CONSECRATION OF EDEN LODGE, NEWTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5632, 4 December 1879, Page 6

CONSECRATION OF EDEN LODGE, NEWTON.

The ceremony of consecrating the handsome j new lodge-room erected for Eden Lodge, No. 1530, E.C., took place yesterday, aud was carried out in a most impressive manner. We have already given a description of the building, which has been erected in a central and suitable position on Ivarangaliape Road, in accordance with designs prepared by Brother H. J. Wade, by the contractor Brother McColl, of Newmarket. The opening ceremony was fixed for 1 o'clock. By that time a large number of officers and brethren of all .Masonic lodges, in the vicinity of the city, and representatives from the Thames and Oneliunga, were in attendance. All admired the proportions and the elegant finish of the new hall, aud were cordial in their approval of the designs and structure. Brief t'me was, however, allowed for cursory inspection. There was a long programme before the meeting. We may, however, before procc-ding to the ceremony, remark on the preparations -which had been made. The lodge furniture is elegant and artistic in full keeping with the requirements of the order: The dais was covered by an elegantly-fringed blue conopy. Over the Senior Warden's chair, there was an elegantly-wrought wreath represent ng in close outline the emblems—the square and compass. This was tho work of Miss Errington, a work of love and friendship, and it reflected credit no le-s on her good feeling towards the craft than toward her taste in assimilating the colours and shades of the herbage and llowers used in its structure. Above the Junior Ward-n's chair was a picture of the Most Worshipful Master H. H.IX. tho Priuee of Wales, surmounted by au elegant bouquet. At half-past 1 o'clock the Erlon Lodire was opened by W. M. Chapman and his officers, and raised to the third degree to receive the District Grand Lodge. The officers of the latter entered, and took their respective place, Brother Lodder officiating as D.G.M., in the absence of Brother Graham. After the choral, " Hail, Eternal, by whose aid," the W.M. of the Eden Lodge presented the formal request to have the hall consecrated. The acting District Grand Master gave a cordial assent, and the D.G. Chaplain, Brother C. M. Nelson, read tho first six verses of the Sth chapter of the Ist Book of Kings. The anthem, " Behold how good," was followed by the benediction prayer and the customary grand honours ; after which the W.M. of the Eden Lodge presented his request aud the architect his plans to the A.D.G.M. After the customary ceremonies, the A.D.G.M. sprinkled salt, and dedicated the lodge to Masonry; sprinkled corn, and dedicated it to virtue; poured wine, aud dedicated it to universal benevolence ; and dropped oil, and dedicated it to all the purposes of Masonry. The grand honours were given on each dedication, and at its close the choir sang "To Heaven's high Architect." The Rev. C. M. Nelson then delivered an address, full of Masonic feeling and expression. Ho highly commended tho act of the Eden Lodge in erecting for themselves a suitable and elegant hall. He had frequently, when called upon to assist in the consecration of hall, felt the incongruity of doing so in the upper room of a public house. It was an anomaly. Such a place was not fit for the meeting of a Grand Lodge, and he was glad to see that the Eden which he believed was the junior lodge of the English Constitution here, had shown an example which ho hoped would be followed by other lodges. The rev. gentleman's address, which was striking aud telling, was listened to throughout with the most marked attention, and will no doubt have a profitable effect. Its Masonic aud liberal principles were endorsed and applauded by all present. A prayer by the Grand Chaplain concluded tho ceremony of consecration. In regard to the lodge itself, wo might add that the handsome tessalated floorcloth was the gift of Messrs. Holland aud Butler, of Victoria-street. The ceremony was very largely attended, and amongst the visitors present we noticed, besides the Grand Lodge officers and Past Masters and Masters engaged in the ceremony, Brother R. B. Morrow, P.M., C4l, Cawnpore, East India; Brother Burns, P.M., 421, 1.C.; Brother T. Hewson, R.W.M., 41S, S.U.; Brother Thomas Hallainore, P.M., Ara, 1.C.; Brother J. H. Hats well, W.M., 659, E.C'.; Brother W. H. bkinner, P.M., 1338, E.C.; Brother A. Brock, P.M., 421, 1.C., and a number of other dignitaries of the order. The arrangements for tho consecration were of the best order, and the display of plate quite striking. GRAND LODGE MEETING. The quarterly communication of the District Graud Lodge, holding under the English Constitution, was then held, and presided over by the V. W. Brother Lodder, acting D.G.M. The proceedings were of a lengthy, although somewhat interesting mature. Letters of apology for unavoidable absence were received from tho D.G.M. and several others. The principal business transacted was the j installation of officers for the ensuing year. The following are the officers invested ; —Brother P.M. Warren, D.G.S.W.; Brother Skinner, D.G.J.W.; Brother P.M. Rev. C. M. Nelson, D.G. Chaplain; Brother Dr. C. F. Goldsbro', D.G. Treasurer ; J Brother W. P. Moat, D.G. Registrar ; Brother Lees, D.G. President of Board of General Purposes; Borother H. G. Wade, D.G. Secretary; Brother Dr. Dawson, G.S. D.; Brother Wilcocks, G.J D,; Brother G. N. Brassey, D.G. Superintendent of Works ; Brother T. Cole, D.G. Director of Ceremonies; Brother Hesketh, organist; Brother Fenton, D.G. Pursuivant ; Brother McColl, Assistant D.G. Pursuivant; Brother Porter, D.G. Tyler. No stewards being present no appointments were made. The business being concluded, the District Grand Lodge was closed in due form. Subsequently the Lodge Eden was lowered to the first degree, and closed, after which thoso present dispersed to make room for the soiree and ball, with which the day's entertainment concluded. THE SOIREE. The attendance at the Boiree in the evening proved a complete anrprise. The attendance was gi eater then was anticipated, and the result was therefore an unexpected success. Tho following ladies presided at the teatables :—At Mrs. Faulder's table, Miss Errington and Miss Billington ; No. 2 table, Miss Billington ; No. 3, Mrs. Chapman ; No. 4, Mrs. Kitt; No. 5, Mrs. Carlaw ; No. G, Mrs. J. Warner; No. 7, Mrs. McPlierson ; No. 8, Mrs. George Johnston ; No. 9, Mrs. T. Walker; No. 10, Mrs. J. Burton. After the soiree dancing was commenced, and kept up to a late hour in the morning. The programme was a well-selected one, and the band rendered ample service. On the whole, the evening's entertainment was highly gratifying, and we must not omit Mr. J. Burton's catering, who gave full satisfaction. The attendance at the dance was perhaps rather large, but the best provisions were made for the enjoyment of all present.