-
Articles/Ads
Article PRESENTATION TO BRO. T. B. WHYTEHEAD, AT YORK. ← Page 2 of 2 Article NEW MASONIC TEMPLE IN THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Page 1 of 1 Article NEW MASONIC TEMPLE IN THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. Page 1 of 1 Article ABOUT PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS AGAIN. Page 1 of 1 Article A LODGE OF SORROW IN AMERICA. Page 1 of 1 Article A LODGE OF SORROW IN AMERICA. Page 1 of 1 Article Obituary. Page 1 of 1 Article France. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation To Bro. T. B. Whytehead, At York.
vancement , after which the lodge was closed amid " Hearty good wishes , " and Bro . Whytehead received the personal congratulations of the lodge . The address was signed by the following brethren : Bros . Rev W . C . Lukis , W . M . ; Rev . W . Valentine , I . P . M . ; J . S . Cumberland , S . W . ; C . G . Padel , J . W . ; G . Garbutt . JM . O . ; M . Millington , S . O . ; A . T . B . Turner , 7 . 0 . ; T . I . Wilkinson , Chaplain ; J . R . Jackson , Reg . of
Marks ; P . G . Hodgson , S . D . ; T . Humphries , J . D .: F . Smith and W . Harrison , Stewards ; W . B . Dyson , I . G . ; P . Pearson , Tyler ; R . W . Hollin , P . M . ; Sir James Meek , P . M .- ; J . Todd , P . M . ; G . Balmford , P . M . ; W . Lawtin , S . Maltby , J . Terry , C . D . Barstow , M . Cooper , J . Shilleto , T . W . Wilson , W . T . Gowland , H . Churchill , G . Moore , J ; T . Seller , P . S . Camidge , J . Redfare , W . H . Gainforth , I . F . Taylor , W . Paley , G . C . Lee , T . E . Abbey , J . E .
Wilkinson , R . Walker , G . H . Hebblethwaite , G . Irving , C . Palliser ,-W . M . Briggs , W . Hill , T . D . Smith , Rev . James Blake , and E . T . Clark . After the closing of the lodge an adjournment was made to the banqueting room , where a bountiful supper was served by Bro . Calvert . The cloth having been withdrawn , Bro . Balmford , who presided , gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .
Bro . WHYTEHEAD , in responding to the Grand Mark Lodge , said it was the first time he had been called upon to discharge that duty , but he did it with great pleasure , feeling sure from the evident zest with which the Grand Master , Lord Henniker , entered into the spirit of the hour at the last Grand lodge that he was a worthy successor to Lord Lathom . The immense success of the Order and its rapid increase and prosperity were in themselves signs that
the leaders of the Order had their hearts in the work . "The Health of Bro . Whytehead" was given by Bro . Cumberland , who spoke in high terms of his Masonic career of usefulness , and trusted they might long have the pleasure and profit of his fraternal association . In reply Bro . Whytehead again thanked the brethren for their unexpected gift , and assured the brethren that every Masonic meetine at which he was privilerred to be present only
added to the love which he had at first conceived for the Order , and that whether it was the Craft or any of the outside Degrees , the pleasure of the working as well as of the social gathering were always white stones in his dail y life . He should always look upon thc brethren of the York Mark Lodge with the kindliest and most fraternal feelings . "The Health of theW . M . the Rey . VV . C . Lukis " was cordially drank in absentia , alter which Bro . VVhytehcad
gave the '" Visitors , " referring to thc delight which it gave them to . see their old friend and Masonic veteran , Bro . Beanland amongst them , as also Bro . Middleton who was always welcome in York , and llro . Meek who , by birth a York man , was also a member of several Masonic bodies in York , who was advanced in the York Mark Lodge , and whom he ( Bro . Whytehead ) had the honour to see installed as first Master of the Darlington Mark Lodge
and had himself installed as first Master of the Middlesbro ' Mark Lodge . Each of thc visitors responded , after which "The Health of Bro . Balmford , P . M ., " "The first Master of the lodge under the Grand Mark Lodge , " and " The Past Masters and Officers of the lodge" was proposed and most heartily received . Soon afterwards thc brethren separated , after
passing an exceedingly pleasant evening . On the P . G . Overseer ' s breast jewel , which formed a portion of the presentation , was engraved : " Presented to V . W . Bro . T . li . Whytehead , York Mark Lodge ( T . I . ) , Past Grand Master Overseer , by the brethren of the York Mark Lodge as a warm token of their esteem . 19 th July , 1 SS 1 . "
New Masonic Temple In The Bahama Islands.
