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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Channel Islands.
CHANNEL ISLANDS .
THE MASONIC TEMPLE AT JERSEY . Much interest has recently been excited in Jersey by the announcement of Wednesday , " May 25 th , as the day for the consecration of the new and handsome Masonic Temple just completed in Stopford-road , and even those who do not belong to the Order have been on the tiptoe of expectation , in the hope that they might obtain admission to witness tho ceremony , or at least view the processionwhich it was naturallexpected
, y would take place . At first it was proposed to have no procession , such public displays not being popular among the loading men of the institution , but to admit as many ladies as the space in the building would allow , since the fair sex are not permitted to share in the mysteries and privileges to which tbe members of the Craft lay claim . Subsequently it was found that all the available room would be required for the Freemasons themselves , of whom
many came from England , Guernsey , and Franceindeed from the latter country a deputation arrived for the express purpose of assisting in the ceremonial . It therefore became necessary to modify the arrangements , by abandoning the idea of admitting ladies , and as great disappointment was expressed by the public at the privacy with which it was proposed to conduct the proceedingsa compromise was madeh
, , y having a procession for a short distance . The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened therefore soon after noon in the Prince of AVales' rooms , kindly lent by Bro . Moss for the occasion . The general body of Freemasons assembled there , and the whole proceeded in proper array , arranged under their respective banners , and duly decorated with the insignia , to the Temple . Before describing the events of the day , it may perhaps be well to
give a brief account of the origin and progress of the undertaking , with some notice of the arrangements of the buildin . " -, drawings of which were published in the Fniijj ; a : ASO . v . s' MAGAZINE of Jan . 24 th , 1863 . The idea of a temple exclusively devoted to the purposes of the Craft in Jersey ori ginated about five years ago in tho Cesaree Lodge , and several attempts were made to obtain an appropriate site , and to raise the requisite funds , which proved abortive . The passing of the Limited Liability Act by the States in 1862 revived the hopes of tho promoters of tho
project , and alter many meetings for discussing it , a determination was arrived at to form a company , the shares in which should he exclusively held by Freemasons . Most of these were soon applied for , and operations were commenced , the plans of Bro . Thomas Gallichau having been selected from several sets offered by different architects . All due preparations having been made , the first stone was laid with great eclat by the Right Worshiful the Provincial Grand Master on Dec 17
p , 1802 , in tbe presence of a largo number of the Craft , and a concourse of about 2 , 000 persons , among whom were tho public officials of tho island , tbo military and naval officers , and , though last not least , his Excellency the Liont .-Governor , Bro . Sir It . P . Douglas , Hart ., who took a lively interest in the matter , and delivered si stirring address on the occasion . Since that period the erection has steadil" proceededunder the
y , direction of the contractors , Bros . De la Mara and Benest , and Mr . Pirouet , and is now completed , with the exception of a few trifling details , for which it was not considered necessary to delay the consecration . Many of the internal fittings requisite for properly carrying out the ceremonials will be more advantageously put up as necessities arise , after a little experience in the working of the different lodges .
The buildings form two sides of a square , the piincipal front being in Stopford-road , and the other in Oxford-road , to which it is intended shortly to add a third side , so as to provide a large room , 90 ft . by 36 ft ., for general use , distinct from the Masonic portion , to be let out for concerts , balls , lectures , public meetings , & c . The access to the edifice is by two flights of granite steps , one on each side of a handsome portico , supported by Corinthian pillars . On entering the entrance hall , there is
a large room on the right , 2 Gi ' c . by 20 ft ., intended for the library of the institution . On the left is another apartment , to serve as an ante-room to the Temple , which opens from it by large folding doors , and also by a smaller one beyond them . The Temple is 47 ft . long , 25 ft . wide , and 30 ft . high . At its east or remote end from the door is a semi-circular recess for the chair of the presiding Master , having on each side of it a semi-circular Corinthian pillar against the wall , and there are similar pillars opposite to them at the west end of the room , one on each side of the entrance . The flatness of the side walls is relieved by
pilasters with Corinthian capitals . Light is obtained from a large skylight in the vaulted ceiling , pendant from the centre of which is a . handsome gas chandelier with 20 branches . Behind the east end of the Temple is a small room , to be used as a store for furniture , which is entered by a door on each side of the recess . The entrance hall to the building is divided by folding doors , cutting off the back from the front part . Passing through theseand ascending the staircaseon the left over the
, , library is the Royal Arch Chapter-room , with a vaulted ceiling , and decorated with a broad cornice and pilasters having Ionic capitals . Opposite the top of tho staircase is a small apartment , with n door leading into the Chapter-room . Turning to the right , there arc two chambers , one beyond the other . Descending tbe staircase again to the basement , on the right is a door leading into the banqueting . room , which is 50 ft . in length , 25 ft .
