-
Articles/Ads
Article SOUTH AUSTRALIA. ← Page 2 of 3 Article SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
South Australia.
even to the dull lambskin apvou of the modest few Entered Apprentices who were present . It set oft * to greater advantage the slightly more pretentions badge of the progressing " Fellow Crafts . " It increased in larger degree hy comparison the intensity of tho bright hues and the dazzling spangles of the decorative aprons of the Master Masons . It heightened tho effect . is a part of the picture of the rich
jewels—the squares and compasses and levels and plumbs and other ornaments puzzling to the " profane , " but highly significantof the dignitaries of the Order . Au important part of the strange picturesqueness of the scene waa lent to it hy the regalia of the still higher officers—the rich silk and satin collars , resplendent with handsome trimmings and edgings and stars and what not , reflecting
all the hues of the rainbow . And above all , the bright-ribboned gold and silver jewels , denoting eminent services or high rank , sparkler ! and glittered , as the sun , shining only at intervals on so dull a morning , lit them up with its rays . In a word , the whole celebration , it may honestly and unexaggeratively be said , partook of the character of a grand pageant , in which all was beautiful and nothing gaudy .
Those who made the arrangements and ( hose who carried them out so effectually aro deserving of high praise nnd warm congratulation . The grouping of the various ranks of the Order was strictly in accordance with Masonic precedent . To describe , first , the eastern part of the hall : —Presiding at the organ , whose tone , by the way , has greatly improved since its tuning , was the Grand Organist , Bro .
J . Shakespeare , on either side of whom was a brother assisting in the manipnhttion of the stops , and so on . In front of them aod upon the ordinary p latform wns a choir of some twenty voices . Acting as conductor stood Worshipfnl Bro . Philip Sausom , Grand Senior Deacon . To this gentleman is justly due the observation that the members of the choir under his direction were chosen by merit of their excellence
alone , and regardless of their rank in the Order . The result was the realisation , so far as their numerical capacity went , of almost the perfection of Masonic music . An important part in this department of the ceremonial was taken by Bro . M . Morgan , acting efficiently aa trumpeter . Behitid the conductor were placed , on a handsomelycarpeted dais , tbe official seats ( with emblematical gravings ) of the
Grand Master Mason , his Deputy , and tbe holders of the next two or three slightly less distingn ' shed grades of Masonry . Down the middle of the hall , with the Graud Master ' s "Throne" closing np a long perspective , in which other noteworthy objects were the Ark and the Senior Warden's chair , was an otherwise clear space along which tbe various grand processions were subsequently to pass .
Posted at regular intervals , and flanking this pas ? age-way , were numerous well-chosen Stewards , distinguished by blue-and . white rosettes , and holding aloft their staffs of office . In the body of the lall were the ordinary Masons , and on each side of the " tesselated square" which intervened between the chief seat of hononr and the Senior Warden ' s chair were ranged the principal officers of the
Institution , with the Junior Warden in bis customary place south of the square , and with the Secretary on the northern side as his tm-d-w ' s . The organ pealed forth a voluntary as , at halj . past ten o ' clock , Wor . Bro . H . M . Addison P . D . G . Treasurer E . C , P . M . 505 E . O . took tbe chief place of Worshipfnl Master , by virtue of his high office as Chairman of the Masonic Union . On the previous night there
had been held a Convention of Delegates to make final arrangements . That had closed in the first degree , in which it now resumed with customary form . Immediately after it closed again , and Brother Addison then , after having announced that the Right Worshi pful Bro . Mnecke P . D . G . M . S C . had been selected to act as Installing Master , vacated the chair , which the Installing Master occupied .
