-
Articles/Ads
Article CONSECRATION OF A MASONIC HALL AT DEVIZES. ← Page 2 of 3 Article CONSECRATION OF A MASONIC HALL AT DEVIZES. Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A Masonic Hall At Devizes.
thanked the brethren for asking him to consecrate this new buildinsf , bnt wished to apologise to them for leaving early , as ho wonld bn obliged to do , in consequence of being called to London on matters connected with his military duties . His lordshi p then c .-illod npon the Provincial Grand Chaplain to deliver an oration , as was usual on such occasions . The Provincial Grand Chaplain , the Rev . J . A .
Lloyd , in response , commenced by congratulating the energetic brethren of Devizes on having brought to so satisfactory a termination their endeavour to secure a building in Devizes , which shonld be devoted solely to Masonic purposes , and hoped that Hall would long continue the home aud centre of true Masonic principles . Masonry , he said , was confessedly a universal system , teaching the
relative and social dnties of man upon the broad basis of general philanthropy , nor might it be concluded that Masonry contained no religion . It assumed as a foundation a belief in tho existence of God , and in a'future state of reward and punishment , and the necessity of moral purity as a qualification for future happiness . There were many popular errors about Freemasonry , but Freemasons ever indignantly
repudiated the reproach that because they are a secret Society , their existence was inimical to good government . In the last century , when an outburst of sentiment forbade the existence of any secret society , Freemasonry was especially exempted , and in theso days much less could any imputation be cast when wo have two Royal Dukes holding high office in the Craft , and the future Heir to the
Throne as onr Worshipful Graud Master , and when Her Most Gracious Majesty herself has become a Patiou of one of the Benevolent Institutions of the Order . The fact was , that Masonry left us almost on the threshold of religion , no man could be a true Mason who was not earnestly seeking after truth , and who did not believe in the existence of a God . Masonio symbolism led ns from the
contemplation of His glorious works to adore the Great Architect himself . The reverend brother then drew attention to the special moral and religious teachings of the several degrees in Freemasonry , deducing therefrom the conclusion that Masonry , which has virtue * as its aim , and the glory of God for its object , is the handmaid of religion , and if practised with this fundamental princi ple in view may assist us in
profitably running the race which is set before ns on this earth . Before concluding , he ventured to impress npon the brethren the great caution which ought continuall y to be shown in the selection of new members of the Order , for at the present time , as Freemasonry is able to offer great material advantages , many seek to become Freemasons very ranch with a view to what they can get out of it . It
therefore behoved ns all , as Masons , to watch carefully that none should be accepted for initiation except such as seemed likely to reflect credit and Insre on the Craft . The responsibilities of a conscientious Mason were not light , but he was convinced that the older we grew the more we should find that Freemasonry had a meaning and importance to ns all alike that it increased kindly sympathy , that it "ave
us many an hour of profitable pursuit with happy and innocent companionship , and that it gave us hope and cheered us in time of sorrow . And if we must look back ( as we must sometimes do ) regretfully on vacant places , ancl vanished forms ; if we recalled with a sigh some who had often been at onr side in Lodge , and cheered us with a genuine and unfailing welcome , bnt who had then passed away
from our sight—and amongst others tho recollection of one whose memory was thns bright and happy , must rise before them that day , their _ recently deceased brother , John Tootner , a P . G . S . W . of the Province , whom they had all thought and hoped to have seen among them at that interesting ceremony—if , he said , regretful memories would come , such we knew were ever the accompaniment of mortal lifo and mortal strivings , and we who had learnt wisdom from our
Masonic lore would ever remember , that though , in the good Provideuce of the G . A . O . T . TJ . snch things were , they bnt added to , they seemed only to increase , the individual sense of our own present privileges , the value and lasting character of Masonic association , and the kindliness and genuineness of true Masonic friendship . An anthem having been sung , it was followed by the Consecration Prayer by the Provincial Grand Chaplain , who afterwards carried the censer thrice round the Hall .
