Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Oitr ^
An Interesting discussion has arisen whether in the new Masonic buildings springing up throughout the country , one large hall is not sufficient , and whether it is necessary to provide ^ separate banqueting room . It is by some ^ considered that one hall will do for the Temple , banqueting room , singing room , and smoking room , and that it
maybe let out to strangers for dinners and balls when its owners are not employing it for such several uses . We think th ^ be let out for any purpose under such circumstances , as all attributes of consecration would be effaced . It is not necessary for Masons to affect a •;• superstitious reverence for any building , and the rites can be performed in the woods or tinder the "pure canopy of
heaven but circunistances are to be always regarded , and a due sense of decency preserved . The Society of Friends—very scrupulous of encouraging sentiments of superstition , and having a rabid dislike to ail idolatry of buildings , which they denom nevertheless devote plain buildings to the sole purposes of public worship , and do not think of holding feasts and singing clubs in meeting houses . Masons need not be more strict nor less strict ;
but avoiding superstition on the one hand , and careless disrespect on the other , should preserve to consecrate uses what is dedicated to the Most High A . D . T . IJ . The Temple should be set apart , and never applied to any unseemly purpose , nor let out for hire .. For convivial meetings and social intercourse a hall should be provided , which , on occasions
of banquets would admit of all preparations being made for such purposes , and which would serve as a retiring room for Entered Apprentices and Fellow 7 , Crafts , and on nights when no Lodge was held would be the library and meeting room of the members . There must be further , a room for the reception of strangers . Thus , there should not be less in any Lodge than three rooms en suite , and
on the ground noor will be the Tyler s room , kitchen , smoking room for those who mav want to smoke , lavatories and closets . It is most desirable , if it can be avoided , that the building should not be let out nor its decorations made known ; and with proper financial arrangements the whole sum for the construction will be provided without any need of rent , and the taxes will be a burthen that can be provided out of the yearly rent . The rent of a Masonic hall is always precarious , and its net produce small , and the establishment of
a tavern is undesirable . Such a measure does an injustice' to the licensed victuallers who are members , by setting up a privileged competition under powerful auspices , while the members have no need of such an establishment . Tea and coffee may be supplied by the Tyler at regulated prices , as well as any common refreshment , and banquets be
provided by some respectable licensed victualler or confectioner . Lodges of Instruction would then be conducted with more economy and more decency , the proceedings would become the character of the Craft , and the more respectable members be induced to attend -Thus , one abuse the more would be stayed ; and the Vicar and Moses 4 b 2
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Oitr ^
An Interesting discussion has arisen whether in the new Masonic buildings springing up throughout the country , one large hall is not sufficient , and whether it is necessary to provide ^ separate banqueting room . It is by some ^ considered that one hall will do for the Temple , banqueting room , singing room , and smoking room , and that it
maybe let out to strangers for dinners and balls when its owners are not employing it for such several uses . We think th ^ be let out for any purpose under such circumstances , as all attributes of consecration would be effaced . It is not necessary for Masons to affect a •;• superstitious reverence for any building , and the rites can be performed in the woods or tinder the "pure canopy of
heaven but circunistances are to be always regarded , and a due sense of decency preserved . The Society of Friends—very scrupulous of encouraging sentiments of superstition , and having a rabid dislike to ail idolatry of buildings , which they denom nevertheless devote plain buildings to the sole purposes of public worship , and do not think of holding feasts and singing clubs in meeting houses . Masons need not be more strict nor less strict ;
but avoiding superstition on the one hand , and careless disrespect on the other , should preserve to consecrate uses what is dedicated to the Most High A . D . T . IJ . The Temple should be set apart , and never applied to any unseemly purpose , nor let out for hire .. For convivial meetings and social intercourse a hall should be provided , which , on occasions
of banquets would admit of all preparations being made for such purposes , and which would serve as a retiring room for Entered Apprentices and Fellow 7 , Crafts , and on nights when no Lodge was held would be the library and meeting room of the members . There must be further , a room for the reception of strangers . Thus , there should not be less in any Lodge than three rooms en suite , and
on the ground noor will be the Tyler s room , kitchen , smoking room for those who mav want to smoke , lavatories and closets . It is most desirable , if it can be avoided , that the building should not be let out nor its decorations made known ; and with proper financial arrangements the whole sum for the construction will be provided without any need of rent , and the taxes will be a burthen that can be provided out of the yearly rent . The rent of a Masonic hall is always precarious , and its net produce small , and the establishment of
a tavern is undesirable . Such a measure does an injustice' to the licensed victuallers who are members , by setting up a privileged competition under powerful auspices , while the members have no need of such an establishment . Tea and coffee may be supplied by the Tyler at regulated prices , as well as any common refreshment , and banquets be
provided by some respectable licensed victualler or confectioner . Lodges of Instruction would then be conducted with more economy and more decency , the proceedings would become the character of the Craft , and the more respectable members be induced to attend -Thus , one abuse the more would be stayed ; and the Vicar and Moses 4 b 2