are pretty much of the same social status as those of the latter . Canada , indeed , has some 400 lodges on its roll , while its assets are considerable , ancl the other Grand Lodges , though on a very much smaller scale , steer their way dexterousl y , and in proportion to their strength , are decidedl y in clover . We notice also with pleasure that the
Grand Lodge of Quebec has annulled the edicl of non-intercourse with the Grand Lodge of England and her subordinate lodges , which it issued some time back , this course having been adopted on the suggestion of Bro . Walkem , Grand Master of Canada , who has undertaken to mediate between the two Grand Lodges , and was of opinion that such a step was necessary , or at all events desirable , in order to
afford his mediation a reasonable chance of success . We trust , therefore , that at an early date , we may find Quebec and England as friendl y disposed towards each other as for the last two or three years they have , through no fault of England , been embittered . In India and the West Indies all things have gone on as smoothl y as the most enthusiastic brother could desire , while in Australasia the doings of
Freemasonry In 1889.
the Craft have been on a scale of grandeur that could hardl y have been expected from such new countries . In South Australia , Bro . Chief Justice Way , M . W . G . M ., has retired in order that Bro . the Earl of Kintore , the new Governor of the Colony , may preside over the Grand Lodge . In New South Wales , United Grand Lodge , under Bro . Lord Carrington , has been chiefl y occupied in setting itself in order in accordance with the new condition of things ; but it is to Victoria that
we must turn for the greatest event that has happened in Australasian Masonry during the current year , namely , the establishment of a United Grand Lodge composed of the lodges of the English , Irish , Scotch , ancl unrecognised Victorian Constitutions . This great event happened on the 20 th March , and when Grand Lodge had been constituted , Bro . Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart ., who had been previously District G . M . and P . G . M . of the English , Irish ,
and Scotch District and Provincial Grand Lodges , was solemnly installed in office as M . W . G . M . of the United Grand Lodge by Bro . Way , M . W . G . M . of South Australia , supported by Bro . Lord Carrington , M . W . G . M . of New South Wales . The meeting was on a grand scale , and the enthusiasm exhibited was commensurate with its importance . Four days later a Supreme Grand Chapter of Victoria was constituted with Comp . Sir W . J . Clarke , Bart ., as Grand Z ., and the hope at
one time prevailed that the difficulty caused by the introduction of Canadian Chapter Warrants would have disappeared with the constitution of a Supreme Royal Arch authority . However , the members of the Canadian chapters , though in the first instance they agreed to return their warrants and join the new order of things under the wing of an Irish chapter , appear to have regretted this determination , and at the last moment the Grand Chapter was formed without
them . Thus there is just a slight cloud on the Masonic horizon in this part of the world , but we hope and trust that it will not be long before it disappears . In Queensland , as well as in New Zealand , and even in Tasmania , a movement has been started for the constitution of further Grand Lodges , and in the case of all these it is possible such a change may be effected . Our New Zealand brethren appear to have set their minds on having Bro . the Earl of Onslow , to whom
on his arrival in the colony as Governor they accorded a most glorious reception , as their first M . W . G . M . But Tasmania appears to be at present too weak to stand alone , while in Queensland there is a great division of opinion as to the desirability of any change being made at all , the Irish and Scotch Masons being apparently in its favour , while the English brethren are anxious to remain in their
old allegiance for the present , and these constitute quite one-half of the whole community . However , whether these changes take place or not , our Australasian brethren will always be able to command the sympathy of the Masons in the Old Country , and whatever the future may have in store for them , they will always have our " Hearty good wishes " for their prosperity .
CONCLUDING REMARKS . Our task is now completed . We should have liked to say a few words about Freemasonry in the United States and on the Continent of Europe , but our space is , after all , limited , and we feel that we have already trespassed too long on the
patience of our readers . We , therefore , close our Summary of 188 9 , with an expression of gratitude to all who have assisted us in our labours in behalf of Freemasonry , and , at the same time , as this will be our last appearance in the present year , we wish all our friends , wherever they may be located , a Happy and Prosperous New Year .
Consecration Of The Ravenscroft Lodge, No. 2331.
CONSECRATION OF THE RAVENSCROFT LODGE , No . 2331 .
