Religion And Freemasonry.

RELIGION AND FREEMASONRY .

NEW PEESBYTERIAN CHTJECH AT SLIEVETRUE , OAERICKFERGTJS . On Saturday , the 24 th ult ., the foundation stone of a new Presbyterian Church was laid at Silevetrue , near the Commons of Camckfergus . A body

of our Order was present to give additional eclat to the proceedings . The Rev . James Adams , Ballylively , conducted devotional exercises , and preached a short seimion . The Rev . Mr . Warwick-then presented Mr . Jas .

Alexander , J . P ., in the name of the congregation , with a very handsome silver trowel , bearing this inscription : — " Presented to James Alexander , Esq ., J . P ., by the new Presbyterian congregation of the Great Commonsof Carrickfergus , on the occasion of

his laying the foundation stone of their new church . 24 th of June , 1865 . " A bottle , containing a copy of the shorter Catechism , a number of the cui * rent coins of the realm , statistics concerning the congregation , a

copy of the Belfast News-Letter , & c , was deposited in the cavity of the foundation stone . After the laying of the foundation stone by the Rev . Mr . Alexander " , The Rev . Mr . Warwick then said that he had

been asked by the Committee of Slievetrue to say a few words on that interesting occasion . It was in Carrickfergus that the first Presbytery in Ireland met between two and three hundred years ago , composed only of five ministers and four

elders ; and from that time up to the present the people of the Corporation of Carrickfergus had been Presbyterian . Mr . M'Comb celebrated the event in one of his poems : —

" Two hundred years ago there came from Scotland ' s storied land To Carrick ' s old and fortress town a Presbyterian band ; They placed on the castle wall the banner of the blue , And worshipped G od iu simple form as Presbyterians do . Oh ! hallowed be their memory , who in our land did sow

The goodly seed of Gospel truth two hundred years ago !" Aaad in another of his poems he said : — " Two hundred years ago there came to Ulster ' s fertile shore A goodly race of faithful men our birthright to restore . hailed them

We from the fatherland of mountain and of flood , The sons of sires who fought the fighb resisting unto blood !" Slievetrue , the rev . gentleman continued , was a place in Pagan times for Druidical worship on the top of the hill . The large stones which composed the altar were still sanding where the inhabitants

of the district at that time perfonned their rehgrous rites . Now there would be a Presbyterian church there where the people would assemble for public worship , so that Slievetrue would enjoy ecclesiastical existence in modern as well as ancient

hrstory . ***** After a lengthy dissertation by the rev . gentleman , referring more especially to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland , he proceeded to say : —The

inculcation also of peace , and the encouragement of good feeling amongst allparties in a neighbourhood , are objects of the highest importance socially . David , in one of the Psalms , saith— " Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity . " So that this edifice , being erected for the advancement of these and kindred

objects , will be for the benefit of the commumty generally in this district . It is intended that this house , the foundation stone of which has been laid to-day in the presence of so many interested spectators , will be a place in which the Gospel will be preached in all its fulness and freeness , and not a nai-row sectarianism . It is not intended that it

should subserve political and party purposes , but will be a place where the glad tidings of salvation to perishing sinners will be proclaimed , and where God the Father , Son , aud Holy Ghost will be worshipped and glorified . I cannot close without

saying that I am glad to see so many present on this occasion , and particularly so many of the Masonic brethren . To you who are Freemasons I wish to say on this 24 th June—the 200 th anniversary—that you belong to a time-honoured

institution , whose principles lead you to take part in whatever is for the good of mankind . Freemasons have in all ages been attached to the principles of peace , charity , brothei'ly love , and

religion . You may belong to different denominations , but the erection of a house for the worship of the great God of Heaven and Earth is quite in accordance with your principles ; and , as you have practically exemplified this day , by being present

on this occasion , that you are worthily entitled to the distinguished name of " Masons , " as woirkers , so let your conduct during this day and the remainder of your lives be in accordance with the whole of the principles of Freemasomy . To all of

you who have honoured us by your presence to-day I have only to say that we feel encouraged in the good work by your attendance . Religion elevates and civilises all within its reach , so that this house