The Masonic Charities.

THE MASONIC CHARITIES .

[ By Bro . Watson ' s kind permission we are permitted to print for the information of the brethren of our Order , bis most lucid ancl effective statement , with respect to those excellent institutions . Kb words of ours arc required

to urge its careful perusal ancl Ave trust , that , it will have the effect our able and benevolent brother intended , by its careful preparation . ED . ] MASOXIC CHARITIES .

A Paper read by BRO . HENRY WATSON , S . W ., 13 Sfi , on Wednesday , 22 nd October , at the Saint Hugh Lodge , No . 1386 ; and on Monday , 10 th November , 1873 , at , the AVitliam Lodge , No ' . 2 !> 7 ; in the Masonic Hall , Lincoln , in support of the Charity Appeal to the Province by W . Buo . Sucnt'Kj ; . P . M .,

P . S . P . G . W ., the elected Charity Steward ; also , in the interest of the three great Charities of the Order , and in proof of their economical and . efficient management .

Although we have , individually , been instructed in the three great and abiding principles of Freemasoury" Brotherly Love , Belief , and Truth "yet the extent of the existing practical manifestations of these great principles

is not fully knoAvn to all , more especially not to the newly initiated into our order . Should those who are uninitiated into our mysteries , and who presume to form an estimate of the Craft , ask , whore our proof of these professed

principles is ? can Ave not consistently and truthfully answer by stating , that our real defence and the truest ornamentandrepresentationof our principles are to be found iu our Charities , Avbicli , with profession ancl practicelinked

, hand-in-hand , distribute extensive ancl habitual relief to the reduced and indigent of our brethren and . their families , giving them the means of subsistence and comfort in old age , educating the orphan ancl the sons and the daughters

of our deceased or helpless brethren , so that they may he enabled to enter upon the great scene of this AVOI'M ' S Avarfare ancl this Avorld's duties . Such , indeed , is a faithful illustration of our great

principles , ancl I now ) m accordance with your wishes , proceed to give a concise statement of the three great Charities in connection with the Craft , The first established

was—Tire EOYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . It was founded March 25 th , 1788 , for tho purpose of educating , clothing , and maintaining the orphan daughters

of our brethren , or of those whose reduced means prevented them affording their children a suitable education . Its first local habitation was in 1793 , in a school erected near the obelisk , St . Goorge-in-the-Fiehk In 1851 , the

lease having expired , the School Avas removed to a site of three acres of Freehold Laud , on the high ground , of Battersea Else , adjoining Wandsworth Common , where it has since continued to increase in efficiency and utility year by year .

The Eeceipts for the first year amounted to GG 4 guineas "; the amount realized at the 1 S 73 . Festival was £ 7500 , being £ 2000 over any preceding year . From its foundation rip to the present time 987 irls have been received into

g the Institution , and it has now 109 scholars . The wings of the main building are being extended to provide additional dining-hall , school-room , and dormitory accommodation , and -will be completed by January nextAvhen

, 21 additional girls , Avho have already been duly appiwect or elected , will be received . The total numbers in . the Institute will thenbe 130 ; and received from the commencement , 1008 .

The Funded Property of the Girls ' School is represented by the foIIoAving Amounts : — Invested in Government 3 per cent . Consols on General Account . £ 2 S , O 00 Invested in Government 3 per cent .

Consols ou Building Sustcntatiou and Improvement Fund Account .. 1 , 950 Cost of Freehold Land and Institute Buildings , all of which are paid for 30 , 062 Total . £ 00 , 012 v " M