-
Articles/Ads
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Borough Of Greenwich Mark Lodge.
CONSECRATION OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENWICH MARK LODGE .
This r . ew lodge ' of Mark Master Masons , constituting No . 332 on the roll of Grand Mark lodges of England and VVales , & c , was consecrated on Thursday , the 20 th inst ., at the King William the Fourth , Bro . G . Burney ' s recently restored and magnificently furnished
hotel , in Trafalgar-road , East Greenwich . The ceremony was performed by the R . W . Bro . the Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., Prov . G . M . M . M . Kent , and P . G . C , assisted by W . Bro . J- G . Podovin , D . P . G . M . M . M . ; R . W . Bro . Fredk . Binckes , G . Mark Sec . ; V . W . Bro . Donald M . Dewar , G . Asst . Sec . ; II . C . Levander , G . R . ; G . Kalley Miller , Prov . G . S . W .: H . Penfold , Prov . G . J . VV . ;
Capt . Eugene Sweny , P . P . G . J . O . ; the Rev . H . Cummings , acting Prov . G . Chaplain -, A . Escott , Prov . G . Reg . of Marks ; T . Poore , Prov . G . L ; S . Catterson , S . O . 230 ; Ralph Gooding , W . M . Bon Accord Lodge , W . M . designate ; E . S . Stidolph , P . M . 22 , S . W . designate ; and VV . Kipps , No . 1 , J . W . designate . The brethren assembled in the anteroom and walked in procession to the
lodge room , and there received and accorded grand honour to Bro . Robinson , the presiding Consecrating Officer , and his colleagues , who opened the lodge and appointed officers pro tern . A ballot was then taken for new members , and proving successful , the following brethren were advanced to the Degree of M . M .: Bros . H . Roberts , P . M . 79 ; H . VV . Partridge , P . M . 79 ; F . Couldry , P . M . 79 ; A . H .
batch , 79 ; J . Griffin , P . M . 933 ; W . C a . Burney , 140 ; VV . H . Burncy , 1 C 9 ; G . Burney , W . M . 1155 ; W . G . Batchelor , P . M . 54 Sj VV . T . Hunt , J . W . 79 ; G . Scuddcr , S . D . 1 O 9 : H . D . Hatfield , J . W . 1320 ; J . G . Thomas , J . D . S 71 ; J . Tuck , S 34 ; and C . Fowler , P . M . <) j . The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and nothing could exceed the impressive and dignified
manner in which our distinguished brother the Prov . Grand Master carried out his duties . Bro . the Rev . H . CUMMINOS delivered the following oration : —R . W . G . M . of our Province and Brethren , —I esteem it a high honour to have been asked by you , R . W . Sir , to address the brethren on this very happy occasion , and in the brief remarks I venture to make I speak with all
diffidence and humility , because it is in the presence of one , brethren , who holds a place in the front rank of Masonic students , one who is justly regarded as one of the most sound and learned authorities in the kingdom . I mean our eminent R . W . Bro . the Prov . G . M . Kent . You , Sir , and others who may be full well acquainted with the history and the antiquity of Mark Masonry , its origin and
progress , will forgive me then if I try to present to you some few thoughts springing out of a review of the circumstances in the history ot this Society for your consideration , which may have a practical value for the younger members of our Order , and those who have only to-day crossed its threshold . Tradition tells us that at the building of King Solomon ' s Temple every man among the many thousands
employed was provided with a distinctive and peculiar mark which he placed upon his work . By these the Overseers were able , not only to trace faulty work to the Craftsman who wrought it , but imposition was prevented . The historical narrative of the Mark Degree is in harmony , not only with this , but also with the history of the Craft and the Royal Arch . The examinations and discoveries of
later years confirm it , and we have no reason to doubt that those hieroglyphics found on the stones of _ buildings all over the world , especially those erected just after the Crusades and during the middle ages , are the signs and marks of Ancient Mark Master Operative Masons . If at any time the ritual of our degree should excite surprise in a brother ' s mind , let him remember that in the construction
of that wondrous Temple of old , and the employment of more than 100 , 000 workmen , a regular system and the nicest judgment were required to control and inspect the whole , whilst unceasing vigilance was necessary if the industrious Craftsman was to be rewarded and the idle interloper to be discovered and punished . Viewed thus , the ritual of the Mark Degree becomes intelligible and
consistent , and we see how we may join the idea of the Mason's mark or sign manual to his work—which having once been selected he had neither to wish nor power to change—with the idea of the Mark or pledge of friendship given to another Mirk Mason , inculcating and calling forth mutual charity and torebearancc , and knitting us together in one common brotherhood of love . Suffice it to say with regard
to the symbols ofaMark Masonry as at once attesting its antiquity they have been discovered on buildings belonging to every age and in every country of the world , from the stones of the Holy Temple itself and the Phoenician Masons of Hiram , Xing of Tyre , down to our own cathedral at Canterbury , and the buildings among us , which are the creations cf modern times . It must be more than
accidental surely , that the Masons' marks , still to be read on the stones of the Great Pyramid of Egypt , are identical with those seen on many an English church . With all this undoubted antiquity the Mark Degree was but little cared for or practised in England until the end of the last century , although long previously held in high esteem in the sister country , Scotland , and in the United States .