iu width , and loft , in height . It is lighted by three handsome gas chandeliers , and at the west end are folding doors leading into an ante-room similar to the one over it . Under the library is the kitchen , with every arrangement requisite for cooking on a large scale , and on the right and left before entering it is a pan try and a scullery , with a copper boiler . The cellar is beneath the portico , and there are little conveniences about the building which it is unnecessary to enumerate . Of course at a
future period the ground round the building will he . enclosed , probably with iron railings , hut this cannot bo done until the completion of the proposed additional large room , some six or twelve months hence . An interest in the proceedings connected with the consecration of the Temple is hy no means confined to the island of Jersey . Tho mail steamer brought over a deputation of twelve distinguished French Freemasons , specially appointed to do
honour to the occasion , and ten other brethren , in addition to many who had arrived previously . A committee selected to receive them attended at the pier for the purpose , and after mutual introductions , took their visitors to witness the review of the troops . At three p . m . a party assembled to meet them at the residence of Bro . J . J . Hammond , Prov . G . M ., among whom were Bros . Crosse , D . Prov . G . M ., Dr . Gregg , Dr . Le CronierDr . HopkinsSchmittShortreedDurellBcnham
, , , , , , Light , and many others . Several complimentary addresses wero delivered . These concluded , refreshments disposed of , and some time spent iu conversation , the whole party adjourned to the Temple to examine its arrangements and tho preparations for the next day . The brethren from Guernsey also came over in large force , headed by Bro . Gallienne , D . Prov . G . AI . an advocate in the court there , to take part in . tho ceYomoui-. il .
THE CONSECRATION . This ceremony , it is on all hands agreed , passed off with the greatest eclat—a matter of much satisfaction . The appearance of bustle in the town , and the arrival of country folks during tho morning-, intimated that something unusual was about to take place , and fortunately the weather was all that could ha wished . Towards noon the brethren of tho Masonic Order began to assemble in the Prince of Wales' Rooms , kindly lent by Mr .
Moss for the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge , which was opened soon alter one o'clock by the Prov . G . M ., J . . 5 . Hammond , assisted by his D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Crosse , Bro . Dr . Hopkins acting as Chaplain for the occasion . The deputation from Franco was received with every mark of honour . These distinguished visitors were collectively formally presented to the Prov . G . M ., who deputed Bro . Manuel , Dir . of Cers ., to read to them the addressof which the following is a translation : —
, " Dear Brother A'isitors , —With much happiness and pleasure I offer you all possible fraternal salutation on the part of the brethren of this province . Receive from us a hearty welcome , I feel greatly delighted to find you so anxious to respond to our invitation , by coming to lend us your kind assistance at the inauguration of the Masonic Temple , and thanks to your cheerful compliance , it will be still more tbe consummation of a united Masonic festival , mutually shared by France and
England . Thanks , my dear friends , thanks for your presence , for , as its results , wc already feel our zeal rekindled , our hearts expanded , our thoughts elevated . Thanks to you , brethren , who are come to aid us on this day , which is especially one of joy and at the same time of solemnity . You , brethren , well understand what Freemasonry is ; you are able fully to appreciate it , and to ieel that it is eminently that high principle of reverence , of worship , which repels all intolerance , all fanaticism ; that it inculcates a regard for humanity , and devotedness to his brethren on the part of each of its members . This ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Channel Islands.
