Freemasonry In Australia.

FREEMASONRY IN AUSTRALIA .

The installation of thc officers of the Orion Lodge , No . 1133 , E . C , took place on Wednesday , the nth of Dec , at tiie lodge room , Ballarat ; Bro . Kelly , P . M ., being thc installing officer . Bros . T . Kennedy was installed as W . M . ; T . Potter , S . W . ; M . S . Clark , J . W . ; J . Embling , Sec . anil Treas . ; Shorthousc , S . D . ; Baker , j . D . ; li . Ellis , I . G . ;

Wholohan , Tyler . There were a large number of visitors from other lodges , including Bios . Wheeler , W . M . ; jsfevctt , Little , and Peake , P . M . ' s , Yarrowee Loelge ; Herbert , W . M . ; and White , M'Cartney , Robertson , and Trevor , Past Masters , St . John's Lodge ; Hamilton , W . M ., art ! Hale , P . M . Buninyong Lodge ; Wtickhardt , P . M . All Nations Lodge , Clunes ; BabingtDii , P . M . Zetland Ledge

Kyneton ; and Tait , P . M . Havilah Lodge , Crt-sivick . 'I he S . W . of the Smythesdale Lodge , Bro . lV'shop , and Bro . Salmon , of the Avoca Lodge , Ararat , were also present . The installation ceremony was ably performed by P . M . Bro . Kelly , who , during the meeting , was presented by thc newly-installed W . M ., on behalf of the bict'hren of the lodge , with a handsome Past Master's jewel . Bro . Kelly

suitably acknowledged the gift , and feelingly thanked the deinors for the kindly feelings they entertained towards him . After the lodge was closed , about foity-five of th brethren sat down to an excellent banquet provided by Bro * Wilkins . This having been elone ample justice to , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were honoured . Bro . Wheeler , W . M . Yarrowee Loelge , proposed " The Health

ofthe W . M ., " Bro . Kcnncely , remarking as he did so that Ihe Orion Lodge had shown great discernment in choosing so able a Mason to preside over it . Thc toast was drunk with musical honours , and in replying Bro . Kennedy said -. — W . M . of the Yarrowee Loelge—I return you my most sincere thanks for proposing my health ; to you worshipful sir , for the very flattering manner in which you proposed

it , and to all for its hearty acceptance . I have lo thank the brethren of my own lodge for placing me iu my present hoiiouiable position . 1 trust I am fully sensible of the honour of being elected to preside ovc-r yeiu , which , in my opinion , is the highest compliment any boely eif men can jointly bestow on any of their members . I shall to the best of my skill and ability , without i-illier fear or favour

endeavour to discharge the duties of my oflice in accordance evith our ancient laws and tcgulatiuns . I am happy to say our lodge has malciialiy impioved , both numerically and financially , for the last twelve months , anil 1 hope at the expiration of my Unii of office my successor will find it in as good if nut in a belter position . If 1 can succeed—it is my curliest desire to do

anything that will tenel to the advanceiiieiii e . f Masonry in general , and the brethren of my own lodge in particular—I shall retire perfectly satirfiod . Beelhiec , I ogaai toauk you for the very kind way my heath was proposed anil received . Bio . Hamilton , W . M . ( Buninyong ) then proposed "The Health of the Installing Muster , Bro . Kelly , " and complimented him upon his zeal as a Mason , and the

way in which he had perfornicel hu duties that evening . The toast was enthusiastically neeived , and in responding Bro . Kelly -raid : Bro . Hamilton , W . M ., and brethren , I return you my most sincere thanks for the coreliel manner in . which my health has been proposed and drunk . Nothing 1 have elone duiing my teim of ollice afforded mc greater pleasure than that of placing Bro . Kcnncely in the chair of

King Solomon . I am sure he will , as he told you , discharge his duties to the best of his skill and ability ; and though the usefulness of the lodge and the happiness of the brethren will mateiially depend on the zeal and ability of the W . M ., yet his labours will be of little avail if not well assisted by his oflicers and supported by the brethren . 1 believe there is no ceremony connected wilh Masonry which

so well illustrates its dignity as the one I have this night performed . What a vast field of thought does the placing of our W . M . in thc ancient chair of King Solomon open up to us . It points out Masonry as the line of union between thc civilised countiics of every age and of every clime . It is the onl y institution that connects us with the sages of antitjuity . It has freejutnlly been asked , whence

