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THE MASONIC ILLUSTRATED ,

Freemasonry In 1903.

Freemasonry in 1903 .

THE prosperity which has so especially characterised the progress of Freemasonry in this country and its colonies during the past quarter of a century , has , it is satisfactory to note , been more than maintained in the year now drawing to a close . To those of us who possess an abiding faith in its beneficent principles and in its humanitarian mission , such

a happy condition of affairs is not a matter of surprise . New lodges have sprung up in all parts of the Empire , while nowhere is it apparent that decadence has shown itself . During the year 6 4 lodges have been established , of which 27 are in the provinces , 21 in India and the Colonies ,

and 16 in the London district , which , as our readers are aware , is bounded by a radius of ten miles from Freemasons ' Hall . Nowhere , therefore , has the growth of Freemasonry been more marked than in the metropolis , and it is the creation of these latter centres of Masonic life that has

been wont from time to time to call for some criticism from those who entertain a belief that a new lodge must of necessity adversely affect the interests of those already existing . Such a belief is , we think , entirely unfounded , and it must be remembered that in every instance the promoters of these new lodges have been able to submit evidence to

the satisfaction of the M . W . Grand Master and his advisors that they are supplying a legitimate want and filling a niche in the edifice previously vacant , - or , at least , insufficiently occupied . As a proof that the somewhat abnormal multiplication of London lodges in recent years has not produced the ill effects feared , we have every reason to believe that

the average membership has not declined , although there are possibly some instances of lodges which , from various causes , have failed to maintain their positions , mainly from lethargic administration and the consequent absence of new blood which , in Masonic life , as in all other , is necessary to

maintain a strong and healthy existence . Certain it is that the younger members of the Masonic family which so largely recruit the new lodges , are not wanting in zeal either for the Craft itself or its Charitable Institutions , as witness the magnificent contributions from so many of the newer lodges

announced at the three Festivals during the year . These considerations lead us to the question which came before Grand Lodge at the last Quarterly Communication . It was a motion embodied in the report of the Board of General Purposes , by whom it was apparently unanimously

recommended for adoption , and its object was to provide a remedy for the overcrowding which is now a permanent feature at these meetings . The proposition in question was , to withdraw from the Wardens of lodges the right they possess under the Constitutions to accompany their Worshipful Master in his attendance at Grand Lodge

Quarterly and other communications . Such a recommendation from a responsible body is entitled to all respect , and that action in regard to this matter is absolutely necessary will be conceded by all who have a knowledge of the existing state of things ; but we venture to submit that the proposed remedy would be altogether inadequate to meet the

requirements of the case , and we decline to believe that the Grand Lodge of England is in that parlous condition that it can find no better solution of a situation created by its own marvellous progress than a withdrawal of the rights and privileges that have been possessed by certain of its members

almost from time immemorial ; surely it is capable of applying a bolder and more effective remedy than is embodied in this weak and puny suggestion . The truth is that Grand Lodge has indisputably outgrown its environments , and everything points to the necessity of providing a home for the mother Grand

Lodge of the world which shall equal at least the temples which exist , more especially in so many cities of the United States . Grand Lodge has acquired during the past few years much valuable space surrounding Freemasons' Hall , and the speedy termination of the leases of these premises , together with

that of Freemasons' Tavern , would seem to present a most favourable opportunity for a scheme of reconstruction on a large and comprehensive scale . The close proximity of the new Kingsway and the possibility of providing an entrance from this noble thoroughfare supplies another reason for dealing with the question .

While we are among those who are strongly opposed to lavish expenditure on objects of doubtful expediency , we cannot be oblivious to the fact that sooner or later this much needed extension must be carried out , and the methods of the far-seeing business-man who adequately provides for future requirements might well be adopted by

the Masonic Fraternity . Suggestions have from time to time for many years past been made , mainly , we must admit , by irresponsible brethren , that a new building should be erected on another site—the Thames Embankment being at one time a much favoured

locality , but apart from the cost of such a scheme , there is nothing to be gained by a departure from the present site , hallowed as it is by ancient and historic associations . We have avoided all reference to details in dealing with this matter , but the vital question of cost is one that must

necessarily precede all consideration of the subject , and we have every confidence that some scheme could be evolved that would have the effect of enlarging , rather than curtailing , the privileges already possessed by members of Grand Lodge , and at the same time providing a home for English Masonry worthy of its past traditions and of its great future .