Another short voluntary on the organ preceded the opening of the Graud Lodge , which was marked by the offering of a special prayer , written for the occasion by Bro . the Rev . F . S . Poole P . D . G . Chap . E . C . The choir then rendered with grand impressiveness the Opening Ode . Tbe Installing Master next read his authority to instal Brother Chief Justice Way as the Most Worshipful Grand Master
Mason of South Australia , and thereupon the Director of Ceremonies was instructed to summon the newly-elected Grand Lodge Officers . The summons was obeyed on tbe instant , and presently these important officials were admitted , convoyed by a strong force of brethren , with great pomp . As , thus escorted , they marched towards the dais at the eastern end of the hall the organist played spiritedly
the well-known "March of the Masons , whilst the foil choir gave its words , full of significance to all true Masons , with correct interpretation as to music , and with evident feeling as to the sentiment . Towards the close the music became gradually subdued , aud as it presently died away in slow and solemn measures , all the brethren , alike of high rank and of low degree , bowed reverently , whilst the
Chaplain again made special supplication . The vast congregation , led by the organ playing pianissimo , and the choir singing softl y , caught up the solemn Masonic " So mote it be" response , which a moment afterwards was replaced by a strongly contrasted substitute —the exultant chorus " Holy ! Holy ! Holy Lord . " The soloist was Bro . II . Oeltnann , whose rendition was really excellent and in a high
degree praiseworthy . The groat feature of the ceremonial now began . Whilst the brethren again reverently bowed their heads , with their hands upon their breasts , the Chaplain prayed : — Supreme Governor and Controller of Mankind , by whom Kings reign and Princes decree justice , be pleased to vouchsafe to this Thy
servant now about to be called to this high office in our Brotherhood Thy heavenly blessing . May hq prove a true and diligent guardian of the principles , privileges , and usages of oar Order , and may he , through Thy favour , be strengthened to the discharge of those duties to which he is now solemnly and specially to be pledged . Again the brethren gave the solemn Masonic response , which
presently swelled oat into the ancient Hymn of Praise . This was snng by the whole Hrotherhood , to the tune of the Old Hundredth , and the familiar strains , caught up by over a thousand voices , sounded grandly inspiring . The newly chosen Grand Master ( Bro . S . J . Way ) was then conducted to the altar by the official convoy who had received him when he entered . As he knelt before the Masonic
South Australia.
shrine the choir sang softly the Invocatory Anthem , beginning " Father of love , we call , & o . " Still kneeling , the Grand Master took the solemn obligation administered by the Installing Master . He was then conducted to the east in due form . The Instating Master ( who conducted the whole ceremony in a way which was highly creditable to his memory and to his methods ) delivered to him a
solemn charge . He enlarged upon the dignity aud the importance of his hi gh office , a position requiring the possession of sound judgment , tact , and brotherly kindness . The office of Grand Master was one of great antiquity and respect . It was one of tho highest dignities to which they as Masons could aspire . He who enjoyed it should there , fore possess certain very important qualities . As a man he should
be ot unquestioned integrity , free from a domineering spirit , and having all ill-tempered passions kept strictly in subjection . As a citizen he should be loyal to his Queen , obedient to tho laws , and always yielding freely to tho dictates of humanity . As a Freemason he shonld hold manfully and boldly to the ancient and respect d and well-tried landmarks . He should be meek and not overmastered by
the lust of power . Elevated above his fellow-Masons , he should never forget , that it was they who raised him . Aod these wore only a few of the many qualities which his high and important post required of him . Tbe Installing Master then invested him with the insignia of office , and he was enthroned , being sainted by all the brethren in
accordance with the time-honoured form . Thereupon was snng the "Anthem of Rejoicing , " composed b y ^ -Bro . J . Shakespeare P . D . G . O . The anthem was followed by a flourish of trumpets and drums , and , after proclamations had been made in tho east , and subsequently in the west and south , the Masons joined in singing the hymn— " Hail Masonry Divine . "
The Grand Master delivered an address , which he concluded in the following terms : —Brethren , hitherto , in South Australia we have under our different Constitutions been labouring in three bands or parties , and to the casual observer we were seemingly engaged in the formation of several independent edifices having no perfect connection with each other . Now happily the partitions which divided
as have been destroyed , and the temporary supports and scaffolding have been removed , and lo ! we find ourselves , side by side in one united brotherhood , in one new Masonic temple , with the same volume of the sacred law , the same square , and the same compass for our guidance before ns . I cannot doubt that if we determine to work willingly with the same zeal , and in accordance with tho same
law which has hitherto been our guide , we shall see Masonry advance in South Australia , and if that be oar chief aim we shall have the approval of tbe Great Architect . R . W . Bro . H . E . Downer P . G . M . Depnty Grand Master elect waa next obligated , invested , installed , and greeted with a loyal sainte . The anthem " Let all nations praise the Lord , " was then sung . The
other Officers were next installed in their respective positions , and afterwards the anthem was rendered by the choir . The proclamation of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of South Australia as being duly formed and constituted was then made in the osual way . At this stage Bro . James H . Cunningham G . S ., on behalf of the