Krecmasoniy takes its rise , but the ijuestion is not easily answered , because il has been anterior to the age of history , and contemporary with , if not preceding , civilisation itself . Some date its origin from the building of the holy temple at Jerusalem by King Solomon ; but though that may be an epoch in its history , it no more marks its origin than thc Grand Mastership of St . John thc Evangelist , or of

H . R . H . the Piince of Wales . Centuries before the building of King Solomon's temple , when the golden fleece Was watched by the sleepless dragon , when Priam reigned ml Troy , Freemasonry liourished . The legend of the golden fleece is regarded as a lively fancy , tlie very existence of Troy has been questioned , and Jerusalem is only known from its sacred connections . Still Fieemasonry

flourishes full of life and vigour . Our greatest and most icncrable institutions arc but of yesterday when conipareel to it . Freemasonry was an ancient institution when the first Pope was placed in the ¦ " ¦ hair of St . Peter , when the first king sat on the throne of England , when elemocracy was rocked in its cradle at Athens . It saw thc growth and decay of all the great er — t o 7 — — fa- — ' "

, ° utes of the past from Nineveh to Venice ; it saw the founders of Rome suck the wolf on the banks of the . 'Mr ; it saw the same Home as mistress of thc world , " ¦ 'th Greece and Juelca , Egypt and England , as Roman Ptovinces paying tiibute to the Cicsars ; it now sees it as . •¦* , decorated tombstone of its buried greatness . Other "slitutions have occupied human attention for a shoit

' * "" '•Freemasonry has seen them all come and go . It j ?" 'he Magi perform their rites at Memphis , heard the "P "' c oracle mystify its votaries , witness' o the age of chi-.. * ry l'ass through thc south and west ei Eur , pe as a brilatit nitteor . Their very existence is now only known to the . s , or ' » n , yet Freemasonry flourishes throughe ut every ¦ * •** " of the globe . Why ? Simply because of thc soli-

Freemasonry In Australia.

dity of its foundation . It is founded , not on the gratification of the passions , not on the promotion of self-interest , not even on the achievement of ambition , but on the practice of every moral and social virtue . Those excellent precepts which are taught in a Masonic lodge must leave some impression on the minds of its members , and though they may be sometimes disregarded , can never be entirely

forgotten . I elo not go so far as to fray that they can alter human nature , and change a depraved and worthless person into an honourable man , but I elo say they restrain the evil propensities of the wicked , and call into action the virtues of the good . They supply us with fortitude to withstand the pleasant allurement of vice , and teach us not only to moderate our passions , but to be temperate in

our conversations and our very thoughts . And 1 have no doub t that so long as Freemasons place men like Bro . Kennedy in their chairs , Masonry will continue to flourish throughout every part of the globe , anel be influential in dispensing the beauties of virtue ami lessening the aggregate of human misery and vice . Bro . Embling next gave "Sister Lodges , " to which Bro . II . Herbert , Wheeler ,

Weickhardt , Hamilton , Bishop , and S ll . noii replied . The toast of " The newly-installed Officers , " proposeel by Bro . H . I . White , was replied to by Bro . T . Potter , S . W . ; and the following toasts were then diunk : " Our Visitors , " by Bro . M'Donald , responded to by Bro . Little , P . M . ; " Past Masters of the Orion Lodge , " by Bro . Reibertson , P . M ., responded tcT by Bro . Kelly ; " Past Officers of the Orion

Lodge , " by Bro . Nevett , P . M ., responded 10 by Bro . Price . Bro . Kelly , P . M ., then proposed , in deservedly complimentary terms , " The Health of Bro . Price " ( who is on the eve of leaving the colony ) , and the toast was feelingly responded to by Bro . Price . 1 he toasts of " The Ladies , " "The Press , " and "The Host and Hostess" followed , and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close .

