ANNIVERSARY SOIREE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT LODGE OF FREEMASONS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1855, 11 September 1874, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY SOIREE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT LODGE OF FREEMASONS.

The officers and brethren of Lodge Sir Walter Scott, No. 533, S.C., having determined to break through former practices and celebrate their anniversary by a soiree, at which' 5 their lady friends could be present, arrangements were made accordingly, and the soiree took place at the Academy of Music last night. The attendance fully justified the course adopted. Tables were laid through the hall as closely as possible, and there was not a vacant seat. There was a largo ; attendance of ladies. Tea was laid at 6.30 p.m., and the stewards of the Lodge were very attentive to the requirements of the visitors. The head of the table was occupied by Bro. McOullough, K.W.M. of the Lodge, supported by Bro. S. Young, W.M. Lodge of light; Bro. P.M. Dewar, Bro. P.M. Brodie, and other Masonic dignitaries, aod Mr W. Kelly, M.H.1!., and Mr J. Sheehan, M.K.fi. and Provincial Secretary. Tea being ovr, the real business commenced. We might state that, during the tea a well-appointed string band, 'under the direction of Mr Weekes, performed various selections. Daring the after proceedings the choir of the lodge gave numerous selections, many of which were rendered with taste and ability. There was perhaps som9 weakness evinced in the accompaniments, but the concerted pieces were well performed, and some of the solos were really creditable. The trio "Ye Shepherds," by Bros, White, Woodward, and Trewheela was admirably rendered; "Jessie, the flower of Dunblane," by Bro. Airey, "Bdoved star" by Bro. White, and " Who deeply drinks of wine" by Bro. Trewheela were also given. Bro. Northy sang two songs of an amusing character, and Bro. Wright, besides rendering his assistance in the concerted, pieces, sang " The bonnie hills of Scotland," Bro. White also sang very lawfully. On opening the proceedings after a feiv introductory remarks, the Chairman said that as Masons they were very glad to see so many ladies present, and hoped it was a step to overcome the prejud'ee which Masons' wives have agiinst Masonry, as they thought they were selfish in excluding the ladies. ■ In order that the ladies might be present, the Lodge ."■'ir Walter Scott determined to celebrate their anniversary by a soiree, and from its success he hoped they would have many others. The ladies were curious to know what Masons did at their frequent meetings, He did not think their curiosity would be quite satisfied that night, butthespeakers who would follo-v would throw some light on the subject. Several gentlemen were put down for speeches, and he would not lurther occupy their time, but call upon the band to carry out their part of the programme.

Bro. P.M_. Dkwab said the duty entrusted to him was one which gave bi,n great pleasure, to speak of the progress of the lodge. Having been one of the founders of the lodge, he could now look back with pleasure at its struggles and triumphs, at the untiring industry and zeal of those who had become participators iu its mysteries and privileges, and who had raised a superstructure perfect in its parts and honourable to the builders. Its origin was, some ardent Masons having been attracted to the goldfield, and, wishing to meet within a tiled lodge as was customary, they soon made each others' acquaintance A meeting was held in the Wharf Hotel on the 10th July, 1871. At that meeting nine brethren assembled, and it was resolved to open a lodge under the Scotch constitution, and as the centenary of Sir Walter Scott was to take place the following month, his name was selected as that of the lodge, and it was arranged to have the inauguration on his centenary. At a subsequent meeting nine other brethren, includiug the K, WD.P.Gr.M. Bro. Beveridge, attended, making, in all 18, who petitioned the P.G.M. Bro. V.Pike for a charter and dispensation for the new lodge. A delay occurred in transmitting the dispensation, and the (inauguration caromony was put off until September, when Bro. Beveridgo, assistod by Bro. Pearse and others, performed the inaugural ceremony. 183 mombers had been admitted since tho foundation of tho lodge. The success attending the efforts of the 18 pioneers could hardly bo para'elled in the annals of Masonry. They possess a splendid hall, decorated, and furniture of tho most approved form. The clothes and jewels were unsurpassed, and the brethreu had contributed largely, and besides this their benevolenco had been displayed when any laudable object presented itself. They had established a benevolent fund for the benefit of tho brethren of the lodge and their families, and this fund was being constantly augmented. Thus the great object of Masonry had bsen silently carried out; and while silence andcir- ! Qiimsuectiott wew their watchnrords, beue«

