Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
of the ladies lending enchantment' to the scene . The symbol of the Lodge " being placed in the centre of the room , the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland performed three circuits round the hall , the melodion playing a solo . The Past Masters then advanced with the silver pitchers of corn , wine , and oil , which were placed on the table in the centre . On the pedestal were placed the Bible , square and compasses , charter , book of constitutions , and by-laws of the Friendly Lodge .
An anthem was then sung by the choristers , and the R . W . G . M . very briefly addressed the Brethren , stating the object of the meeting . The R . W . M . was now seated in the Master ' s chair , and the Wardens of the Provincial Grand Lodge occupied the Wardens' chairs ; the Master of the Friendly Lodge standing to the right of the oriental chair , and the Wardens beside their respective chairs . To the right and left of the Grand Master , under the dais , were the Past Masters , and Bro . the Rev . A . B . Davis , Grand Chaplain , on the left attired in full canonicals .
Bro . De Levarite then said : — " Right Worshipful Sir , —The Brethren of the Friendly Lodge , being desirous of promoting the well-being of the Craft , as well as the interest and prosperity of the institution , have removed from the hall prevfeuslyfoi ^ pierJ ^ .-by ^ therii to the present eligible premises , and are now anxious that you should , after approval , proceed to consecrate . this room to ' the purposes of Freemasonry , according to the ancient rights and established customs of our Order . It is also necessary on the present occasion , that w e should acknowledge
the distinguished favour arid honour conferred on us by your consenting to take a prominent part in this day ' s proceedings , and I hope and trust that , by due regard on our own part to the principles of our Order , we shall be enabled * to cement that union of hearts that should exist among men , much more among Masons . Apd we further desire that the Friendly Lodge may continue to prosper , by maintaining and enforcing the practice of those duties inculcated in Freemasonry , which , when once established , cannot fail to secure the goodwill , esteem , and approbation of all those with whom we are associated . "
The Grand Master expressed his assent and approbation , and the ceremony o £ consecration commenced , the consecration hymn being chanted by the choristers . The usual prayers , & c , having been gone through , Bro . the Rev . A . B . Davis , delivered a lengthened and brilliant oration , concluding thus : — " In the ceremony of dedicating this Lodge we have used corn , oil , and wine . I do nob find that Masons have before moralized upon them . I will therefore offer some original remarks upon them after the Masonic manner , and I trust they will prove acceptable , Corn , oil , and wine , formed tlie w age « of the Brethren who built King Solomon ' s Temple at Jerusalem . Corn may be considered the emblem of plenty .
It forms the chief staff * of life . While all things pall upon the taste when partaken of constantly , this never becomes distasteful to the palate , though it be eaten day after day for years . The close of life at mature age , may be not inaptly compared to a fully ripe shock of corn , as tho Scripture saith , ' Thou sbalt come to thy grave in " a full age , like as a shock of corn cometh in to the planter in its . season / Oil is an emblem of sanctity . V > y strewing oil over this Lodge it demonstrates that it is consecrated to a sacred purpose , to a reception of the volume of the divine law , which is always opened when the Lodge is at work , and to the
cementing of a . Brotheihood of sentiment and kindly feeling , even aa kings are consecrated with anointing oil . 'It is symbolical of all things necessary and agreeable , as we find it stated in Deuteronomy , that God made Israel " suck oil and honey out of the rock . ' Wine denotes gladness , ft checreth the hearts of men . Its influence is like that which the ancient bards had uver their lyre . It ean modulate the varied chords of lively sympathy and generous feeling ; but as it
would deaden them by potations too strong and deep , . Masons should : \ , yo ' n \ falling into this extreme ., as they are 1 aught to keep the appetite under siibjeetion , and never suffer it to run riot . Wine is better the older it becomes ; so the longer the principles of Freemasonry are ntuddied , the more will they enlighten and purity . Wine is kept in earthen or wooden vessels , ; uul not in veaaolp of gold and silver . This shows us that virtue uniy be practised by tho poor ; ih well as by the wealthy , and the more so as it generally accompanies humility . Wine , when
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Colonial
of the ladies lending enchantment' to the scene . The symbol of the Lodge " being placed in the centre of the room , the members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland performed three circuits round the hall , the melodion playing a solo . The Past Masters then advanced with the silver pitchers of corn , wine , and oil , which were placed on the table in the centre . On the pedestal were placed the Bible , square and compasses , charter , book of constitutions , and by-laws of the Friendly Lodge .
