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Article DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NORTHERN CHINA. ← Page 2 of 2 Article DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF NORTHERN CHINA. Page 2 of 2
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District Grand Lodge Of Northern China.
to himself and advantage to the Craft , could not permit him to retire without giving expression to tho feeling's which they believed to be unanimous amongst those of the brethren who had enjoyed the p leasure of his personal acquaintance , or had been brought into contact with him in
Masonic affairs . After relating the circumstances under which Bro . Thorne was selected by his Royal Hiurhne ^ s the Worshipful Grand Master to preside over the District Grand Lodge , and how with an unselfish desire to open to others the road to advancement in the Craft he p laced his
resignation in the hands of his Royal Highness , the address went on to say the brethren could not forget that on Bro . Thorne devolved the task of inaugurating the District Grand Lodge , and that to his own personal abillities and active and impartial performance of the duties of his exalted
office , the District Grand Lodge owed its present position . Peculiarly placed in Shanghai , at a common meeting point of several Masonic jurisdictions , his wise counsels had cemented that unity which should at all times characterise Masons ; and those within their reach had learnt that above tho distinctions of Grand
Lodges to which each Mason in his place owed allegiance , there was yet a higher bond of unity in tho Craft , and that every worthy brother might with confidence look forward to occupying his station in that Grand Lodge above , " where the World ' s Great Architect for ever lives
and rules . " Whilst recognising his beneficial influence as a ruler in the Craft , ' they could not omit to pay a just tribute to his private worth . Whether as a man or a Mason , he had equally won the good opinions of his fellow residents ; while as a Mason he had ever sought to
discharge his duty towards the Craft , as a man he had always been actuated by a desire to be foremost in every good work . True to the principles of our Order , the world had known that in him it had found one to whom the distressed might apply for succour , and to whom the wounded heart
could pour out its sorrows . In conclusion , the brethren felt assured that while health and strength permitted , and whether Jit be Bro . Thome ' s lot to continue to reside amongst them or return to his native land , he would ever be ready to afford good counsel in time of need .
They prayed the Great Architect of the Universe to grant him long life , health , and prosperity , and that when it should please His Almighty wisdom to call him from this sublunary abode , he might ascend to the mansions of eternal bliss .
The address , which was in the form of an illuminated volume , and a very pretty piece of art , received the signatures of the brethren , not only of the Lodges in the
district , but also of the Ancient Landmark Lodge , working under American jurisdiction . The brethren of the Cosmopolitan Lodge , working under Scottish jurisdiction , had decided to address Bro . Thorne separately .
Bro . Cornelius Thorne , in acknowledging the address , said : —
I hardly know how to sufficiently thank you for this further proof of your kindness and goodwill towai-ds me in presenting me with this address . It is much more than I conld have anticipated . On the last occasion that the District Grand Lodgo met you were kind enough to pass a special resolution acknowledging my services .
What further could I have expected ? Bnt this address is another expression of yonr goodwill towards me , and it is an assurance that my Masonic duties have been discharged in a way that has not been altogether a failure , and I sincerely thank yon . It has always been my earnest desire to do all that I conld to promote tbe prosperity of
Masonry . I have fallen short , yes , very short , of that standard to which I desired to attain . But , brethren , I can honestly say that my shortcomings l ; ave been those of the head and not of the heart . It has been my earnest desire to see Freemasonry taken np by the members of the Craft in all sincerity —that no one should enter the
Fraternity simply for the pnrpose of calling himself a Freemason , but when once admitted he should act np to the moral law , so beauti . fully illustrated in our lectures—so as to become a true and faithful brother amongst ns , and foltov . ing the dictates of trnth , honour , and virtue , he may be the better enabled to unfold tho beauties of true
godliness—that he should remember the solemn duties which as a M . M . he has undertaken to perforin—that he may never forget that wherever he is , or whatever he does , the All-seeing eye of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe beholds him—for , brethren , if wo so act , we shall , as we are tanglit to do , set an example to all mchj & ind .
as well as to or . r brethren , and thus prove the beneficial effects of our noble Institution . Brethren , exenso this digression . I am losing sight of the fact that I cm not hero to deliver an oration on Masonry , but to thank you for that kindly and fraternal feeling which has prompted yon to present mo with this address . I do so from the
bottom of my heart . I do not forget that it is to your willingness to support me in my office , and to the obedience yon have always shown to my decisions , that my seven years of rulership have been attended with some measure of snecess . To the various Officeis of the District Grand Lodge I am most deeply indebted for the manner
District Grand Lodge Of Northern China.
