NEW MASONIC LODGE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1088, 31 October 1883, Page 2

NEW MASONIC LODGE

Yesterday a new Masonic Lodge under the Scottish Constitution was opened at Methven. This district, in which there are many old resident Masons, would be out of the way of progress altogether had it not its local Lodge. Consequently it was decided to open a Lodge, which has been the first opened under the Provincial District Grand Lodge of Scotland in Canterbury, and'from the support already accorded, it promises to be a very strong Lodge in point of numbers. A goodly number of visiting b ethren were present from various parts, and altogether considerable interest seemed to be taken in the ceremony by the general Masonic body. The ceremony of consecration and installation was performed by Bro the Rev James .kill, R. W.D.G.M. of Canterbury, at the Methven schoolroom. The other provincial district officers who filled the various chairs were—Bro Jas. Grubb, D.G. S ; James Tail, D.G.T.G.; Henry T. Gourlay, D.G.D-O.; F. W. Francis, D.G.J.D. There were present visiting brethren from —The Robert Burns, Christchurch; Thistle, Ashburton ; Canterbury Kilwinning, Lyttelton : S.O. Totara, West Coast ; lonic, Timaru : 1.0. Somerset and St John's, Ashburton ; E.C. After the ceremony of conse nation, the following officers were duly installed by the Rev Bro Hill iu a most impressive manner, viz.—J. Loudon, R. W.M ; D. Cameron. D.M.; G. Loudon, S.M.; W. Morgan, W.S. W.; J. Black, W.J.W; R. Patton, Treasurer; J. 0. McWilliams, Secretary; W. Rouse, S.D. ; J. Scrimgeour, J. D.; W. J. Hussey, I.G. ; Geo. Murdock, Tyler. At the conclusion of the installation the brethren adjourned to Patton’s Hotel where a sumptuous banquet was given, which reflected the greatest credit upon Bro Patton as a caterer. The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given, and several songs rendered by Bros Cullen, Dimont, Hussey, H. T. Gourlay, Grubb, and others. The District Grand Master complimented the brethren of Methven [upon having a Lodge in their district, and trusted the working of the Lodge wou'd proceed in the usual Masonic manner. After spending a very pleasant evening the company separated, wishing every success to the Methven Lodge and the li spitable Masons of Methven.