FREEMASONRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9089, 28 April 1890, Page 5

FREEMASONRY.

HISTORY" OP THE CRAFT IN CANTERBURY. THE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION. To-morrow, at a meeting to he held in the St Augustine Hall, Manchester street, the formal steps will be taken for bringing into active operation the Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand, thereby making this Colony “ occupied territory.” On the following day, in the Lichfield street Oddfellows’ Hall,lt.W. Bro Henry Thomson will be installed as the first Grand Master, and his officers will bo duly invested. Sub sequcutly the brethren will adjourn to tfaa hall of the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate, in good-fellowship, the consummation of the most important Masonic event that has taken place in New Zealand. The time is opportune for bringing forward a few briefly-stated facts in connection with the introduction and progress of the Craft in Canterbury. To many cf the mystid tie this will simply mean a revival of pleasant memories. Nor will this brief' Masonic chronicle bo devoid of interest tc a number of the general public.

INTRODUCTION OF THE CRAFT. Among the passengers by the first four ships were several members of the Craft. As the pilgrims were almost exclusively Englishmen, at followed that the Free* masons among them had belonged to Lodges under the English Constitution. A few mouths after the early colonists had settled down to business, the question of forming a Masonic Lodge was mooted, and in October, 1851, an advertisement wad inserted in the Lyttelton Times, which was then printed at Lyttelton on the section in Oxford street where Mr Lanyon'a grocer’s shop now stands. The advertisement in question requested the attendance of nil Masons in the district at the office of tha Canterbury Association. The meeting wad attended by about ten persons, and it was decided to form a Masonic Lodge, a warrant giving the necessary power to constitute a Lodge of Instruction having been issued by the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, of W ellingbon, t hen the only Lodge established in Now Zealand under the English Constitution. Three of the brethren named in the warrant were P.M., A. J. Alport, Dr Donald and John Marshman, names which will ba familiar to very many of the readers of these columns to-dny. The following brethren were appointed, the officers of this first Lodge of Instruction ;—Augustus dames Alport, W.M.; William Donald, S.W.; 4rrthur A. Dobbs, J.W.; Thomag Mollett, S.D. ,* Charles Allez, J.D.; Richard WarnvJd, I.G.j and J. Marshman, Secre* tary. The only business transacted at tha preliminary meeting, besides the appoint-, ijen't of the above officers, was the naming Wf Lodge and fixing the meeting night. This was done on the motion of the late Ik.‘ Donald, and tha following is a copy of having reference thereto

" That the Lodge to be constituted here 'be styled the New Zealand -Lodge of ('tJxvanimity, and that the night of meeting ha the fourth Thursday iu each month."

Such are the bare facts connected with the introduction of Freemasonry in tha South Island of New Zealand, for the Lodge of Unanimity is the oldest in this j island. The question of where to meet i was afterwards discussed, and the W.M., I Bro A. J. Alport, kindly consented to i grant the Lodge the use of . bis storey ; situated on Norwich Quay, in which he * carried on the business of an auctioneer, ‘ being the first gentleman in that line of business in the newly-formed settlement. The nest step was to procure a charter from the Grand Lodge of England, and so much expedition was shown in the matter that, at the monthly meeting held during January, 1852, the Secretary reported that ho had forwarded, through the Pacific Lodge, of Wellington, the application Jot the charter. In August, 1852, tho chart® was signed in England, the number of the Hodge being 879. Tha early settlers were not so fortunate in the matte* of the transmission of their correspondence as wo arc to-day, and here is an instances Notwitl? standing tho fact that the chattel for the constitution of the Lodge at LyttdL ton war j signed in England in August, 1852, it did mot reach its destination until May of the. following year—nine months later. The first meeting under the newly-issued char/ :er was held on May 26, 1853. Prior to ij iis the meetings had been held under the Wellington warrant, and the Lodge tl»f ,n was only one of Instruction. MAT 26, 1853, is the date when the Lodge was first properly constituted. The brethren present » t that meeting were Bros Alport, Donald, i Dobbs, Moilett, Alley, Simeon, Thomson, Moore, Geraves, Sander, Mountfort, and Warmald—the whole of the members belonging to the Lodge. Bro Dobbs at that meeting presented the Lodge with a handsome “ Volume of the Sacred Law," which is still in use, having been preserved with every care. Prom this date the membership gradually increased, and looking through the minute hooks one cornea across the names of such old. identities as Augustus Ford, G. H. Tribe, E. C. Latter, L, T. Shrimpton (the first proprietor of tho Lyttelton Times; and,subsequently,one of the present proprietors, the Hon W. Reeves), R. Heaton Rhodes, Beverley Buchanan, J. M. Hey wood, Le Cren, Cae», and many others.