in which they have assisted me to carry on the work in the district . More especially do I owe my thanks to onr esteemed Worship ful Bro . Johnsford , who for a period of three years performed the ardnous duties of Depnty Grand Secretary , and who by his care and atten tion has materiallv assisted mo in my labours and promoted the
interests of the District Grand Lodge . I am pleased that I have b ° en relieved of the responsibility of naming : my successor . Oar Most Worshipful Grand Master kindly allowed yon to make yonr own selection , and I have nn doubt that he will roadilv accede to the choice von have made . Under the ru'o of mv la » e D pntr I trn-t
neaeo and harmony will raism fchrnnarhnnt the dist-ior , a'id I am OPT . feotly sure that if yon , brethren , will only ns- < ist him in the discharge of bis duties in the same manner in which you have assisted mp , and will Rnhmifcin the same graceful manner to hia rale as yon have done to mine , that this D strtct , Grand Lodge will continue to flourish and
bo an example toother districts . To my brethren of the Scotch and American Constitutions , I am also deeply o-ratefnl for the manner in which thpy have always received mo nmnnirst th -ni , and for this farther mark of their appreciation nnr . goodwill towards me in joining with yon in tho testimonial yon wero so d ^ sirou * to present to to
to me . I can assure yon that it is a gr ^ ar , n'easnre m « know that before I had resigned my office , steps had he-n t'ken to form a Masonic School . It is true the scheme has not advancd very far at present , bnt I think sufficient progress has been made to lead ns to hope that before longr it will be established , aud if it is presided
over in a proper manner , it must prove a blessing to tho junior members of onr community , be they children of Masons or of non-Masons : and here , brethren , I must again warmly thank you for listening to my suggestion , and consenting th ;> t the money subscribed as a testimonial should he placed in the form of a Scholarship in
this School which is to be established , and I am sure you will agree with me that yon will do mo a greater honour in this way than by presenting me with some personal token of yonr esteem . You will tbns have the opportunity of seeing the result of your contributions in inducing young people to study here , and by that nvans not only
improve themselves , bnt become good members of society . It confers npon me a double honour ; it will canse my name to bo associated with what I trust may become a benefit to others . I fear I have detained yon too long , and yet I feel I have not sufficiently thanked you for the many kindnesses I have received at your hands . In tho
last paragraph of this address that you have presented to me yon have kindly promised to offer np yonr prayers to fr'ie Great , Architect of tho Universe on my behalf . And , brethren , should these prayers be fully anawerfd , the time will come when we shall all meet in that
Grand Lodge above , there to enjoy that rest and happiness promised by the Great Architect of the Universoto all who believe in Him and act up to His Divine commands . May He be with us and direct us in all our undertakings now and evermore .
Bro . C . H . Dallas , D . G . M . of Japan , in an able speech , thanked the D . G . Lodge for the kind manner in which his presence had been noticed , expressing the hope that the two D . G . Lodges would ever work in peace and harmony . The D . G . M . heartily reciprocated the good wishes of Bi-o .
Dallas . Bro . Kingsmill drew attention to the fact that there were no Lodge banners in the District Grand Lodge . At their next meeting he hoped to see the banners in their proper places , and tho proper Officers about them . The D . G M . concurred . There was no reason why the Lodges
should not be represented under their banners , and the D . G . Pursuivant would please take note of the wish expressed . There being no further business , the District Grand Lodge was closed in form , and with prayer by the District Grand Chaplain .
The consecration of tho United Northern Counties Lodge , No . 2128 , will take place on Monday , the L 4 th instant , at three p . m . at the Masonic Hall , 8 A Bed Lion Square , Holborn . The ceremony of consecration and
installation will he performed by Very Worshipful Brother Colonel Shad well H . Gierke Grand Secretary of England , assisted by other Grand Officers . Bros . J . S . Cumberland P . M . P . P . J . G . W . is the W . M designate , W . P . Smithson P . M . P . P . S . G . D . S . W . designate . W . Master . ? J . W .
designate . A banquet will be held at the Holborn Restaurant , at -5 " 30 p . m ., for which early app lication must be made , as dinner will be provided for those only who procure tickets before the 14 th December .
The Cama Lodge , No . 2105 , will be consecrated on Wednesday , the 16 th instant , by the Right Worshipful Sir P . Burdett , Bart ., Provincial Grand Master , at the Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court . The Provincial Grand
Master will be assisted by tho following : —Bros . R . H . Thrupp D . P . G . M . Middlesex , J . F . H . ^ Woodward P . G . Secretary Middlesex as S . W ., Henry Lovcgrove P . P . G . S . of Works Middlesex as J . W .
