MASONIC.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1253, 13 March 1878, Page 3

MASONIC.

CONSECRATION OF THE CORINTHIAN LODGE, I.C. The ceremony of the consecration of the first lodge opened in Canterbury under the Irish constitution took place yesterday afternoon in the St. Augustine Masonic Hall. The warrant for the opening of the new lodge under the hand of thp R.W.D.G.M., 1.C., Bro. Pierce, of Auckland, having been received by the promoters of the new lodge, the fraternal aid of the R.W.D G.M. of the R.C., Bro. W. Donald, the officers of the Grand Lodge, and the officers and brethren pf the E.O. and S.O. was requested in order to open the new lodge according to ancient form, and it was cheei’fully given. Yesterday afternoon was fixed for the ceremony, and a large number of brethren of the various lodges and constitutions assembled to do honor to the occasion. Amongst those present, including the District Grand Murder, Deputy District G.M. and Grand Lodge officers were the Worshipful Masters of the St. Augustine and Canterbury Lodges (E.C.), Robert Burns (8.C.), Past Mast ers Deamcr, Smith, Seymour, Tombs, Rentoul, Anderson, Rev. J. Hill and about sixty brethren. The choir, comprising Bros. F. Hobbs, Ellisden, Dunkley, McCardell, and Funston rendered the musical portion of the ceremony. Grand Lodge was opened by R.W. Dist. G.M. Bro. W. Donald in due form. P.M. Bro. the Rev. J. Hill (5.0.) offered up prayer. Musical response. The R.W. Dist. G.M. then directed the secretary to read the warrant authorising the opening of the lodge under the 1.C., and also the warrant authorising the R.W. Dist. G.M. Bro. Donald to perform the ceremony. This was done, the warrants being signed by R.W. Dist. G.M. Bro, Pierce, 1.C., of Auckland. The jewels of the officers elect of the new lodge were then presented to the R.W. Dist. G.M. ThoW.M. eject, Bro. 0. F. Barker, was presented. The officers elect of the new lodge were presented ty the WM< Ciawt, Ps. zcv., “ 0, come let

us say unto the Lord.” P.M. Bro. Rev. J. Hill offered the first dedication prayer. Musical response, “As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. 3o mote it be.” Sanctus, “Holy, holy, holv.” Procession

Lodge uncovered —procession —solemn music —D.G. J.W. scatters corn, and dedicates to Masonry. ODE. Hail: Masonry divine! Glory of ages shine, Long may’st thou roign. Where’er thy lodges stand May they have great command And always grace the land : Thou art divine ! Great fabric! still arise And grace the azure skies : Great are tby schemes ! Thy noble orders are Matchless beyond compare, No art with thee can share : Thou art divine ! Hiram, the architect, Did all the craft direct How they should build : Solomon, great Israel’s king, , Did mighty blessings bring, And left us cause to sing, Hail! Royal Art! Second process'on —solemn music—D.G.S.W. poured wine and dedicated to Virtue. Dedication to Virtue Come holy Virtue by whose aid In heavenwards steps we long to tread. _ Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Friendship here Bring Peace aud Unity sincere. Third procession—solemn music D.D G' Master poured oil, and dedicated to Uni' versal Benevolence. Come Charity with goodness crowned. Encircle in thy heavenly robes. Diffuse thy blessings all around, To every corner of the globe, Fourth procession, D.G. Master (alone) took the censer (solemn silence). Musical response As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. So mote it be. (D.G. Master and officers resumed their seats.) Grand Honors DG. C r aplain. Prayer. Anthem. The following officers were then installed for the new Lodge: W.M., Bro. C. P. Barker ; 5.W.,8r0. F. Hobbs ; J.W., Bro. W. Radcliffe ; S.D., Bro. G. McCormick ; J.D., Bro. W. C. Fleming; treasurer, Bro. R. Rutledge; secretary, Bro. Farrell; 1.G., Bro. Berry; tyler, Bro. Toms, In the evening a banquet was held at Radcliffe’s Commercial Hotel. The spread was a really excellent one, the wines also being very good. There were about fifty bi’ethren present, the W.M, elect of the Corinthian Lodge, Bro. C. F. Barker, occupying the chair, having on his right the R.W.D G.M., Bro. W. Donald, and the D.D.G.M., Bro. Thomson, on his left. The vice-chair was occupied by Bro. F. Hobbs, the S.W. of the lodge. The following toasts were given:—“The Queen and the Craft ” ; “ The Duke of Abercorn, Grand Master of Ireland”; “The Grand Masters of England, Ireland, and Scotland.” “The D.G.M.,” responded to by Bro. W. Donald ; “the Deputy Diet. G.M.,” responded to by Bro. Thomson; “Sister lodges,” responded to by the W. Masters of the St. Augustine, Canterbury, and Robert Burns lodges ; “ The S.W. of the Corinthian lodge, Bro.P. Hobbs,” who responded; “The Press,” coupled with the name of Bro.S. P. Craig, who responded ; “ The Choir,” coupled with the names of the brethren who so kindly assisted at the ceremony, and responded to by Bro. Hobbs ; “The Ladies,” responded to by Bro. Innes ; “ The Host and Hostess,” responded to by Bro. Radcliffe. The brethren separated at an early hour, having enjoyed a very pleasant evening.