We of the present day will not be disposed to find fault with this ; we will be content with our present prosperity , and by looking to the source from which it springs , we shall best sec that line of conduct which will conduce to make it permanent , and render the Order a liiting good to Masonry and to the world . There can be no doubt that rightly approached and understood
there is something very taking in the degree itself . It falls into its own proper place in the ascending scale of Masonic knowledge , finding a recognition from the ruling powers of the Craft , who , while precluded by the Articles of Union from acknowledging and adopting it into ths body of Craft Masony , yet recognised its good , and declared it in 1 S 55 to be , though not essential ,
yet a most graceful appendage to Cralt Masonry . But this : s not all ; like every other order , it depends for its influence for good or ill upon its ruiers and guides . Judged by results , we have every reason to be satisfied with the progress of Mark Masonry . Scarcely 30 years
ago Grand Mark Lodge of England was formed , now 20 , 000 working members range themselves under its banner . During the last two years of Lord Henniker ' s Grand Mastership nearly 3000 brethren have been advanced , an average of 1500 per annum , or an increase of 300 each year upca any previous yearly average . During the last
Consecration Of The Borough Of Greenwich Mark Lodge.
year six new provinces were formed , two of them in England . There is a fashion which has thrust Masonry before the world since our beloved prince and future king became our Grand Master . Hitherto this has probably affected Mark Masonry but little , if at all , but the enrollment of H . R . H . among the rulers of the Mark Degree will doubtless give an impetus to the Order , far beyond anything we may be disposed to
predicate or imagine . Well , let it be popular , only let us be certain our popularity is a tribute to our principles , our worth , and not a rush for fashion and place . In Craft Masonry , the ugly truth cannot be too often put to the front that it is possible for Freemasonry by its very popularity to attract undesirable men—but with the keystone and triple tau it is different . One may not persuade a friend to become a Mason , but being in the Blue , one
may persuade a brother of the desirability of advancing one step further and enlarging the scope of his Masonic knowledge by becoming a worthy Mark Master Mason . There is yet one thing more . Every society , as I have said , takes its complexion and hue from its leaders and rulers . What is true of society at large , of every society in general , is true of the lodge in particular . If the lodge is well ruled , well ordered
it is not only a success , it is a power for good ; if all is loose and slipshod , the reverse effect will be a natural sequence and consequence . Here you have the earnest of success—if the names and reputations of sterling men and Masons as founders , officers , and rulers have any bearing on the future of the lodge , then we may say that a bright and happy future is before the lodge we are about to consecrate this day ; and the motto , thewatchword , I would
place before each brother of this new lodge , aye , every brother who hears me now , for his and our future guidance , is that of the Order in which we have enrolled ourselves . Have the words a meaning , or are they a mere shibboleth of an effete and worn out creed ? It they are real to us , not a mere formula for lip repetition in the ritual of the lodge , they will influence us to such a line of conduct as will command for our Order the respect and
admiration of the outside world . The brethren only as yet in the Craft will seek to join us , in order to know more of our elevating mysteries , and we shall make it acceptable to those in earnest about Masonic work and working . Corn , wine , and oil . What are these ? The symbols which have an ever further reaching meaning to the trul y earnest Mason . They are the emblems of plenty , and well do they remind us , over and above their obvious significance and purpose
in the consecration ceremony , of those virtues which should distinguish us in our day of Masonic prosperity and progress—the virtues most needed in a time of plenty—Temperance and Charity . Let us be temperate in all we do , in our speech and behaviour when in lodge , as well as in our pleasure of refreshment . Let us cultivate the charity that never faileth ; it will be , it is , the very keystone of our mystic arch , too often lost amid the rubbish of our worldly
pursuits , but surely to be found and cherished b y the diligent and honest Craftsman . Charity ! No mere giving or subscribing of alms , though that is a part of it , but a charity which , like its Divine Original , knows neither bound nor limit , and alike never faileth , nor has an end . This grace it is which more than any other will maintain the peace of a lodge , as of a household . It is the salt which preserves us from corruption . It will show itself , where it exists , in the