Ihe Elements of Consecration were then borne round by three P . M . 's , the corn being carried by Bio . R . Stokes P . P . G . S . W ., the wine by Bro . Thomas Graham P . P . G . J . W ., and the oil by Bro . William Nott P . P . G . J . W ., after the first round the Provincial Grand Master , sprinkling the Hall with Corn , dedicated it to Masonry ; after the second round , sprinkling it with Wine , he dedicated it to Virtue ; and after the third time , receiving the ewer of Oil , and anointing the Hall therefrom , he dedicated it to Universal Benevolence . The
usual collection of alms took place , followed by the P . G . M . scattering salt as au emblem of Hospitality and Friendship . After the Dedication Prayer , by the Provincial Grand Chaplain , tho Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master declared the Hall consecrated and dedicated to Masonry according to Ancient form . An anthem was then sun- ?; this , followed bv the Benediction from the
roviucial Grand Chaplain , closed the proceedings so far as the consecration of the Hall was concerned . It waa resolved that the alms ( which amounted to £ 5 5 s ) be given to tho Devizes College Hospital . The Provincial Grand Master then rose , and stated that the time had come for him to leave , but , before doing so , he wonld con . gnttulate the Province on their being honoured by the presence of such
£ distinguished Mason as Sir Francis Burdett the P . G . M . of Middlesex . ¦ Keferrmg to the duty he ( Lord Methuen ) had jnst performed , he mVUi , " ^ od ge wonld forgive any want of knowledge which he it hi * cl * P , ayecl > bnfc again assured them of the great pleasure had given him to come there . He hoped the Devizes Lodge would ug continue in its present state , and that he should have the pleasure I irequentl y meeting them asain in that Hall . He then reauested
„ ,, ^ * ncial Grand Treasurer , Bro . F . H . Goldney to take his P'ace , and retired . Lor-ni / n ^ * ' assnmiu g the chair , expressed his regret that the u t h ° bee " bonnd to Ieave tbom ' ca , led attentiou t 0 0 f « , ' . > uess on the agenda paper , which was the consideration weular from the Grand Secretary , requesting to have notified
Consecration Of A Masonic Hall At Devizes.
to him the views of the Provincial Grand Lodge with reference to Bro . J . M . Clabon's proposition that all members of Lodges not within tho London District shonld pay quarterly ninepence each to the Fund of Benevolence instead of sixpence as at present . Bro . Henry C . Tombs P . G . D . P . G . Sec . Wilts , introduced the subjeot , aud reported tho action he had taken in Grand Lodge upon the
proposition of Bio . Clabon being made . He had opposed it . 1 st . Because such an increased tax upon the brethren seemed unnecessary . 2 ndly . It wonld seriously interfere with the financial arrangements of every Lodge in Wiltshire . 3 rdly . That the large grants made by the Board of Benevolence wore undesirable , as tending to induce many Masons to consider the Fund of Benevolence as a kind of
insurance—and ho instanced a case which had come to his knowledge where a Mason had made no provision for his widow , stating that Masons wonld do that . He commented also npon the inexpediency of the Board of Benevolence spending any part of its capital , and nrged thafc tho income should be alone applicable for grants . He referred to the action of the Board in pressing on Grand Lodge , last December , a
voto , when it was objected to by a brother who stated he was a member of the Lodge of which tho brother in whose favour the grant was made belonged . Notwithstanding the brother objecting made the most serious charges as to the integrity nf the brother proposed to be assisted , yet the Board pressed tho vote on Grand Lodge instead of at once withdrawing it for further inquiry , and for half an-hour Grand
Lodge was iu a state of unpleasant confusion . Such conduct was most unwise , for the Board should be looked upon as " Trusteis , " whose duty it was to guard with a zealous eye the funds under their control , instead of endeavouring to force on Grand Lodge a grant about whioh it was quite clear further inquiry as to the applicant was needed . It seemed to him , as a man of business , that
