CONSECRATION OF THE NESBETT LODGE. No. 465, I. C. FREEMASONS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 645, 8 March 1879, Page 2

CONSECRATION OF THE NESBETT LODGE. No. 465, I. C. FREEMASONS.

A most impressive ceremony took place last night in the Freemasons' Hall, when the Nesbett Lodge was oonsecrated, in accordance with pristine usage, by Brother Harry Rees George, assisted by the Past Masters of this most Ancient and Honourable Order. Only so much can be told of which the outer world may be informed upon. The Mysteries of the Brotherhood remain inviolable, as they have been from the beginning, and will remain until the end. Last evening, soon after half-pas; seven o'clock, the Brethren of the Nesbett Lodge, with the Brethren of the Turanganui Lodge, and all visiting Brethren having passed the Sublime Degree, assembled in the -Ante-room, when, after signing the Attendance Book, they took their places in the Lodge Room. A solemn Prayer was read by the Chaplain, followed by the musical response, "So mote it be. The Acting Grand Deputy Chaplain then read in a distinct voice, and with great impressiveness, the beautiful words of the Paalm from David CXXXIII, when the Secretary formally stated the wishes of the Brethren to be formed into a new Lodge. The Petition having been read, the Dispensation was read, and the Minutes confirmed. The appointment of the Acting-District Provincial Grand Master was then read, J together with the names of officers mentioned in the Warrant of Dispensation. These were accepted by the Brethren of the Lodge. This having been done, the Chaplain read Psalm XCV., Verses 1 to 9, which was followed by the Prayer of the Consecration. Afterwards followed the Anthem — . To Heaven's High Architect all praise ; All praise, All gratitude be given Who designed the human soul to raise, By mystic secret sprung from Heaven } Sound all the Great Jehovah's praise, To Him the Pome, the Temple raise. The Lodge having been constituted by the A.D.P.M.G., was followed by the Swnctxia — Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Thy glory ; Glory to Thee, O Lord most high.

Then succeeded the Invocation. The A.D.G.P.M. bearing Corn, two Past Masters bearing Wine and Oil, formed a procession round the Lodge to solemn music, halting in the East. Then the A.D.G # P.M. scattered corn on the Lodge, consecrating the same to Freemasonery. Grand Honors, and the following Ode : Hail Masonry ! Thou Craft Divine, Glory of earth, from Heaven revealed ; Which dost with precious jewels shine, From all but Masons' eyes concealed. The procession then moved a third time round the Lodge, and halted in the South, when the vessel, which contained the Oil, was handed totheA.D.P.G.M., who anointed the Lodge with Oil, and consecrated it to universal Benevolence.. Prayer by the Chaplin followed, succeeded by a Musical Response. Grand Honors, five times, when the members of the Nesbitt Lodge passed round and did homage to Grand Lodge. The Lodge duly Constituted was then proclaimed by the Acting Direotor of Ceremonies. This over the Chaplin read Ist Kings VIII. , verses 22, 23, to 26, 60 and IX, 3, 5, with the Concluding Anthem — Hail Masonry divine ! Glory of ages shine ; . Long may at thou reign ! Where'er thy Lodges stand, May they have great command, Thou art divine, Hiram, the architect, Did all the Craft direct How they should build ; Sol'mon, great Israel's king, Did mighty blessings bring, And left us cause to sing. Hail, Royal Art! Installation of Officers. The following officers of the Nesbett .Lodge were then duly installed : — Br. J. H. Stubbs as W.M. ; Br. A. Graham, S.W. ; Br. J. Laurence, J. W. ; Br. C. W. Ferris, Treasurer ; Br. C. D. Bennett, Secretary ; Br. D. Johnston, junior, S.D; ; Br. R. Thelwall, J.D. After the Ceremonies the Brethren adjourned to Brother D. Page's (Masonic Hotel) for refreshment, when, after a few pleasant hours, the Brothers dispersed to thir several homes.