Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address Of The V. H. And E. Sir Kt. Col. W. J. B. Macleod Moore, Of The Grand Cross Of The Temple, Grand Prior Of The Dominion Of Canada,
ments of Roman Catholic countries B tfainst the latter order , and caused it to be proscribed as dangerous and antagonistic to the doctrines of the Church of Rome . The Committee appointed to draft a
code of statutes for the future government of this Grand Body have ably performed their duty . Copies have already been issued to each Preceptory , thus placing before the whole of the members the result of their labours , aud giving them an
opportunity to prepare such amendments and additions as might be considered advisable . To the committee and to our indefatigable Sub-Prior as chairman , who , in this and all other matters connected with ' the order which he takes in hand , spares neither time or trouble , our warmest
thanks are due . The statutes seem to me to have provided for every possible contingency , and are replete as to diction and usefulness , embodying all the requirements necessary for our Canadian legislation . They will now be submitted for your approval and adoption . I may here
remark that I look upon the annual meeting of the " Convent General , " as a mistake , and that they might well follow the example of the triennial meetings of the Grand Encampment of the United States , and avoid by too frequent
meetings the possibility of complications arising out of legislation in which the different Great Priories may have no voice , and which can only be met by some agenda of what is proposed to be taken up , being sent round beforehand and in ample time for its mature consideration .
On the subject of costume the committee did not consider it necessary to report or to submit any changes in the beautiful , unimpaired symbolical integrity of that already established , but which is not intended to be worn in public as an out-door costume . The white mantle is emblematic
of the purity thereby intended to be denoted , as the wearing the sword is but symbolic " of the sword of the spirit which is the word of God , " and the cross of the faith and hope to which we cling . I believe it is for the best interests of the
order to avoid all public displays as much as possible , and undue publication of proceedings , such practices being at variance with the true meaning and principal of
the order . I have always objected to its being made or considered a quasi military body , which has of late appeared to command so much attention , as gratifying a newly acquired taste for military display and show , and the curiosity of the outside world . I must not be here
for a moment misunderstood as in the remotest degree attempting to cast reflections on the admirable system of organization followed by our enthusiastic and zealous fratres of the United States , or on their becoming and tasteful uniform , so appropriate to our clay and generationbut
, that simply I consider it would be out of character for us to adopt it , endeavouring as we are to approximate to the old order which we represent . Has it never occurred to our fratres who are so anxious
to assume a new and dramatic appearance what an extraordinary phase the . order has assumed by the introduction of a system of drill , in imitation of a military body ? Have they forgotten that the ancient Templars themselves were all men of rank and position , and not the equivalent of a volunteer militia battalion .
No doubt m the early days of the order they fought in a body as fighting knights , without regard to details of military organization ; but when the order became numerous and powerful , and when military formations , tactics and drill prevailed there can be no doubt that the Templars retained a powerful body of men-at-arms , themselves occupied all superior positions . We have an actual evidence of this in the
contemporary order of Malta , wherein in the modern period the knights not only maintained paid land forces , but a navy also . The sight of an army in which all the privates are knights is indeed something to be looked upon with curiosity .
And now , fratres of the Great Priory of Canada , allow me again to congratulate you on the declaration of your independence and the position you hold as a sovereign body . The order is in your own hands to make it worthy of the high position it
undoubtedly holds , and by a strict adherence to its precepts , you cannot fail to place it amongst the most valued institutions in connection with the time-honoured Masonic fraternity . Let it not be said there is any doubt as to what useful pur-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address Of The V. H. And E. Sir Kt. Col. W. J. B. Macleod Moore, Of The Grand Cross Of The Temple, Grand Prior Of The Dominion Of Canada,
ments of Roman Catholic countries B tfainst the latter order , and caused it to be proscribed as dangerous and antagonistic to the doctrines of the Church of Rome . The Committee appointed to draft a
code of statutes for the future government of this Grand Body have ably performed their duty . Copies have already been issued to each Preceptory , thus placing before the whole of the members the result of their labours , aud giving them an
opportunity to prepare such amendments and additions as might be considered advisable . To the committee and to our indefatigable Sub-Prior as chairman , who , in this and all other matters connected with ' the order which he takes in hand , spares neither time or trouble , our warmest
thanks are due . The statutes seem to me to have provided for every possible contingency , and are replete as to diction and usefulness , embodying all the requirements necessary for our Canadian legislation . They will now be submitted for your approval and adoption . I may here
remark that I look upon the annual meeting of the " Convent General , " as a mistake , and that they might well follow the example of the triennial meetings of the Grand Encampment of the United States , and avoid by too frequent
meetings the possibility of complications arising out of legislation in which the different Great Priories may have no voice , and which can only be met by some agenda of what is proposed to be taken up , being sent round beforehand and in ample time for its mature consideration .
On the subject of costume the committee did not consider it necessary to report or to submit any changes in the beautiful , unimpaired symbolical integrity of that already established , but which is not intended to be worn in public as an out-door costume . The white mantle is emblematic
of the purity thereby intended to be denoted , as the wearing the sword is but symbolic " of the sword of the spirit which is the word of God , " and the cross of the faith and hope to which we cling . I believe it is for the best interests of the
order to avoid all public displays as much as possible , and undue publication of proceedings , such practices being at variance with the true meaning and principal of
the order . I have always objected to its being made or considered a quasi military body , which has of late appeared to command so much attention , as gratifying a newly acquired taste for military display and show , and the curiosity of the outside world . I must not be here
for a moment misunderstood as in the remotest degree attempting to cast reflections on the admirable system of organization followed by our enthusiastic and zealous fratres of the United States , or on their becoming and tasteful uniform , so appropriate to our clay and generationbut
, that simply I consider it would be out of character for us to adopt it , endeavouring as we are to approximate to the old order which we represent . Has it never occurred to our fratres who are so anxious
to assume a new and dramatic appearance what an extraordinary phase the . order has assumed by the introduction of a system of drill , in imitation of a military body ? Have they forgotten that the ancient Templars themselves were all men of rank and position , and not the equivalent of a volunteer militia battalion .
No doubt m the early days of the order they fought in a body as fighting knights , without regard to details of military organization ; but when the order became numerous and powerful , and when military formations , tactics and drill prevailed there can be no doubt that the Templars retained a powerful body of men-at-arms , themselves occupied all superior positions . We have an actual evidence of this in the
contemporary order of Malta , wherein in the modern period the knights not only maintained paid land forces , but a navy also . The sight of an army in which all the privates are knights is indeed something to be looked upon with curiosity .
And now , fratres of the Great Priory of Canada , allow me again to congratulate you on the declaration of your independence and the position you hold as a sovereign body . The order is in your own hands to make it worthy of the high position it
undoubtedly holds , and by a strict adherence to its precepts , you cannot fail to place it amongst the most valued institutions in connection with the time-honoured Masonic fraternity . Let it not be said there is any doubt as to what useful pur-