if votes were to be recommended and pressed in that way , it was har . lly desirable to put greater funds under the power of such trustees . With regard to the hardship on the Lodges iu this Province , ifc appeared to him that Bro . Clabon was unaware of , or had overlooked the fact , that iu addition to the fees paid by the Wiltshire Lodges to the Fund of Benevolence , they paid , to their Provincial
Grand Lodge , 3 a per member . And nearly every Lodge now oontn . buted some -Is or 5 s per member to their own special Charity Fund , besides supporting the newly-established Provincial Fnud of Benevolence , so that really fche contributions to Charity in Wiltshire amounted to some 9 s or 10 s per member , as against the four shillings per annum , paid by the London brethren , and therefore tho country
Lodges were doing vastly more than the Metropolitan Lodges , or than Grand Lodge gave them credit for , or perhaps knew of . He could nofc help thinking , knowing how experienced Bro . Clabon was , not only as a gentleman of greafc business acquirements , but also as the late President of the Board of Benevolence , thafc his object in making this proposition was nofc so much with the hope of
carrying it , as to raise a discussion on tho subject of the recommendation of the Board of Benevolence , and to check , if possible , the system of making such enormous grants as had recently been made . He therefore proposed the following resolution , and in doing so , said he had no intention of interfering wifch the proposition , as affecting the Metropolitan Lodges , but only the Lodges
of Wiltshire , and incidentally other Provinces : — " This Provincial Grand Lodge having considered the circular of the Graud Secretary relative to Bro . Clabon ' s proposition to increase the contributions of the Lodges in this Province to the Fund of Benevolence , is of opinion that such increase is very undesirable , as ifc would occasion greafc financial inconvenience to such Lodges , and that measures be taken
to oppose such proposition on its being brought forward in Grand Lodge . " Bro . Stokes , the acting P . G . S . W . seconded the motion , which was briefly supported by tho Rev . J . A . Lloyd , Bro . Chandler Treasurer 355 , Powell W . M . 1295 , Hannan W . M . 586 , Nott Provincial Charity Secretary and Secretary 663 ; and also by Sir Francis Burdett , who
entirely agreed with the opinions that had already been expressed . He thought if we wanted to increase our charitable contributions , let us do it amongst ourselves , and let us have the money to spend . He thought a great mistake had been made in calling for this increase , and believed that it would be opposed by his own Province . The resolution on being pus to the meeting was carried
unanimously . The Pasfc Grand Registrar , Bro . Pouting , drew attention to fche next business on fche agenda paper , * namely , the consideration of the Draft New Book of Constitutions which had been issued by Grand Lodge for the consideration of the Provinces . He had been through such Draft , and had made certain notes thereon . These notes he had
embodied in a short report he then read to fche meeting , bufc he suggested that the better plan would be that a small Committee should be appointed to go more thoroughly into the matter , and report thereon to the next meeting of that Provincial Grand Lodge . This suggestion was adopted by the meeting , aud a Committee appointed accordingly , consisting of Bros . F . H . Goldney P . G . Treasurer , T . Pouting P . G . Registrar , Henry C . Tombs P . G . Sec , and Bro .
vv . Nott Provincial Charity Secretary . The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the acting P . G . M ., with the other members thereof , retired , followed by the closing of tho Wiltshire Lodge of Fidelity by Bro . J . A . Randoll W . M . After the proceedings at the Hall had terminated , the brethren sat down to a cold collation at tho Bear Hotel , nnder the presidency of Bro . F . H . Goldney , when the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and dnly responded to .
