Grand Lodge Property.

GRAND LODGE PROPERTY .

LONDON , SATTTMDJ . Y , JANUAltT 13 , 18 C 3 .

We are requested to state that the Committee on Grand Lodge Property , with the desire to give every Brother an opportunity of expressing his views on the important subject entrusted to them , will be perfectly ready to consider suggestions from any Brethren , whether in London or the Provinces , who

may have interested themselves in the subject of J ; he appropriation of the Grand Lodge Property ancl are desirous of expressing their opinion thereon . It will , of course , be understood that the Committee do not , by this , invite suggestions as to details of plans or

designs , because these will hereafter come legitimately within the province of architects , but suggestions as to the general principles to be borne in mind in considering the whole subject ; and especially—First . The nature and form of the buildings which shall include the accommodation requisite . a . For the Grand Lodge , the Grand Master , and

the Executive generally . b . For Private Lodges and Chapters . c . For individual Members of the Craft ; e . g . Library , Eeading Rooms , Coffee Eoom , & c . d . Por the Tavern purposes . Second . The maximum amount of cost which it

would be prudent and justifiable to incur . To these may , with advantage , be added any suggestions as to the best means of making the Masonic and the Tavern portions as separate and distinct as possible , and as to the returns for outlay which may reasonably be expected for the increased

accommodation provided under the heads b , c , and d . All communications should be made in writing and addressed to the Grand Secretary , and as the work of the Committee is now actively progressing , it is most desirable that they should be sent in on or before the 7 th Pebruary .

Masonic Reforms.

MASONIC REFORMS .

It is an undeniable fact that in Preemasonry , as well as all other societies , whether kingdoms , states , corporations , or families , every now and then a few Eeforms are necessary , and at no time can they be so well considered and put into practice than at the commencement of a new year .

In approaching this subject we shall do so in a conservative spirit , feeling sure that the best plan to avoid dead locks and violent measures is by dealing with improvements as required , and advocating a gradual progress in accordance with that of the

outside world . Preemasonry is as liable to the charge of being looked upon as a stationary science , as some others

of our antiquated institutions , and many in the Craft deplore this state of things because , in their early days of membership , they fondly imagined it was to be to them a loving teacher introducing to their view a higher education and a more appreciative acquaintance with those sciences and arts of which it assumes

the custody . A glance at our position at the beginning of this present year , 1863 , will show that there are some Masonic Eeforms imperatively necessary . "We want to remodel our Grand Lodge Property .

That subject is under discussion by a special Committee , but with a recollection that , we fear to state for how many years , boards have reported—and reported again- —all to no purpose ; we claim a Eeforin in this matter , and that it shall be steadily pursued , some

intelligent plan determined on , ancl carried out without further delay , and we hope we may say that this is in a fair way of being accomplished . The desirability of having a standard ceremonial for the whole Craft cannot be denied . We want

several minor differences reconciled and some anachronisms corrected , so that there shall be but one system which shall be everywhere the same . The lectures may be either included or not in such a revision as they are no part of Masonry proper . We want a Eeforin of the antagonism existing

between different kinds , or orders , of Preemasonry . Each one of these ought to show a little more charitable tolerance than they do towards the others . It is no answer to say "That is not Freemasonry , " for those who use it do not comprehend what a grand whole Preemasonry is , and if one of its parts is

injured how the entire body is wounded . We want a Eeforin in the manner in which our Grand Lodge accounts are kept . Intelligible returnsfor making out the lists of members ; receipts specifying for what , and on whose behalf , every

shilling is paid , and not the vague acknowledgements now issued . The Grand Lodge of Ireland gives a printed receipt , stamped with its seal , and specifying every payment for all monies received . We want a Eeformation in the constitution of the Charities . They should all be taken under the

protection of Grand Lodge , offices given them all under one roof , the system of separate committee abolished , and one comprehensive method of dealing with them substituted . The saving effected hy such a reform would be immense ; and further , the

maintenance of many more recipients . Eeforms are wanted in our private lodges . Less - expense for the pleasures of the table should be the aim of all . Greater punctuality , in every branch , . lodge , or portion of Preemasonry should be required . The time wasted by Preemasons is proverbial . . The , set toasts at the banquet should be relaxed- as the