An anthem was then sung by the choristers , and the R . W . G . M . very briefly addressed the Brethren , stating the object of the meeting . The R . W . M . was now seated in the Master ' s chair , and the Wardens of the Provincial Grand Lodge occupied the Wardens' chairs ; the Master of the Friendly Lodge standing to the right of the oriental chair , and the Wardens beside their respective chairs . To the right and left of the Grand Master , under the dais , were the Past Masters , and Bro . the Rev . A . B . Davis , Grand Chaplain , on the left attired in full canonicals .
Bro . De Levarite then said : — " Right Worshipful Sir , —The Brethren of the Friendly Lodge , being desirous of promoting the well-being of the Craft , as well as the interest and prosperity of the institution , have removed from the hall prevfeuslyfoi ^ pierJ ^ .-by ^ therii to the present eligible premises , and are now anxious that you should , after approval , proceed to consecrate . this room to ' the purposes of Freemasonry , according to the ancient rights and established customs of our Order . It is also necessary on the present occasion , that w e should acknowledge
the distinguished favour arid honour conferred on us by your consenting to take a prominent part in this day ' s proceedings , and I hope and trust that , by due regard on our own part to the principles of our Order , we shall be enabled * to cement that union of hearts that should exist among men , much more among Masons . Apd we further desire that the Friendly Lodge may continue to prosper , by maintaining and enforcing the practice of those duties inculcated in Freemasonry , which , when once established , cannot fail to secure the goodwill , esteem , and approbation of all those with whom we are associated . "
The Grand Master expressed his assent and approbation , and the ceremony o £ consecration commenced , the consecration hymn being chanted by the choristers . The usual prayers , & c , having been gone through , Bro . the Rev . A . B . Davis , delivered a lengthened and brilliant oration , concluding thus : — " In the ceremony of dedicating this Lodge we have used corn , oil , and wine . I do nob find that Masons have before moralized upon them . I will therefore offer some original remarks upon them after the Masonic manner , and I trust they will prove acceptable , Corn , oil , and wine , formed tlie w age « of the Brethren who built King Solomon ' s Temple at Jerusalem . Corn may be considered the emblem of plenty .
It forms the chief staff * of life . While all things pall upon the taste when partaken of constantly , this never becomes distasteful to the palate , though it be eaten day after day for years . The close of life at mature age , may be not inaptly compared to a fully ripe shock of corn , as tho Scripture saith , ' Thou sbalt come to thy grave in " a full age , like as a shock of corn cometh in to the planter in its . season / Oil is an emblem of sanctity . V > y strewing oil over this Lodge it demonstrates that it is consecrated to a sacred purpose , to a reception of the volume of the divine law , which is always opened when the Lodge is at work , and to the
cementing of a . Brotheihood of sentiment and kindly feeling , even aa kings are consecrated with anointing oil . 'It is symbolical of all things necessary and agreeable , as we find it stated in Deuteronomy , that God made Israel " suck oil and honey out of the rock . ' Wine denotes gladness , ft checreth the hearts of men . Its influence is like that which the ancient bards had uver their lyre . It ean modulate the varied chords of lively sympathy and generous feeling ; but as it
would deaden them by potations too strong and deep , . Masons should : \ , yo ' n \ falling into this extreme ., as they are 1 aught to keep the appetite under siibjeetion , and never suffer it to run riot . Wine is better the older it becomes ; so the longer the principles of Freemasonry are ntuddied , the more will they enlighten and purity . Wine is kept in earthen or wooden vessels , ; uul not in veaaolp of gold and silver . This shows us that virtue uniy be practised by tho poor ; ih well as by the wealthy , and the more so as it generally accompanies humility . Wine , when