Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
ment . The decision of this officer , however , has been appealed from , and 1 trust that before the close of the session , this matter will be finally disposed of . A memorial has been presented from certain persons , claiming to be Masons , and expressing an earnest desire to be affiliate with this Lodge . This is a subject of much importance , and requires , and will doubtless receive , your careful attention and consideration . In connexion with it , I Avill only say that , Avhile Masonry recognizes nodistinction , either in race , class , religion , or colour , she does require ,
and Avill insist , upon the clearest and most irrefragable testimony that all persons claiming admission , either to her Lodges or to a recognition as members of the fraternity have been regularly initiated , passed , and raised in a duly constituted and properly warranted Lodge . Another matter which , for some time time pas 5 , has been occupying the minds of many Brethren , may be brought up for consideration during the session . I allude to the establishment of " District Grand Lodges / ' with powers similar to the Provincial Grand Lodges of England . With reference to this subject , I would merely say that , when Ave consider the great
extent of our territorial jurisdiction , should our Lodges continue to increase m the same ratio they have recently done , such a measure may not be expedient but necessary . I am in favour of the early establishment of these Provincial , or District Grard Lodge ? 3 in every Masonic district which contains within its limits a sufficient number of Lodges to authorise such a proceeding . I would suggest , however , that the whole matter be referred to a special committee . I have much
pleasure , also , in bearing testimony to the efficiency and zeal with which the duties of the office of Grand Secretary have been discharged during the past year by our Right Worshipful Bro ., Thomas B . Harris . His promptness in correspondence , his careful attention to his various duties , and his readiness at all times to aid and advance the interests of this Grand Lodge , entitles him not only to this acknoAvledgment from me , but also to the favourable consideration of the Brethren .
" The various matters to which I have now directed your attention , although all possessing strong claims upon your notice and consideration , will , I imagine , be considered as only second in importance to the great and engrossing subject Avhich will at an early period of the session be brought up for discussion . I allude to the efforts which have already been made to secure a full and perfect union to the whole Canadian Craft . —In compliance with the desire of the Grand Lodge , as expressed at our last annual meeting , I appointed a committee to meet a similai committee from our brethren Avho were at that time Avorking under English
warrants , directing their attention to the instructions promulgated by this Grand Lodge for their guidance . It is not my intention , at the preeent moment , to enter into any detailed account of the various attempts at negociation which have been made , or to read the correspondence which has taken place upon the subject , but will merely say that all the documents connected with it are now in the hands of the Grand Secretary , and are open to your inspection , should you wish to examine them . I adopt this course because I am delighted to say that I believe your committee , acting in strict accordance with the letter and spirit of your instructions ,
have been met in a similar liberal and Masonic spirit by those brethren witli Avhom they are appointed to treat , and that a full and perfect understanding has been arrived at , so that , in a few hours , I trust , a union of the whole Canadian Craft , upon satisfactory and honourable terms , a \ U 1 be consummated , and all the Masons of Canada ranged under the banner of this Grand Lodge ! I feel that it is unnecessary for me- to say how I , aided by many zealous and worthy Brethren of both parties , have laboured to effect this great object . Nor need I attempt to express here the unbounded pleasure which it will give me , before retiring from the proud position Avhich , by your kind favour . I have so long occupied , to hear that union
proclaimed within these walls . In the hope that nothing may occur to mar this bright and pleasant prospect , I will now leave you to discuss and decide upon the various matters brought before you , and may we now and at all times be enabled to discharge , with fidelity and zeal , the various duties devolving upon us , so that at the clone of our day of probation and labour , wo may not only escape the degradation and punishment which was heaped upon that careless and unfaithful steward , who could only exclaim , ' Lord , here is thy talent laid up in a napkin , ' but be able to advance humbly , but with faith and confidence , to our glorious Grand Master from Him to receive our wages and reward , "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
ment . The decision of this officer , however , has been appealed from , and 1 trust that before the close of the session , this matter will be finally disposed of . A memorial has been presented from certain persons , claiming to be Masons , and expressing an earnest desire to be affiliate with this Lodge . This is a subject of much importance , and requires , and will doubtless receive , your careful attention and consideration . In connexion with it , I Avill only say that , Avhile Masonry recognizes nodistinction , either in race , class , religion , or colour , she does require ,
and Avill insist , upon the clearest and most irrefragable testimony that all persons claiming admission , either to her Lodges or to a recognition as members of the fraternity have been regularly initiated , passed , and raised in a duly constituted and properly warranted Lodge . Another matter which , for some time time pas 5 , has been occupying the minds of many Brethren , may be brought up for consideration during the session . I allude to the establishment of " District Grand Lodges / ' with powers similar to the Provincial Grand Lodges of England . With reference to this subject , I would merely say that , when Ave consider the great
extent of our territorial jurisdiction , should our Lodges continue to increase m the same ratio they have recently done , such a measure may not be expedient but necessary . I am in favour of the early establishment of these Provincial , or District Grard Lodge ? 3 in every Masonic district which contains within its limits a sufficient number of Lodges to authorise such a proceeding . I would suggest , however , that the whole matter be referred to a special committee . I have much
pleasure , also , in bearing testimony to the efficiency and zeal with which the duties of the office of Grand Secretary have been discharged during the past year by our Right Worshipful Bro ., Thomas B . Harris . His promptness in correspondence , his careful attention to his various duties , and his readiness at all times to aid and advance the interests of this Grand Lodge , entitles him not only to this acknoAvledgment from me , but also to the favourable consideration of the Brethren .
" The various matters to which I have now directed your attention , although all possessing strong claims upon your notice and consideration , will , I imagine , be considered as only second in importance to the great and engrossing subject Avhich will at an early period of the session be brought up for discussion . I allude to the efforts which have already been made to secure a full and perfect union to the whole Canadian Craft . —In compliance with the desire of the Grand Lodge , as expressed at our last annual meeting , I appointed a committee to meet a similai committee from our brethren Avho were at that time Avorking under English
warrants , directing their attention to the instructions promulgated by this Grand Lodge for their guidance . It is not my intention , at the preeent moment , to enter into any detailed account of the various attempts at negociation which have been made , or to read the correspondence which has taken place upon the subject , but will merely say that all the documents connected with it are now in the hands of the Grand Secretary , and are open to your inspection , should you wish to examine them . I adopt this course because I am delighted to say that I believe your committee , acting in strict accordance with the letter and spirit of your instructions ,
have been met in a similar liberal and Masonic spirit by those brethren witli Avhom they are appointed to treat , and that a full and perfect understanding has been arrived at , so that , in a few hours , I trust , a union of the whole Canadian Craft , upon satisfactory and honourable terms , a \ U 1 be consummated , and all the Masons of Canada ranged under the banner of this Grand Lodge ! I feel that it is unnecessary for me- to say how I , aided by many zealous and worthy Brethren of both parties , have laboured to effect this great object . Nor need I attempt to express here the unbounded pleasure which it will give me , before retiring from the proud position Avhich , by your kind favour . I have so long occupied , to hear that union
proclaimed within these walls . In the hope that nothing may occur to mar this bright and pleasant prospect , I will now leave you to discuss and decide upon the various matters brought before you , and may we now and at all times be enabled to discharge , with fidelity and zeal , the various duties devolving upon us , so that at the clone of our day of probation and labour , wo may not only escape the degradation and punishment which was heaped upon that careless and unfaithful steward , who could only exclaim , ' Lord , here is thy talent laid up in a napkin , ' but be able to advance humbly , but with faith and confidence , to our glorious Grand Master from Him to receive our wages and reward , "