THE KIK6T MASONIC HALL. As the number of brethren increased the need of arranging for a lodge-room of their own became apparent, and on Sept. 22, 1853, a Committee was appointed to report upon a suitable site for the erection of such a building. They reported that a suitable piece of land (a quarter-acre), fronting the Christchurch road, could be obtained foe the sum of £lB, the section number being 199. The report was adopted. On Nov. 24 of the same year it was decided to build a Masonic Hall, and a Committee, consisting of Bros Alport, Donald, Moore, Thomson, War maid and Gee was appointed to receive tenders. The plans and specifications were prepared by Bro B. W. Mountfort, and the tender was let in 1855 to Bro Taylor, who undertook to erect the building for the sum of £325. He at first made fair progress with his work, and on Oct. 23, 1855, the Lodge was called together for the purpose of laying the corner stone. The brethren went at 10 a.m. to the temporary church, where divine service was held, and after* wards proceeded to the site of the new building, the same on which the present fine hall stands. There the ceremony wee gone through, and the W.M. (Dr Donald) gave an address on the aims and advantages of Freemasonry. There were some delays in the work, and the brethren continued to meet at Alport’s store; The first meeting in the new building was held on Oct. 28,1858, and a banquet in honour of the event took place on Nov. 18 of that year. Bro A. Gordon, the present Tyler of Unanimity, has filled the position for sixteen years; ho was preceded by the late Bro T. Hester, who held the office for nine years. The total number of members initiated in Lodge Unanimity since its formation is three hundred and The present active membership is about ninety. THE CBAFT IN CEKISTCHCECH. As men began to multiply upon "the Plains.” there arose a desire in the xninda of a little band of Freemasons who were earliest in citizenship, that the Order should have “ a local habitation and a name” in Christchurch. There were among them men who, in their dally walk and conduct, exemplified the great principles, "Brotherly Love, Belief and Truth.” They were mindful, moreover, of the fact that in the Constitution of 1733, the first member of the triad is declared to he “the foundation and capestone, the cement and glory, of our antient and honourable institution.” And they were ready to testify their sincerity by generous deeds. So it came about- that when occasion arose there was lack neither of land nor the wherewithal to build j and be it remembered that buildings were build, lug in those days—in the matter of cost, that is. At a meeting held in the beaus

