MASONIC.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2657, 12 October 1882, Page 3

MASONIC.

The ceremony of laying the foundation stono of the lonic Lodge, No. 1917, Leoston, was performed on Tuesday afternoon, A largo number of members of the Order attended, and marched in full regalia to the site, adjoining the Wesleyan Ohnroh. I.M.P. Bro. MoLaohlan presented P.M. Bro. Webster, of the Lodge of Progress, Southbridge, with a silver trowel, and requested him in the name of the lonic Lodge to lay the foundation stone of the new Hall. The trowel bore the following inscription, handsomely engraved by Messrs Coates, of Christchurch : —“To Bro. B. Webster, Lodge of Progress, 8.0. 1651, by the lonio Lodge, 1917, on tho occasion of laying the foundation stone of the Masonic Hall, Leeston, on 10th Ootobar, 1882,”

The chaplain, Bro. the Rev. A. W. Hand*, having offered up a prayer, and a hymn having been sung, The secretary, Bro, F. Jameson, road the inioription on the aoroll as follows ; —“ lonic Lodge, Leeaton, N.Z.—This, the foundation ■tone of the lonic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 1917, E. 0., was laid on the tenth day of October, A.L. 5883, and A.D, 1882, by Past Master Bro. Robert Webster, of the Lodge of Progress. The officers of the lodge were—William Hilliard, W.M,; John MoLaohlan, I.P.M. ; George Frederick Sunderland Makeig, S.M, ; Melbourne Jesse Watkins, J.W. ; Robert Lockheed, treasurer j Frederick Jameson, secretary j William Johnston, S.D. ; Walter William Karsland, J.D. j William Brigenshaw, 19. j William Roberts, tyler. The Lodge was formed on the 10th day of December, A.L. 5879, and AD. 1879, the meetings being held in the schoolroom and Town Hall until the erection of this building, of which Bro. William Green Lunn was the architect and Bro. John Bennett the builder. In witness whereof wo the undersigned have hereto subscribed our names this tenth day of October, A.L. 5882, and A.D. 1882. Signed—William Hilliard, W.M. ; John MoLaoblan, I.P.H, ; W. W. O. Karslako, S.M, ;M. J, Watkins, J.W.; Frodk. Jameson, secretary, Tho treasurer, Bro. E. Lookhoad, deposited the scroll and current coins of the Realm in the cavity under the-stone, which was then lowered into its position. The architect presented to the presiding officer the implements of his profession. The presiding officer then handed to the W.M. and J. W. the implements of their profession, and requested them to make report. The Presiding Officer then declared tho stone to be well and truly laid, and announced that the elements of consecration would be presented, Bro, Hilliard then scattered the corn, Bro. Earslake poured the wine, and Bro. Watkins the oil, each officer delivering appropriate addresses. The Presiding Officer then offered up a most impressive prayer. After which Bro. R. Webster, P.M. of the Lodge of Progress, Southbridge, thanked Bro. McLachlan and tho officers of tho lonic Lodge for having requested him to lay the foundation stone, and for the handsome trowel presented to him, which would be treasured by him through life, and remain os an heir loom in in his family. The ceremony concluded with the benediction pronounced by the chaplain ; after which the procession was again formed, and marched to the Town Hail, when tho Lodge was closed in due form.