MEDICATION OF MASONIC HALL, HAMILTON EAST.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 810, 25 August 1877, Page 1 (Supplement)

MEDICATION OF MASONIC HALL, HAMILTON EAST.

This Masonic ceremonial, is at all times an event of rare occurrence, and is seldom witnessed io an upoountry dis. triot suoh as Waikate. We were not surprised therefore to see so large • gathering of Masons from all parti of the distrust, and even from Auckland, as were present oa the occasion of the Dedication of the new Hall. The Hall itself is a handsome briok structure, designed by the Arohiteot, Mr Vialou/and built by Mr Taylor, of Hamilton. The Lodge-room js 20 x 30 ft, and is tastefully and thoroughly finished inside, and provided with all the requisite oeremonial furniture necessary for a Masonic Lodge, as well as that for the more material requirements of the mem* bers of the craft. At % p.m. precisely, the Lodge having been duly opened by the 'Worshipful Master ol Lodge Beta, Bro Claude, the doors were opened, and the Grand Lodge, led by Provincial Grand Master Bro Pieroe, was received with due Masonic honors. The Grand Lodge was then formed, with Bro Pierce as Worshipful Master t Bro Gtoldsbro', Senior Warden ; Bro Brook, Junior Warden ; Bro Brookfield, Senior Deacon j Bro Budge, Junior Deacon ; and Mr Doull, Master of Cere* monies. Amongst other business pet* formed, was the presentation, by order of the Provincial Grand Master, of a Masonic Jewel to the W.M, of Lodge Beta, whioh duty was performed by the Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge, Br Goldsbro'. The Members of the Lodges and visiting brethren present then formed into pro* cession, and marched across the river to St. Peter's Church, m the following order :~j ; ■— •*■ * Tyler Two Stewards with rods Brethren of Lodge Beta Visiting Brethren Officers of Lodge Beta Bible Bearer supported by two Stewards with rods Past Masters Officers of the P.G. Lodge R.W.P.G. Master supported by two Deacons with rods Sword Bearer Two Stewards with rods. On arriving at the Church door, the pro cession halted, and the Brethren fell back to right and left, forming an opening for the PiG.M. and his staff', to pass up the centre. A considerable number of the public, and especially ladies were present, and the Church was well filled. A full Choir Service was concluded with a short but impressive sermon by; the Rev Bro Calder, and an offertory collection was made, and the procession re-formed m original order, and returned to the Lodge, which resumed its duties. The lodge having been formally re*opflhed, the pro* ceedings commenced by the Chaplain readbg Genesis I i-iii, after which a prayer was offered, the Brethren devoutly kneeling. Then rising and standing up and facing the East, the Brethren answered alond, " Glory to God on High ; on earth peace, goodwill toward men." A hymn was then sung, as follows :— We love the place, O God, Wherein thine honour dwells '; The joy oT Thine abode; All earthly joy excels* — " "It is the House of prayer, Wherein Thy servants meet 5 And Thou, 6 God, art there, Thy chosen flock to greet. We love the Word of Life. The^Word that tells of peace, Of comfort m the strife, And joys that never cease. * We love to'sing below For mercies freely given ; But, oh ! we long to know The triumph«soog <it keaven. The Worshipful Master of Lodge Beta having then expressed the desire of the Brethren that the Hall should ba dedicated, the Architect, Bro Vialou, delivered to the PGM the plans of the building, who inquired if the Hall had been erected m accordance with these plans, and expressed his' willingness to * dedicate the Hall, complimenting the Lodge on its zeal and spirit, and express* ing his surprise at seeing So handsomely fitted a builning. Paalm xov; verseß to 7 were then channted | r* " 0 come, Ist us sing unto the Lord,'.' and tho P G M, the P G Wardens, and P M proceeding to the Eatfc, the Brethren keeping their places, the following verses were auog : — Tune : National Anthbit. Thou! who art God alene. Accept before Thy throne Our fervent prayer ! *> To fill with light and grace, This House. Thy dwelling place, And bless thy chosen race, >; O God ! draw near. - The P GJ W then presented to the PGM the Vessel containing Corn, which he scattered m the East, dedicating the Lodge to Freemasonry. This act was received with Grand Honours by all the Brethren, who sang — As through the universe All nature's works diverse, Thy praise accord ; Let Faith upon us shine, .md Charity combine With Hope, to make vi Thine, Jehovah, Lord. The POr S Warden then presented the Vessel containing Wine, which was poured out, and the Hall was dedicated to Virtue. This act likewise was com* raemorated with Grand Honours by all the Brethren, who again took; vp r .the chant — «■•■-- Spirit of Truth and Love, Descending from above, Our hearts inflame : Till Masonry's control Shall build m one the whole, A Temple of the Soul, To Thy great Name. The P M then presented the Vessel containing Oil, whioh was poured out, and the Hall dedicated to Oharity. Grand Honours were then given by all the Brethren. The P G Master then returned to the Chair, and the Officers iO their respective plaoes, when the » former invoked the blessing and favour of the AH Merciful. The Brethren stand ntf.up aud facing the East, and responding *• The Lord, is gracious, aud his mercy endureth for ever. " The Chaplain then reads I Kings viii verses 22, 23, 2C, 22, 33, 43, 63 and chapter ix versos and 5. After the invocation by the Chaplain, the Brethren marohed m procession and saluted the RW P G Master. This was followed by an address by the Provincial Grand Master, nnd the Lodge closed with Solemn Prayer. THE LUNCHEON. After the ceremonial the brethern and others proceeded to the Town Hall, where an excellent collation had been provided by the Host of the Royal H«tel, Bro Dawson. The health of the Qiesn, Prince of Wales, and rest of the Royal Family, having been duly proposed And responded to, Bro Pieroe proposed success to Hamil. ton, and to the Hamilton Lodge m partioular., He expressed bimself agreeably surprised at seeing snoh a beautiful *dJ£ce built /or the purpose of Mpsoory, W ■■ J f