Thc following officers were installed at Si . John's Lodge , 427 , I . C , Ballarat , on Thursday , Dec . 12 th , 1 S 78 , by the installing Master , P . M . Bro . Herbert : —Bios . J . Showman , W . M . ; H . Hunt , S . W . ; VV . Lawson , J . W . ; " Uryco Paton , Sec . ; W . P . Martin , Treas . ; J . Leggo , S . D ; Proctor , J . O . ; Hennah , I . G . ; Morgan , Tyler . The installing ceremony was ably performed by the Installing Master , Bro . Herbert

P . M . There was a large number of brethren of the lodge present , and amongst the visitors were Bvos . Baku " , D . P . G . M . ; Small , P . P . G . S . W . ; C . cl . Finlay . son , P . D . G . j . W . ; Scott , R . W . D . I . ; Robertson , P . P . G . D . C . ; II . Wheeler , W . M ., an . i Little-, P . M . of the Vaucwee ; T . Kennedy , W . M . ; Kelly , P . M . eif the Orion ; Rabiiigeou , P . M . Zetland Lodge , Kyneton ; A . Wilson , W . M ., and J . Hart , P . M . Havilah

Lodge , Creswick ; liaison , Wcickharol . und Kaerhaid , P . M . ' s All Nations Lodge , Clunes ; S . nilh , W . M ., and Alloc , P . M . Sehastopol Lodge ; Case'di , R . A . C ; and the Rev . Charles Claik . At the conclusion of the ceremony the brethren a . ljouincd to ihe Gallery of Ails in the Academy of Music , wheie over ico of them partook of a banquet , supplied in capital style bv Bio . Walker . After the supper

the toasts of "The Queen and the Ciaft , "" Thc Three Grand Masters , " coupled with the name of the G . M ., the Prince of Wales , were proposed by Bro . Sh , winan , W . M ., and duly honoured . Bro . Shoivtnaii , W . M ., then proposed the toast of "The Three Provincial Granel Misters , " coupled with the name of Bro . Baker , D . P . G . M . Bro . Baker , in responding , apologised for the absence eif Bros . J . T . Smith ,

P . G . M .-, Ellis , P . G . S . ; A . Hart , P . G . J . W . ; and J , Durose , P . G . I . G ., who had intended to be present , but who were prevented by unforeseen obstacles , Bro . Kelly , P . M ., proposed "The Health of the Provincial Grand Officers , " coupled with thc name of Bro . Small , P . G . S . W . Bro . Small suitably respondeel . Bro . C . B . Finlayson , P . D . G . J . W ., then , in fitting terms , proposed

the toast of " the W . M . Elect , Bro . Showman , " and , in doing so , dilated upon the onerous duties he had before him , anil the certainty he felt , from his knowledge of the newly-installed Master , that they woulel be faithfully performed . Bro . Showman , W . M ., in responding , thanked the brethren for the kind anil hearty way in which the oast of his health was received . He felt proud of being

placed in the honourable position of W . M . of St . John's Lodge , a position , he thought , worthy the ambition of any one . He was grateful for his preferment , more particularly as he consielereel he had been chosen from amongst men quite as worthy of the honour as himself , if not more fitted to the position ; and lhat too , by the unanimous vote of the lodge . He hoped the success that hael attended

his humble efforts in thc cause would encourage the younger members to persevere in learning and fulfilling the tenets of the Order . He could say that as he aelvaiiced he became more and more enthusiastic in pursuing his course , anil the more he saw cf Masonry the more he admireel and revered it . The question was often asked of Masons , what was Masonry ? It was an elevated system

of morality . Many different theories had been propagated as to its rise and origin , but it is certain that the date of its origin was very remote . In the building of King Solomon's temple was to be fountl the symbol * of the life of every true Mason . Each block and stone used in building the temple had to be hewn square and truly formed , and every Mason shoulel enact that life which will show no blemishes or imperfect formation of character .

The universality of Freemasonry was admitted , and it was to be found practised in all nations , by men of every religion . He would inform the brethren that there were no less than seventy-live Grand Lodges , numbering in all 450 , 000 members ; and this , wilh the addition of some 50 , 000 who were in countries where the practice of thc Craft was forbidden by the 1 ,-iivs of the land —such as Russia and some countries in South

Americawould make about half a million of members . When it is known that thc Masons form the elite of society , it will be understood that they exert a very peaceful influence in thc world . The theme of Fieemasonry was infinite , anil as he felt he was not able to elo jubticc to it with the few

Freemasonry In Australia.

remarks he had made , he concluded by again thanking the brethren for the manner in which they had drunk his health , and stating that he would do the best he could to faithfully discharge the onerous duty they had placed upon him . Bro . Little , P . M ., then proposed "The Health of Bro . thc Rev . Charles Clark , " which was duly honoured and responded to . Other toasts followed , and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close .

Notes Of American Masonry.

NOTES OF AMERICAN MASONRY .