£ 20 . — TmuccoNis-rs CojniRynsn . — An illustrated snido ( 110 naec- ) " Hew to Open Kespp < -f ; d > ly from C 20 r , o £ •»(«)() . " ? , Stamps . Ii . MYI - RS . t Co .. Cigar and Tobacco Merchants , 100 Eust > n Roml , London . U'lioleoa ' . o only . Telephone No . 7 a 11 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
District Grand Lodge Of Northern China.
to himself and advantage to the Craft , could not permit him to retire without giving expression to tho feeling's which they believed to be unanimous amongst those of the brethren who had enjoyed the p leasure of his personal acquaintance , or had been brought into contact with him in
Masonic affairs . After relating the circumstances under which Bro . Thorne was selected by his Royal Hiurhne ^ s the Worshipful Grand Master to preside over the District Grand Lodge , and how with an unselfish desire to open to others the road to advancement in the Craft he p laced his
resignation in the hands of his Royal Highness , the address went on to say the brethren could not forget that on Bro . Thorne devolved the task of inaugurating the District Grand Lodge , and that to his own personal abillities and active and impartial performance of the duties of his exalted
office , the District Grand Lodge owed its present position . Peculiarly placed in Shanghai , at a common meeting point of several Masonic jurisdictions , his wise counsels had cemented that unity which should at all times characterise Masons ; and those within their reach had learnt that above tho distinctions of Grand
Lodges to which each Mason in his place owed allegiance , there was yet a higher bond of unity in tho Craft , and that every worthy brother might with confidence look forward to occupying his station in that Grand Lodge above , " where the World ' s Great Architect for ever lives
and rules . " Whilst recognising his beneficial influence as a ruler in the Craft , ' they could not omit to pay a just tribute to his private worth . Whether as a man or a Mason , he had equally won the good opinions of his fellow residents ; while as a Mason he had ever sought to
discharge his duty towards the Craft , as a man he had always been actuated by a desire to be foremost in every good work . True to the principles of our Order , the world had known that in him it had found one to whom the distressed might apply for succour , and to whom the wounded heart
could pour out its sorrows . In conclusion , the brethren felt assured that while health and strength permitted , and whether Jit be Bro . Thome ' s lot to continue to reside amongst them or return to his native land , he would ever be ready to afford good counsel in time of need .
They prayed the Great Architect of the Universe to grant him long life , health , and prosperity , and that when it should please His Almighty wisdom to call him from this sublunary abode , he might ascend to the mansions of eternal bliss .
The address , which was in the form of an illuminated volume , and a very pretty piece of art , received the signatures of the brethren , not only of the Lodges in the
district , but also of the Ancient Landmark Lodge , working under American jurisdiction . The brethren of the Cosmopolitan Lodge , working under Scottish jurisdiction , had decided to address Bro . Thorne separately .
Bro . Cornelius Thorne , in acknowledging the address , said : —
I hardly know how to sufficiently thank you for this further proof of your kindness and goodwill towai-ds me in presenting me with this address . It is much more than I conld have anticipated . On the last occasion that the District Grand Lodgo met you were kind enough to pass a special resolution acknowledging my services .
What further could I have expected ? Bnt this address is another expression of yonr goodwill towards me , and it is an assurance that my Masonic duties have been discharged in a way that has not been altogether a failure , and I sincerely thank yon . It has always been my earnest desire to do all that I conld to promote tbe prosperity of
Masonry . I have fallen short , yes , very short , of that standard to which I desired to attain . But , brethren , I can honestly say that my shortcomings l ; ave been those of the head and not of the heart . It has been my earnest desire to see Freemasonry taken np by the members of the Craft in all sincerity —that no one should enter the
Fraternity simply for the pnrpose of calling himself a Freemason , but when once admitted he should act np to the moral law , so beauti . fully illustrated in our lectures—so as to become a true and faithful brother amongst ns , and foltov . ing the dictates of trnth , honour , and virtue , he may be the better enabled to unfold tho beauties of true
godliness—that he should remember the solemn duties which as a M . M . he has undertaken to perforin—that he may never forget that wherever he is , or whatever he does , the All-seeing eye of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe beholds him—for , brethren , if wo so act , we shall , as we are tanglit to do , set an example to all mchj & ind .
as well as to or . r brethren , and thus prove the beneficial effects of our noble Institution . Brethren , exenso this digression . I am losing sight of the fact that I cm not hero to deliver an oration on Masonry , but to thank you for that kindly and fraternal feeling which has prompted yon to present mo with this address . I do so from the
bottom of my heart . I do not forget that it is to your willingness to support me in my office , and to the obedience yon have always shown to my decisions , that my seven years of rulership have been attended with some measure of snecess . To the various Officeis of the District Grand Lodge I am most deeply indebted for the manner
District Grand Lodge Of Northern China.
