Enjoyable Masonry.

ENJOYABLE MASONRY .

AN old writers tells us that heaven sells all pleasures , effort being the price at which they are obtained , and in this way we may account for much of the success which attends some of our Masonic Lodges , and makes them stand out boldly

in relief among their neighbours . The members make an effort to secure success , and they win the pleasures they strive for , while others , who devote little or no attention to the inner working of their

Lodge , look on and complain that their meetings are not like those of their friends . It is very difficult to convince these grumblers that the difference they complain of is entirely of their own making , and

that if they only attempted a united effort , they might secure equal pleasures to those they experience at the gatherings of their neighbours ; but such is really the case , or , at least , it is so to a very great

extent . Let us look at the matter from another point of view . Which are the most enjoyable meetings ? Not necessarily those of a large Lodge , neither is it compulsory that the membership should be limited , so that we

cannot argue that numbers have anything to do with the matter . We must , therefore , look elsewhere ; and we think it will be found that in every successful Lodge there is one , or perhaps several , specially

energetic brethren , whose aim is to secure the pleasures which heaven sells at the price of special effort . They pay the price , and the contract is fulfilled , while the directly opposite may be noticed in

many of the cases where little or no special interest is evinced by either of the members . We have frequently discussed this subject in the past , pointing out the influences of one man , the power that an

enthusiast may possess in a Lodge , and the absolute necessity which exists for some one of the members to go beyond the ordinary limits , if anything above mediocrity is to be achieved . But the field we have to work in is a large one , and there are many among us

who are still labouring under a mistaken idea of what is really needed to win for their Lodges the pleasures they enjoy elsewhere , so that we feel no hesitation in putting the matter before them in a new light .

Masonry to be attractive must be enjoyable , and it should be the special effort of the Master and Officers of a Lodge to make their meetings so , else the members will tire of their work , become irregular in attendance , and finally stay away altogether . The

oasis on which the Order is founded is essentially a pleasurable one—to be happy ourselves , and communicate happiness to others . Why then do anything to create unpleasantness , or let matters drift quietly along in the hope thev will set themselves

ngbt ? Heaven sells pleasures , and we must pay the price if we desire to realize them . No Lodge has yet made a name for itself purely of its own accord , and such a result will never be achieved , no matter now much things may change in the future . Special

Enjoyable Masonry.

effort must be made to win special rewards , and it behoves all who desire to see Masonry advance , to fully recognise this and use every effort in their power to prove the truth of the argument , although if thev make no special effort to improve their Lodge ,

they will soon discover how easy it is for it to loso what little attractions it did possess , and the argument will thus prove itself .

In the off-season of Masonry there is always time and ample opportunity for making good resolutions for the future , and if we can arouse a little enthusiasm by our remarks to-day , and lead a few of what we

may term the easy going section of the Order to infuse some enthusiastic activity into their future efforts , we shall have done a certain amount of good , and there is no knowing how far the ultimate

consequences may extend . We know the general desire of Lodge members is to have enjoyable meetings , but unfortunately all do not secure them ; but do they recognise that they often have themselves alone to thank for the deficiency ? Pleasures are not to bo

secured by the asking , and , instead of wasting their energies in grumbling , we again urge disappointed Craftsmen to personally make use of that effort which heaven requires in payment for the pleasures it has to sell .

New York's New Masonic Home And Asylum.

NEW YORK'S NEW MASONIC HOME AND ASYLUM .

TVTOTWITHSTANDING the unfavourable weather of JLl the 21 st May , Bro . John W . Vrooman , M . W . Grand Master of New York , assisted by the Grand Officers , laid the Corner-stone of the new Masonic Home of that jurisdiction , near TJtica , in the midst of the greatest enthusiasm of tho Craft . Some 30 , 000 strangers visited TJtica on this

occasion , and some 9000 Freemasons were in line . The ceremonies were performed with impressiveness , but owing to the unfavourable weather the addresses were not delivered until the evening , when some 3000 Brethren assembled in the TJtica Opera House , where they were

welcomed by Mayor Goodwin , of TJtica . There were five Past Grand Masters present , viz ., Bros Frank R . Lawrence , Clinton F . Paige , Christopher G . Fox , Jesse B . Anthony and William A . Brodie . Three very able

addresses were delivered , by Grand Master Vrooman , Past Grand Master Lawrence , and Bro . Chauncey M . Depew . From P . G . M . Bro . Lawrence's spirited address we quote the following :

" For generations to come this day will stand conspicuous in Masonic annals . At this time , amid general prosperity and rejoicing , we begin the visible consummation of the stedfast purpose of half a century . " From this hour we shall watch with pride and interest

the progress of the stately building whose design is depicted upon the medal worn to day upon so many breasts , and we shall hope that at an early day the Craft may again

he summoned to attend its Dedication . Then indeed will the great work of practical charity begin . Then shall at last our doors be open to receive the destitute Brother and widow , and , holiest task and highest privilege of all , to