CONSECRATION OF THE MASONIC TEMPLE.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 984, 15 January 1883, Page 2

CONSECRATION OF THE MASONIC TEMPLE.

(From Saturday’s Star.) The ceremony of consecrating the new Masonic Temple was performed last night by Brother the Hon. F. Whitaker, R.W.P.G.M., S.C., New Zealand. The lodge room was beautifully laid out with the various emblems and paraphernalia of the craft. Shortly after six o’clock the visiting brethren having been admitted, the lodge was tyled. The R. W.P.G.M, was then admitted, and having taken the chair, was requested by the R. W.M. to consecrate the building, Id which he assented. The Chaplain then read a portion of scripture, after which the choir sang the anthem, “ Lead kindly light.” At the conclusion the brethren formed procession, and marched to the Town Hall, where the usual church service was held, and which was the only part of the proceedings to which the public were admitted. The building was densely packed. ' The Chaplain, Brother the Rev. J. A. Luxford, after all were seated, engaged in a prayer suitable to the occasion, making special reference to the craft and the consecration of the temple. After the lessons and the hymns, an eloquent sermon was given from Psalm xxiv. In his address the Chaplain dwedt on the righteousness of the principles on- which masonry was based, and declared that in all their doings they recognised the existence and the laws of the Great Architect of the universe. Outside the hall a large crowd await el the procession, and followed the brethren round to the temple. On the brethren resuming their seats a prayer was offered up by the chaplain. The President of Trustees. Bro P.M. Finnerty, addressed the R.W.P. G.M., and the architect, Bro Pinches, ; S.W , presented the plans. Dedication anthem by the choir. The ceremony of dedicating the building Was then proceeded with. The R.W.M. scattered the corn on the pavement "the R. W.P.G.M. dedicated the Temple to Freemasonry, P.M.’s Pitcher and Finnerty respectively pouring the wine and oil, and the P.G.M. dedicating to religion, virtue, and science, and to universal benevolence. The R. W.P.G.M., in addressing those assembled, said : Brethren, I can scarcely express the pleasure it has given me to be present to-night. hen I first received the invitation fiom your secretary to consecrate this Temple, I did not know but that my public duties might prevent me from attending *, but fortunately things have turned out well. With respect to Freemasonry, my own opinion is that it engenders a kindly feeling between man and man. In a lodge officers had to be appointed ; the brethren had the right to elect the officers, who, after their election, must he, obeyed. Any man, to be a good Freemason, must believe in and wotship God, and should he a good husband and father. As regards the Hawera lodge he must congratulate the officers^ and members on the energy displayed by them. When he thought of how short a time since this part of the district was little better than a wilderness, and when it was considered how young the Hawera lodge was,it spoke volumes for the perseverance of its members, when it was seen how sound a footing the lodge now stood on. The Hawera brethren now had one of the best lodges in which to hold their meetings on the coast, and he was proud to he present in person to consecrate it for them, and he heartily wished the brethren every success, which he was sure they highly deserved. At the conclusion of the speech, the R.W.P.G.M. vacated the chair, which was resumed by the R.W M., and the lodge was closed in the usual manner. A banquet was afterwards held in the Town Hall at which 92 sat down, including Bros. Whitaker and Atkinson. A capital spread was provided by host Owen, and a very pleasant evening was passed, the proceedings concluding shortly after 12 o’clock.

The new Hall is decidedly an ornament to Hawera, and we should say a pride to all Masons. The front is purely of the Corinthian order of architecture. The entrance is especially striking, 'being bold and supported by carved pillars on each side of the steps. The lobby loads to ante-rooms 12x12 on each side, from which access to the Lodge room is obtained. The Lodge-room is 35 x and is exceedingly handsome in appearance. The ceiling is cored to a dat of stained glass ceiling lights, which obtain light from skylights in the roof. This gives a very novo! and pretty effect. The ceiling itself, which springs from a moulded cornice, perforated for ventilation, and is painted skyblue, and is embellished by stars t.o resemble, the heavens. • The walls are distempered a creamy color down to the wainscoting, which is possibly the best feature in the room. The panels of picked red pine contain specimens of some of the most beautifully marked timber to be got, and the light kauri stiles form a very pleasant contrast. The centre nl the lodge-room is painted to represent, iessnlated pavement, having a five pointed star in gold in the centre. The pedestals are painted to represent while marble. (Ireat credit is duo to Mr Cl. Symes, the contractor, for the faithful manner ho has carried out the. architect's (Mr Fiuche’s) plans ; also Mr Road, the painter, and Mr kipping who is responsible for the mystic decorations in the Lodge-room. Th o furnishing was carried out by Mr J. Dnffil.