The Devizes brethren have long felt the want of a home of their own , and at last an opportunity offering of purchasing the building in Morris ' s-lane , formerly occupied as a girls school , the Devizes Lodge became the purchasers , and the building , under the direction of , and after plans prepared by , the W . M . of the Lodge , Bro . J . A . Raudell , has been transformed into a most complete and elegant Lodge-room . The walls have been allowed to i * emain intact , each end wall being raised , ao as to allow of the substitution of a much higher pitched
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of A Masonic Hall At Devizes.
thanked the brethren for asking him to consecrate this new buildinsf , bnt wished to apologise to them for leaving early , as ho wonld bn obliged to do , in consequence of being called to London on matters connected with his military duties . His lordshi p then c .-illod npon the Provincial Grand Chaplain to deliver an oration , as was usual on such occasions . The Provincial Grand Chaplain , the Rev . J . A .
Lloyd , in response , commenced by congratulating the energetic brethren of Devizes on having brought to so satisfactory a termination their endeavour to secure a building in Devizes , which shonld be devoted solely to Masonic purposes , and hoped that Hall would long continue the home aud centre of true Masonic principles . Masonry , he said , was confessedly a universal system , teaching the
relative and social dnties of man upon the broad basis of general philanthropy , nor might it be concluded that Masonry contained no religion . It assumed as a foundation a belief in tho existence of God , and in a'future state of reward and punishment , and the necessity of moral purity as a qualification for future happiness . There were many popular errors about Freemasonry , but Freemasons ever indignantly
repudiated the reproach that because they are a secret Society , their existence was inimical to good government . In the last century , when an outburst of sentiment forbade the existence of any secret society , Freemasonry was especially exempted , and in theso days much less could any imputation be cast when wo have two Royal Dukes holding high office in the Craft , and the future Heir to the
Throne as onr Worshipful Graud Master , and when Her Most Gracious Majesty herself has become a Patiou of one of the Benevolent Institutions of the Order . The fact was , that Masonry left us almost on the threshold of religion , no man could be a true Mason who was not earnestly seeking after truth , and who did not believe in the existence of a God . Masonio symbolism led ns from the
contemplation of His glorious works to adore the Great Architect himself . The reverend brother then drew attention to the special moral and religious teachings of the several degrees in Freemasonry , deducing therefrom the conclusion that Masonry , which has virtue * as its aim , and the glory of God for its object , is the handmaid of religion , and if practised with this fundamental princi ple in view may assist us in
profitably running the race which is set before ns on this earth . Before concluding , he ventured to impress npon the brethren the great caution which ought continuall y to be shown in the selection of new members of the Order , for at the present time , as Freemasonry is able to offer great material advantages , many seek to become Freemasons very ranch with a view to what they can get out of it . It
therefore behoved ns all , as Masons , to watch carefully that none should be accepted for initiation except such as seemed likely to reflect credit and Insre on the Craft . The responsibilities of a conscientious Mason were not light , but he was convinced that the older we grew the more we should find that Freemasonry had a meaning and importance to ns all alike that it increased kindly sympathy , that it "ave
us many an hour of profitable pursuit with happy and innocent companionship , and that it gave us hope and cheered us in time of sorrow . And if we must look back ( as we must sometimes do ) regretfully on vacant places , ancl vanished forms ; if we recalled with a sigh some who had often been at onr side in Lodge , and cheered us with a genuine and unfailing welcome , bnt who had then passed away
from our sight—and amongst others tho recollection of one whose memory was thns bright and happy , must rise before them that day , their _ recently deceased brother , John Tootner , a P . G . S . W . of the Province , whom they had all thought and hoped to have seen among them at that interesting ceremony—if , he said , regretful memories would come , such we knew were ever the accompaniment of mortal lifo and mortal strivings , and we who had learnt wisdom from our
Masonic lore would ever remember , that though , in the good Provideuce of the G . A . O . T . TJ . snch things were , they bnt added to , they seemed only to increase , the individual sense of our own present privileges , the value and lasting character of Masonic association , and the kindliness and genuineness of true Masonic friendship . An anthem having been sung , it was followed by the Consecration Prayer by the Provincial Grand Chaplain , who afterwards carried the censer thrice round the Hall .
