Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Of Sussex.

Bro . J . P . Slingsby Roberts , S . W . 168 ... ... Prov . G . Sec . „ W . E . Morrison , J . W . 166 , 409 ... ... ... Prov . G . M . O . „ J . Adames , W . M . 391 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . O . „ C . F . Lewis , W . M . 386 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . O . „ C . A . Smith , I . G . 168 ... ... ... Prov . S . G . D . „ C . H . Haine , S . W . 166 ... ... ... Prov . J . G . D . „ C . Briscoe , 164 ¦••... ... ... Prov , G . I . of W .

„ R . Willard , W . M . 75 , 164 ... ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ A . F . Lamette , S . W . 75 ... ... ... Prov . A . G . D . C . „ J . T . Musson , J . W . 37 6 ... ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ G . Holman , M . O . 391 ... ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ W . N . Roe ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Org . „ W . Wright , S . O . 391 ... ... ... Prov . G . I . G . „ W . W . Turner , T . W . 301 ... ... ... 1

„ T . Farncombe , Treas . 301 ... ... ... n < - 0 .. J „ E . S . Medcalf , M . O . 168 \ Prov * G Stwds * „ T . Bullock , Sec . 75 ... ... ... ... J „ H . H . Hughes ... ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . Business ended , the brethren adjourned to the Bear Hotel , where Bro . Whitcombe supplied an excellent dinner . Bro . the Dean of Battle presided . There was a good attendance .

The speeches were short and to the purpose , and the comfort of the brethren greatly enhanced b y the excellent arrangements of Bros . James Adames , W . E . Morrison , J . T . Musson , and C . Briscoe , the retiring Stewards . The vocalist was Mr . Albert Barnard , and the accompanist Mr . Percy Starnes .

The History Of A Masonic Lodge In The South African Republic.

THE HISTORY OF A MASONIC LODGE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC .

By BRO . DR . JOSIAH WILLIAMS , F . R . G . S . The Johannesburg Lodge , No . 2313 , is the lodge to which I now allude . The circumstances under which the charter vvas granted by the Grand Lodge of England are certainl y unique in the annals of Freemasonry , and cannot fail to be of interest to the Craft generally . Johannesburg , which has become known throughout the civilised world as the principal centre of the South African gold-fields ,

is situated 6500 feet above sea " eve ) , isolated almost from the rest of the world . It is about 300 miles from Kimberley , 200 from Natal , and 33 from Pretoria , which is the seat of government . Access to it is obtained by coach , mule waggon , and ox waggon , but in two or three years from now the shrill whistle of the railway engine will reverberate over the hills and plains of the Witwatersrand .

Four or five years ago what is now Johannesburg vvas the bare veld over which the springbok fearlessly and joyously bounded and the lordl y lion roamed at leisure , but , as if by the touch of a magician ' s wand , handsome houses , shops and streets , fine hotels , magnificent clubs , concert halls , and theatres have sprung up , and well-appointed equipages of millionaires , who five years ago were penniless , dash along the streets amidst a population of 30 , 000 people .

Whilst Johannesburg vvas yet in its infancy certain enthusiastic Masons mooted the desirability of getting up a petition to the Grand Lodge of England praying for a charter . The first meeting was held in Bro . Hutton ' s office in Johannesburg on November nth , 188 7 , at which several Past Masters were present . When the matter had been full y discussed it was resolved that a petition be sent '' To the M . W . Grand Master of the United Fraternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England " praying for a charter .

This was according l y done and signed by all the Past Masters and Master Masons present at the meeting . The petition was handsomely engrossed b y Bro . Charles Serrurier , and photographed by Bro . T . D . Williams , and despatched to the M . W . Grand Master , and in due course a reply was received refusing to grant a charter as the Transvaal was a forei gn State . Probably this refusal would have terminated all hopes of obtaining a lodge under the English Constitution but for the energy and indefatigable zeal of one of the Master Masons present , who had taken the in . tiative in the matter .

Bro . D . C . Stevens ( familiarly knovvn as "Zanzibar " ) had , years ago , formulated a scheme for what is well knovvn as the " Zanzibar route , " and had it brought under the notice of the British Government . It was pooh-poohed , but nothing daunted , he returned again and again to the attack . After repeated rebuffs ,

however , the' Zanzibar route" became un fait accompli . The British Government adopted that which has been an inestimable boon to commerce , and with its usual liberality awarded the ori ginator of this grand scheme—nothing , but allowed him to waste his time and money , and then relapse into obscurity . Still , there was life in the old dog yet .

Nothing daunted he returned to the attack , and sent the ori g inal petition back , with the addition of 6 3 names , none below the Degree of M . M ., at the same time reminding the M . W . G . M . that " the Queen of England is Suzerain of the Transvaal . " The M . W . G . M . recognising this fact , replied that as the present petition had been rejected a new one must be forwarded , and the matter would then be considered .