Bv Buo . Ron MORRIS , or L , \ CHANGE , KY ., P . G . M ., & c . Several of our Grand Lodges have become embarrassed by elebts , incurred through building projects ; and as references to them occur in our published records , it is proper that I should explain them to the readers of the Freemason . 1 will commence with my own Grand Lodge , that of

Kentucky . The organisation of this body occurred in 1800 . Meetings were held at Lexington , one of the olelest cities in the Slate , and before the inauguration of railways , the largest . A Masonic temple was built there as far back as 1820 , and upon its destruction by fire , an edifice of fine proportions , and occupying a commanding site , was erected . In 18 58

the sittings of Grand Lodge were removed to Louisville , which , at the present , is very much the latgest city in Kentucky , and the Masonic temple there is principally owned by the Grand Lodge . The debt which troubles us in Kentucky was incurred in the construction of our Masonic Widows' and Orphans ' Home at Louisville , completed and dedicated last year .

This noble edifice , worthy of the great fraternity , was erected by voluntary subscriptions , and nearly completed , when , through the influence of a tornado , in 18 7 6 , the central portion was thrown down , and so an absolute loss followed of some thirty thousand dollars . Even this might , in better times , have been overcome , but the great depression iu business caused the financial ruin of many of

its most liberal elonors . Iu 18 7 6 the Grand Ltitlge ordered a proposition to be submitted to the consideration of all the lodges ( 500 in all ) for an annual assessment of one elullar ptr year fur five years upon each member of the lodges . To the honour of Kentucky liberality this was adopted by a handsome majority , and already two annual assessments have beeu paid . But the

burden 15 heavy ; many have become recalcitrant , and a feeling is abroad through thc State that may lead to rescinding the assessment . I think it will not carry , jet the very agitation of the proposition is working injury tti the cause . The " home , " as it in affectionately styled , is doing ils charitable work , about 150 pupils being boarded , clothed , and educated under ils roof . A priming office has

recently been established in a building near by , erected for the purpose , and some twenty of thc boys arc learning the typographic art . Bookbinding is proposed , and other industrial pursuits . For it is not deemed proper in a country like ours to rear boys and girls in idleness , even though the " home" is a grand charity . In Indiana thc financial trouble of Grand Lodge arises

from a ehffercnt cause . Ei ght years ago the Grand Lodge of that State was in possession of a large and commoelious hall at Indianapolis , with ample grounds attached , and not a dollar in elebt . Dissatisfied , and desiring to have a finer building , they tore down their hall , and , like the man in the parable , " built greater . " The outstanding debt is about seventy-five thousand dollars . The rooms and

officcs are not rented , as was anticipated , and so there is no income . Foreclosures and judgments threatened thc Grand Lodge until they have ordered an annual assessment of one dollar pur member upon thc loelges , to run for five years . Massachusetts is in trouble from the same cause . They built a cosily and imposing edifice when prices were at their highest , and thought to carry thc unpaiel portion for

twenty-five or fifty years uniil the debt could be liquidated . But rumour has it that the sheriff has made a levy , and their splendid temple will be sold for its debts . New York is in trouble for similar causes . Owning a noble hall , of which they are justly proud , the debt presses upon them as an incubus . Their building would not sell to-day , if forced upon the market , for the amount of its

incumbrance . Pennsylvania has an enormous debt ( nearly a million dollars ) resting upon that matchless temple in Philadelphia , which was such an attractive sight to visitors there eluring the centennial year . Yet so well are the financial affairs of that Grand Loelge conducted , and such faith have the citizens of the Quaker city in Masonic matters ,

that no trouble is found in carrying the burden , heavy as it is . Maryland is in trouble ; and the principal business of Grand Loelge for a number of years has been to keep afloat their bonels , and prevent their liabilities from crushing them .

But I will not elraw out the gloomy tale any further . Perhaps it will serve to wain your readers that there is nothing SJ burdensome to a Masonic organisation as debt . Many of our secular lodges have found it so , and if once wc recover from the financial depression , which begun in 18 74 ( may Gotl speed it ) , let us hope that the record 1 have brought forward will stand as a warning for the generations to come .

Ar00504

Constitutions of the Ancient Fraternity of Free anil Accepted Masons , containing the Charges , Regulations , E . A . Song , & c . A copy should be in the possession of every brother . It may be obtained for 2 S . at the office of thc Freemason , or will be sent post-free to any part of the United Kingdom on receipt of twenty-five penny stamps . Address , Publisher , 198 , Fleet-street , London . —ADVT .