volence, the great Masonic ornament, had been largely displayed, Bro. P. M. HorcEAFT addressed the meeting on Masonic symbols, ft was a subject which had occupied laborious research for years, and it could scarcely bo expected that he should make himself interesting on the subject in a ten minutes' speech. He had no intention to let the ladies into the secrets of the order, and if ho could not refer to Masonic symbols without trenching on that he would say nothing, He only intended to sneak of ono or two. The gloves worn by Masons wore white, a symbol of the unsullied purity of their hearts. They were supposed to meet free from passion, and with clean hands. The apron was another important symbol they might have noticed, it was pure lamb skin, the badge of inuocenco. It was tho symbol of what should be most inculcated. Another symbol was the volume of the sacred law. It was a vulgar opinion that Freemasony wasa subterfuge of conviviality, but it was not so,_and the .ladies, if they hud ap opportunity of attending, would I bint'it too much like church going. Tliero was one other symbol—the acaciaj '.paraded on very solemn occasions, fn that they recognised the immortality of tho soul, a principle of belief which was necessary to every true Mason. Their actions subsequent to the funeral were as charitable, although not so public, and commended Freemasony. They believed it had much good in it. Its principles were elucidated by tho symbols, and the lessons appealed most strongly to the senses of the initiated. They believed membership tended to mike men good, and that having existed from time immemorial, it would continue to all time,

jßro. Carpenter addressed the meeting on the subject of Masonic check-words. He alluded to tho moral excellence inculcated by Masonry, and the desire evinced to attain that as creating a fund of happiness to be shared by all around. Ho briefly then addressed the meeting on the subject allotted to him.

The iiev. J. Hill, chaplain of the Lodge Sir Walter Scott speaking on the subjectofMasonicjewels, said: In all ages, objects in the visible world of matter have been taken as emblems of the powers and dispositions in the invisible world of mind. Not only in the creations of poetry, but in the reasonings of philosophy things tangible and familiar are set forth as representations of mental faculties and emotions. In nothing is this tracing of resemblance carried so far as in the science of Freemasonry. Its foundation is in figure. In the wonders of creation, in the proportions of architecture, in the discoveries of art it finds its material from which to draw the precepts and principles which should guide men in their moral and religious life. In harmony with this its very essence, Freemasonry furnishes to its chief officers jewels, not for the purpose of merely adorning the person, but of calling to their minds and hearts the high and holy duties which in their several vocations they have to discharge. But in the fuller and more minute development of the system of figure and resemblance, Freemasonry takes the word jewel, and without any corresponding ornament on the person, discovers and inculcates features of character and dispositions of heart which are highly worthy of the name. Apart from all visible decorations, trinkets, or ornaments, Freemasonry has jewels which are more beautiful than those that sparkle on the brow of kings, or adorn the loveliness of woman. The first Masonic jewel is a listening ear —a listening ear. Not the ear of the curious, eager to gather news of others, or catch the secrets which it should not know; but the ear that is open to hear and to Jearn the revelations of wisdom and of science. Not easily acquired are the stores and the treasures of Freemasonry. It has a history ancient and broad, resemblances numerous and minute, principles applicable to all the relationships of life, and duties of the highest and holiest character. Into its mysteries every brother must look; familiar with its benefits every brother must become. Hence at the meetings of the lodge when these are explained there must be a listening ear. Nor is it only the instruc ions of the wise and experienced in Masonry that must be heard. Ever and anon tbero comes to us in this world of sorrow the cry of the suffering. Not to that cry must a brother Mason ever turn a deaf ear. Nay, captivating as the revelations of knowledge must be, a word for help must reach the ear first and Becure attention. If Freemasonry then contains so much to be learned; and if- the cry of a worthy and distressed brother is often to be heard, what a bright jewel to the character does Frecnvisonry. give in a listening ear. But incomplete would that adornment be without another corresponding jewel—even that of a silent tongue. The secoud Masonic jewel is a silent tongue. Not that a Mason shall not speak out against tho wrongdoings of vice, the abuse of power, the oppression of tyranny. Not that a Mason shall not speak out when a brother is grievously wronged, or the enemies of Masonry in their malice and ignorance condemn it. In circumstances like these, the tongue even of tho most timorous and diffident must be unloosed-the words of remoustrance and disapproval uttered. But the tongue must bo silent when tho weaknesses of a brother are the subject of remark, and silent on Masonic mysteries when those not connected with the craft are present. Tho first silence takes away tho force of censoriousness in which the world delights; the second secures inviolate those secrets by which the brethren recognise each other, and by which they are separated from the outside world. And this othor jewel of a silent tonguo is all the more likely to exist, the more the first—a listening ear is characteristic of a brother. Tho more wisdom or knowledge the mind possesses, not the more but the less does the tougue declare. Yea, it is a part of the highest wisdom, an indication of the best of knowledge to be silent when duty demands it. Often difficult is silence, but on that very account all the more an ornament is it when it is appropriate and becoming. Well therefore may Masonry seek to give to all who are its members this second bright jewel—a silent tonguo. Yet would not even this jewel, associated with tho first, be of sure account without a third—a faithful heart. This is the third Masonic jewel-a faithful heart. What guarantee can there be that the ear will listen and the tonguo be silent? We have it in a faithful heart. Not a fouler spot on human nature can there ho than treachery. It lurks in the false friond, the hypocrite, the traitor; it gives pain to the innocent broitst, and force and point to tho dagger of the assassin. But the blacker the wickedness, the brighter the opposing virtue. Noblo and precious in a treacherous, heartless world is fidelity, [ho vory word is music to the ear, support to tho heart, sunshino to tho path, Evon in crime wo arimiro it. How much more so when associated with righteousness, and truth ? It is a, mothec's strength

