CONSECRATION AND ERECTION OF THE MASONIC LODGE, "TE AROHA S.C."

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 50, 17 May 1884, Page 2

CONSECRATION AND ERECTION OF THE MASONIC LODGE, "TE AROHA S.C."

The above event, which will be long rememberei by Masons resident here, and indeed by all who took part in it, was celebrated on Tuesday with the impressive ceremonies customary on such occasions. There was a large gathering of the fraternity from all parts of the district, 56 being present, including a number of visitors from Thames, Auckland, and other lodges. The Provincial Grand Lodge was well represented, and the enthusiasm displayed by that body in furthering the wishes of theTe Aroha brethern and carrying out the object in view, gave additional eclat to the whole proceedings, j Bro. M. Niccol, P.G.J.W, acting untrer commission from the P.G.M., Sir F. Whitaker, who was unavoidably absent, conducted the ceremonies in a manner which roused the admiration of every member present, and was most ably assisted by P.G.D.O. Bro. Hitchens, P.G. Sec Bro. Slator, P G. Organist Bro. Dr Walker, P.G.M. Bro. Wilkinson, and other dignitaries. A little after 7 o'clock the bretlien assembled at the Court House, where tha Provincial Grand Lodge was opened* The proceedings commenced with the singing of the anthem, " Great Source of Light." The commission to the Act* ing P.G.M. was read, aftor which the Lodge was passed aud raised j this por-^ tion of the Ceremony closing with the chanting of the 138 th Psalm. The Acting P.(x.M» then delivered the following admirable address on the nature nnd objects of Masonry j — Freemasonry is a moral institution, established by virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths in the midst of innocent and social pleasures. It is founded on the pu?est principles of Piety and Virtue, and is justly entitled " a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." Truth is its centre, — the point Whence all its teachings radiate ; to be jiist and true is the first lesson we are taught in Freemasonry. I will not occupy your time to-day by endeavouring to trace the exact origin of Freemasonry, suffice it to say that from the very earliest history of the world we may date its foundation — ever since symmetry began ami harmony displayed h n r charms our order has had a being. Daring many ages, anu in many countries, ib has flourished ; but at ho, time in its history has it occupied so prominent a place in men's thoughts, and done so much to influence." men's lives and declines as. in our day and generation. It would, seen), as if no distaiit/date will witness .the realisation of Bum's noi-le tiioughk.that, "sMan" 5 Man to mari^fHe^ world o'er, shall^ brothers -;l>e unil^^|at." . The/iiu^r^^priiicigio|k, ; of S|fSj unite 'in pjie : |n)jis¥olulilei bf >nU% Jteasrof the;|^^||^g^|| ;>li^:oh'tlie mst-^g^mts^BW^ ' sp/ that, ;in '