Grand Lodge , presented to the Grand Master a petition bearing warm testimony to the self-sacrificing services of Bro . Addison , and concluding— "We humbly pray that tho noteworthy and meritorious services of our Worshipful Brother be recognised , and we would respectfully suggest that he have conferred npon him the distinction of P . D . G . M . in token of the appreciation of tho Craft of the services referred to . "
The Grand Master—In reference to this petition , I may say there is no brother of the Craft who more fully appreciates the value of tbe services of the Worshipful Bro . Addison than I do ; and it gives me greater pleasure than I can express that my first official act as the Grand Master Mason of South Australia should be to present some little recognition to him . I ask yon , Bro . Addison , to accept the
office of P . D . G . M . in this Lodge , with all its rights and privileges . Brother Addison—I most heartily thank you for the very high honour yon have conferred upon me . I am fully sensible of that hononr , and I beg you not to measure tho sincerity of my thanks by tbe number of my words . On the motion of the Grand Master seconded by the D . G . M ., a vote
of thanks was passed to the Installing Master , Bro . Muecke M . W . P . G . M ., for his services that morning , and to the Lodgo generally during many years past . Brother Muecke on rising to respond , was received with a hearty Masonic salute . He thanked them cordially for the resolution they
had been pleased to pass in his hononr . He felt this would be a redletter day in the annals of Freemasonry in South Australia . The brethren then joined in singing the National Anthem . The Chaplain delivered a special closing prayer . The Benediction was pronounced , and the Lodge closed , the choir singing the second verse of " The March of the Masons . "
The banquet began punctually at 8 o ' clock , and was in its different way as brilliant from a spectacular point of view as tha preceding and more largely attended ceremony earlier in the day had been . There were about 400 Masons present . Mes rs . Beach and Co . performed the catering very excellently . They made the room bright with ornaments of various kinds . On tho dais at the eastern end of
tho room waa the principle table , running north and south . Round this were seated the Grand Lodge Officers according to their degree , the M . W . Grand Master Mason , of course , presiding . Ab the rear of these distinguished Officers were , on cither side of the platform , large mirrors surrounded by ferns ancl flowers . Tbe comparatively subordinate positions at the heads of the other tables were occup ied
by several prominent members , notably Bros . A . M . Simpson , P . Sansom , J . Ramsey , and J . C . Kanfmann . Bro . Seabrook acted as Director of Ceremonies , and Bro . Vockica , Secretary to the Banquet Committee , supeiintended the arrangements generally , and parformed his task thoroughly well . Bro . Shakespeare acted as Organist . The M . W . G . M . read an apology from the Installing Master ( B ro .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
South Australia.
even to the dull lambskin apvou of the modest few Entered Apprentices who were present . It set oft * to greater advantage the slightly more pretentions badge of the progressing " Fellow Crafts . " It increased in larger degree hy comparison the intensity of tho bright hues and the dazzling spangles of the decorative aprons of the Master Masons . It heightened tho effect . is a part of the picture of the rich
jewels—the squares and compasses and levels and plumbs and other ornaments puzzling to the " profane , " but highly significantof the dignitaries of the Order . Au important part of the strange picturesqueness of the scene waa lent to it hy the regalia of the still higher officers—the rich silk and satin collars , resplendent with handsome trimmings and edgings and stars and what not , reflecting
all the hues of the rainbow . And above all , the bright-ribboned gold and silver jewels , denoting eminent services or high rank , sparkler ! and glittered , as the sun , shining only at intervals on so dull a morning , lit them up with its rays . In a word , the whole celebration , it may honestly and unexaggeratively be said , partook of the character of a grand pageant , in which all was beautiful and nothing gaudy .
Those who made the arrangements and ( hose who carried them out so effectually aro deserving of high praise nnd warm congratulation . The grouping of the various ranks of the Order was strictly in accordance with Masonic precedent . To describe , first , the eastern part of the hall : —Presiding at the organ , whose tone , by the way , has greatly improved since its tuning , was the Grand Organist , Bro .
J . Shakespeare , on either side of whom was a brother assisting in the manipnhttion of the stops , and so on . In front of them aod upon the ordinary p latform wns a choir of some twenty voices . Acting as conductor stood Worshipfnl Bro . Philip Sausom , Grand Senior Deacon . To this gentleman is justly due the observation that the members of the choir under his direction were chosen by merit of their excellence
alone , and regardless of their rank in the Order . The result was the realisation , so far as their numerical capacity went , of almost the perfection of Masonic music . An important part in this department of the ceremonial was taken by Bro . M . Morgan , acting efficiently aa trumpeter . Behitid the conductor were placed , on a handsomelycarpeted dais , tbe official seats ( with emblematical gravings ) of the
Grand Master Mason , his Deputy , and tbe holders of the next two or three slightly less distingn ' shed grades of Masonry . Down the middle of the hall , with the Graud Master ' s "Throne" closing np a long perspective , in which other noteworthy objects were the Ark and the Senior Warden's chair , was an otherwise clear space along which tbe various grand processions were subsequently to pass .