Determined , if possible , to avoid failure a third time , Bro . Stevens set about getting attached to the new petition the signatures of no less than 28 Past Masters residing in different parts of the Transvaal , an achievement probably unprecedented in the history of Masonry . All this vvas not accomplished without a considerable expenditure of time and trouble , but the result was magnificent .

Having now obtained the names of 28 Past Masters , Bro . D . C . Stevens again submitted the petition to a meeting , which decided that it should be sent to the M . W . G . M . This vvas accordingly done , and eventually the warrant vvas granted . I must not omit to mention that Bro . Steven ' s efforts were ably seconded by Bros . Keith and Crow , who , on going to England , were appointed to act as a deputation to Grand Lodge , and were empowered to represent tbe wishes of the proposed lodge and the English Masons in the country vvith respect to the formation of the

lodge under the English Constitution . In this they admirably succeeded . They were most untiring in their contention against seemingly insuperable obstacles , and went to great expense and trouble , spending nearly a fortnight in London principally on the mission of what is now the Johannesburg Lodge , the first English lodge consecrated in the Transvaal since that country vvas handed over to the Boers . The sister lodges there also lent their valuable aid , namely , the Golden Thistle ( Scotch ) and the Star of the Rand ( Dutch ) .

Bro . Charles Cowen vvas appointed the first Worshipful Master , and it is worthy of note that all the senior and junior officers acting , vvith the exception of the Wardens , were Past Masters . Bro . Crosby , W . M . elect of another lodge , who was one of the 28 Past Masters , acted as I . G . Previous to the installation and consecration , Bros . Cowen ( W . M . elect ) , Green , and Hicks were deputed to arrange the ceremonies , and it vvas agreed that formal invitations be sent to Heidelberg , Klerksdorp , Potchefstroom , Pretoria ,

Rustenburg , and the local lodges . The date was fixed for the opening ceremonies , but was postponed for another week so that Bro . Stevens , who had worked so hard for the charter , should be present , but this , unfortunately , could not be after all , as he was then and for some weeks afterwards under my professional care suffering from a very dangerous illness from which he eventually and happily recovered . The 26 th of March last was the day appointed for the ceremonies of installation of the Worshipful Master and the constitution of the lodge . I vvas not only present at the installation , but acted as reporter for the Mining Argus newspaper at the request of the proprietors , and do not think I can do

The History Of A Masonic Lodge In The South African Republic.

better than quote from that report , as , being written on the day , it vvill be more accurate than relying on my memory months afterwards . It may be as well to mention that I have now been requested to give an historical account of the proceedings , so that it may be in the possession of the lodge for all time as , on account of absence , business , and worry the brethren who should have done this at the time , were unable to do so .

Wednesday , the 26 th of March , 1 S 90 , was a red-letter day in the annals of Freemasonry so far as Johannesburg is concerned . At 10 a . m . the evidences were not wanting that something unusual vvas about to happen . At that hour many gentlemen could be seen bustling about the streets in evening dress , bearing under their arms small leather cases . As they all looked as fresh as paint they were , like

Cresar ' s wife , above suspicion , and no one could possibl y imagine for one moment that any of these gentlemen had been making a night of it , and were returning home to meet with an ardent reception from their dear wives . No , they were simply making their way to the elegant Masonic Temple , where shortly would be consecrated the Johannesburg Lodge , No . 2313 .

The brethren mustered in considerable force—about 150—by 10 . 30 , but the proceedings did not commence until n a . m . The officiating Past Masters were Bros . J . E . Green , J . Massey , Hicks , W . Royce , and Dr . Exton . An introductory prayer by the Chaplain , Bro . the Rev . F . H . Fisher , was followed by a brief address to the brethren and by the presiding Past Master , Bro . Charles Cowen , the W . M . elect .

The petition to Grand Lodge vvas read by the Secretary , Bro . T . W . Goodwin , P . M ., and then the warrant , after which followed a most impressive oration b y Bro . the Rev . F . H . Fisher , who took for his text the well-known words of the Psalmist -. " It is a good and pleasant thing for brethren to dwell together in unity . ' The oration vvas not only listened to most attentively , but vvas so excellent in every way that I shall reproduce it , so that the brethren in all parts of the world

may read , mark , and inwardly digest . " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is , brethren , to dwell together in unity . " Worshipful Master and Brethren , —I beg to add my congratulations to those of the presiding officers and others on the dawn and completion of the work and anxiety of many months . I feel sure that you will believe me vvhen I say , that in the presence of so many old Masons , many Past Masters in the Craft , I feel

deeply the honour you have conferred upon me in requesting me to act as Chaplain to the lodge . At the same time , it is the part of every true Mason to fulfil the particular duty to which he is appointed during the time of labour . 1 shall fulfil my duty to the best of my ability , endeavouring to bear in mind the responsibility which attaches to the words and works of the Chaplain of a lodge . Let me direct your attention for a few moments to that passage from the Volume

of the Sacred Law which I have just read . The Psalm is appointed to be read or sung during the solemn service in which we are engaged . The sum and substance of that whole Psalm is contained in tbe first verse . . Let us first consider the word " brethren . " All men are , in a sense , brethren . We are , by creation , the children of one parent , for " of one blood God made all nations to dwell upon the earth . " This takes * us to the creative work of the Great Architect of the Universe .

