MASONIC.

Poverty Bay Independent, Volume I, Issue 61, 13 October 1885, Page 2

MASONIC.

Consecration of Lodge Montrose, E.C. On Saturday afternoon the Provincial Grand Lodge, North Island of New Zealand, Scottish Constitution, held an emergency communication at the Turanganui Lodge Rooms, Harris Street, for the purpose of erecting and consecrating a new local lodge called the “ Montrose,” under the Scottish Constitution.

The Provincial Grand Lodge was represented by Bro. Malcolm Niccol, Worshipful substitute Provincial Grand Master, Consecrating and Installing Officer, assisted by Bro. Slator, Provincial Grand Secretary, Bro. Porter, D.G.S.W.; Bro. Skeet, D.G.J.W.; Bro. G. L. Greenwood. D.G. Chaplain ; Bro. T. H. James, D.G. Organist. The visiting brethren present were : — Bro. W. O. Skeet, W.M. „ T. W. Porter, P.M. „ E. P. Joyce, P.M. „ E. K. Brown, P.M. „ T. Chrisp, P.M. „ H. E. Keeey, P.M. „ J. H. Stubbs, P.M. Bro. J. Brown Bro. J. Witby „ G. L. Greenwood „ W. O. Skeet „W. P. Finneran „R. M. Skeet „ J. Waugh „ J. Bennett „ C. W. Ferris „ J. H. Aislabie „ E. Cameron „ J. A. Harding „ T. Faram „ H. Lewis „ W. Weaver „ F. J. Piesse „ J. Baldwin „ W. D. Lysnar „ J. Trimmer „ G. Rosie „G. Humphries „R. Thelwall „ R. S. Bellars „ J. D. Rainer The ceremony commenced by the W.S.P.G.M. Niccol opening the Lodge in the first degree, when the ode “ Hail Eternal” was chanted. The Lodge having been raised to the third degree, prayer was offered up to the Grand Architect, followed by “grand honors” and solemn music. The beautiful Psalm (133) commencing “ Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity,” was then read, and followed by a very impressive address on the nature and objects of Masonry, by the W.S.G.P. Master. After the anthem “ Hail, mysterious, hail 1 glorious Masonry, that makes us ever great and free,” the dispensation for the constitution and erection of the “Montrose Lodge” was read by the P.G. Secretary. The officers elect of the new Lodge were then presented to the W.S.P.G. Master as follows:— Bro. John Thomson, R.W.M, „ Andrew Graham, S.M. „ Robert Johnstone, P.M., D.M, „ A. G. Croll, S.W. „ J. T. Foster, J.W. „ T. H. James, Treasurer. „ Joseph McElwain, Secretary. „ Arthur Phipps, S.D. „ J. R. Scott, J.D. „ F, Phipps, I.G. „ Joseph Fyson, Tyler.

The minutes referring to the formation of a new Lodge having been read and approved th§ chant “ Come let us sing unto the Lord ” was rendered by the choir, and followed by prayer. A procession was then formed, and the consecration elements sprinkled on the Lodge, and the dedication ceremony thus completed. After the brethren of the new Lodge had done homage to the Provincial Grand Lodge the S.P.G. ■ Master constituted the Lodge Montrose, and the proclamation was read by the P.G. Director of Ceremonies. The Provincial Grand Lodge Emergency Communication was then closed. OPENING~OF LODGE MONTROSE. The Lodge Montrose was then opened in the usual manner, and the installation of the Right Worshipful Master, Brother J. Thomson, proceeded with by the Board of Installing Masters. After the investment of officers, the S.P.G. Master addressed the R.W. Master, officers and brethren of Lodge Montrose, highly complimenting them for their efficiency and zealousness, and impressing them with the importance of their position. In replying, the R.W. Master, Bro. Thomsan, returned sincere thanks to the Provincial Grand Lodge, and to the Brethren of the Turanganui 1 Lodge, for their unanimous and generous assistance, and also to the Brethren of the I.odge Montrose for the high honor conferred upon himself by electing him to the position of Worshipful Master of that Lodge. The following new Brethren were then initiated:— T. J. Dickson T. E. Bloomfield E. H. Pavitt S. Stevenson G. Matthewson J. Whinray T. B, Sweet J. C. Hughes M. J. Gannon Allan McDonald E. A. Pavitt J. A. C. Cresswell G. Flook J, M. Dickson G, F. Butt J. M. Arrundle G. R. Moore D. Dawson Jas. Erskine. THE BANQUET. On the completion of the above ceremony, the majority of the brethren proceeded to the Masonic Hotel, where a banquet had been prepared by Bro. J, R. Scott, and about sixty set down.

