SONS OF LEVI,L.O.I.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 15, 14 July 1894, Page 9

SONS OF LEVI,L.O.I.

The Twelfth of July was celebrated by a soiree, concert, and dance in the Protestant Hall, Liddel street, under the auspices of the above Lodge. The

interior of the building was nicely decorated with emblematic banners, evergreens, <fcc., which, together with the purple and gold regalia worn by the members, gave brightness and effect to the occasion. The soiree was well attended, and Mr D. McFariane’s ample supply of good things was largely run upon, and the attendants at the tables kept very busy. The concert was opened by an address by Bro, Stevenson, P.Gr.M., who said that it was eighteen years ago since he first presided at one of these meetings. They were there to celebrate the 204th anniversary of the day upon which their immortal hero had gained for them the liberties of England and the Holy Bible. Since the first Lodge was started in 1795 the movement l.ad gradually grown until it now had a membership of about one and a quarter millions scattered over the world.

The next address was given by the Rev. P. W. Jones, who made his motto, in regard to his remarks, “ Brief, bright, and brotherly.” Although almost a complete stranger to them it was pleasing to know that he could meet with them as friends. It was their duty as Protestants to protect the rights and privileges which had been purchased for them at such a sacrifice. The great boons they enjoyed —free election, free speech, and free Bibles—were gradually widening out with every decade, and extending now even among the ladies. He referred to the necessity for watchfulness and vigilance in regard to their religious liberties, and pointed out, with a few illustrations, the good that could be done by asserting their principles, the chief of which was the right of liberty of judgment with regard to the Bible. To maintain their position they must also live these principles by showing honesty, industry, and piety in every-day life, and.,by utilising these excellencies of Christ’s grace they might live down any opposition that exisited. In conclusion he wished the Order all success, and hoped that it would make its mark in the colony in the work it was engaged upon. Brother Thomas Judge, though pleased to be present, regretted that he was there to fill a vacancv caused by the absence of a minister. There was only one of Imnianuel’s Host present —where -were the others ? Mr Judge dwelt at some length upon the origin and principles of Orangeism, speaking in terms of admiration of the prompt and ready response given by Prince William of Orange to the request of the oppressed and helpless ones whose rights were being trampled upon. They had to be thankful for his great victory and deliverance, but there were still battles ahead to be fought. They had to face many invasions upon the gospel, such as Rationalism, Infidelity, Scepticism, Atheism, Agnosticism. They could not stand upon their own strength, but would have to put their confidence in Jehovah the Christ.

During the evening a reading, a recitation, and song were rendered in capital style, the vocalists being Miss Johnston, and Mesdames Crockett and Irwin, and Messrs T. Faith, B. Wright, B. McDonald, and J. Aitken. The audience was an enthusiastic one and demanded several encores. Miss Peters, Mrs Pool, and Mr Latimer acted as accompanists, and the concert was brought to a close by the singing of God Save the Queen, A dance followed, and a good number footed it right merrily to the music of Miss Peters and Mr J. McGregor, Mr Peter Brass acting as M.C.