and a child's honour; it is woman's highest and noblest quality, and man's highest and holiest aim. And it is the most conspieious feature in Masonry— the feature most recognised and acknowledged by the world. Have Masons not been faithful to the secrets of the system, faithful to each other's secrets and interests ; faithful to their relatives when sorrow smote the heart and onshrouded the dwelling in gloom. Have not the affluent remembered the poor, and the strong the weak; have not rnoriarchs hailed a brother even though he was in rags; and has not the magic power of Masonic fidelity been Celt even in the din and strife of the field of battle. Then, in addition to this fidelity to principle and to the brotherhood, Freemasonry demands the highest fidelity of all-fidelity to God. With the details of religious creeds, with the differences of religious dogmas, Freemasonry does not intermeddle. These it leaves to the enlightened consciences of its membors. But on the broad basis of responsibility to God, and by tho standard of revealed truth, it demands that the solemn duties 'of religion shall be constantly, punctually, and earnestly performed. If such, then, be the adornmonts which Masonry seeks to give to the minds, the hearts, the ears of its members—a listoning ear, a silent tongue, a faithful heart—et the calumny of its enemies cease. Let the breasts of its friends rejoice. Proud is the victor when the laurel wreath is twined around his brow, and the monarch when the crown of a mighty nation is put upon his head; and not to soil that wreath, or dim the lustre of that crown their hearts sincerely seek. Freemasons: Down through ages long gone by have come to you those jewels. Iu the dust the ashes of those who wore them long have lain; but the jewels are as bright and procious as ever. Keep them, prize them, wear them; let your hearts and lives be adorned by them. Then still undimmed you will hand them down to those in mauy a clime, who, for the diminution of human sorrow andtho increase of human joy, shall defend, maintain, and advance the noble science of Freemasonry, when you have passed away.

Mr H'ollis addressed the meeting briefly on the subject of " Masonic Ornaments." tie alluded to the universality of its glorious ornaments, charity and benevolence. Young Masons are always told to practice them, and an appealing brother never appealed in vain, ife would not detain them, but concluded with pointing with pride to the monuments of art erected by the munificence of Masons' schools, colleges, &c. Mr J. Sheehan said there were two expedients always resorted to by persons who were called upon for addresses. One was that they were unaccustomed to public speaking. He could not allege that after five months' constant practice. Another excuse was shortness of notice, and that he could allege, The Chairman gave him the wink to say what he had to say, but before doing that he would take advantage of the opportunity to refer to this honourable and ancient craft. He had listened with pleasure, and he might say edification, to the addresses which had been given, and although to outsiders like himself their full significance was not apparent, he could partially comprehend them. But as an outsider he might say there were some ornaments of Masonry which every man must admire, bright, precious jewels. Ho had known for years how Masonry tended the sick and followed deceased members to the grave, but he had noticed that its beneficence did not end there. It had supplied the wants of suffering widows and friends of the deceased' brother. These were ornaments which gave them a claim, and entitled them to the respect of every right thinking man. Although Masonry was, so to speak, under a cloud with the people to whom he belonged, he hoped Masonry would become that in which there should be no dissensions of religious creeds. It possessed in itself that touch of nature which made the whole world kin. (Cheers.) He hoped he would not be suspected of attacking the craft when he stated that the work of Masonry would cease. (Never.) That would be when there would be universal friendship; when want and suffering would be no more; and when men practised that injunction of the sacred law, " Love thy neighbour as thyself." (Cheers.) He made these remarks because ho never had an opportunity before of speaking on the subject. There were other Masonic ornaments to which no reference had been made by the other speakers, but they were unsurpassed These were" Masons' wives, bairns, and sweethearts." (Cheers.) And judging from the sample which he saw around them, they had good reason to be proud of those ornaments. He could only express wonder that this lodge had only now taken the initiative in having the ladies amongst them, and he thought it would be a good way to get a handsome wife, or find favour with a sweetheart, to become a Freemason. (Cheers.) He would now make the semi-official c immunication which he had been requested to do, namely, to ask the ladies to retire for a few minutes to the gallery or dressing-rooms while the hall was being cleaved of the tables, in order that they might havo two or three hours' dancing. (Cheers.) " Auld Lang Syne" was then sung by all present standing, and was followed by the IN ational Anthem.

A largo number of those present remained for the dancing, which followed soon after.