Note the order of that work . He laid the broad foundation' of the Universe . Like Solomon ' s Temple , it came into existence in solemn silence . No axe or hammer was heard in that first great building . Then He roofed it vvith the canopy of heaven , and set in their places sun , moon , and stars—the glorious constellations which provoke our admiration and reverence . Then having looked upon His work , like a workman " who needeth not to be ashamed , " and pronounced

it " very good . But glorious as was that creation , a still more wondrous display of the power of God was yet to come . He raised a still more glorious temple—He built the human frame . He endowed it with thought , emotions , and sensations . He furnished man with immortality , and bade our first parent " multiply and replenish the earth . " From Him all are descended , and therefore all are brethren . Again , by His providence , God shows that we are brethren . The joys ,

the beauties , the riches of this life are for all . He causeth His sun to shine on the evil and on the good , and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust . The rich colours of the sunset , the subtle influences of a peaceful sunrise , the glorious carpet of the manifold vegetable creation gladden and rejoice all hearts , even if in different degrees . The various relationships of life , the various family ties , the herbs and meats of the earth , the wondrous and mysterious potency of the fine

arts , all these the Great Provider hath given to all men "richly to enjoy . " But , as Masons , how much more closely , more particularly , are we bound over to one another as brethren . Let me remind you of that time , now perhaps long past , when you undertook those solemn and awful obligations which are for ever binding upon us . Those bands bind us together into a relationship of the closest description . They are bands into which we were not born nor entrapped persuaded , or

forced . We entered into these of our own express desire , of our own free will . Even at that last moment we might have escaped , if we had wished to do so . We , then , above all other men , are brethren ; and , as brethren , to " dwell together in unity , " it is not only our plain duty , but also our high responsibility . There is no deep feeling , no emotion , no principle but what will show itself outwardly . The reality of Masonic unity must be shown in our conduct one toward another , both

in word and deed . We know this , that backbiting , detamation , and slander are the bane of modern society . Let Masons , at least , be true to their principles , and show the inconsistency of this between brethren . Let a Mason ' s character be sacred . If we have nothing good to say of a brother—a very remote possibilitylet us say nothing at all , and carry our golden rule of silence into our conversation about him . But we must be brethren also , indeed . So long as the sun shines ; there will be rich and poor , some filling a high station , others a lowlier one . Let

not such considerations interfere with our intercourse as brethren . Rather let them incite us to the relief of poorer brethren , and to the making of life easier for all of us in acts of kindness , sympathy , and co-operation . Let each brother move on in the square of truth , within the compasses of integrity , by the rule of the Volume of the Sacred Law , so that when our earthly lodge shall be dissolved we shall acknowledge , in the heavenly temple prepared by the Great Architect of the Universe , the truth of those words : ' Behold how good and joyful a thing it is , brethren , to dwell together in unity . "

Next in order was the Dedication , when the Masonic anthem , "Hail ! Masonry Divine , " vvas sung by the brethren Bro . H . Stidolph presiding at the organ . The first portion of the dedicatory prayer having been pronounced , the hymn , "Supreme Grand Master , God of Power , " vvas sung to the tune of the "Old Hundredth , " and was joined in most heartily by all present . The formal dedication of the lodge by the presiding Past Master having been pronounced , the Chaplain

followed with the second portion of the dedicatory prayer . The lodge having been declared formally constituted , " The Spacious Firmament on Hi gh " was sung , this portion of the proceedings closing with a patriarchal benediction . The installation of W . M . and investiture of officers were then proceeded with . The installation of the W . M . elect , Bro . C . Cowen , was followed by the formal salutation by the

whole of the brethren , at the conclusion of which the Worshi pful Master installed and invested his officers for the ensuing term as follows : Bros . T . Sheffield , S . W . ; D . C . Stevens ( by proxy ) , J . W . ; J . E . Green , P . M ., Treas . ; T . W . Goodwin P . M ., Sec . ; A . H . Reid , S . D . ; E . H . Stidolph , Org . ; Rev . F . H . Fisher , Chap . ; and Wester , Tyler .

In investing the proxy for the absent brother , D . C . Stevens , with the jewels of the Junior Warden , the Worshipful Master expressed the deep regret of the brethren at the enforced absence , through illness , of Bro . Stevens , and the sense of gratitude they felt for the invaluable services he had rendered as Secretary pro tem . in promoting the formation of the lodge , attributing to his indefatigable exertions a large measure of the success with which those exertions had been met ,