Another lodge was added to the roll of lodges of the Province of Herts on Tuesday , the 17 th inst ., by the consecration and dedication of the Ravenscroft Lodge , No . 2331 , on the register of Grand Lodge of England , and 19 in the list of Hertfordshire lodges . The ceremonies took place at the Red Lion Hotel , High Chipping , Barnet , where another Hertfordshire lodge , the Gladsmuir , No . 1385 , finds the most comfortable of quarters . The name " Ravenscroft" may be unmeaning to other than local people , but it is perfectly understood in Barnet ,
which place is figuratively saturated with it . The Ravenscroft Trust is visible almost everywhere in the locality , and dates back several centuries—some say to the fourteenth , and some the fifteenth century—when one Ravenscroft left estates , then producing a small sum of money annually , for certain charitable purposes . Hence the name of Ravenscroft was chosen as the title of the lodge , the founders of which had first proposed the name of " Duke of Fife . " His Grace , however , recommended a local title , and the founders selected the name by which the lodge
is now and will continue to be known . Bro . Col . Thomas F . Halsey , M . P ., Provincial Grand Master for Herts , performed the ceremony , and he was assisted b y Bro . G . E . Lake , Deputy Provincial Grand Master ; Bro . T . S . Carter , P . M . and Sec . 403 , P . Prov . G . Warden , as S . W . ; Bro . Mihill Slaughter , P . M . 404 , P . Prov . G . Warden , as J . W . ; Bro . H . Tipper , P . M . 2054 , Prov . G . Registrar , as l . G . j and Bro . James Terry ably carried out his duties as G . D . C . There were present—Bros . A . Philips Hills , W . M . 2054 ; R . Burgin , S . W . 2136 ; M . G . Laughlin , 404 P . J . G . W . ;
, J . H . Miller , W . M . 22 S ; R . Middlehurst , J . W . 1327 ; J . Robins , P . M . 1327 , P . P . J . G . W . ; Thomas Wigginton , 404 , P . P . S . G . W . ; John Goodchild , W . M . 2202 ; S . R . Timson , W . M . elect 504 ; W . Lovell , 504 ; J . VV . Duvall , 404 ; H . Trask , 1327 ; C . J . Grove , l . P . M . 742 ; W . Ball , P . M . and Secretary 227 S ; S . S . Scott , l . P . M . 226 ; A . F . Scholding , J . W . 1512 ; J . Simpson , 957 ; Dr . J . Powdrell , W . M . 2271 ; J . Tydeman , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . P . Essex ; G . Holdsworth , P . M . 1327 , P . P . G . R . ; I .
fhompson , 2319 ; G . Cronin , 9 ; J . T . Davies , 134 S ; H . Massey , P . M . 619 , 192 S ; J . Hemming , W . M . 12 S 7 ; F . W . Hearn , Org . 2206 ; N . Ruffen , 2060 ; C . J . Fox , S . W . 1 743 ; W . Langley , J . D . 220 C ; A . A . Nottingham , S . D . 2206 ; C . Poston , 134 ; G . J . Holdsworth , 1327 ; E . Heathcote , 1563 : J . Dix , 209 ; Henry Lindfield , W . M . 211 ; W . W . Morgan , P . M . 211 ; T . B . Smith , 1743 ; H . A . Wheelden , 2206 , J . H . Dobbs , 2206 , J . Mason , 2206 ; G . Ransford , W . M . 1512 ; F . Hill , l . P . M . 156 3 ; and others .
Bro . HALSEY , in commencing the proceedings of the day , expressed the pleasure he felt in taking part in them , and in seeing the Province of Herts grow so strong . Another lodge on the roll of any province must give rise to satisfaction to a Provincial Grand Master who took a deep interest in the progress of Freemasonry under his charge . The progress of Freemasonry generall y was hi ghly satisfactory , for it proved that there were good and worthy men who desired to promote the success of the Order . Such good and worthy men were now found in those who founded the Ravenscroft Lodge , and he had no doubt they would bring the lodge to a state of success .
The ceremony was then proceeded with , and the following oration was delivered by the PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPLAIN : R . W . Provincial Grand Master and Brethren , —Allow me to ask your kind attention and indulgence while I endeavour shortly to allude to some of the purposes for which this Institution , ancient in its foundation , and venerable by many associations , is founded , and to mention some of the characteristics which should mark its members . I presume that the universal cry of our present existence is a desire for light and information about
truth , infinity above and beyond us ; and the greater the advance we make in material , philosophical , or religious knowledge , the greater the longing . Masonry , while at the outset she acknowledges that desire , strives , while we follow her guidance , to foster its growth and to lead us ever higher and upward , from material to natural , from natural to spiritual light , till she finally bids us look upward to that bright morning star whose rising
brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race . And where is true light to be found on earth but in the Volume of the Sacred Word which is given to lead us from this sublunary abode even to the throne of God Himself ? Masonry may well be considered one of the greatest helps in the development of a religious life , while the teaching she bids us follow appeals to the better side of our humanity , and urges us to apply the implements of manual labou . f ; and handicraft to the perfection of our moral nature and the building up of ourselves in the knowledge and fear of God .