NEW MASONIC TEMPLE IN THE BAHAMA ISLANDS .
A largely attended meeting of the Freemasons of Nassau ( Bahama Islands ) was held at the Masonic Hall on the 20 th ult ., for purposes connected with the erection of their proposed Masonic Temple . Bro . A . J . Thompson P . Z ., was unanimously elected
Chairman , and in thc course of an able and eloquent speech dealt with the various subjects under the consideration of the ' meeting , commenting severely upon the apathy which had characterised the proceedings of the Trustees of the Building Fund in former years—an apathy which had so long rendered abortive all efforts to erect a temple adequate to the increasing wants of Masonry in the Bahamas , and
not unworthy of the great Craft whose rites were to be celebrated within its walls . The Trustees , he was bound to say , had altogether mistaken their functions and the position in which they stood towards the lodges , as whose servants it was their duty to act , instead of assuming the role ot dictators , and steadily pursuinga course of obstruction with regard to the erection of the building . He referred
in support of his position to an opinion of Sir George Anderson , who at the time was Attorney-General of the Colony and the Provincial Grand Master . But though the length of time which [ had elapsed since the project was first entertained had not been wholly productive of evil , since it had allowed the accumulation of the funds at the disposal ofthe lodges , hejconsidered it an argument against
further delay , and ably advocated the necessity for immediate action , pointingout the advantages that would accrue to the Fraternity from the erection of an edifice such as that contemplated on thc plans before them—an edifice thet would not only reflect credit on the Craft , but be an ornament to the city ; and he showed that the funds ( £ 2500 ) at present at the disposal of the lodges , were
fully adequate to justify the immediate action he urged ; ancl he appealed to the meeting to at once set about the removal of any and all obstructions to the desired end , should it even necessitate thc removal of the Trustees themselves and the appointment of others who had the interest of thc Craft more at heart . He pledged himself , as one of the Trustees , that should certain resolutions which he would have thc honour of submitting to them later on ,
be adopted , the notices which he had already prepared , talln r for tenders for the erection of the proposed building , should go forth to the press of this city ere he quitted that hall ; and he concluded by expressing the hope that the consummation of their long cherished expectations would now bc shortly realised . It was then moved that Bro . A . J . Thompson , P . Z ., thc Chairman of this meeting , be requested to lay the foundation-stone of the new Masonic 1 emple . The motion was carried unanimously , as it vvas felt that on none could the
New Masonic Temple In The Bahama Islands.
honour be more fittingly conferred than on one to whom Masonry in the Bahamas owes so much , and to whose exertions , in conjunction with those of the Building Committee , it is mainly due that the long-desired Masonic Temple is at last about to become unfait accompli . The CHAIRMAN then called upon Bro . Dr . Chipman to
act as the Secretary cf the meeting , and after reading the reports of the Building Committee several resolutions were put from the Chair and adopted . A unanimous vote of thanks having been accorded to Bro . Thompson , P . Z ., for the able manner in which he had conducted the meeting , the proceedings were brought to a
termination . The building , we perceive by the plan , will be about sixty feet wide , fifty feet deep , and fifty feet high . It will have three stories , and be crowned by a handsome dome . The facade will be ornamented by four pillars in relievo . There will be five bay windows on each of the upper stories , and the lower rooms will be fitted up as stores . Nearly all the
space of the second story will be occupied by one large chamber , considerably exceeding 2000 square feet in area . This will be available for use as a Concertroom , Lecture-hall , or Ball-room . The remainder of the building will be dedicated exclusively to Masonic purposes . We congratulate the fraternity on the prospect of having at last a handsome Temple for their Masonic meetings , and the community on having a suitable hall for social purposes .
About Public Installations Again.
ABOUT PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS AGAIN .
