MANGAHAO MASONIC TEMPLE

Shannon News, 24 August 1926, Page 3

MANGAHAO MASONIC TEMPLE

LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE. Tlie ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Masonic Temple for Lodge Mangahao, No. 231, took place at Shannon on Saturday afternoon. The site of the new building is in Stout street, and as befitted such an important and unique occasion, there was a Representative attendance of Grand Lodge officers and visiting brethren from district lodges. His Excellency, General Sir Charles Fergusson Bart, who performed the ceremony, on his arrival by the New Plymouth express, was met at the railway station by the Mayor (Mr. E. Butt) and members of the Borough Council, officers of Lodge. Mangahao, Mr. A. E. Hyde, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. R. L. Tippler, chairman of the School cemmitee. A number of school children were also present in charge of their masters, Messrs. White and Morgan.

The Mayor, in welcoming His Excellency on behalf of the residents of the town, assured him that although the visit was not an official one, it lost nothing in cordiality, reminding him that he was the first Governor-Gen-eral to visit the town. “Another visit at some future date is hoped from you,” added the Mayor, “for in Shannon we have many places of interest to show you.” He asked His Excellency to convey to Lady Fergusson the respectful wishes of the Shannon people, with the hope that she would be able to accompany him on a probable future visit.

His Excellency in returning thanks, said he was grateful for the sincere welcome accorded him. Ho hoped soon to pay an official visit to the town, and that he: would be accompanied by Her Excellency. Addressing the children, he said that when he was ten years old he lived in New Zealand. He did not think Shannon was in existence in those days. Palmerston North even was just beginning. Most of this part cf the, country at that' time was in scrub and busn. After a. period of fifty years’ absence he had returned to J'.nd a wonderful country. “A country made by you, fathers and mothers, and I want you to remember that.” He asked them to try and always do their best foi New Zealand. Referring to his recent visit to Samoa, whose people, lie said, were cousins to the hlaoi is, he had noticed that each child wore a star with five points. If you asked any of them what the stars meant, they would reply as follows:—(1), Duty to God; (2), duty to my King; (3), duty to my country; (4), duty to my neighbour; (5), duty to myself. When they go to. school or attend big gatherings, they say the five points, their maxim always being: “Samoa is a good country; I am going to make it better.” He hoped the children present' would -remember this lesson. Always remember what your father and mother have done for you. We can all do something, and it is for you to do something to help. The children then repeated the five points, at the conclusion of which His Excellency said that if they lived up to that spirit the country would be the beter for it.

After lunch had been partaken of, the visiting and local brethren assembled at the lodge -.room at 1.45 p.m., and walked in procession to the new temple, the Gran Lodge officers taking up their placed on a raised pall form. There were a considerable number of townspeople present to wit-

ness the ceremony, which was conducted with the ancient and symbolic ceremonial associated with the craft. The principal ceremony was performed by the most Worshipful Brother, His Excellency, Sir Charles Fergusson Bart, and the officers associated with him were: Rt. Wor. Bro. G. Russell, Deputy Grand Master; Rt. Wor. Bro. Herbert G. Teagle, Prov. Grand Master; Rt. Wor. Bro. J. W. Ellison, Past Prov. Grand Master; Rt. Wor. Bro. Thos. Hobson, Past Prov. Grand Master; Rt. Wor. Bro. A. Veitcli, Past Senior Grand Warden; Rt. Wor Bro. C. W. Nielson, Past Senior Gianil Warden; Rt. Wor. Bro. H. H. Seaton; Past Junior .irand Warden; V. Wor. Bro. E. 1 . Rishworth, Past Grand Director oL Ceremonies; V. Wor. Bro. Rev. J. H. Sykes, P.G.G. Grand Chaplain; Y. Wor. Bro. E. J. Guinness, G.D.C., Grand Director of Ceremonies. Laying The Stone. The ceremony then commenced by the Grand Chaplain offering prayer, followed by the singing of an ode by the brethren. The Grand Director of Ceremonies announced the purpose of the assembly and introduced the architect, Bro. Jamiesoh, 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 for depot!t under the stone was then presented, a list of which was read by V. Wor.. Bro. E. P. Rishw'orth, showing that the box contained, amongst other things,' the bylaws of Lodge Mangahao 231, history of Shannon, a copy of the Masonic paper, the “Craftsman,” seven coins of the realm, a copy of the “Shannon News” and the plans and specifications. In delivering them to the Wor. Master, the Prov. Grand Master expressed the hope that “the ■ Great Architect of the Universe in His Wisdom would decree that ages might pass before the memorials were again seen by men.” To the accompaniment of solemn music, Rt. Wor. Bro. A. Veitch then placed the box within a cavity in the foundation stone. Wor. Bro. E. J. S. Spencer then presented the trowel to the most Wor. the Grand Master, and the Grand Director of Ceremonies, presented to the proper officers the working tools, the square, level and the plumb. A prayer by the Grand Chaplain followed. The most Wor. Grand Master then spread the cement on which the foundation stone v ould rest. The stone was now -ewered to its appointed place in three gradati ms as the brethren sang the verses of an appropriate ode. The stone ■ was.’tried by the plumb, the level and the square, thesi representing rectitu le of conduct, equality and morality of life, and the craftsmen were declared to have performed their work wuh skill and ability, the Grand Mash r declaring the' * stone well and truly laid. The consecration followed, and at various stages in the ceremo ly the brethren joined in the singing of fraternal odes. After the reading 0: a verse from Psalm 72 by the Gran d Chaplain, corn was scattered on the stone as a symbol of goodness and plenty, wine signifying joy and gladness, and oil the symbol of peace and harmony.-.. After further prayer, the Grand Director,. Oi Ceremonies proclaimed the stone laid. Most AVor. . Grand Master’s Address.

The most Wor. Grand. Master, General Sir Charles Fergus-son, in an address. thanked the Lodge for giving him the opportunity to take part in the laying of the foundation stone, of their new temple. The fact of such an undertaking was, he said, satisfactory testimony of the interest they too-; in'their lodge. He sincerely trusted that when the temple was complete'i, it would b< uplifting and a help to the craft. He reminded them that ii did not matte, how magnificent was Lie building, thai was no proof they were genuine Free masons. The building was only an outer cover, but it wculd help to inculcate those principi which it behoved each brother te practise. The most beautiful jewels and furnishing; were nothing, if the principles of the craft were not practised by its members. The craft was judged by the character of its members. Building np freemasonry was liXe piecing together mosaic, each particular piece has its place. “See," he said, “that no one fails in his duty, and look on the altar and renew your pledges there, as the building grows stone bj stone, so will the craft strengthen. Do that and you will b. living as true Freemasons. In conclusion, may peace be within the walls of the building always used for tits honour arid glfiry of the Great Architect of the Universe.”

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