common place of lodge routine , in the exciting subjects which must sometimes be discussed , and which without it must give rise to heartburnings and discord ; it will make itself felt in the hour of sorrow , and the subscription list of our own noble Charities , and in the closing hours of our existence here , after life ' s fitful fever has worn itself out . It is in this degree in Freemasonry that we are solemnl y enjoined to " do justice , love mercy , practice charity , maintain
harmony , and endeavour to live in unity and brotherly love . Surely if we succeed in this , and in so far as we succeed , we shall nave marked well , and may look forward with firm but humble confidence to our meeting with the G . M . O ., who will surely come to reckon with us , and whose reward is with him . Bro . Gooding was then placed in the chair and saluted , afterwards investing his officers as follows : Bros . Stidolph ,
S . W . ; VV . Kipps , J . W . ; H . Roberts , M . O . ; Partridge , S . O . j Couldry , J . O . ; Satch , Treas , ; Griffin , Sec . ; VV . C . S . Burney , Chap . ; Batchelor , S . D . ; Hunt , J . D . ; Scudder , I . G .: Fowler , Reg . of Marks ; Hatfield and Tuck , Stwds . ; and T . R . Brown , Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremony Bro . Robinson and his assistants were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge , and it was resolved that a vote of thanks should be tendered them ,
and inscribed upon the minutes of the lodge , for the handsome and able manner in which they had carried out the ceremony of consecration that day , and after the brethren thus honoured had returned thanks , the lodge was closed . The brethren subsequently met at a superb banquet , which being disposed of , the usual loyal and Mark Masonic toasts were drunk and severally responded to . The toast of "The Grand Officers" was coupled with
the name of Bro . BINCKES , who in response drew a vivid and eloquent word picture of the rise and progress of the degree in England during the last five and twenty years . He spoke of the struggle the first promoters of it had with the Grand Chapter of Scotland before they could establish a Grand Lodge of their own , and of the bitter opposition the movement had met with from many yet living and distinguished Masons ; but now , he was happy to say , it was
secured upon a solid and firm foundation , and the ranks of its Past Grand Masters were graced by the names of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , H . R . H . the Duke of Albany , and others of the noblest among the historical names of England . They had now for their Grand Master a Scotch nobleman , and in Lord Kintore they had a ruler whose heart and soul was in the degree , and who was as proud of it as they of the degree were proud of him . As for himself , after
27 years of Mark Masonry , 25 of which had been spent as Secretary of Grand Lodge , he could only say that he loved Mark Masonry for itself , and felt sure that there was a grand future before it , although he warned them never to hope that it could ever become part or parcel of the Craft Degree , or in any way allied to the Craft Grand Lodge of
England . Bro . the Rev . T . ROBINSON , in respondingtothetoastof his health as Prov . Grand Master of Kent , explained the position the lodge held with regard to the province as totally different to that of the Craft lodges in Greenwich , the latter being " Metropolitan " and not" Provincial " lodges , and congratulated the brethren of the Borough of Greenwich Mark Lodge upon the fact that they now were allied
Consecration Of The Borough Of Greenwich Mark Lodge.
as brothers with the Mark Masons of Kent . He assured them that the brethren of the province of Kent would only be too pleased of the opportunity of making their acqaintance and of welcoming them to their homes amid the valleys and villages of Kent . He was proud to say the degree was yearly increasing in the province , and felt sure that the Borough of Greeenwich Lodge , being the only open Mark Lodge in Greenwich ( the one at the
College or at the Naval School being a service one , and therefore a close one ) , would prosper ; that was his hearty wish , and also that their esteemed Master , Bro . Gooding , whom he knew so well in Masonry , would have his health to lead them to their prosperity . He thanked them again for the toast and resumed his seat amid applause . The next toast was that of " The D . P . G . M . and rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , " coupled with the name of Bro . Miller , who elegantly responded .
Bro . ROBINSON then proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " and Bro . GOODING returned thanks . Bro . C . J OLLY , P . G . Org . Kent ( Freemason ) , responded for "The Visitors , " and regretted that he had been unable to attend the consecration but felt sure that the Masons of Greenwich would rally round their W . M . and make the lodge one of , if not the strongest in the province . Bro . STIDOLPH returned thanks for "The Officers , " and the Tyler's toast concluded the proceedings . The lodge was furnished by Bro . Geo . Kenning , P . M . 1 .
Consecration Of The Garnett Council Of The Allied Masonic Degrees.
CONSECRATION OF THE GARNETT COUNCIL OF THE ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES .
_ On Thursday , the 20 th inst ., the ceremony of consecration of No . S , and what we feel assured will prove a highly satisfactory and important council , of . the Allied Degrceslin North Lancashire , named after our esteemed and
distinguished Bro . Capt . Garnett , P . P . G . S . W . for West Lancashire , took place at the Masonic Rooms , Lancaster . The Deputy Grand Master of the Allied Degrees , Bro . C . F . Matier , acted as the Consecrating Officer , assisted by VV . Bros . A . Middleton , G . J . D . j J . D . Murray , P . M . 4 , G . S . B . ; Chas S . Lane , Matier Council , T . I . ; VV . Nicholl , W . M . elect Matier Council , T . I . ; VV . VV . Cottam , 4 5 and
others . 'The consecration ceremony , we need hardly say , was most admirably performed by the D . G . M ., who afterwards installed as the first W . M . Bro . C . H . Garnett , 31 , in a most impressive manner , and he in a manner worthy of imitation , and proving that nothing on his part will be wanting as regards the working of the council during his year of
office , invested his officers as follows , all being P . Ms , of some lodge in the town : Bros . II . Longman , S . W . ; E . Simpson , J . W . ; T . Atkinson , Treas . ; R . Stanton , Sec .: VV . Hall , S . D . ; VV . H . Bagnall , J . D . ; B . Gregson , I . G . ; and A . K . Allinson , Tyler . Previous to the consecration the D . G . M . conferred the degrees of Knight of
Constantinople , Red Cross of Babylon , and Grand High Priest on several of the brethren . Votes of thanks having been unanimousl y passed to the D . G . M ., the Grand Officers , and the visitors , the council was closed in due form . The brethren then adjourned to the King ' s Arms Hotel , where supper was provided , after which the usual loyal and customary toasts were given and duly responded to .
The Visit Of The Grand Master To Peterborough.
THE VISIT OF THE GRAND MASTER TO PETERBOROUGH .
The ceremony of laying the foundation-stones of the central tower of Peterborough Cathedral is now definitely fixed to take place on the 7 th of May . The Most Worshipful the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , will perform the ceremony , and , as at Truro , he will be
accompanied b y the Grand Officers . I he Grand Secretary will shortly visit Peterborough with a view of making the necessary arrangements . A lodge of emergency of St . Peter ' s Lodge was called for yesterday ( Thursday ) to arrange for the reception of the Grand Master , and we hope to be able to give full particulars in our next .
Irish Masonic Orphan Schools.
IRISH MASONIC ORPHAN SCHOOLS .
We have been requested to publish the following letterof appeal , which we do with much pleasure and " hearty good wishes" : — " 16 , Molesworth Street , Dublin , 12 th February , 1884 . Dear Brother , —I have to-day at the request of the Governors undertaken to act as Honorary Secretary of the Masonic Orphan Boys' School , and venture to lay before you a statement of the critical position of the Institution ,
\ yith an urgent appeal for your personal assistance as well as your influence with the other Members of our Order . The income from subscriptions from all sources after several years' decline , has , during 18 S 2 and 1 S 83 , slightly increased but is still very far short of the sum required to keep the School efficiently . The amount of subscriptions for the past five years was as follows : 1879 , £ 1606 « . od .:
18 S 0 , £ 1040 is- 2 d . ; 1 SS 1 , £ 9 62 19 s . od . ; 1882 , £ 1052 5 s . gd . ; 18 S 3 , £ 1099 iSs . 7 d . The expenditure during the same period increased , partly owing to the largfc outlay on repairs necessitated by the lamentable condition of the Adelaide Hall premises , and partly by the increase of the number of Pupils , of whom there are now 37 in the School , the largest number ever received . The Governors have been oblirrcd to sell out £ wo of their
invested funds to pay the liabilities incurred during the past twelve months , and unless the income tor the current year can be increased by at least that sum , a further deficit must be apprehended . Meantime the claims for admission were never so numerous or urgent as at the next Election ; no less than iG Orphan Candidates will be competing for two vacancies , the largest number which the present School could admit , even if the state of the finances warranted our
receiving more . You are earnestl y appealed to for "Annual Help , " and for aid in organising , through lodge collections , and otherwise , a system of bringing the claims of this most deserving Charity before the notice of that great majority of
our brethren who as yet are not contributors to its support . " 1 remain , Dear Brother , fraternally yours , R . W . BOYLE . " Assistant Treasurer for England , Bro . VV . E . GUMBLETON , P . G . D ., Belgrove , Quecustown , Ireland , and Junior Carlton Club , Pall Mall , London .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Borough Of Greenwich Mark Lodge.
CONSECRATION OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENWICH MARK LODGE .