The Voice of Masonry says that "the Keystone has gone wild on the matter of public installations . " Not so , Bro . Voice . You are—if not wild—the champion of those who are , while we adhere to the old paths and to the dictates of wisdom and prudence . The Voice winds up its ex
cathedra deliverance evidently in a pet , remarking , ' Now , Bro . Keystone , be consistent , and either stop your nonsense about public installations , or cease publishing Masonic doings altogether . " What a non-sequitur 1 We publish a newspaper for Masons , and only Masons care to take it and pay for it ; but a public installation is professedly for the tublic — the brofanc . anybody and everybody who
cares to come , and all are invited to come . The Voice says , further : "The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has decided to celebrate its Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary June 24 th , 1 SS 2 . We sec the Editor of the Keystone reported the resolutions to that effect , which were adopted , and , as he is a most obstinate advocate of perfect secrecy in Masonic
doings , we infer that the celebration is to be confined within the tyled recesses of the Grand Lodge Hall . There can be no consistency in having any of it public , IF his theory is correct . " Another non-sequitur , Bro . Voice . Wherever the Sesqui-Centennial Celebration shall be held , the Work of Masonry will not be exposed therein before a
miscellaneous audience . We can scarcely believe that our brother cannot discriminate between an address on Masonry and the performance of a part of the Work of Masonry in public . Nevertheless , it would seem otherwise , since the Voice says , in another place : " The latest claim of the Keystone is that public installations are not an exercise of liberty , but of license . Well ,
some people inevitably ' get off their base , ' and we fear that is now the trouble with the Keystone . Weekly it gives publicity to Masonic doings , and yet calls the public use of monitorial installation language license . It asks , ' Is this " phunny , "; too ? ' and we reply , it is very ' phunny . ' " It is one thing to publish a newspaper for Masons , and quite another to invite tbe profane up to a Masonic
lodgeroom to witness the -work of the Craft , for the installation ceremonies are a part of our work . Our brother deservedly gets little sympathy for his views on either side of the Atlantic . The London Freemason of the 25 th ult . says : " We quite agree with the conclusions of an article which appeared last week in the Freemason—though not in the
leading page—with reference to the so-called' public installations ' in America . They are both a misnomer and a serious departure from Masonic precedent , utterly unconstitutional , and likely to be productive of most serious evils . Perhaps it is not for us to criticise overmuch what takes place outside our own jurisdiction ; but as we believe that this new excitement is both a ' fad ' and a blunder , we think it well , in all due deference and roodwill , to call the attention
of our good brethren in the United States to this altogether mistaken view both of what an installation of a W . M . is in Masonry and what it is meant to be . " In conclusion , we would say that we drjn ' t see anything " phunny " in exposing any of the lodge-room ceremonies of Freemasonry , and we think that those brethren who are guilty of such an act degrade thereby the high character of the Fraternity , and obtain a little cheap popularity with the profane , at a great sacrifice of principle .
A Lodge Of Sorrow In America.
A LODGE OF SORROW IN AMERICA .
The funeral of the late Bro . Dr . Mackey , at Washington , was probably one of the most imposing ever held in that city . All the branches of the Institution were represented and the church was filled to its utmost capacity . The floral offerings were numerous , and as described , most artistic . The ceremonies were lengthy , but we only
mention one episode as specialy striking , thus : The venerable Albert Pike , whose long white hair and imposing presence gives him a patriarchal appearance , then ascended the pulpit and commenced the beautiful ritual of the " Lodge of Sorrow " of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite . This " Lodge of Sorrow , " while it has been held in this city three times previously , has never before had the remains of the deceased at its
working . The impressive and exalted language of the ritual was most effectivel y rendered by Bro . Pike , Grand Commander of the Supreme Council , acting as Master ; Samuel T . Schofield , of Albert Pike Consistory , as Senior Warden ; and John Wilson , also of Albert Pike Consistory , as Junior Warden . The long friendship and fraternal relations that had existed between the deceased and Bro . Pike evidently deepl y affected the latter , and his stern voice trembled with emotion many times , and especially as he stepped from the pulpit and took the lighted torch in his
A Lodge Of Sorrow In America.
hand , waving it and repeatedly calling : " Brother , we mourn for thee ; we call upon thee to answer us . ' Dost thou hear the call ? " Just as he did this a ray of sunlight from the window at tlie west streamed across the church and lit up his venerable head with a halo of light that gave him the appearance of a grand old saint ; and the tinge of sadness in his voice as he continued the ritual— " Our Brother answers not our call "—heightened the illusion .