whioh reflected oredit on the brethren, and although this was the first time he had the pleasure of dedicating a Hall, he hoped ere long to have th* eatne duty to perform m other outlying dig. triots. He concluded his speech by drawing the atteution of bratuern to the objects of oharity.— Mr Claude reaponded* Carpenter proposed, 'our guests,' whioh was duly responded to. " Bro Brock then proposed • i'he Indies,' the response to whioh caused coasi.it)> rable mer/iment, all, the unmarried gentlemen seeming ambitious to r jspou d. Brn CUldjr tried to throw oil upon, the troubled water, bnt oaiy got de 'par into ihe mire. Bro Thomas Simcles came to the resoue, and with his usual retiring modesty squared the main yards. Bro McDonald proposed the press ooupling with it the name of the WxiKATO Tikes. The Representative of that journal having just been called out, JBro Robinson (of the ' Herald'), responded ou his behalfTflß BALL. Arrangements were made with Mr W Walker of the Commercial Uorel for the use of his large room, and for the supply of the necessary accommodation. A band under the direction of Me Hoffmann was. chartered from Auckland, constating ol Piano, Volin, and Cornet. From Auck- j land and the neighbouring districts the ladies, without whose presence all such affairs must of course be failures, arrive i to take part m the festivities. Tuehour fixed for the commencement of operations was nine o'clock, and with that commendable punctuality whioh characterised the proceedings of tne management through, out the day, at ten minutes past nine the first dance, (a quadrille) was initiated. The- room was most tastefully decorated with flags, evergreens, and mottoes, and did great credit to the decorator, One of the best suppers which it has been our lot to partake of, was laid out m three rooms ia the most 'recherche' style. Soon after the hour of commencement the scene was, lor a country place, vary brilliant and animated, the many tasteful aud rich costumes of the ladies relieving the sombre appearance of tie dark evening dress ot the gentlemen, while the brilliancy of some of the Masonic ornaments called forth admiration. The fallowing was the programme :— 1 Quadrille, 2 Waltz, 3 Mazurka, 4 G-alop, 5 .Cancers, 6 Polka, 7 Waltz, 8 Schottiduhe, 9 Quadril:e, 10 Mazurka, 11 GUlop, 12 Q ladrille, 18 Walt?, 14 Polka, 15 Laucera. 16 G-alop, 17 Mazurka, IS Lancers, 19 Sohotti&cua, 20 Waltz, 21 Galop, 23 Waltz. Dancing upon a floor which was really m first rate' order, was kep up, witii tvrot slight intermissions for refreshments, with the greateat spirit all through the evening, while the old "fogies" amused themselves with whist and mild "tip-ups x> m the rooms set apart for cards. So thoroughly did thoBQ present* seem to enjoy themselves, that it was not until between three ana four o'clook a m, that any sigOß ot doparture began to be manifest, and the day had almost began to break when the laai of the revellers departed. Thus ended one ol the most successful Masonic celebrations it has ever been our lot co witness.