Posted at regular intervals , and flanking this pas ? age-way , were numerous well-chosen Stewards , distinguished by blue-and . white rosettes , and holding aloft their staffs of office . In the body of the lall were the ordinary Masons , and on each side of the " tesselated square" which intervened between the chief seat of hononr and the Senior Warden ' s chair were ranged the principal officers of the
Institution , with the Junior Warden in bis customary place south of the square , and with the Secretary on the northern side as his tm-d-w ' s . The organ pealed forth a voluntary as , at halj . past ten o ' clock , Wor . Bro . H . M . Addison P . D . G . Treasurer E . C , P . M . 505 E . O . took tbe chief place of Worshipfnl Master , by virtue of his high office as Chairman of the Masonic Union . On the previous night there
had been held a Convention of Delegates to make final arrangements . That had closed in the first degree , in which it now resumed with customary form . Immediately after it closed again , and Brother Addison then , after having announced that the Right Worshi pful Bro . Mnecke P . D . G . M . S C . had been selected to act as Installing Master , vacated the chair , which the Installing Master occupied .
Another short voluntary on the organ preceded the opening of the Graud Lodge , which was marked by the offering of a special prayer , written for the occasion by Bro . the Rev . F . S . Poole P . D . G . Chap . E . C . The choir then rendered with grand impressiveness the Opening Ode . Tbe Installing Master next read his authority to instal Brother Chief Justice Way as the Most Worshipful Grand Master
Mason of South Australia , and thereupon the Director of Ceremonies was instructed to summon the newly-elected Grand Lodge Officers . The summons was obeyed on tbe instant , and presently these important officials were admitted , convoyed by a strong force of brethren , with great pomp . As , thus escorted , they marched towards the dais at the eastern end of the hall the organist played spiritedly
the well-known "March of the Masons , whilst the foil choir gave its words , full of significance to all true Masons , with correct interpretation as to music , and with evident feeling as to the sentiment . Towards the close the music became gradually subdued , aud as it presently died away in slow and solemn measures , all the brethren , alike of high rank and of low degree , bowed reverently , whilst the
Chaplain again made special supplication . The vast congregation , led by the organ playing pianissimo , and the choir singing softl y , caught up the solemn Masonic " So mote it be" response , which a moment afterwards was replaced by a strongly contrasted substitute —the exultant chorus " Holy ! Holy ! Holy Lord . " The soloist was Bro . II . Oeltnann , whose rendition was really excellent and in a high
degree praiseworthy . The groat feature of the ceremonial now began . Whilst the brethren again reverently bowed their heads , with their hands upon their breasts , the Chaplain prayed : — Supreme Governor and Controller of Mankind , by whom Kings reign and Princes decree justice , be pleased to vouchsafe to this Thy
servant now about to be called to this high office in our Brotherhood Thy heavenly blessing . May hq prove a true and diligent guardian of the principles , privileges , and usages of oar Order , and may he , through Thy favour , be strengthened to the discharge of those duties to which he is now solemnly and specially to be pledged . Again the brethren gave the solemn Masonic response , which
presently swelled oat into the ancient Hymn of Praise . This was snng by the whole Hrotherhood , to the tune of the Old Hundredth , and the familiar strains , caught up by over a thousand voices , sounded grandly inspiring . The newly chosen Grand Master ( Bro . S . J . Way ) was then conducted to the altar by the official convoy who had received him when he entered . As he knelt before the Masonic
South Australia.
