Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial.
chair ; when , after the transaction of the routine business , the R . AV . the l ' rov . Grand Master addressed the brethren in the following terms : —¦ BRETHREN , —AVe have been permitted again to assemble at the close of another year , to celebrate the anniversary of one of our patron saints , and I rejoice to meet you once more in health and prosperity within this Hall . I have again to congratulate you on the steady advancement of our Order throughout my jurisdiction , and on the uninterrupted continuance of that
union and fraternal regard amongst the Brethren in these Colonies which hits so long and so happily existed between the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland at home . No dissensions have sprung up amongst us—but few of our members have been removed from us by death . AVe have enjoyed as many blessings as usually fall to the lot of humanity . Our Lodges under both my jurisdictions are increasing in numbers and in the respectability of their members , and all things demand our warmest gratitude to the Supreme Architect of the Universe for his many blessings—his unceasing care and
protection . The Fund of Benevolence being now established , and a Committee of Charity elected agreeably to the Bye-laws , the Provincial Grand Lodge will henceforth be enabled to exercise more extensively that Charity which is the chief of the Masonic virtues . This fund being still in its infancy I would recommend to the Committee that for some time great prudence be observed in its expenditure . But tbe charitwhich Mason's are required to exercise consists not alone
y in giving alms or in relieving the distressed . Under its influence we should endeavour to protect the good name of our fellow Brother—to bear with his failings—to cover his faults rather than bring them before the world . Instead of endeavouring to crush an erring Brother , we should admonish him of his fault , —warn him of his danger , —extend our hand to him in
token of affection , and point him to the path of virtue . In expressing my approval of the selections made by the several Lodges of Brethren to preside over them for the ensuing year , I feel it would be useless to impress at any length upon Masons , whose zeal and experience are so well known , the important nature of the duties required of them ; I will merely suggest to them the necessity of using the greatest caution in the admission of Members and in the reception of Candidates , and that care should be taken that none be either admitted or received in their
respective Lodges , without strict inquiry having been previously made into their character and qualifications . In calling the attention of the different Lodges to the circular letter from Bro . Rowland Gardner Alston , Honorary Secretary ofthe sub-committee appointed to present a testimonial of respect and regard to Bro . AV . H . White , Grand Secretary of the Order , who has faithfully and zealously served the Craft for upwards of half a century , I feel that Brother White's merits and services are everywhere so well knownand so justlappreciated
, y that any comment upon them on my part would be trespassing needlessly upon your time . The object in view being alike honourable to Bro . White and the whole Masonic body , it is my anxious wish that the merits and services of this venerable and distinguished Brother be recognised by every Lodge and Chapter under my jurisdiction . Before I close this Grand Lodge let me impress upon all the necessity of a strict observance of the Ancient Landmarks , and an undeviating adherence in every particular to the regulations as established bthe
y constitution . As the Prov . Grand Chaplain has kindly acceded to my request that he would address the Brethren on the present occasion , I will not detain you further than to express to all my sincere acknowledgments for your numerous and punctual attendance , and my continued best wishes for your happiness and prosperity .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial.
chair ; when , after the transaction of the routine business , the R . AV . the l ' rov . Grand Master addressed the brethren in the following terms : —¦ BRETHREN , —AVe have been permitted again to assemble at the close of another year , to celebrate the anniversary of one of our patron saints , and I rejoice to meet you once more in health and prosperity within this Hall . I have again to congratulate you on the steady advancement of our Order throughout my jurisdiction , and on the uninterrupted continuance of that
union and fraternal regard amongst the Brethren in these Colonies which hits so long and so happily existed between the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland at home . No dissensions have sprung up amongst us—but few of our members have been removed from us by death . AVe have enjoyed as many blessings as usually fall to the lot of humanity . Our Lodges under both my jurisdictions are increasing in numbers and in the respectability of their members , and all things demand our warmest gratitude to the Supreme Architect of the Universe for his many blessings—his unceasing care and
protection . The Fund of Benevolence being now established , and a Committee of Charity elected agreeably to the Bye-laws , the Provincial Grand Lodge will henceforth be enabled to exercise more extensively that Charity which is the chief of the Masonic virtues . This fund being still in its infancy I would recommend to the Committee that for some time great prudence be observed in its expenditure . But tbe charitwhich Mason's are required to exercise consists not alone
y in giving alms or in relieving the distressed . Under its influence we should endeavour to protect the good name of our fellow Brother—to bear with his failings—to cover his faults rather than bring them before the world . Instead of endeavouring to crush an erring Brother , we should admonish him of his fault , —warn him of his danger , —extend our hand to him in
token of affection , and point him to the path of virtue . In expressing my approval of the selections made by the several Lodges of Brethren to preside over them for the ensuing year , I feel it would be useless to impress at any length upon Masons , whose zeal and experience are so well known , the important nature of the duties required of them ; I will merely suggest to them the necessity of using the greatest caution in the admission of Members and in the reception of Candidates , and that care should be taken that none be either admitted or received in their
respective Lodges , without strict inquiry having been previously made into their character and qualifications . In calling the attention of the different Lodges to the circular letter from Bro . Rowland Gardner Alston , Honorary Secretary ofthe sub-committee appointed to present a testimonial of respect and regard to Bro . AV . H . White , Grand Secretary of the Order , who has faithfully and zealously served the Craft for upwards of half a century , I feel that Brother White's merits and services are everywhere so well knownand so justlappreciated
, y that any comment upon them on my part would be trespassing needlessly upon your time . The object in view being alike honourable to Bro . White and the whole Masonic body , it is my anxious wish that the merits and services of this venerable and distinguished Brother be recognised by every Lodge and Chapter under my jurisdiction . Before I close this Grand Lodge let me impress upon all the necessity of a strict observance of the Ancient Landmarks , and an undeviating adherence in every particular to the regulations as established bthe
y constitution . As the Prov . Grand Chaplain has kindly acceded to my request that he would address the Brethren on the present occasion , I will not detain you further than to express to all my sincere acknowledgments for your numerous and punctual attendance , and my continued best wishes for your happiness and prosperity .