TRULY LAID.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 230, 28 September 1929, Page 11

TRULY LAID.

« MASONIC TEMPLE STONE. IN TIME-HONOURED CUSTOM. THIS AFTERNOON'S CEREMONY. With due solemnity and in timehonoured custom the ceremony of laying and dedicating the foundation stone of the Auckland Masonic Temple, in St. Benedict Street, was performed this afternoon by M.W. Bro. Oliver Nichoison, P.G.M., Provincial Grand Master of Auckland District, under the New Zealand Constitution. There was a large attendance of Masons from all parts of the province, including representatives of the English, Irish and Scottish Constitutions. The brethren were assembled in resalia under the direction of- V.W. Bro. W. C. Finn's, Grand Director of Ceremonies, and proceeded to the site arid took their places. Subsequent to the singing of the Nation Anthem, the Acting-Deputy Grand Master (V.W. Bro. Kearsley). in addressing the Grand Master, said the brethren of lodges operating under New Zealand Grand Lodge in the city of Auckland, having decided to erect the building to be used as a temple, those brethren had assembled for the purpose of witnessing the impressive ceremonies. The ActingDeputy Grand Master then presented the contractor (Mr. H..C. Curlett), under whose supervision the stone had been prepared. Meanwhile a cylinder had been prepared containing copies of to-day's newspapers, a programme of the ceremony, the list of lodges and also a list of subscribing members. This was deposited within the stone. Grand Master's Address. Addressing the brethren, and other interested spectators* M.W. Bro. Nicholson said: "Men and brethren hero assembled to behold this ceremony, be it known unto you that we. are lawful Masons, true and faithful to the laws of our country and engaged by solemn obligations to erect substantial buildings to be serviceable to the community, and to fear God the Great Architect of the Universe. We' have among us concealed from the eyes of men secrets which may not be revealed, but these secrets are lawful and honourable and not repugnant to the laws of God or man. They were entrusted in peace and honour to Masons of ancient times, and. having been faithfully transmitted to s us. it is our duty to convey them unimpaired to the latest posterity. Unless our craft were good, and our calling honourable, we should not have lasted so many centuries nor should we have so many illustrious brothers in our Order ready ot promote, our laws and further our interests. We are accordingly here, assembled to-day in the presence of you all to lay the corner stone of a temple which we pray God may prosper if it seem good to Him that the work done therein may be according to the laws of our land and for the benefit of the entire -community. As the first duty of Masons in any undertaking is to invoke >£he blessing of the Great Architect upon their work we will unite with our Acting. Grand Chaplain in an-adress to the .throne, of Grace.'after which-he shall read a lesson of Holy Scripture." Well and Truly Laid. The Acting-Grand Chaplain (V.W. Bro. Rev. Lionel Harvey) , theri : read the lesson, offered up a prayer, and all- united in saying the Lord's Prayer. A hymii followed, subsequent to which the ceremony of laying the foundation . stone was " actually performed. - In this., the M.W. Grand Master was- assisted by V.W. Bro. Kearsley. the Senior. Grand Warden (V.W. Bro. Binney), the Junior Grand Warden (V.W. Bro.' Herbert) and tho Grand Director of ceremonies. Striking the stone.three times with a gavel, the most worshipful Grand Master said, "Well made, well proved, ■• trulylaid, true and trusty. And may this undertaking: be conducted and completed by the craftsmen according to the grand plan in peace, harmony and- brotherly love." Com, wine and oil were presented to the Grand Master, who scattered, poured and anointed tho stone with them. Mr. W S. R. Bloomfield the architect of the handsome three-storeyed structure, was then presented to the Grand Master. The Ijtone was lowered into position, after wich the Grand Master declared it to be plumb, level, and square and so duly laid according to the ancient usages, customs and landmarks of Freemasonry. And may the Great, Architect of the Universe bless the work here begun and make it memorable to the latest generations." . The singing of the Doxology concluded the ceremony.