shrine the choir sang softly the Invocatory Anthem , beginning " Father of love , we call , & o . " Still kneeling , the Grand Master took the solemn obligation administered by the Installing Master . He was then conducted to the east in due form . The Instating Master ( who conducted the whole ceremony in a way which was highly creditable to his memory and to his methods ) delivered to him a
solemn charge . He enlarged upon the dignity aud the importance of his hi gh office , a position requiring the possession of sound judgment , tact , and brotherly kindness . The office of Grand Master was one of great antiquity and respect . It was one of tho highest dignities to which they as Masons could aspire . He who enjoyed it should there , fore possess certain very important qualities . As a man he should
be ot unquestioned integrity , free from a domineering spirit , and having all ill-tempered passions kept strictly in subjection . As a citizen he should be loyal to his Queen , obedient to tho laws , and always yielding freely to tho dictates of humanity . As a Freemason he shonld hold manfully and boldly to the ancient and respect d and well-tried landmarks . He should be meek and not overmastered by
the lust of power . Elevated above his fellow-Masons , he should never forget , that it was they who raised him . Aod these wore only a few of the many qualities which his high and important post required of him . Tbe Installing Master then invested him with the insignia of office , and he was enthroned , being sainted by all the brethren in
accordance with the time-honoured form . Thereupon was snng the "Anthem of Rejoicing , " composed b y ^ -Bro . J . Shakespeare P . D . G . O . The anthem was followed by a flourish of trumpets and drums , and , after proclamations had been made in tho east , and subsequently in the west and south , the Masons joined in singing the hymn— " Hail Masonry Divine . "
The Grand Master delivered an address , which he concluded in the following terms : —Brethren , hitherto , in South Australia we have under our different Constitutions been labouring in three bands or parties , and to the casual observer we were seemingly engaged in the formation of several independent edifices having no perfect connection with each other . Now happily the partitions which divided
as have been destroyed , and the temporary supports and scaffolding have been removed , and lo ! we find ourselves , side by side in one united brotherhood , in one new Masonic temple , with the same volume of the sacred law , the same square , and the same compass for our guidance before ns . I cannot doubt that if we determine to work willingly with the same zeal , and in accordance with tho same
law which has hitherto been our guide , we shall see Masonry advance in South Australia , and if that be oar chief aim we shall have the approval of tbe Great Architect . R . W . Bro . H . E . Downer P . G . M . Depnty Grand Master elect waa next obligated , invested , installed , and greeted with a loyal sainte . The anthem " Let all nations praise the Lord , " was then sung . The
other Officers were next installed in their respective positions , and afterwards the anthem was rendered by the choir . The proclamation of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of South Australia as being duly formed and constituted was then made in the osual way . At this stage Bro . James H . Cunningham G . S ., on behalf of the
Grand Lodge , presented to the Grand Master a petition bearing warm testimony to the self-sacrificing services of Bro . Addison , and concluding— "We humbly pray that tho noteworthy and meritorious services of our Worshipful Brother be recognised , and we would respectfully suggest that he have conferred npon him the distinction of P . D . G . M . in token of the appreciation of tho Craft of the services referred to . "
The Grand Master—In reference to this petition , I may say there is no brother of the Craft who more fully appreciates the value of tbe services of the Worshipful Bro . Addison than I do ; and it gives me greater pleasure than I can express that my first official act as the Grand Master Mason of South Australia should be to present some little recognition to him . I ask yon , Bro . Addison , to accept the
office of P . D . G . M . in this Lodge , with all its rights and privileges . Brother Addison—I most heartily thank you for the very high honour yon have conferred upon me . I am fully sensible of that hononr , and I beg you not to measure tho sincerity of my thanks by tbe number of my words . On the motion of the Grand Master seconded by the D . G . M ., a vote
of thanks was passed to the Installing Master , Bro . Muecke M . W . P . G . M ., for his services that morning , and to the Lodgo generally during many years past . Brother Muecke on rising to respond , was received with a hearty Masonic salute . He thanked them cordially for the resolution they
had been pleased to pass in his hononr . He felt this would be a redletter day in the annals of Freemasonry in South Australia . The brethren then joined in singing the National Anthem . The Chaplain delivered a special closing prayer . The Benediction was pronounced , and the Lodge closed , the choir singing the second verse of " The March of the Masons . "
The banquet began punctually at 8 o ' clock , and was in its different way as brilliant from a spectacular point of view as tha preceding and more largely attended ceremony earlier in the day had been . There were about 400 Masons present . Mes rs . Beach and Co . performed the catering very excellently . They made the room bright with ornaments of various kinds . On tho dais at the eastern end of
tho room waa the principle table , running north and south . Round this were seated the Grand Lodge Officers according to their degree , the M . W . Grand Master Mason , of course , presiding . Ab the rear of these distinguished Officers were , on cither side of the platform , large mirrors surrounded by ferns ancl flowers . Tbe comparatively subordinate positions at the heads of the other tables were occup ied
by several prominent members , notably Bros . A . M . Simpson , P . Sansom , J . Ramsey , and J . C . Kanfmann . Bro . Seabrook acted as Director of Ceremonies , and Bro . Vockica , Secretary to the Banquet Committee , supeiintended the arrangements generally , and parformed his task thoroughly well . Bro . Shakespeare acted as Organist . The M . W . G . M . read an apology from the Installing Master ( B ro .