in which they have assisted me to carry on the work in the district . More especially do I owe my thanks to onr esteemed Worship ful Bro . Johnsford , who for a period of three years performed the ardnous duties of Depnty Grand Secretary , and who by his care and atten tion has materiallv assisted mo in my labours and promoted the
interests of the District Grand Lodge . I am pleased that I have b ° en relieved of the responsibility of naming : my successor . Oar Most Worshipful Grand Master kindly allowed yon to make yonr own selection , and I have nn doubt that he will roadilv accede to the choice von have made . Under the ru'o of mv la » e D pntr I trn-t
neaeo and harmony will raism fchrnnarhnnt the dist-ior , a'id I am OPT . feotly sure that if yon , brethren , will only ns- < ist him in the discharge of bis duties in the same manner in which you have assisted mp , and will Rnhmifcin the same graceful manner to hia rale as yon have done to mine , that this D strtct , Grand Lodge will continue to flourish and
bo an example toother districts . To my brethren of the Scotch and American Constitutions , I am also deeply o-ratefnl for the manner in which thpy have always received mo nmnnirst th -ni , and for this farther mark of their appreciation nnr . goodwill towards me in joining with yon in tho testimonial yon wero so d ^ sirou * to present to to
to me . I can assure yon that it is a gr ^ ar , n'easnre m « know that before I had resigned my office , steps had he-n t'ken to form a Masonic School . It is true the scheme has not advancd very far at present , bnt I think sufficient progress has been made to lead ns to hope that before longr it will be established , aud if it is presided
over in a proper manner , it must prove a blessing to tho junior members of onr community , be they children of Masons or of non-Masons : and here , brethren , I must again warmly thank you for listening to my suggestion , and consenting th ;> t the money subscribed as a testimonial should he placed in the form of a Scholarship in
this School which is to be established , and I am sure you will agree with me that yon will do mo a greater honour in this way than by presenting me with some personal token of yonr esteem . You will tbns have the opportunity of seeing the result of your contributions in inducing young people to study here , and by that nvans not only
improve themselves , bnt become good members of society . It confers npon me a double honour ; it will canse my name to bo associated with what I trust may become a benefit to others . I fear I have detained yon too long , and yet I feel I have not sufficiently thanked you for the many kindnesses I have received at your hands . In tho
last paragraph of this address that you have presented to me yon have kindly promised to offer np yonr prayers to fr'ie Great , Architect of tho Universe on my behalf . And , brethren , should these prayers be fully anawerfd , the time will come when we shall all meet in that
Grand Lodge above , there to enjoy that rest and happiness promised by the Great Architect of the Universoto all who believe in Him and act up to His Divine commands . May He be with us and direct us in all our undertakings now and evermore .
Bro . C . H . Dallas , D . G . M . of Japan , in an able speech , thanked the D . G . Lodge for the kind manner in which his presence had been noticed , expressing the hope that the two D . G . Lodges would ever work in peace and harmony . The D . G . M . heartily reciprocated the good wishes of Bi-o .
Dallas . Bro . Kingsmill drew attention to the fact that there were no Lodge banners in the District Grand Lodge . At their next meeting he hoped to see the banners in their proper places , and tho proper Officers about them . The D . G M . concurred . There was no reason why the Lodges
should not be represented under their banners , and the D . G . Pursuivant would please take note of the wish expressed . There being no further business , the District Grand Lodge was closed in form , and with prayer by the District Grand Chaplain .
The consecration of tho United Northern Counties Lodge , No . 2128 , will take place on Monday , the L 4 th instant , at three p . m . at the Masonic Hall , 8 A Bed Lion Square , Holborn . The ceremony of consecration and
installation will he performed by Very Worshipful Brother Colonel Shad well H . Gierke Grand Secretary of England , assisted by other Grand Officers . Bros . J . S . Cumberland P . M . P . P . J . G . W . is the W . M designate , W . P . Smithson P . M . P . P . S . G . D . S . W . designate . W . Master . ? J . W .
designate . A banquet will be held at the Holborn Restaurant , at -5 " 30 p . m ., for which early app lication must be made , as dinner will be provided for those only who procure tickets before the 14 th December .
The Cama Lodge , No . 2105 , will be consecrated on Wednesday , the 16 th instant , by the Right Worshipful Sir P . Burdett , Bart ., Provincial Grand Master , at the Mitre Hotel , Hampton Court . The Provincial Grand
Master will be assisted by tho following : —Bros . R . H . Thrupp D . P . G . M . Middlesex , J . F . H . ^ Woodward P . G . Secretary Middlesex as S . W ., Henry Lovcgrove P . P . G . S . of Works Middlesex as J . W .
£ 20 . — TmuccoNis-rs CojniRynsn . — An illustrated snido ( 110 naec- ) " Hew to Open Kespp < -f ; d > ly from C 20 r , o £ •»(«)() . " ? , Stamps . Ii . MYI - RS . t Co .. Cigar and Tobacco Merchants , 100 Eust > n Roml , London . U'lioleoa ' . o only . Telephone No . 7 a 11 .