HOROWHENUA MASONIC TEMPLE.

Shannon News, 8 September 1922, Page 4

HOROWHENUA MASONIC TEMPLE.

LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE

The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Masonic temple for Lodge Horowhenua, No. 135, tooK place in Levin yesterday aiternoon. The site of the new building is on the corner of Bristol and Stanley Streets, and as befiteed such an important and unique occasion, there was a representative attendance of orand Lodge officers and visiting brethren from district lodges. W..M. Bro. Jenson and a strong representation were present from Horowhenua .'.odge. The visiting- and local brethren assembled at the lodge room,-and walked in procession to tire site of the new temple, the Grand Lodge ohirers laK.ng up their places on a raised platloim. There were a considerable number of townspeople present to witness tlie ceremony, which was concluded with the ancient and symbolic usages associated with the craft. The principal ceremony was performed by the 81. Worshipful Bro. George Bussell, Provincial Grand Master, and the officers associated with him were: Rt. Wor. Bro. James J. Essen, Deputy Grand Master; Rt. Wor. Bro. J. W. Ellison, P. Prov. Grand Master; Rt. Wor. Bro. Thomas Hobson,. P. Prov. Grand Master; lit. Wor. Bro. H. H. Seaton, Past Grand Warden; V. Wor. Bro. Rev. J. li. Sykes, Past Grand Chaplain; V. Wor. Bro. E. P. Rishworth, Past Grand Director of Ceremonies; Wor. Bro. Janies Rod, Past Grand Deacon; Wor. Bio. A. A. George, Past Grand Deacon; Wor. Bro. H. H. Wilson, Grand Bible Bearer; Wor. Bro. H. G. Teagle, Grand Pursuivant; Wor. Bro. H. Y. Futter, Grand Steward; Wor. Bro. John Gordon, Grand Steward.

THE MAYOR’S WELCOME

Before commencing the ceremony, the Mayor (Mr D. W. Matlieson) welcomed the visitors and thanked the Worshipful Master ol Lodge Horowliemta for his kind invitation to be present that day. The ocasion, said the Mayor, was unique in connection with the Horowhenua Lodge, which

was showing its wisdom by the- erection .of a temple of its own, and he congratulated the Lodge upon having it erected at ‘this particular time, knowing the difficult times through which we were passing. The Mayor referred to the ancient associations ot

the Masonic craft, and expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Lodge officers and visitors on .such an occasion. In conclusion, lie hoped tite erection of the new home of Lodge Horowhenua would forward the cause ol Freemasonry and be helpful to its work in this community. The Mayor’s welcome was briefly

acknowledged by the Rt. Worshipful Prov. Grand Master, who expressed pleasure at the welcome accorded the visitors, and said it was very pleasing to be piesent on that occasion and to wisti all success to the edifice ol which the foundation stone was being laid that day. LAYING THE STONE,

Hie ceremony then commenced by. the Grand Chaplain offering' prayer, followed by the singing of an ode by the brethren. The Grand Director oi Ceremonies announced the purpose ot the assembly, and introduced the

architect, Bro. Jamieson, who presented the plans of the temple to the R.W. Prov. Grand Master for approval, which, after close scrutiny, was

given in due form. A box containing memorials i'or deposit under the stone was then presented by W. Bro. t'\ G. Hoe, the record of these, read by W. Bro. J. Bagrie, showing that

the bo.x contained, amongst other diing.;, the rules ol' Lodge Horowhenua, a copy of the order of that day’s ceremonial, a copy of the Levin Chionicle, a copy of the Masonic pa-

per, the “Craftsman,” and coins of the realm of recent date. Jn deliver ing- them to the W. Master, the Prov Grand Master expressed the hope tha: “the Great Architect of the Universe in His wisdom would decree that ages might pass away he tore the memorials were again seen hy men.” To

the accompaniment of solemn music, W.iVk Bro. Jenson then placed the box within a cavity in the l'oundation stone. Past Prow Grandmaster Bro. r. M. Hobson next presented the Grand Master, with a silver trowel, and the Grand Director of Ceremonies presented to the proper officers the working tools, the Square, Level and the Plumb, and the Grand Master then proceeded to spread the cement on which the foundation stone would rest, llie stone was now lowered to its appointed place in three gradations as the brethren sang the verses of an appropriate ode. The stone was then

tried by the Plumb, the Level a nd the Square, these representing rectitude of conduct, equality and morality of life, and the craitsmen were declared to have performed their work with

skill and ability, and the stone was announced by the Grand Master to

have been duly laid. The 1 consecration followed, and at various stages in the ceremony the brethren joined in the singing of fraternal odes. After the

lending of a verse from Psalm lxxii

by the Grand Ghaplnin, corn was scattered on the stone as a symbol of

goodness and plenty, wine signifying

joy and gladness and oil the symbol ol peace and harmony. Alter further prayer, the Director- of Ceremonies proclaimed the stone laid.

GRAND CHAPLAIN'S ADDRESS

V.W. Rev, Br'o. J. H. Sykes, in an address, stated that Lodge Horowlienua was formed 16 years ago, and that day was raising a structure ol its' own 'in which to carry out its work with convenience, decorum and privacy. The corner stone had- been laid with the ceremony of the ancient institution, and in the manner prescribed from lime immemorial. The Rev. Brother dwelt on the ancient crait of mason and architect, the

glorious evidences of whose work was found throughout the ages, and as expressed in ancient structures evidences were found in modern times. He referred to the temple at .Jerusalem, which symbolised so many beautiful characteristics of the craft. And

so throughout the world the work ol their brethren of old was perpetuated in beauty oi design, proportion and execution. England was particularly noted for the number of beautiful churches scattered over its lair land, its stately homes and other pleasing structures, which if taken away would leave a .scene of emptiness and desolation. The time was coming in mis country, he said, when the use of

timber m -construction would give place to more permanent and enduring materials, and provide opportunity for further lasiing memorials to the 1 architect and masonic craftsman, and be a pride arid glory to the country or place in which they were erected. The Masonic order represented, the speaker said, one of the largest, most powerful and beneficent associations the world had ever seen. It

was cradled in religion and founded on those noble principles- oi love and truth, and it was the duty of every Mason to honour the King and observe the faws of his country. In conclusion, the Rev. Brother prayed that the labours begun’ that day would go on, and in due time hoped that all would have the pleasure ol being present at llie dedication of the temple.

A concluding ode, Benediction by the Grand Chaplain, and the National Anthem concluded an impressive -and memorable ceremonial that was followed with deep interest; and reverence by the assembled citizens.

THE NEW TEMPLE. The temple, which will bo constructed in brick and concrete, will have a pleasing exlrior, on which the Tuscan style uf .architecture will be

employed.' The main lodgeroom will be 4011 by “27ft, Hie interior being finished in plaster and embellished in lonic designs, whilst from a central dome Ihe lighting will he supplied. A refectory 27ft by ltlht will be provided, and there will be an entrance hall, ante-rooms, etc., occupying in all 32f;

by 10ft. The main portico will fahe Stanley Street and will give a finished appearance -from this aspect of

the building. Both exterior and in ferior will be finished in plaster, and the temple, from its substantial nature, should have a'long life of usefulness before it.