The music consisted of the ritua'istic chants and hymns , and the singingof Handel'scharming air , "Angels Ever Bright and Fair , exquisitely rendered by Miss Eva Mills . As her pure , sweet voice vocalised the beautiful melody which reverberated through the vaulted arches of the building , a sincere hope in the heart of every Mason silently harmonised the phrase " Take , oh , take him to your care . " At
the conclusion of the Masonic service the plate was removed from the casket , and the family and friends took a last farewell of the deceased . The remains were subsequently interred in Glenwood Cemetery , with the rites of Symbolic Masonry , conducted by Bro . M . W . Noble D . Larner , Grand Master of the District of Columbia .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . ROBERT H . THOMAS . We regret to note the death of this zealous brother , who has for so many years been distinguished as a Masonic collector and librarian . Something like nine years ago we had the pleasure of meeting him personally for the first time , and we well remember the pardonable pride he took in showing the rapidly increasing library of Kane Lodge
the result of his own intelligent efforts . This library has since grown into fine proportions , and the merits of Bro . Thomas were recognised by the Grand Lodge of New York , which made him its Grand Librarian . For some time past his health has been seriously affected , and new
the sad intelligence comes that he died at Portch ester , N . Y ., June 6 th , in the sixty-second year of his age . Compared with many he was yet a young man , but his work in behalf of Masonry and Masonic literature had endeared him to a wide circle of friends and brethren , who will continue to hold him in remembrance . —The Liberal Freemason .
BRO . THOMAS MEGGY . VVe regret to record the death of Bro . Thomas Meggy , which occurred at his residence on Wednesday , the 20 th inst . Bro . Meggy was well known in London Masonic circles , and has been an active worker and supporter of * , the Charities for many years . He was initiated in the Fitzroy Lodge , No . 5 69 , in October , 1 S 62 , and occupied
the chair of W . M . in 1 S 67 . He joined the Emulation Lodge , No . 21 , in November , 1 S 63 , was W . M . in 1 S 70 , and continued a member to the time of his death . Was also Grand Steward in 1 S 69 . In the Royal Arch our brother was exalted in Chapter Lily of Richmond , No . 820 , in June , 1 S 64 , and joined the Westminster and Keystone in 1 S 74 . Bro . Meggy took an especial interest in the Mark Degree , to which he was advanced in February , 1863 , in
the Old Kent Lodge . He joined the Thistle , No . 8 , in December of the same year , and was one of the founders of the Macdonald Mark Lodge , No . 104 , in 1 S 69 . His appointments in the Grand Mark Lodge were : Grand Steward 1 S 64 , and Grand Master Overseer 1 S 6 S . He was also Auditor of the Grand Mark Lodge . His efforts on behalf of the three Masonic Institutions were persistent , and he was a Vice-Patron of each .
France.
France .
LES HEROS DE L'HUMANITE . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , tbe 20 th inst ., in the Masonic Temple , Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau . There were present as officers Bros . Putraire Venerable ; , Bernard , ist Surveillant ; Dumont , 2 nd Surveillant ; Roche , Orator ; and Retont Secretary . The attendance was not large owing to the great heat . Among the visitors were Bros . VVittslock , Bedouin Lodge , Leipsic ;
G . Collas Dickey , Royal Savoy Lodge , London ; and VV . R . Davis , Vitruvian Lodge , London . The meeting had been called for eight o'clock but it was after half-past eight when the lodge was duly opened in the name of T . G . A . O . T . U . The Secretary then read the minutes of the last meeting which were at once confirmed , and the Venerable read the correspondence . It consists chiefly of summonses from other lodges , and letters of excuse from brethren unable to
attend the meeting . As one of the brethren so excusing himself stated that he was ill in bed , three of the brethren present were at once appointed to visit him in the name of the lodge . Some conversation then took place respecting the summer banquet to be held in August . After which the Venerable read the three reports upon the candidates for initiation , Ms . Valens and Garnicr , which reports strongly recommended their reception . The third ballot was then
taken for them and was declared to be unanimous in their favour . As the candidates were not ready , a brother read an essay upon " God , " in which he strongly attacked the droctrine of " Comtism ; " thc lodge having warmly thanked him , the candidates were announced to be ready , and being dul y admitted were submitted to the "proof" through which they successfully passed . They were then received
by the Venerable with the customary salutation and welcomed by the brethren with a " triple fire . " The mystic circle was then formed and the pass word for the next half year was communicated . After this several brethren were appointed to call upon those members of the lodge who had not attended for some time , to ascertain the reason of such absence . After a " triple fire " had been given in honour of the visitors the lodge was closed in the usual manner .
