Masonic Notes And Queries.

the ground here is ploughed or ditched the foundations of several houses are discovered , a great deal of lead got , and some curious seals . At this place likewise there has been a famous bridge over the Tweed ; the entrance to it on the south side is very evident , and a great deal of fine stones are dug out of

the arches of the bridge when the water is low . " In another place : " The roof of this place of the church was put on anno 1618 by the Masons of Newstead , a place famous for several centuries for Masonry . " Red-Abbey Stedd was a celebrated preceptory of the Templarsand the ancient lodge referred to miht

, g have been founded by the serving brethren of the Order . If this lodge were still in existence , a few of the ancient lodges would have to bow the head—Red-Abbey-Stedd being founded about the year 1153 , during the reign of David I . —ANTHONY ONEAL HAYE .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondent ! . , AN ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT AND MODERN FREEMASONRY .

10 THH EDITOR OF THE EBEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AST ) MASONIC SHRKOH . Dear Sir and Brother , —Either Bro . Hughan is wrong in stating that "in the first edition of ' Ahiman Rezon , ' A . D . 1756 , the Royal Arch degree is not mentioned , " or there were two editions published in that year . I have in my possession an edition of that

date , which , at page 46 , gives the " ' Ahabath 01 am , ' a prayer repeated in the Royal Arch Lodge at Jerusalem" ; and at page 47 are contained the words quoted by Bro . Hughan from the edition of 1764 , with other matter referring to the Royal Arch . Yours fraternally , H . B . WHITE .

Dr. Rob. Morris And Freemasonry At Damascus.

DR . ROB . MORRIS AND FREEMASONRY AT DAMASCUS .

20 THE EDITOB OF THE JBEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIM 10 I 1 . Dear Sir and Brother , —I have just been enjoying the perusal of my friend Dr . Rob . Morris ' s characteristic sketch of the contemplated lodge at Damascus , and wish him success with all my heart . Surely the Grand Master will respond to the petition of such a

number of influential Masons , and permit our mysteries to be celebrated with imposing solemnity and amid surrounding antiquities , in the ancient mosque that graces the garden of Bro . E . T . Rogers , Her Britannic Majesty ' s Consul . Few lodges have been started that promise better

than that of King of Solomon at Damascus , and eertainlynone under such extraordinary circumstances , as it bids fair to do . It will be another link in the Grand ' . Masonic chain of " peace on earth and goodwill to mankind , " which is fast encircling the universe ,

Yours fraternall y , WILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN . Truro , June 6 th , 1868 .

Masonic Music.

MASONIC MUSIC .

For some time there seems to have existed a con « tinually-increasing desire to enhance the effect and impressiveness of the Masonic rituals by the introduction of suitable music , and many have been the inquiries , through the pages of the FREEMASONS'

MABAZINE , for words and notes adapted to the requirements of lodges and in harmony with the general scope of our ceremonies and moral teaching . Formerly the aid of music was rarely called in , except as an adjunct to the post-prandial festivities at lodge banquets ; too often afc

variance with the solemnity of the proceedings in the lodge-room , and not in accordance with the feelings and tone of mind which ought to haA'e been excited among the brethren .

The general acknowledgment has gradually , but steadily gained ground that , by the erection of Masonic halls , and the selection of private rooms where funds for more suitable buildings cannot be obtained , for the performance of our rites and ceremonies , we are able to

avoid the objectionable practice of meeting in places of public resort , Avhich has deterred very many good men and true from joining our Order , and has caused many who have been initiated from frequenting lodges afterwards . As a natural consequence to the use of Masonic

halls and private rooms , the arrangements being of a more permanent character , organs and harmoniums have been extensively introduced , and hence the demand for a uniform musical accompaniment to our rituals . Bro . Charles Johnson several years ago undertook to

make the requisite provision , by a form which has been much approved in several localities where it has been introduced , and which is now to be published in the FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE , and afterwards separately in a distinct and complete form .

It must , however , be admitted that the introduction of music into the lodge ceremonies is not approved by a few members of the Masonic body—chiefly , it is conceived , from an opinion that it is undesirable to increase the length of the ceremonies . In practice such has not been found to be the case to any serious extent , and the

additional interest and pleasure derived from music well executed will amply compensate for an extension of a few minutes . It should be observed that it is desirable for the choir to consist of a few voices , rather than that all the brethren present should take part .

The hymns on opening and closing lodge have been introduced by Bro . Henry Hopkins , M . B ., the times for which may be varied , and be safely left to the discretion of a skilful organist and choir . Bro . Dr . Hopkins is also responsible for the explanatory notes , given in two f orms , which , it is hoped , Avill be found so clear as to be

easily understood . [ The explanatory , notes will be given at the finish of the music . —Editor F . M , }