This r . ew lodge ' of Mark Master Masons , constituting No . 332 on the roll of Grand Mark lodges of England and VVales , & c , was consecrated on Thursday , the 20 th inst ., at the King William the Fourth , Bro . G . Burney ' s recently restored and magnificently furnished
hotel , in Trafalgar-road , East Greenwich . The ceremony was performed by the R . W . Bro . the Rev . T . Robinson , M . A ., Prov . G . M . M . M . Kent , and P . G . C , assisted by W . Bro . J- G . Podovin , D . P . G . M . M . M . ; R . W . Bro . Fredk . Binckes , G . Mark Sec . ; V . W . Bro . Donald M . Dewar , G . Asst . Sec . ; II . C . Levander , G . R . ; G . Kalley Miller , Prov . G . S . W .: H . Penfold , Prov . G . J . VV . ;
Capt . Eugene Sweny , P . P . G . J . O . ; the Rev . H . Cummings , acting Prov . G . Chaplain -, A . Escott , Prov . G . Reg . of Marks ; T . Poore , Prov . G . L ; S . Catterson , S . O . 230 ; Ralph Gooding , W . M . Bon Accord Lodge , W . M . designate ; E . S . Stidolph , P . M . 22 , S . W . designate ; and VV . Kipps , No . 1 , J . W . designate . The brethren assembled in the anteroom and walked in procession to the
lodge room , and there received and accorded grand honour to Bro . Robinson , the presiding Consecrating Officer , and his colleagues , who opened the lodge and appointed officers pro tern . A ballot was then taken for new members , and proving successful , the following brethren were advanced to the Degree of M . M .: Bros . H . Roberts , P . M . 79 ; H . VV . Partridge , P . M . 79 ; F . Couldry , P . M . 79 ; A . H .
batch , 79 ; J . Griffin , P . M . 933 ; W . C a . Burney , 140 ; VV . H . Burncy , 1 C 9 ; G . Burney , W . M . 1155 ; W . G . Batchelor , P . M . 54 Sj VV . T . Hunt , J . W . 79 ; G . Scuddcr , S . D . 1 O 9 : H . D . Hatfield , J . W . 1320 ; J . G . Thomas , J . D . S 71 ; J . Tuck , S 34 ; and C . Fowler , P . M . <) j . The ceremony of consecration was then proceeded with , and nothing could exceed the impressive and dignified
manner in which our distinguished brother the Prov . Grand Master carried out his duties . Bro . the Rev . H . CUMMINOS delivered the following oration : —R . W . G . M . of our Province and Brethren , —I esteem it a high honour to have been asked by you , R . W . Sir , to address the brethren on this very happy occasion , and in the brief remarks I venture to make I speak with all
diffidence and humility , because it is in the presence of one , brethren , who holds a place in the front rank of Masonic students , one who is justly regarded as one of the most sound and learned authorities in the kingdom . I mean our eminent R . W . Bro . the Prov . G . M . Kent . You , Sir , and others who may be full well acquainted with the history and the antiquity of Mark Masonry , its origin and
progress , will forgive me then if I try to present to you some few thoughts springing out of a review of the circumstances in the history ot this Society for your consideration , which may have a practical value for the younger members of our Order , and those who have only to-day crossed its threshold . Tradition tells us that at the building of King Solomon ' s Temple every man among the many thousands
employed was provided with a distinctive and peculiar mark which he placed upon his work . By these the Overseers were able , not only to trace faulty work to the Craftsman who wrought it , but imposition was prevented . The historical narrative of the Mark Degree is in harmony , not only with this , but also with the history of the Craft and the Royal Arch . The examinations and discoveries of
later years confirm it , and we have no reason to doubt that those hieroglyphics found on the stones of _ buildings all over the world , especially those erected just after the Crusades and during the middle ages , are the signs and marks of Ancient Mark Master Operative Masons . If at any time the ritual of our degree should excite surprise in a brother ' s mind , let him remember that in the construction
of that wondrous Temple of old , and the employment of more than 100 , 000 workmen , a regular system and the nicest judgment were required to control and inspect the whole , whilst unceasing vigilance was necessary if the industrious Craftsman was to be rewarded and the idle interloper to be discovered and punished . Viewed thus , the ritual of the Mark Degree becomes intelligible and
consistent , and we see how we may join the idea of the Mason's mark or sign manual to his work—which having once been selected he had neither to wish nor power to change—with the idea of the Mark or pledge of friendship given to another Mirk Mason , inculcating and calling forth mutual charity and torebearancc , and knitting us together in one common brotherhood of love . Suffice it to say with regard
to the symbols ofaMark Masonry as at once attesting its antiquity they have been discovered on buildings belonging to every age and in every country of the world , from the stones of the Holy Temple itself and the Phoenician Masons of Hiram , Xing of Tyre , down to our own cathedral at Canterbury , and the buildings among us , which are the creations cf modern times . It must be more than
accidental surely , that the Masons' marks , still to be read on the stones of the Great Pyramid of Egypt , are identical with those seen on many an English church . With all this undoubted antiquity the Mark Degree was but little cared for or practised in England until the end of the last century , although long previously held in high esteem in the sister country , Scotland , and in the United States .