On \ V ednesday , at one o ' clock , General Sir R . Dacres , G . C . B ., was installed as Constable of the Tower of London . His commission as Lord-Lieutenant and Constable was duly read , Lord Kcnmare , the Lord Chamberlain , being present . The troops presented arms , and the keys of the "palace , fortress , ana prison , " were then handed to him . The ceremony concluded with an inspec * tion of the troops .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation To Bro. T. B. Whytehead, At York.
vancement , after which the lodge was closed amid " Hearty good wishes , " and Bro . Whytehead received the personal congratulations of the lodge . The address was signed by the following brethren : Bros . Rev W . C . Lukis , W . M . ; Rev . W . Valentine , I . P . M . ; J . S . Cumberland , S . W . ; C . G . Padel , J . W . ; G . Garbutt . JM . O . ; M . Millington , S . O . ; A . T . B . Turner , 7 . 0 . ; T . I . Wilkinson , Chaplain ; J . R . Jackson , Reg . of
Marks ; P . G . Hodgson , S . D . ; T . Humphries , J . D .: F . Smith and W . Harrison , Stewards ; W . B . Dyson , I . G . ; P . Pearson , Tyler ; R . W . Hollin , P . M . ; Sir James Meek , P . M .- ; J . Todd , P . M . ; G . Balmford , P . M . ; W . Lawtin , S . Maltby , J . Terry , C . D . Barstow , M . Cooper , J . Shilleto , T . W . Wilson , W . T . Gowland , H . Churchill , G . Moore , J ; T . Seller , P . S . Camidge , J . Redfare , W . H . Gainforth , I . F . Taylor , W . Paley , G . C . Lee , T . E . Abbey , J . E .
Wilkinson , R . Walker , G . H . Hebblethwaite , G . Irving , C . Palliser ,-W . M . Briggs , W . Hill , T . D . Smith , Rev . James Blake , and E . T . Clark . After the closing of the lodge an adjournment was made to the banqueting room , where a bountiful supper was served by Bro . Calvert . The cloth having been withdrawn , Bro . Balmford , who presided , gave the usual loyal and Masonic toasts .
Bro . WHYTEHEAD , in responding to the Grand Mark Lodge , said it was the first time he had been called upon to discharge that duty , but he did it with great pleasure , feeling sure from the evident zest with which the Grand Master , Lord Henniker , entered into the spirit of the hour at the last Grand lodge that he was a worthy successor to Lord Lathom . The immense success of the Order and its rapid increase and prosperity were in themselves signs that
the leaders of the Order had their hearts in the work . "The Health of Bro . Whytehead" was given by Bro . Cumberland , who spoke in high terms of his Masonic career of usefulness , and trusted they might long have the pleasure and profit of his fraternal association . In reply Bro . Whytehead again thanked the brethren for their unexpected gift , and assured the brethren that every Masonic meetine at which he was privilerred to be present only
added to the love which he had at first conceived for the Order , and that whether it was the Craft or any of the outside Degrees , the pleasure of the working as well as of the social gathering were always white stones in his dail y life . He should always look upon thc brethren of the York Mark Lodge with the kindliest and most fraternal feelings . "The Health of theW . M . the Rey . VV . C . Lukis " was cordially drank in absentia , alter which Bro . VVhytehcad
gave the '" Visitors , " referring to thc delight which it gave them to . see their old friend and Masonic veteran , Bro . Beanland amongst them , as also Bro . Middleton who was always welcome in York , and llro . Meek who , by birth a York man , was also a member of several Masonic bodies in York , who was advanced in the York Mark Lodge , and whom he ( Bro . Whytehead ) had the honour to see installed as first Master of the Darlington Mark Lodge
and had himself installed as first Master of the Middlesbro ' Mark Lodge . Each of thc visitors responded , after which "The Health of Bro . Balmford , P . M ., " "The first Master of the lodge under the Grand Mark Lodge , " and " The Past Masters and Officers of the lodge" was proposed and most heartily received . Soon afterwards thc brethren separated , after
passing an exceedingly pleasant evening . On the P . G . Overseer ' s breast jewel , which formed a portion of the presentation , was engraved : " Presented to V . W . Bro . T . li . Whytehead , York Mark Lodge ( T . I . ) , Past Grand Master Overseer , by the brethren of the York Mark Lodge as a warm token of their esteem . 19 th July , 1 SS 1 . "
New Masonic Temple In The Bahama Islands.
NEW MASONIC TEMPLE IN THE BAHAMA ISLANDS .
