An Evening With Adelphoi Lodge.

AN EVENING WITH ADELPHOI LODGE .

PROVIDENCE , RIKXDE ISLAND , U . S . From the " Freemasons' Repository . " IN what consists the rare charm of Masonry ? Why is it that Craftsmen are so drawn togetherand find such delight in the intercourse which they are privileged

, to share as Brethren ? Wherefore is the Lodge a magnet so powerful ? Questions such as these are often suggested by those who stand outside our Institution—those ivho express their astonishment , not always in the most courteous terms , that sensible men can be interested in the things which to the prejudiced or ignorant critic appear alike devoid of form and satisfaction . Even within Masonic lines the sweet charm of our

great Brotherhood is not ahvays understood , nor is it the easiest task for the mind well instructed in the mysteries of the Masonic art to sum up and make apparent the full potentialities of its influence . On special occasions , however , and under certain favourable conditions , Ave come to a large and delightful realization of the noble charm Masonry diffuses , as Ave gain an experimental knoAvledge of its power to stimulate the best feelings of the heart , and to

develop noblest thought . Then , as the holy teachings of the Masonic symbols and legends are unveiled before us in all their beauty—as the solemn ceremony is enacted Avith due attention to all its details , Ave enter into the full meaning of that which is represented before us , and we are moved to the profoundest depths of our spiritual natures by ivhat Ave behold and participate in . Then it is , when Brethren who are Masons in deed , as ivell as in name , assemble in the cheerful Lodge room , and when an

air of blessed harmony fills the place , Avhile an intelligent zeal directs all the services , that there comes ansAvers to the questions , Avhat is Masonry worth , and wherein its influence ? Then appear the light and glory of our ancient Institution , and we cease to wonder that noble and true men in all ages have knelt around its altars and confessed its marvellous poAver . The conditions we have indicated as conduch'e to this most favourable appreciation

of Masonry appeared to be Avell nigh fulfilled at a recent meeting of Adelphoi Lodge . This Lodge is not old in years , and hence it lacks those elements of influence Avhich rest in great age , an illumined history , the prestige of names and events belonging to the record of former days . But Adelphoi , though a young organization , includes a band of experienced Craftsman ; men who have drunk deeply at the fountains of Masonic teaching , and AA'ho have the ability and the consecrated purpose to establish a model Lodge . So they have sought to plan and organize , gathering the best of material , and uniting it so firmly and happily that the result must needs be blessed to themselves and helpful to the general interests of the Craft in this jurisdiction .

Adel phoi Lodge , as most of our readers know , has apartments of its OAVU in the ¦ Elizabeth Building on North Main street . These apartments are convenient and attractive , in every sense adapted to the uses to which they are designed . The principal hall is cheerful , well lighted , and well furnished—just such a Lodge room as disposes the Brother to rest and reflection , ivhilst it affords proper aids to Masonic work . Here Jere gathered on the . occasion referred to almost the Avhole membershi p of the Lodge , together ith number of visitors

AA'a , including the Grand Master of Masons in this state , M . W . Charles R . Cutler ; Past Grand . Masters Doyle and Van Slyck ; R . W . Bw- Manning , Carpenter , and others . It was a company of interested , and intelligent ft W ? ' ^ sym P % ^ l 1 each other and the occasion . The Master of Adel phoi , ti ' , i ' ^ White , assisted by officers perfectly conversant with their respecex ? . e ? ' conferred the third degree . The work . was faultlessly rendered . The ' reme ritualist could hardlhaA out defect in the

y 'e pointed a speaking of the text or ie enactment of the ceremony . But better still , the spirit of intelligent discernment 24