Bro John S eager Gundry—so runs the Record—on Thursday, Nov. 27,1851, those present including Bros W. J. Disher, Isaac Luck, Bichard Pollard and J. E. Thacker,' steps were taken to secure a charter for a Lodge to be named the St. Augustine. There were added to the petition the names of J. C. Watts Bussell, Charles Simeon and Thomas E. Moore. The warrant, dated November, 1852, was* received in Christchurch on Oct. 5, 1853; and an advertisement in the LtjUeUon Times summoned the brethren for the • consecration of the Lodge, the installation of the Worshipful Master, Bro Gundry,. and the investiture of his officers.. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the brethren assembled “ in the Magistrate’s room.” There the formal ceremonies were carried oat, and the following were admitted as joining brethren:—Bros J. Marshman. A. Back, Cyrus Davie, W. Parnell, 33. G. Steriker, J. Beswick, .T.Fry, J, Murray, E. Packer, W. Stevens,, e/c. Latter, T. Cass, A. J. Alport, B. W.. Mounttort, J. Birch, C. B. Pocks, W. Donald, and the Hon J. S. Worfcley. An: oration was delivered by Bro the Eev E. B. The earliest initiates were—o6t. 26,1853, ■ at a Lodge of Emergency, C. B. Pooks,, Eev O. Matthias, and E. J. Wakefield. These were rapidly followed by C. W. Bishop, J. P. Smart, Guinness, D. D. Muter. W. G. Brittan, W. C. Lawrence,.. &0. The earlier minutes embody items of peculiar interest, inter alia , gilts of' • * Tracing-boards,” by Bro Gundry, the Volume--"of the Sacred Law, (Cambridge folio edition, 1638), by Bro Pollard, and a building site by Bro Brittan. The site in question was at the rear of the section now occupied by the Colonial Bank, in Hereford Street. After a, time this property was soldonsnch advantageous terms that the brethren were enabled with the proceeds to buy the land in Manchester Street on which the St Augustine Hall now stands, and to pay a good round sum towards the cost of the new building... To eay nothing of affiliations there have been, to the present time,.254. initiations in St Augustine, No. 609, and the follow-, ing have occupied the Worshipful Master s.. chair:—lßs3-4-5, J. S. Gundry; ’56-7, C. !B. Pooka; ’6B, C. Bishop; ’6O, O, Mathis:; ’6l, C. Davie ; ' ’63/ J- G. Hawkes;’63L P. Stroms; ’64, J. Grant; ’65 6. C. ’67-8. H. Thomson ; ’69-70, G. Wilson ; /i-3, IV J. Smith; ’73, H. .Thomson;; ’74, Ed. Smith; ’75, E. D. Thomas-j ’76, W.Deamer, M.D. ; ’77. S. B. Seymour; ’7B, E. C. Bishoo; ’79, Pcs. Bwitt; ’BO. H. S. Hobday; ’Bl, C. P. LVlbert; ’B2, H. Sawtell; ’B3, B. D. Thtmtv* 84, G.; Douglas ; -’BS, C. D. W. Deamer, M.D.; ’B7, A. Sharisad;' *83,. J. L. Peaerty; 'B9, C. Hull ;v >’9o, -T. Ritchie, B.A. TUB FIRST COUNTRY LODGE. In 1859, the first country ? v consecrated at Kaiapoi, and was o»amed the Southern Cross. The following officers were investedßro J. E. Brandon, WAM,; Bro C. G. Hodgson, S.W.; and G. P. J.W.

Tint DISTBICT GBAUD LODGE. la 1857 a movement was _ begun in favour of instituting a Provincial District j Grand Lodge. During that year a com- , mUnication was received from the Pacific Lodge asking the Lyttelton Lodge to join, in. applying for a District Grand Lodge; for Wellington, but this it declined to on the ground that the members intended to ask the assistance of the St Augustine Lodge to apply to England for a similar Lodge for Canterbury; .and on Jan. 20, 1838, the following was carried on the motion of Brea Alport .and Donald:— “ Tbatit is the opinion of tbe members of this Lodge that application.should be made to the. Most Worshipful the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge-of England, to issue a patent to constitute a Provincial Grand Lodge in Canterbury, and that every support should be given to the furtherance of thisobject at thet 3Se.aon.ic meeting to be held at Chritetctar.'xh on. Saturday, Jan. 30.” The outcome of that meeting**■as vm application to the Grand Lodge of, England, ■which, was favourably entertained. A patent was issued to the Hon J. Watts Bussell, as the first Provincial Grand Master ■of Canterbury, and on Ji.dy 19. 1839, a special convention was held\ at the: Masonic Hall, in Lyttelton, the town which had. witnessed the birth of Freemasoi «ry in Canterbury, and which it was fit ting, therefore, should be the scene of the inauguration of the Provincial Grand Lo» l_ge. Fifty-two brethren were present, incluA \ng many whese names are remembered wi th, honour among those of the pioneers of; Canterbury. Such were the Van Arch -t deacon Mathias, Dr Donald, Messrs W • t Guise Brittan, C. W. Bishop, Cyras Davie* , G. A. Mallock, E. Ai Hargreaves, Crosbio j Ward, Dr Back, Thomas Townahend, and William Sefton Moorhouse. A few present ’ on that day are with ns still, as Messrs J. i Ollivier, F. Strouts, J. Marshman, J. V.. • Cclbome-Veel, and Lancelot Walker, The- brethren attended service at the English Church, where Bro the Eev E. B. Bradley read prayers, and Archdeacon Mathias preached a special sermon from Luke ii., 14. The ceremony, imposing for those days, was gone through, and thefollowing officers were invested by the D.P.G.M. : —Bro A- J. Alport, P.G.S.W. j ; Bro Dr Donald, P.G. J.W.; Bro Arch-, deacon Mathias.P.G. Chaplain; Bro C. E. Fooks, P.G. Secretary ; Bro C. W. Bishop, P.G.S.D.; Bro Brandon, P.G.J.D.; Bro T.-Cass, P.G.D.0.; Bro J. Wylde, P.G. Organist; Bros W. S. Mcorhouse, L. Walker, Crosbie Ward, and J. Ollivier, Grand Stewards, -Bro W. Guise Brittan, Prov. S, W., of the St Augustine Lodge, was • elected P.G. Treasurer.

