ASHLEY MASONIC HALL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2492, 1 April 1882, Page 3

ASHLEY MASONIC HALL.

On Thursday evening the new Masonic Hall erected by the brethren of the craft at Bangiora, having a frontage on Fercival street, was duly consecrated in presence of a large concourse of members of the Ashley Lodge and visiting members, representing the City, Kainpii, Lyttelton, Fapanui, Lincoln, and other Lodges, as well as the English, Scotch, and Irish Constitutions. The hall is substantially built of brick and concrete, and roofed* with iron. The front, which presents a good appearance to the street, shows the bricks tuck pointed, and the ornamental facings of Oamaru white stone. The architecture is after the Gothic. Upon the top of the front wall the parapet bears in the centre the insignia of the craft, and on a triangular block beneath the date of erection. The side ond rear walls are of solid concrete. On entering there are two lobbies partitioned with folding doors, forming a reception hall and cloak room. The hall itself is 39 ft. in length by 27ft. in width, with the addition of an alcove of 6ft. at the east end. The ceiling is arched, and the walls plastered to the dadoing. Ventilation haa been provided for in the ceiling, and three ventilating trunks on each side of the wall connecting with air gratings. The architect probably contemplated the enlargement of the hall by extension, otherwise it appears at present too wide to be in proportion. The works were executed by Messrs Pollock and Thompson. The investing dais would seat ten Past Masters. The hall was well lighted by two chandeliers. The appointments of the hall were very good, and the members of the craft may be congratulated upon the same. The ceremony of consecration was carried out by Bro. Thomson, D.D.G.M, assisted by the Grand Lodge officers, Bro. Deamer, Acting D.D.G.M.; Bro. B. O. Bishop, treasurer ; Bro. C. Smith, D.G.B.W. ; Bro. Pavitt, D.G J.W.; Bro. Sawtell, D.G.B D.; Bro. Sandstein, D.G.J.D ; Bro, Mitchell, D.G. Director of Ceremonies j Bro. Hulbert, D.G. Pursuivant; Bro. P. J. Smith, Registrar; Bro. East, Chaplain ; Bro. W.Sansom, D.G., Sword bearer ; and Bro. Stevens, D.G. Tyler. Grand Lodge was opened in due form. The D.G. Chaplain offered prayer, and the choir of Bros, Wiggins (presiding at the organ), Mactarlane, Champion, Ovenden, May, Scott, Johnston, Leach, Wyatt, Irving, H. Davis, and J. Sansom sang the response and the Sanotus, and after the dedication prayer they chanted a portion of Psalm xov. Bro. B. Aherne, W. M. of the Ashley Lodge, then invited the D.D.G.M. to deign to proceed with the order of consecration, and the architect, Bro. J. J. Eobinson, being presented, tho lodge was uncovered, and a procession of the Grand Lodge officer* formed, which perambulated tho lodge during solemn music. Bro. Pavitt, bearing corn, scattered the same, dedicating the hall to Masonry. The choir sang “Hail Masonry Divine." After the second proceesion, Bro. 0. Smith poured wine, dedicating the lodge to virtue, “Come, holy virtue,” being sung. Following tho third procesiion, Bro. Deamer poured oil, and dedicated the lodge to purposes of universal benevolence, “ Come charity, with goodness crowned,” being here sung. In solemn silence Bro. Thomson made tho fourth procession wiih tho censor, the choir giving its musical response. The ceremony closed with grand honors, prayer, and an anthem.

The brethren then adjourned to the Institute hall, in which an excellent banquet, provided by the home members, was partaken of. About 130 were seated. Bro. Aherne presided, assisted by his officers, Bro. Buokham, 8.W., and Bro. Robinson, J.W. With the toast of the Queen and craft the National Anthem wes heartily sung. The toasts of the Prince of Wales, Q-.M. of England, and the Grand Masters of Scotland and Ireland, the D.D.G.M. and his officers were given, followed by that of the W.M. of the Ashley Lodge, proposed by Bro, Thomson, who complimented the Masons of tne district upon their progress and the success of their undertaking, la replying, Bro. Aherne stated the lodge, formed in 1878, now numbered fifty-seven strong. The contract for the hall was £585, the extras bringing the outlay to £Bl5, to meet which £SOO had been raised on loan for ten years. The toast of the sister lodges was responded to by Bros, representing the St. Augustine, Unanimity, Concord, Conyers, Lincoln, Southern Cross, Canterbury, Corinthian, Robert Burns, Malvern, and other lodges. The toast of the officers of the Ashley Lodge was given with enthusiasm. The contractors, the architect, &0., wore given, and roaring high twelve an adjournment was made after the customary concluding toast. Many of the visitors took advantage of a special train on the northern line, while otheis preferred to drive in.