CHANNEL ISLANDS .
THE MASONIC TEMPLE AT JERSEY . Much interest has recently been excited in Jersey by the announcement of Wednesday , " May 25 th , as the day for the consecration of the new and handsome Masonic Temple just completed in Stopford-road , and even those who do not belong to the Order have been on the tiptoe of expectation , in the hope that they might obtain admission to witness tho ceremony , or at least view the processionwhich it was naturallexpected
, y would take place . At first it was proposed to have no procession , such public displays not being popular among the loading men of the institution , but to admit as many ladies as the space in the building would allow , since the fair sex are not permitted to share in the mysteries and privileges to which tbe members of the Craft lay claim . Subsequently it was found that all the available room would be required for the Freemasons themselves , of whom
many came from England , Guernsey , and Franceindeed from the latter country a deputation arrived for the express purpose of assisting in the ceremonial . It therefore became necessary to modify the arrangements , by abandoning the idea of admitting ladies , and as great disappointment was expressed by the public at the privacy with which it was proposed to conduct the proceedingsa compromise was madeh
, , y having a procession for a short distance . The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened therefore soon after noon in the Prince of AVales' rooms , kindly lent by Bro . Moss for the occasion . The general body of Freemasons assembled there , and the whole proceeded in proper array , arranged under their respective banners , and duly decorated with the insignia , to the Temple . Before describing the events of the day , it may perhaps be well to
give a brief account of the origin and progress of the undertaking , with some notice of the arrangements of the buildin . " -, drawings of which were published in the Fniijj ; a : ASO . v . s' MAGAZINE of Jan . 24 th , 1863 . The idea of a temple exclusively devoted to the purposes of the Craft in Jersey ori ginated about five years ago in tho Cesaree Lodge , and several attempts were made to obtain an appropriate site , and to raise the requisite funds , which proved abortive . The passing of the Limited Liability Act by the States in 1862 revived the hopes of tho promoters of tho
project , and alter many meetings for discussing it , a determination was arrived at to form a company , the shares in which should he exclusively held by Freemasons . Most of these were soon applied for , and operations were commenced , the plans of Bro . Thomas Gallichau having been selected from several sets offered by different architects . All due preparations having been made , the first stone was laid with great eclat by the Right Worshiful the Provincial Grand Master on Dec 17
p , 1802 , in tbe presence of a largo number of the Craft , and a concourse of about 2 , 000 persons , among whom were tho public officials of tho island , tbo military and naval officers , and , though last not least , his Excellency the Liont .-Governor , Bro . Sir It . P . Douglas , Hart ., who took a lively interest in the matter , and delivered si stirring address on the occasion . Since that period the erection has steadil" proceededunder the
y , direction of the contractors , Bros . De la Mara and Benest , and Mr . Pirouet , and is now completed , with the exception of a few trifling details , for which it was not considered necessary to delay the consecration . Many of the internal fittings requisite for properly carrying out the ceremonials will be more advantageously put up as necessities arise , after a little experience in the working of the different lodges .
The buildings form two sides of a square , the piincipal front being in Stopford-road , and the other in Oxford-road , to which it is intended shortly to add a third side , so as to provide a large room , 90 ft . by 36 ft ., for general use , distinct from the Masonic portion , to be let out for concerts , balls , lectures , public meetings , & c . The access to the edifice is by two flights of granite steps , one on each side of a handsome portico , supported by Corinthian pillars . On entering the entrance hall , there is
a large room on the right , 2 Gi ' c . by 20 ft ., intended for the library of the institution . On the left is another apartment , to serve as an ante-room to the Temple , which opens from it by large folding doors , and also by a smaller one beyond them . The Temple is 47 ft . long , 25 ft . wide , and 30 ft . high . At its east or remote end from the door is a semi-circular recess for the chair of the presiding Master , having on each side of it a semi-circular Corinthian pillar against the wall , and there are similar pillars opposite to them at the west end of the room , one on each side of the entrance . The flatness of the side walls is relieved by
pilasters with Corinthian capitals . Light is obtained from a large skylight in the vaulted ceiling , pendant from the centre of which is a . handsome gas chandelier with 20 branches . Behind the east end of the Temple is a small room , to be used as a store for furniture , which is entered by a door on each side of the recess . The entrance hall to the building is divided by folding doors , cutting off the back from the front part . Passing through theseand ascending the staircaseon the left over the
, , library is the Royal Arch Chapter-room , with a vaulted ceiling , and decorated with a broad cornice and pilasters having Ionic capitals . Opposite the top of tho staircase is a small apartment , with n door leading into the Chapter-room . Turning to the right , there arc two chambers , one beyond the other . Descending tbe staircase again to the basement , on the right is a door leading into the banqueting . room , which is 50 ft . in length , 25 ft .
