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Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodges.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES .
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASON'S' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIBKOli . Dear Sir and Brother ,-permit me to make a few observations on the change that is takingplace , chiefly , I think , through your observations , in the mode in which Pxoyincial Grand Lodges are conducted .
I agree with you . that'It is lowering the dignity of a Provincial Grand Lodge to hold it within a private Lodge ; also , that a private Lodge ought not to bear the expenses of the Provincial Gxand Lodge annual meeting being held within its walls ; such expense should be paid out of the Provincial Grand Lodge funds , to which the members of every Lodge in the province equally contribute . My especial object in writing this is , to protest against the exclusion from a Provincial Gratid Lodge of Brethren who are not members of it . The Book of Constitutions says : — None but members shall ¦
attend , " but it also adds , ' without permission of the Grand Master . " I would not have the Grand Master exercise this privilege except to visitors of distinction ; hut with the Provincial Grand IMGastexs the case is very different . The meetings in the provinces have long been looked upon as a great annual re-union of the fraternity ; and I think young Masons being present when preferment is conferred is ^ a great incentive to stimulate them to become proficient in Masonic lore , that in due time they may become qualified to merit similar honours .
I would have the Provincial Grand Master exercise his prerogative , and permit all Master Masons in his prov tion , it being rather customary than otherwise . If Masons cannot be present in Lodge , you may depend upon it they will not travel across the country to attend banquet ; besides , see how the collections for the local fund of benevolence would suffer .
The seventh rule shows that other than members are not only permitted , but are expected to be present , this rule being laid down especially for the guidance of those who are not members . That no mistake may arise by unqualified Brethren voting and speaking on
motions brought forward , I would have none but members of the Provincial Grand Lodge occupy the east , north , and south , part of the Lodge , the west I would devote to the Master Masons of the province ; this arrangement could be readily carried out by the Director of Ceremonies and the Stewards .
This would not apply to visitors of distinction ; they could be placed , as hitherto , where the R . W . Brother presiding might direct ; they would be too well acquainted with the regulations of our Order to infringe them . I believe if these propositions be carried ^ they will be strictly in accordance with the Book of Constitutions , and for the interests of Masonry . I remain yours fraternally ,
Staffordshire , P . M . and P . Prov . Grand Officer ord September , 1858 .
TEMPLAR MASONRY . TO TUK EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRUOR . Dear Sir and Brother , —In your account of the Sea Serjeants and the suppressed Templars at Slebeach , you allude to the execution of La ?/ , gharne , in error spelled Lmigheme and the sparing of Poyer after the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodges.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES .
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASON'S' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIBKOli . Dear Sir and Brother ,-permit me to make a few observations on the change that is takingplace , chiefly , I think , through your observations , in the mode in which Pxoyincial Grand Lodges are conducted .
I agree with you . that'It is lowering the dignity of a Provincial Grand Lodge to hold it within a private Lodge ; also , that a private Lodge ought not to bear the expenses of the Provincial Gxand Lodge annual meeting being held within its walls ; such expense should be paid out of the Provincial Grand Lodge funds , to which the members of every Lodge in the province equally contribute . My especial object in writing this is , to protest against the exclusion from a Provincial Gratid Lodge of Brethren who are not members of it . The Book of Constitutions says : — None but members shall ¦
attend , " but it also adds , ' without permission of the Grand Master . " I would not have the Grand Master exercise this privilege except to visitors of distinction ; hut with the Provincial Grand IMGastexs the case is very different . The meetings in the provinces have long been looked upon as a great annual re-union of the fraternity ; and I think young Masons being present when preferment is conferred is ^ a great incentive to stimulate them to become proficient in Masonic lore , that in due time they may become qualified to merit similar honours .
I would have the Provincial Grand Master exercise his prerogative , and permit all Master Masons in his prov tion , it being rather customary than otherwise . If Masons cannot be present in Lodge , you may depend upon it they will not travel across the country to attend banquet ; besides , see how the collections for the local fund of benevolence would suffer .
The seventh rule shows that other than members are not only permitted , but are expected to be present , this rule being laid down especially for the guidance of those who are not members . That no mistake may arise by unqualified Brethren voting and speaking on
motions brought forward , I would have none but members of the Provincial Grand Lodge occupy the east , north , and south , part of the Lodge , the west I would devote to the Master Masons of the province ; this arrangement could be readily carried out by the Director of Ceremonies and the Stewards .
This would not apply to visitors of distinction ; they could be placed , as hitherto , where the R . W . Brother presiding might direct ; they would be too well acquainted with the regulations of our Order to infringe them . I believe if these propositions be carried ^ they will be strictly in accordance with the Book of Constitutions , and for the interests of Masonry . I remain yours fraternally ,
Staffordshire , P . M . and P . Prov . Grand Officer ord September , 1858 .
TEMPLAR MASONRY . TO TUK EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRUOR . Dear Sir and Brother , —In your account of the Sea Serjeants and the suppressed Templars at Slebeach , you allude to the execution of La ?/ , gharne , in error spelled Lmigheme and the sparing of Poyer after the