MASONIC.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2985, 9 September 1878, Page 2

MASONIC.

INSTALLATION OF P.G.L. OFFICEES AT WELLINGTON.

An event of importance to Masonry in New Zealand, and one which is specially designed to promote the progress of the craft working under the Scotch Constitution, took piece at Wellington on Monday' last, viz., the installation of P.M. Brother Alexander Johnson; of Wellington, as R.W.D.P.G. Master for the Noith Island. Hitherto Scotch Masonry—admitted on all hands to be one of the. most imposing, if not perfect systems of the art—has not kept pace with the advance made by sister constitutions; a circumstance which can only be attributed to the fact that facilities for establishing lodges in the «. ae case have riot been so well pro-, vided for as in that of the others. Since the inauguration of the P.G. Lodge for the North Island, in November las', increased vitality has been shown, anr\ at the presort, there are some seven ledges working under the Scotch Constitution in this part of the Colony. With the view of still further extending operations, a Deputy Grand Master has been appointed, whose installation has iaken place. The ceremony, for which extensive, preparations were made, was held in the Theatre Royal, that place having been selected in preference, to the, usual meeting place, so as to provide accommodation for the large gathering of the craft. In addition to resident membeii, the most of the South Island Lodges were represented; as, also, a considerable number of those established in the North. The internal arrangement of the building was made with gre*t enre and attention to the ■ requirements of the occasion, the whole [being finely set off by a gorgeous display, of banners, emblems, mottoes, and otlnr masonic devices. The officers installed were:. — P.M. Brother A. Johnston, R.W.D.P.G.M.; Bro. Ber. W. H. Harvey, P.G. Chaplin; P.M. Bro. E. T. Gililon, P.G. Deputy Secretary; P.M. Bro. !C. P. Powle, P.G.S. Deacon; Bro. P.M. Dale, P.G. Marshal. The musical service was conducted by Bro. Ellison, of the i I Waterloo Loclje, assisted by a large and efficient choir.' - Several lodges for instruction, and musical rehearsals took place, and no effort was spared to render this important and, we may also add, imposing cere<mony a success. The following is the orjder of procedure: —The Waterloo Lodge was opened according to ancient form at 6 jo'clock p.m., after which visiting lodges ;of the E.C., and brethren of other constitutions, Were admitted. After being duly announced by the P.G. £ word-bearer, the TIG; Master and lodge were received and the; P.G: lodge opened. The Commission of Appointment having been read, the ceremony of installation was proceeded with, Bro. Wm. '..MpCaUough acting as installing ' officer.' An address by the P.G.M., Bro. Whitaker, followed, as also an oration bytheP.P^G.M.,Bro. V.Pike, and lan address by. the P.D.G.M., Biro. Johnston. The P.G. Lodge and the. Waterloo lodge then closed in the succession of opening.- The musical programme comprised the following: Odes —"Within our Temple m?t again;" ••Hail Masonry Divine ; " " Onward, Masonic Brothers;" " Master, Supreme, Accept o'ir Praise; " " Now our Social Labors Closing." Anthems—" Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in uniiy," and "To Heaven's high Architect aU praise." A banquet took place at. the close of the proceedings ii the Occidental Hotel.—New, Zealander. .