MASONIC BI-CENTENARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17039, 25 June 1917, Page 6

MASONIC 81-CENTENARY

GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND. A service to commemorate tho two hundredth anniversary of tho first "assembly" of tho Grand Lodge of England was held on Sunday afternoon in tho Upper Masonio Hall, when the seating accommodation was taxed to its utmost by brethren, of tho various constitutions and their lady friends. R.W. Bro. T. S. Graham, District Grand Master of Otago and Southland, prosided, and,, occupying seats of honour, wore the V.W. Bro. the Most Rev. tho Primate, Rov. Bro. R. E. Davies, D.G. chaplain; R.W. Bro. J. J. Clark, dep. G.M., N.Z.C.; R.W. Bro. D. Cooke, dist G.M., S.C., N.Z., South; V\V. Bro. G. Scott, P. Prov. G."W., LC.; and many of the officers of tho respective grand lodges. After the singing of a verso of tho National Anthem, a prayer by the Rov. Bro. R. E. Davies, and a. hymn, R.W. Bro. T. S. Graham delivered an interesting address on "Tho Formation of tho Grand Lodge of England." Following an ode for the brethren at the front, the Rev. R. E. Davies, D.G. chapplain, delivered a sermon, taking as his subject that portion of Scripture relating to the building of King Solomon's Temple. After making reference to tho architect and other principal personages concerned in its construction, ho proceeded to describe tho manner of its erection, tho converting of the rude materials into tho polished, until tho building was dedicated to God's service. He then pointed to the great moral lessons set out, made a further reference to the geographical position of the temple, and reminded his hearers that the position was in close proximity to one of tho scenes of the present great war. After another hymn and prayer by the Rev. Bro. Davies, a benediction was pronounced by V.W. Bro. the Primate, P. Prov. G. chaplain. The Lodge St. Andrew orchestra, under the baton of Bro. Flint, accompanied the hymns, and played a selection, during which a collection was taken up in aid of the Masonic presentation to the Anglican Cathedral fund.

Well-known hymns were sung by the jongregation, and the whole service was simple in arrangement, being in conformity with the example r t by the parent body in England, as suitable during the present stressful period.