Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ameeica.
the sun shining through the stained glass threw a flood of golden light over the rich and beautiful regalia of the Brethren , while a smile of joy lit up every countenance , and nothing but peace and harmony seemed to prevail . The grand honours having been given , and the Grand Master and Grand Officers being in their places , the M . W . Nathaniel F . Waring spoke as follows : — "M . W . Grand Master and Brethren—It is said that there are times and there
are seasons , and there are occasions , when our hearts are too full for utterance , when Ave cannot find Avords to express our ideas . If there are such tiroes and seasons , if there are such occasions , this is the first time in my life that I have become sensible of it . I feel that language is inadequate to express the feeling .- ? of my heart , no compass to circumscribe my Masonic feelings . This is one of the proudest , nay , the very proudest day of my Masonic existence . I was early and late in the troubles of 1849 ; but I forbear to allude to them lest I should disturb
the ashes , Avhich have been so lately buried , by this Grand Lodge , Let by-gones be by-gones , as so Avell expressed in our articles of union , under the words " No allusion is to be made to former difficulties , " for this is the proudest . day of our existence as a Masonic Fraternity in this State . The claim of brotherly love is cemented between us , and we stand to-day before the world as a Masonic body , Avith the Avords—union , harmony , and brotherly love , inscribed on our banner .
Improper concessions have not been asked of us , nor have we conceded anything improperly . We come in the true spirit of union , and Ave believe that we are so received by the Brethren in tlie Grand Lodge . With these few remarks , Sir , I return you the sincere thanks of the body over Avhich I presided for the last year , and give way to my successor , Avho may wish to say a few words . " The M . W . James Jenkinson then said : —
' •' Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren , —Little remains for me to say . The transactions of to-day in our Fraternity of themselves speak volumes . The old friends so long separated from us , and Ave Avho have been so long separated from them , have again come together . It is true my reign has been short , but I look to it Avith pride and pleasure , inasmuch as in it was done Avhat Ave have been unable to accomplish for the last nine years , namely—to again bring us together in the truly fraternal bonds known only to Freemasons . I trust that in this
Grand United Council of Freemasons there will be as much unanimity as we have had in our little body , and I believe you wish the same . I am proud , Sir , to meet yon , Avhom years ago I met in a Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter , and I trust it may be long , long before another disunion or split shall occur among the Fraternity of the State of New York . It shall be our province to avoid making any allusion to former difficulties , and it shall not be my fault if this union is not permanent .
The resolutions of the union have been received with great cordiality , the feeling Avas that a general union of the fraternity was required , and that the time for its consummation had arrived . It is now done , and I trust that we may never again be disunited . Most Worshipful Grand Master , I now extend to you the hand of true fellowship . As Ave meet on the level , I hope that Ave may , as Ave have heretofore done in Grand Chapter and Grand Lodge , part upon the square , of Avhich there is no doubt Avhilst our conduct and feelings are guided by the plumb . "
The M . W . Grand Master Hon . John L . Lewis , Jim ., then replied nearly as follows : — " Brethren , —If the language of true feeling and fellowship came , slowly from my lips , it is because the cordial grasp of the hand had not yet been given , but that once felt , the sluices have been opened , and I can truly speak of the joy felt by all of us on this auspicious occasion . That Ave welcome you here most cordially , this sea of upturned faces gloAving with delight proves better than any
words I could express . That the clouds Avhich have long obscured the mm of Masonry in our State are now dissolved , and that we once more meet beneath his glorious beams , is indeed cause for congratulation . This is the 7 th of June . On this very day , 1849 , I was about to say at this self-same hour , our sky Avas overcast and darkness reigned triumphant . On the 7 th of June , 1858 , Ave see a cloudless aky over tlie bodies which reign in our Masonic Fraternity , the sun , moon , and stars arc unveiled , and all appears bright , glorious , and beautiful .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ameeica.
the sun shining through the stained glass threw a flood of golden light over the rich and beautiful regalia of the Brethren , while a smile of joy lit up every countenance , and nothing but peace and harmony seemed to prevail . The grand honours having been given , and the Grand Master and Grand Officers being in their places , the M . W . Nathaniel F . Waring spoke as follows : — "M . W . Grand Master and Brethren—It is said that there are times and there
are seasons , and there are occasions , when our hearts are too full for utterance , when Ave cannot find Avords to express our ideas . If there are such tiroes and seasons , if there are such occasions , this is the first time in my life that I have become sensible of it . I feel that language is inadequate to express the feeling .- ? of my heart , no compass to circumscribe my Masonic feelings . This is one of the proudest , nay , the very proudest day of my Masonic existence . I was early and late in the troubles of 1849 ; but I forbear to allude to them lest I should disturb
the ashes , Avhich have been so lately buried , by this Grand Lodge , Let by-gones be by-gones , as so Avell expressed in our articles of union , under the words " No allusion is to be made to former difficulties , " for this is the proudest . day of our existence as a Masonic Fraternity in this State . The claim of brotherly love is cemented between us , and we stand to-day before the world as a Masonic body , Avith the Avords—union , harmony , and brotherly love , inscribed on our banner .
Improper concessions have not been asked of us , nor have we conceded anything improperly . We come in the true spirit of union , and Ave believe that we are so received by the Brethren in tlie Grand Lodge . With these few remarks , Sir , I return you the sincere thanks of the body over Avhich I presided for the last year , and give way to my successor , Avho may wish to say a few words . " The M . W . James Jenkinson then said : —
' •' Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren , —Little remains for me to say . The transactions of to-day in our Fraternity of themselves speak volumes . The old friends so long separated from us , and Ave Avho have been so long separated from them , have again come together . It is true my reign has been short , but I look to it Avith pride and pleasure , inasmuch as in it was done Avhat Ave have been unable to accomplish for the last nine years , namely—to again bring us together in the truly fraternal bonds known only to Freemasons . I trust that in this
Grand United Council of Freemasons there will be as much unanimity as we have had in our little body , and I believe you wish the same . I am proud , Sir , to meet yon , Avhom years ago I met in a Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter , and I trust it may be long , long before another disunion or split shall occur among the Fraternity of the State of New York . It shall be our province to avoid making any allusion to former difficulties , and it shall not be my fault if this union is not permanent .
The resolutions of the union have been received with great cordiality , the feeling Avas that a general union of the fraternity was required , and that the time for its consummation had arrived . It is now done , and I trust that we may never again be disunited . Most Worshipful Grand Master , I now extend to you the hand of true fellowship . As Ave meet on the level , I hope that Ave may , as Ave have heretofore done in Grand Chapter and Grand Lodge , part upon the square , of Avhich there is no doubt Avhilst our conduct and feelings are guided by the plumb . "
The M . W . Grand Master Hon . John L . Lewis , Jim ., then replied nearly as follows : — " Brethren , —If the language of true feeling and fellowship came , slowly from my lips , it is because the cordial grasp of the hand had not yet been given , but that once felt , the sluices have been opened , and I can truly speak of the joy felt by all of us on this auspicious occasion . That Ave welcome you here most cordially , this sea of upturned faces gloAving with delight proves better than any
words I could express . That the clouds Avhich have long obscured the mm of Masonry in our State are now dissolved , and that we once more meet beneath his glorious beams , is indeed cause for congratulation . This is the 7 th of June . On this very day , 1849 , I was about to say at this self-same hour , our sky Avas overcast and darkness reigned triumphant . On the 7 th of June , 1858 , Ave see a cloudless aky over tlie bodies which reign in our Masonic Fraternity , the sun , moon , and stars arc unveiled , and all appears bright , glorious , and beautiful .