We of the present day will not be disposed to find fault with this ; we will be content with our present prosperity , and by looking to the source from which it springs , we shall best sec that line of conduct which will conduce to make it permanent , and render the Order a liiting good to Masonry and to the world . There can be no doubt that rightly approached and understood
there is something very taking in the degree itself . It falls into its own proper place in the ascending scale of Masonic knowledge , finding a recognition from the ruling powers of the Craft , who , while precluded by the Articles of Union from acknowledging and adopting it into ths body of Craft Masony , yet recognised its good , and declared it in 1 S 55 to be , though not essential ,
yet a most graceful appendage to Cralt Masonry . But this : s not all ; like every other order , it depends for its influence for good or ill upon its ruiers and guides . Judged by results , we have every reason to be satisfied with the progress of Mark Masonry . Scarcely 30 years
ago Grand Mark Lodge of England was formed , now 20 , 000 working members range themselves under its banner . During the last two years of Lord Henniker ' s Grand Mastership nearly 3000 brethren have been advanced , an average of 1500 per annum , or an increase of 300 each year upca any previous yearly average . During the last
Consecration Of The Borough Of Greenwich Mark Lodge.
year six new provinces were formed , two of them in England . There is a fashion which has thrust Masonry before the world since our beloved prince and future king became our Grand Master . Hitherto this has probably affected Mark Masonry but little , if at all , but the enrollment of H . R . H . among the rulers of the Mark Degree will doubtless give an impetus to the Order , far beyond anything we may be disposed to
predicate or imagine . Well , let it be popular , only let us be certain our popularity is a tribute to our principles , our worth , and not a rush for fashion and place . In Craft Masonry , the ugly truth cannot be too often put to the front that it is possible for Freemasonry by its very popularity to attract undesirable men—but with the keystone and triple tau it is different . One may not persuade a friend to become a Mason , but being in the Blue , one
may persuade a brother of the desirability of advancing one step further and enlarging the scope of his Masonic knowledge by becoming a worthy Mark Master Mason . There is yet one thing more . Every society , as I have said , takes its complexion and hue from its leaders and rulers . What is true of society at large , of every society in general , is true of the lodge in particular . If the lodge is well ruled , well ordered
it is not only a success , it is a power for good ; if all is loose and slipshod , the reverse effect will be a natural sequence and consequence . Here you have the earnest of success—if the names and reputations of sterling men and Masons as founders , officers , and rulers have any bearing on the future of the lodge , then we may say that a bright and happy future is before the lodge we are about to consecrate this day ; and the motto , thewatchword , I would
place before each brother of this new lodge , aye , every brother who hears me now , for his and our future guidance , is that of the Order in which we have enrolled ourselves . Have the words a meaning , or are they a mere shibboleth of an effete and worn out creed ? It they are real to us , not a mere formula for lip repetition in the ritual of the lodge , they will influence us to such a line of conduct as will command for our Order the respect and
admiration of the outside world . The brethren only as yet in the Craft will seek to join us , in order to know more of our elevating mysteries , and we shall make it acceptable to those in earnest about Masonic work and working . Corn , wine , and oil . What are these ? The symbols which have an ever further reaching meaning to the trul y earnest Mason . They are the emblems of plenty , and well do they remind us , over and above their obvious significance and purpose
in the consecration ceremony , of those virtues which should distinguish us in our day of Masonic prosperity and progress—the virtues most needed in a time of plenty—Temperance and Charity . Let us be temperate in all we do , in our speech and behaviour when in lodge , as well as in our pleasure of refreshment . Let us cultivate the charity that never faileth ; it will be , it is , the very keystone of our mystic arch , too often lost amid the rubbish of our worldly
pursuits , but surely to be found and cherished b y the diligent and honest Craftsman . Charity ! No mere giving or subscribing of alms , though that is a part of it , but a charity which , like its Divine Original , knows neither bound nor limit , and alike never faileth , nor has an end . This grace it is which more than any other will maintain the peace of a lodge , as of a household . It is the salt which preserves us from corruption . It will show itself , where it exists , in the
