“WELL AND TRULY LAID”

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 56, 30 November 1923, Page 5

“WELL AND TRULY LAID”

MASONIC FUNCTION AT EASTBOURNE

ATTENDED BY GRAND LODGE '

A PICTURESQUE CEREMONY

It is not very often that the public is permitted to see a Masonic ceremony of any consequence performed in the blazing sunshine of a peifect summer’s day. Such, however, was done yesterday, when some £OO members of the Masonic order, from lodges as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Invercargill, who have been attending the annual conunnnication of Grand. Jiodge, with, their ladies, paid a visit to Eastbourne to witness the laying of the foundationstone of the new Masonic Hall (which is being built by Lodge Eastbourne, No 217) by the M.W. Grand Master, Bro. Viscount Jellicoe of Scapa. Such an influx of distinguished people Eastbourne had never known, and consequently almost the vhoie population left its work to witness the ceremonial function. The party ciossed the harbour in the Muritai, and the Masons first repaired to the local picture hall, where they donned their brilliant regalia. Then, led by the Grand Director of Ceremonies (W. Bro. H. G. Teagle), with the Grand Master and Grand Ledge officers bringing up the rear, they marched io the site of "ie new hall on the main road. On the northwest corner of the partially-completed structure is a epmmemoration plate of marble, inscribed: “Eastbourne, No. 217. This stone was laid by the M.W. Bro. Viscount Jellicoe of Scapa, G M., 29th November, 1923; Provincial G. R.W. Bro. C. R. Russell; W.M., W. Bro. A. C. 11. Beu; designers and builders, Messrs. Wright end Kinvig ” The hall will be 32ft. wide and 68ft; long, and is being erected in reinforced concrete, with walls of sufficient strength, to carry another s’ory when such is considered necessary. As soon as the procession arrived at the hall the advance ranks opened out to allow the Grand Lodge officers to jmiss through, after which the Grand Director of Ceremonies called upon tlie public to observe silence during tne ceremony. The ode, “Onward, Brother Masons’' (to the air of Sir Arthur Sullivan's “Onward, Christian Soldiers”) was sung to an organ accompaniment. The Grand (Master announced that ft was not meet to proceed with any undertaking without the aid of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and called upon the Grand Chaplain (V.W. Bro. Rev. E. Drake) to offer prayer. After the prayer the builder handed to tlie Grand Master “the plans cf the building for his perusal,” and he signified that the hall would be a credit to the Order, .a comfort ajid convenience to members of the craft, and that no unworthy work would be done therein io mar the beauty of the edifice. He then ordered the plans to be placed in a casket of copper), and with other mementoes of the time, to be sealed within the concrete walls of the building. R.W. Bro. G. Barclay read a scroll which set forth the articles which had been placed in the casket. This contained a copy of the annual report of Grand Lodge, with details of the reelection of Grand Master Viscount Jellicoe and Pro. Grand Master Bro. H. L. Michel; a copy of the latest issue of the “New Zealand Craftsman,” a list of the members of the Lodge Eastbourne and its officers; the latest issue of the “Eastbourne Sun” and “Evening Post,” and eight coins of the realm. V.W. Bro. J. W. Hillary, Grand Treasurer, deposited the oasket in a niche in the concrete wall, the act being accompanied by a solemn chant by the assembled brethren. As the copper casket was immured the Grand Master again invoked the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe. and expressed the hope that “manv ages would pass away before it was seen again of man.” After receiving a beautiful little silver trowel from the hands of W. Bro. A. C. H. Bew and acknowledging it by saying that it was an occasion which he would remember al) bis life, the Grand Master seized a more practicable trowel and deftly spread concrete over-the casket and wall, in preparation for the reception of the still suspended foundation stone, after which he handed “the tools of the craft” to R.W. Bro. James, Armstrong (the square). R.W. Bro. W. G. Hay (the level), and R.W. Bro. J. K. Hornblow (the plumb). A prayer was followed by the lowering of the stone in three gradations, each pause being accompanied by a solemn ode suited to the occasion. After the final “So mote it lie” the Grand Master _requested the tool-bearers to do' their work, and each one approached in turn applied his instrument to the block, and declared the stand “well and truly laid.” Followed then the interesting ceremony of “the corn, wine, and oil,” which embodies one of the finest symbols in Freemasonry. At the behest of the Grand Master. R.W. Bro. Geo. Russell. Prov. G.M.. scattered corn on the stone, as the Masonic choir chanted: When once of old in Israel Our earthly brethren wrought with toil; Jehovah’s blessing on them fell In showers of corn, and wine, and oil. R.W. Bro. J. J. Esson, pouring wine from a silver chalice, asked that it be a symbol of the union of Empire and a bond of brotherly love for all time.

.And we have come, fraternal bands, With ioy and pride, and prosperous toil; 'To luntour Him by voice and hands, With streams of com, and wine, and oil. Finallv R.W. Bro. J. W. Ellison, P.P.G.M., poured oil on the grey face of the stone “as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and happiness,” while the brethren sang To build in the great Comer Stone. To Him who oversees our toil, This temple to His praise alone, Mho gave us com. and wine, and oil. —So mote it be. The Grand Master then declared the corner stone having been tested- with square, level, and plumb, “well and truly laid in accordance with the usages of the ancient order.” _ Further prayer was followed by a brief address by M.W’. Bro. H. L. Michel Prov. Grand Master, who dwelt on the virtues of I’reemasoin'y and all it stood for in life. In lonic, Gothic, and Doric architecture there was somctliing more than mere.material beauty—it was deeply symbolical of the beautiful things of life; and so in the building of Masonic temples they were helping to teach truths that were to be commended, but in. building they must never forget the ;..vmbclism conveyed without which it was “labour in vain and wasting onr strength for nought. Long may this edifice remain for the brethren to assemble within its portals. refreshed and invigorated by the work they do there.” At the conclusion of t-hq addres.> tho

Benediction was sum* followed by the National Anthem, after which the procession was re-formed and proceeded to the Eastbourne kiosk, where tho assemblage was regaled with afternoon tea. A return to town was made at 5 p.m. ANOTHER CERE.MONY. Tho laying of tho foundation stone of the new .Masonic Hall on Wellington Terrace will take place at 9.30 o’clock this morning. The Grandy Master (Viscount, Jellicoe) will preside.