CONSECRATION OF MASONIC LODGE ALPHA, U.D., E.G., CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XX, Issue 1707, 14 June 1883, Page 2

CONSECRATION OF MASONIC LODGE ALPHA, U.D., E.G., CAMBRIDGE.

Tiirc newly formed Lodge Alpha was consecrated on Monday evening last, the ceremonial being performed by the Very Worshipful Deputy Dibtnct Grand Master, Bro. Lodder, and the officers of the Orand Lo'lgr. There was ,1 large attendance of the bretlnen from all parts ot the district, the total number present being 55, while many others who had signified their intention to assist weie unavoidably kept away. The lodgeroom, the building formerly used as the Anglican Church, has beon fitted up in a manner thoroughly suitable, and was the subject of much favourable comment by the visiting bretlnen from Auckland. The breDlneu assembled shoitly after G o'clock, and took their places in the lodge, and the Grand Lodge oiliceis entered in piocession, and took their places as follows, the V.W.D.D.G.M. in the chair: — Bio. Hues Geoige, acting D.GS.W. ; Bio. La Roche, acting D.G.J.W. ; Bro. Rev. W. E. Mulgan, acting D.G. Chaplain ; Bro. 11. G. Wade, DG. Secretary and Director of Core monies ; Bro Gamble, acting D.G.S.D. ; Bio. Cooper, acting D G. Sword Bearer ; Bro. Clarke, D.G. Pmsmvatit: Bro. C Hesketh, acting D.G. Organist. The D.G. Lodge was then opened in form and prayer said by the Chaplain. The chorale, "Hail Eternal," was sung, after which the D.D.G. M. shortly addressed the brethren on the purpose of the meeting, and on the objects of Masonry. The W.M. designate of Lodge Alpha then requested the D.D.G. M. to constitute the lodge, and the D.G. Secretary having read the minutes of the meeting of the brethren held for the purpose of forming a lodge, also the petitions to the Grand Master and District Master, also the warrant of dispensation, the members of L'xlgo Alpha, at the command of the D D G.M., took up thenplaces in the lodge-ioom, and foimally approved of the brethren named as oliicers. The choir sang the anthem, " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, bretlnou, to dwell together in unity." The prayer of dedication was ofFeted by the D.G. Chaplain, and the choir sang the " Sanctus" and the responses following the address by the D.D G. M. to the brethren of Lodg^ Alpha. The D.G Chaplain read 2 Chronicles, chap. II , \eises 1 to IG, and the choir sang the hymn " Supreme Grand Master, God ot Power." The lodge was then uncovered, and a pi occasion of tho Grand Lodge officers foi mcd by the D.G. Director of Ceremonies, the brethren standing, and the D.G. Organist playing a proccssionnl. Tho ceremony of strewing salt, scattering corn, uonrmg wine and dropping oil was then duly performed by the D.D.G.M., the choir singing during the intervals " Genius of Masonry descend," " Bring with thee viilue, biightest maid," and '* Bring chaiity with goodness crowned." The hymn "Guide me 0 Thou Great Jehovah" was sung, and the D G. Chaplain burned incense, and concluded the dedicatoiy piayer. Then followed the anthem " Master Supreme to Thee this day," and the members of Lodge Alpha wove then presented to tho D.D.G.M. and constituted, and proclaimed a lodge by him. After the singing of the hymn "' Softly now the light of "day," the District Gian.l Lodge was closed in due form, and the regular meeting of Lodge Alpha Mas held. Letters were read troin Bro. G. P. Pierce, P G.M., 1.C., and others, apologising for their absence, and a congratulatoi y telegram was received fiom Bio. G. R. Graham, D G.M., EC. Bio. Moses was installed aa first Master, took tho chair, and invested the officers of the lodge as follows :— Bro. W. N. Searancke, S.W. ; Bro. Chis. Chitty, J.\V\ ; Bro. T. B. Lewis, Treasurer; Bio. Haw ley, Secietary ; Tiro. Westbv, SD. ; Bro. Keesinp, JD. ; Bro. 0. Dickinson, I.G ; Bto. D. Carnaciian, Tyler. The closing hymn, "Now the evening shadows closing," was sung by the choir, and the lodge was closed in the usual form.