MASONIC IN MEMORIAM SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 18, 22 January 1892, Page 3

MASONIC IN MEMORIAM SERVICE.

A special communication of the Provincial Grand Lodge, E.G., took place last liiyht in tho Freemasons' Hall, Princesstreet, when there was a large attendance of brethren from recognised constitutions, including visitors from H.M.s. Tauranga.

The Provincial District Grand Master, Bro. G. S. Graham, presided, and there were on the dais : Bro. Dr. Dawson, D.D.G.M. ; Bro. Rev. C. M. Nelson, P.M. ; ]3ro. H. P. Moat. R.W.M., Lodge Ara. 1.C.; and Bro. W. McCullougu, S.P.G.M., Scotch Constitution.

Thelodgo-rDom was draped in black and the brethren present wore badges of mourning. Bro. Major Pirie officiated at the organ, and the Masonic choir rendered music suited to the occasion.

Alter the communication had been duly opened, the P. G.M., Bro. Graham, (delivered a ehort oration. He said I hat but a litclo lime had passed since ho congratulated tho brethren upon being out of mourning, but now the craft generally had sustained a serious loss through the death of the eldest son of their most Worshipful Grand Master H.R.H the Prince of VValcs. Any words from him would fail to yive expression to the extent of that loss. It was net the present only (hat they had to consider, but also the future. Their Grand Master,, iilce others, was getting on in years, and in due season must pass away, and in the fulness of time Prince Victor, had he been spared, would no doubt have taken tl o position of Grand Master. However, that fato which awaited them all had taken him away earlier than might have been expected. Tho deceased brother was installed on December 20th, 1890, by his father, the Grand Master, as Provincial Grand Master of the P.G. Lodgo of Berkshire, and during ' the short time he occupied that position the Lodge progressed well, and even contributed as much as £385 to Masonic charities. Such being tho Masonic career of the deceased, he felt it v>as but right lhat he should ask the brethren present, in their kindness, to pay their rebpects to him and acknowledge the part he had played a.= a Mason. They must now considor those who were left to mourn. There was the v idowed mother, who had snflcrcd and nobly borne more than one bereavement in her lifetime There was the father, who had kern the upright standard of their craft. It mattered nob wh.it was tho constitution, the Prince of Wales supported it heartily, and fulfilled hie dutitss an a, JNJaaon, therefore ho deserved their sympathy and re-

Epect. Nor could they be insensible to the suffering of the Princess of Wales and other relatives, and then there was the affianced bride of the deceased. There was a sentiment that must permeate all their bosoms when they thought of her who was neither wife nor widow. He therefore moved a vote of condolence to Her Majesty the Queen and R.oyal Family upon the bereavement sustained by thodeath of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale.

Bro. \V. McCullough, S.F.G.M,, S.C., seconded the motion, and said it required little to commend it to the sympathy of the brethren. The hearts of British sub-

jects must have firsD felt sympathy for their Queen, who was now aged, and must; severely feel such an aiiiiction in her de-

clining years. Aa loyal subjects they tvould feel sympathy, but still more so because they loved their Queen, who had dona honour to her high position by a biameless life. They also sympathised with the bereaved parents, the Prince of Wales and his noblo wife, who was second only in tho aifectio:i3 of the people to their Queen. Tho motion was adopted, after which the choir sang " Holy, Holy, Holy," and then Bro. Rev. Nelson prayed. Bro. Dr. Dawaon next moved, "That a vote of condolement be sent to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, our Moat Worshipful Grand Master." The mover briefly re-

ferred to tbo career of the deceased, and waid it only remained for them to express t.lieir sincere fraternal sympathy, and lio would like to couple with tho motion tho name of tho mother, who was perhaps the most beloved woman in England.

Bro. 11. P.. Moat, P.M., in the absence of Bro. J. Reee, D.P.G.M., Irish Constitution, seconded tho motion, which wan adopted, and the choir sang " Oh God, Our Help in At,'e/j Past." Bro. Moat then moved, "That we, the members of the District Grand Lodge, E.C, and Provincial Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland, representing the loyal Freemasons of Auckland, do hereby express our sincere sympathy and condolence with the Provincial Gravid

Lodge of Berkshire upon tho great !o?s tiiat has befallen it by i.ho decease of the Duke of (y'lurrsiico and Avondale."

Bro. the Key. C. M. Nelson seconded the motion. Hβ siiiil it aupured well for isiasonry that, tlio members of the Royal Family had identified themselves with it. Therefore, it behoved the brethren tit a time like that to tender their sympathy us Masons fco the brethren of Berkshire, who had boon so soon deprived of thoir Royal Head.

Kro. K. R. George spoke in support; of the motion. Hβ considered Masonry had sustained a severe in tho death of the Duke of Clarence. He h'sh spoken of us genial and amiable, theroforo they had lose a brother, mid ono of the world's gcnUomen. Tho motion was adopted, and the choir sang- " Brief lifo is here our portion."

Bro. Nelson then prayed, after which it was agreed to leave tho method of towardin;/ resolutions in the hands of Bros. Graham, Moat and McCullough.

The National Anthem wan next sung and before tho brethren disporsed Bio. Pirio played " The Daud March in Saul.'