A largely attended meeting of the Freemasons of Nassau ( Bahama Islands ) was held at the Masonic Hall on the 20 th ult ., for purposes connected with the erection of their proposed Masonic Temple . Bro . A . J . Thompson P . Z ., was unanimously elected
Chairman , and in thc course of an able and eloquent speech dealt with the various subjects under the consideration of the ' meeting , commenting severely upon the apathy which had characterised the proceedings of the Trustees of the Building Fund in former years—an apathy which had so long rendered abortive all efforts to erect a temple adequate to the increasing wants of Masonry in the Bahamas , and
not unworthy of the great Craft whose rites were to be celebrated within its walls . The Trustees , he was bound to say , had altogether mistaken their functions and the position in which they stood towards the lodges , as whose servants it was their duty to act , instead of assuming the role ot dictators , and steadily pursuinga course of obstruction with regard to the erection of the building . He referred
in support of his position to an opinion of Sir George Anderson , who at the time was Attorney-General of the Colony and the Provincial Grand Master . But though the length of time which [ had elapsed since the project was first entertained had not been wholly productive of evil , since it had allowed the accumulation of the funds at the disposal ofthe lodges , hejconsidered it an argument against
further delay , and ably advocated the necessity for immediate action , pointingout the advantages that would accrue to the Fraternity from the erection of an edifice such as that contemplated on thc plans before them—an edifice thet would not only reflect credit on the Craft , but be an ornament to the city ; and he showed that the funds ( £ 2500 ) at present at the disposal of the lodges , were
fully adequate to justify the immediate action he urged ; ancl he appealed to the meeting to at once set about the removal of any and all obstructions to the desired end , should it even necessitate thc removal of the Trustees themselves and the appointment of others who had the interest of thc Craft more at heart . He pledged himself , as one of the Trustees , that should certain resolutions which he would have thc honour of submitting to them later on ,
be adopted , the notices which he had already prepared , talln r for tenders for the erection of the proposed building , should go forth to the press of this city ere he quitted that hall ; and he concluded by expressing the hope that the consummation of their long cherished expectations would now bc shortly realised . It was then moved that Bro . A . J . Thompson , P . Z ., thc Chairman of this meeting , be requested to lay the foundation-stone of the new Masonic 1 emple . The motion was carried unanimously , as it vvas felt that on none could the
New Masonic Temple In The Bahama Islands.
honour be more fittingly conferred than on one to whom Masonry in the Bahamas owes so much , and to whose exertions , in conjunction with those of the Building Committee , it is mainly due that the long-desired Masonic Temple is at last about to become unfait accompli . The CHAIRMAN then called upon Bro . Dr . Chipman to
act as the Secretary cf the meeting , and after reading the reports of the Building Committee several resolutions were put from the Chair and adopted . A unanimous vote of thanks having been accorded to Bro . Thompson , P . Z ., for the able manner in which he had conducted the meeting , the proceedings were brought to a
termination . The building , we perceive by the plan , will be about sixty feet wide , fifty feet deep , and fifty feet high . It will have three stories , and be crowned by a handsome dome . The facade will be ornamented by four pillars in relievo . There will be five bay windows on each of the upper stories , and the lower rooms will be fitted up as stores . Nearly all the
space of the second story will be occupied by one large chamber , considerably exceeding 2000 square feet in area . This will be available for use as a Concertroom , Lecture-hall , or Ball-room . The remainder of the building will be dedicated exclusively to Masonic purposes . We congratulate the fraternity on the prospect of having at last a handsome Temple for their Masonic meetings , and the community on having a suitable hall for social purposes .
About Public Installations Again.
ABOUT PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS AGAIN .
