INSTALLATION OF A MASONIC GRAND MASTER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue IV, 17 July 1897, Page 106

INSTALLATION OF A MASONIC GRAND MASTER.

JUBILEE DAY, the 22nd ulto., witnessed an imposing ceremony in the Choral Hall, Auckland, when Mr C. C. MacMillan was installed as District Grand Master of the English Constitution, Auckland, in the place of Mr G. S. Graham, who had occupied the distinguished position for over twenty years. At n o’clock the brethern in full regalia, marshalled by Bro. Major Pirie, D.G.M., marched from the Choral Hall to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, forming a double line at the doorway to allow the Grand Lodge to march through. A full choir was in attendance, Bro. J. H. Philpott officiating as organist, the musical service being impressively sung. Jackson’s ‘TeDeum’ and ’Jubilate in F ’ were sung, as well as the National Anthem and several hymns. Bro. Godefroi D. Ingall read the special lessons for the day, and Bro. the Rev. Canon Nelson, D.G., Chaplain, gave an address from Hebrews, xiii., I. Referring to the special character of the service the preacher said the fact of it being held in that church was sufficient proof that there was nothing in Masonry

antagonistic to religion. An offertory, taken by request of the brethren on behalf of the chnrch building fund, totalled /"i4 ss. At the close of the service the brethren returned in procession to the Choral Hall, where the District Grand Lodge was duly opened by Bro. G. S. Graham, who was supported on the dais by Bro F. W. Dawson, D.D.G.M , and Bro. R. S. Bush (S.M.), acting D.G. Registrar. The District Grand Lodge S.C. attended, Bro. G. Mueller, D.G.W., apologising for the absence of the D.G.M., Hon W. McCullough, and the D. D.G.M., Bro. Anderson. The Provincial Grand Lodge I.C. also attended, the P.G.M., Bro. W. J. Rees, being escorted to the dais with Bro. Mueller. An orchestra and choir, conducted by Bro. R. Leslie Hunt, W.M., rendered suitable music during the ceremony. The District Grand Master explained to the assembled lodges that owing to failing health he had resigned his position after twenty years’ occupation of that office, and the brethren had been called together to witness the installation of his successor, R.W. Bro. Charles Cookman MacMillan. The District Grand Master designate then entered, being announced by a flourish of

trumpets. After the installation Bro. J. C. Tapper sang. * Be Thon Faithful Unto Death,* and the choir rendered the anthem, ’ Incline Thine Ear.* After the address by the Installing Master, Bro. T. Culpan sang, * I Will Go My Way in the Strength of the Lord.’ The working tools were presented by Past Masters A. Wright, W. Nairn, and J. Armstrong. The Grand Master then invested the following officers of the District Grand for the Diamond Jubilee year :—Very Worshipful Bro. Frederick William Edmund Dawson, D.D.G.M. ; Bro. Alex. Sutherland, D.S.G. W. ; Bro. Stephen Gilbert, D.J.G. W.; Bro. Rev. Canon Nelson, P.D.S.G.W., D.G. Chaplain ; Bro. Arthur Wright, P.D S.G. W., D G. Treasurer ; Bro. John Ranken Reed, D.G., Registrar ; Bro. Henry F. Windsor, President B. of G.P.; Bro, John P. Clark, P.D.S.G.W., D.G. Secretary ; Bro. Charles Daniel Grey, D.S.G.D.; Bro. Thomas McCullough, D.J.G.D.; Bro. Norman A. McLeod, D.G. Sup of Works; Bro. John Lamb Wilson, D.G.D. of C.; Bro. J W. C. Pearce, D.G., Ass. D. of C. ; Bro. Edward Dines Halstead, DG.S.B. ; Bro. R. Leslie Hunt, D.G., Organist; Bro. James Armstrong, D.G. Pursuivant; Bro. ThomasC. Bayldon, D.G. Assistant; Bro. Edward Tonge, DG. Tyler. District Grand Stewards, Bros. J. W. Shackelford, W. H. George, R.M. Jack, G. M. A. Ahier, S. F. Boler, F. J. Dargaville.

In addressing the brethren the Grand Master strongly impressed upon those present the importance of careful supervision in the selection of candidates. On behalf of the brethren of the English Constitution the District Grand Master presented Bro. Graham with a fine oil painting of himself in full regalia, the work of Mr Steele. The singing of the National Anthem closed an impressive ceremony, which had lasted from 11 to 3 o’clock. The brethren then adjourned to the ante-room, where a cold collation was in waiting.