Ihe Elements of Consecration were then borne round by three P . M . 's , the corn being carried by Bio . R . Stokes P . P . G . S . W ., the wine by Bro . Thomas Graham P . P . G . J . W ., and the oil by Bro . William Nott P . P . G . J . W ., after the first round the Provincial Grand Master , sprinkling the Hall with Corn , dedicated it to Masonry ; after the second round , sprinkling it with Wine , he dedicated it to Virtue ; and after the third time , receiving the ewer of Oil , and anointing the Hall therefrom , he dedicated it to Universal Benevolence . The
usual collection of alms took place , followed by the P . G . M . scattering salt as au emblem of Hospitality and Friendship . After the Dedication Prayer , by the Provincial Grand Chaplain , tho Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master declared the Hall consecrated and dedicated to Masonry according to Ancient form . An anthem was then sun- ?; this , followed bv the Benediction from the
roviucial Grand Chaplain , closed the proceedings so far as the consecration of the Hall was concerned . It waa resolved that the alms ( which amounted to £ 5 5 s ) be given to tho Devizes College Hospital . The Provincial Grand Master then rose , and stated that the time had come for him to leave , but , before doing so , he wonld con . gnttulate the Province on their being honoured by the presence of such
£ distinguished Mason as Sir Francis Burdett the P . G . M . of Middlesex . ¦ Keferrmg to the duty he ( Lord Methuen ) had jnst performed , he mVUi , " ^ od ge wonld forgive any want of knowledge which he it hi * cl * P , ayecl > bnfc again assured them of the great pleasure had given him to come there . He hoped the Devizes Lodge would ug continue in its present state , and that he should have the pleasure I irequentl y meeting them asain in that Hall . He then reauested
„ ,, ^ * ncial Grand Treasurer , Bro . F . H . Goldney to take his P'ace , and retired . Lor-ni / n ^ * ' assnmiu g the chair , expressed his regret that the u t h ° bee " bonnd to Ieave tbom ' ca , led attentiou t 0 0 f « , ' . > uess on the agenda paper , which was the consideration weular from the Grand Secretary , requesting to have notified
Consecration Of A Masonic Hall At Devizes.
to him the views of the Provincial Grand Lodge with reference to Bro . J . M . Clabon's proposition that all members of Lodges not within tho London District shonld pay quarterly ninepence each to the Fund of Benevolence instead of sixpence as at present . Bro . Henry C . Tombs P . G . D . P . G . Sec . Wilts , introduced the subjeot , aud reported tho action he had taken in Grand Lodge upon the
proposition of Bio . Clabon being made . He had opposed it . 1 st . Because such an increased tax upon the brethren seemed unnecessary . 2 ndly . It wonld seriously interfere with the financial arrangements of every Lodge in Wiltshire . 3 rdly . That the large grants made by the Board of Benevolence wore undesirable , as tending to induce many Masons to consider the Fund of Benevolence as a kind of
insurance—and ho instanced a case which had come to his knowledge where a Mason had made no provision for his widow , stating that Masons wonld do that . He commented also npon the inexpediency of the Board of Benevolence spending any part of its capital , and nrged thafc tho income should be alone applicable for grants . He referred to the action of the Board in pressing on Grand Lodge , last December , a
voto , when it was objected to by a brother who stated he was a member of the Lodge of which tho brother in whose favour the grant was made belonged . Notwithstanding the brother objecting made the most serious charges as to the integrity nf the brother proposed to be assisted , yet the Board pressed tho vote on Grand Lodge instead of at once withdrawing it for further inquiry , and for half an-hour Grand
Lodge was iu a state of unpleasant confusion . Such conduct was most unwise , for the Board should be looked upon as " Trusteis , " whose duty it was to guard with a zealous eye the funds under their control , instead of endeavouring to force on Grand Lodge a grant about whioh it was quite clear further inquiry as to the applicant was needed . It seemed to him , as a man of business , that
if votes were to be recommended and pressed in that way , it was har . lly desirable to put greater funds under the power of such trustees . With regard to the hardship on the Lodges iu this Province , ifc appeared to him that Bro . Clabon was unaware of , or had overlooked the fact , that iu addition to the fees paid by the Wiltshire Lodges to the Fund of Benevolence , they paid , to their Provincial