The Voice of Masonry says that "the Keystone has gone wild on the matter of public installations . " Not so , Bro . Voice . You are—if not wild—the champion of those who are , while we adhere to the old paths and to the dictates of wisdom and prudence . The Voice winds up its ex
cathedra deliverance evidently in a pet , remarking , ' Now , Bro . Keystone , be consistent , and either stop your nonsense about public installations , or cease publishing Masonic doings altogether . " What a non-sequitur 1 We publish a newspaper for Masons , and only Masons care to take it and pay for it ; but a public installation is professedly for the tublic — the brofanc . anybody and everybody who
cares to come , and all are invited to come . The Voice says , further : "The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has decided to celebrate its Sesqui-Centennial Anniversary June 24 th , 1 SS 2 . We sec the Editor of the Keystone reported the resolutions to that effect , which were adopted , and , as he is a most obstinate advocate of perfect secrecy in Masonic
doings , we infer that the celebration is to be confined within the tyled recesses of the Grand Lodge Hall . There can be no consistency in having any of it public , IF his theory is correct . " Another non-sequitur , Bro . Voice . Wherever the Sesqui-Centennial Celebration shall be held , the Work of Masonry will not be exposed therein before a
miscellaneous audience . We can scarcely believe that our brother cannot discriminate between an address on Masonry and the performance of a part of the Work of Masonry in public . Nevertheless , it would seem otherwise , since the Voice says , in another place : " The latest claim of the Keystone is that public installations are not an exercise of liberty , but of license . Well ,
some people inevitably ' get off their base , ' and we fear that is now the trouble with the Keystone . Weekly it gives publicity to Masonic doings , and yet calls the public use of monitorial installation language license . It asks , ' Is this " phunny , "; too ? ' and we reply , it is very ' phunny . ' " It is one thing to publish a newspaper for Masons , and quite another to invite tbe profane up to a Masonic
lodgeroom to witness the -work of the Craft , for the installation ceremonies are a part of our work . Our brother deservedly gets little sympathy for his views on either side of the Atlantic . The London Freemason of the 25 th ult . says : " We quite agree with the conclusions of an article which appeared last week in the Freemason—though not in the
leading page—with reference to the so-called' public installations ' in America . They are both a misnomer and a serious departure from Masonic precedent , utterly unconstitutional , and likely to be productive of most serious evils . Perhaps it is not for us to criticise overmuch what takes place outside our own jurisdiction ; but as we believe that this new excitement is both a ' fad ' and a blunder , we think it well , in all due deference and roodwill , to call the attention
of our good brethren in the United States to this altogether mistaken view both of what an installation of a W . M . is in Masonry and what it is meant to be . " In conclusion , we would say that we drjn ' t see anything " phunny " in exposing any of the lodge-room ceremonies of Freemasonry , and we think that those brethren who are guilty of such an act degrade thereby the high character of the Fraternity , and obtain a little cheap popularity with the profane , at a great sacrifice of principle .
A Lodge Of Sorrow In America.
A LODGE OF SORROW IN AMERICA .
The funeral of the late Bro . Dr . Mackey , at Washington , was probably one of the most imposing ever held in that city . All the branches of the Institution were represented and the church was filled to its utmost capacity . The floral offerings were numerous , and as described , most artistic . The ceremonies were lengthy , but we only
mention one episode as specialy striking , thus : The venerable Albert Pike , whose long white hair and imposing presence gives him a patriarchal appearance , then ascended the pulpit and commenced the beautiful ritual of the " Lodge of Sorrow " of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite . This " Lodge of Sorrow , " while it has been held in this city three times previously , has never before had the remains of the deceased at its
working . The impressive and exalted language of the ritual was most effectivel y rendered by Bro . Pike , Grand Commander of the Supreme Council , acting as Master ; Samuel T . Schofield , of Albert Pike Consistory , as Senior Warden ; and John Wilson , also of Albert Pike Consistory , as Junior Warden . The long friendship and fraternal relations that had existed between the deceased and Bro . Pike evidently deepl y affected the latter , and his stern voice trembled with emotion many times , and especially as he stepped from the pulpit and took the lighted torch in his
A Lodge Of Sorrow In America.
hand , waving it and repeatedly calling : " Brother , we mourn for thee ; we call upon thee to answer us . ' Dost thou hear the call ? " Just as he did this a ray of sunlight from the window at tlie west streamed across the church and lit up his venerable head with a halo of light that gave him the appearance of a grand old saint ; and the tinge of sadness in his voice as he continued the ritual— " Our Brother answers not our call "—heightened the illusion .
The music consisted of the ritua'istic chants and hymns , and the singingof Handel'scharming air , "Angels Ever Bright and Fair , exquisitely rendered by Miss Eva Mills . As her pure , sweet voice vocalised the beautiful melody which reverberated through the vaulted arches of the building , a sincere hope in the heart of every Mason silently harmonised the phrase " Take , oh , take him to your care . " At
the conclusion of the Masonic service the plate was removed from the casket , and the family and friends took a last farewell of the deceased . The remains were subsequently interred in Glenwood Cemetery , with the rites of Symbolic Masonry , conducted by Bro . M . W . Noble D . Larner , Grand Master of the District of Columbia .
Obituary.