Alter the ceremony the brethren ban--quoted in a large room lent by Bro A. J. Alport, a collection in aid of charity waa made, and the proceeds were banded to thff P.G.; Treasurer, as the nucleus of a fund of benevolence;

The D.P.G.M. appointed Bio C. B. Pooiral as D.D.P.G.M. The' Provincial Grand Lodge, it may be noted,, began with only three Lodges tinder its jurisdiction, viz., the Unanimity, St Augustine. and Southern Cross. In 1861; the D.P.G.M. appointed Archdeacon Mriihiaa 1 Deputy D.P.G.M.; Bro John Olßyier/-D.S. Secretary ; Bro Cioabie Ward, D.G.,.Superintendent of Worts; Bro Cteptain H. : C. Lanauze, D.G. Swordbearer;Bro T. Cass, D.G. Steward; and' Bro C. W. Bishop, D.G. Treasurer. In January, 1864. the D.D.G.M., the Yen Archdeacon Mathias, died, and the Freemasons commemorated his servicesby •* nfcmocial window in the then new church of St John the Baptist, Latimer square. Bro Dr Donald waa appointed D.D.G.M. in his room. In 1869 the latter gentleman became Provincial Grand. Master, with Bro C. W. Bishop as; Deputy. Ou the resignation of the latter in ■ 1874, Bro H. Thomson (the Master--elect of the New Zealand Grand Lodge)succeeded him, and held the office for ten years, when, on the death of Dr Donald in 1884; he was appointed Provincial Grand Master, the late Dr Deamer being nominated D.D.G.M. On Dr Deamer’a death, B*o P.'Cunningham was appointed his successor. There, io.no jacces.sity to giro any further details of the history of - the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury. Suffice it to say that the* three Lodges over which it had jnriadictilSatwheal it. was established have grown; . I/A-TBS LODOB3. Itwairfot until 1864 thafcany -addition was 'made to the number of Lodges under 1 the P.D. Grand Lodge. In that year, the: Canterbury Lodge, No. 1048, was consecrated, 'and the following officers were invested W. K. M'Lean, Bro C. W. Biahop r S.W.; and BroJ. F. A. Thiel, J.W. This Lodge mot in a large room above the store of Mesars Thiel, Hyttou and Co., in High street. In March,.. 1865, the St John’s Lodge. Tlmaru, No. 1137, was consecrated. The officers invested? were:—Bro W. Mansfield, W.M-; BroE.'*; Taylor, S.W.; Bro Fendall, J.W. In 1866* the first Lodge on the West Coast, then part of Canterbury, waa established at; Hokitika, , and named the Pacific Lodged This, with the other Lodges on tho Coast, is now under the control of the. Westland District Grand Lodge. Lodges have since been formed at Southbridge, Winchester, Ashburton, Temuka,, Eskaia,. Basgiora, Sydenham, „Leestcn, Lincoln^

Malvern, Papanui, Akaroa, Amherley and Eaikoura, until, as before remarked, the number of Lodges under the jurisdiction ■of the District Grand Lodge has increased Cto a score.