Grand Lodge , 3 a per member . And nearly every Lodge now oontn . buted some -Is or 5 s per member to their own special Charity Fund , besides supporting the newly-established Provincial Fnud of Benevolence , so that really fche contributions to Charity in Wiltshire amounted to some 9 s or 10 s per member , as against the four shillings per annum , paid by the London brethren , and therefore tho country
Lodges were doing vastly more than the Metropolitan Lodges , or than Grand Lodge gave them credit for , or perhaps knew of . He could nofc help thinking , knowing how experienced Bro . Clabon was , not only as a gentleman of greafc business acquirements , but also as the late President of the Board of Benevolence , thafc his object in making this proposition was nofc so much with the hope of
carrying it , as to raise a discussion on tho subject of the recommendation of the Board of Benevolence , and to check , if possible , the system of making such enormous grants as had recently been made . He therefore proposed the following resolution , and in doing so , said he had no intention of interfering wifch the proposition , as affecting the Metropolitan Lodges , but only the Lodges
of Wiltshire , and incidentally other Provinces : — " This Provincial Grand Lodge having considered the circular of the Graud Secretary relative to Bro . Clabon ' s proposition to increase the contributions of the Lodges in this Province to the Fund of Benevolence , is of opinion that such increase is very undesirable , as ifc would occasion greafc financial inconvenience to such Lodges , and that measures be taken
to oppose such proposition on its being brought forward in Grand Lodge . " Bro . Stokes , the acting P . G . S . W . seconded the motion , which was briefly supported by tho Rev . J . A . Lloyd , Bro . Chandler Treasurer 355 , Powell W . M . 1295 , Hannan W . M . 586 , Nott Provincial Charity Secretary and Secretary 663 ; and also by Sir Francis Burdett , who
entirely agreed with the opinions that had already been expressed . He thought if we wanted to increase our charitable contributions , let us do it amongst ourselves , and let us have the money to spend . He thought a great mistake had been made in calling for this increase , and believed that it would be opposed by his own Province . The resolution on being pus to the meeting was carried
unanimously . The Pasfc Grand Registrar , Bro . Pouting , drew attention to fche next business on fche agenda paper , * namely , the consideration of the Draft New Book of Constitutions which had been issued by Grand Lodge for the consideration of the Provinces . He had been through such Draft , and had made certain notes thereon . These notes he had
embodied in a short report he then read to fche meeting , bufc he suggested that the better plan would be that a small Committee should be appointed to go more thoroughly into the matter , and report thereon to the next meeting of that Provincial Grand Lodge . This suggestion was adopted by the meeting , aud a Committee appointed accordingly , consisting of Bros . F . H . Goldney P . G . Treasurer , T . Pouting P . G . Registrar , Henry C . Tombs P . G . Sec , and Bro .
vv . Nott Provincial Charity Secretary . The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed , and the acting P . G . M ., with the other members thereof , retired , followed by the closing of tho Wiltshire Lodge of Fidelity by Bro . J . A . Randoll W . M . After the proceedings at the Hall had terminated , the brethren sat down to a cold collation at tho Bear Hotel , nnder the presidency of Bro . F . H . Goldney , when the usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were given , and dnly responded to .
The Devizes brethren have long felt the want of a home of their own , and at last an opportunity offering of purchasing the building in Morris ' s-lane , formerly occupied as a girls school , the Devizes Lodge became the purchasers , and the building , under the direction of , and after plans prepared by , the W . M . of the Lodge , Bro . J . A . Raudell , has been transformed into a most complete and elegant Lodge-room . The walls have been allowed to i * emain intact , each end wall being raised , ao as to allow of the substitution of a much higher pitched