Bro. J. Thomson, W.M., S.C., occupied the chair, supported by Bro. T. W. Porter, P.M., on the right, and Bro. Malcolm Niccol, P.G.L., on the left. After a few of the creature comforts had been satisfied, the Chairman rose and gave “The Craft” coupled with the three Grand Masters of the English, Irish and Scotch constilutions. Bro. Niccol in responding on behalf of Bro. Sir Frederick Whitaker, P.G.M., S.C., said it had never been his lot to witness such a hopeful begining to a new lodge as that of Lodge Montrose, and he must say that it was an unprecedented thing in the history of Fre#-

masonry to sec nineteen new brethren initiated on the opening night. The circumstance augurs well, and he confidently looked forward to a bright and prosperous career for the new lodge (Applause.) Bro. T. W. Porter then proposed “ lhe Irish Constitution connected with the name of J. G. Stubbs. In doing so he hoped to see the formation of an Irish Lodge in this town before long. Some time ago a Charter had been granted, but afterwards withdrawn. He hoped before long to see it restored, and the members working more in unison. (Hear, hear.)

In responding, Bro. Stubbs paid a compliment to P.G.M. Pierce, 1.C., and also stated that the Charter to the new Irish Lodge had not been withdrawn, but only suspended, and he should be most willing to obtain the restoration of the same if he was asssisted and supported by the brethren. “ The D.G.M. Bro. Graham, E.C., was proposed by Bro Johnstone, and responded to by Bro. Chrisp. The Chairman next gave “ The P.G. Officers ” and spoke most warmly of the asssistance given by the same in the formation and opening of the new lodge.

Bro. Niccol, in responding, said he had never in so small a community seen such perfect unanimity and brotherly concord as that displayed on the present occasion. As to his own reception, he should certainly carry back to Auckland with him the most pleasing reminiscences of his visit to Gisborne, where he had made several new friendships which would ever be most highly prized and treasured. Bro. Slator felt that the pleasant remembrances of that day would remain to the day of his death. His journey down here had been anything but pleasing, but had been amply compensated for by his short stay in Gisborne. He might with safety say that in the annals of Freemasonry he had never known such a promising commencement for a new Lodge, and if the present unanimity and good feeling continued he must predict for Lodge Montrose a most brilliant future. (Applause.) He should anxiously look for a return visit of some of the Gisborne brethren to Auckland. He would now propose “The Lodge Montrose,” coupled with the name of the Worshipful Master, Bro. J. Thomson. In retnrning thanks for the honor done him Bro. Thomson, spoke of the assistance he had received from all alike, and especially from the Bretheren of the Turanganui Lodge, without whose assistance the opening of Lodge Montrose must have been delayed several months.

Bro. Croll next proposed " Lodge Turanganui” which was responded to in a suitable manner by Worshipful Master Bro Skeet.

Bro. James then gave “ Our Visiting Brethren” which was replied to by Bro. R. M. Skeet. In doing so he referred back to the time when the 1 uranganui Lodge was first opened under the auspices of Bros. Buchannan, Nesbitt and himself. Since which time Masonry had amidst many vicissitudes steadily progressed in Gisborne, and according to what he had witnessed that day was not likely to go backwards again. Bro Niccol! had much pleasure in proposing the health of “The newly initiated Brethren.” Without new blood it would soon become dry work, and nothing gave such impetus to a Lodge as new members. In his experience he had never known so many initiations at once as witnessed that night, when nineteen new brethren had been added to the ranks of Freemasonry. Lodge Montrose ought certainly to be proud of the circumstance. Bro. Allan McDonald, in replying on behalf of the newly initiated brethren, felt rather out of his latitude, as the present circumstances were rather new to him (laughter). He felt the greatest pleasure in meeting those who surrounded him that night, and was sure that he should always remember with great satisfaction his introduction to Freemasonry. Bro. Gannon felt some difficulty in fully expressing his sense of the high honor which had been conferred on him by his introduction to the order of Freemasonry—an ancient order which dated back to the most remote periods. He felt that he should both socially and morally derive great benefit from his connection with an order whose tenets were admired and honored throughout the known world. He always should look back for lhe remainder of life with sincere gratification to the incidents of that evening. Bro. T. W. Porter next proposed the usual toast of “ The Press,” which was responded to by Bros. Chrisp and Baldwin. After the “ Tyler’s Toast ” had been given by Bro. Fyson, The proceedings terminated with a well deserved tribute to the catering abilities of Bro. J. R. Scott, coupled with Mrs Scott, the host and hostess of the Masonic Hotel.