iu width , and loft , in height . It is lighted by three handsome gas chandeliers , and at the west end are folding doors leading into an ante-room similar to the one over it . Under the library is the kitchen , with every arrangement requisite for cooking on a large scale , and on the right and left before entering it is a pan try and a scullery , with a copper boiler . The cellar is beneath the portico , and there are little conveniences about the building which it is unnecessary to enumerate . Of course at a
future period the ground round the building will he . enclosed , probably with iron railings , hut this cannot bo done until the completion of the proposed additional large room , some six or twelve months hence . An interest in the proceedings connected with the consecration of the Temple is hy no means confined to the island of Jersey . Tho mail steamer brought over a deputation of twelve distinguished French Freemasons , specially appointed to do
honour to the occasion , and ten other brethren , in addition to many who had arrived previously . A committee selected to receive them attended at the pier for the purpose , and after mutual introductions , took their visitors to witness the review of the troops . At three p . m . a party assembled to meet them at the residence of Bro . J . J . Hammond , Prov . G . M ., among whom were Bros . Crosse , D . Prov . G . M ., Dr . Gregg , Dr . Le CronierDr . HopkinsSchmittShortreedDurellBcnham
, , , , , , Light , and many others . Several complimentary addresses wero delivered . These concluded , refreshments disposed of , and some time spent iu conversation , the whole party adjourned to the Temple to examine its arrangements and tho preparations for the next day . The brethren from Guernsey also came over in large force , headed by Bro . Gallienne , D . Prov . G . AI . an advocate in the court there , to take part in . tho ceYomoui-. il .
THE CONSECRATION . This ceremony , it is on all hands agreed , passed off with the greatest eclat—a matter of much satisfaction . The appearance of bustle in the town , and the arrival of country folks during tho morning-, intimated that something unusual was about to take place , and fortunately the weather was all that could ha wished . Towards noon the brethren of tho Masonic Order began to assemble in the Prince of Wales' Rooms , kindly lent by Mr .
Moss for the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge , which was opened soon alter one o'clock by the Prov . G . M ., J . . 5 . Hammond , assisted by his D . Prov . G . M ., Bro . Crosse , Bro . Dr . Hopkins acting as Chaplain for the occasion . The deputation from Franco was received with every mark of honour . These distinguished visitors were collectively formally presented to the Prov . G . M ., who deputed Bro . Manuel , Dir . of Cers ., to read to them the addressof which the following is a translation : —
, " Dear Brother A'isitors , —With much happiness and pleasure I offer you all possible fraternal salutation on the part of the brethren of this province . Receive from us a hearty welcome , I feel greatly delighted to find you so anxious to respond to our invitation , by coming to lend us your kind assistance at the inauguration of the Masonic Temple , and thanks to your cheerful compliance , it will be still more tbe consummation of a united Masonic festival , mutually shared by France and
England . Thanks , my dear friends , thanks for your presence , for , as its results , wc already feel our zeal rekindled , our hearts expanded , our thoughts elevated . Thanks to you , brethren , who are come to aid us on this day , which is especially one of joy and at the same time of solemnity . You , brethren , well understand what Freemasonry is ; you are able fully to appreciate it , and to ieel that it is eminently that high principle of reverence , of worship , which repels all intolerance , all fanaticism ; that it inculcates a regard for humanity , and devotedness to his brethren on the part of each of its members . This ,