Obituary .
BRO . ROBERT H . THOMAS . We regret to note the death of this zealous brother , who has for so many years been distinguished as a Masonic collector and librarian . Something like nine years ago we had the pleasure of meeting him personally for the first time , and we well remember the pardonable pride he took in showing the rapidly increasing library of Kane Lodge
the result of his own intelligent efforts . This library has since grown into fine proportions , and the merits of Bro . Thomas were recognised by the Grand Lodge of New York , which made him its Grand Librarian . For some time past his health has been seriously affected , and new
the sad intelligence comes that he died at Portch ester , N . Y ., June 6 th , in the sixty-second year of his age . Compared with many he was yet a young man , but his work in behalf of Masonry and Masonic literature had endeared him to a wide circle of friends and brethren , who will continue to hold him in remembrance . —The Liberal Freemason .
BRO . THOMAS MEGGY . VVe regret to record the death of Bro . Thomas Meggy , which occurred at his residence on Wednesday , the 20 th inst . Bro . Meggy was well known in London Masonic circles , and has been an active worker and supporter of * , the Charities for many years . He was initiated in the Fitzroy Lodge , No . 5 69 , in October , 1 S 62 , and occupied
the chair of W . M . in 1 S 67 . He joined the Emulation Lodge , No . 21 , in November , 1 S 63 , was W . M . in 1 S 70 , and continued a member to the time of his death . Was also Grand Steward in 1 S 69 . In the Royal Arch our brother was exalted in Chapter Lily of Richmond , No . 820 , in June , 1 S 64 , and joined the Westminster and Keystone in 1 S 74 . Bro . Meggy took an especial interest in the Mark Degree , to which he was advanced in February , 1863 , in
the Old Kent Lodge . He joined the Thistle , No . 8 , in December of the same year , and was one of the founders of the Macdonald Mark Lodge , No . 104 , in 1 S 69 . His appointments in the Grand Mark Lodge were : Grand Steward 1 S 64 , and Grand Master Overseer 1 S 6 S . He was also Auditor of the Grand Mark Lodge . His efforts on behalf of the three Masonic Institutions were persistent , and he was a Vice-Patron of each .
France.
France .
LES HEROS DE L'HUMANITE . —The usual monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Wednesday , tbe 20 th inst ., in the Masonic Temple , Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau . There were present as officers Bros . Putraire Venerable ; , Bernard , ist Surveillant ; Dumont , 2 nd Surveillant ; Roche , Orator ; and Retont Secretary . The attendance was not large owing to the great heat . Among the visitors were Bros . VVittslock , Bedouin Lodge , Leipsic ;
G . Collas Dickey , Royal Savoy Lodge , London ; and VV . R . Davis , Vitruvian Lodge , London . The meeting had been called for eight o'clock but it was after half-past eight when the lodge was duly opened in the name of T . G . A . O . T . U . The Secretary then read the minutes of the last meeting which were at once confirmed , and the Venerable read the correspondence . It consists chiefly of summonses from other lodges , and letters of excuse from brethren unable to
attend the meeting . As one of the brethren so excusing himself stated that he was ill in bed , three of the brethren present were at once appointed to visit him in the name of the lodge . Some conversation then took place respecting the summer banquet to be held in August . After which the Venerable read the three reports upon the candidates for initiation , Ms . Valens and Garnicr , which reports strongly recommended their reception . The third ballot was then
taken for them and was declared to be unanimous in their favour . As the candidates were not ready , a brother read an essay upon " God , " in which he strongly attacked the droctrine of " Comtism ; " thc lodge having warmly thanked him , the candidates were announced to be ready , and being dul y admitted were submitted to the "proof" through which they successfully passed . They were then received
by the Venerable with the customary salutation and welcomed by the brethren with a " triple fire . " The mystic circle was then formed and the pass word for the next half year was communicated . After this several brethren were appointed to call upon those members of the lodge who had not attended for some time , to ascertain the reason of such absence . After a " triple fire " had been given in honour of the visitors the lodge was closed in the usual manner .
On \ V ednesday , at one o ' clock , General Sir R . Dacres , G . C . B ., was installed as Constable of the Tower of London . His commission as Lord-Lieutenant and Constable was duly read , Lord Kcnmare , the Lord Chamberlain , being present . The troops presented arms , and the keys of the "palace , fortress , ana prison , " were then handed to him . The ceremony concluded with an inspec * tion of the troops .