common place of lodge routine , in the exciting subjects which must sometimes be discussed , and which without it must give rise to heartburnings and discord ; it will make itself felt in the hour of sorrow , and the subscription list of our own noble Charities , and in the closing hours of our existence here , after life ' s fitful fever has worn itself out . It is in this degree in Freemasonry that we are solemnl y enjoined to " do justice , love mercy , practice charity , maintain
harmony , and endeavour to live in unity and brotherly love . Surely if we succeed in this , and in so far as we succeed , we shall nave marked well , and may look forward with firm but humble confidence to our meeting with the G . M . O ., who will surely come to reckon with us , and whose reward is with him . Bro . Gooding was then placed in the chair and saluted , afterwards investing his officers as follows : Bros . Stidolph ,
S . W . ; VV . Kipps , J . W . ; H . Roberts , M . O . ; Partridge , S . O . j Couldry , J . O . ; Satch , Treas , ; Griffin , Sec . ; VV . C . S . Burney , Chap . ; Batchelor , S . D . ; Hunt , J . D . ; Scudder , I . G .: Fowler , Reg . of Marks ; Hatfield and Tuck , Stwds . ; and T . R . Brown , Tyler . At the conclusion of the ceremony Bro . Robinson and his assistants were unanimously elected honorary members of the lodge , and it was resolved that a vote of thanks should be tendered them ,
and inscribed upon the minutes of the lodge , for the handsome and able manner in which they had carried out the ceremony of consecration that day , and after the brethren thus honoured had returned thanks , the lodge was closed . The brethren subsequently met at a superb banquet , which being disposed of , the usual loyal and Mark Masonic toasts were drunk and severally responded to . The toast of "The Grand Officers" was coupled with
the name of Bro . BINCKES , who in response drew a vivid and eloquent word picture of the rise and progress of the degree in England during the last five and twenty years . He spoke of the struggle the first promoters of it had with the Grand Chapter of Scotland before they could establish a Grand Lodge of their own , and of the bitter opposition the movement had met with from many yet living and distinguished Masons ; but now , he was happy to say , it was
secured upon a solid and firm foundation , and the ranks of its Past Grand Masters were graced by the names of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , H . R . H . the Duke of Albany , and others of the noblest among the historical names of England . They had now for their Grand Master a Scotch nobleman , and in Lord Kintore they had a ruler whose heart and soul was in the degree , and who was as proud of it as they of the degree were proud of him . As for himself , after
27 years of Mark Masonry , 25 of which had been spent as Secretary of Grand Lodge , he could only say that he loved Mark Masonry for itself , and felt sure that there was a grand future before it , although he warned them never to hope that it could ever become part or parcel of the Craft Degree , or in any way allied to the Craft Grand Lodge of
England . Bro . the Rev . T . ROBINSON , in respondingtothetoastof his health as Prov . Grand Master of Kent , explained the position the lodge held with regard to the province as totally different to that of the Craft lodges in Greenwich , the latter being " Metropolitan " and not" Provincial " lodges , and congratulated the brethren of the Borough of Greenwich Mark Lodge upon the fact that they now were allied
Consecration Of The Borough Of Greenwich Mark Lodge.
as brothers with the Mark Masons of Kent . He assured them that the brethren of the province of Kent would only be too pleased of the opportunity of making their acqaintance and of welcoming them to their homes amid the valleys and villages of Kent . He was proud to say the degree was yearly increasing in the province , and felt sure that the Borough of Greeenwich Lodge , being the only open Mark Lodge in Greenwich ( the one at the
College or at the Naval School being a service one , and therefore a close one ) , would prosper ; that was his hearty wish , and also that their esteemed Master , Bro . Gooding , whom he knew so well in Masonry , would have his health to lead them to their prosperity . He thanked them again for the toast and resumed his seat amid applause . The next toast was that of " The D . P . G . M . and rest of the Prov . Grand Officers , " coupled with the name of Bro . Miller , who elegantly responded .
Bro . ROBINSON then proposed the toast of "The W . M ., " and Bro . GOODING returned thanks . Bro . C . J OLLY , P . G . Org . Kent ( Freemason ) , responded for "The Visitors , " and regretted that he had been unable to attend the consecration but felt sure that the Masons of Greenwich would rally round their W . M . and make the lodge one of , if not the strongest in the province . Bro . STIDOLPH returned thanks for "The Officers , " and the Tyler's toast concluded the proceedings . The lodge was furnished by Bro . Geo . Kenning , P . M . 1 .
Consecration Of The Garnett Council Of The Allied Masonic Degrees.
CONSECRATION OF THE GARNETT COUNCIL OF THE ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES .
_ On Thursday , the 20 th inst ., the ceremony of consecration of No . S , and what we feel assured will prove a highly satisfactory and important council , of . the Allied Degrceslin North Lancashire , named after our esteemed and
distinguished Bro . Capt . Garnett , P . P . G . S . W . for West Lancashire , took place at the Masonic Rooms , Lancaster . The Deputy Grand Master of the Allied Degrees , Bro . C . F . Matier , acted as the Consecrating Officer , assisted by VV . Bros . A . Middleton , G . J . D . j J . D . Murray , P . M . 4 , G . S . B . ; Chas S . Lane , Matier Council , T . I . ; VV . Nicholl , W . M . elect Matier Council , T . I . ; VV . VV . Cottam , 4 5 and
others . 'The consecration ceremony , we need hardly say , was most admirably performed by the D . G . M ., who afterwards installed as the first W . M . Bro . C . H . Garnett , 31 , in a most impressive manner , and he in a manner worthy of imitation , and proving that nothing on his part will be wanting as regards the working of the council during his year of
office , invested his officers as follows , all being P . Ms , of some lodge in the town : Bros . II . Longman , S . W . ; E . Simpson , J . W . ; T . Atkinson , Treas . ; R . Stanton , Sec .: VV . Hall , S . D . ; VV . H . Bagnall , J . D . ; B . Gregson , I . G . ; and A . K . Allinson , Tyler . Previous to the consecration the D . G . M . conferred the degrees of Knight of
Constantinople , Red Cross of Babylon , and Grand High Priest on several of the brethren . Votes of thanks having been unanimousl y passed to the D . G . M ., the Grand Officers , and the visitors , the council was closed in due form . The brethren then adjourned to the King ' s Arms Hotel , where supper was provided , after which the usual loyal and customary toasts were given and duly responded to .
The Visit Of The Grand Master To Peterborough.
THE VISIT OF THE GRAND MASTER TO PETERBOROUGH .
The ceremony of laying the foundation-stones of the central tower of Peterborough Cathedral is now definitely fixed to take place on the 7 th of May . The Most Worshipful the Grand Master , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , will perform the ceremony , and , as at Truro , he will be
accompanied b y the Grand Officers . I he Grand Secretary will shortly visit Peterborough with a view of making the necessary arrangements . A lodge of emergency of St . Peter ' s Lodge was called for yesterday ( Thursday ) to arrange for the reception of the Grand Master , and we hope to be able to give full particulars in our next .
Irish Masonic Orphan Schools.
IRISH MASONIC ORPHAN SCHOOLS .
We have been requested to publish the following letterof appeal , which we do with much pleasure and " hearty good wishes" : — " 16 , Molesworth Street , Dublin , 12 th February , 1884 . Dear Brother , —I have to-day at the request of the Governors undertaken to act as Honorary Secretary of the Masonic Orphan Boys' School , and venture to lay before you a statement of the critical position of the Institution ,
\ yith an urgent appeal for your personal assistance as well as your influence with the other Members of our Order . The income from subscriptions from all sources after several years' decline , has , during 18 S 2 and 1 S 83 , slightly increased but is still very far short of the sum required to keep the School efficiently . The amount of subscriptions for the past five years was as follows : 1879 , £ 1606 « . od .:
18 S 0 , £ 1040 is- 2 d . ; 1 SS 1 , £ 9 62 19 s . od . ; 1882 , £ 1052 5 s . gd . ; 18 S 3 , £ 1099 iSs . 7 d . The expenditure during the same period increased , partly owing to the largfc outlay on repairs necessitated by the lamentable condition of the Adelaide Hall premises , and partly by the increase of the number of Pupils , of whom there are now 37 in the School , the largest number ever received . The Governors have been oblirrcd to sell out £ wo of their
invested funds to pay the liabilities incurred during the past twelve months , and unless the income tor the current year can be increased by at least that sum , a further deficit must be apprehended . Meantime the claims for admission were never so numerous or urgent as at the next Election ; no less than iG Orphan Candidates will be competing for two vacancies , the largest number which the present School could admit , even if the state of the finances warranted our
receiving more . You are earnestl y appealed to for "Annual Help , " and for aid in organising , through lodge collections , and otherwise , a system of bringing the claims of this most deserving Charity before the notice of that great majority of
our brethren who as yet are not contributors to its support . " 1 remain , Dear Brother , fraternally yours , R . W . BOYLE . " Assistant Treasurer for England , Bro . VV . E . GUMBLETON , P . G . D ., Belgrove , Quecustown , Ireland , and Junior Carlton Club , Pall Mall , London .